Louisiana Road Trips November 2012

Louisiana Road Trips – 2 – www.laroadtrips.com

LA RenFestThe Louisiana Renaissance Festival, a mini-theme park planned

around the European Renaissance with entertainment, shopping andeducational value, kicks off the first Saturday of November, 2012. TheRenFest will be open every weekend for six weekends (Nov 3 – Dec 9),and the Friday after Thanksgiving, from 9:45am to 5pm, rain or shine.

With over 100 shops, 50 shows, and dozens of demonstrationsdaily, there enough to keep anyone well occupied and entertained forquite a while. Enjoy events like the Joust and Falconry as well ascomedy, drama, and action shows. Watch history come alive as youmeet peasants, merchants, nobles, knights even Queen Elizabeth I, andan occasional village idiot. Shop for handmade items like candles, realswords, glass blown pieces, and other unique gifts.

Don’t miss the wine, whiskey, and beer tastings, or the Queen’sTea, the mock weddings, or the Renaissance Living History Center.Weekly themes include God Save the Queen, Feast of Fools, PirateAdventure, Harvest Huzzah, Highland Fling, and ‘Tis the Season.

This highly anticipated festival attracts people from all over for avariety of reasons. The RenFest is very popular with schools for theeducational content as they learn about world history firsthand. Actorsrecognize 'la' RenFest for their continuous support of the arts throughthe quantity and quality of live entertainment with numerous showsdaily. Most everyone is familiar with the festival’s thrilling ambiance,as 'la' RenFest is clean, exciting, adventurous and fun. Even if you justspend one day at the event, you will remember your experience at theLouisiana Renaissance Festival your entire life. Just ask anyone whohas been. www.LARF.org

ROAD TRIPS"Celebrating country living and city happenings!"

n o v e m b e r c o n t e n t sBOOK REVIEW15 Louisiana Place Names

by Claire D’Artois Leeper

DELTA OUTDOORS6 In the Crosshairs by Sonny Harrington

A Tale of a Tail

13 Dating is Serious Business by Johnny Wink

14 A Life of Trial…and Error by Dennis StewartPlanning a Bear Hunt

19 My Favorite Fishing Hole by Joe JoslinThermocline Impact on Fishing

20-21 Going Native by Larry BrockAll These Things With God

FESTIVALS &ENTERTAINMENT

2 LA RenFest

5 Orange Festival in Plaquamines Parish

8 Thibodeauxville Fall Festival

9 Celebrate Father Christmas

11 NELA Master Gardener’s Seminar Lineup

27 Christmas on the River!

HISTORICAL7 Friends of the Moment by Lee Estes

12 Louisiana in the Civil War: November1862: The Fighting Bishopby Terry L. Jones

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

HUMOR4 He Didn’t Inhale by Dixie Hall

11 Louisiana Southern Belle – Like a FishOutta Water by Sonny Harrington

13 All Things Southern by Shellie TomlinsonPass the Tofurky?

17 Runnin’ the Roads by Barbara SharikA Life Message From One Woman toAnother

Talkin’It Up!

We’re turning back the clocks thismonth preparing for the upcomingwinter season. I love this time of yearwith darkevenings, anice fire, andhomemadesoup.ColumnistStacyThornton hassome greatrecipes forchili andsoups thismonth somake a bigpot, grab a book (Louisiana PlaceNames is a good one) and relax a bit.After all, you just may need to rest upfor the Louisiana Renaissance Festivaland other celebrations, including theholiday kickoffs throughout the statelater this month. Sometimes, there’sjust no better place to be than righthere at home.

Our outdoor writers are busy,too; they’re all hunters and tis theseason! Whether you hunt or not,you’ll enjoy reading about theiradventures. And let’s not forget proangler Joe Joslin. The humorcolumnists are guaranteed to keep yousmiling, if not laughing out loud,while Mary White always has a greatBed and Breakfast selected for anovernight stay.

Writers Lee Estes, Lora Peppersand Terry Jones take you back in timewith their detailed historical articles,and native gardener Larry Brockshares his passion and poetic proseeach month, much to the delight ofour readers.

Travel writer and social mediaguru Deb Burst shares tidbits of hernative New Orleans and reports on allthe places she visits around the countrywhile Dianne Newcomer providesbazillion ideas for ‘round the worldroad trips’ in her travel column. Frominspirational to outrageous, it’s righthere. These writers are the BEST andI’m thankful for every one of them!

As we enter our 9th years ofpublication with this issue, we hopeyou enjoy our vision for LA ROADTRIPS as much as we enjoy sharing it.Happy Thanksgiving and let’s keep intouch.

MonaMona L. Hayden, [email protected](318) 547-1221

INSPIRATIONAL19 Walking in the Right Direction

by Robert Lemoine

MONTHLY TIDBITS3 Talkin’ It Up!

12 Louisiana Lagniappe – Remember When

14 Backtalk

16 Louisiana Lagniappe Answers

18 Sweet Travels by Donna McManusThe First Thanksgiving

18 Just in Case… by Su Stella

25 November Calendar

25-26 Holidays in the Gardenby Mona L. Hayden

RECIPES23 Recipes by Stacy Thornton

ROAD TRIPS10 Travel Adventure by Dianne Newcomer

Unique World Adventures

16 Hit the Road – by Deborah BurstA Christmas Wish List

22 L’Auberge Expands Into Batou Rougeby Cheré Coen

24 Beds & Beignets by Mary WhiteA Home Fit for Hollywood

26 Trace Tasty Treats by Deborah Burst

COVER CREDIT: The cover imageswere provided by the LouisianaRenaissance Festival selectedfrom winning photographs fromthe 2011 festival. Photographers:Shella Baham, Laura Manuel, andAmy Brumfield.


PUBLISHERLRT Publications

______________________

EDITORIAL DIRECTORMona L. Hayden

[email protected](318) 547-1221

OUR GUARDIAN ANGELDebbie Hamilton Pope

June 14, 1952-August 24, 2008

Louisiana Road Trips magazine is publishedmonthly to promote, inform, and entertain theresidents of Louisiana. It is distributed FREE;however, home delivery is available. This magazinewill reach approximately 61,000 individuals.

Submission of articles and photos are alwayswelcome but may be limited to availability of spaceand edited for content.

Copyright 2012 with all rights reserved. Reproductionof any material appearing within this publication isprohibited without written permission of the Publishers.The opinions expressed in Louisiana Road Tripsmagazine are those of the authors or columnists anddo not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher,nor do they constitute an endorsement of products orservices herein. “Louisiana Road Trips” magazineretains the right to refuse any advertisement.

P. O. Box 2452West Monroe, LA 71294

(318) 547-1221

www.laroadtrips.com

ROAD TRIPS

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Louisiana Road Trips – 4 – www.laroadtrips.comLouisiana Road Trips – 4 – www.laroadtrips.com

He Didn’t Inhale!By Dixie Hall

I had an earlyintroduction topolitics. Mygrandfather FeasterY Taylor was an El

Dorado, Arkansas’ alderman who served allthe people (well, almost all the people) inhis community. My cousin Cheryl Annetteand I were evangelists by day andpoliticians by night.

In the daytime we would connect threeextension cords to a small electric organ andpull it out to the sidewalk on East CenterStreet. Our total mission in life was to winsome poor soul to the Lord by day. Ofcourse, we didn’t know how that was doneexcept by what we saw James Robinson andBilly Graham do. This was the age ofsinging and dancing, uh well... I meansinging and choreography groups.

Cheryl and I would do a wholemusical...hand motions and all. Peoplestared incredulously as they passed going toand from the corner grocery and McCroryDepartment Store. It was hard work savingpeople but our number one target was a sungod worshiper. This lady looked like she gotlocked in a sunbed overnight, with skin likefootball leather. When she passed us shewould look towards the sun and put herhand up and began to mumble someaaaaahhoooouuuuhhhh, eeeeeewwww, verysimilar to what Ms. Kelly did in secondgrade to teach me phonics. It didn’t scareme one bit.

By evening Cheryl and I were totallyunder the control of our Grandma EdnaDountain Taylor as novice politicians. Shewas a handler before there were handlers.We were dressed in standout slips underscratchy dresses and put in the back of aborrowed pickup truck. Both of us weregiven a cheerleader megaphone and ascript. “Get out and vote and when youvote, vote for Feaster Y Taylor.” Feaster isnot a good political name. Y stood fornothing. People in the family marked theirkids by giving them the letter Y for amiddle name. “Vote for Feaster Yeaster...haha...Vote for Feaster Easter...hoo hoo. That’swhat we shouted into the megaphone.

Our grandfather smoked so he had usthrow out matchbooks with his name andbig nose picture on them. Most people actedlike they were going to vote for him andtook the matches. If they made a rudecomment, Cheryl was nice and gave themthe matches anyway. I did a Richard Nixonlook, “You won’t have me to kick aroundanymore” and held on to the matches.

My greatest fear was that a churchlady would ask us if our grandfather is asmoker. Knowing that might make or breakthe election, I decided I would avoidanswering the question. Now I know Icould have said a Clintonian, “He does notinhale” or better yet, “that depends onwhat the meaning of the word “is” is.

Sometimes it got really confusingwhen we were evangelists and politicians atthe same time. We handed out matchbooksand sang hymns at nursing homes. I’m notfor sure we converted anyone but I doremember a lot of moaning and groaning. Iwas also wondering what is someonestrapped to a chair going to do with a bignosed book of matches?

Mr. Feaster Y won every year he ranexcept the last time he ran. A young“whipper snapper” ran against him. Itdidn’t matter to us if he won or lost, we stillgot free twinkies off the bread truck hedrove for a living. We blew up balloons andmade signs on cardboard shirt inserts thatread, “Better luck next time,” “We love youanyway” and blah blah. We taped them allin the one bathroom of the house above theclaw foot bathtub. He never said a wordabout it.

All elections since, big or small, haveseemed to be confusing mix of politics andevangelizing. Most people just want theirmatchbox candidate to win. That matchbox,handshake or promise was a down paymenton something better to come. I didn’talways agree with President Kennedy buttoday I am thinking of his words: Do notpray for easy lives; pray to be strongermen.”

Regardless of who is at thehelm, we will all need more than abig nosed book of matches.


Orange Festival in Plaquamines ParishHistoric Fort Jackson will host the 66th annual Plaquemines Parish

Fair and Orange Festival, starting Nov 30th. The three-day eventcelebrates a century of citrus farming with live music, family activities,local foods, carnival rides, and free admission and parking.

Orange Festival offers family fun including a 5k race, sack racesand orange rolls. Get an early start on holiday gift shopping from avariety of community vendors and artisans selling local arts and crafts.You’re invited to participate in entertaining orange festival competitionslike pie-eating, kumquat stuffing, orange eating and peeling as well aslocal favorites like duck calling, shrimp peeling, catfish skinning, oystershucking and the always popular Citrus Dessert Contest.

The Orange Festival kicks off at 5pm on Friday with local favoriteThe Big River Band. On Saturday, registrations for the kid's ½ mile FunRun and adult 5K run/walk starts at 8:30am and gates open at 10am.On the Main Stage, Ernie Wilkinson performs at 10am and Boot Hill at2pm. Southern Cross will rock the Main Stage at 6pm. On Sunday,gates open at 10am with concert line-up Aaron Foret at 11am, andGroovy 7 at 3pm. The fairgrounds close at dusk on Sunday.

