The Ogden, Etc.

 

Yesterday I walked awhile to visit at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.  Love this museum.  I've been several times before and I predict I'll go many times again prior to  returning to dust and ash.  In short, huge Ogden Museum fan. The Ogden brought their A-game to exhibit spaces this week, offering the show-stopping breath-holding get your notebook out and start writing works of Luis Cruz Azaceta, the light-giving generous be your wonderful self gifts of Beauford Delaney and the weird eco-wildness of Dave Greber.  Could not ask for more.

In the evening, we watched #1 Son play some swell swing music at Maison Dupuy.  The dancers be-bopped through every song. Pressing question of the Day:  Should we take swing dance lessons?

Today we're heading to Jazz Fest, y'all.  #1 Son plays at 2. We'll be there all day, soaking up the sun, music and probably a PoBoy. We're going to have to pace ourselves. And apply lots of sun screen.  If we can make it to the final set, we'll catch a glimpse of Death Cab for Cutie. Or Lionel Ritchie.  Keep you posted. 

The Odd Coincidence

 This town makes me act like a college kid, if you get my drift.  Truth be told, I am probably too old for #NOLA.  Still, we soldier on.  

30 Something left this morning for a flight back to California, stopping in Houston.  Come to find out, storms in Texas caused her flight to be cancelled.  Husbandman is on his way back to the airport to return her to Music Street.  The funny thing is.... we have reservations at HOUSTON's tonight to eat a fine meal and enjoy some jazzy jazz.  Is that the craziest thing?  

Family Reunion, Round 2, starts tonight.  Ooh La La.

The Gum

This week I learned that if a dog eats sugarless gum, there could be dire consequences.  If the gum contains xylitol, your dog will likely die, but if it contains sorbitol, your dog will be fine. 

Please be mindful of your gum use if you have contact with a dog. Check the ingredients, people. Remember XYLITOL = BAD.

On an unrelated note, yesterday I walked down to French Quarter Fest.  FQF is like a massive Lotus Festival, except it's free.  I walked along the Mississippi and listened to various wonderful bands.  We're heading back today. #1 Son plays at 2:45 with Sullivan Dabney and friends.  Drop by if you're in the vicinity.  I will buy you a beverage if you want to drink one.

The Big Easy

 I met #1 Son down in the quarter today.  This is the kind of spontaneous get together I had hoped for when we made plans to hang out in NOLA for a few weeks.  We had some lunch and then I walked back to Music Street. 

Yesterday we saw #1 Son play some latin music at the botanical gardens.  We waltzed by the ticket desk as others were doing, but a worker told us that we had to pay if we didn't have Louisiana residency.  We paid the ten each and then wandered out to the lawn.  Come to find out, there was a gate wide open on the other side of the lawn area and people were streaming through for free.  I have a feeling we were the only ones that paid to hear the music.  But it's good to support botanical gardens, so no hard feelings.  

 There are 2 big music festivals happening here over the next few weeks and #1 will play at both. I'll keep you posted. 

On Frenchman Street

 No hot water yet, but all else delights.  Loved walking in the sculpture garden in City Park.  Loved even more listening to Betty Shirley and her band all afternoon.  Betty Shirley sat with us and had a drink at the break.  She has an incredible bluesy voice and BONUS --- she's also an art teacher at a local elementary school.  She told me I was lucky to have my own class all day and I agreed with her.  (Probably heading back to 3rdLand in August.  I'll keep you posted).  She also told us we were lucky to have a son like #1.  This woman is wise, my friends. I will follow her now, but probably not to the gig at Dos Jefes where they smoke cigars. 

My dad feels better.  WooHOO.  

Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us that both suffering and happiness are impermanent, so we should work to transform suffering and nourish happiness.  I can't go wrong with that fine advice on this muggy Monday.  

On Music Street

La Fee Electricite Raoul Dufy Modern Art Museum Paris

 We visited my fam in Georgia this past week. We had a lot of good talks, laughed a lot, and watched movies. After we left for New Orleans, my dad had a mini-stroke.  I'm worrying about him, but he's better today and getting great care from the sibs.

Now we're in New Orleans.  We walked a gazillion sweaty miles yesterday.  Next to the Mississippi.  Through Jackson Square and Congo Square.  We went to Baccanal and listened to some jazzy music.  We had dinner at a fab restaurant called Bywater American Bistro.  We talked with #1 Son and Magnificent Ms. Shea for hours.  We walked with June, the dog o'love.  We connected with Magruber, Feline of Mystery. 

We will be here for one month.  It's hot, but we're ready for walking, talking, listening to music, eating creative cuisine.  Our apartment on Music Street, appropriately described as shabby-chic, lacks hot water. I wonder if that will get fixed.  Our landlord seems unconcerned.  Maybe he's having a special Easter Sunday and will help us later in the week.  At any rate, we'll let the good times roll and focus on living our lives and worlding our world while in this great American city. Today we'll hear #1 Son playing some music with Betty Shirley. 

The Conditions

   I'm always surprised when I learn about new health conditions.  Today I learned about treatment for the Schatzki Ring, which is named after Richard Schatzki.  A related condition, new to me, is the steakhouse syndrome.  

Don't freak if you have either of these problems.  You'll be fine.  

The Family Report

I'm with my family in the south. Oldest Brother left for vacation, visiting Older Sister.  Come to find out, he's in the hospital now after 10 hours of vacation.  He has some kind of upper GI problem.  We are worried, but we're also being patient and trusting that he's getting great care.

Meanwhile, Dad was "listing starboard" quite a bit this weekend.  Older Brother was a Navy man so that's how he describes Dad's leaning to the right.  Today the leaning has lessened, but his tooth broke.  We have an appointment scheduled for tomorrow.  No pain with broken tooth. 

I'll keep you posted.