Louisiana Road Trips November 2012

LA RenFest The Louisiana Renaissance Festival, a mini-theme park planned around the European Renaissance with entertainment, shopping and educational value, kicks off the first Saturday of November, 2012. The RenFest will be open every weekend for six weekends (Nov 3 – Dec 9), and the Friday after Thanksgiving, from 9:45am to 5pm, rain or shine.

With over 100 shops, 50 shows, and dozens of demonstrations daily, there enough to keep anyone well occupied and entertained for quite a while. Enjoy events like the Joust and Falconry as well as comedy, drama, and action shows. Watch history come alive as you meet peasants, merchants, nobles, knights even Queen Elizabeth I, and an occasional village idiot. Shop for handmade items like candles, real swords, glass blown pieces, and other unique gifts.

Don’t miss the wine, whiskey, and beer tastings, or the Queen’s Tea, the mock weddings, or the Renaissance Living History Center.

Weekly themes include God Save the Queen, Feast of Fools, Pirate Adventure, Harvest Huzzah, Highland Fling, and ‘Tis the Season.

This highly anticipated festival attracts people from all over for a variety of reasons. The RenFest is very popular with schools for the educational content as they learn about world history firsthand. Actors recognize 'la' RenFest for their continuous support of the arts through the quantity and quality of live entertainment with numerous shows daily. Most everyone is familiar with the festival’s thrilling ambiance, as 'la' RenFest is clean, exciting, adventurous and fun. Even if you just spend one day at the event, you will remember your experience at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival your entire life. Just ask anyone who has been. www.LARF.org

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Talkin’ It Up! We’re turning back the clocks this month preparing for the upcoming winter season. I love this time of year with dark evenings, a nice fire, and homemade soup.

Columnist Stacy Thornton has some great recipes for chili and soups this month so make a big pot, grab a book (Louisiana Place Names is a good one) and relax a bit.

After all, you just may need to rest up for the Louisiana Renaissance Festival and other celebrations, including the holiday kickoffs throughout the state later this month. Sometimes, there’s just no better place to be than right here at home.

Our outdoor writers are busy, too; they’re all hunters and tis the season! Whether you hunt or not, you’ll enjoy reading about their adventures. And let’s not forget pro angler Joe Joslin. The humor columnists are guaranteed to keep you smiling, if not laughing out loud, while Mary White always has a great Bed and Breakfast selected for an overnight stay.

Writers Lee Estes, Lora Peppers and Terry Jones take you back in time with their detailed historical articles, and native gardener Larry Brock shares his passion and poetic prose each month, much to the delight of our readers.

Travel writer and social media guru Deb Burst shares tidbits of her native New Orleans and reports on all the places she visits around the country while Dianne Newcomer provides bazillion ideas for ‘round the world road trips’ in her travel column. From inspirational to outrageous, it’s right here. These writers are the BEST and I’m thankful for every one of them!

As we enter our 9th years of publication with this issue, we hope you enjoy our vision for LA ROAD TRIPS as much as we enjoy sharing it.

Happy Thanksgiving and let’s keep in touch.

Mona

Mona L. Hayden, Editor monalh@bellsouth.net (318) 547-1221 COVER CREDIT: The cover images were provided by the Louisiana Renaissance Festival selected from winning photographs from the 2011 festival. Photographers: Shella Baham, Laura Manuel, and Amy Brumfield.

ROAD TRIPS "Celebrating country living and city happenings!"

november

contents

BOOK REVIEW

INSPIRATIONAL

15

19

Louisiana Place Names

by Claire D’Artois Leeper

MONTHLY TIDBITS

DELTA OUTDOORS 6

In the Crosshairs by Sonny Harrington A Tale of a Tail

13

Dating is Serious Business

by Johnny Wink

14

A Life of Trial…and Error by Dennis Stewart Planning a Bear Hunt

19

My Favorite Fishing Hole by Joe Joslin Thermocline Impact on Fishing

20-21 Going Native by Larry Brock

3 12 14 16 18

Talkin’ It Up! Louisiana Lagniappe – Remember When Backtalk Louisiana Lagniappe Answers Sweet Travels by Donna McManus The First Thanksgiving

18 Just in Case… by Su Stella 25 November Calendar 25-26 Holidays in the Garden

by Mona L. Hayden

All These Things With God

RECIPES

FESTIVALS & ENTERTAINMENT 2 5 8 9 11 27

Walking in the Right Direction

by Robert Lemoine

23

Recipes by Stacy Thornton

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LA RenFest

10

Travel Adventure by Dianne Newcomer Unique World Adventures

16

Hit the Road – by Deborah Burst A Christmas Wish List

22

L’Auberge Expands Into Batou Rouge

by Cheré Coen

24

Beds & Beignets by Mary White A Home Fit for Hollywood

26

Trace Tasty Treats by Deborah Burst

Orange Festival in Plaquamines Parish Thibodeauxville Fall Festival Celebrate Father Christmas NELA Master Gardener’s Seminar Lineup Christmas on the River!

HISTORICAL 7 12

Friends of the Moment by Lee Estes

15

Part III: Sidney and Annie Saunders, Monroe’s Black Sheep by Lora Peppers

Louisiana in the Civil War: November 1862: The Fighting Bishop

by Terry L. Jones

HUMOR 4 11

He Didn’t Inhale by Dixie Hall

13

All Things Southern by Shellie Tomlinson Pass the Tofurky?

17

Runnin’ the Roads by Barbara Sharik A Life Message From One Woman to Another

Louisiana Southern Belle – Like a Fish Outta Water by Sonny Harrington

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He Didn’t Inhale!

PUBLISHER LRT Publications

By Dixie Hall

I had an early introduction to politics. My grandfather Feaster Y Taylor was an El Dorado, Arkansas’ alderman who served all the people (well, almost all the people) in his community. My cousin Cheryl Annette and I were evangelists by day and politicians by night.

In the daytime we would connect three extension cords to a small electric organ and pull it out to the sidewalk on East Center Street. Our total mission in life was to win some poor soul to the Lord by day. Of course, we didn’t know how that was done except by what we saw James Robinson and Billy Graham do. This was the age of singing and dancing, uh well... I mean singing and choreography groups.

Cheryl and I would do a whole musical...hand motions and all. People stared incredulously as they passed going to and from the corner grocery and McCrory Department Store. It was hard work saving people but our number one target was a sun god worshiper. This lady looked like she got locked in a sunbed overnight, with skin like football leather. When she passed us she would look towards the sun and put her hand up and began to mumble some aaaaahhoooouuuuhhhh, eeeeeewwww, very similar to what Ms. Kelly did in second grade to teach me phonics. It didn’t scare me one bit.

By evening Cheryl and I were totally under the control of our Grandma Edna Dountain Taylor as novice politicians. She was a handler before there were handlers.

We were dressed in standout slips under scratchy dresses and put in the back of a borrowed pickup truck. Both of us were given a cheerleader megaphone and a script. “Get out and vote and when you vote, vote for Feaster Y Taylor.” Feaster is not a good political name. Y stood for nothing. People in the family marked their kids by giving them the letter Y for a middle name. “Vote for Feaster Yeaster...ha ha...Vote for Feaster Easter...hoo hoo. That’s what we shouted into the megaphone.

Our grandfather smoked so he had us throw out matchbooks with his name and big nose picture on them. Most people acted like they were going to vote for him and took the matches. If they made a rude comment, Cheryl was nice and gave them the matches anyway. I did a Richard Nixon look, “You won’t have me to kick around anymore” and held on to the matches.

My greatest fear was that a church lady would ask us if our grandfather is a smoker. Knowing that might make or break the election, I decided I would avoid answering the question. Now I know I could have said a Clintonian, “He does not inhale” or better yet, “that depends on what the meaning of the word “is” is.

Sometimes it got really confusing when we were evangelists and politicians at the same time. We handed out matchbooks and sang hymns at nursing homes. I’m not for sure we converted anyone but I do remember a lot of moaning and groaning. I was also wondering what is someone strapped to a chair going to do with a big nosed book of matches?

Mr. Feaster Y won every year he ran except the last time he ran. A young “whipper snapper” ran against him. It didn’t matter to us if he won or lost, we still got free twinkies off the bread truck he drove for a living. We blew up balloons and made signs on cardboard shirt inserts that read, “Better luck next time,” “We love you anyway” and blah blah. We taped them all in the one bathroom of the house above the claw foot bathtub. He never said a word about it.

All elections since, big or small, have seemed to be confusing mix of politics and evangelizing. Most people just want their matchbox candidate to win. That matchbox, handshake or promise was a down payment on something better to come. I didn’t always agree with President Kennedy but today I am thinking of his words: Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger men.”

Regardless of who is at the helm, we will all need more than a big nosed book of matches.

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______________________

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mona L. Hayden

monalh@bellsouth.net (318) 547-1221

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

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

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

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

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

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Orange Festival in Plaquamines Parish Historic Fort Jackson will host the 66th annual Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival, starting Nov 30th. The three-day event celebrates a century of citrus farming with live music, family activities, local foods, carnival rides, and free admission and parking.

Orange Festival offers family fun including a 5k race, sack races and orange rolls. Get an early start on holiday gift shopping from a variety of community vendors and artisans selling local arts and crafts.

You’re invited to participate in entertaining orange festival competitions like pie-eating, kumquat stuffing, orange eating and peeling as well as local favorites like duck calling, shrimp peeling, catfish skinning, oyster shucking and the always popular Citrus Dessert Contest.

The Orange Festival kicks off at 5pm on Friday with local favorite The Big River Band. On Saturday, registrations for the kid's ½ mile Fun Run and adult 5K run/walk starts at 8:30am and gates open at 10am.

On the Main Stage, Ernie Wilkinson performs at 10am and Boot Hill at 2pm. Southern Cross will rock the Main Stage at 6pm. On Sunday, gates open at 10am with concert line-up Aaron Foret at 11am, and Groovy 7 at 3pm. The fairgrounds close at dusk on Sunday.

This year the festival will feature living history demonstrations depicting events from 150 years ago during the Battle of Fort Jackson.

Visitors can see a living history of a soldier’s life, their weapons and cannon firing, and their family life.

Plaquemines Parish Fair and Orange Festival is located on the grounds of historic Fort Jackson in Buras, (100 Herbert Harvey Blvd.)

Louisiana Road Trips

about an hour south of Gretna, off LA Hwy 23. The festival is always held during the first full weekend in December.

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IN THE CR SSHAIRS

By Sonny Harrington

A Tale of a Tail

Most hunts, I get up before daylight, but not this one. Most hunts, I dress warm for and favor cold weather, but not this one. Most hunts, I prefer to be alone, but not this one. I wanted all the help I could get. I extended invitations to my two neighbors. One gave me a raincheck, he had to go out of town, the other politely said, “Nope, I don’t do electricity or alligators”. Well, I knew why he didn’t do electricity. When we were teenagers we were at his uncles farm in Holly Ridge hunting rabbits, and I grabbed a hot wire on an electric fence. It was pulsating through me when I reached over and grabbed his ear with the other hand. I remember him coming up off the ground, that wet winter day, and yelling something about , “WHAT IN THE CAT HAIR???” Forty years later, he’ll hardly change a AAbattery. He still doesn’t cuss either. Doesn’t need to, cause I cuss enough for the both of us if the need arises. He did loan me his son-in-law, Andy, a strapping lad of less than half my age. So off we headed to the Mississippi River. Me, Andy, and of course, my trusty sidekick, I V. I’d use Andy for strength and I V for sense, cause I’m not gonna do anything stupid with my 10 year old around. I’m a third (III), he’s the fourth (IV), thus the name “I V”.

