Here where I am staying in Central Louisiana there is no wireless access. The only wired access to the internet is in one corner of the living room. So there I have been tied for a while.

Other than checking job boards, e-mails and the social network known as FaceBook the majority of time not spent doing for Grammy and myself has been reading. And read I have. I finished four of the science fiction “Ender” series by Orson Scott Card, read two of Grammy’s romance novels by Beatrice Small and just finished James Patterson’s historical novel on the life of King Tut. More reading than I have done in a long time. Yet time has come to put the books away and begin writing again.

We talk a lot, Grammy and I. She made the comment the other day that I should write a book about my life. Ah well, touching those things of the past do not crush as they once did. It has been a great visit. Mornings awaken with a cup of coffee, a glance through the paper, a first stab at the crossword puzzle, breakfast and a cigarette on the porch watching as the sun slowly begins to kiss the grass in the field behind the house visible through the arches of the huge magnolia, pecan and oak trees. Sometimes there is a fog kissing the field. Watching as the sun spreads warmth and the fog lifts from the grass a foot or so then slowly at first, swiftly soon after begin to make it dissipate into thin air.

If I could live like this forever with the main focus of each day being breakfast, lunch, dinner, gardening, tending the pets, laundry, house up-keep, etc. Wishing I could kill that dream all the while thankful for this last three weeks that has let me live this way here. Another ten days and the journey back to life in Texas will take place.

The next ten days will be busy beyond compare. Staying ahead of Grammy to prevent her from overtaxing herself to soon and re-injure that shoulder is my goal. Not always easy for she is a very determined lady and insist on accomplishing whatever she can manage despite the pain. Obsessed with money, or rather the lack thereof, it is tiring to hear her go on and on about selling Avon or securing part time work, etc. She is too old and feeble for such. My brother and step-sister keep telling me that her finances are fine. Cannot remember a time when Grammy thought she was flush. Maybe like myself years ago, she just can’t recognize when enough is enough and relax. Spending habits have something to do with this. The constant worry and fear she frets about grates on my nerves. I have often maintained that I do not like shopping. It is not the shopping that is so aberrant, it is seeing all the things that I do not need but begin to long for. Grammy loves to shop at thrift stores and the only big game in this small town, Walmart. Yet almost daily her mail is bombarded with catalogs from places she has purchased things. Mistake me not, I love looking through them as well, but there comes a time when I am ooing and aahhing over some item like a Caswell and Massey soap set where I must wonder to myself “do I need this?” This is when I put down the magazine.

As my eldest daughter approached graduation Grammy began to offer the idea she get a job here in Marksville or nearby and live here. She now often makes the same reference that I retain employment here. Without a doubt she is lonely. A fellow whom also goes to physical therapy the days she does offered for him and his wife to take her to the Council On Aging center here in the small town of Marksville. It would be a boon to her to do so, meet other folks and get out of the house at least a few hours each week doing other stuff besides tending to her and her daughter’s dogs. But small towns everywhere, while polite and friendly to strangers do not generally make them feel welcome when the attempt to become one of the community is made. Yet who knows, maybe this Council On Aging luncheons and gatherings will be the place she can gain a few friends, stave off the boredom and loneliness that plagues her.

Grammy admits readily that she does not do things well on her own. Having a partner with her, even her sister who drives her bonkers, is better than going, attending, doing alone. I know many folks like that. Nevertheless, my stay here has been enjoyable. She has gotten to go places, visit folks, and relax through bad days with pain easier for I am here to pick up the slack and drive her about. Just this week she began driving the five miles to physical therapy which is on the total opposite end of town. I drive back home. Amazing how such a short trip makes her feel in control of herself and her life again.

Aghast!  Sitting across the table from Mom trying to pick my disbelieving jaw off the floor, her response was, “You are grown now, I do not have to pretend.”  At age twenty-four i learned my mother was bigoted against negroes.  Cudos to her for hiding it all those years.  “I knew,” she continued, “that the world you would live in would be different so I taught you all to be more tolerant.  But you are grown now.”  Truth is, she’ would never be disrespectful to a black person to their face.  Much to much a lady for that.  It was quite a lesson in how not to let one’s emotions drive one’s actions.

Glad she decided to raise me that way.  Not only toward the negro population of the USA but to be accepting of all folks from all walks of life.  Here to was the lie to be discovered about six year after the first.  Dating a very nice man who happened to be a shoe salesman.  Actually, he was the manager of the store and there were certainly no wedding bells in the future.  Nevertheless, she out and out said he was unfit for me for he was a shoe salesman!  I reminded her the lesson she oft repeated, “I don’t care if a person scrubs toilets for a living, as long as it’s honest work!”  She was humbled for a few moments, then poured herself another drink.

