Louisiana Trip - Day Five - Opelousas to Jasper, TX

Leaving Opelousas this morning, the day is once again COLD.  That's okay -- a car with seat warmers and a great attitude are all that we require.  And coffee.  Brew and Scoop - a coffee and ice cream spot - is today's winner.  The order goes in and while we wait, a group of people sitting and chatting have me chuckling to myself.  I'm not passing judgement here -- at all --- I just found it humorous that a mixed group (meaning men and women) were sitting and loudly discussing breast feeding pros and cons.  Even Mister can't keep from smiling.  The coffee is good - personally, I think it was better than yesterdays, but I'm still refining my palate.

Going southwest, about an hour later, we are in Crowley and we stop to walk around a bit.  A beautiful church stands on one corner and we find ourselves making that the first place to explore.  Saint Michael The Archangel Catholic Church was established in 1897.  It is of Italian Renaissance architecture and cost about $40,000 to construct.  The current renovation, which was completed in 2015, cost approximately $2.8 million.  Goodness.  (Two cameras, two developers - I have brightened all my pictures to show detail -- Mister's show incredible atmosphere)

Louisiana Trip - Day Four - South of Opelousas

It's another grand day in Louisiana.  A bit chillier than I would like, but I hear it is that way back home too.  Apparently the South is being hit with crazy cold temperatures for this time of year.  We'll just make it work --- it's all about attitude, ya know.

Last night at dinner, Lacey gave us a recommendation for coffee this morning.  That is first up on the agenda is Java Square Cafe, housed in an old bank building.  One of the reviews we read said, "Perfect little off beaten coffee shop. . . used to be an old bank . . .they have precious seating in the vault . . walls laced with  nostalgia settled in downtown Opelousas among street murals and oak trees."  Yep, spot on.

Louisiana Trip - Day Three - Natchitoches to Opelousas

Good Morning Natchitoches!!!  Did you hear that as Robin Williams said it?  At any rate, we are packed up and ready to depart this wonderful city.  I truly to love it here and could easily see living in the area.  Yep, I like it that much.  Our view on the river this morning is interesting.  It appears that a large "lily pad" type event is taking place, but moving quickly and by the time we get out our cameras, it is almost too late.  Can you see it drifting away?  At one time the whole area was covered.

Louisiana Trip - Day Two - Natchitoches Area P.M.

Welcome Back to the afternoon!  Hahaha --- we've had so much fun already and this day is going to keep going.  It is our "Plantation Day."  When we left Oakland, we followed the park ranger (for lack of a better title) over to Magnolia Plantation.  The Park Service does not own the "Big House" here but other parts are remarkably well preserved.  One of the first things we notice as we park is the row with many slave cabins still standing.  We start at the plantation store, by getting a map of the area and are soon off and exploring.  The store itself is not open for viewing like the one at Oakland was.  Here it is used as an admin area.

Louisiana Trip - Day Two - Natchitoches Area A.M.

Good Morning!!!  We have a beautiful sunrise view on the water today and LOTS planned.  I've had to divide today into two posts due to that.  Even still, grab a cuppa as this baby is LONG, but amazing.

Louisiana Trip - Day One - Texas to Natchitoches

Autumn almost always means a little getaway for my sweet Mister and I.  This year we have decided to do a little road trip into Louisiana (kind of a last minute, spur of the moment idea) and have booked an AirBNB for the first couple of nights in Natchitoches.  In order to keep this account real, I need to share the confirmation email we received upon booking:

"Hello folks, welcome to Louisiana. Let me manage expectations a bit- I need to update Airbnb page. The approach road is full of potholes. Somehow related to Louisiana politics so that’s part of the tourist experience.

The house water smells like well water does. It is true, I can’t deny it.

The dogs bark at the pig when she comes in the doggie door, and when they hear something upstairs in your apartment (normally the swinging door into bathroom). This should last just an annoying moment or two.

Your apartment is reached via outside staircase. The motion lights are not yet lined up optimally so a flashlight is at foot of stairs. Nights are bright in the moonlight, but this week we have dark, star-filled mornings.

Oh yes, in fact the shower has only one temperature. I can adjust that. The heat control for air is on your wall.

I will leave your key on the table.

I’ll be at our flea market until 2 pm tomorrow. It is located at 121 Miller Drive, one mile from house.

You are welcome to come to the house anytime tomorrow. No need to wait for official check in time.

Lastly, I am the token white at a black full-gospel church across the street. As in fish-net stockings, big hats, best wigs, disco lights, and lots of dancing. The preacher is a prophet. Do you remember in Oh Brother Where Art Thou, the blind railman who prophesied the cow on the roof of the cotton house? He’s like that. Anyway, a fun 3-4hour service on Sunday and you are invited."

It appears that fun times are headed our way --- good thing we are always up for an adventure.  As we drive away, one quick look at the colors surrounding our home.  Now, let's get going.  Fun lies ahead.

Denton with my Sweetheart

My sweetheart wants to get out of the house a bit and has plans to play near Denton this morning.  His hopes for a place to sit around Lake Lewisville at Willow Grove Park don't come to fruition, but we are able to walk around a bit and enjoy the surroundings.