Louisiana Road Trips July 2012 Edition

The Greater Mandeville Seafood Association, Inc.

By Bill Dobson, President, GMSFA

Produced by the Greater Mandeville Seafood Association, Inc, The Mandeville Seafood Festival, established in 1978, is the oldest festival held in St. Tammany Parish. Children ten and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The Seafood Association is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation, with a 100% volunteer membership, including the Officers, who contribute countless hours without receiving any monetary compensation.

The festival association has donated over $1,000,000.00 to various Mandeville area charities and causes. A partial listing of beneficiaries includes: • Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation • Bucks for Fire Trucks • City of Mandeville • St. Tammany Fire District #4 • American Heart Association St. Tammany West Chapter • LaSAR Search Dog Team • St. Tammany Sheriff's Reserve Division • The Thomas L. Young Auxiliary of Southeast Louisiana Hospital • Mandeville Trailhead Foundation • Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center • Safe Harbor

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Hope House Children's Advocacy Center St. Tammany Association for Retarded Citizens St. Tammany Hospital Foundation 2008 marked our move to Fontainebleau State Park. This larger area allows us to provide more activities, vendors and provide a cooler environment for a summer South Louisiana Festival.

The festival will feature 20 food booths serving seafood dishes as well as alternative dishes, Arts & Craft booths, a Children's entertainment area, and live musical entertainment throughout the three day event. The annual fireworks show will highlight the 4th of July, and will start at approximately 8:45 pm. The fireworks are choreographed to music and the best place to see the fireworks and hear the music is in front of the main stage on the festival grounds.

Many people enjoy viewing the fireworks show from their boats on Lake Pontchartrain.

The Mandeville Seafood Festival is one of the Official Festivals of the State of Louisiana. In 2003, the Senate recognized the Greater Mandeville Seafood Festival as a premier Louisiana cultural event.

The festival is also a member of the Louisiana Fairs and Festivals Association and the West St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce.

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Talkin’ It Up! Whether you’re looking through the windshield or in the rear view mirror like I am in this photo, there’s just so much to see in Louisiana – sometimes breathtaking, sometimes peculiar, always entertaining!

Even on these sweltering days, spend some time outdoors enjoying a tall glass of iced tea, festival food, barbeque, or a juicy homegrown tomato. Maybe a good book will distract you from the heat (there are two book reviews in this issue) as you get lost in the pages. Summer months are also great for visiting museums and galleries. Don’t stay home. Instead, take a road trip to another part of the state, have a nice meal at a local restaurant, and tour the area as you seek out that perfect venue to spend a lazy summer afternoon.

Happy the happiest of 4th’s this month and let’s keep in touch.

Mona

Mona L. Hayden, Editor monalh@bellsouth.net (318) 547-1221

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HUMOR

Louisiana Saturday Night by Alex V. Cook The Story Behind the Stone

by Robert Jeanfreau

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Royal Treatment – Brennan’s Restaurant

by Deborah Burst

A Life of Trial…and Error by Dennis Stewart Lord, Won’t You Give Me One More Last Chance Bear?

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Going Native by Larry Brock Islands of Peace and Tranquility In the Crosshairs by Sonny Harrington Chupa What?

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My Favorite Fishing Hole by Joe Joslin Summertime Fun on the Bend

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Swimming Pool – Would I get girls or ducks? by Johnny Wink

All Things Southern by Shellie Tomlinson The Great Unseen Hand

INSPIRATIONAL 12 3 11 14 17 17 21 22

The Cliff Notes of Life by Robert Lemoine

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Watermelon Festival

Louisiana Lagniappe – Remember When Backtalk Legal Lagniappe Louisiana Lagniappe Answers July Calendar Friend or Foe by Deborah Burst

Recipes by Stacy Thornton

ROAD TRIPS 13 17 23

The Greater Mandeville Seafood Association, Inc. by Bill Dobson

Talkin’ It Up!

RECIPES

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FESTIVALS & ENTERTAINMENT 5 10 15

Runnin’ the Roads by Barbara Sharik Addictions Are So Pitiful

MONTHLY TIDBITS

DELTA OUTDOORS 6

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BUSINESS REVIEW

2 Louisiana Road Trips Magazine www.laroadtrips.com is seeking

contents

Travel Adventure by Dianne Newcomer TIME: Past vs. Future Earthquakes to Lavender by Carolyn Files Hello Summer! by Su Stella Beds & Beignets by Mary White The Essence of New Orleans

Hot August Nights!

Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration

HISTORICAL 8

Test Your Memory…and Win a Prize

by Lee Estes

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Murder at Lake Providence: The Killing of Marshall Bernard McGuire

by Lora Peppers

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Louisiana in the Civil War: July 1862: Full Circle by Terry L. Jones

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RUNNIN’ THE ROADS

By Barbara Sharik

PUBLISHER LRT Publications

Addictions Are So Pitiful It's over. The 2012 American Idol has been selected. The winner, Phillip Phillips, was my choice from the first time I heard him croon––because he does croon. He has an old fashioned sound that is timeless; combo Peaceful, Easy Feeling and Runnin’ Against the Wind. However, he puts his own twist on everything, and now, I predict he too will be timeless.

I have been through this before. Basically, the only TV show I watch is American Idol. I am admittedly addicted. Watching young talented singers come and grow and advance to stardom is heartwarming.

Now it's over, I am fast approaching the point of being a mess, to use a colloquial expression. It's over. I wander around in a daze, lost as the proverbial Canada goose whose compass is on the blink. What will I do with myself? Taking a road trip probably won't work because no matter where I travel, there is a Wednesday and Thursday night.

Nothing will fill the void until I get over the shock of American Idol being finished for the season.

Since my mind is not geared to write on Wednesdays and Thursdays, last year after the show was over I had difficulty focusing and getting back into the plots of the books I was writing then. Same thing this year. By the way, let us pause for a quick commercial. Last year's books were, BooCat: Dancing Naked in the Rain and BooCat: Living in my Lap"––both published and available on amazon.com or from me, personally inscribed. This year, I am working on BooCat Throws a Frisbee while simultaneously penning BooCat: Letters from Jackson. The problem is that

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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mona L. Hayden

my mind demands more American Idol.

I feel like Christopher Walken forever and ever declaring, "I need more cowbell."

I have always been a sucker for talent shows. I watched the atrocious Gong Show in its day and as a youngster, The Amateur Hour. Music makes me happy, which makes American Idol ideal.

It's a melding of both––music and talent.

Consequently, for months I have sat glued to the TV two nights a week. I joined billions of fans nationwide watching, rooting and cheering for my preferred wannabe idol. Admittedly, I never picked up the phone and cast a vote, but I have, every season, definite favorites and vocalize my opinion. Then, just like that, the source of my weekly entertainment is finished. Terminated.

Ended. Now what?

Okay, I realize anyone whose highpoint of the week is a television show needs to get a life. I agree.

However, knowing and doing are not necessarily equivalent. In spite of this, before you judge me too harshly, realize my addiction is not suffered alone.

Judging by the number of votes cast each week, American Idol is the highest rated most watched show of each season, each year, every year.

Once, daughter Theresa admitted she is probably the only person in the free world who doesn’t watch American Idol. I was aghast. I thought I raised her better. Not to mention, with her singing talent, she would win were she a contestant. Fact is I don’t understand anyone not watching American Idol.

You ask me, it is un-American.

Speaking of American let me pause and wish everybody a safe and cheerful 4th of July.

And so, a couple times a week I plop down in front of the TV, only to stare at the darkened screen. The remote feels alien in my hand. I have become an addict without a remedy, a fix. Quite simply, although there is nothing simple about it, I suffer from American Idol withdrawal. Again.

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OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL Debbie Hamilton Pope June 14, 1952-August 24, 2008 Louisiana Road Trips magazine is published monthly to promote, inform, and entertain the residents of Louisiana. It is distributed FREE; however, home delivery is available. This magazine will reach approximately 61,000 individuals.

Submission of articles and photos are always welcome but may be limited to availability of space and edited for content.

Copyright 2012 with all rights reserved. Reproduction of any material appearing within this publication is prohibited without written permission of the Publishers.

The opinions expressed in Louisiana Road Trips magazine are those of the authors or columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. “Louisiana Road Trips” magazine retains the right to refuse any advertisement.

ROAD TRIPS P. O. Box 2452 West Monroe, LA 71294 (318) 547-1221

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As far as my addiction, the only solution I can think of is to organize an A.I.A. chapter––American Idol Anonymous––just to help me get through until the next season. Anybody wanna join? Call me.

Barbara Sharik makes her home at Wit's End in Jones, Louisiana with a couple old dogs, young dogs and several stupid dogs, a cat, a talking cockatiel and a white dove. She's active in civic affairs, serves as a Justice of the Peace, a Notary Public, is the Clerk for the Village of Bonita and a columnist for the Bastrop Daily Enterprise. She has authored several books. You can e-mail Barbara at barbsharikvail@hotmail.com

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Watermelon Festival Don’t miss the 49Th Annual Watermelon Festival & Pageants on July 26-28 in Farmerville, Louisiana. The southeast Louisiana society rates it among the top 20 events in the United States. Beginning the morning of Thursday, July 26Th, the Watermelon Festival Treasure Hunt will begin at 7am. Be sure to listen to Z107.5 for clues to our prize packages worth $500; the clues will not be repeated. Later, at 7pm the Local Miss Watermelon Festival Pageant will be held in the Farmerville High School Auditorium. The divisions of the Thursday night pageant include Baby Miss ages 0-23 months, Tiny Miss ages 2-4, Little Miss ages 5-8, and Junior Miss ages 9-12.

