Readers, Welcome to my blog (formerly Birds, Blooms, Books, etc). I'm entering a new decade taking on the challenge of moving from Maryland after living there 46 years and learning about my new home here in New England in the Live Free or Die state - New Hampshire. Join me as a write this new chapter of my life.

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Some Delicious Food

 Postcard from Greece

Ouzo   -  Dan tried some this evening. 


Remains of a Greek Sslad


Grilled whole shrimp 


Fried squid with a light batter. 


A better example of Greek salad from lunch. 


Wednesday, April 15, 2026

First Day Postcard

 It’s sad to say but graffiti is one of the first things to catch your eye when driving through Athens. 





Our hotel is very close to the Acropolis so here’s my first view of it. Thursday we walk up there. 



Our driver from the airport said Greece is a small country of 10 million and half live in Athens. I’m glad he was driving and not us. 

Here I am enjoying a cup of mint tea at a local shop.


 A final note. We almost had a mishap with luggage. Dan’s didn’t show up on conveyor belt. We went to report it knowing that it was on the plane based on my Air Canada app. The agent came back with us to belt and spied one blue suitcase, not Dan’s. Then another which had been placed with Viking tour luggage. It was his. Relief!

Off to Orientation then dinner with Roads Scholar group. 

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Some Random Photos

Switzerland 2024 






 







Watch for postcards from Greece coming soon.

Sunday, April 12, 2026

From the Executive Director of MoveOn

 Katie Bethell writes:

Recently, I had the honor of standing shoulder to shoulder with 200,000 protestors at the flagship No Kings rally in St. Paul, Minnesota. I asked the audience: What do we do when they attack our neighbors? What do we do when they try to steal the election? What do we do when they declare forever wars? The answer came roaring back to me from the crowd: WE SHOW UP. I’m still carrying that energy with me.

Across more than 3,300 communities, more than 7 million people showed up—some for the very first time—to say, clearly and collectively: Our democracy belongs to all of us. Not to kings. Not to authoritarians. To the people.

And it happened only because of supporters like you. Watch a brief recap of that historic day by clicking here.

Katie Bethell, Executive Director of Move speaking on stage at No Kings 3. Click on image to go to recap video on youtube

You are one of MoveOn’s dedicated donors, and your support has been instrumental in powering the No Kings mobilizations and all of our days of action. Nationwide mobilization doesn't happen by accident; it requires resources, coordination, training, and sustained organizing. Because of your contributions, we were able to train volunteers, organize rallies, create protest signs, galvanize significant media attention, and bring millions of people together to take action.

There is something profoundly moving about being in a crowd where everyone understands what’s at stake. I met people who had driven hours to attend their first protest. I saw families with kids on their shoulders, elders who have been marching for decades, and so many handmade signs filled with humor, truth, and determination.

A 'People Matter' protest sign is visible in the crowd at the No Kings 3 protest. Click on the image to go to the YouTube video of the No Kings rally at the Minnesota State Capitol, featuring Bruce Springsteen alongside national and local activists and leaders.

Moments like these remind me why I’ve spent more than two decades organizing. Protesting isn’t just about making noise—it’s about building power. It’s about reminding our leaders that they are accountable to us. And it’s about transforming feelings like fear, anger, and isolation into collective action and hope. They turn concern into action. And they build the kind of community and momentum that can carry us forward for the long haul.

I also want to say a heartfelt thank-you for posting and sharing your photos from the weekend. Seeing these moments through your eyes—your communities, your creativity, your courage—means so much. These images tell the story of a movement that is growing, joyful, and unstoppable.

I’ve been sharing many of those moments across my social channels—and it’s been incredible to see how quickly this community is growing. If you haven’t already, I’d love for you to follow along there: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, BlueSky, X. It’s one of the best ways to see more photos from the No Kings events and stay part of this momentum.

Group photo with Katie Bethell, Executive Director of MoveOn, at the March.27.2026.Artists United for Our Freedoms event. Click the image to go to Katie Bethell's instagram.

I’m deeply grateful to be in this work with you. Together, we showed what’s possible when millions of people come together. And with your support, we’ll keep building the movement our democracy needs.

Thank you for everything you make possible.

Katie Bethell

Executive Director of MoveOn

Picture of MoveOn's Executive Director, Katie Bethell