2021 Holiday 

to the Holy Land

(aka) Iowa

Today, 21 November 2021 which is two months after the end of this Holiday I will start to relate the events and include where appropriate a few pictures to show that a Wonderful time was had by all.  This Holiday started on 1 September 2021.

We departed our Home early enough that we thought we would have a wonderful Breakfast at "O.K. Cafe" on the Nortwest side of Atlanta.  We traveled through Atlanta in the HOV lane and were diverted at the North end of the I-75 and I-85 interchange just North of what was formerly the location of the Varsity.  The HOV Lanes were closed wo se traveled Northeast on I-85 to Spaghetti Junction where we transitioned to the Loop on I-85 Westbound to I-75 North of Atlanta.  Of course this prevented us from enjoying breakfast at the O.K. Cafe which would have required us to backtrack which we decided not to do.  This caused us to enjoy Breakfast at a Cracker Barrel somewhere in North Georgia.  The travel for the balance of the day was uneventful.  However My Bride used her Phone to learn that a fiery automobile wreck in Atlanta was the cause of the HOV shutdown.  We were able to press on to Terre Haute, Indiana where we sought refuge for the night at a well regarded Hotel Chain known as "Holiday Inn Express and Suites" at 2645 South Joe Fox Street.  This was the second challenge of the Holiday.  I soon discovered that this Hotel Chain had hired a person or persons unknown to me to run down the Halls on various Levels to slam doors to keep the Guest annoyed.  Note to Self:  If I ever check into this Hotel at this location again I will ask for "ear Plugs."  Future Problem/s solved.  After a Hotel Breakfast (provided in the rate structure) we set off for the adventures of Day Two - 2 September!

The equipment in our Car had the automated "Tire Pressure" light/s and we had a problem.  We searched for a fuel station that had an Air Pump and found one that had an automated Air Replacement System (ARS) for the sum of $2.00.  Again Problem Solved.  We arrived in Northeast Iowa the location of My Birth many years ago and were content with the travels after My Bride stopped at the "Farm Toy Outlet" in Dyersville to commence Her 2021 Christmas Shopping for some of the Little People in our lives.  

The next stop involved the famed "Field of Dreams" which we have visited many times.  

After this stop it was a few miles North to Monona, Iowa where we stopped for the evening and a few more days until My Sister tired of us and we would move on.  We enjoyed a Wonderful Evening in St. Olaf, Iowa.  I had previously heard of the famous "Pork Tenderloin Sandwich" that was available at the St. Olaf Tavern so I had to take up the challenge of enjoying this one-pound Tenderloin on a normal size bun.  It was great.  In as much as I was not the designated driver I also consumed and appreciated two Iowa Mixed/Poured Margaritas.

Four Pictures from the St. Olaf Tavern.

3 September - Day Three.  After a soothing night of sleep at My Sister's Bed and Breakfast - Again She was the Designated Driver we set out for Decorah Iowa and the Home of "Toppling Goliath Brewing Company" to meet Her Daughter and My God Daughter since 1972.  

"Toppling Goliath" was founded in 2009 and has a Reputation among Beer Lovers everywhere.  

When we arrived My God Daughter was already there and we went in to see what this place was all about.

Once we were seated, which did not take long I could not make up my mind as to what I should consume.  I selected a Flight of Five as you can see here.  Here is a close up of my five selections:

We also enjoyed Pizza which paired well with the Beer selections offered!

As we enjoyed the Pizza and Beer I was asked which one I appreciated the most!   I responded by stating "Intergalactic Warrior" which is an India Pale Ale.  As we departed I was presented a pack of this Beer.  Thank You!!!!!

4 September - Day Four.  We planned this Holiday to Iowa once we received an Invitation to the Tenth Anniversary Invitation to a Party Honoring My Nephew and His Bride.  This was a Saturday and the day set aside for the Party, which was a Garden Party, at the Home of the Nephew when He was a Child and His Dad, My Sibling Brother.  This is the Farm Home where My Siblings and I enjoyed Our Youth as Wonderful "Farm Kids."  This Nephew is also the "God-Son" of My Bride so we both considered it important to be in Iowa for this Garden Party.  The food and beverages, Mild and Adult beverages were in abundant supply.  My Brother took great pride in having the "Iowa Bootlegger Special 'Templeton Rye'" available for me to enjoy and appreciate, which I did.  Once again, I was not the designated Driver.  Here are a few pictures from this Garden Party.

