Got a Lil' Irish Celebration in on Sunday, Reminding Me of the Monroe Days When Many Gathered for Food, Conversation, & Human Togetherness

We used to gather on Sundays in Monroe, but haven't done so as much like we did yesterday on Walnut Beach for corned beef, Sheppard's pie, and good ol' Irish ale. It was delicious, relaxing, and very much needed, as Pam was chef-extraordinaire and I actually enjoyed the Irish cookery that I've never been a true an of....I think it's because I avoided cabbage. Maybe it is that which I don't like.

Patrick, Stephanie, Ethan, and the newbie, Maddie, came to join Fran, Dominik, Kaitlyn, and Oliwia (with #2 still in the oven...Anya). Oona and her sister, Rose, as well as Oona's son, Rosie, were there, with Pam and Jake. I brought Smithwicks and unlucky lottery tickets to hand out. Luck o' the Irish, I think not, because no one had a winning scratch-off. 

I skipped lunch, so the dinner was exceptionally received. So good. For a guy who used to gag on carrots as a kid, I sure do love them in my adult world. 

It is funny to have the noise of the little ones around, the hooting, hollering, and screaming that is sporadic, piercing, and full of youth were an added bonus.

They loved the cupcakes, too, that Fran brought. Kids have no problem getting their hands and face gooey with frosting. They can do without the cake and their eyes get so big when such desserts are put in front of them.

No, it wasn't a Patrick cupcake, but a leprechaun (a word I spelled in elementary school to win a spelling bee.

Today begins a three-day, 14-hour marathon of obligations, so I'm glad I took the time to have a Sunday feast. Good food and friends are necessities, especially when surrounded by tradition and laughter.

The winds were heavy, but Karal and I got a hike in and I appreciated the warming temperatures. The peepers could even be heard, signaling that Spring is trying to find its way mid-March to southern Connecticut.

Ah, but as for food today. I'm not prepared. I should have been more proactive with my return to Mt. Pleasant. It's all good. I'll find a way.

Happy St. Patty's Day.