Louisiana Road Trips September 2011 Issue

Louisiana Road Trips

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www.laroadtrips.com

Let's Go Fishing!!

PUBLISHER LRT Publications

Grand Isle Ladies Fishing Rodeo The 5th Annual Grand Isle Ladies Fishing Rodeo will be held October 7 & 8, 2011 at Bridgeside Marina at the foot of the Grand Isle bridge overlooking the Cheniere Caminada Pass. Bridegside is a full service marina and all activities will take place at that site. Entry fee is $20 per person and includes a rodeo cap, fishing the event, door prizes, and dinner and dance on Saturday night. Tickets are available at and the Grand Isle Port Commission located at 2757 Hwy 1, between the butterfly dome and electronic offshore weather condition sign.

Last year's rodeo produced winners in every category with happy anglers and a donation to the American Cancer Society of $5,000. These funds are used locally to support cancer patients with pharmacy cards, fuel cards, and wigs through several local hospitals and the Houma office of the American Cancer Society. The rodeo is also dedicated to raising awareness and support for breast cancer patients. We look forward, with support from our fishing friends, to match

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or increase our donation to the American Cancer Society this year.

The Grand Isle Ladies Fishing Rodeo Committee is encouraging Team Fishing, by getting a group of friends together to “fish the ditches” or charter a boat to “fish the back bay.” Design a team outfit and enter to win the “Fishing Fashion Award” as a team.

Register your team name and members to be eligible for the award at the Rodeo ticket booth during the rodeo or at the Tourist Center prior to the rodeo. Contestants must be present and wearing the team outfit and participate in the fishing fashion show Saturday evening at 6pm.

Again this year, a children's division will be open to girls from 6 to 15 years old.

A separate Board will post the winners and all prevailing rules will apply to the children's division.

To celebrate our 5th year, a rodeo poster will be available Saturday and through advance sales. The poster was created by Kathy Schoor and $5 from each poster sold will go to American Cancer.

Come on down to the island for good fishing, good friends and good fun!

Sponsored by the Grand Isle Community Development Team, Inc. a 501c3 not for profit group of proactive community based volunteers.

All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Tax ID#020678895.

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 Sunny Meriwether (318) 547-8126 Cheryl Yates (318) 235-6493

Website www.laroadtrips.com

www.twitter.com/louisianaroadtrips

www.facebook.com/louisianaroadtrips

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

September 11, 2001 We Will Always Remember Louisiana Road Trips

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Talkin’ It Up! Get ready because here it comes - the Fall Festival Season! If you enjoy outdoor celebrations, you'll really enjoy this issue.

While we're waiting on cooler temps to find us, peruse these pages as you plan some fall road trips.

Get to know the terrain and traditions of different areas of the state as you savor authentic Louisiana music, food, and fun.

Thanks for all the great comments about last month's Alligator Hunting issue. It obviously caused quite a stir based on your response! This month we're featuring the Ladies Fishing Rodeo in Grand Isle, benefiting the American Cancer Society. It's even more fun to fish when you're helping a great cause so you just might want to wet a line with this group of fish wranglers.

We're pleased to introduce two new contributors - Robert Lemoine and Sonny Harrington. Robert's column is inspirational and motivational while Sonny's column, In The Crosshairs, is all about guns, hunting, and the great outdoors.

Take a peep at our new website www.laroadtrips.com. A work in progress, this format allows us to keep your favorite articles posted even after that issue has been updated. Let us know what you think by posting your comments on the site. With your feedback, we can continue bringing you the best content of most any publication.

This month we recognize the 10th anniversary of 9-11-01. Just know that WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER. Keep in touch.

Mona

ROAD TRIPS "Celebrating country living and city happenings!"

september ARTS & CRAFTSMEN 16

Life Is a Song – Jimmy Carr’s Lyrical Review by Mona L.Hayden

contents HUMOR 5

Runnin’ the Roads by Barbara Sharik Taking a Grammatically Correct Road Trip Ain’t Easy

BOOK REVIEW

17

27

All Things Southern by Shellie Tomlinson Out of Gas

20

A Life of Trial…and Error

by Dennis Stewart I Was Raised in North Louisiana But I Think I Turned Out OK

Cows to Christians

BUSINESS REVIEW 22 28 29

Should Your Cat Reproduce?

A Chiropractor Can Be A Football Player’s Best Friend!

Northeast Louisiana Virtual Clinic

DELTA OUTDOORS 15

In the Crosshairs by Sonny Harrington Sighting in Your Rifle

24

Planning a Vacation is a Lot of Work

by Johnny Wink

30

My Favorite Fishing Hole by Joe Joslin Fishing in a Drought

FESTIVALS & ENTERTAINMENT 12 14 17 18 28

MONTHLY TIDBITS 4 8 8 9 16 19 25 27

Talkin’ It Up! Going Native by Larry Brock Nature’s Time to Sow and Scatter Backtalk Louisiana Lagniappe – Remember When Louisiana Lagniappe Answers Miss-Lou Celebrates America Area Pays Tribute to 9/11 Victims September Calendar of Events Man Down! by Robert Lemoine

RECIPES 26

Louisiana Art & Folk Festival, Columbia Celebrating Cajun Roots by Cheré Coen Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival Springhill Lumberjack Festival Minden to Celebrate the Beginning of “The Fifth Season, Fasching”

HISTORICAL

Recipes by Stacy Thornton

ROAD TRIPS 3 7

Let’s Go Fishing!

Travel Adventure by Dianne Newcomer Tulipmania!

10

Hit the Road – by Deborah Burst Sacred Treasures 11-12 Branson – Where Music Resonates Through the Ozarks by Mona L. Hayden

6

A Treasure in Our Own Backyard: ULM Library Special Collections by Lee Estes

19

New Orleans Plantation Country Has a Story to Tell. So Will You! by Jay A. Tusa

9

The Lamy Family in Early Ouachita Parish History by Lora Peppers

20 21

Beauting the Heat in Shreveport by Sue Stella

13

Louisiana in the Civil War – September 1861: The Louisiana Tigers

by Terry L. Jones

23

Beds & Beignets by Mary White A City’s Civil War Past

On the Scene – by Deborah Burst New Orleans From a Local’s Viewpoint

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

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RUNNIN’ THE ROADS

By Barbara Sharik

Taking a Grammatically Correct Road Trip Ain't Easy Take road trip.

Of course, I mean take a road trip, but also, take the words road and trip.

Besides road, there's rode, as in, they rode down the road in their car while taking a road trip.

Pronounced the same but spelled differently and sort of related, but not necessarily so.

Confused yet? Aren't the little kiddies glad they're back in school so they can sort all this out? Now if we grownups can master it, we'll be good to go.

Trip has several meanings although just one spelling. For example, you can trip as in fall flat, or you can take a road trip as in traveling, which is what we advocate in this magazine by doing our best to point out where to go and what to do when you get there.

Still, the English language can be confusing. Take lay and lie.

Hens lay, dogs don't. Provided you're grammatically correct, they

lie down. I look out and see seven of them in the yard trying to endure the heat. Everyone appears to be laying down because I've gone through most my life saying everybody's laying down. To lay is to put something in place. Okay, I could argue when I lay down, I'm putting myself in place. Using the children's prayer, “Now I lay me down to sleep” as an example I ask if lay is wrong, how would it sound if we prayed “Now I lie myself down to sleep.” I'm thinking this is a 'Gotcha' because if to repose is to lie, here's the most famous prayer using, “I lay me down.” However, it's not incorrect. It should be, but it's not.

Note, to lay is to put something in place. In this case, the child praying is indeed laying itself down; putting something in place, him or herself. Lie is often used with “down”. Now here's where I think my English teacher lost me. To lie is present. To lay is past. Lying is a present participle while lain is a past participle. I think I was absent the day Teach covered participles.

Most confusing is that the present tense of to lay is the same as the past tense of to lie. However, if misery loves company, it should be noted that first on the list of Top Ten Most Confusing Things About the English Language is the lie/lay thing.

What can I say? I'm not alone in my ignorance.

That doesn't make it better except that ignorance loves company. Wait, that's not how it goes. It's misery. Well, ignorance makes me miserable. In my upcoming book “BooCat: Dancing Naked in the Rain,” BooCat duels with this and she decides she likes lay better than lie even if it's not grammatically correct. I don't blame her. I've been laying down for years until I realized I should be lying down instead. Saying it correctly doesn't change my prone position. I was still down.

Whoops! Prone. There's another one. Did you know prone means facedown and supine means to lie on your spine? My dogs pretty much agree with BooCat. How many dogs respond to “Lie”? Nope, you want a dog down, you order, “Lay” and Fido knows.

You suppose there are other words? Going to bed, napping, resting, sleeping. Omit lie and lay altogether. Instead of trying to figure out if we're laying

Hens lay, dogs don't.

Louisiana Road Trips

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something down or we're lying down, let's say I'm setting this article on the floor. Of course, if we do that we'll have to determine if it's setting or sitting.

Likely, it will be as confusing as lay and lie.

Tell you what; let's just drop it on the floor -right before we drop ourselves into bed, okay? I think drop is safe. Unless the antecedent past adjectivized possessive present participle verb is drip and then I don't know what to tell you.

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

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A Treasure in Our Own Backyard: ULM Library Special Collections On the fifth floor of the University of Louisiana Monroe library is an often overlooked treasure pertaining to anything and everything about Northeast Louisiana - ULM Special Collections. I am fascinated by the variety of material therein. Of course, my primary interest is in photography and the history that medium provides, but these collections go well beyond that. In order to better acquaint you with this priceless resource, I asked Special Collections Curator, Cyndy Robertson, to provide a paragraph describing the major items she maintains. Her response is the following: "The University of Louisiana at Monroe Library Special Collections Unit was established for the purpose of compilation and preservation of historic materials which are pertinent to the cultural development of north Louisiana. Materials pertaining to the eleven parishes in the northeast corner are collected, preserved and made accessible to researchers. Historic University materials are housed in the archives section while books, manuscripts, microfilm and photographs are housed in Special Collections. Three collections have been placed on the Louisiana Digital Library, available through LOUIS, the Louisiana Library Network at www.louis.org. These collections are: the Edna "Tiny" Tarbutton Collection, a collection of original scorebooks and other material that document the career of the legendary

Photo by Lee Estes

By Lee Estes

Restroom entry, abandoned Exxon Station, Delhi, LA (2007)

Milk distribution in Monroe, LA during 1932 flood.

(Feb. 5, 1932)

Residents of Monroe and West Monroe forced from their homes during 1932 flood.

women's basketball coach; the Griffin Flood Photograph Collection, a collection of images of the 1932 Ouachita River flood by J.E. Griffin; and the Northeast Louisiana Historic Images Collection, a collection of images from the eleven parish area. The largest collections in the unit are the political papers collections of Otto E. Passman, long-time Congressman from the 5th Congressional District, and James A. Noe, businessman, television and radio pioneer, legislator and governor. Both these collections have indexes that may be viewed online.

Significant book collections are the Thomas Gilhula Collection, relating to the Civil War and the Ben Bateman Collection of military history.

Photographic collections include the Griffin Collection, given to the library by Durwood Griffin, photographic images within the McMurran and Gunby Collections and the Highway 80 in Print Collection by Lee Estes made available in part through a Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities grant."

Accompanying this article are some photographs by J. E. Griffin made during the early 20th century and one of mine from the Highway 80 collection. They illustrate the sophistication enjoyed by Monroe during the mid 1920's and inundation by the disastrous Ouachita River flood in 1932.

ULM Special Collections is usually open on weekdays but I recommend calling prior to a visit and outlining your interests to be sure Ms. Robertson will be on hand to welcome and assist you. The tel. number is 318 342 1054.

Lee Estes, a Kentucky native, migrated to Louisiana in 1956 with his wife, Lottie. He worked in aviation then with A&LM Railway. He began making photographs in Europe after WWII and ranked among the leading monochrome exhibition photographers in the U.S.

Photos courtesy of ULM Special Collection and Griffin Studios.

Louisiana Road Trips

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TRAVEL ADVENTURE

By Dianne Newcomer

Tulipmania!

The stock market is on another screaming roller coast ride. Investors shout at us to buy now while the prices are low. Others suggest it's time to move to gold or something safe.

