Happy St. Pat’s Day

On Thursday while we were at the ophthalmologist office for a follow-up appointment for Richard’s eye (he got a good report), a telephone call arrived from my sister’s husband, which was captured by the answering machine. He inquired after Richard’s eye, told us about a Webcam set up on an eagle’s nest on Catalina Island, which is 26 miles off the coast of Southern California, and invited us to the St. Patrick’s Day party my sister is having today.

Richard and I laughed at the idea of how much fun it would be to hop in the car and drive out there – without telling anybody – and showing up at their house for the party.

Some people could do that. They could… and they do. I envy them that freedom. Our life is too complicated right now for us to do something like that. And I don't think we would be brave enough to try it even if it were possible. Doggone it.

Instead, as soon I finish this, I will put corned beef brisket and potatoes and carrots into the crock pot (cabbage will go in later) for dinner tonight. Yesterday, we bought rye bread and Swiss cheese in anticipation of Ruben sandwiches tomorrow.

Once upon a time, I found a recipe for homemade corned beef. I bought brisket and cured it in brine with spices. It tasted great, but it looked horrible. Horrible. It was a nasty gray color because I lacked whatever chemical it is that keeps the meat bright red. I decided making my own corned beef was not something I wanted to pursue.

In the meantime, I am thinking of my 3 half-Irish cousins today. They are blessed among the extended family: both of their parents are still alive. Unfortunately, the physical tents that their parents occupy are failing, neither parent is doing very well, and my heart goes out to these precious cousins and my Aunty and Uncle. Wishing them a good day today.