Thanks for this website, O.P. and all you do to keep it going! J.J., I spoke to one of my E-bay savvy daughters and she said to be careful about buying a car on E-bay. She said to be sure to read all of the small print because some of them have been wrecked and refurbished. I think they have to say that in the small print. I guess you know what you're doing if anyone does!
Brenda
USA - Saturday, November 30, 2002 at 19:15:51 (EST)Hey, King Ceasar. Tell us more about you. We would like to know.
Doris
USA - Saturday, November 30, 2002 at 18:37:09 (EST)i love this site guys keep off.
king ceaser <guyman@muguplease.com>
USA - Saturday, November 30, 2002 at 17:45:00 (EST)My mistake Suzanne is not back yet. I think she will come in late this afternoon or late tonight. I called her house and spoke to someone there and this is what she told me. There certainly a lot of cars at her house yesterday afternoon. Again sorry for my mistake.
Rickey <Riclkey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayettel, La USA - Saturday, November 30, 2002 at 12:52:40 (EST)OHHH Yess, Happy WEBSITE - O.P. Appreciation Day to all of you. Betty now you know why, I am over here in The Woodlands and not still in Lake Charles. Nothing like seeing those babies almost everyday and watching them learn to crawl and such. Matt is really starting to know his MeMe and gives me the biggest smile when he sees me which TOTALLY warms me inside and out. And it is so much fun playing with Nick who is three years old and comes out with something funny to say everyday. I really need to write a book about the funny things these little ones have told me through all the years of teaching 3's and 4's and now having my own around. Well let me get back to trimming my xmas tree.
Doris
USA - Saturday, November 30, 2002 at 12:43:16 (EST)Brenda, waiting to bid is good advice. I have missed the two vehicles that I liked, but they wanted too much money for them. I will be patient and wait for exactly what I want to come along. It is not web site appreciation day, it should be O. P. appreciation day for the keeping this site open and working. Betty grand children make you goofy. They reach into your chest and make your heart hurt, you love they so much. J. J.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.xom>
Larose, LA USA - Saturday, November 30, 2002 at 10:59:53 (EST)Betty, your letter made me so happy because I know how happy you are. Isn't it something? You certainly did express those feelings well which are almost imipossible to express. Sue, you're back!! Well, we're waiting! My Elizabeth used all of your beautiful things for the Thanksgiving dinner which she and Danny had at their house. The rest of you, if you hear that Suzanne is having a sale of her handmade things, be sure to get there.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, November 30, 2002 at 10:12:17 (EST)Hi everyone. Rickey you are right ----I am pretty busy doing all the things that grandmothers do ---cleaning, cooking, washing and folding clothes and I'm loving every minute of it. By the time I do that and hold the baby the day is gone. Rachael is precious. Now I know what all of you have been talking about----there really is no other feeling like it in the world. The first time I held her I thought of all the people who came before her whose blood is running through her veins and I actually started crying. She has her days and nights mixed up ---she is wonderful during the day but come nightfall her alter ego comes out ---Nick (he is such a tease) calls her the Princess of Darkness, Dracula Raquel. So its Rachael during the day and Raquel at night!!!! Rickey, you asked what she will call me ---it will be GiGi (short for a nickname Nick has given me---- Granny Godzilla) I told him she cannot call me Godzilla - he can, but not the baby. The Godzilla name comes from Eliz. highschool friends ---I was so strict they started calling me Godzilla. Nick works for Technion, a systems office furniture company. Nick used to work for Herman Miller - as does Eliz.---HM is a huge systems office furniture company. I was late with my Thanksgiving message but all of you expressed it better than I could ---we all have so much to be thankful for---god bless us all. SUZANNE, send OP some pictures---can't wait to hear about your trip. Elizabeth asked me to tell you that the receiving blankets you made are the best things she has. Rachael arrived during the full moon-you were right!!!!! --- Elizabeth told me that the maternity ward was full to overflowing and the nurses told her ---its the full moon!!!! Love to all, Betty P.S. Life doesn't get much better than this. I'll be up here until Dec. 27 when I will return to Louisiana. Betty
Betty
USA - Saturday, November 30, 2002 at 08:33:00 (EST)Boy it's nice to have the web site back. I thought I had lost all of you guys. I pass by Suzanne's house and saw a lot of cars so I guess she is back. Can't wait to hear about her trip. I guess I will give her a call this morning later. Where is Betty? She usually keeps us up with all the news. She always brings her laptop. I guess the new Grandbaby must be take up all her spare time. JJ how are things going with the car on e-bay?
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayettel, La USA - Saturday, November 30, 2002 at 07:39:37 (EST)Ok, today is "Web Site Appreciation Day"!!!! We're Baaaaaaaaack! I think......
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Saturday, November 30, 2002 at 06:47:07 (EST)Ok, we might be back up ok for now. lets see how this server holds up. Sorry for the downtime. But it makes everyone appreciate it more.... :)
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, USA - Friday, November 29, 2002 at 14:22:10 (EST)Hope everyone had a great day yesterday. Now we get to figure out how we are going to lose the lbs. we put on yesterday.I think I have grown fond of mind and decided to keep it for awhile. Spoke to Doris yesterday on the phone and she gave me an update on Avis. She Avis has stabalized with her illness and is satisfyed with it. I think she is in New York with her daughter. Marshall said he cooked for some of his chaplin buddies and from what he told me he was having it made me wish I had gone there instead of my in-laws in Sulphur. I know OP is greving this morning over the Redskins loss to The cowboys. Maybe next year OP. Maybe if they get rid of Spurrier. After all Danny Awful wasn't even good enought to play for the Saints. Well anyway hope everyone had as good a day as I did.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, November 29, 2002 at 07:07:59 (EST)Happy Thanksgiving to all of you reading the messages today. We really have so much to be thankful for; it's hard to begin thinking about it all. I am really grateful for all of you and I love you.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, November 28, 2002 at 10:54:25 (EST)I can't say it any better than Doris did....A very HAPPY Thanksgiving and God's blessings on all of you
Carroll Comeaux <cjcchs56@aol.com>
Breaux Bridge, La USA - Thursday, November 28, 2002 at 10:09:37 (EST)A very HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all of you. May God Bless all of you.
Doris
USA - Thursday, November 28, 2002 at 07:33:48 (EST)HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU. HOPE THIS IS THE BEST ONE YET. I do know it will be for Betty. We should all be thankful for all the things we have. Let's not forget OP and whis website. I don't know what I would do in the morning if I didn't have the website to check. I guess I would just use the computer for a typewriter. Doris that is my address. I don't know why it hasn't gotten to me. What service are you with? JJ no advice on the car because I haven't used E-bay. As for myself I will have a great holiday. We are going to Sulphur to be with Barbara's family and then come home about 5 or so and my son is in from Arkansas and will visit me this evening. His wife Sherry will then put Barbara's book on Amazon. They will be in thru Saturday. I guess he will want to eat some Cajun cooking. I'm sure his mother will supply him plenty of that. Well like I started with all of you have a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.comc>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, November 28, 2002 at 07:32:00 (EST)J.J., don't place your bid until the last minute. Put the most you want to spend at the last minute and send it in. They will bid up for you and you won't be tempted to spend more than you want. If no one else bids after you, you might not even have to spend the fullest amount you put in. Keep us posted!
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 21:14:20 (EST)Help! This probaly foolish, butI am bidding on a car on E-Bay. Any advice would be appreciated.
J.J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 20:18:19 (EST)O. P. is right some one is messing with us. I keep getting e-mail contaminated with the klez virus. The last one I got was suppose to be from Rickey. It was not from him. Then I got a series of contaminated “mail return messages”. The only place that they could have gotten my e-mail address if from the web site. I killed the virus at it arrived. My firewall had held up. Brenda, what a great house. You should start charging these people.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 20:14:45 (EST)O. P. is right some one is messing with us. I keep getting e-mail contaminated with the klez virus. The last one I got was suppose to be from Rickey. It was not from him. Then I got a series of contaminated “mail return messages”. The only place that they could have gotten my e-mail address if from the web site. I killed the virus at it arrived. My firewall had held up. Brenda, what a great house. You should start charging these people.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 20:08:13 (EST)Anyway my phone Number is 281-292-4665.
Doris
USA - Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 14:07:16 (EST)Rickey, I tried for the third time to e-mail you and it came back again. Your e-mail addres is Rickey36@cox-internet.com ? Isn't it?
Doris
USA - Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 14:05:30 (EST)I'm so glad that you sent your new grandbaby's picture to this site, Betty. I couldn't open those you sent me. She is beautiful and wide awake. It only gets better. I promise!
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 10:55:36 (EST)Betty, she is beautiful I know how you are feeling right about now. And there is nothing in the World to compare to it, huh? Rickey, I have tried to send you an e-mail twice and it keeps coming back. The first time Rickey was spelled wrong and the second time I was using your old AOL address I will try again. I am getting tired of writing the same thing over again.
Doris
USA - Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 10:44:28 (EST)What a beautiful baby. Betty it's a keeper. Hope she grows up to look like it's grandmother. It's a girl isn't it? You girls can expect to be flooded by pictures of the new grandchild at you regular luncheons. Grandchildren are our greatest legacy to the future. Betty where do they live and what does the father do for a living? I don't guess we will be seeing much of you for awhile. Brenda congrats on the house again. Your son must really be something. Doris where are You? We haven't heard from you in quiet a while. I guess Suzanne will be back this week with all kinds of tales to tell us. Knowing her she must have have a blast. Italy will take a while to recover from her being there. Great going Suzanne.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet>
USA - Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 07:40:27 (EST)Marshall, you were right the second time. Yes, today we celebrate 44 wonderful years, and we look forward to many, many more. Speaking of wonderful years, I just put Betty's new Grand Daughter's picture on the front page links. I bet Betty will have some wonderful times with this little bundle of joy!
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 05:33:40 (EST)OPPS! I think I am a day early????
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at 09:20:34 (EST)O.P. and Shirley! Isn't today your 44th wedding anniversary? May you have many more happy years together...and the way you two are cruising around the world, I have no doubt you will. Shirley thanks for sharing him with us to keep this site going.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, November 26, 2002 at 09:10:58 (EST)I guess I could fill you in on the latest venture at the little Zachary House. An editor, photographer, and a reporter from the new magazine, "Budget Living," are there right now shooting for the next issue. The house has been completely "restyled" for this shoot and will looking nothing like it did for the Southern Living" magazine. Their sponsors, Pier 1, William Sonoma and West Elm sent all of this furniture and doo dads which changed the look completely. The paintings of an artist from New Orleans are being used along with some of mine. John and I are getting ready to go out there because they want to take pictures of us too. The spread will be in the January or February issue.
Brenda
USA - Monday, November 25, 2002 at 22:14:21 (EST)Doris please send me an e-mail and let me know what your phone number is. I want to speak to you. My e-mail is at the end of this message. Thanks
Rickey Gutierrez <Riclkey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, November 25, 2002 at 17:40:24 (EST)Doris, to get the latest prices on the Panama Cruise, you would have to call Lynda Dodd at 888-824-7447. You know that the prices do change. This cruise is 10 days and the ship is new with almost all the rooms with balconies. So this one is more than our 7 day Cruise to the Caribbean. We are "Hooked on Cruises" Doris.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Monday, November 25, 2002 at 07:28:24 (EST)Welcome back Doris. We did miss you. I'll look up Mary E's address. Your son is just on a visit to Houston or is he staying there? I agree about the crise being the right vacation. I'm sure OP will give you all the information you require. I know Barbara and I had a blast on the Alaska trip. Barbara and I had taken our first cruise on our honeymoon and she got so sea sick that she said she would not go on another cruise. Well the Alaska trip came up and she knew I wanted to go so she said she would try again. This time everything went great. We are looking forward to the trip in March of next year. You seem to be the only tie we have with Avis. Please let us know from time to time about her. I sent her one of Barbara's new books because she enjoyed the last one. Well like I said WELCOME BACK!!!
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, November 25, 2002 at 07:07:08 (EST)Sue this is my new e-mail address. O.P. what is the cost of the Panamanian Cruise?
Doris <dprovost@houston.rr.com>
The Woodlands, Tx USA - Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 22:09:30 (EST)Rickey, I was just reading the things I missed on the website. Please tell Mary Elizabeth that Jared is now here in Houston. I wish we could have seen the Biltmore Estates at Christmas time. I know it is beautiful. But of course we will be over here for Christmas. Please tell her my address is dprovost@houston.rr.com Does she have one? Let me know what it is.
Doris
USA - Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 22:06:36 (EST)Well, we are back. I really didn't want to come home!!! It was great being waited on and not having to cook or even make a bed. We had a WONDERFUL time. That is the only kind of vacation I am taking from now on. No stress at all. No Brenda we weren't hit by the virus. We also had a galley tour and found it to be super clean. Unfortunately we did have some bad weather, but it really didn't spoil anything. Those people on that boat are trully FUN PEOPLE and know how to get your mind off of everything sad and stressfull and make you LAUGH. The seas were so rough the first night that people were walking down the decks taking three steps to the left and three steps to the right. Talk about you felt like you were on a cheap drunk. But everyone was laughing about it. They said the popular dance of the ship was called the SHIP DIPP. I had a hard time going to sleep last night. Nobody was rocking me to sleep. It really wasn't too bad - the next day the storm was over and the weather was beautiful. But coming home the wind on the decks was COLD. I think I would prefer to go on a cruise in warmer weather. So next time it will be in the spring, Before Hurricane season. I am so excited for Betty. I know she is in Heaven with that new baby girl. Have fun in Italy Sue!!!
Doris
USA - Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 21:56:26 (EST)OP Where is the video of the Galley? On our next trip I hope to be able to take a tour. I spoke to Cecil Trahan yesterday after Mass. He is starting a new subdivision off of Charles Reed St. I don't know if anyone of you remember where Annette Burnham lived but it is out there. It's kinda behind where Stephanie Voorhies lived. Betty she asked about you. I think she was a few years behind us. Cecil is still a high roller. They both look well. Hey Harold are you still with us. I am going to Sulphur on Thanksgiving Dad and maybe we can stop for a real short visit on our way home at about 4 or 5 in the afternoon. Let me know if you care for more company. It would be nice to see you again. After all it's been almost 50 years since the last time. I don't have your e-mail address.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 08:14:03 (EST)Brenda, it happens when you click the "Submit" button twice. Sometimes if nothing happens right away when you click it, you click it a second time and that causes it to submit two of your identical comments. NO, we did not have any virus problems on our ship. In fact none of four even got seasick. Shirley & I took the Galley Tour (there is a video) and it was spotlessly clean. I don't think the Princess Cruise Line has been hit with those problems yet.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 05:51:37 (EST)And I forgot the it before the is in a malevolent phenomenon.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 18:58:34 (EST)Brenda is a malevolent phenomenon that causes your message to print twice. Betty as a grandmother prepare to get goofy over your granddaughter. Have fun.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 18:55:21 (EST)O.P., what causes the message to print twice? Unfortunately, I got to see my two mispelled words TWICE: phenomenon and malevolent.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 18:35:58 (EST)Between Sue and Betty, I don't know who is more excited!! I'm happy for both of them as they have both been looking forward to these blessed events for so long. Hope Doris and Charles aren't being affected by the virus which has been causing so much distress on these cruise ships. Did you have any sign of that problem on your cruise, O.P. and Gerald? I just hope it's a natural phenomen and not being caused by some malevalent group.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 18:32:43 (EST)Between Sue and Betty, I don't know who is more excited!! I'm happy for both of them as they have both been looking forward to these blessed events for so long. Hope Doris and Charles aren't being affected by the virus which has been causing so much distress on these cruise ships. Did you have any sign of that problem on your cruise, O.P. and Gerald? I just hope it's a natural phenomen and not being caused by some malevalent group.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 18:32:40 (EST)Congratulation Grandma Betty. Is that what you will have your grandaughter call you. Grandma. Barbara has hers call her Mee Maw. Sonja has hers call her Mame. All these names so hard to remember. Glad she is doing so well. It's the full moon. I've always heard that. The gravational pull of the moon just pulls the baby soon to be delivered out of the womb. I guess you are heading there by now. Have a safe trip and we are all looking forward to hearing from you. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 08:20:33 (EST)Congratulations Betty! Looking forward to the photos.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 06:02:35 (EST)ITS OFFICIAL - I am now a grandmother. Elizabeth just had a little girl - 7lbs.13oz. They are both doing well. Now I can join the fun all of you have been having. I am so excited I know I won't sleep a wink tonight. As soon as I get there I will send O.P. some pictures. Suzanne was right ---it came during the full moon period. Betty
Betty
USA - Friday, November 22, 2002 at 23:09:17 (EST)Good ole Louisiana! The Red Fish keepers here in FL are 17" to 28"! If you catch two on one trip you've had a good day! The "Cajun" terms for Red Fish are Rat Reds and Bull Reds...but technically you are probably right J.J. they are probably the same. In Vermilion Bay 5 to 10 lb Reds are common...the large one's like you catch are usually at the mouth of canals leading to the Gulf around N.O. and Grand Isle...those are the one's we call Bull Reds in Cajun country.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Friday, November 22, 2002 at 17:31:38 (EST)Marshall is right this is a red fish (Scianops ocellatus). Bull red fish and red fish are the same animal. Lita and I caught about 15 of these monsters right off of Grand Isle. Some times the red fish will school right off shore. We were in hundreds of fish. The water around the boat as red. We caught fish until we were too tired to cath any more. We killed on the one that you saw in the picture. We kept him because he was hooked too deeply to live. It was 42 inches long and I do not know the exact weight. My onboard scale had migrated to the custody of one of my sons. I would estimate the fish at between 30 and 40 pound. Lita and my grand son Joe age 7 each caught a trophy fish in the Grand Isle red fish rodeo, this year. She was the oldest and he was the youngest trophy winners. As to what happened to the fish, we ate her.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Friday, November 22, 2002 at 17:21:05 (EST)Betty, I haven't found out yet how far they go into the canal. This new Coral Princess Ship is capable of going all the way through the canal. It is a new class of ship that was built narrow enough to go through all the locks. It is as long as the biggest Princess, but narrower. Some of the other big ships are too wide to go through, but the new Coral Princess is narrow enough to go through. I will find out about how far they go and let you all know.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Friday, November 22, 2002 at 06:14:02 (EST)O.P. I just looked at the cruise itenerary ---do you cruise up part of the canal and turn around and them go to Limon, Costa Rico, or do you go all the way through and then turn around and come back? Betty
Betty
USA - Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 20:40:55 (EST)See the March 24th Panama Cruise information at the above Link.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 18:05:05 (EST)J.J. Wow, that is a big fish!!!! I'll bet you had fun catching that one. J.J. if that is you with the white beard I don't think I would recognize. Maybe without the hat I would. Betty
Betty
USA - Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 12:15:44 (EST)Where is the fish? The first thing on my homepage is the picturs at Patsy's birthday lunch. Guess Sue is about to depart --- she is so excited.
