53 Responses to “General Discussion, Thursday, July 2, 2026”
Stellars….
These 7 Virginia Cities Are Celebrating America’s 250th Where It All Started
By Heather Bien – Published on July 01, 2026
This is the year to revisit your history lessons. If you’re looking to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, the obvious choice is to return to where the Founding Fathers celebrated that very first year. From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and James Madison, four out of the first five U.S. Presidents called the Old Dominion home.
Good mornin’, Lucille! When I was a young sprout we went to Colonial Williamsburg and some of the sites in the area, and I spent a month in DC about 30 years ago and saw much more. I could easily spend another month in that part of the Country, and still not see everything. So, let’s have coffee instead.
Morning T! If you ever have the opportunity to vacation in the Shenandoah Valley area, I highly recommend it, not only for beauty, but a million cool things to do. Lived in the shadow of the Smokies my whole life, and y’all know I love them. The Blue Ridge and Shenandoah area of Virginia certainly lives up to my mountain loving expectations, and the valleys are deep green, magical.
We stayed for a week, and DC was a long day trip for most of our party, could have been more if there wasn’t so much else on the list. Went Gettysburg, Antietam, Harper’s Ferry. Too many things to name. I almost decided to drive a bit longer and see Chesapeake Bay.
That area really needs more than a week! We spent a lot of time on the historical stuff, but there’s just as much hiking, fishing, and touristy stuff, probably shopping too, but shoot me first on that!
Texan, sorry, I swear I responded to your post this morning. Apparently the lack of coffee at the time made me delirious.
I’ve never been to Virginia or WDC. Usually spent vacations in Canada except for the couple of trips to New York City in the 60s when John Lindsay was mayor. NYC was so safe then I walked around by myself at night.
“Those were the days, my friend, we thought they’d never end!”
I’ll try my best to be more efficient and drink my straight brown brew to the last drop at the Stellar Coffee Klatch. I might even put the mug in the dishwasher.
Good mornin’, and happy Friday eve. Since we’re getting ready to celebrate a really big birthday, I thought we needed a nice birthday present a couple days early. This is a $13,000 steampunk model. I have no idea how the thing operates yet, so all help is welcome. Keep your head on a swivel and carpe’ your coffee.
These were the instructions on how to use it as related by AI….
To use the Alpha Dominche Steampunk coffeemaker make sure it is thoroughly cleaned after each use; start by ensuring the boiler is filled with water, then power on the machine and allow it to heat up. Use the accompanying app to select your desired brewing recipe, which will guide you through the infusion and extraction processes for optimal flavor extraction.
Good day, Czarina! There should be no “national day” listing without a food item. So my suggestion for today’s edible is BARBECUE (in prep for Independence Day)….
10 Slow-Cooker Barbecue Recipes For Your Next Cookout
Mornin’ All. It is about 60* here, heading to maybe 75* later this afternoon. It feels comfortable outside and the sun is shining bright. My sympathies to all in that 100* heat. My friend in Florida is using one of those fans that you put around your neck and it seems to help a lot with the heat. It looks a little like a pair of earphones.
LOL! “I’m Dr. Trump” – Trump Posts AI Video of Himself Treating TDS with Testimonials From Rosie O’Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robert De Niro, Other Trump Hating Actors (VIDEO)
WATCH: US Air Force Major Arrested for Illegally Protesting on Capitol Steps While Calling for Trump’s Impeachment in Uniform – Rep. Al Green Applauds Illegal Demonstration
America 250: Washington, D.C. Has Never Looked More Majestic — The Department of Commerce Draped in Monumental American Flags!
As the United States prepares to celebrate America 250, Washington, D.C. is transforming into a breathtaking patriotic showcase. The historic Herbert C. Hoover Building, home to the U.S. Department of Commerce, now features colossal American flags adorning its exterior, creating one of the Capital’s most awe-inspiring displays.
Along the iconic Pennsylvania Avenue corridor, these monumental banners symbolize the nation’s history, resilience, and the excitement building toward the 250th anniversary of American independence.
