Wow!  The Hits just keep on comin'!

June 5, 2015

Finally celebrated my friend Robin's Beeday with some bubbly and oysters at Luke, for their Happy Hour.  Boy, was it Happy!!! Woo Hoo!  Thanks, Robin!  She is one Sweet Gal, Folks! Love her!

June 6, 2015

The Gemini Party

This year not at the Batture, but at Micholopoulas' studio on Elysian Fields.  Brought visiting Aussie pal Jewels-- who got to meet our Gemini Pal, Al "Carnival Time" Johnson--and of course, co-hostess, the fab "Lady Di"--Music by Spencer Bohren and Walter "Wolfman" Washington and dancing by Jason--myself & The Lovely "Lady Di."  

SuperHoney with SuperSunset

June 11, 2015

Garden District Book Shop held a talk and signing for Robert Brantley of his new book on Architect Henry Howard. Brought to you by The Historic New Orleans Collection and over 30 years of work and research, since I always felt a special mojo in his buildings, I bought the book to get the scoop.  

Fellow in front of me in line for autographs had grown up in the Henry Howard across Prytania (which is for sale btw). Said he remembers a cistern in the attic (one of Howard's hallmarks) which he believes his father had removed for air conditioning units!

June 12, 2015

Aurora Nealand & The Royal Roses at The Historic New Orleans Collection Concerts in the Courtyard

Wonderful trad jazz by a bunch of pros! Couple from Japan and two gents from a special Jazz touring group were sitting next to me and were thrilled to be there, as was I!

Beverages from NOLA Brewing (I like the Blonde).  Thank you, Jack and the whole gang at THNOC! See you in the Fall!

June 16, 2015

Jewels finally left for Australia. She came on Easter for French Quarter Festival, stayed through Jazz Fest, Greek Fest, Bayou Boogalou and found her Tribe here. She was interviewed and played on WWOZ radio station and I was glad to tune in since I wasn't able to attend all of her performances here.  

Thank you, Jewels, for your lovliness and friendship over the years.  Bless you and Bon Voyage!  I know we will meet again.

June 19, 2015

Lips & the Trips, Fairgrinds Coffeehouse

Had a perfectly grand time with Trips drummer (and some times Guitarist) Matt El D'Orazio and his wife, Melissa, opening up for us with their band Sweet Jones:



If you are Jonesin' for some sweetness, they've got it.  Good tunes, good delivery, great playing, great everything!  About to go out on a tour, we got to give a listen to their new songs on their new CD!

Trips Guitarist Mark Fowler went into orbit which we were glad to hear!  Love you, Mark!!!  

June 23, 2015

St. John's Eve--Voodoo Blessing on The Bridge

Sally Glassman once again presided over the St. John's Eve blessing over Bayou St. John:The crowd has really grown over the years, but I squeezed up front. I needed some good photos and to get my head washed!  

Love the chanting, singing and dancing.  

[please see more photos to the right and in the Special Events Section]

June 24, 2015

Harold Baquet's Funeral, Holy Name of Jesus Church, Loyola University

Was very sad to hear that Harold had passed.  He had been fighting the Big "C" for a number of years. I met him when Michael worked at Loyola and Harold was the Resident Photog:Always friendly, always smiling, turned out he was our neighbor on the next block of Coliseum and a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, around the corner.  

When the Archdiocese closed the Church after The Federal Flood, the Church members took over in protest and Harold was taken away by the Police.  They dropped him off at his home because they knew Harold... he hadn't done anything wrong.

Turns out Harold touched many lives--my first drummer when I moved here, Augie Augustine, grew up with him and related tales of mischief and fun with H. way back in the day.  

Also saw Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes who knew H., and I could feel his sadness at his passing. 

We will miss you.  

God Bless you, his wife, Cheron and all those left behind!

June 25, 2015

Harold Battiste, Jr.'s Funeral, Christian Unity Baptist Church

I was not personally acquainted with this Musical Icon, Harold Battiste, Jr., but had to pay homage to one of the All-Time Greats! When Michael worked at Dillard University before The Storm, Mr. Battiste was given an award and we became acquainted with his outstanding contributions to the world of music.  

I got to shake his hand when he was given another award at Julius Kimbrough's Prime Time club at Jazz Fest 2014.  

