espresso, stamps & conversations

Bitter Grounds 

exploring the stories stamps tell

Cat drinking coffee

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!

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...

read more
banner_UAE_2021

UAE’s 2021 stamp program

2021 was a big year for the UAE -  their 50th anniversary. For those not familiar with the United Arab Emirates, the nation was formed by 7 emirates Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah, December 1971, with Ras al Khaimah joining in 1972.  You can learn more about the UAE here History of the UAE - The Official Portal of the UAE Government.  For cancel lovers, the UAE...

Keep scrolling. More new articles to enjoy.

"
Cyprus stamps for 2026 – nice designs from mystery artists

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...

read more
2026 Jersey stamps – oh the journey we will take!

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...

read more
Japan 2026 stamps, cancels & pure joy

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...

read more

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!

‪@bittergrounds.bsky.social‬ 

Diversity is a strength.

UPDATES and New posts

NEW! 2026 stamp programs

Cyprus 2026 June 20
Cyprus 2026 June 22

Updated

Azerbaijan 2026 UPDATED June 5 

Canadian  June 22
 

This will close in 30 seconds