Wednesday, May 1, 2013, south Tennessee (headed southwestward towards Louisiana, 2:30 p.m., D.S.T.)~

Dear Journal~

Louisiana here.  I hope this finds y'all in the best of health; as for me and the family, we are doing quite well.  We are currently on the road, headed towards Louisiana.  We are going to go to the Crawfish Festival in Breaux Bridge (an annual tradition with us; we've gone just about every year), and on Sunday, another child graduates from college (Ronee').  It is going to be a weekend full of fun, laughter, and even some tears as we reminiesce and look forward to the future.

Bill is driving while I try to keep an eye on some of the kids, to try to keep 'em out of mischief.  We expect to meet Johnathan and Rebekka, but that all depends on how Rebekka is feeling and if she is able to travel (she is several months pregnant and her health has always been dicey at best).  It also depends on how Johnny is doing (his health isn't the greatest either, but compared to a lot of people with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, Johnny is doing fantastic!).  We'll just have to play it by ear, to see if Johnny and Rebekka will join us.  We hope that they do.

The weather is partly cloudy anrd rather warm (and humid) out: it feels more like summer than the first day of May. I wouldn't be surprised if the temperature doesn't make it to 90 degrees (or better) by the time the day is over and done.

I am happy to say that Camille has regained her full strength back; she is completely over her recent illness.  She is her usual bubbly self and it makes us grateful to see how God has healed her through such a severe illness (Camille had MRSA and septicemia; it's a miracle she even survived!).  We praise Him and give God the glory for bringing our daughter through such a scary time!  The way He has blessed our family throughout the years has been nothing short of incredible!

We are looking forward to putting the worries of life aside and concentrate on having a great time with our family members from out of state.  It's always a joyous time whenever the Sandusky clan gets together!  Bill and I love spoiling the grandchildren and the kids love seeing their aunts, uncles, and cousins!  It's always a grand time, Sandusky style!

They have some awesome muscians going to appear at the Crawfish Festival: Wayne Toups and "ZydeCajun".  Paul Daigle and "Cajun Gold".  Belton Richard and "The Musical Aces".  D.L. Menard.  Fred Charlie and "The Acadiana Cajuns".  Richard LeBoeuf and "Two-Step".  Sheryl Cormier.  Terry Huval and "Jambalaya".  So many to name ... even Ronee' and her band, "Cajun HEAT!" will be performing (on Saturday afternoon).  We will get out our dancing shoes and get our Cajun groove down!  Aaiieee!!

Not to mention, all the food at the Crawfish Festival: crawfish in any way, shape, or form, in addition to Cajun specialities like andouille, boudin, cracklin's, dirty rice, etouffee', jambalaya, gumbo, fried alligator .... yummy, I'm getting hungry just THINKING about the food!!

Then, as I mentioned earlier, Ronee' will be getting her diploma and will officially be graduating from Louisiana State University-Lafayette (GEAUX, Ragin' Cajuns!!).  She will then concentrate on getting ready to have her baby; she's only a few months along, but she's already showing quite well.  We know she is going to have a baby.  I just hope a.) it isn't a monster-baby or b.) twins (God forbid!!) ....  LOL

It will be so good to see Ronee' and Michael; I know they miss us ... speaking of, they are going to be moving back to Nashville upon graduation from college, so they will be a lot closer to home than they are now.  It will be better for them (and for us). 

Oh, one more tidbit: Johnathon will be transferring to Oklahoma State University in Norman, Oklahoma, in the fall.  He seriously wants to make meteorology a career.  He loves anything to do with weather and he can never get enough of it.  He is more knowlegeable about bad weather and overall weather conditions better than a lot of people; we are indeed very proud of how far he has come!

Well, we are going to stretch our limbs and get something to eat; we are at Cracker Barrel, and a lot of us are suddenly very hungry.  I will write in here in a few days, with a report from the Crawfish Festival; until then, this is Louisiana Sandusky saying so long and may God bless you as much as He's belessed us over the years!  Take care!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Louisiana.  :)