New Orleans Mardi Gras

We went to New Orleans to watch some parades the Monday before Mardi Gras (TUES) and saw the Orpheus parade.


Floats





3





A band





Best float EVER


Classic New Orleans


Famous Chicken and Biscuits.

Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade

The girl gang got together for the Spanish Town parade in downtown Baton Rouge. I had never been to the parade here as long as I've lived in Baton Rouge, so I was unaware of how crazy it was going to be. Undoubtedly the most special, special thing about Spanish Town is the Pink Flamingos set up in so many of the neighborhood' yards.

We had tons of kids with us. For a parade that starts at noon, people are there at 7 a.m. to set up. Now, that is scary! The parade lasted about two hours and I think there were about 60 floats. All of the floats included the color hot pink, and there were many hot pink bob wigs. I think I may have to get one for next year!


Silly string! (pink)


25 Flockin' Years






It's all about me!



Chicken dance, and Colonel Sanders gives me the finger


Buh-gok!






Flocked up

Wheezer and the Little Blue Leash

OK, this is the deal. I made the mistake a while back of letting my cats walk out the door behind me, and traipse around on the porch. My cats are NOT outside cats, and it terrifies me to think that they might run out and get lost or hurt. Plus, after having a dog a few years ago, I cannot abide fleas. Still, I let them go on the porch! Now, they always try to run out. Yeah, dumb me! Wheezer is particularly sneaky about it, and will squeeze through any crack that would otherwise seem too small.

So, the plan was that I would get them leashes and harnesses, and IF they insisted on going outside, that's the way we would do it. Never having been outside except for just a couple of times, they are very curious but also exceedingly apprehensive. They have to smell ever single thing, and they don't move very quick. Of course, they absolutely LOATHED the harnesses, and for that matter the leashes, too. Wheezer seems to be the only one left that still wants to go outside enough so that she will tolerate the leash. So, we tried it again today.

This is Wheezer normally. She's my favorite cat because she's so serene and gentle.




She doesn't look too happy here. Oh well!





Yes, she smells everything including the wall.





If someone makes a noise in the parking lot, she has to investigate thoroughly.





She likes to chew on the plants, too.





Another noise in the parking lot, I take it.




My plants and flowers make a good contrast against her.





My porch can be like a small but thick jungle. Now, it's winter, though.




OK, had enough. Ready to go back inside!


The new phenomenon sweeping the cat world -- going outside.