Pandemic, Week 6 (The Doldrums)

Worldwide there have now been 2.9 million COVID-19 cases with 203,000 deaths (the U.S. accounted for 961,000 cases and 54,000 deaths). Mitch McConnell suggested states file for bankruptcy rather than receive additional federal aid. The price of oil fell below zero as the country runs out of places to store it. 26.5 million people have filed for unemployment. Georgia eased it's "stay-at-home" order and opened barber shops, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors (among other establishments). There was talk about a resurgence of the virus in the fall and the U.S. having to essentially shutdown again then. Meanwhile, the President suggested scientist test injecting disinfectants into people to fight the virus (which prompted the makers of Lysol to issue a warning).

But for us, the week was mostly more of the same. We went to virtual Meeting and then watched Katherine's virtual garden tour. It rained a lot, so we had limited outings this week: Allen got a solo bike ride in on Sunday; on Wednesday Nora and I managed a short walk to mail a letter and Owen got in a brief bike ride; and then we were pretty much inside the rest of the week until a walk to Eastern Market on Saturday. We finished watching the Mandalorian. Kara sent us some delicious treats which we quickly devoured. We scored sufficiently badly in this week's pub quiz that we are now looking for a new pub. In case that doesn't happen, Allen purchased "a bar in a box."The kids had orchestra via Zoom (and also rehearsed independently in anticipation of recording their virtual concert). John got to drive to Harris Teeter in order to recycle some plastic bags. We made pretzels.

The kids are doing ok. Owen gave away his Stuart-Hobson uniform shirts (technically, he just threw on his floor -- I bagged them up, found a willing recipient and arranged pick-up). He's also upped his practicing as he attempts to learn, by ear, every musical number he has on his phone. Nora continued participating in "Zoom in a Week" and finally recorded, New Death City (rated PG-10) and made some new art (we're calling it, Pandemic). It's great that she has that and her regular classroom meetings, as the reality of the Pandemic is starting to get to her -- she's become very vocal in her objections to masks and washing hands. I'm not sure how much more of this she can handle.

Hopefully, at least 6-10 more weeks.

(To see all of this week's pictures, click here.)