Unutterably Silly So what are you doing RIGHT NOW?

[cromag]

Right now I'm reflecting on the fact that earlier this evening I walked into a liquor store while wearing a mask.

Once upon a time that would have been a big thrill.

Times change, I guess.

[poohbear_nc]

Originally Posted by cromag

Right now I'm reflecting on the fact that earlier this evening I walked into a liquor store while wearing a mask.

Once upon a time that would have been a big thrill.

Times change, I guess.

And the clerks were masked too!

[Rumpelteazer]

Preparing for the day. I'm going to the nearby supermarket to get my father's bread rolls for this week. Since I'm limiting the number of shopping trips I make I'm also getting the things I need/want. After that I'm working until 2pm and then I need to run another errand. The rest of the week I shouldn't have to run any other errands.

It's weird, having to get used to planning shopping trips. Living in the city center I'm used to being able to just go out and get what I need when I need it. Now I try to limit the number of times I go out, order things online (also a lot of stores are still closed, though more are opening).

[timebug]

I too am limiting my shopping trips to one per week. I am in the high risk category here in the UK, being over 70 years old, but as I live alone, I have no choice but to shop,unless I fancy stavation, which I believe I can do without, thank you!

[astrangerhere]

Luckily, we can buy most of our provisions at our outdoor farmer's market (far safer than the grocery store) and our local farm co-op, which is pre-ordering from local farms and picking up. We used to do about half of our shopping that way, but now that we have gone to it almost fully, I think we will stay that way.

Also, currently, both the market and the co-op are requiring face coverings.

[Hitch]

Originally Posted by Rumpelteazer

It's weird, having to get used to planning shopping trips. Living in the city center I'm used to being able to just go out and get what I need when I need it. Now I try to limit the number of times I go out, order things online (also a lot of stores are still closed, though more are opening).

Wow, I remember--kinda--what it was like, to be able to run out whenever you needed milk or the like. Maybe I remember..

Nah...no, I don't. Once you have a 30-mile-plus roundtrip to any commercial establishment of any kind--grocer, druggist, etc.--planning all trips becomes simply routine. The biggest effect upon my shopping habits due to CV-19 is that now I'm limited to pretty much two (2) of everything. ;-) Which is definitely a pain in the ass for those of us accustomed to buying in bulk. We plan our trips a week in advance and maintain "The List," the High Holy List of "Stuff We Need," so that we don't forget anything (and of course, promptly forget stuff all the time--sigh).

Hitch

[pdurrant]

I'm working from home. Long hours, since I'm also taking time out in the middle of the day to do some painting work on my conservatory.

[Rumpelteazer]

My mother is finally understanding I don't want to run errands every day.

Today's shopping was a lot, we normally have our groceries delivered once a week. But there weren't any slots left until next Monday when my mother wanted to order. So besides getting bread rolls for my father and cheese for my mother (both are very particular about it) I had to get some other things as well. Next time I'm bringing my shopping bag on wheels, even if I have to get less than today.

Today I also ordered Maru's favourite treats online. The brick and mortar pet store I usually get them from hasn't opened yet and it isn't a common brand. I also ordered sweat pants and slippers I can leave at my sister's place. At the moment I regularly stay the weekend at her place and this way I have to pack less stuff in my backpack each time.

[Hitch]

Originally Posted by Rumpelteazer

My mother is finally understanding I don't want to run errands every day.

Did you ever? I mean, what are you, the house navvy?

Today's shopping was a lot, we normally have our groceries delivered once a week. But there weren't any slots left until next Monday when my mother wanted to order. So besides getting bread rolls for my father and cheese for my mother (both are very particular about it) I had to get some other things as well. Next time I'm bringing my shopping bag on wheels, even if I have to get less than today.

See above question. I mean, I get that patently, your parents are older than you are and all that, (it would be bizarre if not the case) but you are saying that it's THEIR cheese and THEIR rolls, right? Aren't you doing them a FAVOR by being the House Elf?

Today I also ordered Maru's favourite treats online. The brick and mortar pet store I usually get them from hasn't opened yet and it isn't a common brand. I also ordered sweat pants and slippers I can leave at my sister's place. At the moment I regularly stay the weekend at her place and this way I have to pack less stuff in my backpack each time.

Now, there's a household member behind whose shopping I can get. She can't do her own; ordering treats online is tricky without a login. (Not that that stops our two...)

Hitch

[Rumpelteazer]

Originally Posted by Hitch

Did you ever? I mean, what are you, the house navvy?



See above question. I mean, I get that patently, your parents are older than you are and all that, (it would be bizarre if not the case) but you are saying that it's THEIR cheese and THEIR rolls, right? Aren't you doing them a FAVOR by being the House Elf?

In general I don't mind running errands. I do eat some of the cheese, but I'm not picky about where it comes from. I only eat bread rolls when we have hamburgers.

In normal times I go to the baker for sliced bread and something extra nice on Tuesdays. I do eat regular bread, atm my mother is in a cracker phase, so she eats little bread and I just get the slices from the freezer I plan to eat.

