Blog title is the statement of Houston TV meteorologist at 7:20 AM. Last night, during 10:00 PM news, TV meteorologist said “We haven’t seen these low temperatures since early May.” (Five months of extreme heat and humidity!) My trailer home is “cool” and a robe feels good. Soon, I may need the furnace? (I’m prepared… with new tank and 120 gallons of propane.)
The old lady is choosing to believe a “guardian angel” repaired her furnace. Last Winter, hours (and dollars) spent in an effort to get furnace to work. I had to rely on the “heat strip” for heat and it was less satisfactory and more expensive (electricity). Recently, almost one-thousand dollars for new, large propane tank, and one-hundred-twenty gallons of propane. 
Before severely cold weather, I wanted to “test” the furnace–in case I need to contact repairmen. It appears to be working fine, Praise the Lord!! ~~ Furthermore, the RV refrigerator is “working”–but not extremely cold. An angel repair?? Perhaps the extreme heat took a toll on the refrigerator like it took a toll on the old lady??
Another day devoted to activities other than Ancestry.com. I didn’t “watch” but I did “listen” to several TV programs while “doing”…. On the “700 Club,” Pat Robertson was interviewing Tucker Carlson. Mr. Carlson’s book is titled “Ship of Fools“ and reportedly is an “eye opener.” They really captured my attention and I watched/listened in disbelief. No, I’m not doubting what Mr. Carlson wrote; I’m astonished by the truth of the message. I intend to purchase, and read!!
The old lady couldn’t let go of an individual on her Ancestry.com family tree. Night before last, losing sleep mulling information around in her mind. “Up” before five o’clock and fourteen hours spent on that person and his parents and grandparents. I’ve found it’s valuable to document their relatives, too, because (like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle) date here, location there. For Today, the “puzzle” is complete but I’m “Tentative” about some of the pieces. I’m “Tenacious” and will revisit him occasionally for additional “Tidbits.”
Terrific temperature today!
Yes, I bought groceries but the trip into Livingston was prompted because of septic tank problem. My nasty “across the driveway” neighbor was complaining of plumbing problems. He contacted our landlady yesterday and she, in turn, called a septic service. Very nice, thoughtful, considerate man was here at ten o’clock. The tank didn’t need pumping but is “stressed.” So I went to Lowe’s for RidX. I’ve been “treating” the tank for months and now have enough product for another year.
I was “caught” in a cloudburst!! I was enjoying “fast food” at the Whataburger and thought I’d make a dash for the KIA and return home. Thirty minutes later, the sun was shining and I shopped Lowe’s, and market. I exercised restraint; I did not browse the garden department at Lowe’s. In my mind, I want Pansies for one (or two) planters but my tired body dictates “no more projects.”
Shortly after storing perishables in the refrigerator, in the laundry room, more heavy rain. I’m “high and dry” and “fat and sassy.”
Evening TV news: Next week comfortable temperatures!
Not so coincidentally perhaps, because I desperately needed encouragement, the “couldn’t come at a better time” blessing arrived in the mail. I hadn’t walked across the street to the mailbox for two days; I hadn’t watered the plants for two days; I hadn’t been outdoors for two days!! To my extreme delight, another one of my stories was published in Mennonite Family History. Read the story published on an earlier blog message.
Wide awake half the night, I was writing a story in my mind. Before sunrise, I was handwriting the thoughts. To better appreciate the following, I suggest you read Speaking of family history. Here are my unedited words.
I’m an old lady now; I seldom leave home. I derive a great deal of pleasure “climbing the family tree.” Many hours each day on Ancestry.com. My “travel” experiences are remembered fondly because I’m “visiting” localities where I researched.
On Ancestry.com, while documenting Quaker ancestors, I reminisced about the Coffin Family Reunion on Nantucket Island (1992). “Armchair researchers” are deprived of a “connection” to the immigrant(s). I was in “the oldest house” (Jethro Coffin House) where my fifth great-grandmother was born (1722).
Checking additional “sources” for a great-grandmother (1852-1925), the location was cited as “Amo, United States.” A Google search confirmed my earlier, immediate, suspicion: Indiana (Amo, Clay Twp., Hendricks County, Indiana). It was an “I know that I know” experience BUT based on old-fashioned rubber-to-the-road, shoe-leather, research. I’d spent hours in the library of a Quaker college in Richmond, Indiana. I bought many books at the college bookstore for later scrutinizing.
A few miles from Earlham College, in Fountain City, I visited the home of Levi Coffin (1798-1877), first cousin five-times-removed. He has the title of “President of the Underground Railroad.” Prior to “climbing the family tree” I knew nothing about the Underground Railroad. (I grew up in Oregon and never saw a black person.) Two ancestors wrote about their experiences and I had the privilege of reading their books to my mother (residing in a convalescent home).
For several years, I was a resident in North Carolina. I visited the area where Quaker ancestors William Coffin (1720-1803), Priscilla Paddock (1722-1803), and families, lived. A Google search reveals many websites with details about Battle of Guilford Court House.
“The old lady” may not be “on-the-road” but enjoys indelible memories. Coast-to-coast: Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, to Whitby Island, Skagit County, Washington. Border-to-border: Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, to Palacios, Texas.
Those are my handwritten words; I’ve added some “links” as I typed the information into this blog message. If worthwhile subject for another story in Mennonite Family History, I need to do some editing and develop additional thoughts. 
Another morning at the computer. GRATITUDE for the blessing that arrived in a small package.
Three Quarters & Counting 