Last week I spent 5 days in New Orleans for work and had a fabulous time visiting my old apartment (now condemned from Hurricane Katrina), Teach for America friends, and school where I used to teach.  Half the city is recovered and the other half is empty - hard to imagine until you see it.  

I even had time to see the end of the St. Patrick's Day parade where krewes tossed beads as well as cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, Irish Spring soap...

My favorite prizes: a black/blue boa and and a stuffed animal for my nephew.