Top Of The Morning, And Irish Bread

For each petal on the shamrock.
This brings a wish your way
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
                         -Irish Blessing

St. Paddy's Day, March 17th. Named after St. Parick, patron saint
of Ireland, who at the age of 16 was taken from Britain, in the 4th
century, to Ireland as a slave. He escaped but returned to convert 
the Irish to Christianity and used the shamrock to explain the 
Trinity. Whether the legend that he drove snakes out of Ireland 
is true or not, he is highly regarded by the Irish community. In the
United States we show identification with Ireland by participating
in the "wearing of the green,"corned beef and cabbage, green
beer, parades, leprechauns, feasts and religious services.

Now how about an authentic Irish bread recipe, Wheaton Bread.  
I found this delight while reading the books in the Irish Country  
series by Patrick Taylor. His wife Kate shared this home recipe.

See EARTHLY DELIGHTS for this delicious, hearty bread
recipe along with another one from last year, Irish Soda Bread.

There are some beautiful forced blooms out there that make 
wonderful spring displays in your home. Hyacinths are so 
fragrant, and adding to them daffodils and tulips, you can
create a spring-like atmosphere in your home. What to do
with them after flowering? 

Don't throw away those bulbs.  Here's tips on how to save 
and use for future blooming.
- Once blooming has stopped, no watering, and allow the 
  foliage to die back completely to dried and brown. Next
  pull away the leaves from the bulbs, and dust off the dirt
  while checking for any rotten or soft spots, (don't save 
  those.) Put them on paper in a cool, dry and dark place
  like the basement. Chilling counts. Check your hardiness 
  zone. If you fall between 3 and 8 (we are 6) this should 
  suffice. They will be ready to plant the following fall 
  outdoors. It may take a few springs for them to bloom 
  again, be patient it will happen.
- At the nursery I was told they could be replanted right
  away after drying. The catch, dealing with the deer and
  squirrels.  

Enjoy your day!!