It's Carnival time!

The season is upon us! With a rare race-free weekend, we spent three days partying.
First, my plans to study Friday night were canned when I got an unexpected text that an old friend was in town. We immediately drove out to meet him and got drinks at Mimi's in the Marigny. We planned to meet at Bacchanal, but they had a line to enter -  a line. To get into a bar. Please. This is New Orleans. I will just go to, oh, one of a thousand other venues with drinks and live music!
Then, as we were saying our goodbyes, who should walk by but - my brother? It was his birthday, so...we stayed out even later!
I know it might seem odd that a brother of mine just happens to walk by and it just happens to be his birthday, but remember, there are seven of them. So odds are actually pretty high.

I made up for missed studying on Saturday, but I had to finish up in time to steam my dress for the Thoth ball. I re-wore one of my favorite dresses, a gray one-shoulder column embellished with feathers. Its unique neckline and subtle shimmer always get compliments.

Feathers! 

The ball made me question everything about New Orleans as usual. I am just not sure I get Mardi Gras. Sorry, folks.

Here's the part where you bow to royalty, except it's all fake.

With my handsome date

But I do get king cake! Sunday was a potluck of the sweetest sort - all king cakes!

I brought a homemade one, and we had a total of twenty to taste. I didn't try them all, but I did sample a few old favorites (Manny Randazzo's) and new specialties (Sucre salted caramel; Cake Cafe's apple and goat cheese).
And then I basically rolled out of there! King cake is delicious, but a few slivers will put you in a sugar coma.

The parades are already rolling, so we're close to being in the thick of the season. Happy carnival!