Park Gorczynski & Cake

A beautiful day is not to be wasted indoors. Our landlord was coming over at 12:00, so I planned to leave right after her visit. As it turned out, she didn't arrive until 2 PM. However, as usual, she brought food(beetroot soup), strawberries from her garden, lettuce, a birthday cake, and a nice bouquet of flowers for Joan. That was a great surprise.

Instead of visiting the usual places, I remember another park, Park Gorczynski. I used to have an adult  student whose business was right across from the park.

The park has an interesting history.

Górczyński Park, which was created in the 1950s, had been neglected in recent years. Damaged playground elements and devastated greenery did not encourage visitors.

The park is located in the area of the former Evangelical Cemetery of St. Lazarus. In general, when former German cemeteries in Poland were liquidated and converted into parks, the process typically removed, destroyed, or repurposed the tombstones. The ground was leveled to create a flat park surface. While not every grave was necessarily exhumed, there were often efforts to exhume remains, especially from more prominent graves or if families requested it. However, a complete and systematic exhumation of every single burial was not always feasible or carried out, and many remains may still lie beneath the park's surface.

The necropolis was established before 1911. The cemetery was established as a layout with a main central alley, several smaller ones branching off at right angles, and one in an oval shape. The transformation into a public park was carried out after World War II,  to provide the population of Górczyn with an appropriate recreational area (initially, in 1945, it was planned to create a stadium for the Admira sports club in the place of the necropolis.

In 2021, a bench dedicated to Wincenty Rozanski was unveiled in the park. He was a prominent Polish poet, often described as an "outsider" in the literary world. He was strongly associated with Poznań, where he spent most of his life and died.

Boze Cialo!

It was like a Sunday because it's Corpus Christi day in Poland. All the major stores and businesses are closed. 

We spent most of the day watching various documentaries about the Iberian Peninsula, a short video of Yo Yo Ma playing the Bach Cello Suites while sitting in a shallow stream in a forest, and then the movie, Happy Gilmore, that Joan did not remember seeing before.

So, it was a quiet, peaceful day. 

New treatment.

I found out a few days ago about a relatively new treatment for the progressive tremors I have. It is called Focused Ultrasound and is a noninvasive procedure. 76% of the patients who have had it say it is remarkable. Most saw improvement when the procedure was finished. You can only do one side of the body's limbs at a time. That caught my attention.

Two hospitals in Warsaw do it, and both with the same surgeon. I wrote to them for information yesterday about the total cost and received an answer today. 65,000 PLN($17,500). That put an end to my search. I will just have to deal with the tremors as they progress. I am not looking forward to that.

We completed the interview of "caregivers" for Joan to replace Gabriela when she leaves for three months. Joan made the final decision, and I made the call to tell her.

For me, it was a toss-up. I like both of the two applicants. The second one has been in 156 different countries as a missionary, and she and her Colombian husband are very interesting people. Plus, he has been a teacher of Spanish to many people. That would have been helpful for me. Alas, Joan chose the other woman. 

Outdoor Movies

Once again, Poznań residents will be able to spend summer evenings with good movies outdoors. The first screening of the #NaWolnym cinema will be held already on June 27. Subsequent ones - every Friday until the end of August. Admission to all of them is free.

The first screening will take place on June 27, at 9:30 p.m. in the Free Courtyard of the City Hall - Plac Kolegiacki 17 (all subsequent screenings will also take place there). Viewers will be able to see "Dune" . This is an American-Canadian science fiction film from 2021 directed by Denis Villeneuve, telling the story of the noble Atreides family, which comes to the titular planet. Dune is the only source of the most valuable substance in the universe, which not only prolongs life, but also allows interstellar travel and looking into the future. 

That is a nice. It;s just too late in the evening for Joan. 

Procrastination.

Normally, I'm not a procrastinator. However, I started completing my U.S. Tax forms two weeks ago using H&R Block's online services. It's usually fast to do, and I can e-file my forms instead of having to mail them in.

