With a name like Murphy, it is often assumed that my family history is Irish.Well, it is not; at least not on the Murphy side.Long ago my Murphy forefathers fled the Emerald Isle for Scotland, apparently on the lam following a boxing match where a certain Murphy’s opponent died after a thorough thrashing.I don’t know how many generations of Murphys were born in Scotland before my Grampa who, born in Dundee, had the good sense to marry my Nannie and faithfully stick to all customs Scottish.While my cousin Patrick and I rightfully adhere to the Scottish heritage, my traitorous Irish-leaning cousins Vince and Michael O have yet to accept the challenge of proving any family roots beyondScotland.On the other hand, my Mother’s family name is O’Laughlin and there’s no doubt the clan will all be a’wearin the green for the celebratin’ o’ this great day.
Enough about my family heritage!The exciting news is that here in the US of A, St. Patrick is celebrated for a full week and, so far, I’ve had two days of singing and dancing and feasting and merry-making in his honour.
As a Canadian I’ve only known St. Patrick’s culinary preference to consist of Irish stew and soda bread.Here in the States, corned beef and cabbage is favoured and this week the local restaurants are featuring variations for breakfast, lunch and dinner.Regardless of the menu, the common element is beer: green and plentiful!
On Sunday, I was treated to a corned beef and cabbage dinner for which I have a particular fondness, associated with my O’Laughlin roots.
Today (Monday) was “spud night” down at the GoldenVillage clubhouse.Baked potatoes, butter and sour cream are provided and everyone brings a complimentary potluck dish to share with a table of eight.Slouches like me bring simple fare like grated cheese or bacon bits while the keeners bring items like swiss steak, fruit salad or crock-pots full of chili.Fortunately, my friends are keeners so there’s no doubt I got the best of the deal!
After the eating and a round of toasts to things like friendship and retirement, a rather talented singer set up his karaoke machine.He didn’t get too far into his repertoire before we were singing along and getting a serious workout as we did the wave, the twist and all manner of do-wopping and be-bopping.A nice feature of the wild life of the over 60 crowd is that the partying starts around 4 pm and by 8 pm I was home, showered, and contemplating the luxury of crawling into bed.
I considered ending this post with the Irish toast “may the road rise to meet you”, however, for me that phrase evokes visions of going face-first over the handlebars of a bicycle rather than a wish for good luck.In keeping with my Murphy heritage (Scotland forever), I offer instead this humble wish:“May all your days be happy ones”.
P.S.Tomorrow, March 17, I’ll be spending the day with Dr. Phillip Calvin McGraw.I wonder if he has an ancestor who died in a boxing match?
Originally created chronicle the excellent adventure of a year off from work; this blog is again being called into service as I plot the great California get-away of 2011.
With a name like Murphy, it is often assumed that my family history is Irish. Well, it is not; at least not on the Murphy side. Long ago my Murphy forefathers fled the Emerald Isle for 
Enough about my family heritage! The exciting news is that here in the US of A, St. Patrick is celebrated for a full week and, so far, I’ve had two days of singing and dancing and feasting and merry-making in his honour.
On Sunday, I was treated to a corned beef and cabbage dinner for which I have a particular fondness, associated with my O’Laughlin roots. 
After the eating and a round of toasts to things like friendship and retirement, a rather talented singer set up his karaoke machine. He didn’t get too far into his repertoire before we were singing along and getting a serious workout as we did the wave, the twist and all manner of do-wopping and be-bopping. A nice feature of the wild life of the over 60 crowd is that the partying starts around 4 pm and by 8 pm I was home, showered, and contemplating the luxury of crawling into bed.
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Haha, you better HOPE not!! Have a great time!
ReplyDeleteIrish, Scottish -- you're all Celtic, eh?
ReplyDeleteMaria