I also met his "mentee," Jesse McBride, whom I remembered from when he played clubs in Houston back in the '80s.  

These lilies in our back yard bloom in the Summer & smell deeeeeeeeeeeeelightful--

June 28, 2015

I was extemely delighted to celebrate Michael & me's 10-Year Anniversary with a stay at The Roosevelt Hotel.  They gifted us with bubbly and a dessert:

 which we discovered after having dinner at Domenica.  Saw Harry Shearer, also dining there, which was fun.  I was drunk enough to talk to him which was also fun. 

July 5, 2015

My Birthday

Had a particularly sweet Birthday with my Honey.  Brunch at Superior Seafood with music by John Rankin and Co. (including Matt on violin).Sparklers candle by our Waiter!

Also, got my Tour Guide License renewed!  Hire me!!!!  Will work for Fun!!!!!

July 9-13, 2015

"The Running of the Bulls"

Caught sight of some drunken merriment with the red & white garbed "young folks" all ready for some substitute running of the bulls--they are chased by the skating Roller Derby gals through the streets.  

July 9, 2015

Lenny McDaniel's Funeral



Lenny and I played at the Tricou House around the same time in the late 1990s.  I remember being especially grateful when he was so kind to my visiting relatives from Minnesota.  Had not seen him in a while and heard he was living on the West Coast.  Always a great talent, did not know of his illustrious past on tour with the giants.  Now he sleeps with them. Sat with Lydia and walked with her and Kerry Brown to the Mauseleum.  Had never been inside there... indoor wall vaults at Metairie LakeLawn Funeral Home.

God Bless him and those he left behind! 

July 10, 2015

C. Ellis Henican, Jr.'s Funeral

I was Mr. Henican's part-time legal secretary when Trudy Reith retired back in the late 1990s and early 2000s.  A kind and generous man, he would stop in and talk to me before we parted.  He took an interest in my music and always greeted me with a true warmth.  

After I stopped working for him I would still stop in to see him at his office--especially on his birthday to give him a hug.  

The last time I saw him was outside of Place St. Charles; he was waiting for his ride--he related, bemusedly, that his kids had gotten him a driver.  He was waving to me as he drove away.

The World is a less-kind place without him--I will miss him.

July 11, 2015

Concert with Ralph Gipson's Band at Casa Borrega



Fun going out on a date with my Honey

to that neighborhood Mexican Restaurant in Central City, Casa Borrega.  Finally caught up with Ralph Gipson's band, playing in the courtyard. Michael Skinkus was on congas and a great violinist and guitarist were in accompaniment.Love this place and any band Ralph Gipson plays!  

Lips Recommendations!

July 17, 2015

Lips & The Trips at Fairgrinds Coffeehouse Celebrating Trips Guitarist Mark Fowler's BeeDay

Wow!  What a night!  Robert Eustis opened up for us and such a stellar line-up of celebrity well-wishers for Mr. Mark, totally deserving every bit of adoration and love!

Spencer Bohren and his lovely wife, Marilyn:Joe Cabral [& Entourage]:his Iguana partner Rod Hodges, Margie Perez Julie McTaggart, Celia Sinclair, Dr. Terry and his wife Sally, Lady Di and entourage, and the list goes on!  Loved seeing our ole pal, Johnny Beee! (John Bedford):who was so very kind when M. took ill.

Some Like it Hot clarinetist and long-time pal of Mark's (since 1972!) Eric Shuman sat in with us and mesmerized all of the snakes in the audience!  The song "Help Me" has never sounded better and I have been playing it for many years!  But not as long as Mark's been alive!

We broke the spanking paddle!!!! 

A special thank you to Linda L. for her choco birthday cake which is Mark's fave of all time.  And of course to Dale Latino, new Trips Drummer who made the (s)trip-tease beat sound like a million dollars!  And or couse to his lovely companion, Emily, who took some great band photos!  

Thanks to everyone for helping Mark have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

July 23, 2015

Michael's BeeDay

Speaking of BeeDays!  Took Michael to Antoine's for his Special Day.  He'd never been!  Due to his recent strict dietary requirements we have not eaten out much, but then why would we since he is a Certified Executive Chef and no-one comes close to his home-cookin', Good Lookin'!

