August 9th, 2025
“ Dobroho ranku”, or “Good Morning!” in Ukrainian, is an Eastern Slavic language spoken mainly in Ukraine. The UJT will remain focused on Ukraine until we can all rejoice at the end of hostilities. It has been 2,188 days since Russia invaded Ukraine.
This week, I learned some stuff:
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- There is nothing like having old friends and family visit to remind you of how rich life you live. My son and daughter remind me every day of my value as a human being. The simple act of living the way they live makes me proud beyond words. And who would’ve thought my sister-in-law could become one of your best friends!
- What we thought was an all boy Koi Pond suddenly produced at least one new baby Koi fish spotted this week. Oh well!
- You can find out all about today’s history here.
This week’s Website Update:
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- No new recipes or other ads to the website this week
- This weeks front front page quote is from Jorma Kaukonen, guitar player : “Music seems to me to be the reward for being alive.”.
Bonsai Tree and Stained Glass, Update:
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- No progress during visits
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Late breaking news
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- No breaking news.
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Weird-Stuff-O-Meter:
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- Several important conversations conversion in my life this past couple weeks. The first was my friend larry called me and we had a long talk on the phone after I had written him a letter I think. The second was a couple of conversations with my son during his visit. Larry stories is not mine to tell, but he’s reached a point with members of his family where he can no longer tolerate being with him. In my case, I learned a significantly valuable lesson going up as an executive at EDS and the poker table of the GLCPS&L. The key to resolving any conflict between honest well meaning people is acceptance. Once you accept their perspective as valid without judgment, you can proceed with a discussion about both positions, merits and limitations and accommodations. You might make to allow both perspectives to exist in the same space. You don’t have to agree with each other to find a peaceful remedy to the issue that’s causing conflict. Once judgment kicks into the conversation, defensiveness begins to follow shortly right before all progress ceases. We don’t need to judge each other. We get much further if we accept each other as presented and deal with each other on that basis.
This week’s UJT Radio Program:
We are continuing with the artist whose names begin with the letter,”R”.
- The Righteous Brothers— You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ — it was 1964. I was in sixth grade and madly in love for the first time with a shy little girl by the name of Mary Lou Sumner, but the summertime came in. We broke up for whatever reason and this song became my favorite Bill medley and Bobby Hatfield somehow captured that feeling that was aching in my chest.
- Rob Thomas — Fire On the Mountain — I’m not sure how I found out about Rob Thomas. You kind of snuck up into my life and I really like this sound. This song is from I think his first soul album released in 2009, “Cradlesong (Bonus Track Version)”. I hope you like it too.
- Robin Ford — Revelation — I am pretty sure that my friend George Gomez was the first one to introduce me to Robin Ford. He’s a great player. I love listening to the intercell of the music that he makes. This one is from his, “Talk to Your Daughter” album, released in 1987.
- Robert Palmer — Simply Irresistible — The time when Robert was leaving Genesis, I had concerns about the gray band. He was leaving and where he was going. It turns out then neither one of my worries were valid. Phil Collins stepped up as the bands leader in Genesis and made some of their best music ever and Robert went on a solo crew that was outstanding. This is one of his big hits. This is from his album, “Heavy Nova” released in 1988
- Robert Plant & Alison Krauss.—Your Long Journey — after being a front man for one of the largest and most prolific rock ‘n’ roll super bands, Robert took a step back and created some really truly beautiful duet music. Alison Krauss is just an amazing player. This is from Roberts album, “Raising Sand” released in 2007
- Roberta Flack — Killing Me softly — I think it was this song that made me realize how powerful of strangers look could be. This is from her album, “Killing Me Softly” released in 1973. I had just experienced this across the room connection on December 23, 1972 alarms across from the Grove Park with the woman I would spend the next half century or or so with.
- Robin Trower. — Bridge of Sighs — I discovered Robin shortly after I lost Jimi. He crashed into my world and filled the hole. It was aching. I think it was his phrasing that got to me the most. This is the title cut from his giant 1974 release.
- Robin Trower — Day Dream —This is another intricate piece of music from our friend Robin. This one is from his 1973 ears”Twice Removed from Yesterday”.
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!