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MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 11:46 AM Oct 2020

Another Saturday Morning at the Supermarket

Once again, I made my weekly visit to my nearby Cub Foods here in Minnesota at 9 AM. As usual, the parking lot was mostly empty, as was the store. Finally, everyone is in masks, as the sign on the entry door demands. Well, almost. There was one guy in his late 30s and his wife walking two steps behind him. They were rushing through the store at top speed, but not wearing masks. I noticed them as I entered the store and took a different route through the store to avoid them.

But then, I as I stopped my cart to grab a large bottle of Schweppe's Tonic Water, unmasked man pushed his cart in front of mine and walked off go buy a six-pack of something. I got my tonic and put it in my cart just as he was returning. "Where's your mask, dude?" I asked. He sneered and said, "I have asthma." I replied with a quiet "Bullshit!" He started to escalate, until I told him, "If you have asthma, like I do, you would be wearing a mask to protect yourself." He looked angrily at me, but didn't say anything, because I gave him my best cold, dead eyes stare. They took off and continued their high energy shopping. As I continued on my way, a woman nearby said, "He's probably a Trumper." I laughed.

That minor amusement behind me, I checked out, then stopped at the gas station to fill up my car, and at the liquor store to buy some gin to go with that tonic water. I'll need it for the next debate, if it happens.

Please vote!

64 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Another Saturday Morning at the Supermarket (Original Post) MineralMan Oct 2020 OP
... Rorey Oct 2020 #1
Takes too long to say that. MineralMan Oct 2020 #3
It is Rorey Oct 2020 #5
Yeah. Normally I do the same and just avoid the maskless wonders. MineralMan Oct 2020 #6
We are finding avoidance to be difficult birdographer Oct 2020 #43
I prefer the term "Maskholes"..... AZ8theist Oct 2020 #45
I share that their nose is dicking out BBG Oct 2020 #49
Good one! PatSeg Oct 2020 #4
Using mental illness as an insult is shitty. WhiskeyGrinder Oct 2020 #8
You know what? You're right. I'm going to delete. Rorey Oct 2020 #10
Hey, thanks for reconsidering. I appreciate it. WhiskeyGrinder Oct 2020 #11
I'm honestly ashamed of myself for not being considerate Rorey Oct 2020 #13
It happens! We're all learning. WhiskeyGrinder Oct 2020 #15
In order to not delete the responses..... Rorey Oct 2020 #12
My daughter, a nurse, went for a routine exam the other day. A below the nose guy was in the appleannie1 Oct 2020 #54
Nice! Wellstone ruled Oct 2020 #2
I was going with vodka underpants Oct 2020 #7
It's only good for mixing with neutral spirits, i think. MineralMan Oct 2020 #9
A shot? underpants Oct 2020 #14
Here's how I make a gin & tonic: PoindexterOglethorpe Oct 2020 #18
Drink recipes vary, I guess. MineralMan Oct 2020 #19
I am not surprised that you prefer the tall, weaker drink. PoindexterOglethorpe Oct 2020 #21
The important part is the lime Bobstandard Oct 2020 #30
Aquavit ! Norwegian? Delmette2.0 Oct 2020 #40
Hey, I like Aquavit. dhol82 Oct 2020 #44
Awesome. Delmette2.0 Oct 2020 #46
Sure, why not! dhol82 Oct 2020 #50
Norwegian by marriage. MineralMan Oct 2020 #62
That counts! Delmette2.0 Oct 2020 #63
I like it even without liquor! Tonic is so refreshing with that twist of lime yellowdogintexas Oct 2020 #56
I like to mix tonic water with different juices Zorro Oct 2020 #48
Actually, from a "Household Hints" perspective, Totally Tunsie Oct 2020 #51
Use as a stain remover! catchnrelease Oct 2020 #55
You were so much nicer than I would have been ... UpInArms Oct 2020 #16
Normally, I don't say anything at all, and simply avoid MineralMan Oct 2020 #22
You did well UpInArms Oct 2020 #23
Your response isn't confrontational, really. MineralMan Oct 2020 #27
This is why we can't get the pandemic under control pandr32 Oct 2020 #17
Yes. You're right. MineralMan Oct 2020 #20
As we all should pandr32 Oct 2020 #31
We might as well concede that there are as many fools in the world as there are geniuses Mr. Ected Oct 2020 #24
Well, on today's trip, I saw only those two people MineralMan Oct 2020 #25
I always think of Minnesota as more of a Democratic stronghold Mr. Ected Oct 2020 #29
The Twin Cities are a Democratic stronghold. MineralMan Oct 2020 #35
Amazing that these idiots seem to think that they're impressing people by not wearing masks, ... SWBTATTReg Oct 2020 #26
Thanks for your reply. MineralMan Oct 2020 #28
i got that same line from a thirty something about a month ago orleans Oct 2020 #32
Decisive and unintrusive. nt LanternWaste Oct 2020 #33
Was going to suggest to avoid these crazy people vapor2 Oct 2020 #34
See, I don't understand why she had to pull her mask down MineralMan Oct 2020 #36
I see elderly people do this all the time. Tommymac Oct 2020 #39
Football coaches are doing the same thing.... AZ8theist Oct 2020 #47
I have pulled mine out a wee bit so it is not against my mouth when I speak but never down. appleannie1 Oct 2020 #53
I had the exact same experience on a bus, but he didn't have any excuse at all. byronius Oct 2020 #37
Last week a cashier at the checkout wnylib Oct 2020 #38
That is where you speak to management or contact Sherman A1 Oct 2020 #57
That might have worked at that store, wnylib Oct 2020 #59
Most definitely contact corporate offices Sherman A1 Oct 2020 #60
I have gotten into several "discussions" about lack of masks at the stores. panader0 Oct 2020 #41
No, no, no. bucolic_frolic Oct 2020 #42
Already did. Hand delivered to the county office of elections. Blue all the way. appleannie1 Oct 2020 #52
Careful with the gin... jimlup Oct 2020 #58
No need to enter a grocery store Dem forever Oct 2020 #61
Happy Sunday Mineral Man. lark Oct 2020 #64

