Reuben James


"Disaster struck in the early morning hours of October 31, 1941. While escorting convoy HX-156, the American destroyer U.S.S. Reuben James was torpedoed and sunk with the loss of 115 of 160 crewmen, including all officers. Although not the first U.S. Navy ship torpedoed before the war, the Reuben James was the first one lost. After the news of the sinking reached America, many concerned people wrote letters to the Navy to find out the fate of friends or loved ones. Sadly, most of the country ignored the sinking. One who did not was folk singer Woody Guthrie, who wrote his now famous song immediately after the incident....."

. He joined the Merchant Marine three times durng the war, each time his ship was torpedoed. In 1945 he was drafted into the Army for a few months, but never saw action. Here are the lyrics he wrote in 1941 after the sinking of DD-245 for his song , Sinking of the Reuben James

1. Have you heard of the ship called the good Reuben James?
Filled with hard fighting men, of honor and of fame
She flew the stars and stripes of the land of the free
Now she's in her grave at the bottom of the sea

chorus:

Tell me what were their names,
tell me what were there names?
did you have a friend on the good reuben james?

2. It was there in the dark of that uncertain night
that we watched for the u-boat, and waited for the fight
the fire and the rock and the great explosions roar
and they laid the reuben james on the cold ocean floor

chorus

3. One hundred men went down to their dark watery grave
when that good ship went down only forty four were savrd
twas the last day of october that they saved forty four
from the cold icy water and the cold icy shore

chorus

4. Now there are lights in our country so bright
and in the farms and the villages their telling of the fight
Now our mighty battleships steam the bounding main
and remember the name of the good reuben james

chorus

One Hundred fifteen American Heroes lost their life on October 31, 1941. Let us all pause today to honor the memory of these Sailors.

Please click the link below for an appropriate musical tribute, The Navy Hymn

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/e/t/eternalf.htm

Reformation Sunday 2006

Please check out this Link to acquire information on what the subject line is all about. Flower Child also considers the Song - "The Lutheran Fight Song!!!"

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/i/mightyfo.htm

Please have a Blessed Reformation Day.

2006 Saint Louis Cardinals (Continued)

Because I could only place five images on any one blog, I have completed my posting on this team here.

As we all await the results of Game Five from Saint Louis this Friday evening, October 27, 2006, you can be confident that I, Flower Child will be rooting for the Cardinals.

I might even enjoy some more Hot Dogs and my favorite Adult Beverage. Go Cardinals.

2006 Saint Louis Cardinals

Today a pseudo Cardinal Fan speaks. As most of you know, Flower Child is an avid Atlanta Braves Fan, but for 2006 that all had to change when it came time for the Annual Fall Classic - The World Series. I have no fault to find with the Braves. They have accomplished so much for so long that it is time to take a break.

As I watched the Division Play Offs, the League Play Offs, the Cardinals quickly impressed me with their desire to win. Admittedly, the fact that my own dear Son lives in Saint Louis may also impact on my support of the Cardinals also comes into play here.

The pitchers and the catcher presented here have played well and demonstrated their love of the game. The "Boys of Summer" from Saint Louis are doing well and provide me with an appropriate opportunity to enjoy my evenings as I watch the games and appreciate my Hebrew National Franks and Bud Select beverages.

Operation Urgent Fury

Grenada Invasion

At dawn, on October 25, 1983, US Marines, Army Rangers, Navy Seal commandos and elements of the 82nd Airborne Division invaded Grenada, a member of the British Commonwealth. The announced mission of the American suprise attack, in which troops from a number of Caribbean nations took part, was to ensure the safety of some 1,000 Americans, whose presence on Grenada (most were medical students) was considered endangered by the new marxist military government that had seized power from and murdered Prime Minister Maurice Bishop (1944-83) six days earlier. The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and Grenada's Governor-General Sir Paul Scoon (1935-) had requested US help to combat the growing influence of Cuba and other communist countries on the island. The small Grenadian army, assisted by Cuban soldiers and workers who were constructing a large airport at Point Salines, put up fierce resistance for several days, but were eventually overwhelmed by the invasion force, which had grown from about 1,200 to over 7,000. Numerous rebles fled to the interior jungles and kept fighting; within a month the leaders of the military government were arrested, and Cubans, Russians, North Koreans, Libyans, East Germans, Bulgarians and suspected Grenadian communists had been rounded up and put in a detention camp. By mid-December 1983, all US combat forces had left Grenada, and Scoon had appointed a nine-member advisory council to govern until elections could be held.

