Tuesday, April 6, 2021

DREAMS AS OPPOSED TO REALITY...

 






The date was Monday, March 26, 2021,

 and on that date,

the Captain and I were free of the constraints

 (except for the mask and social distancing) of Covid-19.  

We had taken our second dose of the vaccine 

and the waiting period of 

two weeks was up. 

 This was a time that I had dreamed about

 after one whole year of life 

being not what we were used to. 

 Now, if you know me, 

you know that I am pretty much a homebody anyway, 

so the whole idea of staying at home, 

for even a whole year,

 was not disagreeable to me at all.

  I admit that there were times 

when I missed going 

out to dinner, or out shopping,

 or even just getting dressed, 

and especially going to see the kids. 

But times were hard 

and I certainly didn't want my actions

 to add anything to the overall problems.

 

 I am a very good rule follower.




In my mind,

 for quite some time,

 I wanted only one thing.  

That was to go to Trader Joe's

 and buy a big armload of fresh flowers.  

That might seem like small potatoes

 to most of you

 but to me that was all

 I could dream about.  

Tim is still waiting for his second shot 

so I knew the kids would not be 

the first place we could go safely. 

 My dear friends were planning 

on going out to lunch, 

like in the good old days, 

but I don't feel safe

 going to any restaurants yet, 

so that left 

just a simple, selfish little thing

 that I could do to dip my toes 

back into the waters of living





Trader Joe's is quite a drive for us,

 so at the last minute 

I decided to go to our local Safeway. 

 The store has been around for awhile 

although it being on 

the opposite side of town from us, 

I hadn't shopped there 

too many times in the past.  

It has a fantastic fresh flower department 

and as that was my main objective,

 I thought that would be a more safe and sane outing for the first time.  

We arrived wearing masks

 and prepared to follow all the rules 

of the one-way aisles and standing spots.




I had talked to Tami 

on the phone the night before 

and told her my plan.  

She reminded me that

 approximately one year ago to the day 

was the first time they had came up 

to do our grocery shopping for us 

and this was the same Safeway

 that they shopped at.

  It was where she picked up

 the tall Easter bunny

 as a gift for me

 and she thought that

 they probably had some more 

really cute Easter gifts available this year.  

My shopping and decorating juices

 were fueled and I was ready to go.





The minute I walked into the store,

 I knew this was going to be a big mistake!  

There were so many people shopping

 and I felt like a caged animal

 with everybody in the world

 breathing down my neck.  

Everyone was masked and staying on their designated spots

 but there were plenty going 

the wrong way up the aisles. 

 The aisles are not the widest

 and the shelving is very tall along the sides, 

so when coming upon another shopper 

I felt hemmed in. 

 To show you how paranoid I was feeling,

 I thought a man 

was following me too closely

so I turned around 

to give him a piece of my mind

 and...never mind, 

it was the Captain!





 Now, let me say right now, 

I suppose for the first time out

 a grocery store was not

 the brightest idea.  

Who likes to go 

to the grocery store 

in normal times anyway? 

 I know I sure don't 

 but, after one year, 

maybe my memory has dulled a little. 

 




I did get some gorgeous flowers. 

 They remind me of 

sunshine and everything 

that is beautiful.

  I have been showing them as we go along 

so there is an overload but 

they are the star of the show 

and after a whole year of dreaming,

 they did not disappoint. 

 I arranged them in the same spot 

but in three separate white pitchers. 

It seemed like 

they could shine better this way, 

and shine they do,

 like a bright

 golden promise.






In the background, 

you may have noticed a portrait 

hanging over the kitchen shutters.  

This is Great Aunt Hen-riEtta.

  I pictured her hanging 

on a nail, in the attic,

 covered with spider webs. 

 Bring her down,

 clean her up

 and...



...in reality, 

I found her on Antique Farmhouse 

and although she wasn't the right color, 

I had a vision of what she could become 

and with the addition of some red paint

 and surrounded by an oval frame

 there you have it...

instant ancestor!




