T'was the Night Before Stage II Surgery

Stage two surgery is tomorrow morning and oh what a day it has been in New Orleans. Mom and I got up early and went out for breakfast on Magazine Street (an artsy Fremont-type area) at an outdoor cafe. Every meal here seems to come with sides and grits. Big food and too much of it, but so good. We went to the WWII museum, saw some very interesting memorabilia and had some proud moments explaining that grandpa is a WWII veteran. Then, we came back to the Hope Lodge to re-group and get ready for my pre-op appointments. Found out at the last minute that the pre-op appointments had been re-scheduled for morning. We made the most of the mix-up and headed back out to the French Quarter for some sight seeing. We walked through the French market and visited the oldest above ground cemetery in the area. Finished up the evening with a very nice big pre-surgery Bombay Sapphire martini and incredible Cajun/creole dinner at Jacques-Imo's. I had blackened red fish with mashed sweet potatoes and collard greens. Mom had crab-stuffed catfish with jalapeño cornbread and red beans & rice. Yummy! Nothing to eat or drink after 9 p.m., so this was the last supper and a delicious one at that. We are now back in the room, ready for an early bedtime and just about to watch a movie (Bridesmaids, it is supposed to be hilarious). Surgery check in is at 6 a.m. I am anxious, but ready to have all of this behind me. L(.)(.)king forward to the results and fine-tuning. All is well at home with Austin and the kids. Thank you all for your love, support and prayers.