Friday’s activities around the courthouse will begin at 6pm. There will be watermelon rolling—eating—seed spitting contests—the best dressed watermelon contest and much more. The kids always have a great time riding their tricycles and bicycles at the 6:30pm races. The Festival Street Dance begins at 8pm and will feature live entertainment from the Mike Mckinzie Band.

On Saturday the 28th, the parade kicks off at 9am. After the parade, be sure to stop by the Courthouse Square to enjoy shopping and great food. The Watermelon Auction will be held at 10am where you can see and buy some of the largest watermelons in the state of Louisiana.

Later at 7pm, our 2012 Miss Watermelon Festival Pageant will be held in the Farmerville High School Auditorium. These divisions will include Teen Miss ages 13-18, Outstanding Teen Miss, which includes a talent section, ages 13-18, and Miss Louisiana Watermelon ages 17-24.

Tickets for both Thursday and Saturday night pageants will be available to purchase at the Jaycee Hall to reserve good seats.

This year’s festival is going to be filled with tons of activities and events so bring your family and friends to Farmerville Louisiana to experience summertime fun that everyone can enjoy. The 2012 Watermelon T-shirt will go on sale in July. For more information, Call the Jaycee Hall at (318)-368-0044 or email us at Farmervillejc@bellsouth.net. The Jaycee Hall is located at 505 E. Water St. Farmerville, LA.

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A LIFE OF TRIAL…AND ERROR

By Dennis Stewart

Lord, Won’t You Give Me One More Last Chance Bear?

And so it came to pass that I was able to sell my seldom used boat and motor in May of this year and book a last minute Idaho bear hunt with my favorite hunting guides, Angie and Scott Denny of Table Mountain Outfitters.

I had hunted with Angie and Scott two years ago during the Spring bear hunting season. Idaho has a lot of bears and Angie and Scott know where to find them. So my hopes were high that I would be able to take my bear fairly early in the hunt this year.

There were four hunters in bear camp.

We stayed in a log cabin near Crouch, Idaho, about 60 miles north of Boise. We saw quail, mule deer, and elk near the cabin every day. The mountain tops were still snow covered in late May. I had not booked the dog hunt this time where bears are hunted with dogs with GPS collars. The best dog, usually Stormy, is chained to the hood of the truck and the rest of the dogs are chained on top of the dog box in the back. We would drive slowly along the mountain roads, and when we came to a place where a bear had recently crossed, Stormy would go nuts. The guides would release the dogs and the chase would be on. It’s not unusual for the dogs to run the bear several miles treeing him. Hence the GPS collars.

Instead, I booked the afternoon bait hunt where you sit in a blind overlooking a bait near the mountain top for four hours each evening, often until 9:30pm or until you can’t see the crosshairs on your scope.

I love sitting over bear bait as you’re constantly looking over your shoulder, with lots of time to meditate and think, even plan out the remainder of your life.

You can muse over your regrets and contemplate the great mysteries of life, like how can you love someone and yet be totally miserable in a relationship with them. You do a lot of soul searching and praying, most of it selfish praying. At 59, I still pray I will find my soul mate one day. I have always felt closest to God in the woods and it’s easiest for me to count my blessings there.

I asked Adam, a guide, if any bears had ever messed with him while he was replenishing the baits. He replied, “Oh yeah, I could tell you a good story but it happened on that bait you’re gonna be sitting on tonight.” Hmmm. But when day four of a five-day hunt passes and you have not even aimed at a bear, your mental focus suddenly becomes, “What if I go home bearless?” Larry, the Michigan sheriff with nearly 700 deputies, got his bear the first night. Daryl from Iowa got his bear the second day. Larry from Iowa got his bear the morning of the fifth day. That left only Dennis from Louisiana without a bear.

Table Mountain Outfitters has a TV show on the Sportsman channel. Dustin, their cameraman, sat in my blind with me the first 3 nights with the camera rolling. The trail cam pictures showed that

three bears were hitting this particular bait but they were waiting until about 15 minutes after the hunter left the blind at night. So one evening Dustin and I came up with a plan, based on the logical assumption that bears can’t count. Dustin got his camera and left the blind as soon as it became too dark to film. The plan was I would stay in the blind by myself and shoot the bears when they came to the bait 15 minutes later. Alas, our bears evidently could count. They didn’t show. They hid up in the bushes laughing at us. They ate all the bait 15 minutes after I left.

On the fifth and last night, I had a different guide, Crockett.

He decided to take me to the bait a different route, saying he loved replenishing this particular bait because it was most likely to have a bear already on the bait. He had barely gotten the words out of his mouth when he spotted a beautiful cinnamon bear chewing a corn cob on the bait, watching the trail I usually took to the bait each afternoon. The bear had no idea Crockett and I were there. I rested my 338 Win mag on a shooting stick, put my crosshairs on the center of the bear, and from only 80 yards, I pulled the trigger. The bear went straight up in the air then ran off.

We spent an hour looking for a dead bear, hair, blood, anything.

We checked for blood on the snow patches around the bait. We even brought up a dog who sniffed around a few minutes and then stared at me with a disgusted look. I was disgusted and angry at myself. But Crockett was upbeat. He assured me I was going to kill a bear. We had walked all over this bait so he took me to a different bait about 5 miles away, and left me there alone with a walkie talkie.

By then it was 8 p.m. I went over that shot in my mind, kicking myself for blowing my last opportunity on the last evening of the hunt. Then a miracle occurred. I looked up and a solid black bear was slowly walking toward the fresh smoked oysters and honey on the bait (bears will eat pretty much anything except bell peppers or broccoli stems). I aimed carefully and pulled the trigger. The bear ran up and around the other side of a hill, then came back down the hill and ran up another hill. I shot again.

I called Crockett and told him I had shot at another bear. I reloaded and went to where I last saw the bear. And there he was.

Dead. A beautiful black bear. My second last chance bear. Crockett arrived and we skinned the bear, as other bears growled at us in the dark. Crockett said he was five years old and was scarred from a lot of bear battles. Character marks, they call it.

And so God answered another of my selfish prayers. And I still have hopes of finding that soul mate one day.

The guides would release the dogs and the chase would be on.

Louisiana Road Trips

Dennis Stewart grew up in northeast Louisiana, graduated from La Tech and LSU Law School. After having taught law at ULM and working as an Assistant District Attorney, Dennis is now a Hearing Officer in Rayville. He loves to hunt, fish, read, write, and shop on eBay.

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TRAVEL ADVENTURE

By Dianne Newcomer

TIME: Past vs. Future I saw them bounding down the sidewalk. Totally oblivious to the world, two preteenage girls peered into the cute restaurants and shops lining Main Street in my little hometown of Winnsboro, Texas. Like me, their ultimate destination was the outdoor restaurant where a band was playing at the top of their lungs.

By the time I arrived they were dancing wildly. When I commented on their great dance moves, it was like a flood gate opening. Perhaps it was the sugar from Katie’s birthday cake but these girls became regular little chatterboxes; nothing was off limits. Within minutes, I learned all about Katie’s 13th birthday party and sleepover plans she and her best friend Sara had for that night. At the mention of her name, Sara began a long winded explanation about her journey to Walmart for the perfect birthday gift, a Texas Aggie dog collar for Slow Poke, the new puppy Katie got from Mamaw, who lived her entire life in Scroggins. Like Katie, I was bored with Sara’s Walmart encounters and was relieved when she interrupted to ask why I was not eating at her mothers’ restaurant next door.

I explained I was in town because my 93 year old mom was just released from the hospital. Her house is only a few blocks away and the music caught my attention. “Downtown is so different now. We never had outdoor concerts when I lived here,” I said. The girls looked at me like I was insane and Sara informed me they had concerts every Saturday night nowadays.

I suppose it was the word "nowadays" that set me off. "When I was your age, that cute trendy Day Spa used to be where everything happened on Saturday night. You could enjoy two scoops of ice cream for a nickle there! That real estate office on the corner was the fire station. Those big oversized windows are where the fire trucks would roll out, and your mother's cute restaurant building used to be the town's bank."

“I knew it!” proclaimed friend Sara jumping up and down excitedly. “I bet that funny place in the corner was where they kept all the money!"

Wishing to share a little town history, I told them how this building housed one of the very few privately owned banks in Texas. Everybody called the banker the man with a heart of gold-until the Sunday morning he killed himself.

Unfortunately, he had loaned out more money than he had taken in, and the bank was bankrupt!

The bank was shut down; no one's money was

protected. People ended up getting about 10 cents for each dollar they had in their account! It was a bad time for everyone here so I was pleased to see it looking this great.

I was pleased with myself until Katie exclaimed, “Oh, wait! We studied that in school. Wasn't it called the Great Depression?” Vanity almost got the best of me. I started to defend myself when Sara announced they had to go because one of Katie's mothers was signaling them to come inside. “I don’t tell everyone,” confided Katie, "but I have two mothers.” My, times had changed in my hometown but as expected from a sweet little old lady, I smiled and told her how lucky she was to have two moms who loved her!

As I headed home, the band blasted out their rendition of the Rolling Stones “Time is on my Side” and I suddenly felt that, like my mother, time was not on my side. I thought about all the changes downtown, but how Mama's house – the one I left about 45 years ago – had changed very little. Filled with new energy and ideas, the town’s future certainly looked bright but my mind drifted off to the mountains of South America where the Aymaras, a people with a most unique perspective on time, have lived for centuries.

If you call me to help plan a trip to Cuzco or Machu Picchu, Peru or maybe northern Chili, you will surely enjoy learning about the Aymaras. This ethnic tribe has lived in almost total isolation from the rest of the world since the 16th century.

Therefore, they make perfect guinea pigs for all sorts of scientific studies, including an interesting linguistic study revealing their most unusual concept of time. The Aymaras believe the future is "behind" them and the past lies "ahead." I remembered laughing when our guide had said, "To our way of thinking, theirs is a life walked backwards!"

