Happy New Year - 2007

More of Flower Child's Winter Flowers

Helleborus - a.k.a. Lenten Rose

These delightful plants, once you get them established self seed. They enjoy a shaded area and thrive well in the same type of garden as Camellias. They bloom from January through April and are deer resistant. A plus in the Middle Georgia Landscape in as much as deer abound in this area. Note the wire in the second image. The only other way to get a picture of these flowers is lay on the ground and shoot up. They droop down and are lovely to also float in a bowel of water so that you can enjoy them indoors.

Flower Child's Winter Flowers

Camellia Japonica

Camellia Japonica

Daphne Odora

This delightful shrub has been in my garden for well over seven years. It is a slow grower and has never been pruned. It normally blooms the second week of January, but this year it is ahead of schedule. The fragrance is simply wonderful. It can be a delight at 100 feet, especially on a humid morning. The blooms are not fully open, but they will be in about another seven days.

Camellia Japaonica

All of the Camellia shrubs in my garden are doing well. They are low maintainence and I enjoy them. When it threatens to get cold, freezing, I simply cut off the blooms and bring them inside to enjoy. They do very well floating in a bowel of water.

Art In The Park

Macon, Georgia Heritage Trail - River Walk

December 27, 2006: I decided to take a photo tour of downtown Macon, Georgia. This image is very near the Spring Street Bridge. Should you desire to view other images from my photo tour please visit:

http://invite.filmloop.com/x?3NruDqBawFnGuMUs9L-qg/OI9qI-jYMQ

Merry Christmas

Set up for Christmas Dinner for fourteen. Turkey, Ham and the appropriate Side Dishes all concluded with a choice of Pumpkin and/or Pecan Pie.

U. S. Air Force Airman returns Home to His Family

U. S. Marines conclude a Toys for Tots Campaign

U. S. Army Soldiers on Deployment Prepare for Christmas

U. S. Navy Sailors enjoy the Holiday Lights

As we all prepare for Christmas 2006 and the event "Where Love Came Down" I think that it is especially important to remember those who serve in our U. S. Military.

Have a Blessed Christmas!!!!!!

Merry Christmas

Here is some information I found on the World Wide Web:

Many of our Christmas traditions were celebrated centuries before Christ was born. Giving gifts, the Yule log, carol singing, church processions and the 12 days of Christmas can all be traced back to the early Mesopotamians.Sacaea, celebrated by the Persians and Babylonians, was a similar festival during which slaves and masters would exchange roles.Early Europeans believed in evil spirits and as the dark days of winter approached, special rituals and celebrations were held to drive out evil and welcome back the sun.During winter in Scandinavia the sun would disappear for many days. When it returned a Yuletide celebration was held and a special feast served around a burning Yule log fire.The Roman's celebrated their god Saturn with a festival called Saturnalia which ran from 17 to 24 December. Celebrations included masquerades in the streets, festive meals, visits to friends and the exchange of good-luck gifts. The Romans used decorations of garlands of laurel and green trees lit with candles. The fun and festivities in honour of a pagan god were frowned on by the early Christians who wanted to keep the birth of Christ a solemn, religious festival.Some theories claim that the Christmas celebration was invented by the Christians to compete against the pagan December celebrations. Eventually the church succeeded in integrating some of the merriment, lights and gifts from the Saturnalia festival into Christmas celebrations.The Celtic culture of the British Isles revered all green plants, particularly mistletoe and holly. These were important symbols of fertility and used for decorating homes and altars.The exact day of Christ's birth is not known. Traditions say that it was celebrated as early 98 AD. In 137 AD, the Bishop of Rome ordered Christ's birthday to be celebrated as a solemn feast. In 350 AD, the then Bishop of Rome, Julius I, choose December 25th for the observance of Christmas. The earliest English reference to 25 December as Christmas Day dates from 1043.Christmas celebrations have always been controversial as many of the festive traditions have their roots in paganism. Frivolity and feasting, the giving of gifts and frequent excesses have always been in complete contrast to the simplicity of the Nativity and are often condemned as contrary to the true spirit of Christmas.Although not the original purpose of the day, Christmas remains a traditional time for families to meet, enjoy a meal, and make merry. Wherever you are and however you choose to celebrate, we wish you a Merry Christmas!

