Greetings from the US epicenter
I left my house for the first time this week, took the Legacy GT down to the independent tax place and dropped off my taxes, felt that VF52 Turbo spool and that SPT exhaust roar with the sunroof open on a mild warm, almost Spring day. Then I stopped by the craft beer store on the way home. The owner was there and was actually working the counter. There was a small table by the door with a box of gloves and some hand sanitizer with a sign saying 'no entry past this point without either'. I donned some gloves and after we talked about how this thing was affecting businesses, how to go about things for the next phase and still support local businesses, curbside pick-up options and so on. I genuinely liked him. seemed more concerned for his employees and hasn't laid anyone off yet and will try like hell to keep that from happening despite dwindling income.
After a candid discussion about the state of things he said "some day when this is all over, you and I will have to share a pint."
Then I grabbed some things, Crowlers were 20% off so I picked up 'To Dream' by Revision, another can of Fanzine for good measure, 'Compare' by Narrows brewing, and Trap Door's Lighten Up. Keep in mind I'm fully stocked on beer and I'm not drinking at the moment due to the Naxproxen and Flexural l I'm on stemming from being T-boned on Feb 28th by lady that ran a red light. It honestly was the least I could do. Then I called up a friend, told him about it and he's going to stop by the store on his way home tonight to pick up a crowler and some things, the selection was very good.
Support those mom and pop businesses whatever way you can right now, it's what will get them through this thing, Screw the chains, they'll be fine. support each other, one thing I do know is that we're better when we work together, We can smash this thing in the mouth while still preserving some things.