I know that St. Patrick's Day is March 17th. After all, that's my mother's birthday. But in Chicago, we don't feel the need to wait until the actual day to celebrate. It's been that way for many years. In the neighborhood where Jack grew up and his parents still live, there is an annual event that is held on the weekend before St. Patrick's Day. Here is a picture from the world famous South Side Irish Parade.This picture was taken back in 1991. (Check out the gas prices!)We had a ball that year. We got to walk in the parade with Jack's parents as part of the Mercy Hospital group. Wayne was thrilled, Sally not quite so much as she was a little afraid of the clowns. The South Side Irish Parade is more than a parade...it is a neighborhood celebration that lasts all day. Unfortunately, over the years it became too fun and now it is no more. Not officially, anyway, though word on the street is that the celebration was going to continue today
Another fun tradition that we have participated in for the last 15 years or so is the St. Patrick's Day party that our friends Marty and Sheila throw every year. Marty's birthday is also on the 17th and he is very Irish so it's a wonderful reason to have a party. It is always fun and delicious. Sheila makes the best mini-Rueben sandwiches. Yum.
Christy, Carol and Jack in our usual spot in the living room
One of the highlights of Marty and Sheila's party is The Cat. Marty and Sheila were given an obnoxious ceramic cat many years back and they decided, as a joke, to have a drawing every year to see who gets to have possession of The Cat for the next year. Here is Marty, getting everyone ready for the big announcement.
And guess what? WE WON!
The fun will continue this week and we are looking forward to celebrating Marmar's 86th birthday next Sunday.
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