Mamou - Courir de Mardi Gras

3/4/2025 - On Mardi Gras in Mamou on a day that should be filled with fun, a shooting occurred at a concert killing 2 and injuring 12.  Such a sad happening on a festive day.

We have fond memories of the two years that we visited Mamou for Courir de Mardi Gras.  Enjoy the numerous short videos which capture many good times.

2011

• It was a chilly, lightly raining morning as the riders were leaving town to begin their ride through the countryside; we viewed them and some of the floats that were following them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WZQZ1QdwMk
• As we left Fred's Lounge on Mardi Gras morning, we asked where we should drive to join in the courir. The instructions that we received were right on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgeYFLACigo
• Joining the Courir at the Piggly Wiggly.  The parade continues and we are now part of it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsNphKW-EBo 
• While the riders were gathering chickens and having a good time, we enjoyed the people and the floats. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNy1VFgdWmk
• Sharing beads and things.  While walking through the floats while the parade was stopped, I received some beads and shared a gift too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T7yCMB5nGE
• On the road again, the courir continues. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jqoThkst8g
• Following the riders.  Sounds like Mardi Gras to me.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUN967nKHIg 
• We stopped at T-Boy's Slaughter House, Meat Market, and Grocery for some boudin and cracklins. Before we went in, we met some newlyweds from Florida who were riding a tandem bicycle to California. Quite a honeymoon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joxpCRBKhr0
• T-Boy’s Boudin and Cracklins - T-Boy of T-Boy's Slaughter House Meat Market and Grocery gave us a grand tour of his facility, introduced us to family, and showed us the source - the pigs. T-Boy was so welcoming to us on this Mardi Gras 2011. And the boudin and cracklins were outstanding! Thank you, T-Boy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmbsfd88bfA
• he kitchen was busy and friendly on this Mardi Gras morning at T-Boy's Slaughter House, Meat Market, and Grocery in Mamou. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCwVlwhU4VE
• The smokehouse at T-Boy's Slaughter House, Meat Market, and Grocery had wonderful aromas and was quite interesting as T-Boy explained it to us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktEnLCkQM2c
• T-Boy showed us a hog's head being carved before he took us into the meat locker to see the hanging carcasses awaiting butchering. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WwO6DyEMA0
• The pig pens at T-Boys contain some fine hogs, all grain fed. They were some of the finest hogs we've seen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeEtetF0k7g
• T-Boy shared some stories about his family and growing up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKwQQMHEfB8
• What a great day we had, meeting so many wonderful people, memories we will never forget.

2016

• On this trip to Mamou, we experienced another aspect, before the ride.
• It was a beautiful Mardi Gras day in Mamou, Louisiana. As the riders signed in early in the morning at the American Legion Hall, the music began to play. So did the riders; they were on their way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR103vtx0_Y
• With the music playing on the lawn of the American Legion Hall in Mamou, Louisiana, the riders continued to play in preparation for their ride in the Courir de Mardi Gras. This was about 7:30 a.m. on a beautiful cool day; so glad we were there to witness this unique and great festivity from this viewpoint. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i8OXiYPKts&t=11s 

On a Thanksgiving morning

We have so much for which to be thankful.  Our fall season has been delightful.  Today, it will be 71 degrees.  I am thankful for family, friends, and those I don't know but have the opportunity to see and sometimes develop a relationship.

The sasanquas and other camellias are such a nice blossoming green plant which I enjoy.

Giant Omelette Celebration - Abbeville, Louisiana

 

Compliments of GiantOmelette.org and 64 Parishes magazine - The town of Abbeville in south Louisiana celebrates each year around All Saints Day with a giant omelette.  I'd say "only in Louisiana" but there are at least a half dozen other places in the world that do it in their way.  Make sure you watch the videos.

The Dairy Barn - sans new shingles

 The Dairy Barn overlooking Buhlow Lake in Pineville is being saved, but it is lacking an important part, that being a new red roof.  Progress has been made replacing the siding, but when the contractors tried to purchase new red shingles, they found that they are no longer being manufactured.  The funding is there, but no shingles.

Much progress has been made since the photo below from 2018 before the north wall was replaced.

I'm glad I had the opportunity to participate in some of the early fundraising as a member of the Save the Dairy Barn Committee back in 2016.

