Today We're All Irish

I think I carry a teensy bit of Irish blood, a gift from my maternal grandmother, but at my house on St. Patrick's Day, we're all Irish! In honor of the holiday, I thought I'd share a mish mash of "green" things.

Even though I'm not currently a huge fan of Boston (reference Superbowl XLIX), kudos to them for finally allowing gay and lesbian groups to march in their annual St. Patrick's Day parade on Sunday.  Brian Mahoney, the commander of the Veterans Council, which organizes the parade, said "who am I to judge?" Well done.

I may not be Irish, but my brother-in-law definitely is.  To celebrate, he and his son participated in the St. Patrick's Day Dash this weekend, a 5K race in downtown Seattle.  And after three weeks of sunshine, the skies opened up on Sunday morning and it poured and poured - record, drenching rainfall.  They were absolutely soaked, but had a great time.

We will be having a "traditional" meal of Corned Beef and Cabbage for dinner tonight.  Corned Beef became popular with Irish immigrants when they arrived in this country since it was similar in texture to bacon, and much more affordable.   I always cook my corned beef in the crock pot since it's a tough cut.   Just throw it in, add some water, onions, and the spice packet that comes with the meat, and start it on high for four hours. Switch to low for the last 2-4 hours of cooking.  

I had planned to grab a cute St. Patrick's Day outfit off of Pinterest to share, but then my friend Jill at Doused In Pink posted this, and I love it.  I may or may not be wearing something similar today.

And finally, my very favorite thing about St. Patrick's Day - the Shamrock Shake.  We had these every year when I was a kid, and of course I've continued the tradition with my boys.  I found this recipe at Moms Need To Know, and it's so much better than the fast food restaurant version.

May your troubles be less

Your blessings be more

And nothing but happiness

Come Through Your Door

--Irish Blessing

Happy St. Patrick's Day!