Emilie,

Just wanted to comment on what you wrote below...I once heard someone 
with a similar experience as your sister...  There response was "I 
didn't cross the border it crossed me!"

Here in Southern California...even though almost all the cities and 
streets are in Español.  People seem to forget that Mexico use to own 
all of the Southwest States.  And even though the border was moved to 
its current location, many of the people stayed.

As for me, I have been able to successfully trace most of my family 
ancestors to the 1700's in Colotlan and Totatiche, Jalisco.  I have 
hit some brick walls but I am currently trying different angles.  My 
fahter did cross the border, he came to the U.S. in the 1950's during 
the Bracero program.

Angie Godina
So. California


--- In ranchos@yahoogroups.com, "Emilie Garcia" <auntyemfaustus@h...> 
wrote:
>My sister (born in Colorado as I was) once was told by her boss at 
work, "Well, Alicia, now that you have adopted this country as your 
own----".  My sister, aware of our mother's heritage in New Mexico 
since the 1500's, blew up at him and told him, "My people had been 
here for hundreds of years when your people were still back in 
Ireland digging up potatoes!"  I just cannot fathom the arrogance and 
pride of such ignoramuses.  They think their ancestors were the only 
explorers and settlers, etc.
> 
> Emilie Garcia
> Port Orchard, WA ----