Nightcap

We're having one last round of Irish Whiskey shots to end the St. Patrick's day celebration.  Look refreshing don't they?  

Wonder my friends are going to drink?  lol

A Decision Awaits

It appears that Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll has played his last match for his country.  Unless he decides the loss to Italy and a poor showing in the Six Nations tournament and a yellow card are not how he wants to end his career.

"We all grow and having seen Brian at the early stage of his career and the prodigious talent that he was to the legend that he is now, I was fortunate to be around to see it,” said Anthony Foley. “An excellent team-mate, an excellent man to coach, he’s as hard as nails, he’s a privilege to have in your squad and I don’t think you’d ever take it for granted when you’ve guys like that in your squad. You cherish them when you have them because you’ll be a long time missing them."

Grand Slam Champions

On this St. Patrick's Day when all of Ireland is already celebrating, the Ireland Women's rugby team added to the fun as they became Grand Slam champions in muddy Milan, securing their first ever Grand Slam by edging out a tenacious Italian side 6-3.

Rugby Relief

One year ago, several Super League Rugby stars posed in only their socks for Sports Relief charity.  In conjunction with Comic Relief, the money raised goes to help those in need of a helping hand around the globe.  Sports relief raised around £67,977,824 since it started last March.  There will be another round in 2014, but in the meantime let us remember those who got their kit off for charity.

 

 

  

Del Potro Showing Irish Love From Argentina

St. Patricks Day Parade Dublin, Ireland 2013

There are more people with Irish blood living outside of Ireland so the theme of the parade was about Irish from around the world coming home for the gathering in 2013.  There were a lot of bands from the U.S. in the parade signifying the close ties between the two people. 

Irish Stew

It's a cold St. Patrick's day and we're in need of something warm to keep us going through the day.

• 2 to 2 1/2 pounds of Lamb or Beef, cut into 1 inch chunks.  I use beef.
• 1/4 cup All Purpose Flour or Wondra
• 2 teaspoons Sea Salt
• 1 teaspoon dry Mustard
• 2 tablespoons Bacon Drippings (can use Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
• 4 small Onions, quartered
• 2 ribs Celery, cut in 2 inch pieces add in any leaves for extra taste
• 2 medium White Potatoes, peeled and cut in large chunks
• 2 small Turnips or Parsnips, peeled and large diced
• 2 cups Water
• 1/4 teaspoon dried Marjoram
• 1/4 teaspoon dried Thyme
• 4 oz frozen Green Peas or 1/2 cup dehydrated whole Green Peas

Mix flour, salt and dry mustard. Coat lamb cubes with the mix.  Over medium heat, melt the bacon drippings or oil in a large cast iron skillet. Brown the meat on all sides. Brown in batches if needed so the meat is not crowded in the skillet.
Place all meats back into the skillet and add the vegetables and herbs to the meat. Cover with water. If using dehydrated green peas put them in skillet now.
 Reduce heat to low – medium low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until meat is tender. If using frozen peas add them now and cook for 5 minutes.  Serve with Irish Soda Bread, Irish brown bread or any crusty type bread with creamy butter.

Some Irish Funnies

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

 

There are some things we musn't expose
So we hide them away in our clothes.
Oh, it's shocking to stare at what's certainly there
but why this is so, Heaven knows.


There was an old girl of Kilkenny
Who usual charge was a penny
For half of that sum
You might fondle her bum
The source of amusement to many.


There was a young couple from Florida
Who passion grew steadily torrider
They had planned to sin at a room in the inn
But couldn't wait and screwed in the corridor.

Juan Martin Del Potro

My favorite tennis player Juan Martin Del Potro defeated Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic to reach the finals in a tournament in California today against Raphael Nadal.  Hopefully this is a good sign of things to come this summer seas on and hopefully he can hoist a few trophies.  

The Eyes Of Winter

Beautiful

Houston Rhines

Foreplay

An Irish Pilgrimage

Relax, It's the Weekend

This week was rough with the layoffs at work, cat being sick (he is better now) and all the people in town gathering for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations.  We celebrate for five days here, not just one like they do in the States.  Had a couple shots after work of some Irish Whiskey and now that I am home I am stripped to my underwear and listening to music and just relaxing.