I. Natalie at the hotel, her dress hanging behind her. I loved her gown, it was gorgeous. II. The bling. The red scarf her jewelry is resting on were worn by the three of us bridesmaids. III. Me in the chair at Michelle on Elmwood. IV. Angel did both Natalie and Karen’s hair, and was great. Highly recommend him. V. The bridal shoes.

The last twelve days of 2010 were pretty intense: a bridal shower for my dear friend Natalie, Brynn and Brian visited for a night, Nat and her Brian got married (I was in the wedding), my little brother spent Christmas Eve and day in the hospital (he’s out and better now), and then our friend and tenant Ray passed away unexpectedly. A real cocktail of joy, sorrow, perspective, and love.

I’m starting 2011 with immense respect and gratitude for my health, friendships, and family.

I’ve been going places and seeing people, and then my website was taken over my a stupid virus. It’s all better now thanks to the wonderful Jim Lindley.

Once I over the next hump of school work I’ll have an update.

Earlier in the day the three of us went on a bayou cruise, during which we got to hold a baby alligatorand admire the lovely back waters of Louisiana. By the time we got back to our hotel we were exhausted. We decided to take a quick nap, and instead woke up hours later. All three of us were groggy from sleep and felt like the antithesis of fun. But, because we were in New Orleans, we got dressed and walked towards the French Quarter.

Not too far in, we walked past the beautiful Monteleone hotel. Inside we could see lights, people drinking, and an elegant atmosphere. I led Natalie and Anna inside to check out the lobby, just to say we did, and after hearing the music coming from the bar we decided to poke our heads in there too. Good move on our part: it was the famous Carousel Bar!

We immediately decided to get a table and after admiring the carousel for a few minutes, we figured out that it was slowly moving around in a circle. Anna and I were still feeling groggy from the nap and ordered Irish Coffee as a pick me up. It worked, we started to feel good. We then ordered martinis.

The previous night, our first in New Orleans, we walked down Bourbon Street. You know, just to say that we did. This night, with its low lights and music and non-plastic cups, was the exact opposite and much more our style. We talked for a couple hours and were eventually joined by several of our best guy friends from high school: Mark, Scott, Brian, and Steve. They happened to be in a town for a bachelor party and sought us out in the Carousel Bar as a break from the non-stop Bourbon Street action (please note: we planned our trip first).

I don’t often get to see these friends, let alone hang out with them at a great bar in a great city. Natalie and Brian live in Boulder, Mark lived in Baltimore then and is now out West, Steve lives in Austin, and Scott is always all over the place (currently in Afghanistan). It was a very special night, the best.

This post is part of the Best of 2009 blog challenge. Please join me!

Some of these might look familiar. I. The little cabin I loved at Jen’s Uncle’s place. II. Me and Natalie in New Orleans, being silly. III. Stoic pelican taken on a kayak trip during our vacation in Florida last summer. IV. A nice day last fall with some friends on the lake. V. Hawthorne Valley Farm calf, licking its own nose.

My trip to New Orleans was great. I paused there, before I chose “great,” because I couldn’t decide if a word better described my weekend in NOLA than a simple, direct “great.” None do.

I flew in on Friday afternoon around four, and made it to our hotel by five. Natalie and Anna were already there and getting ready to go out, and I quickly changed from my slimy-feeling airport clothes to a sundress. Ah, sundress weather.

That night we walked down Royal Street, and through the French Quarter to Marigny. We got some gumbo and drinks along the way–maybe the only authentic New Orleans food I ate all weekend–and then stopped into a quiet, little bar on Decatuer.

I loved catching up with Natalie and Anna, and then getting beyond the catch up and into some good conversation. We pumped money into the jukebox at the bar and took ridiculous photos. Later we walked home along Bourbon Street (had to do it, just once) and found a table in a liquor-to-go shop suitable for people gawking.

The rest of the weekend continued along in this fashion: easy, fun, effortless. We went on a bayou cruise/swamp tour (you pick the name you like best), took nap, drank yummy cocktails at this rotating carousel bar (click the link), and walked all over the City.

I came back to Buffalo on Monday afternoon feeling refreshed and high from new sights and old friends.

Great, just great.