Stoical Geezer
@stoicalgeezer.bsky.social
🇺🇲🇬🇧🏴 Retired CIO, writer, humanist. Stoic by practice, skeptic by temperament. I write about life, democracy’s cracks, aging with clarity, and the small rituals—pens, journaling, quiet mornings—that keep us steady while the world tilts.
The Pelikan M1000 and the vintage Parker 51 make quite a pair: the M1000 struts in like a heavyweight champ, gleaming and oversized, while the 51 sits beside it, calm and unbothered, the zen master of understatement. Together they prove that nib swagger comes in all sizes.
#FountainPens
#FountainPens
December 8, 2025 at 4:36 AM
The Pelikan M1000 and the vintage Parker 51 make quite a pair: the M1000 struts in like a heavyweight champ, gleaming and oversized, while the 51 sits beside it, calm and unbothered, the zen master of understatement. Together they prove that nib swagger comes in all sizes.
#FountainPens
#FountainPens
#OnThisDay December 7, 1941, at 7:55 a.m., Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor as 360 warplanes descended on Oahu. The strike dealt a devastating blow to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and propelled the United States into World War II.
December 8, 2025 at 4:24 AM
#OnThisDay December 7, 1941, at 7:55 a.m., Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor as 360 warplanes descended on Oahu. The strike dealt a devastating blow to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and propelled the United States into World War II.
Hearty beef stew from this Old Geezer’s kitchen—tender chunks, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, peas, corn, peppers, and all the comfort a seasoned cook can stir into a pot. Topped with asparagus for a touch of class. Proof that age may slow me down, but it sure hasn’t dulled my appetite.
December 7, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Hearty beef stew from this Old Geezer’s kitchen—tender chunks, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, peas, corn, peppers, and all the comfort a seasoned cook can stir into a pot. Topped with asparagus for a touch of class. Proof that age may slow me down, but it sure hasn’t dulled my appetite.
Brimstone, our magnificent shadow-on-paws, moves with the quiet confidence of a creature who knows the universe revolves around him. Sleek, watchful, and wholly in command, he is equal parts mystery and mischief—a regal feline presence who graces our days with charm and imperious affection.
December 7, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Brimstone, our magnificent shadow-on-paws, moves with the quiet confidence of a creature who knows the universe revolves around him. Sleek, watchful, and wholly in command, he is equal parts mystery and mischief—a regal feline presence who graces our days with charm and imperious affection.
#Emoetry prompt for 12/6: #Vigorous
Still moving, still amused—proof that momentum counts as vigor when the years grow long.
#Poetry #FreeVerse #AgingWithHumor #StoicAging #SeptuagenarianLife #EighthDecade
Still moving, still amused—proof that momentum counts as vigor when the years grow long.
#Poetry #FreeVerse #AgingWithHumor #StoicAging #SeptuagenarianLife #EighthDecade
December 6, 2025 at 10:35 PM
#Emoetry prompt for 12/6: #Vigorous
Still moving, still amused—proof that momentum counts as vigor when the years grow long.
#Poetry #FreeVerse #AgingWithHumor #StoicAging #SeptuagenarianLife #EighthDecade
Still moving, still amused—proof that momentum counts as vigor when the years grow long.
#Poetry #FreeVerse #AgingWithHumor #StoicAging #SeptuagenarianLife #EighthDecade
A poem written after reflecting on this morning's contemplation — Peace comes late, after the battles you never needed to fight.
#Poetry #FreeVerse
#Poetry #FreeVerse
December 5, 2025 at 6:51 PM
A poem written after reflecting on this morning's contemplation — Peace comes late, after the battles you never needed to fight.
#Poetry #FreeVerse
#Poetry #FreeVerse
Tonight’s Super Moon glows like a gold lantern over the mountains, bright against the deepening blue. It hangs steady above the tangle of red lights and traffic, serene and unhurried—a small, perfect reminder that even in the evening rush, the world can still offer wonder.
December 5, 2025 at 6:22 AM
Tonight’s Super Moon glows like a gold lantern over the mountains, bright against the deepening blue. It hangs steady above the tangle of red lights and traffic, serene and unhurried—a small, perfect reminder that even in the evening rush, the world can still offer wonder.
