What Is Great About America?

Forty-three 4-H club members made home made Ice Cream during the Noon Hour today at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia. Here you have the opportunity to see about one-third of the contestants. Each participating member developed their own recipe for the Ice Cream. After the Ice Cream was frozen the contestants raised their hand to signal the Judge to obtain an evaluation sample. After that each contestant was free to hand out samples of their product to the people watching this fun contest. The Flower Child sampled about twenty of the great Ice Cream recipies and enjoyed every one of them. I am just glad that I did not have to be the Judge. A great opportunity to witness great kids in action in a worthwhile project. Each contestant was very proud of their Ice Cream and was most happy to give out Samples. My personal "Well Done" to each of these 4-H Members.

WOW!!!

The Macon, Georgia Convention Hotel. A time worn topic to be sure. Recent datelines:

• June 19, 2007 - Tuesday. Editorial Page of "The Telegraph" where the Editorial Page Editor, Mr. Charles Richardson publishes a column entitled "Stupid is that Stupid does." The column relates to an upcoming vote by the City Council of Macon, Georgia concerning the proposed Convention Hotel. A proposal that had been the subject of many months of activity.
• June 20, 2007 - Wednesday. Page 1, Headline in "The Telegraph" proclaiming "Council OKs Hotel Plan." 9 voted yes and 6 voted no.
• July 18, 2007 - Wednesday. Page 1, Headline in "The Telegraph" proclaiming "It's Reichert in a Landslide" announcing the winner of the Democrat Primary in the Macon Mayoral Race. Political pundits expoused a theory that the Hotel Issue may have wounded some of the candidates for Mayor and even some in the City Council races.
• August 15, 2007 - Wednesday. Page 1, Headline in "The Telegraph" proclaiming "Paris routs incumbent in runoff." Candidate Paris voted no to the Macon Convention Hotel Plan. Again political pundits suspect her vote may have helped her win the Ward IV, Post 1 seat.

In the meantime we have all heard the rumors that the Mayor of Macon may seek to win the Democrat nomination for the District 8, U. S. Congress seat currently held by a former Mayor of Macon, Mr. Jim Marshall.

• October 9, 2007 - Tuesday. The Mayor of Macon announces during a FOX Files TV broadcast on Channel 24 that he will not sign off on the Bonds required to allow the "Proposed Macon Convention Hotel" to be constructed.
• October 10, 2007 - Wednesday. The Mayor of Macon announces during a morning "News Talk" Show on AM-940 WMAC that he will not sign off on the Bond Issue for the Macon Convention Hotel because of the interest rates and/or the financial market considerations that are applicable at this time.

An interesting chain of events as we all hear of the latest developments concerning the "Macon Convention Hotel." So today, the Flower Child's question is: Is the famous column that simply stated: "Stupid is that Stupid does," finally achieving the impact that it should have received way back on June 19th, 2007?

As shocking as this news is, it finally appears that reason may be the scheme of things as the Mayor of Macon evaluates his potential to unseat Democrat Congressman, Mr. Jim Marshall. After all it is well known that our Nation's Lawmakers have funded the erection of a Bridge to Nowhere in Alaska. Is it possible that Macon's Mayor is considering the impact of erecting a Hotel which is at the wrong site and may not even be used because no one can even see it?

Politics is strange and the actions of candidates may be even stranger. All of that stated to simply point out that the right site and the right reasons may yet prevail and Macon, Georgia will be the winner with a fine looking "Convention Hotel" at the right site.

So, in Summary, "Is it possible that correct thinking is the order of the day?" The Flower Child sincerely hopes so.

Continue to Have a Great Day!!!!

A Middle Georgia Challenge

Where are these symbols/plaques in Middle Georgia. If you think you know, please leave your answer as a comment to this Post. As you know, the Flower Child actually participates in providing the Lunch Event to the person/persons who get the correct answer. Of course, your comment is dated and timed as to when you reply so it is quite easy to ascertain who submitted the earliest correct answer. In order to win this challenge, you must post the correct answer for each of the images posted above.

