Celebrate in Natchitoches!
New water feature and garden provides perfect venue Beau Jardin is a brand new water feature and garden area located on the downtown riverbank in Virginia Baker Park, located within the heart the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District. Beau Jardin, French for “beautiful garden,” is a formal garden specifically designed to host weddings and receptions of all sizes. The highlight of Beau Jardin is an exquisite waterfall beginning at the top of Front Street and cascading down the riverbank to flow into Cane River Lake. Large stones frame the waterfall as it flows throughout the garden that is surrounded by terraced flagstone plazas, native Louisiana plants and other landscaping. Beau Jardin is the perfect venue for weddings, rehearsal dinners or setting for any outdoor special event such as concerts, wine and cheese receptions, bridal or baby showers and much more. Beau Jardin makes a stunning backdrop for wedding, engagement, senior or family portraits. The venue will help compliment the growing wedding industry in Natchitoches. The Natchitoches area is rapidly becoming a
popular wedding destination not just for those in Louisiana but people from around the country. Named in 2011 as one of the Most Romantic Main Streets in the United States by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Natchitoches is a romantic getaway for those seeking to become engaged, married or take a romantic getaway. Beau Jardin will be showcased at two events this March – the annual Natchitoches Bridal Extravaganza on Sunday, March 11, 2012 and Bloomin’ on the Bricks on Saturday, March 24, 2012. The calendar is filling up rapidly in 2012 for weddings and events in Beau Jardin and adjoining Roque House gardens. For more information about Beau Jardin or the Roque House gardens, call the Natchitoches
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Main Street office at (318) 352-2746 or email Lisa Cooley at lcooley@natchitochesla.gov. Information and photographs about Beau Jardin can be found online at: www.natchitochesweddings.net or www.theknot.com Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/ Beau-Jardin/199633846722339.
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Talkin’ It Up! This last year has brought me love and disappointment, joy and heartache, opportunity and challenges, healing and personal growth, and a deeper understanding of the love of God. It’s also brought me a lot of new friends as I said goodbye to old ones. I’ve seen some ground, too – from the breathtaking vistas of southwestern Montana (several times) and Wyoming to Austin and the Texas hill country, Chattanooga, Branson, Mobile, Birmingham, Hattiesburg and most of Mississippi, to Arkansas, New Orleans, and my beloved Louisiana. We live in such a beautiful country that I sometimes wonder why people travel elsewhere. But then again, northern Italy is on my bucket list… In 2011, I got a great deal on a new car in Dallas, put my home up for sale in West Monroe, wrote and sold several articles, took many great photographs, read a few exceptional books, and had some memorable conversations with some fascinating people. Now that’s living – the good and bad, the ups and downs, the blessings and the trials. By the grace of God, I made it through another year and into a new one. And so did you. My Montana friend says it best, “As long as you’re this side of dirt, anything’s possible!” My wish for you is that 2012 brings you love, joy, peace, adventure, and everything your heart desires. Make it your best yet and let’s keep in touch.
ROAD TRIPS "Celebrating country living and city happenings!"
january BOOK REVIEW 16
17
Get Off Your Attitude by Deborah Burst
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Medicating Your Cat
Wise Inscription by Robert Lemoine
MONTHLY TIDBITS
Cane River Kitchenware
DELTA OUTDOORS 4
My Favorite Fishing Hole by Joe Joslin Fishing News
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In the Crosshairs by Sonny Harrington After the Shot
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Real Cajun Food and Fun! by Johnny Wink
HISTORICAL
3 5 7 7 14 14 15
Talkin’ It Up! Louisiana Lagniappe – Remember When Going Native by Larry Brock The Charm & Value of Trees Backtalk Louisiana Lagniappe Answers End of a Landmark by Carolyn Files We Are 2012 . . . By Su Stella
RECIPES
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In Search of Unique & Interesting Places by Lee Estes
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Louisiana in the Civil War: January 1862: The Trent Affair by Terry L. Jones
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All Things Southern by Shellie Tomlinson “Jerry Don’s in Paulette’s Crosshairs”
INSPIRATIONAL
BUSINESS REVIEW 9 18
contents
9
ROAD TRIPS 2 6
A Husband’s Farewell: The Story of Mollie E. Dansby Dunston by Lora Peppers
Runnin’ the Roads by Barbara Sharik Advice you won’t find in a Bride’s Handbook
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A Life of Trial…and Error by Dennis Stewart November in Wyoming...Again
Celebrate in Natchitoches! Travel Adventure by Dianne Newcomer New Beginnings!
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Beds & Beignets by Mary White Celebrating Greek Revival Design in Darrow
12
Hit the Road – by Deborah Burst Forgotten Soldiers
HUMOR 5
Recipes by Stacy Thornton
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Mona Mona L. Hayden Mona L. Hayden, Editor/Publisher monalh@bellsouth.net (318) 547-1221
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MY FAVORITE FISHING HOLE
PUBLISHER LRT Publications
Fishing News
______________________
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
By Pro Angler, Joe Joslin Major sponsor… The Association of Collegiate Anglers has just announced that huge lure manufacture, Pure Fishing, will continue support of the 2012 BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Series. The Collegiate Bass Fishing Series is one of the fastest growing fishing circuits in the country as colleges/universities are fielding teams. Louisiana schools had some of the earliest teams to compete in this series during its five years. McNeese State is organizing a team and will also compete this year. Louisiana Tech, LSU Monroe, LSU Shreveport, Northwestern and LSU have been competing for several seasons and have been some of the highest ranked teams in the country and look forward to other joining. With the caliber of young anglers in our state, it’s no surprise that we are very competitive. As a series sponsor, Pure Fishing will enjoy extensive promotion and product exposure with collegiate anglers throughout the nation and students will have the opportunity to win bonuses as well as save on Pure Fishing products. Pure Fishing is a world-wide company of quality fishing products including well-known brands such as Berkley, Abu Garcia, Spiderwire, Stren, Penn, Pflueger, Fenwick, and Sebile, and was one of the earliest companies to support collegiate bass fishing. In my opinion, there will be multiple collegiate bass anglers moving into the professional ranks of bass fishing. Other student anglers after graduation could move into job positions in the fishing industry through relationships started in ACA. This is a win-win situation for student anglers and the fishing/boating industry as it opens up job opportunities for graduates while providing the industry a pool of bright, educated young employees who love the outdoors and fishing. Wade Middleton, Tournament Director for the Association of Collegiate Anglers, explains another perk. “We've touched countless anglers and allowed them to compete with premium products, which would be difficult for many of them without the support of the purchase and contingency programs we've designed in conjunction with Pure Fishing.”
Lake conditions and boat ramp update… The lake remains at very low levels but recent rains have helped bring it up slightly from its lowest ever level of 159.4' with the full pool level at 172' mean sea level. Water temps are in the 50s and there continues to be no generating at the dam due to low levels. The Indian Mounds main north ramp extension project by SRA Texas has Toledo Angler, Coy been completed Walters, with another and is in use. Indian Mounds is big Toledo largemouth caught on a Stanley a popular Vibrasgaft spinnerbait. fishing area for numerous Toledo anglers and is located on the Texas side of the lake just above Housen Bay or approximately 15 miles north of the dam on the west side of the lake. Work continues on several launches on both the LA and TX sides of the lake. Also, Louisiana SRA continues its boat lane stumpclearing project from San Miguel area south to Pleasure Point Resort area. At press time they had cleared about 20 miles of boat lanes. Fishing license issues… Toledo is a border lake with the east side in Louisiana and the west side in Texas. Either licenses, TX or LA, allow you to fish anywhere on the lake. You can even launch on the Texas side with Louisiana licenses and be legal. Both licenses are reciprocal so simply purchase the license that is cheapest. And finally, there is complete agreement for creel limit/regulations from both states. As far as largemouth bass, the limit is 8 per day of fish being a minimum of 14 inches long while crappie/white perch the creel limit is 25 per day with no minimum length. Fishing for both bass and crappie continues to be good-to-excellent. For an updated full report, go to our website www.joejoslinoutdoors.com.
The Collegiate Bass Fishing Series is one of the fastest growing fishing circuits in the country.
Joe Joslin is a syndicated outdoor columnist, tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo and Sam Rayburn. Contact him at 337-4633848, joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com, or www.joejoslinoutdoors.com.
