Saturday 9

(Link in meme-roll)
Battle Hymn of the Republic (1968)
... because it's 4th of July
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
This performance of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" is from Robert Kennedy's funeral. So this week, we focus on him.

1) During WWII, when he was just 17, Robert Kennedy enlisted in the Navy. He was disappointed he was never involved in combat. Tell us about a time when you felt fate/circumstances kept you from something you wanted.

Well, I really wanted dance lessons as a kid, and that never happened. There were a few jobs I really wished I'd gotten, but I wasn't. There were some guys... Honestly, I can't think of anything much recently, except for my boss to PAY ATTENTION! Really, after three years of talking about one issue at virtually EVERY MEETING we've had with him, he just last week figured out that everyone on staff is COMPLETELY FURIOUS about the way he has handled it. Even the cool, calm, moderate ones are pissed. The boss says he didn't understand the depth of people's annoyance. Duh?! Really? So, apparently, we have to shout to get his attention. smh

2) Bobby was trained as an altar boy and throughout his life regularly attended early morning mass. When is the last time you attended a worship service?

Two weeks ago? We'll probably go tomorrow too. Or, well, I will. Maybe Beast will. Sparky is unlikely to; he informed me last week he's a Satanist. I suspect he's poking the wasp nest to see if I'll flip out. I did come home and wiki myself up on the subject though. tbh, I'm not surprised; the general theory is something I can see him going for. ANYWAY, I don't think he's a "practicing" Satanist, in the sense of attending worship of any kind, since apparently that's not a thing. I dunno--I need more info from the boy.

3) He may have been an altar boy, but he was no angel. During junior high he was suspended for punching a classmate. Who is the last person who made you very, very mad?

Beast. And then myself for failing to stick to my program. And before that, my boss. In case you didn't notice after the first question.

4) He had his first date when he was a senior in high school. Looking back, Mary Bailey Gimble told Kennedy biographers that she knew he had a crush on her and wondered why it took him so long to ask her out. Tell us about one of your early crushes.

I never actually dated any of my crushes, thank the good Lord! I did kiss one of them though. He's on Facebook--and holy crap he's only gotten better-looking over the years! lol

5) Bobby's wife Ethel is as bubbly and talkative as he was introspective and shy. He was organized, she's messy. While opposites may attract, do you believe the happiest marriages are between partners who are more similar than different?

I do think that people have to have something they can share in common. But I also think that if two people are too similar it doesn't work either. It's extraordinarily complex.

6) By November 1960, when he was 35 years old, Bobby already had served as legal counsel to two Senate committees and run his brother's successful Presidential campaign. He was looking forward to a quieter life teaching law but gave in to family pressure to become President Kennedy's Attorney General. Tell us about a time when you were at a crossroads. Who influenced your decision?

Prayer and advice from people I trust. And some gut.

7) In 1777, Colonists celebrated July 4 with the firing of cannons and muskets, followed by a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. What is your neighborhood doing to observe the day?

Oh yeah, the fireworks started about 10 days ago. Last night they were going off until at least midnight. Tonight it will be later. We don't participate. We will probably grill brats and burgers tomorrow or Monday and have macaroni and cheese one night while Sparky's home. And we'll be able to see several towns' fireworks shows from our backyard if we want.

8) The Revolutionary War still raged during that summer of 1777. General George Washington allowed his soldiers to celebrate with a double ration of run rum on July 4. Do you know anyone who is serving in the military this 4th of July?

Nope. I know a couple of Guard members, but they're not currently serving.

9) Celebrity chef Rachael Ray says she considers mini-hamburgers, or "sliders," the All-American food. What will you be eating this 4th of July?

Oops, jumped the gun. We're probably ordering pizza tonight when Sparky gets here...or something. So there'll be leftovers. And the usual grilled stuff. And some corn.