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I always knew I was of Irish descent, but I never really knew HOW Irish I was until I got my 23 n Me results back.

Right there in the early results it tells me I’m 92.6% Irish.

That’s a lot of Irish if you ask me. I’ve always been proud of being Irish. That report made me extra-proud.

One of the interesting things I learned beyond being 92.6% Irish is that I’m about 3% Scandinavian. That got me thinking. In old Irish history there are many reports of Vikings raiding Ireland starting in the 700’s. At first, they raided the coastal monasteries but as time went on, they moved inland. I figure there must have been a “union” or two that came about as part of the Viking influence that now pops up in that 3% of my heritage. I certainly didn’t inherit blonde hair or blue eyes. Both of mine are Irish brown.

Ever since I was a kid my mother used to buy me a new green outfit for St. Patrick’s Day. I’d proudly wear my colors on the big day. If it was a school day my uniform was also a green plaid, so I had it covered either way, but I’d dress up my uniform with green ribbons in my hair and wear my Kelly green socks. To this day, I still try to find something Kelly green to wear on St. Patrick’s Day, and I’m always in search of a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. A parade is my first choice, but I’ll settle for a little Irish dancing movie on TV if I have to.

To keep track of what’s going on in Ireland I subscribe to an electronic newsletter called Irish Central. This was recommended to me by my favorite Irish waitress (Marie) from O’Shaughnessey’s in Chicago.

This issue features the history of St. Patrick’s Day and how it’s really an American invention. I hope you’ll find it interesting.

Enjoy!

Cheers and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Just in case you’re having a little celebration for St. Patrick’s Day I thought I’d offer up a green vegetable appetizer.

Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip