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My wife, Suzie, is currently visiting her dad in Spain. This means I’m fending for myself, and I’ve found myself venturing into the local supermarket for essential supplies – like fruit and nut chocolate, my little indulgence! While wandering the aisles, I made an observation that got me thinking….. again!
Morning shopping, I’ve discovered, is a real delight. There are no crowds, just a quiet hum, and I even had time to chat with the checkout operator, who seemed far more relaxed than during busier periods. The shoppers at that hour appear to be a mix of young mothers and, shall we say, those of a more mature nature – a surprisingly peaceful crowd.
This has been a lovely, unexpected benefit of being retired. I’m hoping to uncover many more little surprises like this! In fact, I’m thinking of visiting the local museum mid-morning next week to see if it’s as peaceful.
When my wife was stuck in China during the pandemic and sleep wouldn’t come, I discovered the peaceful joys of food shopping at 2am.
Thank you for sharing this peaceful moment.
If you haven’t already, I hope you’ll explore a local farmers market next. We’ve had the pleasure of chatting with a Hmong vegetable grower, a Mexican fruit vendor, a Ukrainian chocolatier, a Vietnamese baker, and a retired couple selling homemade jams. These simple, wholesome exchanges remind you of the richness of American life and the quiet promise of our country at its best!
Good article. My wife and I like to hike. We definitely plan our hikes with the typical work week schedule in mind. National Parks particularly, but really any nice outdoor setting is much more pleasant during off times rather than weekends and holidays. Ditto for things like shopping. These days, weekends are when we plan to stay home and catch up on things around the house rather than contend with the crowds.
As I have written before we do the same as you. During the summer weekly we look at the forecast for the upcoming coming week and pick the best workday to head out. This week in New Engladese is going to be a “scorcha” or “wicked hot”. Tomorrow looks like a tolerable day despite the humidity. 91 at the house, but only 77 at the beach 30 miles away due to the sea breeze. At 61 degrees the water is starting to get warm. Better get there by 10 though as it’s going to be crowded.
Also true for travel. No reason to join the crowds if you don’t have kids in school.
Agreed. Particularly true if traveling to a foreign country (especially one below the equator where the seasons are reversed). But even in the USA one needs to be mindful of variations in local school schedules or local college schedules for spring break or summer recess.
Anytime during the weekdays suits us. Evening and weekend shopping should be reserved for people with jobs. The worker bees don’t want to be behind a bunch of slow moving old retired folks anyway.
When I go depends on my mood. Going to the big box hardware store is a mid-week afternoon. No crowds, no restocking crunch. Staff is available. Same with the grocery. But when I want cheap entertainment, the people of Walmart are there, anytime.
I find mid-afternoon works as well, and you don’t have to get going early.
Kathy, I suppose that would be Afternoon Delight.
+1 Most weekdays I aim for the afternoon hour after lunch and before start of school dismissals. Our main grocer has small stores so shopping when it’s quiet is sweet indeed.
Definitely a plus of being retired. Chris.
Is that Nutella of which you speak.
I like that as well, but no it’s a block chocolate filled with whole roasted almonds and raisins…. very moorish!
My local grocery store opens at 6am. I can be there at 6am on a weekday, get my stuff and be home again by 6:30. Perfect!