Mardi Gras has ended here on the Gulf Coast. Mobile, AL, claims to be the origin of Mardi Gras in the US, as a former French-Catholic colony in 1703. Liz and I have visited New Orleans for Mardi Gras often to enjoy the carnival atmosphere and the music. I don't get the "bead throws" and moon pies, but it's part of the tradition and the kids love to play with the beads. "Laissez les bon temps roulez" or "Let the good times roll" down south!