tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42655384448796460502024-02-07T00:00:11.322-08:00From Scotland to Canada...my life history...Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-82508453062182183902015-11-25T23:12:00.001-08:002015-11-26T00:38:09.535-08:00Today I recieved a birthday card... my birthday is in 2 weeks, but<br />
my friend sent it early... it was lovely..I felt special...and then......<br />
I read the words on the front,<br />
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and I realised... I'M TURNING 60 !!!!!</div>
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I don't feel like a 60 year old...</div>
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How is a 60 year old supposed to feel ?? </div>
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I've already lived 3 years past what my Father did...</div>
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I mean, I knew I'm turning 60...but</div>
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I'M TURNING 60 !!!</div>
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My first feeling was ANXIOUS... I mean... 60 is old...right?</div>
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I didn't feel like this when I turned 40 or even 50...</div>
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Then I got thinking....</div>
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I have almost lived 60 years... almost all of them great years..</div>
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sure there have been bumps along the way...</div>
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the bumps are what make me appreciate the great days even more. :)</div>
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I've still got a lot to learn... like how to love myself and not be so</div>
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critical of ME...</div>
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BUT..... I am still learning, and still growing...</div>
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<br /></div>
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So in honour of being " almost " 60...here are 60 things about me :</div>
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<br /></div>
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1... I was born in the " best " decade...the 50's... I LOVE that I was</div>
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<br /></div>
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2.. I love Christmas... but have noticed more the last few years that</div>
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I love more of the simple things about it now. I miss when my kids </div>
<div>
were wee, and it felt more exciting....</div>
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<br /></div>
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3.. I did childcare for over 35 years.. although there are days</div>
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when I miss it...I'm also learning to enjoy this stage of my life now.</div>
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<br /></div>
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4.. I'm shy....the dying inside kind of shy, although there are some</div>
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who don't believe it, I'm sure there are others who do</div>
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<br /></div>
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5.. I'm a family history / genealogy nerd. I love it.</div>
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For my birthday I have asked for a DNA kit so I can hook</div>
<div>
it up to my tree on ancestry, and hopefully find more family..</div>
<div>
told you....nerd !!</div>
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<br /></div>
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6... Fall and Winter are my favourite seasons...I'm not weird</div>
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I just like cool better that extremely hot :0</div>
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<br /></div>
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7.. I love my blue eyes... I also loved my dark hair, although</div>
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its a lot more grey now</div>
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<br /></div>
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8..January is my least favourite month...it just feels so</div>
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gloomy after Christmas.</div>
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<br /></div>
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9.. I came here to Canada as a Nanny..I was only</div>
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20 years old.... YIKES</div>
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<br /></div>
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10.. I went to England as Nanny.. I was only </div>
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18 years old when I did that. DOUBLE YIKES !!</div>
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<br /></div>
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11..I've been a Homestay Mum for 14 years this coming March</div>
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<br /></div>
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12.. I have 4 kids ( but was pregnant 8 times ) 8 Grandchildren</div>
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and 2 Great Grands</div>
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<br /></div>
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13.. I'm impatient</div>
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<br /></div>
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14.. I'm quick to get angry, but also quick to calm down</div>
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<br /></div>
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15.. I'm stubborn</div>
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<br /></div>
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16.. I'm a plain cook</div>
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<br /></div>
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17.. Even though a plain cook, I like to have people over for dinner</div>
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<br /></div>
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18.. I think too much</div>
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<br /></div>
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19.. I get hurt easily</div>
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<br /></div>
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20..I love to laugh... I may even think some things are funny that you dont !! hehe</div>
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<br /></div>
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21..I'm an introvert</div>
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<br /></div>
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22..I love reality shows</div>
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<br /></div>
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23.. I cry easily ( even at National Anthems )</div>
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<br /></div>