This year the festival will feature living history demonstrationsdepicting events from 150 years ago during the Battle of Fort Jackson.Visitors can see a living history of a soldier’s life, their weapons andcannon firing, and their family life.

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

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


Most hunts, I getup before daylight,but not this one. Mosthunts, I dress warmfor and favor coldweather, but not thisone. Most hunts, I

prefer to be alone, but not this one. I wantedall the help I could get. I extended invitationsto my two neighbors. One gave me araincheck, he had to go out of town, the otherpolitely said, “Nope, I don’t do electricity oralligators”. Well, I knew why he didn’t doelectricity. When we were teenagers we wereat his uncles farm in Holly Ridge huntingrabbits, and I grabbed a hot wire on anelectric fence. It was pulsating through mewhen I reached over and grabbed his ear withthe other hand. I remember him coming upoff the ground, that wet winter day, andyelling something about ,“WHAT IN THE CATHAIR???” Forty years later,he’ll hardly change a AA-battery. He still doesn’tcuss either. Doesn’t needto, cause I cuss enough forthe both of us if the need arises. He did loanme his son-in-law, Andy, a strapping lad ofless than half my age. So off we headed to theMississippi River. Me, Andy, and of course,my trusty sidekick, I V. I’d use Andy forstrength and I V for sense, cause I’m notgonna do anything stupid with my 10 yearold around. I’m a third (III), he’s the fourth(IV), thus the name “I V”.

Now to get a gator tag you have to applythrough Wildlife & Fisheries and they’ll letyou have so many per acre of water on yourproperty. I got one, cost $25. Season openedthe first Wednesday of September and last 30days, til October 4th. We’re hunting aprehistoric lizard of several hundred poundsand a brain the size of a marble. Sounds like abad combination. What do I know about

gators? I know they make nests and dependon the temperature during incubation as tothe sex of the offspring. That’s weird. Theygrow about a foot a year, up to maturity, thenthings slow down. Females will go around 8’,males get bigger. Lots bigger. The record is19’2”. I’ve seen one that was longer than theboat I was in. I saw one years ago that lookedlike an aircraft carrier going across a bar pit.Age? Hard to say. Can’t cut ‘em in half andcount the rings. They age like people, someup to their 70’s and occasionally one may goup to 100 years (I Googled it).

Back to the hunt, it was an extremely dryyear (“Stockmarket’s down and theMississippi is a goin’ dry”, justlike the song says.). We found apocket of water, I’d say about 25yards by 40 yards and reallydeep. Lots of dead fish floating

and one happy fat gatorin the middle. Wecruised around lookingover the place andsurmised this to be thebiggest, baddest boy onour block. None of this setting hooks

and lines on trees and waiting stuff. Simple, Ichoot ‘em. I selected a .22 magnum from myarsenal, mostly because that’s what Liz uses.There he was… only the head above water… Isqueezed the shot off with the crosshairs rightbehind his eyes. “Holy cat hair!!” He wentnuts. You know how a milkshake looks whenthey stick that little paddle in the glass? Thatgator put that hole on puree. We actually sawfish jump out of the water and get up on thebank. I’m talking about 5 lb. grinnel up ondry ground, looking back at the water, saying,“I ain’t goin back in there.” Bubbleseverywhere. This ain’t good. I sent Andy andI V back to get the 4-wheeler. Let things diedown. ‘Die’ being the key word here. Didn’thappen. About 5 or 6minutes later, that big

head pops up again. This time I got a betterangle behind his eyes. Squeezed off anothershot. Completely different reaction this time.Total paralyzation. A slow roll. Claws comeup out of the water and I think I see onemiddle claw lifted pointing towards the sky,probably at me. He’s done.

A few seconds later, a large group ofbubbles come out and I mark the spot for therecovery operation. The boys show up andAndy engineers his hooks on a trotlinestaging. First toss, he gets him. Biggest log Iever saw anybody pull in. Forty throws later,he pulls the gator close to the bank. So I say,“Hey Andy, reach out there and get him.” He

politely disobeys adirect order from asuperior officer. Thegator hasn’t breathed inseveral minutes, he’sbeen hooked repeatedlyand drug to the bank. Ireluctantly reach intothe black water and felthis mouth, knowing hehas tremendous closing

pressure but little opening strength. I grab thebeast by the end of the mouth and heave himout, for I am the Man, and Troy would beproud. Now the work begins, pulling,strapping, winching. Finally, in the truck,many bags of ice later so he doesn’t spoil. Theend results, a 10’1” gator I guess weighed at480 or more. You’re paid by the foot at theprocessor. My check was $302.40, less $86 indiesel, less ice, less $25 permit, and threeHappy Meals for I V. Bottom line, don’t quityour day job and take up gator hunting. But itis fun. Sonny Harrington is a Hunter Safety Instructor. He isalso an NRA (National Rifle Association) Rifle & PistolInstructor and has hunted from Alaska to Mexico.

A Tale of a Tail

I cuss enoughfor the both ofus if the need

arises.

IN THE CR SSHAIRS By Sonny Harrington


Friends of the MomentBy Lee Estes

With more thansixty five years ofrecording images with acamera, I have peopleask questions regarding

the craft. One of the most popular is “Whatkind of camera did you take that with?” Mystandard answer is “Cameras don't takephotographs, photographers do!” Nowadays,perhaps I should say that phones don't takephotographs. Another question often asked,“What is your favorite subject or photograph?”That is the subject for this month's piece inLouisiana Road Trips.

The most fascinating subject for anyphotographer is people. They come in allshapes, sizes, and personalities. Unfortunately,many people spend much of their time makingpictures of themselves. Think about this: Isanybody going to look at your picture whenyou show it to them? Why should they? Theyare already looking at you!

In the course of travelling around the world, Ihave encountered and photographed many people;all colors, all ages, male and female, rich and poor. Iam acutely aware that many photo-journalists areguilty of shoving a camera in someone's facewithout the least regard for their subject’s dignity.For example, National Geographic published ayounglady'spicture intheirmagazinemore thana decadeagowithoutany clueabout whoshe was,then tenyears latermade a big

deal about discovering who she wasand using her in another featurearticle.

To the best of my ability, Itried to make my subjects myfriend, or at least comfortable, whenphotographing them. Now some ofthose images are from three or fourdecades in the past. Where are thesepeople today? Has life treated themwell? A few, very few, of those I metsomewhere along the way, havebeen encountered again. Theaccompanying photographs aretypical.

Lee Estes, a Kentucky native, migrated toLouisiana in 1956 with his wife, Lottie. Heworked in aviation then withA&LM Railway. He began makingphotographs in Europe after WWIIand ranked among the leadingmonochrome exhibitionphotographers in the U.S. duringthe 80’s. His extensive travelsincluded leading tours across theglobe. Lee has authored threephoto/documentary books and iscurrently involved with thedocumentation of The DixieOverland Highway (US80) inLouisiana, funded by a grant fromthe Louisiana Endowment for theHumanities.

Little Girl, Avignon: Just anexample where I took the picturebecause she was so cute.

Free Spitit Dublin: Just anexample because she wasso bizarre.

In 1971Nazare wasone of the topattractions forphotographersfrom all overthe world. Afew year latera breakwaterwas built whichcompletelychanged the place, and all the colorfulopportuinity for photographers disappeared.

When I was taking people around theworld by motorcoach, there were timeswhen I would have the driver stop and letus visit with people who happened to beseen along the road or wherever. This isone of thos times, also 1971.

Delos, Greece 1976. Ithought this such astrong character, I justhad to make the picture

Tommy Cash, IMP MachineWorks, Monroe, LA. An oldFriend taking care ofbusiness. Around 1998.


Thibodeauxville Fall Festival!Thibodeauxville Fall Festival, an

annual celebration of arts, crafts food andmusic, is held on the streets of beautifulhistoric downtown Thibodaux on the

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

Thibodeauxville was named a

“Top 20 Event” by the SoutheastTourism Society, and was ultimatelyawarded the “Shining ExampleAward,” honoring the festival as the #1festival (small category) in thesoutheastern U.S.

In addition to original arts andcrafts, the festival features a full foodcourt with more than 90 food items.

Three stages of live musicalentertainment are provided throughoutthe day. This year’s line-up includesFrench Bred, Patrick Sylvest, TheAmericanos, Gypsy souls Dancers,Good Feelin Band and one stage ofcontinuous Christian music and dance.

You won’t want to miss the worldfamous Thibodeauxville Duck Racewhere 2,000 rubber ducks race throughbeautiful Bayou Lafourche. Winners

receive great cash prizes. The CajunCorvette Car Show features antiquecars, trucks, hot rods, and motorcycles.The Kid’s Corner includes a pettingzoo, face painting, sand art, interactiveactivities and more.

No admission is charged for theall day family fun event. Thibodaux islocated conveniently between NewOrleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette.Plan to be on beautiful BayouLafourche, Saturday, Nov 10. For moreinformation call the ThibodauxChamber of Commerce, 985-446-1187or visit www.thibodauxchamber.com.


Celebrate Father ChristmasStep back in time as the Historic Jefferson Railway, an antique narrow-gauge train,

embraces an old-fashioned Christmas in the country. Enjoy the lighted vignettes andlocal våocalists, hear the story of Father Christmas, and meet Santa and Mrs. Santa asyou depart from the decorated historic railroad depot for a train ride along the BigCypress Bayou. The antique train, a restored gas-powered Plymouth Locomotive builtin 1964, is an enclosed heated coach with open-canopied observation cars for excellentviewing of the ride along the river.

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

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

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

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

Visit our website: www.laroadtrips.com

Unique World Adventures#2 Thanksgiving in the MED! Along

with Rome and Athens, this 7 day cruiselets you taste new destinations like Naples,Capri or Pompeii, Santorini, Ephesus, andMykonos. Enjoy the best of the Med &Adriatic! Fares start at $536 for an insidecabin on Nov. 20th sailing!

#3 Take 12 Days in the MED forThanksgiving Consider a cruise fromVenice to Croatia, Kotar Corfu, Malta,Messina, Sorrento, Nice, Portofino andRome, a collection of the Med’s best andquite the Thanksgiving feast! Cruise departsNov. 20 from Venice; priced from $925!

#4 Christmas on the RIVERWALK!This 5 day escape celebrates the famous SanAntonio Riverwalk, the Texas favorite traveldestination! Spend 4 nights, enjoy 7 meals, adinner cruise, the Alamo, and day trip toLBJ’s Austin. Escorted tour departs on Nov.26 and Dec. 3. Cost is $998 per person.

#5 The WHITE CONTINENT awaits!Discover the magic of Antarctica aboard thestylish and comfortable MS Fram startingfrom Ushuaia, Argentina. See the land ofblue white glaciers, busy penguins,breaching whales, and crashing ice walls onthis in-depth exploration cruise, with 3nights in Buenos Aires, the “Paris of SouthAmerica.” Departs on Jan. 7--$8549.

#6 Go to the Grandaddy of AllParades! At the Tournament of Rosesparade, this 5 day trip gives you a behindthe scene experience of America’s mostfamous New Year’s Celebration. Ring in2013 at a dinner/dance gala before takinggrandstand seats to the Rose Parade. Priceis $1499 and space limited so call for details.

#7 Take 10 days and see 3 Islands!Enjoy Hawaiian beauty on this relaxingescorted 3 islandadventure withaccommodations,sightseeing, inter-island flights,and beachfronthotels inHonolulu, Kona,and Maui, plus 6meals. Cost is$2709 for Jan-Aprdeparture dates.

