Well, the CD to take me through the morning is Al Hirt, Our Man in New Orleans. The cover picture shows him beneath a street lantern with a Bourbon St. street sign, in front of a typical looking place. Today is the first day since the hurricane that I felt like listening to any thing that reminded me of New Orleans.

When we visited, we went to see Al play and got a CD autographed. Also took in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Pete Fountain. Then there was the bass player and sax player who entertained us beside Cafe Du Monde. I tipped them to have them play "You are the Sunshine of My Life" for my wife.

Then, of course there was the Aquarium of the Americas, the boat ride up the Mississippi to the Zoo, the contortionist in Jackson Square, the relatively mild St. Patricks day parade on Bourbon Street, etc. etc.

I have to confess, despite misgivings over whether they ought to rebuild in the lowest areas of the city, I do long to be able to return someday, and the spirit of the city certainly lives on.