The Winner will participate in a free Lunch at either "Five Guys - Burgers and Fries" or "The Pig in The Pit."

Life - A Joyous Journey

We all know and realize that Life is often filled with challenges and some events are disappointments. With that stated, today the Flower Child would like to take some time and relate that when one considers the total spectrum of life for any one person, that there is always room to be content.

On October 2nd, a child was born in Dublin, Georgia. She is the Grandaughter of the Flower Child and was anticipated. The Flower Child was at the Hospital as the day of birth unfolded. At 3:56 P.M. this lovely looking girl was delivered. She was able to go home with her Mother and Father on Thursday, October 4th along with her Grandmother. On Friday, the Flower Child traveled to Dublin to again visit this new child, as well as pick up the new Grandmother. As I entered the home it really hit me. This child is real and her parents even have a car seat in the back of their Car. I walked past this car as I entered the house. Even though I was at the Hospital on the day of birth, and I saw this Baby, it was really brought home to me when I walked past this car with the Child Seat. This is for real.

Thus the Title of this Post. Life - A Joyous Journey. When I reflect on the total spectrum of my life there have been far many more joyful days than bad days. It all depends on how one looks at the total time frame. The span of a lifetime here on this Planet is but a Nano-Second when compared to the total spectrum of time that will unfold in eternity. A Joyful Journey indeed. I have had the good fortune to have lived during some very exciting times in my brief time on this Planet. What a Joyful Blessing!! Thank You!!!!!

Life - A Joyful Journey!!!!

In The Show Ring!!!

Developing Future Citizens

Waiting for the Show Ring!!!!

The Judges Comments and Award Time!!!

Several recent Post by the Flower Child have focused on the bad things that we all hear about on a daily basis. Today's Post will feature some of the many good things that are happening in our Society which we very seldom read or hear about. This past weekend I attended the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia and focused on the good things that our Youth are participating in. As a young Iowa Farm Boy I was involved in 4-H which had the following as a motto: "To Make The Best Better!!!!" Therefore I am always interested in seeing what our young 4-H members are currently doing. The series of three pictures that are included in this post clearly display a wonderful and also newsworthy event.

I recall my own 4-H project days and quickly remember that in order to show any animal, you had to work with that project animal for at least six months before show day, so that you could display your skills in showmanship and also show the animal to the best possible advantage. There is a lot of grooming, feeding, discipline and love that goes into preparing any animal for show. The pictures above only show the results. Being ready for show and displaying your project with pride, showing the animal to the judge, with a group of your peers from around the State as was the case in the event I attended at the Georgia National Fair, and finally standing with great pride in the award lineup as the Judge carefully explained why you and your project were chosen to win an award.

In order for this to be even possible, the 4-H Member must be dedicated to the project, work long hours in preparation and finally possibly receive an award for the project. I am impressed with the logo on the back of the young person showing the goat in the final picture. This Young Girl from Wilcox County certainly embodies the concept of "Making the Best Better!!!" She is standing with pride and also displaying her animal project for the whole world to see. There must have been at least 400 people in the stands at this livestock judging arena to watch the various classes of Goats being judged.

We can all be proud of the future citizens that 4-H Club work is producing. Of course I could not be complete with this post if I did not mention the Future Farmers of America (FFA). As a High School Student, I was also involved in the FFA which also involved agriculture related projects, just like 4-H. At the High School level we were required to keep accurate records on our projects, as well as compose a project Story, just like a 4-H Club Project.

Not only do these Youth learn about themselves, they also learn to respect others and develop a deep appreciation for the animal projects that they work with each year.

