Stage rush training at an early age-

I am a stage rusher, I admit it.  Apparently I started very young.   My Dad worked for Schlumberger many years ago, and they used to have an annual picnic.  One year, they invited Cadet Don to attend the picnic.  Cadet Don was a character on a local children's television show (real name was Al Eisenmman).  He is sitting on the stage and that is me sitting on the stage next to him.  I'm not sure what I was looking at, maybe I was bored and waiting for the next entertainer to come out on stage.  That is my sister in the red dress.  This experience would serve me well later on in life as I have rushed many stages.  Who knew? 

The Old Days

I thought it would be fun to post old photos.  This is one of my birthday parties, but I'm not sure which year, maybe 10th or 11th birthday.  Present were top row from left:  David, Michelle, Me, Melissa, Kristina.  Bottom row from left:  Brian, Julie (Michelle's sister), and Trent (David's brother).  I hung out quite a bit with David and Trent in my youth, but the others not so much.  Shame I was not nice to Kristina at a slumber party years later, I must admit we put peanut butter in her ear.  No excuse, but I was young. I connected with Kristina on Facebook recently and she is actually a nice person.  Anyway, we all look to be having a good time and notice the cake has a rock band on it, my parents knew me too well. 

Where I could spend hours...

Cafe Du Monde - Original French Market in New Orleans

If you are in New Orleans, I would recommend you visit Cafe Du Monde for something cold to drink (iced coffee was perfect) and their world famous beignets.  I wish I would have noticed that guy's shirt that said "wish you were...."  and gotten "here" in the photo. 

You posted a picture of that cat, I demand equal time

Minneapolis July 2011

With a cherry on top please

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is an 11 acre park  It is one of the largest urban sculpture gardens in the country, with 40 permanent art installations and several other temporary pieces that are moved in and out periodically.



Hanging out on one of the sculptures

Many consider the gardens one of the boldest and most unique displays of art in the country, if not the entire world.

Who can turn the world on with her smile?

Mary Tyler Moore, that's who.  Minneapolis, July 2011

Random shot along a Texas highway

Texas - Great job on your welcome center

I have to say my home state has done a wonderful job of creating a very nice welcome center.  While leaving Louisiana on I-20, we made a stop at this welcome center.  The "Welcome To Texas" sign was actually at the entrance to the center, thus reducing your chances of getting run over by a car flying by and it featured a large Star made of rocks to signify The Lone Star State.   

 

Tree in the middle of the road - Brayton, Iowa

The story of "THE TREE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD”.  A surveyor was marking the line between Audubon and Cass counties and used a slender cottonwood branch as he walked. When the line was established, he pushed it in the soft earth at the exact point where the lines crossed and where the present crossroad was to be in later years. The switch took root and it has grown into today’s tall and widespread 100 foot tree. 

It took us a while to find this landmark. We talked to several locals and finally ended up going in the right direction, driving 6 miles on an unpaved road.  Quite an adventure.