Beautiful day in sunny Florida. Nice to be home for a short visit.

This past year has been unlike any other.

In the face of layoffs, budget cuts, and uncertainty, our community has stood firm—challenging reckless policies that threaten to undermine the Foreign Service and diminish America’s global leadership.

Thank you, Senator, for acknowledging the contributions of the Foreign Service.

On this Memorial Day, I am humbled and grateful to the men and women in uniform who sacrificed their lives in service to the United States of America. Let us be worthy of their service to our nation.

The Not-So-Secret Society Whose Members Run State A group named after Benjamin Franklin is attracting scrutiny, and suspicion, as its members gain top diplomatic slots.

NEW COLUMN: US diplomats are suspicious of a relatively new conservative organization whose members are getting top State Department jobs. I talked to the group’s founders about their aims: www.politico.com/news/magazin...

I tried to watch Etoile on Amazon. Zut alors! The yelling and histrionics. Gave me a headache. Really bad writing. None of the characters are remotely appealing. Horrors of horrors for the NYC people to be told they are to be sent to (gasps): Paris!

We hosted a very shagadelic Austin Powers movie nite in Kampala this evening.

I watched “Nonnas” on Netflix last night. It tried hard, it’s a feel good movie, but I think it made a mistake by having two story arcs with the Vince Vaughn character and then the four Nonnas. Anyways, it wasn’t awful.

Liz likes the new pope.

Great, another airport to avoid.

Seriously I will avoid flying in to DCA if possible.

Tom, you should try...just kidding.

Today is Foreign Service Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the service of current and retired members of the U.S. Foreign Service. Thank you for your dedicated service and sacrifices. And yes, I know it's now called Foreign Affairs Day. #USForeignService #ForeignAffairsDay

Watched In the Land of Saints and Sinners and really enjoyed it. Great screenplay and cinematography and a strong performance by Liam Neeson.

I am not a religious person but I am sorry to hear the news about Pope Francis. He seemed like a kind person. I will leave the timing of his death to others.

A little more than halfway through reading George Shultz’s memoirs. What a statesman and gentleman!

Just a reminder that President Reagan often wore a tan suit, and no one melted down over it.

Love the album and the song. My science partner who was the coolest kid in school turned me on to Devo in 1978 (and the Talking Heads as well.) Changed my life!

Well this is sad news. I really liked him as an actor. RIP.

I came here for the Trading Places memes and was not disappointed.

#Thailand just hit by a very large (7.7) #earthquake at 1.26pm local time, origin Myanmar. Felt right across the country. Water in high-rise hotel pools sloshing down buildings, and the big Mahanakorn building downtown (if you know it) seen swaying back and forth. Too early for damage reports.

How come on TV the cops and detectives yell “”Police, freeze!” when they are like 50 yards from the suspect, thus enabling the suspect’s escape? No one talks about this.

I think every US citizen should have a passport. Even if you have no immediate plans to travel.

Of course now I discover that the series was canceled, there will be no season 2. Bummer.

Is anyone else watching The Residence on Netflix? Some of the characters are way over the top with histrionics, but Uzo Aduba is great as Cordelia Cupp. I like Randall Park as Edwin Park, who sort of plays the Watson foil.

Wow, fun fact! I saw this as a kid and even then I didn't see how having Joe come back to life but without any of his knowledge or memories of his previous life as Joe was justice. Stupid overzealous guardian angel.

China Faces PR Challenge in Zambia An acidic waste spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine has contaminated the country’s most important waterway.

A massive acid spill at a Chinese-run mine in Zambia has contaminated the Kafue River, the country’s most important waterway.

I started watching Lockwood & Co. on Netflix and it's pretty good. At first glace may seem more of a young adult series, but it's well-done, acting is good, great story line. So suitable for grups.

‘We couldn’t wait any longer’: Edesia Nutrition lays off 10 percent of staff amid federal funding delays - The Boston Globe The North Kingstown nonprofit relies heavily on US Agency for International Development funding to feed malnourished children in 25 countries.

Edesia Nutrition, a North Kingstown, R.I.-based nonprofit that works to feed malnourished children around the world, has laid off 10 percent of its approximately 150 total employees due to a lack of government funding, the organization said.

Beware the Ides of March!