Louisiana Sugar Cane and Non-Traditional Christmas

Our good friend Stu just made my day! He found a link to a New York Times article on Louisiana sugar cane. It’s so ironic because a mere two days ago I was just trying to explain the LA cane industry to a coworker. Ain’t that just like the Lord....

Image Source: LSU Sociology Dept’s River Road Page

Flashbacks
Folks along the river cut cane from October to New Years. Some friends who have a cane plantation spend every Christmas in the field because they are so busy working trying to get the cane in that they don’t have time to stop and do a traditional Christmas celebration. So their tradition is to bring out several folding tables, cook a big pot of something-or-other, invite the families of all their workers, and have one big “dinner on the grounds” (for lack of a better term) out in the cane fields.

Speaking of Christmas
Our Christmas is a little out-of-the-ordinary this year ourselves. At this moment, I’m trying to tie up last minute details to leave town and head “back home” (as opposed to “home” (St. Louis)). I will get to see my brother and sister-in-law for the first time since August, so that is a big treat. It has been too long, but just when I think that’s a long time, along comes a missionary who hasn’t seen his grandkids in four years, and that puts it all in perspective.

Get a Little Mud on the Tires
This year my Dad and brother insisted on Christmas at “the deer camp.” This is not something we usually do, but my Dad just joined a new hunting club and built a camp there. I tried desperately to use my “favorite child” antics and persuade otherwise, but alas, my "favorite" status must be slipping. Not to worry, I found out that the camp sits in a front of a lake with lots of cypress knees, which is perfect for sac-a-lait fishing. (That’s crappie for you non-natives.) I’ve even threatened to sit on a stand with my Dad if I get really bored.

There will, of course, be four-wheelers. And yet, I’ve also checked and found a delightful wireless coffee house in Vicksburg. So stay tuned for much adventure on every front. Tomorrow: the drive, subtitled “How many ways can I entertain myself in a car for 8 hours?” a.k.a.: “How many times can I get 18 wheelers to honk between StL and Jackson?”

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!