This year we celebrated earlier with a gathering at the clubhouse with our neighbors on Friday the 13th. We had the luck of the green so no bad luck there. Everyone wore green!
We had corned beef and cabbage, potatoes, carrots on Sunday the 15th and will finish leftovers on the 17th. Love the corned beef!! We had the leanest beef this year thanks to my husband who chose it. It was delicious with brown mustard and horseradish! Yum! For dessert I made some Portuguese Bisquits with green frosting. I had brought some over to our clubhouse gathering and carried the leftovers home.
I will drink a toast to St. Patrick but not with green beer! No beer for me! Wine will have to do.
Don’t forget to check out all my lovely St. Patrick’s Day promos from AllAuthor.com. They will get you in the mood to read and relax after you enjoy your dinner and celebrations.
Wishing you and yours a Happy St. Patrick’s Day! May the luck of the Irish be with you!
Here is my favorite blessing. Many years ago I stitched one of these and gifted it to my son. He still has it to this day on display in his home.
Screenshot
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Come back again soon where there is always something brewing at JemsBooks!
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
This is a post I wrote back in 2017. I think, if you haven’t already read it, you may enjoy it. Who would have thought that the corned beef and cabbage we eat on St. Patrick’s Day carries this background. Surprising! Enjoy!
online photos
An Irish Blessing
(A Blessing from St. Patrick) May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rains fall soft upon your fields, And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand (Traditional Irish Blessing; origin unknown, although some attribute it to Saint Patrick.)
Source: Insights Plaques: Irish Blessing
Blessings of the day to you and wishing you good luck always!
Janice
Addendum:
Here is an interesting story about the origins of corned beef and cabbage that my friend, Steve, sent.
The Story of Corned Beef – By AOH National Historian Mike McCormack
With the recent St. Patrick’s festivities behind us, I can’t count the number of times I was told Corned Beef and Cabbage is not an Irish dish as if we who enjoyed it were being duped by store managers with an abundance of the stuff. I enjoyed telling them the truth only to see their eyes open wide and to know that the next time they have it, they’ll think of us.
In the Nineteenth century, the Irish tenant farmer had been forced to rely on potatoes as a main food since it produced the greatest yield per acre and most of the land belonged to English landlords. On special occasions one might enjoy a bit of bacon and cabbage with the potatoes, but potatoes were the staple. When blight hit the potato in 1845, it caused a major deficiency in the dietary staple and many were forced to emigrate to survive but that’s another story.
Upon arrival in America without resources, they were generally forced to settle in the least desirable parts of the cities in which they landed. In New York this was the slums of the lower east side around the notorious Five Points. Unskilled and unschooled, they tried to scratch out a living and send a few pennies back to those they were forced to leave behind. Personal gain eluded them as prejudice and No Irish Need Apply signs hindered their climb to economic stability, yet they persevered and eventually succeeded against incredible odds.
Among the hardships families had to endure in a slum environment was the lack of nourishing food. It was generally up to the mother to prepare a healthy meal for her family and in this situation, her ingenuity left us a tradition.
In the mid-19th century, New York was a major port in the China tea trade. From 1841 through 1860, clipper ships dominated that trade. These were the fastest sailing ships in the world at the time. When fully rigged and riding a tradewind, they could reach speeds of more than 16 knots which meant that the trip to China and back would only take about nine months, depending on the route taken. However, an unlucky ship could spend an additional three weeks crossing due to Doldrums – a part of the ocean where they might encounter calms, squalls, and shifting winds.
Carrying a crew of 50 to 60 men, the ships were originally provisioned before leaving New York with enough fresh water, flat bread, oats, coffee, rum, and salted beef to last until they reached China. After gastric complaints about re-provisioning in China for the trip home, many began to carry double provisions for the round trip. These always included a bit extra in the event of doldrums. Upon arrival back in New York, the excess provisions were generally dumped in the harbor for what else could one do with lumps of beef that had been soaking in brine for nine-months.
