Louisiana Road Trips November 2011 Issue

Renaissance Festival

100 merchants, a cast and crew of more than 300 www.LARG.org for directions from your The Louisiana Renaissance Festival is a people putting on one of the best events in mini-theme park that uses the European area and more exciting information and Renaissance as a jumping off point for popular Louisiana. discounts! entertainment, shopping, and education. Many We are often asked if “dressing up” is shows like the Joust and Falconry are required. The answer is NO. Most people wear entertaining and educational. With over fifty their normal “everyday” clothes; we do scheduled shows every day, you will be recommend comfortable walking shoes. Since entertained with comedy, drama, and action. we open less than a week after Halloween you You can meet history in person including and your kids can wear Halloween attire if you peasants, merchants, nobles, knights even want to get a little more value out of the Queen Elizabeth I, and an occasional village costume. Or you can rent a costume for the idiot. Holiday shopping is some of the most day, as one of the many merchants at the Renunique and interesting you will find in South Fest is a costume rental merchant. The Louisiana. Over 100 shops provide very unique Louisiana Renaissance Festival runs for six gifts such as real swords, handmade candles, weekends beginning the first Saturday of and even the glassblowing its demonstration November. We are open to the public 9:45am pieces. Come early, spend the entire day 5:00pm. having a fun adventure with us.

The Louisiana Renaissance Festival is Step back in time and have fun with our located at 46468 River Road, Hammond LA, 70401, one mile north variety of villagers as we November celebrate the fall festival. of Hammond High 5 & 6 (Sat/Sun) God Save the Queen School on Hwy 1064 Join us for a full day of 12 & 13 (Sat/Sun) - Feast of Fools (River Road). There is adventure, entertainment 19 & 20 (Sat/Sun) - Pirate Adventure and shopping. The 25, 26 & 27 (Fri/Sat/Sun) - Harvest Huzzah easy access to our site from Baton Rouge, Villagers of Albright are December New Orleans, Slidell, waiting to make you part 3 & 4 (Sat/Sun) - Highland Fling and Biloxi, MS. Check of their celebration!

10 & 11 (Sat/Sun) - 'Tis the Season Featuring seven stages, out our website at

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www.laroadtrips.com

Talkin’ It Up! As we enter this season of abundance and harvest, there are many reasons to be thankful. For me, I'm especially grateful as LRT celebrates its 8th year of publication with this issue.

Thanks to you, our readers, for coming back each month and turning every page. Thanks to our incredible writers and contributors, our loyal advertisers, our graphics guru, and all the wonderful folks on the sidelines that cheer us on!

This month we're gearing up for a fabulous holiday season with the 2011 Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights. Participating cities are Shreveport, Bossier, Minden, Monroe, West Monroe, Natchitoches, Alexandria, and Pineville. We've included a schedule of events in this issue but check their website for updates on additional entertainment.

Be sure to reserve at least one weekend to attend the Renaissance Festival in Hammond. What a production this is! Don't take my word for it though, check out that cover photo and the article inside.

Then there are the Louisiana Main Street events in Winnsboro, Columbia, Bastrop, DeRidder, Minden, Springhill, and other cities/towns that are presenting “Remember November” - the month long celebration linking all Main Street designed locations for the holidays.

Don't forget to set your clocks back for Daylight Savings Time, but even more importantly, don't forget to take a Louisiana road trip!!

Happy Thanksgiving and let's keep in touch.

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

Cover photo provided by the Louisiana Renaissance Festival.

ROAD TRIPS "Celebrating country living and city happenings!"

november ARTS & CRAFTSMEN 27

contents 12

Rural Artist Showing at Schepis Museum

A Life of Trial…and Error

by Dennis Stewart Anger Management for Beginners Runnin’ the Roads by Barbara Sharik The Idiosyncrasies of Life’s Highway

BUSINESS REVIEW

25

20 25

INSPIRATIONAL

Medicating Your Dog Making Healthcare A Family Affair

by Dr. Joey Lowery

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My Favorite Fishing Hole by Joe Joslin The Fishin’s Fine!

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In the Crosshairs by Sonny Harrington Diary of Bart the Buck

17

The Barn Burning of the Century

by Johnny Wink

FESTIVALS & ENTERTAINMENT Renaissance Festival 2011 Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights

10 24

Talkin’ It Up! Infrared Light Therapy Successful The Language of Trees by Su Stella Louisiana Lagniappe – Remember When Backtalk

26

Saluting Louisiana Veterans!

‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Icon Visits Louisiana November Calendar of Events Louisiana Lagniappe Answers Going Native by Larry Brock The Year of Butterflies

DeRidder Main Street Celebrations

RECIPES 18

Blues and BBQ

ROAD TRIPS

Celebrations on Bastrop Main Street Winnsboro Main to Main

6

Recipes by Stacy Thornton

Travel Adventure by Dianne Newcomer Monroe Travel Wants YOU to Leave!

8-9 A Journey Out West to Cody, Wyoming

Louisiana in the Civil War: The Southern Cross by Terry L. Jones

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If Walls Could Talk…by Lee Estes

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Two of Ouachita’s Lost Civil War Soldiers

by Lora Peppers

HUMOR 5

3 5 6 12 17 22 23 25 26

A Holiday Family Tradition!

HISTORICAL 7

Everyday Miracles by Robert Lemoine

MONTHLY TIDBITS

DELTA OUTDOORS

2 11 20 21 21 21 24

4

All Things Southern by Shellie Tomlinson “I Beg to Differ”

18 19 27

by Mona L. Hayden Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa

by Mona L. Hayden Hit the Road – by Deborah Burst Hot Springs Magic Elixir The Smithsonian – in Lake Providence On the Scene – by Deborah Burst Building a Brighter Future Beds & Beignets by Mary White The Frog Raynes Supreme

Visit our website: www.laroadtrips.com Louisiana Road Trips

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Everyday Miracles

By Robert Lemoine There are a lot of people out there that don't believe in miracles anymore. The things that take place today are because of man's power and knowledge. God has nothing to do with it.

The credit belongs to the doctors who went to years of school to learn what to do. The credit belongs to us for making wise choices with our lives.

Now if you really believe that, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry that you have committed your soul to an eternity of unimaginable torture. I'm sorry that you don't have enough sense or faith to look around and see the miracles that exist every day. We're familiar with the obvious ones such as babies being born, all living things growing, the earth spinning, and the sun rising and setting. But what about those that people don't credit as miracles, like the couple that has been married for fifty years, the child that lived through a horrible car crash, the flowers blooming…

I read something a while back that was sent via mass email. It was a story about how gentle God's touch is. If you don't believe in miracles, I challenge to try this. Get a rosebud that has not yet opened into full bloom. Notice how tight the petals are. Now open each petal without damaging even one. You can't do it.

Guess what? God does it all the time. And not only does He open them without tearing a single petal, He closes them back up with the same ease. But some don't see that as a miracle.

Come to think of it, your waking up this morning was a miracle, a gift to you from the Lord Almighty. Did you thank Him? How about those breaths you're taking right now? Are you at least a little thankful for those? Oh, that's right…you're responsible for that and it's not a miracle. If it was a miracle, everybody wouldn't be doing it. Gotcha!

There are numerous people everyday that just stop breathing. I can guarantee that most of them would have chosen to take another breath if they could've.

Miracles surround us everyday. We just have to open our eyes and our hearts to see them.

Stop listening to the scientists who explain everything away as if manmade.

For instance, I hear them say they've made advancements with cloning but I've never heard of one creating a living thing from dirt.

Be sure to thank the Lord for what He has given to you. As the old saying goes, “There's always somebody worse off than you are.” May God bless you and keep you safe in all that you do. Remember, the fastest way up is to kneel down.

A lifelong resident of Union Parish, Robert Lemoine is a Christian small business owner. He and his wife, Summer, oversee www.foreverandalwaysonline.com and also sell Christian merchandise at flea markets and fesitvals in north Louisiana and surrounding states. Robert's writings are most inspirational, Christian, and patriotic with occasional reflections on lessons learned. He can be reached at writing@foreverandalwaysonline.com.

For effective, low-cost advertising, call

Mona L. Hayden

PUBLISHER LRT Publications

______________________

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mona L. Hayden

monalh@bellsouth.net (318) 547-1221

OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL Debbie Hamilton Pope June 14, 1952-August 24, 2008

SALES Mona L. Hayden (318) 547-1221 Robert Lemoine (318) 381-9449 Sunny Meriwether (318) 547-8126 Cheryl Yates (318) 235-6493

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Website www.laroadtrips.com Louisiana Road Trips magazine is published monthly to promote, inform, and entertain the residents of Louisiana. It is distributed FREE; however, home delivery is available. This magazine will reach approximately 56,000 individuals.

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

Copyright 2011 with all rights reserved. Reproduction of any material appearing within this publication is prohibited without written permission of the Publishers.

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

ROAD TRIPS

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

ALL THINGS SOUTHERN

By Shellie Tomlinson

“I Beg to Differ” Hello folks! I've been having a fit for y'all to get here because I've got an announcement that's just busting my seams! Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it is one of my favorite holidays. I love the simplicity and beauty of just taking time to give thanks! Of course, it also heralds the Christmas season, and that my friends, brings me to my little shout out. I want to do my part to help you with your Christmas shopping. So, here's the deal: starting today, everyone who orders at least two copies of my latest book "Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy" from me will also get my audio book, a two disc set of "Lessons Learned on Bull Run Road" to give to someone on your shopping

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

list! All you have to do is print "ROADTRIPS" in the special instructions on my shopping cart at www.allthingssouthern.com or say "ROADTRIPS" when you call me to order.

Simple, huh? I hope it helps you get ahead of the rush. And now, let's chat...~smile~ When I was a little girl hobos would come by my Papaw Stone's church. He'd let 'em sleep in one of the classrooms and he'd make sure they had a belly full of food and whatever handout he could spare before they moved on. His kindness left a lasting impression on me. Some people would say I'm about to take this chat in a risky direction but to quote my more redneck friends, “I ain't skeered.”

See, while I was raised to help people who couldn't help themselves, I was also taught to value hard work. There's a message that bears repeating. My heart breaks for people who are willing to work and can't find a job but I'm not at all compassionate towards those who can't tell you what type of work they're out of!

Case in point: I've found a host of websites designed to help teach people how to make a living begging. A living…begging?!

They're quite informative in their own way.

I found one where Pro Beggars gave tips on the most effective begging techniques. I'm thinking Pro Beggars must be like amateur beggars with more gold jewelry.

I learned that the ambitious beggar can make up to ten dollars an hour if not more if he or she knows the right tricks. Using humor on those hand-made signs was highly recommended. Apparently “Will work for food” is old school. I imagine today's more successful beggar might write, “Please help. I'm residentially challenged.”

Look a here, somebody should be ashamed of themselves. Like our grandparents would say “It is one thing to fall on hard times. It's another thing to wallow in 'em.” Far be it from me to discourage small businesses, but pursuing begging as a career choice is a whole new level of wallowing, folks. Indeed, times are hard and we need to do everything we can to help our fellow man but I don't think a National Beggars Association is the answer. I mean, we've already got Congress. ~Happy Thanksgiving Hugs, Shellie

Infrared Light Therapy Successful Infrared Light Therapy is an amazing technology that stimulates the body to heal itself. With a long history (over 100 years) pioneered by Dr. Rife, there have been over 40 independent studies confirming the effectiveness and success, including an endorsement by the Mayo Clinic. Light therapy delivers powerful therapeutic benefits to living tissues and organisms by producing a biological response at a cellular level. This stimulation improves circulation in the body by increasing the formation of new capillaries to replace damaged ones, thus promoting natural healing by supplying additional oxygen and nutrients. Light therapy also supports the production of collagen, an essential protein use to repair and replace damaged tissue, including scar tissue, and increases lymphatic system activity.

This complementary health therapy addresses all viruses and other types of microorganisms and has proven to be very effective in recognizing and treating lime disease with the use of calculated frequencies. After a light therapy, you may notice feeling fatigued or energized as the body naturally begins to eliminate toxins.

Infrared light harnesses the healing power of specific wavelengths of light and is able to penetrate deep into the body. By releasing nitric oxide to relax blood vessels, circulation is greatly improved and inflammation reduced, resulting in rapid pain relief and recovery of injured muscles or tissue.

When asked about success stories using light therapy, practitioner Jim Simmons contemplated the question a bit before responding, “Chronologically or alphabetically?” He reports remarkable results for vision problems, including degenerative diagnosis, chronic infections, and muscular/skeletal issues where clients felt pain relief after the very first treatment. An extremely skeptical client recently came to Jim with severe back pain after receiving unsuccessful conventional therapy. He experienced immediate relief and his health has continued to improve. Another client came to Jim with concerns about her declining vision. After just a few light treatments, she stated that she could see farther and objects were brighter and sharper. Her close-up vision has dramatically improved and she expects to soon be able to reduce or eliminate her need for corrective lenses. As noted, some issues may require several treatments depending on variables, with cost ranging $65-80 per visit.

