CMJ Office Blog

This week Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. It really is a wonderful time to reflect on the important things in life and slow down to give thanks.

Without a doubt, I am most thankful for my immediate and extended family. My life is filled with so much love. I have been blessed abundantly with a wonderful husband and three beautiful children. Most people don’t seem to experience that these days. Do we have our moments and difficult times? Of course we do but we are always there for each other. This is the greatest blessing in life – Love. I wish everyone could experience it.

This is quickly followed by thankfulness for health. There are a few out there laughing right now because they know the germs have flown around in my house this past year. However, there is a huge difference between germs flying and a serious or critical illness. My heart bleeds for those dealing with such tribulations. I am extremely thankful to have health in my household. To those that don’t, my prayers are with you.

As a military spouse, I have to throw in my thanks that my spouse is with us this holiday season. We have not been so fortunate during the past. To those families that are coping with deployed military family members, I hope that they return unharmed and soon. To all our military in the way of harm, stay safe and Thank You!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and may your lives be blessed.

Colleen M. Johnson, CMJ Office

CMJ Office is a certified and licensed virtual administrative business supporting business owners, bloggers, genealogy and history authors, speakers and researchers.

The theme for The Carnival of Irish Heritage and Culture, 10th (and one-year anniversary) edition is ‘For the love of Ireland’. Share what you love about Ireland and Irish culture.

What don’t I love about the Irish culture? The only thing that I can come up with is excessive drinking but in my opinion that is a myth due to the pubs which are social gathering places.

I’ve had the pleasure of travelling all over Ireland with my family several times. The best thing about the Irish culture is how friendly the people are in Ireland. They win the prize!

Wherever I went, I was made to feel at home and welcomed into homes as if they were my very own. Smiles, waves and handshakes were given at every turn. When lost, just ask anyone for directions. You will get them even if it’s a long-winded story. Hey, we are talking about the Irish here. Stories are a given even when providing directions. You may also discover that the Irish have a tendency to exaggerate a wee bit. Down the road can mean 20 miles down the road when you thought it meant a mile or two!

One of the nicest greetings I’ve come across is how my cousins enter a house. They always enter while greeting everyone with, “God bless all in this house”. It’s just a warm expression that I love; but of course, this is where religion and heritage mesh and become one.

Before I go, I must mention that the chips (french fries) are fabulous in Ireland. I know that some of you are giggling at me but they hit the spot every time. And yes, it is part of their culture. Chips are served with everything. The chip shops are even open when the clubs let out in the early morning hours. Trust me on that fact.

In closing, Happy Anniversary to the Carnival of Irish Heritage and Culture!

Colleen M. Johnson, CMJ Office

CMJ Office is a certified and licensed virtual administrative business supporting business owners, bloggers, genealogy and history authors, speakers and researchers.

This is a picture of my husband’s maternal great-great grandmother, Hannah M. Eddington Boyer.

She was born in 1863, Ohio, and died in 1951, Kansas.

The interesting note here is that her great granddaughter (hubby’s mom, Sharon Gragg) shared their birthdays, April 17^th. We almost witnessed history repeat itself again when my daughter, Sharon Gragg’s granddaughter, was born on April 18^th. So, my daughter blew history by being a day late. I can’t even say that it was a close call either. Emily wasn’t born until late in the afternoon on the 18^th. Oh well.

Hannah and Sharon pictured above in Kansas. Sharon was born on Hannah’s 77^th birthday.

Does your family have a birthday that repeats itself throughout history?

Colleen M. Johnson, CMJ Office

CMJ Office is a certified and licensed virtual administrative business supporting business owners, bloggers, genealogy and history authors, speakers and researchers.

A new database has been added to the New England Historic Genealogical Society’s online collection.

It’s the Index to Massachusetts Births, 1911-1915.

At some point during the digitization project, the birth, marriage and death records for this time period will become available. Digital images are being included as well.

Until the images are online (some are), you can view these images on microfilm at the NEHGS Boston research library or order copies here: Click here to order photocopies from NEHGS Research Services.

Colleen M. Johnson, CMJ Office

CMJ Office is a certified and licensed virtual administrative business supporting business owners, bloggers, genealogy and history authors, speakers and researchers.

I compiled a list recently for a cousin of mine regarding County Longford, Ireland, links on the internet.

I thought that I’d share this list here for those researching ancestors from the County Longford region in Ireland. 

http://www.brsgenealogy.com

http://www.igp-web.com/longford

http://www.irishroots.com

http://www.cousinconnect.com/p/a/1112

http://www.longfordlinks.com

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~irllog/

http://www.interment.net/ireland/longford.htm

http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/irl/LOG/

http://www.genealogylinks.net/marriages/uk/ireland/Longford.htm

http://www.genealogylinks.net/uk/ireland/longford

http://www.longfordancestry.com

http://genforum.genealogy.com/ireland/longford

http://griffiths.askaboutireland.ie/gv4/gv_start.php

Did I miss any other great research links for County Longford, Ireland?

If so, please send the link along. Good luck researching your ancestors.

Colleen M. Johnson, CMJ Office

CMJ Office is a certified and licensed virtual administrative business supporting business owners, bloggers, genealogy and history authors, speakers and researchers.