Bibb County Challenge

From time to time the Flower Child has a picture in this Blog which contains a Challenge. If you can post a comment to this Blog no later than February 22, 2008 that contains the location of this great doorway you will certainly be treated to a delightful lunch courtesy of the Flower Child.

Previous Challenge Winners have dined at:

Pig in the Pit

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

Although the site for this Challenge Winner's Lunch has not been determined you can be certain that it will be a delightful and wholesome place.

Please note the Challenge Title. This door way is in Bibb County, Georgia. Thousands of citizens pass this door way every day. Once the Winner, or the location is announced after February 22, 2008, you will know that you need to slow down and enjoy the view as you engage in your rush, rush lives. In other words, this one is so easy that I am laughing to myself right now as I post this Blog.

Flower Child Serving in the USS Ranger (CVA-61)

Although the Flower Child's first duty station was an Aircraft Carrier, you can certainly ascertain that there was not an abundance of space for each Sailor.

The USS Ranger (CVA-61) visited Hong Kong, B.C.C. during the 1963 Cruise. Of course we all had to be tourist. Here you can view the Flower Child as he sits on the wall overlooking downtown Hong Kong from Victoria's Peak. Across the water is the City of Kaloon, China.

Valentine's Day 2008

The Flower Child had a lovely Valentine's Day. His Bride developed a very appropriate Table Setting and Flower Arrangement for the Dining Room Table. She used flowers and live plant material from the Gardens that surround their home in West Bibb County, Georgia.

Selections included in this lovely arrangement:

Tinus Virburnum

Lenten Roses

Daffodils

Dwarf Nandina

Snow Drops

Russian Bear Aircraft and U. S. Navy Carrier Overflights

Yesterday we displayed the most recent Russian overflights of a U. S. Navy Aircraft Carrier, the USS Nimitz. This is not a new event. During the "Cold War" it was a common place experience. A fellow USS Ranger Sailor of the early 1960s sent me this image. It shows a Bear aircraft operating in the vicinity of the USS Ranger (CVA-61). As you can see the year this happened is 1987. My fellow USS Ranger Sailor of the 60s also reported that during his time in Ranger the Carrier was overflown by Bears during each of the three cruises where he was a participant

During the Cold War it was thought that the Russians were attempting to discredit the U. S. Navy and their potential to wage war by clearly showing that they, the Russians, could always find our Carriers at any time.

The USS Ranger (CVA-61) was known as "The Top Gun" way back in the 1960s. On this date, February 14th, as we remember the First Salute by a Foreign Nation, France, to our new U. S. Flag it is also appropriate to know that John Paul Jones was in Command of the Ranger which flew this new Flag. I recall a ceremony being held on the Flight Deck of the USS Ranger (CVA-61) to observe this historic event. The Marine detachment conducted Evening Colors as members of the Crew stood at attention on the Flight Deck. A well done ceremony which allowed us Ranger Sailors to celebrate and also remember our proud U. S. Heritage. We we were deployed to the far Pacific and we were in Port.

Even today, the Flower Child is proud to be a part of the History of the USS Ranger legacy.

USS Nimitz visited by a Russian Bear Aircraft

One of two Russian Tu-95 Bear long range bomber aircraft which neared the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) on Feb. 9, 2008 south of Japan. As standard procedure the carrier launched a fighter intercept of F/A-18 Hornet strike fighters assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVN ) 11 as escort. Nimitz was transiting through the Western Pacific on a regularly scheduled deployment when the incident occurred. U.S. Navy Photo (Released)

When the Flower Child was stationed in USS Ranger (CVA-61) U. S. Navy Attack Aircraft Carrier during the 1960s the Russian Bear aircraft overflew the USS Ranger. The Ranger had just departed Japan and was enroute back to the U. S. of America after a Six Month Deployment. So this is nothing new. I believe the Ranger overflight by a Bear was in 1963.

Pearl Harbor Myths

Last Saturday evening, February 9th I was watching a Television show entitled "Pearl Harbor Myths," which was dedicated to stating the History of the tragic events of December 7th, 1941. The United States Navy actually fired the first shot on this Historical Date. Sailors onboard the USS Ward (DD-139) were patrolling the waters near Pearl Harbor. They shot a Japanese Submarine which sunk. The show featured a Crewmember from the USS Ward actually making a dive down to the site of the Japanese Submarine. You can learn more about this event by visiting:

http://www.history.navy.mil/docs/wwii/pearl/ph97.htm

The Gun from the USS Ward which fired the fatal shot is now a fitting memorial on the Grounds of the State Capital of Minnesota, in Saint Paul. Because so many Sailors in USS Ward were from the Midwest the State of Minnesota dedicated this Gun as a Memorial to these Heroes of the War in the Pacific, Sailors of the USS Ward (DD-139).

To learn about this Gun and to view images of it on the Grounds of the State Capital please visit:

http://www.mnhs.org/preserve/conservation/reports/ward_gun.pdf

The Flower Child considers himself quite well educated on the History of the U. S. Navy; but this was new information. I share it today, just in case you also have never heard that the United States of America fired the first volley of the Pacific War during World War II.

This certainly also proves the adage: "One is never too old to learn!!!"

Writers Strike Over!!!

Did the Flower Child hear the news correctly? That the writers stirke is over!!!! Does this mean that the classic phrase we have all grown to appreciate on ABC Television's Sunday Night Winner will change? I for one have developed a deep appreciation for the phrase: "Move That Bus!!!" This is one great program that has done so much for so many deserving families. It also allows us all to develope a deep sense of appreciation for the many people who labor in building these lovely homes. I sure hope that the phrase: "Move That Bus!!!" is not removed from the hit ABC Program, Extreme Home Makeover.

Flower Child's Gift for a Lovely Grandchild!!

Look closely and you can view the wording - "See Raegan Grow" There is a tape measure on the edge. It is set up so that every six months her parents can measure her and place a pre-made sticker on the front of this Grow Board. A line will point to the height on the edge.

Here is a view of the "Flower Child" with the entire "See Raegan Grow" board. The custom paint job matches the very first gown she ever wore immediately after her birth. Oh, what fun to make custom made gifts for Grandchildren.

Flower Child's February Flowers

Lenten Roses (a.k.a. Helleboros) flourish in the Gardens at 128 Weatherby Drive here in Macon, Georgia. They are called Lenten Roses because they normally bloom during the season of Lent.

In addition to their refreshing Winter Beauty, the deer do not consume these flowers or the plants. They also self seed in abundance. A delightful plant that flourishes in a shaded landscape that has captured the heart of the Flower Child. Certainly a low maintenance plant.

USS Georgia (SSGN-729)

Return to Service

Thank You to the U. S. Navy for this released photo of the USS Georgia (SSGN-729) as she is moored pierside in Norfolk, Virginia in December 2007. This grand Boat has just completed conversion to serve our Nation as a "Guided Missile Submarine."

Yesterday, February 4th, the Flower Child attended the ceremony here in Bibb County honoring this Boat and Her Crew as the Georgia Flag travels to every county in Georgia. The Governor of Georgia will present this Georgia Flag to the USS Georgia Crew on the "Return to Service" ceremony to be held at Kings Bay on March 28, 2008. Kings Bay will be the home port of this Great Vessel.

Prior to the conversion, the USS Georgia saw service as a ballistic submarine. As a Guided Missile Submarine she will carry 154 cruise missiles and she is also fitted to transport U. S. Navy Special Forces in support operations in the War on Terrorism. This new vessel is equipped to transport U. S. Navy Seals anywhere in the world where needed to support the defense of our great Nation.

Honor America

Honor the Heroes

February 5, 2008. There really is no finer way for all American Citizens to Honor their Country and the Heroes that make the way of life we enjoy than to exercise your right to Vote.

If you are a registered Voter, please vote this election year. The Flower Child resides in Georgia so he was a part of the Super Tuesday voting rush in the Presidential Preference Primary held today.

Now, if you are of age and have never registered to vote, or you have registered; but have never exercised your right to vote consider your self a "Bottom Feeder." The American Heritage Dictionary list one of the definitions of "Bottom Feeder" as "A low or descipable person." I can certainly agree with that definition.

To many people have labored or fought and some have perished so that we might have the way of life we all enjoy.

ELI!!!!!!!!

Flower Child Visits the 2008 Southeastern Flower Show

Wednesday, January 30, 2008. The Flower Child and fellow members of Macon's Pine Ridge Garden Club Visited the 2008 Southeastern Flower Show in Building A, World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia. The show is a major fund raiser for the Atlanta Botancial Gardens. The Southeastern Flower Show (SFS) has a Garden Shop within the Show. The Flower Child purchased the above container garden to adorn his Breakfast Room Table here in West Bibb County.
In addition to demonstration Gardens developed by a plethora of Atlanta Area Landscape Firms, the Show features a Standard Flower Show. It is always interesting to view the many entries.

