Sorry for the lack of updates; there’s always plenty going on, but I managed to do something to my shoulder a couple days ago, which is making sitting and writing at the computer a bit difficult. So expect some gaps in my posts. Sorry about that.

I’ll definitely keep you informed of any family updates or movements since that’s the overarching purpose of this blog at the moment. There’s been nothing to report on that front; bureaucracies move slowly. And you’ve probably heard the latest big news out of Mariupol — that all the women, children and elderly that had been sheltered at Azovstal have been evacuated (Ukraine war: Civilians now out of Azovstal plant in Mariupol – BBC).

Here are a couple things that caught my eye over the past few days:

• Not Mariupol, but the survival story and descriptions are almost identical: ‘We tried not to watch’ – escapees recount terror of Russian-occupied Izyum – BBC
• It had been an on-again/off-again question about a “Victory Day” parade in Mariupol, depending on who was doing the talking — Russia or the DNR. Russia said no, but apparently the DNR did have some small demonstration. (May 9 in Mariupol. With cries of “Hooray!” the occupiers carried a striped cloth – PHOTOS, VIDEO – News May 9, 2022 – 0629.com.ua)
• I’ve seen assorted reports (I’ll find the links) of occupying forces changing road signs and renaming cities and streets back to their Russian or Soviet versions. Cheap theatrics at best.