Tuesday, October 22, 2013


The Tale of Three Houses
Macon, Georgia
22 October 2013
Some of the readers here may recall the events of the weekend of October 23, 2011.  Three houses were moved from Coleman Avenue near Mercer University to Oglethorpe Street.

 This is a picture of the three houses I took on 17 November 2011 after they were placed at their new location.  

The following nine pictures were taken today, October 22, 2013 to show how much has been accomplished.









I have fond memories of the chilling cold October morning when the houses departed Coleman Avenue near Mercer University as they commenced their journey to Oglethorpe.

It is my understanding that one of these homes is very near to being complete.  You can observe the For Sale signs.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Macon-Bibb County
Georgia
United States of America

Please note that I indicated the exact City, County, State and Country as the Title of This Post.  If you view these pictures and did not know, you may get the impression that these were shot in some third world Country and not in Georgia.

 This is a picture of the Board of Elections Headquarters on Pio Nono Avenue in Macon, Georgia.  One would think that with all the people running for public office at various times that this sign would reflect the pride we should have in our City and County.  

 This is the sign that visitors to Macon-Bibb County see as they depart Houston County Georgia traveling North on highway 247 toward Macon.  In addition to the City and County Names it also welcomes travelers to the Cherry Blossom Capital.  The maintenance of this Welcome Sign is a disgrace to anyone who resides in Macon and Bibb County.  I did not perform a close-up inspection of the dead plants/shrubs at the base of this sign; however I would suggest that the appropriate governmental officials consider acquiring the services of the local landscape firm, which has their Headquarters on the West Side of Highway 247 a few feet from this sign.


Here you see two view of a dangerous tree on Tucker Road in West Bibb County.  I frequently travel this road and am concerned enough to report this dangerous tree.  As most citizens know, thousands of Scholars attend the West Bibb County Private and Public Schools in this area.  It would be a terrible situation if this dangerous tree fell on a school bus or a van full of Scholars or even participants of sport events which are very frequent in this area.  

This dangerous tree could also fall on a car and do considerable damage and possibly take a life or two or even several.  

I publish this Post today to point out that We The People certainly deserve better and it is my sincere hope that our duly elected officials actually live up to their campaign promises.  Admittedly, we should expect the current crop of 21 elected officials to resolve these issues.  Just think, come January 2014 we will have only ten duly elected officials to resolve/correct any issue/s we have in Bibb County.  It is my hope that less will be better.

Thank You for taking the time to read this post today.  If you see/observe a dangerous situation please let the appropriate officials know.  If you witness a situation that is a disgrace to the people of Macon and Bibb please let the appropriate officials know.  

Together We Can Do Better!!!!

Weatherby Drive
Macon, Georgia

Urban Renewal Project
October 21, 2013



 The previous three pictures clearly show the "before" pictures of my Plant Planting Project of today, 21 October 2013.


 I planted seven "Sweetness" Yellow flowering Daffidols at the base of the mail box.  This variety was first sold in 1939 and is noted for a superb fragrance.  It reportedly multiplies well.  The package stated to plant in full sun, which I did.  They are to bloom in February and will be about 12 inches high. 

 Anytime I place plants in the soil where I live I dig and set a five dollar hole for a 2 dollar plant.  For this project at the mail box I acquired Fafard 3B Professional Formula for Bedding Plants.

The plants I placed in this mixture named from left to right are:

A pretty untagged plant
Acorus gramines "Variegata"
Ogon Golden Variegated Sweek Flag
Acorus gramines "Variegata"
Nagoa Rose Flowering Kale

All of these plants should grow to at least 12 inches tall.  I covered the Soil Mixture with pine straw to hold the soil in place during the rains and/or watering evolutions.

This is a picture of the completed project.  The plantings were placed on both sides of the Mail Box and are all in full sun so they should do well.  

