Victims

I am usually rather calm in my interactions with members of our Society who think that they need the most recent decor or appliances in their homes.  I find it very interesting that so many in our Society think that things will give them happiness.

This past weekend as I viewed several Media events that covered "Memorial Day 2011" I saw the mourning that many among us do because they have lost a Hero who was in the Military defending our very way of life.

I would suggest that we have some among us who have misplaced the priorities that are important to each of us in our daily lives.

I observed Memorial Day by attending the Dedication of a Blue Star Memorial Marker on I-85 near West Point, Georgia.  I also enjoyed the company of my immediate Family on both Saturday and Sunday, May 28th and May 29th.  We enjoyed good food and fellowship.  That stated, we did not worry about the fixtures that surrounded us.

I would suggest that before anyone becomes a victim of their greed that they consider the situations of the Families who have lost heroes. 

Insurance Payments to Families Who

Have Lost

Military Heroes

Now that we have celebrated Memorial Day and our Elected Leaders have placed wreaths at the tombs of our Nation's Heroes has anyone determined if the practice of delaying full payments to the Grieving Families of Heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our Country has been resolved.  The following is a quote from a CNN Website:

" Prudential under pressure to explain payments to military families

 August 13, 2010
By Adam Levine, CNN

After initial outrage over how Prudential handles life insurance policies of deceased soldiers and veterans, the insurance company is working hard to change the perception it has misled military families.

The company came under fire after a Bloomberg Markets magazine report said cash payments from insurance policies for dead soldiers were being held in interest-bearing accounts, with the bulk of the interest benefiting the insurers. Bloomberg also reported the cash was not placed in banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation."

As a citizen of the U. S. A. I think that it is deplorable that any organization that is vetted by our U. S. Government would even be allowed to conduct such an operation as is described above.  Yet I have not heard how this problem has been resolved.  I would hope that by now, May 31, 2011 that it has been; however I make this post today to bring the situation to the attention of those who may be able to assist in the resolution of this situation if it has not already been done.

Decoration Day

or

Memorial Day

When I was a child on an Iowa Farm I always knew when it was Decoration Day.  My Mom would cut the peony blooms and place them in quart jars.  They would then be taken to the City Cemetery for placement at the tombstones of relatives.

 This year I will observe Memorial Day by placing Flowers in the Church where I worship.  The Decoration Day of my youth is now known as Memorial Day.

 I decided to capture some pictures of the red, white and blue blooms which are flowering in the Gardens around my home.  All of these shots were taken at about 6:30 P.M. as the clouds came in in preparation for a rain storm.  I was able to isolate the blooms by using the flash.

I could not resist taking this picture of a white mop head hydrangea.  The winds are picking up as I post this entry.  Hopefully we will get some much needed rain.

Have a Blessed Memorial Day Weekend.

National Criminal Defense College

A Volunteer Opportunity

For the past five or six years I have volunteered to be a potential Juror at the National Criminal Defense College conducted right here in Macon, Georgia.  It is a program conducted at the Walter F. George School of Law on Macon's Historic Coleman Hill.  The Yearly events are conducted in June and July each Summer.  Lawyers from throughout the U. S. A. attend these two week events.

One of the first things they consider is how to select jurors.  On June 14th and July 19 of this Year the College will use local citizens as the Institute Leaders demonstrate and also allow the participants to practice their skills in the process known as "Voir Dire." 

I have enjoyed these afternoons where I am able to present my views on a large number of cases.  Each participant (potential juror) is in a pool that travels from court room to court room and the Leaders present a case and the College's Scholars are then able to question the participants in an attempt to select jurors that may be friendly to the case.

In addition to seeing how Defense Attorney's operate it is also a great opportunity to listen to the College's Classroom Leaders as they coach the College's Scholars.

I would encourage you to visit the National Criminal Defense College Website to learn more about this event:

http://www.ncdc.net/

I have already signed up for the 2011 Sessions.  If you are interested in serving as a potential juror for this exciting College I would suggest that you contact the Program's Administrator at:

(478) 746-4151

The dates for the volunteer jurors are:  June 14th and July 19th.  



Mom Thiese's Potato Salad

I am confident that almost everyone who reads this Blog knows that the Flower Child was born and raised in Iowa U.S.A.

Several years ago two men with an Iowa heritage commenced the publication of a magazine named "Our Iowa."  The magazine now boast over 66,000 subscribers.

