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Fall Activities in Natchitoches, LA Natchitoches Parish is bustling with activities this fall. We invite you (and your family) to experience the getaway that's not far away!
Fall Pilgrimage: Tour of Homes - The 57th Annual Fall Pilgrimage: Tour of Homes will take place October 7-9 in Natchitoches. The Candlelight Tour returns this year on Friday from 79:30pm. The Town tour will take place from 9am to 4pm on Saturday only. The Cane River Country Tour will begin at 9am and last until 4pm on Saturday and 9am to 3pm on Sunday. Individual tours are $25 per person with tour packages available. For more information or to purchase tickets visit the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 781 Front Street or call (800) 259-1714. Photographs and descriptions of the homes can be found on the official tour brochure or at.www.aphnatchitoches.net. St. Augustine Church Fair The Annual St. Augustine Church Fair will be held October 7-9 in the Isle Brevelle community, approximately 15 miles south of Natchitoches along Hwy. 484. Held in conjunction with the Fall Tour of Homes, the Fair will feature music, food, arts and crafts, games, church tour and more! The three day event will begin on Friday evening with seafood
dinners and bingo. Saturday's events open with a special JROTC drill exhibition and competition at 8am and continue with food, music, bingo, motorcycle run and a turkey shoot. The Festival is open Sunday from 10am - 6pm ending with the announcement of raffle winners. Adai Indian Pow Wow - The Adai Indian Community on Hwy. 485 will host their 20th annual Pow Wow on October 15 on the grounds of the Adai Indian Cultural Center located near Robeline, La. Festivities begin at 9am and include arts and crafts, food, traditional Indian Dances and more! Free admission. Remember to bring a lawn chair. Haunted History Tour - The Natchitoches Historic Foundation invites you to be terrifically entertained on October 22 as it resurrects some of the most colorful characters in the history of Natchitoches. The Haunted History Tour will feature live portrayals of area personalities buried in the American Cemetery, believed to be the oldest cemetery in the Louisiana Purchase, on Second Street. Tickets are required. For more information visit www.historicfoundation.com. Festival of Lights 45 Nights of Christmas Lights - It is that time of year again and the Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau has the 2011 Festival of Lights brochure and calendar. Call f800) 259-1714 for you copy today or submit a request on Natchitoches.net. We will “Turn on the Holidays” on November 19. For more fall and holiday festival listings in Natchitoches Parish, please visit us online at www.natchitoches.net and check out the online calendar of events, sign up for the online newsletter, or call (800) 259-1714 for a yearly schedule. Louisiana Road Trips
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GOING NATIVE
By Larry Brock
PUBLISHER LRT Publications
The Transition of Seasons
It was one of those quiet sapphire mornings in late August. Driving along Highway 65, the still waters of Lake Providence were like a dark polished mirror, a few surface swirls as fish rose to take a bug, the occasional splash when one leapt for flies. A great blue heron was silhouetted against the dawn sky, wings slow and rhythmic in flight, neck retracted while legs trailed behind, disappearing into the morning mist. A cosmos sun rose through cypress trees that gird the lake, highlighting a great egret hunched atop the post of a dock. Tranquility Base here …. In contrast, September is harvest time with wildlife actively gleaning the leftovers. Fields were hectic with combines and grain-carts, roads busy with tractor-trailers enroute to storage facilities. Truckloads of baled hay passed west along I-20 toward parched pastures in TX and OK. The first cool winds nudged trees to lose some leaves. In gentle showers they swirled and gathered in heaps beneath the eaves. To paraphrase George Lass, “We lead our lives and when they end we sometimes leave a little of ourselves behind - it might be money, a painting, a warm embrace; it might be a better world, a kind word … or just an empty place.” A composting leaf leaves a rich legacy. September road trips still flowered with heritage plants like crepe myrtles and altheas, natives like mallows and trumpet creepers. Yellow bitterweeds bloomed alongside the pavement, pink puffed sensitive plants on the shoulders. Nearer home, cardinal flower, evening primrose, sweet autumn clematis, goldenrod and eupatoriums came into fall bloom. Around the house, gingers perfumed the air while summer's phlox, lantana, salvia, sages, Turk's cap, cannas, lion's ear, four o'clocks and zinnias continued to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. American beautyberry bushes matured into bright purple berries clustered along arching branches. Southern magnolia seed dripped from fuzzy cones and foot-long beans cascaded from catalpa trees. Buckeye husks opened in September and seed were planted while still fresh though some old-timers put one or two in their pocket for good luck.
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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mona L. Hayden
Looking around the patio, almost every bush and vine hosted a young green anole. That's a lizard. Snowberry clearwing hummingbird moths, a diurnal (daytime) species, fed on buddleia and salvia. What a delightful experience as the bumblebee mimics hovered around me before depositing their eggs on nearby coralberry and coral honeysuckle leaves. Another early fall insect was the velvet ant. Resembling a large, hairy, red and black ant, it's actually a flightless female wasp with a painful sting if handled. Always on the to and fro, what's the goal of her endless tempo? Looking for the nurseries of ground-dwelling wasps and bees so she can lay her eggs near their larvae. Did you hear Augusts' singing trees? It was male cicadas in chorus, their brown husks discarded beforehand and now found clinging everywhere - on posts, trees, under leaves. And then September's singing fields? They're field crickets that overwintered as eggs and after several summer molts finally matured into adults. By late summer it's mating season again and it's the males that sing every evening. Listen up, gals! Hummingbird migration starts in late summer. According to experts, it's triggered by the waning hours of sunlight as autumn approaches, not temperature or availability of food. Resident males began leaving in August and September, followed by females and then juveniles. The population swelled briefly as migrating hummers from up north passed through the neighborhood. A well-stocked yard will be remembered from one year to the next so preserve your habitat until the last bloom fades. Going Native, it's the heart of a natural landscape! After a recent column, I can't help but celebrate the wit and wisdom of Ken Maki who can explain most of our gardening conundrums, solve most of our horticultural dilemmas. He's published every Friday in the Monroe News-Star and has two books that are available for sale. Thanks, Ken! 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.
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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 56,000 individuals. Submission of articles and photos are always welcome but may be limited to availability of space and edited for content. Copyright 2011 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
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P. O. Box 2452 West Monroe, LA 71294 (318) 547-1221
Talkin’ It Up! Fall – as in falling temps and falling leaves – is a favorite time of year for festival goers and football fans. With crisp days and cool nights, our summertime ‘cabin fever’ (sometimes referred to as ‘shack wacky’) is officially over for 2011. Come on out and enjoy the many festivals, haunted and cemetery tours, and other celebrations statewide. With a full line-up of historical, entertaining and jovial events planned through the holiday season in Natchitoches, Louisiana’s oldest city simply overwhelms and delights visitors and residents as they dress for the occasion. Get a glimpse of their schedule in this issue. Also, the designated Louisiana Main Streets are kicking it up a notch as they prepare for their Main to Main events in November. There’s lots to see and do as we enter a new season. As hunters take to the woods, shoppers to the mall, fans to the stands, and festival goers to the streets, Louisiana comes alive with excitement and adventure this time of year. It’s a rebirth, a second wind, revived energy. No matter what, be safe, be kind, and let’s keep in touch.
Mona
Mona L. Hayden, Editor monalh@bellsouth.net (318) 547-1221
ROAD TRIPS "Celebrating country living and city happenings!"
october
contents
ARTS & CRAFTSMEN
HISTORICAL
11
17 21
For Lovers, All the World’s a Stage! by Lee Estis
BOOK REVIEW 24
25
Running a Bed & Breakfast for Dummies by Mary White
BUSINESS REVIEW 16 18 30
Beds & Beignets by Mary White Different Paths to Preserving a Culture
12
Johnny “Jambalaya’s” Herb Dressing and Marinade by Sherry Perkins
Runnin’ the Roads by Barbara Sharik Sprinkles Come in Both Good and Bad Flavors
19
All Things Southern by Shellie Tomlinson “Move to France or Call the Cat”
Puppies Nipping & Mouthing
20
A Life of Trial…and Error by Dennis Stewart Louisiana Dove Hunting, With Contemplations of Homicide
Fall for Pecans! by Carolyn Files
My Favorite Fishing Hole by Joe Joslin Toledo Bend’s Future – A Guides Perspective
15
In the Crosshairs by Sonny Harrington Is It Scent or Sense?
19
Kayak Club Goes With the Flow! by Stephanie Herrman
22
Jumping Off a Cliff by Johnny Wink
INSPIRATIONAL 24
Fall Activities in Natchitoches, LA Minden Fasching Fifth Season Celebration Slated for Nov. 11 & 12
For the Love of the Lord by Robert Lemoine
MONTHLY TIDBITS 4
FESTIVALS & ENTERTAINMENT 3 6
Louisiana in the Civil War – October 1861: The Turtle by Terry L. Jones
HUMOR
DELTA OUTDOORS 13
The Story of John R. Muir by Lora Peppers
5 12 15 17 23 29
Going Native by Larry Brock The Transition of Seasons Talkin’ It Up! Louisiana Lagniappe – Remember When Louisiana Lagniappe Answers Backtalk October Calendar of Events St. Landry Parish Unveils ‘Green’ Welcome Center
7 8 14 14 20 27
Come Home to Hometown LA
29
Spine-tingling Thrills on the Bayou
RECIPES
Main to Main in Webster Parish: 50 Miles of Food, Fun & Shopping
9
28
Teddy Bearfest ‘11 – Celebrates the Great Outdoors
10
28
Wooden Boat Festival
18 26
NE LA Celtic Festival - Monroe
16
Angola Prison Rodeo
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Recipes by Stacy Thornton
ROAD TRIPS
Gumbo Capital of the World
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Facebook Friends by Brenda Newell
On the Scene – by Deborah Burst NOLA’s Spirits Come to Life Travel Adventure by Dianne Newcomer Fun in Paradise! Buy Louisiana Made Products by Su Stella Hit the Road – by Deborah Burst Catching Rays
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Minden Fasching Fifth Season Celebration Slated for November 11 & 12 Join the folks in the “Friendliest City in the South”, Minden, Louisiana during the Fasching Fifth Season Celebration. The season will officially begin on Friday, 11/11/11 at 11:11 AM! Lieutenant Governor, Jay Dardenne, will be on hand to kick off the celebration as The King and Queen of Fasching begin their reign over the season's festivities through Christmas and Epiphany until Ash Wednesday and the beginning of lent. Visitors are invited to join in the festivities Friday at the Fasching Boutique and art exhibits and stay until dusk when the switch is flipped to illuminate thousands of Christmas lights throughout the city of Minden. Children are sure to enjoy a holiday fairy tale land including Cinderella and her handsome Prince Charming. Friday night festivities will include ice skating, food and a visit from Santa Klaus. Over 100 nutcrackers in all shapes and sizes will be on display honoring Minden's German Heritage. The Fasching festival will continue in Downtown Minden on Saturday from 10 am until dusk, featuring German food and diverse
entertainment sponsored by Allied Waste including the renowned Texas band, “Brave Combo.” Children of all ages will enjoy ice skating on Main Street all day long. Artisans and crafters will be set up along the sidewalks in the historic Minden Main Street for any shopper's delight and local beer enthusiasts will host a beer exhibition. Visitors may catch a shuttle from downtown to the Old Minden Cemetery where “ghosts” of German-Americans from Minden come to life to tell their stories. Shuttles to the Germantown Colony Museum circa 1832, just north of Minden, will also depart from downtown Minden. Children, young and old, will enjoy ice skating at Fasching. The finale' will be fireworks at dusk on Saturday night. Join the folks in Minden on November 11 and 12th as we kick off our
holiday season with The Fasching Fifth Season Celebration. The lights will remain on until January 2, 2012. Minden is located just 28 miles east of Shreveport just off I-20 at exit 47. The Fasching Fifth season festival is sponsored in part by the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. For more information call Minden Main Street @ 318-371-4258 or go to www.mindenfasching.com, www.mindenusa.com/mainstreet, www.holidaytrailoflights.com, or www.LouisianaTravel.com.
