EurasianShrew of Trill

My sister in law, Ms. Science, texted me today, just to say hi, and asked how I was doing. I told her I was washing my food like a mad raccoon, which is true. Yesterday I decided it was best to go forage before things get any worse. Cases of COVID-19 are rapidly multiplying in Michigan. When I arrived at the grocery store, there were hardly any cars in the lot, and inside, I only saw about a dozen people total. I scrubbed down my cart before using it. It was very easy to stay six feet apart. I was hardly ever in the same aisle with anyone else. I was very happy to see a well-stocked produce department. Things that did not exist: paper products, flour, white sugar, rice, wipes, liquid soap, hand sanitizer. Things that were in short supply: eggs, milk, butter, pasta, meat, frozen vegetables. I got everything I really needed, though. Back in the car, I washed my hands with a bleach wipe and also wiped down everything I had touched in the car--door handles, steering wheel, etc. Once home, the work began. I dumped everything in the front hall, washed my hands, and then wiped down all containers that had to go in the freezer or refrigerator with a bleach wipe, and placed them in a "clean area" so the Sparrowhawk could put them away. Empty bags went straight to the trash. I left some things where they were to be dealt with later, took a shower, and put all my clothes in the washing machine. At that point, I was exhausted, as much from anxiety as from toting and scrubbing. I really think most of this is overkill, but our kids worry about us, so I want to do my utmost to stay healthy. I tried to wear gloves in the store, but it was impossible to open the produce bags with them on.

Today I washed all the fruits and all the vegetables that had smooth skins (like peppers) in hot soapy water. This just goes against the grain! It's very abnormal. I have a few more things sitting out that need to be cleaned and taken downstairs to the impromptu pantry on the basement shelves. It's a lot of work, but I feel more secure again knowing that we're restocked for the next couple of weeks. I left the meager selection of meat in the store for others. The farm ladies have a set-up where you can order meat online and then pick up the package from their truck in the parking lot of the farmers market, so we placed an order with them and the Sparrowhawk went and got it. He was happy to report that they are well and healthy.

We made a donation to a fund for the benefit of local people who have unmet needs for food and shelter at this time. I had trouble sitting on my couch, knowing I had a jar of Nutella in the pantry, and not doing anything to help.

One would think that this would be a great time for a writer to be enjoying lots and lots of wonderful writing time, expanding her creativity to leap over any obstacles and overcome any sense of fear or confinement. Oh yeah, one would think. Unfortunately . . . well, I guess I'll just leave that sentence hanging, like so many others. Having issues here. Ugh. People post all these wondrously inspiring messages on Facebook and I just turn away and go gaaah. Cannot do. We watched another episode of a previous season of The Great British Bake-Off. I fear I got an unholy joy from watching their gingerbread structures collapse. One of the contestants was heard to mutter, "I really hate gingerbread." Oh honey. I know just how you feel.