I'm certain my northern friends don't want to read this, but it's freezing here in Tampa Bay, Florida.

In less than a week, we've gone from weather in the high 70's to the low 40's... which happens to be cold!

Even the PUGS, who happen to love the cooler weather took a few steps into the yard, turned around and came back inside this morning, which means that I had to put on a few layers of clothing and accompany them around the block a few times to TCB.

The remainder of the day is gonna be spent indoors, heat on high, drinking coffee, cooking (anything as long as the oven stays lit), and finishing the work I took home for the weekend.

The new template celebrating Mardi Gras is finally up and running. I was glad to finally tone down things a bit, since the bright yellow of the last template was beginning to give me a headache.

Although many countries and American cities celebrate Mardi Gras, the focus this year will be on New Orleans with everyone seeming to have a different opinion as to whether or not they should be celebrating after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Personally, I'm glad they're decided to hold the annual event.

This will certainly not be a celebration of the devastation. It will, on a much smaller scale begin to rebuild the economy that is so badly needed at this time.

After all, New Orleans was dependant on the tourist dollar to keep it's economy flowing; it has to begin somewhere.

There are usually 56 parades held the month leading up to Mardi Gras. This year, there are only 18.

The first parades roll out Saturday at noon ......
There will be five parades; one following the other in the following order:

The Krewe of Pontchartrain
The Krewe of Shangri-La
The Krewe of Pygmalion
The Krewe of Sparta
The Krewe of Pegasus