Random thoughts:

* My gram is in the hospital in Florida. Thank God I'll be down there in a few days to see what's going on and help support everyone. Say a prayer.

* According to local news, this morning--for the first time in 36 days--the temperature was above freezing. It's supposed to hit 50 or so. Our sidewalks and steps are clear (thanks to my neighbor John who I suppose took pity on us. I bought him a box of Italian cookies from our neighborhood bakery and wrote him a nice thank you note), but I'm hoping the warmer temps will thaw the ice on our driveway.

* The girl and I are toying with the idea of joining a gay ice skating social group. Should be pretty entertaining.


* I hear Mardi Gras is going swimmingly this year--the crowds are back, they're spending their money, and the Krewes and their floats are as sassy and creative as ever. There's a good write-up HERE about all the festivities. I toyed with going this year, but it's just too busy with other travel. I DID buy a King Cake the other day--which was fabulous. But for New Orleanians--Mardi Gras is a most welcome respite. Here's what B.Rox had to say today: "For the last 364 days, life here may have sucked for most of us, but on this one day (at least) there’s no place I’d rather be than New Orleans. We got up early, we had a good breakfast, we’re rocking out, we’re getting into costume, we’re hitting the streets. Happy Mardi Gras." My buddy Frolic is getting into the spirit, too.

* Learned a little while ago that the girl and I will be traveling to NYC to watch Rosie and the girls on "The View" in a few weeks. Fun!