The Missionary Journal of Susan Elaine Olsen Part 2

 I finished reading the 200 page journal with an additional 44 pages of notes from conferences and meetings, and my autograph album. What a joy to reflect back on so many wonderful people. How I survived two months in the LTM, sixteen months in Guatemala, the earthquake and aftershocks, sleeping in the streets, amoebas, gamboo, gripe, monthly shots for whatever was required, etc. is a puzzle to me. We had two mission presidents and I am not sure how they survived me. Our first President Arnold was so amazing. It felt like he truly understood me. The second President O'Donnell was more business oriented. It was hard serving under two very different people. 

CURE Cancer Guide and Magazine

 Two years ago I was at home recovering from a hysterectomy and the removal of cancer from my body. My family and several close friends rallied around me. Once my doctor called and informed me that the results were that the cancer was positive and yet no further treatment would be necessary I felt a huge relief. Then for a year and a half I went in regularly for a check-up and continued on my path with her confirmation and support. This last September I advanced even further in not having to return for a year. 

2020 The Year of Staying Close to Home and Getting Organized

 As we prepare for the New Year it is great to reflect on what was accomplished this year. First of all a huge amount of sorting of cardboard boxes that I have been working on for a long time. These contained the school work and other items for our six children. I am down to five for our middle son. Oh, how I have loved reading the things that they wrote and looking at their creations. Each of them are so unique. When they were young I just did not have the time to enjoy each of them and the things that they did as much as I would have liked. They each one participated in Scouting or Camp Fire, after school activities, church activities, music, dance, Chess, sports, etc. Needless to say our lives were full and very busy. My goal was that they would explore many things in finding their paths in life. The other five boxes in the main part of the house are photographs from 1991 through the advent of putting them on the computer. Once I organize all of the photos I will select some for each of their albums and our family albums. The old cling pages albums will be replaced with 3 ring binders and acid free sheet protectors. That should take me through 2021, especially if we continue on in Covid precautions.

The Office From the Doorway – Genealogy Heaven in Progress

Now to show the rest of my sorting. First I must say how grateful I am to have a room for an office in our home. All genealogy related items are within this room. Most of it has been organized into fifteen large totes and five smaller size storage totes to help separate the collections. Over a year ago I did the initial sorting and have been able to maintain this progress. In the coming year I hope to get to the point that I can actually bring people into my office to work with them. I do have a lap top so we can work in the dining room, but I prefer the larger screen monitor in my office. This is where I spend a good deal of my time. If the door is shut I am participating in an online meeting or watching a webinar or talking on the phone. With my new hearing aids this is very helpful. The only cardboard boxes left in this room are the five from my mother's estate and personal collections, and two with genealogy supplies. My book shelves are full but accessible. This is the time of my life that I always looked forward to, and now that I am here I realize time is fleeting. The key parts of the collections are our family keepsakes. They need to be labeled and written about so my children will know who they are from and why they need to be preserved. It is a slow process and takes a lot of energy. Health has slowed me down, but I am happy to say progress is taking place.

Send Those Message Requests

This past week two people I worked with on their family history finally heard back from a message they or I sent to a DNA match from ancestry.com and/or as a contributor under latest changes at familysearch.org. Neither of them are genealogy matches to me.

Christmas Cookie Exchange 2020

 Well, we had our Christmas Cookie exchange today. It was a lovely drive to our daughter's house in Portland. There were eleven of us, our two daughters Sarah and Anne, two granddaughters Hannah and Sophia, two sons Daniel and Michael, David and I, son in law Charles and his mother Janice, and our youngest son's fiance Shelby. We had a delicious light meal of wings and tater tots, fruit, vegetables, and some Martinellis' drinks. Then we sampled about ten different cookies. We brought a few home to enjoy later. It was fun to play Mad Libs and then Pictionary on the pad which showed the drawing on their flat screen TV. Our youngest granddaughter actually out did all of us. By the time we returned home I was exhausted. It was nice to see all of them and I loved seeing their Crazy Christmas Sweaters.

