One Vote

A unique title for a Blog Post Today: "One Vote." As the 2009 Georgia General Assembly draws to a conclusion it is my understanding that one Senator from Middle Georgia holds the future of the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in his hand. I have captured a series of pictures so that we can discuss this situation. In a recent Blog Post I discussed "Oaths" as regards the elected Lawmakers from Georgia abiding by the rules and also upholding their oath that they take when they are installed. As we all know there are several Georgia Lawmakers that appear to have difficulty in timely payment of State Income Taxes. Well I then received an E-Mail from the Administrative Aid of the very Lawmaker who holds our Halls of Fame Future in his hands. I was reminded of the fact that "He Who Is Without Sin Should Cast The First Stone." If I recall correctly I did not mention any Lawmaker by name in my "Oath" post.

In as much as this Administrative Aid brought "Holy Scripture" into the mix regarding the discussion of how we are to all conduct business I think that it is entire proper to show you all a picture of a Macon, Georgia Landmark. This House of Worship took twelve years to construct and I am confident that the brick layers labored hard and long to build this Macon landmark. I am also confident that these brick layers adhered to the well established rules of laying these bricks just as we expect our Lawmakers to adhere to the well established rules.

This is an image of the yet incomplete Tubman Museum in the downtown Museum District of Macon, Georgia. It may take twelve years to raise the funds and also complete the interior of this fine facility which honors the works of one great person during the 1800s and the dedication she displayed as she rescued members of her race during a very difficult time in U. S. History. It would be a shame if this Tubman Museum was left to stand on it's own merits should the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame be relocated due to a lack of leadership on the part of the Bibb Delegation during the final days of the 2009 Georgia General Assembly. In addition to a great shame, it would be a tragic, senseless loss to the entire Middle Georgia region.

From my humble point of view this facility will be a credit to Middle Georgia and also a tourist attraction for Macon, Georgia.

As I captured these pictures this morning I noted that the title of this fine venue is "Georgia Sports Hall of Fame." I certainly do not need to list the Georgia Sports Stars that are honored here. We all know their names well. I recall that we have members of all races featured in this the "Georgia Sports Hall of Fame."

Like the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame is a fine tribute to the Stars of the Music World that are featured here. Again, I know that there are Music Stars of all races featured in this Building.

Yet, with one vote we have one elected Georgia Leader that would wash all of this away if he votes to allow the General Assembly to defund both the Georgia Sports and Music Halls of Fame should he not support the current legislation regarding the Motel-Hotel Tax with a two way split to support these facilities.

Again, from my point of view both the City of Macon and the Bibb Commissioners have passed resolutions supporting the two way split on the Motel-Hotel Tax and these resolutions should be supported by the Bibb Delegation. To do otherwise is poor leadership and a self-centered approach which will have a severe impact on the future of Macon, Georgia, Bibb County and even Middle Georgia.

In conclusion, "How Can Any One Person Allow This To Happen?" If it does happen, the Lawmaker involved and those who voted for him will always know that they participated in the downfall of the Museum District in Macon. This District includes the Tubman and it would be a great shame if we lost this facility. It would be a great shame to lose any or all of these Macon Tourist attractions. The future of The Georgia Music Hall of Fame, The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and the Tubman Museum are in the balance. Will this one vote ruin it for us all, "We The People."

Again, as the rains wash away the pollen, will one vote wash away these great institutions?

Cherry Blossom Festival

2009 Macon, Georgia

It is true, Macon, Georgia has over 350,00 Blooming Cherry Blossom Trees. The 2009 Cherry Blossom Festival has come to a conclusion. Thousands have enjoyed the Balloon Glow, thousands have enjoyed the Ice Cream and Cake at the Noontime Celebrations at Third Street, thousands have enjoyed the fun and frolic at the Central City Park just East of downtown Macon, thousands have enjoyed Pink Pancakes as well as thousands have attended the Arts and Crafts Fair on Mulberry Street. The 2009 Street Party was threatened with rain, but the weather cooperated and many citizens attended this gala affair also.