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24.. I love animals ( though we don't own any anymore )</div>
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</div>
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25..I hate confrontation</div>
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<br /></div>
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26..Because of #25 I won't get into discussions about politics or religion</div>
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don't like to rock the boat per se... BUT.... that doesn't mean I don't feel deeply</div>
<div>
about those subjects...</div>
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<br /></div>
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26..I love music...all kinds...well not rap, or heavy metal :)</div>
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<br /></div>
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27..I love that I can talk to my Granddaughter Ashley about almost anything.....</div>
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since she has got older, that's been the nice thing..</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
28..I love long walks</div>
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<br /></div>
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29.. I didn't care much for Disneyland ( sorry to those who love it )</div>
<div>
I DID love seeing grandkids enjoy it though</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
30..I LOVED the Grand Canyon so much... it took my breath away</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
31..One of my favourite people is my Visiting Teacher... Thank you Linda</div>
<div>
She comes EVERY month, and I always feel so at ease with her.</div>
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<br /></div>
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32.. I don't open up very easily</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
33.. Yet in some ways I'm an open book... it doesn't make sense to me either</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
34..Banff is one of most favourite places in the world, and its right</div>
<div>
on my doorstep</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
35..Sometimes the way the world is going scares me...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
36..I LOVE to read</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
37..I love seeing the big kids come to my door at Halloween</div>
<div>
( I love the littles as well, but glad to see older ones still enjoy it )</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
38..I feel lonely... too much... need more friends I guess</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
39.. I love seeing / hearing / doing Acts of Kindness</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
40..I love my home... it always feels so comfortable here...</div>
<div>
had other people tell me the same thing..makes me happy</div>
<div>
that they feel like that here.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
41..I love nature..mountains..water</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
42.. I hate creepy crawlies, especially spiders</div>
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<br /></div>
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43.. I don't have a garden because of #42</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
44..I like surprises ( if they are good ) :)</div>
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<br /></div>
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45..I love rain...especially big plops of rain that kiss my cheek when it falls</div>
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<br /></div>
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46..Love going to James Bond movies with my sweetie</div>
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<br /></div>
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47..Romantic comedies, action packed and christmas movies</div>
<div>
are my favourite</div>
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<br /></div>
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48.. I am tooooo sensitive</div>
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<br /></div>
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49..I used to be a machinist, making army jackets and goonies</div>
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<br /></div>
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50..Pasta and seafood are my favourite foods</div>
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<br /></div>
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51..My FAMILY... what can I say ..I love them..I adore them</div>
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<br /></div>
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52..Junk food is my vice</div>
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<br /></div>
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53.. I dont like all the healthy stuff people eat..like quinoa..yuck</div>
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<br /></div>
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54..The people I would most like to meet if I could are</div>
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My dad, my gran..my McCulloch grandparents, and my dad's</div>
<div>
mum...I have questions. See #5... told you !! hehe</div>
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<br /></div>
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55.. I have a bad habit of biting my nails</div>
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<br /></div>
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56.. I feel unlovable ( cept with Ken ) I think I annoy </div>
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people, though I dont mean too</div>
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<br /></div>
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57..I need more confidence</div>
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<br /></div>
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58.. I don't like being tall</div>
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<br /></div>
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59..I love the land of my birth, but also love where I am..I have the</div>
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best of both worlds...</div>
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<br /></div>
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60... Good Grief.. in 2 weeks I'm going to be 60 !!!</div>
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And Guess What ??? I'm going to LOVE it !!!!</div>
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<br /></div>
Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-65129675441333409832015-10-26T22:50:00.000-07:002015-10-26T22:52:53.600-07:00RememberingBeen thinking a lot these days... about life.. about '"stuff ", and<br />
today when Ken and I were in the van coming back from Costco,<br />
I was talking to him about some memories..I realised I want<br />
to write them down in my blog, but have left it too long that<br />
now I'm having a hard time remembering them all. haha<br />
<br />
When I lived in Kelburn, we lived on the top floor of a tenement<br />
building... I can remember when I had been out, how I would<br />
run up the stairs as fast as I could...why ? because there were<br />
daddy long legs in the corners of the stairs, and I was petrified<br />
that they would get me..haha<br />
When I went up a flight of stairs there was a landing with a big<br />
window and there were always a load of daddy long legs<br />
floating up and down those windows... why did we have to live<br />
on the top floor ??<br />
There were a couple of landings too... oh I hated it !!<br />
<br />
I can also remember that my bedroom was the first one as you<br />
came in the front door. It was a big room, but so damp<br />
and cold... freezing... but yet I have such fond memories of<br />
my room there.<br />
<br />
There was a long hallway ( at least it seemed long to me at that time )<br />
At the end of the hallway was the living room door, but<br />
before you came to it, the kitchen door was on the left hand side.<br />
The kitchen had a big black ..I dont know what to call it...it<br />
was'nt a stove, but you could put the kettle on it to heat it up.<br />
The other side of it was the fireplace in the living room...it was<br />
a coal fireplace... I wonder if they still have them in the homes there.<br />
<br />
Also in the kitchen was a pulley... it would be up to the ceiling, but<br />
with a rope that you loosened, you could bring it down to hang clothes on,<br />
and would then pull it back up, so the clothes would be out of the way.<br />
The clothes on it were washed and hung up to dry on it.<br />
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<br />
I told Ken that I was amazed at being able to remember some little<br />
details of my home there... maybe a sign that I'm getting older ??<br />
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<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-36825458080890145012015-08-20T13:08:00.004-07:002015-08-20T13:27:27.110-07:00In Deep with the Book of Me.. August 2015 prompt <br />
<b>Happy Memories</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Many of us have happy memories, We recall them<br />
from time to time when we are day dreaming,<br />
sharing a memory with others or perhaps we<br />
trigger a memory by something else completely.<br />
<br />
What are your top five happy memories ?<br />
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<br />
First... these will be in no real order, and there are other happy memories, but this is<br />
what comes to my mind right now..right at this moment.. tomorrow if you<br />
asked me, I could probably give five more different answers. :)<br />
<br />
Memory number 1....<br />
<br />
My first Christmas in Canada. I was a newlywed, We bought our tree and<br />
decorated it together We were making our own family traditions...it was exciting.<br />
I had never seen so many presents under a tree before with <b>MY </b>name on them..<br />
The boxes were all shapes and sizes, all wrapped in different coloured Christmas<br />
paper... I couldn't wait to open them...and so I did !! Oops !!<br />
Very, very carefully I might add/ and taped them back up so carefully as well :)<br />
Because I was new to Canada, Ken had got me winter boots ( I had none )<br />
and a new jacket to keep me warm in the cold winters we get here. I must admit,..<br />
<b>that</b> Christmas was such a happy time.<br />
P.S. I have never opened up any presents before Christmas again...the surprise<br />
on Christmas day is much better<br />
<br />
Memory number 2...<br />
<br />
I think I was married about 6 months when I went back to Scotland.<br />
I remember showing up at my dad and mum's ( Bridie ) door.....<br />
I don't remember the circumstances as to why I stayed there one night ( I<br />
was actually staying at my friend Jean's house )... what I do remember was,<br />
I had gone to bed, and there was a soft knock on the door... it was my dad.<br />
He came and sat on the bed to talk to me. we talked and talked, and then before<br />
he left the room, he tucked me in and kissed my forehead. It made me feel warm<br />
it made me feel so happy... it was just a small gesture, but made me feel<br />
so loved...so, so happy. I still smile when I think about it.<br />
I love and miss my dad....<br />
<br />
Memory number 3...<br />
<br />
There was a bunch of us women at church who once a month or so<br />
would go out to eat, but also get into some mischief... nothing bad...<br />
Having grown up in Scotland I had never gone out to toilet paper anyone's house.<br />
It really was good clean fun.. :)<br />
Well here we were...all these women...we went to another friend's home.<br />
Let the FUN begin. Sneaking around and throwing toilet paper up over<br />
trees and bushes. We were so quiet, yet giggly.<br />
And then the one friend ( Wendy ) I dont remember the exact details..but I think<br />
it was pots and pans she went to hang on their door or the mailbox..when we heard a HEY !!!<br />
He had seen her shadow....I have never seen anyone run so fast.. jump into<br />
the van ( she was the driver ) and drive off, just as he came out the door.<br />
Maybe you had to be there...but we could NOT stop laughing !! <br />
Funny memory :)<br />
<br />
Memory number 4...<br />
<br />
Ken is from Ontario,,, when we were married a year we decided to move<br />
out West, but in 1986 we moved back to Ontario for just 2 years.<br />
It was a hard move, it was hard to get back on our feet...things were tough.<br />
Anyway... it was a summer day and our son Paul who was young at that time<br />
was with Ken... they needed to get the bus to another town as Ken was getting a car rental or something. The bus they were waiting for must have broke down because they<br />
were waiting for such a long time.<br />
Even though Paul was young, he had a lot of Faith... Ken was getting tired<br />
of waiting and was also getting impatient, when Paul said.." Dad...I'm<br />
going to say a prayer that the bus will come" Ken just went along with it..well<br />
Paul folded his arms, closed his eyes and as only a child can... just said a simple prayer<br />
that they were tired and could a bus please come now... he said Amen looked up,<br />
and over the hill was coming the bus. When Ken explained the story to me<br />
later., I don't know..I just felt warm...proud... and even now its such a<br />
happy memory that we still talk about.<br />
<br />
Memory number 5...<br />
<br />
When I left High School I went to work at a place called Wovenair..<br />
( I wonder if its still there ).. We made goonies ( dressing gowns ) and I remember<br />
there were Army vests we made as well.<br />
Always the radio would be playing loudly, and always different people<br />
would be singing loudly to the songs that were playing, as we were working.<br />
I was one of those...I still love music !!<br />
Whenever I hear Rod Stewart;s " Maggie May ", it always brings me back to that<br />
time of my life when I worked there.<br />
Does music do that to you ?<br />
I can remember where I was and what I was doing when I hear certain songs.<br />
<br />
" Because when you stop and look around...this life is pretty amazing"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-23427305724690949482015-08-06T21:33:00.002-07:002015-08-06T21:37:17.711-07:00In Deep with the Book of Me.. June 2015 Prompt<br />
<b>Flags :</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
... Do you identify yourself with a particular flag ?<br />
.... Is it different to the country where you live ?<br />
