HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Happy Fourth of July, Reds and Readers, and we hope you are celebrating like mad. If you are in Canada, hooray, belated Happy Canada Day. If you are elsewhere, happy anything you want it to be.
Because the Reds are all in the US, let’s talk about July 4 traditions. And I’ll make it easy… Here’s a quiz! (Very very critical questions.)
One: Hotdogs or hamburgers?
Tw:. If hotdogs, mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, sauerkraut? Or what combination? Oh, how about cheese?
Three: Does potato salad include vinegar or mayonnaise?
Four: Would you drink beer out of a bottle?
Five: Sparklers? Yes or No?
Six: If “yes” on sparklers, twirling or not twirling?
Seven: Have you ever set off a firecracker?
Eight: Watching Fourth of July festivities on TV. Yes or no?
Nine: Are you a fan of the national anthem? Just musically, not patriotically. (I just read a cool article about it, and it was fascinating.) Do you know the second verse?
Ten:: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake?
I say:
One. Hotdogs or hamburgers?
>>Either one is fine with me. It depends on a lot of things. I would choose hamburgers, I guess. Cooked outside, goes without saying.
Two. If hotdogs, mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, sauerkraut? Or what combination? Oh, how about cheese?
>>Mustard and relish. Ketchup does NOT go on hotdogs.
Three: Does potato salad include vinegar or mayonnaise?
>>Either one is fine, but wouldn’t vinegar be safer?
Four: Would you drink beer out of a bottle?
>>I have, but I would prefer not to. I don’t love beer anyway, except at Fenway Park.
Five: Sparklers? Yes or No
>>In my youth, but now, ah, seems dangerous.
Six: If yes on sparklers, twirling or not twirling?
>>in my youth, definitely twirling. Two at a time. And throwing. Yikes.
Seven: Have you ever set off a firecracker?
>>No. Nor have I ever been close to anyone who did. Hmm.
Eight: Watching Fourth of July festivities on TV. Yes or no?
>>Yes, I’m in Boston. What can I say.
Nine: Are you a fan of the national anthem? Just musically, not patriotically. (I just read a cool article about it, and it was fascinating.)
>>When it is sung properly, and when it’s clear the singer understands it, it’s amazing. LOTS of points off for saying PAIR-OH-LUSS instead of perilous. (There’s no OH in there.) And points off for changing the melody or trying to make it jazzy. I think it should make you cry, and I have heard it sung that way. Yes, I know the second verse.
Ten: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake?
>>May I have just plain strawberries?
How about you, Reds and readers? Copy and paste and answer!
One: Hotdogs or hamburgers?
Hamburgers. I've tried some gourmet hotdogs a couple of times this year and they were too salty to eat.
Two: If hotdogs, mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, sauerkraut? Or what combination? Oh, how about cheese?
Mustard and dill relish!! No cheese–that's weird.
Three: Does potato salad include vinegar or mayonnaise?
I prefer mayo, but not for a picnic.
Four: Would you drink beer out of a bottle?
I would if I drank beer! How about a cold cider?
Five: Sparklers? Yes or No?
I loved them as a kid. Now my first thought is "ouch." Sparkler burns really hurt.
Six: If “yes” on sparklers, twirling or not twirling?
Definitely twirling!
Seven: Have you ever set off a firecracker?
Nope. Not ever. And I wish no one else would.
Eight: Watching Fourth of July festivities on TV. Yes or no?
Yes! Especially the fireworks on our big TV.
Nine: Are you a fan of the national anthem? Just musically, not patriotically. (I just read a cool article about it, and it was fascinating.) Do you know the second verse?
It can be chill inducing if it's sung well. No warbling!! And I do know the second verse.
Ten: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake?
Strawberry shortcake! Yum. Now I'm hungry.
One: Hotdogs or hamburgers?
A 4th picnic is the only home I’d think of eating a hotdog
Two: If hotdogs, mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, sauerkraut? Or what combination? Oh, how about cheese?
Mustard, relish, onions
Three: Does potato salad include vinegar or mayonnaise?
I make a great potato salad with mayo and ranch dressing
Four: Would you drink beer out of a bottle?
Never! I’m British! We don’t do such things
Five: Sparklers? Yes or No?
I love looking at fireworks but they are banned in my part of the world. Fire danger
Six: If “yes” on sparklers, twirling or not twirling?
Seven: Have you ever set off a firecracker?
No!!!
Eight: Watching Fourth of July festivities on TV. Yes or no?
Probably not. The family is visiting
Nine: Are you a fan of the national anthem? Just musically, not patriotically. (I just read a cool article about it, and it was fascinating.) Do you know the second verse?
I love when it’s sung well. Not screeched by some pop singer. I cry as the flag is raised at the Olympics!
Ten: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake?
Apple pie. With whipped cream. Yum
One:
Hotdogs
Two: If hotdogs, mustard, ketchup, relish, onions. Stop there! Perfect.
Three: Does potato salad include vinegar or mayonnaise? Mayonnaise but more importantly sour cream and chives.
Four: Would you drink beer out of a bottle?
Of course, it’s a picnic.
Five: Sparklers? Yes or No?
Yes!
Six: If “yes” on sparklers, twirling or not twirling?
Twirling, please.
Seven: Have you ever set off a firecracker?
Yes. But not big ones.
Eight: Watching Fourth of July festivities on TV. Yes or no?
No. We sit on the roof and watch the different fireworks shows from all over the Valley.
Nine: Are you a fan of the national anthem? Just musically, not patriotically. (I just read a cool article about it, and it was fascinating.) Do you know the second verse?
Yes, I’m a fan. Mostly, because of the Olympics. There is something about hearing it playing while the flag is raised. Not sure I know the second verse, however.
Ten: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake?
Strawberry shortcake! Apple pie is for winter!
One: Hotdogs or hamburgers?
