Welcome to New Orleans!
A Day at the Museum...
Last Saturday we decided to check out the National WWII Museum of New Orleans. I was surprised to find such a lovely museum. The exhibits alone were very special and had alot of interesting and moving displays.
The real treat though is realistic war-time film produced and narrated by Tom Hanks, Beyond All Boundaries. It includes 4D elements, such as simulated wind, rattling seats, 3d props, and falling snow. This wide screen film features real vintage footage, animation, and sensory effects to really convey the feel of the war. You will FEEL the rumbling of a plane engine as you fly over a burning city. It is scary, emotional, and thrilling. It isn't just one element of the war, it is a journey through all of it. They do an excellent job of reminding us of the economic and human costs of war. The film closes with an emotional and happy finale as the war is ending. Seeing Americans celebrating the return of the boys in Times Square got this pregnant lady a little choked up.
We finished the day off with a Happy Hour at John Besh's restaurant, The American Sector, right in the museum. This wasn't any regular happy hour. It was a milk shake and 75 cent sliders kind of happy hour! Yum! The Vanilla Bean milkshake is to die for!
In short, it's great. Next time you're in NOLA, check it out! You'll be glad.
"Democracy alone, of all forms of government, enlists the full force of men's
enlightened will...It is the most humane, the most advanced, and, in the end,
the most unconquerable of all forms of human society. The democratic aspiration
is no mere recent phase of human history...We...would rather die on our feet
than live on our knees." - President Franklin Delano Roosevelt 1/20/1941
WE'RE GOING TO PRISON!
Angola Prison Rodeo
Oh Louisiana... you are nothing if not unique! I have only been to a couple rodeos, and NEVER a prison rodeo. On Halloween weekend, we are jumping in the car and heading out to Angola State Penitentiary to feast our eyes on a real prison rodeo! We'll get to watch real inmates have 8 seconds of freedom as they feel the adrenaline of a bull charging them!
Angola Prison Rodeo is one of only two of it's kind left in the country. The only other rodeo performed almost entirely by inmates being at Oklahoma State Penitentiary. It began in 1964 as a recreational activity for inmates and was closed to the public. A few years later, people began to flock to Angola to watch from their cars outside the prison fence. As notoriety grew, prison officials took notice of the economic opportunity and began selling tickets. It is still in operation today and is the oldest operating prison rodeo in the country. It also includes an arts and crafts fair that sells items made by the inmates. Talk about unique! Should make for a very interesting photo opportunity. Stay tuned!
Angola Prison Rodeo is one of only two of it's kind left in the country. The only other rodeo performed almost entirely by inmates being at Oklahoma State Penitentiary. It began in 1964 as a recreational activity for inmates and was closed to the public. A few years later, people began to flock to Angola to watch from their cars outside the prison fence. As notoriety grew, prison officials took notice of the economic opportunity and began selling tickets. It is still in operation today and is the oldest operating prison rodeo in the country. It also includes an arts and crafts fair that sells items made by the inmates. Talk about unique! Should make for a very interesting photo opportunity. Stay tuned!
Feeling Cozy for Autumn..
A cool breeze was blowing this weekend, so I spent some time picking up pumpkins and lighting scented candles for the Autumn holidays. After the break-in, I wanted this house to feel normal and comforting again. The best way to do that is to bring in the warmth of the seasons, just like my Mom does. You cook up a big pot of hot and hearty food, grab a cozy blanket and a good book. So I channeled my inner goddess of home and hearth to set out the candles and leaves. My love and I stayed tucked in with a fresh pot of Jambalaya and some heavy reading. Next weekend will be time for pumpkin carving, seed roasting, cider and pumpkin bread.
Stay Warm!
xoxo
Stay Warm!
xoxo
October 5, 2011 For the first time in my life, I have been robbed. I now know what it feels like to come home to an empty house and find it burglarized... to know that something just doesn't feel quite right, to start frantically looking around for these missing things, to see that window lock broken and have your heart sink. The thief got away with our MacBooks, iPods, and 2 treasured cameras (My baby, Canon t2i). Knowing some stranger had gone through my drawers, ransacked my closet, been in the room with my dog, and taken my most treasured, life enhancing items was just too much. I felt unbelievably angry, sad, and violated. Cue the mental breakdown. I fell apart for awhile. Albin put his arms around me and let me get it out. He too was a victim, but he stood strong. I'm thankful for my husband every day. But in times of stress, I am reminded why I chose this man in the first place. He works hard to make ME feel safe, comforted, and protected. He allows my mental breakdowns, stands strong through the storm, and lends a shoulder to cry on. The photos and memories on the stolen computers are irreplaceable; but Albin and I will make new memories. We will get new things. We have each other. I am a lucky girl. Thank you Albin. You make me feel strong. You make me a better person. I love you.
The SWAMP Tour!
Last weekend, we checked off another item from our New Orleans Bucket List.... the Swamp Tour! We headed out of town to the Cajun Pride Swamp Tour. I'm glad we waited for the sticky Summer months to come to a close; we couldn't have picked a more gorgeous day. It really is beautiful inside these swamps. We met several alligators, including the biggest one of them all. Our guide called out to this giant gator.. "Hey girl! Where ya at?!" She must know him because she immediately appeared, ready to jump out of the water to eat the raw chicken pieces he offered. The mouth, the teeth, the claws, the tail! I had only seen one of these at the zoo. It is an amazing creature. So different. For the grand finale our guide surprised us with a baby alligator he had on board. Everyone held it, including 'fraidy cat, yours truly. What a fun day. I love adventurin' with my fun husband!
Big River
"Ahh that's the Mississippi, the mighty Miss, the ol' miss, the old man."
One of the interesting things about living in New Orleans, is the treat of living along the Mississippi River.
Last weekend, we decided to take advantage of the lovely weather and get out of the house for a bike ride.
Albin loaded Peep into the basket, cranked up the Stones on our bike speakers and off we went.
We biked along the road and up a hill, and at the top of the hill the path started to ride alongside the river.
It was so nice to be riding next to water again! It's one of the things I miss most about Southern California.
The trail even opens up to a grassy clearing where you can sit on the edge of the river and take it all in.
Peep had as much fun as we did.. hair blowing in the breeze, and a HUGE puppy smile.
Days like this, when I see water and pretty sky, it reminds me that living in New Orleans is beautiful. There IS nature!
Something about the wind in your face when you're riding a bike.. it's exhilarating!
And it's even better with the one you love.
One of the interesting things about living in New Orleans, is the treat of living along the Mississippi River.
Last weekend, we decided to take advantage of the lovely weather and get out of the house for a bike ride.
Albin loaded Peep into the basket, cranked up the Stones on our bike speakers and off we went.
We biked along the road and up a hill, and at the top of the hill the path started to ride alongside the river.
It was so nice to be riding next to water again! It's one of the things I miss most about Southern California.
The trail even opens up to a grassy clearing where you can sit on the edge of the river and take it all in.
Peep had as much fun as we did.. hair blowing in the breeze, and a HUGE puppy smile.
Days like this, when I see water and pretty sky, it reminds me that living in New Orleans is beautiful. There IS nature!
Something about the wind in your face when you're riding a bike.. it's exhilarating!
And it's even better with the one you love.
The Street Fare Derby Review
It was the First Annual Street Fare Derby NOLA.
Food Trucks.
Live Music.
Beautiful horses racing.
Breeze blowing.
Sweet Husband Smiling.
My favorites: Mac N Cheese, Grilled Cheese, and Truffle Parmesan Fries.
Definitely a cheesy theme going on.
It was a good day!
Food Trucks.
Live Music.
Beautiful horses racing.
Breeze blowing.
Sweet Husband Smiling.
My favorites: Mac N Cheese, Grilled Cheese, and Truffle Parmesan Fries.
Definitely a cheesy theme going on.
It was a good day!
