Feeling Adventurous?

In these times of home sheltering, one feels adventurous to walk outside.

There are those among us who seek the thrill of venturing into the unknown and possibly dangerous or life-threatening to climb mountains, hang glide, swim with sharks, walk in space, drive beyond the speed limit, have babies or call someone for a date; these days of self restraint must be demoralizing if not constricting or emasculated.

Yet we are a curious creature and must explore even under orders to shelter in place. Besides only a few have foreseen the future to grow gardens and raise chickens, goats and a possible bovine or two.

The rest of us, following the proper government instructions of social distancing and facial covering, must wander out into the world now and again to forage for grub.

That means going to the Tummy Temple.

With limited traffic the ride is must more appreciated in this time of spring. It can be fast or slow depending on the chill in the air or the sunshine but this time of isolation of others, an independent appreciates the space.

The carts are clean and the place is starting to smell nice. Many of the usual deacons and ushers are doing their jobs in their blue aprons but now looking like nurses. The shelves are not packed, but they are stocked. No one seemed to have a run on olive oil during the hoarding panic. Even t-paper has reappeared.

The other day there were black uniformed security personnel outside. Since the path in and out has been changed I had to walk by them. I asked if they were guarding the food. They mumbled under their mask and I kept on moving. Later I found there was a “Liberate” movement just down the street. Things are not ‘normal’ at the Tummy Temple.

Pat and Chris were scouring the frozen food section and complaining as they always do, but these are not normal days because you can’t hear them through the mask. The congregation has thinned out while the park and bring the food to your trunk has picked up. I am still waiting for the ‘bring to your house, unpack it, cook it then eat it’ so I don’t have to eat all this stuff I bring home.

Still it is a good reason to get some exercise and now is an adventure for every venture into humanity could be the last. Don’t know these people or their hygiene or whom they shelter with or what makes them essential. Personal space has always been a requirement so avoiding others is no problem.

Though the traffic flow is less than it has been, the driving quality has not improved. With all the time alone inside has not increase the drivers intelligence of using signals or following other rules of the road, so for survival I wait.

Not being too adventurous I return home safe and sound to feed my bunnies, hydrate and view the cynicism of my social media contacts. Not even adventurous to comment for these are uncomfortable times.