Chronicles of Nana

The public office is Nana…I am a staunchly conservative Nana with highly liberal leanings with an independent nature. I live in the land of the free for a price- taxes and rules connected to the common good.

MY THOUGHTS…..

I speak my mind and usually temper what falls out of my mouth. I am a baby kisser and a sucker for kids. I believe they are the future and the future definitely belongs to them. I believe that the innocence of childhood should be carefully guarded and protected. I believe children are capable of learning from our mistakes and bad examples. But a good example is the best teacher…

MORE HUGS NEEDED…

I believe in a routine naptime and breakfast,lunch and dinner plus healthy snacks. There are not enough hugs in the world today and reading before bedtime should be required for both child and parents…together!

EFFECTIVE MEASURES….

I believe one on one direction and instruction is one of the most effective means of teaching; if it cannot be provided at school then it should be available at home. I consider rules to be mandatory in life, thus daily routines and structure should be instituted in the home.

WALK THE TALK…

I think parents set the prime example for their kids and they should walk their talk! I think getting down on the knees to communicate with children is most effective and a prime position for parents to be in to ask for help from above…

TREASURES OF THE EARTH…

Grandparents are the most unused resource for helping raise and love children. Older been- there, done -that people are treasures and confidence builders of children.

I think the resources of the earth should be protected for the well being of those who will inherit it. I believe in reason and common sense. An occasional swat on the butt tempered with discussion and kiss on the cheek afterwards can be most productive. I think wholesome family activities strengthen relationships.

And I still believe in Santa Claus…..and that’s my stand on the issues!

When we were raising our children we lived in Camelot, a central valley town, of course, not named Camelot. But it proved to be our Camelot….

TO THE STICKS…

Grandad was promoted out to ‘ the sticks’… He worked for a major Drug Store chain and was sent to a sleepy valley town to open a new store there. The more people found out where we had to move, they would utter, “Oh, you poor thing!” Well, hold on a second…

We were a family with four small children of varying ages and  Grandad was just out of Cal Berkeley. So his first promotion was to ‘the sticks!’ Ask anyone in our family and they will look upon ‘the sticks’ with fond sweet memories. Glad to have had the experience and proud to have called ‘the sticks’ home….

A KINDER TIME….

We had a little home that we eventually remodeled in a quiet neighborhood that was situated in this quiet little town that had more churches than gas stations!

It was a few hours east to the snowy mountains and a few hours west to the big city. During the summer you could fry an egg on the sidewalk and during the fall one could  smell the tailings of crushed grapes from the vineyards.

GREAT FOR CHILDREN…

The children walked to school by themselves. They rode their bikes all over town with no trouble. We could go to bed without locking the front door. We knew our neighbors well and could trust them with our children.

The town might as well of closed down on Sundays because everyone had a church to attend and business was sparse that day.

Our second son had a lucrative paper route not so much for the volume of it but by his association with his customers. Several customers wanted their newspaper placed just so and other wished that he whistle when he delivered the paper so he would wake them up! At holiday time his tips would out do his Dad’s paycheck!

LAKE TIME PLEASURES…

This town had a lake and we found ourselves there nearly every summer Monday night; having a picnic or playing ball or chasing sticks with the dog. We would feed the ducks with old bread crusts….the original lame duck lived there!

And…we welcomed our fifth child there, the crowning experience of our time spent in Camelot!

Everyone should have their own Camelot…a piece in time that’s almost magic and wonderful…

I hope you have found yours….

One of the more important aspect of genealogy and family history is record keeping. There is alot of paper work; group sheets, pedigrees, journals, certificates, histories, research logs and statistical information and much more.

WHERE TO SEARCH AND GETTING ORGANIZED…

Following are several areas of interest needed in order to create order!

1. Using the Family History Library Collection- Recognized as the largest collection of family history materials in the world. Go to www.familysearch.org and discover what is available and become familiar with the Family History Library Catalog. If you have a chance to attend this library(Salt Lake City,Utah) in person do some pre-assessments. Study the catalog to see what you might want to look up. Make a logical list of things you wish to do and find. Bring change so you can make copies and purchased food from vending machines in the snack room. Check the website in advance to see what training classes will be taught while you are there. Obtain a library map online so you can track your location needs, this library has four floors. Create a plan…and make notes so you won’t have to repeat your tracks when you return. Many library patrons bring a small rolling suitcase in which to caring their research binders and notebooks and lunch. Every floor has an information desk manned with genealogy specialists to whom you can ask questions. Each floor has banks of computers available to use. Keep your plan manageable, success comes in small steps- be realistic! Realize there are over 3,000 Family History Centers around the world- check your local area.

2. One of the best ways to organize your information is a computer database program. These programs cut down on the tremendous amount of paperwork. Those who do not have a computer are asking for alot more time in man hours with their genealogy projects. Paf (personal ancestal file) is available free to download from www.familysearch.org. It is a fill-in-the-blanks type of format and creates a permanent file of information that can be readily updated. There are other commerically available computer programs also.

3. Having a personal computer allows you to research online. The internet offers hundreds of family history related websites. One of the best resources now available…and it saves on gas! Go to a genealogy portal and find hundreds of websites to choose from- whether it be surname search engines, military- government files, map-location information or state-county histories…and so much more!

4. There are hundreds of printed materials…transcripts, abstracts, indexes, directories, gazetteers, and how-to manuals available in libraries. All of these published materials make research easier and faster. So many of them are available online as well.

5. In the old days all family histories were hand written…one of the most valuable tools now available are copy machines. Fast and relatively inexpensive- what is your time worth? Once you have copies, file them where you can find them. Filing cabinets and a good filing system is a must!

6. Seek out a local genealogical society- for over 150 years these groups have made a significant contribution to family history. These societies preserve records, share that information and can provide instruction to learn genealogical tasks better. To find a society of interest in your research begin with the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS).

7.Census records- the US Federal and State Census Records are the best roadmap to track your American ancestors. Most of these census are available online. Seek and ye shall find…

8. Learn about message boards on the internet. Here is where you can inquire for ancestral information from others who are researching your family lines. The major genealogical websites have message boards available. Make sure the messages you post to the internet only contain information that you are ready to share with everyone. Be concise in your message..who,where,what and why. Most message boards have guidelines, become familiar with them.

MANAGEABLE STEPS….

Remember to keep your research in manageable steps- going from one statistical to another. Start your history with yourself and work backwards. Contact living relations for information. Fill out family group sheets and file them in some sort of organized system. Expore the internet and become familiar with what is available online. Make use of message boards and forums to communicate with others. Be willing to share your information.

The www.familysearch.org website is into a major reconstruction at this time. It will become more user friendly especially for beginners. There appears to be major overhauls to some of the other main genealogy sites as well. The future will offer greater resources and bring more success to those who seriously want to seek their roots!

Every family has stories to tell…some well known through out family members and some not so well publicized. I have a story that could be most embarrassing to this ole’ Nana but I am at the point of not being bothered by the laughs and hoots from family nowadays. Just remember to be kind..this story is worth telling…

NORTH TO ALASKA…

Grandad needed to go to Alaska to film a sporting goods video as training for his company. I accompanied him…I mean, what a chance that was to see the wild, wild west!

We arrived when the salmon were running and they were plentiful. We were taken by bush pilot to the Alaskan outback for some ‘real’ fishing so Grandad could have authentic film footage. Accompanying us was the pilot’s son, about 8, who was obviously well experienced.

FLYING OFF THE LAKE…

We flew off a lake that was nearby the pilot’s home, that was exciting..? The plane was small, a two seater so the kid and I sat on the floor behind the front seats. This pilot was a ‘bush’ pilot which meant he skimmed the surface of waters and meadows at very low altitudes…exciting also!

 We landed beside the river that was obviously teaming with fish, there was a continuous movement and flutter to the water that was not natural…except to salmon! We loaded the boat with all the gear including all of Grandad’s filming equipment. We barely got out from shore when the kid started catching fish. I threw out my line and man …did they go for it!! We must have catch and released hundreds of fish while Grandad filmed away. The pilot gave up steering the boat and joined in…it was that much fun!! Salmon are fun to catch. Besides practically jumping for the hook, they play the line and for several minutes it was a game as to who would win out. It was an unbelievable experience even for the locals who were out there that day…

At dusk we landed on the lake and was treated to a barbeque of some of the salmon we catch that day. Goooooood stuff….

