Every year we “islanders” break out our best party costumes for the Mardi Gras tradition. Ironically “Sail Through Scandanavia” was the theme this year, close to the heart of my Swedish daughter-in-law Ika. Wish she could have been there to enjoy; she’s a bit too pregnant this year:) There were so many floats resembling viking ships of old, filled with “norsemen” helmeted with glow-in-the-dark horns. Particularly impressive were the floats donning the likeness of our island’s benefactor George Mitchell, and his successor Tillman Fertitta. The island owes a great deal to these gentlemen, who spent tireless hours and limitless funds resurrecting this wonderful island tradition. Many visitors comment that Galveston Mardi Gras is more “family friendly” than New Orleans, and much closer to Texan’s hearts. My hands-down favorite parade is the “Barkus & Meoux” of course. So many costumed pets, so many contributions to our Galveston Island Humane Society. Children and dogs are in their element.

Of course wherever you find children and dogs, yours truly will be drawn like a magnet. Some of my personal favorites this year were the “merlab”, “human-pup” meets sheepdog and belgian malinois, Doc Fistein and her german, a two-pound teacup chihuahua, a great dane who is a “mama’s boy”, the bumble bee family, and the black standard “angel-poo”.

Let’s not forget the reason for the season, as Fat Tuesday ends the revelry. Hopefully my Galveston neighbors will have a hearty meal at Mario’s on the Seawall, Maceo’s Spice & Import, Papa’s Pizza, or Riondo’s. Proceeds will go toward the spay & neuter effort on the island. Tomorrow Ash Wednesday begins. Many of us go to have ashes placed on our foreheads, reminding us that “from dust thou art, and unto dust thou shall return”. We go forth, trying to be a little better for this knowledge. I, for one, will abstain from “political statements” on Facebook. I will not post any during Lent, and I will not read yours. There is no doubt this has added to the division among my brothers and sisters on FB, and it’s a time for peace to all!