Sunday, October 7, 2012

On hold

The last two years of taking care of Daddy's health needs has left me unable to research or blog. I hope to make time for it in 2013.

Clayton, deployed, Afghanistan

My son deploys to Afghanistan, again, soon. Please pray for our family in the months ahead.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

KSA & Ancestry.com Partnership

Snipped from this site: http://www.kshs.org/ancestry

Click to enlarge


Coming later:
Population Schedules: Counties, 1953-1978
Population Schedules: Cities, 1919-1961
Agricultural Statistical Rolls, ca. 1873-1984
WWI Enlistment and Discharge Records, 1917-1919
United Spanish War Veterans Records, 1898-ca. 1975.
Kansas GAR Post Annual Reports
ATSF Railroad Service Records
Military History Collection; (19th Cavalry & Camp Funston)
City Directories (selected)

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Denise

This is a photo of my sister, Denise, and her daughters: Linda Gale, Tressie & Jessica. It was taken in the late 1980's.

I really miss her.

Kandie Denise
1959 - 2008


Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Memory Medallion

Last month I installed a Memory Medallion on Mama's headstone at Riverdale Cemetery in Columbus, GA. While I haven't uploaded much to the file I am going through photos and noting things I'd like to share about her.

It is designed to share personal stories, photos, video and additional information. From the Memory Medallion site:
Some see a name on a tombstone. We see the stories, and moments, and accomplishments of a life. Some see a date of birth and death. We see all the stuff that happened in between. This is Memory Medallion®, a way to remember our loved ones like never before.


Using a (free) app, on a smartphone, you can scan the QR code on her headstone and see all that I have shared about her.





If you don't have a smartphone you can see the page at this LINK.



[[ part of what I shared at her funeral]]

I will cherish every day I was blessed to have mama. Her hands tenderly cared for me. Her kisses healed my pain. Her hugs calmed my fears. Her voice was a melody in my ear.

Nothing compares to a mother’s love. It guided me through life in my early years and waited in the wings in my adult years. 

Mama has left us for a little while but her love will always be with us. Close your eyes and open your heart and there you will find her.

I miss you Mama.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

New purpose

I have been on a journey that I did not choose. After a year and half of constant long distance travel, I have moved my Daddy to a nursing home where I live. He isn't happy but I must refuse to feel guilty and reassured that he is cared for. With this decision came many tasks...some not yet complete.

While cleaning out his home and workshop I came across this old metal tool box tray. Easily I could have cast it aside but something said "keep me". Upon returning home I quickly found its new purpose as a feeder in my garden. If you know me...you know how I love my gardens and feeding the birds that visit my yard.

I have placed it on a bench across the yard. When I look over at it I am reminded of the many tools Daddy owned that allowed him to do his work. He took great pride in his work and this small piece is a tangible link to that time long past.


Friday, April 27, 2012

All grown up...

...but he's still my little boy.

On April 1st I gave my little boy away...

No lipstick...no worry!

Me and my guys!

Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Clayton Wall

Gale, Barry, Clayton & Tiffany Wall

Friday, April 20, 2012

Memory Medallion

Several months ago I won a Memory Medallion on Facebook. Last week I installed it on my Mama's headstone. I haven't added much to the online file yet, but have plans to do so soon.

Here is what it looks like:


I am preparing a post about the installation. Until then, you can scan the photo above and see what I have online. I use a Droid X2 and downloaded the i-nigma app to scan QR codes.

You can find out more on Memory Medallion by visiting its website.



Saturday, February 11, 2012

Genealogy Magazines

For many years I have subscribed to all of the U. S. genealogy magazines. I was sad when Ancestry ceased publication in 2009. They are available for reading online at Google Books.

I often use the gen mags when trying to come up with topics for our society programs.


Friday, February 10, 2012

Aaron Daniel Varnum

One of my 4th Great Grandfathers. He never came home from the Civil War. I have record of his death but sure would like to find out about his burial. He is one of two 4th G GF's that died in the war that I want to focus on this year. The other is Malachi Dennis Goodman.

Here is one of the records:

Register of deceased officers and soldiers from Alabama


Tuesday, January 3, 2012

2012 Goals

This past weekend I set a few goals for 2012. The ones that apply to my family genealogy are:

  • Blog: Share more of my genealogy on a regular basis. Minimum of one blog post per week.
  • RootsMagic software: Learn more of its functions and begin the transfer of my records from Generations Easy Tree. This will be a manual process since I wasn't happy with the import. 
  • Research Goal: Find additional information / details on two of my 4th Great Grandfathers that died in the Civil War. Malachi Dennis Goodman and Aaron Daniel Varnum.
  • Organize Goal: Clean up my digital and paper files.
  • File as I go. No more file boxes that are on the verge of collapse.

I am using a daily project sheet and weekly project calendar to keep me focused.


So, did you set any 2012 goals?

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Family Tree is Growing

Happy New Year!

We had a wonderful Christmas with Clay and his girlfriend, Tiffany, and kids, Kieli & Kurtis. We had a great week with lots of food, crafts, fun & games.


Last night we were informed that Clay and Tiffany are engaged. Looks like our family tree will add a few branches in 2012!