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Before I forget, Betty, that typing teacher's name was Sr. Eymard. I sent O.P. a picture of her and all of other nuns who were there when we graduated, but they must not fit into the space he needs as he has never run them. Great to hear from you, Avis. Your news sounds so promising!! Doris, I really envy you this trip. I want to go there and to Prince Edward Isle. Bad news about Patsy's Mother. I hope they were able to give her the new drugs for strokes right away. So much progress has been made in medicine lately. By the way, I went BOWLING today with my grandson. I tried my best, but he beat me. He's 6 years old!!
Brenda
USA - Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 20:47:01 (EDT)

Avis, I know everyone is so happy to read your good news. Prayers will continue. That was a wonderful story about the christening dress. Thank God they found it and that one of your granchildren will wear it. Patsy just called me ----her mother had a major stroke Tuesday and is at Lafayette General---please remember her in your prayers. Doris, glad you made it out of Houston and are having fun. When you get a chance look at the picture of me and that nun, Sr. Armand. That was a picture in the yearbook. I don't remember her at all. The weather was gorgeous today - earlier it was in the 70s, but did warm up to the high 80s and 50% humidity ----really nice for the middle of July.
Betty
USA - Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 19:35:48 (EDT)

Hey guys,I'm here in Halifax. Yes we did make it out of Houston Tues. Our flight was like a ride at Six Flags. But we got here in one piece. Avis, I am so glad that things are looking brighter. THANK YOU CHARLENE. I am also glad Jeanette's test were negative. I am trying to type on Roxanne's laptop, and I CANNOT type with it on my lap. I remember that typing teacher nun, but Sr. Armand doesn't sound right! We are having a ball here in Nova Scotia, went to Peggy's Cove yesterday, hung around Halifax, today. Just came back from a brewery which is just across the street from Chuck's apartment. They had a good tour of the brewery with entertainment and all. We are going to Grande Pre tomorrow. I can't wait. Roxanne took some digital pictures. We will try to send them to O.P. so you guys can see.
doris
USA - Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 18:30:10 (EDT)

Your prayers are working, but don't quit now! I had a CT scan last Friday to evaluate the results of the SirSphere treatments. It's still not a complete picture, because the swelling will not be completely down for another two months, when I'll have another scan. But, for the time being, they seem to think that there has been some shrinkage. Without doing a biopsy, they can't really tell how much, if any, of the tumors have been killed off——but they can see the outside diameters and those look encouraging. The best I can hope for under the circumstances, I think, and I am very grateful. On the next scan, perhaps some necrotic tissue will have been resorbed. I'm due to have a laryngoscopy soon to check out some lymph node next to my vocal chord and then I hope the unpleasantries will be over for awhile, so I can concentrate on the really important business——a little girl grandchild coming on or around September 22 in Dallas to Shaun and John. She has two boys, so the arrival of the "pink fairy" (as we have come to call her, after the paint cololr of her room) will be a change of pace for everyone. I haven't worked my way down to the message that actually explains what is going on with Jeanette, but I pray it is nothing serious. Well, all the talk about christening dresses previously brings me to "my" christening dress story. My mother's family had a beautiful heirloom christening dress, petticoat and cap (now 90 years old) that was handmade by my Irish great-great-grandmother in New Orleans and first worn by my mother's brother in 1913. My mother and her sisters wore it and then my brothers and I, first cousins in New Orleans, etc. Every time a new baby came along you would just call the person who had used the dress before you and they would pass it on. When Sharon was expecting her first (and the first of that 4th generation of users) I got in touch with my cousin in New Orleans to "call in" the dress. He and his wife couldn't find it and their child was the last to use it. And on it went, through all four of my grandchildren. They never could find it. With a heavy heart and a credit card, Sharon and I went shopping for a "new heirloom", but it just wan't the same. Then about six months after my last grandchild was born, the cousin called me and said they had found the dress. They were expecting their first grandchild and had gone into the attic to get the baby bed down and found the dress in a box under the bed. I was so glad that it had been found that it almost didn't matter that mine didn't get to use it. However, I got to thinking about what I could do to impress upon future generations what an irreplaceable heirloom this was. I am the "senior" member of our family now, so if anyone was going to do it I knew it had to be me and I'm the one with an interest in family history anyway. This project was so much fun. I made up a "Baptismal Book" to pass on with the dress. Fortunately I had the baby book of the uncle who had worn it first, so I color copied some pages out of that. It had beautiful old ilustrations and I hand water-colored some of them. I included a family picture of my grandmother and grandfather, my mother and her siblings and all the snapshots I had of my aunts and uncles as children. Then I took pictures of the dress, etc. laid out to full advantage and gave a profile of the great-great-grandmother who made it and the great-grandmother who helped her and their pictures. I made up a simple form on the computer for every descendant giving the date and place and their baptism, parents' names, place of birth, godparents, special memories, etc. I had a number of certificates in my files, but I got many more, plus pictures, by writing to them and asking for a color copy. I did a 4-page family history in the back of the book and included a family tree and put it all in one of those Custom Show File Display Books you can get at Office Depot with different numbers of pages in them. I've already filled one and have started another. For several years before all this started I had been making and selling "baptismal boxes"——archivally-safe boxes with acid-free tissue, instructions on how to care for vintage fabrics, forms for recording the babies using the gown, etc., so now I have the outfit (with its hand-padded baby hangars) in one box and the baptismal books in the other. And, yes, I am now the custodian of the dress! And the "pink fairy" will be wearing it! I took it to a baby shower for my first cousin's daughter when she was pregnant and it was the conversation piece of the party. I felt like such a "Martha". If any of you would like to make one, I'll be happy to help, send you copies of the forms, etc. Have overstayed as usual. Thank you all for your prayers and support. Avis
Avis Rupert <arupert@houston.rr.com>
Houston, TX USA - Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 14:04:20 (EDT)

Suzanne you mention a house North of Lafayette High. The first deaf center for the Diocese was in a house North of Lafayette High. Previously it was the office of the Department of Education for the Diocese. So could have been the house where you all got your rings!?
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 13:14:42 (EDT)

Why don't I remember Sister Armand? I would have bet my life that Sister A. Carmel taught me typing. I broke my finger right before we finished the year and some of us went to USL to watch the relays one day, I couldn't type. I don't remember who was with me. The house where we got our rings was on University, I think! It was a block north of Lafayette High. Can anyone remember that?
Suzanne
USA - Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 23:47:42 (EDT)

I think you are right, Betty. There were Black music students when I began at SLI in 1955.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 16:29:00 (EDT)

HENRIETTA, I was just re-reading your message ----how could there be a black SLI graduate in 1956 if they only started integrating in 1955 (if my memory serves me correctly) GERALD, I'm like you -----I can't remember any incidents. I thought integration started in the summer or fall of 55, but maybe it was 56 ----someone clarify the year for me. HENRIETTA, wouldn't that be in SLI's records or yearbooks. Maybe the student transferred from someplace and finished his last year at SLI ----I'll have to call Patsy - Howard would probably remember.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 14:51:34 (EDT)

I can only remember two memorable incidents about intergration at S.L.I. The first was that there were no incidents at all and the second was a "colored" engineering student taking chemestry with us that was very bright. Later we had to compet with them in basketball and that was tough. Elvin Ivory was the first black player to play in Louisiana. He was recruted by Coach Shipley and played for S.L.I. in the late 60's, I think.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 11:10:46 (EDT)

Henrietta, did you all go on a scavenger hunt for the rings?
Betty
USA - Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 09:25:02 (EDT)

HENRIETTA, I thought they integrated SLI in the fall of 1955 - the year we first started college---- as I recall it went extremely smoothly. After I moved to Minnesota (that was in June 1962) I would comment on how there were no demonstrations and school proceeded as normal. If all of that went on in 1956 I wonder where I was!!!!!!!!!!:))))))))Keep us posted on that bit of history because now I am curious.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 08:07:52 (EDT)

Brenda, I think the place where we received our Senior rings was used as a diocesan office, somewhere in the vicinity of Mt. Carmel and St. John's Cathedral -- not sure of the street name. Remember the scavenger hunt when we walked on a beautiful Fall day? Glad to hear the news and be able to see pictures about the nun's Jubilee celebration in New Orleans. I'm having an ongoing e-mail discussion with reporter Beverly Corbell of the Lafayette Advertiser concerning her news article last Sunday about the first black college graduate at SLI, reportedly in Spring of 1956 (our Freshman year). However, wasn't there a long delay in opening school for the 1956 Fall Semester (October), then integration followed at SLI? Please yea or nay your opinions on this. Thought I had excellent recollection for things past, but don't ask me what we had for lunch yesterday -- must be a Senior thing. Let's all continue to remember Jeanette in our daily prayers.
Henrietta
Lafayette, LA USA - Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 23:33:02 (EDT)

Brenda, I wasn't there for the rings because we had moved to Jennings. Seems as if early on someone identified the house as that of Jackie Mequet's. I could be wrong though.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 20:50:13 (EDT)

SUZANNE, I think Sr. Wilfred taught us English in all 4 grades. I don't remember the "NANNAN" expression. Sr. Juliana taught us General Science and Math in our Freshman year. I know General Science for sure because I went to district and state rally for General Science. And Mary Anthony went for Algebra and we would be excused from Class and went to the Science Lab across the hall and "studied" on our own. At least that is what we were supposed to be doing. Didn't we take typing only one year? Check out that picture on Memory Lane 2 and look at Sr. Armand ----she is the one who taught us typing. Do you remember her ? I loved Mother Dolores too. She was so kind and generous. I remember her taking my mother in her arms while Mother cried her heart out ----Daddy had just died and we had come back to Lafayette from Jennings for the remainder of my Sr. year and Mother was so heartbroken. If my memory serves me correctly she died about 10 years ago. BRENDA, you never know what news you will pick up at a beauty shop!!!!!! I am glad to know that Jeanette's tests were negative. Maybe they can get her back on her feet. Thanks for letting us know.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 20:46:20 (EDT)

With all the memories of the days at Carmel...tomorrow, the 16th, is the feast of Mount Carmel! You will all be remembered in my Mass as well as all the Nuns who taught all of you...and us guys too for years 1 and 2!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 20:32:28 (EDT)

If you check out the Mt. Carmel pictures on Memory Lane 12, you'll see the bottom picture was taken when we got our senior rings. WHERE WAS THAT HOUSE? I have dreamed about that house and no one knows where it is. Henrietta, do you know? Today, Martha and I went to Lafayette to visit our aunts. While there, Martha had her hair cut at Rogers and, coincidentally, Jeanette and Suzanne use that hair stylist. Anyway, while we were there, I heard them talking about Jeanette and one of the women called her at the hospital. Jeanette answered the phone and said that her tests have come back negative. However, she is still having tests made because of what they found in her liver. Pray that she recovers! Doris must have made it out of Hoston today. She was leaving at noon and I hope they were able to fly out. Hope Galveston didn't suffer too much damage.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 20:05:02 (EDT)

I was getting Sister Dennis and Sister Wilfred mixed up. Sister Wilfred taught us in 11 and 12th grades. Do you all remember her favorite expression? "YOUR NANNAN". Why do I remember that? I think Sister Juliana was 10th grade. I'm pretty sure that Sister Ann Carmel taught me typing.I also mixed Mother Dorothy and Mother Dolores up. Mother Dorothy was in New Iberia for a while, I think. Mother Dolores must have died. I loved her. She would always get me out of whatever trouble I got into. JJ, you are nuts!!! I was so interested in your story. Best laugh I've had in a long time. You ought to Email that story to all of us so we can pass it on. on.
Suzanne
USA - Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 19:35:50 (EDT)

J.J. that story would make a good children's book!!!!! The tale about the rat's "tail" is cute.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 10:28:06 (EDT)

I wrote a note last night and its never appeared here -----I'll try again. Brenda, the picture of me at the typewriter is under Memory Lane 2 on the Mt.Carmel page. Its Sr.Armand---not Sr.Hillary---I don't even remember Sr. Armand----do yall remember her? DORIS, will you be able to leave today for Nova Scotia with Claudette bearing down----or are you leaving tomorrow. Better check with J.J. to make sure the coast is clear ----seems like he has an inside track with the National hurricane Advisory:))))))I don't remember Sr. Denis at all so she must have been there in grammar school----who climbed out windows?????
Betty
USA - Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 09:59:12 (EDT)

Ha! Thanks J.J.! I feel so secure now!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 08:43:35 (EDT)

Claudette is still in the Gulf churning, in theory, to the South Texas, and the North Eastern Mexico coast. This is fine except for the people on the coast of Texas and Mexico. It will be so hard on the poor in Mexico. Well, who knows, after Marshal’s unkind remarks about our Billion Dollar hurricane warning system I decided to check it out. I call a member of my Congressional delegation and requested that he arrange a tour of the Hurricane tracking center in Florida. I spent a little money and flew to Florida and was warmly greeted. They agreed to show all. They were very proud of their new computer system. The hardware was impressive. I asked about soft ware and they said it was the latest and best. I saw the box it was labeled “Manifest Uncertainly made in North Korea”. I asked about this and they told me that it is much better than the rat they used to use. Me: “ What rat” He: “The one with the broken tail that we use to use.” He explained that they would take a large board map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic and coat the board lightly with flour. They would then turn the rat loose at the site of the hurricane and the tacks of the rat in the flour would indicate the path of the hurricane. In order to induce the rat to move across the board from South to North they would bait the board across the Northern top of the map. It had to be evenly baited so that they could get an unbiased forecast. If the rat sat for while before moving they would report that the storm was stationary and intensifying. I asked about the broken tail, and they explained that it would drag through the flour and wag side to side and this create the probability sweep. They even explained to me that the term hurricane track was taken from the foot prints of the rat as it journeyed across the flour covered board. The weather service will explain to you the computer program was 25% more accurate than the rat, and the rat had an overall accuracy rate of 35%. Having been assured that the national hurricane center had the tracking of hurricanes well in hand, Marshal you can rest easy. I went home to Claudette. The trip inspired me. I think I will become a summer replacement weather man in South Louisiana. I would be 100% accurate. I would predict that it would be hot and that it might rain.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 07:26:27 (EDT)

Oh,gee do I remember that CLICKER. You are so right. Schools are so differant now. If teachers would do now, what they did to us then, they would be sued or suspended. I believe what we went through built character. In fact remember we were graded on our character traits. Can you imagine schools grading kids on character traits now? I can't remember the name of the tall nun that taught us typing, but it wasn't Sr. Ann Carmel. In fact, I don't think Sr. Ann Carmel taught us in high school at all. It was either 7th or 8th grade. She was there when we were in high school but she was teaching music and art and the lower grades. You know, when I think about it, we did get a pretty good education from those nuns. My children and grandchildren don't know parts of speech and can't diagram sentances. And as for making an outline of a chapter they had to study, they didn't know what I was talking about. Do your remember Sr. Wilfred taught us grammer. I think she did a pretty good job at sentance structure. Also, I always thought Sr. Juliana was the smartest person I had ever met. To me, she could explain a math problem that I actually understood.It doesn't seem like almost 50 years, does it???? Well hope we can get up off the ground over here tomorrow before the storm hits. Please pray for us to have a safe trip.
Doris
USA - Monday, July 14, 2003 at 23:19:52 (EDT)

Oh,gee do I remember that CLICKER. You are so right. Schools are so differant now. If teachers would do now, what they did to us then, they would be sued or suspended. I believe what we went through built character. In fact remember we were graded on our character traits. Can you imagine schools grading kids on character traits now? I can't remember the name of the tall nun that taught us typing, but it wasn't Sr. Ann Carmel. In fact, I don't think Sr. Ann Carmel taught us in high school at all. It was either 7th or 8th grade. She was there when we were in high school but she was teaching music and art and the lower grades. You know, when I think about it, we did get a pretty good education from those nuns. My children and grandchildren don't know parts of speech and can't diagram sentances. And as for making an outline of a chapter they had to study, they didn't know what I was talking about. Do your remember Sr. Wilfred taught us grammer. I think she did a pretty good job at sentance structure. Also, I always thought Sr. Juliana was the smartest person I had ever met. To me, she could explain a math problem that I actually understood.Well hope we can get up off the ground over here tomorrow before the storm hits. Please pray for us to have a safe trip. Doesn't seem like almost 50 years does it???
Doris
USA - Monday, July 14, 2003 at 23:18:06 (EDT)

