Groupthink

Good morning!  It's mostly a long weekend here so Mr has the day "off". We may take the camper up to the college for a concert tonight.  That would involve boon docking somewhere close by.  Or we may just loaf around, IDK.   It was a night of really vivid dreams and the number 325 was very prominent in a lot of it. The question of what Marie Antoinette would put on her hotdog was also posed. I do not have an answer for that lol.  This weekend, as my mind was wandering to all kinds of places... I'll spare you details of how I arrived at the question and just ask.  What is the "Hill People Will Die On" issue that is distinctive to where you live?  For example, I know that folks in Philly have one of two cheesesteak places that they will stan and "fight you" if you prefer the other. In Boston, it's North End bakeries.  I am firmly behind Modern Pastry cannoli.  The classic Mike's is overrated, even though they manage to sell thousands a day...

  Good morning, GT. Happy Sunday! This has been a super chill weekend. Gave the dogs a bath (which they hated), and tried to get them to use the splash pad I bought. They were way too chicken and wouldn’t go near it. Total flop. I'll probably end up giving it to my neighbor. To add salt to the wound, while trying to get them to play in it I got bit by a mosquito and it picked the worst spot on my ankle. Itchy like crazy. Why is it always the ankle? Anyway, today I'm going to spend some time in the kitchen. I need to cook the pups their food for the week and I also want to do a bit of meal prep for me. I'm not sure what I'll make yet, but I want to clear out some freezer space so it'll likely include salmon or some sort of thin steak. Maybe braised steak with potatoes, onions and carrots. I haven't made that in awhile.  Oh, for those who wanted an update on the Factor meals. My grandma tried them for the week and I also tried a few to see if they were any good. T...

Happy Saturday night, friends! It's actually still late afternoon here & drizzling rain. It's really helped cool things down nicely. Things are stressful enough out there news wise & I hope your weekend is a safe space full of relaxation. We need time to recharge & chill out! What's up?

  Morning, GT, and welcome to the weekend. The heat is back in full effect after one day off. Man, I really enjoyed that one day of not-90s weather 😢. So, I'm going to yoga this morning, then it's the return of the after-nudie: Stripping down as much as possible, climbing into the guest room bed with all the lights off, all the curtains drawn, all the fans running, and movies and cold drinks. Tomorrow is supposed to be hotter and, thank goodness, I don't have anything planned.  How about you? What's up chez vous this weekend?   

 Fuck yeah it's Friday!   I'll be putting in some tomato plants today and then maybe taking the newlyweds to dinner. Aside from that, it's an any-old-kind of weekend coming up here.  I watched the menopause documentary "The M Factor" this week.  Fuck yeah to the professionals advocating for better understanding and care.  And fuck the very disheartening statistics about how our providers are (not) educated on this.  It's a really good watch for anyone, but especially if you have or had ovaries.   https://www.pbs.org/video/the-m-factor-shredding-the-silence-on-menopause-uwesx6/   I've had cake on my mind lately.  I think that my next project will involve passionfruit and peach. I just need to decide which will go where. I do love being inspired to play with flavors. Fuck yeah to when that happens! Fuck the Supreme Court conservatives and their continued aiding and abetting putting women at risk.  I hope they all get a painful ra...

  Hey, folks, how you doing?   It's another hot, rainy day here. Not the best combo. The stupid basement concrete guys were supposed to come out AGAIN today to seal up cracks they missed before (I swanee, y'all!), but won't be here until tomorrow. So, I have a day to myself, as I'd planned to be here while they worked. That's nice, at least!  What are you up to today? Is the heat breaking (broken) where you are? 

  Good morning, y'all! Sorry for the late post. I was just sitting around not realizing it's Wednesday, lol. Thanks again for all the happy birthdays! It was a nice day full of good food & I got to take a nap. 10/10.  What's happening?

Happy birthday, Al! I hope you have some fun planned for today. It's going to be another hot one here today, but maybe some rain in the middle of the day, and it's supposed to cool off a bit as the week goes on.

 Good morning! It's Monday and I am HOME!  We made it back in just under 12 hours.  I'm so very glad to be away from hometown, and the heat.  We ended up leaving the wedding early on Saturday.  Their AC was broken and it just got to be too much.   Today is going to be at least 50% resting.  I'm hoping that the newlyweds will wait another day before coming.  I am in no shape to get BIL's place ready yet.   How's your week looking?

Good morning, everyone. Happy Sunday!  I hope you all are having a relaxing and restful weekend. I’m heading out to brunch with the family today and I can’t wait to sip on a yummy cocktail and dive into one of my favorite meals. Spicy tuna crispy rice. Yum! Afterwards I want to treat myself to some ice cream. I’ve been craving a drumstick with caramel inside.  What are y’all up to today? Any fun plans? 

  Happy Saturday night, groupthink! How's your day been? It's five o'clock here & we're getting hammered by the heat. I'm pouring a glass of ice cold rosé & sitting down to contemplate what's for dinner. A banana split sounds excellent, but it’s looking more like salads. We do have peach ice cream, though.  What's up with you?