Rorey

(8,445 posts)
5. It is
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 12:03 PM
Oct 2020

I'm not going to say either. After my daughter's experience after asking a King Soopers employee why she wasn't wearing a mask, I just keep even more distance and later report them to the county health department.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
6. Yeah. Normally I do the same and just avoid the maskless wonders.
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 12:06 PM
Oct 2020

I guess I was in a mood this morning or something.

birdographer

(1,218 posts)
43. We are finding avoidance to be difficult
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 07:27 PM
Oct 2020

Our giant grocery store has the most mask-wearers of any in town, so we go there. They have their aisles marked one-way. which is a bit tedious since they are so big, it's a hike down the adjacent aisle to get to where you need to be. And then factor in the morons with no mask. Our shopping trips take twice as long since we try to not pass them in an aisle, and every time we turn around they are right there. But we might only see three or four there, in contrast with seeing three or four masks in the other stores. Or the ones who wear their masks below their noses. Some day I am going to point out to one of them that if COVID cells or molecules or whatever they are land on the outside of their masks, they are snorting them up their noses just like trump's daily cocaine and Adderall.

BBG

(2,476 posts)
49. I share that their nose is dicking out
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 09:09 PM
Oct 2020

Not sticking, but dicking out.

And then the ones who aren’t wearing at all I try to share with them how complicated it is to wear them. Yeah, these masks are hard to wear, real complicated. Fucking idiots.

Rorey

(8,445 posts)
13. I'm honestly ashamed of myself for not being considerate
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 12:20 PM
Oct 2020

I've learned a lot in my life, but I still mess up now and then.

Rorey

(8,445 posts)
12. In order to not delete the responses.....
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 12:18 PM
Oct 2020

I deleted the body of my post. Thank you for setting me straight.

appleannie1

(5,044 posts)
54. My daughter, a nurse, went for a routine exam the other day. A below the nose guy was in the
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 11:15 PM
Oct 2020

waiting room looking annoyed he had to wear a mask at all. She went up to the window to check in. They asked the new pre visit question. Are you running a temp. Have you been in contact with someone that is positive. She raised her voice and said "I am an ICU nurse and come in contact with at least 10 positive cases a day." He pulled his mask up and almost crawled into the wall on the other side of the office.

underpants

(182,279 posts)
7. I was going with vodka
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 12:10 PM
Oct 2020

Is there any other use for tonic water other than drinking?

Hitting a liquor store here in Georgia so I’m sure I have something after the drive back to Virginia tomorrow. Loooong drive.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
9. It's only good for mixing with neutral spirits, i think.
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 12:13 PM
Oct 2020

Not enough quinine in it to be of medicinal value, though.

