Bibb County Taxes at Work

When this sign was placed on the street near my Home on the Morning of May 15, 2007, I did not give it much thought. Then a back-hoe and a short wheel base dump truck went down the street.
I then proceeded to ascertain what was going on. The Bibb County Work Crew was marshalling their staff and equipment to remove trash. Enough trash in front of a private dwelling to average about four foot high and cover the right-of-way for at least seventy feet. I then started to see red.

I took these pictures and E-Mailed them the afternoon of May 15th to the appropriate County Commissioner. We all know that these officials have been busy with the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget so I expected that a reply may take a few days.

While our Commissioners were engaged in establishing the 2008 Budget with the published goal of no Tax increases I do have a concern. How can a private property owner have a county work crew, county equipment and a dump truck make at least three trips to haul away the trash over a period of at least three hours?

I did ask this question of the Commissioner involved for this area of Bibb County. The question and pictures were forwarded to an Engineer. I am waiting for an answer.

The following is my first E-Mail to the Commissioner which was sent on May 15th:

Is it the policy of the Public Works Department of Bibb County to clean up heavy trash, debris, limbs and such that a home owner piles along the entire front of his property at no cost?

My Concern is that today a Work Crew from Bibb County Public Works is removing several trucks of such trash from a private home here in West Bibb County.

One Short wheel base dump truck, one back hoe with an attachment to load trash on the truck. People include the truck driver, the back hoe operator, a ground crew member and also what appears to be a Safety Man.

They arrive on site at about 9:00 A.M. this morning and are still functioning here at almost 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, May 15, 2007.

Or is is possible to have a County Work Crew and Equipment provide this service and the Home Owner pays for the service?

In any regard, I look forward to a reply on this matter. It just does not appear correct to me. Thank You.

I feel that two weeks is ample time to expend on developing an answer for my questions of May 15, 2007.

Customer Parking??

Yesterday I visited one of the two major Post Office Service Center's here in Macon, Georgia. I carefully parked within the lines and observed the "Customer Parking" signs in the parking lot. My purpose was to acquire appropriate stamps to post my end of the month bills. I expected a plethora of patrons inside the post office buying stamps and even mailing parcels. Much to my surprise there were about six postal patrons. Once I returned to one of the two parking lots at this facility I quickly viewed the number of vehicles and also ascertained that not all individuals using the parking lot could have been "Customers."

Now to be fair, I must also state that what you will see next is the West Parking Lot. When I took this picture I had my back to the other Parking Lot on the South Side of the Postal Service Center. Without taking the time to count all the vehicles, I can report that there must have been at least twenty cars parked in the Customer Parking Areas and as I stated above with only about six patrons using the services of the Post Office. Photos by "The Flower Child."

A Delightful Dining Spot and also a Very Appropriate Watering Hole!!!!

Several months ago I participated in a Federated Garden Clubs of Macon Fund Raiser. I was the successful bidder on an "Irish Gift Basket." Included in the Basket was a Gift Certificate for "The Shamrock." Last evening my Bride and I visited this establishment for the first time in over fifteen years. What a pleasure. Great Service, Delightful Food and Excellent Adult Beverages. You may be confident that the "Flower Child" will visit this site often in the future.

The Shamrock is located at 342 Rose Avenue and is on the North Side of Payne City and also just off of Vineville Avenue. Freedom Park Recreation Center is just down the road from this fine dining facility.

Long May She Wave

Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle

On Friday, May 25, 2007 CBS Evening News carried a noteworthy story about the MRAP Vehicle. If our Country had these vehicles in service in Iraq for the many missions that our Soldiers and our Marines conduct we would most likely have 1700 fewer combat deaths of our Nation's Heroes. So you ask, Why do we not have these vehicles in service? I also see red when I think of this situation. According to the news report I witnessed, it is because we are caught up in red-tape and other considerations. All weekend long we have witnessed our young heroes answer the Question - "What Price Freedom." Today we have to ask ourselves - What Price Protection? Do we have bureaucrats and even our Nation's Lawmakers at odds on how to fund the War on Terrorism? Do we have citizen peers that have their own turf to protect that they are now compromising the safety of our Nation's Defenders? A very difficult question, but I am Thankful that the CBS evening news exposed this great, if not the greatest malfeasance ever conducted in the history of our great Nation.

