Thanksgiving 2013

A Time Of Gratitude!!

Enjoy the lovely world God provides for us!!

A Time for Family and Friends to gather together
to enjoy Food and Fellowship and most important,
to Give Thanks for All the Blessings we
enjoy!!!!

As we all observe this Holiday, It is my wish that everyone appreciate our great United States of America and the abundance of Blessings we all enjoy.  I state all, because our standard of living for all people is better than that of a great number of people throughout the Earth!!!!  We all have been well blessed.  Thank You God!!!!!

The Big Click VII

Allied Arts Holiday Open House

Sunday, November 24, 2013

The John Marlor Arts Center

Milledgeville, Georgia

I entered this competition for the first time this year.  This past Sunday My Bride and I traveled to Milledgeville to view the entire exhibit.  None of my entries earned a prize, but I was impressed with the entire display which consisted of 42 entries.

From Left to Right:  Market Day taken at the Farmers Market
in Macon, Lenten Rose taken at the Gardens around our Home and
Grapes taken at the Cane River Vineyard in Byron, Georgia.
Of course the photographer is on the far right.

The gallery had plenty of sun light so it was a real
challenge to get this picture without some reflection,
such as you see on the first picture.

This display will remain through the month of December.  I would encourage you to visit this Gallery if you happen to be in the Milledgeville area during December.

Who Is Responsible?

I have fond memories from when I was a young kid in the 1940s and early 1950s.  I was a tender young Farm Kid , along with five other siblings who were taught responsibility as we observed our parents.  Back then it was illegal to allow weeds to flourish on your property.  My parents operated an 80 acre farm and the Canadian Thistle was a noxious weed which when it appeared on your property had to be eliminated.  The county officials took note of these weeds and if the Farmer did not control them the county would and the cost would be billed to the land owner.  

 While the above picture of a structure on Millerfield Road in Macon is not a noxious weed, it certainly is an eyesore.  I do not know how long this structure has looked like this, however I would suggest that the house owner be required to repair the structure.  When I acquired this picture on November 24th I did note that a "Roll On/Roll Off" box was in place so maybe the house is being repaired.  However, everyone who resides in Macon, Georgia is aware of the abundance of dwellings that look even more ugly than this.  Admittedly, a program is in process known as the "Five By Five" to eliminate this type of eye sore; however we often hear the campaign rhetoric during the election cycles that let us know that when we elect a specific candidate that the problems facing our community will be eliminated.  So, the question I submit today is:  How long do the people of Macon have to wait for progress to happen?  How long before the eye sores such as this, and many more are eliminated?

 As I traveled into Macon on Shurling Drive this past Sunday I noted this sight.  I had to stop and record this picture.  As I took the picture I thought of the current land owner and how he or she regards their investment.  It may be that they do not live in the area; however they are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of their property.  Do we in Macon and/or Bibb County have rules and regulations defining the responsibilities of property owners?  As I drove away from this location I quickly recalled my own upbringing as a Tender Young Farm Kid and how My Dad insisted that My Sibling Brother and I dig up with a shovel the noxious weeds in the cow pasture each year. I got the impression that this land owner does not care.  

 I also realize that it is not only private land owners who are not responsible for their property.  This is a view of the score board at a Football Field located on Shurling Drive.  I know that this eye sore has been present for several years.  I also suspect that this is on public property owned by the Bibb County School System.  What can be done about this eye sore?  Can "We The People" expect our public officials and appropriate government organizations to  also be responsible for the property they are charged to maintain?

 I do not know who owns this property.  I did note a "For Sale" sign nearby.  What is of great concern here is that the property appears to be the dumping area for soil from a nearby building/construction project.

Then there are always the post election signs that candidates and/or their supporters fail to remove after the election/s are over.  This one is a sad testament to a campaign that is now over, yet the sign remains.  If I recall correctly this candidate promised a better future if he was elected.  In fact his campaign web site proclaimed this: "Join us on this journey of a NEW BEGINNING FOR A NEW MACON... ONE CITY – ONE FUTURE!"  I would humbly suggest that the journey for this candidate include the removal of campaign signs which are now out of date.

In concluding this Blog Post, another view of this abandoned structure near the Gray Highway on Shurling Drive.  I would submit that the people, "We The People" deserve better than what is being allowed to happen.  We do not need these or other eye sores which remind us all of what we view on Television when the news is focused on "Third World Countries" elsewhere on Planet Earth.

Preparing God's House

for 

Christmas 2013

Today, November 23, 2013 was the commencement of Gardening Activity at the Church I attend to prepare for Christmas.

The common name for this plant is "Burning Bush."  This shrub
was chosen for the reference to the Old Testament where
God called Moses to lead his People to the Promised Land.
God appeared to Moses in a bush that was afire, but it never
burned up.  Thus the name for this shrub.  It looks like it is
afire.  Every Fall the leaves turn a wonderful red color.

