Crescent City 5/09

I am amazed the St. Petersburg Times was able to publish last weekend as half of the news staff was in New Orleans for our colleagues wedding. One of my best friends, Rebecca Catalanello, got hitched to her man of 10 years- Steve Myers. Rebecca and I came to be close friends while we covered Hurricane Katrina together. Shortly after the storm she became my roommate for the next 3 years. Driving into the city with her last week and seeing the Superdome come into the skyline was a little surreal. The first time we drove on this interstate together, people were living on it, desperate and suffering. I will never forget those days and what the people of New Orleans went through then and are still living with daily. It felt good to be in the city that we both love on such a joyful mission this time.

Below, Angie Holan is reading Rebecca a passage from a book of poetry just before the ceremony. Ramona, Rebecca’s sister stands at left.

Rebecca

A fantastic time was had by all… and to top it off I joined Julie and Forest on Sunday at a second line in the 7th ward. It was mother’s day and I can’t think of a better way to spend my last day in town than a stroll down the street with good music and some of my favorite people.

second line

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During the second line, men from different social clubs have a little dance off under the interstate at Claiborne Ave.

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In the Marigny the night before the wedding:
fire lady