The Siblings!

The Sisters!

The Siblings shown with some significant others.

Unfortunately for us who remain, some have passed on to 

Better Gardens!!

5 September. Day Five.  This was a Sunday and My Bride and I attended Worship Services with our Host, My Sister and also the Designated Driver I have discussed earlier.

This congregation meets at 8:30 A.M. each Sunday!  After the Service we participated in the Fellowship of Worshippers and I was able to once again discuss Farming with the Young Man who rents My Sister's Corn and Bean acreage.  He is the Nephew of one of Her deceased Husband's Family.  

We then traveled to Guttenberg, Iowa to Worship at 12:30 P,M. at the Church where I was a Young Lutheran many years ago.  Of course we took a few pictures.  This one is across the street and is a Monument to Honor and also Memoralize the Local Heroes who have served our Great Nation.

We also visited the Memorial Park in Monona, Iowa that also Honors our Nation's Heroes.  This Park, like the one in Guttenberg was developed entirely with private donations.

On Sunday evening we gathered at the Home of one of My other Sisters and Her Husband for an evening of Fellowship and Pizza.  One would think we were Italians but we did descent from German stock however we all appreciate great food and beverages!!!

6 September - Day Six.  Labor Day found Alan relaxing while My Bride and My Sister performed retail therapy.  I conducted a Photo Shoot in the Lovely Gardens surrounding My Sister's County Home.

I believe that each of us inherited our love for flowers and lovely shrubs from out Mom, who always had lovely flowers.  She often placed arrangements from Her Gardens in the Church which we all attended in Guttenberg.  I must also state that with at least four feet of rich Iowa topsoil growing Flowers is not the demanding challenge that faces other Gardeners in other parts of the USA.

We concluded Labor Day Events with a lovely Dinner at the "Clayton Lighthouse" which is on the banks of the Mississippi River in Clayton, Iowa.  Clayton, Iowa is the location of my birth, although it was at a Farm Home near Clayton.  Here again I enjoyed a Margarita!!   This concluded Day Six!

 

"Three Concerns"

Build Back Better

Two Sided Information

Critical Race Theory

Many Years  ago My Dad gifted me with this board.  The reverse side clearly states "Board of Education!"  I am suggesting that this device may be appropriate for use at all levels of our Government here in the United States of America.

28 October 2021 - Our President presented a Speech to the Citizens of the U.S.A.  I am confident that may peoples around the world also watched and listened.  My summary of this Event is:

I watched Our President's Death With Dignity Speech! Unless I missed it he did not mention the fact that over 20 Heroes/Military Veterans take their lives each day here in the USA. Also, I did near him mention the 13 Heroes who recently were murdered in Afghanistan a few weeks ago during the poorly planned/executed departure from Afghanistan!!

 

I continue to be amazed that so many of our educators and elected leaders feel that our current President is saving the USA!!!  

27 October 2021 - I Published via E-Mail and also Facebook seeking an answer:

A Friend of Mine has asked me to find out.  They have no internet connection by their own choice!!

I just posted this on FaceBook, however I desire to expand the potential to learn the real answer.

I am asking this for a Friend.  Was our current White House Press Secretary a Scholar that was part of the Test and Evaluation of “The Common Core” Curriculum?  Or was she educated by a System that used The Common Core Curriculum?  Admittedly I do not know her age, however My research indicates that this system was established in 2008 and eventually adopted by a plethora of States in the 2010 time frame.

If this is the case My Friend appreciates why we have so much double talk from the current Press Secretary!

When I entered Common Core Education in My search engine this is what I first saw, so the answer to the question may be resolved.