It was then that coincidence and circumstance collided and the Irish mothers seeking nourishment for their families spotted the floating beef in the river and fished it out. Fortunately, before the advent of power boats, the river was cleaner then. They took it home and soon developed a method of preparing it so that their diet would have meat at least once a week – or at least when the ships came in. They would boil the beef to remove the salt, discard the water and boil it again. They found that repeating that process three times – once each for the Father, Son and Holy Ghost – would remove enough salt to make it palatable, however, while the salt was gone, so was the flavor! That’s when a head of cabbage was added. The last time the beef was boiled, it was boiled in water that had boiled a head of cabbage and a flavor was introduced to the meat. It didn’t take long for ship’s crews to realize there was a market for the old brined beef and returning ships soon saw women lining up for the leftover salted beef which was now sold at a penny a pound. It was a far cry from the bacon and cabbage they might have enjoyed in Ireland, but still it was a welcome dish. In later years, the dish became a traditional favorite for it brought back memories of a mother’s love although the modern dish is far more palatable than the one mom dragged out of the river.
On Saint Patrick’s Day, many people enjoy corned beef and cabbage and some even believe it to be an Irish dish. In a manner of speaking it is, but it should not remind us of Ireland. Rather it should remind us of the ingenuity of Irish mothers, their dedication to their families and their determination to overcome any obstacles put in their path in caring for their families. It should also remind us of the hardships endured by our immigrant ancestors who persevered and overcame the difficulties imposed on them in a tenement slum to bring their descendants to a better life so that we could enjoy a dish of corned beef and cabbage in pleasant company and more enjoyable surroundings.
There you have it! Now when you enjoy corned beef and cabbage and be thankful you didn’t have to pull it out of the river! Enjoy!
Compliments of Shareable Gifs – Totallypimpedout.net
If you are looking for some entertaining reading, check out these books. Hope you have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day whether you are Irish or not. On this day we all feel a little of the Irish in us. Wear your green and smile and eat your corned beef and cabbage and grab copies of these books below for an enjoyable read! Thank you!
Novels for 18+ books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble and also by clicking on covers to the right of this post.
Wishes – Eclectic Short Story Collection
Hunting Mariah – thriller/mystery/crime/suspense
The Series – Hunting Mariah & Mariah’s Revenge – Mystery/suspense/thriller/crime
In A Second – mystery/suspense/paranormal/psychological
An Angel Among Us – Short story collection – multi-genres
Abby & Holly and Davey & Derek Junior Detectives – MG/PT series
Gateskin Chronicles Book 1 – Epic fantasy adventure series
Thank you for stopping by to read this post. Hope you have a HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY! Stay safe and well. Come back again soon! Love to see you again!
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
Suddenly the temperatures are climbing from 30’s to 70 degrees. The snow is disappearing faster now. Does this mean that spring is not far behind?
Unfortunately, the extended forecast shows temps dropping a little and in a week there will be more snow. That is New England! Wait a minute and the temperatures will changed a few times over. Sigh!
Here are some photos of the snow melting. I can see some of our deck now.
Here are the photos of our deck with all the snow before the melting.
The snow looked good when it had just fallen and was not tainted by all the dirt from the roads. Now it is looking anything but pristine.
Whatever the weather, I know that spring ant be far behind bringing warmer temperatures and more pleasant conditions to get out and about. We have been stuck inside long enough.
Well, wherever you live, I hope that you are enjoying lovely weather, feeling safe and warm and comfortable.
Thank you for so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon where something is always brewing at JemsBooks!
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
I have been working almost every day to complete the editing process of my latest book 5 in the Gateskin Chronicles Series.
I find the editing process almost takes longer than writing the book. This is an epic fantasy with myriad characters, unusual creatures, magnificent dragons, plenty of magic, spells, wizards, fairies, sprites and the constant struggle of good against evil. Once you being this adventure with book 1, you will be hooked and want to know more about all the intriguing characters.
LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN WITH BOOK 1, THE LEGEND OF THE TAKEN ONES: GATESKIN CHRONICLES!
Here are the four book trailers I created to whet your appetite for the adventures:
Here are some reviews of the series from Amazon using AllAuthor.com promos:
Gateskin Book 1Gateskin Book 1Gateskin Book 2Gateskin Book 2Gateskin Book 3Gateskin Book 3Gateskin Book 4
I am a pantser (I write by the seat of my pants). This means that I let the characters tell the story and lead the way how the story will flow until I need to rein them in when they get a little too crazy. Sigh! There are plenty of unusual creatures in this story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and swiftly turning pages.
