I Gotcher Green Aligators and Long Necked Geese

Some humpty backed camels
and some chimpanzees
Some cats and rats and elephants

But as sure as you are born
The loveliest of all was the unicorn Click on photos for enlargement

"A long time ago, when the Earth was green..." is how this song begins, so I guess that is why it was adopted by every authentic or wanna-be Irishman on the planet. The Irish Rovers started this whole mess when they recorded it way back when. Following that, it took on a life of its own and I am mystified.

THE LYRICS WERE WRITTEN BY THAT CHAMPION OF ALL THINGS IRISH:

SHEL SILVERSTEIN.
So, my friends, all I can say is GO O'FIGURE.

ALERT: I'VE CAPTURED THE WORLD'S LARGEST LEPRECHAUN WITH SHOT GLASSES AFFIXED TO HIS WEE SUSPENDERS!

As for something more directly related to Irish culture, Alexandria's Ballyshaners are the patron saints of our parade. It is the earliest parade in the United States partially because of the ego of the gentleman who kicked it all off 29 years ago and the fact that D.C.'s parade vies for many of the same groups. Now, I am a Ballyshaner, but one who is in self-appointed exile. Why? Because I have had a good olde traditional Irish grudge going with the walking ego who started the parade concept. Now, this is terrible and sure to be on the debit side of St. Peter's heavenly ledger, but I'm slowly rejoining the flock as this elderly ego's eyesight fades. I figure we're both better off if he doesn't know I'm around.

On Saturday, March 7, the parade captain, none other than my faux sister-in-law, Jasmine, reaped her rewards from planning the entire celebration with a flawless event. I joined her at the intersection of West and King Streets which is the confluence of all things parade-ish. It wasn't as if my ENTIRE life step-danced before me, but a good solid chunk of recent history was represented.

Little girls I've taught skipped down the street with curls bouncing behind them.
The sheriff, city council, state delegate and mayor for whom I campaigned rode in convertibles. This only happened because they finally "listened and obeyed" when Captain Jasmine stomped her wee foot and told them to get their arses in the cars and move or they'd be pulled. The noise that followed was their knees clicking in fear as they cleared the backseats.

Please note Ms. Jasmine's eyes rolling even with still photography. I do hope the twins didn't catch a cold with that much exposure to the elements.

There were also folks, I am proud to say, that I still don't know, but did photograph them for posterity and your voyeuristic enjoyment. St. Paddy's Day is somewhat like Mardi Gras as it brings out everyone: the 100% Irish, the mixed breed, and the wanna-be folks. The last category really tickles me because they are usually the most heavily costumed fanatics. One lucky leprechaun proudly displayed his brace of shot glasses while another lass literally shelved her "boobinies" and nearly took the twins totally out of their blankets giving them a little too much fresh air.

Ms. Dawson and I closed out the parade riding in the last car. She waved to her public and I to mine as we encouraged people to come back next year. It was a ball. As soon as I arrived home, I landed on my comfy, cozy green sofa and clocked out for a delicious and well earned nap.
Look closely and you can see my hand on the other side of the back seat!!! I"m famous now!
What a great day for the Irish!

photo at right: My friend James Joseph channeling my dad,

Morgan James Brannigan

As a post script:

Did you know that in Word, spell check suggests "Iranian" for the corrected spelling of "Brannigan" -- and so it goes. Scoop