The priest was rather "thoughtful" this AM - definite recognizeable cross instead of the usual smudge.

Perhaps apropos of nothing, but who doesn't love TS Eliot's "Ash Wednesday"

...Because I know that time is always time
And place is always and only place
And what is actual is actual only for one time
And only for one place. . . .

"With Gingrich choosing not to get ashes and Santorum receiving them, the question remains whether Santorum will make an effort to keep them for their time in the national spotlight"

Guess CNN does find it to be news. They go on to say, there's nothing mandated about how long one need wear the ashes.

I didn't realize Santorum was actually Catholic, I must pay closer attention, I thought he was like a Born Again - which I'm not exactly sure what that is, except that it's Christian and at least a little fundamentalist - I need to google it but too busy!

Mardi Gras has faded away, I'll bet Mother's (po-boy joint, to die for) will have slower business until Easter - unless people don't deprive themselves anymore.

When young, I used to give up sweets and all desserts and then gorged on my Easter Basket until I felt ill.