Essential item...you be the judge.

My wife just got back from the lockdowned Walmart SuperStore in Kemptville. She told me a story I have to share to punctuate the silliness.

She picked up the 3 bags/ bag of 1%....and she grabbed a new plastic jug/pitcher. Puppy chewed the old one.

She gets to the cash and the bar code on the pitcher wouldn't scan...it was an item deemed 'not essential' ...she looks at the lady and said "so how do you pour your milk out of the plastic bag without the pitcher".

"Sorry someone above my pay grade made that decision" she responds...couldn't sell it to her. HaHa.

Further contributing to our state of Mental Health...and on this of all weeks :)

Oh there's a lot of craziness going on.

Story 1 ... I'm at a gas station, asking for some redwood cigars ... he walks down to the left side of his counter. I follow him on the other side. He gets upset at me, because I didn't stay where the pay point is and I'm not following "COVID RULES" ... I'm like WTF??? THE WHOLE COUNTER HAS PLEXIGLASS ACROSS IT as in there is no difference in risk where I'm standing, actually maybe even a higher risk at the pay point because there are open areas in the plexiglass. I'm like dude, I'm still on the other side of the plexiglass, and just want to look at the flavors you have to save you from the back and forth in case I don't want them. He insists until I go back to the pay point, he will not show me the cigars through the plexiglass ... and to top it all off, I have candy bars, chips, earphones, etc. all around me for sale ... so it's okay to stand there to get an item to buy, but not to look through the plexiglass at cigars.

Story 2 ... I'm at Home Depot in their garden center. I've got like 25 items, plants, fertilizer, etc. Cashier says move forward your buggy and then step back, pointing to an area that's probably 15 ft from the buggy (like it was absurdly far), and she was doing it to everyone. So I do that, and step back. I can see her picking up plants, scanning them ... then I thought she picked up the same plants again and double charged me ... so I take one step closer to try and count the number of items in the cart ... I'm still like 12 ft away (far). She yells at me ... sir, please step back, I'll be finished in a second. I step back to 15 ft away. When she is done, she goes back behind her plexiglass, and I then finish the item count quickly, and she verifies she has the same number of items as I counted .... good. So then after all that, I pay, and SHE HANDS ME THE RECIEPT, even touching my hand in the process, skin to skin ... AFTER ALL THAT, I'm like WTF did you make me stand 15 feet away for?!!??

People have lost all common sense.

to classify something essential is all about perception......for instance if you do not have a can opener they become pretty essential rather quickly. Same goes for lightbulbs, spatula, strainer, or any other object one takes for granted especially when you no longer have one. Now someone trying to buy a video game is clearly not essential. Too bad society cannot play between the low water mark and the high water mark without someone there to tell them what is common sense.

lol, yet i called basspro the other day and they had 2 turkey chokes ready for me to go pick up 5 minutes later, had a little table outside and i paid right there and went turkey hunting right after.


weird world we live in right now. i dont mind tho. i barley went out when covid wasnt here LOL.

Costco a few minutes ago. Pool salt bags available. Everything else roped off. Picked up a couple of bags.
Usual shopping crowd in all food aisles. Hardware not available.
Clerks with carts still peddling products here and there.

One thing of note. The pharmacy had an area setup in past weeks with chairs and barriers for people waiting to get a covid jab. It has all been removed. Ghost town there now.

Simply amazing how the virus is so sophisticated it knows the difference between a food and hardware aisle.

I don't object to the rules as much as the inconsistency even among outlets in the same corporation. The LCBO for example. Some have carry baskets, others carts only. Some want your purchases placed on the front of the counter, back of the counter in others, one wanted the bottles passed through the small opening in the plexiglass. Pick a lane.

Buddy wanted to buy a ball for his dog not allowed. Flower pots where ok

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Originally Posted by js4fn

Buddy wanted to buy a ball for his dog not allowed. Flower pots where ok

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But you couldn't buy the soil lol. Had to cross over the yellow tape to check out the soil . Didn't have what I was looking for lol.