Jim Simmons is accepting new clients at Natural Wellness Center in West Monroe. Call (318) 387-3000 to schedule an appointment.

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www.laroadtrips.com

TRAVEL ADVENTURE

By Dianne Newcomer

Monroe Travel Wants YOU to Leave!

WANTED: Brides-to-Be, Mothers of Brides-to-Be, Engaged Couples, About-to-Be Engaged Couples, Beach Bums, Romantics of all Ages, Golfers, Divers (wanting 2 free dives daily), Families needing a holiday, spring break, or summer vacation, Reunion Groups, Best Friends, Single Parents, Members of the Military, or Weary Souls looking for a great all inclusive LUXURY Escape!

Interested in a free wedding or a vow renewal? This is the perfect time to learn how easy it is to let Martha Stewart take care of the details while you unwind on the beach. Our Beach Party/Seminar will help you realize why it makes sense to combine a free wedding and a wonderful honeymoon - no stress!

Discover why SANDALS has been voted the World's Best Resort for 15 years in a row AND why BEACHES is always voted the #1 resort for FAMILIES in the Caribbean. These vacations have everything you dream of to make sure each day is a wonderful adventure - no worries about the budget! One upfront price includes everything!

Play on white sandy beaches bordered by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.

Eat, drink, and enjoy being pampered in paradise without reaching for your wallet, whether you choose SANDALS or BEACHES. If you choose a BEACHES Resort, everyone can do whatever they like, anytime they want. From babies to tweens and teens, there's something age specific for each to enjoy.

Family sized suites and fabulous water parks make the BEACHES simply magical escapes!

Yet before you get carried away, choose the island and resort perfect for you! Why gamble with something as important as your honeymoon or family vacation? There is a big difference in each island and resort.

Everything looks good on the internet, so that's why we have brought in an expert! You need to know what you are buying and that's why we want you to join us!

Be at MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE, 1908 Glenmar in Monroe, on November 8th from 3-6pm.

We are open late just for you, so come get the answers you need. For our BEACH

PARTY, we will be offering a chance You are cordially invited to a to win Fun Vacation Dollars, FALL BEACH PARTY/SEMINAR discounts up to 50% at select resorts Featuring Andrae Roberts-Dukes, Special Consultant on certain dates, a free night or two for SANDALS and BEACHES at select resorts on specific dates, Tuesday, November 8th, 3-6pm and $250 airfare discount. In Every hour, Andrae will present and answer questions addition to a savings of $250 per about 15 SANDALS Resorts throughout the Carabbean person on airfare, MONROE and family-oriented BEACHES Resorts.

TRAVEL SERVICE is also giving a $250 Red Lane Spa Credit when 6 Register to win fun vacation dollars! nights are reserved at a SANDALS MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE or BEACHES Resort in concierge 1908 Glenmar, Monroe, LA (next door to the Muffin Tin) level or higher. We want you to go indulge yourself in luxury. It's our PARTY. Hope to see you at MONROE way of saying thank you for coming to our BEACH TRAVEL SERVICE on November 8th

The Language of Trees

By Su Stella What makes this upcoming art show so poignant is the subject - so simple, so casual, and so…endangered. This drought has taken its toll on so many giant trees. One example is my neighbor's majestic old oak that is dying off. It's so sad to see the trees browning and it will be even sadder when they're gone.

“The Language of Trees”, the vision of pastel artist Pam Viviano, is not only a show about trees but a colorful celebration of nature. Behind those trees are beautiful skies, pink and golden streaked morning skies, with trees in blues, greens and other shades, making her landscapes festive with light. Her work is not photo realism but she states, “It has a sense of spirituality. What I am doing is an impression of what I see.”

Pam paints almost 'en plein aire' - which is the tricky French phrase meaning she works outdoors. Others lovely pastels are made of the views from her favorite windows, and sadly, there is no fancy French word for that.

Take time to look at her art and you'll discover layers of colors used creatively. Even the paper has a 'tooth', a jagged rough surface to grasp or smudge the artist's colors, instead

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of smooth surfaces that allow something completely different to transpire. Imagine painting an interior wall verses outside shingles, with all those nooks and crannies trapping some of the color while other parts just skim the surface. It's Pam's gentle touch that makes the piece breathe and whisper gently like the wind rustling in the branches of a magnificent tree.

After experiencing Pam's vision you may look at trees with new eyes. Trees are earth beings that surround us but we seldom see.

Maybe because they're so solid, steady, and silent. They make no demands but provide us with shelter. They suspend a hammock for our naps and tire swings for children.

The Bossier Arts Council will be hosting Pam's show from November 4 to January 10.

Please check www.bossierarts.org for the exact time of the December 2 opening. What better way to help create American jobs than by supporting your local artists, musicians and restaurants this holiday season!

You can purchase paintings, glass jewelry, Louisiana inspired soap and gift baskets from Su Stella by visiting www.etsy.com/shop/MardiGrasShop. Email her at sustella@live.com or call 318-676-8010.

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Louisiana in the Civil War: The Southern Cross

By Terry Jones On November 27, men could not withstand a determined flank 1861, Louisiana attack. “I came, reluctantly, to the conclusion General P. G. T. that after all our efforts, we should at last be Beauregard hosted a dinner party for his compelled to yield to the enemy the hard officers. Beauregard was the South's first hero, fought and bloody field.” Beauregard turned having captured Fort Sumter in April and to an officer and instructed him to go to the then defeated the Yankees at the First Battle of rear and tell General Joseph E. Johnston to Bull Run in July. Now, he commanded the prepare the reserves to support the retreat he Confederate army stationed in Northern was about to order. As the officer began to Virginia to block any enemy advance out of leave, Beauregard had second thoughts and Washington, D.C. told him to wait a minute to make sure that it During the evening, Beauregard told his actually was Yankees bearing down upon guests how the fog of war had caused him to them. It proved to be a fortuitous decision. “I nearly throw away the victory at Bull Run by took the glass and again examined the flag… ordering a headlong retreat. The fighting had A sudden gust of wind shook out its folds, raged since daylight on July 21, 1861, after and I recognized the stars and bars of the General Irwin McDowell's Union army Confederate banner.” attacked Beauregard from across the small The mysterious flag turned out to be the Virginia stream known as Bull Run. The battle Confederacy's First National Flag, which seesawed back and forth throughout the day, resembled the United States flag in both color but fresh troops rushed in from the and design. It was carried at the head of Shenandoah Valley had finally given Colonel Harry T. Hays' 7th Louisiana Beauregard the advantage. Then, just as Volunteers, the lead regiment in Colonel Jubal victory seemed certain, he spied a heavy Early's brigade that was attacking the Union column of troops more than a mile away flank. Early's bold move helped win the day, maneuvering on his flank. and the First Battle of Bull Run ended in a Beauregard explained, “At their head complete Confederate victory. Few people waved a flag which I could not distinguish. knew how close Beauregard had come to Even by a strong glass I was unable to throwing away that victory simply because he determine whether it was the United States could not identify a flag on the battlefield. flag or the Confederate flag. At this moment I Determined to avoid similar mistakes in received a dispatch from Capt. [Porter] the future, Beauregard decided the Alexander, in charge of the signal Confederates needed a station, warning me to look out for distinctive battle flag. the left; that a large column was Collaborating with approaching in that direction, and Joseph E. Johnston that it was supposed to be Gen. and others, he settled [Robert] Patterson's command on a design that South coming to reinforce McDowell. At Carolina Congressman this moment, I must confess, my William Porcher Miles heart failed me.”

Confederate First National Flag-the Beauregard knew his exhausted “Stars and Bars” (Google Images)

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had submitted earlier for consideration as the First National Flag. Miles'submission was a blue St. Andrew's Cross on a red background, with white stars representing the Southern states.

After telling his tale, Beauregard had the new flag brought out to show his officers. A reporter for the Richmond Daily Dispatch was impressed and wrote, “The flag itself is a beautiful banner, which, I am sure, before this campaign is over, will be consecrated Confederate Battle Flag forever in the (Google Images) affections of the people of the Confederate States.” Shortly the dinner, Beauregard was transferred to the western Confederacy and the new battle flag took root there, as well.

The Louisiana-inspired battle flag became known as the Southern Cross, and it was adopted by the other armies when General Beauregard was transferred to the western theater of war. However, it was never an official flag of the Confederate government and it was never flown over public buildings despite what Hollywood might have one believe. The Southern Cross was simply a military banner that troops carried in the field.

Nonetheless, it became the iconic symbol of the Rebel cause, and it was later incorporated into the Confederacy's Second and Third National Flags.

Dr. Terry L. Jones is a professor of history at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and has published six books on the American Civil War.

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A Journey Out West to Cody, Wyoming

By Mona L. Hayden

Buffalo Bill Historical Center memory of the historic figure As you drive through the Buffalo Bill and also features small picturesque town of Cody, special exhibitions. This segment Wyoming, you'll become of the existing museum was built entranced with the western in 1927. Another of the five culture that thrives in this sections provides an interactive magnificent landscape. Before trail of Yellowstone in the Draper venturing out to explore this Museum of Natural History and rugged terrain, plan to spend at least one full day at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center where you'll learn about the infamous Buffalo Bill, who founded Cody in 1895, and the lands he trampled as one of the greatest showmen with his Wild West cowboy productions. 'Buffalo' stumbled into his nickname while supplying Buffalo Bill Museum Kansas Pacific Railroad was added most recently in 2002, workers with buffalo meat after while a third museum offers an the Civil War and in his pursuit, astounding display of the Plains killed 4,280 bison within 18 Indian People, erected in 1969. months.

In 1917, in honor of the From teepees to textiles, this is one legend and his contributions to exhibit not to miss. A fourth Cody, the Buffalo Bill Memorial section features an eclectic art Association was founded just collection in the Whitney Gallery weeks after his death. Today, the 7- of Western Art (1959) while the acre Buffalo Bill Historical Center, fifth, The Firearms Museum one of the oldest and most (1976), appears to be a main inclusive Western museums attraction (see sidebar for details) worldwide, houses 50,000 artifacts, as it displays the world's largest over 30,000 books, 315 manuscript and most impressive firearm collections and 500,000 collection. photographs and negatives in five On the grounds of the BBHC outstanding museums under one you'll find Buffalo Bill's boyhood roof. Of course, the initial section cabin, a beautiful sculptural is dedicated to the life and garden, and usually a teepee, as

Louisiana Road Trips

the center offers more than 418 summer programs. Be sure to stop in the museum store and pick up souveniers or choose from an extensive selection of books, clothing, jewelry, music, and more. There's also the McCracken Research Library onsite that draws researchers from around the world. If you need a light meal or snack break, grab a bite from the Mustang Grill or the full coffee bar to enjoy in the dining area or outdoors in the Sculpture Garden beneath the towering aspens.

The BHCC is open daily in November from 10am - 5pm.

Winter hours (Dec 1 - Feb 28) change to Thurs-Sat from 10am5pm, although they'll be open Dec 19-21 and 26-28 and closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years days. Admission is $18/adults, $16/seniors 65+, $13/students 18+ with valid student ID, $10/youth 6-17, and FREE for children 5 and younger.

Group tour rates are available.

Cody is situated just 50 miles east of Yellowstone National Park, making it a spectacular day trip.

Play in the park all day and come back to Cody for dining, entertainment, and overnight accommodations at the K3 Guest Ranch. Just north of Cody is the 47 mile stretch of the Chief Joseph

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Scenic Highway that will engulf you with its history and beauty.

The switchbacks along this route will have driving at a snails pace so as not to miss even one captivating moment of rocks and vegetation. This highway intersects with one of America's most scenic drives - the Beartooth All-American Road. The natural splendor of the Beartooth Pass goes up to 11,000' elevation where the temps drop, tree lines disappear, and the rugged landscape is almost overwhelming. Remind yourself to breathe as you gaze down upon mountains, valleys, and lakes while eagles soar below. Yes, a trip to Cody and the surrounding area should be on every American's bucket list of fascinating places to visit.

Come discover the American West at the renowned Buffalo Bill Historic Center, located at 720 Sheridan Avenue in Cody, Wyoming. Call 307-587-4771 or visit www.bbbc.org for more information. continued on next page > > >

A Journey Out West to Cody, Wyoming continued _____________________________________________ Firearm Museum at BBHC By Sonny Harrington

Whether you know anything about firearms, you're guaranteed to be impressed with this museum. Some guns are arranged chronologically while others are batched by manufacturer, all a marvel of mechanics, artful engraving, and handsome wood. It was great to see my old buddy's collection (Fred Cotton from Louisiana) of Colts, a rare '1 of 1,000' Winchester 73's.

