Yesterday, I ventured out into the world for provisions. I wore a mask and rubber gloves when I went into the doctor’s office to pick up a written prescription. I did not wear the gloves in all of the stores, but I did keep the mask on. I still stayed away from people, sanitized carts and hands, washed hands when I got home, etc.
As far as shopping goes, Costco seems to have things most under control (compared to other establishments). As much as they can, anyway. It was an awesome experience. They are limiting the number of people who can go in at any one time, spraying all of the carts with disinfectant before people can take them inside, making sure social distancing guidelines are being followed, limiting quantities on items people have been hoarding, etc.
I could only buy one bag of flour, but it was a 25-pound (just under 12 kg) bag!
I admit, being out and around people was creepy. Lots of folks are wearing masks now. There are still some who are not. Social distancing was being followed, which means the store wasn’t crowded and people were getting out of my way/not crowding me. Many businesses are closed. Supply chain disruptions mean temporary outages of some products. Overall, the mood seemed relatively calm. I guess people are adjusting to this new normal, which seems to change a little bit daily.
I am not stressed out about the virus. Maybe because I’ve spent the last few months learning how to be calm? LOL. That doesn’t mean I’m being irresponsible. I know I CAN catch it and am doing everything in my power not to get exposed.
This is such a surreal period in our lives. I really, truly believe that the world is going to be a better place once the crisis has passed. People are more aware of each other now, more in-tune with their surroundings. We have all had pieces of our lives changed, some more dramatically than others. This virus seems to threaten people of various ethnicities equally. People are starting to recognize the value of jobs like grocery store clerk, food delivery drivers, shelf stockers, etc. I believe a lot of folks may come out the other side of this with a different set of priorities.
There doesn’t seem to be a sense of panic. To me, it seems like people are aware, concerned, and doing their part in terms of minimizing contact with others. Are people I encountered hiding their fear and panic? Probably. Am I projecting the way I want to believe others are feeling and behaving? Maybe.
It’s okay to be scared. The trick is admitting that you’re scared, but continuing to function until the pandemic has passed.
I have a feeling the world is going to be a much nicer place once we get past the crisis stage has passed. Until then, I’m living one day at a time, enjoying every one of them as much as I can.
Yesterday’s highlight for me was getting a close look at a beautiful Pink Dogwood tree in a nearby yard. I even got a few pics to share.
There is a lot of beauty in the world if you take the time to look.
Have you ever watched the sky changing colors before, during, and after the sun rises or sets? For me, seeing sunrise or sunset is not just about watching the sun itself rise above or dip below the horizon, but observing how the entire sky changes, slowly, as the sun moves. Technically, it’s the Earth that’s moving, but I think y’all know what I mean.
And then there’s this sign.
What could they possibly be using? Is it a legit offer? Or scam to prey on peoples’ fears? I don’t know. What I do know is that it’s yet another creepy sign of the times.
Stay safe, friends. Be kind to yourself and your loved ones. Make the best of every day. This crisis will pass. I sincerely hope everyone reading this makes it through to the better world I believe is waiting for us.
Nice pictures of the flowering trees and sunsets. The empty streets really seem eirie. Like some sort of post-apocalyptic movie…
Richard, it is definitely odd. Stores closed with signs in their windows. Few people. When I do see others, they cross the street to avoid me, which is good, but creepy. Hopefully, all the distancing will help stop the spread.
We were so impressed with Costco’s handling of all this yesterday. It is surreal, I too, have experienced someone crossing the street to avoid me when out walking. Some people smile or say hi, but most look down and hurry by. That part is sad to me.
Your photos of the dogwood and skies are lovely. I can tell I am out of whack by the lack of photos lately. Well, if I get outside, that is. Yesterday was 91 with a heat index of 99. No thanks. Indoor yoga had to suffice.
I hope you’re right about the world being a better place after this.
The world around you is precisely the world I am experiencing. In that sense this crisis brings us all closer together. We all share the same vulnerability.
It’s interesting how the whole world seems to be experiencing many of the same issues. Not just with the virus itself, but dealing with kids at home, TP and sanitizer shortages, etc. I’m hoping our new normal will include an increased awareness of and empathy for others. It’s time people start paying more attention to each other, in my opinion, and less time judging.