Lost one.

It's a bit disheartening, you know? I noticed another Cousin unfollowed the blog. She was really only interested in our daily life here in Poland. My posts about the political climate back in the States and the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine just didn't hold her attention, it seems. Honestly, it feels a little strange to only focus on what Joan and I are up to when the country we came from feels like it's being dismantled by the Republican party – or as some call them now, the "Trumplicans."

Anyway, Gabriela came over today for a lovely three-hour visit with Joan, which meant it was my turn to tackle the weekly shopping. For some reason, Tuesday completely slipped my mind! I didn't get around to writing a menu or a shopping list until this morning, and to top it off, I didn't even wake up until 10:00 AM!

Luckily, the shopping list was pretty short. We still had those leftover pizzas, some frozen sweet potato soup, and that zucchini soup from last week. That's why the bill was surprisingly low, just 160 PLN (about $41). Considering our usual weekly grocery run is closer to 200 PLN these days, that felt like a small victory. Plus, it only took me about half an hour, so that was a bonus.

When I got back, Joan and Gabriela were just finishing up "Somewhere in Time," one of Joan's absolute favorite movies. I had an hour left on my break, so I used that time to work on getting our American tax forms filled out using the H&R Block online program. We've been using it for years now, and it's usually pretty straightforward. Joan and Gabriela spent that hour just chatting away. It really warms my heart to see Joan have that female companionship and someone to share her thoughts with.

600 million protesters?

Who can say what the actual number of Americans were protesting yesterday against Trump and his oligarchy administration. I have read as high as 600 million but who really knows. I thought there would be more. I don't think it was only Democrats involved this time.

Nevertheless, it was heartening to see protest in many parts of the country, not just in the big cities.  When Trump's tariffs take full effect on common people. I suspect there will be more. 

In Marquette, Michigan, close to where Joan and I used to live, 3,000 people attended the protest. In a town where only 21,000 live, that is 30% of the population. That might be a higher percentage than some of the big cities. It made me especially happy to see our friend, Mary O'Donnell participating. She protested EVERYTHING.

Now we will see what effect this protest will have on the government. I will keep an optimistic point of view.

Meanwhile:

Resistance in America - Resistance in Ukraine    

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, a crowd of close to 1,000 people gathered on Route 9 near the corner of Mechanic Street in Cape May Courthouse. They held flags and signs. The flags were American and, perhaps surprisingly, Ukrainian. The signs read “Dump Trump,” “Dump [Congressman] Van Drew,” “We will defend Democracy,” “No Tyranny,” “Save Medicare and Social Security,” and even “Give me liberty or give me death.”

I mingled in the crowd, urging them on with a bit of a cynical exhortation, “It’s about time!” and spoke to two of the protesters who displayed Ukrainian flags. I simply asked whether they were Ukrainian. In both cases they said “no” but added “we love Ukraine,” “Ukrainians are protecting us and the whole world from tyranny.” I was obviously very proud and acknowledged my Ukrainian background. They showered me with accolades about the courage of the Ukrainian people and how the entire world owes them a debt of gratitude.Souce Askold S. Losynskyj-KyivPost

 American volunteer soldiers fighting in Ukraine say that they feel “betrayed” by their own country after the U.S. halted military aid and stopped sharing intelligence with Kyiv in early March.

“(U.S. President Donald Trump) betrayed every one of us,” a U.S. Army veteran, who goes by the callsign Goldfish, told the Kyiv Independent.

The American soldiers who spoke to the Kyiv Independent said they were “horrified” by their country’s recent decisions and the ensuing consequences on the ground in Ukraine.

 

“Never have I ever thought that I would be listening to any U.S. public figure — let alone the president — openly declare support for an aggressor,” Goldfish, a 33-year-old Alaskan.said.

“If we stand here now on the side of the oppressor, literally telling Ukraine, either submit or cease to exist, that's not peace – that’s subjugation.”  Source-Kyiv Independent

 

P'rotests

 Reuters

 Anti-Trump protesters gather in Washington, other US cities

Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington, D.C, under gloomy skies and light rain. Organizers told Reuters that more than 20,000 people were expected to attend the rally at the National Mall.

CNN

 Nearly 600,000 people have signed up to attend the events, some which will also take place in other countries, according to Indivisible, one of the organizations leading the movement in collaboration with a nationwide coalition that includes civil rights organizations, veterans, women’s rights groups, labor unions and LGBTQ+ advocates.  

France24

Hundreds gather across Europe to protest against Trump and Musk

Hundreds of people gathered in Paris, Berlin, London, Lisbon and several other European citieson Saturday to protest against US President Donald Trump and his adviser Elon Musk. The demonstrations follow a tumultuous week for global financial markets after Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs.

