M & T Meats

Hawkinsville, Georgia

Several months ago a good friend of mine informed me of M & T Meats in Hawkinsville, Georgia.  I put this establishment on my list of things that I must visit.  On 23 March 2011 I finally made the trip to M & T Meats.

I acquired two "Rib Eye Steaks" which weighed almost one pound each so that My Bride and I could enjoy a lovely meal.

This past Monday, March 28th I grilled these two Rib Eye Steaks and we enjoyed the best meat that we had ever consumed.  You can be confident that I will soon make the journey to Hawkinsville, Georgia to acquire more excellent meat for my dining pleasure.

Their phone number is (478) 892-9810 and they are located at 230 East Lower River Road which is East of downtown Hawkinsville.  

This business has a Web Site under construction at:

http://www.mtmeatco.com/

The days/hours for M & T Meats are:

Tuesday - Saturday from 7:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  I would encourage anyone who desires the best in meats to visit this family owned/operated establishment in Hawkinsville, Georgia.





Cherry Blossom Blooms

Macon, Georgia

2011

Today's Post will feature the Cherry Blossom Blooms.  The first two images were taken on Monday, March 14th.

 This is a view of the driveway to 2929 Ingleside Drive in Macon, Georgia where the first Cherry Trees were found.

 This is another view near 2929 Ingleside Drive. 

 These blooms were on a tree on Coleman Hill, which overlooks downtown Macon, Georgia.  This picture was taken on Friday, March 25th.

These blooms were on a tree in Central City Park and the picture was taken on Saturday, March 26th.

2011 Cherry Blossom Festival

Macon, Georgia

Friday, March 25, 2011

Coleman Hill

Jazz Concert

No Cherry Blossom Festival is complete without an image of the blossoms.

 Here you see the Royal Court in casual attire

 The Jazz Band.  They performed a great Concert.

 The Sound Man even got into the action!!!

The Senior Queen among the Blooms!!!

 Of course the attendees enjoyed the Show!!!!!!

As you can tell, a great time was had by all!!!!

2011 Cherry Blossom Festival

Macon, Georgia

The Band of the U. S. Air Force Reserve

Full Spectrum Jazz Ensemble

Concert

Porter Auditorium

Wesleyan College

Sponsored by

OSAN Petroleum Company

My Bride and I also attended this event on Thursday evening.  This group of 15 musicians is based at Warner Robins Air Force Base in nearby Warner Robins, Georgia.

This evening of JAZZ music was very enjoyable and appreciated by the full house at Porter Auditorium on the Wesleyan Campus.  Another Wonderful Evening of grand music to enjoy.  As with all Military Music Organizations the mission of this group performs to support the U. S. Air Force and the U. S. Air Force Reserve recruiting and community relations objectives.

A "Navy Well Done" to this fine group of young musicians.

2011 Cherry Blossom Festival

Macon, Georgia

Noon Organ Concerts

Mulberry Street United Methodist Church

I was fortunate to be able to attend the Monday, March 21st, 2011 Noon Day Organ Concert performed by Dr. Robert Parris of the Mercer University Music Department.  He is the Charles B. Thompson Professor of Organ at Mercer as well as the Choirmaster and Organist of Christ Church in Macon.

These noon organ concerts are limited to 30 minutes and Dr. Parris performed  the following:

Suite Pelleas et Melisande, Op. 80 by Gabriel Faure

II. Fileuse

III. Sicilienne

Sonata on the 94th Psalm by Julius Reubke

Grave - Larghetto - Allegro

Adagio

Allegrao

This event can best be summarized as - Wonderful.  A great way to spend 30 minutes and enjoy the beauty of grand music in a grand setting.  

Macon, Georgia

2011 Cherry Blossom Festival

U. S. Army Forces Ground Forces Band Concert

Porter Auditorium

Wesleyan College

March 22, 2011

Another wonderful evening of grand music.  This Band has a storied history that started on July 21, 1845 in New Orleans, LA.  This group of " 64 Soldiers have passed highly selective auditions and are among the finest musicians in the United States Army Band Program.  The majority of the band's members have studied music at some of the finest universities and conservatories."

