HAPPY EASTER

It is Holy Week for the Christian Faith and the beginning of Passover for those of the Jewish Faith.  Although spring began last week, Easter seems to always marked the actual first day of spring for me.  Could be that on Easter the colors appear more cheerful and females will don a better fancy hat with flowers or ribbons as adornment on them; makes how I see things as springlike. I have always enjoyed Easter as unlike Christmas the holiday is a rejoicing time; as my religious background taught me.  Mostly it was finally not having to wear a heavy bulky coat to keep warm and I could put away those horrible rubber boots I had worn over my shoes.  I recall always getting a new fancy dress and a new hat; dressing up for Easter Sunday; going to church in my new outfit complete with fancy socks and patent leather shoes on my feet and little white gloves on my hands.  Of course it was after church there'd be the finding of an Easter basket.  Each year there'd be a stuff bunny inside as well as a chocolate rabbit, chocolate egg, marshmallow peeps and of course jelly beans. My favorite jelly beans were the white and red for some reason.  One year, when I was four, I got two live rabbits; one white and one black. After about a month they found a home with an aunt and uncle for some reason. The last big basket with a stuff bunny arrived when I was seven years old. After that the Easter Bunny must have decided I did not need another stuff rabbit nor did I need the large chocolate rabbit and marshmallow peeps. Instead I got a large cream filled chocolate egg and some jelly beans. How I hated that egg. It was put into the refrigerator and each evening my step-grandmother would slice a piece off for myself and my step-siblings.  I forced myself to enjoy it but did not. I wanted the chocolate rabbit instead.  I must have mentioned this to my husband about the stuff bunny as a few days ago I found a small pink bunny sitting on the computer desk. I looked at it and he said the Easter Bunny came early. It is the cutest thing. I put it inside the basket he gave me last year.  I guess the Easter Bunny will need to come visit my husband next. He does enjoy a certain brand of jelly beans. As for his basket, yes I have one for him.  (Purchased from a white elephant table that benefits cancer research from my VFW) Recently I asked a group of people in my age bracket about Easter candy.  Some of the men liked jelly beans but only the black ones; a few did not like the black but did like the other colors.   A few females enjoy the marshmallow peeps; two I recall enjoy them when they are hardened and almost stale.  Then I found people who like what is called 'robins eggs' which are a hard covered chocolate egg with malt almost like the malted balls. One guy is a chocoholic.  He loves anything from chocolate cream eggs, to the marshmallow chocolate eggs that come in what looks like an egg carton as well as peanut butter chocolate eggs. It seems no matter your age, Easter candy is enjoyed by all. I am surprised Easter is not the biggest seller of candy; recently found it's the second biggest seller. (Halloween is number one). I wish everyone a wonderful day. A Happy Easter to all. Until next time....enjoy those jelly beans.  

My basket and bunny 

LAST DAYS of MARCH

  March has a few days left and we hope it'll leave like a lamb.  April will arrive with a promise of the first full month of spring. I look forward to April with rain showers that will bring new life to the earth. Trees will begin to bud with growth of new leaves; flowers will begin to poke through the ground looking for sunshine and the grass will turn from brown to yellow to green.

April also is NATIONAL POETRY MONTH.  A month long celebration to the genre of poetry.  Poets past and present will have their works read and honored.  Events planned in many communities to pay tribute to this literary category.  

This year, as in the past, I have taken on the challenge of composing a poem a day.  Years ago many came from my life and what was going on with me that day or during that week. 

This year I am again taking a challenge to compose a poem a day.  As before I plan to do a few from what is going on in my life.  A few will be composed from the daily wacky/weird/odd holiday listed for that day; a few might be from the weekly wacky/ weird/odd holiday and I just might use the monthly weird/wacky/odd holiday for inspiration. 

No matter what I decide I am going to take the challenge. 

I plan to share with you the pieces I write each day. 

Until next time....enjoy your day. 

HAPPY SPRING

The first day of spring arrived with what seemed like almost summer temperatures here in Florida. I know that up in the North many were experiencing wintery weather with snow. 

