Tales From Costco #13

There was no line to get into my local Costco yesterday and not much of one to check out even though I think they removed a few cashier stations so they could move the remaining ones farther apart. No free samples, of course…but they had plenty of hand sanitizer, masks, toilet paper and paper towels for sale. The last time I was there, which was in March, they didn't have the first two and they were rationing the last two. I didn't need any of those things then or yesterday but yesterday, they were totally out of two vital things on my shopping list.

So that was a disappointment and as I left, I thought there was another one: No funny anecdote to share here. But then outside as I paused to take a cell call, I began watching a man eat a Costco-sized slice of pizza with his mask on (see this tweet).  And as I ended the call but continued to watch the slice-eater, a lady stopped to ask where she could get a mask like mine.  I told her and she said, "You know, I don't like this whole mask thing but I suppose it's necessary."

I said, "Only if you care about silly little things like survival."  She chuckled and I added, "I don't think it's such a big deal to wear them."

She replied, "Oh, I don't mind wearing one.  I just don't like everyone else wearing them.  I like to recognize celebrities on the street and with everyone wearing masks, it's awfully hard.  Two days ago in Beverly Hills, I think I saw Martin Sheen but with the mask, you can't be sure."

Just then, someone walked by wearing not a mask but one of those transparent face shields.  She pointed to him and said, "See?  They oughta make celebrities wear those."  I thought that was silly but I also thought it might be easier to eat a slice of pizza with one of those on.