espresso, stamps & conversations
Bitter Grounds
exploring the stories stamps tell
We are ad free!
Grateful thanks to all who have donated. You keep this site going … and super thanks for all the espresso you’ve bought to keep me well lubricated when writing.
Buy me a coffee offers single donations + modest subscriptions.
You can also choose to pay using Stripe for a secure donation.
Cyprus 2025 stamp program – motorbikes and mosaics!
As promised in the 2026 article, here is the Cyprus 2025 stamp program. I don't believe it either, but let's just enjoy the moment. It's hard to go wrong when you start the year off with classic motorbikes. You don't meed to be a enthusiast to appreciate the beauty and design involved in them. And when you follow them up with a eye poppingly beautiful mosaic set, well, you have everything we...
Siege of Carcassonne ends with a Cathar surrender in 1209
Siege of Carcassonne ends with a Cathar surrender in 1209
After 15 days, the Siege of Carcassonne came to an end with the Cathar stronghold surrendered to Crusader forces on August 15, 1209. movement, which emerged in Europe
Keep scrolling. More new articles to enjoy.
Cyprus stamps for 2026 – nice designs from mystery artists
Last time I posted Cyprus' stamps was way back in 2023. Somehow I missed them in 2024 and well, 2025 was a dead loss as far as work was concerned. HOWEVER ... I have already laid out and prepped the stamps for last year and you should see it up in a few days. Just...
2026 Jersey stamps – oh the journey we will take!
Buckle up mammals, we're off to see the 2026 Jersey stamps! How in hell do I find so much to write about them each year. It's a tiny island. I start with an innocent "just a few links, maybe a few cool facts". Before I hit the end of March I have over 900 words...
Japan 2026 stamps, cancels & pure joy
Ah Japan, the post mark cancel capital of the world. If you are a cancel hound, this is the country for you. Many countries create them, few attain the sheer delicate beauty and whimsy of Japan's. Here are a few samples from over the years: The little snowball...
Copyright
© 2026
Bitter Grounds Magazine
All Right Reserved
You can usually find me lurking on Bluesky along with a large number of stamp lovers.
Just look for Catpaw!
Diversity is a strength.