Finally, after several days of unseasonably cold weather for spring, the sun made a welcome return. The sky cleared, and the gentle warmth was just enough to coax us outside. I took Joan out for a walk, eager to enjoy the long-awaited change in weather.
Our first stop was Sowa’s, our favorite little café, for coffee and cake. Joan chose her usual, a slice of creamy cheesecake, while I indulged in a rich piece of chocolate cake. We've been coming to the same Sowa location for years now, and it truly feels like a second home. The staff knows us well, and there's a comforting familiarity in the way they greet us.
Marta, one of the wonderful women who often takes our order, once told me that Sowa’s had become a part of our life. She’s right, it has. There’s a quiet joy in returning to a place where people know your name and your usual order, where the smiles are genuine and the service feels personal.
Today, the café was busy with its usual quiet energy, and I finally asked to take a picture of three of the young women working behind the counter. They were kind enough to pose, and I introduced myself and Joan by name, though Marta already remembered mine, as she often does. Monika, who I believe is the manager, wasn’t in today. When she’s not around, one of the three ladies typically takes the lead and manages things seamlessly.
After finishing our coffee and cake, Joan and I made our way to Solacki Park, another one of our favorite spots. We found a comfortable bench and sat quietly, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. The trees were budding, the grass a vibrant green, and people strolled by, enjoying the spring afternoon. There’s something grounding about simply watching life move gently around you.
But even amid the tranquility of our day, the mind can't help but wander to heavier matters. In Ukraine, the war rages on. Reports have emerged that Russia is now equipping its Shahed-136 drones with upgraded warheads, nearly double the previous payload. Some versions now include incendiary and high-explosive variants. According to Defense Express, a military-focused site citing unnamed sources and photographic evidence, these new modifications make the drones significantly more deadly than the earlier 50-kilogram models.
It seems that for Putin, the destruction of military targets is no longer enough. Civilian areas, including homes and even schools, are not spared. The death toll climbs with each strike, men, women, and children lost in moments of violence. The cruelty feels deliberate, as though the goal is not just strategic, but deeply personal.
Back in the park, the sun continued to shine, and Joan smiled as a child ran by chasing pigeons. It was a small, beautiful moment, one of peace, life, and innocence. A stark contrast to the images coming from Ukraine. I held her hand a little tighter, reminded of how precious these quiet, ordinary days are.
