Weeks 3 - 4
The entrance into Louisiana, on Monday (June 16), was met with rain from Shreveport to Alexandria. Something we have not seen much of lately in Arizona.
While in Alexandria, we stayed with Cullen's brother-in-law, Bill Wilkinson. Bobbie was requested to make her famous "Eggplant Parmesan" dish again. She had done this on a previous trip to Alexandria and it was still a big hit. The secret is in the "gravy" (Bobbies secret tomato sauce). Mary (Cullen's niece) and Mark Lee invited everyone over to their home to share the eggplant dinner. They have been busy renovating a classic 3 story mansion, built in 1911, and are heavily involved with the activities of their three children (Will age 16, Erin age 12, Elizabeth age 7).
While in Alexandria, we stayed with Cullen's brother-in-law, Bill Wilkinson. Bobbie was requested to make her famous "Eggplant Parmesan" dish again. She had done this on a previous trip to Alexandria and it was still a big hit. The secret is in the "gravy" (Bobbies secret tomato sauce). Mary (Cullen's niece) and Mark Lee invited everyone over to their home to share the eggplant dinner. They have been busy renovating a classic 3 story mansion, built in 1911, and are heavily involved with the activities of their three children (Will age 16, Erin age 12, Elizabeth age 7).
After Dinner, we got everyone out on the front porch steps for a group picture (Bobbie operated the camera). From left to right: Will, Mark, Erin, Mary, Elizabeth, Bill, John, Michael, Cullen, Jack, Shona, Jacob and Darla.
Jacob and his parents (John and Darla) had visited us in Tempe about a year and a half ago. Jacob was playing some tunes on a small guitar that Bobbie has for a photography prop in her studio. Cullen pulled out a mandolin that he had bought years ago while interested in learning how to play one (that never happened). He presented it to Jacob and told him to take it home and that it would be his if he could play a tune on it the next time that they met. Well, Jacob showed up today and demonstrated that he could indeed play a mandolin....Great Job!
Cullen struck up a conversation with Bill's next door neighbor, Mr. Wesley, while he was out mowing their yard and they found a common ground almost immediately... "fishing". After a brief discussion, they decided to go out that same evening to a place called "Little River", a tributary off the Mississippi (about 30 miles ENE of Alexandria). They only got in about 2 hours of fishing before dark, but Cullen had a lot of fun. He landed a few (small ones), and got his 18 lb test fire-wire line broken four times by "fish-on". Some of those lures were his favorite "fish-getter's" (and expensive too). An elderly "church friend" of the neighbors was to be the beneficiary of the days catch. Everyone wins!
|
One day, while we were here, we decided to visit the local cemetery to visit the grave sites of Cullen's sister, Michaelae, and Jim (one of her sons).
I tried to hide my Birthday this year, but Cullen gave me
a surprise Birthday cake that we shared with the clan!
a surprise Birthday cake that we shared with the clan!
New Orleans
We made our way to New Orleans for our next adventure...and adventure it was!
After resting up from our drive down from Alexandria, Louisiana, we freshened up and headed out toward Bourbon Street. We stopped along the way to grab a bite to eat at 'The Cresent City Brewery'
after a few dark home-brewed beers and a rack of ribs, we were ready to follow the wild and crazy people along this famous street in hopes of hearing some real-time jazz and possibly some zydeco. Unfortunately, the music was more Hard Rock and new age. But we were very intrigued with the line up on the streets. Very colorful groups of people, all having fun in their own way. Now I can say, been there done that and I got the beads to prove it!
After resting up from our drive down from Alexandria, Louisiana, we freshened up and headed out toward Bourbon Street. We stopped along the way to grab a bite to eat at 'The Cresent City Brewery'
after a few dark home-brewed beers and a rack of ribs, we were ready to follow the wild and crazy people along this famous street in hopes of hearing some real-time jazz and possibly some zydeco. Unfortunately, the music was more Hard Rock and new age. But we were very intrigued with the line up on the streets. Very colorful groups of people, all having fun in their own way. Now I can say, been there done that and I got the beads to prove it!
|
While having breakfast, on the day we were leaving New Orleans, the morning news was covering the tragic shoot-out on Bourbon street earlier that morning (2:45 AM) wherein 9 people were caught between two young gunmen having a confrontation. We were at the exact same spot the evening before (luck of the draw). The gunmen escaped arrest and fled.
He got a little restless when he figured out that there would be no free lunch today.
World War II Memorial
|
The bus ride to the airboat launch site was memorable, as we were the only two passengers that were not part of bunch of guys on a bachelor party excursion. Bobbie really enjoyed that ride! Louisiana doesn't have an "open container law" either. They were a bit loud and rowdy (but fun)... And they shared their beer!
|
One of the P-51's used by the famous "Red Tail" squadron (all negro aviators) who flew escort for the B-29 bombers. Not a single bomber was lost when they flew the escort.
One of the B-29 fusilage exibits in the Memorial.