It is always refreshing to enter post such as the above, rather than always discussing Crime

Angel Trumpet Flowers

If you visit this Blog often you may have the impression that the Flower Child is the only one who has the lovely, sweet smelling Angel Trumpets in the Garden. Far from it!!!!! This lovely flowering plant is enjoying a resurgence in the Gardens of America. A recent article in "The Telegraph" here in Middle Georgia highlighted this plant. The picture above is from the Gardens of a friend, also in Middle Georgia. As you can see these flowers have a more pink color than the ones I have posted in previous Blogs with images from my Garden.

Crimes

During a recent conversation with a member of my peer group the discussion turned to the high number of murders in Macon, Georgia. Additionally we discussed why is this happening. This informed peer quickly told me the root cause of the problem. He quickly stated the the increased killings, thefts, and other sordid behaviors are the result of far too many laws enacted by States and even the Federal Government that rewards "bad behaviors!" We have lawmakers stumbling all over themselves to give anyone with a problem the care and comfort they need to get their lives in order. Rewarding this bad behavior has become a way of life for some elected officials who desire to be re-elected. They then appear to be kind-hearted and displaying compassion for the most unfortunate among us. They are actually buying votes from the people who continue to "enable" the lawless and those who conduct criminal activity. We reward bad behavior when we provide programs to continue supporting the plethora of people who desire to not conform to the laws of our great States and Nation.

Justice needs to be served, instead of providing yet another program/s which generally enables the "bad behavior" to continue. When people, our fellow citizens have to suffer the consequences for bad behavior or their stupid actions most members of our society will see the need to change their ways. Not all, but a good number will.

Contempt or Respect

We all have traveled through Road Construction Projects where there are warning signs in abundance prior to the area where the equipment and workers are performing the construction or repair of our Interstates, our U. S. Highways, our State, County and Local Roads. These construction/repair zones are usually well announced and also have speed restructions.

Today the Flower Child will focus on what appears to be a society of road users who have total contempt for the lives of their fellow human beings. I think of these workers when I am tempted to speed through a construction/repair area and how each of them has a Mother and Father. I also think that a good number of these workers also has a family, a spouse and maybe even children. Some have girl friends or boy friends. It would be a shame if any speeder drove through these construction/repair areas and caused an accident that required hospitalization, or even worse, a death or deaths.

I can not think of one reason for anyone to speed through these areas where work is in progress, yet, we all observe our fellow citizens, also members of our society speed through these areas. What a shame. I can not think of any reason to speed in a construction/repair zone which make take the life of a fellow human being, or even cause injury.

In addition to contempt regarding speed limits in work areas, there is also a need to be extra alert when operating a vehicle in these areas. In fact it is quite evident that one should always be alert when operating any equipment on our Interstates, U. S. Highways, State Roads, County and Local Roads. Just the other day, right here in Middle Georgia the operator of a truck in downtown Macon was turning a corner and he ran over a lawn mower operator and caused a needless death. What a shame. Surely the dead lawn mower operator was a part of some family. I would think and certainly suspect that the truck operator wishes that they could relive the scene. You can be certain that they wish they had been more alert.

As we all rush through our lives, I think that it is imperative that we take the time to consider the impact of our actions, all of our actions and how they may impact on the life, lives or even the death of other members of our Society. Once we take the time to consider the impact, I am confident that we will realize the we can slow down and possibly save someone from injury or even death.

Contempt was the first word in the title of this Blog. I think that we all can learn a new mantra. Respect for each other. That would be very nice and also very pleasing for all our Mothers, Fathers, Spouses and Children. No one should have to suffer because we did something stupid while operating a vehicle. In fact no one should have to suffer, ever, because your or I did something stupid. Respect!!!! That is the Flower Child's mantra when traveling through life.

Anger or Marketing

I only saw red when I first saw this sign the other day. This afternoon I actually drove to the parking lot where I first saw this sign. Yes, it was still there. So I captured the image with the intent of posting it on this Blog.

