Wednesday, December 28, 2016

1Month - FindmyPast for 1£

I've done this in the past, which is why I now have a subscription. BUT you can do one heck of a lot in one month AND for only 1£ it's dirt cheap!! Wanna know how I made the £ sign on my Windows keyboard? Press and hold ALT and 0163 at the same time. Yer's welcome!! http://britishgenes.blogspot.ca/2016/12/one-months-access-to-findmypast-for-1.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+BritishGenesGenealogyNewsAndEvents+(British+GENES+(GEnealogy+News+and+EventS))

BTW, be sure to read Chris Paton's article with the HUGE hint at how to NOT end up subscribing for ongoing and regular rates. It's only one little check mark, but it's important. It's included in the above link.


Cheers,
Pat

10 Ways to Jumpstart Your Genealogy - FREE

From Thomas MacEntee http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=e6b48e8de3ee2e5430b75a4d5&id=aa3393537a&e=1a6f7d9def

Maybe this will help someone.



Cheers,
Pat

Top Posts 2016

This from the Legal Genealogist and her blog and they're certainly worth reading, or at least picking out what interests you where she has them broken down by: Top Posts All Time, Top Posts Overall, and Top Posts DNA. http://www.legalgenealogist.com/

Because this is a blog, each new entry she posts will move all previous posts DOWN, you may have to scroll down a bit to find it - depending on when you're reading this. Lol Clear as mud?


Cheers,
Pat

Mother's DNA - Mitochondrial

So this is a short article explaining a bit of what your Mother's DNA could show. It's from a company that sells their research services, and I'm not suggesting you do, or do not, hire them. I'm only sharing what I thought was a relatively easy explanation concerning MtDNA https://www.legacytree.com/blog/mitochondrial-dna


Cheers,
Pat

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Pics of London Bridge & the Charles Bridge



This is a picture of what London Bridge used to look like. It was covered with buildings and it took an hour to walk across due to congestion!! Thanks to Marion McGarry who tweeted this, which is where I first saw it. It reminds me of the Charles Bridge in Prague Czech Republic which is outstandingly beautiful, and joins the old world Prague {with castle} to the modern city. This bridge also had businesses on it - today the businesses have been replaced with buskers etc. so it's all interactive, if you want. And the most gorgeous statues still exist on it. Prague is the most beautiful city I have ever seen. Also has great beer and food. Much like Quebec City, which I rate as #2 in beauty. Of course I've not been everywhere in the World, yet! haha Below is a small section of the Charles Bridge.





Cheers,
Pat

Genealogy Humour




Time for a little humour. I just can't listen to anymore heartbreaking news on radio, TV, or social media.

Thanks to Twisted Twigs on Gnarled Branches! Lol Enjoy - there are tons here!! https://www.google.ca/search?q=twisted+twigs+on+gnarled+branches+genealogy&espv=2&biw=1094&bih=511&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwiHl-HfmYbRAhVMw4MKHW_OBMQQ7AkIMw&dpr=1.25


Merry Christmas!!


Cheers,
Pat

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

The Baby in the Depression Photograph

This is a good article and shows how one little photo can have a huge impact and become famous. Deals with the depression on the Canadian Prairies in the 1930s. My parents were married at the beginning of this decade, started their family, and farmed through the 30s, so I grew up hearing the stories. We will NEVER be able to appreciate what they went through.

http://thestarphoenix.com/opinion/columnists/history-matters-the-baby-in-the-depression-photograph">http://thestarphoenix.com/opinion/columnists/history-matters-the-baby-in-the-depression-photograph


Cheers,
Pat

England Archbishops Registers FREE

"York's Archbishops Registers Revealed provides free access to over 20,000 images of Registers produced by the Archbishops of York, 1225-1650, in addition to a growing searchable index of names, subjects, places and organisations. The registers are a valuable, and in many cases, unexploited source for ecclesiastical, political, social, local and family history - covering periods of war, famine, political strife and religious reformation in the Archdiocese of York and the wider Northern Province." https://archbishopsregisters.york.ac.uk/

Thanks to Chris Paton for sharing this from his blog http://britishgenes.blogspot.ca/2016/12/searchable-york-archbishops-registers.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+BritishGenesGenealogyNewsAndEvents+(British+GENES+(GEnealogy+News+and+EventS))


Cheers,
Pat

1200s England

So any of you eager beavers back to the 1200s in jolly (or not) old England? haha Perhaps you'd be interested in listening, for FREE, to a podcast about why King John was just such an awful king? Or how the Magna Carta figures into all this? Or maybe you're interested in the law? Or military escapades? Funny how history and genealogy are so inter-mixed AND how much more historical events mean to us when we can place our ancestors in the same location(s), before, during, or shortly after the historical event. Sit back and learn http://media.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php/life-death-king-john/


Cheers,
Pat

JRI-Poland Records

"Dr. McDonald said, “Information from JRI-Poland’s efforts has been used to help reunite families torn by the ravages of World War II, has made it possible to quickly identify previously unknown family members who might be potential matches for those urgently needing bone marrow or tissue transplants, and has facilitated significant connections between the Polish and Jewish peoples.”

JRI-Poland http://jri-poland.org/ was launched in 1995 and is the largest fully searchable database of indexes to Jewish vital records accessible online. The project was created to provide an online index of all surviving Jewish vital records from Poland. To date, five million records from more than 550 Polish towns have been indexed or fully extracted. More are added every few months."

And before you sluff this off, thinking "I have no Jewish ancestors", I'd suggest giving it a try. We just never know where 'the little dickens' are hiding! I also found towns listed, in the database, from Galicia.


Thanks to Gail Dever for sharing this at http://genealogyalacarte.ca/?p=17583

Also thanks, and congratulations, to Mr. Stanley Diamond of Montreal Canada for all his hard work in this project. He will receive the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal. Well done sir.


Cheers,
Pat

Two DNA Must Reads

Wow, there are some excellent points in both of these opinions by DNA experts.
DNA is NOT a magic bullet and Don't Be a DNA Bully

And a short explanation by the Legal Genealogist, plus links to both articles here http://www.legalgenealogist.com/2016/12/18/two-must-read-posts/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheLegalGenealogist+%28The+Legal+Genealogist%29


Cheers,
Pat

Monday, December 19, 2016

ALWAYS Get Back to the Original

This happens to be an Irish example, but no matter what nationality, no matter what country, no matter what index or database or story you have found, ALWAYS GET BACK TO THE ORIGINAL!!! I could give you dozens of examples why, but John Grenham has shared this one and it's a doozie! https://www.johngrenham.com/blog/


And we have finally come out of the deep freeze!! -12 today and I think I'll go for a walk, in shorts, and a tee shirt!! hahaha


Cheers,
Pat

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

DNA FREE Draw

Thanks to Shop the Hound for this, their DNA Angel Project. "The DNA Angel Project™ - December Edition the final draw for 2016 has just started. It's for a DNA Bundle plus BONUS valued at over $107.00 Canadian.
Enter and share with your friends to receive more chances."

So here ya go and best of luck everyone! http://blog.familyhistoryhound.com/giveaways/dna-angel-project-december-edition-bonus/?lucky=1267

Shop the Hound also has some goodies for sale. Check them out http://shopthehound.com/ They're friends, and local, so always nice to support someone local.


Cheers,
Pat

Canadian Marriage Dispensations - from the Vatican?

Thanks to Gail Dever for sharing this. And it's not just Catholics that will show up!! Read on

"Newly released digital inventories of Vatican documents reveal insights into Canadian history, from 1622 to 1922, and these records include marriage dispensations between Catholics and non-Catholics who wanted to marry.

The majority of marriage dispensations in these inventories appear to be from Quebec, with some from Ontario and Atlantic Canada."

http://genealogyalacarte.ca/?p=17513


Cheers,
Pat

How To Cite Archival Sources

Good advice here https://thediscoverblog.com/2016/12/13/how-to-cite-archival-sources/

Why do we HAVE to cite our sources? Why indeed. I have just been chatting with an old friend Ilene J, who is in the process of re-entering, re-doing, re-vamping her entire genealogy collection of 'stuff' she's collected - documents, pictures, stories, letters etc etc BECAUSE ... she didn't understand the importance of citing sources and adding notes, when she started, a loooong time ago. And guess who is doing the exact same thing? That would be ME, for the exact same reasons. So my friends, do it now, do it right, and cite your sources so anyone, anywhere, anytime can look at your work and follow up, perhaps finding answers we were unable to in 2016.


Cheers,
Pat

Monday, December 12, 2016

Children Thrown Off a Ship in Newfoundland

I don't care what nationality, or when this happened, it is so WRONG! http://www.scotsman.com/news/the-arran-stowaways-thrown-off-a-ship-in-newfoundland-1-4305151


Cheers,
Pat

Casualty Lists of Austria Hungary Military

Wow - for the tens or hundreds of thousands of descendants living in Canada, especially western Canada, wouldn't this be a wonderful record to have access to? Well, you can. But you'll need to help a little too. I'd say this is well worth a little effort and who knows what you'll learn, or who you'll find? Many of those who have started their family history research in the last 16 years probably believe that indexes, and databases just magically appear, online, FREE ... and that computers do it all! Nope - it takes humans, volunteering to do their part. Contribute?

http://www.many-roads.com/2016/12/08/casualty-lists-of-world-war-i-austria-hungary-1914-1919/


Cheers,
Pat

Vikings & Scotland

Ever wondered if there was a connection between the Vikings and Scotland? Well you may just be surprised at what you're learn here - http://www.scotsman.com/heritage/people-places/vikings-and-scotland-10-lesser-known-facts-1-1919750


Cheers,
Pat

Irish Lessons FREE

This is pretty cool folks! I've not worked my entirely through, as there is a LOT here!! But it's all FREE, and looks to be set out quite nicely, and professionaly, soooo here ya go https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/2016-family-history/welcome

Hope this helps - especially my friend Shirley H. who has expressed a desire for me to offer some Irish courses again. haha Until I get time let's hope this will help all Irish researchers.