Now to get a gator tag you have to apply through Wildlife & Fisheries and they’ll let you have so many per acre of water on your property. I got one, cost $25. Season opened the first Wednesday of September and last 30 days, til October 4th. We’re hunting a prehistoric lizard of several hundred pounds and a brain the size of a marble. Sounds like a bad combination. What do I know about

gators? I know they make nests and depend on the temperature during incubation as to the sex of the offspring. That’s weird. They grow about a foot a year, up to maturity, then things slow down. Females will go around 8’, males get bigger. Lots bigger. The record is 19’2”. I’ve seen one that was longer than the boat I was in. I saw one years ago that looked like an aircraft carrier going across a bar pit.

Age? Hard to say. Can’t cut ‘em in half and count the rings. They age like people, some up to their 70’s and occasionally one may go up to 100 years (I Googled it).

Back to the hunt, it was an extremely dry year (“Stockmarket’s down and the Mississippi is a goin’ dry”, just like the song says.). We found a pocket of water, I’d say about 25 yards by 40 yards and really deep. Lots of dead fish floating and one happy fat gator in the middle. We cruised around looking over the place and surmised this to be the biggest, baddest boy on our block. None of this setting hooks and lines on trees and waiting stuff. Simple, I choot ‘em. I selected a .22 magnum from my arsenal, mostly because that’s what Liz uses.

There he was… only the head above water… I squeezed the shot off with the crosshairs right behind his eyes. “Holy cat hair!!” He went nuts. You know how a milkshake looks when they stick that little paddle in the glass? That gator put that hole on puree. We actually saw fish jump out of the water and get up on the bank. I’m talking about 5 lb. grinnel up on dry ground, looking back at the water, saying, “I ain’t goin back in there.” Bubbles everywhere. This ain’t good. I sent Andy and I V back to get the 4-wheeler. Let things die down. ‘Die’ being the key word here. Didn’t happen. About 5 or 6 minutes later, that big

I cuss enough for the both of us if the need arises.

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head pops up again. This time I got a better angle behind his eyes. Squeezed off another shot. Completely different reaction this time.

Total paralyzation. A slow roll. Claws come up out of the water and I think I see one middle claw lifted pointing towards the sky, probably at me. He’s done.

A few seconds later, a large group of bubbles come out and I mark the spot for the recovery operation. The boys show up and Andy engineers his hooks on a trotline staging. First toss, he gets him. Biggest log I ever saw anybody pull in. Forty throws later, he pulls the gator close to the bank. So I say, “Hey Andy, reach out there and get him.” He politely disobeys a direct order from a superior officer. The gator hasn’t breathed in several minutes, he’s been hooked repeatedly and drug to the bank. I reluctantly reach into the black water and felt his mouth, knowing he has tremendous closing pressure but little opening strength. I grab the beast by the end of the mouth and heave him out, for I am the Man, and Troy would be proud. Now the work begins, pulling, strapping, winching. Finally, in the truck, many bags of ice later so he doesn’t spoil. The end results, a 10’1” gator I guess weighed at 480 or more. You’re paid by the foot at the processor. My check was $302.40, less $86 in diesel, less ice, less $25 permit, and three Happy Meals for I V. Bottom line, don’t quit your day job and take up gator hunting. But it is fun.

Sonny Harrington is a Hunter Safety Instructor. He is also an NRA (National Rifle Association) Rifle & Pistol Instructor and has hunted from Alaska to Mexico.

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Friends of the Moment

By Lee Estes

With more than sixty five years of recording images with a camera, I have people ask questions regarding the craft. One of the most popular is “What kind of camera did you take that with?” My standard answer is “Cameras don't take photographs, photographers do!” Nowadays, perhaps I should say that phones don't take photographs. Another question often asked, “What is your favorite subject or photograph?”

That is the subject for this month's piece in Louisiana Road Trips.

The most fascinating subject for any photographer is people. They come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Unfortunately, many people spend much of their time making pictures of themselves. Think about this: Is anybody going to look at your picture when you show it to them? Why should they? They are already looking at you!

In the course of travelling around the world, I have encountered and photographed many people; all colors, all ages, male and female, rich and poor. I am acutely aware that many photo-journalists are guilty of shoving a camera in someone's face without the least regard for their subject’s dignity.

For example, National Geographic published a young lady's picture in their magazine more than a decade ago without any clue about who she was, then ten years later made a big

deal about discovering who she was and using her in another feature article.

To the best of my ability, I tried to make my subjects my friend, or at least comfortable, when photographing them. Now some of those images are from three or four decades in the past. Where are these people today? Has life treated them well? A few, very few, of those I met somewhere along the way, have been encountered again. The accompanying photographs are typical.

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

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Free Spitit Dublin: Just an example because she was so bizarre.

example where I took the picture because she was so cute.

In 1971 Nazare was one of the top attractions for photographers from all over Tommy Cash, IMP Machine the world. A Works, Monroe, LA. An old few year later Friend taking care of a breakwater was built which business. Around 1998. completely changed the place, and all the colorful opportuinity for photographers disappeared.

When I was taking people around the world by motorcoach, there were times when I would have the driver stop and let us visit with people who happened to be seen along the road or wherever. This is one of thos times, also 1971.

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Delos, Greece 1976. I thought this such a strong character, I just had to make the picture

Thibodeauxville Fall Festival!

Thibodeauxville Fall Festival, an annual celebration of arts, crafts food and music, is held on the streets of beautiful historic downtown Thibodaux on the

second Saturday of November. This year’s festival will be held on November 10 from 8:30am-5pm.

Thibodeauxville was named a

Louisiana Road Trips

“Top 20 Event” by the Southeast Tourism Society, and was ultimately awarded the “Shining Example Award,” honoring the festival as the #1 festival (small category) in the southeastern U.S. In addition to original arts and crafts, the festival features a full food court with more than 90 food items.

Three stages of live musical entertainment are provided throughout the day. This year’s line-up includes French Bred, Patrick Sylvest, The Americanos, Gypsy souls Dancers, Good Feelin Band and one stage of continuous Christian music and dance.

You won’t want to miss the world famous Thibodeauxville Duck Race where 2,000 rubber ducks race through beautiful Bayou Lafourche. Winners

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receive great cash prizes. The Cajun Corvette Car Show features antique cars, trucks, hot rods, and motorcycles.

The Kid’s Corner includes a petting zoo, face painting, sand art, interactive activities and more.

No admission is charged for the all day family fun event. Thibodaux is located conveniently between New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette.

Plan to be on beautiful Bayou Lafourche, Saturday, Nov 10. For more information call the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, 985-446-1187 or visit www.thibodauxchamber.com.

Celebrate Father Christmas Step back in time as the Historic Jefferson Railway, an antique narrow-gauge train, embraces an old-fashioned Christmas in the country. Enjoy the lighted vignettes and local våocalists, hear the story of Father Christmas, and meet Santa and Mrs. Santa as you depart from the decorated historic railroad depot for a train ride along the Big Cypress Bayou. The antique train, a restored gas-powered Plymouth Locomotive built in 1964, is an enclosed heated coach with open-canopied observation cars for excellent viewing of the ride along the river.

Also, ring in the New Year with the Rail of Lights New Year’s Train running December 27-31, featuring the ball dropping in Times Square with beverages, noisemakers and a fantastic fireworks show on every train ride.

The excursions will take you by a life-size nativity scene, the German Markets, Jerusalem and the Angel Tree. Glimpse Christmas trees simply decorated reminiscent of the bare-limbed sourwood of the Appalachian Christmas Tree; view scenes representing Alaska, Russia, China and Australia. Enjoy an authentic life-sized 90-year old Christmas card, a post card sent by soldiers during World War II, and other favorites.

Ticket Prices: First Class $18; Coach Class: $15. Lap children under 4 are free. First Class is heated and enclosed. Coach Class, dress warmly and bring a blanket, as you will be riding in open cars. Seating is limited so purchase tickets early.

Jefferson is nestled deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas, appearing frozen in time and an elegant reminder of a bygone era. The downtown area will be aglow with lights and greenery throughout the holiday season and you’ll want to make Jefferson and the Christmas Train a tradition for your family.

Visit our website: www.laroadtrips.com

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TRAVEL ADVENTURE

By Dianne Newcomer

Unique World Adventures At age 31, she was director of the occupational therapy department at Kosair Crippled Children’s Hospital. It had been her uncanny ability to communicate with disabled children that had fasttracked her career. Yet, as much as she loved that job, the desire to see the world was why she borrowed $8,000 – a full year’s salary – and traveled to Africa. On this journey, she was the occupational therapist who 1) met actor William Holden, the owner of the popular Treetops Hotel in Nairobi who introduced her to John Alexander, the man she called the great white hunter in her journals as well as her personal guide during her 7 week odyssey of Africa. He opened her eyes to the wonder of Africa…2) went to Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania where she made an unforgettable impression on noted paleontologist Louis Leakey by slipping, spraining an ankle, and vomiting on his very precious and newly discovered giraffe fossil at his archeological dig. He became the man who would later finance her work for over 13 years…3) traveled to Uganda, after touring Tanzania, and camped with Alan and Jo Ann Root, who were photographing mountain gorillas in the wild. A chance encounter changed her world forever.

A series of amazing consequences from a 7 week trip to Africa gave Diann Fossey's life path a whole new direction. Her novel, Gorillas in the Mist, is a wonderful love story about an occupational therapist who fell so in love with the gorillas of Rwanda that she became the world's foremost authority on the social dynamics of the ape family. How empowering and satisfying is the journey we take with our own two feet! I admit most journeys will not be as life-changing as Diann Fossey’s but how can we know if we don't take the first step and leave the roads of Louisiana?

There’s a big world out there and as a travel agent, it’s my job to show you. Every day we receive new brochures for 2013 but still have some great adventures left this year. Here’s a sample of journeys we have to sell at MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE. #1.Christmas Markets and River Cruising! Medieval castles, merry little villages, mouthwatering aromas and magnificent Christmas decorations make the markets of Germany the place to be! Explore the world’s most celebrated Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Wurzburg, and Frankfurt. Includes all meals and sightseeing. Sail on Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, 15. Prices from $2199.

#2 Thanksgiving in the MED! Along with Rome and Athens, this 7 day cruise lets you taste new destinations like Naples, Capri or Pompeii, Santorini, Ephesus, and Mykonos. Enjoy the best of the Med & Adriatic! Fares start at $536 for an inside cabin on Nov. 20th sailing! #3 Take 12 Days in the MED for Thanksgiving Consider a cruise from Venice to Croatia, Kotar Corfu, Malta, Messina, Sorrento, Nice, Portofino and Rome, a collection of the Med’s best and quite the Thanksgiving feast! Cruise departs Nov. 20 from Venice; priced from $925! #4 Christmas on the RIVERWALK! This 5 day escape celebrates the famous San Antonio Riverwalk, the Texas favorite travel destination! Spend 4 nights, enjoy 7 meals, a dinner cruise, the Alamo, and day trip to LBJ’s Austin. Escorted tour departs on Nov. 26 and Dec. 3. Cost is $998 per person. #5 The WHITE CONTINENT awaits!

Discover the magic of Antarctica aboard the stylish and comfortable MS Fram starting from Ushuaia, Argentina. See the land of blue white glaciers, busy penguins, breaching whales, and crashing ice walls on this in-depth exploration cruise, with 3 nights in Buenos Aires, the “Paris of South America.” Departs on Jan. 7--$8549. #6 Go to the Grandaddy of All Parades! At the Tournament of Roses parade, this 5 day trip gives you a behind the scene experience of America’s most famous New Year’s Celebration. Ring in 2013 at a dinner/dance gala before taking grandstand seats to the Rose Parade. Price is $1499 and space limited so call for details. #7 Take 10 days and see 3 Islands!

