About Calcasieu Parish, LA

Last week, I spoke with the very nice, ever capable Cody Louviere of DeAngelos. Cody clarified that the rumors for an early November re-opening of one of the most popular Lake Charles restaurants are true. My impression is that the opening is not going to be officially advertised, but for those who keep asking "When will DeAngelos Open?" the answer is that the doors will be open to the public this Friday.

From my sort-of-across-the-street vantage point, I've watched the new building rise with the same anticipation and hunger pangs as the many other, loyal DeAngelos patrons. Finally, Margaret Place residents can once again walk to this great dining establishment.

There are so many bullet points as to why DeAngelos was and will continue to be one of the most popular Lake Charles restaurants. Service and food are, of course, at the top of the list.

The first thing I asked Cody about was the staff. 'How many of the old guard will return?" The two Sara's, Christine, Lauren, Jennifer, and of course, Cody are the names I remember Cody listing. I apologize for any I failed to list.

My first impression of the new staff as they walked the parking lot they rent from me recently was excellent. I received positive vibes that they are as excited about the new building and the opportunity to work at one of the most popular restaurants in Lake Charles.

To say that we missed DeAngelos is a massive understatement. I suspect the new hires already know they are about to engage in work at a particularly special restaurant with a clientelle that appreciates excellence in service and food. Which leads to my next questiion of Cody.

"Tell me about the menu...and that you're keeping the old favorites." Cody assured me that I'd be able to get my fix on the familiar Italian Flatbread, their amazing Pizza's, Calzones, salads, etc. Of special note are the additions to the DeAngelos menu that I did not expect, but will undoubtedly enjoy. For fear that not all the new menu items will be served on opening day, I'm going to hold off mentioning the additions, but know that anything that comes from the DeAngelos kitchen will be awesome. At this point in the conversation with Cody, my taste buds went into overdrive and early-November seemed as far away as Christmas to a 6-year old!

Since my conversation with Cody, I snuck in a few evenings ago and was lucky enough to receive a tour by co-owner Ritchie Gregory.

The new restaurant and bar at one of the most popular Lake Charles restaurant is larger, yet retains the same sense of charm and intimacy as before. I was, of course :), particularily impressed with the bar. It is quite beautiful and much more functional than before. The lighting, woodwork, and layout are all improvements over an already impressive location.

Can't wait to see the "regulars" and new faces! Oh Happy Day!

On Saturday, after being made aware of a giant shopping and adoption event being sponsored by the Calcasieu Animal Coaltion, I decided to pay a visit. I was certainly familiar with the location, as the 4 Paws Pet Hotel is where my Granddog stays when it is necessary to board him. So, off I headed to Hardy Road in Sulphur where not only the Pet Hotel is located, but the 4 Paws Society, Inc is based.

The Calcasieu Animal Coalition is made up of the 4 Paws Society, Hobo Hotel for Cats, the SWLA Humane Society, and the Humane Society of Lake Charles. Volunteers from each pf these non-profit groups were manning their booths, showing off resuce dogs and cats, and explaining their missions.

The concept of the event is impressive. Besides the tremendous amount of items offered for sale by coalition members, "Vendors" had purchased space for $25.00 and were selling all sorts of items. Jewlery, baked goods, househould items, furniture, dog treats and much, much more was available to the delight of those shopping for bargains and good eats. I noted experienced vendors as well as individuals who recognized the advantage of bringing their items to this larger venue. More exposure and lots less hassle than hosting a garage sale at your home!

I had read about the program matching dogs and at-risk kids, but it was a pleasure hearing about The New Leash on Life project directly from Beth Zilbert, President of the SWLA Humane Society. As Beth talked to me about the program's success in just 2 short years working with kids at the Juvenile Detention Center, it was obvious that the New Leash on Life program is making a difference for both the kids and the dogs.

Beth explained that the program pairs dogs rescued from the Calcasieu Animal Control with kids housed at the parish Juvenile Detention Center (JDC). The kids volunteer and are chosen based on a number of criteria.The kids care for the dogs that live at the center. Daily feeding, cleaning kennels, learning how to train the dogs in basic and advanced obedience, and making sure the dogs are healthy and happy are the responsibility of the kids.

Humane Society of Southwest Louisiana volunteers work with the kids every Tuesday and Thursday. The kids learn about basic obedience and dog care and are taught a most important philosophy. That is, one that does not tolerate violence or cruelty. Choke chains and pinch collars are never used. Dogs are not scolded or hit in any way nor are they forced to do any obedience skill. The kids, often victims of violence or cruetly themselves, are given a new basic set of skills for interacting with others and the dogs are made more adoptable.

As stated on the SWLAHumaneSocietyInc.com site, "Every time a new child comes into the program he or she is welcomed with a handshake, and congratulations for being willing to save a life. They are also told that now that they have saved a life, that life is in their hands."

I came away from this event inspired by all of the above groups. They desserve our support and provide yet another example of the spirit of Southwest Louisiana.

Recognizing the need for more research dollars to fight lung cancer, a core group of Southwest Louisiana residents met over a year ago to discuss what they could do to take part in this battle.

One of their first actions was to join forces with the National Lung Care Partnership. From this alliance, they learned about the "Free to Breath" walks which were proposed as a cross-country effort to raise awareness and funds about Lung Cancer.

