Home/Automobile Insurance

Almost everyone enjoys considerable savings by having the same insurance company carry their home and automobile insurance.

What I did not know until recently was that a credit rating also has an impact on the cost of insurance. I recently "kicked tires" on the cost of my home/auto insurance aftering viewing an advertisement on television. I was quoted a fair price on my home insurance and a considerable decrease on the auto coverage.

I relayed this information to my current carrier's local agent and I was informed that if I signed a release granting them authority to review my credit rating that it would be possible that my rates would decrease.

I signed the release and my auto insurance dropped $75.00 and the home insurance dropped $200.00. Needless to say, I am remaining with my carrier in as much as their adjusted rates are now in line with the quote I received from the "other" company.

Sometimes it pays to kick tires. Of course it also helps if your credit rating is not tainted.

I thought you might like to know.

Ethics

First it was tainted Peanut Butter and/or Paste. The next thing we heard about was how the Secretary of the Treasury did not remember to pay certain Taxes to the United States of America.

I find both of these situations amazing. Where is the sense of responsibility that citizens should display in their personal and also public lives?

Not only are both of these situations deplorable, they are uncalled for!!!!!!

Holiday Images

Would you believe that these two shrimp boats are from the same image that I captured last September when I was on Holiday. I am trying to learn how to frame images. These are two examples I worked with today.

I would urge everyone to consider the delightful hobby of photography. With the digital age upon us it is really quite easy to take many pictures at a low cost. Those pictures that do not turn out can simply deleted.

Middle Georgia Challenge

Everyone now knows the the most recent Middle Georgia Challenge featured a picture of a Door that no one was able to locate. Most of the Challenges I have posted featured a "Door." Well, I did some serious thinking about this. Doors just do not command much attention here in Middle Georgia.

That stated, I finally realized that the general population is trained from childhood to focus on "Dogs." Admittedly the dogs featured in this Challenge are not of any great fame, nor are they mascots for any College Sports Team. I can tell you that they do reside within the City Limits of Macon, Georgia.

Therefore, this Challenge will close at 2400 on Wednesday, February 4th, 2009. Anyone who desires to participate in this Challenge is asked to post a comment to this Blog. As usual, the first correct answer, if any are received, will be a guest of the Flower Child to a casual "Lunch" hosted by the owner of this Blog.

Good Fortune and Good Luck.

Running Out Of Money

On Saturday, January 24, 2009 I posted a Blog Entry about filing my 2008 Federal and State Income taxes. One of the reasons that I filed early was that I wanted to receive my small refunds before any government ran out of money.

Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, I just heart on the Radio that the State of California is going to hold the Tax Refunds claimed by their citizens for thirty days to keep the State solvent. Sounds interesting. Maybe I was onto something when I filed early.

We are in for some interesting times and financial challenges. I certainly believe that we all can anticipate that we will face some real problems in the future.

Have a Great Day.

"The Doctor Is In"

I was surprised to observe a recent promotion on television. It appears that the Mayor of Macon is now looking forward to a career in Medicine. It should be noted that an Obesity Seminar will be conducted on February 10th at the Centreplex in East Macon. The Mayor is promoting this activity while it appears that the City of Macon is on Fire. Sort of sounds like an event from the History of Rome when someone was fiddling while the city burned.

Please note that the Flower Child captured this image last June when The Honorable Mayor of Macon was designating Garden Week in Macon. I would encourage the City Fathers and also the Mothers to encourage the His Honor to focus on the business of the City rather than being sidetracked to the field of medicine. After all we have The Medical Center of Central Georgia and two for profit Hospitals already in operation in Macon.

The Business of the City should be the first priority for His Honor, the Mayor of Macon. While combating obesity is a noteworthy endeavor I really feel that this should be left to the Health Care Professionals.

Difficult Economic Times

For almost a year now we have all been hearing and reading about the economy. Well I would like to be the first to let you know that times are changing. Since President Obama has taken office my Grand Daughter has done very well. This is an image of her new car.

Pipe Organ Music

Third Tuesday Organ Interludes

The Flower Child and his Bride just returned from the January Third Tuesday Organ Interlude which was performed at Saint Joseph Catholic Church at 830 Popular Street. This series of Organ Concerts take place in the four Downtown Macon Churches. First Presbyterian, Saint Joseph Catholic, Mulberry Street United Methodist Church and Christ Church (Episcopal).

