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Saturday, November 1, 2014

All-Saints' Day, Bayou Lacombe

Made our Annual Pilgrimmage across Lake Pontchartrain to visit the Creole cemeteries in Lacombe.  This year we scored a stay at The Marvilla Guesthouse in Old Mandeville and made a big get-away.  Proprietor Michael O'Brien helped make our trip memorable with bicycles, a cat named Jaffe, and a recommendation to see his brother-in-law's UCM Mystery Museum in Abita Springs (see pix to the right and below).

Ran into Jack Pruitt at the Mandeville Trailhead Arts & Crafts Market when we arrived:

celebrating Rene's birthday!

Marvilla Prop. Michael allowed us early check-in so we got a headstart on our bike ride to the Lake, and up (or down?) the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile  bike-trail (the first in Louisiana).

The Tammany Trace goes through Fountainbleu State Park where we got very close to two deer.

On the way back, caught a quick glance at the Mandeville Cemetery:

and then stopped off at The Old Rail Brewery and sampled their wares:

Seven Sisters IPA

Lovely patio weather:

M. enjoying the sunshine & sweet tater fries

Headed out about 5:00 p.m. for Bayou Lacombe's Cemeteries.  Hadn't visited in the daylight hours in a while, so it was nice to see the bright, whitewash and all the fresh flowers, mostly 'mums:



And of course the statues:



That evening, had a wonderful dinner at Nuvolari's, two blocks from MarVilla.  We drove even though it was so close because the temperature had dropped considerably.

The entrees were wonderful (crabmeat ravioli and a fab piece of fish):

the atmosphere romantic, but what took this place to another dimension was the Out-of-This-World dessert (see all pix to the right)

Sunday, November 2, 2014 All-Souls' Day

Awoke to 37-degree weather (it is about 10 degrees cooler on the Northshore from New Orleans) which was the temp this past Mardi Gras, but it wasn't raining so we took a bike ride to The Lake.  Went west this time and enjoyed the big houses and large trees lining the drive. 

Afterwards, giant breakfasts at The Broken Egg Cafe, conveniently located next door to MarVilla, and conveniently serving hot coffee on the front porch, while waiting for a table in this house-turned-restaurant:

From their website:

"The original Broken Egg Cafe opened in Old Mandeville, Louisiana, in Novmeber 1996 in the comfort of a century-old cottage built of barge wood. Waterfalls and bubbling fountains greet guests at this colorful and popular eatery."

Now franchising, and called "Another Broken Egg" they are competing with IHOP and The Waffle House for a stake in your eating habits. 

Speaking of franchises, a travel book on the nightstand at MarVilla caught my eye, Weird Louisiana, as it was by the same people who brought us Weird U.S.A., a book I received from M. for Christmas one year.  A post-it note marked:

and turns out Prop. O'Brien's brother-in-law is John Preble, whose the Proprietor of this UCM (as in "you see 'em") Mystery Museum in Abita Springs. 

Right up Hwy 59, it took no time to buzz up there from Old Mandeville--we knew where the Abita Springs Brew Pub was and it was about a block away from there.  Beauty!



I loooooved this place and am inspired to start my own Weird Museum of Interesting Artifacts and Real Junk Galore; probably minus the mummified critters,

M. meets Darrel, The DogGator

but who can resist a place that boasts items from not just "another roadside attraction":

sign asks, "REPTILE OR FISH?"

gator? rooster?

gator? dog? lamp?

duck? gator?

gator? fish?

Among many of Life's Mysteries probed here at the UCM Abita Mystery House Museum!!!

The Quackigator--no mystery here

And from The Coney Island Freak Show, a true Roadside Attraction:

Yikes!

Animated Dioramas, of among other things, St. Louis Cemetery's Jazz Funeral with ghouls opening the lids to tombs, brass bands playing and such:

There are several old buildings, this one, the House of Shards:



In the restroom, there on the wall, my mother's dishes pattern (from the supermarket), "Winter Wheat":

M. on The Padio of Compassion outside the House O'Shards

Computer keyboards and paint can lids lining ceilings, what-not and miscellanea stapled and pinned up everywhere--just think, if we all thought like him, our homes would be alot more deelightful (& mysterioso) and our landfills would be non-existent! 

Wanted to start our own Folk Art Museum immediately, so adjourned to the Abita Brew Pub for a strategy session!

Somehow sipping a Purple Haze right from The MotherShip slips me into a realm of dreamy enlightenment!

And the Handy Take-Home Pack:

Tuesday, November 11

Checked out the Members Only preview of the "Andrew Jackson, Hero of New Orleans" exhibit at The Historic New Orleans Collection.  We liked seeing his hat and all marvelled at the replica of his jacket--he was quite slender, yet tall in the saddle.  

Believe it or not, I forgot he was a U.S. President--his saving New Orleans from the British and all having overshadowed this minor accomplishment!

A Lips Recommendation!

Thursday, November 13

Attended the Kingsley House benefit in their gymnasium (a former 1832 cotton mill), presided over by none-other-than Kermit Ruffins & The Bbq Swingers, all for a good cause!  (see pix to the right).

Can never get enough of his delightfulness, and of course his versions of "What a Wonderful World" and "Li'l Liza Jane" (among others).

Managed to get a flat tire while parked there and drove home on it, unbeknownst to me--I thought there was something wrong with the engine, instead, it was with my mind!  Thank goodness it was something easily fixable!  

Wednesday, November 19

Attended the Eat & Greet at Cane & Table, hosted by the Melloristicas (an offshoot of the Preservation Resource Center--making the world a better place!)

(see pix to the right)

The owners, Nick Detrich, Neal Bodenheimer and Kirk Estopinal, did a great job restoring the building to its original look--like a tavern from the early 1800s (at one time it was also a brothel!)  Nick is quite passionate about the past and cooked up this Rattlesnake Punch for us from a 500-year old recipe: it packed a punch and the next day I definitely felt bitten, but it was worth it.  Love to partake in history--this is all for a good cause!!!

Sat with Lily Elkins (and her guy) who penned the article in November's PRC Magazine which added to the fun.  They ordered food and it looked good, but I did not want to interfere with my drinking so I checked out the courtyard where another co-owner, Kirk Estopinal, pointed out the Egyptian motif paintings discovered on the walls.

Another Lips Recommendation!

Thursday, November 20

Christmas in New Orleans kicked off this evening with the tree lighting and the streets filled with merriment in the form of a brass band (led by St. Nick himself) and historical characters (including my friend Donald Lewis! I knew he'd be there):

Mr. Donald Lewis

dancing a second line through Jackson Square to in front of St. Louis Cathedral, where ole pal Ralph Gipson performed with the Symphony Chorus in the first of the Holiday Programs!

Ralph on the flute (at far left)

Such a night! Voices raised in praise in such a beautiful setting set my heart to pumping and my tears to going...got to catch up with Mr. Gipson at nearby Sylvain, where we sat in the courtyard and enjoyed their champagne cocktail (has a sugar cube infused with lavender--nice touch).  

Ralph had some old photos of us at Mardi Gras dressed as Egyptians--hysterical!  Great memories shared with a great guy. 

Thanks and MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!

Friday, November 21

Got to attend the final "Concerts in the Courtyard" at The Historic New Orleans Collection as we had to cancel our Fairgrinds Coffeehouse gig due to circumstances beyond our control...

Glad to hear Luke Winslow King, however, and enjoyed the three complimentary beverages (NOLA Blonde beer!)  Saw Warren Woods and hung with Michael (ex-Prez of the Bayou St. John N'Hood Assoc'n with whom I was on TV last year promoting the event) and his lovely wife, Sally (who works at WWL-TV).  

Saturday, November 22

Speaking of The Historic New Orleans Collection, they concluded their Louisiana in the Movies series with "These Amazing Shadows" and the films chosen for preservation in the American Film Registry.  Something to see if you are a movie buff or interested in preserving a visual record of life gone-by.

Sunday, November 23

St. Catherine's Day Hat Parade in our neighborhood, once again the brainchild of Claudia Lynch (Jann Darsie having flown to Paris for the real thing!)  The cold and rainy weather caused them to cancel the carriage and the usual outdoor gathering at the park, and instead, have a shortened parade (more of a saunter) around the block followed by a Fete on Coliseum Street in front of her and Jim's house, all the while being entertainment by Zazou, Raphael Bas' (former Trips guitarist!) fabulous "gypsy jazz" band:

Saw Patti, former co-owner of House of Lounge and we got to catch up--hadn't seen her since I was in their Valentine Fashion Show c.2000.

Jim & fellow Sommeliers served up champagne and we of course, let the good times roooooooll:

Jim Lynch, Sommelier Extraordinaire

Thursday, November 27

A Day at The Races!

Happy Thanksgiving One & All!  

Bright and sunny day for a trip to The Fairgrounds Race Track to make a mint on the ponies!  Super crowded so we adjourned to the $10 upstairs Club House--kind of nice to see how the other half lives...ran into Michael Yusko, filmmaker and owner of Cellardoor who graciously posed for pix with us.

Got a 12-1 win so I was happy--and Comedian Chris Champagne at the "window" dolling out my winnings (My Life is like a spoof or a very cool Dream!):

My one day of gambling followed by M.'s wonderful Roasted Butternut Squash Soup.  Tres Fab!

Didn't get to mingle with my peeps as much so when we were walking through the parking lot, spied some dressed-up folks and asked for a photo--the SUV I placed my beer on to snap the pic drove away and I had to chase it--fortunately, the driver had to stop for some reason and I retrieved my beverage--meanwhile, the pic I took was of them pointing to my runaway brewski:

Later that night...Caught the Soul Rebels at Le Bon Temps Roule on Magazine and ran into Ralph's son, Lucas Gipson, visiting with an elementary school pal on her way back home to San Francisco from Argentina!

Me & R.D. discovered this place back in the early 80s when we stayed with the Gipsons on Laurel Street.  We loved the old-timey, old-man neighborhood feel, they had great oyster po-boys and of course there was:

Northshore, 11/1/14:

Marvilla Guesthouse

Jaffe, The Cat

porch was great for sittin'

Michael O'Brien bought the place back in 1998.   He installed in our Room, Numero Uno, a nice big hot tub; this was most fortunate, as it turned chilly that night. 

Our bike ride was exceptional

and educational:

Lips at The Lake

Bayou Lacombe Cemeteries, 11/1/14:

May angels uphold you



When it was getting on to dark at the Ordoyne-Ory Cemetery, and just as I was wishing I could light some candles, a gentleman next to us stood up with a groan from his candle-lighting.  In the next instant, I had volunteered our services:  Donald was related to everyone in there, and as we lit the candles for his parents, grandparents and aunt and uncle, he recited the names and dates of birth, death of the Ordoynes, the Cousins and The Orys.  I felt close to my own that have gone on before me. 

A peaceful and pleasant evening among The Dead as visited by those of us on This Side.

Nuvolari's Restaurant, Girod St., Old Mandeville:

sporting my John Phillips hat

Italian Citrus Cake with pine nut ice cream



Nov. 2, 2014, Bike Ride to Lake Pontchartrain:

In case you didn't know I am a Tree-Hugger

Eye-Popping Large Breakfasts at The Broken Egg Cafe:

sweet potato pancakes--that is whipping cream on top!

Veggie Delight Omelette

UCM Mystery House & Museum, 11/2/14:

From their website:

"Abita Mystery House, also known as the UCM Museum is a roadside attraction in Abita Springs near New Orleans. It is a folk art environment with 1000s of found objects, and home made inventions. Tourists see a miniature Southern town with push-buttons that activate animated 'displays.'  On exhibit are odd collections, memorabilia, pure junk, and old arcade machines that are fun to play.

NOTE:  In 2007 the UCM Museum grew into the Abita Mystery House.

Abita Mystery House, 22275 Hwy 36, Abita Springs, LA 70420

Ph: 985 892-2624

e-mail: john@johnpreble.com"

Immediately enthralled and taken with the whimsy of this place, and wanting to meet the man behind it (Sunday is his day off, Rose, the Caretaker, informed us: "this is the best job ever--my first job AND my last one!"  she exclaimed. 

Oddly enough, M., who had some kid-hood in Calcasieu Parish, was just reminiscing about the last paragraph's description (see above) a couple of nights ago while sipping an Abita Root Beer...

I have a problem with "photo-opps" anyway, and this place certainly encouraged my obsession.  It was easier to figure out what NOT to take a picture of. 

Even a wall of paint-by-numbers took me in -- bringing me back to an earlier obsession ... 



Apparently, Mr. Preble received his inspiration when he visited Tinkertown, near Albequirky:

Farmer's Roadside Stand Diorama and a gas station:



One of the buildings, "Hot Sauce House":

And inside, reminding me of Coco's Spiritland, the bottles lined up like a shrine to the Saintly potency of the hot pepper:

And a close-up:

Remember Tonya Harding?  And who can resist "Kryptonite Superhotsauce" a la Superman's nemesis?

Words of Wisdom abound, and:

especially--"Some time Normal People":

..."Special Lounging Area," indeed!

This place is a TOTAL LIPS RECOMMENDATION!!!



11/13/14, Kermit Ruffins at Kingsley House Benefit:

Eat & Greet, Cane & Table, 11/19/14:

Nick Detrich, Co-Owner

Rattlesnake Punch!

"Christmas in New Orleans" 11/20/14

Santa & His Band



Living History Characters:

Symphony Chorus, St. Louis Cathedral:

my view from my seat

St. Catherine's Day Hat Parade, 11/23/14:

a bird chapeau

Patti (in the middle)

Donna & Spoons

Thanksgiving Day, New Orleans Fairgrounds, 11/27/14:

M., L. & Michael Yusko

Le Bon Temps Roule, later that night:

Super Honey



The Soul Rebels

Lucas Gipson & Ole Pal Jen