The 2009 Parade was also a great success. There was much to enjoy and also appreciate during the 2009 Festival. I am glad that I chose to live in Middle Georgia. We have a delightful climate and the recent rains certainly flushed the abundant pollen away. Sure there will be some more in the next few days, but the beauty that abounds here at this time of the year is overwhelming. In my own gardens there is an abundance of azeleas and dogwood blooms. A delightful time of the year to be sure.

Non-Surge Surge

Afghanistan - Pakistan

During the past week our President announced that our country would be sending additional troops to Afghanistan - Pakistan to insure the domestic safety of our United States of America. Within hours of this announcement several Congressional Leaders announced that this was an action not like the former President and our nation's involvement in Iraq. So the electronic media is now reporting the impending action as the "Non-Surge Surge." Our current Senate and Congressional Leadership does not want to tie this President's actions to those of the former President. From my point of view, what we are planning on doing in Afghanistan and/or Pakistan appears to be very much like what we did accomplish in Iraq.

It is a shame that what is being planned must be appropriately labeled so it does not appear to be anything like our former President did and also accomplished in Iraq. Yet the more I view our current President's statements regarding this Non-Surge Surge the more I can hear the words of our former President ringing in my ears. We are doing this to protect America.

I do not have any grief with the current plans for Afghanistan or Pakistan. What I have grief over is that far too many people are packaging this as something that is quite different that the War on Terrorism that our United States has been engaged in for several years. The current administration even has a new set of words for this "endeavor." I have yet to commit the phrase to memory, but it really is a "War on Terrorism."

It is a lot like a child calling a Cat a Cat and as the child learns more words the animal now becomes a member of the feline species. New terms for the same animal. So we have new terms for the War that we have been engaged in and will also be engaged in as we proceed onward to secure the security of the United States of America.

Surely an interesting situation, but one that our Country must be engaged in. The most interesting aspect of the situation is that we may be changing the name/s of the operation/s but it really is more of the same. Our Goal is to Protect American Citizens as we all struggle to secure World Peace. A peace that can never be achieved, but it still remains a lofty goal. I also find it interesting that the former Candidate who is now our President appears to be sounding more like our former President each day. Some things can not be changed and I think that our Current President is quickly learning that fact.

So this observer of "The World This Week" must conclude this post. Enjoy the day where ever you are.

Retirement Party

Yesterday was a special day for a long time leader in the Georgia Extension Service. The retirement of Mr. Royce James who dedicated 28 years to serving the 4-H Clubs of Bibb County was certainly a special event.

In addition to a mild roasting from family, friends and co-workers of the Extension Service several young people who were involved in 4-H Club Work spoke very well of their associations with Royce. Royce was heralded as a very dedicated Leader and a very focused individual who served the Youth of Bibb County well during his 28 years of Service.

The House of Representatives of the State of Georgia honored him with a resolution on the event of his retirement.

A very appropriate ceremony and an opportunity to wish Mr. Royce James a productive and blessed retirement.

Life Can Be A Learning Process

Most readers here know that the Flower Child is a member of the Middle Georgia Camera Club. I actually joined this organization when I retired from Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company in September 1999. I was determined not to sit in a recliner and click a remote. You can be sure that I am still in a learning mode. Recently a much younger member of our Camera Club presented a very informative program on shooting and editing Panoramic images. What you see above is my first attempt.

This is one of the reasons that I enjoy life. I am willing to learn new things, skills and talents. By paying attention to the presentation and also reading the Manual that came with my Camera I was able to stitch together four images to have this picture.

Life is fun if you allow yourself the opportunities to grow. As a local Artist always reminds us during his programs, "Go Create Something Beautiful." My mantra has become "Continue Learning and Enjoy Life." I wish you all a great day and a Wonderful Cherry Blossom Festival experience here in Middle Georgia.

If you wish to view this image in a larger format, please click on it and be ready to scroll your computer from left to right to see this picture which will then fill the screen.

Herb Gardens

It is true that citizens throughout the United States of America are planning ahead and are even attempting to grow or raise their own food. People are concerned. Here is a picture of the Herb Garden that the "Flower Child" developed a few days ago. This Garden features:

Parsley

Cutting Celery

Cilantro

Fennel

Rosemary

Sweet Oregano

Chives

Dill

I am looking forward to using these herbs to enhance the flavor of items that either I or my Bride prepare for our dining enjoyment.

