March 2nd,  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 746 days since Russia invaded Ukraine.

This week I learned some stuff:

    • Almost back to normal functioning this week. I got a bunch f chores done and did some recipes too.
    • What did you do with your extra day? March 2nd is the 62nd day of the year with just 297 days till Christmas. You can find out all about December 28th in history here.

This week’s Website Update: 

    • No updates to the quizzes this week.
    • I tried several new recipes this week.  A couple were very tasty and others need a bit more work. I enjoyed the Air Fryer Salmon, Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake. Veggie Chili, and Taco Pie. The Lemon Shrimp and Scallops need more work. Oh and before I forget, French Onion Soup does work with Veggie stock but it’s kind of like near beer….If you or ok with the beef stock, I would prefer it.
    • The Home Page quote for this week’s wisdom is from Bob Marley: “ You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.     

Writing, Ceramics, Bonsai Trees, Stained Glass, and Painting Update:  

    • My first attempt at using the potter’s wheel was a disaster! I have perhaps the best teacher in the world and I still messed it up!!! I will keep trying.

Weird-Stuff-O-Meter:  

    • Pay it forward. I think it was a movie back in the 1980s. Ever since, I have been tying to pay it forward in one way or another every day. I give the people asking for money at the traffic lights, Kind Bars. I make a point of thanking all police officers, active and retired servicemen, and women for their service. I always end these encounters with “Be Safe” . Being safe is a good outcome in a tough job.  When I first started, I think most people thought I was crazy. But over the years, people have been gracious and appreciative.  Especially, the geezers with their Vietnam Vet ball caps. I get it..those boys and girls didn’t get a lot of appreciation back in the day. Anyway, It costs me almost nothing and I believe that if just one of my greetings, granola bars give someone else a moment of peace and happiness… well, just makes me feel better about humanity. Try it… you’ll see.
    • From our house to our Walmart there are 6 traffic lights. This week, I traveled that route and hit green lights each time. I was amazed! I considered running down to the nearest Lottery place until I realized that my daughter had changed our pick-up location to another Walmart. I was at the wrong Walmart. And so it goes. Since COVID hit, Walmart has kind of taken over groceries around here. They made it so easy to order online and pick up, we just got used to dong it that way. But I stopped this week.  Picking up is probably great for working moms and dads with no time but I am retired. I have the time to go to the store. Ordering online does not afford you the best selection of fresh meat or veggies or fruit. I would sunggest the opposite is true. Online pick-up customers get the less desirable “fresh” things that will expire soon. Lastly, Walking the isles is good exercise and you can pick sale items, impulse buy and find good marked down deals.

Music Update:  

My little sister is a music lover. I have noticed over the years she seems to love the music of “cute” guys more than other genres 🙂 She is also a fairly avid follower of UJT Radio, so I thought I would try to find some Cute guy music for her this week. Tell me how I did Doots!

In the category of full disclosure: No one has busted me yet but not all of the versions you hear on UJT Radio are original recordings from the albums they were originally released on. I always try to tell when and what album they are from even when the copy I have is from one of thier “Best of” records.

This week’s UJT Radio Program:

    • Rod Steward —  Forever Young — This is one of my favorite songs by this gifted sawed-off London-born heartthrob! Rod Stewart is one of the world’s best-selling performers. He is ageless as his music is timeless. Oh yeah, and y baby sis met Sir Rod Stewart once at his concert in Las Vegas. We have photos! This song is from his “out of Order” album released in 1988.
    • Rod Stewart — Young Turks — This song came out on his 1981 album, “Tonight I ‘m Yours”.  I always liked the story and the upbeat tempo of this one.
    • Brian Adams Summer of ‘69 — I always loved this song and even more so since in an interview the song was a simple song about summertime and making love vs, a nostalgic look back at another time.  This was a huge hit for him in 1984, when it was released on his album, “Reckless”.I have had a lot of great years but 1969 is high on the list of my favorite years.
    • Seal  —A Kiss from a Rose  —I this album right away when it came out. But every time I hear it now I remember playing it at top volume and singing to the steering wheel driving on the Autobahn in a snowstorm on our way to Amsterdam.  This is from his album, “ Seal” released in 1984.
    • Shawn Mullins — Light You Up — This is another special song by a gifted talented and handsome guy. This has always been my ambition in every relationship I have ever had. He released this  song as a single in 2010 and it just skyrocketed around the world.
    • The Gregg Allman  Band — I‘m No Angel — Greg Allman was a giant talent!  A great songwriter and performer. This is the title cut from his 1986 release.

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!