The first day of spring I put on a more spring type hat and went out for the day. The air conditioner blasting in my car and windows opened in the house. By late afternoon the skies darkened and it began to thunderstorm with hail falling.  The temperature turned chilly; I closed my windows and ended up turning on the heat.  The second day of spring the heat was still on in the house.  Long pants replaced shorts; long sleeve shirts replaced short sleeve shirts and jackets worn as well as socks. Such crazy weather. Of course I think it part of March's roaring in like a lion. If what I read in the long range forecast at least March will leave lamblike here in the Sunshine State.  

Yesterday I saw the funniest cartoon on social media. It was a child and a mom standing at the door; there was snow all around and Santa Claus delivering the child an Easter basket. The caption was something about too cold for the rabbit to do the delivery. 

I remember when I was either twelve or thirteen that we had snow falling on Easter Morning. I ended up wearing not my cute spring jacket and Easter bonnet to church but my winter coat, wool scarf on my head and my boots. 

The last time I recalled snow on Easter was when I was in my late twenties. Easter seemed more like Christmas. Both times the holiday arrived in early April. 

Another cartoon I happen to see was with two guys sitting outside in the first day of spring in heavy coats, hats, scarves around their neck and gloves. They sat on a patio around a table with beers in their hand. Snow covered the patio and table. I think that caption was something like not caring about the weather it's the first day of spring. 

Everyone I am sure looks forward to the end of a harsh winter and the promise of spring temperatures.  I do hope that the long winter for many is just a distant memory.  Time to spring into warm temperatures, open windows and lightweight clothing. 

Happy Spring to all.  Hope wherever you live you are enjoying better days. 

SPRING ARRIVES

Spring will arrive tomorrow. Today is First Day of Spring Eve. 

Finally, many hope the long cold winter will be a distant memory. For some it's the beginning of baseball season and outdoor sports.  Then there are those who will begin to plant seeds for new growth of flowers to brighten their home.  Farmers will till their fields and begin to plant for the fall harvest.  

The 'Snowbirds' who left their northern homes for the winter to enjoy warner climates will begin to migrate north again.  

For me, the 'Snowbirds' will cause less traffic on the roads; less business in stores and restaurants.  It will be quiet in my community.  I will not hear the laughter of the adults at play as I term it. No more hearing the whack of a mallet on the wooden ball on croquet days.  No more cheers of winning from the Bocce Ball players.  No more shouts from the horseshoe players when the miss; and no sounds from the mini-golf area when the putt-putt day of play arrives.  With them being gone I'll have a hard time figuring out the days of the week as each day Monday through Friday there's always something going on when the 'Snowbirds' are in town. 

Spring also triggers allergies for many of us. We will suffer through as always.  

Woolens will be stored away until the fall.  Lightweight jackets will be taken out of storage. Pastel colors will replace the drab darks worn for the winter months. 

Spring makes her arrival tomorrow and we all gladly say "Welcome"; we shed no tears as we bid a farewell to Old Man Winter.  

Until next time....enjoy the last day of winter.  

You only have sunny warm days from now till fall. 

CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK'S DAY.....Part VII

☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️

It's St. Patrick's Day.  Happy, Happy everyone.

 

I am excited as I am all decked out in the outfit of the day.  Ready am I to head to a party or two.  

Hope you are all prepared to celebrate and that you are wearing the green.  After my blogs about what to buy for the day I hope you are all decked out in your St. Patty's Day attire.

I started my morning off with a cup of Irish Joe.  Only one for me.  This is something I do every year.  

As for my meal today still debating if I'll have the Shepherds Pie; ham, cabbage, boiled potatoes and carrots; or Irish stew.  So many choices.  I know many have corn beef instead of the ham but I am not a fan of corn beef.  It's just a matter of taste I guess.  I do like the Shepherds Pie and few years ago we had stew.  No matter which you decide to have I do hope you enjoy.  

I found again a few cute things on the web.  A few Irish Toasts I found. 

Enjoy the day. 

Until next time......thanks for reading my blog.  

☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️

CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK'S DAY....Part Six

It's St. Patrick's Day Eve.  Like other holidays, I consider the day before the official holiday the eve.    