Enjoyed the special ambience there, 175 years in the same family!  Almost the entire time in the same location!  We received the 4,072,000-somethingth order of Oysters Rockefeller--a secret recipe containing herbs!!!  Alright!

Thought it would be richer, like with cheese and cream, but no. Enjoyed them however.  M. had the softshell crab which was the largest I'd ever seen and I had a deelish fish dish accompanied by creamed spinach and a Champagne Cocktail.  Oh, so refined.  

Too full for dessert, but I love their coffee...took a tour of the rooms and our waiter "hipped" us to some inside info, like where the secret door was during Prohibition. 

Was really glad to treat him since he has cooked for me almost every night in the 10 years we have lived on Coliseum Street!

Stopped off to say hello to Celebrity Barkeep Marvin at the Monteleone Hotel's Carousel Bar and got a special bev or two!

Summer Flowers Blooming at Home: 

White ginger lilies

Kasmir Bouquet

July 29, 2015

Howard Schmalz' Funeral & Tribute

Howard was an activist in the preservation movement, buying and renovating a decrepit house on Coliseum Square, back before it was "in."  I really enjoyed seeing him around the Coliseum Square Park with his dog, Ben Wa, that was so well-behaved, he did not need a leash!  Howard had a wry, mischievous smile and I will miss him!  Next-door neighbor to my ole pals, The Stones, he was a good friend to them and their two sons.



Lovely service at Trinity Church and Tribute at the Round Table on St. Charles Avenue, of which he was a member.   My neighbor, Jan Darsie, read a letter written by a friend from afar.

God Bless you as you go on your way!

August 1, 2015

White Linen Night--Arts District

Had some fun and drank some bubbly to inagurate brand new Brand Art Gallery, opened by ole pal Paul & his ole pal "WhistleMonsta"--at the site of the former Vintage Guitar Shop--catty corner from Lucy's Retired Surfer Bar and next door to Vic's Kangaroo Cafe...great spot!  

Spot on art by Michael Guidry--check it out--psuedo scientific with a touch of humor.  As in "Night Heron:"

Loved it!  Saw Paul's wife Kim-- and M. caught up with ole pal from Le Bon Temps, now a freelance photog, hired to snapsome pix that night!

Stopped by to say hello to George Schmidt who was protesting the potential downfall of Robert E. Lee statue from Lee Circle--

Stopped by Aunt Sally's Praline Shop where Pat had us play for their inauguration two years ago.  Seemed very empty minus her presence.  Liked Linda Behrman's stuff, however.

Ran into the Odgden to contribute to the Hurricane Katrina Memoirs.  Was nice weather but I had to get home to watch Svengoolie with My Honey.

August 2, 2015

Satchmo SummerFest SecondLine

My Hero, Al "Carnival Time" Johnson was the Grand Marshall of the parade so I had to go and snap some beforehand pix!  He threw me some stuff from the float, he was riding along with Cinnamon Black.  Beauty brass band and not so hot in the shade. 

Hadn't hung around my old haunts in a while so I stopped in at Checkpoint's--for a Purple Haze and reminisced about the crazy times we spent here back in the mid-90s when Carolyn & Mitch would accompany me on my jaunts Houston-New Orleans to play shows once a month. Checkpoint's gave me my New Orleans start so I will always think of it fondly.  And all those crazy cats & kitties I hung with.

Stopped in at the Louisiana Music Factory to enjoy some cosmic stylings of the fantabuloso Evan Christopher debuting a new recording.  Love him!

Scored a Verti-Marte oyster sammich--deeelish.  Enjoyed another Purple Haze and the Zapp's chips Al had thrown me, in picnic mode on The Lalaurie Mansion stoop.  Got asked by some tourists if I knew where it was... boy, did I feel smart. 

Made a pilgrammage to Elvis' Balcony--the one from which he sang "Crawfish" in the opening number of "King Creole," and across the street from where he kissed Carolyn Jones.  

[Please see pix to the right]

August 3, 2015

Blue Linen Monday

Queen "Reesie" of The Guardians of the Flame and head of the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame organized a photography exhibit at the Arts Council Gallery in the Lobby at 935 Gravier Street, "The Year of the Wildman," inaugurating their Hall of Fame Week.  

Besides the photographers (who have now agreed to share their profits with their subjects/muses), the Celebrity Indians (Bo Dollis, Jr.) who performed, the subject Indians arrived and much merriment ensued.  

