I'm outside a local bakery, standing in line with others - 2 meters apart.
I'm in the mood for French flavors. But I'm not downtown. So this European-inspired bakery will have to do.
The bakery allows 4 customers in at a time. Hence the line up. When it's my turn to head inside, I'm hit with the smell of fresh baked goodies the moment I walk in. It's also a feast for my eyes - so many options, colours and things to try. I look at everything.
One of the girls behind the counter asks if I need help. I tell her I'm having a hard time deciding what to get.
She points to one of the daily specials - a 6 inch baked cheesecake toppled with fresh berries. Local raspberries, strawberries and blueberries on top of one another in a happy pile. There's 1 cake left. Nearly sold out.
She also points to the fridge where a row of no-bake cheesecakes sit patiently and alluringly behind closed glass doors. The cakes are topped with a thin layer of lemon curd.
I ask her which one is more popular along with other questions. As she explains, a woman - who happens to be the owner - joins in with answers of her own. When they finish, I still can't decide.
I end up buying both cheesecakes, along with two other items made in Canada.
The girl rings everything up. It comes to total of $78 (cnd). I whip out my credit card.
Back in the car, I finish the rest of a latte I ordered that morning from a local coffee roaster chain. Their coffee is oh so smooth. With the affects of Covid, the founders closed all their Toronto locations recently. The Vancouver locations stay open luckily.
I make a point to support them as often as I can.
I press a button to start the car. The drive to the Greek restaurant is quick. Take out only. Food is ready at the pick up window.
The smell of roast lamb and lamb chops makes me realize how hungry I am. I pay $98 (cnd), grab the large paper bags and head back to the car.
I text X, Y and Z to let them know I'm on my way back to the house. I give them a heads up I need help bringing in the food. They're really good about helping me.
Including indulging in whatever I want to eat. You see - I've been having trouble maintaining weight. I even resorted to having cheesecake or French pastries for breakfast.
Not my usual style. But I need the calories. Anything to help my appetite.