A Winter Tradition

This morning we were supposed to drive down to south Jersey for brunch with our friend Richie.  I admit that in my holiday haze I had not checked the weather. Thankfully, I checked Facebook before getting out of bed this morning; because it was posts about snow storms and changing travel plans that made me check the forecast.

Of course, our plans changed.  Instead of driving to Hazlet, we drove to ShopRite.

I admit that I don't know how far this phenomenon extends. But here in New Jersey, if so much as a dusting of snow is expected, people will rush to the supermarket for bread and milk. If you are expecting a blizzard, you get this...

At 10:44 AM, the parking lot was packed. Note that, at this time, there are only a few flakes on the ground.

© 2010 Cristina Kollet

Of course, we went straight for the milk, knowing that's the first thing to go.

© 2010 Cristina Kollet

After that, we did the rest of our shopping, taking our time because the store was packed.

I have to say that people were in good spirits. Often these supermarket runs are full of irritated people who seem surprised that they aren't the only ones running out for supplies. Instead, there were a lot of "excuse me" conversations. I saw a lot of understanding smiles exchanged. Perhaps it was the remains of the post-holiday buzz. 

I only saw one guy leading his son towards the exit — empty-handed and complaining that "this" was going to drive him crazy.

Finally it came time to get on the checkout line. It took me several minutes to find the end of the line. I finally took my place here.

© 2010 Cristina Kollet

The line soon stretched out behind me.

© 2010 Cristina Kollet

And in front of me, it wound around the corner...

© 2010 Cristina Kollet

and led to this.

© 2010 Cristina Kollet

By the time I got my milk to the register it was after noon.

© 2010 Cristina Kollet

The snowstorm had begun. 

© 2010 Cristina Kollet