The best food in town, though, is at the Carriage House, where the kitchen is run by Bingo Starr.

I'm a good cook, and it would take considerable practice for me to make food as good as his at home.

I've had lunch with my brother's group there twice. Good times, good times.

I have been spending time with my brother and his friends at the Natchez Coffee Co. on Franklin Street in downtown Natchez.

This morning we shared a bagel and lox for breakfast, served with cream cheese, capers and grape tomatoes. Can you imagine? Delicious bagels and lox in a cozy independent coffee house at the end of the Natchez Trace? I think I'm in love.

A side benefit is that I know many of the people who stop by to chat in the mornings, and I'm meeting new, interesting people every time I visit.

Children and babies are welcome. In fact, there's a quiet, comfortable chair for breastfeeding outside the restrooms and an antique changing table in the women's. Now, whether there's one in the men's, I don't know, but I'm sure the ladies would make way for a gent who wanted to change the baby there.

Far above average, healthy, tasty food at good prices. A real gem.

Now, I know there are better conductors than Andre Rieu, but his orchestra plays waltzes as dance music rather than pure compositions. Waltzes were party music, ballroom music. Music for the feet, not the brain.

I'm telling y'all that this bereavement business is a lotta damn work. I virtually ran a newspaper in Las Colinas. I don't remember being this busy.

I wasn't the only person who loved Lyman and his family.

Naw, I'm not cowering in a fetal position. I'll never replace the man, but I ain't dead yet.

I was with the ladies who lunch at The Castle today, celebrating a close friend's 76th birthday. Our driver, about the best Bridge player around, ordered a dirty martini straight up for lunch. The woman be serious. She drives an outdated Lincoln in pristine condition. (Good Lord, that woman is 81 years old, I just learned. You wouldn't know it by sight.)

Great fun. All five of us loved Lyman. Three of us were widows. Three of us were the babies in families of seven children.

Lyman and I used to go to the birthday girl's house on Christmas Eves to help assemble toys for the grandkids.

Y'all are likely too young to remember that Fleetwood Mac wasn't always fronted by Stevie Nicks.

For you, Chef Tony.

Was that bass player with Roxy Music?

Here's the more beautiful long version.

Charles Gore just asked, "Are you okay, Sweet Baby?" We're going to be fine, you big ol' handsome boy.