The magazine now claims 66,000 Writers and Editors.  The magazine has one section entitled "Recipes They're Proud to Share."  Some time back I submitted my Mom's Potato Salad recipe.  If selected for publication the submitter receives an "Our Iowa" Apron.  I was surprised when my apron arrived in the mail today.  With the Apron was the current issue of "Our Iowa" Magazine.

The recipe I submitted  is known as "Mom Thiese's Potato Salad."  The short summary I submitted along with the recipe was: 

I grew up on Clayton County, where my folks operated an 80-acre farm near Ceres.  My mother made this recipe for our family picnics, Easter, Fourth of July and Labor Day.

Now we serve this potato salad at our own family gatherings and special events.  It takes considerable preparation time, but the compliments and satisfaction after savoring the finished product make the effort worthwhile.

So that you also can enjoy this special Potato Salad I will share the recipe:

8 to 10 potatoes, peeled

2 eggs

1/2 cup white vinegar

1 can (5-1/2 ounces) evaporated milk

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground mustard

1 jar (8 ounces) Miracle Whip

1 large onion, chopped

3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

Paprika and chopped fresh parsley, optional

Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat; cover and cook for about 30 minutes or until tender but firm.

Drain and cool

Meanwhile, make the dressing.  In the top of a double boiler, beat eggs with a whisk; add vinegar and evaporated milk.  Mix sugar, flour, salt and mustard; stir into egg mixture.  Cook over simmering water until thickened and mixture reaches 160 degrees, stirring often.  Remove from heat; cool.  Fold in Miracle Whip.

Slice the potatoes and place in a large bowl; add the onion, hard-cooked eggs and dressing.  Stir until coated.  Refrigerate until chilled.  Garnish with paprika and parsley, if desired.

"Enjoy." 

Car Show

to

Benefit Macon's Fort Hawkins

I recently read in the local print media that the annual Car Show on Macon's Cherry Street will not be held in June of 2011.  The reason was reported as a lack of interest and/or support. 

A subsequent letter to the Editor in the Paper indicated that June Car Show would be impossible to execute because no one had volunteered to head up the Show.  This letter also indicated that a Car Show later in 2011 may be possible.

From my own point of view, I have enjoyed the previous Shows, and I recall there were five of them; to also support Fort Hawkins. 

I hope that a Car Show to support Fort Hawkins can be conducted. 

Bibb County Georgia

Commissioners Budget Hearings

FY 2012

The Bibb County Sheriff's Budget

The Bibb County Commissioners commenced their Budget Hearings Yesterday.  The first department to present their Budget Request was the Bibb County Sheriff.

The Commissioners reviewed the request and the Sheriff as well as Department Chief's made their presentations to the Commissioners.

Sheriff Modena summed up the request with these statements:

• We need a higher starting pay for our Deputies.  All the surrounding counties start their Deputies at a higher pay rate.  The range is from $2000.00 to over $8000.00 per year.  As it is Bibb County is a training department and the new deputies soon are able to join other neighboring departments.
• The elimination of frozen pay steps needs to be accomplished.  As I understand this it means upward mobility and increased pay for years of service.
• The Low Starting Pay also has an impact on the number of well qualified applicants who apply for duty with the Bibb County Sheriff's Department.
• The Bibb County Sheriff's Department is a Team Player.  Over the past ten years they have returned 9.9 million dollars in unused budget dollars.  The Department has been able to accomplish this by being good stewards of the Taxpayers Funds.

It was noted that the former funds from Federal and State governments will no longer be available for METH Lab Clean-ups.  The impact of this situation is totally unpredictable and may require future emergency fund request.

Additionally it was noted that the current fuel prices may also require future request for supplemental funds as FY 2012 proceeds.

Of course I am glad that I attended this Budget hearing.  Without Public Safety being the number one concern we the residents of Bibb County do not have a bright future. 

Bibb County Georgia

Special Local Option Sales Tax

(SPLOST)

Meeting

I was able to attend the SPLOST Meeting at Macon's City Hall last evening.  Over the course of the meeting well over fifty people attended.

This event was an opportunity for the Citizens of Bibb County to discuss their desires to improve the County with the emphasis on Economic Development.  In Short our elected County Leaders and also the elected City of Macon Leaders wanted to hear from the Citizens.

