The Good. The Bad. The Fugly.

I'm in a bit of a pensive mood this morning (not a bad thing - but it is an odd thing - considering I'm not typically a morning blogger).  My alarm went off at 7:45 AM and I (immediately) whacked the snooze button.  My relationship with that little tease has been hot and cold for YEARS.  And for my question of the day... what clockmaker/manufacturer thinks that 9 minutes is REALLY enough snooze time??  For anyone??  I might have to Google that later.

So, my thoughts were kind of jumbled all in my inner stratosphere (my pet name for my screwy mind) and I decided to make a bit of a list of all the things that I tend to think about, when I'm laying in bed and pondering all the mysteries of life.  They are in no particular order - and unless something is very obscure, I will not be providing links (or pictures - for those of you who may be visually inclined).  On with the show!!

The Good

- Family.  Somewhat.  I really love my siblings and all my nieces and nephews.  I even like my MIL, FIL, SIL, and BIL (#1) - but I don't care for the Jerry Springer BIL (#2).  He's just an asshole.  But, at least he is living well over 2200 miles away.  Makes visiting a pain in the ass - and he's too cheap to go anywhere.  ::happy dance::  haven't seen him in YEARS because of this!! 

-  My husband.  He is my best friend, confidante, lover, companion, constant, and he totally gets me.  I don't have to explain to him where I'm coming from, because he knows me that well.  I also know how he ticks and all of his favorite things and what makes him happy.  Sixteen years together, through multiple moves, deployments, the ups and the downs.  It's all good.  If anything, it's made us far closer (well, that and the lack of children - I think they can royally fuck up a relationship - and many HAVE actually screwed up relationships - so my reasoning is solid...  ;0)) ).

- My friends.  Even those who are in every single state, in every corner of the globe.  We are all able to stay in touch via Facebook and Skype... and it always makes me happy to see their faces.  Fuck fighting time and distance... we can beat that.  It just takes a little more of an effort.

- My city.  New Orleans may not be where I was born and raised... but every single time I leave and come back here??  I feel like I'm coming home.  The feeling is indescribable and makes me utterly and sublimely happy.  I'm proud of this place and the wonderful, awesome, artistic, happy-go-lucky people it attracts AND who live here.  There's nothing shabby about French Quarter Fest or The Running of the Bulls, either.  

- Living every day to it's fullest.  I truly believe that this life is the only one we'll ever have and we need to make the most of it.  Volunteer, travel, see the sights, do things you'd never, ever think you could do... be honest and blunt and quit waiting for an afterlife or a visit from Saint Peter (he of the pearly gates) or any type of god.  Besides, if you're only being good for the "idea" of god (and getting into heaven or wherever), it kind of defeats the purpose, don't you think??

- My dog.  She's never met a stranger, demands nothing from me but love and affection, she's far easier to care for than a child (no diapers, no messes, no problems) - if there is such a thing as reincarnation, I think I'd be content coming back as a dog.  Really.  Instant gratification to Chai-Dog is the best happiness in her life.  Walk??  Ride??  Treat??  Yeah, I could wag to that.

- Roller Derby.  Need I say more??

The Bad

- Upstairs neighbors who have loud little children and piss-poor-parenting skills.  As much as I would, indeed, like to blame the children for their rudeness, they DO learn all their societal skills from their parents.  And when the parents don't know any better, how can you expect their children to??

- Burning food because you can't hear the timer from the other end of the house (where I tend to fold laundry and all that other happy shit).  It's stinky and it takes forever for the smells to dissipate.  GAH.

- Kill shelters.  People who put animals in kill shelters because they suddenly find that they are knocked-up, and their loyal dog or cat of X-amount of years has to go because of the new baby.  That's pretty damned shitty.  Or, if they don't put them in a kill shelter, they'll just abandon them.  Makes me wonder if some of these assholes would be so callous with their own baby (should it have something wrong with it).  I don't really tend to trust people who treat animals poorly.  It speaks VOLUMES about their personality.

