The Lake in Mandeville (Sundays In My City)

Yesterday, the sun came out. Like many in the US, we had an unusually cold winter. In the semi-tropical biome that I inhabit, that’s generally a good thing. We didn’t turn on the air-conditioner, nor cut the grass, nor have undue concern over getting eaten and carried away by mosquitoes or large reptilians such as the alligator. All of these are normal concerns almost year-round.

This year? We had winter. Frost settled on the yard like morning dew. Sullen teenagers gathered at bus stops with hoodies zipped up to the chin. I searched, found, and used my one pair of gloves.

Then, like a hammer, spring fell on us in one day. That day was yesterday. Oh, how glorious.*

In the afternoon, I wandered off to Fountainbleau State Park in Mandeville, Louisiana. The park abuts Lake Pontchartrain, a voluminous lake of 629 square miles spanning nearly 40 miles between the decadent city of New Orleans and the virtuous shores of Mandeville. When one stands on the water’s edge, the illusion of a vast sea is created.

Here are a few pictures of fellow Louisianians  enjoying the day.

The pier on Lake Pontchartrain in Fountainbleau State Park is a perfect place to walk, wonder or embrace.

Cypress knees on the shore, which sorta look like squid, octopus or perhaps sea aliens creeping ashore. I think they look like bedraggled New Orleanians seeking asylum on our pristine shores.

Foolish parents allowed their children to swim, even though ‘gators roam these parts quite frequently. In fact, every now and then, one of these cherubs will be snatched away.

The sun gave up the ghost in a fiery splash among the pines. This image is among the pine forest near Abita Springs, across the street from my cottage.

Today, the sky is grey. While the temperatures will remain moderate, the forecast is for 4-7 inches of rain over the next three to four days. Paradise lost, once again.

*Due to our extremely intolerant climate, the next day of Glory will occur in mid-October. 

Sundays In My City are hosted by Unknown Mami.