December 4, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Today's lunch from this Old Geezer's kitchen — wild Alaskan salmon with balsamic, roast eggplant and potatoes, variety of steamed carrots.
#HomeCooking #Septuagenarian
#HomeCooking #Septuagenarian
December 3, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Today's lunch from this Old Geezer's kitchen — wild Alaskan salmon with balsamic, roast eggplant and potatoes, variety of steamed carrots.
#HomeCooking #Septuagenarian
#HomeCooking #Septuagenarian
#Emoetry prompt 12/3 "Scared"
“Fear is not the enemy; indifference is.” — Elie Wiesel
"We’re scared because we’re paying attention. That’s the beginning of courage, not the end of hope." — Stoical Geezer
#FreeVerse #Poetry
“Fear is not the enemy; indifference is.” — Elie Wiesel
"We’re scared because we’re paying attention. That’s the beginning of courage, not the end of hope." — Stoical Geezer
#FreeVerse #Poetry
December 3, 2025 at 5:06 PM
#Emoetry prompt 12/3 "Scared"
“Fear is not the enemy; indifference is.” — Elie Wiesel
"We’re scared because we’re paying attention. That’s the beginning of courage, not the end of hope." — Stoical Geezer
#FreeVerse #Poetry
“Fear is not the enemy; indifference is.” — Elie Wiesel
"We’re scared because we’re paying attention. That’s the beginning of courage, not the end of hope." — Stoical Geezer
#FreeVerse #Poetry
Quick and simple supper from this Old Geezer's kitchen: white rice, onion, corn, peas, tomato, egg, and for added flavor a little TJ's corn salsa.
#HomeCooking
#HomeCooking
December 3, 2025 at 4:21 AM
Quick and simple supper from this Old Geezer's kitchen: white rice, onion, corn, peas, tomato, egg, and for added flavor a little TJ's corn salsa.
#HomeCooking
#HomeCooking
#OnThisDay 2 December 1697: St Paul's Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is consecrated for use. The previous building had been destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666.
December 2, 2025 at 4:24 PM
#OnThisDay 2 December 1697: St Paul's Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is consecrated for use. The previous building had been destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666.
The Nordic nations show that strong democracy, secularism, universal supports, low inequality, and high trust boost well-being. Especially now, in 2025, the U.S. would do well to learn from them: when people feel safe, included, and supported—and government is transparent—life satisfaction rises.
December 1, 2025 at 8:44 PM
The Nordic nations show that strong democracy, secularism, universal supports, low inequality, and high trust boost well-being. Especially now, in 2025, the U.S. would do well to learn from them: when people feel safe, included, and supported—and government is transparent—life satisfaction rises.
#OnThisDay 1 December 1913: Ford introduced the first moving assembly line, cutting Model T build time from 12 hours to about 90 minutes. By having each worker add one part as the car moved past, Ford made cars faster to produce, cheaper to buy, and transformed manufacturing forever.
December 1, 2025 at 8:49 AM
#OnThisDay 1 December 1913: Ford introduced the first moving assembly line, cutting Model T build time from 12 hours to about 90 minutes. By having each worker add one part as the car moved past, Ford made cars faster to produce, cheaper to buy, and transformed manufacturing forever.
A small fidget coin that doubles as a quiet reminder of the four #Stoic virtues—justice, courage, wisdom, and temperance. Solid in the hand, grounding in spirit, it’s a pocket-sized nudge to stay steady, thoughtful, and aligned with what matters.
November 29, 2025 at 7:48 PM
A small fidget coin that doubles as a quiet reminder of the four #Stoic virtues—justice, courage, wisdom, and temperance. Solid in the hand, grounding in spirit, it’s a pocket-sized nudge to stay steady, thoughtful, and aligned with what matters.
A small moment on a scrap of paper, but a whole lifetime in the lines — a reminder that time moves, but companionship endures. We face each day as it comes: with the quiet strength of two people who’ve weathered much and somehow remain anchored together.
November 29, 2025 at 7:34 PM
A small moment on a scrap of paper, but a whole lifetime in the lines — a reminder that time moves, but companionship endures. We face each day as it comes: with the quiet strength of two people who’ve weathered much and somehow remain anchored together.