 

The Guardian

• 3h ago
  Anti-Trump protests spread across European cities
• 4h ago
  Photos show nationwide anti-Trump protests from Delaware to California
• 4h ago
  Protesters gather in London as part of anti-Trump rallies
• 5h ago
  Maxwell Frost: 'Insidious rise of authoritarianism fueled by corrupt billionaires'
• 5h ago
  Jamie Raskin: 'We invite all Americans to...join the party in democracy and freedom'
• 5h ago
  Protestors from across the country join Washington DC rally
   

Make a Stand!

On this day, We stand with our fellow Americans

 against the tyranny of President Donald J. Trump and his Republican administration!!

On this Protest day, we obviously couldn't be there but we still participated. I made a large sign and put it on our apartment balcony. We had to DO SOMETHING.

 

Citizens. Show up for America!

 Tomorrow is the DAY, April 5th.

Hats OFF! & Ukraine

Yes, hats off to the people of Wisconsin and Susan Crawford who defeated the candidate of billionaire ELON MUSK for a seat on the Wisconsin State Supreme Court. Musk spent 25 million dollars to defeat her....and LOST.

The recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election, which saw Judge-elect Susan Crawford emerge victorious against a candidate heavily backed by Elon Musk, represents a significant moment that reverberates far beyond the state's borders. It's a narrative that speaks to the enduring power of grassroots movements, the limits of concentrated financial influence in democratic processes, and the crucial role of judicial independence.

Susan Crawford's victory is, in essence, a testament to the power of citizen engagement. It highlights the ability of ordinary people, working together, to counter the weight of substantial financial backing. It’s a powerful reminder that elections are not merely financial contests, but ultimately a reflection of the will of the people. The victory can be seen as a reaffirmation of the fundamental principle that every vote counts, regardless of the disparity in campaign budgets.

Meanwhile: Ukraine 

Pete Hegseth, US Defense Secretary, will not attend the next top-level Ukraine support planning conference next week, a move that will leave the main Western nation forum for coordinating military and security support to Ukraine without the Pentagon’s director in attendance for the very first time, the US-based Defense News magazine reported Thursday.

“There is broad political support for a defense initiative of €40 billion. Of course, right now the discussion is in the details,” European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, said in comments reported by Brussels media. “Everybody understood around the table that we should really show our resolve right now and support Ukraine so that they can defend themselves.”

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense plans to deliver 15,000 robotic systems to the battlefield in 2025, a significant increase from the previous year, a top defense official said Monday, March 31.

One of the key systems being deployed is the domestically developed “Lyut” ground robotic complex. Tested in combat and approved for military use, the robot is designed for surveillance and fire support. It is equipped with a 7.62mm machine gun and sensors that allow it to detect and engage targets in both day and night conditions.

History Made!

History was made last night on the floor of the U.S. Congress. New Jersey Democratic Senator, Cory Booker, used the filibuster to speak for 25 hours and 4 minutes to break the record of Democratic Senator Strom Thurmond. 

On August 28, 1957, Strom Thurmond, a Democratic Senator from South Carolina, began a filibuster intended to prevent the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957. The filibuster—an extended speech designed to stall legislation—began at 8:54 p.m. and lasted until 9:12 p.m. the following day, a duration of 24 hours and 18 minutes. This made the filibuster the longest single-person filibuster in United States Senate history. It was also the longest single-person Senate speech until April 2, 2025, when the record was broken by Cory Booker, with Booker speaking for 25 hours and 4 minutes. His speech was to tell the American people the harm being done to America by President Trump and his administration. He also did not want the longest speech in the history of the Congress to be a speech full of racism.

 "I could break this record of the man who tried to stop the rights upon which I stand,” Booker said shortly before breaking the record. “I'm not here, though, because of his speech; I'm here despite his speech. I'm here because as powerful as he was, the people were more powerful.”

Senator Cory Booker demonstrated unwavering persistence throughout his 25-hour speech, standing firm in his fight against policies he believed would harm marginalized communities. With no breaks, he passionately defended healthcare, voting rights and justice reform, using historical references and personal stories to keep the Senate and the nation engaged in urgent dialogue.

 His historic speech has reinvigorated Democrats, reminding them of the power of persistence in the fight for healthcare, voting rights and justice. The 25-hour stand showcased his deep commitment to protecting fundamental rights and ensuring every voice is heard. Many see this moment as a turning point—proof that passionate leadership can inspire action and renew momentum.

 Booker’s speech was not just a moment of defiance but a rallying call for progress and lasting change.

"I was challenged by my own constituents to do something different, challenged by my own constituents to do something, challenged by my own constituents to take risks,” Booker said."

Will you accept the challenge? 

 

3 hour break.

 On a good weather day with a three hour break, I went to visit my friend Pawel. He and his wife moved to a new osiedle(neighborhood) two months ago and this was my first opportunity to visit.

I arrived about 11:15 and Pawel came down to meet me at the entrance door.  His flat is on the first floor so we didn't have to travel far to reach it

Inside, he showed me around the new flat and then we settled in the living room to talk. We basically just brought each other up and what as happened to us in the last two months.