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Mona L. Hayden
monalh@bellsouth.net (318) 547-1221
OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL Debbie Hamilton Pope June 14, 1952-August 24, 2008
SALES Mona L. Hayden (318) 547-1221 Robert Lemoine (318) 381-9449 Sunny Meriwether (318) 547-8126 Cheryl Yates (318) 235-6493
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Website www.laroadtrips.com 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.
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P. O. Box 2452 West Monroe, LA 71294 (318) 547-1221
RUNNIN’ THE ROADS
By Barbara Sharik
Advice you won’t find in a Bride’s Handbook When Tammy Wynette sang “DIVORCE”, she didn’t touch on one single problem encountered within every family experiencing this event. It’s far more profound than a trip to an attorney followed by a trip to Divorce Court where fighting over money, kids and stuff begins, but rarely ends. No one enters marriage planning it to end in divorce, therefore, there are some things that never cross the minds of newlyweds. This isn’t “Dear Abby” but what I’m about to discuss is in fact more important than any advice she might offer. It involves a bona fide dilemma that must be dealt with when a marriage ends in divorce. In two words: Family Photos. Okay, we know wedding photos become rubbish upon divorce, but what about family group shots taken during holidays? Christmas is right around the corner. I’m sorry I didn’t get this info out before Thanksgiving. Picture this (no pun intended). Here’s this super family photo featuring the parents, children and their spouses and grandchildren, perhaps
even the family dog and everybody -- including the dog -- is smiling for the camera. However, somewhere between last Christmas and this Thanksgiving, a divorce was decreed. Because Mom had the photograph of the happy family gathering enlarged and professionally framed and hung on dining room wall, every time Daughter Dear visits her parents, she sees her ex’s ridiculously obnoxious leering face peering down at her. And, she is not smiling. The photo is terrific – except for her ex’s ridiculously obnoxious leering face in the middle of it. So she does what any ex would do, of course. She takes the professionally framed photo down from the wall, breaks in and with a razor blade, neatly slices out his ridiculously obnoxious leering face, leaving a conspicuous hole in the center of the once perfect picture. Better a hole, she contends, than that ridiculously obnoxious leering face. Afterward, she rehangs the doctored family photo, dusts her hands and grins with pleasure for a job well done. But it’s not really well done. There’s the conspicuous hole in the center of the group portrait. Actually, rather than creating obvious holes in countless family photos, there are better ways to resolve the problem. Considering statistics, merely plan ahead. For group shots of the family, always put spouses on one end or the other; never slap-dab in the middle. This way cutting out an ex-spouse’s face, even the whole body, is simpler. Less obvious 1. Where does the Ouachita River also. begin? Please add this info into the Bride’s Handbook 2. How was Coca-Cola created? 3. In antebellum homes, what was the for future references. On the other hand, for those of ‘garconniere’? you already married but who made the mistake of 4. What ingredient in Budweiser letting the spouse stand in the center of the family Beer is grown in Louisiana? group photo, there’s another option. In most variety 5. What was the first parish stores, over on the aisle that sells birthday napkins, seat of West Carroll plates, balloons and an assortment of party favors, Parish? are generally packages of stickers. I 6. Tallulah graduate recommend selecting a package of Harold Jenkins has Smiley Face stickers. Merely stick many hit songs to his credit? What is his recording a Smiley Face over an ex’s name? ridiculously obnoxious 7. What was the original name of St. leering face. And, since all Joseph? exes have ridiculously 8. What does the baby represent in a Mardi obnoxious leering faces Gras King cake? sometimes you just have to 9. What was the original name of Jonesboro? 10. What does Boscobel mean? ask, “What was I thinking when I tied that stringy Answers on next page 14 knot?” Sticking on Smiley
There’s the conspicuous hole in the center of the group portrait.
ouisiana Remember When . . .
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Faces is much better than cutting holes in family group photos. All joking aside, if unpleasant break-ups could be avoided the photograph would simply be a part of family history and not a reminder of bad feelings. The couple, for the most part, once loved each other and that love produced children and the children grew to love both parents. Then the break-up begins with two adults bent upon destroying each other, ruining Christmas and confusing the children. Sadly, all the Happy Faces in the world won’t help. 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.
TRAVEL ADVENTURE
By Dianne Newcomer
New Beginnings! I love weddings. Everyone always looks so happy and even if something goes awry, we still smile. Weddings symbolize new beginnings as two people dare to take the first step of a journey together. Filled with hope and love, they vow to start right where they are. Together, they stand before family and friends and claim time as their own from this moment forward. New roles start with same people, only different. Their optimism defies the world to interfere with their happiness. As I looked at the great wedding photos sent to MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE by newlyweds Randi and Cash Frazier, I had to smile. The excitement of new beginnings can be seen in the smiling faces of this cute young couple who were recently married aboard the beautiful little ship, TRIUMPH, in its new hometown port of Galveston. After celebrating with family and friends who joined them onboard the cruise ship for their special day, Mr. and Mrs. Frazier set sail on a 5-day honeymoon cruise to Cozumel
and Progresso, Mexico. According to the bride, the former Randi Spence, their wedding/honeymoon was "the most perfect day a girl could dream of, followed by a great cruise filled with ridiculously wonderful memories! It was the most perfect beginning.... " A new year is here and 2012 is the perfect time for a new beginning! As your travel agent, I would like to challenge you. Why not make it your new year resolution to add a little sparkle into your days... maybe a new adventure, a new experience, a new place to visit? Be like a young newlywed again, dare to defy the everyday and claim life as your own again. Step out. Do something fun. Go enjoy our world! An old Irish proverb says "making the beginning is one third of the work" but lucky for you, MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE is here to help you "begin." We sell the world – from a trip to the top of Kilimanjaro to an Alaskan cruise, it can all be arranged at our travel agency at 1908 Glenmar Street in Monroe, right next door to the Muffin Tin. We’ve been in business for over 40 years so we have solid contacts all over the world. Let us be the first step to an unforgettable journey in 2012! Come see us at MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE or email me at info@monroetravel.com. Let's work together on beginning. Do it now simply because you can. Start
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GOING NATIVE
By Larry Brock
The Charm & Value of Trees Welcome to Twenty Twelve. In a world of mounting crises, worry and stress can creep in like so many weeds. But look up! On New Year’s Eve, Sirius was still the brightest star in the midnight sky. On New Year’s Day, the sun rose as usual. Nature’s cycles have recurred year after year for millennia. Take comfort from the promise of continuity in Genesis 8:22 – For as long as the earth exists… summer and winter and day and night will never end. When the pressure of life gets you down, go outside and look around. Though frost has nipped the grass, summer flowers have faded, and trees are now bare, the spirit of life abounds. From blooming sasanquas and sweet olive to colorful violets, pansies and snapdragons. From squirrels and deer to songbirds and geese. From mushrooms and lichen to berries and seed. To paraphrase naturalist John Burroughs, “Nature is the place to be soothed and healed and have the senses put in order.” Landscapes of peace and harmony bid you welcome. In Louisiana, the third Friday in January is Arbor Day. Check out our native trees. Here along the River, bottomland hardwood forests and swamps were the original landscape. Though millions of acres were clearcut, trees still constitute the largest body of native plants in the landscape – from towering cottonwoods and sycamores to oaks, hackberries and sweetgums. Lowlands are populated by bald cypresses and tupelo gums to swamp red maples, elms and ashes. Upland realms contain species like soaring tulip-poplars and hickories to majestic red oaks and white oaks to black cherries and maples. Then there’re the evergreens like live oaks, magnolias, pines and red cedars … plus the numerous small flowering trees like redbuds, dogwoods, fringes, mayhaws and crabapples. We’re all familiar with these native trees. Appreciate the value of our trees. They modify climate by shading hot summer sun and blocking cold winter winds, thereby
reducing utility bills. Roots anchor soil and reduce local library, friends, nurseries and of erosion, resulting in cleaner water. Trees humidify course, the Internet. the air by taking in moisture through their roots From townships to road trips, trees and releasing it as vapor into the atmosphere are our present companions. As we enter through their leaves. Trees clean the air by the new year, resolve to care for these accumulating dust on their leaves and bark that the elders of the plant world. And take time to next rain will wash onto the ground. Finally, notice this amazing planet we live on – the during photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon from complexity of the natural order, the the atmosphere and release oxygen we need to relationship of its diverse elements, and the breathe. Wow! Our very existence depends upon flowing simplicity as it functions. trees. Makes you wonder why we’re cutting ‘em Plan now to enrich your life in down. Twenty Twelve by Going Native. For wildlife, trees offer A life-long resident of Lake Providence, Larry Brock protection from predators, was inspired by his grandfather’s passion for security during storms, refuge gardening and his own desire to recover the horticultural uniqueness of this region. Larry is when roosting, shelter while drawn to the relationships between plants, birds, parenting, and food such as sap, insects and soil and can be found puttering outdoors in his yard most any time, weather permitting. buds, nectar, pollen, fruit and seed. They supply humans with food and medicinal compounds. Leaves, blooms and fruit delight our senses of sight and smell and taste. In life, trees provide structure to the landscape, beautify the environment, increase property values and enrich the soul. Even in death they’re valuable, supplying fuel for fire, cellulose for paper, material for artwork and lumber for construction. No wonder the poet Joyce Kilmer could rave, “I think that I look so forward to each issue of I shall never see, A poem Louisiana Road Trips and have for as lovely as a tree!” years now. I really like the Consider adding upcoming events here in Louisiana trees to your landscape. and especially the in-depth Choose those that are preservation articles. Extremely adapted to your site. well written. Protect them from tree~Steve Mintz, Monroe, LA trimmers by planting them away from utility Canton, Texas is one of my favorite places on the planet! At First lines. Set them back Trade Days, if you can’t find what you need, want, or wish for, then from homes, streets, they probably don’t make it. Thanks for printing what I’ve been drives, property lines and sidewalks too. To telling everybody for years. ~Elizabeth S., Haughton, LA prevent the spread of rust diseases, avoid My favorite column is Bed and Beignets [by Mary White]. Not only planting cedar trees do I get a glimpse into a different bed and breakfast each month, I near flowering crabs or also learn about the local history and events in that area. Please tell haws. Your local LSU Ms. White how much I enjoy her articles and pictures. AgCenters have ~Jan W., Natchitoches, LA booklets describing trees suitable for Do you think Stacy Thornton [LRT Recipes]would come to my Louisiana soils and house and cook for me? Her recipes make my mouth water but I climates. For more can’t cook a lick! Lol ~A. G., via email advice, consult your
They modify climate by shading hot summer sun and blocking cold winter winds, thereby reducing utility bills.