Enjoy Hawaiian beauty on this relaxing escorted 3 island adventure with accommodations, sightseeing, interisland flights, and beachfront hotels in Honolulu, Kona, and Maui, plus 6 meals. Cost is $2709 for Jan-Apr departure dates. #8 An AMAZING AMAZON ADVENTURE

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Explore exotic rivers and jungles teeming with wildlife and all comforts on a 5 day river cruise into the Peruvian Amazon. An excursion skiff with a guide ventures daily into the “black water” rivers, islands, rainforests, and villages. A gourmet meal and air conditioned suite wait for you, and great fishing! This journey has 106 departure dates so there’s one for you in 2013! #9. ALASKA’S IDITAROD On this 8 day journey, stand on 4th Avenue in Anchorage for the start of the IDITAROD—Alaska’s biggest sporting event. Tour also includes sightseeing Anchorage, Seward, Girdwood, and Big Lake, plus tickets to the Musher’s Banquet, a visit to Iditarod Headquarters, a tour of Happy Trails Kennels. Only departure date: Feb.25. #10 WINTER WONDERLAND in YELLOWSTONE Sleigh ride through National Elk Refuge, snowcoach sightsee Geyser Basin and “Serengeti of North America,” or enjoy a crackling fire while relaxing during your stay in Jackson Hole, the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, and West Yellowstone.

This 7 day tour departs on Feb. 20--$2149.

Time to get off the well trod paths and experience our world in a unique way. Call the experts at MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE – 323-3465 – and let us show you the way! We’re located next door to the Muffin Tin and Luffey‘s Medical Supply on Glenmar Street. Our service may be free but our expertise is invaluable!

We’re fortunate to have freedom to explore our world but like Diann Fossey, it requires taking bold steps. Call MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE and let’s get started!

Louisiana Southern Belle – Like a Fish Outta Water

By Sonny Harrington

The following article has no educational value whatsoever and I apologize for that.

While on a road trip from Montana, I was pondering the writings of fellow columnists Dennis Stewart and Johnny Wink on their quest for the elusive ‘trophy wife’, wondering if such a creature truly exists. I just passed a chupacabra on the side of the road and decided to put the gear down and land at a McDonalds in Antlers, Oklahoma because my son has a voracious appetite and requires mass quantities of food every couple hours.

We’re sitting there rehydrating and I’m getting some circulation back in my legs when in she walks – a very striking young lass, slightly over half my age. At first glance I’d say she was a stout girl, probably could best me physically, but not to be deterred I gave her the look over. She wore shorts just above the knee with worn cowboy boots.

Tattoos were spilling out of those boots. My heart fluttered. As she turned, I noticed another tat. A sizable Rebel flag between her shoulder blades with a coiled snake and the words “Don’t tread on me”. Obviously a southern belle that liked snakes. What a find! Further inspection showed other tattoos across her chest and a necklace of teeth. I wondered who they once belonged to. There was also a bullet necklace. My expert opinion was 30 cal 150

grain spire point, at a glance. Then I saw my ‘in’, the good ole state of Louisiana tattooed on her upper arm. Even better, it was on backwards, toes toward Texas, so my curiosity factor is through the roof now. I watched, waiting patiently, while she ordered. My son now has noticed my attention diverted and I hear the familiar “Dad! What are you doing?” “Not now, boy.

Watch the Master, Grasshopper, sit back and take notes. This could be your new stepmother.” As she approached the drink fountain, I saw my opportunity. Like a cheetah on a gazelle, I sprang into action. This is the conversation that followed: “How ya doing?” I asked. She smiled and I noticed she had most of her teeth, which I thought was a good sign. “You from Louisiana?”

“Yeah, I sho am,” she replied. And with those few words, I pegged her as being from south Louisiana. “Bayou Sorrel, down south of Baton Rouge. It’s small but where they film Swamp People.”

“Oh, I’m from Monroe where they film Duck Dynasty.” (Houston, we have a connection.)

“That’s my favorite show,” she says.

“Why is Louisiana backwards on your tattoo?” thinking I can actually see my house on this tattoo, like with Google Earth!

“When I was putting it on, I was looking in the mirror.”

“Oh, I’m from Monroe where they film Duck Dynasty.”

Now I’m really excited, she’s artistic, too. Maybe a bit dyslexic but still artistic…

“About that bullet. Is it a 30 cal,” I ask.

“No baby, it’s a 7.62.” Little did she know I was the world’s greatest authority on bullets and firearms. So I say, “Well, if you call it a 7.62, you must mean AK-47, the Kalashnikov Russian gun.”

“Yeah, I got that tattoo on my ankle.” I was speechless at this point, caught completely off guard. My mind began to race.

The only thing I could say without hesitation, because I have no filter between my brain and my mouth, was “Will you marry me?” She thought it over for less than a nano-second, smiled and said, “No, I’m not the marrying type.” She walked off with me saying, “At least let me give you half of my stuff.” Oh well, I walked back to my seat in defeat. I sat down and looked at my son. He looks up and forms his little fingers into the shape of a pistol and puts them to his temple and pulls the trigger. So it goes, another Louisiana goddess gone. Next time, I’ll use my best ‘pick up’ line, the only two words in the English language that never fail to capture a young girl and make her yours, at least for a little while… “I’m rich.” Sure would help if they served alcohol in Mickey D’s. I might have had a better chance.

Sonny Harrington is a Hunter Safety Instructor. He is also an NRA (National Rifle Association) Rifle & Pistol Instructor and has hunted from Alaska to Mexico.

NELA Master Gardener’s Seminar Lineup Roger Swain, former host of The Victory Garden on PBS, will be the keynote speaker at the Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners’ third annual seminar on Saturday, January 19th, 2013, at the West Monroe Convention Center. The theme for 2013’s seminar is “The Kitchen Garden: Flowers and Food from the Home Garden.” Doors at the West Monroe Convention Center will open at 7:30 a.m. for registration ($20 per person), visits with a wide variety of vendors, and for meeting Roger. His topic will be “Growing Food in Public.” Local Master Gardeners Teresa Morris and Christy Francis will also be speaking on cultivating a wide variety of herbs and flowers, so visitors can learn how to bring the garden indoors!

Roger Swain will also be at Ag Expo at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center from 2-4pm at the Master Gardener’s table. Known as “the man in the red suspenders,” Roger hosted The Victory Garden for fifteen years making him one of the most widely known male gardening personalities in the country! This annual seminar coincides with Ag Expo, and is sponsored by the LSU Ag Center, the Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners’ Association, and the North Louisiana Agri-Buisness Council.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or by mailing check to NELA Master Gardeners, 704 Cypress Street, West Monroe, LA 71291.

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Louisiana in the Civil War November 1862: The “Fighting Bishop”

By Terry Jones

On November 20, blunders of the war. Kentucky, a slave-holding enemy’s line. His dark coat appeared blue in 1862, newly appointed Border State, had declared neutrality in the the fading light, and the Indiana colonel lieutenant general conflict. Its rich resources and strategic assumed Polk was a Union officer. Playing on Leonidas Polk was location on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers the colonel’s confusion, Polk stood in his given a corps command in the Confederate made it one of the most important states, and stirrups, shook his fist at the officer, and Army of Tennessee. It was one of the worst both Lincoln and Davis respected the snapped, “I’ll soon show you who I am, sir! mistakes ever made by President Jefferson neutrality in hopes of eventually luring Cease firing, sir, at once!” He then rode back Davis. Polk, the so-called “Fighting Kentucky to their side. to his own men.

Bishop,” had already proven Unfortunately for the When the Confederates withdrew from himself to be inept and the bane of Confederates, Leonidas Polk Kentucky, Polk began criticizing Bragg in his superior officers. He would had different ideas. private correspondence and conspiring with continue that behavior as one of the Convinced the Union other discontented generals in an unsuccessful South’s highest ranking generals. was preparing to advance attempt to have him removed from command.

North Carolina-born Polk down the Mississippi River Bragg came to hate the bishop and once graduated from West Point in 1823 in September 1861, Polk described him as "an old woman [and] utterly (where he became friends with decided Columbus, worthless." fellow cadet Jefferson Davis) but Kentucky, was a more Perhaps Polk’s second greatest failure as served in the army only a few defensible position than the a general (after Columbus, Kentucky) months before resigning his one he occupied in occurred on the second day of the Battle of commission to become an Tennessee. Without Chickamauga. He was in command of Bragg’s Episcopal minister. Polk went on to bothering to get permission right wing and was ordered to attack the become the first Episcopal bishop of Leonidas Polk (Library of from the War Department, or enemy at daylight. No attack was made, and Louisiana and dedicated the Trinity Congress) even informing it of his long after sunrise Bragg sent an officer to find Episcopal Church in Natchitoches. intentions, Polk occupied Columbus. Because out what had gone wrong. The officer found After the Civil War began, Bishop Polk Polk’s Confederates invaded the state first, Polk three miles in the rear sitting on a porch contacted his old friend Jefferson Davis and most Kentuckians viewed the South as the calmly reading a newspaper and waiting for offered his services to the Confederacy. Davis, aggressor and supported the Union for the breakfast. in turn, appointed Polk a major general even rest of the war. A prominent historian After the battle, a furious Bragg relieved though he had no practical military described Polk’s move into Kentucky as “one Polk of command. In turn, Polk once again experience. of the most decisive catastrophes the conspired with other generals to have Bragg While in command of western Tennessee, Confederacy ever suffered.” removed as the army’s commander. President Polk made one of the greatest military When Braxton Bragg, another of Davis tried to smooth things over, but when Louisiana’s adopted sons, invaded Kentucky that failed he simply transferred Polk away in the late summer of 1862, Polk from Bragg. commanded half his army but repeatedly On June 14, 1864, during the Atlanta disobeyed Bragg’s orders. At the Battle of Campaign, Polk and other generals stood atop Perryville, Kentucky, Polk’s military career Pine Mountain, Georgia, observing the Union 1. Which river in Louisiana has the almost ended when he rode up to an officer forces below. A nearby artillery officer warned longest navigable length? and ordered him to stop firing on friendly them to disperse lest they draw the enemy’s 2. What Farmerville civic group troops.

Puzzled, the colonel responded, “I fire, but no one moved. When a shell landed conceived the idea of creating Lake don’t think there can be any mistake about it. I nearby, the other generals began backing away D'Arbonne? am sure they are the enemy.” “Enemy!” cried from the mountain’s rim. Polk lingered to take 3. Where did Jefferson Davis live Polk, “Why, I have only just left them myself. one last look at the enemy and was killed in Louisiana?

Cease firing, sir! What is your name, sir?” instantly when a Yankee solid shot tore 4. Who served the shortest “Colonel [Keith], of the [22nd] Indiana. And through his body. term as Governor? pray, sir, who are you?”

Dr. Terry L. Jones is a professor of history at the 5. What is the derivation It was only then that University of Louisiana at Monroe and has published of "pecan"?

Polk realized he had several books on the American Civil War. 6. How many name changes has ULM gone through? ridden into the 7. What governor once said, “When I took the oath of office, I didn’t take any vows of poverty”?

8. Who was the first southern governor to create a human relations commission?

Unique and upscale Arts and Crafts 9. What was constructed to help make the Ouachita Saturday, November 3, 2012 9 am - 5 pm River navigable?

10. Are there any closed seasons The MAC (Morehouse Activity Center), 9525 Marlatt St., Bastrop, LA on fishing?

Answers on next page 16 All booths will be set up in the spacious arena. This is an open air covered facility.

Demonstration Booths featuring blacksmith and wood bowl turning

ouisiana Remember When . . .

Hometown Louisiana

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ALL THINGS SOUTHERN

By Shellie Tomlinson

"Pass the Tofurky?"

Hello folks, and a great big Happy Thanksgiving to you! I'm delighted to see y'all. We really to need to chat...~ smile~ One reason I was hoping we’d get a chance to visit is because I need to do some damage control. Our numbers have grown. We’re now reaching into regions of our shrinking world that don’t quite know how to take my good natured humor. Several Internet visitors, who have obviously spent considerable time in the archives, have suggested that I, your

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

happy hostess, am not taking the need to save this planet seriously enough and, get this, I’m encouraging a throw away mentality that’s filling up our landfills!

