The Celebration of Independence Day

Independence Day Celebration

Independence Day is celebrated locally on July 3 with a parade at 5 o’clock in the early evening and fireworks later in the evening.

Last year was the first time we went to the parade. We discovered that very few people actually march in this parade…almost everyone rides…on a horse, on a float, in a carriage, in or on cars (Miss this and Miss that usually sit on the windshields of a convertibles). It was not like Fourth of July parades of which I am used to seeing (maybe, that’s the problem…it’s an Independence Day parade and not a Fourth of July parade). Any way, it was fun.

ROTC color guard. Lots of horses. Hardy’s Star, Ronald McDonald, local dignitaries, candidates for local, county and state offices. Lots of candy thrown to the youngsters. The various Miss this and Miss that. Something from many of the local business (car dealerships, banks, pooper scooper, etc.) Quietest parade I have ever seen--NO BAND!

This year one morning not long ago at the Masonic bi-monthly breakfast to which we have become regulars, Mike (SD) asked if anyone had flags that could be used on their float. They were also going to use signage of important Masons in American history (G. Washington, P. Revere, B. Franklin, etc.). Well, Miss Molly’s has been selling early American flags for years and let them borrow some. They had their own fifty star and the MIA/POW flags. Miss Molly had 12x18 inch service flags, along with fifty star US flags of the same size. We let them use several 3x5 foot flags which encircled their float.

The Betsy Ross flag with its thirteen five-pointed stars was in the front left of the float. Betsy may or may not have designed the flag, but probably did sew on that original banner as her husband was on Washington’s staff. Washington had wanted a six pointed star as he liked the look and symmetry of it. But, Betsy and her gang (sometimes, I call them Betsy Ross and the Supremes) thought that was too much sewing, so they used a five-pointed star instead starting the traditional. She lived in Philadelphia. This was first used officially on June 14, 1777.

On the right was the Bennington flag—tradition says this was created by Molly Stark of New Hampshire. Her husband John was a Colonel in the Continental regulars (later General). The Continental Congress’ resolve read:

"Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation.”

Well, Molly Stark started her flag with the white strip (seven white, six red). She apparently did not mind the extra sewing and created a seven pointed star. She also did a little “gingerbreading” by adding “76” in its field of blue to honor the year that independence was declared. It was called the “Bennington Flag” as it was used at the Battle of Bennington, Vermont. [This flag is special to me as Steve had an ancestor that fought at this battle under Colonel Stark.] Used from 1777 in the Northeast.

[This flag was not used by the Masons, but I like to talk about it].

Star Spangled Banner. The only official flag of the USA containing more than thirteen stripes. It contains fifteen stripes along with the traditional appropriate number of stars, added when Vermont and Kentucky were admitted to the Union. At that time one strip was to be for each new state, but when the next four states were added, it was decided that it would be too cumbersome. Francis Scott Key gazed upon this flag when he composed his poem that would eventually become our National Anthem. Early 1800’s.

Don’t Tread on Me (yellow). One of several DToM flags, this bright yellow flag with a rattlesnake is known as the Gadsden (Mr. Gadsden was from South Carolina). It was an early Marine Corps flag and flown as a ship jack on some of the early pre-revolution and continental ships. The rattlesnake, representing the Colonies (and later the thirteen states) was first used by Benjamin Franklin in 1851 in one of his publications. The flag, as it is, is believed to have first flown c. 1774.

Florida State Flag: The cross of St. Andrew in red on a white background contains the State seal representing the land of sunshine, palm trees, rivers, flowers, lakes. The seal includes the sun, a cabbage palmetto, a steam ship, a Seminole woman scattering flowers. Adopted 1899.

The float also flew a thirty three star flag. This was the flag flown over Fort Sumter at the outbreak of the War Between the States in April 1861. A state’s star is added on July 4th after it became a state. Kansas had become a state, but her star was not added until July 4, 1861. West Virginia became a state in June 1863. Her state was added July 4, 1864. So, throughout the Civil War (aka War between the States, War of Northern Aggression, and a few other names), there were three official United States of America flags.

