February 23, 1945

Iwo Jima

A different picture from what we normally see.

Personal Responsibility

A Good Friend of Mine who lives in Florida sent me this picture of the recent tragic events during the Night Tornado that resulted in the death of many who did not know it was coming.

Today I would also like to share an Editorial that I presented in WMAZ Television in Macon, Georgia.

"As I listened to the News last evening I found out that many are concerned about severe weather warnings at this time of year. This is as it should be. We are soon going to be in the Violent Weather Season. Houston County does not have a working siren System. It would cost a lot of money to install a new one. While we here in Bibb have enjoyed a Warning System for Years, I also sincerely believe that each of us, as Adults also has a responsibility to ourselves and to our family to acquire a NOAA Weather Radio which will warn us day or night of any impending Bad Weather. I checked with a local electronic store website and found out that a Weather Radio can be obtained for as little as $39.95. In this day when everyone has a cell phone, I think it would also be very appropriate to invest a mere $39.95 for the security and safety of an early warning in case of Violent Weather.

The Weather Warning Radio is on duty twenty-four hours a day and I can assure you that it will wake you up when you are fast asleep. I have had a NOAA Weather Warning Radio for at least fourteen years. I have determined that $39.95 is a lot cheaper than a nice Casket. Something to Think About.

The Great White Fleet Returns

The crew of the USS Kansas (BB-21)

On this date in 1909 the Great White Fleet returned from a round the world cruise. The entire fleet returned to Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Images obtained from the World Wide Web.

21 February 1944 - U. S. Marines secure Eniwetok Atoll

"Back to a Coast Guard assault transport comes this Marine after two days and nights of Hell on the beach of Eniwetok in the Marshall Islands. His face is grimy with coral dust but the light of battle stays in his eyes."

(Ironically, after the war, the residents of Eniwetok were removed from their homes and the atoll became an atomic testing ground from 1948 to 1962. It was the site of the first hydrogen bomb test in 1952. Residents began returning to the atoll in the 1970s.)

Now for a bit of History of Photography in War Time:

The photographic documentation of war began soon after the camera's invention.

In 1855, Englishman Roger Fenton packed a wagon with photographic equipment and set out to cover the Crimean War. Although precedent-setting, his carefully posed images of British camp life failed to capture the drama and horror of war - no dead bodies, no mass destruction. This was in part due to the handicaps of his equipment and to the goal of his royal patrons to portray the war in the best light possible.

A few years later, the photographers of the American Civil War hauled their bulky equipment onto the battlefield to capture war's grisly aftermath. Their images - fields filled with the bloating bodies of the dead - caused a public sensation. Their groundbreaking efforts however, can be more appropriately described as battlefield rather than combat photography. The technical limitations of their equipment prevented them from catching the action of war.

Armed with faster film, smaller cameras and no longer needing to haul a darkroom behind him, the World War I photographer could get closer to combat. The introduction of 35mm film increased the intimacy of the camera's eye, enabling the World War II photographer to become part of the action. Television changed perspectives again - the war in Vietnam literally entered the living rooms of millions of Americans each night. Today, with the introduction of satellite connections, our images of war are not only in our living room but they are instantaneous and live.

Although the camera has changed our impression of war, the reality of war remains the same. As the Marine to the left wearily clamors over the ship's guardrail, his expression reveals the horrors that have been war's companion since the beginning of time.

"Combat Photography, 1918-1971," EyeWitness to History, www.eyewitnesstohistory.com (2000).

U. S Marines Land on Iwo Jima

February 19, 1945

I sincerely feel that these two pictures capture the moment without explanation. Thank You

We Think We Have It Bad!!!

We could be subjected to weather like this. Can you even begin to comprehend where this type activity happens. Leave Your Comments.

Update February 23, 2007
For everyone's information this automobile was photographed in Switzerland.

High Falls State Park

A Georgia Treasure

Today twelve members of the Middle Georgia Camera Club exceuted a Field Trip to High Falls State Park, which is about thirteen miles North of Forsyth, Georgia. A cool morning to be certain, but the images were great. Here is but one of the dozens of images that "The Flower Child" managed to capture. A great State Park to visit and certainly bodes well for the cardiovascular system as one must climb a lot of trails to appreciate this Park and become involved in the action of the many Water Falls.

CSS H. L. Hunley

On 17 February 1864 the Confederate Submarine H. L. Hunley sunk the USS Housatonic. The Hunley also sunk near Charleston, South Carolina.

It was a hungry time in Charleston, South Carolina, those early months of 1864. Bombarded by land and blockaded by sea, the city that cheered the opening shots of the American Civil War remained proudly defiant, but its Rebel defenders were looking mighty pinched. Salt pork, corn, boots, blankets, lead for musket balls, and most everything else the army needed was in critically short supply. The Union Navy's chokehold on the city's harbor would have to be broken soon, and the best hope for doing that lay with a strange and secret new weapon—a "diving torpedo-boat" christened the H. L. Hunley.

Shortly after sunset on the night of February 17, at a dock on nearby Sullivans Island, eight audacious Confederates squeezed inside the claustrophobic iron vessel and set out on a quixotic mission. Affixed to the boat's bow was a spar tipped with a deadly charge of black powder. At the helm was Lt. George Dixon, a bold-hearted, battle-scarred army officer. Behind him, wedged shoulder to shoulder on a wooden bench, sat seven crewmen whose muscles powered the sub's hand-cranked propeller. As the crew began turning the heavy iron crankshaft, Dixon consulted a compass and set course for a daunting target—the steam sloop U.S.S. Housatonic, stationed four miles (six kilometers) offshore. The Rebels' plan was to run about six feet (two meters) below the surface until they neared the blockader. But in order for Dixon to take final aim, he would have to resurface just enough to peer through the sub's tiny forward viewport.
At 8:45 p.m. John Crosby, acting master aboard the Housatonic, spotted something off the starboard beam that looked at first like a "porpoise, coming to the surface to blow." There had been warnings of a possible attack by a Confederate "infernal machine," and Crosby was swift to sound the alarm. Sailors rushed to quarters and let loose a barrage of small arms fire at the alien object barely breaking the surface, but the attacker was unstoppable.

Two minutes later the Hunley rammed her spar into the Housatonic's starboard side, well below the waterline. As the sub backed away, a trigger cord detonated the torpedo, blowing off the entire aft quarter of the ship. It was an epic moment.

The above information was obtained from the World Wide Web.

After Action Report

February 14, 2007: It is always nice to report great and good things that happen in your life. Today Flower Child was the receiver of the Annual Valentine's Day Event. We take turns. Every other year I conduct the surprise event. This year was my Bride's Turn. She did very well. The Food and Spirits were Excellent and we both enjoyed the event at Henderson Village which is just a few miles South of Macon, Georgia. Now the challenge is on me. What will I do next year!!!!!

Democrat vs Republican

Today I would like to share the following which was forwarded to me by a dear friend:

A young woman was about to finish her first year of college. Like so many others her age, she considered herself to be a very liberal person, and among other liberal ideals, was very much in favor of higher taxes to support more government programs, in other words redistribution of wealth.She was deeply ashamed that her father was a rather staunch Republican, a feeling she openly expressed. Based on the lectures that she had participated in, and the occasional chat with a professor, she felt that her father had for years harbored an evil, selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his.

One day she was challenging her father on his opposition to higher taxes on the rich and the need for more government programs. The self-professed objectivity proclaimed by her professors had to be the truth and she indicated so to her father. He responded by asking how she was doing in school.Taken back, she answered rather haughtily tha t she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain, insisting that she was taking a very difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to go out and party like other people she knew. She didn't even have time for a boyfriend, and didn't really have many college friends because she spent all her time studying.Her father listened and then asked, "How is your friend Audrey doing ?" She replied, "Audrey is barely getting by. All she takes are easy classes, she never studies, and she barely has a 2.0 GPA. She is so popular on campus; college for her is a blast. She's always invited to all the parties, and lots of times she doesn't even show up for classes because she's too hung over."

Her wise father asked his daughter, "Why don't you go to the Dean's office and ask him to deduct a 1.0 off your GPA and give it to your friend who only has a 2.0. That way you will both have a 3.0 GPA and certainly that would be a fair and equal d istribution of GPA."The daughter, visibly shocked by her father's suggestion, angrily fired back, "That's a crazy idea, how would that be fair! I've worked really hard for my grades! I've invested a lot of time, and a lot of hard work! Audrey has done next to nothing toward her degree. She played while I worked my tail off!"The father slowly smiled, winked and said gently, " Welcome to the Republican party.

Band of Brothers

Almost everyone remembers the New York Times Bestseller Stephen E. Ambrose book entitled "Band of Brothers." This was also an HBO Mini-Series which was widely viewed. At the current time we are seeing an abundance of "War Time" Movies. One that I have to see is "Flags of our Fathers."

From Nathan Hale, a Revolutionary War Hero, through George Shannon and John Colter who saw serve with the Corps of Discovery with Lewis and Clark to the modern day Heroes who currently serve our Nation in the War On Terrorism we have hundreds of thousands who have dedicated their lives to the cause of Freedom. By there service to our Nation, they have unknowingly become a member of the "Band of Brothers." You can usually determine who these Heroes are by observing who stands tall at any public event when our National Anthem is performed. They also stand tall when our Flag passes by during a parade.

Today, I, Flower Child, take the time to discuss these Heroes in this post. We all can take great pride in the "Band of Brothers" who have served our grateful nation. Yes, I am also aware that we have females who have served our Nation. I also take this opportunity to salute these members.

Global Warming???