Each Performance commences at Noon and concludes 30 minutes later. The next Interlude will be performed at First Presbyterian Church at Noon on February 17th and will feature Sandra Smith who is the Organist at this Church.

I particularly enjoyed the Toccata which was performed today and written by Eugene Gigout. I enjoyed the fast pace and reviewed the word "Toccata" upon my return home.

"Toccata (from Italian toccare, "to touch") is a virtuoso piece of music typically for a keyboard or plucked string instrument featuring fast-moving, lightly fingered or otherwise virtuosic passages or sections, with or without imitative or fugal interludes, generally emphasizing the dexterity of the performer's fingers." I obtained this information from Wikipedia.

Have A Blessed Week

It is my sincere wish that everyone who reads "The World This Week" has a Blessed Week!!! Enjoy life and be grateful that we here in the United States of America are Blessed beyond belief.

Georgia Wildlife Fund

The other day as I was preparing a Blog Post this lovely looking creature landed on a tree branch just to the North of the Office Window. He stayed there long enough to allow me to capture this picture.

Yesterday as I was working on my 2008 Federal and Georgia Income Tax Returns I was given the opportunity to earmark funds for the State of Georgia Wildlife Fund. I did.

I took the opportunity to file very early this year in as much as all levels of Government claim they are running short of money. I am anticipating a Federal Refund as well as a Georgia Refund so filing very early just made sense to me. I want mine before there is a drastic shortage of money.

Have a Great Day and enjoy the Wild Life in your Corner of the World!!!!!

Emasculator

Emasculator - "A person or thing that emasculates." To emasculate means "to deprive" or "to weaken."

To "castrate" - To cut out or revise thereby depriving of essential vigor or significance.

As I viewed our President sign the Executive Order to close down Guantanamo (Gitmo) on the East end of Cuba I heard our Commander in Chief clearly state that he had consultated the Retired Flag Officers who stood behind him and the opinion was that we must close Gitmo.

As I viewed and also listened to this event I quickly thought, "How do our Active Duty Flag Officers (Admirals and Generals) feel about this action?"

Admittedly, Retired Flag Officers have expressed their opinion on this subject. But I also quickly thought, "Were these Retired Flag Officers involved in Campaign Contributions to the Obama Campaign?"

It is my humble opinion that here we have retired Flag Officers reacting to a situation and obtaining the support of the current Commander in Chief who must also direct the Flag Officers charged with carrying out the Orders of the Commander in Chief.

It is my humble opinion that the Current Flag Officers should have also been consulted, and it is quite possible that they were; but the event as broadcast in the Media clearly indicated with the President's own words that those present were Retired Flag Officers.

As I considered that action even more, I had the feeling that our new Commander in Chief had effectively emasculated our Current Command Structure of the United States Military. It also appeared to me that our President was using the assembled group of Retired Flag Officers to gain creditability. Surely there are also a few Retired Flag Officers who oppose this action. It would have been more genuine if the media had published the names of the Retired Flag Officers who encouraged our new Commander in Chief to sign this Executive Order.

I believe it was Sir Walter Scott that first penned the phrase we often hear: "Oh, what tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!'

Secretary of Agriculture

Tom Vilsack

In less than three hours after our 44th President took the Oath of Office the U. S. Senate confirmed the appointment of Tom Vilsack, a former Iowa Governor, to the position of Secretary of Agriculture.

To learn more about this please visit:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-ia-vilsackconfirmati,0,5691568.story

Most political observers will quickly recall that it was the famed Iowa Caucus system that gave Candidate Obama his first Campaign Victory, and as we all know, the rest is history. I, the Flower Child consider it very appropriate that the Secretary of Agriculture come from the Food Basket of our United States of America. Iowa is a very fertile state and produces more food stuffs than any other state in our Nation.

Visit this site to obtain more information:

http://www.classbrain.com/artstate/publish/article_698.shtml

Now You Know.

Music at the Grand Opera House

Macon, Georgia

Last evening the Flower Child and his Bride attended the Band of the United States Air Force Reserve Concert Band Concert. It was a very appropriate activity for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration.

In addition to a fun filled evening of music, the Band focused on the Youth - Our leaders of tomorrow. The Director presented a ten year old girl with a baton after she conducted the Band. Now, prior to her performance she was given a two minute period of instruction on how to conduct a Band. She did a flawless job of conducting and executed the training she had received very well.