Either, could I have one of each please?
Two: If hotdogs, mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, sauerkraut? Or what combination? Oh, how about cheese?
Mustard and sauerkraut on the hotdog. Mustard, relish and cheese on the burger.
Three: Does potato salad include vinegar or mayonnaise?
I’ve been wanting to try a recipe for vinegar and now you’ve got my mouth watering…
Four: Would you drink beer out of a bottle?
Of course! I’ll sit with Jenn and guzzle…
Five: Sparklers? Yes or No?
Not really.
Six: If “yes” on sparklers, twirling or not twirling?
See above.
Seven: Have you ever set off a firecracker?
We used to do those little ash snakes as a kid, does that count?
Eight: Watching Fourth of July festivities on TV. Yes or no?
No. There are fireworks off the beach in downtown Madison so we find a way to watch at a distance.
Nine: Are you a fan of the national anthem? Just musically, not patriotically. (I just read a cool article about it, and it was fascinating.) Do you know the second verse?
I agree, if someone really nails it, I get cold chills!
Ten: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake?
Shortcake for sure, with fresh strawberries, homemade biscuits, and homemade whipped cream!
One: Hot dogs! All beef, not veggie please.
Two: Mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, sauerkraut?
ALL OF THE ABOVE. Hold the cheese. Ick.
Three:
potato salad needs vinegar AND mayonnaise?
Four: Beer from a bottle?
Why not?
Five, Six: Sparklers - holding them far from my face and squinting terrified.
Seven: HEAVENS NO to setting off a firecracker? You can lose and eye or a finger doing that.
Eight: No TV. And no crowds please. Just my quietish backyard.
Nine: No, I do not love the national anthem.
Ten: Watermelon please (not cake or pie) followed by seed spitting contests.
One: Hotdogs or hamburgers?
One of each! It’s a holiday, baby, and my greatx9 grandfather Cornelius McEachron didn’t fight the British to limit my options.
Two: If hotdogs, mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, sauerkraut? Or what combination? Oh, how about cheese?
Mustard in hotdogs, but occasionally I’ll do the traditional MKR combo. Love cheese on my backyard-grilled burgers.
Three: Does potato salad include vinegar or mayonnaise?
German potato salad has vinegar and sugar and I make that in the winter. American potato salad has mayo and hard=boiled eggs. My mother’s secret was a generous tablespoon of mustard powder in the mayo, and to sprinkle the top with paprika.
Four: Would you drink beer out of a bottle?
There’s… another way to drink bottled beer?
Five: Sparklers? Yes or No?
Yes!!!
Six: If “yes” on sparklers, twirling or not twirling?
Twirling and dancing and racing around on the lawn.
Seven: Have you ever set off a firecracker?
I have not. Maine only made firework sales legal eleven years ago, and we were never a family to bring illicit rocket bottles back from New Hampshire. Plus, dogs and firecrackers do not mix.
Eight: Watching Fourth of July festivities on TV. Yes or no?
Traditionally, I’ve gone to a party on Munjoy Hill in Portland and then attended the free open-air PSO concert - absolutely the best 4th of July experience available. Sadly, none of that has happened in the past two years, and they’re not playing again this year, so I’ll enjoy watching “A Capitol Fourth” broadcasting from DC, with the National Symphony Orchestra playing on the Capitol lawn. I used to go when I lived in DC, and it brings so many pleasant memories back.
Nine: Are you a fan of the national anthem? Just musically, not patriotically. (I just read a cool article about it, and it was fascinating.) Do you know the second verse?
So, my Grandmother Spencer’s maiden name was Key, and family lore has it we are descendents of Francis Scott Key. So I am naturally very enthused by our anthem. (And am now feeling guilty because I don’t have the second verse by heart.)
However, let’s be honest - there are a LOT of countries whose anthems are musically superior to ours. Maybe we should have gone for something other than an 18th century British pub song?
Ten: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake?
I don’t think I’ve ever been offered apple pie in the summer! Strawberry shortcake with blueberries is the most popular Independence Day dessert in Maine.
HANK: SO much fun...and I wish you could all come over for a cookout and singing and sparkler twirling! If you are a twirler, and as you can see, the Reds are divided on that critical point..
How about about you, Readers? Copy and paste the questions at the top---and let us know what YOU think! Or..don't copy, and just tell us!
Hope you have a wonderful day!
One: Hotdogs or hamburgers?
ReplyDeleteHamburger, please, with cheese and bacon, but no lettuce or tomato.
Two: If hotdogs, mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, sauerkraut? Or what combination? Oh, how about cheese?
Mustard and relish for hotdogs.
Three: Does potato salad include vinegar or mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise
Four: Would you drink beer out of a bottle?
Hmm. . . . sure
Five: Sparklers? Yes or No?
Yes
Six: If “yes” on sparklers, twirling or not twirling?
Twirling, please.
Seven: Have you ever set off a firecracker?
Never.
Eight: Watching Fourth of July festivities on TV. Yes or no?
Yes, I expect we’ll watch.
Nine: Are you a fan of the national anthem? Just musically, not patriotically. (I just read a cool article about it, and it was fascinating.) Do you know the second verse?
Ten:: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake?
Strawberry shortcake.
Happy Fourth!
Oops . . . Nine: Definitely a fan of the national anthem . . . .
DeleteHappy fourth, darling Joan! And so agree with you on the hotdogs! XO
Delete!. Hot dogs ( I don't eat burgers or anything else with ground beef. The texture grosses me out. Yes, I'm weird.) We actually had chili dogs today. 2. Ketchup 3. Mayo, egg, a little Marzetti slaw dressing 4. No beer for me 5. No sparklers since I was a kid. I'd probably set myself on fire now. 6.I think I did twirl them back in the day. 7. No. 8. Probably watching baseball. I have watched A Capitol Fourth and the Boston Pops 4th in the past. 9. When sung well it's amazing. Frequently it's not. Like Jenn, I am a sucker for the Olympics and have been known to tear up as the anthem plays and the flag is raised. 10. Strawberry shortcake! Happy 4th of July everyone!
