Happy 4th of July! I LOVE America’s birthday. It’s wonderful how it lands at the beginning of hot and steamy July, perfect for family get-togethers, barbecues, and having good old fashioned fun. I often wonder how Jefferson would view our celebrations today, including fireworks, beer drinking, non-stop-all-day eating, and crazy American flag themed garb, […]
Thoughts On The Papal Visit
Pope Francis has returned to Rome after a hectic trip to the United States, where he was greeted by large and enthusiastic crowds. Traveling to the east coast was not possible for me, but I followed his trip carefully throughout the past week. Image Credit And so today I thought I might pause, and focus […]
If I Were A Lady …. I’d Wear A Hat
It’s Kentucky Derby weekend, and the people of Louisville are donning their finest attire for a day at the races. Ornate hats will balance atop the heads of well-heeled ladies, as they watch the Run for the Roses tomorrow. Image Credit These fashion statements of Churchill Downs may be relics of the past, yet Kentucky […]
President John F. Kennedy – An Irish American Who Inspired A Generation
Today, on the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s death, I pay tribute to him, an Irish American who inspired a generation and beyond. Image Credit As a child growing up in Ireland I often heard people talk of where they were when they first heard of JFK’s assassination. Irish people revered Kennedy. All […]
A Snowy Kentucky Spring 2013
Where is Spring? That’s what I want to know. I thought Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring this year, but boy oh boy, did he get it wrong. As a fully fledged American I grew to believe the famous groundhog’s prediction had teeth. I always thought it would be great fun to attend the celebrations […]
Fish On Friday And The Discovery Of The New World.
Fish on Friday is a traditional Catholic “sacrifice” for the Lenten season. Growing up in Ireland we ate fish every Friday of Lent. When I moved to Kentucky I was surprised to see how strong the tradition is here. Many churches host a Friday Lenten Fish Fry. Maybe I enjoy our Kentucky Fish Fry so […]
If Asked Would You Like A Drink In America, Just Say “Yes”!
Today we are going to explore a little cultural nuance between Ireland and America. When visiting someone’s home in America, if offered a drink, always answer “yes” straight away. The offer is made at the start of the visit, with no extended repetitions until you finally accept. The opposite is true in Ireland. If offered […]
Bless Me Ireland For I Have Changed
Bless me Ireland, for I have changed, Here is my American confession…… I put no milk in my tea! That’s right! No milk! No sugar! Just plain black tea! I know – pure sacrilege by Irish tea drinking standards – not even the teeniest, tiniest, little drop of milk in my tay. […]
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 […]
Thoughts On Citizenship, Voting & Democracy
Today as this nation votes for President, my thoughts turned to my rights, endowed upon me as an American. I wish to express my gratitude to my new homeland. Thank you America, for accepting me as a citizen and granting me the right to vote. Image Credit America has welcomed me ever since I first […]
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