Heaven forbid! I was raised that wasteful was next door to sinful. The southern women in my family have made an art out of stretching groceries. Why, just watching them gives one an inkling of the astonishment the disciples must’ve felt when they saw the Good Lord feed five thousand people with a couple fish fillets and a few pones of cornbread.

Honestly, not being wasteful is so engrained in my DNA I like to have never allowed myself to throw away those weird soft drinks that sweet Jones Soda Company sent me two years runnin’. I kept ‘em in the door of my fridge for months like I half-expected someone to drag into the kitchen and say, “I’d give my last dollar for a swig of Green Bean Casserole Soda!”

Trust me, we know how to stretch food— and reinvent leftovers. Which, speaking of reinventing food, Paulette suggested I could go a long way towards redeeming myself in the global community by announcing a change to my traditional Thanksgiving menu. She thinks I should serve Tofurky. That’s what I said. Paulette said Tofurky is a loaf of tofu, creamed soybeans, shaped like a turkey. Yum. I did some research of my own and, color me confused, hundreds of thousands of Tofurkies will be consumed this Thursday—just not in my dining room.

I’m as interested in saving the planet as the next person and I do like to get along, but by golly I’m cooking a real bird. If it makes anyone feel better, ‘ya got my word on this: we won’t waste a sad bite!

Happy Thanksgiving friends! When I count my blessings, I'm gonna count y'all twice! ~Hugs, Shellie

Dating is Serious Business

By Johnny Wink

I don’t have a clue what women want, but sometimes I think all they want is what you’ve got… and want it all and want it right now… and then for you to go away.

Guys, am I right? If she says 1+1=3, you better agree with her. If she points to the sun in the morning and says that way is north, just say yes. It ain’t worth explaining that the sun rises in the east every morning. Don’t tell her she’s wrong because in her mind she’s not and she doesn’t really care if she is or not.

The best way to talk to a woman is with duck tape–on your mouth. Just make body motions. Throw in some grunts and she’ll be fine, because if you speak you’ll be wrong. Are you seeing where this is going??

I recently learned that one thing women don’t like when you’re on a date and it’s still daylight and say, you’re eating an early supper at a restaurant with outdoor seating and say, overlooking some water, and while she’s talking to you and you’re looking up in the air and she asks what you’re looking at, and you say geese or ducks migrating… well, she may even try to hit you. To me, sometimes it’s more fun to look for vee’s of geese or ducks than listening to whatever she’s mumbling about. I can’t hear most of what women say anyway because I’m so deaf after years of shotgun blasts near my head.

Humor me another minute... Why do women think every little thing she and her friends did last week is so important that I have to hear all about it? Now, if she wants me to listen to talk about her younger sister’s new boob job and how she’s changed, or that one of her married friends is seeing guys behind her husband’s back, please, tell me more. Or that she’s just found you a new duck blind to lease or that her dad wants you to have all his guns, now you’ve got my attention.

Yes, I may talk too much about my true love––duck hunting––but at least I don’t drink or do drugs. You’d think that would be a good thing. But I

can’t seem to find a woman that doesn’t drink, smoke or do drugs. And if I do, they’re married or ten years old or dead. And if I find one, you going somewhere with a band and she keeps trying to get you to dance and you keep saying, “No, no, no,” and right before she hits you, you go dance and in a few minutes, you start to have fun dancing and other women start dancing with you then she gets mad because all you want to do is dance. Okay. Do dance… don’t dance. Heck!

Remember, the secret is to just move your head and point every now and again and smile a lot and she'll be happy, happy, happy. Just hope she doesn’t give you a pop quiz on what she’s been talking about. Now, you understand what some of my dates have been like.

I know it sounds like it’s all her fault but I’m sure I get some of the blame. But when the date’s over, we can put on boxing gloves and start hitting each other in the head, or she can write me out a check for half of the date. No, I think I’d prefer cash.

It’s November now and I don’t have time to date. I do what I live for and that’s my job–– to go hunting. No time to be dating or thinking about dating. And this Christmas looks like a cheap one for me on Christmas presents. So all you women out there won’t have to worry about me for three month; I’ll be very busy having fun. But come February, when all the decoys get put back in the barn, watch out, I’ll be looking to go out on a date. But if we go to a restaurant, don’t let me sit too close to a window because I might be looking for the ducks and geese going back north… Thank the Lord for letting me be a duck guide in Morehouse Parish.

If she says 1+1=3, you better agree with her.

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A LIFE OF TRIAL…AND ERROR

By Dennis Stewart

Planning a Bear Hunt It appears that Louisiana will have a bear season soon, although it will probably be on a limited draw basis.

Over the past four years I’ve gone on four bear hunts in Wyoming and Idaho and I’ve taken three black bears. I’ve had a great time, but I’ve learned some lessons the hard way.

One lesson I learned is you have to go where the bears are. My first bear hunt was with my son Evan in south central Wyoming, near Saratoga. We each hunted over our own separate baits with our own guide. We hunted for five straight days and killed every bear we saw, which was exactly none. It was fun spending time together, but it was a disappointing hunt.

The next year I went on the same hunt and finally saw one on the third day, when I took a nice chocolate color-phase black bear. I was really glad to finally get one but swore I would never hunt bears in Wyoming again.

The next year, I booked a hunt with Table Mountain Outfitters in Idaho about an hour north of Boise. Believe me, there are lots more bears in Idaho than there are in Wyoming. I got my bear while hunting over bait on the second day. I went back to Idaho two years later and saw several bears, missing one standing still from 80 yards away before finally getting my bear on the last evening. I would go back to Idaho in a heartbeat but not Wyoming for a bear hunt because they just aren’t there.

I’m really, really scared of bears, and when sitting over a bear bait by myself, I turn my head every 10 seconds to see if one is sneaking up behind me. It’s a lot more exciting than sitting in a deer stand in Louisiana. That’s another lesson. Bears are incredibly quiet and sneaky. They can be standing only a few feet away and you will never hear them. The first bear I ever killed was 20 feet from me before I saw him. Hard to believe a creature that big and bulky can move so silently through the woods. And bears will eat almost anything. The different guides I’ve hunted with have baited the bears with dog food covered in grease, leftovers

but as he rolled down the mountain I shot two from restaurants, and smoked oysters. Two more times. The odd thing is, I never felt the things bears will not eat is broccoli and bell 338's kick. This guide also warned me that peppers. I haven’t tried ex-wives. Yet. after a bear is skinned, Bears in it’s eerie how much he Louisiana are a lot looks like a human bigger than those in being. Downright Idaho and Wyoming. spooky. If you’re as I’m sure some around queasy as I am, you may Delhi are 300 to 400 want to avoid looking at pounds, probably your skinned bear. because they’ve I am a bear hunting never been hunted. In addict. I have two Idaho or Wyoming, bearskin rugs, and my one weighing 250 third one is at the pounds is a trophy. taxidermist right now. To me, it is the most Very few bears there live to grow exciting hunt there is. I love knowing that much bigger. there is a chance the bear will end up eating Shot placement is very important when hunting bears. Don’t me. aim behind the shoulder like a deer; Dennis Stewart grew up in northeast Louisiana, graduated from La Tech and LSU Law School. After instead, try to hit the shoulder and taught law at ULM and working as an Assistant break the bear down. My guides said having District Attorney, Dennis is now a Hearing Officer in if you aim behind the shoulder, the Rayville. He loves to hunt, fish, read, write, and shop on eBay. bear’s hide is likely to slide over the bullet hole, stopping the bleeding. This is bad for two reasons. First, there is very little blood loss and the bear There’s a lot of information out there can travel a great on the Robertson family but your distance before article was the best one yet [Duck falling. Second, Dynasty Delivers, by Mona L. Hayden, there is almost no Oct 2012], including the recent one I blood trail to just read in the New York Times. I felt follow and recover like I was there with you, behind the the dead bear. scenes getting an inside view. You did I have taken you a bang up job with this one, Mona. Proud of you and this fine all three of my magazine! I read every page.

– Don R., Baton Rouge bears with my 338 Win mag rifle, I really enjoyed your article What In The Duck [by Sonny Harrington, famous for killing Oct 2012]… I've never seen the hooded merganser. Once I shot at a bunch of teals on Pine Island in Cheniere Lake. I shot way behind at both ends them so I know what you’re talking about with the jet planes. because it kicks so – Cliff P., Nixa, MO hard. My Wyoming guide I totally loved the three-part story [Sidney and Annie Saunders, told me if I ever Monroe’s Black Sheep, by Lora Peppers]. Lora is a gifted writer! I hate shot at a bear, to that the saga is over.

– Dara H., West Monroe keep shooting

If you’re as queasy as I am, you may want to avoid looking at your skinned bear.

K C A B K TAL

until I ran out of bullets because they are very tough to bring down. I listened and when I took my first bear, I think I killed him with the first shot,

Louisiana Road Trips

I never watched Duck Dynasty but after reading about them last month, I watched an episode. Now I’m addicted and can’t wait for the new season to start. Thanks for making me take a second look.

– Robbie L., Natchitoches I would like to obtain a copy of the October 2012 edition with the Duck Dynasty feature. So glad you ran that article… Have your website bookmarked.

– Darlene C., Londonderry, OH

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Part III: Sidney and Annie Saunders, Monroe’s Black Sheep

By Lora Peppers Annie Saunders had now lost her husband and son.

She was inconsolable. Rumors that Sidney and Annie were never married were still active among Monroe society. When Sidney’s brothers and sisters demanded proof of their marriage, Annie was so distraught that they understood her to say they were married in New Orleans. When the marriage license was not found there, the siblings swooped on the inheritance and cut her out. Sidney’s inheritance was worth almost $83,000, which was a princely sum in 1889. Annie came out of her grief long enough to fight back. She claimed they had married in St. Louis, MO, sent a courier north to retrieve proof and eventually won her case. Annie’s part of the inheritance was property in Texarkana and about $7,250 in cash and notes. The total was a little less than ten percent of the inheritance.

The rest was divided among the siblings. She wasn’t through with Monroe though.

Because Annie had been so degraded and reviled among society, she used most of the inheritance to build Sidney a lasting tomb and monument in the City Cemetery.

On top of the tomb is a statue of Sidney. It isn’t an exact likeness though. The model was a man named Mr. Wingold, an employee of the monument company. In the statue’s left hand he holds a scroll with a copy of their marriage license. His gaze stares fixedly on what was then the prominent side of Monroe. It was basically a slap in the face of the society that shunned them. The citizens of Monroe were not impressed. Martha Frances Surghnor said of the monument in her diary, “Sid Saunders the ‘fire bug’ has a monument that would almost do for a U.S. President, but it will only ‘perfect his infamy.’”

A lady who had attended Annie’s funeral as a little girl and whose family lived in Monroe at the time of Sidney’s death, stated that Annie didn’t bury Sidney until the monument was built. His coffin was kept behind Annie’s house in a shed.

Citizens were so disturbed that they would cross the street near the house to keep from walking near where the body was stored!

Willie’s coffin, Sidney’s desk and chair, a sewing machine and her son’s velocipede (a type of tricycle) were also moved to the tomb. According to her obituary, she even hung curtains! Rumors said she would go to the tomb daily to cry, pray, read her Bible and sew.

Annie eventually moved to Texarkana, AR where she married William C. Hardin in

1891. William became mayor of Texarkana, TX from 1896-1900 and Annie was first lady.

In 1911 William deserted Annie and secretly divorced her. He died May 25, 1925 in Waco.

The Hardin family fought Annie over the inheritance saying they had been divorced!

