Friday, December 04, 2009

Christmas 2009
Historic Stanislaus
Macon, Georgia


This evening it was my pleasure to participate in the 2009 Christmas in Historic Stanislaus Neighborhood in Macon, Georgia. The event featured twelve homes that were open for viewing. The entire neighborhood was lite up with luminaries.

This tour of homes will conclude on Saturday, December 5, 2009. The hours are from 6 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. Parking is available at Vineville Baptist Church. The cost of $20.00 per attendee was modest when I realized that there were two stops with hot cider as well as home made cookies.

Not only did we walk the street in this neighborhood, we visited the interiors of twelve homes which were open for the tour. Of course each was very well decorated for the Christmas Season.


I could not pass up this street scene. The beauty of a nice cool, crisp evening in Macon, Georgia. It was simply wonderful.




In addition to the tour of the neighborhood and the interiors of twelve homes they even had Carolers for our listening pleasure.
Christmas in Macon, Georgia was certainly given a fabulous start with this event. I would urge everyone to participate on Saturday, December 6, 2009. Tickets are available once you enter the neighborhood.
Please be aware that the originator of this Blog Entry, the Flower Child, does not live in this Neighborhood, but I simply had to share my pleasure having attending this Christmas Event in Historic Stanislaus.





Christmas Open House
Macon, Georgia
Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, Inc.
730 College Street
The lovely Women of the Federated Garden Clubs of Macon are holding a Christmas Open House on Sunday, December 6, 2009



This arrangement adorns the front door area

These carolers will be singing until December 30, 2009


You are invited to a
Christmas Open House
Sunday, December 6th
2 - 4 p.m.



St. Joseph's School Choir will sing at 2:30
Santa will be there for pictures. Cookies and punch will be served.
Please come and bring your families!
This is a free event !




I, the Flower Child designed and fabricated this
Christmas Centerpiece which
adorns the top of the hutch in the Breakfast Room
at
the Federated Garden Center.
Merry Christmas!!!





White House Security
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D. C.

I know that the above picture is not of the White House. It is the current U. S. Navy Ship which bears the name USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53). During my U. S. Navy Career I served on the USS John Paul Jones (DDG 32). During that period of time I often stood Inport Quarterdeck Watches. In addition to maintaining a proper and safe mooring of the ship to the pier, the Officer of the Deck and the Petty Officer of the Watch were charged with insuring the Security of the Ship and the Crew.
To that end we knew when we were expecting visitors and their names. If a visitor approached us at the end of the brow (the walkway from the pier to the ship) that was not on any list we would ascertain who they desired to see/visit. The Messenger of the Watch would then accompany them to the appropriate individual.
Sounds simple enough. Every day, thousands of dedicated Sailors still protect our U. S. Navy Ships as they stand watch while they are in port throughout the World.
Now, reflect back a few days ago when a couple crashed a gala State Dinner at our Nation's White House. I get the impression that the party crashers were not on any guest list. No one was assigned to accompany them to the White House interior. Of course, in the course of protecting our President and the First Family as well as the Honored Guest from India it would appear to me that if one was not on the approved guest list that they should have been refused admittance to the State Dinner. Simple enough. Yet the party crashers suceeded in gaining entry into the White House. Certainly a break down in the security system. I am also sure that there were more than two people who were vetting the guest list and checking out the attendees.
What a tragic, senseless loss. Here we possibly have the most important House Party in the World and too many people dropped the ball so to speak. The crafty party crashers were properly dressed and even wore "India style garb" to gain access to this State Dinner.
Now our U. S. Congress will waste far too much time investigating this Party Crasher Event when they should be focused on the problems that face our Country. The White House Security situation can quickly be solved by requiring that the Guest List Czar provide an accurate list to the Staff who are vetting the attendees prior to their admission to the Party/White House.
Sounds very simple to me, yet an effective way to resolve the problem/issue.