Oh,gee do I remember that CLICKER. You are so right. Schools are so differant now. If teachers would do now, what they did to us then, they would be sued or suspended. I believe what we went through built character. In fact remember we were graded on our character traits. Can you imagine schools grading kids on character traits now? I can't remember the name of the tall nun that taught us typing, but it wasn't Sr. Ann Carmel. In fact, I don't think Sr. Ann Carmel taught us in high school at all. It was either 7th or 8th grade. She was there when we were in high school but she was teaching music and art and the lower grades. You know, when I think about it, we did get a pretty good education from those nuns. My children and grandchildren don't know parts of speech and can't diagram sentances. And as for making an outline of a chapter they had to study, they didn't know what I was talking about. Do your remember Sr. Wilfred taught us grammer. I think she did a pretty good job at sentance structure. Also, I always thought Sr. Juliana was the smartest person I had ever met. To me, she could explain a math problem that I actually understood. Doesn't seem like almost 50 years does it???
Doris
USA - Monday, July 14, 2003 at 23:15:38 (EDT)

Brenda, I thought the picture was in our '55 yearbook. I'll have to check when I get home. Maybe it was in the '54 one. I think I sent it to OP early on for the Mt.Carmel picture gallery. Suzanne, I don't think Sr. Ann Carmel taught us typing because she was gone by the time I started Mt.Carmel. I don't remember Sr. Denis either. Who would climb out the windows ---was this during class? THE CLICKER was always in Sr. Juliana's pocket. It used to drive me nuts - one click to get in line, second click to start marching into the building, etc., etc. Seems like she was always clicking that darn thing!!!!!!!!!!!! Did any other Sr. have a clicker? When she clicked that thing we knew to SHUT UP and GET IN LINE. How different schools are now!!!!!!!! Rachael is beginning to cry when I leave the room ----how am I going to go back home without her!!!!!!!! She is so sweet. Yall are all so lucky to have your children near you.
Betty
USA - Monday, July 14, 2003 at 19:42:33 (EDT)

Betty, I checked my 1955 yearbook and I can't find a picture of you at a typewriter. Which book are you looking at? Am really distressed about Jeanette being in the hospital. Please, keep us posted on her condition!! I sent O.P. the pictures of the nuns in 1955. Mother Dorothy wasn't there until 1956. I don't remember her at all.
Brenda
USA - Monday, July 14, 2003 at 17:09:33 (EDT)

I really didn't remember Mother Dorothy. She became principal in 1956. When Martha told me who she was, I was thinking of Mother Delores and remembered her as very tall. M. Dorothy is very small. Anyway, when I went up to her, she wouldn't tell me her name until I guessed it. Luckily Martha had said she was M.Dorothy, but I was so confused, still thinking about that tall M. Delores. Actually, they all looked so small. I guess when I was small, I thought of all of them as being so big. I don't think Sr. Dennis taught in high school while we were there. I can't remember what she said. Sr. Ann Carmel had that classroom at the end of the long building which housed the lower grades. She taught piano and typing in there, I guess. Seems like we had our yearbook staff things in there also, but Sr. Burchman was the moderator of the yearbook.
Brenda
USA - Monday, July 14, 2003 at 16:28:10 (EDT)

Brenda, loved all the pictures. I didn't know that Mother Dorothy was still alive, I had heard that she had been very ill. Didn't Sister Dennis teach us in high school? I do remember that she was pretty spunky. Was she the one with the clicker? Remember that? Sister Anne Carmel taught us typing and yes, her family does live to a ripe old age. My ex's grandparents were Seguras (cousins)and his grandmother lived to 99, none of them ever looked their age. I bet you had a great time. That song brings back lots of memories.
Suzanne
USA - Monday, July 14, 2003 at 14:00:22 (EDT)

Brenda, I arrived at Mt. Carmel after Sr. Ann Carmel moved. Even so I enjoyed reading about the reunion. I'll bet it was an enjoyable event. I don't think Sr. Denis was there either. But didn't Sr. Hillary teach us typing? Look in the yearbook and see if that is Sr. Hillary standing over me at the typewriter. Refresh my memory. Billy told me that Doris had called me so I called her back late last night (from here in Phil.) and she told me that Jeanette is in the hospital. She had no other details but would all of you remember Jeanette in your prayers. She has had a hard time of it since Marvin died. DORIS, have fun in Nova Scotia. BRENDA, I love your painting. Sr. Ann Carmel is an extremely young looking 90 year old. It would be interesting to know if her parents and siblings lived to such a ripe old age. It was an absolutely gorgeous day here in Philadelphia yesterday, but this morning it is gloomy and drizzling a bit. I don't know how I am going to leave this precious baby ----but that won't be until Aug. 2. Hope Claudette misses Lafayette-the Texas Hill Country can always use rain so maybe it will head up that way.
Betty
USA - Monday, July 14, 2003 at 08:20:22 (EDT)

You know I have a cousin who is a Mt. Carmel nun. She is a year younger than I am . I just talked to my sister-in-law who keeps up with her, and she told me that Sr. Paula Marie (my cousin's nun name) is teaching in Thibodeaux. J.J. isn't that in your "neck of the woods"? So if you should happen to come across a Mt. Carmel nun over there in Thibodeaux it may be my cousin. I will have to write to Sr. Ann Carmel and ask her if she knows her.
doris
USA - Sunday, July 13, 2003 at 21:28:01 (EDT)

Doris, the only other former Mt. Carmel students I spoke to were the Stafford sisters: Yvonne and Alice. They were there for their sister, Margaret, who is a Mt. Carmel nun. There were two nuns who were in Martha's class of '53: Sr. Laura Melancon and another, whose name I forgot. Sister Dennis is the one who spoke the most about the students. She began in the first grade and ended in the 8th before she was moved. I think she had our class in mind when she was describing how terrified she was to go in there. I didn't want her to remember too much. She didn't use the word, "clique," but I thought maybe she was describing our class when she was speaking about different groups of girls who stuck together. Sister Hillary remembered various students I named. Well, they all seemed to remember some of the names. They remembered my family because we lived right across the street and played over there all of the time. Sr. Ann Carmel walks every day and keeps working. She designed the program cover for the mass. It was very artful and unique. She is not interested in learning computer skills because she said that she is too busy and she heard it takes too much time every day and she doesn't have the time. I wrote down our website name and asked her to give it to one of the nuns she lives with so that she can see what's on it. It would actually take someone days or weeks to read everything on this site, including the archives.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, July 13, 2003 at 18:41:30 (EDT)

Brenda, thanks for the pictures. You are right Sr. Ann Carmel looks so good. I guess this is what GOOD living does for you. You hear that Marshall? Was there any other of their students there besides you and Martha? I love the painting you gave to her.
Doris
USA - Sunday, July 13, 2003 at 09:15:33 (EDT)

I agree with you Brenda, Sr. Ann Carmel is the youngest 90 year old I've ever seen...and we have lots of 'em to compare to here in FL! Thanks for the pictures.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, July 13, 2003 at 08:21:58 (EDT)

Brenda's Mt Carmel Jubilee pictures are on line linked from the front page. Good job Brenda!!
O. P. <op@opditch.com>
Lafayette, LA USA - Sunday, July 13, 2003 at 07:35:56 (EDT)

Thank you Brenda for going to the Jubilee and giving us a run-down of it. I would've loved to have gone to see all those nuns again. I know Sister Dennis was young. I can remember her going down the slide one time and her veil got caught and came off. Does anyone remember that? I wonder WHAT they remember of us, was it GOOD or BAD? Did they say? Sister Hilary was in the hospital the night my Daddy died, it was her who took me in her arms and comforted me, I will never forget that. One of the other nuns was in the hospital at the same time, I can't even remember who it was that was sick. Yes, I well remember that song. What grade did Sister Ann Carmel teach us?
Doris
USA - Saturday, July 12, 2003 at 23:57:41 (EDT)

My sister, Martha, and I went to New Orleans today for the Jubilee celebration honoring seven of the Mt. Carmel sisters. I tried to take pictures of all of the nuns who taught us, but I had already brought my camera to my car before I saw Sr. Dennis. I couldn't believe how extraverted she was. I thought she was shy, but she was anything but shy!! I think that she was only about 10 years older than we were when she taught us in the eighth grade. She remembers our class VERY well. She said that she cried every night and told Mother Delores that she thought she had made a mistake making her final vows. She asked me if we were the class that would climb out of the windows. I thought some of us would have, if the classroom had been downstairs. I was hoping she wouldn't remeber too much as I know I gave her a problem one time. Anyway, Sr. Hillary, Mother Dorothy, and Sr. Ann Carmel also remembered us very well. Sr. Ann Carmel is a walking miracle! She is the youngest 90 something I've ever seen. I felt like I was speaking to one of my contemporaries. I sent O.P. some pictures and I'm sure he'll be putting them on the website. I gave her a gift of a miniature painting I had made for her. She was my first music teacher and art teacher. I guess all of you girls will remember this song which they sang today: "Queen of heaven, beautiful and fair, Listen to thy loving children's prayer. Mother of Mount Carmel 'tis to thee, Saints and angels sing eternally. Mary thou dids't give the light On Mount Carmel's heaven-reaching heights. Pure and gentle Virgin Mother Sweet, Be the guiding light unto our feet.......Dearest Mother of Mount Carmel, Beautiful and fair, Hear, oh hear they loving children. Take us 'neath thy care......" Anyway, it was fun going down that road of nostalgia. I saw some people whom I knew from school. I can't remember their names right now. Martha knew EVERYONE. Sr. Ann Carmel would love to hear from you. Her address is in Henrietta and Doris' letter on this message board. By the way, I wrote down this website address and told her to ask one of the computer literate sisters to look us up. I hope they will.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, July 12, 2003 at 21:27:51 (EDT)

Really good picture of all of you. Looks like everyone had fun.
Betty
USA - Friday, July 11, 2003 at 09:23:53 (EDT)

We had a nice golf game yesterday in Lafayette. See the pic on the front page link.
O. P. <op@opditch.com>
Laf, LA USA - Friday, July 11, 2003 at 08:28:08 (EDT)

Good for you Brenda!!!! Please tell her if I wouldn't live so far I would go. Take some pictures and send them to the webpage.
doris
USA - Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 11:08:06 (EDT)

Good for you Brenda!!! Please tell her that if I didn't live so far I would've loved to see her. Take some pictures and send them to the website.
doris
USA - Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 09:57:43 (EDT)

Looks like we are going to go to Sr. Ann Carmel's celebration. It's at 1:00 pm in New Orleans. If it's possible to get her before a computer screen, I will show her the website and how to get on it. She's 90 or so!!
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, July 09, 2003 at 22:47:01 (EDT)

My sister, Martha,and I talked about going to Sr. Ann Carmel's celebration before I left for my vacation. I'll have to ask her if she still wants to go.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, July 09, 2003 at 16:09:16 (EDT)

Hey Guys, I just got a letter from Sr. Ann Carmel. I had sent her some pictures of us when we were in school and some of us at Zachary House and at Don's with Avis. Poor thing she said it would be wonderful to see all her old students at her jubilie. THAT IS THIS COMING SAT. I know I can't make it. And I doubt if anyone else can. It is in New Orleans. She said she is praying for all of us. and that she enjoys hearing from us. She seemed excited because she now has Henrietta's address and mine. Write to her if you can, her address is 420 Robert E. Lee Blvd., New Orleans, La. 70124-2496.
Doris
USA - Wednesday, July 09, 2003 at 13:50:37 (EDT)

Doris, I have great trip to Novia Scotia. Please write to me on my e-mail address and give me your phone number. I would like to tell you about this trip. My e-mail address is: Rickey36@cox-internet.com
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.comc>
Lafayette, La USA - Wednesday, July 09, 2003 at 08:23:59 (EDT)

I too wish that I could speak French. All I know is the little bit that we learned in school. Which wasn't very much. Remember! all we did was conjugate verbs. I also would like to be able to speak Spanish. That is all you hear around here in Texas. Spanish is such a global language. I remember when I was visiting Pennye in Fla. all the people around us when we were shopping speaking Spanish. Of course Pennye married a Garcia. Billy's grandparents were directly from Spain. But he doesn't know how to speak Spanish. It was the generation of our parents that kept us from being bi-langual. Shame on them!!
Doris
USA - Tuesday, July 08, 2003 at 22:15:36 (EDT)

Nova Scotia is great Doris. OP, Shirley, and Barbara visited there a few years ago. We had a ball. If you get a chance go to the Celtic Lodge on the tip of Nova Scotia. It seems expensive but check out the way it's priced. The prices include breakfast and dinner in the afternoon. I think after the exchange rate the room was 135.00 a night. Your son is right Port Royal is lovely. The old fort is something to see. There is a flower garded there also. Don't miss it. Next year we are thinking of a trip for the, I know I won't spell this right but here goes, Retouville, a reunion of all french people around the globe. There are alot of Landry's in Canada and Novia Scotia. You should have a great trip. I learned to speak French because my grandmother couldn't speak anything but French. I had to learn or not talk to her. I'm glad now.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.coml>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, July 08, 2003 at 07:59:03 (EDT)

Doris, that is really something to have your family traced back to the 16th century! I know Avis has done a lot of genealogical work on her family tree. I don't know if they are Cajuns though. I'm only half Cajun as my Mother was English/Irish. I wish my Father had taught us to speak French when we were children. Instead, everyone tried to keep children from speaking French when he was young and so we lost a generation or more of bi-lingual speakers. I envy your trip to Nova Scotia. We almost went last Spring. Maybe you will inspire us if you enjoy your trip.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, July 08, 2003 at 01:09:56 (EDT)

SORRY, SORRY that came up twice. I thought I had lost the first entry!!!!*!!**
Doris
USA - Monday, July 07, 2003 at 20:45:59 (EDT)

By the way I forgot to mention that my brother, before he died, had worked for years on our family tree. So I know the names and where they lived. It goes back to 1599 in France. That is my family. Jim was just starting to work on Charles' family when he had his accident.
Doris
USA - Monday, July 07, 2003 at 20:40:56 (EDT)

By the way I forgot to mention that before my brother died, he had worked for years on our family tree. So we know the names and where they lived. It goes back to 1599 in France. I have the list of names so it should be easy to look them up. That is my family, but we don't have much on Charles' family. He was just starting to work on that when he had his accident.
Doris
USA - Monday, July 07, 2003 at 20:37:37 (EDT)

Gerald, last night Chuck and Roxanne came over with a video he had gotten in Nova Scotia about the exilled acadians and how their culture has lived on for so many years, it was really a good video, it stated, and I do believe it is true, that we are experiencing a renaissance of the acadians and their way of life. I know that when I was little my parents wouldn't dare teach me to speak french. They didn't want me to be a "cajun". But now there is french emersion in schools and to be a "cajun" is something to be proud of. How times do change. After our trip to Nova Scotia, we will once again have to visit St. Martinsville. It has been so long ago, since I have been there.
doris
USA - Monday, July 07, 2003 at 20:32:54 (EDT)

Doris, your trip sounds terrific. Last Saturday Pat and I, Rickey and Barbara, and some of OP and Shirley's family were invited by Pat Ditch to view the "wall of names" in St. Martinville. It had a listing of 1000 Cajun names that came from Nova Scotia and my wife accidentally found her's. She was a Semar (shown as Semer) and the name was recreated in a sound bite on a mural by Robert Dafford. The models on the mural were Pat Ditch's husband and son-in-law. What a small and family oriented world we Cajuns live in.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, July 07, 2003 at 20:19:03 (EDT)

You all have all gone to the beach and we are headed in the other direction. Next Tues. we are going to Nova Scotia for a week. I plan to go and walk the lands where my ancestors walked over two hundred years ago. Should be interesting. Chuck has been working there and he said, Mom when you go to Port Royal and hear the people speaking you will think you are in southwest Louisiana. I guess not any one can ever take the french out of us.
Doris
USA - Monday, July 07, 2003 at 15:22:49 (EDT)

I'm back from the beach too. I didn't leave until Tuesday so the worst weather was over before I got there. Everyone had a great time and my four little grandsons wanted to be on the beach every minute of the day. They are wonderful little boys, Tyler and Beau are 7, Ethan is 5 and Matthew is 3. On the other hand, Leighton (16) was on the beach looking for girls. He found a lot of them. I'm glad those days are over from this end. It was hard to come home but I might have another trip in August. Caroline and her family leave for Fla. Aug.7 and they will need Granny to help. Hope everybody had a wonderful July 4. JJ, we didn't even get a drop of rain with the big storm.
Suzanne
USA - Sunday, July 06, 2003 at 21:45:46 (EDT)

We're back from a week at the beach. Tropical Storm Bill kept the waves extremely high the whole time we were there and, if they were in the water, we basically had to have one adult watching one child. In spite of the storm, everyone had a great time and are planning for next year. On the last day we took pictures and when we got everyone ready for a group family picture, we asked a man walking by if he would take the picture. Turns out, he was a professional photographer from New Orleans.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, July 05, 2003 at 17:00:17 (EDT)

I hope everyone is having a great Fourth of July ---I'm watching all the activity that is going on in downtown Philadelphia (on TV)---Elizabeth said downtown was so crowded yesterday so it must really crowded today. They just opened a new Independence Mall. MARSHALL, what a really nice story about the christening dress. I'll bet that dress sets a record!!!! Just think if that dress could talk!!!! Billy returns to Lafayette tomorrow - I will stay on for a few more weeks and play with this precious baby.
Betty
USA - Friday, July 04, 2003 at 11:06:25 (EDT)