Displayed are pistols that shoot 3mm bullets and guns used by actors from shows like Bonanza and Paladin. Plan on taking a couple of days to absorb the history as you view the actual firearms from many generations back. I couldn't help but wonder how Matt Dillon and Paladin were so fast out of the leather with those 7 _” barrels. I would have had to use at least a 4 _” or store keepers model. The military guns from all the wars this country has fought in are a spectacular part of our nation's history. As I've heard it said before, “guns used by hero and villain alike.” You'll see a bayonette on a Johnson 1941 and a Japanese version of a Garand.

There are about 1500 guns displayed on the main floor and then when you think you've seen it all, there are another 1200 downstairs. I saw exact models of my first shotgun, pistol, even my great

grandfathers gun. The firearm museum opened in 1991 and has more than 5,000 American and European arms dating back to the sixteenth century. Be sure to return to the museum BBHCʼs Warren Newman and Sonny Harrington every few years because they rotate guns out of display and you really don't want to miss one.

The firearm museum has some western art and quite a few bullet displays by manufacturer that adds to the exhibits. There is also a room with Boone & Crocket mounts from whitetail to walrus, another room that show barrel broaching, and a Winchester room filled with straight razors, flashlights, roller skates, and other Winchester products. If you're looking for something particular, step over to the interactive kiosk to locate and identify firearms in the museum.

K3 Guest Ranch Bed & Breakfast - Cody, WY While in Cody, be sure to stay a couple and privacy. There are even a couple nights or longer at the K3 Guest Ranch Bed & traditional beds for the more conventional.

Breakfast, where you'll receive a warm Whether you stay inside or out, be sure to western welcome and spend some time in the share some laughs with authentic tipi room on the patio the owner before your that boasts a fireplace and cozy luggage ever touches seating - a great place to gather the ground. Host Jerry with friends or just relax with a Kincaid will greet you good book. at the property, give Enjoy the gardens and you the tour, and beautiful natural landscaping at before long, become the ranch, including a your new best friend. meditation chair perched high The K3 Guest on a knoll, as wildlife graze and Ranch provides an ideal theme setting for feed on the property in high numbers. weddings, reunions, retreats, and special Antelope and deer make themselves at home events but also is a perfect getaway for and show up in droves at dawn and dusk, anytime. With room to house numerous delighting guests young and old. guests, the Food never tasted as good as the hearty sleeping breakfast you'll enjoy each morning cooked quarters over an open flame. Not your typical croissant are just and juice snack, this will carry you through what you'd lunch. To be served, cowboy hats are required expect at a and first-class provided if cowboy you don't ranch have one. turned Relax and B&B. From take in the A Guest Room at K3 chuck beautiful wagon and hay wagon beds to outdoor mountains lodging for the more adventuresome that and open fields as includes an 1897 sheepherder's wagon and you plan a large tent room on a wooden floor, all accommodations are equipped for comfort OWNER JERRY KINCADE & “Tom OʼDay” your day.

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After all, you're just a scenic drive from the Shoshone National Forest and two National Parks (Yellowstone and Grand Tetons).

If you decide to stay at the ranch instead of venturing out, there's plenty to keep you occupied - a computer with WiFi internet, satellite/cable television with DVD and movies, a library, board games, even fishing gear for casting a line. Hike the 32 acres for incredible photo ops, take a hayride, or visit Stormy and Zip, the trick horses over at the corral. Check out the onsite gun range to shoot rifle, shotgun, and single action revolvers in cowboy style. They accommodate all ages in caliber and skill. But you'll soon discover that one of the biggest attractions to the K3 Guest Ranch is Jerry, whose wit alone is worth the visit.

Maybe you'll see Cowboy Ambassador and western re-enactors Ray and Jackie Maple as Tom O'Day and Bronco Nell. Tom O'Day Productions (www.tomodayproductions.com) breathe life into the old west as they relive the days of outlaws for audiences around the country as well as locally.

Guests come from the world over seeking an authentic western bed and breakfast. The K3 Guest Ranch fits the bill beautifully with visitors from as far away as England and the Belgium Embassy. They've recently been granted helicopter landing privileges so there's no excuse for not dropping in. Call owners Jerry and Bette Kinkade at 888-587-2080 or email them at info@k3guestranch.com for more information.

www.laroadtrips.com

If Walls Could Talk…

By Lee Estes

Wherever you happen to be overgrown, missing windows and as you read this, even in a brand doors, and used as a hay barn. Quite new house, allow your mind to often vacant houses of this wander and envision what may magnitude take on an aura of the have taken place within the surreal. One local resident told me confines of where you are. The when he was growing up, he and possibilities are unlimited. As one late comedian other area youngsters called it the attested, "monumental events can happen in a hotel "Spook House." room." In fact, any edifice inhabited by the human race is In 1961 Mr. Lamar Lane, witness to history of one kind or another. Sometimes, as operator of a drug store in Rayville in the story I'm about to tell, they don't even have to be for many years, recognized the inhabited. structural integrity of the property In the course of documenting US80 (Dixie Overland and purchased it from the Chennault Highway) across Louisiana, I passed a structure in estate. Cleanup and restoration Front of exterior of House.

Richland Parish many times without taking notice. Now began. All windows and doors had to that it has been brought to my attention, I'm fascinated by all that has be replaced, a kitchen and deck was eventually added to the back, and happened during its ninety year history. This house, located on the furnishings installed. Mr. Lane and wife Gladys worked to make the north side of US80 just east of Rayville, is now occupied by three home a comfortable and generations of the Lane family. Like the proverbial “cat with nine spacious dwelling. Now lives," it has undergone and endured a number of separate and distinct son Dan Lane and wife lives of its own.

Jennifer, along with three In 1920, Eugene Graham, plant manager for Chess and Wymonds grandchildren, occupy forest products operations in Holly Ridge and Rayville purchased or the house with Lamar owned some land just east of Rayville adjacent to the Dixie Overland Lane, age 91. Ownership Highway. In 1920, Mr. “Guy” Graham began building a sizable brick of the home passed to residence. Even the interior walls were brick, with railroad rails Dan in 2000. The fine incorporated in the supporting structure. A full basement, about 60' x dining room chairs 60', provided extensive storage space. Architectural style is of the visible in the picture are French Planter variety but has distinctive features of its own with rails the result of Gladys Lane still visible beneath the porch and elsewhere. The brick was fired in a seeing them discarded in Rayville kiln owned by W. T. Cook. Mr. Graham never completed the a pile outside a lodge Lamar, Jennifer, and Dan Lane sitting in porch home and a few years later (1927) the house and 24 acres changed hall. She hauled them swing at their home near Rayville. hands at a Richland Parish Sheriff's sale for $8,100. The new owner home and had a was Mrs. Christina Davison Chennault, wife of W. C. Chennault, a furniture restorer reassemble them from the remnants. Fortunately, relative of Gen. Claire Chennault of "Flying Tiger" notoriety. The there was enough material to make ten chairs. There is another story Chennault's completed the home including pouring a concrete floor in about Gladys Lane, nee Gladys Diamond, who was kidnapped by the basement. They lived in and endured the hardships of the "Great some escaped convicts in her younger days. But as I say, that is Depression" here until Mr. Chennault died in 1939. another story.

Although she retained ownership, Christina Chennault decided Lee Estes, a Kentucky native, migrated to Louisiana in 1956 with his wife, Lottie. He not to live there and rented the property. After a few years the worked in aviation then with A&LM Railway. He began making photographs in property became a dance and party venue known as The Castle Club.

Europe after WWII and ranked among the leading monochrome exhibition photographers in the U.S. during the 80’s. His extensive travels included leading The dance area was in the center of the house where the main dining tours across the globe. Lee has authored three photo/documentary books and is room is today. Few patrons of the club are around today. We're not currently involved with the documentation of The Dixie Overland Highway (US80) in sure if it occupied the basement but from visitors I spoke with, it was a Louisiana, funded by a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities pretty nice place compared to more notorious properties that existed around World War II. By 1950, The Castle Club was history but Christina Chennault continued to make her presence known until her death in 1959 as an outgoing lady, generous to a fault, generally attracted to younger men, and as is often the case, subject to rumors and gossip.

During those years the house fell This is a picture of the house as it appeared during into a state of the time it was vacant and used for storing hay. Some disrepair, empty and of the local kids referred to it as the "ghost" house.

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2011 Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights SHREVEPORT - BOSSIER (www.ShreveportBossierFunGuide.org) Twinkling lights, holiday cheer and incredible shopping are all found right here!

The 2011 Holiday Trail of Lights will feature eight cities in five regions of north and central Louisiana, presenting the most exhilarating and entertaining holiday season ever!

Shreveport/Bossier, Minden, Natchitoches, Monroe/West Monroe, and Alexandria/Pineville are putting on their holiday finest and laying out the welcome mat for visitors to come enjoy festivities and merriment scheduled at each venue.

Best of all, the cities/regions are located no more than an hour from one to the next so you could easily drive the route and take in the sights during a long weekend.

But why would you want to rush it? Load up your vehicle with family and friends and enjoy the season. Visit www.HolidayTrailOfLights.com to utilize the new interactive itinerary builder for a wellplanned trip. You can also get a complete and updated schedule of events and local attractions in each city and recommended accommodations for an extended stay. This way, you can celebrate the season until the lights fade.

What better way to see and learn about north and central Louisiana than to take a holiday tour through a Christmas wonderland.

Race you to the tree!

Week before Thanksgiving - Lighting of 40' Christmas tree at Louisiana Boardwalk Nov 17-19 - Shop for a cause at Les Boutique de Noël Nov 25-Dec 19 - Christmas in Roseland at Gardens of the American Rose Center Dec 2-23 - Barnwell Garden & Art Center's Holiday Laser Light Show (www.BarnwellCenter.com) Dec 3 - December on the Red Fireworks Festival on the banks of the Red River Dec 3 - Country Christmas Festival in Vivian Dec 3 - Christmas on Caddo Fireworks Festival Dec 3-4 - “The Nutcracker” presented by the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet Dec 10 - Christmas Parade at Christmas on the Square in Benton Dec 10-11 - Highland Restoration Association's Christmas Tour of Homes Dec 18-30 - Make a toy or ornament to take home at Sci-Port MINDEN (www.MindenUSA.com, www.MindenFasching.com) Celebrate Christmas with the folks from the “Friendliest City in the South”!

November 11 & 12 - Minden celebrates all things German at the Fasching Fifth Season Festival Nov. 20 - Minden locally owned specialty shops Holiday Open House Dec. 6 - “Wrap It Up Downtown”; Lion's Club Christmas Parade at 6pm; Minden Community Chorus Christmas Concert at 7:30 Dec. 6 – Snow in Academy Park . . . guaranteed to snow from 4pm until 7 pm Dec 10 - Historic Residential District Candlelight Tour of Homes NATCHITOCHES (www.ChristmasFestival.com) Celebrating 85 years of Christmas lights in Louisiana's oldest city!

Nov 19 - "Turn on the Holidays," Christmas lighting and fireworks Nov 19-Jan 6 - Festival of Lights season, with live entertainment, carriage tours, food, shopping Nov 25-26 - "Snow Fest" in Natchitoches with Frosty's Avalanche Slide

Dec 3 - The 85th annual Christmas Festival with food and craft vendors, entertainment, parades, fireworks extravaganza, and a spectacular laser show 2nd & 3rd weeks in Dec - Christmas by Candlelight Holiday Tour of Homes (www.HistoricFoundation.com)

MONROE - WEST MONROE (www.ChristmasOnTheRiver.org) Merry Christmas on the River in Northeast Louisiana!

Nov 26 - Lighting Ceremony on Antique Alley and “Little Miss Christmas on the River” Pageant Dec 1-3 - Ouachita Independent Bank Festival Weekend: Downtown Art Crawl, Bah Humbug 5K Run, Bawcomville Redneck Parade, Christmas Parade presented by the Kiwanis Club, Jaycees Fireworks Extravaganza, PawRade, Journey to Bethlehem, ballet performances, and more Dec 10 - Downtown Christmas Tour, Christmas in the Park, sales in Antique Alley, etc.

