Self-Centered

Dangerous Drivers

It is that time of the year when once again, self-centered young citizens think they have the right to destroy property by showing just how skillfully  they can operate operate vehicles.

I would suggest that if any concerned parent noted their children's vehicle with grass and/or mud in the wheel wells they would attempt to find out why!!!

Here is a fairly accurate tire print.  If my own dear children had arrived home with mud in the wheel well I would have at least asked how this happened.

I am confident that there are some among us that feel that they have a "right" to drive.  I would submit that in order to drive a motor vehicle one has to prove they know what is right and wrong.  They have to pass a knowledge test on the rules of the road, etc. and also demonstrate to a license examiner that they can be trusted to operate a motor vehicle.  Based on the destruction that I observed and photographed there are those among us who do not understand that it is a priviledge to operate a motor vehicle.

Some where among our fellow citizens we have parents who may not have instilled a sense of responsibility in their offspring.  Or, even worse, these offspring were properly trained; but took the opportunity to show off to themselves and/or their peers just how much destruction they could perform during the annual "Rites of Spring."

In the end, one has to feel sorry for anyone who would damage other people's property just for the fun of it. 

Pain at the Pump!!!!

Recently we here in the United States of America experienced very high prices for a gallon of gasoline for our Automobiles.  I must admit that we in this Country have it quite nice when compared to gasoline prices in other parts of the World.  That stated, recently gasoline approached $4.00 a gallon.  In recent weeks the price has dropped considerably.

So what is incorrect or wrong abou that?  The electronic media (both network and cable) continually remind us that the price has dropped considerably.  While I am confident that most of us appreciate that fact I am concerned about the attitude that may be developing.  While decreases in prices are appreciated I would like to discuss this situation.

Most of us know that we have a vast source of fuel here in our own country and we for some reason refuse to develop it.  Yet we are being misled that the current price reductions are to be appreciated.  What will the prices go to this Summer, the Summer of 2012?  No one knows, yet we can safely assume that they will go higher.  That is just the nature of the business.

While the recent price spike in gasoline may be compared to attempting to shower or bathe in water with a temperature of 212 degrees (which is boiling here in the U. S. A.) I remain confident that most of us would not appreciate being told that with the water at 180 degrees that we should enjoy the opportunity to shower or bathe in cooler water. 

While this example may appear drastic, I would submit that it is a fair comparison in view of the recent spike in the price of gasoline and the recent reductions that are being touted by the electronic media.  These price reductions are welcome; but of little comfort for those who do not have employment.  Even at $3.50 a gallon for gasoline it requires a fair amount of funds to participate in an active manner to seek employment.  I know much can be done online; however I remain confident that most employers still consider it quite appropriate to conduct on location in person interviews before they hire a potential employee. 

So, I submit today, would you appreciate a shower or bath at 180 degrees when you recently had to endure temperatures of 212 degrees?



"As You Like It"

Garden Arrangements

for

Modern Home Entertainment

and

Enjoyment

The Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, Inc. is conducting a Spring Flower Show this weekend, May 4 through 6, 2012.

The hours are:    Friday - May 4 - 10 am - 5 pm

                         Saturday - May 5 - 10 am - 5 pm

                         Sunday - May 6 - 2 pm - 5 pm

In addition to the Spring Flower Show there will be a Pass-Along Plant and Vase Sale.  You will also be able to tour this 1910 Neel Reid designed home at 730 College Street in Macon, Georgia.

The show is advertised as an opportunity to experience and enjoy the designs for Modern Home Entertainment and Enjoyment.

Admission is $5.00 Per Person.  The various Federated Garden Clubs in Macon provided the decorations.

This Table is decorated for a "Mother's Day Brunch" and is located in the Breakfast Room at the Garden Center.  The flower arrangement consist of plants currently in bloom in Bibb County.

These two flower arrangements are placed on the Mantle of the Fireplace in the Parlor. 

This arrangement is also in the Breakfast Room and was designed for a small table for "Coffee for Two."  This type of arrangement could also be used on the Terrace, Deck or Patio of a home for that morning cup of Coffee.

This floral design is placed in the "Neel Reid: Georgia Classicist" display room on the Second Floor of the Garden Center. 

This arrangement is on the Buffet of the Dining Room and features items available in the Produce Section of your Grocery/Market.

As you can see, this show is focused on Arrangements/Designs that anyone can do to add beauty and enjoyment to their own home.

School Call

"Presentation to the Bibb County Board of Education"

A Summary of the requirements of Georgia's Open Meetings Act and Open Records Act.

