Preparations for Carnival
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This week will be spent consecrated in preparations for Mardi Gras weekend. Technically, “Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday.” We have gotten lax in calling the whole season “Mardi Gras.” My grandmother never made that mistake; the season is, and for her always was, carnival. She loved carnival. When I hear that word uttered with a NOLA-accent (“cah-nivul”), I think of her.
Already done: The stringed huggies have been located; Mardi Gras tunes have been loaded on my iPod; the wheeled ice chest has been taken down from the attic; the hand-warmers are on stand-by; and arrangements have been made for a parking spot and table along the route of Endymion and a baby sitter for Saturday has been lined up.
To do: general grocery shopping and house cleaning; a trip to Hi Do Bakery in Gretna to buy a king cake in the shape of a crab (look at this thing–how can I resist?):
beer and ice purchased; cook jambalaya for Bacchus; procure seated ladder:
(Photo credit: Jenni Lawson, NPR.)
Oh, and pick up friends from the airport on Friday.
This will be my friends’ first visit back to NOLA since Katrina. They’ll want to see the “Katrina tour.” It will be their daughter’s first carnival. And Sun’s too. They have matching ladder t-shirts.
The anticipation my friends and I have for this carnival is great. Greater, in fact, than I can recall feeling in a long time. Even CS, the self-proclaimed “Mardi Grinch” has decided to stop hating Mardi Gras and revel in our city’s unique offering.
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
That king cake looks fantastic!! You’re right it is something that HAS to be picked up.
Don’t forget to gather up bead bags!!
Oh that crab cake looks amazing.. I hope you have a great time with your friend visiting!!
Oh man!!! I so want to go. My favorite time of the year to be in New Orleans. And even better now because I won’t be blowing off finals to attend.
I wish I was there! Have a blast!
Is that cake a crab cake? Or just a cake in the shape of a crab? It sounds like you are all set to have an amazing weekend! You must be thrilled! Happy preparations
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Oooh. Jambalaya. I think it’s time for me to try this recipe again. The last time I made it was about 4 years ago and it took me HOURS. But it was to die for. Yum.
I guess the Westbank is truly the Bestbank. Bite all you Eastbankers.
I know where you can buy some ladder seats. I was eyeing just the other day going down Jeff hwy. I fear my kids would fling themselves from the top. They are not known for sitting still.
Your sense of anticipation is palatable. Can’t wait to hear some more stories and see more photos. All the best of fun for you, family, and friends.
Wow! This is the first time that I get to see a crab like cake. I wouldn’t have been able to resist buying it either if I happened to see one.
So glad I found your blog! I too live in New Orleans, and am prepping for the Mardi Gras weekend (having already enjoyed last weekend)! Just thought I would pop in and say Hi!, nice to meet you, and Happy Mardi Gras Season! Let the good times roll!
I have NEVER seen a king cake in the shape of a crab! That is beyond cool!
I’m homesick, now.
Thanks for the rice tips! I’ll let you know how it goes.
I have this undying desire to completely bling out a ladder. I’m sure none of my family would want to be near it, but it’d be fun to do…until Linus refused to get in it. She was all about sitting in a ladder until she realized it was much more fun to freak Mommy out by leaning backwards on Daddy’s shoulders.
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