Vodka, Gin, Aquavit...whatever. Fill a tall tumbler with ice, add a shot of your booze of choice, and fill the rest with Tonic. Add a twist of lime, if you wish.

underpants

(182,279 posts)
14. A shot?
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 12:20 PM
Oct 2020


Very interesting week down here. Apparently Ossoff took money from Chinese communists AND terrorist sympathizers (3rd party radio ad). I’d heard nothing about the second Senate race Loeffler and Warnock

PoindexterOglethorpe

(25,746 posts)
18. Here's how I make a gin & tonic:
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 12:39 PM
Oct 2020

Fill a short glass with ice. Squeeze lime over the ice -- this is very important. Add one jigger of gin, two jiggers of tonic. Stir. Drink. Repeat as needed.

Several years ago on a visit to my sister, she had several other friends over and gin & tonics were to be served. I volunteered to make them, and I did as above. Everyone exclaimed how good they were. Hopefully they weren't just being polite. My sister continues to make them using the above way.

Using a tall tumbler and only one shot of the alcohol and filling up with tonic, you'll have a very diluted drink. Of course, that may well be what you like best.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
19. Drink recipes vary, I guess.
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 12:58 PM
Oct 2020

I don't drink much alcohol, so I tend to make tall, weaker drinks. They last longer, and I don't take in too much alcohol. I used to go to a lot of trade show parties, where open bars were the order of the day. I'd start off with a Gin and tonic, and then switch to straight tonic without the gin. That way, I kept my wits about me while others were slipping into the usual cocktail party fog.

Different strokes.

PoindexterOglethorpe

(25,746 posts)
21. I am not surprised that you prefer the tall, weaker drink.
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 01:01 PM
Oct 2020

And what's nice, is you can seem to be participating in alcohol consumption without being hassled by idiots.

My brother has some kind of club soda, splash of cranberry juice, and lime concoction for when he doesn't want to consume anything stronger. Reasonably flavorful and looks interesting.

Bobstandard

(1,279 posts)
30. The important part is the lime
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 01:29 PM
Oct 2020

Wards off scurvy. Lime and the quinine in the tonic Qualifies the G & T as a health drink

Delmette2.0

(4,143 posts)
40. Aquavit ! Norwegian?
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 03:22 PM
Oct 2020

Like most most hard liquors it's an acquired taste or is it genetic? The only people I know who like Aquavit are Norwegians like me.

yellowdogintexas

(22,119 posts)
56. I like it even without liquor! Tonic is so refreshing with that twist of lime
Sun Oct 18, 2020, 02:51 AM
Oct 2020

I used to take it with me to parties; my first drink would be a G & T but after that I'd just have the straight tonic - in a large glass. Folks did not know I was drinking a soft drink of course and one guy couldn't believe how well I could hold my liquor! LOL

Zorro

(15,691 posts)
48. I like to mix tonic water with different juices
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 09:00 PM
Oct 2020

Cranberry and cherry in particular, and occasionally grapefruit or pineapple.

Adds a refreshing zest to the drink.

Totally Tunsie

(10,885 posts)
51. Actually, from a "Household Hints" perspective,
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 09:27 PM
Oct 2020

pouring tonic water on a blood or urine stain in carpeting will bubble and raise the substance so that it can be blotted up for removal.

Drinking it is more fun, though.

catchnrelease

(1,942 posts)
55. Use as a stain remover!
Sun Oct 18, 2020, 12:44 AM
Oct 2020

Like club soda, tonic water can be used to remove stains. And it will glow in the dark under black light, so maybe use for Halloween deco, lol.

UpInArms

(51,252 posts)
16. You were so much nicer than I would have been ...
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 12:31 PM
Oct 2020

My response is usually along the lines of, if you don’t like the mask, you will hate the ventilator.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
22. Normally, I don't say anything at all, and simply avoid
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 01:03 PM
Oct 2020

the unmasked spreaders. Today, though, that unmasked guy and his timid, unmasked wife put me in a mood. So, I asked the dude where is mask was. His response was bullshit, so I called him on it. Normally, I don't beard the bears, though. I don't see a lot of point to it, really. It doesn't change their behavior, so it's not really useful.

Once in a while, though, I speak up.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
27. Your response isn't confrontational, really.
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 01:18 PM
Oct 2020

Saying "bullshit!" is more confrontational, and was deliberately so.