On Thursdays I go to the supermarket for bread rolls and cheese. But late last year my mother has been adding other things, I had to have a talk with her that I don't mind getting anything she needs, within reason.

When needed I run other errands on either day, usually to a drugstore.

I don't mind the shopping, especially when the weather is nice. Pre-Covid-19 I went during work time. Now I go before our store opens at 10am, at least to the supermarket, it's nice and quiet at that time.

What I do hate is when my mother asks me if I go anywhere near X store. Just *bleeping* ask if I mind getting something! Living in the city center whenever I take a step outside I'm near pretty much most stores. In the past I felt guilty if I didn't need to go near X store and would offer to go. Now I just say no and she figured I was much more willing to go when she just asked. Since the social distancing she's starting again. Mostly for a couple of things from the drugstore. I don't want to go to drugstores now. The ones nearby are tiny and they seem to attract people who have difficulty social distancing. I needed a couple of things myself so I offered to order her things with mine online. That worked.

Originally Posted by Hitch

Now, there's a household member behind whose shopping I can get. She can't do her own; ordering treats online is tricky without a login. (Not that that stops our two...)

Hitch

I have a big pile of treats, but Maru is getting a bit fed up with the ones I have most of (in different flavours), probably because she also gets those from my mother. The other treats I have she doesn't like; those require chewing and Maru doesn't like to chew. The ones I ordered are her favourite, Luna also likes them. From the same brand they also have "semi moist" treats, so I ordered one of each flavour, too.

If they don't like/understand those I'll give them to my neighbour for his cats. Last year I got treat that they didn't understand; they just licked them and didn't get it that they could eat them. I gave them to my neighbour (father's best friend), who didn't even know there was such a thing as cat treats. Now they are almost as spoiled as Maru and Luna; though they pretty much eat any treat and don't demand a varied treat diet.

[Hitch]

Originally Posted by Rumpelteazer

In general I don't mind running errands.

Now I know you live in a dense city center, OR, you just like getting away, lol. Running errands where we are now drives me nuts, because there is absolutely positively nothing that means "less than an hour" of driving and doing time. I can never plan to take 15 minutes or even 30 and do something.

I do eat some of the cheese, but I'm not picky about where it comes from. I only eat bread rolls when we have hamburgers.

In normal times I go to the baker for sliced bread and something extra nice on Tuesdays. I do eat regular bread, atm my mother is in a cracker phase, so she eats little bread and I just get the slices from the freezer I plan to eat.

On Thursdays I go to the supermarket for bread rolls and cheese. But late last year my mother has been adding other things, I had to have a talk with her that I don't mind getting anything she needs, within reason.

But your parents aren't elderly, is that right? I mean...perhaps I have a skewed view of their age, due to the whole Uncle-porn thing and thus, I think he's younger than he is and ditto your folks?

When needed I run other errands on either day, usually to a drugstore.

I don't mind the shopping, especially when the weather is nice. Pre-Covid-19 I went during work time. Now I go before our store opens at 10am, at least to the supermarket, it's nice and quiet at that time.

Ah, you have Browser's Heart. My Grandmother had that. I've never seen someone who could have more fun in a grocery. Honest to crap, she could take 20 damn minutes figuring out which summer squash she wanted--and she enjoyed it. (Ditto my BIL. He loves shopping. Dammit, I wish he lived closer to me. I could dragoon him into errandage!)

What I do hate is when my mother asks me if I go anywhere near X store. Just *bleeping* ask if I mind getting something! Living in the city center whenever I take a step outside I'm near pretty much most stores. In the past I felt guilty if I didn't need to go near X store and would offer to go. Now I just say no and she figured I was much more willing to go when she just asked. Since the social distancing she's starting again. Mostly for a couple of things from the drugstore. I don't want to go to drugstores now. The ones nearby are tiny and they seem to attract people who have difficulty social distancing. I needed a couple of things myself so I offered to order her things with mine online. That worked.

Yeah, that "are you going anywhere near.." is the errand version of "while you're up..." from the living or telly or family room, lol. And I don't blame you for not wanting to go to drugstores, I don't either. Even if it wouldn't do much to you, if you bring it home...I mean, we all know the spiel.

I have a big pile of treats, but Maru is getting a bit fed up with the ones I have most of (in different flavours), probably because she also gets those from my mother. The other treats I have she doesn't like; those require chewing and Maru doesn't like to chew. The ones I ordered are her favourite, Luna also likes them. From the same brand they also have "semi moist" treats, so I ordered one of each flavour, too.

If they don't like/understand those I'll give them to my neighbour for his cats. Last year I got treat that they didn't understand; they just licked them and didn't get it that they could eat them. I gave them to my neighbour (father's best friend), who didn't even know there was such a thing as cat treats. Now they are almost as spoiled as Maru and Luna; though they pretty much eat any treat and don't demand a varied treat diet.

