Flower Child's Run for Public Office

On Saturday, January 27th I posted a Blog about Running for Public Office. Unfortunately no one responded to the post so it has been determined that for now the "Door Will Be Closed."

Additionally, I am aware that the number of candidates now running for High Office is adequate. No need to jump into the foray and confuse the voters.

Why Not??? - Everybody Is!!!

It appears that everyone is getting in on the action by running for some Office. So today, I ask the question: "Why Not?" Please leave your comments here. Thank You!!!!!

2007

Cherry Blossom Festival

Think Pink Wreath Contest Photo Courtesy of the World Wide Web

First of all, "Flower Child" is not an employee of the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival or acting as an Agent in any capacity. I publish this Blog simply to let everyone know that the "First Ever Cherry Blossom Festival Think Pink Wreath Contest" will allow anyone who is over eighteen years of age to become a dynamic part of and a proud participant this Annual Event.

You can be sure that "Flower Child" will participate. For additional information please visit this link:

http://www.cherryblossom.com/download.php?id=93416,241,2

Then Came the Winter Snows

What a difference ten days make. Here you can quickly view an abundance of Snow which fell after we left the Holy Land. Of course as you can quickly ascertain, the citizens in the Great Upper Midwest are equiped to handle the snow. This is the area on every Farm between the House and the appropriate out-buildings and features my Brother's Farm.

Above the Fruited Plain

This is the scene from my Sibling Sister's Farm in Clayton County, Iowa. This is what an Iowa Winter looks like in early January when there is no snow. This picture was taken as the evening shadows crossed the plains.

Flower Child's Birthplace

You are viewing a current image of the Red Brick House on Clayton Ridge in Clayton County, Iowa where Flower Child was born so many years ago, February 19, 1940 to be exact.

This house featured central heat employing a wood/coal fired furnace in the basement with steam radiators in each room. It was one of the first homes in the area to also have indoor plumbing.

When it was built there was a wrap around screened porch along the front as you view this picture and also the right hand side. The total cost of the home in 1918 was $3600.00. I have the Journal in my Grandmother's handwriting which includes a complete breakdown of the cost.

You may have wondered about the "Flower Child." Well now you know!!!!!

Long May She Yet Wave

The U. S. A. Flag you view flying here is on the top of a bluff alongside the Turkey River very close to where it merges with the Mississippi river near Millville, Iowa. We all can be proud of our flag and also those who defend our way of life. Just recently a friend of mine forwarded a Website that certainly displays what our Nation's Defenders are all about. I would encourage you to take the time to view this Heart Moving Story of but one of our Nation's Heroes at:

SMALL TOWN WAR HERO

Escort Vehicles

Everyone now knows that "Flower Child" recently completed a road trip to the Upper MidWest of the United States of America. He has grown accustomed to traveling the Interstate Highway system in Georgia and the frequent wide loads that everyone meets. Here in Georgia we have a Warning Vehicle ahead of the Wide-Load with flashing lights and flags as well as a Chase Vehicle behind the Wide-Load with flashing lights and flags. It takes a total of at least three vehicles and three drivers to move a "W i d e L o a d" here in Georgia.

I am aware that the above image is an "Oversize Load," but I am sure you have seen the "Wide Load" Signs on vehicles as you also travel the Highways and Byways of Georgia.

As I traveled through Illinois on an Interstate Highway I frequently observed Eighteen Wheelers transporting "Wide Loads" and quickly noted that there were no Warning Vehicles or Chase Vehicles in the company of the Wide Load. I was impressed at this environmental friendly approach. No extra vehicles consuming fuel. I am also sure that there was an economy factor also. One Driver instead of three. The Eighteen Wheeler did have appropriate "Wide Load" signs both on the front and rear of the rig. Additionally appropriate red waving flags were appropriately mounted on the bumpers of the towing tractor and the hauling trailer. In view of the fact that a motorist operating a vehicle needs to have appropriate vision I immediately thought that this was an excellent system. Both from the cost aspect regarding the number of drivers and from the environmental aspect. Only one vehicle consuming fuel to move the "Wide Load."

May I suggest that our Georgia Law Makers consider the economy and environmental aspects of improving our "Wide Load" laws to be more friendly to the consumer and also to protect the environment.

