Pope Francis, Great Lakes, St. Patrick’s Day,

It didn’t take long for someone to start throwing dirt at Pope Francis. It is being alleged he was complicit in human rights abuses during Argentina’s military junta between 1976  and 1983. I wonder what will happen if the allegations turn out to be true? One assumes another conclave will have to be held. There is a lot of information in the article I have linked to about the thousands of people who disappeared during this period.

Bowling wasn’t good again. one good game only. I guess it worked out to a fairly average game. They keep telling me it’s exercise and good fun. Hmm.

Scientists are concerned about the stresses being suffered by The Great Lakes, particularly Lake Erie which is the shallowest and therefore most susceptible to algal bloom which can be toxic. The algae is affecting the fish in the lakes, and again, Lake Erie is most affected and yet has one of the biggest fishing industries. Also, birds eat the toxic fish. The Lakes bring in tourists, on both sides of the border, this is not just a Canadian problem. The photograph shows Lake Erie from space and the blue-green algal bloom which is causing some of the problems not forgetting the chemical wastes which are now causing more stresses to the Lakes area.

Monday is the Top 10 Movies Blogfest initiated by Alex J. Cavanaugh; in fact I have already posted my blog for that day. I guess I have chosen quite a few ‘girlie’ movies, but then I am a girlie, right?

Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day and I came across this recipe for a milk shake to celebrate the day. Think I would be inclined to add a little something stronger to it. Maybe a little Crême de Menthe.

Copycat Mcdonald's Shamrock Shake

By Kree on March 15, 2005

Photo by gailanng

 Servings: 2

About This Recipe

"I used to absolutely love it when McDonald's brought out their Shamrock Shakes around St. Patrick's Day. The past couple of years I haven't been able to have it because of the dairy, so I was thrilled when I found this copycat recipe! Just use the soy ingredients to make it dairy-free."

Ingredients

2 cups vanilla ice cream or 2 cups soy ice cream
1 1/4 cups 2% low-fat milk or 1 1/4 cups soymilk
1/4 teaspoon mint extract
8 drops green food coloring

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.
2. Stop blender to stir with a spoon if necessary to help blend ice cream.
3. Pour into 12-ounce

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and have a great weekend.