Lake Charles, 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!

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.

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.

November 11th, all across Southwest Louisiana, school children and others joined to celebrate Veteran's Day. On this Veterans Day in Lake Charles, I witnessed tomorrow's citizens and walked away with a smile.

All too often we hear depressing stories of "Today's Youth" that make us think we want to pull the covers over our heads. Not today.

I witnessed one of the two musical celebrations of Veterans Day; "This is America 2008" Presented by the Soaring Eagles Chorus of Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School and led by Elayne Gabbert, Director.

The talent and accomplishments of these students are unbelievable. Then you realize they are only fourth and fifth grade students (age of the Chorus I enjoyed). I had to continually remind myself of the student's true age.

The other impressive part to the story is that someone is taking time to teach PATRIOTISM.

We actually stood and said the pledge of allegiance, sang patriotic songs and heard many toe tapping new songs that the young people enjoyed singing along with the older tunes that the audience expected to hear. The time went so very fast, I felt I had just arrived, when it was over.

I attended this program expecting to hear my Grand Daughter sing a solo. Her solo was wonderful and brought tears of emotion as I witnessed a pivotal moment. My Grand Daughter has a WONDERFUL voice that I had not heard previously. Grandmother became aware of the fact that her very first Grandchild is growing into a Wonderful young Lady.

It has been wonderful to see that the educational system in Southwest Louisiana considers Patriotism important and worth keeping alive. The Schools are taking time to bring attention to what our Military has accomplished in years gone by, but also continue on a daily basis to provide on our behalf. Without these sacrifices we would not have the freedoms that we have and the ability to demonstrate against our government if we are in disagreement or to view such wonderful programs as today's patriotic tribute.

As a Grand Mother, a former teacher, and as a proud citizen, "Thank You" to the public and private school systems across Calcasieu Parish and all of Southwest Louisiana.

Déjà vu (pronunciation;French)"already seen"; is the experience of feeling sure that one has witnessed or experienced a new situation previously (an individual feels as though an event has already happened or has happened in the near past). This is the definition provided by Dictionary.com. This is exactly my emotions as I take a moment to write this post today. I am calling my clients in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana with vacant properties to remind them to prepare for what could be a rough few days and trying to prepare to vacate the area if needed. We are told that most residents will be more cautious and not wait as long to leave this time. This is wonderful news.

Two years ago, when we returned after Rita, I created a page on my website that has become a little dusty, thank goodness. This page, however, has a lot of information and especially links that will assist you in a time when you need to prepare for an emergency of any nature. Please visit the site and take from it any helpful information that will make life more comfortable and safe for you and your family.

I would also like to point out that there is a link to Southwest Louisiana Contra Flow Maps. The maps will hopefully, should they be needed, prevent confusion as to traffic flow at a time when the stress level will be at maximum.

Please forgive the brevity of this post. I am trying to complete my many task so I can concentrate on preparing for the safety of my family and personal home as well. I did want to bring my http://Awareness.derenda.com out of the shadows in hopes that is would be of service to someone.

Rita and Katrina taught Louisiana residents many lessons. Our State will not be caught unprepared. We will work through this, if it comes our way, and move forward with the enthusiasm of before. I am so very proud of the people of Southwest Louisiana, the progress we are making, and the future I see for our communities. Storms are detours not barricades. Stay safe and see you when the rainbow is visible.