3 hours in NOLA

After a super long 11 hours of driving, we made it into New Orleans! Driving into the French Quarter around 9pm, it seemed like everyone was heading out on the town. We made a last-minute reservation for a room in the historic Hotel Monteleone, which is equipped with possibly the coolest bar I’ve ever glanced into (the Carousel bar), and located conveniently a couple of blocks away from Bourbon Street. Turns out, Bourbon street wasn’t quite our cup of tea, probably because a). we were starving b). we were exhausted and c). we weren’t drunk. So, despite the half-naked, thong-sporting women shaking their butts in the club doorwary trying to entice us in for a show, we made our way to a nice-looking restaurant called Sylvain (thanks, Yelp) on a quieter street. Such a good decision. Delicious cocktails led into a perfect salad topped with spiced peanuts, bleu cheese, and the kicker, roasted pork belly. Loren's dish: Braised beef cheeks; Kristen's dish: Gulf shrimp with littleneck clams in ham hock broth. We capped off the night with dessert at Cafe du Monde – Loren’s first taste of beignets and chickory coffee. Love.

Bourbon Street craziness

Slyvain's: Gulf shrimp and littleneck clams with ham hock broth. AMAZING.

Cafe du Monde for late-night beignets and coffee!

Pre-Roadtrip Laketime

Smith Mountain Lake has been the perfect remedy in the aftermath of our stressful packing/cleaning/moving process.  It's a place that exudes happiness, excitement, and pure zen. And for anyone who dares to get behind the boat or jetskiis for tubing, waterskiing, or wakeboarding, there's always the challenge to hold on!  We are so happy we've gotten to spend the past few days here with the Leary Fam, during which time we've been able to catch some Olympics, relax, play in the water, and get ready for the upcoming adventure. AND it's been a wakeup call that we need to get some more exercise: just one session of watersports has both of us groaning when we lift our arms.

Thanks, SML, for the good weather, the taste of what's to come, and the inspiration to pursue a more active lifestyle. Next stop, SC!

Phase 1, check.

The past few weeks have been pretty momentous! We left our jobs, packed up [most of] our stuff, filled a 5x10 storage unit, fixed up our place, found renters, and left Arlington [on Loren’s birthday] with the cats and a car packed full with roadtrip gear.  Admittedly, the process was a little more trying, expensive, and emotional than expected, but we are relieved to have the first steps behind us and the road now in focus.  Here are some highlights from the process:

Our lives in boxes (and disarray)

Loft boxes. Also where's Wally?

Piano going down the stairs...

Big Wally, small boxes.

Packed full!