But, I got so involved with trying to help stop the tyranny of Donald J. Trump, I didn't complete them,

Tonight, about 11 PM, I remembered it was the last day to file them. Joan was still watching and so i told her I had to do it now.

Usually, it only takes me about 20 minutes to complete and file them. Unfortunately, I encountered a problem tonight, and at 11:45 PM, they were not being accepted. I filed for an extension only to find out you cannot use e-file to do that.

Only ten minutes to go until the deadline of midnight, and I had one part that still gave me a problem. It kept rejecting the name of the foreign country I was in, over and over. In desperation, with only 5 minutes to go, I just deleted the name completely and it cleared up the problem/

Three minutes before midnight, I e-filed and am now waiting for the verification of acceptance.

Over 1,800 Protests !!!!!

We will find out later tonight how the protests were in America today. I hope no one was injured or shot like at Kent State. However, when you have a Sheriff in Florida stating, "We will kill you" to any protestors, I am not too full of hope for non-violence from the police or government agents. The Revolutionary War was started by the British military shooting into a crowd of protestors. Police or govt. agents shooting protestors might be the start of Civil War II.

Here's the next segment of the driver's license renewal.

Fortunately, Gabriela accompanied us to the building where she did all of the talking. Now, the last time I checked, in November or December, it said anyone over 80 had to renew every 2 years and take a theory test. Based on that, I started taking practice driving tests 3 weeks ago. I didn't know that when I passed a test, it would take a month to receive the new license.

Gabriela talked with the director, and she said the only main requirement was a medical doctor's exam with approval to issue a renewal license. There was NO requirement for a theory test to be taken. That really ticked me off. IF I had known that, I could have started the process 3 weeks ago, and it would have arrived before my license expires on July 7th. 

Now, I had to make a new appointment to start the process, but there was no opening until July 2nd, Given that it will take a month to get the new license and mine expires on July 7th, I will be without the use of my car after the 7th until my new license is here. That is going to make my life much harder for those 4 weeks with food shopping or just taking Joan anywhere outside of the house.

Pissed>Angry

 YES, I WAS!!

I went to the driver's license building to set a time for my theory test. I arrived just before noon, went to the information desk to find out where to go, which area. i showed my application the the non-English speaking woman, she looked at it, gave me a numbered ticket(T021), and told me to go upstairs. At 12:00, I was there with four people waiting for their number to be called, allowing them to pass the closed glass doors..

During the next 15 minutes, 2 people went in, but 5 more arrived. By 12:45, of the 7 people, 4 had gone in, 3 more had arrived, and I was still waiting.

At 1 PM, I saw 3 more people go in. 2 more arriving. I was getting a little angry that my number hadn't been called, and so many who came much after me had already been taken care of.

At 1:15, I had had enough! I walked over to the glass doors and waited for an employee to either go in or come out.

A young woman came out, and I asked why I was still waiting after all that time. she went back in, came back out, and told me my number would be next. It wasn't. 3 more passed in and out.

The same woman came to go in, I followed her and asked again the same question. She said they had only 1 person who handled my request, and just then, my number was called.

I sat down in the right kiosk, told the woman what I needed, and gave her my papers. She began speaking in Polish, and I told her I didn't understand. However, she just kept talking. again, I said I couldn't understand, but she kept right on talking. Finally, after the 3rd time, she spoke in English. She said I had to wait so long because I was given the wrong ticket. I was furious but kept it inside. And then, she said she couldn't help me because I didn't bring my rental contract for the flat with me, and I would have to make a new appointment. I have NEVER had to do that before, but the rules have changed.

I was so pissed off I had to sit in my car for a few minutes to recover.

When I got home and told the story, Gabriela said she would go with me tomorrow for a new appointment. Thank God for Gabriela.

Wałęsa, Interviews.

