Help.

Paige was here while I went to the Apteka to fill a prescription for Joan. They didn't have the medicine, so I have to go back tomorrow.

From there, I went to Diagnostka to drop off Joan's urine sample. It is to have her levels checked in her kidneys.

My next stop was at Auchan. We were there two days ago to buy dried cranberries, sesame seeds, dates, and nuts that I use in smoothies. I buy them in 1 kg bags, but the shelves were completely empty and being dismantled. I kind of freaked out because it is the only place I know that sells 1 kg bags of each. I saw a sign that told me they had all been moved to the back wall behind the 5 rows of different alcohol. I thought that was rather a strange place to move them to, but I went to look. I filled my shopping bag with what I needed and paid 71 PLN($19).

My last stop was at Cafe Lokum to buy two cinnamon muffins to take home. I promised Joan I would

Paige left about 2:20, and at 2:40 Karolina arrived. She owns a firm that has people who will come to your home to help me. It has become too dangerous for me to get Joan in and out of the shower, so that was the kind of help I needed. She only came to meet us and look at the conditions around the flat. She talked about a woman coming 3 days a week for 4 hours each time, but that is not what I need. In the end, we settled on one day, Wednesday at 12:00 for 2 hours.  The woman will shower Joan and cut her fingernails and toenails. That is all. 

Meanwhile, Ukraine

Russian attacks have destroyed more than half of Ukraine’s domestic natural gas production, forcing Kyiv to spend about €1.9 billion ($2.2 billion) on fuel imports as it aims to get through the winter, Bloomberg reports.

Ukraine projections suggest it will need about 4.4 billion cubic meters of gas to take it through to the end of March according to Bloomberg’s sources – equivalent to nearly 20% of the country’s annual consumption. The report adds that Oct. 3 strikes on Kharkiv and Poltava regions took out roughly 60% of gas production.

Ukraine’s government asked its G7 partners for equipment to repair damaged facilities. It also renewed requests for air defense systems to protect energy infrastructure and sought financial support for imports, Bloomberg writes.

Heat?

I sent an email to the administrator of our building about the heating problem. With the help of Renata, our flat owner, I now know what is happening.

It seems they have contracted with a larger heating company that is in major cities in Poland. They have a set policy to turn on the heat, partially, when it is cold for some consecutive. They won't turn it on in-full until it is 14 C. the reason of course, I believe, is to save money. The suggestion was to buy electric blankets. Of course, using electric blankets to stay warm during the day would raise the already too high cost for electricity.

So, for now, the above picture shows you how Joan is dealing, unhappily, with our new problem, 

Heat & Ukraine

It's cold enough that the heat has finally been turned on.

The only problem is that our radiators are not putting out enough heat to warm our flat. I thought maybe there was air trapped inside our 5 radiators so I "bled" each one. That made no improvement. Now, my only recourse was to email the administrator of our building and tell her the problem. I did that just before I started writing this blog. I hope there is an answer tomorrow. 

Meanwhile:

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have eliminated Batal Bigvava, known by the call sign “Balu,” commander of the Russian-backed “Pyatnashka” brigade.

Bigvava, accused of multiple war crimes, was killed during fighting in Ukraine.His funeral took place on October 1 in unrecognized Abkhazia, attended by “president” Badra Gunba.

The “Pyatnashka” brigade has been active since 2014, notorious for crimes such as looting, kidnapping, and torturing Ukrainian prisoners of war. Source-Ukraine News(Euroasia)

News in Ukraine

For the past twenty years I have participated in the excellent annual Yalta European Strategy (YES) conferences, but this year I felt a certain trepidation. How depressed would Ukrainians be after three and a half years of war?

To my happy surprise, I found that Ukraine has turned the tables not only on Russia but also on the Western world. Militarily, the Ukrainians think they have virtually stopped the Russian summer offensive, with Moscow’s forces gaining minimal territory at tremendous cost.

The talk of town was the innovative Ukrainian armaments industry, especially the many drone producers. Prominent participants Anne Appelbaum, Thomas Friedman and Chrystia Freeland have reported similar observations.

For years, Ukraine has relied on Western arms supplies, but now Ukraine has become almost self-sufficient in some weapons systems.

I talk regularly to Oleksandr Kamyshin, President Zelensky’s advisor on arms production. A year ago, he told me that Ukraine could produce 1.5 million drones in 2024. In January he said it would be 4.5 million this year. Now, Ukraine has the capacity to produce 10 million with sufficient financing, but quality is more relevant than the number. Kyiv now has the ability to export some drones. Source-Kyiv Post-Anders Aslund

All about Joan

I spent the last two days taking care of Joan, and she is getting better. 

She felt well enough to go outside, so I took her to Cafe Lokum, inside for a Caffe Latte. We sat for about an hour and then made our way back home. It was time to start preparing dinner for tonight, Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya.