TIME magazine's front cover this month touts “The End of Europe”, reckless spending being the culprit. I have no idea where all this is going but it reminds me of a story I heard on a trip to Amsterdam.

You see, long before anyone heard of Cisco Systems, Qualcomm, Nokia, Google, or other stocks, there was a tulip named Semper Augustus.

With blood-red steaks against a white background, this tulip was extraordinary and known not only for her beauty but her rarity. The creation of master breeding, this exquisite flower became the holy grail of all tulip bulbs among the rich in the 17th century when someone paid 10,000 guilders for a single bulb - the price of a house on a canal in Amsterdam. Suddenly, tulipmania began.

A garden filled with brilliantly colored tulips became a status symbol. The rich and famous around the world paid dearly for this precious commodity. To meet demand, breeders started experimenting and producing new varieties. Single colored tulips needed lines, stripes and flames to make them more valuable. The breeders wanted to keep the market hungry with fresh merchandise, and it worked. Tulips soon became a coveted luxury item, prices rose constantly, and growers increased supply. It was madness.

Buying and selling bulbs became a quick fortune. Merchants and farmers mortgaged anything to raise cash to begin tulip trading.

In 1636, any tulip could be sold for a nice profit. In 1637, everything changed. In everyone's haste to get rich quick, a couple major problems were overlooked. The first problem was over saturation, leading to lower

prices. Like our housing bubble, the tulip bubble also burst! Dealers went bankrupt. Many people lost their life savings as the value fell. The second problem was even more devastating.

Unbeknownst to the breeders, the unique vivid lines and stripes of different colors turned out to be a genetic virus. How ironic - the people in charge of creating the market had infected the bulb with the virus that led to its extinction!

Amazing how an obsession with tulips blossomed into a financial disaster. How many times must history repeat itself before we understand? Luckily, the Dutch finally figured it out and did not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Flower power is currently alive and well in the Netherlands and next spring, the world is invited to see them during FLORIADE 2012.

Held every 10 years, the FLORIADE is a horticulture masterpiece attended by over 30 million people in 2002, running from April until October in Holland. It features 100+ exhibitors from dozens of countries together creating a 165 acre park where Mother Nature, at her very best, is on display with the world's most exquisite flowers, plants, trees, fruits and vegetables in creative displays. This event will exceed your wildest imagination. As your travel advisor, I have some exceptional ideas for you to be totally enraptured in tulip mania!

Escorted Tour: Netherlands, Belgium, and Paris - 11 days from $2699. Experience the color and glory of spring leisurely through the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Visit blooming fields and visit cultural events and sustainable architectural exhibits at the Floriade Horticultural Exposition. Float in the canals of Amsterdam. See artisans cutting diamonds in the diamond capital of the world. Travel back to medieval times during a Bruges sightseeing tour. Walk the boulevards of Paris, visit the home of Claude Monet, cruise the Seine River and enjoy a

Flower power is currently alive and well in the Netherlands.

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farewell dinner on the Eiffel Tower.

Departure dates are: April 9, 16, 23, 30, and May 7 River Cruise: Gems of Germany, Belgium & the Netherlands- 8 days from $2599 --April 15/July 16 and Aug. 12 priced from $2849. Sail through three countries, visiting some of the most exciting cities in Western Europe: Brussels, Antwerp, Maastricht, home of the Floriade 2012, and Cologne. All meals, accommodations and sightseeing included.

It's the best of old and new Europe. (Save $300/couple by booking by Nov. 30th) River Cruise: Amsterdam to Antwerp-Tulips and Windmills - 10 days from $3299-April 10. Everything about the Netherlands and Belgium-colorful canals, whimsical windmills, vibrant tulips, rich maritime history, the art of Rubens, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh-are yours to experience on this perfectly paced springtime cruise, including Floriade. (Save $400/couple when you book

by November 30) These trips are ideal for garden groups or flower lovers wanting to enjoy a world class horticulture event, combining the history, art, and flowers of Europe! Call me at Monroe Travel Service - 323-3465 and I'll send you a free brochure. It's going to be special, so why not get caught up in “tulipmania” this spring? Take a horticulture journey of a lifetime!

GOING NATIVE

By Larry Brock

Nature's Time to Sow and Scatter The cycle of seasonal progression is inexorable. January, February, June and July … and then the dog days of August - droning cicadas, corn harvest and school bells ringing. Squirrels littered the ground with cuttings under pecan, cypress and pine trees. Ripe drupes hung on buck vines, wild grapes and Virginia creepers. Mockingbirds feasted on pokeberries, cardinals on elderberries, and robins on white dogwood drupes.

And now September and the evidence of summer's maturity abounds - Labor Day, the Fall Equinox, that bright Harvest Moon shining up in the sky. Tropical storms are brewing, doves are flocking and days are noticeably shorter. What are those strangely eerie vibratos and distant k-k-ka-ing staccatos, those barely glimpsed forest shadows? Rain crows, aka yellow-billed cuckoos!

Does it bore you to see the same plants year after year? Like old friends, I anticipate their arrival as the seasons unfold. By mid-August I had welcomed butterfly ginger, cardinal flower, hidden ginger lily, ironweed, mistflower, surprise lily and tall coneflower. Colors ranged from yellow to red to purple. Other plants are budded to bloom or have green pods that will be maturing soon. But as they say, watched buds never open, watched pods never ripen. Drop by next month!

In a naturalized landscape away from the house, squirrels play in the shadow of the deep wood and birds nestle in the bramble bush while a pair of Mississippi kites wheel overhead.

In the waning summer, funnel weaver spiders lodge in boxwood hedges. Around the house, blooming plants (irrigated in conjunction with my concrete slab) are an oasis in a parched landscape. Hummingbirds visit salvias and sages. Gulf fritillaries feed on lantana, their caterpillars crawl on passion vines beyond the fence. Garden phlox host tiger swallowtails, giant swallowtails

and silver-spotted skippers, the largest skipper in North America. Green anoles run along the patio fence, pausing to flash their pink dewlaps, while little brown skinks wriggle through the leaf litter below. Green tree frogs, the state amphibian of Louisiana, croak after a brief shower. Several female garden spiders hang upside down in their webs, one at my window cautiously courted by a much smaller male to one side.

Seasonal gardening advice is to pull up spring bedding plants and replant for a fresh fall show. But my summer beds are waist high with blooming annuals and perennials. They feed a beautiful array of hummingbirds and butterflies, and insects that support a thriving community of birds, frogs, lizards, spiders and mantids that feed on those insects. Why destroy such an elaborate backyard ecosystem by jerking out plants before they mature?

Remember - autumn is man's time to reap and gather but nature's time to sow and scatter. Let plants complete their life cycle. Seeds sustain winter wildlife and grow next year's crop. And stalks provide winter shelter.

The severe drought and heat wave continue to oppress. Wilted, yellowing, falling leaves - fruit shedding prematurely - dying plants, all testify to the brutal outdoor climate.

Adverse weather extremes seem to be the norm these days

Autumn is man's time to reap and gather but nature's time to sow and scatter.

Louisiana Road Trips

and irrigation is a costly lifesaver. Next year, consider switching to hardier species. Find the plants that endure with minimal rainfall in your neighborhood. Depending on the exposure and soil type in your yard, check out survivors like these for next summer's blooms: asters, black-eyed Susan, bulbs, butterfly weed, cannas, chicory, coneflowers, coral honeysuckle, coreopsis, cosmos, daylily, false dandelion, gaillardia, goldenrod, irises, ironweed, lantana, larkspur, liriope, mallow, mistflower, periwinkles, portulaca, sages, salvias, swamp sunflower, turk's cap, verbena or yarrow.

As the summer of our distress doggedly drags on, consider that design in nature is not the result of geometry and fashion but survival and function. Designing with nature applies these principles to the home landscape. When selecting plants for the naturalized garden, I look for hardiness, sustainability, extended bloom, benefit to wildlife and then appeal to the senses. If extreme weather patterns are forecast to continue, prepare by selecting drought hardy plants. Going Native - it's the natural thing to do.

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.

K C A B K TAL

I drove my wife to Broussard Eye Clinic in Monroe and brought a couple of Louisiana Road Trip's to leave in the waiting room. Several people picked them up and read them with interest while I waited for her. LRT is a very popular publication! Thanks for all you do for this region.

Larry B., Lake Providence

We thank you and Johnny [Wink] for the mention in the article this month [July, 2011]. Nice magazine.

Spectra Shot, via Facebook I rarely read newspapers or magazines because they are usually filled with trivial and negative information. Dining out, I saw Louisiana Road Trips [Alligator Hunting, July 2011], snapped one up and read it cover to cover. This is the best read I've come across in years. Enclosed is my subscription order and if you have back issues, please tell me how to order them.

Doug R., New Orleans Thank you for recommending THE FEED LOT in Rayville. Great place to eat.

Don S., Monroe Your magazine is AWESOME! It's really got a lot of good information in it.

Jimmie C., Winnsboro

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The Lamy Family in Early Ouachita Parish History

By Lora Peppers

Everyone is familiar with Lamy Lane and Louisville Avenue in Monroe but very few know anything about the family they were named for.

No descendants of that illustrious name remain, but the family's legacy has an impact still felt today.

On May 7, 1797, Louis Michel JeanFrancois Lamy came to the Ouachita Valley as a Maison Rouge colonist. With him were two slaves, Telemaque and Sara. The young Frenchman was the son of Louis Charles Antoine and Magdaleine Louise Meurger Lamy, and was born in Normandy, France. Almost two months after settling into the area, JeanFrancois marries Felicity Roi, the daughter of Auguste and Marianne Moron Roi. The two were married by Commandant Jean Filhiol.

Three years after their marriage on December 2, 1800, the first Lamy child is born, Louis Francois Lamy. JeanFrancois and Felicity would have two more children: Augustine and Louisa.

Augustine seems to have died young, because no further record can be found

after their birth, but Louis and Louisa would become two of the most beloved residents in Ouachita Parish.

Jean-Francois would be made captain of the Ouachita Parish militia in 1805, shortly after the Louisiana Purchase. He also served on the board of trustees for the first school in the area in 1811.

That year, Jean-Francois passed away from some unknown illness, leaving two young children and a widow behind.

Felicity Lamy would not remain a widow for long.

It was very tough for a single woman and two young children to get by on their own. On November 12, 1812, she marries family friend John R. DeWitt. They would go on to have two children, Isaac and Julia (who would marry John Ray).

The Lamy son, Louis Francois, studied law and received his degree from Transylvania College in Kentucky and upon his arrival back in Ouachita, was made the Parish Judge.

Louis served from 1832-1844 when the Parish Judge position 1. What year did the Louisiana was abolished. He Purchase take place? was so well respected 2. What future American president that some of the most commanded American troops at the prominent men in Battle of New Orleans?

Ouachita would come to 3. What building, located in New study under his tutelage.

Orleans, is the oldest Men such as Wesley J.Q. apartment building in the Baker and John Ray U.S.? learned their trade from 4. What Louisiana plantation is considered to be the most haunted in the country?

5. What is Louisiana's state amphibian?

6. Where is LA's geographic center?

7. What is LA's highest point?

8. What LA city is known as 'The Frog Capital of the World'?

9. When did the sugar industry start in LA? 10. What four nicknames does LA have?

Very few know anything about the family they were named for.

ouisiana Remember When . . .

Answers on next page 16

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Louis. Louis married Lucinda E. Shannon February 27, 1838 but they had no children. On December 9, 1881, Judge Louis Lamy died at the age of 81. It is likely he was buried in the Old City Cemetery on DeSiard Street but no headstone can be found. His obituary stated: “He was a gentleman of the old school, and a citizen of unblemished repute and inflexible devotion to his country. Peace to his ashes!”

The Lamy daughter, Louisa married a young planter named Robert Forbes McGuire on April 24, 1820, a lawyer and doctor by profession. He is most well known for leaving behind his diary. He kept very detailed weather reports but his social observations were few.

For instance, in an 1829 entry, he simply states, “Lost my two children this summer.”

Robert and Louisa Lamy would go on to have five children together: Lewis, Mary Louise, Felicity, Robert Alan and Angela. All would die young, leaving no heirs. Robert and Louisa would help found the Masons and the Order of the Eastern Star. Both societies have chapters in Monroe that still bear their names. Robert would die during the Civil War in 1862. Louisa would outlive her entire family. On February 4th, 1882, almost two months after her brother, Louisa Lamy McGuire died at her home in Monroe. Her obituary stated, “It would be folly, in a short obituary, to give even a meager part of her eventful life-a life sparkling with acts of kindness, full of charity for suffering humanity and ever evincing a warm and generous heart for orphanage.”