Interestingly, Lech Wałęsa is conducting a lecture tour of the United States at this time. I'm not sure if he will be discussing only Polish history or if it's aimed at the current administration in the United States. I'm sure Donald J. Duck will have some comment about it if it is.

Today was a stay-at-home day with not much activity out of the ordinary household duties.

I did ask Gabriela to interview people who would like to replace her for the next three months. When she finds 3-5 who are acceptable, I will still do a video call with each of them to check their level of English. I'm sure they will have some initial questions, and Gabriela can fill them in on her experience.

Gabirela-Ukraine

 Gabriela informed ua that she took an internship in Warsaw starting in July. So, that means I have to find another person to sit with Joan. It's for 3 months, and she will return in October when university starts again. Not looking forward to finding yet another good person. Gabriela is excellent with Joan.

I went to the post office and paid for my theory test. Now I just have to find out when I can take it. I still need to study more. Only 56% of the people pass it the first time. 

I'm still keeping an eye on the happenings in the U.S., especially in LA. This deployment of the National Guard is horrendous. The last time I remember when that happened, it resulted in 4 dead students at Kent State University. Four dead in Ohio.

Meanwhile: Ukraine

Montenegro is just the latest of Kyiv’s allies to agree on the joint production of weapons to defend Ukraine from Russian aggression with the way being led by Germany, which has established ammunition and armored vehicle manufacturing and repair facilities both within Ukraine and neighboring countries. On May 28 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced an agreement to fund the production of long-range missiles in Ukraine.

Following the 28th Ukraine Defense Contact Group “Ramstein” meeting on Wednesday, June 4, Ukraine’s Minister of Defense said that some of Kyiv’s closest partners who have provided billions in military aid are ready to partner with Ukraine to manufacture weapons, all of which will be provided to support the needs of the Ukrainian military “for as long as the war continues.”

Sunday rest.

A peaceful day of rest, at last. We stayed at home. Joan watched a few programs while I finished putting out tax forms together for the IRS in the U.S. I would almost not pay any taxes into the current administration to pass on the their fellow billionaires.

In the evening I mad an avocado, blue cheese and pasta salad for dinner. Then we watch part of the series, "Survivors" because it had nice scenery of Tasmania.

Something happening here!

Given the abysmal coverage of yesterday’s Veterans March on Washington, D.C, it’s very likely it is going to be the same for the June 14th, “NO KINGS”, protest nationwide.

The major television and newspapers did a tremendous disservice to our Armed Forces Veterans. European newspapers did cover it. It says a lot when you have to read about it in a foreign newspaper because American papers are so afraid of being sued by the dictator or offending him. It may be acceptable in Russia, but it isn’t here.

This brings me to my point.

Everyone reading this has a local television station or newspaper. The only way we can achieve massive coverage of June 14th is if you call, write, or visit them and ask to cover your local protest. Of course, if you’re in a deep red state, that won’t work.

If you’re a leader of a group, contact your members and go together as a group to those places and ask for coverage. Do it early. Don’t wait until Friday. Call them every day until they agree to do it. Don’t be timid about it.

You know the dictator’s parade will have full coverage, maybe even live coverage during the hours it will take. It’s important for Americans to see the protests and foreign countries.

If you attend a protest, video it and put it on TikTok, Facebook, X, Bluesky, and every social media you can.

It was so disappointing not to see actual videos of the Veterans’ protest. We can’t let that happen again.

Wilda.

This 3-hour break, I went to the district of Wilda.

Earlier, we were there to visit the medical doctor who gave me the exam necessary to take the driver license theory test. I passed with no problems although he doesn't know the difference between Parkinson's Disease and Benign Essential Tremors which I have.

Gabriela came at 12:30, I took my camera and went to Wilda to take pictures of interesting older buildings. They have much more "character" than the new ones as you can see in the pictures posted.

I went to the center of Wilda where the church and daily outdoor market is.

