Hairy Merry Christmas

Snow in New Orleans, auto bailouts, imploding economies, failed law firms. Duck and cover and hope for the New Year.

This photo is from the Times Picayune in yesterday's paper...pretty unusual.

Well, the downstairs flat is empty and clean and I have two new tenants moving in starting January 1 with their dog, Polly Jean. I haven't had to be a landlord (Becky and Emily were living in the house when we bought it) so this is a new role.

Sunday, my sister organized a number of folks and put on a "smudge" for me...brought salt, sage and sweet grass to banish all the bad juju in the house. I think the champagne helped as well. It was very sweet as it was a "surprise smudge" and there were about ten people there plus others sending greetings. It 's because Jess kept so much stuff in the house for so long (14 months to move plus the garage is still full of stuff) that I didn't want to be at home. He'd show up whenever he felt like it and take a few more things so I traveling nearly two months straight (see prior post). My friends believed I needed to make the house mine after all...so perhaps this is helping.

Still a shitty year, frankly and I'll be glad when it's over, the lame duck quack away, and we can begin again. Spending a couple days for Christmas at my Dad's in Portland, with his grandkids running around (from his wife's kids), so should be fun.

I'll be in LA just after Colleen's b'day for a cabaret show starring my friend, Clifford, who is usually a director, then off to the inauguration. If I had an extra $25K, I could go to all the events, but just can't swing that under the circumstances so I'll just stand in the Mall like everyone else and be awed.

Happy Holidays to all...much love.

Waiting

We are waiting in my family. Ned is waiting to hear from Cornell Engineering about whether he will get in early decision (he got into Purdue Engineering, his safe school). He should hear from them by email on Thursday. I am hugely proud of him and worried for him at the same time, because he wants it so much. I am waiting to hear whether I will get any kind of job offer in California so that I can live with Terry. So too, my brother is on the job market, networking, sending letters, and hoping something comes of it. He has been unemployed for a while (financial industry fallout) and we are worried for him. Mom is waiting to see how it will go with Dad, who is getting weaker and generally declining.

Daniel, Ned, and I all had a wonderful Thanksgiving at Mimi's, and Terry visited last weekend and Mimi and Jeff came to dinner. Next week, I am in Europe for conferences and to be an outside reviewer for two doctoral defenses in law schools there. I will have a day alone in Paris, and I keep thinking of sophomore year and Mimi, Colleen, and Celia's trip there over January interterm. I have never been to Paris before.

It will be a weird holiday. Love, Lisa

happy holidays

Hi All

After our normal Turkey day celebration with my Ballenger cousins and Uncle Bruce and Aunt Nancy, we said Bon Voyage to Missy's oldest son Matt. He is on his way to India (NOT Mumbai, thank goodness) to seek spiritual enlightenment. Must be nice not to have to pay bills! He will definitely not be staying in any luxury hotels either, so we think he will be fine. I told him last night I was totally jealous... I would have loved to do something like this when I was his age. At this point his plan is to return in April, but who knows? He could fall in love with an Indian chick, and then Missy & I could visit.

Tomorrow we head to Pinehurst. Bert's youngest sister Betsy has lung cancer and will be treated at Duke...thank goodness we have such a fine facility nearby. Bert's mom and oldest sister will be in Durham also. We tried to get them to stay with us, but it is 2 hours from our house to Duke. Betsy likes the doctors who are treating her, but she is still terrified. I guess any of us would be. Say a little prayer...

Cindy

New World Order

I am waking up optomistic more lately. Not just because Jess finally signed our settlement agreement, which I thought was overly generous and he didn't (hence "settlement") but at least it signals that the big issues are done with and now it's just formalities (like dissolving the marriage). But also, with Obama, and faith satisfied, I really feel that the world is going to be a better place. I will be n DC for the 20th -- can't miss it. Look for me among the millions in the parade....

I am actually looking forward to our "recession" year -- where I can rejoice in simple things because we won't have money and all -- we will turn more towards all those values that really matter.

Such as our reunion in Indiana. I will actually be in Indiana in October at my annual book writers conference so this may be my heartland year.

More to the point, I was distracted at a friend's wedding by his best man (it was only a night ladies but still proof that I am not yet dead) who was a 6'8" former NBA basketball player -- and yes, he was handsome as all get out -- all of which led me to believe that my 13 month hell is over and I have my life back. I can't remember when someone was strong enough to lift me up and twirl me around the dance floor -- whohee!!

I have been traveling constantly, and during the last two weeks, and flew 6 out of the last 7 days. I feel like I have been moving so as not to look about me and see my life. But today, I sigh and realize that it's all fine, in whatever form it is. All the blessings and curses are part of the fabric that I am wearing around myself, and it's all fine. I was in London for a week on business, rented a flat and spent the weekend with a law school friend and her daughter (they now live in Paris)...and I realized what fabulous women I have in my life and how damn lucky I am. The support crew has been amazing.

I stayed in DC with Leila, my best friend from high school -- I have y'all and then law school buddies and Robbie and Miruni here in the City. Lots to be thankful for this week.

I got home after being on the road and my brother and Miwa (his chinese/japanese girlfriend) made me dinner, which apparently will go on face book later. I found out that most of my friends and family converse regularly on facebook. I can't quite expose myself there yet but may.

I will be in New Orleans for Thanksgiving and with my Dad over Christmas...spending holidays with those I love and NOT COOKING. Very simple fare all around.

The book is nearly done and will be finalized to go to some lucky agent by the end of the year -- more optomism for 2009.

So will you guys that have kids please post photos this month? I would at least like to live vicariously and enjoy your largesse...

Vicky, how about pics of that 10 year old grandaughter, eh? love to you all...keep writing.

Glasses Half Full

This stage in life, though not without its challenges, does have some benefits.  Nothing to prove; no one to impress.  We have arrived with all our wrinkles and gray hairs.  But the good news is that we still are standing.  And, thankfully, we have each other.  

Vicky, congrats to your son on his nuptials and to your granddaughter on her 10th birthday.

I hope this Thanksgiving will be a little less painful for you.

Allison, what are your Thanksgiving plans?  How are you holding up?  I think of you often and send you love and encouragement.

I had a very pleasant blast from the past, two weeks ago.  Rusty Pierce came to Boston and called.  We spent a lovely afternoon together.  She is someone who has experienced a dark period for the last 25 years.  Colleen, you know some of the things she's been through.  I have faith that she will be ok.

By the way, I am happy to report that Jackie Rose is doing very well.  I cross my fingers, as I say that she is turning the corner.  The meds are working and she is having success on all fronts. Her grades are very solid; she was chosen to be the stage manager of the winter musical--Pippin; and she was moved up to the varsity field hockey team.  An answer to our prayers.

Jon is having a good senior year, but might need shoulder surgery.

Jeff is wonderful, per usual.  We are having fun as empty-nesters.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.  We will have a modest crew, by Garrity standards, anywhere from 11 to 20.  We are hosting a foreign student from Tabor, for the Thanksgiving vacation.  She is a freshman girl from China.  I hope this will be fun for the girls.

With much gratitude, Cecilia

Falling thoughts

Things are peaceful around here. I both hate and love November. 8 years without James this Thanksgiving. That just sucks. But my granddaughter turned 10 over the weekend, which was cause for much fun and an excuse for me to buy somebody "Hannah Montana" outfits.

We are finally "of that age" where our friends and loved ones are suffering the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. And that sucks, too. It's not fair that marriages and bodies wear out. It's horrendously unfair and that a creepy, evil disease sneaks into somebody we love. Somedays it's hard just to catcha breath, much less smell the roses...and even the roses can be a little wilted.

I am glad for my remaining family and friends....for nieces and nephews and sisters-in-law (even when they yell at me for voting for Obama) and girlfriends who tell me the truth about myself, (even when I really don't want to hear it). I am grateful that the weather turned cool last week and that a young, ridiculously-in-love young couple I know finally married. I am grateful that Arnie and I still love the hell out of each other and plan on riding through the last lap in (to steal a phrase) "hot, righteous monogamy".

We are a fortunate crew of women.... smart, able and good-hearted. I pray we each find something to warm our souls today.

Falling into Winter

Since I don't travel with my computer and only check email sporadically I see that my summer and fall travel has really left me out of the loop. I failed Al's test by not hearing what is going on her life and am very sorry about that. For many, many reasons we need to make another reunion happen soon; I think Lisa suggested June. Let's check our calendars and start talking about dates and places. Had we agreed that Bloomington made the most sense for the next gathering?
Though I thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent colors of autumn being mostly on the east coast, I sort of feel that time has sped by and here we are heading into holiday season already. Miss you all. Love, Colleen

Some News

Thanks to my parents' model I believed that most people spent their 50's contemplating the faits accomplis of their lives - madly successful children with several alphabetics at the end of their names, careers that hummed along like well-oiled machines, chubby stock porfolios, perfected tennis shots and the prospect of sunset dinners "at the club" - coasting nicely toward a soft landing in some sunbelt city at 62. Maybe some of you guys are there. But around here everybody is still humping it to work, rallying around children who progress like low-flying balloons, sweating over their 401ks and increasingly sobered by the decline of their parents, their marriages and their health. I figured that I had front-loaded my life with the requisite tragedies and challenges one's life must include. I didn't realize that this decade requires not just a second wind, but a third.

And damn those hot flashes anyway.

But.....there is always hope for the melancholy quintegenarian.

So today I will provide some good news - not because I need to brag. But because it's nice to be able to breathe for a while.

Since my kids have been my obsession for 27 years I appropriate their victories and failures. Right now no one is breaking the law, floundering academically or breaking anybody's heart. So, having lowered my standrards years ago, I'm feeling pretty good.

My youngest, Zach, had the best summer of his nerdy indoor little life. We went to Italy in June, where he celebrated his 16th birthday in Rome with a glass of wine in his hand and a rooftop view of the city at night. That's a cultural personal best for any Humphrey (owing to that fact that our idea of traveling usually means a 2-hour drive to the inlaws). Later he spent 3 weeks away from my helicoptering behavior at a local faux-college experience. The only way I could communicate with him was through facebook (he having jumped into a swimming pool with his cell-phone in his britches). So every time I logged on to message him I was treated to pictures of my baby surrounded by packs of, well,....girls! (to the praise of his brothers)... and who knows what those photos imply, hem? I think his aggregate cultural, intellectual, spiritual and social experiences have eclipsed the rest of our tribe. He's now in his junior year, taking "AP/Honors Everything" and deliberating whether to be a microbiologist or a......"hey Mom, wait a minute,....what if I really like English instead?" Jeez.

