The Royal Wedding

This morning, April 29th My Bride and I, the Flower Child hosted a Breakfast Party so that we could observe the Royal Wedding on live television.

We had a Breakfast of "Made to Order Omulets," fresh Grands and Orange Juice.  As the ceremony concluded we toasted the Royal Couple with Champagne.

 

A lovely wedding and certainly an uplifting experience for anyone who had the opportunity to watch this event.



2011 Cherry Blossom Festival

Macon, Georgia

Think Pink Awards Ceremony

 The Think Pink Awards Ceremony was conducted on Wednesday, April 27, 2011.  This event recognized the young artist from Middle Georgia who participated in the drawing/coloring contest to assist in the promotion of the Cherry Blossom Festival.  The Young Scholar, who was an award winner is shown with the Senior Cherry Blossom Queen for 2011.  He is from Griffin, Georgia

 Another view with one of the  award winning artist from Griffin, Georgia with the Cherry Blossom Mascot, Petals.

 The awards table with the trophies and the entries which were framed.  Scholars from Kindergarden through the Sixth Grade could participate in the "Think Pink" Contest.

 Here you see the 2011 Mister Cherry Blossom and the Senior Queen.  He assisted in the awarding of the trophies for the Contest Winners.

A Fun Afternoon which recognized the Scholars who entered the 2011 Think Pink Drawing/Coloring Contest.

A Well Done to Acme Paint and Decorating in Macon, Georgia for once again sponsoring this Fun Event!!!!

Relish Magazine Cooking School

April 28, 2011 - Dublin, Georgia

You may recall that on April 6, 2011 I posted an entry here about the Relish Magazine Cooking School.  My Bride and I were able to attend this great and also fun event last evening.  It was held at the DuBose Porter Center of the Heart of Georgia Technical College in Dublin.  We arrived early enough to garner prime seating just a few rows back of the stage.  It featured Relish Chef Jon Ashton.  Prior the the School starting all in attendance were allowed to observe a minute of silence for those who have recently lost their lives during the recent weather that has impacted the Southeastern United States.

Chef Jon kept us all in laughter during his demonstration while still keeping us all informed as to what he was preparing and and how he prepared it.

In addition to Chef Jon who was a delight to observe, he frequently called on attendees to participate in the tasting of his dishes.  Here you see him working with a 90 year old attendee who also had a very great sense of humor.  Indeed, she kept Chef Jon on his toes.

During the course of the evening Chef Jon demonstrated:

Alsatian Crustless Breakfast Tarts

Potato Cheese Soup

Salmon Burgers with Quick Soy Cumcumbers

Peanut Butter Mousse with Bruleed Bananas and Rasberry Preserve

Certainly a wonderful evening and a Cooking School well worth attending.  Thank You Dublin Courier Herald for sponsoring this event.  There were attendees from a wide area of Georgia as well as several from Florida.



Bibb County Georgia School System

Listening Tour

Last Monday Evening, April 25th I attended the First Stop on Dr. Romain Dallemand's Listening Tour as he learns of the Citizens Concerns about the Bibb County School System.

He opened the meeting with a few brief remarks and indicated that he was at Howard High School to hear the comments of the people, parents, concerned citizens as they were experiencing education in Bibb County.  The attendees were not restricted as to which School their Children attended.  They could be elementary, middle or high school parents or citizens that were concerned enough to attend this "Communications Event."

Dr. Dallemand's closing comment before the people were given the opportunity to speak was his concern about how Scholars seem to withdraw from education acitivites during the Summer Vacations.  In this regard, starting with the upcoming Summer Vacation each Scholar at all grade levels will be given four books to read.