The Lake Area responded raising over $110,000 along with an increase in the awareness of the impact of Lung Cancer.

What sort of awareness? An example that struck many of the 1,200 people who registered for the Lake Area Run.... Lung cancer takes the lives of more women each year than breast, ovarian and uterine cancers combined.

Click here to see photos and information about the March, 2009 effort that was dedicated to the memory of CPA and mom Lisa White. Lisa lost her battle at age 44.

The date for the Lake Charles 2010 Free to Breath run to be held in Lake Charles is set for March 27th. Obviously, that core group grew to a rather impressive bunch of dedicated volunteers who have already started planning for the March 27th event.

This video is one of several PSA's created by the National organization.

MY JOURNEY WITH MY DAD

Sitting beside his chair watching his breaths come less frequent and shallow. I prayed and prayed out loud, in his ear reading scriptures and pleading with Jesus to come take him, no more suffering. That's it I rose, will he breath again? Nothing, then a gasp.

I started thinking of the past few days, my conversations with my Dad. My Dad was a man of few words, a loner, not easy to talk to. I asked my Dad hard questions about my childhood, things I have wanted to know since I was a teenager. Did he regret giving me his name? Did every-time he looked at me did it remind him of the past? You see I am not my Dad's biological child and I wonder was that painful for him, like it was for me?My Dad's words to me was, you was the most beautiful little thing I had ever saw in my life, you have brought me so much joy into my life ever since. God brought us together not man!

Since my Dad's death I have struggles with, Did I pray enough with him? Did he know he was never alone I never left his side. Did I kill him?? by giving him to much medicine, I should have called the nurse in the middle of the night and ask her, was the medicine suppose do this to him. Yes, I knew my Dad had a terminal disease and was dying, but nothing can prepare you to watch your father grasping for air, and there was nothing I could do ,I was helpless. That hurt was unbearable.

My Dad never seem to want much simple clothes, simple things, he lacked in "etiquette" society would say. That is not what I will remember, I will remember he loved me regardless. He choose me

So, Thank you Dad for excepting me just as I am and loving me in your own way. Thank you Dad, for helping me to redirect my life back to God. Thank you, for helping me see, my past is my past from this day forward.and I will not allow anyone to hurt me with it again. Scripture says he throw it in the sea of forgetfulness never to be remember. So when someone close to me uses my past, I will stand strong on your word.

My past has made me a strong woman, a great mother , a awesome wife, terrific mother-in-law and a loyal friend.

So Dad our journey has ended, but mine has just begun.

Most of my friends here on Active Rain know (from my MEME's) that although I live and sell real estate in the beautiful city of San Antonio, TX; I am a Louisiana "Cajun" girl. I was born and raised in the beautiful Bayou State in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Like I say, "you can take the girl out of the bayou but you can't take the bayou out of the girl".

We drove the 5-1/2 to 6 hour trip this past weekend to attend my husband's family Annual Christmas Gathering. With 6 siblings, wives/husbands, children & grandchildren - it's quite a Gathering.

I had been "cruising" the internet for the last month or so, catching up with what's new in Lake Charles and surrounding area. This website is a great site about Southwest Louisiana - if you're going to or through the area, check it out and plan to stop in Lake Charles for a day or two. Oops, back to "cruising" the internet - I found Candice Alexander's website through the Southwest Louisiana website. Candice is a resident of Lake Charles and an Artist. I immediately fell in love with her Art and made a note to try to stop by her gallery while we were home. We had to shorten our visit by a full day and I was running out of time to visit all the places on my list - although, we had a full day of shopping and site-seeing on Friday I just didn't have time to stop by Candice's Gallery located at 809 Kirby St. (in the old Central School Bldg) in Lake Charles, LA. I was disappointed but made a note to visit the next time we visit Lake Charles.

On Sunday, we drove over to Lafayette, LA, to take Don's our two teenage granddaughters shopping for Christmas and out to lunch. We entered the Acadiana Mall at the middle entrance and I was so surprised to see directly in front of me a display of Candice Alexander's Art!!! Oh My!!! I ran, not walked over to it to make sure it was the same artwork I'd been admiring online. It was and Candice was there! I was able to talk to her and tell her that I'd found her website and had been admiring her artwork and had planned to stop by her Studio/Gallery but had run out of time. She was very nice (no we didn't get a picture of her and me, darn) but we DID buy a print!

Here's a picture (from Candice's website) of the print we purchased for our home, entitled, "In Memory of" -- it depicts a Fleur De Lis layered with a tree of life and stacked rock statues on an ocean background. All prints are hand-tinted with a gold or silver wash and torn by hand to create a beveled edge. Prints are also signed, numbered, and embossed with the official logo for Alexander Art Studio.

We haven't had a chance to take our print to a frame shop to have it framed yet. That will be taken care of after the holidays. We already know where it will be placed and plan to purchase a couple more as companion pieces.

When buying or selling a home in San Antonio, TX, you deserve local expertise and advice. Judi Morgan provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers, corporate and military transferees in San Antonio, Stone Oak, Canyon Springs, Shavano and Shavano Park, Castle Hills, Rogers Ranch, Helotes, Sonoma Ranch, Alamo Ranch, Red Bird Ranch, The Dominion, Leon Valley and more.

Copyright 2008. Judi Morgan, All rights reserved.