December meeting of GenieGirls and other Miscellaneous

I didn't know how many members would be able to make it for our December genealogy study group meeting, but only two had conflicts. It was a good meeting. At the request of MaryLu, everyone brought a 3-generational pedigree that included the person they are researching for our upcoming Mesa Library visit. This helps to get everyone focused on what they want to accomplish. MaryLu is very familiar with the Mesa Library and an experienced genealogist, so she is taking lead on this activity. Everyone is excited. One member called after the meeting, got her database installed and was making entries for the first time. I think we have at least two other members who are in the process of doing this.

We then discussed doing a "case study" starting in March or April (depending on work that will need to be done after the February Mesa trip). Everyone is going to focus on a "problem" in their family - keeping it simple right now - they will do what research is necessary to bring it up-to-date, state the problem, indicate what they are looking for and make a list of what they have already done. We will then discuss it at a meeting and depending on what the problem is, we will either make suggestions to her or, if she needs help, assign volunteers to help her research for solutions to the problem. We can then discuss at the following meeting the results and, possibly, make further suggestions. This could lead to solving a problem, new finds and/or maybe a more in-depth lesson about how to go about researching a particular area or situation. Should be fun!  Everyone has ideas and different levels of expertise and it will be wonderful to share and learn.

Keeping up with extended family:  It was great to hear from a distant cousin this Christmas. Bob is the son of my paternal grandmother Bessie's brother, Frank. That makes Bob my first cousin, once removed. He and his wife, Wilma, are retired and currently live in Florida. She brought me up-to-date on their children and grandchildren. It is always exciting to hear from family. They will be moving back to Michigan later this year to be closer to their children.

Woo-hoo!  I read four of Edna's letters yesterday. I am up to late October - they marry in February. Getting near the end. I need to start figuring out how I am going to publish (and pay) for this book!