ReplyDeleteOh, I forgot about chili dogs! I always think they sound great, then, hmm. But yes, yum! Now, that potato salad sounds good,too. This blog is really making me hungry!
Delete1. Yes. I will eat which ever you are offering, and if you offer both, I will probably eat both.
ReplyDelete2. Hot dogs get ketchup and relish, but never cheese. However, cheese always goes on hamburgers.
3. You can do whatever you want with the potato salad. I won't be eating it.
4. Root beer yes. Traditional beer? I don't drink, so no.
5. Yes, sparklers
6. I don't know that I've ever seen twirling sparklers. If you mean me making them twirl, most definitely yes.
7. Never set off a fire cracker, although I did use to set of cap pops on the 4th each year.
8. Maybe one or twice, but never on a regular basis.
9. Yes. I know it's a weird melody, but I like the music for the National Anthem.
10. Apple pie, but I prefer strawberries to raw apples. Cook an apple, and I'll eat it, however.
Oh, of course you can have both!
Delete1: Either hotdog or hamburger
ReplyDelete2: Mustard on hotdog, ketchup and cheese on hamburder
3. Mayonnaise and a touch of mustard in potato salad and the top sprinkled with paprika
4. Don't drink beer, lemonade is preferred
5. When I was younger have sparklers was cool. As an adult, No
6. Twirling
7. No, afraid of firecrackers
8. Watch Macy's fireworks on TV, watch Coney Island fireworks on balcony
9. Yes, love national anthem when sung correctly and I do know second verse
10. Not a fan of apple pie or strawberry shortcake, prefer watermelon
Now I am REALLY craving potato salad! xx (and your new profile picture is wonderful!)
DeleteThese are so fun!
ReplyDelete1. Either.
2. Only mustard on my hot dog, please.
3. I've made it with both. My mother used to toss the warm potatoes with a vinaigrette (not that she called it that), then add mayo later. Yum.
4. Beer is so much better in a glass!
5. Love sparklers.
6. Twirling and running.
7. My father lit them when we were young, but very very carefully. Also those little ash snakes as Lucy said (I'd forgotten all about those!).
8. I've gone a couple of times to the town fireworks here. Everybody sits on a hill and they light them from across the road so it's a great view. I don't care about watching them on TV.
9. I didn't know it HAD a second verse! The whole thing is too militaristic for my tastes.
10. Either, but apple pie seems like a fall thing.
Oh, mayo later. Brilliant! Yeah, it is militaristic, but it was written in war, so ... I just keep thinking about how poignant it is. I know, but it really is. xx
DeleteFrom Danielle in Quebec, Happy Fourth of July Reds and American Readers !
ReplyDeleteAnd happy Canada Day to you! xx
DeleteHappy Fourth of July to the Reds and US readers!!
ReplyDeleteHere are my Canada Day (July 1) answers
1. Hamburger (turkey burger).
2. Either garlic aioli & cheese, or guacamole
3. No potato salad on July 1
4. Yes, to drinking beer out of a bottle
5. No sparklers. Grew up in a Toronto high rise apartment, no lawn
6. Nope again
7. No setting fireworks in the city. Yes, if away at a cottage
8. Before 2020, the huge Parliament Hill fireworks display in Ottawa were less than 2 blocks from home. My building shook with the vibrations. This year (and until 2029 due to major renos), the fireworks were moved 2 km west of Parliament Hill so I did not see them
9. Ok, but I have not an opportunity to sing O Canada since they changed the lyrics
10. Neither. I will eat a strawberry-rhubarb or cherry pie for the red symbolism.
Garlic aioli or guac on...hamburgers? Oh, hmmm....ANd guac on a turkey burger would be fabulous. Oh, I need to try that! Thank you!
DeleteHANK: Yes, those toppings are for hamburgers.
DeleteWait..they changed the lyrics of O Canada? From what to what? (I love the tune of it, though...)
DeleteSee Amanda's comment below about the changed line in O Canada.
DeleteNot feeling so patriotic this year, but then maybe this is the time to remember harder what it is really all about? Not just the fun...but for the fun...
ReplyDeleteOne: Hotdogs or hamburgers? Hot dogs. Love them and they are so bad for you.
Only a cookout justifies the treat
Tw:. If hotdogs, mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, sauerkraut? Or what combination? Oh, how about cheese? Classic - just mustard
Three: Does potato salad include vinegar or mayonnaise? Either but I don't like hard-boiled eggs.
Four: Would you drink beer out of a bottle? Not a beer drinker.
Five: Sparklers? Not since i was a kid
ix: If “yes” on sparklers, twirling or not twirling? Not twirlilng
Seven: Have you ever set off a firecracker? Never
Never.
Eight: Watching Fourth of July festivities on TV. Yes or no? Often.
I like fireworks and bands. Sometimes I watch 1776, too, on DVD. And from our flat, scary roof, we can see a bit of NY spectacular firework display ( haven't done that in years!)
Nine: Are you a fan of the national anthem? Not so much. There are better choices. Partial to
America, the Beautiful, myself
Ten:: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake?
Strawberry shortcake. Apple pie in fall when apples are at their best.
Six: If “yes” on sparklers, twirling or not twirling?
Seven: Have you ever set off a firecracker?
Eight: Watching Fourth of July festivities on TV. Yes or no?
Nine: Are you a fan of the national anthem? Just musically, not patriotically. (I just read a cool article about it, and it was fascinating.) Do you know the second verse?
Ten:: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake?
I say:
Oh, watching 1776! Brilliant! I will get that Lee song stuck in my head, though...xxx
DeleteOne: Hotdogs or hamburgers? Hamburgers.. this year we are going to have an impossible burger option as well as beef.
