When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

That’s Chef Ann O’Neill riding on the shoulders of the leprechaun and cozying up to daughter Laura O’Neil, president of the Victoria Lions Club and partner in Cornerstone Insurance in downtown Victoria.  Laura is the second oldest of nine kids.

“My mom has hosted St. Pat’s parties since 1984, when we were kids in Chanhassen,” said Laura.  “I picked up hosting the parties in 2009.  So Mom has done it for 25 years and eight for me.”   That’s Minnesota Senator Scott Jensen in the picture.  Elected this past November, his other moniker is Dr. Scott Jensen.

Cindy Larson of Minnetonka, a friend of Ann O’Neill, is an actress with the MN Valley Community Theater and other theaters.  She and Ann are often in costume at the Victoria Halloween Party and other events.

Vicki Turner of Victoria and Cindy enjoy the corned beef and cabbage prepared by the chef.

The leprechaun was a hit at the party.

Left to right, that’s Kelli and Curtis Hansen of Victoria, Teresa O’Neill, and Ann.  Teresa is one of Ann’s nine children.  The cutie with the Irish skirt is Lula, an Olde English Bulldog.

Lula had good manners and was attentive to her guests.

Jerry Schmieg proved that he was wearing green.  Gerda was close with blue-breen.

The kitchen was also a favorite gathering room.

Cindy knew several Irish tunes.  Again, that’s Dr. Jensen on the left, next to Vicki Turner.  On the far right is Vicki’s husband Andy Turner.

Laura invited everyone to join in on “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” and other Irish melodies.

And so they did, including Yvette and Eric Huibregtse of Victoria.

That’s Dr. Jensen’s wife Mary on the left.  They live on Pierson Lake.  The Norwegian on the right found a green sweater in his closet.  I had absolutely nothing in my closet that approached green.  And I don’t have green earrings either.

Thank you, Ann and Laura, for a super St. Patrick’s Day Party.