Mardi Gras 2013

a wet mardi gras day

Zulu 2013

Baby Dolls

Rex’s Butterfly Float

My coconuts!

Hand carved! It’s a keeper!

Coconut from The Big shot!
My mojo must have really been kicking!

 

I’m pretty tired, but I had a great season.  Although, I’ve heard of two incidents where riders on the floats were assholes.

Someone riding with the Krewe of Thoth apparently was throwing “Mamie Dolls” at older black women on the route and they were exploding on impact.

Also, a fool riding with the Krewe of Bacchus hurled a jug of urine at a guy. At least this guy went to the end of the route and filed a complaint. The link is here is you want to read up on it.

No word on the mamie doll throwing mf’er.

As much as I love Mardi Gras, there are people riding who are complete assholes.

A lot of racists up there too ( my next post).

I guess it doesn’t dawn on them that, they’re standing targets up there on those floats. It will though when someone pulls one of them off of the float or shoots one of  them for messing with their family member.

Mardi Gras is a wonderful time in the city for the most part.

But yeah, a lot of assholes view it as an opportunity to practice their racists views…

or as a time to simply be a jerk.

Punks.

Still looking forward to next  year though.

Because for every ass riding,

there are five who aren’t.

They’re the ones who make the krewe special,

and help make Mardi Gras

something to look forward to.

 

 

 

 

A Taste of Saturday Night With Endymion’s Super -Tandem Float

The world’s longest float belongs to Endymion.  Making its debut on the streets of New Orleans last night, the 9 segment float is 330 feet long and holds 230 riders.  The music you hear is playing off of the float.  The float celebrates the rides of Pontchartrain Beach which was an amusement park in the city until its closure in 1983.  I used to work at “The Beach”  from ’80-83 so, it was real cool seeing the float.

Brought back a lot of memories.

Be sure to take note of the crowd…it was massive out there. And remember, the route is 5 miles long and the crowd is just as massive on the opposite side of the street!

It was a great night for Endymion!

o

All lit up like a parade!
At Endymion

Better With M Super Bowl Launch

Last Thursday,NS and I attended the ‘M&Ms Better With M Dinner’ at the Foundry (thank you Charlotte).   It was a star-studded event which celebrated the launch of their brand new marketing campaign ‘Better With M.’  Proceeds from the event went to New Orleans Habitat for Humanity.

No marketing campaign was needed to get me through the door, they had me at M&Ms.

I love me some M&Ms!

The three-course, chocolate infused dinner was created by New Orleans own Chef John Besh and for the entertainment…Vanessa Williams!

What a treat!

The event was spectacular!

As soon as you entered, there was a beautiful table set with gift bags of m&ms with your name on it. On the other side of the tag was the name of a street in New Orleans.  NS and I were on Frenchman St.  Later on, we learned that, the street was actually the table where we would be seated.

Nude posing M&Ms…too funny.

Cocktails were flowing in typical NOLA fashion (food and drinks everywhere) and the Grammy-award winning Rebirth Brass Band kept everyone grooving.  I usually take pics of the food but those hors d’oeuvres didn’t stand a chance.

NS was in heaven as they were serving Glenfiddich 21-year-old Scotch. I even imbibed a cocktail or two.

Rebirth Brass Band

I didn’t get the chance to take pics of too many celebrities. I did catch Neil Patrick Harris walking in though,

and I met Chef John Besh  as he was walking around the room, talking to everyone. He is such a sweet man!

I eye-spyed Chef Arron Sanchez (my husband in my next life) walking around and well, there was no way I was letting that moment of opportunity get away.

Chef John Besh,NS and Chef Aaron Sanchez

After cocktails, we were all ushered into the dining area.

our table

1st course.

2nd course.

 

Unfortunately, I have no pic of the desert, but it was delicious!  As soon as the wait staff began to bring out the deserts, Vanessa Williams hit the stage.

She looks incredible and her voice is flawless!

