Wintry fun in Wisconsin

We took the train from New Orleans to Chicago, an overall pleasant experience–more spacious than a plane, and less stressful than driving–though we rattled around much more than I remembered, and none of us slept in our coach seats despite the 19-hour trip (plus 5 for a freight-train accident ahead of us). When we finally…Continue reading Wintry fun in Wisconsin

Mardi Gras 2022

Some days it’s hard to face the world. It’s a mess out there. Then Mardi Gras comes around, and the parades are rolling and bands are playing and people are gathering, unlike last year. And I remember what makes New Orleans special: not so much “The City that Care Forgot” but the courage and resilience…Continue reading Mardi Gras 2022

Cozy Gras

Mardi Gras 2021 was unlike any other. Because of the coronavirus, parades and parties were canceled, bars shuttered, and popular streets were blocked off to prevent gatherings. Even Mother Nature conspired to keep us home, giving us the coldest Mardi Gras since 1899. I couldn’t help but feel a little blue during Carnival season, especially…Continue reading Cozy Gras