Bridey's This & That

A Genealogy Guru passes

2008-02-15T14:27:00.000-08:00

I am always saddened to learn when one of our genealogy gurus becomes part of our past instead of studying it. This especially holds true when it is a good friend and mentor. Julia M. Case (those who knew her called her Julie) passed away after a short illness on February 13, 2008. Her obituary can be viewed on her website Petunia Press, and as more details are firmed up regarding her services, her obit will be updated.

I "met" Julie when I became a member of the RootsWeb.com staff in 1999. Julie was there, along with Myra Vanderpool Gormley, as co-editor of the RootsWeb Review, an internet newsletter. I loved receiving e-mails from her and talking with her on the phone. She was so fun loving, witty and full of life.

I had only been researching my own roots around four years when I met Julie. She helped me in so many ways and her suggestions to me of where to look for information on my ancestors were always right on the money. Her encouragement for me to press on and never give up hope has stuck with me and her knowledge was amazing.

Her accomplishments in the world of genealogy were great and from her obit, it reads like a Who's Who:

Served as:
Instructor for the NGS' home study course
Trustee of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG)
Board member of the Friends of the Virginia State Archives
Membership chairman of the Virginia Genealogical Society
Assistant sysop on GEnie's Genealogy RoundTable

She wrote articles that appeared in
American Genealogy Magazine
Friends of the Virginia State Archives Archives News
Virginia Genealogical Society's Magazine of Virginia Genealogy, in the last of which her transcriptions of "Henrico County Record Book No. 2, 1678-1693" appeared from 1991 through 1998.

Julie was also the co-moderator of Prodigy® Classic's Genealogy Interest Group and the editor of Missing Links and Somebody's Links newsletters. She was the original and long- time co-editor of the RootsWeb Review. She was a life member of the Friends of the Virginia State Archives and the Virginia Genealogical Society, and a member of International Society of Family History Writers and Editors, the Association for Gravestone Studies, APG, NGS, NEHGS, North Carolina Genealogical Society, Virginia Historical Society and the NSDAR.

She was not as active with genealogy the past five years, her daughter gave her a grandson and she spent quality time with him.

I and others will miss having Julie around, but she will always live on in our hearts and memories. Take care Julie, I am sure you are getting those brickwalls all broken down now, and having a ball talking to all your ancestors.

Technorati Tags: Genealogy, Julie Case, RootsWeb

The hate letters you love to get

2007-01-04T13:52:00.000-08:00

This morning I opened up my e-mail software to find a message that begins with .... I hate you. I thought what a rude awakening.

Here's the message (posted with approval from sender)

Hi Bridgett,
Just so you know, I hate you.... I ordered that wonderful RAOGK long sleeve T-shirt, which was perfect and worked out just as I knew it would under my XL roots run deep hoodie. When I was out shooting pictures on the day before new Year's Day, it was 32 degrees, but I was toasty. The hoodie pouch was perfect for my keys and cell phone, and since I got the XL hoodie it came down past my rear end, but didn't restrict my stooping and crouching to take pictures.

So, after all that, why do I hate you? You have a roots run in PA long sleeve navy blue T-Shirt, and I never noticed it. Now, before I go home to PA again, I am going to have to order one....

For those who don't know me, I am the Owner/Administrator for the genealogy lookup site called Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness (RAOGK) http://www.raogk.org . This site is a free to use site, not a subscription site. We have been on the Internet since March 1999. Our funding for keeping the site online come from the kindly contributions sent in by satisfied users and volunteers alike and our shops. If you would like to read what we are all about, check out our about us page.

Our volunteers had been requesting something they could use to either handout or wear that would indicate they were volunteers. In March 2005 the RAOGK Logo Shop was opened on CafePress.com. Knowing that other genealogists may not want items with the RAOGK Logo on it, I then opened up another shop called Genealogy For You with humorus genealogy sayings and various genealogy designs.

The designs and products this customer is talking about was first put online in mid-September. At which time she bought:

Pennsylvania Roots
Hooded Sweatshirt

However, the Long Sleeve T-Shirt she now must have, became a new product around the end of October (thus the reason why she did not see it when she placed her first order).

Pennsylvania Roots
Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt

I've had many letters from satisfied customers, but this was the first that started out stating they hated me. Check our shops out, am sure there must be a product to fit your needs with a design that you will like. Besides t-shirts we offer mugs, tote bags, bumper stickers, mugs, children's apparel, calendars, etc.