Flower Child's Flowers

A Plethora of Helleborus (Lenten Roses)

Daphne Odora

Helleborus

More Helleborus

Today you can view a few of the flowers that are in bloom as of January 23, 2007 here in Middle Georgia. In addition to these beautiful flowers the following are currently in full bloom here:

Viburnum Tinus

Camellia

Tea Olive

Daffodils

"Queen's Tears" or Friendship Plant

As I enjoy this beauty here in Middle Georgia I often think of those who reside in the Northern portions of our Great U. S. A. Of course they are looking forward to Spring when they can enjoy Peonies and Liliac Flowers while we here in Middle Georgia can not even grow these lovely flowers.

Family Dinner

For several years I have heard my Youngest Son and his Bride talk about the twice monthly "Family Dinner" tradition that he married into. Just recently my Bride and I participated in a "Family Dinner" hosted by my sister during a recent visit to Iowa. These dinners during my visits to Iowa (a.k.a. Holy Land) have also become a tradition. I have an intense gratitude for these events while I visit my siblings.

What you see above is the set up for the "Christmas Dinner" that my Wife prepared for her side of the Family this past Christmas here in Macon, Georgia. It was a Family Dinner, but the dinners here in the South have become Holiday events. May I suggest that the image of "Gracious Southern Living" is soon to be a forgotten tradition?

I envy my Son very much. The twice a month "Family Dinner" is cherished in his new Family and appreciated very much. It gives everyone the opportunity to practice their "Socialization Skills" and I am confident that it is also a respite from the "hurried and rushed life" that we all appear to have allowed ourselves to be a part of.

Such traditions should be cherished and anticipated by all.

Silos and Smoke Stacks

A National Heritage Area

Where the Story of American Agriculture

Comes to Life

The Silo shown above is on my Sister's Farm in Northeast Iowa. The Silos and Smoke Stacks promotion features the Northeast Corner of the Agricultural State of Iowa. Should you desire additional information please visit the website: www.silosandsmokestacks.org. It is here in the heartland of America that you will learn to appreciate the breadbasket of the Nation and see for yourself the Heritage of the American Farmer.

Public Education In Iowa

Way back when in the dark ages Farm Children in Iowa attended one room schools through grade eight. All of that changed in the 1950s when a wave of School consolidation spread across Iowa. I know. I was a part of that revolution. I attended a one room school through grade six. From grade seven on I attended a large Colsolidated school in Town.

The school house shown above was the very school that My Father and his Siblings attended on Clayton Ridge, near Clayton in Clayton County in the Northeast corner of Iowa in the 1910s and 1920s. It has been restored and stands today as a memory of how it used to be. I recently obtained a copy of the "History of Clayton County, Iowa Schools" produced by the Clayton County Genealogical Society. This book is a complete History of the one room school by townships. I would like to share some of the questions that eighth grade students had to answer in order to graduate:

Geography:

• Name 5 of the most important commercial products of Asia
• Why has Australia been slow to develop?
• What and where are the following: Paris/Rhine/Amazon/Siberia/Caspian/Newfoundland/Himalaya/Greece/Etna/Nome
• Give geographic reasons for the growth of the following cities

Buffalo/Detroit/Memphis/Miami/Seattle

• What is Climate?

Grammar:

• Write a short business letter.
• Illustrate a compound sentence
• Illustrate a complex sentence

Vocal Music:

• Name three good school songs and tell why you would use them in your school.
• Give the meaning of the following terms:

Alto, fortissimo, pianissimo, tenor, soprano, bass

Arithmetic:

• A, B, and C form a partnership. A invest $5,000; B invests $6,000: C invests $7,000. What would be each man's share of a profit of $7,200?
• The distance between two towns is 800 miles. Railroad fare is 3.6 cents a mile. How much cheaper would it be for one person to ride on the train than to drive a car if it takes 40 gallons of gas at 19.9 cents a gallon, 10 quarts of oil at 30 cents a quart, and you allow 3.9 cents a mile for wear on your car? Which way would be cheaper for two people traveling together? For three people?
• Define: interest, commission, per annum, promissory note, indorsement.