ReplyDeleteTwo: Hotdogs with relish, not a big mustard fan
Three: Does potato salad include vinegar or mayonnaise? I'm about to make it. We use Kristina's potato salad from the Moosewood Cookbook. it contains both apple cider vinegar and mayonnaise.
Four: Would you drink beer out of a bottle? Of course, we are usually in my sister's backyard.
Five: Sparklers? Yes or No? Not now, I loved them as a child.
Six: If “yes” on sparklers, twirling or not twirling? Twirling!
Seven: Have you ever set off a firecracker? Just small ones, but my son's dad was very into setting off fireworks in front of the house. His neighbors in the next block had a block party with the street shut down and set off big ones. The paper bag he was putting the used fire works in caught fire one year. Fun times. Too many years of working at 9-1-1 on the 4th turned me anti-fireworks though. And my dogs HATED them.
Eight: Watching Fourth of July festivities on TV. No.
Nine: Are you a fan of the national anthem? It's really hard to sing correctly. I am always excited when I hear it done straight and on tune without extra notes on "free" and "brave". I don't know the second verse.
Ten:: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake? Pie--although we have had other 4th desserts. I used to make a bing cherry fool. So cool and delicious! Lots of work though.
I better get the potatoes boiling. Have a great, safe holiday everyone and don't call 9-1-1 about "illegal fireworks" unless something is on fire or someone is hurt.
SO agree! No extra notes! xxxx
DeleteA little more regarding fireworks: Our huge fire in the Columbia River Gorge (I think 5 years ago on Labor Day) started when a stupid kid threw a lit firework into the tinder dry canyon of Eagle Creek. I hiked up there recently (first time since the fire, the trail was closed for years) and there's a lot of new growth, but still the blackened trunks stand in silent witness. I'm definitely in the no-fireworks camp.
DeleteOh, how breathtakingly awful.
DeleteOne: Hotdogs or hamburgers? - While I do prefer burgers, I will happily eat both.
ReplyDeleteTwo: I prefer just mustard on my hot dogs. However, I will eat cheese on them if it is available. BUT only sliced cheese not that molten lava melted cheese garbage.
Three: Does potato salad include vinegar or mayonnaise? I do not eat potato salad.
Four: Would you drink beer out of a bottle? I don't drink.
Five: Sparklers? Yes or No? NO.
Six: If “yes” on sparklers, twirling or not twirling? N/A
Seven: Have you ever set off a firecracker? NO
Eight: Watching Fourth of July festivities on TV. Yes or no? NO. I've got other stuff to do which is far more interesting to me.
Nine: Are you a fan of the national anthem? Just musically, not patriotically. (I just read a cool article about it, and it was fascinating.) Do you know the second verse? I've never given it much thought and I don't know the 2nd verse.
Ten:: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake? GOOD apple pie!
Have you read those packages? They actually say "Cheese-type food." Hilarious!
DeletePBS concert followed by village fireworks at 10pm
ReplyDeleteMy original comments concerning the 1812 overture were censored.
DeleteHappy Fourth of July, JRW and fellow bloggers.
DeleteOne. Hotdogs or hamburgers?
One of each, please. (I prefer Hebrew National to the other brands, and it is salty.)
Two. If hotdogs, mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, sauerkraut? Or what combination? Oh, how about cheese?
Homemade chili and mustard on the hotdog, coleslaw and mustard on the burger. Thanks.
Three: Does potato salad include vinegar or mayonnaise?
Either, but just a spoonful. (Don't put honey in it or tell me before I taste it. Thanks.)
Four: Would you drink beer out of a bottle?
Of course, it's a cook-out and it'll get too warm in a paper cup.
Five: Sparklers? Yes or No
>>In my youth, but now, ah, seems dangerous. SAME! Dad used to get them and light them!
Six: If yes on sparklers, twirling or not twirling?
>>in my youth, definitely twirling. SAME!
Seven: Have you ever set off a firecracker?
No, but dad was a member of volunteer fire department and he would set them off in town center with other fire fighters.
Eight: Watching Fourth of July festivities on TV. Yes or no?
We used to go to live show in Hartford/East Hartford on Connecticut River. Very much fun when kids were small. Also, watched Boston Pops + fireworks on TV. But not recently.
Nine: Are you a fan of the national anthem? Just musically, not patriotically. (I just read a cool article about it, and it was fascinating.)
Yes, definitely fan of well sung anthem. Used to know second verse. Going to look for it but not right now.
Ten: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake?
Watermelon please. (Hallie, I agree it's the best dessert for a cookout.)
And peanut butter cookies, too, please!
Margaret, what do you mean by your comments being censored?
DeleteLOVE village fireworks. Nothing better!
DeleteYes, Hebrew nationals! Yum. Honey in potato salad? That sounds weird.
DeleteMargaret, I went into our comments management and didn't see anything from you in 'pending moderation' or stuck in the spam file. If your comment vanished, I suspect it was Blogger being glitchy, as it has been lately...
DeleteOh, Margaret, I thought you were kidding--that you had censored yourself...:-)?
Deleteyesterday I said something nasty about the pandemic, and was told "cannot be published." Today, I raised the question of performing the 1812 overture and again, was told "cannot be published." On a happier note, I have a to die for recipe for hot Dutch potato salad with bacon.
DeleteWhat? Where? How?
DeleteAnd we would LOVE the recipe.
Happy Fourth to all our American Reds/Reds-adjacents! Although, like Triss, I'm struggling with feeling the "land of the free" bit at the moment.
ReplyDeleteFun quiz! Let's see:
One: All-beef hotdogs from Costco, the best. Hamburgers are good, too, but only if they are really good ones.
Two: Mustard, relish, onions if available. But I've also had Chicago-style dogs with sliced and sauteed onions and peppers that are delicious, too. Hamburgers: give me the works, please, except NO iceberg lettuce.
