Groundhog Day is here again. Six more weeks of winter sounds correct for our neck of the woods. The snow that fell over a week ago is still here. Yesterday was Game Day. Jennifer and Annelise joined us for a fun afternoon. We inaugurated the Charcuterie Board. Jonathon took a photo of it. MJ loves Game Day.

The Old Man’s mind was stirred by events. January had been an interesting month. A noteworthy beginning for the New Year. The French Quarter caused him to meditate on inclusion rather than exclusion. A Spirit of Acceptance permeated the air. Folks had taken off their Masks in the City of Masks. When we ‘Get Real,’ great things happen. As the Old Man observed the letting down of walls that surround so many, there was a touch of the sublime.

‘It takes a worried man to sing a worried song. I’m worried now, but I won’t be worried long.’ (Worried Man Blues)

‘I removed my Frowning Mask for a Smiling Mask as I no longer feel worried since we arrived in New Orleans,’ Jane said. ‘I did it when I stopped to listen to the beautiful woman singing on the corner,’ Jane continued. ‘The woman’s face revealed she had suffered and overcome the suffering,’ Jane mused. ‘The joy de vie of throughout the Quarter got into my soul,’ Jane said with a little dance. ‘The musicians and parade participants taught me how wonderful the gift of life is,’ Jane laughed heartily.

‘My new friend Jane will sing the next tune,’ the Singer said. ‘Jane has laid down her cross and taken up her crown of joy,’ the Singer continued. ‘The angel brought Jane to us,’ the Singer said quietly. ‘Anxiety had filled her days…now she has peace,’ the Singer said. ‘All of us experience the blows of harshness and often coming from those who do not understand and know not what they do,’ the Singer said. ‘Jesus experienced the same, and our joy in the face of adversity intrigues the angels,’ the Singer sang in her sweet jazz-tinged voice. ‘I don’t know why I have to cry sometimes…I don’t know why I am all alone sometimes…It would be a perfect day, but there is trouble in my way…I don’t know why, but I will know it by and by,’ the Singer sang.