Technorati Tags: Cafepress, Genealogy, t-shirts,
RAOGK, Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness

Fun with Cairn Terriers

2006-12-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

One of my friends has a shop on Cafepress.com with the theme around dog breeds. Critter Circus has designs that mention more dog breeds than any CafePress shop I've been to in awhile. Yesterday she had sent in a message to a few of us letting us know of some new designs she brought online, which includes the competitions where dogs participate. When I saw that her list had a link to Earth Dog designs, I had to go visit. I was curious what she came up with for a design for a competition that definitely is not a spectator sport. My 'creative' mind would have come up with a tail sticking out of the ground, or just the opening of a tunnel.

For those who have never heard of Earth Dog Trials, it is an AKC approved competition for AKC registered Terriers (including Dachshunds) 6 months of age or older. Although those Terriers who may be taller than 15" at the shoulders may have problems with the tunnel. Dogs are graded on approach to the quarry and working the quarry (caged rats) in a specified time frame.

My one experience with earth dog trials was a keystone cop type of an affair. It was funny, but not. Poor Skyler barely qualified to participate as he was just 6 months old by a few days, when these trials were held.

For those first timers they have a preliminary Introduction test in an area fenced off, with an L shaped tunnel for them use. (This test is designed for young and/or inexperienced dogs and is intended to introduce the dog to the sport as well as help evaluate the dog's enthusiasm for the work.) The ground at the entrance of the tunnel was sprayed with rat scent to entice the pups to enter.

Well, I lost the toss on who was to be the handler for this test. The dogs can not be on leash, nor have a collar (thus the fence). What the handler does is place the dog on the ground in front of the entrance and hope like hell they take the bait/scent and enters the tunnel.

Well, not my pup. I put my pup down and he takes off just running, and running and running around the fenced area. Luckily the judge was a friend of ours, and he took his time with Skyler, once we caught him that is. To catch him I finally had to make almost a flying tackle on him (to the laughter of the spectators of course). After that our friend had retrieved the caged rats from their spot at the end of the tunnel and tried to get Skyler interested in them. Actually without any luck ::sigh::

Then he put the caged rats back where they belonged, opened up the end of the tunnel where Skyler would have wound up had he gone through the tunnel, and we placed Skyler in there. What does Skyler do? Fresh hole, so he starts digging at the walls and the floor of the tunnel. All the spectators could see was dirt flying. Needless to say, he didn't qualify to move on to even the first level of competition. I am sure today would be different, as he now chases anything that moves (squirrels, grasshoppers, shadows, etc.)

That was a little over 5 years ago, we have not tried to compete since then. It isn't that we didn't want to, but we live in Nebraska and at that time there were no ED Trials being held near us. The ED Trials we attended above was in Oregon and had been planned as a stop on a vacation trip.

Technorati Tags: Cairn Terriers, Earth Dog Trials, CafePress.com

Christmastime and Genealogy

2006-12-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

This time of the year is great for expanding on your family tree. Why, because of family gatherings. These gatherings are remembered and cherished throughout one's lifetime. Throughout the year you visit with your extended family, but at Christmas time thoughts of past Christmases are always remembered. With the elderly, this would be a fantastic time to ask them about their Christmases past, who was there and any little thing they can remember about them.

One thing to remember, if you are reading this and have not gotten bitten by the genealogy bug yet, you may someday. Each and every elderly person when they pass on is equal to a library burning. This library is a window to your past. Even if you never decide to research your roots, what marvelous stories you have to tell your own children when they ask 'what was great grandpa like?'

My Dad tells stories of my mother's grandfather and his method of dealing with cars and their clutches. He said you could always tell when Grandpa Jones (that is right, I have Jones in my family tree) was coming to visit. You could hear him a mile off, as he didn't use the clutch in the car, just changed the gears.

Tales like that come out at family gatherings and I think much more so when the time is right for memories, like this time of the year.

Do you have someone bitten by the genealogy bug in your family? Looking for a great genealogy gift for them? My genealogy themed shop, Genealogy For You on CafePress.com, has products to help you fill their stockings. AND, until the 20th of December you get free shipping for orders of over $50 or more.

