Houma

New Orleans, LA

Yesterday was a great one. As I mentioned, it started off pretty awkward as I arrived 4 hours early. But I spent the afternoon checking email and doing a few things. When Mr. G got back from work (recall he is 87) he changed and took me for a tour around Houma. He explained about some of the major businesses and business people in the area. He is in the financial field and knows a lot of the bug guys in town. He showed me the sites where they make the pieces that go onto the offshore oil rigs. It was impressive to see such detail and mass. They go offshore, sink a foundation, and then weld the pieces together so they can drill. They also must have quarters for the crew. It is a major undertaking. Mr. G explained about how the different businesses have succeeded.

We then went over to the other side of town where I got to see an old hanger for Blimps form WWII. This was a huge place and now used by a construction company. I think there was room for 8 blimps which were used for surveillance in the Gulf during the war. From there we went on to a company who makes diesel engines. They have created an oil that goes into the engines that helps tell what pieces are corroding or breaking down. Talk about preventative maintenance. I can’t recall exactly how they do it, but to be able to look at oil and say this piece needs replacing, that is impressive.

Along the way he told me about different people of the town. We also talked about politics and he gave me some pointers on happiness of life. He has such an energy about him. It was good to hear him talk about his days in the Air Force and what he’s done. I really could see why my friend said he would be a good guy to talk to.

When we got back to the house Grace greeted and us s smell that I love came out form the kitchen, the smell of a roast. That aroma put a smile on my face. I hope it wasn’t too big, but I was pumped to be eating pork roast. Mr. G then made all of us a gin and tonic and we headed out to the porch to sit and talk. The early night temperature felt good out there as their tow ceiling fans blew down. This porch which I talked about earlier is close to 750 square feet, screened in, with a roof. The birds and squirrels were at it. They were at it a little more because Grace added some food to the feeders.

It was wonderful for me to see the two of them together. They had been married for only 3 years, but they were so similar. They had a lot of the same interests, but the biggest thing was that they were positive and liked people. They wanted to help others. I think that is why they took me in. They wanted to help me. They did.

We talked in great detail about their lives. We talked about their lives with their previous spouses (they are both widowed) and careers and life in general. I wish my words could do justice to how peaceful and comfortable I felt sitting out there with them. I guess a good writer could do that. I will have to try, but there is too much right now.

We talked and ate (it was great) and had dessert. Mr. G showed me their beautiful home (5,000 plus square feet). Notice that it took about 6 hours before he showed me the house. For all that they have done and have, they are so humble. And it is a funny story how they moved into this house and decorated it by only by buying 2 pieces. Everything else they had in their previous places. It all meshed together perfectly.

After the tour we had a liqueur drink back on the patio. They talked and they would chime in for the other when one was being too humble. We laughed and had a great time. I laughed at myself as my eyes grew heavy. Here I was with no job other than to listen and I was worn out. Across from me is Mr. G who is 87 and put in a full day of work and then came home to entertain me. What a guy and what energy they have together.

It was time for bed and I needed it.

I woke up at 7:30 for breakfast and to get ready to come to New Orleans. I got what I felt was a great compliment at breakfast today. “Andrew, we normally have one drink and go to bed at 10. Last night we had more than one drink and stayed up until midnight. We must have liked your company.” And I liked theirs.

Mr. G headed off to work. Grace toasted a biscuit for me and we talked for a few minutes and then I hit the highway. Another great night with some great people. I hope they take me up on my offer to come see Rochester, NY in the summer.