If you hear this greeting today: "The Top of the Morning To You!"

The response is..."And the Rest of the Day to Yourself!"

St. Patrick's Day trivia:

• Did you know that Patrick's birth name was Maewyn Succat

• The first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in New York's Manhattan in 1762 when a group of Irish soldiers in the British army gathered and paraded down Broadway to celebrate the day.

• “Erin go bragh” means "Ireland forever!"

• The St. Patrick's day celebration in Chicago includes dumping a secret "dye" into the Chicago River turning a portion green.

• The Gaelic word "shamrock" (anglicized from seamróg) means "young clover."

• Like many saints' feast days, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17th because St. Patrick died on that day in 461 A.D.

• St. Patrick's Day became a national holiday in Ireland in 1903. (What took them so long?)

And here's a recipe for Irish Soda bread. Did you know a cross is traditionally cut in the top to ward off the devil? And here's an Irish blessing to go with it. 

May love and laughter light your days and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.

So slice the bread and pair it with a cup of Irish coffee. Have a blessed St. Patrick's day!