And I'm adding what John Reid has blogged this morning as he has gone into detail, where I think everyone interested should be happy to follow a link, and read and learn! haha Anyway, thanks John. http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.ca/2016/12/how-to-find-your-irish-ancestors-online.html


Cheers,
Pat

Friday, December 9, 2016

Scotland Records

This web site may be new to some of you. It is ScotlandsPlaces, not ScotlandsPeople and it's also very valuable for researchers.

"What is ScotlandsPlaces? ScotlandsPlaces is a website that gives you access to records from Historic Environment Scotland, the National Records of Scotland and the National Library of Scotland. All of the records are linked by a common theme – they tell us something about Scotland’s places. Of course, in telling us about Scotland’s places we also learn about Scotland’s people, making it a great resource for family history, local history as well as many other kinds of research."

I've just had a peek again at this site and am reminded of all the taxes our Scottish ancestors were required to pay! Taxes on hearths, windows, dogs, ponies, carts, servants, clock & watch, land, carriage, horse, shop etc. etc. With the horror of each tax [for them], comes the glory of created records [for us]!

So, there goes the rest of my afternoon I'm afraid! Darn 'shiny things'. Lol Enjoy and happy searching! http://www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/


Cheers,
Pat

Scotland - Robert the Bruce

Good heavens - I wonder how accurate all these new tools are? I am amazed at this science, and don't suppose we'll ever know for sure, but kind of fun in the meantime. Anyway this is an interesting article about recreating the face of Robert the Bruce who lived in the 1300s, no obviously no photo to use. https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/news/robert-the-bruce

In 2007 we spent one full day at Sterling Castle. It is a captivating, huge place for sure with so much to walk through and learn. The most amazing part, for me, was the view that castle had! For dozens of miles you can see in every direction, so no chance of any sneak attacks. And outside the castle there is a statue of Robert the Bruce seated on his horse - his very small horse at that!


If you're Scottish and you don't know the Battle of Bannockburn, Sterling Castle, or Robert the Bruce ... weel you're no a true Scots! But the Internet awaits - Google and learn. And I had never heard the story of leprosy associated with Robert the Bruce before, so there is always something new to learn. Aye laddies and lassies! haha


Cheers,
Pat [anyone else notice it's -30 something this morning and getting colder?] Why the bleep bleep did my Scottish/Irish grandparents settle here? I prefer the Caribbean! Lol Stay warm and keep your pets inside.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Ontario, Middlesex FREE Cemeteries Download

This seems to be my day for finding cemetery FREE databases! This one is for the county of Middlesex, just around London Ontario. There are lots of other databases here too, so you might decide to join their genealogy society - of course that is the hope. A good genealogy society can be worth it's weight in gold. But I really appreciate this group setting up this free service, and so I might just join in too!! http://www.ogs.on.ca/londonmiddlesex1/index.php/product-category/cemetery-transcripts/

And I have certainly been 'one of those' people to tramp cemeteries, transcribing them, to preserve all the information that will certainly be lost with time. So I know, understand, and truly appreciate the work of many who have made this database possible. A donation is definitely in order.

If you happen to be searching in this area, drop me a line please? Perhaps we have a connection, or can help each other in some way.


Cheers,
Pat

Forgotten Bernardo Children - Monument

You can read about the monument erected in east London to remember the 513 Bernardo children who died and were buried in unmarked graves. Some of the 'Home Children' who never left. Sad. http://irishpost.co.uk/monument-to-barnardos-children-buried-in-unmarked-graves-a-century-ago-unveiled-in-london/


Cheers,
Pat

Ancestor Hate Mail - FUNNY

Thanks to Judy Russell for pointing us to this fab blogger http://www.cluewagon.com/2014/08/ancestor-hate-mail/

This made me laugh out loud - and seeing as I just had a tooth pulled, that's not easy. Oh and you might like to read a few more articles in the "You may also like" at the bottom of her page. I needed a good laugh, or two. Lol


Cheers,
Pat

Compare Timelines

Time to Compare Timelines

Never look at a timeline for one person in your family tree in isolation. Consider how it might fit in with the timelines of the person's relatives, including those outside his or her immediate family, such as uncles, aunts and cousins. You may not find a trace of the person you're focusing on beyond a certain date, but other relatives may also seem to vanish from the scene at about the same time. Seeing who "disappears" and who doesn't at any particular moment is often a clue in itself. Did relatives with the same occupation vanish at once? Might they have travelled to another state or country together to look for work? Could relatives be sharing a residence in a new location? Could they all be staying with another relative elsewhere for some reason? Try to apply questions like these to related groups who have "gone missing." You'll open your mind to new possibilities and might be able to locate a bunch of kin in the process.

Thanks to Sue Lisk, Your Genealogy Today and Internet Genealogy author


Cheers,
Pat

OAlster + WorldCat

So I use WorldCat lots, but OAlster was new to me, perhaps to you too? The OAIster® database holds millions of digital resources from thousands of contributors. See for yourself http://www.oclc.org/oaister.en.html


Cheers,
Pat

Evidence Explained!

The guru of genealogy evidence, Elizabeth Shown Mills, why we need to cite our sources, and how we do that has written 22 Quick Lessons that deserve a good read by all https://www.evidenceexplained.com/tags/quicklesson


Cheers,
Pat

Leeds Yorkshire Burial Database 1835-1992

So when this popped up this morning I was still in bed, listening to CBC radio reporting on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Commission and some of the sad stories told by their families last week in Manitoba. It is a heart breaking story that I'm sure every parent/child/grandparent/aunt/uncle hopes they never have to face. What does this have to do with the burial records for the city of Leeds Yorkshire you ask? Welllll ....

I was reading emails on my phone at the same time as I was wiping tears, and so when this notice popped up I paid attention as my husbands mother's family came from Leeds Yorkshire England. I Love databases!!!! So for the next 30 minutes I input names of her families and found about 12 relatives. Names, dates of death, age at death, cause of death!, parents names!, occupation of parents!, address where they lived, and location of burial. There is an index and then there is also the option of opening up the image attached to the indexed information - and it's all FREEEEEEE!!!!! Make sure to ALWAYS get back to the original record and don't just stop at the index, not just here, but in every record type you search.

I am always a bit jealous when I work on Al's English families. There is not one farmer, or labourer. Nope. They were: a flock merchant (yup, had to look that one up), artist, portrait painter, butcher and this morning I discovered a new one who was a sculptor! Let me tell you how much easier that makes knowing you've got the 'right guy' ... 'cause they all have the same old names - Charles, Richard, Joseph, Harold, Ann, Mary, Martha etc. So for anyone with ancestral lines back to Leeds here ya go https://blog.library.leeds.ac.uk/blog/special-collections/post/484

Now back I go to my own families of: farmers and labourers and a few grocers. Lol


Cheers,
Pat

Discover Freedmen.org

This is NOT just for those with African American ancestors. It's a fabulous, amazing database with virtually everyone who lived in the southern USA following the Civil War 1861-65. And it never hurts to learn a little history. http://www.discoverfreedmen.org/

The Legal Genealogist has written an excellent article here http://www.legalgenealogist.com/2016/12/06/freedmens-index-an-amazing-feat/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheLegalGenealogist+%28The+Legal+Genealogist%29


Cheers,
Pat

Sunday, December 4, 2016

DNA Results - WHAT??????

This is the true story of a real life man, still alive, who innocently took a standard DNA test to please his cousin. The results were NOT what either of them expected. It is an amazing story that reminds us again, when we do genealogy research we better be prepared for what we learn! http://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/06/cnbc-anchor-bill-griffeth-got-the-shock-of-his-life-after-a-simple-dna-test.html

PS On my screen I had to grab the side bar and scroll down to see page 1 of the excerpt. Will I be buying this book? OH I think so!!


Cheers,
Pat

UK National Army

Military research holds no special interest to you, but this site might be helpful to some of you searching for your United Kingdom [made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland] relatives. To me, the most interesting sections are tabs across the top, including Exhibitions, Collection & Research. http://www.nam.ac.uk/exhibitions


Cheers,
Pat

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Ontario Marriages FREE databases

This is for those of you who have not been using the wonderful records recorded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, aka the LDS, or the Mormons. There is lots to learn so you can spot the difference between records within their website that can be totally trusted, and those that need to be questioned. So the following two databases are trusted ones. Best of luck!!