She fought the Hardins and successfully had the divorce annulled two weeks before her death. On Sunday, November 21, 1926 at her home in Texarkana, TX, Annie Hardin got too close to an open flame on her gas stove and her clothes caught on fire. She was about seventy-four years old and left behind an estate worth about $5,000. Her body was brought back to Monroe and placed in the last niche in the Saunders tomb. There is no inscription for Annie on the monument. She is most certainly there, however. At the request of Saunders family members in 1985, the tomb was opened and drained. Found inside were pieces of a sewing machine, a red wagon and three coffins: two adults and one child.

Even in modern times, the question remained. Were Sidney and Annie really married in St. Louis? In 2001 Researchers found a copy of Sidney and Annie’s Marriage

Register in the records of the city of St. Louis, MO. The record is word for word what is engraved on the scroll on Sidney’s monument, stating they had been married on March 25, 1875 in St. Louis. The Clerk of Court for St. Louis stated that the license itself could not be found, but that the Register, which is when the marriage officiant states that the marriage was performed by him, is more legal that the license itself! The certified register now hangs in a frame above the Genealogy Department’s door at the Main Branch Library in Monroe. The discovery of the register should have ended the rumors but there is still room for speculation. The Register was not filed and recorded until April 24, 1889, fourteen years after the marriage and almost three months after Sidney’s suicide; right in the middle of Annie’s fight with Sidney’s siblings. Quite a coincidence, isn’t it?

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

BOOK REVIEW

Louisiana Place Names Popular, Unusual, and Forgotten Stories of Towns, Cities, Plantations, Bayous, and Even Some Cemeteries Written by Clare D’Artois Leeper What started as a weekly newspaper column in 1960 in the Baton Rouge Advocate has become a fascinating go-to book for anyone remotely interested in Louisiana history, geography, geneology, or trivia. Compiled from years of interviews and research, the author has documented her life-time journey of names into a fun and fact filled read. Any reader will be entertained as she explains the influence that culture, families, and post offices have had in naming areas throughout the state. While Louisiana has dwelled under ten different flags, our place names are reflective of the ethnicity, languages, and customs, including saints. Below is an example of one such place, taken directly from her book.

Luna (Ouachita) – Luna is one of many Latin words we have adopted into the English language.

The Latin luna means “moon.” In English, we use it to refer to the Romans’ moon goddess, the alchemist’s silver, and a Louisiana town. Luna is about fifteen miles south of West Monroe. In the 1890s, mail to this community was delivered from West Monroe, and service was poor. Mr. and Mrs. John Paul Campbell were living there then, and they wrote to Washington, DC, to complain about the slow deliveries. The U.S. Postal Service replied that it was willing to establish an office there and to appoint Mrs. Campbell the first postmaster. She agreed and submitted a name for the office as requested. The first two were rejected because Louisiana already had offices with those names. Finally she submitted Luna, the name on the oven door of her wood-burning stove. The name was accepted, and Naomi Jordan Campbell was appointed postmaster on February 6, 1896. She kept the office in her home.

This alphabetized reference book will earn a top shelf position anywhere. If you happen to loan it out, don’t expect it to be returned.

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Hit the Road

A Christmas Wish List

Give the gift of books this holiday season

By Deborah Burst

One of the great things about being a journalist is all the wonderful and talented people you meet. Listed below are some of my favorite writers and their latest work.

Gimme Some Sugar, Darlin’ is a lively memoir from a culinary point of view along with an introduction to everything Southern.

The book follows what Laurance (Laurie) Daltroff Triplette calls a “Baby Boomer’s cockeyed” personal essay paying homage to the diverse cultural and culinary heritage of four Southern families. From TexMex and Cajun to Delta Appalachian and Low Country and all points in between, a book for everyone from domestic divas to what Triplette calls, “our precious, home-ec deprived 19 year-olds.”

There’s forty pages dedicated to the secret lexicons of Southernness while the remaining recipes and cooking tips share recent and heirloom recipes spanning five generations. Sifting through the pages, Triplette owns a lovely cadence like a church choir in a slow and deliberate harmony gradually peaking to a raucous celebration.

A staple of maintaining a Southern Kitchen is more than just food, the book

details how to set a table, table etiquette and the tools needed to stock a well primed kitchen. There’s a two page spread just on frying chicken, another on slow cooking, and no southern cookbook would be complete without a section on preserving, canning and quantity equivalents in preparing food for 100 people. The Cake chapter is sprinkled with traditional and heirloom recipes including the Apple Stack Cake, a multi-layered cake from an Appalachian community dating back to colonial times.

At first glance, you would say Gimme Some Sugar, Darlin’ is a smartly done cookbook, but that doesn’t give it justice. The handsome spiral bound pages wrapped in a hard-bound book bring back long-lost memories with a stinging urge to haul the kids into the kitchen for a cooking lesson. http://shop.tripleheartpress.com/GimmeSome-Sugar-Darlin-01000010.htm Chasing the Wind is a sequel to Dancing on Glass written by award winning novelist, Pamela Binnings Ewen. An excellent wordsmith, Ewen also invests a great deal of research in historical accuracy which brings a heightened sense of place. Set in New Orleans, the scenes are so real you hear the street side musicians, crave the coffee and beignets and smell the sweet olive in Jackson Square.

Chasing the Wind explores the real-life dramas of Amalise Catoir, a young lawyer who has just returned to her career after a 1. The Red River brush with death by an abusive husband.

2. Farmerville Jr. Chamber of Starting a new life, Amalise leans on her Commerce childhood friend, Jude, and begins to feel that 3. Davis Island, outside of familiar closeness, but it may be too late.

Newellton Some call it karma, others believe it’s a 4. James A. Noe higher power, but sometimes there seems to 5. It is from the general be a master plan--a blueprint in who we meet, Indian name for when we meet, and why? nuts, "pakan" Ewen explores these mysteries 6. Six – Ouachita Junior College, Northeast in life and weaves an engaging plot Center of LSU, Northeast Junior College of bringing together a greedy investor, LSU, Northeast La. State College, NLU, ULM a young female lawyer, and an 7. Richard W. Leche innocent child. Chasing the Wind is 8. John McKeithen a love story spiced with mystery, 9. The Columbia Lock and Dam ambition, and rivalry set against a 10. No fast paced, razzle-dazzle corporate transaction in Amalise Catoir’s law practice

ouisiana Answers …

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in New Orleans.

Suspense plus whimsy, bound together with love, Amalise begs the same questions that haunt women today on career, marriage and motherhood in a whirlwind of surprising emotions and conflicts. http://www.pamelaewen.com/books/ The Coffee Shop Chronicles of New Orleans Part 2, The Last Beaucoeur is a sequel to David Lummis’ first novel, The Coffee Shop Chronicles of New Orleans: Part 1. His main character, Sammy Singleton takes a detour from writing a benign coffee shop guidebook to search for his friend Catfish Beaucoeur. Catfish disappears after being released from a New Orleans Central lockup charged with grave robbing, and leaves behind clues including a book of lynching photography and a disturbing handwritten poem.

Rarely does a book come along with writing so lyrical the words tap inside your head with a mind-altering rhythm. Like the first novel, the second digs even deeper in the Jim Crow south and the secrets it holds. A raw prose, much like screenwriting, Lummis drives the plot with heady characters and vivid scenes inside the New Orleans French Quarter and bohemian suburbs.

Against the backdrop of a monster storm bearing down on the city, Sammy frantically continues his quest with the help of Catfish’s childhood friend Lee Ann, who transports Sammy and the reader back to the 1960s and 70s.

The book explores the territory of the human heart as it weaves together a story of love, the saga of a slave-holding family and its place in New Orleans’ civil rights history, and a meditation on the meaning of a life and how our past inevitably shapes the here and now. http://www.coffeeshopchronicles.com/ Another great thing about giving books as gifts--you can sit home in front of the cozy fire and order them online. That’s a gift in itself. Happy shopping and have a great Thanksgiving!

A New Orleans native now living in the piney woods of Mandeville, Deb frequently visits her hometown for a po-boy fix.

www.laroadtrips.com

RUNNIN’ THE ROADS

By Barbara Sharik

A Life Message From One Woman To Another

Although I’ve won trophies for my art, writing, high school basketball, even jelly making, when fellow columnist Johnny Wink says he’s looking for a Trophy Wife, I don’t think that’s what he has in mind. He did tell me, though, if and when Burt Reynolds books a hunt at Megabucks, he’ll call me.

Sonny Harrington, another Louisiana Road Trips columnist, stopped me in my tracks, so handsome. An expert on firearms, I soon learned his gun is already holstered.

Now that Dennis Stewart took himself off the meat market, marrying a sweet young thing (and she really is, both sweet and young), I’m left with no choice but to explore the real meat market.

I mean, there are no eligible bachelors wandering around my neighborhood. Somebody comes to the door, it’s not by chance. He wants something notarized. He’s not looking for a date or a mate.

I figure if a man’s married, his wife does the grocery shopping.

Therefore, if a man’s checking out the rib-eyes and spare-ribs, chances are he’s available.

By the way, do you have any idea how cold grocery stores keep that part of the store?

I can only hang around so long before I’m shivering.

Goosebumps aren’t pretty, nor are chattering teeth. Besides, how do you start a conversation over round steak? Or ground beef, for that matter?

Scratch that. In fact,

scratch everything. It’s taken a long time, but I finally learned an important lesson regarding relationships between men and women. Naturally, learning something and practicing what’s been learned isn’t always the same thing. However, I’ll share what I figured out. What I learned is to accept.

Accepting is a peaceful resolution for the most part; just realize, accepting isn’t the same thing as settling. Accepting isn’t throwing in the proverbial towel. It isn’t going-along to get-along either. Accepting is recognizing the difference between men and women.

Why do you think books such as Men are from Mars; Women are from Venus are so popular? There are more than just the obvious physical differences between men and women.

There’s a whole passel of emotional hardware and software, basic wiring, along with a fundamental mental outlook, also.

We should accept each other as individuals. No puppets on stings. Emotions come into play and men definitely look at the world differently than women. It’s a lot like my BooCat and the pack of dogs living at Wits End. Cats are cats. Dogs are dogs.

Moreover, never the twain shall meld into one. Likewise, men are men and women are women.

We gals need to be less grateful when some guy treats us as we deserve to be treated. Far too often we immediately conclude, Wow! He's so nice. He must really love me. Beware of oxygen deprivation if you fly too high or too close to the sun.

When it turns out he’s human after all, failing miserably, we crash. We cannot mold them, but instead, somehow, we, as women, have to learn to take some good with some bad... because when you’re in a relationship with a man, there will be some bad. It’s just the nature of the beast. There’s good and evil in everything and everyone.

Even a cat. Much as it loves you, it’s independent, even aloof at times. Plus, you have to empty its litter box. A dog may adore you and lick your face, trying to please you every way it can. Just remember, that same face-licking tongue very likely licked some not-so-sanitary spots shortly before it splashed across your face. Not to mention, unless he’s been neutered, let some little poodle come along, and you can color him gone.

Besides, how do you start a conversation over round steak?

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Oh, most likely he’ll be back, tail tucked between his legs. Nonetheless, sometimes the pull is just too strong because, as I said before, it’s just the nature of the beast.

Neutering. Leashes. Electric fences.

These might work for dogs, but when it comes to men, it’s best to simply keep your eyes wide open. Trust, yes, but don’t give away the farm (aka your soul). Nobody is worthy of your entire soul... except you, your own self.

This speech is coming from a woman thrice divorced and once widowed in a manner of speaking. Summing it up, dogs dream about chasing rabbits and slobber on your car windows while a cat is content to let you come and go as you please. My best advice? Keep the Windex handy and wear a sweater if you decide to cruise the meat market at your local grocery store.

Barbara Sharik makes her home at Wit's End in Jones, Louisiana with a couple old dogs, young dogs and several stupid dogs, a cat, a talking cockatiel and a white dove.

