Grocery Shopping

We try to keep it down to once every two weeks, although our son has gone out in the interlude to pick up some of the short-lived items, like fruits and vegetables. Our first grocery shopping experience during the quarantine was with Loblaws when we ordered on-line for pickup. At that time the pickup date was about 4 days later. However, we were able to add to the list up to the midnight before the day of pickup. This process proved to be quite workable. The next time I tried to order, the pickup date was two weeks out and no longer could the order be changed. Disappointed, we decided to return to in-store shopping.

Costco, like many other stores, has allotted an early morning period for seniors. The fellow at the door told me they limit the number of people in the store to 100, but I think it is much more than that. Regardless, the store is not as packed as it was on pre-coronavirus days, but there is plenty of traffic. Most people wear masks. Checkout is managed to ensure distancing is maintained.

But going out to shop for groceries is more than a functional transaction to replenish our depleted stocks. The chance to buy stuff seems to serve some mental need, which might be that inspired by advertising. Yet in today’s environment, it’s a chance to get out of the house and see what’s going on in the world; to see other people; to probe compliance with the lock-down guidelines. As I stood in line, I sensed a sort of camaraderie — a bonding — that comes with sharing an experience of distress. This is not unusual nor should it be unexpected, but until it is experienced, the feeling is only theoretical. I find I am grateful that people are wearing masks; it shows consideration of others. Those without a mask, I view warily and I’m quite ready to openly shaming them in a rage of virtue signalling.

The shopping process develops in me a tense excitement energized by intersecting emotions: of leaving the safe haven of home; the risk of being exposed to other people; the sense of fulfilment realised by replenishing the stores of food, and finally a sense of relief when it’s all over and we arrive home safely.