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As I turned off the alarm, my mind went through this checklist: What day is it? Why did I set my alarm? What am I supposed to do?" And then it hit me.Senior hours at Costco!!!! I sprang from the bed like a shot of caffeine.

Since all of the craziness began, the essential stores are trying to work with the public by providing safety rules and procedures. There are wipes for your grocery cart, hand sanitizer upon entering and exiting, and marking X's on the sidewalk so we are six feet apart.

A few stores like HEB and Costco are offering Senior Hours or even free delivery for those of a certain age, so we don't have to fight the crowds and risk not getting our necessities. Boo and I had set our alarms, and talked about our strategy.

"Let's hit the Kleenex first. I heard that runs out fast."

Armed with a list, bottle of water and hand sanitizer, we drove full speed to Costco.

I have to admit it was exhilarating. The thought that we would get in before the throngs of families and small children was promising. We envisioned a peaceful, leisurely stroll through the aisles, during our early bird hour of shopping. (8-9 a.m.)

"I hope they don't card me," Boo popped off. "I look so young and spry."

"You're safe," I said. "But, just in case, bring your ID."

We were in a great mood, anticipating the best, when we turned into the drive leading to Costco.

We were 30 minutes early, ready to be the 1st in line, when I heard Boo say, "Oh, Hell no!" And I saw the line.

Hundreds of senior citizens in various stages of masks, gloves and sunglasses, were in a line snaking twice around the outside of the store. What time did these folks get here?

If we were 30 minutes early, they must have camped out the night before, like waiting for concert tickets.

The patrons had diligently left six feet space between themselves and most seemed happy and chatted with their neighbors in line. Instantly, I thought about bathroom emergencies. I bet some of these people had on Depends merely as a precaution for the long wait. (note to self.)

Amazingly there were still a few parking spaces far, far away, which made me wonder if these people had taken a shuttle to Costco or had drivers drop them off. There was no way we would have made it into the store during the one hour time slot. Sadly, senior hours did not happen for us.

Boo went on a short rant about bogus seniors in line and the possibilities that we may never have Kleenex again, so we drove by two more HEB's in our neighborhood and after assessing the lines, just went home.

We vowed to make ourselves eat whatever we had left in the house, which meant the things I like and he doesn't: quinoa, spinach and roasted red pepper hummus. We practiced social distancing as we walked in the neighborhood and up to the mailbox. It all worked out.

I have a new appreciation, though, for my senior citizen status. We're tough. You have to get up pretty early in the day to get past us and I can see that Boo and I have a lot to learn as we compete with the other seniors. Stay prepared! Be flexible in a crisis and plan ahead! We'll be ready next time!!

- Nancy Malcolm

Nancy Malcolm is a true Southern woman, who believes in the Southern way. Like, its never too soon to write a thank you note; everyone should own a deviled egg plate; and good manners often take you where neither education nor money can. And she definitely believes no one ever outgrows the need for a mother's love. To see more of her writing, go tosittinuglysistahs.wordpress.comandsoulspeak2016.wordpress.com.