Now, you know the story

 of what happened on 

Monday, March 26, 2021. 


 Was it a day worth

 waiting and dreaming about?

 If you see only the pretty flowers, 

you might say yes, yes it was.

  If you read between the lines, 

you might see that I am just not ready 

to venture out into the world just yet

 and that is OK.

  If you read further between the lines,

 you might notice that there were 

no pretty Easter items to be found.

  Had there been,

 it might have been a 

whole different story!


 Even a year's time 

can't dull the shopping instinct.





Stay Smart

Stay Well

Wear the Mask



...Judy...




Sharing Today with:

Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda

32 comments:

  1. Judy, I so understand this. It's PTSD and I think a lot of us have it. I do. Since I've been fully vaxed, I'm able to do a bit more but if I have to go to the grocery, I go early in the morning or after eight at night and I try to use the self-check (which I never used before because I think it puts people out of work). I try to pick stores where people "behave themselves" with proper masks.I wear double masks and my inner one (the surgical one) I adjust by the instructions on NYTimes for doing a surgical mask or double masking. If you haven't seen that, let me know and I'll send you the link.

    I'm sorry your TJ's experience wasn't a good one. I feel the same about loving that store and their fabulous flowers. Ours is near the kids and over an hour. We stopped once and they were very good about limiting people in the store, sanitizing carts and requiring masks, and people seemed to be pretty cognizant of distance. The second time we tried, the line outside was so long we decided to skip it.

    I really get what you mean. I still haven't been to Target yet. It will get better. Just be sure to double mask and keep your sanitizer with you. If you feel you need to, wear a rubber glove(s). And if it's in a Covid-virally heavy area, skip it! It'll be there and you will be,too.

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    1. Thanks so much, Jeanie. We didn't go to TJ we went to Safeway here in town. I don't feel safe in my own town. Isn't that a shame? Our counts keep going up but they are saying California is down. I don't understand. There are alot of Trumpers here and sorry to say they seem to be the ones that do not recognize the simple facts! I have decided that baby steps are in order. This week we are going to try to go to Trader Joes and see how that turns out. In normal times I go in, get about half of groceries, go back to the car because we have the dogs and always need to keep the air on, then Jerry goes in an gets the rest and pays. If we have to wait in a long line that won't work, so maybe I will just go in for flowers!!. We are trying small things at a time to see how it goes. We are still ordering our groceries on line from Raleys but sometimes we don't get what we want. There is nothing like shopping for yourself, so we may have to buck up and take it all on again. I know that first step is the killer, but hopefully the ones after will get better. Who would have ever thought this??..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  2. I understand completely. I go to the store early in the morning. Target opens at
    8 so I am there at 8. Very few people there. Walmart is another story. I go early
    But there are more people. I have had my second shot but just a few days ago. I
    Still cant go to a restaurant. Olive Garden brings it to your car. Love that.
    Love your flowers.

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    1. Thanks so much, Renate. I would think that the earlier anyone goes shopping, the better off they are. The only place I will go out to dinner is In-&-Out Burger. Not only are the hamburgers really good, but we go through the drive-up and we can see into the whole place from there. Everyone is wearing masks, gloves and working like crazy. All containers are throw away so there isn't a chance of dirty utensils. The best restaurant in town is my kitchen!!..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  3. well, the flowers are beautiful, Judy. We're all traumatized in some way from the pandemic and this last year. I haven't seen my older daughter in almost a year and a half although we text and talk regularly. I can't get the vaccine yet because I'm dealing with active autoimmune illness. Don't know when I'll be able. I do miss antique and vintage shopping, but groceries are my husband's "job". I know it will get better, but it's difficult seeing people here not wearing masks or adhering to any kind of rules. I'll be wearing a mask indefinitely. Take care, always love to read your posts and thoughts!

