I am half Irish… I’d like to think it is the best half. My Irish grandmother used to make the best Corned Beef and Cabbage, with boiled potatoes and Irish Soda Bread. Only once a year, which made it extra special. Since she passed away almost 10 years ago, we have now convinced my mom that she now has to do it… in honor of my grandmother! So today, we will will going up to my mom’s to celebrate and have a traditional Irish St. Patty’s Day dinner, complete with Guinness, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream for dessert… (hey it’s green)
Every St. Patty’s Day, I am usually greeted at some ungodly hour, with a phone call from my mom, "Top ‘o the mornin’ to ya me gal!", in her worst attempt at an Irish accent, is what I hear on the other end of the phone. Imagine my surprise when the call did not come today! At Noon, the phone rang, it was her. "What happened?", I asked. "I just walked in from snowblowing the foot of snow that was in the driveway so that you could come up to have dinner !!! " Yep, we got a foot of snow in our area yesterday! The famous NYC parade will still go on. Lots and lots of trucks on the news last night… clearing out 5th avenue… after all… The Show Must Go On!!!!!
We turned on the TV and watched the parade on NBC. The sun was shining, not a hint of snow on the road, bagpipes playing, drums thumping, kilts blowing in the breeze and best of all.. a commentator with an Irish brogue!!! I wish I was there… Wishing you all a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!! Today I leave you with a wonderful Irish Blessing, dedicated to my ‘Nanny’, Rose Anne Byrnes Donley…
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.