There are Angels Amongst Us!

This has been the best Christmas ever. My first gift this holiday season was the gift of life,my youngest son was unfortunately involved in an auto accident and came away unscathed! A drunk driver ran a red light,cut across two lanes of traffic, hit another car in front of him. He slammed on the brakes but couldn't avoid hitting both vehicles. His van is totaled,but other than soreness, he is alive and well!
My second gift happened on Dec. 18th, my oldest son received his BS in Psychology from L.S.U. He is a graduate of L.S.M.S.A and worked full-time to put himself through college. I am so proud of him!
Just yesterday, I received the re-gift of friendship. After 41 years ,I was reunited with my very first girlfriend, Louise. What a blessed holiday it has been this year!
Louise and I met many years ago in Paris, France, where our fathers were stationed at NATO headquarters, while enlisted in the U. S. Army. We were best friends from 1st through 4th grade. In 4th grade, our dads were stationed in Belgium and right before Christmas, her father was sent to the Vietnam

conflict. I was devastated to lose my best friend. I remember that year asking Santa for a black baby doll for Christmas. He delivered my baby doll and I named her Louise, after my friend. I grieved the lose of our friendship. We wrote letters to each other a few times, but when your father is in the service ,we moved around allot as did she. About 2 years ago, her mother contacted my dad by phone, hoping to speak to my mom. Sadly, my mom passed away at a young age of 54 yrs. of heart disease on Jan. 7, 1988. My dad received Louise's phone number and gave her my number in 2007. I had often wondered what had happened to her and had even written to Oprah in hopes of finding my long lost friend. After speaking to her on the phone, I later learned she had been living in New Orleans, LA., and had to relocate to another state due to Hurricane Katrina. We in fact had both been living in the New Orleans area in 1992, and neither of us knew it! I moved to Missouri in 1993, while she remain there until the devastating Katrina hit New Orleans. She has been in Okla. since the storm that changed her life. I moved back to LA. in 1997 and have lived here now, for 12 years. It has been wonderful speaking to her on the phone but this past Monday, I actually was able to have her come to my home and see her once again after all these 41 years of being apart. I am so blessed to say, she is exactly like I remembered her to be. She is beautiful, kind,sweet and deeply spiritual, just as she was as a young child and the bond of friendship and love that we shared all those many years ago has not changed through all the years and miles that separated us!

If the end of 2009 is any indication of what 2010 will be like -who could ask for anything more. I am so blessed. My cup overflows! I am convinced that there are ANGELS AMONGST US!

Different methods of seasoning your cast iron pots

These are photos of our seasoned cast iron pots cooling off,after the coals were removed.

This is how to season your cast iron pots outside. While we were enjoying our trip to Chicot State Park,we decided to "season" one of our new cast iron pots in the outdoor grill using charcoal brickets. We first coated the pot and it's cover with vegetable oil. Applying the oil liberally to the inside and outside of the pot,making sure the entire pot/lid were covered. We then placed the lid and pot separately in already hot coals and covered the pot/lid with the hot coals. The pot was turned upside down and left until the coals were completely cool. Once cool-wash with a cloth or a plastic scrubby and dish washing liquid,making sure to dry thoroughly. Voila,your newly seasoned pot is ready to use on the stove,in the oven or outside over coals. Many of my relatives cook only in a "black pot". They swear that food always taste better cooked in a cast iron pot.It has been used by the Acadian people for many,many decades to serve up our many favorite delicious foods.

