Wednesday, November 05, 2008
ELECTION DAY: WOW....WOW....WOW.....WE DID IT!!!!
I have no energy left to write this post....however, I would be not doing myself, nor all of you, justice if I did not write a few words on this most historic night in our country. I and the 1st Lady are not only ecstatic about our new President, but we are overjoyed with the results of the U.S. Senate race in the state of Louisiana........Sen. Mary Landrieu was re-elected tonight after a year long campaign in that great state under the direction of our son, Jeremy.
We went to the InterContinental Hotel about 7:30pm this evening and went up to Jeremy's suite on the 5th floor for a few drinks and lots of talk with Anne-Marie, his very good friend. Later we went down to one of the Ballrooms in the hotel where the Victory Celebration was going on, even though there was not victory as yet. We enjoyed some of the great food that was being offered to everyone who was there......and they numbered several hundred supporters and well-wishers who had gathered there for the evening.
We attempted to see the many televisions set up around the ballroom, but there were sooooo many people it was very difficult to do. So, we returned to his suite upstairs where it was a bit calmer and we could see and hear the national results that were rolling across the screens. We had yet to see him as he was in the "War Room" where the many computers were set up to monitor the results from each of the Parishes that were coming in, so they could get a handle on how had voted and which votes were not yet being reported.
Finally, we returned to the Ballroom and waited for the state results to be announced. And then......the crowd went wild with the announcement of Obama's election......and OH how exciting this was in this crowded room. It wasn't too much longer before the marching jazz band began to play and soon the family of Sen. Landrieu's came to the stage....and then the Senator arrived to shouts and applause and excitement as she came to the podium. And then....it was announced that she had won at the very last moments and the energy in the room was almost more than one could stand.......soooooooooooo exciting!!!!
She gave a short speech and in the process profusely thanked Jeremy for her election victory......another tear jerking moment this evening for the 1st Lady and myself!!!! And then......several of us returned upstairs to his suite to prepare for a large party in the several rooms of the suite. It wasn't long before most of the members of Jeremy's hired staff arrived and the party began..........and then the 1st Lady and I left and began our walk back to our hotel. We detoured up Bourbon street to enjoy the parties and celebrations that were going on there......WOW!!!!! WHAT a diverse group of people enjoying the party in the street!!!!!!!
We are both tired.....and it is going on 2AM!!! I appreciate all of the congratulatory emails and messages and phone calls we have received tonight, even though we missed most of the calls with all of the noise and celebrations going on in that beautiful hotel.
A GREAT day........and one that will be remembered by most Americans and others around the world.........just amazing!!!!!
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY INCREDIBLY GREAT AND WONDERFUL!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
And now........our country is in "D" and can go forward rather than backward!!!!
We went to the InterContinental Hotel about 7:30pm this evening and went up to Jeremy's suite on the 5th floor for a few drinks and lots of talk with Anne-Marie, his very good friend. Later we went down to one of the Ballrooms in the hotel where the Victory Celebration was going on, even though there was not victory as yet. We enjoyed some of the great food that was being offered to everyone who was there......and they numbered several hundred supporters and well-wishers who had gathered there for the evening.
We attempted to see the many televisions set up around the ballroom, but there were sooooo many people it was very difficult to do. So, we returned to his suite upstairs where it was a bit calmer and we could see and hear the national results that were rolling across the screens. We had yet to see him as he was in the "War Room" where the many computers were set up to monitor the results from each of the Parishes that were coming in, so they could get a handle on how had voted and which votes were not yet being reported.
Finally, we returned to the Ballroom and waited for the state results to be announced. And then......the crowd went wild with the announcement of Obama's election......and OH how exciting this was in this crowded room. It wasn't too much longer before the marching jazz band began to play and soon the family of Sen. Landrieu's came to the stage....and then the Senator arrived to shouts and applause and excitement as she came to the podium. And then....it was announced that she had won at the very last moments and the energy in the room was almost more than one could stand.......soooooooooooo exciting!!!!