- People who lie to spare someone else's feelings (even if it is a problematic character flaw).  If a friend of mine tries on a new outfit and it looks like a horse's ass, I'll be tactful about it - but I'll let her know that it's not for her.  Why would I want her to go out in public thinking that she looks good, when she really doesn't??  Of course, we all have different styles - and I tend to wear funky tee-shirts and jeans/shorts/Chuck Taylors/Dr Martens, but I'm fully aware that I look like a freak and that's perfectly okay with me.  I just can't be bothered** (which might be a GOOD thing and maybe this is under the wrong category) to try and fit a stereotype.  Makes me gag to think about it.  

- Pimping your religion.  Whether it be via email, door-to-door (private residences), or on a public street corner.  If I *were* interested, don't you think that I'd seek YOU out??  

- Helicopter parents.  Need I say more???

- Organized religion.  The Greeks, the Romans, the Christians (to include the Crusades), the Moors, the Islamists... if there were no religion to fight about, what would life be like here??  Probably a lot more fucking pleasant.  Which is why I identify with atheist or secular humanist.  Christopher Hitchens was right.  Religion POISONS everything.  However, I don't really give a shit if you want to worship Mohammed, Jesus, God, Kali, follow Buddha, or the Flying Spaghetti Monster...  I just don't want you to shove it down my throat.  Easy enough, right??  Wrong.  Some people feel compelled by the "spirit" (or just the church's ugly little tithing system - because the current flock isn't coming up with enough).

The Fugly

(Which stands for "Fucking + Ugly = FUGLY")

- Position does NOT dictate behavior (nor should it ever).  Watch Kevin Smith's original movie "Clerks" and you'll understand this concept.  You are who you are and unless you're a psychopath or a serial killer or a person who just blows people out of their shoes because they can... well, you need to be true to yourself - regardless of position.

- Ass kissing people.  Oh, my bleeding Jeebus... they make me want to go over a really high, rocky, rough cliff in a Sedgeway with NO HELMET ON.  Not everyone is going to agree all of the time (and those that do make me just cringe... like they've never had a fucking original thought in their head) and not agreeing is perfectly fine.  It's also fine if you think that I'm an asshole and I think that you're a douche bag.  It is what it is.

- People who whore their entire lives out and then piss and moan when someone makes a comment or points out something which is known by all, but should *never* be brought up because it's "not nice" or some other such blathering bullshit.  If you didn't announce this uncomfortable thing to the WHOLE WORLD, no one would ever know your sad secret and point it out.  And, if you can't defend yourself, you shouldn't expect other people to do it for you.  Grow a fucking pair already and OWN what you've written.  If not, shut the fuck up and disable people from POSSIBLY posting something negative.  

- The lack of common-fucking-sense from grown adults.

- I don't think "sensitive" men are attractive.  I want a man to be a knuckle-dragger who can take control and act like a man.  One that holds a purse/diaper bag and simply says "yes, dear" seems to be emasculated to me - and I'm always tempted to ask if their fucking balls are beside their wife's wallet (in the quilted cheezy purse).  

- Sheeple mentality.  People who are so worried about fitting in, looking a certain way, or doing things in order to impress others.  It's pitiful.  I see this bullshit with some of the military wives (they'll compare the size of their strollers and SUVs - however, they don't describe their husband's cock size, so that's SOMETHING, at least).  Many of them are so vapid, they don't have an original thought in their head.  I see this with certain religions - and although I feel a bit of pity for these type of people, I also feel like they are just selling out and are probably miserable inside.  If they can't stand up and say "this IS NOT RIGHT" on their own, they are complacent.  Which is nothing different than the German people who lived outside of Auschwitz and claimed to never smell the crematorium while thousands of people were thrown into ovens and made into ashes every single day.