Of course, because he is an excellent programmer, I brought my laptop so he could fix two problems I have and it didn't take him long to do it.

Soup & Ukraine

Another gray day has set into Poznan along with lower temperatures. I actually had to turn the heat back on.

The sweet potato and ginger soup I made last night turned out very good. There is enough left over for two days.

Meanwhile:

Sweden will donate 16 billion kronor ($1.6 billion) in fresh military aid to Ukraine, the government said on Monday – the largest such package from the Nordic country since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson told reporters that Sweden wanted “to send the message now that we are both intensifying our support and increasing its strength and scope.”

“There are strong reasons to do so in light of the seriousness of the situation in Ukraine,” Jonson added.

The US’ role as Ukraine’s biggest arms supplier is at an end and if Ukraine wants American weapons in the future, it will only be for cash on the barrelhead, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a Friday press conference.

The Ukrainian leader, in response to a reporter question about past and future American assistance to Ukraine, said that Kyiv has no expectations of future US assistance without paying for it first.

“If we are talking about anything in the future, new support, new support packages, then the United States of America can set whatever conditions they see fit. It’s clear that that team [the Trump administration] will do nothing for us in the future without being paid. They say that officially,” Zelensky said.

 

Good meeting.

This morning, I woke up late, completely unaware that the clocks had been set ahead by one hour the night before. It was a jarring realization that set the tone for the rest of the day. In a frantic rush, I scrambled to get Joan out of bed and fed, realizing I was already behind schedule. I had planned to Skype with Michal at 11:00 AM, but because my time was still 10:00 AM, I had to adjust everything. Our usual two-hour chat had to be delayed, and I ended up canceling the second hour entirely to ensure I could make it to my next appointment.

The reason for the time crunch was an upcoming meeting with Garrett at 1:30 PM, which left me with no time to waste. After finishing my call with Michal, I was back at it, hastily preparing Joan to go outside for a visit to the Cat Cafe. Time was flying by, and I was feeling the pressure.

We finally made it downtown, and, to my relief, I found a parking spot relatively close to the cafe. I pushed Joan in her wheelchair, maneuvering through the bustling streets, eager to get inside. Just as we arrived, Garrett showed up, and together, we helped Joan navigate the five stairs leading into the cafe. It was a bit tricky, but with Garrett’s assistance, we made it.

Inside, I placed our order—two coffees and two pieces of cheesecake for Joan and myself. The total came to 72 PLN (about $17). The coffee was surprisingly good, better than I had expected, even more so than what we typically get at Sowas. The cheesecake portions were not only generous but also absolutely delicious—rich, creamy, and the perfect indulgence.

Garrett, meanwhile, went for two poached eggs with toast and tea. He also ordered a glass of Polish wine, which he claimed was very good—something I’d have to take his word for, as I wasn’t in the mood for wine today. We spent the next couple of hours chatting, sharing stories and laughter, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the cafe.

Eventually, the time came to head back. After a satisfying afternoon, we all parted ways, returning to our separate homes, each with our own thoughts and memories of the day.

Plac Kolegacki, Rynek & Soup

The warmth of the burgeoning spring afternoon, a gentle caress against the skin, beckoned us outdoors. The sky, a vast canvas of cerulean blue, stretched overhead, promising a respite from the lingering chill of winter. With Joan’s quiet anticipation for a change of scenery, I decided to take her out for the day, with no particular destination in mind. The joy of spontaneity felt freeing—no plans, just a gentle meandering through the city we knew so well. The car, a quiet hum beneath us, glided along the familiar streets, and it wasn’t long before we found ourselves parked near the Rynek, the heart of the city that never failed to offer a sense of timeless comfort.

I helped Joan out of the car, retrieving the wheelchair with practiced ease, and assisted her into it. Her gratitude, though unspoken, radiated in the way she settled comfortably, ready for a leisurely afternoon. A short stroll—just a handful of paces—and we found ourselves at the Rynek, the city’s historic square, now freshly renovated. As we crossed the polished tiles, Joan remarked softly, "It’s been some years since I was last here." I didn’t correct her, although in truth, we had visited only a couple of months ago. There was something endearing in her perception, as if time itself had shifted in the brief interlude since our last visit. Her voice held a note of awe as she observed the changes, "The new flooring is so much nicer now." I couldn’t help but agree. The square, once adorned with cobblestones that had felt both weathered and proud, now gleamed with new, sleek tiles. Yet, in the quiet recess of my mind, I couldn't help but miss the old cobblestones—their rough texture and timeworn edges that seemed to carry the weight of the city’s centuries-old stories. The new tiles were beautiful, yes, but they lacked the charm that the weathered stones had worn with grace over the years.