I can recall studying history in my youth and learning about the Liberty Ships that were built to assist in the transport of supplies during World War II. I include a picture of just one of the about 3000 constructed in the World War II Era.

"Soon the Kaiser yards were building Liberty Ships in a month -- then in ten days. Finally they finished one in just four-and-a-half days. Kaiser ate steel so fast he had to set up his own mill."

We did this some sixty years ago. What is the problem today? We do have improved technology? Now before anyone goes off and dismisses the ability of the Kaiser Shipyards and that they possibly had advance information about World War II, may I suggest that they enter the Words: "Liberty Ship" in their Search Engine and ascertain for themselves that the Kaiser production of Liberty Ships was the result of break through thinking. We are certainly capable of breakthrough thinking today, if we will but just allow ourselves to do so.

Images and the quote obtained from the World Wide Web.

Everlasting Gratitude

As I arranged the photo shoot for the above image yesterday, Memorial Day 2007, I could not help but think of the song, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" from the Civil War era. Especially the verse that spoke of lilies. I quote it here:

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,

With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:

As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;

[originally …let us die to make men free]

While God is marching on.

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! While God is marching on.

Then this morning after I gathered my Newspaper and I was struck with the beauty of these "Everlast Hydrangeas" as I returned to my home. It is my wish and also my prayer today that we will be ever grateful everyday for the Freedoms we enjoy and for the most part take for granted. Let us never forget!!!

Why?

Son One

Son Two

Flower Child and Son Two

Flower Child's Bride and The Baby

Permit me to take this opportunity to tell you Why!!! During the days of this past Memorial Day Weekend, I have read and also viewed on the electronic media, the tributes to our Celebration of Memorial Day. Almost to a person, the Warriors interviewed stated that they did serve or are serving so that their Families can continue to enjoy the opportunities of citizenship in a Great Country, Our own United States of America.

We can all recall the HBO Mini-Series of a few years ago entitled "Band of Brothers." Most recently we have had the opportunity to view "Flags of our Fathers," which was about the horrible situation in the Pacific. Each of these featured the suffering and death of many heroes that have sacrificed all to allow us all to enjoy our freedoms. In my own case I was a Vietnam era Veteran. My own children provided the catalyst for me to make a career of the Military. I wanted to insure a great way of life for my Children and also my Beloved Bride.

I suspect that the majority in the United States Military, Army, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Navy today would also tell you exactly what I have heard and had the opportunity to view this past weekend.

As we conclude the Memorial Day Observances it is my sincere prayer and also my desire that we continue to remember our current Heroes and their Families and the sacifrices they make on a daily basis.

Memorial Day 2007

As we pause this Holiday Weekend to reflect on our Heritage and the Legacy our Nation's Defenders have given us, I remind you that Freedom is Not Free. Since the Birth of our Nation with the Revolutionary War through the current War on Terrorism 623,626 have made the supreme sacrifice.

While it is true that many lost their lives for the cause of Freedom in distant lands, these Heros gave their lives for the Cause, For Freedom For All Peoples!!!!

As we also daily pray for Peace in our time, we need to be aware that Peace At Any Cost is a compromise that will most certainly emblazen the power hungary to gain control of their Country and Citizens for the fulfillment of their own lust and greed. I could list these morbid individuals here; but my purpose today is to Honor the Heros who have perished, those who died that I might be Free. The previous sentence might appear to be self-centered; but if each one of us adopts this mantra, to Honor these Heros, we as a Nation will have achieved a major milestone. A milestone that we all can be proud of.

All of the "I", a Nation Makes.

Thank You!!!

We are There!!!

When I started this Blog I pledged to even cover world events. Today we are able to view a very special image. The nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) transit alongside Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the Gulf of Oman. All three ships are part of three different strike groups that are on scheduled deployments in support of maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul J. Perkins (RELEASED)

Bonnie and Clyde

Clyde Champion Barrow and his companion, Bonnie Parker, were shot to death by officers in an ambush near Sailes, Bienville Parish, Louisiana, on May 23, 1934, after one of the most colorful and spectacular manhunts the Nation had seen up to that time.