....Is it different to the country of your birth ?<br />
<br />
I identify myself with a few flags...<br />
<br />
<b>The Lion Rampant</b><br />
<b>( Scotland )</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>The St Andrews </b><br />
<b>( Scotland )</b><br />
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Scotland is where I was born, so of course these flags would be important to me/<br />
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<b>Union Jack</b><br />
<b>( Britain )</b><br />
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Being part of Great Britain, this flag is also important.<br />
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<b>Canadian Flag</b><br />
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Canada is where I now live... <br />
I would identify myself now with the Canadian flag... thiis country has been good<br />
to me. My children were born here... I have been accepted here.<br />
Its a beautiful place to live... with its wide open spaces, its rivers, mountains<br />
and prairies. I love my Scotland, that could never change, but I also<br />
love my Canada... the true North strong and free.....<br />
I have made my home here..<br />
<br />
My heart loves the land of my birth.. I miss it.. terribly at times.<br />
I always get choked up when I hear Flower of Scotland<br />
I feel the same when I hear Oh Canada...<br />
<br />
Should auld acqaintance be forget, and never brought to mind<br />
Should auld acqaintance be forgot , and days of auld lang syne<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vkYiCdn834">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vkYiCdn834</a><br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/zwDvF0NtgdU">https://youtu.be/zwDvF0NtgdU</a>Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-22924850589256423362015-08-06T14:03:00.002-07:002015-08-06T14:03:23.359-07:00In Deep with the Book of Me... July 2015 Prompt<br />
<b>Bucket Lists</b><br />
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It is very 21st century to create a bucket list.<br />
<br />
.. Do you have a bucket list ?<br />
...Have you created a bucket list with a<br />
particular purpose<br />
...What sort of things are on your list<br />
...Have you achieved any<br />
Have you added to the list<br />
What does the list mean to you ?<br />
<br />
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I <b>LOVE</b> this prompt !!!<br />
I'm a list maker anyway, so it only makes sense ( to me anyway ) that I would have<br />
a bucket list.<br />
I have a Bucket List board on Pinterest even...<br />
<br />
When I was in my teens going to the USA was on my list of things I wanted to do.<br />
When I was becoming a Nanny, deep down I hoped that I would get a job<br />
in America, but I didnt. I was offered one in Toronto, Canada.<br />
I knew that Canada was a neighbour to the USA, and so I took it.<br />
Now I live in Canada, and have been to the States many times...I have'nt as yet<br />
seen or been everywhere there that I wanted , but also some of my goals have changed as<br />
to what I want to do or see.<br />
Some things on my bucket list are :<br />
I would love to get tickets to see The Ellen Show<br />
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I would love to see the ball drop in Times Square, New York</div>
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I would love to see The Grand Canyon ( doing that this year )</div>
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I would love to see the Queen Mary ( will also do that this Fall )</div>
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I want to send a message in a bottle. I will do this, just not sure when yet..</div>
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I want to write a letter to myself and open it in 10 years.. I dont know</div>
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why I havent done this yet, but plan to do it soon.</div>
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I have started this, but have a long way to go.</div>
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We went to Johnstone's Canyon...it was beautiful,</div>
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and was awesome ( and tiring ) to do,,,,</div>
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I have lots more things on my list....</div>
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What does a list mean to me ?</div>
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It gives me something to plan...something to look forward to.</div>
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Its exciting adding to the list, but also exciting completing something.</div>
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Honestly, I think everyone should have one..</div>
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We all want different things in life... having</div>
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a list ( even if you think in your mind you cant achieve it ) still gives</div>
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you a purpose, and something to work towards... to prove</div>
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that you can do it !!!</div>
Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-34330556429945603552015-05-14T15:07:00.001-07:002015-05-14T15:07:36.218-07:00My Dad...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is my Dad....<br />
On May 14, 1988 he died...... 27 years ago.<br />
So much has happened in that time that I would have loved to share with him,<br />
or ask his advice on... 27 years seems like a long time, and yet... I still remember it<br />
like it was yesterday.<br />
He wasn't perfect.. of course not.. but he was perfect for me.<br />
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This is him when he was a wee boy,</div>
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I remember shortly after I was married, I went back to Scotland on</div>
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holiday. When I went to bed, there was a knock on</div>
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the bedroom door , and it was my dad, he</div>
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came in and sat on the edge of my bed and talked</div>
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to me, he then kissed the top of my head and tucked me in.</div>
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I felt like a wee girl again..I mean that in </div>
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a good way..</div>
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My Dad and my step mum Bridie</div>
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He worked in the shipyards... I remember he actually saw</div>
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saw burn alive right in front of him...it affected</div>
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him in a big way after that.</div>
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My Dad with my brother Andrew, my cousin Margaret and me....<br />
<br />
I used to call my dad often.. I loved to hear his voice.<br />
I would say that was one of the things after he died that I was<br />
afraid of... not remembering his voice and what he sounded like....<br />
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My Mum, my Dad and me as a baby...<br />
<br />
