If I had it (the T-shirt), I’d wear it. It’s time to admit I was wrong (but I’m not saying “they” are right). I’ve been going in circles; my brain is exhausted!! If it weren’t extremely hot, I’d take a walk; I’d work in the yard; I’d go grocery shopping, etc., etc.  This new “Grisso” challenge keeps drawing me back to the computers. Yes, two laptop computers simultaneously working with information on Ancestry.

Too many families? I was working with one family and it led–unexpectedly–to another familiar surname.

Obviously, I needed to develop that family connection. It led–unexpectedly–to another familiar surname. The families are intricately entwined.

The reason I can’t “walk away”: Details are “fresh” in my mind as I work with a family. I’m not as efficient when I return the next day (or next week).

Recent experience: “Yours truly” is a descendant of Michael Frantz (1687-1748). A week ago, the focus was on Rosemary Frantz–a descendant of Baltzar Frantz (1695-1747). In the process of documenting her extended family, I encountered descendants of Christian Frantz (1685-1739). Three brothers, immigrants to Pennsylvania, with descendants living in Kansas. It wasn’t a coordinated exodus from Pennsylvania, Virginia, Indiana, and Ohio. It is evidence of families moving westward to obtain farmland.

…when to stop, I don’t know!!

First, the Barnhart surname but it cascaded into Brubaker, Flora, Graybill, Grisso, Ziegler, et al.

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We enjoyed a brief rain shower. However, it forced me off the computer–and Ancestry–so I thought of that cute little girl on Full House. “How rude” of the storm to interfere with my satellite reception of Internet genealogy!! I’m not complaining because it is so blissful to have cooler temperature and no humidity.

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Haven’t combed my hair; still in my pajamas; and it’s almost six PM. First thing this morning, I wanted to discover more information about adopted daughter, Dora Showalter. I “dug” and “dug” and  found accurate details.  Forgive me(?) while I voice my well-worn complaint: My research doesn’t match “the other guy(s)” who carelessly copied one another’s errors.

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“Thank God, all-mighty,”  cool at last!! Blissful, wonderful, glorious cooler temperature with a brief rain shower. **If** I could sing and **if** I could dance, I’d mimic Gene Kelly and sing and dance in the rain!!

“Humor me”?!

• Genealogists are always in a family way!
• Genealogists are family tree huggers!
• Genealogists are forebear hunters!
• Genealogy is not done until the “past lady” sings!
• Genealogy is simply TREEific!
• Genealogy disease: Gensomnia.
• How a genealogist greets a stranger: “Are you sure we aren’t related?”
• How a genealogist greets another genealogist. “Would you like to join my famclub?”
• How a genealogist introduces his children: “I’d like you to meet my descendants!”
• How a genealogist introduces his parents: “Have you met my ancestors?”
• I’m ancestrally challenged!
• If you want to have some fun, say “Who’s your daddy?” to a room full of genealogists and watch the heads turn.
• It’s hard to be humble with ancestors like mine!
• Money doesn’t grow on trees—but ancestors do!
• Murphy’s law of genealogy: After solving a dead end ancestor mystery that consumed your entire adult life, your sister reports, “I could have told you that!”
• Murphy’s law of genealogy: Paying for a vital record and then finding it right under your nose!
• Old genealogists never die. They just haunt archives.
• Organization to help with genealogy addiction: AA (Ancestors Anonymous).
• Popular sign in a cemetery: “Dead End.”
• The best ancestors want to be found!
• The “mother lode” of genealogy is discovering a great grandmother’s maiden name.
• Time and genealogy wait for no man!
• To a genealogist, the expression “Mother Nature” takes on a whole new meaning!
• Transcribers of headstones generally work the graveyard shift!
• True genealogists wonder why the Academy Awards don’t have a category for best microfilm!
• Ultimate success to a genealogist: Proving that Elvis isn’t dead!
• What a genealogist should not say on a blind date: “Isn’t it great? I did your tree and we’re related!”
• You know you’re a genealogist if you find the certainty of ancestral death and tax records exciting. (Paraphrased from Ben Franklin’s “Certainty? In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.”)
• If you think Castle Garden is something out of a fairy tale, you’re probably not a genealogist!
• More  Here is an old epitaph bromide: On an old tombstone was the following quote,
  “Pause stranger, when you pass me by, As you are now so once was I. As I am now, so you will be. So prepare for death and follow me.”  Below that epitaph, someone scratched the following, “To follow you I’m not content, Until I know which way you went.”2) Headstone epitaph: “This is the damndest thing I’ve ever done.”3) “You know you’re a genealogist when you watch a movie that has a scene in a graveyard, and you’re distracted from the plot by trying to transcribe the tombstones.”

Above copied from a website and (shame on me) I failed to record the address.

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As stated earlier (several months ago), I am “paying it forward.”  I’m intentionally expanding documentation (on Ancestry) for “cousins” who shared information decades ago. Those “cousins” are frolicking around Heaven with their ancestors while I lovingly labor here on Earth.

Rosemary has a special place in my heart. About 1987, she provided the connection to my immigrant ancestor Michael Frantz. I had my information back to a great-great-grandfather but it didn’t match documentation of descendants of Michael Frantz. Within days of initial correspondence, a reply saying my documentation was “subsequent marriage.” ~~ Rosemary is an “eighth cousin” because (like a pyramid) we go “way back” to immigrant ancestors who were brothers. In August 2000, Rosemary gave me every scrap of paper, every piece of research, trusting that I would merge it with my data. In 2017, I scanned all her paperwork and published it to the Internet. It can be found on Digitized Library of Family History.

Here’s a blog message from 2017: Inquiring minds want to know.

Below is the comment I found while examinating Rosemary’s material for dates, and individuals, in her extended family.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Compiler comment: In January of 1987, Rosemary provided the
“missing link.” She immediately recognized that the difficulty
I experienced was a “subsequent marriage.” (Specifically the
two marriages of David Frantz [1817-1905], son of Michael
[1791-18601.) This dear lady has provided manilla envelopes
full of information. Every Frantz-family researcher that 1
contact has had correspondence with Rosemary. A BIG BOUQUET to
my ‘seventh cousin one time removed”!!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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The recent genealogy marathon, and sleep deprivation, has me moving at a snail’s pace. Yesterday, I did everything “right.” This morning I’ve done everything “wrong.” My left hand was mildly burned while (in a fog) making coffee. At 9:00 AM, I visualize spending the day in my recliner. No “climbing trees” and limited TV viewing.

9:15 postscript: Remember(?) I have a “window on the world.”  Sitting at my computer, I see people “coming and going.” A friend-neighbor spends the entire day, every day, driving around the RV Park in her golf cart. Around and around, and around! I’d rather be sleep deprived and pursue a productive hobby.

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Right where I’m supposed to be? “Thank you, Lord!”