Dec 17 - Old-fashioned Christmas, Antique Car Cruise & Show, hayrides, ballet performances December - Month-long activities include great shopping, Tree Art Contest viewing, Santa's Village at Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum, Christmas at the Biedenharn, and more ALEXANDRIA / PINEVILLE (www.theHeartofLouisiana.com) The Heart of Louisiana Brings Good Tidings & Great Joy! Lights, parades, Santa Claus, and performing arts Holiday concert by the Rapides Symphony Orchestra “A Christmas Story” by Family Playhouse “The Nutcracker” by the Red River Dance Company “The Pilgrimage to Bethlehem” presented by Emmanuel Baptist Church, Community parades, choreographed light displays, and more “An Old Fashioned Christmas” at Kent Plantation House Holiday Open House at local shops 12 Days of Christmas with holiday activities throughout the area There's no greater place than Louisiana to come PICK YOUR PASSION! With holiday food, music, and festivals at most every stop, the options are only limited by your selections. Shop, dine, and be entertained right here at home, where you dollars are not only appreciated but returned in many ways. Here's to the best Holiday Season yet. Merry Christmas!

For more information about festivals, events, and holiday attractions, visit the Holiday Trail of Lights online at www.HolidayTrailOfLights.com. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter to keep current with events. You can also follow HTOL at www.facebook.com/HolidayTrailOfLights.

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A LIFE OF TRIAL…AND ERROR

By Dennis Stewart

Anger Management for Beginners Many of the court systems in Louisiana now require certain offenders to attend and complete an Anger Management course as a condition of their probation. No doubt many of us who have not recently been convicted of any such triggering offense would nevertheless benefit from attending such a course. I know many of my ex-wives would. Unfortunately, Anger Management courses usually cost at least $500. That's a lot of money. You can buy at least 25 cases of beer for $500, more if it's Old Milwaukee. Puts it in perspective, huh? Therefore, as a public service, I am offering free Anger Management advice, gleaned from my 34 years in the courtroom as well as from the months (that seemed like eternities) that my four marriages lasted.

Rule No. 1: Anger is a natural human emotion. We all get angry. And, it's ok to get angry.

Rule No. 2: In this age of modern law enforcement and scientific crime detection, it is difficult to act out your anger. Therefore, you must find alternative ways to handle your anger.

Rule No. 3: Real professional anger management counselors will tell you, one way to handle

your anger is to sit down and write a letter to the person who has angered you, telling them how they made you feel and what a jerk they are. Then tear the letter up. The professional counselors say you should feel the anger flow from your body as you tear the letter up. If you don't feel that flow, my personal advice is to give some thought to posting the letter on Facebook.

Rule No. 4: Speaking of Facebook, I have noticed that several persons to whom I sent “I want to be your friend” requests, have rejected me. Does anyone out there know how to get even with someone who does this? I have given it a lot of thought but haven't been able to come up with anything that would withstand scrutiny from the Bar Association and the Judiciary Commission.

Rule No. 5: Next time you get angry, stop and count to ten before you do or say anything stupid. I know this sounds naive and simplistic, and is somewhat reminiscent of Nancy Reagan's “Just Say No” solution to the drug problem. But this really works. Because anything you do and say on first impulse usually pales in significance and effectiveness when compared to something you come with up after mulling the situation over for several days.

Rule No. 6: Never hold your anger in. You have to release it someway. If you internalize 1. What is the origin of the word your anger, “bayou”? sooner or 2. What year was the Village of Mer Rouge established? later you are 3. Where did Jefferson Davis live? going to have a 4. What northeast Louisiana heart attack or parish was named because of the fertility of its soil?

5. During the flood of 1927, what north Louisiana town was the only one not to flood?

6. In whose honor were East and West Carroll Parishes named?

7. What ingredient in Budweiser Beer is grown in Louisiana?

8. Which part of a firefly lights up?

9. What is the only breed of dog native to Louisiana?

10. What is the highest point in Louisiana?

Answers on next page 25

You can buy at least 25 cases of beer for $500.

ouisiana Remember When . . .

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stroke. Back when I tried to play golf, I would put the face of whoever had most recently made me angry on the golf ball (not literally but in my imagination) before I would take a swing. This will detrimentally affect your ability to control the direction of the ball but it significantly increases distance.

Rule No. 7: Take advantage of opportunities that fate gives you to release your anger. For example, I recently had to cancel my cell phone and get a new cell phone with a new number. You would think that the huge multi-billion dollar cell phone companies would have figured out that when they assign someone a new telephone number, it should be a number that has not been in use for a while.

Wrong. The very first day I got my new cell phone, I began receiving text messages directed to the person who used to have my new cell phone number. Evidently, my “new” number must have been their “old” number the day before. I became very annoyed and angry because these idiots were using up “my” minutes. However, being a glass half full kind of guy, l decided to be pro-active and use this opportunity that fate presented me, to vent my anger at the cell phone company.

One text message said, “Are you STILL at home?” I texted back, “So what?”

They texted back “?”. I texted, “I don't like your attitude.” They texted back, “What attitude?” I texted, “Can the garbage”. I could tell they were getting upset. Their final text was “Can we please talk about this next time we are together?”

The next day, the same number texted, “What are you doing?” I pondered for a few seconds. Who might be texting these messages I was receiving? The parents of the person who used to have my number? Her boy friend? Her preacher? I decided to go all in. I texted back, “Thinking about you naked.” I could feel the anger oozing out of my body, just like the real counselors said.

Dennis Stewart grew up in northeast Louisiana, graduated from La Tech and LSU Law School. After having taught law at ULM and working as an Assistant District Attorney, Dennis is now a Hearing Officer in Rayville.

He loves to hunt, fish, read, write, and shop on eBay.

Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Paradise Valley's Crown Jewel

By Mona L. Hayden

Twilight, moonlight, starlight, or daylight… Chico Hot Spring Resort & Day Spa glistens at the heart of Emigrant Peak in Montana's majestic Paradise Valley. The original structure opened its doors in the summer of 1900 as a warm spring's hotel, where people flocked to the hot waters for their therapeutic properties. Today, visitors continue seeking out Chico for its world-renowned soaks as well as comfortable lodging, fine dining, day spa, and a host of other activities.

While retaining its unique character and charm, Chico has expanded to include additional guest rooms, cabins, chalets, even a caboose at the top of the hill overlooking the property. Relax beneath the big sky on 152 acres as wildlife casually roam nearby as the true stewards of the land.

Chico also boasts a convention center accommodating up to 180 attendees and a board room that comfortably seats 30 for meeting, receptions, and retreats. You'd be hard pressed to find a more tranquil setting for conferences, reunions, or gatherings of any kind.

Other amenities to the property include an impressive wine cellar that's available for intimate dinners or small groups, and seasonal party tents and canopies for guests to experience the unparalleled essence of the Paradise Valley.

Remotely situated on a gravel road beside the spectacular Absoroka mountain range, just 30 miles above the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Chico Hot Springs continues to command attention with its serene rustic charm and modern day appeal. From the full menu of treatments at the Day Spa to the vast selection of onsite activities, you could easily be spoiled and entertained and never leave the grounds.

Come soak in the pools filled with fresh hot spring water that's piped in daily and recycled each evening

for heating the greenhouse and irrigating the gardens. Mingle with the locals or make new friends from around the world that seek out Chico Hot Springs Resort as their vacation destination. Take a nice run or hike or even go horseback riding on the trails with a guide from Chico's horse barn. Depending on the weather, cross country ski or snow shoe, fish for trout in the Yellowstone River (just a couple miles away), go river rafting or even dog sledding nearby. Spend a full day in Yellowstone or photograph local wildlife and scenery, then return in the evening for dinner, drinks, and maybe some stargazing. The Poolside Grill offers more casual fare such while the resort restaurant offers fine dining from an exceptional menu. A diner favorite is the bison ravioli appetizer and the prime rib entrée served with scrumptious mashed potatoes and vegetables grown onsite. Leave room for dessert as the cart overflows with confections that'll have you justifying a bite or two. A popular selection is an orange filled with ice cream and liqueurs, topped with meringue, splashed with even more liquor and flamed for presentation - as delectable as it sounds!

Just 25 miles north of Chico is the small town of Livingston, Montana, an artsy cowboy community with galleries, restaurants, shopping, a movie theatre, and the Sacajawea Park, making for a nice day trip. There are plenty of photo ops along the way whether you travel Hwy 89 or East River Road so plan your time accordingly.

At Chico Hot Springs Resort, you won't find marble floors and meticulously furnished rooms with

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matching décor. Instead, kick back and enjoy the property for what it is a well preserved and maintained piece of history that's reflective of the local culture of Park County.

Reminiscent of gentler times, you're welcome to tour the greenhouse and gardens where vegetables, herbs, and flowers are grown to provide fresh ingredients for the kitchen. Stop in the gift shop to browse and purchase clothing, wines, and souvenirs to take home or to just enjoy a nice coffee from the espresso bar. Saunter over to the saloon for a cocktail, live music or a game of pool. Maybe you'd prefer relaxing in the lobby where guests and locals gather for board games and conversation or just snuggle up in a big chair and read by the fireplace.

At Chico, you won't find televisions but dogs are always welcome. After all, you're in Montana, an unpretentious land with breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a flair for making you feel like staying just a bit longer.

Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa is located at #1 Old Chico Road (P O Box 29), Pray, Montana 59065. Call 406-3334933 or 1-800-HOT-WADA for more information or email reservations@chicohotsprings.com to plan your mountain stay.

Hit the Road

Hot Springs Magic Elixir The cure for life's bumpy highway

By Deborah Burst Yea it's been a rough year, okay, a couple of rough years.

Bank bailouts, corporate greed, and don't forget the roller coaster stock market. Need I say more? So stop sliding down that slippery slope. Pack your bags and head for the hills of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

The steamy mineral waters of Hot Springs have been a magic elixir for centuries as early bathers sought natural hollows and hand dug pools.

Touted as a natural tranquilizer, the therapeutic waters Arlington Hotel relive tension and for some relief from arthritis, bursitis and rheumatism.

Established in 1832, the Park protects 47 hot springs which serves all the bathhouses.

Their visitor center, formerly the Fordyce Bathhouse, was built in the early 1900s and offers a peek into the heyday of bathhouses. A film on the natural history of the “valley of vapors” details the process. Rainwater seeps deep inside the Ouachita Mountains and is heated by the earth's thermal process. The water rises so quickly it doesn't have time to cool reaching the surface with an average temperature of 143 degrees Fahrenheit.

Located in the heart of the downtown historic district, bathhouse row offers communal and private bathing in a captivating collection of early 20th century architecture. The Museum of Contemporary Art, formerly the Ozark Bathhouse, presents eclectic exhibits of sculptures, photography and fine art. Inside the former Hale Bathhouse, the Muses' Three Arts Café & Bookstore recently opened as a creative and

performing arts venue serving sandwiches, salads and pastries.

The newest spa, the Quapaw Bath & Spa, has restored a 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival bathhouse with a striking dome crowned with brilliant mosaic tiles and copper cupola. Guests are greeted with a wall of windows showcasing the four thermal pools, each bearing a different temperature.

Arched sun roofs filter natural light on the pools below to further the overall experience.

Recharge the body soaking inside waters rich in silica, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and sulfate. After the blissful soak, treat yourself to a massage, facial or body polish.

In addition to the calming waters, November is peak time for fall colors in the Lake Ouachita National Forest with its rambling mountains, canopied trails and chains of lakeside islands. The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail hosts a new ADA trail with paved and elevated walkway spanning wetlands and thick forests with wood birds and waterfowl including ducks, coots, loons and bald eagles.

The Tompkins Bend Trailhead winds across spring fed streams, rock formations and a quick loop to Eagle Vista with picnic tables overlooking the lake. Along the trail twelvestory pines seem immortal casting pools of yellow light on the forest floor. Hardwoods twist and turn dropping sun-streaked leaves on a trail buried in a patchwork of color. The trees are so alive, spilling their beauty in the brisk breeze and giving peace to a troubled world.

•Hot Springs Tourism, www.hotsprings.org, 800-543-2284, 501-321-2277 •Enjoy dinner at the Bleu Monkey Grill (www.bleumonkeygrill.com) or downtown at Rolando's Neuvo Latino Restaurante specializing in Latin America cuisine. www.rolandosrestaurante.com •The Comfort Inn offers high-dollar service at a comfortable price and a favorite of celebrities such as the Charlie Daniels Band. www.choicehotels.com, 877-682-4442, 501-623-1700 •Downtown the historic Arlington Hotel is a nostalgic stay with private spa and baths. www.arlingtonhotel.com, 800-643-1502, 501-623-7771 •Wake up to lake vistas, romantic gardens and gourmet breakfasts at the Lookout Point Inn on Lake Hamilton. www.lookoutpointinn.com, 866-525-6155, 501-525-6155 •Soak in Lake Ouachita's tranquil waters and pristine shorelines at the Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa. www.mountainharborresort.com, 800-832-2276, 870-867-2191 •Garvan Woodland Gardens, www.garvangardens.org, 800-366-4664, 501-262-9619.

