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

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

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

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

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

Getting Settled....

Little Rock cabin/stateroom is entered from the observation deck. French doors open to reveal a beautifully appointed room with antiques, a queen bed and bath. It's very comfortable in size and even has a small desk, tv and extra sink. It's time to unpack and dress for dinner.

Posted by Vee

Easy Livin'...

Our stateroom, Little Rock, is located on the Observation Deck ~ 4th floor. River Times has all the information we need while cruising down the river....an itinerary of things to see and do....or just relaxing in an easy chair.....ahhh....Easy Livin'.

Posted by Valerie

Port of New Orleans "All Aboard"!!

With suitcase in tow, we make our way through the registration and are graciously welcomed aboard the grand lady. Staff, with shoulders held high, line the walls greeting each guest as we come onboard. Fresh flowers, a grand staircase and handsome antiques provide the feel of a grand antebellum mansion. Was that Rhett entering the Chart Room?!! I feel I need gloves and a lace fan! It is going to be a memorable cruise. "All Aboard"! April 10, 2012 6:30 PM Departure 7:00 PM Weather Sunny 82/63
posted by Vee

And Then There Was Shortcake...

Strawberry shortcake....yum yum!! The shortcake prepared at Commander's Palace was more like a biscuit-not too sweet, just the right balance with a touch of crispness. Fresh strawberries, sweet whipped cream and topped with a crown of powder sugar made this a regal dessert.
posted by Vee

Commander's Palace

Sazerac - a signature drink of Commander's Palace and New Orleans. This was a first for us but now I can relate when someone comments that a drink is "smooth". Our Sazerac definitely was smooth and a pleasant surprise. The entire experience at Commander's Palace was most enjoyable. We all agreed that the meal was wonderfully delicious -service excellent and company delightful!
posted by Vee

Day One - Tallahatchie River Bridge

Headed to New Orleans! In the Delta now...just passed the Tallahatchie River bridge-Ode To Billy Joe lyrics are going through my head! What WAS thrown off that bridge?! A wedding ring, I think?
Sent from my iPhone
Valerie
http://www.allpathsleadsomewhere.blogspot.com/

update from gee:

"It was the third of June, another sleepy, dusty Delta day
I was out choppin' cotton and my brother was balin' hay
And at dinner time we stopped and walked back to the house to eat
And Mama hollered out the back door "y'all remember to wipe your feet"
And then she said "I got some news this mornin' from Choctaw Ridge"
"Today Billy Joe MacAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge"

And Papa said to Mama as he passed around the blackeyed peas
"Well, Billy Joe never had a lick of sense, pass the biscuits, please"
"There's five more acres in the lower forty I've got to plow"
And Mama said it was shame about Billy Joe, anyhow
Seems like nothin' ever comes to no good up on Choctaw Ridge
And now Billy Joe MacAllister's jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge

And Brother said he recollected when he and Tom and Billie Joe
Put a frog down my back at the Carroll County picture show
And wasn't I talkin' to him after church last Sunday night?
"I'll have another piece of apple pie, you know it don't seem right"
"I saw him at the sawmill yesterday on Choctaw Ridge"
"And now you tell me Billie Joe's jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge"

And Mama said to me "Child, what's happened to your appetite?"
"I've been cookin' all morning and you haven't touched a single bite"
"That nice young preacher, Brother Taylor, dropped by today"
"Said he'd be pleased to have dinner on Sunday, oh, by the way"
"He said he saw a girl that looked a lot like you up on Choctaw Ridge"
"And she and Billy Joe was throwing somethin' off the Tallahatchie Bridge"

A year has come 'n' gone since we heard the news 'bout Billy Joe
And Brother married Becky Thompson, they bought a store in Tupelo
There was a virus going 'round, Papa caught it and he died last Spring
And now Mama doesn't seem to wanna do much of anything
And me, I spend a lot of time pickin' flowers up on Choctaw Ridge

And drop them into the muddy water off the Tallahatchie Bridge"