Molly's Country Memories

Molly's Country Memories

The memories and happening in the everyday life of a country girl

Friday, April 30, 2010

Angola State Prison Rodeo and ST Francisville, LA....part 1

A couple of weeks ago Baby Boy and TT took a trip over to La to attend the Angola Prison Rodeo. While there they stayed in a beautiful cabin in St. Francisville.
The Louisiana State Penitentiary (also known as Angola and "The Farm") is a prison in Louisiana operated by the Louisiana Department of Corrections. The prison is the largest maximum security prison in the United States[citation needed] with 5,000 inmates and 1,800 staff members. It is located on an 18,000 acre (73 km²) property that was previously the Angola and 3 other plantations owned by Isaac Franklin in unincorporated West Feliciana Parish, close to the Mississippi border. The prison is located at the terminus of Louisiana Highway 66, and the prison is about 22 miles (35 km) northwest of St. Francisville.[1] Angola is surrounded on three sides by the Mississippi
You can read more about Angola here. It has a very interesting history and beginning and a very brutal past. But today it has a very strong work system and is quite interesting to read about.
My post today is about the Rodeo. This is the 3d year in a row Baby Boy and
TT have gone and they said it was one of the best Rodeos they have every been too.
Angola Rodeo History
35 Years of Guts & Glory
The Angola Rodeo, the longest running prison rodeo in the nation, got its start in 1965. The first arena was small, built by a handful of dedicated inmates and personnel. It wasn't much in those days, and the rodeo was staged just for the entertainment of prisoners and employees. But it was fun.
The 1967 rodeo was opened to the general public on a limited basis. there were no stands. Spectators had to sit on apple crates and the hoods of their cars to
watch the performances.
The success of the 1967 and 1968 rodeos prompted construction of a 4,500-seated arena for the 1969 rodeo. A near disaster occurred when the bleachers collapsed during one of the shows. Spectators weren't alarmed; most didn't even get up. they sat on the collapsed structure and continued to
watch. The 1971 rodeo was the wettest in history, but the show went on.
As years passed, the rodeo grew in size adding events and sponsorships. The official Rodeo Cowboys Association rules were adopted in 1972 and the rodeo became a permanent fixture. In 1997, spectator capacity was increased by a thousand seats and construction of a roof over the seating area began. Hobby craft space was expanded to the point where it is no longer just a little concession area on the side for some inmates to make a few bucks. It is now an all-day full-blown arts and crafts festival, complete with entertainment and food galore, that opens at 9 a.m. and continues through the rodeo which begins at 2 p.m. Some fans come to the rodeo for the arts and crafts show alone. Ticket, concession and hobby craft sales for the last two rodeos have broken all records, prompting the administration to build another arena for Rodeo 2000 with double the capacity.(and today 10 yrs later it is still selling out to an overflow crowd, they even have the rodeo in April )
What began 35 years ago as a "fun" thing by a handful of rodeo-loving inmates and employees is now big business.
This info was copied from the web
picture of a prison cowboy as drawn by an inmate..
the pictures above were taken from the web

The following pictures was taken by Baby Boy on their way into the Prison, it is a large clean and from OUTWARD appearances a beautiful place, a place you pray you never have to spend unwanted time at...
This is the sign that greets you as you drive up...
not very homey I'd say...
The grounds are well kept..
You are entering the land of new beginnings..
this looks so serene and peaceful.
Hope you enjoyed your visit to Angola State Prison, and the Rodeo. So glad you didn't have to stay...lol...I had two cousins that where Guards at Angola and 1 cousin who was an Assistant Warden, I just lol and said "I always knew they would wind up in Angola, just thought it would be on the other side"..lol..Their Father was Sheriff of Jackson, La. for 20 yrs and they were some bad boys..
Guess we all change as we grow up.
To be continued............

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Update

Just wanted to stop by and let y'all know that MS. Eva is holding her own, she came out of surgery just fine and was moved from ICU to a private room this morning. It is still touch and go, but the Drs. thing she will make it. Her Son wants to thank everyone for their prayers and asked that we continue to pray for her.
I am sorry I haven't been around the last couple of days...I just have so much going on and I'm not feeling real well on top of it all. But I wanted to stop by and say HI. Hope to be back to normal soom and talking everybody's ears off.

Monday, April 26, 2010

The Simple Woman's Day Book

It has been awhile since I joined in with the Simple Woman's Day Book, but decided this morning I wanted to try once again.
To view more Simple Woman's Day Books click here

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...the sun is shining, and the air is alive with the sound of singing birds…

I am thinking ..How beautiful God‘s world is, Spring is in the air and summer is on the way…..and how sad that there is so much evil in this beautiful world..