I regret not being able to go over for his funeral. My passport had ran<br />
out and I hadn't had it renewed yet.<br />
I also wasn't a landed immigrant of Canada yet.<br />
I called and asked the government if I could go over... they told me<br />
that I could, but they wouldn't allow me back in Canada again..<br />
It was hard for me... I cried so much... it hurt so much not being able to<br />
go back to say my goodbyes..<br />
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My Dad and my Uncle George ( his brother )<br />
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What I hope is that he would be proud of me...<br />
I hope he knew how much I loved him..<br />
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My Dad and I.....<br />
<br />
He was only 57 years old when he passed away... he had had a lot<br />
of heartache in that time..<br />
I loved him...... I love him still<br />
And I miss him so much... I'm not sad... I believe I will see him again,<br />
and that is something to look forward to...<br />
I love you Dad... to the moon and stars and back..<br />
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RIP</div>
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Archie Newman</div>
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March 1931 - May 1988</div>
Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-81858607128294732042015-05-07T10:18:00.001-07:002015-05-07T10:28:38.416-07:00Happy Mother's Day to my two Mum's<br />
As its Mother's Day this coming Sunday, I have decided to write about my mum<br />
and my step mum.....<br />
I don't know why I feel nervous doing this, but here goes.<br />
<br />
My Mum ( Patricia McCulloch ) was only 18 years old when she married my Dad..<br />
3 months later she turned 19 years old. I was born the following December.<br />
<br />
Things about my mum that I am thankful for......<br />
<br />
... For giving me birth<br />
....For accepting the phone call when Ken called ( after he woke poor Anne up...<br />
sorry Anne )<br />
....For giving me more memories when she came to visit<br />
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.....For telling me she loved me</div>
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.....For telling my siblings about me, so that I could also be in touch with them</div>
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This is just 2 of them..I'm in the middle :)</div>
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.....For taking me to Dundee so I could meet that side of my famuly</div>
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A Letter to my Mum :</div>
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Dear mum, ever since I had been young, I had always wondered about you..I</div>
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am so grateful that I was able to find you.</div>
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Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I could ever meet you,</div>
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But..... I did !!!</div>
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Everyone told me that I look like you, although I cant see it</div>
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too much.. Tricia for sure looks like you.</div>
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You told me that you had always wondered about us as well.</div>
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I hope you weren't disappointed when we met..</div>
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Its going to be Mother's day this coming Sunday,</div>
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you're not here anymore for me to call and wish you a </div>
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Happy Mother's Day, so I am telling you here instead.</div>
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I hope you can feel my love from Heaven.</div>
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I wish you were here so I could talk to you about things</div>
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in my own life.</div>
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I wish so much</div>
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Sending big hugs to you</div>
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Happy Mother's day</div>
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I Love You</div>
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My Step Mum was Bridget Keyes , but she was called Bridie.</div>
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I called her Mum....</div>
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Things I am Thankful for :</div>
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.....I am thankful she chose to take on a family that wasn't her own</div>
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.....for her love</div>
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.....for her acceptance</div>
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A letter to her :</div>
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Dear Mum,</div>
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How lucky am I ? I had two mum's, although growing up</div>
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I only really knew you.</div>
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I would be amiss if I didn't say thank you to you for everything.</div>
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I know at the end things weren'r as good as maybe</div>
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it should have been, but I always loved you..I hope</div>
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that it was the same for you.</div>
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I love you still...</div>
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If you were still here I would want to contact you to wish</div>
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you a Happy Mother's Day, but instead, I am</div>
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sending my wishes for you to Heaven.</div>
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Along with my wishes, I am sending lots of love.</div>
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Happy Mother's Day Mum</div>
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Mother's day is for this moment to have the courage</div>
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to let everything.... just be.........</div>
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I hope I have the courage...</div>
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Somewhere in this world there will be someone just like me..</div>
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Its okay to have a cry in the shower, where the</div>
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tears can be washed away</div>
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I choose ( no matter how hard ) to be happy</div>
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this day... no matter what...</div>
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HAPPY MOTHER"S DAY</div>
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<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-84667885256963496252015-05-01T21:36:00.000-07:002015-05-01T21:36:08.625-07:00In Deep With The Book if Me..... May Prompt 2015Dream Trip :<br />
<br />