We have tile coasters listing what genealogists wish for, whether at Christmastime or any other time of the year:

Some of us are really addicted, and you will find us at our computer everyday working deligently trying to complete our family tree.

Oh, remember those family gatherings above? There are really great, but when you are hosting them sometimes you really do wish everyone would go home. Not to be mean, but just to have your life back to what was once normal. You might want to display a hint or two of the fact that your favorite Christmas Lights just could be taillights.

Technorati Tags: Christmastime, Christmas Gifts, Genealogy, Genealogy Gifts, CafePress.com

Christmas Traditions

2006-12-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

My immediate family (parents and I) really didn't do anything traditional. It may have been that we lived far away from relatives, the lack of money or it could just be my failed memory. I've been racking my brains trying to think of something we did every year and cannot. Nothing more than me going to bed on Christmas eve, waking up on Christmas morning to finally be able to open up the gifts. Oh, yes, the one tradition was to be told "save one present for tomorrow." You see 'tomorrow' (the 26th) was my birthday. Somehow, I never was able to last out until tomorrow .

However, the best Christmas I ever had was in 1958. My family had just moved down from Rhode Island to Virginia in August of that year. I think we had been settled in about 6 weeks when my Dad had to go out to his ship to finish up a Mediterranean cruise with the squadron he was newly assigned. Back then cruises were 9 months long, so he would be gone for the holidays. I don't know when my mother decided that she would spend this Christmas with our relatives in TN, but am so glad she did.

I have never helped decorate so many Christmas trees, tasted so many different types of holiday foods, from sweets to turkeys, nor seen/meet for the very first time many of my cousins. After almost 50 years, a lot of the faces have faded away, along with their names, I just remember the warm feeling I had being around everyone.

It was also the first time I realized what it was like having to go out to an outhouse in the dead of a very, very cold night. You didn't linger very long, that is for sure. My great-aunt and uncle owned a dairy farm, and although they had running water in the house, they had no toilet. What a rude awakening.

We slept over Christmas eve with my Dad's older brother and his wife. Only to be awakened at the first sign of light to "Merry Christmas, are you guys going to sleep all day?" That was my uncle. I have never, before that day, seen a grown man act like a 7 year old on Christmas morning. He was delightful, and something I will never ever forget. My uncle enjoyed his life to the fullest, he always saw good in everyone and kept a smile on his face.

The most recent best holiday memory I have was in 2000. I had only been married 6 months, and my new hubby wanted a surround sound system. Found one he wanted (he kept on looking at it every time we went into the store). So while we were away in Virginia for Thanksgiving at my daughter's house, I had my in laws buy it for me and keep it at their place. So on Christmas morning, I left a card under the tree, telling him his present was located somewhere else in the house, and it became a treasure hunt with 4 or 5 cards. The last card said we had to go to his parents house to retrieve the present. I think I pushed it too far (oops), he was not a happy camper. My in laws surprised me with little directions all over their house for him to follow. . . I have a feeling by the time he found his present and opened it up that if it wasn't a surround sound system I would have been in deep doo-doo. LOL

Anyway, folks have a happy holiday season, whether you have traditions or not, its a great time to be around family.

Technorati Tags: Tuesday Topic, Christmas, Traditions

Growing up with music

2006-11-08T23:22:00.000-08:00

I am a child of the 1950's and 1960's. My taste in music was formed during those years. I think I got out of listening to music that was currently popular after 1985. I don't know whether it was because I was in my 30's or the kind of music being presented, but after that time period, my interest in listening to music wanned.

Digging down in the recesses of my memory, I think the first song that I remember as being 'popular' was a song called "The Green Door" (lyrics). This came out when I was all of 9 years old, and I probably heard it because my mother may have had a record of it.

I remember when Elvis Presley first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show (late 1956) and was really embarrassed by his gyrations. For once this was my opinion and not a reaction to the adults around me. That made such an impression on me, to this day there is probably only one song that I like that Elvis sung. Couldn't tell you the name of it though.

When trying to come up with topics to blog about for Thursday Thirteen I listed 13 favorite songs. But sitting here thinking about all the songs I've heard and enjoyed the list would be quite a bit longer than 13. Thinking about "The Green Door" and Elvis made me realize just how many artists there have been since 1956, and how many songs I've grown to really and truly like. I now don't know whether to make my list of favorite artists along with songs I enjoyed them singing, or just how to do this Thursday Thirteen. So if you care to read further, I believe it will probably be a very unorganized list, and probably full of surprises. Down memory lane anyone?