#8 AnAMAZINGAMAZONADVENTURE

Explore exotic rivers and jungles teemingwith wildlife and all comforts on a 5 dayriver cruise into the Peruvian Amazon. Anexcursion skiff with a guide ventures dailyinto the “black water” rivers, islands,rainforests, and villages. A gourmet mealand air conditioned suite wait for you, andgreat fishing! This journey has 106 departuredates so there’s one for you in 2013!

#9. ALASKA’S IDITAROD On this 8day journey, stand on 4th Avenue inAnchorage for the start of theIDITAROD—Alaska’s biggest sportingevent. Tour also includes sightseeingAnchorage, Seward, Girdwood, and BigLake, plus tickets to the Musher’s Banquet,a visit to Iditarod Headquarters, a tour ofHappy Trails Kennels. Only departuredate: Feb.25.

#10 WINTER WONDERLAND inYELLOWSTONE Sleigh ride throughNational Elk Refuge, snowcoach sightseeGeyser Basin and “Serengeti of NorthAmerica,” or enjoy a crackling fire whilerelaxing during your stay in Jackson Hole,the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, MammothHot Springs Hotel, and West Yellowstone.This 7 day tour departs on Feb. 20--$2149.

Time to get off the well trod paths andexperience our world in a unique way. Callthe experts at MONROE TRAVELSERVICE – 323-3465 – and let us show youthe way! We’re located next door to theMuffin Tin and Luffey‘s Medical Supply onGlenmar Street. Our service may be freebut our expertise is invaluable!

We’re fortunate to have freedom toexplore our world but like Diann Fossey, itrequires taking bold steps. Call MONROETRAVEL SERVICE and let’s get started!

TRAVEL ADVENTURE By Dianne Newcomer

At age 31, she wasdirector of the occupationaltherapy department atKosair Crippled Children’sHospital. It had been heruncanny ability to

communicate with disabled children that had fast-tracked her career. Yet, as much as she loved thatjob, the desire to see the world was why sheborrowed $8,000 – a full year’s salary – and traveledto Africa. On this journey, she was the occupationaltherapist who 1) met actor William Holden, theowner of the popular Treetops Hotel in Nairobi whointroduced her to John Alexander, the man shecalled the great white hunter in her journals as wellas her personal guide during her 7 week odyssey ofAfrica. He opened her eyes to the wonder ofAfrica…2) went to Olduvai Gorge in Tanzaniawhere she made an unforgettable impression onnoted paleontologist Louis Leakey by slipping,spraining an ankle, and vomiting on his veryprecious and newly discovered giraffe fossil at hisarcheological dig. He became the man who wouldlater finance her work for over 13 years…3) traveledto Uganda, after touring Tanzania, and camped withAlan and Jo Ann Root, who were photographingmountain gorillas in the wild. A chance encounterchanged her world forever.

A series of amazing consequences from a 7week trip to Africa gave Diann Fossey's life path awhole new direction. Her novel, Gorillas in theMist, is a wonderful love story about anoccupational therapist who fell so in love with thegorillas of Rwanda that she became the world'sforemost authority on the social dynamics of theape family. How empowering and satisfying isthe journey we take with our own two feet! Iadmit most journeys will not be as life-changing asDiann Fossey’s but how can we know if we don'ttake the first step and leave the roads ofLouisiana?

There’s a big world out there and as a travelagent, it’s my job to show you. Every day wereceive new brochures for 2013 but still have somegreat adventures left this year. Here’s a sample ofjourneys we have to sell at MONROE TRAVELSERVICE.

#1.Christmas Markets and River#1.Christmas Markets and RiverCruising! Cruising! Medieval castles, merry little villages,mouthwatering aromas and magnificent Christmasdecorations make the markets of Germany theplace to be! Explore the world’s most celebratedChristmas markets in Nuremberg, Bamberg,Rothenburg, Wurzburg, and Frankfurt. Includes allmeals and sightseeing. Sail on Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9,15. Prices from $2199.


The following article has no educationalvalue whatsoever and I apologize for that.While on a road trip from Montana, I waspondering the writings of fellow columnistsDennis Stewart and Johnny Wink on theirquest for the elusive ‘trophywife’, wondering if such acreature truly exists. I justpassed a chupacabra on the sideof the road and decided to putthe gear down and land at aMcDonalds in Antlers, Oklahoma because myson has a voracious appetite and requiresmass quantities of food every couple hours.

We’re sitting there rehydrating and I’mgetting some circulation back in my legswhen in she walks – a very striking younglass, slightly over half my age. At first glanceI’d say she was a stout girl, probably couldbest me physically, but not to be deterred Igave her the look over. She wore shorts justabove the knee with worn cowboy boots.Tattoos were spilling out of those boots. Myheart fluttered. As she turned, I noticed

another tat. Asizable Rebelflag betweenher shoulderblades with acoiled snakeand the words

“Don’t tread on me”. Obviously a southernbelle that liked snakes. What a find! Furtherinspection showed other tattoos across herchest and a necklace of teeth. I wondered whothey once belonged to. There was also a bulletnecklace. My expert opinion was 30 cal 150

grain spire point, at a glance. Then I saw my‘in’, the good ole state of Louisiana tattooedon her upper arm. Even better, it was onbackwards, toes toward Texas, so my curiosityfactor is through the roof now. I watched,

waiting patiently, while sheordered. My son now hasnoticed my attentiondiverted and I hear thefamiliar “Dad! What are youdoing?” “Not now, boy.

Watch the Master, Grasshopper, sit back andtake notes. This could be your newstepmother.” As she approached the drinkfountain, I saw my opportunity. Like acheetah on a gazelle, I sprang into action. Thisis the conversation that followed:

“How ya doing?” I asked. She smiledand I noticed she had most of her teeth,which I thought was a good sign. “You fromLouisiana?”

“Yeah, I sho am,” she replied. And withthose few words, I pegged her as being fromsouth Louisiana. “Bayou Sorrel, down southof Baton Rouge. It’s small but where they filmSwamp People.”

“Oh, I’m from Monroe where they filmDuck Dynasty.” (Houston, we have aconnection.)

“That’s my favorite show,” she says.“Why is Louisiana backwards on your

tattoo?” thinking I can actually see my houseon this tattoo, like withGoogle Earth!

“When I wasputting it on, I waslooking in the mirror.”

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

“About that bullet. Is it a 30 cal,” I ask. “No baby, it’s a 7.62.” Little did she

know I was the world’s greatest authority onbullets and firearms. So I say, “Well, if youcall it a 7.62, you must mean AK-47, theKalashnikov Russian gun.”

“Yeah, I got that tattoo on my ankle.” Iwas speechless at this point, caughtcompletely off guard. My mind began to race.The only thing I could say without hesitation,because I have no filter between my brain andmy mouth, was “Will you marry me?” Shethought it over for less than a nano-second,smiled and said, “No, I’m not the marryingtype.” She walked off with me saying, “Atleast let me give you half of my stuff.” Ohwell, I walked back to my seat in defeat. I satdown and looked at my son. He looks up andforms his little fingers into the shape of apistol and puts them to his temple and pullsthe trigger. So it goes, another Louisianagoddess gone. Next time, I’ll use my best‘pick up’ line, the only two words in theEnglish language that never fail to capture ayoung girl and make her yours, at least for alittle while… “I’m rich.” Sure would help ifthey served alcohol in Mickey D’s. I mighthave had a better chance. Sonny Harrington is a Hunter Safety Instructor. He isalso an NRA (National Rifle Association) Rifle & PistolInstructor and has hunted from Alaska to Mexico.

Louisiana Southern Belle – Like a Fish Outta WaterBy Sonny Harrington

“Oh, I’mfrom Monroe

where they filmDuck Dynasty.”

NELA Master Gardener’sSeminar Lineup

Roger Swain, former host of The Victory Gardenon PBS, will be the keynote speaker at the NortheastLouisiana Master Gardeners’ third annual seminaron Saturday, January 19th, 2013, at the West MonroeConvention Center. The theme for 2013’s seminar is“The Kitchen Garden: Flowers and Food from theHome Garden.” Doors at the West Monroe Convention Center willopen at 7:30 a.m. for registration ($20 per person), visits with a widevariety of vendors, and for meeting Roger. His topic will be “GrowingFood in Public.” Local Master Gardeners Teresa Morris and ChristyFrancis will also be speaking on cultivating a wide variety of herbs andflowers, so visitors can learn how to bring the garden indoors!

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

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


Louisiana in the Civil WarNovember 1862: The “Fighting Bishop”By Terry Jones

On November 20,1862, newly appointedlieutenant generalLeonidas Polk was

given a corps command in the ConfederateArmy of Tennessee. It was one of the worstmistakes ever made by President JeffersonDavis. Polk, the so-called “FightingBishop,” had already provenhimself to be inept and the bane ofhis superior officers. He wouldcontinue that behavior as one of theSouth’s highest ranking generals.

North Carolina-born Polkgraduated from West Point in 1823(where he became friends withfellow cadet Jefferson Davis) butserved in the army only a fewmonths before resigning hiscommission to become anEpiscopal minister. Polk went on tobecome the first Episcopal bishop ofLouisiana and dedicated the TrinityEpiscopal Church in Natchitoches.

After the Civil War began, Bishop Polkcontacted his old friend Jefferson Davis andoffered his services to the Confederacy. Davis,in turn, appointed Polk a major general eventhough he had no practical militaryexperience.

While in command of western Tennessee,Polk made one of the greatest military

blunders of the war. Kentucky, a slave-holdingBorder State, had declared neutrality in theconflict. Its rich resources and strategiclocation on the Ohio and Mississippi riversmade it one of the most important states, andboth Lincoln and Davis respected theneutrality in hopes of eventually luring

Kentucky to their side.Unfortunately for theConfederates, Leonidas Polkhad different ideas.

Convinced the Unionwas preparing to advancedown the Mississippi Riverin September 1861, Polkdecided Columbus,Kentucky, was a moredefensible position than theone he occupied inTennessee. Withoutbothering to get permissionfrom the War Department, oreven informing it of his

intentions, Polk occupied Columbus. BecausePolk’s Confederates invaded the state first,most Kentuckians viewed the South as theaggressor and supported the Union for therest of the war. A prominent historiandescribed Polk’s move into Kentucky as “oneof the most decisive catastrophes theConfederacy ever suffered.”

When Braxton Bragg, another ofLouisiana’s adopted sons, invaded Kentuckyin the late summer of 1862, Polkcommanded half his army but repeatedlydisobeyed Bragg’s orders. At the Battle ofPerryville, Kentucky, Polk’s military career

almost ended when he rode up to an officerand ordered him to stop firing on friendly

troops. Puzzled, the colonel responded, “Idon’t think there can be any mistake about it. Iam sure they are the enemy.” “Enemy!” criedPolk, “Why, I have only just left them myself.Cease firing, sir! What is your name, sir?”“Colonel [Keith], of the [22nd] Indiana. Andpray, sir, who are you?”

It was only then thatPolk realized he hadridden into the

enemy’s line. His dark coat appeared blue inthe fading light, and the Indiana colonelassumed Polk was a Union officer. Playing onthe colonel’s confusion, Polk stood in hisstirrups, shook his fist at the officer, andsnapped, “I’ll soon show you who I am, sir!Cease firing, sir, at once!” He then rode backto his own men.