2009 Cherry Blossom Festival

Macon, Georgia

The Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, Inc. hosted three "Taste of the South" Luncheons during the 2009 Cherry Blossom Festival. Of course the final two Luncheons are scheduled for March 25 and 26. When you attend a Luncheon at the Garden Center you would expect appropriate decoration. This arrangement on a Hall Table was done by a member of the Pine Ridge Garden Club of Macon. The member just happened to be "The Flower Child."

As promised the other day, here are more images from the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade which was held on Cherry Street in downtown Macon, Georgia on Sunday, March 22nd. The above photo shows a Korean Marching Group.

Of course when you enter a float in the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade you must include the color Pink. Note all of the people, young and old on this float sporting pink T-Shirts.

Of course the local Corvette Club had their members participate in this parade. While I did not count the cars I think there were at least thirty lovely looking Corvettes in the parade. I did not see any Pink Corvettes.

In addition to the Macon Motor Cycle Police the Bibb County Sheriff got into the Parade Spirit with this green car.

A great parade and so far the weather has been cooperating with the Festival.

Flower Child's Home

West Bibb County, Georgia

The pollen season is upon us all here in Middle Georgia. The Dogwood Trees are in full beauty and the Azeleas are just beginning to bloom. Once the pollen season is over we will be enjoying the most beautiful season of the year. I hope you enjoy this brief Video.

Middle Georgia Challenge

On 19 March 2009 I published a Challenge. I had hoped that someone would be attending the famed Lawn Mower Races on Saturday, March 21st. The brick pattern picture in the challenge is visible on a wall on the East side of Third Street as you walk South toward Poplar. I believe that the wall is part of the building that Maconites know as the Dannenberg Building. Unfortunately no one had an idea of where this picture was taken. The address is 484 Third Street, Macon, Georgia. Have a Great Day.

2009 Cherry Blossom Parade - Macon, Georgia

No parade in Macon, Georgia would be complete without the FM 100.9 Morning Team. Here they are. We must all pitch in and order some pink shirts for these Talk Radio personalities.

What a lovely day for a parade. Of Course the Flower Child and his Bride were there. Please be aware that in the coming days I will feature more pictures from this fun event.

Dublin, Georgia

2009 Saint Patrick's Day Celebration

Today the Flower Child and his Bride visited Dublin, Georgia to spend some time with the Grandchildren and to also view the Saint Patrick's Day Parade. It was a fine day for a parade and everyone enjoyed the event.

We even took our Saturday, March 21st edition of "The Telegraph" so our Son could see how the local print media helps us Celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Now before you get upset with the fact that I have not included any pictures here please be aware that sometimes it is very nice to just enjoy the event, which is what I did today.

You can be sure that the Flower Child will also enjoy Cherry Blossom Festival events!!!!!!

2009 Cherry Blossom Festival - Macon, Georgia

Macon, Georgia. A view of the Third Street Park from the North End. You can see that the famed Yoshino Cherry Trees are not quite ready. With the current warm weather they should be in full bloom by March 24th or March 25th. This is the site of the special Cherry Ice Cream Lunches each week day during the Festival.
Third Street Park from the South End. A nice fresh green scene and again, the trees are just not quite ready for the Festival.

The William M. Wadley Memorial at the intersection of Third Street and Mulberry Street. This view allows you to view a few Cherry Blossom Blooms and this Rail Road Baron of the 1800s. Should you desire to learn more about this gentleman please visit:

http://railga.com/oddend/wadleystatue.html

http://marbl.library.emory.edu/findingaids/content.php?id=wadley727_100240

William M. Wadley was responsible for the merger of eleven railroads and he was also the founder of "The Ocean Steamship Company of Savannah." The citizens of Bolingbroke, Georgia are aware of this baron and can most likely show you the area of the Wadley Homestead. As we all know statues are also favorite roost for birds. Here you can see a Robin taking a rest.