Father, also from the same era as Mom, taught me not to judge a man till you have walked a mile in his shoes.  He truly believed it!  It was his favorite saying.  Likely because he was judged so harshly and as a man with a gentle soul and heart for teaching, it surely hurt.

Stations in life.  What a person does for a living equals who they are.  What you have, drive, wear matters.  The poorer you are, the harder it is to overcome bigotry. These truths cannot be denied to the common American. 

At my father’s funeral I asked a cousin why his brother was not in attendance.  His response dripped with acid, “Likely somewhere across the world with that forgien woman he married.”  I learned the next week he wasn’t.  The brother I inquired with was supposed to call him with the funeral details and had not. 

In the smallish town I grew up in, anything odd or different was ridiculed.  Being different, you guessed it!  Playing with the black kids, reading that wierd science fiction and fantasy stuff and talking about attending college set me apart.  I had a beautiful sister and myself was homely.  It all hurt.  How much more so to folks who have differences they cannot hide or change?

My daughters grew up in the suburbs of Houston, Texas USA.  Four million people there.  Unlike many of my parental counterparts, I brought my daughters all over the city.  Parks near the medical center where bald headed children undergoing cancer treatment played.  Exotic dress or hair  abound.  Listening to music of all kinds, types, ages.  Folks in wheelchairs or with missing limbs shopping.  Down to the China district or a Vietnamese restaurant for the real taste.  And yes, along with the heavy Mexican population there is just as many negroes here in Houston.  Sights, smells, tastes, looks, possibilities.   If you ask them yourself they will say it was great and has held them in good stead in their professional careers.

About two weeks ago an incident occurred that has had me musing about this subject.  Sitting at a red light to the left of the car was a suburban full of children.  In the front seat was the mother and teenage daughter, both with hijab (Muslim hair covering).  Then to the car’s right drives up a truck (had to be a truck, eh?) full of teenage boys obviously just out of school for the day.    They started yelling and screaming obscenities.  My instant reaction was one of anger.  While my hand reached to unlatch the seatbelt with the unthought reaction of getting out of the car and telling these boys to stop being rude, though I doubt it would have come out so nicely, I glanced at the suburban.  Painfully obvious the ladies were scared.  Seatbelt undone and opening my car door the truck sped off for it was in a turn lane and able to.  Laughter drifting back toward the suburban and I.  Our light turned green and with that change came one in my world! 

Here in the precious city I have come to love so well is still the overwhelming hatred of the near unknown.  Where my daughters were taught well the necessity of considering the individual.  Where I have lived and enjoyed the diversity and much unity in the population here.

Causing fear.  Putting someone in their place.  Is that all this bigotry is about?  The mistaken belief that something different is something wrong?  None of this is new.  Why am I surprised?

Considering the temperature never fell below sixty-eight degrees fahrenheit (20 celsius) the skys graduated from partly cloudy, drizzle, rain, downpour and back again to partly sunny.  Knowing the weather that would be hitting us, dressing was carefully thought out.  It was a wonderful ride. 

Mikey invited me along on a family visit, first to his daughter’s.  The two hour ride northeast of Houston took us four hours as he searched for unique, twisty and scenic roads to ride.  Lots of wildflowers remain in bloom yet the predominate colors are yellow and shades of purple.  Definately not the pop and wow of fields of bluebonnetts, but to my wandering eye, it was fantastic.  Once a pair of hawks were so close and one swooped down right in front of us.  His wing span was at least as wide as I am tall!  The sky and roads were clear at this point.  Just as we were leaving the sky began to rain.  Shrugging at each other we pulled on our gear and headed west to his parent’s which was our destination for the night.

About a half hour into the ride was the coldest I would be all weekend.  Fortunately it only lasted a short time.  Though I had my summer riding boots on, I had worn wool socks with goretex content.  Expensive ditties purchased eons ago and rarely worn.  But when out hiking, camping or biking in cold weather, they are priceless! 

Another thing I learned about cold weather riding is to layer, layer, layer and only put ON the layers as you need them.  Oddly enough, I did not bring my cold or wet liners to my jacket knowing the temperatures would not drop very low.  It all reminded me of playing in the rain on a summer day when I was a child.

Homemade potato soup for supper, a good nights sleep with pleasant folks, a goodly breakfast in the morning Mikey and I left the small town near Waco, TX near noon. 