You are going to plan your dream trip. Where do you want to go and why ?<br />
Genealogical connections, revisit because of happy memories, or perhaps you just<br />
feel a connection to somewhere else ? What do you want to do when you get there?<br />
<br />
The trip can be as long or as short as you would like it to be. Forget about the<br />
constraints that you might feel and be aware of. This is an opportunity to dream and<br />
perhaps sow the seed for a future adventure.<br />
<br />
<br />
If money was no option, and time didn't matter.. the first place I would go is<br />
<b>Ireland</b> ...<br />
I would want to visit Ahoghill in Northern Ireland.. I would want to visit<br />
the church my Great Grandparents David McGowan and Elizabeth O'Neill<br />
were married, and hopefully while there, I could find more information<br />
on them.<br />
I know David McGowan's Father was Robert McGowan, he was born<br />
in Antrim, Northern Ireland, but I would love to get further back.<br />
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The two photo's above are Ahoghill<br />
<br />
Also in Ireland , I would visit Drumsnatt, Monaghan and County Cavan in<br />
Southern Ireland... my McCulloch and O'Neill lines came from there.<br />
My Great Great Grandfather came from Cavan, Ireland,<br />
his name was Francis McCulloch, he married Emily Tomlinson<br />
who is from Scotland...<br />
My O'Brien side goes back to Drumsnatt .<br />
I would like to find out more on that side..<br />
I have back to Edward O;Brien, who was born in 1777, he was married to<br />
Catherine McConnan, they were my Great Great Great Great Grandparents<br />
I would want to walk the streets they walked....<br />
<br />
<br />
... but the place I really<br />
want to see, and I think about the most, is<br />
<br />
<b>SCOTLAND :</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
you see its the land of my birth. and is also home to my ancestors also.<br />
I would visit Dundee, I would like to see if I could find the streets they lived on,<br />
it would be awesome if the houses were still there.<br />
Also Arbroath... my Newman ancestors are there<br />
The earliest I have found is Benjamin Newman, his wife is Ann Law<br />
they are my Great, Great ,Great Grandparents.<br />
My Menzies are also from around that area as well.<br />
My cousin took me to Arbroath when I was there for a visit, but I would go there<br />
for maybe a month to explore, and to look for streets my ancestors would<br />
have walked..<br />
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Arbroath Harbour<br />
<br />
<br />
just for fun, and not for Genealogy purposes, I also really want to see Oban, but I also want<br />
to see the Fairy Pools in the Isle of Skye.<br />
<br />
This is Oban...<br />
<br />
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I would love to go, just to walk around, or to sit and watch the water.<br />
I would love it if I had no time schedule, and money wasn't an option, so I could<br />
stay as long as I wanted to.<br />
I would love to explore the area, and to just relax... think.... enjoy<br />
<br />
The Fairy Pools in the Isle of Skye<br />
<br />
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I've heard the water is freezing, even in summer, but you can go in if you want.<br />
I don't want to go in... I just want to experience the beauty of it all.<br />
I would love to stay nearby, and just go every day to experience it all.<br />
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Doing all of this would take a lot of time and money... but since this would be my<br />
dream trip, it doesn't matter :)<br />
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<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-1470049357878148072015-05-01T08:15:00.001-07:002015-05-01T08:15:50.798-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge Z is for Zealous What am I zealous about in life and Genealogy / Family History<br />
<br />
I'm definitely zealous about finding another ancestor, or finding information<br />
on one... soooo exciting for me.<br />
Genealogy and Family History are definitely my passion for sure.<br />
When I was trying to find information on my Mum's side of the family, it<br />
was so hard at first, because I didn't have much to go on.<br />
When I finally was able to meet or be in contact with some of my family,<br />
it was like the flood doors opened... I found out that I had 2 great uncles who<br />
were spitfire pilots ( Fred McCulloch and George McCulloch )<br />
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<br />
I found out that my Gran loved to sing and was the life of a party.<br />
<br />
My Grandad used to be a boxer when he was young<br />
<br />
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Tom McCulloch<br />
The Royal Navy Reserves Boxing Team... age 24 years<br />
<br />
My Great Uncle Fred was a big wig in the Boy Scouts<br />
<br />
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He is on the right.... with the big smile :)<br />
<br />
Finding out things about my family gives me the zeal and the hunger to find out<br />
more, and makes me feel so excited...<br />
<br />
I'm thankful to have found out that I am part of a big family...<br />
my heart feels so full...I love them all so much..<br />
I feel how the grinch felt, when his heart grew two sizes that day...<br />
my heart just keeps growing...<br />
<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-26150157870159444112015-04-27T18:13:00.000-07:002015-04-27T18:16:22.052-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge Y is for YOU Y is for you... your research starts with YOU<br />
<br />
Some points of my life...<br />
<br />
: I was born in Dundee, Scotland..<br />
<br />
: I moved to Greenock and then Port Glasgow, Scotland with my Dad,<br />
brother and sister when I was around 5 years old<br />
<br />
: I attended Belville Street Primary School for a short time<br />
<br />
: My dad got remarried when I was around 8 years old<br />
<br />
: I then went to Clune Park Primary<br />
<br />
: My High School was Port Glasgow High<br />
<br />
: Finished school at age 16 and went to work at Wovenair<br />
<br />
: When I was 17 years old I went with my friend Jean to look for the church we were interested in,<br />
best decision ever...<br />
<br />
: Age 18 moved to Edgeware in England and worked there as Nanny<br />
<br />
: Also worked at Butlins holiday camp in Minehead, England for a short time<br />
<br />
: Age 20 got a Nanny job in Toronto, Canada<br />
<br />
: Met my husband, got engaged and married that same year<br />
<br />
: Moved to Calgary a year after we got married<br />
<br />
: Had our first son almost 2 years after we were married<br />
<br />
: Adopted our daughter a year and a half after our son was born ( she was almost 12 years old )<br />
<br />
: 7 months after that, we had out second son<br />
<br />
:Two and a half years after that we had our third son ( lost 5 babies in between having all our boys )<br />
<br />
: Moved back East in 1986<br />
<br />
: Moved back out West in 1988<br />
<br />
Wont go into anymore except to say that, we have 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren<br />
Next year is our Ruby anniversary<br />
<br />
" Its a Wonderful Life "<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-69745987456888193922015-04-25T22:00:00.001-07:002015-04-25T22:00:49.662-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge X ( Marks the spot )X marks the spot...<br />
