Delivery Reviewed

The recent ventures to the Tummy Temple have been exhausting. A leftover from the steamy summer, what was an easy ride to pick up a few items and enjoy the fresh air is starting to become work. Blame it on the hills getting higher or the wind pushing back or checking the tires, but with age comes struggles to motion. The legs and arms still seem to work, but sucking in and breathing out oxygen is abnormal and can be a reason to stop and catch my wind. The stops are becoming more frequent and once home a sit down is required to eliminate the huffing and puffing. Maybe there is a doctor visit with a prescription for refurbished youth or a diagnosis of life ending disease or the ticker wearing out. Time marches on.

I’ve cut back on the weight I carry in my saddlebags, but the whole process is becoming a chore rather than a pleasure. I’ve already done the adventures of pushing a bike through the snow to bring home dinner or riding many a mile ending with my gathering in the temple for the air conditioning, talking to my peeps and refreshing hydration until walking outside to the blast of heat. I’ve ridden in the rain day and night and avoided potholes and lightning bolts. My ponies have been faithful, supplying me with dependability and durability over the years. Little maintenance they await for the next ride faithfully getting me from point A to point B and back again. 

So, I waste some time on social media looking for alternatives to provide substances from consumption to stay hydrated and fed. Many years ago, the kitchen was turned off and all meals were delivered. Pre-popped popcorn was delivered in giant tin cans. Double cheez pizza from Julian’s came in hot and greasy. Salads didn’t require any chopping and lots of sides of mozzarella sticks and sundry to keep our faces full while we watched movies on rented video tapes. 

There were still daily trips to the Tummy Temple to retrieve litter, pet food, feminine products and adult hydration. I do not miss the repeated trips of bungee cording the 10 lb. tubs of litter for the critters. There were still the weekend trips to PetSmart, Barnes and Noble, Lowes and Target with frequent stops at local dining establishments to refresh and regroup. If that didn’t satisfy, breakfast was picked up from Hardees, lunch was prepared at Stuffy’s and brought home and dinner was delivered. 

I paid by check (remember those) until one bounced and I had to find an office in a strip mall and pay off my bill with interest. After a while it became too expensive for someone else to prepare our food. 

I’ve tried most recipes for plates I thought I’d enjoy, but cooking for one leaves more leftovers than appetizing and there are too many dishes to wash. Now this is the conundrum. 

It seems, according to my research, groceries can be delivered to the door at similar prices to the Tummy Temple. My shopping list has shrunk and there are very few instances to squeeze the grapefruit or smell the fish. There are no familiar faces for aisle blockage conversations and the weather will be turning rude.

I’ve gotten used to ‘adding to my cart’ and having everything delivered from yard tools to personal undergarments. At this time in life, there is no desire to window shop for something I don’t need or will use. 

I also notice that alcoholic beverages can be chosen and delivered. I’ve noticed this on several sites and may try it soon. That would lighten my load if I do ride. There are also sites who promise they will deliver some herbal refreshment, not used for eons. Imagine getting whacky weed delivered with all the munchies available without leaving your underpants. I’ll give them a try and let you know the results. 

I’ve also delved into researching electric bikes. Perhaps a boost will make my travels easier? I don’t think this will produce wheelies, but some assistance getting up that hill may be worth the expense. The prices I’ve seen are not cheap, but next week I’ll go into my pedal professionals to get a new saddle for one pony and check out some questions and perhaps take a test ride. How much do they weigh? How do you recharge/replace the battery? Kickstand? Mirror? Lights? Rack? Lock? Water bottle? Trade Ins? 

At this time, I can still coast most of the way to the destinations avoiding hills and shift down when the inclines become a struggle, but I am thinking about the future.