Strike up the party, band.

Meekly, I ask your indulgence.

I held out for as long as I could.

I promise you that it built character to resist the constant temptation.

But alas, you can only keep a horse away from water for so long and you can only keep a N'Awlins guy away from Mardi Gras pics for so long. It has been quite a while since I posted and out-of-the-season Mardi Gras post. But with the New Year peeking around the corner, the new Mardi Gras season is just a few weeks away.

Indulge me, please.

After all, I didn't put a float picture or a picture of beads or any of that. Instead, today, I salute the bands, and dance groups and a myriad of other players that make it all happen. It's all part of the biggest party on earth. Mardi Gras Day is February 24 in 2009, but the parades start the last week in January.

Thanks.

I got it out of my system.

I should be able to go another week or so without another post of a Mardi Gras picture.

--steve buser

Technorati Tags: Mardi Gras, 2009, parades, excitement, New Orleans, floats

Pedestrian Friendly without the pedestrians.

The New Orleans sun has quit trying to peek under the live oaks on St. Peter St. along side Jackson Square.

The French Quarter street has been turned into a walkway along here, making the Quarter more pedestrian friendly.

This night, passing showers had shined up the stone walkway and left a breezy evening, perfect for browsing the shops along the walk. Unfortunately, the showers scared away the crowds for awhile, leaving this deserted looking view for the New Orleans Landmark.

--steve buser

Waiting to serve

Even a passing shower at sunset can slow down tourism traffic and leave a carriage driver waiting for a fare on a pleasant fall night in front of Jackson Square in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Notice the JAX sign in the background -- the converted old brewery is mostly empty -- a few of signs lights are missing -- probably caused from Hurricane Gustav's nearby passage earlier this year.

--steve buser