It was very hectic but also very nice.
Julie's baby shower was on Saturday and I think she was surprised! Most of the people who'd been invited showed up. She looks like she is going to have that baby any minute now so it was a good thing her mom & grandmother had the party when they did. Julie's mother Amy and father Tim are divorced and things have been a bit strained. But Amy and Lucille set aside any differences they might have had for Julie's sake.
I was in seventh heaven holding little T. Heidi wanted to hold him, too, and so did Pam, TB's sister. He was such a little angel!
On Sunday we went to see Billy in Li'l Abner. All those months of driving him to and from the high school really paid off. The play was fantastic, one of the best performances I've seen ... ever. And Billy was truly hilarious as Senator Jack S. Phogbound (there's no Jack S like our Jack S ... try saying that really fast and you'll know why everyone cracked up!). His mannerisms and accent were right on.
After everything that happened -- even though it ws good stuff -- I was totally wiped out and could have slept for days it seemed. The fun extended right to this morning when Kristin dressed up in a cute, creative pirate outfit for 'Pi' Day. Read more about it in TB's entry.
How "Irish" are you on St. Patrick's Day?
I am proud to be of Irish heritage. My grandparents came to the US from County Sligo sometime before WWI. They settled in Harlem and lived there for years when my dad was a kid. Years later, they moved to the Bronx. I loved being around these relatives but they also scared me. I remember they were warm, loving and loud ? and easily prone to violence. They are sort of your stereotypical Irish, sentimental and hard drinking, and I guess that?s why those irritating characteristics are emphasized so much.
As far back as I can remember, I?ve always worn something green and have always eaten corned beef and cabbage. I love Gaelic music! The Claddagh ring was my wedding band when I married Rich. As an adult, I began watching The Quiet Man on St. Patrick?s Day. Is that a movie! It?s so romantic and hilariously funny too! I have never been to Ireland (yet) but I want to go there someday. I would like to meet some of my relatives some day.
I think it?s really sad that Ireland is not united, not after all those years of being under British rule. The British have let go of all their colonies now. I guess that Ireland is not a colony to them and so they continue to hold Northern Ireland. Some years the violence in Northern Ireland is downright horrifying.
It?s all about religion ? so they say. Ireland was a Catholic country. But well-to-do English families settled in Northern Ireland. They weren?t Catholic, they were Protestant. They think of themselves as British first. The two sides are about as far apart as they ever were. It?s hard to imagine the country being at peace after hundreds of years of fighting but it?s something I hope and pray for.
By Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney
Give Ireland back to the Irish,
Don't make them have to take it away.
Give Ireland back to the Irish,
Make Ireland Irish today.
Great Britain, you are tremendous,
And nobody knows like me.
But really, what are you doing
In the land across the sea?
Tell me, how would you like it,
If on your way to work,
You were stopped by Irish soldiers?
Would you lie down, do nothing,
Would you give in, who can say?
(Chorus)
Great Britain and all the people,
Say that people must be free.
And meanwhile, back in Ireland,
There's a man who looks like me.
And he dreams of God and country
And he's feeling really bad.
And he's sitting in a prison.
Say, should he lie down, do nothing,
Should he give in or go mad?
(Chorus)
Monday Madness:
1. What is your solution for cabin fever - you know that feeling of being penned in the house all winter?
My solution is to get out of the house as soon as the weather is nice enough and go to the beach! If that?s not happening soon enough, I?d go to the mall and walk around. The important thing is to get out and away from the house.
2. Who are the people in your neighbourhood...in your neighbourhood, in your neighbourhood.....?
Most are families with both parents working. Most have kids 12 and over. There?s a few with little kids but not many. A lot of neighbors are in the service. Fort Dix and McGuire AFB are very close by.
3. What's the best thing about spring?
All the beautiful flowers!
4. Any Easter traditions?
Not anymore.
Traditions we used to have:
Dressing up in new clothes for church, parading around in our new bonnets
Looking for the dyed Easter eggs
Eating lots of candy!
5. How old were you believing in the Easter bunny?
It?s been so long I can?t really remember.