My Great Grandmother

 When the Irish came to Phoenixville, PA, she fed them. When she died, the people of Phoenixville gave her a parade and buried her in the most prominent spot in the Catholic cemetary.

Birthday Goal #70

 

Birthday Goal #70

July 9, 2025 to July 8, 2026

In 1970, I went to my first political event.  It was Earth Day. I was in 9th grade and the power of the crowd overwhelmed me.  I had never been in an environment of change.  I have been to many events that address social issues. But today, my world seems to be in crisis so I am on-going to step up my game.

So now, to mark my 70th birthday, I’m committing to 70 powerful actions, each one focused on confronting and understanding the struggles tied to civil rights, from the legacies of slavery and systemic racism to the ongoing fight for justice for women, people of color, and all who have faced oppression.

1 - Book reading : The Women by Kristina Hannah 

2- Tweeting as much as possible: July   August   September October  November December January February  March April May June

total for the year

3 - Stacey Abramh's discussion at Wilmington Library

4 - John Lewis Memorial Rally at Rodney Square in Wilmington, DE

5- Restorative Justice Presentation at Uptown- July 24

6- movie; Re

7- movie- The History of Sound- two men who could not maintain a relationship because of the dangers of being gay in the 1900's.

8 - Discussion about women’s rights in Tunisia - October 13, 2025

9- No Kings rally in WC; it was the largest crowd every for a rally in our town.- Oct 18, 2025

10- Immigration Protest in front of the Philadelphia ICE Office- Oct 21, 2025

11- Presentation- Cracking the Cases of Art Crimes- October 28- Penn State Great Valley Campus

12- I wrote to Senator Fetterman today to express my feeling of betrayal for his vote to reopen the government without any consideration to the cost of health insurance fro his constituents. He needs to go. Nov 10

13- I visited my state senator for the purpose of introduction legislation to protect renters. Specifically, I would like her to make it a law that landlords have to disclose to tenants that the building has black mold and other particulars that could be dangerous to our health. Nov 10

14- book: James

15- Started a petition on Change.org, asking older legislators to resign.

16- I signed up to follow Back PA, a site that addresses the racism in PA. 

17   Podcast: House full of black women- the Kitchen Sisters 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kitchen-sisters-present/id814067846?i=1000693530963

18- Podcast: The Honesty Box- Kitchen Sisters

19- Change.org- Stop Plea Deals for Child Predators

20- Change.org- Demand Justice for Dakota- Dakota Sebring’s story exposes the failures of our system to protect survivors of domestic violence. Despite overwhelming evidence of abuse, her abuser has been repeatedly released, leaving Dakota vulnerable and unsafe. This is not just Dakota’s story, it is the story of countless women whose safety is ignored while abusers are shielded.

21  Change.org- Stop Non-Consensual Human Testing—Repeal Section 3024 of the Cures Act

22- Change.org- Demand Google Show the Truth: Update Gaza Imagery on Google Earth and Maps

23- Numenberg- a movie about the war crimes of the Nazis during WWII.

24- Change.org- Demand the release of Narges Mohammai, a renowned human rights and democracy activist and 2023 Nobel laureate, has been brutally 

beaten and arrested by Iranian authorities. She was arrested while out of prison on a temporary medical 

reprieve and as she was attending a memorial ceremony in Mashhad in northeast Iran for a lawyer who 

died under suspicious circumstances.

25- Change.org- Drop Charges Against Veterans Arrested at the ICE Protests  

26- Change.org- Urge Senator Murkowski to champion the ERA

27- Movie- The Stringer- a documentary about the true photographer of the infamous photo Napalm Girl, the 9 year old who was burned by a napalm bomb we dropped in Viet Nam in 1967. The wrong photographer was accredited for the photo and after 50 years, justice was pursued to bring honor and credit to the true photographer.

28- Wrote to Senator McCormick- "We should not be invading Venezuela, Mexico, Cuba or Greenland. Trump is out of control, We should not be invading other countries and it is your job to serve as a check and balance on his decisions. Step up and hold him accountable". (1/4/2025)

29- Joined ACLU.

30- Following the Peace Walk by monks who walked 2300 miles across the US to promote peace. It is my hope to catch up with them as they approach Washington DC on Feb 21.

31- Multiple donations to candidates running for office.

32- Instragam posting: @explainingwars- An American soldier describes personal experiences and killings and how they met their mandated body accounts which sometimes had to include unarmed women, children and the elderly. He talked about the number of times he multilated bodies. His story was gruesome and horrific.

