On the 17th, Einar's nephew became a proud father to his first child, a little girl. I've seen pictures (thanks to his aunt Thorbjorg - many thanks!), and she's a real sweetie! Many congratulations to Dui and Maria!

*******************

When Einar had his birthday, all at once it hit me - we are already in our late 50s! When did that happen?? Realizing it took me aback. Time marches on but the significance of that passage of time just didn't register, until now.

In an aside, I get a really nice email from a friend who asked how I manage to 'never change'. lol That made me feel a little less decrepit. I do have some gray strands in my hair now. Fortunately, my natural hair color is still prominent. :) I say 'fortunately' because it is my one feature that I've always liked; I'd like to enjoy it a bit longer.

As all who know me know, I have a thing about collecting pictures (of family). Well, the family just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Just before Christmas, it expanded even more. A distant cousin contacted me, wanting to exchange pictures and historical stories of our joint genealogy. I was agreeable and then, wham! I was swamped. Dwight sent me a lot more than I had anticipated! But, thankfully, my mom is helping me sort it all out. :)

As a direct result, I am becoming privy to a lot more of my forebears' history (and my own) in the process. It is fascinating! I never realized how little I knew before now! Growing up, I just seemed to live in 'the now', passively accepting all that happened and never actually putting it all together. Consequently, when Dwight started asking me questions, I hadn't a clue what to tell him and had to ask Mom and then pass on the info. But now, I am a lot older and TAKING NOTICE of what I am told. And I can even ASK QUESTIONS! This has extended to family history closer to home, too. I started to ask questions a few years ago. A little knowledge goes a long way. I have a lot more questions as a consequence!

This is a significant change. Not only do I have pictures of my forebears, but I also have history to go along with them and it is bringing the family alive. :) I am very happy! My only regret is that when I visited my aunt Irene and uncle Orville, I didn't have a tape recorder with me! Alas, my memory is full of holes! And I mourn the loss.

I would be in 7th heaven if they would sometime put their memories of growing up (with my dad) on tape; Kathy, or maybe Jack, can you beg/borrow/steal a tape recorder? I am hoping you can make this a reality for both your own benefits as well as mine. I know it would be a lot of trouble, but less than writing it down which is what Mom has been doing for me. And I would attempt to transcribe whatever they said (and share it). As I said, that would be the best present ever (aside from another visit, hehe)!

Also, gulp, I intend to try and put together the whole of what I've learned (for future generations as well as for those of current generations who are interested). This, of course, will take quite some time, but I'm willing to give it a go. Now all I need is input. :)

So, dear family, help me out. Think about your past and write it down or put it on tape. You'll thank me later for the suggestion. 'Cause even if you don't share it with me, just thinking about it will bring further memories to light and it can be revelatory as well interesting, not just to you but also to your children.

Mom asked me some time ago to write down my own 'history'. Well, I've been doing that, writing down 'highlights' and impressions and thoughts for the last few years. Those, along with this chatbox and emails, would go a long way to painting a picture of my life over the last 30+ years; I've written stories of the time before that; I shall have to write more, though, to cover the earliest years.

How exciting! :)

Einar finally got our scanner connected. It will only work with his 'mac' though. When he is not so busy (he's on earthquake watch this week and there are many more than in previous watches), I'll get him to teach me how to use it; then I will continue scanning pictures from our picture albums as well the few pictures that have trickled in over the last few years. Lots to do! :) But the closer I get to finishing this task, the more satisfaction I feel. And once that is accomplished, I have this new project of the family history to think about.

It is nice to have a goal in mind. :) It is nice to have a 'reason' to get up each day. And it is a plus that it will benefit more than just myself.

[ permanent url ] [ ]