Here is a quote from Michael Cohen's new book, Disloyal, that really concerns me. Cohen, Trump's former personal attorney wrote: "There is a serious danger that Donald Trump will not leave office easily, and there is a real chance of not having a peaceful transition. When he jokes about running again in 2024 and gets … Continue reading The End of America’s Democracy?
Is my cousin a sucker and a loser?
My cousin, Donald Edward Van der Schans, enlisted in the Navy as a medic during the Vietnam War. He could have remained stateside as a medic (corpsman in Navy terminology) but he chose to go to Vietnam, to serve his country. He was shipped over there in 1968, where the war was in full swing … Continue reading Is my cousin a sucker and a loser?
Pandemic Blues
Raise your hand if you are sick and tired of this pandemic. I know I am. Can't travel anywhere. Can't visit family and friends in the United States. Can't sing in a choir to chase away the blues. Can't go to memorial services for choir members or their spouses who have died nor can you … Continue reading Pandemic Blues
Helping Spaniards Improve Their English
Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Spain in March, I haven't gone anywhere overnight. Being forced to stay in one place for months on end was hard for me, as it has undoubtedly been for many other people. I love to travel and look for opportunities to go somewhere and do something. So when my Canadian … Continue reading Helping Spaniards Improve Their English
Missing family, missing hope
"I left my heart in San Francisco. High on a hill, it calls to me. To be where little cable cars climb half way to the stars, the morning fog may chill the air. I don't care. My love waits there..."--Tony Bennett The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco I am so desperate to see … Continue reading Missing family, missing hope
Nobody Asked Me: A Teacher’s Opinion on School Reopening
Great article about the impracticality of opening schools during this pandemic! It’s written by one who knows: a teacher!
Everyone has an opinion about how and if schools should reopen for this coming school year. We’ve heard from the governors, the pediatricians, the parents, the education secretary, and the president. Everyone has a “study” and “research” to back up their claims, but unfortunately (as always with decisions made in education) they do not have one very important thing- experience in a classroom. In classrooms filled to max capacity with five year olds who don’t even know how to blow their own noses, where the teacher:student ratio is 1:28 or in some cases even higher. Classrooms where the teachers are already begging parents for tissues, hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes, even in a pre-Covid world. Classrooms and hallways and bathrooms filled with teenagers who think they are invincible. School buildings with no extra rooms, without central air, where there are 4 sinks for over 200 students to use. As a…
View original post 1,489 more words
Scenes of Spain Photo Essay
Spain is such a beautiful and fascinating country. I share these photos to give you an idea of the kinds of things you can see in this Mediterranean country if you ever get a chance to visit it. Amazing churches, beautiful bodies of water, impressive castles, awe-inspiring palaces, interesting traditions, stunning architecture, fun festivals and … Continue reading Scenes of Spain Photo Essay
Murals in Orihuela in honor of Spanish poet Miguel Hernandez
In the city of Orihuela, in the Spanish province of Alicante, there lies a hidden treasure: beautiful murals painted by Spanish artists in tribute to the poetry of hometown son Miguel Hernandez. I never heard of this poet before but he was very popular during and after the Spanish Civil War. Unfortunately, he wasn't a … Continue reading Murals in Orihuela in honor of Spanish poet Miguel Hernandez
Towards a More Just America
Even though I have not been hopeful or optimistic about the direction the United States has been taking since President Trump was elected 3 and half years ago, the large number of protests across the United States recently in support of the Black Lives Matter movement have really been encouraging. I feel like there is … Continue reading Towards a More Just America
Spain’s State of Emergency Ends
Ninety-nine days after it started, Spain has finally ended its state of emergency. As of now, summer solstice day, there have been 293,018 Covid-19 cases and 28,322 deaths here in Spain. Those of us who survived this ordeal are glad it is over, of course, but we now wonder what will happen once the tourists … Continue reading Spain’s State of Emergency Ends