I am thankful …..That we suffered no damage from the bad weather Sat and sending prayers for those who did. That Ms Eva is doing well and hopefully will be ok, that they caught the thugs who shot her and at least for a little while they will be off the streets of our sweet quite little town.

From the kitchen...hot coffee Crispy Crème Donuts.. yea I know, not on my diet…lol.. for DH and I will eat my cereal and banana.
Supper will be an Italian stew with a big bowl of rice and green salad....sweet tea with Italian Bread

I am wearing…pink night gown and bare feet, it’s summer who need socks…

I am going…to enjoy life as it comes, trying to learn to take the bad with the good, yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not promised and to day is a present open it and enjoy.

I am creating... I am trying to learn to use PhotoShop to edit my photos, I am taking a great class on line with Kim Klassen deSigns and it is so much fun and so much to learn…my old brain is having a hard time remembering everything.

Thought for today…
Life is too short to wake up with regrets.

Love the people who treat you right.
Forget about the ones who don't.
Believe everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Nobody said life would be easy.
They just promised it would be worth it.
Unknown

I am reading...The Chapter of James for Bible Study..

I am hearing...a whipper will in the woods outside my home and a whole choir of birds joining it. Also the sound of cars, a few stragglers rushing to class. Will really miss that sound this summer, but will enjoy the peace and quite early every morning..

Around the house...need to wash a few clothes and make up the beds, also need to mop the floors, the usual, Every day items.

One of my favorite things...listening to the birds sing and watching Momma and Daddy Blue Bird fly back and forth feeding their little ones.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Monday…Straighten up house and promise to do better later..cut grass..do some more projects with Kim on Photoshop, I love her class you can go at your own pace, when ever you have time and her videos are so great.

Tuesday…finish some more yard work and go to Redman’s ball game at 7:00

Weds….do what every I feel up to, might venture over to the Pearl River to an old cemetery where I want to take pictures and go to Bible Study @ 6

Thurs…Go get my hair fix, maybe do a little junkin’ do a little more washing of clothes, try to keep on top of that chore.

Fri. …mop the whole house and get it ready for the week-end, go to the Pig and buy groceries...go to Redman’s game

Sat…haven’t really planned that far ahead right now.

Sunday Church and hopefully a day of rest…..

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
A small sample of what you can do with PhotoShop Elements program..not saying it always looks better, just saying you can really chance it up....

One of my shots of my wisteria, I love how the sun plays off of it....here is what it looks like after a little twitting and adding a border and saying...

Blue Monday..only Redman...

It is Blue Monday over at Sally's house. Well maybe not blue times, but time for some great blue items...Please visit Smiling Sally by clicking here.....
Yesterday morning I went to Sunday School and decided not to stay for Church since I was having trouble sitting too long. Seems my bladder spasms where giving me fits for some reason.  Instead of going through the Church, after class I slipped out the back door, ...I was walking down the sidewalk toward the parking lot, when my little Redman came around a corner and nearly scared me to death...lol..all I can say is only Redman, only Redman...of course I always keep my camera in the car, so I made him wait till I could run and get it...
 His Daddy came to see where he was and why he wasn't in Church yet...
LOL..never a dull moment around this child...he actually wanted to take it in Church with him...of course his Daddy said "NO".....the Mississippi Squirrel came to mind as I drove out of the parking lot.
The blue of his shirt and the jeans make this a blue Monday blog....

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Prayers needed...

I would like to ask all my friends to please pray for a dear sweet lady who is a friend to all and would give you the last dime in her pocket or the shirt off her back if you need it. MS. Eva Pullens is 88 yrs old. Yesterday Morning while setting in her car outside of Fred's Dollar Store in broad day light, she was robbed and shot by 2 young thugs. This dear lady had given them her purse and made no fuss, but they shot her 3 times anyhow, once in the arm, leg and abdomen , she was rush to King Daughter's Hospital in our town and stabilized then air lifted to Jackson, she is doing good and is expected to make it, but she has been traumatized so bad.
You can read the News account here
Both of these Thugs were catch shortly after the shooting and being charged with Aggravated Assault...what happened to Attempted murder..these young thugs will continue to prey on our old and weak if something isn't done, last report they were laughing cause they said, being minors they would be out in a few months.
God help us if something isn't done.

You know....

 OK, I am sorry if I offend anyone, but this made me smile..could be some of these apply to my Church...lol... God loves a cheerful heart....

You Know You're in a Redneck Church if ...
   

1. You Know You're in a Redneck Church if ...

The finance committee refuses to provide funds for the purchase of a chandelier because none of the members knows how to play one.

2. You Know You're in a Redneck Church if ...

People ask, when they learn that Jesus fed the 5000, whether the two fish were bass or catfish, and what bait was used to catch 'em.

