Fat Tuesday and Getting Ready

Summerdale, AL.

51 deg. clear, no wind.

Forecast = Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain. High of 70F. Winds from the SSW at 5-15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.


The day started out with Jim and Linda getting me ready to travel. Linda did a load of laundry and started to put "stuff" away and Jim did some of the same before going outside to checked my tires and fluid levels. Then, after the laundry was done, he added a little water to my fresh water tank, dumped my black and gray water tanks and put all the hoses away.

About 4:45 they headed over to the clubhouse for the last of the Mardi Gras celebrations. Yesterday was what they call "Fat Tuesday", and its the last day to party and eat before Lent begins.

The festivities started with the arrival of the King and Queen. After they paraded around in the clubhouse, the excellent evening meal was served. It consisted of meat loaf, mashed potatoes w/gravy, green beans, salad and drinks. There were also skits, costume contests, and music from a band to fill out the evening.

Jim and Linda said that it seemed like a good time was had by all. : )

If you ever get a chance to get down in this area in February, try to time it so you'll be here for Mardi Gras. There's something going on almost every day in the area, it's a fun time and you can party and eat as much as you like. Both Jim and Linda are glad that they extended our time here to experience it. : )

Today we'll be leaving the Plantation, but we'll be back. It would have been nice if Jim and Linda would have been able to spend more time with Darrell and Judy, but being that it was such a busy time here at the park, that just didn't happen. : (  Hopefully, we'll meet up with them again soon.

Since we'll be traveling, I have no idea if I'll be able to post on this blog every day or not. If you don't hear from me for a day or so, don't worry, I'll catch you up on my wanderings as soon as possible.

Did you know that the last Tuesday before Lent developed a variety of different traditions depending on what country one was living in?

The one commonality was that all these traditions were indulgent! In English, for example, a feast of pancakes was served. In France, Mardi Gras -- meaning "Fat Tuesday" -- was especially indulgent, reminiscent of ancient Roman times.