A little bit of backstory on the song ‘America the Beautiful’

Here we are again, just seven short days from our last visit. I’ve been trying to remember the right way to say this, is it, “two steps forward and one step back,” or “one step forward, and two steps back?” The more I repeat it to myself, the more it sounds like it doesn’t make much difference, because either way we seem to be getting nowhere fast. I’m sure there is some headway being made with this COVID-19 business, yet there is still a long way to go.

I watch the news, and it seems we were getting somewhere for a while, and then when things opened up a little bit, we fell back. I’ve heard it said we are our own worst enemies, and sometimes that is true. It seems so in this case anyway. I have ventured out a bit more lately, but trying to follow the rules yet, and wold feel bad if I inadvertantly passed this nasty little bug onto some other unsuspecting person. (That is, if I would have it, which I don’t.)

Wearing a mask fogs up my glasses and gets sorta warm sometimes, but it’s not that bad. Meeting someone and smiling when you say hello goes unnoticed with a mask on, hopefully your eyes reflect your smile. Life goes on, one day at a time, and while we know it surely can’t last forever, we do hope the end is in sight. But until then, we can all help by following the guidelines, not only for ourselves, but for everyone. ***

We have just celebrated another 4th of July, and probably sang most of the patriotic songs as we observed the holiday, among them ‘America.’ I’m wondering how many of us knew that our good state of Nebraska played a part in inspiring the writer, Katherine Bates, when she penned the words in 1893.

A short synopsis of the story tells us that she, a renowned author and professor at Wellesley College, stood on Pikes Peak in Colorado with the majestic Rockies to the west -- to the east the fruitful plains of Colorado, and just beyond, the amber colored grain fields of Kansas and Nebraska. She thought of all the pioneers and pilgrims who came to make a new life for themselves and the men who fought in the Revolutionary and Civil wars because they loved freedom and mercy more than life itself. This was her beloved country -- “America the Beautiful” -- beautiful in natures gifts and in the dedication of those who were a part of its history. She closed her hymn with a prayer that our cities may be as beautiful as the landscape God has prepared for them.

There is much more to read about this song and Katherine Bates, but that is how it all seemed to her at the time -- 127 years ago. This information came from a 1966 book -- Crusader Hymns by Hope Publishing Co. Nebraska has many pluses, or notables, among them corn, and the signature dish, Runza, which got it’s start in Lincoln and is a midwest favorite, similar to Kansas’ bierocks. Also, in 1953, the Omahabased C.A. Swanson & Sons overestimated the demand for thanksgiving turkey and found itself with 260 extra tons of frozen birds. The solution? The first TV dinners, complete with cornbread dressing, gravy, peas and sweet potatoes.

I remember what a discovery that was, not as good as the real thing, but a fun, new way of doing things. We would save the trays and make up our own TV dinners for the freezer. ***

Back to the present day, or past weekend, when Mary Ann Guilford answered her doorbell on Sunday to find grandson, Andrew Molthan, and his mother Deb who had come to spend the afternoon with her. Andrew lives in Madison, Ala. and was spending a few days with his mother in Lincoln. The duo brought along dinner to be enjoyed together. On Saturday, the 4th, Mary Ann was a guest of Maraldine Larsen at Marquette. ***

A backyard BBQ was hosted Thursday evening for neighbors and friends by Chad and Dani Klute. Their son, Cavett, was home from the Army for a few days, as well as a get acquainted party for a newly found niece of the family and a celebration of the engagement of Jesse Rasmussen and Tayma Sebek. They will be married in September. ***

Nice things happen everyday even though we sometimes forget as we go along with the business of everyday living. On Friday evening, June 26, Damaris Olsen decided to take supper home when she left Aurora so she got in line at Runza and put in an order. Much to her surprise and pleasure, when she picked it up, it had already been paid for by some kind but unknown customer. She had never had that experience before, but it helped to make her day, and she extends a big thank you to whoever it was that did this kind deed. She plans to pay it forward whenever the opportunity arrives. ***

The Hampton Housings Solution is a non-profit organization designed to provide affordable housing in the community. They were a part of the July 7 Go Big Give event, but will still accept donations in case someone forgets or missed that date. They may be dropped off at Karen Bamesberger’s office or Cornerstone Bank, attn. Karl Block. ***

Birthdays during this second week of July include: Noah Miller on the 9th; Danyelle Wochner on the 10th; Dorothy Bamesberger on July 11; Jacob Wishman, who will finally reach 16 on July 13 and can drive.

That’s it for this week. If you have birthday you want mentioned, give me a call and I’ll gladly add it to my list.

Of interest to some is the July 11 birthday of York resident Helen (Giebelmann) Folkerts. Helen is a Hampton native and will turn 85 on that day. Cards may be addressed to her at 1507 Harre Lane, York 68467.

“Evolution -- what make the chimpanzee in the zoo ask, am I my brother’s keeper?” ***

In a recent column I wrote that the little kids learning to ride those bikes with no pedals will help them so they won’t need training wheels. My misunderstanding, and I hate to pass on “fake news.” They still need training wheels later on but they learn better balance sooner. I apologize for my misunderstanding. ***

In moving memory of my husband Mel, July 2, 2000, and son Douglas, July 25, 2016.

“Today’s the anniversary of the day that I lost you, and for a time it felt as though, my life had ended too. But loss has taught me many things, and now I face each day, with hope and happy memories, to help me on my way. And though I’m full of sadness, that you’re no longer here, your influence still guides me, and I still feel you near. What we shared will never die, it lives within my heart, bringing strength and comfort, while we are apart.” ***

“One blistering, hot day when they had guests for dinner, a mother asked her 4 year-old to say grace before the meal. “But I don’t know what to say,” he replied. “Oh just say what you hear me say,” she said. Obediently, the boy bowed his head and murmured, “Oh Lord, why did I invite these people here on a hot day like this?” That’s all folks. There ain’t no more. Have a good week and keep looking up. “It is better to help others get on than to tell them where to get off.”