She gave a short speech and in the process profusely thanked Jeremy for her election victory......another tear jerking moment this evening for the 1st Lady and myself!!!! And then......several of us returned upstairs to his suite to prepare for a large party in the several rooms of the suite. It wasn't long before most of the members of Jeremy's hired staff arrived and the party began..........and then the 1st Lady and I left and began our walk back to our hotel. We detoured up Bourbon street to enjoy the parties and celebrations that were going on there......WOW!!!!! WHAT a diverse group of people enjoying the party in the street!!!!!!!
We are both tired.....and it is going on 2AM!!! I appreciate all of the congratulatory emails and messages and phone calls we have received tonight, even though we missed most of the calls with all of the noise and celebrations going on in that beautiful hotel.
A GREAT day........and one that will be remembered by most Americans and others around the world.........just amazing!!!!!
LIFE IS REALLY, REALLY INCREDIBLY GREAT AND WONDERFUL!!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!
And now........our country is in "D" and can go forward rather than backward!!!!
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
TUESDAY: A super day in the French Quarter!!!!
Hmmm, I attempted to keep quiet this morning during my morning rituals, but I did awaken the 1st Lady....and, it was not to her liking. However......a bit later we went down to the hotel lobby for breakfast.....a continental breakfast with some marvelous fresh pastries and dark, rich coffee with a bit of chicory in it, as is the custom in New Orleans.
We took our breakfast out to the palm courtyard.....and really just sat and enjoyed a truly gorgeous morning: no heat, no humidity!!! Jeremy and Ann Marie(sp??) arrived as he had left his truck in our parking area here at the hotel last night.....and we talked briefly as he had to get to his office for the final day of the campaign here in Louisiana....and, as he said...."a VERY busy day".
After they left......we went back up to our room and then decided to just enjoy the Quarter. And that we did!!! We walked two of the major streets: Chartres and Royal.....and for the next few hours enjoyed the shops, the art galleries, and many clothing boutiques. We also had a late morning coffee with beignets at the world famous Cafe du Monde. It is always fun to stop there and watch the world go by as you sip the really dark coffee and get powdered sugar all over you eating those incredible beignets!!! Ohhhh sooooo good!!
We walked to the French Market and looked around there, but nothing really caught our eyes except an table with some great wooden pens and pencils...and so, yes.....I bought a couple of them.
About 2pm....we decided to have a late lunch as dinner this evening was not planned until after 9pm. Having read soooooo many outstanding reviews about Johnny's Po-Boys Cafe.....we walked to St. Louis Street and found it without any problems..........packed with people and others standing in line waiting for tables. It instantly reminded me of a little place in the Rio Grande Valley.....a hamburger place that is very, very popular: Gonzales. We order just one of the very LARGE po-boys......"Johnny's Special" which is fried ham, beef slices, two kinds of cheeses(melted), lettuce and tomato and pickels. All of this is then put on a long hoagie type bun but OMG, what a piece of bread!!!! Crispy and crunchy on the top and very soft and delicious inside......WOW!!!! OK....all of you lovers of great food: THIS is a place for you!!! GET THERE!!!
This morning we also made a trip to the St. Louis Cathedral/Basilica.....not certain which of these names it uses.....but it is certainly well worth a stop of 20 minutes or so to see this beautiful church!!!!
Returning to The Provicial Hotel, we decided to kick back and relax for a few hours, knowing that our dinner hour was going to be late due to the campaign that Jeremy has been running for the past year.
This evening, he picked us up and off we went through the Quarter, across Canal Street, and to a little restaurant called "Eleven 79". Anne Marie met us there and the four of us had a wonderful evening with a wonderful dinner and wine, as well the 1st Lady and I becoming better acquainted with her. We ordered some appetizers.....frog legs and, also, some escargot/snails. Both were very good.....and the Pinot Grigio that Jay had ordered was quite a compliment to these two items. We then all selected a special of the night which was Veal with chunks of lobster and sauce on top of the veal accompanied by some crispy asparagus. Yep.....another great selection on our part......and not only was the veal prepared really well, but....there was certainly a large serving of the crispy meat. Just a great meal with some great conversations about traveling the world.................!!!
