Shamrocks

Okay, so they aren't green, but I did buy some green ones too.  These purple shamrocks are huge and I am going to plant them today.  What better day to plant them than on a warm, sunny St. Patrick's Day?

It is a big holiday in the US too.  They dye rivers green and have parades and celebrations.  I read that one of the things they do is drowning the shamrock, which is putting one in the bottom of a glass and filling it with beer or whiskey.  

The grandkids have gone to the farm for the weekend with their Poppa T. and took green clothing with them so they wouldn't get pinched.

I've heard Ireland is one of the most beautiful places on earth.  I named my first child, Erin.

Erin go bragh.

We Need A Little Luck

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, here is an Irish proverb that is relevant today. 

"In our togetherness, castles are built."

BTW ~ Are there snakes in Ireland? 

 I just had my first taste of Irish soda bread and it was sweet.  Is it always so? 

 I named my first child Erin. 

 My friend kissed the Blarney Stone and said Ireland was gorgeous.  I hope to see it one day. 

 In 1847, during the Great Irish Potato Famine, the Choctaw Nation collected and sent $170. to the Irish government in aid - in remembrance of their survival of the horrific Trail Of Tears where many died of starvation. The Choctaw Nation and Ireland still celebrate this occasion to this day. There is a monument in Ireland somewhere in honor of the Choctaw's kindness.  Maybe the luck of the Irish rubbed off, because the Choctaw Nation (and most other tribes) went from extreme poverty (as recently as the 1980's) to great wealth today and still, they help their surrounding communities and country with building infrastructure and other businesses.  

My husband and children are proud members of the Choctaw Nation.

It is greening up nicely here and can't wait to start sowing and digging in the garden, even looking for a few four leaf clovers.

Found a picture of the Choctaw Memorial in Ireland to honor the kindness of the Choctaw Nation during the famine.  It is fitting and beautiful I think.

LUCK OF THE IRISH

Though not a shamrock, this four leaf clover deserves a wish today. "A wish is a prayer," the old saying goes. So, may the wind always be at your back, may the road rise to meet you, always take the high road (I think that's Scottish, oh well), and may the luck of the Irish be with you. I don't know much about Irish, but in their honor, I think I'll make an Irish Soda Bread today.

Things That Go Boomp

This mantis is praying before his meal. Mantis's, Mantii? I don't know the plural. These insects kind of creep me out; I am sure they can rotate their head more than 180 degrees while their body remains perfectly still. In fact, the only time you see them move is when they are spinning their head or slowly climbing. They don't scare easily, but they can sure fly (as long as it's not at me). Kind of pretty. Reminds me of the old Irish ditty or blessing.

From the gillies and the ghosties,

to the long-legged beasties,

and things that go bump in the night...