Three: Our family potato salad recipe contains both mayo and cider vinegar. And bacon.
Four: I have drunk beer out of a bottle, especially Mexican beer with lime, but I'm not much of a beer fan.
Five/Six: Sparklers? No, no, no. Those things clock in at 1,000 degrees. Why would you give one to a child, and then let them run around with it?
Seven: Not a fire bug, no.
Eight: If this year is anything like last year I can just take a cocktail to our second floor deck and watch our neighbors' crazy displays. But I have watched the Capitol fireworks on TV before.
Nine: The national anthem is complicated. My youngest graduated from The Citadel, which is so proud of how the anthem was written, never mind one of their cadets fired the first shot of the Civil War. I have trouble remembering the lyrics of the first verse, never mind the second.
Ten: Strawberry shortcake. Yum!
Yes, I can understand how the youngest feels..the history of it is pretty powerful. Costco hot dogs! I will check tht out!
DeleteThanks for the Costco suggestion, Karen.
DeleteYou can try them out by buying one of their $1.50 hot dog specials at their snack area. That's the kind they use, and they are SO good.
DeleteOh, I would never have dared to do that! Now I will!
DeleteSince I have very few Fourth of July celebrations to look back on, I'm not qualified for the quiz, but I'm feeling happy and patriotic just reading everyone else's answers (well, patriotic about our dream of America, not the real place in 2022.)
ReplyDeleteI thought I knew the second verse of the national anthem--the one my father used to sing--but I looked it up and it turns out it's the last verse and, sadly, it has some lyrics I'd just as soon forget, namely:
"Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto - "In God is our trust,"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
When I hear someone sing it well, I'm always moved. Still, I could do with less conquering, triumphing, and demanding God's support in battle and more peace, equality, friendship, and sharing. Maybe we need "It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" as our national anthem!
Good idea! :-) But it was written in a war, so that explains it. xxx
DeleteGreat idea, Kim!
DeleteNational celebrations are challenging these days, on both sides of the border, so I'll say Happy Day to everyone, regardless of where we/you are!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fun quiz, Hank --
One: Hamburger, if home-made; all-beef hotdog, if not.
Two: Ketchup, mustard. NO relish and definitely no onions. Cheese if I’m having a hamburger.
Three: Mayo with mustard, like Julia’s mother’s above.
Four: Bottle, yes, if I’m outside and roughing it. Preferably, though, in a glass and non-alcoholic.
Five/Six: No to sparklers these days. See below.
Seven: I have enjoyed fireworks with friends, set off on the lakeshore. But until I hosted the event and lit them myself, I had no idea of the capital M mess they leave behind. Cleaning up the horrid debris the next morning was eye-opening. So, no to fireworks for me these days.
Eight: See above. A big no, for a variety of reasons, including the noise that scares babies and dogs.
Nine: Canada’s national anthem used to have the line, In all thy sons command. That has been changed to, In all of us command. I like that.
Ten: Strawberry shortcake, for sure!
Oh, I never thought about the mess! Hmm. ALl the more reason...
DeleteOh, now I see the change in lyrics! Interesting! Thank you!
DeleteOne: Hamburgers but I do enjoy both.
ReplyDeleteTwo: I don't care what anybody says about it being "wrong," I like ketchup on my hotdog. And sauerkraut. Burgers need cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles, horseradish.
Three: Mayonnaise but I actually prefer Miracle Whip over mayo.
Four: That's the only way to get it here.
Five: Yes
Six: Either
Seven: Oh yes. And my dad had all kinds of stuff yet from when he was a kid, stuff you don't see anymore. Still worked good though.
Eight: No
Nine: Never really thought about it but I know I don't like when they try to get fancy and non-traditional with it, or insanely high pitched.
Ten: Anything strawberry!
Right? Just sing it. It's about the song, not about the singer being fancy. xx
DeleteOne: Hotdogs or hamburgers? One of each, MKR on those dogs with a toasted bun; mustard, pickles, lettuce, tomato on that burger, please.
ReplyDeleteTwo: If hotdogs, mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, sauerkraut? Or what combination? Oh, how about cheese? See above.
Three: Does potato salad include vinegar or mayonnaise?
Mayo with a little mustard, redskins too.
Four: Would you drink beer out of a bottle?
Clinking my ginger beer bottle, sure :-)
Five: Sparklers? Yes or No? Nope.
Six: If “yes” on sparklers, twirling or not twirling? But if I did, twirling for sure.
Seven: Have you ever set off a firecracker? Nope.
Eight: Watching Fourth of July festivities on TV. Yes or no? Nope.
Nine: Are you a fan of the national anthem? Just musically, not patriotically. (I just read a cool article about it, and it was fascinating.) Do you know the second verse? Not a fan--pick something we can all manage! And, yes, our Key ancestors claimed kinship with FSK, but I'm a generation short of figuring out if it's true or not.
Ten:: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake?
But--would that mean you are related to Julia???
DeleteWow! That would be very cool, Hank! And I forgot a question: strawberries, please, but on vanilla ice cream.
DeleteFlora, we can do it the southern way and call each other 'cousins' - because everyone is a cousin, even if the connection is five generations removed!
DeleteIT STILL COUNTS!
DeleteThank you, Cousin Julia!
DeleteOh, we have made a CONNECTION! Take that, 23 and me!
DeleteWhich would mean you are BOTH related to F (for Francis) Scott (Key) Fitzgerald, wouldn't it?
DeleteAnd now I am totally fainting.
DeleteHoly moly!
DeleteHere’s to the Glorious Fourth:
ReplyDeleteHamburgers….but not on a charcoal grill
See above
With mayonnaise, mustard, and plain yogurt.
