Author Archives: John and Laurie

Blue Sky – Calm Water

Dry landAs Laurie marveled at the quiet of the Bonnet Carre’ Spillway today, she remembered her view of the area in 2011 when the bays of the control structure were opened and the Mississippi River was gushing through.

Instead of flowing water, today there were people in the spillway biking, four wheeling, walking, and enjoying all sorts of outdoor activities. The blue skies, mild temperatures and dry weather had people thinking Spring and heading outdoors. Continue reading

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The Chocolate Café – Zachary, LA

Mini Cinnamon Bites and Chocolate Baklava

Mini Cinnamon Buns and Chocolate Baklava

When John approaches “the edge” Laurie knows he either needs food, caffeine or both.  So we’re driving around Zachary, LA mid-morning desperately searching for a coffee house.  Droid tells us, “no Starbucks, no CC’s (Community Coffee’s coffeehouses)…not much around.  Close to desperation John looked around and says, “The Chocolate Café”!  On the front was a neon Coffee sign – we’re parked and going in. Continue reading

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White Pelican Migration

Pelicans FloatingSnow on University Lake …it’s November in Louisiana…no way.

From a distance it looked like snow on University Lake in Baton Rouge, LA.  Cars on the interstate slowed to look at the lake and the moving white blob.  The white was White Pelicans on their southern migration.  The pelicans visit the lake each year to rest for a time during their journey. Continue reading

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Cypress Cafe – Bay St. Louis, MS

City HallLunch by the Bay is one of our favorite things to do when on the Coast.  Today was no different.  We went in search of the perfect café where we could sit outside looking out to the open water, feel the breeze and enjoy the salt air.  Only problem, the day was chilly and very windy; no sitting outside today. Continue reading

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Houmas House Plantation and Gardens

 

House Front

At the end of the majestic alley of oaks was the plantation house standing guard over the grounds.  Looking down the lush alley we could only imagine how many carriages had traveled to the home.  It was not our first visit but each time we are amazed at the grandeur of Houmas House and Gardens.  This visit did not disappoint; the grounds a green carpet of lush grass and the sun played on the water in the Fountain Courtyard. Continue reading

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Street Breads of Baton Rouge, LA

SeatingOn Saturday mornings if we are close to a Farmers Market we’re headed that way for the opening bell.  We are also looking for breakfast as most also have breakfast vendors with the markets.  When we’re in our home area of Baton Rouge, we’re pointed to the Red Stick Farmers Market.  This morning we decided to look elsewhere and step out of the box for our Saturday morning treat. Continue reading

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Brigham City, UT

TempleThe white spires against the blue sky could be seen for miles. The white structure sat high above the city and was brilliant in the sunlight.   As we came closer, we realized it a structure of the Mormon Church.  Not knowing much about the Mormon faith, we knew we wanted to learn more while we were in Brigham City, UT. Continue reading

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Waiting on the Train in Brigham City, UT

TrainsWater was our frame of reference for transportation growing up.  Living on the Mississippi River, barge traffic and ferry boats were seen daily and growth was along the banks of the River.  Now that our wandering has brought us westward, we realize how important the railroads were in developing towns as the population moved west. Continue reading

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