Some of you probably know that it's Mardi Gras time in New Orleans. That means parties, parades, beads, cups, doubloons, hundreds of thousands of people. And I'm the luckiest man around at this time because I live in the country and don't have to see or put up with any of it. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad there is a Mardi Gras. I do not begrudge a single individual enjoying it. I hope the city does well and the people have as much fun as they can stand. But I like it best because I get a week off school, get to be miles away from the parade routes and the noise, and can do the things I want to do, like read, walk, write, and relax.
The weather is cooperating too. It's sunny and close to 70 degrees here today. There's a light breeze. The outside and a good book calls. Maybe I'll even have a beer in honor of Mardi Gras. And for all of youse mugs who live in colder climates, don't hate me because I'm going to sit on my deck in a t-shirt and sweat pants and maybe do a little plotting on my novel. Damn, I hate suffering for my art.
Charles, excellent! As for cold Detroit, it's a good lesson in indoor discipline. At least we get Presidents' Day off. I did Mardi Gras back in the 80s and found it fascinating, but today there's also Tet to celebrate. Sounds good to be outside without a coat, though, for sure. Lucky dog :->
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I am in no way comparing Port Huron to New Orleans...not even close in the same universe...but once a year hordes descend on Port Huron for the Port Huron to Mackinaw yacht race. For a week the town is crawling with tourists. When I lived in Port Huron I found myself hiding for a week to avoid as much of the race week activities as possible.
ReplyDeleteI have the same dread of Cruise week in the Detroit Suburbs.
Again, nothing compares with New Orleans.
You just took me back to the transit nightmare. Gah! :-)
ReplyDeleteLiving in NEw Orleans was like living in the campus party house: Good times, but not a lot of peace and quiet. Oh, and drunks vomiting on the front step, etc...
http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/books/features/article2246666.ece
An article for you, Charles. Its title is 'Why Horror Fiction Will Be Big in 2007'!
http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/books/features
ReplyDelete/article2246666.ece
I see blogger cut the link off!
A week off, cool. In Cenla we didn't get time off for Mardi Gras even though there was a local parade.
ReplyDeleteCurse you and your short pants, Charles!! Actually, it will be 42 here tomorrow, but my credo is I'll See It When I See It. Last week, standing at the bus stop with another guy, we were looking at each other like it was the last scene in John Carpenter's remake of THE THING. I guess all we have here to compare is the St. Patrick's Day Parade downtown, and the one that is on the sout' side a Chicagah.
ReplyDeleteOkay, now I'm thinking, "I hate you." Enjoy your time off.
ReplyDeleteOk, now you're just bragging. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely view. Hey - I think it might have got up to around 30 today here, and it felt quite balmy.