Market challenge and other little joys

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(Edited)

Hey, guys. And Happy Saturday!

Like all Ukrainians now, I live in the background of emotional swings. But I seem to be riding the wave so far, and I'm here today with my little stories of wartime life.

Saturday is the day of the farmer's market. Always. Except for those first months of the war when the weekly market tradition was suspended.

I enjoy shopping at the farmer's market very much. I like it when I can touch everything, examine in daylight, and smell it. I don't often do that actually, because usually I buy from the same farmers but I like to know that I can do that. I enjoy talking to sellers, joking or sharing news. Today the old lady, from whom Nick always buys sauerkraut (it took me some effort to find her) said - "Say hi to your husband". It was soo sweet of her.

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For the first time in the new season, I bought pomegranates. My favorite Azerbaijani ones. They are sweet and sour, rich red in color.

I didn't take any pictures today, as I did not intend to write a post. Besides, people are still pretty cautious and don't like strangers taking pictures. And I certainly don't want to stress them out.


After the market, I went to the Auchan supermarket to buy the rest. But.... we still have blackouts. Yesterday, They canceled the emergency shutdowns and left the scheduled daily shutdowns. This is good news because I know that in some districts the power went out three times a day.

So. Some traffic lights are disabled. Today they turned on the traffic lights at the big crossroad where 8 lanes and 6 lanes intersect. To turn around, I drove it 3 times. It was pretty fun.

Auchan was opened but without electricity. To avoid losing money, there is only one possibility to continue serving customers during blackouts - an electric generator.

But this type of electricity is costly, so only the most necessary are connected. Only a minimum of lighting and cash register equipment. Toilets without light, refrigerators turned off.

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The most popular product is candles. Their selection is very large, although they are not all cheap. I think there is a place where you can buy them cheaper. But, as I wrote earlier, I am lucky, because they don't turn off the electricity for my place, so I don't need seem. Although, I made some supply too.

All refrigerators are covered to preserve cold.

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There was a lot of staff everywhere, offering to help. I left my glasses at home, which I need for reading. With enough light I can read some of the writing without glasses, but in semi-darkness it was impossible. I had to ask for help.


Look, television is here. I hope I didn't get into the frame without makeup. LOL.

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My modest purchases. Time to check-out! There were only 2 cash registers with cashiers and one self-checkout machine, where there were about 6 terminals.

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I went to the self-checkout. The employee warned me that the terminal was about to be shut down, and that everything should be done very quickly. Loyalty card, credit card... With her help, I paid for my purchase and it took no more than 2 minutes! We were an excellent tandem! As soon as the terminal printed my check, the electricity came on! ⚡️⚡️⚡️ The supermarket looked normal again and I didn't feel like a sneaky thief.

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By the way, last week I had an annual medical check-up with my doctor (that I'd have passed a year ago). Just when they had no light. They connected only medical equipment tp the generator, one computer at the reception and a cash register. Corridors and offices were not lit, as was the toilet.

And in the evening I went to the pharmacy to get medicine. This is the first time I have walked the dark streets alone since the blackouts began. Passing cars sometimes light your way, and sometimes they blind you. But the worst thing was that I didn't know if the pharmacy would be open when I got there (it's about 30 minutes walk), because they could be turned off at any moment. This is what is called an emergency shutdown.


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Three times a week I tried to buy chicken at my favorite supermarket near the office. And all three times it was closed. This is impossible to predict. There are many small grocery stores around my place, but apparently, they belong to three different power stations. There may be no light in one, but the store across the street will be open. Or maybe it works because it has an electric generator. It's a quest.🙂



And something very good happened yesterday. The company I work for decided to organize a meeting for those employees who are currently in Kyiv. To be honest, I was not in the mood to go, but at the last moment somehow I persuaded myself. How good that I did it! Quite a lot of people came, about 15. The meeting was in a beer bar in the downtown, which is located in the basement. Such establishments are now very popular (I mean the basement).

The time flew by because it was so nice. We shared memories and various stories. There was one new workmate and one ex. It was like a warm family meeting. Almost the same as it used to be before the war. But we are aware of our present life just as it is, with new challenges and restrictions. We live, without delay, with timid plans and dreams. That's it.

At the beginning of the tenth I left. I caught the penultimate subway train and didn't have to pay for taxi. The closer to curfew the more expensive the taxi is.


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Finally, some more good news. Continuation of the story of Two children, for whom we bought a laptop, a kettle and a heater from the previous tranche of NFT for Peace funds. Their aunt sent them to a camp in the Carpathians for a few days thanks to the funds of volunteers. My friends and I also contributed. A few days without shelling and bad news, surrounded by people who care about them is what they really need right now. Few days or normal life... The young girl does not part with the doll we bought her.💙

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Even in the midst of terrible news and sad circumstances, life can be beautiful. People with big and kind hearts made it so. Love, faith and care make it so.



Take care!

Hugs and cheers,

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@zirochka



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44 comments
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Bang, I did it again... I just rehived your post!
Week 130 of my contest just started...you can now check the winners of the previous week!
!PIZZA
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Thank you for pizza, and please have some !BEER from me 😉

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Sobering. Again :(

And still beautiful somehow. But that's you shining through.

Shared on Facebook as well 💔

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I was thinking about you today, wondering what's up with you and here it is, I'm reading your post. I'm glad to read that in all craziness, you still have some fun and good news that helps you through these awful days. You're an inspiration to all of us! 😘 🤗 Stay safe! 🇺🇦

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Треба і собі написати про маркети. Все забуваю. Добрий обзор, але ж ціни, хоч спать не лягай

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Принаймні яйця купила по 62, а не по 80. Хоча адекватна ціна має бути від 50 до 60 грн. Та це власне і не огляд був, а так... :) Без окулярів ціни на цінниках не видно ))

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Так яйця коштують капець як. Але у такій країні яєчка не можуть коштувати дешево🤣...