Part of Louisa's legacy, stipulated www.laroadtrips.com

in her will, was her husband's law office and books. They were given to the city of Monroe for use as a public library.

Unfortunately, nothing was done at the time to carry out her wishes. Around 1915, Judge A.A. Gunby stumbled across Louisa's will in the courthouse and found her bequest. After further investigation, it was found the former law office on Wood Street was being used to store coal! It was immediately cleaned out and a group was formed to bring a library to Monroe. On May 8, 1916, Louisa Lamy McGurie's wish finally came true; Monroe's first public Library opened in the little house on Wood Street.

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

Hit the Road

Sacred Treasures Big Cedar Lodge and Silver Dollar City captures Ozark's beauty and craftsmanship

By Deborah Burst Exploring the Missouri Ozarks I stroll along Table Rock Lake waiting for the perfect sunset shot. A pinkish glow drops low across the water as the marina lights shimmer on the wavy lake. In the eastern sky a silver moon peeks above the trees while a blur of bats dive for their evening meal. It's a Thoreau moment, pristine forests, streams, lakes, fish and wildlife offer the same treasures once worshipped by the Osage Indians who first discovered this unspoiled beauty.

Deep inside the wooded hallows of the Ozark Mountains rests Big Cedar Lodge, a 47acre resort nestled on an 800-acre estate owned by the Bass Pro Shop properties. The resort overlooks Table Rock Lake, a perfect companion for fisherman and a wide assortment of water sports with complimentary canoes and paddle boats. Boat rentals, fishing supplies, jet skiing, waterskiing, tubing and wakeboarding is available at the Bent Hook Marina. Or enjoy a relaxing champagne ride on the luxurious Goin' Jessi, a replica of the vintage Chris Craft wooden runabouts of the 1930s.

One of my favorite activities was horseback riding led by a charming cowboy along a wooded trail rimmed with creek beds and towering bluffs. The stable also offers pony rides for kids ten and under, carriage rides around the grounds, campfire wagon tours, and a winter holiday lights tour with bonfire, s'mores and hot chocolate.

The property boasts premium cuisine with casual dining on the patio of Truman Coffee & Café, refined elegance in the Worman House, southern cooking at the Devil's Pool Restaurant and barbeque with nightly entertainment at the Buzzard Bar. Chris Anderson and Clay Self share the stage on different nights and both provide entertainment at company picnics with cover songs from progressive country to classic rock.

Just 15 miles away, Dogwood Canyon Park brings guests deep inside the Ozarks.

Travel by tram, bus or horseback and witness the canyon floor, towering bluffs and covered bridges. A scene so romantic many couples choose Dogwood Canyon to share their wedding vows in a rustic 1800-style chapel overlooking a waterfall. Those seeking a little

more adventure can book a group cattle drive with or without overnight camping. Canyon cookouts are the perfect venue for company picnics and family reunions or hop on the wildlife tram for a close look at elk, longhorn cattle and American Bison. Cast a line into the spring-fed waters and reel in rainbow trout, take a guided fishing trip or enroll in a fly casting clinic.

Between Big Cedar Lodge and the city of Branson, Silver Dollar City ignites old fashioned American ideals for the entire family. The National Harvest Festival (September 10 through October 29) hosts more than 100 visiting craftsmen with live demonstrations. Moccasins, woodcarvings, quilting, heirloom seeds, oil paintings and custom knives are just a few goods crafted on site and available for sale.

The theme park provides year round fun with more than 30 high powered rides including five roller coasters for multi-looping thrills. If you prefer something more down to earth, visit many of the resident entertainment and craft booths. Learn the art of making lye soap or watch Violet Hensley, in her mid 90s, whittle a fiddle. The glass

blowing factory is an open stage creating freestyle glasswork and a store next door stocked with an exquisite display of vases, plates and ornaments.

After working up an appetite, stop at Molly's Mill for an old-fashioned country meal. Load up with double-battered fried chicken, skillet succotash and finish it off with hot apple dumplings topped with homemade ice cream. End the day sitting under the stars in a natural amphitheater surrounded by trees and watch the nation's only live stage version of Great

American Country Nights.

Discover the magic of the Ozarks just as the Osage people and make peace with nature. Throughout Big Cedar grounds waterfalls and flowing streams capture the same rustic beauty that captivated settlers and visitors centuries ago. Nearby Silver Dollar City presents centuries of craft making along with 21st century thrills and frills. No matter the season, couples, families, company groups or just a weekend with your pals, Big Cedar Lodge and Silver Dollar City has something for everyone.

And for those who enjoy the city life, Branson, only eight miles away, hosts Las Vegas style shows with big-brand names. See Mona's article for more details.

Big Cedar Lodge, www.bigcedar.com, 1-800-225-6343 Silver Dollar City, www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com, 1-800-475-9370 Dogwood Canyon, www.dogwoodcanyon.com, 414-779-5983 Louisiana Road Trips

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Deborah Burst, freelance writer and photographer, lives and writes in the piney woods of Mandeville. After a 30year stint in banking, she graduated from Tulane in 2003. Her work has appeared in regional, national, and international publications.

A personal translator blessed with an emotional art form, Deb discovers the food, culture, and people along the backroads each month in Louisiana Road Trips.

Branson

Where Music Resonates Through the Ozarks

By Mona L. Hayden

Relax and be entertained. That's exactly what happens in Branson. No matter what your age, you'll discover so much to see and do here that you'll want to stay just a little longer!

Aptly named The Live Music Show Capital of the World, Branson boasts many of the most recognized names in the business, playing limited engagements. Several entertainers taking stage in the next few months include The Oak Ridge Boys, The Gatlin Brothers, Louise Harrison's (Beatle George Harrison's sister) Liverpool Legends, Andy Williams & Ann-Margaret, Tony Roi Elvis Experience, Paul Revere & The Raiders. If you like comedy, be sure to see Tim Conway & Friends, Vicki Lawrence And Mama (a twowoman show), and 3 Redneck Tenors.

Some things never change in Branson such as The Baldknobbers, the 'show that started it all' back in 1959, who are still performing country music and comedy with 2nd and 3rd generations of the Mabe family.

The Presley's Country Jubilee, where four generations perform nightly, is another very popular longstanding show.

Grab tickets to see The Twelve Irish Tenors, one of the hottest productions anywhere, or the Shoji Tabuchi Show unbelievable! JEERK is another fascinating performance that'll have you on the edge of your seat JEERK as Sweden' top rhythm artists transform everyday objects into musical instruments. This month and next, Louise Mandrell and Lee Greenwood share a stage while Johnny Mathis performs his medley of hits. Hooray for Hollywood features 50 years of song and dance as Elvis Tribute Artist Joseph Hall stars in a full production with special effects. Tickets for Comedian Todd Oliver even include a picnic lunch! Other artists and entertainers you'll want to see include Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction, Circle B Supper Show, SIX, The Legend of Kung Fu, and The Platters and Bill Haley's Original Comets. To catch the holiday spirit, enjoy the Andy Williams Christmas Show and also Christmas with the Lennon Sisters.

With more than 50 live performance

outlet malls throughout the city are theatres, Branson actually has more theatre seats than Broadway! That statistic is guaranteed to cater to your every whim. impressive enough but there's even more at As we move towards the Fall season, this affordable and family-friendly brilliant foliage and cooler days in the destination. How about three pristine lakes Ozarks are worth the trip itself to Branson but Lake Taneycomo (one of the best tailwater trout the outdoor music festivals and arts and fisheries in the U.S.), Table Rock Lake, and Bull crafts add to the allure. Ziplines, hiking and Shoals Lake - for fishing biking trails, and the southern and water sports? Or With more than 50 live Missouri temperate climate perhaps the twelve make it ideal for those wanting to performance theatres, enjoy fresh mountain air and championship golf Branson actually has courses pique your tranquil lake waters. Golfers will more theatre seats interest. Without a be delighted with the views of doubt, the entire family the Ozarks and some of the than Broadway! will enjoy the awardMidwest's best pro shops. winning theme and water parks.

Starting in mid-September, the hilly Branson is centrally located in the U.S., backdrop becomes illuminated with the rustic making it easily accessible by car for a large colors of Autumn through November, making portion of the country. With the new Branson driving and boat tours a popular pastime.

Airport and the Springfield-Branson CNN Travel has recognized Lake Taneycomo National Airport just 50 miles away, you can as one of '8 Spectacular Foliage Cruises' in easily get away for a long weekend or an the country. Many other agree as accolades extended vacation. The recent merger of pour in with the changing seasons.

AirTran into Southwest Airlines offer more In November, as Branson puts on its flights into both airports for additional finest for the holidays, the city lights up with savings and elaborate convenience. Book a displays and 5-star hotel, a themed live condo, or stay in a shows making cabin, B&B, or go it a Christmas camping. There's fantasyland. plenty of room to The Branson spread out and relax Landing area here. with waterfront The best part shopping and about Branson is outlet malls that you can come specifically to with over 300 enjoy dining and shows or have an actionoutlet shops allow you to easily check off your filled time riding go-carts, playing miniature Christmas list beneath twinkling lights and golf, touring the numerous historical festive music. Gift your loved ones with museums and wineries, splashing in the homespun handmade treasures they're sure to water parks, and strolling the historic cherish by Ozark craftsmen who have honed downtown district. Let magicians dazzle you their skills to a fine art. and the interactive Breathtaking beauty experience of the Titanic aside, the Ozarks simply thrill you. See the overflow with infamous College of the hospitality and charm Ozarks, ride the Branson and Branson always Scenic Railway, or just welcomes you like shop, shop, and shop family. Best of all is the some more. The new value of your visit. As a waterfront Branson guest, you're well fed Landing's boutiques and and entertained while storefronts and the

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Branson

continued making memories of a lifetime. Their genuine interest in your comfort and enjoyment during your stay is top priority of the theatres and entertainers, shopkeepers, restaurant staff, and all of Branson. In fact, the bar is set so high that it's almost unsurpassed in the industry.

One thing's for sure, you won't go hungry in Branson!

The variety of restaurants range from fine dining to fast food and everything in between. The weather is usually so nice that you'll want to enjoy a couple meals outdoors, maybe even on the water.

One restaurant not to miss is Andy William's Moon River Grill (andywilliams.com), serving American cuisine using his mother's recipes. The restaurant also displays a vast collection of world class art including several Andy Warhol's from Mr. William's private collection. Another top shelf dining experience is dinner at Hiltons of Branson

Level 2 Steakhouse, serving aged corn fed Midwest beef that's just delectable. Be sure to try the lobster egg noodles and cheese! You also have a choice of five distinctive steak knives to enjoy your meal with.

The Hiltons of Branson (hiltonsofbranson.com) is conveniently located in the heart of Historic Downtown on Lake Taneycomo, just minutes from theatres, outlet malls and golf courses.

Other

nearby attractions include Silver Dollar City, White Water, and Showboat Branson Belle (email Lisa Rau at lrau@silverdollarcity.com for details on all three attractions). After a full day of activities, take in a show, drop by a comedy

club, or visit over drinks with friends, new and old. With the nearby lakes, enjoy a moonlit cruise or stroll.

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau can help plan your trip. Call 1-800296-0463 for assistance. Visit http://www.explorebranson.com/shows for the current shows.

Louisiana Art & Folk Festival, Columbia Come join us on Main Street in historic downtown Columbia on October 8, 2011 for the 56th Louisiana Art and Folk Festival. Fine artists highlight stained glass, pottery, paintings and other original artworks in our Art District.

Folklife demonstrations of days gone by include quilting, cooking on an open campfire (turnip greens and cornbread), as well as Martin Homeplace's wood stove cooking. There will be a variety of demonstrations throughout the day.

Adding to the excitement is an array of music. The Community Choir, Elvis, the Community Band, and the Mike McKenzie Band will be performing. The Briefcase Blues, a live musical showband and revue based on the “Blues Brothers” characters, have been performing for 25 years and will be performing at the festival.

After visiting the various craft tables, enjoy the children's activity tent with a petting zoo on the riverwalk.

