A lazy sunday with the Barretts in Louisiana starts with coffee on the porch of The Camp, overlooking Moss Lake

Several hours later, it progresses to Chris and Stephanie’s on the banks of the Contraband Bayou

where I expect to see a pirate ship at any moment but instead got a gator

A relaxed game of washers continues unabated

Light a fire

open some wine

Perhaps the less said about the pomegranate tequila the better…

Except for these empty glasses and smiling faces!

Play with the dog, Loux

Watch the sun set over the bayou

And finish the night with Bev’s amazing gumbo

The secret: use deer sausage and don’t skimp on the butter!

And the piece de resistance, Mardi Gras cupcakes:

Because the Mardi Gras madness starts tonight!

Brace yo’selves…