  Hey, GT, happy weekend! What are you up to today?  This morning, one of my besties and I have volunteer duty for a fun run. Our biggest job will be not melting. I'm bringing a cooler bag with ice, Gatorade, water, and dish towels I've soaked, frozen, and scented with some essential oils. Hopefully, that'll do it! If you think of anything else to help, let me know!  Anyway! How about you? Fun weekend plans? Is it melt your face off Fahrenheit where you are, too?

Good morning and Happy Friday!  I have done more socializing in a week than I've done in the last 6 months (at least).  I am tired and looking forward to the end of all this y'all. Today is pre-wedding mani-pedis with nibling.  We may grab some lunch if she has time.  Last night all the young 'uns gathered here for basketball and drinks before heading out for the bachelor party.  I've gotten to know a few of them over the years and it was so nice to get some"Hey auntie Phoebe!" hellos and hugs. Those boys have turned into some nice young men.  Fuck yeah to them. Fuck it's-  This heat is ridiculous and these allergies are disgusting.  Fuck all of that.  And for an oh-fuck, my hair is super damaged after last week's misadventure.  It's looking rough, literally.  I bought an expensive conditioner and a hair mask in the hopes of helping it some.   Fuck ICE shenanigans. Fuck my sister's stupid politics.  Fuck 47 forever an...

    Morning, y'all! It looks like lots of us will be getting a lot of heat over the next few (many? 😭) days. Whatever your plans, please stay hydrated, sun screened, and in the shade, as much as you can. So, what  are  you up to today?  I'm going to get out for a walk before it gets hot-hot, then I have therapy, and a baby nib visit. Tonight, we're having cowboy caviar for dinner, so no cooking's required. How about you? 

Good morning, friends! It's yet another stormy, dreary day outside, but I'm staying home to do laundry. My uncle is in Ohio visiting my aunt & I have a rare Wednesday off lunch, lol. I do love them, but obligations still feel that way sometimes. I'm feeling pretty much back to normal, too. :) How's it looking out there? 

  It's supposed to start out nice today, and then turn rainy. I don't have anywhere I have to be, so I'll stay put, and putter, I guess.

 Hello Monday!  We made it to the states and got a grad party and a wedding off the list this weekend.   The Boston Pride parade was long scheduled for Saturday.  I'm so proud that  protest organizers partnered with Pride organizers "In joyous defiance of a mad king." (Unofficially titled No Kings but Yaas Queen) I love everything about the message that partnering sends. Even this red leaning town had a decent sized demonstration. Anyway, the dog is out of sorts and we're still kind of beat. Today will be a visit to my parents and some catching up on errands and self care/maintenance.   What's going on with you?

 This is a long watch, but so worth it; Pod Cast America's Jon Favreau interviews political scientist Erica Chenoweth on the 3.5% threshold that we've been hearing so much about, and effective tools for moving forward.

  Happy Sunday & Happy Father’s Day! Whether you're spending it with family, or just enjoying a quiet day, I hope you're doing well and finding a little time to relax. I’m keeping it low-key today. My dad, brother and I will be doing a bit of grilling and watching some basketball. I need to hurry up and get out of bed so I can make the macaroni salad I was supposed to make last night. Whoops.  How’s your weekend going? Got anything fun planned for today?

  How was everybody's day? How did the protests go?

  Happy Saturday morning, groupthink! If you're protesting today, have fun & stay safe! It's good to see us gathering all over to send a message. Pal woke me up way too early but fed me breakfast so I can't be too mad about it, lol. We'll be heading out soon for our protest. Then, we're spending the rest of day with his folks. I'm told there will be chocolate cake. Excited! 😊 What's on your vagenda today?  PS--would anyone like to do tonight's SNS post? Lmk!

 Hi-ya gang! If all goes well, I'll be on the road when this goes up.  Traveling 12 hours across international borders in a camper on Friday the 13th--yikes! Fuck yeah to getting my hair repaired. Fuck yeah to finally having my list (mostly) done.  Fuck yeah to  everyone out there making their voices heard. The list of fuck its is long and is mostly about the goings on in the US.  Stay safe out there y'all. A minor fuck it is 2 weddings, a graduation party and Father's Day all in the space of a week.  I'm lucky to have such a clos family, sure but it's a lot mentally. I won't be able to respond but I'll be following along on my phone!  How's your Friday looking?

Good morning, groupthink! Here's some Sly & the Family Stone to kick off your day. RIP, Sly. ❤️ In other news, it's going to be rainy in DC on Saturday. Word! What are you guys doing? We're planning on swinging by the No Kings protest before we celebrate Father's Day early. All weekends should be 3 days! What's up? 

 Happy Wednesday folks.  My departure to the states has been delayed.  I forgot all about my hair.  It wasn't too bad so I figured I could touch up my own  roots.  This was not a good decision.  It kinda looks like this-- My hairdresser is fitting me in tomorrow morning to try and fix what I've done.  And I am walking around in here with a wide headband on, in case I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror.  Oh Phoebe,  you're over-reacting?  Oh Phoebe, you're being a bit dramatic?  Nay friends. My spouse literally dropped what he was holding and shouted "Oh my god!" when he saw me.   How's your Wednesday looking?  Comfort me with tales of that time in your life when mistakes were made?  

