October 5th, 2024

“ Dobroho ranku”, or “Good Morning!” in Ukrainian, is 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 970 days since Russia invaded Ukraine.

This week I learned some stuff:

    • You people need to start crossing your fingers harder or something! The first day of my Waterfall Replacement project was a complete disaster! Given my tender years, I had planned on short periods of effort followed by slightly longer periods of rest. But the very first step I took after arranging my tools I managed to fall on my fat butt between the waterfall and the fence on a slight incline! I was stuck! I had to call the Calvary to rescue me from starvation after 10 minutes of fruitless attempts to save my dignity. The good news is my dignity was damaged more severely than my body. So, it beggins again.
    • I was successful in getting hooked up with the Braille Institute’s Library of Congress audiobook system! Woo Hoo!
    • You can find out all about today’s history here.

This week’s Website Update: 

    • This week, I put together a rather tasty Roasted Cauliflower recipe for the site. And, I made my delicious Zuppa Toscana!! Even the soup hater in the group gobbled her bowl! if you have never made it or its just been a long time, do it. This soup is so enjoyable in the fall.
    • This week, the Home Page will quote from one of our most brilliant contributors – Unknown, sometimes referred to as Walt Long,ire, “Do you know what they call a flock of Ravens? An “Unkindness” of Ravens. ”.

Bonsai Tree and   Stained Glass, Update:  

    • I came up with a new excuse this week! I am tearing down my old waterfall 🙂

Weird-Stuff-O-Meter:  

    • The gift of the physical limitations awaiting us all if we live long enough is enjoying the challenge of overcoming them as best as yu can. That does not mean there isn’t a lot of cussing involved. Just sayin…

Music Update:  

This week’s selections are all about dancing. Not all are happy but most are. It’s time to get your butt out of the chair just because you can!

This week’s UJT Radio Program:

    • Lionel Richie — Dancing on the Ceiling —  Have you ever felt that happy? All by yourself. just singing or dancing or both because you just have to? It is still one of my favorites. This was the title song for his 1986 solo release.
    • Bruce Springsteen Dancing in the Dark  The Boss gave us a lesson in celebrating while taking our ass. I loved watching him perform! This song was released on his 1984 release, “Born in the USA”.
    • Martha Reeves and The Vandelleas — Dancing in the Street— I was 12 years old when they released this single in the summer of `1964. I was discovering music, girls and things other than sports and reading. I remember being at the Police Athletic League Danes on Friday nights, just dripping sweat from dancing every dance. I remember the girls just having on my neck during the slow songs towards the end of the night. It was magic! 
    • Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes —  (I Had) The Time of My Life — This song blew me away the first time I had heard it. I loved Bill Medly since his Riches Brothers days and he was a perfect match for this duet and great song. It came out in 1987 on the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack. 
    • John Mayer — Slow Dancing in a Burning Room — As I said not all songs about dancing are happy ones. This sad song comes from John’s 2006 release , “Continuum”.  It wasn’t a single but is considered to be one of John’s best songs. I love the song and it makes me cry.
    • Don Henley – All She Wants to Do Is Dance – This was a big hit for Don in 1984 on his “Boys of Summer” album. There is something catchy about this tune and Don’s voice is magic. I would listen to him singing the phone book.

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!