just a couple of pictures of German Chancellor Angela Merkel feeding some lorikeets at a bird park

[IcyPeas]

German Chancellor Angela Merkel feeds Australian lorikeets at Marlow Bird Park in Marlow, Germany, Thursday Sept. 23, 2021

https://apnews.com/article/oddities-elections-campaigns-germany-national-elections-547e585999bddc660863a95e07f2e2bd

[LiberalFighter]

1. It is a shame she will not be Chancellor.

Listened to a bit about her on NPR this morning. She was intending not running in 2017 until the orange idiot took over here.

[Hortensis]

15. Agree. For a moderate conservative, she's okay and has earned it.

Pelosi was going to retire after 2016, leaving Pelosicare (the ACA) safe in the hands of the Democratic Party headed by President Clinton. Instead, at 81 she's still putting in incredibly long, hard days under stress that would kill many.

Hope Ms. Merkel has a lovely belated retirement. She claims she plans to do nothing. Just wonder if she can handle it.

[CBHagman]

27. I hope she has a lovely German retirement planned...

...and I say "German retirement" because I have watched Europeans keep an enjoyable rhythm to life after retirement. But I've often heard that those of us in the States who can afford to retire need to make sure we have purpose and structure (classes, volunteering, travel). So I wish Frau Merkel a nice long life and a happy retirement.

[Hortensis]

28. The difference is interesting. I wonder how much the older

organization of many European towns has to do with it, with lots of life an easy walk away. Most retirees here have to get in the car just to pick up some veggies, or even visit with friends.

In any case, I like the idea of that for her.

[spooky3]

2. Wonderful photos of a wonderful leader. nt

[onetexan]

12. Ditto

[Snackshack]

22. Nice

[malaise]

3. Lovely

Thanks

[Mr. Ected]

5. She helped cover our ass when the Orange Plague infected our nation

Tip of the hat, Chancellor.

[wryter2000]

11. And she endured

BushII's shoulder rub. Lord have mercy.

[wnylib]

24. She became the leader of the free world during that time period.

[erronis]

6. Reminds me of dump trying to act cozy with an eagle.

https://i.insider.com/56685c3a8430761a008b8a18

[electric_blue68]

7. Aw, that's fun!

[niyad]

8. The birds clearly love her.

[Hekate]

9. I have to say, that's adorable

[wryter2000]

10. Cute

Technically, Doctor Chancellor Merkel.

Thanks for the pictures.

[certainot]

13. trump would have been scared shitless

[ailsagirl]

14. That's wonderful!! Thanks

[iluvtennis]

16. Going to miss her. n/t

[Stuart G]

17. Wonderful Picture...Thank You for Posting..

[Skittles]

18. love her

[Pacifist Patriot]

19. I love it! We have lorikeets...

at our awesome local zoo. I love going into that section of the aviary exhibit with the nectar cups and becoming perch central.

[smirkymonkey]

20. What great photos!

I must say, I am going to miss having her as a presence on the world stage. There is something about her that is so solid and stable. She inspires confidence and hope.

[MustLoveBeagles]

21. Great photo

[Snackshack]

23. Dr. Merkel

Has been an excellent leader for Germany over the last 15 years. She would have every right to be disappointed in us as we gave her 2 idiot, narcissistic aholes to have to deal with during her time in office. However at least we also gave her 8 years of President Obama so we were not all bad.

[Boomerproud]

29. I have read that she and PBO became very close and had a deep

understanding and affection. They were both academics and saw the world the same way.

[DFW]

25. She has put in her time

She has earned the right to depart the position of Chancellor with dignity, as well as the bittersweet certainty that whoever succeeds her will never be even half as good for either Germany or Europe. For someone who attained the position unexpectedly, and with only the most modest of expectations, as the first really respected person to hold the post since Helmut Schmidt, she leaves a gaping hole at the top of the EU that will not be plugged any time soon.

[Wild blueberry]

26. Thank you, Chancellor Merkel!

Agree with everyone saying what a great leader she has been, for Germany, Europe, and even the world.
She deserves a relaxing retirement!
Sending good wishes to Germany for whoever is to come next.