Tuesday, March 15, 2011

What I Will Be Doing on Saint Patrick's Day This Year?



I am joining Cuisine Kathleen's annual St Patrick's Day blog crawl today
 in honor of the patron saint of the Irish, whose birthday is celebrated on March 17.
Kathleen aways shares beautiful tablescapes and recipes
on her blog and today she is hosting a give away!


Saint Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity, and has been associated with him and the Irish since that time.  This beautiful statue in his image is located in Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.


How do I usually celebrate St. Patrick's Day?


I'd love to spend it touring Ireland again!
I have such wonderful memories of my last trip there a few years ago.
You can see those posts here.


But, if I can't be in Ireland, it would be nice to begin the day with a good, hearty Irish style breakfast like one I had at Pegasus Restaurant located in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY! No need to eat again for the rest of the day!

Last year I attended a wonderful Saint Patrick's Day Parade
 in Denver, Colorado, along with my son, daughter-in-law and grandson.


There were lots of western themed floats and participants in the Denver parade, and of course....


...we saw a leprechaun, or two!


Two years ago I met Laura of Shorehouse Chic and Diane of A Picture Is Worth a 1,000 Words in Grand Central Station in Manhattan, where we had lunch and then went to watch the New York Saint Patrick's Day Parade! 


The New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade is very grand,
with many marching bands and the sound of bagpipes filling the air.


One after the other, they come marching up 5th Ave!  It is a wonderful sight to see!


Many parade marchers also represent counties in Ireland and ....


...there are always a leprechaun, or two, in attendance!


Every St.Patrick's Day I cook a boiled Corned Beef dinner and make
 Irish soda bread (click for my recipe), and sometimes brown bread, which is very popular in Ireland.

Last year I cooked my corned beef and vegetables in a crock pot and it came out delicious! I tried purple cabbage for a change of pace.  Another delicious crock pot dish that can be made for St. Patrick's day is my crock pot Guinness beef stew. 


Shepard's Pie is also delicious!  I usually make it with ground lamb, but beef is also very good.


I also love to celebrate with an Irish coffee for dessert, just like they are
made in San Francisco's Buena Vista restaurant.

But what will I be doing on Saint Patrick's Day this year? 

I will be doing what I have been doing all week...
waiting and waiting and waiting...

3D sonogram photo

...to hear news that our second grandson was born!

It would be wonderful to welcome him into the world on Saint Patrick's Day, but any day very soon would be fine. Please join me in prayer for a strong and healthy boy and a good and safe delivery for my daughter-in-law.

How will you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day this year?




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69 comments:

Alycia Nichols said...

What wonderful memories you have of St. Patrick's Day celebrations past! I wish your family the luck of the Irish as you await the arrival of your new bundle of joy!

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Hi Pat, I went back to all your old posts about Ireland and my heart is aching to return! What is it about Ireland that is so special? I can't quite name it. And congratulations on the upcoming bundle of joy! Linda

Karen said...

Praying for a healthy, new grandson. A little shamrock of the 17th would be especially neat!
Karen
Ladybug Creek
P.S. I'm your newest follower!

bj said...

OMGOSH, girl, I can see that baby boy is a handsome little dude. How sweet. I pray the delivery will be easy and both will be fine.

Your GREEN post is wonderful. The foods look amazing.
xo bj

pam said...

What a great post. Now I've only been taking over the counter pain pills so it's not crazy drugs...but I woke up this morning thinking that the 14th was St. Patrick's day and I had missed it all. :o) That Irish breakfast is crazy looking. I guess Kansas City has a pretty big all day celebration. Can you believe that I never tried cooking Corned Beef until last year....I loved it.

A new grandson...WOO HOO....praying for his most perfect arrival, that all goes well! So excited for you!

diane b said...

A delightful post. The statue of St Patrick is lovely. You really get into celebrating St Patrick's day over there. We used to but now with more and more immigrants from all over the world it doesn't seem to be so full on. However the Irish still have their celebrations and our fountains often turn green. I love the food you cook and I wish I was at your place on the day.
Good luck and best wishes to your daughter in law, the 3D photo of him still inside is amazing.

