Lent Begins

Mardi Gras was busier than I originally thought. I went to lunch with Robert. Then I went out to the lake and visited with the Oeys for a while. As usual, they were gracious hosts and I enjoyed the view and the conversation. I came home and got ready for a meeting at church. The meeting was interesting and challenging. Immediately after, I headed to Many High to watch the last two innings of the Many-St. Mary baseball game. St. Mary won, but Many tried to make it a game at the end.

Ash Wednesday was a little less crazy. I went to 8 am Mass and Deacon Mike decided that my forehead was a great canvas for his ashes. Work was uneventful. I did go to Eucharistic Adoration for an hour instead of lunch. I am working on prayer for Lent, and this seemed like a chance to practice some discipline. I enjoyed the time. After work and a walk, I went to Kayla and Larry's for tuna sandwiches to break the fast. Idol was really bad.

Today was less interesting. I got a memo done at work. I got my hair cut. I walked with Kayla and Tippe. I went to Robert and Crystal's for an excellent dinner. I head south in the morning for Baton Rouge and a wedding. Pictures may follow.

Early in Morning

I got some work done around the house Saturday before heading to Mass at 4 pm. I should have gotten to bed early, but I goofed off and ended up going to bed late. So 3:42 am was really early in the morning. The Knights of Columbus chicken dinner was calling.

It was cold and dark, but we got the chicken cooked and everything else setup. By the time 11 am rolled around, nobody had to wait for their lunch and nobody complained about the food. We had sold all the plates we made by 11:40 am. We had just enough dinners. Cleanup was pretty quick, and Tippe and I met Kayla and Carolyn to go walking before 12:30. After a walk on a brisk but beautiful day, I grabbed some lunch then curled up on the couch. Three hours later I awoke refreshed. I watched the NASCAR race in Cali (big winner: Matt Kenseth), the Academy awards (Slumdog Millionaire), and the BASSMaster Classic (Skeet Reese).

Now it's Monday morning and I am going to go to work for a day before a day off for Mardi Gras. Lent approacheth.

Crawfish Friday

Yesterday at 6 pm I got invited to go out to Randy's to eat crawfish. Now, I'm not the biggest crawfish fan in the world, and it's a little early in the season, but I decided to head out there. I'm glad I did. The crawfish were as good as I've had in a while. Randy has quite the setup because he cooks crawfish every weekend. He's got huge commercial pots and burners on a trailer. Randy, Robert, and I sat around a fire, had a couple of beers, and talked about what's going on in the world and in town. I hope more Fridays are like yesterday.

A Real Beaut of a Day

I feel much better today. The weather warmed up and the sun came out, so that helped. It won't last long, but I have enjoyed it. I also got the sign put up at church for the fundraiser Sunday. I had forgotten to do it last week, so I really needed to get it done. Next I have to wake up at 4 am Sunday. That'll be swell.

I made dinner for American Idol night at Kayla's. Chicken, caesar salad, alfredo and breadsticks. Yummy and quick. Idol was fun because the crappy people go home sooner. Plus, a friend of Kayla's is related to Michael Sarver, so we were all very excited that he got through to the finals. Everybody was in a fun mood, and we laughed a lot at dinner. That's a great evening.

Sneeze Blow Cough

So much for a long weekend. I spent all day Saturday in bed with a head cold. Sunday was better. I went to church out at the lake and sold some chicken dinners. I went out and watched the Daytona 500 with some friends and some BBQ. It was fun, but I paid for it today. The cold moved into my chest, so I spent all day in bed again. Hopefully the Nyquil will make me all better for work tomorrow.

Excellent Evening

I had a great night. I walked the dog after a dull day at work where I finished reading a record. I ended up at Kayla's house but they were already headed to Lafayette for the weekend. She called and I sang her the French Happy Birthday song, which I am sure I messed up in a few places. She didn't know any better. Bob got home and I had a drink (or three) with Bob and Carolyn. They were nice enough to feed me homemade eggrolls and meatpies, which were very good. After dinner and nice conversation, I started home.

On the way, I ran into Dr. Boudreaux, who invited me over for a beer. We caught up on our latest escapades and thoughts on the future of the country. Neither of us were very optimistic. They dropped me and Tippe off at home on their way to pick up their daughter from a dance in Florien.

Good food, good friends, good conversation. An excellent Friday night.

Chatting with His Excellency Most Rev. Michael G. Duca

I went to a Diocesan Appeal meeting this evening at the church in Zwolle tonight. Bishop Duca was there, and it was a very nice gathering. But I may have come off as a wino.