What else is a beer bottle for…saves on washing dishes🤣
Absolutely NO sparklers and NO holding one in the hand. History: at age 4 or 5 a sparkler (the “safe” firework) set my dress on fire. I was not burned, but Daddy’s hands were.
Absolutely positively NO, after the sparkler incident.
Yes, to TV if it is raining and always to the fireworks set off atop the Space Needle when in Pacific time zone.
Just not sure about the National Anthem…too hard to sing for “regular” voices. Remember having to sing the second verse in Junior High, but that was 63 years ago. Nary a trace is left.
July is too early for apple pie…strawberry short cake, real biscuits, no whip cream — home made or otherwise concocted.
Happy celebrating from Elisabeth
Oh, no, what a scary sparkler story! Oh, YOGURT in potato salad...great idea!
Delete1. Choices too narrow Fried chicken
ReplyDelete2. Ketchup on everything including Coralee
3. Mayo and it must be Hellman's in tato salad
4. Root beer out of bottle prefer in mug with ice cream
5. Sparklers stopped when kids were little
6. Except I kept some for when kid turned 40.
7. Black snakey things when I was a kid. I think they stopped making them
8. Monsoon season on Nome St. It is usually pouring and we watch the lightening
9. Does seeing the actual flag from "flag was still there" count? Otherwise not to keen on this ditty.
10 Pie.. whatever pie is available
6.
Fried chicken! We are coming to your house! (And I will bring the ketchup.)
DeleteOoh, I second fried chicken--if someone else will make it! And now you've made me pine for a root beer float, Coralee.
DeleteCoralee, yes to the ice cream in root beer. My grandmother used to call it a “purple cow”. Elisabrth
DeleteI've seen that flag, too. Pretty remarkable.
Delete"Including on Coralee". teehee Fried chicken sounds great to me.
Karen
One: Hotdogs or hamburgers? - Both! Why not?
ReplyDeleteTw:. If hotdogs, mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, sauerkraut? Or what combination? Oh, how about cheese? Mustard and sauerkraut or mustard and chili - yum! Cheese and ketchup? Who does that! LOL
Three: Does potato salad include vinegar or mayonnaise? Both - I have a wonderful German potato salad that is served warm with bacon and vinegar and yes, oil. I have another that uses mayo, dill relish, and mustard - and I will occasionally add vinegar to that on my plate.
Four: Would you drink beer out of a bottle? Yep - but not out of a can!
Five: Sparklers? Yes or No? Yes
Six: If “yes” on sparklers, twirling or not twirling? Twirling please. So pretty to see.
Seven: Have you ever set off a firecracker? I was raised by boys. Yes, including M-80s that make lovely geysers when tossed in a river.
Eight: Watching Fourth of July festivities on TV. Yes or no? Not this year, I've watched the Boston Pops and the Capitol 4th shows in the past.
Nine: Are you a fan of the national anthem? Just musically, not patriotically. (I just read a cool article about it, and it was fascinating.) Do you know the second verse? When well sung, oh yes! I do know the second verse. Julia, fascinating about your Key relations. What a cool history.
Ten:: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake? Strawberry shortcake and real whipped cream, please :)
BACON IN POTATO SALAD! That is brilliant and I am swooning. We'll have to have a JRW potato salad recipe day!
DeleteReal whipped cream, always!
DeleteKait, I haven't verified the family story, but Francis Scott Key did have something like 14 children who survived to adulthood, so it's possible most of the south is related to him!
Delete--One: Either.
ReplyDelete--Two: If hotdogs, only yellow mustard and relish; if burgers my own favorite combination-- raw sweet onion slices, tomato slices, bleu cheese (lettuce leaf optional).
--Three: Either, just so it does NOT include hard-boiled eggs. Commercial mayo nowadays contains so many preservatives that it unlikely to go bad and make you sick, as opposed to homemade mayo which easily could. If with mayo, I prefer it loaded with dill and freshly ground black pepper.
--Four: I'm from Wisconsin-- beer any way and whenever you want it. (But my favorite is Spotted Cow from the New Glarus Brewery, which is unpasteurized, so you can't get it outside our state. IT is best served in a pitcher, on tap. Bottles are meh, and don't bother with cans.)
--Five: When I was a kid, yeah. That was then....
--Six: Twirling, of course.
--Seven: Ah, thereby hangs a tale. Let's just say that (especially after having practiced law for over 50 years) I think it is a miracle that any human survives the years between 15 and 25.
--Eight: No longer own a TV. It died and I haven't replaced it.
--Nine: I sort of love the sentence structure which basically asks, in a very convoluted way, "Did our flag (and our guys) survive last night's battle?" I read once that in WWII, sentries would ask you for the words to the second verse. If you knew it, they shot you dead because Americans barely know the words to the first verse, let alone the others. (I actually know parts of two additional verses. It is very warlike!)
--Ten: Neither. Apple pie is for indoors in the fall. Strawberry shortcake is for indoors in the spring. The correct dessert at a Fourth of July picnic is a tiny paper cup of vanilla ice cream with a paperboard cover, eaten with a tiny wooden paddle. It is called a Dixie cup.
All of that having been said, we had SPECTACULAR fireworks at the lakefront last night. Ours are always on the 3rd.
Yes yes yes, that's what the song's about, and I love that. And then it goes on to say--hey, yeah, there it is! Great!
Delete
ReplyDelete1. Hamburgers, please. Hotdogs and beer are for baseball games. (I'd never eaten bratwurst or drunk beer before a really great day at Country Stadium in Milwaukee.) But really, either are just vehicles for ketchup, mustard and pickle relish.
2. No cheese. That would be a waste of good cheese!
3. Prefer German type potato salad to the American version, especially at a picnic. Though I'm liking the sound of sour cream and yogurt versions. Mostly, I find most potato salads have too much onion.
4. Well, I would drink out of a bottle, but I'd rather not. Beer only at the ballpark, though. Iced tea is my summer drink.
