The title is also the title of a spectacular JD Souther song that is always appropriate when the surf is rocky, but even more these days….youtube it and give it a listen.

Today, Abbey THE dog started barking furiously at 5:30 AM, likely some sort of critter parade outside that she both saw and picked up the scent (she has an incredible “nose” ). Rousted out of a good sleep as I was, I decided to use that rude awakening to my advantage and head to Stew’s for the senior hour shopping (kicks off at 6AM). After taking her out, filling her food, I got my mask, my gloves and headed out. I arrived right around 6:05 AM and it was gloriously empty. There were a few cars, and a few shoppers but no line, and even with gloves and a mask a healthy (no pun intended) amount of sanitary wipes to take care of the cart and to keep with me to wipe down containers and non perishables as I moved quickly through the store.  Everyone was very polite, keeping space and waiting for folks to finish picking up their items before moving to the same items or moving past them. Even the deli counter was cutting the cold cuts freshly!!  The store was fully stocked (all but a whole roasting chicken that I can’t seem to find for the life of me). Eggs, check, meat, check, veggies, check, cheese, check, a massive bottle of hand sanitizer, CHECK, mile, check (of course, it’s Stew’s for crying out loud), they even had toilet paper, though we don’t need any at this point so I moved quickly past it. The check out was easy, the cashier (who let us remember, is putting herself on the line along with the other folks working at the store daily for US) efficient and incredibly helpful (I bagged my own since I brought the reusable bags in with me (that has now become a firm habit). Less than 1/2 hour from arrival to departure. It was so a throwback to the regular 7 am run I used to make pre “this” that I found not only the little victory (I got everything I went for and then some) but for a brief, shining moment the world did not seem upside down.  I came home, put things away and began my day with a new (albeit I’m sure temporary) outlook. Had breakfast, avoided the news, and just now took Abbey THE dog out for a long walk (we even jogged 1/4 mile together, I’m trying to train her to do that…talk about a fool’s errand if there’s anyone else around.

“Now as we face our uncertain future
Looking on uncharted seas
We see the tear that runs along the curtain
You step right through, you stand with me..

“Little victories
I know you need one
Little victories of the heart”