Okay.  The last thought was just an awful one and I'm going to quit while I'm not quite ranting.  If you'd like to send me a list of YOUR personal "The Good.  The Bad.  The Fugly.", you can send it to:

thepoint[dot]nola[at]googlemail[dot]com

Disclaimer:  I will post those emails I find to be thought-provoking and different from mine... however, if you write something idiotic and miserable (with any personal attacks), I still may post it on here with my responses or commentary.  Just a heads-up.  And if your language is dirty, I don't care.  We're all adults.  But if you curse or use "dirty" words, please use them in the correct context.  It would be a shame for me to have to point out that you don't know what a certain word means.

I look forward to hearing from some of you!!  Now, it's time to get ready for the weekend... it's movie night here for all the girls... and wine is necessary!!

x0x0

Stocking Up: On Books.

Although this stash will only last me a week or two (at the most).  It'll depend on how many notes I make or references I come across (I find some of the most interesting tidbits/quotes/people)...

I had some free time today, so I figured I'd mosey on down to my local Barnes and Noble.  They had been calling me for a couple of days (I ordered a hard-to-get book and didn't expect it in so soon) - but my social calendar had been full, AND it's been 90* with humidity above the 90% mark.  Not exactly cruising weather (I've taken two showers today and I'll probably take another one before I go to bed), but I figured I could take one for the team (hahaha) and make the effort to pick up my books.  Besides, I'm hard-up for reading material in printed form (I love my Kindle, but it'll never replace real books).

And, since it is Memorial Day Weekend, I figured I'd probably be enjoying my lovely deck, soaking up the sun, drinking a dirty martini or a gin-and-tonic or an amaretto sour (or maybe all three)... but what is missing from this idyll picture??  The pleasure of a BOOK.

Here is what I ended up getting:

 ^^  "LIARS FOR JESUS:

The Religious Right's Alternate Version of American History - Volume I"

- Chris Rodda - Foreword by Rev. William N. Esborn

ISBN:  1-4196-4438-6

"Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts."

- Daniel Patrick Moynihan

This was my special order.  The author has not completed Volume II as of yet, so I've added Chris Rodda to my wish list... and I'll be notified as to when it comes out.  :0))

********************

 ^^  "Urban Voodoo:  A Beginner's Guide to Afro-Caribbean Magic"

- S. Jason Black and Christopher S. Hyatt, Ph.D

ISBN:  1-56184-059-9

My initial interest was piqued because of the strong Voodoo and Hoodoo influence here in New Orleans.  There are shops here which cater to the practice of both - along with witchcraft and Paganism.  You can purchase a Voodoo doll suited for your needs at some shops - I received one for love when my husband I were married here.  It's on my desk right now.  

********************

 ^^  "The Handmaid's Tale"

- Margaret Atwood

ISBN:  978-0-385-49081-8

Description:  "Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead.  She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read.  She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable."

One of my friends, who is a librarian at a university, recommended this book to me.  I'm really looking forward to reading it - and there are a couple other Margaret Atwood books that I'd also like to buy.

********************

 ^^  "Alien Contact"

- Edited by Marty Halpern

ISBN:  978-1-59780-281-9

Compilation of stories by:  Stephen Baxter, Orson Scott Card, Cory Doctorow, Karen Joy Fowler, Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, Ursula K. LeGuin, Elizabeth Moon, Pat Murphy, Charles Stross, Michael Swanwick, Harry Turtledove

Oh, how my geeky little heart beats faster at the thought of delving into this awesome alien sci-fi...  I can't wait to start reading this!!  Besides being a *huge* Stephen King fan, I also love Neil Gaiman.  Hopefully, some of the other authors may have other novels available... and if I enjoy their short stories, I'll be willing to try a full novel, a book of their own short stories, or a novella.  Finding new authors within genres that I like is always such a pleasure.

********************

^^  "God's Brothel"

- Andrea Moore-Emmett

ISBN:  978-1-930074-13-2

Description:  "The extortion of sex for salvation in contemporary Mormon and Christian Fundamentalist Polygamy - and the stories of 18 women who escaped."

