Elvis has left the building.

Friday. Paulette's husband experience a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. While they were in the ER. The doctor told Paulette that it was critical and when she asked if she should call their children, the doctor said yes.

I had just stepped out the shower when Mimi called to ask if I had gotten Paulette's text message. I hadn't. She told me what was going on. I threw on my clothes, dried my hair, and got to the hospital. 

He was in surgery for about 6 hours. The grapevine is alive and well in our little town and in short order family and friends were filling up the ICU waiting room. Paulette was ever the gracious hostess, introducing each person to all present as they arrived. It kept her distracted and occupied. It helped pass a grueling afternoon. All three of her children made it to the hospital while their dad was in surgery.

The doctor came in at about 8:30 to tell us that the surgery was over. And successful. However, he delivered the news in somber tones. He was very technical in his explanations. I left after that hoping that others would do the same and give the family some quiet. 

The hospital had given Paulette a complimentary room for the night and she and Natalie (dtr) stayed and got a small amount of sleep. Paulette and all her children were able to go in to see Jimmy every few hours. He was even awake and responsive enough to see them all and squeeze hands and mouth endearments to them. 

Saturday. Marsha drove up from the coast and made it to the hospital before I did. We kept vigil in the waiting room. The day seemed to go quickly. I thought this might go on for days and so left mid-afternoon. Marsha followed suit a few hours later. But while she was on her way to my house I got the call that things had turned for the worse. BP was dropping and the family was called back. When Marsha arrived at my house I jumped in her car and we sped back to the hospital. 

We went straight back to ICU to be with the family. The nursing staff and doctors were trying one more thing to keep Jimmy alive. Kidney dialysis. It failed. Then we knew he wasn't gone to make it. And somewhere around 8:30 he slipped away. 

I can not explain how many people's lives Jimmy touched. I can't tell you how many good friends he has kept for years and years. He was a force in this small town. He was legend. He will be missed by multitudes. 

Rest in peace, my brother. 

Mama Mia - Part 3

-Continued-

Still Saturday.

After eating the marvelous "snacks" in the lounge we all headed up to our rooms to get ready for the main event. Performance at 2:00.

I loved being within walking distance of everything we did all weekend. After meeting in the lobby, a quick stroll down Canal Street took us to the theatre. On the way we passed some interesting characters. Some were a little scary so we just kept our chins pointed in the right direction and marched on!

Here I am outside the Saenger about to see Mama Mia!

The performance was so very fun. The actors' voices were wonderful, all so talented. Each actor seemed enthusiastic in his/her role. During intermission the bathroom line was ridiculous and so I just went back to my seat. So many women, so few toilets. 

We all stood and sang along at the grand finale' of the play! Total fun. 

We left the Saenger and retraced our steps down Canal. There were several hours before our dinner reservation and so we stopped off at the Ritz Carlton and found a good spot in their lounge.

We all ordered cocktails and more laughs and fun was had. Our very nice waiter, from Natchez, took great care of us. He brought us baskets of homemade potato chips. And then! He brought out plates of bite sized beignets - with three sauces. Chocolate, vanilla, and caramel. My favorite was the vanilla. Over the top!

La-te-da! Sisters enjoying happy hour at the Ritz Carlton. Kaye, Mimi, and Paulette.

Kaye, Lynn, and I leaving the Ritz. 

Lynn, Machelle, and Amanda enjoying the evening. This night we dined at the Palace Cafe. We even spotted Robin Roberts at a nearby table.  Food was good, service was okay - but slow. And. I have to tell you that paying out was an ordeal. The waiter took care of our checks one at a time. 

I enjoyed my dinner of andouille crusted gulf fillet with lump crab meat.  So much crab meat. 

I ordered the white chocolate bread pudding for dessert. It was pretty good. 

After dinner it was back to the hotel where some went up to bed and some stayed in the lobby to visit a cousin's daughter, Dominique, who dropped by. 

Mimi, Amanda, Lynn, and I checked out the roof before Lynn and I headed down to visit with Dominique and the lobby sisters. We didn't stay long but while we were still there Paulette and Dominique espied a young woman getting on an elevator with no pants! What?! You just never know what you're going to see in New Orleans. So. Be prepared. 

Sunday. 

We all met in the lobby to walk to Mass together. Machelle wasn't feeling well (catching a cold) and opted to sleep in.

The St. Louis Cathedral did not disappoint. The priest even encouraged everyone to try some of the good beverages that could be found on every street corner in the Quarter. 

We got a quick glimpse of more little cousins and nieces on our way out of church. Then on to the jazz brunch at Broussard's.

Lobby of Broussards. Oh, and that's me. 

Amanda and Paulette enjoying the musicians. They invited us to sing along. Oh we did!! I recommend doing a jazz brunch if you go to the City. And I highly recommend Broussard's. 

