We were so inept with our digital cameras that we couldn't catch King Tut with all of his LiveWire strobing at the same time, so I borrowed this photo from Julie Schrader. We're lucky she only drinks bottled water!

Because for those five days we spend at Mardi Gras, it's all lights on, all colors flashing. All memories resting on the tucked away and hidden treasure of the French Quarter in New Orleans.

Friends tell me about their vacations. They walked around. They took pictures. They come home and say what a nice time they had. They saw Shamu!

They've got no idea what a golden treasure I've got going with you guys.

I tell them, you've got to go to Mardi Gras with me. Until they do, they'll just never get it.

Every Mardi Gras I spend in New Orleans is a parallel to the celebration itself. Always overabundant, over the top excesses of great memories and even greater friendships made around a celebration of life. Colors, sounds, parades, beauty all contribute to an overdose to normal sensations. Unforgettable.

To all I've met because of it, to new and old members of this family, I send out a big THANK YOU from the Krewe of Tuba.

We love you all.