Since my sister, Renee, moved to Louisiana 3 years ago and they built their dream home on the lake, I have enjoyed going down to see them and staying awhile. They came home a few weeks ago for a visit, to see dad and also Bruce’s 94 year old mom, is still living on her own, so they come home every few months to see them. This time, I went back with them in their car and flew home over a week later. It was a fun visit and I always enjoy being down there with them in their beautiful lake home. If you haven’t seen their lake house, don’t miss it and also the porches and outdoor areas. It’s truly a dream home and they are thoroughly enjoying living there. Here’s the update on the black and white tile patio they did last year. They’ve been officially moved in for 1.5 years now and have done a few things after the move-in. This trip, we finally got her bedroom all decorated and finished so I could photograph it, after doing a wallpaper project last August when I visited. I’ll share that next weekend, it turned out beautiful.
Weather this time of year is back and forth in LA, just like it is in GA. It can be cool one day and hot the next, windy and rainy and all in between. It’s spring down there too and all their azaleas were blooming, but the heat hasn’t set in yet. We had a few nice days outside by the pool and enjoyed that. I sat on the porch some too and read a book.
I’m not sure I shared this with y’all, but last year, they had a tragedy happen to their sweet dog, Bailey, who was about 6 years old. A German Shepherd dog attacked Bailey one morning when Bruce was walking him. It happened so quickly and Bailey didn’t make it. Both dogs were on leashes, but the owner of the big dog couldn’t control him properly. It was such a shock to all of us and Bruce and Renee were heartbroken. They weren’t going to get a new puppy so soon, but I checked with the breeder that we got Daisy from and where Bailey also came from and she had a new litter of puppies that were just being born the next week (last October), so Renee talked to her and put their name in for a boy puppy. A new puppy sure is good for healing a broken heart! Riley was born and they brought him home in December to his new home on the lake. He’s a sweet boy and is now 5 months old. Riley and I bonded big time while I was down there. He sat with me some in the car on the way down and we spent a lot of time together. He has such a cute mischievous face and that’s definitely his personality. He’s still in the puppy biting and playing phase, so it was hard for him to calm down and lay down, but he achieved that part of the time. He loved giving me lots of puppy kisses in the face and mouth!
Riley looking in the door, saying let me back in!
He’s such a cutie and I had a lot of fun with Riley.
On that Friday night after I got there, one of the local Catholic churches, St. John’s in Folsom was having a fish fry for Lent, so we got in on that delight. The church was out in the country and we drove out to pick up the meals. The church was beautiful and I had to take a picture of it.
We brought home delicious fried catfish, with potatoes and coleslaw. They also had homemade desserts for $1 each and we brought home those too. It was all mouth-watering delicious! So good, the best catfish I’ve ever tasted.
Renee’s neighbor, Gina, told us that Ocean Springs MS was having an art show that weekend, so on Saturday the three of us took off for the art show and it was a pretty day for that too. We had a lot of fun walking around looking at the vendors and also the shops in quaint downtown Ocean Springs.
Mark and I visited Ocean Springs 3 years ago when we toured Coastal MS and loved it. If you missed that post, it’s a good one and Ms. Daisy was with us and about 6 months old when we took her with us.
It was fun to see Ocean Springs again. We ate lunch at Mosiac, the same place Mark and I had lunch when we were there.
This cute art gallery, The Pink Rooster, is where I bought a painting by a local artist.
Ocean Springs is such a charming coastal town.
We drove down by the water and I loved this house overlooking the bay when we were there last time.
Back at their home in Covington, the girls came over on Sunday afternoon for awhile. Lauren was out of town on a college girlfriends beach trip, so Philip brought the girls over and we got to see them, then Lauren came over later in the week and spent the night with the girls, so we all got in a good visit. They love coming to Papa and NaeNae’s house!
They are all growing up so fast. Alex is 3 and will be 4 in August. Parker is 10, going on 15 and Iris is about to turn 8 this month.
They are cute funny girls. Of course, they argue and fight some as sisters are prone to do. Little Alex wants to do everything her big sisters do as well.
We had a nice day to go outside while they were there and the girls wanted to try out the paddle board and kayaks, so Papa Bruce took them out in the lake and they all paddled across the lake to the other side and back. They did great!
Alex put on her life vest so she could ride with Bruce in the kayak.
The girls had a great time out on the water and it was a fun day outside.
They all 3 love the water and going swimming in the pool and lake. Of course, that puppy, Riley got lots of attention. They love the doggies.
