Rex Hollywood In New Orleans

2216 Esplanade Avenue in 2012

It's always nice to see people twice.  Frau Schmitt and your humble narrator know we'll see some of our guests again, eventually, some day, in the future, but, when it happens in reality it always warms our hearts.  

It's always nice to see people again.  We saw someone this week who's presence especially always tickles us.  When I saw the reservation come through last August, I sent a brief email.  "This is an unexpected surprise," it said.  "We look forward to seeing you and your lovely bride again," it concluded.  Unfortunately, the bride in question couldn't make it at the last minute.  Next time.  There is always a tantalizingly possible next time over the horizon.

Our friend, the man-of-mystery, Rex Hollywood, who didn't get himself killed while he was here, wore dress slacks and flashy ties the whole time he stayed with us.  He's a dandy.  That's his nature.  He wasn't showing off.  He just likes to look good.

Wanna know a secret?  Rex Hollywood and I get our shirts from the same place. When one Kirkland man sees another, they recognize that mark of distinction.  It's like a Masonic handshake.  There's an unspoken bond.

When people love New Orleans, there is an unspoken bond, too.  If you don't like New Orleans, you're just not right in the head.  

Some people like New Orleans.  Some people love New Orleans.  Some people get New Orleans, or, rather, New Orleans gets under their skin.  The city is like a Sinatra song.  It's for lovers.



After Rex Hollywood left this afternoon, I thought about Frank Sinatra.  They have similar mannerisms.  They are both the epitome of cool in their own ways.

Just before he sped off to the airport in his sports car with the top down, I shook Rex Hollywood's hand for what I hope wasn't the last time.  "I just wish Cathy could have been here," he told me.  I seconded the motion.

I say the same thing about Frau Schmitt when I have some great experience in New Orleans.  For Rex Hollywood, it was after spending three days in New Orleans.  For me, it's usually after I've picked up a box of donuts in the morning.  It's a crazy world down here.  It's a crazy mixed-up world.  

You never know who you will meet in this kaleidoscopic city.  You can be sure to make friends here, though.  Good friends make the world go around.

2216 Esplanade Avenue yesterday

À votre santé,
La Belle Esplanade bed and breakfast.

This one goes out to Chris.  A tip of the fedora in his direction.