Treat yourself to a great lunch at one of the food booths on the festival grounds.

Admission is $3 for adults. For more information, contact the Caldwell Parish Chamber of Commerce, (318) 649-0726. Booth space is available.

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Louisiana in the Civil War

September 1861: The Louisiana Tigers

By Terry Jones LieutenantColonel Charles de Choiseul (“shwahzool”) was not a happy man in September 1861. A well educated French Creole, he had been ordered to take temporary command of Major Roberdeau Wheat's 1st Special Battalion while Wheat recovered from a serious wound. This battalion was one of the most unruly units in the Virginia army and few people wanted to associate with it.

Wheat's men were a potpourri of high society lawyers, merchants and planters' sons, and low life pickpockets, gamblers, and thieves. One company, the Tiger Rifles, adopted the colorful Zouave uniform and was said to have been recruited from New Orleans' jails.

Several Louisiana regiments made headlines for drunkenness and rioting but Wheat's Battalion became the most notorious.

It created so much mayhem in Virginia that it soon became known as the Tiger Battalion, probably in reference to the Tiger Rifles company.

Civilians and soldiers alike came to fear the battalion. One Alabaman wrote that the men were “adventurers, wharf-rats, cutthroats, and bad characters generally.”

Another soldier admitted, “I was actually afraid of them, afraid I would meet them somewhere and that they would do me like they did Tom Lane of my company; knock me down and stamp me half to death.”

Within six months after arriving in Virginia, the battalion's misdeeds included a drunken street brawl in Lynchburg, a rockthrowing fight with a Kentucky regiment, and a nasty incident in which ten members of the Tiger Rifles took on an entire company of Georgians when the Georgians ran off with their whiskey bottle.

Although the vast majority of Louisiana's soldiers sent to Virginia were decent men,

there were enough camp, the 12,000 Louisiana criminals mixed in to give Tigers proved to be among the all a bad reputation. The best fighters in the Virginia good were lumped in with army. When their ammunition the bad and, because ran out at Second Bull Run they Wheat's Tiger Battalion refused to retreat and began was so infamous, all of the throwing rocks at the Yankees; state's 12,000 soldiers they were the only Confederates serving in Virginia became to break the Union line at Some of the 126 Louisiana Tigers known as the Louisiana Gettysburg; and the Tigers killed at Antietam. Another 478 were possibly saved Robert E. Lee's Tigers. wounded (Library of Congress).

Not long after army from destruction at Colonel de Choiseul assumed command of Spotsylvania by holding their position after Wheat's Battalion trouble began the enemy overran other Confederate units. when, as he said, “the whole set The Louisianians fought in every major battle got royally drunk.” An inebriated in the Virginia theater and suffered appalling soldier tried to shoot the colonel's casualties. When Lee surrendered at orderly and another beat and Appomattox after four years of war there robbed one of the battalion's were only 373 Tigers still on duty. washerwomen. That night several Today, the Tigers' name lives on. In the men tried to free some of the prisoners de early 1900s, Louisiana State University's Dr. Choiseul had placed in the guard house and a Charles E. Coates was trying to decide on a wild free-for-all led to several more men being name for the football team. After being told placed under arrest. that the Louisiana Tigers were the toughest set The next day the situation exploded. of men who ever lived, he chose them as his When de Choiseul ordered a sergeant to his mascot. Contrary to popular belief, the LSU quarters for impudence, a comrade walked up Tigers are not named for a ferocious feline but and began defending the sergeant. De for Louisiana's most famous Civil War Choiseul ordered him to the guard house, but soldiers. the man refused to go. Furious, the colonel Dr. Terry L. Jones is a professor of history at the knocked him to the ground twice but he still University of Louisiana at Monroe and has published six books on the American Civil War. refused to leave. By then, a menacing crowd had gathered around de Choiseul, who was mounted on his horse. The colonel fingered his pistol and warned he would shoot the first man who “raised a finger.” De Choiseul wrote that a “big double fisted ugly looking fellow came at me & said 'God damn you, shoot me.'” De Choiseul drew his pistol and shot him point blank in the face. “He turned as I fired & [I] hit him in the cheek, knocking out one upper jaw tooth & two lower ones on the other side & cutting his tongue.” The others quickly retreated from the obviously dangerous colonel, and De Choiseul never had any more problems with the men.

Although often ill-behaved in

There were enough criminals mixed in to give all a bad reputation.

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Celebrating Cajun Roots

By Cheré Coen A few years before the English settled at Jamestown, a group of French immigrants landed in what is now the Maritime Provinces of Canada. They called their land “Acadie” or “Acadia” and thus became known as Acadians. The land switched back and forth between France and England over the years but the Acadians remained neutral, wishing only to farm their land.

Beginning in 1755, the English rounded up the peaceful Frenchspeaking farmers, burned their homes and sent them into exile throughout the 13 American Colonies, the Caribbean, England and France. After years in poverty, many made their way to Louisiana, which was under Spanish rule at the time and a welcoming government to Catholic settlers. Here in the Bayou State, they regrouped and started anew.

Acadians in Louisiana are called “Cajuns” because when the Americans took over Louisiana in 1803, they heard them called by their nickname “Cadjin” (pronounced “Cod-jen”), short for Acadian (pronounced “A-Cod-Ee-En”).

To top off the year, the Grand Réveil Acadien, or Great Acadian Awakening, will be Oct. 7-16 with events scattered throughout South Louisiana, sponsored by Louisiane-Acadie. The idea is to “awaken” the pride of being Cajun and help maintain this unique heritage, culture, food and language.

Grand Reveil Acadien events include an opening ceremony in New Orleans, the port of entry for exiled Acadians finding a new home in Louisiana; unveiling of the Acadian Deportation Cross Monument (a sister monument of the one in Nova Scotia) in Houma; Voice of the Wetlands Festival; marsh restoration; genealogy

Louisiana Road Trips

workshops and family reunions; Cajun French Music Association dance workshops and music; visits along the Boudin Trail in Lake Charles; la Fete de Famille; Festivals Acadiens et Creole; and French Mass and Closing Ceremonies of a Grand Procession featuring all the unique Cajun celebrations. For more information, contact Ray Trahan at (337) 288-2681 or visit www.gra2011.org and www.louisianeacadie.com.

Cheré Coen is the author of “Exploring Cajun Country: A Tour Through Historic Acadiana” and the blog “Have Book, Will Travel, Let's Eat” at http://havebookswilltravelletseat.blogspot.com.

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IN THE CR SSHAIRS

By Sonny Harrington

Sighting in Your Rifle The season is upon us. If you haven't already sighted in your rifle, now would be a good time to start. Did you spend the last few months practicing your marksmanship skills with a .22 cal rifle? Did you glean information from all your friends on 'what is the perfect caliber'?

That's a whole different subject so instead, let's talk about sighting in.

Has your barrel been cleaned from last year's hunt? Did you clean it in the direction the bullet goes? Some semiautomatics won't allow that but it's the first choice. Cleaning from the chamber end also helps you not to rub the side of the crown off in the process. If you don't know, the crown is the part of the barrel where the bullet leaves, the very tip. The barrel is going to twist this bullet and spit it out in a spiral spin like a quarterback throwing a pass.

Sighting in with iron sights is simple. Move the back sight in the direction you want the bullet to go. Do the opposite with the front sight if it's adjustable. Case closed.

Scopes, the most accurate sight of all, cost from forty bucks to thousands of dollars. #1: Do not use a scope as a pair of binoculars.

Looking at your buddy on a deer stand 300 yards away is not in his best health interest. If fact, don't look at anything you don't mind putting a hole in. #2: Regarding pellet guns, do not put a nice expensive scope on one unless its rated for air rifles as the piston recoil tends to tear them up. #3: Match the gun to the

scope. If you've got a nice expensive rifle, buy a nice expensive scope. Things to consider: power, size, weight, even color, but whoa… light gathering characteristics and paralex?

Does the objective end at 50mm's do it for you? I've got to have that 30mm tube, most of which are made in Europe and cost lots more. I can hunt all night with one of those but legally, you've got 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.

However, it's VERY important to be able to see horns and size or in a worst case scenario: “I see a large rooting dark object a few hundred yards away.

Looks like a hog (I'm not Jewish - this might be good!) or is it a bear?” Unless you feel like donating lots of money to the State or losing your hunting privileges and replacing a bear, remember target identification (could be a test question somewhere).

Paralex - GOOGLE it and you'll know more than I do. All I know is if you hold the scope perfectly still and move your head around, the cross hairs should move at a minimum on your target. More movement = more paralex = bad bullet placement.

Type of cross hair is a personal preference. Some have BDC's (bullet drop compensators) calibrated for a particular caliber. Good luck with that. I'm getting off track, back to sighting in… It is imperative that the base and rings that hold your scope to the gun are secured and tightened. Big magnums might need some Loc-Tite.

Bore sighting the scope. Ideally, remove the bolt looking down an 'empty' barrel and align the sights with the target. Sand bag and place the gun in a padded vice. 1/1000th of an inch off is multiplied greatly at 100 yards. Or use one of the new bore sighter tools you slip into the barrel, dial the scope in, and save a lot

Don't look at anything you don't mind putting a hole in.

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of ammo. Another tool used is the laser bore sighter. Takes all the fun out. Just remember to remove the tool before shooting. With all this done, good rest, good ammo, clean barrel, bore sighted so at least you hit the paper at 25 yards.

Now pay attention: line of sight and bullet trajectory are two different things. One is straight, the other is the bullet. You will normally want the bullet strike an inch or so low at 25 yards, the reason is your scope is mounted higher than the barrel. Then the bullet takes an arcing path and you'll want a strike of oh, two inches at 100 yards and it will begin to drop and be on at 200 yards. This is typical. Remember, I'm getting you in the ballgame with this information as there are five dozen different calibers and trajectories but this will get you close. Most scopes have _” clicks at 100 yards. That's 16 clicks at 25 yards, 4 clicks at 100 yards. Too complicated? Want to save some ammo and your shoulder? Some big belted magnums are $5 a shot or more and I'm not plinkin with that!

Try sand bagging or using the padded vice and shooting the rifle at a 25 yard target. Now without moving anything while you hold the cross hairs, have your buddy gently move the adjustment til the cross hairs are on the bullet strike. Two shots and you're sighted in.

Remember you want to be low at 25, 2” high at 100, and dead on at 200. As I write this, it's 104 degrees outside and your barrel heats up if you shoot too fast. More factors to consider. Hope I've helped.

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

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Life is a Song Jimmy Carr's Lyrical Review

By Mona L. Hayden A nationally acclaimed blues, country, and gospel songwriter and producer, Jimmy Carr, has come a long way from setting the high jump record in 1966 in Franklin Parish, and living his Nashville Songwriters Dream for the better part of two decades. He has since semi-retired and returned to Louisiana to spend time with his aging mom. With his business associates and most of his friends in Nashville, Jimmy still writes songs and enjoys producing other artists from around the country.

Recognizing his talent in twisting words to form lyrics, Jimmy began studying the professionals in Songwriter Magazine to learn the profession. Then he started writing about what he knew best - Louisiana.

After all, his grandmother was Gov. Jimmie Davis' babysitter so his roots run deep in the state.

One of his first songs, Catahoula Cur Dog, based on the Louisiana State Catahoula Leopard Dog, has become a classic country hit on several albums released worldwide and has become a legacy to some degree. “As a cowriter and producer of that song, I am very pleased to see it still out there selling after being released 27 years ago,” says Carr.

Jimmy talks about the competitiveness of songwriters in Nashville. “When you hear something that sounds like great song titles, you 1. 1803 cut your 2. Andrew Jackson eyes 3. Pontabla around the 4. The Myrtles

of Jukebox Junkie, and Mac “The Fireman” table to see if anybody else heard the hook.”

Vickery. One of Jimmy's latest songs, Bodan's He further explains, “The hook is usually where a song takes root before it is written, but Home, is about an old spook house out near the Four Forks Community in Richland Parish down here in Louisiana, it's about catching a and is performed by Billy Ray and Miley fish.” One time Jimmy was sitting at a table Cyrus' cousin, Bobby Cyrus, who Jimmy says with an unknown country artist at the time is like family to him. In fact, Jimmy usually named Tim McGraw, when a comment was makes the Cyrus Family Reunion each year made about a beautiful woman singing on and September Fest in Bobby's hometown. stage. At the time Jimmy made the remark, Also featured “She don't do nothing for me so on Bobby's she must be doing it for album are somebody else,” because his wife songs and had just filed for divorce. “I was vocal kinda into woman hating that performances night,” Jimmy says. Later, a song

by Billy Ray was written and then cut by Cyrus and none other than Country Music Country Legend Hank Williams Jr. on his Music “Wham Bam Sam” album.

