This recently-received obituary is a goldmine of information!! I’ve been documenting for five-and-one-half hours and I’m not finished. The families are intertwined and one name led to another, and another. Many of the progenitors were already in my Ancestry database. There’s never a stopping point. (Can I stop for breakfast and/or lunch now?) The dearly departed is the father-in-law of my fifth cousin. Frankly, the more I document… the man may be one of my cousins. It’s a matter of connecting the links.

.

GOLD NUGGETS: Marlan is survived by three siblings; Rich Jamison, Ron Jamison, and Dyann (Jamison) Armstrong; and his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Daughter Marla and (Ray) Hawbaker and grandchildren Michael and (Stephanie) & Brogan Hawbaker; Keith & (Tara), Pierce & Grey Hawbaker; Meagan and (Mike) Beesley; Riley and (Sarah), Brynn, Morgan, Ryker & Declan Hawbaker; Toby and (Kaylyn), Weston & Garrison Hawbaker; and Audrey Hawbaker. Daughter Deb and (Jeff) Bauman and grandchildren Abbie and (Joel), Eve, Lily & Ila Miller; Jesse and (Alisha), Tia, Adri, Miles & Eden Bauman; Lindsey and (Karl), Maddox, Zuri & Isaac Bucher; Judah and (Amy), Justus & Everett Bauman. Daughter Jill and (Greg) Custer and grandchildren, Carly and (Taylor) & Hannah Frey; Annabel Custer & Slade Custer.

.

I need to be four people!! The past three days, I have worked with four (or is it five?) different branches of the tree. Two individuals contacted me and (obviously) I had to provide information.  Frankly, I found my information needed expanding so time spent on that endeavor. Last night, I couldn’t sleep because I continually thought of “loose ends” and crept out of bed and wrote a note to myself—so I wouldn’t forget. ~~ It was a cold night but a beautiful day. I should be outdoors—in the carport—working on “downsizing.” ~~ But I’d rather “climb trees.”

The title is borrowed from the book titled The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Today, I accomplished a “purpose” I’ve planned for ten months. When I took pictures–last year–of the Christmas decorations project, I “knew” I’d print the pictures before we decorate this year. The discussion has begun and we will start soon. “Yes,” folks have photos on their SmartPhone but “this old lady” loves an album. ~~~~ This blog message was ready for publication at 6:40 PM, Friday, 29 Oct 2021, but “this old lady” refrained from publication (until a later date) because the album is a gift for the kind, thoughtful, considerate, generous owner-manager of this RV Park. I didn’t want him to read this before gift-giving time.

.

The marvels of electronics. These little gizmos contain dozens of pictures. ~~ Click on the pictures (above) for better viewing.

Picture taking was an afterthought. I wish I had a picture of the minister who presented a dynamic Christ-centered eulogy for Colin Powell. I hope, and pray, the message pricked the conscience of individuals in attendance.

.

.

The President and former Presidents in the front row of the cathedral.

Suggestion: Please take time to click this link and watch the message by Dr. David Jeremiah.

More information about Socialism and “American Marxism“ by Mark Levin.

After my “wake up” with Dr. David Jeremiah, I turned to MSNBC to hear what they had to say about the Republican victory in Virginia. OMG, such animosity!! Then, at 7:00, I turned to the NBC Today  show and heard Savannah say “gut punch to Democrats.”  Honestly, I watch FOX News most of the time but I was “just curious” about the mainstream media reaction to the victory in Virginia.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
…a “sunny day” for “conservatives.” Perhaps my local weather is a reflection of the mood for liberals?

Progress made–but more to handle. Items taken to the carport and will be loaded into the KIA. I’m preparing donations for a local Thrift Shop. Raining all day–and I’m grateful for heat from the furnace. The “space heater” is valuable but it only takes away the chill.

.

Little projects of no significance. However, very “significant” to learn my furnace problem was corrected with two double–A batteries.  “Mr. Red” and his sidekick, Bill, came to my rescue. It took longer for me to find my batteries than their skillful approach to my problem. ~~ Confession: I didn’t do any “downsizing”; I worked in the yard. Another rainstorm on the horizon and I wanted to plant the Bluebonnet seeds. OK, a tiny package of downsizing because one less item…

.

.

Postscript @ 8:30 PM:  FOX News is on my TV while I am on my computer. I’m watching listening to the Virginia election results. I’ve been working to document the many marriages of a woman who is NOT my cousin. Six or seven marriages! ~~ Fresh air and exercise today—ahead of cooler temperature and rain tomorrow.

…a destination I’ve looked forward to visiting—for almost two years.

Early in my residency in Waco, Texas, I was told about Heritage Village and the annual Fair. This is a community that lives in a fashion similar to my Old German Baptist Brethren cousins and ancestors. As I recall, the Fair was canceled last year due to the Coronavirus (or Lorraine was a “scary cat” and didn’t want to leave home).