  I'm going to do away with header images since they take up too much room. This is from Teen Vogue https://www.teenvogue.com/story/ice-watch-programs-immigrants-how-to-start

The weather is going to be variable today, with some sun, some rain, but temps will be comfortable. How about where you are?

It's Sunday night and bestie just left. She stopped in on a whim and joined us for bacon & eggs. Summer here has its own easy rhythm that is absent from other seasons.  There will be lots of music and visitors and goings on around town.  Easy breezy. This week is about getting ready to hit the road. I have never been so underprepared for an event.  I just... don't care?  Ah well.  I'll get in the spirit once we arrive I suppose. What's going on with you guys?  Any summer events you're looking forward to?  Any summer events you're not looking forward to?   Lastly, shout out to this guy who is probably already a meme somewhere. “Tasted a little tear gas— tasted like fascism” pic.twitter.com/o7SLl4ZWnV — Acyn (@Acyn) June 8, 2025

  Good morning, GT. Happy Sunday!  I’m feeling a bit groggy this morning since I was startled awake by the dogs going crazy over an early morning delivery. I really wish Amazon would actually follow selected delivery time windows. Bleh. Anyway, it’s going to hopefully be a chill day for me. My plan is to watch some basketball, do a bit of meal prep and loaf around.  How about y’all? What are you up to today? 

Happy Saturday night, y'all! We're sticking with the lazy theme & settling in to watch Sinners. Pal was too busy during the week & I'm happy to watch it again. It's so good. First, gotta make some popcorn. How's it going? :)

 I haven't done one of these in awhile, but this looks like it has some good tips; Anti-Capitalist Resources; https://hilaryagro.com/resources/

    Morning, y'all, and happy Sat.! Today's the first of our city's big farmers markets, woot woot. I'm going with my mom. I won't be getting too much, since we're heading out of town tomorrow, but I will never turn my nose up at some iced coffee, a donut, and a walk around.  How about you? What's on your vagenda this weekend? P.S. Can someone (or a couple of someones) please cover my Th. and Sat. posts next week? Thank you, thank you! 💚💚💚 

It's Friday already?   Fuck climate change and the black flies that come with it.  I am a swollen, pink mess. I should really just bathe in benadryl cream at this point.   Fuck the summer spackle of sweat, bug spray and sunscren.  I will not ever get used to that icky feeling.   Fuck yeah to whatever is making me so very... IDK.  Y'all, I have been ON FIRE in the best way. Sunlight?  Extra estrogen?  Whatever it is, I am here for it.  Shit is clean, updated and locked down.  It's long overdue.  Fuck yeah to the summer social scene.  I'll be sick of it soon but for now it's nice to be getting out and moving around so much. And finally, I feel like this Friday needs a special edition "WTF"- The ongoing Megalomaniac Meltdown Showdown between Elon and what's his name, MTG pulling support from the Big Beautiful Bill  Legislative Assault on America. Rubio working to return wrongly deported person from El Salvador....

  Good morning, GT, and happy Fri. Eve! Unfortunately, I woke up at 5 this morning 😭but it's because I had to make my dream come true. I had a dream that Buster started a cult and people were literally throwing money at him, I was running around, shaking them by the shoulders, and yelling, "STOP GIVING HIM MONEY! HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT IT IS OR HOW IT WORKS!" But they kept on worshiping him.  I am sure that this means he's been, as we say at our house, "knee-gwected," and I need to give him some extra wubbins this morning. After all, if I were doing my job, he wouldn't need to start a cult to get extra attention, right? So, we're cuddling in the guest room while Homey enjoys sleeping past 5, lol. Anyway! What are you up to today? How's the latter half of your week lookin'?  

  Good morning, groupthink! I'm hanging out, sipping on my coffee, & plotting world domination, lol. No lunch with my uncle today. We met yesterday with one of my little cousins who shared they're expecting a second baby. Very excited for them! Pal has band practice tonight & I get a little solo time. He was grumpy yesterday & I wasn't (terrible combo). Like, he's been insanely busy lately, but also has the ability to say "no" to things, something he should do more often. What's up with you at the halfway point?

  Gardening today, I think. It's supposed to be very warm; 26 C or 75 F, which will be lovely weather to be outside. How's everybody else?

 Well the dog chased me out of bed and then went back to sleep himself.  I can't get my coffee right- too much cream, not enough sugar...  I hope that this is not an indicator of how the rest of the day will go. How are you doing? 

  Good morning, everyone. Happy Sunday.  It’s early and I’m still half asleep, but the pups had to go potty and are now having a little wrestle. Last night we learned that Stormy does not do well with fireworks. I don’t know why people were lighting them last night, but she was not happy about it. Poor pup was hiding under a table. Thankfully the fireworks didn’t last long. Today I’m having family over for a bbq and I need to finish prepping. But first I’m going back to bed for another hour if the dogs will let me. Fingers crossed. How are y'all doing this weekend?