Eve of Saint Patrick's Day

And yet more heavy rain and high winds. There is a small lake by the gate..... wondering why the ocean does not overflow.

The cats insist on going out, then demand noisily in and drip soddenly but unperturbed. Hungrier than ever.

We on the island are too few for parades; some have family visiting with the long weekend. Being a dweller in remote places, I have only once seen a parade. I was trading at a street market in a small town that was hosting a Guinness Book of Records attempt for the greatest number of leprechauns. 

I left the stall once to see the parade. My lasting memory is of a manic drummer with long standing on end orange and green "hair" and closed  eyes totally zoned out....
There was nothing remotely to do with Saint Patrick the whole day.

and I had perforce parked the car a few streets away to find later that it was inaccessible as the Army had set up camp/parade between me and the car. Finally I was escorted by a large soldier in full fig and gun to retrieve it,  to the obvious amusement of the regiment.

Did not even sell much either

So quietly here in the dry, will be an infinitely more fitting and pleasant way to mark the day. with no extra traffic or crowds.  just the thought and the memorials. the Ireland the saint lived in and loved.

My neighbour has promised me "Goose eggs for Paddy;'s Day" but the promise is the real gift! He has family staying over so will be  blessedly and happily  busy.

Still deluging; woke me at around 3 am and never a pause.  a day to bake and fill the dwelling with fragrant aromas and the promise of a feast. And hands busy with bright  yarns.