Louisiana Road Trips
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A LIFE OF TRIAL…AND ERROR
By Dennis Stewart
November in Wyoming...Again The temperature in West Monroe was 37 degrees when my hunting buddy Chuck and I pulled out at 7am the second Thursday in November 2011, headed to Wyoming for our fifth year of deer hunting. When we arrived at our destination in tiny Moorcroft late the next afternoon, the temperature was 43 degrees – colder in Louisiana than in Wyoming! It was wonderful to be back in Wyoming. The rut was definitely on; several times we had to slam on the brakes to avoid mule deer bucks chasing does across the highway. Small herds of pronghorn antelope grazed on the sage-filled prairies. Most of the road side ponds had small pockets of unfrozen water filled with ducks. When we checked into our rooms at the small mom and pop motel we usually stay at, we found that the televisions didn't work. The owner hadn't paid the cable bill so we really were roughing it. To make up for it, he gave us a night free. We drove to our favorite restaurant, The Wild Side, for chicken fried steaks but were disappointed to see it had closed its doors. So we went to our second favorite restaurant, The Hub, but discovered they were serving only veterans, giving away free dinners for Veterans Day. As Hearing Officers, Chuck and I are both veterans of the divorce wars, and we have the mental scars to show it, but alas, we are not military veterans so we went to the last restaurant in town and ordered the special: hot turkey and cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. Before daylight the next morning we met Wayne at his ranch where we hunted the previous four years. Wayne's full time job is operating heavy equipment at the Gillette coal mine and his part time job is running his 3,000 acre ranch. Wayne is a great friend. He isn't a big
game guide but lets people hunt on his ranch in exchange for a nominal trespass fee. He’s very accommodating such as three years ago, when I hadn't taken my deer by the third day, he spent an entire day showing me new areas to hunt and I got my deer. Last year Chuck shot a big mule deer buck that ran into a deep snow-filled canyon before expiring. We were both in pending heart attack mode from dragging the deer through the snow when Wayne drove up in his 4 wheeler and hauled the deer out for us. Our agreement this year was for Chuck to have first choice on whitetail bucks, and for me to have first choice on mule deer bucks. Like an idiot, I shot the first decent mule deer buck I saw on the first day. My deer hunt was over and my buck rather small. At least I had a wild turkey tag. Unlike last year with snow on the ground every day and temps dropped to zero, this year the weather was very mild for Wyoming. Nighttime lows in the 20's, daytime highs in the 40's, and very little snow. Early on the third morning, however, the temp was in the low teens and Chuck shot a very big mule deer buck. It had 4 points on one side, and 3 points on the other side, plus the brow tines. After taking pictures, I grabbed a Coke from the inside of the truck, and when I popped it open, it froze before I could take a sip. That's cold! Up until that time, we had seen only two turkeys, and I had missed one from 300 yards with my 270. But as we arrived at the deer skinning tree, I saw a small group of turkeys on a distant hillside. Leaving Chuck to skin his deer alone as best he could, I began my stalk. I looked them all over and settled on the biggest one. One shot from 80 yards put it away and the 270 bullet left very little cleaning to be done. My third Merriam wild turkey! I was surprised to see a small 8 point whitetail buck come nosing around the expired turkey five minutes later. As is our tradition, we took Wayne's father Loren out to dinner one night. Mr. Loren is 80 years old and he has lived on the ranch his entire life, except for a stint in the military. He is a remarkable story teller, with a great memory for detail. He gets around a little slower these days, after a hay baler ran over him and broke his leg, but he continues to drive himself over the mountain roads near the ranch. I returned to Louisiana a little wiser. On the hunting TV shows, they say never to pass up on the first day a deer that you would be happy with the last day. That's baloney. From now
The owner hadn't paid the cable bill so we really were roughing it.
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on, my rule is to never shoot on the first day an average deer for the territory. You can always take an average deer on the last day. Or, as my friend and hunting guide Jim Shell of Rough Country Outfitters once told me when I was bear hunting, it's better to hold out for the monster bear or deer and go home empty handed than it is to settle for an average animal. I think the same rule holds true when chasing women in bars. In any event, Chuck has now killed the biggest deer three out of the five years we have been going to Wyoming so next year will definitely be my turn! 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.
RECIPES
by Stacy Thornton Ringing in the New Year always has us reflecting on the past and looking to the future. 2011 will be a year that I will always remember as many things happened and I realize just how blessed I am. We should remember that each and every day is a blessing so get out there and embrace it. Cheers to good health, happiness, and laughter. Happy New Year to you all!!
New Year's Eve Cakes 1 small onion 1 tbsp olive oil 2 (16oz) cans black eyed peas, drained 1 large egg 8oz cream cheese, softened 1/2 tsp salt 1 tbsp chopped green onions 1 tsp hot sauce 1 tsp dried onion flakes 8oz pkg hush puppy mix Garnish with sour cream, pepper jelly, and salsa
Mocha Hot Fudge Brownie Cake… One last splurge 1 cup all purpose flour 1/2 cup milk, room temperature 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 1/2 cups boiling water or coffee 3 tbsp vegetable oil 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour with cocoa, baking powder, salt, and 3/4 cup sugar. Stir in milk, oil, and vanilla. Spread batter in a lightly greased 8 x 8 inch baking dish. Combine brown sugar, remaining sugar, with 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa. Sprinkle over batter. Pour 1 1/2 cups water or coffee over cake. DO NOT STIR. Bake in preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. Serve with whipped topping or ice cream.
Creole Black Eyed Peas and Rice
Saute onion in olive oil until tender. Combine 1 can of peas in food processor with cream cheese, onions, egg, hot sauce, onion flakes and salt. Process until smooth. In a large bowl mix processed black eyed pea mixture with hush puppy mix and the remaining black eyed peas. Mix well. Cover baking sheet with waxed paper. Form 2 tablespoons of mixture into small patties and place on baking sheet. Chill covered for about 1 hour. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Cook black eyed pea cakes in olive oil for about 4 minutes on each side until crisp. Serve with sour cream, pepper jelly, and/or salsa.
