March was a time of celebration for us. The Saint Patrick's Day theme lasted throughout the month. We did the typical Irish American thing and ate corn-beef and cabbage talked about our Irish born grandparents and our own stories of the old sod, from our own experiences. My family lived in Galway and summered in Donegal, Ireland for a few years when I was a teen. I always hear people say that they don't eat corn-beef and cabbage in Ireland and that is an American custom. Actually, it is a, " living in the slums with the poor Polish and Jewish immigrants at the turn of the century and celebrating with the food they sold in their shops custom." The Irish celebrated the feast day during the Lenten fast with what they could find, unfortunately, it wasn't something good like filet minion. However, when I lived in Ireland they did sell corn beef and cabbage so that is what we ate in Ireland on Saint Patrick's Day. So Ironically, the custom that started here immigrated there and became the custom they are known for, that they really didn't have but now do. If you understand what I am trying to say.
This is a picture of my two littlest cherubs. My baby is three months and is incredibly active and prefers to stand when being held. The four year old adores him. He will sit and play with for up to an hour. I am so happy they enjoy each other so much. I was concerned the four year old was going to resent not being the baby anymore. He really loves being the big brother and Mommy's helper. All holidays are fun with little ones around. They saw these little decorations (they are holding in the picture)at Michaels craft store and made me buy a dozen so they could stick them in different plants and vases around the house. Very sweet.
This represents Irish culture to me.......Shamrock Shakes!!!......no, not really, not at all actually. They are cute to look at. My boys demanded we get some in exchange for helping with some projects around the house. I guess you can also order something called a Frozen Leprechaun which is half mint shake and half chocolate shake. I am sure there are people who add hard liquor to that and really have a part with their 1000 calorie, artificial color sugar overload. I can feel the brain-freeze as we speak.
Here is some real culture, some contemporary Irish folk music being played at a local tavern we frequently go for dinner. That evening, I had some amazing fish and chips soaked in vinegar, it was Friday during lent after all, no meat allowed. I don't think having a lobster roll or seafood platter is a sacrifice over a hamburger but hey, I enjoy the challenge of meat free dinners. I don't think I gained any brownie points for making sacrifices because I made a total glutton of myself at the restaurant. The side order of onion rings was totally unnecessary. I am only a weak human after all. I, totally deserved the lousy night sleep with persistent heartburn I was subjected to later.
This was the sight out the window that evening, it almost looked like a sunset. I thought to myself, we are getting there, spring is almost here.The bottles seen here were dug out of the ground by my son. They are old apothecary bottles from turn of the century. They are pretty cool and look nice when the sun shines on them. The next morning, I woke up to Jack Frosts signature on the windows. I was disappointed it was so cold but thought it looked so pretty. Little leaves of ice crystals. Nature is amazing.
Finally, you can feast your eyes on this kitschy Saint Patrick's Day Cake. It is a simple design but man o man was it good. Dense, moist(I was told people hate that word), chocolate cake with a glowing Kelly green butter-cream frosting. It was a real crowd pleaser. March was terrific. Looking forward to next months Springy/Eastery magic!