The next youth focused event was showcasing the talents of several members of the First Presbyterian Day School Band. These high school students also performed well with the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

The Band also performed the "Liberty for All" arrangement which included a narrative featuring quotes about "Liberty" with a dynamic conclusion featuring the highlights of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" Speech.

An impressive evening as we prepared for the 44th President of the United States of America.

Honoring the Heroes

at

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Arlington National Cementary

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Nothing More Needs to be Stated

Thank You

Nineteenth Annual

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Breakfast Celebration

Monday, January 19th, 2009. The True Faith Church of God in Christ on Macon's Jeffersonville Road hosted this event.

The Breakfast was Great and the Fellowship was Excellent as the Citizens of Macon, Georgia came together to participate in this Historic Event. The 44th President will begin his term on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. As we gathered to honor the efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we all realized that none of us will ever be able to witness such an historic event ever again.

Young people from several Private Schools as well as the Public Schools of Bibb County served as Servers as we all enjoyed this breakfast.

The Chow Line.

Attendees were able to witness an inspiring program entitled "Reflections on Martin," which was developed by the Upper Elementary Students from the Montessori of Macon School. The most important reflections from the Flower Child's Point of View were three reflections that focused on:

• The Story of the Merchant who refused to serve a person of Color.
• The reflection that focused on the "Importance of Voting."
• The reflection that focused on the fact that both Whites and Blacks could be "Proud to be Friends."
  

The Play entitled "Pass It On" also presented by the Montessori of Macon Middle School Students concluded with a visual that was very dynamic and also very powerful. The students stood in a line and held up letters that formed the word "KINDNESS."

I have not previously attended these Breakfast, but I am very glad that I did.

Queen's Tears

or

Friendship Plant

Billbergia nutans Queen's-Tears Bromeliaceae. I, the Flower Child continue to be amazed with this lovely looking flower. I cultivate this as a potted plant. When danger of frost is evident I move the pot into the Garage. When the pink spikes appear I bring it into the house. At this time there are two pots with a total of fifteen flowering spikes in bloom such as you view above.

Once Spring arrives I will divide, share with Gardening Friends and repeat the cycle. This plant is in a pot on the Dining Room Table. It always blooms in Mid-January for me.

Enjoy!!!!!

MACBETH

Written years ago by William Shakespeare is currently being performed by the Youth Actor's Company in Macon, Georgia. The Flower Child just returned from this performance. A surperb performance and certainly well worth anyone's time. The Play runs January 16-24 at the "Theatre Macon" Stage in downtown Macon. For more information you can visit:

http://www.theatremacon.com/

Middle Georgia Challenge

Long Term Readers of "The World This Week" will remember that Flower Child has published photo challenges where the first reader to submit a "Comment" reply on this Blog will receive a free lunch hosted by this Blog Publisher.

Now to be fair to everyone, this image was captured within the City Limits of Macon, Georgia. The deadline for submission of your comment as to where this door is located must be received not later than 2400 hours, Wednesday, January 21st, 2009. The name of the building or the street address is all you need to win this Challenge.

You must enter your reply on the "Comments" section of this blog. You do not have to be a blogger to enter. You can simply place your answer in the Comments Section and leave your first name. I will review the comments and you will be notified on this Blog if your answer is correct.

Looking forward to a spirited Middle Georgia Challenge.

56th Presidential Inauguration Preparations

(Jan 11, 2009) Members of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard rehearse their parade movements in downtown Washington for the 56th Presidential Inauguration scheduled for Jan. 20. More than 5,000 men and women in uniform are providing military ceremonial support to the presidential inauguration, a tradition dating back to George Washington's 1789 inauguration.

This Image was also taken on January 11, 2009 as our Nation prepares for the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America.

Heart to Hart

Session Number One

Bibb County, Georgia

During his recent Campaign for Commission Chair, Candidate Sam Hart pledged to conduct listening or Town Hall Meetings where the Citizens could share their concerns and give their input to the Commission Chair.

The first of these meetings was held at the Bibb County Court House from 6:00 P.M. to 7:03 P.M. The meeting was well attended and the print and electronic media had reporters and photojournalist present. The format was casual, as you can quickly see above. The Commissioners did not seat themselves behind the normal barrier which is the practice for regular Commission Meetings. The meeting was well attended and those present gave a full range of concerns for the Chairman's Attention, as well as the appropriate Commissioners.

Concerns shared ranged from:

• Uniform Code Enforcement throughout the County.
• Lack of cooperation between the City/County as regards protecting the Citizens.
• Future Development of Industry and Commercial Activity.
• Potential Industry looks at Quality of Life Issues and how well the School Systems are functioning along with the general appearance of the Community.
• It was clearly indicated by several speakers that our future depends on what is happening within the City as well as the entire County. Everyone has a responsibility to be a viable "Gate Keeper" in their local community.
• The need for cooperation and a dynamic can do attitude must be present in the respective Government Agencies within the County as well as the City. No one should have to report a problem and receive the brush off. All Government Employees must have a can do attitude and respect the Citizens.
• We The People must hold our duly elected Leaders accountable.
• As the County Commissioners prepare the next Fiscal Year Budget they will be faced with dynamic challenges.
• Each and Every Citizen must be aware that there will be sacrifices required of each of us as we consider our "Real Needs" versus "What We Want" from our respective Governments.

Every one in attendance was grateful that this meeting was held. Each Commissioner and the Commission Chair displayed a keen interest in the concerns and presentations by each of the citizens who shared their ideas, concerns and the needs of their respective areas of the County.

The Commission Chair Thanked everyone in attendance and reminded everyone that there will be future "Heart To Hart" Town Hall Style meetings.

I, the Flower Child, am glad I attended this event. It was certainly worthwhile and this Town Hall Event and future ones will give Citizen Input to the Board of Commissioners as they prepare for the task that lie ahead.

Thank You!!!

Peace

or

Acquiring the Big Picture

I, the Flower Child, have vivid memories of my duty in the Operations Department Office of "The Top Gun of the United States Pacific Fleet, the USS Ranger (CVA-61). The Ranger was an attack aircraft carrier and the home of about 5000 proud Sailors. I was a port of Ranger's Crew for the 1963 Western Pacific Deployment.

The Operations Officer was a Commander Stanley. The Operations Administrative Assistant was a Lieutenant Stanley. Although they were not a Father and Son team, we, the enlisted members of the Operations Office Staff often thought that they were as we listened to their banter. Commander Stanley was a survivor of the Bataan Death March of World War II and Lieutenant Stanley was a brillian young, capable young Navy Officer who was selected to be the Officer of the Deck any time we practiced or actually held "General Quarters."

For those who may not know, General Quarters is either the practice of Battle Stations or the "Real Thing."

During their banter Commander Stanley often reminded Lieutenant Stanley that he needed to acquire the "Big Picture."

Today, I will discuss the word "Peace." For years I have not understood this phrase - "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ jesus." This phrase was written by Saint Paul to the early church in the Roman Colony of Philippi. This area was of great importance as the gold-producing region of Macedonia.

Peace, the often used word during the Christmas Season caused me to think of "Peace on Earth." A viable goal, yet as I recalled history and also our curren tworld situation I have often thought that this is really an impossible goal, yet a valid objective. Recently, on December 30th to be exact, I had the opportunity to read and to contimplate the phrase "Prince of Peace."

This phrase was stated in Isaiah 9:6. The writer of the study I was reading stated: "The Christ Child the "Prince of Peace" had much more in mind than world peace." The reading also reminded me of this when I read a follow on sentence: "If everyone practiced the Golden Rule, doing unto others as he wanted them to do unto him," the real peace in this World could indeed be achieved. The lesson learned here was that we could have peace if everyone practiced the Golden Rule.

The reading went on to clearly explain that the Prince of Peace came to earth to make it possible for peace that can be obtained "when the war between God and man, caused by sin, is over." The peace that I had not understood prior to conducting this reading will only be obtainable in heaven. This is the goal of all who believe in the work performed by "The Prince of Peace!!!!"

This is the Peace of God, available only in heaven, which is so difficult for me to comprehend at this time. Yet this peace that I will receive in eternal life in heaven is what "true peace" is all about. Then I will understand the word peace perfectly.

Then, and only then will I acquire "The Big Picture."

Have a great day.

Flowers in Bloom

West Bibb County, Georgia

The pictures of these flowers were taken this evening. The blooms are lovely and a delight to behold. The Flower Child enjoys his hobby of photography and gardening. Have a Great Day!!

Abortion Kills

Recently a local Church here in Middle Georgia developed a display to visually show how many babies are killed each day in the United States of America because the act of abortion is carried out.
Each of these 3660 flags represents a life that was not allowed to be born in this Country. I appreciate this display and highlight it here today so that others may view the impact that these flags have.