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Come Home to Hometown LA After having a very successful and well-attended 2010 Hometown Louisiana show that received positive reviews from shoppers and exhibitors alike, the Bastrop Main Street organizations are eagerly planning their 2011 Hometown Louisiana Arts and Crafts Show. The event will take place at the new Morehouse Activity Center (the MAC) located at 9555 Marlatt Street in Bastrop. The $3.1million facility located a block south of the Morehouse Parish Fairgrounds, will allow Hometown Louisiana, a juried arts and crafts show, to have under-roof booths for approximately 90 exhibitors without being concerned about the possibility of poor weather. All exhibitors must sell only handmade items. There will be a wide variety of items available for sale including paintings, pottery, wood creations, wreaths, jewelry, hand-work, fishing baits, and Christmas decorations. Entertainment will be provided by the popular Hallie Yarbrough and the Comets for most of the exciting and fun day. A vast selection of fantastic food will be available from the food vendors. Gumbo, Natchitoches meat pies, hamburgers, brisket, chili, cupcakes, candies, hot tamales, chicken spaghetti and more will temp the taste buds of all who attend. To further enhance the show, the Snyder Museum and Arts Center has partnered with Hometown Louisiana to present their Southern Art Classic Car Show in the arena of the MAC. Beautiful cars will be on exhibit for all to enjoy. The car show is open to all year models up to 1989 with no big wheels or hydraulics allowed. Hometown Louisiana is scheduled for November 5 from 9am 5pm. The admission fee will only be $2 with those 12 and under admitted free. There will be plenty of room for parking. See you there!
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Spine-tingling Thrills on the Bayou For the ultimate Halloween experience, be sure to goblin' up tickets to the 10th Annual Terror on the Bayou Halloween Festival in Jefferson, Texas each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, October 729, 2011. Three attractions - one location. Tickets on sale at www.JeffersonRailway.com. The Runaway Fright Train will feature Creatures of the Night. As you ride through the dark woods, scenes and haunters along the track will keep you at the edge of your seat and maybe a laugh. The 7:30 run each evening is family-oriented while the later runs kick it up a notch. Walk through the stalks of the Creepy Screamin' Corn Maze. More than a dozen haunters in the maze will give you the willies. More than an acre, walk through the woods, the Haunted Cemetery and the infamous 100-foot underground Tunnel of Doom. Don't come alone you will be spooked by more than Halloween ghosts! New this year, our 1800 sq. ft. CarnEvil of the Damned Haunted House, in the middle of the Piney Woods. Something sinister is hiding there. In this Circus of Haunts, you will not be safe from fear so go ahead and scream - it won't matter! Afraid of the dark? Tour the Corn Maze and Haunted House from 6:00-7:00 and then jump on the G-rated train at 7:30. Get a thrill from the family-friendly haunters. Terror on the Bayou Halloween Festival has something for everyone - carnival games with prizes; glow sticks and other Halloween products; and concessions. Plus free activities for the entire family when you purchase any event ticket. Mini-maze and mini-
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haunted house for children under 48 inches; movies and children's crafts and games. The event takes place one mile from Jefferson at the Cypress Bayou RV Park, 1602 State Highway 49 East. Order tickets at www.JeffersonRailway.com. You can also buy tickets at the Historic Jefferson Railway depot during specific hours and at the event site during event hours. Train seating is limited so get your tickets early!
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On the Scene
NOLA's Spirits Come to Life Keep a light on, grab a necklace of garlic and follow a macabre tour of haunted New Orleans By Deborah Burst Walking down a dark French Quarter alley shadowed by the faint blur of gas lanterns, the distant sound of bar room chatter fades away and your pulse quickens, you feel a rush of cool air on a muggy night and out of the corner of your eye, a swirling orb of light. You my friend, have just met one of the many spirits that call New Orleans home. Centuries ago, the city suffered from malaria, countless yellow fever epidemics and deplorable living conditions combined with numerous fires, floods and hurricanes creating a breeding ground for untold deaths and restless spirits. Considered to be one of the most haunted cities in America, New Orleans was born from a cesspool of undesirables and unbridled violence from the overcrowded prisons of Paris. Police reports document gruesome murders, vampire-style deaths and mysterious reports of so-called hauntings throughout the French Quarter. Several New Orleans haunted tours bring the horrors back to life in vampire, voodoo, ghost and cemetery tours. Straight from the pages of an early nineteenth century New Orleans newspaper, the LaLaurie Mansion located on the corner of Royal and Governor Nicholls Streets, is home to possibly the most gruesome murders and tortures in the city. Madame LaLaurie, a New Orleans socialite, began beating a slave child who fell to her death from an upstairs balcony trying to escape. Several months later a fire broke out in the home thought to be an act of desperation by the slaves. Firefighters heard
screams from a locked third floor room filled with slaves chained to the walls, maimed and disfigured, victims of cruel medical experiments. It was reported the faces were so disfigured that many resembled gargoyles while others were victims of crude sex changes and one woman had all her joints broken and reset at odd angles resembling a human crab. For more than a century the home was haunted by restless spirits and when the floorboards were removed in a renovation the remains of 75 bodies buried alive were found. Several members of the tour group have fainted on site while another group's cameras failed to work. Anne Rice and many vampire novelists often set their stories in the shadows of St. Louis Cathedral and the French Quarter. The Haunted
History Vampire Tour tells a bloodthirsty tale of two brothers who in the early 20th century kept a generous supply of warm blood in their home. A young girl entered the police station terrified from a heinous act in a French Quarter home where two brothers tied her up and slit her wrist pouring the blood into a cup drinking it, bandaging the wound and repeating the feast for the three nights. The police entered the home and in one room found four victims, three alive and a nine-year-old dead while in another room seventeen dead bodies all drained of blood. And what became of the murderous brothers? They were captured and executed in an electric chair in 1936. Over the next year police reports showed more than 22 prowler break-ins with descriptions of the two brothers. Not ghostly figures but in human form. Their tombs were opened a year after the burial to find two empty coffins. Could these blood thirsty vampires still be stalking the French Quarter today looking for their next meal? So do you believe in ghosts? Before you answer that question, slither inside the shadows of the French Quarter or stroll alongside raised tombs in the St. Louis Cemetery. I'm sure the vampire brothers would love to show you some bloodthirsty bars and Madame LaLaurie will be glad to read you a ghastly bedtime story. Deborah Burst, freelance writer and photographer, lives and writes in the piney woods of Mandeville. After a 30-year stint in banking, she graduated from Tulane in 2003. Her work has appeared in regional, national, and international publications. A personal translator blessed with an emotional art form, Deb discovers the food, culture, and people along the backroads each month in Louisiana Road Trips.
Meet NOLA's ghoulish spirits on haunted tours year round (reservations recommended) Haunted History Tours www.hauntedhistorytours.com, 504-861-2727 New Orleans Spirit Tours www.neworleanstours.net, 866-369-1224/504-314-0806 New Orleans Ghost Tour www.neworleansghosttour.com, 1-888-6GHOSTS, 504-861-2727 The Mortuary Haunted House, located in a real mortuary, www.themortuary.net, 504-483-2350 Louisiana Road Trips
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TRAVEL ADVENTURE
By Dianne Newcomer
Fun in Paradise! The Mouse has done it again! The highly anticipated Aulani Resort held its grand opening last month and from the buzz in the travel business, there were a lot of characters enjoying fun in the sun on the island of Oahu! Located about 30 minutes from the busy Waikiki Beach, the Aulani is sure to be Mickey Mouse's new Pacific playground. The Aulani is not your typical Disney amusement park but, like its creators - the Disney “imagineers” - who designed this stunning resort, I believe you will find this place very amusing. According to advance press releases, the imagineers wanted the Aulani to be a starting point for an island vacation for guests to discover and appreciate the rich culture of Hawaii. Since everything Disney builds has to tell a story, the Aulani is no exception. But unlike the fantasy worlds of Disneyworld and Disneyland, the imagineers didn't have to make up crazy character names and places; they just studied the area's colorful history and listened to the natives, making this 21 acre resort with 800+ rooms such a magical place. “We encourage guests to take an interactive self-guided cultural tour of the property. We made the Aulani a place that exceeds expectations from a Disney vacation and guests will soon discover we are much more than a beautiful resort built on a gorgeous lagoon", explained a Disney Cast Member during the opening celebration. "Upon entering the grand lobby, you see how everything is inspired by the Hawaiian culture. For example, the seven calabash bowls lining the entrance represent the feasts and seven stars of the Pleiades that were very important to Hawaiians. The “imagineers”
worked hard to portray the Hawaiian philosophy of balance - light and shadow, water and rock, quiet and wild, delicate and course. It is resonated everywhere - on a sandy beach, a tropical garden, the blue lagoon, waterfalls, even in guest rooms. From the balcony it is magnificent to behold and even more magical as day turns to night.” “For example, during the day, the lava formations look like remnants of an ancient lava flow but as the sun sets, guests will see animals carved in the shadows. Disney is all about the magic. Little secrets are scattered in the most unusual places,” added this Disney imagineer. Of course, the most favorite Disney characters add to the magic, with Aulani being where Mickey comes to vacation so three times a week, there is a character breakfast hosted by Aunty, the new Disney personality representing a strong mother figure. She also invites the kids to her Beach House, filled with the wonder of Hawaii and a big dose of Disney magic. Here, kids can open the interactive mailbox, peer into enchanted keyholes, or look out virtual windows at the kids club. There will also be a few extra Aunties and Uncles on hand to share stories about their own little “ohanas”. As if on que, Stitch even pops in to say “Aloha” to the kids. There is also a movie room, a computer room with the latest in gaming technology, the Waikolohe Stream (think lazy river), the Painted Sky (a spa for little beauties), the Rainbow Reef (a swim through pond filled with the beautiful fish and coral), or swimming with the stingrays at Makai Preserve. Each evening, families can enjoy activities around the Starlit Hui, a huge firepit on the beach, such as music, dance, games, crafts, and stories of Hawaii. Every effort has been made to ensure this resort is an oasis of
The “imagineers” worked hard to portray the Hawaiian philosophy of balance.
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Hawaiian delights, family fun and pure Disney Magic. With all this, who would want to leave to explore the islands of Aloha? The “imagineers” insist you see it all with eyes wide open. In fact, they named the hotel's grand lobby Maka'ala, which means “eyes wide open” in Hawaiian. You see, they want you to pay attention to everything - the resort, the island, the culture, and the people. The Hawaiian Islands are intoxicating and magical moments happen here, making you want to return often. How clever their plan is! The Aulani will not be just another beach vacation. It is ideal for families but also for anyone looking for an authentic Island experience, even a great corporate incentive destination trip. What a perfect place to spend a few nights before an island hopping cruise! If you are interested in learning more about Oahu's new resort, call me at Monroe Travel Service - 323-3465 - or come by our travel agency at 1908 Glenmar in Monroe for details. The Aulani is definitely the hottest place in the Islands right now and early bookings are suggested. After all, if Disney can make the whole world love a mouse, then how could a spectacular hotel built in paradise be anything but magnificent?
For Lovers, All the World's a Stage!
By Lee Estes
In 1st Corinthians 13:13, the Apostle Paul wrote: "but the greatest of these is love”. Despite the difficulties we encounter two thousand years later, the message is still true. Trouble is, much of the world cannot extend their love beyond a very limited circle. Very often that circle encompasses only two, and that is where joy, hope, and fulfillment must begin, and with commitment and devotion, it should last a lifetime. Most of the images accompanying this article capture the exuberance of youth, but not all. Love is just as precious to someone in their eighties as to those much younger. In my travels around the world, I have been privileged to encounter and photograph couples displaying affection in many places. Sometimes they are so involved with each other, they don't even know I'm there. In some places, China for example, couples are not so demonstrative, but in the Mediterranean countries they are less inhibited. For any one town, it is hard to choose between Madrid and Florence as being the most heavily infested with lovers. However, they can be found everywhere, from atop the Palace of Culture in Warsaw to Madrid, Spain 1996 alongside a fishing boat in Nazare. Perhaps the most poignant couple was encountered in Cluj, Romania shortly after the fall of the Iron Curtain. At
Cjuj, Romania 1990 The oppressive Ceausescu regime has just been overthrown when I visited Romania. Two lovers show a tenderness for each other and hope for the future.
that point in time, I thought, despite all the hardship they had endured during the despotic rule in their country they had found each other and love does conquer all. 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
Beijing, China 1988 The Chinese are not nearly as demonstrative as those in other parts of the world.
Couple in Nazare, Portugal 1971
Prague, Czech Republic 1994 Obviously a very enjoyable moment, but not enough to dispose of the cigarette.
Warsaw, Poland 1994 Lovers are to be found everywhere, but Warsaw and Florence seem to have more than most places.
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Brno, Czech Republic 1994 Brno is not a major tourist center, but it has its share of pretty girls.
