For those who have not visited the Bay since Katrina, there's a new generation of store owners, shops and restaurants like the one we discovered, Bay Books, a neat shop with lots of Welty, Faulkner and other local hits.  Andrew loved the two giant cats, "the size of dogs."  Of course, there are still the venerable shops we grew to love on our weekend visits and summer stays from the city.  Please go visit.

And while there, mosy (that's southern for slow walk)  over to The Buttercup, where you will experience the best dressing on a chicken salad ever....fiery red Natasha's Secret Roasted Red Pepper Dressing... peppers, garlic, cilantro and ...mystery.  Andrew says  we always end up "at food."  Always.  It's being raised in New Orleans.  We ask about dinner in the morning, decide what to eat days prior.  It's not my fault.  So as we finish the advance work and begin the tour, you'll hear alot about food.  Food and books--is there anything else?  

And among the rainbow umbrellas and micro bakery, there is still talk of reconstruction, inspectors and the bread pudding which just sold out.  I'm already ready to come back as we get a sweet tea to go.  I swear you cannot take a country boy anywhere.  Here is AD and his buttercup--swearing on his text, "I am not with another woman."  right.