Saint Patrick's Day;

This is a post for a sunny St. Patrick's Day... March 17, 2016

Sherri Stick found some St. Patrick's Day trivia at ClassroomCreative.com, and brought them to the attention of her Carroll Lutheran Village Train the Brain Class:

1.  In what year was the first North American celebration of St. Patrick's Day?

I guessed 1825,  but it actually was 1737!  Before the American Revolution.

2.  Where was the first St. Patrick's Day parade held?

I would bet money that it was Boston.   But it actually was New York.

3.  What was Saint Patrick's birth name?

Patty O'Brien?  No.. you dummy... it was:  Maewyn Succat. Does this sound Irish?

4.  According to Guiness, what is the most number of leaves found on a clover?

Now how could such a small plant have a lot of leaves?  I guessed 7.   The answer: 56!

5.  During St. Patrick's time, what was the National color of Ireland?

Well, it probably wasn't green... it was blue.

6.  What will happen if you don't wear green on St. Patrick's Day?

I thought that you probably would be mugged by a leprechaun.  I was close... actually, you will get pinched, but not necessarily by a leprechaun.

7.  What does "Erin go Braugh" mean?

I guessed "Ireland, get strong!".. but the answer is "Ireland Forever."

8.  What is a leprechaun's occupation?

I thought that a leprechaun's job was to keep track of humans and play tricks on them.    Actually, leprechauns have always been shoemakers.... even though they still like to play jokes on humans.

Now, aren't you glad that you know so much more about Saint Patrick's Day and what all this Irish business is all about?  Over the years, several persons have remarked that I have "the map of Ireland" on my face.  Could be.. whenever I find out who my real father is... maybe I can trace him back to Ireland.  Ancestry.com's DNA testing indicates that Irish blood could run in my veins.

I would, however, make a poor Irishman.  I don't like Irish whiskey.  I don't like Harp beer very much.   I don't like Guiness Stout at all.  But I do like to "run my mouth", and I love a good story.  And, of course, I love people of Irish descent, and I especially like their accents.

And what about their great music?  And Irish-themed Broadway shows?  But, the Irish dancers pounding on the stage gives me a headache.  That's just a mild irritation.. all in all.. I love everything Irish... so, my badge today reads:

KISS ME!  I'M IRISH!

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