End Of The Road

The GPS directs us north toward home. Highway road signs remind us of Mississippi's artists, from William Faulkner to Elvis Presley, who have touched the world. Another "adventure" soon comes to an end. I carefully unwrap and admire my pottery and the artists who made it. For all of you reading our blog, we are glad you joined us for the "ride". Posted by Valerie

Not Empty Handed...

McCarty's

Peter's Pottery

Peter's Pottery and McCarty's Pottery ~ favorites of collectors worldwide, including President George W. Bush.

McCarty Pottery Purchases

My new addition of pottery ...a large jade bread bowl with "the river" running around the edge and two small bowls. I'm very happy with my choice. The bread bowl will have many uses due to it's size. I'm thinking for now it will be a pretty display for fruit on the kitchen island. Posted by Valerie

McCarty's Pottery Entrance

Practically hidden by the tall cane, the entrance to McCarty's Pottery is quite welcoming and provides a quiet and relaxing feeling. Once inside, it's easy to understand why so many look forward to shopping here. Beautiful pottery pieces line the walls inside the old barn. Visible through the windows, wind chimes hang from trees and pottery bowls house green plants. Gale and I study which pieces to buy as a young girl shops for perfect bridesmaid's gifts. Posted by Valerie

McCarty's Pottery

Took a left, and there it was..McCarty's Pottery. Camouflaged with tall cane, the mule barn houses artistic and functional pottery pieces made from Mississippi clay. Posted by Valerie

Delta Heat

The high temperatures found in the Delta, especially when combined with high humidity, is like a double whammy. Hot... hot...hot..According to Merigold's friendly residents, the large shade tree is the coolest spot in "downtown" Merigold. Posted by Valerie

Ease On Down The Road...

More than a frog's jump, but not too far down the road from Mound Bayou, is Merigold, MS; home of McCarty's Pottery, Merigold is a quiet little town. Most downtown businesses no longer exist, but we do notice an "Antiques and Art" sign hanging on the door of one of the aged brick buildings. I try to imagine how things may have been when Marigold was an active little town. The Merigold grocery has a wood screen door and the old meat scales can be seen through the window. An "OPEN" sign still hangs on the door. I can't help but connect to these little towns and suddenly find myself strolling once again down memory lane. My grandparents owned one of the 3 groceries in their tiny town. Their grocery store was adjacent to the U.S. Post Office. A long porch stretched across the front. The porch held a few rocking chairs and a table for playing a game of checkers on a nice day...a place to meet and greet. On cold days, a pot belly stove inside would keep the chill away. One could say, "the front porch fellowship provided it's own warmth". The library, located in the small post office, actually was a bookshelf consisting of about 25 books. A mobile library would replace the books every few weeks. Nearby-across the road, was the railroad track, where the train would run a few times a week. As a young girl, I would walk the rail as if it were a balance beam. Black berries grew along the tracks and I often picked enough to take home for a small cobbler. One day, when the train was scheduled to come through, I watched from across the road as the train neared. I gave a bid wave to the conductor as the whistle blew...toot...toot... then I heard a quick splat...spat...splat...and spotted pieces of wrapped candy scattered on the road! Looking back at the train, the conductor waved a big wave as I smiled. Sadly, times were changing and those friendly acts are no longer permitted. I'm sure this town holds similar stories. Posted by Valerie

Peter's Pottery

My purchases from Peter's Pottery. Next stop...Merigold, MS. Posted by Valerie

Mound Bayou, MS

Mound Bayou, a small historic town founded around 1887, was named for the Indian mounds existing in the area. Mound Bayou is situated half way between Vicksburg, MS and Memphis, TN off Hwy 61. This is our destination for our first stop for pottery. Peter's Pottery has a large selection of lovely pottery...we are certain to find something here. Indeed we did...there were spoon rests, pitchers, plates, bowls, angels, frogs, horses, and on and on and available in several colors. My favorite color is jade. What will I take home today? Ahhh...a small jade bowl, a white pitcher and small jade frog will make nice gifts. With bags in hand, and smiles on our face we carefully place our purchases in the car. I look around to see two couples exit the store without even the smallest bag...everything is so lovely, how can that be?! Oh, yes, they have their husbands with them! Big mistake! Posted by Valerie

Delta Blues

....I went to the crossroad...fell down on my knee.....