I did the food shopping on Wednesday this time because I was so tired from the night before, and I slept right through the alarm on Tuesday.

My friend, Alina, found an organization here that has people who can help disabled people with things that they have trouble with. My problem with Joan is now getting her into the shower and out. The opening is big enough, but right next to it is a glass panel to catch excess water from spilling onto the floor. However, the problem is the little raised border at the opening. It feels a little dangerous trying to get in and out. I'm always concerned because of Joan's lack of balance. There will be a lady coming this Thursday to see if she can help.

Sunday-rest?

Well, it didn't start out that way. Joan had a problem just walking the 5 steps from the bedroom to the bathroom. When it was time to return, her legs were too weak to hold her up, and I had to carefully retrieve the wheelchair to take her back.

Yesterday, she slipped out of bed onto the floor, and I was unable to lift her up alone. I had to knock on three neighbors' doors before I found someone to help me. He was a young man of thin body, so i wasn't sure he could help. Fortunately, we did manage to get her back on the bed when I could change her and get her back into the wheelchair. 

The rest of Sunday was mainly sitting with Joan while she watched some programs, and I did some work on my laptop. 

For dinner, I made a meatloaf, boiled potatoes, and green beans.

Meanwhile,

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that NATO and the European Union have declared war on Russia through Ukraine at a G20 foreign ministers’ meeting on Thursday.

“A clear example is the crisis in Ukraine, provoked by the collective West, through which NATO and the European Union want to declare, have already declared, a real war on my country and are directly participating in it,” Lavrov said, according to Russian state media outlet TASS.

It came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Lavrov on Wednesday to reiterate US President Donald Trump’s “call for the killing to stop and the need for Moscow to take meaningful steps toward a durable resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war,” according to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

Doctor & Ukraine

The only reason we went out today was a doctor appointment for Joan. She has had a cold since last Tuesday, so I made the appointment. The newest "doctor" prescribed antibiotics, probiotics and cough medicine. She has bronchitis.

A Russian senator from occupied Ukraine has admitted that Moscow is losing ground in drone warfare and that its war against Kyiv has reached a deadlock, contrasting with earlier warnings from Ukraine’s former top general that the conflict has bogged down into a costly positional struggle that would lead to Ukraine’s ultimate failure.

 

Dmitry Rogozin, a member of the pro-Kremlin United Russia party and senator representing the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region, said Russian forces are advancing only “with enormous difficulty and at a colossal cost.”

 

He described the situation along the front line as a positional war, where equipment “is destroyed before it even reaches the front” and small assault groups push forward with little success. Source-Kyiv Post

Gdansk-Final part

 Saturday, we spent most of the day in Gdansk. We picked up Garrett around 11:30 and went to a restaurant by the river for breakfast. The weather was perfect and made to day so enjoyable.

After breakfast, we strolled on a bridge over the river to where the Maritime Museum was and learned about the history of how boats and ships played a big part of the development of the city.

When we were done, we drove back to our hotel in Brzeno and went for a long walk to the pier. Unfortunately,it was already closed for the winter.

On our way back, Garrett found one of the entrances to the beach had wooden pallets set up so that a person in a wheelchair could get very close to the beach. We took advantage of that and also the restaurant at the end of the passage. It was too early for dinner so we just had a drink and watched all the people on the beach. 

Garrett took the opportunity to put on his swimsuit and go for a 10 minute swim in the cold water. 

By the time we got back to the hotel, it was time for dinner so we walked to the end of the boardwalk for a fish dinner.

About 9 PM, we drove Garrett back to his flat, said our good byes and returned to the hotel to sleep.

Sunday morning, we took advantage of the free buffet breakfast, Packed our suitcase and made the 3 1/2 hour drive back home.

It was a good weekend. 

Gdansk Part 2 & Draft

So, there I was with no medicines. Not a good position to be in for two days. I didn't have the necessary codes to get a refill and no Apteka would do it without the codes. The Gemini Apteka said there was a service available for a doctor of foreigners and tourist in the evenings. It was in a nearby hospital and opened at 6 PM. We arrived there at 5:30 and waited. There was already one person waiting. 6 o'clock came and passed. No doctor. Now there were 10 people waiting.

One last person arrived, talked with the receptionist, they seemed to know each other. 

The doctor arrived at 6:15 and the last person arriving was called in first.Obviously, it was good to know the receptionist. About 6:30, the first arrival was called in, stayed about 10 minutes and then I was called.

I explained my situation, the doctor wrote the prescription, and I went to the pharmacy to get the meds. Problem solved.

By then, it was time for dinner so we went to a restaurant by the beach.  Part 3 Tomorrow.

======================================================================  

More than half of Poles support reinstating mandatory military service, a new survey has shown, as war in neighboring Ukraine keeps defense high on the public agenda.

