Lagniappe (lan-y'ap) is a regional term you'll hear around here from the locals. It means 'a little something extra' or 'a little gift'. This morning I received a text from Zeke (yes, violating school cell phone policy) when he arrived at school here at the end of the semester. Seems one of his favorite teachers, a coach and Florida alum/fan, arrived this a.m. only to find 'lagniappe' tied to a pole outside his portable classroom. With jaws tied shut, an 8' alligator was there to greet Mandeville High students and staff on this glorious spring morning. Remember, this IS Lousiana where alligators are as common as dogs and probably understood better than most of the other voodoo around here. Great senior prank to honor a great Gator fan/teacher whom they all love. Funny thing is that the Wildlife folks (Zeke said they looked like 'bouncers') didn't arrive to get the poor critter until about 10:30! No guns, no media, no helicopters circling. Nobody hurt. Seems the suspects are two football players who wrestle ('rassle') gators might've done it, but no proof. Just lagniappe for the teacher, and for me. I needed that to start my day! There is hope that harmless (well, mostly harmless) mischief still exists, goes un-caught and unpunished. This was truly good for my soul!
We are in the midst of festivals down here. Shrimp are abundant and cheap. Crawfish are even cheaper. It's also 'snoball season' at stands everywhere (kinda like sno-cones but not really...they are truly divine!). It's hot, muggy, and buggy. Seems like somebody flipped the switch last weekend and now it's not getting cool at night. Same temperature outside when you grab the newspaper off the porch in the morning as when you have your glass of wine while walking the dog to the bogue late at night to hear the frogs and smell the magnolia and sweet olive bushes. Flesh-eating gnats are everywhere and I'm experimenting with various repellants (any successful findings will be reported). Victoria's Secret Vanilla lotion seems like the most highly recommended around here. Meanwhile, I'm waiting for okra to come in because a cajun buddy tells me to cut it up and saute in onions/bacon grease with a tsp. or so of vinegar (to kill the slime). Gotta try that! Another local tells me that they eat thistle around here. Peel off the husky skin, cut & marinate in vinegar/salt/pepper like cucumbers. If this works I'm thinking it's a breakthrough for those simply fighting that nasty weed back in TN! Just eat it! Every day is a culinary adventure here. We haven't even scratched the surface. Did I mention the huge cabbage and carrots thrown from the St. Patrick's day floats? Do you remember the veggies from the radioactive seeds they planted on Gilligan's Island? Yep, that size! Everybody was makin' Irish Stew (or feeding a guinea pig like we did for weeks!). They live to eat down here more than anyone would ever believe.
Zeke surprised all of us with academic honors at the awards ceremony. (We thought we were there for Perfect Attendance! :) ) Jacob and Ellie have smoked their classes as well with honors all around. Thanks to teachers in two states for making learning so much fun (most of the time) and thank you Lord for getting us thru this first kinda tough transition year! Now...just get me thru the ballet recital this weekend!
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