Ola said...

we don't celebrate it here:(
But after reading your post I felt that a cold good beer would be very appropriate:)
You cook very good!

Sciarada said...

Ciao Pat, have you a good Patrick's day!
This year in Italy, the same day we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the unity of our country!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

There's no where like NY for Saint Patty's day Pat. Enjoy the food and celebration.

Congratulations on your new grandson. I've got my fingers crossed he decides to make his grand entrance on Saint Patty's day. I'll be thinking of you and your daughter.
Sam

Lynn said...

I'll bet that NYC parade is just amazing Pat! How exciting to be waiting on a little one, wishing you all the best, can't wait to see pics:@)

Vee said...

Oh the wait is the worst part... I will continue to pray that all will go smoothly for mama and baby and the entire family. My grands welcomed a new cousin over the weekend, which is why they were visiting me so I feel as if I know something about this waiting...just a little something.

I plan to visit Ireland again by following your journey there from a few years ago. That's when I first met you! Ireland's so vividly green. That's what I remember most about your trip.

Shoot! I bought a corned beef and crockpotted it off last week. Forgot entirely all about St. Patty's Day and that that would be the reason for the great sale. Last year we enjoyed potato soup. This year, perhaps I'll switch to Shepherd's pie or maybe even green pizza.

May the wait not be too long...

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Oh Pat.
A lovely post overall but that new grandson eclipses everything else. Of course we hope and pray that mother and child have a safe, healthy delivery.

Carol said...

There's nothing like the St.Patrick's Day parade in the city, but Colorado looks awesome! You had some amazing celebrations, Pat. Great looking breakfast! Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Congratulations on the upcoming birth of the newest member of your clan! Sending prayers and good wishes :)

Sue said...

'Tis fun to celebrate anywhere you can have a pint and a good meal! LOL
How fun for you to have experienced so much on this fine day with friends and family. It would be nice for the wee one to be born on the 17th and have the luck of the Irish to follow him throughout his life! Here's wishing.....
xo Sue

Catherine said...

I will most certainly pray for your daughter`s good health and your grandson`s safe delivery!!! Fabulous.

Great pictures too. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Hey Pat my friend, like you I wish I was in Ireland, would love to go one day, so thanks again for these lovely photo's, I felt as if I was waliking in the "GREEN ISLE".
I just love this "SAINT".
~Jo
LazyonLoblolly

Unknown said...

What a festive post -- thanks for the tour and now I need to wipe the drool off my chin -- oh, the food looks devine :)

Blessings!
Gail

Claudia said...

I have two cousins born on St. Patrick's Day - maybe your new grandson will be touched by the Irish! Beutiful celebration of Ireland.

Barbara F. said...

Pat, I feel like I am celebrating right along with you as I read your post(s). Your food looks great. I hope your new grandchild arrives soon and your DIL has a speedy delivery. Blessings to you and your family. xo,

RoeH said...

Well for starters I'd like to eat any of those photos that you showed. Looks wonderful. And I love corned beef and cabbage. But..for want of not having anybody to cook it for, I'll just go over to Fountain Hills and take a picture of the green fountain going up. I have a drop or two of Irish blood in me and I've always wished I was full, pure blood, Irish and living in Ireland!

Maggie said...

The NYC St Patricks Day parade looks amazing but I guess this year St P's Day will be overshadowed by the arrival of your grandchild.
Wishing you & your family all the very best,
Maggie

Betty said...

I enjoyed the pictures. Happy St. Paddys Day. Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your Grandchild.

Gracie said...

With a Guinness and an Irish coffee in a pub with friends....My best wishes for the baby boy!

Queenie's Vintage Finds said...

What a fun post...I really enjoyed all of your pictures of the parade and thanks for sharing a link to your recipe...I'll have to check that out...it looks delish :)
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you...
Big hugs,
Queenie

Anonymous said...