Medal of Honor

December 21, 1861

Congress creates Navy Metal of Honor for Sailors and Marines

Rodney M. Davis

December 21, 2006, the Monuments Honoring Fallen Servicemen were unveiled in Macon, Georgia. Shown above is a picture of Rodney M. Davis that I copied from the USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) Website. If you have yet to visit the site of the actual Monuments I would encourage you to do so this Christmas Season. They are located in front of the main entrance to the Macon Coliseum.

Progress at Last

Tucker Road - West Bibb County, Georgia

July 13, 2006

Tucker Road, West Bibb County, Georgia

December 20, 2006

Everyone who resides in Middle Georgia has fond memories of the long drawn out road improvement project in West Bibb County. The situation as of July 13, 2006 looked like a poor engineering project, to say the least. After a plethora of E-Mails concerning this problem to the appropriate officials and local television coverage the project received renewed attention.

The picture of December 20, 2006 certainly displays a much better Tucker Road. It is properly engineered and allows run-off of excess water in the correct manner. Storm water run off has channeled to the curb and proper run off is allowed. The curbs on both sides of the road were correctly installed and the project can now be considered complete. I, Flower Child am extremely grateful for the media coverage of this project and wish to Thank All who made the "New and Improved Tucker Road" in West Bibb County possible.

Merry Christmas

To view a Christmas Slide Show in Film Loop, please click here:

http://invite.filmloop.com/x?AcPDtWknfFI4VysoiQuJ7s6-LoG0HVRS

Merry Christmas

The reason for the season!!

The Tree

Oh, Christmas Tree

Several days ago I posted an entry about "The Christmas Tree." Today you will have the opportunity to view the completed tree from the balcony. If you desire to hear some Christmas music please click on:

http://www.carols.org.uk/si1ent_night.htm

Have a Blessed Christmas

Gratitude and Gifts for Our

Heroes

U. S. Air Force

U. S. Marines

U. S. Navy

U.S. Army

Every Year at Christmas time thousands of U. S. Citizens send packages to the Heroes serving in the U. S. Air Force, the U. S. Marines, the U. S. Navy and the U. S. Army. Only recently I have learned that the United States Postal Service provides boxes and the appropriate custom forms for shipping to these heroes. The supplies are free. You must pay the postage. Now I know that the shipping dates for Christmas Delivery have passed; but may I encourage you to continue to send packages to these heroes. I am also confident that everyone knows of someone who is in the U. S. Military. If not, ask among your circle of friends, your work associates or your Church/Temple Members. Now to make the procurement of the free postal supplies much easier, I have included the following from the U. S. Postal Service Web Site:





Military Care Package Kit


Since Priority Mail® supplies are the packaging of choice for families preparing care packages for service members overseas, the USPS® has created a "Mili-kit" based on the items most frequently requested by the military.

The kit contains:
Three (3) each of flat rate boxes O-FRB1 and O-FRB2
Two (2) each of Cube boxes OBOX7
Address labels - Label # 228 8 each
Address labels - Label # 106-A 1 each
Customs FORM 2976-A 8 EA.
Customs FORM 2976-E 8 EA.
The kit may be requested by calling 1-800-610-8734 (Packing Supply) and:
Choose your language (1 is English, 2 is Spanish).
Choose option 1 (it states it is for Express Mail®, Priority Mail® or Global Express Guaranteed® products).
When you reach a live agent, request CAREKIT04.
Please allow 7-10 days for delivery.
Note: These are free supplies, postage must be affixed.

Again, I, Flower Child, encourage you to continue to send packages to these dedicated volunteers who are indeed Heroes.

Politically Correct

Winter Holiday Tree

As Some prepare for the Winter Solstice on December 22, they may be thinking about a dormant Tree. In our current society we have many who have now determined that it is much more appropriate the celebrate the "Winter Holiday."

A Traditional Christmas Tree

Admittedly this Tree is a work in progress. You decide which tree is most appropriate for the Season we are preparing for and plan to celebrate soon. Please leave your comments.

Christmas Trees for Sailors on Deployment

Command Chaplain Lt. Rodney Weaver, right, and Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class Jesus Mosqueda from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command's Chaplain's Office, separate the branches of a fresh Christmas tree on board the amphibious transport dock ship USS Dubuque (LPD 8). The tree is one of the first of 100 donated by the Christmas Spirit Foundation, who are delivering trees throughout the Naval Forces Central Command area of responsibility (AOR).