I will post a brief summary of each remark/concern which was presented to Dr. Dallemand:

• Lack of Text Books which prevented Scholars from bringing them home.
• A concern about the lack of Technical Equipment
• Bullying at the elementary level - poor classroom management
• A decrease in the time allowed for Music activities at Howard High School.  Support of the fine arts also promoted academic achievement
• Fine  arts - strings help adademic achievement.  Do not compromise the funding for fine arts education.
• An individual presented three concerns:

            a.  The arts must be supported

            b.  Must stress Physical Education - fitness must be stressed versus sitting around in

                 in PE class

            c.  Math program

• The Blog is great.  A concern was voiced about too much testing
• One individual expressed concern and indicated they had high hopes for Public Education in Bibb County.  The emphasis must be on the Students
• Special Needs Kids and Gang Activity were the concerns addressed by an attendee
• The System must focus on the Students and their achievements.  It was pointed out that only 25% of our young people in the 18-24 year old  demographic are even qualified for Military Service.  This is not unique to Bibb County but applies to the population of our U.S.A.  (Please Note:  This was my comment)
• Tudoring Needs.  The Math teachers at Howard change far too often.
• After School education activities are needed
• Concerning Math!!! One parent addressed the need for parents to become familiar with the math program currently being presented to the students.  She indicated that she needed skillsin order to help her student with the math that is being presented now
• Howard lacks athletic facilities (If I recall correctly this was most evident in the area of a proper Girls Softball field)
• One parent who transferred from Private Schools to Public Education stressed that an awareness of what good we have needs to be more public and also stated that we need more teachers so that more electives would be available.  She had one Son who learned the Violin in Middle School.  All students need to be involved in the arts as they desire.  Exposure to the arts develops a well rounded student/citizen.
• One parent expressed that the IB program at Central was an incredible opportunity; however students were suffering.  The system must offer a wider scope of education opportunities.
• One attendee spoke well of the Ombudsman program.  It was suggested that this program be cloned and used in the other schools
• During one school visit the Principal was in the room when Dr. Dallemand was talking with the students.  It was suggested that students be free to discuss their school experiences without the presence of the Principal.  Magnet Schools syphon off the good peers in many elementary schools
• Thanks for using Technology - the Blog and Internet Communications to keep everyone informed and in the loop.  All must use
• One parent spoke for a uniform uniform for all schools.  This parent had three children in three different grade levels and no one school was the same so there was no possibility of having the potential to hand down clothes the very next year.
• One attendee spoke that home life for the students must be improved.  Bad Homes was the phrase used.
• Another addressed three concerns: 

            a.  Regarding Sports.  We need something more than porta-poddys at our Sports Fields

            b.  Parent involvement is vital

            c.  Sports are vital and essential for the development of the whole person

• We need a strong intervention program to eliminate poor scholars from getting into High School
• Bibb County needs to attract and keep teachers in Bibb County
• Block versus Traditional Scheduling.  The statement maker desired Traditional Scheduling
• Calls to the Central Office are frequently ignored.  The callers desire feedback.  It is essential that communications be two way
• A Sophmore Student at Howard High School Spoke about the Counselors seem to be unable to function well.  There is a lack of Staff and Visual Arts lack funds for supplies.
• Some students at Howard Middle School are having a difficult time paying for lunches.  It was reported that lunch was cut off for two students because they each had bills that exceeded $100.00
• Howard Middle School lacks a proper computer system/software so that Students can focus on current technology.
• One Parent who has a Teacher in the Bibb System spoke of teachers having to buy hundreds of dollars of supplies to use in their classrooms.

Dr. Dallemand then closed the meeting by indicating that He had notes on all the concerns addressed and that he would work to resolve the issues he learned of at Howard and also the other schools where he would be conducting "Listening Tours" in the days ahead.

I am glad I attended this event and I would suggest that everyone in Bibb County, parents and concerned Citizens become involved in Education. 

I would encourage everyone to read Dr. Dallemand's Blog at:

http://www.romaindallemand.blogspot.com/

Also, please be aware that there is a link on this Blog where you can submit your concerns should you not be able to attend one of the stops on his "Listening Tour."

Thank You!!

Weather Alarms

Today, April 27th I heard the first weather alert early this morning, which featured Lamar County Georgia.

Then this morning as I was performing Garden Task I was able to hear the Sirens which signal bad weather.  I was not aware of the time, but with the recent abundance of bad weather I quickly ran into the house and turned on the Audio and Visual Media.  Nothing happening.  I quickly called 911 and was informed that it was the time and day of the week for the normal test.

I discussed the current weather situation with the operator in view of the recent plethora of tornadoes here in Bibb County and she told me that she would make a note of my concerns that the media did not have any coverage of the normal test.

After I hung up I received a phone call from a deputy and he wanted to know if I had recently called 911.  I informed him that I did and I expressed my gratitude that I had a call back, but again I expressed my concern about a lack of media of coverage of the test in view of all the recent severe weather activity.