During the course of the meeting which lasted one and one half hours everyone had the opportunity to state their desires.  These were written down on wall charts.  At the conclusion of the meeting each attendee was given three green dots to place on the projects they desired so that our Elected Leaders could determine the wishes of the Citizens in attendance.

I addressed the group and listed three concerns:

1. Repair the infrastructure of the Cities Storm Drain System.  Without this we have scant hope of attracting new business to the City of Macon.
2. Focus on the repair of our Current Recreation Centers as well as establish appropriate liaison with the Bibb County School System.  The People have provided wonderful resources thoroughout Bibb County that could be used during the Summer Months for Recreation Opportunities.  Additionally, construction of Recreation Centers in the County would be appropriate.  I also spoke to the need to drown proof our young Citizens.
3. Construct a New Court House.  I know that this is not a popular concept.  That stated, if we are to attract new industry and business we need a Government Center that reflects our dedication and love for our Community.  As it is we are now currently considering expending funds which we do not have to rehab the current Court House so that safe and secure communications can be accomplished in the event of an emergency.  If I understand correctly there is a possibility that over $100,000.00 will have to be expended to accomplish reliable communications.  Yet we will have an old building with an inefficient layout.  

My primary concern for the New Court House is that as we strive to attract New Business and/or New Industry we are demonstrating to the World that we do not care enough to have an attractive and also efficient Government Center.  I can look to our neighbor,  Houston County and see what they have accomplished and are currently accomplishing.  Their Court House is neat.  Even nearby Crawford County has an efficient appearing Government Center. 

I know from my own experience as a potential Superior Court Juror, our Court House is a disgrace.  The assembly room is a nightmare.  The Restrooms are a miscarriage of justice.  I understand that the current Court House basement has water problems when it rains. 

Yes, it will cost money, real money to construct, but someday it will have to be done.  We all know that in the future it will cost even more.

As I departed the Macon City Hall from the SPLOST meeting I looked to the left as I proceeded to my home.  There was Saint Joseph Catholic Church.  A landmark in our City and County.  I do not know the cost of it's construction; but I do know that it took twelve to fourteen years to construct in the late 1800s.  I recall from reading the marker in front of the church that the basement was constructed and that they finished the upper level once they achieved their fund raising goal. 

In summary, I know that spending some money now will result in a much more efficient Court House of which we can be proud.  Additionally, I know for a fact that if we wait five or even ten years to construct a New Court House that it will cost even more.  In the meantime we will have to expend more funds to maintain the current Courthouse both from a safety and security aspect.

So, I, The Flower Child simply state that if we are going to bite the bullet, the sooner the better because delaying the construction will cost us even more.

Yielding the Right of Way

for Emergency Vehicles

Last Evening, May 23rd in Macon Georgia I was traveling on Vineville Avenue in the right hand lane.  For those who do not reside in Macon please be aware that this is a three lane road with the middle lane reversable depending on the time of day.  At Noon the middle lane becomes a Northwest bound land to facilitate two lanes of traffic away from downtown Macon.  In the Morning the middle lane allows traffic to proceed toward downtown Macon.  This scheme allows for the most efficient way to carry the traffic during peak times.

It was about 8:55 P.M. and I notice a vehicle approaching me with blue lights flashing. I may have been about one half a mile from the intersection of Vineville Avenue with Forrest Hill Road.  It was in the one lane allowed for traffic at this time of day.  I immediately stopped because it was an emergency vehicle.

Once the emergency vehicle (police car) had passed I resumed travel.  Immediately the car that was behind me passed me with an aggressive style.  A second car also did.  I got the feeling that the operators of these vehicles were disturbed because I had delayed their travel.  One of these fine drivers was operating an automobile with Bibb Tags.  The other driver was operating an automobile with Monroe Tags.

I stop for emergency vehicles because it is the correct thing to do.  I would suggest that any operator of a vehicle consider these two questions when they are tempted to continue driving when an emergency vehicle is in the area:

• How would you feel if you delayed a police car that was enroute to your Mom's Home where there was a rape in progress?
• How would you feel if you delayed an ambulance that was enroute to an accident that involved your sixteen year old son?

I would suggest that if every driver kept these two questions in mind when they see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights  - that they would immediately pull over and stop.

