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Random Thoughts

How did you spend your 4th? I spent mine with Gordon Parks. He told me all about his life, and what a life! He tells it in his book, "A Hungry Heart."

I wish everyone would read it. It will open your eyes to things you never dreamed of. What a talented man! He is known for his splendid photography but there was more than that. He wrote books, poetry, composed beautiful music, and directed movies. He tells his story in a true and entertaining way.

The holiday takes us back to the days of Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. How about Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanac"? He advised us to be "temperate in wine, eating, girls, and cloth." Can you think of better advice?

Every time you eat an ice cream cone think of Thomas Jefferson. He is supposed to have invented them. The Washingtons were hosts for many a meal. People came to their home to be wined and dined, many times uninvited. They would be served on fine china, sparkling crystal, and real silver. What would those people back there think of our casual way of entertaining? What would they think of our paper plates, cups, and plastic cutlery?

I guess after 231 years customs are bound to change some.

Please pass the hot dogs and the potato salad. Yummy.

— NORMA HANNAFORD

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