RUNNIN’ THE ROADS
By Barbara Sharik
Sprinkles Come in Both Good and Bad Flavors I used to hear old folks (before I was one) say we make our own luck. To a great degree, I believe that. Positive attitudes can turn negatives around. Laughter can make a difference. Random acts of kindness create good Karma. But even still, bad stuff does happen. The secret is how we handle it. No matter how bad something is, a positive attitude is like that spoonful of sugar that makes the medicine go down. On that note, I'm ready for some good sprinkles… not too much more can break around this old house so it's got to get better. Of course, more can. I've had a malfunctioning icemaker for over a year. I've learned to drink everything iceless. Tony Cooper, the Super-Duper Roofer and one of the nicest people in the whole wide world, installed the finest roof my house ever had in its 40-plus years of moldering in the Louisiana climate. In addition, he's expertly replacing rotten boards, also the result of our climate, which is great for keeping our complexions soft and wrinkle-free, but we have to stay on top of roofs and wood decay. No pun intended. Then, in one week, termites were discovered, somebody bumped into my car bumper in a parking
lot, and my central a/c broke and is cost impossible for immediate repair. Bad sprinkles. On that last note, I bought the only mini-window unit left in the whole of Morehouse Parish and perhaps Ouachita Parish as well. Good sprinkle. Everywhere I shopped all the air conditioners were sold out because of our triple digit temperatures. The first of September I heard a weather report that we'd had 49 triple-digit temperatures thus far. Their calculations are off. My weather meter says there were more than a mere 49. Reminds me of that old song, “When It's Springtime in Alaska, It's Forty Below.” When it was still Springtime in Louisiana it was one-hundred-plus above. As I pen this, I wonder will rain from Tropical Storm Lee break these high temps. That would be a good counter balance. A good sprinkle. Folks planning to vacation on the beach for Labor Day weekend will be getting a large dose of negative sprinkles. You see, this is my practice - looking for the good amongst the bad. Too much rain, bad. Lowering temps, good. A little of this, a little of that. I expect our Louisiana Cajuns have a perfect word for this because Cajuns have a way with words, but I call them Sprinkles. Some good sprinkles. Some not so good. A mixed bag of sprinkles. A mammogram came back negative. In this 1. What is the oldest city in Louisiana? case, negative is a good sprinkle. Unfortunately, a 2. What does 'Natchitoches' mean? negative report doesn't explain the lump yet - a 3. Who was Chief Tusquahoma? negative sprinkle. However, a good report is a 4. What was Huey Long's 1928 reassurance, a good sprinkle. campaign slogan? Declaring I don't worry about things isn't 5. Where were the dowels, which completely true. Occasionally, behind my became bats known as the laughter and inane cracking of jokes, there's a Louisville Slugger, shipped from? niggling of worry if something looms with 6. How many times has extreme possibilities. Human nature even for an Waterproof been incurable comic. moved to prevent its The books were chewed to being eaten away by the Mighty Mississippi? smithereens, but the house has 7. How long do archeologists estimate it took to build now been retreated for Poverty Point? termites. The car bumper 8. What did Gov. Samuel D. McEnery do was taken care of. The ceiling after he was succeeded by Francis Nicholls? fans are swirling, the 9. What other names has Downsville been known? borrowed window a/c is still 10. What are 'darning needles' and 'horse stingers' more commonly called in operating and the little tiny Louisiana? unit has been installed in Answers on next page 15 my home office. Good and
Bad stuff does happen.
ouisiana Remember When . . .
Louisiana Road Trips
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bad sprinkles. When we learn to look at life as a collection of good and bad sprinkles instead of one huge catastrophe, each negative is easier to digest. And each positive is enjoyed tri-fold. Getting angry never makes me happy. Worrying doesn't either. Taking little bitty baby steps works. Eventually I will reach the top of the hill. So will you. Of course, by then we'll probably slip down the other side, but in the meantime, getting to the top is a good sprinkle. And who knows, maybe we won't slide down the other side after all. 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.
MY FAVORITE FISHING HOLE
By Pro Angler, Joe Joslin
Toledo Bend's Future - A Guides Perspective As I write this column, the weather is awesome with temps in the low 60s and the sun shining. I just got off the lake after another very successful fishing trip on my favorite fishing hole‌ Toledo Bend. The fall/early winter fishing season through December is going to be outstanding, off the charts and almost unbelievable so why am I not my normally optimistic, positive self on this beautiful day in the early fall? As I look down the hill on my lake house property, I see a lot more dirt/sand and a lot less water as the lake level as of this writing is 10.9 feet low. The level in fall is generally 3-5 ft below full pool as we normally get very little rainfall August through October, explaining some of my pessimism. There's little hope that lake levels will rise and more than likely, will continue to retreat due to lack of rain, evaporation and mandatory release at the spillway to keep water in the river below the dam. The Sabine River Authority of both Texas and Louisiana is responsible for overseeing/managing the lake. While I have not always agreed with the SRA, I don't think they are the major blame for today's levels. I'm on the lake 4-6 days a week, have property near the dam and fish on the extreme southern portions so I know when water is being released. Basically, we are in a record setting drought. They
(SRA) aggressively drew 2 feet off the lake last fall for dam repairs; however, normal winters would bring ample rain to refill the lake and all would be well. That did not happen and we experienced one of the driest ever winters, springs, summers and now fall. We also had record heat which elevated the amount of evaporation that normally occurs. Finally, in early September we received 2.5 inches of rain from T.S. Lee but had zero impact on the lake level, partly because the rain only fell on the southern 60% of the lake and the land was so Another prime example of stocked Florida bass as dry that it absorbed the rain and we basically angler Dr. David Brown's entire hand easily fits into had no run-off. the mouth of this big largemouth bass. Lake Conditions: According to reports, we have about 130,000 Skeeter Boats Bass Champs 2011 acres of water on the lake compared Championship at the newly remodeled Fin to 180,000 acres at full pool at 172'. and Feather Resort in Toledo's Housen Bay. Losing 50,000 acres is a lot of water, Other events have been moved because of more than the entire surface of Lake Fork located navigating and launching risks. Boat traffic east of Dallas. Lower lake levels has actually always decreases in the fall but this is improved fishing, made reading structure easier beyond anything I can remember in my 35 and concentrated some fishing area to mainly years here. Some reasons to be optimistic are creeks, ditches and the river channel. A big that lake business owners are resilient and negative is navigating the lake, which has taken we support each other. A prime example is toll on angler's boats and motors. For those of us Flo's Cafe located on highway #255 at the who fish for a living, it's been a huge challenge top of the hill in Toledo Village/Indian as over 80% of the lake ramps are closed and Creek. I had lunch there today and it was more added to the list each week. I think I can packed because locals support the owners still operate down to 159.5 but we are all in and the home cooking is outstanding! uncharted territory, literally and figuratively. Toledo's Future Fishing: The fishing Low Levels & Economic Impact: It's a no in 2011 here has been the best in 20 years brainer that the great decrease in boat traffic has and there is no reason to think it will slow impacted the profit level of lake area businesses. down. The very effective stocking of A major example is the recent cancellation of Florida bass by TX and LA wildlife/fisheries/local lake organizations during the last 20 years has been vital in getting Toledo back in the eyes of anglers all over the country. B.A.S.S. returned this year, the Elite Tour came here this spring and will return in June, 2012. I plan to take clients out through the winter and we'll manage to get our rig in/out of the lake and carefully navigate to find some hungry bass. In the mean time, hopefully my fellow business owners and I can hang on till the heavens open with an abundance of rain. We long for and pray to that end. God Bless and good fishing!!
There's little hope that lake levels will rise.
Joe Joslin is a syndicated outdoor columnist, tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo and Sam Rayburn. Contact him at 337-463-3848 or joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com . and WEBSITE www.joejoslinoutdoors.com
Louisiana Road Trips
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NE LA Celtic Festival - Monroe
Angola Prison Rodeo
Not only have community supporters remained loyal to the Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival for a lucky seven years now, businesses from outside the region, namely affiliates of Monroe-based Fortune 500 company CenturyLink, have become interested in investing in Northeast Louisiana's cultural economy. Thanks to premier sponsor Tech Safari; program sponsors, Progressive IT and Prodapt; local attorney E. Orum Young as entertainment sponsor; and many other Friends O' The Festival including the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the 7th Annual NELA Celtic Festival continues to be a much anticipated event! Once again it will be free to the public, featuring world-traveled entertainers and scholars wanting to share their knowledge as they explore the heritage of a part of Louisiana which has historically been known as “Celtic Louisiana” and now boasts a diverse mix of cultures and traditions - inherited, embraced, passed along, influenced. Come explore the past and the possibilities on Saturday, October 15th, at the Forsythe Park Molly Jeter American Legion Hall in Monroe, on the banks of the beautiful Ouachita River and nestled among a historic and visitorfriendly Garden District. Visit www.nelacelticfest.org for continued updates on artists, performance schedules, vendors and calendar of lead up events, as well as helpful travel tips. We'll be looking for you!
Louisiana Road Trips
Since 1965, the Angola Rodeo has been the longest running prison rodeo in the nation, held one weekend in April and every Sunday in October. Louisiana's only maximum security men's prison is home to “The Wildest Show in the South”. Over the years, the rodeo has expanded to include additional events and sponsorships, covered seating for about 7,500 spectators, food vendors offering Louisiana fare and concessions, and an arts and crafts festival with items handmade by inmates (jewelry, leather crafts, paintings, woodworking) that's become as popular as the rodeo! The Angola Prison Rodeo is professionally produced with contractors providing rodeo stock for the events, and professional judges and rodeo clowns. Emergency services personnel are on-site to assist inmates and spectators, if necessary. Proceeds cover all expenses and supplement the Inmate Welfare Fund that provides for inmate educational and recreational supplies. This year's event is held October 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th. Admission is $15 for reserved seating. To purchase tickets, call 225-6552030 or order online at www.angolarodeo.com. All spectators willfully consent to a search of their person, property and vehicle upon entering the grounds. Gates open at 9am with craft festival, rodeo beings at 2pm, crafts open until 5pm. From St. Francisville, travel north on Hwy. 61 for about 2 miles. Turn left on Hwy 66 (look for the rodeo sign on the right side of Hwy 61). The 20-miles of highway will take you to the prison's front gate. For more info, call (225) 655-2133 or 655-2607 or email info@angolarodeo.com.
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IN THE CR SSHAIRS
By Sonny Harrington
Is It Scent or Sense? What you're about to read may change your life or at least your lifestyle. There's a story within this article that you'll find unbelievable but believe me, as far as I know from the parties involved, it's a fact. First I want to share some thoughts on deer hunting about deer sense and their response to scents. When this topic comes up I always tell the story about bloodhounds. You see, I was a tracker with a good friend of mine that ran these dogs for the sheriff's department. He'd typically wait until 2am to call me and say, “Hey, I didn't wake you, did I?” He'd have either an Alzheimer patient or a fleeing felon going through a swamp somewhere and off we'd go. Two things to know about bloodhounds - first, their testimony is admissible in court, i.e. this dog don't lie, and second, he discriminates on his tracks. In other words, if I scent him on you and you go through a mall or football stadium, he stays on you and nobody else. He does not work on disturbances in fresh grass. As my buddy best describes it, your scent is like you've got two pockets full of sawdust and as you walk, a little comes out along the way. That's why when we're tracking on the road the dog is in the ditch. Thus, the scent blew down in the ditch. Makes perfect scent, or sense.
Now a cadaver dog is different. He works on human decomp only. They can find folks underwater, underground, wherever. I've personally seen dogs hit on decomp in 20 feet of water in a slow moving bayou. Yes, the scent traveled with current. However, you can train different breeds for this. With this being said, here's the story I promised you earlier. A few years ago my buddy's friend Clyde decided to cross train his bloodhound to do cadaver work, too. He's out in a small town in Texas and decides to lay a trail through town for training and have his wife track him with his bloodhound. Clyde goes all through town down the alleys and around stores and then heads out through the cemetery to the next hill. A few hours later he calls his wife and she scents the dog on Clyde and away they go. Dog follows him on track all through town and heads out through the cemetery. About three quarters way through the cemetery the dog stops and marks a grave then sits, meaning the game is over. Guess whose grave? Clyde's father. He was buried there a few years before and Clyde passed it, not realizing it was his father's because he hasn't visited the gravesite since the funeral. Believe it or not, because it's not going to affect my W-2. Now we're figuring that scent is hereditary. I've
Your scent is like you've got two pockets full of sawdust and as you walk, a little comes out along the way.