Medical School Match Day - 2009

March 19th was Match Day. All the graduating Medical School Students in the U. S. A. were given their next assignment. The East Coast gathered at 12:00 Noon and Medical Schools throughout the U. S. A. met at the same time. From my point of view this was very much like the National Football League Draft. Everyone got their assignments. Prior to Match Day every student indicated their preferences. Of course not all received their first choice but I did not see any unhappy faces.

I attended this event because for the last ten years I have been a Standardized Patient at the Mercer University School of Medicine here in Macon, Georgia. A few years ago the Medical School developed a scheme where each Standardized Patient worked with the same Students for a given period of time. The Class of 2009 was the first group of students that studied with this scheme. It became known as the "Designated Standardized Patient" program. Each pretend patient was assigned the same Medical School students so it was possible to develop a normal Doctor/Patient Relationship over a period of time.

I worked with Six Medical School Students of the Class of 2009. Matches were made for four. The other two are pending. The Medical School System attempts to find the match that is most appropriate for the Student as well as meeting the desires of the Student. It was very interesting to observe this event. The Medical School Students and their respective families were gathered for this great day in the lives of each graduate of the 2009. Many Students had young children and babies. It was a most positive experience to observe these young families as they received their assignments and also looked forward to the next phrase in their Medical Training.

I consider myself most fortunate and also well blessed to be involved in this program.

Middle Georgia Challenge

Greetings, once again we have a Middle Georgia Challenge. As with the Last Challenge, this one is also a picture that I captured of a place that is within the City Limits of Macon, Georgia. The rules are the same. Place your Challenge reply in the Comments section below and the first person with the correct location wins a free lunch for one at a local eating establishment as the guest of the Flower Child. The deadline for your answer/guess is 2400, Sunday, March 22, 2009.

The Crazies - The Flower Child was an Extra

Last Evening and this Morning was very interesting. The Flower child was a movie extra at a Truck Stop in Interstate 75 just South of Cordele, Georgia. If you have never been an extra you would be amazed at the diligence of the Film Director and the various Producers display to make a realistic movie.

Of course were not allowed to take pictures during the "takes" but many extras were shooting candid shots during breaks. As an extra it is very easy to get tired of the multitude of takes required to get just what the Director is looking for. However, before each retake were often encouraged with the words "pretend" that this is our first take.

I know all about getting out of a cattle car and running to safety. I did not count the number of times we did this but I can assure you that we did it many, many times. We were well fed and even had an abundance of snacks to consume during filming breaks.

I am now looking forward to applying to be an extra for "The Hardest Hitter," which will soon be filmed in Macon.

Of course I am looking forward to viewing the movie.

Our Navy On Duty

GULF OF OMAN (March 14, 2009) An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the "Bear Aces" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124 prepares to land aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 are operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Andrew Skipworth/Released)

Can you imagine where Seaman Apprentice Andrew Skipworth was standing to capture this picture?

We can all appreciate what our Nation's heroes are doing to protect our United States of America. Thank You!!

February Field Trip

Calloway Gardens in West Georgia

Remember when the phrase "Field Trip" meant getting out of class and going somewhere exciting? The best Field Trip the Flower Child ever participated in was when he attended the Rural Jefferson Township School. The trains that ran alongside the Mississippi River were soon to be taken out of service so the Teacher thought it would be a great idea to ride the Train before they were taken out of service. There were a total of eight scholars in the one room school and everyone climbed in the Teacher's Car and we were off to Guttenberg to board the train to ride to Clayton, Iowa and explore the area until the afternoon train would take us back to Guttenberg. The ride was a short one, but it was exciting for a grade school student who had never been on the train. I believe the entire round trip was about seventeen miles.

Well the Flower Child and his Bride went on a Field trip on February 27th to Calloway Gardens. As is the normal practice, any time he travels U.S. 80 West of Macon he must stop and visit the Covered Bridge on Allen Road in Upson County. Allen Road runs North of U. S. 80 and the Bridge is about three miles off of U. S. 80.

Of course we enjoyed our visit to Calloway Gardens. Every trip there involves taking a picture of the Chapel. This is a very quite spot and also very pleasant to just sit back and view the scene.