Yet, my stroll down memory lane made me wonder if this primitive

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tribe might be more forward thinking than our enlightened society. We all know time is an abstract and envision it like a road we travel. We talk about the future in terms like “next week” or “way back when” to denote the passage of time. “Behind” are the places we have been; “ahead” are the places we have not arrived at. These people think exactly the opposite! To them, the past is what they see in the "front." It is the given in their equation, for it is the one thing they know for sure. Their logic is if you move your feet backward, there is no way of knowing what you will be stepping into. Therefore, that unknown behind you is the future!

On this night, when I felt a whole lot like I was sitting on a train facing the caboose, I decided their concept of time made a whole lot of sense to me. I can deal with the past but like the Aymaras, it is the future, what is lurking "behind" us, that concerns me. Thus, the only answer to my dilemma is to grab the "now!"

While time is still on our side, we need to do, enjoy, see, and experience the given. Whether you agree with the logic of our society or the amazing Aymaras of the Andes, there is no denying the fact that time is flowing in some direction, too quickly. So, don't wait any longer! NOW is the time to call MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE at 323 3465 or email us at info@monroetravel.com. Our world is full of amazing places, ideas, and people. Let's face it, we don't know the future.

Sometimes, deadlines come way too soon.

It's time to let MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE plan some WOW moments NOW!!

Test Your Memory...and Win a Prize!

By Lee Estes

Displayed on this pages are several images of properties that once existed in Northeast Louisiana.

Some are quite familiar, some long standing,

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some with a short tenure, and some that may have disappeared decades ago. All of them are properties I have photographed since I came to Louisiana.

Louisiana Road Trips is offering the opportunity for its reader's to have a little fun locating and identifying these properties. Each image has a caption defining what must be identified. Some need name and locale while others need only location. Email your answers to monalh@bellsouth.net. The first person

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with the correct answers will receive a signed copy of my book Fading Textures that portrays photographically 377 properties in Northeast Louisiana. The pictures are numbered, so put your answers with the correct number.

Lee Estes, a Kentucky native, migrated to Louisiana in 1956 with his wife, Lottie. He worked in aviation then with A&LM Railway. He began making photographs in Europe after WWII and ranked among the leading monochrome exhibition photographers in the U.S. during the 80’s. His extensive travels included leading tours across the globe. Lee has authored three photo/documentary books and is currently involved with the documentation of The Dixie Overland Highway (US80) in Louisiana, funded by a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities

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GOING NATIVE

By Larry Brock

Islands of Peace and Tranquility What a difference a year makes! Or does it? Last year, here along the MS River, the Great Flood of 2011 was just receding. This year, sandbars are showing.

Last year we were suffering from severe heat and drought. In 2012, according to NOAA, the U.S. experienced the warmest spring season on record. And Monroe had less than ¼” of rainfall in May, the driest May on record. As Yogi Berra observed, “It’s déjà vu all over again.”

Louisiana road trips in May and June were overwhelmingly green.

Highways flowed between walls of tall leafed trees or along wide grassy lanes. Here in the alluvial flatlands, flourishing row crops reached to the horizon – lush acres of tasseling corn stalks and silking ears plus vibrant young soybean, cotton, rice and sweet potato fields. Waves rippled across teeming ponds of catfish. With near record commodity prices, some call this the Golden Age of American Agriculture.

Don’t miss out on it.

From Lake Providence to Forest Hill, colorful wildflowers highlighted road sides – pink showy primrose, velvety calliopsis, white and rose mallows, golden coneflowers and lemony false dandelion. Elderberry garnished fencerows, along with trumpet creeper vine and mimosa trees in pink pompoms. Orange daylilies marked abandoned

house sites. Meadow margins bloomed with bee balm, blanket flower, spiderwort and poke. Did you notice them?

Rural homesteads and villages with colorful plants punctuated road trips – flowering trees like althea, crepe myrtle, golden rain tree, magnolia, vitex … shrubs like butterfly bush, gardenias, hydrangeas, lantana, oleander, roses … perennials like cannas, crinums, daylilies, four o’clocks, … and bedding plants such as marigold, periwinkle, petunias and zinnias. Did you see them?

Common roadside birds included crows and blackbirds, pigeons and doves, sparrows and swallows, hawks and kites, herons and egrets, mockingbirds and blue jays, cardinals and larks, and maybe a few circling vultures. Did you spot them?

Trees, flowers, birds – all elements of the natural world. There’s more. Nature is so full of life that it overflows everywhere. Just look around! Find time to discover it and connect with it, even if it’s just in your backyard. One way to do that is natural gardening.

Natural gardening, as I define it, is the use of native plants in a natural setting that will attract native wildlife to form a selfsustaining ecosystem on your property. It’s a package deal, a beneficial relationship between the land itself, the plants that grow on the land, the wildlife that utilize the plants, and the people whose lives are enhanced by those interactions. It looks to nature, natural designs and plant selections.

Nature is so full of life that it overflows everywhere.

It uses those principles as a guide to what will work in the garden. It restores diversity, welcomes wildlife and promotes year-round enjoyment of the environment.

To stand beneath a towering oak on a cool morning in June, looking up among the gnarled branches and leafy twigs, listening to a calling bird and vainly trying to locate his hidden perch. To watch a hummingbird or sphinx moth feeding. To sniff a cape jasmine or a magnolia. To hear a distant squirrel barking. Or taste a dewberry, a blackberry. To observe a turtle laying her eggs or trace a spider weaving her web. To caress a velvety mullein leaf and feel the wind. To pick a wildflower bouquet or chase a swallowtail. To walk the shaded wood and hear an oriole call.

To listen to an evening owl. Or glimpse a firefly twinkle in the darkness. “The greatest gift of the garden,” wrote Hanna Rion, “is the restoration of the five senses.”

Take a road trip to a state park or nature preserve. Louisiana is a state that was richly blessed with natural beauty. These islands of peace and tranquility remind us how much has been lost. With native plants and natural gardening, we can begin to rebuild beautiful Louisiana in our own backyards. Tune into our heritage and fall in love with Louisiana all over again by Going Native!

A life-long resident of Lake Providence, Larry Brock was inspired by his grandfather’s passion for gardening and his own desire to recover the horticultural uniqueness of this region. Larry is drawn to the relationships between plants, birds, insects and soil and can be found puttering outdoors in his yard most any time, weather permitting.

BOOK REVIEW

Louisiana Saturday Night (LSU Press) Looking for a good time in south Louisiana’s juke joints, honky-tonks, and dance halls

By Alex V. Cook Hangdog patina. That’s how Alex Cook perfectly depicts the uniqueness and eccentricity of Louisiana, and specifically it’s musical traditions, in this most entertaining book. Seems the author and his ‘research assistants’ hit a slew of bars, saloons, dives, and juke joints in south Louisiana and walked away with a wealth of information, and possibly a hangover. Whether you’re one to frequent these establishments or just wag a finger at those who do, you’ll delight in each review as Cook shares some history and insight as well as hilarious incidents collected in the name of research. His vivid descriptions of these watering holes and the people met along the way will leave you chuckling for quite a while. A great summer read to keep in your vehicle, just in case you’re in the area…

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Hot August Nights!

Aloha! The Downtown Development District of Hammond is proud to present our 17th annual Hot August Night event Friday, August 17th in downtown Hammond Event hours, 6 -10pm. This year, Hammond’s biggest party of the summer will be brought to you with a twist as we go Hawaiian. Grab your grass skirts, colorful shirts, and catch the cool island breeze that will blow through the streets of Hammond for one night only.

Wristbands will be on sale to guests 21 and older for $20 at 6pm at the Downtown Development District office at #2 West Thomas Street. These wristbands grant you access to the wine tastings sponsored by Red White & Brew and held at some of downtown Hammond’s most popular spots. While you taste delicious wine, you’ll be treated to some very unique entertainment as Louisiana’s local artists will take to the streets to display their skill and expertise in a variety of mediums and showcase the excellent artistic talent of Hammond. You’ll also enjoy a wonderful shopping experience when local vendors join in the celebration with customized wares you won’t find anywhere else.

Please contact the Downtown Development District in Hammond with any questions related to the event. Visit us online at http://www.dddhammond.com/ to stay up to date with Hot August Night and all the exciting events happening in the city. The festivities kick off at 6pm and will conclude at 10pm so make sure you’re here early to have enough time to see everything! To our 2012 Hot August Night participants, we say “mahalo”, and we’ll see you downtown!

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IN THE CR SSHAIRS

By Sonny Harrington

Chupa What?

Ever heard of a Chupacabra? You may have seen it on the menu at El Blo Hole Mexican Restaurant, where it comes with refried beans and rice. No, I’m talking about the critter. Something that’s so ugly, I mean its Uglee. Coyote ugly, maybe even double coyote ugly. You know about that… When you wake up in the morning and he/she is laying on your arm and you gnaw it off because you don’t want to wake ‘em up. Well, double coyote ugly is worse because after you gnaw your arm off you leave the room and gnaw your other arm off because you know they’ll be looking for a one arm man/woman. Now we have “Chupacabra ugly”. This thing is so ugly I don’t think its mother would nurse it. It looks like when it was born they threw the baby away and raised the afterbirth. All that may sound harsh but after looking at this photo, I’m sure you’ll agree.