As the title of this Blog indicates, I think that this may be a scheme developed by unhappy teen-age children. They can place their parent or parents in a vehicle and drive through this area and drop them off while keeping the vehicle moving, as instructed by this appropriately erected sign.

or

Is this sign posted at this parking lot as part of a marketing scheme by the Medical Center of Central Georgia as a way of obtaining adult patients. If the parents are dropped off and slide across the parking lot they will certainly have to be transported to the Medical Center for appropriate care. This level of care will most likely be determined by the speed of the vehicle as they are dropped off. I would think that a parent ejected from a vehicle moving at ten miles an hours would require less treatment than a parent ejected from a vehicle that is moving 45 miles per hour.

Needless to say, this sign has certainly caused me to seriously think how fortunate I am, in as much as my Childen are now fully functioning adults. I seriously think that I do not have much to fear, although this sign must certainly cause a lot of concern by "Parents" who must occupy vehicles that travel through this parking lot.

Are We Having Fun Yet??????

During the 2007, Georgia State Fair an attempt was made to break a World Record with the largest number of people performing at a "Kazoo Concert." The instruments were free and the local music store also provided free passes to gain entrance to the Georgia State Fair. The attempt was made in the evening of September 27th and everyone in attendance had a splendid time. The director of "The Macon Symphony" was in attendance as well as the Son of the famous Otis Redding, Jr. A good time was had by all as we also enjoyed a "Battle of Two Local High School Bands."

As stated above, it was an excellent, fun filled evening. Unfortunately the good folks of Macon and Middle Georgia, who often relate that there is nothing to do here in Middle Georgia choose to remain in their recliners and no World Record for attendees performing in a "Kazoo Concert" was broken.

As we entered the Concert Venue, Luther Williams Baseball Park, we had to sign in and each person was given a Kazoo. After a Kazoo lesson, we waited for the grandstand to fill up. It has now been verified according to a news report in "The Telegraph," that 2002 attended this attempt to break the World Record event. It is unfortunate that we did not set a new record, but it can not be attributed to a lack of publicity. The Flower Child is glad and also happy that he attended this event. The picture that goes with this Blog is of a Friend who also enjoyed the evening. Well, as the Atlanta Braves are now saying, "Wait Until Next Year!!!!!!"

Flower Child's Georgia State Fair Winner

The Flower Child is happy that he received a First Place Award in the Child's Tea Table Setting at the Standard Flower Show at the Georgia State Fair this Year. The flowers in the arrangement are a bit different than the arrangement that was judged, but the arrangement and composition are the same.

Flower Child's Pink Angel Trumpet Flowers

Several days ago you were able to enjoy some lovely yellow-orange Angel Trumpet Flowers which were, and still are in full bloom in the Flower Child's East Gardens at his home in West Bibb County, Georgia. Today you can also see a plethora of Pink Angel Trumpets in full bloom. Enjoy!!!!

Christmas Toys May Cost More

Christmas 2007 May Cost More. The Headline for an article in the Sunday Issue of "The Telegraph" on page 4F contained this Lead In: "Safety recalls may lead to higher toy prices this holiday." In an article written by Sue Stock of the McClatchy Newspapers we were informed that recent recalls of toys may cause a shortage of toys for our Wonderful Children this Christmas Season. Or, should I say the Winter Holidays to be politically correct. During the tender youth phrase of my own two Sons, I often marveled on how they used their minds to enjoy the boxes that the gifts came in. I was amazed at the creative talents each of these young boys had. They could build forts, stack boxs and cut the ends out (with appropriate adult help) and crawl through them. The possibilities seemed endless.

The Flower Child would like to suggest that maybe this year we could focus on what Kids enjoy instead of a plethora of stuff which is quickly discarded for the boxes. This may be the year when the American Paper Companies could fabricate boxs safe from lead and all the other harmful items we have learned of in recent months.

This may also be an appropriate opportunity to have families get together and play marbles, board games that are now in the closet, and even outdoor events such as hop-scotch. Why, even Santa could get in on the act and provide each home with age appropriate stilts.

I think that we Americans are up to the challenge. We can have the best Christmas yet, if we all pitch in and use our imaginations.