The Missionary Journal of Susan Elaine Olsen

 

Last night I started reading the journal I kept during my mission service in Guatemala. Now I am trying to decide if I should type it up to share with family and maybe some friends. My service was from September 1975 to March 1977. The first two months were in Provo, Utah at the Language Training Center, which was probably the hardest part. Once we landed in Guatemala I fell in love with the country, the people both Indigenous and the Latins, the food, the history, the church members, the games people played, foods and recipes, church meetings, shopping, traveling and so much more, but not the earthquakes. I never went back after returning home, but my mission was a pivotal point in my life. It made me appreciate my family and friends. The two Christmas I spent there were amazing. My love for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the rock for my life. However you believe or what you believe surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ, please know that he has been honored for centuries by people from all corners of this world and all walks of life. He can bring peace to your life. Now back to the question, should I type up the 200 page journal so it can be shared?

Christmas Food and Drink in Lincolnshire, England

Lincolnshire County in England I went to Lincolnshire County in England today, at least I visited via Zoom. The Lincolnshire Family History Society is where I am currently doing some family history research. Today they had a Zoom presentation on Christmas food and drink. The request was made by email to be invited to the meeting. There was some concern when my link came for logging in and it was for London time. Using an online time converter and testing the connection I determined the time they would be starting. There were nineteen of us in attendance. Once we adapted to our accents communication flowed very well. For over an hour they kept me very entertained. They discussed the Winter Solstice, Yule, New Year, The Twelfth Night, and the Medieval Feast. The longest discussion was on the Christmas Eve Dinner. They covered Fish, Fowl, Beef, Pork, Rabbit, Swan, Geese, Turkey and Boar’s Head among the main courses. Then there were the side dishes of vegetables, fruits, and deserts. The Christmas Day in the Workhouse was compared to what the rich would eat. Finally they discussed the drinks. If you search online there is surely further information. What you might not find is such a jovial, cordial, treat of mingling with the local genealogy group. It certainly was a Christmas treat for me. https://www.lincolnshirefhs.org.uk/

Thankful Journal 2020 - continued

 

Day 21 - I just noticed that yesterday I posted as Day 30, made a quick correction and we are back on track. Last night I was working hard to finish the list of books used for the major current family history project. Today was for relaxing and celebrating. Some very generous people helped me along this road of discovery. Here are the results.

156 Books viewed for a list of surnames - Tidd, Teed, Death, De Ath, Dodman, Mazry, Mazzy, Appleyard, etc., mostly in Virginia and some in New England. One friend has 112 Virginia books and 15 New England books, and 38 had important information. There were 29 books reviewed by a volunteer at the Genealogical Forum of Oregon and 11 had key information. This took a couple of months to accomplish. I am so grateful for everyone who assisted with this project. Now I am patiently waiting for the box of six books from GFO which should arrive on Monday. Miracles happen daily in our lives and I give thanks for those blessings in my life. Look for the miracles happening in your life.

Getting Out for Some Fun

 Had a nice day after having a hard night sleeping. Morning nap gave me an extra boost. After a phone appointment about my health issues I went to pick up a friend and we ran some errands. Dropped off the book that was due at the library. Took a drive up to St. Helens to see Halloween Town by the Court House. Not very many people or much traffic. Then we went to DariDelish for a soft chocolate ice cream cone, and a burger basket. The food was wonderful. We ate our cones while we waited. On the way home we stopped at Walmart and each of us got an electric shopping cart. That rarely happens to me anymore. We filled our baskets and headed for home. With social distancing, wearing masks and very few people we just took our time. I must say that DariDelish was a very busy place with people driving up to get their orders and paying in cash. Glad to support our local venders! Even the weather was perfect for our outing.

Journal of Gratitude 2020

 

Thankful Journal 2020

Susan Olsen LeBlanc

Day 1 I am very grateful to have good medical providers. During the past two years I have worked with fourteen medical providers and have had more testing done than the average person. For the most part I have had wonderful care. Even with all the challenges they face every day they are very kind and compassionate.

