New Beginings

I made it here safely and without too much confusion, with a great deal of thanks to my superb navigator/friend. What an adventure that was! We stopped in DC, Knoxville, and Memphis (and many little stops between- you know, lunch in Nashville, no big deal). The weather held out and I even got to play host to my friend for a couple more days in New Orleans, revisiting all the places I love to go to as a tourist- for the last time in such a context.

Jackson, Mississippi

I just moved into a little studio in the heart of the French Quarter. My apartment is the median point between a Catholic Church and a large concentration Gay bars- welcome to New Orleans! But I get to live alone, and I’m at the back of a large, peaceful courtyard. There is a little spot for gardening and I have a feeling my windows will always be open and all my meals taken on the patio.

The view from my kitchen

The weather has been lovely. The Tulip Trees are blooming and the temperature is heavenly. It has rained a few days, but in large part I am walking into New Orleans at its climatic perfection.

Spanish Moss in Audubon Park

I should be job hunting, but in the name of “investigation” I’ve been ending up in cocktail lounges- only to find I become “distracted” and lose sight of why it is that I’m there in the first place. I have met a couple of excellent people in the field- Chris and Laura MacMillian. Chris brings his own silver Julep Cups to use at the bar and I cannot speak highly enough of his Ramos Gin Fizz.

The friends I’ve made here are almost exclusively Lindy Hoppers. I’ve been feebly trying to learn and have yet to fall flat on my face. The good news is that even if I never learn, the music is reason enough to go out and keep on trying.

The next blog I write will have tell of my new employment- here’s to that happening soon!

Door handles at my apartment

Countdown is On!

I'm only two weeks away from moving to a place rife with festivities! Between the Saints winning the Superbowl, and Mardi Gras- I'm bound to arrive just as hangovers start to seize the city. My timing may be poor... but hurricanes aside, is there ever really a bad time to go to New Orleans?

While trapped in my apartment, packing like crazy and avoiding the cold- I'm considering my options for procrastination. Tonight I believe I'll try my hand at concocting a Planter's Punch to submit to Tales of The Cocktail. My inspiration: Maine meets Louisiana, details to follow.

Yes, indeed. Turning up the heat and drinking Tiki cocktails. A mighty fine idea.

Image from hawaiiandays.com

Dr. Seuss's Portland, Maine

Pop guns! And bicycles! Roller skates! Drums!

Checkerboards! Tricycles! Popcorn! And plums!

I realize I'm a bit late to be sporting holiday spirit, but for some time now I've been meaning to share my feelings about Maine in the winter- Portland to be more precise. This goes well beyond the holiday season, so bear with me here.

In most parts of the country, the thought of a Maine winter brings cringes to faces. Many mornings my face does just that too. But when evening descends, we Portland residents find ourselves graced with a special treat- it might well be one of the few things that carries us through these miserable winters (snow on the beach and snowshoeing *ahem*). I'm speaking so highly of our holiday lights.

To stroll down Congress Street on a chilly January night- perhaps not yet warmed by a whiskey drink- maybe on your way to see some bluegrass or some other such thing- hands in your pockets, ears snuggled tight in your hat- cursing that darn hole in your boot- only to look up and find you've walked into a Dr. Seuss fantasy land... that is the best part about Portland's winter.

Truthfully, I look forward to the lights going up as soon as they've been taken down. I wish they were a year-round affair.

I'll apologize for my pictures not doing justice, I'll have to leave you with the assurance of more and better images to come.

AThe lights of Longfellow Square; consequently my view from work.

Congress Square.