Jeremy returned us to the hotel and we then just walked around the area of the Quarter to settle all of that great food. A lovely night it is......and it is quite pleasant to be out enjoying these marvelous French styled buildings.....some wonderful architecture that has lasted for a couple of hundred years!!
And now......it is the beginning of the election day.....and everyone....EVERYONE is wondering what the results will be!!??? The first town to report has Obama with 15 votes and McCain with 6. A great way to begin the day.....huh????
This has been a fantastic day and evening........we just absolutely love New Orleans and the amazing French Quarter. Soooo, how can I say anything else, but......
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
We took our breakfast out to the palm courtyard.....and really just sat and enjoyed a truly gorgeous morning: no heat, no humidity!!! Jeremy and Ann Marie(sp??) arrived as he had left his truck in our parking area here at the hotel last night.....and we talked briefly as he had to get to his office for the final day of the campaign here in Louisiana....and, as he said...."a VERY busy day".
After they left......we went back up to our room and then decided to just enjoy the Quarter. And that we did!!! We walked two of the major streets: Chartres and Royal.....and for the next few hours enjoyed the shops, the art galleries, and many clothing boutiques. We also had a late morning coffee with beignets at the world famous Cafe du Monde. It is always fun to stop there and watch the world go by as you sip the really dark coffee and get powdered sugar all over you eating those incredible beignets!!! Ohhhh sooooo good!!
We walked to the French Market and looked around there, but nothing really caught our eyes except an table with some great wooden pens and pencils...and so, yes.....I bought a couple of them.
About 2pm....we decided to have a late lunch as dinner this evening was not planned until after 9pm. Having read soooooo many outstanding reviews about Johnny's Po-Boys Cafe.....we walked to St. Louis Street and found it without any problems..........packed with people and others standing in line waiting for tables. It instantly reminded me of a little place in the Rio Grande Valley.....a hamburger place that is very, very popular: Gonzales. We order just one of the very LARGE po-boys......"Johnny's Special" which is fried ham, beef slices, two kinds of cheeses(melted), lettuce and tomato and pickels. All of this is then put on a long hoagie type bun but OMG, what a piece of bread!!!! Crispy and crunchy on the top and very soft and delicious inside......WOW!!!! OK....all of you lovers of great food: THIS is a place for you!!! GET THERE!!!
This morning we also made a trip to the St. Louis Cathedral/Basilica.....not certain which of these names it uses.....but it is certainly well worth a stop of 20 minutes or so to see this beautiful church!!!!
Returning to The Provicial Hotel, we decided to kick back and relax for a few hours, knowing that our dinner hour was going to be late due to the campaign that Jeremy has been running for the past year.
This evening, he picked us up and off we went through the Quarter, across Canal Street, and to a little restaurant called "Eleven 79". Anne Marie met us there and the four of us had a wonderful evening with a wonderful dinner and wine, as well the 1st Lady and I becoming better acquainted with her. We ordered some appetizers.....frog legs and, also, some escargot/snails. Both were very good.....and the Pinot Grigio that Jay had ordered was quite a compliment to these two items. We then all selected a special of the night which was Veal with chunks of lobster and sauce on top of the veal accompanied by some crispy asparagus. Yep.....another great selection on our part......and not only was the veal prepared really well, but....there was certainly a large serving of the crispy meat. Just a great meal with some great conversations about traveling the world.................!!!
Jeremy returned us to the hotel and we then just walked around the area of the Quarter to settle all of that great food. A lovely night it is......and it is quite pleasant to be out enjoying these marvelous French styled buildings.....some wonderful architecture that has lasted for a couple of hundred years!!
