Day 2142 Sensual overload

25th June 2023

We decided that it was about time to go to another supermarket to do our shopping.

Before we would get everything from two places, Aldi and Nature’s Market, now we wanted to see if we could get what we needed from just one.

We drove to Meijer the colossal store in Holland. Not having visited it since before Covid we weren’t sure how we would handle it.

First it was finding a parking space, not as simple as it sounds. Normally with a place that big there would be ample parking, that is if you want to be in the same state, but eventually we found one, after waiting for someone to pull out. In through the self opening doors to be met by the greeter. “Welcome to Meijer” he said cheerfully, “ I think I could do that job” I said, “ no stress, and I could employ my English accent”, Kelli was not impressed.

Set out before us was a vast cathedral of fruit and vegetables, it was difficult to know where to start. People were like ants rushing all over the place, it was scary.

We started filling the trolly, although finding the specific items was difficult. It would have been simple if all the special foods that Kelli needs were in one place, but there seemed no thought given to that. After about half an hour of fighting against the tide we looked at each other and concluded that we didn’t want to be here.

Kelli was in favour of leaving the trolly and walking out, but with some frozen items that we had, that would not be good. So we retraced our steps and putting things back. To those viewing the CCTV instead of shopping, we were restocking, a totally unknown concept.

We then drove to Aldi our familiar territory, and although not so much choice, we felt safe.

By this time we had used up half the day, so stopping off at the corner store to top up our supplies we were able to start jobs.

Then the storm hit. The wind got up, the thunder and the lightning flashed through the dark grey sky. Kelli heard a crack, as a portion of tree fell on South Shore drive. By now the rain was falling like stair rods. A police car arrived to assist with traffic control, the blue and red flashing lights piercing the darkness of the small wooded area, later to be joined by the green and yellow lights of the city tree squad. The sound of chainsaws and tree munchers then concluded the afternoon entertainment