Properly Patriotic

As a frequent attendee of Little League games, I often hear the national anthem being played from the loudspeaker as I walk between fields. Although I know to place my hand over my heart when I'm participating in a game or program featuring this ceremony, I've never been clear what to do in other circumstances. (After getting the evil eye from a military serviceman once [my honest apologies], I decided I'd better learn the proper American etiquette.)

Whenever you hear the National Anthem, wherever you are:

• Stop and stand at attention
• Face the flag, or if you can't see the flag, face the source of the music
• Remove your hat
• Place your hand over your heart

Here's the official United States Flag Code:
"During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there. "

Thank you kindly, ma'am

Easy, but sweet nonetheless. Turn some inexpensive market flowers into a western-themed hostess or thank you gift.

Place a few blooms in an empty root beer bottle. Tie with red and white ribbons or red bandana. Accompany with a card featuring a lucky horseshoe: "I'm so lucky to know a gal like you."

Snow Rodeo - Sledding Party

My cowboy posse put together a terrific activity for a group of teen friends, but this activity would bring out a Yee-haw from any age.

The Snow Rodeo sent everyone out sledding -- with a variety of challenges to see who could stay on their trusty mount. Each guest named their sled (Bronco, Big Red, Slippery Sam, etc.) and "branded" their steed with the name written on a label and stuck to the back of the sled. (The "branding" stickers could be a fun and easy craft activity before heading out into the snow. Decorate and draw in western-style letters.)





Rodeo Challenges:

• Bare Backwards riding (go down the hill backwards)
• Riding double (two people per sled)
• Bucking Bronco (sledding over a series of bumps and jumps created just for this race)
• 8 seconds (who could make it down in exactly 8 seconds -- harder than you'd think)

Wrangle up some easy party favors with western neckerchiefs to wear over noses in the cold. Even the party's end can be fun with a race to "round up" the sleds and "corral" them in the take-home vehicle.

Giddy-up!