Louisiana White House

This morning was a return visit to the Old State Capitol for me. You can see my photos here. 

A House for Huey Long

Our guide said that when Huey Long met with the architect, he pulled out $20 bill, turned it over and said he wanted a house that looked like that one. 

What do you think? 

Waiting in foyer for our guide

Huey Long's bedroom

Before air conditioning, this was a screened in sleeping porch for those hot summer nights.

Guest bedroom

In Long's day this was an open unroofed porched. It was converted to a solarium by a later governor. 

The Kennedy's slept here.

Huey Long's office, later converted to a library

Shall we dance?

two years ago

Kids Mardi Gras

The origins of Mardi Gras were charitable. In preparation for fasting during Lent, needy persons would go door to door and receive food items and chickens that they caught. All went into the gumbo pot. The town of Eunice celebrates a kids Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras is a celebration the Cajuns brought from France. There the conical hats were worn to spoof the wealthy ladies.

The chickens will be center stage shortly.

Honoring Mardi Gras origins, the kids participate
in a chicken chase

Getting closer

Almost

Camped tonight on the banks of the mighty Mississippi. (map)

one year ago

two years ago

Cajun Music

We went to the historic Fred's Lounge in Mamou today.  Since 1962 bands at this cramped venue have broadcast their Cajun music live over 1059 AM.

Linda, Bill, and Linda socializing with the locals.

Taunte Sue, the Lounge owner, passing out samples
of Boudin Sausage, a local staple

A small, but well used dance floor. 

The band, I did not get their name, but the music was good. 

On to lunch at Rocky's 

The Cajun Stuffed Potato with Crawfish Etoufee
looked good,

but I went for a delicious Oyster Po-boy and onion rings.

Paul's 75th

We celebrated Paul's 75th birthday in great style.  Linda hosted a wonderful diner and a good time was had by one and all.

Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you,
 Happy birthday dear Paul

Two years ago

Beach Life

We all went for an hour cruise around the harbor looking for dolphins and to see the sights.

The gangs all here

Paul is explaining navigation markers to Patricia.

The dolphins like to play the tanker's bow wave.

Great end to a great day

Boat Fresh Shrimp

Word rapidly spread through Port Aransas that the shrimp boat would be in Wednesday with fresh caught shrimp. Right on time the Polly Anna docked as the locals lined up with their coolers. Word is the captain fishes sporadicly. Everyone in town watches the black board to see when he will selling fresh shrimp.

Linda gets her 3 pounds, $18.

:-)))

Getting our exercise walking the mile long jetty.

Duane, Linda, Bill and Paul head out. 

Midway rest.

The original concrete jetty built in 1940 is badly deteriorated and breached in several locations. Recently it was strengthened with large granite blocks. I don't think there is any granite in Texas, it must have been imported. 

It must have been quite a storm to toss this V8 engine and
transom up here. 

Bill, Paul and I finished the Jetty Death March.

Now for the one mile return.