French Quarter Fun

Hello gang-

Hope that this post finds everybody healthy and happy. All is great here. Dom is feeling great. Not happy about having to go into NOLA for his now-monthly infusion, but nevermind. Oh, yeah.... he's back into his 36" waist Levis. Looks like Nan has inherited a semi-new pair of jeans that he can't fit into any longer. Ha!

It's been a fun week. We met Joe and Ping in the French Quarter on Friday. She needed to be fingerprinted in Metairie by Homeland Security. So, we decided to make a weekend out of it.

Joe booked us rooms at the St. Ann Marie Antoinette http://www.stannmarieantoinette.com/ This is just a block from the Prince Conti where we normally stay. We were a bit leary, but was pleasantly surprised. Very pretty little courtyard with fountains and a small pool. Cozy little bar with a very nice bartender, Lisa. Loved her. Large room. Comfortable bed. I wouldn't hesitate to return. BUT.... they gouge you for parking. THIRTY BUCKS plus tax brings overnight parking to almost $35. We said "screw it" and parked near the river for $20 overnight.

Dom and I went to the DEJA VU for lunch. http://www.dejavunola.com/ This is our favorite joint in the Quarter for sandwiches or breakfast. We split a HUGE Club Sandwich for lunch. Delicious. Have never been disappointed there. Besides, it's a wonderful place to people watch. Too much fun to see pimps and their prostitutes come rolling in late at night. Picture "Super Fly" in the 70's. Pastel suits with matching floppy hats. Yep.... just add cellphones. Channeling the character of A.J. Soprano talking to his father: "Wow! Dom! Is that a real Crack Whore???!!!" *grinning*

Went to an antique weapons dealer on Royal Street that Dom is fond of. Eventually went to Harry's Corner. Joe and Ping met us there after they finished with Homeland Security.

The 4 of us bombed around the Quarter. Ended up in Johnny Whites, as usual.

Ended up having a WONDERFUL dinner at The Pelican Club. We opted for the "Early Bird" special...menu attached: http://www.pelicanclub.com/specialevents.html
Everyone was delighted with their choices. Dom thinks it might have been the best dinner that he's ever had in the Quarter. I've always loved the place. When brother Ric is in town for Christmas, we've often done our Revillion dinner there.

We took a long walk after dinner. Joe and Ping said "goodnite". Dom bought me the obligatory martini at the Bombay Club. http://www.thebombayclub.com/martinis.html
I adore their Metropolitans. ( Absolut vodka with a splash of strawberry liqueur and
a float of champagne garnished with a strawberry) While we were there, they were giving out free mini Cosmopolitans... pushing some type of new vodka. Love that joint!

Then a quick visit to our hotel bartender to report on our dinner. Back in the room around midnight.

On Saturday morning, Dom and I went to the Deja Vu for breakfast before checking out. Too funny- At 8am in the morning, you would have thought that it was 2:00 am in the joint. Wild place. Love it!

We headed home. Joe and Ping stopped in Slidell to visit Aunt Lou. They lasted approximately 10 minutes. *smiling* Then they came up to our place.

The 4 of us went to our favorite Chinese Buffet in Bogalusa. I had told the owners about Ping and they were anxious to meet her. It was very nice to see Ping converse in her native language...laughing and smiling. She must feel so very isolated. Joe has her enrolled in an English course.... 5 days a week- 4 hours a day. She's picking up the language very quickly. We noticed a big difference already.

Came home. Played dominoes. Played Phase 10. Had a nice mellow evening. They left on Sunday morning.

Yours truly hit the BIG 5-0 on Monday. My body feels it, but in my mind and attitude, I'm still in my twenties! Went into Picayune and picked up a couple of delicious Porterhouse steaks.... over a pound each. Had 'em with baked potatoes..... for 2 nights! LOL

More big fun coming up. Cajun girlfriend, Vickie is driving in from Breaux Bridge (near Lafayette) on Friday. Saturday morning, she's going to follow me to the condo for vacation. She and her husband are normally fishing in Grand Isle this time of year. BP managed to ruin that.

Anyway..... Lovely Linda and Paul are blowing into town for the birth of his grandchild next week. So, they're probably going to stop and spend a night or two at the condo on Monday night.

OK.... getting tired just thinking about it. I shall post a pic of our pretty French Quarter courtyard and sign off. Thanks, as always for all of your encouragement, prayers and kind words!