1801 - 1858 Ontario District Marriages https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2569151?collectionNameFilter=false

1858 - 1869 Ontario County Marriage Registers https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2568642?collectionNameFilter=false



Cheers,
Pat

Do NOT Wait

It's one of the topics I always attempt to stress to my students - do NOT wait. And it's one topic that far too many of us have in common - that we waited too long! We didn't ask questions of any of our relatives, when they were still able to share some of their precious memories - many of them stored only in their own brain. Darn!! So the Legal Genealogist has just penned an article about this. She is American so that's her focus, but the message is clear - Do NOT Wait. http://www.legalgenealogist.com/2016/12/03/a-generation-of-memories/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheLegalGenealogist+%28The+Legal+Genealogist%29


Cheers,
Pat

Friday, December 2, 2016

FREE Books!

Thanks to those who wrote and suggested some books I'd like. I appreciate it.

This morning I discovered another great website associated with the Internet Archives. My old website still exists on the WayBack Machine and it's fun to look at [for me]. But they also host this free book site called openlibrary.org and the owners are seriously considering hosting it in Canada as they are nervous about the USA President Elect and his weird ideas of 'free speech' amongst a ton of other concerns they have about him. Anyway ...

You need to create an account [which is FREE]. Then they sent me the following "Once that's done, you're all set. Free to roam the Open Library, discovering treasures, making connections, correcting errors, or sprinkling tidbits you know about books across the catalog. Naturally, you're also welcome to simply explore. Apart from over 20 million bibliographic records, we also have over 1 million free, readable books available for you to read, right now.

Enjoy!

Regards,
The Open Library Team

P.S. If you need help using the site, you can find it here: https://openlibrary.org/help P.P.S. Have you seen our blog? http://blog.openlibrary.org"


Cheers,
Pat [FREE is good, right? 1 million free, readable books, available right now? I'm in!! Hahaha] Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Last Minute Genealogy Bargains

Whatever you missed seems you might have one last chance after all, today, Tuesday 29 November 2016. DNA, Webinars etc. http://www.geneabloggers.com/genealogy-bargains-tuesday-29-november-2016/

Whenever a sale gets extended due to 'overwhelming demand' I'm always suspicious it's more about not having sold enough. It's my retail background I guess. Either that or I'm turning into a curmudgeon. Lol

The only thing that is truly tempting to me is the 30% off Legacy webinars. And then I remember, that I can't remember, the last time I actually watched one!! Oh shoot, but I know they're are some really GREAT webinars there. So with our ailing loonie, even 30% off is pretty much 50 Canadian. Even so that's less than 5 bucks a month. $%^# dilema!! Hope you're all doing better at this than I am. HaHaHa


Cheers,
Pat

Saturday, November 26, 2016

What Irish Religious Records Exist, and Where?

Again thanks to John Reid for making me aware of this new YouTube video about what exists and where they can be found ONLINE!!!! http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.ca/2016/11/youtube-irish-religious-records.html


Cheers,
Pat

Canadian Library Genealogy Databases

Thanks to John Reid and his Anglo-Celtic Connections blog for this list of genealogy databases at various Canadian Universities http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.ca/2016/11/canadian-public-libraries-genealogy.html


Cheers,
Pat

Loyalist Help With Given Names

This entire website is very helpful to those with Loyalists in the families, so poke around after reading this article on help with given names https://loyalist.lib.unb.ca/atlantic-loyalist-connections/who-help-eighteenth-and-nineteenth-century-given-names


Cheers,
Pat

1930s Drought on the Canadian Prairies

My parents were married at the beginning of the 1930s drought, so I've grown up with the stories, and the sad truths of what shaped an entire generation. This is a very good article http://activehistory.ca/2016/11/dusting-off-the-history-of-drought-on-the-canadian-prairies-in-the-1930s/


Cheers,
Pat

Friday, November 25, 2016

LostCousins

So this newsletter is geared towards Brits, BUT even without any British blood, you really should have a read as he's showing examples of things that could happen in any country: twins born - different days, different months, different years! And on a death registration no cause of death or the cause being 'visitation by God'. What is a brick wall? Very thoughtful newsletter this month.

So for some quick, interesting reading - thanks Peter Calver - http://lostcousins.com/newsletters2/latenov16news.htm


Cheers,
Pat

A MUST - GEDmatch

Anyone doing DNA needs to learn about GEDmatch - where no matter which company you tested with, you can post your results FREE, and have a much better chance at finding matches. I know. I know. Soooo much to learn! Me too.

http://www.genie1.com.au/blog/78-tips-for-using-gedmatch


Cheers,
Pat

More DNA Tips

Nice article from FamilySearch blog https://familysearch.org/blog/en/greatgreatgreatgrandfathers-nose/

AND right now Ancestry, FamilyTreeDNA, and 23andme all have sales! Google them! You can do it!! Lol


Cheers,
Pat

Legacy Genealogy - 1/2 price today only

Today being Friday the 25th of November 2016 - for lots of Legacy products, including their already reasonably priced genealogy software AND their webinar membership is also reduced. ONLY for today http://legacy.familytreewebinars.com/black-friday-c321.php

I just noticed they also have gift cards!!! LOVE gift cards - don't you?


Cheers,
Pat

More Black Friday Specials

From John Reid, here are a few more promotions http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.ca/


Cheers,
Pat

Looking For Suggestions

So when we spend winters somewhere warmer than here, I spend a great deal of time reading on my Kindle. An ebook is the only answer as paper books weigh way too much. What do I read? Well, let's see. I read tiny bits of genealogy sometimes, IF I can find something of interest. Truthfully it's sort of my time to decompress from genealogy, although I'm still working and reading genealogy related 'stuff' on my laptop every single day, my sitting in the sun books tend to be non-genealogy.

One year I decided to read some of the 'classics' I'd neglected - so I read 32 classics (yup, hubby felt very neglected haha). I discovered that I really enjoy Charles Dickens so have now read most of his best known at least.

Other years I've read the up and coming popular books - the entire collection of Game of Thrones & Hunger Games (long before they became movies). So I'm pretty versatile as long as they're well written.

What do I want from you? Suggestions please! Anything you've read that you enjoyed. I don't read military (I tried really hard to like Ken Follet, but I just don't), and I don't read horror, or cruel stories. I only have one book purchased - Swing Time by Zadie Smith.

Suggestions? No fear of judgement!!!! We all like different things, but we often like the same things too.


Cheers,
Pat [with post on this blog, or email pryan at sasktel dot net.

Irish Genealogy - Sales

Some goodies here for sure http://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/Irish-genealogy-special-offers.html

One word of advice - I have found subscribing to the UK (.uk) version of FindmyPast to be more beneficial, as opposed to the USA (.com) version. Having said that the reason I use FindmyPast is for my Irish research, as Ancestry seems to take care of my North American research. That's only my opinion.

And you can subscribe to either for a one month trial and get a lot done *IF* you're really organized.


Cheers,
Pat

What Will Humans Look Like in 100 years?

This is a TED talk, and while not exactly genealogical, he is talking about what our great great great great grandchildren might NEED to look like to survive. I wonder if you'll agree with him?
https://www.ted.com/talks/juan_enriquez_what_will_humans_look_like_in_100_years


Cheers,
Pat

History of Immigration to USA - Europe & Africa

Tons of great info here http://immigrationtounitedstates.org/548-history-of-immigration-1620-1783.html


Cheers,
Pat

Origins of British & Irish Colonial Immigrants

Thanks to FindMyPast for this information https://blog.findmypast.com/the-origins-of-british-irish-colonial-immigrants-1794442484.html


Cheers,
Pat

50,000 Irish Adoptees Birth Certificates

"Many adoptees are currently unable to access birth certificates listing their birth parents’ names due to legal obstacles, including a constitutional right to privacy on the part of the parents." This is about to change. http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/more-than-50-000-adoptees-to-get-right-to-birth-certificates-1.2879812


Cheers,
Pat

Ukrainians in Canada, 1900-1930 + Secrets in Embroidery

This is a very long article - packed with all kinds of information for those researching their Ukrainian ancestors. http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/history/ukrainians-in-canada-1900-1930.html


Ukraine's traditional embroidery revived - this article explains the secrets found in Ukrainian embroidery. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37989743


Vyshyvanka: how Ukrainians say it with embroidery https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/bbc-vyshyvanka-how-ukrainians-say-it-with-embroidery-video-414295.html



Cheers,
Pat

Monday, November 21, 2016

Alberta, Saskatchewan 1905 TWINS

Born as twins in 1905, Alberta and Saskatchewan grew apart. Single-minded visionaries, hardening ideologies, and nature's lottery helped turn the two provinces into a disparate duo. Read more http://www.canadashistory.ca/Magazine/Online-Extension/Articles/Disparate-Duo


Cheers,
Pat

DNA - Tips for using FREE GEDmatch

GEDmatch is where you can upload your autosomal results from whichever company you've tested with - FREE - and allow more people to possibly match you. Have a read http://www.genie1.com.au/blog/78-tips-for-using-gedmatch


Cheers,
Pat

See Inside a Covered Wagon

We hear these stories about ancestors travelling in covered wagons, but what did they actually look like, inside? http://oldphotoarchive.com/stories/inside-a-pioneer-covered-wagon


Cheers,
Pat

Post Adoption in Saskatchewan

I've blogged about this earlier, but the time is coming soon - Jan 1, 2017 will see many changes. See https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/births-deaths-marriages-and-divorces/births-and-adoptions/adoption/post-adoption-services


Cheers,
Pat

Genealogy Bargains from GeneaBloggers

Anyone interested should sign up for new great bargains secured by our genealogy friend Thomas MacEntee, who also donates 5% of all revenue is given back to the genealogy community. http://www.geneabloggers.com/tag/genealogy-bargains/

There is no 'catch', just bargains. Enjoy!