She's active in civic affairs, serves as a Justice of the Peace, a Notary Public, is the Clerk for the Village of Bonita and a columnist for the Bastrop Daily Enterprise.

She has authored several books. You can e-mail Barbara at barbsharikvail@hotmail.com

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Sweet Travels “The First Thanksgiving”

By Donna McManus

In 1621 the Pilgrims and Indians had a three-day festival of food and friendship. They gave thanks to God for a bountiful harvest after several seasons of privation. Governor William Bradford of the Plymouth Colony proclaimed this celebration to be known as “The First Thanksgiving”. The feast included a wide variety of animals and fowl, as well as fruits and vegetables from the fall harvest. This celebration is the origin of Thanksgiving, as we know it today.

Many of us today enjoy turkey with all the trimmings; these are traditional foods that replicate the foods at the first Thanksgiving feast. However, not all our holiday foods are authentic of the original feast, research shows foods that were available to the Pilgrims were: Fish: cod, eel, herring, shad and bluefish Seafood: lobsters, clams, mussels and some oysters Fowl: wild turkey, duck, goose, swan, and partridge Meat: venison Grain: wheat flour, barley, Indian corn and corn meal Fruits: raspberries, strawberries, grapes, plums, cherries, blueberries and gooseberries.

Vegetables: pumpkins, squash, peas, beans and carrots Nuts: walnuts, chestnuts, acorns, and hickory nuts Herbs: onions, leeks, strawberry leaves, currants, sorrel, yarrow, watercress and flax.

The first Thanksgiving would not have had sweet desserts as we have on our table today. Syllabub is a dessert the colonists may have made using goat milk and ale. Many variations of this recipe have been found though the years and although this recipe has been modified to please a modern day palate, it would be a welcomed dish at any table this Thanksgiving, in remembrance of the past. ~ENJOY~

Syllabub An English dessert dating back to the 16th century, syllabub is comprised of milk or cream lightly curdled with alcohol. It was popular for celebrations, special occasions and holidays due to its festive appearance.

2 cups of whipped cream ½ cup of white sugar 1/8 cup of white wine lemon slice 1/8 cup of freshly-squeezed lemon juice and zest of lemon grated nutmeg sprig of mint Whip cream until thick in a chilled bowl. When the cream begins to thicken, add sugar, white wine, lemon juice and zest of lemon. Add more wine for desired consistency. Continue to whip until thick. Chill until ready to serve.

Spoon the mixture into footed parfait glasses and garnish with a sprig of mint, a slice of lemon and a sprinkle of grated nutmeg. Yield: 10 parfait servings While cooking methods and table etiquette have changed as the holiday has evolved, the meal is still consumed today with the same spirit of celebration and overindulgence.

We give thanks for the pleasure of gathering together for this occasion.

We give thanks for this food prepared by loving hands. We give thanks for life, the freedom to enjoy it all and all the blessings. ~unknown Forever on Thanksgiving Day the heart will find the pathway home. ~ Wilbur D. Nesbit I am blessed this Thanksgiving, as I hope you are. I’m also thankful for people like you who read my column and would like to say THANK YOU and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

From the kitchen of The Sugared Violet…….. sending good wishes your way in all your travels!

Donna Ellen McManus, Owner/Pastry Chef View all the epicurean delights on Facebook

Just in Case…

By Su Stella My most treasured article each year is my New Years article.

Recognizing that the Mayan calendar is coming to fruition on December 21, 2012, I thought I might get a jump on the New Years article just in case those Mayan’s were right.

In some ways it’s so exciting. What does this mean if the world ends? Do I have regrets?

Did I do the best and kindest things I could? Is there anything I should do between now and December 21? These are questions to ponder.

We are all going to die, that is fact. I understand the words, but we think there’s always more time. What we need to ask ourselves is what it means to live. It means waking up ready for excitement, looking for clues to the future, wiggling out of our old shells and going where we were afraid to go before. These aren’t just lofty changes; if you take small steps, a path forms from them.

You may think I’m really silly but I have actually used the Mayan calendar as a goal

setting deadline. We’ve since learned to cook a variety of foods. Heck, we even made a whole German dinner from schnitzel to German potato salad. This summer we planted celery just to see how it grows. We also bought a mini swimming pool and instead of taking it down just because the calendar pages changed, it’s still up because some October days can hang in the 90’s for weeks…and I’ve been swimming! It feels good. Dare to break some rules!

So it’s not too late to fill your own calendar with exciting events! This month visit Shreveport- Bossier area for some fun. It’s never too early to buy holiday gifts or a treat for yourself! The 1st Barksdale Blue Christmas Festival will take place Nov 3rd from 10 to 3 on base at Barksdale Air Force Base. Be aware that it is not open to the general public, but those with military credentials. The Texas Street Makers Fair (texasavemakersfair.com) on Nov 10th is fast becoming one of Shreveport’s most loved festivals. From art, crafts and food to hula hooper’s, fire breathers and a cast of cool characters strutting about!

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Don’t miss the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival (highlandjazzandblues.org) on Nov 17th from 11:30 to 5. This FREE event will have headliner Big Bill Morganfield, son of acclaimed blues musician Muddy Waters. Two stages, artists alley, yummy food and cold beer.

Visit my booth for fused glass jewelry, hand forged bottle openers, and fun Louisiana inspired soap at any of these events (mention this article and save 10%), or see my new art at SuStella.com or www.etsy.com/shop/MardiGrasShop for holiday gifts.

The Mayan calendar may forecast nothing more than an artist/mathematician running out of space on their life’s work. I guess we’ll see on that day. I do want to thank all of you that have been following my column for the past 7 years. I hope we can spend many more years growing, gaining, and appreciating our lives and families, and making the world a better place. And if by chance the world ends on December 21st, it’s been a fun ride!

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MY FAVORITE FISHING HOLE

By Toledo Bend Pro Angler, Joe Joslin

Thermocline Impact On Fishing Fall is in full swing and water temperatures on My Favorite Fishing Hole have fallen as water levels have remained mostly stable the past 3 months. We did have a foot rise on the lake the end of September when some parts received 6 inches of rain with a weather system as the lake rose to 169.4 feet. In addition, there were reports of large mats of salvinia in the northern part of the lake and some control spraying has been done. Heavy rains can cause these mats to ‘float’ where they can be reached to spray/treat.

Toledo had its worst infestations of salvinia several years ago and there were some mats an acre or more in size that floated out of the creeks to the main lake, making them accessible. Hopefully, this will help keep this invasive tropical plant in check.

Thermocline impacts fishing… The cold fronts are giving me more fishing options as they bring water temps down basically eliminating the thermocline. The thermocline forms in June on most areas deep reservoirs and is a line of demarcation where the oxygen-rich warmer water is on top and the colder, low-oxygenated water is on the bottom. During the summer it is difficult for fish to survive below the thermocline which on Toledo and Rayburn is normally around 25 ft. On my 998c Hummingbird SI unit in Switchfire mode/max” you can see evidence of the thermocline as a horizontal thin field of

debris around 25’. In the fall, the chartreuse/black and also shad surface water is cooled and becomes patterns in depths of 6 to 15 ft. We heavier and sinks to the bottom are also working DD22s on deeper pushing the bottom layer of water to points, ridges and humps from 15 mix with the rest of the water volume to 30 feet with shad patterns thus eliminating the thermocline. This working well. process, called “turn-over”, has On soft plastics we are already occurred this fall as the spending a lot of time on Texas rigs beginning of this phenomenon started in 8 to 20 ft. with Havoc Bottom in October. Most of the time there’s a Hoppers, Rocket Craws and Trick brownish foam on the surface and Worms with watermelon colors our sometimes even a distinct odor, a top choices. On deeper structure (15 musty smell. With the thermocline to 30 ft) we are slow-dragging gone, there is now decent oxygen Angie Womack with a Carolina rigs and Stanley Bug Eye big Toledo bass that football jigs in ½ and ¾ oz. We are content all the way to the bottom of was part of recent the lake allowing bait and fish to also fishing jigging spoons and drop catch of numerous again relate to the bottom, no matter shot rigs with Havoc’s Bottom largemouth. how deep. We often fish those deep Hopper Jr (4.75 inches) my drop areas (30-50 ft) from October through early shot choice.

February and move shallow in the early In closing, Keithon and Sherry Perkins spring. of DeQuincy caught over 75 crappie a few Fishing update… Fall patterns are in weekends ago and had some of the biggest place with bait and bass moving up drains and "slabs" I have ever seen! They were fishing ditches all over the lake. Top water patterns brush piles with live shiners in 15 ft depths include working Pro Pops (Bill Norman), and the crappie were suspended over the Chug Bugs and Yellow Magic on grassy points brush. They also caught several catfish up to during low-light conditions. Spinnerbaits 9 pounds. Other reports include anglers continue to hook up on bass with a 3/8 oz catching crappie and yellow bass on Road double willow Stanley Vibra Wedge my top Runners and Beetle Spins using light line (6-8 choice as we are targeting windy points and lb test) and targeting points with grass. the back 1/3 of major creeks. We also like Norman’s Triple Wing buzzbait.

Joe Joslin is a syndicated outdoor columnist, Shallow and mid-diving crankbaits are tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo and catching bass as are Bill Lewis Rat-L-Traps in Sam Rayburn. Contact him at 337-463-3848, red craw and shad patterns. On our crankbaits joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com, or we are using Deep Little Ns and Baby Ns in www.joejoslinoutdoors.com.

Walking in the Right Direction

By Robert Lemoine Where are you headed in life right now? Take a moment to ask yourself that age old question…if I died right now, would I go to HEAVEN or to HELL? Do you know that you are sinning? And, do you know how to change your ETERNITY? I was exposed to these and other questions over the last couple of weeks. We know that we are sinners according to the Word of God. We also know that we have choices to make in life. The overall purpose of these questions went in a direction I didn’t foresee coming.

The story correlating to these questions was that of Jonah. It wasn’t that Jonah was disobedient to God or that he was swallowed by a big fish.

It was about the people he went to talk to. He had to warn Nineveh of the upcoming destruction to them through the wrath of God. The people of Nineveh were unholy and did unholy things and for their complete disregard for God’s laws, destruction was proclaimed as punishment. As a people, America is in the Louisiana Road Trips

unholy state that Nineveh was in. But, the people of Nineveh did something amazing. When Jonah went into the great city with the message of destruction, the people repented and changed their ways. That saved their lives. Even though there was probably still some sin, as a whole the people changed. This was pleasing to God and He revoked the destruction that was set to befall them.

So are you willing to make the change necessary to revoke the imminent destruction that is bound to befall us? The example above reveals that we can be forgiven if we take a step to change for the better.

Jesus gave the answer when asked how many times do you forgive your brother in a day. The answer was seven times seventy (depending on which translation you use). We are to imitate Jesus and do as He tells us.

He never set a rule that He didn’t obey also, so we know that He is willing to forgive us. The key is that we must ask for forgiveness.

Whether you’re a young child or an older person near death, you can have salvation and spend eternity with the Creator. No matter what you’ve done or how long you’ve done it, all you have to do is ask for His forgiveness. Remember, the fastest way up is to kneel down. May God bless you and keep you safe in all that you do in His name.

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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GOING NATIVE

By Larry Brock

All These Things With God

"I like spring, but it’s too young. I like summer, but it’s too proud. So I like best of all autumn, because its tone is mellower, its colours are richer, and it’s tinged with a little sorrow. Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence of spring, nor the power of summer, but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age. It knows the limitations of life and its content." ~Lin Yutang

To my mind, autumn is the brief interval between the September equinox and the first frost that usually occurs in mid-November. Days are cooler, skies are bluer; leaves are crispy, mornings misty. For many people, it’s the most satisfying time of the year. Walk outside and let it embrace you. Watch the passage of time through the landscape; heed the subtle rhythms and cycles of nature. It’s a hauntingly evocative season.