Perhaps it's just me to do so. 

Usually on the eve of a holiday I'd partake in some type of pre-holiday celebration. 

The last few years on March 16 we had gone out, had a few beverages and a meal. Hubby and I would give a toast to St. Patrick's Day then pass out a button/pin to people. No doubt we'll do it again today. Of course one thing will be different, neither of us will sport the green today. It's Friday the day we wear our red to Remember Everyone Deployed. Of course I could put a shamrock pin or two on my red shirt.  

I recommend today as the day you complete your outfit for tomorrow with the purchase of some type jewelry.  You can find something inexpensive.  I plan to get a bracelet today during my travels.  I have shamrock earrings and a shamrock necklace but need the bracelet. 

After today you'll be all set to celebrate tomorrow.  

As it's the eve of the holiday you can begin today if you so desire; after all TGIF.   

Please remember to enjoy and celebrate responsibility.   

Until tomorrow.....I found another few Irish Blessings on the web that I want to share with you all. 

"May your day be touched with a bit of Irish luck brightened by a song in your heart and warmed with smiles by the people you love."

 

CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK'S DAY....Part V

Only two days till it's St. Patrick's Day.  

I recommended today for your surprise to give or receive would be a coffee or some type drinking glass for the day.  I received a green plastic beer mug.  I'll probably not take it with me when I go out on St. Patty's Day but use it at home instead. Why you wonder? Let me just say I have this habit of taking a glass I received for certain holidays and for some reason or another they are left behind at the last place I visited.  Over the years I have not arrived back home with my Halloween goblet, plastic lighted Valentine's glass, patriotic glass I used on Memorial Day and/or Independence Day, St. Patrick's Day and at Christmas left holiday type coasters someplace.  I am glad these did not cost me an arm and leg.  Thank goodness for dollar type stores and yes thrift stores. The only time I did not loose a holiday drinking container was at Easter; but there is always a possibility I may do so.  

Now not only have I lost special drinking glasses but I have lost bottle and can cozies.  I have come to the conclusion I am just forgetful at times.  Enough of going off the track. 

The glass you purchase can be taken to any party or event you attend.  You need not spend a fortune on one but it's always fun to have your own to add to the spirit of the day. 

A few years ago I found this Irish saying some place either on the internet or someplace in a book. 

I find it quite funny. 

"An Irishman is never drunk as long as he can hold onto a blade of grass and not fall off the face of the earth"

Until tomorrow I thought you'd all enjoy that saying as well as the following few I found while searching the web that are more sentimental.  

🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

"A good friend is like a four leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have."

🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

 "May your blessings out number 

The shamrocks that grow

And may trouble avoid you

Wherever you go."

    ~~An Irish Blessing~~

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"May your joys be as deep as the ocean 

Your troubles as light as its foam

And may you find sweet peace of mind 

Wherever you may roam."

     ~~An Irish Blessing~~

☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️

     

CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK'S DAY.....Part IV

It's hump day! Mid-week is here.

We celebrated a bit of St. Patrick's at our monthly veterans meeting last night.  First we had to celebrate the birthday of the veterans organization then did cookies and drinks for St. Patrick's Day.  Yes we all had enough sugar for the day. The buttons/pins given out also which were a big hit. Especially to those not of Irish heritage.  A few said they can at least wear something to commemorate the day.  

This morning I found a rather interesting head piece to wear.  It is a headband with what appears a top hat on it.  Cute does not do it justice as I think it looks more funky. I plan to wear it on Saturday as this is the first time in years a headband will look good on me since my hair now is longer. 

As I have said before if you are creative you can come up with something on your own to wear on your head. A few years back I found a black felt hat at a thrift store. I ended up putting St. Patrick's holiday buttons/pins on it.  Around the hat I tied a green and white scarf. 

Few years later I used the same hat for another holiday by removing the St. Patrick's items and putting items for another holiday. 

For the past few days I have been wearing a velvet black and gold beret.  On it I put a shamrock pin and a button/pin with the flag of Ireland.  Received quite a few compliments on it. 