Good Events in Middle Georgia

I was elated to unsheath my copy of "The Telegraph" on Saturday Morning, March 14, 2009. The first page, 1A had this headline above a charming picture of Four Jones County American Little League Braves Tee Ball Team: "Money woes not keeping midstate kids from playing Little League." The article about Spring 2009 Little League was written by Joe Kovac Jr. and included some dynamic photojournalism shots by Jason Vorhees of The Telegraph Photography Department.

As I read the total Newspaper I came to Section B "Local & State. There on page 1B was a well written article by Julie Hubbard concerning a Test Case involving Bibb County's Central High School Mock Trial Team which was heading back to state competition. The pictures for this article were shot by Grant Blankenship of The Telegraph Photography Department.

Great Coverage of the efforts of our Middle Georgia Youth dedicated to doing the correct and also right things. I appreciate this type of coverage. I am confident that most of the citizens of Middle Georgia also like to read about the good things that are happening here, although we are all told by the Print and Electronic Media that "BAD" news sells. I would humbly suggest that in today's troubled world that "good" news is appreciated and it is certainly also proper to feature the good things that are happening right here in Middle Georgia.

As I read the Sunday edition of "The Telegraph" this morning I read a Local and State Briefs article by Ashley Tusan Joyner on page 2B that Central High mock trial team reaches semifinals. On Saturday, March 14th they beat the 2007 and 2008 National Champions, Jonesboro High School. The article also went on to say that the Central Team would compete today, Sunday, March 15th for the State of Georgia title at 1:30 P.M.

Joint Operations

U. S. Navy

French Navy

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (March 12, 2009) The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), top, the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), center, and the French Navy destroyer Jean Bart (D615) transit the Mediterranean Sea. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is underway for a scheduled deployment supporting the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Kenneth R. Hendrix/Released)

I have fond memories of a time in My Navy Career when the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61) was operating with a Carrier from the British Navy. Ranger and the British Carrier were on the same team during a "War Game" fighting a battle against another U. S. Navy Carrier and the British Carrier terminated launching aircraft at 4:00 P.M. when the war game called for a sequencial launch of planes until a certain objective was achieved. Upon the inquiry of the U. S. Navy Admiral in Charge, the British replied that they were taking a break for Tea Time. This was a War Game and not an actual situation so they were observing their normal routine.

In the picture above you can discern the French Navy Destroyer. The French use a lighter shade of Gray Paint for their Navy vessels.

As a citizen of the United States of America I can appreciate it very much when our Military Organizations conduct operations with Foreign Nations. Team Work is vital.

"Changing Times"

Yes, we all realize that "Times They Are Changing." Some among us may we wondering why!!! Some among us may be asking themselves who is at fault!!! Then there are most likely those among us who are also experiencing the same situation and they are wondering "Why Me?"

Admittedly, I, the Flower Child have a few more years on this Planet than a fair number of our duly elected leaders. I have fond memories of my Granddad telling me how America suffered during the 1930s because people focused on fun, unlimited pleasure and did not consider the future during the 1920s.

I can also recall the good years of my life when I was drawing a retired check from the United States Government for services rendered and also employed at a local factory here in Middle Georgia. I had the opportunity to witness first hand many of my peers who tried to emulate their forebearers of the 1920s.

It is a shame that we are in the current situation, but from my limited point of view and my own experience in life I must simply say that we will not improve our lot by trying to fix blame on anyone or any event. As a Society we must realize that the immediate future looks bleak, but if we keep a sane and sensible attitude we will survive. We can learn from the mistakes of the past and not attempt to resolve our current situation by doing the same stupid things that have not worked in the past because it appears that they will not work now or in our immediate future. I have heard many of my peers state that we can not tax our way out of this mess. I think I must agree with that approach.

Rebuilding Downtown Macon, Georgia

Who can tell me which firm is renovating this Building in Down Town Macon? All too often our City looks and sees the abandoned buildings that our former progress has created. I salute the firm/organization that is rebuilding this building.

Truth in Advertising

I am confident that you, like I seldom believe the Electronic Media Advertising which usually features about 500 words in very small print and is only visible for a few nano seconds. This evening, I the Flower Child decided that I would ascertain if such a thing as the Double Booth actually existed at the local Captain D's Sea Food emporium. The picture above clear demonstrates that the Television Commercial is correct. In fact you can actually use it if you pay the double price.