•Hot Springs National Park & Mountain Tower, www.nps.gov/hosp, 501-624-2701 •Quapaw Baths & Spa, www.quapawbaths.com, 501-609-9822

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To fully appreciate the National Forest and the essence of Arkansas wilderness, the Hickory Nut Mountain Trailhead says it all. A luminous haze blankets the mountain range while a lone fishing boat courses the sapphire lake dotted with islands rimmed in clay colored shores.

Gardening offers another venue for deep mediation and Verna Garvan understood the healing powers of gardens. She spent decades planting thousands of native and exotic trees, shrubs and plants opening the Garvan Woodland Gardens to the public under a trust with the University of Arkansas. Flush with flowers, waterfalls and stone fences, the garden features a Japanese garden, rock garden and bird sanctuary. Families will enjoy the children's adventure garden with stone

climbing slopes and a maze of quarried boulders along with the holiday light show illuminating the garden with more than a million lights.

Another unique feature of the garden is its architecture. Surrounded by mammoth trees, the Anthony Chapel is a 57-foot structure built with floor to ceiling glass walls, flagstone floors and a geometric truss of pine columns. It's a quiet respite that draws nature indoors and offers the perfect venue to give thanks during the holidays.

Hot Springs is a gateway to natural healing both in its therapeutic waters and cloud-capped mountains. Relax in the many spas, trail the forests or just kick back on the rocking chairs at the visitor center. And don't forget to take home your own magic potion at the national park's public jug fountains with hot and cold spring waters. It does wonders for life's bumpy roads.

Deb has trailed the countryside of Arkansas growing up visiting family in Hope and Fort Smith. She enjoys walks in the woods and sinking knee deep in her gardens in Mandeville, Louisiana.

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MY FAVORITE FISHING HOLE

By Pro Angler, Joe Joslin

The Fishin's Fine!

Lake Turnover The annual fall/early winter 'Lake Turnover' was very evident midOctober where the surface water of the lake is cooled and starts to sink to the bottom.

This forces the water on the bottom up to the surface and allows the entire water column, even deep parts of the lake, to be rich with oxygen again. All summer, the deep areas of the lake were mostly void of oxygen when the thermocline was formed. The turnover wipes out the thermocline which is an area that forms in the summer on most deep southern lakes. On Toledo and Sam Rayburn it is usually about 25' from the surface. You can actually see this (thermocline) on your electronics as there will be a line that looks like "clutter" on your unit. The water below is much colder in the summer but contains little oxygen and cannot sustain aquatic life for long periods of time. When a few cold fronts hit in the fall, the turnover begins. It was very evident last

month as there was a brown residue/bubbles all over the surface of the lake and which forms a brown film on your boat/motor as well as attaching to your fishing line. All of my line/reels had a brown sheen on them showing evidence of the turnover. It is an interesting phenomenon.

Toledo Bend Eagle Report - Just before a cold-front last month which blew through the area leaving little rain, the eagles went nuts and were very active for several hours.

They were very verbal making their unusual sounds from their shrieking to loud Dr. Jay Fisher and son Collin clucking/chirping which is like no other (age 10), from sound in nature. They were Lake also making repeated dives on Providence/Delhi area, with two of the 22 bass they fish and oftentimes there were caught on a recent trip on Toledo.

2-3 eagles together. I also saw bass fillets is one of my favorite meals. A another golden eagle about 3 miles recent trip consisted of a dad and his 11 yr from where I spotted my first one old son who was a bass-fishing addict (the one I photographed for my already. I did everything possible to feed website). It could be the same eagle his addiction. The young angler never but I do not think so because they are very stopped casting from the time he got in my protective of territory. An interesting fact: boat till I said "We gotta go." He also Usually eagles mate while in flight. enjoyed releasing the bass we caught and Lake Conditions - Water temps are in we had a great time together. mid/upper 60s with This week's hot lures included both generators at the Stanley's Vibra-Wedge spinnerbaits, dam shut down with 1 weightless and light-weighted soft plastics, gate open 6” at the Texas rigs, top water, shaky head and spillway 24 hours per wacky rigs. On Stanley's spinnerbaits we day. Actually, the water are running 1/4 and 3/8 oz versions with level is so low that double willow blades with generators cannot white/chartreuce and golden bream skirts. operate safely. The lake We are working these pretty fast and often level continues to pause to let it fall on Abu Garcia's Revo recede and stands at STX with 7'1:1 fast gears. 17 lb test Berkley 160' at press time while Big Game line is what I am using mostly full pool is 172' msl on these spinnerbaits. I am also using a (mean sea level). North medium action 7' Abu Garcia Veritas rod Toledo is slightly which is a lot of rod for the buck. stained, mi-lake is Our best producing top water baits mostly clear and south have been Norman's Pro Pops, Pop Rs, Toledo is very clear Chug Bug ans Yellow Magic which we with visibility of 6-10'. have been working over and around the Fishing Reports / edge of hydrilla and pepper grass. On our Bass - We continue to TX rigs we are going with Berkley Havoc's catch a lot of bass by any Bottom Hopper, Power Worms, Itsabug, measurement. While Trick Worm and Speed Craws. On shaky some clients like to keep heads and wackys we are using Yamamoto fish, we always release senkos, Bottom Hopper and trick worms. the larger bass after a Most bass are coming from 2-16'. photo session. About Joe Joslin is a syndicated outdoor columnist, half of my clients release tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo and all of their bass. In my Sam Rayburn. Contact him at 337-463-3848, opinion, there is nothing joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com, or wrong with keeping fish www.joejoslinoutdoors.com. to eat as a fresh mess of

The eagles went nuts and were very active for several hours.

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IN THE CR SSHAIRS

By Sonny Harrington

Diary of Bart the Buck SEPT 12 - Woke up before daylight with a hint of fall in the air. My head is feeling itchy and this fuzz is starting to come off. Noticed a lot more activity in the woods lately. Four wheelers, people hacking around on the tree's, corn piles where there was no corn before, and little boxes that flash light when I get close. Lots of human smell everywhere, too.

SEPT 19 - Velvety fuzz is all gone now. Me and the boys have been hanging out together since Spring and quite frankly, I'm starting to get a little irritated with some of them. We're starting to push each other around, tear up a few saplings and to be honest, Fred's starting to smell a little rutty.

OCT 1 - Lots of noisy vehicles before daylight today. Human scent everywhere, smells like most of them are going up trees.

That's just weird. Think I'll lay up in a thicket for a day or two.

OCT 15 - Man, my neck is swelling up big time. These shorter days are making me feel really frisky, too. Cooler weather helps, makes me hungry. Some human put a big ole pile of COCAINE on a stump but I always say NO to drugs. A friend of mine tried it and

the next thing he knows he got a stick right doe off my mind. She's driving me nuts. I'm threw him [bow season] and he's riding down going to chase her tonight cause it's too the trail on the back of a four-wheeler with dangerous during the day. Humans all over humans. How freaky can you get? the place. I've got to remember to go OCT 22 - I just noticed this doe. I'm everywhere from “down wind”. talking MAJOR BABE! I'm putting paw marks NOV 20 - Lost more weight. I've been all over the place. Maybe sprinkle a little of chasing the babe's all night long. You know, my 'perfume' in em. Do a little limb licking hanging out in the wheat fields. I feel like and scent leaving over the scrape. Got to get such a slut! this girl's attention. Can't NOV 25 - Oh yeah…it's on now! Does be too careful either for days. There are some weird ones out there, cause this spike I know too. I got a new plan. Let the young bucks honed in on this gal and chase em and wear em down, then I just stroll when he got up to her in with my big rack and introduce myself. she was Works for me, but doesn't petrified [a work too well for some of decoy], so the boys. Casualties of war, stiff she didn't move for a day or ya know. Clap of thunder two. In the mean time, we heard and one less pilgrim to this clap of thunder and off he fight. Think I'll find a dense goes riding with humans. Once thicket to rest up in. you ride off with them, seems NOV 30 - I'm running you don't come back. on hormones now. I'm a OCT 28 - These does are nervous wreck. A really getting my attention; my woodcock jumped up by buddies are starting to make me me and I left enough pills mad enough to fight. On top of on the ground to open a that, the humans are making pharmacy. I'm getting really “Bart the Buck” noise like they're fighting and tired of going to bed at grunting and now they're smelling like does, daybreak. Got my days and nights completely too. What's the world coming to? mixed up. Sometimes I get up around noon, NOV 2 - Didn't sleep well. Stayed up all seem to be a lot less folks out that time of day. night chasing a doe.

I grab myself a snack and chew a little cud.

Got out in the open Sure is nice having 3 stomachs. I've got to and two lights started change deodorants, getting preettty funky. coming at me about DEC 30 - Starving my butt off. Acorns 60 mph. I couldn't get are gone, cold as H -E- double hockey sticks. any traction cause the Does are telling everybody what to do. Me ground was so hard and the boys are starting to feel a little itchy and almost got hit by in the head. whatever that was.

JAN 20 - Antlers fell off. OMG! And then NOV 5 - Got to some squirrel ATE EM! change tactics.

FOUR MONTHS have passed. I get this Humans are acting note from some doe, saying I'm the father of like deer, does are her fawns. Twins, no less. She wants half of acting crazy, bucks my woods, my best thickets, and exclusive just wanna fight and rights to my best acorn trees. Not to worry there is thunder all though, I know a turkey that sez he saw her during the day with with a six-point last winter, too. no lightning. Go Sonny Harrington is a Hunter Safety Instructor. He is figure. also an NRA (National Rifle Association) Rifle & Pistol Instructor and has hunted from Alaska to Mexico.

NOV 15 - I've lost weight. Can't get this

Some human put a big ole pile of COCAINE on a stump but I always say NO to drugs.

Visit our website: www.laroadtrips.com Louisiana Road Trips

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The Barn Burning of the Century

By Johnny Wink

Every year in farm “Hurry up and get in! Let's go!” he country after the said. He just had a phone call from our harvest, farmers burn friend and fellow farmer, Mr. Jinks Pruitt, the fields to get the who just happened to be driving by, saw it leftover stalks and and called the fire department. I was yelling debris out to make at another friend to hook up a water trailer discing easier. But before they set the fields to pull over in case we needed it. Just days afire, they first disc a ring before, Glynn used it to save a I don't remember house down the road because around them for a firebreak, check the wind, and wait much except a lot of of the same thing - burning off for the right time. After all field. But because it was so crying and holding awet that, they set the field on and muddy in front of the on to my baby, trailer, we couldn't back the fire. Sometimes it burns fast and sometimes slow. They Mississippi. truck up to it and after some always leave at least one failed attempts, gave up and man to watch, making sure it doesn't jump headed over to the fire. the firebreak. Well, this year it's been totally When found that it had not gotten to dry so a lot of caution is needed. my house but instead, my big barn in the So on the morning of Friday, Sept 23, I back was blazing right next to my dog ran into a foreman for a big farming kennels with flames burning up to 50 feet operation and he told me that after lunch he high. I jumped out of the truck, ran to the was going to burn the cornfield behind my dog kennels, and got Mississippi, my house. We were working on some duck English Cocker. The fire was on the other blinds about two miles away and that side of the kennel so I was able to get him afternoon I saw smoke raising way up in out in time. I don't remember much except a the sky. About an hour later, we finished lot of crying and holding on to my baby, working and went to the shop. As I was Mississippi. At that time, a lot of people getting a glass of water, my friend Glynn were helping the fire department - all Kiper called out to me in a strange voice volunteers, I might add. And I want to thank and said that my house was on fire. them all, especially Scott who drives the fire truck and Pete We are so thankful for La Road who brought the Trips...It lets you get a preview small truck. Also, before discovering new places and to the farm people. Thanks Mona, for the gift hands that were you give us every month with on site helping Road Trips Magazine… you are a make a firebreak treasure for LOUISIANA!! to save my –D. Hall, West Monroe lodges. In my time of need, my My Mom loves your magazine. I always take her the new issues. Is neighbors came there any way to have them mailed to her? Thanks. to my aid.

–J. Lofton, I lost a barn via www.laroadtrips.com with all my Bed and Beignets is my new favorite column [by Mary White]. Not only do I get to read about all the bed and breakfasts in Louisiana, I learn a lot about the history of the towns and even some festivals.

That was a really good idea for your magazine.

–Jan P., Chatham

K C BA K TAL

I can't wait each year to the Trade Days that runs through Minden and Springhill for 50 miles. I always save up vacation days for this event so I can take my time and make every stop. If you know the people that put this on, hugs their necks for me!

–Ann L., Bossier City I have read a lot about the Civil War throughout the years but I never knew a lot of the stories that Dr. Jones [Terry Jones, ULM] writes about in your paper. They have a lot of detail that makes me read them several times. I am saving all of them for my grandson.

He's just five years old.