The following U. S. Navy Ships participated in this Historic Invasion

USS Aquila (PHM-4) USS Aubrey Fitch (FFG-34) USS Barnstable County (LST-1197) USS Briscoe (DD-977) USS Caron (DD-970) USS Clifton Sprague (FFG-16) USS Coontz (DDG-40) USS Fort Snelling (LSD-30) USS Guam (LPH-9) USS Independence (CV-62) USS Manitowoc (LST-1180) USS Moosebrugger (DD-980) USS Portsmouth (SSN-707) USS Recovery (ARS-43) USS Richmond K. Turner (CG-20) USS Saipan (LHA-2) USS Sampson (DDG-10) USS Samuel Eliot Morison (FFG-13) USS Suribachi (AE-21) USS Taurus (PHM-3) USS Trenton (LPD-14)

Michael Lynch of Lizella, Georgia was the first to reply to

the History Question.

Michael is a 1966 Graduate of Lanier Senior High School for

Boys of Macon, Georgia

Congratulations to Michael

Now for the conclusion of this History Lesson regarding Middle Georgia. I quote from the Plaque on this Landmark Structure in Central City Park, Macon, Georgia:

"While in the City to attend a reunion of Confederate Veterans, Jefferson Davis, Ex-President of the Confederate States of America, addressed the Veterans from this Speakers Stand on Wednesday, October 26, 1887. On the following Saturday, Mr. and Mrs. Davis held a levee for children, greeting thousands of them from this stand. Mr. Davis stood near the Center, resting his hand on a small table, while Mrs. Davis sat at his left."

This Tablet Erected by

Sidney Lanier Chapter

United Daughters of the Confederacy

Please note the following definition of the word levee: "A Morning Reception held by a Sovereign or Person of high rank when rising from bed."

October 26, 1887

Within the City Limits of Macon, Georgia there is a structure and also a plaque that honors a very special event that happened on October 26, 1887. If you have a possible answer, please post your information in the comment section of this post. Looking forward to the many replies of many Middle Georgia Natives who know all about Macon, Georgia and the History of this place.

Thanks for your participation.

"This is getting more silly each day!!!"

What you see here are two very important citizens on the World scene. The first picture is the Chairman of the World Jewish Congress. Of course everyone recognizes The Pope in the second picture.

Just suppose either of these two very important people decides to visit Middle Georgia. I suspect that both would require security measures above the norm afforded to the average tourist to the Bass Pro Shop here in Macon.

Who will pay the overtime for the extra police and other peace officers to afford either of these two the opportunity to travel in Middle Georgia, should they ever visit?

Or will we, small minded as we can be require the members of the local Temples to finance the overtime for the possible visit for the Chairman of the World Jewish Congress - Rabbi Israel Singer. Now, should The Pope ever visit, will the overtime expenses be borne by members of Saint Peter Claver, Holy Spirit and Saint Josephs Congregations.

Flower Child's Autumn Blossoms

This post of October 22, 2006 features the lovely Flowers that are in full Bloom in Flower Child's Autumn Gardens here in West Bibb County of Georgia.

One image is of a Tibouchina, One image is of a C0nfederate Rose and another image is of the lovely Angel Trumpets that flourish here in Middle Georgia. Please leave a comment and identify each blossom by the Color. As always, the Flower Child enjoys Flowers.

In Memory

October 23, 1983, Beirut - 220 U. S. Marines and 18 U. S. Navy Sailors were killed in an attack on Headquarters in Beirut.

Lest We Forget!!!!!!

Cuban Missile Crisis

October 22, 1962 - The White House: Today President John F. Kennedy ordered the U. S. Navy to establish a Blockade of Cuba. After U-2 Intelligence gathering flights confirmed that the USSR and Cuba were establishing a network of Missiles in Cuba and several days of diplomacy President Kennedy ordered a Naval Blockade of Cuba.

As the free world considered the impact of a Nuclear War the Blockade was successful. This entire series of events later became known as "The Fourteen Days of October." For additional information and a time line of this historic event please visit:

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nsa/cuba_mis_cri/

Which certainly proves once more that mantra "Power For Peace," was certainly the case during the famous "Fourteen Days of October" in 1962. Flower Child was aboard the great Aircraft Carrier, USS RANGER (CVA-61) on the West Coast of the United States of America. You can be certain that we were ready to do our part, yet hoping that the Blockade would be Successful.

