Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

 ...and a little bit of Monday too.  Marcail led us on a trail which is the top of the Everglades- an adventerous brave/crazy one could conceivably walk deep into the Southern part of the state but of course, that does not describe me- no matter what anyone says about the "crazy".  In our short walk we encountered so many big birds- herons, giant turkeys (I mean giant turkeys) and that which I constantly talk about (to the now annoyance of my traveling company)- my stepping over this pygmy rattlesnake (small, toxic, feisty buggers -research shows).  Kind of makes the case for a fun moment to with a bit of misfortune, a bad scene.  But a fun moment.  The kids ran right o'er him too but it was only when I did when Maria spotted.  Fortunately these snakes like to stay put and glare (makes for good photo ops)

this here is the actual bugger-not even 2 feet long

After leaving our friends in Orlando who provided the best stay possible (and again, we're sorry for the half box of chocolates we brought that Cherry Vanilla doggy ate- then exploding from all orifices over your bed mattress, bed sheets, rugs until Cherry got better) we headed on our drive to New Orleans.

We stopped in Homassasa Springs to find manatees, who being fed do not exercise much and are very large.  15 years ago or so Maria first met Rosie who is well and even larger than she was then.  Maria and Dexter took to Lu, the hippo who when he was a performing hippo would only do so when his friend, a mule would also comply.  Lu twice said hello by opening his big 'ol mouth as wide as I am long, or longer. 

a happy Dexter

We stayed overnight in Pensacola but spent more time the next day in Mobile, AL with a nice little meal at Three Georges.  My Dad's name is George so I'll count him as one of the Georges.  In New Orleans on Wednesday we met up with Cailin who arrived Tuesday night.  Our place at Place D'Armes is big with high ceilings and much room.  Not going cheap has benefits although the room rates (we're paying 5 different rates over 7 nights from a low of 105 to 179)-best of all is a pool that is perfectly hospitable to our two energetic kids.  Maria is enjoying how brave Oliver is getting and Dexter's self sufficency is fun.  Dexter is happy attacking beignets with the layers of powdered sugar and the more times we visit DuMonde, the more I appreciate it just being there.  It's not much and it's everything at the same time.

Tuesday Cai treated us to the very enjoyable Preservation Jazz Hall. It's about a 45 minute set in a rustic bronze hued set. Worth noting; it is a cramped sweaty space but the musicianship and interplay more than compensates...just don't pass out!

A free concert at Armstrong Park was cancelled due to heavy rain (we missed most of the effects of a passing tropical storm-mostly in Florida where it made driving a bit spooky).  Unfortunately at show time it was bright, dry and sunny.  A brass band, Cyril Neville and rumours of Allen Toussaint (they had just performed at a NOLA benefit for the President last night) were not to be.  Oh well.

Legendary and very affordable Dooky Chase, where friendly southern dining meets us.  We tried not to ruin the mood.

photo by Dexter

the norm

Walter "Wolfman"Washington at DBA. DBA has great music, great selection of beers and is a club where there is no smoking.

side room of a big room "junior suite"

Three Georges lunch, Mobile

love from Lu

where the manatees live, peacefully

manatees from above

Thursday night- Ri, Dext and Big O and I went to see the New Orleans Zephyrs (tripleA, Marlins affiliate) play vs. a Dodgers team.  Zephyrs won 3-0.  Of note is the not popular (in SF) Scott Cousins who broke Buster Posey's leg last year (man, where did Dexter learn those swear words cussing out this guy!-we were tossed after the third inning) and Damon Minor ("tiny"), the Zephyrs hitting coach.

view from the outfield, a good place to play ball tag