Spring has sprung

 This is the most wonderful time of the year as new growth appears.  The jasmine takes on a bright green as the vines begin to grow again.  The autumn fern, having stayed green throughout the winter, has new fronds which open with a beautiful copper color.  Mondo stays darker green but shows that it is ready for the heat of the approaching summer.  Ligularia leaves are fresh green and broaden, some to 8" or 10" in diameter.  The live oak, having finally shed the old leaves, provides the shade that the plants need and we appreciate as temperatures steadily work their ways from 70s to 80s and then beyond.

All of this contributes to enjoying living life in Louisiana.

Coral Bark Maple - Leaves Emerging

And the new growth appears -

 

Winter views of Gardens and Trees in backyard

As we anticipate the coming of spring, a brief look back on the beauty of trees and gardens in backyard is refreshing.

Coral Bark Maple - 2/15/22

Camellias - 1/10/22

River Birch - 2/21/22

Trees at foot of yard - 1/14/22

Best Red Beans and Rice

 Yesterday we made and enjoyed the very BEST red beans and rice we have ever tasted.  That's all I'll say.

Away we go! Our first trip since pandemic start

 We looked forward to this small but very enjoyable trip to Ocean Springs, MS.  Our last time there was in 2017 for our anniversary. We spent two nights in Ocean Springs and one night returning at the Southern Hotel in downtown Covington, LA.  

Ocean Springs used to be a quiet, charming town but has become a town bustling with tourists and daytime traffic.  One benefit to us is more good restaurants.  We enjoyed a great dinner at Maison de Lu - a 2" thick bone in pork chop covered with a fine sauce preceded by smoked salmon for Judy, and seared salmon preceded by crab cakes and shrimp for Dave.

Of course we visited our favorite museum, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art which we have been visiting over the years since it opened in 1991.  Then we visited the Shearwater Pottery which has a great history thanks to the Anderson family who have been making pottery there since 1928.

After enjoying Ocean Springs, we visited downtown Covington staying at one of our favorite hotels, The Southern Hotel.  Our main focus was dinner at the Ox Lot 9 restaurant of Chef Jeffrey Hansel.  We had the good fortune to be seated at the Chef's Table such that we could enjoy the activity of those preparing the fine meals.

Enjoy the photo video (best viewed on computer vs. phone)

A Weeklong Deep Freeze

 Having lived in the southwest suburbs of Philadelphia as well as in Rochester, NY, I know what cold weather and snow and ice are.  When the polar vortex visited the south, primarily Texas and Louisiana, it hit hard.  With no snow removal equipment or salt or sand, we were at the hands of Mother Nature.

Family in Houston experienced the greatest impact with loss of power and water for several days during the cold.  Here in Alexandria, we had almost a week of below zero temperatures, had intermittent power for a day, and lost water pressure for a few days with a boil advisory for a week.  

Our house is raised, of pier on beam construction, so the pipes are exposed as they run under the house.  To avoid frozen pipes which would burst and lose lots of water, we had to keep all faucets, inside and out, running for most of the week with a small stream.  

On Sunday night, Valentines Day, it started sleeting and snowing.  Then we had a good bit of icy rain.  It was dangerous to go outside with risk of falling.  I have heard many stories of friends who tried.  I wanted to take some pictures of the early mess, but I didn't dare go out until Wednesday.  The sun was doing its best to melt some snow and ice.  

With a couple of poles in hand to help balance, I made it to the street.  But no camera.  Water was rushing down the middle of the street, probably 4 or 5 inches deep with numerous "ice bergs" floating along.  I did some breaking of the snowy ice along the curb.  It was probably an inch or two thick with several inches of water below.  Finally the streets were clearing.

The steps leading to our front porch were coated with about 1 1/2" of ice.  I used an edger to break the ice and slid the pieces down the walkway toward the driveway.  Things slowly started melting.

The photos you see are from mid-week with the snow and ice, and from after the thaw when temperatures got back to normal in the 60s and low 70s.  Our gardens are planted with mostly all greenery except for a few camellias which were blooming nicely before the freeze.  There is much lost which will take awhile to grow back or be replaced.  Nurseries down in Forest Hill southwest of here were hit extremely hard with greenhouses caving in and plants in the open being frozen.  

So far, 2021 hasn't seen much change since 2020.  But we received our 2nd vaccination yesterday, so in a few weeks some freedom will come.  We plan to just gradually re-enter the social world.  We don't need hugs and will use a mask and social distancing until many more are vaccinated.

The photos don't look like much of a storm, but it shut down the area for much of the week. 

