LEAVING THE HOUSE FOR GROCERIES

Hand sanitizer – check

Disinfectant wipes – check

Gloves – check

Grocery list – check

We all know we should just stay home, and yet, some going out seems essential.

At 7:58 a.m., we set off for groceries. We chose Albertsons because there would be fewer shoppers. We were there during those hours designated for the elderly and at risk, but that wasn’t our goal. We just wanted to get it done early.

We stepped out of the car and donned gloves but not masks. I felt as though I were preparing for battle. “I’m goin’ in!”

I was surprised by what we found – or rather, didn’t find – at Albertsons. I expected to see the shelves well-stocked again, but if they had been, they were once again depleted.

·      Bread – about half stocked. We didn’t find what we wanted. (Even my favorite frozen rolls were out of stock.)

·      Canned goods – lots of empty space

·      Egg substitutes – I took the last one

·      Milk – low

·      Cottage cheese – store brand gone, other stock low

·      Frozen veggies – low

·      Flour – all gone except for a few bags of the expensive stuff. (I’ve never tried it, but Chris loves it.)

·      Powdered milk – nowhere to be found

·      Toilet paper – I forgot to check that aisle

·      Soap – The guy who said it isn’t in short supply wasn’t shopping this store.

 ·      Tortillas – Totally gone! None!

There was plenty of produce. I got apples and potatoes and we selected two big bunches of bananas, some of which we will freeze for Mike’s energy shakes. The meats looked good. There was lots of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, and the cereal aisle was well stocked and fronted.

I was amused to see they were restocking the ice cream. It was good to see that as a society we still have our heads on straight. “Be sure to get the ice cream!”

As for the other shoppers, there weren’t many, and I didn’t stare at them. I noticed some wearing masks, some wearing gloves, and some not bothering with either. One man was wiping doors with what appeared to be a disinfecting wipe before he opened them. For the most part, shoppers avoided each other, though I’m sure we broke the six-foot rule in passing from time to time. I would say all of us were over 60. (Well, that one lady might have been in her 50s.)

At the check out, the cashier said she couldn’t touch our reusable bags. I was taken aback. Okay, I understand. Store employees are protected. But – what about your shoppers? I’ve just had to touch your carts, your door handles, and your touchscreen, and you provide no sanitizing wipes! I said nothing, but Mike said, “I don’t want plastic sacks. I will bag the groceries.” She agreed.

Will there be a next time? – Probably. I just don’t know when, and I’ll probably try to visit a store with deeper discounts. KW