Ah, now the IMPORTANT part of our discussion--cat treats. The biggest traumas and alarums and excursions and tantrums we've ever had are over cat treats. God forfend you run out of the ones that they "like," or, more tragically, the manufacturer--gasp!--changes the formula or recipe. Holy moley, that happened with my last pair of cats, and I had to hear yowls about it for two weeks. And the whole disappointed eyes thing. You'd think that the treat thing was the Hindenburg disaster from the sound of it.

I stock up on the largest quantity, at a time, that I can, that I think won't go off or rancid by the time that they get through them. (sigh), Dogs are SO MUCH EASIER on treats, I tell ya.

Hitch

[cromag]

Yep, I'm going out to the stores tomorrow, wa-aaa-ay too early in the AM. I've been able to make one huge shopping trip last two weeks (plus a couple of very quick stops for things like milk). I'll be hitting a hardware store when they open at 6:00, a chain grocery store when they open at 7:00, and Costco when they open for us old geezers at 8:00.

I hope this haul lasts at least two more weeks!

[Rumpelteazer]

Originally Posted by Hitch

But your parents aren't elderly, is that right? I mean...perhaps I have a skewed view of their age, due to the whole Uncle-porn thing and thus, I think he's younger than he is and ditto your folks?

My mother is 69 and has all kinds of health problems (mostly related to her smoking for over 50 years), she has trouble getting around. My father's a year younger but he hates shopping for groceries, also he isn't to be trusted on his own. He'll get the cheaper versions, which we don't like, then comes to the conclusion he doesn't like it but expects us to eat/drink it.

Originally Posted by Hitch

Ah, you have Browser's Heart. My Grandmother had that. I've never seen someone who could have more fun in a grocery. Honest to crap, she could take 20 damn minutes figuring out which summer squash she wanted--and she enjoyed it. (Ditto my BIL. He loves shopping. Dammit, I wish he lived closer to me. I could dragoon him into errandage!)

Yes and no. I like shopping but there are very few stores I can browse in. When I go shopping and I have to go to multiple stores I plan the most efficient route. In most store I just look for and get what I need and I'm out of here. I can browse in hobby store (art supply/craft/bead stores), Lush and book stores, that's about it.

For me it's really frustrating to go shopping with my sister, now there's a Browser. A couple of years ago we went to Rotterdam, I had my route all planned out, she hadn't. We spend most afternoon criss crossing through the center, going back to stores we've already visited. That's my idea of hell, tbh. When we go on a shopping trip now I ask her to give me a list of the shops she wants to go to and I plan a route. It won't prevent her from going back to stores we've already been to, but at least it cuts down on unnecessary millage.

Originally Posted by Hitch

Ah, now the IMPORTANT part of our discussion--cat treats. The biggest traumas and alarums and excursions and tantrums we've ever had are over cat treats. God forfend you run out of the ones that they "like," or, more tragically, the manufacturer--gasp!--changes the formula or recipe. Holy moley, that happened with my last pair of cats, and I had to hear yowls about it for two weeks. And the whole disappointed eyes thing. You'd think that the treat thing was the Hindenburg disaster from the sound of it.

I stock up on the largest quantity, at a time, that I can, that I think won't go off or rancid by the time that they get through them. (sigh), Dogs are SO MUCH EASIER on treats, I tell ya.

Hitch

Luna is fairly easy when it comes to treats, Maru is the difficult one. With their regular food it's the other way around.

In the morning they get a liquid treat, Luna gets her meds mixed in. Of the various flavours Maru likes just one. A couple of weeks ago we ran out of it in the kitchen, but had a lot of them in the store room. It was colder there and the treat was thicker. She refused to eat it until it warmed up and was more liquid.

They are also not into most people foods. They might take a few licks of yogurt and then it's okay for them. They like cheese, but only to lick it. Luna is crazy for lettuce though. Last week she tried to steal a head of lettuce from the delivery crate before my mother had a chance to put it away. It was really funny to see a small cat trying to drag a head of lettuce around that isn't much smaller than her.

[Rumpelteazer]

Testing out my new Bluetooth keyboard, which I bought to use with my tablet. Making it easier to write things on my blog and on MR. It's the Logitech K480, so far so good. Though I have to get used to the distance to the shift keys on both sides, the location of the backspace and the enter key. It seems that the keys are more spaced widely than on my notebook. I also miss a mouse, but I'll just have to get used to working with a touch screen.

I've spend the last couple of days looking at tattoo ideas. I already wanted a tattoo either on the inside or the side of a wrist saying "bibliophile". I still want that, but I have decided that I also want a big tattoo on the inside of one of my lower arms. I want a black line drawing, maybe with some shading. I'm not sure of what, I'm leaning towards something like a mandala or a stylized flower/plant. I will also need to research which of my local tattoo shops is best at the moment. I think I'm going to order some print on temporary tatoo paper so I can try out the tattoos before getting it.

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[badgoodDeb]

How about a book? Open, or closed.