Fri Feb 18th continued
On Valentine's Day the weather was sunny and warm. We took the tape off the outer windows...I showered...I then prepared for an event on Tues.We had a pleasant day and lovely dinner. Then watched a new to us movie.
Tues aft I held a story circle in the rec hall...there had been an announcement in a notice that goes out weekly inviting ladies to a story circle. It went well and was fun for all. Everyone got to tell some stories and learn about storytelling.Good beginnning.
Wed Peter worked on the rv after a grey morning but sunny and warm afternoon.
Thurs, Feb 17 we visited New Orleans for the first time! I was so nervous and excited. New Orleans had been my focus for months...again I didn't know what to expect ...if I would like the  place or not.We departed very early for me...8:30 ish in the morning. We took Hwy 90 and then took a back road turn off to New Orleans which on the map stays well south of  Hwy 10 and goes through Bayou Sauvage N.W.S.It was lowlands with houses on the water's edge in places. We turned at Chalmette to go South, taking the bypass route along the Mississippi River to Bohemia then took an unmarked road back north along the river to Phoenix. We saw small orchards of oranges or maybe tangellos (note) I had purchased some at a local market the other day. There were a variety of places from very big and fenced to small with a big garden patch.From Phoenix we took hwy 39 to a ferry which took us to Belle Chasse then we drove across Terrytown to another ferry....please note that we like to take ferries when we travel...driving through the historical district of Algiers point (just across from downtown New Orleans) to a ferry which deposited us in New Orleans at Canal St! It was such fun to enter the city this way which is what my husband planned all along.The Mississippi river is truly brown and strong and busy! As I drove down a street following our GPS to parking I saw a lot with empty spaces and we just parked there.We got out and walked into the French Quarter...away from some very loud calliope music. Lunched at Chartres House Cafe where we ate in the courtyard to the sound of running water.We walked about after soaking up the light and sounds of the streets. We got a wonderful tour of the restaurant Antoine's ...famous for hosting the Mardi Gras groups who run the parades...and a huge wine cellar and fine dining.We stopped into 'Razzle Dazzle' which is so colourful and filled with decorations and masks and jewellery.I was caught up in the mask display right at the start while my husband went  through the whole store and came back to find me trying on masks!He took me through the store and we found some great items...I was purring.We continued walking and I saw a wonderful necklace in the window of'Meilleur Joaillerie'. I tried it on. There are masks and Mardi Gras symbols and sparklies!So pretty and fun and my dear husband bought it for me.We walked  some more...the light had changed to late afternoon light that brought out the dusty reds on the bricks and highlighted the shadows with bright sunlight...there was the music created by individual artists beckoning you to stop and listen ...each shop had a unique scent that was not like a perfume which can be annoying and overwhemling but these scents I found engaging of foods and spices and flowers...they were enticing. SO when I noticed I was getting thirsty and SMELLED coffee and fresh baking...I followed the smell through an archway and into a narrow courtyard...and I continued right back into a small cafe called Royal Blend Coffee & Tea House. Before I knew it I had ordered an iced coffee. Let me point out to those of you who don't know me...I used to drink coffee in big amounts years ago but I am now a tea drinker! But I had to have an iced coffee and I did...it was exquisite!!! We sat in the courtyard just soaking up the peace and atmosphere of the place. It really looked as if the locals use it often. It is tucked back from the street. There were about three layers of balcony...all very small.Looking straight up I was reminded of a Tennesse Williams stage set...why of course!It was a very pleasant stop. We continued walking about...enjoying the buildings and the sun beginning to set as we headed back to our car...smiles on our faces and caffeine pulsing through my veins. As we drove out of New Orleans a very full bright, moon shone across the waters silvering everything. I was talking a mile a minute! A magical end to a wonderful first visit to New Orleans.
For now
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne