Gopher Genealogy by Susan LeBlanc provides information about research, lectures, published articles and book reviews, and Serendipity Moments that are the results of searching for ancestors both personally and for clients. The objective of the blog is for others to receive insight and inspiration in doing their family history research. It is an evolving method of communication and input from reviewers is welcome.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
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.
Sunday, March 22, 2020
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.
Friday, March 13, 2020
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!
Sunday, February 16, 2020
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.
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.
Thursday, February 13, 2020
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.
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.
Monday, February 10, 2020
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.
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