Beads, Beads, and More Beads

Today we attended the Covington parade, a family oriented parade on the outskirts of New Orleans. Lots of fun packed into a small town event. Kids (and adults) going crazy for items being tossed from the floats, including beads, spears, and small food items like Tootsie Rolls & Moon Pies; but mostly beads. Beads of every size, color, and shape. Another tote bag full of the stuff.

Back when I was still working, some of my friends in marketing would refer to such items as "trinkets & trash". Those terms are entirely wrong when judged against everyone's reaction on the receiving end.

At a Mardi Gras parade, everybody starts off cool, calm, and collected. Next thing you know there's a frenzy of activity with people jumping, shouting and in general having a great time. The folks on the floats get into the fun as well, trying to place a well aimed toss of beads, etc to those they deem most worthy. Small kids, big kids, ladies of all types: attractive ladies, young ladies, old ladies, GLM ladies, loud ladies, enthusiastic ladies, etc.

Not nearly as big as the parades in New Orleans but a lot of fun.

After the parade we had some of the best BBQ and spicy cole slaw of the trip so far. I'll ask my sister-in-law for the recipe; she's a great cook.

We plan to get together for a cook-out later, probably this weekend.

I need to buy a grill first. Plus I still need some BBQ supplies.

When we went to Camping World the other day we approached the check-out counter with the shopping cart overflowing. The lady said jokingly "What, was the coach empty?". Matter of fact it was we told her. Next thing you know she and her co-workers launched into a whole series of recomendations for additional equipment, where to stay, places to visit. It took us almost another hour to get out of there while they rang up our purchases and then helped us load the RV. So far, everyone has been really helpful and can't wait to help you. They want to share in the adventure. And of course, it's still fun to tell people we don't have any specific plans/reservations.

I mentioned in another post that my SIL Debbie had platters of shrimp & crawfish, known locally as "Mud Bugs". Here's a picture of MLA and a platter of 'Mud Bugs'.

Extended our site reservation through Sunday night. We want to see New Orleans and the Riverwalk, a few of the plantations and museums in the area.

BTW: The weather has been great. Tonight was warm and breezy with just a hint of humidity; typical of island/seashore weather. Gotta love it.

See ya!