Autumn in New Orleans

It’s “Fall” in New Orleans.

I know this because now when I get in the shower, instead of barely turning on the hot water, (along with full-throttle cold water); I turn the hot water spigot up just a notch.

Every once in a while, praise be to Jesus, I wake up and there’s no humidity outside. Wow – glorious! On those mornings and evenings, it’s very pleasant in the shade. Sometimes, if I’m really blessed, I can open up all my windows. I love that – having the fresh air moving through the house.

I live in a climate where the air-conditioner runs 24/7. Chilled, recycled air blowing out humid cold air through all the vents in the house. It’s nice to have the fresh air sweep all that away for a bit. . Oh the a/c doesn’t run every day of the year. Sometimes we have as many as 14 days that actually need the heater.

I know it’s Fall because my husband doesn’t have to cut the grass every week. On the second week, sometimes he can get away with just edging and weed-whacking.

New Orleans remains covered in a blanket of green all year round. In the Fall and Winter, most of the green in the lawn is clover or other weeds. But it’s green.

There are just enough trees that lose their leaves in the winter to make for a brown mess everywhere. Our ‘fall foliage’ is brown. The leaves blow up in the corners of the patio, nestled in the potted plants and collect in the roots of twenty-year-old shrubs. They look terrible.

New Orleanians take advantage of Fall with festivals. Outdoor extravaganzas of zydeco, spicy gumbo, and crafters.

I love Fall. On those perfect days in New Orleans when the humidity is low, and the air has a slight cool texture to it, the soft breezes flow under the mantle of wide-spreading limbs of the oaks. Everyone you meet has a little extra zip in his or her step. Heavenly!

New Orleans

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, and a time long ago, there was a magical city that lay in the warm embrace of the crescent of the Mississippi River.

Within those loving warm arms of muddy water, a city of diverse and rich culture was nurtured. The bustling port welcomed visitors from the four corners of the world. Most fell in love with the city, many stayed to form the wealth and variety of its beautiful tapestry.

The immigrants formed layer upon layer of cultural threads. Dominated by the pageantry of the Catholic heritage, art, music, and cuisine flourished.

The original city was laid out in a square, focused on St. Louis Cathedral, flanked in regal majesty by two government buildings. Bordered by the river, two streets of businesses and apartments formed a bustling community around the park. The French Market sat off to the side, where fishermen and farmers supplied the small city. Café au lait was served on the corner - rich dark coffee and chicory mixed with boiling milk.

Almost three centuries have passed, yet the original square of New Orleans remains virtually unchanged.

Through fires and floods, epidemics and wars, the heart of old New Orleans stands as a testimony to the spirit of the people who live here.

"Laissez les bons temps rouler!"