I don't think there's anything else like it anywhere in the world. It is the least American city I've ever seen in the United States, and I mean that as a compliment. I fell deeply in love with the French Quarter alone in just five days. I can't imagine this country without this place, and yet I can't imagine how it could ever be the New Orleans I fell for if it has to be drained and rebuilt.

Yeah. I mean, I think it does have some sister cities in Havana and San Juan and a bit of Key West. It's a Carribbean city, really. But yeah, it's irreplaceable. It's the only place I've traveled to in the last five years that I've visited for the place itself, instead of to see people. I've spent a full week there on three different trips including my honeymoon with JZ.

I'm praying to Buddy Bolden tonight. Louis. Blow you horn players! Turn it aside.

If it gets flooded like they're talking, the rot's gonna set in. They won't be able to keep those buildings anyway. That's what caused so much damage in south Florida with Hurricane Andrew after the fact.

But bombing feels so much more evitable than natural disaster. Do you really think the people of the city will be able to shake off the fear of a repeat? I mean, honestly, they've held off nature for a long time there. It should have been underwater decades ago. If this makes that happen, do you think they'll be able to shake that feeling?

Maybe I'm wrong, but I have my doubts.

Either way, lots of people are going to be hurt or killed in the next 24 hours. My people, in a way. My brother was born in New Orleans. My dad's worked in hospitals there. I'm not ready for it to go away, no matter how temporarily.

Can't y'all be in Natter, that's where I'm doing all my hair pulling and railing at the heavens.

But bombing feels so much more evitable than natural disaster. Do you really think the people of the city will be able to shake off the fear of a repeat?

Ask the people living in the floodplain all up and down the Mississippi.

Weather and natural disaster-wise, I think New Orleans barely makes the standard of "habitable", and never has. And yet, it's risen before. I'm praying this won't go down the way it looks to be going, and I can't imagine it ever being the same, and it's heartbreaking. But damn, people are resilient.

Skipping and skimming to wish meara and Jen happy Birthdayafters! Sorry I missed you yesterday, but I was away with the guests.

Who are now packed off to Mykonos, Knossos, and Santorini for the week. I've never been so glad to see guests depart ever, not even my MiL after two months. And I'm kind of giggling at the thought of our friend's reaction when he gets to Mykonos and realizes how gay-friendly it is.

I'm probably going to revise the recipes I sent in for the cookbook, as I've been playing Raq's Test Kitchen and serving them to my guests, and I think I tweaked them for the better.

Mykonos

That's where I got my hair cut! Actually it was at Salon Mykonos, because my hairdresser's from there.

Running in before bed to apologise for not getting to say Happy on the day for Jen's and meara's birthdays.

Happy Belated, pretty wimmins!

Happy Birthday, meara and Jen!!!

Heather, has your family evacuated?

According to my records, meara's birthday is today. I don't have a record for Jen, but since meara said they're on the same day, I think we're safe.

Happy birthday meara!
Happy birthday Jen!

stupid computer.... at least the happy birthday part was worth saying twice.