Mon - 17 Mar/14

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

St Patrick's Day occurs on March 17, the "Death Date" of Ireland’s most recognized patron saint, St Patrick. It largely celebrates Irish-American (Catholic) culture in the United States (and Canada), and the use of the colour green and Irish symbols like the shamrock are predominant. Everybody is Irish on St. Paddy's Day!

One of the longest-running and largest Saint Patrick's Day parades in North America occurs each year in Montreal, QC. whose city flag includes a  shamrock in its lower-right quadrant. The annual celebration has been organized by the United Irish Societies of Montreal since 1929. The parade has been held annually without interruption since 1824. St. Patrick's Day itself, however, has been celebrated in Montreal as far back as 1759 by Irish soldiers in the Montreal Garrison following the British conquest of New France.

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield took photographs of Ireland from earth orbit, and a picture of himself wearing green clothing in the space station, and posted them online on Saint Patrick's Day in 2013. He also posted online a recording of himself singing Danny Boy in space.

Most folks are familiar with the St. Patrick's Day Parades in Boston, Chicago, Detroit and New York; however, the Irish first came to south during the early 1800's and settled in Savannah, New Orleans, LA and Memphis, TN. Having been to these three cities on St. Patrick's Day I can say they really do know how to celebrate.

Phoned our friends, Helene and Ron, to wish them a Happy Wedding Anniversary. Faith and Begorrah - 'tis a fine day to be married on!

Liz, Nick and Marty are off for a day of shopping in the Orlando/Kissimmee area being it is rain day. Heavy rains will reach up to 3 inches or more today. The local TV is waiting on the National Weather Center to issue a Tornado Watch. Last time there was a watch the local TV broke into regular programming. They track the heavy rain, thunder and lightning strikes  (or Tornadoes) by radar. They were right on the money last storm being within the minute for the downpours arrival in Umatilla, FL.

Charlotte and I relaxed and listen to the rain on the roof. We will have to be prepared if the "Storm Siren" goes off in the park and go to the Rec Hall (Storm Shelter) - you know how bad weather seems to find trailer parks (grin).

Sure enough - we were later put under a Tornado Watch - which means it may be possible. Warnings are only issued when the weather event is actually happening in the immediate area. The possibility is rating for now is 3 out of 10.

The guys called - the A/C is not working on their car. With all the rain and the temps in the high 70's F it is really uncomfortable when you can't open the car windows. They asked if I could call Wally's Garage and make an appointment. (Liz reads the blog and knew Wally did a great job on my Del Sol.)

I called and they are set for 9 a.m. Thursday morning. (Wednesday was open; however, they have paid reservations for Legoland.Florida for that day.)

The guys called again - Pizza at Pizza Hut in 45 minutes??? Pizza Hut is right across the road from the RV Park.

Sure thing!  We met them there at 6 p.m. Three medium pizzas later and we were back at the RV for a night of TV.

We are still under Tornado Watch until 11 p.m. The heavy rain hasn't subsided all day. Charlotte normally likes hearing it on the RV roof; however, it is so heavy and steady today we may look for the earplugs. It is even hard to hear the TV.

At least it will put us to sleep tonight.