Peach Packing

in

Middle Georgia U. S. A.

at

Lane Packing

on

May 19th, 2011

 Viewing

 The Start of the Process - Placing on the Conveyor

 Sorting

 Labeling

Packing

The Flower Child's Grand Children enjoyed the visit to Lane's Peach Packing on May 19th. We also enjoyed the Peach Cobbler and the Ice Cream.

Go Fish!! - Georgia

Today visited the Perry, Georgia area.  The first stop was the Lane Peach Packing Operation near Fort Valley.  Our second stop was going to be the Go Fish - Georgia on the South Side of Perry, Georgia.

Today was Thursday.  After we arrived we found out that they are only open on the Week-Ends.

To see a complete schedule and visit the Go-Fish Georgia Web Site please click:

http://www.gofisheducationcenter.com/visitUs

You can be sure that the next time the Grand Children visit us that we will go to the Go Fish - Georgia Education Center.  Of course we will go on the correct days.



Flag Day

USS Ranger (CVA-61)

 I recall that this picture was made in 1963.  I was in USS Ranger (CVA-61).  The Flag is made of Sailors.  Some of us wore our white uniforms while others wore their blue uniforms.  The Red made up of Sailors who wore their red flight deck jerseys.

While I do not recall what color I wore, either white or blue; I do recall that I was extremely proud to be a member of the crew of the USS Ranger (CVA-61)  This series of pictures was taken on Flag Day.

Mercer/Macon Symphony Youth Orchestra

It was my good fortune to attend the Spring 2011 Youth Orchestra performance on Saturday, May 14th at the Neva Langley Fickling Hall at Mercer University.

WOW!!!!   These musicians presented a dynamic program which was enjoyed by a full house.

Of particular interest was the performance of  the Student Conductors.  There were a total of four who took the baton and kept the Orchestra well controlled and the Audience Spellbound. 

William Jones

Grade 12 - Taylor County High School

William also played Viola

Zach Rigole

Grade 12 - Mary Persons High School

Zach also played 2nd Violin

Wil Dannenberg

Grade 11 - Perry High School

Will also played French Horn

Raymond Partolan

Grade 12 - Central High School

Raymond also played 1st Violin

A gala affair and one that Middle Georgia can be very proud to have in our presence.



2011-2012 Presidential Campaign

United States of America

Candidate Herman Cain

Today I had the opportunity to visit the Georgia Republican Convention here in Macon, Georgia.  I went for the purpose of listening to Herman Cain's speech which was open to the public.

Herman Cain opened his speech with this quote:

"This County is on the wrong track, but we have an opportunity to put it on the right track."

I will not attempt to quote the entire speech, but will focus on key points.

"Real Leaders Fix Stuff."

"Lower Taxes are good for our Economy."

He listed four items to fix our Economy during Phase I of his Presidency.  Phase II was quickly summed up as "Implement the Fair Tax."

Regarding our Nation's Energy Policy:  "Drill Here, Right Now!!"

He invited everyone in attendance to a High Noon Announcement in the Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, May 21st.  He indicated that he expected at least 10,000 of his Friends to be there.

Regarding why he is seeking the Office of President he stated:

"We are all Blessed, we have a responsibility to make a difference."  "Everybody can do something for this great Nation!!"

On the birth of his first grand child he asked himself this question:

"What do I do to make this a better World, a better Nation?" 

 "It is not about us, but about the next generation."  "It is about Freedom."

He concluded the less than 20 minutes speech with this comment:

"We The People are still in charge of this Country."

In Side the Flower Child's

Garden Gate

Macon's Johnson's Garden Center

Several months ago anyone who has ever held a gardeners trowel or a spade in their hand was alarmed with the Newspaper Article that stated that Johnson's Garden Center would be closing.

Well the public outcry for a locally owned Garden Center caused the owner to reconsider the choice and today Johnson's Garden Center is in full operation.

As I prepared the garden's and the entrance way to our home here in West Bibb County for a Garden Club Meeting on Monday, May 9th I decided to obtain the necessary plants from Johnson's Garden Center.  Shown above are four delightful looking double begonias placed in Soldier Fashion on the front steps to greet the Garden Clubbers who would be present on May 10th.

The Gardens that surround the deck on the back of our Home contain many pots which also needed some color.  I could not pass up this delightful looking blooming plant.  I was searching for some color to adorn the back Gardens.

