Tomorrow is the state of Nevada's 150th Birthday. It entered into the Union on October 31, 1864 as the 36th state.

I sure never imagined I would be living in Nevada. I always had visions of it being a barren wasteland. Little did I know that it's an amazing place, with so many secret getaways and treasures.

Apparently Nevada has a state song. I never had to learn it to live in Nevada, but perhaps schoolchildren do learn it. And in case you wondered, here it is (and if you'd like to be part of a world-record attempt to have the most people singing a state song, at 10 am today, click here):

Home Means Nevada OFFICIAL SONG OF THE STATE OF NEVADA (NRS 235.030)Written & Music by Bertha Raffetto Way out in the land of the setting sun,Where the wind blows wild and free,There’s a lovely spot, just the only oneThat means home sweet home to me.If you follow the old Kit Carson trail,Until desert meets the hills,Oh you certainly will agree with me,It’s the place of a thousand thrills.Home means NevadaHome means the hills,Home means the sage and the pine.Out by the Truckee, silvery rills,Out where the sun always shines,Here is the land which I love the best,Fairer than all I can see.Right in the heart of the golden westHome means Nevada to me. Whenever the sun at the close of day,Colors all the western sky,Oh my heart returns to the desert greyAnd the mountains tow’ring high.Where the moon beams play in shadowed glen,With the spotted fawn and doe,All the live long night until morning light,Is the loveliest place I know. Home means NevadaHome means the hills,Home means the sage and the pines.Out by the Truckee’s silvery rills,Out where the sun always shines,There is the land that I love the best,Fairer than all I can see.Right in the heart of the golden westHome means Nevada to me. Happy Birthday, Nevada!
(We will be celebrating for a few days and will have some posts about how to celebrate a state's 150th birthday coming up soon.)