Sacred spirits, yes, but I call it FUN & FABULOUS.  Like Queen Kelly of the Creole Osceolo Indians (see pic of her & moi to the right)!

August 6, 2015

Riverview Room

Attended an event at The Riverview Room, 4th Floor, 600 Decatur in the Jax Brewery building compound.  Got some great views of the Mississippi River, the Crescent City Connection, the Steamboat Natchez, the other part of the Jax compound, the red streetcar that runs down the River and a full rainbow:Niiiice.

August 9, 2015

Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame Induction, Awards & Memorial Ceremony  at Ashe Cultural Arts Center

Queen Reesie started this and I have been attending the last few years.  It's a nice way to see and feel the Indians without it being Mardi Gras or St. Joseph's Night. 

They honor the Ancestors and release Doves of Peace. 

August 14, 2015

Mag's on Elysian Fields

Johnny Beeeee invited us to Meet-the-Author, his friend, Dana Gynther, who he knew from Alabama (and now lives in Valencia, Spain) at Mag's on Elysian Fields.  

She remembered me because Johnny would bring her to see me play back in the day.  Bought her book Crossing on the Paris, published in 2012, and read it in four days! Perfect Summer Read! She's a great gal--ished she was staying to see us play next week! She said she used to time her trips by when we were performing! (She's got good taste, too. Hahaha!)

The barkeep, a drag queen, kept us entertained with her bawdy sense of humor and her craft cocktails!  Thank you, Johnny Beeeeeeeee!

August 16, 2015

The Lower Nine, 10 Years Later

Wanted to show Michael the Bayou Bienvenue Triangle, where they are "regrowing" the Wetlands [please see pix to the right] next to the Lower Ninth Ward, so we took a cruise across the rickety bridge down Florida Avenue.  

The Lower Ninth Ward resembles a ghost town with many vacant lots having taken the place of the many paid-for (at the time) African-American family homes that were in the neighborhood prior to the Federal Flood of '05 that shattered and destroyed so many lives in so many ways...

We sat on the platform overlooking the new Wetlands restoration project and caught a nice breeze up there.  A bunch of hyacinths proclaimed life and beauty.  The peace and quiet hardly reflected the scene of so much suffering 10 years ago...  

Cruised by Fats Domino's pad and the only restaurant in the 'Hood, Cafe Dauphine.  Went up to the River and saw the historic Steamboat Gothic Revival homes across the street from one another.

Spotted another symbol of hope and beauty--a big, white water bird flying by--

August 19, 2015

Lips & The Trips at Mahogany Hall

Played our first gig at a nightclub in several years--now that New Orleans has gone smoke-free!!! Woo Hoo!

Tony Seville's li'l spot just off of Canal Street in the French Quarter is named after a famed Storyville madam's spot and serves up Absinthe!

Former Trips Guitarist Skiles Kelly was in town transporting his son to college and stopped in!  Great to see him and catch up!

Had a blast with The Trips, Mr. Mark Fowler, Stellar Guitarist-- and Mr. Dale Latino, Excellent Drummer--and two very nice fellas! 

Received some new fan admiration from Dana & Regina from the Balto./D.C. area who said we "imbued" them to dance. Mahogany's John and Connie were wonderful host/hostess and we got Rock Star parking as well! Great night!

Thanks, Tony, for having us!!!!

August 21, 2015

Lips & The Trips at The Fairgrinds

We usually do not play August since it's so darn hot to be out in the courtyard, but we had so much fun last Wednesday at Mahogany that we decided to go for it! Wasn't bad as the rain cooled things off.

Thanks to Jeremy for being a super-roadie and of course, The Trips, Mark Fowler and Dale Latino, the best band a gal could ever have!  Michael even came for a bit!  Love my Super-Honey!

August 22, 2015

David Spielman's Opening, book signing + panel discussion by The Historic New Orleans Collection

As part of the events of the "K10"--Hurricane Katrina & the After-Math Mess of 2005, The Williams Research Center hosted a panel discussion before the opening reception of David Spielman's photographs of New Orleans immediately following, and during the past 10 years.

Saw Nita Hemeter, drummer for Some Like It Hot! and Collection Head Warren Woods while enjoying some sparkling and delicious hors d'oeuvres. Got to say hello to John Lawrence, Priscilla Lawrence, Mr. Spielman and Bubbles!