Some absolutely mind boggling silly songs: "Purple People Eater," "Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah," most anything by Ray Stevens (including "The Streak", "Ahab the Arab," "Gitarzan," and "Along Came Jones."), "They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa,"Alley Oop." I could go on but you can view one person's list of 100 Greatest Novelty Songs, I must agree with him.

A singer who passed on too early for his time on earth was Jim Croce. I don't know anyone who didn't just fall in love with his "Time In a Bottle" record. Another favorite of his was "Photographs & Memories." ::sigh:: such a loss.

The first pop artist I really and truly drooled over going into my teenage years was Jimmy Clanton. Bet most don't remember him. He recorded such songs as "Go, Jimmy Go" and "Venus in Blue Jeans." This is what the Museum of the Gulf Coast has to say about him.

Those of my generation will remember the music of the Mamas and Papas, The Lovin' Spoonful, Doobie Bros. and Creedence Clearwater Revival to name a few.

I remember the song "Country Roads" by John Denver as it has a special meaning for me. The same year it was popular was the year one of my grandmothers had passed on. I traveled by bus from Richmond, Virginia to Greene County, TN for her funeral. Yes I know the lyrics say West Virginia, but my country roads were located in TN and I was going home.

I have been a fan of Neil Diamond since the late 1960's. One thing I have found out over the past 40 years about Neil Diamond is that there is no middle ground with him. Either you like him or you don't. In 1980 he recorded a song called "America" (aka "Coming to America" or "They're Coming to America"). I had a cassette tape with that song on it and each time my husband was coming home from a cruise, I would play that over and over on the way to the pier. This song had nothing to do with sailors coming home from the sea, but had a lot to do with coming home.

Oh heck, this little ditty just crossed my mind. "Running Bear" by Johnny Preston. Another. . ."Big John" by Jimmy Dean (used to drive our preacher crazy when we played it at teen dances in the church hall).

Air Supply, a group from down under, had a song called "Making Love Out of Nothing at All." I had an album with this number on it. My (at the time) 15 year old daughter and I had a hobby of trying to get words to songs through playing it over and over again. My baby was 3 at the time and usually a very well behaved little one. One afternoon, eldest daughter and I decided one more time to see if we could get this one little phrase on that song. When I picked up the album (still in its jacket) to do so, my little 3 year old grabbed it, and ran as fast as her little legs could carry her hollering "no mo" "no mo" down the hallway, and tossed it under the bed. The memory of this still brings a chuckle.

Then there was the Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, the Safaris with the drum pounding song called "Wipe Out."

Some people tell me I am strange, you should see eyes roll when I admit I liked disco and loved the BeeGees.

There are not too many songs Cher has recorded that I don't like. Maybe one or two. But sure wish I had her looks and energy, she makes me feel old, we are the same age.

With the holidays coming up I always think about Brenda Lee's "Rockin' 'round the Christmas Tree." What about oldies but goodies "I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus" or "All I want for Christmas is my 2 front Teeth" or best of all "White Christmas".

I know there are so many more songs and artists I can write about. However, my memory is not the greatest and I know the second I hit "publish" on this post I'll think of them. To make this a legal #13 on my list, I guess I should list one more song. How about "God Bless America." ?

Technorati Tags: Thursday Thirteen, Music

Veterans Day

2006-11-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day means a lot to me. As a kid, I always thought of it as a special day for my Dad, not because of him, just for him. He was in the Navy after all. It also means that my heart goes out to all who are currently defending our country who are on active duty. I may not agree with the politics of invading Iraq nor staying there, but that doesn't mean I don't support our troups who are fighting it.

As it turns out, I seem to come from quite a few men who have served in the military. I should say women also, because if you are married to a military man, you are married to the military as well.

The first 'documented' ancestor who served our country did it through furnishing a cow to the men who were fighting in the American Revolution. I am eligible to join the Daughters of the American Revolution through this cow. This ancestor was the immigrant, Hans Adam Biebel (Bible), and he lived in Rockingham County, Virginia at the time.

