The Nana Second

Going to see Owen’s dad for a few days in New Orleans and then on up to see my mother for another few. This is going to be great for the weight-loss program that I am trying - once again! I begin and then I get sabotaged by something. My excuse last week was my birthday when Richele and Michael took us to this fabulous restaurant in Houston, Mark’s on Westheimer. The food was outstanding and we had a wonderful time - just the four of us. This Nana loves the granddaughters, but an evening out without them was a good thing. But back to travel…

Before we leave for New Orleans, there are always so many things to think about - like where we will eat when we get there, or even on our way there. We usually stop at a place called The Boiling Point in Sulphur, LA. I know…it sounds like a dive…and it is! sort of. Just local folks sitting at formica topped tables with paper napkins - not on their laps! (This queen of etiquette notices everything… ) But the seafood is great - boiled or fried. Then, when we arrive in New Orleans, Owen’s dad always has his favorite picks for the night. He and his wife rarely eat at home. He’s says it’s too much trouble to cook and clean up at their age. They’re not that old. He is 76 and she is 71. But it’s nice that they can choose to do that and in such a great city of food. Anyway, I’m certain that we will be at Carmelo’s one night and Trauth’s another, where they usually have all-you-can-eat crab on Thursday nights. He has an off-the-wall favorite for a New Orleanian and that’s a wonderful Oriental restaurant not far from the house, which I can’t remember the name of right now. We will definitely be well-fed while there. Now…

Mother’s house will be totally different - not that we won’t be well-fed, but that the food is usually healthier. Afterall, my older sister, Essie, will see to that. She is the health nut in the family and it shows. She is 71 and looks great. She does everything from keeping her own house to cutting her yard on the lawn tractor. She has a couple of acres to take care of. She is also always doing something for someone else. She is definitely the mother hen of the bunch. She doesn’t have a computer, so I can say this. Ha! Mother, on the other hand, does have a computer and is “connected”. I will have to get her into the blog reading while there. She types too slowly to get a blog going. It would take her forever! But, she will be 90 next year - give her a break. Oh…back to the food. Mother has promised fresh purple hull peas, okra, and tomatoes. That’s for starters. And only those from Ruston will appreciate the fact that I am getting the last “picking” of the peaches from Mitchum’s Peach Orchard. And to think that I almost missed them. Actually, a friend of mine got her son to bring some to me in Chappell Hill a few weeks back. This friend lives here in Chappell Hill and her son lives near my mother. I only met this lady through my bunco this last year. How ironic! Anyway…I said all this to say that the diet will have to wait until we return. I just try to walk more. Maybe I’ll work in Mother’s garden.

I may not write anything until I get back, but will catch you up when we return. Have a wonderful week.