Cheers,
Pat

Tracking DNA Correspondence

Another very timely article - this one from Diane Gould Hall. Thanks.

so you've got your DNA tests back, and have found people with matching data you need to contact. How will you keep track of everyone? http://www.michiganfamilytrails.com/2016/11/dna-heres-how-im-keeping-track-of.html


Cheers,
Pat

Germans From Russia - FREE

Thanks to the Edmonton Branch of AGS for this link. What a great, informative video!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHQyrWpdogI


Cheers,
Pat

Testing DNA for Health History

Thanks to the Legal Genealogist for this timely article. Which company should we be using?

http://www.legalgenealogist.com/2016/11/20/that-other-health-option/

The entire article is copied below, just in case the above webpage ever is removed, lost or the link doesn't work. Thanks so much to Judy G. Russell, the Legal Genealogist.


That other health option
by Judy G. Russell | Nov 20, 2016 | DNA | 15 comments
Using Promethease
There isn’t a week that goes by that The Legal Genealogist doesn’t get the question from a reader somewhere.

It’s usually someone dealing with an unknown parentage situation, but not always.
And the question is very simple: “how do I get information about my health history using DNA testing?”
That’s an easy question.

It hasn’t got an easy answer.

Oh, you can go to your doctor, discuss doing genetic testing, and pay the associated lab and doctor fees for whatever testing you can convince the doctor to order and get the information that the doctor or a genetic counselor is willing to explain to you.
That’s probably the easiest way to do it, and certainly the recommended way for anyone who has a specific identifiable health concern that needs to be addressed.
promethease2016But for those of us who are just curious… who just want to see what information may be lurking in our genes without any particular need for an answer right now… DNA testing does offer some options.

One choice is to test with the genetic testing company 23andMe. Its $199 Health + Ancestry Service option provides some health reports that let you get information (at the moment) about some 41 carrier status variants, 22 trait variants and seven wellness variants that the company reports on. The carrier status variants include things like cystic fibrosis; the trait variants things like sensitivity to bitter tastes; and the wellness variants things like lactose intolerance.

But there’s another, much less expensive option, and it’s open to anyone who’s tested with any of the genetic genealogy companies.

It’s called Promethease: “a literature retrieval system that builds a personal DNA report based on connecting a file of DNA genotypes to the scientific findings cited in SNPedia.”

1 I’ve written about this option before,
2 but it seems a good time to revisit the issue now that 23andMe is offering an Ancestry-only version of its test.

So… what is Promethease? It’s “a computer program developed by the SNPedia team which allows users to compare personal genomics results against the SNPedia database, generating a report with information about a person’s attributes, such as propensity to diseases, based on the presence of specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within their genome.

”3 It “builds a personal DNA report based on the scientific literature cited in SNPedia and a file of genotype (DNA) data. Customers of DNA testing services (23andMe, FamilyTreeDNA, Ancestry.com, Complete Genomics, …) can use it to retrieve published data about their DNA completely independent of whichever company produced the data.”

4 SNPedia, in turn, is a wiki devoted to the medical consequences of DNA variations, including software to analyze personal genomes. It describes itself this way:
SNPedia has been launched to help realize the potential of the Human Genome Project to connect to our daily lives and well-being.

Our genes are important, and the variations in them help define our uniqueness. Yet at the same time they help forge links between us, as many of us carrying certain variations find ourselves facing similar medical issues. SNPs are those variations. SNP stands for Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and means variation in the same place (polymorphism) within the DNA sequence.

SNPedia is based on a wiki model, in order to foster communication about genetic variation and to allow interested community members to help it evolve to become ever more relevant. We anticipate that as the cost of genotyping (and especially of fully determining your own genomic sequence) continues to drop, we’ll all want to know more – a lot more – about the meaning of these DNA variations. And SNPedia will be here to help.

5 What Promethease does is compare your raw autosomal DNA test data — and you can use your raw data from any of the three major test companies (Family Tree DNA, 23andMe and AncestryDNA) — to information collected from peer-reviewed scientific journals at SNPedia to “create a personal report linking your DNA variations to the information published about them.” It’ll cost you a whopping $5.00 to get each report.
Among the specific DNA markers (called SNPs, or single nucleotide polymorphisms

6) it looks at are ones now believed to raise the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, influence baldness, determine sensitivity to anesthetics, trigger obesity and type-2 diabetes, impact the risk of coronary heart disease, or result in lactose intolerance.

There are currently 87,905 SNPs in the SNPedia database and — depending on which genetic genealogy testing company you tested with — a Promethease report will give you links to any scientific studies on markers in your DNA. According to SNPedia:
• Ancestry.com uses Illumina OmniExpress Plus, reporting all SNP’s on that chip for $99. Current users will receive data for about ~47,000 of the SNPs in SNPedia. ~25,000 of these are in ClinVar. Prior to May 2016, Ancestry customers received data for around 13,000 of the SNPs in SNPedia with only a few hundred from ClinVar. This test is currently available in the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK.

• 23andMe $99 “ancestry only” product, which does allow downloading of full results, e.g. to Promethease to get a report, or, $199 “ancestry + health” product, which includes carrier status reports (and also full data download). One time payment, lifetime membership. Both products uses the (same) customized Illumina chip which covers 25695 of the 87905 SNPs in SNPedia. Less than 2,000 of these are known to be in ClinVar; presumably some of the proprietarily named “i-SNPs” correspond to ClinVar/SNPedia entries as well but 23andMe does not reveal which publicly or to its non-corporate users.

• FamilyTreeDNA Family Finder uses an Illumina OmniExpress for autosomal ancestry testing for $99, including partial raw data download. It covers 13,193 of the SNPs in SNPedia, with ~2,000 of those being known to ClinVar.7
So in terms of coverage, it’s current AncestryDNA, then 23andMe, then older AncestryDNA, then Family Tree DNA.

To begin in any case, you need to download your raw data:
Steps to download AncestryDNA raw data:
1. Log in to Ancestry and go to your AncestryDNA Home Page (DNA -> Your DNA Results Summary).
2. Click on the Settings link on the right hand side.
3. Choose Download Raw DNA Data from the Actions menu on the right hand side.
4. Enter your Ancestry password and click on the box saying you understand the downloaded copy is yours at your risk. Then click on Confirm.
5. Go to your email account. You’ll get an email with the subject Your request to download AncestryDNA raw data. In the email is a link, Confirm Data Download. Click on that link. It’ll take you back to Ancestry.
6. On the Ancestry page that loads is a link: Download DNA Raw Data. Click on that. Then choose the location on your hard drive to save the zip file that results.

Steps to download 23andMe raw data:
1. Log in to 23andMe and drop down the Tools menu. Choose Browse Raw Data. If you haven’t done so before, choose the Raw Data Opt-In by clicking the I understand link.
2. At the top of the page, find the download link either in the tab at the top or in the sentence “You can view or download your data at anytime…” Click on the download link.
3. At the bottom of the Download Raw Data page, choose what DNA data you want. (For Promethease, you want All DNA) and then re-enter your 23andMe password. Then clock on the Download Raw Data link box. Then choose the location on your hard drive to save the zip file that results.

Steps to download Family Tree DNA raw data:
1. Log in to Family Tree DNA. Drop down the myFTDNA menu in the top.
2. Choose Family Finder and open that menu, then choose Download Raw Data.
3. From the bottom menu, choose the type of DNA raw data file you want to download. For Promethease, the recommendation is the Build 37 Raw Data Concatenated file. Then choose the location on your hard drive to save the file that results.

Once you have your raw data file, head over to Promethease and carefully read the agreement. Read the privacy policy and the terms and conditions before just clicking the check boxes.
If you agree, then check the check boxes, click on I agree, upload your raw data file and pay the $5 fee for the report. You’ll get a notice within about 10 minutes that the report is finished.
Now… this isn’t easy. Interpreting any of these results is far more difficult than getting them. There is a video that will help you understand how to use Promethease and Reddit discussion groups for questions about Promethease in particular and about SNPedia in general.

And it isn’t medical diagnosis — it simply isn’t the same thing as being told you have a disease or condition. I have a whole slew of results, starting with a SNP that provides “an apparent resistance to several diseases such as invasive pneumococcal disease, bacteremia, malaria, and tuberculosis” on the good side, followed by one that poses “an increased breast cancer, type-2 diabetes, and aggressive prostate cancer risk” on the bad side. But these are risks, not diagnoses.
But for anyone who’s just curious about what medical information might be lurking in your genes, it’s a fast and inexpensive option.


SOURCES

“Promethease,” Promethease.com (https://www.promethease.com/ : accessed 19 Nov 2016). ↩
See Judy G. Russell, “A health data option,” The Legal Genealogist, posted 13 July 2014 (http://www.legalgenealogist.com/blog : accessed 19 Nov 2016). Also, ibid., “A healthy choice,” posted 13 Sep 2015. ↩
ISOGG Wiki (http://www.isogg.org/wiki), “Promethease,” rev. 8 Aug 2016. ↩
“Promethease,” SNPedia (http://www.snpedia.com/ : accessed 19 Nov 2016). ↩
“SNPedia:About,” SNPedia (http://www.snpedia.com/ : accessed 19 Nov 2016). ↩
ISOGG Wiki (http://www.isogg.org/wiki), “Single-nucleotide polymorphism,” rev. 4 Oct 2016. ↩
“Testing,” SNPedia (http://www.snpedia.com/ : accessed 19 Nov 2016). ↩


Cheers,
Pat

Why FamilySearch Will NEVER Put All Films Online

This is from the AncestryInsider, who, as always, has excellent information - even if it's not what we want to hear!


