Cheers!

After the workout of the day before, a St. Patrick's Day celebration seemed in order; mandatory, in fact.  Let's face it, everyone is Irish on St. Paddy's.  The corned beef went into the crock pot before 6 a.m.  Low and slow is the only way for really tender, juicy corned beef.  After barn chores, Irish soda bread went together in the bread machine.  I'm all about using mechanical servants, especially when I've other household duties to perform.

Camille, her mom Olga, and Honey came right on time.  We'd planned for an early dinner as Cam and I have our animals to tend at sundown.  In the spirit of the day, Olga brought the coloring so we could have our drinks shamrock green.  Slainte!!  The brown loaf of soda bread is by Olga's arm, and the applesauce cake studded with fruit she brought is behind that.

As we were finishing our meal, Go-To Guy and his wife Debbie came by just in time for a green beer, a few nibbles of corned beef (we'd not left much), and a slice of cake.  Jim is going to finish repairs soon on that frozen, broken pipe line.  We're heading into the dry season and those trees in the pen and field will need watering.  It was a pleasant gathering of congenial friends.

Company gone at dusk, Bess and I walked out to finish chores.

It was a good day.