Louisiana Bicentennial Kickoff

The evening of November 29th at the Kent Plantation House (one of oldest structures in Louisiana) was the official kickoff for the Louisiana Bicentennial.  It was a very special event for this very special state that I am proud to call home. The program was full of many interesting presentations:

 (select images to enlarge)

Lt. General Russel Honore

I had the opportunity of meeting Lt. General Russel Honore who is the Chairman of the Louisiana Bicentennial Commission.  He is a great American and Louisianan who brought order to the chaos in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.  General Honore gave a keynote presentation that was very moving (and humorous).



The design of a postage stamp that will be issued on April 30, 2012 was unveiled by the great wildlife photographer, C.C. Lockwood.  It is a beautiful photo of the swamp near Morgan City, LA.

C.C. Lockwood

Videos:
Louisiana Bicentennial Celebration - Lt. General Russel Honore
U.S Postage Stamp Unveiling - Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and C.C. Lockwood

Food, beverages, and a special cake were served as part of the celebration.  Thanks to all who made this such a memorable event!

Through Texas to Santa Fe - Nov. 5-11

The drive across west Texas and into New Mexico is spectacular in the stark beauty of the countryside, ever changing. New Mexico is truly the “land of enchantment” as it says on their license plates. It was warm in Texas and got cooler as we steadily climbed in New Mexico. Santa Fe and New Mexico are so beautiful. The palette of soft colors is so inviting, created by the master. A light snow one night coated the trees and plants, creating new views in Santa Fe and along the high road toward Taos. Winding down the low road along the Rio Grande River was very peaceful. We stayed three nights in La Fonda in Santa Fe and spent our last night in Hacienda Chimayo with a fire to warm the room as the temperature dropped into the teens. Awakening at 2:30 a.m., I threw a few more logs on the fire. Then we decided to get on the road early to start the trip home from a grand vacation.

See more photos in my Picasa album.

Canton Trade Days - 11/4/2011

With our good friends, the Leggetts and Drells, we enjoyed a day at the Canton Trade Days in Canton, TX - over 100 acres of shopping, the world's largest flea market.  While our friends filled their carts with treasures, we thoroughly enjoyed the sights, the people watching, and the camaraderie.  It was a good day with good friends.  We bought a wrought iron snake, unlike the one draped around my neck.

Jefferson, Texas

We drove up by Shreveport and  took a jaunt into Texas up near Caddo Lake.  We had lunch in Jefferson where we enjoyed Kornbread Sandwiches at Kitt's Kornbread Sandwich & Pie Bar, just across the street from Riverport Bar-B-Que.  Judy had "The Original" and I had "The Texan".  Ummmh good!