Everyone who knows "Flower Child" is aware that he also spent several Christmas Seasons Deployed. The above picture is very special to me as it stirred up great emotions as I viewed it on the U. S. Navy Web Site.

As You Prepare and Celebrate Christmas 2006 May I encourage you to keep all of the Heroes of our U. S. Military in your Thoughts, Concerns and Prayers. Additionally, please be aware that we also have Allies who are assisting us at this time.

December 18, 1944

This is an image of some of the survivors from the USS Spence and the USS Hull which were lost at sea on December 18, 1944. I just learned of this tragic event at a recent reunion of USS Hull (DD-945) a few years ago. We had the opportunity to meet some of the survivors from the USS Hull (DD-350) from that day in 1944. These Heroes certainly had very interesting stories to tell.

Should you desire to learn more about this event I would invite you to visit:

http://www.patriotwatch.com/va/tribute.htm

This site is a tribute by the Son of one of these heroes.

Thank You!!!!

"Georgia Living"

This lovely Home in Portal, Georgia was the site of the 2006 Georgia National Fair Georgia Living Center Staff Christmas Gala. It was a Potluck affair, but this setting made for a great Christmas Dinner.

After the delightful Dinner we traveled to the Center for Wildlife Education on the campus of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. Here you see a Center Staff Member giving us a presentation on one of the many Raptor Birds.


After the indoor presentation we visited the "Bird Walkway." Our guide gave us an excellent presentation.

I, Flower Child, consider myself well read and knowledgeable about the resources available in Georgia concerning educational opportunities. I was both impressed and amazed that this "Center for Wildlife Education" is available. It first opened in 1997 and here it is nine years later and I just learned of this wonderful facility located on the Campus of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia which is a mere 90 miles away.

What a valuable resource for the continuing education of school students and adults alike. The guide assigned to our group was very knowledgeable and presented each bird with pride. As we toured the "Bird Walkway," he continued to discuss each station which featured a different bird. Of course, the Bald Eagle in the nest was the highlight of the entire visit!!!!

Let Us Never Forget

December 7, 1941

"Greed"

To some Greed means the power of unstrained wealth, despotic political authority, an unholy desire.

There is a thought that here in Middle Georgia that the citizens could care less about what is happening. I recently heard that there is no outrage or displeasure regarding the irregular activity in the Bibb County Court House regarding the pension of a terminated Bibb County Judge. In fact this very judge was awarded a pay raise while on leave and facing criminal charges based on a positive merit review from a Supervisor.

It would appear that the Supervisor in this case was out to lunch. Or, as I read recently somewhere, this Supervisor does not appear to have much going on behind the eyeballs. I for one am upset regarding this fact. How can anyone justify a pay raise while on leave facing charges?

Now this same Judge who resigned from the bench before facing a disciplinary hearing has been awarded a pension because the law allows this to happen.

This may the the case; but what provisions have been established to preclude this situation from happening again?

I would like to remind the dear readers here of a quote that I heard long ago:

“If the law supposes that,” said Mr. Bumble,… “the law is a ass—a idiot. If that’s the eye of the law, the law is a bachelor; and the worst I wish the law is that his eye may be opened by experience—by experience.”

This quote is attributed to: Charles Dickens - Oliver Twist, Chapter 51

I would suggest that there is plenty of anger and also outrage concerning this situation. Additionally, I would point out that there is probably plenty of anger and also outrage concerning many situations we here in Bibb County and the City of Macon, Georgia have witnessed this past year.

Near the top of this list could be the silly activity that we all have been a party to as we watched the 2006 property valuations generate an abundance of news coverage. And the list goes on.

Yes, We Indeed Are Observing The Results of Our Governments in Action. Yes, These Are The People We Have Elected To Office.

Do We Deserve Better? You, and Only You Know For Sure!!!!

Advent

As we prepare for the Celebration of Christmas and recall the Birth of Jesus Christ we are in the Season of the Church Year known as Advent. This is the season of waiting, repentance, remembering our God leads us to Faith and finally a future of enjoying peace with Joy Forever.

"Sex is hereditary - if your parents never had it, chances are you won't either."

Thank You!!!!

Good Day!!!! Today would be an excellent day for you to log on to one of the many Websites to send a note, a card, and a message of encouragement to a Hero.