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also seen a bloodhound track my daughter on Cross section of deer skull reveals a trail five the complex senses… days old and go a mile through the woods, after a rain. Sounds unbelievable but it's true. Back to the point of my scripture - deer hunting. If a bloodhound is that good, how good to you think that deer is? We're learning that repeated trips to your stand leaves your trail. I've seen does cross my track behind me and throw their heads up and try to wind me. I wear rubber boots and keep my clothes clean no soaps, use scent blocker, don't chew fresh bubble gum, and pay attention to the wind. I believe a buck can smell you and tell you what kind of jelly you had on your toast for breakfast last week. They are that good. I was told Indians would go on a diet of vegetables and nuts before a hunt. They said prey animals can smell a predator. I wonder if I smell like oysters? During hunting season I use a baking soda deodorant but that's as far as I'm going with my personal information. There are also cover scents for deer hunting. Do you remember skunk screen? I think it was so good they took it off the market. Now we've got 'Doe in Heat', Estrus, Rut. I bought some once, drank half a bottle and didn't even see a deer that day. I mention this in Hunter Safety Classes and those kids just look at me… oh well. If a shark can smell a drop of blood in all that water and a polar bear can smell a seal at five miles, I reckon it's a miracle anyone takes a deer at all. Now if I could only train my horse to track. 1. Natchitoches, founded in Sonny Harrington is a Hunter 1714 Safety Instructor. He is also an 2. Paw paw-eaters' or NRA (National Rifle Association) 'Chinquapin-eaters' Rifle & Pistol Instructor and has 3. The leader of an Indian hunted from Alaska to Mexico. tribe living in the area now known as Calhoun 4. Every man a king 5. Tallulah 6. Four 7. Approximately five million man hours 8. Served as a U.S. Senator for 24 years 9. Pine Grove, Lower Pines 10. Dragonflies
ouisiana Answers …
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RECIPES
by Stacy Thornton Pumpkins, cats, and Halloween bat. I love October, Fall, football, festivals, candy corn, my birthday (ouch), the food, flowers and plants, and the changing leaves. Fall is ideal for planting herbs, lettuce, and greens. October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month so be sure to schedule a mammogram. You can always find a reason to celebrate, cook out, have friends over, or just kick back and enjoy a Happy October!
Gotta-Love-the-Juice Brisket
Season brisket to taste. Pour mushroom soup into heavy pan with lid. Put brisket on rack on top of soup, then spoon onion soup over meat. Cover and bake 1 hour at 350 degrees, then 3 hours at 200 degrees and keep covered. Serve with sesame or onion hamburger buns. Serves 10-14.
You Can't Go Wrong With Taco Soup 1 lb hamburger meat 1 can whole kernel corn 1 can Mexican style diced tomatoes 1 pkg taco seasoning (dry) tortilla chips, crushed sour cream
Brown hamburger meat with onion, then drain. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Cook over a medium low heat until heated through. Serve over crushed tortilla chips topped with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese.
Tip: Brown the beef and then throw everything in a slow cooker and simmer all day.
Spinach Salad with Apples and Walnuts 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts 4 cups baby spinach leaves 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 1 apple, cored and chopped 2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled 1/3 c pomegranate vinaigrette (recipe below) Toss all ingredients in a large bowl. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings.
Pomegranate Vinaigrette: 1/2 cup pomegranate juice 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard 1/2 cup salad oil (I use olive oil)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon honey salt and black pepper, to taste
In a medium bowl, whisk pomegranate juice, vinegar, mustard, and honey. Slowly drizzle in the oil, whisking constantly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Bodacious Brownies
Fall for Pecans! By Carolyn Files
Fall finds FSC in Mer Rouge gearing up for pecan season. They will buy pecans from you, sell pecans to you, or crack pecans for you. There's a process for preparing the nuts. Whole pecans are washed then dried overnight with heaters and fans. Three machines, each capable of cracking approximately 80 pecans per minute, stand like grey robots ready to go to work. The nuts can be cracked, shelled, or blown, whichever you request. I pay a little more to get mine blown but I have a lot less picking out to do. The day I toured the packing/shipping room at FSC, cookbooks lined the counter while yeast rolls were rising further down. I definitely recommend ordering some of these incredible rolls as well as candies or casseroles prepared by caterer Chessley Pipes. She can whip up a batch of candy, cookies, or other easily mailed goodies to tuck in with gift shipments of pecans for the upcoming holidays. When I was there, Chessley was making an ice cream sandwich cake with ice cream sandwiches, whipped topping, chocolate and caramel syrups, and toffee chips that could easily cause a riot - too good! This woman can cook so stop in or call her for all your catering needs. FSC also sells shelled almonds, roasted cashews, a Cajun mix, a hunter's mix, and pistachios seasonally. This year, FSC will be able to ship gift bags via UPS throughout the U.S. One stop at FSC can take care of a lot of your holiday shopping. These gifts are greatly appreciated in areas that don't grow pecans and Louisiana Road Trips
2 pounds ground beef 1 onion, chopped 4 potatoes, cubed 1 (14.5 oz) can peeled and diced tomatoes 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed 1 (15.25 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained 1 cup medium salsa 1 can chicken broth 1 teaspoon ground cumin salt and pepper to taste 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese Cook ground beef and onion until done. Add other ingredients, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
1 (5-lb.) brisket or London broil 1 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning 1 (10 3/4-oz.) can cream of mushroom soup 1 (10 3/4-oz.) can French onion soup
1 small onion chopped 1 can kidney beans 1 can chili beans 1 pkg ranch dressing mix (dry) 1 tsp chili powder shredded cheese
Southwest Stew
1/2 cup butter 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa 1 tsp vanilla extract 3/4 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup white sugar 2 eggs 1 cup all purpose flour 1/4 tsp salt
Melt butter, stir in cocoa and sugar. Stir in eggs one at a time and vanilla until just combined. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and fold in nuts. Pour into greased 8 x 8 baking dish. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until toothpick/fork comes out clean. Do no overbake! Drizzle with melted white chocolate to add a special touch.
Caramel Corn 2 sticks margarine 1/2 cup light Karo syrup 2 tsp. baking soda 6 to 8 qt. popped corn
2 cups light brown sugar, packed 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla
In a saucepan, mix margarine, brown sugar, Karo and salt. Stir over low heat until margarine melts. Bring to a boil; stop stirring and boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; add baking soda and vanilla. Pour mixture over popped corn in a large pan. Stir thoroughly. Bake at 200 degrees for 1 hour. Pour onto wax paper to cool. Break apart and keep stored in an airtight container. buying them also supports the local economy. Take a ride through the country in this nice weather, enjoy seeing the cotton fields, and drop by FSC to place your order for fall pecans. 318-647-3681
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A Scottish Rogue Brings Scandal to Monroe Society:
The Story of John R. Muir By Lora Peppers
Little is known about a Scotsman named John R. Muir. According to his broken headstone in Monroe's Old City Cemetery, he was born June 12, 1832 and was a Mason. Census records state he was born in Scotland. He ran the very successful City Saw and Planing Mill. He was also a fireman with the Ouachita Fire Company, No. 1, which was one of the first fire departments in the Parish. Muir made his way slowly up the social ladder in Monroe. On February 28, 1872 he married Florence R. Bry, the daughter of Henry Michael and Thankful Hall Bry. Henry Bry's father Isaac, an early settler in Monroe, built Mulberry Grove Plantation, which is now the heart of Layton Castle. The family was an old one, and Muir must have been well-respected locally to have married such a society rose!
K C A B K TAL
In June of 1873, the Muirs welcomed their only child, George. Things were going quite well for the little family and then John became ill. The Ouachita Telegraph reported, “Mr. Muir has been in poor health for months, and only recently returned from the hills where he had hoped to find relief. In his death our little city will lose over a citizen who has filled a place but few men could have filled so well.” The Telegraph's article would prove prophetic. On the day that issue was published, Saturday, July 29, 1882, John R. Muir would die from whatever had afflicted him. He was lovingly buried in the Old City Cemetery and a very nice headstone was erected to mark his resting place. Florence and her son mourned. A few years later, the widow Muir
Your last cover (Sept, 2011 - Grand Isle Fishing Rodeo) made me smile. What a nice graphic! I went out and picked up another copy of the magazine so I could frame it for my office because it reminds me of simpler, happier days past. Jenna R., Pineville, LA
Editor's Note: Thank you! I agree with you and many others that our covers photos are very impressive so we're making them available for purchase. Please call (318) 547-1221 or email monalh@bellsouth.net for details. Look for updates on our website. Excellent article. Very informative and entertaining (Sighting in a Rifle, by Sonny Harrington). D. F., Spencer I'm enjoying the Civil War article you have been publishing (by Terry Jones). Tina J., Tallulah I read the book “Cows to Christians” (reviewed in Sept, 2011) and think everybody should read it. If I'm ever in Epps, I want to meet this man and shake his hand. Jim P., Greenville, MS Louisiana Road Trips
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married Swiss immigrant Charles A. Downey and began to move on with her life. In October of 1887, scandal hit. A woman named Catharine M. Muir of Schenectady, NY brought a suit against the Downeys and several others for $23,000. She claimed she and John Muir married in Arkansas in 1868. The two had a daughter named Mellissa together. He sent her with the child to Schenectady and regularly sent letters. In 1871 he stopped writing her and in 1872 someone sent her an anonymous letter stating her husband had died. She remained in the state of New York raising their child as a single mother. Around April of 1887 Catharine learned of the real date of her husband's death. She sought to have the marriage between Florence and John declared null and void. The inheritance would be split between her and her daughter. As of this writing, I have been unable to find out what happened with the suit. I did find Catharine and Mellissa on the census records living under the Muir name. Florence and Charles Downey would have four daughters together: Maye (married Lawrence R. Powers), Neena (never married), Edna (married Monroe's most beloved Fire Chief, Frank J. Roddy, Sr.) and Thankful (married Harry Newton Black). Charles would become Monroe's mayor after Andrew Forsythe's death in 1914. Charles A. Downey died in 1924 of complications www.laroadtrips.com
of a broken hip. Florence would live four more years. She died of a sudden heart attack in 1928. Both are buried in St. Matthew's Cemetery. And whatever became of Florence and John's son George? He appears on census records in the Downey household up until the 1900 census. After that, he disappears. He is not listed as a survivor in his stepfather's or mother's obituaries. No gravesite can be located for him. His fate remains a mystery. 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 email at loradpeppers@hotmail.com.
SIGNIFICANT INCOME POTENTIAL Full Time / Part Time Memphis company adding team members to promote ship-to-door food business. Must have computer. Email:
great.income@yahoo.com
Buy Louisiana Made Products
By Su Stella Money makes the world go around. Not just a cute cliché but the truth. Think of this as an 'Economic Suzy's' drivethru lesson, holiday style, about buying from our neighbors. If everyone buys holiday gifts from the big chain stores, then the people in China will have a Merry Christmas and we'll have cheap lead-painted gizmos. Buying from local artists, musicians, food crafters, and shops keep our dollars in our areas. Louisiana Road Trips is always full of fun events, restaurants, and other local attractions throughout our state that I'm sure have handcrafted items to bring a smile to someone's face. Since this money isn't going overseas, the local artisans can spend their money at your business, restaurant, or shop, stimulating Louisiana's economy. This gives everyone money in hand to spend locally. Viola…genius!! I didn't study economics in college but learned much about how the world works through life experiences, mine and others. It seems if you're stressed from not being able to find a job, maybe it's time you create your own. This may require doing several things like building your business, teaching, and even working part-time elsewhere to bring in cash while you grow your 'big idea'. Can you do accounting, house sitting, cleaning or a million other needed tasks? Create your own job, that's my trickle up theory.
