Mandeville, on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain (Thursday, January 29, 2015)

1500-year-old oak tree, some 38 feet in circumference, in Mandeville, Louisiana

Oldest continuously operating jazz club in the world: music on Friday nights

Back door of the Dew Drop Social Club (somebody else would have the first "Dew Drop Inn")

Alongside the Dew Drop Social Club.  Spanish moss is an air plant, not at all harmful to the oaks.

In the Drew Drop Social Club parking lot.

Wish we could have been at the Dew Drop for Friday's performance, but that was the night of the Zulu Dynasty float party.

Baptist Church next door to the Dew Drop.  If the party lasts all Saturday night, you can head next door on Sunday morning.

Do you see the Mardi Gras beads in the tree?

Ruby's is ranked as one of the top 10 roadhouses in the USA.  Not sure why.  Inside,was a beer joint with pool tables and lots of locals who eyed us real good over their Miller Lites.

Ruby's front porch.  My maternal grandmother wanted me to be named "Ruby," after the sister who raised her when Mema was orphaned at age 12.