This sign and the flags deliver a power message. Nothing more needs to be stated!!! Thank You!!

Progress

Local Citizens Against Proposed Development

at

Bass Road/Rivoli Drive

Bibb County, Georgia

My readers here know that as 2008 concluded I posted a ten part series on Progress in Macon, Georgia, Bibb County, Georgia and even Middle Georgia. Today I will post my comments about the Proposed Development at Bass Road/Rivoli Drive here in Bibb County, Georgia.

I read an interesting article in The Telegraph which is published in Macon, Georgia. The author of the Article was a Phillip Ramati. I also listed to the "Mix in the Morning" on FM 100.9 and learned that the individuals objecting to the project may not be fully informed as to what the proposed development involves. Mr. Ramati's article clearly stated that the proposal that the development plan called for was an assisted living center as well as apartments and some townhouses.

After hearing the Talk Radio conversation and reading the article I ascertained that a field trip to acquire accurate information was in order.

As I approached the proposed project location I was able to view the large sign which you see above. The sign clearly indicates that the concerned citizens desire to:

• STOP Apartments!
• STOP Nursing Home Complex!
• STOP High Density Housing!

All of these stated concerns clearly indicate to me that someone is attempting to mislead the general public. I would hope that the article in The Telegraph was correct wherein the potential development of this site was for Apartments, Townhomes and an Assisted Living Facility.

Let me be quite clear here, as a retired member of the U. S. Forces I did dedicate 21 years of my life to preserving the Freedoms we all enjoy in our United States of America. What I view with total distain is the fact that someone is attempting to mislead the General Public with what appears to be a totally false statement.

For those who may not know it, after I retired from the U. S. Navy from my last shore duty here in Macon, Georgia in December 1981 I was employed at a "Real" local Nursing Home here in Bibb County. I stated this because I certainly know the difference between a Nursing Home and an "Assisted Living Center."

This is a view of Bass Road looking South from Rivoli Drive. The great power transmission lines are on the side of the Road as the Proposed Project. Now I realize that we all need electric power, but to me, the Flower Child, these lines are more of an Eye sore to the local residents of this area than any well planned development

Because of the height and size of these transmission line poles I really doubt that they will be moved anytime in the future. I show this picture to clearly display that the area certainly has an abundance of eye sores already. The previous sentence is not to imply that the proposal would even be an Eye Sore. This is a view looking North on Bass Road at Rivoli Drive. You can observe the traffic signals already in place!

This is a view into the forest of the Proposed Development. You can readily observe the tall pine trees which may soon be harvested for pulp wood. This process would be a total clear cut of the land. It generally takes at least twenty-one years for a pine tree to grow to the desired height and thickness to be harvested for pulp wood. I show this picture to clearly display another fact that concerned citizens may state as they may oppose the project. "The Developer must provide adequate Green Space/Belt to hide the development, etc." I will be the first one to tell you that keeping these type of trees on this land does not even meet the requirement for a well planned Green Space/Belt. These tall pine trees are a cash crop for the land owner and can also be considered an Eye Sore. Anyone with any knowledge about pine trees growing in a forest will quickly inform you that as trees mature, some die out and fall over. This is a fact when growing trees.

So why should I, the Flower Child, even be concerned about this project? Progress is what will enhance our Tax Digest here in Bibb County. Everyone knows that progress is fine as long as it is not in my/their back yard. That is also a given to anyone who has ever attended a Planning and/or Zoning Meeting in any part of our United States.

My most compelling reason for publishing this Entry today is to encourage all parties involved to stick to the facts and not publish or post false information. Everyone of us needs to respect our fellow people kind. A false statement is simply that. It is an attempt to mislead and to also gain power or enough citizens to oppose a project such as the situation this entry discusses.

As you may note, I have published 600 of these entries as of Thursday, January 08, 2009.

"Hear Our Cry - Boys in Crisis"

Several Years ago, in fact it was in 2007 that I first learned about this book. As most of you know I have volunteered for several years in the Classrooms of the Bibb County School System. In fact I started in 1999 as a "Rolling Reader." I have read for students in all the elementary school grades through the 2007-2008 School Year. I am currently taking a break from reading in the school system.

