And I settled down in front of the TV for a morning of people and parade watching.

The first parade was Zulu--a black krewe--and it was fabulous. Most of the floats were double-deckers and the riders were extremely generous with the throws. One interesting note--the riders (male) were all in blackface. It took almost three hours for it to wind its way through the city.

And it was followed by Rex--King of Carnival. This is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) carnival organizations. Mardi Gras ends officially at midnight when the kings of Rex and Comus (the oldest krewe I think) meet at midnight at their respective (and adjacent) balls.

That's in New Orleans.

In Metarie (a suburb to the west and part of Jefferson Parish) there are also parades--almost as ornate as the New Orleans ones. A lot of people like to "do carnival" there, because there is more of a family atmosphere. The parade route is lined with mini camps with chairs and barbecues. (And portolets.)

After Katrina a lot of the people who had moved to Houston more or less permanently started returning for Mardi Gras.

All the TV personalities and newscasters were in various costumes, as usual. Two guys were in pink sweats with wings on their backs and rubber pig snouts over their noses. One sportscaster decided to cross dress and was on the air as Lucille Ball.

Pete Fountain and his Half Fast Marching Club were parading through the Quarter as usual. Well, not quite--they used to walk it, but time (and Katrina) forced them into riding some sort of bus. I think Pete is well into his 70s. (Wait a minute--that's my decade!)

So I watched the festivities till somewhat after lunch, when I realized I needed some stuff at WalMart. (Spots had managed to lose the second collar in three weeks.) No surprise--it was not at all crowded.

Headed back on home, to pretty much end up another IUD.