SENIOR LIVING July 2015
TOWN CRIER
Jaunting Through July BY JOE BULLICK
J
uly is the seventh month and although the sunshine comes with enough power to make July the warmest month in most of the country, the earth is actually at its farthest point from the sun this month, known as it’s aphelion. With any luck, sweet corn is “knee high by the Fourth of July.” An attentive gardener can hear it growing – just listen to the creaking sound. Growing up, Mom always made a list of priority items to accomplish each day of the month. One job that I disliked was weeding the garden. However, I learned to do it right, which is to weed at the crack of dawn before it got too hot. It was nice to have that unpleasant task done so that I could enjoy the rest of my day. It is a good idea to follow my Mom’s example, and make a list of priority items to accomplish each day, just always make sure you complete the first one before you move on to the second one – good luck! The hot and humid dog days begin on the 3rd, for many of us this is a sign to start our vacations. July is a great time
for recreation on the lakes and rivers with our sailboats and speedboats. It is a perfect time to go to parks and swimming pools, and drink lemonade, eat fresh peaches and watch the fireworks, and just spend time with your family. When I was a young boy, we didn’t have the great grills like they have today. Nowadays, you can cook and enjoy lots of burgers and hot dogs and steaks hot off the grill. It seems like almost all of the sporting events and concerts have tailgaters grilling and drinking beer before the recreational event. One Anglo-Saxon observance that occurs this month is St. Swithin’s Day which is celebrated on July 15. St. Swithin was the Bishop of Winchester and he died in 862. His final wish was to be buried outdoors. According to legend, years later when his remains were moved to an indoor shrine on July 15, forty days of rain ensued. Eggs and apples are the traditional fare for St. Swithin’s Day, no matter whether there is rain or shine. I have attended funerals of a flag draped coffin. Have you ever noticed that the honor guard pays meticulously attention to properly folding the U.S. flag 13 times? Each fold has a specific meaning: • The first fold of the flag is a symbol of life. • The second is a symbol of the belief in eternal life. • The third is made in honor and remembrance of veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country, and to attain peace throughout the world. • The fourth represents the weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance. • The fifth fold is a tribute to our country. As Stephen Decatur said, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.” • The sixth fold is for where people’s hearts lie. It is with that heart that we pledge to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. • The seventh fold is a tribute to the armed forces. • The eighth is a tribute to the ones who have entered into the valley of the shadow of death that they might see the night of day. • The ninth fold is the tribute to womanhood and mothers. • The 10th is a tribute to the fathers. • The 11th fold in the eyes of Hebrew citizens represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. • The 12th in the eyes of a Christian citizen represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost. • The 13th, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.” After it is completely folded and tucked in, it takes the appearance of a cocked hat, as our early military leaders wore. Well, have a great Fourth of July; I leave you with this profound thought– “May God protect us, always.” F (Source: http://www.legion.org/flag/folding)
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Northern Connection | July 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com