The Delta backroads never disappoint. On our photography outings, we usually happen upon someone or something of interest. This road trip provided that. I believe that in order to find an adventure you have to be ready to receive whatever comes your way and take time to genuinely find it interesting. That's what we decided to do-just enjoy the drive through the Delta with cameras nearby and expecting nothing more than a quiet relaxing drive. It was a quiet, dry and dusty Delta day. Clouds of dust swirl around a tractor as it plows through the dry farm land. Not many cars on the highway today ....Rita Coolidge, the "Delta Lady", is singing through my iPod... I'd rather leave while I'm in love...while I still believe the meaning of the word.. My thought breaks as I recall my daughter singing that song for her audition at Libertyland in Memphis. A few more miles down the road and there they are---the crossroads. I snap a picture of the crossroads when we park and hear the legendary song by Robert Johnson being sung in the distance. A little haunting feeling runs through my body. The entertainer has set up his microphone and stool on the patio of Abe's, our destination for lunch. It was a bit surreal for a moment before realizing where the music was coming from. But...once the delicious bar-b-que was brought to the table, my reality was back in check. Posted by Valerie

Memory Lane with~Pork Fat

Frequently used in the rural south for:
Cracklin's
Cracklin' cornbread
Lard (for biscuits, frying)

Maybe we need to pull in here?!
Posted by Vee

Went Down To The Crossroads...

The Crossroads are legendary for the story of the blues man, Robert Johnson and the devil. Our intention on going to the Crossroads was to enjoy some good bar-b-que and sweet tea! Posted by Vee

The Legendary Crossroads at Clarksdale, MS

According to legend, Robert Johnson went down to the crossroads to make a "deal". That event is known to have taken place at the intersection of Hwy. 61 and Hwy. 49 at Clarksdale, Mississippi. As a young man, a Delta sharecropper in Mississippi, Johnson had a "burning" desire to become a great blues musician. He was "instructed" to take his guitar to a crossroad. Alone, after dark, and failed attempts to "hitch a ride", Johnson is met by the devil at the crossroads. It's midnight when the devil took Johnson's guitar and tuned it. The devil played a few songs while Johnson listened in awe, and then returned the guitar, giving Johnson the ability to master the instrument as never before. This was in effect, the "deal". In exchange for his soul, Robert Johnson would became famous for the blues. Johnson's records sold poorly during his lifetime. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 as an "Early Influence". In 2003, Johnson was ranked fifth in Rolling Stone's list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Robert Johnson died August 16, 1938, at the young age of 27, near Greenwood, Mississippi. Posted by Vee

BBQ @ crossroads in MS

Hipstamatic iPhone image

most images on this blog are iPhone images, enhanced with an app

inside Abe's BBQ - Clarksdale MS

Girl Trip - Mississippi Delta

BBQ sandwich and blues music on the patio.

Gale & Valerie with new pottery purchases!!!  Shopping bags in hand at McCarty's Pottery in Merigold, MS-a very sleepy little southern town.

posted by Gee

Another Dusty Delta Day

Home one day and gone again...another road trip; this time through the Delta. Gee and I head south with our goal being McCarty's Pottery in Merigold, MS. Dust is swirling through the dry fields as the land is prepared for planting. It's early spring-not much color along the highway but later, after about 140 days after planting, cotton blooms will announce the arrival of white cotton bolls. Posted by Vee

Home Again....It's About Time!

