Geri Dreiling's Blog, page 5

Thanks to Laura Bush for her courage in calling out a cruel policy

Late yesterday, the Washington Post published an editorial written by former first lady Laura Bush about the practice of separating children from their parents at the border. She writes that "this zero-tolerance policy is cruel. It is immoral. And it breaks my heart." It breaks my heart, too. And it should stop.

Obsessed with chickens? Delighted by ducks?

My obsession with backyard chickens started about a decade ago. But I've always had concerns when it comes to keeping my compact yard fresh. Here are three things I learned during The Sustainable Backyard Tour about keeping chickens and ducks in the city.

A unique way to meditate in the morning

"Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower." --Hans Christian Andersen

A true tale

To be fair, she was on to something.

Tuesday Quote: Cicero, gardens and libraries

Wise words from Cicero. Perhaps I'd add an internet connection to the list. Or not.

How an eBook saved me from spending hours in an airport

As the summer holidays begin, pack like a travel writer to lighten your load, save money, and maybe even just make that tight connection if your original flight was delayed.

Here’s a psychological thriller you shouldn’t miss

Sarah Markham is a seasoned journalist who agrees to do a favor for an old friend, Father Colin McAvoy. And like many good deeds that go awry, Markham’s generosity lands her in the midst of a murder investigation.

Why one novel will help you savor life

Station Eleven is a beautifully written book that explores the aftermath of a pandemic that upends the world order. At first blush, it may seem like the book's topic would be less than comforting. But that is one of the surprises of this novel.

Bikes in Berlin

Who rides bikes in and around Berlin? Girls with glasses. Grannies with gray hair. Men in suits. Women in hats and gloves. Even the mail carrier makes deliveries using a bright yellow bike.

A tale of two Berlins

Berlin is a city with two distinct personalities. One Berlin is a multi-ethnic, multilingual, cosmopolitan hipster that embraces new ideas, artistic expression, and is a descendant of the Age of the Enlightenment. The other Berlin is a repentant old prisoner.