In today’s Wine with Dewine & Snackin’ with Acton – as in the daily 2pm press conference featuring Ohio governor Mike Dewine and director of public health Dr. Amy Acton – the heroic ODH director talked about her own experience going through the stages of grief as we navigate the COVID19 crisis. She also encouraged everyone to keep wearing their masks and capes.
(There’s a reason Dr. Acton has become the most beloved person in Ohio and beyond. Someone suggested she deserves a Presidential Medal of Freedom when the dust settles.)
It’s becoming clearer that mask wearing and social distancing will be with us for a while, even when we start reopening businesses and lifting restrictions little by little. That’s difficult to wrap one’s head around.
Last Friday I donned my mask (and sweater in lieu of a cape) and went to Target for Sudafed. Thanks to pseudoephedrine being a popular ingredient in homecooked meth, I am limited on how much and how often I can buy what is an essential medication for this allergy girl. (Yes, my doctor could write a prescription to make my life easier. Don’t get me started on his refusal to write prescriptions for OTC meds. Yes, I have considered changing doctors.) I picked up a few other items since I was in the store anyway, thereby extending our need for groceries into this week.
The day prior I had visited the pharmacy drive-through at my local Walmart. I could be coy and avoid naming names, but today I feel like naming names. After phoning Wednesday to confirm I wouldn’t have to enter the store (like I normally do for such a dangerous substance), on Thursday the story was different. Confused, I asked questions and ascertained a different pharmacist was on duty. Uuuuhhhhhh, ok. Well now that I’ve touched these buttons that get wiped down … maybe never, let me douse my hands in sanitizer before pulling away. There were ten to fifteen people waiting in line outside the door on a high tree pollen day, so there was no way I was going to mask up and wait to go inside. I have since learned the temporary Sudafed at the drive-through thing is an Ohio Pharmacy Board policy, so I’ll just drive through somewhere that actually understands what they’re doing next time.
This week I was excited to learn Giant Eagle has cut their lead time for Curbside Express orders down to two days or less. Target still remains at less than a day, although they don’t include refrigerated or frozen groceries. Note high demand items like many paper products, cleaning products, etc. are not available for curbside pickup at any major retailer. For those you must go inside the store early in the day and hope for the best to find what you want in stock.
I actually had not done curbside pickup at either store before. I kind of like perusing for what I want and selecting my own produce. It’s also been said about Target (and Hobby Lobby) that you don’t go in with a list, you let the store reveal what you need. But to save a trip inside what is probably the riskiest environment I’m in these days, it was totally worthwhile and super convenient. There were a couple items not available and a couple substitutions made. Our personal shopper did great with the substitutions, we have no complaints. Target offered free shipping for the one out-of-stock item. A box of cornflakes will arrive at our door tomorrow, lol.
I feel like I’m devoting way more time than usual to keeping the house supplied with food and essentials. Does anyone else feel the same way? I guess essential errands during Quarantine 2020 require more planning than we’re used to. I’m grateful that in the greater scheme of things, I’m only experiencing minor inconveniences, though. I know not everyone’s experience is the same in this crisis.
Fun and thought-provoking things of interest this week …
Jordan Raynor’s latest devotional series is titled Gospel Driven Work in the COVID-19 Crisis.
Jeff Goins’ recent post claims he’s doing quarantine worse than you. Also available via podcast. It made me laugh, as I have largely given up on being productive in this weird environment.
Micah Murray doesn’t post a lot, but this story about an Easter art project is poignant and beautiful. Micah, like a number of people I know, has gone through a bit of a deconstruction phase in his faith, although he is currently in seminary. He grew up in a super legalistic environment and has been an eye-opening source for me on church abuse. I often minister to the dechurched and spiritually marginalized, so I’m always interested in what Micah has to share. Adult language warning.
In CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) news, Kevin Max of dc Talk fame is working on a remake of Larry Norman’s Only Visiting This Planet album in partnership with Larry’s son Mike. You can learn about the project and participate in the crowdfunding effort here. Kevin joined us with an original poem during Ragamuffin Sunday on Easter. (Reminder – we go live with a ragamuffiny church service and interactive chat every Sunday at 4pm eastern.)
In the name of fun and Buckeye spirit, you can download coloring pages, Zoom backgrounds, etc. here.
