Pandemic, Week 21 (Life's a Beach)

This week a massive explosion in Beirut killed over 150 people, though whether it was an accident or an attack is still unclear. The New York Attorney General filed a lawsuit to dissolve the NRA, alleging it violates laws governing non-profits.  The President issued an Executive Order (which may not be be legal) that cut the payroll tax and offered $300 per week in supplemental unemployment benefits if states chipped in $100 (down from $600 per week). On Friday evening, 23 postal executives were either reassigned or displaced and states were informed that the cost of mailing ballots to voters would increase from the bulk rate of 20 cents each to the first class rate of 55 cents each, a 175 percent increase.

The world hit a total of 19.8 million COVID-19 cases and 730,000 deaths. Meanwhile the U.S. reported 5.2 million cases (including the governor of Ohio) and 165,000 deaths. A student in Georgia was suspended for posting a picture of a crowded school hallway with students not donning masks. The suspension was later reversed while 9 people from the school tested positive and one Georgia school districted had 250 people quarantined after one week of classes.

We were largely unaware of these developments, however, having headed to the Outer Banks for our annual beach trip. It was a fitting 2020 vacation in that it involved a hurricane (thanks Isaias), jellyfish, sea nettles, lots of rain and cold water all of which led Nora to conclude, "The ocean is trying to kill me!" There was also a little too much imbibing, a spontaneously shattering sliding door, and issues with the chair service.

And yet, it was still a really, really good trip.

Nora flew a plane (with Don's son Jeff prepared to take over whenever needed)! Piggy and Owen's fleece got to experience weightlessness as Jeff performed a parabolic flight (Allen, Owen and Nora did too). There were games, a 40th birthday celebration, cocktails and beach time and despite the jellyfish and sea nettles, floating time (even Grandpa Fawcett got in). There was bocce ball on the beach (Nora tied for second place) and a 1/2 marathon (only Katherine participated in that one). 

There was Duck Donuts, homemade ice cream, cookies and pie, and a lot of sandwiches. And while we didn't get around to our annual sandcastle contest (due to rain delays and an inconveniently timed high tide), we did get to "surf the flamingo" for which Katherine, Lee, Owen and Nora all received points (and Allen tried really, really hard).

All of which culminated in Lee winning this year's Pelican Cup (with Nora coming in a close second). 

It was so nice to experience one of our summer traditions in a manner that resembled previous years. And while we're sad that we have to back to work this week (and the kids are starting their "summer bridge" remotely at their new schools), it was a great way to end the summer.

Now we just have to quarantine for two weeks.

(To see all the pictures, click here.)