1 lb ground beef 1 cup chopped bell pepper 2 cups water 1 tsp black pepper 2 cans black eyed peas, drained
2 small onions, chopped 1 cup long grain rice 1 tbsp Creole seasoning 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Brown beef with onion and bell pepper until no longer pink in a large skillet. Drain if needed. Add rice, water, and seasonings to the skillet and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, simmer for 15 minutes then stir in black eyed peas. Continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and peas are heated through. Delicious!!
Medicating Your Cat Applying medications to the skin can be relatively easy but always put health and safety first. It is also important to treat for the full length of time prescribed, even if the problem seems resolved. Your veterinarian will recommend the best application technique for cream, ointment, lotion, or patch. When applying, be aware of the following issues: • Some medications should be allowed to dry before people or other pets come in contact with them. Follow instructions on the package. • If applying medication to inflamed or damaged skin, be careful not to further irritate with too much rubbing. • If you are using a patch (e.g., for pain control), be very careful that it does not come off and become stuck to a person or another pet. • If your cat licks the medication off, consider using an Elizabethan collar—a cone-shaped collar that fits over your cat’s head to prevent licking. You may want to hold your cat on your lap on a folded towel to reduce the chance of being scratched. Cats can also be wrapped in a large towel and held against your body, exposing only the head and area to be treated. Louisiana Road Trips
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa 2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1 1/4 cups sugar, divided 1 tsp vanilla whipped cream or ice cream
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IN THE CR SSHAIRS
By Sonny Harrington
After the Shot You’ve worked really hard on your food plots and set out some mineral blocks for horn growth. Been watching those trail cameras for months. Now you wake up three hours before daylight to drive 97 miles to climb a tree in the middle of the woods. Spent last Saturday shooting and sighting in your European scope on your Japanese made rifle with a Turkish walnut stock. Boy, I love this country! About an hour after daylight a doe comes by, looking back over her shoulder cause there is romance in the air. NOTE TO SELF: This stuff will get you killed. Then a few minutes behind her, out he comes. Check the horns. That’s all you can see – horn out past his ears, and tall – perfect. Fastest growing bone in nature, no matter what anybody says. These horns drop off just after winter and grow til late September. Rub the velvet off and you have symmetrically beautiful horns. Adorn your wall, make knife handles, decorate a chandelier…let me get back to the story. He walks out on the trail of this deer so you know what direction he is going. You pick out your spot ahead of him, a small clearing with no brush and vine in the way to deflect the bullet. He enters the opening and you stop him for the shot. Make a grunt, bleat, whistle, whatever. I usually go BLAAA with my mouth. Hey, it works! Place your shot – heart, liver, lungs – certain death. He jumps, kicks and takes off like nothing happened. If you did your homework right, you got him. Now all you have to do is find him. If you’ve got access to a good tracking dog you can stop reading this and go read Johnny Wink’s article on “Trophy Wives”. If you want your deer, first take note of exactly where he was when the shot was made. Take a few deep breaths if this is your first rodeo. My son always says he’s got ‘the nerves’ and I look down and see his little legs bouncing all over the place. Marking your spot is primary to begin tracking. Things look different when you walk over to where you thought the deer was standing. While we’re at it, let’s wait 30 minutes or so. Give him time to lay down. Don’t rush it unless it’s raining or almost dark. Carefully enter the area. Let’s see, was it by this tree or that palmetto? You may find where he dug out. How about hair, what kind? Long white? Shot low. Brown short? Blood? A confirmed hit. What kind of blood? Pink foam? Lungs. Dark red? Arteries, heart, liver. Now mark
it with flagging or toilet paper or something cause if you start this process over, it’s nice to see where you started. Your head is going to be down and I hope you have a GPS because you never know if you’ll need it. Sometimes you find nothing – no hair, no blood, no track in the mud. What happened? This can’t be. Kinda like an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Don’t fret, it’s a crime scene. You can do it because you’ve watched CSI. Wish you had some Luminal, the spray that makes body fluids florescent, but you probably don’t. Follow the trail placing markers and flags til you find the deer. Notice things along the way. Did he lay down and you jumped him again? This is not good, give him more time to bleed. Sometimes you see blood along the side of a tree or vine, up a few feet off the ground. With no blood at the point of impact, remember this: the deer could have been in mid-stride when he was shot, then the hide slipped back covering the bullet holes in the abdomen and he may not leak out until his body cavity fills up. Maybe the bullet didn’t even go through and exit. I hope you’re not one of the unfortunate males that are color blind and can’t see red, although this gives us a good excuse to dress the way we do. Now you’re on your hands and knees whipping your fingers together and tasting. That’s just yuk. Assuming you shot in the vitals and not too far back, if you lose your blood trail, start making slow methodical circles until you pick it up again. NEVER GIVE UP! We don’t want to waste game for the coyotes and buzzards. On tracking, occasionally look up for deer laying next to a log or looking back at you in a thicket. Hopefully, the deer won’t go but about 60 yards but please do whatever it takes to retrieve it. When you see it, have your gun ready and be prepared and also careful of your friends helping you. So let’s say you see him curled up laying down. Not a good sign. I like to see mine laying flat, head and legs straight out, eyes open. Did you read that part about eyes open? That’s right, because if his eyes are closed, he’s still alive. Also watch for his rib cage to be moving, he’s still breathing. Approach all deer from a safe back side so you can’t be easily kicked or horned. My father spine shot a nice 6 pt and paralyzed him. He layed his rifle down and went to pull the deer by his horns at which point the deer became unparalyzed and they proceeded to clear 40 acres of new ground before he could get his Buck Model 124 out and cut his throat. That was nasty! Now once you’ve found him, tag him before you move him. Call it in and do the legal stuff by the numbers. That means you need something to attach the tag and write with on you. Remember, mark your spot, give em time, take your time, careful on approach, and tag em. Most important… NEVER GIVE UP!
I hope you’re not one of the unfortunate males that are color blind and can’t see red.
Sonny Harrington is a Hunter Safety Instructor. He is also an NRA (National Rifle Association) Rifle & Pistol Instructor and has hunted from Alaska to Mexico.
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BEDS & BEIGNETS
By Mary White
Celebrating Greek Revival Design in Darrow Darrow isn’t one of the larger communities in Ascension Parish. Those areas would be Donaldsonville, Gonzales and Sorrento. But what it lacks in size it makes up with a rich history and spectacular architecture. Darrow is located on the east bank of the Mississippi River along the famous Old River Road between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. History buffs and architecture aficionados will know this historic stretch as the location where a number of magnificent plantation homes are nestled including Bocage Plantation, www.BnBFinder.com/Bocage, a bed and breakfast sitting on 110 acres of sprawling green. It’s one of most celebrated examples of American Greek Revival in the country. The original structure on the site of Bocage Plantation was a Creole cottage built in 1801. It was presented as a wedding gift from Marius Pons Bringier, a St. James Parish planter, to his daughter, Francoise “Fanny” Bringier. She and her husband, Christophe Colomb, lived in the cottage until their deaths and left it to their son, Luis Arthur Colomb, and his wife, Mathilde de Lauzon Thibaut. After the cottage burnt down in 1837, the couple hired famed architect James Harrison Dakin whose work includes the old Louisiana state capitol building, to design their new home which became Bocage Plantation. After decades of vacancy and neglect, it was purchased by Dr. Anita Crozat Kohlsdorf in 1941 and restored into a private residence. The mansion was primarily used as a weekend home until it was sold to the current proprietor, Dr. Marion M. Rundell, in January 2008. A native of Louisiana, Rundell always had a fascination with historical architecture. He was aware of Bocage Plantation (it was well known in social circles) and remained intrigued by the mansion. When he found out it was up for auction in December of 2007, he knew it was the right moment to purchase the architectural gem. Rundell and his team spent the rest of 2008 restoring the structure from the “deplorable” condition he found it in to the home’s original glory. Upon completion of the renovations, the details of the bed and breakfast were started. “It was our intention from the beginning to open her to the public and a B&B setting is perfect for Bocage,” said Rundell. The mansion was opened for stays in 2009. Bocage Plantation offers four stunningly designed rooms: Ashland Gold, Bringier Red, Colomb Blue and The Venetian. Each one features 15’ ceilings, grand antique beds and steam showers and opens up to grand double parlors with access to the front gallery and rear loggia (open-air walkway). Fine antiques, furniture and artwork, collected over the past 20 years by Rundell himself, adorn the spacious rooms and grand halls of the inn. The Bocage Plantation has a
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history to tell both on the inside and out. “She is a living museum to be enjoyed by all who visit her,” he said. Bocage Plantation is one of three properties in Darrow listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It hosts public tours, weddings, luncheons, dinners and group events. 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 online bed and breakfast directory that lists thousands of B&Bs, inns, and boutique hotels worldwide.
