Photo of seashells threatens Trump's life

Former FBI Director James Comey is under investigation for '8647' Instagram Post seen as a potential threat to Trump's life.  He had posted a photo of a seashells formation that he saw on a beach walk. Comey denied that his posting of the seashells was meant as a threat, saying in a statement that he was unaware people linked the specific number arrangement with violence. 

Instead of investigating Comey the Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service need to track down the person or persons who collected the shells and then placed them on the beach sand to spell out numbers that threatened the President of the United States.

The number 86 has also been used by Republicans calling for the impeachment of Joe Biden - for example, T-shirts sold on Amazon reading '8646', indicating a call to impeach Biden (the 46th president).  Where was the uproar then?  Some liberals are accusing the right of deliberating misunderstanding Comey's intent in order to score political points.  As for Don Jr's comments what else would you expect.  

Check out the plethora of '8647' T-shirts sold on Amazon.  I especially like the T-shirts that have flowers intertwined with the numbers.

Cruising Since 1993

Sternwheeler "Columbia Gorge" - Columbia River - !993

Golden Princess - Salish Sea - 2012                 

MV Malaspina - Alaska Inside Passage - 2015

American Countess - Ohio River - 2023

American Splendor - Lower Mississippi River - 2025

Next Upper Mississippi River

Trump and I boldly claim...

A - Trump: 'I run the country and the world'

B - My coffee cup: I am 'The Queen of Everything'

C - Both are delusional

Which is true?  B is the correct choice.

Trump is desperate to make his illegal actions look good but instead he looks pathetic

The Trump Administration has insisted without any evidence that Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a gang member, even though officials initially admitted his deportation was an administrative error.

Now, Trump has posed with what he claims to be such evidence--a black-and-white close up photograph of a hand that Trump has identified as Kilmar Abrego Garcia's hand with the tattooed knuckles, including "MS-13" written out above four symbols--that many Internet sleuths are already saying was photoshopped.

How pathetic!

Tariffs are...

Trump's Tax

Trump's Tax

Trump's Tax

...on You and Me.

Then they came for me--Martin Niemöller

The Quote

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

—Martin Niemöller

This quote is attributed to the prominent German pastor Martin Niemöller.   After World War II, Niemöller openly spoke about his own early complicity in Nazism and his eventual change of heart. His powerful words about guilt and responsibility still resonate today.

Word of advice on Trump's second term

Focus not on Trump's words but his actions, or what the "chaos is concealing."

Call to Action or "Play Dead"?

Actor Peter Finch starts out saying in the movie "Network", “I don’t have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad.”

After warming up a bit more by citing a list of bad things, he delivers his call to action:

“So, I want you to get up now. I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window, open it, and stick your head out, and yell, ‘I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!'"

or

You can roll over and “play dead” and allow President Trump and his Republican allies who control Congress to self-destruct under the weight of ever increasing, unpopular policies.

The Good News About Trump's Tariffs

Authoritarian leaders are most dangerous when they're popular.  Wrecking the economy is unlikely to broaden Trumps's support.  By Jonathan Chait - "The Atlantic"

Lower Mississippi River Trip March 2025

I took a cab at 2:45 AM to Portland International Airport on Monday, March 17.  I took the 5:00 AM flight to Memphis, TN via Denver, CO arriving a little after 2:00 PM.  After retrieving my suitcase, I caught the Hotel Shuttle to The Guest House at Graceland.  I ended up staying in Room #761. I ate dinner at Delta's in the Hotel Lobby. I was so exhausted I went to bed early.  

I had a light breakfast of eggs, grits and fruit at Delta's on Tuesday, March 19.  I caught a Lyft at 10:00 AM to The Peabody Hotel to hear the Duckmaster's presentation and watch the famous ducks walk the red carpet to the fountain.  I purchased a Lansky's Lucky Rubber Duck.  I caught a Lyft at noon to the Johnny Cash Statue, a Historical Landmark and a Virtual Geocache.  I had Pulled Pork Sandwich and iced tea for lunch at nearby Bain Barbecue.  I caught a Lyft back to the hotel at 2:00 PM.  I had dessert at EP's Bar and Grill.  I saw an Elvis Movie "Love Me Tender" in the Guest Room Theater.  Early to bed and early to rise.

