Autumn in Kyiv is usually a bit of a dreary affair. Honestly, if the weather forecast promises a sunny day, you can bet your bottom dollar it'll be cloudy. And if they promise a non-rainy cloudy day? It's going to rain, possibly several times!
For me, this year's autumn has been particularly lonely. I really miss my husband. But the good news is that I've had some lovely neighbours move in over the last few months – they're actually my colleagues! They used to live in the next building until it was badly damaged by shelling this summer. I live on the 3rd floor and they're up on the 5th.
Now, I pop over to see them sometimes. I treat them to something tasty occasionally, and they do the same for me. It really reminds me of my early childhood when all the neighbours were close friends.
Finding the Light ✨
The truly sunny days are rare. When one does turn up, I drop absolutely everything and head out for a walk in the park. Luckily, my district is absolutely full of them!
Three times a week, I also go to a ballet, stretching, and Pilates studio. No, I'm not dreaming of becoming a ballerina-capuchina, but after searching for about ten years, I've finally found a place that teaches Pilates professionally.I am rally into Pilates 😊 Plus, the studio itself is so incredibly bright and cosy. I'm definitely craving light and warmth right now.
Powering Through 💡
After the latest massive Russian shelling attacks, the daily power cuts (both scheduled and emergency) have returned across Ukraine. I'm also trying to avoid driving after dark now that the power cuts are back – it's just so uncomfortable and a right pain.
When the power's out, I can still get some reading done with my new wireless portable lamp. It's really energy efficient.
The Russian war on Ukrainian territory will soon have lasted four long years. Could any of us have imagined back in 2022 that it would go on for this long? So much has changed during this time – our attitude towards ourselves, our future, and the people around us. One thing, however, remains constant: I continue to support our military, and I believe that Russia must pay for its crimes. And they will pay.
I would really like to attend this year's HiveBeeCon. Unfortunately, my company is sending everyone on unpaid leave the last week of November, and then 2 weeks in December. So I can't afford the extra days off. Too bad.
Anyway, I believe this is not the end of my story.
Thanks for stopping by and see you around 🙂
Yours,
@Zirochka 💛💙