The poll by United Surveys for news portal Wirtualna Polska found 50.5% of respondents were in favor of bringing back conscription, while 40.6% opposed it and 8.9% were undecided.  

Of those in support, 21% answered “definitely yes” and 29.5% “rather yes.” Among opponents, 28.2% said “rather no” and 12.4% “definitely no.”  

The survey was conducted Sept. 13–15 on a representative sample of 1,000 adult residents of Poland. 

Gdansk trip. Part 1

It was an arduous trip, but all in all, I'm glad we made it.

However, in the beginning, it was a disappointment. Not with the 3 1/2 hour drive because the road from Poznan is much better than it was 10 years ago. The frustration was seeing our rented room.

When I first visited the Hotel Lival website, it featured a stunning view of the Baltic Sea from the balcony. I thought this may be the last trip Joan and I make, and I wanted it to be special with the view. That is why I paid the higher price. My confirmation had NO indication it would be different.

When we checked in and went to our room, it turned out that the room was on the side of the hotel facing another building, and the only way to actually have a look at the sea was by opening the door to the balcony and looking north for a partial view. On top of that, there was no balcony to step out on. There was just a guardrail around the door. I was pissed.

I went back to the receptionist's desk and told her she had given me the wrong room. She checked and said it was the right room. I told her about the view, and she took out her reservation. She pointed to her copy and said that it stated a side view of the sea. I showed her the confirmation email they sent to me, and there NO mention of a side view. I told her if I knew that, I would not have booked the room. I asked to speak to the manager, but of course, he/she was on vacation. So, we got screwed.

Ok, I was in a bad mood and trying to shield Joan from it.

Then, after unpacking everything, although I brought all of Joan's medicines, I forgot my own.

I will tell you that story tomorrow. I need to sleep now. Pictures of our trip are on the right.

Off to Gdansk

 Not quite yet, but tomorrow morning we are off to Gdansk at 11:00 to visit with our friend, Garrett.

Haircut Day.

Today was the day of haircuts for Joan and I. I always have a little problem with the cost. It's not exactly the cost. Joan's haircut lasts about 40 minutes. My haircut and beard trim takes 80 minutes. So, it takes twice a long for me and yet Joan's haircut costs more than mine. I told the stylist about it, but he doesn't set the price. 

Usually, Joan goes first to have her hair washed and then the haircut begins. While it's going on, I use that time to go over a Spanish lesson on my phone or one from the book I take.

We were close to Cafe Lokum so, we were done, we stopped for a coffee. It was too chilly outside in the court yard so, we had it inside. It was the first time was inside the cafe.

We normally have an 11:00 AM appointment, but we had to cancel our last August meeting and reschedule for 3 PM today. Not the best time because of traffic rush hour for the workers to get home. We didn't get home until 6 PM.

Shopping & Ukraine.

Because my Spanish teacher is in Wroclaw today and Paige was coming to sit with Joan at 1 PM, I didn't have to wake up at 06:30 to go food shopping. That was nice. I went at 1 PM and spent 160 PLN($44). That was also nice. Any time I can keep it below 200 PLN  is good. However, I did have to go to three different stores to get what I needed.

Joan was safe at home watching A Fish Called Wanda with Paige, so I had time to stop at Cafe Lokum for a cafe latte and listen to last week's Spanish lesson with Radek. I record all of them and listen to them again during the week. I always learn a little more every time I listen, especially pronunciation.

Meanwhile:

The Trump administration has approved its first US weapons aid packages for Ukraine, which could soon be shipped as Washington resumes arms deliveries to Kyiv under a new cost-sharing deal with allies, according to Reuters citing two sources.

This would mark the first use of a new mechanism created by the US and its allies to provide Ukraine with weapons from US stockpiles, funded by contributions from NATO member states.

The sources said that Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby has authorized up to two shipments each valued at $500 million under the program, which is known as the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).

The new transatlantic effort is reportedly set to bolster Kyiv’s military capabilities with up to $10 billion in arms, according to Reuters.

Rest Day!

Good weather + Ukraine.

70 F, sunny, made another consecutive day of excellent weather. It was only natural to take Joan outside while the weather was good.

This time we went to the largest park, Citadela. It is the largest park in Poznan. Fortunately, it has easy, flat walkways for wheelchairs which makes my life a little easier. We spent about 2 hours there and then stopped for a coffee on the way home. It was another way to sit outside. 

Back at home, it was time to prepare the pasta, blue cheese, and cashews dinner for tonight. It calls for walnuts but cashews, today, were cheaper..

I had a nice video call with the oldest son of my departed cousin, Leon. Leon was one of four siblings, and my favorite of them. Unfortunately, he died in a boating accident saving the life of a young nephew.  