This concert was a very uplifting event as well as also focused on the heroes who have contributed so much to keep America Great.

The music ranged from the Overture to "The Barber of Seville" to "America the Beautiful."  Each piece was a grand performance.  A very emotional "We Were There" selection complete with pictorial images was the high point of the second half of the Concert.

I departed from this event with a deeper sense of gratitude for our Nation's Heroes than ever before.  I am very glad I attended.

Macon, Georgia

2011 Cherry Blossom Festival

Music for Organ, Brass, and Timpani

St. Joseph Catholic Church

Monday, March 21, 2011

I have been a bit slow in getting post published these past weeks.  This past Monday Evening we attended this terrific event and enjoyed it very much.  This Church was the perfect setting for an Organ and Brass Concert.

The program commenced with "Water Music, Suite No. 2" by G. F. Handel and included the Organ, Colony IV Brass and the Timpani.

The "Introitus" was performed by the Pipe Organ only.  This piece was composed by Franz Liszt and was very well done.

The entire Concert included nine pieces and the evening was concluded with "Organ Symphone No. 5 - V. Toccata" by Charles-Marie Widor and featured the Pipe Organ, Colony IV Brass and the Timpani.  A perfect conclusion to a grand concert.

The Colony IV Brass was composed of:

• Douglas Hill - Trumpet
• Ray Lawrence - Trumpet
• Elisabeth Adel  -  Horn
• Stephen Hoy -  Trombone
• Heather Noyes Richter -  Tuba

The Pipe Organ was played by Nelda Chapman, the Organist at Saint Joseph's Church.  The Timpani was played by Robert Sumowski.

WOW!!!!!!!

2011 Cherry Blossom
Fashion Show
Macon, Georgia
March 23, 2011

The Theme for this event was "Garden Party." Both My Bride and I participated in this event because we are members of the Pine Ridge Garden Club in Macon, Georgia.

Of course there were a lot of pictures taken.

This was my wardrobe and it was from Macy's Department Store in Macon, Georgia.

My Bride with her Fashion Show Wardrobe which also was from Macys Department Store.

As the Senior Queen for the 2011 Cherry Blossom Festival My Bride walked down the runway twice. I, as well as My Bride enjoyed this event very much.

Grand Marshall

2011 Cherry Blossom Parade

Number 25

Kareem Jackson

A Young Man Born in Macon, Georgia

To learn more about this impressive Young Man I would urge you to visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_Jackson

2011 Cherry Blossom Festival

Royalty

After the Parade today all of the royalty gathered to have this picture taken.  It was a great day for a parade here in Macon, Georgia.

Macon Georgia
2011 Cherry Blossom Parade
Sunday, March 20th

Just a few of the many pictures that I captured today during the 29th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Of course the Parade was up Cherry Street in Downtown, Macon, Georgia

2011 Cherry Blossom Festival

Macon, Georgia

Bed Race

and

Balloon Glow

 This is a photo of the AmStar Bed Race Team in the Wells Fargo Parking Lot near Cherry Street in downtown Macon, Georgia.  They are displaying their prowlness in this pre-race photograph. 

 This post-race picture was taken with the Bed Race Team.  They did not win the race but they did take time from their schedule to be photographed with the Senior Cherry Blossom Queen near the Bank of America on Cherry Street, Macon, Georgia.  I would say that they were the most photographed team in the 2011 Bed Race up Cherry Street.

This photograph and the one that follows were taken during the March 19th Balloon Glow which was conducted at Macon State College in West Bibb County, Georgia.  There must have been a dozen balloons that were heated up.  Of course the Balloon Operators fired the gas on the sound of a horn so that they all glowed at the same time.  An awesome sight and I am glad I attended this well attended event.

My picture loading technique for this Blog Post messed up.  I should have had this one before the Glow Picture.  But here again, you can see the beauty of the Balloon Glow just prior to Sunset.  A great evening and I believe that all of Middle Georgia attended this fun event. 