Friday, October 18, 2013

Doing Business in 2013

Recently I called a business to inquire about a certain product.  Once the phone was answered there was a great amount of hissing/background noise/garbles.  I asked the person to call me back and the response was that this is normal.  The business was attempting to conduct business with a "Cell Phone."

I can not comprehend any business presenting itself to the potential customer and informing them that the customer must appreciate their "Cell Phone" and the hissing/background noise/garbles.

If this is the new method/mantra for impressing potential customers I am certainly one who is out of touch.  Needless to say, I found another organization that cares about the potential customer.  I do not know if they have a land line or rely on a cell phone; but I can state that phone communications with their potential customers was of such fine quality that I immediately commenced to do business with this firm.  They care about their reputation and their ability to communicate with the customer in an outstanding manner.

One thing is for sure, if I ever contact any business that relies on a poor cell phone connection and/or equipment I will simply hang up on them.  There is no need for any business to ignore it's reputation and it's ability to communicate with customers and even potential customers.

Let the word be published.  A Cell Phone is not an excuse for poor or inferior communication with anyone, especially if you desire to earn anyone's business.

Thank You!!!!
Savoring the South
Macon Federation of Garden Clubs
Luncheon
October 17, 2013
James Farmer of Kathleen, Georgia was the speaker for the Second Year for the Macon Federation of Garden Clubs Fund Raiser.  There were 35 tables and various decorators and garden club members were recruited to decorate at least one table for eight guests.

This was the second year that I volunteered to decorate a table.  I started with a "Berry Picking Tray" which I acquired in Blue Ridge, Georgia a few months ago.  You will note that there are eight small baskets in the Tray.  I decided to place a food staple in each of the eight baskets.

Lima Beans
Pinto Beans
Black Eye Peas
Elbow Macaroni
Grape Tomatoes
Dried Peaches
Grapes
Pecans


Because each table was to be judged for competition to select
the three best we were not allowed into the venue until 9:00 A.M.
The decoration needed to be complete by 10:00 A.M.  Therefore
I decided to make my tray and basket arrangement on the
tailgate of my pickup so that I would be ready to place
everything on the table as soon as I was able to enter the
venue.

Here you can see my posing with my decorated table.

A close up of the tray and baskets.  Each basket also had a
Deep Red Carnation in a 35 MM Film Canister with water
to keep the flower fresh.

After we enjoyed our Lunch, James Farmer gave a very inspiring talk about how food and presentation have an impact on our daily lives.  He shared recollections from his youth and how his love of food and nice decor was developed with the influence of his family and friends.

It was a wonderful event!!!!


I had acquired Battenberg Lace Napkins and placed them in petite Stainless
Steel Napkin Rings.  A Friend of mine lettered the place cards.
The China displayed here is from My Bride's Collection.





Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Who Won?
ID-10T
This evening, October 16, 2013 a local Television Station here in Middle Georgia asked a poll question.

Who Won as regards the Government Shutdown which commenced 1 October 2013 in the United States of America?  The allowed responses were:

Democrats
Republicans
No One

Later in the Newscast it was announced that well over 70 percent who responded to the Poll answered "No One."

I maintain that "We The People" won.  Now we know for sure what we have elected to serve in our Nation's Senate, our House of Representatives and even who we elected to the Office of President.  

A good number of years ago many of us were aware of the term:  ID-10T.  The Urban Dictionary list this as one of several meanings:

"Code name used to describe a situation where someone is having complex problems with a simple solution."

I would submit that we have at least 536 duly elected officials at the National Level who could fill the description of ID-10T as defined by one of the definitions listed in the Urban Dictionary.  

I would also submit that the simple solution which could have avoided the shutdown would have been for 536 duly elected leaders to communicate with each other in a very timely manner and actually enact laws that reflect the will of "We The People."  As I view our current government a good number of our "leaders" are only interested in promoting their own self interest.  

Just maybe during our next election cycle, which I believe is in 2014 we will see "We The People" vote to improve our government, or at least replace some of our duly elected leaders.  We certainly could do no worse.  