"Dear Ancestry Insider,

They've (FamilySearch?) said they will never put all the films online?? Is that because of contract restrictions or some other reason?

Signed,
Marilyn Cranford

Dear Marilyn,

There are several reasons why some images will never be available online: contracts, laws, relationships, and strategies.

In the distant past many companies did business over a handshake. If FamilySearch/GSU operated that way, it is conceivable they have films for which they have no written contract. In the past when written contracts became the norm, companies didn’t foresee technology growth; FamilySearch has said publicly that most of its contracts did not foresee distribution via any medium besides microfilm. If FamilySearch wishes to publish these films, they will have to negotiate contracts with many record custodians and many of them won’t do so.

Laws increasingly limit what can be published. Open publication (which the Internet does) is a very different animal than closed distribution (which is what you do when you order a film to view at a FamilySearch family history center). So while some films can remain in limited distribution, they can’t be published publicly on the Internet. This trend is likely to get worse.

An article in the FamilySearch Wiki documents another scenario. FamilySearch had published some images of vital records. The contract with the record custodian was revised such that FamilySearch depublished the images in exchange for rights to obtain and publish additional indexes. Apparently, FamilySearch is willing to forego publishing microfilm that it has rights to publish if doing so can buy a continued working relationship with a record custodian.

Strategy comes into play. Some films are duplicates. Some films were not filmed by FamilySearch/Genealogical Society of Utah. I predict that FamilySearch will not digitize some films because decision makers will decide they would rather spend the money elsewhere. For example, how valuable are Soundex census indexes? Are the costs justified for the few discoveries that will result? Or would you rather have high-value vital records from your ancestral country? How valuable are the road commissioners’ ledger books? They’ll never be digitally indexed by humans. Looking at the public numbers, FamilySearch has slowed publication of unindexed images. Does that mean that low-value, hard to index films might never be published?

Signed,
---The Ancestry Insider"


Cheers,
Pat

Genetic Genealogy - Ireland

I think these YouTube videos are beyond me, for now, but at least I'll be able to find them once I'm ready. Maybe some of you ARE ready now so here ya go http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.ca/2016/11/further-genetic-genealogy-ireland.html

Thanks to John Reid


Cheers,
Pat

Origins of Surnames - FREE

A new dictionary of surname origins for the UK and Ireland has just been released. It's not something I will ever get to own at a whopping 400 British pounds! http://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/uwenews/news.aspx?id=3510 But for a few days we can access it, FREE, online http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780199677764.001.0001/acref-9780199677764 using Username: fanbi password: onlineaccess


Cheers,
Pat

Scottish Book - Driv'n by Fortune

Mr. Allison is the author of the book, Driv’n by Fortune: The Scots’ March to Modernity in America, 1745–1812, about the men of the 78th Fraser’s Highlanders, from the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion in Scotland, through the Seven Years’ War and the American Revolution, to the War of 1812.

Originally from Scotland, Mr. Allison immigrated to Canada in 1968 and later taught in McGill University’s Faculty of Education. He was the 2016 recipient of the Gordon Atkinson Memorial Prize in Highland Military History, awarded annually by the Quebec Thistle Council.

There is a seven minute video on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWG_85BwAzQ which made me want to read it!

Thanks to Gail Devers http://genealogyalacarte.ca/?p=17224


Cheers,
Pat

Saturday, November 19, 2016

FREE Genealogy Session - Sunday 20 Nov., 2016

I don't know how many spots are available - not many I think - so anyone interested in participating in my "Organizing Your Paper", tomorrow 20 Nov. should register http://www.reginalibrary.ca/blogs/index.php?blog=7&cat=532

The session runs from 2pm - 4pm in the Meeting Room upstairs at the Regina Public Library downtown - Free parking too.


Cheers,
Pat

Friday, November 18, 2016

Irish Civil Records ONLINE & FREE

Boy oh boy what a GREAT afternoon I'm having!!! I finally have some time to post to this blog, AND while doing this I found something I've been meaning to post for a couple months - records on irishgenealogy.ie AND I couldn't just post it without trying it out! It's Irish after all, and Irish records have been a long time coming.

OMG!!!!!!!!!! I have found, so far, FIVE birth documents that give all kinds of interesting evidence for lots of my County Down ancestors. sigh. NOW I remember why I love research so much!!! hahaha

Oh yes and of course I have to share one little teaching reminder. Follow allllll those collaterals. By finding a birth registration for the eldest child of a brother of my great grandfather (got that?), it shows the maternal grandmother of this baby was present at the baby's birth. Why do I care? Well two brothers married two sisters - so the mother of the sisters is the same person AND my great great grandmother!!!! I have long suspected who she was, but here's my solid evidence!!! Genealogy dances all around folks!! hahaha And maybe just one little glass of wine to celebrate as I continue on.

Shall I share the website? hahaha Of course, here ya go https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/en/ Just be sure to READ all the helps so you don't miss anyone. Wishing you all much success!!!!


Cheers,
Pat

Germany - 2017 a Good Time for a Trip

Anyone with German heritage? Besides me that is! Haha

2017 will be a great time to make that trip to your homeland as it will be 500 years since the Reformation. Here's a short little video of Martin Luther's life http://www.germany.travel/en/specials/luther/luther.html, along with some touring suggestions.

Looks like numerous tour companies have options as well - just Google it. And http://religioustravelplanningguide.com/take-your-group-to-germany-for-the-500th-anniversary-of-the-reformation/ will give you links, e-brochures, and e-newsletters.

I spent over a month in Germany in 2006. It's a beautiful country, and while many in rural areas will shake their heads when asked if they speak English, we found that just staying friendly (using charades when necessary) actually worked and they usually opened up and tried their English. It was wonderful!! We found people from the old 'East Germany' to be more reserved than 'West', but we also found the easterners to be so very warm, and giving, and incredibly interested in Canadians. And once you begin to communicate you may find, as we did, that many had relatives now living in Canada!! Learn a bit of German, some handy words, to show you're 'trying', but don't expect a lot of smiles or laughter. Remember the Berlin Wall only came down in November of 1989 - so about 26 years ago - not so long considering it was built in 1961. That Wall has left it's scars on the soul of a people.

If you get to Dresden, on the Martin Luther tour, you will find the most amazing city - still rebuilding after being bombed almost out of existence by the Allies during WWII - with most of the old city still being cleaned of centuries of black soot. The King's Palace is ginormous, and still used, plus the public can enter and walk around. We spent one full day within this palace. You really have to see it to believe it. Anyway, pardon me as I accidentally took a short walk down memory lane!! Haha

Oh yes, one last thing - if you get there a total MUST is a side trip to Prague which I think is the most beautiful city in the World, but I've not seen them all! Just go. Czech Republic has THE best beer, as does Germany. BIG bottles served room temperature and it's amazing how fast you get used to it. If anyone goes, please let me know!!!


Cheers [auf wiedersehen],
Pat

Relationships - EASY Way to Figure Out

So this is always a conundrum for people. "How are my Aunt's kids related to me, or to my kids?"

1st cousins share a grandparent.
2nd cousins share a great grandparent.
3rd cousins share a great great grandparent.
4th cousins share a great great great grandparent. Etc.


'Removed' refers to the number of generations between the cousins themselves.
So your 1st cousin, once removed, is the parent or child of your 1st cousin.
Your 2nd cousin, once removed, is the parent or child of your 2nd cousin.

Your 1st cousin, twice removed, refers to the grandparent or grandchild of your 1st cousin.

Clear as mud? Haha

There is an image here that may be helpful http://lifehacker.com/second-cousins-once-removed-and-more-explained-in-1661572056




Cheers,
Pat


New FREE Scanner From Google

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't remember the last time I used my scanner - in fact if anyone wants it just say so and it's yours. I bought a digital camera ten years ago and have never looked back. And now our cell phones have pretty sophisticated internal cameras, BUT sometimes there are still challenges. So today I learned that Google has developed a scanner app that you download to your cell phone FREE and it works on Android or Apple iOS. For sure I'm trying this out!! But read for yourself -

Dick Eastman has written a good article here https://blog.eogn.com/2016/11/15/googles-new-photoscan-will-scan-your-photos-and-automatically-remove-imperfections-no-scanner-needed/

And a quick video free video from Google here https://www.google.com/photos/scan/

Sometimes technology really IS awesome?!


Cheers,
Pat

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Organizing Your Paper Files - FREE Session - Requires Registration

So I'm doing a session at the Regina Public Library on "Organizing Your Paper Files" Nov. 13th at 2pm, but don't bother trying to register as it's already FULL and has a waiting list! Now I hear you exhaling heavily, and muttering swears at me?!! LOL

Good news - Warren James, our new Prairie History Librarian, worked with me all day today, and we have managed to organize a second session - again at RPL the next Sunday, November 20th at 2 pm. If you're interested give register online at phr@reginalibrary.ca BUT you'll have to copy and paste this into a new browser for this email address to work, or phone 306-777-6120 [but there will be no one at this number until Monday Nov.7th] so you're best to register online. The seating is VERY limited as the session is totally hands-on so everyone needs lots of space to work.

