Pandemic, Week 99 (99 Problems but Allen's Birthday Ain't One)

This week the U.S. conducted a raid in Syria that killed the leader of ISIS. Recovered documents indicate that Donald Trump wanted Homeland Security to seize voting machines six weeks after he lost the 2020 election while telling attendees at a rally that if reelected he would pardon those prosecuted for the January 6th Insurrection. The EPA plans to reassert its authority to restrict mercury emissions from coal-burning power plants. The Washington football team announced its new name, the Commanders. The New York Times purchased the free on-line word game Wordle. Quarterback Tom Brady announced his retirement from the NFL at age 44. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day, suggesting six more weeks of winter.

The world reached 394.1 million COVID cases and 5.8 million deaths this week, of which the US accounted for 78.0 million cases and 926,000 deaths. 251 million Americans (76 percent) have received at least one vaccine dose and 213 million (64 percent) are fully vaccinated. While there are signs the pressure from Omicron is starting to ease, COVID related labor shortages resulted in New Mexico bringing in the National Guard to work as substitute teachers.

Our work on John's bedroom continued this week, with even Mom Mom helping out. But while John's bedroom was looking better, John himself was feeling a bit rough, having aggravated his back from a fall a few weeks earlier. Even with a new mattress – which doesn't have a hump in the middle – John was having trouble sleeping and was in a fair amount of pain, so he headed up to Katherine's to see an orthopedist and start some PT while the rest of us finished his room. We're hoping to trade-in Duck for John's return later this week.

The rest of the week was spent celebrating Allen's birthday. After last year's socially distant celebrations, it was nice to be able to meet up with Brad & Marlo for a drink before having a lovely meal at Del Mar on the actual day. Then on Saturday, we all gathered at Mom Mom & Grandpa Don's for Don & Nora's escargot (well, maybe not everyone gathered for those) and some amazing brined/smoked/grilled tomahawk pork chops courtesy of Katherine & Lee. After presents and a few too many glasses of wine, we headed back to Katherine's to enjoy the Olympics, and maybe a few more drinks.

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