 

Day 2 My family is so important to me. We all lead very different lives and we seem to see less of each other. I am so grateful to have the modern conveniences that allow us to talk by phone or Internet. We enjoy watching our children and grandchildren experience life. They are very good to us and have blessed our lives in so many ways.

 

Journal of Gratitude

 Day 21 - I just noticed that yesterday I posted as Day 30, made a quick correction and we are back on track. Last night I was working hard to finish the list of books used for the major current family history project. Today was for relaxing and celebrating. Some very generous people helped me along this road of discovery. Here are the results.

156 Books viewed for a list of surnames - Tidd, Teed, Death, De Ath, Dodman, Mazry, Mazzy, Appleyard, etc., mostly in Virginia and some in New England. One friend has 112 Virginia books and 15 New England books, and 38 had important information. There were 29 books reviewed by a volunteer at the Genealogical Forum of Oregon and 11 had key information. This took a couple of months to accomplish. I am so grateful for everyone who assisted with this project. Now I am patiently waiting for the box of six books which should arrive on Monday.

Miracles happen daily in our lives and I give thanks for those blessings in my life. Look for the miracles happening in your life.

I have been posting on facebook and will post other days later here. 

Military Service of Our Ancestors

 Veterans Day is this coming Wednesday. There are several people from our family who served in the military. My father served in the National Guard and many times during the year he would go off to do basic training. He had two heavy wood foot lockers that he would take with him. I am not even sure who has those today. At this time I am looking for more information on three of the brothers of his third great grandfather who served in the Revolutionary War. Two other brothers died in the war. This is a more complete history than what was compiled before. Each of the six brothers, and the one who was too young to serve, deserve to be honored for their service. I am grateful to be able to trace our ancestors and know what living in this country meant to them.

Special Interest Groups Online at GFO

 What a full day. I did two genealogy meetings, one with a Virginia Special Interest Group and the other with a German Special Interest Group. SIGs have been happening for a long time at the Genealogical Forum of Oregon. Since spring they do meetings through ZOOM. They average anywhere from about ten to about thirty participants. I am very thankful to be able to spend time with other genealogists. The best part is they are free. One does need to request access, show up a few minutes early and let the show begin. Some have organized presentations and discussions and others are open dialogue chats. They happen at various times. The past few months I have participated with about ten groups. It can be hard to chose when there are more than one at the same time. So, check them out. For those at GFO google them for their web page and then look at the calendar. Free is a very good deal!

Discovering Massachusetts Wills and Probate Records

 It has been an amazing couple of days for research for our book. One of my goals was to find wills for the three principle men that were the original settlers. Each step I take for discovery seems to magically provide the information that we need. So two days ago I googled for possible access to wills. While ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org each provided some indexed information about the wills I was not locating the wills. Then yesterday I decided to check out AmericanAncestors.org. and made an amazing discovery. They had copies of wills and probate records for both of the original immigrants in Massachusetts, and also for every male descendant in the pedigree chart. The only two lacking information was the male immigrant for my line and the one who moved to Vermont. I contacted NEHGS/AmericanAncestors to see if they could help with that male immigrant as it was only showing envelopes and then repeats of the last envelope. They very promptly replied that they could not find the missing information, but they did provide a different copy of the will and inventory for this ancestor. The database at AmericanAncestors.org is "Middlesex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1648-1871 and is a collaboration between the MA Supreme Judicial Court Archives, FamilySearch.org and AmericanAncestors.org. What was gained from this wonderful database for just one ancestral line includes 78 pages, 11 wills and probate information (one 14 pages and another 21 pages for a Rev. War Veteran), 15 pages of other information. When I wished for wills for these ancestors I never imagined finding all of this.

Like

Comment

Share

 

Susan Olsen LeBlanc

This week, just five years later, I am shredding old utility bills and other papers we no longer need. Clearing out more room in my office. Making great progress on the Tidd book. The library got in a book from Reed College on inter-library loan, Mobility and Migration by Roger Thompson, that is very helpful. Someday I would like to own a copy and they certainly are not cheap online, new or used. The Genealogical Forum of Oregon has wonderful volunteers who are checking on some books for me. This week I am doing fewer online classes and webinars so I can get more work done. Health issues still slow me down, but I am feeling much better. Also got our flu shots. So far no bad after effects. Check online for timelines of when papers and documents can be gotten rid of. A personal shredder is a necessity for any office!