The Masons won third prize for their float. Congrats to them. Great pic in local paper with flags flying proudly.

Good small town enthusiasm and fun!

Just before the parade ended and the horses were marching nicely, the skies opened up.  We had one of our typical Florida gully-whommers.  Too bad the rain did not stay away for another fifteen minutes.  But, no one seemed to be particularly disheartened.

Very enjoyable parade. I did not make it to the fireworks. It rained at our house, but did not affect the booming and banging (It can rain on one side of the road and not the other in these here parts.)

Census Update

We did not work for a couple of weeks.  Then, about half of us were called back.  Many of the Crew Leaders (CLs) became Crew Leader Assistants (CLAs); many of the CLAs became enumerators like me.  Many of the enumerators were not called back.

We are doing some clean up stuff. In our training class on July 1, our new CL defined himself as a perfect a-- ----. Perfection is something that not many of us can obtain, as a matter of fact, in most instances, we can never obtain it. However, this CL’s description of his personality is absolutely correct. He is a perfect one. I am so happy that this is a short term assignment. I can tolerate most things in the working world for a short period of time.

Example: Time sheets are two-part. I worked last Saturday and gave the time sheet to the CLA. I asked the CL for my copy on Tuesday. (I did not work on Monday). He said that he did not have it, but the CLA did. I asked him again on Wednesday; he still did not have it. Today, he was waving mine around saying that he was not going to keep time sheets for four days. If we did not pick it up the next day, he was going to toss it out. These sheets are the only record we have of our hours. I mentioned that I had asked him for it. His reply was that he did not have it. This was a general statement that he was making...still wildly waving my timesheet.

Example: Some of the EQ’s that have been turned in have common mistakes. Again, he chose one of mine to use as an example. My name was blocked out, but everyone in the room knew it was mine. There were four items that he counted as mistakes. Three, indeed, were errors. No excuses—I know why I made them—but they should not have been made. I asked him about the fourth which I still do not consider a mistake (He actually had to call HIS boss to clarify what was done). I apologized for the mistakes; he continued ranting for quite some time. He is quick to point out mistakes (not just me, but of others, as well) in front of everyone in a loud boisterous voice.  He loves to harp on mistakes.  Another enumerator had made a minor error.  The boss was still ragging about it after the guy left.

Example:  The Census Bureau would like us to complete our timesheets in either blue or black ink.  That does not seem to be a problem.  If one's pen runs out of ink in the middle, that person better make sure that the next pen picked up is the same color.  This CL will throw it back at you.  The ink has to be the SAME color for the whole sheet. 

I could go on and on, but…

I have always had trouble working for stupid/inconsiderate people, but this guy takes the cake. I guess stupid might not be the right word, but he can NEVER be wrong. And he is very inconsiderate. Very exasperating! Glad that it is only for a couple of weeks. And, I only have to see him for about an hour every day.

His boss, however, is a real charmer, smart guy and appears to be considerate.

Finding weird places…such as the vacant house out in the middle of the peanut field. Mail box on road. Fence locked. Hardly could see the house. Talked to a neighbor. Told me tenant trashed the house. Owner will not fix up. Sounds like another off the wall EQ for an  HU (housing unit) complete.

Found another house. Apparently Mom passed away last year. Only child is a druggie. House has been used only for “parties.” Neighbors would not give their names as proxies. Afraid of the retribution. Does not matter to me…another complete. Weird scenarios!

Racking up sooooooo many miles. Hooray!

I have met some wonderful people out there.  Yesterday, I found a young farmer, who apologized for being sweaty.  Com'n sir, you work hard for a living!  But the thing I found that I liked most about him was that he was concerned about my job.  He did not want to give much information--the bare minimum was all he wanted to tell me.  But, he was so sweet.  He asked me if he did not give me more information, would it affect me and my job.  The answer is NO, but I thought it was very nice of him to be concerned about me as  a fellow worker.

