March 29th, 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 2,045 days since Russia invaded Ukraine.
This week, I learned some stuff:
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- Oh Joy! Oh Rapture! my wisteria is in Bloom!! Each year around this time, my backyard is festooned with purple feather grape light blossoms, and the air is filled with the mysterious scent of hysteria. Sometimes I just sit out at my table breathing. May your wisteria bloom soon!
- An old and dear friend of mine introduced me to a yelled history professor that seems to be able to articulate my feelings about our political process and philosophies. Timothy Snyder has written several books a bear scrutiny. I’m reading my first one now after watching his video perhaps you might be interested as well. Here’s the link.
- I got present from another old friend this week. My friend Randy Hernandez sent me a recommendation four a video that moved me more than perhaps anything I’ve seen in a long time. I have been an avid fan of Dick Van Dyke pretty much all my life. I’ll put the link here but make sure you got some hanky’s handy if you’re a Dick Van Dyke fan. And for the record, the video would’ve been much longer if I had made it most of those dance move, hell all of those dance moves would’ve put me on the floor.
- This week we are prepping for a visit from one of our favorite relatives. “Aunt” Sharon always brings a joy and energy that only she can produce. We are grateful for her visits.
- smiles. Generally speaking, I think we all like to see people smile at us that doesn’t mean that all smiles are created equal. We’ve all seen the layering smile of arrogant person. Or the smile that looks like somebody’s having a bad intestinal event. But a genuine smile, especially on a strangers face is a gift from…. the universe. Another favorite smile of mine is that one that comes on my face when I hear a song or CA site that reminds me of another time in place fondly. do you have a favorite smile perhaps your grandmother’s or your babies or your boxer dog’s? there, you see that you smile, just remembering.
- You can find out all about today’s history here.
This week’s Website Update:
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- U cane up with a new potsticker idea but haven’t converted it into a recipe yet I think it’ll be good, but we gotta do the testing.
- The Home Page quote this week is from Dick Van Dyke: ” Just knowing you don’t have the answers is a recipe for humility, openness, acceptance, forgiveness, and an eagerness to learn – and those are all good things. …”
Bonsai Tree and Stained Glass, Update:
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- I got cocky and left my work area out back uncovered and it got rained on 🙁
Weird-Stuff-O-Meter:
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- Mental illness is a tough thing. There are no easy days. There are easier days but no easy ones. Recently, I was watching reruns of the hit TV show NCIS New Orleans. There was an episode that focused on one character’s older brother who suffers from bipolar disorder. They do a pretty good job of illustrating the illness. They also do a good job of illustrating the helplessness that loved ones feel. If you know someone suffering from a mental illness, you have my deepest sympathy and best wishes for your strength and endurance. You know that somewhere in there is the wonderful person you care about, but it’s real hard to see sometimes.
This week’s UJT Radio Program:
This week we will finish our exploration of my music filed under the letter “C”. If you haven’t figured it out yet, the selection of letters is random. I have no idea what letter will be using next week. What time is it 1017 doesn’t hurt OK I have to take my med yet. Today is Wednesday right right?I am grateful for all the music I have enjoyed and had the opportunity to share with you.
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- Collin Hay —Looking for Jack (New Recording) — Whenever I hear this song I think of my old friend Jack. I’m not sure why maybe it’s just because the name is mentioned in the title but it’s always a pleasure to think of my old friend and be grateful for knowing him. This is from Collin’s studio solo album called “Man at Work” released in 2013.
- The Commodores — Brick House — Release in 1977 on their self titled first album this song just screamed funky music. The base is so powerful! It’s hard to believe it’s on the same album. There was another song with the soulful “Easy”, which was another huge hit for them.
- Country Joe and the Fish — I Feel Like I’m Fixin’ to Die Rag — it’s a little blurry, but I’m pretty sure I got to see country Joe in the fish long before their appearance in Woodstock. They were “ell Raiser” band that they stuck on multiple band bills during the 70s and they had a this song is a anti-war song..
- Credence Clearwater Revival — Born on the Bayou — I know it’s an American to say, but Creedence Clearwater Revival was not my favorite band and growing up.like everyone else in America, I got to listen to a lot of their music, but there were others I preferred anyway this is a really good song released 1969 on their”Bayou Country”.
- Crosby, Stills & Nash — Southern Cross — I fell in love with these boys. The first time I heard that music always a sucker for harmonies. They just pull me right in and never let me go. This song was written by Stephen Stills and he sings the lead, but it’s truly a wonderful song. This woman was released in 1968 on their,,” Carry On”album.
- Crosby, Stills,Nash & Young — Helpless — I can only imagine what a zoo. It must’ve been trying to record, “Déjà Vu” in 1970. We have to remember that this is a band made up of people who were abandon their very successful previous bands because they couldn’t express themselves creatively. Competition for what songs getting on the album and what songs have to wait must’ve been fierce. This song was written and sang by Neil Young and his wonderful song.
- Crosby, Stills,Nash & Young — King Midas in Reverse — This one was written and sung by Graham Nash on their 1971 live album release Four-way Street”. Even though it was embedded in a collection of great music. This one always caught my ear.
- Crosby, Stills,Nash & Young — Triad — This was the song that drove David Crosby out of The Birds. David wrote it out Roger McGuinn didn’t think it fit with the b band’s image. this was David’s anthem to free love and changes in values he thought were inevitable. It’s a great song. I hope you like it. It was also released on, “Four-way Street”.
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!