In the late 1990's my friend Panderina Soumas did just that. She started her business in a free computer lab at the Central Library and from a seed the “Soumas Heritage Creole Cottage” came to life as she worked diligently every day. Panderina is one of the most interesting women I know, an authentic Creole. She uses the best, most robust ingredients for pre-packaged mixes, using family recipes for pralines, gumbo, coffee stew mixes, etc. You can feel the love in her authentically Certified Creole fare! My favorite is her “Jumpin'-Da- Broom” jambalaya mix. Panderina's products can be found at www.soumasheritagecreole.com. She also lectures and is available for 'Family History Workshops', presents informative cooking demonstrations and authored a cookbook. This fall she will be vending at the Red River Revel (Oct. 3-6), the Makers Fair in Shreveport (Nov 5), and the Highland Jazz and Blues festival (Nov 12). You can email her at pansou@bellsouth.net. I, too, am an artist and entrepreneur. My latest projects are handcrafted Louisiana inspired novelty soaps ranging from gators to mudbugs to fleur de lis to embedded photos and more. If you need a good clean fund raiser or Mardi Gras Krewe gifts, these are perfect. The fragrant soaps are cleverly packaged with scenic/nostalgic prints from my watercolors, photos, and beautiful fused glass jewelry. You can see them at www.etsy.com/shop/MardiGrasShop. Back in 1997, I worked a night job and sat at my computer each day creating graphics for t-
shirts, mugs, bumper stickers, etc, having no idea what to do with them. Now I've selling witty non-partisan election gear at www.cafepress.com/smartvoter. Another great holiday gift is my book “I Wish I Had Asked”. My parents passed away years ago, and then one day I wondered if they had a teddy bear as a kid and no one had the answer. This book has 100 sentimental and interesting questions to fill in for the next generations (www.lulu.com/product/paperback/i-wish-i-hadasked/16540421). I'll also be at the Maker's Fair and Highland Jazz Fest with Panderina. On Oct 8th I'll be selling jewelry, soap, and paintings at the Pioneer Days at the Pioneer Heritage Center and on Oct 22nd, the Noel Methodist Church in Shreveport with vendors worldwide, including items from third world countries. You see, I work various angles to make a living but I do generate income. If you can't find a job, be your own boss. The Small Business Administration offers free/inexpensive classes to assist with everything from business plans to accounting ideas. So if you want to work from home, the key is first you gotta WORK! Saving our wonderful nation means being a great neighbor, buying local products, eating at local restaurants (when in Monroe, Cypress Inn is my favorite!), and bookmarking www.laroadtrips.com for everything cool and awesome in this state!
Johnny “Jambalaya's” Herb Dressing and Marinade
By Sherry Perkins For years, we've visited Nottoway Plantation for the history and magnificence of the home and meals prepared by Executive Chef Johnny “Jambalaya” Percle and his team. At the time, Chef Johnny sold his signature salad dressing/marinade in the gift shop and like other guests, we always took several home. After hurricane Katrina, visitors left, renovations came, and the staff dwindled. Throughout the changes, the chef's wonderful cuisine remained a while longer. But on one fateful visit, we learned that Chef Johnny was gone. We've often wondered about the staff and our beloved Chef and for years
tried to locate his bottled salad dressing, a zesty flavored Italian style vinaigrette. Recently, I came across an old article printed by The Advocate in Baton Rouge that was advertising the chef's dressing. I immediately called the phone number in the ad and a man answered the phone Chef Johnny! I relived our love for Nottoway while he was there and how we associated his cooking with the place. I even mentioned that once we brought guests and drove three hours one-way just to eat lunch there. He laughed and said I raised his spirits. For a taste of Johnny “Jambalaya's” Herb Dressing and
Louisiana Road Trips
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Marinade, look for it at Rouses supermarkets in Louisiana and Mississippi, Calandro's in Baton Rouge or have it delivered to your home by calling 225-776-6480 or emailing johnnyjambalaya@gmail.com. The product is manufactured by Kajun Kettle Foods in New Orleans and also sold in gallon containers for food service use. We are finally going to enjoy it again after all these years and I can't wait it's that good! New Orleans musician Dr. John (Mac Rebennack) has partnered with Percle in promoting the product. A while back, Percle had written and recorded a song, “Soul in Ya' Bowl: Recipes for the Good Life” so it was only obvious that their marketing slogan would be “Add soul to your bowl!” Only in Louisiana…
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ALL THINGS SOUTHERN
By Shellie Tomlinson
"Move to France or Call the Cat" Hello folks, welcome back to my cyber porch. Let's chat... ~smile~ Those funny Frenchmen are at it again. A French doctor has written a book encouraging his countrymen to relax and release their bodily emissions anytime, everywhere. That would be those pesky noises and embarrassing odors our mamas told us were private. Big Al is not gonna like this. He and his global warming buddies already have their hands full measuring the
All Things Southern “Bringing you the charm and heritage of the South…” ph 318-559-0319 • cell 319-282-2508 tomtom@allthingssouthern.com
methane gas cows are responsible for¬-and now this, which just proves that being a crusader isn't all it's cracked up to be. The good doctor contends that allowing your toxins to build-up can lead to disease. He may be right. I'm just suggesting that there are more common sense solutions. I once had a reader write in with a charming story of how her aunt, a fine Southern woman, handled this, uh, issue. When entertaining guests in her home, she'd excuse herself to the porch to give the leftovers to her beloved cat, only she didn't have a cat. She later explained to her niece that calling your cat is a perfectly acceptable way to step away from your company during potentially trying social situations. The more coverage you need, the louder you call the cat. I polled some of my people on this relax and release suggestion. Not
surprisingly, Bubba was intrigued, but only if he could be the releaser, as in, “Ask not what your countrymen can do to you but what you can do to your countrymen”! Paulette found it outrageous, but then, she was recently in a social situation where such an extreme violation occurred Paulette said she thought she was going to have to go to the ground for oxygen, you know, like one does in case of fire. No doubt, she exaggerates, but I needed to break the tie so I called in, who else but Mama! She was hesitant about my broaching this subject with y'all, but in the end she couldn't resist giving some patented little lady advice. Mama said, “Tell your readers to move to France or call the cat, but by all means, show some class.” Y'all take care and come see me. That's allthingssouthern.com! ~Hugs, Shellie
Kayak Club Goes With the Flow! By Stephanie Herrman In the Fall of 2008, my life as I knew it began to change. With a pending divorce and two young children, change was inevitable. To some degree, I had been paddling upstream for years without much resolve so I decided to just go with the flow and see where it led me. So many uncertainties yet I was optimistic and determined to enjoy each day and take advantage of life on Lake D'Arbonne because tomorrow isn't promised. A year went by and this new vision took me back to my love of nature and sports. My first experience was mountain biking, primarily a solo sport, along trails in Shreveport, Ruston, and Farmerville. Then came yoga, pilates, P90x, tennis, weighttraining, running, ballroom dancing, and power walking. Some said I was 'keeping busy' but in truth, these activities kept me active, healthy, and equipped to handle the stress and challenges of life and single parenthood. Rowing also became a new passion. Someone asked, “You actually go backward on a lake with stumps?” Well, maybe so but stumps are maneuverable and predictable, and the view and faith required to go backwards gave me some perspective and calm and peace that I can't quite explain. Rowing allowed me to see the lake but I wanted to explore in and around bays, coves, and inlets - like kayaking! I bought my first kayak last year, a cheap one, and found that this sport was not difficult. Paddling the kayak was relatively easy with
good wind and I could pack a lunch and snack along the way. As I paddled I thought it would be fun to have a friend with me. The flow began to change course as I talked it up and decided to form a kayak club. In May 2010, with the Lake D'Arbonne State Park, we held our first D'Arbonne Kayak Club outing with 27 attendees. We paddled around the lake, had a picnic lunch at the park, and met people that became lifelong friends. Since that first outing, we've paddled together every month. So far, we've explored the five waterways in Union Parish (creeks, lakes, and bayous) and a few outside the parish. Each paddle is aptly named for a part of the Lake or an activity that we'll experience together. On our Cheeseburgers in Paradise paddle, we actually saw a deer giving birth to a fawn on the edge of the lake. The Picnic and Paddle outing led us to a rope swing that brought lots of laughs and some rope burns. The Blues on the Bayou paddle allowed us to enjoy the talents of our friends at sunset. Sunrise Serenade paddle led us to a morning church service overlooking the lake. Our Moonlight Madness paddle for Halloween was hilarious
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with costumes and good fun (I went as St. Paddly, the paddling leprechaun). At Christmas, Santa himself paddled and brought gifts to two families we adopted through the club. Our Polar Bear Paddle was both chilly and chili as we shared some great dishes together. Just recently, we held a Pamper and Paddle for ladies where we combined paddling with skin care makeove¬¬¬rs. Over the year my kids have joined and now we are going with the flow as a family. The club also allows me to combine my latest sporting adventure standup paddleboarding. As I look back over the last two years, I realize most of these experiences took place in my backyard - Lake D'Arbonne. Union Parish. Farmerville. I hear people talk about the good life but for me, I think the good life is just celebrating where you are. And where I am is very good. For more information about the D'Arbonne Kayak Club, visit us online on Facebook. All group paddles and discussion regarding paddling are posted there. Stephanie Herrmann makes her home on Lake D'Arbonne in Union Parish with her two children Maggie and Conner and serves as the Director of the Union Parish Library. In addition to raising readers, kids, and orphan animals, she has written a children's book series about friends and creatures on Lake D'Arbonne that celebrate life, faith, and nature-her three loves. Email her at darbonnekayak@gmail.co.
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A LIFE OF TRIAL…AND ERROR
By Dennis Stewart
Louisiana Dove Hunting, With Contemplations of Homicide One of my earliest memories from when I was around 3 years old was watching my father return home from a dove hunting trip behind our semi-rural home in Winnsboro. Dove hunting has always been special to me, although up until this year I had never paid to hunt doves on someone's property. Let me emphasize… I am a terrible wing shot, probably because I shoot right handed even though I am left eye dominant. Several years ago I joined a local gun club but soon cancelled my membership, partially due to my inability to hit skeet or clay targets, but mostly due to my inability to graciously accept huge amounts of unsolicited constructive criticism. My hunting buddy Chuck (who is a state champion wing shooter) and I split a membership to hunt dove this year in Morehouse Parish. Opening day was wonderful, even though Tropical Storm Lee was dumping a continuous misty rain on our sunflower field. I shot up nearly 3 boxes of shells and in the process knocked down 14 doves and managed to find 12. The only drawback was in the middle of the afternoon a nearby hunter shot at a dove that happened to be flying near my face and shotgun pellets peppered me. One pellet hit me in the face about 3 inches below my dominant left eye and stung like heck for about five minutes, though it drew no blood.
Sunday was entirely a different story. We had been instructed to hunt a different sunflower field, smaller with hunters crammed together, and the doves weren't there. I only shot about 10 shells and most of those were futile shots at doves in a different zip code. We were crammed so close together that other hunters began shooting at doves that were on the other side of me from them. They were cutting me off! I only killed one dove, and the only way I managed to do that was that after an adjacent hunter had already shot at the dove twice. I stood up so that the other hunter would have had to shoot through me to hit the dove. Fortunately, he stopped shooting and I downed the bird. Another adjacent hunter had brought his dog to the dove hunt, another reason the doves weren't flying anywhere near us. I have never liked dogs but this dog had a redeeming quality in that he would retrieve any dove that fell within 200 yards of his master, and not just the ones his master shot. The disgusted looks on the hunters faces whose dead doves got dog-napped was the hilarious highpoint of the afternoon. Nevertheless, every 30 seconds the mutt's owner would yell at him in a useless effort to control him. I was wishing I had brought my MP3 player and the ear muffs so I could drown it all out. For some reason during the afternoon my mind drifted to contemplations of “hunting accidents” and justifiable homicide. I thought about the Ernest Hemingway story, The Short, Happy Life of Frances Macomber, about a hen-
A nearby hunter shot at a dove that happened to be flying near my face and shotgun pellets peppered me.
pecked man on an African safari, whose philandering wife “accidentally” shoots him when he suddenly becomes emotionally independent. The earliest recorded murders in north Louisiana occurred in Tensas Parish around 1700 when Iberville observed an Indian tribe throw several infants into a fire to appease their Gods. A jury of their peers would have found them not guilty, since the Indians shared the same religion, but a jury of Frenchmen, on the other hand, would have found them all guilty of murder, no doubt. In my years as a criminal defense attorney, I learned that it is always helpful to put people on the jury who identify with your client. So, as I sat in the bushes next to that sunflower field in the misting rain and had one dove after another shot out from under me while someone else's dog wandered around scaring off the doves while being continuously yelled at by his owner, I weighed the demographics of Morehouse Parish, trying to decide how many intolerant, impatient, left-eye dominant, poor wingshooting, dog-hating potential jurors there may be there. Not liking the odds, I drove home and mixed myself a tall spiced rum and Coke. 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.