I have an ancestor who fought during the "Indian Wars." To clarify there were a lot of "Indian Wars" in this country, but this particular one led up to the removal of the Cherokees to what is now Oklahoma on the infamous "Trail of Tears." Riley spent a whole 2 months in the local militia, waiting around to be deployed. Don't know the whole story, but for some reason that is all they did was wait around. However, this little stint was enough for him to apply for Veteran's Benefits around 1890. If he had not, I would still be looking for him today. His military package of papers I received from NARA was at least 1/2 inch thick and contained a wealth of information. However, I still don't know who his parents and siblings are, one of my brickwalls.

Whatever you call the era between 1861 and 1865 (The Civil War, The American Civil War, The War Between the States, War of the Rebellion, War for Southern Independence, War of Northern Aggression, et al), everyone seems to agree that this is one of the most horrific wars on our own shores. This war pitted brother against brother and split families in two.

Five of my direct ancestors (and many more uncles and cousins) fought in this war. Direct ancestors didn't pass on, but uncles and cousins did. One of my ancestors caught measles and had complications from that malady for the rest of his life. Another had toes shot off, and was captured by the enemy at Fort Fisher, NC. He spent some time in the infamous Port Lookout, MD, POW camp. Another signed up in the CSA at almost 40 years of age, just to have income to feed his family. Another was a Captain in the CSA.

The picture to the right, however, I do cherish as it is taken during that time period. It is a painted tin-type and I have it under lock and key and out of bright lights. His name is Elisha Albert Frank and he was a bugler with Co. B 8th TN Cavalry (USA) and a PVT.

I also have a photo copy of a letter he wrote to his wife while he was away from home fighting the rebs. Check out the transcription.

Apparently these folks hold no grudges. The Captain mentioned above had a daughter. This daughter married the soldier who caught the measles while at war. He was a union soldier. Always wondered how family dinners might have turned out.

Although my great grandfathers filled in WWI draft cards, they were either too young or too old to see any action. Again, I do have uncles and cousins who joined up, fought and died in the "War to end all Wars."

World War II flared up, only to find the timing not really right for my grandfathers. One passed away a month before Pearl Harbor, my Dad was all of 15. The rest were over the age limit. My dad's brother did join the Navy and he saw time in the Pacific. No one could ever get him to talk about his experiences. From what we do know is that he was a boatswain mate and he was with the landing ships that put soldiers and marines on shore (but don't know which island). He always had a love of life and enjoyed it to the fullest. He must have seen some horrible things in the Pacific. When my father was old enough, he also joined the Navy. However, by the time he got through boot camp and some schools, the war was over. He never saw any action.

Now this you may find strange tho. When someone mentions Veteran's Day, my first thought is that I need to get an anniversary card off to a long time friend and his wife. We've known each other for over 40+ years. We lost track of each other for over 20 years, and through what I learned on how to trace people with genealogy I was finally able to locate him again. They were so surprised to receive an anniversary card the year we reunited. They couldn't believe I remembered their wedding day . . . .hey, a service man (he was in the Navy) who marries on Veteran's Day will always have an anniversary I will remember.

Technorati Tags: Tuesday's Topic, Veterans Day, Genealogy

Genealogy can be addictive

2006-11-02T18:20:00.000-08:00

For this Thursday I'll try to keep my list down to 13 reasons for having Genealogy as a hobby. Especially since I have been addicted to it for around 12 years.

Genealogy is defined as a record or table showing the descent of an individual or family from a certain ancestor or ancestors. What they fail to mention in that definition is the fact that once starting the search for your descent, your life seems to change. At least for the majority of us.

The changes are subtle at first. You first realize you are addicted when you find yourself spending more and more time in search of that elusive ancestor(s).

You do strange things like walking in fields of stone and marble; staring at undecipherable writing that occurred during a century or two before you were born; and, if lucky enough to live close to a county courthouse with your ancestor's records, mulling through the dust covered, well worn records of time past.

Besides learning whence you came, you also find yourself in the midst of some very fine people. Genealogists are some of the most caring and sharing folks I have come across in my lifetime.

You also become, in some instances, members of a quite large extended family. For someone who was an only child this meant as much to me as finding out that an ancestor I was looking for was not a male, but a female ending two years of chasing that wild goose.

