I’m probably way overthinking this whole plastic bag ban, but here’s my plan to deal with the strictest-in-the-nation ban that starts Wednesday: First, I switched to a shopper-style handbag from the crossbody style I’d been carrying, making it easier to stash quick purchases. (OK maybe that was an excuse to buy a new handbag, but whatever -- my Wawa stopped giving out plastic bags a week or so ago, and it’s easier to stash a bottle of Diet Green Tea and a soft pretzel, or a quart of half-and-half and a pack of Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews in the new bag. So, I call that a win.) Next, I’m keeping a big bag o’ bags in my car for trips to supermarkets and department stores - one large, waxed canvas shopper bag filled with more bags. There’s a couple of freezer bags for cold stuff, two cloth bags from Target, and a hank of pre-owned plastic bags for quick stuff and doggie pit-stops. Like I said, I’m probably way overthinking the whole thing, but I’m willing to be over-prepared. We receive so many bags, in so many contexts, for so many things, I think it’ll take all of us a little bit of adjustment. Do I expect to forget to bring the bags with me, or to put them back in the car after bringing groceries into the house? Absolutely. Like I said, it’s going to take some adjustment, especially when so many New Jerseyans still say they don’t know enough about the ban. If you still have questions, don’t worry -- we have answers, and some been there, done that advice from our Larry Higgs, who’s been shopping without plastic bags in his Hudson County town for a few years now. Do you have a plan to deal with the plastic bag ban, or are you going to wing it? Drop me an email and let me know! Also this week, they made the crossing, Queen Latifah in the house, no confidence in Clark, new boards on the walk, and another view of first-day weed: CROSSING HISTORY: When George Washington made his historic crossing of the Delaware in 1776, Black and Indigenous seamen were part of the voyage. One lawmaker is seeking a monument to them. ALL HAIL THE QUEEN: Dana Owens of Newark -- that’s Queen Latifah to you -- was in the neighborhood last week breaking ground on a new development. It’ll feature both market-rate and affordable apartments, plus space for medical offices and nonprofits. Nice! NO CONFIDENCE: Clark cops are fed up with their racism-spouting mayor, and voted no confidence in Sal Bonaccourso. The union representing a majority of Clark officers said the mayor “has no place in a position of leadership nor elected office.” NEW BOARDS: A six-month project to restore and replank a stretch of the world’s greatest boardwalk -- that’s Wildwood, kids -- is nearing completion. Get a drone’s eye view of the work, which should be done for Memorial Day weekend. FIRST-DAY THOUGHTS: Last week I took you along on my first-day legal weed buying adventure. Now it’s our Cannabis Life reporter’s turn. Check out Gabby Warren’s take on the day-one madness and the mixed feelings she had. Finally, you’ll need to be a subscriber to enjoy Tim Hawk’s gorgeous feature “The keeper above the sea,” about 94-year-old Buddy Grover, but I promise it’s worth it. Grover, a volunteer at the Absecon Light House, climbs the 228 steps to the top of the light at least once a week. He calls the weekly trek “my salvation,” and Tim’s photos really bring his story to life. Talk about a Jersey landmark! Until next week, friends! | 