It Is All About Jobs
The Economy
During the recent Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend I was fortunate enough to discuss the job/employment situation right here in Middle Georgia. I know two men, much younger than I, who are in the labor force in organizations that are engaged in manufacturing items used in the home construction industry.
These two young men are both employed in the maintenance side of these manufacturing organizations. They are fully employed because the owners of these firms have determined that when the orders are low it is a great time to rebuild, conduct major improvements and repair the production equipment.
They both quickly shared with me that the individuals who are in the production of items for the home construction industry are not even getting enough hours to provide an appropriate Christmas for their respective families. To that end, the Hunters at these organizations are providing their peers with plenty of venison so that they have protein to consume. I was impressed with the attitudes of these two young men who were clearly showing concern for their fellow employees by providing assistance.
Which leads me to ask the question:
  • When will the economy improve enough so that home construction will actually rebound?
  • When will the government/media be honest with the citizens of this great country to actually admit/report that we are not as well off as they would like up to believe?
  • What other segments of the economy are experiencing difficult times?

We have all heard about the large staff of individuals that our New First Lady has employed to allow her to function in her New Role.

We have all heard about the plethora of Czars that our New President has surrounded himself with to help him cope with these trying times. From what I have heard, each of these Czars is being rewarded with generous pay packages.

Yet we have all been told or heard that times are difficult and that we need to share the wealth. The proposals that generate great interest for me are those that indicate that we need to increase the taxes on the Rich.

I have never met a poor citizen who employed others to produce a product. What I do know is that organizations, i. e. small business organizations employ a large number of people. It appears to me that if we burden the small business organizations, those who hire the most people, with high taxes; that we will indeed stifle any anticipated recovery.

This all sounds simple enough to me. I do not understand why those in Leadership roles can not comprehend this important economic fact of life. Maybe they will learn by experience. Once we tax the individuals who generate employment to the point they are out of business, just maybe these self-centered leaders see the light. It is my hope and prayer that this happens very quick rather than later.

In the end, please read the headline on this Blog.

"It Is All About Jobs"

Once our society has them (jobs) the economy will improve. Thank You!!!

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Decorate the Tree
The Next Step

The Christmas Tree is now in place. All that needs to be done is that it must be appropriately decorated. It is a real tree and over the next few days it will be decorated. It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Merry Christmas
from
Macon, Georgia

Today the Flower Child finally finished hanging the Wreaths at our Home in West Bibb County Georgia. You were able to see the front door detail yesterday. Here is what the whole house looks like at night. Have a Blessed Christmas 2009!!!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Christmas 2009

Once again the Flower Child is able to participate in that most Wonderful Time of the Year. Christmas 2009 Celebrations have commenced and people everywhere are decorating their homes and workplaces.
Have a Blessed Christmas Season!!!!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Come You Thankful People Come!!!
On Sunday, November 22 I invited everyone to attend the Thanksgiving Eve Service at the Church I attend. The Service tonight focused on the Bountiful Blessings our God Gives Us. The Altar was appropriately adorned.

The Children's Sermon contained a great lesson, even for us Adults. We should not focus on the darkness in our lives. Rather we should focus on the light in our lives - The Blessings We enjoy which we receive from our Creator, God.
The Message stressed the importance of appreciating our Blessings, even in these challenging times. All too often we dwell in the darkness in our lives. By focusing on God's Great Light, His Grace which allows us to enjoy Eternal Life in Heaven we can be Thankful for all of our Blessings.


Wreaths Across America


One Man started this Wonderful Program. You can participate by Sponsoring a Wreath. First I would advise you to view at least one of the Videos here:




After you have seen the impact of this Wreath Program please consider becoming a Wreath Sponsor. All You have to do is visit this site:




And click on the "Sponsor a Wreath" tab. You are also able to select the Cemetery you want your wreath to be displayed. You must note the location ID when you visit the State Tab and then enter that ID Code during the online ordering process. It is very easy to do.


You can also volunteer to assist at any location you desire. Simply send a message to the Contact Person listed for the Cemetery you desire to visit on Saturday, December 12, 2009. Most events are scheduled to happen at 12:00 Noon, but local requirements may cause the time to be different therefore you are urged to check with the site.