Bridge City, LA
“Gumbo Capital of the World” Strawberry, seafood, duck, chili, bunny? Ahh.. no, honey. It's all about the GUMBO! It's that time of year again. Come celebrate the 39th annual Bridge City Gumbo Festival, one of the most exciting festivals on the westbank of Jefferson Parish. The Gumbo Festival is scheduled for October 14-16, 2011 and is co-sponsored by Holy Guardian Angels Mission in Bridge City and Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Westwego. Since 1973, Bridge City has been known as “the gumbo capital of the world”, as per
proclamation by Louisiana Governor Edwin W. Edwards. Last year, over 40,000 people came out for the event. More than 2,000 gallons of gumbo will be served over three days as well as other foods to satisfy your appetite. Don't miss the gumbo cooking competition or the beautiful baby contest. Come with your dancing shoes as the bands will keep you grooving! Bring a chair and relax and enjoy the fun and smells gumbo, onion mums, red beans an' rice, hamburgers and hotdogs. You'll even get a
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glimpse of Gumbo Royalty as King Creole Gumbo XXXVII Al Guidry and Miss Creole Gumbo 2010 Miss Lauren Miller will be meetin' and greetin' all guests at the fairgrounds. With 'pay one price' rides and free entry and parking, it's a very affordable way to enjoy a Louisiana weekend! The festival runs October 14th from 6-11pm, October 15th from 10am-10pm, and October 16th from 10am9pm. The event is located behind Monsignor Luminais Educational Building at 1701 Bridge City Avenue.
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Louisiana In the Civil War
October 1861: “The Turtle” By Terry Jones
Soon after the Civil War began, the Lincoln administration adopted the so-called Anaconda Plan to suppress the rebellion. This strategy called on splitting the Confederacy in two by seizing control of the Mississippi River and using a naval blockade to cut off the South from overseas trade. New Orleans was the Confederates' largest port so it ranked high on the U.S. Navy's list of blockade targets. By October 1861, five Union vessels had taken up position at the Head of Passes where the Mississippi River splits into several channels to the Gulf. In New Orleans, Commodore George N. Hollins commanded a handful of Confederate vessels that were affectionately known as the Mosquito Fleet. Hollins was a crusty sixty-twoyear old navy veteran from Maryland who had the reputation for being a scrapper. Although badly outgunned by the enemy, he was determined to break the blockade. The most formidable boat in the Mosquito Fleet was the 143-foot Manassas, a Massachusetts-made icebreaker that had been covered with heavy oak timbers and then overlaid with 1.5 inches of iron. The Manassas only carried one cannon but it had a heavy bow ram than could stave in the side of most ships. Because of its humped back appearance, most people just called it the “Turtle.” In the pre-dawn hours of October 12, 1861, Hollins headed downriver with his Mosquito Fleet to engage the enemy. Lieutenant Alexander Warley led the way in the Manassas with orders to ram the Union flagship USS Richmond. Behind Warley tugs towed three fire rafts piled high with pine knots soaked in turpentine. The rafts were chained together and stretched across the river. Once released, they would drift downstream in the current and hopefully envelope an enemy ship in flames. Following the fire rafts were the rest of Hollins's ships. Captain John Polk's Union fleet lay at anchor in the Head of Passes,
When the Confederates oblivious to the surprise upstream saw the signal attack until the Manassas rockets they lit the fire rafts suddenly steamed past the and set them loose. The fire USS Preble. Taking aim at rafts caused great the Richmond, Warley consternation among the yelled to the engineer, panic-stricken Federals but “Let her out, Hardy! Let none ever actually hit a ship. her out now!” The engine Nonetheless, the Yankees crew poured buckets of tar, tallow, and sulfur into CSS Manassas (Civil War Photos.com) were soon in headlong retreat down Southwest Pass toward the the fires to supercharge the steam engine, and Gulf. the ram quickly reached its maximum speed The minor clash at the Head of Passes of ten knots. had no effect on the war because the Union Onboard the Preble, quickly reestablished the blockade. The U.S. Commander Henry French had Navy, however, was greatly embarrassed for just retired when an excited having been routed by the little Mosquito midshipman burst into the room Fleet. Captain Pope probably would have exclaiming, “Captain, there is a been court-martialed had he not saved the steamer right alongside of us.” navy the trouble by requesting to be relieved Jumping out of his berth, French for “health” reasons. glanced out a porthole and saw While the Head of Passes is rarely the dark hulk of the Manassas rush mentioned in Civil War literature, it was a by barely twenty yards away. notable engagement. The Manassas was the By the time French got up on deck, his first ironclad in history to attack an enemy crew had already hoisted a red lantern to vessel, although the CSS Virginia (aka warn the Richmond of the ram's approach and Merrimac) is usually given that credit for its fired a few shots at the Manassas as it famous battle with the USS Monitor five disappeared into the blackness. months later. Unfortunately, the “Turtle” Richmond's gunners opened fire as well did not survive the war. It exploded and but could not stop the “Turtle.” The Manassas sank in April 1862 after fighting a losing glanced off a coal barge tied alongside the battle with the Union fleet near Fort ship and then drove into the Richmond's Jackson, Louisiana. forward port side, cracking the timbers below the water line. Dr. Terry L. Jones is a professor of history at the After Warley backed out, he found the University of Louisiana at Monroe and has published six collision had knocked loose one of his engines books on the American Civil War. and Union shells had destroyed his two smokestacks. He ordered rockets be fired to signal the rest of the Mosquito Fleet to engage and then ran the Manassas aground because it could no longer maneuver.
The “Turtle” did not survive the war. It exploded and sank in April 1862 after fighting a losing battle with the Union fleet.
For effective, low-cost advertising, call
Mona L. Hayden
(318) 547-1221 Louisiana Road Trips
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Jumping Off a Cliff
By Johnny Wink It's just hours til opening day of teal season. All the water is pumped in the fields, blinds brushed, decoys out, and this year we have a Mojo tree that holds 5 Mojo's in the air. There's a cool snap that feels so good and it won't be long before we hear and see those vees in the sky but right now we have 16 days of shooting those fast flying blue winged teal birds. So it's teal in the mornings and doves in the afternoon. I am so happy that I may just yell! As a hunter, we dream of this time of year - cool nights, football, and things starting to move in the woods. Bow hunters are cornering up their spots and wives can't wait til their husbands are at the camp. I eat real good this time of year with all the food coming in with some good cooks that want to hunt! It's a lot better than Hot Pockets and cereal. This year is the biggest count of ducks ever by the WLF. They also say Louisiana hunters kill at least a million more ducks than any other state. Did you read that? One million more ducks than AR, TX, MD, or CA. We are number one and have been since cave men came to Louisiana to hunt ducks with rocks. We kill more ducks than the entire Atlantic or Pacific flyway. When hunters come to my place, Megabucks Duck Guides, they can't believe how good the hunting is, they never saw anything like this. So get your stuff together and come on in, the teal are up 41% so it's going to be rippin! Just be careful this year and take a kid hunting with you, or a lady friend. They'll love you for it.
Ok, I really wanted to write about my vacation in Jamacia because I had so much fun and all my dreams came true but Mona said absolutely not. Guess you'll have to book a hunt with me and hear the gory details in a duck blind. But I can tell you about the day we took a boat ride to Rick's Café just down from the resort I stayed at. About 100 people from the resort went to check it out. Up real high were men jumping from these cliffs just to get a free t-shirt. Well, this place, the sunset, and the jumpers were pretty cool to watch sooooo… I got up there and the jump didn't look that far down so I decided to cliff dive. Signs at the café said they were not responsible for any injuries and you couldn't sue if you jump. All the pretty women were hollering, “Go, Johnny, go!” So I went. A cliff diver up there told me I had to time the jump so I didn't hit the rocks. I looked down and the waves moved out and I saw big sharp rocks all over the bottom. He said not to worry, if you go when he said so, I'd hit waves instead of rocks. That's when I got scared. But climbing down was just as dangerous as jumping, and I wouldn't get a t-shirt. What have I got myself in to? Will I die or get hurt? I still have a lot of ducks to kill and maybe a few more women to date. The guy says he will tell me when to jump. I decided to call a helicopter to come get me. Naaa, I'll do it. He said keep my arms in close and legs straight and hit feet first. I was supposed to jump when he touched me. I said a prayer, he touched me and I jumped. About 60' down, I was good until my feet started to come up and at 90', I landed on my butt. They said I made the biggest splash of the day! I was so far down I didn't think I could get to the surface without drowning. I was paddling and looked for the cliff diver guy to save me. I
Louisiana hunters kill at least a million more ducks than any other state.
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had been lied to by many women in my life and it was happening again - where was that liar? How I got to the surface I don't know but when I did, a thousand or so people yelled my name and applauded, saying I was their hero. I was smiling but inside I was crying because it hurt. I had to go to the café for my t-shirt and people stopped me to shake my hand, pat me on the back, or take a pic with me. At the café, all they had was Medium sized shirts. One arm won't fit in a Medium. Then I found out I could have bought a tshirt for $24.95. How did I get in this deal? I think when a woman whispers in my ear that I can't hear out of (too many gunshot blasts) and I think they are saying something I want to hear, I do most anything. Well, it's been 3 weeks since that jump and now every night I take a handful of pain pills because I'm still too sore to sleep. Now the real stupid part is I don't drink so I did this with a clear mind. Call me and book a hunt so I can tell you the good stuff. Let's get in the blind and shoot ducks and geese and let me entertain you with some stories that dreams are made of. I'll tell you some that'll make your hair curl or make you even jump from a cliff. www.johnnywink.com.