Gateskin has his work cut out for him once again and has the assistance and council of not only his wife but also for Head Guard, Spindle, a Sprite, and his dragons. I think you will love some surprises in this book and fall in love with a particular character or two.
Well, if you still here, then it is time for you to hop over to Amazon or Barnes & Noble and grab your copies of this series so you will not be left behind when others are talking about each book. This way you will be ready for book 5 where THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE!
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon where something is always brewing at JemsBooks!
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
Recently John and I went to our favorite Italian restaurant – Pasquale’s! I usually have Chicken Parmesan and John has a pizza with buffalo mozzarella. This time we were in the mood for seafood.
We both ordered Seafood Liguine Marinara! It was fabulous and quite filling. The next time I think we will split it!
This restaurant is a family opened and run with the hard-working daughter, Rose Maria, two sons and the father, Pasquale himself.
Their Chicken Parmesan (with homemade fettucine), pizzas and bread (homemade) are delicious too! I keep discovering new things on the menu to try. The prices are reasonable and the waitstaff, Yvonne and Ciara, are friendly and accommodating. I give this restaurant 5+ stars.
This restaurant is located in my hometown of Londonderry, NH. If you are ever in the area, check it out, you will love it!! Tell Rose, I sent you!
I may have to lose some weight again just looking at this dish! It makes my mouth water!
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon. There is always something brewing at JemsBooks!
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
I recently made a pot of Beef, Barley and Beans Soup. It was nourishing and delicious. There are plenty of tasty recipes on my recipe segment, Janice’s Kitchen Corner.
Beef, Beans & Barley Soup
INGREDIENTS:
Beef ribs or beef bones with meat
Small onion chopped
Garlic powder or globe of garlic, black pepper
2 Tbs olive oil
1 C Mixed dry beans
1/2 C pearl barley
Can of chopped tomatoes
Beef Bouillon to taste
Soup pasta
DIRECTIONS:
Cook 1 C dry beans in water for 2 hours
Cook barley separately for 40 minutes
Brown beef in olive oil on all sides in separate pan
Fill pan 3/4 full of water
Add chopped onion & clove garlic or powder, black pepper
Add beef bouillon to taste
Boil all until beef is cooked
Drain and rinse cooked beans
Add beans to pan with beef
Rinse barley and add to beef
Cook all until heated through
Cook soup pasta, e.g. elbows, soup Mac or other pasta – a few minutes less than needed.
Add drained pasta to soup and shut off.
Sprinkle bowls of soup with a little grated cheese then serve.
Serve with crackers or crusty bread.
Enjoy!
I hope you enjoy this nutritious soup. You can add more or less of all ingredients depending upon how much soup you want to make. This was made for two and provided one dinner and two lunches. You can make this with meatball or chicken if you would prefer. Anything goes when you make soup! Have fun cooking!
Please check out all the recipes on my segment, Janice’sKitchenCorner.
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continuing support. Please come back again soon. There is always something brewing at JemsBooks!
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
I worry about the wildlife this winter with all the snowstorms we have had. There is about two-three feet of snow out there covering everything. Today we have warmer temperatures for a change and there is some melting going on but still plenty of snow on the ground.
We have not been able to get out on our back deck to feed the birds. I put out a cup of seeds but the squirrels ate them all and tipped it over in the process. I know they are hungry too.
Here are some photos of the mess the squirrels made but left happy with full stomachs.
Below are footprints in the snow on our back deck – squirrels and rabbits.
Here is the bird seed house that the birds have been eating to survive.
There is another snowstorm coming, hopefully not too much accumulation. I don’t think I will be putting out anymore seeds. The birds are eating what is left in the feeders and a bird seed house that is made of seeds for them to eat that my daughter gave me.
The birds have been eating it since the other feeders are almost out. Sad to say! Once the snow melts some more on the deck, it may be safe to go out there and refill the feeders. Fingers crossed!
We are fortunate so far with no loss of power during all these storms even though the generator is uncovered. I did that a while ago. Hopefully I won’t have to do that again anytime soon.
Thank you so much stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. I hope you are safe, warm and having better weather than we have had. Take care. Please come back again soon where something is always brewing at JemsBooks!
