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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | MARCH 2018 | 23 Library Committee Please make sure to join us in the Main Clubhouse Library on March 10 from 9 am to 1 pm – our first book sale of 2018! The Main Clubhouse will be full, full, full as the Spring Craft Fair will also be in full swing. We would love to discuss the libraries with you, as well as your favorite books or genres. So many great writers have come from the tiny isle of Ireland – is there something in the air or water that magically makes this so? Sorry, but I'm thinking this way in preparation for St. Patrick's Day. Herewith, Jack and his Comrades from County Wexford: "A poor widow and her only son, Jack, had a poor harvest. Jack said, "I'll leave to seek my fortune then return to you, can you spare me some food?" "Take half the cake and half the hen, said she, and my blessings, or the whole of both without." He asks for the halves and gets her blessings. On his way he meets a donkey, Neddy, stuck in a bog and helps it out. Coley the dog runs to Jack for protection from hunters, the two help the dog. A half-starved cat, Tom, comes by; Jack gives it a bone with meat. In the evening, the group rescues a rooster from a fox. "Twas the height o' luck that threw you my way" says the rooster. They go to sleep in the woods – the cock crows but instead of dawn it is a candle from a cottage he sees. Looking in Jack hears robbers discussing their booty, then the donkey puts his fore-hooves on the sill, then the dog on top of him, then the cat, then the rooster. They all crash into the cottage, scaring the thieves who ride off into the woods. The captain of the robbers sorely misses the loot left behind – he goes back alone, sneaking into the cottage in the dark. However the animals can sense him – he receives numerous scratches from the cat, a bite from the dog, a worse pecking to the face from the rooster, finally a great kick from the donkey in the stable. The captain having truly seen nothing weaves a fanciful horrid tale to his mates about what has happened, showing off the scratches, pecking and kick wounds. The robbers lose any craving to retrieve the loot. In the morning Jack talks to his friends about journeying to a manor to return the gold and silver, as he had heard the robbers mentioning their visit to the Lord of Dunlavin's house. Jack also knows that a porter there had helped the thieves. They make the journey and are admitted to the manor. The Lord questions the porter and his answers implicate him in the plot. Jack gives the Lord the gold and silver. Jack asks, "Would you begrudge us a meal and rest after our long march from Athsalach?" The grateful Lord declares his gratitude and he will provide them comfort for the rest of their days, appointing Jack his steward, and bringing his mother to live near the castle. Jack and his comrades live happily." Enjoy your spring and check out the libraries for more great books to read.