My breakfast = shrimp and grits. I had consumed plenty of alcohol over the weekend so I opted for a Virgin Mary. It was delicious. 

All too soon our weekend was winding down. Back to the hotel to gather our suitcases.

We were waiting in the lobby for the limo when the driver called to say the traffic was backed up. Could we possibly get to Canal and Royal on our own? Yes we could. Thank goodness for rolling suitcases! We trekked the 3 blocks up Royal to Canal...and in just a minute the limo was there.

We loaded up and headed back to Mississippi. 

A totally awesome weekend. I'm sending a shout out to the sisters that arranged for all the fun. 

"...I ask in all honesty - what would life be - without a song or a dance what are we? So, I say thank you for the music - for giving it to me!"

-ABBA

Mama Mia weekend - Part 2

-Continued-

All nine of us at the Carousel Bar!!

Some sisters stepped out of the hotel Friday evening to enjoy tunes from across the street. Street musicians abound in the Big Easy. Many of them are very talented. Sisters danced in the street while the rest of us took our turns around the Carousel Bar. Seats are at a premium and you just have to wait and strike when the opportunity presents itself.

Me, Lynn, and Mimi at the Carousel Bar. 

Reservations were at 6:00 at Mr. B's Bistro across from our hotel. There is even a revolving door entry at Mr. B's. How fun is that?! Our waiter was young and excellent. He fended off our sillies and took good care of our table. 

I enjoyed the duck breast with satsuma reduction accompanied by wild rice and haricots vert (green beans).

Mimi had the barbecued shrimp. Amanda had it, too. The waiters brought out bibs for the two of them, like they were eating lobsters! There was so much butter that the bibs were absolutely necessary. Man did it look good. I loved the duck, but next time I'm getting the bbq shrimp!

Back to the hotel and we fell like flies. It was an early night for me. 

***

Saturday.

We woke to a beautiful day. Lots to do, so we got moving pretty early.

Sunrise on the Mississippi River. Mimi and I watched a huge cruise ship makes its way to port. All the sisters had agreed the night before that no one would wear make up for breakfast.  So, we threw on some sweats and brushed our teeth and headed to...

Cafe' du Monde!!! For beignets and coffee. Some of the sisters aren't fans of the beignet. But me? I don't know who invented the beignet, but whoever it was - I'm a fan! I ate and enjoyed every single bite. When you are there your can taste the powdered sugar with every breath you take. It was fortunate that some of the sisters knew the lay of the land and we walked in an alternate door and found two tables rather quickly. 

Sugar babies. Licking lips after beignets. Messy girls. Amanda, Paulette, and Marsha. 

Stephanie, Kaye, Machelle, Mimi, and Lynn. Coffee was the ticket to kick start our morning. And. It was good. 

When we left there was a long line of people waiting at the main entrance. It was a matter of good timing, too.  

We had decided on our way to breakfast that we all wanted to take a carriage ride around the Quarter. While at the Cafe' we had spied a purple carriage and made a bee line for it when left the restaurant. Another good decision!

Kaye, Machelle, and Stephanie in the carriage. 

Amanda and I in the back seat. 

Our driver/tour guide was David Carriere. He was charming. He had plenty of historical facts and hysterical quips. He talked about his wife, mom, dad, siblings, and children. He had us laughing the entire ride. He wore purple from head to toe. Look for him next time you're in the Quarter. I guarantee a good time will be had. 

After the ride we strolled around the Quarter. I enjoyed checking out the local artists and did some fun people watching. I checked out the beggars, the tarot card readers, and a street artist passing a bottle of liquid warmth. Some sisters stopped in a watering hole for some beverages. A group of good horn-playing musicians were in the Square and I did some easy dancing while the sisters waited on their beverages.  The weather was so great we just kept walking around...

Jackson Square. St. Louis Cathedral (where we attended mass on Sunday morning.) Sorry, Machelle, I only got 1/4 of your face. 

Mimi makes a new friend. Of course there are the street entertainers that stand stock still with a bucket for donations.  This guy had a mask on but you could see a smile in his eyes. We even saw him again the next day when we were loading up the limo to leave.

Then it was time to head back to the hotel to get ready for the performance. 

Before we got ready, some of us opted to grab a quick bite in the lounge. I decided to try the crawfish beignets with remoulade sauce. Oh. My. Gosh. I can't even describe how delicious these were. But, yes. If you go - DO try them!

*****

I will have to finish the saga later, as I must get my day started. 

Until later...

Mama Mia Weekend - Part 1

My weekend will go down in history as one of the best. Nine sisters planned and looked forward to this for nearly a year. It. Was. Epic. 

And so it began...

Thursday. What a day! Honey, honey! It was a misty rainy day but my spirits did not dampen. The trip was a delight as I looked forward to the adventures about to happen. I stopped at a favorite watering hole in Hattiesburg, The Plaid Rhino. They did not disappoint...

