i’ve always been a little skeptical of the “luck of the irish” seeing as how their history is a bit tragic….but no doubt they’ve approached their drama with humor, to say nothing of some good whisky.  my great-great-great grandfather was born in ireland and came to the usa in around 1836,  settling in southern illinois and raising their family with a very strict, almost puritan, protestant ethic.  so i missed out on the great irish-catholic  tradition of honoring st. patrick with drinking and songs, though i certainly have adopted it.   here’s my annual irish blessing, heartfelt and sincere:

These things I warmly wish for you:

Someone to love, some work to do,

A bit o’ sun, a bit o’ cheer

And a guardian angel always near. 

Erin go bragh!!!