What say you regarding this situation.  As always, comments are welcome.  The author of this Post will monitor your comments to eliminate any that are harm full.  

ID-10T






Friday, October 11, 2013


Dannenberg Lofts
Historic Macon's 
2013 Autumn 
Idea House
Today I took the opportunity to visit these Lofts at 476 Third Street in Downtown Macon.  I was impressed with the interior and I took this view which allows each loft to receive an abundance of light.  


I also appreciated this brick detail near the entrance
of Dannenberg Lofts.


Of course I had to capture a view of the Third Street End as I departed the Lofts.  This is a wonderful project for Macon, Georgia.  



Pumpkin Patch
Feeds
Hungry Kids
This past Saturday, October 5, 2013 I arrived at Forest Hills United Methodist Church on Macon's Forest Hill Road to see the church members, young and mature assemble the annual Pumpkin Patch.  It is only recently when I read an article in "Macon Community News" that I learned that the sale of these pumpkins finances the "Backpack Ministry" organized by this church.  The following is a quote from the article I read in the News:

"Every weekend of the school year over 600 children go home each weekend with a backpack filled with food.  All proceeds from the Pumpkin Patch are directed to the Forest Hills Backpack Ministry for local children."

Therefore each time you purchase a pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch you are helping a child have food on weekends during the school year.

The following pictures certainly show the entire team at work to place the pumpkins on pallets prior to the sale which started at 9:30 A.M. on October 5, 2013.

The following is a schedule for the hours that you may purchase a pumpkin.  This is also an excellent opportunity for the entire family to have an outing to purchase their pumpkin or pumpkins. 

Monday thru Saturday - 9:30 A.M. until 7:30 P.M.
Sunday 12:30 P.M. through 7:30 P.M.

This schedule will remain in effect through October 31st.  Of course you are encouraged to purchase your pumpkins early in order to have the best selection.





Just remember, buying your pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch results in feeding Hungry Children as well as providing appropriate decor for you and your family.  Enjoy the Halloween Season!!!!!


Wednesday, October 09, 2013


I'm a Bibb County
Voter!!!

My heart goes out to my fellow Bibb County Georgia Registered Voters.  I already am hearing from some who say that they do not have time to stand in line to vote.  I voted last Saturday on October 5, 2013 and I stood in line about one hour until I was able to go to a voting machine to case my ballot.

I realize that this may be a long time for some, but let me remind you, my fellow Bibb County Citizens, our Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War were often held captive over five years in terrible conditions.  What must a patriot do to inspire his fellow citizens to vote.  Early voting concludes this week and the Run-Off Elections will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2013.

I also know that many non voters among my peers, and I hope that is not you, will be the first to complain when the new Bibb County Government messes up.  That is know is human nature, but I will quickly ask them, did you even bother to vote in the last election?

I always recall the fact that "We The People" deserve who we elect.  If you choose not to vote, I simply do not desire to even hear you voice your displeasure when things go incorrectly.

Your first shock may be on the morning of October 16, 2013.  


Tuesday, October 08, 2013

"Painting the Village"
and
"Painting in the Round"

"One City Art Festival"

3 - 6 October 2013
Macon, Georgia USA










This past weekend the Middle Georgia Art Association participated in the "One City Art Festival" in Macon, Georgia.  This was the first ever for this type event in Macon.  Several organizations joined together to conduct this event:
 Tubman African American Museum
 Macon Arts Alliance
 Middle Georgia Art Association
 Contemporary Arts Exchange
Museum of Arts and Sciences
 The 567 Center for Renewal 
The photos displayed in this post were taken by this Blog Editor and show the work of several Artist of the Middle Georgia Art Association as they took turns painting several of the businesses in Ingleside Village on Ingleside Avenue.  Each Artist worked on each canvas, thus the "Painting in the Round" was accomplished.

You can see the finished paintings at the Gallery in Ingleside Village.  




Autumn
I am confident that everyone has heard the following from a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson:

"In the Spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love."

