When Irish eyes are smiling

     

     "St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time — a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic."   

— Adrienne Cook

     I am not convinced it will be summer anytime soon but, I"m sure spring is "just around the corner." 

     I've heard it said, "There are only two kinds of people in the world, the Irish and those who wish they were." I have found Irish folk to be an interesting species. 

     

     Once again, as St. Patrick's Day arrives, we visualize: shamrocks, leprechauns with their 'pots of gold' at the end of the rainbow, the famous Blarney stone, Irish crystal, the River Dance, corn beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and Irish beer. 
     Though St. Patrick is still considered the patron saint of Ireland, there are many myths surrounding him. 

     

     It's been said he was active as a missionary in Ireland during the second half of the fifth century. Legend credits him with using the shamrock to explain to the Irish, the concept of the Trinity — the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. St. Patrick died on March 17, around 493. This day continues to be celebrated, not only in Ireland, but around the world.  

     As St. Patrick's Day comes around each year, memories fill my mind of the Ireland that Nels and I were privileged to visit, as, via motor coach, we toured the noted "Fabled Isles" in England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. 

     
     

     Ireland's beautiful, lush landscape with its varied shades of green; no doubt, as a result of the oft Irish mist interspersed with sunshine, proved the 1961 song, written by Johnny Cash, "Forty Shades of Green," to be so true. 

"I close my eyes and picture, the emerald of the sea, from the fishing boats at Dingle to the shores of Donadea, I miss the River Shannon and the folks at Skibbereen, the moorlands and the meadows with their Forty Shades of Green."  

     

     A highlight of the tour was our visit to Blarney. No, I didn't get to kiss the famous Blarney stone which is supposed to give you "the gift of blarney, or help you speak convincingly," but, Nels said I already had enough "blarney." Time was short, and my desire was to visit the Blarney Woollen Mill Factory store. Of course, I walked out with a Lindsay plaid wool cape – still a great reminder of our Irish adventures. 

     Then, off on a drive through Killarney National Park, 25,000 acres of breath-taking beauty, on a "horse-drawn jaunting cart" driven by a man called a "jarvey." We learned these Kerry folk spin many tales, have a droll sense of humour and are often the brunt of stupid jokes. He had one of his own for us.  

     ..."How do you recognize a Kerryman in a hospital with a wife that has given birth to twins? Oh, he's the one that has been running around trying to find the father of the second baby."  

The Irish are known for their "blessings."  

     A few of my favourites... "As you slide down the bannister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction."   
     

     "May you have warm words on a cold evening. A full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door."      

     "When Irish eyes are smiling... they're up to something."

— Unknown     

     

     Today, finds me completing blog post No. 100 — having begun this venture exactly one year ago this month. 
     

     A "big thanks" to all of you for reading my reflections and for your comments.  

     Let's just say, "We'll leave the future in His hands."

— beulah