Rolling with my Krewe

All the day long Joie de Vive

Life is very good

Remember I went to the talk last week “Mardi Gras in the South” by the King & Queen and members from Krewe Du Cirque?

I blogged about King Cakes.

Today it’s about Krewes.

So what exactly is a Krewe.

The fanciful spelling of crew is a fabricated term for a Mardi Gras organization. Coined by Comus, a New Orleans Carnival organization, it simulates Old English. Krewe names at first were drawn from Roman, Greek, Norse or Egyptian mythology. A krewe is a group of people who get together to party during Mardi Gras, and faithfully uphold the party spirit throughout the year.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krewe

Bits of information I gained from the talk.

• You normally have to know someone to get into a Krewe. Krewes are a secret society. They don’t advertise. Some Krewes have open membership but most require a member invite, and have long waiting lists. (The Queen from here said she’d been trying for years to get an invite to the a particular Krewe in New Orleans but so far no luck.)
• You don’t have to live in the city to belong to a Krewe. The local Queen said she also belongs to a Krewe in New Orleans.
• Krewes are non-profits, not businesses. They don’t make money. They’re required to do community service during the year to earn their right to parade through the city. And they pay dues.
• Krewe yearly membership dues: some are relatively inexpensive but others can be upwards of $50,000. Membership dues are vital because they need funds to pay for parade permits, building, security, police details, as well as maintaining and storing their title float and their annual Ball. Not all Krewes have their own parade. Some join other’s parades.
• Most Krewes require their members, in addition to their dues, to make or purchase their own costumes and buy what they toss during the parades.
• Mardi Gras Krewes have royalty.
• Each year a new Queen is chosen. (If they choose for energy and vivaciousness then this Queen fit the bill. She was a ball of energy.) One of the queen’s duties is choosing the theme for the ball. Our local queen chose Alice in Wonderland for her theme. The primary responsibility of Mardi Gras Ball Royalty is to represent the Krewe with appropriate levels of Joie de Vivre.

From the Mardi Gras talk.

I absolutely loved the tv show Treme https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treme_(TV_series) so I had to use its opening music. If you ever get the chance to see the show, do. Especially if you like New Orleans music.

Treme Theme Song

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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Mardi Gras down south

Celebrating love of life

Walking on the beach

Down here Mardi Gras is HUGE.

Yesterday I went to the local library’s January Speaker Series. “Mardi Gras in the South”, by the King & Queen and members from Krew Du Cirque!

I’ve talked about Mardi Gras before, I posts from other years.

A wee bit of Mardi Gras background.

• Mardi Gras is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. It was initially celebrated by European Christians as a way to mark the beginning of Lent and to prepare for the fasting period of Easter.
• Now largely a secular festival, Mardi Gras runs between the Feast of Epiphany, January 6, and Ash Wednesday culminating in the revelry of Mardi Gras. The French name Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday, from the custom of using all the fats in the home before Lent in preparation for fasting and abstinence. In Catholic countries, Mardi Gras offered an opportunity for households to consume some foods they would not enjoy until Easter.

In future posts I’ll discuss more about Mardi Gras including what the speakers told us regarding Krewes, balls, parades etc.

But today it’s King Cakes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_cake

What Is A King Cake?

It’s a frosted seasonal treat that Mardi Gras partygoers eat between January 6, otherwise known as King’s Day or Twelfth Night, and Fat Tuesday. Typically, a King Cake is made of a rich, brioche dough and a wide array of fillings, such as cinnamon, chocolate, and cream cheese. But the rainbow magic is found in the glaze and sprinkles, which are usually gold, green, and purple. Even the colors of the icing (and royal colors of Mardi Gras) have a deeper meaning. Gold represents power, green is associated with faith, and purple illustrates justice. A King Cake is baked without a center, like your average Bundt cake, except buried inside the batter is a tiny, plastic baby figurine.

Why Is There A Baby Inside King Cake?

Some believe the plastic baby is symbolic of Baby Jesus because of the religious connection to King’s Day. Others believe the popular New Orleans lore, which suggests that an elaborate cake was served with a bean or ring placed inside during the commemoration of the king’s ball in colonial Louisiana. Whoever found the bean or trinket in his or her slice of cake would be crowned the king or queen of the balls leading up to the lavish finale on Mardi Gras.

Rather than a bean or expensive ring, the plastic effigy is mostly used today as an emblem of good luck. The lucky individual who scores the piece of king cake with the baby inside is said to gain favor, but they’re also tasked with hosting duties and bringing their own king cake for next year’s revelry.

Why Is It Called A King Cake?

The name is derived from the Three Wise Men in the Bible, who came bearing gifts for Baby Jesus.

