a day for patricks

As an ethnic mutt, I sometimes wish I had a stronger cultural identity. Then a holiday rolls around, and I remember how lucky I am to celebrate each year with a kaleidoscope of traditions and a kaleidoscope of flavors. (Plus, I get the fun of hanging with a very ethnic crowd of Italians every time I visit J's family...imagine a nonno with an accent, kissing you on the forehead...and a crazy uncle with such a thick Brooklyn accent you can hardly understand  him.) I am just over a fourth Irish though, which means I merrily celebrate St. Patrick's Day each year with some delicious fare... 

Lately I'm finding it pretty easy to avoid meat. But there are three types of meat that each come once a year, and I find them irresistible: ham and kielbasa for Easter, and corned beef for St. Patrick's Day.

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I had a very special uncle named Patrick. I think of him on his birthday every year, but St. Patrick's Day makes me think of him more. Springtime is just arriving, people are feasting, and green is sprouting everywhere. Seems an appropriate time to celebrate a beautiful life.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!