Still like most of the job!  Wish it could be permanent with a new boss.   But Alas! Alack!  It happens only every ten years.

CLAMERICA and Cedar Key

Cedar Key is a wonderful little tourist resort and seafood coastal town on the west coast of Levy County. For those of you have no idea where Levy County is…well, what can I tell you? Okay, it is at the very bottom of the Big Bend. It kind of juts out just a smidge where the big bend begins on the west coast of Florida.

Cedar Key’s one school is K-12 with thirteen graduating students in the Class of 2010. In days gone by the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad ran from Jacksonville to Cedar Key. There was a fair amount of industry out there. The railroad tycoon David Levy Yulee (thus Levy County) founded and built this railroad. One of the earlier industries was pencils made from the massive amounts of cedar on the island (thus Cedar Key). But, eventually, the pencils were shipped out and the tree depleted.

There are some great restaurants and cafes on the key. Cedar Key is hometown America.

The town is the largest producers of “farm raised” clams—100-150 million harvested annually. They are usually fairly small in size; but, boy, are they delicious. Steamers! On July 4, the town brings out all its spit and polish and has a wonderful festival called CLAMERICA. We went last year and now want to make it a family tradition.

There is parade which includes almost everyone in town…kids on bikes, decorated golf carts galore, Miss this and Miss that riding in new convertibles, many businesses with floats or other ways they may choose to advertise, the bus, the pooper scooper company.

And, oh, yes, let’s not forget the politicians! Everyone running for any local or county office rides or walks in the parade. This year, there was even a pol who will be running for governor in this little bitty town’s parade. One would have thought that she might have gone to a place where there were more votes at risk. But, it was kind of nice to see someone who is the current state CFO pay attention to a small town.

There is so much candy thrown from the cars and floats that after the parade, there is still enough for adults to pick up and enjoy. I personally picked up many handfuls and gave them to some of the young people around me and still had a couple of things on which to munch myself. Fans. Beach Balls. Beads. All kinds of things thrown to the waiting crowd from the various vehicles. The parade was fun.

We then walked to the town pier and took a quick walk through the area next to the water with all those cute little boutiques and seaside restaurants. I met Chris Buerki, the author, in front of one of these restaurants. See separate post about one of his books.

Arriving at the local park via the long way, we now got to witness the sand sculptor. The same lady traditionally does the sculptor each year. It is always different and beautiful. She includes many of the sponsors within the sculptor.

Mosaic Fish Pond

Next came the clam recipe contest. Each year the local cooks provide their best sample of some sort of goodies made with—of all things—clams. Appetizers and entrees of all kinds of varieties and presentations are set on a table for the three judges to sample. First the judges look at the presentation and give so many points. Then, they sit down to eat a bit of this and a bit of that with more points added. The points are added up and posted on a board next to the creation’s name. Obviously, the one with the most points wins (not sure what they win). After all the points, the awards are presented and the public is invited to sample the goodies. Some are really good. I have boring New England taste buds and cannot tolerate hot spicy food. So, I am not fond of those. But, there is some really good stuff there. YUM! I have a passion for many of the appetizers.

A second contest is held later in the afternoon for cooks from local restaurants. Anyone can buy a place in the judging of this event. For a nominal fee, one gets a packet which includes a special fork for tasting, a chance to taste and this year a special Mardi Gras mask. I have not yet participated in this. Maybe next year.

The most famous item of CLAMERICA is Tony’s clam chowder. Again, my boring NE taste buds get in the way. The first taste is dynamic. But, then the spice hits. I am probably the only person who is not fond of this local delicacy. It has been deemed by many as the VERY BEST.