Well, I’d heard of it on TV along with Sasquatch’s, Yeti’s and aliens. Some say it came as the pet of visiting aliens and was left here or got loose. The name Chupacabra means “Goat Sucker.” I think they got the sucker part right. It’s described as a creature

about the size of a goat, grayish in color with long fangs. Long hind legs and walks upright with a large tail to keep balance, with claws on the front to help climb trees and spikes leading down it’s spine toward the tail. I guess that’s to keep you from petting it. Its hairless body goes around sucking the blood from other critters. So far, I think I’m going to need a bigger gun, what about you? Supposedly, they’re migrating up from South America and Mexico. prominent veterinarians from various states, All of this seemed pretty mythical federal trappers, boys that did good on that to me until my neighbor, Glyn, put a ACT test. They all agree – it’s a hairless trail camera out behind the house. And coyote. Come to think of it, I didn’t see batthere he was, easing through by the like wings and spines in this picture. It’s just a corn feeder, 200 yards from my back poor old coyote with a bad case of mange. door. Researching it didn’t help because Red mange to be exact. That’s why he’s internet reports just get uglier. Some hairless. I’ve seen the red-mange mite and it’s say it’s lizard-like with scaly or leathery skin, in the skin, or should I say under the skin. can hop 3-4 feet and run like a kangaroo (one Looks like a cross between a tobacco worm said it jumped 20 feet), has a forked tongue and and a tadpole. You’ll need a microscope to see hisses and screeches when disturbed. Also him. Makes me itch just thinking about it. leaves behind a sulfuric stench. Descriptions So if you see one of these Chupacabras, included “dog-like reptile” and shoot him and put him out of his misery, cause “morphological”. Bat-like wings, climbs well. he’s going to be suffering and that would be Hey, why climb if you can fly? Can hypnotize the most humane thing to do. But remember and paralyze their prey while sucking the life this…if you go out into the night and have a out of them. few adult beverages, you may wake up in the Anyway, now that this thing is in my morning lying there next to a leathery, split backyard, it’s got my attention. I figured some tongue, hissing, screeching creature known as ammunition manufacturer will come out with the Chupacabra. Sleep well, Amigos. a Chupacabra bullet; after all, they have one Sonny Harrington is a Hunter Safety Instructor. He is for Zombies. I’ve even thought ahead as to also an NRA (National Rifle Association) Rifle & Pistol where I’m going to put the mount on my Instructor and has hunted from Alaska to Mexico. wall. Does my taxidermist have the correct form and pose for this creature? Will it scare my other mounts into the The Boom or Bust Byway is a 130-mile route along La. Highway 2, closet? Well, I did 1. What determines the sex of an featuring new interpretive kiosks in Vivian, Plain Dealing, Sarepta and alligator? a little more Homer.

2. Name the former parishes in To facilitate visitors’ explorations of the Boom or Bust Byway, the research and asked Louisiana.

Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau is developing a selfaround. Talked to 3. What was the nickname of guided video tour of the route. Travelers some boys that Bernice? exploring the Boom or Bust Byway will learn spend a lot more 4. Who settled the about the region’s agricultural past, the days of oil time in the woods and gas “boomtowns” and recreation options community of Bonita? made possible by the lakes and bayous along the than I do – 5. What does route. Also, Byway travelers will pass through “Chautauqua” mean? historic towns such as Mooringsport, Oil City, 6. What did Shuder Belcher, Gilliam, Shongaloo and Lisbon. This Station change its name to?

GPS-guided driving tour will be available for 7. Name Louisiana’s three renewable resources smartphones as the “N LA Byways” free app or 8. What does a bale of cotton weight after it’s by renting a GPS Ranger® at the Shreveportginned?

Bossier or Monroe/West Monroe Convention and 9. What kind of plane was the first to Tourist Bureaus. carry passengers on Delta Airlines?

Louisiana has 17 scenic byways. These are 10. What does Shreveport and Baton Rouge designed to attract travelers to the state’s have in common? natural beauty and open doors to local history and culture. The National Scenic Byways Answers on next page 17 Program was established in 1992 to recognize roads with archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities.

This thing is so ugly I don’t think its mother would nurse it.

ouisiana

Boom or Bust Byway

Remember When . . .

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Murder at Lake Providence: The Killing of Marshall Bernard McGuire

By Lora Peppers

When I found this a couple of months ago, I thought “Ok, this is getting creepy.” I just happened to be looking through some rare microfilm of a Bastrop newspaper, when this caught my eye. I checked the Monroe newspapers and not a whisper of what was going on was mentioned. I almost titled this article: Officer Down Part Four! Marshall McGuire makes the fifth previously unknown law enforcement officer I have found who has died in the line of duty. As a side note, Deputies Edwards and Willis (Officer Down Part II, August, 2011) were added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC this past May. Now if we can just add Fitzgerald, Wood and McGuire!

Morehouse Clarion, January 16, 1880, Page 2, Column 3

The Lake Providence Murder.

The course pursued by the citizens of Providence toward the crew of a coal boat which anchored at that place is frowned upon by all good citizens everywhere. It seems that

the crew of the coal boat and a potato boat went out into the town and, after drinking to drunkenness, some of the crew became noisy, and threatened “to take the place.” Their boisterous demonstrations brought to the front City Marshal McGuire, who demanded the surrender of the drunken roust-abouts. Jim Brown, who was the noisiest and most demonstrative, and the Marshal clinched and the two pistol shots were heard. The Marshal was killed. The frightened crew then ran to their boats.

In a few minutes a crowd of armed men went to the river, arrested the whole crew, captain and pilot.

They were taken to the Mayor’s office, placed in line on benches, and as their names were called, the brother of the Marshal began firing, fatally wounding three of the helpless prisoners. This was done after the drunken crew had surrendered to the city and civil authorities.

We are sorry that such an impolitic step was taken by the people of Providence. Defiance of law impugns its authority, and correspondingly engenders a disrespect for those whose duty it is to administer it.

The criminal code of Louisiana is sufficiently broad and severe to cover all such crimes as that committed upon the Marshal of Lake Providence. For a set of exasperated men to set aside the legal

authorities and inflict summary vengeance upon a supposed criminal, is the work of heathens rather than the act of a civilized people. Such deplorable outrages reflect not only upon the people of one community, but they injure the people of the whole State. No stranger will be favorably impressed with Louisiana when he hears of the Lake Providence murder. Who knows but that very affair may turn scores of emigrants from the shores of our State? Alas! such occurrences are too often repeated.

After a bit of research, I found Marshall McGuire buried in the Lake Providence City Cemetery. His first name was Bernard and he was only twenty nine when he was assassinated. He had emigrated from England where he was born and was made a naturalized citizen. The shooting made national papers where it was reported that the suspects killed had nothing to do with McGuire’s shooting. McGurie’s death is the only known line of duty death for the town of Lake Providence.

Lora Peppers, a Monroe native, grew up in Bastrop and graduated from ULM. Her love of history dates back to childhood when one of her favorite activities was visiting local cemeteries to examine headstones. She also loves to travel, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park being her favorite place on Earth. Her job as a genealogist and historian has given her the opportunity to lead many lectures and author several books. She can be reached by e-mail at loradpeppers@hotmail.com.

The Cliff Notes of Life

By Robert Lemoine

Imagine if you will all of the information you have received since your earliest of memories.

All of that knowledge that has been passed down through the ages, whether it came from grandparents, friends, or strangers the street, has helped shape who you are and what you believe in. Now, what if it isn’t true?

If you’re like me, you’ve been living off the “Cliff Notes” of life. You know the highlights without much detail, kind of like having the

punch line without the development. Well, we’re not alone. There’re a lot of people out there that will argue with you about something they have absolutely no knowledge of. Sure, they’ve heard of the subject and even have a strong opinion on it; they just don’t know why other than, “Well, I just know!”

After many encounters with these hardheaded people, I realized that I must sound like a complete moron to them for having the thoughts that I have. Their minds are made up because of what they were probably told by an authority figure when they were younger, not something researched or studied.

This topic has been laid upon my heart to share with you because of what I have learned and read lately that contradicts a good portion of what “I just know”. Now keep in mind that I am in no way an expert on…well, anything.

But I do know that what I have read recently in my Bible does not match up well with what I’ve been told throughout my life. It seems there have been a lot of false truths told to me.

As a kid, I listened to my friends (who got their information from listening), from various people in the community (who got their information from listening) and from TV shows

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and movies that just made up stuff that sounded good. And, now, the hearsay has worsened because people are afraid to quote the Bible so they leave out the parts about God’s wrath, His judgment, Jesus’ sacrifice, and most of the rules to live by. Hellfire and brimstone has been replaced with loving acceptance from a fluffy, peaceful, all loving God. My Bible says He destroyed cities because of their unrighteousness. My Bible says Jesus turned over tables in the synagogues. My Bible says He will judge the wicked and reward the faithful. My Bible says…well, you’ve got one…pick it up and you can read first hand you’re your Bible says.

Some final thoughts as you start reading… See what My Bible, Your Bible, HIS WORD says about sin, marriage, worshipping, drinking, adultery, praying, giving, gambling, and rules for living. May God bless you and keep you safe in all that you do in His name. Remember, the fastest way up is to kneel down.

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ALL THINGS SOUTHERN

By Shellie Tomlinson

The Great Unseen Hand Hello folks! Happy Fourth of July! I hope y’all have a big time celebrating. We plan to!

The Tomlinson’s are all about Independence Day. As a matter of tradition, we tend to extend the festivities for at least a good week. I’m preparing even now for an onslaught of company. The house will fill up with in-laws, outlaws, and grandchildren. Hooray! True, this type of prolonged reunion will require more than a ton of cooking and cleaning but I’ll have plenty of help. My son and daughter each married good people who know how to make themselves useful, and of course, I can count on my husband and my own kids, too. This, dear ones, was not always the case. Have a seat and let’s chat… ~smile~

All Things Southern “Bringing you the charm and heritage of the South…” ph 318-559-0319 • cell 319-282-2508 tomtom@allthingssouthern.com

When my two were young I tried a mixture of humor and sarcasm to get them to pick up after themselves. “Excuse me,” I’d say, “Are you leaving that empty ice cream bowl there? Who do you think is gonna pick it up—The Great Unseen Hand?!” Neither of my children seemed particularly moved by these monologues, except for that period when Jessica Ann became a stuffer.