For those intersted, this is the answer I got concerning the Navy Muslim Chaplains. The question seems to be with the endorsing agent for the Muslim Chaplains. The endorsing agents approve Muslim Chaplains to serve on active duty. For Catholic Priests, our endorsing agent is the Military Archdiocese. The answer below was to a chaplain friend of mine named "Bill". Bill, the issues were aired on "Meet the Press" last Sunday morning. Question s regarding one of the Armed Forces Chaplain Board vetted Muslim Endorsers and a CRB website link.. Link is tied to a more extreme form of Whabbism out of Saudi Arabia. Has noting to do with the Navy Muslim Chaplains. v/r Dave
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 13:42:40 (EDT)

Wow, I think there is a good book/movie somewhere in THAT trivia. J.J. how about giving it a try?
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 08:23:33 (EDT)

Trivia!! Since we are talking about Christening Dresses. My Dad married sisters...his first wife died soon after my oldest sister was born. He then married his sister-in-law, my Mom. The Christening Dress was made from Dad's first wife's wedding dress. To date it has been worn by: 9 Children, 25 Grand Children, 18 Great Grand Children and 7 Great Great Grand Children! All Baptized too young to know what they were wearing.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, July 03, 2003 at 00:37:35 (EDT)

Thanks for reminding me Betty, I have some pictures like that too. I will send her some of those, but I bet she really wants to see what I looked like when she taught me, which was in the 7th or 8th grade. So I will have to dig up one of those if I can find those things since I moved, I am not sure I can. I wonder if she has access to a computor? Wouldn't that be fun for her if she could see our webpage? But I don't know if she could do this at 90 years old.
Doris
USA - Wednesday, July 02, 2003 at 15:27:36 (EDT)

Marshall, they must have put a scent in the oil because it didn't smell like regular olive oil. It really did smell good. I thought it was a special oil ---didn't realize the Holy Oils were plain olive oil. Thanks for that bit of information. Guess I should have known that. Doris, your story about Matthews christening was funny too ----I guess the green pacifier kept him quiet!!! They have pretty little white "suits" for baby boys. I noticed them when I was shopping for Rachael's dress. We had Joel's christening gown that Eliz. used, but Rachael was so big it didn't fit and I found a really beautiful dress at Bella Luna's in Lafayette. That is where I saw the little suits. I'm sure there are tons of places in Houston where you can look. I didn't know Sr. Ann Carmel. She was gone by the time I started at Mt. Carmel in Lafayette. If you would like, I can send you a group picture that we took at Brenda's Zachary House or the lunch with Avis-----you could send that to her.Don't you think she'd like to see all the girls too. Can't imagine how she could remember all the girls she taught through the years, but I am sure special ones stayed in her memory. The last time I was at the Cathedral gift shop I think they had some of her art work displayed. I'll have to wait til I get home to send you the pictures. Let me know. I didn't bring my computer with me this time.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, July 02, 2003 at 09:40:44 (EDT)

Betty, well I am glad to know that Matthew wasn't the only baby baptized in the slip and not the christening dress. My son just WOULD NOT put that long christening DRESS on his big chunk of a boy. So there was Matt with no shoes and in a slip for his christening,and sucking on a GREEN pacifier to boot. And we have the pictures to prove it. So I guess this time around if the baby is a boy I will have to go out and buy a little white suit so we won't have another baby christened in a slip. Hey, Betty mabe we'll start a new fashion. Guess what you guys, I got a card from Sr. Ann Carmel today. Bless her heart! I had sent her a card congratulating her on her up coming aniversary and she answered me back and wants me to send her a picture of myself. I am sure she doesn't remember me. She also told me to hurry up and do it because she is 90 years old.
Doris
USA - Tuesday, July 01, 2003 at 23:29:11 (EDT)

Your story of the Baptism of Rachael brings back many memories Betty! The Holy Oils are Olive Oil Betty. No word on the Muslim Navy Chaplains yet.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, July 01, 2003 at 21:59:35 (EDT)

I am still in Philadelphia and not watching the weather nor much news lately. Glad you got home safely J.J. Sounds like a scary drive home. Did Lafayette get much rain? I'd better call home and see what's going on. We christened Rachael Sunday and she was a HOLY TERROR during the entire ceremony. There were 8 babies ---7 tiny ones who slept thru the whole thing and then there was Rachael who SCREAMED the entire time. Nick said she didn't like the long gown so they did take it off halfway through the ceremony and she ended up being baptised in her slip!!!!!! They had the babies lined up in alphabetical order and Rachael with the Z was to be called last. She was screaming so much Father called her after the first baby was "dunked" (they didn't actually dunk her, but he did put LOTS of water on her head)---anyway, poor Father was sweating after it was all over. So was Nick and Elizabeth and Rachael. The Chapel at Villanova is really beautiful and I wanted to get a few pictures of Rachael in her pretty dress, but it didn't work out!!!!!!!! I think she is teething and yesterday she cried a lot and today too so that could have attributed to the screaming Sunday. She usually laughs all the time. Hope everyone is having a good summer. Suzanne, did you get to Florida or was your trip canceled because of the T.storm? Marshall, what is the oil they rub on the baby's head ---it had a wonderful scent. Also, let us know what you learn about those Muslim chaplains.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, July 01, 2003 at 19:26:11 (EDT)

No O.P. I did not hear the news about the Muslim Navy Chaplains. I'll check it out with my sources and see what I can find out. I don't think you were alone in being caught off guard about Bill J.J. I wonder who's manning the Billion Dollar new early warning devices????
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, July 01, 2003 at 08:25:24 (EDT)

Early this morning I went to work. I took the truck so that Lita could get a brake tag on the Explorer. It was a pleasant drive to Houma. Isolated in the court house I had no news of Tropical Storm Bill. When I started home at about 2:30 this afternoon the winds were howling and the rain was coming down in solid sheets. Bill had come to visit when I was at work. The trip home was wild. I came home through the Grand Bois (LA 24) and trees were blowing down across the road and limbs would blow across the road and strike the side on the big tuck. I selected an unfortunate time for departure, just as the worst of the storm hit Terrebonne Parish. My usual 40 minute pleasant drive home to Larose became a 2 hour ordeal. My son Trey and his wife spent last night on Grand Isle and it took him about 4 hours to get back to Raceland. He was in his four wheel drive F-250 diesel truck and he had difficulty getting through the flooded roads between Grand Isle and Leeville. I know that my camp is going to be all right, but I left my boat parked in the yard. I hope that it has not been damaged.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Monday, June 30, 2003 at 20:01:37 (EDT)

Hey Marshall, just heard on Fox News that Navy Muslim Chaplains were linking to a radical Muslim web site. Have you heard this report? What do you think about that?
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Monday, June 30, 2003 at 11:27:48 (EDT)

We went through Abbott Reality. Their web page is www.abbottresorts.com. Once you get to the front page scroll down to search for properties at the bottom. We selected Quantum Leap, seclusion dune. That one had a seperate garage appartment for my youngest son and his four kids. The baby celebrated 3 Months on the the trip. What a trouper. The unit was between Destin and Panama City.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, June 29, 2003 at 10:14:09 (EDT)

Yes, Gerald where did you guys stay? You make it sound like so much fun. I would like for our family to be able to do that.
Doris
USA - Saturday, June 28, 2003 at 23:01:57 (EDT)

GERALD, where did yall stay? I'm leaving Tuesday for Destin and I sure hope the weather will be ok. My children are already there but until Tuesday there are too many people in the condo. I don't mind sleeping on a sofa bed but the floor is just to muchfor there old bones. Can't wait to get away.
Suzanne
USA - Saturday, June 28, 2003 at 19:33:38 (EDT)

WERE BACK! Everyone had a wonderful time. The weather was great, a little rain during the return trip and a couple of red flags at the beach but nothing serious. The rest of the the days were blue skies and blue flags. The private swimming pool was perfect for the 8 swimable grandkids. The facility was three stories facing the beach and awesome. There were four king size beds, two sofa beds, four bunk beds and one baby bed. Everyone slep well especially after a day at the beach/pool/food. The beach vollyball was a usual Reaux intense contest. I was the official referee and we had 6 players on each team. The grandkids are as competitive as Paw Paw. We were fortunate to acquire the services of a photographer to take individual family and full family pictures on the beach. The guys played golf at Regatta Bay and the gals shopped at Silver Springs outlet mall, both approximately 30 minutes away from Sea Grove. The kids had a "Big Khuna" day at the water slides. We ate grilled chicken, hamburgers and rib eyes in the eveings. During the day shrimp pasta, ham sandwiches and cerial ect. We even had home made ice cream one eveing. We decided that we will definitely do this again.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Saturday, June 28, 2003 at 17:18:32 (EDT)

I got a call from Barbara Ory last night. She told me that Mary Elizabeth's mother died at a nursing home. There will be no visitation but the funeral is Monday morning at 11 o'clock at the Cathedral. Also Bobby Billeaud died Friday in the hospital after an operation. His funeral notice is in the Advertiser. He was older than us. He was 70. Going back to Mary Elizabeth she will be in town just for the funeral and going back to take care of her grandchildren in Georgia right after the funeral. If you want to see her you will have to go to the Church. Hope I can make it.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, L USA - Saturday, June 28, 2003 at 08:38:16 (EDT)

BETTY, the dress is finished. Check your Email. Suzanne
Suzanne
USA - Thursday, June 26, 2003 at 19:26:23 (EDT)

We haven't gone yet, O.P. We leave Saturday. We are putting 20 people in that house. Some from the West Coast will be 3 hours behind those from the East Coast in wanting to eat, sleep or wake up. It will be a test of good will!
Brenda
USA - Thursday, June 26, 2003 at 17:47:28 (EDT)

Brenda, that "Chateau Soleil" is a ritzy place! Bet you all had a great time.
O. P. <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Thursday, June 26, 2003 at 16:02:24 (EDT)

HI everyone!!!!!! We arrived in Philadelphia last Sunday and have been enthralled with this baby. What a joy she is. She has grown so much. She was 7 months old on Sunday and weighs 19 and a half pounds. What a handful. I'm getting the hang of child care once again - its like riding a bike--after one day I was holding her on my hip with one hand and doing chores with the other. Its amazing how it all seems so natural ----All of the grandmother things are so much fun ---like getting her early in the morning and just staying in bed playing with her. Young mothers can't do that ----too many chores to do. AVIS,it was just wonderful to hear from you again. Prayers will continue. Will you be coming to Lafayette anytime soon? Brenda and Gerald, have a wonderful time at the beach. I love the beach so think about me when you are building all those sand castles!!!!! I just watched the weather and really laughed ----they are flashing a heat warning every few minutes ---what precautions to take, etc. because it will get to 95 today:)))))))Betty
bETTY
USA - Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at 09:45:57 (EDT)

Henrietta, thank you so much for the info about Sr. Ann Carmel. I wonder if she is computer literate. Wouldn't she enjoy this website! About reading to grandchildren, that is my most fun thing to do with them. At a certain age, they won't let me and want to read to me. I introduced Harry Potter to them by reading to them some years back. The thing is, they live far away from me. Once, I made a tape of me reading books, but only heard from one family that they use it. The parents have to play it for them, etc. By the way, there is a series of Lemony Snicket books that the older ones (8-12) enjoy also. Check them out. Right now, I am devouring books-on-tape as I paint or sew. I wondering if any of you have read the Harry Potter series. They are wonderful!
Brenda
USA - Monday, June 23, 2003 at 09:29:26 (EDT)

Hi "you all!" So glad to see messages from Avis and reminisce too. All that walking was good for us, n'est ce pas? Barbara, congrats on your recognition for your new Charlene book. Brenda, what about reading the new Harry Potter book aloud to the kids during vacation? Afterwards, they might wish to discuss the chapters, and have great memories being read to by their grandmother. Sister Ann Carmel Segura will celebrate her 70 years of vowed life on Saturday, July 12, in New Orleans. And wasn't she one of our more favored teachers? I know she'd love to hear from us, and should you wish to send her a card, her address is 420 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70124.
Henrietta
Lafayette, LA USA - Sunday, June 22, 2003 at 21:39:59 (EDT)

I missspelled it. It's Kaiserrealty.com. Then you keep hitting the things you want, like: vacation rentals, Beach house, etc. Till you can fill in the bottom line with the name: Chateau Soleil.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, June 22, 2003 at 15:04:37 (EDT)

Sue, you can take a virtual tour of some of the beach places. Our is under Kaizerrealty.com and the place is Chateau Soleil (I think it's # 18). Hit the virtual tour. It's fascinating!
Brenda
USA - Sunday, June 22, 2003 at 14:59:55 (EDT)

By all means Gerald, let us know how your place works out. My family numbers 21 with come at 3 o,ckickhildren and grandchildren and we have been looking for a place on the beach where we could stay together. (ARE WE CRAZY?) We would need rooms for each family. My New Orleans crew will be going to Destin next Saturday and they want me to go with them but they have a 2 bedroom condo. I might meet up with them mid week and stay for the the 4th of July. I love the beach. Yes, we did walk to school. Gayle and I started to walk when we were pretty young. We would walk to school in the morning, back home at noon for lunch, back to school and then home again. That was a lot of walking. My Dads office was half a block from school and when we got older he would give us a ride home at noon. Doris, we must have been in the 8th grade when we started taking the different route with you. Gayle said it was shorter, HA!
Suzanne
USA - Sunday, June 22, 2003 at 13:00:12 (EDT)

Thanks for the comments on our vacation. We are staying in a 5 bedroom beach house on the water. My oldest son is already there and told us that they have had a lot of rain and that the living room is kind of small. Our second son will get the unattached quarters for his family and the baby. I will let you guys know how all this turs out. Must load and leave.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, June 22, 2003 at 07:36:22 (EDT)

Gerald, our family is leaving a week from today to go to the beach. I'm wondering about your accomodations. We have rented ONE house for 20 of us. There are 6 bedrooms and 6 families, which means that the children will have to sleep on the floor for a week. I will be so happy when it is over and everyone says they'd like to do it again!!! There is a lot of grumbling right now at the prospect of being so crowded. Today I was thinking of contingency plans in case of RAIN and all of us pinned up in one house for a week. Whenever I come up with plans like: crafts, a play for the 4th of July, or whatever, one of my grandson's (age 10) always says, "GRANDMA, this isn't the 60's!" I'm not sure what that means, but I get the message. Anyway, Kathleen brought me over the new Harry Potter book and, if I don't read it before, I will read it over there. I'm sure all of the grandchildren who can read will be reading it also. Have fun, Gerald. Avis, I remember walking to the swimming pool from my home also. We thought nothing of it. I guess my grandson is right, this isn't the 60's, nor the 50's!
Brenda
USA - Saturday, June 21, 2003 at 20:37:13 (EDT)

How wonderful Gerald that you can get all of your family together in one place at one time. I have tried over and over again to get ours together ,but they can never make it. Always something comes up. The ones in Fla. don't come this way very often. And it is like pulling teeth to make the others commit to going over there. The last time we were all together was xmas 1998 and then I had to ask them to make plans the xmas before to make sure they would make the plans. I don't understand how, for instance my daughter-in-law's family gets together at least twice a year and they have family members in California and Colorado, Tex. and La. Yet they all manage to do it. Mabe my family is just not as committed to each other. Avis keep on writing. It is wonderful to reminisce like this.
doris
USA - Saturday, June 21, 2003 at 17:00:10 (EDT)

I love talking about the old days. Good job Avis, Rickey, Doris, Brenda, Betty and Marshall. Does anyone know where Boo Jones and or Les Kennedy are these days? We will be leaving for Sea Grove Fla. first thing in the morning. That's between Destin and Panama City. We will be 17 Reaux's/inlaws ages 65 to 12 weeks). First time we have done this in years. Will return Friday and expect the Ditches to arrive on July 2. What a good life we lead. Say a little prayer that all four SUV's get there safe and sound.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Saturday, June 21, 2003 at 16:15:34 (EDT)

Keep 'em coming Avis! I love 'em. I'm learning what it means to "walk a mile in another's shoes!" I lived one block from the Cathedral and sometimes I'd drive! We weren't rich, but Dad was a mechanic and Hugh and I had an old '37 Chevy. Boo Jones used to keep us till dark for football practice, especially when we lost the week before, so we'd drive home...too tired to walk!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venicd, FL USA - Saturday, June 21, 2003 at 15:12:12 (EDT)