We went out to lunch one day in Covington with Renee’s neighbor, Gina, and had a delicious lunch at Matina Bella.
I got blackened redfish on a salad and it was delicious. I’m a big seafood eater and get all the fish and shrimp and lobster I can stand.
It sure was a relaxing week with them and I enjoyed my time there as always. I read a book, relaxed, and loved my family time.
They have some beautiful sunsets on the lake. The sun sets on the other side of the street, so they get the morning sun and this side gets the sunsets.
Lauren shared this pic of the girls at Easter with their cousins on their Dad’s side and it’s so cute, I had to share. They love their cousins! Parker is growing up so fast and looks way older than 10.
I got back on Saturday in time for Easter Sunday and Mark and I got dressed for church. This is a new outfit from Clara Sunwoo that I was gifted and this purple shade is not something I’d normally buy, but it is a lovely shade and I enjoyed this outfit. I happened to have the scarf already which matched it perfectly. Use this (affiliate link) Clara Sunwoo link for a 10% discount.
Mark and I had Easter lunch with Dad and it wa a nice time. I’m glad we got to do that. We sure do miss mom at these lunches, but we know she’s in a much better place than suffering here on earth. We 3 girls had a good conversation about her when I was down there. We all miss her a lot, but we are glad she’s no longer suffering in her frail body.
Dad is doing really well these days, considering he’s 96. He’s stable, content and still does well day to day. I’m so glad he’s in a good place so close to me and he always expresses how glad he is to see me and asks me over and over “so you live real close to here?” and I always remind him that yes, I’m just a couple miles away and can stop in often. He’s still a jolly guy, quick with a smile, and very thankful for having a good place to live and sleep. I sure am grateful he’s there and it takes a lot off my shoulders to know he’s well taken care of.
That’s a recap of my trip to LA and our Easter celebration. Easter has definitely changed, we can all still remember mom cooking a big Easter meal and making that coconut bunny cake for Lauren and the girls and those Easter memories will forever be with us.
Marcia says
Your sister’s house is so stunning. Does she have a decorating touch like you do? Love her new little dog, Riley. I hope they don’t walk him by that other dog. Can’t wait to see the bedroom!
Rhoda says
Hi, Marcia, yes she loves decorating too and has her own style as you can see in her home. I helped her decorate, but she knows what she likes and which direction she wanted to go. We had fun choosing things for the new house when they were building and she appreciates my input.
Laura Casey says
Such cute pictures…..thanks for sharing.
Judy Clark says
Rho,
I am so happy that you get to spend time with your Sister. It’s so wonderful to have someone to share family memories with. Loosing my Brother two years ago has left a huge hole in my heart. So enjoy Renee, Lauren and those girls. Your entire family are such wonderful people. I am blessed to know them.
You are blessed to have all of them!
Judy
RORY says
Looks like you had a wonderful visit. The kids are adorable and so is the dog! You are a good daughter and sister. Thanks for sharing.
Vera Smyth says
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing
MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA) says
Loved seeing your lovely pictures, Rhoda! You always have such a great time with your dear sis and her hubby. So glad that you were able to see Lauren’s girls. They are beautiful girls and are growing up so quickly!
How nice you spent Easter Sunday lunch with your Dad. Such a nice picture of you both. We keep your Dad in our prayers.
Rhoda, your purple outfit looks so pretty — and your scarf just ties the outfit together. I know it’s not usually a color you wear but it looks lovely!
So sad about your sister’s little dog. What a shock this must have been. I know they really missed their dog but so happy that they were able to get another cute little dog to love! Their little dog is so cute!
Have a blessed week! Thanks, again, for sharing your wonderful family with us!
Linda Schmidt says
What a wonderful message today, it so good to see family together, I too lost my best friend Tuckerboy, he truly was my companion and it is hard for me to think of replacing with another dog. I may have to consider it after your wonderful story of life, little puppies, fish fries, children, the love of water and love of parents
Rhoda says
It was a good week with my family and Riley adds so much life. He and I had a great time!
Crystal Tingle says
Beautiful house.
I was wondering if your dad ask for your Mother. My Mom went first and it was so hard on my dad.
Rhoda says
He forgets she is gone. He’s commented about her maybe 3 times this year. We decided not to keep telling him she’s gone, we will just change the subject. He’s not agitated and I’d rather not make him that way. When he does mention her, it’s all positive, he hasn’t asked why she hasn’t been to see him.