Saturday, April 18th, 2020

I might as well start today's post focusing on the fun news.  This afternoon I was able to take Nolan fishing at a small pond in Somerset.  We only stayed for around 30 to 40 minutes (because someone gets bored quickly), but in that time we did manage to catch and release 4 bluegill.  Nolan even helped reel each of the fish in!  It was nice just to get out of the house a little, since we've been cooped up quite a bit recently. 

Our family has also been trying our best to support local businesses.  Yesterday we got takeout from Brick City Grill, and we also bought a few beers from Torrent Brewing Company. 

I thought I would also give an update on the number of COVID-19 cases in the state, since it's surprising how much they have changed in the last week since my previous blog post.  As of today, there have been 2,513 people test positive in Iowa, including 74 deaths.  There were 181 new cases just today in the state.  A week ago there were 1,510 cases in Iowa, with 34 deaths.  So in a week the total cases in the state has increased by over 1,000, and the death total has more than doubled.  Crazy.

As for the country as a whole, 701,610 people have been confirmed to have COVID-19, while 37,055 people in the USA have died from it. 

Saturday, April 11th, 2020

So, wow.  A lot has changed in this world since my last blog post.  It was a month ago today that Nolan last had school (March 11th), and that will likely be his last day of first grade.  Due to the new coronavirus and COVID-19, the world as we know it has came to a screeching halt.   Elizabeth has not been working from her office since March 13th.  It's a good thing that she has been able to work from home during that time.  As of now, I am still going into the office, but my hours have been reduced to working only 3 days a week.  When I first enter my building my temperature is taken, and I am screened for any COVID-19 symptoms.  All gatherings of over 10 people are cancelled.  Restaurants and bars are all closed, although some places still offer takeout.  All sports have been cancelled, which included my favorite sporting event of the year... March Madness. 

As of today in Iowa, there have been 1,510 positive cases of COVID-19, with 122 of those new cases just today.  A total of 34 Iowans have died from the virus.  As of this afternoon, a total of 20,229 people in the United States have died.  Millions of people across the country are out of work.  It's hard to find any news story that is not related to COVID-19.  People are advised to stay at least 6 feet away from others.  Just going grocery shopping has been a big deal.  There was a rush on toilet paper, and it's been hard to find it recently in stores.  We try to only go to the grocery store once a week or less now. 

The price of gas in Ames today is $1.79 at most places.  I actually heard a report of gas just under $1.00 somewhere in Missouri this week. 

My family has definitely been feeling cabin fever recently.  The boys have a hard time being cooped up in the house all day.  We take them for walks, but even the playground equipment at the parks are closed, so we just have to stay on the trails.  The highlight of today was just ordering takeout from Pizza Pit.  Elizabeth and I have been trying to support some local restaurants as best as we can.  For my birthday I ordered some brisket from Cornbred BBQ. 

Cheese pizza for the kids.

Sausage and onions for me :)