November 16th, 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 1012 days since Russia invaded Ukraine.
This week I learned some stuff:
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- First, I want to thank all the Vets among the UJT crowd. Your service and sacrifice are appreciated. I hope everyone had a good Veterans Day. For the past 2 decades or so, I have started thanking those in uniform every chance I get – at the store, in the library or at the DMV. I just say. “Thank you for your service.” When I first started doing it, most didn’t know how to respond to such a random greeting, but more people are doing it now and the response is gratifying.
- This week has been a learning experience! With all the falls doing the waterfall and some other challenges have given me pause. My daughter has been pestering me to get a cane to help me with my walking and balance issues. I have resisted it. From my perspective, I see getting “old fart aids” as a slippery slope. I can walk without a cane, and I was afraid that might not be true if I used one. I would become dependent. Yeah. I know. Dumb, Stubborn, or Prideful! That position isn’t sustainable. If I break something, I will be rocking a walker or a wheelchair till I am done. This way, I might postpone some of that. I bought a cane this week, I just need to remember to use the damn thing. And so it goes….
- With all the whining I have been doing lately, you all must think my life sucks. It does not. I get to do about everything I want to do, mostly. Some of they ways to do the things I want have changed. But as they say, I am still enjoying the ride. I hope you all are too.
- You can find out all about today’s history here.
This week’s Website Update: I
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- This week, I have 2 new recipes for you. They are both comfort food – Loaded Baked Potato Soup and Southern Chicken Bake. Even the soup haters in my house like them.
- This week, the Home Page will quote the great George Carlin,”Here’s all you have to know about men and women: women are crazy, men are stupid. And the main reason women are crazy is that men are stupid..”
Bonsai Tree and Stained Glass, Update:
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- I am finishing my Christmas project for the year so I can get back to my stained glass project. WooHoo!
Weird-Stuff-O-Meter:
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- I have ceased to listen to any kind of news anymore. I have determined 3 things will happen that I can’t abide if I do: 1) I may hear the name or the voice of the next occupant of the white house; 2) I will learn in great 30-second detail about every known negative event or thought on the planet that day or moment; and 3) I will earn about things I can’t change or improve and will become despondent and lose my grip on hope. Just sayin…..
Music Update:
This week, I am featuring songs from my top 50 list on iTunes. This is another big brother feature from Apple. Itunes keeps track of what you play the most. Oh boy! Funny thing though, when I looked at it, I liked all the songs 🙂 This a random sample in no particular order.
This week’s UJT Radio Program:
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- Gratefiul Dead — Touch of Grey — This goes out to all those trying to do the “age gracefully” thing. This from thier, “In the Dark” album released in 1987.
- Taylor Swift — Ours — This This song always impressed me. She talks about the secret language of love, where every experience reenforces those feelings. This was a single released in 2011.
- Blood. Sweat & Tears — Bless the Child — I am not sure how many people know that Steve Miller and Bob Scaggs grew up together in North Dallas. This is a Box written song released in 1994 box set.
- Steve Miller Band — Baby’s Calling Me Home — This is a magical song for me. Even now when I am not trying to live up to the title, I feel connected to it. This is another great cut from “Innervisions”
- Mary Gauthier — Mercy Now — Featured this one back in 2021. It’s a haunting song and kind of reminds me of “Mill Workers Daughter” by James Taylor. It was the title track for her 2011 release.
- Gordon Lightfoot —The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald — This week in 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in a storm on Lake Superior, taking 29 crew members with her. Most of us only found out about the event by listening to Gordon’s song released the next year on his, “Summertime Dream” album.
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!