When the Confederates withdrew fromKentucky, Polk began criticizing Bragg inprivate correspondence and conspiring withother discontented generals in an unsuccessfulattempt to have him removed from command.Bragg came to hate the bishop and oncedescribed him as "an old woman [and] utterlyworthless."

Perhaps Polk’s second greatest failure asa general (after Columbus, Kentucky)occurred on the second day of the Battle ofChickamauga. He was in command of Bragg’sright wing and was ordered to attack theenemy at daylight. No attack was made, andlong after sunrise Bragg sent an officer to findout what had gone wrong. The officer foundPolk three miles in the rear sitting on a porchcalmly reading a newspaper and waiting forbreakfast.

After the battle, a furious Bragg relievedPolk of command. In turn, Polk once againconspired with other generals to have Braggremoved as the army’s commander. PresidentDavis tried to smooth things over, but whenthat failed he simply transferred Polk awayfrom Bragg.

On June 14, 1864, during the AtlantaCampaign, Polk and other generals stood atopPine Mountain, Georgia, observing the Unionforces below. A nearby artillery officer warnedthem to disperse lest they draw the enemy’sfire, but no one moved. When a shell landednearby, the other generals began backing awayfrom the mountain’s rim. Polk lingered to takeone last look at the enemy and was killedinstantly when a Yankee solid shot torethrough his body.

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


Leonidas Polk (Library ofCongress)

ouisianaRemember When . . .

1. Which river in Louisiana has thelongest navigable length?

2. What Farmerville civic groupconceived the idea of creating LakeD'Arbonne?3. Where did Jefferson Davis live

in Louisiana?4. Who served the shortest

term as Governor?5. What is the derivation

of "pecan"?6. How many name changes has ULM gone through?7. What governor once said, “When I took the oath of

office, I didn’t take any vows of poverty”?8. Who was the first southern governor to

create a human relations commission?9. What was constructed to help make the Ouachita

River navigable?10. Are there any closed seasons

on fishing?Answers on next page 16

Hometown LouisianaUnique and upscale Arts and Crafts

Saturday, November 3, 2012 9 am - 5 pm

The MAC (Morehouse Activity Center), 9525 Marlatt St., Bastrop, LAAll booths will be set up in the spacious arena. This is an open air covered facility.

Demonstration Booths featuring blacksmith and wood bowl turning


Hello folks, and agreat big HappyThanksgiving to you! I'mdelighted to see y'all. Wereally to need to chat...~smile~

One reason I washoping we’d get a chance to visit is because Ineed to do some damage control. Our numbershave grown. We’re now reaching into regions ofour shrinking world that don’t quite know howto take my good natured humor. Several Internetvisitors, who have obviously spent considerabletime in the archives, have suggested that I, your

Trust me, we know how to stretch food—and reinvent leftovers. Which, speaking ofreinventing food, Paulette suggested I couldgo a long way towards redeeming myself inthe global community by announcing a changeto my traditional Thanksgiving menu. Shethinks I should serve Tofurky. That’s what Isaid. Paulette said Tofurky is a loaf of tofu,creamed soybeans, shaped like a turkey. Yum.I did some research of my own and, color meconfused, hundreds of thousands of Tofurkieswill be consumed this Thursday—just not inmy dining room.

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

Happy Thanksgiving friends! When Icount my blessings, I'm gonna count y'alltwice!

~Hugs, Shellie

"Pass the Tofurky?" ALL THINGS SOUTHERN By Shellie Tomlinson

happy hostess, am not taking the need tosave this planet seriously enough and, getthis, I’m encouraging a throw awaymentality that’s filling up our landfills!

Heaven forbid! I was raised thatwasteful was next door to sinful. Thesouthern women in my family have madean art out of stretching groceries. Why, justwatching them gives one an inkling of theastonishment the disciples must’ve feltwhen they saw the Good Lord feed fivethousand people with a couple fish filletsand a few pones of cornbread.

Honestly, not being wasteful is soengrained in my DNA I like to have neverallowed myself to throw away those weirdsoft drinks that sweet Jones SodaCompany sent me two years runnin’. Ikept ‘em in the door of my fridge formonths like I half-expected someone todrag into the kitchen and say, “I’d give mylast dollar for a swig of Green BeanCasserole Soda!”

All Things Southern“Bringing you the charm and heritage of the South…”ph 318-559-0319 • cell [email protected]

Dating is Serious BusinessBy Johnny Wink

I don’t have a clue what women want, butsometimes I think all they want is what you’vegot… and want it all and want it right now… andthen for you to go away.

Guys, am I right? If she says 1+1=3, you betteragree with her. If she points to the sun in the

morning and says that way is north, just say yes. It ain’t worth explainingthat the sun rises in the east every morning. Don’t tell her she’s wrongbecause in her mind she’s not and she doesn’t really care if she is or not.

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

I recently learned that one thing women don’t like when you’re on adate and it’s still daylight and say, you’reeating an early supper at a restaurant withoutdoor seating and say, overlooking somewater, and while she’s talking to you andyou’re looking up in the air and she askswhat you’re looking at, and you say geese orducks migrating… well, she may even try to hit you. To me, sometimes it’smore fun to look for vee’s of geese or ducks than listening to whatevershe’s mumbling about. I can’t hear most of what women say anywaybecause I’m so deaf after years of shotgun blasts near my head.

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

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

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

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

I know it sounds like it’s all her fault but I’m sure I get some of theblame. But when the date’s over, we can put on boxing gloves and start

hitting each other in the head, or she can write me out a check forhalf of the date. No, I think I’d prefer cash.

It’s November now and I don’t have time to date. I do what I livefor and that’s my job–– to go hunting. No time to be dating orthinking about dating. And this Christmas looks like a cheap one forme on Christmas presents. So all

you women out there won’t have toworry about me for three month; I’ll bevery busy having fun. But comeFebruary, when all the decoys get putback in the barn, watch out, I’ll belooking to go out on a date. But if wego to a restaurant, don’t let me sit tooclose to a window because I might belooking for the ducks and geese goingback north… Thank the Lord forletting me be a duck guide inMorehouse Parish.

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


Planning a Bear HuntIt appears that

Louisiana will have abear season soon,although it willprobably be on alimited draw basis.

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

One lesson I learned is you have to gowhere the bears are. My first bear hunt waswith my son Evan in south central Wyoming,near Saratoga. We each hunted over our ownseparate baits with our own guide. We huntedfor five straight daysand killed every bearwe saw, which wasexactly none. It wasfun spending timetogether, but it was adisappointing hunt.

The next year Iwent on the same hunt and finally saw one onthe third day, when I took a nice chocolatecolor-phase black bear. I was really glad tofinally get one but swore I would never huntbears in Wyoming again.

The next year, I booked a hunt with TableMountain Outfitters in Idaho about an hournorth of Boise. Believe me, there are lots morebears in Idaho than there are in Wyoming. Igot my bear while hunting over bait on thesecond day. I went back to Idaho two yearslater and saw several bears, missing onestanding still from 80 yards away beforefinally getting my bear on the last evening. Iwould go back to Idaho in a heartbeat but notWyoming for a bear hunt because they justaren’t there.

I’m really, really scared of bears, andwhen sitting over a bear bait by myself, I turnmy head every 10 seconds to see if one issneaking up behind me. It’s a lot moreexciting than sitting in a deer stand inLouisiana. That’s another lesson. Bears areincredibly quiet and sneaky. They can bestanding only a few feet away and you willnever hear them. The first bear I ever killedwas 20 feet from me before I saw him. Hard tobelieve a creature that big and bulky canmove so silently through the woods. Andbears will eat almost anything. The differentguides I’ve hunted with have baited the bearswith dog food covered in grease, leftovers

from restaurants, and smoked oysters. Twothings bears will not eat is broccoli and bellpeppers. I haven’t tried ex-wives. Yet.

Bears inLouisiana are a lotbigger than those inIdaho and Wyoming.I’m sure some aroundDelhi are 300 to 400pounds, probablybecause they’venever been hunted. InIdaho or Wyoming,one weighing 250pounds is a trophy.

Very few bears there live to growmuch bigger.

Shot placement is veryimportant when hunting bears. Don’taim behind the shoulder like a deer;instead, try to hit the shoulder andbreak the bear down. My guides saidif you aim behind the shoulder, the

bear’s hide is likely to slide over the bullethole, stopping the bleeding. This is bad fortwo reasons. First, there is very little bloodloss and the bearcan travel a greatdistance beforefalling. Second,there is almost noblood trail tofollow and recoverthe dead bear.

I have takenall three of mybears with my 338Win mag rifle,famous for killingat both endsbecause it kicks sohard. MyWyoming guidetold me if I evershot at a bear, tokeep shootinguntil I ran out ofbullets becausethey are verytough to bringdown. I listenedand when I tookmy first bear, Ithink I killed himwith the first shot,

but as he rolled down the mountain I shot twomore times. The odd thing is, I never felt the338's kick. This guide also warned me that

after a bear is skinned,it’s eerie how much helooks like a humanbeing. Downrightspooky. If you’re asqueasy as I am, you maywant to avoid looking atyour skinned bear.

I am a bear huntingaddict. I have twobearskin rugs, and mythird one is at the

taxidermist right now. To me, it is the mostexciting hunt there is. I love knowing thatthere is a chance the bear will end up eatingme.

Dennis Stewart grew up in northeast Louisiana,graduated from La Tech and LSU Law School. Afterhaving taught law at ULM and working as an AssistantDistrict Attorney, Dennis is now a Hearing Officer inRayville. He loves to hunt, fish, read, write, and shop oneBay.

A LIFE OF TRIAL…AND ERROR By Dennis Stewart

If you’re asqueasy as I am,

you may want toavoid looking at

your skinned bear.

There’s a lot of information out thereon the Robertson family but yourarticle was the best one yet [DuckDynasty Delivers, by Mona L. Hayden,Oct 2012], including the recent one Ijust read in the New York Times. I feltlike I was there with you, behind thescenes getting an inside view. You did

you a bang up job with this one, Mona. Proud of you and this finemagazine! I read every page. – Don R., Baton Rouge

I really enjoyed your article What In The Duck [by Sonny Harrington,Oct 2012]… I've never seen the hooded merganser. Once I shot at abunch of teals on Pine Island in Cheniere Lake. I shot way behindthem so I know what you’re talking about with the jet planes.

– Cliff P., Nixa, MO

I totally loved the three-part story [Sidney and Annie Saunders,Monroe’s Black Sheep, by Lora Peppers]. Lora is a gifted writer! I hatethat the saga is over. – Dara H., West Monroe

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

– Robbie L., Natchitoches

I would like to obtain a copy of the October 2012 edition with theDuck Dynasty feature. So glad you ran that article… Have yourwebsite bookmarked. – Darlene C., Londonderry, OH

BACK

TALK

Part III: Sidney and AnnieSaunders, Monroe’s Black SheepBy Lora Peppers

Annie Saundershad now lost herhusband and son.

She was inconsolable. Rumors that Sidneyand Annie were never married were stillactive among Monroe society. When Sidney’sbrothers and sisters demanded proof of theirmarriage, Annie was so distraught that theyunderstood her to say they were married inNew Orleans. When the marriage license wasnot found there, the siblings swooped on theinheritance and cut her out. Sidney’sinheritance was worth almost $83,000, whichwas a princely sum in 1889. Annie came outof her grief long enough to fight back. Sheclaimed they had married in St. Louis, MO,sent a courier north to retrieve proof andeventually won her case. Annie’s part of theinheritance was property in Texarkana andabout $7,250 in cash and notes. The total wasa little less than ten percent of the inheritance.The rest was divided among the siblings. Shewasn’t through with Monroe though.