Legend, Tom Many of Jimmy's song T. Hall as well have been recorded by the likes as other hit of Hank Williams Jr., Ken Sonny Shroyer & Jimmy Carr writers.

Mellons, Gene In the past, Jimmy has appeared as a Simmons, and Sonny at the infamous Gilley's Nightclub regular Shroyer, who played the and the 16 Track Lounge at The Hall of Fame dipstick deputy “Enos” in Hotel on Music Row, plus a host of other The Dukes of Hazzard notable nightclubs in Printer's Alley. He has television series on CBS and performed for the Reunion of Professional now on CMT. Jimmy and Entertainers (ROPE) whose membership Sonny became instant friends and collaborated on a record project as includes well known Grand Ole Opry greats, advocates for abused children. One of Jimmy's and is also recognized for his video and ad creations in LA and TN markets. songs, Mary Jane Doe, was cut and released Throughout both good and bad times,

by Sonny and was very effective in bringing Jimmy has found that God has been by his side attention to child abuse throughout the and never gave up on him in spite of his many country. Sonny played a child abusing father shortcomings. Jimmy now gives credit to the in “I'll Fly Away” and it bothered him so one he feels deserves all the credit, Jesus Christ, much he decided to help fight the problem. in a self-published pamphlet called God's Still the closest of friends, Sonny refers to Secret to Being Loved and Accepted. He is Jimmy as “Just a Great American”. quick to point out, “This book comes from Jimmy Carr has also performed as a singer/songwriter on K-TEL Records experiences taught me by the school of hard International. His tribute to Elvis, “Birth To a knocks, and I paid dearly for every lesson I Legend; Goodbye to a Friend,” was acclaimed learned.” by “Hoss” Logan (who originally signed Elvis Jimmy Carr's company, Carrtunes, LLC, in the Louisiana Hayride) as the 'best Elvis is positioned to become a major resource for Tribute ever written, bar none'. The tribute Louisiana songwriters and singers. “Our goal was released in 1978 and also appears on the is to produce top quality professional music Elvis Mania Collection with stars such as for talented people without the major Merle Haggard, Leon Russell, Conway Twitty, expenses charged in Nashville.” Investment Jerry Lee Lewis, Ricky Nelson, Faron Young, opportunities are available. If interested, Patti Page, and a host of others. Carr has please contact Carrtunes, LLC at (318) 581also co-written songs with friends like 9028, or at P.O. Box 235, Baskin, Louisiana Gene Simmons who penned such hit songs 71219. as Indian Outlaw, and Jerry Cupit, writer

“The hook is usually where a song takes root before it is written.”

ouisiana Answers …

5. The green tree frog 6. Avoyelles 7. Driskell Mountain, 535 feet 8. Rayne 9. 1795 10. Sugar State, Creole State, Pelican State, Bayou State

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ALL THINGS SOUTHERN

By Shellie Tomlinson

Out of Gas Hello folks, it's always nice to visit with LA Road Trip readers.

Have a seat and let's chat...~smile~ I found it while reading an article online, but it wasn't the first time I'd seen it. Once again, someone had used the spelling d-a-w-g to refer to a southerner's pronunciation of the three letter word for canine. My immediate reaction was to take offense. I don't talk like that and no one I

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

know talks like that. However, when I tried to pronounce d-o-g with a short “o” sound, I laughed out loud. Okay, maybe I do say it that way but if I may use the childish but effective argument that once served me so well when debating my sisters, “So?” (I've personally refrained from saying d-o-g to run a little test. If you can make it rhyme with cog, chances are you aren't from around here.)

The truth is the four-legged friends I have now are dawgs and the ones I had growing up were dawgs, which just happens to offer me a perfectly legitimate segue into the story I wanted to tell 'ya…

The day I have in mind we kids were working in the field next to our house with Papa. One of our city cousins, known to family as Little Stan, was spending a week of his summer vacation at our house. To

my sisters and my eternal consternation, these kids always thought joining us in the fields was part of the fun. Go figure.

Papa was fueling up a piece of equipment when one of our old dogs began licking up some of the gasoline that had accidentally spilled on the ground. Papa hollered and shooed him out of it and that dog took off running like he'd been shot out of a canon. Then, just like that he stopped on a dime and lay down right there in the field.

Little Stan was quick to point this out.

“Look, Uncle Ed! He's just laying there.

What 'cha reckon is wrong with him?” To which Papa replied. “Well, isn't it obvious, son? The poor thing has run slap out of gas.”

The moral of my story (for those who need one) is that the obvious answer is not always the best one. ~Hugs, Shellie

Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival The 7th annual Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival will be held Saturday, October 15th at the American Legion Hall and surrounding areas of Forsythe Park on the banks of the beautiful Ouachita River and in the historic Garden District of Monroe.

The festival is free to the public and once again co-hosted by The Humane Society Adoption Center of Monroe and “Festival Headquarters” - Enoch's Irish Pub & Cafe.

Enjoy performances and workshops by worldrenowned Celtic musicians, scholars and storytellers as well as many regional artists and performers, demonstrations of traditional and contemporary Irish dance, a children's stage and activities, Celtic wares, visiting Scottish clans, athletic exhibitions,

authentic food and beverage, and much more. As Louisiana's cultural heritage is vast, festival attendees will see creative elements such as Celtic Meets Bluegrass and Delta Blues music sessions, soccer and cricket matches between international community groups, and folkways exhibitions such as blacksmithing, boatbuilding, and instrument making.

Many volunteers, civic organizations and sponsors also participate by hosting at the festival and presenting satellite events at regional libraries, schools and universities, senior centers, concert venues, museums, etc. Visit www.nelacelticfest.org or www.enochsirishpub.com for details on events and information on this year's lineup, travel resources, and how to get involved. Sláinte! (To your health!)

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SIGNIFICANT INCOME POTENTIAL Full Time / Part Time Memphis company adding team members to promote ship-to-door food business.

Must have computer.

Email:

great.income@yahoo.com

Springhill Lumberjack Festival This year's festival promises two days of great family fun!

Kicking off on Friday, October 7 at noon and continuing through Saturday at the Frank Anthony Park, 301 Church Street in Springhill.

Entertainment for opening ceremonies on Friday will be the North Webster high School 'Marching Band of Armour'. Local entertainers will perform outside throughout the day. Headlining at 7pm is country artist J.J. Johns, a European chart-busting star from Silves, Portugal.

On Saturday at 10am, don't miss the Lumberjack Festival Parade as it rolls down Historic Main Street. Registrations for the antique car, truck, motorcycle, and tractor shows begin at 9am with the show ending at 3pm. Trophies and plaques will be awarded in various categories. For parade or car show details, call Jan Corrales at 318-5395699. For tractor show, call James Burns at (870) 859-5750.

Other activities include Volunteer Firefighters Competition at noon when 'the other men with axes' compete to showcase skills to save lives and property. Kids Korner will be loads of fun with art projects, jumpy castles, rock wall, and carnival rides. Enjoy the festival include wood carvers, photo contest, pet show, arts & crafts, and great food booths!

Saturday's live entertainment beginning at 11am is Springhill's own 'Radio Tower'. Throughout the day, groups like 'The Rescue Mission' from Fayetteville, AR and 'Irene and the Sleepers' will perform. Headlining Saturday is 'Reaux Chambeaux', talented musicians returning again this year. Welcome back!

Don't miss music great MARK CHESNUTT at 8pm at The Pineywoods Palace. A Beaumont, TX native, Chesnutt has served up

Louisiana Road Trips

14 No. 1 hits, 23 Top 10 singles, 4 platinum albums, and 5 gold records.

Hear 'Bubba Shot the Jukebox', 'Blame it on Texas', 'Old Country', 'It Sure is Monday', 'Going Through the Big D', and so many more.

Tickets are $35 for reserved seating and $25 for general admission.

Tickets go on sale Friday, August 26 and can be purchased by calling Jill at (318) 465-3989.

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New Orleans Plantation Country Has a Story to Tell. So Will You!

By Jay A. Tusa, Executive Director, River Parishes Tourist Commission New Orleans Plantation Country is home to some of the most beautiful and famous plantation homes in the country, but it is their

unique stories and fascinating differences that truly make them each worthy of a visit. When you visit any of our nine magnificent plantations, you'll hear real stories about the people who lived here English sugar barons, Creole women, slaves and soldiers - each with their own perspective. You'll see artifacts, read stories and touch history - from the grand ballrooms to the impoverished slave cabins. Swamp tours, mouth-watering cuisine and a feast of festivals weave their magic into your adventure as well.

Along the winding River Road between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, this unforgettable journey offers a unique look into the past. Visit slave cabins at Evergreen Plantation or Laura: A Creole Plantation where the “Tales of Br'er Rabbit” originated. See the alley of 300-year old oaks and talk to “the Colonel” about the War Between the States at Oak Alley Plantation. Houmas House Plantation and Gardens features breathtaking gardens and Latil's Landing Restaurant.

Destrehan Plantation and San Francisco Plantation provide excellent educational tours.

Ormond Plantation features unique West Indies

architecture, Poché Plantation is the state's only RV resort, and St. Joseph Plantation is still a working sugar plantation.

Go from grandeur to the great outdoors with an exhilarating tour into our mysterious swamps. Knowledgeable, fearless guides will take you into the swamps for an up-close experience with Louisiana wildlife and wetlands. A variety of styles from covered pontoons to racing airboats are available for swamp-seeing.

Once you've worked up an appetite, you'll savor world renowned Louisiana cuisine.

From mom-and-pop local eateries to five-star fine dining, a delicious culinary adventure is as much of the experience as our attractions.

Festivals throughout the year offer additional entertainment and even dining options!

Please visit our website for our events calendar and additional details to plan your trip today.

Wherever your journey in New Orleans Plantation Country takes you, storytellers will captivate you - and you'll leave with your own stories to tell!

NewOrleansPlantationCountry.com

Miss-Lou Celebrates America Area Pays Tribute to 9/11 Victims There's nothing more American than sitting outside a scenic venue listening to patriotic music performed by a full orchestra and talented singers. People in the Miss-Lou region will have that opportunity from 68pm on September 11, 2011. The performance, Miss-Lou Celebrates America, will pay tribute to those who lost their lives on that fateful day and marks the tenth anniversary of terror attacks on American soil. The event is free to attend and is co-sponsored by the cities of Natchez, MS, Vidalia and Ferriday LA, and The Natchez Festival of Music. Mayors from each of the sponsoring cities will speak at this event.

A military color guard will be present for the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, while a patriotic hot air balloon tethers near the venue. The event will be emceed by Sam Haskell with over 100 church choir members from both sides of the river performing with the St. Joseph Orchestra and St. Joseph Jazzers. Also performing will be well-known recording artists, Mary Donnelly Haskell, and two other local soloists.

Soft drinks, water, and small American flags will be available for purchase at the Amphitheatre, with proceeds going toward the 2012 music festival season. Take the family out to enjoy this wonderful event, bring folding chairs or blankets, and arrive early to get a good spot.

Show your support for the families who suffered the loss of loved ones during this tragic time in American life.

HANDICAPPED PARKING AVAILABLE • SHUTTLE SERVICE by the VIDALIA CONVENTION CENTER from all areas on the RIverfront available

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A LIFE OF TRIAL…AND ERROR

By Dennis Stewart

I Was Raised In North Louisiana But I Think I Turned Out OK One recent night I was sitting in my underwear in my recliner, considering whether to sue the brewer of a certain Mexican beer for basing its ad campaign “the most interesting man in the world” on me without paying me any compensation (you know the ads, “when he's in Rome, they do as he does”, “if he pats you on the back, you list it on your resume”) when two shows appeared back to back on the Documentary Channel, both of which I felt were somewhat derogatory toward north Louisiana.