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    1. Thanks so much, Debra. I hope you will be able to get your vaccine soon. I know it will get better too, but when is the question. Until then, those of us that are not completely satisfied in the way things are going, just have to be very observant and careful..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  4. Yes, it has been a big change for everyone in the way we all shop. My husband and I tend to go later in the evening. We find there are less people at night, though he has to constantly remind me not to get too close to people when shopping. I try, I really do, it's just so hard. My husband is much like you, he does not like to break any rules. When we go, we get what we need and get out. Neither one of us has gotten our vaccines but even after we do we won't be going into restaurants or anywhere where there are crowds. Maybe this Fall. We're not in any hurry. Please don't get me started on the Trumpers. They give me a headache and raise my blood pressure. If cases are rising you can bet it's because the Trumpers aren't following the rules. Like I said, don't get me started. Those flowers are so beautiful and cheer-y.

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    1. Thanks so much for your nice comments. I 'll try to not get you started on the Trumpers, but from where I sit it is the elephant in the room! Many rooms!! I have no desire to go out to any restaurants. We do order out from our Mexican restaurant occasionally but that is the extent of it for a long time to come, I'm afraid..Hope you can get your shots soon..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  5. We have extended the lock down ... It is difficult to live in this new complexity ...

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    1. Thanks so much for your visit. I know it is something that most don't want to hear, but maybe we should all go on lock down and get rid of this stuff. California is planning to be all open come June. Cases are climbing after every kind of holiday and opening..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  6. Judy,
    The flowers are lovely and I am sorry that there were no pretty Easter things to be had but Easter was later last year so maybe they were picked out this year...I hated grocery shopping before this all even started. Joe loves it , like his father before him and he has done all the grocery shopping for the last 42 years. The only time I ever went was when he physically could not go and that was due to surgery...After working night shift for over 37 years, I was used to going shopping right after work..First thing in the morning on my way home from work before 8 am when no one was in the stores...I could zip in, get what i needed and zip out. OR I could walk around and browse without meeting another soul...This is how I like to shop...when no one is out there. My skin would have been crawling with all those people and it has not one thing to do with the pandemic...I can't stand being in a crowd normally....If I can get vaccinated, I will be choosing to wear a mask way into 2022 but of my auto immune disease.I will even be making some new ones for myself now that i went through all my fabric.....Stay safe, healthy and happy, my friend!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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    1. Thanks so much, Deb. For some odd reason, the only store I like to grocery shop in is Trader Joes. Don't know why but it has always been that way. Jerry normally goes to the store if we are out of something here in town. We still order our groceries from Raley's and it is an easy and convenient way to do it, but I am finding that we don't always get what we ask for so don't know how long it will last. I can see us all wearing masks for a long time. I hope you are able to get the vaccine because I think it will be a big help to getting us over all this. I don't like being in crowds either unless it is at Home Goods! Haha, those days are over for awhile for me anyway..Stay well my friend..xxoJudy

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  7. A big change.. Pretty flowers ❤

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    1. Thanks so much Kinga. Those tulips are different from ones I have ever seen and I hope you had a Happy Easter..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  8. Glad at least you got your pretty flowers! and they ARE very pretty and bright! I love daffodils. I've noticed the stores are more crowded these days too.. so I like them less and less. Went to Walmart a couple of weeks ago and there were SO MANY PEOPLE in there, that I left my cart and walked out! Only 2 checkstands open and people lined up way too close together! I was disgusted.. I don't ever remember there being so many people at once in that store! I guess they've discontinued the "only a certain number of people allowed in the store" plan. I may start opting to do the order on line and t hen go pick up stuff and not going in to the store. I just changed to a different pharmacy where I can drive through. I did go to Safeway but had to wait forever in line, with people too close and too many walking by too close! I love the drive through option. I've done the order online and drive and pick up for the last year on a few things, like fabric store orders, pet food orders (or have them delivered to our door) and I really love it! I'm a homebody mostly so the last year hasn't been that hard on me, though I did miss eating out at a restaurant now and then and seeing friends a little more often. Take care and keep up the hope! Marilyn

