November 2nd, 2024
“ 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 998 days since Russia invaded Ukraine.
This week I learned some stuff:
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- The design for the new waterfall is done. The site is semi-prepared. I am just waiting for some materials.
- We had a great visit with some friends we have known since 19871. Like the song says, “Right where we left off…” , I am feeling very wealthy these days.
- One of my favorite people celebrates his heavenly birthday this week – Bob Ross, the father of “happy little accidents”- taught me so much, some of it was about painting.
- Voting is hard in California! I am not sure what those people in Sacramento do, but given all the ballot measures, it’s not much. What is up with that??? It makes voting a significantly greater investment of time and energy. Perhaps that was the plan I am pretty sure few voters are dedicated enough to investigate the issues. Anyway, I voted.
- This week my youngest brother celebrates a birthday that would make us both feel old if disclosed. Happy Birthday, Mike!
- You can find out all about today’s history here.
This week’s Website Update: I
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- This week, I came up with my new Seafood Au Gratin Pot Pie. It was very good and well received by the minions.
- This week, the Home Page will quote the great Mohamed Ali,“Don’t count the days, make the days count.” . He was so controversial every but in the ring that a lot of his innate wisdom got lost in the noise.
Bonsai Tree and Stained Glass, Update:
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- I came up with a new excuse again this week! I am tearing down my old waterfall 🙂
Weird-Stuff-O-Meter:
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- This week we have been binging on a show called Ghosts. What a great context! I think it was a very fun show for the writers. Have you seen it? I find it hilarious! But its probably not for everyone.
- After over 55 years of carving pumpkins I figured out the best way to do it and the best way to light the pumpkin after it is carved. First, cut the hole in the bottom of the pumpkin not the top. This makes sure the pumpkin and be level and facing the right way for best display. It also makes taking the seeds out easier. Secondly, after the pumpkin is carved, place the open bottom over a small flashlight pointed at the back of the pumpkin. Waller! Jack-O-Lantern without burning pumpkin smells.
Music Update:
I had the week’s musical theme picked out and lined up when my younger brother, Mike sent me a new cut from Mark Knopfler’s new album, “Wag the Dog. I will share more next week. This week is all about nonsense songs. I hope the selection makes you smile.
This week’s UJT Radio Program:
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- Cat Stevens — Into White — From the Vinyl !!!This is a deep cut from one of my all-time favorite albums and artists. He always seemed to me to be a gentle spirit who gave of himself. Then again, I was reading a lot of Kahlil Gibran in those days. This is from his, “Tea for the Tillerman” released in 1970.
- Cat Stevens — Miles from Nowhere — From the Vinyl !!!This is a more popular cut from the same album. I pondered this song’s meaning quite a bit as I tried to find myself going to from teenager to man. In the end, my interpretation turned out to be the cornerstone to my existence – Enjoy the ride – change what you can and enjoy the rest as best as you can. What do you take away from this one?
- Taylor Swift — Whose Afraid of Little Old Me?? — I have been a “Swift” since day one. It’s a point of pride for me that I recognized this giant talent in her infancy. Her latest album, “Tortured Poets Department,” is just brilliant, bold, and beautiful. She is such a gifted songwriter!.
- Taylor Swift — I Can Do It With a Broken Heart — This one is another cut from “Tortured Poets Department”. The thing about her music is that you have to listen closely and often to really feel what she is sharing. For me its always worthy of the effort.
- Marshall Tucker Band – Can’t You See — Something changes inside when you see this band live. It felt like a different flavor of southern rock blues that the Allman Brothers inspired. This is from their, “Searching the Rainbow”album released in 1975.
- Roben Ford — Revelation — I imagine many of you have never heard of this player, but he is definitely worth exploring. This one is from his “Talk to Your Daughter” album released in
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!