Thanks to Bob Southard of Marietta, GA for bringing this to my attention.  If you enjoy following NASA activities, you might like to step outside in the evenings to see the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle passing over Baton Rouge.  Sunset this evening is 5:04 p.m.   The weather forecast this week varies from sunny to partly cloudy, so the skies could be clear enough to see them. 

For more interesting NASA information, you can visit http://spaceflight1.nasa.gov/realdata/.

THE FOLLOWING ISS SIGHTINGS ARE POSSIBLE FROM FRI NOV 20 TO SAT DEC 05

THE FOLLOWING SHUTTLE SIGHTINGS ARE POSSIBLE FROM FRI NOV 20 TO TUE DEC 01 

 ONLY DAYS WITH SIGHTING OPPORTUNITIES ARE LISTED

My favorite time of year ... when all these azaleas are in full bloom!  My backyard neighbor installed a border between our yards with lagustrum and bradford pear trees down the middle, indian hawthorne bushes on his side, and these gorgeous azaleas on our side.  Thank you, Mr. Frank.  We return the favor by taking care of the azaleas, especially watering when they start to droop in the hot summer months.  I get worried as soon as I see a little droop ... these plants are just too beautiful to think of losing them.  Hope you all enjoy the slide show. 

In the early 1920's a 640-acre tract of plantation land was purchased by Alfred St. Amant for the purpose of developing a new neighborhood.  At that time, surrounded by farmland and swamps, the new neighborhood was outside of city limits, and water had to be piped from a nearby artesian well.  An interesting article about the history and ambience of Southdowns, "The Center of the Universe," was written by Ed Cullen.  (The Advocate, March 22, 2009) 

Situated within walking and biking distance to the Louisiana State University, this subdivision has the significant advantage of being close to shopping areas and Baton Rouge Beach, as well as City Park Lake and University Lake.  Naturally, it is a preferred housing location for many LSU faculty and employees as well as students.  According to data provided by OnBoard, LLC, almost 70 percent of residents have an undergraduate or graduate college degree. The average household income is $86,426. 

The Southside Civic Association (SSCA) represents 12 subdivisions, including Southdowns.  It exists to  "preserve and promote the character and quality of life of the Southside area--one of the most beautiful and desirable areas in our city."

The Krewe of Southdowns runs its famous Mardi Gras parade through the neighborhood on the Friday night before the Baton Rouge Spanish Town parade.  Some call it a "warm-up" for the big parade the next day.  What a great place to live to have a front-seat view of Mardi Gras!

Full-service restaurants nearby include the Acme Oyster House and Parrain's, both serving Louisiana seafood specialty dishes.

There are only six homes for sale in Southdowns, ranging in price from $153,000 (1,295 sq ft) to $1,595,000 (5,368 sq ft).  If you or anyone you know is interested in buying a home in Southdowns or any other subdivision in the area, please call me.  I would love to assist you in your home-buying plans.

 Call Sallie at (225) 266-3562

Here we are at the the 4-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and right in the middle of another storm season.  So far this season has been an easy one with no major storms.  However, residents are getting prepared, and taking care of our pets is a major concern.  

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine played a major role in the rescue and care of pets from New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.  The school's website provides important informaton for anyone living with pets in storm-prone areas. 

Ky Mortensen, director of advancement for the Equine Health Studies Program, has written a book entitled Horses of the Storm: The Incredible Rescue of Katrina's Horses. The book review states that in the midst of Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005, was born the largest equine rescue ever. Ky presents readers with a collection of gripping and ultimately inspiring first-hand accounts of how the LSU's Equine Rescue Team spearheaded a dedicated group of heroic staff and volunteers that saved hundreds of horses. Horses of the Storm will also contain take-away tips to prepare horse owners before, during and after a disaster. This book is available in paperback on-line at Barnes & Noble (www.bn.com) and Amazon (www.amazon.com). ****   A portion of the proceeds goes to the LSU Equine Health Studies Program. (reprinted from LSU website)

For more information on hurricane preparation visit:  http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu/hurricane_information.htm#Pet_Owners

This photo from my own collection is the sculpture/fountain in front of the LSU Vet School.

Congratulations to the homeowners for a lovely yard and garden.  You make us all proud to be living at the Lake at White Oak.

18533 North Lake Shadow Dr.

Beautifully designed and landscaped yard with an inviting entrance and

gardens to view along the way toward the front door. 

Great job!  Congratulations to the homeowners.

Members of the Baton Rouge Art League gathered at the LSU Rural Life Museum to decorate for the organization's 75-year Diamond Jubilee Art Exhibition and Sale.  This annual event is held to raise funds for the purchase of a painting for the Art League's permanent collection.  Guests are invited by Art League members, and attendance is by invitation only.

Carol Arabie and Jamie Berdon arrange a large vase of willow, palms, and other greenery.  Jamie stuffed a half-dozen fresh, large, white hydrangea blooms in the bottom of the vase to make an attractive base for the plants. 

 The Baton Rouge Art League was organized in 1934 to:

1.         cultivate appreciation of art among its members and the community,

2.         hold an art exhibit each year,

3.         try to purchase one painting each year,

4.         work toward developing art in the public school curriculum, and

5.         present a scholarship to an LSU student native to Louisiana.

 The Art League's permanent collection of artwork hangs in the Louisiana State Archives.

April 2009 Award Winner

5648 North Shore Drive

This beautiful home sits at the entrance to the north side of The Lake at White Oak Subdivision.  A wide expanse of colorful gardens and green lawn gives owners and visitors a welcome invitation to see more of the neighborhood.  Congratulations to the homeowners.  We appreciate you!

About 3 years ago I started exploring my family's history on ancestry.com, and rootsweb.com, and all over the internet, looking for any website with information about my ancestors.  All of my documentation includes as many old photos as I can find.  And there's another project -- scanning old slides and black and white negatives.  My relatives have been very helpful in putting up with me and my requests for scanned images of their old photos.  After the scanning is finished, I might end up with a great photo, but if not, then there is the restoring phase.  That's the fun part.  Here is my most favorite photo of my grandfather (on the left) and his older sister.  Don't they look like little angels?

 The first photo is the original digital image that my cousin sent to me.  The one below is my restored version.

I used JASC Paint Shop Pro to make the enhancements.  The clone tool seems to be the one that I use the most.  I just copy a small portion of the photo background and paste it randomly around the area to cover up scratches and imperfections.  Some photos might take some time to fix, but I think one hour is the most I have spent on any one photo.  When the results turn out the way I like them, and I can turn around and share the photos with family members, it is well worth the time.