It began, that tragic season, when Jessica was a preteen. It lasted less than a year, but there were times I considered sending her to reform school, A.K.A., Mama’s house. For, tired as she was of the Great Unseen Hand routine, but unwilling to pick up after herself, Jessica succumbed to a tendency she seemed powerless to control. At first glance the living room would look clean but first impressions can be deceiving. Upon closer inspection, I’d find candy wrappers stuck in the houseplants and dirty socks stuffed between the sofa cushions. I’d fuss. Jessica would confess, repent, and promise to reform— only to repeat the offense at the first opportunity. Soon she was spending twice the energy and time finding new places to

stuff than it would’ve taken to pick up the trash and dispose of it.

I began worrying about her future. I could see my poor southern child risking everything to stuff. I had nightmares of her standing before strangers and confessing, “My name is Jessica and I stuff. It all started when I was a little girl afraid of my overbearing Southern Mama and her pick-up rule. One day I stuffed and it felt good. I knew it was wrong, but I liked stuffing. I was sorry, but only because I’d been caught. I’ve tried to quit. Sometimes I can go for days without stuffing and then—I stuff one little peppermint wrapper and I’m hooked again.”

Jessica finally quit stuffing but only after I resorted to the gentle reasoning I’d learned from my dear Southern Mama. I threatened to “beat her within an inch of her life.” Today Jessica Ann is one of the most fastidious housekeepers I know. Oh, the power of a well-turned phrase.

Y'all have a great time on the porch today, friends, and drop me a note when you're done. Until next time... ~ Hugs, Shellie

Earthquakes to Lavender

By Carolyn Files

My Texas trip got off to a late start due to errands that left me a bit tired before I hit I-20 heading west. The hotel in Henderson, Texas looked great when I finally arrived. An early supper, a couple of phone calls, and I hit the bed. About 2:30am, I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep so I worked on some articles.

A little after 3:00am I felt like I was moving, a subtle sway. Surely I'm imagining things, I thought, until the morning news reported a 4.3 earthquake in east Texas. So much for my imagination.

A stop in La Grange, Texas to stretch my legs found me checking out the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center. They offer a reception hall where groups can meet, a conference hall, the Melnar Library where research/geneology can be done, a large display room, and a wonderful gift shop.

Crocheted Easter eggs, slippers, doilies, colorfully embroidered vests,

and various types of lace are examples of the Czech-German-Austrian influence in Texas.

Gonzales, Texas found Dana Veach, a former writer with ROAD TRIPS, and me reconnecting at the courthouse square. She and her sister drove over from Aransas Pass for our reunion. We toured the old jail, complete with a replica of the gallows on the second floor, before eating great bar-b-que at the Gonzales Food Market. Dana and I spent the night in New Braunfels where we explored Gruene (pronounced green) with its beautiful historic district and residential area.

Gruene Dance Hall, the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas, was quite lively at Happy Hour. Supper was enjoyed at the Gristmill Restaurant, next to Gruene Dance Hall. Al fresco dining here overlooking the Guadalupe River was a late afternoon delight with its extensive menu and good service.

Farm to market roads led us through the countryside to Webberville where we enjoyed Randy Graybill's Texas Lavender Farm. Actually, Texas has several

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lavender farms, and even a festival to celebrate the fragrant herb. The Mediterranean climate and drier, sandy soil is ideal for growing lavender. Randy had several types of lavender growing, some just beginning to bloom. Prickly Pear, Indian Blanket, and other native flowers blended into outlying foliage surrounding the lavender field adding a colorful border.

Next month, Dana and I will wrap up our Texas road trip.

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MY FAVORITE FISHING HOLE

By Pro Angler, Joe Joslin

Summertime Fun on the Bend VITAL SPONSOR SUPPORT Hello, outdoor lovers and anglers.

July brings one of the biggest holidays of the year as noted by the number of people on the lake the week of July 4th. As we Americans celebrate our independence, we remember that many fellow countrymen died for us to have such awesome freedoms. The older I get the more I realize how precious these freedoms are and may we never take these for granted.

Things continue getting better on 'My Favorite Fishing Hole'. As we head into the heart of summer I am optimistic as lake use has definitely increased with more people fishing, camping, boating, swimming and skiing. I also observed high numbers of pontoons and jet skis who are making good use of sandy beaches all around the lake. This has to be good for the local economy as there have been several occasions the past few weeks where we have had to wait several minutes to gas up and at the local bait and tackle stores to check out. Don’t mind a bit!

Good lake levels and lower gas prices make summer look very promising here.

Pro Anglers & Sponsors… I have made have in common is the importance of sponsors. most of my living since 1998 as a pro angler, a They are hard to develop and these tough challenging but rewarding experience. One economical years have made them even more thing I realized early on was the importance of important yet harder to acquire. And retain major sponsors. While I do fish some area bass each year. Securing sponsors involves a 4-letter tournaments each year and love to compete, I word...WORK! Along with a boat sponsor, a have put most of my efforts these tow vehicle or 14 years on our guide service, truck sponsorship outdoor writing, and is the two most promoting of our sponsors. I difficult to attain have discovered there are because of the ways to make a living as a costs involved. pro angler without leaving Tow vehicles/ your family for months at a truck sponsorships time, logging 100k miles a may be the Joslin's tow vehicle, a 2012 Tundra Crewmax year on your tow vehicle with toughest to land. It endless nights in motels and camp took me nine years to get a truck sponsorship grounds. Those guys who solely tournament which finally happened in 2007 when Toyota fish for a living, year after year, have my introduced the full sized Tundra, an awesome highest respect. I know several personally and tow vehicle. Lake Charles Toyota (my local they sacrifice so much to pursue their dreams. dealership) and owner Philip Tarver were vital Pro anglers who fish the BASS Elite and FLW in making this happen for me. Sponsorships are Tour spend $125,000 each year in entry fees all about people and relationships, working to and expenses; 90% cannot compete without establish confidence in what you do and what major sponsors. Some make it while others you can provide in return. I am blessed as I just have to find another way to make a living as received a new 2012 Tundra Crewmax which only the top 20-25% of tournament anglers will do a super job hauling my big Skeeter finish high enough in events to pay the bills. down the road. Am I going to work hard to Thankfully, major corporations are now keep this sponsorship? You can count on it! investing in competitive bass fishing. This Joe Joslin is a syndicated outdoor columnist, increase in sponsor dollars makes it possible tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo and for more pro tournament anglers to make a Sam Rayburn. Contact him at 337-463-3848, living doing what they love. joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com, or Although I basically approach being a pro www.joejoslinoutdoors.com. angler from a different direction, one thing we

Many fellow countrymen died for us to have such awesome freedoms.

K C A B K TAL

Dennis Stewart’s article was so sweet last month. Ya’ll seem to really like each other and working together at the magazine. It shows on every page, which is probably why I enjoy reading it so much. I hope you don’t ever stop printing it. ~Ms. Jean, West Monroe, LA

I am still laughing about Dianne Newcomer’s article [June 2012] when she discovered Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I had no idea how she was going to turn that into a travel piece but she did! Not only is she a great travel agent, she’s a heck of a writer, too! ~Jim, via email I haven't lived in LA for quite a few years but I check out LRT on occasion and it almost makes me want to move back to the 'Bayou State'. You've really captured the essence of what living in LA is all about.

Keep up the good work. ~Scott H., Dallas, TX [Letter to Johnny Wink] I’m a Louisiana Woman who got a good laugh reading your article in Louisiana Road Trips [June 2012]… I really enjoy your articles. ~C. T., Bastrop, LA

Louisiana Road Trips

BOOK REVIEW

The Story Behind the Stone (Pelican Publishing Company)

By Robert Jeanfreau Stone monuments are characteristic of specific eras, reflecting the ancestry of particular regions. Within the pages of The Story Behind the Stone, Dr. Jeanfreau has captured the essence of more than 40 statues, busts, sculptures, and bronzes throughout New Orleans while defining their significance.

From the familiar such as Louis Armstrong, Thomas Jefferson, and Martin Luther King to the more elusive likes of Albert Weiblen and John Minor Wisdom, each historical monument is a reminder of the past as we forge into the future.

This guidebook is filled with pertinent and entertaining information and should be kept close at hand for reference when you’re on the streets of New Orleans. A perfect read for anyone interested in Louisiana history, art and culture, as each stone monument reveals a bit more.

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Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration The Feliciana Nature Society will hold their annual Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration July 27-28 in St. Francisville to promote the unique breeding habitat found in the area. The event will include a noted speaker and the opportunity to observe hummingbirds up close as they are banded. Hummingbird-friendly plants will also be available for sale.

The Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration will begin with a reception on Friday evening, July 27, at Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site at 12501Hwy. 10 in St. Francisville. Beginning at 6pm, visitors can enjoy wine and cheese while strolling the gardens of Rosedown. At 6:45pm, Mr. Carlyle Rogillio will be the featured speaker. Admission is $5.00.

The festival will continue on Saturday, July 28. From 7am – 3pm, hummingbird biologists Linda Beall and Nancy Newfield will capture and band birds at two beautiful gardens in the St. Francisville area.

Visitors will have the opportunity to observe hummingbirds up close as they are weighed and measured. In addition, vendors will be at both homes with hummingbird-attractive plants for sale. The gardens include those of the National WildBird Refuge at 15736 Tunica Trace (Hwy. 66) and Murrell Butler at 9485 Oak Hill Road. Admission is $5.00 and children under 12 free.