When I first read this book I was impressed with the contents concerning educating Young Boys. In Chaper 2 entitled "The brains Behind the Man" in a section entitled Creating a More Boy Friendly Classroom I learned that the Author, Paul D. Slocumb recommends "Avoiding visually cluttered walls."

As I stated above, I have spend many hours in the Classrooms of the Bibb County School System as a volunteer reader during the 1999 - 2008 time frame. I will state here and now that I can not recall any class room that did not have a lot of pictures and paper work hanging on the walls. The Author also states that putting things in an orderly fashion helps young boys focus on the necessary work required in a classrom. The many distractions of clutter are a barrier in the learning process of young boys.

From my own point of view, I recall the School I attended from first through sixth grade. It had a real black board with the Cursive Writing/Penmanship Example Charts on the top of the blackboard. I recall a pull down Map Chart and a Globe near the teacher's desk. A very sparse classroom, but it must have been quite effective. During my High School years which were in the 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957 and 1958 era I was able to score reasonably well in the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. In fact my Mother collected the award ribbons and I have them mounted on my "I Love Me" High School Picture Frame. As you can quickly ascertain I place a lot of credit on my basic education on the very principle that the Author of the Book featured above encourages. Avoid Class Room Clutter when you are trying to educate Boys.

I would encourage our Educational Leaders to obtain a copy of this book today and to read, mark and inwardly digest the contents.

I certainly feel that if we all work together we can improve the Education we are providing our next generations of Citizens here in the United States of America.

Politically Correct versus Rule of Law

The recent events concerning the selection of a new Junior Senator from the State of Illinois is certainly an example of how Governments/Officials can run amuck. What started out as an exercise in being Politically Correct in the selection process because the current governor is under investigation and the distain displayed by the Current United States Senators not wanting to seat the Governor's Selection has suddenly evaporated.

I, the Flower Child, think that the concept of "Rule of Law" has suddenly found new supporters. I think it is wonderful that the concept of "Rule of Law" is the most effective way to govern. For me this was highlighted and also stressed as I observed Georgia Public Television last evening as they replayed an interview with the Honorable Griffin Bell. The thrust of the interview was focused on the time frame of desegration of the School Systems as a result of the ruling of the United States Supreme Court. The Honorable Giffin Bell stated that desegration happened because it was the law. There was no longer any reason to fight the old system.

Therefore I, as but one citizen of this great Nation, am glad that once again the "Rule of Law" appears to the method used to seat the new Junior Senator from Illinois.

Enjoying Life

The Flower Child Enjoys Reading

I am sure that everyone recalls the dreaded book reports they had to write as they participated in their own High School Education. First of all you had to select a book and then read it and then write what you learned or appreciated about the book.

If I recall correctly, I never did very well with my required book reports. That stated I am now old enough to appreciate good books. One of my Christmas presents this year was a book entitled "Tales from the Dad Side" by Steve Doocy. The author is the Cohost of Fox & Friends, a morning Television Show. This book looks at the humor that is in the life of every Dad who has spawned Children. It is a book that consist of twenty-six chapters with interesting titles such as "College: Can I Pay with Bonus Miles?" A fun book to read but it also rings true to what real Dads experience as they enjoy the opportunity to be a Father.

The book I have was a Christmas Gift from a Son and is a signed copy. Mr. Steve Doocy has donated $10,000.00 of the proceeds of the signed book to the "Wounded Warriors Project." I would encourage anyone who has been a Dad (the title last forever), who is a Dad, or even planning on being a Dad to procure a copy of this book now and read it for the insightful comments.

The second Book I want do discuss today is shown above. The back cover sums up the author's mantra. Recapture Sunday afternoons and long summer days. The perfect book for every boy from eight to eighty.

This also is a great book for any member of the species "Male Human." The most interesting section for me was entitled "A Brief History of Artillery." The author also laments this fact on the opening page: "I didn't have this book when I was a Boy." Such was the motivation for the writing this book which covers a wealth of knowledge, some vital and some just plain fun like the section about Marbles.

Celebration

The Twelve Days of Christmas 2008

We have all heard the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Thus the Christmas Season is officially over for some on January 6th.

January 6th also happens to be the established date for the Celebration of the Epiphany of Jesus Christ. I did a bit of research to learn about this Celebration. Here is what I found:

- A Christian feast celebrating the manifestation of the divine nature of Jesus to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi.
-January 6, on which this feast is traditionally observed.