The photos did not effect me like I thought they would--I did get choked up when Priscilla asked the panel "How did you deal with all of the suffering while you were documenting it?"  

The Historic New Orleans Collection----always doing a great job!! Thank you!

August 23, 2015

Longue Vue House and Gardens

Took advantage of "Museum Month" & visited Longue Vue House & Gardens.

Just across the Parish line in Old Metairie, Philanthropists Edith & Edgar Stein always planned to donate their "Country Place" as a museum. Built between 1939-1942, Longue Vue boasts the City's first air-conditioned home.

We were not allowed to take any photographs in the house, but took plenty outside.  

Lots of big pine trees, borders the Metairie Golf Course

My Super Honey, and favorite Fellow-Traveler, in the big bamboo:



August 25, 2015

Roberta Gratz' Book Signing of We're Still Here Ya Bastads!

Held at the Garden District Book Shop and attended by none-other than Harry Shearer (whose superlative movie, The Big Uneasy brought to light the many failings of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Roberta's reading and book signing convinced me why she makes a great advocate for "the people."  

Donald Trump called her a "ball-buster" as she helps preserve buildings in New York City as well and had to go up against him in a fight.  She encourages people to keep up "the fight" and not to rely on government folks to speak up for how we want our homes and neighborhoods to be. 

August 29, 2015

10-year commemoration of Hurricane Katrina and the Federal Government and Levee Failure

Many events commemorated the loss and hardship endured August 29, 2005 and the aftermath of the failed levees and the failed Federal Government response.  

An emotional day, I participated in the downtown second line that started at Congo Square and met up with the uptown second line at Charity Hospital where a woman gave me a hug when I cried for Charity and all those that suffered.

Comraderie was where it's at as meeting up with K.C. Joe, Lisa Lisa, Summer, Sue & Michael all helped us feel like we were still here and we still had a say and we still were thriving.  

African dance and drumming were on stage at Congo Square--the spot where African slaves were allowed to meet once a week and continue their comraderie, dancing and drumming.  

We raised a can of Abita Jockomo beer to all those that perished and all those that continue on!  Us!

The two Second Lines picked up the Superdome rally and ended at Ashe Cultural Center, across the street from Casa Borrega where they were thanking the Latino population who came to help rebuild with outdoor music and fun.

Saw Ace Percussionist Michael Skinkus performing and ran into friend Robin Phillips' son, Josh, who plays bass with Javier Guitterez who played at 8:00 p.m.

Didn't stay for the busting of the two Donald Trump pinatas, but went to the new bar/performance spot down the street where Leroy Jones was performing with his band.  Great stuff! Nothing like good music to soothe your soul!

Went home and watched America's Favorite Horror Movie Show Host, "Svengoolie" with My Honey--felt safe.

A special note of gratitude to all those that gave us shelter, aid, support in all ways, including my brother Rockin Robert & his wife Jerrilyn, Susan Kennedy and Sean Walters, Kelly & Regina McGrath & their daughter, Carolyn Coates & Mitchell Cohen, Pete Little, Vicky Young and Al Bettis, Guruatma & Sat Katar Khalsa, the Weasels & their daughter, Robin, Mayor Ray Nagin & all too numerous, bless y'all forever. To all those that lifted us up & continue to love this place below sea level. May the long-time Sun shine upon you, all love surround you... 

kasmir bouquet in our front yard

August 30, 2015

Museum Month with

Ruth & Jeff's Visit

A soothing balm to the stress of the memories, Ruth & Jeff Bailey stopped off on their way to Pensecola and didn't even know of the comfort they provided by hanging out with us and enjoying our City which did not leave the Globe. 

I had gone earlier to La Musee de f.p.c. (free people of color) out on Esplanade and then Michael & I met up with them at the Southern Food & Beverage (SoFab) Museum on Oretha Castle Haley, across the street from where we were the night before.  Central City is really getting "gentriified" but indicative of all over the City, better than it falling apart.  As long as a balance can be kept and nothing destroyed in the process.  We do not want to become any suburban town U.S.A.