Disclaimer: there will be food pictures aplenty. It was a major portion of the adventure. This was a yummy salad at the PR. 

A very good crawfish pepper jack soup at the PR. 

I had a few hours until Mimi got off work so I planned to stop at Beach Boy's house to visit with his wife and Millie and Sweet Pea. Millie is all over the place. She is saying some few words now. We had fun. Sweet Pea is picky and choosy about her picture being taken. 

Millie and me. And - Sweet Pea, the photo bomber. 

On to sister's house where Mimi and my Texas sister, Lynn, awaited. We wined and we sang...

Mama Mia sing-along. 

We stayed up way too late laughing, and singing, and being together. 

***

Friday. 

After coffee we got ourselves all ready for adventure. More sisters arrived - four together and then another. We waited on Marsha. She is always the last. Then this... 

She showed up in costume! Ready for the Mama Mia weekend! 

Marsha brought us all the queen sunglasses. Here we go again!!

The limo ride over was a party complete with champagne and twerking! 

Yes, that is Amanda in the background! Can you believe that girl?!

After checking into our rooms we all unwound at the famous Carousel Bar at the Monteleone. 

They had fabulous drinks and some very entertaining girls around the bar. We made new friends from Ohio that had us laughing our fannies off. Then they were gone and and we just kept having fun, anyway. 

This day wasn't over, but I am out of time right now. Will continue the story in my next post.

Laissez le bon temps rouler!

Monday.

Rain. Monday. They seem to go together. It was a very good weekend. Mr. Macho took his turn staying at his Dad's. I thawed and heated some pretty good chicken/sausage/pork gumbo and took it over for supper on Friday night. On Saturday I took the leftovers with me to Daughter's house. I even made some strawberry brownies for the Super Carrot. She didn't like them so much, but she loooved the gumbo! Big sister was the opposite. Brother didn't think he would like the gumbo, but finished a small bowl full.

It was a good visit. We played games with the kids. And. We got to talk a good bit. It was sunny and cold, so we didn't venture out of doors. Daughter has set up a small but perfect art studio in her sun room. The light is primo for her creative space. She has some great things going. Like me and my crochet, she doesn't know what she will do with all these objects of art. Doesn't matter. It stands on its own. Art is our outlet. We have a need to create. It is expression. It is therapy. It is love.
I came home early to get home before the sun set. You know - vampires and all. Just kidding.

Sunday Mr. Macho brought his Dad to our house from some homemade chicken and dumplings. It was pretty good, if I do say so myownself. They stayed and watched the remained of an NFL playoff game.  The care of his Dad continues to evolve. Mr. Macho left him alone for a few hours on Saturday. On Sunday morning we left him at home while we went to Mass. We are still figuring it all out.

On with the week. It will end with a magnificent adventure. With sisters. I'll tell you all about it later.
Be sweet.

Sunshine out my window.

OHMYGOSH! I have forgotten to mention the GOOD NEWS. We are having a baby in July!!! Well, not "we" we, but Out-of-Town son and DIL "we". A GRANDbaby!! A girl. Tickled pink!! Yes we are. They let us know the Friday after Thanksgiving, but we had to take a blood oath of secrecy. I must confess, I am not good at keeping the happy secrets. I didn't blab, but I told a sister, or 7. Just kidding, I didn't tell that many. Almost, though. It is just so WOW. Think pink. I think of the names. And the clothes. And the cuteness. And the smell of the new baby. I could go on and on. And I will. Often. Unabashedly. No apologies. I am already in love with her.

***

I welcome the cold this week because it is packed with the sunshine. All the local creeks and rivers are swollen from the days and days of rain last week. Polar air should reach us by Thursday. So what? Got the sunshine and I say, 'bring it on!'.

In my previous post I failed to mention the delicious New Year's Day meal that Mimi cooked for us. I am a stick-in-the-mud for eating peas and greens on New Year's Day. Mr. Macho, Mom, and I visited with Beach Boy in his new house before continuing to Mimi's on the first day of the new year. As always, Mimi was the hostess with the most-ess! Pork loin, peas, rice, cabbage, and cornbread to boot. We should all be well set for good luck and good health this year. Thank you, Mimi.

Mr. Macho spent some of this past weekend at his Dad's house. I stayed home and boxed up Christmas. I did go into the attic and bring empty boxes down. Mr. Macho returned them to the attic. All that is left is our Nativity. The alpha and the omega of Christmas. It will stay up until the weekend.

