By Lynn Venhaus

April 1, 2020

Walked to Vincent’s Market to pick up a few groceries, and everyone was very polite, kept their social distance. The butcher — they have a meat counter – stood behind a window-type glass pane. They have plastic shield up at the checkout.

Hadn’t been at a store —with social distancing contact —since Friday.

Checker was a friendly young man and we chatted about the howling – the store closes at 8, so he hears it when he leaves. The Werewolves of Soulard – nightly ritual.

Vincent’s is a third-generation neighborhood market. It has many local products. What I like best is that they have small quantities – one or two chicken breasts in a package, a small bunch of broccoli, and so forth.

Picked up the latest Sauce and the rogue RFT (Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Edition) issues. Bravo for them. Feels like we will come out of this stronger. Communicators will see us through the dark times and give us light.

I am adamant about supporting local businesses, so it is not a new habit I need to acquire.

Due to my inability to make a larger dent on an ever-growing to-do list, instead of making what I planned for dinner, wound up chowing down on cheese and crackers. Will cut up an apple or orange later after I watch Garth and Trisha.

Just finished my census. Took 3 minutes. Go to www.my2020census.gov if you haven’t already.

Heard about the Teddy Bear Hunt – National ‘thing’ – put stuffed bear(s) in your front window. Then little tykes can walk or drive by on a Teddy Bear Hunt and count them.

I have a Jerry “Garcia” Beanie Baby bear so that is who is sitting in the front window but I want to find one of the boys’ stuffed bears that might be packed away. I kept a few. Somewhere. Found Tim’s Bialosky Bear, the 1982 model. I can’t ‘bear’ to part with it but it’s comforting to know it’s here.

Gotta get back to writing some streaming movie reviews.

Also, for my KTRS segment Thursday night, Ray Hartmann wants me to watch Tiger King. Going in soon, Ray. My sister Mary says I must see this. Now I have a reason.

I had one of those tossing-and-turning night’s sleep after watching some disturbing movies and feeling more frightened than I had been so far about coronavirus and the failures on multiple levels. Even though I see the daily totals and news reports, I know what is ahead will be really bad compared to what has transpired. And the disconnect about people not taking it seriously. Gov. Cuomo said we all need to take Responsibility. Amen. But can’t fix stupid.

Nevertheless, I have some positive articles in the works. And it is just good to keep on keeping on.

Talked to my 87-year-old uncle today about his doctor appointments – one moved, one by phone. He is at an assisted living place that is being very conscientious. So happy he is there. I just can’t go in and see him, I am just glad he is safe and sound.

They take his temp twice a day and his BP. Good staff.

Some residents’ relatives aren’t being very nice to the staff regarding the lockdown. What can you do? It is NOT about you.it is about their safety.

Those attitudes have always driven me crazy.

And that is precisely why this quarantine will be in place much longer because of all the people who don’t think it applies to them in a global pandemic.

Stay safe everyone. Thank you front liners. Applause, applause.