Sushi and Sushimi

Karen has such good fashion sense. Here she is wearing my Christmas scarf gift with a Deb Barnes pin. Ooo, la, la! Just right for an evening at the sushi bar.

We sat at the Sushi bar so long, and were having such a nice time that they started giving us taste treats just to try.

Second Line

Louisiana will host the National Art Educator's Convention in New Orleans in March, and all of the host teachers are hard at work to make it a big party.

We are making lots of umbrellas so we have a few to give away during the Binney and Smith party at Mardi Gras World. These teachers know how to have a good time.

Lea's Means Pies

Used to be we could time our trip from Centenary back home to New Orleans for winter break so that just about lunch time we would end up on the doorstep of Lea's. Now it takes a special act of the Louisiana Art Educator's Association (a meeting in LeCompte at Rapides Parish High School to work on constitution and by-laws) that assures proximity. Oh, for the good old days!

A plate lunch, a ham sandwich, a slice of coconut pie. Can lunch get better than this?

Nine, count 'em, nine kinds of pie to choose from.

Book Merchant, Natchitoches

Fans of the "Pulpwood Queens" might want to plan a trip down to the store on Monday, January 26th for a fun signing party. We think it begins at 6 in the evening, so "makable" from Shreveport after work. And...there will be wine and a nice party atmosphere. Don't we all love our indie booksellers?

J. Michael always has so much more than books to offer. In the back there is a sculpture by Sheldon Meacham. Keep your eyes open as there may be an exhibit in the offing soon.

S & H Kaffie, Natchitoches

As it is on the National Register of Historic Places, it has lots of the old-time display accents, as well as a museum atmosphere. Some things are just for display, but many items are for sale. Order your horseshoes, in lots of styles and sizes, as well and barbed wire and springs.

Back-Splash II

I learned about grouting today. It is a labor intensive process.
Just a bit to do and we will have a kitchen, at last!

Peace and Goodwill

Prince and the cat doing their part for world peace.
Prince and the cat, able to do what we can't: co-exist.

Even Fred has joined the group. This is a bona-fide miracle.

Zojoji Temple

Three times on the news yesterday I saw the New Year Celebration at the Zojoji temple, which was right next to our hotel in Tokyo. I just couldn't resist a little bit of reminiscing. If you want to see some video, google New Year Tokyo Tower. When you see the u-tube video with the transparent balloons you will be in the right place. I could link it here, but what fun would that be?? Best New Year Wishes to everyone!

Front entrance to the temple

The ropes ring the temple bell. Leave a contribution in the box between the ropes. Yen fell into the box all during the two prayer sessions I attended.

Here is my book with the inscription from the Zojoji temple, and the tiny cat charm for my cell phone; my last purchase before boarding the bus for the airport.

Priceless memories for only 200 yen!