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Lots of nonsense, and lots of power hungry ppl became powerhouses overnight.

As for inconsistency-thumbs down
As for them not able to sell many things -what Mom and Pop shops also can not sell -thumbs up.
As for allowing Amazon to become filthy rich-thumbs down

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Originally Posted by fishfood

But you couldn't buy the soil lol. Had to cross over the yellow tape to check out the soil . Didn't have what I was looking for lol.

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All the garden centres are OPEN..have been since the lockdown began....soil: 5/$10 (25lbs bags) at the Indepentant Garden Centre.

..my wife made me load 24 bags into her SUV. :)

It seems the large retailers e.g. Walmart and Costco who were held up as bad examples previously are going overboard. My local grocery store is still selling kitchenware including milk pitchers and similar items.

I ripped the crotch on my last 3 pairs of jeans. Do I go to work in my underwear now? That's the annoying thing. You take for granted being able to get the items you need without having to plan ahead. I've learned a few lessons over the past year that's for sure!

So my Best Friend is pretty much a Hermit and since Covid he has been working from home. He actually looks like a hermit as well these days, he told me all he wore all winter were his coveralls. He went to Walmart to get his groceries and since he had no clothes left for summer he thought he would buy some. He said clothes are considered not essential so he's not sure now if he should go shopping in his underwear he actually has no pants, shorts, shirts and is running out of socks and underwear.

These rules of what is essential are made provincially, by ford and the cons. not the feds. Why ignore that point? Or even bring the duly elected federal government into the post. Trying to stir things up? Sounds like an attempt to change the focus of the original post.

It sounds like things are a lot tighter up there compared to here - I can buy anything I want - just have to wear a mask when shopping - cashier has a Plexiglas shield in front of her - most stores have curb service - you place an order over the internet - they fill the order and send an email to tell you it is ready - you go to the store and park in a designated area - call into the store and they bring out your order and load it for you

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Originally Posted by greatwhite

Hey when are the Vaccines that Trudeau promised in March and April? Did he Lie, as they never showed up.

Is there a reason why Trudeau has never once in his life told the truth or is it natural for Liberals to lie through their life?

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Another one. Never miss a chance to flip the thread to what you want to talk about.. Stay focused. A milk jug is not essential. Who does not have a container at home to put liquid in? Or use curb pick up.

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Originally Posted by JoePa

It sounds like things are a lot tighter up there compared to here - I can buy anything I want - just have to wear a mask when shopping - cashier has a Plexiglas shield in front of her - most stores have curb service - you place an order over the internet - they fill the order and send an email to tell you it is ready - you go to the store and park in a designated area - call into the store and they bring out your order and load it for you

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This is how we've been doing things up until the most recent restrictions.

Fishcan, you're back! Did you get banished for the last couple of weeks?

Insulting comments are deemed to be inflammatory , unnecessary and are not allowed. Play by the rules.

Insulting and calling fellow members names, is verboten. Please play by the forum rules.

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Originally Posted by MikePal

All the garden centres are OPEN..have been since the lockdown began....soil: 5/$10 (25lbs bags) at the Indepentant Garden Centre.

..my wife made me load 24 bags into her SUV. :)

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The ones around here had all the feed in the soil feeds 6 to 9 months I don't want any of that. I like to feed on my own schedule, anything that can be harvested within a few months would still have chems in it. Paid 8 bucks a bag only 2 bags but it was crap so I found some better stuff at zehers. Walmart stuff was off limits .


You can order anything online at certain places clothes shoes what ever .


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Originally Posted by fishermccann

Yup. I guess those that complain about 'snowflakes', went all 'snowflake ' themselves. Ironic isn't it. lol.

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Did you actually get a forum timeout? Even though I rarely agree with your ideology and find some posts annoying i think it is definitely a stretch to say you are offensive or insulting. I would even say it tends to boring without you around to stir things up a little. Can't leave all the heavy lifting to Gilroy alone.