Under the same pavilion as the food cookoff is a container with a bunch of clams. Last year I guessed a little over 1700 and came in sixth…only 36 away from first place. Guess what the prize was…CLAMS!!??! WOW! What a surprise. This year the clams were in a very big laundry basket. I guessed 5218. I have not heard if I won anything. (I heard today July 7—1366 clams in the basket. Steve had guessed 1400 and something.)

There is a silent auction where local businesses provide most of the prizes—dinners, weekends, prints by local artists, kayak and boat trips. This year they had about ten painted trash cans by local youth that were also among those items on which on could bid. All had a seafood theme done by some very talented youngsters. Hope they got really high bids on these. (July 7—Steve had the high bid on the kayak rental…can’t wait to go).

And, of course, what is a Fourth of July festival without food…traditional and special--hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, cake, pie, corn on the cob, fries, soft drinks. Then, there are the seafood yummies—clam cakes, steamers, fritters, and the clam boil (kind of a boiled clam bake—clams, potato, corn). We split an order of steamers. Steve ate the traditional hot dog while I enjoyed the clam (or was it crab…can’t remember) cakes. So good!

There are fireworks at night, but we do not stay that late.

Cedar Key has several festivals throughout the year. But nothing beats this one. Can hardly wait to return next year.

http://shellfish.ifas.ufl.edu/

A GOOD READ

A Good Read

Yesterday, Steve and I went to Clamerica at Cedar Key. I will write a separate blog posting for that. I ran into an author who had crossed this great country via a southern route from North Central Florida to the Oregon border on a bicycle with his faithful dog Lucy in tow. He was selling his two books in front of a local restaurant. I often buy books when I can meet the author, especially when he/she is willing to sign a copy.

These books are kind of a Steinbeck Travels with Charlie, but the first tour was done on a bicycle. Chris Buerki has self published this pair. The first, which I finished this morning, is entitled Travels with Lucy, subtitled, 3600 Miles, 19 Flat Tires, 7 Puppies, and 4 Near-Death Experiences. He’s a good story teller—well read and articulate. His adventures are rather amazing. Trials and tribulations. Meeting new people—good and not so good. The companionship of a wonderful furry friend. Hot weather. Head winds. Mountains. Deserts. Highs and lows of adventure. Black and White Photos.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed the entire story, if I had to name a favorite part, it would be his trip back from California. He needed to get both his bike and his faithful companion back to Florida. He was rather innovative and inventive in this solution.

I disagree with him on some levels. He does not like law enforcement; I’m a cop’s kid. And, his view on pot is quite different than mine. Also, I believe that one can tell a good story (and he can) without using the “f” word (which he does).

I guess my biggest problem with this first book, however, is the editing. I would like to volunteer to edit for him. Spell checks do not pick up things such as “it” or “is” if one really means “if.” There are many such faus pax throughout the book. Capitalization. Run on sentences. Punctuation. Using “I” when “me” should have been used. And ending so many sentences with a preposition. Drove me CRAZY. All need to be rechecked. It would have made the book so much better!

However, on the very positive side, it is a wonderful read from a great story-teller who kept meticulously detailed journals. Delightful. Heartwarming. Heart wrenching. Humorous. And, in parts—belly laughing funny.

I have gained new respect for cyclists, especially one with a dog.

The second book is entitled Travels with Lucy: Part II; subtitled On the Road with a Dog and Her Book. This one looks as though the tour is done partially by bike and partially by automobile. I am looking forward to reading it later this week.

Writer777@att.net

27802 SW 120 Lane

Newberry, FL 32669

Travelers Championship at the TCP in Cromwell, Connecticut

These pictures have nothing to do with the up and coming blog, but they are purdy!

The “Spectacular” Finish of the Travelers

These were the words of the sports announcers on TV today which we were watching the Travelers Championship. This event has been running more than fifty years. It has been called “The Insurance City Open” and “Greater Hartford Open.” It has had attached to its name the likes of Sammy Davis, Jr., Canon, and Buick. This tournament has survived name and sponsorship changes on a regular basis. But the important thing is that it has survived. I don’t often watch golf, but this tournament is a bit closer to me than most.

