TO MARKET, TO MARKET

TWO THINGS about me........I'm lazy and I'm acquisitive. When I saunter out on my own, by the time I arrive back home I have to telephone Mr. Bob to come help me carry stuff up to our room. Having to use a cane makes it all the harder, just getting everything juggled into the right hand and proper grip. Truly, it requires a talent I've yet to develop. 


Yesterday morning was one of those ventures....Mr. Bob went off to his radiation appointment and I headed for a doctor's appointment. In my weakened state, it's a marvel I got parked and managed to maneuver the tortuous path from the car to the waiting room. When I was through I felt so pleased with myself that I drove into Trader Joe's parking lot feeling that if God wanted me to test my weakened wings further there'd be a Disabled parking space and there it was, right next to the front door to the market. I sat and watched customers come and go for a bit and then planned my attack. If I hobbled into the store and kept going to the far wall, I'd be in front of the tangerine juice which was my reason for being there. Carefully, carefully, slowly but surely......mind my step......made it! They only had half gallons so that filled one hand, the other being needed for the cane. Then, shopper that I am, I let my eye survey the area in which I found myself. Oh, look! The cereal we've not had for a while........Maple Nut Clusters. Shamble across the aisle, put down the jug of juice, reach high for the box, tuck it under my elbow, reach down for the juice and wend my way to the nearest register.


Waiting my turn, I spied a perfect greeting card in a display just ahead of the register and I managed to hook one between thumb and forefinger without dropping the cereal or the liquid sunshine that I consider tangerine juice to be.


Quite a feat, really and it took two telephone calls, leaving a message and a text before I reached Mr. Bob to ask him to meet me in the parking lot for help. I'll not be good widow material if and when the time comes. 


As I sit and wait for Mr. Bob's radiation treatment each morning, I see lots of people who have been to the market which is several blocks down the road. 

I'm surprised at the number of people who carry bags (but rarely in combination with a cane).

A few people, very few, have discovered the joys of a market basket. 

Those are the folks I identify with. And I'd like to think they're not lazy, just smart.

"Efficiency is intelligent laziness."  
                                                ~David Dunham