Wedding Bells...

     Dorothy Marie Hansen and Arnold Frank Blaha were married on 22 November 1947 at St. Luke's Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. (The church building still exists, but the parish has been reconfigured and the church is now called St. Thomas More).

     In this photo are Arnie, Dot, Jack Hansen, John Blaha, Josephine Hansen, and I think peeping from the back, Bernie Blaha.  If that is Bernie, this photo includes the siblings from both families. Don't the bride and groom look happy!!!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day...Really

Thanks to Irish, the Hansen-Blaha clan can officially celebrate St. Patty's Day. Before she joined the family we had rather feeble claims to the day. Of course there was always green jello to celebrate and an occasional grasshopper pie to add a hint of green. And one of our family gained special status on that day since he had chosen Patrick as his confirmation name. But, then Irish came along and we had a real reason to celebrate. And we still do 41 years later... Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Help Wanted...

     Even though I have been hanging around the Blaha family for 41 years, I felt like I couldn't flesh out the people whose names will appear here.  I've heard stories, like Cindy getting a swirlie from her brothers, but I haven't soaked it all up like someone who has been within the family since birth!  So I'm inviting Cindy to collaborate with me on this blog. I'll supply some records and she'll supply the heart!

Definitely not Irish....

     Coming from a mostly Irish Heritage myself, entering the world of the Czechs, Norwegians, Polish, and Germans is a whole new ball came.  Once in grade school, the students were asked to share their ethnic backgrounds.  I was fascinated by the French, English, and Germans among us.  Some kids had 3 or 4 countries of origin!!  My eyes were green...and not because I was Irish.  ONLY Irish.
     Well, my kids can't claim to be so one-sided!  Matt, Mic, Tim and especially Stella Marie!  This is for you!