I am proud to say that I do not have this so called NOLA accent. I talk all normal like. I guess that comes from being learned in the Orleans Parish school system. You know, where they learn you some good English. I got me a good edmucation.

Making groceries comes from the French. The word “faire” means “to make” but the French put it when they are doing something. Or at least, that is what I remember from my French lessons. And I just made groceries dis morin’

Just saying.

I am now informed by a St. Bernard Katrina refugee who settled in St. Tammany (a St. Tammanard) from Meraux that males and females are called Chalmations, and she thought Ya’ Boy was strictly a 9th Ward thing.

I asked her to clarify whether someone from Meraux (just east of Chalmette) was also a Chalmation. She said yes, but when you start getting further down towards Violet, you can’t say that anymore.

So I asked if she considered herself a Chalmation, she said, “Absolutely.” Then, I asked if she was a Yat—she’s got no accent, mind you—but I asked just in case. “No, but my sister is,” she said. “She’s talks Yat.”

Ivy, yes Moinie and I eat erstahs! Ha!

Moondance, we never used the expression, “making groceries.” But I thought Schwegmann’s were everywhere growing up. I still call what everyone calls medians “neutral grounds.” Oh, and I get a brake tag, not an inspection sticker.