I'm normally a non-confrontational person, but sometimes slip into that mode. I used to do so more often, but at age 75, I seem to have mellowed somewhat.

pandr32

(11,447 posts)
17. This is why we can't get the pandemic under control
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 12:38 PM
Oct 2020

Masks are mandatory the few places I go but I see many not wearing them properly or wearing those useless neck gators or a loose bandana. Too many kids without masks altogether, as well, and they can really spread a virus around.
The virus has been spiking here.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
20. Yes. You're right.
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 01:00 PM
Oct 2020

My solution is maintaining distance from others, which is why I shop early when the store is less crowded. Still, masks are a useful thing, so I hope to see everyone wearing them, as an indication that they understand the need for caution.

I try to limit my exposure to others as my attempt to avoid getting COVID-19.

Mr. Ected

(9,670 posts)
24. We might as well concede that there are as many fools in the world as there are geniuses
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 01:10 PM
Oct 2020

My ratios may be off.

I wear a mask to protect myself from them. I know that's not how it works, but it's all I can do.

If they choose not to protect themselves, that is ultimately going to be their problem. If they infect someone else not wearing a mask, that may in the long run be known as evolution.

If they infect someone who is otherwise protecting themselves, if that was provable in a court of law, they would be guilty of manslaughter at the least. Since it's likely not provable, they are dangerous fools, much like a drunk driver. We can legislate and we can punish, but we can't fix stupid and we can't be safe from them ever.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
25. Well, on today's trip, I saw only those two people
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 01:16 PM
Oct 2020

who were unmasked. People in the neighborhood of the store I frequent appear to be taking precautions, at least at that hour of the day on Saturday.

Mr. Ected

(9,670 posts)
29. I always think of Minnesota as more of a Democratic stronghold
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 01:22 PM
Oct 2020

As opposed to, say, Georgia, where I'm domiciled.

Here, especially in rural northeast GA, the maskers vs. non-maskers have to be close to 50/50, by my observation. I see young people protecting themselves and older folks not, not as a rule but in a general sense.

I haven't verbally assailed anyone yet, but I've really zinged some pompous jerks with sharpened mental arrows.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
35. The Twin Cities are a Democratic stronghold.
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 01:59 PM
Oct 2020

However, in rural areas of Minnesota, there are plenty of right-wingers. Even in the suburbs, you'll find them as well.

SWBTATTReg

(21,859 posts)
26. Amazing that these idiots seem to think that they're impressing people by not wearing masks, ...
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 01:17 PM
Oct 2020

socially distancing themselves, etc. when in reality, all they are doing is making themselves look really stupid to everybody else plus they are signaling clearly to others that they don't care about anybody else. Thing is, karma has a way of biting back, and thus, if they gripe later on about something or want something, no one is going to lift a hand to help them what-so-ever. I wouldn't.

Thanks for the story this Sat. a.m. I do enjoy your little stories, you do have a way w/ words, I can see why this was your field of work (I'm assuming)...the skill to write effectively is one I think that is needed more in the 'real world' as I think people get too lazy via texting and stuff, and fewer people actually write an actual letter and actually mail it.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
28. Thanks for your reply.
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 01:21 PM
Oct 2020

I'm sad to see writing becoming used well less often. I did make my living from writing, and still do to some extent. I love language, and always have.

orleans

(33,987 posts)
32. i got that same line from a thirty something about a month ago
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 01:53 PM
Oct 2020

inside a wine shop that had just opened. she either worked there or owned the place.

my obviously pregnant daughter wanted to go in and look around (for future reference) and struck up a socially distant conversation with this woman. we were all wearing masks.

i was getting nervous about being inside this little store so i stepped outside for about sixty seconds (hoping to give my daughter the hint of "let's get the fuck out of here" )

when i went back inside this bitch had her mask under her chin and my daughter had moved back away from her by several steps. they were still talking!

i interrupted the conversation and said: "would you please put your mask back on"
she said: "i have asthma"
i said: "so do i. and my daughter's pregnant, so put your mask back on"
she did. grudgingly.

in retrospect i thought i should have asked her if she needed a hit from my inhaler.

i love what you said. wish i would have said that too. i was just so pissed off--i couldn't even see straight.

vapor2

(1,215 posts)
34. Was going to suggest to avoid these crazy people
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 01:57 PM
Oct 2020

but then I saw this lady the other day. She wore a mask but then approached the pharmacist at Target and pulled her mask down below her chin. She chatted with the pharmacist for at least 10 minutes and when she turned around I motioned to her to pull her mask up. She did and rolled her eyes but not in a malicious way, just thinking she forgot.

