Freezin' Evenen'

After Tacos, we continued back into downtown Portland. I had expected that we were going back to the hotel to change, so I hadn't really layered up for the evening. We were going to go to dinner in our fancy clothes but heard a couple of bad reviews of the place, so we kept walking and window shopping. And then I ran into a store and bought more clothes to put on. Scarf and furry finger-less mittens. Whew, it got damn cold out there! It was a good excuse for me to run into stores to look around and get warm, then pop out and into the next interesting looking one. They're all interesting looking, so we went into a lot! The town was really festive and nicely crowded. It was a fun weekend to be walking around at night with all the lights. 

Want to make this!

I want this to be our porch next year for the holiday!

We did not take pictures of the 'scary trees'
which looked similar, but had red trees and
yellow pods. I felt like we were in Return to
Oz. CREEEEEPY

No words. You never know what you'll see in Maine!

Groceries - boring or beautiful?

Ritas

Hmm, what an interesting bike. Sarcrifice? Where'd all those bones COME FROM? Funky? Intimidating? Gross? All of the above? 

Market

We stumbled upon this guy who made a video about train hopping and bumming around the US. He actually cast people and played a role in the movie. So, on one side the travellers are all cast characters that have a plot to stay within, but everyone they meet and interview are not sticking to a plot, and then he integrated the whole thing. Great soundtrack and stunning views of the country. Check out Cure for the Crash. Excellent website too, I just found out. 

                    

some expensive art at the market

Creative fleur de lis. I swear this town
is full of wit and creativity.

Need cash! so we went to every restaurant on the strip, and all had bogey ATMs. So we ended up at El Gato Negro. The ATM didnt work, but the drink sure did! 

Raspberry Rita. I got talked out of the Carrot one.
I really wanted to try it. Our waiter said not so much.
I still think I should have tried it, but this was
so delicious, it's not like I was disappointed.

Miss!

Watermelon Rita

MMMMM, perfect yummy tiny bites. And you think Tyler's sandwich fixation didn't rub off on me yet?

Have never seen this beautiful color of hibiscus!
So melancholy and moody.

Bathroom art at ... Ryan's? Ty? I don't remember. I just remember Shock Tops to go. 

Decatur

New day, new sunny outlook, or at least after a while it got better. 

Ugh, bird was so cute when it was fluffed up
and washing itself. Now it's back to ugly pigeon land. 

Tyler's idol. 

That water is GREEN> poor guy

We went to Coop's place, which everyone recommended the rabbit jambalaya. I have to say, not so great. The lamb barley gumbo was good though! 

There was a store right around between ^ and (down arrow) here, that was offering FREE cardigans! Whoo hoo! We went in, had a complimentary mimosa (rosé champagne, major points), and walked around. We both admired and coveted the furniture more than the clothing! Beautiful antiques, distressed wood, natural trunk columns, a beautifully kept glass and wood display, and a rustic iron welded table... I could go on. No cardi, but what beautiful furniture. Went on to antiques store below. If I had some money and a truck...

Honey, will you make me this?

Walked down to end of Decatur just before Frenchman, and then got the call from Mom that they were ready to meet them at the ferry boat. So started walking back. Saw the lovely Joan of Arc on our way, then walked along the riverfront. Beautiful day. 

The lovely Joan.

*hey, did you notice only one little drink the whole time???

Rum House

We left Rendezvous and I wanted to stop at another shop. Tyler asked why the heck I hadnt gone there before I came back and we were ready to leave. How about I meet you at Rum House? Sold, where's that? Right up there, I pointed to the corner. I had just spotted it myself, but it was a good tactic for shopping and happy man. When I met him there, oh what goodness there was to offer. Homemade sangria, tacos and straws! I mean, they are so colorful, of course you felt like you were at the beach. Actually, the whole time we were in New Orleans, I had to remind myself just how close we were to Mexico and the Carribean. Because for a while I couldnt figure out why daiquiris and margaritas were all the rage. Dummy. 

The tacos we had were out of this world. Soft tacos with brisket, pulled pork and lamb. savory and amazing. dont know how else to describe. I'm sure there's a better way. And the mango guacamole was great too!

Where everyone knows your name and the Saints come ROCKIN' in!

Tyler had to had to NNEEEDDDED to watch the Patriot's game. Tons of people playing the Saints game, but who's going to put on NE? Rendezvous was our remedy. Spacious bar, tons of locals, I've never seen so many people wearing NFL jerseys. Men, women, children - I bed the dog that came in would have been wearing one if they could find one big enough - Mastiff. Big baby. Guarding the door. Ha, Tyler couldn't have left if he wanted to when I went out shopping. 

Southern Pecan!

Rendezvous had the best track of music on we'd heard in a while. Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse, a billion different versions of
When the Saints Com Marching, and plenty of good Louisiana music mash.

       

The Saints had a good game, and so did the Patriots. Except for Brady getting sacked so many times. That is not supposed to happen! And the guy behind us shouldnt have been cheering for the other team. Right behind us! 

I took a break from the game and went shopping. That's why were were on Magazine Street to begin with! Funky Monkey was my destination! Due to a good tip! I bought a gorgeos dress and blouse there. Then headed over to Frock Candy and got a couple presents and shirt. Also went to Fleurty Girl - best T-Shirts in NOLA about NOLA. Hands down. Beautiful cornice decorative hanging too. 


Oh right, and before we got up into 3000s, I stopped at 2022 to Branch Out where I got some great deals on  jewels. Love love love my ring! 

Just looking. Nice little cafe. 

Funky Monkey
I bought a dress instead

  

Rendezvous.
Pool, Saints, hot streak on video poker