This web site will detail and update all the information about the festivities, where to stay, what to do, how to get there.  It will be a blast.   Don't worry about spoiling any surprises, this event is too big to pull-off without Mary Jane's knowledge, so she knows all about it.

Other pages on this site offer information on traveling to New Orleans, places to stay and things to do once you're here.  There is also a Nola page that has links to other Internet resources to bring the Crescent City right to your PC now so you can get a taste of things to come.  Finally there is a page detailing the "Official Festivities".

We sure hope you can come and join us in this celebration.  To be exact, Mary Jane's birthday is the 12^th.  This weekend is the first one to follow Mardi Gras, which is March 7^th.

So many people have asked about our trip to celebrate Mary Jane's birthday.  We had an absolute blast and below are some of the highlights of the trip.  Once the film is developed, I'll post some pictures on the official MJ Day website!  Thanks to all who came, and for those who missed this trip - I'm sure we'll be doing this again.
 
We arrived Thursday evening.  The air was balmy with a slight breeze.  Spring had sprung as everything had begun to bloom.  The streets were empty (as it was just after Ash Wednesday.)  Still the music flowed and friendships renewed.
 
Friday was just plain hot!  July in March.  Still we did alot of walking and webcam appearances.    It cooled overnight and by Saturday morning, the weather was brisk.  No rain, just sun all weekend.  After a long time in the French Market on Sunday, the party broke-up as people started home.  The smiles never left anyone's face.
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The best restaurant: Bacco.  A Brennan restaurant, this was one of the best meals we ever had.  (It's an Italian restaurant in the French Quarter.)  Mary Jane can not stop talking about the roast garlic.  "As sweet as an apple."  I had a lobster bisque that was to die for.  The restaurant was elegant, and the service was exceptional - all for a modest price.  I recommend it without reservation. (but it would be a good idea to have a reservation!)  http://www.bacco.com/
 
The most fun: Mid City Lanes/Rock n' Bowl.  We had our little party at the Rock n' Bowl for Mary Jane's birthday Saturday night.  What a time we had.  The band that night was zydeco legend Rockin Dopsie, Jr.  As you will see as you look at the website, the whole bowling thing is simply an excuse to dance.  The eight of us had two lanes and bowling was attempted.  I believe the beer won!  http://www.rockandbowl.com/   P.S. You should see us in our cool bowling shirts.
 
The most interesting: VooDoo Spiritual Temple  We had the chance to meet with Priestess Miriam as part of a cemetery tour.  She was a very interesting person who related the tale of the prodigal son with a voodoo slant.  The perspective she has is both unusual and challenging.  A visit to this place would be worth the effort (especially after the cemetery tour.)  http://www.gnofn.org/~voodoo/
 
The cemetery tour is rich in New Orleans history.  It's not really a gravestone exploration, but a nice perspective on the cultural growth of this city.  The tour includes architecture, city history and cultural influences. http://www.neworleanstours.net/candv.htm  (look for the on-line discount coupon!)
 
Best Oysters: Acme Oysters  And the boiled crawfish wasn't bad either!  The best thing about this place is they let you make your own cocktail sauce.  We had the horseradish flowin!  If you ever go, ask for KC, Lucky and Norman.  Three shuckin' dudes!  A bonus: Their webcam allows lame friends to see what a great time you're having!  http://www.acmeoyster.com/

 (03/15/00)
 

 If you have any questions, or suggestions, call us or send us an e-mail.

• Ed Terry (ed @ terry.net)
             
• Mary Jane Coolen (mjcoolen @ pipeline.com)