Love the Absinthe Section in the back corner:

Legendre, New Orleans bottles

Took Jeff & Ruth to see Kermit Ruffins at his-now-club The Mother-in-Law Lounge (formerly Ernie K-Doe's).  Memorable evening with great performances and lots of fun and frolic from Mr. Kermit himself, always helping showcase new talent.  We ambushed him when he came out of the Women's Restroom and got a photo with him!

Thanks, Ruth & Jeff--love you two. Come back soon!  Thank you, New Orleans, for still being here!!!!

September 5, 2015, 3:15 a.m.

My friend and Mentor, the man who christened me Lips, Mr. Larry R. Fox, made his transition.  

I always thought we would have a Book Sales Reunion, but now we will have to wait... God Bless you and those you are leaving behind, especially, your partner of 42 years, Ms. Camy Sue Clough, daughter Kate, son Michael, brother Richard & son-in-law Corey... thank you for All that Phun, now may you R.I.P. (Rest in Phun)

 [Please see the "Hey, Lips, Is Lips Your Real Name?" Section for Larry's impact on my Life]

September 5, 2015

Trip to Lake Pontchartrain

Hadn't been out to Lake Pontchartrain in a while and wanted to see if it was still only one way on the shore drive.

Decided to stop on the way because I have never seen Old Spanish Fort and was always curious about it.

Had seen old pictures and read about its history as a French fortification, a Spanish Fort, a hotel and site of a casino and amusement park resort where Jazz music was played in the early 1900s by famous players like Papa Celestin.

Although it has fallen into a big pile of bricks, we could still make out stairs and walls which always fascinates me.   

Turns out the stairs could be part of one of the hotels built after the Fort was decomissioned in 1823, Bayou St. John Hotel or the Pontchartrain Hotel.

Archaeological investigations discovered that the fort location was a site of the Pre-Columbian Marksville culture dating back to circa 300 CE, with continued occupation afterwards. A large shell midden was used as the base under the early 1701 fort constructed by the French to protect the important trade route along Bayou St. John before New Orleans was even founded.  Of cyprus wood, the fort was strengthened with brick when the Spanish took over and it was called, San Juan del Bayou.  

Motored on down to Lake Pontchartrain and sat out on the deck of the former-Joe's Crab Shack with a nice view of the lake and the sailboats.

September 18, 2015

Lips & The Trips at The Fairgrinds Coffeehouse

The Gemini Party, 6/6/15:  

We love Al!!!!

Walter "Wolfman" Washington & The Roadmasters (Jack Cruz on bass!) 

Robert Brantley's Book-signing, 6/11/15:

Lips & The Trips, 6/19/15 Fairgrinds Coffeehouse:

 Musical Guest Artists, Sweet Jones, husband & wife duo, Matt & Melissa D'Orazio 

St. John's Eve Bridge Blessing, 6/23/15:  

New statue of Marie Laveau 

Priestess Sally's cornmeal drawing 



Harold Baquet's Home-Going, 6/24/15:



Afterwards, out front, the Brass Band gathered and Rickie led the Second-Line in Harold's honor: Saw Hubie Vigrieux riding his bicycle there:Rickie led the Second-Line through the Library to tables decked out with food and beverages to celebrate H.'s Life. We danced and visited -- God Bless you, Mr. Baquet, you left us too soon... 

 Rickie second-lining

Harold Battiste, Jr.'s Home-Going:      

10-Year Anniversary Celebration, 6/28/15

My Birthday, 7/5/15:

My Best Birthday Present ever:My Lucky-Charmed SuperHoney

"The Running of the Bulls" 

Lenny McDaniel's Home-Going, 7/9/15:

 Peaceful view from mausaleum

Ellis Henican, Jr.'s Home-Going, 7/10/15: 

 St. Jude Chapel--where I attended his wife Pat's funeral--now they are together again

Casa Borrega, 7/11/15:



Lips & The Trips, The Fairgrinds, 7/17/15:   

 Photo by Michael:Dale on drums in the background

Robert Eustis 

The lovely Margie Perez, just back from Alaska!!!

Lips & The Trips photos by Emily Us'ns Tripping the Light Fandango 

The Trips!  In all their Glory! 

Michael's BeeDay, 7/23/15:

Jerry Lewis visited 4/5/2005:

 Marveloso Marvin!

Summer Flowers Blooming at Home: 

 White hibiscus--Lisa Hix gave me this many years ago--fished the root off the truck my Landlady's brother had when he stripped our front yard one Christmas--Resurrection!

