The Wright brothers had the first successful flying machine or maybe they just knew how to work the media. If you ask residents of northeast Texas, they will say Rev. Burrell Cannon had the first successful flight of an air machine. Continue reading
Mass on Sunday mornings can lead to many different things. This particular Sunday we were invited to share breakfast with the parishioners. We not only learned about their parish and its rich history we also learned of an international boundary within the continental United States – the last such one known. Continue reading
Texans love their history and their state – this is a fact. Yet we learned a little bit of early Texas history in Louisiana today.
Who knew – the first capital of Tejas (Spanish Texas) was in present day Louisiana. Yes, all my Texas friends, that is correct. How did Cajuns come to know Texas history? We went to Mass at The Church of St. Anne near Robeline, LA. Continue reading
In a small central Louisiana city, you will find a small craft brewery, in a very small room, with small vats which produce beer with big beer taste. They may be small and can only brew enough to satisfy the needs of their restaurant, but it is definitely worth a visit. Continue reading
Leaving church Sunday, as usual John was lobbying for donuts. Laurie was shaking her head fervently as we walked to the truck. The truck just so happened to be parked near Joie de Vivre Coffee and Culture Café with an outdoor sign of “What’s Cooking!” Laurie’s eyes veered to the sign and gazed upon Crawfish Flatbread. John was easily convinced and in we went to try the beckoning flavors. Continue reading
South Louisiana’s climate allows growing seasons all year long. No matter the time of year there is always something being harvested. The farmers markets in the area offer an array of vegetables and fruits on a regular basis. As we travel north, the farmers markets we find are generally seasonal. In our travels this is one aspect we have to continually remember as we search for local produce. Continue reading
Cemeteries are not places we usually visit. This is not because we don’t like cemeteries but because we believe Louisiana has some of the most interesting “cities of the dead”. That said, everyone we spoke with in the Wadena, Iowa area told us to go see “Skinner” in the Lima Cemetery, and so began our quest. Continue reading
The room had a quiet hum and the anticipation was building. Although the walls were full of exhibits and posters no one was interested. There was even a video waiting to be turned on yet no one even thought to push the play button. We were sitting in the front row and along with everyone else we were patiently waiting – not sure what to expect yet knowing it would be awesome. We were about to be up close and personal with a full grown bald eagle. Continue reading
Traveling has brought many changes to our lives; mostly good. One in particular is Sunday Mass; generally a different church each week. Some churches are modern and very large while others are small and non-descript. Then there are the ones with historical significance. Continue reading
Manajiwin – Snag Island – Five Mile Rock
Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water – the essence of our planet. Cultures have been celebrating these elements for centuries. None more so than the Native Americans along the North Shore of Lake Superior. They would travel out to a rock island in the lake and celebrate their oneness with the earth and its people. Continue reading