"[An] illuminating new book" - CNN

I initially came across this book while reading about Flora Jessup and her escape from Warren Jeff's FLDS sect.  Another novel, about the "Lost Boys" (young men exiled from their communities so that the elders can take more wives) is on my short list for summer reading.  I am fascinated with cults - and the people in them... both from a sociological and psychological standpoint.  It is difficult for me to understand the need to "fit in" or (in Borg-speak) "assimilate" in order to stay in a lifestyle in which you've been born and raised.  I cannot imagine not having mentors who encourage learning in any capacity - or repress the natural nature of questioning your world and the people who inhabit it.

********************

I'm currently reading the sci-fi/fantasy book "Game of Thrones" by George R. R. Martin.  HBO has made a program that follows the series... but I didn't realize that there were quite a few books that follow.  The second is "A Clash of Kings", the third is "A Storm of Swords", the fourth is "A Feast for Crows", and the final book is "A Dance with Dragons".  If the first book is indicative of the rest of the series, I can say (with some certainty) that I will be purchasing the rest of the series.  

x0x0

Shreveport-ed.

This weekend I made a quick trip up to Shreveport to visit with friends - and to participate as an NSO (Non-Skating-Official) for this weekend's bout with my first (and favorite!!) flat-track roller derby team... the Twin City Knockers.  I was up, showered, and eating breakfast by 6:00 AM on Saturday morning, packed the car,  filled the gas tank, and left New Orleans by 7:30 AM.  It's a 5-hour trek (roughly 350 miles) from NOLA to Shreveport - along roads that have NOTHING (and I mean NOTHING) to look at... even the gas stations are few and far between.  However, I *am* a glutton for punishment AND I really enjoy a solitary road trip... it's awesome to take the top off the car, listen to whatever I want to, and just lose myself in thought.  Therapeutic, really.

One of the gas stations I stopped at (exit 87 in Alexandria, Louisiana) was really dodgy... I pulled in there around 10:00 in the morning and was a tad bit worried that I might get shanked while filling up the car.  Of course, I needed more than just a fill-up.  I had to use the public bathroom.  Oh.  My.  Gawd.  Besides the fact that it was a unisex bathroom (with a MASSIVELY TALL urinal for the menfolk to pee in and a pretty grubby commode), there was a condom machine mounted on the wall... and one of the items you could purchase for .75 (all quarters, please and thank you) was "Randy Goat Weed".  Touted as a male enhancement drug, I shudder to think of what type of ingredients were really in those miracle "pills".  And I also wonder just how many people have actually parted with their spare change and actually TRIED it.  The proof is in the pudding:

 ^^  Always quality restrooms to be found on I49 N - Exit 87 (Alexandria, LA)

 ^^  This is what .75 cents in a trashy public restroom buys you...

So, after a mood-altering visit to the bad bathroom over in Shanksville, I headed back up the road in order to make it to the House of Wheels and assist with the track set-up (and whatever else my team needed me to do).  Luckily, I had time for lunch (at a decent sandwich shop) before meeting all the other NSOs at 2:00 PM.  The bout was scheduled to start at 7:00 PM, with the doors opening at 6:00 PM so that spectators could get their drink on ($5.00 surcharge for coolers - no matter what the size!!)...

^^  Home of the Twin City Knockers - and one of my favorite places to be.  :0))

^^  Sexy socks and skates...

^^  And the final score... with the Knockers taking the win!!!  :0))

The after-party was at a new (old) bar that I hadn't been to before - Bear's on Fairfield.  They had some excellent drink specials and the bar staff was awesome.  Very attentive AND offered free shots (some kind of vodka mixed with pineapple???  That was what they smelled like) - also had no problem with the derby girls getting boisterous.  Oh, and they served decent bar food... the kitchen was open as long as the bartenders were still serving.  This, in and of itself, makes Bear's a winner in my book!!

^^  All lit up!!  (Literally)

**Photo courtesy of Bear's on Fairfield**

I didn't get any pictures of the inside... it was dim and a bit smoky (most bars in Louisiana still allow patrons to smoke) and I was too busy socializing to even think about taking pictures.  However, I *did* find these gems in the bathroom (I know, I know... what IS it about me, this trip, and bathrooms??!!??) - and being a big huge fan of "Stall Wall" poetry and doodles...  