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Originally Posted by fishfood

The ones around here had all the feed in the soil feeds 6 to 9 months I don't want any of that. I like to feed on my own schedule, anything that can be harvested within a few months would still have chems in it. Paid 8 bucks a bag only 2 bags but it was crap so I found some better stuff at zehers. Walmart stuff was off limits .


You can order anything online at certain places clothes shoes what ever .


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Hi fishfood-You are saying things about the soil i would like to not know .....could You please elaborate more.
I think You were talking about"manufacturing"bagged garden soil our such.......am i right?

lol im not 100% sure where you guys are shopping but, you can order anything and go pick it up at curbside... i work at home depot, the garden center is open to the public, but you cannot come into the store. everything is done online, we go to pick the orders and set them up infornt of the store once theyre staged to be picked up a email is sent out to the customer, when the customer arrives they park in a designated parking spot call the store and a runner will come out with your items and either help load your truck if needed or let you load it. same with amazon or anything else, ive ordered a bunch of stuff from amazon, theyre behind right now because a couple fo their fulfillment centers were closed down. but they are still shipping anything you order. im waiting for a scope and some pants. same with basspro, i commented earlier you just call them they get your order ready and you go and pick it up. if anything this is way more convent for me lol, i dont have to walk around the store looking for what i need, none the less being upsold or tempted to buy things you walk past. to each their own i guess.

An example: my only toilet started leaking like crazy, I didn't have the parts to fix it on hand. Home hardware curbside is so backed up that it takes up to 10 business days to fulfill an order. Ordering online is backlogged and takes 2-3 days from most retailers. A simple problem is now magnified. Not the end of the world, but certainly not ideal especially when still working full time (during regular business hours of a lot of supply stores) I now have to drive to a different town, wait a few days without a toilet, take time off work, or hire someone.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dean.f

An example: my only toilet started leaking like crazy, I didn't have the parts to fix it on hand. Home hardware curbside is so backed up that it takes up to 10 business days to fulfill an order. Ordering online is backlogged and takes 2-3 days from most retailers. A simple problem is now magnified. Not the end of the world, but certainly not ideal especially when still working full time (during regular business hours of a lot of supply stores) I now have to drive to a different town, wait a few days without a toilet, take time off work, or hire someone.

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yes i hear that, one of the major reasons for that at home depot anyways, was the day i think last week when rogers went down for the better part of the day. no orders were coming through and we couldnt get any orders out cause our phones lines were down and so was the internet. which caused a huge back log of orders that were waiting to go out and waiting to come in which resulted in a surplus of orders printing all at once.

deff hear what your saying tho. we are in the process of renovating our washroom so its taking longer than we originally thought with the same issues your having, if you try to look for a smaller retailer that will do curbside you might have luck there.

I ordered something from C. Tire yesterday morning, got an email early afternoon saying it was ready for pickup. 10 minutes in the car waiting after I got there and it was loaded into my car for me. Easy peasy.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dean.f

An example: my only toilet started leaking like crazy, I didn't have the parts to fix it on hand. Home hardware curbside is so backed up that it takes up to 10 business days to fulfill an order.

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Our local Home H/W store set up an area just inside their door. A clerk comes forward, you tell him what your looking for and he scurries off to find some samples and brings them to you. Pick what you need, there's a Interact pad on the table and out you go.

All within lockdown guidelines and works for the elderly in the community that don't do 'on-line'.

Well, I prefer in store shopping as your only best served but by yourself.
Part time clerks have steered me wrong too many times. I enjoy hardware stores with bulk bins so that I can pick and chose what is required for my project. I like handling power tools and comparing between them for price and features. So many times another handyman has come forward in an aisle to provide their opinion which is always graciously received.

Most of all I miss the human interaction and if this is what the never ending lockdowns and Great Reset is all about they can take it and shove it where the sun don't shine.

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Originally Posted by impact

Most of all I miss the human interaction and if this is what the never ending lockdowns and Great Reset is all about they can take it and shove it where the sun don't shine.

