A few weeks ago, my mother hosted the first party in her home since Katrina. I absolutely HAD to make that trip. There was no way I was going to miss this party AND it just happened to be Super Bowl AND Mardi Gras weekend!! C’mon people! I had no choice. It turned out to be one of the best weeks/weekends I’ve had in a LONG time. I spent time with my mother and my friends and my city. I love New Orleans. People aren’t afraid to be who they innately are. We love a good time.
Speaking of good time, my mother’s party was excellent! My friends didn’t leave until 6am and we all paid for it the next day. But, I would do it again tomorrow if I could.
After a few drinks, everyone’s a rapper!
(Super Bowl food, New Orleans’ style!)
Later that week, I had the opportunity to visit Mama Dora. Mama Dora is my cousin’s 100 year-old great-grandmother. Visiting with her was amazing. I just wanted to talk to her all night long. She was so cool and funny and almost child-like in her wonder about everything. I fell for her spirit. She allowed us to take her family photo album to scan into the computer. Apparently this is the first time this book has ever been allowed to leave her home. It took us two days to catalog every picture and every caption (Mama Dora wrote on the back of EVERY picture! We all should do that.) Even though we got delirious after so many hours of scanning and writing, I continually remarked how lucky she was to have over 200 years of her family history on her laptop. I’m still amazed. I am desperate now to start a geneology project!
Now on to more random images from home:
Mardi Gras Indians on Claiborne Avenue. It was VERY windy!
This sign is on St. Claude Avenue at Mr. Samuel’s mechanic shop. I’m so glad it’s still there as it makes me laugh every time I see it.
My favorite store in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. It’s a blink and you’ll miss it spot off the highway, but it has the most amazing crawfish etouffee and boudin I’ve EVER tasted!
New Orleans is my favorite place on the planet and I can’t wait to go back in three weeks for my birthday!