I had a good work out this morning after which I showered and ran into town to drop off some chili for the food kitchen and to pick up a brisket to cook for a church group tomorrow night. Meanwhile, I stopped at the book store to buy some birthday cards and peruse the books. I had a gift card and a challenge. Daughter has sent me a Pinterest challenge for reading. There are 50 book types on the list to read in a year. No specific titles. Just genres. For instance: read a book that has non-human characters, read a book that is published this year, read a book that your mother loved, ... You get the idea? I love the challenge. Today I bought a book to satisfy the category, "written by someone under 30" (I Am Malala). This challenge is going to make me reach beyond my usual boundaries and comfort zone.  THIS feels like an adventure. I like it.

Tonight we intend to resume our dancing lessons. We will take the one hour group class. And hope that my back stands up to it. Tonight = beginning foxtrot. I love the foxtrot. Mr. Macho does not. But. Every time we re-take the beginning class it gets easier and easier. And he likes it more. So, here's hoping!

My kitchen chalkboard is announcing "This year I will be fierce". I am trying. Really I am. Success, sometimes, comes in small packages. That is totally fine with me. Besides, small feels more comfortable. More my size.

On that note I will simply say - do your best!

Happy New Year.

A quiet Eve and Christmas day were spent at The Father-in-Law's house. I prepared our Christmas meal at home and transported it. Brisket, mashed potatoes, English peas, and spinach madeline. Our sweet family friend, Kathryn, joined us. Of course, I was the only one eating the spinach. I made brownies, but there were already so many sweet things at his house that the brownies came back home with us unopened.
Christmas afternoon, after much professional basketball on the teevee, Mr. Macho and I got in the kitchen and scrubbed. The refrigerator. The dishwasher face. The microwave. Some of the stove top. It made us feel helpful and good.
We had a quick weekend at home and attended a couple of movies before packing up and heading south to bring in the New Year with my Mom and help Beach Boy move into his new home.
Mr. Macho spent Monday afternoon and all day Tuesday helping to facilitate the move. I stayed and visited with Mom...insuring that I did not lift and overdo anything to reverse the great way my back is feeling!

I was able to make use of the local high school track while staying with Mom. It is a great tool for exercise. Convenient!

Mimi provided us with yummy eats. Cheese ball, artichoke dip, and Bill Kinberger's marinated shrimp! Best recipe. 

The oak tree in Mom's front yard has Van Gogh roots. This photo does not do the pattern justice. Oaken Starry Night. 

Looking up. 

After Mass on New Year's Eve we tried to light a paper lantern. We made a mistake by trying at the beach. The wind was too great and the lantern ended up in the water. I was very disappointed. 

Our football teams were also disappointing on New Year's Eve. There was no joy in Mudville. 

Instead of waiting, we opened some bubbly early in the game. It didn't help. Our team was crushed. Our spirits were dampened. 

Mom even went to bed early and left her beloved Bulldogs to fend for themselves. There was no rally. The was no victory. 

Mr. Macho and I stayed the course, finished the game, and watched the ball drop in New York. Then. I decided to try the paper lantern one more time. 

And. It floated into the night sky. 

We watched it for a long time and are sure that it floated over the Sound waters before it burned out.

***

Mom really is doing fine, other than the obvious. She is 94. Words and names are getting slightly more tricky. Memories are becoming pastel watercolors. ("I can't remember the last time I had a Bloody Mary!" When, in fact, it was about 3 weeks ago.) She is slower. And deafer. And. Still Mom. 

Unlike last year, there seemed to be many more feelings of nostalgia for our old house. More "misty water color memories, of the way we were" (thank you Barbara Streisand!) Mom relayed to me that she and Dad always claimed they were just "camping out" at this new house. When they spoke of home, they were referring to 890 Second Street, their home of 50+ years, before Katrina. The house where they raised 9 children. I read in between the lines and know that Mom was missing Dad while she was reminiscing. She closed her eyes and spoke of the old house. I know she was seeing every detail of it, as if she were right there. I heard more emotion in her voice than I have heard in years. 

Dad died two years ago on New Year's Day, in the wee hours of the morning. It was a Tuesday. After a very difficult night kept vigil by my sisters, Mimi and Lynn. It was expected, yet difficult. A beloved husband, father,  grandfather, son, brother, uncle, community member. It was a show of great respect and love that over 400 people attended the funeral of my 92 year old father. 

*****

We woke to this New Year on a Thursday. To a year that has begun with unexpected gifts. That morning, in the very room where Daddy had died exactly two years ago, I sat in the rocking chair that now occupies the space where a hospital bed had stood holding my Dad. I listened to Mario Lanza croon the Lord's Prayer and let my emotions swell. I let my tears flow. And I remembered the last time we spoke. "I love you very much" was the last thing he said to me. And. It was the last thing I said to him.

Gift.

Thursday morning I washed the hair of my 94 year old mother in the kitchen sink.  Thoughts of, "How many times did you do this for me?" filled my head like the hot air that filled the paper lantern the night before. Tears welled. Pure gift. 

Pure love. 

This year has promise.