I have been busy trying to stay calm until at least after the election. It has become easier now that I automatically shut down the annoying political commercials. Won't miss those at all!
I think what amazes me the most is that so many running for office seem to think that the ones who might vote for them are dumb as a box of rocks. Which tells me politics has nothing to do with the care of citizens and everything to do with money and power.
So, until the votes are counted (Does anyone actually believe elections are fair anymore?) my time is filled with things that make me happy.
I just love retirement. After years of working jobs, sometimes more than one - kids need to eat so we do what we need to do - I am enjoying this time immensely. No alarm clock. No spending time doing things I dislike. OK - there is still mopping floors and laundry. But I get to decide how to spend my time.
Right now, my kitchen table is covered with file folders and manila envelopes full of genealogy paperwork. Found my mother's high school diploma from 1942 and a postcard written by my dad to his mother in the middle of the Depression of the 1930's, letting her know that he and his brother had found work picking up potatoes from a field in Montana. When work in northern Minnesota couldn't be found, they rode freight trains west in search of a way to make money for the family. Found a letter written by my paternal grandmother, describing her encounter with a black bear while in the woods picking blueberries. (She ignored the bear and exited the woods slowly and quietly. Me... probably would have run away, screaming!)
Many would find this activity dry as dust, but I love the research about ancestors. I find that my adult children seem to be a bit interested as well. And a granddaughter was asking about this, so I have hope that my family will find it interesting. They should know where they come from.
I haven't abandoned preparing. Earlier this week I cooked up some odds and ends of poultry and pork that were languishing in my freezer. My grocery order for next week includes veggies to add to the meat to make 'meals in a jar.' I love having the jar meals on hand so I can just heat up the contents and dinner is served. Think this time I will cook the contents together, cool and freeze in quart freezer bags. I am pretty much out of shelf space for jars.
And I have rambled on long enough. Sometimes these posts are more like emails between friends. Take good care. Stay safe. Things might just get crazier when the election results are in. And may God place a veil of protection over all of you.
Vicki, I just noticed you were back!!! Where have I been to miss this?!? I’ve been rehabbing my new bionic knee but that’s no excuse. I definitely missed you.
ReplyDeleteThe closer we get to the election the more worried I get. I just don’t see a clear way out of this mess.
A question for you. I’m considering canceling my Netflix and using that money for an Ancestry subscription. Have you used them? Useful?
Again, I’m so glad you’re back!
Lucy’s Mom
My two cents -- check your local library to see if it's available there for free. My old library had that service for cardholders but you had to go into the building to use it. YMMV.
DeleteSJ now in California
Another invaluable resource is Find A Grave. The basic search functions are free to use.
DeleteSo very good to hear from you, Lucy's Mom!!! What with dealing with a bionic knee, I'm thinking you had enough to think about! Haven't been back all that long. I'm back because I missed all of you!!
DeleteYears ago, I used Ancestry. I think if I were to use it again and if I had access to a library, I would go that route. Being as ornery as I am, it ticks me off to pay for information that should be in the public domain.
Don is right. "Find A Grave" website is great. I like the part where if I find a name I am looking for, chances are good that a list of parents, siblings, spouses and children can be included.
I also use the Mormon website familysearch.org. The only limitation is that they require users to sign in, but there is no cost. They have several ways to search and I have had good luck with them.
With any site that uses information submitted by others, check to make sure the info is accurate.
Other than those two, I Google Historical Societies in whatever state I am looking for, or Google state vital statistic sites. Some charge - some don't. At any rate, enjoy researching family.
Love reading your posts, Vicki.
ReplyDeleteThank you. You all be safe, too. God bless.
Thanks, my friend. Batten down the hatches. I have a feeling things are soon going to be even more crazy than they are now. May God watch over you and yours.
Deleteit is a letter between friends:) God bless you and protect you
ReplyDeleteAnon...A letter between friends is the perfect description. At least that's how this silly little blog feels to me. Stay safe. God bless.
DeleteI'm glad you are spending time doing something you enjoy! I've been trying to keep my focus on things I can control, rather than wandering off into the "what-ifs" surrounding the future. And I've been praying... Robin
ReplyDeleteRobin...All the hype around the election can make a person crazy after a while. I can do nothing about it except to vote. So, I might as well be doing things that make me happy. Praying here, too, my friend.
DeleteVicki, you have another follower. I stumbled on your blog a few months ago and enjoy your musings and ramblings. Last week the wife and I were sitting on the couch early morning drinking a coffee and she asked what I was reading on my laptop. (I enjoy reading a few online blogs during my coffee routine). She asked if I could read aloud what I was looking at and it has now become a weekly routine to read aloud to her what has been going on in your life. Take care.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Northern Sarge and Wife...I admit to being a bit behind on posts. I'm in the middle of putting together some freezer meals. They consist of meat - this time it is chicken - and a variety of veggies, frozen in quart size freezer bags. To use them I just thaw, add liquid - either water or broth - and seasonings. From there the meals can be soup or stew or served over biscuits or baked in a pot pie. I do this mostly because they are an easy meal and sometimes, I am just too lazy to cook. :)
DeleteMy coffee routine in the morning is checking out news and blogs or videos while inhaling my coffee which is, as we know, the elixir of life! Better get back at it. Take care and God bless.