And now......it is the beginning of the election day.....and everyone....EVERYONE is wondering what the results will be!!??? The first town to report has Obama with 15 votes and McCain with 6. A great way to begin the day.....huh????
This has been a fantastic day and evening........we just absolutely love New Orleans and the amazing French Quarter. Soooo, how can I say anything else, but......
LIFE IS JUST INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!.....And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!
Sunday, November 02, 2008
SUNDAY: WOW....NEW ORLEANS....WOW!!!!!
Yesterday, Saturday.....was a very busy day for myself and the 1st Lady. We spent the morning getting ready to leave for New Orleans(on Sunday)...and then spent the afternoon visiting with our son, Mike.
This morning.......we were up early....and pulled out of the driveway at 7am CDT.....but, it was actually 6 am today's time. We made two brief stops on the way down the I-55....and arrived in the suburbs of N.O. at 3:30 this afternoon.....about 9.5 hours for the 621 miles. We quickly found our hotel, The Provincial Hotel, in a great section of the French Quarter....and used the valet parking service. Parking is only $18 per day.....about the cheapest we could find connected with a hotel in the Quarter.
OK...when I called to discuss making reservations, I told the reservations clerk that I HAD to have Wifi access within our room. Sooooo, I made the mistake of assuming it would done....DAMN! We were brought to our room by the bell boy as he pushed and pulled the luggage cart over the cobblestone parking areas....and soon he had unloaded the luggage in our hotel room, we tipped him, and off he went. OK......the 1st Lady unpacked, put her belongings in the antique dresser(the room was furnished in antiques....an old French style hotel), and I did some of my shirts, putting them in a drawer.
I then brought out my laptop....and CRAP!!!! NO Wifi service, or at least......it was not strong enough in this particular building for me to get any service/websites. Soooo, being the old man that I am.....I called the desk and bitched about this!! Sooo, the bell boy soon arrived at the door and.....Voila!!!! We were being moved to another room. WEllllllll, the 1st Lady came unglued...at me.....as she had to repack everything into her luggage so we could be moved. But.....soon we were moving to another one of the ancient buildings which house the hotel rooms.....all of them surrounding the parking area.
We then settled into our new room....which, to me is much cooler than the one we had. Still have the antique furnishings.......but, we have original French doors as our entrance doors to the room, which has a balcony overlooking a palm court with iron table and chairs and fountains!!! Beautiful!!! The room is larger, the bath is better....and we have GREAT Wifi!!!! And...at the same price of $67 and change per night, plus taxes!!!! WOW.....and such an incredible location in the Quarter.....only one block from the Open Market, three blocks from the Cafe du Monde, and two blocks from Bourbon Street!!!!! It is quiet here......the clientele(SP?) are quiet.....and the service is amazing!!! It is a very safe area of the Quarter, well lit.....and just perfect for four nights here in New Orleans!!!!
OK......the 1st Lady and I unpacked, and then went for a walk.....exploring this marvelous section of New Orleans. Keep in mind that we LOVE Paris, France....and the French way of living. I have been to Paris twelve times over the years....and I salivate just to return again!!! We walked for awhile....and then decided to stop and have a drink and a bite to eat. We chose the French Market Cafe because of the outside seating and the live music that was being performed this evening.......and, it was a GREAT choice we made!!!
Our server quickly brought us menus....and asked us what we were doing in the city. Well, we said we had driven down from south of STL....and were here for three days. He then politely asked if we had voted before we left..........!!! And...we were both impressed that he was concerned enough to ask. Well, obviously....this brought on an on-going conversation that lasted off and on during the time we were there. Informing him that we were here to enjoy the Quarter and the election night results, including Sen. Mary Landrieu's re-election.....he then became a bit excited, saying that he was volunteering for her, and making lots of phone calls on her behalf! This, of course, brought on other discussions about the upcoming election........a great hour with some very good music in the background of our talks, as well as some WONDERFUL Gumbo which we each ordered, along a with a couple of beers.
