The Camellia Chronicles

I’m alive and well, returning after an unplanned hiatus. Thanks to everyone who visited in spite of my absence and inquired about my whereabouts. I’ll just start in media res with today. We drove to New Orleans and back today to pick up Matt and Ashley at the Cruise Terminal. They just got back from a little cruise to Cozumel, just barely escaping impending storm Dolly. (The same ship, Carnival Fantasy, leaves again tonight in spite of the weather.) They had a wonderful time getting away from it all, and we had an equally wonderful time babysitting Alexander during their absence. We didn’t do anything but have lunch in the Quarter, mainly because of the heat. I saw on our local news that the heat index was 107 degrees today in Lafayette, and we were feeling that and more in New Orleans. We did the Jazz Brunch at The Court of Two Sisters in honor of Ashley’s 22nd birthday, but that was a culinary mistake in spite of the fun atmosphere. Oh, well; live and learn. They had a wonderful time on their little trip, and that’s all that matters. My souvenir is a big bottle of Chanel No. 5 Eau de Toilette, and we also received Mexican coffee and vanilla. Now that I’ve broken through the writers’ block thing, I’ll be around to visit shortly. What is writers’ block, anyway?

Today is my sixtieth birthday. I will not comment upon aging because I do not have time as the day is not over yet. Anyway, Matt and DIL Ashley and Alexander appeared on the doorstep at nine with grocery bags. They then took over the kitchen to prepare Crêpes Filled with Almond Whipped Cream and Strawberries (and blueberries) from the Top Chef cookbook. Oh, I almost forgot the main event. Before they started cooking, everyone presented me with a little gift bag with a variety of kitchen tile samples to choose from. The plan was to redo one kitchen counter today and the rest later on. We headed out to Lowe’s to buy supplies, the favored tiles and a new sink. Later I will post a photo of my demolished kitchen because it looks like we’ll be eating takeout for a day or two. Not complaining, of course!

To be continued …