"Troubled Times"

or

The Flower Child is Happy

Every day we as we view the evening news we are bombarded with information concerning the difficult times we are living in. U. S. Auto Companies are facing bankruptcy and other institutions have received large sums of Government Assistance. These programs all have unique and special names. All of our Lawmakers are blaming somebody else and they are attempting to buy our economy out of trouble by spending funds that no one currently has. I suspect that our Government is printing money!!!

I have just learned that the prominent "Jones Family" just buried their last family member. For years everyone attempted to live like the "Jones Family." It is my understanding that the family members were buried at the expense of the local County Government in paupers graves. It is unfortunate that this has happened, but I think that the situation was a sign of the times.

Everyone needed more and needed the most up-to-date decor in their homes as well as all the latest gadgets in their personal transportation.

Everyone knows that I post this Blog as the "Flower Child." I had a humble orgin on the banks of the Mississippi River in Northeast Iowa. I was a Farmer's Son along with five other Siblings. I remember that one year we all received one bicycle for Christmas. We were told we could take turns riding it. Of course this was before the electronic media and the exposure to the good times/things allowed us to view how other people lived. Briefly stated, all of us were unaware of what we were missing. We all had chores to conduct before we ate breakfast and walked to our one-room Country School. Yet we remained happy with our one bike. Just as I am happy to enjoy the beauty of this Clematis Vine.

Over the years I have learned to continue to enjoy the simple things of life. I enjoy working in the soil and watching plants grow. You see me here with an arbor that I constructed that is currently holding up Dwarf Wistera Vines that are in bloom.

Upon receipt of the 2008 Economic Stimulus payment I acquired two urns to adorn the front entrance of my home here in West Bibb County. The Fatsia plants wintered over real well and are a delight to behold as they spring forth with new growth.

All of this to say that I do not employ the most modern chemicals to destroy the growth of unwanted plants in my Gardens. As I posted a few days ago, I expect to acquire a New Weed Eater to cut off the unwanted plants without the use of Chemicals; which from my point of view are harmful to our ground water.

Yes, the Jones Family has passed away and we all can learn a lot about how to conduct our future lives. I am certainly happy enjoying the plants which adorn the Gardens where I live. I certainly do not need to have the latest decor in my abode to enjoy life. The Beauty of Nature that surrounds me is delightful to behold and the scene changes every day if I but take the time to walk around a bit to enjoy it.

"The Flower Child is Happy"

United States Navy

A Unique Photo Opportunity

ARABIAN SEA (April 28, 2009) Three U.S. Navy ships sharing the same hull number, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), and the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69), are underway in formation in the Arabian Sea. The three ships are underway 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 2nd Class Rafael Figueroa Medina/Released)

Footloose

Last evening, April 29th it was my good fortune to attend the Theatre Macon Youth Actor's Company of Footloose. If you have never attended any of these productions by the Youth Actor's Company (YAC) you certainly need to give yourself the gift of viewing what the talented Children of Middle Georgia are accomplishing.

The cast of performers for "Footloose" featured students from the following local Schools:

First Presbyterian Day School

Westside High School

Houston County High School

Mount de Sales Academy

Central High School

Global Student Network

Veritas Academy

Stratford Academy

Tattnall Square Academy

The experience levels ranged from first production to six years of acting experience. This production was a grand opportunity to view our Middle Georgia Youth at their finest. I would encourage everyone to attend this production which runs through Sunday, May 3rd.

Complete details regarding performance times, reservation information and ticket prices are available at:

http://theatremacon.com/

Enjoy the Show!!!

Robbery Fest

Each morning here in Macon, Georgia a local Talk Radio show brings us all up to date on the Robberies that have happened in the last twenty-four hours. Of course on the Monday Morning show they have to bring us up to date on the robberies that happened on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I find it difficult to comprehend that so many of our citizens are engaged in this type of activity.