Texas Tulips aka Mexican Petunias

Howard Schmalz' Home-Going, 7/29/15:

White Linen Night at brand new Brand Art Gallery, 8/1/15:

Michael Guidry's show--

In the painting "Birds of Louisiana" he has a mosquito flying alongside-- 



Love being on a date with My SuperHoney--

 The Lovely Kaitlyn presiding over all--

Satchmo SummerFest 2ndLine, 8/2/15:

Al "Carnival Time" Johnson

Evan Christopher

Oyster Sandwich from Verti-Marte

Elvis' Balcony

  Blue Linen Monday, 8/3/15:

 Yours Truly w/Queen Kelly!

Riverview Room, 8/6/15:

M.G. Indian Hall of Fame Ceremony, 8/9/15: 

 Dana Gynther's book signing, 8/14/15:

Lower 9th Ward, 8/16/15: 



Lips & The Trips, Mahogany Hall, 8/19/15: 

 Mark's groovy poster

Present Trips Guitarist Mark Fowler and Past Trips Guitarist Skiles Kelly

Mark, Dana, Regina, Dale & Skiles  



 

THNOC, 8/22/15: 

David Spielman's photos graced Laura Simon Gallery 

 THNOC's Warren Woods, MAC & Bubbles

 Yours Truly joined in the photo (thank you, Nita!)

Priscilla Lawrence and Panelist  

Longue Vue, 8/23/15:

The side of the house while walking at the beginning of the gardens View of the long green expanse, and pausing for a respite:

Pebbles placed on their side instead of concrete for walkways:



 Fountain--

The oldest part of the gardens is a serenity pond with lotus flowers:

Roberta Gratz' book signing, 8/25/15:

 Harry Shearer!

Roberta Gratz

Commemoration of Federal Flood, 8/29/15:

At Armstrong Park

Lisa, Summer, Sue, K.C. Joe & Michael

Honoring the Spirits



Secondline to--"Big" Charity Hospital 

Casa Borrega Block Party:

Michael Skinkus & Band

Love hangin' out with My Honey 

Museum Month, 8/30/15:

La Musee de f.p.c. front courtyard

SoFab Museum:

Special Absinthe displays

Absinthe "Fountain"

A So Fab visit from the Baileys

We will miss you greatly, L.R. Fox, sorry you had to go so soon...

Yours Truly & My Mentor, L.R., c.1979 College Park, MD

9/5/15, Trip to the Lake:

Old Spanish Fort--

Orthodox Greek Church in background

A peaceful spot on Bayou St. John:

Found some cool, old photographs on the 'net featuring the hotel, casino & park that was there and an explanation of the lone grave:

"Today, the fort's lone inhabitant is the occupant of a solitary grave.  The unmarked grave sits inside of a rusting wrought iron fence - a soldier who's been left by his comrades to stand guard alone.

The grave is said to be the resting place of a Spanish officer, Sancho Pablo, who fell in love with the daughter of a local Native American chief.  The Chief, who opposed the union, is said to have ended the romance by murdering the Spanish soldier.  

I don't know about the romance, but I found a 1915 postcard with a picture of the grave and this description:  

"Grave of Sancho Pablo, Commander of the Spanish Army, 1721-1741." 

Maybe the legend of the Princess was invented to explain the mysterious sound of a woman weeping at the old fort, heard so often through the years by nearby residents, usually on moonless nights."

                                         ----Nancy  

Lips & The Trips, Fairgrinds, 9/18/15:

Pat Jolly took this of the Lipettes!

Hung out at Parkview Tavern after the show and caught up!

Hot Lips Sodas direct from Portland by The Grays!!!  

9/19/15, Erica's BeeDay Party:

My SuperHoney was my date

Where he wrote "Suddenly Last Summer"

9/20/15, Lips Tour with Christine & Hannah: 

9/24/15, VCPORA Patron Party at Cafe Soule:

9/26/15, WWII Museum: 

Love My Travelling Compadre 

10/1/15, Brennan's:  

10/3/15, Lips & The Trips!

 Feature Act!

Karen & Steve Marsh with Drummer Dale Latino

Also got a visit from Mark's Nephew Greg & his lovely wife, Summer!

10/5/15, Rock'n'Bowl: