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.