Former Macon Brave Does Well

Wow!!!!!! Anyone remember Adam Wainwright? If you have ever attended any Macon Braves Baseball games a few years back you will recall that he, the young man from Brunswick, Georgia once played at Luther Williams Field in Macon.

This young baseball player is the Hero of the 2006 National League Championship Series. Well Done Adam!!!!!

Untimely Deaths

Every day we hear of the tragic deaths, the untimely loss of life of our United States of America defenders. Yes, this is a great loss to America.

Yet, we are never given the opportunity to view on the Evening News the actual numbers of U. S. citizens, who are even smaller than our Nations Heroes. These deaths are just as important and should also be reported. I have completed a bit of Internet research and I have found the following information:

Each year, nationwide, more than 300 children under 5 years old drown in residential swimming pools, usually a pool owned by their family. In addition, more than 2,000 children in that age group are treated in hospital emergency rooms for submersion injures.

Source: U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

NBC news reported recently that Back Overs kill on average three toddlers each week here in the United States. That is over 150 tragic deaths each year. This is also a senseless loss to our United States of America.

Of course I could also ascertain how many teen age drivers are killed each year here in the United States. I suspect that if I did so, we would see that here in the Safety of the United States of America, we would soon realize that we are killing more young people under the age of 21 that we loose in our current War on Terrorism.

Now before you go off the deep end, I must say again, any death of a youthful citizen is a tragic event. I post this blog to simply state that we need to realize that life here in the United States is probably more dangerous than being sent into a Combat Zone.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this blog today.

Moral Clarity

On September 17 I dedicated a Blog to this subject. Yet in recent days my local electronic and print media have bombarded me with information that troubles me greatly.

Here in Bibb County I recently read where our Schools have reverted to "Social Promotions." What a shame. It may feel good now to get a promotion, but are really serving our future citizens well by passing them when they did not do well on the required test. If I read correctly, the waiver process is to be used in exceptional cases only. Yet it was applied here in Bibb County with broadside volleys. Admittedly I do not know everything about this sad situation but it certainly does not bode well for their employment opportunities of these students. Most employers require some type of test if they higher for high paying jobs which our local elected officials often state that we need to insure the future of Middle Georgia. Again, What A Shame, and this dark dirty secret was cloaked in the records and our Local School Board and in some cases the Administration was not even aware. It this power gone astray? I think so.

Then, going down the road a bit, I read and also hear, as well as view on the electronic media all the concern when a School Principal appeared to to the right thing and the duly elected officials are reported as not giving the Principal the support that every Leader needs. Again, it sounds if things are going astray!! Again, What A Shame!!! Is this the way we want to impress the standards of our society upon our future citizens and future adults.

Going back to the Blog title - Moral Clarity! We need a big dose if we are going to remain on track to retain our position as a Leader in the Free World. If you have not alreay done so, get a copy of the recent Best Seller, "The World is Flat." According to the author of that book we have limited time to get our act together here in the United States of America.

Thank You!

Size Matters

Here we are using a Georgia font to discuss a size matters issue. All my life I have heard how size matters. Well this week we here in Georgia only know one thing.

51 or 33

Or does the old adage, "Wait till Next Year Apply!!"

2006 Georgia National Fair

What you are viewing here are four images from the Fair. I believe that all too often we hear of how our Young Citizens are always in trouble. I would challenge everyone to take a day and visit the Georgia National Fair. I visited the Midway as indicated in one of the pictures above, but I also visited the Sheep Barns to view the judging and also the preparation that is required of the participants. These young people are certainly dedicated to their FFA and 4-H projects and spend many hours preparing to show their projects at the Fair. Now, do not be alarmed at the Suffolk Market Lamb with the shield/muzzle on his nose. They must wear these or they will consume the wood shavings and get very sick or even die. They can drink through these muzzles.

You can always learn something at the Fair!!

"Let's Celebrate Discovery"

The theme for the 2006 Tablescape Contest was appropriate because the contest was held on the Columbus Day Holiday. I did this functional buffet table with the dual theme of the Georgia National Fair started in 1990 and the Hubble Space Telescope was launched in 1990.