I pushed the wheelchair around each corner of the square, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. The market buzzed with life—vendors calling out, tourists wandering, and locals moving through the rhythm of their day. It was a familiar dance, one that I found comforting, each footstep marking time. Once we’d circled the square a few times, Joan seemed content. With a soft gesture, we turned towards Plac Kolegacki, a square that, like the Rynek, had undergone a transformation in recent years. It was hard to believe how different it looked now, thanks to the extensive renovation it had received in the last two years. The square now felt expansive and bright, filled with the kind of modern touches that contrasted yet complemented the history surrounding it.

The day had unfolded gently, and we were both in the mood for a small treat. A friend had recently recommended Hotel Kolegacki for coffee, and with the sun warming the terrace, the outdoor tables now available at nearly every café and restaurant, it seemed like the perfect spot to stop and indulge. We found a table under an umbrella, where the soft breeze stirred the air just enough to keep things comfortable, and ordered two coffees and two slices of cheesecake.

The coffee arrived quickly, a deep brown swirl of warmth. It was better than the brew we’d grown accustomed to at Sowas, but it still couldn’t compare to the bold richness of the coffee we’d enjoyed on our travels in Spain. There, the coffee was an experience—intense and full-bodied, awakening the senses with each sip. Still, the café at Hotel Kolegacki offered a cozy respite from the bustling square, and the coffee was good enough for us to savor in this moment of peaceful pause.

The cheesecake, though—oh, the cheesecake—was something else. Thick, creamy, and decadently rich, it arrived in generous slices that seemed to defy the conventional notion of dessert portions. The flavor was delightful, rich and balanced, with a hint of citrus tang that cut through the sweetness, making each bite a small indulgence. Yet, with that indulgence came a price. At 85 PLN ($22) for two slices, it was undeniably overpriced for what it was. It was delicious, no doubt, but the cost left a bitter aftertaste that lingered longer than I’d like. It wasn’t the sort of experience that warranted a repeat visit. We finished our coffee and dessert with mixed feelings, enjoying the moment but knowing that it wouldn’t be a place we’d frequent often.

By the time we returned home at 16:40 (4:40 PM), the afternoon was drawing to a close. I felt a quiet satisfaction from our simple outing, the afternoon sun slipping lower in the sky. I spent the next hour preparing a new soup recipe I’d been eager to try—Sweet Potato & Ginger. The ingredients had been carefully chosen, and the recipe, though simple, promised a blend of flavors that would be both comforting and warming. I had made a large batch, more than enough to last us for a few meals, and I hoped it would live up to the effort and expense.

As I stirred the pot, the aroma of ginger and sweet potato filled the kitchen, and I couldn’t help but smile. There was something satisfying about cooking a new dish, knowing it had the potential to be something special. I wouldn’t know until tomorrow if it had been worth the time and money, but for now, I was content, the warmth of the day still lingering in my bones, and the promise of a simple, nourishing dinner ahead.

Tax Return, airports & zloty

Checking our bank account this morning I was pleased to see our tax refund was added to our account electronically. That was fast, the taxes were filed last week.

 

Meanwhile in Poland:

 

An excellent start of the year in Poznan tourism.

 

In February, hotel occupancy increased from 60% to 69% year-on-year, and this is the, result second i  tourism after Krakow. The result, for such a difficult month as February is phenomenal. The biggest reason was provided by business guests, but there was also no shortage of tourists who came to Poznan for the holidays, especially for a weekend rest. It is a clear signal that Poznan is filling up and it is time for new hotel investments. Moreover, Poznan is increasingly effectively attracting organizers of large congresses and international conferences, for which a good accommodation base is always key.

 

More than 75% of Poles are against Poland joining the euro zone and abandoning the zloty. Fears of a deterioration in the material situation of society and of excessive dependence on the EU prevail. Almost half of those surveyed see no benefits from Poland's entry into the euro zone.

Nice day, Duda, Ukraine.

What a beautiful day today. It's warm, 14 C, sunny and extraordinary cloud forms. My kind of day.

I had my three hour break but returned home early to work on our American Tax form. They are not due until June 15th but I wanted to get it done while Gabriela was with Joan and I was not interrupted.

I read that President Duda has revoked the priviledge for foreigners to declare asylum in Poland now.  Yesterday, before leaving for Rome, Andrzej Duda announced that he had signed the law on restricting the right to asylum. He emphasized that the law is necessary to strengthen the security of our borders and gives the government the opportunity to introduce instruments to limit migration to Poland.
“I have decided today that the so-called asylum law, as it has recently been discussed in the Polish public and political sphere, will come into force. I have signed this law and I believe it is necessary to strengthen the security of Poles,” the President of Poland said. He added that the law gives the government the opportunity to introduce instruments to limit migration to Poland, including applying for asylum in Poland.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine:

Wartime Ukraine says Signal is a fine messaging platform if you know how to use it and that Matt Waltz’s bomb-the-Houthis chat group was a bunch of noobies.

