It is three-for-one today: three walks for this here one single solitary newsletter.
There was walk #1, which is by far the most important: the dog walk. Keely was both kinda old-lady-sleepy and also anxious to get out, so we were on our way by 6 am. I felt really refreshed after a whole long night of uninterrupted sleep at last (the last few nights have not been pleasant nor restful) but my plan afterwards was to go to the grocery store for my weekly stock up so we just did a tour around Lk. Ella as usual, with the same usual walkers and the same usual homeless people.
Walk #2 was, as mentioned, to the grocery store. Sorta. One reason I wanted to be out the door for that trip by 7(ish) am is because we have summer weather now, meaning heat index temps of over 105°F and bright, bright sunlight. I knew that by 10 am it would be unbearable to walk down to Publix and haul a bunch a groceries back so I wanted to get there early. Also, fewer people, which is a bonus. I’m lucky the store is only 1/2 mile away from me, but still, in bad weather it might as well be on the far side of the sun.
Alas, I was halfway there and realized I had forgotten my face mask. Bleargh. So I turn me and my roller cart around and hike back to the house. Took 15 minutes to cool down (it was already going on 90°F by then!) and drink some electrolytes, then back out.
Walk #3 was the store trip proper. By that time the sun was well and truly blazing over the treetops so I hugged the shadows of buildings and trees. Got what I needed (mostly supplies like toilet paper and dog treats and butter, although I splurged for the ingredients to make “taco scramble” for lunch today!).
Everyone is wearing masks, now. Thank goodness.
In front of me in line there was one older white couple whom I assume are planning on self-imposed isolation, as they had FOUR grocery carts FILLED with bags of food and goods. They had on face masks and also clear plastic face guards…fitted over the bills of the their baseball hats? I’m either very impressed with with their DIY skills or amazed that such accessories can be bought.
But it’s definitely a mood, I think — some of us are realizing that things are getting worse before they get better, even if the Board of Governors and the actual governor and the school superintendents are in denial.
I grabbed enough to keep me going at home for another week and hiked back home, ready to rest and cool off and pet my dog. Simple pleasures will get me through.