28 October 2021:   For several days I have been composing a post regarding "Critical Race Theory" (CRT).  I have watched the news and listened to the concerns of parents who have become quite concerned at their respective School Board Meetings concerning CRT.  It has now reached the point that our USA Department of Justice has determined that these very concerned "Parents/Concerned Citizens" are considered Terrorist and the Attorney General has tasked the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to check these Citizens out to appropriately even arrest them.  I can appreciate our Attorney General's concern, however I have learned this his own child has married a "Citizen" who is promoting the teaching of "Critical Race Theory" to our Children.  So now it becomes a "family issue."  The Attorney General may be ready to be an empty nester with his significant other and he does not desire to have the married daughter come back home.  So he is doing everything possible to insure that his married daughter can be supported in an appropriate manner by the very person who is working hard to promote "Critical Race Theory" to all of our Students that attend Public Schools.  Makes sense to me.  However I suggest that this is surely a conflict of interest on the part of the Attorney General who may be looking forward to his own retirement with the burden of supporting the married daughter should her Spouse become unemployed!  

I am shocked that our Government is now overlooking the basic concept of governing a Republic!!  From My point of view, many are merely serving their own personal interest.

So, I am suggesting that the Board of Education by employed with "Care" as displayed in the picture at the beginning of this post!  Thank You!

 

2021 Major League Baseball

National League Pennant Race

23 October 2021

Game Six

Truist Park

Atlanta, Georgia

My Son and I hosted His Son to this dramatic game which the Atlanta Braves won over the Dodgers with a score of 4 to 2.

30 Years ago I hosted My Son to a Major League Play Off game at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburg, PA.  The was game seven and the Braves won and then traveled to the Twin Cities for the World Series.  The Twins were the World Series Winners in 1991.  

The first game of the 2021 World Series will be played on 26 October 2021 in Houston, Texas.  

Here is a series of pictures from the Play Off game we attended on Saturday, October 23, 2021

The following pictures were taken by My Son as we three boys enjoyed a "Boys Night Out" watching the Braves Win over the Dodgers with a score of 4 to 2!!

We did arrive early enough to enjoy a fine meal at "Gardens and Guns" at the Battery which was hosted by My Son!!!  Summary a wonderful day.  

 

Fall Planting

Cooler Days and the need for some Fall Color around the House and the availability of appropriate plants caused this series of plantings on 12 October 2021.

Ornamental Peppers - from left to right:   Sangria/Sedona Sun/Zamora Red/Sedona Sun/Sangria.  This Planter was placed on the table so we could enjoy morning coffee and other meals.  The Ornamental Peppers were purchased at Ace Hardware and the Planter was aeuired at Lowe's.

Zinnias and Mums placed in pots for the front entrance!  These plants were purchased at Mossy Corners near Smarr, Georgia!!

The planting in the two urns was accomplished in May and includes Ruby Slipper Coleus and "Orange Rocket" Barberry - Berberis thunbergil.  The plants identified in the urns were purchased at "Goodness Grows" in Lexington, Georgia!!!

To finish this Post I will also show the 13 Autumn  Ferns that were planted much earlier this year.  They  have flourished.  I purchased the quart size and the size indicates that they have grown well!!  Proof that plants do grow well and considerable sums of funds can be achieved by being willing to wait for the plant to flourish!!  The ferns were purchased at Site One on Thomaston Road in Macon, Georgia!

 

"We All Have Choices"

Each day in our own respective lives we all have choices!!!

Or in the case of a Georgia Prisoner whose case was just concluded, He has performed several choices with consequences.  His name is Donnie Rowe!

 Both of these situations are/were certainly drastic choices which is "Killing!"

The Top photo "My Body, My Choice" and the Bottom photo which could have the label "Your Body, My Choice" clearly point out two of the major problems with Our Society today.  In fact it could also be understood and stated that these problems are evident in the Society of the Whole World.

"Something We All Must Consider!"

 

"Here We Go Again?"

Admittedly I have lived a long and reasonable life.  I am troubled with what I see happening in our United States of America.  The President and the Secretary of Defense are once again engaged in what I consider "Social Engineering."

I have a vivid recall of what happened back in the late 1960s and early 1970 when the President and the Secretary of Defense developed "Project 100,000"

Here is what I found on a Wikipedia Site:

"Project 100,000, also known as McNamara's Folly, McNamara's Morons and McNamara's Misfits, was a controversial 1960s program by the United States Department of Defense to recruit soldiers who would previously have been below military mental or medical standards. Project 100,000 was initiated by Defense Secretary Robert McNamara in October 1966 to meet the escalating manpower requirements of the American government's involvement in the Vietnam War. Inductees of the project died at higher rates than other Americans serving in Vietnam and following their service had lower incomes and higher rates of divorce than their non-veteran counterparts. The project was ended in December 1971 and has been the subject of controversy, especially during the manpower shortages of the Iraq War."

