took the wife for a little kidless get away. Met some friends, had a great time. Got kind of addicted to those daiquri drinks they sell on every corner. Made a resolution when I got off the plane that I would not go longer than about 10 minutes without one of those in my hand. Went into one place where you could buy a backpack that held a gallon jug of it, with a giant straw that came over your shoulder to sip on it. Try as I might, the better half vetoed that spectacle, and I was forced to drink em 32 ounces at a time. Probably would've ruined my political career anyways.

Ate dinner at Emeril's last night - fabulous meal. Absolutely top shelf food, wine, desserts, and service. Oh yeah, stayed at the Ritz - those people remember your name as you walk in the door, and call you by it all weekend. Great place.

After dinner, me and my bud dropped the women folk off at the hotel (they were tired), and walked down Bourbon Street at about midnight. What a show that was. Women of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds barin' their boobs for beads (and it's not even mardi gras). Weird. There were dudes droppin their pants for the women to give em beads. Could have gone all day w/o seein' that and not feel like I missed anything.

Then, saw two dudes hangin outside the door of a male strip club, trying to get passers-by to go in. They had on g-string stripper outfits, and they both were sportin' c-cup impants. THAT was about the weirdest thing I've seen in awhile. Saw a group of Lolas (from that Kinks song) walkin around. Thank goodness I didn't fall into the same trap as Ray Davies.

One thing that was strange - no open container law in N.O. Very unusual to see people walking the streets with open alcohol. Also - smoking indoors - that's against the law now in Fla, and took some getting used to. Favorite sign - "Big Ass Beers To Go." Had to have me one of those.

Anyways, glad to be back in my sleepy lil hamlet in Fla. May be a little while before I trapse through that madness again.