5 Years Ago

Susan Olsen LeBlanc

Our house has finally closed and I closed all utility accounts, garbage and the insurance accounts (7 different accounts). What a great relief. This has been another very long process. We are very grateful for our realtor Molly LeBlanc-Gilbert for seeing us through this. She also saw us through buying our current home. These are great blessings in our lives and we are so very appreciative for all of the moral support of family and friends.

2020 Dynamic Changes

I have pivoted in very positive ways. I am much more focused on my personal research. My attendance at ten local special interest groups allows me to spend more time with genealogy friends. Anything free is my first option for webinars. I am learning to reach out to find facilities that have someone who can do onsite research. My membership in local societies has greatly paid off. Sometimes I have to rethink how I can resolve questions when other facilities are closed. Who knew 2020 would bring such dynamic changes. Even my medical concerns are mostly handled by phone or online and I then I have more time for genealogy!

Online Presentation - German Research for Neppl Family

 Yesterday I gave my first online presentation and it went well. It was on German Research and the attendance was great. For me it feels very awkward speaking into thin air, but I just kept going. Afterwards we had time for questions and comments and that was great. The main focus was on getting to know our ancestors and the culture they came from, their settlement in the United States.

This is a presentation that focuses on researching my Neppl ancestral line. I have been very blessed to receive many documents and records for this research. My favorite uncle Jim just turned 89. He is my mother's older brother. I am amazed at how young he is. Uncle Jim did DNA testing and provides a link to that heritage.

We might not come from the rich or famous, but we come from hard working, patriotic, family oriented, farmers who were grateful to be able to come to America. The Neppl family truly has a heritage to be proud of.

When did you start using a personal computer?

In response to Thomas McEntee post. Not sure what kind of computers we had, but my husband went to school in the field of computers, software and program development. He worked for the same company until retirement and they had to train someone to replace him. Now he is my tech support. Our first computer was in our very cramped bedroom and we had a houseful of children, in the 1980s. I only cared that it worked, would run my PAF database and let me do emails. The only computer class I took, with my mother, was on using Microsoft works programs at a high school. It certainly has paid off big time! Now I still have a tower, but I also have a wireless large monitor, mouse, keyboard, laptop and printer. I spend many hours in my crowded office with only things genealogy surrounding me and the children are grown and living elsewhere.

Things I Love

 

THINGS I LOVE....♥️💕♥️

Heavenly Father
Jesus
My family
My grandchildren
Memories of loved ones
Going places with family
A friend who listens
Temple
Scriptures
Music
Knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Genealogy and family history
Friends
Children laughing
Fairies that bring nice things
Missionaries
Quiet peaceful moments
Sun coming through the trees at sunset
Soft breeze
Smell of the ocean
Looking up at the night sky
Mountains, especially in the fall
Birds, especially hummingbirds
Animals
Flowering plant
Trees, especially flowering ones
All the seasons
Smell of early morning, especially after rain
Fluffy white clouds and blue sky
Chocolate especially See's Candies
Ice Cream especially chocolate
French Dip Sandwiches
Chinese Food
Smell of bread baking
and so much more.....

Homeschooling Our Children

I taught my older children for three years. Then my father had health issues and I needed to help with him. After they went to school I continued to volunteer in their classrooms. For my oldest daughter, who was bullied by some girls in school, I had her at home for her eighth grade year, the year my last child was born. After all six were in school I was asked to run for the school board. I did and served for eight years. In the meantime I served as Stake Primary President for four years and then taught Seminary for five years. In between I did child care for a few years. Time with my children was so precious to me. Now they are supporting and teaching us while we shift into retirement. They are all very close with each other. They are kind and thoughtful of others. Our health issues are concerning and I can feel a shift in our relationships which are very positive. They also supported and encouraged me through going back to college and getting a BA in family history. I wanted for them to know how important an education is for everyone. So far all have done some college work and they are gainfully employed. They each choose their own path and they are all very independent. So we all know what our limitations are. Life goes on and we must each choose our own path. Whatever you choose to do, do it well!