That woman can SANG!

photo credit m&ms

Her daughter Jillian was also there as one of the background singers.  I was floored by Vanessa’s performance. I always knew she had a beautiful voice, but I had no idea that she would put on such a great show.

For her last act, she changed her outfit and then sang her hit ‘Work To Do.’

She put a spin on it and did a Salsa that would put these young’uns to shame!

Way to go Vanessa! If you ever hit the road, count me there!

The city is really being hammered with festivities. We began with a week-end of parades, followed by the Super Bowl and now we’re back to parading with the Krewe of Druids and the Mystic Krewe of Nyx kicking it off Wednesday night.

I wouldn’t change it for anything.

The good times are rolling in full force,

and everything  has been much better

with M.

And The Winner is….

*throws purple,gold and green confetti*

Alrighty! We have a winner!!

I let PurpleKnight and Yellow Jacket draw the names out of the purse (Hail Nyx!).

I can’t believe those two knuckleheads actually started whining. They both wanted to pick the name so, we also have a runner-up in case the first place winner doesn’t contact me with their addy.

PK picked first place and YJ picked the runner-up.

Here are a few pics of the drawing,

 

 

The winner of my first blog giveaway is…VAL!!!!

Second place goes to Susanna (SP)!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Now Val, ya have one week to get your address to me . After a week, the prize goes to the second place winner.

Email me at Bayoucreole63@yahoo.com

Happy Mardi Gras!

You’re gonna love the King Cake!

*Y’all I’ve been trying to put this post out since 9 a.m.   Both of my computers are acting crazy so, I went to the library. The computer at the library  was acting crazy as well!  Hopefully, it will go definitely go out this time!

It’s been a rough morning.

 

 

 

 

 

Good Monday Randoms

Howdy!

I know I was supposed to give y’all a blog post Friday, but the weather here is giving me the blues.  My sinuses are really taking a beating with the fog. The fog is worse than the pollen is on my sinuses. I know it’s foggy even before I get out of the bed because, as soon as I open my eyes, I have a splitting headache.  

Since today is the first day since Friday that I’ve felt like a person, I’m giving everyone an extra day for the giveaway. I’ll do the drawing Tuesday night and announce the winner Wednesday morning.

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Well, what’s left of it.  The city held a parade today and there was a shooting yet again.  This is really getting old. Every year there seems to be a shooting on MLK day. I’ve never gone to the parade because of the shootings.  I don’t know if I’ll ever go to see it.

Today, we witnessed the 2nd Inauguration of President Obama.  I only managed to catch a few glimpses of the ceremony.  Drifting in and out of sleep, trying to get rid of sinus pressure kept me from watching the television.  

What I did manage to see though was beautiful!  I’m sure the ceremony is on the internet somewhere. I’ll have to catch in it online.

The city is in overdrive getting ready for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.  It should be a very interesting event.

Not as interesting as it would have been if the Falcons were coming.  Although if I had to go by my twitter and FB timelines, it may be a good thing that they didn’t make it.

Some people were brutal! Man!  

Mardi Gras flags are flying high! Today I spotted 1 Rex, 1 Nyx, 2 Endymion and 4 Muses flags.  Although, I have to admit, I see Muses flags year round. I expect to see more Nyx flags flying in the near future.

Parades are in full effect this weekend. The Krewe of King Arthur rolls Sunday, January 27th. NS and I were supposed to ride but, we decided against it this year. The krewe suffered some hurricane damage and won’t have as many floats on the streets. We’re gonna wait until next year to ride.

I’ll still be out on the parade route supporting them though. They’re a great krewe! 

That’s all I have for now…my head is still fuzzy.

I’ll be posting more frequently now that parades are rolling and the Super Bowl is around the corner!

I love this time of year.

Last chance for comments!

 

 

 

 

Nyx Myx Masquerade Ball and King Cake Giveaway

The Mystic Krewe of Nyx’s Nyx Myx Masquerade Ball was held Saturday at the Riverside Hilton.

How do you put such a wonderful event into words?

Words would never capture how awesome the event was so, I’m gonna let some pictures tell most of the story.

