I wandered into New Orleans from Ridgeland, Mississippi via Vicksburg, Natchez, and Baton Rouge. I’m guessing that ‘Baton Rouge’ means ‘Red Stick’. (Remember the song “Hit me with you rhythm stick. Hit me! Hit me!”? Hit me with your baton rouge. Hit me! Hit me! HIT MEEEEE! That’s a shout out to Ian Dury and the Blockheads.)
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=ian+dury+hit+me+with+your+rhythm+stick+live&FORM=HDRSC3#view=detail&mid=3E4C11D322692C59BF893E4C11D322692C59BF89
I arrived in New Orleans on Thursday the 27th of February. Patsy, my good friend who has built a really nice house next to mine in Boothbay, had invited me to stay with her in Metairie. I was prepared to stay a day or two and then head off to Texas. Because my arrival coincided with the opening of the Mardi Gras celebrations I was convinced to stay longer so I could see one of the many, many parades. Patsy’s good friend Patti had secured two extra tickets to a promotional event which included seating in a private grand stand, buffet, and open bar. Patti’s good pal Lucienne and I were given the two extra tickets.
Patti and Lucienne picked me up on Saturday late in the afternoon in order to get to Mid-City in time to park and run over to view the parade of the Krewe of Endymion. I won’t try to describe all the glamour and excitement of the evening. That would be impossible. I must say though this was truly my first time in New Orleans and my very first Mardi Gras parade. With the festivities, the people, the music, the food, the city, and of course Patti and Lucienne I was simply overwhelmed. I fell in love with all of the elements. The day was long but I never really faded. I took my breaks when I could and I had lots of happy fun with my two lovely guides. I secretly fell in love with both of them but I’ll never tell a soul.
A few nights later Patti took me to Lundi Gras, the Monday night parade. Quentin Tarantino was the celebrity monarch and Fats Domino was the honorary Grand Marshall. We met her sister and two marvelous nephews at the intersection of Julia and St. Charles. The night was very cold and windy but not as bad as the next day for Mardi Gras. Standing in the cold and wind was not tough at all. The festivities kept me moving and dancing and reaching for beads and favors thrown from the floats that rolled on by.
My time in New Orleans was one of relaxation with Patsy, writing and catching up with this blog, and running amok with Patti and Lucienne. I fully enjoyed my week with these nice folks. Patsy is a great cook and host. She is to be kept in a special place of honor and respect. I learned a lot about Louisiana from her. I enjoyed looking out her windows at the garden and the birds and the visiting cats from the neighborhood. I want to go back to see her soon. That is if I don’t see her in Boothbay first.
Playing Fair and Being Kind 