Sunset is a beautiful time of day, a time when we think about the day that is fading and dream of the day that is not yet born. Lingering Irish sunsets encourage such reflective thoughts. Image Credit This week I have been working on my County Galway post. As I searched for photos of the […]
Archives for November 2012
“Change The Sky” – A Memoir By Joseph T. O’Donnell
In 1967 an Irish immigrant decided to single-handedly build a house, to take his beloved family out of a cramped Philadelphia alley. Joseph T. O’Donnell watched his father build, brick-by-brick, board-by-board, slate-by-slate. What he witnessed was more than a house rising, but one man’s determination to live the American dream and change the sky for […]
Celtic Religion
Today I have the privilege of sharing a piece on Celtic Religion, written by guest contributor, Mary Lanni. The Irish are a Celtic people and prior to the arrival of St. Patrick who converted them to Christianity, they embraced their own religion centering on a reverence for nature. Thank you to Mary for this most […]
Is My Black Friday Shopping Trip A Major Milestone On My American Journey?
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is synonymous with feverish early-morning shopping, crazy consumerism, bargain-hunting, and unfortunately trampling troops of over-ecstatic shoppers rushing into stores in search of their hearts’ supposed desires. During my twenty-something years living in America I never before participated in this retail hype and hoopla. For the entire duration of the […]
Ten Reasons Why I Love Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It is not celebrated in Ireland, so when I arrived on these shores it was all new to me. Ever since I celebrated my first Thanksgiving in Elmira, New York in 1988, I have grown to love and appreciate this holiday. I love cooking, and what better occasion […]
My Nomination For The Expat Blog Awards & A Request For Your Support
Last week I got a lovely surprise. My blog has been nominated for the Expat Blog Awards, run by Expatsblog.com, a site for bloggers from around the world living away from the country of their birth. The best five blogs from each country will be recognized, and other worthy sites will also be included in […]
How To Roast Potatoes Irish Or English Style
Ultra-crispy roast potatoes with soft, creamy insides, compliment a turkey dinner perfectly. Mashed potato may be the spud of choice in America for Thanksgiving, but turkey always makes my Irish taste buds long for roast potatoes. Today’s post is dedicated to the spud and the cooking method of choice for Irish Sunday dinners. I’ll show […]
How To Cook Rutabaga Or Turnip Irish Style
Rutabaga is a very popular vegetable in Ireland, but the name is never used by the Irish to describe this favorite side for a chicken roast, ham or bacon dinner. In Ireland, this favorite Thanksgiving vegetable is called a turnip. Why Do The Irish Call A Rutabaga A Turnip? The Irish call this […]
I’ll Make No Apologies For Irish Food
I love Irish food. My childhood was happy and healthy, nourished by plenty of potatoes, succulent meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, and my mother’s homemade cakes, breads and desserts. When I moved to America over twenty years ago I was astonished to hear so many disparaging remarks about my national cuisine. I remember watching the […]
Hillwalking In County Donegal
Hillwalking is one of my favorite things to do in Ireland. I have trudged through misty rain and gray skies savoring fresh, mountain air. But sometimes, the weather cooperates, the sun adds its splendor, and each step through the springy peat of Ireland’s mountainous terrain reveals the splendor of her spectacular scenery. Last month my […]
