This photo of empty meat shelves in my local supermarket may be extreme, but all fall we've been noticing shortages of "normal" items in the grocery stores and pharmacies. I had gone into the supermarket to pick up a prescription in the pharmacy department but couldn't help but notice the depleted shelves in the produce, dairy and meat sections. I think the depleted shelves were due to a combination of factors: it was a few days after New Year's; and there was a significant snowfall in our area (which doesn't handle snow well) which led to a 36 hour road closure on Interstate 95 south of us. Plus all the supply chain issues which have become so normal they aren't even news anymore. Every time I see empty shelves or see the "out of stock" notation when shopping online, I think of the shops in the countries of the former Soviet Union and the long lines that were standard for people in those countries decades ago just to buy staples. Obviously, it isn't that bad here... but honestly, I never expected to see this situation here. And of course, these supply chain issues are most critically important when it has meant that health care professionals and medical facilities have not had the equipment and resources they need to fight this pandemic. Or when we had to made do with poorly made masks. Sigh.... it is not a good way to start the new year.... I honestly just wish this -- the coronavirus -- was over.
January 10, 2022
I’m in an upbeat mood. After 180+ days of staying quarantined I am now &!a NJ beachside cottage rental. We have been careful about distancing -we see no one wears masks on the beach and restaurants are packing people in -situations we’re avoiding. We had a magical Labor Day. After sun and surf&enjoying an active day we gathered driftwood and had a fire on the beach after dark. Primal we were joined by friends who are here every year. We we’re distanced but enjoyed a wonderful night. They brought wine and beer. We had fireworks-heavy duty fireworks. They were spectacular. As the impromptu party broke up we were awed by the large misshapen day orange moon arising to the north east of Atlantic City. Beautiful & moving quickly & 10:20 pm. The end of a memorable and special time.
September 11, 2020