What is this session all about? Here's a bit more info:


NOTE: this is a workshop with hands-on participation and a comprehensive hand-out only for those attending.

"We LOVE the thrill of the chase! The paper work drives us nuts! Our filing becomes chaotic and ends up incomprehensible – even to ourselves! After 20+ years living with my own disorganization I have discovered a method that works.

At least I can now quickly locate what I’m looking for AND others, in the future, will be able to understand what I’ve done ... a ‘win win’ situation!!

Successful filing means being able to find something you know you already have! You know all those floating bits of paper that surround you? It has taken you years to collect all this precious ‘stuff’. Don’t think you can organize it all in one day, BUT this system gets you started.

Source Citations are critical, but are not part of this presentation. This one deals strictly with getting control of the copious amount of paper we collect, and getting it organized so you can find, within a minute or two, exactly what you are looking for!"

So that's what I'll be teaching! It's really uncomplicated, has 5 pages of notes (yup, you know how I always write great notes for you!) and best of all it works!


Cheers,
Pat

DNA SCAM! Beware!

A friend just got scammed by purchasing AncestrybyDNA - this is NOT from Ancestry! https://www.yelp.com/biz/ancestrybydna-fairfield

My friend is not alone. Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us. Buyer Beware!


Cheers,
Pat

Monday, October 31, 2016

'Cause of Death' Tree

I used to teach a class on death records, and then how we can use them in our quest of a 'health tree', but I never thought to emphasize it OR call it a 'cause of death tree' and make it pertinent to Halloween. haha

So you might want to see what the Legal Genealogist has done http://www.legalgenealogist.com/2016/10/31/halloweens-toll-2016/

This is in fun, sort of, but we can also use those 'causes of death' in a slightly more serious method ... just to be aware of anything WE should be paying attention to.


Cheers,
Pat

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Goooooooooo RIDERS!!!

Anyone familiar with the Saskatchewan RoughRiders CFL football team knows their fans bleed green ... So that makes me think this is worth a genealogy post. haha This game will be the final one in our old stadium, Taylor Field. Goooooo Riders!!!! xxoo And just between you and me, I'm nervous for Darians future.

And let's not forget: 3 Grey Cup games played here; The Bluejays played here; Jon Bon Jovi played here 2010; AC/Dc palyed here in 2009 tickets sold out in 30 mins./ Sir Paul McCartney played here 2013; and a small little unknown band called The Rolling Stones played here TWO nights in 2006!! WOW - the memories. xxoo


Cheers,
Pat

Best Genealogy Libraries for 2016

Thanks to FamilyTree magazine for this list http://www.familytreemagazine.com/article/best-library-websites-2016

As always with FamilyTree, most is slanted towards USA researchers. AND the major ommission is the Family History Library in Salt Lake City - the largest genealogy library in the WORLD!! Hmmmm that's quite an oversight.


Cheers,
Pat

Finding English Wills

I have gathered more wills than I can remember, and they have often been the document that broke down a brick wall. The following link will take you to a well written article about finding a will in England, and ordering it online. Thanks to 'Sue' for this. https://kindredpast.wordpress.com/2016/10/27/using-the-find-a-will-service-from-englands-gov-uk/


Cheers,
Pat

A Challenging Upper Canada [Ontario] Puzzle

Thanks to Gail Dever for drawing attention to this great post from Lorine Schulze - well known owner of the Olive Tree. Lorine has given excellent advice, including weblinks, to a queery from someone researching Ontario ancestors. This deals with some in-depth research, including Ontario land records. http://askolivetree.blogspot.ca/2016/10/a-challenging-upper-canada-ontario.html


Cheers,
Pat

FREE Podcast: 10 FREE Websites for US Genealogy Research

And this FREE podcast from Joe Buggy https://irishfamilyhistorycentre.com/article/summer-talks-in-the-national-library-of-ireland-2016-joe-buggy-ten-free-websites-for-us-genealogy-research

He acknowledges most people begin with familysearch and Cyndi's List, but these 10 are good options for later.


Cheers,
Pat

Genetic Genealogy - Irish & Danish + Podcasts

http://cruwys.blogspot.ca/2016/10/genetic-genealogy-ireland-2016.html?m=1

A very good report by Debbie Kennett, following 'Back to our Past' conference held recently in Dublin Ireland. Lots to read. Lots to learn. Lots to absorb.

And then a FREE podcast from Dan Bradley titled Ancient DNA and Irish Origins https://irishfamilyhistorycentre.com/article/summer-talks-in-the-national-library-of-ireland-2016-dan-bradley-ancient-dna-and-irish-origins



Cheers,
Pat

Genealogy Record Keeping in India

Thanks to Dick Eastman for the great post regarding East Indian record keeping! Wow!! Wish all nationalities had done this. But even in India this great tradition is losing out. Sigh

https://blog.eogn.com/2016/10/28/genealogy-record-keeping-in-india/


Cheers,
Pat

Quebec Ancestors?

Over a year ago, the PRDH began the ambitious project of extending the period covered by its family reconstructions from 1621-1799 to 1621-1849.

The first step, which was completed in early 2015, was the addition of 1 700 000 baptism, marriage and burial records, all from the 1800-1849 period. These were sourced from the Drouin Collection, which is available on Genealogy Quebec.
The second phase of this project began with the addition of the children born and/or deceased between 1800 and 1824 to the families created before 1800. This process was completed last April and represented over 250 000 new genealogical links in our family reconstructions.

What’s next?

Our plan is to complete the reconstruction of families up to the year 1824 by the end of 2016. All in all, this should represent about 350 000 new individuals, 60 000 new families and close to a million new genealogical links in the database.

To better understand the concept of genealogical links and family reconstructions, visit our page on the subject!

About the PRDH

The PRDH is a repertory of vital events (baptisms, marriages and burials) registered in Quebec during the 1621-1849 period, and a genealogical dictionary of families of the 1621-1799 period for the same region. You will find more information regarding the PRDH here.

10% additional hits for Genealogy Quebec subscribers

If you own an active subscription to Genealogy Quebec, note that you are eligible to obtain 10% additional hits free of charge at the purchase of a PRDH subscription. You can activate this promotion during the checkout process on the PRDH website.


The Drouin Team Over a year ago, the PRDH began the ambitious project of extending the period covered by its family reconstructions from 1621-1799 to 1621-1849.

The first step, which was completed in early 2015, was the addition of 1 700 000 baptism, marriage and burial records, all from the 1800-1849 period. These were sourced from the Drouin Collection, which is available on Genealogy Quebec.
The second phase of this project began with the addition of the children born and/or deceased between 1800 and 1824 to the families created before 1800. This process was completed last April and represented over 250 000 new genealogical links in our family reconstructions.

What’s next?

Our plan is to complete the reconstruction of families up to the year 1824 by the end of 2016. All in all, this should represent about 350 000 new individuals, 60 000 new families and close to a million new genealogical links in the database.

To better understand the concept of genealogical links and family reconstructions, visit our page on the subject!

About the PRDH

The PRDH is a repertory of vital events (baptisms, marriages and burials) registered in Quebec during the 1621-1849 period, and a genealogical dictionary of families of the 1621-1799 period for the same region. You will find more information regarding the PRDH here.

10% additional hits for Genealogy Quebec subscribers

If you own an active subscription to Genealogy Quebec, note that you are eligible to obtain 10% additional hits free of charge at the purchase of a PRDH subscription. You can activate this promotion during the checkout process on the PRDH website.


The Drouin Team http://us13.campaign-archive1.com/?u=2b0f8252c19c3cd9706a29323&id=13a2075af1&e=ccd296047f

WIN $500.00 Amazon.com

What would you do with an extra $500? Buy some genealogy books you’ve always wanted? What about organizational supplies for your geneacave? How about DNA tests from AncestryDNA or 23andMe? Or even a wardrobe for your next genealogy research trip?

This is a $500 USD value and you could win if you enter by 11:50 pm CDT on Monday 31 October 2016. Click here to enter!


Enter the Amazon Genealogy Shopping Spree Contest this week and you could win a $500 Amazon Gift Card from Genealogy Bargains. We’ll select one lucky winner! http://www.geneabloggers.com/giveaways/win-500-amazon-genealogy-shopping-spree-genealogy-bargains/?lucky=89424


Cheers,
Pat

Friday, October 28, 2016

The Forgotten Irish - a new book!

The Forgotten Irish: Irish Emigrant Experiences in America by Damian Shiels has just hit publication. Our friend Claire Santry calls it "easily her book for the year". High praise indeed. http://www.irishgenealogynews.com/2016/10/the-forgotten-irish-heartbreaking.html

So I checked around to see where and how much. Looks like it won't be released in Canada, through Amazon.ca, until May 2017 at a cost of around $36.00 Canadian. Hopefully it will be available as a Kindle book, soon. Maybe we should form a book sharing club? Hmmmm, any ideas?


Cheers,
Pat

Irish Cottages

I was fortunate enough to stay in an Irish cottage (sort of, as it was modernized to the 21st century) except for its fireplaces which were still all peat. What an interesting smell, one I shall never forget as it's totally different than our wood fireplaces. And something I did not know when I began my Irish research, was that the bogs we see recorded in things like Griffith's Valuation, are and were far from worthless! In fact they were valuable as this is where the peat came from for their fireplaces used to heat their homes, and cook their food.