 Meanwhile, Ukraine: 

Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) carried out a drone strike on a major oil refinery in Russia’s Republic of Bashkortostan, sparking explosions and a large-scale fire, according to the intelligence sources.

The attack reportedly targeted the Bashneft-Novoyl refinery located in Ufa, the capital of the republic, roughly 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) from Ukraine’s border. The facility is one of Russia’s key oil processing plants.

Sources said that after kamikaze drones struck the site, multiple powerful explosions erupted, followed by a massive blaze. Preliminary assessments suggest that critical infrastructure, including a vacuum column used for primary oil processing, sustained significant damage. Source-Kyiv Independent.======================================

Support among Russians for continuing the war in Ukraine has dropped to its lowest point since the full-scale invasion began, according to a survey published by the independent Levada Center in September.

In August 2025, just 27% of respondents said they want Russia to keep fighting in Ukraine. By contrast, a record 66% said they favor peace negotiations with Kyiv. This is the highest share of support for talks recorded since February 2022. Source-Kyiv Post

 

 

New friend + NATO

Today we met another American at Cafe Lokum. He has been living in Pozna for 9 years, coming from Baltimore, Maryland. When I asked why he was here, he said it was because of his Polish fiance.

It was another nice day, so we stayed outdoors most of the day and then returned home. We watched an interesting "flash mob" event taking place somewhere in America. A group of singers and musicians performed Queen's, Bohemian Rhapsody spread out in different building windows in the center of a mall. It was very good.

Concerning Ukraine;

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the launch of NATO Operation “Eastern Sentry” at a press conference in Belgium on Friday, in response to the incursion of at least 19 Russian drones into Polish airspace in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

According to a NATO press release, the operation will be executed by NATO’s Allied Command Operations. General Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, described the violation of Poland’s airspace as “not an isolated incident” and said that it impacts all of NATO.

 “While a full assessment of the incident is ongoing, NATO is not waiting, we are acting,” Grynkewich said.

Rutte added that Eastern Sentry will commence “in the coming days,” with the involvement of several NATO countries – including Denmark, France, Britain, and Germany.

Several of Poland’s allies have already committed military support to the defense of Polish airspace since Russia’s drone incursion on Wednesday. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that three Rafale fighter jets will be deployed to Poland, while Czechia will deploy troops and a specially modified drone interceptor helicopter to defend its neighbour.

 Asked to be specific about what new military resources would be committed to the operation, Grynkewich cited the French Rafales as well as Danish F-16 fighter jets. He also said that a frigate and “some ground-based air defence capabilities” had been offered, though he did not specify by which countries.

 “In the end, it’s up to Russia how far they will take this,” Grynkewich said.

“We will defend ourselves. We are a defensive Alliance, not an offensive Alliance. We will defend this beautiful 32 Alliance, established in 1949 and will make sure that our one billion people stay safe and stay free,” the NATO leader said.

TPSD

 My fellow Americans. You chose to participate in protests locally or nationally. Congratulations! You might also be a member of large groups like 50501, or Indivisible. I am also a member.

However, clicking “Like, Love, or Care” on a post you agree with means nothing to this administration. Protests mean nothing to them.

Now, our own military is being used against us in D.C., Chicago, and soon in Portland. It means nothing to this administration that is against the Constitution they swore an oath to uphold, or against the law. This is just the beginning. The Supreme Court just ruled that ICE can continue targeting people in Los Angeles based on looks, language, and job type.

This is legalized racial profiling, approved at the highest level.

The wolf is at the door, folks, and we are letting him in through complacency. Isn't it past the time for real action against them? I know you are as angry as I am.

There is a movement growing for real action, but it takes many, many people to be involved for it to be successful. This is for the working class, the ones who fuel the economy:Service workers, Warehouse employees, Truck/Uber/Lift/Delivery drivers, Hotel staff, Retail workers, or anyone overworked, underpaid, and just tired of being ignored.

It is organizing a 3-day national sick-out and economic blackout. It will only succeed if the population joins in during those three days.

You can join the movement on either Facebook or the Discord server. They do NOT ask for money, you don't have to register, sign anything, or share personal information. You can either be an active or a passive member.

If you are passive, all they ask is that you refrain from shopping, eating out, or ordering anything online. Wear black clothing and do the bare minimum at work. No unpaid overtime. No extra favors.

You will be notified 48 hours before the shutdown occurs. The goal is to build momentum before the corporations catch on.

On the Discord server, you will be asked to create a different name which will be used for your security when you use it. Mine is Resistant Warrior.

Every shutdown or strike that has succeeded has a goal. The movement has a list of 23 demands that reflects the real concerns of Americans. Because, at the end of the day, it is asking for BASIC HUMAN DECENCY.

If this is something you can commit to doing, please reply either YES-active, or Yes-passive, or NO. Please, NO “Likes, Love, or Care replies.

America, as we knew it, is in serious trouble. It is time for all of us to be its protector.

