The Best Corndog in New Orleans. Chapter 547.

It has been a long day full of highs and lulls. The difference between then and now is time. I had lunch with someone who shall remain nameless.

We went to Manchu Chicken, under the North Claiborne Avenue Overpass, in the nice part of New Orleans.

Manchu Chicken was not open when we arrived. It is good to have connections. I have the key to the employee entrance. “Good morning, Mr. King,” Sun Y’at Sen said when we walked in.

“How are the wife and kids, Sunny?” I asked as I settled in with this mother of one with whom I was lunching. There is nothing in this world more beautiful than a mother.

Punk Barbie has just let me exercise my will on her. I asked permission first. We are listening to the Puppini Sisters sing Heart of Glass. Everyone in Aunt Tiki’s is swaying along. Only a churl dislikes the Puppini Sisters.

I meet the most interesting people some days. Not every day. Most days, I meet people who think they are more interesting than they are.

I would like to repeat this for emphasis: Most days, I meet people who think they are more interesting than they are.

I should say it a third time. I think it all day long. You must think it, too. The world is full of blah, blah, blah. Mine is, anyway. It is music to my ears. I live in New Orleans. It is grand to be alive.

The music is really good tonight. My master plan has worked once again. As Python Lady will be happy to tell anyone who will listen, I live in my own world. Punk Barbie agrees.

Where was I?

I keep being interrupted. Can you believe that Lebanon Grill on Decatur Street is still open. I expect to see plywood over its windows any day now.

I had lunch with a mother of one. There is nothing in the world more beautiful than a mother. I only say it all the time because it is true.

You can learn a lot from people who are different than you are if you listen. Welcome to Mr. King’s Neighborhood.

As Candide used to say, the best we can do is tend our own garden, prune the weeds, nurture the fruit.

The Aesthetician just told me where to get the best corn dog in New Orleans. I will tell you where in a moment.