Park Life

Had originally planned to go out this morning ahead of the forecast thunderstorms this afternoon. In the event, it actually started raining mid morning but faired up again after lunch.
Didn’t look like any big storm clouds on the horizon so chanced a walk down into town to visit a “non-essential” shop for the first time in over three months. Went into a couple - both fairly empty and Perspex screens at the till and markings on the floor the only real signs that things were different now. Did go past two others where staff were wearing full face visors and physical barriers were in place to prevent you entering the store. As they were both mobile phone shops, I’m wondering what extra risks are involved in retailing that particular product. Probably the fact that you have to be in their presence for some time whilst they try and tie you up in expensive contracts and unnecessary “extras”, thus giving more opportunity for the virus to be passed around. Whatever, they may need to fine tune their approach as I found it all very off putting and slightly intimidating. The total lack of customers even stopping to look in the windows suggests I’m not the only one to feel this way.
Grabbed a couple of iced drinks for on the way home. Family of seven in front of me but only one person per household allowed in. After a big discussion over who wanted what, mother goes in to order and then everyone else just stood in the doorway!!
I just stood there and waited until, reluctantly, they moved slightly to one side to let me through. I still didn’t move, just stared pointedly at the “keep 2m apart” notice until they finally got the message and moved the correct distance away from the door. Don’t really think they got it though as five minutes later they were to be observed standing in a wide circle blocking the pavement, forcing people who wanted to get past to walk in the road.
Took our drinks to the park where, as you can see, social distancing definitely not a problem. Never mind two metres, it was more like twenty metres between everyone.
Weather has remained dry for the rest of the day but storms forecast again tomorrow.