The first show was about New Orleans and Acadiana but when they asked some Cajun how he would describe north Louisiana, he replied, “North Louisiana is Arkansas but without the charm.” Ouch. The very next show was called “The Invisible Girlfriend”, about some fellow from Monroe who believes that Joan of Arc is his transparent girlfriend. The show followed a guy's bicycle journey from Monroe to New Orleans. The images along the part of his journey through north Louisiana were somewhat grim and reminiscent of Easy Rider. They included a cow dying while

Softer than the boll weevils, blowing in the heat [chorus] Interstate 20, Take Me Home, To the Place I was Baptized (Twice, Just to be on the Safe Side) North Louisiana, Tattooed Mama, Take me home, Interstate 20

giving birth, road kill, and not-real-positive depictions of the rural people/hunters he met along the way. Where do they get these shots??

As I was watching these “educational” programs, I began to wonder how come it seems like the rest of the world has a negative attitude toward north Louisiana. Then it hit me. It's all because there has never been a hit song written about north Louisiana.

New Orleans has had a million songs written about it, and Cajun land has had thousands, i.e. “Jambalaya”, “Amos Moses”, et al. But can you name one song about north Louisiana? John Denver wrote two great songs about two great states, Rocky Mountain High (Colorado) and Take Me Home, Country Roads (West Virginia). But as of yet, no one has stepped forward to pen a song about north Louisiana.

Until now.

I admit I'm not much of a songwriter, but someone needs to do it. I don't even know for sure whether you are supposed to write the lyrics first, or the words. To save time, I decided to use the tune from John Denver's “Take Me Home, Country Roads”. Here it is…

There has never been a hit song written about north Louisiana.

All my memories, gathered 'round them Wives and girl friends, strangers to employment Me, broke and lusty, looking on the sly Flat taste of yesterday's beer, redness in my eyes [Repeat chorus] I hear their voice, in the noon hour they call me, The Bar Association reminds me a suspension may not be far away And driving down Interstate 20 I get the feeling That I should have been Baptized one more time, one more time.

[Chorus x 2 (modulates)] Well, that's the best I can do right now. By the way, if the brewer of a certain Mexican beer reads this column, don't think you can steal my song, too.

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.

Almost Arkansas, but lots flatter, Macon Ridge, Ouachita River Life is Tough There, tougher than deer meat,

Beating the Heat in Shreveport

By Su Stella These triple digit summer temps have me feeling like I'm stuck in a 'house cave'. With the fall season coming up, it's time to get out and see something other than my four walls. Let's go to…

The Barnwell Garden and Art Center on Clyde Fant Parkway along the Red River has two ongoing shows: one in the Main Gallery Cory Carlson - "Natural Impressions" and in the Corridor Gallery - Hoover Watercolor Membership Show. Starting September 1 through October 31 in the Wafer Gallery "National Anthems/Patriots Dreams". Check their website for details on the opening reception for this 9/11 inspired show at www.barnwellcenter.com.

Louisiana is chock full of people of the world. The Multi Cultural Center of the South is home to artifacts from 26 of the states cultures. Each room is artfully arranged to

highlight people from Greece, Japan, Scotland and more… See if your ancestors are represented. For details, visit www.mccsouth.org.

ArtSpace is currently featuring a dynamic show with artists Dorothy Kristin Hanna, Dee Dee Hall, and Jonathon Moore.

You can enjoy lunch upstairs in the Café and pick up a souvenir in the gift shop. Find out more at www.artspaceshreveport.com.

Be sure to visit the Karpeles Manuscript Library at 3201 Centenary that houses manuscripts and letter throughout history.

Imagine seeing actual handwritten letters, copies of speeches and notes from some of histories most influential people. Check their website www.karpeles.org for times.

The Meadows Museum along with their permanent collection has temporary shows.

Currently running is Bethany Krull, Selected Ceramic Works from the Series Dominance and Affection, Signal and In Servitude. This

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features unique sculptures that speak of man and animals place in the world. For information visit www.centenary.edu/meadows.

If you prefer sitting in a cool dark place, then see a movie. Robinson Film Center at www.robinsonfilmcenter.org hosts independent, classic and local films. Enjoy a cocktail and snack in their in-house bistro, Abby Singers, before or after the show.

We've recently seen Tornado Alley, Hurricane on the Bayou and Hubble at the IMAX theater at SciPort. You can make a full day by touring the science center, too. Visit www.sciport.org for times and prices.

If the newest and latest movie is your thing, the Regal Theater has all the hits. You can grab a bite, shop or even play mini-golf while you are there. Hopefully these dog days of summer will cool into a perfect autumn.

Enjoy whatever life brings. Peace, Health and Prosperity- S*

www.laroadtrips.com

On the Scene

New Orleans From a Local's Viewpoint Same Character-Half the Price

By Deborah Burst

True, times are tough, but no need to stay home because our politicians can't get their act together. Just need a little creative thinking from a local's point of view. Here's a fun list of freebies and my favorite restaurants downtown, uptown, off the beaten path, and down the streetcar line.

French Quarter/Downtown - Walk Jackson Square and admire the artwork or the Quarter's European architecture. Sit at the Woldenberg Riverfront Park and watch the ships float down the Mississippi. Visit the Historic New Orleans Collection for historical exhibits, and vintage photography.

Take a tour of St. Louis Cathedral or Arnauds Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum. Window shop along Royal Street's art galleries and listen to the street musicians.

On Decatur Street Southern Candymakers offers free samples of homemade pralines.

View the New Orleans skyline from the River via a roundtrip ferry ride. Watch looming at Louisiana Loom Works on Chartres and say hello to the owners and their feline mascots.

Some of my favorite haunts averaging $10-20 entrees. Café Beignet brings three locations serving beignets, breakfast, and sandwiches all day. With a great view of Jackson Square, Stanley's offers premium burgers, sliders, omelettes and old fashioned soda fountain desserts. Popular among locals and tourists, the Gumbo Shop serves Creole cuisine in a historic 18th century building with garden patio. Everyone loves the large po-boys at Johnny's Po-Boys and the Central Grocery world famous muffalettas. Rotollo's on Charters has great prices on pizza, calzones and pitchers of beer. Perfect for couples or families on a budget, Mona Lisa on the lower end of Royal Street serves from a huge Italian menu. Another great family restaurant with Mexican food is Felipe's in the Quarter and Uptown with tasty chips and the super sized burrito.

Faubourg Marigny (across the French Quarter bordering Esplanade Avenue) Frenchman Street hosts a dozen music clubs featuring rock, jazz, blues, reggae with no covers and decent drink prices. For late night munchies hit restaurants 13 Monaghan and La Peniche. Cake Café bakes incredible pastries along with a savory breakfast/lunch menu.

Uptown (Along the Streetcar line) Romantics and bargain hunters will love the St. Charles street car line ($1.25 ride) past the palatial homes. Stop and sip a mint julep on the Columns Hotel porch. Hop off in front of

favorite the shrimp juaha roll. A popular watering hole, The Bulldog has over 50 beers on tap along with tasty pub-grub.

Casamento's is famous for their oyster loaf but check out their hours before you go. A classic neighborhood restaurant, Frankie and Johnny's, serves vintage New Orleans seafood and Italian fare. Hungry for a little more swagger, Joey K's has entries starting at $12. MV serves gourmet burgers but only open on Sundays serving from the popular Slim Goodies Diner with an awesome breakfast and New Orleans cuisine (cash only).

Freret Street is experiencing a foodie renaissance and Dat Dogs is top dog with Polish kielbasa, German bratwurst, Louisiana sausage and beef wieners served on steamed sourdough buns. If you prefer something lighter and different, Tartine Uptown on Perrier St. serves sumptuous pastries, quiche, tartine (open-face sandwich), salads and sandwiches with fresh baked bread.

This is just a sample of my favorites. The websites offer much more by location and price range. Use common sense when touring the city, daytime walking and biking is fine, at night calling a cab is your best bet for long distances. And take the time to observe the magnificent architecture with self-guided tour brochures at the Preservation Resource Center or on their website.

Tulane University and have a picnic lunch at Audubon Park. Further down at St. Charles and Carrollton there's world famous Camellia's Grill, and nearby Cooter Brown's Tavern & Oyster Bar keeps patrons entertained with wall-to-wall television and more than 40 beers on tap. Take the red street car down Canal Blvd. to City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art (very reasonable) with awesome (free) sculpture garden. My all time favorite restaurant is Boucherie on Jeannette St. right off the Carrollton streetcar line featuring Chef Nathanial Zimet's contemporary southern cuisine. A couple blocks over, Tru Burger on Oak St. is a traditional diner that grinds its Deborah Burst, freelance writer and photographer, own beef served on house-made buns with lives and writes in the piney woods of Mandeville. loads of toppings for burgers and hot dogs.

After a 30-year stint in banking, she graduated from Uptown (Magazine Street) - Magazine Tulane in 2003. Her work has appeared in regional, national, and international publications. A personal Street is five blocks off of St. Charles for those translator blessed with an emotional art form, Deb who don't mind a little walk from the discovers the food, culture, and people along the streetcar line. Get your chocolate fix along backroads each month in Louisiana Road Trips. with coffee and pastries at the Sucre Sweet Shop, Tracey's (owners of Parasols moved there) is the best New Orleans list of fifty free activities: neighborhood http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/attractions/fiftyfree restaurant/bar on things.html Magazine Street.

New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tattooed servers add www.neworleanscvb.com to the Bohemian décor Tom Fitzmorris, New Orleans food writer website, of Juan's Flying www.nomenu.com Burrito with pork 'n' Preservation Resource Center, www.prcno.org slaw taco or my

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Should Your Cat Reproduce?

Before you breed your cat, do some research and talk with experienced breeders because it's not as simple as it sounds. You need to be prepared for any situation you encounter. Do you have time to dedicate to breeding? Time spent with new kittens will increase dramatically. Can you afford vaccinating and deworming kittens? If you can't find new homes for the new babies, are you willing to keep them? This means more feeding and more cleaning.

Don't breed your cat for the wrong reasons. Each year about 17 million dogs and cats are turned over to animal shelters and only one out of ten find a home.

Of the rest, some 13.5 million will be destroyed.

Some wrong reasons are breeding because kittens are soooo cute. They grow up quickly and may not be as cute. You want your kids to experience the miracle of birth. You want to sell the kittens. The right reason to breed your cat is to promote a particular breed. Only top quality members of a breed should be used. Make sure kittens have a home even before breeding. After much consideration, you should make the best decision for your family and for your cat.

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BEDS & BEIGNETS

By Mary White

A City's Civil War Past Stretching over It was also the method by which the just 2.5 square miles Confederate armies could by-pass New with a population of Orleans, a Union stronghold at the time, and only 7,605 (according reach the Gulf of Mexico. to the 2000 census) the city of Donaldsonville owns a fascinating history that belies its small size. The area was named after William Donaldson, a wealthy English landowner, and served briefly (1830-1831) as the capital of Louisiana. It was also the site of one of the most significant conflicts to occur during the Civil War: The Battle of Fort Butler.

Donaldsonville is located about 30 miles south of Baton Rouge and sits along the west bank of the mighty Mississippi River. This location by the waterway made Fort Butler Commemorative Site, courtesy of Ascension Parish Tourism Commission the city a valuable target for both the Union and Confederate armies during the In 1862, Union forces captured Civil War. The river and its tributaries were Donaldsonville after U.S. warships under the fastest and most efficient means of the order of Admiral David Farragut transporting troops and supplies at the time. bombarded the city, allowing the army to take over this vital location. President Abraham Lincoln ordered the construction of Fort Butler, a starshaped structure located at the convergence of Bayou Lafourche and the Mississippi River designed to maintain control over this area. The Confederate army, though, was not deterred and in 1863 launched a night attack on the fort that would later be known at The Battle of Fort Butler. It was a bloody battle that saw the Confederacy defeated, allowing Donaldsonville and the waterway to remain under Union control.

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The Battle of Fort Butler was significant for another reason: It is believed to be one of the first Civil War battles involving freed and fugitive slaves. After the takeover of Donaldsonville by the Union army in 1862, many slaves who fled plantations made their way to the city seeking refuge. The Northern army gave them the task of building the large fort and, when it came time to defend it from the Confederate army, many gave their lives in battle. This distinction adds another layer to the city's long legacy.

Today, Donaldsonville is a growing, bustling community with strong ties to its past. The Donaldsonville Historic District, an area of about 50 blocks on the west bank of the Mississippi River, is home to about 640 buildings dating back to the period between 1865 and 1933.

