Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Happy St Patrick's Day

If you like, you can double click on the photo to make it bigger.

I think Chicagoans really know how to celebrate St Patrick's Day in Green style.
As part of a more than forty year old Chicago tradition, the Chicago River is dyed green in observance of St. Patrick's Day every year.

The idea of dyeing the Chicago River green originally came about by accident when a group of plumbers were using fluorescein dye to trace illegal substances that were polluting the river.

The EPA has since outlawed the use of fluorescein and the City of Chicago now uses a whole bunch of vegetable dye(40 gallons)and other SECRET ingredients to dye the river the perfect shade of green!
(If I tell you the secret, then I'll have to kill you}

Experts say that the vegetable dye is safe and not harmful to the thousands of living organisms that find a habitat in the Chicago River.

The tradition of dyeing water green for St Patrick's Day seems to be catching on. In 2009, in keeping with the Chicago St. Patrick's Day tradition, and at the request of First Lady Michelle Obama, the White House fountains were dyed green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Gotta admit, it's a nice touch.

It's been said that everyone is a little bit Irish on St Patrick's Day,
So we can all celebrate in some way if we choose too,
I like that!

My toast for you.

May your glass be ever full.
May the roof over your head be always strong.
And may you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.
(My friend Kay loves that last line)

Btw, I think we have a tradition starting, the fountains at te White House are again running green.

28 comments:

  1. I was not aware of this 'greening' of the Chicago river. Excellent picture and Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

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  2. Happy Paddy's Day to you. I was just reading about this yesterday and the history of it.

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  3. Julie;

    ...and to you my friend!


    Christopher;

    Probbly a little known fact if you'e not from Chicago.
    Less known then another Chicago claim to fame, Alfonse Capone.
    Happy St Paddy's day!

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  4. dars;

    Timing, I say. My son lives in DC, so I just texted him to make sure he takes a look at the White House fountains. Just like home!
    Have a nice green day!

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  5. Happy Saint Patrick's Day Peggy, was interested that the fountains at the White House the water is Green on St Pat's Day.

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  6. happy saint patrick's day!

    "Oh, he occasionally takes an alcoholiday." - Oscar Wilde

    Wordless Wednesday - Sláinte!

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  7. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you. That river is something else I tell you. Thanks for sharing :)

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  8. I never heard that aobut the river in Chicago, but I love it! I've been speaking with a little Irish accent to my daughter today. I've been loving it - she thinks I'm weird!! A little weird never hurt anyone!! Happy St. Patrick's Day Peggy!!

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  10. Bill;

    I remember it last year being green and then again this year. Yahoodle!
    Hope you have a great green day!

    Nessa;

    Cousin Oscar, on my husbands side.
    Very witty guy, I would have liked to have known him.
    Thanks Nessa, Happy St Paddy's Da to you too!

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  11. I never could quite like the idea of putting so many chemicals in the water but it is an awesome sight.

    Do you remember having that village corned beef party at the Franzen's and then at the Munley's? We've always celebrated St. Paddy's Day since... usually with Murphy. It's not quite the same here in Hawaii. I can't even find my favorite corned beef. Shucks.

    Sorry about that. I deleted my comment because .... can you believe it? I forgot to wish you all a most wonderful, most happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

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  12. Kay;

    Yes I sure do remember St Patty's Day in the village.
    I agree,was never really thrilled about putting green dye or other unknown chemicals in the river.those in charge never listened to me though.
    That's too bad about the corned beef, I have a favorite brand too and when Jim shops, he always gets another brand(on sale)
    Happy Wearing of the green day to yu too, Kay and Art!

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  13. Thom;

    I know, a bit extreme!
    Love your new digs on your blog, very classy!

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  14. Joyce;

    Good thing a little weird is good, cause that's me too today. (honestly, most days)
    I like making each day alittle special!
    Have a wonerful day, Joyce!

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  15. My favorite Irish blessing!!!! Thanks!!!!!!

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  16. Kay;

    I'm glad my friend!
    Happy SPD to you!

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  17. Leave it to the White House to get "going green" all wrong. :)

    Happy St. Patty's to you too!

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  18. Thnks Hope;

    Wouldn't you know thy would interpret going green hat way!
    :)

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  19. i love the Irish blessing. Got to love a green river and White House fountains! Happy St. Patrick's Day to you.

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  20. Cheryl:

    Thank you, would love to see the green fountains at th White House.
    Have a great weekend!

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  21. I'd never heard of this before but COOOL!!! Good for Chicago, what a spirit. I was in Dublin yesterday and the Liffey was looking rather green -- not on purpose I think, it's filthy but better than it used to be.

    Happy Saint Patrick's Day! And Happy Spring, coming up this weekend!

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  22. Happy St. Pat's Day!

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  23. Happy St Pat's day to you, and bring on the nice weather.

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  24. Susan
    Yep it's true, a lot of Irish in Chicago and also a lot of Irish for one day in Chicago!
    I'm so excited about spring . Been a long winter for everyone!
    Happy spring everybody!

    Sunshine and Baba;

    Even though it's almost over, I would love the feelings to linger!
    Spring is right around the corner and I think we're all ready for that!

    Mare;

    I'm working on bringing in spring real hard. I just wanted you to know!
    Have a great weekend coming up Mare.

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  25. how fun I've heard of that before in chicago.

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  26. I'm a little late arriving but I really hope you had a good St. Patrick's Day. I really appreciate you dropping in, it's always nice to see your comments, it warms my heart. Take care, my friend =)

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  27. Lin;

    I'm glad you came by, so many had not heard of turning the river green in Chicago. I really thought most people knew. Shows you what I know...0
    Have a great day, sunny here and beautiful.

    Michele;

    You are so sweet,now that warms my heart.
    Have been thinking about getting a little dog, Blu is so adorable.
    Stay well :)

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