This picture and the one above it show the Tucker Road view prior to
the pruning of the shrubs this morning.

This picture and the one above it show the "after" view after
the shrubs were pruned.

Customer Service in Macon

Georgia

Lowe Electric

Several days ago My Bride and I decided it was time to upgrade the exterior Light Fixtures that adorn our home here in Macon, Georgia.

I looked at several options and purchased lights and they were not appropriate from My Bride's point of view.  After a second visit to Lowe Electric we obtained several fixtures to actually take home and check out.  We then determined that fixture "X" would be proper so we returned to Lowe Electric and purchased two new fixtures.  They cheerfully refunded the full amount for the fixtures that I had purchased.  Therefore I spend the late afternoon installing the new lights.  Here is a series of pictures that I took after sunset to show how they look.

If you are looking for light fixtures I would suggest that you visit Lowe Electric.  They understand the concept of Customer Service and certainly meet the needs and desires of the Customer.  You can visit their website at:

http://www.loweelectric.com/

Taste and See

Coffee Shop and Gallery

I first learned of this delightful Coffee Shop today, November 22, 2013
when My Bride told me we were going to enjoy Coffee in Macon at
a new place she had heard about.  Once I entered I observed that
this is not your ordinary coffee shop (A fact that is highlighted on
the promotional literature) which I picked up once inside.

This Coffee Shop is also a gallery as indicated on the sign
in the window at 546 Poplar Street down from City Hall.  It is
also very close to Arvin's Pawn Shop.  There is plenty of parking
at this Coffee Shop and Gallery.  Please note that two young
men developed this shop and gallery.  One of them enjoys
taking pictures.  This is but one of the many lovely pictures
which adorn the walls and the display racks in the Shop and
Gallery.

This is a view of just a small portion of the seating area inside
this Coffee Shop.

This massive fireplace is in a small seating area
which allows patrons to enjoy the intimate atmosphere
available at this shop and gallery.

One more View.  We stopped by mid-morning.  The shop opens
at 7 A.M. and remains open until 10 P.M. on Monday through
Thursday.  On Friday and Saturday the closing time is one
hour later.  This establishment is closed on Sunday.  I was
particularly impressed with the attitude of the establishment
when I was at the counter ordering my coffee.  There was
 a supply of Prayer Cards and a Basket to place them in so
that others could remember and share their mercy for those
who needed prayer.

I understand that this Coffee Shop and Gallery has been open for about two months and you can be sure that I will stop by this place whenever I am in downtown Macon conducting my errands.  A great place that the also serves fine coffee and food items.  The perfect place to meet friends and even conduct business.  

Macon, Georgia

Cherry Blossom City

Yes!!!   The Cherry Blossom Queen for the 2014 Festival has been crowned.  The Royal Court consist of the Queen and four Princess.  They were all crowned on Saturday, November 16, 2013.  One of the next opportunities to see them will be the Annual Christmas Parade to be held on Sunday, December 8, 2013 in downtown Macon on Cherry Street!!!!

"You Bear Witness"

This is the Season of the Church Year that is focused on end times.  As Christianity prepares for the Season of Advent, which is that time prior to Christmas the color for the Church is Blue. Prior to Advent the Color is Green.  Today I share several pictures from the Church I attend that display the Christmas Season.  

The Gospel Lesson for November 17th was Luke Chapter 21.  I will quote a portion here:

"Then he (Jesus)  said to them, "Nation will rise 

against nation, and kingdom against

kingdom.  There will be great earthquakes,

and in various places famines and

pestilences.  And there will be terrors

and great signs from heaven.  But before

all this they will lay their hands on you

and persecute you, delivering you up to the

synagogues and prisons, and you will

be brought before kings and governors for my 

name's sake.  This will be your opportunity to 

bear witness.  Settle it therefore in your minds

not to mediate beforehand how to answer,

for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which

none of your adversaries will be able to 

withstand or contradict.  You will be delivered

up even by parents and brothers and relatives

and friends, and some of you will be put

to death.  You will be hated by all for my name's

sake.  But not a hair of your head will

perish.  By your endurance you will gain 

your lives."

Please be aware that I placed the emphasis on the sentence:  "This will be your opportunity to bear witness."  In fact the title of this post is exactly what was placed on the Church Sign Board for the week of 11 November 2013.  No matter our actions we are all in fact bearing witness regarding our faith, or  our own reputation.  Our witness can be positive or negative.  Thus this post.  I would encourage everyone to conduct a positive witness because a negative witness only creates problems.  As regards our faith we need to bear witness that we do indeed love our Savior.

In his message for November 17 our Pastor reminded us all that when we pray the Lord's Prayer we are asking our God to come when we pray "Thy Kingdom Come."  As we celebrate the Christmas Season of 2013 let us all be mindful of our prayer - "Thy Kingdom Come."  While we may not be ready to leave this earthly life, we are actually praying for our "Coming into Heaven."  Certainly something to contemplate and meditate about this day and every day.