–S. Thayer, Ponchatoula Louisiana Road Trips

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hunting gear except shotguns and four-wheelers, so many decoys and tools and stuff that were my grandfather's and dad's. Everything burned up in a matter of minutes. It could have been a lot worse if not for my neighbors doing what country folks do look out for each other.

As I write this, I'm still in shock but will rebuild. I'll get a lot more decoys, start stringing them up, and make a whole bunch more decoy weights. Something like this makes you realize how fast you can lose everything and I want to tell everybody how thankful I am for their help. Do you ever wonder why out in the country people wave at everybody? Because at some time in your life you might need each other and on Friday the 23, I needed their help and they came a' running even people that didn't know about the fire came afterward and asked if I needed anything. They told me whatever they could do just let them know.

And the farmers who set the fire in the field were so kind to me, too. That fire made me closer to my neighbors. I hope I'll be able to return the favor someday to them. I'm working with adjusters now so I hope it all works out.

I'm headed to pick up a new dog in South Georgia that just came down from Minnesota. His name is Blue Moon and he's a Golden Retriever. I hope he'll love it here at Megabucks and love to get many ducks this year so let's get fired up! Well, I might need to say something else because I really DID get fired up. All the blinds will have new decoys so you get to shoot up new ones. The only negative I see is after I get new duck and goose decoys and you shoot them, then it will take me about a month to tie up all of them.

It is going to be a great season this year with the high counts. All we need is a little cold weather and we'll have them. I saw many pintails, gadwalls and specks today on some early water being put on a rice field and it got me fired up. I hope everybody has good luck duck hunting this year. Remember to be very careful and take a kid or a woman hunting, or both. That way when you get home it will make you want to go and burn your barn down. Just kidding! The fact is you'll make their day and in turn make yours.

If you're tired of hunting public land or just want to bring your friends or family on a hunt, give me a call at 318-669-5588. I'll be happy to help you book the hunt of a lifetime. Life is good being a duck guide in Morehouse Parish… except when the wind blows the wrong way and you have an unplanned barn burning and all your hunting stuff gets burned up.

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RECIPES

by Stacy Thornton November brings us comfort foods, cooler temperatures, and Thanksgiving. This month I'm sharing some soup recipes. I love a good soup with homemade cornbread. My mom makes the best ham and bean soup as well as vegetable beef soup. Plan to make a big pot and share with a friend. Happy November to you all!

Ham and Bean Soup 8 cups water 1 pound Great Northern beans or navy beans 2 cups cubed ham 1 ham bone or ham hock, optional 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 bay leaf 1 carrot, chopped 1 rib celery, chopped or sliced thin 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce Bring water and beans to a boil; boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 1 hour. Stir in ham, pepper, bay leaf, carrot and celery. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer until beans are tender (skim foam from top), 1 1/2 to 2 hours. If soup is too thick, add a little water.

Remove ham bone or ham hock (if used) and trim meat from bone.

Return meat to soup with tomato sauce and salt; simmer for about 15 minutes longer. Remove bay leaf.

Loaded Potato Soup 1 med. head garlic, cut off top 6 large baking potatoes, pierced with a fork 4-1/2 cups chicken broth 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper Toppings: crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions Heat oven to 400°F. Wrap garlic head tightly in foil. Put garlic and potatoes in oven.

Bake garlic 45 minutes or until. Remove; let cool. Continue baking potatoes until tender when pierced. Unwrap garlic; squeeze pulp from head into 4-qt pot. When cool enough to handle, peel 3 potatoes, add to pot and mash until nearly smooth. Gradually stir in chicken broth and pepper until blended and cook, stirring occasionally, until hot. Cut remaining potatoes (with skin) in 3/4-in. pieces. Stir into soup and cook until hot. Serve with toppings.

Corn and Smoked Sausage Chowder 1 pkg Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage 4 cups milk 1/4 cup butter or margarine 1/2 tsp salt 1 medium onion, chopped 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 cups cubed potatoes, cooked, drained 1/8 tsp black pepper 1 15 1/4-oz can whole kernel corn, drained chopped parsley, optional shredded cheddar cheese, optional Cut sausage into 1/2"cubes; set aside. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add flour, salt and pepper; cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add milk. Increase heat to a boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add corn and sausage; return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes Stir in potatoes; heat through. Top each serving with parsley and cheese, if desired.

Vegetable Soup This Vegetable Beef Soup is so good and makes a ton. There should be plenty to have another night or to freeze.

1 15 oz can of corn, do not drain 3 28-oz cans of diced tomatoes 1/2 bag frozen baby Lima beans 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 2 long carrots, peeled and sliced 1 roast, (beef or venison)

1 small onion, chopped 1 clove of garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon oil

Heat oil in a saute pan and brown roast on all sides. Transfer the roast to a crock-pot and add all other ingredients. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Adjust ingredients to your personal taste. Always use tomatoes, as these are the base of the soup.

Adding more potatoes is a great way to stretch this soup farther if you are feeding a crowd. If there is not enough liquid, add a cup or two of water along with a beef bullion cube per cup of water. This soup can be made with any type roast. Frozen green beans would be a good addition as well and could be used in place of the baby Lima beans if your prefer.

The Smithsonian - in Lake Providence Journey Stories Exhibit, sponsored by Friends of the Louisiana State Cotton Museum (LSCM), will be on display October 22 through Dec 3, 2011at the Louisiana State Cotton Museum in Lake Providence.

Come experience this exciting Smithsonian exhibition that shows how our evolving mobility changed a young nation and how transportation made us grow.

Journey Stories is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and the Louisiana State Humanities Council. The exhibit provides accounts of travelers expressing

hopes and promises of fresh starts, the grim realities of forced migrations and difficult journeys, and the thrills of personal travel.

Friends of the LSCM Smithsonian Committees have been working on a local exhibit reviewing the history of migration to Northeast Louisiana. Each of us has a powerful journey story deep in our heritage of a family uprooting to stay together, or those moving to another land, or a distant ancestor coming to America. Make plans now to visit this exhibit as Americans are all about going places.

Throughout history, Americans Louisiana Road Trips

claimed their freedom by asserting their mobility.

Special events are planned throughout the exhibit. On Oct. 29th, Dr. Jeff Anderson, ULM history professor, will speak on Southern Supernatural Inhabitants (6pm) at the museum.

Bring a lawn chair or a blanket to spread on the grounds for this event. See a Civil War Reenactment on Nov. 5th (10am4pm) with participants from Lake Providence, northeast Louisiana and southeast Arkansas. Enjoy the Children's Fall Cotton Festival on Nov. 12th with games and creative activities for children ages 3-10 (10am-noon). Learn

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about an ancient culture, the Poverty Point inhabitants who lived in northeast LA over 3,500 years ago, presented by Poverty Point Park Rangers from Epps, LA (10am-2pm). Don't miss Cotton Country Trade Days on Nov. 26th (10am-2pm) with ole time life skills, antique autos and tractors on exhibit.

So, what's your story? The Smithsonian is coming to the Louisiana State Cotton Museum from Oct. 22 - Dec. 3, 2011. For more information or to schedule a group visit contact Friends of the LSCM at 318-559-2041 or cotton@sos.la.gov.

On the Scene

Building a Brighter Future

Emeril Lagasse and celebrity chefs host charitable event for schools

By Deborah Burst In my travels I occasionally run into people who preach the ills of New Orleans. When I ask, “Have you been there lately,” the usual answer is no.

I rest my case. New Orleans has become a model city for the south, the nation, and beyond. Many are turning to the Big Easy for advice as the city has rebuilt their civil, political and commercial infrastructures.

Newly staffed schools and charter schools are showing vast improvements in attendance, test scores and teacher evaluations. In-state college graduates and young professionals are streaming into the city spiking the number of new businesses past the national rate. It's called the Brain Gain led in part by locals, non-profits and top name celebrities eager to help. Emeril Lagasse and the Emeril Lagasse Emeril NOCCA kitchen Foundation is a major player in helping improve the quality of young people's lives focused on the culinary arts, school food and nutrition, and life skills programs.

Among the projects is an outdoor classroom, school gardens, fresh foods cafeteria and a teaching kitchen at Edible Schoolyard New Orleans. Special needs students at St. Michael Special School learn valuable life skills inside the accessible learning kitchen sponsored by the Emeril Foundation. In addition, the foundation helps at-risk youth get a fresh start gaining culinary skills and hospitality training at Café Reconcile, a restaurant open to the public.

This spring the foundation dedicated the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Culinary Arts Studio, a four-year culinary arts program for high school students in a master-apprentice curriculum at New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA). Part of the program includes a 1500sf professional

kitchen stocked with equipment equivalent or better than some of the high-end New Orleans restaurants.

Two Emeril Foundation fund raisers will take place this month in New Orleans. On Friday, November 11, Boudin & Beer is an outdoor music event held at The Foundry in the warehouse district. Enjoy 20 of the region's hottest chefs and their boudin and artisan sausages along with a full lineup of craft brews from Abita Beer. Live musical entertainment by New Orleans and Cajun artists including Lost Bayou Ramblers, Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, and The Tin Men will kick up the highly anticipated event.

The next day, Saturday, November 12, the Carnivale du Vin, brings together the nation's top culinary artists at the New Orleans Convention Center in a fourcourse wine dinner paired with incredible wines from the country's most prestigious winemakers. In addition to the dinner, live auctions will include rare wines, unforgettable travel experiences, and culinary packages with celebrity chefs.

Entertainment will be provided by the musical legend Glenn Frey of the Eagles.

A New Orleans native now living in Mandeville, Deb frequently returns to her hometown to visit family and get a gumbo and po-boy fix.

NOCCA, Louisiana's arts conservatory for high school students, offers intensive training in creative writing, culinary arts, dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts. During the regular school year, students attend NOCCA on a half-day basis from over 120 public, private and parochial schools across a 15-parish region. Admission is by audition, and tuition is free.

Applications for Summer 2012 and Fall/Spring 2012/2013 are available at www.NOCCA.com with the deadline in January. Students will audition in March and April.

For more information on Carnivale du Vin, Boudin & Beer and Emeril Lagasse Foundation, please visit www.carnivaleduvin.com, www.boudinandbeer.com or www.emeril.org.

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DeRidder Main Street Celebrations The 4th Annual La Cuisine de Beauregard Food Festival will be held Nov 12 from 11am-3pm in Downtown DeRidder with each chef preparing a different dish to be sampled. The area will be roped off for a food court with chefs lining both sides of Washington Street, competing for a “People's Choice” and “Booth Design” award. Admission to the festival is free and $5 for the food court. Dance to the Bernie Alan Band as they perform during the festival while children enjoy chalk art and face painting at this family event.

Be sure to come out Nov 19 for Saturday Market Day and on Nov 30 for the KCS Holiday Express Train. For more info on all these events, please contact Misty Clanton, Director of Community Services at 337-462-8900.

Also, on Nov 12, Real Art DeRidder will host Artisans Holiday Market from 10am-3pm.

Just in time for the holidays, area artisans and visiting artisans will be selling Christmas items, ornaments, art and needle work, and more.

Another event, Crescent City Cooking Classes, will be held on Nov. 5th from 10am12pm (visit II Boots Catering on Facebook for details).

Masterpiece Bayou class schedule is as follows (visit on Facebook or call/text 375-4635): Family Fall pumpkin class, age 5> (Nov 5, 3:30-5pm); NOLA Cathedral (Nov 6, 2-5pm); Gumbo Time (Nov 14, 6-9pm); PaPa Noel - Santa w/Fleur de lis (Nov17, 69pm); and Tin Soldier, in honor of our Military (Nov 22, 6-9pm).

Medicating Your Dog Tablets and capsules - Place the pill between thumb and index finger on one hand and firmly grasp upper jaw with the thumb and index finder of the other hand behind the canine teeth. Fold the upper lip over the teeth as you open the mouth to reduce chance of being bitten. Rotate your wrist to tilt the head upwards. Use your middle finger to slowly open lower jaw and keep it over the small incisor teeth. Deposit the pill as far back on the tongue as possible and immediately close the mouth. Keep your hand over the mouth and put the head down to facilitate swallowing. Stroke the throat or blow in the nostrils to encourage swallowing.

Liquids and syrups - Fill syringe or dropper with medication and squirt into the pouch between the teeth and cheek.

Hold mouth closed and stroke throat or blow in nostrils. If the dog gags or coughs out medication, lower his head and calm him down. Wait a few minutes and try again.

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Twenty-four designated Main Street Communities throughout the state will host the annual "Louisiana Main to Main, A Cultural Road Show" to collectively showcase the culture, commerce, history, and our abundance of creative and natural assets, and encourages road trips from one Main Street community to the next. Come celebrate in DeRidder and be a part of their roadshow: La Cuisine de Beauregard.

This event is sponsored by DeRidder Main Street, the DeRidder Historical Downtown Alliance, and through grants provided by the Office of the Lt. Governor.

A Holiday Blues and BBQ Family Tradition!

In conjunction with the Louisiana Main to Main event: A Cultural Road Show, the Columbia Main Street program will present the fifth annual Blues and BBQ on the Ouachita on Saturday, November 5, 2011. The festivities are held in the 100 block of Main Street in On November 18th, Downtown beautiful downtown Columbia, LA. For four years, this event has brought the community together for some Hammond kicks off the 7th Annual unique and delicious local BBQ and toe-tapping music.

Starry November Night. Unique This year's entertainer is Smoky Greenwell, a blues offerings include live music from the harmonica star from New Orleans. While enjoying the U.S. Navy Band, carriage rides, real sights and sounds, tempt your taste buds with the worldsnow, and star-gazing. Downtown renowned flavor of Louisiana. Contest judging is a noon merchants will offer sweet treats, and a complete meal will be served at 1pm. Awards are wine tasting, displays from and provided to winners in each group (chicken and pork) for interaction with local artists, first, second, and third place with $100 cash award for children's activities, and fantastic “People's choice”.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for holiday shopping deals. Be sure to children, and includes entertainment and food. join us in Downtown Hammond The event is a joint effort collaborated with the from 5-10pm on November 18th to Office of the Lt. Governor, National Park Service kick off the holiday season. It's going Preserve America, Columbia Main Street, the Town of to be a starry-sweet time!

Columbia, Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, Greg's GitVisit us at It-All, Captain's Quarters, The Columbian Coffee Shop, www.dddhammond.com or on Eddie Neitz State Farm, and other local businesses. This www.facebook.com/HammondDDD. is a Louisiana Main to Main event It's all downtown Hammond! (www.louisianamaintomain.org). For information or to sign up for the BBQ contest, contact Polly Harrelson 318649-2138.

Celebrations on Bastrop Main Street In Downtown Bastrop, the Historic District and Main Street boundaries encompass nine blocks surrounding the beautiful Beaux-Arts style Courthouse that was restored in 2002 and serves as the centerpiece. Thanks to the Bastrop Main Street Program, 90% of the facades have been restored.

Bastrop will be celebrating “November on Main Street” with their first event, “A Veteran's Day Remembrance”, held on Nov. 10th at 6pm at the Visitor Center. Grant funds will make this better than ever with live band music and a reception. Veterans of Morehouse Parish and their families will be recognized with a slide show presentation from photos submitted by families.

On Sunday, Nov. 13, Bastrop Main Street partners with Bastrop Retail Association to present “Holiday Open House”. All downtown merchants will be open for a special holiday shopping event, offering a first glimpse of holiday gifts and decorations. Nov. 22 brings an event for children, “November on Main Street”. For a showing of “The Polar Express” at the Visitor Center, children will arrive in P.J's with blankets and pillows to enjoy popcorn and marshmallows served with hot chocolate. After the movie, a “surprise” visit is made by Mr. and Mrs. Clause and children will receive a special treat and have their picture made with the jolly old elf himself!

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'Dukes of Hazzard' Icon Visits Louisiana Sonny Shroyer (Enos from 'Dukes of Hazzard' fame) was recently in Baton Rouge for The Hollywood Hal and Rhinestone Al, AllStar concert for handicapped children to benefit the Miracle League at Cypress Mound baseball field for handicapped children.

Entertainer George Jones was also inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and Sonny portrayed George Jones' private security guard, Deputy Enos Straite of Hazzard County. Country singers

Richie McDonald of Lonestar, Larry Stewart of Restless Heart, Marty Roe of Diamond Rio, Marty Raybon of Shenandoah and Ronnie McDowell, were joined by rock legends Jimi Jamison of Survivor and Mike Reno of Loverboy in a musical salute and night of entertainment, and charity auction. The event raised $85,000 for the charity.

Sonny made the most of his visit to south Louisiana with an appearance at a local car show, followed by a surprise visit to the birthday party for Scott Innes, radio personality on WYNK radio Baton Rouge. Scott is also the voice of Scooby Doo and Shaggy for the Warner Brothers cartoon. Sunday, he attended Church at Carpenters Chapel United Methodist Church in Galvez. He then spent a bit of time fishing near Chalmette with friend and Ascension Tourism Board Member Tony Lawson and family. Tony says, “My admiration for Sonny is as a Christian and good man, which far exceeds his celebrity status as an icon on the Dukes of Hazzard.

My kids consider him an extension of our family and I am proud to know him.”

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If you'd like to schedule Sonny Shroyer for personal appearances, benefits, and car shows/festivals, contact enosbookings@gmail.com for more information.

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Calendar of Events

November 2011 November 12 __________

November 26-27 ________

Renaissance Festival

La Cuisine de Beauregard Downtown DeRidder – 337-462-8900

Cajun Christmas Lafayette – 985-796-5853

November 1-6 __________

November 5-6 __________

November 12-13 ________

Greater Baton Rouge State Fair 225-755-FAIR

Swamp Pop Music Festival Robert – 985-345-9244

Covington Three Rivers Art Festival Covington – 985-237-9797

November 2-6 __________

November 10-13 ________

November 13 __________

LadyFest New Orleans 504-949-3001

Festival of Festivals St. Amant – 225-621-5709

PoBoy Festival New Orleans – 504-228-3349

See “2011 LA Holiday Trail of Lights” schedule of events in this issue!

November 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 ___________

November 4-5 __________ Main to Main Trade Days Springhill – 318-539-5699

November 18 __________

Frog Festival Rayne – 337-334-2332

November 11 __________

Hammond Starry November Night www.DDDHammond.com

Main to Main Winnsboro

Veterans Day

November 18-20 ________

November 4-6 __________

November 11-12 ________

Highland Games Jackson – 225-634-7397

La Swine Festival Basile – 337-230-1479

LRCA Finals (Rodeo) MAC, Bastrop – (318) 281-3164

FreeState Festival Florien – 318-586-3521

Destrahan Plantation Fall Festival 985-764-9315

November 19 __________

November 11-13 ________

Holiday Open House Alexandria

Westwego Cypress Swamp Festival Westwego 504-341-1003 (504-909-3433)

November 19-20 ________

Morse Recreational Festival Morse – 337-783-7555 Pecan Festival Colfax – 318-627-5196

Harvest Festival Moss Bluff – 337-304-3639

Celtic Nations Heritage Festival 337-513-6514

November 5 ___________

Cracklin Festival Port Barre – 337-585-2827

Blues & BBq Columbia

November 12 __________

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

Sugar Day Alexandria – 318-487-5998

November 24 __________

Southdown Fall Festival Houma – 985-851-0154

November 5-6 __________ Black Pot Festival Lafayette – 800-346-1958 Celebration of the Giant Omelette Abbeville 337-893-0013 (337-893-1272)

Thanksgiving!

Atchafalaya Basin Festival Henderson – 337-257-2444 Mirliton Festival New Orleans – 504-944-5422 Thibodeauxville Fall Festival Thibodaux – 985-446-1187

November 26 __________ Christmas Tree Farm Festival Grant – 800-987-NOEL Christmas Wonderland in the Pines Jonesboro – 318-259-4693 Jaskson Parish Christmas Wonderland in the Pines Jonesboro

Shadows Civil War Reenactment New Iberia – 877-200-4924

For effective, low-cost advertising, call

Mona L. Hayden (318) 547-1221 Louisiana Road Trips

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LIHA Annual Fall Pow Wow Gonzales – 888-775-7990

November 29 __________ LA Bicentennial Kick-Off Alexandria – 800- 551-9546

Two of Ouachita's Lost Civil War Soldiers:

Dan Head and William Awl

By Lora Peppers I seem map of the Old City Cemetery from 1886 showing range of the sound of guns during the battle of to have a all plot owners at the time. Sure enough, there was Mansfield! After the war, William became knack for a D.T. Head plot. Going to the area it indicated, I commander of Henry W. Allen Post No. 182, finding lost found the grave of Confederate Veterans. graves. I can usually go to a little Dan, Jr. and During the last few years of William's life he cemetery in search of a particular beside it were began to decline in health. On April 13, 1934, name and say, “Ok, help me find places that looked just shy of his 85th birthday, William Henry you.” And within minutes, I'm like the ground had Awl passed away. He left behind two children: standing at their headstone. This been disturbed at Mrs. W.H. Gibbs and Sam H. Awl and four year that little knack helped me one time. I had grandchildren: Henry and E.B. Gibbs, William find the unmarked grave of three found the B. Awl, all of Monroe and Mrs. Roy Brice of Confederate soldiers buried in unmarked graves of Arcadia. Four great-grandchildren also Monroe's Old City Cemetery. Back Dan, Sr. and his survived him. He was buried with Masonic in April I told you about finding wife Fannie, who ceremony in the Old City Cemetery. the unmarked grave of Judge had died almost I looked in the cemetery indexes to find a Dan Head Plot William W. Farmer, Captain of forty-one years after him. headstone, but found nothing. William's wife Mattie Company H of the 31st LA. After The second veteran was found by accident. I who had died in 1922 had a headstone. I found him, I found two more. had found the obituary of William Henry Awl who Mattie's grave and noticed the plot, big enough for Daniel T. “Dan” Head, Sr. died April 13, 1934 in Monroe and the information two, was outlined in stone. Next to the grave of Mattie was born in South Carolina, was extensive. William was born June 10, 1849 in was an area of disturbed earth. I had found William!

Camden District, in 1834. He was Natchez, MS. He came to Monroe as a young man It is hoped that some descendants will come the son of Martha Hughes and and learned the brick-making trade. He married forward and order these men headstones. Persons G.D. Head. His sister, Martha E., Martha Louise Callum when he was 19 and was a who served in the military, Confederates included, was the wife of Joseph Perry charter member of the are entitled to a free military marker from Crosley of West Monroe fame.

Eastern Star lodge, a the government. If help is needed, the Another sister married Joseph's member of the Western Sons of Confederate Veterans have brother Cicero. According to his Star and was a Royal experience ordering them. They will also obituary, Dan started working for Arch Mason. He conduct a marker dedication if desired. his brother-in-law Joseph and then “…had the reputation of Let's hope someone descended from went into business for himself. being one of the best these men can get their graves marked During the Civil War, Dan joined versed men in Masonry for future generations! as a Sergeant in Company C, 2nd in the entire state.”

Lora Peppers, a Monroe native, grew up in LA Infantry, known as the Pelican When the Civil War Bastrop and graduated from ULM. Her love of Greys. This group saw action at history dates back to childhood when one of her broke out, he enlisted favorite activities was visiting local cemeteries to the battles of Malvern Hill, Second first as a courier and Awl Plot. examine headstones. She also loves to travel, the Great Smoky Manassas, Sharpsburg, later served with the First Trans-Mississippi Mountains National Park being her favorite place on Earth.

Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Cavalry. This group saw service in the Indian Her job as a genealogist and historian has given her the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, Territory (later Oklahoma) but did not engage in opportunity to lead many lectures and author several books. finally surrendering at She can be reached by e-mail at loradpeppers@hotmail.com. any fighting. His obituary related he was within Appomattox. After returning home, he married Fannie Hardy on October 23, 1867 and had five children: Sarah “Sallie”, Daniel T. Jr., Joseph “Joe”, Robert, and Nettie. Unfortunately, Dan, Jr. died When the first full weekend in November rolls around, people around these parts have come to expect just shy of his fifth birthday. His thousands of visitors throughout Franklin Parish! Those visitors are enjoying “Found on 15,” the 25.5 miles little headstone can be found in of yard sales dotted all along Highway 15 through the heart of the parish…from Big Creek in the north the Old City Cemetery and I used (just past Baskin), to Big Dan's to the south (just past Wisner). It's become a tradition for individuals, it to find his father. churches, organizations, businesses and the like to choose the first Friday and Saturday in November to Dan's health began to decline. clean out their storage rooms, garages and attics and share with others, holding true to the old adage that Soon he was confined to his room “one man's trash is another man's treasure!” This year, it's Friday and Saturday, Nov 4-5. The number of with pernicious fever. On vendors has doubled every year and now includes well over 400 “booths”. So come join the fun again this December 9, 1878, Dan passed year and find just the thing you've always needed and didn't know it! away leaving a grieving widow Adding to the month's festivities, historic downtown Winnsboro merchants will feature their annual and four children. He was buried Holiday Open House on Saturday, Nov 19 from 9 to 5. Discover the many shopping opportunities in “…the Cemetery of this city” downtown, enjoy refreshments and the lovely Yuletide atmosphere. Also, the Old Post Office Museum will according to his obituary. It listed feature their Christmas exhibit, “My Favorite Things,” which promises to include delightful surprises from four surviving children and “…one days gone by.