 ^^  This gem graced the first stall in the ladies room...

^^  And this was in another stall.  I thought the repertoire was quite witty!!

After having some drinks at the bar, visiting with the team, meeting the opposing team (off the derby track), we called it a night and headed home to have some snacks and chill out.  Of course, my friend B. and I ended up gabbing until almost 2:30 AM - and then we both crashed.  

I set my alarm for 9:30 AM so that I could get a move on my day and meet some of my friends for lunch before heading back to New Orleans.  I'm not going to lie...  I was dead tired.  Ended up going to the Olive Garden and after a great lunch, I packed the car back up and headed home.

All in all, it was a fabulous weekend and I'm so glad I was able to catch up with everyone.  

Road Trip + Roller Derby + Good Friends + Food + Boozy Drinks = A Great Weekend

x0x0

Voting. Comics. Stormtroopers. Pizza.

This morning we headed out to the Algiers Point courthouse in order to vote on whether or not the Crescent City Connection (the bridge from the Westbank to the Eastbank - connecting the city of NOLA) should have an additional 20 years of tolls.  We also voted on a new Juvenile Court Judge, but because we don't have children, I just picked the name I liked best.  Not very informed, but both of the people running were from the Democrat party, so it didn't really matter to me.  Had it been a Republican vs. Democrat... well, I *am* a liberal-godless-Yankee, so I would've gone with the blue ticket.  ;0))

Oh, and I voted "no" on the bridge tolls, too.  New Orleans has the only bridge on the entire Mississippi River that has a toll (just a little bit of trivia for you).

On our walk over to the courthouse, I came across this disabled Dollar General trolley trashed underneath a "No Parking" sign.  The ironic thing, is that there isn't a damned Dollar General within 15 miles of this location.  So... it's appearance is most definitely mysterious...

^^  Abandoned trolley...

We had to cross the bridge (the same bridge we just voted on) to get to Metairie, which is where one of the bigger comic book shops are.  Here are some pictures I snapped on the way there (don't worry - I wasn't driving!!)... 

 ^^  Crescent City Connection Bridge (CCCB)

^^  Super Dome!!  You know you're in the heart of New Orleans when you see this...

With today being May 4th and all (May The Forth Be With You), we headed out to a couple of our local comic book shops to get some goodies.  Husby is an Avengers and Fantastic Four fan, and I enjoy the cheezy-ass comics like SpongeBob SquarePants and the Smurfs.  And we have:

^^  Fine promotional literature...  

^^  My Score...  all free!!  :0))

 ^^  An Imperial Guard...  right on the parkway!!

^^  So exciting...  I got to meet a Storm Trooper!!  

The only thing more exciting would've been to see Darth Vader!!

After all our comical excitement, we headed back home so that we could walk the dog (who has some serious gas - it would probably be best to NOT light a match in my living room right now) and figure out what we wanted to do for lunch.  I had a craving for pizza, so we decided to go to Mo's Pizza in Westwego.  Yes, that is *really* the name of the town.  :0))  We ordered the large supreme (minus the olives) and the pie was the size of a large hubcap.  I managed to eat 2 slices (just the goodies - no crust) and we have enough to feed us for the rest of the weekend.  Guess that gets me out of cooking.  

While we were in Westwego, we found a Piggly Wiggly!!  My brother, sister, and I used to call it the "Hoggly-Woggly" (we thought we were being SOOOOO witty - someone slap me straight now!!)

^^  Proof positive!!  Look and weep, biotches!!

Unfortunately, we didn't stop in.  However, I think I'll find a reason to head back there soon (as if I *need* a reason to shop).  

On the way back home, I was lucky enough to see a plane skywriting over the French Quarter.  It was really cool to watch and it made me wonder as to what lucky person was the recipient of the (literal) love:

 ^^  Noticed on the way home from Westwego...