Next up is John, now a commuting sophomore at Florida Atlantic University. His view of academics is starting to shift from that of "necessary evil" to "interesting." After running the gauntlet of freshman courses at a Florida state institution (and yes, we are still 48th in the nation for high school achievments...followed closely by Arkansas) he is now encountering more sophisticated teaching and is waking up intellectually. He divides the rest of his time living an "ESPN" life - fishing, spearfishing, pick-up basketball. He also makes pit stops to maintain a 6-year relationship with his girlfriend, Ashley. John's ambitions swing between wanting to be a boat captain in the Bahamas and being an accountant...I vote for an accountant who owns a boat.

Last comes Joe, who will be 25 next week. After a huge crash in both his personal and professional lives he has risen like a phoenix out of the ashes. As many of you know, in late Spring he made a decision to radically change his life. He got sober (his blood had been about 80-proof since middle school), quit his soul-sucking job, reconciled with his ex-fiancee, changed his diet/exercise routines and is now resolutely forging new financial habits. And, for those of us in the faith community, he is going to church (thank you, Jesus! Hallelujah! Get out the tambourines!)

In July Joe called me and asked, "What are you doing next Sunday?" which, translated, meant "We want to get married in your backyard next Sunday." He and Katie had tired of just living together and no longer cultivated elaborate wedding/honeymoon fantasies. So, in 7 days our families threw together an intimate wedding for 17 people (insert much scrambling here). The money Katie's dad had originally earmarked for her wedding will fund a honeymoon trip to Scotland in November. On October 18th we are going to have another backyard party for about 100 in the couples' honor (there are many relatives and friends to placate). Our entertainment will be a baby boomer band (in which Katie's dad is the bass player). If you want some cold shrimp, a beer and some Allman Brothers, you're invited.

Girls, I'm a @#$%*& "mother-in-law".

To moderate all this happy news, my health still pretty much sucks. I suffer all the middle-aged cliches and am running up my tab at various doctors' offices. And I suffer greatly because I can't decide who to vote for in November. Remember, where I hang out all "good evangelicals" are supposed to vote for McCain/Palin...but, seriously....I mean, seriously. And then there's Obama/Biden. I will agree with Allison by saying that Obama is an "rockstar" (have you seen Jon Stewart's video putting up Obama like "the Lion King"?). I only hope that his game is half as good as his bullshit. The next presidency is going to be quite a ride for whoever wins. If I had an old 60's fallout shelter out back I'd be tempted to fill it with cash and fritos just in case the Apocalypse is really coming. And so the burden is on me to study and pray instead of just "voting my party". I never liked being a grown-up.

But I take heart. Most of my cognitive faculties remain and I have been blessed to be given another day to live. So I today determine to find somebody to love ferociously and to put some effort into making this world a better place. Carpe diem, girls.

Ms. Incommunicada

Hi, all. So sorry for my silence.  I have been preoccupied with Jackie.  Finally, we have figured out that she has ADHD.  I missed the signs, as did the neuropsychologists who had tested her in the past.  Hopefully, now I can get her the help she needs.  She has lost a lot of ground in some areas, but has more than compensated in others.  Her attitude is good, but academics will continue to be a struggle for her.

In the midst of  worldwide natural and financial disasters, Allison is experiencing her own personal turmoil. I am at a severe loss as to what I can say to help.  I am here for you and will come to SF, if you need to talk with someone.  I can be a good listener.  From the little I observed of him, I could tell Jess was a good person.  Perhaps, there is no one"right" person.  Hopefully, you will meet someone who will give to you as much or more than you give him.  If I may be so bold as to insert my two cents, Allison, you deserve to be nurtured and adored for the truly goodhearted, intelligent and beautiful soul that you are. 

I am serious about the offer to come to SF.

Let's go fellow bloggers. I hope that the rest of you will meander your way through cyberspace and respond to Allison's blog.

Love to all,

Cecilia

 

 

The Empty Nest Looms

Ned applies to college this year, Cornell Engineering early decision, so the empty nest looms. Wish us luck. Daniel is a senior at Skidmore. He will finish a double major in physics and computer science, but has realized he probably should have majored in political science and history, and wants to do it all over again. I told him that was great, but I couldn't pay for it. He is finally realizing that he has been playing against his strengths, which are verbal and writing skills, and he is thinking about law school eventually. However, he may end up working at the college in the information technology department for a year or two after he graduates. He had a great summer working for them full time and loving it, while subletting a wonderful apartment from a Chinese professor. The magical thing is that he is ready for independence. He knows how to do it all now: to find a place to live, to manage a budget, to cook healthy food for himself (and his girlfriend!), to keep his car running, to work on a normal schedule, to get along with people.

Meanwhile, Terry is an empty nester. Terry's younger son Greg has just started at Humboldt State, and older daughter Kyle leaves for junior year abroad in Seville tomorrow morning. Mimi's Nick is loving Parsons and living in what sounds like a great apartment in the east village with a view of trees and a courtyard out his windows. She misses him, which is of course understandable. On the other hand, I enjoy being part of Daniel's life through long phone calls. It is amazing how much more he tells me now that he is far away. As a result, I can't seem to get worked up about the empty nest thing. I think it is partly because I have been empty-nesting every other week since the divorce because I have to share Ned.

This year, I hit the national job market in a serious way, trying to get west to Terry. There are rank open, senior jobs in dispute resolution in at least 5 west coast law schools. I had expected that this would happen eventually, because the field has grown to such a degree that students are demanding the courses. I wrote 4 law review articles during my sabbatical, mostly during the summer, and all of them will appear in print in 2009. So we will see.

Dad is declining. Mom reports that the cancer has advanced and he is coughing blood. I was able to get the boys down there and took everyone to Daytona Beach for some quality time over the summer. I will not bring them down again; they want to remember him healthy. Dad is pretty philosophical about it all. He tells my mom, "Lola, I'm almost 85. I am going to die of something. So I will die from this." I know that life is change and life is subject to suffering. Most of you have been through some version of this with your parents. It is not on my mind all the time in a conscious way. Instead, I find myself confused and unable to concentrate, without really understanding why. I was able to get things done over the summer because Dad was asymptomatic and I was mostly in California with Terry coming home to me every night: the calm before the storm.

I discovered Spirit Rock over the summer. It is an insight meditation retreat in West Marin, and it is a jewel. There were drop-in 2-hour meditation classes on Thursday mornings for women, and on Wednesday mornings for anyone, and an all day retreat I attended on a Saturday. Each class or retreat has sessions for sitting meditation, then walking meditation, and then dharma talks or lectures on Buddhism. If you are at all interested, many of the lectures are freely downloadable podcasts available at www.dharmaseed.org. I have actually been doing a little practice for years. The Dalai Lama has come to Bloomington several times because his late brother lived here (he died Friday), and I have attended his teachings.

At the end of the summer, Terry and I took a week vacation and went hiking, fishing, and swimming in the Emigrant Wilderness and Stanislaus National Forest in the Sierras. We did not camp, but instead rented a cabin and used it as a base for day trips. It was his first real vacation in three years, and it was hugely restorative for both of us.

And Cindy, it appears you were right about John Edwards, but I know you are too kind to gloat. However, I remain committed to his policies. I am working a bit for the Obama campaign on civic engagement issues.

So that is the news. I know Allison and I are checking the blog. All else seems to be silence. Are you out there? How is June for a reunion in Bloomington?

Hurricanes of Life

New Orleans is safe for now. Jim and Jack went to West Point (where Jack still has the family house) and Jim's brother and wife were north of town. It looks like the levys will hold for now. I did all the requisite calls this weekend before I disappeared for two days at Jess' property.

The only tragedy will be if the power stays off for more than a day or two as the meat pies in my freezer will likely ruin the refrigerator (250,000 such victims after Katrina) but that is a small worry comparatively.

The storm of my personal life is much more devastasing unfortunately. Jess has decided to move back to Nevada, where he is from, and I am not invited. He's wanting to "start over" -- with school, his life and whatever. I think there's a lot of other things going on but it's too late for joint counseling and we can't talk very well. We have been agonizing over this for almost a year, and frankly, working on these issues (although not very well apparently) for several years. Russell has already moved into their new place -- he left today. I now have some emphathy with your empty nesters, although I only had five years of bonding.

So, after 20 years, I am alone again...where I seem to always find myself eventually.

We knew at Jazz Fest and had been separated but many of you had not met him and I didn't want you to have a negative first impression of Jess...he's been a big part of my life for 20 years and he's a good person and I still love him very much.

We will stay friends, we are working hard at that, although right now I want to kill him (alternatively, I want him back, I think that's why they call it "heartstrings"). We did have a decent weekend among friends at his property in Mendocino. I have planned a lot travel in the next three months to try and wear myself out.

My first reaction was to start canning things -- I made pickles two weekends ago. Is there some overarching theme that I should be "preserving" things? I bought new dishes and pots and pans to surround myself with new things, new starts. I sure wish I wasn't in my mid 50's right now, but some things must be endured I suppose.

I am hoping to get some good poetry out of this. I'll post some if I can bear it.

So this will be a test to see if any of you are even checking the blog....

Northern California is burning

My mother keeps worrying that I am living in a place where the earth moves and burns. Until recently, I laughed her off. And then my first earthquake was not in California, but in Indiana. We had a 5.8 Richter Scale earthquake in Bloomington shortly before Jazz Fest. I woke up with the whole house shaking and the sounds of china at risk. Unsettling, but fine.

However, I have a new respect for natural disasters. Three weeks ago, Ned and I got caught in the Martinsville flood. We had just returned from a trip to Florida to see my parents, and we were trying to get from the airport in Indianapolis to Bloomington so we could pack for a camping trip and leave again the next morning. Martinsville is the halfway point and low ground. The White River had turned into a massive lake. As we drove through town, we saw water instead of fields, instead of parking lots, everywhere floating debris, and people parked on the side of the road talking anxiously on cell phones. And yet, the roads into town were open, so we figured we could get through.

We got as far as a police barricade of school busses blocking the ramp to 37, the road that would take us home. The police said there was no way into Bloomington; all the access roads were flooded and the water was still rising. They said the ramp might reopen in 4 hours, so we parked and waited. But the water kept rising, and then it broke across the road in front of us, and the police told us to get the hell out of there. So we turned around, only to find the water had broken across the road behind us. We forded a 6 inch river and made it out of town and back to Indy.

Unfortunately, our camping gear and Ned's girlfriend Amanda (who was supposed to come camping with us) were still in Bloomington. Thankfully, I had spent a lot of the ordeal on the phone to Mimi, who was also flying out the next day. Amanda packed up our stuff and Mimi put her up for the night and then heroically drove her to the airport the next day, taking a circuitous route of back roads that had reopened by morning.

But I figured that fire would be next. I did not encounter it directly on our camping trip in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. There was the evidence of the Park Service's past controlled burns, new sequoia seedlings, and scorched giant sequoias that had shed their seed, but no active burning. And I have not yet directly encountered it here in Marin, but there is a pall of smoke hanging over the county. We are surrounded by fire - 131 fires in Mendocino to the north, fires in Napa and Solano to the east, and fire in San Bruno to the south. The smell of smoke woke us up several nights ago. Now, the air is so bad your head hurts and throat burns.

In theory, we are planning to go camping over the July 4th weekend with Allison in Mendocino, and in theory, the fires are not in this part of the county. So what do you think are our odds?

Love, Lisa

PS. Sorry to miss Fest. Terry is hale and healthy. Ali says May is bad for a reunion in Bloomington. What are people's availability for the weekends in June?

More photos of Fest

Here's Germaine Bazzle (she's a New Orleans school teacher) singing in the jazz tent.


Folks wandering by the Heritage Tent on the grounds.

You can take photos of anyone and everyone so bring cameras...

SOME PHOTOS FROM PAST FESTS

That is our friend Jack, with his arm around Bruce Daigrapont's Daddy. They are both 88. That is back stage at Fais Do Do, where you'll almost always find Jack. Bruce is playing first weekend so unlikely you'll see his daddy.

Below is a Mardi Gras Indian. They spend all year making these costumes. Many were lost during Katrina, and many of the indians didn't make it back.

Navigating Jazz Fest

Before there were cell phones, we were able to go to Fest as a group and have no trouble leaving our different directions to find our favorite food or music and then all coming back to center, checking in, and then going off again. Here's how we do it - even in the midst of 90,000 people.

[Dancing at Fais Do Do Tent.]

1. Morning music check in: we talk amongst ourselves about what is a must see (everyone circles) and then what are individual's must sees. We eat in between our must sees -- and if there's time and money, we also shop the various areas. More on that later.For example, for Friday May 2nd -- this is a really hard day because at the end there are two "10" acts, including Stevie Wonder, who has never played Fest. That should be an amazing tribute and love fest itself. But also, Terrence Blanchard's "God's Will" is the most beautiful , amazing music you have ever heard. He is a renown trumpet player from New Orleans who went to NY and then has come back in recent years. He played some of his requiem last year but it wasn't finished. I now have the CD and it is amazing, sweet, poignant and full of tragedy and hope. But, then, you will all have your own opinion of what you dearly love. Recognize that you will also hear things you never knew anything about, and sometimes it will happen by accident. You'll go to get food, hear something, it'll intrigue you, you will follow it and love whatever it is.

2. Learning the Fair Grounds

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is held at the race track, and the stages are placed around the track. Note that it is "heritage" festival as well and expect to learn a lot about Louisiana, New Orleans and other interesting things.

First, you have to learn about each "tent" -- in the old days, they were literally small tents and very intimate (you'll see some historic photos around jazz fest and be able to learn how it started and why - - ask George Wein).

The Acura Stage: This is where all of the out of town headliners play, although you'll get some locals who have made it nationally. Such as on Friday, "Papa Grows Funk" is a local band we can see at the Mapleleaf Bar (in our neighborhood) likely once a week, it is a well known band.

Place to meet: facing the stage, right hand side, usually on the track, but if its not so crowded up on the grass.

Gentilly Stage -- this has had lots of names, we call it "stage one" as that was its original jazz fest name or whatever it was called the year before. It has headlines but in a nicer setting, and lots of local types.

Place to meet: facing the stage, right hand side, on the track, usually dancing.

Congo Square: Now called "My Louisiana" this is where R&B, african, dance, rap and hip hop about but anything can be here. Winton Marsalis (from New Orleans) has played on this stage. On Friday, Trombone Shorty is playing and he is not to be missed. Playing since he was a youngster, he is now maybe 20 or 21...I have three of his CDs. Zigaboo Modeliste who is playing earlier was part of the original subdudes.

Place to meet: facing the stage on the left hand side, either back by the speaker cage on the grass or dancing on the track.

WWOZ Jazz Tent: This is your straightahead jazz (Lisa will be avoiding this stage except if Germaine Bazzle is singing) and is broadcast live so you can listen in before you come on WWOZ's website (its one of the links on the blog). We frequently have our beignets here in the morning (or the couchon du lait or ?) when it's empty and quiet.

Place to meet: Somewhere near the righthand side, but we could be anywhere if we are sitting.

Blues Tent: This is a big venue with turf in the back and all kinds of blues and great music. Jumpin Johnny Sansone is pretty wonderful in the middle of the day.

Place to meet: if we're just hanging out, likely on the left hand side but not an easy tent to meet up.

Economy Hall: This has a dance floor and is more traditional, dixieland jazz witha second line. You should get some food in the middle of the day and just stop by to watch the fun. The Jazz vipers on Friday would be good to catch. It's shady.

Place to meet: in the back on the grass, you might see Jess (or any of us) taking a nap.

Fais Do Do (FAY-DOUGH-DOUGH) stage: this is the traditional Louisiana music like cajun, zedeco and creole....when in doubt, come here and dance. It'll always be good. Look for Jack backstage (that's Jimmy's daddy). He's 88 outside but only 20 inside, so watch out.

Place to meet: Near the goal pole to the left facing the stage or off the track, chatting with Jack. Or, dancing near the front.

Jazz & Heritage Stage: this got started with a native american area one year and then stayed...here you will see your Mardi Gras Indians (long past, you'll learn it) so don't miss them, and your marching brass bands, all great. When in doubt, hang out in the grass and dance here. This is more like the old, traditional tents from the past.

Place to meet: anywhere here, easy to see.

