CMJ Office Blog

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.

One of the best tips around for digging up those pesky ancestors is to talk to your living relatives.

Think about it for a moment.

Can you remember your grandparents or information concerning them?

Most of us can.

So, your parents should remember facts about their grandparents. Guess what? You just uncovered your great grandparents.

Now, you are really blessed if you still have your grandparents. Ask them questions. You will discover your great-great grandparents.

Wow! Do you see how this works? It’s brilliant.

What are you waiting for? Don’t lose those ancestors. Digging them up once the living relatives are gone is more difficult. Get their lives written down from those that still vividly remember and treasure them.

Colleen M. Johnson, CMJ Office