Betty
USA - Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 08:14:08 (EST)Can't see the "spots" on the tail J.J., but I am presuming that it is a Redfish! Since you have a camp at Grand Isle, and considering the size, it must be a Bullred!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 08:07:58 (EST)That not JJ it looks like an old picture of Ernest Hemmingway. I can't believe JJ would look like that. Anyway JJ do you know what kind of fish it is and how much it weighted when HE caught it. I guess you must have been on the trip to have taken the picture. I still can't get over me taking you for Donald Deshotel when we were at Judice INN for the reunion. You said you liked Branson, any chance of you coming in May with us. By the way the date is set for May 11 of next year. We will have a blast.
Riockey
USA - Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 07:32:30 (EST)OK, we FINALLY have the picture of that HUGE fish JJ caught. See the link on the front page. JJ, who is that bearded man holding YOUR fish???????? ha ha
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Thursday, November 21, 2002 at 07:06:19 (EST)Suzanne I didn't have time to bring you the books. I have been working and when I passed by your house you van wasn't there. Oh well I'll find another way to get them to Fr. Mouton. I'm sure I can send them in the pouch from the church over here. Thanks anyway. My lost. Have a great time and think about us while you are having so much fun.
Areviderchi (?)
Rickey
Rickey
USA - Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 23:38:10 (EST)OK everybody, we're leaving in the morning at 8:30. I plan to light candles for my family and friends in all the churches we visit, so you are all included in that. Please pray for us to have a safe journey when you have a minute. I don't think I'll be sleeping well tonight!!!! JUST A LITTLE EXCITED! Hope to have that picture of the Pope. BETTY, it doesn't look like the full moon did it's job this time. There will have to be a special candle for that new little baby and family. Bye for now.
Suzanne
USA - Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 21:17:30 (EST)O.P. I got an e-mail from J.J except he just wrote back and said he never did write me so its probably the same person trying to annoy us ---only it doesn't work.
I just talked to Jeanette ---she said to tell all hello. She doesn't know Janet's new last name either. She was going to call Merrill tomorrow and let me know. She told me Janet's birthday is Nov. 28 so Janet must be the youngest one in our class.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 21:15:31 (EST)Betty, yes that "cellpadding" file is probably a virus attachment and I get it from various addresses from time to time. This guy is still "messing with us". Some of the other file names end in ".pif", ".exe", and ".scr". I think you and I are the only Macintosh users, so these PC viruses don't affect our computers. So the others should beware of this bad guy and not open these attachments. The extended headers often say they are sent by Gerald.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 20:24:50 (EST)Betty, 40 year old children worry about you when you are out in the dark, because they are afraid that you might have hurt you self. The worm turns with age. But, not too much a change, I still worry about them when I think they stay in the deer stand too long. The difference it that when I go looking for them they are insulted. When the go looking for me, I am both pleased and amused. Rick y I like Branson. I take my camper there on a regular basis. I have a one year rainbow trout license for MO. O. P. I am still working on the fish picture. J. J.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@cajunnet.com>
Larose, LA USA - Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 19:18:10 (EST)O. P. Have any of you received an e-mail with the subject, Cellpadding? I had an e-mail from Brenda with that subject with an attachment. I opened the attachment and had nothing but gibberish and then something popped up and said I didn't have enough memory. I wrote back and asked her what was Cellpadding and she responded with a "I don't know what you are talking about". I went back to the e-mail and under that stuff at the bottom in the small print called headers I think I saw Gerald's e-mail address, but I am not positive about that----- Brenda didn't mail it to me so DO YOU THINK SOMEONE IS MESSING WITH US AGAIN? What do you think, O.P.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 12:04:17 (EST)Nice Site, Keep it up!! private Krankenversicherung <webmaster7@qualityinsurance.de>
Munich, - Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 11:00:55 (EST)SUZANNE, no news yet. I'm glad your ribs are on the mend. Tell His Holiness "hi" from all of us if you get the chance!!!!!!!!!! Have a great time. Betty
Betty
USA - Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 09:12:38 (EST)BETTY, thanks for asking. The ribs are on the mend. The moon is mighty full in the sky. Any news yet? RICKEY, where are the books? We're leaving tomorrow morning. I know I packed too much but we aren't too sure of the weather. We will be singing for the Pope on Wednesday morning. Hope to get pictures.
Suzanne
USA - Wednesday, November 20, 2002 at 07:37:19 (EST)SUZANNE, how's the rib? Did the therapy help. Surely hope it did so you won't be "hurting" on your trip. Betty
Betty
USA - Tuesday, November 19, 2002 at 20:13:33 (EST)Doris I just had e-mail from Mary Elizabeth and she wants your e-mail address and how to get in touch with you son. She wants to have him over for lunch and dinner some day. She would like you to go over during the Christmas holidays to go see the Biltmore home. I couldn't find your e-mail address since you have moved I don't guess it's the same as before. I don't know if this will get to you before you leave on your trip so I will wait for your reply.Have a nice cruise. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.comc>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, November 19, 2002 at 08:02:12 (EST)BETTY, if you get Janet's name, put it in the guest book. Does she have and
E-mail address?. Had the greatest grandparent moment this evening. My grandson, William and I went to see Airforce 1 take off at the airport. He couldn't believe how big the plane was and how it could take off on that short runway. I think I was as excited as he was. For those of you who didn't know, VP Chaney was in Lafayette to raise money for the Republican canidate for the Senate. I found it unusual that none of the TV stations or radio stations gave time of arrival or departure. Times have changed! How sad.
Suzanne
USA - Monday, November 18, 2002 at 22:04:18 (EST)Does anyone have Janet's new name and address. I'm trying to update my address book. Guess I could call Jean or Merrill. Betty
Betty
USA - Monday, November 18, 2002 at 16:50:10 (EST)BRENDA, I am happy all of you enjoyed the pictures. It was a fun lunch. Didn't I tell you how beautiful Sue and Yvonne's things were ---knew you'd enjoy it. You never did tell me what you purchased. MARSHALL, we all thank you for the compliment. I am glad your retreat went well. Please keep Elizabeth in your prayers - her due date is the 27th---next week!!!!! I am so excited. Betty
Betty
USA - Monday, November 18, 2002 at 10:57:30 (EST)Spoke to Pat Reaux yesterday and asked her how her trip was. The results were very (many times very) good. Gerald said it was the most relaxing vacation he had ever taken. She said it would take a while before they went on another cruise. Maybe next year. The pictures speak for themselves. I haven't spoken to OP for very long except to plan a trip to Branson next May. Anyone want to come along. There is a special now for $275 which includes a room with two queen size beds at a hotel Holiday Inn or better. Your choise of motels from the ones they send you. Also a $30 meal for two, two show tickets and if you don't like the shows they have you can get $20 cash back. I don't know how long the "special" last so let me know if you are insterested. It would be a blast. How about you JJ? Marshall? Pat and Gerald are discussing it. Suzanne your trip to Rome is comming up very soon, which reminds me I have to call you about something. Maybe I will call you after this message. If I don't get in touch with you would you call me. Thanks
Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, November 18, 2002 at 09:14:37 (EST)Spoke to Pat Reaux yesterday and asked her how her trip was. The results were very (many times very) good. Gerald said it was the most relaxing vacation he had ever taken. She said it would take a while before they went on another cruise. Maybe next year. The pictures speak for themselves. I haven't spoken to OP for very long except to plan a trip to Branson next May. Anyone want to come along. There is a special now for $275 which includes a room with two queen size beds at a hotel Holiday Inn or better. Your choise of motels from the ones they send you. Also a $30 meal for two, two show tickets and if you don't like the shows they have you can get $20 cash back. I don't know how long the "special" last so let me know if you are insterested. It would be a blast. How about you JJ? Marshall? Pat and Gerald are discussing it. Suzanne your trip to Rome is comming up very soon, which reminds me I have to call you about something. Maybe I will call you after this message. If I don't get in touch with you would you call me. Thanks
Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, November 18, 2002 at 09:14:37 (EST)Enjoyed the pictures, Betty. I hope I get a digital camera for Christmas!! By the way, if anyone gets the opportunity to go to a home show of Suzanne and Yvonne's Christmas creations, take the opportunity. My daughters, friends and I bought some beautiful things.
Brenda
USA - Monday, November 18, 2002 at 09:10:41 (EST)DORIS, I finally have access to my address book. What is your new E-mail address? Have you been doing any work for your daughter or are you just too busy having fun with your children and grandchildren? I guess you will be reading this after you get back from your cruise. Hope yall had a wonderful time.
Suzanne
USA - Monday, November 18, 2002 at 08:50:22 (EST)DORIS, I finally have access to my address book. What is your new E-mail address? Have you been doing any work for your daughter or are you just too busy having fun with your children and grandchildren? I guess you will be reading this after you get back from your cruise. Hope yall had a wonderful time.
Suzanne
USA - Monday, November 18, 2002 at 08:50:18 (EST)Betty, those pictures are so good!! You are really getting to be an expert with that digital camera. I can't wait to see Elizabeth and the baby.
Doris
USA - Monday, November 18, 2002 at 07:44:50 (EST)Thanks for the pictures Betty...like good wine, you all get better with age!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Monday, November 18, 2002 at 07:38:42 (EST)See the photos Betty sent of Patsy Sue's 65 Birthday. Link is on the front page.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Monday, November 18, 2002 at 07:18:06 (EST)Betty thanks for the prayers...the retreat weekend when great! It rained the whole weekend...but didn't dampen the spirits of the participants! We really needed the rain. We got eight inches here at my house...I didn't have a rain gage at the retreat center, but I am sure we had about the same.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 21:01:52 (EST)DORIS, still no baby, but Elizabeth said she had a really bad backache this morning while she was at mass. The baby may be waiting for its Grandmother to arrive!!!!! We are leaving here Saturday morning. Have fun and enjoy that gorgeous water and sunshine. I will let you know when the baby arrives. Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 19:04:01 (EST)Thanks, Betty, when are you leaving for Penn.?
Doris
USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 17:36:11 (EST)DORIS, have a great time. MARSHALL, was the retreat a good one? Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 16:18:23 (EST)Thanks, for the pictures, O.P. I know you guys had a blast. We are leaving tomorrow for our cruise. I'm sure our boat won't be as big as yours was. But this is our first time. So it will be fun for us. I'm glad I got to see the pictures before we left. We can see what we have to look forward to. Also I realize I need to bring some kind of tote bag to bring with me when we are at our port of call. Isn't the Carribean beautiful? There is nothing like the waters there. All the shades of blue. A painters paradise!!
Doris
USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 15:48:54 (EST)O.P. and Gerald, all of you looked like you were having a wonderful time. I'm beginning to see why you needed to have all of that luggage: day and night clothes, even hats to match!
Brenda
USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 15:21:10 (EST)Great Pics O.P. The Caribbean has the most beautiful water in the World! You guys looked pretty good too!!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 13:01:36 (EST)O.P., the pictures were really fun to look through. I'll bet all of you had a great time. What in the world kind of cactus plants were those. We have those little barrel cacti in Kerrville, but I have never seen blooms like that!!!! The picture of the rainbow is terrific. I love rainbows. I am sure everyone loves them --probably something from our childhood. Glad you all are back. Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 10:13:33 (EST)J. J. thanks for explanation. I just wondered when you said your 40 year old children would come looking for you after dark.:))) Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 08:28:42 (EST)SUZANNE, I went to bed at half-time ----sorry they lost, but they just didn't to "have it" last night. Too bad. I have never been to the new stadium. It looked as if it was filled to capacity. Where do people park? Forty years ago we had trouble finding a place to park - can't imagine what it must be like now with 92,000 people attending.
Betty
USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 08:25:57 (EST)Ok, some of the Caribbean Cruise pictures are on line at http://opditch.com
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 08:20:10 (EST)Betty I live in Lafourche Parish. The law is the same throughout the state. You cannot hunt at night, with the exception of hunting coon at night with dogs. There are some other exceptions. Years ago Lita was teaching at the local U and doing a research project that required wild animals and I was granted a permit to take them at night for scientific purposes. We stay in the shooting houses until after dark to catch the last rays of the sun. This is when the big deer come out. O. P. I am glad to see that you are back. I will attempt to send the fish picture, again.
J. J. Ernu <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 06:51:08 (EST)Just checking to see if the guest book is back. Glad you're back, OP. We all knew you would fix whatever was wrong. Guess LSU just can't win them all but they sure looked poorly tonight. I'm glad we decided not to go to the game and freeze our fanny's. We want pictures. GERALD AND OP.
Suzanne
USA - Sunday, November 17, 2002 at 00:51:04 (EST)O.P., J. J. was the last one to write and it was a long message. This is for J.J. -----J.J. you don't really hunt in the dark do you???????Mmmmmmmm, isn't there some sort of rule (or law) about hunting after sundown???? Maybe down in Lafourche of Plaquemine Parish its different. :))) Is it Lafourche or Plaquemine where you live.
Betty
USA - Saturday, November 16, 2002 at 20:31:26 (EST)I am glad you are back because we really missed not be able to write to one another. I would gladly look for it, but I wouldn't know where to begin. I don't know if I have a cache or Windows or whatever you said. Anyway, how was the cruise---we are waiting to see the pictures. How could all that disappear? Betty
Betty
USA - Saturday, November 16, 2002 at 20:25:38 (EST)Well, it looks like we finally broke the guestbook. I guess I haven't archived the file in a while, and it looks like it got wiped out.... the file size was 0 k in size. I don't know where it all went. I have this backup from Oct13. Can anyone resurect a later one from their cache on their computer? We might be able to resurect it. Look for "guestbook.html" in your Windows Temp Internet Files. and if you have a recent one, email it to me and I will reinstall that one over my Oct 13 file. Oh, we are back.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Saturday, November 16, 2002 at 19:35:43 (EST)Well, I finally emptied the last box yesterday. That is the last one that I am going to put in the house. Charles had to make shelves all around our garage to store the things still in boxes that I just can't part with, but are not using. Might I add HIS THINGS TOO that he can't part with.
Now mabe I can get to adding the decorating touches to the house. But you are right we are cooking up a storm. I have had the children over to spend the day and night a couple of times too. I really don't mind that is fun. Yes, we are going on a cruise in November. We have had it planned since May. We were thinking of going in Sept. But Charles reminded me that Sept was hurrican season, so I asked him when was hurricane season over and he said Nov. So I decided THAT was when we would go. We are going on the "Celebrations" that leaves out of Galveston. I think we will need an R&R by then. O.P. I am sorry to hear about your brother. Was he the one who was so sick a while back? Seems like you guys have been in Lafayette more lately than you have been home, huh?