As we all know the current economic situation makes it difficult to pay double the price and still enjoy the great food at Captain D's. In fact I, the Flower Child can not recall the last time I dined at an upscale establishment. What you see here is the Flower Child posing in front of the upscale double booth. I received permission from the Counter Custodian before I had this picture taken.

In summary, very refreshing to know that some Television Advertising is very true. Thank You Captain D's. By the way the Shrimp Platter was fine.

Information Technician

Information Systems Technician 1st Class Robert Williams participates in close quarters marksmanship training before deploying to Kabul, Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

Today the Flower Child has to ask you this question. When was the last time you called your Information Technician (IT) person to correct a computer problem and they showed up looking like the above picture. My dear Friends, in our Military, everyone is expected to be a Warrior first and a specialist second. All of us can be very secure knowing that we have our best and brightest serving our great United States of America in the War on Terriorism.

I certainly appreciate our Warriors who have Volunteered to serve us all. These are the Heroes that we could all do well to emulate.

An Edited Image

Yesterday you viewed a Dusk Image. This morning I will share the same image which has been edited to hopefully improve the photo. What do you think? Leave your comments here. Thank You!!

Dusk Photography

I have always been told that the best images are captured right after Sunrise or just before Sunset. Here are two examples of pictures taken within one hour of sun set.

Flower Child's Macon Challenge

On March 3, 2009 I published a Challenge. Here you can see the building that has the doors that were featured with a close up view. You may know this as 534 Third Street in Macon, Georgia. Over the years many baby chicks passed through these doors. As I stated on March 3rd, many males did also. You may also know this establishment at Karsten-Denson Company.
When you turn around and take a picture to the West this is the view from the Karsten-Denson Company building. Part of this is what you saw in the window reflection on the March 3rd Challenge.

Unfortunately no one was able to identify the location of the doors. Better Luck and Fortune awaits you in the next Challenge.

Terrific Middle Georgia Young People

Quite often we hear how the Young People today just do not measure up. Well, I the Flower Child have news for you. You may be exposing yourself to the bad news all too often. Recently I had the opportunity to attend the Mercer/Macon Symphony Youth Orchestra on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at the Neva langley Fickling Hall in the McCorkle Music Building on the Campus of Mercer University. This terrific group of Young People in formal attire performed a varied program which included G. F. Handel, Armas Jarenefelt, W. A. Mozart and Camille Saint-Saens. The performers were from the following Middle Georgia Schools:

Homeschool

Houston County High School

First Presbyterian Day School

Westfield School

Mary Persons High School

Central High School

Northside High School

Taylor County High School

Westside High School

Perry High School

Central Fellowship Christian Academy

Peach County High School

Stratford Academy

Jones County High School

Rutland High School

Huntington Middle School

Warner Robins High School

Dublin High School

Mount de Sales Academy

This Symphony Youth Orchestra consisted of fifty-six young performers ranging from seventh grade through the twelfth grade. A Well Done to these fine representatives of themselves, their families, and their schools.

This evening, March 6, 2009 I attended the Opening Night Reception of The Middle Georgia Art Association Second Annual Youth Arts Exhibit at the Market City Cafe on Cherry Street in Macon, Georgia. Once again there was an abundance of talent displayed. The contestants ranged from the sixth grade to the twelfth grade. There were two divisions:

Grades 6 - 8

Works on Paper, Canvas and Panel

Photography

Grades 9 - 12

Works on Paper, Canvas and Panel

Photography

The contestants were from the following Middle Georgia Schools:

Westside High School

Stratford Academy

Peach County High School

Warner Robins High School

Hutchings Career Center

Saint Joseph's Catholic School

Miller Middle School

Tattnall Square Academy

Mount de Sales Academy

Rutland High School

Saint Peter Claver

Holy Innocents Episcopal School

Howard High School

Again, a Well Done to these fine young people and their art work. I would humbly suggest that you take the many opportunities to expose yourself to the works of the fine talent we have here in Middle Georgia. I am not on any special distribution list for any of the organizations that produce these dynamic programs that showcase the abundant talent we have here in Middle Georgia.