A lady from church saw me with a glass of wine and asked me to get her one. I did. She took two sips and said "Ooooh, this is strong." She did not want to drink it, so she handed the glass back to me. Just then, they asked us to move into the next room for a video and a few words from the bishop. I had nowhere to place my wine, so I walked into the room with two glasses of wine and found a corner. I was well hidden until the bishop came and stood right next to me. I was the guy standing next to the bishop with two glasses of wine. Excellent! And we were standing on a platform higher than most of the room, so everybody could see me if they looked at Bishop Duca. Sad thing is, I barely got through one glass, because I didn't like it too much.

I spoke to the bishop for a little while and he is a very nice man with a clear idea of what he wants for the diocese. I like him a lot. Another cool thing is that a classmate of mine from law school, Matthew Tyler Long, is featured prominently in the video for the appeal. He is now Deacon Matthew and will be ordained to the priesthood on May 16.

Sabine Parish Mardi Gras 2009

I had a great weekend. After running a few errands, i.e., stocking up on beer and ice, we picked up Randy and headed out to Emerald Hills Friday night. A couple of the guys cooked some ribs, and we sat around and drank a few beers. We ended the night watching an educational video on HBO Late Night.

We woke up Saturday to a beautiful morning. Once Mom and Dad arrived from Pride, Robert, Dad, and I played golf with Ronny and Pam. The weather was sunny and warm and windy, the company was friendly and fun, and the golf was downright horrible, save for a couple of great shots. We had to stop after 14 holes because we had to get ready for the party, which is perfect because I am convinced a round of golf should be only 14 holes.

After a quick meal with the folks who had gathered at the cabin, I took a shower and put on my fancy clothes (above left). The ball was a blast. The Harmon Drew Group was outstanding. Anyone who didn't have a great time has only themselves to blame. The highlight was when Crystal (above center) was named the 2010 Queen. She was surprised, and a little angry. She'll get over it. After breakfast at midnight, we headed back to the cabin for a nightcap and to debrief. Robert (above right) fell asleep wearing his hairpiece.

Sunday the folks and I got up and headed to Mass in Many. I spent the rest of the day napping/resting. After a great dinner at Kayla and Larry's, I had a very good night's sleep before a low key day at work today.

On the menu tomorrow: Dinner with the His Excellency the Most Reverend Michael G. Duca in Zwolle.

New Shoes

I worked hard Wednesday and rested Wednesday night by going over to Kayla and Larry's and watching Idol. We ate some of mom's gumbo that she sent back to Many with me, and it was very tasty.

Thursday I got a lot of work done, walked the dog, went to church for a KC thing, and then went outr to help with decorations for the Mardi Gras. The place looks good, after a lot of people did a ton of work.

Today I got busy as soon as I got to the office and finished all the projects that I had started. Monday I will start fresh with a new batch, but for now I am caught up. I got my haircut and got some new shoes to go with my costume for Saturday night. I am anxious to get out to Emerald Hills tonight and start partying.

On that note, expect radio silence until Sunday.

Slogging through the Week

On Monday I worked hard to get a memo done. After lots of ruminating, I finally got my thoughts down on paper. I spent Monday night getting the hall ready for the big Sabine Parish Mardi Gras. As usual, we got work done in a very fun atmosphere. After over three hours, we made some real progress.

On Tuesday I woke up early to ride to court. I learned a lesson -- be wary of wading into old arguments between people. I'll try to keep that in mind. I then had a Knights of Columbus meeting to prepare for at 7 pm. I got everything done and then headed to the meeting. We are preparing for a big fundraiser on 22 February. The meeting was productive, and we have a good plan put together. I have more homework to do, and I hope to get it done in the next two days. I got home after 9 pm.

Tippe is starting to hate me because I have not walked her in several days. Hopefully I'll make time tomorrow.

A Busy Sunday before a Busy Week

We had a great time last night. Cara was eloquent and humble and gracious. And she got a sweet statue of a wolf. I was proud.

I got up and played with JP this morning. That's always a good thing. Then the whole family went to Mass at St. Gerard. We had to leave a little early to get Cara to the airport, though. Once I got back to Pride I had to turn right back around and head north. I got home, unpacked the truck, and headed to a Super Bowl party. The company and the food was great, as expected. The game was good too. Everyone wondered why I didn't have anything to drink. I explained that I was still hungover from Friday night.

I'm finally home by myself, and happy to be here. I'm looking forward to a great night of sleep and a good, busy week.