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Calendar of Events
October 2011 Every Sunday in October _
October 5-9 ____________
Angola Prison Rodeo 225-655-2030
Vernon Parish Fair Leesville – 337-238-0783
October 1 _____________
October 6-8 ____________
Antique Fall Festival Denham Springs – 225-665-4666
Tamale Fiesta Zwolle – 318-645-6988
Art for Arts Sake New Orleans – 504-210-0224
October 7-8 ____________
Hungarian Celebration Springfield – 225-567-7899 Okra Cookoff & Festival St. Martinville – 337-394-2230 Shadows Arts & Crafts Festival New Iberia – 877-200-4924 Louisiana Cajun Food Festival Downtown Kaplan – 337-643-2400
October 1-2 ____________ Germanfest Roberts Cove – 337-334-8354 Heritage Festival Robeline – 800-259-1714 Red River Revel Shreveport – 318-424-4000 Bluegrass Festival Oak Grove – 318-428-5282
October 1-9 ____________ Livingston Parish Fair 225-686-1333 West Louisiana Forestry Festival Rosepine – 337-208-7500
October 2 _____________ Sugar Fest Port Allen – 225-336-2422 Sunshine Festival Donaldsonville – 225-473-4814
October 3-8 ____________
Lumberjack Festival Springhill – 318-539-2071
Cajun Heritage Festival LaRose – 985-228-0845 Andouille Festival LaPlace – 985-652-9569 Rice Festival Crowley – 337-783-208
October 7-9 ____________ Festival Acadiens Lafayette – 800-346-1958
October 15 ____________ Adai Caddo Indian Pow Wow Robeline – 318-472-8680
Gretna Heritage Festival Gretna – 504-361-7748
Heritage & Timber Festival Ragley – 337-725-3324
Gumbo Festival Bridge City – 504-259-4718 La Cattle Festival Abbeville – 337-652-0646
Ragley Heritage and Timber Festival Ragley Historical Square 337-725-3444
Natchitoches Pilgrimage Natchitoches – 800-259-1714
October 15-16 __________ Tailgating Cookoff & Fais Do Do Loreauville – 337-365-1540
Voice of the Wetlands Houma – 800-688-2732
October 8 _____________
Crescent City Blues Festival New Orleans – 504-558-6100
La Art and Folk Fest Columbia – 318-649-0726
International Acadian Festival Plaquemine – 225-687-6549
October 8-9 ____________ Gumbo Cookoff New Iberia – 337-364-1836
October 11 ____________ Great Acadian Awakening Lake Charles Civic Center 337-288-2681
October 12-16 __________ Cal-Cam Parish Fair Sulphur
October 13-16 __________
Beauregard Parish Fair DeRidder – 337-462-3135
Natchitoches Parish Fair 800-259-1714
October 5-8 ____________
October 14-15 __________
Louisiana Road Trips
Old Farmer's Day Loranger – 985-878-2360
October 16 ____________ Laurel Valley Fall Festival Thibodaux – 985-446-1187 Louisiana Tournoi Ville Platte – 337-367-6604
October 4-8 ____________
Boucherie Sorrento – 225-675-6550
Oak Alley Arts & Crafts Festival Vacherie – 800-44-ALLEY
Fall for Art Covington – 985-892-8650
Rapides Parish Fair Alexandria – 318-767-3968
Jennings – 337-824-1773
October 14-16 __________
Cotton Festival Ville Platte – 337-363-6367
Red River Revel Shreveport – 318-424-4000
Jefferson Davis Parish Fair
Smokin on the Red Campti – 318-652-3661
Pepper Festival St. Martinville – 337-367-6604
October 18-22 __________ Washington Parish Free Fair Franklinton – 985-839-7840
October 21-23 __________ French Food Festival LaRose – 985-693-7355
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October 23 ____________ International Heritage Celebration Baton Rouge – 225-930-0901
October 27-31 _________ Great Baton Rouge State Fair 225-755-FAIR State Fair of LA Shreveport – 318-635-1361
October 29-30 __________ Antique Street Fair Slidell – 985-641-6316 Cajun Village Fallfest Sorrento – 225-675-5572
October 31 Harvest Fest Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum 491-1280
For the Love of the Lord By Robert Lemoine
I usually write about events in my own life that have had a special impact on me. I'm going to take a little detour and instead tell you about a God fearing man we met at church, Mike Thompson. We actually met him a while back at Bonnie & Clyde Trade Days in Arcadia when he was giving out pennies with a cross cut out of them, but we didn't catch his name at the time. Mike is not your normal guy. He lives on faith and God always provides for him so get comfortable as I tell you about Mike Thompson and Kudzu Patch Ministries. Mike started out as a rebellious youth that got involved with drugs and alcohol. He continued through this life of destruction narrowly escaping death on several occasions. Through the outlaw bikers he used to ride with, he even earned a lengthy stay at a correctional facility. You see, as a young man he was told by doctors that he only had months to live and he lived every day after that as his last party. As we fast forward through his life, we find him now totally committed to serving
Jesus. After becoming saved, he founded Kudzu Patch Ministries. Mike also opened a Christian Campground and RV Park in Dubach where he hosts many events such as the 2011 Road Kill Cook-Off (Sept 30 - Oct 2). Bro Scott Jennings will be bringing God's word Friday evening while Saturday's activities even include a morning prayer run. Pisgah Drama and Puppet Team will be performing along with the Kudzu Patch Praise Band, Pisgah Praise band and others. Saturday's word from God will be delivered from Bro Bill Britt. There will be a Biker Sunday service at Pisgah Church in Bernice, Louisiana. When Mike's not hosting events like these to glorify the Lord, he's working in the prisons bringing the message of hope. He is truly a man of God that does not fear the things of this earth. Whether dealing with career criminals or precious little children, you can feel the love of God radiate from him. Of course, he takes no credit for what he does and praises God for the good and bad in his life. Sunday, he got up to talk about his recent week. He has been on a liver
Running a Bed & Breakfast For Dummies By Mary White, Founder & CEO, BnBFinder.com For the ultimate in relaxation and personal attention, bed & breakfasts are a very sought after venue. Where else are you welcomed into a stranger's home and treated like family, and for the same price, if not less, than a basic hotel room? Owning and operating a B&B is a romantic dream many people share but like any business, it requires more than just hanging out a shingle. In Running a Bed & Breakfast For Dummies, author Mary White describes exactly what is involved in operating a successful B&B. From the initial setup to managing daily tasks and marketing the inn, every step is thoroughly presented and even includes several enticing breakfast
recipes! You'll learn the value of having a solid business plan, how to buy an existing business or start a new one, and how to effectively communicate with guests. After all, it's the attention to detail that keeps guest returning and making referrals, which is the cornerstone of any successful business. Whether you're ready to jump inn (nice pun, huh?) or are just contemplating the idea of running a bed & breakfast, you'll appreciate the invaluable information provided in this well researched book. The author, Mary White, is also the founder and CEO of www.BnBFinder.com, a directory of notable B&Bs throughout the country and worldwide. Pick up your copy today or order it at www.amazon.com.
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transplant list for ten years and has never been called in for a match. Last week, that changed. He was called only to find he wasn't a match for the liver they had. The doctors also told him his kidneys weren't functioning properly. His message Sunday wasn't one of pity but hope. Instead, he asked us to pray for a sixteen year old girl who also wasn't a match for that liver. He then explained to the kids and parents that it was his fault his liver and kidneys were failing him, because of poor choices he made earlier in life. After the service, he went to attend another service elsewhere and not feel sorry for himself. His faith is in the One and Only True God that will use him to carry His message to sinners. Yeah, he enjoys the company of fellow Christians but his mission field is to bring the Word of God to sinners who have never heard it before. To find out more about Mike's bike rallies or his mission work, contact him at mtcomeonin@yahoo.com or visit his website, http://www.kudzupatchministry.com. I encourage you to plan a trip to stay with him one weekend. He has cabins available for those without an RV or travel trailer. May God bless you and keep you safe in all that you do. Remember, the fastest way up is to kneel down. A lifelong resident of Union Parish, Robert Lemoine is a Christian small business owner. He and his wife, Summer, oversee www.foreverandalwaysonline.com and also sell Christian merchandise at flea markets and fesitvals in north Louisiana and surrounding states. Robert's writings are most inspirational, Christian, and patriotic with occasional reflections on lessons learned. He can be reached at writing@foreverandalwaysonline.com.
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BEDS & BEIGNETS
By Mary White
Different Paths to Preserving a Culture Keeping the Cajun and Creole culture alive is the whole idea behind the Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, a free event taking place October 14, 15, and 16 at Girard Park in Lafayette. The event began in 1972 when the Louisiana Native Crafts Festival was first presented. Since then, the Festivals Acadiens ('Acadien' is another term from 'Cajun') has grown into a cooperative made up of several fabulous events running throughout the weekend. The 'Festival de Musique Acadienne' is the main draw and features 3 separate stages showcasing the best in Cajun and Zydeco music. It was intended to draw in the younger generation and teach them about traditional Cajun values. The 'Louisiana Craft Fair' presents both traditional and fine art from all around the state while the 'Bayou Food Festival' boasts the ultimate display of Cajun and Creole cooking including barbeque boudin, crab bisque, meat pies, wild game jambalaya and more. 'Louisiana Folk Roots' explores many of the cultural traditions, especially the musical kind, through on-stage performances and
workshops; at the 'Louisiana Folk Roots Jam des Amis' tent festival goers have the opportunity to perform alongside some of the
best Cajun and Creole musicians in the state. At 'Culture Sur la Table' area chefs demonstrate the art of Cajun cooking while the kids get to enjoy French games, crafts and music focused on the traditions of Acadiana at 'La Place des Petits'. Madeleine Cenac knows a thing or two about keeping the Cajun and Creole culture alive. Madeleine is the proprietor of the Maison Madeleine at Lake Martin, (http://www.BnBFinder.com/MaisonMadelei ne) a historic 1840's Creole cottage located about 10 miles from the festival in Breaux Bridge. Madeleine was on the hunt for an older house to restore when she was told about one being used as a storage barn in a
sugarcane field. After some searching she came upon the abandoned one-and-a-half story structure, its deteriorating walls, hollow window frames and pieces of a porch coming into full view. “It was dream like,” says Madeleine. “The home stood there graceful and proud. The moment was quite magical.” She was so enthralled by the cottage she came back months later, mounted the house on a flatbed truck and moved it 50 miles onto a special piece of land on Lake Martin. With the help of her partner, Mark de Basile, and others they rebuilt the dilapidated structure and brought it back to life. “I instantly fell in love with what became a 5 year restoration project with my children and carpenter crew,” she says. Madeleine hosts guests at the inn who have traveled from all over to enjoy the music, food and crafts at the Festivals Acadiens et Créoles and, perhaps, learn a little something about Cajun and Creole traditions. “It shows the world our unique culture.” The Maison Madeleine at Lake Martin is listed with the National Register of Historic Places, and The Audubon Society has named it one of the top 10 bird watching spots in the United States. 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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Hit the Road
Catching Rays
The miracles of nature along Pensacola Beach By Deborah Burst
The ocean has many moods, an endless energy with year round passages of breaking waves, earth's beating heart giving life to countless creatures. Growing up in a Navy family, I never ventured far from nature's waters. As a young adult I found the beaches of Pensacola and have returned to her shores for thirty years. Now my daughter invites me to join her pilgrimage of Pensacola Beach. Looking down from a 14th floor condo the ocean is incredibly calm; a solemn beauty touched by shades of navy, turquoise and light green. The water is so clear we notice a school of large fish feeding in the shallow waters but the swaying motion seems odd. So my daughter and I go down to investigate. With point-and-shoot camera in hand we wait as a small dark cloud inches its way towards us. Four stingrays, Cownose rays, glide by and we take chase walking the soaked sand studying these angelic creatures. They swim with the current moving quickly feeding on shellfish just feet from the shoreline. Measuring 24 to 36 inches across, the outer skin is a slick dark grey while the white underbelly hides the gills and mouth. On the head, two horn style lobes probe the seafloor for food and use the lobes to form a circle funneling the particles. It has a pencil-thin tail and stinger laced with a weak venom similar to a bee sting. From the west we notice a dark curved line shaped like a flock of geese swimming towards us. It's another
school of rays maybe 100 in a 100-ft string. We leave our lonely four and follow this lofty group. Together their agile movement ebbs back and forth from deeper waters to the sandy foam lapping the shores. It's interesting to watch the hierarchy as multiple layers swim together almost in complete unison. This closeknit formation allows their synchronized wing flaps to stir up sediment and expose buried clams and oysters. Sometimes they jockey for position, wings peak above the surface and suddenly a quick fly-by as one takes flight over the others. We have followed them now for nearly two hours and take note of some unique markings giving them nicknames. One has a scar, a small tan spot minus the normal gray coating, he is Scarface. Another has a short tail and dubbed Stubby. We observe every minute movement and their interaction with humans. Some swimmers are startled and exit the water, while others decide to soak in the beauty. The rays gently part around them gliding through the still waters. As the morning hours drift away so do the rays and we retreat inside waiting for the afternoon breeze. We pack a lunch, grab the beach gear, and head for nature's most compelling therapy. Kick off the sandals and feel the warm grains of sand seep through your toes while every inch of the body is brushed with the ocean's
Pensacola Beach Tourism, www.visitpensacolabeach.com, 1-800-635-4803 Santa Rosa Island Authority, www.sria-fla.com, 850-932-2257 Emerald Isle Condominiums, www.emeraldislelife.com, 1-800-801-4689 Native Café serves great breakfast and lunch, www.thenativecafe.com, 850-934-4848 Dog House Deli right across the beach, www.doghousedeli.com, 850-916-4993 PegLeg Pete's with waterfront dining, www.peglegpetes.com, 850-932-4139 Louisiana Road Trips
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salty breeze. Under the shade of an umbrella, I lean back in my chair, open a book and tune into the ocean's soothing lullaby. We retreat back to the balcony for dinner and watch the evening unfold. Gold flecks of light dust the sea oats and fishing pier while the beach is covered with a mosaic pattern of footprints. Forget Hollywood or the 3-D movies, this is just a preview of things to come. A moonless sky welcomes a starry night and the splendor of space. Studying the constellations, the planets stand out with a distinct sparkle as Jupiter and Venus are easy finds. Late August brings a rare treat with Neptune in plain view casting a blue-green orb. The darkness heightens the roar of the sea and the rhythm of the sand moving beneath the waves. On the horizon a distant flash of pink shines through a cloud bank. And we whisper the prospect of a storm brewing. The next morning, the wind blows from the south and clouds slowly crawl across a sea covered in white caps. Even the rays retreat to deeper waters after a rough beating by pounding waves. A sparse crowd enjoys the morning sun while a brisk breeze gains more fury. Pods of dolphins, young and old jump into the air and slap their tails on the surface. They seem to enjoy the rougher seas, perhaps more movement of fish and an invigorating massage for their sensitive skin. We watch pelicans skim the waters diving for their morning meal while gulls tag along doing the same. This is a scene we have enjoyed for decades along the snowy-white sands of Pensacola Beach. No matter the season the beach delivers infinite possibilities. Still waters bring marine life viewing while storms wash in waves of seashells. But perhaps the greatest gift is pure relaxation and serious therapy. Deborah Burst, freelance writer and photographer, lives and writes in the piney woods of Mandeville. After a 30-year stint in banking, she graduated from Tulane in 2003. Her work has appeared in regional, national, and international publications. A personal translator blessed with an emotional art form, Deb discovers the food, culture, and people along the backroads each month in Louisiana Road Trips.