But then, I also am amazed of the lack of attention that we citizens allow to foster this type of activity. How many times have you watched a fellow citizen approach a Banking Facility with a "Bank Bag" in full display. This certainly tells a thief that you are a willing target. We all know that most people go to banks to deposit money, but there are ways to hide the fact that you are also carrying cash to deposit.

Then, I am also amazed on the large number of "Gas and Go" Convenience Stores that have large windows fully covered with merchandise displays and promotional banners. A potential thief just may think twice about conducting a hold up if citizens passing by these Convenience Stores could also see inside. I realize that these stores are in business to sell stuff, but to provide the privacy that a thief might need to conduct inappropriate activities just does not appear to be too intelligent.

During my marketing activities at the local food retailer I continue to be amazed at the number of fellow citizens who place their purse in the shopping cart while they search for a necessary item on the shelves. Sometimes these shoppers are a few feet away from the purse. I, the Flower Child, may be fairly mature, but I can assure you that I can run faster than most of the fine citizens who employ this practice which usually happens on Wednesdays.

We all need to be alert and also aware that there are those among us who want our stuff. By thinking how a thief would operate we can make our own lives more safe.

One-Time Economic Recovery Payment

The other day the Flower Child received his "Happy Letter" from the Government of the United States of America. Near the end of May 2009 he will be in receipt of $250.00 as a part of our Governments Economic Stimulus Program to spur the economy.

As most readers here know, the Flower Child is usually pro-active so plans have been made as to how to spend this unexpected wind-fall. The Flower Child resides on a tree studded lot in West Bibb County, Georgia which also includes an abundance of undesireable plants such as poison ivy and other types of plants that do not contribute to the overall beauty of the landscape.

The Flower Child has carefully examined the Trimmer Equipment available. He has determined that a "Homeowner Model" of a Stihl Trimmer will be very adequate. There are three classifications of Stihl Trimmers. The cheapest being the Occasional Model, then the Homeowner Model and finally the Professional Model. You can be sure that once the one-time payment is received that the Flower Child will acquire the Homeowner Model for use in maintaining the gardens.

Hope

Values and Images

Susan Boyle and Carrie Prejean

April 2009 has certainly been an interesting Month.

Please permit me to share with you my views and concerns about two events which certainly allow and also assist us all to focus on what is good and decent in our World.

If you have not heard about Susan Boyle, a 47 year old British Women who entered a Talent Contest and what the Judges displayed as she approached her segment of the Talent Competition please take the time to view this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

The displayed contempt that the Judges had, quickly changed once Ms. Susan began her song. Just one example that some things do not always appear as they seem. Ms. Susan certainly gave everyone a "Wake Up" Call!!!!!

Then in the United States of America we saw a Beauty Pagaent where a young lady spoke her opinions concerning "Gay Marriage," and she has now become an icon of "Values." To view a commentary about this opinion please check out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p3XwwxPSBw

Miss Carrie Prejean answered a question posed by Perez Helton during the Competition for the crown in the Miss U. S. A. Contest. Miss Prejean answered the question and spoke from her heart. Many believe that she lost the title because her answer was not politically correct. I have heard an interview she did and she indicated that she knew she was doing the correct thing by stating her views.

These two recent events in our world certainly reflect well on the two participants involved. They each acted in accordance with their value system and are to be applauded and also appreciated by all citizens everywhere. Ms. Susan in Britian and Miss Prejean in the U. S. A. conducted themselves very appropriately and sincerely.

I, as the Flower Child, desire to simply point out that we do have individuals on this earth that are to be emulated as well as appreciated. Thank You Susan Boyles and Carrie Prejean.

Flower Child's

Spring Flower Show 2009

Winning Entries

In addition to capturing pictures of the 2009 Spring Flower Show sponsored by The Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, Inc. the Flower Child entered five horticultural entries. Only one did not receive an award.