Home Again.....Angel greeted us with a "woof..woof...woof!" (interpretation = "It's About Time!") We had a great time...I would definitely recommend the American Queen cruise and a visit to Oak Alley Plantation. Things will be different now....Maggie, you will have to get the breakfast buffet ready for Bobby. I think we were spoiled just a little on our cruise. This is my first blog and hope all my friends enjoyed it! Thanks for following it! Gale and I have a road trip through the Delta in two days and we both will be posting to that blog. I've got to get some rest between now and then! Posted by Valerie

Everything Grand!

This trip was about everything GRAND! Last stop before home...the US 82 Greenville, MS Bridge ~the longest cable-stayed bridge span on the Mississippi River...a grand spectacle, indeed! Posted by Valerie

Natchez, MS Day Four

Goodbye waves and expressions of gratitude fill the air as everyone makes their exit from the American Queen. Some will be leaving by plane, others by train, but we will be driving back ...we are not through yet; still a few more sights to see. The trunk of the car is filled with suitcases and memorabilia, guys in the front seat, Southern belles in the back....we have a lot to talk about on the drive home. After several hours of driving, we decide to detour through Natchez, MS for lunch. I chose the restaurant and was under pressure....I was responsible for the driving directions. When we began our trip, I'd mis-interpreted the GPS which resulted in us backtracking about 10 miles....craw fishing, I believe is what Bobby called it! I had to get the directions right this time...no craw fishing..., now, I'll always remember that when I see a craw fish. My directions are "spot on" and we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Pearl Street Past in Natchez. Shrimp Primavera ~ yum..yum! Posted by Valerie

Riverboat Chocolates

Dinstuhl's Riverboat Chocolates On Our Pillows At Turn Down...delicious...hope they sell these in the gift shop!

Another great day aboard the grand American Queen Steam Paddlewheeler...great food...good friends...new friends..songs...dancing...laughing...more food...more laughing with friends..."yawn"...I'm missing my comfortable bed....love you guys..."yawn"...but..."yawn...got to get back to Little Rock stateroom. Off the boat in the morning...not ready to see the cruise end...it's been GREAT~what was that? Looked outside our stateroom~city lights reveal that we just docked in New Orleans....a few hours of sleep, breakfast and then we begin our journey home. Memories made and holding them dear to my heart...thankful for such a wonderful time! The glory days of Mississippi riverboat travel are back! Posted by Valerie

Squall

A short while after boarding the steamboat from Oak Alley, we were notified by our Captain that a squall line had appeared. Winds were strong, the sky was dark, and rain fell....fortunately it didn't last long and we were able to depart and enjoy our moonlit cruise back to New Orleans. Distant lights reflect in the water....another great day of river cruising. Posted by Valerie

The Bridge And Smokestacks

Topped by a lacy cupola, the pilot house on the American Queen is located between two huge black "folding" smokestacks. The smokestacks are lowered to a horizontal position in order to pass under bridges. Posted by Valerie

American Queen Calliope

The 37 note American Queen Calliope...a calliope is also known as a steam organ or steam piano.

How do you pronounce calliope....“call-I-O-pee” or “cally-ope.” Either is correct, but, in 1890 the popular magazine Reedy’s Mirror published a short poem attempting to clear up this pronunciation problem.

Proud folk stare after me,
Call me Calliope;
Tooting joy, tooting hope,
I am the calliope.

Posted by Valerie

Big Wheel, Keep On Turning...

Back on the American Queen and ready for our last fun filled night aboard. Plans are to RELAX, attend the Oak Alley Sail Away Party, enjoy a lobster dinner in the J.W. White dining room at first seating, attend the Captain's Welcome Aboard Champagne Reception, then on to the Grand Saloon for Showtime: "Showboat Jubilee", Music with Jackie and Bob, and the Showtime: "A Memphis Music Story"...don't think we will be dancing with the Steamboat Syncopators in the Grand Saloon tonight. Posted by Valerie

Up The Lazy River....

American Queen waits to take us back to New Orleans from Oak Alley Plantation. New Orleans (N'awlins) will greet us by midnight. In the meantime...up the lazy river... we'll throw away our troubles as we dream a dream..... Posted by Valerie

Boat Or Bus?