Good morning Pat...oh the waiting! This is a lovely post about St Patricks Day...we also make corned beef and cabbage. My mother always made it as well. Our son Brian, was born the day after the holiday so he will always be our St Patricks baby. At 19, he has an infectious personality and can easily hold conversation with anyone...gift of gab? I am so excited for you!
♥, Susan

Donnie said...

Oh the memories of Brooklyn that you bring back to me. Thank you and my prayers a with you all for a healthy new grandbaby soon.

Donnie said...

Oh the memories of Brooklyn that you bring back to me. Thank you and my prayers a with you all for a healthy new grandbaby soon.

Pondside said...

Yes, prayers for a strong and healthy baby are winging your way.
Thanks for sharing all those wonderful March 17th memories!

Judy said...

Aha. I've been wondering if that new grand would not be arriving one of these days. I'll be thinking of you all!

As for St. Patrick's Day...there are not a whole lot of Irish people in this part of the world, so no big celebrations happening over here. But of course we find green to wear...and cook up something special. May your celebrations be extra special this year, Pat.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I will be making corned beef and cabbage for sure....cute baby pic...
Hugs,
Penny

podso said...

Loved all your St. Pat's memories along with the photos and the recipes as well! A great post! The best was last of course with the soon arrival of a sweet baby boy! All the best,

dotsie

Tracy said...

Sooo EXCITED for you about your new grandson on the way, Pat... praying all will go well for mom & baby any day soon! :o) LOVE this Irish Day feast... the food alone...*sigh*... LOL! We must get to Ireland. From where we are there are probably good 2-3 day weekend trips to Dublin at least.. This has me thinking! haha... On Saint Patrick's day though we'll be celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary--that's our wedding day! Thanks for the sharin' o' the green... And keep us posted on the baby! ((LOVE & HUGS))

Karen said...

Congratulations on the new baby boy. What fun he will be!

GardenOfDaisies said...

First of all, congratulations on your new grandson!! Second, I love an irish celebration! That irish stew and soda bread looks so yummy I want to jump through the screen and take a bite!

Anonymous said...

Prayers for baby, Mom and Grandmom! A lovely Green post Pat...enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing your St Patrick's Days from the past! Don't know what I'll be doing on St Pat's Day maybe I'll take myself out to lunch!

Foley said...

I love that statue of St Patrick! All your food looks fantastic..feel bloated just looking at it.
All the best for a healthy baby grandson!

La said...

Congratulations, Pat on the pending arrival of your new grandson. Life doesn't get any better than that.

FABBY'S LIVING said...

OMG! Congrats already on your soon to be born grandchild! Wishing you many blessings on the delivery. I hope he is born on the 17th. and be called Patrick!
I love your pics from your past trip to Ireland, and the food looks deli!
Please come and visit me, I'd be thrilled to have you!
Happy St. Patty's to you and yours.
FABBY

Betsy Banks Adams said...

HI Pat, Congrats on the 'almost' birth of a new grandson. Is this one in Colorado???? Are you going back soon?

I wondered how you were going to "top" all of your St. Patty's experiences... You have had some great ones, haven't you????

Keep us posted on the new baby.
Hugs,
Betsy

A Bit of the Blarney said...

What a lovely tour you took us on. Prayers for the wee one and Mum too. our 11th grandchild is due in just a short 2 wks. I can feel your anticipation! Wishing you well! Cathy

Kathleen said...

That was wonderful, you captured it all! Thanks so much for joining in with your wonderful pics!
And of course I am praying for a safe delivery and a healthy baby!

Old Kitty said...

Oh PAT!!! Your grandson is on his way!!! Oh wow!!! Oh that is a stunning pic of him!! It'll be just brilliant if he'd arrive on the 17th!! Oh wow!! GOOD LUCK AND CONGRATULATIONS!!

These are great pics of a wonderful way to celebrate St Patrick's day!!! A parade of green, great food, beer!! Wonderful!!!