Gospel Tent: By far the best tent at jazz fest. When in doubt, we always end up here, and even if not in doubt, we end up here. Jim will be the anchor of the group, always in the back of the gospel tent (you can't smoke inside) and we freqently check in. If you have any questions about Fest or want to know more history, hang out with Jim at the back of the gospel tent and he'll fill you in. Paula Chance, our friend from Atlanta, will also be here at this tent and she knows all the words. I can see Victoria parked in here, and not just because it is in the shade and one of the coolest places(temperature and other wise) at Fest. It's by the shopping and by some food and the best beer tents (God is not stupid). This is all black or mixed race gospel with live music.

Place to meet: Anywhere but always in back of the tent all day long.

Allison Miner Music Heritage/Lagniappe Stage: These used to be two different stages before Katrina, but they don't let us into the main grandstand anymore so you'll get a mix here. "Lagniappe" in cajun means a little bit extra (the thirteenth donut). It'll be a mix of stuff including interviews so keep your eye on this. Oh, and there is an oyster bar here for those of you who love Gulf Oysters. You'll see Jack and I here in the morning when it isn't crowded.

Place to meet: in line at the oyster bar.

Kids tent (for fun, stick your head in, think grandchildren) and cooking tents, exhibits in the grandstand, etc. All worth exploring.

Bathrooms: There are portapotties everywhere -- carry a little purell spray and spare toilet paper but they usually aren't bad at the smaller tents. Flush toilets in the grandstand -- early they aren't crowded and later there are good and bad times to go.

ATMS: are everywhere at Fest.

Food: Everywhere -- two different set ups -- Food One and Food Two...make a list of good stuff to eat. It's on the website (link to the left). We'll have fun finding things for Celia to eat. I have a friend who is kosher who does all right (gator is NOT kosher). You don't need directions for this, just an appetite.

Shopping: Contemporary crafts, congo square crafts, heritage crafts and art is sold everywhere. Bring an empty credit card. Most vendors will hold your items until the end of the day so you don't have to carry them.

Getting there: there are shuttles from downtown and the French Quarter but get there as early as you can...it's lovely first thing (which is 11). You can stand in line drinking bloody Mary's from Liuza's at the track.

Ok, that's enough for now. Y'all just come on down now and we'll go to Jazz Fest. Have us some fun.

Time to Post

Look, up in the air, it's a bird, a plane, it's Colleen, Zip lining via 25 cables over 11 waterfalls in a third world country! Not as adventurous as my old roomie crossing the ocean with no land in sight but still...aren't you proud of me and somewhat shocked?We returned 2 weeks ago from a once in a lifetime trip to Costa Rica. If you connect with one of my daughters on My Space, you will see all the photos. Aside from relaxing and seeing something new it was great just to have the whole family together. Courtney and Kristin flew from NYC and we left LA a few hours behind them to rendez-vous, 20 minutes apart in San Jose. I was thrilled that it worked out so well.
Just a few days before our departure we had a visit from Cecilia, Jeff and Jackie. They were returning from a glorious trip to Cabo so they stopped in LA and we bonded. Jackie is so grown up and so outgoing. She seems to be loving boarding school and nice to see her beaming. Celia and I got to shop with her for ballet, tap and jazz shoes at LA's hottest dance store! The Garritys, sometimes known as "the things that wouldn't leave", got a taste of the mess we have been living with for many months now. Our indoor water heater leaked and destroyed hardwood floor, carpeting and tile flooring so we have been working for almost 3 months to get it all back together!
John retired from Skechers a few months ago and is now consulting for the hot new company, Pinkberry. Luckily he is very flexible so that he could fly to Dallas last night to help Courtney drive her car back to LA. Happily she has been able to transfer with JPMorgan to their Century City office. Just when I thought my nest was emptying! She plans to save her rent money for Bschool so I can't argue with that strategy. That's all my news. Already making plans for all of my east coast trips in the fall so I hope that Mimi and I can meet in the big apple on occasion.
Thanks Al for all the details; we will be well prepared. Lisa, I am so sad to hear about your Dad. Seems the time has come for all of us to deal with the bad stuff that happens as we age. I took you at your word that any info was better than no info! Now I must call you to say that I will put those tickets in the mail pronto! Love to you all. Colleen

More on Jazz Fest Dress

Here are a few more images on the same theme. Skirts, sun dresses, different hats (That's our friend Paula from Atlanta on the far right -- she will be with us at Fest as will Robbie. Marie will not be this year.)

Note that we don't wear a lot of jewlery...it just gets hot and sweaty.

JAZZ FEST TRIP HINTS #2/3

What to wear and what to bring:

Here's one example of typical jazz fest attire. Note that we all have hats.

Hats. Lolly's is a typical wide brim (note she is carrying water, more about that later), Marie with the orange visor and her oyster jazz fest shirt, Robbie usually wears a festive dress and has one of our friend Tracy's hats on (more on those later) and I in my typical baseball hat. A hat is key. If you don't have a good hat, be prepared to purchase one your first day out. There are plenty of cheaper hats at Congo Square or delux ones like Tracy's.

Bandanas. Good to have a regular square bandana (they also sell souvenir ones at Fest) to hand to the vendor when you buy your sodo or beer to soak in the ice water. Will feel great around your neck. Also good for wiping goo from your ettoufee off your hands, etc. I usually keep one handy if it's really hot.

Bags/Purses. First rule of Jazz Fest: whatever you have it must attach to you. You need to wear it. Note Marie's fanny pack and I have my jazz fest shirt tied to my little bag. Robbie has her brass pass and other things around her neck.

Dress. you want to be able to layer off...it will be hot. We wear shorts, skirts and usually a skimpy top with a shirt to layer over it because of sun burn.

