Hey, it's Laura. You know what moment I returned to over and over again since last season of the podcast?

Those truly glorious few weeks when COVID case numbers were down and vaccination rates were up.

A time when it seemed like we were getting the hang of living in this pandemic, as well as could be expected.

I spent most of 2020 too distracted

to date. There was a lot going on. So when HotVex summer showed up in 2021, I got back out there.

I reveled. I relaxed. But it didn't last. Now to what is becoming a way too familiar headline, cases of coronavirus are surging.

State health officials say the Delta variant is responsible for the vast majority of recent infections.

Yeah, you know, you're not the only one to feel this way.

Many scientists I speak to are like, you know, when is this going to stop or at least slow down. But I'm here with some good news.

Now here we are a couple of variants later, and things seem more uncertain than ever.

It's discouraging.

It's frustrating.

But instead of feeling blue, I'm thankful for the reminder of the biggest lessons from Walkdown.

Deeply treasure every single moment you're able to spend with family and friends.

And meet new people when you can, while you can.

It's a weeknight at an outdoor recreation center about two and a half miles from my house.

There's a pool, tennis courts, and there are four additional courts devoted exclusively to pickleball.

16 people are playing and about a dozen others are waiting their turn.

Pickleball is a mashup of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.

It's reportedly the fastest growing sport in the U.S. and not just among older people.

I think it's because it's so much fun.

There's skill and strategy involved, but that big plastic ball with holes,

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