(select images to enlarge)

Back Yard:

Back patio and stone paths

Back of house on right, looking toward sun room

Looking toward back brick fence

Camelia in bloom

Front Yard:

Along street after water and ice cleared

Frozen Ligularia, normally green, now brown

Japanese Holly Ferns and Liriope under Live Oak

Frozen Ligualaria in front of Liriope and Autumn Fern

Liriope in front of Jasmine under Live Oak

Plant Damage:

My favorite pastime - making small wooden crosses

I enjoyed making over 500 crosses last year while spending time at home during the pandemic.  Check out my blog, crossesbydave.blogspot.com, to see the variety and the beauty of the plain crosses which I enjoy sharing.  In ten and a half years in Louisiana, I've made over 3200 crosses; most have been given away to people in Alexandria, LA, around the country and in many other countries.  

Four crosses from antique sinker cypress

Making crosses is my favorite pastime.  Giving them away is even better.

President-Elect Biden

So finally after four days following election day, Joe Biden has been declared the winner.  He was not my candidate, but he won.  What a joy it was this afternoon to watch on TV as Americans celebrated in the streets of New York, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and on and on.   After a very difficult period leading up to the election where so many of us were against the opponent of our candidate, the American people have made a decision.

Tonight listening to Joe Biden speak to the people gathered in a parking lot in Wilmington, Delaware, and to the people of our nation, I was inspired by what Joe Biden said.  I believe he wants to represent and lead all Americans, not just those who elected him.  I pray that this could happen.  

I appreciate the many advances that President Trump made for America.  He did so much for our country. His approach and style were certainly not a way to bring our country together.  Thank you, President Trump for what you did for us.  Now it is time to give those with different beliefs and approaches to governing a chance.

I say again, the exciting thing for me today was seeing Americans celebrating in the streets, peacefully.  We can and should come together, accepting the views of those in the other party and acting as statesmen to work toward what is best for the American people.

We can, we should, we must!  God bless our leaders and God bless America.

Oh my!

A year to remember, a year to forget 

10 Years in Alexandria

Exactly 10 years ago today we came back to Louisiana!  We have certainly enjoyed the journey and look forward to the rest.  We miss our friends in West Chester, PA and love our new friends.  Today I scanned through the many posts on this blog going back to the beginning.  At the bottom of each page is a link to older posts.  Wow!  And this is just a small part of the story.

We are looking forward to continuing a wonderful journey.

Enter Phase 1

Yesterday Gov. Edwards announced that today Louisiana enters Phase 1 of the recovery until at least June 5.  For us that means no change as we continue (enjoying) staying at home nearly 9 weeks.

Comfort

Peace midst the pandemic

On the evening of our 11th day of isolation, March 25th, as the Covid-19 virus continues to spread, we feel very fortunate to have our home and gardens to provide us a peaceful setting amidst the tension of the pandemic.  As we were enjoying a glass of wine on our patio on a beautiful day, we looked up and saw this beautiful scene - blue sky with the branches and new leaves on our two River Birch that were planted about 30 years ago by friends who now live a block away.

Wow!  This is a small view, but one of the many reasons we love living in Louisiana.

Views on a Crisp Fall Day

This coral bark maple in our backyard is particularly beautiful at this time of year.  I don't recall the red-orange in recent years, a nice touch as most of the leaves are a soft amber.  Enjoy this 30 second video and listen to the peaceful music.

Spruce Head and Vinalhaven Islands

In mid-September we enjoyed our third trip to Spruce Head Island, Maine.  One day we took the ferry from Rockland out to Vinalhaven Island, about 12 miles off the coast, and spent the night.  Maine has much beautiful scenery and wonderful restaurants.

Enjoy this photo video of some of our experiences.  The lobster boats are right in front of the cottage where we stay.  The sunrise over the bridge is a view we enjoy over coffee from the kitchen.

Of course, it is always wonderful to come back home to Louisiana.

Michael Harding captures Alexandria in photos

Visit this blog for some fantastic photos through the eyes of Michael Harding as he passed through Alexandria as part of his Miles2Go tour of the country.  Select image to view.

Old River Control Structure - How Great the Risk?

As the flood waters of the Mississippi system move south each year and pass by where the Red River becomes the Atchafalaya River, how long will the man made Old River Control Structure be able to hold?  Here is a good assessment, not by the Corps of Engineers but by a smart young lady who lives in the area of this old structure that is straining to keep the Mississippi from changing course to overcome the Atchafalaya River.  She explains the situation from a very practical point of view.



See also my post from 20ll.

September in Maine is so Peaceful - 2018

Enjoy this photo video of a sampling of our time in Maine.