In our area the top-selling King Cake flavours (according to Rouses Markets) include a list of 10 all-time favourites like strawberry cream cheese, Bavarian cream, praline and apple as well as flavors including caramel, chocolate, cherry, blueberry, cookies and cream, and coconut.

Now you may find this difficult to believe with this being our fourth winter here but yesterday was my first time tasting a King Cake.

Here’s why.

Having looked at King Cakes for years in the local stores I had no desire at all to try them. Their look did not appeal to me, all that coloured sugar. No thanks.

But at the presentation they offered us samples of these King Cakes. And it would have been rude of me to refuse. Right? I mean wouldn’t you have tried one? Or two?

I could have tried both but I was good. I only chose one.

I had the Cheesecake. Which would you have chosen?

I was pleasantly surprised. Not having previously researched them I expected it to be a typical cake, and I’m not fond of cake. This exceeded my expectations. I liked it. But a bit later it didn’t like me. Heartburn. Maybe all that sugar.

If you ever get the chance – try it. Glad I finally did.

Who Got the Baby in the King Cake? – Johnette Downing

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.

Eleanor Brown

Today was The 10th Annual Community Fit Fair +Wellness Open House at the Bodenhamer Recreation Center. It’s our gym so it was easy to attend plus we got the benefit of doing our regular yoga and gym workouts. What’s great was it was open to the whole city, not just gym members, so others could partake in the free classes and the information displays. They also had a room set aside for health screenings (balance, blood pressure, etc.) and a place for donating blood. Covering the bases of self care.

There were various displays from health and wellness organizations/health practitioners/local companies. This was our fourth year attending and it seemed there were fewer displays. That was too bad. Of course there’s nothing like offering free items to get people to view their information. Free note pads, pens, t shirts, jar openers, fridge magnets, plus draws for free goodie baskets and gym memberships.

So we toured the displays, took no more than 10 minutes. Had time so did some cardio before yoga. Only three in the yoga class so that was pretty sweet. New yoga instructor. I always find it more difficult when there’s someone new. How about you? Different instructors have their own routine and this morning I was often a step behind waiting to see what pose was next. Change is good so they say. Whoever they are. I don’t know what happened today but my butt was so sore after her class. She must have had us really work that area.

Back to the gym to finish my workout and then a little lunch.

Early morning snacks were granola bars, fruit, homemade bars, and a berry fruit cocktail. Sorry forgot to take pictures.

Late morning was fruit, Greek salad, and turkey meatballs. I did my best to take some photos so you could see the recipes if you’re interested. Everything was delicious.

A great morning. Exercise, information, and healthy eating. What could be better.

I try to be healthy. Not always but most of the time. I exercise, eat healthy (mostly), read, do brain puzzles, and get lots of sleep. I do try. I guess that’s the important part, that I keep at it. That’s what we need to do. Keep at it. In moderation. Haha.

Yesterday my son, Jared, introduced me to this artist. I listened to a few of his and thought you might enjoy this one. It made me smile and that’s also a part of self care.

Barbie Girl – Charles Berthoud

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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And just like that my birthday is over and I’ve entered a new decade. I fretted about it for months but now that it’s passed I don’t feel quite so disturbed by it. Actually I feel kind of like the same old me. It’s when I think about that number that things unravel, my mind wanders to realm of life expectancy, and then I feel uneasy.

Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been.

Jimmy Buffet

Guess I’ve smiled a great deal in my life. 😃

We are always the same age inside.

Gertrude Stein

Now that I believe.

How many of you still feel young? I bet all of you. I sure do.

Young at heart.

In my mind I’m still young. In my mind I feel the same, act the same, and look the same. Until I pass a mirror. Or get out of bed in the morning, or from a chair if I’ve been sitting too long. Those are toughies. Yes in my mind I’m still young, just my face and my body don’t realize that.

Hmmm. I really like that one. I don’t have to get old. Yes I like it. Now I just have to keep remembering it.

You can tell I’m trying to be more open and positive to this new decade.

I gave myself three days of birthday delights as I was dreading this birthday so much. Pre Birthday, Birthday, and Post Birthday. So today was my last day.

No gym today. Took it off. Oh my. What a wonderful morning. Nice to have a day like that once in a while. Nothing to do. Oh wait. I did three loads of laundry. Oh and cleaned the bathroom.Then we went for a walk. Does it appear to you that I issues with sitting around relaxing?

But I did eventually take it easy.

Relaxed this afternoon on the deck with tea and a book. Ahhhh

I wanted to post this afternoon so can’t describe my evening delights but this evening we’re invited to dinner at Joanne and Jean’s, friends from Michigan who we met down here in 2019. My last bit of birthday delights. It’s always such fun visiting with them.

Young at Heart – Frank Sinatra

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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Birthday in Gulf Shores

January twenty-four

No card from the King

Haiku – Richard Pack

Birthday here and almost gone. Good. Can’t say I’m feeling any better about that number but hopefully I’ll gradually improve.

Comics help.

As does positivity from friends.

After yesterday’s blog I had many share their wise words. Here’s some.

*Wish I was there to have a toast 🥂 & wonder at the amazing year 2024 will be for the totally cool 😎 new 70 year olds.

* If you weren’t this age you wouldn’t have that sweet little grandson.

*I always think, enjoy it as some don’t get to celebrate this day. Eat the cake and ice cream 🤣

*Welcome to my decade! We are so lucky to have good health and, despite some challenges, a blessed life. 🌹 🌹🌹🌹❤️

All true words. Hopefully I’ll graciously grasp their sage advice.

This line comes to mind.

“… I’m in the depths of despair. Can you eat when you are in the depths of despair?”…

Anne of Green – L.M. Montgomery

I’m not really in the depths of despair. But whatever I’m in it doesn’t affect my desire to eat.

What an absolutely fabulous way to start the day. Thanks Richard.

Again started the day with the gym. Must keep active.

Then, as it’s my day, we went to the Tanger Outlet Mall for some browsing and my birthday Starbucks drink.

Hey. It’s a birthday rewards and it’s free so why not enjoy a Venti.

Then to Marshals. I bought nothing but always enjoy looking.

Richard’s not a fan of Mexican food but as it’s my day (taking full advantage of that 😉) and as he’s a good sport we went to Cactus Cantina.

Their Fajitas? Yummy. And their Margaritas? Delicious.😋 I kept getting brain freezes but hey, they don’t last long. Guess I should have sipped slower.

Thank you family and friends for your lovely birthday wishes. Great to hear from so many.

Birthday wishes (I received their presents earlier) from my children and my grandson topped off my day. Love them so much.

Growing Older – JJ Heller

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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Age is just a number …

Cicely Tyson

Yeah right.

Don’t believe that for a minute.

At least not right now.

I’ve been dreading tomorrow for months. I hate to even say that number. 70 😩

I know. I know. Age is just a number blah blah blah. But not a number I’m liking. I guess in my mind I’ve always thought of 70 as OLD. Just thinking that number makes me feel old. 😝

Nothing I can do about it. It’s almost here. And I am not a happy camper. But then I never was a fan of camping. Haha.

The funny thing is that I don’t feel old until I think of that number. Maybe I should just think the number 50. That sounds so much better. Although it certainly didn’t when I turned 50. Hated that number too. And come to think of it I didn’t enjoy turning 30. I see a pattern emerging. But I was fine with 60. The mind is a curious thing. Or maybe my mind is a curious thing.

So for my pre birthday we did our normal yoga and gym. Great workouts. Love yoga. Treadmill is a necessary, not an actual joy. Thank goodness for TV screens on each treadmill.

Then off to The Wharf in Orange Beach for a few pre birthday delights.

Sounthern Grind for lunch.

A little 15 minute walk about and then to the AMC Classic Wharf 15 to see The Color Purple.

Hmmm. I realize it got rave reviews and although it had all the elements, compelling story, and wonderful singing, dancing, and acting, for some reason it didn’t grab me. For me, no memorable songs. No songs to hum or sing as I left the theatre. But that’s just my opinion.

Next stop – Kilwins for ice cream.

My favourite flavour down here: Chocolate Peanut Butter.

And to top it off good friends dropped by the house with flowers and a card. How sweet of them.

And one you’d never expect me to post.

Rappers Delight – The Sugarhill Gang

Take care and stay healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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And they did. At least last night. We made sure all taps were dripping. No frozen pipes.

This morning we were heading out the door for the gym and the door wouldn’t lock. Electronic door lock. Never expected that. An hour later, no problem. But due to having that late departure we missed going to a talk on the Civil War that we had planned on attending. Can’t win ‘em all.

“Always look on the bright side of life”.

Had to quote those lyrics as on Sunday we attended a performance of the musical Spamalot presented by the local community theatre group.

Bright side today? We went to yoga, walked our steps, had lunch at Happy Pappys, and took our time looking for books at the library. Nice to do that once in a while.

Hopefully just one more night of dripping taps.

Now today seemed cool. But we didn’t find it outrageous, between 1 & 3 C. Back home it’s around that temperature but feels much colder with the wind chill. Today I wore my leggings and a sweater while Richard still wore his shorts. It would have to be extremely cold for him to give those up. Locals? Winter jackets, hats, gloves. They were freezing. All depends on what you’re used to.

Snug and warm in the house for the rest of the day. No sitting on the deck. At least not for me.

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Spamalot

Stay safe and healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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Ain’t that the truth.

Let’s compare the weather reports I read this morning for Summerside, PEI and Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Today Summerside goes down to -2C and Gulf Shores down to -6C.

Somethings wrong with this picture. Unbelievable. I’m down south. I should be warm.

And read these.

They even announced that some schools will be closed tomorrow due to the freezing rain. Sound like home?

Not looking for sympathy. And certainly no need to be jealous of us.

Tonight we need to turn on all the faucets and have them drip so the pipes don’t freeze. The house is on stilts and I don’t think houses down here do much for insulation.

So that’s it for today. Fingers crossed no burst pipes.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s update.

Cold Weather Blues – Muddy Waters

Take care and stay healthy (and warm).

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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If you read yesterday’s blog I said I’d tell you the reason for the walk.

And the reason is. (Drum roll please.)

We joined the Walk the Line >>>>Steps Challenge.

Every January the Bodenhamer Recreation Center has a challenge. They also have challenges throughout the year but I think they have this one specifically with Snowbirds in mind.

https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/1162/David-L-Bodenhamer-Recreation-Center

We love this facility. There is a multitude of classes/activities.

They put out a new schedule every month but it usually remains quite consistent.

Amenities include:

INDOOR HEATED POOL WITH LAP LANES
AQUACLIMB WALL
OUTDOOR CHILDRENS WADING POOL
FITNESS & WATER AEROBICS CLASSES
WEIGHT & CARDIO ROOMS

GAME AREAS
INDOOR WALKING TRACK
SAUNAS
MENS & WOMENS LOCKER ROOMS BOYS & GIRLS LOCKER ROOMS RACQUETBALL COURTS

TENNIS & PICKLEBALL COURTS

REGULATION SIZE GYMNASIUM

Wowzers. Quite the spot. More than we’ll ever use. Plus they offer even more programs. Too many to mention here.

So back to yesterday’s reason.

The Challenge: Walk 190 miles or 380,000 steps in 60 days. (They state an average of 6,333 steps a day will accomplish this.)

Cute catch phrase: Walk our state’s width while reducing yours!

Ha! I’ll believe that when I see it.

Off to a great start. So far we’re ahead of the game. We’re walking more than the recommended daily steps. To keep track they have a binder at the main desk where you can record your steps but you can also email them your steps for them to do the recording. Pretty easy. Of course I keep a spreadsheet on my phone and input them each day for my own personal account. Then record them at the rec center the next day.

And my music selection? I mean really. How could I not use this song.

I Walk the Line – Johnny Cash

Stay safe and healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

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In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.

John Muir

Yesterday we went to Gulf State Park and enjoyed a nice, long walk. Hmmm. Most of it was enjoyable.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_State_Park

https://mygulfstatepark.com/

Richard enjoys communing with nature. Me? Not so much. But as it was a warm, sunny day I was ok with it. I’m a warm weather walker. Perfect. And not many bugs this time of year and that suits me just fine.

Gulf State Park is lovely. Lots of trails. Boardwalks on land and over water.

On our excursion these posted signs caught my attention. There were many of them. Signs that is. Not alligators or snakes. Never saw one. I could pass on the snakes but would have liked to have seen an alligator.

Now the park also posts these signs regarding what you can/might see.

Right.

Well this is what we saw.

I guess better than nothing.

Now I know myself. And I know I often need to find bathrooms. And use them whenever I do find them. Even if I’m sure I don’t have to. You never know when the next one will be available. Famous last words.

We were about 3.5 k into our walk and oh yes. I needed to go. Passed a sign that said .7 miles to the Interpretive Centre. So walk a little faster and hold on. Gritting my teeth and honestly not a happy camper. Whew made it. No no no no no. Washrooms closed. Give me a break. Middle of the day and the centre was closed. So off to the next building.

Hallelujah. Success. Washrooms open. Not the cleanest but at that point I did not care. When a girl’s gotta go, a girl’s gotta go.

At least this made the walk back to the car much more enjoyable. And me in a more pleasant mood.

The after walk treat was a Starbucks Matcha Tea Latte and the new Potato, Cheddar, and Chive Bites. The bites were good but I won’t have them again. I prefer their egg bites.

Enjoyed the rest of the afternoon reading on the deck.

And to top it off we had a lovely meal and evening with our friends Joanne and Jean. Can’t ask for more than that.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post. I’ll let you in on the reason for this walk.

All is Love – Karen O (from Where the Wild Things Are)

Stay safe and healthy.

As always, thanks for your interest and thank you for reading.

I invite you to click Follow or Subscribe to receive timely updates, Like to show your love and support, Share my post on your social media site, and /or Comment here.