April 20th, 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 805 days since Russia invaded Ukraine.
This week I learned some stuff:
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- Making Calzones is not as easy as the YouTubers make it seem! My attempt at it this week resulted in rather uninspiring little brown bumpy turds. We at them anyway because we knew they were made of good things. And to top that off, I put too much apple cider vinegar in the broccoli slaw I tried too. And so it goes….
- I seem to be progressing in my attempt to convert my sedentary life into a more active one. It seems to me, that before I got sick, I was just moving along – Adjusting levels and workout times on the elliptical frequently with only slight impact This time It seems like it has taken me a long time to get back to level 5 for 30 minutes. The resulting lead-like feeling makes even contemplating 6 for an hour painful. I am too stubborn and perhaps stupid to stop. Yo Ho Yo Ho!!!
- You can find out all about today in history here.
This week’s Website Update:
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- No new recipes this week.
- The Home Page quote for this week’s wisdom is from one of the principal architects of the United States’ democracy: James Madison: “The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe with blood for centuries”. There were sound reasons for separating church from state, lest we forget.
Writing, Bonsai Trees, Stained Glass, and Painting Update:
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- I finally converted the nursery-stock juniper I had left over from class and one that BJ got me for my birthday or Christmas last year into a couple of rather nice-looking bonsai I trees. Iffin I do say so myself!
Weird-Stuff-O-Meter:
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- If you enjoy caramelized onions, you will like my new favorite hamburger. The thing is really need to get a griddle for your barbecue or stove to do the proper technique. I mean you could do them one or maybe two at a time in a nice cast iron skillet The thing is, a hungry person is the only kind of person that should be eating these particular types of burger. The barebones configuration should be two cheese-covered Smashburger patties with pickles on a bun with special sauce or just your normal condiments, A full dresser is that same configuration but with lettuce over the bottom bun with tomatoes under the top bun. Oh, Baby!!!
- Other weirdness – Do you have favorite smells? I do. I love the smell of freshly baked bread, the ocean, fresh-cut grass, roasted poblanos, the aroma of coffee beans being ground, and babies when they are not pooping and peeing. wisteria in full bloom, and gardenia blossoms in small numbers. What are your favorites?
Music Update:
For your listening pleasure: This week’s UJT Radio Program:
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- Warren Devon — Excitable Boy — Warren left us far too early but not before giving us a lot of great music. This is the title cut from his 1978 release. Warren always showed us a different perspective I think.
- The Lumineers — Charlie Boy — These guys impressed me right out of the starting gate. This is a fine example of their unique style and great songwriting. This song is from their first album released in 2012.
- Darryl Hall & John Oats – Rich Girl — I always liked these guys. Yes! They were pretty commercial but they did it a lot better than some. This is from their 1976 release, “Bigger Than Both of Us”.
- Bonnie Raitt — Too Soon To Tell — Speaking of great guitar work. This lady has such a subtle touch to her playing and I love her vocals too. This is a deep cut from her iconic, “Nick of Time” album released in 2005/
- Jimmy Buffett — Semi-True Story — I miss Jimmy just about every day in one way or another. I knew he was an important person in my life but it’s even more pronounced now that he has left the building. This one is a confession from his “Beach House on the Moon” album released in 1999.
- The Beatles — Two of Us — This is a deep cut from their great last album, “Let it Be”. I got it on a mix tape my buddy, “Ratbastard” Tandy. It is a happy song about spending time with someone that you love.
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!