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Main to Main in Webster Parish: 50 Miles of Food, Fun & Shopping Mark November 4th & 5th on your calendar and join the folks in Webster Parish for the 12th Annual Main to Main Trade Days. Whether you are an art lover, a bargain hunter, an antique & flea market shopper, a garage sale enthusiast, or you just love the art of shopping; you won't want to miss the Main to Main Trade Days experience! The 50 mile route runs from Main Street in Springhill, down highway 371 south through the main streets of the small Webster Parish towns of Cullen, Sarepta, Cotton Valley, Couchwood to Dixie Inn onto Highway 80 on to the Shreveport Road, through Downtown Minden then back south on 371 to the Sibley Road Flea Market, south through Sibley and down to the parish line by Heflin. Food, fun and shopping begins at dawn each day and runs through dusk. The sidewalks of both Minden and Springhill Main Streets will be filled with vendors. The downtown shops also bring it “outside” and offer store specials and bargains galore. Vendors are many and varied. One street corner may offer homemade gumbo by a local church group, while another has original handmade jewelry. You'll find beignets being deep fried on one end of the block and original oil paintings on display on the other. Just down the road is fried alligator and a huge garage sale. “Downtown Minden will feature food, art, crafts and entertainment,” says Pattie Odom, Downtown Development Director for Minden. “A giant flea market will be located on the Sibley Road as you head south from Main Street with plenty of parking,” adds Odom. Jan Corrales, Springhill Main Street Manager adds, “Plan at least one full day with us and two if you want to see everything along the route. Shoppers and vendors are welcome!” Registration for vendors is being accepted now. For forms or more information, visit maintomain.com or call 371-4258 or 5395699. Main to Main Trade Days in sponsored in part by Springhill and Minden Main Street Projects, Louisiana Main Street and The Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. Louisiana Road Trips
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Teddy Bearfest '11 Wooden Boat Festival Celebrates the Great Outdoors The City of Tallulah, the Village of Richmond, the Madison Parish Police Jury and Tourism Commission will hold its fifth annual, “Teddy Bearfest '11: A Historical Celebration,” festival on October 8th, 9am10pm at the Court House Square in downtown Tallulah. The event commemorates President Theodore Roosevelt's successful bear hunt expedition in Madison Parish where he actually shot and killed his black bear. Lots of activities (children's games and prizes, face and finger painting, fire and safety prevention activities and inflatable rides) for children will be offered. Educational and informational exhibits as well as live animals, and info on wildlife, hunting, and fishing will be on display as well as many arts & crafts. Lots of door prizes will be given away along with surprise raffle items. Enjoy a variety of food booths and live non-stop entertainment. Pre-festival activities include a repeat of the popular jazz concert and workshop held on October 7, 2011 at Madison High School by jazz artist, Dr.
Willie Naylor, a Rayville native, who has lived and worked in the Chicago Public school system for 40 years as a Band Director and conductor of numerous jazz concerts in and around the City of Chicago. The festival kicks off at 9am with a parade featuring awarding winning Madison High School (Soul Rockers of the South) Marching Band. Talent from in and around the I20 corridor and Mississippi will be showcased. Elvis Reprisor Todd Martin and blues singer Brian Sivils will perform along with Mississippi's dynamic rhythm and blues singer, Vickie Baker, the Delta Blues duo, Osgood and Blaque, and Lake Providence's Ted Lane, imitating Michael Jackson's dance moves and steps. Other musical talents include Dr. Willie Naylor, Chicago Jazz Musician, the Tallulah Angelic Voice of Praise, the Loin of Judah, Patricia Buchanan, soloist, country and western singers Jamie Lynn Robinson, bluegrass, Gospel, Country, Blues, Rock 'n Roll group, Grassfire and a host of solo, group and gospel artists. Teddy Bear Festival Blood Drive is sponsored by the Mississippi blood Services from 10am-2pm. Must present ID. Free tshirts to all donors. Admission is FREE. Contact Tina Johnson at Madison Parish Tourism Commission at mptourism@att.net or 1-888-744-8410 for more info.
The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum presents the 22nd Annual Wooden Boat Festival along the banks of the scenic Tchefuncte River in Madisonville, LA on Oct 15-16, 2011. The theme celebrates the bicentennial of Madisonville and artist, Keith Dellsperger of Slidell, created a very symbolic festival poster, for sale during the festival for $50, signed and numbered. Enjoy food vendors and fine wares sold by artists' and marine vendors. The St. Tammany Woodworkers Guild will allow children to build small wooden boats from precut pieces. Also, water classics meet road classics as the Classic Car Cruise-In is expected to attract 100+ antique and classic cars. Children's Village features new and exciting activities. Come walk on water in the Giant Hampster Ball, challenge yourself on the Huge Rock Climbing Wall, create pirate crafts and romp in the Bounce House. Help Paint-APirogue, a traditional Louisiana watercraft. See the Aquatic Robots built in our summer camps. Enter the Madden Xbox Tournament. Check out the Quick 'n' Dirty BoatBuilding Contest. Enter or watch as up to 20 teams blitz build a boat. This offers great team-building opportunities for 4-6 member crews who bring a Mardi Gras flair and dress in costumes. This year's celebrity King and Queen are Jonathan Myers, a meteorologist from WWL TV and Dawn Brown, a meteorologist from Fox 8 TV.
Be sure to visit the Merchandise Tent at Town Hall, the Bud Lite Entertainment stage and the Gift Shop at the Maritime Museum for items including the 2011 Children's Art Contest t-shirts, the 2011 Wooden Boat Festival poster, tshirts, wine glasses, pirate jewelry, hats and more. The Wooden Boat Festival kicks off with Maritime Mania, the patron party featuring United We Groove. The Pirates of the Tchefuncte themed party will be held on October 14 at the Maritime Museum. Limited admission tickets, $75/person or $125/couple, can be purchased by calling Maritime Museum at (985)845-9200. Guests are encouraged to dress like pirates or nautical chic. “The 22nd Annual Wooden Boat Festival will be a celebration of what makes maritime Louisiana great,” said Don Lynch, Museum Executive Director. “There will be hundreds of vintage boats, great performers, arts, crafts, food, and fun for everyone!” Daily admission, $10/person, $5/seniors over 65, and children <12 and uniformed military personnel free, includes admission to the museum and entertainment. Off-site parking and shuttles available. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum is open Tues Sat, 10am-4pm, and Sun, 12-4pm. For more info, contact the museum at (985) 845-9200 or www.woodenboatfest.org or www.lpbmm.org/wbf.
Saturday, October 15th Nathan Michael, 12 pm -1 pm Ashlee Thomas, Karen Waldrup 1pm- 4 pm Big Fun Brass Band, 4pm- 6 pm Soul Revival 6pm- 8 pm Category Six 8pm-10pm
Sunday, October 16th Ashlee Thomas, Karen Waldrup, 11am- 1:45pm Bottoms' Up 4 pm - 6 pm Rockin' Dopsie 6 pm - 8pm
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St. Landry Parish Unveils 'Green' Welcome Center By Cheré Coen It's one thing to stop at a welcome center and obtain great tourist information. Quite another, to also learn about sustainable living. The new St. Landry Parish Welcome Center at Exit 23 on Interstate 49, just north of Opelousas, has the distinction of being the only “green” visitor center in Louisiana and one of the few nationwide. The 4,600-square foot building is environmentally friendly, incorporating local resources in its construction and sustainable practices such as collecting water through a rainwater cistern and generating energy through wind turbines. “It's a great testament to the ingenuity and foresight of the people of this parish to make this happen,” said Louisiana Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne at the opening ceremonies. Visitors will be able to view how the rain cistern waters landscaping in dry conditions and how the oversized ceiling fan cools the lobby. Reclaimed materials are used throughout the facility, from recycled asphalt in the parking lot to salvaged bricks and pine flooring throughout the building. The Welcome Center's orientation and overhangs maximize daylight and conserve energy while the hipped roof can withstand high winds. Solar panels and wind turbines help to provide electricity. St. Landry is a 939-square mile parish in south central Louisiana,
known for its unique natural ecosystems. The Welcome Center showcases those with native plants and trees. Birds fly in and out of the indigenous grasslands surrounding the (www.portbarrecracklinfestival.com). The 7th building, mirroring the prairie that makes up annual Le Feu et L'eau (Fire and Water) Festival, much of the Parish, and a wetlands area takes up with music, art and French culture programs, is one side. In addition, visitors learn about the Dec. 3 in Arnaudville. state's flora and fauna through a series of exhibits (www.fireandwater.homestead.com). planned for the walkway, plus view examples of Cheré Coen is the author of “Exploring Cajun Country: A Tour natural drainage systems, rain chains and the use Through Historic Acadiana” and the blog “Have Book, Will of recycled materials. The center is open 9 a.m. to Travel, Let's Eat” at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. http://havebookswilltravelletseat.blogspot.com. Fun things to do this fall in St. Landry Parish are: The 66th annual Louisiana Yambilee celebrates delicious yams in a variety of ways By Brenda Newell with food cookoffs, parade, The word “friend” these days doesn't mean what it did when I pageantry and music, Oct. 26was growing up. I must admit I'm confused about the rules of 30. (www.yambilee.com). The Facebook Friends, obviously. Holy Ghost Catholic My total intention of having a Facebook page was to keep up with Church's Creole Festival and what's going on with my children and grandbabies, as all three of my Bazaar, Nov. 4-6. The children are on Facebook. They or their spouses are in the military and Opelousas church has the most live so far away. I assumed I'd see the latest greatest pictures of the largest African American babies and such so I created my page with the help of my youngest son. Catholic congregation in the I started receiving a lot of “friend requests” and got excited, thinking country and the Festival and this person cares enough about me to be my friend. As time passed, all Bazaar brings thousands of these new friends didn't even talk (or type) to me. Instead, I only hear people in for a huge parade, how many new friends they have. If I happen to see any of these people live zydeco and gospel music, around town, they'll say hi or maybe give me a hug but still don't really and world-famous backbone talk to me. Just the simple “niceties” you'd get from a stranger at stew. church. And I thought they wanted to be my friend. See my confusion? (www.holyghostcatholic.org). Since I haven't received any personal messages from my new The 26th annual Cracklin 'friends', I'd go to their page, hoping nothing has happened to them or Festival sponsored by the Port someone they love. Heck, they have hundreds and even THOUSANDS Barre Lions Club, a fundraiser of friends. WHAT?!? Now I understand why they don't have time to for the LA Eye Foundation, is talk to me. How do they get any sleep with all those friends, unless Nov. 10-13. they're not talking to them either?
Facebook Friends
I recently got myself into a situation on Facebook that I won't repeat. One of my “friends” posted that she was mistreated by a driver behind her at a stop sign and I remind her that some people are just mean, especially when they're in a hurry, blah, blah, blah. I soon realized by more postings that she knew who was behind her all along and it was a real friend of hers. Hmmm. I've also learned not to send out “friend requests” as I sent one to a lady I'd been visiting with every month or so, thinking this would be a great way to keep in touch. After she accepted my friend request, for unknown reasons I later noticed where I was deleted from her friends list. Hmmm. In my opinion, Facebook should have several page categories you can file different “friends” and their postings in: Family, Real Friends, Acquaintances, Just Being Nosey, and On Ego Trip. I've always been told by people much wiser than me that one might have two or maybe three real friends during a lifetime. I feel this is true, regardless of what Facebook says. Louisiana Road Trips
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Puppies Nipping & Mouthing Puppies play using their mouths and usually want to bite or mouth people, too. This can be an issue - before and after maturity. Pre-maturity can be misinterpreted as puppy play and lead to the adult version. When pups are raised by their mothers, mom sets limits. Hard nips may require a reprimand from mother, or the nipped littermate may cry out and stop playing. These natural checks and balances help develop a puppy's good manners but setting limits is often neglected by humans. Some puppy mouthing is acceptable but when it becomes annoying, curtail the behavior. After a nip, wait until the next one and withdraw your hand rapidly and loudly, saying 'ouch'. Interaction with the pup should cease for a few minutes, teaching bite inhibition. If nipping or grabbing occurs with an adult dog, do not shout, wave your arms, or pull away. Instead, “turn to stone” and reward him when he lets go. Arm yourself with a clicker and/or food treats. The clicker is clicked and food treats supplied when his nipping ceases. Three seconds after his mouthy behavior stops, just click, say "good dog," and offer a food treat. ANY attention, positive or negative, may serve as a reward and reinforce unwanted behavior. The only way to avoid this is to set limits and become your dog's unequivocal leader. Louisiana Road Trips
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Columbia, bastrop & Winnsboro Main to Main in November
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