Walk! Oh, yeah I can tell you about walking! I took the school bus when I was little and it would drop us off at Catherine St. and the highway. Then, I think it was a little better than a 1/4 mile to my house. When I got old enough, I begged for a bike to ride to school. I thought, Janet, Jeanette, etc. were so cool. I don't remember whether they rode to school, but they rode bikes all around the neighborhood. But Mom said it was "too dangerous". It wasn't dangerous to "walk" along on the dusty sliver on the side of the highway, mind you—but ride, heavens no. They never knew when I might "dart out". Jackie Mequet and I used to walk to her house on Ransome St. !!!...then to the Municipal swimming pool, back to her house....then to the Jefferson theatre, etc., etc. When the weekend was up, sometimes one of the moms would take pity on us and pick up the one who was going home. It was the same with Jackie Richardson...walk to her house at Four Corners and many times back to my house, show, etc. When I got into about 6th or 7th grade I started walking home from school because the school bus didn't get home till 5 PM. I think the only one past me was Henrietta. I'd walk home with Patsy or Lorraine sometimes and it was kind of like those signs you see for apartment buildings in Houston: "If you lived here, you'd be home by now." That's what I was thinking as I told each one..."see ya tomorrow." My favorite way to pass the time was to sing at the top of my voice and one older woman in our neighborhood said she could remember me walking along with all my books singing "Do You Kow What It Means to Miss New Orleans?" The public school kids never had any books; they were just free as birds, walking along and swinging their arms. You see why I don't leave messages. I can't stop once I get started. Avis
Avis Rupert <arupert@houston.rr.com>
Houston, TX USA - Saturday, June 21, 2003 at 14:59:21 (EDT)

Doris I'm ashamed of you. I didn't know that girls did that. I thought it was only boys. Oh well you live and learn. I never took up debating in school. I always figured I couldn't get anywhere with it. How wrong was I. What rich memories you girls have. Our class was never close as you girls were. Of course we had our little"clicks" but nothing in a class size. By the way I used to walk to school from in front of Bordens everyday. I thought nothing of it. Now it was kill the kids of today. Mommie will you bring me to school this morning. What you want me to walk but it's too far. Sound familiar? Gosh Avis it's good to hear from you. Did you receive Barbara's new book on Charlene. I think I sent you one. If I didn't I will send you one. She is a very special little girls. I got a call from a lady in Brooklyn to ask about the book. Seems that she had a brother dying of cancer and she wanted to know about her. She wasn't even Catholic. Barbara' book placed third in a National Competition in Alanta for the Catholic Press Association. I'm very proud of her. I guess it shows. Well Avis I hope the road to recovery will continue to be in you favor and my masses and prayers will be offered up for you. Take care and God Bless. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, June 20, 2003 at 18:31:00 (EDT)

Talking about walking home from school!!! How about the walks home from school we did, huh Sue? Remember! Gayle, Sue and I would take soo long to walk home from school. I wonder if it was because we had to go in front and on the side of Cathedral - WHERE THE BOYS WERE PRACTICING FOOTBALL - Couldn't be that -- could it? My neighbor couldn't understand why I would always refuse when she would offer to give me a ride me home.
Doris
USA - Friday, June 20, 2003 at 15:59:17 (EDT)

Avis, are you saying that you WALKED home from Mt. Carmel????? I can almost imagine it from SLI, but from Mt. Carmel. Wow!! We did walk a lot in those days. Something our children and grandchildren know nothing about. My oldest grandchild, Lauren, (13) is taking debate, ethics, and logic as a short corse this summer at LSU. I can't imagine a child doing that instead of arts & crafts, etc.
Brenda
USA - Friday, June 20, 2003 at 13:30:10 (EDT)

What a memory, Brenda! Are you sure you didn't have that recorded in a diary? I couldn't have dredged that up if my life had depended on it. But, then I didn't get the better of the argument, so I guess it was convenient to forget! Indeed I do remember a proposition about the electoral college, though the others have escaped me. I can remember hauling around those little boxes with the index cards you had your evidence on. They did not fit under the arm so easily and it was a much longer hike home out to Catherine St. than across the street to your house. And woe to you if the rubber band you had around it popped—then it was "52 Pick Up" on the "Abbeville Highway". But, despite Sr. Berchman's harsh methods, shall we say, I have wonderful memories of the debate/speech tourneys when we would go to Hammond, Natchitoches, New Orleans, etc. I regret not getting more involved in debate during college. I didn't take freshman debate until I was a senior. I was so busy working and taking a full schedule—22 hours one semester. I don't think they'll even let you do that anymore. A good college pal of mine from Oklahoma, who had debated in high school too, was also taking the freshman debate because she had put it off for various reasons. We almost felt guilty because some of these poor little freshman we were debating were total novices and it was a cakewalk. Don't ever remember having that kind of advantage in something before or since. Avis
Avis Rupert <arupertAhouston.rr.com>
Houston, TX USA - Friday, June 20, 2003 at 12:09:47 (EDT)

We are back from dinner. Avis, I remember debating you in Sr. Burchman's class about the "Electoral college." We didn't get to chose the side we were to debate and I had to be against it. Do you remember that debate? We had our arguments printed on cards. You said the Electoral College was a "emergency valve" for the electoral system. I had thought and thought about what argument I could use against that argument the night before and came up with what I thought was logic. I said that if a system needed an emergency valve it must be faulty. I caught you completely off guard because it wasn't one of the arguments for that position. I also remember debating "Trade, not Aid." I didn't know the first thing about the subject, as I recall. Come to think of it, what I didn't know, in those days, was so much more than what I did know. Anyway, don't wait so long before writing again!!
Brenda
USA - Friday, June 20, 2003 at 00:02:21 (EDT)

GLORY BE!!!! A MESSAGE FROM AVIS!!! Don't have time to write now. Today is John's birthday and we're going to a friend's for dinner. Great hearing your news, Avis. I saw Carleen yesterday and she's as good as new! It will happen to you.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 20:19:43 (EDT)

This is a long overdue message to all my "prayer partners" to let you know how much I appreciate your concern. Your prayers, calls and cards have all been the best therapy I could ask for. You don't have to look far to see others who need them just as much as you do. I am so glad that so many of you were able to give Joan support during this sad time for her. Losing a child really disturbs the natural order of things and I cannot imagine that kind of pain. June 12 I had my second SirSphere treatment; this time it was the left lobe of the liver. These are the polymer beads that are filled with Yttrium 90 (decayed Strontium 90) and applied to the tumors through a cathether into the femoral artery. I told the doctor that the only thing I knew about Strontium 90 was left over from high school debate when whether or not to prohibit nuclear (make that new-klee-er, George W., not nook-u-lar) weapons was the debate topic. And....it was certainly never anything I had intended on having placed in my body voluntarily. Oh well, there goes that resolution! A few days before my second treatment, I was in the outside storage shed that Paul built looking for something that I thought was in one of several nameless boxes out there. You know, the kind that get hauled from place to place, but you never get around to going through. I opened this one and a mound of yellow paper looked up at me. I rifled through it to see if the item I was looking for was there (no, it wasn't) and out of hundreds of pieces of paper in no order, my eyes fell on the words "Strontium 90". I dug a lilttle more and found a few more pages that appeared to be the same vintage and held in my hot hands a "1st Negative Speech" (meaning that I was against the debate proposition for banning nuclear weapons). Maybe somewhere "among her souvenirs", Betty Joyce Aucoin—my debate colleague— has the "2nd Negative Speech". However, even after reading my fairly persuasive argument—all modesty aside—about the exaggeration of radioactive fallout which contains Strontium 90, I'm still not crazy about the idea. Of course, mine is "decayed" Strontium 90 and I'm sure that makes it good for you. I mention this only because 1) I don't have a lot of news to report these days 2) you have to admit it was a strange confluence of events. I doubt if the words "Strontium 90" have popped into my conversation a handful of times since 1955 and 3) the world is still wrangling about something high school debaters had all the evidence for 48 years ago! Is there any ex-debater out there who was on the "positive" side? The really big news is our family is that I'm going to be a grandmother again. Daughter Number One in Dallas, Shaun, age 40, is due September 21. She has two boys—Jack, 8 and Zachary, 5. Latest ultrasound looks suspiciously "pink". My other daughter, Sharon, who lives here, has two girls—Madeleine, 9 and Catherine, 7. If it does turn out to be a girl, she will have all her cousins' hand-me-downs. Lucky little girl! My body and spirit are addicted to your prayers, please don't stop now. Avis
Avis Rupert <arupert@houston.rr.com>
Houston, TX USA - Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 16:18:44 (EDT)

Its altar girls.See you tomorrow, Brenda.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at 21:44:20 (EDT)

Hey Marshall, thanks for all that information. How times have changed ---now they have altergirls!!!!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at 18:20:16 (EDT)

Thanks for all of the directions! I will be visiting my Aunts before going to the funeral home, so I think I will get there from Johnson St. all right.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at 15:52:21 (EDT)

To put the Happy Death Society to rest (no pun intended) below is the answer I got from Kathleen Toups. She was the ONLY reporter the Catholic Action had many moons ago...women were not allowed in the sanctuary during services, so I used to take pictures for her as a kid. She is a close to THE Church historian of the Diocese as one can get. Hey Marshall, I don't think the Happy Death Society exists anymore but in the nineteenth century, and early twentieth, many church parishes had one. Members paid dues which assured a number of Masses offered for them. At the death of a member, they attended in procession with a banner and wearing appropriate membership ribbons. Evidently at the Cathedral they had a sufficient treasury to purchase one of the stained glass windows! If my memory serves me correctly, it is the crucifixion window in the middle of the sanctuary, given by the Happy Death Society. It seems ironic or is it perhaps appropriate that the crucifixion window was given by the Happy Death Society. love and prayers always, Kathleen
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at 15:01:31 (EDT)

Brenda, if you are on University, turn right at the red light right at the corner of old Lafayette High School. There is a light at St. Mary and then another at Bertrand.(the stadium is on the left and the hospital on the right.) Go on thru two more lights then, you will go in front of Lafayette High (on the right)---continue on for I guess about a mile and then Adrien's Grocery will be on your right. Then proceed as Gerald directed.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at 13:22:20 (EDT)

Thanks, Gerald. I am not familiar with Adriane's store, but I suppose that I will see it. In fact, Congress wasn't such a main artery in 1960 when I left Lafayette. I don't even know how to get on it from University, when I come in from B.R.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at 12:22:08 (EDT)

I talked to Avis last night and told her about Joan's son. She had her treatment and said she is feeling good. She goes for a scan in a few weeks and they will be able to tell then if the treatment helped.
Doris
USA - Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at 10:18:01 (EDT)

Brenda, turn left on Congress and go past Adrienne's and take the first right and take another right. You should see Fountain Memorial to your left.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at 09:18:15 (EDT)

I am so sorry to hear about Joan's son. Please tell her that I am thinking about her and will remember her in my prayers. If I were close to Lafayette, I would go with you all. I know it will be a comfort to her to see her old friends like you guys.
Doris
USA - Monday, June 16, 2003 at 22:02:57 (EDT)

If I am coming from Johnson St., by way of S. College Drive, do I turn right or left on Congress to get to the funeral home? I'll try to make the 3 p.m. rosary also.
Brenda
USA - Monday, June 16, 2003 at 21:37:02 (EDT)

Brenda, I just called Suzanne and Carleen ----we will go for the rosary at 3 PM. Do you know where this funeral home is? Its off Congress behind Adrien's Grocery store. I've never been there, but it should be easy to find.
Betty
USA - Monday, June 16, 2003 at 17:40:23 (EDT)

Brenda and Suzanne----scratch that ---Patsy's going in the morning. I will probably go in the afternoon.
Betty
USA - Monday, June 16, 2003 at 17:20:00 (EDT)

Brenda and Suzanne: Patsy said she'd pick me up on her way back from Rayne and we will probably go about 2:45 for the rosary--
Betty
USA - Monday, June 16, 2003 at 17:17:20 (EDT)

Thanks, Gerald and Suzanne. I think I will try to come to Lafayette for some part of the process.
Brenda
USA - Monday, June 16, 2003 at 13:44:57 (EDT)

You are so right, Ricky ---diabetes is a cross to bear. Thank goodness I never ate a lot of candy so that isn't much of a problem. Bread is my downfall. Mine I control with pills, diet and exercise. I know that you can have things that are much worse, but this isn't much fun cause you have to be on guard all the time.
Betty
USA - Monday, June 16, 2003 at 13:35:58 (EDT)

"Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2003, at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home". It is the Funeral Home behind Adriennes on W. Congress. "Visitation will be held from 8 a.m. Wednesday until time of the service". "A rosary will be recited at 3 p.m. Wednesday".
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Monday, June 16, 2003 at 11:07:39 (EDT)

Brenda, there will be a memorial service on Wed. The funeral home will open at 8AM and the service will be at 4 PM at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home. Call if you plan to come in and maybe we can all go together.
Suzanne
USA - Monday, June 16, 2003 at 10:52:08 (EDT)

Does anyone know the arrangements for Joan's son's funeral, etc.?
Brenda
USA - Monday, June 16, 2003 at 10:27:30 (EDT)

J.J. joged my memory also. He is right about the Skunk. It was by the bayou. Betty you were right it probably is the street that goes to Dr. Rizk's office. Anyway it was near that street. Betty I will print the message about Dr. Rizk and show it to him. I'm sure he will be glad to hear that he is like the old time doctors. I think he is also like that. He is one of the doctors that I think would still make a house call if needed. Just guessing. The only problem with him is he doesn't go to Lourdes anymore. He quit several years ago. Oh well we can't have everything. Betty I didn't know you were diabetic. It no fun. The best way to explain it is if you like a food you can't have it. Oh well that's life. Have a great time in the north. I'm sure you will and I know you will spoil that baby. Barbara and I went to Sulphur to be with her father on Father's day. I will have plenty of time to spend with my kids but Barbara's dad is 87 now and who knows he might outlast me. Tonight I will have dinner with my only child living in Lafayette.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, June 16, 2003 at 10:17:27 (EDT)

Mary Alice just called me. I hadn't read the paper yet. Joan Elmer's son, Barry Mouton, Jr. has died.
Betty
USA - Monday, June 16, 2003 at 10:14:44 (EDT)

All of you have such good memories. J. J. I remember that old VFW Building. You all have jogged my memory. Ricky, its the Happy Death Society (Brenda called it sweet death)---anyway, thanks for all the information. Other than your mother I don't think I ever heard of anyone being in this society. I will do my best to remember to ask Msgr. Provost if its still in existence. YES, I LOVE DR.RIZK also. After I saw him the other day I came home and told Billy he is probably the closest thing to an "old time" kind, considerate and SMART doctor that you can find these days. You are right he does spend a lot of time with you and never seems rushed. Isn't his new office nice?
Betty
USA - Monday, June 16, 2003 at 09:34:57 (EDT)

A belated "happy Fathers/Grandfathers day" to all. We had BBQ at our youngest son's for lunch and soup and strawberry short cake at our daughter's for dinner. Life is good. Harvey loaned me the mystery picture and I reproduced it and sent it to O.P. It was taken in the summer of 1952 in Panama City Fla. The Broussard family asked me to spend part of my vacation that summer with them. L to R, Harvey, Phyllis his sister (several years younger than us) and myself. I don't think anyone identified all of us correctly. I agree with J.J.'s location of "The Skunk" and I believe Marshall had the same spot. I remember all those cars being parked way back in the last row. I never parked there, it was too public, ha. Thanks for all the kudo's about our Granddaughters. Our oldest (13), one of the twins, was the only one not in the picture. Does anyone else in our classes have Grandtwins. On a sad note I noticed in the paper this morning that James Barry Mouton Jr. 38 passed on. He was the son of Joan Elmer Mouton. I will offer my next mass for him.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, June 16, 2003 at 09:26:11 (EDT)

It was a heavy stove. To heavy to lift. I have had some dealings with the Louisiana Crime Lab. The have superior people working in inferior physical facilities. They work the people until they get very good and then pay them very little. The leave and now work at one some of the best crime labs in the nation. This is been going on for since 1962. The Skunk. I met Lita at the Skunk. Pete and Sandy Gerac introduced us. It was directly across the bayou from the Hilton and it was on a hill that ran down to the bayou. It was directly across highway from the old VFW.
J. J . Erny <judgeerny@mobiel tel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Sunday, June 15, 2003 at 23:23:22 (EDT)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU GUYS!!!! I hope you had a good day like Charles did. We went to eat lunch at one son's house and the other made a delicious gumbo for us tonite. It was a good day. All the children called except Jared, he is doing his National Guard duty at Camp Grafton in North Dakota and I am sure couldn't get to a phone. Betty, have a good time in Penn. I know you will.
Doris
USA - Sunday, June 15, 2003 at 22:53:26 (EDT)

