lagniappe » Travel & Events

2010 Highland Games

admin — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:40:55 +0000

Finally! I uploaded my video of this summer’s Highland Games in Aboyne, Scotland on YouTube. It is a collage of the heart wrenching sounds of the Mass Pipe Bands, blended with images of the traditional sights of the Games. My husband ran in the Hill Race, a running race that starts with a lap around the stadium, then out towards a steep hill called The Fungle Mounth, sprint straight up approximately two miles, then down and back to the stadium for a final lap, totaling several miles in all.

I hear it’s as tough as a marathon. This year my husband pulled a muscle running down the hill. Albeit, he finished the race and enjoyed the whole adventure. The winner was an Italian in a kilt, which is friggin’ heavy!

There is no way to capture the actual experience in a video. You must go one day!

Ballogie Sheep Dog Trials

admin — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 23:48:00 +0000

We just returned from a month long vacation in Scotland. With only my new iPad (that I’m just getting to know) and an unreliable internet connection, I didn’t blog while gone. However, now that I can sit at my iMac again, I have loads of fun stuff to post.

We spent a charming afternoon watching sheep dog trials “in a field” in Ballogie not far from our Scottish home. Seriously, the location was simply “in a field.” Of course, Ballogie is small enough that the all local farmers know exactly where to go. We saw the flyers posted and then learned that our dear friends were involved with the organizing. So, we had to go.

It was my first sheep dog trials ever and it was delightful. I brought two cameras, a new and fabulous Nikon and an out-of-date camcorder. It still records fond memories, though. So, I created a little video to share. It says a lot more than I can in words. So, please enjoy this special event.

Swamp Set

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:20:14 +0000

With the disaster in the Gulf unfolding, we are shooting Swamp Shark in Louisiana swamps still untouched by the oil spill. Riding through the murky waters on a houseboat, we observed the unique natural beauty and lifestyle of this precious American resource. Our journey’s destination was the film set deep in the swamp surrounded by water and Spanish moss covered Cypress trees.

Our first week of shooting wrapped after five days shooting on and in the water. I only saw two snakes and two alligators. I guess that’s lucky. I won’t lie, I was looking over my shoulder every minute I was assisting actors who had to perform scenes in the water.

Enjoy the breathtaking grandeur that makes me even more proud to be a Louisianian.

Aints Second Line

admin — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:31:19 +0000

This follows under the category of “Only in New Orleans.” City residents held a Second Line Funeral procession to bury the old New Orleans Saints football team, otherwise known for decades as the “Aints.” The paper bags that covered the faces of loyal fans who attended an era of losing seasons game after game to cheer the embattled team were laid to rest. Left in its wake is the joy of success.

Symbolically, New Orleans seems to be inspired to bury the old and celebrate the new. For all of us in the Big Easy, our new year starts now. Our resolutions aimed at a better future start today. As for myself, it means a greater connection to my home and family as well as a brighter outlook on my career as I learn the delicate balance of work and lifestyle.

That said, here’s the Aints Second Line Funeral march. Happy New Era!