Uh-oh. What Happened Here?

When we came downstairs for breakfast this morning, this is the sight that greeted us.



Who could have done this?



Upon close examination, it looks suspiciously like the work of a naughty leprechaun. The patio door seems to be where he got in.



He hopped onto the island, scattering things as he ran.



He ran down, throwing papers and CDs and our precious birdhouse on the floor...



...and then ran out the back door.



However, he did leave a nice St. Patrick's Day breakfast.



So, he's not all bad.


Lucy left for school with elaborate plans of how to catch the naughty leprechaun next year. She said, "Did he came late at night? I think I might have heard the chairs being knocked over. Are leprechauns really real? Are you sure you didn't do all that, Mom?"

"Would I mess up my own kitchen that I just spent so much time cleaning yesterday?" I responded.

Elaine got in on the action too. "I think I heard him come upstairs to my room. He said, 'You are naughty, Elaine!'" (No, that was just Daddy and me.)

That's just the beginning of St. Patrick's Day here. It's supposed to be sunny and 70, which is unheard of. Most St. P's Days are bitterly cold and sleeting. Maybe the naughty leprechaun brought us this nice weather too. We will not be having corned beef and cabbage for supper because that is gimmicky (unlike Lucky Charms and gold chocolate coins, also because I hate cabbage). I usually make Irish chicken and dumplings, but I'm going to wait until later in the week so I can bring some to my mom and dad too. So, we'll be having corned beef sandwiches and potato chips tonight instead. As well, I need to make Darren's favorite green cake.

I will leave you all with one of my favorite Irish songs, the kind that makes you smile and cry and want to go climb a beautiful green Irish hill all at the same time.

Slainte mhath!