3. You Know You're in a Redneck Church if ...

When the pastor says, "I'd like to ask Bubba to help take up the offering" and five guys and two women stand up.

4. You Know You're in a Redneck Church if ...

Opening day of deer season is recognized as an official church holiday.

5. You Know You're in a Redneck Church if...

A member of the church requests to be buried in his 4-wheel-drive truck because "It ain't never been in a hole it couldn't get out of" (Love it!)

6. You Know You're in a Redneck Church if ...

The choir is known as the "OK Chorale".

7. You Know You're in a Redneck Church if ...

In a congregation of 500 members, there are only seven last names in the church directory.
 

8. You Know You're in a Redneck Church if ...

People think "rapture" is what you get when you lift something too heavy.

9. You Know You're in a Redneck Church if ...

The baptismal pool is a #2 galvanized " Wheeling " washtub. ( we used the Creek behind the Church for years)

10. You Know You're in a Redneck Church if ....

The choir robes were donated by (and embroidered with the logo from) Billy Bob's Barbecue.

11. You Know You're in a Redneck Church if ...

The collection plates are really hubcaps from a '56 Chevy.

12. You Know You're in a Redneck Church if ..

Instead of a bell you are called to service by a duck call.

13. You Know You're in a Redneck Church if ...

The minister and his wife drive matching pickup trucks.
 

14. You Know You're in a Redneck Church if ...

The communion wine is Boone's Farm "Tickled Pink".

15. You Know You're in a Redneck Church if...

"Thou shall not covet" applies to huntin' dogs, too.

16. You know You're in a Redneck Church if ...

The final words of the benediction are, "Y'all come back now, Ya hear".

God Bless
and don't fergit ta say yer prayer

Some thing to think about...

 I received this in an email this week and it really got me to thinking, how true this is, I remember giving my oldest Grandson a Bible for his 5th Birthday and the other kids and some parents at the party thought it was a strange gift to give a Child for their BIRTHDAY, a day when they should be getting GOOD gifts...well it was a good gift. One of the best we could give our children. If more of us read to the little ones from the Bible instead of Fairy Tales, how much better this world would be. Don't get me wrong, I loved to read "live happy ever after stories" to my kids too, but we need to bring the bible back into VOGUE...


 VS


Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
 
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
 
 
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
 
 
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
 
 
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
 
 
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
 
 
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
 
 
What if we used it when we traveled?
 
 
What if we used it in case of emergency?
 
 
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?
 
Oh, and one more thing.
 
Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being
disconnected because Jesus already paid the  bill.
 
Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!
 
When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Tribute to Earth Day and Pink Saturday

It's time again for Pink Sat... with Beverly at How Sweet The Sound,
 And still waiting...
 Ohhh, I hope I don't forget the words...
  Belting it out...
 
  Doing the bump with her partner...lol..her partner bumped her right off the bench they were standing on...She was on the end and when the little girl next to her bumped her she flew off the side of the bench to the floor...we all had to laugh...
  Almost got it snapped before he moved..Aghhhhhhhhhh...
 It was a losing battle, she's down there behind the sea of people...
  See the folks in front of me, Usually they were in front of Rissa....
 She was so glad it was over, ..so sweet, she's Daddy's little girl
 And my little touch of pink comes from Rissa's room and her cute little Callie Kat that sleeps in Rissa's pretty pink covered bed...
 Callie really thinks she owns that bed, she did not want me in it at all...lol.."sorry Callie I plan on sleeping here tonight whether you like it or not"...Good night Sweet Rissa...
 She decided to just pretend I wasn't there......

Friday, April 23, 2010

Finding Beauty Friday...little wonders and surprises


I'm linking this post to "Friday Finding Beauty" event on Claudia's blog Dipity Road. Today all the participating blogs can post whatever they like on their blog that touched them in some way and made them feel, see, or appreciate a moment of beauty in their lives.
I believe beauty is anything that makes you smile or warms your heart.
 Evening sun on the new peaches on my tree
 Beautiful sunset love how the light plays across the yard
 Evening light on my pear tree
 sunset from my back yard looking down the driveway
 My new crop of blueberries..hummm can't wait
 new pears forming with blooms still attached...
 When the sun rises the squirrels come out to play...
 the early morning sun playing off of the side flower beds..
 sunrise on my La. iris
 God's wonders are amazing..my old Maids bathed in the glow of the morning sun
 While walking around the yard I found a new nest..
 See it up high in the Oak tree..my front yard bathed in morning light...
 I discovered a new bloom on an old Rose that hasn't bloomed in years was ready to cut it down..how wonderful..
 my Magnolia Forstata bush is in full bloom...
 the sweet blooms smell like bananas