Weekend coffee #179.

Given that last weekend was a literal wash in these parts, I’m looking forward to the return of the sun today and tomorrow. We have pool parties to attend and friends to see, plus a slew of Jesse’s family, including his sister who flew in yesterday from LA. The first time we’ve seen her since 2019. Alas, time is a flat circle and my brain seems to be erasing the memory of life under COVID-19 conditions almost as quickly as that nightmare set in. Fully vaxxed, I’ve been dipping a toe into life without a mask but frankly, it feels strange and like most of the people embracing it are those avoiding the vaccines. Guess I’ll keep covered for now. In the meantime, here’s what else is happening:

• How Elvis Presley Convinced Americans To Take The Polio Vaccine - who is our modern Elvis? Let’s get those numbers up.

• America Has a Drinking Problem.

• Kate’s Lazy Meadow is for sale. We went there a few years ago. I think it’s time I fulfill my lifelong career goal of quirky innkeeper.

• The Dinner Party: A Reflection on Meals, Growing Up, and Gathering. This is inspiring me to put together that burrata bar.

• Texas High School Valedictorian, Who Has My Vote for President, Delivers Unapproved Speech About Abortion Bans

• Reading: Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad.

• Watching: About to start Cruel Summer at a friend’s insistence.

That’s all for now. If you can, get outside this weekend! We all need some extra sunshine. Until next time - thanks for following along.

Image by @grafiklee.