The Belle River bridge seems to be operating correctly now. There is still a drop because the river level is so low, but it’s not much. The warning devices are still up and I I would expect them to stay that way for awhile.
Contrary to local gossip, the latest annual boat parade did take place and it did pass through the Belle River bridge, coming past my house and going up river a way, then returning. Rumor had it because the bridge mechanism was not working properly, any boat parade would start at Graveyard Island, go to the bridge but not through then turn around. The only correct part of that was the number of boats. There were four pretty big ones and one smaller. All lighted top to bottom, front to back. I couldn’t tell you who they were even if I wanted to.
When the boat parades were longer I used to sit on the end of my dock, ringing a hand school bell and yelling Merry Christmas as they passed. At least one friend said they’d heard me even over the music. I stayed inside this time, no bell and I did yell Merry Christmas but I doubt anyone heard me. Still, it was nice to have even a short parade.
I haven’t driven through Pierre Part much lately so I can’t even comment on the lights although I saw a few. My neighbor to the north has her porch pillars lighted and it looks like something on the river side is lighted but that’s about it for my side of the river. I’m a little ashamed to admit I have nothing Christmasy inside or out.
I will be leaving for New Orleans on Dec. 25 and meeting with a sister and boyfriend from Michigan, a granddaughter and husband from Orlando and a daughter and boyfriend from Pensacola. At this point the only feature on our visit is food. At least several are foodies. Sadly I’m not one of them. And I have become so entrenched in my private comfort zone, living alone with just a dog and cat, that I’ve become a “browser.” Sort of eat when I want and what I want. This trip will be good for me. I hope!
I did have a short, nice chat with Mr. Huet. He was waiting to have a freezer repaired so we didn’t talk long. I told him that I had had one hummingbird at my feeder, even after the cold weather and wind. According to what Mr. Huet has told me and what I’ve read, the hummingbirds should, and probably have, flown south and I’ve read they will stay for six months before returning. This one might have been a lost one. It hasn’t been back. I’ve learned that the only breeding hummingbird in Louisiana is the ruby-throated hummingbird. I have also learned that hummers are often referred to as “flying gemstones” because their wing structure reflects and bends the light, sort of like a drop of oil in a pool of water making them have a variety of body colors.
My sister is flying south from Michigan and has been keeping a careful watch on the weather. She and I are happy to note that next week the temps will be in the 70s. Not exactly Christmas weather but not bad for a few days. I attended a water board meeting recently and half the board members came in T-shirts and short pants!
My iPhone and my computer have been subject to upgrades lately and I am still trying to figure things out. I guess if you’re young and want to play games, read everybody’s FB pages, look at all the news, et al, these upgrades are nice. But I just want things to stay the same.
I did want to make a note of telling you that my Blood Orange tree has been loaded with huge, beautiful oranges but I just noticed that my Satsuma tree has exactly one orange. That’s it. Maybe if we get some more cold something will happen. The two trees are not far apart so I’m wondering what might have made one “fruit” and the other not. Could a new house next door have anything to do with it? I’m open to information if you have any. Maybe by the time this is printed I will have Satsumas~!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year all!
Teche News’ Lower St. Martin correspondent, Linda Cooke, can be emailed at lindacooke1939@ gmail.com.
