ST-PATRICK'S DAY IN MONTREAL
(c)*Susan Elizabeth Dykhuis_17March2011
(c)*AKA Sasha Gold, Sasha Canadian

In our home lives a lovely Oxalis plant -- in the living room during the months of October to May. Then little "Ms. Irish" plant resides in a green flower pot suspended from the balcony overlooking our patio during Summer months.











Our beautiful Ms.Irish is in full St. Patrick's Day bloom, looking out the living room window where the morning sun kisses her and keeps her green.

Two of our three beautiful felines love the living room window but when Ms. Irish is in residence, the French Doors remain closed as the =^..^= boys, Norman and Felix love to nibble on little Ms. Irish's leaves. Forbidden leaves are the most delectable...


This year Montréal's 2011 187th ST. PATRICK’S PARADE will be on Sunday, March 20th. The parades have been held in continuity since 1824. Our family history includes Quebec Irish and Quebec French -- my mother's side. In our family this is a very special day. Mother celebrated it every year and her children and grandchildren were there with her, celebrating our "Irish".

Montréal's St.Patrick's week weather can be lovely and warm, promising us Spring is just around the corner OR the day can be in the midst of a snowstorm! Mother's apartment [sadly, this building no longer exists]had these lovely windows that fronted the Parade route as her apartment was on the corner of Mackay and Ste-Catherine streets. Ste-Catherine Street, sporting a green line in the middle of its one-way East bound direction, is the Parade route. This was a wonderful way to watch The Parade, all comfy and warm, three generations together at Mother's, celebrating our Irish heritage.

Like so many Canadians, our clan is multi-heritage. We celebrate all of them. Since the passing of our greatly loved and wonderful Mother, grandmother and great-grandmother we keep our Irish ever in our hearts and express it in many different ways. I attend the Parade (Weather permitting).


Tomorrow, March 17th is the day of the Irish everywhere. To my family and friends, Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Go raibh tú daibhir i mí-áidh
Agus saibhir i mbeannachtaí
Go mall ag déanamh namhaid, go luath a déanamh carad,
Ach saibhir nó daibhir, go mall nó go luath,
Nach raibh ach áthas agat
Ón lá seo amach.

May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
Slow to make enemies,
quick to make friends,
But rich or poor, quick or slow,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

On the 17th of March, let your inner Irish out!
Montreal Ste. Patrick's Day Parade route:
http://tinyurl.com/4lavftu


(c)"Ms. Irish" Plant photo 2011 by Susan E. Dykhuis
(c)St Patrick's Day in Montreal by Susan E. Dykhuis

UPDATE: The Parade was wonderful with perfect, sunny Spring weather. No snow, no rain, just sunshine and happiness at the Parade.

ST-PATRICK'S DAY IN MONTREAL
(c)*Susan Elizabeth Dykhuis_17March2011
(c)*AKA Sasha Gold, Sasha Canadian