I had images from the Hubble Space Telescope and images from the Georgia National Fair along with the serving pieces for a fun party featuring:

Georgia Pulled Pork Barbecue

Elephant Ears

Turkey Drumsticks

Georgia Peach Cobbler

Milky Way Bars

Moon Pies

The Harvest Goes On

The Soybeans are done. It is time to get to the Corn Field and complete the harvest. It is that time again in the Great Upper Mid West of our United States of America. For everyone's information, this area is also known as the Breadbasket for the World.

This young man is but one Iowa Farmer who along with the other 78,539 who farm an average of 355 acres for each owner/operator are meeting the food needs of thousands of us city dwellers. Thank You

Enjoy the Beauty

Almost every week we are encouraged to go and create something beautiful. Today, I will expound on the concept that now is the time to "Enjoy the Beauty." Most of you know that this Blog is composed and published by the "Flower Child" of Middle Georgia.

I have enjoyed my hobby of gardening almost since I was born. Up until the age of three I was afraid of the Soil. But once I got used to digging in the Soil, I have never retreated. I have, currently do, and will most likely continue to enjoy digging in the Soil.

This a yellow/orange colored Angel Trumpet which is currently in full bloom in the Gardens at my Home in West Bibb County, Georgia
Here you can view the plethora of yellow/orange Angel Trumpet Flowers as they appear on the plant. In order to get the best view you usually have to lay on the ground to fully appreciate the lovely flower. These plants are about seven foot high.

In addition to the yellow/orange Angel Trumpet Flowers I have also nurtured six plants of light pink flowering blooms. These are also currently blooming in the Gardens surrounding my Home.

As I stated at the beginning of this Blog, Now is the time to Enjoy the Beauty. I would encourage everyone to visit the Georgia National Fair near Perry, Georgia. This event runs through Sunday, October 14th. In addition to the 4-H and FFA livestock competitions there is plenty to enjoy and see at the Georgia National Fair. The many, many displays in the Miller-Murphy-Howard Building also known as the Georgia Living Building during the Fair will allow you to enjoy beautiful quilts, flowers, youth art, photography, fine art and a plethora of culinary displays and competitions. You can easily indulge your senses for a full day inside this exhibit hall.

To sum up this Blog, Go!!!! Enjoy the Beauty and also the Bounty of Georgia at the Georgia National Fair.

"Welcome to Macon, Georgia"

Two lovely dumpsters. Do we have to look forward to this on Coliseum Drive or will they be hidden behind the New Hotel?
This may not be a Hotel, the the building does give the viewer an idea of what a five story facility would look like and the scale of the dumpster. It should be noted that the building has the latest technology in Solar Heating. Way to go. However the building does lack eye appeal. Is this what is planned for the Macon Convention Center?

Of course, the removal of the trash will be very handy with the use of forklifts and the roll-on Trash Removal Lorries.

What you are viewing here is what we can expect if our duly elected officials fail to have a forward vision as they contemplate a "New Hotel" for Macon near the Wilson Convention Center. Of course, we elected them to do the will of the people. What we currently have appears to me to be our duly elected officials serving their own self interest, or at least, considering this "New Hotel" placement to spite someone. What a shame. Do we have too many elected officials with self-centered blinders on? I vote a resounding "Yes." However, I am aware that only time will tell. But to even consider this "New Hotel" placement in the Convention Center Dumpster Area appears to be nothing but pure folly.

One thing for certain, this proposed magnificant structure will not be visible from the Interstate. Or, as they say down at the "Real Estate Office."

Location, Location, Location!!!!

What a shame that our Bibb County School Board and our Bibb County Commissioners will have a hand in this folly.

Maybe someone will come to their senses today!!!! All we can do is hope and we all know that Hope Springs Eternal.

A Dark Day

Yes, a Dark Day Indeed. Almost from the beginning of the History of our Great Nation we have had problems with people.

Demon Rum and the companion beverages appear to have been the downfall of a lot of people.

Or, is excessive alcohol used as the excuse? Or even more important, is any excuse better than having to take personal responsibility for our own actions.

Admittedly, there is no excuse for accepting the results of anyone who engages in inappropriate behavior. Additionally, I do not consider it appropriate to accept without consequences anyone's incorrect behavior.

I do think that we must take the time to carefully reflect on why we have these sins against society!!! It can be stated that it is human nature. I suspect that we all know this fact. How can we avoid these problems? I do believe that if we realize that the self-centered, I only need to care for myself attitude must be removed from the thinking of all members of our civilization. We must all be more civil with our fellow peoplekind!!!