The Flower Child received the following awards:

Fatsia - First Place

Japanese Holly Fern - First Place

Lenten Rose (Helleborus) - First Place

Hosta (Royal Standard) - Second Place

Spring Flower Show

Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, Inc.

Museum of Arts and Sciences

Macon, Georgia

Just one of many lovely design entries that you will be able to view at the 2009 Spring Flower Show this weekend at the Museum of Art and Sciences at 4182 Forsyth Road, Macon. This show is sponsored by "The Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, Inc."

Once you enter the Museum you will be greeted by this banner. The Show is a tribute to the 400th anniversary of Galileo's invention of the astronomical telescope. In addition to the designs the show has horticulture from Middle Georgia. You have the opportunity to see for yourself what grows in Middle Georgia.

While there do not forget to see the Children's Entries in this Spring Flower Show.

The show hours are Friday and Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Sunday from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

48th Infantry Brigade - Send Off (Concluded)

Georgia's Governor pledged his support to the Warrior's Families and also gave an inspiring talk.

Please note the Eternal Flame on the left end of this picture. It is a Memorial to the heroes of Macon and Middle Georgia who have given their very lives to defend this United States of America.

These are but a few of the fine young men and women who will perform their duty as members of the 48th Infantry Brigade.

As I finish this Post it is very proper to repeat the phrase "God Bless America" and may you all enjoy the support that everyone pledged during the Send-Off Ceremony today in Macon, Georgia.

The events of this day brought tears to this Old Sailor's Eyes. It is only fitting and most proper that this Blog Entry feature as the last picture Scholars who are currently attending Middle and High School. I can not think of no better reason to serve our United States of America than to provide a better place for future generations to live and enjoy the Freedoms that we all currently enjoy in this "The Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave." Brave Young Men and Women as we honored today with a very fitting Send Off to these Warriors of the 48th Infantry Brigade from the State of Georgia, United States of America.

"God Bless America

and

the Warriors of the

48th Infantry Brigade"

48th Infantry Brigade (Send off - Continued)

Everyone knows that our National Symbol, Old Glory should never touch the soil. Here you see Scholars from Covenant Academy holding up the Flag.

This display was facing Macon's City Hall and was held in place by many volunteers. In fact on the near corner you can see two members of a local talk radio show broadcast on FM 100.9 each week day morning. In the background you can view the Armory which stands on the Corner of Poplar and First Street. This building has an interesting history and was the site of many social events for Soldiers stationed near Macon at Camp Wheeler.

A view of part of the crowd that gathered in front of Macon's City Hall to salute the Warriors of the 48th Infantry Brigade.

48th Infantry Brigade

Send-Off

Macon, Georgia

April 22, 2009

Today the City of Macon and Middle Georgia gave the 48th Infantry Brigade a send off as they prepare to additional training and future assignment to Afganistan in support of the War on Terrorism. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 443 to participate in this send off.
Bibb County Public School System's Central High School Sugar Bear Marching Band was in attendance to start off the parade up Cherry Street.

The Picture Order did not fall in place so this is the banner to announce the Sugar Bear Marching Band.

The Color Guard received applause and also attention as they passed by. A great day in Macon and Middle Georgia as we honored our Heroes, our Citizen Soldiers.

The Patriot Guard Riders were also in attendance. Admittedly I did not have the opportunity to count the riders, but I suspect that at least ten units were in attendance.

The Blog System I use only allows five images for each post so you will see the events of the day in reverse order. From my point of view, Macon, Georgia did itself proud. I realize that there were a lot of sponsors for this type of event, but after the Ceremony and Speeches at City Hall the Members of the 48th and their Families were invited to a reception in the Armory on Poplar Street.

Fired Works - 2009

I was fortunate enough to acquire tickets to the 2009 "Fired Works - A Regional Ceramics Exhibition and Sale" as I listened to FM 100.9 several days ago. Yesterday I visited this event in the Round Building at Central City Park in Macon, Georgia.