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
36. See, I don't understand why she had to pull her mask down
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 02:03 PM
Oct 2020

to talk to the pharmacist. I'm sure he or she would have heard the customer just fine. The whole point of the mask is for situations where you are interacting with someone. Pulling her mask down was a stupid move that probably indicates that she doesn't understand the reason for masks in the first place.

Tommymac

(7,263 posts)
39. I see elderly people do this all the time.
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 03:01 PM
Oct 2020

For the life of me I cannot understand it. They wear it up until they are within mere feet of the cashier, pharmacist, whomever.

The they pull it down to talk.

I'm in my 60's - I guess just don't understand people.

AZ8theist

(5,339 posts)
47. Football coaches are doing the same thing....
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 08:56 PM
Oct 2020

They pull their masks down to yell at the refs thus defeating the purpose of the mask.

It's infuriating sometimes. But Biden is 100% correct. We can't fix the economy until we get control of the virus.

byronius

(7,369 posts)
37. I had the exact same experience on a bus, but he didn't have any excuse at all.
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 02:42 PM
Oct 2020

More mental illness than cultual statement, I think.

wnylib

(21,146 posts)
38. Last week a cashier at the checkout
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 02:45 PM
Oct 2020

where I was had her nose uncovered, which is the same as not wearing a mask at all. I politely asked her to please cover her nose while she checked out my items. She said that she couldn't because then she can't breathe. She had a surgical mask, same as me. I said that I have asthma and I manage to breathe ok with a mask on.

Then she said it was uncomfortable. I said she would feel a lot more uncomfortable on a ventilator.

She finally pulled up the mask, but pulled it down again immediately after finishing my order. As I left, I heard the guy behind me making the same request of her that I had made. I considered suggesting that she find a job where she wouldn't deal with the public if mask wearing bothers her, but decided to just drop it and left.

Sherman A1

(38,958 posts)
57. That is where you speak to management or contact
Sun Oct 18, 2020, 06:11 AM
Oct 2020

The corporate office. The workplace is not a democracy, you do what you are told and follow policy or you go home.

wnylib

(21,146 posts)
59. That might have worked at that store,
Sun Oct 18, 2020, 07:09 AM
Oct 2020

depending on which manager was on duty at the time. At some stores in my community, the managers themselves are lax and indifferent about masks. I try to avoid those stores. Maybe I should let the local managers or corporate offices know that they are losing customers due to their attitudes.

Sherman A1

(38,958 posts)
60. Most definitely contact corporate offices
Sun Oct 18, 2020, 07:21 AM
Oct 2020

With your complaints and contact the local managers. I would also suggest using Facebook pages of the company to make your displeasure known.

panader0

(25,816 posts)
41. I have gotten into several "discussions" about lack of masks at the stores.
Sat Oct 17, 2020, 03:32 PM
Oct 2020

It doesn't do much good except make me feel better. Jeannie says I'm going to get myself shot.
One guy, with two pistols and a large hunting knife had no mask. I asked him if he knew pistols couldn't
kill the virus. Jeannie grabbed my arm and pulled me away.
I have run out of shits to give.

jimlup

(7,968 posts)
58. Careful with the gin...
Sun Oct 18, 2020, 07:09 AM
Oct 2020

I had a pretty smacking headache after the 1st debate. I regretted the white wine that I over indulged in and even wondered why I hadn't just waited for the debate summaries the next day.

Cheers!

 

Dem forever

(79 posts)
61. No need to enter a grocery store
Sun Oct 18, 2020, 08:58 AM
Oct 2020

We haven’t been in a Publix or Kroger in 8 months. We pick up and my wife hits the rear door that automatically opens . Or Publix store delivers to our home. When we travel in our motorhome we can’t get delivery. But even though SC is a red state Hilton Head island has a mandatory mask policy. Every grocery store people wear mask. We stay out of restaurants and only do take out. 218,000 deaths and the cult can’t think for themselves

lark

(23,003 posts)
64. Happy Sunday Mineral Man.
Sun Oct 18, 2020, 11:16 AM
Oct 2020

I stocked up like you did and for the same reason. The last shitshow made me so hyper and mad I had a difficult time sleeping. My relief, however, is Indica, the stronger the better. One of the local dispensaries turned up with some strong Indica Friday so I stocked up to survive the next yell fest. I wish it would be cancelled for the good of our country, but drummpf thinks it makes him look tough so he won't back out of this one and I think it will make the Wallace version look good if they don't use a mic muter.

Actually, I'm debating not watching this time or if it's the same or worse, just turning it off.

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