The drums, the trumpet and the tip bowl await the start of a show at Preservation Hall in New Orleans.
Just a tiny sign on St. Peter Street tells you you’ve reached Preservation Hall.
The confetti and the beads have probably all been swept up on the streets of New Orleans.
Mardi Gras is over. Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent’s season of fasting, penance and alms.
But in an odd quirk of the calendar, today is also Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love.
Now I may give up chocolate for Lent (or I may not) but I’ll never give up love. Nor my love for music.
When it comes to Mardi Gras and Valentines Day, my thoughts turn to all my wonderful visits to New Orleans, a city of love and music, Mardi Gras and Carnival, saints and sinners.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
Ⓒ Text and photos Mary K. Tilghman
A Day Away Travel 
Happy Valentine’s day!