Feedback to Ancestry.com

If you use ancestry.com and are aware of current changes being made with the DNA matches you may be interested to provide feedback on those changes. The changes are related to filters one can use to make the review of matches easier. They are currently planning to cut the low range matches of 6 to 8 cMs. By creating groups one can preserve those matches and if done by surnames it is faster. And a new filter allow for searching just the 6 to 8 matches. In just the last few hours I found a match for one person and additional information on other lines. This transformation in filtering the matches being sought is crucial. You can submit a comment at https://www.ancestry.com/suggestions under the DNA link.

They say that they want to hear from us. Please send them some feedback.

Shopping and Walking

Well I did it! The clerk at the store could not believe I had not been to a store in about five months. For a woman who loves to shop this was a dramatic change in my life. Our daughter Anne has very graciously shopped for our groceries and other needs. By the end of June I quit tracking the days I stayed at home. Until recently we had not been to a restaurant. We did some takeout meals and that helped.

Many organizations started doing online meetings and those have been a wonderful resource. A key part of the days were phone calls, messaging and face time with family and friends. The hardest time were the days David spent in the hospital after a trip by ambulance. We are grateful he did not test positive for Covid19 and neither did our two sons who were tested. Our lives slowed down. I read a lot, cleared through some clutter and worked on some genealogy projects.

Somehow I have to make time to get out and walk. That is what I enjoyed most today. People were respectful, it was not crowded at the $ store. What drove me in was getting birthday cards for our grandchildren and some things to send to them. I wore my mask, kept my distance. I also did curbside pickup at the library and we kept our distance. I was impressed that she wiped down my card before handing it back to me. For those who are being conscious of how to protect others a great big Thank You from me!

Revolutionary War Books

I did it, I finished the 776 page book, The British are Coming by Rick Atkinson. It is like the never ending book 564 pages and for me it will be the end as I am going to skip reading the notes 135 pages and sources 42 pages. The print in these two sections is way too small for my eyes. Then there is the index 22 pages. The best part of the book are the maps 24 pages. If these numbers don't add up to the total pages it's okay. I also recently read books by Nathaniel Philbrick and David Hackett Fischer about the Revolutionary War. Do you have any favorite books about this war?

An Angel Came to Visit 2020

An angel came to visit me yesterday

and stayed to clean our house.

She swept, vacuumed and mopped the floors,

cleaned the bathrooms, removed the trash.

It was lovely getting to know her and refreshing

to watch as she went about her work.

Our house now is amazing to view

as we stay at home and guard from Covid19.

I will look forward to her coming again.

There have been others, our daughters, and a lovely lady with

her young one from church  who came as they could.

They are each truly appreciated and bring peace to my heart.

Our kitchen is a busy place often filled with guests.

The stove and oven shine and look brand new.

I will think of her as we prepare our meals.

Even the patio looks lovely as we entertain outside.

Angels come in all types, but the ones who serve others

are certainly heaven sent to encourage us in our struggles.

Now I work more peacefully and feel such joy as I look around

and see our home clean and sparkling for all to enjoy.

Things Are Opening Up but Many of Us Will be Happy to Stay at Home

Today was different than most since my last doctor visit in Clackamas, Oregon on March 12. That visit was for a checkup with the OBGYN Cancer doctor and went well. Today was a checkup for my ears as the left ear was plugged in the tube. For the past two months there was no hope of getting in to see a specialist for anything unless one went to the Emergency Room. Even when I fell on March 30th all I could do was talk with a doctor by phone. Each time I tried to make an appointment I was put off until the clinics would open. They are not necessarily open now, but they finally gave me an appointment. My ear being plugged was part of the reason that I fell. Today she was able to open up the tube and I can hear much better. I am very grateful to the medical staff who made this happen for me. When I went into the medical facility I was greeted at the entrance by a group of ten staff, including an armed guard, waiting to process anyone coming to the door . This is serious business. The main thing learned today is to speak up if you need to be seen. If and when they do open up for appointments treat the staff well as they are overly stressed just trying to work and maintain their own lives. After the visit we stopped at my friends to drop off some books. It was a social distancing quick visit. Then when we got back to Scappoose we went to Dairy Queen for some lunch. The line was long, but went pretty fast. Now we are back home and I will be doing a couple more weeks of staying home. As we drove on the freeways the electronic boards showed "Local Travel Only, Stay Safe" or something along that line. If you can send me a picture that would be great.