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Hit The Road
Forgotten Soldiers
Documentary on heroic battles of the elite Philippine Scouts of World War II By Deborah Burst On January 18, 2012, the National World War II Museum in New Orleans will feature Forgotten Soldiers in the Solomon Victory Theater. At the beginning of World War II General Douglas MacArthur’s Philippine Scouts, a special U.S. Army unit composed of Filipino soldiers and American officers, surrendered to the Japanese on Bataan. They were surrounded and starved out, then subjected to one of the worst atrocities of modern warfare--the Bataan Death March. In the film, Forgotten Soldiers, ten of the Scout survivors tell the story of Bataan, the Death March, and life under Japanese occupation. A backdrop of photographs, reenactments and archive footage illuminate the horrors and savagery of war camps and jungle diseases. These brave soldiers are credited for being widely responsible for the prolonged siege of Bataan. An action that drained so much time and resources from Imperial Japan that it prevented the Japanese invasion of Australia. Only a few survive today, half of them were killed in action and in captivity. Many Americans will meet the brave soldiers for the first time and learn their sacrifices for the cause of freedom. The incomparable United States Army Philippine Scouts known as America’s FORGOTTEN SOLDIERS. Lou Diamond Phillips will narrate the film with a familiar voice and a special connection. He was born at Subic Bay in the Philippines where his father was stationed in the U.S. Navy. His mother is Filipino, and Phillips is an outspoken advocate of the Filipino Veterans Equity Act. History Lesson on Bataan March courtesy of Chris Schaefer, author and film screenwriter: Japan invaded China in 1937 and quickly captured the five provinces east of the Yangtze River slaughtering hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians in the capital city of Nanking. Widely publicized the United States and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt continued to pressure Japan to withdraw from China. President Roosevelt, joined by the British and Dutch governments, embargoed all trade with Japan, an act that would cripple the Japanese Army and Navy due to lack of oil and supplies. He began building up General Douglas MacArthur's military forces in the Philippines--a direct threat to Japanese interests in the area. He sent an ultimatum to Japan: get out of China. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese delivered their answer--they attacked south, invading British Hong Kong, British Malaya, and the American Philippines, and they destroyed the American Navy at Pearl Harbor-all on the same day.
These men slipped into the jungle to hide and Bataan. General Douglas MacArthur await the return of General MacArthur and his commanded the United States Army Forces in army of reinforcements. Sympathetic Filipinos the Far East. His plan to defeat Japan at the harbored them, fed them, and kept them alive. beaches of Luzon Island failed, so he retreated The Japanese hunted down the American to Bataan Peninsula and nearby Corregidor fugitives and half of them were captured, Island where his troops, spearheaded by the killed, or died of tropical diseases in the first Philippine few months after their escape. Some of the men Scouts, held the helped organize Filipino guerrilla bands to Japanese for help aid the war effort, and the Japanese four months. offered handsome rewards for American With limited soldiers. However, Filipino loyalty to the supplies the United States was widespread and many American and Filipino soldiers Filipino guerrilla organizations adopted fugitive American soldiers as their leaders. succumbed to The screenplay is written by Chris starvation and Schaefer, author of Bataan Diary, An American disease and in Family in World War II 1941-1945. Schaefer is April 1942, General Edward currently working on the book Forgotten Soldiers that will offer more details related to P. King and his the movie, “It will include additional troops surrendered and interviews and background material that we couldn’t fit into the limited time frame of the became prisoners of war. movie itself.” For more information on the film, visit The Death March. The Japanese http://www.ww2scouts.com/. Details relative to contempt for the defeated American and the book, Bataan Diary, www.bataandiary.com. Filipino soldiers turned into one of the most horrible atrocities of modern wartime. Nearly Deb has trailed the countryside of Arkansas growing up 12,000 hungry, sick and emaciated Americans visiting family in Hope and Fort Smith. She enjoys and 55,000 equally sick and emaciated Filipinos walks in the woods and sinking knee deep in her gardens were forced to walk 65 miles in the blistering in Mandeville, Louisiana. tropical sun with very limited food and water. On their way to the Camp O’Donnell prison camp, soldiers were beaten and executed first with bullets then with bayonets. It is estimated that 8,500 of them died or were Build Your Brand -- Grow Your Customer Base killed on the Bataan Contact ads, newsletters and event invites Death March. •Constant Full service Facebook and Twitter business account facilitation • Escapees and Expand Email contacts, Facebook friends, and Twitter followers • Evaders. Roughly 200 Detailed Monthly report on social media footprint • American soldiers As you run your company, Deb Burst will market your product and service. refused to surrender, Social media can reach millions. Start your year with a new direction. and it’s estimated another 200 escaped Contact Deb Burst at debswriting@hotmail.com for more details. from the Death March.
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Looking for ways to maximize your business potential? SOCIAL MEDIA IS THE ANSWER
Burst Media Communications
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In Search of Unique & Interesting Places
By Lee Estes
On those occasions when I get the urge to explore, I may find a village or settlement nonexistent. For example, Quebec in Madison Parish once boasted a school, service station and several enterprises. Now it’s only identified by a sign along US80. Burlington, once a sawmill community in LaSalle Parish, has no identifying landmarks. Other seldom visited or publicized villages may more than compensate for the disappointment experienced when driving considerable distances and finding nothing. A recent journey along the Mississippi River in Concordia Parish revealed a lifestyle and a riverside relic that was both unique and interesting. The community of Deer Park is located across the levee from LA15 about seventeen miles south of Ferriday. This highway it a rather interesting route as the road sometimes climbs atop the levee and other times follows just west of it with thousands of acres in cultivation visible almost to the horizon. Few signs of habitation usually accompanied by gaggles of farm machinery are seen occasionally. Much of the acreage is planted in rice, making a beautiful green landscape in the spring, followed by an amber visage prior to harvest. There is little to announce your proximity to Deer Park so pay attention to where the road crosses the levee as you descend into the community. Less than a quarter mile to the right is the beached remains of a steamboat, the Mamie S. Barrett. This vessel was built in Jeffersonville, IN in 1921 and has been in Deer Park since 1993. It was built for the Barrett Barge line and served as the flagship for that company for a couple year, then sold to U.S. Corps of Engineers who renamed it U.S. Penniman. It served as a Corps Boat until decommissioned in 1947. During that time, the ship was converted from coal burning to oil-fired but the most memorable point was in 1942 when a new bathroom and an elevator were installed to accommodate President Franklin Roosevelt during an inspection tour of the Mississippi River. The Corps of Engineers sold the boat to a firm in St. Louis who resold it to a couple who renamed it Piasa and took it to a yacht club in West Alton, MO where it remained for several years with occasional cruises under sponsorship of the club. In the early 1960s the steam engines were removed and space converted to a dance floor. The main deck served as a restaurant. In 1981, the Piasa was purchased by another couple for $25,000 and towed to Eddyville, KY on Lake Barkley and given back the original name, Mamie S. Barrett. A couple years later it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and served as a lakeside restaurant. In 1987, the vessel was sold again and towed to Vicksburg, MS, operating as a restaurant until 1992, then towed across the river to Vidalia, LA and put in storage. About this time the ship’s builders considered moving it to Jeffersonville as a centerpiece for their steamboat museum. The 1993 Mississippi flood resulted in the boat being towed to Deer Park and beached until the flood waters receded. There she lies forlorn and abandoned after 18 years of total neglect. She has weathered more floods, rising with the river in 2008 and most recently in 2011. It’s remarkable that she still floats after almost two decades and judging from her appearance, even more One of the bigger elevated homes in Deer so. There have been efforts Park. A high water mark from the 2011 flood at preservation, change of is barely visible on the end facing you. Louisiana Road Trips
