Pandemic, Week 72 (Homeland)

This week hearings began for the January 6th Select Committee with testimony from four police officers regarding their experience during the insurrection. The Senate voted to move ahead on its $1.2 trillion, bipartisan infrastructure deal. The Department of Justice turned over notes to the House Oversight Committee investigating Trump's efforts to overturn the election, regarding a call with the former President where he pressured senior officials to declare the election "corrupt." GOAT gymnast Simone Biles pulled out of the Olympics gymnastic team finals due to mental health concerns after a fall in the qualifying round – the women's team went on to win Silver. In the final hours before the MLB deadline, the Washington Nationals traded 2019 World Series Champions Max Scherzer, Daniel Hudson, Trea Turner, and Yan Gomes, as well as Josh Harrison, Jon Lester, Kyle Schwarber, and Brad Hand (Owen is fairly crushed). 

The world reached 198.5 million cases and 4.2 million deaths; the US reached 35.7 million cases and 629,000 deaths. Vaccinations in the US increased this week in response to cases and hospitalizations rising: 191 million people (58 percent) have now received at least one dose of the vaccine and 164 million people (50 percent) are now fully vaccinated. The CDC issued new guidance stating that vaccinated people should wear masks in indoor public spaces where transmission rates of COVID are high – which currently includes roughly 1,500 counties in the US and every county in the states of Arkansas, Florida and Louisiana. President Biden announced that all federal workers will need to show proof of vaccination or be subject to regular testing (similar requirements were announced in New York City and California).

Meanwhile, we were happily ensconced in our Iowa bubble. On Sunday, the Fawcetts hosted a Hootenanny at the pond which involved high dives (Grandpa Z defended his record as oldest jumper), wagon rides, corn, cousins, s'mores, a campfire, lanterns, Owen breaking out his cello for Minuet, Dick Fawcett breaking out his guitar for Hallelujah, and a number of neighbors requesting a cappella renditions of various funeral dirges (plus, You are My Sunshine). Monday, Allen went up to the pond early to see Ken and Kent awarded the 2021 Iowa Conservation Farmer(s) of the Year Award (and use of a John Deere tractor for one year!). Tuesday, we dined al fresco at the Iowa River Power Restaurant to celebrate Grandma and Grandpa Z's anniversary. Wednesday, we met up with the Mettenburgs (who had been visiting Joe's parents in Mount Pleasant) for an afternoon of swimming in the pond. Thursday, after an extremely long day at work, we headed up to the pond for a happy hour (which we thought was going to be a dinner) and then headed back to Grandma and Grandpa Z's to pack for the long drive back to DC before heading to the beach.

This was a bit of a tragedy, as it meant that we didn't get to attend Corn Fest 2021 and that Allen couldn't reclaim his title in the corn-eating contest from Thomas (who then won again this year – and got a commemorative cup for his prize!).  Fortunately, Allen has a whole year to train for 2022...

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