There were three other planters that needed a bit of color so I decided on three different coleus which can thrive in Sun light.  I noted that Johnson's Garden Center had many other plants and they all were in good health.  The Staff was also most helpful.  I acquired these eight plants in less than 30 minutes and was able to return home with plenty of time to finish the gardening.

I took these pictures on May 11th in the early Sun light.  The Garden Club Ladies were impressed with the quality of plant materials that I was able to acquire and enjoyed the colors that I selected.

Cicada Research

On April 27, 2011 I posted an entry here regarding the Cicada here in Middle Georgia.  I also sent images of the insect to the Insect Department of the University of Georgia.

They are conducting research on this insect and asked me to publish the following information:

Thanks for the photo and the link to your blog. You sound like you are really interested in the novelty of this year’s cicada emergence. Several people have mentioned that they would like to contribute periodical cicada specimens to the Georgia Natural History Museum so that researchers can study this year’s population. If you and your blog readers are willing to do so, here are instructions for how to submit specimens (we ask that you send at least six adults, to provide a good sample).

If the cicadas are not already dead, put a half dozen of them in the freezer overnight to kill them compassionately.

Then wrap each one individually in tissue or cloth. Place them in a mailing tube or box with additional padding.

Include a note with your name, the town and county where they were collected, and the date of collection.

Ship them to the following address – and know that Georgia’s Natural History Museum greatly appreciates your donation.

Dr. Cecil Smith

178 Natural History Bldg.

UGA

Athens GA 30602

2011 Gaudet Baseball Camp

I posted this picture after the 2006 Gaudet Baseball Camp.  You can see the type of activities that happen at this once a year event.  I posted an entry about the 25th Camp which will be held on June 3, 2011 the other day.  Certainly a fun, yet educational event. 

Finally

Some of the readers here may recall that on October 11, 2010 My Bride suffered a Broken Right Leg.  Yesterday, May 4, 2011 she had a follow-up Doctor's Appointment and was given a clean bill of health.

It certainly was a challenge to be the care giver and I am glad that portion of our lives is over.  

Flower Child's Flowers

Beauty Abounds in West Bibb County

Georgia

 A lovely Mop Head Hydrangea

 A Lace Cap Hydrangea

  A Climbing Hydrangea

One of many Hosta Plants

25th ANNUAL GAUDET ALL-STAR BASEBALL CAMP

Friday, June 3, 2011, Luther Williams Field in Macon

Camp Rain Date: Monday, June 6

For Several years I have volunteered at this Baseball Camp.  It has always been a very rewarding experience.  I would encourage the readers of this Blog, especially if they reside in Middle Georgia to sign up and be a Volunteer to insure the success of this Camp.

For additional information please call:  477-9480

The Flower Child Revealed

Just in case you were wondering who publishes this Blog, "The World This Week!"  I was inspired to have this picture taken by a friend on Facebook who had their picture taken surrounded by flowers.



USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)

At Sea

Fox News has reported that Osama bin Laden was buried at Sea with the assistance of this Aircraft Carrier, the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70).  I obtained this "released" picture from the U. S. Navy News Website.

U S A

U S A

U S A

U S A

Osama bin Laden

This day will also go down in History.  I awoke this morning to hear a radio newscast that Osama bin Laden had been killed by a raid conducted by U. S. Navy Seals.  I then turned on the television and watched as the coverage showed people in New York City and Boston waving Flags.



The Vietnam Wall

The Traveling Wall Visited

Veterans High School

in

Houston County Georgia

April 28 - May 1, 2011

 Today, Sunday, May First My Bride and I took the opportunity to visit the Traveling Wall.  I had visited the Traveling Wall a few years ago which it stopped in Macon, but I felt compelled to visit it once again.

 In the mid 60s I served on the Staff of U. S. Naval Forces Europe in London, England.  One of the U. S. Marine Guards assigned there was Rodney M. Davis.  I recall his name plate at the Guard Desk when he was on duty, but I never knew him as an individual.  Years later when I was stationed in Macon, Georgia I learned of him and the fact that he is the only individual from Macon, Georgia who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his deeds during the Vietnam War.

I inquired as to which panel I could find Rodney M. Davis and I was informed to look in line 8 of Panel 26 East.  As you can tell I obtained a picture of this panel, which is displayed above.

