My Romantic Times — Day 2

Day 2 started slightly rocky, and very dehydrated, due to cold.  Nonetheless, I was upright and able to join Cindy and some of the lovely Ellora’s Cave folks for breakfast at the conference hotel.  Yes, there were biegnets on the buffet, but what stole the show was the pecan smoked bacon.

Note:  Let’s be clear.  I pretty much did not stop eating this entire conference, cold or no cold.  It was New Orleans, I’m a wannabe foodie.  I was not going to miss an opportunity.  I regret nothing.

Also drank lots of water and orange juice.  Then went out shopping with Cindy, because there was a store (David’s) next to Cafe Biegnet which we hadn’t plundered yet.  A sample of their merchandise here:

Upper left there is a Victorial Bridal necklace of white glass beads.  I did not buy it but I wanted to.  Like, a lot.  I did buy a “poison” ring, something I’ve been wanting for a long time.

Cindy went back to the hotel, but I was feeling good enough that I decided to mosey on towards Jackson Square.  Never quite made it because I got hijacked by the Historic New Orleans Collection, a very nice little free museum.  I proceeded to tour the exhibits, which included some great portraits, and then plunder the bookshop, because, well, BOOKSHOP.

Made it back to the hotel in time to meet Jessica Freely, who I hadn’t seen in a billion years.  Along with a former writing student of hers (whose name I am totally blanking on, sorry!), we proceeded to lunch at Antoines.