It’s hard to look back over the past few weeks and reflect on all that has happened or, I should say, what hasn’t happened.
For example, my bride has more than completed her spring cleaning projects. We are to the point that I am afraid to actually touch anything because everything been cleaned, dusted and polished.
Meanwhile, I tried to battle the outside cold while trimming back the roses, raking leaves and doing a general tidy up of the yards. Unlike my wife’s efforts, mine have been futile. It’s been too cold and windy to stay out more than a short while. Maybe next week!
Food shopping has become a lengthy chore. No longer can I just drop in to pick up milk or bread. Now it’s line up and wait.
Needless to say if one has to shop, be prepared to do a real big shopping session.
Lining up to buy essentials is the major delay in getting into the supermarket. At the same time, it’s really interesting how people are reacting to the extensive lines. People are quite chatty as we await our turn to enter the store.
It reminded me of my first encounters of living in a small town when people would just talk to you whether you knew them or not. I hadn’t realize how I missed that local friendliness that seems to have disappeared over the years as our population grew. Sadly, we have grown into that big city/town atmosphere.
No matter, it appears that the virus has recreated our small-town behaviour. People helping people spontaneously, from a distance. Gifts of food showing up on our doorstep from neighbours! Yes, it’s quite a change of attitude and pace at the moment. I hope we don’t lose it once the crisis is over.
I’m fascinated that local businesses have quickly learned how to market while essentially closed to the public.
Some stores, of course, are not considered essential and are forced to stay locked. On the other hand, restaurants have inundated the internet with meal solutions that are keeping us happy with great food and a sense that things will be okay.
Unfortunately, a night out for a special supper or celebration means phoning or emailing an order, driving to town and picking up the order from the restaurant door. Sadly they don’t come to the house to do the dishes. One more adjustment to our current situation!
Economically, things are getting a little stressful here. It’s not about the money I have, but the money we are spending by not leaving the house. My bride having finished her spring cleaning is spending too much time on the internet. So far she has spotted a pair of living room chairs that would fit perfectly into our family room. I know she isn’t finished. I can read her like a book!
Awaiting warmer weather and a chance to escape the house, Kent Walton can be reached at [email protected]
