February 22nd, 2025
“ 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 2,010 days since Russia invaded Ukraine.
This week, I learned some stuff:
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- Every year about this time, I go over my budget and try to figure out how the finance is gonna work for the next year. This is usually when I find out I somehow ended up subscribing to two or three things I didn’t know subscribe to and then come up with ways to try to make our dollars go a little f. I think it probably should be a team task, but I do it on my own. It’s a good exercise cause it helps me make better decisions all during the year about purchases at least that’s what I tell myself. Do you guys work a budget?
- I have some recommendations for books that you may not have read: For non-fiction I found, “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kaheman to be thought provoking. I think Mr. Kaheman, figured how decision making happens and why some decisions should be made fast and other should take longer. From the Fiction side of the isle, I have any book by Carl Hiaasen. I have always thought Carls penchant for humor and irony set in the state of Florida I grew up in delightful. A couple of new addictive book series that I discovered are by Ellery Adams a keeping me engaged. Ellery’s whodunits wi;; not ne everyone’s cup of tea but most of her stories are set in either libraries, kitchens or bakeries with I love. An old friend of mine recommended the books by Andrew Mayne as enjoyable diversions. I have start one and find his style to my liking so far. Does any one have authors or books you think others might enjoy? Just let me know and I will share the word.
- We are working out our plan to filly support the Nationwide Economic Blackout on February 28th? In our modern economy it takes some thought on how to abide corporate purchases and find some locally owned businesses to meet our needs. We are doing both boycotting corporate provided goods and services and spending one of our money with some Mom & Pop stores in our area. Our buying power is almost the last took available to us in the current political/economic environment we now find ourselves.
- Speaking of painful endeavors! I have decided to abandon Chrome as my primary browser in favor of Safari. I have been ab Apple guy since I retired but about 10 years ago, I got lured away from Apple’s browser solution in favor of the “newer” glitzy browser. But Google’s continued intrusions into my online activities have made this transition viable. But it will not be painless, Actually, I am taking on a couple of technical challenges these days. We (mostly my son, Sean) and I just migrated me to a newer iMac. And speaking of intrusions! My attempt at using a new password too (Keeper) has been pretty much a disaster. At the same time, Apple has enhanced its password management functions. So I am working through that challenge as well. Keep your fingers crossed!
- You can find out all about today’s history here.
This week’s Website Update:
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- I have a new recipe almost ready for prime time – Parmesan Squash is coming soon.
- The Home Page this week is another one from Jimmy Buffett, “Breathe in. Breathe out. Move on” This song was written in response tot he devastation that Hurricane Katrina caused in NOLA. Jimmy’s lyrics celebrate the resilience of the people, the need to let the past be the past and get stronger by what doesn’t kill you
- I have returned the Countdown of Shame to the home page. This marks the Days, Hours, Minutes and seconds until January 20, 2029 – The next time a decent human being can be sworn in as President. Endurance is the key. But those sentiments can be applied to every loss we have, don’t you think?
Bonsai Tree and Stained Glass, Update:
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- I made it outside to my workshop. Just fiddled around but sneaking up on the work:)
Weird-Stuff-O-Meter:
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- I have so much to be grateful for. The miracle that has been my life is gift I can never repay. We try with our kids and grandkids but as proud as we are of them, I at least, feel like my debt has not been paid. I keep trying to find new ways to pay it. I have built furniture, pained in pastels, oils, acrylics, watercolors; written poetry and books, and tried ceramics. I was looking for things that I could do that share d the joy I feel every day. Almost all of my endeavors resulted in consumed time and materials without much redeeming value. The optimist in me hopes couple centuries from now, these things I have done will be “discovered’ in some yard dale or closet. Thats ok either way. I have learned the joy is in journey not always the destination.
This week’s UJT Radio Program:
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- Maroon 5 — She Will be Loved — This song always struck a chord in me. The soul singing and understated melody move me in some ways as much as the words. This is from their, “ Songs About Jane” album released in 2002.
- The Marshal Tucker Band — Can’t You See — I think I was one of the first people in my world to decided these boys were making some heavenly noise. I got to see them live the first time I heard their music. It as amazing! This one of my favorites.It came out in 1975, on their “Searchin’ for a Rainbow” album.
- Mary Gauthier — Mercy Now — Featured this one back in 2021. It’s a haunting song and kind of reminds me of “Millworkers Daughter” by James Taylor. It was the title track for her 2011 release.
- MC Hammer —You Can’t Touch This — For me Hammer just blew up one fine day in 199O with his exciting can catchy mainstream rapping that delighted most and pissed of the rednecks terribly. I thought he was a totally commercial creation but I have to admit over time he wore me down. He reminds me of Grand Funk Railroad in the sense that the timing was perfect for their brand of music perhaps even at the expense of great talent or skill. Those boys did a lot with 3 chords just as Hammer did with repetition. This one is from his 1990 release, “Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em”.
- Kearney— Undeniable — TMy daughter found this guy. I was walking each day along iMission Beach and my play list was a key element in my pace maintenance. This one was released in 2006 on his “Nothing Left to Lose”. This is pretty close to the only Rap format music I really enjoy.
- Matchbox Twenty — Long Day — I have been a huge fn of this band since the first time I heard their music. This one comes from their “Exile on Mainstream”released in 2007.
- Melissa Etheridge — I’m the Only One — This lady and Cat Stevens were the reasons I got an Ovation Guitar. I loved the bright crisp highs, but it proved to be a difficult guitar to play for me. This is a great song. It has a good beat and a lot of soul! This was a big hit from her “Yes I Am” album released in 1993.
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!