The ball was from 7:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.

I know y’all used to seeing the ole’ BayouCreole in jeans and sneakers hanging at the festivals, parades and stuff.

This was a formal affair with mask required. We had to glam it up.

nyx myx ball

The ballroom was beautifully decorated. Everyone was given a Krewe of Nyx light up martini glass.

It wasn’t until I started looking at the pictures the day after the ball did I realize that, the ballroom was decorated to match the Captain’s gown.

Captain Julie Lea, Nyx Goddess II Lauren “fleuty girl” Thom,Board of Directors and Grand Marshall Laura Buchtel

The evening began with Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres.  It was a great way to mingle and meet so many fabulous Nyx sisters. Everyone looked beautiful.

The presentation of the Float Lieutenants,Grand Marshall,Nyx Goddess,Board of Directors and Captain followed.

The ladies threw beads as they were presented. I was hit on the head with a bead and became a little misty as I said to myself,

“I was just hit on the head with a bead… it’s REALLY carnival time!”

John Mac’s Marching Trojans ushered the Mardi Gras mood into the room as they played throughout the ballroom.

The float lieutenants second lined afterwards.  Everyone was so happy…the energy was palpable.

The ball consisted of a seated dinner. I was a little leery of that at first because I’m such a picky eater.

Y’all the food was off the chain!

The main course was Grilled Tenderloin of Beef and Grilled Chicken Medallion,Wine Laced Mushrooms, Wild Rice Risotto and Vegetable Medley

Dessert followed with a Trio of Flourless Chocolate Cake, Praline Cheesecake and Carrot Cake

After dinner, it was on and popping!

The Captain and Nyx Goddess changed their outfits. The gowns they wore were so pretty!

photo compliments of Lauren Thom

Everyone packed the dance floor and partied like crazy!! Music was provided by The Mojeaux’s and they really brought the house down!

The dance floor STAYED packed!

 Even our Nyx Goddess was out there shaking a tail feather!

We broke out into a huge electric slide! That was a lot of fun considering by that time, a lot of us were pretty liquored up.

The guy that has his head turned is actually following me. He couldn’t keep up so I became his wing person…lol

He was so sweet…gave me a big hug after the dance!

Around 1 a.m there was a breakfast buffet. Missed pics of that somehow but it was delicious! Grits, eggs,bacon, sausage, hash browns and muffins.

NavySeal and I left the ball somewhere around 2  o’clock. I would have stayed longer  but, I had to go work in a few hours.

To say that I had a wonderful time would be such an understatement.  The Nyx Myx Ball was everything and MORE!  They paid attention to every detail and the Hilton’s staff was excellent!

Kudos to the ladies for putting on such a magnificent ball! I will remember that night forever!

Nyx Sisters rock big time.  I’m glad to be a sister-in-waiting.  I can’t wait to be up there on the floats with them. They’ll hit the streets February 6th and I’m sure they will light the city up so, be sure to go out and catch’em!

And if you made it this far, the KING CAKE GIVEAWAY OFFICIALLY BEGINS TODAY!  I’ll post every day this week and every time you comment, I’ll put your name  in the hat(lawd, what am I gonna write about for an entire week?). At the end of the week, I’ll draw and announce the winner next Monday.   Once I announce the winner, you have one week to send me your addy info so I can get the king cake to you.  Randazzo’s…of course.

Y’all better comment because, Reggie is a FREQUENT commenter and he’s gonna battle y’all for that king cake for sure!  The Oracle is about to come out of lurker status for it too…lol

Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!

Happy Mardi Gras Y’all.

Happy New Year and What’s Happening Randoms

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Welcome 2013!   I am so glad that the new year is here.  Honestly,I don’t feel like I accomplished anything in 2012. Most of the time, I felt as if I was spinning my wheels and not moving. I’m sure if I racked my brain hard enough, I’d be able to think of something.

I shouldn’t have to rack my brain though.

I’m gonna try to do better and be better this year.

