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.