The "sweet death" was called the Bon Mort Society. As far as I know it is still in force. They used to give a Cross to be place under the pillow to assure a good death. They did this with my mother. She did die peacefully. I guess they paid for the stain glass in the Cathedral. It's a picture of the Crufixion isn't it? The Skunk was where the hotel Acadiana is now. They were on the hill. Maybe it was just a little closer to the road Betty. By the way I guess you go to Dr. Rizk. Isn't he great. Barbara and I have been going to him for a long time and we love him. He always takes time to chat with you as long as you want. Like I said we love him. Hope I answered you questions. I'm surprised Marshall didn't know about this.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.comc>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, June 15, 2003 at 21:14:35 (EDT)

LSU lost. Triple Shucks, Brenda!!!!!
Betty
USA - Sunday, June 15, 2003 at 20:34:16 (EDT)

Sue, I'd forgotten about that curve ---you might be right. Gerald and Rickey, where was it located?
Betty
USA - Sunday, June 15, 2003 at 20:33:24 (EDT)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY ALL YOU GREAT DADS!!!!! Wonderful picture, Greald. They are all adorable. I thought the Skunk was where the hotel is now. Not the Hilton but the other hotel. It was right before the road curved to the left. The Tigers aren't doing too well right now. Score is 7-5 and it's only the third inning. This is going to be a long game.
Suzanne
USA - Sunday, June 15, 2003 at 17:08:43 (EDT)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, guys!!! I'll bet all of you have made great Father's and your son's are following in your footsteps. Good fathers lead by example.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, June 15, 2003 at 11:48:58 (EDT)

O.P. As I mentioned I am going to Philadelphia and my computer is going back to be worked on again so I won't be taking it. How can I access the guestbook from Nick's computer.
Betty
USA - Sunday, June 15, 2003 at 10:21:31 (EDT)

Gerald, Brenda is right. I just looked at your pictures again and the oldest one does look like you. The title of the picture is "some" of your granddaughters ----how many gdaughters to you have? I know they are fun. I am going to Philadelphia next Sat. to visit mine ---Billy may never get me back to Lafayette. She is already 6 and a half months old.
Betty
USA - Sunday, June 15, 2003 at 10:19:04 (EDT)

Has anyone identified the people in the photograph - two guys and a girl at the beach----did I miss the identification?
Betty
USA - Sunday, June 15, 2003 at 09:41:46 (EDT)

Marshall, we've invited Msgr. Provost to have dinner Wed. night and I'll try to remember to ask him about it too. My memory isn't as sharp as it once was.
Betty
USA - Sunday, June 15, 2003 at 09:40:29 (EDT)

Beautiful girls Gerald. The one standing looks like you and the others look like Pat! I have "feelers" out on the "Happy Death Society" Betty, but no takers yet!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, June 15, 2003 at 08:24:57 (EDT)

Gerald, that is the sweetest picture of you and your grandchildren. They look like Reaux's. Haven't heard about the sweet death society or whatever it is. However, John's cousin, Fr. Barfield, was found dead in his bed last Saturday. He still had on his glasses and seems to have just lay down for a nap. That is what I call a "sweet death"!
Brenda
USA - Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 21:40:43 (EDT)

Brenda, I wish I could adopt one of your kittens, but we travel so much its just impossible. I never did like cats much until Elizabeth's Bob came into our lives and now I love cats. They have unique personalities and are not nearly as much trouble as dogs are. But I do LOVE dogs. What about that Happy Death Society ----did you ever hear of it---what about you Marshall??????
Betty
USA - Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 21:24:46 (EDT)

Gerald, your granddaughters are lovely. HAPPY FATHER'S AND GRANDFATHERS DAY to all of you.
Betty
USA - Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 21:08:13 (EDT)

OP, for want of a better phrase---yes, "serious conversations"!!!!!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 21:05:53 (EDT)

Don't miss Geralds GrandDaughters on the front page.
O. P.
USA - Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 18:17:14 (EDT)

"Serious Conversations"????
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 18:16:35 (EDT)

Betty, LSU plays again tomorrow. The Skunk bring back many memories!! My children think it is so strange that we went to a place called The Skunk. Speaking about cats. A Manx cat had a litter of kittens on my Elizabeth's carport. Three don't have tails, but two have. She and Danny alrady have 3 cats and so they can't keep any of these. They are too cute! There is a Cat Haven which will spay or neuter ALL of them free before she gives them away. That's how anxious they are to end the proliferation of animals who end up at the Pound. If any of you want one of the kittens, I will bring them to Lafayette when they are ready to go. The mother cat has no tail also and is very sweet. She is very young and needs a home also.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 17:32:56 (EDT)

Marshall, I guess that Rue France must run right where the old Skunk parking lot used to be. It was a big parking lot I guess. I remember three rows. One right in front of the building, the middle row and the back row where the serious "conversations" used to go on!!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 16:08:38 (EDT)

I remember the Skunk being on a hill about 1/4 of a mile on the left over the bridge. Poor Boys Riverside was on the hill on the left prior to crossing the bridge. It was first on the water, then they move it up the hill after the Vermilion River flooded one year if I remember correctly.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 14:59:45 (EDT)

I have another question. Where exactly was the SKUNK located. The reason I ask is I had to go to the endocrinologist Friday and his office is on Rue France ----the road to the left of the red light right after you cross the bridge. Was the Skunk closer to the bayou than that road? I seem to remember there was sort of a hill at the Skunk.
Betty
USA - Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 12:34:03 (EDT)

You are right Brenda ---only if they kept him in solitary confinement. Do you remember that girl that was found dead along the railroad track on I think Nicholason years and years and years ago? I don't think they ever found out who killed her. This one sticks in my mind because it was either right before or right after Eliz. was at LSU. She had an apt. at Brook Hollow and I think that was on Nicholason too. That is where she found "Bob" her cat----Bob is still living and is now 18 or 19 years old. I think his 9 lives have just about run their course because he is getting really feeble now. That cat has lived longer with her than she lived at home with me!!!!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 12:28:04 (EDT)

When I was at the Cathedral the other day I started studying the huge stained glass windows behind the alter. The very center one was donated by the "Happy Death Society" ----have any of you ever heard of this society? Perhaps it was a local organization and disbanded years ago. Just wondering?????????????
Betty
USA - Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 12:23:28 (EDT)

Does that mean LSU is out of the running? DOUBLE SHUCKS
Betty
USA - Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 12:20:18 (EDT)

The Primetime show used the word, "stupid" to describe some of the actions of the Task Force. They have really taken a lot of heat for their work. Naturally, Louisiana looked like a quaint, backward state, with Baton Rouge's crime lab in a trailer, not a double wide either!! They mentioned 60 + women have been missing or murdered around here in the last 15 or 20 years. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they could prove he did them all and end the suffering of so many people. If they could offer him Life in prison instead of the death penalty in exchange for confessing all of his crimes, it would be a bargain; to me at least. L.S.U. just lost the first game in Omaha. Shucks!
Brenda
USA - Friday, June 13, 2003 at 23:25:58 (EDT)

J. J. Where did you learn to do all this carpentry work? Are these projects you just decide to do or are they some of Lita's "Honey Dos? I think its great that you can still tackle those big jobs. I wish Billy could do these kind of projects. What kind of monster stove did you get ---sounds like a Viking or something.
Betty
USA - Friday, June 13, 2003 at 22:04:23 (EDT)

This is a great website. Greetings. sexo
sexo <elerotikon@hotmail.com>
USA - Friday, June 13, 2003 at 16:58:34 (EDT)

Hey Baton Rouge and the serial killer made Prime Time on ABC! Very interesting.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venicd, FL USA - Thursday, June 12, 2003 at 23:07:46 (EDT)

All of the fence board sections have disappeared. Amazing. I finished the fence. Remember when I said that there was new stove in my future. Well the future arrived. A 200 pound monster sitting in the back of my pick up truck. I took out the old built in stove and then pulled the monster out the back of the truck using all the leverage that I could event, then I built the monster back into the wall. Of course the 30 year old molding splintered, and they don’t make that type of molding any more, so I had to make the molding. Done. It is interesting as to what you find behind the wall where a built in stove has lived for 30 years. It was not as bad as I would have expected. The only thing back there was a dust bunny. A big dust bunny, one big enough that you could send it out have it kill and bring back a buffalo. Tomorrow I get to go to work so that I can rest.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Thursday, June 12, 2003 at 20:35:01 (EDT)

O. P.Maybe the blue disorients the insects. We paint the ceilings of our porches here in the south with blue paint so wasps and dirt daubers won't build nests - they think the blue is the sky -----at least that is what I have been told. And it works too. Its pouring down and I have to go to a doctor's appt. I don't like getting wet!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Thursday, June 12, 2003 at 11:03:44 (EDT)

Did you all know that we visited a Banana Plantation in Costa Rica on our last Cruise? The name of the Plantation village was "Bananito" "Little Banana". Do you know how they protect the bananas on the trees from insects? With light blue plastic. See the Picture here: Banana protection They say the blue is important because they say it in most unappealing to the insects.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Thursday, June 12, 2003 at 10:29:09 (EDT)

J.J., if your bananna tree makes a lot of banannas, it must be a Mama bananna tree, but there must be a Daddy tree lurking somewhere around.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, June 12, 2003 at 09:53:18 (EDT)

Good Morning everyone!!!! Did you know Banana Trees have bark that can be used? Well, I surely didn't ---Yesterday I received some cards from O.P's Pet Charity "Food For the Poor" that you see on the home page. The people gather the banana bark that has already fallen from the tree The bark is cut and pasted on figures on the card. They might varnish the bark because figures are dark and some are lighter. J.J. that might be a way for you to clean around your banana trees-----CALL THE ARTISTS!!!!:))))
Betty
USA - Thursday, June 12, 2003 at 09:50:32 (EDT)

Suzanne, as I said I had mine cut to the ground. Of course, I only got teany, tiny bananas. They are ugly cut high up like that, but your yardman probably knows. We will have to wait for J.J. because remember how he said he had so many bananas he was giving them away. I've been trying to call you all morning. I've forgotten which side of the little dress to leave the 7/8".
Betty
USA - Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at 12:25:24 (EDT)

JJ, since you are the expert on Bananna plants please tell me how far down you cut them in the winter. My yard man says to leave the trunk about 24 to 36 inches and they will bear fruit(I think they are ugly that way). I think you should cut them down to the ground. What do you do?
Suzanne
USA - Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at 11:09:53 (EDT)

I didn't know they had all those different varieties of banana trees. That is probably why some bananas that you buy are better than others. I always cut (or the yardman did) the banana trees to the ground each spring. I think they are a pretty plant---but, as J.J. said, they get ugly during the winter months.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at 10:08:03 (EDT)

They multiply. All I know about my banana trees is that they are about 12 feet tall and have stalks that will get as big around as a dinner plate, and they make a lot of bananas. We still have two groups left. Lita has rooted out the rest.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at 05:28:34 (EDT)

Thanks, J.J. What variety do you have? I looked it up on the internet and from what I read it looks like the "Lady Finger" or even the dwarf Cavendish would be the ones we would want. We had a dwarf one by our patio in Lake Charles and it was really pretty and ornamental and never got too big. Not any taller than about 5 or 6 feet, than we had some others in the back of the house that really got away from us they were about 12 feet tall. Do they multiply? I can't remember. I don't think our dwarf one did.
Doris
USA - Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at 22:05:22 (EDT)

Banana trees seem to grow every where. They have a tendency to take over. My trees have thrived in the shade of very large pine trees. You have to be careful there are hundreds of types of banana trees. I would read a book or talk to an expert before I decided to plant banana trees. Once you have them they are hard to get rid of. Also in the winter they shed huge leaves. The leaves do not fall they just hang on the plant and look ugly. If it freezes they fall an become stinky mess. All and all I have enjoyed them. They are beautiful. The produce good fruit and when they bloom the humming birds come to visit. I liked them but Lita decided that after 15 years of so she wanted a change.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at 21:34:48 (EDT)

Doris, I had banana trees in one of my yards and they were in full sun. I don't know if they would grow in shady areas. But J.J. is probably the expert on banana trees in the group.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at 20:47:32 (EDT)

J.J., I have a question for you. I know you grow bannana trees. Do they grow in the shade? Charles would like to put some in our back yard here in the Woodlands, but we have pretty many trees. We do get some sun during the day, but most of the time it is pretty shady. Do you think they would grow here?
Doris
USA - Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at 20:03:39 (EDT)

Thanks J.J. for the double explanation of "Bayou Lafourche". I just read your latest entry to Pat and she immediatelly handed me an early Father's Day present. Guess what? "Cajun Self-Taught" by Msge. Jules Daigle. I noticed that it has a web address. www.swallowpublications.com, if you are interested. There has been five printings. The first one in 1992 and the last one in 2002.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at 17:57:43 (EDT)

Betty you are absolutely right. If I had and smarts, I would have put an add in the newspaper and asked for fence removers. I suspect that the boards would not be as attractive on the fence as they are in neat little three feet sections. I checked a few minutes ago and I am down to about 5 or 6 sections. In formal French the word for fork is fourchette. The bayou once came to a fork at it’s mouth, that may be the reason for its name. There is a huge port at the mouth of Bayou Lafourche and any sign of a fork has long since been dredged away. I need to buy a copy of Father Daigle’s Cajun French Dictionary so that I can at least answer questions to my self about Cajun French
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at 16:26:49 (EDT)

J.J. you probably should have let them tear the fence down for you ----if they wanted the wood---you know---kind of a Tom Sawyer thing :))) I guess that is why garage sales are so successful---people will buy anything. I would imagine pretty weathered wood is sought after by artists. That is an awful lot of work for you to be doing in this heat. That is very interesting about "fourche" ---I love little bits of trivia like that. And Gerald's "fork" sounds plausible too. I'm sure we learned "fork" in French with Sr. Berchman, but I'd forgotten.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at 13:35:36 (EDT)

So what's new? "One man's poison..."
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at 08:33:12 (EDT)

The french push pole is called a fourche. The reason why it is called a fork, in french is that he end of the pole has small fork on the muddy end. This stops the pole from sinking into the mud when it pushes against the bottom. This weekend I took down 120 feet of board fence and replaced it. I cut the six foot fence into three foot sections so that I could pick them up and carry them to the front, where hopefully the trash man will pick them up. Today I noticed that sections of the weathered and rotted fence sections have began to disappear. The pile is down to half its former height. I saw one lady pick up a section an shove it into the trunk of her new automobile. She was struggling to stuff another section of the fence into her car when I went over to help her. I loaded another section of the fence into her trunk and asked her why in the world would she want these old sections of board fence. She explained to me that she had heard of them at her art class and the class was picking them up so that the they could paint on them. She told me that as the word spreads they will dissapear. I was worried that the trash man not pick them up. Now I see that there is a race by the local artists to beat the trash man. I guess you live and learn.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at 07:26:24 (EDT)

Father George Simon, who is my neighbor, loaned me a English-French dictonary. He told me a fourche is cajun for fork. I looked up the real french word and it is fourchette. I am assuming it has something to do with the forks of Bayou Lafourche.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, June 09, 2003 at 20:10:55 (EDT)

Henrietta and Gerald are correct - that is how the expression is written in the newspapers, etc.
Betty
USA - Monday, June 09, 2003 at 18:24:08 (EDT)

Who is in the picture? When do we get the answer? Thanks Gerald. I'm eagerly awaiting the answer to the LaFourche question. That is something I've never known.
Betty
USA - Monday, June 09, 2003 at 18:21:54 (EDT)

What is a "Lafourche". Someone explained that to me that is was the long pole the cajuns used to navigate their flatbottom boats on the bayou. It was called a "fourche". Is that true?
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, June 09, 2003 at 12:20:15 (EDT)

That's the way they say it on Bayou Lafourche.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Monday, June 09, 2003 at 06:49:36 (EDT)

Where is Carol Doucet when we need him. I think "Laissez les bons temps rouler". I stand to be corrected. Beautiful granddaughter Betty.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, June 08, 2003 at 18:45:31 (EDT)

Read your question, O.P. Isn't the translation "Laissez les bons temps rouler?" Not sure if this is necessarily Cajun, but they sure use it around Lafayette a lot. Henrietta
Henrietta
Lafayette, LA USA - Sunday, June 08, 2003 at 18:42:29 (EDT)

How do you say "Let the Good Times Roll" in Cajun French?
O. P.
USA - Sunday, June 08, 2003 at 16:29:51 (EDT)

Is Gerald on the right? Don't know the girl or the guy on the left of the picture. Where were you all - Fla.? What year?
Betty
USA - Saturday, June 07, 2003 at 14:48:08 (EDT)

Priceless picture, Betty! My guess for the characters is Harvey and Gerald with an unknown girl. I would go back and look to see if it is O.P., but then I would have to start this message over and I'm too lazy.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, June 07, 2003 at 09:12:23 (EDT)

O.P. to answer you question: "Who are these characters", I think I recognize you and Gerald! Right? The girl...I think between you guys...I don't recognize.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Saturday, June 07, 2003 at 08:50:16 (EDT)