ownership, and wrangling over who is responsible for her presence at Deer Park. Meanwhile, there she sits, waiting for the next flood, tornado, or cutting torch. The inhabitants of Deer Park are a hardy breed by necessity, contending with the occasional high water. At some point in time, the Mississippi River flowed almost to Deer Park, then cut across the bend and left an ox-bow we call Deer Park Lake. The big river is more than seven miles away today. Oddly enough, the land within the ox-bow is part of Mississippi yet it’s west of the river. That being the case, Deer Park is several miles closer to the state of Mississippi than it is to the Mississippi River. On the other hand, when the river goes on a rampage, it covers everything within the ox-bow and beyond. Because of high water possibilities, all housing in Deer Park is elevated about twenty feet above ground and even that wasn’t enough during the extreme flooding in 2011. Although water didn’t top the levee, it did invade nearly every home or summer camp in the community, with about two feet in homes twenty feet above ground. During a recent visit, I was invited into the home of Bob and Cynthia Evans who had completed repairs following the flood but left a door with a high water mark untouched. Their home is equipped with an elevator as most homes are in Deer Park, powered with a winch similar to those on a pickup truck. They consist of a framework of steel pipe with a basket that raises and lowers within it. Of course, there are stairs in case of power failure. The road through Deer Park is not paved and I suspect it becomes pretty muddy during rainy weather but it’s a fun place to visit. The Deer Park Campground and RV Park is just across the levee from Highway 15 if you want to stay a while. 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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Louisiana in the Civil War January 1862: The Trent Affair By Terry Jones
On January 1, 1862, the Civil War’s most dangerous diplomatic crisis came to an end when Louisianian John Slidell was released from U.S. custody at Fort Warren, Massachusetts. A Yankee by birth, Slidell moved to New Orleans as a young man and became one of the state’s most prominent politicians. Today, the city of Slidell is his namesake. In late 1861, Confederate President Jefferson Davis appointed Slidell and Virginian James Mason envoys to Great Britain John Slidell (Northwind Picture Archives) and France, respectively. Their mission was to convince the Europeans to extend diplomatic recognition to the fledgling nation. Learning that Mason and Slidell were onboard the British mail packet Trent, Captain Charles Wilkes, commander of the USS San Jacinto, decided to intercept the Rebel diplomats. Described by one man as having “a superabundance of self-esteem and a deficiency of judgment,” Wilkes had gained some fame before the war by discovering Antarctica. When Herman Melville learned of the captain’s harsh treatment of sailors during the cruise, he based Moby Dick’s Captain Ahab partly on Wilkes’s abusive personality. On November 8, Wilkes intercepted the Trent east of Cuba and forced it to stop by firing two shots across its bow. Trent’s Captain Moir
While the Union government pondered was outraged at the Yankee’s action and yelled what to do, the British prepared for action. In a at Wilkes, “What do you mean by heaving my dangerous display of saber rattling, Palmerston vessel to in this manner?” Wilkes’s response formed a War Committee, alerted the navy for was to send executive officer McNeil Fairfax possible action, and shipped 11,000 troops to and a handful of sailors to board the Trent. The Canada while bands on the dock played boarding led to a tense few moments when the “Dixie.” Conflict with Great Britain and the mostly Southern passengers threatened to Confederates at the same time could have throw Fairfax overboard after he revealed his stretched Union resources to the limit and intention to remove Mason and Slidell. possibly ensured Southern independence. Fortunately, the San Jacinto’s intimidating Ultimately, it was Seward who solved the cannons prevented any violence, and Fairfax soon had Mason, Slidell, and their secretaries in crisis. On Christmas Day, he convinced the cabinet to release the Confederates but without custody and transferred to his own vessel. an apology. Seward pointed out that Wilkes’s Northerners initially praised Captain action was essentially impressment, the same Wilkes, despite the fact that he had acted British policy that started the War of 1812. By without orders and violated the long-held releasing the Rebels, he argued, the U.S. was American principle of freedom of the seas. simply staying true to its long-standing Wilkes justified his actions by claiming commitment to freedom of the seas. Lincoln put international law allowed belligerents to stop it succinctly when he stated, “We must stick to neutral vessels to search for contraband or American principles concerning the rights of enemy dispatches. With rather ingenious logic, he argued Mason and Slidell were dispatches by neutrals. We fought Great Britain [in 1812] for [its] insisting, by theory and practice, on the virtue of their knowledge of Rebel plans. right to do precisely what Wilkes has done.” British Prime Minister Lord Palmerston Although he claimed it was “the bitterest was outraged at the seizure, and he roared at pill” he ever had to swallow, Lincoln released the cabinet, “You may stand for this but Mason and Slidell on January 1, 1862, and they damned if I will!” Palmerston rightfully were transported to Europe. Once on the complained that British neutral rights had been continent, they had no luck whatsoever violated and demanded an apology and the convincing the Europeans to recognize the envoys’ release. Even if Mason and Slidell were Confederacy. After all the trouble their capture contraband, he pointed out, the Trent should have been taken to a Union port and the seizure had caused, the Virginian and Louisianian turned out to be complete failures. carried out properly through a prize court. The Trent Affair put President Abraham Lincoln in a difficult situation. Despite Captain Dr. Terry L. Jones is a professor of history at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and has published six Wilkes's arguments to the contrary, Lincoln and books on the American Civil War.. Secretary of State William Seward knew the seizures were indefensible and worried that the incident might bring Great Britain into the war on the Confederates’ side. Releasing the By Carolyn Files 1. North of Mount Ida, diplomats, Arkansas however, would Traffic was heavy on Saturday, December 17, in Bastrop, Louisiana. 2. By mistakenly mixing make Lincoln Parking lots filled up before 8:00am while donuts and coffee flew out of a carbonated water with appear weak and bakery near IP (International Paper). the syrup could damage his The implosion of the Louisiana Mill boiler tower, a symbol of IP for 3. A separate apartment administration decades, drew a crowd to Bastrop for the historic event. Former employees, where unmarried politically. Morehouse Parish residents, passers-through who will no longer look for male members were Christmas decorations on the boiler tower, a beacon in the community. The assured privacy in skyline is emptier, reflecting the state of the economy and times changing. order that they One large boom, then quiet, followed by two smaller booms. The vibration might learn the ‘ways of the world’ was felt all over town; the boom was heard in the neighboring community 4. Rice of Log Cabin by someone wondering what was that noise. The tower sat 5. Floyd down, leaning slightly to the west. A cloud of dust and memories drifted 6. Conway Twitty over Bastrop. I drove by again at lunch to see the pile of twisted, grey 7. Lickskillet remains that wait to be hauled off. 8. The Christ child Pictures and videos of the downfall were quickly posted on Facebook. 9. Macedonia Wes Helbling of the Bastrop Enterprise captured the history of the mill in a 10. Beautiful woods recent article, a concrete reference of what was once THE MILL in Bastrop. Only time will tell how the 'once was' will develop into 'what will be.'
ouisiana
End of a Landmark
Answers …
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Wise Inscription By Robert Lemoine
Back when I was in high school, I made a decision to be saved. At the time, I thought I was giving my life to Jesus. The only problem is that I didn’t change, but I had “Fire Insurance”. Giving my life to Jesus actually came many years later. But that’s another story. When I got baptized in the water, I was given a Bible. It was crisp and new just like my new life in the Lord. In the front was an inscription written by the preacher that lit a fire in me. It read, “This book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book.” Some pretty simple, yet powerful words. Years later I came across that book packed away still in mint condition without a single crease in the binding or crinkle on a page. Yep, sin had kept me from that book. The devil planted a seed that grew for years. He told me I couldn’t understand the words in that book, so just be as good as I could be and it would be alright. He led me through
the path of greed, excessive drinking, lusting, and hatred. It was ok that I’d never read that book. I had friends that had never read it either tell me what it said. We were good. We were all going to Heaven. That makes me think of a postcard I read one time. It said, “When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we go to sleep. When we sleep, we commit no sin. So let’s all get drunk and go to Heaven!” I’m sure you can see the flaw in this theory. But let me tell you, once I decided to open that book my life changed. I was shown the error of my ways. Now granted, I’m still far from perfect but I’m a lot better than I was. And by the blood of Jesus, I’ll appear perfect when I stand before the Lord on that Great Judgment Day. And for those of you thinking like I used to, just pick up the Bible and read. It won’t burn you. It will let you know how wrong you’ve been, but you already know that deep down. What’s really great about it is when you get towards the back and see all the words written in red where Jesus tells us right there that if we come to Him, He will make it all better. But get ready. When you decide to truly let that book keep you from sin, your life will
never be the same again. And that’s an awesome, awesome thing. He will take you places you never thought you could go and have you do things you never thought you could do. May God bless you and keep you safe in all that you do. Remember, the fastest way up is to kneel down.