Last evening I could not fall asleep. This time change as I have said is a pain.  So I decided to make up a St. Patty's card for my husband. Being his wedding ring was a Claddagh I composed the following for him. I should have done this the year we married after I gave him the ring but better late than never. 

Hope you enjoy the card verse. 

Until tomorrow enjoy your day.  

🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

       THE RING ON THE FINGER

         © Scottie-ann Murphy

         Written for Murph 

          March 2018 St. Patrick's 

                    Day

 A Claddagh ring I give to you 

   This small token.....an esteem 

     gesture telling a story of love 

       from one heart to another 

        

         HANDS......

             A HEART.......

                      And a CROWN

    The CLADDAGH.....three items intertwined together 

 Each symbolizing a promise from 

     me to you 

The CROWN.....

        representing Loyalty

Faithful and true I always will be 

     Never will I do you wrong 

 The HANDS......

        expressing Friendship

 You are and my best friend.....bestie now and always

  My companion through sunny 

       days and stormy nights

The HEART........

     defining Love

My devotion.....adoration.....

      commitment 

   Cherishing all you are each and     

        everyday

The ring....an announcement to 

     the world of my deepest 

        feelings for the one on 

          whose finger it has been 

               placed 

CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK'S DAY.....Part Iii

It's Tuesday and St. Patrick's Day is on Saturday.  Hubby and I did not surprise one another today with little surprises. Instead we will be passing out St. Patty's Day button/pins to those we see later today. We have a meeting tonight and of course one of the members of the organization is as Irish as Paddy's Pig (same as hubby and myself).  I am sure she will appreciate one of the buttons.  No doubt the others who get one will also enjoy.  Also we are picking up a container of shamrock cut out cookies to share with our fellow veterans at tonight's meeting.

The meeting will actually have to celebrations tonight. First we will celebrate the birthdate of the organization which falls during this month; secondly we will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a few cookies and beverage. 

As for the passing out of the pins I am sure everyone will enjoy be the recipient of one. 

It seems most everyone likes something given to them for no apparent reason.  My husband has a saying, which I am certain many others use.  It goes like this "If it's free, it's for me."  I totally agree. Of course some get skeptical about getting something for free.  They always think there is a catch. Well yes sometimes there is but not all the time.  When I hand someone a give-away for a specific holiday it's not that I want something in return; it is because I want to celebrate with everyone. 

So as you get yourself a button/pin for St. Patrick's Day, pick up a few more to give away to family, friends, acquaintances and even a co-worker. You never know it just may make their day. 

Following is a verse I composed for a St. Patrick's card I am giving to a few.  

Oh if you wonder who Fannon Muldoon is well it's the name of a road in an area in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.  My husband and I thought it such an interesting name I used it in my card verse. 

Until tomorrow enjoy the day. 

       GREETINGS OF THE DAY

             ©Scottie-ann Murphy

Everywhere you look today a     

     shamrock can be seen 

It is March the seventeenth, the 

       day we wear our green 

"Top of the morning" is the 

      greeting of the day

"Erin go Bragh" we will hear some 

        people say

We'll do an Irish step dance

     to the fiddlers happy tune

Sing a few songs of the day 

     with our friend Fannon 

            Muldoon

Sláinte we will loudly shout as we 

      hold high our pints of beer

Celebrating from morn till night

     as we do every year

Everywhere you go today a 

      shamrock will be seen

It is March the seventeenth and 

       the wearing of the green 

     Happy St. Patrick's Day 

  

CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK'S DAY....Part Ii

It's a dreary Monday today here where I live.  I am definitely not adjusted to the time change as of yet.  It usually takes me about four or five days to get acclimated to turning of clocks ahead an hour in March and turning back an hour in October.   Hope by St. Patrick's Day I'll be accustomed.   

I think we should forget the turning of clocks ahead and back and just go with the extra hour at the end of the day being brighter.  Personally I enjoy it getting darker after seven instead of earlier.  But like everything else in life everyone has their own preferences and opinions.

