That’s the title of the story I wrote a couple of years ago and it appears in the current issue of Mennonite Family History. (Two years ago because photos are posted with the story and 09/20/2017 is the date on the pictures.) Here is a link to the blog message I published in 2017 but “cousin Lois” edited and published an abbreviated version. I suspect the publishers of Mennonite Family History (“cousins”) read my blog and selectively choose something to “fill in” space in the periodical. That’s OK; I’m just pleased they want to use my writings.

I doubt the next picture will appear in print. I’m quite possibly the only person interested in the appearance of family history in an Ancestry Member Family Tree. I’ve complained (vociferously?) about the errors in Ancestry “member”  databases. I’m attempting to have the “Frantz family” (and all the collateral lines) accurately “sourced” and neatly documented. (This is my contribution to the world. Some people make quilts; some people paint pictures; some people leave an indelible mark in history. This [genealogy] salves the pain I feel because I can’t lavish love on children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.)

Tonight, at the Clubhouse, we have the opportunity to see the movie “Pay it Forward”  again. Here are several earlier references to the movie, and to the concept: One of four; two of four; three of four; four of four.

I’ll be at the Clubhouse; I’ll tear myself away from the computer for a couple of hours.

Seriously, it felt like I was walking into an oven when I walked from my front door to the laundry room, to the refrigerator. (Remember my RV refrigerator stopped working months ago and I haven’t moved toward the major purchase of a replacement.) ~~ Good news: The weather report indicates the tropical storm will probably do damage in Louisiana and not southeast Texas. Good news for Texas, bad news for Louisiana.

Ancestry !!

All day sitting at the computer “climbing the family tree.”  I’m working with material that is endless (almost) and one name leads to another, and another. It was such a delight to see “my family” listed with others in the 1915 North Dakota Census. I’m “tenacious”; I search all types of records and document the source(s). Invariably, I have more “sources” than others…. (I try harder?!)

However, at 7:00, I want to watch the Today show. I’m interested in news about the recent earthquakes in California. I lived in the Mojave Desert for more than forty years. Also, this week, the threat of a tropical storm or huricane in Southeast Texas (my current home). ~~ Two months ago I was preparing for a Caribbean cruise on Liberty of the Seas. Yesterday and today, sad news about the child who fell to her death (in Puerto Rico).

Sometimes my hands are off the computer keyboard (“family trees”).  The heat has affected my plants (see the yellow leaves) although I faithfully water and fertilize them. From my blog messages, you would think I have a “one-track mind”  (genealogy). My plants are important, too. (This morning, more than one hour in the yard–and humidity.)

A neighbor-lady-friend brought me homegrown tomatoes from her garden.

One-thousand names added to my Ancestry database in less than one month. I justify my obsession by thinking it is worthwhile for family researchers **and** meaningful use of time in horribly hot weather. As I prepare this (at 2:00 PM), the “feels like”  temperature is 110 degrees.

Remember the ninety-nine-page printout? I’m still on page four!! The information is leading me through a labyrinth of interrelated families. In case you missed earlier explanations: My Old German Baptist Brethren ancestors, and collateral lines, lived in the same communities, worshipped in the same churches, and married within the fellowship. One enormous family!!

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I long for a LONG night’s sleep!! After an hour of pleading “go to sleep, go to sleep,”  I’m back to the computer. I’ve tried a variety of “aids” but they don’t work for me. I do not take prescription drugs!! ~~ May I make this comparison? A bald man says: “Grass doesn’t grow on a busy street.”  Lorraine says: “Sleep doesn’t visit a busy brain.”

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All the above–and a few more–from my search this morning.

Yesterday I was entering data regarding “Holsinger.” During the night my mind shifted to “Hollinger.” In my early years of research–in LaVerne, California–in 1988-1996–I spent time with Hollinger “cousins.” ~~ It amazes me how my mind recalls information from thirty years ago. This morning I did Ancestry searches based on my memory and developed (accurately developed) many collateral line individuals. To my amazement, there was limited Ancestry Member Family Trees; my data is premier.