Shortly after leaving the rain started again and here we go.  I almost laughed and giggles through most of it.  The color of the land goes from a light brown, to a redish clay then back to a darker brown as you reach region of greater Houston.  The trees change as well.  From Waco there is a definate mesquite and topping off at about 20 feet of trees.  Traveling Southeastward oaks become prevalent and it is a very beautiful backdrop to some very quaint old towns.  Within the hour continuing you get into the piney woods that have trees as tall as five story buildings standing straight up teaming with life underneith.  Riding through the forests, avoiding the highways, eating excellent Mexican for lunch and headlong into a roaring downpour the last sixty mile to home base.  That last deluge had us soaked to the bone yet with huge smiles on our faces. 

Yes, riding in the rain you must make sure your tire inflation is correct for the load, dress is appropriate and take your time.  If you can’t laugh about the car that just splashed you as it passes, park the bike for fairer days.

Since July I have been Geocaching and last week I got my 100th find.  It is the first of the milestones Cachers pay attention to.

In celebration this week attendance to two gathering “Events” to meet other Cachers and maybe get some know-how.  The other reason to go was to meet other people and expand my ‘network’.  Who knows, someone may know someone who is hiring! 

On the way to the first one the rain was coming down, the sun shining as it slowly sank in the west and to the east there was a full rainbow spanning from the ground to the north to the ground to the south!  I pulled over and enjoyed.

That was Monday night. Many mentioned how small the gathering was, there was maybe 20 folks there, old and young.  I picked up 2 travel bugs (things trackable that move from cache to cache).  Very nice of folks to give them to me.

Today attendance at the second event was downtown at a restaurant/pub during lunch hour.  Again it was mentioned not many were in attendance but of the dozen there, ideas and methods were gleaned.  I was given another travel bug and a Geocoin (another trackable type item that are custom printed coins).  Most folks were exceptionally nice and welcoming.  Some may shy so did not say much. 

Afterward I cached two more near the park then went home and cooked supper.  All in all, a great day and thus far a fantastic week.

     Known for taking advantage of situations to illicit the most good from them, this weekend has not been a failure in this habit of mine.  The Situation unfolds like so:
     1.     My honorable brother Michael Andree is receiving an upward commission as Lt. Commander in the Navy Reserves Saturday 9/5/09.  Our eldest brother will be presenting it to him and my Mom, MeMere, and Step-Mom, Grammy, will be pinning on his leaves.  The invitation arrived a month ago. Lots of family there for the reception 7:00 PM in Houma, Louisiana.  160 miles plus room and board.  Proud as I am of him, initially knew I could not go.  Frugal, you know.
     2.    My good friend and companion, MH2, learned last Friday that Monday he’d be working in Morgan City, Louisiana.  “If you want to escape Houston, Texas for a bit and, Hey! isn’t something happening with your brother or something next Saturday?  Dinners would be on me.”  Morgan City, Louisiana is just 36 miles from Houma, Louisiana.  That is like a ride from where I live to downtown Houston, Texas! 
     The plan was not a far fetched one to make!  A place to stay, a cut in the food cost and -  traveling early, taking my time, being with my friend, seeing friends and family and a wonderful chance to Geocache! 

     RudyDog left in the best of care, Thursday I began the trip to South Louisiana with 3 geocaches found along the route.  Arriving in Morgan City, Louisiana at 9:00 PM hot, sweaty and happy!

     Friday I tackled 9 geocaches between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM.  6 were found.  The first one was in a swamp.  SERIOUSLY!  The red marks the spot in the pictures. Thankfully the water level was low.  The cache,  protected by spiders, spider webs, wicked thorns, soggy ground, thirsty mosquitoes and snakes, was completely soaked through.  The rest were more in the town and not as difficult.  While out these pictures of places and homes were taken.  I enjoyed the day so much but must admit, the shower at the end of it was better than the day.  Dinner was at Scully’s on a bayou with boats passing, catfish jumping and thankfully a lack of mosquitoes while we waited for our fried seafood platters to be cooked. 
Exhausted again, I fell asleep quickly.

     Saturday, as a thanks to MH2, I went did his laundry and some of mine.  Walked downtown through the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival.  Arrived at the big stage just as the children’s costume contest winners were being announced.  Some of these costumes were very clever.  Next was the introduction of this year’s Shrimp and Petroleum Queen, King and Court.  (The formal installation is tomorrow night with a Grand Ball – by invitation only).  Visiting Festival Queens from all around the state were there to wish her  congratulations and represent their home towns.  Oh MY! the crowns these teens wore were elaborate makes and all but one held the theme of the town or festival they represented.  Tall or taller than the heads they were perched upon, they towered with, I am assuming, fake gems depicting oranges, shrimp, fleur de lis, strawberries, boats, etc.  Could not help but laugh as they waved during a picture-taking just like the way I learned a ‘queen’ waved and we would practice as a child.  For the third time that morning the wish I’d have brought my camera overwhelmed me.  Toured the Catholic church there which is 150 years old and has been restored to an amazing beauty.  A walk around the sales / crafts tents and through the ride area I was ready for a bit of rest. 
   Resting consisted of gathering information on two more Geocaches to seek, these were a bit more challenging than the ones in town.  Hot sweaty and happy I returned to Morgan City and found the two I had not found the day before.  Total of 4 this day.  Time to clean up for the evening.  

