MANDATED SHUTDOWN

Washington’s governor announced Monday evening (March 23) that all non-essential businesses are to close by end of day on Wednesday. We are not to gather for any reason for two weeks – no meetings, church services, weddings, funerals, barbecues, sleep-overs, etc. We are to stay home except to get groceries or for emergency medical services. We can pursue outdoor activities as long as we keep our distance from each other.

However, there are still no reported cases in our community, and if we need anything, we have only to go over to Lewiston where it’s business as usual. Mike went to physical therapy this morning and stopped at Winco for his essential Tootsie Pops and snacks. I gave him a list of half a dozen items he could pick up while there. He questioned our need for milk, but I said as long as he is going to the store, get milk. If we’re at the store, let’s pick up those staples that tend to take us to the store most often as a way of limiting our trips.

Mike reported that he used one of our shopping bags to gather our few items. I don’t think anyone would complain about that in these times. Maybe they never would.

Daughter Hallie texted from Seattle that she had made a trip to the transfer station on Sunday. The cashiers wore gloves and masks and had plastic over their keyboards. They used a net on a pole to grab her card and provide her receipt. Mike and I went to Primeland in Lewiston yesterday to get products for the farmyard, and the cashier signed Mike’s name on the receipt for him because he was not allowed to handle her pen – and that’s fine.

Tomorrow: Another day trip to the farm, carrying more provisions. KW