Sunglasses. DO bring good sunglasses. It's bright out there and the hat won't be enough. You might want them to attach as well (although it's pretty dorky).

Shoes. Here's the most important part. Regular flip flops are ok if there is no rain. If there is rain (which there is sometimes) they will stick in the mud, tear off your feet and flip mud spots on the back of your legs. You will see most of the regulars wear Tivos, but they can be pretty ugly. Some folks wear their regular lace up sport shoes....I can't stand wearing much at all so I have an array of open shoes. DO wear something you can stand around in for many hours, so they should be comfortable. Your feet will sweat as well.

Poncho. A pocket rain poncho is a great thing to have just in case it rains. The really cheap one piece ones are great.

Chairs/cushions, etc. Our crowd does not bring portable chairs or the like. We don't even carry around towels or ground blankets. We have places we meet and sit at various times and I will fill you in on all that.

What to carry: You will want a wallet with about $40 cash for drinks/food/goodies and maybe a credit card if you get struck by something you just have to have (there is a TON of shopping there). There are 64 food booths as well. You will want lip stuff (I should be able to bring some for everyone), purell of some sort (there are regular toilets as well as a zillion portapoties but you want to be prepared), kleenex -- TP substitute, a water bottle (you can bring in your own water, which I encourage -- we freeze ours the night before so it stays cold a while), your key, your cell phone if you are inclined (you won't really need it and you won't be able to hear anyway), your Jazz Fest schedule (see below), sunscreen. This should fit in your pockets or a purse/bag that you can attach to your body so that your hands are free.

Jazz Fest Schedule: You can print one off the web at http://www.nojazzfest.com/; they will hand them out (tiny ones too small for me to read) at the gate as we go in, and the Times Picayune (local paper) will have them every day and on Friday for the entire weekend. I almost always buy a paper because it is the most up to date adn the easiest to read. I bring a piece of plastic to put it in because of the sweat and beer or I just fold it carefully in my back pocket.

More images to follow.

Absence of Blog Content

Alright, this is truly boring. Two whole months have gone by and no one is writing anything on the blog. I suspect there are a variety of excuses; people have already used up a couple ("Nothing interesting happens to me" or a variation on that theme "I have nothing interesting to say"). Also, we are all busy. That said, I miss you guys, and every once in a while it would be nice to hear someone's cybervoice. It really doesn't matter WHAT you write. Just knowing there is a thread of connection would be great. Mr. Rochester once said to Jane that he imagined there was an invisible cord of communion connecting their hearts, and that if she went far away, the bond would snap and he would "take to bleeding inwardly."

In the good news category in Bloomington, Nicky Palmer was accepted by Parsons School of Design in NYC - his first choice school. Yahooie!!!

In the not so great department, I learned a couple of weeks ago that my dad has lung cancer. He is almost 84, so he and mom are trying to decide whether length or quality of life are more important. The rest of us feel it is their decision.

In other general news, Terry and I are well. Daniel has decided to do Teach for America and teach high school physics for a couple of years after he graduates from Skidmore next year. Ned is applying early decision to the School of Engineering at Cornell next year. And I will be in Seattle later this week, while Eulalie is across the wide ocean somewhere. Sigh....

Love, Lisa

Tickets for Jazz Fest

Here's the deal on the tickets, although most of you have probably purchased yours by now. If not, read below.

Jazz Fest is a daytime event. It starts at 11 a.m. and goes to 7 p.m. The tickets you buy at http://www.nojazzfest.com/ are for the actual fest time, during the day. Thus, if you are coming in Thursday night, you will need tickets for Friday, Saturday and if you are leaving Sunday, you have to decide if you want to attent (depending upon what time you are leaving).

You will save $10 a day in advance for purchasing. Colleen pointed out that the Thurs tickets are different because they are slightly less. Otherwise, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are good for any of those days.

Lisa and Terry: it looks like you get in on time to go to Thursday fest -- Colleen bought thursday tickets and can't use them. Maybe coordinate? I will get you to jazz fest that morning as it looks like you'll make it. Might as well jump right in.

There are tickets available to various music clubs at night with some of the same artists that are playing at fest -- and some you might not see otherwise because there is so much to do, easy to miss something. All of you are staying near the French Quarter where most of the music clubs are so if you are inclined you should buy advance tickets for music events.

I will warn you that even I run out of energy after a day at fest and all I want to do afterward is shower, relax and maybe have a late, light supper (you eat all day at fest) and usually will not go out after a full day.

Here's the info from the web:
2nd Weekend (Thursday, May 1)Advance adult ticket: $30 through April 30 (valid for Thursday, May 1 only) Gate Price: $40 Child's ticket: $5 (advance or gate, ages 2 - 11)
2nd Weekend (May 2, 3, 4)Advance adult ticket: $40 through April 30 (each ticket valid for one day only) Gate Price: $50 Child's ticket: $5 (advance or gate, ages 2 - 11)

OK! Next post will be accessories and clothes to bring.

This is going to be great! Mimi is still considering options. Lobbying might help....

