I emerge from my cave. Rain Math. The luck of the Irish (Parade). Spring Break arrives in NOLA

I awoke this morning to the gentle pitter patter of yet another deluge. As of noon today, New Orleans had received 5.82 inches of rain since Monday. In terms of snowfall, just to give you an idea. 1 inch of rain normally translates into 10 (yes thats TEN) inches of snow. So for the week, New Orleans would have received 58 inches of snow. All thanks to a cold front that refused to budge.

Around noon a stranger appear at my window. The SUN. OMG, my BFF!! Just in time for the first St. Pat's Parade.

I finally emerged from hiding around 4 and headed to the Martin Wine Cellar for 4 at 4 on Friday, but they were tasting the same wines and the appetizers didn't interest me.

I ended up at Superior Seafood since I was going to catch the St. Charles trolley downtown. A dozen oysters ($6) (the best deal in town) and a glass of Sauv. Blanc and I headed out to catch my ride.

52 minutes later I finally boarded a trolley. For some reason they quit running for 30 minutes or so in either direction. When I asked the driver what was up, he said he had no clue.

Arriving downtown, the French Quarter was teeming people. Families, conventioneers, tourists and locals were all over. Bourbon, Royal, Chartes and Decatur were all packed. One of the reasons, Friday night. Another, the Molly's on the Market St. Patricks Day parade now in its 33 year.

Here's a sampling of the participants. (Yes, it's like Mardi Gras and they toss beads and other stuff.)

First, the traditional brass band and the Kazoozie Floozies. (Not playing an Irish jig).

 Next up, The Queen Bees

Then the Irish Zulus.

The Bearded Sisters

And last, but certainly not least. The Muff-a-Lottas

It was a busy night on Bourbon St. even before the parade round its way down it.

Tomorrow it's even more Irish celebrations. This time on Magazine St. (the Irish Channel) where there will be a street fair sponsored by a couple Irish bars.

Les Roules des Bon Temps, y'all!!