2007 Georgia State Fair

Macon, Georgia

25 September through 30 September

Central City Park

This is the Flower Child's entry Division III, Section A - Artistic Crafts, Class 1 "And Hear the Leafy Garden Shake." The Autumn Colors and the Garden Tools are a part of this design to support the Class name, which is a quote from a poem by Robert Lewis Stevenson. The 2007 Autumn Flower Show is a Tribute to the Georgia State Fair 152nd Anniversary. The Show is titled "Fall Arts Extravaganza" and is sponsored by The Federated Garden Clubs of Macon, Inc.

If you have never visited a Standard Flower Show or just want to bask in the lovely Flower Show exhibits, plan now to attend this Beautiful Show which is being held in the Long Building at Central City Park in Macon.

Of course no visit to the Georgia State Fair would be complete unless you also visit the Round Building at Central City Park. The Middle Georgia Camera Club in cooperation with the Georgia State Fair is conducting a Photography Show. There are three Divisions, Beginner, Advanced and Open depending on the skill level of the Contestants. This show has already been Judged and you are also invited to visit this display to see for yourself the winning entries which are shown above. These entries are the best of Show Winners in each of the three Divisions, and each Division has a Color and a Monochrome Winner.

Angel Trumpet Flowers

On September 12 you were able to view the Flower Child modeling the lovely Angel Trumpet Plants that abound in the Gardens at his West Bibb County Home. He also stated that the blooms should be present in 7 to 10 days. Here it is, eight days later and you can see the plethora of Blooms. Lovely Flowers, but difficult to obtain an award winning image because the blooms are large and hang down. Their beauty and the fragrance make them keepers. You can be sure that these Angel Trumpet Plants and Flowers will always have a home in the Garden of The Flower Child.
One close-up of two blooms. Please note the long green pods that will also soon become blossoms. This one plant has about 25 blooms and bloom pods. The other nine plants in the Garden will be blooming soon. On a cool, damp morning the great fragrance can be present fifty feet away from the plants.

Otis Redding, Jr

1941-1967

Thank You!!

I Found It!!!!!!

For about two years now the leadership of Monroe and Bibb County in Middle Georgia have been having discussions and even meetings about the property lines between Monroe and Bibb County quite near where the Bass ProShop Warehouse and Retail Store now is located. From what the Flower Child has been able to discern, the situation has caused heated discussions because with more new development some County will receive a windfall of Sales Tax Income from the new retail establishments which are sure to follow.

From what I have read in the local print media, the problem is focused on the fact that no one knows for sure where the property line is. This sounds rather amusing. I am confident that some County has been receiving property tax payments for the land in question.

The resolution to the problem seems rather simple to me. Who has been receiving the property tax payments in the past? Once that information is acquired it would appear that everyone should now be content. Not So!!!!!

Today the Flower Child launched an inquiry to ascertain just what may be the solution to the problem. First I traveled up Riverside Drive past the new development in North Bibb County. I then turned left on "New Forsyth" Road. Please be aware that I think this is also the road that my then young sons often traveled on sordid week-end adventures many years ago to acquired information on who may have had the fastest car. I seem to recall that this road was also known as Spur 19. But, then the Flower Child may be incorrect. I traveled in a North direction and observed the Bass ProShop on my left. I kept looking for County designation signs. I finally reached Pate Road. I turned around and returned to Bass Road, still looking for the County designation signs. None in sight. I then traveled North toward Atlanta, Georgia on I-75. Many hundred yards North of the Bass ProShop Warehouse and Retail Store I observed the sign which is contained in this Blog. I do believe that I found it!!!! After all, would the Federal Government place a County Designation Sign at an incorrect location?

If this information does not resolve the conflict, may I offer this suggestion: The Flower Child obtained his current home in 1992. Before I signed the appropriate documents at closing I had the Closing Lawyer provide me a plat of the property surrounding my pending home. I still have the pins visible and surely some reliable survey firm could start at this reference point and work to the North edge of Bibb County. Why with Laser Beam technology, I am confident that the County Line could be found. The federal government has never lost it, but it appears to be local Middle Georgia problem. I would urge all involved to reach a quick resolution to this problem. I hope my research and suggestion helps.