New pics on front page, don't miss them.
O. P.
USA - Saturday, June 07, 2003 at 08:48:30 (EDT)

J. J. 9/11 changed everthing about wearing the flag. Rickey already tried to get me on that one.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Saturday, June 07, 2003 at 08:34:31 (EDT)

It is easy to tell if back pain or stomach pain is worse. It depends if it is you back or your stomach that is hurting. I like the shirt O. P.;but isn’t there a constitutional amendment pending that will forbid the burning of the flag or misuse of it in clothing. I believe the old crime was desecration of the flag, until the United States Supreme Court found it unconstitutional. A Republican sponsored amendment?
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Thursday, June 05, 2003 at 17:46:08 (EDT)

VERY CLEVER, O. P.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, June 04, 2003 at 10:26:22 (EDT)

Betty, the Bush web site is http://W-04.com . Or you Democrats can just go to http://Democrats4Bush.com ...... aren't I cute..... he he.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, June 04, 2003 at 07:21:07 (EDT)

Rome like the Holy Land is riddled with imposters! That is why going thru your pastor is probably the most legit way! If Julian has the address, that solves the problem!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Monday, June 02, 2003 at 20:16:34 (EDT)

Sue, I asked about Papal Blessings.
Betty
USA - Sunday, June 01, 2003 at 21:53:29 (EDT)

Who asked the question about Papal blessings? When we were in Rome we went into three shops that sold Papal blessings. They are like certificates but some are very expensive. I thought that was pretty funny and some of those shops weren't very nice. Marshall, is the Pope suppose to bless them? They could say that they were blessed at the Vatican and anyone coule bless them. I don't know were Julien would order them from at St. Mary's but it would take about four to six months to get them. I wish I had taken the addresses of those places in Rome, I could have started a new business.
Suzanne
USA - Sunday, June 01, 2003 at 19:22:57 (EDT)

OP, I mentioned to Howard last night that you had been on TV and I couldn't remember your Bush website address. What is it. Didn't you used to have it on the homepage?
Betty
USA - Sunday, June 01, 2003 at 16:59:27 (EDT)

I reconize the police in the picture but who is the geek in the flag shirt? Nobody I know. Just kidding. I wonder if that is the Statue of Liberty on Staten Island or just a statue in the city somewhere. Looks like they are have a good time. I did see him on the Fox talk show. I was disappointed that he didn't have anything to say. Shirley was by his side in the Red Coat. They kept interviewing the same two people all during the show. Of course I don't much watch much of Fox television so maybe that is there way of doing the show. OP is trying to convert me from the regular TV news programs. Thanks for the note JJ. I do feel better. We are going to make a trip to Sulphur today to see Barbara's dad. I will see if I can go back to work tomorrow driving for Avis. It depends how I feel after the drive.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, June 01, 2003 at 10:24:17 (EDT)

Defending Lady Liberty:

O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
New York, NY USA - Sunday, June 01, 2003 at 09:46:06 (EDT)

I've always heard that BACK pain was the worst.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, June 01, 2003 at 08:44:52 (EDT)

Rickey, I hope that this ulcer thing goes away. There is no pain as bad as stomach pain. J. J.
J . J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel>
Larose, LA USA - Sunday, June 01, 2003 at 06:01:39 (EDT)

Boy I really must be excited!! Now I submitted TWICE. SORRY.
Doris
USA - Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 23:35:34 (EDT)

Sorry about that, I submitted too fast, guess I am just too excited!!! The kids were over tonite for dinner and Mitch and Crispin had some good news. We're having another baby in the family!!**!!! I am so excited. Now I know why God let us move over here. We are deffinately going to think PINK this time. Of course if it is another boy that will be o.k. too. Betty, you would like our neighborhood. There are a lot of children over here and they do play outside. Yesterday we were watching the boys playing army in the ditches , they had on hats with leaves stuck in them. And the other day the 3 little girls in the neighborhood, ages, 6, and 8 were playing in the driveway with their dolls and playing dress up with long dresses and big shoes, they were using golf umbrellas and tablecloths to make their house, just too cute. We also have neighbors who are around our age with a grandchild who is there all the time. We go walking along the hiking paths that are along what the Woodlands calls the greenbelt, (which is undeveloped woods) and every now and then you will find a clearing in the woods where I am sure the children play, because you can see evidence of their play. Boy I thought Jared would've loved living over here when he was a kid.
Doris
USA - Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 23:33:38 (EDT)

GUESS WHAT GUYS !!!!!
Doris
USA - Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 23:17:38 (EDT)

Brend's right Betty. Money can buy just about anything from Rome!!! Sorry that should be "donation" not "but"!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 22:49:23 (EDT)

Doris, that is funny about Jared and his friends at Wal-Mart---and nice that they would be doing something so innocent.
Betty
USA - Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 18:18:26 (EDT)

This reminising is really something. It's funny the things you can bring up. How about the difference in the prom's. It must cost a fortune to go to a prom nowadays. First they buy the girl a bunch of flowers and then pick them up in a fancy car and bring them to a resturant in a tux no less. We were lucky to get he family car for that night. My dad had bought me a brand new 55 Chevy. That happened because he told me I could use his car the night of the prom. Well daddy has just bought a brand new Cadallic and he wasn't about to let me use it. I was then driving an old Studebacher. Do ya'll remember it? It was green with the radio antenna sticking out of the trunk. Boy I thought I was really something. I was on of the few who had my own car in those days. Well getting back to the story, he took me down to Albert LeBlanc's car lot where the old Post office used to be. Remember it was where the old building was next to the city hall. Well the telephone company was on strike and we didn't like any of the cars on the lot and Albert LeBlanc couldn't get me a flashy car so we settled on a Beige one. Boy was I proud. Anyway that's how I went to the prom and I was with Dorothy Guidry. Now she is married to Willy Barronet and has about 7 or 8 kids. I see her occaisonally.We thought we were bad but nothing compared to today's kids.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 16:33:18 (EDT)

I vaguely remember graduation night. Charles and I went out. Dancing I am sure. All I can remember is, I know it was a big thing to stay out all night the night of your graduation and I was going to do it~!!! Well I couldn't make it past 3:00 because there was NOTHING to do,besides that we were tired. All the night clubs closed at 2:30, and there was no one giving a breakfast like they do now days. My kids had breakfast to go to, in fact I helped host one. I remember Jared's gang was going to stay out all night the night of the prom. Well at 3:30 he calls me from guess where!! Wal-Mart!!!! It stayed open all night and they had nothing to do so they went browsing. Now that is desperate!!!
Doris
USA - Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 16:21:54 (EDT)

Betty, maybe Marshall can answer about the Papal Blessing. When we got married, a friend of John's, who was a Sacred Heart Brother, got one for us. I thought you just got a priest, who knew the ropes, to request one for you. Ours was from Pope John XXIII, who, I hope, will one day be canonized.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 15:09:01 (EDT)

MARSHALL and BRENDA, how does one get a Papal Blessing for ones marriage? I just returned from a wedding at Cathedral and there was this huge framed Papal Blessing that Fr. DeRouen showed the guests. I've been to a lot of Catholic weddings, but that was a first for me. Brenda, I am surprised that you can't remember what happened 48 years ago:)))))!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 14:10:50 (EDT)

Not long ago I ran into an old boyfriend and he reminded me that I went with him to his prom at Lafayette High. I had NO memory of it and he was very embarrassed and I felt terrible about not remembering. I'm afraid to say anything about our graduation because I think I remember, but not much. It was 48 years ago!!
Brenda
USA - Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 12:04:40 (EDT)

Things really were lots more simple and uncomplicated back when we grew up. I don't think our children have had nearly the fun we had growing up. Our children had all sorts of toys and computer games and TV to entertain them----I live on Myrtle Blvd. and you NEVER see kids playing outside--whats it like in your neighborhoods. The only time I hear "kid noises" ring out is when I'm walking on Myrtle at recess time and I hear the kids from Laf. Elementary or when I am going to mass during the week at Cathedral. Its a nice sound and I don't hear it enough. I am going to a wedding at 11 so I'd better get off this computer.
Betty
USA - Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 10:42:55 (EDT)

Right Rickey, things were simpler then. We must have all just gone home - I don't remember either. I don't remember Joan crying or anyone else. Can anyone remember what we did?
Suzanne
USA - Friday, May 30, 2003 at 23:38:25 (EDT)

I was wondering if anyone stayed out all night graduation night----waiting to see the sunrise? I doubt that anyone did cause our mamas would have skinned us alive!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Friday, May 30, 2003 at 20:25:36 (EDT)

Thanks for the concern Betty. The doctor doesn't know yet just what caused my ulcer. He is still waiting for the results of the blood test. He said that when he get them he will call me. In the meantime he has given me some real strong antiacid tablets. No special diet just eat whatever I want. Thing have changed haven't they? I'm glad I'm not on soft foods are anything so bad. The antibotics will come if I have a bacterial infection. After reading your message about graduation I starting thinking what I did and you know I don't remember. I know I must have gone out. Probably with Gerald, OP, Harvey, and Lefty. I was dating Dorothy Guidry then I think. She was a year or two behind us. Boy that was the good old days. Things were much simpler then.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.comc>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, May 30, 2003 at 17:47:57 (EDT)

Ricky, glad to hear you are home----if the ulcers are caused by bacteria do they put you on antibiotics too or are you just on antacids. What kind of foods can you eat? That is probably the hardest part of the recovery. I missed you on the news, O.P.---I'll look tomorrow on NBC---that is, if I can remember to change channels. My TV stays on Fox News unless I am watching a movie. Suzanne, I didn't graduate from the 8th grade with yall. My memories of Mt.Carmel started when we were freshmen. Its funny but just today (I think because its the end of May and hot) I was thinking about graduation night and all of us standing outside the Cathedral and Joan was just crying and crying. I don't remember crying, but I do remember feeling a little sad. I didn't even go out that evening - I just went home and stayed with Mother. What did you all do the night after the graduation ceremony at Cathedral? I know most of you had a much more exciting evening. Lets liven up things with details of your graduation night memories.
Betty
USA - Friday, May 30, 2003 at 16:16:37 (EDT)

My machine just cut me off in the middle of my message so this might be a repeat. I telked to Rickey this morning and he sounds fine. He told my about OP on FOX this morning. I missed it but I'll watch at noon and tomorrow. NBC has quite a crowd so if you're in there you will be hard to find, OP.
Suzanne
USA - Friday, May 30, 2003 at 10:19:52 (EDT)

Thanks for all the comments on my health. I got back from the hospital yesterday. The doctor said they couldn't do anything for me that I couldn't do at my house. I ended have a very deep bleeding ulser. I also had 15 smaller ulcers. He said he hoped it was caused by a bacteria because that the easiet to cure. For the time being he has me on a very strong antiacid. Don't forbeg to watch our webmaster on Fox this morning and this afternoon. Marshall thanks for your prayers. Oh by the was I heard from David Begnaud from Channel 10 that Frs. Brennen and Calais have been called in to the bishop for an interview on Charlene. At long last maybe we will get an investgation on the "little Cajun Saint." Well I hope to recover soon. By the was we had a blast in Branson. Check out OP's pictures on his website.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, May 30, 2003 at 08:35:12 (EDT)

I talked to Rickey last night and he is now home. They are treating his ulsers with strong antacids. Shirley & I are in New York. Shirley & I will be on the Fox News show Day Side today at Noon CDT. I will be in the windows on Fox & Friends this morning and tomorrow with my Bush2004 signs. I have another lady helper that will be there too. She is a Bush2004 volunteer from NY. Shirley didn't want to be in the Windows this time. I might try to get on the NBC Today show crowd or CNN also, so some of you Dems from LA can see me too.... ha ha Brenda.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
New York, NY USA - Friday, May 30, 2003 at 05:21:14 (EDT)

Rickey, if you are reading this site, please let us know how you are doing. congratulations on William's graduation, Suzanne. Doris, keep us posted on Avis, if you can reach her. Betty, keep up the good work.
Brenda
USA - Friday, May 30, 2003 at 00:12:00 (EDT)

Glad you're on line again, Betty. We had another graduation. William (my grandson) graduated from 8th grade at Cathedral-Carmel last Tuesday night. It was in the Cathedral and every time I go to something over there it brings back soooooo many memories. Can yall remember our 8th grade graduation? How about our high school graduation? I can remember the dress I wore. William will be at STM next year, 21 years after his Aunts started there. It seems like yesterday. Carleen, they built my storage house today. Tell Phil that they did a great job. It took them 6 hours to build a 12x12 building. I can't wait to get all this stuff out of my house.
Suzanne
USA - Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 23:10:56 (EDT)

No, I haven't talked to Avis. But I will call her tomorrow. Patsy said she thought Avis was starting those new treatments on the 15th of May. I have been thinking about her a lot but didn't want to call in case she wasn't feeling good. But I think that mabe now I will try to call.
Doris
USA - Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 22:55:43 (EDT)

I'm happy to know that you all missed me!!!!!!!!!!!! Doris, have you talked to Avis lately. I'll have to ask Patsy if she called her when she was there. Has anyone heard from her? OP, how is Ricky doing?
Betty
USA - Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 21:04:36 (EDT)

I agree! It is nice to have Betty back. I did miss her.
Doris
USA - Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 20:50:02 (EDT)

Isn't it nice to have Betty back at full steam? You're what the site has been missing for the past few weeks!!
Brenda
USA - Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 17:26:41 (EDT)

DORIS, I forgot to include you in my message last night. I am so happy to hear that you are "up and at 'em again". The surgery must be a total success since he doesn't want to see you til next year. Did you come to Lafayette? If you do call us and we can go get a sandwich or something.
Betty
USA - Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 10:44:02 (EDT)

My computer has been at the "doctor" since May 7 and then we were in Texas and just returned over the weekend---its good to have it back and catch up on all the news. Its amazing how much I miss this thing!!!!!! So sorry to hear Ricky is in the hospital. Bleeding ulcers ---goodness. I'll bet that is awfully painful. Get well soon Ricky - we will be praying for you. SUZANNE, I know how proud you must be of Suzie ---Congratulations to both of you. I'll be calling you soon---I'm almost finished smocking the little yellow dress. Thank God they caught that miserable excuse for a human being. I imagine they will turn up more poor souls who he murdered. I hope they get that DNA bank up and running soon.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 21:13:28 (EDT)

Talked to Rickey last night and this morning. He went into the Hospital (Lourdes rm 392) last evening. He had been having stomach pains. They took some tests and decided that he has some ulsers that are bleeding. He is waiting for the Doctor to find out what they are going to do about them. Say a little prayer for him when you get a chance.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at 12:02:17 (EDT)

They did catch him tonight in Atlanta. Yippee!!!!!
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 23:49:00 (EDT)

The word was spread all over B.R. that they had caught the serial killer this morning and we were all so happy. Then they had the announcement on television: They had IDENTIFIED the killer, not caught him! That's a big difference!
Brenda
USA - Monday, May 26, 2003 at 20:44:13 (EDT)

I guess all of you in LA can relax since they seem to have found the serial killer! Thank God!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Monday, May 26, 2003 at 20:08:28 (EDT)

Congratulations, Suzie (and Suzanne)! If she's not interested in making much/any money, she might apply in the Catholic Community Services at the diocese. They do very good work in her field.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, May 25, 2003 at 15:30:50 (EDT)

Marshall, looks like you were busy watching the Lady Cajuns this weekend. I wish they could have pulled out that last game but it wasn't meant to be. We're still proud of them! Our weekend was very exciting. Suzy graduated from LSU on Friday. She received her Masters in Social Work (MSW). Now all she needs is a job. Yall pray for her. Her MAMA is so proud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She's still my baby.
Suzanne
USA - Sunday, May 25, 2003 at 11:33:25 (EDT)

Well the Lady Cajuns lost, but they did it with class! Way to go girls!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, May 24, 2003 at 19:52:50 (EDT)

Oh, the Lady Cajuns game is on ESPN2
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Saturday, May 24, 2003 at 15:19:49 (EDT)

Lady Cajuns playing UCLA at 4 p.m. Eastern
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Saturday, May 24, 2003 at 15:18:10 (EDT)

Lady Cajuns lost in the top of the 7th. They are in the elminination round.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, May 22, 2003 at 22:21:20 (EDT)

Hey I was surfing the net and caught the UUL/Tex Longhorn game! The Lady Cajuns are in the Women's College World Series of fast pitch Softball!!! Cajuns winning 2 to 1 in the 4th.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, May 22, 2003 at 21:26:34 (EDT)

Suzanne, I spoke to Gloria and she said that she had seen you a the family reunion. I has a little break in my “Have Gavel, Will Travel” schedule, and we went to Grand Isle for a week of fishing. It was so rough that there were white caps in the marina. I did discover the Grand Isle Public Library, about two blocks from my camp, and it is great. They have free internet, but I could not remember the exact address of this site. Branson is great. Lita and I like to go there and stay in our camper down by Lake Tanicomo. We have a great camper. Lita’s idea of roughing it is a broken microwave, and empty wine cellar, and no cable T.V. We comfort camp. J. J.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Sunday, May 18, 2003 at 21:46:56 (EDT)