 Ukrainian military writer Petro Andriushchenko quoted the US publication Politico calling for Waltz to be sacked and opined: “It was reckless not to check who was in the chat. It was reckless to have that conversation on Signal. You can’t have that kind of recklessness as national security adviser…Mike Waltz is a complete idiot.”

Shopping & Ukraine

I spent my 3-hour break today food shopping. Because Carrefour didn't have everything I needed, I had to go to Lidl and the Auchan to get the missing items.

Meanwhile from Ukraine:  Very interesting.

A new Ukrainian study on imported equipment used for Russian weapons manufacturing says that the People’s Republic of China is Russia’s best source of high-tech machine tools for arms production, but far from the only one.

Companies in ten other countries besides China – most openly opposed to supporting the Kremlin war machine, and more than a few NATO members – also have sent Russia hundreds of advanced milling machines, lathes, heat treatment chambers and high-tech optical polishers that are now helping the Kremlin churn out weapons, a study published on Wednesday by Ukraine’s national military intelligence agency, HUR, said.

According to the Ukrainians’ research, countries not friendly with Moscow also have allowed hundreds of high-tech machine tools suitable for production of modern military equipment to enter Russia in the past 12 months.

NATO nation companies with equipment identified by Ukraine as manufacturing weapons in Russia currently included Optical Gauging Products and Lapmaster Wolters(USA), Bonetti Cutting Solutions (Italy); Hermie, Rohde & Schwartz, Finetech GMBH, ISOG Technology and Schuler (Germany);  Benmak Makine and Inductotherm Group (Turkey); CETOS, TDZ Turn, Toshulin and TOS Celavovice (Czech Republic).Source- Kyiv Post

AI? No Thanks.

After working for two days with Chatgpt and Gemini, two AI systems, I've come to the conclusion that there significant difference between them and humans.

I think I've mentioned I'm looking for a way to put my blogs in chronological order with date and blog summary, all in the same font and size, without pictures, only date and summary in bold print, and then printable.

My friend wrote a program for me, not quite as extensive but still better than AI. 

My problems with both AI's were extensive also but not in a good way. For example: I would give them 6 blogs to convert and they would come back in reverse chronological order, no summary, and some times a different font. I would tell AI its mistakes, it would apologize and said it would correct them. The corrected blogs were NOT corrected. i would tell them again, another apology and promise to fix. Return blogs were in correct chrono but no other mistake was fix. Another correction requested, this time chrono was totally messed up and 2 other mistakes not corrected. I would tell it to follow the guidelines I gave it but because AI has no memory, I would have to print it all over again. 6 blogs took me AI 4 hours to get it right.

I asked my friend to send me a copy of the program he wrote but he didn't think he still had it. So, I was stuck/ I have over 5000 blogs to convert and at that rate I could be dead before it is finished using AI.

The bright side is that tonight my friend, Pawel, called and said it took him 30 minutes to create the program for me. The MOST AMAZING THING about his program is that there is a menu for every year from 2006 to 2025. All I have to do is click on a year and it prints the whole year. With the two AI's I could only copy and past about 6 blogs at a time. 

George m. Cohan

Being the age I am. I have the good fortune to still have the ability to look over 80 years. I am glad I am 80 years old. I've had more good experiences than bad ones in my life for which I am grateful. It has given me the opportunity to hear, know, or see many truly great musicians, painters, actors, actresses, a few statesmen, a few Presidents, friends and people in general, and, of course, have a beautiful wife more than half of my life.

Today I was thinking about the actor, James Cagney. If you have less than 50 years, you probably don't know him. He played mostly gangster parts in films, starting in 1931. However, in one film, Yankee Doodle Dandy, he played the part of George M. Cohan. I was not to familiar with Cohans life or the music he he wrote. He was a songwriter, playwright, lyricist, singer, dancer, and entertainer. 

No one in theatrical history ever did as many different things as well as George M. Cohan. In the early 20th century, he dominated American theater to a degree that has never been matched by anyone else. Cohan is the father of the modern Broadway musical.

On May 1, 1940, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt presented him with the Congressional Medal of Honor for his contributions to World War I morale, in particular with the songs "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "Over There".^[28] Cohan was the first person in any artistic field selected for this honor, which previously had been only given to military and political leaders, philanthropists, scientists, inventors, and explorers.

I recorded several of his movie to watch tonight and chose first, "Yankee Doodle Dandy". I chose it because I remembered he danced in it and Joan very much likes movies with dancing.

Unknown to me, it was the life story of George M. Cohan. I could see why he was awarded the Medal of Honor. All his life he was very patriotic. The movie was made in 1942. In this day and age, I think every American should see it.

Good Weather.

Saturday and good weather, sunny, blue skies, not rain 13 C. I had to take Joan out of the flat because she hasn't been out for 3 days. I would rather be in Spain with her now but that wasn't possible. However, March is a good weather change month and it's nice now.

She spends a lot of time watching Viktor paint and I try to be with her between the daily chores.