Clear Blue Skies and Encouraging Each Other

Today was wonderful. Clear blue skies and an escape from the house for a ride about town. My good friend picked me up and we made several stops. Even though we kept our distance, we were able to visit with two good friends, our daughter and two granddaughters. Then we made a stop at Dairy Queen to pick up lunch and get some blizzards. We dropped off three blizzards at our daughters and then came by our house to drop off lunch with plans to go for another drive around town. On our way we saw our Relief Society President visiting with one of her counselors. Our plans quickly changed when we discovered our oldest son was at our house dropping off mother's day surprises. My friend left for home and just as we got settled visiting my older brother came by. The best part was visiting on the patio. We so need these people in our lives. It was amazing how many people were out. It is wonderful to see our town thriving. We can be careful and follow social distancing while still encouraging each other in the current struggles. Thank you to all who were a part of my special day!!!

1 May 2020 Update

May 1, 2020 starting a new month with some great things happening today. I actually slept for eight hours last night. It felt so good and then I was up by 8:30, had breakfast and emptied the dishwasher. As I was sitting down in my recliner my good friend called and reminded me that the Women's Conference session was just starting. It was so nice to watch and the messages were so uplifting. They are available at lds.org

Surviving Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Sane

                  Surviving Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Sane

It has been over two months since I posted on February 16 about reading Nathan Dylan Goodwin's books. At that time I had read three of his books. Shortly after the Stay at Home order due to the Covid19 virus a local library notified me that book four was on hold for me. At the time they were shut down and I tried to find a way to access the book. Finally I told them I would pay the postage if they would mail me the book. The book arrived April 7 and I thoroughly enjoyed reading that wonderful book. There are still five more in his genealogy based mystery series. Those in the genealogy world have offered their heart felt appreciation of his writing.

New Steps in the Right Direction - Genealogy Online Opportunities

Today was a new steps in the right direction. I signed up for Zoom and then attended meetings in two genealogy venues.

Covid19 Virus Side Effects

Well nothing like a fall in the night to up the experience of living during the Covid19 Virus. My ears are plugged and there is no chance of seeing my Ear Doctor until things settle down, who knows when. I felt sorry for the ER doctor, when we spoke on the phone, who had no answers in what to do other than do not show up at the ER. Now I have a lovely lump on my head, the darkest black eye you have ever seen, a little toe that has a gash but is still connected to my foot. I am grateful for the ice bag and pain pills I have in stock and more just ordered. The best thing was having my husband awakened to the sound of a small earthquake and coming to my rescue. With the help of my walker I pulled myself up off the ground. The day has been a blur of mostly restful sleep and a resettling of my bones, muscles and whatever else was shook up. Then my doctor called to review the unbelievable experience which lasted all of a couple of minutes. This is my fourth major fall over many years. Glad to be staying at home where only my grandchildren who talk with me online can see how really awful I look. No earthquake, just loss of balance, which is why I use a cane and a walker.

Coronavirus, Getting Things Accomplished

Well the 2020 Census letter arrived and that task is now completed. With only two of us it was am easy job. Then I voted for the local genealogy society officers. Again a very easy job.

I am working on a transcription of a ledger book for the local cemetery and school district from 1871 to 1892. For the school they list the teacher for every year and there seems to be a new one every year. Tough to have continuity with constant change of teachers. I am about halt way done. The clerks who write clearly are truly a blessing. This is not an easy job, but I have lots of time while we wait out this coronavirus. It is interesting how quickly the days are passing. Keep busy and be productive. Praying for peace during this difficult time.