When I was about 15 years old, a school friend, proud of her irish ancestry decided to cook me and a few mates a "traditional irish meal", so we turned up and by then I was already turning vegetarian and said, please no meat, so she served me a great big plate of.... boiled cabbage! She said I couldn't get more irish than a plate of boiled cabbage!!! It was very nice boiled cabbage mind - she flavoured it in lots of beer! LOL!!!!

Take care Pat, thanks for sharing these brilliant shots! x

Ginny Hartzler said...

What wonderful pictures! I love the parades, and all the food looks so good. You must be a fabulous cook!!!! The sonogram is amazing!! I will pray for a safe delivery and healthy mom and baby!!

Red Couch Recipes said...

What a fun post! lots of fun memories. My FIL was born on St. Paddy's Day and he could care less about celebrating the day! Congratulations on your lovely little March blessing! Joni

GailO said...

That would be fun if grandson #2 was born on St Patricks Day!!

I will be cooking corned beef and cabbage along with other veggies like I do every year...but it will be on Friday when my daughter and her family can be here and share it with us:)

This is a wonderful post Pat!

Sarah said...

Pat, my prayers are definitely with you for a healthy baby boy to arrive soon. How exciting!
I think it would be exciting to be in NY for St. Patrick's Day. Lots going on! Love seeing your photos of Ireland and the sights in and around NYC. Beautiful statue of St. Patrick. ~ Sarah

RedBettySummer said...

Fantastic post. Love that you are waiting on a new grandbaby. Oh, how wonderful. Keep us posted. Thank you for sharing all the great food ideas. I should make an Irish dinner but I know I will be working and probably too tired. Still, braising a corned beef in guinnes shouldn't take too much out of me, and oh, how delicious! Maybe I can get my daughter to make the soda bread. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I look forward to reading your blog.

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

Love your photos of Ireland and NYC! And congratulations as you await your second grandson.

On a separate note, my husband enjoyed your blog post on the oyster history in NYC. I also bought him the book that you featured. We'll we visiting "his" city in April ;o)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Just a little something from Judy said...

You sure do make St. Patrick's Day look so good! Whether in Ireland, Denver, or NYC...you make it look like a beautiful,fun holiday. I especially like the the looks of that corned beef dinner. Crockpots help to create so many delicious meals.

As for your new little grandson, I would be thrilled to say a prayer for you and your family as you await his arrival. What a special time for all of you. Can't wait to hear the news.

Sheila said...

I will be praying for the safe arrival of your grandson. I will look back over your posts to the Emerald Isle. I have only been once but it was a wonderful experience and we found people so friendly and helpful. I'd love to go back. Happy St Patrick's Day to you, my dear. 'Tis a great day to be Irish!

Anonymous said...

Hi Pat! Congratulations on your soon to be grandson! I pray for a safe delivery and healthy little boy! OH, to go to Ireland would be wonderful. I see you have found memories of the beautiful place.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Anonymous said...

Top O' the Mornin'!!
I decided to reopen my blog after nearly a year of "rest'! Hope you'll stop by & follow me again.....
Love,
Marilyn

Anonymous said...

What an exciting wait!

I'm going to try the crockpot suggestion. I was hoping to see Irish Soda Bread at the market, but it looks like I'll need to make my own. Didn't you post a recipe one year?

I am so thrilled for you... and the parents and the big brother, of course! :)

Anonymous said...

I've got my part-Irish fingers crossed that your little Grand Boy #2 makes his entrance tomorrow......how grand that would be!! HOWEVER, if he chooses another day....that would be just as awesome!

I recall reading your posts from and about your last trip to Ireland.....and I remember your trip to meet with blogging buddies, and watching the NYC parade.....I also recall your post about the parade in CO last year! OMG..your food photos are amazing!!! We had corned beef and cabbage tonight....from my good buddy's church that fixes it every year for a fund raiser! Guess I'll just have green beer tomorrow!