 Meanwhile: Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told US President Donald Trump in their recent head-of-state call that he opposes ending the war along the current front line.

During a Zoom briefing with journalists, Zelensky said that many cities and settlements are split by the contact line.

“If in some places you freeze the front line, you would be leaving entire cities or villages lifeless. No one will return to half of a city. And if they do, it will be like Berlin,” Zelensky said, alluding to reunified Germany’s capital city, which was divided by the infamous Berlin Wall from 1961 to 1989 when East Germany was a separate totalitarian state under Moscow’s dominion.

Zelensky told reporters that a “Berlin Wall” is not an option, a stance Trump agreed with. He added that the issue would continue to be discussed.

According to Zelensky, Trump understands that Ukraine will never legally recognize Russia’s control over its occupied territories.

At the same time, Zelensky believes that a complete ceasefire with Russia is approaching and that it is necessary to reach one before discussing a permanent resolution to the war.

“If the Americans really push for this [a ceasefire], they can achieve it. Because we have goodwill. And all of Europe supports this… We are not afraid of anyone; we will get through this,” he said.

Domesticated.

 I am soooooo domesticated.

Today, Marek came for the installation of a new faucet in the kitchen sink and moving the overhead light above our kitchen table. For us, the light was fine was it was but Renata, the owner, wanted it moved to be directly shining in the middle of our table and she is the owner of the flat. 

When the installation of the faucet was completed, I couldn't believe how happy I felt. It was like getting a good Christmas present. The old faucet was leaking so Renata felt it was time to replace it. I'm sure she picked out the new one. I like it because there is no more leaking but the best thing is that it has a removable head to was out the inside of pots more easily.

Last night I made an excellent minestrone soup for dinner with fresh bread and salad. I mad a lot because we still have enough for two more servings which I have frozen in two zip-lock bags.

My meeting with Radek was his house and he told me about a new bakery where we used to live. It's called Domova and he said they have excellent breads, pastries and small foods like Pizza. What he really liked about the bakery was that every thing made is either yeast-based or using zakwas. He bought two small veggie Pizzas for us and they were very good. He leaves tomorrow foe Spain where he and his girlfriend will stay in her house. Lucky man and I am happy for them to have each other..

Shopping day?

No, it wasn’t. I set my phone alarm for my usual 6:30 AM wake-up, but when I opened my eyes and glanced at the clock, it was already 9:30. I quickly checked my phone, only to realize that the alarm had been silenced. The reason? Last night, the sound had been bothering Joan while I was listening to my Spanish lesson. Normally, I use headphones, but I hadn't charged them in a few days, so they were useless. Just another careless mistake on my part. Now I’m going to have to go shopping tomorrow and miss out on the 10% senior discount. Oh well, that’s life, right?

Joan spent most of the afternoon mesmerized by Viktor as he created some stunning paintings. She’s completely captivated by his artistic talent.

As for me, I spent the day doing laundry, tidying up a bit around the house, and trimming Joan's finger and toenails. She can no longer manage that on her own.

Good News.

I've seen clouds from both perspectives—above and below—and yet, after watching Viktor Yushkevich create his stunning portraits of nature, with his depictions of pastoral landscapes, mountains, and rivers, I see them in a whole new way.

Yesterday and today, I found myself observing clouds more thoughtfully. I noticed the subtle variations of gray within them, the delicate shifts in color. On some occasions, when the sun peeked through, I could even spot a faint circle of soft yellow highlighting the edges. I have Viktor to thank for helping me truly appreciate these small details in the clouds.

As you might have guessed, Joan and I spent some time watching Viktor paint another breathtaking scene on YouTube. It's such a peaceful experience for us, and Joan absolutely loves it.

Meanwhile: For Ukraine,

The outcome of the Ukrainian-American negotiations in Saudi Arabia pleased skeptics and those in Ukraine who had already been disappointed with the Trump administration after perceiving it as pro-Russian.

After prolonged discussions, an agreement was reached to resume intelligence sharing and restore security assistance to Ukraine. Although this merely reinstates what was in place two weeks ago, many in the Ukrainian media and expert community welcomed it with relief.

Similarly, news of a proposed 30-day ceasefire – one that Ukraine is prepared to accept if Russia halts hostilities – was received in much the same way. The overall mood among Ukrainians, both in the public sphere and within specialist circles, was generally positive.

All the experts and sources interviewed by Kyiv Post agree: Russian propaganda is entering difficult times. Hopes for a favorable truce have collapsed, while problems within the Russian military and economy have grown so severe that they can no longer be ignored. Source-Kyiv Post

Never mind.

I'm so pissed off today! Yesterday, thousands of citizens across the nation protested against the insanity of the current republican administration. Why? What good did it really do?