The show concludes this Sunday, April 26th. Hours are:

Weekdays, Noon to 6:00 P.M.

Saturday, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Sunday, 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Almost everyone knows that we here in Middle Georgia are in the heart of the Pottery Belt from years gone by. In fact Crawford County, Georgia has an excellent reputation in pottery circles. Take the time to visit this informative exhibit.

Challenge

Once again it is time for a Challenge. Both of these doors are on buildings that are within the City Limits of Macon, Georgia. The usual methods for challenges from the Flower Child apply. Please submit the correct location/s of these doors in the comments section and the first to correctly identify the street number and the street name will receive a lunch as the guest of the Flower Child.

There have been no winners lately so it must be time for someone, no matter where you live to correctly identify the location/s of these doors.

This Challenge expires at 2400 on Monday, April 27, 2009.

Memorial Service

USS John Paul Jones Veterans

I and sixty-one other Veterans who have served in the USS John Paul Jones attended a Reunion this past week-end in Nashville, TN. There were Sailors from DD-230, DD-932, DDG-32 and DDG-53 in attendance. It is a possibility that four other great ships of our Country also had the name of John Paul Jones or Commodore Jones. The picture above is of the Honor Guard as the departed the memorial service.
During the course of every U. S. Navy Ship Reunion a Memorial Service is conducted. Here you see the Honor Guard presenting the Colors of our United States of America.

A view of the Nashville National Cemetery

You can view any of the pictures in more detail by simply clicking on the image. Here is the Shelter at the Nashville National Cemetery. In addition to reading the names of the fallen Heroes we sang the "Navy Hymn." It was a moving Memorial Service which also provides an appropriate conclusion to each Navy Ship Reunion that I have ever attended.

Training Our Heroes

Anyone who volunteers to serve our Country in the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army or Coast Guard receives intensive training in the basic skills to allow them to perform in an acceptable manner.
I have fond memories of my "Boot Camp" training in 1961 at the Recruit Training Center, San Diego, California. Our Basic book for this was "The Bluejackets Manual." We all learned a lot during our nine weeks of training. Of course for service in any branch of the Military the concept of team work and following orders was the most important aspect of our training.

Additionally, Sailors learn how be very clean and neat. In order to live in the small spaces onboard ships, everyone must practice cleanliness and keep their individual space ship-shape.

Tea Party - Macon, Georgia

Following a performance of our Nation's National Anthem, State Representative Allen Peake gave an inspiring talk about the current situation we all find ourselves in today. Our United States of America is fast approaching a socialist society.

We then heard from Georgia's Insurance Commissioner, John Oxendine who is also running for the position of Governor of Georgia. As you can tell there was a plethora of signs concerning our National Debt and what we must do to resolve the problem.
A view of the crowd from the balcony of Macon's City Hall. I would have to say that well over 400 citizens attended this 2009 Tea Party. Please note that this is my estimate and not an actual count.

Before I departed this event I just had to capture this image. This is an Eternal Flame Memorial dedicated to our Nation's Defenders on the Court Yard of Macon's City Hall. I could not help but think how many of our Nation's Heroes gave their lives so that we might enjoy the freedoms they so well defended. I wonder what they would think about where we are today, depending on our Government to feed, house and cloth us as well as provide Medical Care for all.

In summary, we simply cannot spend our way out of this situation that we now have in the United States of America. As one speaker noted and I believe quoted a former Prime Minister of Great Britian, "Socialism is fine until you run out of other people's money to finance it."

In conclusion, it was also noted that the problems we are now facing in the United States did not just happen in the past four months, the past eight years, but that we have been relying on the government for far too long to solve all of the problems facing our society.

In summary, we simply must do more than talk about the problems. We need to encourage our Lawmakers at all levels to act for the benefit of the long term for the benefit of all peoples.

A new paradigm must be implemented.