Terry and I are flying in separately, and Terry is on the same plane as John and Colleen (!). Our itineraries are:

Lisa:
May 01, 2008, Flight 498
Departing Indianapolis, IN (IND) at 06:00 AM
Arriving Atlanta, GA (ATL) at 07:30 AM

May 01, 2008, Flight 473
Departing Atlanta, GA (ATL) at 08:05 AM
Arriving New Orleans, LA (MSY) at 08:31 AM

May 04, 2008, Flight 448
Departing New Orleans, LA (MSY) at 05:06 PM
Arriving Atlanta, GA (ATL) at 07:28 PM

May 04, 2008, Flight 400
Departing Atlanta, GA (ATL) at 11:05 PM
Arriving Indianapolis, IN (IND) at 12:33 AM

Terry:
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Delta Air Lines # 7754
San Francisco International (SFO) to Los Angeles International (LAX)
Departure: (SFO): May 1, 8:15 AM PDT (morning)
Arrival: (LAX): May 1, 9:33 AM PDT (morning)

Thursday, May 1, 2008
Delta Air Lines # 866
Los Angeles International (LAX) to New Orleans Louis Armstrong Int'l (MSY)
Departure: (LAX): May 1, 11:45 AM PDT (morning)
Arrival: (MSY): May 1, 5:26 PM CDT (evening)

Sunday, May 4, 2008
Delta Air Lines # 1694
New Orleans Louis Armstrong Int'l (MSY) to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson ATL (ATL)
Departure: (MSY): May 4, 12:16 PM CDT (afternoon)
Arrival: (ATL): May 4, 2:40 PM EDT (afternoon)

Sunday, May 4, 2008
Delta Air Lines # 69
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson ATL (ATL) to San Francisco International (SFO)
Departure: (ATL): May 4, 4:45 PM EDT (afternoon)
Arrival: (SFO): May 4, 7:00 PM PDT (evening)

Happy New Year

2007 closed for us on the ski slopes in Vail Colorado. Colder weather than they ever have but we had a wonderful time! Prior to that, Cathryn's High School Volleyball Team won the State Championships and to celebrate, this past Saturday night, we had 52 people, players, parents and coaches here for a big chili dinner. it was an unforgettable night and season and hard for me to believe that now my baby will go off to college and leave this nest. I am so glad to have reconnected with all of my Hubbard buddies now that the next phase will leave lots more time for celebrating and exploring. The next exploration to be in New Orleans led by the most qualified tour guide imaginable! Al has asked that we post our itineraries here so this is mine. We will arrive on Thursday night at 5:26, Delta #866. We will be staying at the New Orleans Hilton/ Charles Avenue and leaving Sunday at 6:15 PM. Can't wait to party with all of you. xoColleen

Jazz Fest Trip Hints #1

Ok, here begins the instructions, hints and other items for our gathering this spring. I have already put links to nola.com and nojazzfest.com on the blog and you should check them regularly. Jazz fest news will be updated and the entire schedule should be out around Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras season starts on Sunday (Twelfth Night) and goes until the day before Ash Wednesday (February 5th).

Jazz Fest second weekend goes Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. -- sometimes you can get in a hair early, which is good, because there are less lines for the food tents.

1. Buy Tickets in Advance. You should definitely get your Jazz Fest tickets in advance off the website, just because its easier to have them to go in and it's a little less money. You don't want to wait in line to buy tickets. Second weekend tickets are good for any day second weekend.

You can look at the tickets for the night concerts but I'll say more about that later. I don't try to go to night concerts any more...but you might if it's your first Fest. If so I recommend a nap between the Fest and the night out.

2. Friday Night Slumber Party. We will do our slumber party on Friday evening and I'll have Debra cook for us so we can stay in and hang out. The guys can come and drink on the back deck and eat with us, but they have to stay in the hotel that night....I'm sure they will find something to do!

I will make dinner reservations for Saturday because I think Friday and Saturday are the only two nights everyone is here if people wants that. I will set out the schedules but some folks leave Sunday (during Fest...it will be hard). Thus, this might cut into the night concerts (although you can hear music up to 5 a.m.). Let me know if you want me to do that or if folks want to be on their own. You will likely eat enough at Fest so you won't be hungry and you WILL be tired so it might be a chore rather than fun.

3. JAZZ FEST POSTERS. When you get on the nojazzfest.com site, look at the jazz fest posters. All of us collect them (only the ones we like). Each year they have one official poster and one Congo Square (also official but not as popular) poster. They print 10,000 of the unsigned ones and they go up in value (you can go to the Art4Now.com site to see what the appreciation is).

Waiting in line to buy jazz fest posters and carrying them around jazz fest is a drag. Also, because you are coming second weekend, there is a chance they may be sold out. In any case, since it is unlikely you will be there all four days of fest, you don't want to wait in line. A small number of posters are sold on line before jazz fest. Therefore, if you like the poster and the idea of it, it is good to purchase it on line before you come to fest. It will be mailed to you after Jazz Fest.

The HowAreYA clothing is not so scarce so I wouldn't worry about buying any of that in advance. There are great t-shirts and other fest paraphenalia to purchaser there.

There are also several areas of different kinds of crafts so there is lots of shopping while you are listening to music: contemporary crafts, congo square crafts and heritage crafts. There are also cooking demonstrations by famous New Orleans chefs (look for Jonathan Besh, he's our new chef hero), interviews, poetry and art exhibits all on the Fair Grounds/Race Track during Fest.

4. Schedules. You can print schedules off the web, which you should do to get oriented, as well as the fest map. More about that in a later posting. You can also get it daily from the Times Picayune (which is what I do). Most of the time, NOLA.com passes our schedules at the front gate as you come in. They also sell programs at Fest but in the 15 years I've been going, I never bought one. The schedules should have the cooking, the parades (there's several a day) and other events besides the music. You will not be able to keep up.

I will do an entire post on the schedules, what the different tents are, how to get around the Fair Grounds and where to meet.

Next Post: What to pack!