WHERE does the time go??? I just checked to see when I last posted, and it was August 12th. I know I’ve been busy, but nothing special has been going on.
I have a friend in exercise class who is going blind. He’s had the opportunity to take instruction at Hines V.A. hospital to learn how to get around, and how to take care of himself. At the moment, he lives with his mother, and both of them are in the exercise class. David needed someone to take him to the Farmer’s Market, so two weeks ago, I picked him up, and we went to the market I usually visit.
He can see enough to move through crowds, but I didn’t think he could determine all the varieties of fruits and veggies on the tables, so I kept up a running commentary, directing him to vendors whom I thought were better choices. He used his folding cane to check out the ground, and people gave him a little room.
I helped to carry our finds, putting the heavier things like cantaloupe in my bag, so the delicate things, like tomatoes, wouldn’t get squished. We re-bagged things when we got back to the car, and then went on to breakfast.
He needed to pick up half a dozen things at the store, so we stopped at a Meijer’s on the way home. He had never been to one, so I steered him through the store.
Last weekend, Dave called, and asked if I could give him a hand again, with the grocery shopping. The woman who normally volunteers for this duty had a conflict. Since I wanted to pick up a few things, I said, “Yes!”
This time, we went to the Farmer’s Market in our own town. I was surprised to find it was totally acceptable. I’d attended it once when it was held in a different location, and it seemed there was an abundance of jewelry and kitch. This time there was a lot of variety in fruits and veggies, with just a few non-food booths thrown in. I’m really glad we gave it a try.
We stopped at Panera for breakfast and then headed on to Woodman’s, a MONSTER grocery store. Dave shops there regularly, so he could direct me to the aisles where we would find the things on his list. As we walked through the veggie department, people who were in a hurry were practically bowling him over, so I asked him to get his cane out. I thought if he “advertized” that he couldn’t see, they might give him a little respect, and I was right. Better he use the cane than have to call for a ride because I was arrested for decking some snotty shopper!
Soooo….I should have called Dave earlier today, but I was happily buried in my quilting and I let the time get away from me. I plan to go to the Farmer’s Market early, and I want to see if he needs to go too. I sent him an e-mail tonight. I’ll break the 8:00 rule on the phone, and call him before I leave Saturday, to see if he needs to shop.
I’ve enjoyed the time with him more than I would have guessed.