^^  Almost finished by the time we were in Algiers Point...

And now we're back home.  I'm heading over to the Casey Jones in a little bit... they have pork chops on sale (family packs - $1.00/pound) and I need some libations for tonight.  I'll be heading over to S. and L.'s house tonight for some front-porch fun.  Life is good.  Very, very good.

x0x0

French Quarter Fest - Day Four: Rained Out.

As much as I wanted to finish the fourth day of the festival, it was piss-pouring rain when I woke up at 9:30 AM.  So, being a typical lazy bitch, I flipped over and went back to sleep.  The bedroom was dark, thunder was booming, and the occasional flash of lightening was visible, and a little too close for comfort.  So, I missed out on my bread pudding drizzled with white chocolate and bananas.  Which is really, really, really okay.  I didn't need the extra-evil calories.

I did discover a new restaurant, one that we are keen to try sometime soon (and they also give an additional 10% discount to locals)...  that would be the Royal House Restaurant.  May I suggest their char-grilled oysters???  Oh.  My.  Gawd.  It was a total taste orgasm.  No lie.  The menu is short and sweet... but there's enough of a variation to appeal to almost anyone - oyster lovers or not.

In all honesty, they may be able to give Acme Oyster House a run for their money. Good google-y moo!!  (In all honesty, I attempted to add a link, but nothing seems to be working this evening)...   So, you may want to run a search engine and see the menu.  :0))

When we lived in Europe, I was able to create the char-broiled oysters quite easily...  if you really want my copycat recipe, comment on it with your email info and I will be more than happy to pass it on.  :0))

In other news, Choggie has been fighting diarrhea...  and she is now barricaded in the kitchen.  I feel like an awful doggie-mommy.

Such is the story of my life.

x0x0

French Pop.

Music!!

I don't know why, but I love listening to funky songs in different languages.  The video is really cute, too.  Enjoy!!

Happy VD!!

We really don't do the Valentine's Day thingie here.  Usually, husby will pick me up something "cheeze-tastic" (heart-shaped box o' chocolates with a funny little stuffed toy) and a card.  And we don't typically go out (we don't want to fight the crowds) and we're just not romantically wired.  Our first VD together consisted of steak, shrimp, and lots of Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill (at his apartment).  Ooh-la-la!!  And husby picked the meal and cooked it.  This feast was presented on a card table that would shake like crazy every single time either one of us sawed off a piece of steak.

But it was magical.  And we laughed and got silly and listened to our favorite music and had great sex.

Okay.  So the sex thing was probably TMI.  Apologies.

And did I mention that I'm severely allergic to most flowers??  So the husby gets a pass on those, too.  :0))

I hope that all of you have a very fantastic VD - whether it's a hot night on the town, dinner at a fancy restaurant, pizza, wings and a movie, or eating Chinese delivery naked in bed...  make it YOURS.  And be sure to enjoy.

x0x0

Mardi Gras Parade!!! And Random Commentary!!! (Part I)

Our Westbank (also known as the "Bestbank" to some) had our Krewe of Nomtoc Mardi Gras Parade today.  The husby and I decided to hoof it over, since it was so close to our house (only about 8 blocks away - not bad really!!).  The only thing I regret is NOT bringing my cheery-green-folding chair.  The crowd was pretty mild (even for 11:00 in the morning!!) and the New Orleans Police Department (the few patrolling the corner we were on) were as cool as cucumbers.

Please note:  Most, if not all, of the Mardi Gras parades during the day are considered to be family-friendly events and really fucked-up drunks and lewd, nude behavior is NOT appropriate at all.  You will end up in the hooscow or in an NOPD paddy-wagon.  Ladies, if you want to get the beads the old-fashioned way (by flashing your bare breasts), you're going to have to go across the river and hit up a night-time parade in the French Quarter.

That being said, here are some pictures and highlights of our Krewe of Nomtoc parade today:

^^  The Shriners were some of the first through.  They had a ton of these street rods!!

^^  Had to take a picture of this...  it says "Jugs Social Club" - hehehe!!  