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Way back during the first quasi lockdown, when everyone was a little more wary...my friends wife, who works in the Hunting Store section in CT, told me the staff was getting really perturbed with the public that would come into the store and just wander around. They weren't looking for anything in particular "just shopping".

The staff was upset that they were putting 'their' health at risk coming to work to serve 'essential' shopping requirements and some people were there just because they were bored and it was something to do.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gbk

Hi fishfood-You are saying things about the soil i would like to not know .....could You please elaborate more.
I think You were talking about"manufacturing"bagged garden soil our such.......am i right?

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They had skids of the miracle grow soil feed up to 6 months. Then another kind up to 9 months.

I just stay away from fertilized soils as I add my own and flush out 3 weeks before harvest . If its added to the soil it's still talking in the nutrients when I'm watering at the end.

https://www.miraclegro.com/en-ca/pro...ro-potting-mix


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Originally Posted by MikePal

Way back during the first quasi lockdown, when everyone was a little more wary...my friends wife, who works in the Hunting Store section in CT, told me the staff was getting really perturbed with the public that would come into the store and just wander around. They weren't looking for anything in particular "just shopping".

The staff was upset that they were putting 'their' health at risk coming to work to serve 'essential' shopping requirements and some people were there just because they were bored and it was something to do.

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this^

alot of people apparently stopped coming to work when people are allowed in store. another fun fact. they tell you to stay home if you might be sick. but you wont get sick pay unless you are sick with covid.

so here comes the issue.

do you go to work with a symptom? to get paid.



dont go to work with symptom (no sick days left)

go to doctor ( dont have covid) dont get sick pay lose days of pay and work

go to doctor (have covid) get sick pay


OR

go to work with symptom

(get paid ) potentially have covid and spread it

(dont have covid) get paid

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Originally Posted by MikePal

some people were there just because they were bored and it was something to do.

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Reminds me when I go camping. People are continuously heading into town or the nearest village for this or that.
They get restless and have to move to relieve boredom.
Same thing where I live in a rural area. Neighbours are constantly heading into town for this or that.
Catering only works in a finite amount IMHO. People like to explore, go on vacations and shopping.
Look how well souvenir shops do in resort areas. It sustains a modest way of life for many.

Me and the Mrs. have been using on-line ordering and home delivery with great success,in most cases,with free delivery from Can Tire and Home Depot. The pick-up system sucks. I gave up on that nonsense after getting to the PU area,trying a few times to use the text number only to be put on hold or "press 1 for customer service" or "press 2 to speak with an associate" only to be put on hold for another 10 minutes. No more. It's home delivery or nothing from now on.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Me and the Mrs. have been using on-line ordering and home delivery with great success,in most cases,with free delivery from Can Tire and Home Depot. The pick-up system sucks. I gave up on that nonsense after getting to the PU area,trying a few times to use the text number only to be put on hold or "press 1 for customer service" or "press 2 to speak with an associate" only to be put on hold for another 10 minutes. No more. It's home delivery or nothing from now on.

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For the items I use on a regular basis I gave up on Depot and Lowes and opened an account at an electrical distributor and one at a lumber supplier that handles contractors. I can call in my order at Graybar or Robertson Electric leave my house and go to pick it up. For smaller items (case of boxes or a coil of BX) I can just show up the counter and pick it up and go.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by impact

Well, I prefer in store shopping as your only best served but by yourself.
Part time clerks have steered me wrong too many times. I enjoy hardware stores with bulk bins so that I can pick and chose what is required for my project. I like handling power tools and comparing between them for price and features. So many times another handyman has come forward in an aisle to provide their opinion which is always graciously received.

Most of all I miss the human interaction and if this is what the never ending lockdowns and Great Reset is all about they can take it and shove it where the sun don't shine.

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How long can they keep up this destruction of small business?
Censorship is next.

