May 25th, 2024
“ Dobroho ranku”, or “Good Morning!” in Ukrainian, an Eastern Slavic language spoken mainly in Ukraine. I have decided that the UJT will remain focused on Ukraine until we can all rejoice at the end of hostilities. It has been 843 days since Russia invaded Ukraine.
This week I learned some stuff:
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- This week I did something I haven’t done is a long time. I had a public speaking engagement! Several months ago, I was nominated by my Pulmonologist to speak at the American Thoracic Society convention here in San Diego. Over that time, I drafted, reviewed and edited my speech with the session manager, Dr. Wang. I was to speak on the impacts that COPD and Pulmonary Fibrosis have had on my life. To e honest I had no idea what the context was for my speech. I had some vague notion of a panel of wheezing geezers describing their pulmonary downfall in front of like 20 bored convention-goers. I was very wrong. I was the only patient on this panel of COPD and Pulmonary Fibrosis experts. Dr. Wang set up the session such that I would speak and set the context for their work. There were over a hundred doctors and other experts in attendance!! Scared pretty much shitless, your boy stood up and told his story. There was no spoiled fruit or veggies thrown and the very polite crowd even applauded as I left the podium. It was a humbling experience. I stayed for most of the presentation and learned some things about my disease and its treatment.
- My grandson, Asa had his 19th birthday this week. To be honest, while I envy him for his health, smarts. and fitness, I am pretty sure I would not like to relive those years when my confidence overshadowed my wisdom. Happy Birthday, Asa!
- You can find out all about today’s history here.
This week’s Website Update:
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- No new recipes this week.
- A New Vocabulary Quiz!!! Whoopee!
- The Home Page quote this week is one of my all-time favorites. It comes from another hero of mine, Robin Williams: “You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it”.
Writing, Bonsai Trees, Stained Glass, and Painting Update:
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- Week 3 for our vertical garden. It seems to be doing well so far.
- I am making progress on repairing Darrian’s Tulip.
Weird-Stuff-O-Meter:
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- We cannot control outcomes. Life happens and often we don’t get much of a voice on how it happens. But we do get to decide how we feel and act when it happens. It starts when you start. That is to say, look forward to your day. Everyday. Begin with a good day in mind and more often than not, you will find a reason to be grateful. That doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen. It does me that when and if they happen, you are more prepared to live with them, perhaps learn from them and celebrate a new day.
Music Update:
Here is some music that has crossed my path this week that I wanted to share with you, for your listening pleasure.
This week’s UJT Radio Program:
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- Jimi Hendrix Experience — Are You Experienced? — It was love at our first meeting. I am pretty sure I got to see him in concert at least 3 times. The last time was with Band of Gypsies. This is the title cut from his debut album released in 1967. I was 15 and completely blown away by his music.
- Tears for Fears — Head Over Heels — This song won a grammy I think. It comes from their “Experienced” released in 1985. This was just a very fine, well produced talented bunch of music that came at just the right time.
- Bruce Springsteen – Darlington County — This is a deep cut rom his iconic, “Born in the USA”. I love it because you can hear the boys just having fun making music. This album was released in 1984.
- L — This one was a rallying cry for the 4 shot down in a Kent State protest. This is from “4-Way Street” a live album from 1972.
- Les Paul & Billy Gibbons — Bad Case of Lovin’ You — This one is from the great compilation album, “Les Paul & Friends: American Made – World Played” that came out in 2005.
- U2 — With or Without You — This is a great song from their great album, “Joshua Tree” released in 1987. Since the first time I heard this one, I have loved it. Great song for singing to the steering wheel.
- Greta Van Fleet – You’re the One – My friend Darrel Datte turned me on to this band. Like cotton candy, I just eat it up. This song is from their 2008 release, “Anthem of the Peaceful Army”.
That’s it… Do the best you can; Laugh every chance you get; Always remember… The best is yet to come! As always, thank you for being my friend!