Shamrock Fields Forever

St. Patrick's Day. The one day each year when it's acceptable to wear a big, green tophat, kiss a complete stranger, and drink countless pints of green beer.

More traditionally, Irish families would celebrate St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland who died on this day in the fifth century, by attending church in the morning and feasting on Irish bacon and cabbage in the afternoon. (Lenten prohibitions were lifted, so eating meat, dancing and drinking were permissible on this one day.)

My great grandparents on my mother's side were gardeners in County Cork, Ireland. I like to think they had something to do with creating the beauty in those pictures.

So, as you raise your green beer this evening, be sure to share a traditional Irish blessing:

May the roads rise to meet you,
May the winds 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 hollow of his hand.

And save this one for the sixth or seventh pint:

May those who love us love us.
And those that don't love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So we'll know them by their limping.

Erin Go Bragh!