She's still 50 miles away--but I can't resist a short side trip to show you the remote site where outlaws Bonnie and Clyde were ambushed. The bullet-riddled car is on display at a casino in Primm, Nevada.
The nearest town-- Gibsland, La. Proud of it's dubious claim to fame--- hosts yearly "Bonnie and Clyde days" festivals.
The Marker appropriately shot up a bit. Here's an FBI synopsis: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/history/famous-cases/bonnie-and-clyde
So on I go to West Monroe---and there she is--my sister Dr. Bobby Jean----(last name omitted)We've not seen each other in many years---though we chat by phone occasionally. I try to explain my mission to her.
She arranges for me to meet the extended family this very night.
It's a traditional crawfish feast. Messy affairs-- so we eat in this garage. Most of those folks are related to me somehow.
Crawfish-- boiled---hard to believe people eat them.
Dumped hot from the cooker onto a screen---note the corn and potatoes. Waste is dropped into the center and fall into a garbage can. People shell and eat till they're full.
Believe it or not, I've never eaten one-- till now. Sis shells a few for me till I get the hang of it. Not bad--like small lobster tails---(still not thrilled)
Meet Jeff---my nephew and host. And that's Wolf--his son.
Skylar---his daughter has something to show "uncle Poppy".(that's what everyone here calls me---Poppy---I like it) She's bringing these two live crayfish to her pet.
A rare and friendly albino raccoon.
Not camera shy
Makes short work of the crawfish.
This is one of Jeff's houses. Woah !---what does he do for a living?
Jeff's wife,_Denise--mother of Wolf and Skylar--, mistress of this mansion .
Turns out, alligators paid for this mansion. I persuade my nephew to give me the story tomorrow.
Now back to the secret I'm after: How to raise exceptional kids---My sister raised 4 of them: Autonomous personalities all. Meet Dr. Donna _______my Niece who drops by and attempts an answer. What did Bobby Jean and Dr. Al-- do right-- to cultivate 4 such worthy, contributing citizens. (Trust me, the other two are equally independent and productive) She said: (I paraphrase) There's no great secret----just cultivate values into your children like Momma did with us---with consistency. Could it be that simple? mmmmmmm
Now here's a teaser for tomorrows entry. This giant is a "nuisance" gator---brought in by a guy who specializes in removing them. IT ATE THE FAMILY DOG---and winds up in Jeff's facility---He handles such cases as a public service.
The main business here is to raise hundreds of thousands of gators from eggs to 3 year olds. Will show you tomorrow----brace yourself.
RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: So far--so good---I'm liking my family and they seem to like me---- intrigued by this curious nomad----puzzled how I managed to live so free so long without working.
It is nice to discover that you like your relatives. So, are you going to tell us the values that mama taught you and were passed down?
ReplyDeleteI used to play with crawdads when I was a child in Colorado but never thought they were food for people. When I was in Slidell, the locals took us to a seafood feast set up similarly and there were huge piles of the crawdads. First time I ever ate them and I thought they were good but not spectacular.
Poppy.....Of course they like you! And what made you doubt that you would like them when you find the likable in most everyone you run into.
ReplyDeleteI took some nice photos when I was in Gibsland last year. Did some blog entries on the area. Crawfish down here in South Louisiana is wonderfully seasoned which is what I like the best about them. They are my second favorite food after boiled blue crab.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be a nice juxtaposition to have your family get your story and write the next blog entry about this sentimental journey back home.
ReplyDeleteRandy, you coming through Arkansas?
ReplyDeleteA BRILLANT CHILD WHO DROPPED OUT ON OUR COMMUNITY AND GOD TO EXPLORE THIS LIFE THAT IS SO SHORT BUT FILLED WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO LOVE GOD AND PEOPLE ALL AROUND YOU. AS JOHN TILLOTSON SUMMARIZED,HE WHO PROVIDES FOR THIS LIFE, BUT TAKES NO CARE FOR ETERNITY, IS WISE FOR A MOMENT, BUT A FOOL FOREVER. CALLING A PERSON A FOOL IS DANGEROUS AND MAKES ONE WONDER IF THEY ARE THE ONE IN DANGER OF HELLS FIRES., WE FEEL HE DID WHAT HE LOVED, MISSED OUT ON LOVING US, MADE SOME GOOD POINTS AND STORIES, BUT MISSES THE COMMUNITY OF FAMILY. HE SUBSTITUTED RV'S FOR US. WORKS FOR HIM, NOT US. STILL LOVE HIM. SWEET SIS
ReplyDelete