Mid-October’s woodlot hints at the patchwork of fall colors to come. Trees that were camouflaged in the green anonymity of summer will soon be unmasked by the red, yellow and orange glamour of autumn.

Already, scarlet tinting has revealed sumac, sourwood and sassafras. Golden leaves have exposed maples, tulip and river birch.

Betrayed by time, green is losing its grip on the year.

By early October, pecans and acorns were falling. Bright red clusters of Carolina moonseed had ripened and magnolia cones were dripping red seed. Holly, dogwood and hackberry drupes were blushing, as were the berries on nandina and pyracantha shrubs.

Native beautyberry bushes still featured purple berries.

In the meantime, the fall color palate fluoresced with blooming plants. Box stores featured banks of chrysanthemums, November’s birth flower. Roadsides still boasted local rose mallows, swamp sunflower and trumpet creepers. Native asters, blue mistflowers, coneflowers, goldenrods and groundsel bloomed in passing fields. Beds of cannas, four o’clocks, impatiens, lantana, Mexican petunia and summer phlox flowered in suburban yards. At the back patio, beds of butterfly bush, gingers, salvia, sage and turk’s cap continued to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. As purveyors of nectar, pollen,

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fruit and seed to the natural world, flowering plants are more than just a pretty face!

For the wildlife gardener, autumn is special. Birds and butterflies bring movement and color to the landscape – those sweeping, swooping, swirling flocks of blackbirds; the fluttering flight of fritillaries, sulphurs and skippers; the color of cardinals, jays and woodpeckers; the excitement of swarming hummingbirds in September and migrating monarchs in October. Plus ballooning spiders, leaping frogs, scrambling anoles. Squirrels are sampling acorns and pecans. So are deer, sporting a fresh set of antlers.

Look about. As one writer observed, many migrating birds rely on the food and protection provided by weedy patches in urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. But those are the places we usually consider eyesores to be clipped and mowed. Once plants quit blooming, we typically cut them

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continued on next page > > >

All These Things With God continued back. The seed crop is aborted.

No wonder our suburban landscapes often resemble a barren wilderness for most wildlife.

Fall is man’s time to reap and gather but nature’s time to sow and scatter. Let some out-ofthe-way plants go to seed to complete their life cycle and produce seed – some will feed wintering wildlife; some will germinate next spring to insure the survival of the species; some will remain on deposit in the soil bank for a future generation. For some plants, seed are the culmination of a lifetime of effort!

And as this season ends, remember to give thanks.

“Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folkfestival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God.” ~Ray Stannard Baker 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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L’Auberge expands into Baton Rouge

By Cheré Coen It seems only yesterday that L’Auberge du Lac opened in Lake Charles, a premier casino and hotel with lots of elegant and fun amenities such as spa, lazy river pool and upscale dining.

Parent company Pinnacle Entertainment has expanded and opened L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge this fall, located on the Mississippi River south of LSU and downtown Baton Rouge. A bit more upscale than its Lake Charles sister, L’Auberge Baton Rouge offers a 74,000-square-foot, single-level casino with private poker room, 50 table games and a buffet that feels more like a restaurant, with a private dining room surrounded by exquisite art glass. The hotel offers 205 guest rooms with lavish suites, a rooftop pool with a dramatic view of unspoiled Mississippi River views and fitness center.

Since casinos must be on water in Louisiana by law, L’Auberge Baton Rouge actually exists on the river side of the levee with the hotel on the other side. In fact, the hotel’s valet service sits on top of the levee. The casino will have no threat of floods, however, being that it’s perched high above sea level, but the river will rise and fall around it.

Both the hotel and casino feature an elegant Southern-inspired interior design highlighted by artwork from Louisiana artists. Books by Louisiana authors grace the rooms as well.

The property includes 13,000 square feet of meeting and conference space, an Event Center/Grand Ballroom that can hold 1,400 for concerts and 800 for banquets, the

executive Chatsworth Room (named for the plantation that used to be on the site), an executive boardroom and outdoor festival grounds that can accommodate up to 2,500 people.

For quick dining options, there’s the Bon Temps Buffet, which seats 360 guests, and PJ’s Café with its signature, house-made pastries. Stadium Sports Bar & Grill honors Louisiana athletes and serves up Southern specialties and sandwiches as well as fun dishes such as seafood topped nachos, lightly battered macaroni and cheese bites with a heavenly horseradish sauce and signature cocktails such as the “Death Valley” and “Who Dat.” There are 50 flat-screen TVs showcasing sports, so it’s the perfect place to gather for commaderie and watching the game.

The 18 Steak restaurant refers to Louisiana becoming the 18th state in the union, a perfect tribute to Louisiana’s Bicentennial year.

The accompanying bar pours up a fine collection of whiskeys, scotch and bourbons and the restaurant, which serves up prime cuts of beef in addition to a variety of dishes, reflects the whiskey barrel theme, a nod to the famous American drink that routinely came down the river.

The restaurant offers a striking view of the river, as well.

The hotel and casino and restaurants are connected by a

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long corridor, which straddles the levee. There are several heavy glass doors to move through between each building, which allows the smokiness of the casino to stay in the casino. But even in the casino the smoke is kept to a minimum, thanks to modern technology.

L’Auberge Baton Rouge has special events throughout the year. For the fall, visitors can spend the weekend and receive a complimentary shuttle to LSU football games, leaving the traffic headaches behind. Every Thursday in November, the hotel offers “Sippin’ in the Sunset” on the rooftop pool with specialty drinks, free sushi and music from 6 to 9pm for $10.

Upcoming concerts include Ronnie Dunn on Nov. 8, Kenny Rogers on Dec. 7 and 8 and Huey Lewis and the News on Dec. 28. For more information, visit www.mylauberge.com.

Cheré Coen is a travel writer living in Lafayette and the author of “Exploring Cajun Country: A Historic Guide to Acadiana” and co-author of “Magic’s in the Bag: Creating Spellbinding Gris Gris Bags and Sachets.”

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RECIPES

by Stacy Thornton

Happy fall everyone! The holidays are upon us with Thanksgiving this month. I always enjoy gatherings with family and friends. It really is a no brainer – good food, family, friends, and football (we are in the south). Prepare for the holidays but keep things simple. Sit back, enjoy, indulge, and relax because they’ll be gone in a flash. Love to all this holiday season and every day. Enjoy!

Cranberry Pecan Swirls 1/2 cup butter softened 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1/2 cup finely chopped cranberries or Craisins 3 tbsp packed brown sugar chopped finely pecans 1 tbsp grated orange peel

1 egg 1/4 tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla 3/4 cup sugar1/2 cup 1/4 tsp baking powder 2 tsp milk

In large bowl cream butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture until just combined. Cover bowl and refrigerate about 1 hour for easier handling. In a small bowl combine cranberries, pecans, and orange peel. Combine brown sugar and milk in another bowl. Dust a surface lightly with flour (I prefer powdered sugar) and out dough into a 10 inch square. Spread milk mixture then sprinkle cranberry mixture. Roll up dough into a jellyroll fashion. Wrap in wax paper and freeze for several hours until firm. Slice into 1/4 inch slices and bake in preheated 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. Remove to wire rack to cool.

White Chili

Mix butter, sugar and salt in sauce pan and boil for 2 minutes ONLY. Remove from heat and stir in pecans. Place graham crackers close together on greased cookie sheet and pour mixture over crackers. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes - watch carefully you don't want this to burn. Remove and allow to cool.

Store in airtight container. Delicious!

Turkey Corn Chowder 4 medium onions, sliced 1/4 cup melted butter 5 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 stalks celery chopped 1 tbsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1 chicken bouillon cube 2 cups water 5 cups milk 1 cup half and half 2 cans (14.5 oz) whole kernel corn, drained 1 can (14.5 oz) cream style corn 1 1/2 tsp paprika 1/4 tsp dried thyme 3 cups cooked chopped turkey chopped fresh parsley Cook onion in butter until tender. Add cubed potato and next 5 ingredients and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add milk and next 6 ingredients. Cook until heated through. Sprinkle with parsley.

Note: You can substitute cooked chicken for turkey.

Wild Rice Chicken Dressing

8 boned/skinned chicken breast halves 4 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 1 can cannellini beans, drained and mashed 1/2 tsp each chili powder and black pepper 1/8 tsp each ground black pepper, red pepper, ground cloves 2 medium onions, chopped 1 tbsp vegetable oil 2 cloves of garlic, chopped 2 (14.5 oz ) cans chicken broth 2 (4.5 oz) cans chopped green chilies 3/4 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp salt Toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, and/or cheese

3 cups cooked wild rice 1 cup minced onion 1 clove of garlic, minced 1/2 cup butter 1 tsp black pepper 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper 1/2 tsp rosemary 2 cups chicken broth

Cut chicken into bite size pieces then saute in oil, add onion and garlic over medium heat until chicken is done - about 10 minutes. Stir in broth and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat; simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with desired toppings. You can substitute Great Northern beans for Cannellini beans.

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Praline Grahams 1 cup butter 1 cup brown sugar dash of salt 1 cup pecans 24 graham crackers (break each cracker into 4 crackers)

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2 cups crumbled cornbread 1 cup diced celery 1 tbsp parsley chopped 2 tsp salt 1 tsp sweet basil 1/2 tsp sage (optional) 1 cup sliced mushrooms

Saute onions in butter until transparent. Add bell pepper, celery, garlic, and parsley mixing constantly over low heat. When cooked down put in large bowl add the remaining ingredients and mix well with chicken broth. Pour into greased 9 x 13 dish and bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.

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BEDS & BEIGNETS

By Mary White

A Home Fit for Hollywood When it comes to being a Hollywood star, some celebrities are just born with ‘it.’

Sometimes it’s a sparkle in the eye, an endearingly quirky personality or an unstoppable sartorial elegance that makes the difference. They stand apart from the rest. Such is the story of how The Lanaux Mansion (www.BnBFinder.com/Lanaux) caught the attention of a Hollywood director and ended up starring alongside one of the biggest actors on the planet.

The 11,000 square foot Victorian mansion, located in the Farbourg Marigny section of New Orleans, was built by Charles Andrew Johnson, a wealthy and prominent attorney, in 1879. He had hopes of one day marrying and filling the home with the sound of his children’s laughter; however, it wasn’t meant to be. Charles remained a bachelor, and after his death left the mansion to his business partner’s daughter, Marie Andry Lanaux, who he secretly loved. She had moved into the home to take care of Charles after he fell ill.

The mansion switched ownership only a few times in its long history. Ruth Bodenheimer, the current proprietor of The Lanaux Mansion, used to visit the home as a young girl and was intrigued by

the woman who owned it. “She purchased it after her husband passed away,” said Ruth. “I didn’t know a woman could buy a home on her own.” When a share of the house became available in the 1980s, the New Orleans native bought it and then secured the rest of the shares when they became available a few years later.

Although the home was structurally sound, she oversaw an extensive renovation of the interior taking care not to damage the home’s original wallpaper and other invaluable details.

Ruth had plans to convert the home into a few apartments to help cover expenses until a friend suggested opening a B&B. Being a former tourism specialist for the city, she was knowledgeable about the market and knew it could be a successful venture. She created four plush rooms— The Enchanted Cottage, The Johnson Room, The Weiland Room and The Lanaux Suite—and a lush Victorian walking garden to which all the rooms have direct access. It’s one of the finest examples of Renaissance Revival architecture in New Orleans.

In 2007, the exquisite home caught the eye of film director David Fincher who happened to be staying across the street. He and his supervising location manager, Bill Doyle, were scouting sites for the film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button starring Brad Pitt. For the home of Benjamin’s father, The Lanaux Mansion’s striking exterior, including ornate cast-iron balconies and cypress shutters, captured the charming allure they were searching for.

