Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

St. Patrick’s Day in the United States is the only day when everyone is Irish. It’s a time for wearing green, reveling with friends, drinking beer—often also green—eating Irish food, watching parades, and generally celebrating Irish culture, heritage and traditions. 

St. Patrick’s Day was officially declared a Christian feast day in the early seventeenth century in honor of St. Patrick. It was observed by many (Christian) religions because it commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.

Patrick was born in Roman Britain in the fourth century to wealthy Roman Christian aristocrats. His father was a deacon and his grandfather was a priest. At the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken as a slave to Gaelic Ireland where he spent six years there working as a shepherd.

After making his way back home by escaping to Gaul, now France, Patrick became a priest and studied for fifteen years before returning to Ireland in 432. According to legend, St. Patrick used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to Irish pagans.

The first organized observance of St. Patrick’s Day in the British colonies was in 1737 when the Charitable Irish Society of Boston gathered to honor their motherland. During the American Revolution, George Washington, realizing his troops had a morale problem and in acknowledgment of the valiant Irish volunteers who served in his army, issued an order declaring the 17^th of March to be a holiday for the troops in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

Throughout the years and throughout the United States, cities with Irish populations continued to celebrate the special occasion with parades and festivities. Even the White House celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, starting with President Harry Truman.

So to everyone, whether you are Irish or wannabe Irish, I lift my glass of ale and wish you this Irish blessing:

These things, I warmly wish for you
Someone to love, some work to do,
A bit of o' sun, a bit o' cheer.
And a guardian angel always near.

To your good health—“Slainte.”

Amazon Author Page:https://www.amazon.com/Judy-Ann-Davis/e/B006GXN502/

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Blog Link: “A Writer’s Revelations” ~  http://judyanndavis.blogspot.com/

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Yahoo Groups:  wrppromo@yahoogroups.com and ahachat@yahoogroups.com and pennwriters@yahoogroups.com

BON APPETITE: Beef Vegetable Soup in a Slow Cooker

There's always time for a bowl
of soup. It's a healthy lunch item when paired with your favorite sandwich--and a warm addition to any dinner on a cold night.

 BEEF VEGETABLE SOUP

1 lb. cubed beef stew meat

       or your favorite steak 

       cut into cubes

1 can whole kernel corn,

       drained

1 can cut green beans (see note below)

1 can carrots, drained

1 can sliced potatoes, drained

1 can peas, drained (optional)

¼ cup spaghetti sauce

2 cans vegetable broth

2 cans beef broth

1 finely chopped onion

2 stalks celery diced

Liquid from one can of Campbell's onion soup
2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Brown onion and meat in 2 tablespoons of oil. 

    Remove from pan and drain.

2. Place meat and onions and vegetables in slow cooker.

3. Drain the onion soup, saving the broth.

4. Add onion broth, vegetable broth, and beef broth to slow 

    cooker along with the spaghetti sauce.

Cook on low for 6 hours. Add water, if necessary.

NOTE:  Green beans can be added the last two hours to
avoid being too soft.

FEBRUARY - National Bird Feeding Month

For me, feeding the birds is a natural stress-free and entertaining activity. There is nothing more exciting then to see a new species of bird appear at your feeder or to see the colorful finches, cardinals, and blue jays mingle with the common song sparrow that sings a cheery tune in the bushes outside the windows. 

Finches and Woodpecker on Tube Feeder

It is estimated that one-third of the U.S. adult population feeds wild birds in their backyards. For many, it’s a fun activity that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike and encourages bird watching as a hobby. It also allows wild birds a supplement to their natural diet of weed seeds and insects while offering entertainment and relaxation for the human population.

In 1994, Congressman John Porter, of  Illinois, introduced a resolution to recognize February as National Bird Feeding Month. This is the time, in cold climates, when many birds need the most help with their food supplies as well as a place to find available water.

Cardinal

For young children, bird feeding and watching, is an excellent educational experience. They can identify the different species of birds, use a field guide, learn the feeding and living habits of birds, do research projects and reports, and most of all—have a pleasant interaction with adults.  With the use of a digital camera, they can chronicle the various types of birds with pictures, learning the skill of photography as well.

Song Sparrow

 

If you’ve not tried bird feeding as a hobby, give it a whirl. It’s like having your own wildlife reality show where the characters change every few minutes and their antics and songs keep you entertained.

Sweet Kiss - A Valentine Day's Special Offer

SWEET KISS is now bundled in a Candy Heart's set called "Sweet Stuff" for Valentine's Day,  along with some other great short stories. You can find the set on Amazon for $5.99 at: https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Stuff-Candy-Hearts-Boxed-ebook/dp/B079HLKGYC/

SWEET KISS is also available until Valentine's Day for $0.99. 

https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Kiss-Candy-Hearts-Romance-ebook/dp/B018L2U3MS/

A SPECIAL EXCERPT:

Hands gripping the wheel, Tappe cleared his throat and hesitated. When he spoke, his voice was calm, but calculated. “I don’t know how to say this, Kate. Not without offending you. I was sorry to see you were getting married even though I hope, to all the heavens above, you’ll to be happy. Whoever he is, he’s one damn lucky guy. What’s his name?” He looked over at her, and his gaze hardened with disdain. “But I swear, if the SOB ever breaks your heart, remember I’m still here to pick up the—”

“Stop, just stop!” Kate sliced the air with both hands, then brought them to her forehead and pushed her bangs out of her eyes. “I’ve been trying to tell you ever since the day you tried to demolish the drainpipe with that wrench—I’m not engaged to anyone.” She shot him a withering glance.

His eyebrows rose in amazement. “What did you say?”

“I said I’m not engaged.”

“What about the ring?”

“It’s an inheritance from my Aunt Fay.”

“I don’t understand.”

“What’s not to understand?”

“Whoa, you’re serious?”

“Why would I lie?” They were trading questions and answers like they were on a television game show.

“Say it again,” he urged.

“I. Am. Not. Engaged.”

Seconds later, the truck swerved, then slid to a stop at the side of the road. Before she could collect her thoughts and sputter another word, Tappe’s strong arms tugged her across the seat toward him. His lips descended on hers while his arms gathered her in an embrace. The sweet taste of strawberries on his lips sent shivers of desire racing through her. He pulled back, cupping her face in his hands. “Those last four words were the best I’ve heard since I arrived in Little Heron Shores,” he whispered against her lips.
        “I’m glad. We’re crushing the lobster rolls,” she said.

HERE ARE THE SIX BOOKS IN THE SET