As a child I never lived close to grandparents, aunts, uncles or cousins. The only surnames I knew were Edwards, Baxter and Jones. I had blond hair and blue eyes, and assumed that I was mainly of English descent. Little did I know I have more German blood running in my veins than any other nationality. However, since I can trace all my direct descendants back to the very early 1800's, some further back, I truthfully can say . . . I claim no nationality now, hey its been 200 years or more.

Want your children to learn geography and history in a round about way? Get them interested in genealogy. I have learned more about people, places and events that happened long ago, I never learned in school. History became interesting, because the ancestors before you lived during those times, and how they dealt with events of their times more than likely shaped who you are today as well. Did you know that there was once a state called Franklin?

With some people, the addiction gets really severe. They suddenly realize that the dust bunnies have taken over, the lawn is over grown, and the floor around your desk is prime real estate for your research papers.

Getting an e-mail from a stranger that wants to know all about your own grandmother. Especially when you know all your grandmother's siblings, and this writer of the e-mail isn't living in the state where everyone else lives. This happened to me, boy was I cautious in my reply. However, remember that ancestor who had a sex change above? I had just found out about the sex change, had not started researching that line yet, but the female involved was my great-great-grandmother. The correspondent was the great grandchild of this same woman. WOW! A whole new branch to my tree, just landed in my lap!

Being able to tell others very truthfully, that you can trace your descent to Adam and Eve with documentation. You can read all about this in my Feb. 24, 2006 post. It's a whole lot of fun to see people's faces when you tell them that.

Proving a theory (at least to yourself) that if one is passionate enough about something, you can overcome anything. I am about as shy as they come, I do not do well in crowds, sometimes I don't even do well around people I know. When I speak, I don't speak very loudly, and most people ask me to speak up. So when I was asked to speak at a genealogy society's meeting about Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness my first thought was to turn them down. After talking this over with my hubby, he told me I could do this as I was passionate about this site and genealogy. I thought he was nuts, but when he said he would be with me to back me up if my voice goes non-existent, I accepted. I was to talk for one hour, ONE HOUR?, yeah, right. It turned out one hour wasn't enough, and I completely forgot about my stage fright once I got going. Would I do it again? It's debatable.

Being able to put "life" behind some of the older pictures that I inherited when my mother died.

Meeting the love of my life. If it wasn't for genealogy, and being active in the online genealogy community, then being asked to be an employee of a great genealogy website, RootsWeb.com, I would have never met him. All things happen for a reason.

Technorati Tags: Genealogy, Thursday Thirteen, Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness

Thursday Thirteen

2006-10-26T00:38:00.000-07:00

To keep a promise to myself to blog at least once a week, if only for Thursday Thirteen, here goes.

Not that I am anyone special to most of the population of this world, I am special to a few. I think I'll get the 13 things about me done first.

Remember the song that starts "Born on a mountain top in Tennessee"? I always think of those words when I go to write where I was born. Except it was more in a valley, between the mountain tops.

Greene County Tennessee is located in the eastern portion of the state, it shares a border with North Carolina. I lived there until I was 18 months old, but every time I go to visit (I still have relatives there) I get the feeling that is where I belong. The topography is grand and the denizens of the county (which I am probably related to most in one fashion or another) are the friendliest you will ever find. I keep on saying "one of these days. . .I'll return to stay."
I was a Navy brat. Many children with fathers in the service consider me lucky. We only made 2 major moves caused by my father being transferred. The first move, I usually don't count because I was just a baby, and that was to Quonset Point, Rhode Island. Quonset Point is no longer a Naval Base. It was closed down years ago and is now in the hands of RI's Port Authority (I think).