For more information visit www.audubonbirdfest.com or call 1-800-488-6502.

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Louisiana in the Civil War July 1862: Full Circle

By Terry Jones

In late June 1862, Confederate General Robert E. Lee attacked the Union army threatening Richmond, Virginia, and drove it back to Malvern Hill.

There on July 1, the Yankees took up a nearly impregnable position, but Lee decided to gamble on one more attack.

Colonel Eugene Waggaman’s 10th Louisiana participated in the dramatic charge.

Waggaman told his men to fix bayonets and then took up a position in the center of the line. “Men,” he yelled, “we are ordered to charge the cannon in our front and take them... Remember Butler and the women of New Orleans. Forward, charge!”

The regiment ran through a murderous fire and slammed into the famous Irish Brigade, a Union unit made up of recent Irish immigrants. Waggaman and a handful of his men managed to fight their way into the enemy’s line and engage the Irishmen in a bloody hand-to-hand fight. The colonel carried his family’s 150-year-old sword and used it to slash at the Yankees that now had him surrounded. Within minutes, however, the Irish Brigade overwhelmed and captured Waggaman and his men, but not before Waggaman threw away his sword to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

After the battle, while the Irish Brigade was licking its wounds, some of the men put in a request for new muskets to replace the ones destroyed during the melee with the Louisiana Tigers. General Edwin Sumner, the brigade’s corps commander, at first refused to issue the weapons because he thought the soldiers had simply thrown away their muskets during the week-long retreat from Richmond. He changed his mind, however,

when he was shown what was described as a “pile of muskets with cracked and splintered stocks, bent barrels and twisted bayonets”— evidence of the fierce clash with the Louisianians. One soldier told the general, “The boys got in a scrimmage with the Tigers, and when the bloody villains took to their knives, the boys mostly forgot their bayonets, and went to work in the style they were used to, and licked them well, sir.”

Colonel Waggaman and the other Tigers captured on Malvern Hill were released several weeks later as part of a prisoner exchange. At that time, the colonel reclaimed his lost sword. A Union soldier had picked it up on the battlefield, and General Winfield Scott Hancock ordered it returned to Waggaman.

When the Civil War ended, all of the Irish Brigade regiments were disbanded except for the 69th New York. It was designated a National Guard unit and gained more fame as “The Fighting 69th” while serving in both world wars. In Louisiana, National Guard units were also formed in the post-war period that traced their ancestry back to the Louisiana Tigers. As it turned out, the two states’ troops were destined to meet on the battlefield one more time.

In 2004, Louisiana’s 256th Infantry

Louisiana Road Trips Magazine www.la-road-trips.com

Brigade was federalized for the war in Iraq but it needed additional manpower to bring it up to full strength.

As a result, the 69th Colonel Eugene Waggaman New York was ordered to Fort Hood, Texas, to join the Louisianians for advanced training. The last time the states’ soldiers stood face to face was when they bayoneted and clubbed one another atop Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862.

Reflecting on the turn of events, the 256th’s Lt. Col. Mark Kerry declared, “We’ve met before. And we have quite a history between us, and now we’re going to war with them. I couldn’t be happier. I guess we can file this away under the heading ‘The Civil War is Really Over.’”

“It’s like making gumbo. You put in a lot of different things and spice it up, and it tastes pretty good. All we’ve done is add a little more to the gumbo.”

The New Yorkers apparently agreed.

Staff Sgt. Timothy P. O’Brian told a reporter, “It’s been kind of neat talking about the Civil War, and it’s been fun learning about the other side.”

After the unit arrived in Iraq, a Humvee carrying both Louisiana and New York troops was destroyed by an IED. Six members of the modern Louisiana Tiger Brigade and one from the 69th New York were killed. Those gallant soldiers represented two states that fought one another in a vicious civil war nearly 150 years earlier. On January 2, 2005, however, they died together as brothers in arms.

is seeking

Dr. Terry L. Jones is a professor of history at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and has published six books on the American Civil War. Dr. Jones books include: Lee's Tigers: The Louisiana Infantry in the Army of Northern Virginia and Campbell Brown's Civil War: With Ewell and the Army of Northern Virginia (LSU Press); Historical Dictionary of the Civil War (2 vols. at Scarecrow Press); The Louisiana Journey (Gibbs Smith, Publishers); The American Civil War (McGrawHill Higher Education); and Cemetery Hill: The Struggle for the High Ground (Da Capo Press).

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Shreveport’s Albasha Restaurant

By Su Stella

“Let food be your medicine.” This famous quote was stated by Hippocrates, born on the Greek isle of Kos in 460 BC, who was known as the Father of medicine. That being said, the healthy food at the Albasha Restaurants is absolutely delicious, always fresh and beautifully presented. Albasha serves both Greek and Lebanese cuisine.

I have to say this the only place we eat out anymore. The food is so good that my sweetie and I have set strict rules about our doggie bags – no pilfering. It is not uncommon for a midnight snack straight out of the box and any remaining for breakfast.

You may be familiar with Gyros, a Mediterranean skewered meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and cut into portions when ordered and put in pita bread or on a plate.

Equally delicious and similarly made is their Chicken Shawarma. The combo plate with

hummus, rice and salad was all I ate for a while until I saw an order of the Shrimp Shish Kabob so now I have a dilemma! For vegetarians, there’s spinach pie, Mousaka, Baba Ghanouj, and other mouthwatering dishes. They even offer a nice selection of Greek and Lebanese beer.

People living all over the state of Louisiana may have visited an Albasha Restaurant. The original one opened in 1992 in Baton Rouge. Over the years, family members opened their own restaurants.

During this time one of their loyal customers named Eddie loved the food so much that he convinced them to allow him to open his own restaurant in Shreveport. Eddie uses both the family and his own recipes. His Grecian sauce and salad dressing are addicting, and his friends insisted that he add his homemade chicken and potatoes dinner to the menu.

On Saturday nights from 6 to 7pm, a belly dancer shimmies throughout the Shreveport location. They also have a small patio to

partake on a hookah pipe with a sweet blend of flavored tobacco. This is a fun social ritual but know that it takes over an hour to enjoy so the last seating of this is 1 ½ hours before closing. Check the website for hours.

It’s also a good idea to ‘friend’ Albasha on Facebook to find any specials only announced here. Be sure to mention it to your server when ordering. Did I forget to mention that their service is as good as their food? (We personally seek out Ashley and Smiley for all the special attention they provide on our visits.)

This location is big enough for large parties. They have a fully stocked bar and gift certificates. Visit www.AlbashaShreveport.com for the 8905 Mansfield Road info. For those that live across the state, visit http://www.albashabr.com for other locations. So in this day and age of processed foods and medications, come on over and feed your body and soul at Albasha.

Bon appetite!

Legal Lagniappe than 15 employees, the ADA does not apply.

This is true, but this aspect of the ADA merely relates to employment discrimination. Title III of the ADA relates to all privately owned places of public accommodation, even small mom/pop operations like yours regardless of how few employees are involved. A place of public accommodation is required to remove barriers when it is "readily achievable to do so" to prevent impeding access by individuals with disabilities. In 2009, the ADA Amendment Act expanded the definition of who qualifies as an "individual with a disability" so that many more conditions now qualify for such classification. This means 1. Temperature of egg compliance efforts must increase, but the term incubation determines the "readily achievable" means "easily sex accomplishable and able to be carried out 2. Feliciana Parish, without much difficulty or expense." In some Warren Parish, Carroll Parish, Pascagoula cases, the U.S. Dept. of Justice allows simple Parish, Biloxi Parish barrier removal efforts such as 3. “The Big Woods” placing signs at the sales counter at 4. H. A. Watt wheelchair height notifying 5. “Place where one was lost” customers of the availability of clip 6. Choudrant 7. Forestry, Agriculture, Fisheries boards to check out. For a small 8. About 500 pounds business such as yours, this ensures 9. A single-engine Travelaire flying that an equivalent level of 90mph convenient service is provided to 10. They were both the State individuals with disabilities as is Capitol at one time provided to nondisabled customers. The important thing

Question: We run a small gift store downtown and have 3 part-time employees.

A recent customer in a wheelchair had difficulty reaching the counter to check out and suggested that she might file a complaint against me for not being handicapped accessible! Am I doomed?

Answer: No! She is referring to the accessibility requirements that stem from the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). A misconception is that if an employee has less

ouisiana Answers …

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for you to remember is that your specific "small business" circumstances do matter in the analysis. Therefore, the best option is to be proactive in ADA compliance. ADA Update: A Primer for Small Businesses is an easy to read 21-page online publication published by the United States Department of Justice at www.ada.gov. This site also has other information related to the 2010 ADA Accessibility Regulations mandatory as of March 2012. If an ADA complaint is filed against you with the U.S. Dept. of Justice, you will usually be offered an opportunity for mediation. At that point, depending on the nature of the complaint and your comfort level with the situation, you may want to employ an attorney in resolving the complaint to prevent litigation. If you successfully resolve the matter, the U.S. Dept. of Justice will send you a letter formally closing the investigation.

DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for educational use only. It does not constitute legal advice. If you have specific questions or concerns about any of the issues discussed herein, please seek the advice of legal counsel.

Wesley Eby Johnson is the managing associate with the law firm of Escamilla, Poneck & Cruz (EPC), in their newly-established branch office in Monroe, Louisiana. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Wesley handles legal compliance for EPC's business clients as well as school districts and other governmental entities. She can be reached at (318) 807-0924.

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Swimming Pool

Would I get girls or ducks?

By Johnny Wink

I live in Jones, the mallard duck capital of Louisiana, just a couple miles from the LA/AR state line. The Mississippi Flyway is at its narrowest point here and 70% of the ducks and geese that winter in LA will come through. Therefore, this is a wonderful place to have a duck guide service as ducks live here in the winter. And so do I. In fact, I live here year 'round.