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    1. Thanks so much, Marilyn. I do have hope but then in order to have hope everyone has to be on the same page, and that is the problem..Hope you had a Happy Easter..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  9. I still only go to the grocery store once every 5 to 6 weeks and we live in a small town. Too funny that yo wanted to give the captain a piece of your mind. Janice

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    1. Thanks so much, Janice. Well, I do give him a piece of my mind almost every day but I really did think there was some stranger too close to me. I don't know where I thought he was as he did enter the store with me!..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  10. I have to say, I don't miss the grocery store at all! We have it all delivered now and I have no desire to go back to the store. I have flowers delivered, too! I have to say that when we I get the vaccine and we can venture out, I don't know if I'll ever go back. All that lugging and loading and unloading. Of course, the home decor shops and fabric stores are a totally different story. I do miss them! Enjoy your flowers! They are beautiful. xo

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    1. Thanks so much, Kim. I do agree. We do go to the back of the store to pick up but that is way better than doing the whole thing inside. I am finding though that I don't think the "pickers" take the time to find some things, because sometimes it just doesn't seem logical that they are out of what they say they are. But it is still worth it. Thanks for your kind words and stay well..xxoJudy

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  11. Hi Judy,
    It is exciting when you can make a trip even to the grocery store in these times. Your flowers are gorgeous and I love that you did put them all in three different vases. I have been going to the grocery store but not to browse just to get in and out. I have had my first vaccine and am waiting until the 14th for number 2. I hope I can visit more than the grocery store. Maybe a Home Goods and feel like I can actually enjoying shopping again. Right now I am up to my eyeballs in bubble wrap and boxes. Have a great week. So happy you were able to get out even if it was not as great as you dreamed the day would be. xoxo Kris

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    1. Thanks so much, Kris. Yes, it is really good to just get out of the house for awhile. Home Goods maybe will be one of my baby steps to work back into things..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  12. I will have my first vaccine on the 22nd. It's been a long year and I miss seeing and being with family.
    I go shopping for groceries only once every 2 weeks and try to go early when there is less people. Then to come home and wash everything. It's quite the hassle.
    Your flowers are pretty. Happy Spring.

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    1. Thanks so much, Thelma. It is a hassle. I think I dislike the putting away more than the shopping but somebody has to do it..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  13. Why did you get the shot? The point of the vaccine is to keep you well. Right? I haven't worn a mask in months! not sick and haven't been sick. Come on people stop the FEAR MONGERING! Shame on you!

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    1. Why did I get the shot? That's a simple question and I'll give you a simple answer. I got the shot to protect myself, my friends and family and people like you. I'm glad you are not sick and haven't been sick but if you continue on with your thoughtlessness and your stupidity there is a very good chance that you will be.

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    2. Thanks so much....You made me smile today..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  14. Oh, hi, Judy. I have a similar dream to bring daffodils to my mom's grave. but it's in Wisconsin and hour and a half away....sigh and Wisconsin has been terrible at following protocols. It is overwhelming. I sneak out on tuesday or wednesday afternoons...the slowest shopping times of the week. Hugs, consider the family unit the best bet and still stay home. Hugs, Sandi

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    1. Thanks so much, Sandi. That is an honorable dream and I wish you could do it. So many places are getting high numbers again, especially after a holiday and large get togethers. I've almost given up trying to figure certain people out. Staying home sounds like a sure thing..Stay well..xxoJudy

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  15. LOVE THIS! what a joyful thought to load up on flowers, sorry you felt uncomfortable with so many people, when my roses break into bloom you are welcome to come by and gather as many as you like, only one problem, my dogs may be following you down the aisles 😉

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    1. Thanks so much. Flowers do brighten up our world, as you certainly know. I appreciate the invitation and as beautiful as your roses will be, I probably would be more inclined to play with the dogs. Flowers come in a close second to dogs..Stay well..xxoJudy

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Your comments are so special to me...Judy