I also left a long message on the voice mail of our County Commissioner.  After that I returned to the gardens to continue my task.  Soon a deputy blew the horn and I went over to let him know of my concern about the test and no media coverage in view of the recent severe weather.

At one point I dialed WMAZ TV and received the message that if I dialed in the name of a person I desired to talk to I would then have the proper extension given to me.  I punched in "J" "O" "N" "E" "S" and received a message that they had no one with that name.  It appears that the weather man Ben Jones has lost his job at WMAZ. 

In summary, yes, it was the day and time of the weekly test.  Yes we all should know that and never react to a siren; but I did react because of all the severe weather our Country has experienced recently.

I would suggest that the crawl on TV be enabled when there is a test.  Even the popular AM Radio Stations could make the announcement. 

As I reflect back on the sirens of this morning it is a laughing matter, but we all know that a tornado can strike at any time of day or night.  I think that it is essential that our Government and Media cooperate to insure that we never learn to accept a siren as a test. 

Georgia Bulldog Country

A Visit to Athens, Georgia

 On April 26th fourteen individuals from two Garden Clubs of Macon, Georgia along with several Guest visited the Gardens of the famed Georgia Bulldogs Coach, Vince Dooley.  It was a delightful day for a Garden Tour and Coach Dooley was the ultimate host.

 In addition to the delightful plants and garden paths there were several water features which also included statues.

 Coach Dooley does not accept cash honorariums,  however he did suggest a gift for the gardens when asked about this.  So it was determined that three freeze resistant plant containers would be appropriate.  Shown here with Coach Dooley is the President of the Pine Ridge Garden Club of Macon, Georgia which is the organization which arranged this delightful Garden tour.

Of course the originator of this Blog had to pose for a picture which featured the UGA Mascot along with the Coach.  Look closely and you can see the letters U G A on the top of this mosaic tile which is the center of attention in this photograph.

After the Garden Tour the Group enjoyed a delightful lunch in the Savannah Room at the Georgia Center on the UGA Campus.  A visit to the Trail Gardens was followed by a tour of the Headquarters of the Garden Clubs of Georgia.  The day was concluded with a visit to the Georgia Botanical Gardens.  A long, but certainly an enjoyable day in Athens, Georgia, U. S. A.

Easter Egg Hunt 2011

 Last Saturday, April 23rd My Bride and I traveled to Dublin, Georgia to visit our delightful Grandchildren.  These images were taken on Bozeman Farms and our Visit was delightful.

As you can ascertain eleven young children had a delightful time hunting Easter Eggs.  A wonderful day and the adults, which included parents and grandparents also enjoyed the opportunity to watch their offspring search for Eggs. 

Cicadas Sing

Let the Mating Commence

 This is a new Cicada awaiting the opportunity to copulate.  These insects make a very annoying noise as they await the opportunity to couple.

 This image clearly shows the holes in the soil where the new babies emerged from their thirteen year wait here in West Bibb County Georgia. 

Here you are viewing the shells of four exoskeletons that I found on the Hydrangea plants on the North Side of my Home.

Now we can enjoy their mating calls for a brief period of time and we can all mark our schedules for 2024 when the next generation will await their mating opportunity. 

Bran Flakes

The couple were 85 years old and had been married for 60 years. Though they were far from rich, they managed to get by because they watched their pennies.

Though not young, they were both in very good health, largely due to the wife's insistence on healthy foods and exercise for the last decade.

 

One day, their good health didn't help when they went on a rare vacation and their plane crashed, sending them off to Heaven.

They reached the pearly gates, and St. Peter escorted them inside. He took them to a beautiful mansion, furnished in gold and fine silks, with a fully stocked kitchen and a waterfall in the master bath. A maid could be seen hanging their favorite clothes in the closet.
They gasped in astonishment when he said, 'Welcome to Heaven. This will be your home now.'
The old man asked Peter how much all this was going to cost. 'Why, nothing,' Peter replied, 'remember, this is your reward in Heaven.'
The old man looked out the window and right there he saw a championship golf course, finer and more beautiful than any ever built on Earth. 'What are the greens fees?,' grumbled the old man.
'This is heaven,' St. Peter replied. 'You can play for free, every day.'
Next they went to the clubhouse and saw the lavish buffet lunch, with every imaginable cuisine laid out before them, from seafood to steaks to exotic deserts, free flowing beverages.

'Don't even ask,' said St. Peter to the man. This is Heaven, it is all free for you to enjoy.'
The old man looked around and glanced nervously at his wife. 'Well, where are the low fat and low cholesterol foods and the decaffeinated tea?,' he asked.

That's the best part,' St. Peter replied. 'You can eat and drink as much as you like of whatever you like and you will never get fat or sick. This is Heaven!'
The old man pushed, 'No gym to work out at?'
'Not unless you want to,' was the answer
'No testing my sugar or blood pressure or....
'Never again. All you do here is enjoy yourself.'
The old man glared at his wife and said, 'You and your Bran Flakes.. We could have been here ten years ago!'

U-2 Spy Planes

and

USS Ranger (CVA-61)

During the early days of May 1964 the originator of this Blog and the Sailor shown below with the red stripes were serving in this great War Ship, the USS Ranger (CVA-61) which was homeported in Alameda, California.  For those who may not know, Alameda is across the Bay from San Francisco.

We departed our Home Port with a few planes on our Flight Deck so that no one would wonder why an Aircraft Carrier was going to Sea without Airplanes onboard.  Several days later we were all informed that we were going to be engaged in "Special Operations" which would involve some special Airplanes.

 I, shown above, was a Yeoman Striker assigned to the Operations office Staff in Ranger.  As such I was usually quite informed about what was going on.  However in this case only the Captain and the Quartermasters engaged in charting the course on the Bridge were knowledgable as to our location.

 This Young Fireman, also from the great state of Iowa, although we did not know each other at the time was also in Ranger.  He worked in the machinery spaces.  He was a Machinest Mate Fireman (E-3) in this picture.  After a period of some steaming South most of us figured that we had surely crossed the Equator.   This was confirmed when it was announced to the whole crew that we would conduct a "Shellback" Ceremony which is done when one crosses the Equator.

We were engaged in Special Operations as stated above.  The USS Ranger (CVA-61) was recovering the famed U-2 Spy Plane.  I suspect that very few knew what the mission of these Spy Planes was, but we were all aware that we had U-2s onboard.  The embarked Marine Detachment was given the task of guarding these special planes when they were on the Hangar Deck between missions.

If you have been reading my other post of this date you will know that my fellowshipmate  from Iowa recently visited me in Middle Georgia. 

After we toured Andersonville National Cemetery on Thursday, April 14th we traveled to the Aviation Museum at Warner Robins Air Force Base.  In addition to viewing the famed F-4 Phantom Fighter Jet on display there we walked around the B1 Bomber Display and the B52 Bomber Display.  I then informed my Guest that we would proceed to the "Century of Flight" Hangar and visit the U-2 and the SR-71 Display.

As we viewed the U-2 on Display my fellowshipmate pointed out the information display that indicated that this U-2 had operated off of the USS Ranger in May of 1964.  This of course was of great interest to me.  Although I had viewed this U-2 many times in recent years I had never noted this fact.

After we left the Century of Flight Hangar we walked to the Gift Shop in the main Museum Building.

My guest obtained the patch that is displayed below, one for himself and one for me.

I then learned that the U-2 Aircraft was  nicknamed "The Dragonlady."  I was impressed with the motto of the U-2 Crew Personnel.  "In God We Trust, All Others We Monitor." 

Most certainly a mantra that our forces in every branch of the military subscribe to even to this day. 

As we relived our visit to the Museum at Andersonville and the Aviation Museum last evening we continued to realize that I had learned new information about the USS Ranger (CVA-61).

A day of real blessing and learning.  USS Ranger (CVA-61) Top Gun and the first Carrier to operate with the famed U-2 Aircraft that had a crew with this great motto:  "In God We Trust, All Others We Monitor."

Andersonville National Cemetery

National Prisoner of War Museum

 A Great friend of mine from my Navy Days in USS Ranger (CVA-61) who is also from Iowa visited our home in Middle Georgia this past week.  Of course no one who visits me from the Holy Land (read Iowa) is allowed to leave Georgia without visiting Andersonville National Cemetery and the National Prisoner of War Museum.  Although we did not know each other during our time in Ranger and we were aboard this Great War Ship (also known at The Top Gun) in 1962, 1963 and 1964 we have since connected through the USS Ranger Reunion Association and USS Ranger web sites.