Because Annie had been so degradedand reviled among society, she used most ofthe inheritance to build Sidney a lastingtomb and monument in the City Cemetery.On top of the tomb is a statue of Sidney. Itisn’t an exact likeness though. The modelwas a man named Mr. Wingold, anemployee of the monument company. Inthe statue’s left hand he holds a scroll witha copy of their marriage license. His gazestares fixedly on what was then theprominent side of Monroe. It was basicallya slap in the face of the society thatshunned them. The citizens of Monroewere not impressed. Martha FrancesSurghnor said of the monument in herdiary, “Sid Saunders the ‘fire bug’ has amonument that would almost do for a U.S.President, but it will only ‘perfect his infamy.’”

A lady who had attended Annie’sfuneral as a little girl and whose familylived in Monroe at the time of Sidney’sdeath, stated that Annie didn’t bury Sidneyuntil the monument was built. His coffinwas kept behind Annie’s house in a shed.Citizens were so disturbed that they wouldcross the street near the house to keep fromwalking near where the body was stored!

Willie’s coffin, Sidney’s desk andchair, a sewing machine and her son’svelocipede (a type of tricycle) were alsomoved to the tomb. According to herobituary, she even hung curtains! Rumorssaid she would go to the tomb daily to cry,pray, read her Bible and sew.

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

1891. William became mayor of Texarkana,TX from 1896-1900 and Annie was first lady.In 1911 William deserted Annie and secretlydivorced her. He died May 25, 1925 in Waco.The Hardin family fought Annie over theinheritance saying they had been divorced!She fought the Hardins and successfully hadthe divorce annulled two weeks before herdeath. On Sunday, November 21, 1926 at herhome in Texarkana, TX, Annie Hardin gottoo close to an open flame on her gas stoveand her clothes caught on fire. She wasabout seventy-four years old and left behindan estate worth about $5,000. Her body wasbrought back to Monroe and placed in thelast niche in the Saunders tomb. There is noinscription for Annie on the monument. Sheis most certainly there, however. At therequest of Saunders family members in 1985,the tomb was opened and drained. Foundinside were pieces of a sewing machine, ared wagon and three coffins: two adults andone child.

Even in modern times, the questionremained. Were Sidney and Annie reallymarried in St. Louis? In 2001 Researchersfound a copy of Sidney and Annie’s Marriage

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

Lora Peppers, a Monroe native, grew up in Bastrop andgraduated from ULM. Her love of history dates back tochildhood when one of her favorite activities was visitinglocal cemeteries to examine headstones. She also loves totravel, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park being herfavorite place on Earth. Her job as a genealogist andhistorian has given her the opportunity to lead many lecturesand author several books. She can be reached by e-mail [email protected].


BOOK REVIEW

Louisiana Place NamesPopular, Unusual, and Forgotten Stories of Towns, Cities,Plantations, Bayous, and Even Some CemeteriesWritten by Clare D’Artois Leeper

What started as a weekly newspaper column in 1960 in the BatonRouge Advocate has become a fascinating go-to book for anyone remotelyinterested in Louisiana history, geography, geneology, or trivia. Compiledfrom years of interviews and research, the author has documented herlife-time journey of names into a fun and fact filled read. Any reader willbe entertained as she explains the influence that culture, families, andpost offices have had in naming areas throughout the state. WhileLouisiana has dwelled under ten different flags, our place names are reflective of the ethnicity,languages, and customs, including saints. Below is an example of one such place, taken directlyfrom her book.

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

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


Hit the Road

A Christmas Wish ListGive the gift of books this holiday seasonBy Deborah Burst

One of the greatthings about being a

journalist is all the wonderful and talentedpeople you meet. Listed below are some of myfavorite writers and their latest work.

Gimme Some Sugar, Darlin’ is a livelymemoir from a culinary point of view alongwith an introduction to everything Southern.The book followswhat Laurance(Laurie) DaltroffTriplette calls a“Baby Boomer’scockeyed” personalessay payinghomage to thediverse cultural andculinary heritage offour Southernfamilies. From Tex-Mex and Cajun toDelta Appalachian and Low Country and allpoints in between, a book for everyone fromdomestic divas to what Triplette calls, “ourprecious, home-ec deprived 19 year-olds.”

There’s forty pages dedicated to thesecret lexicons of Southernness while theremaining recipes and cooking tips sharerecent and heirloom recipes spanning fivegenerations. Sifting through the pages,Triplette owns a lovely cadence like a churchchoir in a slow and deliberate harmonygradually peaking to a raucous celebration.

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

details how to set a table, table etiquette andthe tools needed to stock a well primedkitchen. There’s a two page spread just onfrying chicken, another on slow cooking, andno southern cookbook would be completewithout a section on preserving, canning andquantity equivalents in preparing food for 100people. The Cake chapter is sprinkled withtraditional and heirloom recipes including theApple Stack Cake, a multi-layered cake froman Appalachian community dating back tocolonial times.

At first glance, you would say GimmeSome Sugar, Darlin’ is a smartly donecookbook, but that doesn’t give it justice. Thehandsome spiral bound pages wrapped in ahard-bound book bring back long-lostmemories with a stinging urge to haul thekids into the kitchen for a cooking lesson.http://shop.tripleheartpress.com/Gimme-Some-Sugar-Darlin-01000010.htm

Chasing the Wind is a sequel to Dancingon Glass written by award winning novelist, Pamela Binnings Ewen. An excellentwordsmith, Ewen alsoinvests a great deal ofresearch in historicalaccuracy which bringsa heightened sense ofplace. Set in NewOrleans, the scenes areso real you hear thestreet side musicians,crave the coffee andbeignets and smell thesweet olive in JacksonSquare.

Chasing the Wind explores the real-lifedramas of Amalise Catoir, a young lawyerwho has just returned to her career after abrush with death by an abusive husband.Starting a new life, Amalise leans on herchildhood friend, Jude, and begins to feel thatfamiliar closeness, but it may be too late.

Some call it karma, others believe it’s ahigher power, but sometimes there seems tobe a master plan--a blueprint in who we meet,

when we meet, and why? Ewen explores these mysteries

in life and weaves an engaging plotbringing together a greedy investor,a young female lawyer, and an

innocent child. Chasing the Wind isa love story spiced with mystery,ambition, and rivalry set against afast paced, razzle-dazzle

corporate transaction inAmalise Catoir’s law practice

in New Orleans. Suspense plus whimsy, bound together

with love, Amalise begs the same questionsthat haunt women today on career, marriageand motherhood in a whirlwind of surprisingemotions and conflicts.http://www.pamelaewen.com/books/

The Coffee Shop Chronicles of NewOrleans Part 2, The Last Beaucoeur is a sequelto David Lummis’ first novel, The Coffee ShopChronicles of New Orleans: Part 1. His maincharacter, Sammy Singleton takes a detourfrom writing a benign coffee shop guidebookto search for hisfriend CatfishBeaucoeur. Catfishdisappears afterbeing released from aNew Orleans Centrallockup charged withgrave robbing, andleaves behind cluesincluding a book oflynchingphotography and adisturbinghandwritten poem.

Rarely does abook come alongwith writing so lyrical the words tap insideyour head with a mind-altering rhythm. Likethe first novel, the second digs even deeper inthe Jim Crow south and the secrets it holds. Araw prose, much like screenwriting, Lummisdrives the plot with heady characters andvivid scenes inside the New Orleans FrenchQuarter and bohemian suburbs.

Against the backdrop of a monster stormbearing down on the city, Sammy franticallycontinues his quest with the help of Catfish’schildhood friend Lee Ann, who transportsSammy and the reader back to the 1960s and70s.

The book explores the territory of thehuman heart as it weaves together a story oflove, the saga of a slave-holding family and itsplace in New Orleans’ civil rights history, anda meditation on the meaning of a life and howour past inevitably shapes the here and now.http://www.coffeeshopchronicles.com/

Another great thing about giving booksas gifts--you can sit home in front of the cozyfire and order them online. That’s a gift initself. Happy shopping and have a greatThanksgiving!

A New Orleans native now living in the piney woods ofMandeville, Deb frequently visits her hometown for apo-boy fix.

ouisianaAnswers …

1. The Red River2. Farmerville Jr. Chamber of

Commerce3. Davis Island, outside of

Newellton4. James A. Noe5. It is from the general

Indian name fornuts, "pakan"

6. Six – Ouachita Junior College, NortheastCenter of LSU, Northeast Junior College ofLSU, Northeast La. State College, NLU,ULM

7. Richard W. Leche8. John McKeithen

9. The Columbia Lock and Dam10. No

A Life Message From OneWoman To Another

Although I’ve wontrophies for my art,writing, high schoolbasketball, even jelly

making, when fellow columnist Johnny Winksays he’s looking for a Trophy Wife, I don’t thinkthat’s what he has in mind. He did tell me,though, if and when Burt Reynolds books a huntat Megabucks, he’ll call me.

Sonny Harrington, another Louisiana RoadTrips columnist, stopped me in my tracks, sohandsome. An expert on firearms, I soon learnedhis gun is already holstered.

Now that DennisStewart took himself off themeat market, marrying asweet young thing (and shereally is, both sweet andyoung), I’m left with nochoice but to explore the real meat market.

I mean, there are no eligible bachelorswandering around my neighborhood. Somebodycomes to the door, it’s not by chance. He wantssomething notarized. He’s not looking for a dateor a mate.

I figure if a man’s married, his wife does thegroceryshopping.Therefore, if a

man’s checkingout the rib-eyesand spare-ribs,chances are he’savailable.By the way, do

you have any ideahow cold grocerystores keep thatpart of the store?I can only hangaround so longbefore I’mshivering.Goosebumpsaren’t pretty, norare chatteringteeth. Besides,how do youstart aconversationover roundsteak? Orground beef,for thatmatter?

Scratchthat. In fact,

scratch everything. It’s taken a long time, butI finally learned an important lessonregarding relationships between men andwomen. Naturally, learning something andpracticing what’s been learned isn’t alwaysthe same thing. However, I’ll share what Ifigured out. What I learned is to accept.

Accepting is a peaceful resolution forthe most part; just realize, accepting isn’t thesame thing as settling. Accepting isn’tthrowing in the proverbial towel. It isn’tgoing-along to get-along either. Accepting is

recognizing the differencebetween men and women.

Why do you think bookssuch as Men are from Mars;Women are from Venus are sopopular? There are more thanjust the obvious physical

differences between men and women.There’s a whole passel of emotionalhardware and software, basic wiring, alongwith a fundamental mental outlook, also.

We should accept each other asindividuals. No puppets on stings. Emotionscome into play and men definitely look atthe world differently than women. It’s a lotlike my BooCat and the pack of dogs livingat Wits End. Cats are cats. Dogs are dogs.Moreover, never the twain shall meld intoone. Likewise, men are men and women arewomen.

We gals need to be less grateful whensome guy treats us as we deserve to betreated. Far too often we immediatelyconclude, Wow! He's so nice. He must reallylove me. Beware of oxygen deprivation if youfly too high or too close to the sun.