33- Article: On Decoration Day in 1905, Port Carbon’s Civil War veterans had had enough.

As the Pennsylvania town prepared to honor its war dead, a Confederate battle flag was raised above an American flag from a third-story window on Pike Street. For US veterans of the Civil War - many of them still carrying the physical and emotional weight of the war - this wasn’t a joke. It was a vulgar insult.When the flag wasn’t taken down, members of the local Grand Army of the Republic post marched to the house as a group. They demanded its removal. The newspaper reported their faces flushed, their steps quickened, the “spirit of the ’60s” stirred again. The flag came down.

Read the full story: https://wynninghistory.com/.../confederate-flag-torn-down

34: wrote to my two senators and congresswoman about homeland security abuses:

"You must step up and rein in our homeland security personnel. They are kidnapping thousands of people right off the streets. They are denying due process to most, if not all, of these detainees. They are traumatizing families as they separate children from their parents. Yesterday, a young woman was arrested right off the streets as she was exercising her right to peaceful protest. She was live on TV as we watched her being handcuffed for no reason. And today, they aggravated a situation and then murdered a USA citizen. This is the United State of America. We are the land of the free. Our government is turning on us and congress sits idle in the middle of this crisis. It is up to you to hold Trump and Noem accountable for turning our country in to a police state where people are avoiding schools, work, hospitals and other safe havens. The consequences of these unlawful actions have long-term damage to our democratic norms and precisely why immigration enforcement must remain civl, limited and accountable rather than militarized and discretionary. The time is now for you to act." (1/7/2026)

35- Signed ACLU to dismantle ICE.- 1/12/2026

36- signed Hunan Rights petition to fire Kristy Noem- 1-14-20

37- signed a Human Rights petition to stop trump from controlling what schools teach and limiting students' free speech. 1-16-26

38- ordered a bull horn from Amazon so I can stand on the corner and demonstrate by myself if I have to do so. 1-16-2026

39- book: Between the World and Me- a man wrote a letter to his son about the injustices of being black in america.

40- Petition signed on the issue of ICE and immigration.

41- Petition signed: the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to children born in the United States regardless of where their parents were born. The Constitution, not the president, decides who is a citizen. I am adding my name in support of the ACLU as they go to the Supreme Court to defend this fundamental right.

42- Movie: Sinners- the horrors of colonization in America.

43- Movie: the Testament of Ann Lee- the story and focus of freedom of religion in our country.

44- No Kings rally, WC, March 28

45- Movie: An Ordinary Guy Against Putin

46- Netflix Series: Trust Me- documentary about the Latter Day Saints cult and it's abuse towards women and children.

47- Play: the women question

48- Play- Kinky Boots 

49- Contact Senator McCormick- U.S. International Aid CARE urges Congress to pass an FY27 appropriations bill with at least $52.5 billion for U.S. international assistance, emphasizing the importance of supporting women, girls, and communities globally.

50- Contact Senator Fetterman

51- Movie: Steal My Story, Please- the documentary about Amy Goodwin, founder of Democracy Now

52- Podcast- The Kitchen Sisiters- Willie McGee and the traveling electric chair

53- Podcast- ties through time- 

54- Petition- We call on the U.S. Senate and House Judiciary Committees to compel Stephen Miller to publicly testify under oath regarding his role in developing and advancing some of the most controversial immigration policies in modern U.S. history.

55- Bruce Springsteen Concert- Philly

56- CARE Webinar- Women Respond - Listening to women facing crises

57- Play : Same Team

58- book: the Serviceberry- Robin Wall Kimmerer- Abundance and reciprocity in the natural world.

59- Podcast- Kitchen Sisters- Quits as Monuments- Sew Their Names

60- documentary- How To Become A Cult Leader

The Issue

It's become increasingly challenging for our legislative leaders to truly grasp the core challenges faced by everyday Americans. Many of our most seasoned U.S. legislators, despite serving commendably, are far removed from the immediate struggles that average citizens face like earning a salary, securing a pension, dealing with health insurance issues, and other perks directly connected to their jobs. It's crucial that our lawmakers are in the trenches of everyday life, understanding firsthand the struggles and concerns that most working families face daily. To continue to legislate effectively, they must have a personal connection to these everyday struggles.