THE NEXT DAY…

The next day we loaded the plane, skimmed the meadows and saw wild moose grazing the grass. We landed by a stream and set up the filming equipment. The kid and I threw out our lines when behind us came a very big mama bear and her three cubs. The pilot made mention that he always carried a pistol in the plane and I thought maybe it would be a good idea to head that way. Of course, Grandad was still filming….. somehow I walked the pontoons of the plane and wrapped myself around the propellor and there I stood like a frozen statue. It was not a pretty sight…and probably at the top of my most stupid list!

The pilot saved the day by throwing a big fish the bear’s way and that seemed to satisfy them well…

Well, at my defense..they were big, really big bears!

NOT MY BEST MOMENT…

We left Alaska with plenty of frozen salmon to take home. We left Alaska knowing that that particular experience was most unusual and the fishing was the very best they had ever seen.

I left Alaska not wanting to know what was being said about the crazy lady wrapped around the propellor…it is a story that probably still resonates about the beer halls in Alaska today!

Hey, those bears were big!!

Okay…I declare this to be “be kind to your local Nana” time…I have a great distain for the infamous cell phone. I must be the only one in our family who does not own or carry one. Shocked you ask, “bbbut, why?”

WHY..?

So, let me count the whys…cell phones are small- I hate that. My fluffy fingers can’t punch the buttons and my eyes can’t see the numbers. When I put it to my ear I feel like I need to cram it down to  the ear drum. When I speak into it I feel like I need to yell…so, you’re just telling me these are just senior moments-resistance to change sort of thing…right?

 To me, logically the only valid reason to have a cell phone is for emergency purposes. It’s just another accessory that clutters up a purse or pocket.

DISLIKES…

I don’t like talking in a car on a cell phone and I surely don’t like seeing others driving a car with one stuck to their ear. Freeways are scary enough. People tail gate, read maps, put on make-up, eat and a bevy of other things we probably don’t want to know while driving. People do not remotely keep the speed limit and nearly everyone in this state drives like they are the only ones on the road. So, when a cell phone is in their hand…watch out, learn to duck and give them plenty of room!!

STATUES IN THE ISLES…

Another reason that cell phones do not appeal to me is that when people are out of their cars and walking about a store with their cell phones to their ear they stop right in the center of the isle and firmly root themselves to that spot. No getting around them and no passing through them!

SOME POSITIVES….

As an old broad I just do not see the attraction. Oh…I have told myself all the positives; Checkup on the kids, transact business, running late, make appointments etc.yatta yatta.

HOWEVER….

I would support legislation prohibiting cell phone use by a driver in a moving car. For safety’s sake, drivers need to pull off the road to use a cell phone. I believe all those who drive while on the phone do not care or consider the risk they put upon other drivers.

Sorry… but cell phones cause ulcers, you gotta think about that one!!

Stress is already alive and well….

One day there will be a sticker on the cell phone stating, WARNING: this item can be detramental to your health and cause injury!!

I was wondering..do they have restrictions in jail on cell phone use?

Is Paris Hilton staying connected..!!??

How many Nanas have had the opportunity of viewing a child before it is born..? My second experience with doing so was when Grandad presented me with a fetal photo shot of our second great grandaughter.

PICTURE PERFECT….

 My first experience along these lines was seeing our grandaughter’s fetal photo four years ago. In hindsight she looked very much like herself..!!?

THE NEW ONE…

This yet unborn little one looks every bit a sweet little baby. She definitely has two eyes, one nose and a pair of lips. She is kinda weird looking right now…

My point is…where was this technology when we were having babies? Just 20 years ago sonagrams seemed pretty neat. But now it is possible to look inside the womb and determine gender and count the fingers and toes. Young mothers can end the neutral clothes purchases and paint the nursery the appropriate color. How totally cool is that…?

MIRACLES…

I must say the whole experience of birth is still a miracle to me. I get just as exciting for a new great grandchild as I did with grandchildren and the births of my own babies.

