Where are the Woods?: Interview and Swamp!

Tuesday was my interview at the New Orleans Veterans Hospital. The day began with an explanation of the site, which included a discussion of the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the veterans hospital, most notably that the hospital was destroyed during the flooding that overwhelmed the city. As a result, the clinic is now housed in a small building in downtown New Orleans. In addition to the impact of the flooding on the physical property of the VA, was the impact on the staff that work there. Many of the psychologists left New Orleans, never to return leaving the facility under-staffed. Other obstacles, such as a lack of neuropsych testing kits as a result of the flooding were also created for this VA. Despite these obstacles, the individuals who work there remain committed and optimistic, and the pride they have for their city is clearly evident.
So...while I was learning about the VA, Alex was left to entertain himself in the city. It came as no surprise then, when I received a e-mail with the following picture:

This is, if you can't tell, is a picture of my dear husband wearing a bib in preparation for his seafood lunch. Being the sweet man that he is however, immediately following my interview, he whisked me off to the same spot so that I could enjoy a taste of what he had (in addition to some other fun items).

Following our mini shrimp-fest we continued to walk around the French Quarter, stopping in to local art galleries and antique shops. It was an absolutely gorgeous day-65 degrees, sun shining brightly, and Alex and I were wearing t-shirts! I even found my soul mate, an older woman working on a loom making hand crafted items who had -7- cats!! They were all adorable, and I must admit, I pet each and every one!

Shortly thereafter it began raining and we found ourselves running through the streets before ducking into our favorite place, the Gumbo Shop, for dinner. Mid-way through our red beans and rice it quit raining and we made our way down to Bourbon street again for the evening.

This morning we checked out of our hotel and slowly made our way further east to enjoy a swamp tour. On the way however, we stopped by a highly recommended seafood joint for one of the best meals of the trip so far. A fried shrimp and fried oyster poboy!

Feeling sufficiently full we arrived at the destination for the swamp tour, which turned out to be a beautiful wildlife preserve. The sun was shining, it was nearly 70 degrees, and we enjoyed just strolling around the park in anticipation of our boat ride.