That was a beautiful day, Friday.
The Beer Store
I decided it was time to go into town. I summoned the courage to return wine bottles to The Beer Store around noon. On the way, someone had lost his trailer and hay was in the middle of the road. Right here, where there isn't much road. I felt so badly for him. It was cleaned up when I returned.
The Beer Store has a rule about one customer in each for returns and to buy beer. I went in, you cannot see the returns counter from the door. As always they bark at me to go back outside. Sigh. They need a traffic cop. My hands started shaking at that point. I know clerks are having a tough time... but... I made it in and out, my heart beating pretty fast.
Then, a train appeared. Suddenly the traffic was stopped. I just wanted to hustle and get my chores done. You can't get there from here, as the train tracks cut off the north part of town from where I was! There was a long line of cars waiting to proceed. Deep breaths, patience.
Garden Centre
From there, I went to the garden centre. I didn't know what to expect. In previous years, well, COVID–19 last year, they sold out quickly. Cottagers are reportedly coming here, now, with the good weather. I figured, if I didn't go soon, there would be nothing left. The parking lot was quite full. I was worried already. How long would it take? What are the protocols?
They are allowed 16 customers at a time. (25% capacity) This they control by having only 16 carts available. If two people are shopping together, they each need a cart. I didn't know that when I went to line up. I grabbed a cart, and it was the wrong one. It was taken from me. There is another employee fetching the carts from the parking lot. That helped. As I stood in line, I was asked what I was looking for, and she explained the set up, where the petunias were, and then you go through the veggie section lastly. It was good having a road map in my mind. By now my hands were shaking and I could feel my chest tighten.
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| It's gardening season! (April 30, 2017) |
I wanted another hanging basket, figuring that was easier than doing my own this year, but most of them are prepaid, and planned for, so there wasn't a good selection for me. I tried to hurry, as there was a line out the store. We were only allowed one person in an aisle, so it was slow going. I felt rushed, and my hands were still shaking, my breath fast. Someone came up behind me while I was waiting my turn at the cash. It wasn't a good feeling. All the staff were kind and careful. I said I was experiencing some anxiety, and she was very compassionate, talking me down.
It took a half hour, all told, as I wended my way following the arrows. I forgot to ask about cherry tomatoes, but I found one, and in a hanging basket. I was so happy about that. I'll repot it, I think, as it tends to grow. I have to move the bird feeder, as they often mistake the planter for the feeder.
I was so happy to be home! Taking everything out of the car, I rearranged the hanging planters. The cherry tomatoes are in the red hanging basket. The petunias Caitlin gave me are beside the hummingbird feeder.
