Have you ever wished you could claim to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day?

Some of you may say you never have, but I have to admit I have many times.

It just seemed it would be so much fun to be Irish on that particular day.

You can imagine how shocked I was to learn that I have quite a bit of Irish in my blood line.

In fact, I just discovered this a few years ago. My grandmother on my daddy’s side was a McCall and she was of Irish descent. I always thought I had more German, Dutch and Native American blood than anything else, but was surprised to learn I had more Irish than German blood.

Anyway, I bought a book on Irish customs one year and have enjoyed it thoroughly. I learned the Irish people are a spiritual, friendly, compassionate people, overflowing with kindness. They are jovial and love merriment. The Irish pubs are often visited and friendly toasts are handed down from one generation to the other.

This past Tuesday night, my homemakers group and I had a fun night pretending to be Irish for that one meeting and throughout the meeting we gave toasts to one another. I am going to quote a few from the Irish book of wisdom I purchased.

Since it is close to tax-paying time, I decided to include this one. “May your feet never sweat and your neighbor give you ne’er a threat. May your car be full of gas and you owe nothing to the IRS.” For those of you still waiting to do your taxes, I am sure this is your wish, too.

“May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future,” was another quote I liked from the book.

Another was about friendship, “May the hinges of your friendships never grow rusty.”

Most of the sayings were from unknown authors since they had been handed down from so many generations.

Here is one of the blessings, “May your troubles be less and your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door.” I thought it must have been the leprechaun who said that one because I have learned if we do not have our troubles in life, we never are drawn closer to God. It often takes troubles to put us on our knees more.

My grandson, Hayden, and I spent an evening going through the book and he giggled often while we went through page-to-page. I couldn’t help but look at him as I often do, thinking about how much love I have in my heart when I see his beautiful red hair and think of all his ancestors who had that same red hair — his momma, his great-papa on my side, his great-grandmother on his mom’s side and on his dad’s side, his great-grandfather. He also has an aunt and several cousins with red hair.

I heard many times when Shanda was small, where did the red hair come from? It was obvious not from her dad and mom.

Of course, I was like every other mom with a child of red hair, I thought I had the most beautiful red-haired child ever. I also think the same with my grandson. I consider their red hair definitely bona fide and beautiful.

I have to tell them an unknown quote from the book said, “If you are lucky enough to be Irish, you are lucky enough.”

I hope they feel as I do, I was lucky to have been born with Irish descent.

Since I am now doing the challenge to lose weight, this traditional proverb from the Irish book of wit and wisdom would serve me well, if I would just do it. It is an old Irish recipe for longevity. “Leave the table hungry. Leave the bed sleepy. Leave the table thirsty.” If I left the table hungry I would be looking the rest of the day for something to eat.

I am happy to report I have lost the three pounds I gained. I am looking more muscular like I was told I would and less flabby like I was.

Now, I am suffering from shin splints and I want to walk. Seems like there is always an obstacle to overcome.

I am hoping this Irish saying considering my weight might come true. “May the most you wish for be the least you get.”

I am wishing pretty big on this weight loss.

Enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day and try to give an Irish quote to someone you love.

I would like to leave you with this Irish saying, “May you have love that never ends, lots of money and lots of friends. Health be yours whatever you do, and may God send many blessings to you.”

As a side note, I want to congratulate the Clark County girls basketball team on their hard work this year and let them know I appreciate their dedication to our team.

Also, being a Kentucky Wildcat fan, I am still smiling. Keep up the good work, Cats! The last quote above is one I wish for you throughout the tournament!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all!