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здорово, что у вас есть возможность покупать необходимые продукты даже в таких обстоятельствах 😭 мне нравится фраза Ремарка: в темные времена хорошо видно светлых людей! Береги себя!

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(Edited)

мне нравится фраза Ремарка: в темные времена хорошо видно светлых людей!

и темнЬІх, что тоже хорошо )
Спасибо!

!LUV

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да, ты права! и в том, что их тоже видно и в том, что это хорошо! 😀

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That market is so clean and wide.
A great experienced with those kids.They looks so enjoyed😊

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It's not easy to be there but you keep on thriving. As I read your blog somehow it makes me think of other people there who are in chaos.So sad but I pray to God that He will bless you and guide you all the way together with your family. Stay safe and God bless.

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I really do hope that everything will be back in normal soon with you all there. Glad you found time to do what you want to do and post it here. Be safe always!🤗

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We welcome all efforts made to offer assistance and bring peace and security to this significant region of the world. "We wish the people of Ukraine a safe and swift end to their suffering,"

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It is so powerful to read your words. You dont use sensationalism, but, rely on your own words that inspire your readers. Everyday life, normal activities that aren't done in the regular way. I was visualizing what it would be like to go the doctors office devoid of the warmth of light. Little things we take for granted or don't even give it a second thought.

The kindness of a store clerk, helping you in the self check so that you don't get caught without power. Or something else to make your day more challenging. Stepping out of their day to make yours brighter.

You do it all day long, that is how you are made, encouraging others, loving your family, your country, your people. I admire you too much to put into mere words. I don't know how I can explain the pride I feel in people I have never met. But, it is there. All the comfort you give, feelings of safety you create, the love, doing what you do, helping to keep the faith.

Thank you for taking #MarketFriday though your day. Something as simple as marketing. Who knew it could be such a challenge? I am awed at the ingenuity of the people, doing what needs to be done to take care of their people. I have never seen such loyalty for so long, soldiers of justice. Of course, you know I don't mean that in a derogatory way, I am proud to know all of the Ukraine people I have met.

Even in the midst of terrible news and sad circumstances, life can be beautiful

These words right here are exactly why people are drawn to you. Throughout all of this, you leave my soul hopeful, reminding me to be grateful for even the small things in life. I send you love and light -along with fresh hope for your soul.

Love to the Ukraine!

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I try to let people know how much I appreciate their participation in #MarketFriday! Even though I get many on a weekly basis, each one is read and enjoyed. Last week, I learned about a traditional wedding ceremony that follows Jewish laws and traditions. Interestingly enough, it was not in the post but in the comments between us discussing the post. Interaction. It was written by @tali72 who is a transplant to Israel. I enjoy learning about the world and how it is to live in your corner of it, and if there are solutions to making it better in any way. I find it interesting to compare, not by the world's standards, but, by how we find the quality of our life with different indicators than the world does. It is not always about the wealth in money, sometimes money means very little when there is no value behind it. You cannot buy health although you can take care of what you have. Being educated isn't always about schooling, but acquiring knowledge and using it for the better good and happiness of the society you are living in. I can only say that you are better educated than most in that regard.

Don't miss the small things in your life, they usually make no noise but can be indicators of bigger things. I enjoy learning more about you through your words and from other people that have met you. You are indeed, most extraordinary. ❤️

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Don't miss the small things in your life, they usually make no noise but can be indicators of bigger things.

During these months, I learned to see and appreciate small things. And that a human is the greatest value. It seemed banal, because people are all around us. They are many, sometimes they are annoying or upsetting. But... things change, and so do people, and so do I. Or maybe we all just learned not to expect the worse first, but to believe in the good.

Hive is a unique place, a place of possibility for those who're willing to learn. Thank you so much for being a part of this universe. What you do and how you see people and the world around you make us all want to be better :) That's true, and I'm grateful 💛

Sending you hugs and !LUV

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I used to go Auchan often to buy groceries. I used to like some of their products and I used to purchase very specific products from them. I guess I filmed a video and create a post about my shopping. During Christmas and the holiday season, I and my friend used to shop there a lot...

I heard that there is a possibility of a blackout in Kyiv entirely and evacuation will be done. Is it legit news?

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(Edited)

I used to like some of their products and I used to purchase very specific products from them.

Same here ) I like their goods and prices.

I heard that there is a possibility of a blackout in Kyiv entirely and evacuation will be done. Is it legit news?

It depends on whether there will be shelling or not, and how much damage they will cause. Now I suppose everything is possible :(

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It depends on whether there will be shelling or not, and how much damage they will cause. Now I suppose everything is possible :(

:( yea...

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One of my favorite things to do when I travel overseas is go to the markets. You really catch a glimmer of the soul of a people by their markets. I'm so happy to hear that you've been able to do some normal things despite the energy blackouts.

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One of my favorite things to do when I travel overseas is go to the markets. You really catch a glimmer of the soul of a people by their markets.

Exactly! I like to just wander without a purpose, pretending a local (or not), and I always find it interesting. Even supermarkets where you have just shelves can be talkative )

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Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
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You have been curated by @thekittygirl on behalf of Inner Blocks: a community encouraging first hand content, and each individual living their best life. Come join the Inner Blocks Community , and check out @innerblocks! #lifehappening

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Thank you for your past support!

Unfortunately we have recognized that you have removed your delegation from our initiative. We want to thank you for the long support and would be happy to welcome you again some day :)

Stay creative & HIVE ON!

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