March 5th Jackson MS and New Orleans

We started the morning going to the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson.  We were the only 2 people taking the tour, given by Steve.  He did a wonderful job and was very knowledgeable. The building was completed in 1903.  The building cost $1,093,641 dollars, which was paid by the Illinois Central Railroad for the back taxes they owed the state.

One of the governors was a Maine born man, Adelbert Ames (1835).  He served 2 terms, from 1868 to 1870 and 1874 to 1876.

A lot of the Marble in the building came from Italy as well as Rose Marble from Vermont.

John Grisham Jr., a writer, best known for his books, served a term in the Legislature.

Typical of other states, the legislature is working hard to finish up on bills submitted, with 2 days to go.  There was a K-9 officer taking a dog for a walk in the chambers before they came back for the day.  While the dog was going up and down the aisles quickly, it did stop and put it's paws on top of a desk to get a better smell.  Maybe it was a new variety of Oreos.

 Steve did a great job of letting you know where Grammie and Grampy were.

A view from the front of the building.  The insides of the building were renovated in 1979 at a cost of 19 million.

The Eagle at the top is 8 feet tall and 15 feet wide.

The statue in front of the building was established by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in memory of Mothers.

A Red Tailed Hawk strolling around the freshly mowed grass.

In the middle of the day we headed to New Orleans, checked into the hotel, and then took off for the city.                                               On the way, the Superdome.

If you by chance get to visit the city, go to this web site FIRST.  Premium parking. When you first go the website, you can pay for your parking ahead, or pay by plate.  On the website, it may appear that the prices are high, but if you put in an early time, you may get an early bird all day special for $12.00.  We have already paid in advance for all day on Tuesday.  P402 in in the French Quarter where you can pick up tours by boat, trolley, or walking. It is very handy to Bourbon Street.

Down by the water, you can take a ride on the Natchez in varying lengths of times.

Today it is known worldwide as Bourbon Street.

Nearing dinner time the streets became more crowded.  

Certainly a drivers nightmare with people walking all over the streets.

There were many shops, and places to eat, or grab a soda as you tour Bourbon Street. In an effort to catch your business, the signs hope to catch your eye.

 Bourbon street, 2nd floor apartment.  $1500/week single bedroom apartment.

 Some signs were humorous...and some signs bore some evidence of a good upbringing.

  There was a long line outside of Preservation Hall.  It is a no frills parlor promoting Jazz. The first 40 people get low backless chairs, and the remainder of the 100 person capacity get to stand during 45 minute sets.

 More signs to drum up business.

It was a busy day day!

For dinner, Grampy had a meal right our of a Carpenter song

...Jambalaya, crawfish pie and fillet gumbo.

With parking already paid for, Grammie and Grampy are in for a full day Tuesday.