This year is a milestone year for me.

I’ll be the BIG 5-0 this year!

Any day above ground is a gift but, I’m really looking forward to turning 50 this year!

I welcome getting older…just want to be as healthy and physically fit as possible while doing it.

Also, this will be my 5th year blogging!

Lawd, how have I been blogging for 5 years!?!

Good ole’ NOLA has helped me with that…she’s always throwing some sort of party.

So what’s happening with me and mine?

Well for starters, my dad has been wonderful!

He’s more like his old self…maybe even better.  He hasn’t been forgetful or argumentative so, that in itself  is a blessed thing.  I think the new meds he’s on are helping him out a lot.  He’s been spoiling PurpleKnight and YellowJacket so, they’re in 7th heaven right about now.

Mardi Gras is in the air!

Oh, I almost forgot that I’m keeping positive carnival karma around me….so,

Krewe of Nyx!

Every time I mention Mardi Gras I’m supposed to say,

KREWE OF NYX!

It’s to keep positive energy heading this way so, I can move up their waiting list.

Keeping that positive energy out there is slowly paying off.  Take a look at the pic,

I’ve heard from the Krewe!

Don’t break out the umbrellas and start second-lining  just yet though.  I’m a non-riding member of the krewe until I can get a riding spot. I’m happy with that because a lot of women are wishing membership would open up again…at least my foot is in the door. They even sent me a members only t-shirt and I get to go to the events which is cool because

Navy Seal and I are going to the Nyx Myx Masquerade Ball!

Whoo Hoo!

Gotta get all glammed up for that one! Ball Gown,Tuxedo and Mask type of party!!

Finding a dress is gonna be hard as heck because I’m so damned short petite but, I’m gonna find something.

I’m so excited to go!  I can’t wait!

Today is the official start of my countdown to King Cake with 5 days to go!

I’ve decided  to rev up this here ole’ blog a bit and follow the lead of my blog sister, LadyLee and do a giveaway!

That’s right!

I’m going to give away a Randazzo’s Kingcake!

All ya have to do is comment on the posts and I’ll put your name in the hat to be drawn. Each time you comment, I’ll put your name in so, the more, the better. At the end of the week, I’ll draw the name  and announce the winner!

This is the perfect opportunity for anyone who wants a King Cake to get a free one!  If you’ve never had one, here’s your chance to try it!

This is only for folks in the USA though, I can’t ship out of the country.  I’ll have more details regarding the giveaway at the end of the week. It will probably be near the first weekend of Mardi Gras which is Jan 26 th so keep your eyes out for the giveaway post!

PurpleKnight and YellowJacket are fine. They’re doing their own thing now.  They’ve both decided to go to the same college next fall and room together.

Those two ….can’t live with and can’t live without.

I’m glad they’re so close.

My dog-abusing neighbors have moved!

Yay!

I’m  happy they’re gone.

I’m so glad I rescued my doggie from those crazy folks.

He’s living a wonderful life now.

We have some wonderful people staying in the house now. Real quiet family and respectful of the neighborhood.  Last night they popped fireworks and  swept the street afterwards.

Now that’s some thoughtful neighbors!

That’s all I have for now…I’ll be posting more frequently.

With Mardi Gras season here and the Super Bowl coming, I’m sure I’ll have lots to tell!

Have a blessed 2013 y’all!

Crazy Randoms

*disclaimer…the book of cuss has been opened.

School has started and  I had to go “ham” (that’s what the young folks call it today when you go off of someone) on one of YellowJackets teachers already.

Don’t tell me one thing over the summer and when school starts, try to renege on what you said.  And to add insult to injury, begin talking about your “two philosophies about the matter.”

Your ass wasn’t talking philosophical shit over the summer, don’t switch gears now.

I love being nice and peaceful but  I swear sometimes, I just wanna dial 1-800-choke-a-hoe.

No, NavySeal is not white.  This is for the folks on the J-O-B who keep asking me ” who dat white man sitting in your car?”