Civics:

• What is a direct tax? An indirect tax? A poll tax? What officer list your property for taxation?
• To what officer does a farmer pay his taxes? To what officer would you apply for a marriage license? A hunting license? What officer has charge of the county jail?
• In what years does the General Assembly of Iowa meet? Of how many members is each house of the General Assembly composed?

Of course this was not the whole test. These are but a few of the question that scholars had to answer. Additionally, it should be noted that there were no multiple choice questions.

Please note that the above questions were from the 1929 and 1934 State of Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Uniform County Examinations.

Missouri Miracle

It has been some time since Flower Child made any post on current events about the Nation and Middle Georgia, so today I will briefly discuss two recent events. The first event is the Missouri Miracle. By now we all know that one family near Saint Louis dedicated over four years to searching for their Son after he disappeared. Another family near Saint Louis had a four day wait. Both have have been tramatic. I think that all of us are intensely glad and also happy for the families involved in these two cases. It certainly must be stated that if anyone of us sees anything that does not appear appropriate that we should report it to the proper officials. In the Missouri Miracle situation it was the alertness of a fellow teen, a neighbor of the thirteen year old who was missing for four days that allowed these cases to be resolved. Thank Goodness!!!

Middle Georgia Concerns

The recent tragic deaths of three young Hispanic Men here in Middle Georgia also raises a lot of concerns. An accident happened in Macon and a Friend of these males went to the authorities in the County where they lived to report a missing person/s. Several versions of the events have been published and a lot of confusion has been allowed to cloud the issues. I personally think that everyone may have followed procedures, but in some cases it is the thinking "Outside of the Box" that resolves the crisis. I also know that the element of fear may have prevented friends from coming forward. Overcoming the "fear factor" may have resolved this whold experience much quicker. Additionally, if the young men involved had not feared discovery, they well might be with us today. I can not offer a solution to this tragic event, but I will offer up the following comments:

• Anyone living in this County who is not a citizen may be fearful of discovery!
• This is a National Problem and our U. S. A. Government must develop a scheme to resolve this problem!!
• All of us, including our duly elected leaders, the President, our Senators and our Representatives must work together to clarify and resolve this National problem!!!
• We all can become involved by demanding that our duly elected leaders do what is right and proper!!!!
• All of us can do this by starting today. When will you send your message to your Senators and your Representative?

I know that I will, as soon as I publish this Blog!!! Please remember that through the concern of one teenage boy in Missouri the case of two missing boys was resolved. I would urge you to do your part today by becoming involved!!!! Each of us can do no less!!!!

Breitbach's County Dining

since 1852

This fine establishment which is located in Balltown, Iowa in Dubuque County has been in the same family since 1891.

This is a view of the Mississippi River Valley within one-half mile of Breitbach' Country Dining. You can see the rolling hills, the blue Mississippi River and in the back ground the limestone bluffs of Wisconsin. This image was taken from the Great River Road which is 3000 miles long. This view is believed to offer one of the most scenic, far-reaching outlooks along the entire route of the Great River Road.

Breitbach's is a full service Dining Facility with a full service bar to serve you your choice of beer, wine and cocktails. This 240 seat facility serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. A delightful escape from the fast food world we have all grown to rely on. Enjoy a 50 mile panoramic view of the Mississippi River Valley, the second highest point in Iowa, located just 1 block from Breitbach's.

It was "Flower Child's" pleasure to dine at this fine establishment in the company of his Brother during a recent trip to the "Holy Land" on January 10th, 2007

Motor Mill Historic Site

This former Wheat Grinding Mill is located on the bank of the Turkey River in Clayton County in Northeast Iowa. This majestic old Mill is 90 feet tall, and is believed to be the tallest structure of its kind in the Midwest. The stately old structure boast six full stories and measures 60 and one- half feet by 45 and one-half feet.

This Mill's foundation walls are five feet thick and taper in as the structure ascents to the roof. The ground floor walls are about three feet think; fourth floor, two and one-half feet; and the sixth floor, two feet thick. The bays on the inside are 12 feet wide. Beams measure 11 x 14 inches. Pillars are one-foot square. The first floor ceiling is nine and one-half feet high; all others are eight and one-half.

