Pandemic Week 114: The Return of the Big Jam

Lori, Anna & Lori's brother at the Big Jam
 After a 2-year hiatus, the Vienna Jammers returned to a live performance!  Not only was it a live performance, but it was at the new Capital One Hall with special guest Bakithi Kumalo, a Grammy winning bass player.  Anna had a great experience at the venue, including practicing with Bakithi and enjoying the green room for performers.  Theresa even got a moment on the big stage with the adult group, Jammers Gold.  The group only practices once a month and really can only play one song (and that is a struggle), BUT they still had fun playing for the crowd and with Bakithi.  The Vienna Jammers continues to be Anna's favorite activity (with school choir a close second).

In other news of the week:

  • Anna had her year-end choir concert on Thursday evening.  The year-end event featured several solos, including by most of the seniors.  Mrs. Latimer joined us for the show.  We didn't realize the final show/senior tribute is also the LONGEST show of the year.  It started at 6:30 and we left at 9.  There was definitely lots of talent to enjoy.
  • Both Theresa and Anna received close contact COVID notifications from work/school last week.  Theresa keeps ordering government COVID tests as it seems like someone always needs to take one.  Since both are fully vaccinated, this has meant extra masking for work and school.
  • Anna had her first lifeguard meeting on Saturday.  She is officially on the payroll.  The pool opens Memorial Day weekend.
  • Saturday and Sunday topped 90 degrees.  Perhaps this contributed to mood at the soccer game, which ended when one of the players from the other team scratched/punched one of the players on Anna's team.  No one was hurt, but this was the first time we ever experienced a fight at a girls' soccer game.  
  • Two major thunderstorms rolled through on Sunday evening.  Theresa had taken Storm for a walk, thinking the first storm was not until later (several other neighbors had the same idea and were walking their dogs).  Halfway into the walk, it began to pour.  Fortunately, Theresa was able to stop at a neighbor's house for shelter until it passed.  Joe was going to pick her up, until it started to hail.

Anna is in the homestretch of school with lots of assignments due this week and next.  Fingers crossed she can get everything in AND remain COVID-free.  The challenge is real.



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