3.17.2011

happy st. patrick's day...

It means different things to everyone.  Some people eat corned beef and cabbage today, many people raise their glasses a few too many times, some wear green, put up shamrocks and some people ignore it completely. 

For me, it's a day that reminds me of my maternal grandmother, my Nana.  She was born and raised in Waterford, Ireland.  She had red hair and bright blue eyes.  She was something let me tell you.  For most of us that knew and loved her - she was our favorite person.

I feel lucky to have happy happy memories of Ireland.  Family and friends all still there (as are a few boys from teenage summer romances :).  Andrew Henry and I went there for our honeymoon because my Nana couldn't travel here by that time and we wanted to share that special time with her.  The last time I was in Ireland was for her funeral.

Yes, today I will eat potatoes and think of my sweet Irish Nana.  I will remember that she was visiting me the night I first went out on a date with Andrew Henry and she hollered out the door as we left "be good boy, and if you can't be good - be careful".  Yep, she was quite a woman.

Happy St. Patrick's Day and remember to be careful!

22 comments:

k said...

this is such a sweet post to her, she is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing, Jeanette... she sounds like a special and spunky lady. xo

Linda said...

Beautiful memory of your grandmother! My grandmother, though gone many years now, continues to be my favorite person. Love and delight in life. I can only hope to be such an inspiration someday! Enjoy the day, Jeanette.

Molly Page said...

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you too! What a sweet memory to have and share on this greenest of days.

Stitchfork said...

Sounds like quite a lady! Would have loved to have met her!
xo Cathy

jandjhome said...

What a sweet post. I went to Ireland a few years ago to visit my great grandfathers town. It was pretty incredible. He left Ireland and went to Cuba and fell madly in love with my great grandmother. I got my red hair and blue eyes from his side. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you.

KR said...

I love this photo of her.
Happy St.Patrick's Day everyone!

bronwyn said...

She sounds like she was a character! I love that. Would love to go to Ireland some day. How lucky you are to have such lovely memories. Happy St. Patty's Day to you.

Tanya (a Taste of T) said...

There is something about Ireland that calls to me. I'll have to take a trip some day..some day soon I hope.
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Jillian said...

Oh Jeanette I love this post! I really feel as though I got to get a glimpse of the amazing person she was

Nicole said...

hahaha.... I love what your nana yelled at you! I love women like that... I actually had 2 grandma's like that.

Maria said...

Love this post today J. And as you so rightly stated - she was my favorite person - and your mom reminds me SO much of her..she always makes me laugh and she is generous beyond belief.
I smiled when I saw the photo of Nana as St. Patrick's Day always reminds me of her as well. And today, instead of my claddagh, I put on one of her old rings. My little tribute I guess.
Happy Saint Patrick's Day everyone!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

What a lovely tribute! A toast to your grandmother!

Andrew H. said...

I had such a hard time understanding her with that Irish accent. She was so full of spunk!

It is indeed a good day to sit back and remember her.

Tess Kincaid said...

What a beautiful Irish lass. It was a thrill to see her. Slainte!

angryparsnip said...

What a lovely post today.

cheers, parsnip

Unknown said...

What a funny thing for her to say to you guys - I love Nana's for so many reasons but that one is a big one. My grandma always said silly things like that that only your grandma can get away with saying ;)

Happy day to you - put some green food coloring in a beer today and voila!

Diana Mieczan said...

She sounds like a wonderful lady and so beautiful! Wish you a lovely Thursday, kisses

ag. said...

Potatoes are probably my favourite part of St. Patrick's Day! What a sweet post this was!!

audrey marie said...

very sweet post - st pats is big in my family as my moms side is 100%. lots of irish food and music :)

pamela said...

hilarious piece of advice. such a fun and funny lady. will always remember her suitcase with sweets to share!

The French Hutch said...

I just had to leave a comment after reading this post. Yes indeed, I know your Nanna was a special lady. I also have a little of the Irish in my veins. I found your blog while reading Corey's latest post. Stop by and visit me at The French Hutch.........

~Emily