Signs During an Extraordinary Time.

Signs, Signs.

Although I've been staying at home most of the time, I needed to mail two packages at the post office today and also pick up some groceries. From Royal Plaza Shopping Center I could see a star up on the hill. Usually it is lit up for Christmas, but since we are living in a challenging time, some citizens suggested that it be lit to cheer people and the owner agreed.

We've been avoiding crowds and I would like to have enough groceries to allow us to stay away from supermarkets for a few weeks. Unfortunately, some items have been unavailable so we need to go back again. This is the paper aisle in Martin's Supermarket.

"Due to product availability, we are limiting some items to two per household per day.
We apologize for any inconvenience."

There was no possibility that I would buy more than two packs of toilet paper. They didn't have any! I thought by now the hoarders would have full closets and this stuff would be back in stock, but no. We haven't run out of it yet, but I have discovered that staying home day after day means we use more paper products and eat more groceries. During a pre-pandemic week we would eat in a restaurant a few times. Now the restaurants are closed except for carry-out, and I'm not feeling tempted to eat food prepared by other people anyway. So far there have only been a handful of diagnosed cases in our area but I don't want to become a statistic.

The stores all have signs reminding us to stand six feet from others. Even though I am slightly introverted, I like being around other people. This new situation feels strange and lonely. I don't like it, but my first rule of success is "Survive." 

I drove home through Rivermont and looked to see if the 619 Market had changed their sign.

"You should wash your hands even when there isn't a global virus panic."

Down the road is the volunteer fire department.

"Free toilet paper to new members.

Join Today."