A NEED FOR ME…

We all know the importance of good Nanas…we usually get great pleasure out of cuddles, kisses and goos. There is always a need for a helpful Nana..we are at times in great demand. And there is nothing sweeter than rubbing a baby’s pink bottom…

A new birth is a new beginning and gives Nanas, like me, greater hope for a brighter future for our little ones…

Thanks to Heavenly Father for such precious sweet gifts…

Birthdays are special…especially for little children! Yesterday was a birthday gathering for my great grandaughter. She is now three years old…

PRESENT TIME…

Three is the perfect age for presents. It doesn’t matter what is inside the package, it is received with animated delight that pulls at the heart strings of this ole’ Nana. I think a three year old can be given an empty gift box wrapped in bright paper and string and have just as much fun as the surprise inside! Three year olds even like clothes…

HOT BIRTHDAY WISHES…

Yesterday the weather was hot and the party was thrown at a local park where the shade did not offer any relief. The little pavillon was decorated with streamers and balloons. And the local ducks, seagulls and geese played in the pond watching the people try to stay cool.

There were aunts and uncles…boy friends and grandparents. And my four year old grandaughter who greatly anticipated the third birthday of her cousin. We all gathered about the table for a finger food and salad lunch. Even in the heat it tasted mighty fine.

WATER GUN SURPRISE…

The birthday girl’s grandad brought some water guns..and therein lies the story…

Of couse, the teens and adults had their fair share of time using these water guns on each other…that is a given.

 But, give a three and four year old these toys and it is a riot waiting to happen. Forgotten are the presents…the cake…and the pinata. Put a water gun in the hands of little ones and it is a continuous melee of giggles, point and shoot and running hither and yond. These little cousins ran about in circles blasting at each other until it dawned on them to share the fun with all the big guys!

We finally got cool….

Birthdays are exciting and wonderful…but irrelevant when a 39 cent toy that squirts water is put into the hands of just about anyone…

Go figure….

Life can be strange…one day you are a child free and innocent. In no time you become a pimple faced teen wondering why everyone around you are sooo stupid…Then you find your significant other who puts up with you anyway and start the family thing. Then, suddenly your kids are walking out the door and you realize your significant other has aged and strickened with senioritus…Once you look in the mirror you realize it is catchy!

REALITY SUCKS…

You stand there realizing everything but your teeth have headed south…how did that happen? The apearance of wrinkles and those little age spots start to drive you nuts!

Medical procedures start to happen and the doctor says; ” well, people your age…” Where did that come from..? You start getting a collection of pills for breakfast. And the stairs become your mortal enemy…

TIME FLIES….

Where has the time gone? How fast it flees… And what’s with the thought process?  I was at church the other day and decided to participate in the discuss, half my thought came out… then silence. Finally I apologized and said,” give me a moment- it has to circle the room a couple times before I get it back!” People suddening become very kind and patient…

WARNINGS AHEAD….

Before senioritus infected me, I has tell-tale signs. My siatic nerve started to complain. My knees started to pain and buckle. My shoes fit funny and the fingers did not like to move. I have put up with these conditions too long.

Now, you are going to say that a good exercise program will fill the bill. Yes, you are right! But…………………the body is not co-operating with this change.

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS…

I had a marvelous opportunity to accompany my grandaughter to Disneyland a few months ago. I worried about hurting all the time, so we bite the bullet and rented a scooter for me to use. It was terrific!!!

I want to recommend using a scooter to everyone who feels the pain of a complaining body. Why deny yourself the pleasures of travel and seeing the world because of a mobility problem. I have a touch of vanity but putting myself out of life is ridiculous.!

IT’S A GREAT WORLD OUT THERE….

We live in a wonderful age of technology. Computers to learn by and stay in touch. Hearing devises to open up a silent or muffled world. Monitoring products that can call for emergency help when needed by just a push of a button. Electric scooters and wheelchairs to keep people moving and enjoying life…and much more!

I had not been to Disneyland for years, mainly because I knew I was not capable of all the needed walking. Truthfully, I can not remember having a better time at the magic kingdom. Not just because I was seeing through a four year old’s eyes but I was comfortable and happy. Disneyland now has scooters for rent at the entrance of the park. It’s a no brainer and a side benefit is you get at the head of the lines!

AUNTIE MAME WAS RIGHT….

My motto in life comes from Auntie Mame who said, “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death..” I sooo completely believe this….

Get yourself a set of good wheels and go for it……

It is something when an old Nana wishes she was another year older but elections 2008 already is getting on my nerves. I hate politics and unfortunately political game playing is in everything…!

CANDIDATES EVERYWHERE….

Never has there been such a free for all among candidates on both sides. I am thinking this election can be an interesting experiment in the American governmental experience or a mud slinging take your shot debacle.