Below is an article that I googled on the proper way to season your pot in your oven. Source for the info. below: whatscookingamerica.net

How To Season Cast Iron Pans and Cookware:
You season a cast iron pan by rubbing it with a relatively thin coat of neutral oil (I stress a light coat of oil).NOTE: Use vegetable oils (canola, sunflower, etc.), shortening (like Crisco shortening) or lard for seasoning your cast iron pans. I recently experimented and found out that food-grade coconut oil/butter also works great.
Place the cast iron pan, upside down, in the oven, with a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom to catch any drips. Heat the pan for 30 to 60 minutes in a 300 to 500 degree oven. Once done, let the pan cool to room temperature. Repeating this process several times is recommended as it will help create a stronger "seasoning" bond.
The oil fills the cavities and becomes entrenched in them, as well as rounding off the peaks. By seasoning a new pan, the cooking surface develops a nonstick quality because the formerly jagged and pitted surface becomes smooth. Also, because the pores are permeated with oil, water cannot seep in and create rust that would give food an off-flavor.Your ironware will be slightly discolored at this stage, but a couple of frying jobs will help complete the cure, and turn the iron into the rich, black color that is the sign of a well-seasoned, well-used skillet or pot.
Never put cold liquid into a very hot cast iron pan or oven. They will crack on the spot!
Be careful when cooking with your cast iron pots on an electric range, because the burners create hot spots that can warp cast iron or even cause it to crack. Be sure to preheat the iron very slowly when using an electric range and keep the settings to medium or even medium-low.
Important: Unless you use your cast-iron pans daily, they should be washed briefly with a little soapy water and then rinsed and thoroughly dried in order to rid them of excess surface oil. If you do not do this, the surplus oil will become rancid within a couple of days. Remember - Every time you cook in your cast iron frying pan, you are actually seasoning it again by filling in the microscopic pores and valleys that are part of the cast-iron surface. The more you cook, the smoother the surface becomes!

Now the magic can begin. If it were up to my husband,everything would be cooked in his many black iron pots!

Chicot State park

Since our wedding 25 years ago at the Day Chapel at St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church,in Scott,LA.,was a small intimate one,it seemed only natural for us to celebrate our Silver anniversary in an intimate setting also.
What can be more beautiful than sitting on a deck out over the water at Lake Chicot,in the Fall.We left on Nov.1st,all Saint's Day,for all the Catholics out there.The timing couldn't have been more perfect. We arrived at Chicot State park in Evangeline Parrish,early afternoon. Hidden from view ,down an incline and sitting up on stilts was the deluxe cabin,we would call our retreat for the next few days.
We quickly unloaded our gear and foods and libations,put some coals in the bbq pit and grilled steaks.Add to that, bbq baked beans, french bread with butter, boudin and ice cold beer & a fine Padilla 1932 cigar and you are relaxing outdoors Louisiana style. We had a bonus treat,cool weather,not rain cloud in sight,a full moon, gorgeous shows of color as the morning and evening sun highlighted the varying hardwoods and conifers that lined the lake. After watching the moon rise high against the blanket of twinkling starlights,we cuddled up,inside, near fireplace,along w/bourbon laced eggnog . The only sounds were those of birds,crickets and an occasional hoot of a distant owl and and a crackling fire.The cabin has windows ceiling to floor and afforded us a magical view of the beauty of full moon shimmering on the lake. One old cypress tree jutting out of the water reminded me of a a carved profile of an angel with praying hands. This set the mood for a very lovely evening. It is said that a picture paints a thousand words. Enjoy!!

FULL MOON NAMES-SOURCE:THE OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC

Full Moon Names

Historically, the Native Americans who lived in the area that is now the northern and eastern United States kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to the recurring full Moons. Each full Moon name was applied to the entire month in which it occurred. These names, and some variations, were used by the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior.
Our Moon Phase Calendar provides the exact date and time of full moons.
Month
Name
Description
January
Full Wolf Moon
This full Moon appeared when wolves howled in hunger outside the villages. It is also known as the Old Moon. To some Native American tribes, this was the Snow Moon, but most applied that name to the next full Moon, in February.
February
Full Snow Moon
Usually the heaviest snows fall in February. Hunting becomes very difficult, and hence to some Native American tribes this was the Hunger Moon.
March
Full Worm Moon
At the time of this spring Moon, the ground begins to soften and earthworm casts reappear, inviting the return of robins. This is also known as the Sap Moon, as it marks the time when maple sap begins to flow and the annual tapping of maple trees begins.
April
Full Pink Moon
This full Moon heralded the appearance of the grass pink, or wild ground phlox—one of the first spring flowers. It is also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Fish Moon.
May
Full Flower Moon
Flowers spring forth in abundance this month. Some Algonquin tribes knew this full Moon as the Corn Planting Moon or the Milk Moon.
June
Full Strawberry Moon
The Algonquin tribes knew this Moon as a time to gather ripening strawberries. It is also known as the Rose Moon and the Hot Moon.
July
Full Buck Moon
Bucks begin to grow new antlers at this time. This full Moon was also known as the Thunder Moon, because thunderstorms are so frequent during this month.
August
Full Sturgeon Moon
Some Native American tribes knew that the sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this full Moon. Others called it the Green Corn Moon or the Grain Moon.
September
Full Corn Moon
This full Moon corresponds with the time of harvesting corn. It is also called the Barley Moon, because it is the time to harvest and thresh the ripened barley. The Harvest Moon is the full Moon nearest the autumnal equinox, which can occur in September or October and is bright enough to allow finishing all the harvest chores.
October
Full Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon is the full Moon nearest the autumnal equinox and is bright enough to allow finishing all the harvest chores.
November
Full Beaver Moon
For both the colonists and the Algonquin tribes, this was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. This full Moon was also called the Frost Moon.
December
Full Cold Moon
This is the month when the winter cold fastens its grip and the nights become long and dark. This full Moon is also called the Long Nights Moon by some Native American tribes.
Note: The Harvest Moon is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. It can occur in either September or October. At this time, crops such as corn, pumpkins, squash, and wild rice are ready for gathering.

Ca fait beau! Fall,my favorite season.

Usually, by the first week of October,I have finished with harvesting any last remaining cayenne peppers and collected the basil seeds for next years planting. Fall is my favorite season. I eagerly look forward to the first cool front,the first time I'm be able to put on a pot of Gumbo or soup without turning the air conditioner's thermostat down. ha,ha.
As a crafter that uses Nature's bounty, I go into my hunter/gather mode,always on the lookout for sweet gum trees waiting for their prickly balls to fall ,tall pine trees with both large and small pine cones,pine needles, Job's Tears, acorns and nuts that are ready to be harvested. It is a great time to gather Magnolia leaves and preserve them along with red maple leaves. I use a Gel Medium,(an acrylic medium,often used in acrylic painting),painting on the top and undersides of the leaves. Gel medium is available in both matt and glossy finishes. It is white in color,but drys clear and is very effective in preserving the leaves. It can be found at most local crafting and hobby stores. I like to use gold spray paint and gold glitter spray paint also on Magnolia leaves and use these in wreathes, flower arrangements,placed under candles in a circle for decoration and table centerpieces. While searching for my bounty, I take walks and occasionally will find an empty bird's nest, if I am lucky. I only take those that are on the ground, in case the former resident would want to return home, again next year.These are always a nice addition to your Christmas tree-add a nifty surprise and deviation from the usual ornament.
Ca fait beau!! Here in S.W., LA.,we rarely get lucky enough where it is cold enough for a jacket this early in the Fall season. I intend to take full advantage, perhaps light a fire in my outside fireplace and enjoy a mug of hot chocolate and watch the flames lick the steel grate surrounding the edges of my black iron fire pit and give thanks for Nature's bounty and beauty as we transition into another season. A season of giving thanks,religious holidays filled with children's laughter and good foods, fun and loving family time.

Introducing my alter ego-Madame Grand Nez

Hi everyone,With Autumn here and all Hallows' Eve approaching, my alter ego,Madame Grand Nez, will emerge from the swamps in the Atchafalaya basin. She will renew old friendships, gathering the little children around her as she shares with them, her adventures in the damp,mysterious basin. It is also time to tell the tales of the old ways and bring in her harvest of healing herbal remedies to treat those in need of healing,before winter sets in and she returns to the murky bayous to tend to her swamp friends;the gators,egrets,blue herons and the nutria rat . Here are a few photos of her.