Jay then called us...and soon was there to greet us....since we have not seen him for almost a half year. As I have said, he is the State Campaign Manager for Sen. Landrieu and has been extremely busy with his job!!! We soon were in his new truck and went out of the Quarter to the west side of Canal Stree to Lowe's Hotel and we quickly found ourselves in a very cool lounge/bar......along with a good friend of Jay's......a writer with a super personality who is in the process of writing a book...fiction. The next hour was spent in having a drink, talking, asking questions, and getting to know her. Two other Democrat workers here in Louisiana soon joined us.....and we became better acquainted with the type of work they are doing for the election. Of course.......the polls were discussed and our hopes for Tuesday.....as well as the political scene here in not only New Orleans, but in the entire state of Louisiana. Talking with two people who are currently deeply embedded in this process of Louisiana politics/elections......we learned much as we listened and questioned.
Then we returned to our hotel as Jay and friends/staff members had a dinner planned at Harrah's for the evening. We are having dinner tomorrow evening with Jay...and whos who else.....and sure he will be ready to have the campaign over with, after working on this re-election campaign for the past year. Tuesday evening we will join him and many others for the....hopefully.....victory celebration of Sen. Landrieu's election at the InterContinental Hotel here in New Orleans.
And sooooo, enjoying this great little hotel, we are about ready for the day to end......and ready to welcome tomorrow as we continue to enjoy this wonderful city, as well as the Fr. Quarter.
Hey.....if you have never been here, or have not explored the Quarter carefully, then get yourself down here and relax, enjoy, dine, have a fun time in this amazing part of our country. We LOVE it.....but, speaking from experience........come here during the spring or at this time of the year. The summers are not pleasant!!!!! Having spent a week here over a year ago during the month of August is.....horrible.......the heat/humidity is unbearable!!! Today....PERFECT!!!!!
I can't wait for tomorrow to see what the day brings forth!!!!! This is such a super place....I can't say enough about it!!!! .......and, what did you expect me to say, but.....
LIFE IS INCREDIBLY, WONDERFULLY GREAT!!!!!.....And....I hope it is for all of you, also!!!
VOTE....VOTE....VOTE!!!!! (don't go backward......go forward)
This morning.......we were up early....and pulled out of the driveway at 7am CDT.....but, it was actually 6 am today's time. We made two brief stops on the way down the I-55....and arrived in the suburbs of N.O. at 3:30 this afternoon.....about 9.5 hours for the 621 miles. We quickly found our hotel, The Provincial Hotel, in a great section of the French Quarter....and used the valet parking service. Parking is only $18 per day.....about the cheapest we could find connected with a hotel in the Quarter.
OK...when I called to discuss making reservations, I told the reservations clerk that I HAD to have Wifi access within our room. Sooooo, I made the mistake of assuming it would done....DAMN! We were brought to our room by the bell boy as he pushed and pulled the luggage cart over the cobblestone parking areas....and soon he had unloaded the luggage in our hotel room, we tipped him, and off he went. OK......the 1st Lady unpacked, put her belongings in the antique dresser(the room was furnished in antiques....an old French style hotel), and I did some of my shirts, putting them in a drawer.
I then brought out my laptop....and CRAP!!!! NO Wifi service, or at least......it was not strong enough in this particular building for me to get any service/websites. Soooo, being the old man that I am.....I called the desk and bitched about this!! Sooo, the bell boy soon arrived at the door and.....Voila!!!! We were being moved to another room. WEllllllll, the 1st Lady came unglued...at me.....as she had to repack everything into her luggage so we could be moved. But.....soon we were moving to another one of the ancient buildings which house the hotel rooms.....all of them surrounding the parking area.
