Saturday, March 14, 2020

The "Last Shop" and Topping Off.

   Earlier this week I told Jeff I had a sinking feeling in my gut like we needed to go do one last top off shop before self quarentining for the most part.  Tuesday he kind of brushed it off but by Thursday, the feeling was so strong and I woke up in tears twice because I just knew that time was running out.  Jeff got home early Friday morning and I told him about my fears but he was so tired that I just gave up and we both went to sleep.  

   I got up around 2 p.m. Friday (remember, I sleep during the day due to Jeff's work schedule) and saw that not only did our governor close all K-12 schools, but also implemented even more restrictions under his state of emergency that he declared a few days ago.  Then I saw that our president was also declaring and nation wide state of emergency and that was it for me.  I gently woke Jeff up and told him "It's time".  We had discussed that we would have one last top off trip before things shut down so this was it.

   I had made a list Thursday night of the things that I knew we would need.  Jeff added a few more things to it also on our way into town.  Our first stop was Winco, and it was a madhouse.  Frozen veggies were mostly gone, no TP or tissues anywhere (Jeff did manage to snag a package of paper napkins though) and cleaning supplies were stripped for the most part also.    I'm glad we had already stocked up on most of those things.  We did pick up some more fresh produce, some spices, hot cocoa mix, milk, plain yogurt, sports drinks, 2 more big blocks of cheese, bagels, frozen ravioli, pasta sauces, mayonaise, ketchup, some powdered creamer, 2 12 packs of soda (for treats for us), butter, and a few other things.   Then we headed to Walmart and picked up some tissues (we got 2 multipacks) and left 4 packs on the shelves for someone else.  We also got more deodorant, a big bottle of asprin, some cough drops, lunch meats and hoagie rolls.    We ran into some friends there that are our kids age and they were just doing their normal shopping and did not appear to be concerned about the need to have 2 weeks or more of food and things on hand.  I gently explained that we were stocking up, not just for us, but for our family, and that we were preparing to have to be at home for awhile due to Jeff's age and my health issues.  I pray that they went back and picked up a few more things to deepen their pantry.  

   After coming home, I got most of the bells peppers that I had in the refrigerator, cut them up, and froze them for future meals.  I also divided and froze some mozzarella cheese.  The next thing I worked on was getting all 4 artichokes going in the InstantPot so that I could have one for dinner and the other 3 would be ready for me to reheat later or eat cold.  Jeff got the other groceries put away and made himself some dinner while I worked on things in the kitchen.  He offered to help me, but I told him to just go ahead and eat since he had not eaten since he got up.  I had not either, but my nearvous energy was getting the best of me, so I NEEDED to get things taken care of before I could settle down.

   Later, I got on Facebook and saw my friends with young children trying to figure out how to continue the learning at home with the schools closed and no plans in place yet to send home work or do it online.  I researched a bunch of websites that they could use for free resources and then came up with some other ideas and shared them too.  One of my friends, whom I adore, was looking at homeschooling resources, so I gave her a bunch of ideas and where to find resources and then found a science experiment book here at home that I am giving to her to use with her kiddos.  She said her daughter so so excited about the book and experiments they will be doing.  I was so glad to be able to help these parents who just want to keep their kids learning and not falling behind.  Our schools are going to be shut down for 6 weeks at least and that is a lot of time for these kids.

   I now have an odd sense of calm knowing that we are as prepared as we can be and that I have still been able to reach out and help friends with their kid's learning.  I may not be able to tutor their kids directly, but I can lead them to resources, offer suggestions and be here to help them if they have questions or need suggestions.  I want to do all I can for the kids in this community and for their parents.  This is just my small way of helping in these rough and scary times.  I also know that due to two of our kids being in the military, their leave has all been cancelled except for "local" leave if they are not needed.  One of my kids will be doing his administration type job from home and I am hoping the other one will be able to do so as well.  They were supposed to be going to a friend's wedding...I'm thinking that will be postponed because so many people they invited are military and this is not a good time to travel or gather in large groups anyway.  I have a peace about this too knowing that they may be called up to go out and help in their community, but that is part of what they signed up for and I have to trust that they will be protected too.


   I know that we, not only as a town, state, nation, but also as part of this great big world, are in for some very rough times ahead.  I want to try to always remember to be kind, help where I can, encourage others, and remember that God is still God and that I have to do my part and trust in Him.  Praying for all of you and for our world.

21 comments:

  1. It sounds like it is the same every where. I keep a deep pantry and also have had to urge to deepen it. I did a big shop at the beginning of the month and then hubby topped it off this week. He said it was "mass hysteria" when he was in the store.

    He has to run out today to the mall to pick up his wedding ring. After that it will be work and home for him. Megan and I will settle in and won't be going anywhere.

    I feel like things will get worse before they get better, but I know they will get better. We have to just hang on, use common sense and ride this all out.

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    1. Amen Wendi! YOur hubby is right about the mass hysteria. I saw a video where they mentioned a fight broke out in a Costco and someone stabbed another man with a broken wine bottle. Madness!!!! I know that my friends here, who have not bought enough TP now cannot find it. Everyone is one the hunt for it. I'm so glad that is one of the first things I bought when I could see this thing coming, even before it hit the USA.

      Jeff is doing the work, come home and stick close to home routine too. We have talked about talking the dog for a walk together in the evenings before he goes to work when the weather warms up a bit. We are in a cold snap right now again, but should be back to our normal Spring temperatures within a few days.

