Since by my very nature I am pretty energetic, I don’t rely on several cups of coffee in the morning to get me going.  One is enough and that one is now Rouse’s delicious coffee & chicory.  Since arriving in New Orleans this is the coffee our son-in-law brews every morning…..to perfection.  Add some raw sugar or stevia and a bit of half ‘n’ half to create a little cup of heaven!

Chicory is an herb that flaunts a pretty blue flower when in bloom.  But the root of the plant is where the magic is.  Louisianian’s began using chicory to stretch ground coffee when naval blockades cut of the port of New Orleans during the Civil War.

Long known for its medicinal uses to cleanse the liver and heal gout, chicory was first grown and used to brew healing tea in Egypt.  It spread to France years later and made its way from there to New Orleans.  The taste is a bit different from other coffee but I have become addicted to the slightly sharp flavor.

Root and Vine Blog

Enjoy some coffee with chicory and have a beignet!  It’s a wonderful way to experience a bit of New Orleans, wherever you may be!  If you’re a reader in Coastal Georgia ask Dan, the manager at The Market at Sea Island for the special coffee and chicory blend this wonderful shop offers!  You might even ask him to see if the bakers at The Cloister might make a few beignets!

Melissa | food & entertaining | 08 26th, 2015 | No Comments »

New Orleans has long been known as a mecca for music.  From jazz to rap, you’ll find it here.  Last Saturday evening we visited a local establishment, The Recovery Room, just across Jefferson Highway from the Ochsner Medical Center.  I’ve long wondered about the place and what it might be like.  My curiosity was cured when we walked into exactly what I expected….the perfect local hangout, pool tables and all.

We went to hear the band of a friend play and we were not disappointed!  Five Card Stud performed some of the best classic country music I’ve heard live in a long time.  Lead singer, Daniel Rongey, has a George Strait quality that the famous songster even commented on when he heard Daniel perform years back.

Other members of the band include Jason Schell, also of “Refried Confuzion” fame, Clay Diamond, Ron Clark and Matt Hughes.  The group provided toe tapping music that would defy anyone to just sit still!  We heard a bit of the blues, some classic rock ala The Allman Brothers band and a ballad or two to slow things down.  The band also performed several of their own compositions that impressed us all.  Five Card Stud is definitely helping keeping country music alive and kicking in NOLA!

Here’s a sample of the band’s work if you’d like to have a listen!  I suspect we’ll all be hearing more about Five Card Stud!  Visit their website here:  http://fivecardstudlive.com/…Like them on Facebook too!  If you’re in New Orleans and want to hear Five Card Stud live you’ll find them at Rivershack Tavern 8/28 at 8:00pm and at Colby’s Cocktails on the 29th at 8:00 pm as well.

Melissa | Out&About | 08 25th, 2015 | 4 Comments »

New Orleans has a charm unlike any city I have ever visited.  Our decision to move here has left me homesick for the smell of salt air and the comfort of friends, but new beginnings, or so I’m told, are a good thing.  Within this historic city are many parks graced with old oak trees, draped with Spanish moss.  Palm trees and plenty of other vegetation flourish in this hot, muggy climate.  I’m always reminded of a Tennessee Williams story when I feel my skin begin to glisten with moisture as I walk out the front door.  It’s different than the climate on the island but a climate I am familiar with having grown up in the Houston area of Texas. I also wonder how people survived this place before the invention of air conditioning.  Maybe that history of survival is what enriches the lives of lifelong residents?  They do possess a joie de vivre like none others!

Mr. T. and I discovered Coliseum Park while walking to pick our granddaughter up after school this past week.  It is a quiet park, except for the lone trombone player who practices his scales under the shade of an oak tree….note after note with plenty of repeats and starting over!  Music is definitely the heartbeat of this city.  I have never been in a place where a band or musician can be found on any corner and certainly in a park like this.

The fountain is cooling as we wait for the school bell to sound and the gates to open as throngs of students begin to gather in the large school yard area.  I am reminded of the inner city schools in New York City as little smiling faces recognize a parent, friend or grandparent there to greet them at the end of a long day.

Miss E comments that the nail polish on my toes matches the crepe myrtle blossoms that have fallen on the sidewalk as we make our way to the fountain where her grandfather sits waiting for us.  Of course I had to take a picture to share with you all.  New beginnings!

Melissa | Out&About | 08 24th, 2015 | No Comments »

I love this video.  It is beautifully narrated by Brother David Steindl-Rast, words that he wrote himself.  Each time I view this video I am reminded that each day is a gift.  Even if I am down simply sitting and opening my heart as Brother Steindl-Rast recommends has such a profound effect on me.  This is my first post from my new home in Louisiana.  I’ve got a lot to share and stories to tell.  It’s good to be back!  Wishing you all a good day, filled with gratitude!  Enjoy the precious little girl and her special message as well.

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 08 23rd, 2015 | 4 Comments »

I’ve promised all of my readers that I’ll include you in the move we are making.  Today is the day.  St. Francis awaits wrapping paper and just the right box so that he arrives in New Orleans safe and sound, ready to take watch over my garden there when it gets going.  One thing I can say about moving is that IT IS A MESS!!!!!  There are no other words to describe it.  Tension mounts at times and tempers flare when someone stubs their toe into a box, but we are all holding each other up and hanging on for dear life!

There are no more meals being prepared in my kitchen.  The refrigerator has been thoroughly cleaned and prepared for loading on the truck.  I cannot believe how many bits and pieces of things there are!  I’ve always believed that the last 10% of packing is the worst and I know that to be true now.  I don’t know what I would have done without the help of my dear friend, Evelyn, aka Angel Face by Mr. T.  She has been miraculous!

So our adventure is about to begin.  I’ll be posting as soon as things settle down a bit.  I will continue being The Permanent Tourist and cannot wait to share my new home with you!  Stay tuned!

Melissa | Out&About | 08 5th, 2015 | 4 Comments »

I’m sharing the video I had scheduled to play this past Sunday.  As luck would have it my site has been in transition and I could not access it to get my post ready.  But I think you’re in for a treat today.  I had no idea that Condoleeza Rice plays the piano.  When a friend shared this video on Facebook the other day I thought it was one of the most beautiful renditions of “Amazing Grace” that I have ever heard.  I had to do a post and let all of you hear it.  This song is good for any day, especially when one is up to their elbows in cleaning and packing!  I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday and enjoy the music!  I’m living in a state of grace as more and more opportunities open up for me as we head for The Big Easy!

Melissa | Out&About, people | 08 4th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

Well, the site isn’t completely finished but I’m able to write a post….at least I think I am.  It’s late coming out this morning, but better late than never, right?    I’m finishing packing and cleaning, getting ready to leave on Friday.  How could it have happened so quickly?  My posts for the next few days may be sporadic, but I realize how much I truly love writing this blog.  And it helps me feel a great deal of comfort to know we will not lose our connection!    It’s grey and drizzling on the island….perfect weather for staying in and getting things done!  I’m about to begin the grand adventure of being The Permanent Tourist in a new place.  I can’t wait to start sharing it with you!

A New Bridge to a New City….New Orleans

Melissa | Out&About | 08 3rd, 2015 | No Comments »