On March 17, Brendan O’Malley, a motorcycle enthusiast, took his girlfriend, Brigid O’Connor to dinner and then on a romantic ride into the hills outside the town. He pulled into a scenic overlook, and they walked together to the edge.
“Brigid, will you marry me?” Brendan said as he pulled out a ring with a huge sparkling stone.
“To be sure, I will,” she answered.
After some kissing and canoodling, Brendan took Brigid home. She waved her finger under her dad’s nose. “Look what Brendan gave me. We’re getting married.”
Her dad, who was a jeweler, took one look and shook his head. “Ah, Brigid, it’s just like I’ve been telling you. The lad’s no good. Not only does he ride that darn motorcycle, but that stone’s a fake.”
“Oh, Brendan. A fake ring! How could you?”
“That stone is in honor of St. Patrick’s Day,” said Brendan. “It’s a sham rock.”
Yet, there’s no denying it: Unless you plan to ride exclusively around the Southern United States, you’ll face some chilly winters. And even before it...
