Mardi Gras at Stacy B’s!

It was just as Pat and Stacy predicted it would be. Mardi Gras began promptly at 3pm, just as the tape was drying on the last minute touches of ribbons and streamers that we had affixed to our vehicles in preparation for the parade. Al and Linda helped me to decorate the Mini. And Stacy loaded us up with beads and coins and shirts and and frisbees.

A Mardi Gras Mini

Nancy’s friend’s daughter and her daughter’s friend were all too eager to volunteer to pile-in to the passenger seat of the Mini and throw beads. This year’s King lived up to his title by coming out dressed as Elvis. He and the Queen took their throne in the back of Al and Linda’s Dodge truck and we all lined up at the end of the street as the crowd looked on from above. The girls stood on the passenger seat and threw beads out the sun roof as we slowly circled around the block. Stacy B directed the parade by way of her bullhorn.

Stacy and the Bullhorn

The guests lined both sides of the streets, yelling “Gimme something mister” and they were rewarded generously for their requests. And no sooner than the last trinket hit the sidewalk, then we all lined up in the kitchen for a plate of muffalettas and a bowl of red beans and rice and some spicy gumbo.

Krewe of Helios-AZ - Best in Throw

Stacy awarded my teammates and me with the distinction “Best in Throw” for which I received a stegasauras cap in mardi gras colors. After a bit of chatting with friends and colleagues, I gave Holly, Al and Linda’s daughter, a test drive in the Mini. (Good luck with your next car! I’m sure you’ll make the right decision).

IMG_1793.JPG

Next came the “adult pinata” — a paper mache cactus filled with airplane bottles of liquor. The first guest allowed herself to be blindfolded, then while wearing hight heels, she took swings at the pinata. The second guest tried his best as well. However Stacy’s cousin attacked the pinata like a designated hitter. After knocking off one of the arms, she proceeded, methodically, in denting the pinata till it agreed to give up its contents.

I chatted with Stacy and Carol. Then bid audeau for the night. What a great party! And what a great group of family and neighbors and friends. Laissez les bon temps roulez!

  1. Stacy B’s avatar

    Thanks for coming out, John! Love the photos and loved having you in the parade! You’re awesome!

    Stacy B

  2. Joe’s avatar

    Has anyone else seen the recent documentary “Mardi Gras: Made in China” ?
    A really fascinating movie…. pertains slightly to these pics JT

    JWL

  3. joe loga’s avatar

    Try #2:
    for a fascinating documentary, check out
    “Mardi Gras: Made in China”

    “… think before you bead…” 🙂

    in the interests of Socratic Dialogue…
    Joe

  4. John Tynan’s avatar

    Interesting commentary Joe. I checked out the trailer for the movie. While New Orleans has had enough troubles lately and I wouldn’t want to even begin to add to that. It’s something to think about for sure. Thanks!

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