Ok, found the pictures/video's on OP@OPDitch.com. Looks like you guys did not miss much. Nice shirt.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Sunday, May 18, 2003 at 18:04:10 (EDT)

Where are those Branson pictures/video's. I know you have a few that you can share with us? :-)
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Sunday, May 18, 2003 at 09:13:27 (EDT)

Did you ever see a free internet station at and airport? that is what I am using now at the Springfield MO airport. Neat! Ww are waiting for flt home. Had a grest time in Branson!
O. P.
USA - Saturday, May 17, 2003 at 10:51:53 (EDT)

I notice that you sent in the picture at 8:30 a.m. I hope it warms up during the day, but doesn't get HOT up there like we are getting down here. Have a great time!
Brenda
USA - Friday, May 16, 2003 at 13:36:21 (EDT)

Looking good guys!!!! Yall are wearing jackets, must be cool up there.
Suzanne
USA - Friday, May 16, 2003 at 11:45:57 (EDT)

Having fun in Branson:

O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Branson, MO USA - Friday, May 16, 2003 at 08:34:21 (EDT)

I know those squirrels are so smart. Charles has a bird feeder suspended on an invisible fishing line between 2 trees. The squirrel jumps about 10 or 12 feet to the feeder, sometimes he makes it and sometimes he doesn't, but he keeps on jumping until he finally does. We have another feeder that the squirrel jumped to and got all tangled up in a windchime we had hanging near the feeder. That was something to see, what a comotion! I'll have to look up Birds Unlimited on the internet. Thanks.
doris
USA - Thursday, May 15, 2003 at 18:21:32 (EDT)

Doris, the feeder came from Birds Unlimited. It's called The (droll) Yankee Flipper and it's suppose to flip the squirrels off if they try to sit on the rim to get to the bird feed. Squirrels are very smart. They have already figured out that they can make the thing swing enough to throw out some of the feed even if they can't sit on it. It is so funny to watch them. There must be a Birds Unlimited close to you, they have all kinds of interesting things to use on sqirrels. I had a feeder on one of my trees but I can't keep up with them, they can eat a whole ear of corn in one day.
Suzanne
USA - Thursday, May 15, 2003 at 00:07:13 (EDT)

Check out the web site to find out what events have been planned to commemorate the Louisiana Purchase. It seems that Mark Meaux, of the Bluerunners, was asked to write a song which is being used. I found the following information: The Louisiana Purchase Anniversary This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase and there are all sorts of events happening in our state to commemorate it (visit the official web site for more information). If you can't make it down for any of the events, you can celebrate in the privacy of your own how by listening to The Bluerunners' song "3 Cents and Acre" written and recorded to mark the anniversary.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at 12:17:02 (EDT)

Sue you have to tell me more about that squirrel proof bird feeder. Charles loves to feed the birds over here, there are so many differant varities . Of course there are thousands of squirrels too. The squirrels are giving Charles fits. When he looks outside and tears out the door I know he is going after a squirrel.
doris
USA - Monday, May 12, 2003 at 11:42:32 (EDT)

I haven't turned this magic machine on for a week and there are over 200 e-mails to delete. JJ, we had a family reunion last weekend and I happened to ask my cousin Gloria if she knew you and Lita. What a small world, she said that she plays bridge with Lita every week. It was a fun weekend. We have the Durand reunion every year at Fausse Point and we rent the cabins for Friday and Saturday. It is really beautiful out there and that weekend was nice and cool (no mosquitos). The boys fished off the porch for hours. I hope everyone had a Happy Mothers Day yesterdy. My children gave me a squirrel-proff bird feeder. It flips the squirrels off when they try to feed. I haven't seen it in action yet. Doris, glad to hear that you've been discharged.
Suzanne
USA - Monday, May 12, 2003 at 10:02:08 (EDT)

Happy Mother's Day, everyone! I hope all of you mothers are treated as queens tomorrow. Let us hear about your day. We're going to the Z. house and John is smoking a turkey. He used his tractor to made a baseball field, complete with a backstop, for everyone to play baseball.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, May 10, 2003 at 11:14:20 (EDT)

I just wanted to wish all you MOMs out there a very Happy Mother's Day. When I went to mass this morning I trully realized how a Mom NEVER stops praying and worrying about her children, no matter how old they may be or how successful they are, there is always something to concern a Mom, am I right? And the more children you have the more concerns you have. But I guess that is why God gave us Moms.
Doris
USA - Friday, May 09, 2003 at 12:06:49 (EDT)

Good idea Brenda. I went to the Dr. this afternoon and he released me for another year. So now I can officially do anything I want except for a few moves. Next week my daughter-in-law is going to Lafayette for one night. I may go for the ride. If it is at the beginning of the week. I will find out when and mabe we can get together somewhere. Carolyn will be in my prayers tomorrow. I am so happy to be able to drive and go to morning mass again, I missed starting my day that way.
Doris
USA - Thursday, May 08, 2003 at 21:51:47 (EDT)

I meant to say the graduation class of 1953! By the way, I just scanned all of my credit cards (fronts and backs) on our scanner and it worked perfectly. In case your wallet is stolen or lost, it's good to have copies of all of the information on them.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, May 08, 2003 at 16:32:03 (EDT)

Carolyn was in Martha's class of 1952. I think that there are now seven of that class who have passed away. The rest of them just returned from the cruise which they took to celebrate their 50th anniversary of graduating from Mt. Carmel. TWENTY-TWO of them went on the trip; all of those who are living!!! They had a great time and Martha is going to give me all of the information about reservations for their cruise. I don't know if I mentioned earlier that I saw Sr. Hilary in New Orleans recently. She was actually just a little older than we were and still looked good.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, May 08, 2003 at 10:27:21 (EDT)

Just a note to let you all know that Nell Grand called advising that Carolyn (Landry) Hicks (alumni of Mt. Carmel & friend of Connie Krauss Landgrave) passed away this morning (Wednesday, 5/7). She had been quite ill, was in a nursing home where Paul's mother is staying, developed pneumonia and was in the hospital. Usually dropped in to say "hello" while visiting Grandma Lou, and Carolyn had given me the Soudwaves membership -- we were planning a dinner party/get together of the group. Please remember her and her family in your prayers. Henrietta
Henrietta
Lafayette, LA USA - Wednesday, May 07, 2003 at 23:47:09 (EDT)

Henrietta, please pass on to Charles our congratulations and speedy recovery. I'm so happy when someone is recognized for his or her good works. His recognition seems to be well deserved!
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, May 06, 2003 at 11:19:21 (EDT)

Re: Betty suggesting someone start a movement/organization to care for our servicemen and servicewomen's pets, just learned there is a Military Pets Foster Project set up for this, which can be reached at netpets.org or (843)249- 5262, or for cats: operationnoblefoster.org. I'm proud to say my brother, Dr. Charles Bertrand, who finished 8th grade at Cathedral around 1950 & completed high school at Immaculata Seminary, yesterday was awarded the Bishop's Service Award yesterday at a ceremonial Mass celebrated by new Bishop Jarrell and reception at the Marian chapel and auditorium at Immaculata. He does so much good works, and I went with his missionary group to Haiti several years ago. Along with continued prayers for our classmates who've been ill or lost loved ones, please pray for Charles's continued good works and full recovery from a recent illness. Henrietta Boriskie
Henrietta
Lafayette, LA USA - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 19:18:42 (EDT)

Betty, U means under a certain age (11,12,13 ect.) at a specific Month which varies for each sport.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 16:57:55 (EDT)

I don't know what teams you all are talking about ---what's U11, U12 and U13?
Betty
USA - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 16:46:41 (EDT)

Congratulations OP. Looks like some of those good old Ditch basketball genes have surfaced into a different gender. I must say Brenda there was appropriate recognition for our second place finish. It was really a heartbreaking loss. The final score was 2-1 and both teams were from Lafayette. I will be sending photo's as soon as my daughter-in-law e mail's them to us.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 14:57:44 (EDT)

Speaking of Champions in sports and our grandchildren, my granddaughter Laura's basketball team just won their U12 VA State Championship in Basketball. See the pictures here: http://www.stevedominick.com/spotsyshooters.html
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 14:16:12 (EDT)

FIRST and SECOND places!!! Congratulations, Donald and Gerald! I certainly hope your grandson's team gets the proper recognition, Gerald. It reminds me of when my son, Stephen, came in second at State with his best pole vault of 14'6" and was so thrilled only to attend the athletic banquet that SAME night and have all of the first place finishers honored and NOT ONE MENTION of him even attending the State meet. He and we were crushed! I have had a bad taste in my mouth for that sports' program ever since.
Brenda
USA - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 13:27:03 (EDT)

We will look for the special on Charlene tonight. Last weekend Donald and I had grandchildren that went to the state soccer playoffs in Baton Rouge. His granddaughter's team who plays U11 finished first and my grandson's team who plays U13 finished second. Very exciting to watch.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 12:34:42 (EDT)

I'll look for it tonight. Thanks for the reminder, Rickey.
Betty
USA - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 12:18:54 (EDT)

Nor can we get it here in Houston. Wish we could.
Doris
USA - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 11:38:00 (EDT)

Sorry we can't get the televised program in Baton Rouge, Rickey.
Brenda
USA - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 09:42:19 (EDT)

For those of you who are insterested The series on Chalene will air tonight at 5-6-10 on KLFY TV. The segments will be differnet on all times. Betty you asked me to let you know and here it is. The reporter David Begnaud spent a lot of time interviewing the people involved. I sure wish something would begin on her possibility of sainthood. Now is the time with this pope. He is doing a lot toward that. I understand he just cannonized 5 in Spain. Let's all pray for Charlene.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, L USA - Monday, May 05, 2003 at 08:50:12 (EDT)

Your site is very useful and nice designed. Greetings.
diseño web Barcelona <info@edgpublicitat.net>
USA - Saturday, May 03, 2003 at 23:23:06 (EDT)

If you are reading this message now, you might be interested in turning your t.v. to C.Span for their coverage of unsolisited SPAM.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, May 03, 2003 at 13:40:02 (EDT)

Ricky, please remind us again Monday. I forget things like that really easily these days. Betty
Betty
USA - Friday, May 02, 2003 at 14:11:45 (EDT)

Hi gang. KLFY channel 10 just left here after filming a segment on Charlene. It will air on Monday and Tuesday evenings at 5,l0 in the evening. They interviewed Fr. Brennen just before they came here. Just thought I would let ya'll know in case any of you are insterested.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, May 01, 2003 at 19:02:03 (EDT)

Betty, the women didn't take their husbands on the cruise. Only the Mt. Carmel class of 1953 went. They have lost about six or seven of them and they meet almost monthly!!
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 23:51:57 (EDT)

J.J. There is an old Russian proverb that says "You live as long as you are remembered" ---I read that somewhere years ago and liked it. I thought I might put that on my tombstone!!!!! Brenda, the cruise sounds like fun ---don't know if I can get Billy on another cruise though. Doris, sounds like you are making great progress. Patsy came by this afternoon with supper. I had dental surgery yesterday so I wasn't up to cooking. She is spoiling us.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 22:29:56 (EDT)

No, Doris, I didn't see it.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 12:43:29 (EDT)

Did anyone happen to see the Today show today? There was a special on Breaux Bridge and the Acadian Families.
Doris
USA - Tuesday, April 29, 2003 at 18:43:56 (EDT)

You proved my point!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Tuesday, April 29, 2003 at 14:05:44 (EDT)

Very funny, Marshall! And I haven't seen any priest, nor bishop, who's liturgy I couldn't improve.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, April 29, 2003 at 09:32:34 (EDT)

The "Dibs" is yours Brenda. I haven't seen the Liturgists yet that I couldn't work "around"! You know the ole saying: "The only difference between Terrorists and Liturgists, is that Terrorists can be reasoned with!" Ha!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Monday, April 28, 2003 at 23:40:59 (EDT)

The Mt. Carmel class of 1953 is leaving Thursday to go on an extended weekend cruise, leaving from New Orleans. Martha is going to give me all of the information about it and, maybe, our class can consider taking the cruise for out 50th graduation anniversary. They are also going to have other events with the Cathedral High class of '53. Various people are in charge of different events, particularly those who married people from Cathedral, etc. Marshall and I have dibs on planning the mass for our 50th. I just hope world events in the next two yers don't throw us any curves!
Brenda
USA - Monday, April 28, 2003 at 18:28:27 (EDT)

There are cultures that believe that no one is truly dead if some one remembers them. I remember Larry’s easy manner and quick smile.
J. J. Erny
Larose, LA USA - Monday, April 28, 2003 at 06:28:03 (EDT)

There are cultures that believe that no one is truly dead if some one remembers them. I remember Larry’s easy manner and his quick smile.
J. J. Erny
Larose, LA USA - Monday, April 28, 2003 at 06:23:16 (EDT)

My gosh, I didn't realize so many of the guys in our class have passed away. How many girls? Let's see, Barbara Daigle, Virginia Badeaux, and who else? That is all I can remember. Brenda I am doing fine, it will be 5 weeks tomorrow. I started a walking regiment this past week. Where I walk down the street from 10 to 15 min. twice a day and will gradually build up to 30 minutes. Now that is not too far, because you have to remember I am walking slowly. But I know it will get better as those muscles develope more. There is still a lot of things that I am limited to do and I still feel some weakness in the hip area, but I think I am doing just great. I go to the dr. on May 5 and I am hoping he will give me the O.K. to do more things, like drive. The time is going by pretty fast though. I am so thankful and feel so Blessed.
Doris
USA - Sunday, April 27, 2003 at 17:35:15 (EDT)

We were very saddened by the sudden death of Larry Larriviere. He was the seventh class member to have passed. Tommy Quoyeser, Thomas Abdella, E. J. Smithers, Charles Smith, Ronald "lefty" Boulanger and Jimmy Richard were the others. I will offer my mass today at the Christening of Rachel my granddaughter for the repose of their souls.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, April 27, 2003 at 11:46:15 (EDT)

How are you doing, Doris? How's Billy, Betty? Any other news?
Brenda
USA - Sunday, April 27, 2003 at 09:29:21 (EDT)

On the other hand, J.J., if their countrymen do not know that they are dead and think there is a possibility that they might come back to retaliate against those who rejoiced at their defeat; at the least, it might provide a wet blanket to progress. I am also saddened by Larry's death. What a tragedy! By the way, I'm home again. Leaving those two kittens was almost as hard as leaving my two grandchildren!
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at 11:29:37 (EDT)

Random thoughts: Are Saddam and Benlaudin dead? (it is permissible and ethical to misspell the names of monsters.) Consider the fact that it they had been killed by the United States then they would become martyrs. Innocent people would be murdered in the name of the martyrs. They would become rallying points for those who hate America. Now they are just two old men who have run away. If the United States has killed them, it has not shown the bodies. Why? Because they did not want two dead saints on the their hands. It is far better, if we have killed them, to not ever show the bodies and then take old films and speeches and cobble them together and pretend that they are dead. Would the U. S. Intelligence agencies do this??
J. J. Erny
Larose, LA USA - Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at 09:48:08 (EDT)

Really sorry to hear about Larry. I used to get jokes forwarded from him all the time in email. What a terrible accident. Will add him to the prayer page.
O. P. Ditch
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at 08:12:01 (EDT)

Gee Marshall I'm sorry to hear about Larry. We haven't seen much of him since graduation but tried to keep in contact with him. I always liked Larry. Will you be coming over for the Funeral. When will it be and what are the the times for the services? Well another classmate is gone. Let's all remember him in our prayers. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at 06:52:30 (EDT)

Marshall, is Larry a relative of yours? What a tragic accident. Betty
Betty
USA - Monday, April 21, 2003 at 20:41:03 (EDT)

Larry Larriviere died this afternoon! He was working on a roof with his son Chuck and he fell thru a skylight! RIP
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Monday, April 21, 2003 at 20:20:56 (EDT)