⭐ Fun Fact: The Herbert C. Hoover Building was completed in 1932 and is one of the largest federal office buildings in Washington, D.C. Stretching across an entire city block, it anchors the Federal Triangle and sits just steps from many of the nation’s most iconic landmarks.
Stellars….
These 7 Virginia Cities Are Celebrating America’s 250th Where It All Started
By Heather Bien – Published on July 01, 2026
This is the year to revisit your history lessons. If you’re looking to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, the obvious choice is to return to where the Founding Fathers celebrated that very first year. From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and James Madison, four out of the first five U.S. Presidents called the Old Dominion home.
https://www.southernliving.com/virginia-cities-are-celebrating-america-250-12006761
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By Lucille on July 2, 2026 at 2:45 am
Good mornin’, Lucille! When I was a young sprout we went to Colonial Williamsburg and some of the sites in the area, and I spent a month in DC about 30 years ago and saw much more. I could easily spend another month in that part of the Country, and still not see everything. So, let’s have coffee instead.
LikeLiked by 3 people
By texan59 on July 2, 2026 at 6:46 am
Morning T! If you ever have the opportunity to vacation in the Shenandoah Valley area, I highly recommend it, not only for beauty, but a million cool things to do. Lived in the shadow of the Smokies my whole life, and y’all know I love them. The Blue Ridge and Shenandoah area of Virginia certainly lives up to my mountain loving expectations, and the valleys are deep green, magical.
We stayed for a week, and DC was a long day trip for most of our party, could have been more if there wasn’t so much else on the list. Went Gettysburg, Antietam, Harper’s Ferry. Too many things to name. I almost decided to drive a bit longer and see Chesapeake Bay.
That area really needs more than a week! We spent a lot of time on the historical stuff, but there’s just as much hiking, fishing, and touristy stuff, probably shopping too, but shoot me first on that!
LikeLiked by 3 people
By Menagerie on July 2, 2026 at 8:20 am
My sister lives near Charlottesville, near Monticello and Highland. Lovely county.
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By czarina33 on July 2, 2026 at 9:23 am
Good morning, Texan! In case you get to Mount Vernon this weekend…
George Washington’s Mount Vernon Just Got A Big Makeover—And History Has Never Felt More Alive
By Tom Wilmes – Published on July 02, 2026
“George Washington: A Revolutionary Life” debuted in June as part of a $20 million renovation of Mount Vernon’s Museum and Education Center.
https://www.southernliving.com/george-washington-mount-vernon-renovation-12011233
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By Lucille on July 2, 2026 at 2:54 pm
Texan, sorry, I swear I responded to your post this morning. Apparently the lack of coffee at the time made me delirious.
I’ve never been to Virginia or WDC. Usually spent vacations in Canada except for the couple of trips to New York City in the 60s when John Lindsay was mayor. NYC was so safe then I walked around by myself at night.
“Those were the days, my friend, we thought they’d never end!”
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By Lucille on July 2, 2026 at 10:03 pm
I’ll forgive you this time. 😉
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By texan59 on July 2, 2026 at 10:23 pm
I’ll try my best to be more efficient and drink my straight brown brew to the last drop at the Stellar Coffee Klatch. I might even put the mug in the dishwasher.
LikeLiked by 2 people
By Lucille on July 3, 2026 at 3:18 am
This is of interest to me at Mt. Vernon –
https://whiskey.mountvernon.org/
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By texan59 on July 3, 2026 at 2:45 pm
Mornin’ Lucille!
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By WeeWeed on July 2, 2026 at 7:01 am
Good morning, Miz WeeWeed!
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By Lucille on July 2, 2026 at 2:56 pm
Hi Lucille!
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By Menagerie on July 2, 2026 at 8:21 am
Hi to you,Menagerie!
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By Lucille on July 2, 2026 at 2:56 pm
How To Celebrate America’s 250th In Washington, D.C.
Everything to know about celebrating July 4th in the nation’s capital.