I am respectfully asking our U.S. legislators who are over the age of 70 to consider stepping down from their positions. This is not about ageism; it's about aligning our government with representatives who can passionately and accurately reflect the needs of the modern American landscape. Legislators like Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Benjamin Cardin (D-MD),  Jim Risch (R-ID), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) D.C.,Hal Rogers (R) KY, Bill Pascrell Jr. (D) NJ,Maxine Waters (D) CA, Steny Hoyer (D) MD,Nancy Pelosi (D) CA ,James E. Clyburn (D) SC, Danny K. Davis (D) IL, John Carter (R) TX AND Frederica Wilson (D) FL

However, it's time to bring fresh life and perspectives into these critical roles. Our politics should evolve, reflecting the aspirations and struggles of our time. Younger representatives, closer in experience to the majority of voters, can bring much-needed enthusiasm and innovation to the table. They can better understand and navigate contemporary issues, ensuring that legislation is relevant and forward-thinking.

Legislators, your wealth of experience and historical understanding is invaluable. Yet, stepping aside can provide the opportunity for you to mentor the next generation of leaders, passing knowledge and insights that will continue to benefit our nation profoundly.

It's time for a new wave of leaders who resonate with the concerns of today's America. For continued progress and to honor your legacy of service, we ask for a transition that allows newer voices to be heard. Please consider stepping down and allowing new energy to move us forward.

Make your voice heard and sign this petition if you believe in a government that truly represents and understands the everyday challenges of its people. It's time for a change, and your signature can be a powerful catalyst.

The Rumbergers

He lived for 50 years. She lived for 100 years. How different were their lives.

Did she have twice the joy that he had. She had to have so much more sorrow after living all those years.

Did he live to be a father and grandfather?

Did she live to be a great grandmother and possibly a great, great grandmother?

Did she ever remarry?

Did any of the grandchildren remember him?

Did she have to go to work after he died. Most wives stayed home at this time and raised the children?

How long did she struggle with his death?

What support systems did she have to help her through these tough times?

Cliffy

Cliffy

One day, we were outside and Cliffy got left behind so Duffey, the outside dog, snatch it up and took it somewhere. I think Cindy was the first to notice that Cliffy was missing. So she signaled Brian and he signaled me and we quietly started looking for him before Clay, the 4 year old, noticed that his BFF was missing. It took us the better part of three hours and Clay never noticed so a crisis was adverted.

 

The Taj, one of the world's most beautiful building- 2004

 

Kids of Ethiopia- 2026

 

I'm With Her!!

• I'm with democracy.
• I'm with a woman's right to chose her own fate.
• I'm with fair elections.
• I'm with freedom of religion and freedom without religion.
• I'm with free speech and the right (and obligation) to protest against our government.
• I'm with immigrants. These are the people who built our country.
• I'm with due process for everyone in this country.
• I'm with public education.
• I'm with supporting a livable wage.

July 2025

 July 2025

I Turn 70: FUCK

Jameson Got Married

PA/VA/NJ

1- TU- PA

Thank God it is hot today. The pool finally opens, almost 5 weeks later than usual. The sun is out and people are sucking up the moment. However, the pool hours were mistakenly shorten and this cause a little bit fo an upraor which was a shame.

I just spent $70 on beer for Jameson's wedding. I'm not sure if this effort is going to be a help or be a hinderance to Brian.

2- W- PA

I started putting my balcony back together. I pulled things out of storage and it felt like coming home as I sat on my big, comfortable anderondeck chair.

In other news, we have opened up our first concentration camp in the USA.  All my life, I wondered how this could have happened in Germany and here we are 80 years later and brown people with Spanish accents are being grabbed up in teh streets and sent to this new makeshift camp and have no due process.

Twitter: The alligator concentration camp has already hosted its first criminal. #TrumpisaNationalDisgrace #TrumpIsDestroyingAmerica #TrumpConcentrationCamps

3- TH- PA/VA

As I was leaving for VA, I noticed that my tire has low on air and it is the same tire I filled three weeks ago. I couldn't get anyone to fix it right away. So the mechanic filled it with 40 pounds of pressure and off I went with high hopes for dumb luck and no problems.

4- F- VA

The excitement is in the air.  Brian said he is shaking from the anticipation. I wish I had my anti-anxiety medication to give him. Cindy and I went to Walmart and piled up more and more foods and beverages to add to our already plentiful pile. But I think we are as ready as possible.

The AirBnB that Brian rented for the wedding is open to us at 3PM and Tricia was there by 1:30.  

I had yet another reoccurring school dream last night and this one seemed to focus on some closure.  In the dream, I  came back as a full time principal and received a pension reimbursement for the time I was working under the table. I wonder if this will be the end of this dream series that has been going on for 15 years.

