Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Life in our little cottage in the country

You are here: Home / Archives for New Orleans

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.

Heading Home

at by

(Writing this on Thursday evening.)

I’m heading back to NY today. Sigh. I’ll really miss Don and I’ll really miss New Orleans. But the cottage is waiting and I have to get back there and rake and heaven knows what else.

A few things:

Don and I were walking around the French Quarter and I saw Antoines and remarked on how famous it was and Don said let’s go look at it and we peeked in the door and this lovely guy named Austin came forward and said he’d give us a tour. Wow! Yes, we said! Antoine has been owned by the same family since 1840. Imagine! Austin has worked there since 1978. He told us the current owner treats everyone, no matter what color, what ethnicity, whatever, the same. With respect. And that’s all he needs to know.

He as so lovely. He took us through all 15 dining rooms, to the wine vault, up the stairs to the hidden door that was used during Prohibition, showed us the balconies – everything.

One of the larger dining rooms.

The dining room that faces the street.

It’s an amazing place. Such history! We were so lucky to have this chance to see Antoines.

Don and Austin.

Then there’s Royal Pharmacy. I’ve been peeking in the door waiting for a time to find them open so I could take a picture of this fantastic tiled soda fountain. Oh my heavens. Isn’t it gorgeous? I don’t think the soda fountain is still being used – but I’m not sure. Anyway, it’s there. Still intact.

Check out the prices.

And the entrance:

Thursday, as I was walking through the Quarter, I saw these mid-century lamps inside a store:

It’s never boring!

I will be up and out early today and probably won’t get back to the cottage until at least 12 hours later.

Goodbye New Orleans. I loved every minute here.

Happy Friday.

 

The Garden District

at by

I’ll keep the words to a minimum because this is a picture heavy post. I’m sharing some of the houses that caught my eye in the Garden District.

One of the larger homes. Beautiful.

Most houses are decorated for Halloween.

Interesting roof ornament, don’t you think?

These details make my heart beat faster. So lovely.

I’m especially drawn to the smaller houses.

Just stop. Look at this place! Could it be any more charming? Blue ceiling. Gorgeous front door. And I’m particularly taken by the shutters that are in sections, allowing light in at the top yet still providing privacy. Or, in this case, shutting the top section and opening the lower sections of the shutters.

Sidewalks are brick.

Trees are large and the roots often pull up portions of the sidewalks. Walking requires constant vigilance!

This one’s for sale. Any takers? The doors – though you can’t tell from this photo – are gorgeous.

These shutters are opened/closed in interesting combinations.

These are opened at the top.

Oh my heavens.

Check out that ceiling. Isn’t this house adorable?

I love this one. The houses that tend to be narrow usually extend far back as this one does.

See? It goes way back and has a private garden behind the brick wall.

The blue shutters, the wreaths, and the white rockers. Sigh.

There are so many more but I had to stop. The streets are tree lined and charming. I ran into several dog walkers and had some lovely chats as I wended my way through the Garden District.

Now I’m off to look at real estate prices. Because wouldn’t you be curious, as well?

Happy Thursday.

 

 

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