On Wednesday, March 19, I had a light breakfast of eggs, grits and fruit at Delta's.  My suitcase was picked up in my hotel room by the bell staff.  I met Group 1 in the hotel lobby for the 11:15 Embarkation time.  We were escorted to the waiting cruise coach for transfer to the American Splendor.  Once on board I proceeded to my stateroom #413.  I went to the Dining Room for lunch.  The ship departed at 2:00 PM.  Thunder and Lightning storm mid Afternoon.  Dinner at 5:30 PM.

On Thursday, March 20, the ship arrived at 1:30 AM at Terrene Landing, Rosedale, MS/Cleveland, MS.  I had breakfast and then lunch in the Restaurant.  About 2:30 PM I visited the fascinating Railroad Museum on the Cleveland Local Loop coach ride.  The ship left at 5:30PM for Vicksburg.  Dinner in the Restaurant. 

On Friday. March 21, the ship docked at Vicksburg Riverfront Landing at 6:00 AM. After breakfast we went on a driving exploration of Vicksburg National Milit6ary Park at 9:00 AM, stopping briefly at the U.S.S. Cairo Museum.  I gathered the information for GCG107 Virtual Geocache.   Returned to the ship.  After lunch I made a Scrapbook Bookmark.  I listened to a talk about The Sultana in the River Lounge.  Recommended book: "Disaster on the Mississippi" by Gene Eric Salecker.  Dinner at 5:30 PM.  Our ship left for Natchez, MS at 11:30 PM.

On Saturday, March 22, the ship docked at 6:00 AM.   I went to the Early Riser's Breakfast.   I went on a Natchez Landmark Exploration: Natchez, MS at 10:00 AM.  We visited the exquisite Rosalie House, an antebellum mansion in downtown Natchez.  We also visited The Basilica of Saint Mary.  I found the Virtual Geocache (GC7B69F) at the brick building that currently houses a saloon at 25 Silver Street in Natchez under the hill.  Afternoon Presentation: The Voyage of New Orleans.  Dinner at 5:30 PM.  The ship departed from Ferry Street Landing (Lower Landing) at 10:00 PM.

On Sunday, March 23, the ship arrived at West Feliciana Landing in St. Francisville, LA at 6:00 AM.  I went to the Early Riser's Breakfast.  I visited The Myrtles, St. Francisville, LA from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.  I purchased a unique necklace.  Back onboard I went on a Pilothouse Tour at 5:00 PM.  Dinner at 5:30 PM.

On Monday, March 24, I went to the Early Riser's Breakfast.  The ship departed West Feliciana Landing in St. Francisville, LA at 7:00 AM.  Presentation at 11:00 AM by Guest Speaker Jim Schweickart: Taming the Waters.  Recommended books: "Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America" by John M. Barry and "The Control of Nature" by John McPhee.  Culinary Presentation: Pralines at 2:00 PM.  Bingo at 2:45 PM.  The ship arrived at Vacherie Landing at 5:00 PM.  Dinner.

On Tuesday, March 25, I went to the Early Riser's Breakfast.  I visited Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie, LA from 1:45 PM to 4:45 PM.  After touring the Plantation House I had a couple sips of Mint Julep and a glass of Lemonade.  Dinner.  The ship departed Vacherie Landing at 6:00 PM. The ship arrived at Thalia Street Wharf in New Orleans, LA at 10:30 PM. 

On Wednesday, March 26, I went to the Early Riser's Breakfast.  I took a Motorcoach to the Airport.  I got my boarding passes but was not allowed to check my suitcase.  I spent the day in United Lounge as I had a free pass.  I caught the 6:02 Flight to Portland International Airport via Denver, CO.  I took a Lyft home.  Great trip but it was good to be back.

I found three Geocaching Virtuals during the trip: one in Memphis, TN, one in Vicksburg National Milit6ary Park, MS and one in Natchez, MS.

Cachly App preference

I have an iPhone 11 Pro.  I use the Cachly app.  Cachly is a simple and powerful Geocaching app for iOS that includes many advanced features.

