NOLA Love

We went to New Orleans a couple of weeks ago to see the Saints play. As you may know, their season hasn't been going as well as we would have liked. New Orleans is, however, a fun place to visit, no matter the outcome of the game. As one of my Facebook friends commented, "Even when the game is in doubt, the food is never in question." Indeed.

We started our food fest at Desire Oyster Bar, located adjacent to the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon Street. Jim likes oysters on the half shell. I like the the Creole Trio, featuring gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. So good.

It is always fun to see the balconies in the French Quarter all decked out for the holidays. Any holiday.

On Friday, we took the streetcar out St. Charles avenue to have lunch. I snapped this photo along the way. You don't see many of those any more.

When we arrived at Commander's Palace, they gave each guest a bell to ring in the holiday season.

5 cent martinis are festive in any season.

Jim enjoyed the turtle soup.

And I cleaned my plate to get to my favorite - bread pudding soufflé.

Best. dessert. ever. See that bowl in the background? Warm whiskey cream sauce. Oh yes.

It was a sunny day in the garden district, and we took a photo before catching the streetcar back to the hotel.

On Friday afternoon, we took the cocktail tour, which we have done on each of our visits to New Orleans. We were able to get in Joe's group (he's the best), and had a good time meeting new friends, and hearing his (now familiar) stories.

Pirate's Alley is one of the stops on the tour, with the mystical Green Fairy cocktail offered for the enjoyment of tour takers.

We walked down Royal Street, and passed right by our hotel, all decorated for Christmas. That's our balcony room on the second floor.

There was even a lighted bike parade. Always something fun and fancy in New Orleans.

Saturday was beautiful, and we took a walk past the cathedral on our way to Cafe du Monde.

Jackson Square is stunning against the bright blue sky.

After a little shopping, we headed to Canal Street for the Krewe of Jingle Christmas Parade. We heard about the parade that morning, and thought we should at least go watch. No one does a parade like New Orleans.

Winged horses...

soldiers on stilts...

(creepy) Santa floats...

and lots and lots of little girls.

Girls dancing, and marching, and tapping, and twirling all the way down the parade route.

Each float had people on board tossing beads, cups, and the occasional stuffed animal to the crowd. Beads, beads, everywhere.

There were Rolling Elvises (or as one site I consulted for the plural of Elvis says, Elvi). Some were rolling, some were walking, and all were having a good time.

I liked the MuffALottas, a dance troupe, who were having fun dancing with their trays in their red and green Christmas costumes.

They even threw beads from horses! Of courses!

Snowman float.

I liked the candy cane stilt the best. We collected our beads, and finished our afternoon at the Carousel Bar, keeping up with the Purdue game on our phones.

Saturday evening we had a nice dinner in the Jazz Bistro at Arnaud's Restaurant. The musicians come around to each table and ask for a request. We usually request 'When the Saints Go Marching In', but someone beat us to it that night. We settled on 'What a Wonderful World.' Yes it is. We finished with Bananas Foster for dessert, always impressive.

And delicious.

Breakfast at Brennan's on Sunday morning gave us another opportunity to enjoy the torching and tasting of Bananas Foster. Legend has it, the dessert was invented there.

They handed out bells there, as well, and they were a nice accessory to our game-day jerseys. Who Dat!

We got to the Superdome early (I know, a surprise), and checked out the statue of Saints owner Tom Benson.

Took a selfie in front of the dome.

We had to wait a few minutes outside the entrance, and I was making friends with the security crew. It's always good to make friends. Our tickets allow us access to the Bunker Club below the stands, where they serve good food and drink, have big screen televisions, nice restrooms, and comfortable couches on which to relax. Jim had a nice meal in there while I was in my seat watching the action on the field. We had a pretty good view.

I like watching my team, win or lose. Well, okay, it's a little more fun when they win. We knew this would be a tough game, as our Saints were playing the undefeated Carolina Panthers.

There's our Drew. He really is a good guy. You can't find a person in New Orleans with anything negative to say about him. New Orleans loves our Boilermaker.

The team photographer is always working. He is the one who came over to the rail at the game in Indianapolis, and talked to Matthew, and gave him a Drew Brees card.

Warming up.

Marques Colston's family was on the sidelines before the game to watch him warm up. So cute.

He came over and greeted the kids. Don't you just love those little gold pants?

The photographer came over and spoke to them,

and then snapped a picture.

I have read a few articles that say that this might be Colston's last year as a Saint. Speculation, of course, and I hope they are able to keep him on the team. He holds many of the receiving records for the team, including most receiving touchdowns and most total touchdowns. When he scores a touchdown, he doesn't dance, dunk, or discuss, just hands the ball to the referee and gets back to work. Drew Brees calls him Mr. Reliable. His nickname is Quiet Storm. I was so happy that he caught 2 touchdown passes last Sunday in the game at Tampa Bay.

He gave his gloves to his young son, who put them on as they made their way off the field after the warm ups. He's one of my favorites.

There's our Drew, ready to go.

Pre-game huddle.

Stretches.

A handshake from the coach.

The Saints played the Carolina Panthers. They're pretty good. Like undefeated good. Number 41 on their team is Roman Harper. He played on the Super Bowl Champion Saints team. Now he's on the Panthers, who have started their season in a very similar fashion to that Super Bowl Team in '09-'10. Harper wrote a very good article comparing the two teams, that you can read here, if you're interested.

Team introductions include a lot of fire.

I know he's good, but it is my observation that the Panther's quarterback is just a little bit too full of himself. He comes to the coin toss at mid-field before the game with a towel on his head, which seems rather disrespectful to me.

As soon as the coin dropped, he was heading back to the bench.

It was a great game, and my Saints came this close to winning it. I held my beads, stood up, sat down, watched, didn't watch, high fived, celebrated, and, finally, agonized over the final score. So close!

The guy below, number 28, is one of the reasons the Panthers won the game. I like his name, but I don't much like what the other Jonathan Stewart did to the Saints.

Drew frequently confers with his receivers on the bench, to make adjustments.

After a final, valiant drive, the Saints came up short, and lost 41-38. That's a lot of points, and the team played hard.

Jim has a new favorite in Benjamin Watson. He's a captain, a leader, and Jim wore his jersey number to the game. Jim read his book, Under Our Skin, while we were in New Orleans.

After the game, Benjamin Watson leads the mid-field prayer. He is facing the camera, just below the Gatorade sign. We stick around at the stadium as long as they will let us, which isn't as long as I would like. :)

Bye bye, Superdome.

We walked back to the hotel from the stadium, and then headed out to find some dinner. St. Louis Cathedral is beautiful day or night. We ate at Tujague's, and took our dessert to go.

We ate Monday morning breakfast at Cafe Beignet, just down the street from our hotel. Our order was number 9. Naturally.

It was a beautiful morning, and we went up to the hotel rooftop to enjoy the view.

The pool was open, and there was even someone swimming.

Jim took one last look before we headed downstairs.

A few more minutes on our balcony, and it was time to head to the airport.

We watched a pretty sunset during our layover in Atlanta. Although we had time for dinner and the sunset, there apparently wasn't time to get our bag on the plane, and we got to Indy without it. Thankfully, it found its way home. As did we.

It's a Small, Small, NOLA World

Jim and I took a little trip to New Orleans last week. It was our 7th trip to the Crescent City, and we go for football, food, and fun. And did I mention food? So. Much. Food.

The approach to New Orleans is a pretty one, over Lake Pontchartrain and into Louis Armstrong International Airport. Jim and I wondered about the airport abbreviation, MSY, so I looked it up and learned that it stands for Moisant Stock Yards, named for aviator John Moisant. (He actually crashed his plane and died on the site of the airport.)

Air travel is just one way our world has gotten smaller, and I am thankful that in just a few hours, we were all checked in to our room at the hotel - the same one we stayed in last year! Feels like home.

New Orleans is a friendly city, and we enjoy meeting folks and fellow tourists while we are there. I don't know if this happens to everyone, but it seems like, wherever we go, we always run in to people from our Indiana home.

We had a hurricane beside the fire at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop (it was chilly for New Orleans!), and shared a table with a nice young couple.

Turns out, the young man is doing his pediatric residency at Riley hospital, and they just bought a house in Broad Ripple. Jim's Purdue pullover is a great conversation starter.

We watched this balloon maker entertain the children while we waited in line at Cafe Du Monde. For a place that serves basically one thing, they sure keep busy! We had about a twenty minute wait for a table.

When we were seated, the couple next to us noticed Jim's Purdue logo. They live in Mooresville. They moved there from their lake home in northern Indiana to be near their grandchildren. I have been wanting to get to Mooresville to try out Zydeco's, a Cajun restaurant that was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. They knew about the restaurant, but have not eaten there yet. They suggested we meet for dinner! Lol.

We stopped at the Carousel Bar, at Hotel Monteleone, to have a drink and catch up on the Purdue game on Saturday afternoon. We were lucky enough to score a seat at the bar, which, as the name implies, rotates like a carousel. We had been there a little while, checking the game on our phone (I guess New Orleans doesn't have much interest in the Big Ten Network) when a young couple grabbed the seat next to us (seats at the carousel are in high demand). They were Purdue pharmacy grads, living and working in Fort Wayne.

My favorite store in NOLA is Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights. I stop in multiple times each trip to moon over the gorgeous copper lanterns.

We walked to the back, where the lanterns are being made. The man behind the workbench? A Butler grad. His major was something like historical preservation, and he assured me he could make me any kind of a lantern I would like. I'm sure he could. They are so cool.

We went to Tujague's on Sunday evening, for our last dinner in NOLA. As we were leaving, a group at the next table called Jim over after seeing his pullover, and told him they were from Elkhart. They had a nice chat before we went on our way, noting again that it is, indeed, a small world after all.

Stay tuned for the rest of the NOLA recap!

In The Meadow We Can Build a Hodgepodge

Hello December, and hello Hodgepodge! Thanks for stopping by! Thanks also, to Joyce, for the questions each week as she faithfully hosts this little party on the world wide web. Be sure to click on the button to pay her a visit!

Now for her questions and my answers:

1. Did you watch The Charlie Brown Christmas special Monday night? Who's your favorite Peanuts character and why?

I did not watch the Charlie Brown Christmas special on Monday… I didn't realize it was on. I have, however, watched it many, many times. We had (still have) a VHS tape with all the Christmas shows I recorded back to back from the TV so that our kids could watch all the shows all season long. Before DVDs, DVRs, or the ability to watch 'most anything on youtube. I even hit pause during commercials while recording, 'cause nobody wants to watch those. :)

My favorite character on the Christmas special is Linus. He's the star of the show, with his scripture reading from the book of Luke. I'm probably most like Lucy, though, like it or not. A big sister, a bit bossy, and a one-time perfectionist. (I've lightened up a little. I think.)

"Most psychiatrists agree that sitting in a pumpkin patch is excellent therapy for a troubled mind."~Linus  

Would you agree? 

Sure. Being outdoors is always a good way to clear your head.

2. Describe a sound from your childhood. What does this sound bring to mind? 

I remember the sound of the attic fan outside my upstairs bedroom on summer nights in our pre-air-conditioning house. That fan not only cooled, as best it could, the bedrooms, but also served as a 'white noise' of sorts, to muffle the sounds of summer when our bedtime came before dark.

3. You've won a trip to a winter wonderland...would that excite you? Which one of the following would you most want to experience (or which one would you dislike the least)-see the Aurora Borealis in Norway, stay in Sweden's Ice Hotel, go dogsledding in Lapland Finland, take a winter wildlife safari in Yellowstone or celebrate Winter Carnival in Quebec?

I don't. really. like. cold. Winter Carnival in Quebec sounds fun, and I'm sure there must be good food and good fun, despite the cold.

4. Who or what keeps you humble?

My children. 

5. What part of preparing for Christmas do you like the most? Explain. 

I have always loved Christmas cards, both sending and receiving. I like selecting, signing, and yes, even hand addressing them. I got them ordered early this year, but I haven't sent them yet. (See #7)

I also like getting out the nativity set, made by my mother-in-law, to display throughout the season. There have been a few nicks and chips to some of the pieces over the years, but I like to think that adds to the character of the holy family and friends. I like it so much, I sometimes leave it out until February or so. After all, Jesus is with us all the days of the year, not just at Christmas time.

6. Gingerbread-yay or nay? Is making a gingerbread house part of your family holiday tradition?

Gingerbread is not my favorite to eat, although I'm never one to turn down a cookie. :)  I did help these two make a gingerbread house last year. I hope to continue the tradition!

7. What's one thing you want to start, do, or complete before the calendar rolls into a new year? 

My Christmas cards!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I received an advance copy of Kristen Welch's new book, Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World, as part of the launch team. Kristen blogs at We Are That Family, and is the founder of Mercy House Kenya. I have just started the book, and I am excited to share the important message of ways to foster gratitude in our children, our grandchildren, and ourselves. (Yes, the book is for all of us, granny included!) It is hard to be intentional about seeking contentment, when the world says more (more, more) is better. Kristen joins us in the midst of the struggle to inspire and remind us that Jesus is all we really need.

The book is available for pre-order now at RaisingGratefulKids.com, for $16. This includes free shipping, as well as a Global Family Kit and Quick Guide Gratitude PDF. Click the link for all the details, and consider purchasing the book for you or someone you love. You will be blessed!

Giving and Thanks

It's Giving Tuesday, which, in actuality, would be better placed before Black Friday and Cyber Monday. I hope we can all make time today to give to our favorite charity, to a friend or neighbor, or to a stranger on the street who looks as if he could use a helping hand or a friendly smile. It's the giving that matters, as we are able. And every day is a good day for giving.

To recap our Thanksgiving weekend, we spent Thursday at my brother and sister-in-law's home, along with my parents, my other brother and his wife, and some of our kids. Cheryl made a turkey, some awesome appetizers and sides, and the rest of us brought a few things to round out the meal. 

We watched some football, and enjoyed the company and conversation. Jon even brought along his new puppy, Hogan, who is growing like a weed, as babies do. I am thankful for babies.

I didn't take many photos, and it was so nice to relax and enjoy the day. At the end of the day, this guy was plum tuckered out from all the food and the fun. I'll bet there are some grown ups who assume this position at the end of a bountiful Thanksgiving meal. :) I am thankful for sleep.

I am not a Black Friday shopper, so I enjoyed this beautiful sunrise on Friday morning from my cozy spot at our house. I am thankful for new mercies each morning!

I spent Friday preparing for our last Purdue tailgate of the year, and for our Thanksgiving meal with our children and grandchildren on Sunday. We have been tailgating for a few years now, and it's always a little sad to pack the box and check off my master list for the last time. Of course, the best part of tailgating is the time spent with family and friends, and giving support to our team. And this year, the team needed lots of support. I am thankful for our Boilers.

Jamalyn and Jessica joined us at our tailgate and at the game. We always enjoy being together! I am thankful for friends.

Jamalyn met Cayden, who has been a regular at games this season. We hope the team will improve as he grows! I am thankful for hope! 

Cayden was quite adorable in his football snowsuit, being cuddled by his Aunt Darci. I am always thankful for baby cuddles.

This trio in green came through the lot collecting money for their pizza fund in a bucket. Dave and Jamalyn posed with them since their son Nathan is a fan. I am thankful for game day fun! and pizza!

David and Shylah came in to the stadium with Cayden zipped up in David's jacket for warmth. It was chilly, but stayed dry for the most part. I am thankful for warm coats and tiny humans.

A couple of sections over, the rest of the group was putting on their best happy Boiler faces. I'm thankful for family and football.

The game was not going well, and rather than watch that team from B-town make off with the bucket, we opted to head out after the excellent halftime show. We took a little walk through campus, and ended up finding a spot to enjoy a beverage or two to drown our sorrows. I am thankful that there's always next year.

On Sunday, we gathered with all our kids and grandkids, my parents, my father-in-law, my brother and his wife, Jim's sister and her husband, and our niece and her kids to give thanks again for our many blessings.

Our tradition, for the last few years, has been, not turkey, but beef. Lots of beef. Look away vegetarians! We love our beef tenderloin. I am thankful for beef.

Courtney took this sweet photo of our oldest grandson, Matthew, reading to Haleigh and Noah. I am thankful for books, and for little readers.

These four made a good group sitting on the bench together.

They even asked to do a silly picture. I am thankful for silly!

We celebrated Jennifer and David's November birthdays with our favorite chocolate chip cake, with my dad looking on. I am thankful for birthdays, and dads, old and new.

We made an attempt at getting a photo of all six of our grandchildren before folks started heading home. We were only slightly successful, as one would expect with six little ones ranging in age from 12 weeks to 11 years. It's not a perfect picture, but it is real, as life is. We laugh, we cry, we worry, we fear, we hope, we pray, we rejoice. And we give thanks. For life and for love, through challenges and celebrations, that bring us to the moment. May we strive to be present in each of our moments, making memories and being, always, thankful. Amen.