 Everyone viewing the Traveling Wall stood in awe and appreciation.  The wall contains the names of over 58,000 Heroes who gave all during the Vietnam War.

As I departed the traveling wall I had to pause and take one more picture of the scene.  It was a peaceful time, but also allowed for me to reflect on this time in my life when I served in the U. S. Navy.  I never saw duty in Vietnam or the waters surrounding Vietnam.  However My own Brother was a Tonkin Gulf Veteran.  He proudly wore his Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club Patch.  He was a crewmenber of the USS Turner Joy which was attacked in the Tonkin Gulf on August 4, 1964.

Exploring the Color Line

Several months ago, January to be exact, I commenced a journey of "Exploring the Color Line" conducted by the Tubman African American Museum here in Macon, Georgia.  The series of events was supported by the "Georgia Huanities Council."

During the course of the series we read four books.  The Book for January 2011 was:

Running A Thousand Miles for Freedom

by

William and Ellen Craft

The Book for February 2011 was:

Brainwashed

by

Tom Burrell

The Book for March 2011 was:

Walking With the Wind

by

John Lewis

Mr. Lewis currently serves a Georgia District in

the U. S. House of Representatives

The Book for April 2011 was:

High on the Hog

A Culinary Journey from Africa to America

by

Dr. Jessica B. Harris

The picture at the top of this Post shows Dr. Harris autographing a copy of her book for an attendee at the Series Conclusion which was held on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Theatre Macon.

Dr. Harris gave a "book talk" about her book "High on the Hog" and kept the attendees, all 30 of us, spell bound for about 50 minutes.  After the presentation by Dr. Harris we were all given the opportunity to enjoy a "Soul Food Feast" which was Catered by Gloria Terry. 

I enjoyed the talk and the Soul Food Feast.  I had never consumed Bean Pie, but it was great.  All the other food items were terrific. 

I enjoyed this series which was entitled "Exploring the Color Line."  It caused me to read books that I never knew were in print and they presented new information to me.  The book by the Craft's who commenced their journey in Macon, Georgia was especially interesting for me.  I have resided in Middle Georgia for well over 36 years and I have never heard of the Craft's.

The book by Tom Burrell was very informative.  He gave us a formula to improve our Society.  From my point of view, if everyone in the U. S. A. followed this formula we would have no racial problems whatsoever.

The John Lewis Book was very interesting.  Mr. Lewis is but a few days younger than I, the Flower Child, and he presented the Story of the Racial Struggles of the 60s in a new and informative manner for me.  I must admit that I grew up in a one race society and in the early 60s I was a young farm kid who had just joined the U. S. Navy.  My goal in the early 60s was to perform my duties in the best manner possible so that I could complete my enlistment without getting into too much trouble.

The High on the Hog book by Dr. Harris was the most interesting book because she informed her readers about something that everyone needs, consumes and enjoys.  Food!!!

Even back in the days of slave trade with the "Middle Passage" which transported the slaves to the New World and took material to England  then  loaded with supplies for the trip with slaves from Africa to the New World the Sea Captains  were efficient managers of their cargo in all three legs of the voyage.  This caused the culinary concepts of Africa, the New World and Europe to be blended which is one of the focuses of the Book.

Yes, an informative series of programs which allowed me to learn a lot and to also respect the legacy of our current culture in the United States of America which involves both Blacks and Whites.

Ronald Palooza

Saturday

April 30, 2011

 A group of Volunteers set out to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House in Macon, Georgia.  They conducted a fun event in Houston County on Saturday, April 30, 2011.  I understand that the First Ever Ronald Palooza raised $20,000.00 for the expansion of the Ronald McDonald House.  Shown above are the T-Shirt Sales Staff of the Morning shift.  Of course you recognize the 2011 Senior Cherry Blossom Queen who is My Bride.

The Volunteer Coordinator for this event even put the Flower Child to work as a Chef.  My fellow Chef was a member of the United States Air Force stationed at Warner Robins Air Force Base.  We are taking chicken off the the smoker getting ready to place it on the grill.  I enjoyed the fellowship with an Active Duty Airman and we shared Military Stories while we smoked and grilled the Chicken.  Everyone who was a Volunteer wore a Red T-Shirt which had "Palooze Pal" printed on the back. 

The Palooze was held in a Pecan Grove South of the Richard Russell Parkway on U. S. Highway 41.  It was a nice shady location and was well attended.