Our second move was to Virginia Beach, Virginia. Well, actually at the time we moved there Virginia Beach was a small resort town on the Atlantic Ocean. Most residents lived in the now defunct county of Princess Anne. In January of 1963, Princess Anne County and the City of Virginia Beach merged.
During my 30 years in Virginia Beach, I graduated from high school (Princess Anne High -- 1964 -- Go Cavaliers). Got married, had 3 kids, worked in several clerical positions and drove a cab. Also, became a grandmother at age 38, way too young.
I also learned how to cross-stitch, crochet, macrame and knit. Items made with the first 3 turned out better than the last. I tried making my own clothes, but that turned out to be disastrous.
In the late 80's I followed my folks out to Las Vegas to live. After completely retiring my folks bought a mobile home along with a van to haul it. They travelled across country for about 7 years before settling in Sin City.
Learned how to deal twenty-one (Blackjack) and also Dice (aka craps). Interesting jobs, but hard on the legs. After 8 years, I decided to make a 'career change' and worked in the sports book. Never saw a horse race until I moved to Las Vegas (except for the Kentucky Derby of course), but grew to love the sport after watching them for 8 hours 4 days a week.
1995 was a sad year for my family. I lost an uncle in April of that year, followed 6 months later by my mother. A month after she died her own mother passed on.
Also in 1995, I got my first computer and signed onto the Internet. I was one of the many millions of folks whose first close encounter with being online was with AOL. Back then, you had so much free time, and then they socked it to ya after that.
If it wasn't for AOL, however, I would never have learned how to research my ancestors. I had always wanted to know who came before me, and how I might have been influenced by them. I just didn't know how to do it or where to go to learn. The Genealogy Forum on AOL was a wonderful area to learn (but oh those phone bills !!!)
By 1996, I had found tons of information on my ancestors and hooked up with a gal named Terri (who today is more like a sibling I never had) who was researching the surname Bible as I. Funny thing at that time, I could prove I was a descendant from the 1750 emigrant Hans Adam Bieble, but Terri whose maiden name was Bible, could not. Although since then confirmation has been found.
When I do something I don't do something half way. Terri and I decided the Bible Family need a web page. So I taught myself HTML and created my first personal web page AND a family website for the surname Bible. I also volunteered for a new project that was being started as USGenWeb to do a county page for Greene County TN. I wound up being the State Coordinator for TNGenWeb, on the first Advisory Board for the USGenWeb, and had the reigns of Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness (RAOGK).
My life has always been one of adventures and misadventures. One of the most interesting adventures was being asked to join the staff of RootsWeb.com. The best thing that came out of that tho was meeting my current husband, ONLINE. We married in 2000. I now live in Nebraska.
RAOGK used to be totally funded by hubby and myself, until unemployment for both of us took its toll. Now it is funded by contributions from the volunteers and users of the site, the Google ads appearing on the site, and the sale of items in the 2 CafePress shops we now have. Links to all the websites mentioned are in the sidebar of this blog.

You probably now know more about me than anyone ever cared to know. But I've kept the promise to myself to at least blog once a week and that makes me feel great !

Technorati Tags: Thursday Thirteen, Genealogy, Tennessee, Virginia Beach, Las Vegas, Nebraska, CafePress

Thursday Thirteen

2006-10-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

In checking out the stats for my shop, Genealogy For You I noticed a site that linked to the shop and someone had clicked on that link. The site was a blog belonging to a friend of mine. I didn't know she even had one. So I began reading.

I saw her posts regarding Thursday Thirteen and remembered that was something I was going to post about, way back in March or April of this year. So now before I forget, I'll write up my first Thursday Thirteen post. My first post will be a list of 13 subjects I might blog on future Thursday's. More as a reminder to myself than anything else.

13 Future Thursday Thirteen Posts:

13 Things about me

13 great reasons for having Genealogy as a hobby, what else?

13 good reasons for having a Cairn Terriers

13 reasons for NOT having a Cairn Terrier

13 reasons this administration stinks could be more than 13

13 Favorite songs

13 Websites I visit most

13 reasons why I married my hubby

13 Favorite Shops on Cafepress.com

13 computer programs I can't live without (PC)

13 reasons why I find blogging hard

13 reasons why I do what I do, whatever it is I do at the moment

13 probably totally related topices

Well there's my list, FWIW, now I'll need a reminder to come here next Thursday to do another Thursday Thirteen Post.

Technorati Tags: Thursday Thirteen, genealogy, Cairn Terrier

My roots run deep. . .

2006-09-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

My father-in-law has always teased me about being a "barefoot Tennessee ridge runner." He could never understand why it didn't bother me one bit being called that. Well, I very rarely wear shoes, and I am very proud to be from Tennessee. In fact, my roots run deep in Tennessee (pre-statehood, 1796), which gave me the idea to put that statement into a product line. You can proclaim your heritage on t-shirts, mugs, tote bags and more (63 items).

Not from Tennessee? Never fear all the other 49 states are also represented. Including, my husband's and father-in-law's state of Nebraska.

UFO's ???

2006-08-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

The letters UFO for genealogists do not stand for Unidentified Flying Objects, but Unknown Family Origins, with many of us joking around that our ancestors landed on earth via spaceship.