I can ride 4-wheelers from my lodges to most of the duck blinds and that's all great for the 60 day season each year.

However, the other 305 days for a single man is not so good. After 5 o'clock or on weekends, I have to drive 45 minutes to get a loaf of bread. And forget about buying a steak. You soon learn to fill up your truck when you leave the city coming home. Likewise, make sure you have some full gas cans at the lodge. Because I’m not rich I only have one place to live. Admittedly, I always wanted to live at a duck camp so here I am. But after duck season, there's not many people up here––especially women.

I guess I understand why a woman wouldn’t want to live here.

It's too far to get her hair and nails done. To go clothes shopping, she should just as well get a room somewhere and stay the night. Yep, it’s the middle of nowhere. That's why there are so many ducks and geese here and not many people, just rice growing now.

A friend said, "Johnny, you need an apartment in town, too. I bet you would have women banging on your door. They’re just not fired up on coming all the way to Jones... nothing personal, but it's a long way."

So I got to thinking and figured out a better way. I'd make my home/lodge homier. And that's what I did. I spent a bunch of money getting a new roof, new siding, and energy-efficient windows. I was sure that would get the women fired up. No bites. I don't get it. I thought women liked that kind of stuff. Now I've got a finer house with energy-saving stuff but no women.

So, I started thinking again. What will bring women up here during the off season to see me? Maybe I’ll start lifting weights and jog a few miles everyday. Makes me tired just thinking about it and besides, I want the company of a woman now, not a year from now, which is how long it would take me to get into shape from lifting weights and jogging.

What about teaching a disco dance class every Wednesday night?

For free? Nope. I can't find any good albums to dance to––you know, like KC and the Sunshine Band.

Then I remembered back in the early eighties when I bought a candy apple red Corvette right before Prince came out with the song, "Little Red Corvette." I even had personalized plates: WINK. As soon as I got that car I became "Johnnyfine" instead of Johnny Wink and within 6 months, I was dating the first runner-up in the Miss Louisiana competition.

I was on top of the world in my little red Corvette with my gold duck

necklace and my gold nugget ring. I was truly Johnnyfine. Some of my friends said those women just wanted to go out with me because of my car and I said what's wrong with that. Ok, I never found Mrs. Wink and after a long time I got rid of my pretty car. It was a sad day for sure.

Then it dawned on me, if it worked so well back then, why not now? So I recently sat in a new Corvette but something changed.

They make them a lot smaller and narrower now. I know because I could hardy fit into the seat and I needed help getting out of it.

It's way too much work for an old man, especial one that's had too many extra-value meals.

While I was sweating getting in and out of that car, I realized I needed a different plan. That's when it hit me – an in-ground swimming pool. What hadn't I thought of that before? One with a diving board and a slide. I bet that would bring women in bikinis by the boatload. Some people might say they're just coming over for the pool and I would say who cares? I got them where I want them...close to me.

I guess a pool is like a Corvette for older guys. Same result, but a pool would be easier to get in and out of. Another thing about having a pool up here is I 'd have another place to hunt ducks, and with a diving board, I can hunt Diver ducks, too! When I found out how much that in-ground pool would cost, I almost croaked. I did gasp a couple times before I got my breath.

Of course, that Corvette wasn't cheap either. So what does a single man do? What else do women want up here to make them happy? Maybe a jet with a landing strip to get the heck out of here? So ladies, help me out. Do I need to have a pool installed up here or do I bring Jones a little closer to Monroe? By the way, I'm still waiting on my CEO woman looking for some eye candy.

If you want to see more of me and a lot of pictures, please go to Megabucks Duck Guides on Facebook and LIKE us. A few weeks ago I launched a big ad campaign that's bringing a lot of attention to me and my business so to all the women out there: Right now you can get me cheap. Later, I can be had but I won't be easy. Check Megabucks Duck Guides at Google Earth and you'll see me in the yard waving at you right about where the swimming pool might be. I thank the Lord for letting me be a duck guide in Jones, Louisiana. See ya soon!

I want the company of a woman now, not a year from now.

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RECIPES

by Stacy Thornton The month of July offers so much – Independence Day, family gatherings, fireworks, watermelon, backyard barbecues, swimming, hot summer days, fresh fruits and vegetables, and my mother's birthday. The Fourth of July is a major focus for some of my favorite things - family, fireworks and good food. Grilling allows us time outdoors and out of the kitchen. Happy 4th of July to you all and God Bless America!

Grilled Hot Dogs Hot dogs (I like Nathans hot dogs) Buns Heat grill to a medium high heat. Place hot dogs on grill. Turn hot dogs every few minutes and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes or until desired texture is reached. Remove from grill or off of direct heat and keep warm while buns heat over grill. Serve hot dogs in buns and prepare to create your favorite hot dog.

Hot Dog Condiments: grilled onions and peppers, mustard, mayo, ketchup, cheese, chili, peppers, pickles, slaw

Tomato Relish 10 lbs tomatoes 2 large sweet onions, finely chopped 2 sweet red peppers, chopped finely 2 medium green peppers, chopped finely 2 tsp mustard seed 1 tsp celery seed 4 1/2 cups white vinegar 2 1/2 cups brown sugar 3 tbsp canning salt 2 tsp ground ginger 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground allspice 1 tsp ground cloves 1 tsp ground nutmeg In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Add tomatoes, a few at a time; boil for 30 seconds. Drain and immediately place tomatoes in ice water. Drain and pat dry; peel and finely chop. Place in a stockpot. Add onions and peppers. Place mustard and celery seed on a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of cloth and tie with string to form a bag. Add spice bag and the remaining ingredients to the pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 60-70 minutes or until slightly thickened. Discard spice bag. Carefully ladle relish into hot 1-pint jars, leaving 1/2-inch at top. Remove air bubbles; wipe rims and adjust lids. Process in boiling-water canner for 20 minutes. Makes 10 pints

Homemade Pickle Relish 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon coriander seeds 2 tablespoons sugar 8 large sour dill pickles, finely diced 1 small red pepper, grilled, peeled, seeded, and finely diced 1 small yellow pepper, grilled, peeled, seeded, and finely diced 1 small white onion, finely diced 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Hot Dog Slaw shredded cabbage salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together and serve on grilled hot dog.

Bring vinegar, mustard seeds, and coriander seeds to a boil in a medium non-reactive saucepan on the grates of the grill; cook until reduced by half and slightly syrupy. Remove from the heat, add the remaining ingredients, and gently toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Macaroni Salad 1 c. uncooked elbow macaroni crumbled 1/2 c. chopped celery 3/4 c. chopped dill pickle 2 tbsp. chili sauce 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. sugar

4 slices bacon, cooked and 1/4 c. chopped green pepper 1/4 c. chopped onion 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/8 tsp. pepper 1/4 c. mayonnaise

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. Combine macaroni, bacon, celery, green pepper, pickle and onion; set aside.

Combine remaining ingredients; pour over macaroni mixture and toss gently. To serve hot, place over low heat; chill overnight to serve cold.

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mayonnaise to taste 1/2 cup dill pickle juice

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Royal Treatment

Brennan’s restaurant, the epitome of New Orleans fine dining

By Deborah Burst

New Orleans invites the most discriminating diners to indulge their fantasies in an endless stream of new chefs and restaurants. And although I do enjoy sampling my way through the innovative score of menus, there’s something to be said for the time-honored legends, and Brennan’s is still my favorite.

In the heart of the French Quarter on Royal Street, Brennan’s serves generations of patrons from around the world since 1946. A food writer for ten years, whether dining for pleasure or business, I notice every minute detail, and Brennan’s delivers perfection.

Consistency is the key, their dedicated kitchen and wait staff have worked at the restaurant for decades.

Both servers, Mario Alvardo and Lee Thomas, anticipate your every want and desire.

Mario, a native of Ecuador, has been serving Brennan’s customers for 37 years and I feel like a princess each time he asks, “Madame would you like another glass of champagne?” Lee, a most amiable gent, puts on quite a show with his tableside Banana’s Foster preparation. He’ll direct you on the exact moment to click the camera or if shooting a video, will add a history lesson on this international favorite.

A 20-year veteran, maitre d’ Jorge Blanco greets guests with a vivacious charm. He escorts me to the table, pulls the chair, and with his signature snap of the napkin, the magic begins.

Next to my table a wall of windows and a tropical courtyard filled with towering palms, magnolias and banana trees. Soon I’m sipping a frothy Brandy Milk Punch savoring French bread oozing with melted butter, sugar and cinnamon.

I have dined with literary greats, spied wedding proposals, joined Mardi Gras kings toasting their krewe, and always graced with a visit from the master himself, Executive Chef Lazone Randolph.

Working in the kitchen for 47 years, Chef Randolph is well versed in the Brennan culture.

A towering man with dark skin groomed in a starched white jacket, he’s reserved but not shy, direct but not rude, and confident but not egotistical. With an intriguing smile and straight-forward honesty, he confesses a deepseated passion for his work.

But more than a job, it’s a life – a Brennan life – which began straight out of Carver High

Randolph has performed this act for School in New Orleans. A young 18 year-old many high-brow diplomats but admits his who knew little about cooking. “I found an atmosphere I liked, it was friendly and people bread pudding is even more enticing. Besides the cream, pecans, and stale French bread, they enjoyed working here,” he said. He learned marinate the raisins in Jim Beam, then topped from the best surrounded by German, Austrian and French chefs. Promoted to Brennan’s Restaurant sous-chef he continued polishing his craft 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 armed with a library of books, gifts from 504.525.9711 worldwide travels by owners Ted and www.brennansneworleans.com Jimmy Brennan. After four decades of studying and preparing world famous Enjoy the breakfast Three Course Prix Fixe menu with appetizer, entrée and dessert for $36 cuisine, in July 2005, Chef Lazone Randolph earned the title of Executive Chef. in whiskey sauce.

