One last day in New Orleans.

On Wednesday after the conference concluded, my uncle Tom, who had planned to come back to New Orleans for the evening, and his friend Laurie, picked me up from my hotel and we headed to Lafayette Square for Wednesday at the Square, a weekly event presented by the New Orleans Saints. The square was packed with people enjoying live music, food and drinks.

We listened to Theresa Andersson at the Square, who played great music for listening and dancing. Her band consists of all brass instruments, drums and an electronic keyboard. The musicians were so talented. 

After she finished singing, we headed to the River for Navy Week, an outreach effort by the U.S. Navy into areas of the country where there is not a significant Navy presence and to show Americans why having a strong Navy is critical to the American way of life. Beginning in New Orleans this week and continuing through 2015, the US Navy, US Marine Corps and the US Coast Guard will jointly celebrate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of The Star Spangled Banner. Cities along the Eastern Seaboard and Great Lakes will host signature events that include parades of warships and sailing vessels. In 2015, the tour will end in New Orleans, to celebrate the Battle of New Orleans.

With a couple friends of Laurie, we viewed the ships and watched fireworks and then headed to dinner at The Royal Oyster House. It was so fun to talk with Tom and Laurie and it was an excellent dinner to end my time in New Orleans.

Now, off to Chicago for the weekend to see my friend Sarah…

Cheers,

Karen