The more I learn....

The more I learn...the less I know. As a life long learner, I have always been aware of the truth in this statement.  This is why 'tweens, teens, and many young people think they know everything. They actually probably do know everything in their little sliver of life. However, the longer one lives, the more one realizes how much there is out there to become aware of let alone learn.  I am now starting to accept the truth of this statement when it comes to genealogy.

I have been to another genealogy learning day.  Saturday I was introduced to how my Legacy database and the Family Search Website can be directly linked.  The presentation was excellent. Just one more avenue which I probably don't have time to go down.  This was a morning special interest group given at a local genealogy library which offers research facilities, classes, and many different  special interest groups.

Because I rode with a friend, I was able to stay for an afternoon session.  This one was the DNA special interest group. I am far behind in the ability to use DNA in my research. But, I am learning. Little by little, I will know more. I have at least been tested as has my husband. Now after I get everything linked in my Legacy database to Family Search, I can start researching DNA. I believe I only need to make contact with about 400 4th cousins or closer on my side and around 200 on my husband's side. How much time could that take?  Then there is the whole question of testing for the Y chromosome. I am considering checking out the kits as Father's Day gifts for my oldest maternal relative and my male double cousin. I have a lot to do.  I am glad I have been working on a few more family stories for Cousins to print soon or my blog might dry up, and I don't want that.

So much to do, so little time. So much to learn....So much fun!!!!!!

Wright on Wednesday

A couple of years ago, I obtained a genealogy program called Legacy. I took a class here in my winter haven and decided to start the input with the notes I had on the Wright family, my paternal side.  Last year I started a blog to try to get my notes, papers, memories and information from all sides organized and into a form that could be shared with cousins near and far as well as my own descendants.  However, I have not blogged about the Wrights yet. This was my plan for the winter of 2016. I have even started with a yet to be published document written by my grandmother.  It has two parts and will be appearing soon.

I have connected with some second cousins on Facebook who are also the great-grandchildren of my Great Grandparents Charlie and Jennie Wright.  I have yet to straighten all of them out, but have decided it would be a fun winter project.

Last spring, my posts began with a dedication to my mother's brother and her first cousin who had passed away unexpectedly in January.  I am starting to think I don't like January. My own father left us in January 2010.

And now, we have lost his youngest brother, Gene Wright (January 25, 2016).The family is in shock. Gene was in great physical condition. I guess one never knows what tomorrow will bring. I have said it so many times. Enjoy today, tomorrow may not come your way.

Gene was Harold Gene Wright, son of Albert and Nina Wright. He was the seventh child of eight. As a young man he lived with us for awhile on our farm becoming an older brother of sorts to me. He was cool. He played the guitar and sang and had a bit of a James Dean persona... especially when driving his motorcycle.  I loved riding with him because it made me cool too. I will have to admit not many 10 year olds get to be so cool.

As I write about the Wrights this winter, he will be on my mind and certainly in my heart.         Rest In Peace, Uncle Gene.