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
Here it is already the end of another month. Where does the time go? I have been busy as usual reading some wonderful books for the month of February of 2026. Here are the 7 books I read and reviewed for February. I might have read even more if I didn’t have a few WIP. But I always seemed to have a WIP! That fact never stops me! I hope you enjoy reading these reviews.
I love sharing my eclectic reads in this Jemsbooks Segment, Books Read in the Month. I hope you will get a chance to look over these books soon. Thank you for your kind support of my work and that of my fellow authors.
If you are an avid reader, as I am, please review the books you love on Amazon or wherever you purchased them for others to enjoy your reviews. Reviews are one way for readers to know about an exceptional book. We indie authors love to receive reviews and appreciate the efforts of readers to do them. Once again, I thank you for your kind support of me and my books and for supporting my fellow authors too.
When I wrote these reviews I rated them on Amazon, Goodreads and sometimes Barnes & Noble. I did not include the ratings here though. It is best to share my thoughts with you about how I felt about the book without the rating. Ratings can be deceiving at times.
We all feel differently about books. Sometimes we love them, sometimes we like them and still other times we may dislike a book. Some other books are so memorable they take your breath away! While still others are sweet, sensitive, and enjoyable reads that we soon will forget. But all these books I have reviewed were lovely reads as you can see from my reviews. I hope you enjoy my reviews and that they will help you to decide what will be your next read.
If She Only Knew is a mystery full of surprises and secrets with a love story intertwined into the tale of a rich family and their children.
I found this story engaging but got a little confused at times until all was explained. There were a few unsavory characters that I wanted out of the picture but loved one son of the Cahill’s, Nick, who stood on his own two feet and by his own rules. He didn’t live like the rest of the family in the lap of luxury.
This author creates captivating and intriguing plots with plenty of the unique elements that keep readers interested and wanting more.
The Silver Hairclip is a wonderful adventure in historical time travel with romance that would make any romanticist swoon. It is full of adventures, danger, intriguing characters and the magic of traveling through time.
I was gripped by each scene that the main character Leesa aka Maria entered and how and when she would return. She was living in two time periods that were completely different but she wanted to return to the past because of what she had found that she could not attain in the present time.
The author did a sweeping tale of love, loss and hardship in the past that swept this reader away. It was so enjoyable that I did not want it to end. This is the first book in the series. I look forward to the next one to continue the story into the present time. Kudos to the author for creating such a unforgettable and captivating story!
Call of the Camino is an adventure for all who take the path through Spain. It is a spiritual and religious experience for all who attempt to complete this backpacking adventure.
The author actually traversed this path herself after her children convinced her to do it. She gathered her information and experience from her trip to create this book. There are two timelines featured – one of a young woman and the other of her parents who completed this adventure many years before and left her their experience in notes and photos.
The young woman decides to complete this trip in order to get closer to her parents and at the end uses her knowledge of the trip to write a book that will aid others in their travels on the Camino de Santiago. This was an unforgettable adventure that changed many lives in surprising ways. A memorable story!
Hearts of Seasons, Book 5 in the Colorado Hearts Series, is the final book in this western series about the Five Sisters Ranch. This book was full of adventure and tasks for Sheriff Dawson and keeps him busy and on his toes dealing with some unsavory visitors to his town of Eden.
There is the wedding of Clint and Mavis and some budding romance between a friend of the sisters and a visitor to town. Clint worries about his son, Cash, who wants to venture out on his own and puts his honeymoon on hold to handle things with his new wife’s consent. There is always something happening to keep the reader engaged.
This series has some wonderful characters that readers will fall in love with in each book and want to know more about as the series progresses. I have been hooked and have read the complete series now. I look forward to reading more of this talented author’s work.
More Than Nothing is a romance full of spice and memorable characters. The chapters jumps between the two main characters as they each have adventures of their own that keep bringing them closer together. One has a loving family while the other character comes from a disruptive, anything but loving family, who are always into whatever illegal and criminal activities they can find to make some money.
The story moves along with plenty of romance between the two main characters as the action ramps up along with plenty of danger at every turn for the female character. I enjoyed the ending and how the author closed everything in a nice package. There will be another book in this series.
This was a nice way to begin this series. I look forward to the next book and how the author will weave a story around these two characters once again.