#OnThisDay 28 Nov 1893, New Zealand became the first country where women voted in national elections. Canada followed in 1917, the UK in 1918, and the US in 1920. By contrast, Switzerland waited until 1971, Portugal until 1976, and Liechtenstein until 1984.
November 28, 2025 at 5:49 PM
#OnThisDay 28 Nov 1893, New Zealand became the first country where women voted in national elections. Canada followed in 1917, the UK in 1918, and the US in 1920. By contrast, Switzerland waited until 1971, Portugal until 1976, and Liechtenstein until 1984.
A Thanksgiving tribute to Brimstone (a.k.a. KitKat), our beloved household tyrant. From his 4:30 a.m. wake-up calls to his gourmet snobbery, endless demands, and shameless sofa theft, he rules the house with furry entitlement—and somehow remains impossible not to love.
#Thanksgiving #CatLife
#Thanksgiving #CatLife
November 27, 2025 at 8:17 PM
A Thanksgiving tribute to Brimstone (a.k.a. KitKat), our beloved household tyrant. From his 4:30 a.m. wake-up calls to his gourmet snobbery, endless demands, and shameless sofa theft, he rules the house with furry entitlement—and somehow remains impossible not to love.
#Thanksgiving #CatLife
#Thanksgiving #CatLife
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
November 27, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
#OnThisDay 26 November 1791: First US cabinet meeting, held at George Washington's home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of War Henry Knox, and Attorney General Edmund Randolph attend.
November 26, 2025 at 2:38 PM
#OnThisDay 26 November 1791: First US cabinet meeting, held at George Washington's home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of War Henry Knox, and Attorney General Edmund Randolph attend.
This tiny little Majohn Wancai 2.0 eyedropper keeps surprising me—smooth, reliable, and far better than its modest price suggests. Posted, it’s right around 5" and sits comfortably in the hand. A true little overachiever in the pen world.
#FountainPens
#FountainPens
November 26, 2025 at 12:31 AM
This tiny little Majohn Wancai 2.0 eyedropper keeps surprising me—smooth, reliable, and far better than its modest price suggests. Posted, it’s right around 5" and sits comfortably in the hand. A true little overachiever in the pen world.
#FountainPens
#FountainPens
This Old Geezer's pissed!
Medicare’s jump to $202.90 means many seniors will see their COLA swallowed before it even lands. A nearly 10% Part B hike highlights the growing gap between rising healthcare costs and fixed incomes.
And our "leader" denies there's inflation! Ridiculous!
Medicare’s jump to $202.90 means many seniors will see their COLA swallowed before it even lands. A nearly 10% Part B hike highlights the growing gap between rising healthcare costs and fixed incomes.
And our "leader" denies there's inflation! Ridiculous!
November 25, 2025 at 10:49 PM
This Old Geezer's pissed!
Medicare’s jump to $202.90 means many seniors will see their COLA swallowed before it even lands. A nearly 10% Part B hike highlights the growing gap between rising healthcare costs and fixed incomes.
And our "leader" denies there's inflation! Ridiculous!
Medicare’s jump to $202.90 means many seniors will see their COLA swallowed before it even lands. A nearly 10% Part B hike highlights the growing gap between rising healthcare costs and fixed incomes.
And our "leader" denies there's inflation! Ridiculous!
The sudden dissolution of DOGE — once heralded as a bold bid to shrink federal bureaucracy — underscores how loud rhetoric without transparent results can collapse quietly. Mandated through July 2026, its premature fade-out raises questions about political theater versus meaningful reform.
November 25, 2025 at 10:41 PM
The sudden dissolution of DOGE — once heralded as a bold bid to shrink federal bureaucracy — underscores how loud rhetoric without transparent results can collapse quietly. Mandated through July 2026, its premature fade-out raises questions about political theater versus meaningful reform.
#OnThisDay 24 November 1859: English naturalist Charles Darwin publishes On the Origin of Species, radically changing the view of evolution and laying the foundation for evolutionary biology.
November 24, 2025 at 8:03 AM
#OnThisDay 24 November 1859: English naturalist Charles Darwin publishes On the Origin of Species, radically changing the view of evolution and laying the foundation for evolutionary biology.