New Carts

 

With all the news of Russia invasion vs climate change vs wildfires vs drought vs mass shootings vs homelessness vs immigration vs drug overdose vs supply constipation vs congress investigation vs inflation vs reparation vs pandemic vs… You get the idea.

That’s right, the Tummy Temple got some new carts. (I am easily entertained).

The vacant room is now full of these sleek shiny black wire carts replacing the limited choice of broken down versions that were becoming scarce to find. There is even a new selection of zip carts that I like.

There are still the cowboys in their reflective vest who wander out into the parking lot and round up the used carts to bring them back into the corral, but it is nice to see the new rides.

Now to have a selection rather than the leftovers is a simple joy. The wheels roll without a wobble. Finding sustenance is an adventure again. They are new dancing partners.

Into the door and over to the prepared food section to browse the leftover chicken, unless it is time for the ‘Come To Jesus’ meeting. Got to get more blueberries. Always have to get more blueberries. Avoid the dead animals to the treats aisle to get a can of unsalted unshelled peanuts and a bag of popcorn (both very popular).

Might see Pat along the way. She doesn’t mind to chant about subjects I’d never thought of but I’m polite. Might pass Kandi who is doing the basic task of mopping or moving product or something that requires no intuitive thought but only direction.

Now I’ve got these little zip carts that can weave around the convoys of ‘Call-in-your-order-and-we-will-pick-your-selection-out-and-deliver-it-to-your-car’ drive-in. This seems to be popular for they have their own room now (where the bathroom was).

After collecting whatever I felt might be appetizing or at least fulfilling for the day, I by pass the empty aisles of the checkout counters to the crowded ‘Grab, Scan and Go’ do-it-yourself area.

Repeating the process every day, I’ve learned how to quickly and easily scan my grocery card (that would give the corporation the information of what I am purchasing but not allow an old man to purchase alcohol under the ABC laws). I can scan the items as quickly as Katy but when I get to the end of the chain I have to wait for Hillary to swipe her magic card and plug in the numbers that tell the computer I’m old enough to drink 3.2 beer.

It is the same routine everyday. A bit earlier in the heat but with other little variation this is the daily routine. So the introduction of new shiny carts is a big thrill. Time will tell how long before the herd thins to the old folks home on the corner or the bus stop or the homeless or wherever old grocery shopping carts go to die.

Gotta go and restock the blueberries. The neighbors love their blueberries.