We all wanted to be in that number on Fat Tuesday, when our Mardi Gras Saints marched in the dining room. New Orleans couldn’t have been more festive, as purple, green and gold streamers and balloons shimmered from the doorways, tables and even our masks and beads around our neck.
Our Resident New Orleans native, Betty, led us in clapping and toe tapping as the Dixieland music swept us away. Cheers erupted as the Mardi Court arrived. King John and Queen Gerda officially declared the beginning of Mardi Gras.
With remnants of our Paczki breakfast still lingering in our memories, we persevered to continue our day of feasting with Gumbo, red beans and rice, King’s Cake and Hurricanes.
Most of us successfully filled every inch of our stomachs. But, Sr. Mary Timothy didn’t want us to go away empty handed – without chocolate. Our parting gift from her was a Giant Hershey or Snicker Bar – completely fulfilling our Fat Tuesday Feast.
Oh When the Saints, Come Marching in….