By Kait Hanson – Published on June 17, 2026
https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-celebrate-america-250-in-washington-dc-11991777
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By Lucille on July 2, 2026 at 2:52 am
While America Sleeps… Crews Work Through the Night to Prepare Washington, D.C. for the Biggest Fourth of July Celebration Ever!
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By Lucille on July 2, 2026 at 2:54 am
Good afternoon, Lucille!
My, but you have been busy.
Good afternoon, also to:
Tex, our coffee hero.
Menagerie, a superb narrator of life.
Miz Wee, the one and only.
Czarina, who makes every day special.
And Miss Stella, our extraordinary hostess.
And all those who come to “Stella’s Place”.
Sometimes, I just have to sit back and say, “Thank You”.
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By Reflection on July 2, 2026 at 1:32 pm
Good day to you, Reflection!
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By Lucille on July 2, 2026 at 2:57 pm
Good mornin’, and happy Friday eve. Since we’re getting ready to celebrate a really big birthday, I thought we needed a nice birthday present a couple days early. This is a $13,000 steampunk model. I have no idea how the thing operates yet, so all help is welcome. Keep your head on a swivel and carpe’ your coffee.
LikeLiked by 4 people
By texan59 on July 2, 2026 at 6:44 am
Mornin’ T! We’ll figure out how it works!
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By WeeWeed on July 2, 2026 at 7:03 am
Good mornin’, Miss Wee! I figured someone in here could find the on/off switch! These two are getting almost as much pub as Miss Sophie up in Indy! 😀
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By texan59 on July 2, 2026 at 7:50 am
Morning Wee!
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By Menagerie on July 2, 2026 at 8:22 am
Mornin’ Menage!
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By WeeWeed on July 2, 2026 at 8:46 am
Thanks T!
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By Menagerie on July 2, 2026 at 8:21 am
industrial strength!
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By czarina33 on July 2, 2026 at 8:25 am
Texan, sorta sad…looks like the Alpha Dominche Steampunk coffeemaker company went out of business in 2018 (see: https://sprudge.com/alpha-dominche-has-ceased-all-operations-138682.html )
These were the instructions on how to use it as related by AI….
To use the Alpha Dominche Steampunk coffeemaker make sure it is thoroughly cleaned after each use; start by ensuring the boiler is filled with water, then power on the machine and allow it to heat up. Use the accompanying app to select your desired brewing recipe, which will guide you through the infusion and extraction processes for optimal flavor extraction.
LikeLiked by 2 people
By Lucille on July 2, 2026 at 3:30 pm
I’m not sure why they went out of business selling $13K coffee makers! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
By texan59 on July 2, 2026 at 10:23 pm
LOL!
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By Lucille on July 3, 2026 at 3:20 am
Mornin’ kids!
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By WeeWeed on July 2, 2026 at 7:01 am
I’m sure these guys are also working around the clock to have this ready for us by Saturday. I’m so excited!!! 😀 😀 😀
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By texan59 on July 2, 2026 at 7:51 am
Yay.
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By auscitizenmom on July 2, 2026 at 11:15 am
Wait, wait, that almost looks like Former President Bill Clinton’s hair!
Someone check the paperwork!
Is Hillary trying to pull a fast one?
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By Reflection on July 2, 2026 at 1:39 pm
Afternoon Reflection!
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By WeeWeed on July 2, 2026 at 2:34 pm
Speaking of Miss Sophie….. 😀
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By WeeWeed on July 2, 2026 at 8:11 am
Did you know…….she was Homecoming Queen and placekicker on the boys football team while in High School.
https://x.com/shooter4_22/status/2071333231752794115?s=20
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By texan59 on July 2, 2026 at 8:26 am
I think I read about her at the time!
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By WeeWeed on July 2, 2026 at 9:18 am
National Anisette Day -alternative to Absinthe, the green fairy. To avoid the hallucinogenic effects
National Wildland Firefighters’ Day.