Today I attended this School  Call which was conducted by a member of the Georgia's Attorney General's Staff.  This School Call included recently enacted revisions to the Open Records Act.  The power point presentation was thorough and the presentor asked for and received questions during the presentation.  From my point of view it was a very worthwhile presentation for anyone who is concerned about transparency in our various Governments.

While this event was billed as for "The Bibb County Board of Education" the officials and duly elected leaders from other local governments were welcome to attend.

I arrived early, as is my mantra, to insure that I would have a seat at this well publicized event.

I was shocked that only Mr. Tom Hudson, who called the meeting to order and Ms. Lynn Farmer of the Bibb School Board were able to attend.  Dr. Dallemand was also present.

I did not observe than any duly elected leader from the City of Macon or the County of Bibb was in attendance.  Now to be totally fair, I may have missed someone, but I can honestly state that I know these individuals by name and face.  I did not see any from the City or County who was elected to serve "We The People."

I did observe one School Board Candidate, Jason Downey and one County Commissioner Candidate, Mallory Jones in the School Board Meeting Room.  Again, to be fair, there may have been other candidates there.

The concluding comment from the presentation was:

"We look to citizens and officials to act in good faith under the law and to work first together to resolve disputes.  It is not our Office's role to become involved in petty or political squabbles."

Trapping

Blue Angels

The Warner Robins Air Force Base 2012 Air Show featuring the U. S. Navy's Blue Angels concluded on Saturday, April 28th with the planes performing "Aircarft Carrier" Landings.  One exception, there was no arresting gear on the Landing Strip.  As most everyone knows an Aircraft Landing on a Carrier is a fast paced procedure.  The planes usually land at 15 second intervals.  Yesterday I was able to capture the videos of all the F18s as they landed.  The video of the fifth and sixth plane is displayed on the last link on this Blog. You can view each of these landings by clicking on the triangle of each video.  Each video is quite brief and I stopped each one so that I could pan back to be ready to capture the next plane landing.  Certainly an appropriate conclusion to an exciting Air Show and also a dynamic conclusion that clearly demonstrated how Airplanes land on a Carrier.  Now, think with me for a moment as you view each of these Videos.  On a Carrier the Flight Deck Crew must have the plane clear of the landing strip before the next one approaches.  Also the planes usually arrive at the Stern end of the Carrier with the tail hook extended and approaching at a speed of at least 130 miles per hour just in case they do not hook the arresting gear so that they can become airborne and attempt another landing.  Not as easy as landing on a fixed air strip such as you will see on these videos.

The Airman at Warner Robins Air Force Base certainly deserve a "Salute" for a great Air Show.  While there may have been some logistic problems in processing such a large crowd I am very glad that I was able to attend this event which showcased our "U.S. Military" in such a positive manner.  The many static displays at the Air Show were an education for all who attended.

May God continue to Bless America and each and every one of our Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Coast Guard Heroes.  

Blue Angels

U. S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team

visits

Middle Georgia

April 28, 2012

Yes, it took a long, long time to travel from the South Parking Lot at Anchor Glass to reach the Flight Line on Warner Robins Air Force Base.  While I have not heard or read of how many citizens visited the Air Show I suspect that there were record numbers in attendance when the Blue Angels took center state at 3:15 P.M., exactly on schedule. 

As a Sailor I knew that they would be on schedule!!!!!   I attended this event with My Bride, our Son and his Family who reside near Dublin, Georgia.  A great Family Outing - for sure!!!!

I will not publish any comments for each of the eleven pictures that I captured during the Air Show.  Enjoy!!!!

"42"

A Movie to be filmed in Macon, Georgia

June 12 and June 13

Extras

I have already signed up for this fun event which will be filmed at Luther Willams Baseball Stadium.  After I signed up and was accepted I was sent a flyer with sample wardrobe selections.  I spent the morning shopping at Goodwill and the Salvation Army here in Macon. 

I am looking forward to this event and the opportunity to view how a movie is produced.

Gibbs Gardens

Ball Ground, Georgia

Pine Ridge Garden Club Field Trip

This past Thursday eighteen members and friends of Pine Ridge Garden Club of Macon, Georgia traveled to Ball Ground, Georgia to visit the newly opened Gibbs Gardens.  This private garden open to the public since 1 March 2012 consist of 300 acres and has been a 35 year garden project of Mr. Gibbs.

Last Thursday morning he was greeting everyone and telling us a bit about the garden.  He informed us that he planned the paths and the bench placement so that his 93 year old Mother could also enjoy the gardens.  With that introduction we all realized that it would be a fun day.  It was an overcast and cool day, just the right weather for enjoying the entire garden.