The phrase "Live Free or Die" is most famously attributed to General John Stark, a Continental Army officer during the American Revolutionary War. I think now it applies to our country. It is time to show the courage of our Founding Fathers.

“And then they came for me, and there was no one left to defend me.”

WE are COMING! The People's Sick Day movement.

Drone attack.

The Polish military announced that for the first time it had shot down Russian drones that had violated its airspace, saying that it caused a “real threat to the safety of our citizens.” .

Polish officials said this morning that 19 Russian drones entered the country’s airspace overnight.

Justin Crump, CEO of the risk and intelligence company Sibylline, says the Gerbera is “a cheap way to increase the capability of other drones”.

He says that Moscow typically uses it in conjunction with Shahed/Geran-2 drones when launching attacks on Ukrainian troops and cities.

Meanwhile, Justin Bronk - an analyst with the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) think-tank - tells BBC Verify that the drones remained largely intact as they likely ran out of fuel having flown a significant distance rather than being shot down by Polish air defences or Nato jets.

Both analysts say that the scale of the incursion suggests it was almost certainly a deliberate act on Russia’s part. 

 Crump suggests that Moscow hoped to conduct “reconnaissance for weak points in Nato/Polish air defences” or to “generate intelligence” on how European powers would react to the breach of Polish airspace.

Monday, Monday.

 Not much happened today.

I woke up about 8 AM, sat outside on the balcony for about half an hour listening to Chopin, and then answered three emails.

Joan woke up around to AM. I helped her out of bed, to and from the bathroom, dressed her, and gave her Granola for breakfast. 

Heard the disgusting news that Trump's Unsupreme Court ruled that ICE can continue targeting people in Los Angeles based on looks, language, and job type.

This is legalized racial profiling, approved at the highest level.

I know the Republicans are terrified to speak against him because they might lose their positions in the Senate or the House. However, Supreme Court Justices are given a lifetime position. They do not get voted out of office. They are just traitors to their oath of office. The Trump 6 should all be disbarred.

Meanwhile:

Last week it was announced that the White House approved the sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles to Ukraine. This is in addition to a $330 million package of satellite communications services for its Starlink terminals and equipment and services to sustain its Patriot air defense systems. In early August, four European countries agreed to buy $1 billion worth of US weapons to send to Ukraine.

It is time for Trump to get beyond his disappointment with Putin and accept the Russian president’s end state for Ukraine: its complete destruction, the eradication of its culture, and subjugation under Russian rule. Source-Kyiv Post

WASHINGTON D.C. – From the opulent halls of Imperial Russia to a defiant act of wartime philanthropy, a set of dinner plates once owned by Tsar Alexander I is now at the heart of an unconventional fundraising campaign for Ukraine.
Mitzi Perdue, the American heiress to the Perdue chicken fortune, is planning to auction the plates and direct the proceeds to aid Ukrainian soldiers and their families.
Perdue, a philanthropist and author, says the act is a form of cultural warfare.

Hydrogen Train

Poland’s first hydrogen-powered train has entered regular service in the southwestern region of Silesia, marking a milestone in the country’s push toward greener transportation.

After completing test runs in August, the SM42-6Dn locomotive, built by Bydgoszcz-based manufacturer PESA, finally hit the tracks for passenger journeys on Wednesday. 

Operated by the regional rail company Koleje Dolnośląskie, the train will run on the scenic route from Jelenia Góra to Karpacz, near the Czech border.  

The train is powered by hydrogen fuel cells and batteries, offering a climate-friendly and cost-effective alternative to building new overhead electric lines.  

Its first scheduled service departed Jelenia Góra at 11:33 a.m. and will arrive in Karpacz just before noon. 

Further trials are scheduled for September 4 and 7 with other train operators in western Poland.  

The locomotive will also be featured at several upcoming conferences, including the annual Economic Forum in Karpacz and, later this year, the Pomeranian Intermodal Transport Congress.  

Light bulb & National Guard.

Once again, I had to have the bulb replaced in one of the running lights. It seems like every three months, either the right or the left one burns out. Each time it happens, the price has risen. This time, 80 PLN($22), for a small light bulb. I have to find an auto parts store where I can buy the bulb and replace it myself. I miss the days when you could repair minor things yourself.

Now, orange head is ordering the Texas National Guard to the state of Illinois. It's not the Illinois National Guard, but the Guard from Texas, one of the most RED states who love all things Trump. Think about it. Before the first Civil War, there were Gray states and Blue states. Now, we have Red states and Blue states. See any similarity? IMHO, I think he is hoping to develop a crisis so he can cement his position as dictator. 

Years ago, when I was much younger, The National Guard in Ohio were activated against protestors. In the heat of the moment, they fired into the crowd. The result, 4 dead in Ohio. Students protesting.