Doris
USA - Sunday, October 13, 2002 at 19:03:01 (EDT)Doris, are you still unpacking boxes? I imagine beside unpacking the boxes you are cooking up a storm---your sons probably can't wait for "mama's" cooking. Bet their wives are happy too---gives them a break. Didn't you tell me you were going on a cruise? Carleen left last Sat., but last night I noticed there was a depression in the southwestern Caribbean ---hope it doesn't get too rough for them. I don't know if Carleen gets seasick ----I don't think she does. Let us know what you are up to.
Betty
USA - Sunday, October 13, 2002 at 11:58:52 (EDT)O.P., I was so sorry to hear about Melvin's death. You all have had your share of family losses this year! I know that you all are concerned with your children and grandchildren being in some danger because of where they live. I worry about the effect this trauma is having on all of our grandchildren because it must seem to them that they don't live in a safe world and that their parents can't protect them from all of the bad things which they are hearing about every day. I know one of my grandsons puts his hands over his ears whenever we begin talking about the lastest things happening locally or nationally. He often sleeps with his parents because he has bad dreams. My prayer is that we can regain a sense of peace for children in this country and for those all over the world.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, October 13, 2002 at 09:52:40 (EDT)O.P. I was so sorry to learn of your brother Roland's death. I will remember him in my prayers this evening at mass. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if the serial killer up there is a middle eastern terrorist. On Fox News this morning a retired NYC dectective said he thought it was two teenagers ----I just heard that the latest victim had 6 children. How simply awful. I know you can't let this madman dictate how you live your lives, but still be careful. Hard to believe that your daughter was so close to that shooting - that is frightening. Betty
Betty
USA - Saturday, October 12, 2002 at 10:15:18 (EDT)I'm back. We were forced to live with my daughter and son-in-law and her kids when we got back from Arkansas. She lives near Doucet Road. She was happy to have us because Barbara cooked for her and washed her clothes and took care of her kids while my daughter was at work. We enjoyed it also. Like I said before I had a tree that fell. It was at the fense and when it fell the top branches hit the top of my house. The one that did damage was the one that fell from my neighbors yard. It took out a shed and about 30 feet of fense. The adjuster is coming today. The tree men cut my tree that fell and I have decided that all of my trees are going to come down. I will have 5 trees cut in my yard. I want to plant trees that I know and don't have a big trunk. I'm thinking along the lines of Bradford Pears. My power didn't come back on until Tuesday night. We moved back home and were without telephone service until yesterday. They still have to come and bury the line. My cell phone bill will be sky high. I'm not complaning because I didn't lose anything that was important like life and limb. Well not human limb anyway.
Rickey <Rickey36@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Saturday, October 12, 2002 at 09:48:03 (EDT)My condolences O.P. Please express my sympatheis to the family on the death of your brother Roland. I will offer Mass in a few minutes for the peaceful repose of his soul. Will also offer Mass for the safety of family memebers in the "war zone" of VA!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, October 12, 2002 at 07:44:27 (EDT)Betty, we live in Prince William County, VA about 10 miles East of Manassas. My daughter lives in Fredericksburg, VA where two of the shootings occured. Shirley & I are down in Louisiana for a few days because my brother Roland passed away on Wed. My daughter was pumping gas in her car about 2 miles from the last shooting when it occured. She was one exit away from the shooting. My son lives in Maryland too, so we are concerned. We are being cautious, but will not let this person or persons lock us in our condo. I think it is terriorist related, and the cops will get them sooner or later.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Saturday, October 12, 2002 at 05:49:21 (EDT)O.P., in what county do you and Shirley live? Elizabeth tells me all her Montgomery Co. friends are almost afraid to run errands. Do any of your children live near you? Stay safe and I know we are all praying for them to catch this madman. Betty
Betty
USA - Friday, October 11, 2002 at 19:46:26 (EDT)Hi Suzanne, didn't figure you would have time to touch the sewing machine with all the commotion from Lili. I am glad you are back in your home. Billy has been in San Antonio the past two days at a seminar so its been really quite out here and very restful. (He has been home at night because there is NO WAY I would stay out here at night by myself). Sue I was at mass last Sat. at 4 and Fr. Derouen made mention of some of the top branches being broken off of the oak. I saw some big branches on the ground and it looks like the tree got a haircut on top, but none of the lower massive branches were touched. That tree has really withstood lots of storms. One Sat. Msgr. Provost talked about the tree and he said that it was probably an acorn just sprouting when Columbus discovered America---that's about 500+ years old. I'll call when I get back. When are you going to Europe?
Betty
USA - Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 21:09:04 (EDT)Just checking in at Caroline's. Eveybody seems to be ok. My electricity finally came on Saturday night but I don't have cable yet. I got your message, Betty, needless to say, I haven't been sewing. Have fun on the ranch. We were suppose to have a lot of rain today but the sun is shining and there aren't many clouds in the sky. There are still huge trucks on Brentwood Blvd. around the corner from me and my neighbor still hasn't done anything about those two big trees leaning over into the other yard. I think the city has offered to cut any tree that might be dangerous. There are repair trucks everywhere and the traffic is bad on almost every street. I haven't been there but someone told my that half of the Cathedral oak was destroyed. Most of the live oak trees survived. Plant a LIVE OAK.
Suzanne
USA - Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 15:09:45 (EDT)Hi J.J. we have a 2001 Tahoe and a 1990 something Cadillac. (I can't remember the exact year). That is nice of you to go to that trouble, but you never know when this situation might arrive again. Where do you grow your banana crop? J. J. when you were working for Gulf Oil that summer in N.O. and I was working there also were you in law school then? I was just wondering. Its been so long ago I don't seem to recall if we ever talked about it.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, October 09, 2002 at 09:12:22 (EDT)Betty, what kind of car do you have. I sat on a court with criminal juristiction, and was a DA for a total of about 30 years. I have heard tales of gas being taken from every make of car in the world. What kind of car do you have? You do need a stiff hose to get to the bottom of the tank. Let me know about the car make and I will ask those who know how to do it and if it can be done on your make and model of car.
JJ
J. J. Erny <Judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Tuesday, October 08, 2002 at 22:34:56 (EDT)O.P., what's happening around your area? I hope none of your family lives near those dreadful shootings! What a horrible thing to be happening. It's just too sad for those families to have a loved one taken for no reason at all. I hope they catch that shooter and our serial killer as soon as possible.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, October 08, 2002 at 21:24:35 (EDT)Could not agree more about the beauty of the country side west of Philly Betty. It's like entering the twlight zone! Big city traffic to horse and buggy traffic of the Amish on the rolling hills. That I could take, the snow of the Winters???? No way!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, October 06, 2002 at 21:33:02 (EDT)Just talked to Carleen. She and Phil now have electricity and are slowly getting things back to normal. Henrietta, sorry to hear about the tree on your roof. I hope you can get it repaired soon. Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, October 06, 2002 at 18:20:30 (EDT)Marshall, I don't like big cities either-not to live---I like to visit them though. I just want to be closer to Eliz. and our new grandbaby when it arrives in Nov. If Billy would ever agree (which he won't) we'd probably go west of the western suburbs---maybe out in the country where he could have a few animals, etc,. Within driving distance to Eliz. and Nicks and the baby. Its beautiful country out there. I was really surprised at how pretty the countryside was. We just had a terrible rain. Those poor people with holes in their roofs. Just tried to call Patsy and got no answer. I guess they are staying with Joanne and Ray Broussard. I am going to call Carleen to see if they have electricity.
Betty
USA - Sunday, October 06, 2002 at 17:49:27 (EDT)Hi Gang,
I've been following your situation (Hurricane Lilli) with interest. Being in Wisconsin presents problems---you aren't threatened by the storm but you can't follow it either. I was prevented from returning for a family reunion because my plane was scheduled to arrive the day of the storm. I can sympathize with J.J. because I had to coordinate evacuate from Freeport Sulphur facilities at Grand Isle. Once I thought I was one of the last to leave and there were card games going on at two bars---pants rolled up and 6 inches of water on the floor.
One of the weather forecasters here in Wisconsin had an interesting theory on the downgrade of the storm from a 4 to a 2. He said the passage of the first storm sucked the energy out of the Gulf by removing the warm air currents. Interesting. Weather is wherever you happen to be--tonight we have the possibility of 65 mph winds and a snow advisory--and I'll bet you haven't seen that on your local news. I'll be returning to beautiful downtown Breaux Bridge at the end of the month or when power is restored---in the meantime, hang in there and place your trust in God.
p.s. Up until a few years ago, Chrysler products had a drain valve on the gas tank---I don"t know about the newer models. Carroll--cjcchs55@aol.com
Carroll Comeaux <cjcchs56@aol.com>
Iron River, , Wis USA - Sunday, October 06, 2002 at 17:31:22 (EDT)Have mixed feelings about going to Mass this evening to give thanks for Hurricane Lili not being worse than it was. Thankfully, there are no reported fatalities anywhere and the guestbook reports aren't too severe. We have a 35 foot water oak tree lodged on the overhang at the southwest corner of our home waiting on workmen and insurance adjuster. But as you all said, it must have been divine intervention for the downgrading to Category 2. The evening before, after we had declined invites to Opelousas and Marksville, the news reported a possible 10-foot surge of water hitting Milton, six miles south of us. Talk about getting antzy! And aren't those hurricanes erratic? Our immediate neighborhood has several trees that landed on roofs -- including Connie (Cross) & David Landgrave's. Well, must leave for Mass at St. Pius' and continue to pray for protection from hurricanes.
Henrietta Boriskie <hbb@juno.com>
Lafayette, LA USA - Sunday, October 06, 2002 at 16:15:28 (EDT)Betty, I just read that article in the Advertiser. After reading it I have come to the conclusion, as many others have, that God truly was looking out for you good people there in La. It's true, I have never heard of a Hurricane losing so much power just before it hits land, after it hits land, but not before. It was all the prayers that was being said, I am sure!!!. I know that there is a lot of property damage, but no lives. Thank God.
Doris
USA - Sunday, October 06, 2002 at 14:43:30 (EDT)I'm afraid I will have to agree with hubby on moving to Philly Betty! Of course I hate large cities. Being close to children would be the only advantage over Lafayette...in my humble opinion. Only have one brother left without electricity. That was a scary article in the Advertiser Betty. It is difficult to imagine a 35 foot wave hitting Marsh Island or anywhere else for that matter!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Sunday, October 06, 2002 at 11:15:35 (EDT)Marshall, J.J. says you can siphon from these newer cars, but we couldn't do it and we had a small size plastic hose. Good to know about the gas tank plug, but there is no way I could crawl under a car. I keep telling Billy we need to move to Philadelphia to be near Eliz and Nick because they are still young enough to help out with all this kind of stuff (and they don't have hurricanes)--this is just more ammunition for my argument. But he still won't consider it. There is a really interesting article in todays paper that everyone should read. Its entitled "Hurricane Lili hit 'most dangerous place on coast'." Read what the LSU professor has to say. Its scary. www.theadvertiser.com
Betty
USA - Sunday, October 06, 2002 at 11:06:11 (EDT)Went to 4:30 Mass at St. Mary's yesterday and the Church was almost empty, but they had power. We are still at my daughters and are shareing a generator with my oldest son. My youngest son received power Sat. morning. We all spent Sat. cleaning up. It was very hot and humid. I am not complaining. Lili was kind to Lafayette and went west to Crowley. We hope and pray that this devistation will never happen again.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Sunday, October 06, 2002 at 11:02:31 (EDT) BRENDA, Patsy and Howard are OK and so are Carleen and Phil. They were still without power last night---so they can't use their computers. Hopefully, they will get it back today---but it is awful all along Brentwood to the bayou. Patsy's house sits in the middle of the block on both corners of this block there are trees right in the middle of the houses.
Betty
USA - Sunday, October 06, 2002 at 10:55:48 (EDT)John drove to Covington yesterday and he said that there were at least 500 utility trucks from Miss., Alabama, Tennessee and all the way from Florida in a steady convoy headed towards Lafayette and points beyond. I guess that is the only way that so much destruction can be taken care of when the local utility trucks are not enough. Has anyone heard from Patsy?
Brenda
USA - Saturday, October 05, 2002 at 22:36:49 (EDT)Talking disasters! Just called home and found out LSU is beating UL 40 to zip in the FIRST HALF!!! Regardless of the material damage, it's so good to hear that none of you guys were hurt. Betty I had heard the same thing about the new gas tanks...that they could not be drained via a hose! I think all gas tanks do have a drain plug however...if gas is REALLY needed!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, October 05, 2002 at 22:14:57 (EDT)I hope that everyone came through this all right. We were all so lucky. It went from 135 mph to 100 mph right off of he coast. If that monster had struck with 135 mph wind we would have all been in trouble. 100 mph was some trouble for a few people; but if it would have struck at 135 out have been big trouble for all of us. Lita and I went North and got away from the storm. We were lucky some tree limbs and the lawnmower shed in Grand Isle was blown off of its foundation; but below Golden Meadow it was terrible. Homes filled with water and people waiting with mops for the water to come down. This is so bad. These are such poor people. No place to live, no insurance and no hope. Betty you siphon gas from the new cars just like you did from the old ones, you just use as hose that is much smaller in diameter.
J. J. Erny <Judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Saturday, October 05, 2002 at 20:07:36 (EDT)Hi everybody! I'm glad to see that everybody made it thru the storm ok. I stayed with Caroline in Bendel Gardens. We were so lucky, only lost three trees but the subdivision is awful. We couldn't leave until Friday morning because there were so many trees blocking streets. She won't be getting her electricity back until Tuesday or Wed. Her husband drove to Baton Rouge to buy a generator and we camped out on mattresses in the den with a fan blowing. On the other hand, my house didn't fare so well. I lost the chimney on the back roof and the yard is a total wreck. Our neighborhood is sad. The block around the corner on Brentwood lost 32 trees, huge red and water oaks. It is really hard to describe how terrible it is. There are two enormous trees in the back yard that are leaning on another tree about forty feet up. If they shift they could fall on my house so I did the next best thing, I drove to BR for the LSU-UL game. Caroline is taking her family to Michelle's house, she has power. My magic machine is still down so I'm glad to read all the messages. We all have a lot to be grateful for, the chimney can be fixed and the yard will be cleaned sooner or later. Yall pray that I have power when I get home tomorrow.
Suzanne
USA - Saturday, October 05, 2002 at 17:16:02 (EDT)J.J. Now those are detailed instructions on how to siphon gas from a car. Our problem was we couldn't get down to the gas---so I called Phil LeBlanc and Phil told us that the cars now have screens that prohibit you from siphoning gas (so those crooks out there can't steal your gas)----so now I don't know if Phil is right or are you, the Judge, correct. All I know is there was something obstructing the siphoning hose Billy was using. I guess I was back in the 50's when things like that were simple to do and we didn't have so many little criminals around!!!! Thanks J. J. Billy and I just returned from a drive around Lafayette. Bendel Gardens is almost impassable. Greenbriar looks like a bomb went off and all the way back down Brentwood Blvd. (where Patsy and Howard live) the damage is beyound description. After a while I stopped counting the number of huge trees that are down and are in peoples houses. It is really just horrible. My brother-in-law just returned from Abbeville. He had brought a truckload of ice down there for friends and older Unocal customers. The town is still without power and he said the downed trees are too numerous to count. I am amazed that the power companies have been able to restore so much power so quickly with such a horrible mess. They will be picking up debris for a month or more. J.J. where do you grow your bananas --at your home or in Grand Isle? Carleen and Phil still don't have power, but Phil has a generator. Betty
Betty
USA - Saturday, October 05, 2002 at 15:24:26 (EDT) I hope that everyone came through the storm with life limb and property in good shape. We bit the bullet in this storm. The sudden drop from 135 mph to 100 mph made the difference from slight damage for some to major damage to all. We left and went to Frog Level RV Park, (yes there is a story in the name) in Philadelphia, Mississippi. We are prudent we run from the storms. We have limbs down and the banana crop is ruined. Most often I will get about 10 bunches of very good bananas. I may be able to save one bunch this year. They will not let us go to Grand Isle until some time this afternoon. I do not know what I will find. Betty how do you get gas from the new cars? If you have an outboard motor, use the gas hose if it is long enough. If not insert a narrow hose, about ˝ the sized of a garden hose and put a great deal of it into the gas tank. It should be at least 4 times the distance from the fill top on the tank to the ground. It should gather in the bottom of the tank. Then shake it several times. Then put you finger firmly on the top of the hose, blocking it off. Then pull about half of the hose out of the tank. Put the drain container below the level of your automobile gas tank and then remove your finger from the tip of the hose, while the tip of the hose is below the level of your tank.. The tank should then drain into your container. If this does not work repeat the process. I was a judge we are told about these things on a regular basis. J. J.