I lost my Best Friend

I lost my best friend on August 9; dear Malcolm Denley was 94. I will miss him very much. What an opportunity it was to visit him most every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at 7 a.m. on my walk when I stopped at his home to enjoy a cup of coffee and so much more. In the last eight years we drank over 1000 cups of coffee and shared a lot of stories. For his birthday card this year, I included a copy of a note I sent him 8 years ago, shortly after I met him. Well, our relationship is one I will always cherish.

Cowhorn Pepper

I grow cowhorn peppers, about 10 inches long and rather spicy. While Judy was sautéing some green beens to enjoy with some salmon encrusted with Dijon mustard, I added the cowhorn pepper. It spiced things up a bit and I enjoyed the whole thing. The salmon was exceptional!

Blue Ridge, GA in the Blue Ridge Mountains

We enjoyed a most relaxing week in a lovely wooden cabin home on the top of a ridge.  The weather was delightful mostly in the 70s as light rains came and went, with a hard rain toward the end of the week.

After a quiet week following Mothers Day, Grant and Cynthia drove up from Decatur, GA for the weekend.  Together we enjoyed seeing each other, eating, laughing, and eating some more.  Driving down the mountain into the small town was rewarded with some enjoyable meals in a variety of restaurants.

One day Judy and I drove to Brasstown, NC to the John C Campbell Folk School, a large campus with many old buildings hosting various classes, mostly week long.

The cabin had a grand covered open air porch where I enjoyed some wood carving, reading, and an occasional nap in a rocker.  We both did a lot of reading and never turned on the TV for the entire trip.  We played Chicken Foot Dominos in the evenings.

While we were gone we recognized our 8th anniversary of returning to Louisiana, a great place to come home to.

Kiwanis of Alexandria Crawfish Boil and Raffle

On Saturday, 4/21/2018, our Kiwanis Club held its 24th Annual Crawfish Boil and Raffle, serving almost 3000 lbs. of crawfish.  It was a great time.  As you watch this video, I'm the guy behind the camera.  I worked the beverage table and took the photos.  All you can eat crawfish, beer or wine or soft drinks, and a raffle with 5 winners from $500 to $10,000.  Tickets were only $100 which admitted two.  It was quite an afternoon, raising funds to benefit our Kiwanis Camp and youth projects.

"Letters from Vietnam" - James H. Leggett III

In1968, Jim Leggett was a First Lieutenant in Vietnam.  Before going, his father made him promise that he would write his mother weekly.  At LSUA in Alexandria, LA on March 11, 2018, Jim read some of his letters.  Matthew Dunn introduced Jim.  The event was sponsored by Friends of the James C. Bolton Library and the Historical Association of Central Louisiana.

View this playlist of 13 videos from “Letters from Vietnam” to hear excerpts from these special letters written by James H. Leggett III.  We are honored to know Jim as a dear friend.

Videography by Dave Curry

Introduction by Judy Curry, (l) Matthew Dunn, (r) Jim Leggett

Plaquemines Parish - NY Times article

As the Mississippi River meanders south of New Orleans, it forms the backbone of Plaquemines Parish, a place beautiful in its starkness which will outlast us but will be gone someday.  A great article appeared recently in the NY Times which tells some of the story.  We have enjoyed some special times at the Woodland Plantation near West Pointe a la Hache.

USS Pueblo Captured-50 years ago

On this date 50 years ago, the USS Pueblo (AGER-2) was captured by North Korea.  Read these links to learn about it:

• Today's news about the USS Pueblo
• My blog post from 2013 about the USS Safeguard of what almost happened.

Vietnam Recollections-USS Safeguard (ARS-25)

USS Safeguard (ARS-25)

In September I was interviewed by Louisiana Public Broadcasting for their oral history project of the Vietnam War. The interview, about 28 minutes long, tells my recollections pretty well.  I hope you find it interesting.

Best Ribs Ever!

Our next door neighbor, Fred, is a wonderful neighbor and a great cook.  He occasionally knocks on the door unexpectedly with a fine meal he has prepared.  This was one of those days as he brought over a rack of ribs and some roasted corn on the cob.

The ribs were absolutely THE BEST I've ever tasted!  Thank you, Fred.

California Central Coast

We enjoyed a relaxing, special time together in the Central Coast of California, three nights in Paso Robles and three nights in San Luis Obispo.  In Paso Robles, the view across vineyards from our carriage house on a farm was magnificent.  We enjoyed San Luis Obispo and drove south one day to visits some of the towns in the movie "Sideways".

Enjoy the following photo video