      Be blessed my friend!

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  2. Hugs... I mean, polite wave from a distance instead.

    This too shall pass.

    It will be okay.

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    1. I'll take that hug. :) YOu are right, this too shall pass. Be blessed!

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  3. Glad you feel better about being prepared. Stay in and stay healthy.

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    1. Thanks Cheryl. I am one of those people that has to have a plan, implement it and then can finally calm down a bit. :) Praying you stay safe my friend!

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  4. My life is very different -- New Yorker and no kids -- but I'm preparing for the possibility of two weeks in my apartment/things running out. I got my prescriptions refilled for 90 days (the most important) and a couple of extra pairs of readers from the Dollar Store. I've been buying canned goods -- frozen fruit and veggies are almost all sold out -- and dried beans. Today I'm picking up apples and carrots, which will last a long time. I'm thinking of what my great-grandmother would have done to keep going during the winter and it's beans and root veggies.

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    1. HI Buttercup. :) If you can find any, pick up some rice, preferably brown since it is more nutrient rich. It will make a complete protein if you do stumble across some beans and if not, it is great for making fried rice with veggies and an egg. Are you all alone in your apartment? I worry about people who are. One of my daughter (in law's) sister lives alone and I told her she needed a buddy to stay with her so they could play games and have some company. Be safe!

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  5. Same here, Debbie.
    I am glad you were able to get a few things.
    We are planning on staying in and staying cozy.
    Hugs. Well, virtual ones!

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    1. Hi Billie Jo,

      I'm glad I was too. You know how that anxiety is when you don't feel as prepared as you can be. ;) I hope you and your beautiful family are able to create some wonderful times and memories at home. Be blessed!

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  6. Happy you feel prepared. We are also feeling a little scared here not so much over toilet paper, just the isolation and worry about the elderly we have in the valley.

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    1. I am worried about the elderly too. We are still going to be checking on our neighbors to make sure they are ok and have a plan in place to take care and help them out if needed.

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  7. I'm so glad you were able to act on your 'inner' voice and its nudging. I told you about shopping Thursday and no TP. Went back the next day, Friday early morning, and they were reasonably stocked. I didn't buy any. Topped up on a few other things. Did notice that NF Milk was totally gone off the shelves. wow, I thought I was the only one buying that. Went back today to a different large chain store. They had a $0.97 per can of baked beans or pasta. The shelves were nearly stripped. I did get 5 cans. Mostly got what I wanted but did have to substitute brands a few times.
    I've changed my shopping habits and have been going about 730am or so. I'm trying to decide when to start hunkering down. It may be soon. I'm also getting used to the idea that June may not be the best time to relocate to CA. Prayers for that would be appreciated.
    Stay safe. The up side of all this is that two of my friends are starting to 'get it' about having a deep pantry.
    Cheers, SJ in Vancouver BC

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    1. Thanks Sally,

      I'm glad that they have TP back in stock for those who need it. It's still being bought out as fast as they stock it here. I'm glad you were able to get a few items that you needed and ot help deepen your pantry.

      I think you are wise to change your shopping habits. I like to go late at night or super early in the morning but the stores here are now limiting their hours so they can restock and deep clean and disinfect the stores each day. I was wondering about your potential move and if you were going to put that on hold for awhile. I think you would be wise to do so and see how long this lasts and if it makes economic sense later on. Praying for you!

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  8. I'm glad you have a sense of calm and are as prepared as you can be.
    That's great you have been able to help your friends too.
    Stay safe.

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    1. Hi Kathy,

      A sense of calm is just what I need right now. ;) Being able to help my friends also helps me feel "normal" if that makes any sense at all. Be blessed and stay safe also.

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  9. Hi BLess, I think it is wonderful that your public television station is making lessons available to kids online. That is a great idea! They are planning on doing the free meals at the schools around here also following what would have been Spring break.

    I'm glad you have a well stocked pantry. Isn't it funny how we realize that gaps in the though when we think about having to be at home for 2 weeks or more? If you can find it, pick up some self stable milk to have on hand...either canned or in the aseptic packs. I have both. The Dollar Tree may still have some of the aseptic packs.

    Praying you stay safe as well and also for your daughter.

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  10. Well, the TP on the shelves was short lived.

    Went to the same store again this morning around 715. The parking lot was pretty full - enough to make me think there was a meeting at the store. Ours is used for 'training' for the region. Not so lucky - it was shoppers. Polite but tense and people were on edge. The shelves in the 'staples' sections were nearly emptied. I was able to get just about everything on my list though. One being more spices, dried onion, tobbasco sauce and dijon mustard. Not your typical shopping I suppose.

    Let's just say, I've had my 'last' shop for some time.
    Stay safe. Sending hugs and prayers.
    SJ in Vancouver BC

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    1. (((((HUGS))))) I think that everyone is on edge because we honestly are waiting to hear more bad news every day as we see what the countries that are a few weeks ahead of us in this whole pandemic are dealing with in real time. I'm glad you were able to find what you needed. Praying that you stay safe too my sweet friend. Lots of love and prayers coming your way!

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  11. I had some high anxiety last night. Something that I don't normally experience. But worked and prayed my was through it.

    This morning I had the thought 'This is not a drill. You're ready and can do this'. Some how that was comforting.
    Sending hugs your way.
    SJ in Vancouver BC

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    1. I know that feeling well. ((((HUGS)))) and yes, we will all get through this. Praying for you!

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