J. J. Erny <Judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Saturday, October 05, 2002 at 12:36:06 (EDT)We got our power back on about an hour ago. What a blessing air-conditioning is----we weren't hot last night but this afternoon the house got really warm. We were packing up to go to my sisters because their power was back on about 4:30. We worked in the yard most of the day picking up twigs, small branches and limbs, etc. I am amazed that they got the electricity on in this neighborhood because you can't imagine the downed trees around here. An awful lot of those beautiful old crepe myrtle trees on Myrtle Blvd. have been uprooted. It is a real mess around here.
Betty
USA - Friday, October 04, 2002 at 21:24:43 (EDT)All the Reaux's weathered Lili with only minor damage to their residences. LBA's main bank downtown received extensive damage to the lower floors. All of Lafayette was out of power last night. We stayed home last night and slep with the windows open, listening to portable genarators in the neighborhood. At 1 A.M. today my daughters power was restored in Broadmore subdivision. We packed up and moved there and will stay here until we get power at home. We are very thankful for the limited damage and no loss of life. Hope that everyone is as lucky as we were. Watch out for Kile Marshall.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Friday, October 04, 2002 at 14:25:28 (EDT)Marshall, my brother Melvin came through ok at his house. His daughter and grandson stayed with him. Lot of trees down in his neighborhood, but none hurt his house. The house across the street had one fall on it, but the lady had left town. My sister and her children in St. Martinsville came out ok too. just some siding pulled off the side of her house/apartment which is located in her daughter's back yard. My Brother Roland was in the MeadowBrook Rehab Hospital and his wife Faye was with him and they had no damage there or at their house. So far, all my relatives seem to be ok. Shirley's Brother, Robert LeBlanc was on a lot of news programs. He is the Civil Defense Director for Vermilion Parrish. Still haven't heard back from Gerald. I had talked to him before it hit Laf and they were staying at his house. But I can't reach him yet. He might be out helping one of his kids if they had tree damage. Don't know. Will let you all know when I hear from him.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Friday, October 04, 2002 at 12:42:16 (EDT)Does anyone know if you can siphon gas out of these newer mmodel cars? Got a generator late, late yesterday afternoon, but can't run it without any gasoline and the news says that an Exxon station is open and operating in Henderson. Billy tried to siphon gas out of the Tahoe and my car and something was stopping the hose. WHAT A MESS and its supposed to get to 90 today. As soon as I clean out the ref. and freezer I think we are packing up and going to Kerrville ---I'll just have to see how it goes. Glad your relatives are OK Marshall. There are trees down on St Mary but I think she lives a little further down from these downed trees. Battery running low -
Betty
USA - Friday, October 04, 2002 at 10:01:35 (EDT)I will be leaving Arkansas this morning. This will probably be the last message you get from me for a while. We are going to Lafayette and bring my dog to a friend because my father in law doesn't allow animals in his house. We will stay there until the electricity is restored in Lafayette. From what I hear Lafayette was hit by 16 tornadoes. The news from here is that the LBA (the old Guaranty Bank) building with all the glass is in shambles. That's where Gerald's son is working. I seem to have fared well. I will have to get someone to take the trees out of my backyard and have the shed fixed in my back yard but over all I was lucky. Betty I live in Riverside Sub. It is off Cambridge Dr. I live on a street with a cul de sac on both ends and only one street coming in and going out. Just about everyone on my street had limbs in their house. God was once again good to me. I guess it must be Barbara because she deserves it. Until I get back to Lafayette so long for now.
Rickey <Rickey36@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, October 04, 2002 at 09:58:58 (EDT)Glad to hear that Pam is O.K. Doris. I called all my LA relatives in the Lafayette area. Thank God they are all O.K., but as everyone else they have trees down and no electricity. I have one brother in Opelousas. I understand the city father's really screwed up and forgot to fill the water tower before the storm! As a result they are without electricity AND water! Mom trained us well for hurricanes, so he had his bathtub filled with water...so at least he can flush the toilets! What a blessing. Of course the water is supposed to be used to take "cloth baths"...but first things first!!! How did Melvin fair O.P.? I got an e.mail from him early yesterday morning. He like most people in Lafayette thought at that time that they had escaped the storm! What a shock that must have been later during the day!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Friday, October 04, 2002 at 09:33:38 (EDT)Pam, faired the weather just fine, Brenda. Thanks for asking. Of course she is without electricity, as is everyone else in La. I am going to call her to see if she will come here to cool off this week-end. She probably won't. She told me she has a lot of cleaning up to do. She was lucky, two big pecan trees fell just next door to her.
Doris
USA - Friday, October 04, 2002 at 08:20:34 (EDT)Rickey one of the reason I chose Venice is that it is very difficult for hurricanes to hit us. If they come from the Atlantic, they have to cross 200 miles of land to reach us. If they enter the Gulf, the water is much hoter near LA than here, so that is where they will go. Of course all this is according to the laws of nature....which are controled by God...so we never say NEVER!!!! Kyle is still moving due West towards FL Brenda, but are predicting it will go North then NE because of Lili moving up along the East Coast. Time will tell. Sorry to hear about your tree damage Rickey. Had not heard Lafayette was hit that bad. My sister lives near you Betty so I presume she is O.K. in her Townehouse. I guess I better call home...not getting any e.mail for the family...except from N.O...where they had absolutely NO Damage...not even high water. I just came back from the Airport in Tampa picking up a priest friend from PR who will be with me for a few days. Later.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, October 03, 2002 at 20:44:12 (EDT)We just got our electricty back after only 8 hours without it. Ours was one of the few neighborhoods without electricity; a tree had fallen across a street and knocked out the wires. Baton Rouge really didn't get too much damage, though I haven't seen any t.v. yet. That tornado which was seen at Johnson and S. College was right by my little aunts home on Meaux Blvd. I don't think it actually touched down, but I'm not sure. My brother, Floyd, installed a generator at their house for them. I'm sure all of you will be without electricity for a long time, in fact, it will probably be just O.P., Marshall, Doris, Rickey and I who will be able to read this website after Betty's battery goes out. Marshall, how is your hurricane coming along? Doris, is your daughter all right?
Brenda
USA - Thursday, October 03, 2002 at 18:36:57 (EDT)Rickey, where do you live in Lafayette? I live in Myrtle Square on Myrtle Blvd.Thank goodness the trees missed your house. ----we have lots of limbs in the yard, but thank goodness that huge oak tree didn't fall on the house. There are crepe myrtles uprooted on the blvd. and in the middle of Myrtle Square. I think this storm was much worse than Andrew and I believe we have a lot more damage here in Lafayette from Lili. We lost electricity this morning so its going to be getting hot in here before long. And I imagine I will loose all the food in the freezer. But the main thing is Billy and I are OK -it is just going to be hot and very inconvenient. Boy are we spoiled. Since I don't have a gas stove Billy is going to be grilling a lot of food. Hope everyone fared as well . Marshall, you are right thank God is was a cat. 2 only 100 mph when it came ashore---I can't imagine what 145 mph winds would be like. They clocked wind gusts at the courthouse (which is just a matter of blocks from here) at 90 mph.At times it was a bit scary this morning. Since we don't have TV I've had the radio on and sometime this morning they said a tornado touched down at the corner of Johnston and S.College, but I haven't heard any follow up reports on that. I realized about 1 PM that this laptop can run on a battery ---I am a bit slow as you can see when it comes to all of this high tech stuff. PLUS and this will make you all laugh. I didn't know that portable phones wouldn't work without electricity. I only have one "regular" phone and it is upstairs and I could hear this phone ringing and couldn't figure out where it was coming grom since all the portable phones seemed dead. So I called my sister on my cell phone and my nephew informed me that portable phones wouldn't work without the "juice". Oh well, you live and learn. I'll try to keep you all updated just as long as the battery holds out. As Rickey said we may be without electricity for a good while. In Andrew we were without for 3 days----this time it will be longer I think.
Betty
USA - Thursday, October 03, 2002 at 17:13:13 (EDT)Well I got a report from my neighbor. I had two trees fall in my back yard. One came about 2 feet from hitting my house. I had a tree fall on my storage shed in my back yard. We lost a little privacy fense. My house is in good condition. The neighbors checked and said that they is no leakage and everything is alright. They said that electricty will be about 7-10 days before it's restored. I think we will pack up and head up to Lake Charles to stay with Barbara's mother until we have electricty. The cleaners didn't have any damage what so ever. My good luck I guess. Now it will be to find someone to get the trees out of my back yard. I think we will be going back tomorrow and see for ourselves. Marshall I don't know how you live where you do. I wouldn't have to go through this more than once every ten years. I guess you just know what to plant and how to put things in your yard that won't fly. The rest of my neighbors didn't fare as well as I did. There are a lot of them with trees in their house now. I really feel for them. I don't guess I will be writing after tomorrow for awhile. Until then see you later. Bye.
Rickey <Rickey36!@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, October 03, 2002 at 16:18:31 (EDT)Thank God Lili hit land as a Cat 2!!! I am sure all of you in LA are much happier than I am. Except for no electricity, it seems everyone survived with flying colors. I am sure your place at Grand Isle will need some paint J.J. At least I hope you have something to paint!!! Hopefully you all took some good pics for the H.S. website!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venicd, FL USA - Thursday, October 03, 2002 at 14:32:10 (EDT)I must have been the only one to leave town. I'm now at my son's and daughter-in-laws house in Eldorado, Ark. The moved here just a few months ago. I wanted to see their house anyway. We were scheduled to come here at the end of November but I advanced it a little bit. I se now that it's a Cat. 2 hurricane and it shouldn't be too bad by the time it get to Lafayette. Of course we had to bring my dog Cash with us. He a big greyhound and really hasn't seen anything in the big wide world. Anyway my son has a pool, you guessed it he fell in not once but twice. Greyhonds cannot swim normally because of low body fat. They have no buoyance and usually sink. He didn't he swam. Once was not enough for him he fell in a second time. It was dark and I don't guess he could see. This morning he is giving the pool a very wide bearth. Marshall thanks for the prayers I'm sure we all need them. I'll be going home on Saturday morning. Stay dry.
Ricvkey <Rickey36@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, October 03, 2002 at 10:12:27 (EDT)It made landfall about Marsh Island. Cypremort Point is underwater. Abbeville has cut off the electricity. The winds are picking up now and the eye is due to cross over us at 10:30. I am going to turn off my computer because they've had some power surges. So far we still have electricity but that probably won't last much longer. Its down to a Cat. 2 and was 100 mph when it came onshore. Betty
Betty
USA - Thursday, October 03, 2002 at 09:41:44 (EDT)From here it looks like Vermilion Bay and N.I. will get a direct hit! It also looks like it will be reduced to a Cat 3 by the time it hits shore. Since it slowed in forward motion, that should also reduce the size of the wave action. Hang in there!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, October 03, 2002 at 06:56:50 (EDT)I will say prayers for all of us. Hope everyone of you in Louisianna is safe. My daughter included. I am so sorry now I didn't insist on her coming here. Now I am worried about her. She kept saying she would be alright. Of course we are still not out of the picture yet.You never know what those hurricanes will do. We have some awfully tall trees in our yard and windows all along the back of our house. If the weather isn't too bad tomorrow morning I will go to mass for ALL the people in the path of this terrible storm. I am sure the traffic along I-49 and I-10 is terrible. Once we evacuated from Lake Charles and went as far as Alexandria. That was a terrible experience. So many people on the road and in hotels. I certainly hope it doesn't decide to come this way as we are not prepared. I can't even find my candles.
Doris
USA - Wednesday, October 02, 2002 at 22:16:14 (EDT)I talked to a lovely man at Continental who said that they had cancelled all flights tomorrow so we can't go anyway. We have rescheduled (only an additional $10 fee) for Oct. 31, Halloween. We'll get to see the kids in their costumes. Marshall, that huricane heading towards Florida;I hope it doesn't get so big as Lilly. We really are in for it this year! Lafayette might get a real wallop. I hope all of you are safe. I have all of my candles, flashlights, water, canned goods, and the plants inside. I hope your brother takes advantage of the shelter, O.P., unless he is a very safe place and feels better at home. Doris, you really did get out in time. Betty, don't exert yourself! Take care, everyone, and God bless you all.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, October 02, 2002 at 21:18:10 (EDT)Marshall, we all appreciate you remembering us in your prayers. If this thing keeps strengthening we will need our guardian angels. I just heard that it was now up to 145 mph and still headed our way. They didn't say anything about a second eye. We have plywood on most of the windows and have closed the shutters on the front side. I'm just worried about this huge oak tree we have in the yard falling on the house. Brenda I hope you can still go. What time does your plane leave? I don't think this will hit until noon. Betty
Betty
USA - Wednesday, October 02, 2002 at 20:44:59 (EDT)Hey the 7 p.m. coordinates have Lili turning North! Could it miss LA altogether??
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, October 02, 2002 at 20:30:55 (EDT)Today was the feast of Guardian Angels! I offered my Mass that your Guardian Angels would be working overtime tomorrow when Lili arrives. Will offer Mass again tomorrow morning for all of you guys again. Looks like LA will get the brunt of this one. Hang in there!!! I just heard on the news that the hurricane planes are detecting a "second eye"...that could be good news causing the hurricane to lose some of it's punch!!! We are watching Kyle!!! This one is the only one that has concerned me since I have been here. It's in the Atlantic, but has been hanging in there for two weeks!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, October 02, 2002 at 18:15:22 (EDT)Brenda, no, not No Website, No way to get to it..... ha. Unless lili turns toward us and lasts over land. ha ha
O. P.
USA - Wednesday, October 02, 2002 at 15:48:03 (EDT)I am trying to convince my brother Melvin to go to a shelter. He has been resisting. I looked them up on the web and there is one for "ill health" people at the Heyman's Performing Arts Center. you all might consider that. I told him that he can't prevent damage to his house by staying home, but he can prevent damage to his body by going to the shelter.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, October 02, 2002 at 15:45:57 (EDT)About our trip, John has definitely decided to stay here as he is concerned with flooding and other damages. I have to make a definite decision today! One problem is that our layover is in Houston and that route is right in the line of the hurricane. If we could speak to a human being at Continental, we are going to ask if we could postpone our trip--so far, no luck! We have so many trees in this neighborhood; our power will probably go out for a week like it did after Andrew. I hope all of you are battened down for a really big storm. I just realized that if our power goes off, NO WEBSITE!!!!!
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, October 02, 2002 at 15:44:52 (EDT)Brenda, if the hurricane doesn't hit til tomorrow afternoon maybe you all will still be able to leave. We thought about leaving town but then decided to stay - it was so miserable here after Andrew hit because we didn't have electricity for 3 days and it was awful. Now that it is a Cat. 4 hurricane we may have to re-think that decision. Hope you and John can leave on your trip. Betty
Betty
USA - Wednesday, October 02, 2002 at 15:20:00 (EDT)Doris, it looks like you guys left Dodge just in time!!! Best of luck to all of you in LA. If UL is lucky, maybe the game with LSU will be rained out!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, October 02, 2002 at 07:37:51 (EDT)Betty the house belonged to Mrs. Thad Montgomery and has been moved to the home of Dr. Verlander. That is Kenny and Ruth Bowen's daughter. Ruth lives in a house next to the Dr. and his wife. I heard that they were going to make it a bed and breakfast. That was a grand old house. Doris nice to have you back with us even tho you crossed the Sabin to become a Texan. Well maybe the good things will stay with you. I am really mixed up about leaving because of Lilli. My son called me from Eldorado and insisted we go up there with Cash our greyhound. I told him I would but am now having second thoughts. The roads will be crowded and it will take forever to get there even though it is only 5 hours away. I decided to sleep on it. I have been through many hurricanes before but somehow at my age I am a lot more leary. I don't think I have any worry about flooding even though I am by the bayou. I am good and high. I will decide in the morning. How come I don't remember the flood at all. I'm older than all of you and I don't remember anything like that. I know we must have been involved because of the cleaners but for the life of me I just can't remember. I guess I am having a senior moment. Well hope everyone fares well in the big wind.
Rickey <Rickey36@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Wednesday, October 02, 2002 at 00:13:12 (EDT)Lilly is doing a number on us. We were leaving for New York Thursday morning, and I guess our trip will be cancelled. We have tickets for a show and, most importantly, were going to be with two of our grandchildren and their parents. John put sandbags by our front door because we had a flood about five years ago and we certainly don't want to go through that again. Hope all of you come through all right, especially you, J.J. Are you leaving again for the "north"?
