Solidarity with Ukraine

Today is day four of Russia's invation of Ukraine. The Ukrainians are holding strong in the face of the reported 150,000 Russian soldiers with their tanks, jets, helicopters, etc. etc. In some ways it is amazing that the country has withstood such a powerful invation as well as they have. However, many question their ability to hold on to control of the country and hold off the Russians for much longer. I spoke again with my son and daughter-in-law who live in Krakow, Poland. My daughter-in-law is Ukrainian and has indicated that her parents, who live near Odessa, are safe and currently out of harms way. They had one friend with her daughter stay with them last night. This woman is now on her way to Warsaw to stay with friends. She had to make her way to Poland via a very circuitous route traveling through Moldova to Romania, and then through Hungary and Slovakia to Poland. It took her two days. They have another friend who was arriving tonight after a two-day train journey. The numbers of refugees on trains and on the highways is tremendous and has clogged movement down to a crawl as women and children exit Ukraine. Hundreds of thousands are leaving. Men between the ages of 18 and 60 are not allowed to leave and are expected to report for service defending Ukraine from the invading Russians.

Back After 10-year Break

Big Frank is back. Let's not get into why he went away in the first place. Indeed, many of you may well be thinking, "I didn't know that Big Frank was gone," or more deprecatingly, "Who is Big Frank?" As for the second question, Big Frank is perhaps best known as "former mayor" and "part-time jewel thief." While there may be some who dispute those epithets, it is not for Big Frank to engage with the doubters of this world. In following with the opening info, and in keeping with that, this is a sunny, cheerful blog even though it is located in an often cloudy and dour world. We are walking on the sunny side of the street even if that be to the tune of Blues.

Big Frank intends to post regularly as was done 10 years ago, prior to Facebook taking over the world. Perhaps this signals a change of the times and if so that would be a welcome one for everyone. Postings, as before will cover a wide range of topics: poetry, music, books, current events, food, Kansas City stuff, Poland, Zags, and so so much more.

Feel free to comment on any topic that you would like to engage in. Big Frank looks forward to hearing from you.