 Adaptation of Neil Young's, "4 Dead in Ohio"

Tin soldiers and Trump is comin' 

We're finally on our own.

This summer I hear the drummin'

Four dead in Chicago.

Gotta get down to it

Soldiers are gunning us down

Should have been done long ago

What if you knew them and 

Found them dead on the ground? 

How can you run when you know?

Progess.

I stopped at the Nowe Lokum cafe today after food shopping. My purpose was to follow up on the request I made to the owner. The request was for them to build a small ramp inside that would allow wheelchair bound disabled people to be able to come inside during the winter months when it is too cold to sit outside.

I pointed out the possibility of increasing his/her profits during winter when business is slower.

I was surprised to hear that the owner thought it was a good idea and that they had contacted a firm that could do such a project. Now, he/she is waiting for a cost analysis. If the cost is prohibitive, I will ask how much and try to arrange a way to pay half of the cost.

This is my idea if the cost is high, a poster in the cafe.

Dear Patron

Some of our valued customers are wheelchair-bound. Unfortunately, it is impossible for them to access our second-level seating.

During cold weather, they cannot sit outside, and this limits their ability to enjoy our space comfortably.

We would like to build a ramp to make our venue more accessible to everyone.

The cost is high, and we kindly ask for your support.

Please consider making a contribution at the counter to help us help them.

Thank you for your generosity and kindness.

Another good day.

It was another good weather day. So, after my conversations with Michal and his wife, Malgorzata, I dressed Joan for warm weather, and we went to the park to spend the afternoon.

We have a favorite place to sit and observe nature and the people. Fortunately, the bench was unoccupied. Unusual for a Sunday because the weekend has many more people in the park than on a weekday. I like watching the little kids pass by holding the hands of their parents or grandparents. They look at everything they can. I know it's only a matter of a few years before they get their first cell phone and their faces will be glued to its screen. What a pity!

I spent the time reminding Joan of some of the great places we have visited while living in the U.S. and for the last 18 years in Poland.

Unfortunately, I didn't take my cell phone with me, and I lost track of time. I was going to speak with Carmelo at 5 PM, but didn't return home until a little after 6.

Dinner was prepared before we left the flat. It was a nice fruit salad consisting of two oranges, bananas, apples, mandarin oranges, some strawberries, and lots of blueberries. It was in the refrigerator and nice and cold. It was refreshing after the park, where it was 83°F.

 

Fountain and Ukraine

I watched the gray clouds this morning while listening to my favorite piece of music, Concerto de Aranjuez. The master of the classical guitar was John Williams, a former student of Andreas Segovia. With the death of Segovia years ago, John is now the best.

When I saw the clouds starting to break up, letting in a little sunshine,  I took the opportunity to get Joan dressed for the outside. It has been three days inside for her, and knew she was getting anxious to go out. I wasn't sure where to go, but I remembered what I wanted to do a little later.

I drove to the Nowe Lokum cafe for a purpose. Inside, they have a very nice sitting area. However, there is no way that a person in a wheelchair can ascend the four stairs. My purpose was to suggest to the manager to build a ramp to accommodate disabled people. I did talk to him, he agreed with me, and said he would talk to the owner about it. I told him it might improve his business in the winter when it is too cold to sit outside. We will see if it happens.

Since we were already there, we had a cup of coffee and then went across the street to sit by the Opera House fountain. Because the university doesn't start again until October, there are far fewer people.

Meanwhile-Ukraine.

Ukraine’s campaign to cripple Kremlin oil and gas production with relentless drone strikes chalked up another processing plant set ablaze on Sunday, with long-range robot aircraft scoring hits and touching off fiery explosions on the premises of a major condensate gas processing site near the Baltic Sea port city St. Petersburg.

Flying wing drones tipped with explosive warheads swooped down on the Ust-Luga facility, Russia’s main processing site for natural gas piped from the Arctic and West Siberia, during the morning work shift. Eyewitnesses reported at least two massive fires following the daylight attack.

The fighters of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) on Thursday, Aug. 28, damaged a Russian small missile ship of Project 21631 “Buyan-M” — a carrier of Kalibr cruise missiles, according to an official statement from the agency.

First, the “Prymary” fighters attacked the vessel with a strike drone, damaging its radar system. Afterwards, special forces from the Department of Active Measures hit the ship’s hull.
“As a result of the attacks, the Russian missile ship, which was in the potential launch zone for Kalibrs in the Temryuk Bay, sustained damage and was forced to leave its combat duty area,” the intelligence service said. Source-Kyiv Post

Media Mart

The last two days have not been pleasant. I wrote earlier that our refrigerator stopped working.

After talking with the owner of our flat, she ordered a new one from Media Mart and paid to have it delivered on the same day.

I waited all day for it to be delivered. It wasn't.

The next day it was to be the first delivery of the day. It wasn't! 