Donna Schexnaydre, a long-time resident of Donaldsonville, has a deep appreciation for the city's history. She is a proprietor of The Victorian on the Avenue (www.BnBFinder.com/VictorianAvenue), an inn located on Railroad Avenue in the Historic District. Built in the 1890's, the Queen Anne-style home was a private, family residence and a photography studio before she and her husband, Kent, transformed it into a bed and breakfast.

According to Donna, the city's rich heritage draws travelers from far and wide.

“We host guests who come specifically to learn about our history,” she said. “Many Europeans visit with us as part of their tour.”

While she is always interested in sharing Donaldsonville's past, she is excited about its future as well including the city's designation this past August as a Cultural District in Louisiana which will provide tax credits to property owners for renovations and tax exemptions for original works of art in the district. “Now artists can come into the community and help change it for the better,” said Donna. And she would know. “I'm an artist, too!”

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

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Planning a Vacation is a Lot of Work!

By Johnny Wink

I'm already worn slap out. I booked my vacation to a resort in Nergil, Jamaica before hunting seasons start. I usually go on vacation right after hunting season but things came up and I didn't make it. I started looking online for a fun place to go. I talked to a travel agent and found this resort on the beach and it has a disco. August is almost too close to hunting season but I've got to have some good stories to tell in the duck blind this year.

This ought to do it.

Now let me tell you what I've gone through already. First, I'm a 52-year-old, overweight, single man going to a place to meet other people and maybe even a Trophy Wife. (I've told you about Trophy Wives and how I've been searching all over the country. Now I'm going to broaden my search out of the country.) Of course, all my friends have had so much advice. Like clothes. I have all the latest camo hunting clothes but none to impress women on an island. I learned that every night there will be a costume party.

That's right. One night is a Toga night, then Jamaican night, PJ night, and well, Mona said I couldn't tell anymore here. I figured I'd look like a nerd (doesn't take too much) so I bought some of these costumes, plus some more goodies.

It's going to be fun dancing in the disco till the wee hours. That meant I had to get some disco clothes. Two young women took me shopping for clothes that would make all Trophy Wives want to dance with me all night long. Every time I'd pick something out, they'd say “not no, but heck no!” Since I don't know the coolest and latest style, I let them pick 'em all out for me. I have to say they did a good job.

I needed shoes to impress the women so I got a pair of Sperry Boat Shoes in case I get on a boat. I also got me a new pair of Crocs but not the camo ones I like but the ones with a little leather on them.

You know, the kind women go wild over. I got these shoes for walking up and down the beach while I'm strutting for them.

Next came sunglasses. I have an old pair of camo sunglasses that work well while I'm on a tractor or

All this just to go on vacation and I haven't 4-wheeler but not for strutting. So I got help and ended up with a pair of Costas. What I left yet. Then the weekend before I leave, me and some friends decided to put up a deer stand in the had to pay for them, the women better get woods for bow season. Well, I sat down too long in line for me. And I had to get a new and got red bugs all over my legs, tummy, and suitcase which cost a bunch but makes me butt, and boy did they itch! Don't forget I'm now look like a seasoned traveler. Also, I had to hairless so you can really see the bites. I didn't get lots of sunscreen. I did find out that I know women didn't like hair. I even have some in can go fishing so that's a good thing. Now that I'm trophy hunting I might not want to my ears. Guess I have to cut them, too.

If I get down there and don't find a Trophy go fishing but it's there if I do.

Wife, I can always find me some worms and get a To top it off, I got some nice clothes to pole and a line and sit on the beach and look cool go out at night in. I also had to get some yoga clothes because I signed up for with all the clothes and stuff I bought for this trip. I bet I'll be the best looking hairless fisherman on the yoga classes. I don't know what I'll do there but the teacher sure looked beach. But just wait till dark comes and the disco opens. I will be the Disco King. Look out Trophy good in the brochure. Then Wives, here I come. somebody told me Trophy Wives like real white teeth so I had to get my teeth real white.

Now I'm a hairy guy. I have a lot of hair all over my body - chest, arms and legs - everywhere except on my head. It keeps me warm during the winter and I like it. It's so manly. But I just found out Trophy Wives want it all cut off or shaved. Anything for her. I tried to get waxed or shaved but couldn't find a place that did that for men so I set out to do it myself. Well, I found out I needed a body trimmer. I tried it but this thing got stuck a few times. Eventually I got it beat down pretty good. It looked like mowed grass with one blade not working. When I told my lady friend about this, she said to get some stuff in a bottle call NEET. You put it on, wipe it off in six minutes and you'll be slick as a baby's behind. I wiped it all over, waited, then jumped in the bathtub to wipe it off and all of a sudden my hair started to float everywhere. That's when I got scared but in the Charming efficient home (1993) on 4+/- VERY SECLUDED end, I'm slick as a acres off Forty Oaks Farm Road in West Monroe. George whistle.

Every night there will be a costume party.

Louisiana Road Trips

Welch/Good Hope school district, great neighborhood.

Lots of extras including barn with concrete floor, above ground pool, 600sf of decks, greenhouse, beautiful mature landscaping with water feature. Backs up to finger of Northwood Lake with abundant wildlife. Large living room, den (could be 3rd bedroom), office, whirlpool tub, plantation shutters throughout, F/P,A wood, laminate & ceramic flooring, security system, built-in bookshelves, great condition. Perfect move-in ready home in the woods!

Room to expand or build additional homes. Best value for your money! $239,000

Contact: monalh@bellsouth.net or (318) 547-1221 – 24 –

www.laroadtrips.com

Calendar of Events

September 2011 Sept 9-11 _____________

Sept 20-25 ____________

Sept 26-30 ____________

Sept 2-3 ______________

Bayou Lafourche Antique Show Thibodaux – 985-413-1147

Sabine Fair & Festival Expo Many – 800-358-7802

Natchitoches Parish Fair 800-259-1714

Cane River Zydeco Festival & Poker Run Natchitoches – 800-259-1714

St. Theresa Bon Ton Festival Sulphur – 337-583-4800

Sept 22-24 ____________

Winn Parish Fair Winnfield – 318-628-2781

Great Southern RV Park Bluegrass Festival Angie – 985-516-4680

Shrimp & Petro Festival Morgan City – 985-385-0703

St. Theresa's Carlyss Cajun BonsTemps Festival St. Theresa's Catholic Church Grounds, Carlyss – (337) -583-4800

Sept 3 ________________

Sept 10 _______________

Drake Salt Works Festival Goldonna – 800-259-1714

Delta Music Festival Vidalia – 318-336-8223

Original SW LA Zydeco Festival Plaisance – 337-942-2392

Celebration of Butterflies Haynesville – 870-234-4910

Sept 22-30 ____________

2011 Port City Classic College football: Grambling State Tigers vs. Alcorn State Braves Independence Stadium, Shreveport (318) 274-2468

2011 Red River Dragon Boat Festival RiverView Park, Downtown Shreveport 318-221-3053

Ark-La-Miss Fair Monroe – 318-329-2225

Sept 2-5 ______________

Sept 3-5 ______________ KC Council 3425 Labor Day Fishing Rodeo Cypremort Point

Fleur-de-lis Fest Mandeville – 985-796-5853

Sept 4 ________________ Creole Zydeco Festival St. Martinville – 888-565-5939

Sept 7-18 _____________ Smokin' Oldies BBQ Cook Off Port Allen – 225-334-2910

Sept 8 ________________ Springhill Lumberjack Festival Springhill – 318-539-5699

Sept 8-10 _____________ Pecan Ridge Bluegrass Festival Jackson – 225-629-5852

Sept 9-10 _____________ Meat Pie Festival Natchitoches – 800-259-1714 Cajun Food Fest Lydia – 337-365-5577 St. Jude Fall Festival Zwolle – 318-315-0104

Sept 22-25 ____________ LA Sugar Cane Festival New Iberia – 888-9-IBERIA

Sept 10-11 ____________ Roasting with Rosie BBQ Festival, Jennings – 337-821-5521

Alligator Festival Luling – 985-785-4545

Sept 28-30 ____________ Bluegrass Festival Oak Grove – 318-428-5282 Tangipahoa Parish Fair Amite – 800-542-7520

Sept 30 _______________ Gallery Promenade Downtown Lake Charles (337) 439-2787

Sept 23-24 ____________ Jim Bowie Festival Vidalia – 318-336-8223 Oktoberfest - Deutsches Haus New Orleans – 504-522-8014

Sept 15-17 ____________ Hickory Grove Bluegrass Weekend Deville – 318-466-5495

LA Chicken Festival Dubach – 318-777-1964 Jim Bowie BBQ Duel Vidalia – 318-336-8223

Sept 16-17 ____________ Good Ol Days Festival Marthaville – 318-472-1654 Pioneer Days Greenwood – 318-938-7261

Sept 17 _______________ CFMA Cajun Music Festival New Iberia – 870-234-4910

3rd Annual BPCC 100 Mini NASCAR Race Bossier Parish Community College Campus, Bossier City 318-678-6010

Sept 24 _______________ La Fete d'Ecologie Thibodaux – 800-259-0869

Sept 17-18 ____________

Germantown Bluegrass Festival Minden – 318-426-4691

Fall Fest Slidell Slidell – 985-796-5853

Sept 25 _______________

Louisiana Gator Festival Mandeville – 985-867-9490

Cal-Ca-Chew Festival Lake Charles – 337-439-4585

Sept 20 _______________

Calca-Chew Food Festival St. Margaret Family Center, 1103 17th St., Lake Charles (337) 439-4585

Taylor Swift “Speak Now” World Tour 2011 CenturyLink Center, Bossier City, LA 318-747-2501

“LIKE us on Facebook at LouisianaRoadTrips!”

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RECIPES

by Stacy Thornton September is like starting a new year. This month kicks off a new school year, a new football season, and hopefully some much needed cooler temperatures. Tailgating is a big part of high school, college, and NFL football so this month I'm sharing some classic tailgating sandwich recipes.

Enjoy the recipes and I hope your team wins big.

Geaux Saints!

Tailgating Muffaletta's

Beef Brisket Sandwiches 3 1/2 to 4 lb beef brisket 1/2 cup bottled chili sauce 2 tbsp liquid smoke 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp steak seasoning 1 tsp garlic salt 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce 2 large onions, chopped 2 - 1/2 oz pkg dried morel mushrooms (optional) 12 oz bottle of beer or 1 1/2 cups apple juice or cider Ciabatta bread, rolls, or buns Trim fat from brisket. Place in a large resealable plastic bag. In a bowl, combine chili sauce, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, steak seasoning, and garlic salt. Coat meat evenly with sauce on all sides.

Refrigerate 8-24 hours. In a small bowl, cover dried mushrooms with hot water. Let stand 20 minutes. Drain water and rinse. Place on paper towels to drain off as much of the water as possible. Place brisket in roasting pan. Pour marinade over brisket. Top with mushrooms and onions. Pour beer over brisket. Cover with foil. Bake in a 325 degree oven for at least 4 hours. Uncover. Pour barbecue sauce over brisket.

Bake uncovered an additional 30 to 40 minutes, adding water if desired.

Pull meat apart using two forks to separate into long thin strands.

Return meat to sauce. Spoon meat into desired bread and enjoy!

You can't have a muffaletta without the perfect olive mix. Place all ingredients in food processor and pulse until chopped coarsely.

Olive Salad Mix 3/4 cup pimento-stuffed olives 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olive 2 lg. pepperoncini 2 Tbsp. olive oil 3 - 4 pickled onions 2 Tbsp. capers 1 medium clove garlic, chopped 1 tsp. dried oregano A couple grinds of black pepper 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables) Sandwich ingredients: 1 loaf of Italian bread (I love Ciabatta!)

1/4 lb each of thinly sliced ham, salami, and bologna from the deli (mortadella) 1/4 lb each of thinly sliced provolone and mozzarella cheeses

Apple Peanut Butter Sandwiches This one is for the kids or young at heart. When I was growing up, my mom would have sliced apples and peanut butter for us to snack on after school. Still love the combination.

Halve bread. Layer with olive mix, meat, and cheeses. Yummy!

