The Quirky side of life!

Like to smile, laugh and have a great time? Me too!!! It is great for your health and well being I am told. And if this is the truth, I am sure my dear friend John will live for a long time. John sees life in a different light than many of us, always seeing a use for something the rest would toss to the wayside, to him it is art and his art will bring a smile to your face.
John Preble is a very talented individual, musician, composer, artist and a collector of sorts. A trip to Abita Springs is not complete without a tour of The Abita Mystery House. Located in an old 40's(?) style gas station, but once inside you are taken in by the world of John Preble where you will view all his wacky collections including bottles, bottle caps, paint by number paintings and old arcade machines as well as several animated New Orleans style themed scenes. John calls this his "hobby out of control". Maybe, just glad it is... he provides us a place to laugh, reflect on old times and in some cases return to our childhood.
Just recently Abita Mystery House was showcased on the evening news - take a peak, http://www.fox8live.com/news/local/story/Heart-of-Louisiana-Abita-Mystery-House/8OUgbf8iik-DJp7b1CvAmQ.cspx Then plan your trip, you will never forget it!
While in Abita Springs have lunch at the Abita Brew Pub and take a walk through the Abita Creek Flatwoods Preserve where you will see a large display of carnivorous pitcher plants. http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/louisiana/placesweprotect/abita-creek-flatwoods-preserve.xml

Abita Springs is aprox. 20 minutes west of Woodridge B&B, where you can take either the Interstate 12 or make an adventure of it and take the scenic back roads. We will be happy to help you with your trip.

The Party's not over -

In New Orleans the party doesn't stop with the end of Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday, it's just the beginning of celebrations yet to come.
We all love a parade, right? And in New Orleans we find a reason to have a parade. St. Patties Day (March 17th) & St. Joseph's Day (March 19th) are no exceptions. Dress in you favorite green attire and head on down to the parade. You know what they say, Italian men love the ladies and the marchers will welcome the lady parade goers with green carnations and a kiss 'for luck'.
And I hope you didn't forget to bring your boiling pot to carry all your veggies home. Throws for this parade are straight from the garden and will provide almost everything you need for your Irish stew. Picks of the day will be carrots, onions, potatoes and cabbage. And every bar will have green beer flowing from their taps, a great way to refresh after this festive parade.
St. Joseph's Day is celebrated in a more religious nature composed of St. Joseph Altars adorned by the thankful. A tradition which started in the late 1800's by Sicilian immigrants in New Orleans, the alters set up in homes and public areas are adorned with homemade cookies, cakes and breads and are shared with anyone that wish to come as a way to express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. Fava beans (aka lucky beans) are part of the alter, take one for good luck for the year through.
Think the party is over now - think again and stay tuned for what is next -