This design can be found on many items including different styles of t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, wall plaques and more. Any of these products would be a great purchase for yourself or used as a gift item for your favorite genealogist.

More genealogy themed products can be found at Genealogy For You on CafePress.com. Stop by and check it out.

Technorati Tags: Tuesdays Topics, Genealogy, UFOs

Passing . .

2006-02-27T10:21:00.000-08:00

It seems like right before my eyes that an era of my life is passing, literally. The past two days have brought news of the deaths of 3 favorite actors: Dennis Weaver, Darren McGavin and Don Knotts.

These three gentlemen may not be known for blockbuster type movies, but when I was a teenager they brought laughter into my life. Laughter is the best medicine in the world and there is so little of it these days. Today's television networks (well the big 3 anyways) offers very little in the form of light-hearted entertainment.

We will miss these gentlemen to some extent, but we can always catch them in re-runs.

Researching your roots?

2006-02-24T21:48:00.000-08:00

I have been researching my roots for only about 11 years now. Some may think that is a long time, while others will think I just got started. The hobby of genealogy has been around for many, many, many years. Look at all the begats in the Bible to get an idea of how long tracing one's roots has been around.

Oh, gee, speaking of Bible. I can trace my lineage back to Adam and Eve, with documentation to prove it. Guess I should clarify that just a bit. The Adam and Eve I am referring to are Johannes Hans (aka Adam) Biebel and Maria Eva Müller (aka Eve). These two ancestors came from the Alsacian area of what is now France to this side of the big pond in 1750. Their last name was anglicized to BIBLE sometime after arrival. You can find out more about this facinating family by going to the "Bible Family" website (link provided in the sidebar).

Adam and Eve's son, Christian, is my next ancestor in this line. He and 2 of his brothers wound up in Greene County Tennessee around 1792. These Bible's and many of my other ancestors can be found on the earliest tax lists. My roots are firmly implanted in East Tennessee, not only in Greene County, but Jefferson County as well. I have a lot of research help materials at my Greene County TN Genealogy website (also linked in the sidebar). My parents were the first to leave the area as my Dad joined the military. They have never returned to live there. I was born there, but was about 18 months old when I left. It is a shame, though, as each time I go back to Greene County I feel like I am home. I keep saying "one of these days," but doubt that will ever happen.

I guess I am in a reminicent mood these days. I think about Tennessee often. The region Greene and Jefferson County are located are about the most beautiful areas I know of. If you have ancestors that were in that area check out Bridgett's Gene Joint (link in sidebar). I have my ancestry online, who knows we may be distant cousins.

24 Hours?

2006-02-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

I am sure that when the figure 24 hours would be enough in any person's life did not contemplate that some of us would not find that enough. It is even worse when you are older and slowing down. Heck, for me, I don't think 30 hours would even help me out.

Finding the time to even get to the store to purchase something as trivial (only in the mind of the beholder) as birthday cards or any other type of greeting cards can turn into a chore. Don't get me wrong birthday, anniversary or any other event that calls for sending cards is not trivial nor a chore, just remembering dates and getting to a store are. I was really and truly excited when I found this site online that sends out paper cards for you. Why not e-cards? I have a lot of friends and relatives who either are not on a computer, or don't like e-cards (not personal enough I guess). My discovered website has a wide selection of cards available for you to choose from, they will also address the envelope, attach a postage stamp (free with purchase of card) and drop them in the mailbox for you.

Akkkk! I best close this out for the day, I need to take some time to do something trivial. It is called eating, right now my stomach thinks my throat has been cut.

Until next time. . . .

Sign of old age

2006-02-16T20:08:00.000-08:00

I had forgotten that I had signed up for a blog until I was asked to join a group blog about a week ago. They say the mind is the first to go.

Another sign of old age is speaking your mind. Be prepared world, my mind may be on the way out, but it will go a piece at a time. :)

The first piece will go to the person who wrote to me indicating that the rules and regulations on this site that I run (Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness) doesn't apply to her. It is always amazing to me when folks feel they are above the "law."

Which brings me to my biggest beef of all -- our current administration. It seems to me they don't really care about the law of the land, except when it suits them of course. Yes, I want them to use every means possible to protect us from another attack from those who would do so, but I would like to see them do it legally.