Although we here in "The Land of Cotton," have experienced near normal Winter temperatures there are many portions of our United States of America who can certainly wonder about the highly acclaimed "Global Warming," that our planet is experiencing. Records are being broken and school children are enjoying the true "Winter Holidays." This picture was taken through the window of a Northeast Iowa Farm House. Too cold to go outside. No, this is not a set for "Sunrise Earth," a popular Discovery Television Program.

Winter Flowers at Weatherby

It is always nice to be able to enjoy the results of "Labors in the Garden." Yesterday while I attempted to improve the visual impact of our Front Gardens my Bride was gathering blooms to place in an arrangement. Today, I appreciate the results and want to share them with you here. While it has been somewhat cool here, we are happy that the "Cold" weather that our family and friends are experiencing up North has not arrived in this part of the U. S. A.

Flower Child Visits the Flower Show

February 7, 2007. The Flower Child was the Duty Driver for the Annual Pine Ridge Garden Club Field Trip to the Southeastern Flower Show. This year the show was held in Building C of the World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

The photograph shown above is but one of a plethora of gardens on display at this event, which runs through Sunday, February 11, 2007. Should you desire to attend this event, full details are available on the World Wide Web at this link:

http://www.flowershow.org/

In addition to the display gardens there is a photography contest and a full fledged Flower Show to also enjoy. There are also seminars which allow you to learn about a variety of topics related to Flowers and Gardening. In summary, a day well spent.

Super Bowl XLI

Hello. The post today is dedicated to Saint Charles, who commented yesterday that I was backing the incorrect team for the Super Bowl. I suspect that after the game last evening that he vowed to "Not Obtain a Newspaper" today. Well, if he visits "Flower Child's" Blog he will have to observe the Winning Coach and a representative of the Winning Team embrace as they hold the coveted Trophy. Well Done to the Colts.

As for the Bears, they can go back to the "Windy City" and dine on Twinkies. For those who do not know, the citizens in Chicago consume more Twinkies per person than any place else. I thought you would like to know.

Good Morning. The Flower Child is cheering for the "Colts" but in the end the Sun will rise in America on Monday, February 5th.

Have a Blessed Day!!!!!!

Financial Rewards and Having Fun

You have often read Flower Child's letters, comments and also heard him talk about the Holy Land in the Great Upper Midwest of the United States of America. Today you have the opportunity to view how many young men who reside in this area supplement their Income. The "Fur Traders" still exist in our Society today. They may not be selling to the "Hudson Bay Company," but there is still a market for fur. Admittedly these two young hunters reside near the Mississippi River in Northeast Iowa, but you can be confident that they are not the only two who hunt for treasure and fun in as much as there are several "Fur Trader" Companies who continue to do business in this area.

Macon, Georgia at Night

This image was taken from First Street in downtown Macon during the First Friday, February 2, 2007. You can see the Lawrence Mayer Florist, the Bibb County Court House and the BB&T Bank.

This is also a night time photo of the Hay House on Georgia Avenue in Macon, very near Coleman Hill. Both of these images were taken by "Flower Child," during a Middle Georgia Camera Club Field Trip. Should you become interested in becoming a member of the Camera Club or desire more information about us, please visit: MGCC.WS on the World Wide Web.

After the photo shoot, we met at a downtown fun establishment for "Socialization Skills Practice." In summary, a very enjoyable, funfilled evening in Macon, Georgia.

Flower Child's House Plants

Queen's Tears also known as a "Friendship Plant. I have been growing this for several years. I obtained the original from one of my Wife's Garden Club Friends. I divide it every year and share some "starts." What you see here is two plants, each in a six inch pot. They always bloom in January.

Here is a close-up view of one of the bloom canes. The two plants shown above have a total of thirteen of these bloom canes. I expecially like the graceful curve these wonderful blooms make.

This is a "False Aralia" Plant. We have had this plant for many years. It was given to us about fifteen years ago. We have always kept this plant indoors. Here is a view arranged for a photo shoot.

The photograph of the "False Aralia" in front of the window is to show where this plant grows the very best. It is the Breakfast Room Bay-Window on the North Side of the house. It has flourished well here.

I hope that you enjoy these pictures and this blog today.

Proper Planning

Today I post to urge everyone to anticipate what happens after their demise. Are your personal affairs in order? Even if you already have a "Will" it may be very appropriate to have your Attorney review it to ascertain if it is still germane and appropriate. You and I know that Laws change and although you have a "Will" it may not now meet the requirements to allow your estate to pass quickly to those you have already designated. I consider it vital to have this done prior to the death of the "Will" maker. After the fact simply will not be appropriate. In this regard a few dollars spend now may just save your Loved Ones major financial obligations after you are Gone. Laws change and if you are new to Georgia and had a Will in another State it is also imperative that you update your Will to comply with the laws of Georgia.

Just a Post today to remind you that the death of a loved one can be difficult for the family so by planning ahead you can leave a great gift to your loved ones.