The Voges Girls

To many family is something they try to escape from, but our family has always been quite close. Some of my fondest memories are from time spent with my family. So, it should not be surprising that I was very excited when not only my mother, but also my cousin came to visit me!

They were here for two weeks and in that time we had a blast. Once again, I will put only a few pictures on here. The rest of the pictures are on Facebook for all of you who are my friends there. It's taking me some time to post all of the pictures because the website is giving me fits. So, bear with me.

The first Saturday of their trip we made an excursion to Destin but all the public beach parking spots were filled so we paid $10 and went to the lovely National Park and swam in the most beautiful water I've ever seen! Warm and clean.

On Sunday our highlight was having drunken chicken with Larry's Dad and family. Monday we decided to stop at the Resort for buffet breakfast, which is the best in the area, before heading out to Fairhope and Malbus for the rest of the day of shopping. By that evening we were pooped and very happy to be home.

Tuesday I had to work (the only day that week so I'm not complaining) to make sure everything was ready for payroll that Friday since we were going to New Orleans for the next three days. On Wednesday, after a delectable Southern breakfast at Cracker Barrel, we we drove through to New Orleans.

Our first stop in NOLA was the Visitors Bureau for some transportation tickets. We could carry cash with us but digging out exact change every time you want to board a street car (for which you need exactly $1.25, no more, no less) but a card is so much easier. The pass we bought is $12 per person and valid for 3 days. Granted we didn't use all of the money, but it was worth having the convenience.

Our first sight-seeing took place in the French Quarter - after all, what else would one really go to New Orleans for? It didn't disappoint. The beautiful structures, brookie lace, wet-hot humidity, and that lovely sour beer/ urine aroma that makes you breathe a little slower.

All jokes aside, it was a wonderful experience. The first day I was stung by a bee and apparently handled it like the superhero I am. Thank God I am not allergic! For dinner we visited Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro across the road to which we had a coupon for free cheesecake with the purchase of two entrees. It also happened to be the birthday of my uncle (Lynn's father). We celebrated for him by having two of his favourites: Jack Daniels and some cheesecake. We think he feels honoured. Maybe a little jealous, but at least honoured.

The second day we were drenched by rain doing the pedestrian thing on our way to Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter for delectable bad-for-you beignets and cafe au lait. Afterwards we wandered around a little more before heading over to Vacherie to visit the St. Joseph Plantation, which is still a functioning sugar cane plantation.

The going rate for a plantation tour is $15.00 per person. The tour began with a video on how sugar cane is made. We were all quite surprised to learn that brown sugar is no more "healthy" than white sugar. It is simply one process of refinement less and is brown because of the molasses left in it. Funny how we will run with ideas...

After the video we were taken on a tour of the house which is not as "big" as I thought it would be and the number of bedrooms quite few. The bottom level of the house which is now the gift shop and a display area used to open, and was later enclosed for storage and then as two families lived in the same house - each with 16 children or something to that effect - the bottom level was closed off for more room. I'd say!

That evening - being our last - we decided to eat at the famous chef of the area, Emeril Lagasse's restaurant called Delmonico's. We even made a reservation. However, the street car decided to take it's time and we were close to missing our reservation so we decided to hop across the street to Houston's. It didn't disappoint. We had grilled artichoke as an appetiser which tasted like lamb had been on the same grill - delicious!

On our last day we moseyed around the River Walk on the Mississippi River and shopped for some last minute souvenirs, etc. before driving home via Biloxi, Mississippi, and Mobile, Alabama.

I think we took it easy that weekend. The next week I had to work a bit more frequently but only from 8:30 to noon. So, it wasn't too bad! My mother and Lynn hosted a South African Roast Dinner one night to which we invited Larry's mom. Mom cleaned my house as all visiting moms probably do and the kids don't complain, because I can't honestly say "I wanted to do that!".

I think I'm missing some trip information here but anyway, I've kept you long enough! We went to see a real Rodeo on the last night of their stay. If I had known about all the bugs I would have worn jeans. Now I know why they give you fans. Not to keep you cool, but to keep the bugs at bay. Lynn got her cowboy fix and we got some great photos and some video- thanks Larry!

But, seeing family is always hard for me regardless of how wonderful and long the stay was. Thank you Mom and Lynn for coming all the way out here to visit us. We wish you could have stayed longer but we'd be broke. LOL!!!