The church was open so I went in to take pictures. I particularly like the blue stained-glass windows behind the altar. I also noticed a side door open that led to the second level so, of course, I had to go up the stairs. I was rewarded with some nice pictures.

Today is the veteran's protest march day in America. I hope everyone who could did their part, no matter what it was.

Haircuts.

We arrived on time for our haircuts and after a short wait, Joan had her hair washed and taken to Marcos to cut her hair. 

After about 40 minutes, it  was my turn for hair washing. I like the new person who did it because he wasn't timid about applying pressure and my head while doing the washing.

When we had our hair cut in the U.S., the main reason I kept going to the same salon was the elderly lady who washed my hair. She wasn't shy to use her fingernails while washing my hair and it felt great when she finally finished. I miss that type of hair washing. I do it my self when i shower and my head feels revitalized.

Finished at the salon, we stopped at Stary Browar to but some printing paper and in the underground parking lot sat this beautiful, yellow, Ferrari. It's not the color I would choose but it's definitely the car. Joan liked it also so I told her I would buy her one for our 50th anniversary this August "-). 

Support.

Support our Veterans! 

 

Drivers test

My license expires on July 7th. Because i am over 80 years old, I am require to renew it every 2-years. To renew it, first I have to have a medical exam. In my case, because I have B.E.T.(tremors), I need a document from my neurologist stating my ability to drive is not impaired by my tremors. Cost-250 PLN($68). Next is the medical exam. Cost-100 PLN($28). The theory test itself cost 50 PLN($14). Finally, the license issuance fee is 100 PLN($28). Total 500 PLN($138).

I bought the latest DVD practice tests last week and have been taking them several times each. So far, I have taken 28. I passed 4 and failed 24. Each time you fail a real test, you pay again the theory test cost.

When I took the test 2 years ago, I did the DVD tests first and by my 15-16th test I passe 11 out of 15. 

The new tests have at least 2 questions on them i have never seen before about bicycles. A few have also had some completely impossible to answer correctly. For example, you are driving to an intersection on a three lane highway. Ahead you have 3 signal lights one hanging over the road, and one on each side of the road. They are all RED. The question is, "Can you continue driving straight ahead at then intersection? I answered NO but the test answer was YES. Because of that I failed one practice test.

Another test asked a multiple-answer question A B C but the only possible answer buttons were YES and NO. There was NO way I could answer correctly and I failed.

I strongly believe these tests are set up for you to fail and keep paying for retakes. There are 32 questions in all BUT there is a pool of over 2,000 questions the test can choose from. C'mon, over 2,000 questions?

Bad & Good day.

 Not a good day for us. Joan had a serious problem related to her illness that took half a day to recover from. Now she is sleeping and I hope tomorrow will be better.

Meanwhile;

After days of Ukraine getting pounded by drones and missiles, a secret Ukrainian attack launched from Russian territory struck 4+ airfields part of a wider campaign of sabotage behind enemy lines. The drones were smuggled inside of Russia from to where the attack took place outside of Moscow. They destroyed 41 aircraft.

Saturday in the park.

After breakfast, being  nice, warm day, we went to Citadela Park to do some people watching. Of course, a Saturday has many people out and about and today was no different.

The best people to watch are the little people, especially when they see something they have never seen before, like a flower. One of them tried to eat it but the mother stopped them in time.

One thing I don't like is some of the mothers and fathers who bring their young kids to a park and then spend the majority of their time on cell phones. They pay little attention to their  kids or where they are at any moment.

We spent about two hours there and then stopped for a coffee on the way home.It was pizza night so I didn't have to do much to prepare dinner.

In the evening e watched a nice concert off Andrea Bocelli in Las Vegas in 2006. it was a good way to end the evening. 

Walk in Poznan.

Yesterday was a 3-hour break day for me. I had nothing I had to do so I thought I would take a little walk to the Zamek. 

2 years ago, the city decided to replace the parking lot in front of the Zamek with a more friendly to people area. The idea was a one level building for a cafe and tables and chairs inside and out of it. I went to see and take pictures of it.

