midweek afternoon walks

Is there anything more heavenly, rejuvenating or relaxing than a walk through nature after a stifling day in the office?  I've been skipping out of work earlier and earlier this week, putting leashes on the puppies and heading down to the neighbourhood pond - where spring is well and truly underway.  I've been enjoying sights like these all week:

My favourite thing, no question, about Texas is spring.  Not only are the wildflowers ridiculously breathtaking - but wild berries grow all around, often in the oddest places!  Nowhere else have I seen raspberries, blueberries and mulberries growing so matter-of-factly and, well, blatantly!  In road islands, sidewalks, forest trails, unsuspecting garden bed and children's playgrounds!  Here is a small sample of what the neighbourhood pond currently looks like:

And the forest trail around the pond:

playing in the leaves

There's something amazing about the different coloured, falling leaves of autumn. I've not met a single person who doesn't appreciate their splendor, even those who've grown up with it all their lives. In the part of Australia I'm from there are no visible seasonal changes, in fact aside from the varying temperature, there is no difference at all.  Leaves stay on trees, beaches remain littered with surfers / sunbakers and for the most part, people still walk around in flip flops!

Here in Texas it's a similar situation.  The only leaves that change are those belonging to sporadically planted maple trees - few and far between.  The main landscape remains the same grey/ green it is all year long; unless a freak snow falls, like it did last winter.

That's why it was such a treat to see so many jewel tones when we visited Will's dad in Shreveport recently.  His suburb was like the inside of a giant, living snow-globe - only instead of white snow; yellow, orange, brown and red leaves.  A leaf-globe? Whatever, it was divine!  The pups and I had a blast playing in, rolling in and throwing leaves all over the place.

never enough time in New Orleans

Our long weekend in New Orleans came and went in a haze.  Since we were there for a wedding in which Will was a groomsman, we spent plenty of time apart: him doing wedding things with the groom/ me exploring and socializing with everyone else.

Being apart in New Orleans suits me just fine because now that I’ve been there several times, I know where things are and have a list of places I want to visit, food I want to eat and souvenirs I want to buy: most of which don’t appeal to Will.  The one thing we agree on and always try to do is listen to some live Jazz!  We like the Music Legends Park on Bourbon St, where we can sit at a table outside, sipping on a cup of coffee and nibbling on a beigneit; feeling part of a tradition that’s been around for decades <3

But first, of course, the most iconic of all landmarks always warrant a visit and obligatory photo:

Jackson Square & St Louis Cathedral (which many don’t realize is just as amazing on the inside)

The French Quarter and its jaw-dropping, one-of-a-kind architecture:

... and charming little nooks!

Royal Street (lined with vintage and antique stores as far as the eye can see)

No offense to the iconic Cafe Du Monde, but it’s my least favourite cafe in NOLA and I can’t for the life of me understand its appeal!  I much prefer Cafe Beignet (on Royal St) for both its coffee and desserts, but most especially for the ambiance!  OR// for an iced coffee with a kick: I love a frozen Irish from Molly's on Decatur!

One example of something I adore, that Will can't stand is historic house tours!  My faves in the French Quarter are the Beauregard/Keyes house with its detailed tours, engaging guides and turbulent history! Madam John's legacy - the oldest wooden house in NOLA! And of course 'LaFittes,' the oldest pub (I believe) in America, that's retained authenticity by never installing electricity!  It's completely lit by gas lanterns inside - a must visit: even those who don't like history will appreciate this one.

Although I have loved every single one of my visits to New Orleans, I've never had enough time to do everything I've wanted.  This time I missed out on fresh oysters and antiquing (I really wanted a crystal decanter), but... there's always next time!