While we were doing that, ten Democratic Senators were voting against us. Not directly, but behind our backs. I didn't feel the knife until this morning when I checked the voting results of funding the government. I knew it would pass but there were three different versions. Two of them would have given us some leverage to stop other hysterical things being propose. One of them would give Trump/Musk a blank check. Our Senators voted for Trump/Musk.

Why are we puting in our time and effort to stop this choas when our own Senatore vote with the Republicans and against the common people? Am I missing the GOOD reason they did this? I just need a reason to keep going?

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It's later in the day now, actually 2:30 AM, and I found out my frustration above was a mistake. 

Never mind what I wrote above. Thanks to a few who answered, I was wrong. Chuck Schumer said Trump would seize more power during a shutdown, because it would give the administration the ability to deem whole agencies, programs and personnel non-essential, furloughing staff with no promise they would ever be rehired.

 

Democrats were critical of the funding levels in the bill. But they are more worried about the discretion the bill gives the Trump administration on spending decisions. Many Democrats are referring to the measure as a “blank check” for Trump.

 

“A shutdown will allow DOGE to shift into overdrive,” Schumer said. “Donald Trump and [Elon Musk](https://apnews.com/hub/elon-musk) would be free to destroy vital government services at a much faster rate.” Source-AP(Wahongton Post/NYT)

Viktor's message

The foreign flag that became your flag

The moment you raised this flag, you became part of this story

Viktor Kravchuk Mar 12

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THERE IS A FLAG IN YOUR WINDOW. A piece of fabric, a set of colors, a symbol you chose to display.

It is not the flag of your homeland. It probably does not represent your ancestry, your family’s past, or the soil beneath your feet. And yet, you placed it there.

A blue and yellow banner. A flag from a country you may have never set foot in. A country whose language you may not speak. A country whose history you may have only learned in passing.

And still, you chose to fly it.

Do you know what that means?

It means more than you may ever realize.

It is not just a flag. It is a declaration. A stance. A refusal to look away.

It means that when bombs fell on Kyiv, you felt it. It means that when families were torn apart, you cared. It means that when war tried to erase us, you would not let it.

You could have ignored it. You could have said “it’s not my fight.”

But you didn’t.

You see this war not just as a tragedy, but as a warning.

You see Ukrainians not as victims, but as people fighting for something you also believe in.

Your home. The dearest and most sacred space of your life. Tthe place where you are safe from the dangers of the world, where you can be yourself without fear of judgment or the weight of others’ standards.

Your window. The point of connection between your sanctuary and the world outside.

And there, you place this blue and yellow flag. A foreign flag.

Not a foreign flag anymore.

Because it belongs to you too.

You did it in a time when it is easier to be indifferent.

You did it when the world moves fast, when yesterday’s war becomes tomorrow’s forgotten headline.

You did it without asking for anything in return.

You did it because you know that when one democracy is under attack, all democracies are at risk.

You did it because you understand that freedom is not a given, but something we must choose and we must fight, again and again.

You did it because you know that standing with Ukraine is standing with humanity’s best values.

And for that, we see you. We thank you.

We will never forget you.

To those who carry our colors in their hands, on their doors, please know that you may not be Ukrainian by birth, but you are Ukrainian in spirit.

You embody the true spirit of what means to be Ukrainian, the one we fight so hard to pass on to our children.

Every flag in every window is a reminder that justice is not tied to borders. That solidarity is not limited by nationality.

That freedom, when threatened anywhere, is defended everywhere.

So to everyone who has placed this flag in their home, on their car, on their backpack:

You are part of this fight.
You are part of this story.
And you are on the right side of history.

Flags don’t hold their meaning if no one is left to carry them. But you carried this one. You carried it, above everything, in your heart. That means the world to us. That means the world to everyone of us.That means the only possible world for our world.

🇺🇦

Nuclear Poland?

Today is the day of protests against the Republican administraion in the United States. ALL OF IT!

Meanwhile, in Poland:

In an interview with the Financial Times, Andrzej Duda called on the United States to deploy nuclear weapons in Poland as a deterrent against possible aggression from Russia.
 

“NATO's borders moved east in 1999, so 26 years later there should also be a shift in NATO infrastructure to the east. For me, this is obvious,” the president said, adding that ”it would be safer if these weapons were already here.” He expressed his hope that the Nuclear Sharing project would be expanded in Europe, which Duda unsuccessfully proposed to the administration of then-US President Joe Biden in 2022. Duda emphasized that it is current US President Donald Trump who decides on the deployment of US nuclear weapons. 

At the same time, he recalled Vladimir Putin's announcement in 2023 that Russia would deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. “Russia did not even hesitate when it moved its nuclear weapons to Belarus. It did not ask anyone for permission,” he said. The president repeated the words of Prime Minister Donald Tusk that Poland could obtain better alternative protection thanks to the idea of French President Emmanuel Macron, which involves extending the French nuclear umbrella to European allies. However, he rejected the Polish head of government's idea of developing a Polish nuclear arsenal. “It would take decades,” he said.
 