You can simply log on to:

Operation Dear Abby

with your search engine and click on Send a Message. This is a safe and secure site. I have been using it for about five years.

Then, if you desire to send an appropriate Card, you can also check out:

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html

This site is very easy to use and you pick out the card and you can select one of several messages, or you can compose your own message. The beauty of this site is that the Card Covers were designed by Elementary School Children in our own United States of America. The Xerox Corporation is the Sponsor of this special program.

You may use either site, or another site you know of; however the vital thing is that you send a card, a note, or a message. Additionally, if you know of other sites, please add a comment to this Blog, so even more vital, caring and appropriate messages may be sent. I know, I have been there. Thank You and have a Blessed Christmas.

Pass Along Plants

Over the years many have shared their plants and flowers with "Flower Child." Today I share some images from these plants as they also help me recall with fond memories the individuals who gave us the plants. The Christmas Cactus was given to us over fifteen years ago. The other flower with an unknown name other than "Swamp Plant" was given to us two years ago.

Both are delightful and are currently blooming in our home. While this Blog is entitled "Pass Along Plant," and the images are included for you to also enjoy, I have a much more serious purpose today.

As we prepare to Celebrate Christmas and all that Christmas means I would like to invite you to Worship at the same Church I attend. You can view the full Chrismon Tree which I discussed yesterday by visiting this web site:

http://holytrinitymacon.org/

You can also visit the Calendar page to ascertain the schedule of our Worship Services. You are invited. Have a Blessed Christmas Season.

Thank You!!!!

The King of Kings

The King of Kings is drawing near. On this the first day of December 2006, I have commenced my preparations for the 2006 Celebration of Christmas. What you view above is an image of a Chrismon Tree Symbol currently on display at the Church I attend. This Crown certainly represents the "King of Kings." If you study this Symbol you can also see the "Cross," which is a symbol of the death of Christ. At this time of the year we usually focus on the "Crown" and that is entirely proper and correct.

The Chrismon Tree at our Church has been a tradition since 1973 and every year the symbols continue to amaze all who worship and celebrate Christmas at our Church. The following is a brief History of this new tradition:

What is a Chrismon?

Chrismons are a type of Christmas tree decoration used in many churches and often in the homes of Christians. Chrismons (CHRISt MONogram) are tree ornaments that proclaim our Lord Jesus Christ through the use of symbols. The symbols used represent a variety of biblical and theological concepts that are well known among most believers. Technically, if the ornaments on a Christmas tree are comprised mostly of Christian symbols, the tree is known as a "Chrismon Tree". Most Chrismons are white with gold decorations of wire, beads, ribbon and glitter. The Chrismons were first developed in 1957 by Mrs. Frances Kipps Spencer at Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia. Mrs. Spencer set out to create decorations appropriate for a church Christmas tree and gave the copyright for the word "Chrismons" to Ascension. The Chrismons add their white and gold beauty to the Christmas season and make the celebration of our Lord's birth more meaningful by emphasizing God's great Gift to the world, our Savior Jesus Christ.
The evergreen tree, which symbolizes the eternal life which our Savior has won for us, forms the background for tiny white lights and white and gold Chrismons designs. The lights speak of Him who is the light of the world, and the Chrismons ornaments proclaim the name, the life, and the saving acts of Jesus. White is the liturgical color for Christmas, and suggests the innocence, purity, and perfection of our Savior. It is the color of joy and light. Gold is a symbol for the glory and majesty of God and the Son of God.

Multi Tasking

A recent Television News Show here in Middle Georgia discussed this topic. I think it was the topic selected as we all witness our peers, family and friends engage in the Annual Christmas Rush. As you can see in the image above, the young man appears to be writing out this Christmas Shopping List. Now I would like to refer you to the portion of an article I copied from a website:

Rule activation itself takes significant amounts of time, several tenths of a second -- which can add up when people switch back and forth repeatedly between tasks. Thus, multitasking may seem more efficient on the surface, but may actually take more time in the end. According to the authors, this insight into executive control may help people choose strategies that maximize their efficiency when multitasking. The insight may also weigh against multitasking. For example, Meyer points out, a mere half second of time lost to task switching can mean the difference between life and death for a driver using a cell phone, because during the time that the car is not totally under control, it can travel far enough to crash into obstacles the driver might have otherwise avoided.