As I recall it the Project was sold to the People of America as an opportunity for those less qualified to serve the country, receive skills training and upon discharge from the Military be ready to be productive citizens.  A noble and certainly a worthwhile goal.  Unfortunately, in most cases the lower mental requirements for enlistment resulted in the situation where many were unable to receive appropriate training.  

As the quote above indicates this Program was discontinued in late 1971, but the consequences lingered.  For example in a recently issued book in the 2000s by Gregory A. Freeman entitled "Troubled Waters" we can read about the results of the Project 100,000  in 1972 on the USS Kitty Hawk, an aircraft carrier involved in the Vietnam War and a longer than usual deployment.  This resulted in a restless crew and also a very disappointed group of Sailors who too action in what some consider a "Riot" or even a "Mutiny," as the Kitty Hawk was sailing toward "Yankee Station" for yet another period of engagement in the War.  The U. S. Military finally admitted in the early 1990s that the "Project 100,000" was a failure and certainly contributed to many of the racial conflicts among the troops in the Military.  

I would think that our Military Establishment and the "Staff of the Commander in Chief" would engage in appropriate research prior to implementing another program which I consider "Social Engineering."  Admittedly these announcements appear to have lofty goals to improve the lot of all who serve in the U. S. Military.  

In recent months we have all heard the announcement by our Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Lloyd J. Austin III regarding unity and the need to appropriately recognize more members of our Society who may desire to serve our Nation.  Recently I have heard that our U. S Government now possibly recognizes about 70 gender classifications.  When I joined our U. S. Military, specifically the U.S. Navy there were two recognized genders that were allowed.  You were classified as a male or female depending on how you were delivered in to Society at Birth.  

If  I have heard correctly it is now possible to join our U. S. Military and claim one of almost 70 gender classifications.

So the concern I have as I develope this post is:  How does our Commander in Chief and the Secretary of Defense think that they can meet the personnel requirements of our Military when they have developed this "Social Engineering" concept?  

Certainly a situation that just may have a negative influence on the number of potential Recruits that our U.S.A. needs to protect our Country and our Society.  This is also a readiness concern.  Our History correctly points out that we Must have Heroes trained and ready to put their life/lives on the line.  If you do not believe me, may I suggest that you visit your local Cemetery and observe the number of Veterans buried there.  If you live near a National Cemetery such as Andersonville in Georgia or Arlington in the District of Columbia or any other National Cemetery please observe the number of tombstones of Heroes who have Served Us All, and I might ad "Served Us Well."  I do not think it is possible for all now approved genders to stand up for us or to defend us as our Heroes of the past!!

From My point of view this situation needs to be corrected and the duly elected Leaders in our U. S. Congress must take action to eliminate this "Yet another Attempt on Social Engineering."

Thank You!!!!

 

What is the Difference?

Many years ago we had God deliver the Ten Commandments to the Children of Israel by God's Appointed Leader, Moses:

In Exodus Chapter 20 verse 13 we know that the Fifth Commandment was "Thou Shall Not Kill!"

In 1973 the U. S. Supreme Court of the United States declare that it was legal in our U. S. A. for a Women to abort a baby if she was less than three months pregnant. 

In 2021 we know that so far this year as of 3 August there have been forty homicides in Macon-Bibb!!!

The question I ask today and submit for your consideration is:

"What is the difference between an abortion and a homicide?"

In either situation the victim is dead!!  

To Me this seems contrary to "God's Law!!"

 

Georgia General Assembly

Joint Reapportionment

and

Redistricting Hearings

2021 

On 29 July 2021 I attended the meeting held at the Mercer University School of Medicine Auditorium.  The meeting commenced at 5:00 P.M. as advertised and concluded at 7:07 P.M.

The Hearing was chaired by Senator John F. Kennedy and Representative Bonnie Rich.  Based on the number of citizens who signed up to address the Hearing it was announced that each would be allowed 5 minutes to speak.  The Dean of the Mercer Medical School welcomed all the attendees.  The opening prayer was conducted by Representative Robert Dickey which was followed by a short video to let us all learn about what this hearing was about.