Shown here is my Shipmate and His Bride at the National Prisoner of War Museum.

This picture was taken at the "Iowa Memorial" to her fallen Heroes who died while in  the Andersonville Prisoner of War Camp.  I do believe that each State of the Union erected Memorial to their respective Heroes in the very early 1900s.  This Memorial was erected in 1905. 

Because this Cemetery is an active Burial Site for Veterans there are over 19,300 burials here.  More than 13,000 Civil War Heroes from the Union Forces are buried here. 

This National Cemetery and the Prisoner of War Museum is located just North of Americus, Georgia on Highway 49.  I would recommend that everyone who has the opportunity to visit this Museum and the Cemetery.  It is a very informative trip that you will remember for the rest of your life.

2011 Spring Flower Show

Macon, Georgia

Museum of Arts and Sciences

Forsyth Road

The Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, Inc. sponsored a Spring Flower Show on April 14, 2011.  The show will continue through Sunday, April 17, 2011.

 I entered Class 8 which was entitled "Destination:  Moon" and received an Honorable mention with the above design.

My Bride entered the "Fan For Milady" Design Class and received a First Place Award.  You can see the blue tag in the bottom left of this display. 

The City of Macon

The County of Bibb

The City of Payne

Several years ago I captured this picture at a hearing in Macon's City Council Chambers.  This past session of our State of Georgia General Assembly we all witnessed our Senators of the Bibb Delegation and our Representatives of the Bibb Delegation develope two different schemes to consolidate the City of Macon, Bibb County and Payne City into one new organization with the ultimate goal of financial savings in the future.

As our general assembly for 2011 will soon complete their work we are most likely not any closer to allowing "We The People" the opportunity to vote on this issue because each side can not agree on several items.  From my point of view the issue of partisan elections is the main stumbling block just ahead of the new "Mayor" having greater responsibility regarding appointments to various boards and/or authorities.

If the partisan elections were producing excellent results then I would be the first to support them.  As it is, Macon Georgia and/or Bibb County continues to be the source of citizens for the growth of Houston, Jones, Monroe, Crawford and other Middle Georgia Counties.  The 2010 Census supports this fact.

Then, I recently observed the President of Macon's City Council discussing the need to have new Wards approved prior to the 2010 Primary Elections so that the Voters could be more appropriately represented in the upcoming City Countil/Mayor elections.  She indicated that because Macon is one of very few cities in Georgia with Partisan Elections that the redrawing of the voting Districts in Macon was essential and had to be completed and approved by the Federal Government before June 6, 2011.

So here we have two different levels of duly elected representives looking out for the welfare of Macon, Georgia who appear to be at odds.  Several indicate that for the future good of Macon we need to continue Partisan Elections while the other indicates that because of these Partisan Elections it is imperative to have the redrawn districts approved by June 6th.   I would suggest that if everything is so fine for Macon today that we should continue Partisan Elections.  But everyone knows that is not the case. 

I also realize that Macon cannot change to Non-Partisan Elections this election cycle.  The Laws need to be changed.  The President of Macon's City Council is aware of this and surely supports the current scheme or she would have supported the Georgia House of Representatives Plan to Consolidate Macon/Bibb/Payne (MBP).

The bottom line to all of this is that our current group of duly elected leaders appears to have not received the message:  "No New Taxes."

The People of Macon have spoken, just as the People of Georgia and also the People of the United States of America have spoken.

All levels of Government must accept the mandate of "We The People," and learn very fast that we need to be fiscally responsible now.  Not 2012, or 2013, 2014, 2015 or 2016.  Today is the day we all need to commence being fiscally responsible if we have not already done so.

Macon, Georgia U.S.A.

Second Sunday in the Park

Soap Box Derby

April 10, 2011

This Morning my Bride packed a Picnic Lunch as we prepared for Church.  After Church we attended the Second Sunday in the Park at Washington Avenue and College Street.