Today I focus on the Fall Season.  I subscribe to several publications and as they arrived recently I noted a common concept in the covers.

This is the October-December issue of
Portals of Prayer published by Concordia Publishing
House.  It is used for daily devotions.  The
scene is a photo by A. Orlov/Shutterstock, Inc.

 The above publication is published by the Photographic Society of America (PSA).  The cover photo was taken by Tom Griffithe and is entitled "Fall Woods."  Tom resides in Anaheim Hills, California.  This is the October 2013 issue of the PSA Journal

This is the August - September issue of "Our Iowa" magazine.  It is published in Iowa by "Two Men and a magazine."  The following is a quote "About Our Cover...."


"IOWA has 86 state parks, 10 state forest, and numerous county and municipal parks...most with trails like this one in Lake Darling State Park near Brighton iviting you to "take a hike".

"There's no better time to take in the beauty of our parks then under a canopy of colorful leaves on a mellow autumn afternoon.  See you on the trail!"  Cover Photo by Joseph Stanski.  


As I conclude this Post I want to share this poem with you, which I feel reflects well on the Season of Fall.

Autumn Waltz

Come dance, come play, come join the leaves, 
Caught upon the Autumn breeze, 
Spinning round, cartwheels abound, 
Dancing the Autumn Waltz.

Searching Squirrels take to the floor
Collecting nuts for winter-store, 
Bobbing their tails, climbing with ease, 
Dancing their Autumn Waltz.

Birds on the wing travel by in the sky
O'er land and sea, down south they fly, 
Swooping and soaring in formation, 
Leaving our Autumn Waltz.

Such colourful beauty this season beholds
Shades of green, brown, red and gold, 
Freshness in the morning air, 
This is our Autumn Waltz. 

Monday, October 07, 2013



October 7, 1972
The Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity
Macon, Georgia


Janice Marie and Alan Thiese
on their Wedding Day

Carol Jackson, Alan , Janice and David Thiese
we did a Toast
I do not recall what My Brother said during the Toast, but it must have been good.  Today we celebrate 41 years of Marriage.


Saturday, October 05, 2013




The Tale of Two Campaigns
Bibb County - City of Macon
Georgia
Run-Off Election
Tuesday - October 15, 2013

I participated in the first day of early voting, and also the only Saturday for Early Voting for the Run-Off Election in Bibb County, Georgia today, October 5, 2013.

I did have to wait about an hour from the time I got in line until I was processed in the Election Headquarters and handed my voting card to use in the Electronic Voting System.

After I voted I took the opportunity to focus on the Mayor Campaign and captured these pictures.
After I took this picture I introduced myself to the sign holder
and ascertained that he is a World War II Veteran.  He served
in the U. S. Navy and was a Steward.  He was very proud to be
campaigning for the individual indicated on the sign.


These future voters certainly let everyone know who they should
vote for as they approached the Election Headquarters off of
Pio Nono Avenue in Macon, Georgia

In conclusion, I voted today and herewith urge every Bibb County Registered Voter to participate in the election process, either by voting early or voting at the appropriate precinct on Election Run-Off Day, October 15, 2013.

Baking/Cooking Equipment
for
The Flower Child
Several days ago I featured measuring cups and measuring spoons that I had recently acquired.  Today you will see the final shipments of necessary equipment.

This set of three Wilton Easy Flex Silicone Spatulas
will certainly make cleaning mixing bowls much more efficient.

This four cup (1, 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4) measures will also come in
handy in the kitchen.  They are marketed by Norpro and they feature
nylon cups with stainless steel handles.  I also appreciate the
metric equivalents on the handles.

As you can see, the size is also quite easy to see.  Note the shadow of the
overhead trees in the garden.  I placed these cups on a place mat
and took the picture outside with natural light.
As I stated the other day, I am looking forward to using this new kitchen equipment.  The other feature about all of the recent acquisitions is that they do not have lips or handles that can harbor germs/bugs.  Easy clean and also attractive.