It may also help if we do not over indulge in Demon Rum or own individual choices to pleasure ourselves. Or for that matter, we males need to stay away from the likes of Fanne Foxe!!!

Where Are The Adults?

A very timely question, indeed? Where are They? Maybe they are busy looking for or seeking more entitlements to allow themselves to continue on with their lives. Have we forgotten what made America great?

I believe that if you observe today's image very closely, that you will see an intergenerational group of citizens taking a break from some ardous labor. They not appear to be seeking assistance in some governmental office.

I will even state that the citizens in this image appear to be the bedrock of what made our United States of America a great nation. Regretfully, today, we have far too many citizens who have been conditioned. No matter what mistakes you have made in your life, someone, and most assuredly the government will take care of you and allow you to continue in your lifestyle. After all we would certainly not want to tell you what you have done incorrectly, or what you need to do to have an enjoyable life. Our current politicians want votes. The quickest way to insure that constituents vote for any politican is to give "we the people" what we think we need. I have often heard the overused comment, "I Feel Your Pain," as candidates seek election or even re-election.

Return with me, if you will, back to the image that headlines this post. Where do politicans, once elected obtain the funds to continue to buy their votes?

If I have to answer that question for you, then you are indeed part of the problem we have in the land of the Free and the home of the Brave; also known as the United States of America.

As anyone who observes our modern society today, we are fast becoming a nation of entitlement seekers. Tell me, if you can, how can we continue down this path when our population continues to age and we do not have enough young citizens stepping up to become productive workers. In my daily conduct in my retired life I observe far too many young citizens who also feel that they are entitled to have most anything they desire. Far too many young citizens are living out the entitlement syndrome in their lives because of mistakes and/or misfortune in their lives.

Enters now the vote procurement segment of our Society. Vote for me and I will insure that you do not have to suffer. I Feel Your Pain!!!!

From young Sam Collier, an apprentice to John Smith in the early 1600s, to the citizens you observed above, there are those who continue to work to keep the United States of America a great Nation.

So, to answer the question: "The Adults Are Here, We Just Do Not Hear About Them. They are engaged in doing what needs to be done. For these Workers and Doers, I will always be filled with gratitude. Thank You!!!

"Something To Think About!!!"

I have yet to meet any adult who has been recycled that will admit that they are allowing a former spouse manage their Check book. Of course that sounds silly and is also considered to be a stupid personal business practice.

Now comes along several former leaders who feel compelled to tell us what we as a Society are doing incorrectly. I realize that it is human nature to focus on being a "Monday Morning Quarterback." I must admit that I can look back on the events of the previous week and often wish that I had done things differently. But, we as a Society also know and realize that this folly will not gain us any respect in the International Community of Peoplekind much less correct the mistakes of the past.

Although my past does not include being a recognized leader in the free world, I do have prior leadership experience in a social organization. Just several months ago, when I presided at my last meeting, I publicly stated the following: "You will never hear me say at a future meeting - We have never done it that way before!!"

So far I have remained faithful to that statement. I intend to continue to do so. I do know that if I ever do utter that statement that at least forty members will quickly call me down.

As I have lived through my life I have usually adhered to the principle that I do need to move on. This does not mean that I repeat the mistakes of my past; it merely reflects the fact that the life ahead of me is the most important part of my current focus. I admit that I must look ahead. Thus the image you observed under the title of this Blog. "Burn the Bridges Behind You," which you might consider as my mantra has become a wise practice for me. There is no need for me to repeat the mistakes of my past.

All of this stated to lead you to the conclusion of this post. I believe that once anyone resigns or transfers from any organization, governmental, social, business and/or place of employment that they would move on in their lives without coming back and telling anyone, yes anyone how to function. If these self serving individuals can not move on, or refuse to let go of the past the question and concern that comes to my mine is: "Why did these experts resign or quit in the first place?"

So, as anyone of us considers resigning or quitting they might be well advised to carefully think about the future. Ask yourself this soul searching question: "Why should I quit or resign!!!" Of course I realize that this is not always the case in elected positions. If you can not continue in your elected post because of sickness, failure to be re-elected, or you have served the maximum term/s allowed; please remember that you have had your opportunity to make a difference. Respect the incumbent enough to move on without the self serving pronouncements on what is currently wrong or how you would be doing it!!! Enough Said.

"Thank You"

"In Memory"

October 2, 2006