We then settled into our new room....which, to me is much cooler than the one we had. Still have the antique furnishings.......but, we have original French doors as our entrance doors to the room, which has a balcony overlooking a palm court with iron table and chairs and fountains!!! Beautiful!!! The room is larger, the bath is better....and we have GREAT Wifi!!!! And...at the same price of $67 and change per night, plus taxes!!!! WOW.....and such an incredible location in the Quarter.....only one block from the Open Market, three blocks from the Cafe du Monde, and two blocks from Bourbon Street!!!!! It is quiet here......the clientele(SP?) are quiet.....and the service is amazing!!! It is a very safe area of the Quarter, well lit.....and just perfect for four nights here in New Orleans!!!!
OK......the 1st Lady and I unpacked, and then went for a walk.....exploring this marvelous section of New Orleans. Keep in mind that we LOVE Paris, France....and the French way of living. I have been to Paris twelve times over the years....and I salivate just to return again!!! We walked for awhile....and then decided to stop and have a drink and a bite to eat. We chose the French Market Cafe because of the outside seating and the live music that was being performed this evening.......and, it was a GREAT choice we made!!!
Our server quickly brought us menus....and asked us what we were doing in the city. Well, we said we had driven down from south of STL....and were here for three days. He then politely asked if we had voted before we left..........!!! And...we were both impressed that he was concerned enough to ask. Well, obviously....this brought on an on-going conversation that lasted off and on during the time we were there. Informing him that we were here to enjoy the Quarter and the election night results, including Sen. Mary Landrieu's re-election.....he then became a bit excited, saying that he was volunteering for her, and making lots of phone calls on her behalf! This, of course, brought on other discussions about the upcoming election........a great hour with some very good music in the background of our talks, as well as some WONDERFUL Gumbo which we each ordered, along a with a couple of beers.
Jay then called us...and soon was there to greet us....since we have not seen him for almost a half year. As I have said, he is the State Campaign Manager for Sen. Landrieu and has been extremely busy with his job!!! We soon were in his new truck and went out of the Quarter to the west side of Canal Stree to Lowe's Hotel and we quickly found ourselves in a very cool lounge/bar......along with a good friend of Jay's......a writer with a super personality who is in the process of writing a book...fiction. The next hour was spent in having a drink, talking, asking questions, and getting to know her. Two other Democrat workers here in Louisiana soon joined us.....and we became better acquainted with the type of work they are doing for the election. Of course.......the polls were discussed and our hopes for Tuesday.....as well as the political scene here in not only New Orleans, but in the entire state of Louisiana. Talking with two people who are currently deeply embedded in this process of Louisiana politics/elections......we learned much as we listened and questioned.
Then we returned to our hotel as Jay and friends/staff members had a dinner planned at Harrah's for the evening. We are having dinner tomorrow evening with Jay...and whos who else.....and sure he will be ready to have the campaign over with, after working on this re-election campaign for the past year. Tuesday evening we will join him and many others for the....hopefully.....victory celebration of Sen. Landrieu's election at the InterContinental Hotel here in New Orleans.
And sooooo, enjoying this great little hotel, we are about ready for the day to end......and ready to welcome tomorrow as we continue to enjoy this wonderful city, as well as the Fr. Quarter.
Hey.....if you have never been here, or have not explored the Quarter carefully, then get yourself down here and relax, enjoy, dine, have a fun time in this amazing part of our country. We LOVE it.....but, speaking from experience........come here during the spring or at this time of the year. The summers are not pleasant!!!!! Having spent a week here over a year ago during the month of August is.....horrible.......the heat/humidity is unbearable!!! Today....PERFECT!!!!!
I can't wait for tomorrow to see what the day brings forth!!!!! This is such a super place....I can't say enough about it!!!! .......and, what did you expect me to say, but.....
LIFE IS INCREDIBLY, WONDERFULLY GREAT!!!!!.....And....I hope it is for all of you, also!!!
VOTE....VOTE....VOTE!!!!! (don't go backward......go forward)
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