Duda emphasized that he cannot imagine Trump withdrawing from the commitments he made in his conversation with him in the US in February regarding the maintenance of the US military presence in Poland. “Fears that the United States will reduce its military presence in Poland are unfounded. We are a reliable ally for the US and they also have their own strategic interests here,” he said.

Tomasz Siemoniak, Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration, when asked about the deployment of American nuclear weapons in Poland, stated that the American side's openness is a prerequisite for discussion on this topic. “Such things must be dealt with in the privacy of offices and one must be sure that there is any path to it,“ he noted. ‘There is nothing worse than putting forward a concrete idea and hearing in three days’ time that it is not an option because it simply weakens us,” he emphasized. Source-The Warsaw Voice.

Do you really know what time it is?

Tomorrow. March 14th is THE DAY, but last night, as I was reflecting on how much time I dedicate to my efforts—my personal, often solitary efforts—to help protect America from the damaging grip of the current Republican administration, I found myself wondering just how much impact it is really making. Months ago, I joined forces with three different groups, united in the goal of helping Kamala Harris win the election. We poured our time, energy, and resources into that fight. Unfortunately, we lost.

Since then, my days have been spent tirelessly working against the spectacle that has become the Trump-Musk era of the presidency. I spend at least three hours every day confronting the toxic forces that seem to dominate our political discourse. Yet, as I consider all of the actions we are taking—whether individually or collectively—I can't help but ask: Where are the leaders of the Democratic Party? Where is the leadership we need, at this critical juncture in American history?

It's disheartening. In the face of growing threats to our democracy, why is it that only a few voices—voices like Bernie Sanders—seem to be traveling the country, speaking out against the relentless injustices that are being imposed on the American people? Sure, we get the occasional tweet or message from other Democrats, but where is the urgency? Where is the bold, sustained leadership? We voted for these leaders; we put them in office, and now, in this crucial moment, we find them conspicuously absent. At a time when our country’s future hangs in the balance, where are they?

It's not just a rhetorical question. I don't see the Democrats speaking out on platforms like Facebook, Bluesky, or Instagram. What I do see are Republican voices—like Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney—who are standing firm against the very chaos that their party helped create. The Democrats may flood our inboxes with ads when the midterms approach, but where is the action in the present? Where is the leadership now, when we need it most?

I'm growing weary of every news outlet and every entertainment show being hijacked by the latest antics of Elon Musk and Donald Trump. We've already endured four long years of Trump’s presidency—enough is enough. The media’s obsession with them only serves to fuel their power, allowing them to overshadow the urgent issues facing our nation.

I understand that, being retired, I have the luxury of time to be deeply involved in these issues, but the truth is that too many people are content to scroll social media and hit the "like" button, offering little more than passive support. Too few are actually raising their voices to demand action from their senators and representatives. Too few are speaking out in the way we need to disrupt the current narrative.

Take Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, for example. He was the only Democrat who sided with Republicans in voting for the “shutdown the government” bill. Meanwhile, one Republican—Thomas Massie of Kentucky—voted against it, aligning more with the values we expect from a Democrat than from a Republican. Why aren’t we hearing more from our Democratic leaders in response to these actions?

Where are the Democrats? What are they doing as the opposition party? The answer, unfortunately, is clear: Not much.

I think back to when Rep. Al Green courageously stood up to the president, only to be censured by his own party. A group of Democrats sided with Republicans in that censure vote—10 of them, to be exact. Every one of us should have taken the time to voice our disapproval, to demand accountability. These 10 Democrats betrayed the very values they were elected to protect. It’s not too late to make our voices heard. If you care about the future of this country, it’s time to hold them accountable. These are the Terrible Ten, and we should let them know we’re watching:

Tom Suozzi of New York

Jim Costa of California

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington

Jared Moskowitz of Florida

Ami Bera of California

Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania

Marcy Kaptur of Ohio

Laura Gillen of New York

Jim Himes of Connecticut

I recognize that many of you work tirelessly, have children to care for, elderly parents to look after, or simply feel too overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. But the truth is, this moment in time requires all of us. We cannot afford to be passive while our nation is being dismantled, piece by piece. We’re seeing $880 billion slashed from healthcare, crucial cancer research for children eliminated, aid for the disabled and elderly stripped away, and thousands of hardworking Americans losing their jobs. And the list goes on and on.

If you are a Republican who voted for Trump, ask yourself: Is this truly what you voted for? Is this the country you hoped to create? If not, it’s time to stand up and help turn things around.

America used to be the shining beacon of hope, the “Light of the World.” But now, under the reign of Trump and Musk, that light has been extinguished. It’s time to reignite that flame, to restore the promise of this nation to its people.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I urge you not to simply hit “like” or “dislike”—let your voice be heard. Leave a comment, make a call, write an email. Do something. Don’t let this moment pass us by. The future of our country is in our hands. Let’s act before it’s too late.

"My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing."