Adventure 776: Niece Trip Two/Nawlins/Post C

The only way this trip could have been better would have been if our other niece, Molly, hadn't tested positive for covid. We didn't get to see her, but she reported she's the sickest she's ever been in her life. That said, her sister Patsy and Scott out did themselves to give us a strong dose of Southern hospitality. Scott gets six stars on the NOLA scale for his job as a tour guide. Today and night capped our trip with the crescendo of a drummer's smashed cymbal. The day started at Birdy's for brunch. The food and service were excellent, the company more so. Afterward, Scott drove us down St. Charles boulevard, an avenue replete with splendid antebellum mansions. Sleek, people filled trolley cars dinged as we passed by. We walked for a while around Audubon Park under the plethora of ancient oaks dripping with Spanish moss. At the pond a couple of turtles surfaced to say, "Hello". I'm pretty sure their bubbled refrains were French Cajun. Of course, we had to take early afternoon naps to prepare for the evening revelry, which started at a local institution called Deanie's Seafood, which specializes in all kinds, types, and flavors of fried and boiled seafood. After dinner, we made our way to Kermit Ruffin's bar, which I must admit I would have been afraid to enter if it hadn't been for Scott. Kermit is a renown New Orleans trumpet player who plays in the style of Louis Armstrong. He's at least as talented, and Oh, My, his courtyard was hopping. We were lucky enough to also see some other New Orleans legends. Singer James Winfield came on stage to belt out a few numbers. It just so happened that famed drummer Herlin Riley was in the band this night, and a young trumpeter, James Williams came on stage to play as well. Kermit's youngest daughter, Niesha, a talent in her own right, came on stage to sing a couple of numbers. By the time the first set was over, the crowd was dancing, hooting, howling, and carrying on. A good time was had by all. Meanwhile, outside under the freeway, the usual party was gathered. Scott says, every weekend, people gathers under the freeway for a street party. Food trucks arrive, guys on four wheelers drag race, locals gather, revelry ensues. Commotion seems to be the order of the day. I'm so glad we got to experience the show. It topped off our visit to NOLA with a High C, something Kermit is known for in the trumpet world. I mean, wow, life is truly good, especially today.

My Bunny and Patsy striking a pose.

Deanies. We were a table of four. Around us were entire families, three sets of twenty or more enjoying stacks of fried shrimp and other fare.

Judy's polenta dish at brunch.

Niesha Ruffin belting out a song.

I found this sign at Deanies quite amusing.

Kermit Ruffin in fine form.

James Winfield, who claimed it was his birthday, graced us with a couple of soulful tunes.

The juke joint was jumping.

Judy and I shared a bowl full of BBQ'd shrimp, New Orleans style. Very hands on and messy, but fabulous nonetheless.

While the others napped, I couldn't pass up a couple of art shots. These plastic flamingos float around at the whim of the wind in Scott and Patsy's pool.

Hey, snapper, where ya at?

Who cares about humidity?

After leaving Kermit Ruffins, we drove through a tightly packed neighborhood of shotgun style houses wedged like wooden soldiers at inspection. This mural near the levy reflects an expression of hope and strength. 

Selfie of the day: Two 70s rockers.

Valdalia Onion rings, a Deanies specialty.

We hope that way leads on to way and someday we'll come back. Who knows? As for now, thanks for the good times.

Adventure 775: Niece Trip Two/Nawlins/Post B

The steady morning rain foreshadowed the rhythm of another great day. Scott, our now intrepid tour guide and host, went out early for the best bagels in New Orleans. He whipped up scrambled eggs with boudin, a spicy rice filled Cajin sausage which we enjoyed with our cream cheese, bagels, coffee and fruit. After brunch, we enjoyed chatting with the doors wide open to let the mist of the warm rain drift into the dining room. Very pleasant. Then we were off to see Scott's brewery, where I enjoyed a few samples of the twenty or so beers on tap, including a delicious full glass of traditional Porter. Scott gave me a quick tour of his brewery, did a few "work" things and then we were off to his buddy, Steve's, for the annual Cochon de Lait, a scrumptious feast of smoked pig, shrimp boil, and a pot luck buffet that defied belief. Steve, who owns plumbing company, puts the feast on every year for his employees. The food was great, the people friendly, and the band was rocking. It was Southern hospitality at its best: No frill, no pretense, and no pain; simply good fun. The kids rain free or bounced in the bouncy house. The adults took turns treating the band like Karaoke night at the local club. The beer and laughter flowed like sweet memories. What at treat! Afterwards, we had to take a nap so we could ready ourselves for some night life. We did a quick tour of the French Quarter, and then made our way up town to a Dos Jefes, a cigar bar and music venue where Sunpie and the Sunspots filled the night with danceable Zydeco and Blues music. Even my Bunny was wide awake at eleven when we finally became inundated with the thick fumes of fine Cuban cigars. Such a night as Dr. John would say, and I would say once again: Life is good, especially today.

Scott's brewery, an institution in New Orleans, has a faithful following.

Here he is explaining his brewing schedule. His main worry is having enough beer brewed to meet the demand. Not a bad business problem to have.

This glass of traditional Porter was excellent.

He carries more than twenty beers on tap at all times.

Some of his beers he stores in old bourbon barrels until they're ready to be put into kegs for customers.

This is just one shot of the pot luck spread at the pig roast. There were three long table of food inside beside the shrimp boil going on outside, along with the fresh oysters being cracked, and some of Scott's beer flowing like wine at the last supper.

Steve made his own smoker from an old propane tank, raised his own pig for the roast, and stoked the fire all night the previous day to get things ready. He's the real deal.

What's left of the pig.

Jambalaya, Cajin' style.

Steve, a very unassuming man of means.

Shrimp boil, heads on.

The four of us reveling with the cigar crowd at Dos Jefes.

Sunpie (Bruce) Barnes.

Adventure 774: Niece Trip Two/Nawlins/Post A

Woke up to slushy snow this morning. Got the airport by 5 AM. Boarded the plane before six, and got in the air at 7:30 after sitting in an un air-conditioned aluminum tube with 200 of our newest, mostly unmasked friends. It seems Spokane International was unprepared for the weather. It took that long for the de-icing process to occur. We landed just in time to board our connection for New Orleans. Some six hours later we de-planed, rescued our bags, and hopped into Patsy's awaiting car. She whisked us straight into heavy Friday afternoon traffic, and safely got us to her and Scott's lovely home. We babbled for a few hours before deciding to go out for a bite at an outdoor fish restaurant called Seither's Seafood, which not only was delicious, but had that "Cagin" ambience that makes New Orleans famous. Judy told Scott afterward, "We could end our trip right now, and it would be everything we could have hoped for." Besides excellent local flavor and really tasty food, we were treated to dinner music by a two man "Zydeco" band. One man played the accordion and the other, a man named Washboard Chas, scratched rhythm on his washboard. It was delightful. One song I remember was all about the Audubon Zoo where the animals asked for you by name. It was a truly warm Louisiana welcome and made us realize once again that life is good, especially today.

Patsy and Scott enjoy an eclectic sixties modern approach in their home decor.

The living room and dining room run the length the the back side of their home. Very inviting.

The well appointed kitchen has a French manor flair. The ornate cabinetry, while not from the sixties, offer the swirl and curl of the fleur de lis.

Just outside is the pool, a place for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

This seafood joint has inside seating, but mostly patrons sit at picnic tables under large umbrellas.

This appetizer is a inviting mixture of fresh tuna, boiled shrimp on a bed of soft shell crab.

Our hosts, niece Patsy, and her partner, Scott.

You know the pronunciation is N'awlins, not New Orleeeens.

Local advertising abounds: Ultimate Swamp Tours anyone?

The Zydeco band. That's Washboard Chas on the right.

I ordered a shrimp po boy labeled the "Pe Paw".

Scott ordered the "Totem Pole", a layered affair of eggplant, soft shelled crab, and boiled shrimp.

Patsy's first bite of her po boy called the "Rock and Roll". Yum!

Adventure 773: Herbie Joe on the Go/Home Sweet Home/Tale of the Tape

Fourteen days on the road. Nine stops: Billings, Fargo, Madison, Goshen, Archbold, Manhattan, Scottsbluff, Big Timber, Home. 4335 miles covered. States traversed: Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming. Relatives enjoyed: Micah, Kim, Wes, Scott, Kate, Kel, Karen, Rod, Karen, and Arlene. New acquaintances: Anne-Laure. Startling moment: Early morning Scottsbluff meeting- as the elevator opened-the living stereotype of what Hillary called "deplorable". He had the requisite scraggily gray beard, camouflage clothing, and a matching ball cap emblazoned with a sparkling red, white, and blue TRUMP. We exchanged a pleasant,  "Howdy" and went on our way. I thought about him. He was congenial enough, and if it wasn't for his political bent, it's not hard imagining that we could become friends. And if not hm, then any of the other folks we ran into. After traveling the farm roads of the midwest I can easily see why the good conservative folks living there would like things to stay the same. Life is good. People understand the rhythm, the rules, the expectations. Everywhere we went we observed good people working hard, living the dream. People like us: wholesome, honest, faithful, and industrious. Most of the communities and small towns we passed through also demonstrated that they were a place to raise children. We saw lots of ball fields and swimming pools, well appointed schools, and manicured parks. Mostly we saw people working, especially truck drivers. They say we're suffering from inflation, but it's not stopping traffic or commerce on our highways. And as we traveled, I felt the foundation of our history, the bravery and spunk of our ancestors, the legacy of their excellence and effort. They worked hard to create the "American Dream". We'd like it to remain constant. And I think it could. I've come to believe that most people's lives won't change much regardless of which party controls the power. The everyday guy, gal, kid, and retired folk is just trucking on. It's all of us, regardless of persuasion just working to make life happen. And it's what makes life good, especially today.

Trucks, trucks everywhere.

Driving means finding space between these guys.

The Bozeman area got about five inches overnight. By the time we got there, this was what was left.

We left at seven, so the sun wasn't up. It was fin to watch the light chase us West.

The light made a painting of each hillside.

Go West,  young man. There's golden opportunities out there.

Adventure 772: Herbie Joe on the Go/Scottsbluff, NE/Big Timber, MT

We battled headwinds of 25-30 mph sustained with an occasional gust of plus forty all day. Eight and a half hours, five hundred miles. The Hampton Inn welcomed us, and we were pleasantly surprised at its quality. I enjoyed an excellent shower, a nice soak in the hotel hot tub, and was rested and ready for our dinner outing at the Flyover Brewery, which promised wood fired pizza. Always up for a challenge, we decided to see if they could compete with us. The answer, flatly, is no, and the ridiculous $50.00 price tag even got me paying attention to the cost. Nonetheless, the cold leftovers tasted good on the road the next day. For dessert, we stopped at the local Culver's and shared a cashew caramel sundae. So, life was good, especially yesterday.

After a fair to middling breakfast, we hit the road this morning around eight. We got to Billings, Mt about 2:30 P.M. where our friends Mark and Tina Standish live. We toured Mark's auto shop (He specializes in BMWs), and then we toured Tina's doll museum. She's an over the top collector who's been dedicated to collecting since she was sixteen. Both she and Mark call the collection "Insanity". What it really is is a magnificent collection of dolls, doll houses, doll dresses, and doll trinkets.  We enjoyed the tour and enjoyed seeing them. We then finished our day here in Big Timber at the local Super 8. It's not so super, but it serves for our overnight stay. Tomorrow we push for home where we'll once again realize that life is good, especially.....

Wyoming weather can be frightening.

Hey, Doll.

Weather in Wyoming can be beautiful.

Mark explaining his current project to Judy.

We took a quick side trip to Fort Laramie.

What is more fitting for a brew pub than a keg urinal.

Hey, Dolls.

Master mechanic, Mark.

This is one wall of what Tina calls her "foo-foo" room.

Lots of coal train pass through these parts.

And more dolls.

This was a sausage and peppadews pizza.

Chimney Rock just outside Scottsbluff, NE

Freya, the greeting dog at Mark's shop.

More dolls. Each of these cabinets is two sided. They rotate and each shelf is over filled with dolls and doll stuff.

This little doll furniture is made of pure silver. All we can say about the dolls is WOW!