The above information was copied from this site and the information was dated 5 August 2001:

http://www.apa.org/releases/multitasking.html

Here we are five years later and it is only now getting reported that Multi-Tasking may not be the answer to any of the problems in our lives. In fact there are those who even consider Multi-Tasking as the genesis of many Depressions that citizens suffer from. Admittedly, some of this depression is a seasonal situation, but I believe that far too many of my peers take life much too seriously and try to have everything totally under control each and every minute of their lives.

Recently my beloved spouse received this information from one of her peers on some Ways to Maintain Mental Health:

1. At Lunch time sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing traffic.
2. Every time soneone asks you to do something, ask them if they want fries with that.
3. When money comes out of the ATM, scream, "I Won, I Won!!!!"
4. Tell your children while at Dinner, "Due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go.
5. Put mosquito netting over your cube at work and play tropical sounds all day.
6. Specify that your Drive-Through order is "To Go."
7. Finish all your sentences with the phrase: "In accordance with the Prophecy."
8. Put the trash can on your desk at work and label it: "IN"
9. Five days in advance, tell your Friends you can not make their party because you do not feel in the mood.

and Finally,

10. In the memo line of all of your checks enter: "For Sexual Favors"

The Disease of the Week

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Restless Leg Syndrome

In addition to the current fad of "Obesity News" there seems to be an abundance of information concerning Seasonal Affective Disorder and Restless Leg Syndrome. All of this coverage reminds me of a story that I heard from a real live person a few years ago.

This 74 year old woman made a life style choice to move from the Country to a High Rise Senior Citizen's Complex in a major Georgia city to be near here 94 year old Mother. Part of the process of obtaining an apartment in this progressive High Rise Senior Citizen's Complex was to obtain a complete physical. The Young Doctor ordered a "Cholesterol Check" for the 74 year old. This was done after it was ascertained that the potential resident discussed her normal morning breakfast of two fried eggs, a few strips of bacon and a couple of slices of toast with butter and orange marmalade. The young doctor was amazed that the woman was still alive. The woman was granted a waiver when she told the young doctor that she was born before they had invented Cholesterol.

To conclude this story, I found out last year that the 94 year old Mother passed away at the age of 97. The 74 year old woman is still alive in the Senior Citizen's High Rise Complex and she is still enjoying life and eating her normal breakfast.

While this may not always be the case for all peoples, I am confident that if we learn enough about all the diseases and read enough about them we can all begin to feel as if we have everything that comes along. I do believe that a lot of what we suffer from today is an over abundance of information. Admittedly there are those who do have real problems; however I am a fairly old person myself and I continue to enjoy life. Admittedly I do not dwell on what is wrong with me. Plenty of my peers tell me about my shortcomings!!! So I will leave my problems with them.

In the meantime, I think I will go outside and soak up some daylight to avoid the Seasonal Affective Disorder. From my research on Restless Leg Syndrome I have learned that exercise during the day can also help keep this problem at bay.

I realize that I am not a Medical Professional, but I drove by a Holiday Inn - Express just yesterday. Have a Great Day and as always, Enjoy Life. The alternative is not that nice!!!!

"Beauty Abounds"

A view of the North Gardens

Looking Out from the Upper Gallery

A Final Opportunity to enjoy the red dogwood leaves

Digital Photography certainly allows us all to enjoy the seasons and the pelthora of images in a cost effective manner. I do not even have to travel to the Georgia Mountains to enjoy the fine looking colors of Autumn.

Again, I urge you to take the time to step outside and enjoy the beauty around us all, here in Middle Georgia.

This is the Day that the Lord

Has Made!!!!!

A White Hydrangea prepares for Christmas

A Burning Bush with the final flush of red

As we begin the final days of preparation for Christmas 2006 may I encourage you to take the time to enjoy the beauty and abundance of our God's Creation.

Then to make the observance of Christmas even more complete, please, if you do not have a Church Home, consider visiting mine. You can find complete details here:

http://holytrinitymacon.org/

Thank You!!!!! and Please have a Beautiful and Blessed Christmas Season 2006!!!!!

"Yuletide 2006"

The 2006 Christmas Season has certainly arrived. The Yuletide Camellia that was planted in 1999 at my front door continues to be in bloom every November. It is the official Herald of Christmas here in West Bibb County, Georgia as we gather each year to celebrate the Christmas Season.