Flower Child's Flowers

Flower Child's Bride is involved in Garden Club Work. The Easter Flowers you see here are part of a "pass along" one of her peers gave her. They are growing very well in pots and have finally bloomed. Great looking Flowers.

Managing Office Stress

We all know the impact of stress in our personal lives and how stress also impacts morale in any work situation. Additionally, physical health and mental health are degraded when the employees in any organization are not happy. The following picture displays the equipment necessary to insure that all of your employees appear to be happy. At least they have a smile on their face.

Note how the two rubber bands are hooked together. The following image clearly displays the improvement in employee smiles and attitude. Use the rubber bands and bend the paper clips to produce this "Guarantee a Smile Device." As you can see from the model displaying the Smile Device, office morale should improve immediately as you construct these devices for all of your employees. Additionally, it should be noted that most organizations have an adequate supply of paper clips and rubber bands so that the cost of implementation should not have a major impact on the firm's budget. Additionally, health care cost should decrease because everyone is happy.

A special note of Gratitude to Bill in Florida for submitting this system to me. Please note that the model used for this display suffered no ill effects in the production and modeling of this "Guarantee A Smile Device."

Armed Forces Day 2007

Let Us All Never Forget. Please say a prayer of Gratitude for our Nations Defenders who have served our Nation. Additionally, please say a prayer asking for God's protection for all the Young Men and Women who proudly serve in the Military of our Country. Also, please remember the families, the spouses and parents, siblings of those who now serve on our Behalf in the World Wide War on Terrorism. Thank You!!!!

Weatherby's Wonderful

Women

Today was a scheduled work day for the residents who reside in Weatherby Plantation in West Bibb County, Georgia. The weather was nice and cool with a slight breeze prevailing throughout the morning which made the working conditions absolute fun. In addition to the Wonderful Women we had a plethora of young citizens who assisted. Much pruning and trimming was accomplished. Additionally a Wonderful Social followed the morning of fun. The food was acquired from "Pit in A Pit."

More Beauty from Flower Child

A lovely lavendar Lace Cap

A lovely blue lace cap

A Lace Cap named "Lady in Red." The flower does turn Red.

A Varigated Lace Cap which will also turn Blue as the bloom matures.

Please be aware that the care I expend on these lovely flowers is minimal. I prune when I have time and I do not apply any chemicals to change the color of these lovely flowers. The White mop heads grow right beside the blue lace caps. The climbing hydranges is planted next to the lavendar lace caps.

Enjoy this plethora of lovely hydranges and please leave a comment. Should you desire to visit Flower Child's Gardens please leave a comment and I will send you a reply. Thank You!!!!

A Plethora of Beauty from Flower Child's Gardens

The Climbing Hydrangea

A White Mop Head. When all of these are open on a planting of thirty plants in the East Gardens the beauty is overwhelming.

An Oak Leaf Hydrangea in waiting. Bambi may destroy this one before it blooms.

An Everlast Hydranges - Mop Head

The Flower Child hope you enjoy these images. Have a Great Day and remember that beauty abounds all around us if we but take the time to savor it. Thank You!!!!

Armed Forces Day

Saturday, May 19th is Armed Forces Day in the United States of America. The denomination of Church I attend - The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod - will have a collection to support the Armed Forces Commission of our Church Body. The picture above shows three Military Chaplains conducting an Easter Service at Camp Eggers in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Please note this photo was released by the Department of the Navy).

I share this picture today to remind each of us that our fellow Americans, Sons, Daughters, Husbands, Wives and even Parents are serving in Harms Way on our behalf. No matter what denomination of religion you are involved in, please take the time this Weekend, and every day, I might add, to pray for our Heroes and use every opportunity to also actually support them. There are countless programs available and I am aware that may religious denominations have programs for our Nations Troops.

