New Orleans

Here's what you see everywhere post Mardi Gras. The decorations are still up! Beads on the fences and wires, banners and Christmas balls in shiny purple, green and yellow on the balconies.

as if the French Quarter isn't pretty enough.... Really it's amazing. We had a great time - and since it's what everyone asks --- YES, you can go and visit and the city itself is back. You'll have a great time. The restaurants, the music, the shops, the galleries. It's all there and they're so happy to have you come. As you walk, there's music all over the Quarter. Jazz, blues, acoustic - you just keep going till you hear what you like and you stop. And have a drink. Drinks to go, even. So you walk around, look at the architecture, have a drink, and listen to music. A great, low key weekend.

I've honestly never felt more appreciated as a tourist. Let's be honest, taking a vacation? It's really a selfish kind of thing, isn't it? Should I be appreciated? I didn't pick up a hammer. The big checks I wrote were in exchange for lodging, food, drinks and a ton of CDs. But all weekend, I felt like I was helping in some way. Really, the musicians, the waiters, the shopkeepers - they're all so glad you're there. They thank you for being there. Everywhere you go.

We stayed in a small B&B out of the quarter, in an area called the Marginy. So we did see a little more of the real city than some and heard the local point of view. Things are far from being OK if you're a local. Far. I won't get on a soapbox, but suffice to say that large parts of the city still need help. Help beyond what you and I can probably even fathom. People are being screwed. The politicians do not care. Nor the insurance companies. People are not being taken care of.

Don't get complacent, so if you have the chance to help in any way, don't let it pass you by.

And if you have the opportunity to visit, Go. Go. Go. They really do need you.

But enough. I did manage a bit of airplane knitting - the first lace scarf is done.

And the second one is about half way.....

Instead of the knitting, there was the drinking. New Orleans makes the best Bloody Marys (Maries?) I've ever had! There's some cajun spice in 'em and always pickled okra on top. The one at Commander's Palace came with a stick of sugar cane in it too. Tasty.

And there was the coffee - chicory coffee. Here at Cafe du Monde, with beignets. Mmmm.
I brought three cans home.

And just before I left, I did do a little work on the latest design project.... stay tuned.