Have a Great Day!!!

Future Flowers and the Flower Child

During the past year you have had the opportunity to view the plethora of "Angel Trumpet" Flowers which the Flower Child grows in the Gardens surrounding his home. Although the Angel Trumpet's have bloomed with an abundance of flowers this year, they are now getting ready for the second flush of beauty. Here you see the "Flower Child" surveying the impending beauty. In seven to ten days, each of the buds will burst forth with an "Angel Trumpet" bloom which will be about ten to twelve inches long. You can be confident that you will then again be exposed to a plethora of beauty. In the meantime, anticipate this flush, the last one of 2007.

An Example of Contempt

Of course I am seeing red. Yesterday, September 6th I had the opportunity to visit the Washington Park on Magnolia Street in the Heart of Macon, Georgia. I took the opportunity to visit this delightful spot during a break in my day from doing some volunteer work and then proceeding to a part time employment opportunity that I enjoy in Macon. During this break, which was about 11:30 A.M. I consumed a sack lunch with the additonal goal of enjoying the cool noontime breezes that abounded in Washington Park.

As I parked on the South side of Magnolia Street I could not help but note the plethora of papers strewn about near a concrete and stone bench on the North side of Washington Park. After enjoying my sack lunch I was determined to investigate the situation. On a street sign which also proclaimed this park as a Drug Free Zone there was a flyer indicating that the Park was reserved for Saturday, September 2nd, 2007 from the period of about 4:30 P.M. through 7:00 P.M. The purpose of the reservation was for the Shay-Baber Wedding. Please note that during the recent rains that the spellings above may be incorrect because some inks do run when wet.

The person making the reservation with the Macon Parks and Recreation Department was listed as a "Joy Shay.

As I walked toward College Street I picked up one of the sheets of adrift paper and noted that it was a Google Map with directions from Magnolia Street to 108 1st Street in Macon, Georgia 31201. Now if this nuptial celebration was relocated because of rain, or any other reason on Sunday, September 2nd, it would seem to me that some responsible person from the Shay Family would have collected the excess Google Maps rather than chose to let they blow around in Macon, Georgia.

Please note that the reservation was for September 2nd and I was visiting this Washington Park on Thursday, September 6th. I would have thought that four days would have been adequate time for some responsible person to have cleaned up this plethora of litter. But it would appear to me that this "Family" chose to display total disrespect and demonstrate their contempt for the City of Macon, the citizens who live in Macon, and all who visit Macon on business or social activities.

I have called the Parks and Recreation Department to voice my concern about this lack of consideration by individuals who reserve Macon's Parks. Unfortunately I was exposed to the Voice Mail and chose not to leave a message. I did contact the Macon City Hall and was able to talk directly to a "Customer Service Representative" to share my concern about the contempt of a citizen who appears to have displayed total contempt toward the Wonderful Parks we all enjoy in Macon. This Customer Service Representative listened to my concerns; but appeared to be more concerned with who was calling in the compliant versus what the problem or concern was/is.

I make this a Blog entry today to let my peers, those who love our Middle Georgia know that we have a few among us who are able to display total disrespect to the wonderful facilities that so many labor to maintain for the enjoyment and pleasure of us all.

Thank You!!!!!

Summer Fun

Today the Flower Child reflects on Summer's Gone By. This is an image of his youngest Son enjoying the last days of Summer Vacation in August 1986. He was then ten years old.

Another picture from the Summer of 1986. I do not remember what the distance gesture was all about, but I do recall that this youngester liked to slide into bases during his baseball playing days.

This image was most likely taken during the Summer of 1985. Note the long hair!!! An inside shot of a Baseball Star.

Yes it is pleasant to break out the shoe boxes of pictures and recall the memories you shared with your children as they were growing up.