Saturday, September 14, 2019

O Say Did You Know...

...on this day in 1814...Francis Scott Key wrote "The Defence of Fort McHenry"?

Mr. Key did so after watching the British bomb Maryland's Fort McHenry during the war of 1812.

In the morning he was so thrilled to see Old Glory still flying proudly above the fort he took selfies with the flag in the background and posted them on instagram.

"OMG!  this is like, so incredible!"

Sadly, there are probably some folks reading this who a) actually think that might have happened or worse, b) would do that today if it happened to them.

What actually occurred was Mr. Key - lawyer, author, amateur poet - was so inspired he took quill in hand (typewriters wouldn't be invented for another 50+ years) and composed his now famous poem.

Unable to force a surrender, the British gave up the assault and Fort McHenry was saved.

Newspapers of the day printed Key's poem, which became quite popular and was quickly set to music.

In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson decreed it should be played before official events of state, and soon it became part of major sporting events as well.

Today we know it as "The Star Spangled Banner", adopted as our national anthem on March 3, 1931.

Yes, its octave and a half range renders it practically un-singable (a real word I just made up) for many of us, but when someone with the requisite pipes belts it out, it still brings tears to my eyes.

So next time you hear it, stand up -
- gents, remove your hats, everyone put your right hand over your heart and give thanks you live in the greatest country on earth.
Speaking of things with national importance, this political season has made me ponder once again the magnificence of our founding documents and especially the Constitution.
What a brilliant work, laying as it did the foundation and mechanisms for our democratic republic to grow and prosper.

Its purpose is clearly enunciated in the preamble - 

Form a more perfect union
Establish justice
Insure domestic tranquility
Provide for the common defense
Promote the general welfare  -and-
Secure the blessings of liberty

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the people who want to run the place actually read this document and took its purpose, principles and proclamations to heart?

After all, whoever wins in 2020 will take this oath as prescribed in article 2 of the Constitution when sworn in as President in January of 2021:

"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Yeah, like that guy.
On a more lighthearted note, Karen forced me to pull out the All Hallows E'en stuff to make sure we're ready for the big day:
I of course did not want to and so tried my best to reason with her:

"But dearest," says I, "it's more than a month away!  Plus, I am very busy at the moment, doing important tasks that should not be interrupted."

"You," says she, "are doing nothing more than watching grown men play a silly game that involves running into each other at high speeds for no discernible reason."
"But my darling kumquat," replies I, "this is a very important game and if I do not see the end -"

"- you will watch the highlights on the news tonight," finishes she for me.

"Now up, up, up and do my bidding!"

She might say I am mixing two different events together here...that it was I who wanted to pull out all the Halloween decorations and only later did I use those excuses when she wanted me to move furniture around in the bonus room.

Me, I prefer not to argue about such trivial matters and really, now that it's over, who's to say what actually happened?

As far as I know there is no photographic evidence and even if there was, that can usually be purchased for a reasonable sum to avoid the unpleasantness of court proceedings.

In any event, I say we let the past be the past and focus instead on the important issues...like getting ready for All Hallows E'en.
From the looks, most of the gang is in good shape and will be ready to go on the big night.  Hopefully I will be, too...
Once again, no hickory golf this week...
...too much rain and too many schedule conflicts...dang...I have been swatting whiffle golf balls in the back yard with my hickories but...jes' ain't tha same.

Next week.

For sure.
Bought this gorgeous piece of mid century modern art for our coffee niche...
...from the Retro Lifestyle Company  
Never were truer words written.
Gorgeous fall day at the farmer's market...
...well, this guy was spotted on the way to the farmer's market...
big crowds today...


starting to look very fall-ish there...



gotta love Autumn...

Some parting shots seen 'round the ol' homestead...
honest, I have no idea how he got there...



taking a break from the wood pile I guess...




I admit it; it's a weakness...



no denying, fall is on the way...
And so it is with great sorrow and anguish of soul...
Moron, noun                                        
mo-ron | 'mor-ahn                                   
1) a very stupid person                                   
2) a person with limited intellectual abilities
...we once again reach the terminus, the end point, the last stop along the path of literary greatness before the driver turns around and yells at all of us to get off his bus because he's got stuff to do that doesn't involve babysitting a bunch of crybaby passengers...
...so I say we listen to the man, get off the bus and get on with our lives before he does something all of us will regret...
...like asking Roseanne Barr to sing the national anthem again.

later, mcm fans...

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