This is just one of the fifteen demonstration gardens. This knot garden was developed by the "Alex Smith Design Landscaping" firm in Atlanta. Alex is a Macon native and many Maconites will remember his Dad, who was the owner of Second Chance which is very near the Central City Park Entrance in downtown Macon, Georgia. This garden was downlighted with blue lights and was thus difficult to photograph. To see it in person was far more enjoyable than this picture presents.
One more picture in this Blog. This was a lovely arrangement. For those interested in attending the 2008 Flower Show, please be aware that the final day is Sunday, February 3rd. For additional information on this delightful show please visit:

http://www.flowershow.org/

Serving Those Who Serve

and

Those Who Have Served

The Flower Child has been a member of The American Legion for twenty-five years, yet has never heard what the purpose of that Great Organization so well stated as during the Dinner at Post Three, Macon, Georgia where the National Commander of the American Legion gave the local members and Legion Members from throughout Georgia an inspiring talk.

While I had heard of the Legion's Family Support Network I was impressed to learn that this network is established through the some 15,000 Legion Post who respond to the calls for assistance to members of a Warrior's Family while they are deployed to the Legion's Hot Line at 1 (800) 504-4098. A Serviceperson does not need to be a member of the Legion for their Family or they themselves to receive assistance. With some 15,000 local post the Legion is in more towns and cities in our United States of America; thus more available to the military families it is pledged to support and assist.

The National Commander also pointed out that The American Legion is the only major Veteran's Service Organization in the U. S. A. that is growing in membership. The American Legion has pledged to fund the college education of any child who lost a parent while engaged in the War on Terrorism since September 11, 2001. This is a $20,000,000.00 obligation, which The American Legion has committed itself to. At this time 37 Scholars are enrolled in this worthy program.

To me, there is no more noble cause than to support an organization that has made these committments. There is no higher calling than to "Serve those who Serve and Those Who Have Served," therefore I will call my Post Commander today and pledge my support to our Nation's Heroes when they have needs.

If You, or any in your Family, have served, Thank You, but please consider joining your local American Legion Post to support those who now serve.

Thank You and God Continue to Bless America.

Medicine and Victim

As we travel through life and even watch a bit of evening prime-time television most of us are subject to the plethora of commercials which key in our health or well being. "Ask Your Doctor About" and the list is endless. Are my heart, my blood vessels, or my sex organs functioning propertly appear to be of the most concern of the prescription drug companies. Surely these commercials cost money. Yet we as a society decry the high cost of medicine and medical care. Of course to be fair, pick up any magazine at the newstand and you are again bombarded with ads for prescription drugs which will prevent heart failure, lower colestrol, or increase your sexual prowlness.

I, the Flower Child know that I am old fashioned. I always thought, and still do for that matter, that if I have a problem I should consult a Doctor and they will determine what I need, if anything.

Of course, this Blog entry would not be fair to just single out the Medical Profession. Have you, like I noted the plethora of Lawyer Commercials on television. Have you been prescribed medication ________________ or have you taken the ____________________ Over the Countery Drug" Have you experienced major medical problems because of this medication? If you or a deceased loved one has had a problem please call the Law Offices of ______________________________ today. Our toll-free number is 1-800-555-1212.

I realise that everyone has to achieve an acceptable standard of living. But these major advertising campaigns certainly cost money. What is wrong with the old "Gold Standard" of word of mouth advertising from friend to friend, or family member to another family member? What is wrong with relying on your Medical Professional to determine what medications you may or even may not need to resolve a health related issue?

Today the Flower Child would suggest that if the "professionals" relied on their own good work and the drug companies relied on trained Medical Professionals to determine what we as a Society should be medicated with that the cost of Medicine and the cost of Lawyer's services just may be reduced.

You will note that the title of this Blog included the word "Victim" which is what we all can become if we let the commercials we all are exposed to run our lives or control our actions. I for one feel confident in the abilities of my Trained Medical Professional to prescribe what I may need. I certainly do not need a TV or Print Commercial to tell me what I need. As regards needing the services of a Lawyer, I will choose one who comes to me via a personal recommendation from some who has been served by that Lawyer.

NASCAR

Just Think, in less than a month we will have the opportunity to enjoy Automobile Racing. NASCAR will open the season at Daytonna. On his way down to Florida, Kasey Kahne decided to stop in Macon and visit a few of his fans.

Yellow Flower - Winner

Saturday, January 12, 2008. The Middle Georgia Camera Club conducted the Annual Banquet which honored the photographic efforts of some 100 members during 2007. Additionally the 2008 Officers were installed. The image you view above was a Second Place Winner in the Digital - General Class Competition. I suspect that the Flower Child should have a Winner which is a Flower.

Friendship Plant or Queen's Tears

It is about time for the Flower Child to show some flowers on this blog. Here is an image of the lovely Friendship Plant. It is also known as "Queens Tears." It normally blooms in January and is a low maintenance plant. They reside on the deck on the North side of the house and are brought in to the garage in Winter to reduce the freezing hazard. In January when the pink flowers begin to show they are brought in the house so that we can enjoy them. Somehow two images made it here so you can enjoy one large flower and one small flower.

The texturing was done using "filters" in Photoshop Elements 5.0 which I am learning to use.

The "R" Word - Campaign 2008

On December 27 I posted a Blog that asked two questions of every candidate running for the Office of President of the United States. Briefly stated the questions were:

• What will you do to resolve the illegal citizens in the United States of America?
• How will you bring a rapid conclusion to the War on Terrorism?

Yet most of the hyberpole I have heard as we all witnessed the Iowa Caucus and the first primary in New Hampshire related to how people in this United States of America needed to have their needs met.

During the last few days we are beginning to hear the dreaded "R" word. Is it possible that our great Nation will under go a Recession? While I am not an economic expert by any stretch of the imagination, I do know that if the citizens of this Nation continue to expend more and more of their income for energy (gasoline for transport to the workplace) there will of course be fewer dollars available for the other necessary items to support life. Thus, it is quite possible and also most probable that a recession will soon be here.

Yet, our Nation's esteemed lawmakers continue to ignore the obvious. We have an abundance of oil in the Gulf of Mexico, we have oil that can be pumped out of the sub-strata under Alaska. We also lack refining capacity to process an abundance of crude; but we do have the technology to build new infrastructure. When will we realize that some of our own current policies simply make us very vulnerable to the oil rich countries in this world? If we start drilling in the Gulf and in Alaska it will send a message to these foreign powers that we are indeed looking forward to supplying more of our own oil. Thus the price of oil in the world wide market will decrease as we show everyone that we will not be a victim to their pricing schemes.

Additionally, we can use Nuclear Power to supply energy for our homes, businesses and factories. It is a fact that we have the technology and the trained nuclear plant operators. Our great nation has several Nuclear Powered Air Craft Carriers and an abundance of Nuclear Powered Submarines. We submit our finest young men and women to the alledged dangers of Nuclear Power, yet we refrain from building more Nuclear Power Plants. I would think that if Nuclear Power is good enough for them, that it would be also safe for us. I know for a fact that several of these Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carriers are currently in ports in the United States of America. We rely on young men and women in their early twenties to operate these Nuclear Power Plants. These young men and women have done so in a safe manner for many years now, yet we are reluctant to build new Nuclear Power Plants for generation of power here in the United States of America.

Yes, our Lawmakers have us over a barrel. At this time it also looks as if we are all over a barrel of oil as we procure gasoline for transportation to our jobs. Or as in the case of the Flower Child who is in retirement, for those errands necessary to enjoy the fruits of his previous labors. The Flower Child also expends fuel to do his weekly Marketing for food stuffs.

We can also appreciate the energy requirements of the plethora of candidates campaign buses, their respective staffs and all the volunteers who expend their own personal resources to support the candidate of their choice.

So the question we all should be asking today of each candidate is:

"What will you do to resolve the energy crisis in the United States of America?"

or maybe we should add one more question for ourselves:

"When will we, - We the People - stop electing members of the House and the Senate who continue to serve themselves and their subsequent re-elections by actually facing the difficult choices we must face and also resolve?"

All of this stated by the Flower Child today to simply point out that unless our Nation's Lawmakers face the facts, we will have a recession and it will be soon. This also makes the plethora of candidates seeking the Office of President of the United States of America a bit nervous.

Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom

"Persian Gulf (January 10, 2008) An F/A-18 Hornet launches off the flight deck of the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman, and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, are deployed in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo J. Reyes (Released) "

I am confident that most visitors to this, the Flower Child's Blog are aware that our U. S. Navy has been busy in the Persian Gulf in recent days. I captured this image and the information from a U. S. Navy Informational Web Site.