Rayne and Maurice, LA - Nov. 13, 2010

Rayne, LA is not only the city of murals, it is the
Frog Captial of the World!  So, the whole small
town is full of frog murals, each one more clever
than the last one.  Each time you turn a corner or
go another block, a mural pops out at you to give
you a smile or a gigle or just go "Wow."

We arrived at the Annual Frog Festival around 10:30 am, wandered around, snacked on goodies...Richard's sausage po boy, tacos, bloomin' onions...gastronomical delights!

Checked out the craft show nearby, then back at the stage for the frog-jumping contests.  The crowning of the queens for the various age groups had just ended.  The little kids were the cutest, but I'm not posting their pix here.  It was fun watching how delicately the little girls carried theirs up to the ring.  Then they'd put their frogs on the green X and at "go" they'd stomp their feet or do anything they could think of to make the frog jump.  (Not allowed to touch them.) 

Vicki and I thought the tiaras and the frogs were a wonderful juxtaposition!

 Before leaving, Vikki had to try the fried Oreos, as she is a chocoholic, too.  She shared with all of us and we agreed it was a delightful, sinful dessert. 
 
 After leaving the fairgrounds, we searched out eye-feasts around town.  This one was really colorful.

And this one was just downright fun!

We appreciated the thoughts on the sign  next to Monsieur Jacques - a wonderful way to express our oneness with each other. 



The day couldn't end yet, although that would have been plenty.  We had to stop at the Cajun Jam at Touchet's in Maurice, LA.  Several other couples from Betty's RV Park were also there, so we had a table for 8. Although the bar scene isn't one we generally do, we had heard so much about Cajun music, we just had to sample it.  Touchet's is a wonderful example of encouraging young people.  This bar is the site of the Cajun Culture Association meetings and the accordian player in the photo below is being supported in his musical education by the association.  This 15 year old has only been playing for a year but is already very accomplished.

Here's a photo of some of the players.  As it was a "jam", various musicians took the stage...there were three guitar players, two drummers and three accordian players.  Several of the musicians played several of the instruments.  The music was all in their own special language, but you didn't have to understand the lyrics to enjoy.  Several couples danced to some of the numbers, and they reminded me of how much my parents liked to dance.  One older gentleman offered to get me out onto the floor when I commented how much fun they were having.  I declined...but it was sure great to watch them.  Calvin served free food about 5 pm and we feasted on red beans and rice, cole slaw and bread pudding.  He does this every-other Saturday...another reason to visit Abbeville and it's varied activities.

What a wonderful day of enjoying and learning about another culture and new friends.  We are so blessed!