Saturday, February 4, 2012

I opted out of the parade today

The annual first Mardi Gras Parade in the area kicked off in Ocean Springs today. 

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I participated last year by riding and tossing necklaces from the refuge’s float last year. (All of tonight’s photos are from then)

57 MS Sandhill Crane NWR

I had a very enjoyable time doing that last year, but I chose not to do it this year.

57 MS Sandhill Crane NWR1

It was one of those experiences that I was glad that I had, but this year I volunteered to stay back and run the visitor’s center instead.  I’ve been in a lot of parades in my life, but this one was like no other.  Mardi Gras folks are a different species, I’m thinking.

57 MS Sandhill Crane NWR2

Besides, there were quite a few volunteers and interns on the refuge that have never had this experience.  I wished them well, and quietly manned the VC and talked to our visitors.  Luckily, the forecasted rain held off, and today’s parade was as exciting as last year’s. 

I’ve decided to not move, and just stay in the site I’m in here in the volunteer village.  I’ll leave that nice site I had last year for Diana and John to move into next weekend.  It’s been warm enough here for little plants to begin blooming, so I’ll  be starting my photo documentation of the blooming trails pretty soon.  That will get me out of the VC.  Yahoo!

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

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23 comments:

  1. Susan and BobFebruary 4, 2012 at 7:09 PM

    I look forward to your "blooming trails" photo's. I would have chosen working the visitor center over the parade as well. Life is crazy enough without going out of my way to see the real life reruns.

    Just BS! (Bob and Sue)

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  2. JerryCFebruary 4, 2012 at 7:16 PM

    Throw me something!!! Glad you had a good day. Everyone should do "ONE" Mardi Gras parade.

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  3. Alan and Marilyn McMillanFebruary 4, 2012 at 7:32 PM

    I agree -- Mardi Gras folks are a different species...LOL!

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  4. Donna KFebruary 4, 2012 at 7:36 PM

    I've never seen or been involved in anything Mardi Gras but it sure looks interesting and colorful. I think once would be plenty though!! Looking forward to seeing some of your blooming plant pictures.

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  5. NanFebruary 4, 2012 at 7:47 PM

    looking forward to flower pics. Would you believe the daffs are getting taller and the buds are showing their brave faces. Poor things....

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  6. Dennis and DonnaFebruary 4, 2012 at 7:55 PM

    Glad you didn't have to throw ME something....I'm running out of "get out of jail free" cards...Good choice on not moving.

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  7. GypsyFebruary 4, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    I'm sure looking forward to flowers blooming. Here in the Sacramento area some plants bloom just about all year round - I've had a few roses on a bush since I've lived here, but they are kind of scraggly by now. I want to see daffodils and things like that. Actually I think I'm homesick for spring plants of the eastern US.

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  8. SherryFebruary 4, 2012 at 8:48 PM

    Great shots of the parade. Looks like fun but I'd think once is enough as well. Glad to hear your moving decision is made. Now on to those bloomin' pictures!

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  9. MerikayFebruary 4, 2012 at 8:54 PM

    I remember the parade. It's hard to believe it has been a whole year!

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  10. The Good Luck DuckFebruary 4, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    SHOW US YOUR TITMICE! You know, for beads.

    Roxanne
    The Good Luck Duck

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  11. Muffy's MarksFebruary 4, 2012 at 9:17 PM

    I hear you about the parade, been there, done that!! Can't wait for those new bloom photos!

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  12. Chuck and Anneke's RV travelsFebruary 4, 2012 at 9:34 PM

    Parade looks like fun and I am sure your fellow volunteers appreciated you taking the "watch":)

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  13. Sue and DougFebruary 4, 2012 at 10:01 PM

    the parade looked like it would have been fun!..a parade like no other!!..nice photo of you with all the beads!!

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  14. ErinFebruary 5, 2012 at 5:32 AM

    Once with the parade would have been enough for me, too ... quiet day at the refuge would have been my choice.

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  15. Texas Yellow RoseFebruary 5, 2012 at 7:27 AM

    Gosh, I'd buy just about anything from that little fellar at the top! What a great shot!

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  16. PageFebruary 5, 2012 at 9:14 AM

    Roxanne - you made me laugh out loud with that comment!! How about flashing the blue-footed boobies??

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  17. Karen and AlFebruary 5, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    oh that Roxanne....you just never know what she's going to say next!!

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  18. Nannie & BubbaFebruary 5, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    Yes, Mardi Gras is fun the first 20 years or so, but as I get older, it's losing its luster... Too much noise, too crowded... We don't go to parades at all any more, but we sure used to enjoy them! And that Roxanne! hah! Made me laugh out loud!

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  19. UnknownFebruary 5, 2012 at 11:50 AM

    Mardi Gras is such a crazy celebration. I love all the beads and bright colors and crazy masks.

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  20. butterbean carpenterFebruary 5, 2012 at 11:53 PM

    Howdy Judy & Emma,
    You have a heart of gold, girl, letting the others have the 'joy' of the wild
    folks at the parade.. I never had the 'pleasure' of Mardi Gras NOR DID I EVERWANT IT, even in my younger days.. My friends wenta nd came home with bunches of junk and wild tales and HANGEMOVERZ SOMEWHAT!!AIIEEEEE,I GARONTEE!!
    I just never could see that kind of 'fun'...

    Spring is coming early down there this year, seems like..

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  21. cajunvilleFebruary 6, 2012 at 7:06 AM

    July, looks like you have a great time. Mardi Gras and its citizens are a different species; like no other! Everyone should ride in a parade at least once. It is an experience that begs for a description, you've got to experience it. After that it is people watching time. Happy Mardi Gras to All!!!

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  22. RickFebruary 6, 2012 at 10:59 AM

    Thought for sure you'd go dressed up as a 'Bird of Paradise'!

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