About eight days ago I logged into my Peapod app to place my weekly order. I love Peapod, and have used their service for nearly twelve years. But today about two-thirds of the order showed up. And I found myself grabbing my keys to venture forth to a grocery store to look for meat, fruit, and some veggies.
Little did I know what I was in for.
I chose the local Wegmans. The parking lot was pretty full, but I wasn’t too worried. I was greeted at the door by hand sanitizer. Ten feet further along, there was more. But once inside the entrance I was thrilled to see fruits and veggies sitting in their shelves. I headed left, noting how many people were wearing gloves, or a mask. As I passed the pastries I smiled. Wegmans had meat.
Such a little thing you might think. But the family at home had been jonesing for tacos. As I reached out to grab a pack, I noticed the first of numerous rectangular signs. These bright yellow beacons were scattered through the aisles. I took a picture for those of you whose states haven’t adopted the preventative measures New Jersey has in the past week.
This was only the first change I noticed. But it makes sense. If we stopped stockpiling out of fear, there would be enough for everyone in our communities. Wegmans just took it upon themselves to teach this.
The second shocker was checking out. It took a few minutes to find the end of the line, which stretched back into the aisles with beer and wine. I couldn’t help but find this ironic considering that Pennsylvania just closed their liquor stores. Once we got closer to the cashiers, a smiling employee dressed in a bright yellow shirt gave us our new directions. You had to stop at the red line before the checkout and place your items on the belt. The cashier would let you know when you could come up to pay. And all cashiers would take a break every thirty minutes to clean and wash their hands.
Yes, this did take more time than usual. But the message was clear. Wegmans is taking the situation seriously. And they are overt in their approach, which was comforting to me. Comforting enough that I won’t be using Peapod for a little bit, until things calm down.
Just before I left, I ran into another soccer mom. She smiled and we exchanged stories about home. Then she told me her new trick is to buy groceries every couple of days. Maybe that makes sense. Take what you need, then go back.
At least at the grocery store you see other human beings.
That alone is comforting.
I tried to smile at other shoppers, and some responded in kind. However, the fear was palpable. Many kept their heads down. A few raced through aisles as if they were searching for the last of something. I chose to take my time.
Now I was not able to find disinfectant sprays or wipes, and my grocery adventure took longer than normal, but that is okay. I enjoyed getting out of the house, even if it meant soaking my hands in hand sanitizer a few times.
Also, for older Americans who are the most susceptible to Covid 19, a few stores in the area are early just for you. You have your own time slots! I think that is pretty cool.
Overall, my grocery adventure was a good one, an instructive experience that may give a glimpse of our new normal.
Namaste
Meandering Through Midlife 
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