Mardi Gras

Fat Tuesday is actually not until next Tuesday, the 17th, but, in the tradition of the great Carnival/Mardi Gras sites, this area claims large swaths of the month to celebrate. Galveston has big parades, balls, and general festivities over the course of a couple of weeks, and its smaller neighbors to the north follow suit.

Last weekend was our time to celebrate, starting with the

Carty Gras Parade

As with several other events, no official sponsor exists for this annual Clear Lake Shores golf cart parade, but the civic club does the scant coordination that it requires. Though we didn't participate in the parade, we did invite Arlene and Jim to come sit on our porch, eat boiled shrimp, and view the fun with us, and at the last minute I was asked to be one of the judges. Though the responsibility sat heavily on my shoulders, the beads flung to us (bribery?) sat lightly. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

 Our neighbor, Kinsey, and his people, Teresa and Kurt; they won second place.

 Thanks for the photo, Arlene.

Yacht Gras

And neighboring Kemah chose the same day to sponsor their annual Yachty Gras parade. Bob and Sara, having spent the afternoon scouting out the area for a possible future home, stopped by for some of that boiled shrimp and then a golf cart ride over to the boardwalk, where we enjoyed the parade with the throngs.

 Loved this VW bus-boat.

We were dressed warmly, mostly for the golf cart ride over. Though we travel at maybe 11 mph, it's enough to create a breeze that can be a bit brrry.

Thanks for the photos, Bob.

Heather's Birthday

Heather, having celebrated her 21st birthday at a beach house in Galveston -- what a great way to spend that important day! -- stopped by on her way home. It was fun seeing her, glowing in her happiness and her approval of the house (though [unlike us] she misses our old house in Baytown), and meeting her boyfriend, Joseph. We shared a king cake and wished her well as she continues her journey to adulthood.

As evidenced by the photo, the weather had warmed considerably, with the temperature having reached 80 degrees earlier that day. And this evening was perfect.

Happy birthday, Heather!