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, October 01, 2002 at 21:54:17 (EDT)Tradition? Latin traditus? Tradere is used in the law to indicate delivery of possession. But I did not do well in Latin. An unhappy thought, Lillie is headed our way. It looks like it will come right up Vermillion Bay, with winds of 130 mph. The National Hurricane Center has a good wed site. J.J.
J. J. Erny <Judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, USA - Tuesday, October 01, 2002 at 07:24:33 (EDT)Good picture of all you guys at Betty's surprise birthday dinner! Must be in SW Louisiana! I think the only way we know how to celebrate is to eat!!! I met a retired Air Force Chaplain last night. All he talked about was food when he visited Louisiana! La Joie de Vie!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Monday, September 30, 2002 at 19:16:02 (EDT)Glad you are moved in, even if not settled in...that's the fun part! I bought a house here in FL that was 30 years old! I'm still working on it. Probably the reason you stayed at our house was BECAUSE it was two stories! We didn't know how high the water was going to get...so I'm told. I'll have to check out how many guests we had over for the flood with my brothers and sisters. I don't remember you all coming over. We had so many at home all the time just with our family, it was difficult to tell when we had visitors! Ha!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Monday, September 30, 2002 at 16:04:09 (EDT)Brenda, if that picture was in the Lafayette paper I missed. Haven't read today's paper yet. You know the house right next to it ---the one on the corner---well, someone bought it and they moved the house in two sections----moved it to a spot near Girard Park. When Billy and I went to absentee vote Friday morning we parked by what is now a vacant lot and I couldn't figure out how they got that big old house out from under the oak trees. That is when Billy told me they "cut" the old house in two to move it. I believe there were a couple of articles in the local paper about that old house when it was moved. I'll have to see if that picture is in today's paper.
Doris, we missed your notes. It amazes me that we can remember that flood and we were only 3 years old.
Betty
USA - Monday, September 30, 2002 at 14:10:39 (EDT)Wasn't it nice of the Washington Redskins to schedule a bye on OP's birthday. After all he is their biggest fan. Happy Birthday and many more seasons.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Monday, September 30, 2002 at 14:01:10 (EDT)Oh Happy Birthday Betty and O.P. Sorry I missed them.
Doris
USA - Monday, September 30, 2002 at 12:28:21 (EDT)Well, hi guys!!! I finally got my internet hooked up this morning. It took me about an hour to read all the messages in this guestbook that I have been missing out on for the past couple of weeks. Yes Betty, our drive here was terrible I never prayed so hard in all my life. I was driving by myself and could hardly see the road in front of me. But we were lucky that it didn't rain for the guys to pack us up and it had stopped raining by the next day when we started to paint the house and the day we moved in was a beautiful cool day.
I am up to my neck, litterally, in boxes. I am trying to do one room at a time. But that is hard to do. It is so good being near the children and having them drop in. And having them come over to dinner or lunch. Marshall, do remem ber the flood of '40. I was only 3yrs old, but I remember we couldn't get to our house on Congress St. and we spent the night at your house, why your house I don't know. I remember the stairs. I was impressed with UPSTAIRS then, since we always lived in a single story house. I also remember my mother mentioning this incident over and over, she was so appreciative of your family's hospitallity. Please note my change of e-mail address. It is beautiful out here. I love my house. Much smaller than we had in Lake Charles, but that is o.k. It is newer. Please come see me when any of you are out this way.
Doris <dprovost@houston.rr.com>
The Woodlands, Tx USA - Monday, September 30, 2002 at 12:25:47 (EDT)There was a wonderful article in today's Baton Rouge paper about the Alexandre Mouton House which is now the Lafayette Museum. There were also great pictures and I recognized Martha Tolley Davis, who is now Tolley Odom (at least, I think that's who it is). I was somewhat confused as it didn't say who lived there from the late 1940s to 1954 and I always thought it was owned by the Nehrbass family when we were growing up. There is a picture of the original members of Les Vingt Quatre who saved the home and Margaret Riehl's and Stephanie Vhoorhies' mothers were included. You would recognize most of the others also. Was this article also in the Lafayette paper?
Brenda
USA - Monday, September 30, 2002 at 10:27:43 (EDT)Thanks for the Silver Star Betty. I was ordained, so yes I got a passing grade in Philosophy. Tradition is a noun and "traditere" looks like a verb to me! Tradition is "information passed on by word of mouth or custom". "To pass on this information" might be considered a verb; but I don't recall it. I have long ago gotten rid of my English/Latin dictionaries, so that is about as close as I can guess!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venicd, FL USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 22:52:12 (EDT)That must have been tough trying to learn philosophy written in Latin. Did you pass it? I just think what grades we would have gotten if we had had to learn American or World History from a French textbook----we would have all failed except Henrietta!!!!!! Well, you get a silver star because you were pretty close. Father DeRouen, the pastor, in his weekly letter said the Latin word for tradition is traditere-----now you can look it up----he might be wrong and if he is you get a gold star then (ha). Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 22:15:56 (EDT)Betty the reason we too so much Latin is that our philosophy text books were written in Latin! That's why we didn't learn much Philosophy! Ha! Right off the top of my head, as you demand, I would say our English word Traditon comes from a Latin root, so I would guess Traditione would be the Latin!!! But if it would be that easy, you would not have asked me to guess without looking in a dictionary!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 21:09:44 (EDT)Carleen, great to see you online. See how easy it is. Don't ask for any complicated instructions because this is about as good as I can do!!!!!!!! Is it Carl's birthday today? How old is he? Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 19:27:16 (EDT)Happy Birthday, O.P.
I know I'm later with these wishes than the others, but I'm hoping you will think "BETTER LATE THAN NEVER" Hope your week-end was especially nice for you. Today is my first son's birthday also.
Carleen
Carleen Leblanc <Phil6287@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 18:40:00 (EDT)Marshall, I was just reading the bulletin from St. John's so now I want to see if all those hours of Latin will come back to you. This is probably an easy one----what is the Latin word for Tradition. No looking in old textbooks or calling your buddies either!!!!!!! By the way, why in the world were you all required to take so much Latin? Since its a dead language "they" must have their reasons, but I can't figure out the why of it.
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 18:10:45 (EDT)Marshall, I mis-read your note. Thanks for clearing that up. Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 12:51:52 (EDT)HAPPY BIRTHDAY, O.P.!
Brenda
USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 09:29:53 (EDT)HAPPY BIRTHDAY O.P.
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 29, 2002 at 08:59:48 (EDT)Betty look at the dates again. Audrey WAS in '57. The dates come before the names of the storms. I had them listed in columns, but the website converts everything to paragraphs!!! I'm not writing history...just reporting it :-)
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 21:19:00 (EDT) Marshall, I think Audrey hit before 1959. I was living in New Orleans in 1959. Suzanne what year did you and Bill get married. Betty
Brtty
USA - Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 20:44:57 (EDT)Marshall, you are better than the weathermen. I don't remember the storms before Audrey at all --the Barbara and Brenda storms. It was Camille that did such devestation on the Mississippi gulf coast not Carmen as I previously thought ----well, they both start with a "C". I was in Rochester, Minn. in 1965 and I remember Mother telling me about the storm, Hilda. I think it must have been awful around here. Thanks for the info. Betty
Betty
USA - Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 20:42:12 (EDT)Marshall, you are better than the weathermen. I don't remember the storms before Audrey at all --the Barbara and Brenda storms. It was Camille that did such devestation on the Mississippi gulf coast not Carmen as I previously thought ----well, they both start with a "C". I was in Rochester, Minn. in 1965 and I remember Mother telling me about the storm, Hilda. I think it must have been awful around here. Thanks for the info. Betty
Betty
USA - Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 20:38:46 (EDT)Obviously that's from '54 thru '79
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 18:27:29 (EDT)For anyone interested, here are the hurricanes that hit LA from '64 thru '79.
HISTORY OF HURRICANES
HITTING LOUISIANA
1954 - BARBARA
1956 - BRENDA
1957 - BERTHA
- DEBBIE
- ESTHER
- AUDREY
1959 - DEBRA
1963 - CINDY (TX/LA BORDER)
1964 - HILDA (DIRECT HIT ON ABBEVILLE/N.I. 155 MPH WINDS)
1965 - BETSY
1969 - CAMILLE (LA/MS BORDER 150+ MPH)
1971 - EDITH
- FERN
1974 - FIFI
1979 - ANNA
- BOB
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 18:25:42 (EDT)Marshall that was 69 years between those storms and Audrey!!!!! I am back to street names. Does anyone know how Pinhook Rd. got its name? Haven't heard from Gerald in a week. I guess he and Harvey are busy playing golf. I guess they were rained out a couple of days because of Isadore.
Betty
USA - Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 14:29:56 (EDT)Sue, I guess they milked the cows by hand back then. His farm must have been on high ground. Marshall, I always thought milk came in bottles until one weekend we visited my uncle who had cows. My older cousins took me out with them when they milked the cows ---they wanted to show me how to squirt milk in the cats' mouths, etc. Then we went back and they served the milk for breakfast. Well, I wouldn't drink that milk for anything----I wanted milk from a bottle. I cried and carried on and never would touch the milk. That was my introduction to where milk really came from. My daddy went to the store to get a bottle of milk (I must have been spoiled!!!!!!)--- I guess to shut me up. I don't know why this upset me so much. Rickey, I don't believe anybody has heard from Avis since Patsy talked to her. Carleen tried to call her when she was in Houston a couple of weeks ago, but got no answer.
Betty
USA - Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 09:48:20 (EDT)Betty from the archieves of hurricanes, it looks like two hurricanes hit the Lake Charles area in 1886...so I guess we did miss a couple!!! The first named storms seemed to have been in the 1950's?????
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 09:47:10 (EDT)Marshall, I guess I was three too if the flood was in 40. You know that weather website that Joe Gregory sent----look under the historical section and you can check out the major hurricanes. I saw a lot of them that I had forgotten----Betsy, Hilda etc.---I was in Minnesota so I missed those. Wasn't Carmen that terrible hurricane that hit the Mississippi Gulf coast? Brenda, when did they start naming hurricanes? Was it the year Audrey hit? Suzanne, what year was that? Perhaps it was an omen!!!!!!!!!! Betty
Betty
USA - Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 09:10:10 (EDT)Well I guess it's time for the "old" man of the class to chime in. I was born in 36 and the first time I remember a hurricane is Audrey. I too like Suzanne was married that summer. Sonja and I went to Biloxi for our honeymoon and on Wednesday we cut it short because of Audrey. We came back to our new house and Thursday it hit. It cause $900 damage to the house. Yes Sue except for the children that summer was a disaster. I don't remember a flood at all. I thought Lafayette was the highest ground around here and it doesn't flood. During the great flood people came to Lafayette to escape the water. I've talk to some people who were in tents on the golf course on the Northside. I do know that Crowley was under water. In fact there were two babies born and were named Highwater Johnston and Submarine Johnston. That is a tale my daddy told me so it must be true. On this I know OP won't chime in because he doesn't remember nothing. No more grey matter in his head. Of course we will take him as he is. What's the word on Avis. Anyone been in contact with her?
Rickey <Rickey36@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 09:05:45 (EDT) Thanks all for thinking about me. I am fine, no damage to my home. I have not seen my camp on Grand Isle. They are not letting us go back in until this afternoon. From the pictures on T.V. the water did not look deep enough to get into my camp, but I am sure that the out buildings are gone.
O. P. I sent the fish picture, again, and I hope that it arrived.
O. P. tells me that I should get a Mac, the do not get viruses. He may be right, but I am reliable informed that apples do get worms.
J. J.
J. J.Ernyh <Judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Saturday, September 28, 2002 at 08:45:14 (EDT)Betty, Melvin, O.P.'s brother, said that the flood was in '40. I was born in Jan of '37 so I would have been three years old! I loved to sit on the porch and watch the rain...in fact I still do! Sue I didn't even know milk came from cows in those days...so I don't know how they milked them :-)))
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Friday, September 27, 2002 at 23:37:12 (EDT)My sister, Martha, and I talked about our memories of hurricanes beginning with Audrey. We must have had hurricanes when we were younger, but they didn't name them and we didn't have the t.v. coverage that we do now. She and her husband moved to Cameron shortly after Audrey and she said that every child in her classroom had lost someone as a result of Audrey. She said that one of the teachers and his wife and two children had to remain on the top shelves of their closet for eight hours to keep from drowning. What a nightmare for so many people; a thousand lives were lost. I'd still rather be here than in places where there are earthquakes. There is NO warning whatsoever for them.
Brenda
USA - Friday, September 27, 2002 at 23:05:12 (EDT)Glad to hear that we all made it ok thru the storm. JJ, hope you didn't have much damage. Yvette, My New Orleans daughter says the storm wasn't as bad as some of the summer storms in her area, just more rain. My ankle is doing fine but my little magic machine is out for two weeks It's a long story but I will be at msn instead of hot mail when I get it back. I couldn't wait to get to Caroline's house to check out the guestbook. By the was, the last hurricane I remember was Audry, the summer I got married. Wonder if that was an omen???? I remember seeing pictures of that flood in 1939 but I didn't know that it was that bad in Lafayete, Marshall. Milk by boat. How did they ever milk the cows?
Suzanne <im2sassy13@hotmail.com>
Lafayette , La. USA - Friday, September 27, 2002 at 21:58:09 (EDT)Marshall, do you think that flood was in '39 ----I couldn't have remembered that because I would have only been 2----I do know its a memory because no one had any pictures of me floating in the tub. How old were you in '39 ---you couldn't have been much older than 2.
Betty
USA - Friday, September 27, 2002 at 19:48:36 (EDT)That's "pun" obviously!!!!:-(
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Friday, September 27, 2002 at 18:44:31 (EDT)Come to think of it Betty I don't remember any prior to Audrey either. The flood you remember was in '39 I think! We use to get milk delivered to the house by the Griggs's. I remember them coming by boat during that storm. I think Opelousas was the only town in the area above water. Anyone else have memories of the flood. I could be all wet..no bun intended!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Friday, September 27, 2002 at 18:43:28 (EDT)Do any of you remember going through any hurricanes when we were in grammar school and high school? I don't remember going through any until Audrey hit Cameron. I was going to SLI (I think) when it came roaring through here. Up until that storm I really don't remember ever going through a hurricane. I remember a bad flood in Abbeville ---it is my earliest memory---I guess I was about 4 ----mother and daddy put me in a big washtub and "floated" the tub to my grandmother's house about 5 blocks away. Maybe that was rain from a hurricane but I really don't know.
Betty
USA - Friday, September 27, 2002 at 16:09:55 (EDT)I just got an email from JJ. They headed North in their Camper for safety. He tried to email me the fish picture, but it didn't come through. He said he has been having lots of trouble with viruses on his other computer so he changed his email address on the new one. Maybe he will check in here later today.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Friday, September 27, 2002 at 08:49:13 (EDT)I was thinking about J.J. also. He does live near the path of the storm Hope he doesn't have to clean up much in his yard. We have a few branches down and it's stopped raining. It really wasn't too much for anyone this time. Thank heavens!
Brenda
USA - Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 21:13:42 (EDT)Hi Marshall, we got some drizzle yesterday all day and then some gusting wind during the night ---I didn't hear the wind because I was asleep. Billy told me he could hear it every now and then. This morning there was a picture of a sugar cane field near Breaux Bridge with the cane knocked over so I guess they did have some wind. Now we will have to wait and see what Lilli will do. I'll be prepared for her if she comes because I still have the supplies I purchased Monday!!!!! Has anyone heard from Doris?
Betty
USA - Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 20:17:05 (EDT)It's awefully quiet out there! Is everyone still alive? How about you J.J.? Any damage to your home? I presume you still live in the Houma/Thibodeaux area! Houma is shown on National T.V. often, but not Thibodeaux..so don't know how hard it was hit.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 20:00:54 (EDT)Well N.O. and Grand Isle made it thru the front part of Isidore...may they be as lucky with the back half!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 07:10:53 (EDT)Suzanne, how is your ankle?
Betty
USA - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 20:14:47 (EDT)I think McNaspy Stadium was named for a football coach when the school was still "young". Seems to me that is the story I heard somewhere. I could be wrong so if anyone can correct me feel free. You Betty I lived on Johnston St. all my life while growing up and it never occured to me how it got its name. Someone should do some research. When my daddy first got started in the cleaning business he was on Vermillion St. It was across from Ben LeBlanc's service station used to be or next to where Shamrock was. I know we all remember Shamrocks. After that he moved to Johnston St across from where Bechet's Pharmacy was. His last move was where we are now. As far as I remember Borden's has been there since the year one. Strangely enough I hardly never went there as a kid even tho I lived across from the place. I guess I just didn't have enough pocket money.