I just found this well written article from Dr. Marion McGarry regarding our romantic notions of Irish cottage life. Read it and weep as they say. http://drmarionmcgarry.weebly.com/irish-heritage-and-identity/sensory-experience-in-an-irish-cottage-smells


Cheers,
Pat

Top US State Websites

So this is from FamilyTree Magazine, and it's for 2012, BUT don't discount them - those sites generally continue to grow, year to year. All the links are 'live', meaning clickable. What could be easier? Best of luck everyone. http://www.familytreemagazine.com/article/top-75-state-websites-of-2012


Cheers,
Pat

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Happy Halloween - Jack the Ripper

Be afraid! Be very afraid!!! Lol
The following is from the British Newspaper Archive. For anyone not too squeamish, read on


http://blog.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/2014/09/18/%E2%80%98dear-boss%E2%80%99-letter-how-jack-the-ripper-got-his-name/?utm_campaign=news&utm_medium=email&utm_source=bna&utm_content=1000520&utm_term=BNA-CAM-Newsletter-271016-P&dclid=CO2H-_2C_M8CFYK5swodUrQOPw


Yuck.


Cheers,
Pat

A PRONI Visit - Ireland

Thanks to John Reid for his insightful report on a recent visit to PRONI here http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.ca/2016/10/visit-to-proni.html

In 2007 I stood outside the doors of PRONI, but never got the chance to go inside - hubby had enough of the inside of archives after already a month in Scotland with me! haha Another time I hope!!


Cheera,
Pat

USA Naturalization

Thanks to my friend Lisa Alzo who has written the following article for the magazine 'Internet Genealogy'.

"Searching for Naturalization Records
When looking for US Naturalization records, keep in mind that immigrants who filed the declaration of intention sometimes didn’t complete the citizenship process before the declaration expired. Thus, you may find multiple declarations for one person. Also, an individual could file a declaration of intention (first papers) in one court but complete the petition and oath in a different county, or even a different state. Pay attention to the dates—before 1906, records are held primarily at the court or the state archive where the immigrant filed. After 1906, documents were filed at federal courthouses, and records are held by The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) http://www.archives.gov. Two excellent sites for learning more about naturalization records are Naturalization Records in the USA (Olive Tree Genealogy)
http://www.naturalizationrecords.com/usa and Naturalization Records Research Guide (Joe Beine) http://researchguides.net/naturalization.htm."

By Lisa Alzo, Internet Genealogy and Your Genealogy Today author


I have several of my American ancestors naturalization papers and they are a treasure trove of details I needed!


Cheers,
Pat

Land Records

Thanks to Amy Johnson Crow for writing this article on 'What you might be missing in land records' http://us11.campaign-archive1.com/?u=91d48f96a697b7aac00128526&id=d68a633456&e=68bce205c8

I plan to offer a course again on land records next Fall 2017. It's so much fun because we spend sessions AT the provincial archives doing hands-on research of your own ancestors!!


Cheers,
Pat

HELP in Searching This Blog

There is a search box on my blog, top right, but you'll have to put on your creative thinking hats - so if searching for 'Norway' for example, also try 'Norwegian' and/or 'Scandinavian'. For 'Ireland', also try 'Irish' or even 'BI' or 'British Isles'. Who knows what term I used? Not me!! Lol. Enjoy.

Also if you want to be notified each time I post, underneath the 'Search' box, click on 'Subscribe to PastRelations Genealogy Family History by Pat Ryan by Email'. So each post will arrive in your email box without having to check my blog.


Cheers,
Pat

Not Genealogy

Not sure I've ever done this before, but just cleaning up my email box, again, and saw 'Costco' which reminded me.

Recently we have used Costco to rent vehicles [did you know they rent vehicles?], and buy tires at MUCH less cost than we could find anywhere else!! We also used it for buying auto gas - I used Gas Buddy all over Canada and the USA on our recent trip - and found Costco to be almost always the lowest gas price anywhere, by several pennies per litre. And I think you can also buy groceries there? LOL

Just thought I'd mention it and NO, I get nothing from Costco and am not affiliated with them in any way. Just love to save a few bucks and am happy to share money saving tips with my genealogy friends.


Cheers,
Pat

Norwegian Causes of Death

From Church Records here is a list of causes of death, the word(s) used, and an explanation of each. http://martinroe.com/blog/index.php/causes-of-death/


Cheers,
Pat

Ireland - Townland Valuation Translator

I'm just going to go play with this, so I may have more to say later - but in the meantime [cause my day is just not going the way I'd like it to! Tooooo many distractions!! Like I just found a hole in a new set of bed linens [well 2 months old] but nearly 200 dollars ... so search for the sales slip, find it, check internet for their return policy, find out you need the original packaging! Bloody Hell! There went 30 mins., plus time to stitch up hole. @#$$%^] THAT folks, has been my morning: full of 'distractions'

here is the link first to Claire Santry's article http://www.irishgenealogynews.com/2016/10/the-new-townland-valuation-translator.html

If you're an Irish researcher you should ALWAYS listen to everything Claire has to say. Today she is sharing what John Schnelle has developed so "Thanks John!".

And then the link to John's translator http://www.townlandvaluationtranslator.com/

UPDATE
So I've done some work with this translator and it's quite amazing what it can tell you. I knew my County Down great grandparents were poor, but it's so much worse than I realized. I guess that's why they were mainly weavers, to supplement the meager living they had from their tiny plot of land. I wonder what they would think if they could see the 30 some sections of land my family currently farms? Coming to Canada was indeed a very good move.


Cheers,
Pat

World Population LIVE

This is just crazy!! Think I'm in a 'geeky' mood today as I find this fascinating! haha Have a peek http://www.worldometers.info/ Or perhaps it's because we were just discussing Pedigree Collapse in my last class?


Cheers,
Pat

Exquisite Wedding Dresses of the 1800s

http://oldphotoarchive.com/stories/weddings

Just interesting to look at, or it may help someone date a photo they have.


Cheers,
Pat

Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism

Most of you already know military research is not part of my interest, but this "Precious Memories" looks like it might be something many of you will enjoy. There appears to be at least one other book available. Click on "Publications" on the left sidebar. https://blog.findmypast.com/how-to-findmypasts-parish-records-1522803536.html


Cheers,
Pat

British Isles Search Guide to Parish Records

This is a good article from Findmypast, with links to more FREE information regarding Parish records - the cornerstone to all things English, Scottish, and Irish. https://blog.findmypast.com/how-to-findmypasts-parish-records-1522803536.html


Cheers,
Pat

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Genealogy Course Fall 2016

So I'm late getting this online! Anyone out there interested, send me an email asap, pryan@sasktel.net so I can get you registered as this course begins Tuesday 25th October, 2016.


Genealogy is the #1 hobby in the world! Whether that's 100% accurate or not, it certainly is for many millions of us.

Unpuzzling Your Past ... Using the Internet


Celebrate and preserve your own history by building your family tree. At some point in life, people feel compelled to learn more about the individuals in their family who came before them. What makes genealogical research even more interesting is seeing the impact that your ancestors had on history, and on your own life. And just what did you inherit from your ancestors? Your physical appearance, likes or dislikes, health, even your occupation may be traced back to your ancestors. Every person is a part of history. Just by living their lives, they created history. What about you? You, too, are creating history, even as you live it. While you are a descendant of the past, you are a parent of the future.

Records are history's best storytellers. It is therefore necessary to develop research skills and become a good 'detective'. It is also a great deal of fun! These classes are designed to develop your research skills & teach you to think like a professional researcher. The classes enable you to decide what records to search for, why you need each of these records, how to find them, and then how to use them.

Unpuzzling Your Past is the course you SHOULD start with - whether a beginner or a seasoned researcher! You won't believe what you've been missing! You will NEVER regret building a strong foundation!! What if you had to prove a major event in *your* life? How would you do it? With records. Your ancestors also created records. They did many of the same things you do. Later in their lives they may have married and had children. Some of them hunted for gold, others worked in mills or farmed, still others left their homeland to make a new life in North America. If you had to prove your ancestors had these experiences, that they actually lived, how would you do it? Well, you would become a family history detective.

This class is suitable for beginners and the advanced who’ve hit that ‘brick wall’. This is a good 'starter' class, and the one you should start with, but it is also designed to assist more experienced researchers who are at a stand-still with their current 'brick wall'. I will say again - You will NEVER regret building a strong foundation!!

For most of us the great fun of genealogy & family history research is in the thrill of the chase - the search for new details. We gather reams of photocopies. We have copious numbers of binders full of hard copy. We have too many notes scribbled on too many scraps of paper, and we carry impossible numbers of facts/dates/locations in our heads. Sometimes we are overwhelmed by the amount of information we have collected or inherited. Sometimes we have nothing. Obviously the more we know, the more we have to work with. BUT, Pat started with her parents and grandparents names, two locations (on two different continents), a couple unconfirmed dates, and that was it!! It *is* possible.

This course has been thoughtfully developed to help those with too much or too little information. If your research has progressed over a long period of time, do you still have some spaces you've had to leave blank or are uncertain about? Learn how to start, organize, document and cite your source(s) properly. Discover those missed clues or miscellaneous errors, and learn about new sources recently made available to the public (including many on the Internet - some that are available only on the Internet). Learn how to do all this in the most cost effective manner possible! There are times when you must pay for an official search. There are many *more* times when you can perform that search yourself, if you just knew how. This course will teach you those 'how's'.

