Milk, Bread and Eggs?

Yes, it’s winter. Yes, it’s snowing. It’s the second storm in as many weeks in the Northeast.

I’m no weather expert but me thinks it’s going to be a long, cold and snowy winter.

I missed the brunt of the first storm we had at the end of 2010. Instead, I was trying to get home by plane. The day started with a cancellation leading into stand-by and delays and ultimately being rerouted into an alternate airport. It was a journey by plane, train, taxis and subway. Due to the amount of snow we received, I was able to thoroughly enjoy (note: sarcasm) the residual mess left by the storm. I know that I was one of the lucky ones because even though I my flight had been cancelled, delayed and rerouted, I still got home on the same day I had originally planned.

Snowstorms in the city don’t come without: the slush pools several inches deep around street corners making streets a mess to manage, the plow jobs that make the sidewalks walkable for single file only and dirty snow (it’s only pretty as it falls – once it hits the ground, all bets are off).

No problem. I’ve been there (drenched), I’ve done that (stepped in the slush pool in inappropriate footwear) and with that comes wisdom. I know that there are two goals: keep warm and stay dry. I have my parka and (super awesomely warm and weatherproof) L.L. Bean winter boots for that.

I get that preparation is key; however, what will never cease to amaze me is the insanity at the supermarket in anticipation of a storm.

Granted, I do not have a car. But as long as my legs work, and I am willing to brave the yellow snow, I can get any necessity I need at the local supermarket, drugstore or liquor store. In fact, where I live, I can pretty much get anything delivered. And I mean anything (tp, laundry detergent and of course, pizza).

I understand that many people who do not live within walking distance, or have delivery services at their beck and call, may flock to their local supermarket for binge buying, to stock up for a storm that may, or may not, come to fruition.

I realize there are necessities one needs that they may not have on hand, should it be the blizzard of the century, and I know the timing isn’t the greatest if you are running low on diapers, medications or baby food. But these are not the shoppers I am referring to.

For the shoppers I am referring to, I have just two questions.

1- How long do people expect to get stuck? Even if they are truly stuck, doesn’t everyone have the stuff in the back of their pantry that they don’t want to eat but is there, and not expired, should they need it? I don’t keep a fully stocked pantry and fridge in my house and I am certain if I got stuck for even <gasp> a week, I’d still be alive. Alive AND thinner. The food I have may not be my first choice, but I certainly wouldn’t be gnawing off my arm for nourishment. I’ll live. I promise.

2 – Why, why, WHY are milk, eggs and bread the first items to be emptied off the shelves? Are people so desperate for omelettes and toast during a storm? Give me ice cream, potato chips and wine, and I am certain that I’d be a happy (albeit, not healthy) camper.

Finally, no matter how you travel, please do it safely.