With the surname, Neal, there is no question that I am Irish. Those are my decidedly non-naked ancestors. My cousin's wife, Patty Neal, who is our family historian, recently sent all of us these pictures to see if we could possibly identify any of the folks in them. We're all fairly clueless and how sad is that? I do think it is important to at least have an idea about those who came before us, if for no other reason than to not make the same mistakes!
I completely forgot that today was St. Patrick's Day until I got to the office and they asked me where my "green" was. My green? I'm always green! I am an environmentalist. But that wasn't what they meant at all and it took me a few seconds to realize that I had blown it with my head to toe all in black uniform. My heart is green, though. Remember, I'm Irish! This vegetarian grew up eating corned beef and cabbage. In fact, I was taught how to cook it practically from the moment I exited the womb.
So, I may not know who those people are, but I do know that they're my Irish ancestors in fancy dress. Perhaps they were celebrating St. Patrick's Day and were going to march in the parade in Boston (where all the Neals live...if you're a Neal in New England, we're related!). It's an official public holiday today in Ireland. I believe I should follow in the foots of my dear ancestors and spend the day in homage with a decent beer and a rousing chorus of Amhrán na bhFiann. Who's in?