Rickeyt <Rickey@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 14:30:46 (EDT)Very interesting about your uncle Brenda...I didn't know. I guess I should also return the concern you all had for me about Isidore back to all of you! Hope you all are spared as we were...if not...be prepared!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 14:19:08 (EDT) BRENDA, Thanks for that input. Really for years I've wondered about that and I kept telling myself to write a letter to the editor----well, you know how that goes-----I just never did it---- and when I got your "O'Hare Airport" e-mail I just thought I'd throw that question out there. Who was the old McNaspy Stadium named for (I don't think it is even there anymore.) I just returned from exercise at Lourdes and I ran into June. She is still walking with a walker and has something called "Spinal ?" that was aggravated by the wreck and is pinching nerves. The is due to have some shots in her spine next week ---she opted for the shots instead of surgery. She was there having some type therapy. She told me they never have determined what caused her to black out. They want to do a stress test, but can't until this spinal thing is better. She looks good. She asked me to tell you all that she can't sit long at the computer so that is why you haven't heard from her. Betty
Betty
USA - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 11:42:20 (EDT)Betty, I do know about Blackham Coliseum as it was named after my uncle, Stafford Blackham, dean of the SLI College of Agriculture when we were children. He died as a fairly young man, but his wife, my Aunt Anna Mae, is still living in Lafayette. She is one of my four aunts, all living together, whom I go to Lafayette to visit.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 08:01:38 (EDT)Do any of you ever wonder about the names of buildings and streets here in Lafayette. For instance, does anyone know who Johnston Street was named for? Or Blackham Coliseum? Does anybody know? Put your thinking caps on because I certainly don't know.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 21:35:03 (EDT)Yea Rickey the hospital was called Lafayette Sanitarium. I think the office was called The Hamilton Medical Group? Dr. Hamilton and Dr. Clark were the original doctors there. I think the whole football team at Cathedral knew my sister Sophie, because Dr. Breaux was our team doctor. Would love to have you and Barbara come for a visit Rickey. Like you said, just plan with me before to be sure the "motel" is vacant!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 20:59:12 (EDT)The Lafayette Medical Group came first, then they built that new building in the Oil Center and then it became Hamilton Medical Group. They moved to the present location and they really had a nice facility with an attached hospital. Then the whole thing fell apart. I guess there is still a Hamilton Med. Group out there, but I do not know because most of the doctors I go to left Hamilton.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 20:56:32 (EDT)Golly, Marshall so many Marie's in your family. I don't think I know all of your family. Barbara has an appointment with Hugh tomorrow at 9 in the morning for her arm. We see Hugh often. Either at his office or at Mass at St. Mary's. I think I know your brothers but I don't think I know your brothers. Wasn't the name of the Hospital Lafayette Sanitorium? I don't think it became Hamilton until it moved. Correct me if I'm wrong. We are getting ready for the big blow. A friend of mine who works for Chevron said the hurricane is expected to go right up the Achafalya Basin. That's to close for comfort. That way we will get the east side of the storm which is the worst. Well all we can do is wait. We thought about leaving and going to visit my son in Eldorado Ark. but I think I would rather stay with my home. Beside we have Cash to worry about. Marshall Barbara and I have been talking about taking a ride to Flordia to take you up on your invite. We are just in the talking stage. We will confer with you before we go.
Rickey <Rickey36@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 15:28:40 (EDT)Yep Suzanne one of my sisters did work at the humble beginnings of Lafayette General on St. John street. It was the Hamilton medical center then. Sophie was her name. She was the scrub nurse for Dr. Breaux. She worked in the office right there at the corner of Vermilion Blvd and St. John and in the operating room. Another sister, Jeanne, did private duty there also. Marie, my oldest sister was an Army/Air Corps nurse and worked at Lafayette General after all of her kids grew up. Camille moved to Alexandria after Nursing school, so never lived in Lafayette after H.S. Celine worked 30 years in the operating room at Charity Hospital in Lafayette. They all had the named Marie as a first name under the protection of the Blessed Mother, so the oldest one is the only one who used her first name! So they were Marie Therese, Marie Jeanne, Marie Camille, Marie Sophie and Marie Celine.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, September 24, 2002 at 07:46:11 (EDT)My computer clicked off in the middle of the message I was writing so I'll start again. Marshall, I remember some of your sisters. They worked at the old hospital on St. John. They were wonderful nurses. What were their names? Had to have my ankle x-rayed this morning. I'm not so graceful on the tennis court as I use to be. It's not too bad but I can't play tennis for a few weeks. Rickey, Signorelli's was forbidden territory for me. It was a pretty wild bar and dance hall. My Daddy would have locked me up for a month if he had caught me there. He never caught me!
Suzanne
USA - Monday, September 23, 2002 at 22:26:01 (EDT)Marshall, The poem is very pretty---I wonder if it is in any of the yearbooks---Suzanne ask Yvonne. Betty
Betty
USA - Monday, September 23, 2002 at 20:40:22 (EDT)I'm the only priest in family Betty. I have two other brothers older than Hugh. One worked in the automobile trade like my Dad, and the other was an electrical engineer with Gulf States Utilities. My 5 sisters are all registered nurses. I had one Uncle who was a priest....my Mom's brother.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Monday, September 23, 2002 at 19:22:25 (EDT)Marshall, how many priests do you have in your family? I didn't realize you had other brothers ---I just thought it was you and Hugh. Betty
Betty
USA - Monday, September 23, 2002 at 15:16:01 (EDT)Someone asked a while back, I think it was Doris, about the translation of "Flos Carmeli" and offered "The Flower of Carmel". I had put out several 'feelers' to linguistic friends of mine. They all came back with the same translation. Then low and behold this morning I got another response from a Carmelite Priest! Obviously it is also the "title" of a poem or prayer...here goes. You can't write stanzas on this site, so it will all appear together: "Flower of Carmel blossoming, bearing one, light of heaven mother of God's dear son, vine and virgin. Gentle parent pure beyond human love, be the protector of Carmel Star of the Sea."
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Monday, September 23, 2002 at 14:00:19 (EDT)Well I guess we are all out of landmarks now we are on birthdays. Shirley is about to have a big one. Her birthday in at the end of October. She is the eldest of us all. She will be 66. I always call her the old one because she is about one month before me. We have had fun over the years with that. I think I am past the stage of counting birthdays. I am eternaly 39. Some days I feel that way and then there are other days. Any of you remember Signorelli's in St. Martinville. Anyone ever go there. I never had but I understand it was a swinging place. I understand Harvey is over here so I guess it will rain every day. The last time he was here he didn't get to play too much golf. Hope your luck is better this time.
Rickey <Rickey@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, September 23, 2002 at 08:16:19 (EDT)Brenda I didn't go to St. Ben! My two older brothers went there because they entered the seminary in H.S. I graduated first, so I went to St. Mary's College in KY...four hours of Latin a day except Sunday when we only had two hours! What a waste of valuable time...I did that for two years!!!! Then went to Notre Dame in N.O. for Philosophy and Theology...six more years.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 21:33:58 (EDT)Brenda, Patsy's birthday is in November and Howard's is in January. Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 18:34:57 (EDT)Sue, you or Patsy might be the youngest since you STILL haven't had your 65th birthday. My workshop is Oct. 12,in Thibodaux. I haven't started thinking about it seriously because I had another class yesterday which I prepared for for two solid weeks. By the way, Marshall, I am on the faculty of your old alma mater, St. Ben's. I didn't realize it until they gave me a STAFF parking pass and a sticker for my car. I teach Liturgy in the Religious Studies Institute here, but they get their accreditation from St. Ben's. This is my fourth year and I keep saying, my last.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 16:33:43 (EDT)SUE, thanks for the birthday wishes. Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 16:18:33 (EDT)Thanks for concern. I was on retreat this weekend...had 42 AA guys from the Naples area. It was extremely windy when they left Naples, but we didn't even get a breeze here in Venice. Happy Birthday to the Birthday people! I guess we will ALL soon start getting the money we put in SS back!!! May we all live long enough to get it all back!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 14:14:18 (EDT)Thank you for the birthday wishes. I had a very nice day. It was made even better because Billy invited Carleen and Phil and Patsy and Howard to have dinner with us. It was supposed to be a surprise, but I sort of figured it out because we usually have dinner together on Sat. nights and no one said anything. But I thought Carleen and Phil might be going to the USL game because they attend those games. But when I dressed to go to church in a denim skirt and jacket and Billy said "Are you wearing that to dinner?" well then I knew something was up!!!!!! We always have a good time. Carleen told us she can't find the pictues of the dancing party---she thinks she may have lost an entire album, but she is still looking.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU TOO, O.P.
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 11:28:21 (EDT)Happy Birthday, Betty. Sorry I'm a day late but you're on my calendar now and next year I'll be on time. Hope it was a wonderful day! Who was the youngest in our class? I got my Medicare card last week and SS will start in November. October 13 will be my big 65. You're only as old as you feel!!!!!!!!!!!!! OP, the picture was great and that cake looked delicious. Happy Birthday to you. You sure do have a busy life. Marshall, it looks like you missed the real bad weather. We're keeping our fingers crossed over here and it looks like we might be lucky too. By the was Brenda, when is your workshop? Have you decided what to talk about?
Suzanne
USA - Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 09:53:03 (EDT)HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU TOO, O.P.! Your message hadn't registered on my computer when I wrote to Betty. Great picture of you and Shirley.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 20:48:13 (EDT)HAPPPY BIRTHDAY! BETTY. I put it on my calendar when you mentioned it last week and didn't check my calendar since. It's wonderful that you are getting good news from your checkups. 65 is not bad. We have many good years ahead of us.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 20:44:15 (EDT)Well Betty I have a birthday coming up on the 29th. But we held my birthday party today. Some of the kids and grandkids came over and we went out to lunch and then back to the condo for cake. I put one of the photos on the CathedralCarmel Current Photo Album page (link above). The rest of the photos are on my home page http://opditch.com . Gerald, 99 is too hot to play golf.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 19:01:08 (EDT)Happy Birthday Betty. We were talking about who is the youngest in our class at Don's Seafood Hut. Four names came up. Daniel, Donald, Howard and Lefty (Ronald Boulanger). It would be interesting to know who is the youngest in both classes. Not that 65 is considered young! Played golf with Harvey today. Unfortunately the weather was much hotter (99 degree heat index) than our play.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 16:18:25 (EDT)I thought about Doris Thursday ----wasn't that the day she was moving to Houston----it was storming over there Thursday. Maybe they weren't scheduled to unload until yesterday. Marshall, stay inside and batten down the hatches ---looks like you got a lot of rain yesterday ----well at least the Keys did---I guess you can't be too far away from Key West as the crow flies. Gerald, do you all really have 50 people every Saturday playing golf--you could have your own tournament once a month!!!!! I am 65 today and can't tell any difference!!!!! In fact I had 4 doctor appointments last week and all of them gave me good reports so that made me feel even better. I was digging out that Medicare card every time I turned around!!!!!
Betty <esunday1208@aol.com>
USA - Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 13:21:22 (EDT)Marshall, are you watching the weather forecasts on this hurricane? Actually, Lafayette might be in line for a hit from this one. Our leaves are beginning to fall because of the wind which is already picking up.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 10:45:53 (EDT)Very happy to hear from Carleen. Take all the time and space you need. It's free. If you find the party pictures let me know and I would be happy to pick them up and send them to OP. Expecting Harvey to call any day now. We will probably play golf Saturday in advance of the hurricane. I will most probably walk, but if he wants to ride to save his dancing legs, then I'll ride with him. We have a group of approximately 50 golfers that play every Saturday morning. We will make Harvey our guest.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, September 19, 2002 at 17:44:25 (EDT)Hi Carleen, now you can clear up all that mis info. Hope your news will be just great from Houston. And Harvey, now you can burn up that dance floor again. We should all be taking that aspirin every day. Are you going to walk the golf course?
Suzanne
USA - Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 22:07:15 (EDT)Sounds good Harvey. I have just the right vacation for you to go on. Gerald & I just booked a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean on Nov 9 this year. Seven days from Fort Lauderdale. I am becoming a cruise specialists. The trip with Rickey in March to the Canal, now this one. That will be three cruises within 12 months. Any other takers out there?
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 17:18:35 (EDT)Harvey, it sounds like the doctor is saying you should have been dancing more!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 16:38:22 (EDT)Thanks for all the compliments on my dancing-I love to dance. Saw the vascular surgeon today . Gave me some medication to thin my blood. Told me to start walking daily and take an aspirin a day and go on vacation. Was quite relieved that surgery was not required. So I am heading for Lafayette
tomorrow. Gerald get the clubs ready.
Harvey
USA - Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 12:27:23 (EDT)It's great to have you a contributor, Carleen! Now all of the records will be set straight because you were there when most everything happened.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 08:16:34 (EDT)Carleen it is so good to see you online! Don't worry about being "too long", you have a lot of time to make up, so take all the space you need. No I didn't know I was the first guy to bring you Valentine Candy! I am sure I can't credit for that however, remember I had 5 sisters at home teaching me the ropes! Keep the comments coming, it's good to hear from you. It's great you are feeling so good.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 08:36:44 (EDT)Carleen's Comments: O.K.,you guys, here's the low-down. "White Hut"
was behind Toby's Oak Grove. Surely you girls remember driving up
there after school and ordering cokes &chips. Snack's was across the
street--did not have as much parking space as "White Hut".
I never thought I would ever contribute to all this because it seemed
so time consuming, but it is absolutely infectious. Gerald,I have some pictures taken at one of those little parties at my house and I will start
looking for them, to pass on to you and Harvey. I well remember what
a great dancer you were and you made my day by mentioning that I was
the first girl you danced with. Weren't those the good ole days? By the
way,many thanks to everybody for the birthday wishes! Looks like I
have much to do to catch up with all of you in learning this. Thank you
for everyone's prayers. I'm doing really well. The new medicine is working so far ,but they can't promise me that it will totally put an end
to all this. The fight has been rough but with ya'll's prayers it has really
kept my spirit's up. I'll try to get on this thing more often now. Marshall,
I got your letter, thanks so much. It was great to hear from you. Did you
know that you were the first boy in high school to bring me Valentine
Candy? Well, I guess I'm not supposed to write long letter on this thing,
but I got so involved in reading about every body. This is wonderful, O.P.,you really did good! Talk to you all soon.
Carleen
Carleen
Lafayette, LA USA - Tuesday, September 17, 2002 at 06:58:17 (EDT)I too remember Henry's. It's where Doris explained, around the corner from the Jefferson Theater. I think it was next door to a printing company. They had a card table in the rear next to a door that we went through when a raid was suspected. Were we 18 when we were allowed to drink? So this was when we all had to shave our heads as freshman at SLI. I remember my drivers license picture being a little wierd looking.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Monday, September 16, 2002 at 20:14:14 (EDT)By the way, I too recommend Cox-internet. I just love it. But there is no Cox in the Woodlands it is Time Warner Cable service and the internet service is twice as much. I don't know, I might just get a seperate phone line and use this service called Everyone's internet which is only $10.00 a month. My boys used this for a while I will have to check with them to see what kind of service they had.
Doris
USA - Monday, September 16, 2002 at 15:39:00 (EDT)Boy I don't check the guestbook for a while and I have to almost go back to the archives, there are so many entries. But this is so much fun!!! I will have to run over to Chuck's to check the guestbook and my e-mail a couple of times a day when I get to the Woodlands, before I can get my computor set up,I guess. I just can't live without hearing from you guys. Henrietta I do remember Henry's. It was sorta behind the Jefferson theatre and you had to walk through the bar to get to the dance floor in the back where you danced to jukebox music. Charles and I use to go dancing there Fri. Sat. and Wed. nights before we were married and a few times after were married. I don't remember it being raided though.
Doris
USA - Monday, September 16, 2002 at 15:35:33 (EDT)O.P. Thanks for the picture of the modem. My crowded dresser top could certainly handle that. It doesn't look big at all. I had a mental picture of a big piece of equipment.
