Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Life in our little cottage in the country

You are here: Home / Archives for Escape to Margaritaville

Opening, Magnolia Bakery and Walking by the River

at by

Opening night was spectacular – such an incredible audience! It really is a “Feel Good” musical. And we all need something like that right about now. Lots of press everywhere and Jimmy was in attendance and came out for the curtain call, leading the audience in “I Will Play for Gumbo” and “Margaritaville.” There was a party afterwards and we didn’t get home until 1 in the morning. Needless to say, I was too hyped to fall asleep in a timely manner, so I’m suffering today.

Good news: no more rehearsals and/or notes until they start up again in NYC in January, so I can finally do some exploring and adventuring with my husband. When we were in New Orleans, he was rehearsing every day. So, this opportunity for time together is welcome.

My walk to the theater. Isn’t it lovely?

Tourists standing on the top of a tour boat in the rain. Bless their fortitude.

Imagine my delight when I walked around a corner near the theater and found this!

Of course, I bought two cupcakes – one for me and one for Don.

Tile floors near the counter. I love this retro style.

Don’t you love this fan? I’ve never see anything like it.

I had WiFi problems yesterday which have – hopefully – been ironed out. I’m writing this on Thursday but it will be posted on Friday. Thanks so much for your patience.

Happy Friday.

Chicago: Breakfast, Coat Shopping, Dinner with Family

at by

Breakfast yesterday was at the famous Lou Mitchell’s. In business since 1923, it’s a Chicago legend. While you’re standing in line, you are served a donut hole. You get a little box of Milk Duds. And the food is fabulous. Truly the best omelet I’ve ever had. (Obviously, I’m not vegan on the road.)

We have a new favorite.

We walked across the river to Randolph Street where the theater is located.

And then walked over to Macy’s (formerly Marshall Fields – I still mourn that loss to this day) and did a little shopping. I needed a winter coat, a cloth coat, so that I wasn’t limited to my very casual jacket. They had a big, big sale going on and I found a dreamy coat – very stylish – from DKNY. I’m in love with it. Sometimes, there are pieces of clothing that make you feel glamorous. That’s how this coat makes me feel.

I also bought some Frango Mints; my favorite chocolates, and a must buy when I visit Marshall Fields. There, I said it. Marshall Fields. It will always be that for me.

Then Don had rehearsal and I walked to Whole Foods to get some much needed groceries.

Then dinner with the family, which was sheer heaven. I cannot tell you how much it mean to me to see so many of my family members gathered together. My brother and parents were smiling up there in Heaven, of that I am sure. We had a great evening together and Don managed to spend a good hour or so with us before he had to leave for the theater.

What a handsome group! Today I’ll spend some time with Mere and Little Z. He, unfortunately, didn’t feel at all well last night, he’s coming down with a cold. So he wasn’t his usual funny, bouncy self. Poor guy. But Uncle Don and Aunt Claudia managed to make him laugh a wee bit.

Don says the audiences here in Chicago have been fantastic. Last night’s lucky audience members got to see Jimmy Buffett and Lin-Manuel Miranda watch the show and join the cast on stage for the curtain call and a round of Margaritaville. (Wish I’d been there!)

Happy Sunday.

Back Home

at by

I was so tired yesterday that I just couldn’t get up the mental energy to write a post. I flew home on 3 hours sleep and traveling involves not just the flight, but the AirTrain at JFK, then the subway (long trip) into Manhattan, then running to buy a ticket for the bus, then the bus trip home, then a cab ride to my cottage. And I’ll have to do it all over again in a couple of weeks!

I also had to get going early so that I could pick up our mail at the post office, buy some groceries and rake the huge amount of catalpa leaves that were on the ground. Today is rainy, and we’re supposed to get a lot of it over the next 36 hours.

I made sure to find the time yesterday to drive over to Rick and Doug’s house because THEY’RE HERE! Yay! They are exhausted, of course, and they’re far from settled but they are very happy to be here and they’re enthralled with all the deer and the wild turkeys they can see from their sunroom. Their dog, Sam, is also loving it. It’s my first time meeting Sam, who is absolutely adorable. He’s a lover, a face-licker (I couldn’t be happier) and it was so nice to spend some time with a sweet dog. In fact, I’m calling myself his Aunt Claudia. I’m so happy they’re here. Still can’t believe they are only a 5 minute drive from my house.

One of the things I loved about New Orleans was the vintage signage I saw everywhere. I shared some of the photos on Instagram and I’ll share them here today.

They tell a story, don’t they? I love vintage signs.

The show tour officially opened on Friday and the opening went extremely well, according to Don. Jimmy was there and he appeared at the curtain call and they all sang “Margaritaville” together. Don said he heard audience members scream when they saw him. A big old party followed and everyone had a great time. Today? They fly to Houston for a week of shows. Then it will be Chicago.

I slept nine hours last night, which is a rarity. But I really needed it. I’m going to take it easy today.

Happy Sunday.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

Thanks for visiting! Feel free to browse, read and enjoy. All content is my own; including photos and text. Please do not use anything on this site without permission.

Disclosure/Privacy Policy can be found in the Navigation Bar under ‘About MHC.’

Also, I love receiving comments! I do, however, reserve the right to delete any comment that is in poor taste, offensive or is verging on spam. It’s my blog. If you’re a bot or a troll you’ll be blocked. Thanks!

Archives