Ventured out to the watch repair shop

[spooky3]

We are in Phase I of reopening and I have two watches needing battery replacement and a new one needing bracelet links removed. This type of service was deemed nonessential and could reopen only after last Friday. So, complete with my mask and gloves, I took my stuff to the shop today.

I told the owner I was happy to see him open again. He replied, “I am so happy to see YOU! It has been so hard to be closed so long. I was going crazy at home.” It made me wish I had more business to bring him.

Earlier I took a jacket to the dry cleaner, who was considered “essential” but had a steep drop in business. I let him yell at me for being messy and spilling something on the jacket. We had a laugh.

For those of us fortunate enough to be able to work from home with little risk, it’s good to remember how much better we have it than some others and that it’s hard for others not only economically but psychologically. If you can afford to and can do so safely, please take your business back to small business owners when you can. The watch shop is in a mall and probably 90 % of the stores are still closed, so you know the business badly wanted/needed to reopen, and you probably have some very similarly situated places near you.

[Skittles]

1. I too can safely work from home

and I am trying to support local businesses; for example, I get takeout from restaurants and when I pick up the food I tip the same as if I had dined in.

[spooky3]

2. That's great. Everything we can do helps. Nt

[Skittles]

3. I also encourage anyone who can to DONATE TO YOUR LOCAL FOOD BANK

lots of folk hurting out there and they really need the help

[spooky3]

4. Yes; have done this too. Nt

[Ohiogal]

7. We sent the local food bank

A portion of our stimulus check

[Throckmorton]

8. Yes, please do.

I have been bringing about $100.00 a week worth of food to the soup kitchen i volunteer at. Our daily meal volume is up by 250% since March 9th.

[Skittles]

9. when I received a phone message from my local food bank

I thought, wow, they've never done that before. I have always donated regularly but am stepping it up now.

[Throckmorton]

10. Thank you,

The need is so great, I have been volunteering for almost 20 years, and I have never seen such hunger.

Many of our visitors work in the underground economy, no checks for them.

Thank you again,

Throckmorton

[Boxerfan]

5. Tough business in the best of times. (IMHO)

I collect / work on older mechanical watches as a hobby. And trying to get my kids or their friends interested is a yawn-nope. Seems the phone has replaced the watch for a younger generation. Not all of 'em but a majority.

So I'm sure he's very thankful for your patronage.

[spooky3]

6. Thank you. The owner is probably in his 60s so

He may have had the same experience as you.

Apple watches have also made a dent, for those who wear watches. I love my Apple products, but maybe am too stubborn to replace my mechanical watches.