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Apple

1 large onion 6 cloves of garlic peeled 1 pickled jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped 2 tsp chipotle chili powder 1 tbsp tomato paste 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp paprika 1/3 cup ketchup 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 bay leaf 3 lb pork butt shoulder roast 1 quart of water buns

Peanut butter

Peel, core, and thinly slice apple. Spread peanut butter over 2 slices of bread. Top one slice of bread with sliced apples. Top apples with remaining slice of bread.

Trim excess fat off of meat. In food processor combine the first 10 ingredients and puree for sauce. Marinate pork in sauce overnight or at least several hours before cooking. Place meat, sauce, bay leaf in a large pot with water. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered. Turn meat frequently for about 2 hours until it pulls apart easily with a fork. Cool pork in sauce. Remove meat from sauce.

Reduce sauce by two thirds. Add pork back to sauce. Season with salt to taste. Remove bay leaf. Serve on buns.

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Man Down!

By Robert Lemoine

You've heard it on plenty of TV shows and movies. If you've ever served in the military, law enforcement, fire and rescue, or any other such profession, you may have even heard it or said it first hand. “Man Down! Man Down!”

It is a signal that help is needed immediately. It's time somebody comes to the aid of our great nation. She's on her knees, but she's not there to pray. The enemy has tripped her up. She's bowed down, fully exposed just waiting for the executioner to make a final blow to behead her. She's beaten and bruised and is bleeding out. “Man Down!”

Only this time, the medics are not what she needs. Increased lines of credit can't help either. Politicians can't save her. Even our mighty armed forces can't rescue her.

I use the line, “the fastest way up is to kneel down” when closing most every article I've written. It is also our company motto. It's a simple truth that is too often overlooked.

America is on her knees right now and she can easily adjust to a kneeling position. The Lord saved Daniel in the lion's den when he prayed. America can receive the same protection from that fatal blow that is on its way if only we become humble enough to realize that a mere mortal man is not the answer.

God Almighty is the only

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answer. Right now, call out to God on behalf of this great land. Ask His forgiveness for what we've allowed this country to become, for ignoring Him and casting Him off when we need him most. Put Him back in control. Admit our sins and ask for salvation. Show Him we do believe.

Lady Liberty was founded on the principles and ideals of great men who put God first in their lives. I do not believe in any form or fashion that our forefathers gave us freedom of speech and religion to ignore God, blaspheme His name, or desecrate our flag.

Stand up for your beliefs. We have allowed prayer to be taken from high school graduations. We're fighting over the right of soldiers to have a Cross on their graves. We've made it mandatory to have a prayer approved before it can be said at a military funeral.

Put Jesus and prayer back into your daily lives. It's fine to talk about Him in the grocery store and not be confined to the Church building on Sunday mornings. Tell your neighbors, coworkers, family, friends, and even complete strangers just how great that God is. It's up to you to come to the rescue. Will you answer the call? The message has been heard.

“Nation Down! Nation Down!”

How long do you have to think about it? What if it were your child down? Because it is. If we don't act

now, our children will bear the curse we leave them. Save your child. Save America. Bless God. Give Him the honor and the glory He deserves. May God bless you and keep you safe in all that you do. Remember, the fastest way up is to kneel down. Get there!!

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.

Cows To Christians Walking God's Narrow Path

Caleb Fleming, age 8, West Monroe, LA

The day a northeast Louisiana rancher decided to sell his ranch to God and work for Him turned out to be a very good day indeed. Author Mike Prine has penned an inspirational book to help us all become more aware of our communications with God as we make our way through each day.

For instance, last Sunday I woke up and told God I really didn't feel like going to church today, and He said, “Well, I really didn't feel like having my Son strung up on a cross for you either, but…” Point taken!

Mike's sincerity is prevalent on every page as he relates his thoughts, conversations, and lessons learned while working his cows. This book is not only meant to be read but also shared! Pick up your copy at BLESSINGS BOOKSTORE at 2934 Cypress Street in West Monroe (318) 323-7440 or by sending $10 ($8 for book + $2 shipping) to Mike Prine, 1582 Old Delhi Road, Pioneer, LA 71266.

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Minden to Celebrate the Beginning of “The Fifth Season, Fasching” Celebrate all that is German in Minden on November 11th and 12th at the “Fasching, Fifth Season Festival!” The party will begin on Friday, 11/11/11 at 11:11 am at Orleans on Main when, with state and local dignitaries on hand, the Mayor of Minden will present the keys to the city to the Queen and King of Fasching. The Royalty will reign over the festivities through Christmas and Epiphany until Ash Wednesday and the beginning of lent. Visitors are invited to join in the festivities at dusk on Friday evening, November 11th, as the switch is flipped to illuminate thousands of Christmas lights throughout the city of Minden. Children are sure to enjoy a holiday fairy tale land including Cinderella and her handsome Prince Charming. Over 100 nutcrackers in all shapes and sizes will be on display honoring Minden's German Heritage.

The Fasching festival will continue in Downtown Minden on Saturday from 10am until dusk, featuring German food and diverse

entertainment including the renowned Texas band, “Brave Combo.”

Artisans and crafters will be set up along the sidewalks in the historic Minden Main Street for any shopper's delight and local beer enthusiasts will host a beer exhibition. Visitors may catch a shuttle from downtown to the Old Minden Cemetery where “ghosts” of German-Americans from Minden come to life to tell their stories.

Shuttles to the Germantown Colony Museum circa 1832, just north of Minden, will also depart from downtown Minden. Children, young and old, will enjoy ice skating at Fasching. The finale' will be fireworks at dusk. Join the folks in Minden on November 11 and 12th as we kick off our holiday season with Fasching, Fifth Season. The lights will remain on until January 2, 2012. Minden is located just 28 miles east of Shreveport just off I-20 at exit 47. For more information go to www.holidaytrailoflights.com, www.mindenusa.com, www.mindenfasching.com, or call 318-371-4258.

A Chiropractor Can Be a Football Player's Best Friend!

Football is right around the corner, which means rooting for our favorite team week after week in hopes of them making it to the championship and hoisting that trophy. What most fans aren't aware of is what happens off the field in preparation for the games. Hall of Fame wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, Jerry Rice, placed a high value on keeping his body game ready each week. One such strategy was to have regular check-ups and adjustments with his chiropractor to perform at his best. Professional athletes are seeking out the services of chiropractors to help keep them moving and feeling their best. If it was good enough for the greatest wide receiver to ever play in the NFL, isn't it a good idea to have your athlete(s) checked regularly by a chiropractor? Doctors of Chiropractic search out and correct any misalignments in the spine that can not only alter joint motion, but also negatively affect the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. These misalignments are called “subluxations” and can often go unnoticed until it's too late and joint breakdown has taken a toll on the body, compromising quality of life. You may know a former football player that feels twice his age. What would he feel like had he seen a chiropractor sooner? You don't have to play football or any sport to see a chiropractor, you just have place a high value on keeping you and your family's body “game ready” for each and every day!

Drs Joey & Taryn Lowery

Peace of Life Chiropractic 998 HWY 80E Calhoun, LA 71225 2106 N 7th St. Ste 132 West Monroe, LA 71291 318.376.3015 www.peaceoflifechiropractic.com

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Northeast Louisiana Virtual Clinic Are you a physician or dentist interested in volunteering to help people trying to help themselves? If so, then we are the means to help you do just that.

The Northeast Louisiana Virtual Clinic, Inc., (NLVC) is a nonprofit organization formed with the purpose of providing comprehensive healthcare services to the low income, working uninsured population of an eight parish area in northeast Louisiana.

Prospective patients will be interviewed and screened for eligibility, and those eligible will be assigned to an appropriate physician to receive medical care for one year and/or dental care for six months.

As a nurse practitioner, you can help if you agree to see at least one patient per month.

Currently we have more than 150 patients enrolled.

At the beginning of each month, a Patient Quotes patient will be linked to you to “Thank God for these people, they were truly schedule an appointment at your convenience. NLVC has labs, a blessing and so is the Virtual Clinic for radiologists, hospitals and specialists providing these services for working people.” participating in our “Thanks for all your help and God bless the program. If the Doctors that participate and give back to the patient needs to be community.” referred, you simply fax our office and we “Now I can smile with confidence. You are a will do the rest. After God send!” the appointment, fax us a copy of the bill crucial to the survival of our program. By and we will provide you with agreeing to see just one patient, you are a quarterly report of services impacting the life of someone working to donated for your records. As better themselves. Please visit our website at a volunteering physician, you provide as much nlvconline.org and consider volunteering! or as little care as you like.

We have found that most NLVC Patients continue seeing their physician as a “paying” patient upon completion of the program. Your participation is

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MY FAVORITE FISHING HOLE

By Pro Angler, Joe Joslin

Fishing in a Drought Hello Anglers and outdoor sports lovers. We continue to go fishing even with air temps through the roof and water levels through the floor. My favorite fishing hole is smaller but there is still approximately 150,000 acres of water on Toledo compared to the normal 185,000 acres and that's enough water to catch a fish. You know things are tough when a tropical storm moves through the Gulf and comes ashore and dumps less than an inch of rain. Unbelievable!

Anglers, tournament planners, guides, lake area businesses and lake officials are all trying to deal with the situation and praying for rain. If we got a broad coverage of 10 inches today, I think the lake may rise by only 2-3 feet with the first few inches soaked up with virtually no run-off. But a 2-3 foot rise would be a huge relief and get us near 165' msl which is where we were October 2010.

Current Boat Ramps Open: We are compiling a list on our website of boat ramps that boaters and anglers are using on a daily basis. South Toledo: Cypress Bend, Six Mile, Big Bass, Buck Eye, Toledo Bend Resort and SRA # 7 at the dam. Mid lake: Holly Park (Patroon), Driftwood, Tranquility Bay, Pendleton Bridge (TX side). North Toledo: Huxley Bay, Haley's Ferry(Bayou Seipe) and East Hamilton. If you are aware of other open ramps please e-mail us so we will add to the list. Most of these open ramps require caution when launching. Also, unless you know the area, I suggest to idle out until you get in main boat run or Sabine River channel.

been finding some schooling bass and the Pro Pop also worked well on schoolies.

This lure has super hooks as well as a very enticing and highly visible fabric tail that gives a great profile in the water. Bass will kill it.

From daylight until late morning we continue to catch bass on a Light weighted Texas rig as well as a light-weighted Carolina rig. On our Texas rigs we are using Berkley's new Havoc Series Bottom Hopper in watermelon red, watermelon smoke candy and watermelon. On our light Carolina rigs (1/8 to 1/4 oz) we are using Stanley's Itza Bug and Wedge Hog as well as Berkley's Bottom Hopper. On run is in the old our deeper TX rigs and Sabine River Carolina rigs we are using 1/2 bed which is One of many closed boat ramps on Toledo Lake. and 3/4 oz weights with easy to follow Berkley Power Worms in red bug, plum with electronics/mapping to locate the river. and w.m. candy.

Once you find it, it's easy to navigate as the On all of our TX and C. rigs we are opening through the timber is easy to see. using Berkley 100% Fluorocarbon (clear) Generating at the dam continued at the same line in 15 and 17 lb test with 3/0, 4/0 and pace for months with one unit running 2.5 hrs 5/0 Daiichi and XPoint off-set worm about 4 times per week. Water clarity all over hooks. We continue to throw Norman's the lake is clear to very clear.

DLN and DD22 crankbaits with success Fishing Report / Bass: We continue to have targeting 8-14 ft with DLNs and 12-25 with success on several patterns and the shallow DD22s. Shad patterns are our best grass bite continues to work well, especially producers on crankbaits. Schooling bass until mid-morning. We are working the shallow have been good this week and seem grass early using topwater poppers and the best willing to hit your lure. bait this week is a Pro Pop by Bill Norman. The Joe Joslin is a syndicated outdoor columnist, Pro Pop is a 3/8oz. bait that throws like a rock. I tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo and Sam am using it on 15 lb test Berkley Big Game with Rayburn. Contact him at 337-463-3848 or top colors being Tennessee Ghost and joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com or www.joejoslinoutdoors.com. black/chrome. Later in the mornings we have Lake Conditions: As the lake drops to "never before seen levels", I find myself in new territory. I felt confident navigating the southern 1/3 of the lake with levels down to 162.2 where the levels dropped in 2006 and we had no problems running the lake. However, the lake level currently is 161.80' and falling. If you are fishing/boating from Pendleton Bridge to the north, the safest

That's enough water to catch a fish.

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