Georgia Veterans Memorial Cementery, Milledgeville

Location ID: GAGVMM

Location Leader: Lyman "Chip Oehring

Phone: (678) 823-3003

E-Mail: loehring@comcast.net

Or


Andersonville National Historic Cemetery
Location ID: GAANHC
Location Leader: Capt Robert Kelly Jr.
Phone: (229) 938-4204




Thank You!!!!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Evening Scene
West Bibb County Georgia

I have often heard the adage that "Time Flies When You Are Having Fun!" This picture was taken a mere ten weeks ago here in West Bibb County Georgia.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Thank You!!!
On Board USS Bainbridge (DDG 96)

NORFOLK, Va. (Nov. 19, 2009) Capt. Richard Phillips, former commanding officer of M/V Maersk Alabama, publicly thanks the commanding officer and Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) for his dramatic rescue at sea. On Easter Sunday, April 12, Navy SEALs positioned on the fantail of the Bainbridge opened fire and killed three of the pirates who were holding Phillips hostage. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals/Released)

Heroes From Macon, Georgia
As we all prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving 2oo9 I think that it is important to show our gratitude for the Heroes who served in our Navy who are from Macon, Georgia.


At sea aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) Jul. 14, 2002 -- Fire Controlman 3rd Class Eric Moore from Macon, GA, currently assigned to the ship’s environmental department, places a disc inside of a plastic bag for disposal. The melting unit compresses plastic trash, to reduce the size of the garbage for easier storage during deployments. The discs are stored on board until they can be removed from the ship and properly recycled or disposed. Wasp's environmental department processes 160 plastic discs daily. The Wasp’s Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Fireman Vernishia R. Vaughn. (RELEASED)


Pacific Ocean (Aug. 1, 2004) - Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Miranda Alnond from Macon, Ga., makes preparations for a sidewinder missile to be loaded onto an F-14D Tomcat assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) on the flight deck aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) are at sea participating in a scheduled deployment and supporting Summer Pulse 2004 which is the deployment of seven carrier strike groups (CSGs), demonstrating the ability of the Navy to provide credible combat capability across the globe, in five theaters with other U.S., allied, and coalition military forces. Summer Pulse is the Navy's first deployment under its new Fleet Response Plan (FRP). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Johnnie R. Robbins (RELEASED)

Atlantic Ocean (Sept. 18, 2004) - Airman Marlon Bradly of Macon, Ga., makes final checks to a T-45A Goshawk attached to Training Air Wing One (TW-1), before launch off the flight deck aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). The Norfolk, Va. based nuclear powered aircraft carrier is conducting routine training off the East Coast of the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Jessica Davis (RELEASED)





San Diego, Calif. (April 29, 2005) - Seaman Angela Carswell from Macon, Ga., runs with students competing in the 18th annual “Jog-a-Thon” in support of the Zamorano elementary Parent Teacher Foundation (PTF) fundraiser. Sailors stationed aboard the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) volunteer their time to support various community activities through out the greater San Diego area. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Roland Franklin (RELEASED)




PACIFIC OCEAN (March 25, 2008) Seaman Dewayne Robinson, of Macon, Ga., sands paint from an anchor chain in the forecastle of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). The chain is attached to a 60,000-pound anchor with each link weighing about 360 pounds. Kitty Hawk is conducting training exercises in the U.S. 7th fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman John J. Mike (Released)
Everyone us us certainly can be proud of these Heroes from Macon, Georgia.





Come You Thankful People Come!!
You may not have heard this phrase. It is the opening line in a Hymn that is commonly used at Thanksgiving Time in Lutheran Congregations.
To view the complete lyrics please visit:
You are also invited to Worship this Thanksgiving Eve Wednesday, November 25 at 7:00 P.M. at The Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity at 1899 Tucker Road, Macon, Georgia 31220.
You can also visit the Church Website at:
You are certainly Welcome to Worship with us this Thanksgiving Eve and of course every Sunday Morning. Thank You!!