I guess if I were to pick a favorite professional golfer, it would be Phil “Lefty.” Lefty does not usually play in this tournament. Another favorite, one who has played fairly regularly in Cromwell (the current venue for this tournament—the TCP in Cromwell, CT), is Scott Verplank. Why would I pick Mr. Verplank, you ask! Well, in watching him play today an old memory surfaced.

All the insurance companies in the area are sponsors of one sort or another. My “company” sponsored the eighteenth hole. The tournament includes a Pro-Am (or a day for celebs) Day. All the companies ask for volunteers to work their sponsored area. At one time, it was a paid day, but probably not any more. Several changes have been made in this phase too. At one time, you could pick one, two or all the days. Then, one would only get a day off if one were to work at least one of the weekend days as well. Now, probably it would cost one to participate…I don’t know.

In 2001 I was working as a temp for a large insurance company in the area (not Travelers). The Open was approaching; so I volunteered for the day with the celebs. Well, not too many well known people participated that year. (When Sammy Davis was participating, loooooots of celebrities came).

In volunteering, one had to buy one’s own golf shirt (I still have mine). We also hadto get to the golf course reallllllllly early in the morning. The first person I saw that I knew was our local weatherman—Scott Haney. Wow, who else might I see!  I am not one to be particularly excited over celebrities.  I actually prefer sport personalities to other types (music, movies, etc).  Several former UCONN alumni who now played in the NBA shared the golf course with their golfing professional counterparts.  They were fun to see.

My job was to be crowd control. They gave me one of the “QUIET” signs to use when golfers were about to put the club to the ball. Next to me was Vinnie who recognized my OES ring. He was a member as well. I sorta recognized him, but did not really know him. We got to be quick close friends.

Governor John Rowland was one of those playing with the professional golfers…two amateurs and two professionals in each group—obviously, a foursome. Governor Rowland whacked the ball from the mid fairway which had been his first hit right smack into the hole in front of me. This was kind of exciting!  But, as it turned out, he was probably the most well known amateur playing. Oh, well!

As the day moved along, a golfer hit a ball into the rough between Vinnie and me. It was hit by none other than Scott Verplank. This was not yet “tournament” play, but Scott did something that we did not expect. He asked if either of us were golfers. I am not. Vinnie said he sort of played at it. Scott offered to let Vinnie use his club and asked if he would like to send it unto the green. Vinnie was so excited that he almost missed hitting the ball. We talked about that moment for a very long time. I do not see Vinnie much any more, but it is always a “remember when” moment.

I know that Mr. Verplank has had some health problems over the years and has not played a lot. But, this year while watching him on TV, at the fifteenth hole, he lifted the ball out of the bunker with a beautiful swing that put it into the hole, I came out of my seat. Great shot!

The regulation game ended in a three way tie and my boy Scott was one of them—C. Pavin, B. Watson, and Scott Verplank. I make a lot of noise when a sporting event excites me. I was yelling (did not have my QUIET sign close by) from my chair cheering for him. It did not help. Bubba was the final victor after two holes of sudden death.

I am happy to see Scott playing so well, however. And, I am blessed with the memory of a generous man who made another person so very happy. Thank you, Scott. Best wishes for upcoming tournaments.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

I have not been very good about keeping up to date in June. So, I have some unfinished business…

The repaving of our road and a couple of others is done. Most of the roads in this neighborhood are dirt and will remain that way. They are graded regularly, but we have a brand new road. Hip, HIP, HOORAY!

The CENSUS—I have been on a hiatus for a couple of weeks. Start again with a training class for the next portion on Thursday. The last training class was primarily held in a Presbyterian Church. This training session is going to be held in a Baptist Church. Although the Constitution says nothing about the separation of church and state, the ACLU has long made a point of that separation. Bet they could make a big deal out of this too.  We actually had a lawsuit in Florida (of course) over a polling place.  In Florida much of our polling places are churches or religious centers.  The voting takes place in the fellowship halls.  (In Connecticut most of the voting takes place in schools ).  Some idiot sued over this practise.  Can't get much dumber as far as I am concerned.