Well today is Day Two of getting surprised by something for the St. Patty's holiday.  Today I found the scarf and socks on my favorite spot to sit. Actually two scarves in fact.  Both have shamrocks as the design but one is in a green color with white shamrocks; the other white with green shamrocks.  It gives me a chance to wear one around my neck and the other tied around my waist.  The socks are green with shamrocks on them. I'll wear them with my sandals. (Hey I live in Florida). 

So far I have the shirt, scarf and socks for my St. Patrick's Day outfit.  

 You need not spend a fortune on getting just the right outfit to wear.  As I said if you are creative enough you can come up with ideas.  Dollar discount stores have a good selection of items from headpieces, hats, scarves, feather boas, socks, beads etc.. 

Bigger stores will have a variety of jewelry and shirts.  

One thing I enjoy is seeing pictures posted on social media from friends who have already began their St. Patty's celebrating by attending local parades in their area.  I love seeing what they are wearing as they have an enjoyable time. Some pictures give me ideas on what I want to wear or how to put together an outfit. As I begin my celebration early I am trying to wear one of my tee shirts each day or a shirt with one of the scarves around my neck.  The past few days I have been passing out St. Patrick's buttons to those I meet wherever I go.  Since my stock is getting low I need to restock my supply.  I feel everyone needs a little something to wear before the big day on the 17th. 

Yes I am enjoying the days leading up to the holiday.   

Sláinte until tomorrow....later I'm indulging in a cup of Irish Joe.  

   For each of you here is my fondest Irish wish:

      MY IRISH WISH FOR YOU

      © Scottie-ann Murphy

       March 2018

May your days be filled with 

      sunshine and skies of blue 

 When it rains, may you find the 

     pot of gold at the end of the 

           rainbow 

May you always have good health 

   and never feel sadness or pain

May you always have coins in   

  your pocket

       so you'll never be broke

May you always have food to 

     satisfy your hunger

        and a beverage to quench

            your thirst

May you always have a roof over    

       your head to shelter you from 

             the storms

   and a fire to keep you warm on 

         a cold wintery night 

May you always be blessed by 

       the Lord

  and your worries be few 

May good luck, peace and love 

     be with you 

        each and every day as you        

          travel the road of life 

CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK'S DAY....Part One

St. Patrick's Day is only six days away.  Even if one is not Irish, you can enjoy the day.  Being Irish myself, I actually begin to wear my holiday apparel beginning about the fifth of March.  As with the other holidays (Christmas, Halloween and Valentine's Day) I came up with an idea to celebrate with my spouse beginning March 11th by giving interesting items to one another.

Since today is Day One the gift for today is a St. Patrick's holiday shirt. I got the cutest one.  It has what looked like a skeleton wearing an Irish cap and the word 'Ireland' on it. (I think the shirt can be worn for Halloween also with the skeleton imprinted on it.)

Many stores have shirts that can be purchased to be worn for the holiday.  The most common I have seen is the one with the words "KISS ME I'M IRISH". 

There is something about this holiday that brings out the fun in everyone.  Many towns and cities will hold a St. Patrick's Day parade.  Restaurants will offer special meals and clubs and bars will hold a party.  Irish music will be heard and most everyone will be wearing the green.  Even the non-Irish become a little Irish for the day.  Jokingly those with last names of Pham, Chan, Lapinski, DuBois and Garacia will become McPham, O'Chan, O'Lapinski, McDuBois and O'Garacia for the day.  Many will drink green beer or beverages colored green; florist will dye carnations with a green tint and some bakeries may even offer green bagels.  Green is the color of the day; Kelly green, bright green, dark green and shades such as emerald, mint and lime.  Of course most will wear the shamrock shade, Kelly shade or emerald shade.  

Funny headpieces will be worn such as green top hats and bowlers.  

In my personal opinion it's a day for the outrageous holiday wear.  

St. Patrick's Day since it is on a Saturday this year many will begin celebrating early in the morning to late night.  

I think my favorite thing about the day is not only the wearing of my St. Patty's Day gear but the food and drink associated with the day.  I look to try to find the most decked out individual as well as the singing of a few Irish songs.  

It doesn't matter if you're of Irish heritage or not the day can be for all.  

