Painter

Joan and I have recently discovered a new past-time: painting. However, not our own efforts, but rather those of Viktor Nikolaevich Yushkevich, a Russian-born artist whose work captivates us. His specialty is nature, and what truly sets him apart is his meticulous attention to detail. If you're familiar with Bob Ross, the American painter known for his soothing landscapes, Yushkevich shares some similarities in style but with a greater depth and refinement. What we enjoy most, though, are his YouTube series, where we can watch him craft an entire painting from the first stroke to the final touch. It's a mesmerizing process to witness, as he brings to life memories of the places he's visited, using them as the foundation for his work. If you ever find yourself with a moment of free time, I highly recommend watching one of his videos. You can find one here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWZHSP80TUs. Though he is not yet well-known in America, his paintings remain relatively affordable, priced between $600 and $1,500. If I weren't so mindful of my expenses these days, I’d likely have already bought a couple of his pieces.

In other news, our American caregiver for Joan has finally secured a full-time position, prompting us to find a replacement. I posted a search on the Facebook group, International Friends of Poznan, and was overwhelmed with responses—around 20 in total. After conducting several Skype interviews, I narrowed it down to four candidates, ensuring that they were all fluent in English. I then arranged face-to-face interviews at our flat, where Joan could make the final decision. In the end, Joan selected Gabriels Soinska, a female medical student, who now comes twice a week for three hours each visit. Her rate is $35 per day, which is the going rate. Joan has taken a liking to her, and that’s enough to make me happy with the choice.

Spring is inching closer, and today’s temperature reached 14°C (57°F). I’m looking forward to the days when I can once again take Joan for a leisurely stroll through the botanical gardens.

A few months ago, my backup laptop gave up on me, and the cost of repairs was too high to justify. I decided to replace it with a Chromebook, drawn to its affordability. While it seemed like a good fit at first, after two months of use, I've come to realize it doesn’t quite meet my needs. The keyboard is simply too small for my hands, which makes typing uncomfortable. For now, I’m relying on external drives to store my files, though it’s not the most convenient setup.