This is an actual display on an actual shelf in an actual antique market around here, no elements rearranged by me.

St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is intense and the celebration spreads over several days.  The river is dyed emerald green.  Men and dogs dress as leprechauns.  There are parades, a queen is crowned.  There is a great deal of green beer. It is usually such a drunkard’s festival – although a democratic, diverse, multi-ethnic drunkard’s festival – that I try to stick to home for the duration.  Today, however, is requiring a lot of fetching and carrying, so before we set out, this is to tell you all: top o’ the morning!