A smart teacher will have plenty to talk about concerning the workings of the exisiting political systems now in place. I don’t know about you, but I have been plenty upset at the bureauracies of the government and the way it spends our monies.

TIME FOR PORK CHOPPIN’…

We have more pork cooking in congress than Trump has steaks. Some of our money is going to the craziest research and zaniest studies which are currently under governmental control and expense. This kind of spending has been going on for years. And there are starving children in the world, even in our own nation!! Go figure…

Classic goverment mentality of allocating huge grants of monies to various agencies who, driven by greed, pork up their needs so that it is all spent… so the next grant isn’t less than the last. Just who in government might be guilty of that..? Duh…

THE PEOPLE SPEAK…

It has been apparent recently that the ‘people’ have spoken on a few pertinent issues and government is turning a blind eye to the public noise. I was under the impression that our congress and senate persons would carry the will of the people…who are these pigmy giants anyway..? Partician politics suck…and that does not speak well of many of our elected officials.

Locally we have a straight arrow democratic official and a current city mayor who have been willing to step forward and carry the mandate of the people even if unpopular with local city, county and state governments. It is nice to see the process work occasionally…

BROTHER..HAVE YOU GOT A DIME..?

Regardless of party affiliation 2008 is going to be an interesting year…life can change on a dime- even a political one! I would hope for a clean, issues up front debate with great constructive solutions from which to choose…

But along with the hanging chads…don’t count on it!!

Let your vote be heard loud and clear….

I believe that at some point in one’s life there is usually a need to discover the ancestors. I think we all desire a connection to the past. I was not privileged to know my extended family in this life so I have tried to get to know them better through genealogy…

WHAT..?

Basically genealogy is the gathering of primary sources to one’s ancestors. In other words, building a family tree. Delving into this interest can be more than a hobby…it can become a motivating factor for excessive research and gathering of facts, thus becoming quite addictive!

TO BEGIN….

The best way to begin is to start with yourself and work backwards. I have found adding the software “paf” onto my computer is a good starting point. It allows you to systematically organize your data in a program that originated from the LDS Church who happens to be the leader in genealogical data and research. Paf is available free to download on the Church website at www.familysearch.org. Having paf on your computer gives you an electronic data filing system.

GENEALOGICAL FORMS…

Now, that you have an electronic filing system in place, it’s time to get to compiling the facts. To do this you must become familiar with “family group sheets” and “pedigree charts.” These and various other forms can be downloaded from the above website or at other major genealogical websites on the internet.

On these forms you will enter the facts as you know them…starting with your own immediate family first. Each family has their own separate group sheet and each sheet will have the spaces for the information needed. If you do not know all the required info then do the following:

+ Look about your home for information.

+ Call and interview family members for information.

+ Look for previous research other people may have done.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR….

Items to seek within your home may be; Bibles, books, certificates, diaries or day planners, family trees, photo albums, important papers (wills,titles,deeds), letters, clippings,resumes, school papers, scrapbooks, yearbooks and more.

FACTS…

Compile basic information which is Name, birth date and place, Marriage date and place and death date and place. This is the basic statistical information but always make note of other stats if found like military service, fraternal organizations, church affiliations, community services and pertinent offices held.

THE MEMORIES AND STORIES…

The most neglected area in genealogy is families histories…..The Stories! Older living relatives become very important in this area. Seek your family out and record as many stories as you can. Interview questions can be found in a past post in this computer journal.

WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE..?

Seek out those who may already be working on your family lines. Inquire within your extended family, surf the internet genealogical websites under your surname, look for surname forums and message board queries under your surname, state, county and city.

FINDING SUCCESS…

Computers were made for genealogy…there are many websites available to explore. The major sites like www.genealogy.com. www.rootsweb.com, www.ancestry.com and www.familysearch.org carry genealogy tutorials for the beginner and intermediate family history buff. The great thing about the computer is that you can do research in your jammies and at all hours of the day or night!

JOIN THE EXCITEMENT….

I think any long-term participate in genealogy feels a surging excitement in the air concerning future improvements and technical advancements in this field. Research and organization will continue to become easier for the beginner.

I recommend genealogy as a rewarding hobby….getting to know your ancestors is getting to know yourself..

Enjoy the journey…..