Cachly vs the Geocaching App.

I much prefer Cachly vs the Geocaching App.   I came across an interesting article: Cachly vs Geocaching® App: A Comparison Review | The Geocaching Junkie – The Geocaching Junkie.  Check it out.

J. D. Vance

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.’ - Mark Twain.

More Travel Tips I have Learned As A Female Solo Traveler

Save money on food by going to the grocery store instead of eating out for every meal. Book hotel(s) with continental breakfast. Use Lyft or Uber to get around. Pack a fully charged power bank (or two). Take that power bank everywhere with you. Keeping the power bank in your bag comes in handy especially in the airport and on days where you are away from your hotel for long periods of time. Bus tours are a great way to see more of the country for an affordable price. 

Plan, but don't over plan. So, what works best for me is planning a few things to do every day then spend the rest of the day wandering. Go to free museums and libraries for restroom access. While you are there, check out the exhibits! Choose a landmark or memorable place as a point of reference to guide you back to your hotel and other places you frequent.  Be sure to plan a rest day on a long trip. 

Stay hydrated. Try to always carry a water bottle. In the airport, use the restroom before boarding the plane or going through Customs. Don't post where you are in real time, especially if your profiles are public. Also, don't post where you are staying until you've left! Expect bumps in the road and mentally prepare yourself to adapt. Always have a Plan B. A bump in the road is simply an opportunity for a new adventure.

Some travel lessons I have learned as a Female Solo Traveler

Lessons I have learned: Never let the gas tank get below half full. As my eldest son says if you can't see the gas station from the highway it doesn't exist. Make hotel reservations for the first couple days then wing it - you never know where you will end up. Always bring plenty of water and snacks. Eat at places where the locals eat. Restrooms: McDonalds and Libraries. Libraries also for Computers and Book sales. Always travel with a map or Atlas - do not believe your car GPS; it will lead you astray. Check in with someone every day on long trips. If your car overheats, open all of the windows and turn the heater on full blast. And travel safe.

It's Going to Be a Long Four Years

Four Days in Las Vegas 2025

I took a cab from my house to Portland International Airport on Friday, January 10.  I had an afternoon flight to Las Vegas traveling First Class.  I had a mimosa after boarding and later a cheese and fruit lunch.  I saw the Sphere upon landing.  My youngest sister met me at the airport.  We watched "Enola" in her Living Room in front of the glowing fireplace. 

I attended the Geocaching Event in North Las Vegas at Old School Pizzeria on Saturday.  I knew a Geocacher from Seattle.  My sister and I stopped at a Grocery store on the way back to her house.  We watched "Enola 2."  My sister gave me an interesting book "Floodpath" by Jon Wilkman c. 2016 about the St. Francis Dam catastrophe in 1928.

We saw the spectacular Chinese New Year display at The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden on Sunday.  We saw the chocolate fountain and had delicious but expensive Gelato.  We did the "Final Resting Place of Two Blues Greats" Virtual Geocache.  We saw actor Tony Curtis gravesite.  We did "The Amazing Las Vegas Sphere" and "Signs of the Times" Virtuals.  Photographed the glowing "Hard Rock Cafe" sign.  We watched Tom Hanks in "Greyhound" back at the house.

Slow start to the day on Monday.  I watched "The Mexican" starring Brad Pitt. We saw the first full moon of 2025 as we were driving toward the Strip.  The 'wolf moon" reached its peak this evening.  European immigrants would hear the nightly cries of wolves as they hunted for food in the harsh winter conditions hence the nickname.  We drove around the Fremont district looking at the Neon.  My sister accidently turned the wrong way onto a one-way street.  The officer used his vehicle to block the street so we could turn around.  We saw the Fremont Street Light Show at 6:00.  We watched "The Children's Train" an adaption of the 2019 novel of the same name back at the house.

After breakfast on Tuesday morning, we took an Uber to Las Vegas airport, leaving for PDX about 12:15.   I had a mimosa after boarding and later a cheese and fruit lunch.  Incredible view of the Cascade Range from Three Sisters to Mount St. Helens.  We took a Lyft to my house.  It was an interesting trip however I was glad to be back to cold/damp weather.