Boo-Hoo Last Day

This is our last day at the Family History Library. Not forever, but for this trip in 2010. While we are tired to the bone, we still are enthused about our research. We will miss not being able to walk into a library and find film, fiche and books that may solve our genealogy problems.

We have met some nice people, both patrons and volunteers. After two weeks they know us and we know them. Then they will make friends with other people who frequent the library. One exciting thing was when I heard a genealogist on the elevator. Instantly I knew her southern accent and asked where she lived ... Arlington, Virginia. Nope, I was wrong and then she explained she grew up in northeast Tennessee. I was right on the mark and we discovered family connections.

Looking at my stash of copies, let alone hand written notes and saved files on the computer, I will be until Christmas getting everything sorted and properly entered. It will actually be like Christmas opening the boxes of papers I am taking home.

The next challenge will be repacking to attend the Family History Expo in Loveland, CO in a few weeks. Maybe I should not unpack!

YYGG #1 -- Ruby

Wooly Worms and Genealogy

During my summer confinement, also known as "Out for the Season," I have taken to counting the days and lamenting the return of cold, winter days. In July I saw a wooly worm crawling up my driveway. Friday afternoon I saw another wooly worm. The neighborhood mice are seeking shelter in the garage rather early, forcing me to set out sticky traps. Leaves are turning at least two weeks early. Native Americans I have known through the years proclaim that early wooly worms mean an early, cold winter.

Actually all this probably means I should come up with a big genealogical research agenda for winter, quickly ... might be an early winter. I have missed my summer walks and prowls in the cemeteries, let alone the ability to spend time researching in courthouses and libraries. Now I can envision short days and cold winter nights, howling wind and piles of snow. This will force me to break down a few brickwalls I have ignored the last three months.

You Go Girl #2 will be here in about 2 1/2 weeks when she will attend my Fall Genealogy Seminar on October 10th. It's all about free genealogy web pages, plus digging deeper to locate vital records. Now you know what I've been doing all summer. It's no quick project putting together an all day seminar, plus a CD of information to accompany it.

The local genealogy society will be celebrating Family History Month (what we call the real month of October) in a big way. We will have volunteers at the library to show people what is in the genealogy section and help them get started with their research or overcome research obstacles. There will be three tours of the genealogy section during the month. Books have been moved about three times in two years, so this will reacquaint people with their whereabouts. On October 21st we will have genealogy displays, help stations, door prizes and handouts in an evening of welcoming people to the addictive work of genealogy. You Go Girl #2 is helping out by making displays and donating prizes. She is also my listener when I have bursts of inspiration for what hopefully will be a fun month.

Let it snow ... even early ... I don't care. I don't know where wooly worms go to stay warm, but I have my genealogy to keep me warm!

You Go Genealogy Girl #1 -- Ruby

Cause of Death ... Squeezed by Genealogy Books

In May of 2008, Cheri and I visited her son and family in Topeka, Kansas.  You can read about this unique family on her blog, Those Old Memories.  What great fun when my nephew, Jason, suggested we visit the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.  

The library is located at 1515 SW 19th Ave. in Topeka; 785-580-4400.  They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 9 p.m.  The library contains books and a lot more.  There you will find a museum/gallery with displays, a cafe, booktique, computer training center, homework center and even quiet reading rooms.  They have massive collections of books, multimedia, etc.  

On the second floor are enlightening exhibits about Topeka and the area and ... drum roll ... the Special Collections Topeka Room, Genealogy Center.  To learn more about genealogy from their location click on genealogy & local history at their web page.  

Cheri did not go too prepared and so was a bit confused where to start and what to do.  She seemed to focus on my well being.  The genealogy section is equipped with some electronic space savers storage solutions which are book shelving units that close shut and open by pushing a button.  She reminded me several times not to get caught between the bookcases should somebody pass by and push a button.  

I was not too concerned ... after all it might be the way a genealogist wants to depart this life. Squeezed by genealogy books!