If You Get Lucky, You Get a Family That Understands You

White Ibis, Lafreniere Park, Metairie, La.

Last week, my sisters, my Mom and I had a little outing in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans.  It was pretty low-key, a little shopping at Whole Foods and lunch. You know, the type of thing you do when you're out and about.

The last stop of the day was to show my Mother one of my sister Elisa's favorite spots, Lafreniere Park.  The park is known as a bird sanctuary and for its free-range bunnies and chickens. Oh, and there's a carousel.

As I drove the car around the park, we rounded a bend and there were about a gazillion white ibis.  I think that I squealed.  "Are those white ibis?" I asked.  "Yes," Elisa said.  "Oh, I've never seen white ibis in person."  "Do you have your camera?" someone asked.  "Yes, and I've never taken photos of white ibis," I said.  

Everyone in the car told me to stop to take photos.  Everyone.  It was New Orleans, Louisiana summertime hot.  Sticky, take your breath away hot.  I worried, "There is no shade here to park.  I'll have to park in the sun." Everyone in the car said I should stop anyway.  So, I did.

Good family lets you take time to take photos even when it feels like it is 100 degrees outside and they are stuck waiting in your car.