Monday begins with below zero temperatures. The snow is pristine. The landscape is covered with a white blanket. Mr. January is on his way to completion. He began with a trip to New Orleans and ended with Cold and Snow. Once January is gone, it is a slippery slope. February is short, and March is spring. Then comes outdoor activity. Easter is early, and Memorial Day sneaks up on us. Before you know it, you light firecrackers. After. On July 4th, it changes from a slippery slope to a tall slide at the beach. Christmas Decorations will be in the stores and commercials on TV at the end of August. And that, my friends, is how the Old Man got old without even noticing.

I watched a clip of a popular English performer getting out of his car with two people assisting him and some difficulty. He, like I, is a member of the Golden Years. Age hits us all. The Old Man made it well in New Orleans. He enjoyed the French Quarter so much that he had an energy jolt. The joy of the area was invigorating. The Lobby of the Hotel Monteleone was lovely and restful. The ancient Grandfathers Clock was a dignified reminder of the Hotel’s grand past.

Snow has brought the Old Man inside. Games each day. I seldom win, but I keep trying. I enjoy playing Uno. Morgan Brooks taught us in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Since that early December visit, I have been rewatching The Jinx. The show covers the antics of convicted murderer Robert Durst. When describing his privileged upbringing in New York as the scion of one of the wealthiest families in New York City, he mentioned playing Uno as a child.

So we sat in the Sun in the French Quarter. A lovely singer or a brass band could be found on every corner. The rich history of the French Quarter was absorbing. It makes you want to wear your Pork Pie Hat. The Old Man wanted to dance a little and sing. A bit like being in a Turner Classic Movie where there was romance and wonder in every inch.

‘Good afternoon, my name is Charles, and I will be your doorman,’ Charles said. ‘I will take your bags while you check in,’ Charles continued.

‘Where is the music coming from?’ the Old Man thought. ‘A Brass Band was leading a processional down Royal Street at midnight,’ the Old Man said to himself. ‘Everyone is happy and full of joy and peace…no fear or dread,’ the Old Man considered. ‘