Family in Louisiana

 Cullman,   AL

We took a quick trip to Louisiana over the past weekend.  We left on Thursday and got back this morning.  Daughter Cassie's youngest Jeremiah turned two last week.   Cassie's big sister D'Juana gave him a birthday party.   Cassie talked to her father two weeks ago and was telling him about the party.  She asked if we would be in Louisiana and able to attend.   He told her no, sorry we would not.     She didn't know but we already had planned on going.   We wanted it to be a surprise.

We left Thursday and drove about 250 miles and stayed at a motel in Laurel, MS where we have stayed often in the past while on these trips.   The motel needs to LOT of work done to it.   We decided next trip we go somewhere else. There were few guests, mostly construction workers.  We noticed there were many empty rooms and it looked like they were torn apart.   We were told every room was getting a makeover including carpeting, new fixtures in the bathrooms, etc.   It needs it.

We got on the road Friday for the remaining 340 miles.   What an experience.   First thing was a pickup whipped around us missing a tractor by inches in the other lane.   Had he connected we would have been hit.    A short time later the driver in front of  us slammed on  their brakes, causing Len to almost rear end it.

We have friends that live near Baton Rouge.  Often when passing through the area we will meet up with them at the Waffle House in Walker, LA.    I contacted Judy the day before and arrangements were made.   This is Judy and her husband Leonard.

As we continued on we would cross over the 

basin.   This involves an 18 mile bridge over mostly swamp land.    We were on the south bound bridge.  Near the north bridge end there was an accident causing a stand still the entire 18 mile length of the bridge and about another two miles.

Glad we were heading south.    Continuing on we noticed an RV awning laying on the side to the road near Lake Charles.   Right after crossing the Lake Charles bridge there were two RVs in front of us.  We saw the one in front of us had its awning post has flopping around and there was no tag on the RV.  Then wow..... the side of the RV came off.   Plywood and fiberglass flying everywhere, including over our car.  Luckily we were not hit.  Close call.

Relieved to get to the motel.   And more than relieved that this motel was fairly new, clean and beautiful.  The next issue.  D'Juana, husband Joe and grandson Jared would be meeting us there.  D'Juana had made the reservations.   They were registered, we were not.   The desks clerks had suspicions.   The motel is Cobberstone Inn and Suites.   It is in Vinton, LA.  There is also one in Vinton Iowa.   Sure enough we were registered in Iowa.   They said this is a frequent mix-up.  LA or IA.    They got it straightened out quickly.

I had texted Lens sister Sissy earlier in the day to tell her he would be in the area.  She got busy and notified brothers, etc.    Dinner was at 6:30 over in Orange, TX. just about 15 minutes from the motel.  We got on the road and arrived about 70 minutes later.   Yup, another crash causing a major delay.  We were not the only ones late as two of Leonard's brothers were in the backup.

This whole ordeal exhausted Biscuit.

What a great evening we had.   This is Len, Sissy and three of Lens brothers.

Lots of pictures were taken the included the spouses.   Unfortunately not on my camera.  But here we are with Leonard being a wise azz.

The party was the next day.   D'Juana made all the arrangements.   OK, another story.  She rented the Rec Center near where Cassie lives.   D'Juana and family live in Arlington TX a five hour drive.  When they got there to set up the building was locked.   And it was WINDY.  They called the woman who was to open the building.  She said she was coming right over.   Never happened.   We made do outside. Knowing D'Juana this woman can expect an ear full!

As we planned Cassie was surprised and thrilled to see that we came down.   We are glad we surprised her.

Jeremiah getting into this cake.   (not thrilled with the hair cut)  But he has the brightest, blue eyes ever.

Cassie, Josh and Jeremiah.  

D'Juana,  Cassie's daughter (our granddaughter Clara) and Cassie

That evening Cassie, Jeremiah, D'Juana, Joe, Jared, Len and I had dinner at Texas Roadhouse.

Even with all the traffic issues and exhausted from such a quick trip and we are so glad to went.

Until next time.