Tuesday March 17, 2009
Several contractors are finally being paid for work done at the pricey and environmentally sensitive Shadowrock Townhomes in El Jebel—the developer—Blue Ridge Investments—was able to get the money borrowed to pay off the workers—not yet know where the millions of dollars came from—-but whether or not more work can be done now to finish the project remains a question
And other adjustments are being made to budgets—with RFTA the valley’s mass transit service===considering cutting some city routes to save money—those considerations will be studied by directors on March 24th.
And what a lovely day to bring some joy to yourself and your neighbors—St. Patrick’s Day with celebrations throughout the area.
One of the more notable: St. Mary’s Catholic Church on main street in Aspen—–is hosting a community party—-(it’s been going on for 123 years)..and is open to everyone, says father Michael Obrien:
The party starts at four this afternoon—and anyone who has attended can tell you the food is fantastic, with green beer and Irish music too.
No corn beef however——instead roast beef and roast pork with all the fixins—-pies, cakes—-but no corn beef and cabbage. The miners in Aspen never ate the stuff——-and did you know? Corn beef and cabbage is an American tradition——-Early Irish immigrants on New York City’s lower east side replaced their usual dish of bacon with corned beef to save money.
The Irish learned about corned beef –the less expensive fare—from the Jewish neighbors.
I’m glad it’s only a minor pet peeve of mine, but it occurs every year when I see it in print. Today is St. Patrick’s Day… that’s Lá Fhéile Pádraig, in Gaelic. Pádraig translates to Patrick. Hence, it is also known as St. Paddy’s Day, in all light and lovingness; not St. Patty’s. Patty is someone’s sister, Patricia.
There is quite a bit of history behind the nickname Paddy; mostly originating as a derogatory name for any Irishman, but not so much over the past few centuries. It has become acceptable, just as it has become admissible in referring to the Irish as Micks. Maybe it was the whiskey over the years, but our ‘politically correct sensitivity button’ has had the edge worn off. I’m pretty sure that after a couple of shots and a few choruses of ‘All For Me Grog’ later this evening, I won’t care much that once again this day has been referred to as St. Patty’s.
I just wanted to set the record straight, if not for St. Patrick himself, then at least for my Uncle Paddy.
Irish Kit O’Carra … or Caitríona Ní Charra in Irish Gaelic.