Also, I thought I would go inside the Zamek to see what had changed inside. Many of the pictures I took are different views inside but also different views through the many windows.

One very welcomed addition to the entrance is a ramp for disabled people.

Meanwhile in Ukraine:

Despite being outnumbered two to one, fighters from the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ 424th Separate Assault Regiment, known as "Skala," successfully stormed a Russian position on the front lines and inflicted significant losses.

The operation was detailed on the regiment’s official Telegram channel, where a dramatic video of the assault was also shared.

Titled “The moment of the assault that must be seen,” the footage captures two Skala soldiers stealthily infiltrating enemy lines and launching a grenade attack on a Russian dugout, killing five enemy troops.The operation didn’t end there.

Ukrainian fighters went on to ambush two Russian soldiers wearing anti-drone cloaks and eliminated another at a forward observation post.

In addition, drone pilots from the regiment reportedly neutralized a dozen more Russian personnel during the assault.

This bold and coordinated attack highlights the ongoing tactical superiority and resilience of Ukrainian forces, even when facing numerically superior enemy troops.

Bocelli in Poznan.

Incredible! Bocelli will perform in the ENEA stadiom in Poznan, Friday, June 6th. Unforttunately, tickets range from 839 PLN($227) to 2418 PLN($645). We won't be attending. It's too bad, we love his voice.

Andrea Bocelli is an Italian tenor, composer and music producer, who is one of the most famous and respected artists in the world. He was born on September 22, 1958, in the small town of Lajatico in Tuscany. Bocelli from an early age showed interest in music and piano playing, and his passion for singing. At the age of 12 he completely lost his sight due to illness and accident.

His musical career gained momentum in the 1990s, when Luciano Pavarotti, one of the most outstanding tenors in history, drew attention to Bocelli's talent. His debut album, Il Mare Calmo della Sera (1994), gained the acclaim of audiences and critics. Since then, Bocelli has released many albums, both classic and pop, winning the hearts of millions of fans around the world.

Has won numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Grammy Awards and the Golden Globes. His voice, described as one of the most beautiful tenor voices in history, and his unique personality make him an artist adored by audiences around the world.

Ukraine

Meanwhile, in Ukraine:

Germany has lifted restrictions on the range of strikes on russia for Ukraine.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz: “We will do everything in our power to continue supporting Ukraine. This also means that there are no longer any range limitations on the weapons we supply. Ukraine can now also defend itself by striking military positions in Russia.”

 

After the most intense day of aerial attacks on Sunday, when his attacks killed multiple civilians, including three children, Putin carried on targeting Kyiv for the third day in a row with sirens sounding for six hours, while also bombarding multiple other regions of Ukraine. Source-Daily Express

 

WASHINGTON DC – The United States has not yet lifted all Joe Biden-era restrictions on Ukraine’s warfighting, but President Donald Trump is “seriously considering” to do so, two senior Western officials told Kyiv Post’s Washington correspondent on Monday, May 25.

“All the previously imposed restrictions – whether already eased or not – are currently under the review as President [Trump] believes that the current status-quo does not serve our common interests of bringing Russia to the [negotiation] table,” one official said without offering further details.

Earlier on Monday, Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said there were no longer any range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine by its Western allies, meaning that Kyiv could defend itself by attacking military positions inside Russia. The Kremlin called it “a dangerous move.” Source-Kyiv Post.

Excuse me :=(

Since the end of April, you have probably noticed a change in the writing of this blog. After 5-years cring for Joan dealing with dementia, studying every night to pass a theory driving test, continuing to learn Spanish, and writing this blog almost every day, I felt a little overwhelmed. So, I was wring to blog with the basic topics and using Chatgpt to elaborate. I won't be doing that any longer. What you will read will only be written, once again, by me. Except when I add a source from some place like Ukraine or others. Thanks, Anonymous, for bringing that to my attention. 

Happy 80th birthday to you, Joan. We may have aged a little since we met 50 years ago but you're still just as beautiful to me. I love you.

Rzepac.

After a two-hour conversation with Michal, the clouds had finally parted. The sky opened up into a brilliant blue, and the warmth of the sun filtered through the trees, gentle, golden, and reassuring. It was one of those rare spring days that felt both fresh and familiar. With the weather finally turning kind, I decided it was the perfect moment to take Joan out for a little trip. I’d been wondering whether the rzepac, (rapeseed), was still in bloom. With the chaotic mix of cold snaps and rainstorms we’d had over the past few weeks, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

We headed north, toward the town of Oborniki, about 30 miles away. The drive there is one I’ve always loved: rolling fields, scattered farmhouses, and long stretches of open land that, in springtime, often glow with the deep yellow of flowering rzepac. Sure enough, as we drove, the familiar fields came into view. But most of them had already passed their peak, the vibrant yellow now muted, the flowers beginning to fade. What once had been an overwhelming sea of color and scent was now just a soft whisper of the season’s high point. Still beautiful, in a quieter, more reflective way.

On our way there, we passed through Szamotuły, and I couldn’t help but mention the palace outside town, the small, elegant manor where Joan and I had once spent a weekend celebrating an anniversary. It was a modest place by palace standards, with only about twenty rooms total, including a dining room, a meeting room, a cozy kitchen, and a handful of guest rooms. We had stayed on the second floor, our window overlooking a serene pond and a small patch of woods. I can still picture the way the light danced on the water in the early morning, and how peaceful it all felt,like time had slowed down just for us.

In Oborniki, we parked near the town square, which was pleasantly quiet that afternoon. I took Joan for a stroll, slowly circling the square while I snapped a few photos. Across from where we had parked was a charming little café with just four tables set out near the sidewalk. It was the kind of spot that seemed to invite you to pause, so we did. We ordered coffee and sat watching the life of the town unfold, people chatting, a dog barking in the distance, someone unlocking a bicycle. The Sunday rhythm of a small town in spring.

Before we left, I took a few more photos, this time of the old church that stood not far from the square. Its bricks and tall steeple seemed to hold the stories of centuries even though it wasn't that old. It was a quiet end to a quiet outing, the kind of day that doesn’t announce itself but stays with you nonetheless, soft, unhurried, and full of small moments that gently settle into memory.

---

Bookstore

 

The House of Books returns to the map of Poznan!

 

After a few years, an iconic building on the street Gwarna 13a will be bustling with life again. On June 1, a new literary and cultural space, created together with the bookstore Bookowski Ksiegarnie Poznan will open there. Opening on June 1st, the hours will be 10:00-20:00.

 

A social space was created in the underground - a room for workshops, discussions and events, which can be used free of charge by non-governmental organizations and social economy entities.

Memorial Day weekend?

Memorial Day is a solemn occasion set aside to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. It is a day of reflection and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

This important day is often mistakenly confused with Veterans Day. While both commemorate military service, they serve different purposes. Veterans Day, observed in November, honors all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, both living and deceased, whereas Memorial Day is specifically dedicated to remembering those who died in military service.

 It is a day of reflection and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. It invites us not only to honor the dead, but also to reflect on the values they died defending freedom, unity, and justice for all, no matter what political party you belong to.

---

Sowa & Love.

Gabriela came today to sit with Joan and to give me a break taking care of Joan.

My only goal today was to go to Sowas and show them the picture I took yesterday. Luckily, Monika, the manager, was there and I showed it to her. She asked if I would send it in an email also. Of the three ladies I photographed yesterday, only Ania was there. I asked her for the email address and she was happy to give it to me. 

I spent an hour at home showing Gabriela all the pictures I took years ago when my 10-year-old son and I built my house in the forest. It was nice to see them again and remind myself what an accomplishment that was. I know it is something Eric also never forgot. It was only my love for Joan that made me eventually sell it and move back to the Chicago area. 3 years without her by my side was more than I could handle.

Heavy night.

Well, what can I say?

Last night was long and heavy. Joan went to bed around 9:30 p.m., earlier than usual,  because she wasn’t feeling well. The weight of her dementia has been pressing more heavily on her lately. It's a cruel, unforgiving disease that chips away at the person I’ve known, moment by moment, memory by memory. Watching it unfold is like trying to hold onto her while she slowly fades in front of me.

I didn’t go to bed until around 3 a.m. I sat there in the quiet, just thinking, unable to sleep,  partly out of exhaustion, partly out of worry. Sometimes, the silence feels louder than anything else.

We both slept late and didn’t wake up until around 1:00 in the afternoon. The day slipped by quietly after that. I didn’t get much done, not in the way most people would count productivity,  no errands, no tasks crossed off a list. But I stayed close to Joan, and sometimes, that’s all that really matters. Just being there. Holding a hand, answering a repeated question with patience, trying to create a little calm in the midst of the storm.

Some days are like that. I do what I can, and let the rest go.

Sowas, Solacki park, and Ukraine

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.

Election, round one.

Yesterday marked the day of the presidential election. Unlike in the United States, where the political landscape is dominated by two major parties, this country offers voters a wider range of political choices. Multiple parties participate in the race, reflecting a broader spectrum of ideologies and interests. Also, very much unlike the U.S., running for president here does not require millions of dollars. Campaigns are often modest, focusing on grassroots outreach and public engagement rather than expensive media campaigns.

Another notable difference is that elections here are held on Sundays. This is generally seen as more convenient for voters, as most people are off work and have fewer weekday obligations. In contrast, elections in the United States are held on Tuesdays, which can make it more difficult for some people to find the time to vote, especially if they have long work hours or limited access to polling places.

To win outright in the first round, a candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote. Given the number of competing parties, this rarely happens. As expected, no single candidate reached that threshold this time. The top two candidates received 30.5% and 29.6% of the vote, respectively.

As a result, a second round of voting will be held in the first week of June. In this runoff, only the two leading candidates remain on the ballot. Over the next two weeks, both will campaign intensely, aiming to win over voters who supported other candidates in the first round. Much of this effort involves negotiating support from smaller parties and forming alliances to broaden their appeal.

Whichever candidate wins the second round will likely need to form a coalition government, working with other parties to secure a functional majority. While this process can be complex, it often results in a leadership that better reflects the diversity of public opinion.

19 years of blogging.

I found myself thinking about this blog today. It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been writing it almost daily for nearly 19 years, that’s a long time by any standard. Over the years, it has primarily served as a chronicle of our daily life here in Poland, sprinkled with stories of family history, cultural experiences, and travels that introduced us to different ways of life.

In 2016, however, something shifted. With the election of Donald Trump as President, the blog began to take on a more political tone. That wasn’t entirely intentional at first, it simply reflected the deep changes I was witnessing and feeling. During Biden’s term, I found less to criticize, and the posts leaned more toward personal and cultural reflections again.

But leading up to the last election, and certainly since then, politics have again crept into the blog. It’s impossible to ignore what’s happening, and I make no apologies for letting those concerns surface in my writing.

As an American living in Poland, with deep familial and cultural ties to this country, I carry a unique and, at times, conflicted perspective. Living abroad has given me a clearer lens through which to view my homeland, one shaped both by distance and by the contrast with another society. That perspective brings with it not just appreciation, but also a growing sense of worry.

I genuinely feel that America is at a crossroads, a moment in its history that may define its trajectory for generations to come. And it's not just about elections or partisan divisions. What I’m seeing are deeper, more unsettling shifts, fundamental changes that go to the heart of who we are as a nation. These changes are affecting our values, our freedoms, our institutions, and, most critically, the collective soul of the country I still call home.

