Well it started out as a saint’s day, that meant if you went to mass on that day they might mention him.   Or if you went to St. Patrick’s school, like my brothers, you would get the day off.   But because he is the Irish saint, the day has become a secular holiday, with plenty of drinking (just say “no” to green beer) and the eating of the corned beef and cabbage.   And like many other holidays, his day has become movable instead of fixed,  for instance our fair city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade was held on the Saturday before.   But, I was downtown on the real St. Patrick’s Day for the monthly photo event, and these were a few of the photos I shot.

This homeless guy had trained his little dog to ride on his shoulders.   Some kind person was buying them lunch and they were waiting on it. The local soup kitchen is about three blocks away, but there were plenty of street people out working the lunchtime crowds.

The theme for the day was “the photoing o’ the green”, and I loved this bike going by.

H. Dumpty (not a very Irish name) had on a lovely green outfit, so he fit the theme.

Out enjoying the sunshine before today’s snow, this fellow was sharing an Irish joke with passing folks.

Just a bit of street art, covering up a functional utility box in a pretty way.

I just liked the reflections when I took this picture, and if you look closely, why there’s a photographer caught in the picture.

I’m not sure what St. Patrick would think of the kitsch sold in his honor, or what the day has become.   I’m sure he would like to be known for his saintly deeds in converting the heathens, but at least he is remembered.