This is music I found on YouTube. A longer selection that most Sunday’s but it’s so beautiful I think you’ll enjoy listening and watching the beautiful pictures of Fall. The colors, smells and memories of so many wonderful times with family and friends during this special time of year come to mind and provide comfort. I wish you all a beautiful day of rest filled with love, good food, good drink and someone you love. Peace!
Ethereal music for a quiet Sunday morning. French pressed coffee with chicory in my over sized mug….a splash of real cream. I find it’s the little things that make more sense to me now. Slowing down to a gentler way of living. I have a sense of eternity not known to me before the losses of this past year. I also have an inner peace I have not experienced before. There are times when it is still unbelievable….how could it all have happened? The important thing is to continue to live and to savor the many memories. Always remember…the love never dies…not ever. Peace!
As the weather cools off festivals and concerts begin to pop up all over the North Shore and New Orleans area. People meet in throngs to celebrate the gentle lake breezes and enjoy wonderful music and food. Last Saturday night was no disappointment as we met friends for the Louisiana Philharmonic Halloween concert. We loved hearing the famous music of Saint-Saens, among others. Thousands of locals congregated at the band shell on the banks of Lake Pontchartrain sharing picnics, wine and joy. It reminded me of my New York City days when we always met friends in Central Park for the amazing concerts there. One thing I love about this area are the similarities I find to bigger city living. And the fact that everyone is always ready to celebrate….even for no reason! But at this event it was all about witches, goblins and all things Halloween. Skylar took the video you see above. It will definitely give you a sense of the spirit of the evening.
I couldn’t help taking a photo of two witches posing on the wall that borders the shoreline. I would love to have included shots of the Louisiana Philharmonic as they played….way too crowded to even get close. So we sat back, visited with friends both expected and unexpected! It’s always so good to run into people you haven’t seen for months. The festival atmosphere of the evening was wonderful! Cool breezes….good red wine….cheese from Acquistapace and a lovely evening of fun and merriment!
As we packed up to leave the sun was setting on the western horizon of the lake. Sailboats lazily rocking in the water made me wish I were on board. What a beautiful place this is. I never cease to be enchanted by the culture and history as well as the spirit of the people who call this home. I’ve been here for three years now. Not the easiest of times but every day gets a little better and I fell a bit stronger. I’m learning that time is the only healing balm for sadness. Have a wonderful Halloween this evening….wherever you may be! We’ll be with friends celebrating the evening and the season. Fall has arrived and not a moment too soon!
The piece I discovered and decided to feature today is the final piece from Eric Whitacre’s electronica opera “Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings”. “BLISS’ has long been one of my favorite words. This is not a long piece but it is beautifully ethereal. It brings a feeling of peace to my heart that is much needed. I hope you’ll relax and enjoy! Do something just for you today. What brings you bliss? The answer is within…only you can find it! Peace!
Forks & Corks….the scene of a fabulous 80’s Halloween Five Course wine tasting dinner on Wednesday evening. Guests arrived in the finest 80’s costumes. Even “Ronald Reagan” made an appearance, shaking hands as he worked the room! If you haven’t experienced the culinary magic of Chef Austin ‘hoss’ Blaise then make a reservation and enjoy a real treat…no tricks involved. I’m featuring some photos from the evening as well as the food. So let’s begin!
Halloween vignettes filled the main part of the restaurant….fog machines and all to provide a ghostly feeling for this very special evening!
Tables beautifully set waited for the evening’s guests to arrive.
We began the evening with a delicious “Ghostly Gnocchi”. The dish featured handmade pumpkin gnocchi with a generous dollop of mascarpone, pancetta lardons, toasted pistachio nuts and fresh sage. Each bite was filled with the distinct flavors of Fall, a perfect combination of textures and, of course my favorite, pistachio nuts! Served with a crisp Landmark Chardonnay the festivities began.
Next up, “Spooky Salmon”. Olive oil poached salmon with crispy rock shrimp, squid pasta pearls, charred garlic and tomato confit with fresh basil butter….foodie heaven! Not only beautiful to look at, the dish was a hit!
A “Demonic Duck” dish followed, but I would think of a more heavenly name! The flavors of this amazing entree did not disappoint. Molasses cured duck breast served atop sweet potato pave with blackberry compote and chipotle gastrique. This dish was probably my favorite of the evening, but it would be hard to say.
This amazing Chateauneuf du Pape helped bring the flavors alive, enhancing the molasses flavor of the duck breast….c’est magnefique!
This divine beef dish named “Scared Sh**tless Shortribs” completed the entrees for the evening. Braised in Guiness Stout, the shortrib was placed atop a serving of roasted butternut squash polenta with bacon-red onion marmalade and wilted spinach.
Yes, I did manage to save room for dessert! “Boo Brownies” provided the perfect ending to this lovely five course treat. The white chocolate brownie, served with a scoop of dulce de leche gelatto made my heart sing! I definitely had a clean plate after this delectable course.