(*Most of my friends will get the reference, but if you'd like to know, leave me a message.)

^^  The King of the Krewe of Nomtoc.

(Every float was pulled by a red tractor.  It was very interesting.)

^^  The King's Float (side view)

^^  The Back of the King's Float - it was very well done.  :0))

~ INTERMISSION ~ 

For a bathroom break, duh!!  

^^ Bathroom Break!!  On the back of trailer, no less.  

I don't know how comfortable I'd feel using a porta-john on the trailer of a truck!!

^^  And I actually felt bed for this NOLA PD officer...  he had to follow the truck loaded with the sans-a-john and stop the parade whenever a participant needed to use the bathroom.

Pun intended:  but that was a SHIT assignment, considering it was 74* and humid today.  I hope he was being paid overtime for that!!

~ Intermission Over ~

Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming (of sorts - if you could call it that)

^^  The Queen of the Krewe of Nantoc's tractor... 

^^  And her personalized Float.  She looked very proper and lovely.  :0))

^^  And a look down to street to see what's coming...  

The parade was at a bit of a pause, which is why you see the dancers sitting down.

You ca also see part of the Central Business District (CBD) and the French Quarter in the background. 

^^  And "Hello Kitty" and her entourage has arrived.

All the little girls wanted to go and hug her.  It was pretty funny.  

At least you can't tell if you're making eye contact when the other person is wearing a mask...

^^ Disney's Mickey Mouse and PBS's Zoe (correct me if I'm worong) were flying the Muppet Banner.  

Poor Big Bird (not that I'ma fan) - his head was on so crooked, I wondered how he could see.

And then, I figured he might be bombed out of his mind wearing a Camelback filled with booze UNDERNEATH the heavy-feather suit.  Good play, Big Bird Impersonator.  Good play!!

^^  Okay, Big Bird is *really lagging along**

And you can't tell by the picture, but he's weaving all over.  Hence why he has his own "space" between characters.  It also looks like The Bird is being worn like a woman in his high heels.  

CROSS DRESSER!!  :0))

^^  Elmo had his own space - and po-po services because little kids kept trying to run and hug him.

I don't give a shit what anyone says - those furry outfits have got to be HOT AS HELL even though the weather is mild.  And I do (wickedly wonder) just how clean IS that get-up???

^^  And a parade just wouldn't be a parade without SpongeBob SquarePants!!

And as it seems, Blogger will NOT let me enter any more pictures.  So, I'll be posting extras on an additional post, below this one.  

More to come, for sure!!  :0))

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Mardi Gras Parade!! And Random Commentary!!! (Part II)

To continue on with the Krewe of Nomtoc Parade (and because my first blog is so picture and link heavy), I'm adding additional pictures and comments on a brandy-new post.  :0))

So...  here are the additional pictures:

^^  Last year's Royal Nomtoc Couple....

^^  On their funky-old-style NOLA float.

^^  I thought this was a sea monster - apparently it's not. 

It's a Griffin.

They were giving out stuffed toys.  Husby snagged two and gave them to the little kids next to us.

We are SUCH child-haters!!!  ;0))

^^  This iPhone 4S picture does NOT do this float justice!!  It was gorgeous.  

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it was one of my favorites...

^^  Old Fire Truck presented by the Harvey Fire Department.  

^^  One of THE brightest floats...  they were handing out stuffed animals...

To include cats and big, fuzzy snakes.  The happiness is evident in all the spring colors.  :0))

^^  Up close and personal!!!

^^  American Eagle float - ahh-maze-ingly done.  It was a beautiful piece of work.

^^  From up close...

^^  Beautiful Horse Brigade...

^^  She was the leading horse...  I've never one dressed in Hawt Pink.  

And I don't understand why they didn't use blinders.  So many people tried to touch them.

Enough for my parade experiences today...  tomorrow is the crawfish boil and I can't fucking wait!!!  This has been a great experience, and I hope that many of my friends can join me next year for this!!!

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