National I Forgot Day
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By czarina33 on July 2, 2026 at 8:30 am
Poor ol’ firefighters! Mornin’ Czarina!
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By WeeWeed on July 2, 2026 at 8:47 am
Every day is I Forgot Day for me.
Cheers to the Wildland Firefighters.
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By auscitizenmom on July 2, 2026 at 11:18 am
Good day, Czarina! There should be no “national day” listing without a food item. So my suggestion for today’s edible is BARBECUE (in prep for Independence Day)….
10 Slow-Cooker Barbecue Recipes For Your Next Cookout
Great barbecue without the hassle.
By Patricia S York – Updated on March 27, 2026
https://www.southernliving.com/slow-cooker-bbq-6528258?
Love me some firefighters, too!
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By Lucille on July 2, 2026 at 3:42 pm
Will it or won’t it? Forecast today is 99*. I say we top that hundred mark.
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By Menagerie on July 2, 2026 at 9:35 am
Yep.
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By WeeWeed on July 2, 2026 at 9:48 am
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By WeeWeed on July 2, 2026 at 4:05 pm
Morning! Another scorcher today. We expect storms on Saturday. Naturally, on the holiday.
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By Stella on July 2, 2026 at 11:11 am
Morning Stella!
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By Menagerie on July 2, 2026 at 11:14 am
Of course! Mornin’ Stella!
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By WeeWeed on July 2, 2026 at 12:10 pm
Mornin’ All. It is about 60* here, heading to maybe 75* later this afternoon. It feels comfortable outside and the sun is shining bright. My sympathies to all in that 100* heat. My friend in Florida is using one of those fans that you put around your neck and it seems to help a lot with the heat. It looks a little like a pair of earphones.
Be careful and enjoy the day.
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By auscitizenmom on July 2, 2026 at 11:28 am
Mornin’ Mom!
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By WeeWeed on July 2, 2026 at 12:12 pm
Good afternoon, Aus,
Prayers that some of that cooler weather will slide south early and cool the Fourth of July just enough, without threatening storms.
A little rain won’t stop us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Reflection on July 2, 2026 at 1:49 pm
Good afternoon, aus! We’re at 56 degrees right now with a lovely breeze. High will be 75.
Take care!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Lucille on July 2, 2026 at 3:54 pm
LOL! “I’m Dr. Trump” – Trump Posts AI Video of Himself Treating TDS with Testimonials From Rosie O’Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robert De Niro, Other Trump Hating Actors (VIDEO)
By Jordan Conradson Jul. 2, 2026 1:20 pm
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/07/lol-im-dr-trump-trump-posts-ai-video/
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By Lucille on July 2, 2026 at 3:56 pm
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By Stella on July 2, 2026 at 3:59 pm
Crackpots galore!
WATCH: US Air Force Major Arrested for Illegally Protesting on Capitol Steps While Calling for Trump’s Impeachment in Uniform – Rep. Al Green Applauds Illegal Demonstration
By Jordan Conradson Jul. 1, 2026 8:00 pm
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/07/watch-us-air-force-major-arrested-illegally-protesting/
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By Lucille on July 2, 2026 at 4:06 pm
America 250: Washington, D.C. Has Never Looked More Majestic — The Department of Commerce Draped in Monumental American Flags!
As the United States prepares to celebrate America 250, Washington, D.C. is transforming into a breathtaking patriotic showcase. The historic Herbert C. Hoover Building, home to the U.S. Department of Commerce, now features colossal American flags adorning its exterior, creating one of the Capital’s most awe-inspiring displays.
Along the iconic Pennsylvania Avenue corridor, these monumental banners symbolize the nation’s history, resilience, and the excitement building toward the 250th anniversary of American independence.
⭐ Fun Fact: The Herbert C. Hoover Building was completed in 1932 and is one of the largest federal office buildings in Washington, D.C. Stretching across an entire city block, it anchors the Federal Triangle and sits just steps from many of the nation’s most iconic landmarks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Lucille on July 2, 2026 at 4:17 pm