HENRIETTA, That is a wonderful idea about taking care of pets for our servicemen. Why don't you go forward with that idea or send your idea to someone who is good at organizing things of this nature if you don't have time. I think it is a great idea. BRENDA, the Easter kitten idea is one I have to remember. That is so much better than the pink and blue baby chicks and ducklings---I wonder if they still do that? The poor little chicks would usually die. The animal rights people probably put a stop to that practice. Last week Patsy told me that she had talked with Avis and Avis was going to start that new treatment she had told us about. There is a doctor in Houston who will do it. Let's bombard heaven with our Cath/Carmel prayers for Avis and all of us on the prayer page. We had a wonderful Easter. Billy is home and doing very well except for the pain around the incision. And having Rachael and Elizabeth here for a week (and Nick for a few days- he went back and forth to Phil. and wasn't here the entire time) made this the best Easter ever!!!!!! Actually they left Sat.---its just as well because I got really sick Friday night with fever, terrible chest cold etc. --couldn't even kiss Rachael good-bye. I probably did way too much this past two weeks. Since all my heart problems I just don't have the stamina I used to have and I probably let myself get too tired and I picked up a "bug" at the hospital (I guess). I am up today and feeling a bit better. I hope all of you had a great Easter weekend. Betty
Betty
USA - Monday, April 21, 2003 at 11:14:02 (EDT)

Cool Site. Wish there were more like this one on the Net.
adult chat world <aduletweb@pisem.net>
- Monday, April 21, 2003 at 00:59:05 (EDT)

Brenda, how nice of your grandchildren to adopt the kittens. There's a great need because I read our service men and women who are leaving for military duty are having to bring their pets to the shelters because they have no one to care for them in their absence. It would be nice to see a movement for people to become cat/dog "foster parents" and to return their pets to those who are going away to help defend our country once they return home, or the adoption route is fine too. It must be difficult for them to give up their pets when they have to leave. I know our calico cat, Inky, is like part of our family and we'd really miss her. With our new Dell computer, it's been difficult getting back on Juno with the free 6-months AOL package. Haven't been able to see our Juno e-mail for two months now. Hope to get it all back soon. Hope everyone had a nice Easter holiday as we did today with our kids, etc. God bless. Henrietta
Henrietta
Lafayette, LA USA - Sunday, April 20, 2003 at 21:03:28 (EDT)

Brenda, and over here we went to our usual 9:00 mass and there was standing room only, and when we got out there were people lined up by 3's and 4's to get in for the 10:30 mass, this was at 9:50. I think EVERYONE goes to Easter mass over here. It rained, Charles was bar-b-qing in the rain and we had an easter egg hunt IN THE HOUSE! So do I need to tell you what my house looks like now!!! Well they are all gone now and it is quiet. That is one good thing about living in the same city. After they eat and visit a while, they all go home and it's quiet again. We had a wonderful and Blessed Easter, hope everyone else did.
doris
USA - Sunday, April 20, 2003 at 16:11:31 (EDT)

HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE! I went to Mass here in N.Y. and there were about 25 people there. There were FEWER on Good Friday. What an experience on Easter Sunday. It has been fun over here. We rented a car and drove to an animal shelter and got two adorable kittens (a brother and a sister). The strange thing is that we had to provide REFERENCES and show a credit card. One woman was turned down while we were there!! Anyway, my little grandchildren are enjoying their kittens so much and I am too. Wherever you are, I hope you and your families are enjoying a beautiful Easter!
Brenda
USA - Sunday, April 20, 2003 at 11:33:52 (EDT)

HAPPY EASTER everyone. Hope all of you have a great Easter Sunday. Barbara is going home to Sulphur for a Fish Fry at her dad's house. I am staying here and going to a U. Of L. baseball game. We are both doing what we want to. Betty glad Billy is doing well. I'm sure he will be a new man and chasing you around again very soon. Slow down and let him catch you every once in a while to make him feel fit. Seriously I want to tell you how glad I am he is alright. It's a very big operation. I'm sure he will be just fine. Doris I'm glad you are getting over your operation also. You will be on the dance floor very soon. I think of you and Gerald dancing whenever I think of you. You so loved to dance. Well anyway I hope with the new Year Easter services you are loved and may God Bless all of you. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Saturday, April 19, 2003 at 10:50:16 (EDT)

HAPPY EASTER!!!! everyone. Hope everyone has a blessed and happy Easter. Betty I am so happy to hear Billy is home doing well. I know you are happy to have Elizabeth and Rachael with you.
Doris
USA - Thursday, April 17, 2003 at 16:17:07 (EDT)

Billy was released from the hospital Tuesday afternoon. Thank goodness he is home and doing well - Rachael and Elizabeth are here until Sat. They return to Philadelphia Sat. morning. Rachael has not been herself since Sunday night. The doctor thinks its a cold and/or allergies to all the pollen in the air. I think she is teethin cause she is chewing on everything and really fussy. Its still wonderful having them here. HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE. Betty
Betty
USA - Thursday, April 17, 2003 at 12:48:25 (EDT)

I am in New York for Easter visiting the families we have here. It was a sweltering 88 degrees here today and the forecast is 40 degrees TOMORROW! Shades of Louisiana with the crazy weather patterns. I hope all of you are with family and friends for these holy days. Happy Easter to all of you!
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, April 16, 2003 at 20:36:34 (EDT)

Just looked at OP's pictures of his vacation on his web site. They look great. Plenty of pictures. Great pictures of he and Shirley. OP should do travel comments of trip he takes. His website is OP@opditch.com.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, April 14, 2003 at 10:42:54 (EDT)

Brenda, since we were burnt so badly with those viruses we are very careful with our incoming messages. We don't open any attachments unless we are certain of their origin. As far as the spam and unsolicited pop-up, they are anoying and you just have to grin and bear it. As long as my computer reacts the was it has since we installed the blaster/scaner we are satisfied. Tonights weather is so awsome we are planning a Mulate's dancing trip in Breaux Bridge and possibaly the Atchafalaya Club in Henderson if we are not too tired.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Saturday, April 12, 2003 at 14:34:51 (EDT)

It looks like the sad news is now turning into happy news. I know you are excitede about Rachael and her family coming to La. I hope Billy is up to enjoying his homecoming! By the way, Gerald, are you getting all of the spam e-mail that we are???? Since we have all of those filters, like McAffee, we are getting twice as many items with personal names which are all selling something. It's impossible to list all of them on the kill list because they just use another name in their next mailing. They also use "fwr" and other things to get by the scanner. I wonder if they ever sell anything with those letters.
Brenda
USA - Friday, April 11, 2003 at 20:15:20 (EDT)

Well, Dr. Boustany did not release him so now it might now be until Sunday. Don't know why because Billy is doing really well.
Betty
USA - Friday, April 11, 2003 at 20:09:20 (EDT)

Doris, you are so RIGHT. Thanks again O.P. If Dr. Boustany OKs it Billy can come home this afternoon. I ran home for a minute and will be going back to the hospital. We are also very fortunate to have such good doctors here in Lafayette. It makes it so much easier to be hospitalized close to home. Eliz., Rachael and Nick are due in tomorrow night. Eliz. and Rachael will be here for a week----can't wait to hug that baby. Betty
Betty
USA - Friday, April 11, 2003 at 14:34:37 (EDT)

You know I was just sitting here realizing for the umpteenth time how lucky we are to have O.P. set up this website for us. Harvey is right about it being a hard week for a lot of people, but just think of it! I doubt if all of us would know anything about it, if it weren't for this website. Talk about a support group!! This has made for one GREAT support group. THANKS AGAIN O.P.
Doris
USA - Friday, April 11, 2003 at 12:22:06 (EDT)

Hey, I was surfin' for local sites and found my way here. Great looking site.
Loki <free1ds00@pisem.net>
- Friday, April 11, 2003 at 11:02:38 (EDT)

Hey, I was surfin' for local sites and found my way here. Great looking site.
Loki <free1ds00@pisem.net>
- Friday, April 11, 2003 at 10:40:48 (EDT)

Thanks for all the kind words and prayers. My Dad is doing ok. It will take some time for him, but he has a large support group. Betty, glad to hear that Billy is doing ok. Rickey, sorry to hear about Barbara's mother. This has been one tough week for a lot of people.
Harvey
USA - Thursday, April 10, 2003 at 19:09:29 (EDT)

Good news, Betty! I hope he continues to feel great and gets a new lease on life.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, April 10, 2003 at 11:35:15 (EDT)

Betty, I am so happy Billy is doing so well. Thank God for his many Blessings.
Doris
USA - Thursday, April 10, 2003 at 10:45:33 (EDT)

Re: Billy Update: Billy was moved from ICU to a room at 9 this morning. All the tubes have been pulled and he is only on a little oxygen. He sat in a chair most of the day and talked on the phone. He could walk around the room today and tomorrow can walk the halls. He is also in good spirits.Betty
Betty
USA - Wednesday, April 09, 2003 at 22:07:42 (EDT)

Barbara, I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. Seven brothers and sisters, How wonderful! My mother was only 62 when she died and there is a hole in my heart and that was over 30 years ago. How she would have loved her grandchildren. My prayers are with you today.
Suzanne
USA - Tuesday, April 08, 2003 at 23:22:12 (EDT)

Rickey, please tell Barbara I am so sorry to hear about her mother. Brenda is right there is always that hole in our hearts after we loose our mothers. It's got to be the special bond we have with our mothers. But it is consoling knowing they are now at peace with God in heaven.
Doris
USA - Tuesday, April 08, 2003 at 20:09:42 (EDT)

Rickey, I feel so bad for Barbara. She must not have been ready for her Mother to go. Sometimes it's the natural thing, but, like in your case, losing your parents at such a young age, it's doubly hard. We do adjust and go on, but there is always a hole in our hearts missing them. Betty, great news about Billy. Keep us posted!
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, April 08, 2003 at 19:36:45 (EDT)

Ricky, please give Barbara my condolences. I will remember her in my prayers tonight. Betty
Betty
USA - Tuesday, April 08, 2003 at 17:56:04 (EDT)

Looks like a bad day for both Harvey and myself. My mother-in-law died last Friday morning at 2 AM. Barbara is heartbroken. The family was very close and all the 8 children were by her bedside. I counted 23 people with her when she died. She also had a bad heart valve but they couldn't operate because of lung problems. She was 84. Harvey I remember a lot of good things about your mother. We spent a lot of time at your house when we were in school. Lefty would join us and we would do things around your house. It's hard to lose them but we do adjust. I lost mine when she was only 56. I think I was 25 or something like that. My dad was 52. It's hard to lose them but they are with God now and we can pray to them and ask them to intercede for us to God. Sorry I couldn't get to the funeral I just found out this afternoow when I got back from Sulphur. Take care and have faith that everything is fine with her and God.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, L USA - Tuesday, April 08, 2003 at 17:49:14 (EDT)

Billy's surgery went well this morning. He is now in ICU and I have been able to see him twice. He was still sleeping at 1:00. I will go back at 5. The surgery was successful and they were able to repair his mitral valve. If all continues to go well he should be out of ICU tomorrow morning and in a regular room by late morning. I want to thank all of you for your prayers. What would we do without our prayers? They certainly help us over a lot of bumps----and the older we get there are a lot more "bumps." Thanks again everyone. Betty
Betty
USA - Tuesday, April 08, 2003 at 17:35:39 (EDT)

Betty sent me an e-mail saying Dr. Boustany was able to repair Billy's valve and he is doing fine.
Doris
USA - Tuesday, April 08, 2003 at 17:29:37 (EDT)

Betty's husband, Billy, had his heart surgery this morning. I don't know any news, but will keep him in my prayers.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, April 08, 2003 at 12:33:15 (EDT)

I am so sorry to hear about your mother, Harvey. You are so lucky to have had her this long. We aren't all so fortunate. My prayers are with you and your family.
Suzanne
USA - Monday, April 07, 2003 at 23:24:12 (EDT)

Harvey, I too join the others in offering you my sincerest sympathies on the death of your Mother. There is a feeling of apprehension and an adjustment to make when we lose both of our parents. That buffer between us and the inevitable is gone and we are now the older generation. As Doris said, prayer is our best consolation and I don't know what we would do without it.
Brenda
USA - Monday, April 07, 2003 at 10:52:45 (EDT)

Harvey, I am sorry about your mother. I lost mine several years back and I know what it is like. J. J.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Monday, April 07, 2003 at 07:16:58 (EDT)

I am so sorry to hear about your mom Harvey. She is in my prayers also. I am glad you were with her at the time of her death. I am sure that meant so much to her. I am continuing to do better and better everyday. Yesterday I went shopping with Charles at Sam's. Really just kinda in and out of the store. But going out like this does so much for me. It exercises that thigh muscle that they cut into and also does so much for me mentally. We went to church today and met Mitch and Crispin and the boys. The only thing that breaks my heart is the Dr. said I can't hold the baby yet. And he keeps coming up to me with his little arms open. He is walking all over the place, just in the past week. Betty I will certainly keep Billy in my prayers. I know that it is prayers that is helping me heal so fast!!
Doris
USA - Sunday, April 06, 2003 at 17:08:05 (EDT)

Sorry to hear about Mom Harvey. Will offer Mass for her.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Sunday, April 06, 2003 at 16:41:49 (EDT)

Harvey, I was so sorry to read about your Mother. So that was you at mass----I will look for you next week. I will remember her in my prayers. Billy goes to the hospital tomorrow and the heart surgery is Tuesday ---I will keep everyone posted. Thanks for all the prayers. Doris, how are you doing? Had dinner with Patsy,Howard,Carleen & Phil Friday night ---had a good time as usual. Billy said the seafood gumbo was wonderful and Phil had a a scrumptious crab platter!!!!! He gave us all a bite of the crabmeat au gratin!!!!!
Betty
USA - Sunday, April 06, 2003 at 16:35:48 (EDT)

Betty, I was at the 4pm mass at Cathedral. Gerald, thanks . Viewing Hours Mon 11AM to 8:30PM. Rosary 7PM Mon. Tues. 9AM to 11AM. Mass at 11AM at the Martin and Castille Funeral Chapel, followed by burial at St John's Cathedral. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. Harvey.
Harvey
USA - Sunday, April 06, 2003 at 16:03:58 (EDT)

Harvey asked me to let everyone know that his mother passed early this morning. The funeral will be Tuesday at Martin and Castille. Let us all say a prayer for the repose of her soul and Marshall please offer a Mass whenever you can.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, April 06, 2003 at 15:50:01 (EDT)

HARVEY, I think I saw you at mass. Were you at 4:00 mass at Cathedral this afternoon? Since I haven't seen you since we graduated I couldn't be sure. But I've seen your picture here. By the time I got outside you were gone. Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, April 06, 2003 at 00:08:22 (EST)

I think it is because they are treating cholorectal cancer with it and not necessarily liver cancer. Also I think she gets the feeling her primary Dr. is skeptical of the treatment. I know this can cause her some concern.
Doris
USA - Friday, April 04, 2003 at 15:53:34 (EST)

Good news, Doris. Keep us posted on your progress. About Avis, did she tell you what concerns she has about the treatment? I don't know whether to be happy or not that she qualifies for the treatment if there are bad side effects.
Brenda
USA - Friday, April 04, 2003 at 15:40:10 (EST)

Thanks, everyone for the concern. I am doing well, I went yesterday and had the stitches taken out and the Dr. took x-rays and said everything was doing fine and I could now put some pressure on my left foot. Thank God. So guess what, today I got down at Krogers and shopped a little while with Charles. I had been just going and sitting in the car. I got tired fast, but it was worth it. We also started the day at mass this morning, it was my first time at church. I know it is all the prayers that is helping me heal fast. THANKS. Please keep praying for Avis. I talked to her the other day and she said she was a canidate for the new treatment and she was going to see a Dr. in Houston who does it, but she still can't decide yet if it is the right thing. So please keep praying for her.
Doris
USA - Friday, April 04, 2003 at 15:28:28 (EST)

DORIS, hope you are still having an uneventful recovery. We've been praying for you. You will be running thru all those shops in Houston in no time.
Sue
USA - Friday, April 04, 2003 at 10:08:54 (EST)

Hey girls, I just read in the Daily Disappointment that Joan Elmer's mother died. I think she was buried yesterday. Doris glad you are doing well. I spoke to our favorite webmaster yesterday and he is back. They are on their way back to Washington by now. He said they had a great trip. I'm sure he will share it with us by way or the computer. The couldn't stop at Montego Bay because of rough seas. He said they rocked and rolled most of the night. Now we can plan on another trip.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, L USA - Friday, April 04, 2003 at 09:28:39 (EST)

Brenda, I didn't do anything when I got your first e-mail ---it sounded to complicated!!!!!!!!!!!! Doris, so happy to hear you are moving around so well. The weather is great for slow walking.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, April 01, 2003 at 13:01:45 (EST)

I may have sent you a notice about a virus which is supposed to have gone through our address book. However, alerting people to the fact that a virus may have gone through the address book and the method of getting rid of it is, we hear,is the method by which it is spread. If you haven't done anything, DON"T DO ANYTHING. [How's that for clarity???]
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, April 01, 2003 at 10:16:27 (EST)

Yes, thank you, Brenda I am getting better everyday. Thank God the weather has been so beautiful and I am able to go outside and walk up and down the driveway. It takes kinda long though, walking with a walker. But I thank God I am able to do this.
Doris
USA - Tuesday, April 01, 2003 at 09:47:28 (EST)

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