Franklin Parish and historic downtown Winnsboro will be looking for you during Louisiana lies in the cemetery beside its father.”

Main Street's Main to Main!!

This was my clue. I looked at the

Winnsboro Main to Main A Shopper's Delight!!

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RUNNIN’ THE ROADS

By Barbara Sharik

The Idiosyncrasies of Life's Highway Traveling down the road of life is a lot like any road trip as you run into a variety of people along the way. Most seem normal, until you get to know them. At my age, I have run into so many that I would not know normal if it kissed me on the nose.

To keep myself from seeming too nutty, I hang around with people who make me seem normal by comparison. (Right about now all my friends are wondering, shaking their heads…they know they are not the ones nuttier than I am.)

Actually, given the idiosyncrasies, eccentrics, and the various impulsive and compulsive obsessions most folks have, it is easier than you think to find somebody who is more oddball than you are. Look around and after awhile, abnormal becomes normal.

Some people are perfectionists.

Others, slobs. Some believe they know all the answers and are just waiting for somebody to ask the questions. Others do not wait. Some folks are so open-minded that their brains are in danger of falling out. These are ones who should never miss a chance to keep their mouths shut. By the way, artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity. Moreover, everybody knows you cannot fix stupid.

Do you blow on the dice before you roll them even when playing Monopoly? What about the compulsive counter, counting everything including flowers on the wall? Me? I read everything. If there is writing, I am reading it.

Some people are worrywarts. They are the ones who clean their house before the maid comes.

What about washing hands repeatedly?

And others make sure the stove knobs are turned off a dozen times before leaving the kitchen.

Even still, halfway down the block, we wonder if we turned off the stove.

Are you a collector? One is good. Two is a pair. Three means you have to have every salt and pepper shaker you see. Collecting is like letting the cat out of the bag. It is easier to let out than it is to put back.

Someone once said only humans would have invented Observation Platforms. How that works is, we pay somebody for the privilege of going up into a tall building and putting money into binoculars so we can look at things down on the ground where we were five minutes earlier.

But who is to say what is normal and what is not? And when did it all start? Think back to that child's game - step on a crack and break your mama's back. You ask me, that is where most of the abnormalities began. What started as a game had kids obsessively leaping from one

After awhile, abnormal becomes normal.

sidewalk square to another like grasshoppers in a burning cornfield.

We were pretty sure our mamma's backs would not break, but who could take that chance? Therefore, normal flew out the window and landed on the sidewalk somewhere between two cracks.

There are other confusing things like an actress is in a movie but she is on TV. Rationality just does not play into most lives. Nuttiness is not contagious. It is just a fact of life and the fact is, men are from earth and women are from earth. Forget the Venus and Mars thing.

If you recognized yourself here, just be happy to know you are not alone. By the way, if you did, would you like to be my new best friend? I am looking for somebody wackier than me.

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

Making Healthcare A Family Affair Dr. Joey Lowery

On July, 26th, 2011, my wife and I welcomed our beautiful little girl, Mattie Elizabeth, into the world. Shortly after, she was given her first chiropractic adjustment. Patients often ask, “Why would you adjust a baby or kids?” Our common response is an explanation of how tough delivery is not only on mom but her baby as well. Statistics and research state how often a 1. From the Choctaw word “bayuk”, meaning creek baby has misalignments in 2. 1898 his/her spine, commonly in the 3. Davis Island, outside neck region. If these of Newellton “subluxations” aren't corrected, over 4. Richland Parish time this can have a profound effect 5. Waterproof on a child's health 6. Charles due to stress/ Carroll, a irritation placed on signer of the Declaration of their young Independence 7. Rice nervous system.

8. Their tummy Ear infections, 9. Catahoula Leopard dog asthma, sleeping, 10. Driskell Mountain sinus, and digestive difficulties are

ouisiana Answers …

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a few symptoms displayed by the child's body as a sign its health is deteriorating. Many parents deal with similar bouts of childhood sickness and assume its normal. Then we ask patients, “How do you know your child's spine is moving at its best?” Realizing the importance, they decide to have their children checked for subluxations just as they do.

Health is not merely the absence of symptoms but all systems within the body working at optimal functioning levels. This is only possible with a sound connection between the nervous system and the body.

When subluxations are present in the spine and not corrected by a trusted chiropractor, health can diminish. Make sure to have a chiropractor on your healthcare team.

Remember, it's easier to stay healthy than to get healthy. Put your family in a position to stay healthy by having their spines checked today!

Joey Lowery, DC, MS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT can be reached at Peace of Life Chiropractic at 318-376-3015, www.peaceoflifechiropractic.com, or jlowerydc@yahoo.com.

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GOING NATIVE

By Larry Brock

The Year of Butterflies November is Thanksgiving.

While she was living, November always meant a road trip back to the family farm at Fort Necessity. Empty fields, filled cribs and the prospect of winter. The family gathered around Grandma's table for sliced turkey and cranberry sauce, candied yams and pumpkin pie, sister and I tugging on the pulley bone. Yesterday's memories wave from the back roads of my mind.

2011 has been a year! Drought and heat tested the limits of our landscape. Here along the River, rainfall deficits were higher than surrounding areas. And high temperatures broke records set back in the 1930's. But native plants proved their worth. Even in my non-irrigated clay soil there were few casualties and I'll replace those with survivors. Plants around the house that were watered in connection with my concrete slab are still blooming. And the bird bath has been a popular attraction all year long.

Autumn is the between that began at the September Equinox. The evidence was the wildfire of spider lilies that flared across the landscape. Beautyberry drupes matured into bright purple clusters, fat buckeyes dropped from open husks, and cardinal

flowers blossomed on intensely red spikes. Sweet olive and virgin's bower aroused dull senses with their luring aromas.

October opened with fields of blooming goldenrod followed by swamp sunflower and snowy mounds of groundsel bush. Asters, mistflower and coralberry added more fall color.

Berried dogwoods and hollies began ripening to red; pyracantha and nandina to crimson and rose.

Native trees started disclosing their true hues sourwood and sassafras turning scarlet and orange; birch, maple and poplar turning yellow. Along the River, the first frost usually arrives in late November so the fall foliage show occurs late in our year.

Wildlife begins stirring in autumn, coming and going. Cuckoos left in August, orioles and kingbirds in September, tanagers and buntings in October. Sparrows and juncos will migrate down this month and next. Brown thrashers reappeared in my late September yard, flocking robins and black birds too. Hummingbirds were still trickling through in mid-October feeding on any open bloom but mostly salvias, sages, turk's cap, trumpet creeper and cannas in my yard.

There's a heavy mast crop this year. Pecans and oaks are loaded. Fall woods echo with noisy blue jays and barking bushy tails. October mornings have been refreshingly cool and deer are on the move, beginning to shed velvet.

Autumn is a time to pause, recollect. Each year some feature stands out and for 2011 I'll remember the butterflies. By mid-year, gulf

Saluting LA Veterans!

World War I, known as “The Great War”, officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919. However, fighting had ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

Armistice Day was set aside to honor veterans of WWI but in 1954, after WWII and after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, Congress amended the Act of 1938 by replacing the word "Armistice" with "Veterans."

With legislative approval in1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

The original concept was for a day celebrated with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11am. Today, Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week it falls on. This celebration honors America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Veteran Paul Rooney, an ex-Operations Officer, will celebration his 90th birthday next month and is somewhat modest when

discussing his service, “I didn't do anything special in the war.” He claims he was sent overseas to Italy when the war was just about over, although he served 4 years and hauled materials and supplies in a troop carrier squadron. Paul has five children with one daughter in Monroe and says he spends his days with medical personnel. “If I didn't have doctor's appointments, I'd have no social life at all.”

Another veteran, Dan Trimble, joined the Navy as a carrier pilot in 1946 and flew everything from props to jets day and night in all types of weather until 1969 when he returned as a Commander. He has spent most of his life in fighters, then off to Korea and finally to a Naval College as a student and then faculty before retiring. Dan received his doctorate in Education and worked with Madison Parish Special Education before retiring again. He laughs, recalling his wife telling him that he'd have to keep retiring until he got it right. Dan has a son and twin daughters. He says, “I've spent half my life in the military but I've enjoyed serving my country.”

Happy Veterans Day to Paul, Dan, and all the veterans that make us proud!

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fritillaries, spicebush and giant swallowtails were increasing in number. In mid-September, their numbers had proliferated. Other common species included eastern black swallowtails, buckeyes, viceroys, admirals, sulphurs, and skippers galore. Butterflies are attracted to blooming plants but populations multiply where there are host plants for adult females to lay their eggs. Autumn is also the time for orb-weavers. Spiders in fall do spin and weave their webs of curious design; gossamer snares of sticky strands, inviting all who will to stay and dine!

The October 2011 issue of Louisiana Gardener contained a good article by Peter Gallagher on native plants for the residential landscape. Dr. Gallagher described the advantages of using native plants in the home landscape and recommended a variety of woody and herbaceous selections.

Once more it's time to applaud the farmers who risk so much to produce the abundant harvests we enjoy here in America. Value your gardening friends for their support and their passalongs.

Appreciate the patience of your spouse and family who love you in spite of your obsessions. Finally, give thanks with a grateful heart to the One who created it all.

As the hymnist wrote, “In rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere … and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.”

Going Native, it's where it all began!

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.

BEDS & BEIGNETS

By Mary White

The Frog Raynes Supreme It's not easy being green, as one famous frog once sang.

Apparently, he's never been to Rayne because, in this town, the frog is king. Murals picturing these happy hoppers playing instruments, sitting on mushrooms or just froggin' around can be found lining the streets, on walls and in parks all over Rayne giving the town the nickname “Louisiana City of Murals.” The city of about 8,500 people is more famously known as the “Frog Capital of the World” for its long history of promoting the long-legged amphibian as a delicacy all over the country. While the frog exportation business no longer exists as it once did, the celebrations have continued. The Rayne Frog Festival, a 5-day event running from November 9 - 13, is one of the biggest events on the city's calendar and attracts visitors from near and far.

The festival, which began almost 40 years ago, features entertainment and attractions including

musical performances from Cajun and Creole artists and a crafts market made up of as many as 60 booths housed inside the adjoining Civic Center selling everything from ceramics, Afghans, paintings, quilts, novelty items and more. Thrill rides, games and food trailers are set up inside the

festival to add to the carnival-like atmosphere.

Pageants are a major part of the festival and consist of six different categories: Mr. & Miss Tadpole (ages 0-6); Deb Rayne Frog Festival Queen (ages 7-9); Rayne Frog Festival Jr. Queen (ages 10-12); Rayne Frog Festival Teen Queen (ages 13-16); Rayne Frog Festival Miss Queen (ages 1723); and Rayne Frog Festival Ms. Queen Pageant (ages 24 and older).

While these events draw crowds, nothing gets the spectators going like the dressed up derby. The Rayne Lions Club Frog Derby pits female “frog jockeys” outfitted in

checkered blouses with matching caps and shorts with suspenders, and their tenacious toads donning their festival best against other hopeful teams in a “best dressed frog” contest. Racing and jumping competitions follow the fashion show to determine the big winner. For something a bit more dressed down, the crowd can take in the diaper derby featuring competitively crawling babies.

Here's the catch: Any racer who stands up mid-race will be disqualified!

Rayne resident Lyn Guidry has been attending the Frog Festival for years. She, along with her husband Ken, owns the Maison D'Memoire B&B Cottages, (www.BnBFinder.com/MaisonDMemoire), an intimate and tranquil getaway in the heart of Cajun country made up of four separate and uniquely decorated cottages that date back more than a century. Lyn says she hosts guests who stay at the inn specifically to attend the Frog Festival and has had bookings for the festival for months. She's happy they're making their way to Rayne, not only for the inn but also for the city itself. “The festival is important to the community,” says Lyn. “It's a key fundraiser for many of the organizations in town and they raise a lot of money at this time.” Now there's something to croak about.

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.

Rural Artist Showing at Schepis Museum Artist Caroline Youngblood creates her work from objects found at their family home, the historic Breston Plantation in Riverton. Located just north of Columbia, this plantation is the oldest home on the majestic Ouachita River.

Caroline will be showing two different bodies of work at the Schepis Museum in Columbia from November 1 through January 3 with an artist's reception scheduled for December 8 from 6-8pm. Her first work, 18 Seconds: The Enchanted Trail, is an installation of 70 watercolor paintings of film stills from an 8mm home movie, circa 1954. The second is her Found in Riverton series with 10 large oil and collage pieces.

Visit www.carolineyoungblood.com for additional images of both shows.

The Schepis Museum, a Louisiana Artist Museum built by Italian immigrants in 1916, is located on Main Street in Columbia.

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