Mystics of Time Mardi Gras Parade (sans bal)

This past Saturday was the parade day for the Palestine chapter of the Mystics of Time Mardi Gras Organization.  They followed a slightly shortened parade route from city-wide parades, which I think is a good idea.

Every year, they bring a bit of NOLA to East Texas in a wonderful way.  The Mystics of Time also hold a Ball each year.  Sadly, we were not invited this year, so no pictures.  They always have live music and a bar.  You can also byob.  They're a great bunch of people.

Before the parade, there had been a progressive Cajun cooking taste tour (with wine, of course) across downtown Palestine.  Different chefs demonstrated traditional Cajun cooking for the adventurous crowds.  Wines from local to semi-local wineries were also there at each cooking location.  It was fun.  It followed the longstanding tradition at this time of year of the 5 F's:  Food, Fun, Friends, Family, and Fermentation!

Carmine Santone from Switch Brick Oven Pizza and Wine Bar

Things are really "cooking" in Palestine these days.  There's usually something great going on around holiday time.  come see for yourself.

Simon Webster from Sabor a Pasion

The Old Sod (not me, Ireland)

Thank you, Helen Nutter.

A little while back, my wife, Kathy, was talking to her mother who dropped a bombshell on us.  She was offering to pay our way to visit Ireland along with Kathy's sister and her husband.  Wow!  That is sooo freaking amazingly generous.  I have wanted to travel to Ireland since I was a young man, but I have never made it.  Next August...we go!

My passport? Up to date and check.  Her passport?  Expired a couple of years ago.  But now renewed so check!  Luggage?  Good to go.  Clothes?  Who cares.  We're going to Ireland.

Prompted by this, I decided to get onto Ancestry.com and ferret out my family roots.  Haven't gotten too far yet, but I'll keep ya' posted.

Did  I mention we're going to Ireland next August?