Just wanted everyone to know: king cakes are in all the stores, reviewing stands are being erected on St. Charles Ave, Lee Cirlce and Veterans Blvd., police barricades have been put out on street corners ready to go up on a minutes notice, balls are being held and hotels are sold out -- all because Mardi Gras is almost here. First parades roll in a little over two weeks. Even though I live here and have seen many a carnival season, I am ready to do it all over again. I am in desparate need of more beads, cups, doubloons, moon pies, and Zulu coconuts. Unlike many natives who take this chance to leave town and go on vacation I will stay here and have fun fun fun. Anyone coming down for the first time get ready to have the vacation of a lifetime. Lassize le bon temps roulles (sp?)(o.k. so they don't require French in schools here, you know what I mean). Mardi Gras' a-coming. Throw me something mister!!!

You're making this Tampa Bay gal jealous!!! By the way, cajunboy, what do guys have to do to get beads?????? :0

Ahhhh, you're killin' me here!!! I've already got our Mardi Gras flag flying and am ready to dust off my purple, gold and green shirt - which always gets odd looks here in central Ohio. For some odd reason, a lot of people just don't understand the idea of those colors together...... <grin>
You just go and enjoy Carnival for the rest of us too, ya hear?

...I wanna dance with your sister. Brass bands marchin by, throwin notes to the sky...

I, too, am in full carnival spirit! I ride in one of the parades and our Ball is this weekend. Next week: shopping for beads!

Wow you all get started early. My calendar puts Fat Tuesday on March 4th. Does it always start this soon?

"Christmas is but a speed bump to Mardi Gras..."

Any of you Nawlins types got a good recipe for a King's Cake? I tried several off the web last year, but they weren't quite right. That's one thing SF area doesn't have, Kings Cakes.

John & Cajunboy, I know what you mean! Our ball was last weekend...just ordered the last of my beads (by the way, I've got a great place to buy...email me at [email protected] for info)... can't wait to ride! My niece is coming in from Ohio to ride with me (Christmas present!). Flags are flying....its CARNIVAL TIME!!!

Anne

Oh the nostalgia..give me a round of songs by Miss Lily at Lafitte's, a Sunday afternoon with the Born Divas at The Mint, a hamburger at Port o call and Bignets,bignets,bignets! Then...throw me some beads,mister!