An interview with Gaetan Matte and Joseph Marc Laforet - Radio Canada

Gaetan Matte et Joseph Marc Laforet - Interview

Chance encounter of the best kind . . .

P&D’s Pop agreed to my whim and this morning we drove to St. Francisville for a gourmet or rather for me a gourmande stop at the Birdman Café. After indulging in a sweet potato waffle extra crisp with lots of butter and cane syrup Mr. P brought me down to visit My Mississippi even though the American Queen was docked there and there were visitors coming and going. I had not had a chance to walk along the banks of my river in a long time and while Mr. P stayed with the car I took my trusty camera and most ridiculous footwear imaginable and ambled along the mighty Old Man River just alookin’ round. There were a couple of fishermen and I thought I would get pictures of them after I turned back when I got to the entrance to Bayou Sara but as I peeked through the trees I could see a tugboat up the river and two gentlemen at the point on shore in a discussion of some sort. I moseyed around them and got my photos of Bayou Sara and although I didn’t want to disturb the men I asked them for permission to photograph their unusual looking canoe (unusual to me because it is a kayak.) They both said of course it would be okay and as they answered I detected a familiar accent so I asked them in French where the came from. I was flabbergasted at the answer. They were paddling down My Mississippi from Chicago! Yes! And we spoke French for a while as they explained that they had rented a car in Québec and driven to Chicago where they started their marvelous voyage down the Mississippi to New Orleans. I believe they are on their 44th day of this superior journey. Gaétan and Joseph, I wish you well and am so pleased to have met you in my accidental wanderings along my adopted river in the beautiful southern state of Louisiana at Saint Francisville. It makes me feel kin to the pioneers.

Cardinal and Mockingbird visit to celebrate the Equinox . . .

Quote:  There never was any heart truly great and generous that was not also tender and compassionate.   ____South

Summer's end . . .

Quote:  Faith is the pencil of the soul that pictures heavenly things.   _____T. Burbridge

Green nails have not dampened Daytona's spirit . . .

Of hummingbirds, butterflies and flowers . . .

Painted Lady

Quote:  Every rose is an autograph from the hand of God on his world about us.  --He has inscribed his thoughts in these marvelous hieroglyphics which sense and science have, these  many thousand year, been seeking to understand.  _____Theodore Parker

And these photos happened on mowing day in the morning . ..

Quote:  It is this unquiet self-love that renders us so sensitive.  The sick man, who sleeps ill, thinks the night long. We exaggerate, from cowardice, all the evils which we encounter; they are great, but our sensibility increases them.   ____Fenelon

After the Birdman we went down to the Mississippi . . . and yes, I prayed for these United States of America on this 18th Anniversary of 911 . . .

The American Queen was docked in Saint Francisville.  My Mississippi is back within its banks.

This rope is attached to the cruise ship.

The Audubon Bridge, my bridge, is in the background.

 

Quote:  As to feel that we can do a thing is often success, so to doubt and despond is a sure step to failure.     ____Unknown

Our son, Aaron, wrote this September 11, 2001

Well, the sun has set on what will soon come to he known as the largest cliche-fest in the history of recorded media. A second "Day That Will Live In Infamy" has passed and all we are left with are disbelief, anger and shock at the fact that we, the only Super-Power on this earth, are ultimately vulnerable. There is but one correct response to this provocation - swift and utter destruction of all parties involved. Advocating that, however, is not my reason for writing.

I walked around outside this evening and peered at the stars. They were all I saw. Normally, there are many strobes and beacons visible because of all of the air traffic in this part of Connecticut, sixty miles from the epicenter of today's events. Their glaring absence is a stark reminder that something has changed. That our seemingly insular existence has been breached so easily and so thoroughly is mind-numbing.

All that remain are questions. "How am I supposed to explain to my children that we really ARE safe, and it's OK to go to sleep tonight because nothing is going to happen when I'm not even sure of that myself?" "How can I put into words the horror that comes from the realization that we, as a nation, may have just lost more people in the span of a few hours than were lost during our entire ten-year involvement in the Viet Nam war?" "Are these tears of rage or tears of sorrow that well up when we view the carnage left in the wake of these hideous acts of cowardice?" To these questions, I have no answers. To a few others, however, the answers are clear.

"Will we pull together as a people, putting aside the differences that suddenly seem so insignificant, and support our leaders as they make the necessary, harsh decisions regarding the pursuit, capture and punishment of all parties responsible for today's atrocities?" Emphatically, Yes.

"Will we, as a people, recover from these events and become a stronger and more cohesive nation?" Emphatically, Yes.

"Will we, as a people, continue to take for granted this wonderful democracy that allows us so many freedoms and abilities?" By God, I hope not.

Isn't it amazing how suddenly the great cultural divide that has split our country in twain seems like a mere rivulet in the sand? Our opinions may place us on opposite sides of an issue, but we, as a people are still on the same coin. Our country has recently been described as divided. Now is the time to unite. For the future of our children, we must stand as one.  

Flutterbyes . ..

I may decide to post photos on and off as I certainly haven’t done much writing!

I should choose to be an angel . . .

