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Furthermore, happiness is enough gourmet coffee to last a year. ~~ The colorful “throw” is so delightfully soft and warm, it is my “therapy pet.”

This morning, I barely completed the chart (below) when Ancestry messaging notified me of messages. In a short message, I was criticized for mistakes in my database regarding his surname family. I checked my tree and did not find any errors. I answered his message with a polite request for specific information. His reply: “Call me.” I phoned and we had a delightful, long conversation. Simultaneously, on our computers, we looked at the information in our trees. He saw his error and we are “not quite cousins” who will exchange information from time to time. I’ve spent the afternoon expanding information regarding his family. As I’ve so often said: “never a stopping point.”

Here’s a link to one of the earlier messages regarding these two men.

Infinity

Interesting images appear on shirts. They echo the messages in TV news. “Inflation” is a popular topic.

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Below: “Baylor Christmas,” beautiful music (to start my day). Baylor University is here in Waco, Texas—my adopted hometown. (IMHO, very wholesome appearing young people.)

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POSTSCRIPT @ 12 noon: A couple of gifts I missed when I opened the package earlier.

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Thus far (ha, ha), I haven’t climbed the family tree. I’ve washed dishes—and reheated the kettle of “leftovers” soup. ~~ I looked at the variety of tea—and opened the little package.

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Paddington Bear  is a remembrance of our time together in New Hampshire, in 2010. “Thank you, Deb.”

This is a remarkably kind and thoughtful gift. Honestly, I had not looked outdoors today. Imagine my consternation when I saw the gifts outside my door. To my amazement, the “remarkably kind and thoughtful gift” came from the young man who recently worked on my television reception. We exchanged pleasant conversations about National Parks, hiking trails, and family relationships. As he was leaving, he asked if he could hug me. I said “I love hugs” and we shared a long, firm embrace.

True story: In February 2021—when we experienced freezing temperatures and no electricity—I was a guest in the home of friends (with heat). They had several of these delightfully soft “throws.” I was envious… but have not allowed myself the luxury of a purchase.  I’m so thankful for this generous gift!!

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Gratefully, I have propane and my trailer home is warm. Turned off the TV because of the continuous references to “family” festivities. I focused my attention on more research on the Fourman family. I can’t move to another project until I “iron out all the wrinkles.” This family has been a big challenge. ~~ If you look closely at the image, you’ll see what appears to be one man with two families. I was diplomatic and did not ask “Was he a bigamist?”  (The image is attached to the man in my Ancestry database.) I must keep searching for a second man with the same name and living in the same community.

The unpleasant odor of propane greeted me when I got up this morning. I put on a coat and cap (over my pajamas and robe) and checked the propane tank. Yes, it is empty. Gratefully, “Mr. Red” and several other residents were enjoying coffee in the Clubhouse, in front of the fireplace. I was welcomed with a breakfast taco and Starbucks Christmas blend coffee. Later, one resident took a smaller tank to my yard and hooked it up. Earlier (much earlier), I retrieved an extra space heater from storage and anticipated two space heaters—and extra warm clothing—would see me through the holiday weekend. ~~ I’m so thankful for my RV Park family. The owner is “a saint” and the residents are angels.

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