We Are 2012...
By Su Stella “May you live in interesting times”…an ancient Chinese curse. Welcome to it! My most sacred article that I write every year is the New Years article because try as I may, to think January 1st is only a date, isn’t. This New Year is even more special if you have heard of the Mayan calendar or Nostradamus or countless other prophesies stating that December 21, 2012 will be the end of times. I used to write slightly sarcastic ‘tongue in cheek’ articles about 2012 but if you don’t think anything is happening – think again! This isn’t about doom and gloom, it’s just some things to think about and maybe even do over the next year, just in case… First of all, we are witnessing some of the strangest global events unfold in ‘real time’. Unprecedented, you can talk to almost anyone on the globe instantly by phone or internet. Scientists are creating machines smaller than a human hair, medical advancements are allowing us to live longer… yet so much is out of our control. Last year I started a weather journal because I was amazed by climate extremes and the shifting of the world. Anyone living in the Ark-La-Tex can’t deny the crazy heat, lack of rain or rampant wildfires. Oklahoma is now having quakes. A quake and hurricane hit Washington DC within one week. We are watching global uprisings and peaceful protests even in our country because everything is so intertwined. The May 2011 volcano in Iceland shut down air travel to the US and Europe which included displacing people and products as diverse and time sensitive as produce and flowers. Billions of dollars were lost in a few short weeks. It’s time to turn to each other, in the spirit of kindness, and generosity. Share the things you have. Instead of tossing those leftovers, bring them to an elderly neighbor or people with kids. Eat your yard – plant edible flowers and food. Try new things. Find a couple new places, restaurants or festivals to enjoy (right here in LRT!).
Get off that couch and see the best of this state! Or take the trip of a lifetime with help from Dianne at Monroe Travel Service! Take that class, learn that dance or practice that musical instrument! Or enjoy different ethnic foods. Take time to enjoy your family and friends! Call and talk or actually go visit them, not just FB, Tweet or text. Nana wants to see your face and stuff a cookie in your mouth! But continue sharing your photos on social media sites, and tell your friends that you love them. Last but not least, take care of yourself. Good health, good teeth and a great attitude are blessings that take work. We wander around in these fragile envelopes called bodies so be kind to yours to keep it working. Maybe get some life insurance and write up a quick will for those left behind to make their loss easier. Personally, I don’t think that on December 21, 2012 the world is going to go “kapow”, even if it did… oh well. I believe in magic, fairy dust and intelligence. Everything is changing, and that is okay because life is always changing. Hope to share with you my new insights in my January 2013 article. Make the most of your life! Peace, Health and Prosperity…
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/ i-wish-i-had-asked/16540421 Or email SuStella@live.com Su Stella 318-676-8010 For every book purchased between now and December 1I will donate $2 per to benefit W.E.L.L. (Women Empowered and Loving Life) Ships in 3-5 business days.
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Get Off Your Attitude
Ryan Lowe rallies a positive attitude with real-life advice By Deborah Burst Often times the New Year brings a renewed vigor and a fresh start. Maybe it’s an aggressive business plan, a healthier lifestyle, or just a more positive outlook on life. But how do you harvest change especially in today’s economic climate. Sometimes the best place to start is when you hit rock bottom. Ryan Lowe, author and professional speaker, knows that first hand. In his book, “Get off Your Attitude,” Lowe shares his personal and professional
One of his mottos, “Soar with the Eagles,” suggests you surround yourself with mentors and friends who are energetic, encouraging, caring and compassionate. They think, talk and act in a positive manner along with helping others. Below are some of the major points of the book. Dreams and goals--Say your dreams out loud. Think about them, talk about them, share them with others, write them down and tape them to your bathroom mirror. Patience, perseverance and belief are key After eight years as a public speaker and nearly tools in jumping the 500 seminars, Ryan Lowe has inspired hundreds of hurdles and people including Saints Roman Harper and Darren getting to the Sharper. Listen to his weekly radio show on finish line. Tuesdays at 5 pm on WGSO 990AM where guests Feed your share inspirational stories of success. For more attitude with information visit www.getoffyourattitude.com.1 daily portions of positive roadblocks with real-life solutions. media like an internet success In the span of a few years he lost story at breakfast, motivational his company, career, home, and his recordings at lunch, and watch an fiancé. inspirational biography in the He shelved his dream of evening. being a motivational speaker and Be careful in dwelling on the found himself in Baton Rouge past. Sometimes we let the pains working as an entry-level sales rep of the past blind us from seeing a and renting a spare room from a brighter future. Lowe suggests friend. Then in the pre-dawn writing down some of your hours, he awoke with a panic biggest regrets, then a list of your attack struggling to breath. It was biggest achievements. Challenge then staring hopelessly at the yourself to create new ceiling four words popped into his opportunities every day, post a tohead, Get Off Your Attitude. do list on your calendar or journal. Health--The first start to a healthier life is smiling. Even at your lowest point, just SMILE. It’s also an acronym for Stop and think, Measure the problem, Identify solutions, Live and learn, and Enjoy the outcome. In addition to smiling, exercise is a major player in maintaining a more focused and productive outlook. It lowers stress levels, improves mood Louisiana Road Trips
and raises your energy levels, along with a better night’s sleep. The natural endorphins stimulate a healthier body and mind. Lowe reminds us that maintaining a positive attitude is the best thing we can do for our health. “On average, people who exercise regularly have higher selfesteem and higher incomes,” he says. “You’ll never be healthy until you have a healthy attitude.” Money--Attract money rather than chasing it and lose the “just getting by” mindset. Be more proactive, solve more problems for more people, learn new skills to improve your current skills, start a business or a non-profit and tackle bigger issues, contribute more time and more energy, and be smarter and more informed. Volunteering or investing in the community reaps huge rewards adding value to your life and others. “You have to hunker down and change your focus,” says Lowe. “Restructure your thinking in what you really need, live in a smaller house, drive a less expensive car, and enjoy vacations closer to home.” Miracles--When you find a story that inspires you, print it or make a scrapbook and use it for inspiration. Instead of waiting on a miracle, why not create your own, remember just one sentence of praise can do wonders. How to Start--Adopting a positive lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight. Stop the complaining and make an investment in yourself. Lowe recommends continuing your education with seminars and selfhelp CDs, books and publications. Even if it’s just one chapter or
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article a day it’s a start. Stay away from the negative press and television shows, and watch more inspirational and educational programs. Ask yourself everyday, what am I doing to make my life better. “It takes 21 days to form a new habit.” Lowe says. “We have a choice everyday to change our attitude.” Change is always scary, no matter how big or small. Break down your dreams and goals in small but significant steps and document everything. Print that dream list with a new career, car, or vacation and post it on the refrigerator. There will be rough days along the way, but use the setbacks to energize your future. And above all believe in yourself.
