My flight was delayed for over an hour, so I missed the connecting flight to New Orleans.
Adoration
Sometimes, by the providence of God, He allows these things to occur. Torie was on his way from his long commute into town. The timing was perfect, so he picked me up at the airport. An important part of the plan was for us to attend Adoration. We arrived a few minutes before Adoration started, but the beauty of this evening was that most of Jo’s family attended the service. Unity before God always sets the stage for a great visit. The hour-long service went by quickly. It was time for dinner. I pray the the world know You through Adoration.
Dinner
In her usual hospitable manner, Jo had cooked up a feast: potato soup, crawfish étouffée over white rice, and for dessert a homemade apple pie. Around Jo’s small kitchen we savored the flavors of southern cooking and reminisced.
Years ago we were more accustomed to eating out at famous high-end restaurants, but not anymore. Nothing satisfies the palate more that a good-home cooked meal. We frequented restaurants in the French Quarters like K-Paul’s, Nola’s, Commander’s Palace, but Jo no longer feels safe taking her guests across the river.
I was not going to leave town without my shrimp po’ boys. We had to cross the Mississippi for that, and the Parkside Po’ Boys did not disappoint. As we were eating our po’ boys guess who graced us with her unpleasant appearance? Non other than LaToya Cantrell, the outgoing mayor of New Orleans. To many locals LaToya is affectionately known as “LaToya, the Destroyer.”
Breakfast Burritos
The following morning we drove to Belle Chase for the best burritos in town, and, may I add and, the most expensive! As soon as we were done Jo’s CRV Honda died on us. Torie charged it enough for us to get to a place where Jo could purchase a new battery.
The Rental Property
My sister not only owns and runs a business but she is also renovating an old home that she inherited. She wanted me to see the progress when, much to our surprise, there was a big red notification from the city to stop all work immediately! We are riding on the same boat: having to comply with city permits and finding out that a secondary home has stricter laws. One day we will both breathe a breath of fresh air when our projects are complete.
Rocky and Angela
Rocky and Angela invited us over for a steak dinner with delicious squash and smash potatoes (courtesy of me). I love their quaint home, within walking distance of local businesses and their church. The Christmas decorations on their street are going to be spectacular!
North Shore
After all these years of visiting my family, it never occurred to me that Nick and his family lived in Mandeville, not Metairie! Crossing over the longest bridge in the world, this bridge is 24 miles long. As Jo drove over the placid waters of Lake Ponchartrain, for miles all you saw was water on both sides; it took over 35 minutes for us to finally make it to dry land.
Mandeville
Our nephew Nick and his family live in Mandeville. Although their home is located on a quiet country road, they are surrounded by a beautiful wooded area that is only about a mile from town. Mandeville is a charming city with beautiful old southern homes facing Lake Ponchartrain. These homes have massive yards with views that go on for miles. I was so busy taking in the beauty that I forgot to take photos. I will definitely make my way back to Mandeville.
Nick mentioned that Mandeville had a wonderful Christmas store and I needed to pick up some special gifts for my friends. This store was so well stocked with Christmas items that it was difficult for me to decide what to purchase. The prices were less expensive than those we pay for here in California. I love kitchen towels that actually say “Merry Christmas,” so I was elated with the prices and the find.
Bible Study
As Jo and I drove back I was planning a Bible study. Since Jo moved into her new home she has downsized and could not find her Bibles because they were still in storage. I was not going to be denied the Bible study, so we used Nick’s daughter Sophie’s cell phone as I read from Ephesians. It was a powerful message that we all grew from. St. Paul’s writings are some of the most prolific, and the fact that we can still use his message today reveals the amazing grace of God.
We were a total of seven siblings. Jo is the fifth in our birth order. Our phone conversations are frequent; calling her on the way to Mass has become a routine for us. We catch up on our daily activities and share personal stories. We encourage each other and pray for one another.
Sons
Jo has four sons; all are grown and married. After her divorce she made sure that her sons attended Catholic schools all the way through high school. She is the link to the stability of her family. When things do not go as expected, she calls on God. Jo, like the rest of us, wants peace in the family. But the way she oversees any conflict is to remain quiet and wait on God.
When we are not in agreement with our loved ones, some parents will intervene by taking sides or by giving strong personal opinions. Jo is an example of steadfast love; she keeps her head by never taking sides. She has taught me how to navigate troublesome family matters by staying silent.
Cats
Jo is the Jane Goodall of cats. She has four cats living with her in her two-bedroom home. Along with that she feeds nine feral cats at her business. These lucky felines get both dry and wet food. Although the feral cats suffer from social awkwardness, they love my sister. Two of these cats developed a trust for Jo; they both come into her office while she completes her paperwork.
My Prayer
Lord, I thank You for my siblings: George, Mike, Jo and Norma. May You continually guide them and give them good health. Protect our spouses and our children. May we never draw apart from one another. Lord, teach us to love as You love. Amen.
