Amidst all of the fireworks, gatherings, and hoopla associated with our 250th anniversary, it’s sometimes easy to forget the history and sacrifices that have provided the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans. We are fortunate to live at this time as the United States is truly an exceptional nation blessed with natural resources, geography, human creativity and initiative, and a form of government that allows us “the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”.
There has never been a country such as ours. We have inherited the fruits of the past efforts of generations before us and are tasked to continue to make America not a perfect country but a more perfect union for future generations.
As a recent example of our nation’s appeal to those from other countries, the multitude of visitors for this year’s World Cup, the epitome of futbol (or soccer as we typically refer to it), have praised Americans’ friendliness and generosity. As writer Mikale Olson posted: “A wise man once said, ‘If you want to hate America, watch the news. If you want to love America, drive across it.’” I’ve been fortunate to travel abroad to some extent, and it’s always interesting to run into fellow Americans overseas. The American “can-do” attitude and shared experiences are always refreshing, truly making one proud to be a citizen of the USA!
How about a little trivia regarding our country? Did you know that of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence of 1776 in Philadelphia that George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay (first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court) were not among them?
The United States is the third largest country in the world in terms of total area, being comprised of approximately 3.8 million square miles, although there is some thought that China might be slightly larger. The two largest? Russia at 6.6 million square miles and Canada with slightly more than 3.8 million.
Each state of the Union has a state bird, motto, song, doughnut, tree, etc., etc. How knowledgeable are you of state nicknames? Match these ten states with their associated nicknames, and yes, I’m not giving you easy ones like the Buckeye, Hoosier, and Wolverine states! Answers to follow.
Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington.
Keystone, the First State, Magnolia, Yellowhammer, Old Dominion, Evergreen, Show Me, Centennial, Sunflower, and Granite.
Here’s something I found interesting—according to the energy think tank Ember, in May solar supplied more electricity in the US than coal. Solar contributed 12.8% to the nation’s energy mix and coal 12.2%, its fourth-lowest monthly share ever. Solar also became the third-largest source of energy in the US in May, behind natural gas and nuclear power. I know this fact caught me a little unawares!
We took a short trip Saturday (mainly to just get out of the house!), first to West Manchester and the Little Creek Valley flower farm, located on Foos Road southwest of town. Beautiful home-grown flowers at very reasonable prices!
Then on to Richmond via Route 40 (avoid I-70 from the Indiana border west if at all possible!). Driving through downtown Richmond is a bit of a downer as there are more empty storefronts than there should be. On to Centerville (home of the 5 Arch Brewing Company, a good little eatery), East Germantown, and Cambridge City, where we ate lunch at the No. 9 Grill. I know many of you have been there; if you haven’t, it’s a great place to dine! Finally, on to Hagerstown and back to Darke County on US 36.
A quick note on farm crops along the way—the corn looks great at this point; the old saying “knee high by the Fourth of July” is pretty much outdated thanks to improved genetics and farming practices. Most fields were at least shoulder high, with a few in tassel. I think both my father and grandfather would be amazed at the improvements in farming. And the “amber waves of grain” were prominent as the wheat crop was being harvested and straw being baled.
Finally, Alabama is the Yellowhammer State (a type of woodpecker); Colorado the Centennial; Delaware the First State; Kansas the Sunflower; Missouri, my home state, the Show Me; Mississippi the Magnolia; the Granite State is New Hampshire; Pennsylvania of course, is the Keystone State; Virginia the Old Dominion; and Washington the Evergreen State. Here’s hoping you had a great Fourth of July weekend and it cools off a little!