A Posh Toy for an upcoming Grandchild

A Bow View

Red Beard's Revenge Pirate Ship Playhouse

Well, we all know that yesterday was Mother's Day. Our oldest Son and his Bride honored his Mother with a delightful Hamburger Cookout at their new home near Dublin, Georgia. In as much as they had just learned the sex of their baby due in October our Son presented us with an appropriate list of toys for his daughter. They had been given a "Posh Tots" catalogue by one of their Friends. Of course, our Son knew my Navy heritage so he picked out this delightful toy. As you can see it has a nautical theme. This Playhouse measures 18 feet long, 12 feet tall and is 11 feet wide. Certainly an appropriate play house for any child, but for certain most appropriate for the first Grandchild. Each Playhouse is custom built in Virginia and you must order at least ten weeks before the desired delivery date. Cost is a mere $52,000.00 with a shipping charge of 9.5 percent.

Hydrangeas Rule

This is the time of the year that Hydrangeas dominate the Landscape in Flower Child's Gardens. Although you have viewed several post about the wonderful Climbing Hydrangea, today you will also view the lovely Lace Cap with the purple flowers. The bottom picture is a lovely mop head which is known as "Everlast" developed by the famed Dr. Michael Durr of the University of Georgia Horticultural Department. One would think that it would be "Bulldog Red."

Gardening for Beauty

It had to finally happen. Flower Child's Bride grew tired of the mundane plantings that survived the Winter. Knowing that often times grouping different plants in a container generates more interest and beauty she choose various plants to adorn the planters in our Pocket Garden.

Here you see one of two "Blazing Star" plantings which adorn the front steps. The official name is: "P Liatris Spicata Kobold."

This is a planting of Ivy and Hosta, supplemented with a Coleus named "Dipped in Wine." The Coleus should grow to at least 24 inches in height so there will be more interest in the planting as the Coleus matures.

This lovely blooming plant is a Coreopsis grandiflora and is named "Sunfire." It should grow to at least 20 inches tall.

Here is a planting of "Tiger Lily" enhanced with three Apricot colored "Calibrachoa Cabaret" (tm).

The final planting in the Pocket Garden, in recycled containers, consist of new plants: "Icicles" known as Helichrysum thianschanicum, Stained Glassworks (tm) Coleus and the lovely Perennial Sweet Potato Vine known as "Marguarita." Although the Coleus is difficult to discern in this photo it will soon mature to at least fifteen inches high.

Read Aloud

Attention Class: On May 11, 2007, The Flower Child completed his ninth year as a Read Aloud Volunteer in the Bibb County School System. The program was first known as "Rolling Readers" but over the course of time the name was changed to "Read Aloud."

The Flower Child has read at five schools during this period of time. Clisby, Morgan, Weir, Bruce and most recently at Vineville Academy. Today a Fifth Grade Scholar asked me if I ever tire of reading. I informed the questioner that I am Retired and also a Volunteer Reader. If I ever tire, and I do not anticipate that I ever will, I will not read. As you all know, the wonderful thing about being a Volunteer is that no one can terminate your job. As I often tell others when they wish me a "Good Day," that I am sure I will because the alternative is not all that great.

As those who know me well, my mantra is to continue to enjoy life.

"The Flower Child"

modeling the Climbing Hydrangea

Climbing Hydrangea Blooms in Middle Georgia

You first viewed the Flower Child's Climbing Hydrangea blooms on April 27, 2007 when all that was displayed were the tiny round buds. As you can quickly ascertain this Bloom is of the Lace Cap type Hydrangea. This is the same bloom that you first saw fifteen days ago.

Art at Vineville Academy

Macon, Georgia

During the recent "First Friday," May 4th the Flower Child visited the Children's Museum on Cherry Street in downtown Macon, Georgia. The fifth and sixth grade scholars at Vineville Academy had their recent pottery work on display. The artistic talent that these young scholars had on display was most impressive. Unfortunately I was unable to capture individual images of each scholars work, but I feel that you can get a good impression by viewing the two images I present here.

Avid Automobile Buff

On May 5, 2007 I posted three images of an automobile and asked if anyone could name the brand. Well two of Flower Child's dedicated readers of "The World This Week" had the correct answer within hours of the post.

Today, May 8th the Flower Child delivered on the prize for the correct answer on what Brand is this Automobile. We all had a delightful lunch at the "Pig in the Pit" on Bass Road here in Macon, Georgia. Check the 5 May entry for the pictures, and of course the answers in the Comments Section.