When I was in elementary school, a woman asked me if I was Irish. I remember thinking, "What gave it away? The green eyes, freckles, reddish brown hair, or that my last name is Daugherty?" (Maybe I was a bit of a smart aleck?). In truth, I'm a bit of a mixed breed. The two main ingredients though are Irish and Mexican.
My dad always told us that our ancestors changed their last name at Ellis Island from O'Daugherty to Daugherty. Which is too bad, I'd love to have that O still around. O well. I've always been proud of my name (now maiden). He also used to tell us that we're Orange Irishmen. And after nearly 28 years of hearing that, I finally decided to google what on earth that even means. It means....drum roll please. That we're protestant Irish. Simple as that.
"May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go."
- an Irish blessing
Happy St. Patty's Day!
And a wee bit o' orange for my dad
Comments
kim
Beautiful photos!!! Are those in your yard?!
I am (jealous).
Happy St. Paddy's Day!!!
Dawn-those are from the park where my husband works. Nothing pretty in my yard. :(
I'm sure you're also familiar with this Irish blessing (they do have a way with words, don't they !):
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and the rains fall soft upon your fields;
and until we meet again,
May you be held in the warmth of God's hand.
Lovely photos btw - I believe that last one is a clevia.