The Fix is full of mystery, intrigue and tragedy involving one family. The main protagonist, Cami and her father survive a horrific attack on her family. Many years later someone is back again but this time to torment Cami about a child she had to give up.
There are scenes that are difficult to comprehend, rape of a young girl. Even though the scenes aren’t described in detail, one can imagine what is happening. it is intense and sad as to the tragedy the main character has had in her life. Cami has one childhood friend who stands by her through her latest trial as she tries to solve a mystery about the child she had to give up.
An intense mystery that was gripping and emotional.
The Color of the Season is part of a continuing series with memorable characters and full of family issues, heartfelt emotion, a tender and haunting love story, and a near death experience. The characters are connected through some paranormal interactions.
One of the main characters, a police officer, has a near death experience and sees a woman who he knew when he was just a child. She visits him in the hospital and influences him in ways he never expected. Her short time visiting him while he is recuperating from gunshot wounds continues to haunt him and when he tries to find her, his life changes in surprising ways.
This is a haunting story that was gripping and unforgettable. It left me with a good feeling about what lies beyond us and where we will go once we leave this Earth.
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon where something is always brewing at JemsBooks!
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
l was thrilled to see this review on Readers’ Favorite Book Awards! It is always a wonderful feeling to read that a reader enjoyed my book! It encourages me to want to write some more.
This book began with a dream I had of a car accident. It was frightening to me since many dreams I have had in the past were precursors to something did happen later on. I began to create this story full of mystery, suspense, paranormal activity with a memorable and charismatic character, Gramma Grace, who has captured the hearts of many readers. Some have asked for her to have her own story. This is something that may be on my back burner in the future.
If you haven’t read this book, I hope that you will check it out soon. It will grip you and you will not be able to put it down until its satisfying ending. Happy Reading!
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please come back again soon where something is always brewing at JemsBooks!
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
This is a post I wrote in the past that I would like to share with you again for its importance to all parents about reading and the development of your children’s brains.
PROMO BY JOHN SPINA – JEMSBOOKS EXPRESS LOGO
How important is reading to children’s brain development? I recently read an article by two doctors, Dr. Mehmet Oz & Dr. Michal Roizen, in my local newspaper that stated that ‘Reading is brain food for kids.’ Google this interesting article by these two prominent doctors.
John reading to his grandchildren when they were younger.
In my opinion reading to young children has proven to be beneficial not only in helping them read by the time they start school but also in helping them with their speech and language skills. Reading to your children from birth on will provide a valuable bonding experience for both of you. You will find that your children will want to spend time with you and will share more of themselves with you later on.
Here I am below reading to children at our local library, Leach Library many years ago.
My youngest grandson who is now 12.
Once your children learn to read let them read to you. It will give them confidence and help them learn pronunciations of words and inflection of the storyline. It is also fun to create stories between you and act them out. This promotes creativity in your child and will be entertaining to both of you. Oh, I know, that is asking too much to act out a story! We authors just love reading out loud and acting out the storyline. Lol! Sorry! But all you have to do is read – that is important. Leave the acting to the children. They will love it!
Three of my five grandchildren who are now grown and in their teens and above.
A young fan reading Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey
My great nephew checking out Make Believe Once Again: Bedtime Stories for Children.
We must all remember that our children and grandchildren will grow up much too fast for our liking. Spend as much time as you can with them as they develop in mind and body. A parent’s job is a difficult one and takes time and effort but is most rewarding in the long run if we just take the time to read and listen to our children and grandchildren.
Most of all have fun reading to and with your children. They will love you for it!
I feel pure joy writing for children and hope with God’s help and blessing to continue to write many more fun adventures for children to read and enjoy. I do enjoy writing for MG/PT/YA and 18+ too!
Please consider giving books to all the children on your list for all occasions. There is nothing better than to see a child’s eyes light up when you give him/her a book – even more so when you read the book to them. You are giving them so much more than you could ever imagine, e.g., you spark their imagination, heighten their creativity, lift their spirits, increase their vocabulary, open up a whole new world to them, enhance their health and wellbeing and encourage them to love reading. The gift of a book is worth more than gold to our children, grandchildren. Keep reading and gifting books to children. Let’s bring up a generation of readers and thinkers. Thank you for your support!
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post. Get your children reading today with JemsBooks.
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
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