Happy St. Patrick's Day!

It suddenly dawned on me that this time of year there are a lot of celebrations! Mother's Day, Lent, Easter, NowRuz, 17. Mai, etc etc. Well, today is a special day for our Irish friends as it is St. Patrick's Day. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by the Irish and Irish at Heart in big cities and small towns alike with parades, "wearing of the green," music and songs, Irish food and drink, and activities for kids such as crafts, coloring and games. Its a time for fun. Some communities even go so far as to dye rivers or streams green!

I am hosting a dinner party tonight for 3 dear friends: "Ladies who Dine". This group of friends started as a group of mothers to some boys in the same class who loooove good food and wine and the company of great friends. We have all become firm friends even if our boys are now at different schools. We get together 6-8 times a year (or more) and either try out a nice restaurant, invite eachother around, go to the movies, exhibitions or go on citibreaks. They are all great girls that I trust and cherish. They are like my sisters/cousins/family away from home. The group has grown and shrunk over the years due to the international nature of this city where people come and go. However, the previous "members" often come back to see us even if they are now spread all over the world: Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong. Tonight we are 2 Welsh, 1 Danish and me - the Norwegian. Our English friend could not make it this time.

We don't have any Irish "members". In the spirit of generosity we might have a token green decoration on the table for them!