When we first arrived, we were driving through the French Quarter, down St. Ann St. Based on all the rainbow flags and such, I said "This must be the queer street." As we approached the intersection of St. Ann and Bourbon St., Diane said "Yep, and that's our hotel!" It was the Bourbon Orleans, a very nice hotel....and we had a suite!

Here's a picture of the room shortly after we arrived......;-)

The room really was very nice. We had a king size bed, a queen size bed, a vanity, a wet bar, and a sitting area. Here's what it looked like after we cleaned it up a bit.

We also had a great view of a gorgeous courtyard.

The view from another angle.

As we were getting settled, Lisa and Diane gave me yet another surprise....it was Pride weekend in New Orleans! So on Friday night we went to the Dyke March.

I wish I'd been able to get pictures of the fire ritual that started the March. Since I couldn't, I'll just have to tell you that it was incredibly beautiful and intense and empowering.

There are lots of cute women in New Orleans!

Diane and Lisa having a great time after the March.

It turns out that Diane's now ex-best friend, Stacey, was also turning 40 on September 29. So on Saturday night we went to her birthday party. After a while, she and her sister got up and danced on the kitchen counter!

The party was a karaoke party! Here are Meredith, someone whose name I've forgotten, Stacy, and Diane singing either Lady Marmalade or Tell Me Something Good. Looks more like Lady Marmalade, doesn't it? This was lots of fun to watch!

Stacy, Diane, and Lisa later that night. (Yes, I was there for all of this, too, but I was the photographer.....).