What I do is read the local Print Media - The Telegraph - to learn about upcoming events. I feel so blessed to live in an area that has this kind of talent among the Young People.

Oath

It is an interesting situation when some of our esteemed Georgia Senators and Representatives appear to have problems with paying their Georgia and/or Federal taxes. These fellow citizens take an oath to serve "We The People," after they are elected. These fellow citizens that are charged with enacting our Laws and also providing for the enf0rcement of these Laws certainly deserve our respect. Additionally we should trust them to do the right things while they serve us. I believe Ms. C. Meeks of Macon puts it in proper focus when she talks about "Servant Leadership."

From my personal point of view I find it very difficult to trust or even respect any person, let alone a duly elected Law Maker, when they think they do not have to abide by the rules that they and our State Government establish through the proper legistative process.

I have fond memories of this Oath which I took many times during my time in the U. S. Navy and I quote:

"I, Alan ________ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

Every enlisted Navy person takes this oath when they first enlist. They affirm this oath at the time of every reenlistment.

I would suspect that our duly elected Lawmakers also swear to "support and defend" the Constitution of the State of Georgia.

In short, I realize that everyone is innocent until proven guilty and that everyone is entitled to due process. It will be interesting to see and hear how the situation regarding our Georgia Law Makers plays out regarding their payment/non-payment of Georgia Taxes.

Once it is determined that any of our Georgia Law Makers have failed to pay their just Taxes it would appear that they will have lost the Public Trust. From a personal point of view I think I will find it difficult to respect anyone who has failed to pay their just Taxes on both a Federal or State level.

Spring in Middle Georgia

Yes, it is that time. This Bradford Pear Tree has blossoms. Spring is a few weeks away, but Day Light Savings Time happens this weekend. This Bradford Pear Tree is in the East Gardens of the Flower Child's Home here in West Bibb County, Georgia.

Flower Child's Macon Challenge

By now you know the drill. Place your answer in the comment section below to win a free lunch at a place designated by the Flower Child. These doors are within the City Limits of Macon, Georgia. Over the years thousands of cute chicks have passed through this door. A fair number of men have also entered this establishment. The deadline for submission is 2400, Friday, March 6th, 2009.

Shopping at Staples and Michaels

This evening I had the unfortunate experience of having to procure some picture frames and also some Computer Printing Paper.

My first Stop was Staples where I found the Printing Paper that I use. I then asked the helpful attendant where the picture frames were. I was escorted to the proper area. The frames were damaged and some even had the image area not in alignment with the frame. Shoddy merchandise.

I did not select any frames, but I did approach the Cash Register to pay for the Printing Paper. I was quickly informed that the Computer Cash Register System was down and that it would be operational soon. After a brief wait I put the paper down and told the Clerk that I would return after I did additional shopping at another store.

I proceeded to Michaels. I found the proper picture frames which were overpriced, but a neat tag on the display area pointed out that there was a 50 percent off sale in progress. With this arrangement the price was realistic.

I then approached the Check Out area. One open line with a customer who was acquiring party merchandise. Fifteen of this, ten of that, etc. The Clerk had to scan each individual item. This concept shocked me. Even when I acquire several items of the same thing at other retail establishments, the method is to scan one and then key in the number of these items. I was informed by the Clerk when it was my turn that the Michaels system did not allow for this efficient system. The Clerk was friendly, but by the time I left about fifteen customers were behind me waiting for their turn to check out.

I then proceeded back to Staples. The Computerized Cash Register was operational and I was able to acquire the Printing Paper.

Yet I daily read about how our Country is suffering through difficult economic times. It seems that in some small way we are discouraging the customer by having ineffective check out procedures or worse yet, defective merchandise.

Weather - Middle Georgia

March First

This is the entrance sign for Weatherby Plantation in West Bibb County, Georgia as it appeared at 5:47 P.M. on Sunday, March First 2009.

Here you are viewing the snow covered Gardens, Shrubs and Trees that surround the entrance drive to Weatherby Plantation.

We do have unique weather here on March the First. It was 2007 when the Tornadoes struck Middle Georgia and Southern Georgia on March the First. The Hospital in Amercius, Georgia was a total loss.