Amongst such natural beauty.....

...a vicious war is being fought. It was a very cold start to the day and took ages to get the van ready. However, the sky was a beautiful blue, the sun was shining and the war seemed far away as we had a brief walk before setting off, the lake completely frozen.

On arriving in Kharkiv we were able to drop of all the aid we brought. People who believe passionately in the independence of Ukraine will ensure that it gets to the people who most need it. At one aid drop we were also able to give a treat to the young, very friendly guard dog.

The plastic sheeting that you see will be used to make 4-ply windows for homes damaged by Russian shelling. This is donated by a UK charity. Altogether a ton has been delivered by us.

In Kharkiv the air sirens sounded but nothing came of it. There is a heightened sense of anxiety here when this happens. Here, when the siren goes, there is a good chance that something will occur. But even here we saw people getting on with their lives.

That being said, it's like Kharkiv has been hollowed out. It's so quiet for such a large city. So many shops and businesses are closed and boarded up.

We saw something today that brought home the impact on families who have decided to flee this war. A volunteer friend of ours has decided to move to Kharkiv to help out at what's known as " Hell's Kitchen," a service that provides meals for people who need it. He has moved into an apartment that was previously rented...only the previous residents have left everything behind...they may have left with only two suitcases. All the family photos were still out, all their clothes, belongings, kitchen equipment, toothpaste and toothbrushes, reading glasses, medicines. A lifetime of possessions, just left behind. Our friend wonders where they are? If he knew he could send some items on, but he has no idea. And this has been the story for millions. Displaced and homeless...a lifetime spent building your life, your home, your family, your future. And taken away. Will they return? Let us hope.

And so, finally, a correction, as appears in 'The Guardian' if it gets something wrong.

Yesterday it was suggested in the blog, that we were helping to transport flour for a volunteer who was moving to another city to cook....we got this response...

"I liked the way you called it my box of flour!!  Haha ..!  There is also classic soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, Japanese ingredients, and spices! " Chefs are often highly strung. I apologise unreservedly.