Monday, March 17, 2008, 10:09 a.m., D.S.T., Nashville, TN~

Dear Journal~

Louisiana here!  Erin go bragh!!

This won't be as long as past journal entries (we're getting ready to go to our city's annual St. Patrick's Day parade/festival), but I thought I'd write in here, nevertheless.

The festivities actually began on Saturday--musical entertainment all weekend, face painting, games, midway rides for the kids, a car-smash and street dance for the teenagers, crafts and art displays for the grownups. Being that it's a family  affair, no alcohol will be served.

I've never seen so many people dressed in green!!  Some even have green hair, green faces, and even green teeth!! LOL  Some (like myself) even brought their furry friends along; my little Pomeranian, "Cajun Gold", is wearing a green tutu and a leprechaun's hat.  She really looks adorable!

Our church, Christ Community Assembly of God, has a float in the parade; some of the children will be on the float or riding their bikes (or, as in the case of Gemini, marching in the parade, twirling her batons). I'll be on the float, too, as will Bill, our pastor and his wife, and other members of our church.

It is going to be a lot of fun, waving to the people along the parade route!

I'm wearing a green tee-shirt that reads: "Kiss me, I'm Irish!" (I do have a smidge of Irish in me, just not much!!), dark-green stretch pants, and my sparkly dangling shamrock earrings.  I'm going all out (just not dyeing my face green; that's out!! LOL).

The kids are on Easter break this week, so this is why they are going to the parade/festival. They've been having fun all weekend at the festivities.  Johnny and Ronee' performed (they're performing again later), and of course, some of the kids are in the parade; so there you go.

On Weds. this week we'll be at church, rehearsing for the Cantata, which starts on Friday.  Thursday is our dress rehearsal; then Friday, Saturday (twice), and Sunday (twice) is our annual Easter Cantata.  Hopefully things will go well.  I pray that they do!

We've had beautiful sunny weather all weekend; supposed to be nice until Wednesday, when storms are due to move in (figures--it always rains right before or during our Cantata!!).  Hopefully the storms won't go severe on us!! We've already had one round of severe weather (February 5); we don't need any more nasty surprises from Mother Nature!!

Well, it's about time we gather all of our little leprechauns and colleens and head on out. Don't want to be late for the parade (that starts at noon).  We'll be gone for most of the day.  I will write in here again (probably right before or right after Easter); until then, take care and may God bless you mightily!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Louisiana Mayrah O'Sandusky (hey! Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day!! LOL). :D