On the back porch, swinging away and absolutely enjoying life at this moment, I think I should choose to be an angel in the hereafter. I believe that Higgs Boson would allow me that privilege. I’m not even close to perfection; as a matter of fact that might not be much fun! Life is to be learned as you grow. Not sure how long I shall be growing but I hope when the time comes I will be ready to speak with the Chief Architect of this small world and convince Him that I am ready for the new journey to earn my wings! I figure that Higgs Boson has much to do as He may be daring enough to try to make another world and He will certainly need some help in getting it right or at least a bit better than our Earth World. The Earth is a true marvel in all aspects: rivers, mountains,  solar system,  Milky Way, jungles, deserts, oceans, lakes, seasons, stars, all creatures great and small, flowers, trees, fields and intelligent beings that have the capacity for so much good yet often choose evil. Perhaps with the help of those who have left this Earth to join the Lord of All as He attempts to create another world where human beings will still have free choice but angels will be allowed to guide them to choose love, honor, respect, honesty, kindness, knowledge, labor, pleasure and yet  retain their individuality and allow for differences of every kind in the New World without recourse to physical or mental force against others which creates chaos, this New World would be pretty close to perfection (there is no perfection) but pretty close. Life would be a series of endeavors at enjoyment, companionship, intrigue, work, discernment, love, commitment, learning, beauty, sharing, laughter and of course a superior Harvey’s Bristol Cream to keep the new world mellow! Ah, there it is. All figured out! I do love you so, my Higgs Boson and my Loves. Being an angel, though I couldn't be perfect, comme Maman disait, 'Old stick in the mud, we wouldn’t want more than one Irène, or David, or Pauline or Rose or Joe!' and since Little Louise is already an angel, I will be in luck as she’s been helping the Lord of All to get that New World in proper order until the rest of us get there to help out, that is, if we should choose to be angels!

Quote:  When the heart is light with hope, all pleases; nothing comes amiss. ___Rogers

Quote:  All other knowledge is hurtful to him who has not honesty and good-nature.  ___Montaigne

Super miserable weather . . .

Northern  Mockingbird

I think it has been raining for about 14 hours and it is still coming down. The lower lawn looks like a small pond! I suppose I should have taken my potted plants onto the porch but they are so soaked right now I’ll just hope they survive. Perhaps we’ll get some drying out tomorrow although the forecast doesn’t bode well for any sunshine. I helped out at the Early Learning Center today and I was impressed with the lady who was subbing for the regular teacher. Since the kiddos couldn’t go out and play she set up three different play areas in the classroom and assigned 3 children to each play area. After 10minutes she shifted them to different play areas and sometimes changed the kiddos in the various groups. It worked out very well. Some of the little ones wanted to change places or go to a different area than the one assigned but she was firm and they complied! Cool beansies!

It was the last day of work for one of the teachers and the administration bought lunch for all and sundry. My goodness, I ate much too much for lunch. I had chosen Chicken Fajitas and they came with absolutely everything possible including extra corn chips, salsa and whatever else can be imagined! I ate all of the chicken, vegetables and sauces but gave the lady I was working with everything else to take home for her kids. I don’t feel like cooking supper tonight but P&D’s Pop must eat so I guess I’ll have to start cooking soon. I should never eat a big lunch. It makes me lazy!

Quote:  The phrases that men hear or repeat continually end by becoming convictions and ossify the organs of intelligence.   ____Goethe

Neighborhood impressions . . .

Snapdragon

Decided I needed to walk the circle last evening. It's amazing how beautiful and calm our neighborhood is. Yesterday morning as I was out for my regular exercise one of our neighbors called to me and wanted me to choose a birdhouse out of the many her Uncle had made over the years. It was so thoughtful. They know how much I enjoy the birds and they themselves have many bird houses on their property. I think we must be feeding the neighborhood with all of our feeders! As I was roaming around I saw a lost Canada Goose. He was flying overhead and honking. I think he must have been looking for his compatriots as he flew by at least three times in widening circles. I don't think I would normally feel sorry for a Canada Goose as they are dirty birds as far as I am concerned but I did feel badly as I've never seen a lone goose crying. I hope he's found his family and friends!

Today we ended up at James's Grill for breakfast and it was an eye opener! The restaurant has been sold and one of the new owners was sitting at a back table.  They have already cleaned up a lot of the junk that had been displayed on the shelves for years and there were no prices listed for the meals! P&D's Pop knew what was coming next when he went to pay. It cost him a whopping $1 more than usual. I have no idea if they will be able to keep the prices as low as they are.  Even paying the extra $1 is cheap.  He always has 2 eggs, grits, grilled sausage and a huge biscuit while I have a large pancake with one fried egg on top along with 2 coffees and refills for about $12. The waitress who usually waited on us came to tell us that she is now the manager and is finding it hard to not wait on everyone.  Rony has been there 16 years!  What's cool is that the cook was the one I like who makes my pancake with crispy edges! It'll be interesting to see the changes as they go along. It's a very old dilapidated building so any improvements will be great.

In the mood to complain about my new glasses which I'll be returning and also to complain about the stand in for my poor sick Cardiologist but in stead I'll just go and listen to my Audible.  That always puts me in a good mood.

Quote:  A picture is a poem without words. ____Horace

Disgruntled I am . . .

House Finch

Mama Eastern Bluebird

Female House Finch

Liked the colours!

Beautiful, beautiful Finches!

That is all for now. I'm disgruntled with Facebook but it's just me finding it boring and also allowing it to waste my time. Not sure if I will be able to control my urge to see how my friends are doing though! So who knows? I might be back there tomorrow!  What a farce am I creating! And to all a Good Night!

Quote:  He is great enough who is his own master. ___________Bp. Hall