It was announced that the official U. S. Census information should be available in late August or September of 2021.  Based on preliminary data it is anticipated that each  new U. S. Representative District will have 765,136 citizens which is an increase of 73,161 compared to the results of the 2012 Census.  Each Georgia Senate District will have 191,284 citizens which is an increase of 18,290.  Each Georgia Representative District will have 59,511 citizens which is an increase of 5,691.  The task of the Joint Commission is to redraw the lines to achieve the same number of citizens in each new district.

This is what the Hearing room looked like.  This photo is from the local media coverage:

When the Hearing commenced there were 10 in the front row and five in the back row of the Officials in attendance.

It was stressed that Reapportionment was for the Federal Representative Districts, while the Redistricting was for State Senate and Representative Districts.  All proposed maps must comply with the "Voting Rights Laws" which have been enacted at the Federal Level.

I took brief notes of what each speaker presented:

• Tombs/Montgomery County.  Keep these two counties in the same district.  The famous Georgia Onions are grown in these two counties so it would be prudent to keep them together in as much as the purpose of these two are mutual.
• Montgomery County.  Keep Tombs and Montgomery together.
• Macon-Bibb.  Currently five representatives.  Too many.  As a consolidated government we are now working together to achieve success.  Reduce the number borders and the number of Representatives by eliminating citizens of other counties.
• When doing the redistricting be transparent in your meetings and be open to all concerned.  Stressed non-discrimination.
• North Macon needs to be in Macon-Bibb versus being in the same District as Monroe County.
• ACLU of Georgia.  Keep districts intact for the voters who have the same concerns.   All voters need to be represented correctly.  In Macon-Bibb the numbers of Minorities have increased while the number of white decreased by 5 percent.  Be transparent in your process.  Remember "We the People."
•  Macon-Bibb.  Keep like minded communities together!!!  Do not disenfranchise voters.  Be Transparent.
• Tombs County.  Keep whole.  Thanks!
• Tift County and the City of Tifton.  Keep in one District!!  Do not gerrymander!!  "Do what is best for all Georgia Citizens!  Think about the power of Independents.
• Spoke against Gerrymandering.  "Consider the impact on the education of our Kids!"
• Bonaire - Houston County.  As it currently stands Bonaire is now a part of a very rural district.  Put Bonaire in with the rest of Houston County.
• A Student from Providence Academy.  Spoke very eloquently against gerrymandering which undermines our democracy.  It discourages potential voters!  Legislators do not respect ll their citizens!!!
• The next speaker reaffirmed the previous speaker!!
• Macon-Bibb - Cease Districts to simply re-elect incumbents!  Be transparent/non-partisan to reflect the community.  We deserve better!
• This speaker complained about the lack of these Hearing Notices to the citizens.  Eliminate racial gerrymandering.  
• Consider the home locations of residents who are incarcerated in our Prison System versus where the prison is located.  The current system is a  disadvantage for our Black and Brown Citizens.  The 2020 census undercounted in Minority Communities.
• Take all comments from citizens all around the State.  Kick-out politics.
• A citizen who has lived in many districts.  Thank You!  Georgia is the best place to do business. Stop racial gerrymandering!!  Cited several U. S. Court rulings!
• A resident of Jones County who is also on the State Board of Education.  Currently Jones County is split up.  Do not divide up communities.  Move forward.  Georgia is more than just Atlanta!!
• Be transparent in redistricting!
• Democracy - All must be allowed to have a voice.  Maps drawn by Legislators is self-serving!  Need an independent commission for redistricting.   Georgia can do better.  Do the right thing.  Always time to do this.
• Thanked Mercer for hosting this event.  "Protect the Vote" citizen.  Hopefully these hearings are not just for show!!  Represent all diverse communities in Georgia.  Put "People First!
• Houston County.  Many citizens do not know who represents them.  Post your ules fro this process so all can be aware!!
• Bibb County - Challenging to know what the speaker was talking about!
• The Dean of the Mercer Law School  Thanks for taking on a Complex task.  Please remember the Legislative Over Reach Law Suite from the 2001 era.  Be good students of History.  No Legislative  Over reach..  Macon-Bibb is consolidated.  Keep intact as much as possible.  This area deserves special attention.  The Dean also offered her students in Election Law to assist in this endeavor.
• Southern Poverty Law Center.  All of the public must be engaged.  Currently the information is only available in English.  Need engagement by Non-English speaking citizens.  Hearing access locations must be near public transport.
• Gerrymandering.  A 30 year Air Force Veteran.  do the right thing.  Consider the future.  Remember John Lewis - A beacon of Hope.  Thank You!
• Houston County Citizen.  Be transparent.  Fair and equal representation.  No gerrymandering.  Keep all communities in Mind!!!

