“Our friend moved to Mobile from Missouri. This is her first year to ride. She is obsessed with mermaids, so Neptune’s Daughters is the right place for her. I found this mermaid necklace because I want her to have something special for her first ride.

My favorite memories are from Mardi Gras. My best friend’s mom was in the Polka Dots. Back then, Jeeps pulled the floats. We were 12 or 13 years old and got to ride in the Jeep, smiling and waving. I spent a lot of time with my best friend because my mom had cancer. She died when I was 15. My friends and Mardi Gras helped me through it.

Mardi Gras is still a big part of my life, and I am enjoying it even more this year. I have lost 40 pounds and have to borrow gowns from my neighbor because most of mine are falling off me.

This is a special day for us. Joe and I met 25 years ago on a blind date at a Mardi Gras ball. It must have worked because 25 years later we are still celebrating Mardi Gras together.”

Jennifer and Joe