Thinking Like A Thief!

I am confident that many of the readers here are aware that almost every week I read the Bibb County Sheriff's Blotter which details the crime here in Bibb County Georgia.  Today I will share some of my observations with you.  I also know that most people that are inclined to seek our your stuff have the Brain Power which is far superior to mine.  They usually target their victims with intense prior thought on how they will acquire somebodies stuff.

That stated, I recently read an observation concerning Thanksgiving Day.  A day set aside to show great gratitude for what we have and the very next day we commence our annual quest to acquire more!!!  It really does not make much sense.

Now on to the focus of this Post. 

Does this person look like a Thief?  You never know!!

Here are a few ideas that I would suggest just may prevent you from becoming a victim:

• When you park your car or leave it outside anywhere - Lock the Doors!!!  You would be amazed on the number of auto break-ins are completed without the thief even having to break-in.  Then, remove your cell phone/s and laptops, etc.  You are really contributing to your own ID theft if you leave these articles in your car or pickup.
• For you who reside in homes with a window/s in the door.  Never leave your purse (which contains your ID and maybe even some cash) with credit card/s in plain sight or for that matter hidden on a table or chair within a few steps of that door.  Oh, you say, you have an alarm system.  Too bad that the normal thief can get away from your home ahead of the local law enforcement arriving on the scene.
• Always arrange for a neighbor to collect your newspaper/s and/or mail when you leave town for even a day.  I can drive down your street and quickly ascertain who is not at home.
• Just the other day I was traveling on Tucker Road and I observed a "Boat For Sale."  The boat and trailer was chained to a gate.  The residence was back in the woods so it was quite possible that the boat owner could not see anyone attempting to steal the boat and trailer.  If I wanted the boat I would also haul off the gate.  Gates are not that difficult to remove from the post, even if the hinges are installed to prevent a quick pick up of that same gate.  If I wanted the boat I would come equipped with the proper equipment to acquire the boat within about 90 seconds.  
• A Thief has the ability to appear calm and act like they belong on your property.  Therefore your neighbors, no matter how alert they are may assume that the thief belongs on your property.
• This one is of real interest to me.  I attend a Church that has a Fellowship Hall and very often ladies, both young and mature leave their purses in that Hall while they attend to obligations elsewhere in the Church.  Can you imagine someone going to the powder room and then returning to ascertain that their purse has been removed from the back door!!!  Shocking to say the least.  You may say, who would enter church property to steal?  Please be aware that a thief will quickly depart and he will have violated your trust with your money, credit cards, identification cards, etc.  This is no way to Worship no matter which day of the week you participate in religious events.
• Avoid the common practice that those among us who are endeared to various platforms of Social Media.  They will often post that they are going somewhere/anywhere and then the thief knows when to hit.  The other overlooked post involves a post of you, your family and even your loved ones at some remote to your home location telling the world how much you are enjoying your Holiday in the Mountains, at the Beach or anywhere else.

I post these observations and comments and my concerns today because the Holidays are fast approaching and many will take the opportunity to celebrate by traveling to visit others.  Please take the time to "Think Like A Thief" and protect yourself from the tragic senseless loss of your "stuff."  After all, you or someone you love worked quite hard to acquire this stuff.

I know that the examples I cited above are just a few of the situations of which I am aware.  The most interesting one I read of this past week-end was when two females engaged in a fight at a local eating establishment and then a thief entered the structure and held up the cashier.  A diversion is also a quick way to accomplish an evil deed.

Please stay alert and enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas and celebrate the New Year with your personal security intact.

Macon Cemetery

Preservation Corporation

Veterans Day Program

November 11, 2013 - 11:00 A.M.  Location Linwood Cemetery, Macon, Georgia, United States of America.

Presentation of Colors by The Bibb County Fire Department
Color Guard

The keynote speaker was Master Sergeant Robert L. White III,
Retired United States Army.  He delivered a very emotional
speech.

Taps was played by Mr. Bill who is President of Vietnam
Veterans of America.

A portion of the attendees who attended this solemn event today.

Events such as this allow everyone to reflect on the Blessings we have and enjoy in the United States of America.  These events certainly remind us all that Freedom Is Not Free!!!!

Providence State Park

Near Lumpkin, Georgia

United States of America

Saturday, November 9, 2013 the Middle Georgia Camera Club conducted a Field Trip to this State Park.  The views you are about to see are from the top and also from the bottom of the Canyon.  There will be no comments for each picture as they tell their own story.  This location is also commonly known as "The Little Grand Canyon of Georgia."

It started forming in the early 1800s when cotton farmers, not aware of good conservation practices planted cotton every year and the water erosion started the development of this canyon.  It can be stated that this canyon was the result of poor farming practices.

Enjoy the views!!

Thank You!!!