ALL ABOARD THE AMERICAN QUEEN BUS...COMPLETE WITH PADDLEWHEEL...

Posted by Valerie

Back To The Boat With Steel Magnolias

So long, farewell...I leave and heave a sigh...Our stop at Oak Alley was one of the highlights of our trip, truly memorable. Now it's on to another excursion. Michael with "Steel Magnolias" by his side. Posted by Valerie

Not Too Shabby...

The guys don't seem to mind Maggie and I shopping in the gift shop at Oak Alley Plantation. Relaxing on a comfortable iron bench, beautiful views from every direction, and a gentle breeze....I think they like it here! Posted by Valerie

Sugar Cane Cauldron

A cauldron once used for sugar cane on Oak Alley Plantation now is home for beautiful water lilies. Posted by Valerie

Back Porch...

There are so many stories that we will never know but learning about the way of life at Oak Alley stirs our interest and imagination. During our tour, we learned there were methods for dealing with insects that made their way in through the night, such as mosquito netting, and fly traps. The fly traps were glass containers, that allowed the flies to enter from the bottom of the jar, enticed by sugar water and a little poison. The flies ultimately were trapped in the jar. Since this was unsightly, a napkin was place over the top of the fly trap. Also, a large scrolled panel above the dining table could be operated by a slave in order to fan the diners. A rope attached to the panel extended from the fan to the corner of the room where the slave would pull and release the fan. We also learned that when the young male suitors would call on the daughters of the plantation owner, a special candle holder was used...one that could be used to adjust the height of the candle either allowing for more courting time or less, depending on how "suitable" the prospect was. Wish we'd used that method when I was younger...it's much more subtle than turning the porch light off and on! Posted by Valerie

Virginia Live Oaks

Live Oak is a symbolic tree of the Deep South. The Virginia Live Oak has a squat and leaning form with a large diameter tapering trunk. The leaves are semi-evergreen, are waxy and resistant to salt spray which allow the tree to live on the southern coast and on barrier islands.

The Friendship Oak, located on the front lawn of the Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, MS, is a prime example of the beauty and strength of the Live Oak tree. Friendship Oak, over 500 years old, survived a long string of hurricanes, including Hurricane Katrina. Current measurements show a 59-foot height; diameter of the trunk is 5 feet 9 inches; circumference of the trunk is 19 feet 9 1/2 inches; spread of foliage is 155 feet. The average length of the main lateral limbs is 60-66 feet from the trunk; average circumference of the limbs at the trunk is 7 1/2 feet; the tree forms almost 16,000 feet of shelter; and laterial roots go out 150 feet. When I visited Southern Miss Campus, years ago, students enjoyed reading while seated on the platform within it's mighty branches. Posted by Valerie

Riverboat In The Distance

I knew they'd catch up with him! Just kidding..of course. The 436 passenger American Queen was provided with traffic assistance so we could comfortably cross the river road for boarding and touring Oak Alley Plantation. Everyone is so happy to see the return of the American Queen! Posted by Valerie

Picture Perfect

Upon my arrival, the beauty at Oak Alley Plantation took my breath away, but the view from the upstairs veranda brought tears to my eyes....I'm not kidding! This has to be one of the most beautiful views my eyes have seen. There's a hush in the air....the Virginia Live Oaks, with sprawling limbs, shield the visitors as they make their way back to the grand riverboat docked on the great Mississippi River. Posted by Valerie

How Old??

Mercy, Me! A stunning feature of this Antebellum house is the colonnade of twenty-eight 8-foot round Doric columns - one for each oak tree. Both the house and the columns and are made of solid brick. Built between 1837-1839 makes the house around 175 years old as of today. Posted by Valerie

The Big House

The Big House...... One word description is grandiose! Quiet, gentle breezes flow as we approach the mansion. I can only imagine the stories she holds. A peaceful feeling comes over me as I walk toward the entrance. In all it's grandeur, it is evident that the house was designed to offer the best views of the grounds and river in addition to providing elegant comfort for her guests.