Stone masons from nearby villages were hired to build the Mill. Stone quarried on the top of the bluff was lowered in cable cars on wood rails to the building site. Legend tells of four "lead" masons, each responsible for one wall of the building, who tried to outdo the others with his own style of stonework. This mill was build in the late 1860 at a cost of $50,000.00 less equipment which cost another $40,000.00. Water for mill operations was provided by a dam upstream, 200 feet long and 12 feet high. A flume directed water into the basement of the Mill, providing power to the four turbines. This dam insured a minimum of 250 horsepower even at low water. One of the owners boasted that the Mill could handle 1500 bushels of wheat per week, for which he was paid 50-cents per bushel. It was said that Motor Mill flour was the best flour for baking. The flour was sold nearby and also shipped to Dubuque and used to make bread.

The mill was later abandoned when the Railroad failed and Chinch Bugs inflicted great damage to the wheat crop in 1871 and again in 1887.

Historic data obtained from the "Clayton County Conservation Board."

The photo above was taken by Flower Child on January 8th, 2007. I consider it appropriate to study this type of History. Lesson learned - You must have adequate infrastructure to move your products to the market place as well as proper pest control.

Fuel Economy

You are viewing a 1998 Dodge Intrepid V-6 Four Door Sedan. On a recent road trip to the Great Upper MidWest with two adults and enough luggage for a two week trip this automobile with 130,000 miles traveled 2178 miles and averaged 29.71 miles per gallon of fuel consumed. Not many full sized automobiles with a 2007 build date can do that well. I should trade for a newer model to achieve better gas milage!!!! I think that it is about time that all auto manufacturers, both foreign and domestic build full size automobiles to allow comfortable seating and achieve this type of fuel consumption.

A Tale of Two Cities

Welcome to Macon, Georgia. This sign is imbedded on a bank alongside Interstate 75 on the West Side of the Highway. One has to be very aware to even see the sign as you travel down the Interstate at the posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour. This view was from the East end of the F. Emory Greene Memorial Bridge which crosses the Interstate in Macon, Georgia. Yes, this sign is quite difficult to read.

This Welcome sign is on U. S. Highway 52 on the South side of Monona, Iowa. It is clerly visible to the travelers who pass by this sign. Although Monona is much smaller than Macon, Georgia they can proudly boast that they have a complete Water Park and a new manufacturing industry.

Almost every town and city in Iowa has a nice looking Welcome sign that certainly promotes a positive attitude about their area.

Where is Flower Child?

I have been in the Holy Land!!!! For me that is the great Upper Midwest of the United States of America. I traveled to Iowa in early January to be a Pall Bearer for the funeral of My Aunt. Years ago after the death of her Husband who was also my Godfather, she asked me to be a Pall Bearer. She had lived a great life and passed away after over 90 years here on earth. After visiting my siblings we also traveled to Saint Louis to visit our charming Son and His Bride. We arrived on Friday and watched first hand on TV the Missouri Miracle as the events unfolded. Kirkwood, Missouri where the boys were found was about 12 miles West of where our Son lives. What a weekend. We had a safe trip back to Macon and arrived here on Monday, January 15, 2007. Great to be Home!!!!!

Lawless Citizen

What a shame that we have such citizen/citizens living here in Middle Georgia. This tree was observed in the ditch on Mumford Road in West Bibb County on Thursday, January 4th. I realize that our law enforcement has more important task, but this is a shame. I can not comprehend how anyone could do this!!!!!!!

USS Monterey (CV-26)

Ship's gunnery officers, 24 October 1943. Lieutenant Gerald R. Ford, Jr., USNR, is second from right in the front row. He was the 38th President of the United States (1974-77).

Thank You!!!!!

A Grand Start - 2007

Anyone who is familiar with Middle Georgia knows that First Night Macon was celebrated on December 31, 2006 as we all eagerly awaited 2007. The picture today is but one of the venues that we had the opportunity to visit to usher in 2007. My Bride and I chose the Stars of Tomorrow events hosted by Mulberry Street United Methodist Church. After these Stars had completed their performances we visited the Theatre Macon's Youth Actors Company as they previewed their upcoming production, "Oklahoma."

I can confidently inform you that the evening was a total joy to behold and witness. We witnessed performances by children as young as six years old perform viola music up to and including performances on the piano by college scholars; all who certainly qualify as "Stars of Tomorrow."

We concluded the First Night Macon Fun by being on Coleman Hill to watch the gala display of Fireworks.