Although initially weary of potential damage to the home and its precious antiques (many of Charles’ personal belongings adorn the guest rooms including furniture, art and books), Ruth granted the film crew access up to a point: they could film ten feet into the home and the exterior only. To capture more of the interior, the film crew took detailed measurements of the home and built a dazzling replica on a New Orleans movie lot right down to the detailing on the walnut front door. “When I saw the replica of my house, I thought someone had time enough to pick it up and move it to the studio.” The rest is Hollywood history.

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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Calendar of Events

November 2012

November 2-4

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November 9-11

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November 14-17

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La Swine Festival Basile – (337) 230-1479

Westwego Cypress Swamp Festival Westwego – (504) 341-1003

Mistletoe & Moss Lake Charles Civic Center

Pecan Festival Colfax – (318) 627-5196

Cut Off Youth Center Fair 985-632-7616

November 16-18

Ponchatoula Trade Days Ponchatoula – (985) 386-0026

November 3

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November 10

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Thibodauxville Fall Festival 985-446-1187

Southdown Fall Festival Houma – (985) 851-0154

Mirliton Festival New Orleans – (504) 944-5422

Swamp Pop Music Festival Robert – (985) 345-9244

Atchafalaya Basin Festival Henderson – (337) 257-2444

November 3-4

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Celebration of the Giant Omelette Abbeville – (337) 893-0013 Shadows Civil War Reenactment New Iberia – (877) 200-4924 Swamp Festival Audubon Zoo, New Orleans (504) 581-4629 Shadows Civil War Reenactment New Iberia – (877) 200-4924

November 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, ____________________ 24-25 Renaissance Festival Hammond – (985) 429-9992

November 5-6

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Main to Main Trade Days Springhill – (318) 539-5699

November 8-11

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Cracklin Festival Port Barre – (337) 585-2827 Rayne Frog Festival (337)-334-2332

Harvest Festival Moss Bluff – (337) 304-3639

November 17-18

Civil War Living History Reenactment Camp Moore – (985) 229-2438

November 18

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PoBoy Festival New Orleans – (504) 228-3349

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November 22- Dec 25

Fall Festival Destrehan Plantation – (985) 7649315

November 23-24

Covington Three Rivers Arts Festival (985) 327-9797

November 24

Veteran’s Day Avenue of Flags (Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event for November) Orange Grove/Graceland Cemetery, Lake Charles

November 13-14 Destrahan Plantation Fall Festival (985) 764-9315

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Antique Trade Days Pontchatoula – (800) 617-4502

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Veterans Day

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Christmas in the Park Bogalusa – (337) 513-6514

Fringe Festival New Orleans

November 11

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Celtic Nations Heritage Festival Lake Charles – (337) 436-9588

Sugar Day Kent House, Alexandria (318) 487-5998

November 10-11

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Christmas Tree Farm Festival Grant – (800) 987-NOEL Christmas Wonderland in the Pines Jonesboro – (318) 259-4693

November 24-25

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Cajun Christmas Lafayette (985) 796-5853 LIHA Annual Fall Pow Wow Gonzales – (888) 775-7990

November 30 – Dec 2

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Orange Festival Belle Chase – (504) 656-7599

Holidays in the Garden

By Mona L. Hayden Let’s step outdoors where it’s really magical as we approach the holiday season. If you pay close attention, you’ll notice the most enchanting sights and sounds out there. I sometimes wonder how any gardener could not love a holiday that’s designed around an element of nature as wondrous as a tree!

Especially big, beautiful trees so firmly rooted in the ground that their grandiose stature leaves you awestruck – truly bliss.

It’s easy to dress up the yard and gardens. Start by stringing some popcorn, peanuts in their shells, raisins, dates, and

cranberries on fishing line for the birds.

Draping them over trees and shrubs is guaranteed to get you both in the holiday spirit. Gather colorful leaves, twigs, and pinecones to decorate outdoor tables, benches, window boxes, and doorways. Ideally, it would be nice to glance out any window and recognize the season, so tuck in some berries and even shiny Christmas tree balls. I always decorate at least one outdoor tree because that’s where all the excitement really is. Just the movement and color of falling leaves, the smell of freshly mulched beds, the blooms of

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cool-season annuals, and pods left behind on the crepe myrtles, meshed with red berries and intricate bark patterns are simply awesome. So when you need a break from the holiday hoopla, spend some quiet time outside appreciating nature as we gently move into another season.

Now for the task list. Unless you plan to mow this winter, drain or run out that last bit of gas in the mower and weed eater before storing them for the season. If time permits, change the oil and replace spark plugs so

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Trace Tasty Treats

By Deborah Burst Living only a mile away I’ve been biking and walking the trail for nearly 20 years. It started as an inexpensive way to keep my younger son and daughter entertained, and not to mention the exercise. A 31mile asphalt trail and wildlife conservation corridor, the Tammany Trace links parks, greenways, wetlands and pedestrian bridges through Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville and Slidell. Travel the Trace with a tasty treat or beverage along the way.

Covington Trailhead… Once a bustling railroad town, the City of Covington pays tribute to its century old heritage with the Covington Trailhead. Shop the Wednesday morning Farmers Market and take a break under the shady blue canopies. Across the Parish Courthouse, award winning chefs and owners of LOLA restaurant prepare homemade bread, soups, desserts and fresh lemonade inside their vintage caboose kitchen. Peddle down N. New Hampshire St. and stop for lunch or weekend breakfasts and dinners at the Toad Hollow Café for thirst quenching herbal ice teas, chilled wine, soups, salads, and a primo chicken salad.

Just two blocks away picnic at Bogue Falaya Park while the kids play on a generous playground. On Saturday the Covington Farmers Market features local produce, chef demonstrations and book signings.

Moving east toward Abita Springs, hop off the Trace and cross Boston Street to the service road at the Chimes Restaurant. With scenic views of the Bogue Falaya River, enjoy a drink, lunch or dinner inside or outside with wide screen HD televisions.

Abita Springs… Nearly four miles away, downtown Abita Springs offers the Abita Tourism Plaza with historic gazebo, museum and playground. Sip a brew and grab a bite at the Abita Brew Pub or next door, an old fashioned malt shop with one of the best roast beef po-boys around. Satisfy that sweet tooth with homemade bread, pastries and lunch at the Maple Street Bakery & Café. If you’re an early bird, stop at the Abita Café and sit outside for a full fledged breakfast.

A quick walk from the gazebo and playground, Artigue’s Abita Market, a century old country store, is a great place for a cold drink and deli sandwich.

Tammany Trace Headquarters… Moving east, the next stop is a bee hive of activity at the Tammany Trace Trailhead Headquarters.

Many people use this as their starting point with numerous picnic tables and tons of parking. Kids can take a break from cycling and play at the Kids Konnection playground built for all children with or without special needs. Look for the green caboose for information on the Trace as well as rest rooms, water fountains, and beverage vending machines.

Mandeville Trailhead… Travel another four miles and the Mandeville Trailhead features a pavilion, amphitheater, children's splash fountain, free Friday evening concerts and the Saturday morning Mandeville Community Market. If you don’t own a bike, rent one across the street at the Old Mandeville Café or just stop in for a sandwich, a scrumptious veggie wrap or visit their old fashioned ice cream parlor with sno-balls, shakes and ice cream cones.

Cruise down Girod Street on the newly installed sidewalks and stop at the many eateries along the way. Vianne’s Tea Salon and Café serves teas from around the world and a bistro menu filled with stimulating salads and sandwiches accompanied by fresh fruit. Just one block from Lake Pontchartrain, the Broken Egg Café boasts a charming 1920’s cottage and a legacy of neighborhood breakfast, brunch and lunch dining with gourmet omelets and a brioche French toast stuffed with fresh Louisiana strawberries and blueberries. Stroll, bike, or jog along Mandeville’s scenic lakefront with park benches and swing sets for the kids. Wet your whistle at Barley Oaks, one of the northshore’s finest beer gardens with brews from around the world and a front row seat to lakefront sunsets.

Fontainebleau State Park/Lacombe/Slidell-Carollo… The Trace goes straight through the park, and an excellent place to picnic, hike, fish, swim, camp, or stay at one of the new silted cabins over Lake Pontchartrain. Follow one of the longest and prettiest stretches of the Trace past cemeteries, majestic oaks, and a bridge over Bayou Lacombe to your last stop at the Slidell-Carollo Trailhead. The final stop offers plenty of parking, rest rooms and a playground for the kiddies. A bicycle crossover takes you to the Thompson Road strip shopping area filled with shopping and restaurants.

The Trace welcomes pedestrians, bicyclists, equestrians, rollerbladers and joggers. So grab the sunscreen and follow a tasty trail along the Trace. Northshore tourism, www.louisiananorthshore.com

Holidays in the Garden continued you’ll have one less chore to tackle in the spring. Gather up gardening tools and give them a good cleaning with a greasy rag before sharpening and storing them as well. Pick up any water hoses, wrap or cover hydrants, and drain your sprinkler system just in case we get freezing temps.

Make sure all spring-blooming bulbs are in the ground as well as any garlic you may want to harvest early next summer. And just because the sun isn’t as high this time of year, you might have to continue watering some

plants, especially pots, so keep at least one hose handy. The wind is actually more drying to plants than the sun and they can’t tolerate a freeze when they’re stressed from lack of water. Also, adding a layer of mulch to the beds for winter is a good idea not only to keep weeds down but to keep moisture in.

An extra bonus that comes with this season is the opportunity to bird watch. It’s actually very satisfying to nurture them along by installing birdhouses, and providing food and water. I keep binoculars nearby so I can

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get a birds-eye view of every twitch, flutter, and song that comes my way.

When I can sneak away for a few minutes, I head straight to the hammock and gaze at the treetops, amazed at their tenacity.

I’ve learned that nature never fails to calm the mind and nourish the soul so share your love and appreciation of all things green as you ponder the true meaning of Christmas – in the garden.

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Christmas on the River!

Holiday memories of seasons past bring families together again.

Christmas on the River in Monroe-West Monroe welcomes you to make a few more so let the holiday season begin!

You'll find two cities filled with holiday cheer. Kick off the celebration in Monroe-West Monroe on November 24 with the Little Miss Christmas on the River Pageant, an outdoor movie, and a special lighting ceremony where the lights dance to both modern and classic Christmas songs.

December 1 is the big festival day starting with the Scrooge Bah Humbug 5k run and Bawcomville Redneck Parade. The Gingerbread House's Kids Alley on Antique Alley is sure to keep the little ones busy with fun activities while you shop. Continue the day with live entertainment on the Paramount Healthcare Consultants Stage, shopping at the Downtown RiverMarket in Monroe, Twin City Ballet performance, Journey to Bethlehem, and the Kiwanis Club of West Monroe Christmas Parade and Monroe Renaissance Fireworks Extravaganza, both presented by Ouachita Independent Bank.

The merriment continues with the Downtown Gallery Crawl on December 6 and the Pet Paw-rade and Louisiana Beef Industry Council Chili Cook-Off. The following weekend brings back the Old-Fashioned Weekend with shop owners dressed in period costume, an Antique Car Show, and a performance by the Louisiana Delta Ballet.

Enjoy activities all month long. Christmas at the Biedenharn features beautiful holiday decorations by the Monroe Garden Study League. Santa's Christmas Village at the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum promises tons of holiday fun with ice skating, snow, holiday crafts, and a Snowglobe to climb into for photos. The

Louisiana Road Trips

Freedom Tree at Chennault Aviation and Military Museum honors veterans and service men and women by displaying medals, patches, and photos as beautiful ornaments on a 20’ tall tree.

Monroe-West Monroe's Christmas on the River is the place to make holiday memories with your family. Start planning your trip today by visiting www.christmasontheriver.org!

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