Soar-Dream-France

Sharing Sunday

There's nothing like a Sunday afternoon with friends in New Orleans. What fun we had! Sitting around the kitchen table, Eric and I drank white wine and ate some of the halloween candy for this evening, Stew was cleaning the crystal chandelier, all while we watched the Saints lose to St. Louis. Stew outdid himself with a wonderful dinner of Jambalaya and Salad. But the best was another developmental milestone for Louie-who asked to go outside to do his thing, and then did it. Rewards for Everyone! Tonight the action moves to the front porch as we wish everyone a Happy Halloween!

Thirty Years of Glory

Arriving at Rose Nicaud on Frenchmen Street early yesterday; I looked at this empty table, but chose to sit elsewhere. I knew my friends would be there soon, but it seemed inconsiderate to take this spot when it was only me. But pretty soon Melba Ferdinand came over, and we were at the big table catching up in the corner waiting for the gang. This bunch starts their weekends here every Saturday morning with coffee and sometimes more. The table filled quickly with old friends and new friends.

By the end of the morning, I'd made plans to come back next Saturday morning for one more visit before heading to St. Louis on the 8th. I headed into the French Market, on a mission: memories, money and making new memories. I ran into old friends, market vendors I love who had some very favorite items on close out sale, a photographer friend in his shop, and 2 people who know someone who might be interested in looking at my house. This is the glory of having lived in New Orleans for 30 years!

And so, I leave you with some of the glory that is New Orleans now...a New Orleans that thrives and flows beside me in a whole new way. Happy Sunday!

 

On the Market to Sell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday it became official-2617 Columbus Street is on the market to sell for $149,900. I'll be keeping you posted on the progress along the way, and certainly appreciate any referrals. The shot below provides the contact information for my agent, Toni Tanner. I'm pleased to be working with her. I leave you with her info and a wonderful New Orleans Columbus Street memory I discovered while I was waiting for her yesterday. Happy Saturday!

 

 

 

 

 

Finding the Joy in Moving On

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those of you who know me well, know that this is a pivotal New Orleans trip for me. This afternoon, I meet with the real estate agent to put Columbus Street on the market to sell. This was a difficult decision for me this summer, but it was time. And as Eric said to me on my first day here: "Who needs a house in New Orleans when you have an apartment?" Et, voila! Not only do I have a beautiful apartment to stay in next door to my friends...I received the most heart-warming welcome imaginable. Denise took charge of this welcome box-every item so thoughtful and fun! Stew has been cooking up a storm, and I get to smell sweet baby Louie's puppy breath on a regular basis. Life is good and there is lots of love and laughter in my moving on!

 

Firsts-From New Orleans

You might think that I was in Venice when you see this shot. No, it's City Park in New Orleans and just another example of one of the many ways the park has become MORE. I'll be back from time to time as connectivity and technology permit. I'll leave you with a few more shots from the park.

 

 

 

 

 

Braking on the Blog

Shortly off here, to head into Cahors, on to Paris, and then catch my flight to New Orleans via Miami. Why can't I get anywhere I want to go directly? Then, on November 8, on to St. Louis via Chicago. Probably won't be blogging for quite a while. See you when I'm back and take good care-Laury

Ski Nautique Star

Ski Nautique on the Lot when the trees have gone gold and the sun is setting has got to be the prettiest time of the day to capture your star water skiier. Not only was it a beautiful evening, but my star was a strong and talented skiier and funny to boot! He was moving so fast back and forth and up and down, that I was never sure exactly what I was getting. When I got home and looked through all the photos, this spurting water fountain shot made me smile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The "Girls" Have Arrived

Although lunch at Jane's and helping her set up her blog were touted as the reasons to get together; I was also looking forward to seeing the 2 newest members of the family. I have absolutely NO chicken experience, but Jane's two girls eventually warmed up to me and didn't scurry off as soon as I came over.

I've had many memorable experiences with the Jolly Menagerie throughout the years of our friendship. My darling Quebec (who has since passed on) used to push the door open to my room and get in the bed with me when I'd spend the night. Having a huge black Labrador in a twin bed didn't leave much room for me, but when the cockerel crowed at 4am directly under the floor where I was sleeping-I was glad he was there for me to grab on to in my shock. I actually got out of bed to make sure that the cockerel wasn't also in the room with us!

Before the girls arrived, Jane had been giving me regular reports on the construction of her chicken coop. I was impressed with the final results, but hey...I'm not the one who has to be happy. I'd say Jane's girls are in Chicken Coop heaven!

Fall-ing

Last Friday was a photo filled fall day. It began when Evelyn and I went over to Jane's for lunch and ended in the evening when I got an invitation to go watch my young man who comes over to speak English "Ski Nautique"! (It sounds so much prettier than water ski.) I took almost 100 photos that day. Many are exceptional. This one took my breath away as soon as I stepped on the dock in Cajarc. But, I was there to take Ski Nautique shots! I took a couple of shots of Christophe and Valentin getting the boat ready, but this photo magnet pulled me back. I'm happy I didn't let this one get away! More Friday fall photos coming soon!

Barn Beginnings

Rooting through some old photo files to make a wedding card for some friends, I discovered this shot of the barn on the left that was taken in the fall of 2009. It was shocking to see where we began, and how far we've come in an almost year and a half by just taking it a step at a time. I'm not the Wonder Woman of DIY, but I do what I can and what I can afford to do. Our picture of our place is really rounding out and coming into focus. We're quickly getting to the point where more money and artisans are required. But for now, I'll keep digging, cleaning, wire brushing, varnishing, planting and mostly loving and touching on our place.

Evelyn's been here a little over two weeks now. Both she and our friend Jane, have pointed out to me that Evelyn has a better view of the barn than I do. It's true. From the Chatette, all you see is a side stone wall. Here is a barn view from Evelyn's-Happy Weekend!