Libya Crisis

Hopefully the United Nations agreement reached after many, many citizens of Libya were killed will hold.  Of course time will tell!!!  Of major concern to me, The Flower Child, is the fact that weeks passed and no apparent action was taken to assist in the resolution of this crisis.  Yet the killing of Libya's peoples continued.

Where are the Leaders in the World that should have been concerned in a much more responsible and timely manner?

I will never forget the Media Coverage where the video showed citizens of Libya stating that at least now they have "Support for their Cause."

So the question I could ask is:  "Where are the Peace Keepers?"  Please post your comments on this Crisis.  Thank You!!

2011 Cherry Blossom

Senior Queen

Macon, Georgia

 All dressed up to serve as the Senior Cherry Blossom Queen for the Gala Ball held at the Macon, Georgia Auditorium

Reviewing the Kingdom.  Weatherby Plantation in West Bibb County Georgia.  So far the weather for the 2011 Cherry Blossom Festival has been grand.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Awards Ceremony

March 16, 2011

The 2011 Awards Ceremony for the Cherry Blossom Festival was held at the Armory in downtown Macon, Georgia.  Various citizens were recognized for their efforts in making Macon, Georgia a better place to live.  The picture above is of the 2011 Royal Court.  The Cherry Blossom Queen and her Court as well as the Senior Cherry Blossom Queen.  Also available for this photo was "Little Miss Cherry Blossom."  This Court is considered Ambassadors for the Festival and attend many of the events.

Shown here is the Senior Cherry Blossom Queen with several friends as well as several members of the Pine Ridge Garden Club of Macon, Georgia.

2011 Macon, Georgia

Cherry Blossom Festival

This is the address on Ingleside Avenue where the first Blooming Cherry Tree was sighted many years ago on the Fickling Property.

The views that follow were taken near this address between 7:30 A.M. and 8:00 A.M. on Monday, March 14, 2011.



Trinity Woods Summer Day Camp

Macon, Georgia

Yesterday I discussed the Work Day to prepare the Summer Day Camp Campus for the upcoming camp season.  This morning I determined that I should share some pictures of this facility and the sponsoring organization.  The picture below is the gateway to the camp which all campers pass through each day of the Summer.

To learn more about the Trinity Woods Summer Day Camp please visit:

http://www.trinitywoods.org/

The Trinity Woods Summer Day Camp is sponsored by The Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity of Macon, Georgia.  This Congregation was founded in December of 1951.  This Worship Center was constructed in the Spring of 1972 and is on Tucker Road in Macon, Georgia.

If you reside in Middle Georgia please visit our Church any Sunday Morning.  Worship Services are at 11:00 A.M.  The Adult Bible Class meets at 10:00 A.M. each Sunday.  We are at 1899 Tucker Road, Macon, Georgia. 

Trinity Woods Summer Day Camp

a mission of

The Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity

Macon, Georgia

Today, March 12, 2011 was a Work Day at the Camp Campus to prepare for the 2011 Summer Camp Season.  Twenty-four people, all volunteers, showed up to commence the task of getting the Campus ready for the Summer Camp Season.

Much was acccomplished, however another Work Day has been scheduled for Saturday, March 19th to complete more task. 

I was impressed with the number of task that were completed and I look forward to the opening of the Camp Season.

Carrier Aircraft

An F/A 18C Hornet Airplane such as deployed on the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76).  I realize that this type aircraft is not appropriate for relief efforts but I am also confident that you may like to see this multi mission aircraft.

Helos can operate very well from any of our Aircraft Carriers and they can ferry relief supplies to appropriate sites ashore.



USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

I understand that the next U. S. Navy Aircraft Carrier to assist with the relief efforts for the Japanese Peoples will be the Carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76).

I am also aware that the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) can also be ready to assist in the relief efforts.  She just arrived in Pearl Harbor on March 10th for a Port Visit as she travels to the Western Pacific for a Major Deployment.

Of course appropriate support Ships will also be in the company of each of these Carriers.

Where Are The Carriers?