I took the opportunity to capture many images.  This one was taken from the center of the Japanese Garden.  It is a panoramic image of six individual shots stitched together.  To see this picture in a larger format please clink on the picture.  I did not carry a Tripod so I consider myself most fortunate that I was able to get six shots that I could put together to make this image.

I enjoyed the day, rested often by using the many benches and contemplating my next picture.  One the homeward journey after completing 5 1/2 hours at the gardens we all enjoyed a very nice meal at the O.K. Cafe, which is alongside I-75 on the North Side of Atlanta at exit 255.

A lovely day that allowed me to view the beauty of a great garden.  Mr. Gibbs informed us that there are now over 20 million daffodils in the garden of many, many varieties so some are in bloom during the entire month of March each Spring.  

Everyone in our group was very happy and glad that they took this Field Trip.  Yes it did involve a lot of walking; however the beauty allowed us all to forget about the potential of tired legs. 

Disposal of our National Flag

United States of America

Disposal of Our National Flag

We all know that the only proper way to dispose of our Flag is by Burning with an appropriate Ceremony.  For many years the American Legion, Post 3 has provided this appropriate ceremony with assistance from local Boy Scout Troops.  In order to make it easier for you to dispose of your worn out/no longer serviceable Flag the American Legion, Post 3 has placed a drop box at the Post where you can place your Flag for proper disposal.  

 This drop box is located at 5530 Thomaston Road in West Bibb County Georgia.  It is just West of the I-475 Exit 5 interchange.  Everyone is encouraged to use this drop box!!!!

When your Flag is no longer usable please take it to this drop box so that it can disposed of in a proper and special manner.  You will feel good about how you honored our Country and our Flag.

Thank You!!!!!    Please be aware that I, the author of this Blog make this post so that you may know of this service.  I am a member of the American Legion, Post 3; however I publish this post as a Citizen of the United States of America and a Proud Veteran of the United States Navy.  

Tax Day 2012

I am confident that most of us in the United States of America know that Tuesday, April 17, 2012 is the date by which the Federal Income Tax Forms must be mailed to the Internal Revenue Service.  

In recent weeks I have been wondering if the Government can collect Taxes from us, the citizens of the United States of America.  So, today, as I returned from mailing my 2011 Federal Income Tax Return and the State of Georgia Income Tax Return I thought about my religion and how even as a child I heard the Christmas Story as recorded in Luke 2 of Holy Scripture.

I recalled that the reason Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem was that they could be taxed by the Roman Government.  I have just completed my reading of the first three versus of Luke 2 and learned that if Jesus Christ's parents had to pay taxes then I also should respect the Government and pay my taxes.  I am just happy that I do not have to return to the city of my birth to register to pay my taxes.  You may not know this, but I was born in a Farm House in Clayton County, Iowa with delivery assisted by a Mid-Wife.

Wishing everyone here in the U.S.A. who reads this Blog a very "Happy Tax Day" on April 17, 2012.  May we all live long enough to have to file many, many more returns.

Another Challenge

Most of the readers here are familiar with the Challenges that I publish from time to time.  During my recent travels throughout Middle Georgia I came upon this marker.  A free lunch at my choice of establishment awaits anyone who can reply with the correct location of this marker.  The deadline for the submission of your response is Midnight, April 22, 2012.

Easter 2012

As I concluded my Holy Week Readings this morning I was impressed with the fact that so many are writing about the importance of Easter versus the Christmas Holiday.

Of course, without the Birth of Jesus Christ there would be no need for Easter Celebrations.

After my readings I gave some thought to how we as a Society view the Christian Holiday of Easter as well as the Christian aspects of Christmas.

First of all, I have yet to meet any of my ancestors who are still in life. They have all perished.  They were all buried in two different Cemeteries in Clayton County Iowa.   At my advanced age meeting my ancestors alive would be almost impossible.  I say this simply because as I prepare to Celebrate Easter Sunday and the resurrection of my Savior I am glad that I have the resources available to me look forward to Eternal Life in Heaven.

Yet, I remain amazed of how many of my peers and some even younger than I do not avail themselves to the resources available to also be able to look forward to Eternal Life in Heaven.

Many of these people would never think of missing a meal and most participate in the weekly marketing adventures to various food stores so that they can sustain their earthly, yet very temporary life/lives.  

Some even have weekly and monthly visits to their medical professionals to insure that they remain as healthy as possible.  

Yet they often overlook the opportunities to participate in Christian Activities that will possibly allow them to enjoy and yes even look forward to Eternal Life in Heaven.  

We all know that Jesus Christ came to earth to save us all; however we are also aware that we have been instructed to participate in the means of grace.  In fact Jesus Christ commanded us to do so.  Additionally, everyone in this life is burdened with the ugly word we know as "sin."  To eliminate the punishment for our "sins" we must believe in Jesus Christ.  There is no way we can earn this "Eternal Life in Heaven," however I am confident that by believing in Jesus Christ and participating in the means of grace I can be assured that I will also receive "Eternal Life in Heaven."

In summary, I would suggest that everyone on earth should be as committed to the long term goal of "Eternal Life in Heaven" as they seek the short term goal/s of sustaining this life here on earth.

I do not publish this Blog today to decry the medical profession or the vendors of fine food.  I enjoy the benefits of having a good Doctor and the medical care resources available to me as well as the fine food/dining pleasure that my resources allow me to enjoy here in the United States of America.

I simply desire to remind my readers here that this temporary life should be a short term goal; but that the "Best Is Yet To Come."  I am looking forward to the Gift from God, Eternal Life in Heaven.  

In short, please maintain the "Big Picture for Your Life" as you plan your daily, weekly, monthly and yearly activities.  What are the priorities that are most essential" is a question that we need to each ask ourselves.

May You and Your Family Have A Blessed Easter Celebration.  As Jesus told us:  "This Do In Rememberance if Me" as He established the Holy Eurharist or The Lord's Supper.

The Flower Child's Garden Gate

Recently I have been very busy in the Gardens that surround my home here in West Bibb County Georgia.  Today I will take you on a photo tour of the North Gardens which are on the back side of the house.  I have been raking up trash from the past Winter and placing "Long Needle" Pine Straw to make the place appear as if someone actually lives here.

 Here you see a seating area where it is possible to pause and reflect on the beauty that God has provided us. The ferns in the foreground are natural and they came with the property when we acquired this home way back in 1992.  This bench is placed to allow a view of the house and the ferns.

 This is a view of the walkway from the deck toward the parking area.  You will note "The Lady in Red" Hydrangeas on the lower right end of this photo.  You will also note that some planters are void of beauty because there are plants yet to be acquired.  This calls for a field trip to a garden center.

 Here is a view through the Garden Gate, which is actually an arch.  You will note that the Pittosporum to the top left are displaying small flower blooms.  Right after we moved into this home we planted a natural fence to replace a board fence between the neighbors.  These plants have done an excellent job of screening and they do not need an annual painting/staining.

 A close up of a planting with Japanese Holly Ferns in the background.  Again, you will note that there is a planter with a plant yet to be acquired.  That aspect is what makes gardening enjoyable for me.  I always attempt to acquire new beauty every year in the annual plants.  Please note the dry stacked bricks in the foreground.  These "used" bricks were acquired from the former "Bibb Mill" when it was torn down.  Therefore I have a bit of local history in the Garden.

Many years ago, My Bride, who is a member of the Garden Club of Georgia installed the Officers for a local Garden Club here in Macon.  They presented her with this Shamrock Plant as a "Thank You" gift.  I recall that we have had this plant at least thirty years.  

"October Baby"

March 29th My Bride and I visited the local cinema to view the movie "October Baby."  I had read a brief article about this movie three weeks ago and based on what I read I was determined to see it.

This movie certainly highlighted the values that are essential for our Society to continue.  There were several moments of sorrow and many moments of emotional feelings generated by the circumstances of life.  It is not my purpose in this post to relate the story line of this movie; but I would encourage everyone who  appreciates life that this movie is a "must see." 

To those who would say that this movie is too warm and fuzzy, I would submit that a refocus on traditional values may just be the solution of the current crisis facing our civilization. 

In summary:  I am very glad I viewed this movie!!

The Flower Child's Challenge

It has been quite a period of time since I posted a challenge in this Blog for the readers to let me know the location.

First of all, I can tell you that this picture was not taken in Middle Georgia.  For now, that is the only clue I will give you.

If you know the location where this image was taken please leave a comment below.  The first correct answer will receive a "Lunch On Me" at a Macon Area eating establishment.  The deadline for this challenge is Midnight, April 1, 2012.

I will share this challenge on face book so you can also respond there.  The Best of Luck to You.  

Looking To The East

On the afternoon of March the second I took this series of shots while standing in the East Garden at my home.  I took many shots with different vantage points.  These three were the best and I share them with you today.  I enjoyed the blue sky and the white clouds as well as the structure of the trees.

"The Reading Room"

a.k.a.

The Library

for

The Flower Child

 Recent renovations in the Library have included the placement of appropriate pictures which highlight the twenty-one year career in the U. S. Navy.  The photo above is of the Shellback Certificate I earned while stationed in the USS Ranger (CVA-61).  We crossed the equator in May of 1964 and the appropriate initiation was conducted.  