For many years the Flower Child has also used that date to take down the decorations of Christmas. This has been accomplished and as I compose this Blog Entry my Bride is preparing the Feast that we will soon enjoy. During the course of the meal we will also consume a bottle of Duplin Carolina Hatteras Red Sweet Muscadine Wine which was a gift from a nearby neighbor.

Please note that the picture I selected for this Entry was taken a few minutes ago. The Christmas Glow will remain in my Home as we enjoy this lovely blooming plant. In years past we have had plants of this type still look fresh and lovely as late as Valentine's Day.

Enjoy the Epiphany Feast in your Home this evening.

Society's Problem "Apathy"

Greetings. Earlier today I responded to a local talk radio show which was attempting to ascertain what listeners considered the most pressing problem facing Macon, Georgia. I responded with an E-Mail and here is a partial quite from that message:

"Macon's Biggest problem and thus the biggest problem for Bibb County.

Education................

If we do not correct our future society members in their youth, building more jails will not solve the problem. Therefore crime is a secondary result of our poor education system."

As I participated in keeping the gardens around my West Bibb County, Georgia home today I noted the situation that you see in the image above.

As I labored I gave some thought to why this would happen. I hit upon the word "apathy." Once I cleaned up from my Gardening I decided that I would Blog the word apathy today and make a few germane comments. First of all I ascertained the definition of the word which was reported as follows: "lack of interest or concern."

Based on this definition it appears that the drivers of automobiles here in West Bibb County have a lack of concern for their neighbors or fellow peoplekind. This is a shameful situation, yet it is also appropriate to evaluate our society from the standpoint of what is wrong. Maybe our largest and most difficult problem to overcome in our society today is lack of concern. Once we overcome apathy as a society maybe all of our fellow citizens who are licensed to operate vehicles will keep their vehicles on the roads. The picture above shows the edge of the road which is at least twenty-two feet wide. Plenty of room to operate a vehicle and still have half of the road for oncoming traffic.

It certainly would appear so. Our society as a whole is primarily self-centered and is always looking out for themselves. Note, our society as a whole is the statement I made in the previous sentence. I am also well aware that we do have concerned citizens living among us. For this we can all be glad and happy, but the problem we all face is we do not have enough concerned citizens at all levels. I suspect that a fair number of concerned citizens are now deployed in our U.S. Military doing what needs to be done to insure our freedoms.

What we need is more citizens to cast of "apathy" in their self-centered lives and become involved in projects for the good of all.

Thank You!!!!!

Daphne Odora Blooming in Flower Child's Garden

If you ever desire a lovely fragrance during the Winter I would humbly suggest that you obtain a few of these plants. The one above blooms white. The one below has purple/lavender white blooms.
I first acquired these lovely, very low maintenance plants in the early 90s after viewing them at the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta, Georgia one February. I was visiting Wheeler's Nursery on Gray Highway here in Middle Georgia and they have several for sale at $6.00 each. I quickly acquired seven of these lovely plants.

As I prepared for this blog post I ascertained that one on-line plant sales site had these plants for sale in three quart liners for $39.95.

I did a bit more internet research and acquired more information about this special plant. This Nursery in McDonough, Georgia has these plants. Their website is at:

http://www.wilsonbrosnursery.com/DaphneOdora.html

The above referenced website is very informative regarding plant placement, etc. I have had my plants for many years now and have never taken a pruner to them. They are slow growing and thrive in the same area that I have camellias.

Daphne Odora - A wonderful low maintenance plant that provides an abundance of fragrance each January through March.

A Grandchild's Toy Box

Today the Flower Child visited the Grandchildren near Dublin, Georgia. The oldest received this Toy Box as a Gift from a Family Friend. This is a view of the front of the box and is certainly very well designed. The Decoration on the front certainly tells a great story and is also very appropriate for a young Child.

Flowers by Flower Child

This is an image of a Lenten Rose also known as "Helleborus." This is an exciting plant with flowers that the species "Deer" do not savor. That is why I like it so much. To learn more about this exciting Winter Time Flower please visit:

http://www.flower-gardening-made-easy.com/2005-perennial-plant-of-the-year.html

Happy New Year 2009

The Flower Child would like to wish each and everyone of you a Happy New Year 2009, as well as a Blessed 2009. Enjoy the Paperwhites which I captured during a recent trip to the Dublin, Georgia area. Sometimes we have to look around to see the beauty that abounds in our lives.