Begorra...It Be St. Paddy's Day!

and a Happy St. Patrick's Day to you...

I'm Irish, on me mother's side. Maybe a tablespoon full...but it's there. So we'll celebrate with corned beef and cabbage, and wearin' o' the green. Husband refuses to do so, saying that first, he's not Irish, and second, he's not Catholic -- Protestants wear orange. He had a black flannel plaid shirt on this morning, so I told him he must be one of those Black Irish!

I always think of our cousins, Tim and Joanie, on this day, as well. They've been missionaries in Galway, Ireland for nearly a decade -- and every year, we try to come up with some plan to get us there to see them!

Seriously, I love this wild, adventuresome culture. There are a lot of relatives -- these on the Cumings side, which yes, is also Scotch -- that are writers. They're also preachers and missionaries and business owners and leaders. Almost to a person, they sing well, and have been active in drama (especially personal ones!) They have many things to say...and many ways to say them. They are not shy about expressing themselves, in general.

Older Cousin Deb feels that the Irish in us may have something to do with the writing, singing and drama genes in our family. She thinks it may be connected with the Irish gift for "kenning."

Who knows, she may be right. In the meantime, I'll haul out my recipes for colcannon (a cabbage/potatoes dish), get out the Quiet Man video (maybe the best American Irish movie ever, love that John Wayne)...and check the back of the closet for a clean sweater.

Erin go bragh!