 When I was transferred to U. S. Naval Forces Europe Staff I had the option to travel from New York City to Southhampton, England via the SS United States. The four smaller pictures displayed above are pictures of the four Sea Duty Ships I served in:

USS Ranger (CVA-61)

USS Sellers (DDG-11)

USS John Paul Jones (DDG-32)

USS Hull (DD-945)

Of course I have always appreciated this U. S. Navy Recruiting Poster so when I had the opportunity to acquire a copy I purchased it immediately.

I enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1961 and retired from the U. S. Navy in 1981.  I enjoyed my travels and the many shore duty stations which included:

Washington, D.C,

London, England

Macon, Georgia

Central High School Book Club

Melissa Fay Greene

March 13, 2012

 A Central High School Book Club Member introduces the speaker, Author Melissa Fay Greene, a Macon Native.

Melissa Fay Greene kept us spellbound for over an hour as she discussed her outlook on writing non-fiction.  The first picture shows her entire family.  She has written five books:

Last Man Out

Praying for Sheetrock

there is no me whthout you

The Temple Bombing

No Biking in the House Without a Helmet

You can be confident that I have already signed up to attend the 2013 Public Central Book Club event.  Certainly a wonderful evening.







Contraception

This word has certainly gained a lot of attention in recent days here in the U. S. A. as we discuss politics at the national level.

Should the government provide free pills for females?

I am confident that most the readers here know that I am a male.  I have fond memories of my days in the U. S. Navy.  We were often shown movies that displayed the dangers of unprotected sex.  Should you desire to see images of what "syphilis" looks like you can perform a google image search and see the pictures for your self.  Many of them are copy protected so I will not display them here.

I would humbly suggest that the current debate can be quickly resolved by encouraging males who desire to be sexually active outside of marriage to use appropriate protection.  After all, who wants their body to look like any of the images you may have seen by performing the suggested google search.

By appropriate protection I am suggesting the use of condoms.  As long as this device covers any infected area or prevents the male organ from contact with an infected person the chances of acquiring syphilis is slim.

Studies have concluded that the use of a condom is properly placed on the male organ prior to sexual activity is almost 100% effective on prevention of unwanted children.  Thus condom use is about as effective as "the pill" because they have to be used in accordance with a schedule. 

Therefore the chance of an undesired child is about equal.  Besides that the condom is much more effective in preventing sexually transmitted disease/s.  So my concern today is:

Which is more appropriate from the viewpoint of the male species?  Trusting that she has taken her pills on schedule and risking exposure to dormant syphilis or simply placing a condom on the male organ and knowing that you are just as safe as regards preventing an unwanted child and having the security of knowing that you just may be keeping yourself healthy. 

In conclusion, the current debate is nothing but political posturing.  Unfortunately the contraception debate will most likely continue.  As regards the number one problem we have in the U. S. A - "The Economy" I would suggest that the focus of our current political debates/forums be focused on what our next leader/s need to do to bring the U. S. A. to the leader in the world economy.

I would not appreciate leaving this country to my offspring with the same outlook,  the same fate that the citizens of Greece are currently facing. 

2012 Cherry Blossom Festival

Poodles

 Today I placed our Cherry Blossom Festival Poodle Display in our Gardens.  We are ready.  This is the poodle from 2010.

 This is a poodle from 2011.  It is smaller than the previous year.  It is also looking forward to welcoming the 2112 Cherry Blossom Festival.

Of course this is our youngest poodle.  She is adorned with the symbol for the 30th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

This is the completed display.  The previous three pictures are posted here so that if the poodles should stray away, they can be returned. 

Rain

at

West Bibb County, Georgia

One of my resolutions for 2012 is to keep a record of the rainfall that happens at my home.

So far this year we have had 2.75 inches on seven different days in January and 2.65 inches on five different days in February.  Thus the total of 5.4 inches of rain so far this year

USS Ranger (CVA-61)

U2 Special Operations

May 1964

Today I finally acquired pictures of the U-2 Spy Plane that operated from the USS Ranger in May of 1964.  We left Alameda, California with a few planes of our assigned Air Wing.  Once we were at sea several U-2 plans landed.  We conducted Special operations for about a week.  Once we realized that we had crossed the Equator it was determined that a Shellback Initiation should be conducted. 

I have the framed certificate and it states that the Initiation was conducted on May 20, 1064.  This Plane is on display at the Aviation Museum  at Warner Robins Airforce Base, Warner Robins, Georgia.  The wingspan of this plane is 80 feet.