This morning as I watched the News Channels I heard this report.  The United States Navy's Seventh Fleet is ready to respond to the tragic events in Japan.   As a former member of an Aircraft Carrier's Crew I felt a surge of pride rush through my body.

"Where Are The Carriers?" is a phrase that is often heard in the high commands of the U. S. Navy and I also suspect in the Operational Control Centers of the various military commands around our world when tragic events such as the Earth Quake that rocked Japan this morning at 5:46 (Local Time)  on March 11, 2011.  A Quake of 8.9 magnitude.

I quickly recalled the tragic events of January 12, 2010 when a powerful quake rocked Haiti at 4:53 P.M. (Local Time).  That Quake measured 7.0 magnitude.

I also recall that the first U. S. response was from a United States Coast Guard Cutter who employed their radar systems to vector in aircraft to Haiti to assist with the rescue efforts.  I also recall that our U. S. Navy had an Aircraft Carrier enroute to the West Coast in the general area of Haiti.  That Carrier, the USS Carl Vinson was soon on the scene to render assistance from power to pallets of supplies to assist the rescue efforts.

So, the question will always be when a tragic event happens:  "Where Are The Carriers?"  I know from my own experience that each Sailor in every U. S. Navy Ship stands just a bit taller when his Ship is called upon to render assistance in any situation no matter where in the World that situation happens.

This is just as it should be.  I would suggest that our Nation's Policy Leaders always remain mindful of this truth.  We in the United States of America have a great legacy to maintain.  We can best continue this legacy with a powerful U. S. Navy.

When I say policy leaders I am referring to our Commander in Chief as well as our U. S. Congress - both houses.  I know that the House of Representatives sets budgets and the U. S. Senate is responsible for the general welfare of all our citizens and our standing in the World.  This is also as it should be and I sincerely believe that our Founding Fathers set up this system so that we could be the "Tallest People In The World."  I know that the crew on the USS George Washington (CVN-73) in the Japanese waters is very proud of their situation.  Please note that this great Carrier is homeported in Japan and that the picture above was taken on 14 December 2010 as she returned to her homeport in Japan.

Published by Alan, A Proud American and a Very Proud U. S. Navy Veteran who saw Service in the USS Ranger (CVA-61) which at the time of it's 1963 deployment was the Flagship of "Attack Carrier Strike Forces, U. S. Pacific Fleet."  In other words the flag ship for Commander Task Force 77, which was a part of the U. S. Navy's Seventh Fleet.

Briefs

    or

   Boxers

So the question of the day is:

Do the males who live on this street have an option?  Please share your thoughts by leaving a Comment.  Thank You!!!

Exploring the Color Line

I attended the final presentation on the book "Brainwashed" last evening at the Douglass in downtown Macon, Georgia.

The presentation was by Lewis Williams who is part of Burrell Communications.  He gave an interesting presentation on how we are "Brainwashed."

The goal of his presentation was "To Spread The Truth."  One of the questions he asked was:  "Why continue a campaign of self disrespect."  He stated that the mantra of Burrell Communications is:  "Positive Realism."

Again, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and to also gain an appreciation of the Color Line!!

Macon, Georgia

Cherry Blossom Festival

Senior Queen

The 2011 Senior Cherry Blossom Queen has been crowned twice.  On November 20, 2010 and again on March 3, 2011.  She is shown here with her "Duty Driver" and "Official Escort."

The images in this post were taken during the Crowning event on March 3, 2011 when all the former Senior Cherry Blossom Queens who were able attended a Gala Luncheon.

Shown here are is the 2010 Senior Queen, Dorothy Black as well as the 2011 Senior Queen along with representatives of the Cherry Blossom Festival.

As you can determine, it is time to "Think Pink" in Middle Georgia.

Mulberry United Methodist Church

Window

Several years ago my neighbors were members of this Church, which is the Mother Church of all Methodist Churches in Georgia.

They have moved away, but recently I had the opportunity to attend an event at this church and I captured an image of this beautiful stained glass window that my neighbors had told me about.

Enjoy the picture.