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

Even a cat. Much as it loves you, it’sindependent, even aloof at times. Plus, youhave to empty its litter box. A dog mayadore you and lick your face, trying to pleaseyou every way it can. Just remember, thatsame face-licking tongue very likely lickedsome not-so-sanitary spots shortly before itsplashed across your face. Not to mention,unless he’s been neutered, let some littlepoodle come along, and you can color himgone.

Oh, most likely he’ll be back, tailtucked between his legs. Nonetheless,sometimes the pull is just too strongbecause, as I said before, it’s just the natureof the beast.

Neutering. Leashes. Electric fences.These might work for dogs, but when itcomes to men, it’s best to simply keep youreyes wide open. Trust, yes, but don’t giveaway the farm (aka your soul). Nobody isworthy of your entire soul... except you,your own self.

This speech is coming from a womanthrice divorced and once widowed in amanner of speaking. Summing it up, dogsdream about chasing rabbits and slobber onyour car windows while a cat is content tolet you come and go as you please. My bestadvice? Keep the Windex handy and wear asweater if you decide to cruise the meatmarket at your local grocery store.

Barbara Sharik makes her home at Wit's End in Jones,Louisiana with a couple old dogs, young dogs and severalstupid dogs, a cat, a talking cockatiel and a white dove.She's active in civic affairs, serves as a Justice of thePeace, a Notary Public, is the Clerk for the Village ofBonita and a columnist for the Bastrop Daily Enterprise.She has authored several books. You can e-mail Barbara [email protected]

RUNNIN’ THE ROADS By Barbara Sharik

Besides, how doyou start a

conversation overround steak?



Sweet Travels By Donna McManus

“The First Thanksgiving”In 1621 the Pilgrims and Indians had

a three-day festival of food andfriendship. They gave thanks to God for

a bountiful harvest after several seasons of privation. GovernorWilliam Bradford of the Plymouth Colony proclaimed thiscelebration to be known as “The First Thanksgiving”. The feastincluded a wide variety of animals and fowl, as well as fruits andvegetables from the fall harvest. This celebration is the origin ofThanksgiving, as we know it today.

Many of us today enjoy turkey with all the trimmings; theseare traditional foods that replicate the foods at the firstThanksgiving feast. However, not all our holiday foods areauthentic of the original feast, research shows foods that wereavailable to the Pilgrims were:Fish: cod, eel, herring, shad and bluefishSeafood: lobsters, clams, mussels and some oystersFowl: wild turkey, duck, goose, swan, and partridgeMeat: venisonGrain: wheat flour, barley, Indian corn and corn mealFruits: raspberries, strawberries, grapes, plums, cherries,blueberries and gooseberries. Vegetables: pumpkins, squash, peas, beans and carrotsNuts: walnuts, chestnuts, acorns, and hickory nutsHerbs: onions, leeks, strawberry leaves, currants, sorrel, yarrow,watercress and flax.

The first Thanksgiving would not have had sweet desserts aswe have on our table today. Syllabub is a dessert the colonistsmay have made using goat milk and ale. Many variations of thisrecipe have been found though the years and although this recipehas been modified to please a modern day palate, it would be awelcomed dish at any table this Thanksgiving, in remembrance ofthe past. ~ENJOY~

While cooking methods and table etiquette have changed as the holidayhas evolved, the meal is still consumed today with the same spirit ofcelebration and overindulgence.

We give thanks for the pleasure of gathering together for this occasion.We give thanks for this food prepared by loving hands. We give thanks forlife, the freedom to enjoy it all and all the blessings. ~unknown

Forever on Thanksgiving Day the heart will find the pathway home. ~Wilbur D. Nesbit

I am blessed this Thanksgiving, as I hope you are. I’m also thankful forpeople like you who read my column and would like to say THANK YOUand have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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

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

SyllabubAn English dessert dating back to the 16th century, syllabub is comprised of milk orcream lightly curdled with alcohol. It was popular for celebrations, special occasionsand holidays due to its festive appearance.

2 cups of whipped cream ½ cup of white sugar1/8 cup of white wine lemon slice1/8 cup of freshly-squeezed lemon juice and zest of lemongrated nutmeg sprig of mint

Whip cream until thick in a chilled bowl. When the cream begins to thicken,add sugar, white wine, lemon juice and zest of lemon. Add more wine fordesired consistency. Continue to whip until thick. Chill until ready to serve.Spoon the mixture into footed parfait glasses and garnish with a sprig of mint,a slice of lemon and a sprinkle of grated nutmeg. Yield: 10 parfait servings

Just in Case…By Su Stella

My most treasuredarticle each year is myNew Years article.Recognizing that theMayan calendar is comingto fruition on December

21, 2012, I thought I might get a jump on theNew Years article just in case those Mayan’swere right.

In some ways it’s so exciting. What doesthis mean if the world ends? Do I have regrets?Did I do the best and kindest things I could? Isthere anything I should do between now andDecember 21? These are questions to ponder.

We are all going to die, that is fact. Iunderstand the words, but we think there’salways more time. What we need to askourselves is what it means to live. It meanswaking up ready for excitement, looking forclues to the future, wiggling out of our oldshells and going where we were afraid to gobefore. These aren’t just lofty changes; if youtake small steps, a path forms from them.

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

setting deadline. We’ve since learned to cooka variety of foods. Heck, we even made awhole German dinner from schnitzel toGerman potato salad. This summer weplanted celery just to see how it grows. Wealso bought a mini swimming pool andinstead of taking it down just because thecalendar pages changed, it’s still up becausesome October days can hang in the 90’s forweeks…and I’ve been swimming! It feelsgood. Dare to break some rules!

So it’s not too late to fill your owncalendar with exciting events! This month visitShreveport- Bossier area for some fun. It’snever too early to buy holiday gifts or a treatfor yourself! The 1st Barksdale Blue ChristmasFestival will take place Nov 3rd from 10 to 3on base at Barksdale Air Force Base. Be awarethat it is not open to the general public, butthose with military credentials. The TexasStreet Makers Fair (texasavemakersfair.com)on Nov 10th is fast becoming one ofShreveport’s most loved festivals. From art,crafts and food to hula hooper’s, fire breathersand a cast of cool characters strutting about!

Don’t miss the Highland Jazz and BluesFestival (highlandjazzandblues.org) on Nov17th from 11:30 to 5. This FREE event will haveheadliner Big Bill Morganfield, son ofacclaimed blues musician Muddy Waters. Twostages, artists alley, yummy food and cold beer.Visit my booth for fused glass jewelry, handforged bottle openers, and fun Louisianainspired soap at any of these events (mentionthis article and save 10%), or see my new art atSuStella.com orwww.etsy.com/shop/MardiGrasShop forholiday gifts.

The Mayan calendar may forecastnothing more than an artist/mathematicianrunning out of space on their life’s work. Iguess we’ll see on that day. I do want to thankall of you that have been following mycolumn for the past 7 years. I hope we canspend many more years growing, gaining,and appreciating our lives and families, andmaking the world a better place. And if bychance the world ends on December 21st, it’sbeen a fun ride!


Fall is in fullswing and watertemperatures on MyFavorite Fishing Holehave fallen as waterlevels have remainedmostly stable the past

3 months. We did have a foot rise on the lakethe end of September when some partsreceived 6 inches of rain with a weathersystem as the lake rose to 169.4 feet. Inaddition, there were reports of large mats ofsalvinia in the northern part of the lake andsome control spraying has been done. Heavyrains can cause these mats to ‘float’ wherethey can be reached to spray/treat.

Toledo had its worst infestations ofsalvinia several years ago and there weresome mats an acre or more in size that floatedout of the creeks to the main lake, makingthem accessible. Hopefully, this will helpkeep this invasive tropical plant in check.

Thermocline impacts fishing… Thecold fronts are giving me more fishingoptions as they bring water temps downbasically eliminating the thermocline. Thethermocline forms in June on most areas deepreservoirs and is a line of demarcation wherethe oxygen-rich warmer water is on top andthe colder, low-oxygenated water is on thebottom. During the summer it is difficult forfish to survive below the thermocline whichon Toledo and Rayburn is normally around25 ft. On my 998c Hummingbird SI unit inSwitchfire mode/max” you can see evidenceof the thermocline as a horizontal thin field of

Thermocline Impact On Fishingdebris around 25’. In the fall, thesurface water is cooled and becomesheavier and sinks to the bottompushing the bottom layer of water tomix with the rest of the water volumethus eliminating the thermocline. Thisprocess, called “turn-over”, hasalready occurred this fall as thebeginning of this phenomenon startedin October. Most of the time there’s abrownish foam on the surface andsometimes even a distinct odor, amusty smell. With the thermoclinegone, there is now decent oxygencontent all the way to the bottom ofthe lake allowing bait and fish toagain relate to the bottom, no matterhow deep. We often fish those deepareas (30-50 ft) from October through earlyFebruary and move shallow in the earlyspring.

Fishing update… Fall patterns are inplace with bait and bass moving up drains andditches all over the lake. Top water patternsinclude working Pro Pops (Bill Norman),Chug Bugs and Yellow Magic on grassy pointsduring low-light conditions. Spinnerbaitscontinue to hook up on bass with a 3/8 ozdouble willow Stanley Vibra Wedge my topchoice as we are targeting windy points andthe back 1/3 of major creeks. We also likeNorman’s Triple Wing buzzbait.

Shallow and mid-diving crankbaits arecatching bass as are Bill Lewis Rat-L-Traps inred craw and shad patterns. On our crankbaitswe are using Deep Little Ns and Baby Ns in

chartreuse/black and also shadpatterns in depths of 6 to 15 ft. Weare also working DD22s on deeperpoints, ridges and humps from 15to 30 feet with shad patternsworking well.

On soft plastics we arespending a lot of time on Texas rigsin 8 to 20 ft. with Havoc BottomHoppers, Rocket Craws and TrickWorms with watermelon colors ourtop choices. On deeper structure (15to 30 ft) we are slow-draggingCarolina rigs and Stanley Bug Eyefootball jigs in ½ and ¾ oz. We arealso fishing jigging spoons and dropshot rigs with Havoc’s BottomHopper Jr (4.75 inches) my drop

shot choice. In closing, Keithon and Sherry Perkins

of DeQuincy caught over 75 crappie a fewweekends ago and had some of the biggest"slabs" I have ever seen! They were fishingbrush piles with live shiners in 15 ft depthsand the crappie were suspended over thebrush. They also caught several catfish up to9 pounds. Other reports include anglerscatching crappie and yellow bass on RoadRunners and Beetle Spins using light line (6-8lb test) and targeting points with grass.

Joe Joslin is a syndicated outdoor columnist,tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo andSam Rayburn. Contact him at 337-463-3848,[email protected], orwww.joejoslinoutdoors.com.

MY FAVORITE FISHING HOLE By Toledo Bend Pro Angler, Joe Joslin

Angie Womack with abig Toledo bass thatwas part of recentcatch of numerouslargemouth.

Walking in the Right DirectionBy Robert Lemoine

Where are you headed in life right now? Takea moment to ask yourself that age old question…ifI died right now, would I go to HEAVEN or toHELL? Do you know that you are sinning? And,do you know how to change your ETERNITY?

I was exposed to these and other questionsover the last couple of weeks. We know that we

are sinners according to the Word of God. We also know that we havechoices to make in life. The overall purpose of these questions went in adirection I didn’t foresee coming.

