May 3rd and 4th

We spent Monday in New Orleans doing our "tourist thing" and had a great time. Had lunch in the French Quarter at the French Market. Sheila had a salad, and I had the crayfish. Those damn things are really spicy, but good. Also stopped in Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville and had a couple of drinks. The Mojitos and margaritas were the greatest!

On Sunday, we had eaten at a place called Murial's located just down the street from the hotel. It has now become our favorite restaurant in New Orleans. Last year we had eaten at a place called Irene's and couldn't wait to go back to eat there. Managed to get reservations, but we were disappointed with both the service and the meals. The meals and service at Murial's were outstanding.

Sheila continued to window shop and stop in the quaint shops throughout the French Quarter. We found one shop called the Idea Factory that had all sorts of unique things made from wood - Many of the things were made right on the premises. They had several unique mobiles made of wood, small machine belts, wooden pulleys, and were driven with clock springs. I would have loved to get some photos, but no photos were allowed.

Tuesday, we left for San Antonio which was about 550 miles from New Orleans. The GPS managed to get us out of the French Quarter and onto Interstate 10 with no mistakes or hiccoughs. We drove as far as Houston and pulled in for the night. We had arrived in New Orleans at the end of Jazzfest and had to pay the premium prices for our hotel room. We did manage to stay at our favorite hotel though, but because of Jazzfest, we had to change rooms on the second day we were there. Arrived in Houston and got the news that we got about the last room in the inn. Seems like they are having conventions in Houston and all the motels are booked.

Only have about 225 miles to go to get to San Antonio, so only 3 - 4 hours of driving to get there. Still running into highway construction, but no delays going west. Generally, we were running at the posted speed limit of 70 mph. Mercedes continues to run like a clock and what a nice ride. K

New Orleans is, as always, amazing!! I do wonder though, where did all the Dixieland jazz go?? A few years ago all the bars on Bourbon St had jazz bands, wonderful dixie land jazz, now it's rock and roll. Heard about a Dixieland jazz band at the Presentation Club next to Pat OBriens of Hurricane fame. Ken and I walked around after dinner last night and ended up at Pat O'Briens, Ken had a Hurricane, I didn't. To me they taste like Hawaiian Punch, my least favorite tropical drink. After our after dinner drinks we went out to the Presentation Club next door. The line was about 50 people deep, we waited about 20 minutes and did get in but for standing room only. Did I mention it was very hot and humid in New Orleans, temp about 87, humidity about 90%. Well standing in back of the club was like spending 20 minutes in a Sauna in a fur coat. Music was good but had to leave to get some air. Stopped for a diet coke at a local watering hole, and then proceeded on to our hotel. On the way back saw a musician playing music with crystal glassed filled with water, he did great!! He then had a few woman in the audience wet their fingers and then try to play the glasses, interesting but not successful.

Today in Houston, my first visit along with the rest of the free world. Tried several motels, all full, conventions and some sort of festival Houston days, it figures. The OMNI had 6 rooms left at $199, too rich for our blood after our New Orleans stay. Did finally luck out at La Quinta, got triple A rate, and last room in the inn. Our room is really nice, they have a swimming pool and Ken and I went for a great swim to cool down, then to a Mexican restaurant for yummy food.

Looking forward to San Antonio tomorrow. We'll pick Kens sister Vicki up at the airport in the afternoon. She says Matt is so excited as is she, and everyone else who loves him. Such an exciting time in this young mans life!!! S