I highly recommend this delightful dining destination. With it’s lovely ambience and friendly, knowledgeable staff, it’s a winner . Located at 141 TerraBella Blvd. in Covington, this could very well become one of your favorite spots for date night or any occasion. Owner, Osman Rodas, our host for this wonderful evening, also owns Pardos American Bistro, soon to open in its new location and Pepe’s Mexican Kitchen in downtown Covington. We hope to have news for you soon as we begin scheduling podcasts and video taping in December. These restaurants will certainly be on our list of the best places to eat on the North Shore.
For reservations, please call: 985-273-3663
It’s happening tonight…6:30 pm…Forks and Cork is the location. Think of your favorite 80’s character and put on your costume! This place is a sleeper. Tucked away at 141 TerraBella Blvd. in Covington, this is the perfect setting for intimate dining and some of the best food I’ve experienced on the North Shore. Tonight will be a fabulous time for people watching and enjoying our “Fall into Fall” as local weather cools down a bit!
This will be a sumptuous “wine and dine” dinner. The five course menu will have you wanting more as it begins with “Ghostly Gnocchi” and carries through with delicious Salmon, Duck and Shortrib dishes all paired with the perfect wine. The evening ends with “Boo Brownies”. You will NOT be disappointed!
Forks and Corks is the place. The food is delicious and the wine will be perfect! I hope to see you there! I’ll be the one looking like “Stevie Nicks”! Stay tuned for photos and reports on the event this coming Friday!
Forks&Corks…..985-273-3663 for reservations! COME JOIN ME!
I don’t think I’ve actually ever touted a product in a blog post before. As you, my readers know, I have had a very stressful year. I ended up with digestive issues due to stress…no surprise. I knew I had to do something. I also wanted to take off a few extra pounds…especially after hearing from a medical professional that women “of a certain age” just can’t lose weight. That was the challenge for me. I heard from my friend, Lisa, through a Facebook post with before and after pictures of what was happening to her body and how she was experiencing healing in ways she could not believe. I had to know more.
Since the products came with a money back guarantee after 60 days, if I was not pleased with the results, I decided to give it a try. I can tell you now that this product line is amazing! I have been drinking my “pink” drink every morning and taking the supplements at night to heal my digestive system and the results are obvious. I am into skinny jeans, as of today, that I could barely get into before starting this product line. I have more energy and my outlook on life in general has improved. Everyone told me to take care of myself first as I provided care for my father and my husband over the last couple of years. Of course that was difficult for me to do, but I did understand. Getting myself started on Plexus has turned a page for me as far as my life and health are concerned. That is why I felt compelled to share this information.
Lisa gave me permission to use her before and after photos…and she’s still losing! I haven’t taken photos of myself yet, but I will. I am very excited to share Plexus with you. It’s all about self care and good health. So much information has recently come out about the importance of a healthy “gut”! Please email me if you would like more information: melissa@thepermanenttourist.com.
Beautiful music for a quiet Sunday morning! I stumbled across this piece while looking through YouTube! Enjoy the day…..love well and find peace!
Fall…my favorite season of all. The colors…the smells…the comfort food…It all puts me in my happy place! I selected today’s music by Bach because it has a calming, peaceful effect. Embrace this beautiful day, wherever you may be! Deep breaths…loving moments and gratitude! Peace.
This is the causeway. It is the longest causeway in the world! It crosses Lake Pontchartrain, The distance and expanse bothered me at first. Then I realized it is a straight shot, you can almost put your vehicle on automatic pilot and use the time to relax, listen to good music and enjoy the views. When first entering the causeway you cannot even see New Orleans. It is like entering an endless highway suspended over the lake. Even that aspect of the causeway has become a friend to me. You have to get from one side to the other. Yes, there are places one can turn around if need be, but to remain on course is better.
We’ve learned the hard way to check conditions before heading out for early morning appointments. If there is fog or an accident you don’t want to take this route. Sitting for hours while suspended over the lake is not my favorite thing. Especially in bumper to bumper traffic! But I’m learning that “it is what it is”. Life has taken on a different complexion for me now. I have a different “take” on life, if you will. I take each moment as it comes, realizing that every day is a present. And, speaking of fog, my brain is feeling much clearer…it just takes time.
This overview will give you a sense of how things are laid out here. The white line down the middle of the lake is the causeway. The area in which we live is referred to as the North shore, for obvious reasons. I like having the option of city life or country life. The city of New Orleans is not so big that one feels overwhelmed by crowds, but a city feeling is there that I feel surpasses some of the larger cities I have visited or lived in. I feel we have the best of both worlds here! It’s a beautiful lifestyle. People who love to celebrate, who parade at the drop of a hat, and care for each other in ways so rare in today’s world. Color me happy! I’m glad we’re here! This feels like my forever home.
