Nawlins at Halloween

So, the morning after the ghostly encounter, the conference, ID Week, started. I love this conference -  it's very scientific and progressive, and I get to hear the latest information on infectious diseases and the treatment that has been developed. I am always amazed at the number of brilliant and dedicated people who devote their lives to helping those who suffer from some of the most horrible things that you can imagine. My heart chokes up into my throat as I hear these world renowned investigators share the knowledge that has taken them a lifetime to discover and develop. HIV went from a certain death sentence to a manageable disease (like diabetes) with a 90% survival rate and a vaccine soon.

 So I wore an outfit of complete comfort - old lady knit pants, topped with a nubby knit top flecked with gold. It has the cutest chiffon trim at the hem.

I never take precious jewelry on trips, but my crystal bracelet from Saks is sure sparkly and pretty, and always gets rave reviews.

My long tassel necklace from INC was the perfect compliment. I have done a TON of walking here - it takes 40 minutes to get to the conference, and we get a 2 hour lunch, during which I roam around.

Look at this beautiful bridge over the mighty Mississippi River.

 And two views of the plaza at the Riverwalk shops. It was quiet early in the week.

I have been to New Orleans many times, and one constant feature is the Jackson Brewery, which used to produce Jax beer.

After the conference that night, I came back to the hotel and did some computer work. The next morning, this is what I wore:

Gotta love those Skechers - they are super comfy and I wore them to walk to the conference and then changed to business shoes when I got there. The dress is by Donna Ricco and the blazer by Love 21. These two items are basics in my travel wardrobe.

I wore my Greenbeads by Emily and Ashley lariat necklace and my new WHBM belt that I bought in Las Vegas. At lunchtime, I walked over to Jackson Square to light a candle for my mom in the Cathedral of St Louis. Here is the beautiful nave:

The main altar is also gorgeous. You are asked to be respectful and quiet, but photographs are allowed.

Here is a closer view of the gilded altar.

And when you look up, the frescoes on the ceiling are magnificent.

Here is a real close up of the main altar.

There is also a little side altar.

Here is the nook that has all the votives lit up for those who need some prayer for their struggles.

Of course, I paid my $3, and lit one for my mom. I hope this will soothe her soul.

 All around Jackson Square, there are carriages which are drawn by sweet, calm mules.

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 They are all lined up like taxis at the airport. Prices range from $12 to $18, depending on the length of the ride.

I took a side street back to the convention center, and passed the Beuaregard Keyes house.

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That night, I went to a dinner lecture on C Diff - horrible infectious diarrhea that one gets when they have to take powerful antibiotics to combat serious and often life threatening infections. I had to pass Andrew Jackson Square and proceed down Decatur Street to get to the venue.

The food was pretty crappy, but I did meet a nice gentleman from Montreal. He got my food for me, and my beverage, and exhibited a courtly, suave nature that we don't often see in men from the US.

The next night, I met a friend for dinner at a local restaurant. She is a vegetarian, so she chose the restaurant.

 It was called Tujuaques. It was down on Decatur Street, I had absinthe for the first time. I also had crabmeat gratin and gumbo.

Things started to get a little crazy, this being Friday night on Halloween weekend.

I wore a black and gold dress by Connected Apparel.

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My gold mesh necklace is by Avon. I have had it for many many years.

As we were walking back to our respective hotels, we saw a mule dressed up as a unicorn. So cute!!!

When i got back to Bourbon Street, it was crazy.

I walked around a little bit, but it was not really my scene, so I went back to my hotel.

This morning, it was back to the conference for me.

This morning, I only attended one lecture before lunch. The food at the convention center is pretty bad. I went for a walk along the Riverwalk again. As I was walking, the Delta Queen paddled by.

I ended up going to a flea market and wandering around. If I had more time, I would have loved to spend time browsing around the offerings. There was a pretty impressive zydeco group playing on one corner.

Then it was back to the conference, for the first annual Bug Bowl.

This was a game based on Jeopardy, with all the categories involving infectious diseases. The teams were LSU, Ochsner, and Tulane University, and all their ID fellows and residents were on the teams.

It was really cute and really fun.

Tomorrow, I am going on a swamp tour, complete with alligators. Wish me luck !!!

Linking with : www.poshclassymom.com, www.pastriespumpsandpi.blogspot.com, www.thepleatedpoppy.com, www.sydneyfashionhunter.com, www.shoppingmycloset.com.and www.highlatitudestyle.com

Stay tuned for some gator wrangling!!!

The Big Easy

Only it wasn't.  We got back from Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon. Dr Lizardo's is closed on Sunday, so Doc picked Elli up from boarding Monday morning at about 8 o'clock. She was fine - he sent me a video of her running around the house. Then, when I got home around six, I worked out with her watching. A little later, Doc came home. All of a sudden, we heard the most horrible noise. It was Elli - she was squealing and crying SO loud. She almost never barks, so this was very strange. Her little belly was all bloated and she was crying pitifully and shaking and her nose was running. So we took her to the Emergency Animal Hospital. $636 later, it appears she was extremely constipated and her stomach was full and could not empty. So she vomited and pooped while there, and seemed a bit better. By this morning, she was a lot better. It was the scariest thing ever - I am glad that she didn't have a surgical emergency, which is what I feared. On the positive side, her heart failure meds are working very well for her. Poor little sweetheart will be 15 on November 8, hence her real name, Election Dae. I love her so much that the money didn't bother me too much - I will just buy less crap for myself for the next month or so.


So, I made the plane to New Orleans, but with very little sleep. I got to the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel, and immediately went to Felix's Seafood, where I had the Bayou Sampler - red beans and rice, etoufee and jambalaya. Delicious. Perfect.

Then I walked around a little before heading back to the hotel. Here is Canal Street:

I went into Marie Laveau's voodoo shop to get two candles to aid in the purification of our house - my mom's spirit broke another picture Sunday night.

I passed by the French Quarter Musician's Club.

I just liked this sign. I may have to have a libation there later in the week.

Good old Bourbon Street.

And the Cathedral in St Andrew's Square - wait, what's that noise??

Is that a ghost?????

After this chilling experience, I came back to the hotel to shower, hang up clothes, and get some much needed sleep.

Linking with : www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com, www.shelbeeontheedge.com, www.colorandgrace.com and www.cuteandlittle.com