Well, we were all reminded that it’s hurricane season thanks to Isaac. Many of us stayed and rode out the storm and the aftermath, some without power for more than a week. It has been a while since New Orleanians have been advised to “hunker down” and not to evacuate. It made me think of the storms before Katrina, the ones that were associated with no school, candles and board games – not floods and FEMA. Hurricanes are nothing to laugh about, as we all know, but having stayed and observed our community before, during and after Isaac, I remembered what it means for us to hunker down.
I recently had a good friend who had never experienced a hurricane move to New Orleans, and I was lucky enough to be with that person on his first trip to the grocery for hurricane supplies. It was funny watching his reaction; he walked in expecting everyone to be in a panic and fighting over the last bottle of water. Instead what he saw was quite the opposite; everyone was friendly and chatty, exchanging tips on what white wines are good served warm and what canned foods complimented others. It was such a good feeling seeing the energy in the grocery store; we knew we were going to be without power, we know what it’s like to be without power and we all want to help each other through it because we know we’re all in the same boat.
In New Orleans, hunkering down means you’re going to be uncomfortable and cooped up for several days, but you’re going to make the most of it. We prepare for lack of power, lack of mobility but, most important, lack of entertainment. Now I know Isaac was by no means “fun,” and I would never wish that upon us again, but I’m proud to be from a city with a spirit that can weather any storm.
Lady Highway Jewelry designer Rachel Luria debuted her new line at a trunk show in September. The New Orleans designer’s collection featured earrings and necklaces with unique baubles that she found around the city. The show was a hit; I bought two pieces myself! You can find more information on Lady Highway on Facebook.
Trunk show host Stephanie Willis and Lady Highway Jewelry designer Rachel Luria.
New Orleanians Mark and Colby Welsh celebrated their wedding ceremony in Destin, but were sure to bring their favorite local drink with them for the festivities. Mojitos, concocted by the bartenders from Magazine Street bar St. Joe’s, were served as the sun went down during their reception at The Destin Bay House. The outdoor wedding took place on the water at sunset, and afterwards guests enjoyed sliders and danced into the evening to the music of Cadillac Willy. Afterwards, the happy couple headed to Key West to celebrate their honeymoon.
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Welsh
Gordon McLeod and Kathryn Brennan at the reception.
Welles Fitzpatrick (center) celebrates his birthday with cousin James Lapeyre and good friend Ryan Adkerson
New Orleans-based dancing group, the 610 Stompers, held their third annual “Ball Crawl” this year. They invited the public to dance and parade with them from bar to bar. The group donated all proceeds to charity.
Stompers Patrick “The Doctor” Ford, Patrick “P-Stachio” Young and Chris “Rainmaker” Herrington all took a breather with frozen mojitos at Superior Seafood.
Heard something interesting for “cruisin’ the crescent?”
If so, please send it to:
St. Charles Avenue
110 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 123
Metairie, La. 70005 or
e-mail: Shelby@MyNewOrleans.com