Experienced genealogists
Take a look at all the work you've done or inherited and think of what you might yet accomplish! Is part of the reason you do family history research so it will be preserved, passed on and added to? Is your work clear, concise and presented in an organized, understandable format? Will the next person who looks at, or inherits it, be able to understand exactly what you found, and exactly where you found it? Will they be able to, and want to, continue your work? Do you have any recorded information, but are unable to remember where you found it or who told it to you? Have you been given any names, dates, locations but you have no idea where that information was found? If you knew, you could go back to those records, double check for accuracy and perhaps add some new details the original researcher, or story-teller, missed, misread or misinterpreted!

Only you know how much time, expertise, money, frustration, and intense happiness you will or have invested in researching and preserving your family history. Wouldn't it be terrible if it was all disposed of because it's value was not readily apparent? It happens every day. How many precious old photos, books or other memorabilia have you seen in second hand shops or garage sales? Your talents and your hard work need to be preserved and your descendants will thank you - after all, how much would you appreciate even one piece of well documented research?

If you are just getting started, congratulations, as you have no bad habits to break and this class will teach you all the good habits. For those of you who have spent decades doing research, isn't that research worth the investment of a little more time in order to preserve it for future generations? Do not despair if you're body of work needs attention - you are certainly not alone - but Do Not Delay any longer. Get into this class - quick! Student enrollment is kept low to accommodate student/instructor interaction. Students work on their own family research.

These courses are not designed to be the cheapest in the world - we all know that you usually get what you pay for. They *are* designed to be the BEST. Pat is most concerned with giving you the best and most recent tools available [including those on the Internet], and equipping you with the knowledge you need to take your research as far as you'd like. She also believes in having fun, and there is always much laughter shared by all. Additionally, following each one of the four class sessions, you will receive a set of complete and comprehensive notes covering the details taught and discussed in that class. This means you will not have to attempt to take notes during the class. Instead, you can devote your full time and attention to listening, learning, participating, and sharing in your own successes. Students continually express their gratitude and appreciation to Pat. They realize her knowledge is vast, and that she goes 'above and beyond' for her students. They also realize that her notes alone are worth hundreds of dollars - and appreciate that they can continue to refer to those notes, forever! Pat clearly loves what she does ... and it shows. Instructor Pat Ryan.


To pre-register send Pat an email now at pryan@sasktel.net or call her at her office 306-695-2241 or cell 306-533-3941.

Classes will all be held at Arcola East Community Centre which is located at 3860 Buckingham Drive within Jack MacKenzie School in Regina Sask.
Classes will run from 7 - 9pm on Oct 25, Nov. 01, 08, 15
[4 weeks] $200.00/4 sessions

Friday, October 21, 2016

FREE Online Genealogy Sessions

Thanks to the Legal Genealogist, Judy Russell, for this - FREE sessions that you can watch anytime http://www.legalgenealogist.com/

Also read her second blog below the Virtual Sessions. It's about Ancestry's new app, and she is right on the money, as always.


Cheers,
Pat

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Preservation Materials for Canadians

There is help here on how to preserve personal letters, BUT there is also some recommendations for finding preservation materials (such as acid-free rust-proof paper clips) that could be very helpful to some of you living in Canada. I know when I wrote my presentation on 'How to Organize Your Paper Files' there were articles that were unavailable in Canada. What? Yup, and I was unable to order them into Canada from online USA stores ... so I had to invent alternatives. That's why I know this article could be helpful. I've also seen the damage done to papers with metal paperclips.
http://genealogyalacarte.ca/?p=16434
Thanks to Gail Dever for this information.



Cheers,
Pat [and the sun is shining again!! Yahoo]

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Pictures of Bernardo Home Children

If you've not heard of the Home Children go here http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/immigration/immigration-records/home-children-1869-1930/pages/home-children.aspx

Just PLEASE read all the preamble so you understand the whole story. A few days ago I saw this article about the Bernardo home releasing pictures of some of their 'home children'. I've not had time to read the entire article, BUT I have noticed the decidedly Bernado spin on these children ... another reason to be well informed before we just take for granted that the Bernardo spin is the only side to the story. There was, sadly, a very different side for many of the children. Anyway, maybe someone will find a picture of a family member - not impossible as about 11% of Canada's population are descended from a 'Home Child'. Here's the link to the Bernardo pictures http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3759702/A-jailbird-s-daughter-engaging-little-fellow-left-charity-massive-bequest-black-child-Fascinating-pictures-faces-youngsters-fostered-Barnardo-s-150-years-ago.html


Cheers,
Pat

There are NO Genealogical Records on the Internet?!

Here is a smart, very smart, article by the genius John Grenham. This article applies to every single one of us, no matter our ancestral roots. Some GREAT advice!! What Mr. Grenham does not say specifically, and so might be missed by some, is that we all need to get back to the original record - and not put all our faith into a transcription, extraction, and abstraction!! If you've taken any class from me you'll know that we talk about this ... A LOT! And if you've forgotten the difference between each, do a simple Google search. It's really important stuff folks.

Anyway here's the article - please read it for your own good https://www.johngrenham.com/blog/2016/08/29/there-are-no-genealogical-records-on-the-internet/


Cheers,
Pat

Win a FREE GPS Origins Report

This is a contest shared by Geneabloggers.com for those who have already taken a DNA test. Enter before midnight Thursday (tomorrow 19 Oct). Have a peek at http://www.geneabloggers.com/giveaways/win-free-gps-origins-report-analyze-dna-test-results/?lucky=83336 Best of luck!!


Cheers,
Pat

Irish Historic Towns Atlas ONLINE, FREE

So this is a project we'll see more results from well into 2017. As of today there are 'Towns of monastic origin' (Kildare, Kells, Downpatrick, Armagh and Tuam) along with some good reading. For Irish researchers, the good stuff just keeps on coming - and it's about time 'cause we've had it tough for decades. Anyway, have a look here https://www.ria.ie/news/irish-historic-towns-atlas/irish-historic-towns-atlases-available-online As always with links I share, don't be afraid to poke around in each site as there is usually MUCH more than the direct link.


Cheers,
Pat

Irish Research Wizard

I've just worked my way through using this new tool, and it's pretty interesting! You'll want to have your Irish names and dates handy as they ask a lot of questions. The only thing I see missing is a location to input, but perhaps I just missed it. I'm going to work with it again, on another Irish family. It's FREE, so give it a try.

This is the blurb I got - "This Irish research wizard at Irish Ancestors will give you some general suggestions in response to your answers to several questions about your Irish person. It does not apparently perform automatic searches of records. The results will suggest sites you should use and provide you with some information about records that may be helpful. Make certain you have your known information about the ancestor, his parents, and his children handy before completing the wizard."

Here ya go https://www.johngrenham.com/wizard/



Cheers,
Pat

Monday, October 17, 2016

She's BACK!!

Hello Everyone!
We had a fantastic time driving for 45 consecutive days, covering 13,000 kms, or 14,000 kms including the many ferries we took. It will take some time to digest all the great places we saw, and the wonderful people we met. The really great part of coming home is getting to NOT have to pack up each morning AND sleeping in the same bed each night ... our bed. sigh. Anyway it was a wonderful trip.

In 2016 I travelled from coast to coast, was in every Canadian province, AND in every capital city of every province, plus 5 US States. It will never happen again. And I really, really mean it when I say "What a HUGE country Canada is". haha With a bit of time I'll try to share bits and pieces of this trip. My objective is to put the story into a PowerPoint presentation, include pictures of course, and buckets of stories (cause I'm a story teller), and you know it would need to include some of the genealogy I did along the way ... and then I don't know what I'd do with it, so that may never see the light of day, but my intentions are good. Lol

So folks I go back into classes in Regina next week! More about that in another blog, but excited to start another group of people on their own genealogy adventure. Nice to be back with all you guys too!! Hope everyone is well? Any news? Any success stories? Would love to hear!!



Cheers,
Pat

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Find A Grave - Canada - MAPS!!

Thanks so much to my friend Bruce Gordon for creating maps to help us use Find A Grave Canada!!

I look forward to using this ... a LOT!!!! Isn't it amazing the talented, sharing people we have in our midst?

http://www.craigmyle.ca/fag/


So tonight is my last night at home as we head out tomorrow for the far east coast of Canada - partially through the USA to check out various cemeteries where I my family now reside in Michigan right on the shores of Lake Huron. Hoping for no wind or rain that day!! I'll not likely get time to do any blogging as we'll be travelling almost every single day. If you ever want to get a grip on just exactly how BIG our country is, try plotting a trip from here to there. hahaha Wish us God speed!!


Cheers,
Pat

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Find A Grave Canada - Search by Province

I've been meaning to post this for a while now, but was just reminded of this again today so here ya go folks http://lisalouisecooke.com/2014/07/find-a-grave-canada-now-search-province/. Thanks again to my friend Lisa for the write up and Thanks to Ken Lange for writing the program!!


cheers,
Pat

Monday, August 22, 2016

ScotlandsPeople FREE Credits

Sorry I can't remember where I found this, but thanks to whomever shared this with me ... and now YOU! haha Go to ScotlandsPeople website, input 'summer16' in the voucher code, and you will receive TWENTY FREE credits!! Now THAT's a deal I love to share.


Cheers,
Pat