Mardi Gras Galveston 2016

Aloha Everyone,

Mardi Gras, also called Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday in English, refers to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Three King's Day and ends on the day before Ash Wednesday.

Galveston Mardi Gras is the biggest in the state of Texas. Masks, banners and beads of purple (justice), green (faith) and gold (power) that are symbols of celebrations are visible in restaurants and business establishments.

Several public parades and balcony parties are planned for this weekend. A cheerful cashier at the supermarket recommended that we get there early and leave during the daylight hours before the party goers "get out of control." She further added that last year her boyfriend got so drunk that he couldn't recall where he parked his truck. He also lost his phone. Not to worry, J.J. and I usually are settled for the night by no later than 4:00 pm.

Mardi Gras dishes such as muffuletta, King cake, beignets and gumbo are being advertised.

For lunch, J.J. and I returned to Shrimp 'N Stuff, one of our favorite seafood places in downtown for a medley of ala carte plates including shrimp gumbo.

For dinner I am having a healthy vegetarian selection while J.J. is enjoying roast chicken from a local deli.

Aloha -- Cathi

East End Historic District, Galveston

Aloha Everyone,

Quite by accident, J.J. and I stumbled onto the East End Historic District of Galveston. This is one of six historic districts and contains one of the largest and historically significant collection of buildings. The district encompass over 50 city blocks.

Some buildings have been restored to their original beauty while others are left to weather and decay. On our next visit to Galveston, I would like us to allocate time to visit a few of the churches, government buildings and private mansions that offer guided tours. http://www.eastendhistoricdistrict.org/district.html

J.J. and I designated today as our cleaning day starting with Honu. Back at Bayou Shore RV Resort on the Offatts Bayou where we stayed neatly a year ago, we did two loads of laundry. A friendly and functional RV park, we are also catching up on news and reading using their reliable WiFi connection.

I made our dinner salad comprised of heart of Romaine lettuce, avocado, baby Swiss cheese, Bartlett pear and toasted almonds. For the main course, J.J. prepared pasta with Pesto sauce and Parmesan cheese.

Aloha -- Cathi

To Galveston Island State Park

Aloha Everyone,

J.J.'s description of Venezia's Garden Italian Restaurant in Bay City is, "Quality Neapolitan cuisine in the middle of nowhere." Truly the unexpected quality of food served was authentic and exceptional.

J.J.'s Shrimp Scampi.

Cathi's Eggplant Parmesan

Our meal was $29, inclusive of tip. It was well worth the value.

Texas Route 35 from the Goose Island State Park to the town of Alvin was flat, two way traffic, with scattered bayous that are refuge to birds and other wildlife. The drive is monotonous yet requires extra alertness and mindfulness.

J.J. and I are delighted to be back on Galveston Island. Honu's accommodation for the night is by the bay in the Galveston Island State Park.

We count our blessings as we were captivated by the incredible colors of the sky and sea as the sun slowly disappeared and the darkness enveloped our world.

Aloha -- Cathi

Aircraft Carrier Lexington, Texas A-1 Steaks & Seafoods & Goose Island State Park

Aloha Everyone,

Our excitement increased when we saw the U.S.S. Lexington from the causeway bridge.

Nicknamed, "The Blue Ghost" the ship was renamed to commemorate the U.S.S. Lexington that had been lost in the Battle of the Coral Sea.

In the early 1950's the ship was modernized and reactivated as an attack carrier. Lexington was decommissioned in 1991. It is now designated  a National Historic Landmark, a museum ship in Corpus Christi. J.J. and I paid $25.90 for our entrance plus $3 for parking Honu. We were given a small handout which illustrated 5 self-guided tour routes.

Mike, an enthusiastic volunteer from Iowa was on hand at the section of the Pearl Harbor exhibits to answer our questions. During the summer months, according to Mike, they get about 500 visitors a day. Today we had nearly the entire ship to ourselves to look around and reflect.

Texas A-1 Steaks & Seafoods was the delightful lunch stop for us. J.J.'s T-bone was prepared to perfection and my American-style Greek Salad served with Raspberry vinaigrette was most enjoyable. Our server, Angie showered us with a genuine Texas hospitality!  We would drive extra miles to return when we are back in this part of Texas.

Goose Island State Park is located between Aransas and St. Charles Bay. The park is popular with anglers and bird watchers. We were given an option of ocean front or woods to choose from. Our choice of the wooded area is beautiful and peaceful.

Aloha -- Cathi