We arrived early and found appropriate shade to enjoy the music at 1:00 P.M. and our Picnic.  At 3:00 P.M. there was the Soap Box Derby.  We did not hear the results but were led to understand that the car down below did win.

 Now I understand that this event was billed as a Soap Box Derby but this entry also performed quite well until it crashed on it's first run.

I was able to capture this image as this entry was just starting the run down Magnolia Street which is on the North Side of Washington Park.  I think the duct tape anchor caught my attention and I just had to get a picture of this craft which was piloted by a female.

Certainly a fun afternoon at the Park with fine Music and much fun as we all enjoyed the Derby.

Pan African Festival of Georgia

The Fifteenth Annual Celebration will commence on April 16, 2011 with a "Taste of Soul" at St. Peter Claver Drexel Center at 7:00 P.M.  The theme for this year's event is Taste of Soul:  "Let the Good Times Roll" and will be a display of gourmet dishes prepared by Downtown Macon business owners, leaders, and public officials - all with a New Orleans flair!!

The culmination of this Festival will be the weekend of April 23-24 focused on Tattnal Square Park.

A full schedule and ticket prices and updates can be found at:

www.tubmanmuseum.com

This event is focused on the family and includes:

• Weekend in the Park
• Children's Village
• Poetry Cafe at Jittery Joes, 1625 Mountpelier Avenue, Macon
• Film in the Park - April 23 at Sundown
• Easter Egg Hunt at Tattnall Square Park at 3:00 P.M. - April 24
• Interfaith Unity Service at Tattnal Square Park at 4:00 P.M. - April 24

Music With Organ and Brass

Sunday, April 3, 2011

My Bride and I attended this Grand Event which was held at First Baptish Church of Christ on top of Poplar Street in Macon, Georgia.  The Choral Society of Middle Georgia and Mercer University Singers teamed with the Mercer University Brass Ensemble to present a fine program.  Dr. Boyd Jones was the guest organist for a dynamic performance of several pieces.  The highlight of the event was the performance of Maurice Durufles Requiem.  This concert was made possible by the Knight Neighborhood Challenge.

A Wonderful Afternoon of fine music. 

Springtime in Middle Georgia

 This is the Flower Child's Home in Middle Georgia.  It is nestled in a one acre wood lot with a plethora of native Dogwood Trees.  You can note the Dogwood blooms on the small trees in the foreground.  The Azaleas also with white blooms are the foundation plantings along the front of the house.

 Another sure sign that Spring has arrived is the flowers on the Clematis Vine.  This climbing plant is secured in a Tomato Cage.  I always enjoy this bright purple flower.  The background for this flower is a Tulip Poplar Tree which has just commenced its bloom cycle.

This view of the Helleborus on the North side of the deck which is on the North side of my Home certainly shows how well these plants do in a shade situation.  In fact they need shade to thrive.  They are also deer resistant.  You may know these plants as "Lenten Roses."  These plants are about 18 inches high and the flowers droop down.  This time of the year the flowers also include the seed pods.  You can see some of the young plants which grew from last years seed dropping in the foreground.

These make excellent plants to share with fellow gardners which I do quite often.  Oh, The Beauth of Spring. 

Cooking At Sea

U. S. Navy

This Mess Management Specialist is preparing Roast Beef for his Fellow Crewmembers on a U. S. Navy Ship that is deployed in the Mediterrean Sea.  Now I recall why I enjoyed my Navy Career on the various ships that I served in.  We always were well fed.

Relish Magazine Cooking Show

The Dublin Georgia Courier Herald will be sponsoring a  Cooking Show here in Dublin on April 28th at the DuBose Porter Center at Heart of GA Technical College. The doors will open at 4:00 p.m. for browsing vendors, etc. The VIP Event will begin at 5:30 thru 6:30 and the show will begin at 6:45 p.m. Each ticket holder will be given a goodie bag filled with samples, coupons, etc. So far we have 4 Grand prizes, $500 cash, Tennessee Mountain Vacation, 32 inch flat screen TV, 1 Year membership to Fairview Fitness Park and too many door prizes to name.