ALL THINGS SOUTHERN
By Shellie Tomlinson
"Jerry Don's in Paulette's Crosshairs" Hello folks, and welcome back to Coon Creek. Perhaps you feel like you've been run over by a truck, or maybe a sleigh. Either way, you've come to the right place to put your feet up and catch your breath. I'm here and you're here, so come on friends, let’s chat…~smile~ Personally, I've always loved the week after Christmas. The mad rush is over but the New Year hasn’t started. It’s like a bonus week, you
All Things Southern “Bringing you the charm and heritage of the South…” ph 318-559-0319 • cell 319-282-2508 tomtom@allthingssouthern.com
know like someone hit a great big pause button. For most of us the pressure is off and it feels good. I say most of us, because inevitably someone somewhere is in hot water over their gift-giving, or lack thereof. In my circle, that would be Paulette’s husband, Jerry Don. I imagine the men on the porch will come to his defense when I tell you that Jerry Don claims he can’t win for losing. Paulette says he can’t win because he won’t try. I’ll let you decide. Yesterday Paulette picked me up to ride to the mall with her and exchange a few gifts. Among them was a heavy plaid electric blanket. She said Jerry Don had presented it to her for Christmas as if it was the Hope Diamond. The girl was fit to be tied. "When I think about how much time I spent trying to come up with the perfect present for him, and how many hints I left him about my Christmas, why, I want to take his arm off and beat him over the head with it,”
she grumbled. “What in the world would lead a man to think his wife wanted an electric blanket for Christmas?" For the life of me, I couldn’t think of a thing. But that’s okay. Fortunately, Paulette has been able to retain her wonderful sense of humor about Jerry Don’s gift-giving. I know this because Paulette got a bit too quiet on the way to the mall. “Earth to Paulette,” I said. “What are you thinking about now?” “I was just thinking… Jerry Don’s birthday is coming up. Maybe I’ll get him a nice gun." I was more than happy to change the subject, "That’s good. Has he told you what kind of gun he wants?" "Nah,” Paulette said, “he doesn't know I'm gonna shoot him yet." I’m pretty sure she was joking… ~Happy New Year Hugs, Shellie
A Husband’s Farewell:
The Story of Mollie E. Dansby Dunston By Lora Peppers
“Death lies on her like an untimely frost, Upon the sweetest flower of all the field.” So opens the obituary of Mollie Dunston of Homer, LA published in the 1865 Weekly Telegraph newspaper in Monroe. Mollie was a simple housewife with a loving husband but no living children. Her life was filled with tragedy. Her mother had died in 1862 and had left behind a grieving widower with two little girls to raise. Mollie had stepped up and became a mother to her little sisters. Their brother had also died just a few months before at Petersburg, VA in the closing days of the Civil War. William Dansby had been Regimental Commander of the 9th Louisiana when he was shot through the hip. A few weeks later, he was gone. His body was buried in a Richmond, VA grave far from Louisiana soil. The previous year, Mollie had lost her newborn son Joshua Henry. Death was an old friend of Mollie’s. Now he had come for her. September 14, 1865 another son was born to Mollie and her husband Walker Dunston. They named the little boy William Dansby Dunston, after his deceased uncle. The little family was joyous over the little boy. Unfortunately,
Mollie was not to live long. Over the next few days, she grew weaker and weaker. Her final days were described in the article: “She died perfectly happy, saying she was going to Heaven, where she would meet her mother, and hoped also to meet her brother William, who was wounded at Petersburg, and died shortly afterwards. Her greatest desire was to get well, that she might raise her infant son, William Dansby, and two motherless sisters, for whom she had been acting the part of mother, since the death of her mother…” This was not to be. The cause of death is lost to history. A reasonable assumption can be made however. Back in the 1800’s germs were unknown. It was quite common for a doctor to come from working on someone, wipe his hands on a towel and help with the birth of a child. Infections were rampant and if the mother was unlucky, she would become infected and develop a fever. Having no clue what caused it, doctors simply labeled the ailment “childbed fever”. This is probably what eventually took Mollie to her final reward. On September 24, 1865, at the age of 23, Mollie passed away. Mollie was buried beside her infant son Joshua in the Old Homer Cemetery. A few days later, her newborn son William would follow his mother to the grave, and was buried on her other side. Mollie’s widower Walker was inconsolable. It was his desire to build a fitting
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monument for her grave. Walker ordered a twelve foot monument from Italy. A year later, it arrived, but by then Walker did not have enough money to pay the shipping charges. The sympathetic community of Homer took up a collection and paid it for him. The marker still stands today. On the top of it is a sculpture of Mollie holding her infant sons. Inscribed on one side are the words: Farewell my husband, my life is past. My love for you through life did last, Grieve not for me nor sorrow take But love my child for my sake. Mollie, I knew earth's fairest things Were destined to decay But never had I thought thou So soon must pass away. By your devoted husband 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.
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Real Cajun Food and Fun!
By Johnny Wink
Where does a person go for real Cajun fun and food? Try a town called Iota in south Louisiana at a place called Di’s Cajun Restaurant. On the first Saturday night in December I visited a female friend in Lafayette. Together, we headed west on I-10, getting off at exit 65 and headed north on Highway 97. About 13 miles from I-10 as the crow flies, on the left side of the road surrounded by rice fields, we found Di’s. Oyster shells filled the driveway and the sound of a Cajun band filled the air. The sun was setting and a flock of specklebelly geese in vee formation was flying above. And I smelled good ole Cajun cooking. Inside, we were warmly greeted by Ms. Sherry Fruge, the owner. As we were being seated, I noticed all these people dancing to the Cajun band. Some were very young – maybe 3 or 4 years old – to older couples that were maybe in their 70’s. They all were dancing with grace and charm, as this is how real Cajuns dance. These people weren’t tourists but local folks having a wonderful time at home. They would eat some of their meal, get up and dance a bit, then sit back down and eat some more. Most people that come here usually eat and dance for a long time and not once did I see a waiter try to hurry anyone out to seat someone else. Di’s is a place you stay until you’re ready to go home and go to bed. These people are
real Cajuns out on the town to have good, clean fun and enjoy great food and drink. Ms. Sherry brought out some blackened oysters and let me tell you, they were yummy, yummy. Then came salads with homemade dressing followed by the seafood platter. The mountain of food was stacked high and I thought it must be for two people but it was all mine! The shrimp was so fresh and the oysters fried just right. In fact, everything was just good. Then she brought out her dessert special, a big hunk of homemade bread pudding that melted in your mouth. The last offering was her famous pecan pie. I thought I was going to explode. Everything was so good and I wasn’t going to let anything go to waste (don’t forget that I had a little help from my date). That’s when we got up and danced to that great Cajun music. After a couple songs I had to sit down and finish my sweet tea. Then it was time to pay and get on the road back to Lafayette. I’m glad I wasn’t driving because before we got back on I-10, I was fast asleep. So if anybody ever wants a truly special Cajun experience they need to go to this place in Iota, LA (www.discajunrestaurant.biz). No matter how far you have
to drive to get there, this is what Louisiana is all about. Be sure to tell Ms. Sherry that you read this in Louisiana Road Trips. Ok, I told you what I did during the split of duck season, now let me tell you how we did at Megabucks during the 1st split. It was great limiting out most days and killing a lot of specklebelly geese with the ducks. We had great weather – not too cold and not too hot. And lots and lots of birds. No bands but they mostly come after Christmas. The deer this season so far have really been on the acorns a long time because of the great acorn crop we had this year. Now they’re slowly moving to the food plots and corn feeders. And the bucks are chasing does like crazy right now in Morehouse Parish (Dec 8, 2011). We’re expecting a great second split and with some cold weather, we should again have lots of ducks and geese. If anyone would like to have the hunt of a lifetime, please call me at 318-669-5588. I still have a few good dates left. From all of us at the Megabucks Duck Guides, Happy New Year! P.S. I am now on a diet and all I can eat is rocks.
Cane River Kitchenware Baby, it’s cold outside…. and January is a great time to stay indoors near the fire and cook! If you’re anywhere near Natchitoches, make it a point to stop in Cane River Kitchenware on Front Street in historic downtown across from the river. This charming shop is well stocked for every cook, whether novice or gourmet, with most anything you’d need to satisfy any appetite. Owner Kym Habig and her family came to Natchitoches from California and
created the store after recognizing the need for food and kitchen gadgets in the area. She recently celebrated her 5th year in business and her enthusiasm and vision for the shop still shines through. A family owned and managed business, Cane River Kitchenware provides more than just well stocked shelves and gourmet foods. They offer samplings in their fully equipped kitchen every Saturday and scheduled cooking classes for adults and kids, and private ones by request. Kym brings chefs in (both local and afar) to teach 10-12 classes each month. One interesting class included 3 year olds making a gingerbread train! The kitchenware shop is open 7 days a week from 10am (sometimes earlier) until 9pm. Drop in and enjoy a cup of coffee, cappuccino, or tea as you browse the isles and dream of culinary creations and delicious meals prepared at home. Coffees and teas are shipped in weekly to ensure freshness so be sure to put these on your shopping list. Kitchen appliances and supplies
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Kym and her daughter Danie
Kym and her staff are most accommodating. Where else are you greeted with a nice warm drink, a sampling of their products, a clean available restroom, and pleasant conversation with shopkeepers? It’s no wonder people seek them out and keep returning. Cane River Kitchenware is located at 732 Front Street in Natchitoches, LA. Call (318) 238-3600 or visit www.CaneRiverKitchenware.com for more information.
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