Have a great St. Pat's day....and I'm sending prayers for a safe delivery....and a healthy little boy!

L, dana

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

You have celebrated St. Patrick's Day in so many wonderful way! Ireland had to be the best but if that grand-baby is born tomorrow, that would be pretty hard to beat :)

Unknown said...

Good blog my friend!

Lisa@GrandmasBriefs said...

He's already so beautiful! You and your family are in my prayers as you await the little guy's arrival. How truly fitting it would be for a March 17 appearance! Enjoy the wait, enjoy the day! Happy Saint Patrick's Day to you all!

Proud Italian Cook said...

Oh what a picture, it's amazing in 3D! I got a feeling tomarrow is the day, but if not, I know you'll be eating good while your awaiting your precious bundle!

H said...

Happy St Patrick's Day. I hope your grandchild is born today: strong, healthy and blessed!

Unfortunately, I have to go to work, so my St Patrick's Day will be very uneventful.

Jeanne said...

Good morning Pat, Your post today is a special one. I will pray for a healthy new grandson to be born "any minute" for sure. I know you are on pins and needles just waiting.

I love the way you have celebrated St.Patrick's Day in the past. I remember when Diane and Laura visited you in NY. Fun times and new friendships are a good thing. The photo you shared is good of all of you. You look too young to be a grandma almost two times. And you are very pretty. Smile. I loved the parade pics and the bit of history of St. Patrick. Your poss are always a treat in every way.

Your food looks great and I too am making the typical corned beef boiled dinner. I celebrated my St. Patrick's Day post honoring my dad. He is always the focus of this day and he too was born in March.

Irish blessings to you and yours,
Jeanne

Vagabonde said...

I have to admit that I forgot that it was St Patrick’s Day today until I looked at your post. In France I had never heard of St Patrick’s Day – I guess there were not that many Irish people there. I’d love to try your Shephard’s Pie and lamb is my favorite meat. All my best wishes for your daughter in law. My daughter is also waiting to have a baby boy, but in July. The statue of St Patrick is quite lovely.

Brenda said...

I love this post...your pictures are beautiful, Pat! I, too, would love to visit Ireland again.

Can't wait to see pictures of your new grandson! Grandchildren are such precious gifts.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Happy St. Patrick's Day, my sweet friend, and I just said a prayer for your dear ones. Can't wait to hear all about the new baby! :-)

I loved going down this walk on Memory Lane with you. I remember when you met Diane and Laura. Oh, I would have loved to have been with you. What fun!

I have got workmen, and Mr. Magpie is working so I am going to have a quiet St. Patrick's Day. I do think, however, that I might go to Publix and get a green cookie. I must have one. I tablescaped ahead of time, so I have taken it down. But I'm enjoying looking at the tourists all dressed up outside my kitchen window. There is a Celtic festival this week, and I would love to hear the band who is playing tonight... they are Irish. Who knows, if the spirit moves me, I just might wander down St. George Street and check them out.

In the mean time, Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and yours. I hope to be blogging more regularly in the not too distant future. Pray that our work goes well.

XOXOXOXO,

Sheila :-)

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Oh, and Happy Tablescape Thursday and St. Pat's Blog Crawl to which I am very, very late, crawling like a snail. ;-)

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Lovely pic of Ireland and you've made me long for a cooked breakfast too! Hope you've had a great day and do let us know when your grandson arrives. Love from Sicily. x

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Thank you so much for your lovely comments, you're so generous.
Have a great weekend!

FABBY

steviewren said...

Your son and DIL have a few more hours for baby #2 to make into the world on St Patrick's Day. I hope they make it. My youngest son was born today 27 years ago. March 17th makes a wonderful birthday.

Jenny said...

What lovely celebrations you have had over the years...

It sounds like this years might be the most memorable of all.

I am sending prayers for all of you for a safe and easy delivery of your new Grandson.

The 3D picture is precious!

Loved this post.

And so glad you didn't get pinched yesterday.

LindyLouMac said...

It looks like you had great fun!