During the Day, Renata called Media Mart five times to ask about the delivery. Each time she called, she had a new person on the phone. Consequently, she had to tell the story five different times. 

Finally, at 6:45 PM, she called me and said the delivery truck was on its way to our flat. 

Now, after waiting two days for a "same day" delivery, we have the new refrigerator.

Political Day

The People’s Sick Day FAQ

What is “TPSD”?
TPSD stands for The People’s Sick Day and we are a national movement created to impact the U.S. economy and demand real change for the American workforce.
 

What are we asking?
We’re asking Americans to use their paid time off to call out sick from work for three days. During those three days, we’re also asking folks to participate in a total economic blackout – that means no shopping, no streaming, no spending. This is a national act of collective resistance. By hitting pause on our labor and our dollars, we’re showing just how powerful we are when we move together.
 

What if I can’t take off 3 days from work? Can I s till participate?
Yes! Can’t do 3 days? Do the last two. Can’t do 2 days? Do the last one. Can’ t take off from work at all? Leave early. Do a half day. Slack off. Do the bare minimum. Don’t spend any money. Don’t shop, don’t eat out, don’t order online. Keep your dollars in your pocket. Wear black to work in solidarity. Change your profile picture and make your solidarity visible. Do what you can to make the strike as impactful as possible. And spread the word! We have official flyers you can share in our Discord server.
 

When is “The People’s Sick Day happening?
We’ll announce the exact dates 48 hours in advance. Why the short notice? Because this is about power. Announcing too early gives corporations and businesses time to prepare, cover shifts, or pressure workers – diluting the impact of our collective action. By holding the line until 48 hours out, we protect the strength and surprise of the strike. This is strategy, not secrecy.
 

Do I have to register or sign a strike card? 
No! We are not asking anyone to share any personal information to join. You can join our Discord anonymously or follow us on our socials to stay informed of when the 3 day strike will happen. We will never ask you to share any personally identifying information.
 

Are you taking any donations?
No! We are not asking anyone to contribute monetarily to this movement. We will never ask you to donate or give money.
 

Are you partnered with any other resistance groups like 50501 or General Strike US?
While we are not currently partnered with any other groups we are open to collaboration! However, we will not work with or be associated with anyone who collects donations or personal information from participants. In addition, any potential collaborators must be respectful of our plan of action for The People’s Sick Day movement. We are not open to releasing dates in advance of the 48 hours prior to the strike.
 

I want to be more involved. What can I do?
Join our Discord server! We have opportunities to participate in daily activities and hold open chats for you to talk with the organizers twice a day. Facebook more your speed? Join our Facebook group! We also hold TikTok Lives where you can come chat with us! We are average every day people, just like you!

What a day!

What is that sound? Lying in bed this morning, it sounded like a little waterfall. I thought maybe the toilet was leaking water into it and checked. That wasn't the problem.

I walked into the kitchen area, and the sound got a little louder. It was coming from the refrigerator. I opened the upper door, and it wasn't cold. I noticed a little water on the floor, got the mop, and dried it out.

Opening the lower freezer door, the frost inside was melting, not a good sign. I don't know why it was or what happened during the night for it to change. I knew something was wrong and called Renata, our landlady.

I told her the problem, and she immediately said she would buy a new one. That seemed a little rash to me. I thought maybe the seal on the door was just not working, and it might be better to call a repairman to check it out. She said it might cost almost as much as a new unit, with no guarantees how long the new seal would work.

She said she was in Warsaw now, but she would call her daughter to come and take a look at it. 

Her daughter called me and she would come at 12:00. I asked her if she could come at 1:00 because Radek was coming this morning for our Spanish lesson time at 12. She said O.K.

Readek came at 11:00, we had ciasto and coffee while Joan, Radek, and I spoke in English

Just as we were about to start our Spanish, Andrea knocked on the door to my surprise. For the next hour, it was all about what to do with the refrigerator. In the end, she called her mother and told her to buy a new one. Renata did, online, and it was to be delivered today, later.

By 7:30 PM, it was still not here. At 8:15 PM, I got a call that the delivery would be in 15 minutes. I waited patiently, but half an hour passed and still no delivery. I was a little anxious because the meat and other perishables were not being kept cold.

I checked my phone. There were two calls at 8:30 and 8:31, but my phone did not ring. I tried calling the repairman, but it went to email.

I called Renata back, told her what wasn't happening, and she called him, again, directly to email. She sent him an SMS. He said he was here, came inside the building, called me twice, but there was no answer, and he left.

The problem was that he was on the ground floor, and the phone connection didn't work. He didn't know that. The driver is from Ukraine.

Renata sent him another sms, and he replied that he was 20 kilometers north of Poznan, and he would deliver it, first thing tomorrow.

Now, all of the perishables are in a box on the balcony.  Hopefully, that will save them because of the lower temperature.