5. Had a sparkler thrown at me as a kid. Enough to put you off them for good. We had those little ash snakes but they were just weird.
7. Nope. I'm in the "wish they'd never been invented" camp. My parents were with a group that met in the cemetery on the mountainside in Creede Colorado every year. One year they managed to set it afire. The old pumper fire truck couldn't get up the hill. Luckily, they got it out! Me? I have dogs.
8. Don't watch it on TV. Was actually on the hill in Washington DC one year. An interesting experience, but once is enough.
9. Only when sung by Whitney Huston. Though it seems to mean something to me. When I hear it these days, I cry. I do not know the second verse, though I did not it existed. Fun Canadian fact: The English and French lyrics of _O Canada_ are not the same.
10. Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries. or bourbon. Jack Daniels always seemed a good desert.
Yes, the the review I read about the book about the song (whew) says Whitney Houston's version is the best ever.
DeleteCD, the locals were setting off firecrackers and lord knows what else from twilight until close to eleven (when they mercifully stopped, so credit for that.) My poor Shih Tzus were so frightened, they wouldn't go out for the last time before bed, but instead ran upstairs for safety.
DeleteJulia yes. It is heartbreaking. I had a standard poodle that would hide in the shower stall and quake. Fireworks and thunderstorms.
DeleteHank. Probably the only other rendition that comes close was Lady Gaga at Biden 's inauguration. Give me a power soprano over a baritone any day.
DeleteOh, I will look for that! I have a memory of that, and that DRESS! Which I wanted, by the way, and looked for. Twenty thousand dollars.
Deletec d moulton: I had a dog who would hide in the shower stall during fireworks and thunderstorms, but it was a metal shower out at the cottage, and I was always afraid that it would take a lightning hit. So I would shut the door to the shower room, and that dog would stand on her hind legs and try to turn the doorknob with her mouth. They figure out more than you would think they could! But I have had other dogs that were unphased. (By the way, are you somewhere around here? I'm in Milwaukee.)
DeleteHANK: Good morning! Hope I am not late to the party here. See my answers below...
ReplyDeleteOne: I heart hotdogs from Saul's Deli in Berkeley. I could eat either hotdogs or hamburgers. I eat beef perhaps once a year. With the climate change, I rarely eat beef these days. The hamburger beef would HAVE to be ORGANIC. I once got sick from hamburger meat that came from a Big Chain superstore.
Two: Sometimes I eat hotdogs plain without any bread nor ketchup nor mustard. It is that good, especially from Saul's Deli in Berkeley. (Rhys, it is two or three doors up the street from the book store where you were on a mystery novel panel with Penny Warner).
Three: No idea what is used in the family recipe for potato salad. I know that I LOVE the potato salad that my Mom makes. There was a time in my life when I did NOT like potato salad nor many things. Now I love potato salad. Now I love Mexican food. Now I love bell peppers.
Four: The only beer I would drink out of a bottle would be Root Beer (my sweet tooth - LOL)
Five: No.
Six: See my answer above.
Seven: Never set off a firecracker. I only saw fireworks from a great distance. Donkely years ago. I was at the WH on the Fourth of July and we had a picnic on the WH lawn. We saw fireworks from a great distance too.
Eight: IF the TV is working, then we may watch the festivities on TV. Unfortunately the captions are not working. Maybe I can see the festivities on YouTube on my computer?
Nine: I remember learning about the National Anthem when I was a young child. I remember my class rehearsed and rehearsed the song for the school play. The day of the play our director was standing in the distance and signing the song. It threw me off! She never told us that she was going to do that! LOL
Ten: Love Apple Pie. Regarding strawberries, just plain strawberries please. At university, one summer I tried to make a Flag birthday cake to celebrate the 4th of July. Note: Remember to let the two layers of the cake COOL down before putting them in a stack and putting on the frosting. I followed the directions and forgot this crucial thing! I ended up making a ? trifle ? or bread pudding. It looked more like a bread pudding or a trifle than a cake. LOL
Wishing everyone a happy and safe 4th of July!
Diana
That strawberry thing still sounds delicious to me!
DeleteDiana, I have done that exact same thing with cake. I just renamed it Mom's Mess and everyone enjoyed it. Last time I tried one of those fancy-looking desserts from a woman's magazine, though!
DeleteHank, that strawberry thing is delicious to me!
DeleteJulia, that was the last time I tried a recipe from a woman's magazine too. LOL
Diana
I started my day with strawberry cheesecake because this is how I exercise my Independence! LOL!
ReplyDeleteJenn, I love that. I never like cheesecake. However, the strawberry cheesecake is the ONLY cheesecake that tastes good to me. No idea why...
DeleteDiana
I mean, what is cheesecake but eggs and milk and cheese. Kind of like an omelette, right? That you happen to put strawberries on top of. I think it makes total sense.
DeleteSuper healthy, really, when you break it down!
DeleteOne and Two: Hot dogs, with onions and mustard only -- or cheese once in a while.
ReplyDeleteThree: Potato salad has mayo in it. Vinegar is for french fries.
Four: I wouldn't drink beer at all. Pop, please.
Five and Six: We were allowed sparklers once and could not run with them. The brightness and heat made the novelty wear off quickly. No twirling. Even one year later, I didn't miss them.
Seven: No, I've never set off a firecracker. I hate loud noises. I went to sleep last night listening to an Agatha Christie audiobook to drown out the bangs.
Eight: Some years I would watch, and I've even figured out how to play "The Star-Spangled Banner" on my cello while standing up. (I treat it like a bass fiddle.) But this year, I think I will make my own music and spare myself the noise and flashing. I don't like celebrating independence, of all things, by doing just what everyone else does.
Nine: "The Star-Spangled Banner" is a great musical challenge, and it was one of the hard things to get used to after my dad died. Some of my favorite memories of it are singing it along with him when we went to our one hockey game a year when I was in high school. I remember reviewing several verses years ago (in 2001, I think), so that I got to the part at the end that says "and the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave" instead of being a question.
