Chopper and I have never been to New Orleans and in fact just two weeks ago or less we were brainstorming a potential trip around the country and naming our must-see cities. New Orleans was at the top of my list. I still want to go, though I know it’ll be a while yet. I want to see the New Orleans that once was and will be again. I want to fall in love with her as so many of my friends have. …

Okay, well, we sort of did on some fronts ::cough:: Kellogg’s Raisin Bran ::cough:: but in some areas — produce, meat, fish — we did quite well. Well, except for those moments when someone offered us free fish that wasn’t local. We never turn down free fish.

Panko pan-fried moon fish with sake piccata sauce and orzo salad stuffed artichoke.

… In my own personal actor’s nightmare, it goes more like this:

Thomas’ mother enters: “I’ve brought you a custard,” she says and stumbles slightly causing the custard to fly up into the air and land, face down on the stage in front of the gathered cast. …

Many moons ago, in my former life in Portland, I lived in a neighborhood of many cats. (Honestly, we ruled the neighborhood, no question about it.) One neighbor collected cats. In fact, she had so many, she fed them on the sidewalk! Strays always had a place to go here, no matter what. …

… While Chopper stayed at the grill station and attended to the salmon, I patrolled both the cooking and the eating areas, snapping pictures – but not too many pictures. I had to have disc space left for the presentation of my Mom’s gift from the Samish, and for the evening’s entertainment: Haida dancers. …

Cattle Point Lighthouse… just a short drive down the road…

… I have misplaced my Buddha nature.

I’ve looked for it. I mean, it could be in a drawer somewhere, or in the back of the car next to the dog frisbee. Then again, it could be gone for good. In fact, I’m beginning to think The Cat’s eaten it. …

At last! The weekend isn’t all about the cat! Bahrooo!

I will have my revenge, Furball!