And for the  woman on Facebook who told him” you know NOTHING about the BLACK COMMUNITY!”  LOL…that one still cracks me up.

41/2  months til  KING CAKE TIME!!!

I’m looking forward to turning 50 next year.

I say “no” more often and without guilt….and I LOVE IT!

Are you cooking? NO

Ma, can you bring me uptown? NO

When my dad is his normal self, he’s the sweetest man on earth.

I try to hold on to that thought when he’s doing the cupid shuffle on my last nerve.

These hot flashes and night sweats are beating me down in this southern heat.

I miss my nieces and nephews….most of them are grown now.

I’m gonna have to do a post about that.

My lil doggie Dyson is losing his hair because of the Lupus.

He’s beginning to look like a Chinese Crested-Cocker Spaniel.

I don’t care how he looks. I just want him to feel better.

Looking forward to the Mardi Gras/Superbowl mix.

I’m lining up my weekend’s off right now because I have no intentions on being on anyone’s job.

If it’s not approved, I’m exiting stage left.

That’s the one promise I made to myself…to make nursing work for me and not the other way around.

You give too much of yourself in this profession not to take advantage of its’ shortage.

The Krewe of Nyx told me that, I’m number 1819 and they only admitted 300 more females.

I won’t be getting in the krewe with that number until I’m 70.

I’m still riding in the Krewe of King Arthur though.

It’s hot  and muggy as hell in this city!!

I’m ready for football season

…and remember,

 

WHO DAT!!

What’s going on random with you?

I’m Coo-Coo For Coconuts!

Zulu coconuts 2012

And I gave two of them away!

Mardi Gras was wonderful! We were in a new section of the grandstand seating and it’s much better over there.

We actually had some elbow room.

There’s no elbow room across the street.

Next year, we’ll be picking the same spot.

Got some great throws this year and I’ve also discovered that,

I’m a bead snob.

I check the float to see what kind of beads they’re throwing,

and that decides if I’m going to wave ‘em down or not.

Ya can’t blame me.

After years and years of collecting “generic”beads,

I’m only interested in the good stuff now.

NavySeal got a lot of Saints stuff,

But this one here is my favorite.

Everyone from the area knows that, the running joke during football season was,

the Saints would be in the Super Bowl when pigs fly.

Well, the pig has flown!!

We got in the stands about 7 a.m. and stayed until the truck floats started.

We would have stayed a lil longer but, I have enough throws to last a lifetime.

Or until the newest all female krewe, Krewe of Nyx calls me.

Yep! I’m on the waiting list to become a member of the Krewe of Nyx and I can’t wait for the phone call!

This was their first year parading so, I’m hoping I’m getting in early enough to become a member…wish me luck!

We left the grandstands at 3 p.m., I figured 8 hours out there was more than enough.

The temp was around 73 degrees and it’s just hard to go straight home with weather like that so,

we went and hung out on the bayou like two teenagers and finished off the beer and food we had with us.

Then, we went home and took a nap…like two old people.

I’m glad this season is over,

I’m tired.

Now, it’s festival season with the Soul Festival bringing it in on March 3rd and 4th at the Audubon Zoo.

French Quarter Fest is April 12th-15,

Jazz Fest starts April 27th,

Bayou Boogaloo is May 18th-20th

The Food and Wine Experience begins May 22nd with their grand tasting event on the 25th and 26th (I’ll be there in the 25th)

The Vieux To Do (Cajun-Zydeco Fest, La Seafood Fest and Green Tomato Fest) is June 8th-10th

Essence Fest is July 6th-8th

Satchmo Fest and White Linen Night are running into one another with Satchmo Aug 2nd-5th and White Linen on Aug. 4th

By the time the festivals wind down, it’ll be football season.

We have the Super Bowl here next year,

right in the middle of Mardi Gras.

It’s gonna be a wild ride!

Loving life in the Big Easy!

Fun on Fat Tuesday!

Last year, I didn’t  have a sign…lets see how many I get with one.

Although, they’ll probably be too drunk to read it….