There’s a sense that the guardrails of democratic norms are being tested, perhaps even eroded. The civil discourse that once allowed diverse voices to be heard is being drowned out by noise, anger, and misinformation. Principles like the rule of law, the peaceful transfer of power, and the importance of a free press, bedrocks of American democracy, feel increasingly fragile.

Living in Poland, a country with its own complex history of political upheaval and democratic struggle, I can’t help but see the parallels, and the warnings. I’ve learned that democratic backsliding doesn’t always come with loud declarations. Sometimes, it’s quiet. Incremental. Normalized over time. And that is what makes it so dangerous.

I say this not as an alarmist, but as someone who loves America deeply and wants to see it thrive, not just economically or militarily, but morally and ethically. It is more than a superpower. It is a symbol, or at least it has been, of what a free and just society can strive to be. To lose that would be a loss not just for Americans, but for the world.

This blog remains a space for sharing everyday stories, family history, and cultural connections, but it’s also become a place where I speak candidly about the state of the world, especially the one I once knew as America. And I intend to keep doing just that.

Gabriela day

 Today was Gabriela Day, a 3 hour holiday for me.

She returned from her weekend escape to Malta, full of stories, sunshine, and a suitcase full of… well, two things: a refrigerator magnet and a mysterious donut that may or may not have survived airport security with dignity intact. Still, it’s the thought (and sugar) that counts.

She also had photos! Glorious, sun-drenched Maltese moments captured on her phone. Naturally, we attempted to view them on the big screen. But alas, technology had other plans. The TV refused to cooperate, probably jealous it wasn’t invited on the trip. We gave up after a few valiant but futile remote-control battles and agreed to try again next week, when I’m back home and presumably more technologically gifted (or better at threatening electronics with unplugging).

We then tried watching the news. That lasted about five minutes before we realized the world is still on fire and no one brought marshmallows. So, we did what any sane person would do: we turned to Viktor Yushkevich.

Ah yes, our artistic savior. With his gentle brushstrokes and soft commentary, he soothed us like a human lavender candle. Within moments, our frayed tempers and news-induced eye-twitches began to subside. Honestly, Viktor should be covered by health insurance. He paints, we breathe deeply, and all is well.

So yes, Gabriela returned from Malta, the TV staged a rebellion, and Viktor once again saved the day. Just another Thursday.

Driving License

It's just another day spent stuck inside the house, thanks to the weather. Rain, wind, and gray skies have kept me indoors, making the day feel longer than it should. Thankfully, Gabriela is coming over tomorrow, which means I'll finally be able to step out for a while and take care of some things that have been piling up.

One of the more pressing tasks is replacing the right headlight on our car. It's frustrating how quickly these bulbs seem to burn out nowadays, barely lasting three or four months before needing to be replaced. I just changed the left headlight about three months ago, and now the right one has already gone out. It's almost as if the newer bulbs are designed with shorter lifespans, which makes maintenance feel like a never-ending cycle.

Hopefully, once Gabriela arrives, I can get everything sorted without too much trouble.

I had been under the impression that my driver’s license would expire in the middle of August, but after checking today, I realized it actually expires much sooner, on July 7th. That discovery sent me into a bit of a panic. Now I need to start preparing for the theory test, which I have to pass before I can even begin the license renewal process.

On top of that, there are a couple of medical steps I need to take. First, I’ll have to visit my neurologist to get an official statement confirming that my tremors are still not severe enough to interfere with my ability to drive. After that, I’ll need to bring that statement to a medical doctor, who will have to approve me for the test.

These appointments aren’t cheap, between the neurologist and the medical doctor, the cost is about 400 PLN. Then there's the theory test itself, which adds another 100 PLN. All in all, renewing the license is going to cost me around 500 PLN9($105), and that’s only if I pass the theory test on the first attempt. Many people don’t, so I’m definitely feeling the pressure. I don't need more pressure. It bad for my tremors.