Booze Away Your Blues

Erin Go Braugh! Happy St. Patricks Day!
When I think of St. Patty's Day ... I think of lucky four leaf clovers, green drinks and a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Aren't we all looking for a little luck these days? A pot of gold at the end of a rainbow would be just dandy! If it just weren't for those pesky pinching leprechauns!

Actually, life is pretty good and I consider myself lucky. Yesterday I was fortunate enough to spend the afternoon having lunch and tea with my grandmother. Not only is she funny, but she has a lot of life lessons that are valuable.

I asked her, "Mamere, what did you and your family do during the depression? Obviously you survived and later thrived, what advise would you give?" To which she replied, "booze." Ha! Boooooooze away your blues, I thought! Appropriate for Saint Patrick's Day. Actually, the extended story included her father making "booze" in their basement and selling that to make the extra cash they needed to get by. All well and good during prohibition. Right? I come from a family of rebels. Wow. I thought this little hidden skeleton in my family was hysterical and left me light hearted for the rest of the afternoon.

She also talked about appreciating the simple things ... good food, friends, family and fun. Seizing an adventure out of life whenever and where ever you're able to find one. Even though times in the late 20's and 30's were tough ... almost every picture I have of my grandmother she is doing something fun and is exuding a beaming smile. Rollerskating, dancing, hanging out with friends. And at the end of a struggling era I have a picture of her with her first car, a 1939 Desoto.

So tonight, as your spending times with friends, whether you're having a pint at your favorite local Irish joint or spending it at home, raise a glass and toast to the good times in life. Believe it or not, these are those times. And just in case you need it, here are a few good beer recipes to get you through! I'm not much of a beer girl though, so I think the only green beverage I'll be enjoying tonight is some green tea.

Beer Recipes

Irish Drinks

Green Tea Recipes

--Rachelle

Tremain Street Cottages