“Taxed”–but in a good way. I’m not billed for property or income, I’m “taxed” energy-wise by requests for family information. I thought about “Not Invisible Today” for the title of this blog but decided on alternate. In my mind’s eye, I see “cousins” lined up in the yard waiting for my time and attention (lol).

Of great concern for me: “Aging alone.” To my delight, this morning an email message from a dear friend (maybe a “cousin”?) with a link to this article. “Not invisible today” because someone listened to my concerns. I try to banish the fears but I sense my frailty more every day. Confession: Today I don’t have the energy to walk to the refrigerator/freezer (in the laundry room) for ice cream.

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Sometimes I say one thing but do another. I wasn’t “too tired” to go out in the rain and wind to take two pictures. The wind tossed a lot of things around; it created a lot of noise. I walked the yard and no damage (at brief inspection). ~~ At this rate, it will be a while before I’m able to burn those limbs and leaves. Another deferred project!

This morning, on NBC-Today, a story about “DNA trips.” Folks in the United States traveling to the homeland of their ancestors, meeting with their “cousins.” Because of the popularity of DNA tests, it was inevitable the travel industry would get involved. I did my traveling in the United States, visiting with cousins living in localities where my ancestors resided. ~~ Today, I just want to stay in bed!!  I’m very tired, and very hungry!! Old-fashioned, organic, steel-cut oats with raisins is slowly cooking (as I prepare this blog message). **If** the weather were Spring-like, I’d get some much-needed exercise.

Yesterday, all day, at the computer “climbing the family tree.” The day prior, I vowed to refrain from “doing” Ancestry.com. However, there was an email message at the very top of my messages. A very pleasant greeting and request for help with her Frantz family lineage. I love the challenge!! At first it looked “straight forward” but soon became a nightmare. I was looking at familiar names of “Daniel” and “Nancy” Frantz but erroneously attached  to a well-documented branch of “my” tree. “Who are these people?”  Indubitably, I needed to resolve the mystery. Father, mother, children, children’s spouse, children’s children; I documented them all. Eventually, the “Stauffer” spouse surname was the clue.

In genealogy, beginners hear the saying “three brothers came to America.” Not always true but an actuality in the Frantz family. **If** the information had been available (1989-1996) descendants of Immigrant Christian Frantz would have received equal documentation. I mingled with descendants; I attended their family reunions. I begged for details about their “branches” with surnames like Stauffer and Hershey. Here I am, decades later, seeing the names (on Ancestry) and opportunity to list them in my Ancestry database.

Frantz Families–Kith & Kin was published after dozens (hundreds) of people shared their information with me. I never miss the opportunity to “pay it forward”; I’m grateful for computer skills and genealogy savvy. Time well spent on cold winter day?

Two days “climbing the family tree” when I had planned to do other indoor stuff. Our weather is cold but nothing severe like many areas in the North and Midwest. Seriously, I have been glued to the computer(s) for three days. I’ve been in my pajamas, and robe, these three days. Today, I had two mugs of coffee and a bowl of ice cream. I was so involved with documentation surrounding two requests, I didn’t want to take time to prepare food!!! ~~ I’ve been smelling propane and discovered my tank is almost empty. I don’t know how soon the company will be out because in cold weather they are extremely busy. Moments ago, I went to the cargo trailer to retrieve the electric space heater. I “thought” Spring was here so stored the heater. My trailer home won’t be cozy warm but I won’t suffer. ~~ It was raining when I went to the cargo trailer and has rained off-and-on for three days. I haven’t checked the rain gauge because “I’ve been glued to the computers.”

A bolt of lightning, and a clap of thunder, was frightening!! It seemed “in my backyard.”  Our first day of a week of Winter.

…it’s off to work I go!!

However, the wind quickly “told” me I didn’t want to be outdoors!! The bright sunshine is deceiving. The weather forecast advises “winter” for the next week so I planned on another day in the yard (preparing for yard sale). ~~ Changing the subject: I’m glad I don’t have a dog. As I’m sitting at the computer, looking out the windows, I see folks walking their dog(s). Bur-r-r-r.