Cardinals

Yesterday I was sitting with Frederick, looking out the window when I saw three cardinals in the grass.(Yes,I know, I should have taken a picture, but didn't) Seeing cardinals here in Louisiana reminds me of home in Illinois, where they are the official state bird and plentiful. Also, it is the name of my favorite baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals, based just across the river from my Illinois home. (Sadly, the baseball Cardinals were eliminated from making the playoffs yesterday)

Now, mind you, I don't know anything about birds, but I began to wonder why I've never seen a cardinal as a pet. You would think it would be all the rage back in the St. Louis area. What makes parakeets and finches okay to have as pets and not blue jays or cardinals? Are parakeets "domesticated", and if so what makes it "domesticated" as opposed to a cardinal?

Yes, I know, kind of silly, just something that crossed my mind.

Fair Grinds Show

I performed at the Fair Grinds Coffee House in New Orleans last Friday. It was a good time. I think I put on a pretty good show. I enjoyed talking to Robert Thompson, the owner. He is very kind. The Fair Grinds has a very cool vibe and I hope to play there again sometime. If you are ever in New Orleans, check it out. It is on Ponce De Leon off of Esplanade.

Pic: Me with Robert Thompson

Blue Roof

Here is a picture of our "Blue Roof". Special thanks to Carlos and his crew for coming out on short notice to put it up.

Every time we have a major storm, we hear how the flooding comes farther inland each time. Barrier islands are disapearing. Officials have known about the problems since about 1950. 58 years and pretty much nothing has been done about it. Why? Corrupt local and state governments and federal indifference? It doesn't make sense to let south Louisiana wither away. We have abundant oil and seafood resources here. It just makes no sense to me.

Back in the swing of things

I'm hoping things will be getting back to normal a little bit this week. I don't feel up to talking about Hurricane Gustav too much right now. basically we came out of it okay. We have some roof damage causing a small leak, so we have joined the blue roof club.

Bridget had a minor arm fracture while playing when we were evacuated, but she is doing fine. Didn't even need a cast.

I've been having sinus issues, so aside from the day job, I have pretty much been trying to sleep when home. I am starting to feel a little better. I did perform a show last night. My preparation was minimal due to the evacuation and the illness, but the performance was not hindered by it.

Anyway, I will try to blog a few times this week.

There are some pictures of our Gustav experience on flickr at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fredclark/
(the roof pics were taken prior to applying the blue tarp)

Post Gustav

We are back home. Will blog soon.