The story correlating to these questions was that of Jonah. It wasn’tthat Jonah was disobedient to God or that he was swallowed by a big fish.It was about the people he went to talk to. He had to warn Nineveh of the

upcoming destruction tothem through the wrathof God. The people ofNineveh were unholyand did unholy thingsand for their completedisregard for God’slaws, destruction wasproclaimed aspunishment. As apeople, America is in the

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

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

Jesus gave the answer when asked how many times do you forgiveyour brother in a day. The answer was seven times seventy (depending onwhich translation you use). We are to imitate Jesus and do as He tells us.He never set a rule that He didn’t obey also, so we know that He iswilling to forgive us. The key is that we must ask for forgiveness.

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

A lifelong resident of Union Parish, Robert Lemoine is a Christian small business owner.He and his wife, Summer, oversee www.foreverandalwaysonline.com and also sellChristian merchandise at flea markets and fesitvals in north Louisiana and surroundingstates. Robert's writings are most inspirational, Christian, and patriotic with occasionalreflections on lessons learned. He can be reached at [email protected].


To my mind,autumn is the briefinterval between the

September equinox and the first frost thatusually occurs in mid-November. Days arecooler, skies are bluer; leaves are crispy,mornings misty. For many people, it’s themost satisfying time of the year. Walk outsideand let it embrace you. Watch the passage oftime through the landscape; heed the subtlerhythms and cycles of nature. It’s ahauntingly evocative season.

Mid-October’s woodlot hints at thepatchwork of fall colors to come. Trees thatwere camouflaged in the green anonymity ofsummer will soon be unmasked by the red,yellow and orange glamour of autumn.Already, scarlet tinting has revealed sumac,sourwood and sassafras. Golden leaves haveexposed maples, tulip and river birch.Betrayed by time, green is losing its grip onthe year.

By early October, pecans and acorns werefalling. Bright red clusters of Carolinamoonseed had ripened and magnolia coneswere dripping red seed. Holly, dogwood andhackberry drupes were blushing, as were theberries on nandina and pyracantha shrubs.Native beautyberry bushes still featured purpleberries.

In the meantime, the fall color palatefluoresced with blooming plants. Box storesfeatured banks of chrysanthemums,November’s birth flower. Roadsides stillboasted local rose mallows, swamp sunflowerand trumpet creepers. Native asters, bluemistflowers, coneflowers, goldenrods andgroundsel bloomed in passing fields. Beds ofcannas, four o’clocks, impatiens, lantana,Mexican petunia and summer phlox floweredin suburban yards. At the back patio, beds ofbutterfly bush, gingers, salvia, sage and turk’scap continued to attract butterflies andhummingbirds. As purveyors of nectar, pollen,

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

For the wildlife gardener, autumn isspecial. Birds and butterflies bring movementand color to the landscape – those sweeping,swooping, swirling flocks of blackbirds; thefluttering flight of fritillaries, sulphurs andskippers; the color of cardinals, jays andwoodpeckers; the excitement of swarminghummingbirds in September and migratingmonarchs in October. Plus ballooning spiders,leaping frogs, scrambling anoles. Squirrels aresampling acorns and pecans. So are deer,sporting a fresh set of antlers.

Look about. As one writer observed,many migrating birds rely on the food andprotection provided by weedy patches inurban, suburban, and rural landscapes. Butthose are the places we usually considereyesores to be clipped and mowed. Onceplants quit blooming, we typically cut them

All These Things With God"I like spring, but it’s too young. I like summer, but it’s too proud. So I like best of all autumn, because its tone is

mellower, its colours are richer, and it’s tinged with a little sorrow. Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence ofspring, nor the power of summer, but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age. It knows thelimitations of life and its content." ~Lin Yutang

GOING NATIVE By Larry Brock

continued on next page > > >


back. The seed crop is aborted.No wonder our suburbanlandscapes often resemble abarren wilderness for mostwildlife.

Fall is man’s time to reapand gather but nature’s time tosow and scatter. Let some out-of-the-way plants go to seed tocomplete their life cycle andproduce seed – some will feedwintering wildlife; some willgerminate next spring to insurethe survival of the species; somewill remain on deposit in the soilbank for a future generation. Forsome plants, seed are theculmination of a lifetime of effort!

And as this season ends,remember to give thanks.“Thanksgiving is the holiday ofpeace, the celebration of workand the simple life... a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry ofthe turn of the seasons, thebeauty of seedtime and harvest,the ripe product of the year - andthe deep, deep connection of allthese things with God.” ~RayStannard Baker A life-long resident of Lake Providence, LarryBrock was inspired by his grandfather’spassion for gardening and his own desire torecover the horticultural uniqueness of thisregion. Larry is drawn to the relationshipsbetween plants, birds, insects and soil and canbe found puttering outdoors in his yard mostany time, weather permitting.

All These ThingsWith God continued


L’Auberge expands into Baton Rouge By Cheré Coen

It seems only yesterday thatL’Auberge du Lac opened in LakeCharles, a premier casino and hotelwith lots of elegant and fun amenitiessuch as spa, lazy river pool andupscale dining.

Parent company PinnacleEntertainment has expanded andopened L’Auberge Casino & HotelBaton Rouge this fall, located on theMississippi River south of LSU anddowntown Baton Rouge. A bit moreupscale than its Lake Charles sister,L’Auberge Baton Rouge offers a74,000-square-foot, single-level casinowith private poker room, 50 tablegames and a buffet that feels morelike a restaurant, with a privatedining room surrounded by exquisiteart glass. The hotel offers 205 guestrooms with lavish suites, a rooftoppool with a dramatic view ofunspoiled Mississippi River viewsand fitness center.

Since casinos must be on waterin Louisiana by law, L’Auberge BatonRouge actually exists on the river sideof the levee with the hotel on theother side. In fact, the hotel’s valetservice sits on top of the levee. Thecasino will have no threat of floods,however, being that it’s perched highabove sea level, but the river will riseand fall around it.

Both the hotel and casino featurean elegant Southern-inspired interiordesign highlighted by artwork fromLouisiana artists. Books by Louisianaauthors grace the rooms as well.

The property includes 13,000square feet of meeting and conferencespace, an Event Center/GrandBallroom that can hold 1,400 forconcerts and 800 for banquets, the

executive Chatsworth Room (named for theplantation that used to be on the site), an executiveboardroom and outdoor festival grounds that canaccommodate up to2,500 people.

For quick diningoptions, there’s the BonTemps Buffet, whichseats 360 guests, andPJ’s Café with itssignature, house-madepastries. Stadium SportsBar & Grill honorsLouisiana athletes andserves up Southernspecialties andsandwiches as well asfun dishes such asseafood topped nachos,lightly batteredmacaroni and cheesebites with a heavenlyhorseradish sauce andsignature cocktails such as the “Death Valley” and“Who Dat.” There are 50 flat-screen TVsshowcasing sports, so it’s the perfect place togather for commaderie and watching the game.

The 18 Steak restaurant refers to Louisianabecoming the 18th state in theunion, a perfect tribute toLouisiana’s Bicentennial year.The accompanying bar pours upa fine collection of whiskeys,scotch and bourbons and therestaurant, which serves upprime cuts of beef in addition toa variety of dishes, reflects thewhiskey barrel theme, a nod tothe famous American drink thatroutinely came down the river.The restaurant offers a strikingview of the river, as well.

The hotel and casino andrestaurants are connected by a

long corridor, which straddles the levee. There areseveral heavy glass doors to move throughbetween each building, which allows the

smokiness of the casino to stay in thecasino. But even in the casino thesmoke is kept to a minimum, thanks tomodern technology.

L’Auberge Baton Rouge hasspecial events throughout the year. Forthe fall, visitors can spend theweekend and receive a complimentaryshuttle to LSU football games, leavingthe traffic headaches behind. EveryThursday in November, the hoteloffers “Sippin’ in the Sunset” on therooftop pool with specialty drinks, freesushi and music from 6 to 9pm for $10.Upcoming concerts include RonnieDunn on Nov. 8, Kenny Rogers onDec. 7 and 8 and Huey Lewis and theNews on Dec. 28. For moreinformation, visitwww.mylauberge.com.

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


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

by Stacy ThorntonRECIPES

Cranberry Pecan Swirls1/2 cup butter softened 1 egg1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1/4 tsp salt1/2 cup finely chopped cranberries or Craisins 1 tsp vanilla3 tbsp packed brown sugar 3/4 cup sugar1/2 cupchopped finely pecans 1/4 tsp baking powder1 tbsp grated orange peel 2 tsp milk

In large bowl cream butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Combine flour, bakingpowder, and salt. Add flour mixture until just combined. Cover bowl andrefrigerate about 1 hour for easier handling. In a small bowl combinecranberries, pecans, and orange peel. Combine brown sugar and milk inanother bowl. Dust a surface lightly with flour (I prefer powdered sugar)and out dough into a 10 inch square. Spread milk mixture then sprinklecranberry mixture. Roll up dough into a jellyroll fashion. Wrap in waxpaper and freeze for several hours until firm. Slice into 1/4 inch slices andbake in preheated 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until edges arelightly golden brown. Remove to wire rack to cool.

White Chili8 boned/skinned chicken breast halves4 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained1 can cannellini beans, drained and mashed1/2 tsp each chili powder and black pepper1/8 tsp each ground black pepper, red pepper, ground cloves2 medium onions, chopped 1 tbsp vegetable oil2 cloves of garlic, chopped 2 (14.5 oz ) cans chicken broth2 (4.5 oz) cans chopped green chilies 3/4 tsp dried oregano1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp saltToppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, and/or cheese

Cut chicken into bite size pieces then saute in oil, add onion and garlic overmedium heat until chicken is done - about 10 minutes. Stir in broth andremaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat; simmer for30 minutes. Serve with desired toppings. You can substitute GreatNorthern beans for Cannellini beans.

Praline Grahams1 cup butter 1 cup brown sugardash of salt 1 cup pecans24 graham crackers (break each cracker into 4 crackers)

Mix butter, sugar and salt in sauce pan and boil for 2 minutesONLY. Remove from heat and stir in pecans. Place grahamcrackers close together on greased cookie sheet and pour mixtureover crackers. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes - watchcarefully you don't want this to burn. Remove and allow to cool.Store in airtight container. Delicious!

Turkey Corn Chowder4 medium onions, sliced 1/4 cup melted butter5 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 stalks celery chopped1 tbsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper1 chicken bouillon cube 2 cups water5 cups milk 1 cup half and half2 cans (14.5 oz) whole kernel corn, drained1 can (14.5 oz) cream style corn1 1/2 tsp paprika 1/4 tsp dried thyme3 cups cooked chopped turkey chopped fresh parsley

Cook onion in butter until tender. Add cubed potato and next 5ingredients and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmerfor 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add milk and next6 ingredients. Cook until heated through. Sprinkle with parsley. Note: You can substitute cooked chicken for turkey.

Wild Rice Chicken Dressing3 cups cooked wild rice 2 cups crumbled cornbread1 cup minced onion 1 cup diced celery1 clove of garlic, minced 1 tbsp parsley chopped1/2 cup butter 2 tsp salt1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp sweet basil1/2 cup chopped bell pepper 1/2 tsp sage (optional)1/2 tsp rosemary 1 cup sliced mushrooms2 cups chicken broth

Saute onions in butter until transparent. Add bell pepper, celery,garlic, and parsley mixing constantly over low heat. When cookeddown put in large bowl add the remaining ingredients and mixwell with chicken broth. Pour into greased 9 x 13 dish and bake at350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.