Betty
USA - Monday, September 16, 2002 at 10:23:17 (EDT)O.P. Everyone tells me to get off AOL. I would but I have all this stuff in my bedroom and it looks like an electronic nightmare and to get on Cox I think I would need another piece of equipment and I don't have anymore room!!!!!!Wish I had put a study in here somewhere when we built the place 18 years ago!!!! Where is Brenda in the closeups---did I miss her? HENRIETTA, I don't remember a place called Henry's. I know I would walk on the other side of the street from Antlers. Isn't that funny. I am really surprised that all of the Lafayette High and Cath-Carm weren't in jail because we were always out dancing at the Peacock----and drinking too. I know Carleen and I liked Tom Collins---maybe they just put the lemonade in it and not the Collins (ha) ---back then I probably wouldn't have known the difference. That was a fun place. I think we discussed the Peacock on this page a year ago. I really don't remember Henrys though ---was it a nightclub or just a bar? Did you and your family live up north for 2 years or did they just send you up there. Did you like it? You were in the 7th and 8th grades. Isn't that amazing I knew you 4 years in high school and I never knew that. Even so I don't think the rest of us would have picked up French so easily --you rattled that stuff off just like a Parisian. Sr. Berchman loved you and barely tolerated the rest of us. She was kind of scary at times-she just never smiled and she had those piercing blue eyes. Remember when she stapled her finger and she never let out a peep.
Betty
USA - Monday, September 16, 2002 at 09:43:42 (EDT)Ok, Betty, the rest of your pictures are on line. The only reason you wouldn't be able to see them is that AOL uses their own Proxy Servers to Cache the files.... and they don't refresh them often enough. Henrietta, you probably need a faster computer AND/OR Cox Cable Internet Access. I highly recommend it to all of you (Betty, you too). Get off of Juno and AOL.
O. P. <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Monday, September 16, 2002 at 06:50:19 (EDT)Thanks for the French translation Henrietta! Betty here in FL we have ORGAN DONOR stamped in red on our license. Since your heart is bad, maybe the heart on yours means they can use all your organs except the heart? Just a guess!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 21:19:28 (EDT)Wow, what reminiscing! Were any of you all at Henry's (on Vermilion, I think) when, I hear, it was raided and the underageds left quickly through a back door? Also remember Toby's Oak Grove, dancing to the music of Harry St. Pierre's band. It was strange going to Antler's for lunch recently with Paul. We girls used to cross Jefferson Street to avoid passing in front of Antler's (pool hall, then) with all the bystanders standing in front. Mom flipped when she heard about us going to "Mulate's" (the connotation -- remember this was the 1950's), besides it's being out of town. Sorry Carol hasn't responded with the French. I think it's "Les orteils que coute pas rien. (Free toes, or Fritos)." Betty, there was an advantage in French, having attended a French boarding school, Presentation Academy in New Hampshire, in 1947 - 1949, with classes and meal times 50% in French. Note new e-mail address. We were talked into Juno since AOL was so slow, but Juno's slow too. O.P., do we need more bytes or memory? Henrietta 8-)
Henrietta <HBB929@juno.com>
Lafayette, LA USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 20:42:44 (EDT)You know, Marshall, you are so right ---- most people I know love OATMEAL--- I think its the nastiest stuff in the world and can barely get a tiny bowl down. I eat it because its a good breakfast food when you have diabetes. OH, I know what I wanted to ask everyone ----has anyone signed their driver's license to donate their organs. Remember last week I mentioned that I went to get my driver's license. Well, after I got home I was putting the new license in my wallet and I noticed a RED HEART and the word donor under it. Do you think that means that I will "donate" my heart. First of all, I didn't sign anything and secondly, my heart is in such bad condition that they couldn't possibly implant it. I've tried to call the driver's license place and, of course, you can't talk to a human being. Guess I will have to go back over there. But if anyone knows what else this could mean---the RED HEART and the word DONOR underneath, would you please let me know. I think donating ones organs is a great thing---I just wish I was in better shape to do so.
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 20:36:33 (EDT)Our discussion about Don's or the Hut brings back a philosophical principle: "De gustebus non disputatum est"...can't swear about the spelling, but the principle is the same "Taste can't be disputed". Taste is an individual thing, if I like oranges and you like apples, I can't say you are wrong and you can't say I am wrong...we just have different tastes! But again when it comes to food, don't go by my taste because I eat anything that don't eat me! It's always been said, you can't argue politics and religion, so I guess we can add taste to that!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 12:03:29 (EDT)O.P., I think you are confusing me with Betty. I didn't say anything about the Hut. I don't know where it is. I guess you know that you have two of the same pictures of Sue and the Boys on the recent events. Betty's camera takes pictures with vivid colors. We look like a bunch of happy women, but we were saying goodbye to Doris who will be unable to come to lunch quite so often as she used to.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 11:25:24 (EDT)OP, I guess we will have to give the Hut another go since both you and Marshall have good things to say about it. Oh, it wasn't a mini-reunion----it was just lunch. I searched and searched for the pictures last night and never could find them. Marshall said you were playng with the new server and I was probably just catching it at the wrong time---that is probably what was happening. I thought I sent you more than 2 pictures - did you get them? Maybe you didn't have enough room for them. If you didn't get all of them let me know and I'll send them again. Talked to Sue last night and she said she really enjoyed being with all of you and had a good time. Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 09:28:04 (EDT)Betty the link to the pictures are on the front page. Brenda, we prefer the Hut over downtown.
O. P. <op@opditch.com>
Lafayette, LA USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 05:23:06 (EDT)Where are the new pictures. I can't seem to locate them
Betty
USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 20:23:33 (EDT)Marshall, I, too, am happy Gore invented the internet because there isn't much on tv-----well, there is always football!!!Carleen remembered the White Hut too.
Betty
USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 19:59:10 (EDT)Marshall, we don't like Don's Seafood Hut at all. The only thing I've ever had there that I enjoyed was the seafood salad I had when we had lunch with Avis. We still love Don's downtown. I remember once Carleen, Patsy and I went there for gumbo. We had to send 3 bowls of gumbo back ---it was so salty it was briny. I'll have to check with Carleen and Phil to see if they've been lately and if the food is better than it used to be. Perhaps it is if all your family goes there. I think they (C and P) have eaten in every restaurant in south Louisiana. This morning we went to the Casino in Baldwin for lunch ---the food was delicious. We had this HUGE plate of fried big shrimp and it was only $6.95. Then for dessert Carleen and I played the slot machines!!!!!!!! I'll have to check the pictures.
Betty
USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 19:55:40 (EDT)Forgot to mention, pictures of both groups from Don's and Don's Hut were great. What did we do before Gore invented the internet? Also our class seems to be single handedly keeping The Landy's in business!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 12:36:25 (EDT)That is "guest" book...my mistake not yours O.P.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 10:34:28 (EDT)You threw me for a loop there for a while O.P. I like the new format "Visit the Guess Book". Easier and quicker for me anyway...I don't have to scroll down. Great pictures from Don's Seafood Hut! The trend...from my famiy anyway... seems to be away from Don's Downtown to the Hut...they all claim the food is better. I always did like the Crawfish Bisque,Crab Imperial and Shrimp and Oysters au Brochette at the downtown restaurant. Ofcourse since I eat anything that does not eat me, I'm not a good judge.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 10:33:10 (EDT)OP, Gerald, Larry Miller, Dan Spreafice, Suzanne and myself met at Don's Hut last night. Of course our spouses were with us. We had a blast. It's a shame OP has to come to town for us to do this. I guess we must have stayed at Don's for at least 2 hours. I corrected Gerald about me walking from Elais's Bar. I would have never gone to that bar. It was the old Palace Resturant in back of the bus station. We had a good laugh about it. We found out about Gerald. If he doesn't remember something he makes it us so be on the lookout for him. I found most of his remembrances to be accurate, at least from what I remember. OP you can tell anything to because he doesn't remember nothing of those days. Gerald says his Grey Matter is all used up.It was nice seeing Larry Miller again. OP should have a picture of us all on the internet soon. We liked to died laughing when we took the picture. We tried to get Don Deshotel to join us but he other commitments. Sue told us that Avis isn't doing too well. She caught us up on what the girls did when they were in school. They were all saints according to her. I guess next we will talk about our time at the Old Peacock Inn by the airport. I'm sure we all remember those days.
Rickey <Rickey36@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 07:49:25 (EDT)Harvey, I just reread your message and you said that you didn't learn to dance until our senior year. Could you be mistaken? I didn't think we were seniors at that dance in the auditorium. I thought it was one of our first boy/girl dances at Mt. Carmel. I guess you should know.
Brenda
USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 22:10:04 (EDT)Well, I too remember what a good dancer Harvey was and probably still is!!! One of the best! We had some good times going out dancing. Didn't we? I remember having a date with one of you guys just about every week-end and each date was with a differant one of you. You guys sure played the field. We had some good clean fun, and danced our feet off. Remember Mulatte's? My mother would have died if she knew I was going "Out of Town" on the Breaux Bridge hiway.
Doris
USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 21:28:29 (EDT)Yea!!!! Brenda remembers it too. Yall must think I'm fixated on this "White Hut thing" ---guess I was. Harvey, I too remember that you danced very, very well. I think you must have learned before your Senior year. Hope your blood pressure isn't giving you too much trouble. Betty
Betty
USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 19:28:33 (EDT)Well, I'm glad that Harvey wrote saying that he doesn't remember all of the places everyone else remembers because I don't either. I remember the Skunk and Jacobs very well and remember the name of the White Hut, Top Hat, Elias Bar, but have no idea where they were. My boyfriend at the time, Simon Chiasson, and I went to the Skunk and one of the waiters who came out to the car, told us to behave. Both of us were in complete shock over that as we certainly weren't misbehaving! He must have gotten his cars mixed up. I remember the first time I saw you, Harvey. It was at an 8th grade dance in the Mt. Carmel Gym. You were really bashful and said that you had just learned to dance, but could you dance!! O.P was a really good dancer also. Since I left Lafayette when I was 21 years old and haven't lived there since, I don't remember a whole lot about the night life over there, but Betty, there was a White Hut.
Brenda
USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 18:42:33 (EDT)Gerald, I just re-read your message-----you did NOT remember the White Hut----but Rickey does. I think the reason I remember it is not only did we go there for cokes, but when I came back to Lafayette (after being gone about 10 years and saw that they had cut down that gorgeous oak grove) it made me sick. All those beautiful trees gone to put up a small shopping center and parking lot. It also made me angry when they recently cut that old oak that stood in front of Toby's -----and what did they put up----that hideous yellow automotive store. Isn't there a law here now that you can't cut down old oak trees? I thought there was until they cut down those just a couple months ago at Ambassador and Congress. Maybe there isn't a law.
Betty
USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 18:19:25 (EDT)Rickey, Its the Piggly Wiggly - not Winn Dixie ----thank goodness you remembered too
Betty
USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 17:14:44 (EDT)I must have led a very sheltered life. Sports and school. I remember some of the places you guys were discussing but not all. I didn't get around much in those days. Didn't learn to dance till my senior year. Carleen was the first girl I ever danced with-at OPs house I believe. I did eventually make up for lost time. Gerald,change of plans-- had a whole bunch of pressure tests done today and have a follow-up appointment with the Dr. Sept 18. Plan on leaving the 19th if everything is ok. Shirley my condolences on your loss.
Harvey
USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 17:10:10 (EDT)Well, thank goodness, someone remembered------------Gerald, since no one could remember it I thought perhaps early senility had arrived and I was imagining things!!!!
Betty
USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 16:08:24 (EDT)Betty you must have a fantastic memory to remember the "White Hut". I don't, but I remember going to Whit's Lounge and Stanley's. No relation to Stanely Duhon. Just a coincidence. The Pool Hall on the north side where Rickey took his illadvised walk was Elias's, I think. It was immedially left of the underpass going North. My dad also worked for Mrs. Jacob for 18 years which was across the street from Joe Turk's bar, pool hall, gambleing and the best grilled hot dogs around. I think we have now identified all four corners. Good job everybody.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 15:01:57 (EDT)No Betty you were not dreaming. There was a White Hut and it was where the Winn Dixie is now. It was behind Toby's. I remember going there when I was just a youngster. Boy this sure has brought out the people out of the wookwork hasn't it? I spoke with Sue and I now remember the Jack-O-Lantern. How did we get that far "out of town" then? Of course all of us good Cathedral didn't visit any of the "fast" places. How about you girls. Sue has a few stories to tell us. How about it Sue?
Rickey <Rickey35@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 14:29:23 (EDT)Yes, Mr. Myers owned Da Skunk, Da Wabbit and da Puddy Tat was in the oil center.
He had twins, Phil and Phyllis - do you remember them. They were our age. I believe Phyllis died a while back --- someone please tell me they rememher the White Hut----I know I didn't dream this up----(or did I)?
Betty
USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 13:49:41 (EDT)No Betty the White Hut does not ring a bell...but a vague memory...that's about all. I think the Skunk was owned my the Myers family who had Da Wabbit on the corner of Convent and Jefferson.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 13:04:35 (EDT)RICKEY, Do you remember the WHITE HUT? Someone has to remember it.
Betty
USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 11:58:32 (EDT)The Grand Marche Mall is the strip mall on Johnston St. It's where Acadamy is now. I can remember being in typing class and watching the new gym go up at school. Bro. Ambrose was our teacher. Hey girls I think Sr. Hillary who was our first grade teacher is still alive in New Orleans. The last I heard of her was a few years ago. I remember her as being the most beautiful woman I had met at that time. Even then I was noticing. I would love to see her again. Bro Edwin who taught us Geometry is still in New Orleans. I called him one day and spoke to him but I could tell he didn't remember who I was. I can't imagine him not remembering me because gave him so much trouble. It's fun doing this. Kind of a senior moment rescue.
Rickey <Rickey36@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 10:10:35 (EDT)O.P. Please tell Shirley how sorry I am over the loss of her uncle. Was Dr. LeBlanc in practice with Dr. Williams? I think I he covered for Dr. Williams when I was Dr. Williams's patient years and years ago.
Betty
USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 10:05:49 (EDT)MARSHALL, OK, maybe I am "losing my memory", but I clearly recall a place called THE WHITE HUT, and it was right in the middle of that Oak Grove. I don't remember the Jack-o-Lantern nor the watermelons. It must have been there before we moved to Lafayette. After they cut down all the trees and made the parking lot for the Piggly Wiggly it moved to Pinhook Rd. right across from the back of the Petroleum Club. SUE, when I went back to interrogate Billy he said that he had only heard of the place (ha) and then he added he thought I was talking about a place on the Scott Road. He halfway listens when I talk!!!!!!! Sue, how in the world did they get lettuce on a grilled cheese sandwich? GERALD, did the owner of Snacks own the cocktail lounge called Stanley's at the corner---that is the place Rickey mentioned ---you said the owners of Snacks was someone named Stanley---just curious. And Rickey, where was the Grande Marche mall - I thought that mall was in Baton Rouge. SO THE NAME I'M THINKING OF IS THE WHITE HUT----doesn't anyone remember the place??? Doris, glad you got home OK - that is nerve racking.
Betty
USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 10:00:45 (EDT)OP I don't think I will ever forget that night. You and Gerald were playing the pin ball machine and I got bored so I decided to walk home. At that time I lived on the South Side of town behind the Grand Marche Mall. Well as you might guess they passed me up at Judice Inn and got home before me. Boy did we get a kick out of that. Gerald I think the one bar you are referring to was called Stanley's. I have spent many an hour there and I might add got in trouble. It's funny how I can remember way back and I have to ask my wife how a movie ended two day after I see it. Old Age. Doties was a place where you could rent a "lady of the evening" girls. Of course it was also a drive in where you could order beer and soft drinks from your car. Of course I never went there being a good Cathedral boy. Gerald must have been taken there against his will. She closed up the place and moved to Lake Charles when the Air Base was in full swing and opened a club right at the entrance to the base gate. I know because my sister was living there at the time. It was nice hearing from Harold Latalois. Harold aren't or were you in charge of a golf course in Jennings at one time? By the way gang Sue is going to Rome with the St. Mary Choir in November. I don't know how she got to go because she is not ing the choir. Anybody know anything about Avis?
Rickey <Rickey35@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 08:36:59 (EDT)OP I don't think I will ever forget that night. You and Gerald were playing the pin ball machine and I got bored so I decided to walk home. At that time I lived on the South Side of town behind the Grand Marche Mall. Well as you might guess they passed me up at Judice Inn and got home before me. Boy did we get a kick out of that. Gerald I think the one bar you are referring to was called Stanley's. I have spent many an hour there and I might add got in trouble. It's funny how I can remember way back and I have to ask my wife how a movie ended two day after I see it. Old Age. Doties was a place where you could rent a "lady of the evening" girls. Of course it was also a drive in where you could order beer and soft drinks from your car. Of course I never went there being a good Cathedral boy. Gerald must have been taken there against his will. She closed up the place and moved to Lake Charles when the Air Base was in full swing and opened a club right at the entrance to the base gate. I know because my sister was living there at the time. It was nice hearing from Harold Latalois. Harold aren't or were you in charge of a golf course in Jennings at one time? By the way gang Sue is going to Rome with the St. Mary Choir in November. I don't know how she got to go because she is not ing the choir. Anybody know anything about Avis?
