Easter Greetings!
This is the week leading up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. For practicing Christians this is the most important religious holiday of the year.

It is also the time of Passover for religious Jews.

For those people who have no religious affiliation, it is the time of the Easter Bunny, who gives children baskets filled with chocolates and other yummy candy। Many parents arrange Easter Egg hunts. It is great fun to watch children looking for brightly coloured hard boiled eggs that are hidden behind shrubs, flowers, trees and other outdoor hiding spots.

In Canada, Good Friday is a statutory holiday and many employers also designate Easter Monday as a paid day off for their employees. This means that there is an opportunity available to take a four day vacation – a ‘mini’ vacation – for many people. It is surprising how many vacation packages are taken during this long weekend.
Have any of you decided to go away for a mini-vacation this upcoming Easter?

On another note . . . .

One of my friends has a beautiful plant – check out the picture – that she has enjoyed for many years। Yesterday she put the plant out on her balcony to soak up some fresh spring air, as the temperatures have been quite warm for this area lately. Unfortunately, we had a heavy wind last night and the poor plant was blown off of the patio and smashed on the ground below.
During all these years, my friend has never been able to find another plant like this one, and she does not know the name of it।
I want to know if there is anyone out there who can help Jeanette out by letting her know what the name of the plant is, so she can order one from one of our local nurseries। I am posting a picture of it। Jeanette brought it into the office once so we could see the flowers in full bloom।
We appreciate you taking the time to look at the picture to see if you recognize the flowers। Be sure to post your answers, if you have one, on the Blog.
Thank you!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

March 17th – the day when everyone is Irish! The day people enjoy a party, a parade, dress in GREEN, think about leprachauns & the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and even drink green beer!

The Legend of St. Patrick

St. Patrick is known as the patron saint of Ireland. Although he was actually born in either Scotland or England, he spent many years in Ireland and his works & legends have become a big part of Irish heritage.

The story unfolds when St। Patrick was a young boy and captured by pirates, then taken to Ireland, where he was sold into slavery. While imprisoned, he had many dreams about God calling him to escape – which he did, making his way to France. Once in France St. Patrick joined a monastery and became a priest.

After many years in France, St. Patrick once again had dreams from God, this time telling him that the Irish were in need of religious teaching. With the Pope’s agreement and blessings, St. Patrick went to Ireland to spread the Christian message and to baptize the Irish people. He spent more than 20 years in Ireland, and was responsible for the building of many Churches and schools.

One of the legends of St. Patrick is the story of how Ireland was infested with venomous snakes. St. Patrick took his staff and drove them all into the sea, where they drowned. St. Patrick’s day is celebrated on March 17th as it is supposed to be the date of his death.

AN IRISH BLESSING
May you have A world of wishes at your command;
God and his angels close at hand;
Friends and family their love impart;
And Irish blessings in you heart.