St. Patty's Day

I had no idea how big this holiday was. I should have known when I was walking around before noon and almost tripped over the guy passed out on a cement block with his blackberry at his ear, but I just didn't know! This city comes alive to celebrate those pesky Irish snakes!

 This is the corner by my house, think I took this around 10.30-11am!

Found the leprechaun!!

My day started with the NYC St. Patrick's Day parade (they claim it's the biggest in the world). It travels the length of 5th ave, and it lasts for quite some time. I followed it up from 57th to somewhere in the 70's. Really had fun playing like I was a tourist at times and taking pics and then playing like I lived here, head down-not noticing the commotion and pushing past the visitors on the street. Most of where I was the people were lining the street 5-10 people deep. Some were more interested in the social aspect of what they were wearing/drinking/which bar next and some were focused on the parade and the heritage/honor/history of what was being displayed.

 This is the Apple store, just covered in people. And, no, none of these peeps wanted the new ipad!

 Bergdorf. The parade is in the middle of the picture, the flags displayed all 50 states

 At the plaza. I am standing 50ft from the curb here and it was the first opening for me to take a picture

Central Park

Next I went over to Mike and Gaby's for a true St. Patty's Day feast. 

The girls-Gaby, Anna, Bren, and me

 Ed and Marley. Had to take this pic because Marley is out and Ed was so proud of the green on his socks.

 Bren and Judd-new friends. They are both educators who just moved here a year or so ago.

 Anna and Ben

 Jay-he's a joint replacement guy that Mike knew from Cali and moved here for the year. His wife and baby (6mos) are back working in Cali, he and I usually bond over our significant others!

 Mike and Gab, still working!

The view from their apartment. You can see the cheese and veggie spread we started with in the background.

 The corned beef and cabbage. The darker meat on the right was soaked in beer.

Soda bread. This was my favorite, so different and tasty. Gab and I talked about making the left overs French toast it was so sweet.

 Salad with greens and green beans and tomatoes.

 My contribution-green cookies. I came with a few more, but people just had to try them before we ate dinner.

The dessert table-stout cake and cookies with coffee and baileys. Note the green cups in the background-Mike borrowed them from work and they were ugly, typical styrofoam cups. Gaby, the thrifty crafter (her blog), covered them with green paper to make them festive. They were literally perfectly cut on the bias and sealed onto the cups. Amazing the work that went into the party-what a success and great St. Patty's Day here.