The Oath given by Col. D. A. Couvillon (Left)

   Michael Andre’s cermony at his home was wonderful.  A two stared General in attendance made some nervous but the whole affair, gumbo, talk and friendly love honoring our active and veterans was tremendous.  Cheers to you, Michael! 

His wife, Wendy, is a complete saint and I adore the affection she has for my brother.   The six daughters they have are adorable and supportive of his endeavors. 

Lt. Commander M. A. and Wendy Couvillon

A good time was had by all.  Uniformed personnel and veterans numbered over 20 in attendance.  Add that to the family gathered and, well, these folks understood.

 Mom and Grammy did not expect me to be there, so my arrival was very welcoming!  Always a good feeling. 

yes, that says 16,682 gallons

   I love Steen’s syrup.  These are the containers in front of the cane mill which hold the makings for the canning process.  In this town there is also a huge rice grainery and the trucks were lined up ready to load all along the side of the mill. 
   Stayed at a friend’s home Sunday night in Jennings, Louisiana just north of Lake Arthur.  They have a small ranch of approximately 30 acres.  Steaks on the grill with mashed potatoes and crawfish etouffee.  Lots of beer and pina coladas later, I slept really well.

This weekend finds me traveling to Houma, Louisiana with a stay in Morgan City, Louisiana.  Yes, lots of Geocaching all by my lonesome is planned for tomorrow, Friday.  Currently at 69 finds.  If all goes well I may capture the first benchmark of 100 before I arrive home on Monday.

Looking very forward to this visit with the family, doing my hobby to an obsessive degree and relaxing by the pool when all is said and done.  I hear tell a Festival is in the works this weekend in Morgan City!  Maybe trip into that on Sunday after sleeping late.  Time to pack and get ready to leave shortly. 

Writing while at home does not seem to flow well.  Hoping that during this trip I will also have some Notable Places, thoughts, pictures and comments to blog about.  Wish me well as I travel some 600 miles there and back.  Yes, some backroads are planned!

     Things have been good, but it has been a while since the descriptive ‘wonderful’ has popped into my head.  From Friday to Sunday was a wonderful weekend filled with friends, fun, food and laughter!

     Friday night had me at Third Coast Comedy in Houston watching friends do improv.  Rip roaring fun!  Saturday morning had me test fitting the curtains and remeasuring things for the final fix.  Afterward near 3:00 PM found me downtown doing a geocache and up walks another lady looking for the same one.  She was from Austin and, you guessed it, I made another friend.  Visiting Houston she had walked from her hotel in the relative cool 95° we have been enjoying.  Her GPS was loaded with all the downtown caches but it was low on battery.  Fortunately it fit the charger in my car, so in my air conditioned car we took on six more caches, finding five, before I dropped her at her hotel at 6:00 PM.  It was a blast and I slept like a baby that night.  Sunday was laundry, move some things to and from the storage and then a dinner with a good friend and ex-co-worker, Anne from Halifax.  Japanese appetizers galore and lots of good chatter later, there is nothing so wonderful as to connect one on one with someone so smart and personable.

     Monday is almost over and it was a good day as well!  A haircut, lunch with #1, ran a few errands and home to re-arrange my room a bit.  RudyDog is doing great.  I am feeling good and looking very forward to going to Louisiana this weekend for a family function.  Serendipitously, MH2 is also in South Louisiana near enough that, his work schedule permitting, we may get together for a day or more.  So more visiting good friends, seeing my brothers, sister-in-laws, mothers, nieces, nephews and childhood family friends is going to be a great time. 

     Wonder what other fantastic things this week has in store for me?

Saying Goodbye

       Henry S. Couvillon

It is not always easy.  
This tug on my heart.
The pride in my veins.
Sadness of being apart.

Life was always busy.
Never without a friendly word.
Concern for others abounded.
Do you realize you were heard?

Teaching was your passion, 
Prying minds beyond their gate,
Opening them to thinking,
Daring them to cogitate. 

There is a time for parting.
A time to weep and mourn.
Folks still think kindly of you,
I am proud to you I was born.

Raen Tate   08/27/2009