A Home Fit for HollywoodWhen it comes to being a Hollywood star,

some celebrities are just born with ‘it.’Sometimes it’s a sparkle in the eye, anendearingly quirky personality or anunstoppable sartorial elegance that makes thedifference. They stand apart from the rest. Such

is the story of how The Lanaux Mansion(www.BnBFinder.com/Lanaux) caught theattention of a Hollywood director andended up starring alongside one of thebiggest actors on the planet.

The 11,000 square foot Victorianmansion, located in the Farbourg Marignysection of New Orleans, was built byCharles Andrew Johnson, a wealthy andprominent attorney, in 1879. He had hopesof one day marrying and filling the home with the sound of hischildren’s laughter; however, it wasn’t meant to be. Charles remaineda bachelor, and after his death left the mansion to his businesspartner’s daughter, Marie Andry Lanaux, who he secretly loved. Shehad moved into the home to take care of Charles after he fell ill.

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

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

Although the home was structurally sound, she oversaw anextensive renovation of the interior takingcare not to damage the home’s originalwallpaper and other invaluable details.Ruth had plans to convert the home into afew apartments to help cover expensesuntil a friend suggested opening a B&B.Being a former tourism specialist for thecity, she was knowledgeable about themarket and knew it could be a successfulventure. She created four plush rooms—

The Enchanted Cottage, The Johnson Room, The Weiland Room andThe Lanaux Suite—and a lush Victorian walking garden to which allthe rooms have direct access. It’s one of the finest examples ofRenaissance Revival architecture in New Orleans.

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

Although initially weary of potential damage to the home and itsprecious antiques (many of Charles’ personal belongings adorn theguest rooms including furniture, art and books), Ruth granted the filmcrew access up to a point: they could film ten feet into the home andthe exterior only. To capture more of the interior, the film crew tookdetailed measurements of the home and built a dazzling replica on aNew Orleans movie lot right down to the detailing on the walnut frontdoor. “When I saw the replica of my house, I thought someone hadtime enough to pick it up and move it to the studio.” The rest isHollywood history.Mary White is the author of “Running a Bed & Breakfast For Dummies” and an avidB&B goer. She has stayed at bed and breakfasts all over the world and particularly lovesthe inns of Louisiana. In 1998, Mary founded BnBFinder.com, a top on-line bed andbreakfast directory that lists thousands of B&Bs, inns, and boutique hotels worldwide.

BEDS & BEIGNETS By Mary White


NovemberCalendar of Events

November 2-4_____________

La Swine Festival

Basile – (337) 230-1479

Pecan Festival

Colfax – (318) 627-5196

Ponchatoula Trade Days

Ponchatoula – (985) 386-0026

November 3_______________

Southdown Fall Festival

Houma – (985) 851-0154

Swamp Pop Music Festival

Robert – (985) 345-9244

November 3-4_____________

Celebration of the Giant Omelette

Abbeville – (337) 893-0013

Shadows Civil War Reenactment

New Iberia – (877) 200-4924

Swamp Festival

Audubon Zoo, New Orleans(504) 581-4629

Shadows Civil War Reenactment

New Iberia – (877) 200-4924

November 3-4, 10-11, 17-18,24-25

____________________

Renaissance Festival

Hammond – (985) 429-9992

November 5-6_____________

Main to Main Trade Days

Springhill – (318) 539-5699

November 8-11____________

Cracklin Festival

Port Barre – (337) 585-2827

Rayne Frog Festival

(337)-334-2332

November 9-11____________

Westwego Cypress Swamp Festival

Westwego – (504) 341-1003

Cut Off Youth Center Fair

985-632-7616

November 10______________

Thibodauxville Fall Festival

985-446-1187

Mirliton Festival

New Orleans – (504) 944-5422

Atchafalaya Basin Festival

Henderson – (337) 257-2444

Sugar Day

Kent House, Alexandria(318) 487-5998

November 10-11___________

Fringe Festival

New Orleans

Fall Festival

Destrehan Plantation – (985) 764-9315

Covington Three Rivers Arts Festival

(985) 327-9797

November 11______________

Veterans Day

Veteran’s Day Avenue of Flags

(Southeast Tourism Society Top 20Event for November)Orange Grove/Graceland Cemetery,Lake Charles

November 13-14Destrahan Plantation Fall Festival

(985) 764-9315

2012November 14-17

___________

Mistletoe & Moss

Lake Charles Civic Center

November 16-18___________

Harvest Festival

Moss Bluff – (337) 304-3639

November 17-18___________

Celtic Nations Heritage Festival

Lake Charles – (337) 436-9588

Civil War Living History Reenactment

Camp Moore – (985) 229-2438

November 18______________

PoBoy Festival

New Orleans – (504) 228-3349

November 22- Dec 25________

Christmas in the Park

Bogalusa – (337) 513-6514

November 23-24___________

Antique Trade Days

Pontchatoula – (800) 617-4502

November 24______________

Christmas Tree Farm Festival

Grant – (800) 987-NOEL

Christmas Wonderland in the Pines

Jonesboro – (318) 259-4693

November 24-25___________

Cajun Christmas Lafayette

(985) 796-5853

LIHA Annual Fall Pow Wow

Gonzales – (888) 775-7990

November 30 – Dec 2________

Orange Festival

Belle Chase – (504) 656-7599

Holidays in the GardenBy Mona L. Hayden

Let’s step outdoors where it’s reallymagical as we approach the holiday season. Ifyou pay close attention, you’ll notice the mostenchanting sights and sounds out there. Isometimes wonder how any gardener couldnot love a holiday that’s designed around anelement of nature as wondrous as a tree!Especially big, beautiful trees so firmly rootedin the ground that their grandiose statureleaves you awestruck – truly bliss.

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

cranberries on fishing line for the birds.Draping them over trees and shrubs isguaranteed to get you both in the holidayspirit. Gather colorful leaves, twigs, andpinecones to decorate outdoor tables, benches,window boxes, and doorways. Ideally, itwould be nice to glance out any window andrecognize the season, so tuck in some berriesand even shiny Christmas tree balls. I alwaysdecorate at least one outdoor tree becausethat’s where all the excitement really is. Justthe movement and color of falling leaves, thesmell of freshly mulched beds, the blooms of

cool-season annuals, and pods left behind onthe crepe myrtles, meshed with red berriesand intricate bark patterns are simplyawesome. So when you need a break from theholiday hoopla, spend some quiet timeoutside appreciating nature as we gentlymove into another season.

Now for the task list. Unless you plan tomow this winter, drain or run out that last bitof gas in the mower and weed eater beforestoring them for the season. If time permits,change the oil and replace spark plugs so

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Trace Tasty Treats By Deborah Burst

Living only a mile away I’ve been biking and walking the trail fornearly 20 years. It started as an inexpensive way to keep my youngerson and daughter entertained, and not to mention the exercise. A 31-mile asphalt trail and wildlife conservation corridor, the TammanyTrace links parks, greenways, wetlands and pedestrian bridges throughCovington, Abita Springs, Mandeville and Slidell. Travel the Trace witha tasty treat or beverage along the way.

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

Just two blocks away picnic at Bogue Falaya Park while the kidsplay on a generous playground. On Saturday the Covington FarmersMarket features local produce, chef demonstrations and book signings.Moving east toward Abita Springs, hop off the Trace and cross BostonStreet to the service road at the Chimes Restaurant. With scenic viewsof the Bogue Falaya River, enjoy a drink, lunch or dinner inside oroutside with wide screen HD televisions.

Abita Springs… Nearly four miles away, downtown AbitaSprings offers the Abita Tourism Plaza with historic gazebo, museumand playground. Sip a brew and grab a bite at the Abita Brew Pub ornext door, an old fashioned malt shop with one of the best roast beefpo-boys around. Satisfy that sweet tooth with homemade bread,pastries and lunch at the Maple Street Bakery & Café. If you’re an earlybird, stop at the Abita Café and sit outside for a full fledged breakfast.A quick walk from the gazebo and playground, Artigue’s AbitaMarket, a century old country store, is a great place for a cold drinkand deli sandwich.

Tammany Trace Headquarters… Moving east, the next stop is abee hive of activity at the Tammany Trace Trailhead Headquarters.Many people use this as their starting point with numerous picnictables and tons of parking. Kids can take a break from cycling and playat the Kids Konnection playground built for all children with orwithout special needs. Look for the green caboose for information onthe Trace as well as rest rooms, water fountains, and beverage vendingmachines.

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

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

Fontainebleau StatePark/Lacombe/Slidell-Carollo… The Tracegoes straight through the park, and anexcellent place to picnic, hike, fish, swim,camp, or stay at one of the new silted cabinsover Lake Pontchartrain. Follow one of thelongest and prettiest stretches of the Tracepast cemeteries, majestic oaks, and a bridgeover Bayou Lacombe to your last stop at theSlidell-Carollo Trailhead. The final stop offersplenty of parking, rest rooms and a

playground for thekiddies. A bicyclecrossover takes you tothe Thompson Roadstrip shopping areafilled with shoppingand restaurants.

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

you’ll have one less chore to tackle in thespring. Gather up gardening tools and givethem a good cleaning with a greasy rag beforesharpening and storing them as well. Pick upany water hoses, wrap or cover hydrants, anddrain your sprinkler system just in case we getfreezing temps.

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

plants, especially pots, so keep at least onehose handy. The wind is actually more dryingto plants than the sun and they can’t tolerate afreeze when they’re stressed from lack ofwater. Also, adding a layer of mulch to thebeds for winter is a good idea not only to keepweeds down but to keep moisture in.

An extra bonus that comes with thisseason is the opportunity to bird watch. It’sactually very satisfying to nurture them alongby installing birdhouses, and providing foodand water. I keep binoculars nearby so I can

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

When I can sneak away for a fewminutes, I head straight to the hammock andgaze at the treetops, amazed at their tenacity.I’ve learned that nature never fails to calm themind and nourish the soul so share your loveand appreciation of all things green as youponder the true meaning of Christmas – in thegarden.

Holidays in the Garden continued


Christmas on the River!Holiday memories of seasons past bring families together again.

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

You'll find two cities filled with holiday cheer. Kick off thecelebration in Monroe-West Monroe on November 24 with the LittleMiss Christmas on the River Pageant, an outdoor movie, and a speciallighting ceremony where the lights dance to both modern and classicChristmas songs.

December 1 is the big festival day starting with the Scrooge BahHumbug 5k run and Bawcomville Redneck Parade. The GingerbreadHouse's Kids Alley on Antique Alley is sure to keep the little ones busywith fun activities while you shop. Continue the day with liveentertainment on the Paramount Healthcare Consultants Stage,shopping at the Downtown RiverMarket in Monroe, Twin City Balletperformance, Journey to Bethlehem, and the Kiwanis Club of WestMonroe Christmas Parade and Monroe Renaissance FireworksExtravaganza, both presented by Ouachita Independent Bank.

The merriment continues with the Downtown Gallery Crawl onDecember 6 and the Pet Paw-rade and Louisiana Beef Industry CouncilChili Cook-Off. The following weekend brings back the Old-FashionedWeekend with shop owners dressed in period costume, an Antique CarShow, and a performance by the Louisiana Delta Ballet.

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

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

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

Documents

Louisiana Road Trips November 2012