Tea Party in Macon, Georgia

April 15, 2009

Greetings this image was taken during the Tea Party Event in Macon, Georgia. Hundred's of Middle Georgia citizens showed up to hear a plethora of speakers and enjoy great Pork Sandwiches as well as Sweet Iced Tea.

This image was taken while standing on the balcony of Macon's City Hall.

Thank You!!!!!!

" SOMALI BASIN (April 12, 2009) Maersk-Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips, right, stands alongside Cmdr. Frank Castellano, commanding officer of USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) after being rescued by U.S Naval Forces off the coast of Somalia. Philips was held hostage for four days by pirates. (Official U.S. Navy photo/RELEASED)"

All Freedom Loving Citizens of the World certainly have a lot to be Thankful for this Easter Sunday, 2009.

USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) In recent days this great U. S. Navy Warship has been in the news. This is a file image as she visited a recent port.

"Souda Bay, Crete, Greece (Jan. 10, 2008) The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) arrives at NATO Pier Facility in Souda harbor for a routine port visit. Bainbridge is on a regularly scheduled six-month deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mr. Paul Farley (Released)"

I focus on this ship today because of the recent events regarding pirates. To learn more about this ship please visit:

http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=900&ct=4

It is my desire, hope and prayer that this situation will be resolved very quickly. Our United States Navy is ready. I know that from my days on ships. I am also confident that the ships of this class are far superior to any ship that I was assigned to. As a Country we must act to maintain the safety of merchant ships on the High Seas. I find it especially difficult that the current merchant ship situation involves a shipment of relief supplies to people in Africa. These people need these supplies and yet citizens of their own countries have hi-jacked a relief vessel. It just does not make any sense to me.

Good Friday Gardening

Good Friday was always the day to plant Potatoes when the Flower Child was a much younger Iowa Farm Boy. Here you see the Flower Child and his Grand Daughter planting onion sets in the garden at her home.

She did an excellent job for an eighteen month old Child. She followed directions quite well.

Tulip Poplar Tree

Here you can view the texture of the "Tulip Poplar Tree" which is officially known at "Lirindendron Tulipifera L." is a fast growing tree that abounds in Middle Georgia. Here you can see the Flower Child standing by a Tulip Poplar. Note the unique bark texture.

Here you can view the tops of two Tulip Poplar trees that grow in the back Gardens at the Flower Child's West Bibb County Home. To learn more about this tree you may visit the United States Department of Agriculture Web Site at: http://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_litu.pdf

The top of this tree is filled with an abundance of flowers at this time of the year. These two blooms were blown down and I took this photograph so that you could appreciate the lovely colors of these blooms. Admittedly the blooms have lost some pedals but you can still appreciate the bloom structure.

Iraq Report

The Flower Child has a World Wide Web of Correspondents that provide pictures and information on events throughout our Earth. Today I feature several photographs that I have received from a Great Friend who is in Iraq. The information he provided for this picture is: "Kurdish Kids in Traditional Dress."
I will quote his information here:


"We celebrated the Kurdish New Year two weeks ago with a party at a fairground. I thought that you might like the picture. I also went to a water plant that was under construction and got my picture taken."

Holy Week

The time period from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday is called "Holy Week." I did research on the World Wide Web and found this informative article at:

http://www.cresourcei.org/cyholyweek.html

You may desire to read this article. Have a Great Day and a Great Week.

Major League Baseball

Let me see if I have this correct. The Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Team won the 2008 World Series. Last evening I watched the Atlanta Braves win a baseball game over the Philadelphia Phillies 4 to 1. Does that mean that the Atlanta Braves are the New World Champions?

The Flower Child in 1985

In July 1985 I attended a Nephew's One Year Birthday Party in Gray, Georgia. His family was living in an Apartment Complex which featured a Swiming Pool. Of course we all enjoyed the opportunity to cool off on a humid July evening. My Sister-In-Law sent me this picture recently and you can certainly appreciate the fact that twenty-four years ago the Flower Child was much thinner.

Thanks for the Memories.