The next few days I'll be blogging and posting about the next item to give or receive for the upcoming St. Patrick's holiday. By the time it rolls around you should have things to wear on March 17th. 

Until tomorrow.....get that shirt to wear or if you're creative make one. 

MARCH OFFERINGS

Years ago I use to think March was the dullest month. The only thing to look forward to being St. Patrick's Day, if you are Irish.  Sometimes Easter would be celebrated during the month but that is not always a given. 

A few years ago I set out to search what March had to offer.  I found it not to be boring after all. The month holds many interesting events and happenings.  One needs to just seek and find them. 

First of all Women's History Month is in March. The celebration of those woman who helped make contributions to shape our history then and today. 

College hoops are a big tradition during the month. March Madness is in the air.  Sixty-eight teams playing their best to make it to the Final Four and Final Two showdown; with one team reigning as Champions.  Sports bars and pubs offering specials on food and beverage for fans young and old. 

The 'Boys of Summer' return to the diamond for spring training.  Another season of peanuts, cracker jacks and stadium hot dogs as fans get a firsthand look at the training games of their favorite team. Who will be one of the teams to beat come October?

St. Patrick's Day brings out the Irish in many.  I have not only met a few people with last names of Murphy, Flynn, Kelly and McNamara but a few with names like  O'Lopez, Mc Pham, O'Kaminsky and Mc Laurent at St. Patty's Day events. Quite a few change their name on the day of the wearing of the green. Just for one days it seems every nationality becomes a bit Irish.  

College and schools forget studies for one week for spring break. Many head to destinations near the beach to frolic; enjoying sun, sand and surf.  They let loose to celebrate the rite of spring. 

Fans of Le Mans type car racing can head to central Florida and Highlands County. March is the month for the Twelve Hours of Sebring race.  

Spring arrives with the promise of warmer temperatures.  Buds will appear on trees.  The first robin of spring will appear and wake us with birdsong in the morning.  We shed our woolen sweaters, coats, gloves, scarves and boots. In their place we don light weight jackets and pastel color clothes. 

Clocks are turned ahead.  We may loose an hour of sleep but enjoy the extra hours of daylight. 

Snowbirds who left the frigid North for the winter begin their migration home again.  

Some years Easter comes during March but this year it's the first of April.  Children can enjoy heading out to Easter Egg hunts in March as well as coloring eggs.  

Veterans who are members of two specific veterans organizations can look forward to the birthday celebrations of those organizations in March; actually both on the same date. A few of the local chapters will hold an event for members to attend. 

March has much to offer.  Arriving with the roar of a lion as it says "Hello" it says "Good-bye" softly until next year.  

Does the month have any offerings for you?  I find quite a few to enjoy. 

         MARCH'S GIFTS

      © Scottie-ann Murphy

 March arrives coming in line a lion 

But leaves meek and mild like a lamb

A month that many over look

  considering it as a dull and 

        boring thirty-one days 

Marching in full force the month 

  provides many offerings

   something for most....one thing or perhaps two 

   to drive away the last few blue 

     days of winter

Women's History  

      Month....celebrate the    

         history of those who      

           impacted history

              yesterday and today

Sixty-eight teams begin play

   as college hoops bring on

      March Madness....only one 

         team will reign as champs

Shamrocks, leprechauns and 

     lucky charms help make

         St. Patrick's Day a 

            success......everyone 

                becomes Irish for 

                   twenty-four hours

Le Mans race car fans enjoy the 

   Twelve Hours of Sebring 

Baseball returns with spring 

   training....the diamond 

        becomes alive with the 

               'Boys of Summer'

Buds begin to flourish....birds 

     sing outside the window 

         SPRING HAS ARRIVED 

        on the coattails of winter

Days are longer....nights shorter

    clocks turned ahead

Beaches crowded with spring 

     breakers 

      Books and studies 

        abandoned for a week of

            sun....surf and sand

Children scurry to find hidden 

     eggs at Easter Egg hunts

Palm Sunday, Good Friday and

    Passover brings a solemn to

     the months end

Forging through with the heart 

       of a lion

  March bids a farewell with the

      mildness of the lamb

Leaving its' offerings to be 

        enjoyed another year