5-SA- VA

It's a beautiful day for a wedding and we are having one this morning and I can't wait.

6- SU- VA/PA

We were all back at the Inn by 8AM and I am exhausted.  We had breakfast together and then slowly, one by people my siblings got in there cars and headed home after this fun weekend.  I was too exhausted to drive so I went back to Brian and Cindy's house and took a nap until 1PM and that was enough to get me going.

I drove as far as Hagerstown, MD.  Once there, I found a dispensary and bought some gummies. Then I headed to Antietam Brewery (1) which was loud, crowded and unsettling after my great weekend.  I found a hotel, went to bed early and that was the end of these last few, fun days.

7- M- PA

I made it home after I made a quick stop at the Ever Grain Brewing Company (2) in Camp Hill, PA. I was emionally tired from this fun weekend.

Twitter: Yes, TRUMPERY is actually a word. trumpery (noun)  attractive articles of little value or use. practices or beliefs that are superficially or visually appealing but have little real value or worth. #TrumpisaNationalDisgrace

8- TU

I found a new brewery, Stubborn Goat Brewery (3),  near me and it is open during the week which is a big plus. Of course, I wandered up to the bar and started conversation with everyone. As a result, I got a free flight.  My photo was taken with one of the owners and we all made promises to drink together again.

9- W

It's my damn birthday and I am 70 fucking years old today. How did that happen to me? I spent my afternoon at the DMV as my license expires tomorrow.  I would rather have a papa smear, a mastectomy and a root canal done in the lobby of my apartment than go to the DMV. But it wasn't too painful today and now I don't have to go there for another 5 years.

I spent much of the day responding to my birthday wishes on FB, Instagram, Messenger and LinkedIn.  People are very respectful to me.

In the evening, the Anderkos and I went to a great Italian restaurant and celebrated this damn old age of mine. Heather sent me a video of the boys wishing me a happy bday.

10- TH

Jaye took me out to lunch to celebrate my old lady status.

There was a pool party this evening and Andy, Pam and I closed down the party.  Kevin would have been part of this badge of honor but his recent major surgery is getting in the way of his social life.

11- F- PA

I slept well last night as I used my gummies, my CPAP machine, my sleep mask, my mouth guard and my face fan.  Sleeping takes a lot of prep mow.

I am still working on my visa for Algeria.  It's so damn complicated.

While I was in the lounge, JoJo stopped by and we chatted quickly.  She had to get back up to tend to Kevin who is making progress.

In the afternoon, I went grocery shopping and I don't think I have done amy grocery shoppping since before I went to Cenral Asia in April.

In the evening, I hung out in the courtyard with Paulo and Pete. We sat by the firepit and drank beers.

Twitter: What is the end game for MAGA? How low will thier hate go? Is there a bottom? #USA #LoveOneAnother

12- SA- PA

In the afternoon, I went to the Stolen Sun brewery (4) with KF and Sally to celebrate my birthday. I think the celebrations are finally concluded for this year's bday.

13- SU-PA

In the afternoon, I met Kevin and JoJo in the lounge.  Kevin saved me a margurita from the event on July 4.

14-M- PA

I sat on my balcony for a long time this afternoon and then finaly got up and went to get a photo for my Algeria visa. And then I came back,  I sat on my balcony again but this time it was raining and I stayed put there as long as I could. But eventually, I was just too wet to enjoy the moment.

One of my favorute poets died today, Andrea Gibson. They have been in a battle with cancer fro teh last three years and I follwed this journey as they slipped in and out of remission. I'm surprised at how sad I am to lose this complete stranger who spoke for me so many times during these last few years.

I spent the evening, applying for my damn visa.  This is a very difficult and it is stressing me out. I am sort of regretting signing up for this trip.

It's the 50th annivesary of women being allowed to have thier own credit card. 

Twitter: My mother was 46 when she could get her own credit card. I was 20. And it’s 50 years later and we are slipping backwards.

Twitter: As the orange idiot lives in his fantasy world of being the greatest negotiator, China is leaving us in thier dust, laughing at us the whole time. #TrumpIsUnfitForOffice

15- TU-PA

I had to take a cancer patient for his reatment and he is in very bad shape. He broke my heart.

My trip to Algeria is cancelled due to no interest. Only 2 of us signed up for the trip.

16- W- PA

It is hot and sticky today and I had to walk to the tire store. I finally took my car/tire to be fixed. It's been a month since I have been suspicious of my tires. The back tire had a slow leak and the mechanic said he was not going to even address that problem since my tires were falling apart.

