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