When Irish Eyes are Smiling

When Irish eyes are smiling,

Tis like a morn in spring.

With a lilt of Irish laughter

You can hear the angels sing

When Irish hearts are happy

All the world is bright and gay

When Irish eyes are smiling

Sure, they steal your heart away.

On this damp and dreary Monday before St. Patrick's Day I sit here remembering St. Patrick's days past. St. Patrick's day always makes me smile and brings back so many memories. Memories of parades and listening to old Irish songs. (My Mom just loved the Irish Tenors, and the tenor Frank Patterson.) Making sure we all had a green outfit to wear to school. This being one of those holidays we would get a new outfit if needed. You know, Christmas, Easter, First day of school and St, Patrick's Day. The important days. Then I also remember my grandfather Murray and the jig steps that he taught me. The phrases in Irish he would say. My favorite has always been Mo chuisle Póg mo Thóin. (sounds like mah cushla puck a mah hone) He would never tell us exactly what it meant. I later found out. It means "My Darling, Kiss my A##." (Love you Pop!)

I still love the sound of it.


This past weekend was a wet and wild weather one. The Nor'easter that hit Long Island, New York knocked out power to many. Not me thankfully but the lights did flicker quite a bit. The wicked weather also canceled my plans for taking Rory to his first parade. The local St. Patrick's parade. I understand they marched anyway. In 30 to 60 miles an hour winds and rain. Not me! So instead I had Rory practice his posing. And he had a grand old time shaking of his head wear off and telling me to Póg mo Thóin! At least that's what his expression looks like to me.

Friday brought my HOE LHN/CNN exchange. This came from Lisa. The cutest floss tag. I just love it. She also included a few extras that will come in handy.

And last week my HOE LHN/CNN exchange to Mel arrived. I used part of the design to stitch up a fob to go with the stitchers pocket. The design on the pocket comes from the Something Old, Something New booklet. I had found the most gorgeous quilted fabric at Joanns and had a vision of what I wanted to make. Well, it took close to five hours to finish it and it isn't exactly what I pictured in my head but my partner seemed to like it. I definitely want to use this finishing idea again.

I didn't finish Simply Live. Almost but not quite. I got caught up in a new LHN design. I just HAD to start this one. You understand I hope.I also didn't get as much done on He is Risen! I am in the process of interviewing dog walkers. Rory's current pupsitter is leaving for Florida in a few weeks. She doesn't know when or if she'll be back. You see her husband has cancer. They found out last October and he has been through chemo. But the doctor is now saying there is nothing more he can do. M (my neighbor) has been wanting to go to their home in Florida for months and the doctors have finally told him to go. My heart breaks for for them both. And I pray that they both find strength and happiness. But in the meanwhile I have to find someone else come to let Rory out when I am at work. So that took up some of my time.

I do have a small finish, Blackbird designs Bluebird. Well, actually it was going to be for an exchange coming up but I was four (Yes, FOUR) stitches from finishing when I realized I was ONE thread off. Can you find where I went off? Since it was way to much to frog. At least I didn't want to frog that much I decided the heck with it and keep it for myself. Sigh. It will eventually be a pin cushion. I hope. So now it is back to the pattern basket to pick out something else to stitch up for the exchange.

So until next time..........

For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way-
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
-an old Irish Blessing

Love and stitches,

Kathy

and licks from Rory too.