Actually got some sleep last night, but still did not feel great, though my throat was not as sore. I was in dilemma as to whether to fill the prescription the doctor at the hospital had given me, saying I could get better by myself or could continue to have different or compounding symptoms. My concern of course was getting worse and then not feeling well enough to fly home on Saturday as I had hoped. If I were at home there would be no question, but I’m not, so I decided to get it filled.

I walked the two blocks to the Drugmart pharmacy feeling like an alien. I wore my mask and made it a point to walk as far from people as I could. Most people here are friendly and I got lots of hellos and I mumbled hello back through the mask as I swerved to avoid them. When I got to the pharmacy order counter I was in a sweat and I must have looked like a nervous bank robber with a mask and sweat pouring down forehead, and it was a cool morning. When I handed the woman my prescription I felt guilty because she knew with it was for, and what condition I probably had. I must have looked like the poster picture of someone with Covid. Sorry she said, only our University store has this. Dang, that means having to call my friendly cab companies.

I walked back to the hotel and called from the lobby to give myself time to cool down. Surprisingly the first call got me a cab in a few minutes. Luckily I had my mask on, and I sit in the back of course, but I was surprised I didn’t see a picture of me in the cab with a, “do not pick up” across it.

Same thing at the counter at the University store, but this time I was not sweating quite so profusely. The young woman looked me in the eyes, look at the prescription, and back to my eyes several times. Ok, I’ve got Covid, I admit it, so don’t give me that troublesome look. She said it would be about fifteen minutes and politely told me I’d have to wait in my car. Looking at the waiting room chairs spaced at least six feet apart, I said, “I don’t have a car!” Well, I’m sorry sir, but you’ll have to wait outside and we will bring this out to you.

Band from the store I walked outside into the hot morning sun, with no shade or place to shit, just asphalt, and I’m not feeling well! Oh, shoot, I forgot I brought my shopping bag and I was going to buy lots of fluids to keep hydrated like the doctor recommended. But will that lady see me and then yell me to get out? So in I go, into the drink section throwing liter cartons of juice, coconut waters, and other drinks into my bag, all the time looking over my shoulder waiting to hear a whistle blowing and hearing someone yell for me to get out of the store!

I have to say by the time I got to the check out I was sweaty, I mean sweating profusely. Awkward feeling talking to a nice clerk and sweat is pouring off your forehead.

Out the door and a sense of relief. But wait, I forgot the doctor and nurse said to take Tylenol, along with ibuprofen, to reduce the fever, and I was in such a hurry I forgot to get it. Gad, do I dare go back in for a second time? Ok, I’ve got to have it, so in I go, but where is it? No clerk to ask, so up and down the isle looking, but trying to avoid the back counter or that young lady will catch me and yell at me. Ah, I found it, don’t shop quantity and price, just grab one and get out of there! So back to the checkout and sweatier than before, but the clerk didn’t notice because she was too busy flirting with a nice looking young clerk behind her.

I went back out in the hot sun with the only shade was a small spot behind a pillar near the side of the front door, next to a large round trash can. With no place to sit, and rather weak, I leaned on the trash can so I could pear through the glass to make sure I didn’t miss the clerk bringing my stuff out. I was there for over twenty minutes and all the people going in and out must of thought I was the local homeless man, looking disheveled and really sweaty, and leaning on the trash can hoping for a handout. As it turned out, the actual pharmacist came out to give me the prescription and give me instructions. He was, like most islanders, very friendly, and gave me some good advice.

Back to the hotel in another cab with another older driver that told me all about life. My goal after this outing is to spend the next two days in bed and really giving my body some rest and just watching movies. I ordered dinner from a local Indian restaurant and had it delivered.

I was fortunate to get another night in my room because a cancellation, which was a big relief so I didn’t have to move again, if I could even find a place. I was also able to change my return flight with Air Canada to this Saturday, so I will hopefully be home by 4:45 pm! I am hoping too that I will feel a little better for the flight home, but if I’m, I know rest at home will really help.

Best wishes to all, and keep me in your good thoughts,

Ted

If you haven’t already, please donate to my Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day fundraiser. I am sorry to those of you that have already donated now that I have cancelled my walk. I hope you understand why.

Donation link: http://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=15144&pg=personal&px=16504635

Please excuse the typos, spelling errors, and grammar, because I am still sick!