...join us at our Friday night Easter/Thank You Celebration on Columbus Street. Sam had planned to be Mistress of Ceremonies, but by the time everyone arrived she was curled up in the bed in the back. Our chick guys stepped in on her behalf and did a remarkable job. I can't quite seem to do small, so my intimate dinner party of five grew to 11. I was happy to know that I had the space, chairs, and utensils enough to make it happen.
Wine and snacks started early. By the time dinner began only 5 guys were left. Barbara brought a great broccolli salad, Nadine brought the special Easter cupcakes for desert and I filled in with marinated pork tenderloin, green bean casserole, and onion soup potatoes.
As entertaining as our guys were, my gang had their own kind of fun. It's nice to know we're just all big kids. Turns out, the plastic eggs that decorated the cupcakes were also rings you could wear for Easter!
Happy Easter to All and special thanks to my friends and family who not only made the evening, but make New Orleans New Orleans!
..aren't perfect, but everyone agreed last night that they each had their own unique little personalities. My brother Tom, went so far as to say they had "souls"! I'd already imagined the guy in the front row, far right saying to me: "You've done it now...from now on those boring old traditional deviled eggs aren't going to make it-you're going to have to make us hatching chicks every time!" He might be right!
I've known for a while now that we are going to be having baby birds soon, if they're not already here. It's a little hard to tell. If they are here, they are in a very safe place. This high vent exits above and to the right of the door to the apartment. Mom is sitting there frequently, all fluffed up. She is used to me. I wander in and out. Yesterday, I discovered a way to get her flying back and talking like crazy...
I'd let Sam out with us for the very first time...
...to enjoy the spring, sunshine and explore.
Once I realized what was going on, I got Sam back in the house. Mom calmed down immediately. No need for such agitation. Soon they'll be moving on, and Sam will be back.
Yesterday morning I heard a rumbling outside my door. It wasn't unusual, it was trash pick-up day...but it didn't pass. I opened the door and this is what I saw...the Pot Hole Killer! I laughed so hard I had to get my camera and catch this guy in action. Amazing! I'm glad to know we have a Pothole Patrol for those blossoming babies, so they can at least be patched before they get too bad.
Sunday afternoon found me at the beach in Bay St. Louis. I'd beat my friend home, so I walked down to the beach to wander a bit and soak up the sunshine. I rolled up the legs of my shocking pink overalls, attached my sandles to the straps, and I was off! The seagulls were in fine form, the skies were blue, the water sparkled, and there were sea shells at every turn. I had free, wet, sandy, happy feet and lots of room in my overalls for treasures of every kind.
It was just a bit windy, but hey...I was having a day at the beach that I had hoped for and didn't really expect. I leave you with some fun beach photos! Aren't surprises grand?
Adrianne put it into words. Every time someone walked in the door, she'd lean over and whisper in my ear: "Nino family"!
Yesterday, I met Bobby (above in the photo with Tom), a stunt man, a stunt physician, ran into someone I knew from my Criminal Court Complex days, and an old friend from graduate school. We stuck to our Italian favorites, while others opted for the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. The consensus was BEST Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich and Pizza in town, and that was from the rest of the patrons! We didn't get as far as a pasta critique.
All I can say about that was, I was very happy to get the last piece of catfish and the lasagna was definitely the best in my book.
Look at those knotted homemade breadsticks!
The wine flowed. The heat and humidity were high, but that just pushed us outside to the bench boothes to continue our visit. One of these days I'm going to come and stay the whole time, so I can get the full Saturday afternoon at Nino's experience. Besides, there's a great story here yet to share, but it needs a photo that I don't have yet. Thanks again to Tom and Adrianne, Nino and the Nino's Family! Happy Sunday!
I felt like this float on Thursday evening...not because I'd taught in the morning, presented a workshop in Baton Rouge in the afternoon, or sat in two hours of rush hour traffice to get back to New Orleans at 7:30pm to get ready to head to St. Louis Friday morning at 6am. A huge piece of care for Dali and Sam collapsed that made it impossible for me to go forward with my plans to go to St. Louis. I am not someone who finds it easy to ask for help. I am NOT a last minute person. When I do ask, it's because I really need help. I try to do it respectfully and considerately. I have learned a lesson here.Please don't say yes when you mean NO. Just say NO!
...I am on the road again. Heading to St. Louis early tomorrow morning, I had to be sure to catch my first trumpet flower of the season. I did just about everything I could to get the shots I wanted, except hang from the fence. Connectivity and limited time are issues in St. Louis, so look for me to be back when I return to New Orleans. We'll be trumpeting on!