Finished my book, the Womem

17- TH- PA

Karen Carty invited me to join her for a discussion by Stacey Abrams @ the Wilmington Library. Afterwards, we walked across the street to be part of the John Lewis rally

18- F- PA

Denise Kelly met me in Phoenixville to find our great grandmothers grave.

In the evening, I went to a Bryn mawr Twilight Concert with Tricia and Bill.

19- SA- PA/NY

I drove up to Carmel-on-the-Lake to visit with kevin, GiGi and Jackie

John stopped by to visit, as did Questin and Sidney.

20- SU- NY/PA

Kevin drove us to the Storm King Scultpure Garden and it was too damn hot to be there. We should have just spent the afternoon, at the pool, with the little girls.

Danny's wedding date has been set for Nov 14, 2026

I had dinner with Kathy and Jim in Larchmont. Jim made lobsters and my quick visit turned in to three hours. But at that late hour, there wasnt much traffic.

21- M- PA

I started the day with bone dentisty test. I have hollow bones.

In the afternoon, I went to the Superman movies with Jaye. I dont really like action films.

22- TU- PA

Today's appointment was with the dentist. I need to find a new dentist. Every time I go, there is a different dentist and we start anew with my problems.

In the evening, I had a birthday dinner with Sue and Bobby at TECA. I ate a pile of food and I still took a pile home.

23-W- PA

I finished The Pumpkin Spice Cafe.

I had my yearly dermatologist appointment and there was nothing of concern.

Sally and I went to a Donahue Funeral Planning Dinner at Victory Brewery. We are pathetic.

24- TH- PA

I had a psychiatrist appointment to discuss my ADD. She wanted to know why it's taken me this long to understand that I had a problem with paying attention. I am going to start new medication to see if that helps.

I had to usher at Uptown in the evening.

Afterwards, I came back and spent the rest of the evening chatting in the lounge with Andy, Kim and Johnathan

I booked a trip to Mexico in November. I am going to visit with a couple I met in Uzbekistan and I am going to see the Day of the Dead Celebrations. I cant wait.

25- F- PA

I was stuck here all day becaue I had to take my car for an alignment and it wasn't finshd until 5ish.

Afterwards, I went to th grocery store for popsiciles and I ate three of them and could have eaten all of them as they were so refreshing.

26- SA- PA/NJ

I started my new medicine for attention deficit and I think the drug made me nauseous. All day long, I wanted to throw up. BUT, I had more eneergy than I have had for years

I left at 9:00 AM to head to Cape May for KF's birthday. Her children held the event at a winery and I am so glad I made the effort to go. It took me 3 1/2 hours to get there.

After the party, RJ and Sarah and I went to Gusto Brewery.

27- SU- PA

Kevin, JoJo and I met int he lounge to share a beer. I haven't had a beer with Kevin for weeks because of his surgery and radiation protocol. In the middle of our conversation, I had to get up and puke.

Sam and I spoke and she is slipping away in her mental illness. It was hard to say goodbye to her as she was so sad and helpless. She has promised me that she will not hurt herslef. She is too committed to her cats to leave them. But I worry that she will mismanage her medicine and overdose.

28- M- PA

Today was my mamogram appointment and there is nothing of interest in the results. But truthfully, I don't have any faith in the reliability of this test.

I puked several times today. I'm hoping that I will finally adjust to this new drug. If not, I am calling the doctor tomorrow.

Scott came to see me to tell me how dreadful the next phase of the balcony construction is.

29- TU

Today is my PROLIA SHOT.

I threw up again.

30- W- PA

I still feel sick. I am tired of throwing up.

In the afternoon, I had a facial and I think the masseur is just mediocre.

Twitter: I support giving undocumented immigrants a path to earn a green card, Offering a way to earn legal status strengthens our economy, keeps families together, and aligns with the values this country was built on: opportunity, justice, and second chances.

31- TH-PA

A construction team came to my apartment claiming to be fixing my nail o\pops from the deck restoration. But they were really looking to remove mold.

Pam offered us a hulahoop workshop and I suck at hula hooping.

Graduation

 I went to my great nephew's graduation party and this robe ensemble meet all of us at the entrance. I guess it was put up there in case me never got to see Rocco.

Willow Tree

 Someone on the internet is hosting a one line poetry contest. We can only use 12 words and it has to be about trees. So here it goes:

Standing under the willow tree with my grandfather, my only memory of him.

Bruce- May 2026, Philly