Late-Summer Basket

Near Penza, Russian Soviet Socialist Republic, 1933. My paternal Grandmother Tatjana's younger sister, Natasha, goes mushroom picking with her son.

Summer Reflection

Near Penza, Russian Soviet Socialist Republic. Natasha cherishes the season.

Summer Joy

Near Penza, Russian Soviet Socialist Republic, Summer 1952. Natasha sent this candid to her older sister—my paternal Grandmother, Tatjana.

Summer Still

Near Penza, Russian Soviet Socialist Republic, Summer 1956. Natasha poses for Tatjana.

The resort has many attractions.

Palanga, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, 1957. The beach isn't the only spot.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

Summer Mood

Near Penza, Russian Soviet Socialist Republic, 1954. Natasha enjoys the season.

Exchanging Portraits (Part 62)

Location Uncertain, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, about 1955. This family sent a snapshot to my paternal Grandmother, Tatjana. I don't know who these folks are.

Summer Sweater

Penza, Russian Soviet Socialist Republic, Summer 1962. My paternal Grandmother Tatjana's younger sister, Natasha, wrote, "On our little terrace."

A Closer Look (Part 72)

Kačerginė, Lithuania, Summer 1940. Although it was a difficult summer, Jonė found reasons to smile.

Here's the original post.

Hopeful

Penza, Russian Soviet Socialist Republic, June 1969. My paternal Grandmother Tatjana's sister, Natasha, wrote, "Sashenka is fishing at our lake."

A Visit with the Grandchild

Klaipeda, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, August 20, 1960. A friend of my paternal Grandmother sent this photo. I focus on two things: the Soviet-style doll and the armchair.

Postcard: Stalin Avenue

Stalino Prospektas, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, 1956. It's now "Gediminas Avenue."

Soviet Square

Lukiškės Square, Vilnius, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, 1975. See Photo 17 here.

Soviet Life

In Lithuania.

Why we don't know much about Stalin.

"Americans might be less receptive because of our own mythology of the Second World War. Anything that detracts from that simplified portrait is often unwelcome. Tales of Nazi horrors inflate the American experience and place American efforts front and center. Discussion of the central role of the Soviet Union, and its 20 million dead, deflates American experience and pushes American efforts to the margins."

Anniversary of the Later Deportations

March 25, 1949.

Here's an (English-language) account of the 1941 deportations. More here.

An Assessment

Lithuania's President considers Putin.

Restoration Day

Madison, Wisconsin, March 2016. Lithuania today celebrates the anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union. This poster, from the Lithuanian Parliament ("Sajudis") addresses the April 14, 1990 referendum.

"Sonata on Independence"

Today is the 25th anniversary of the day Lithuanians voted to secede from the Soviet Union.

Related by Marriage: Flowers for the Guest

Vilnius, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, July 1983. Relatives greet Mr. Irene's Dad upon his arrival in Lithuania. Dad's brother, Stacey, stands on the left.