Speaking of the Constitution, the census, of course, is required by it…Article I, Section 2, Paragraph 3. In the several weeks which doing the job, I carried a copy of this document in my briefcase. My friends teased me that I was probably the only enumerator in the entire US who so did.

But, I will say that I did drag  out my copy of that great document a couple of times:

One person said that she “did not wish to participate.” My reply was that it was the law and in the Constitution. She asked her husband, “Bobby, is it the law?” I dragged out my copy and asked her if she wanted to read it. She declined the opportunity to read it, but did give me some minimal information.

When another man was giving me a hard time, I explained to him that it was in the Constitution. He argued about what it said. I offered to let him read it. He refused to speak to me after that. A neighbor “proxied” the necessary information…nah-nee, nah-nee, nah-nah. I had “met” the neighbor by phone as she responded to my “while you were out” notice and told me about several snowbird houses. This one guy was not a snowbird, so I had to go back and try to talk to him. The neighbor was walking. This is an area where there is NO traffic (only the snowbirds and these two neighbors). So, I stopped the car and introduced myself and she babbled very nicely the information I needed.

I find it interesting that neither wanted to see the “proof.” But, I had it there for them. As I mentioned, my friends had a field day at my expense because I carried it. I mentioned this to my group. Our CL thought it would have been a good idea for every single enumerator across the county to carry it. But, like so many things in this census, hindsight is…(well, you know the rest). The thing is there should not be any “hindsights” in this census. It is the 23rd time we have done one in this country. You’d think we would have gotten it correct by now.

They tell us that this was supposed to be the first “fully automated” census. Last year in address collection, we had HHC (hand-held computers) made in Taiwan. I had a mental problem with using foreign made computers to do a US census. I thought that was only my opinion, but since we went back to old manual way of using paper maps and books, I guess I was not the only one who saw the problem. My cousin, the accountant, said that they went with the cheapest (which to him is a high compliment…go with the cheapest). But my response was, “Exactly!” Cheapest did not get the job done! Concept, good; product, junk.

I have enjoyed doing the work. I really like the job! Met lots of great people. Learned much.  Had fun!  (Is a job really supposed to be fun!!!???? Yeah, I think so.

WATERMELON SEASON

Watermelon Season is Here

Early June brings the local watermelon season. It lasts between three and four weeks. Along with the growing melons, an army convoy of school busses with their drivers and families arrive. The wonderful people who pick our fruits and vegetables on the way to our tables make this time of the year very traditional, indeed.   Summer and Watermelon!

Most of the busses are unique. Many have the window are cut out. Some have the entire back cut out. Last year I had planned to take pictures of the busses, but they disappeared as quickly as they came. The grapevine eventually told me that they were on their way to their next picking area…Cordelle, GA—whose claim to fame is that they are the watermelon of the world. (I guess we like our titles…Ocala claims to be the horse racing capital, so why not a watermelon capital.)

This evening on my way to finish up some census stuff, I stopped at the local warehouse and center of action to grab a snapshot of the trucks. I ran into Rene, a wonderful man, hard working gentlemen. I asked if he would mind if I took pictures of the area. He said that was fine. His entire family were working. He told me that his son was a chef, but helped pick during various seasons. Rene’s favorite pickin’s apparently is Delaware blueberries. They pick and pack from sunup to sundown. And, all we have to do is go to the grocery to get those yummy round seedless melons.

Steve had just mentioned to me today that he wondered where they were grown. We have never seen a watermelon plant, but there are hundreds of boxes waiting to be filled and shipped. Rene offered to show Steve and me the watermelon fields some evening next week. I may just take him up on that. Thanks, Rene, for the offer and wonderful information that you provided.