A total of 29 speakers addressed the Hearing.  Each speaker's comments are summarized by me and each bullet represents a speaker.  I learned a lot at this Hearing and I am glad I attended.

Leadership as a Third Class Petty Officer U. S. Navy

 

Making Petty Officer

U. S. Navy

Leadership Opportunity

I have fond memories of making Yeoman Third Class (YN3) during my time in the USS Ranger (CVA-61).  We deployed to the Western Pacific in late 1962, however prior to deployment the entire crew was exposed to Health Lectures which involved preventing the development of "Sexually Transmitted Diseases" (STDs) while enjoying the many "Liberty Calls" we would encounter in the Western Pacific Ports.

These lectures also involved viewing a series of 35MM slides which displayed what the "Male Sex Organ" would look like if an STD was acquired.  The slides were very graphic and this one does not even come close to what we were required to view, however I show it here so you may get an idea of what is being discussed.

Certainly not anything anyone would desire to acquire.

As a new Petty Officer I was charged with handing out the Liberty Cards to My shipmates who desired to go over and enjoy the opportunities available ashore.

Along with the the Liberty Cards I was given a paper bag with Condoms so that my shipmates could practice safe sex if they desired to remain healthy.  

Now before the readers here get alarmed, most Sailors who engaged in Sexual Activity would usually boast about the encounter when they returned to the ship, so the Liberty Card Petty Officer usually knew who to offer the "prevention equipment" to.  Just part of the duty to help Shipmates remain healthy.  

During the previously mentioned "Health Lectures" is was pointed out that safety procedures were also appropriate and proper if one wanted to enjoy liberty even in the Continental United States (CONUS) as well as when ashore when deployed.  We were also educated that the majority of "Professionals" overseas would usually show a "Health Card" during the bargaining phase of anticipated sexual activity.  As can be expected the "Health Card" was only good for the first encounter.  If one were to be the second customer the chance for an infected encounter was often possible.

The bottom line was essentially be safe and keep yourself clean and disease free for your own personal future.  

 

Pine Ridge

Garden Club

 visits

The Museum of Arts and Sciences

Macon, Georgia

10 June 2021

The Pine Ridge Garden Club observed National Garden Week 2021 with a Field Trip to the local Museum.  It was a wonderful way to experience the local attraction and also learn about some native plants and also local History.

Prior to Walking the Trails we had the Safety Lecture from the Club President.

We then walked the trails and observed some of the attractions that were focused on the Younger Visitors, but we also enjoyed them;

During the walk on the trails we also observed several Native Plants which were on display.  Additionally we saw many varieties  of ferns that flourished in the shady areas.

Mountain Mint

Passion Vine Bloom

Trillium

There were several Giant Magnolia Trees in their early states of life.

After enjoying a box lunch we decided to capture several fun pictures at the Museum Grounds!!

Trash In Macon-Bibb 

Georgia 

Today, Saturday June 5th I surveyed the Trash Services that we the Citizens currently receive in Macon- Bibb.

We must admit we have a problem.  The first step to problem resolution is to admit there is a problem versus making excuses.  

Last evening I attended the Shady Dale Rodeo in Shady Dale, Georgia.  I did not observe any trash containers on the road as I entered this community.

Maybe our duly elected leaders could emulate the Trash Service practices that the Leaders do in Shady Dale.  Just My suggestion.

My suggestion would also include modeling a Trash Pick-Up system that at least one Major Pizza Company is evaluating and even testing to deliver their product with a robot vehicle.  If a robot can deliver products it just may be possible to pick up Trash from Citizens Homes and even places of business.