I prefer in store shopping for some things like groceries, building supplies some things I will order online

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Badenoch

I don't object to the rules as much as the inconsistency even among outlets in the same corporation. The LCBO for example. Some have carry baskets, others carts only. Some want your purchases placed on the front of the counter, back of the counter in others, one wanted the bottles passed through the small opening in the plexiglass. Pick a lane.

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Exactly. The inconsistencies are what are driving me nuts. They even wanted to stop fishing/hunting back in March 2020, but it's okay to go to a Walmart or McDonalds. Just idiotic rules.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dean.f

I ripped the crotch on my last 3 pairs of jeans. Do I go to work in my underwear now? That's the annoying thing. You take for granted being able to get the items you need without having to plan ahead. I've learned a few lessons over the past year that's for sure!

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Amazon ... lol.

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Originally Posted by MarkB

Amazon ... lol.

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You can buy it from Amazon but not down isle 6 of the store your not aloud in.
Big tech take over. Welcome to the new norm.

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Originally Posted by canadaman30

You can buy it from Amazon but but not in Isle 6 of the store your not aloud in.
Big tech take over. Welcome to the new norm.

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I was actually going to add to my post ... I guess Walmart isn't big enough anymore ... lol.

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Originally Posted by MarkB

I was actually going to add to my post ... I guess Walmart isn't big enough anymore ... lol.

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Walmarts are not closed

I've bought clothes on-line from Mark's and Cabela's. Mark's shipped very quickly. Cabela's were slower but the goods arrived in less than two weeks. Both have good return policies.

Here, up north, things are a bit less stressed. I'm in a rural area with a choice of 2 Home Hdwr's, a Timber Mart and 2 grocery stores and best of all, 2 LCBO's. The grocery is a piece of cake. Walk in, grab a cart and off you go. Rarely a line up. Liquor, the same. I was at HH twice this week picking up garden supplies and a few on sale items. Called the store to put my order in, hopped in the truck and made the 10 minute drive. Lady met me at the door with the items, paid and away I went. Easier than going in myself!
In all honesty, the wife and myself have not been put out what so ever by this lockdown. She works as a secretary at a high school and with no students, the atmosphere is nice n quiet and she enjoys the casual dress when going to work. Nothing really, has changed negatively for either of us.

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Originally Posted by canadaman30

Walmarts are not closed

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They are here in Canada for essential products. They've been reduced to grocery stores only.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bushmoose

Here, up north, things are a bit less stressed.

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Our rural area is the same BM.. ...folks still stand around in parking lots chating with a Tim's in hand. Seniors can run thru the grocery stores at 7:00am and nary see another shopper. You can pull up to the front of the store that is in lockdown, pull out the phone, tell them what you need, give them your Credit card number and some young guy comes out and puts it in the car.

It's actually been, all round, not that inconvenient for day to day life.

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Originally Posted by MarkB

They are here in Canada for essential products. They've been reduced to grocery stores only.

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Indeed they are. They flourished through the first and second wave though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fishfood

They had skids of the miracle grow soil feed up to 6 months. Then another kind up to 9 months.

I just stay away from fertilized soils as I add my own and flush out 3 weeks before harvest . If its added to the soil it's still talking in the nutrients when I'm watering at the end.

https://www.miraclegro.com/en-ca/pro...ro-potting-mix


Sent from my CLT-L04 using Tapatalk

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Thank You fishfood

So hire a plumber and get the job done correctly..whats so hard about that?

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Originally Posted by grumpygeezer

So hire a plumber and get the job done correctly..whats so hard about that?

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How about it costs $125 just to have him ring your door bell...:)

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Originally Posted by grumpygeezer

So hire a plumber and get the job done correctly..whats so hard about that?

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Why hire a stranger who has a 90% chance of being a hack and risk bringing covid into the house?, Meanwhile take a day off work to let him inside or pay a premium for after hours service, if I had your money I'd throw mine away! I think I'll take my chances with my own work. Nothing is hard about any of it, we're just discussing the inconvenience of the rules that seem to target things that aren't causing the spread of Covid.