Forty Shades of Green

 As we do every year, the super seven of Casa Doyle celebrated St. Patrick's Day.  We have a big box full of fun hats, necklaces, buttons and all kinds of green gear thanks to a St. Patrick's Day themed birthday party we threw for Mia a few years back.  We also have an Irish flag and a huge leprechaun puppet name Sunny--because that was what his tag said and we haven't changed it.  Chris does an excellent Irish accent so he's always in charge of Sunny.  Most of his jokes are over the girls' heads--except Madeleine who has gotten much taller in the last few years.
This year, I asked Madeleine if she wanted to be in charge of planning our activities.  She got an armload of books out of the library and went to work.  We gave her a little money to buy what she needed in support of the evening be it treats, prizes, crafts whatever.  She ended up writing a quiz to go with a little presentation on Ireland that she did for us.  She also came up with a scavenger hunt and a treasure hunt.  Her clues were very clever and rhymed.  She did such an outstanding job that she is now my official in-house party planner.  I am retiring.  Not entirely but I think I will get her input on Mia's birthday party next week.  It's sure to be spectacular!
And in case you want to put your knowledge of all things Irish to the test--here is Madeleine's quiz.

Madeleine's St. Patrick's Day Quiz

1)  What is Ireland's emblem?
a.  an eagle
b.  a harp
c.  a bathtub
d.  a shamrock

2)  What do the four leaves of the clover symbolize?
a.  latitude, longitude, width and length
b.  love, laugh, live, linger
c.  hope, faith, love, peace
d.  hope, faith, love, luck

3)  What is Ireland's famous nickname?
a.  Wee Land
b.  Four Shades of Greener
c.  The Emerald Isle
d.  The Leprechaun's Abode

4)  Who supposedly banished all snakes from Ireland?
a.  St. Patrick
b.  Patrick Bergin
c.  Jesus Christ
d.  Bono

5)  What three colors make up Ireland's flag?
a.  red, white and blue
b.  white, red and green
c.  orange, green and white
d.  purple, pink and black

6)  What does "Erin Go Bragh" mean?
a.  Go Celtics!
b.  a pot of gold
c.  just another day at the pub
d.  Ireland forever

7)  What is the capital of the Republic of Ireland?
a.  Washington D.C.
b.  Dublin
c.  Avoca
d.  Austin

8)  What is the name of the famous stone people kiss to be given the power of speaking well?
a.  The Kissing Stone
b.  El Amore
c.  The Blarney Stone
d.  The Good Luck Stone

9)  What is the special ring given between friends in Ireland?
a.  Promise Ring
b.  Engagement Ring
c.  Claddagh Ring
d.  Shamrock Ring

10)  What is the biggest day in Ireland?
a.  December 25
b.  July 4
c.  March 17
d.  October 31

BONUS:  Name the famous rock band from Ireland.

Ella, her dog Chaucie and I scored the highest on the quiz

How did you do?

Answers:  1)B  2)D  3)C  4)A  5)C  6)D  7)B  8)C  9)C  10)C  Bonus U2

A couple of the clues for Madeleine's hunt

That's it.  Is it just me or did all of that leave you wanting to visit The Emerald Isle?

Here's wishing you faith, hope, love and luck (and a great weekend).

  Erin Go Braugh!