“When I wasn’t a chef, I still had the How fitting Brennan’s found its home on same desire to be a part of Royal Street as the lavish address has hosted this restaurant,” he said.

“I’m not seeking the glory. I noble patrons for centuries. Romance, worked my way to the top, impeccable service and the humming chatter of a good time, all embraced by a fairy-tale made an investment, and setting. Brennan’s is the epitome of New there’s never been a time I Orleans fine dining. couldn’t talk to a Brennan.

We’re good friends.”

A New Orleans native now living in Mandeville, More than just Deb frequently returns to her hometown to visit breakfast, lunch and family and get a gumbo and po-boy fix. dinner offers escargots, Oyster Rockefeller, or a juicy steak. And don’t forget their turtle soup voted the best in the state. “Not many chefs do what we do, we have our own style, not trying to imitate Europe,” Randolph said noting their signature creamy peppercorn sauce and Brennan’s Red Wine and Mushroom Sauce.

“We use local products and seafood. People don’t come here for Foie Gras, we serve a 12 inch plate of food.”

Bananas Foster is the most requested item on the menu and created by Brennan’s chef Paul Blangé in 1951 to honor New Orleans as a major port for bananas.

Diners anxiously await the drama of a tableside preparation in a theatrical countdown folding the bananas, butter, and brown sugar in a flambé pan heated by a butane flame. With arm held high, the waiter slowly adds a small decanter of rum to the pan, and then a spark of flame ignites the alcohol setting a collective cheer and flash of cameras.

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www.laroadtrips.com

Calendar of Events

July

July 20-21

__________ June 30-July 4

July 7

Erath 4th of July Festival Erath – 337-937-5585

Lebeau Zydeco Festival Lebeau – 337-623-0303

Christmas on the Cane Natchitoches – 318-352-6894

July 13-15

July 3-8

_______________

Greater Mandeville Seafood Festival Mandeville – 985-624-9762

July 5-7

Pecan Ridge Bluegrass Jackson – 225-629-5852

July 6-8

_____________

Essence Music Festival New Orleans – www.Essence.com

________________

Summer Fun Kids Day Houma – 985-850-4657

July 21-22

_____________

Cajun French Music & Food Festival Lake Charles – 800-456-7952

________________ Swamp Pop Music Festival Gonzales – 877-753-9990

Watermelon Festival Saline – 318-263-9897

_____________ July 14-15

_______________

_____________

NSU Folklife Festival Natchitoches – 318-357-4332

July 21

Running of the Bulls San Fermin in Nueva Orleans New Orleans – 504-247-3714

July 14

_______________

________________

2012

July 26-28

_____________

San Fermin in Neuva Orleans

Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo 985-787-2997

Christmas in July Kenner – 985-796-5853

July 26-29

_____________

Watermelon Festival Farmerville – 318-368-0044

July 27-28

_____________

Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration St. Francisville – 225-635-6502

=

Marshland Festival Lake Charles – 800-456-7952

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107 Commission Blvd.

Lafayette, LA 70508

318.387.1725

337.839.9761

www.tristargraphics.com Louisiana Road Trips

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Friend or Foe

Spikey’s macho image is tested

By Deborah Burst While Hurricane Isidore wobbled along the Louisiana coastline, our skies grew black and the winds howled through the pines. I put on my rain coat and grabbed the leash, Spikey and I would take one last walk before the heavy rains. As the rain began pelting down Spikey had caught a scent and charged a briar bush. Suddenly I heard a faint cry and yelled, “Spikey com’on, we gotta get inside!”

Had no idea what kind of animal it was, but I knew it was calling for help and wouldn’t last through the storm. I ran upstairs screaming to my son, “Jared, hurry get a shoe box and some heavy gloves.” As we got close to the bush, the little darling began to cry even louder. We parted the thorny bushes, and laying there soaked to the bones, was a frail kitten. The poor baby was so weak he barely put up a fight. We named him Izzy, short for Isidore. Blue eyed, white body with taupe ears, paws and tail, he quickly became part of the family. We gradually introduced the smell to Spikey, and soon they were best friends.

Jared began teaching Izzy tricks like the “block the punt” move.

He would throw a Mardi Gras size football into the air and say, “Block the punt.” Izzy would run, jump in the air and bat the ball with his front paws. Sometimes he would get creative and hide under the bed and do a “sneak block punt.” He also fetched small balls and came on command.

Oh yeah, Izzy loved those sneak attacks. I remember one morning working on my computer, Izzy sleeping and Spikey snoring, and thinking this is all I need in life. Until Izzy snuck up on the sleeping giant and swatted him on the nose, then ran like a bat out of hell. It was almost a daily routine; Izzy would snuggle against Spikey’s thick fur and bam, another swat.

Yep, Izzy thought he was a dog and always joined Spikey and I on our daily walks. He would jog double time to keep up with us, start panting like a dog and making this miserable crying sound. Defeated, Izzy would lay down in the shade but being a cat, he had the last laugh.

Turning around at the end of the road, Spikey and I would make our way back with no sign of Izzy. Suddenly Izzy would dart out of the bushes and dive bomb Spikey. I swear you could see that cat grinning, jumping in the air like he was celebrating or something, then he would calm down and prance next to Spikey like nothing happened. He never missed a walk and never failed to scare the living heck out of us.

Izzy refused to be cloistered inside the house and at night loved to roam the woods, which unfortunately would be his demise. For four years, every morning, I would hear the squeaky sounds of Izzy’s paws rubbing the front door skylight begging for his breakfast, but on Christmas Eve morning 2006, there was silence.

With Spikey by our side, Jared and I scoured the woods looking for Izzy. Just steps from the front porch I found a clump of matted white fur. It looked like a struggle. A neighbor told me she spotted a coyote in the early morning hours and soon the entire neighborhood was void of cats, both domestic and feral. We learned the coyotes had Louisiana Road Trips

been misplaced by Hurricane Katrina and were attacking domestic cats and small dogs.

It was a hard pill to swallow and Spikey, like all of us, mourned our Izzy. Years later a coyote ventured onto the property in plain view.

Spikey chased it deep into the woods and the coyote never came back.

I’m sure Spikey is up there with Izzy bragging on how he took care of that coyote, and I can see Izzy nuzzling against his fur, and then with no warning, giving him a good swat on the nose!

An award winning writer and photographer, Deb began her freelance writing career after earning a media degree at Tulane University. A New Orleans native, she now lives in the piney woods of Mandeville, Louisiana and shares her stories on a local, regional and national level. Writing is her therapy and she has dedicated her column to the adventures of Spikey, her canine confident. Visit www.debswriting.com for photos and features and www.facebook.com/burstmediacommunications for social media services.

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BEDS & BEIGNETS

By Mary White

The ESSENCE of New Orleans Music and New Orleans go hand-inhand like ice cream and a cone. It’s widely recognized as the birthplace of jazz, while genres such as rhythm and blues, Creole and Cajun music and funk also have roots here. So, it should come as no surprise that music festivals have a constant presence on the calendar of the Crescent City. The ESSENCE Music Festival, taking place July 5th – 8th, is part of an impressive list of music and cultural events peppered throughout the year. Now in its 18th year, the festival has blossomed into a highly-anticipated gathering of entertainers across multiple genres as well as authors, speakers, innovators and educators.

The “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin, taking the ESSENCE Music Festival stage for the first time since 2005, will join Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige and a host of other musical talent on the Superdome Main Stage throughout the four day event. Over at the ESSENCE Empowerment Experience taking place in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, discussions on issues ranging from politics and education to health & wellness and spirituality will take place with personalities such as the Reverend Al Sharpton, U.S. Representative Maxine Waters and CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien.

The popularity of NOLA music and cultural festivals isn’t lost on John Crew. He and his partner, Gil Rome, are the proprietors of Marigny Manor House Bed and Breakfast (www.BnBFinder.com/MarignyManor) located on North Rampart Street in Faubourg Marigny near the French Quarter. They regularly host out-oftowners attending the festivals who book with them several months in advance and sometimes, in the case of the world-renowned Jazz Festival, a year ahead of the event. That’s a pretty good result for a couple who had never stayed at a bed and breakfast nor ever considered owning one until 2001 when they laid eyes on the building that would become Marigny Manor House. “Gil and I were actually looking to purchase a condo for our retirement,” said Crew. “Then, our real estate agent showed us this building and we instantly fell in love with it.” So, how does one go from looking for a retirement condo to opening a B&B? “The former owner’s son had considered turning it into a B&B which is what sparked the idea,” he said. “We really stumbled into being innkeepers, but it’s a whole lot of fun.”

Originally built as a private residence in 1848 by Daniel Talboett for his new wife, the Greek Revival boasts four spacious rooms—Red, Green, Balcony and Courtyard—with original detailing including ornate plaster molding and hardwood floors and additional features such as fireplaces, chandeliers, four-poster beds and antique furnishings. A traditional Southern breakfast made from local ingredients is served each morning. Guest can sip their morning coffee on the large front porch or in the privacy of the inn’s lush courtyard.

For Crew, no detail is insignificant when servicing their guests. “We want them to leave really feeling great about their stay here,” he said. “It’s important to do the little things to exceed their expectations.”

Mary White is the author of “Running a Bed & Breakfast For Dummies” and an avid B&B goer. She has stayed at bed and breakfasts all over the world and particularly loves the inns of Louisiana. In 1998, Mary founded BnBFinder.com, a top on-line bed and breakfast directory that lists thousands of B&Bs, inns, and boutique hotels worldwide.

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