with Dot Patterson
Greetings from Hickory Corner!
I did not write any news last week, so this week, I just want to mention the July 4 holiday. I hope you all had a great time with family and friends. Many family and friends celebrated the Fourth of July at Randall and Patricia Jones’ home. They seated JoAnn and I in rocking chairs, and Randall waited on us, delivering us slushies and whatever we wanted. It definitely let people know we were special and…OLD! There was plenty of good food and desserts. Afterwards, the fireworks display was spectacular, and the little ones were excited and had such a good time. JoAnn and I enjoyed the evening and her son Jeff brought us home. That was the first Fourth of July I had celebrated out in many, many years. Thanks to the Jones family for a great night. They do know how to celebrate July 4 with food, fireworks, family and friends.
A guy by the name of Donnie Patterson brought me fresh corn Saturday. I froze several bags. How thoughtful of him, and he also shared with others. “What you do for yourself dies with you when you leave this world, what you do for others lives on forever.” – Sir Ken Robinson. Thanks, Donnie, for thinking of me. I sure appreciate it.
A big 80th birthday party was held at the HCC center on Saturday, July 10, for Frank Clayton. Family and friends enjoyed the meal and visiting with each other. Of course, everyone enjoyed the bingo games. Phillip and Judy Cranford called the numbers and lots of prizes were given away. Frank, may God bless you with many more happy birthdays. We looked at the pictures from Frank and Dianne’s wedding, so young and many years ago when they said I do. God has blessed them with a wonderful family and so many friends.
I will be busy cooking this week as company is coming from Illinois. My son Greg and Janice will be here on Thursday, and my niece Donna and Ed will be here on Friday. I will be glad to see all of them.
Tidbits: The beautiful song, “The Star Spangled Banner,” became the national anthem 117 years after it was written during the war of 1812. Francis Scott Key’s poem did not become the national anthem until 1931 which was 88 years after Francis Scott Key passed away (History.com).
Only recently did I understand the history of the song, “America the Beautiful.” It was written by Katharine Lee Bates during a 1893 trip to Colorado Springs. When she got to the top of Pike’s Peak the view was so beautiful that it inspired her to jot down words and thoughts that would eventually become a well known patriotic song. “Oh beautiful for spacious skies/For amber waves of grain/For purple mountains majesties/Above the fruited plain/America! America!/God shed his grace on thee/And crown thy good with brotherhood/From sea to shining sea.” (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History). Have any readers been to Pikes Peak? Let me know!
Remember in prayer: Arlan Porter, Ann Bennett, Richy Butler, Ladelle Clark, Mildred Smith, Martha Autry, Ann Morrison, Bonice Martin, Peggy Whitman, Peggy Lard, William and Eddie Luttrell, and Donna Lynch.
Please continue to pray for all those who are dealing with sickness and those who have lost loved ones. If you would like to add or remove a name to our prayer list, please call me.
If you would like to rent the HCC Center for your special event, please call Nancy Patterson at 608-1159.
Folks, this is your column. Please call me at 989-3315 with tidbits, birthdays, anniversaries, vacations or anything you would like to share with us. You sure would make my life easier by calling me with news.
Make it a great week!