Ticket prices are:

VIP $75 - This ticket guarantees you a seat on the first rows, a VIP reception with Celebrity Chef Jon Ashton, food and drink, a cookbook and apron

Priority $20 - Seating on rows 3 - 8
General Admission $15 - Seating begins on row 9
If you would like to see a clip of Chef Jon, go to www.courier-herald.com click on the Relish ad or go to www.relishmag.com/show

For Ticket Information please contact Pam Burney:

Phone:     (478) 272-5522

Toll Free:  (800) 833-2504

"We The People"

The following is a quote of my Comments which I delivered to the City of Macon/Bibb County/Payne City Consolidation Forum which was Chaired by Senator Robert Brown in the Macon City Hall Chambers this evening, April 5, 2011:

"Do our duly elected Leaders, who are also the servants of the people, continue to think that the population, 'We The People" have an endless source of funds to continue to fund all activities to which we are currently obligated to?

I would submit that the faster we consolidate our Bibb County/City of Macon/Payne City the quicker we will see a deccrease in the funds required to govern us.  If not a decrease, at least a slowing down of the cost of government.

I would submit that our elected Leaders show appropriate "respect" for the citizens who are already overburdened with a myrid of taxes and excute consolidation as soon as possible.

We need to maintain the checks and balances of our system!!  Please let the citizens vote on consolidation in November 2011!!  Thank You!!"

Many other citizens of Bibb County also spoke their concerns as well as asked questions of the Senator. 

It was an event that I consider was worth my time by attending.  After all, if "We The People" refuse to participate in the process we are indeed part of the problem versus the solution.

Senator Brown and Senator Staton have developed the scheme that was address this evening.  It is now up to the House of Representatives to work on the Bill.  One thing that Senator Brown stated was that the Plan projected a 20% reduction in funds expended by the "New City" if the bill was implemented.  The timetable for the establishment of the "New City" if approved by the voters in 2012 would be 2016.  I maintain that five years from now may just be too late.  After all we in Bibb County and the City of Macon have been discussing the Consolidation for at least 100 years.  

4 April 1949

The North Atlantic Tready Organization (NATO) was established. 

U. S. Navy On Duty

 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (March 29, 2011) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) launches a Tomahawk cruise missile to support Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn. Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt.j.g. Monika Hess/Released)

Our U. S. Navy performing well. 

Libya

What is going on in Libya?  We hear that the rebels are led by enemies of our U. S. A. and yet we have rendered them assistance.  The Dictator is also an enemy of the U. S. A.  What is a citizen to do?  Our Commander in Chief has expended some of our Military Resources and supposedly NATO will soon be in control.  

I understand that we will not put troops on the Ground in Libya and I sincerely hope that is the case.  The time for action in Libya is well past.  If we were going to do anything we should have done it weeks ago.  But, that is my point of view.  We waited and waited and sent a message to every country in the World that has a similar situation that we will take a wait and see attitude while innocent people are maimed and even killed.  From my own point of view that is not how a World Leader should conduct business.

Did we wait when the Earthquake struck Japan? 

Morning Light

West Bibb County Georgia

The Trees are Now in Leaf

Spring is here.  The pollen has been washed away and the beauty that we all can view every day is simply overwhelming.  I would urge all the readers of this blog to take the time to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us on a daily basis.

Enjoy our Earth!!!!!

Spring Flower Show

Plant Sale

Macon, Georgia

The Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, Inc. is sponsoring a Spring Flower Show at the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Macon, Georgia on April 14-17, 2011.

The normal practice for these Flower Shows is to also to conduct a Plant Sale.  The Plant Sale this year will be on April 14 and April 15, 2011.  I am a member of a local Garden Club and I just finished potting up 22 Hellerboros, also known as Lenten Roses for this Plant Sale.  The Lenten Roses displayed above are some of the "Mother Plants" of the ones I potted up.  Please be aware that these wonderful deer resistant plants do not self seed true to color of the parent.  I have been fortunate in that I have obtained some purple flowers just by the random selection of plants I obtain.

The plants I will place in the sale have not yet ever bloomed so no one knows what color their flowers will be.  If you go on line to obtain Lenten Roses that have completed a bloom cycle and desire a specific color you can pay as much as $29.00 per plant.  You can be sure that the plants that I enter in the local plant sale will be much more reasonable.

The Plant Sale is also scheduled to be in operation on April 16 and 17th, however I would urge you to  come early to enjoy the flower show and obtain the most desirable plants on the afternoons of April 14 and 15.