What a day!!

New cafe & Ukraine

Today, with only one thing I had to do while Paige was with Joan, I went to Auchan to buy sesame seeds and dried cranberries. Those are two ingredients I usually put into smoothies.

They didn't have the seeds but they had the cranberries, 1 kg=33 PLN. As I was passing by the dried dates I saw that the price had dropped from 11 PLN per kilogram to 7 PLN. I already have a 1 bag backup, but I don't pass up a sale, so I bought one bag.

From there I went back to the cafe Nowe Lokum, this time with my camera. Since I had a smoothie only 1 hour earlier, I only ordered a cafe latte.

Instead of sitting out in the courtyard, I decided to sit indoors. They have the usual tables and chairs, but they also had two more comfortable seats in the back of the area. There was no one else sitting and I chose the more comfortable chair with a footrest.

I sat for and hour drinking the coffee and listening to my last Spanish lesson recorded on my cell phone. When I was done, I took pictures of the cafe for my blog,

Meanwhile: Ukraine.

Ukraine and Hungary traded sharp words Monday after Budapest accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of threatening its energy security by linking attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline to Hungary’s refusal to support Kyiv’s bid to join the European Union.

At a press conference in Kyiv on Aug. 24, Zelensky hinted,  with a touch of irony, that recent strikes on the pipeline may have been tied to Hungary’s stance on Ukraine’s EU accession.

“We have always maintained friendship. Now the existence of the Druzhba pipeline depends on Hungary.”

"An illegitimate explanation for the violation of our sovereignty is a war we have nothing to do with,” Hungary;s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó wrote, calling on Zelensky to “stop threatening Hungary” and “stop risking” the country’s energy security.”

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andriy Sybiha, fired back on social media, insisting that Budapest has no right to dictate Kyiv’s actions.

“You don’t need to tell the Ukrainian President what to do or say, and when,” Sybiha posted on X. “He is the President of Ukraine, not Hungary. Hungary’s energy security is in your own hands. Diversify and become independent from Russia, like the rest of Europe.” Source-Kyiv Post

Happy.

 Happy to say my legs are better today, and it is easier to walk.

Because of the chilly temperature today, 67 F, we didn't go anywhere. It was just a day at home doing my normal "chores" while Joan sat in front of the tele. 

A fall & Ukraine

Yesterday was not a good day.

I fell asleep in the recliner and woke up when Joan needed me. I got up, slightly dazed, took a step to turn and fell over. My right knee hit the floor first and my body followed. When I stood up, my knee hurt and my left foot as well. As the day wore on, my left foot became increasingly more painful. By 5 PM, it was difficult to even walk. I had to hold on to Joan's wheelchair just to push myself the few steps into the kitchen to prepare dinner.

I applied some BenGay to more foot, elevated it and spent the rest of the evening in the recliner.

I'm happy to say, this morning the left foot is better, but the right knee still hurts.

Meanwhile>Ukraine

Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilots and ground crews on Thursday, Aug. 21, launched a new round of nighttime drone strikes against Kremlin assets hundreds of kilometers behind the fighting front, in one attack scoring multiple hits on a base belonging to Russia’s army intelligence agency – the GRU.

The air raid, by a reported 10-15 unmanned aircraft, per local news reports, attacked a GRU compound adjacent to a military airport in the port city of Sevastopol, in the Russian-occupied Crimea region.

 Russia’s mainland region Rostov, a Black Sea shore territory, was the target of a second Ukrainian drone swarm on Thursday, with both official and social media sources reporting aircraft targeting a major oil refinery near the town of Novoshakhtinsk.

Some Ukrainian milbloggers claimed rare jet-propelled drones had made the attack, hitting some 170-180 kilometers (106-111 miles) east of the fighting front, but there was no local confirmation. Ukraine’s General Staff, in a Thursday statement, credited the elite 14th Unmanned Aircraft Regiment for flying the Thursday strike.

 A third covey of Ukrainian long-range drones hit and damaged railroad power transmission infrastructure in Russia’s western Voronezh region. The overnight strikes hitting in and around a transformer station near the village of Zhuravka. The facility’s main function is delivering electricity to the regional rail network. Local news platforms reported damage to a transformer station and delays to 19 trains transiting the Voronezh region rail network.

2 days missed.

The last two days have been more difficult taking care of Joan, so no posts. I'm trying to keep it daily, but sometimes caring for her, I just run out of energy and have to sleep. 

Today was another nice day, so we went to the park again and just watched people and the greenery surrounding us.

Radek came, and we had a conversation about the Polish government, and then did our Spanish lesson. Now I'm learning the difference in how to talk about the near past and the longer ago past. They have two completely different sets of words. It's not difficult to learn, it just takes time.

I also did the food shopping for this week. Cost 205 PLN($56).