The mansion on the plantation was built by George Swainey between 1837 and 1839 for Jacques Telesphore Roman. Jacques' father-in-law, Joseph Pilie, was an architect and is considered the likely designer. The house was originally named Bon Séjour (which I believe means "Good Stay"). You see....most southerners are always considerate of their guests and want them to enjoy their stay. How many times have you stayed in your grandmother's home or any other elegant southern lady's and found a carafe of water by your bed, books, crisp linen guest towels and a comfortable bed dressed in pressed cotton or linen sheets?! The mansion has a square floor plan, organized around a central hall that runs from the front to the rear on both floors. Open doors encourage air flow through out the house while the 13ft deep wrap-around veranda provides shade and spectacular views from every direction. Posted by Valerie

A Step Back In Time....

Southern Women - Live Oaks - render strength

Arriving by riverboat (American Queen) to Oak Alley Plantation was like a step back in time. Oh, those glory days of riverboat travel. I did seem to be taken back for a moment after looking out from the second floor veranda and fixing my eyes on the steam paddle wheeler waiting in the distance. What a vision and how grand it must have been to travel down the mighty Mississippi and view the showcase of lovely antebellum homes.

Posted by Valerie

I love that dress!

I love that dress! I'm fine, how are you Sugah...well, bless your heart.....a Southern exchange of warm conversation between two Southern ladies. I personally find that most Southern ladies have a gift for making someone feel comfortable and readily praise a lovely garment, admire fine china and are in awe of sterling silver. As a child, a young southern girl was taught grace, values and manners in order to grow up to be refined, gracious and selfless women. In reference to others, who are not Southern, a quote from Margaret Mitchell's Gone With The Wind..,"They are pretty much like Southerners - except with worse manners, of course, and terrible accents."

Posted by Valerie

One Quarter Mile

What a marvelous site.... a quarter-mile long alley of 28 (14 on either side) magnificent Live Oak trees, each over 250 years old. It's not surprising that this impressive plantation has been home to a number of movies, including Interview With A Vampire...Midnight Bayou...Primary Colors...and the list goes on. Posted by Valerie

I've Got My Eye On You!

Welcome to Oak Alley Plantation, y'all! It's sooo nice to have you here! Everyone was all smiles, especially the guys, as we were warmly greeted by charming "Southern Belles". Maggie, familiar with such charm... a true "Southern lady", herself, decided to "keep an eye" on the situation. The "Southern Belles", draped in lovely period clothing, were as adequately groomed on the inside to deliver a warm and sincere welcome.

Rules of the Southern Belle
-Never wear white shoes before Easter or after Labor Day except is if it is a bride. -Thank you notes are a necessary component of being gracious and appreciative.-Never chew gum or smoke on the street.-Never show anger in public. Smile and act like a lady.-Act helpless and confused when it's to your advantage; never let them know how clever and capable you really are...-Charm, Charm, Charm.-Be elegant and graceful.

Posted by Valerie

Oak Alley

Oak Alley Plantation is breathtakingly beautiful! The quarter mile canopy of giant Live Oak trees lead to the classic Greek revival style Antebellum house. The trees are believed to be over 300 years old. The Live Oak is probably my favorite tree...if I could come back as a tree, it would be a Live Oak!
Posted by Valerie

Day Three Oak Alley

During the night, while passengers slept, the American Queen quietly eased in to dock along the river bank. On the other side of the levee lies the magnificent Oak Alley. I wake early and walk out on the deck before going down for breakfast. It is so quiet and still on the river this morning...I turn to my right and can hardly believe this breathtaking view! Posted by Vee

That's Entertainment....

"Victory Canteen"......Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Of Company B......the talented performers and band did a great job!! Our first night on board has been loads of fun! Now it's time to head to the "front porch" for ice cream. Hope the swing is unoccupied! If not, the rocking chairs are a relaxing way to enjoy a beautiful moonlit night cruising down the river.
posted by Vee

"Victory Canteen"

The girls waiting for the show to begin!
posted by Vee