Rickey <Rickey35@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 08:36:58 (EDT)Sorry to hear about the death of your brother Shirley. Will offer Mass in a few minutes for the peaceful repose of his soul. Jack-O-Lantern is the name. Great memory Sue. I too remember the watermellon stand there under the Oak trees. Yep the Skunk was where the Hilton is now, I think. I remember the Top Hat also with the spot light in a "sewer pipe" in the middle of the dance floor shineing up on one of those "mirror balls" the spots of which would drive you crazy when you "might" have had a beer too many. The owner would stand at the door sometime and warn us: "you can't come in tonight, we are having a raid by the Sheriffs Dept"! Ha! Good ole "you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" politics of the deep South.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 08:36:30 (EDT)Well, well, look what has been going on here. I'll have to archive the older stuff on the guestbook again, because you guys have been talking over old times and straining your memories. I need to archive part of the page so it doesn't take all night to load the page on Sue's computer. I am in Lafayette for Shirley's brother's funeral (Dr. Edward J. LeBlanc). We will be here until Sunday. Ok you guys, tell me what was the name of the pool hall/bar that we made Rickey walk home from one night. It was near the Railroad station I think. We were married by then I think.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Friday, September 13, 2002 at 05:57:17 (EDT)Marshll, are you maybe confusing the Skunk with the Top Hat Drive inn? Both were on the old Broussard road. The TopHat was on the corner of University (College) and they made those great curley potatos. The Skunk was across the Vermillion River. They made the best grilled cheese sandwiches ever. They would put shredded lettuce inside and I never could figure out how they could do that.
Sue
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 23:22:31 (EDT)I think I have the answer. Was it the Jack-O-Lantern? I remember in the summer time we would buy watermelons right next door. The lot was full of hugh oak trees and there were these big square vats full of water with blocks of ice and melons floating in them. I can still see that neon pumpkin. Snacks was across the street but it was Derousell's then. Who can remember the owner? Was it the Jacob's? Hey Betty, how does Billy know so much about Dotsie's?
Sue
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 23:06:20 (EDT)Just wanted to say I have a french book I could've looked up "free toes" but it is packed in one of the many many boxes I have scattered all over my house right now. Sorry.
Doris
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 22:19:38 (EDT)Hey, I thought I'd check the site one more time before I went to bed. I couldn't believe all the activity since this morning. I made the trip back home from Lafayette fine,Betty. Since I didn't have my driver's liscense I litteraly prayed the whole time. Anyway my vote is for Snack's. I can't for the life of me remember the name of the drive-in across the street from it,though. I talked to Jeanette and was telling her all about the reminiscing that we do on this website and got her started, she remembers a lot too. I wish I could get her to buy a computor. It would do her a lot of good to be able to read all this fun stuff we write about. You guys are GREAT...
Doris
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 22:16:39 (EDT)I'm safe on Dot's! I never did go inside the place! O.K. Henrietta let's have the French for Free Toes! Carol was our male French Guru...but don't know if he is even reading the web site. The 1/4 mile track was for race cars Betty...A.J. Foyt was a Chevy dealer in Beaumont...later became famous at Indy 500 and every where on the National racing circuit.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 21:27:33 (EDT)Where is Gerald? He would know the name I am looking for. I will tell you the answer tomorrow if Gerald or someone else doesn't guess. Doris is probably packing and I don't know what Brenda is up to tonight. And where is Suzanne?
Betty
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 21:21:52 (EDT)Marshall, Henrietta was our whiz in French. She always came out first in the district and state rallies. She could help you out with the Free Toes thing.
Betty
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 21:17:11 (EDT)No, Marshall, I don't think Snacks was behind Toby's. I know we used to go get a coke after 11:00 Sunday mass---all us girl's. Your thoughts are running in the right direction because when they cut all the trees down this placed moved to Pinhook across from the back of the Petroleum Club. And Billy wants to know what all of you were doing at Dotsie's or whatever it was. He was 33 in 1955 (yall we what 18????) and laughed and wondered what yall were doing there? I will have to go interrogate him again to see what kind of place it REALLY was. I don't even remember the place nor the place on the Carencro Road. What kind of race track was on the Carencro Hwy. ----cars? I don't think there was horse races then? Or was there?
Betty
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 20:51:02 (EDT)I thought Snacks was on the same side of the street as Toby's? What is now the parking lot of Piggly Wiggly or whatever that food store is! We used to get Free Toes with Chili in in the bag...what a mess!!! Then it moved to the Broussard Hwy and became the Skunk??? Where are all these thoughts coming from? Remember what we used to call Free Toes in French Class with Brother Gautier? "Les sotier gue coute pas'nain" Come on Carol Doucet help us out with the French "Toes that don't cost anything".
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 20:40:42 (EDT)Marshall, I think Derouselle's was Snacks. I'm thinking of another place across "College" (now University) from Snacks. If I'm wrong about the name of D.Snacks someone let me know.
Betty
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 20:06:45 (EDT)Wasn't there a Derosells? or something like that?
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 19:54:21 (EDT)No, I wasn't thinking about Toby's. But that is a good guess. Toby's was a fun place to go. I didn't go much only on New Year's Eve if I remember correctly. Try to guess again.
Betty
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 19:31:30 (EDT)Could it be Toby's Oak Grove?
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 19:13:26 (EDT)"Snacks" is correct Betty. Let's see if anyone else can get the one across the street. It was also a great place to go dancing.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 16:18:25 (EDT)Was it Snacks? And the one across the street was what _________? I know it does anyone else remember it ----it had all those beautiful oak trees that some idiot cut down to build the parking lot for the Piggly Wiggly. Betty
Brtty
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 15:23:30 (EDT)Since we are on that part of town. What was the name of the Restaurent that stayed open all night near four corners next to the Phillips 66 service station that Stanley Duhon and his wife operated. I think I know? How about some guesses.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 11:06:38 (EDT)Congratulations Larry. "Dell and Lee's" is correct. I confused Dot's with them, but the draft beer was very cold in both places. We should reminisce (I had to look up the spelling) like this more often.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 10:01:22 (EDT)My little magic machine is a little slow so my guestbook messages didn't come up until this morning. I remember the baseball field and the BULLS. Mary Anthony's Dad was a real fan and they had a box seat right behind home plate.My Dad took me to many games and lots of them were on school nights. Now that the truth is coming out, I also remember DOTS across from the Nona. As I recall it was owened by a "lady" named DOTSIE, she drove a big cadillac and I can't believe that you sweet clean Cathedral boys drank beer there. We were really young then but I can remember hearing some wild things about that place. I'll say prayer for your move to go smoothly, Doris. Good luck.
Sue
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 09:22:05 (EDT)Getting back to the baseball stadium it was the "Brahman Bull" stadium, wasn't it? As far a for the name of the place across the street I really don't remember the name, I just remember going there with Charles one time when we were dating, just before we got married. I think we might have met someone there from Carencro. Larry, was Dot's that place accross from, or near the Nona theatre that we always heard so much about?
Doris
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 08:20:03 (EDT)"Dell and Lee's"!!! You got it Larry! Now I remember. That's true you lived on St. Antoine Street, right? That was relatively close to that area. That area was part of my paper route! Good hearing from you again by the way.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 06:34:42 (Ewe got married. I think we might have met someone there from Carencro. Larry, was Dot's that place accross from, or near the Nona theatre that we always heard so much about?
Doris
USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 08:20:03 (EDT)"Dell and Lee's"!!! You got it Larry! Now I remember. That's true you lived on St. Antoine Street, right? That was relatively close to that area. That area was part of my paper route! Good hearing from you again by the way.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, September 12, 2002 at 06:34:42 (EDT)I think the place across the old ball park you are trying to identify was "DELL AND LEE'S. IF my memory serves me right, Dot's was a HOT spot where Pontiac Point is now located.I don't think young Mt Carmel girls would have gone there.
larry miller
USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 23:42:12 (EDT)Good luck with the move Doris...I don't envy you! I think you are right about the ball park coming first...I was just he opposite. I went to a couple of games, but I really liked the races!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 22:42:30 (EDT)It seems to me that the baseball field came before the tracks. I can remember going to one or two games with my neighbor, Betty LeBlanc, and her parents when I was pretty little. And I remember Dot's when I was in high school. I know I didn't go to any ballgames when I was in highschool. Well we are just about all packed. Will be moving next week. Our new address will be 24 Diamond Oak Court, The Woodlands, Tex. 77381. As soon as I have the computor and internet hooked up I will let you guys know my e-mail address.
Doris
USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 22:17:18 (EDT)New e-mail address for Harold and Delta Latiolais 415 Davis
Street Jennings La 70546. We enjoy hearing from O P now and then and checking the web site
Harold "Boo" Latiolais <deltalatcholay@aol.com>
Jennings, LA USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 20:11:39 (EDT)Dot's??? Could be. I remember the Draft Beer :-)
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 16:52:01 (EDT)I think it was Dot's drive-in. Seems to me they had cold draft beer and a good looking older female owner.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 15:45:53 (EDT)Gerald I remember your parents '29 Gold Chevy with the spoked wheels! What was the name of the Restaurant/Bar (dive) across the HWY from the ball park?
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 15:17:14 (EDT)Sounds to me that the expiration date for the fish was nutritionally challened also J.J. Marshall my parents had a 1929 Chev. with yellow spoke wheels. I remember having to crank the engine when the battery was low. My memory can't distinguish which came first the Bulls or the track.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 14:52:45 (EDT)Sorry to hear about your computer J.J. Oh what the Dell! I guess we'll have to have FAITH that you did indeed catch all those fish!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 12:45:01 (EDT)O.P. no fish pictures, no e-mail. My old black Dell should have been painted lemon yellow. It also has a worm that none of my virus killers has be able to kill. In fact it killed my Norton, and has caused extreme usability in my operating system. I am going to solve the problem by ripping out the hard drive. I have a new computer to use in the interim. On 9/11, Yesterday I have been overwhelmed by the media blitz. I sought comfort in a glass of milk and an oatmeal cookie. Then I noticed that the expiation date on the milk was 9/11. My thought “Is this significant?” Thought no and drank the milk. Marshall the fish have long been eaten
J. J. <pending>
Larose, LA 70374 USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 11:28:41 (EDT)Dad fixed up an old '37 Chevy..it was also painted green for Hugh and I. We were in H.S. but don't remember which grade. Hugh graduated two years before me, so I was in the 10th grade or less. It had a floor shift! I guess Ray Domengeaux, Red (Roland LeBlanc)and Tommy Quesyer rode it more than any others in the class. I never forget one night we were lighting fire crackers and throwing them from the back seat...some idiot forgot to roll the window down and it exploded in the back seat! I remember one night Tommy and I were drinking draft beer across the 1/4 mile race track at the intersection of I-10 and Carencro Hwy. When we left we crossed the Hwy to the race track and drove around the track twice!!! We were in one of the cars that belonged to the Garage that night...how stupid! That was the track where A.J. Foyt used to race a lot! The track later became a baseball park for the Evangeline League ball club! Or did the Baseball stadium come first? Anyone remember?
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 07:56:46 (EDT)Who can forget such a great thing. I remember my dad came with me and on the way to the State Police headquarters I scared him half to death. I was passing too close to the cars parked on the street. I don't remember him driving with me for a long time after that. I was turned down for my license because I didn't have my glasses with me. I got it when I went back with my glasses. After that I found a "friendly" trooper who would give me a license without a test. It really helped. Daddy didn't want me driving his new Packard so he bought me a green Studeaker with a radio amtemma sticking out of the trunk. I called it the green hornet. I think I was in the 11th grade then. How about the rest of you how old were you when you got your own car.
Rickey <Rickey36@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at 07:09:42 (EDT)I think the driving age was 15 in "those days" Betty. I remember driving Dad to the little brick State Police Buiding to get my license! I worked at the garage since I was 9 years old...and think I had really started driving at that age...just around the grounds of the garage. By 15 I had already been driving for a "few" years! Those were the good ole days. Since we had a garage and a wrecker, Dad knew all of the State Troopers. There were probably only about 25 of them in "those days"!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at 20:48:13 (EDT)Marshall, you are just as funny as Brenda. Betty
Betty
USA - Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at 20:30:30 (EDT)Do any of yall remember if we were 15 or 16 when we got our drivers licenses? If it was 15 just think how happy we were 50 years ago. I had to go get mine renewed this afternoon cause my birthday is on the 21st and I thought about how excited I was to go out to the State Police Dept. on the Scott Road to get my license. Remember that little brick building on the Scott Highway----I think it is still there. Betty
Betty
USA - Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at 20:28:49 (EDT)Those fish are going to start stinking if we don't see them soon J.J.!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at 06:26:52 (EDT)Brenda, you are too funny. Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, September 08, 2002 at 16:47:17 (EDT)Apparently I doesn't speak English either!!
Brenda
USA - Sunday, September 08, 2002 at 14:13:16 (EDT)Did any of you hear that there was an earthquake in Palermo, Sicily? Well, John and his cousin are there and we spent one day trying to reach them, but they are safe and unable to find out anything because they doesn't speak Italian. It's not true that everyone speaks English over there, at least, not in Sicily! Thanks, Betty, for your concern.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, September 08, 2002 at 14:11:20 (EDT)Hi J.J. I'm jealous. We use to have a camp in Grand Isle and I really miss those fishing trips. I love to fish and GI was the best. We would always make a trip in Oct. and fish right out from the bridge a night for reds. There would be about 20 boats on Saturday nights all fishing and listenig to LSU football. That was so much fun! You are really fishing when you hook a big red fish. We tried to go out of Cypremore Pt. a few weekends ago but the weather was too bad. Sounds like you had a great trip. Welcome back.
Sue
USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 21:36:08 (EDT)J. J. welcome back. That sure was a long trip, sounds like it was interesting. I haven't received your pictures yet. Do you have my email address correct? op@opditch.com
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 17:01:44 (EDT)Hi J. J. Brenda and I were worrying about you and wondered where you were. Sounds like you all covered a lot of territory. I think you had more fun fishing in Grand Isle than you did up north!!!! When I lived in Rochester, Minn. we ate a lot of walleyed pike ----it was pretty good. Of course, we didn't get much in the way of seafood up there back in the early 60s. Clams at the Howard Johnson Restaurant (can you imagine) and at home walleyed pike---that was about all the seafood we ate in the 5 years I lived there -----you must be feeling great to take such a long trip. We'll look forward to seeing the pictures. Betty
Betty
USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 12:10:23 (EDT)Good to have you home again J.J. I agree with you that there is no fishing World round like good ole Louisiana...catching and eating.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 06:43:34 (EDT)I am back. 78 days on the road was enough. I had to deal with 1050 e-mails, mostly spam and a three foot stack of snail mail, when I got home. It is true we have more wilderness than Africa. We went North from Louisiana to Canada, and saw bear, elk, antelope, deer, and buffalo. The most impressive were the Buffalo. In he summer the big male Buffalo leave the plains and go to into the woods. Lita and I found some of them. They are huge. They are as big as a pick up truck and so very quick. The fishing was not impressive. The walleye are good to eat, but don’t fight. The Great Northen Pike are an ugly fish that look mean, but give up when hooked. Rainbow trout are good fighters, good to eat, but are just not very large. Went to Grand Isle last two week ends and caught 50 bull red fish, average weight 25 pounds. There were five of us and we only killed 5. Lita and my 6 year old grand child were crystal trophy winners in the Grand Isle Red Fish Rodeo. They were the youngest and the oldest winners. Picture of good red fish and old man e-mailed to O. P.
J. J. Erny <jerny@cajunnet.com>
Larose, LA USA - Thursday, September 05, 2002 at 06:04:17 (EDT)Henrietta, thanks for introducing us to that site. I wonder how people think of such beautiful, yet poignant ideas.
Brenda Atkinson
USA - Tuesday, September 03, 2002 at 18:21:21 (EDT)Hi! Thought you all might be interested in seeing the following website about 9/11, I found it interesting:
http://www.saintsandheroes.com/remember
Henrietta
Henrietta <PAULSaddlewood@aol.com>
Lafayette, LA USA - Tuesday, September 03, 2002 at 17:39:08 (EDT)Happy Labor Day to those of us who have labored and no longer are required to do so.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Monday, September 02, 2002 at 12:15:22 (EDT)I checked our yearbook and there is no mention of any mascot in the whole book. The motto seems to have been "Flos Carmeli" which I think means Flower of Carmel or something like that.
Brenda
USA - Monday, September 02, 2002 at 01:42:12 (EDT)Return to CathedralCarmel55's Home Page