AND THE BEAT GOES ON...AND ON...AND ON

By

Gypsy Rhapsody

 

The "beat" of friends and family celebrating is the best "beat" of all.

 

The weekend started off with a birthday party for Paul Begnaud.

Paul was 92 years old.  Vannie and Dave picked up their friend, Gordon, and

headed to the party.  Lots of folks, food, fun..!!!

 

The king is in his counting house counting out his money.

Paul lives in an old bank building that he renovated.

The kitchen is actually built in the old vault.

 

"Ole King Cole was a merry ole soul"

The king and his subjects

Dave used to work for Paul in the drapery business.

He attributes Paul to teaching him so much about drapes...

making them, hanging them, and pleasing the customers.

 

Dave used to work for this pretty lady, too...Coleen Vigé.

Coleen bought Paul's business, and she is still making and designing drapes.

 

The king's palace...Paul lives in an old bank building

right in the middle of Scott.  His art collection is phenomenal.

Well, looky here...dueling airstreams.

Kathy and Howard and their Airstream arrived for the weekend.

They were coming in to see the big Youngsville parade.

It was so nice to have another Airstream to "shoot the bull".

Remember...Kathy and Howard actually own this property.

 

The City of Youngsville had lots to do to get ready for the big parade.

Here are some barricades waiting to block off hoards of people trying to catch beads.

Everybody loves those beads.  They just seem to want more and more.

They are shiny and pretty...and I do like shiny.

The Hot Item for this year's Mardi Gras...Boudin King's cake

V and D loved it. 

 Boudin is in the middle, cracklin's on top, and Steen's syrup drizzled all over.

Perfect for breakfast before the parade at 11:00.

What a beautiful day for a parade...and a cookout.!!!

I was all a-dither.

Grandson, Cooper, digging in to a yummy burger...

Now...those beads are big enough for me.

Throw me something, Mister.!

Kathy, Dave, Diane, Ashley waiting for the parade...

Love those suspenders, Dave...and that hat is the "cat's meow"... 

Peace to you, too.!

The beat of the drum announced the coming of the Comeaux High School Band.

 

P L E A S E ...More beads...

 

The Tabasco Dancers

Even I can see that they are HOT...

I loved this purple one.

Look at that loot.!

Hope they were careful when they stood up.

Burgers, Baked Eggplant, Potato Salad

There were beef burgers and chicken burgers.

 

Diane, Ashley, Cooper

 

T-Pop and Papa

Dave and Ashley

Cooper calls Ashley Papa, so Dave is T-Pop, which means Little Pop.

Howard and Kathy Matt

Airstream Buddies and our Landlords

The Parties Over...

It's been a great one.

 

Leaving for Austin, Texas tomorrow...

 

...and the "beat" continues...

 

 

 

 

 



...AND THEY CAME

By:

Gypsy Rhapsody

 

...and they came.

 

I have literally been a celebrity for the past 6 weeks.

 

Things I heard friends saying...

...It's really Gypsy.

...I can't believe I am finally getting to see her in person.

...She looks so good.

...Wow, she is really comfortable.

...How old is she?

...What are those red numbers?

(FYI...those numbers are our Airstream Club membership numbers.)

 

 

 

...and they came.

Grace and Richard Qualls

Grace and Richard live in Lafayette half the year and the

other half in Pagosa Springs, CO.  V and D have visited

them many times in Colorado.  Vannie said it was nice to

get to return the favor.  Grace taught with Vannie.

...and they came.

Ann and Doug Dalme

V and D have known and loved these guys forever.

Vannie taught with Ann for years and years and years.

One afternoon we heard a knock on the door, and

there they were...just dropping in. 

What a nice surprise.!

...and they came.

Beverly Whitaker

Beverly is a church friend from way back.

She came for a visit on a very rainy messy day, but

it was nice and dry inside me.  Great visit.

...and they came.

V, D, Ann Simmons, Marie Boudreaux, Gordon Bilello

We were celebrating Ann's birthday.

Vannie taught with Ann, skied with Marie, and bought condos with Gordon.

Long time friends

I was loving this.  

 Lots of stories and laughter

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The next several pictures were taken when Vannie and Dave

left me during the day.

 

Vannie was subbing at Milton Elementary.

The cutie pie little Chinese girl entertained the

students with some wonderful acrobatic acts.

Isn't this a beautiful table setting...!!!!

V and D were invited for supper at Carla and Dwight Nelson's house.

Great Great Nephew, Benjamin Brown

Vannie and Dave headed to Ruston one weekend to

celebrate with Ben and his family for his 2nd birthday.

Vannie's BFF...Lois Mills

Having a cup of tea with Lois is one of Vannie's highlights while in Laffy.

What...Another Kale Soup and check out that

hot water bread in the background.  YUM.

This one has garbanzo beans in it. 

An other-nighter with Cooper...

No, I have not added trampolines...these are at the new hot place in town...Sky Zone.

Love this little restaurant down the street.

It was a great place for Cooper to bounce his ball

and do a little skating with his cool shoes with the rollers in the soles.

My friends...my friends.

These are Airstream friends.

The Acadiana Airstream Club had their annual Mardi Gras Rally a few weeks ago.

The King and Queen were taking their bows. 

Vannie and Dave loved being here for this Mardi Gras tradition.

Mardi Gras Luncheon at Chris Adam's.

Broadmoor Retired Teachers Luncheon

Vannie said that Chris had outdone herself with the beautiful

Mardi Gras decorations.

One of the guests, Liz Leach

Liz was preparing yummy oven baked eggplant.

Liz taught with Vannie at Broadmoor.

 

Just had to end my blog today with this awesome picture.

 

Feeling blessed in Louisiana

 

(Vannie said to tell all her friends if their picture didn't show up in the blog...it wasn't because she didn't love them...it was because she forgot to take a picture.  She and Dave want to take this opportunity to thank every one for all the great food, love, and friendships that they have been blessed with during this extended visit.)