Coronavirus 2020

In my life I have lived through some tough stuff. Today is no exception, but it is truly something we can prepare for. I don't mind being at home if by doing so someone else runs a lower risk for getting sick. The past week I had an appointment with my regular doctor, my dentist and my gynecologist oncology surgeon. I went ahead to my appointments as I felt it was low risk for me to go. Each office was well organized and cautious with the patients. The final appointment was yesterday. Just before I left they called to verify I was not sick and I asked the same of them. This was my second six month check up since surgery. Not something that could be done virtually. I am glad that I went as I can relax for another six months of being cancer free. So now I am staying home. There is plenty for me to do right here. I appreciate that David does the shopping and has us well stocked. My prayers go out to others who are struggling. Don't forget to reach out to those who are alone. We will learn a lot about ourselves as we go through this experience. Step up and be the best person that you can be!

Nathan Dylan Goodwin Books

The St. Helens, Oregon public library bought three of Nathan Dylan Goodwin's books and I was the first to check them out. They are very well written and challenge any genealogist in the love of discovery of the roots of their own and others ancestors.

Hiding the Past, 2013, 228 pages

The Lost Ancestor, 2014, 249 pages

The Orange Lilies, 2014, 102 pages

I hope over time they will purchase his other eight fiction books and
his four books about Hastings in England. As a Hastings descendant
they should be interesting.

I love and support public libraries.
They provide so much cultural depth to our communities.
I donate to their used book sales and purchase books from them.
They have a list of books I am looking for and notify me if some are donated.
I love learning about our past and the lives of our ancestors.

ICAPGen Renewal - My Activities 2020

Tonight there is a new page on this blog, ICAPGen Renewal Report 2020. This is not a perfect submission, but it is something that may help others in report writing. Below is the letter submitted covering my genealogy activities over the last five years. It has been an amazing ride and looking back is helpful in seeing where to go in the future. The serenditpity for me is that this is still something that I have a passion for doing. If you have ever considered applying for accreditation or certification, go for it! In the long run you will be a better genealogist and researcher.

Letter of Genealogical Activities 2015-2020                                                   20 May 2020

To the ICAPGen Renewal Review Board,

It is amazing to review the genealogical activities that I have been involved in over the last five years. Due to health issues there were some periods of time in which my activity was limited. Listed here is a synopsis of what that work encompasses.

2020 AG Renewal Accepted

This morning I received notification that my renewal of accreditation as a genealogist with ICAPGen was accepted. This required several different types of reports and items that include:
1. A signed Ethics Agreement
2. Education and Skill Building of a database maintenance project for a family from New England, 1 page review and a 5 page client report.
3. Education and Skill Building of 20 hours of viewing webinars focused on New England research, a 5 page report with notes from each webinar.
4. Letter of Genealogical Activities 2015-2020 some specific for New England, a 5 page report.
5. A client report for research on a family with history in New England. This included a 10 page report with background information, a research objective, research results summary, detailed research results, additional information, conclusion, suggestions for further research, and footnotes. There was also a 5 page research log. That is 31 pages total. The main 10 page client report was peer reviewed and scored.
This was a challenging process and I am so relieved to have passed a second renewal. Every five years after my original acceptance this process is repeated. My most important suggestion that I will share is to start early and submit it three months in advance of the deadline. It is also helpful if one is not working on other client projects as this requires a very organized and thoughtful process of producing the reports.

Anderson Cousins

Finally, called my mother's cousins who live locally. Why it took me five years I am not sure, but I am so glad that I came across the slip of paper with their name on it again. We met for lunch on Friday with her sister and had a lovely visit. They also have a brother living in the area and there are other cousins. I DNA match to one of their brothers and a niece. On my blog gophergenealogy.blogspot.com there are family stories under the surnames Cole and Neppl that tell more about our ancestors. Two of the lead articles are Cole Family Migration Article and Portland, Oregon WWII Article. Now I need to write more about the Anderson family. Making connections is wonderful.