Ten: Apple pie or Strawberry shortcake?
Either, but with lots of the fruit.
Yes, it is definitely an evolving story in the song!
DeleteAnd I just burst out laughing about not celebrating Independence Day on the same way everyone else does. Perfect!
Oh, that was me, Hank.
Delete4th of July as I have known it: 6AM... 21 cannon shots echoing in rotation from the four corners of the town. 6:30AM...drum and fife group marching down the main streets playing Yankee Doodle...north to south, then east to west. 9AM...flyover by the jet planes from local military base. If you weren't awake before, you are now. !0AM to noon...parade. Floats, bands, horse groups, you name it. I once saw a car that ran on tap water in this parade, and yes the patent was bought by GM, and shelved. All afternoon...food booths and crafts, all the carnival rides you can imagine. Note: if you ate cotton candy after your hotdog and rootbeer, don't ride the tilt-a-whirl. Just sayin'... Do visit the artist booths. I saw a custom casket decorated with painted highlights from the deceased's life. Now there's a real statement. By 7PM you need to be at the stadium for the parachute jumpers, and a show usually featuring The Osmonds, followed by fireworks at 10PM. If the kids are still awake, they will fall asleep on the way home, so plan accordingly. The Star Spangled Banner? It does a number on me every time, and no, I don't know the second verse. Lady Gaga's version sung at the Inaugural has my vote for best.
ReplyDeleteLiane, are you in Baltimore? Because that's the only place I can think of that would have ALL those (loud!) ingredients for the Fourth!
DeleteWOW! I need a nap! xxx Yes, as Julia asks--where are you?
DeleteProvo, Utah.
DeleteWell, it sounds like a one-a-year extravaganza!
DeleteThis year also featured a hot-air balloon ascension. The celebration usually lasts three or four days, as it did this year. Yup. We do a memorable Fourth.
DeleteThink "The Music Man" in modern dress. Provo is all that and more.
DeleteYikes. xxxx
DeleteHappy 4th of July!
ReplyDelete1. One of each, please.
2. Mustard and relish OR chili and cheese. Nothing like a good chili dog.
3. Mayo.
4. Absolutely! Silly question.
5. As a child, yes!
6. Twirling, aka sky writing.
7. No. Too many dire warnings plus an evil cousin who threatened to throw them at me.
8. Fireworks on TV? No thanks.
9. Our anthem can be moving. Just sing it straight. No histrionics. No seeing how long you can hold that high note.
10. Strawberry shortcake. The watermelon came earlier in the menu.
Skywriting with sparklers! Aww. Oh, yes, absolutely. We used to make hearts.
DeleteWhen my daughter was in elementary school, we lived close to an hour's drive from Dallas. It seems like we were always driving home at night, and we would sing the Star Spangled Banner in the car. What a fun memory.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is so adorable to imagine! xxx
DeleteMore than once we would drive home from visiting family in Nebraska on July 4th. It was fun to see all the fireworks displays part of the way home.
DeleteWe didn't sing the anthem, though! That's pretty special, Debs.
SO agree! Thinking about this. I'm not sure I have ever sung the national anthem with my whole family. Can that be??
DeleteI did that once-- caught every display between the family cottage and Milwaukee. Hard to keep your eyes on the road!
Delete1. Hot dog, toasted roll, mustard, ketchup & relish and don’t forget the pickles.
ReplyDelete2. See above.
3. Coleslaw
4. Root beer, any type of container
5. No
6. n/a
7. Leave it to the professionals
8.. Yes, I grew up watching Arthur Fiedler in person at the esplanade where it has always been performed. He originated the introduction of the 1812 overture along with actual cannons and local
church bells and then the fireworks. The only thing you had to worry about at that time was someone stepping on your hand when you were sitting on the ground.
9. I’m a traditionalist-just sing it as written agree without the histrionics.
10. Fresh summer fruits, watermelon cherries, grapes. If pie, lemon meringue
Toasted roll, toasted roll! So very necessary! Brilliant addition.
ReplyDeleteAnd so agree about the Esplanade! But I have only covered that as a reporter, not braved actually sitting on the ground. you are tough! That is – – was – – not for the faint of heart!
ReplyDeleteI'm coming in late because husband and I and Lulu the Brittany have been over to my daughter and son-in-law's cabin on the Wabash River in Indiana. They always have a Fourth of July fish fry for family and friends. Lots of great sides and desserts to go with the fish. We had such a good time,even though it was really hot. Kids and adults joined in games and just being together. So nice.
ReplyDeleteAs for the questions.
1. I'd like both a hot dog and a hamburger.
2. Ketchup and mustard on my hot dog. Cheese on my hamburger with ketchup to dip it in (no bun).
3. Mayo
4. I don't care for beer, but if I were really, really hot and a cold beer was all that was available, I'd drink it from a bottle.
5. I liked sparklers as a child, but as an adult, I think they're just a burn waiting to happen.
6. Twirling, again, as a kid.
7. No, I've never set off a firecracker and wish others wouldn't either.
8. I'll probably tune into "A Capitol Fourth" on PBS.
9. This is an interesting question for me, as driving over to our daughter's today we listened to a program on NPR about our national anthem. There's a new book out by Mark Clague entitled Oh Say Can You Hear that's about our country's relationship with our national anthem, both past and present. Yes, I knew there was a second verse, but I don't know the words. Did you know that there's a third verse that is not just controversial but shows that perhaps Francis Scott Key should not be the author of a national song for our country. The Star Spangled Banner, like so much of our country's history that we've learned in school, has a very dark side that should be known.
10. Strawberry shortcake
Welcome home! That sounds great. And YES! That's the book/article I linked to in the main blog. SO interesting!
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