My children grew up surrounded by baking. While other kids were playing outside, mine were climbing bags of flour. So many of my memories of when the kids were young are woven in with my memories of baking and holidays. Today is St. Patrick’s Day, and also Sam’s 18th birthday. When he was born, I didn’t realize the significance of the date until the nurse handed him to me, his little cap tied with green ribbon. Time flies.

This picture of Sammy sits at my desk. It’s one of my favorites of him as a wee little one. He was around eight months old and was holding onto his father’s leg at Nashoba Brook Bakery while his father was mixing bread dough. The little pair of jeans are covered with flour just like his father, his footprints tiny compared to his dad’s. It’s an amazing thing to look at pictures like this, and then to glance at the grown man sitting next to me and realize they are one in the same.

Sammy – My backgammon nemesis and my eating partner in crime: May your year be filled with safe & legal Senior year activities, lots of salad, just enough sweet treats, fun road trips minus the speeding tickets, tight lines, great dice rolls, lots of music and memorable times with your friends & family.  Enjoy this time of your life and make the most of each day.

In honor of St. Paddy’s Day, here’s an Irish Prayer for you:

“May God give you…
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.”