<br />
Did any of our ancestors not know how to write, and therefore instead of<br />
their name, they would put an x there instead.?<br />
Or...<br />
due to an injury or maybe an illness they were unable to write their name,<br />
so put an x<br />
<br />
So far with the documents that I have , my ancestors have actually<br />
written their name... but I don't really have anything that goes really, really far back.<br />
<br />
I think that before the early 20th century, it would be quite common for most<br />
people to not know how to write.<br />
If we do come across that with our own ancestors, to know if they could write<br />
at all, we could search other documents, eg: wills, birth certificate etc and see<br />
if they wrote their name on that, or just put an x instead.<br />
<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-17860201606078683892015-04-25T21:10:00.001-07:002015-04-25T21:10:26.872-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge W is for Who, What, Where, When, Why and Who am I ?We need to understand all these things in relation to our Ancestors.<br />
Who they are...<br />
What they did..<br />
Where they lived<br />
When they lived there..<br />
Why they did something..<br />
<br />
My Ancestors are McGowans, Newmans, McCullochs, O,Neills..Menzies<br />
and O'Briens I have other names, but these are the main lines.<br />
<br />
In doing my research, my McGowans and O'Neill's they originated in Northern Ireland,<br />
and then moved to Scotland ( Greenock ).. I only have my Great Grandparents<br />
there, as I can't get back further. ( so far ) They were married in a place called Ahoghill.<br />
The year was 1880 that they were married.<br />
<br />
The furthest back I have my Newmans is 1790.. Benjamin Newman was<br />
married to Ann Law.<br />
He married her August of 1810...<br />
His son Andrew Newman ( My Great Great Grandfather ) was a<br />
salmon fisher.... He drowned. I wonder , even though he<br />
was a fisherman, that maybe he couldn't swim.. They lived in Arbroath.<br />
My Newmans always lived in Arbroath, Scotland, but my Grandfather<br />
David Scott Newman came to Greenock... I'm not sure the reason why.<br />
He would have met my Grandmother Agnes McGowan there...<br />
<br />
Most of my Menzies were also from Arbroath... although my earliest<br />
was Thomas Menzies, born in 1744 in Strachan, Kincardineshire, Scotland/<br />
<br />
My McCullochs and O'Brien's also originally came from Ireland.. I heard<br />
from my Uncle Ally, that it was County Mayo and County Cavan, but \I<br />
haven't been able to get them there yet.<br />
They did both end up in Dundee, Scotland<br />
I dont know why they left Ireland and came to Scotland.<br />
This is my Great Grandparents<br />
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George Walsh McCulloch 1876 to 1936<br />
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<br />
Helen Edwards ( McCulloch ) 1880 to 1939<br />
<br />
<br />
Who am I ?<br />
<br />
I am a Wife, Mother, daughter, aunt, cousin, sister.... friend<br />
I am a lover of purple and blue<br />
I am a lover of all things pasta<br />
I am a thinker ( sometimes too much )<br />
I am a Homestay mom<br />
I am a childcare giver<br />
I am an animal lover<br />
Sensitive ( too much so )<br />
Lover of Autumn<br />
Music lover<br />
Child of God<br />
Scottish<br />
Canadian<br />
shy<br />
Introvert<br />
picture taker<br />
Christmas Lover<br />
Family Historian<br />
Dreamer<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-55538629508880407672015-04-24T09:57:00.001-07:002015-04-24T09:57:55.727-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge V is for Validation Is it important to validate the research and photo's etc that we have ? ... it is..<br />
I had never seen a photo of my grandmother ( Agnes McGowan ), I tried asking<br />
several family members at that time, but no-one seemed to have one.<br />
<br />
When my Aunt Helen died, it was awhile after, when I recieved a package in the mail<br />
and inside was this photo...<br />
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I cried....</div>
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it was from my cousin and his wife..</div>
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If I had seen this picture, I would not have known that this was my grandmother</div>
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but it was validated for me from my cousin.</div>
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I'm sure that my Aunt Helen had probably shown this photo</div>
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to her sons... they would know who this was...</div>
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I'm just excited to have it.</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-47630828392461132402015-04-23T11:08:00.000-07:002015-04-23T11:08:57.158-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge U is for Understanding and UmbrellaDo we understand the situations that our ancestors lived, .. they would have had<br />
to make tough choices, and sometimes those choices were not choices at all... they would<br />
have been a matter of survival... do we understand that dilema or do we pass<br />
judgement on them ?<br />
<br />
Honestly.. I try not to pass judgement on anyone, but I know at times<br />
..... maybe I do...<br />
I don't really know all the situations that my ancestors lived..<br />
We have all at some point had to make a tough choice.. just this morning<br />
I was talking to a friend about a tough choice that I had to make recently, and<br />
honestly, I know the reasons I made it, but I would hate to be judged by someone<br />
who " thought " they knew the situation, when actually they did'nt, and so<br />
judged me on what they think they knew.<br />
We all want understanding, don't we ?<br />
<br />
Umbrella... think of it open.... your going to hold the umbrella so that<br />
it is on the ground , and the pivotal point is on the ground.. who in your family<br />
is that pivotal point , and who are the spokes coming off from that point ?<br />
<br />
I would have to say my Gran was the pivotal point.. the spokes coming<br />
off would be myself, dad and brother, and my Aunts, Uncles and cousins..<br />
<br />
When I was a wee girl, my Gran would take me to visit my Aunt Helen<br />
and Uncle Jimmy, and I would therefore see cousins as well.. they were all<br />
quite a bit older than I was. I would also visit with my Aunt Lily... also<br />
other Aunts, Uncles, cousins etc would come to my Gran's home, so I would<br />
get to see them ... my Gran was the pivotal point in me see other family members.<br />
When my Gran died, the umbrella folded slightly... not all the way, but slightly.<br />
We didn't have that connection anymore. I was here in Canada when she died<br />
and other family members were also living far away as well.<br />
I'm glad that the umbrella didn't close all the way.. I am now in touch with<br />
family members again, and so glad that I am... closer with some than<br />
with others... love my family x<br />
<br />
<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-1729584526741546382015-04-23T10:15:00.000-07:002015-04-23T10:15:24.976-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge T is for Trust Trust.... do I trust the research I've done, do I trust the evidence ?<br />
Do I trust the notes I've took ?<br />
Do I trust the information I was given ?<br />
<br />
I know mistakes can be made accidently, but I know that I mostly trust<br />
the information I have been given, and will probably continue to do<br />
so unless it has been proven otherwise.<br />
If I ever find something wrong in the information or work that I have,<br />
I'll just correct it and move on... :)<br />
<br />
Who is the absolute person that I trust the most, and why ?<br />
<br />
Well that would have to be my husband... I can tell him, and talk to<br />
him about anything, and I know it wont go anywhere else.<br />
I also have a friend that I can do that with as well... its really important<br />
to have someone like that... sometimes we just need a sounding board,<br />
and need someone there to listen, while we get it off our chest.<br />
<br />
I dont really trust easily, and hope that if I do open up to someone, I hope<br />
that I dont regret it... especially if it was a sensitive subject..<br />
<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-37929276317485647922015-04-22T20:34:00.001-07:002015-04-22T20:54:17.012-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge... S is for Secondary Sources and SportsWhat is Secondary Sources in Genealogy....it is documents or records that were not created<br />
at the time the event occurred . It could be someone who is telling about the event<br />
in the past, and it may not be completely accurate.<br />
It could be from letters or books that a relative may have.<br />
For example... some of what I've written, is just from memory and may not<br />
be completely accurate...<br />
Some sources can be Primary or Secondary... have I confused you yet??<br />
I think I've confused myself... haha<br />
<br />
Sports : This isnt a hard one... I really don't like sports much at all..<br />
I only watch Hockey when its the play offs ..and I root for the<br />
Calgary Flames to win... my husband is the same... we just are'nt Sports fanatics.<br />
<br />
My dad loved football ( here its called soccer )<br />
He was a Morton and a Rangers fan<br />
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<br /></div>
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My dad also loved the wrestling... I remember him watching it</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
on TV... I even remember one of the names of a wrestler... it was</div>
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Mick McManus...</div>
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My Uncle George loved the Football as well, he liked the Greenock JR</div>
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and he also liked Boxing</div>
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My Uncle David loved Golf..... I don't know about other family members..</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-41710622028801870022015-04-22T20:05:00.002-07:002015-04-22T20:05:27.405-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge R is for Reasoning and Right or LeftReasoning.... When we look at our ancestors, what are some of the<br />
reasons they did things.<br />
My Great grandparents David McGowan and Elizabeth O'Neill were from<br />
Ireland. They were married in a place called Ahoghill in Northern Ireland..<br />
I think they had their first couple of kids there... they then moved to<br />
Greenock in Scotland... why ?<br />
I would imagine that times were hard for them... maybe there was no work<br />
in Ireland, and there was in Greenock.<br />
I myself moved from Scotland to England, and then to Canada.. and yes there were<br />
reasons... I also believe that that was my life path... I was where I was supposed<br />
to be... I was on the road I was supposed to take.<br />
It would be nice if we knew the reasoning behind the things that have<br />
happened in our families lives... maybe we do know some... it makes<br />
their life journey seem more interesting to us.<br />
<br />
Right or Left :<br />
<br />
I myself am right handed... I can't do anything with my left hand.<br />
Out of my four children, three are right handed and one is a lefty...<br />
My dad I'm sure was also right handed, but I don't know about anyone else...Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-49444586127695521192015-04-22T19:47:00.001-07:002015-04-22T19:47:38.386-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge Q is for Questions It is so important to ask questions... ask our parents or our grandparents as many<br />
questions as we can... we dont want to regret it after they are no longer<br />
with us. I personally wish I had asked more questions. There are so many things<br />
I wonder about, and that I would love to know, but when my dad was alive, I either<br />
was'nt interested or didn't think about it.<br />
I regret it now.<br />
Some things I wish I had asked are...<br />
<br />
What were some of the Fads when they were young and did they follow them ?<br />
How did they meet ?<br />
What did they do for fun ?<br />
What was school like.. what was their best or worst subject ?<br />
What is their earliest childhood memory ?<br />
How did they celebrate birhdays, christmas etc ?<br />
What did they enjoy doing together as a family ?<br />
What was life like for them growing up ?<br />
<br />
There's oodles more..... anyway, ask, ask, ask !! <br />
and listen to what they have to say....<br />
<br />
<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-28602599672539406302015-04-22T19:27:00.001-07:002015-04-22T19:27:40.201-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge P is for Primary Sources and PetsPrimary Sources when it comes to Genealogy.....<br />
<br />
A Primary source can be a document or a record of a birth, marriage or death.<br />
It can be a Family Bible, or someone with complete knowledge of the<br />
event, such as a Mother or Father etc.<br />
It can also be Military records , census records etc.<br />
Its important to document the Primary source when working on our family tree.<br />
<br />
Pets : Our family have had many different pets, from dogs, cats, hamsters and gerbils,<br />
fish etc.<br />
Of course, there are some who are more special.<br />
<br />
We lost our wee Besse last year.. she was such a gentle soul<br />
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A couple of years before that, we lost Kernal.</div>
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They were lovely family members.. we still miss them.</div>
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I dont know about many ancestors having pets.. but I do know</div>
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my Grandad and Gran Newman had a dog called Laddie</div>
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and my Gran always had a budgie as well</div>
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<br />
<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-76075963086136140662015-04-22T19:05:00.000-07:002015-04-22T19:05:17.211-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge O is for Organsational and OccasionsOrganisational :<br />
<br />
I know its important to be organised, especially in Genealogy.<br />
I feel in my life, that I am a somewhat organised person, but not<br />
in every area in my life.<br />
It stresses me out somewhat when I feel disorganised.. it makes me cranky.<br />
It doesn't bother me if someone else isn't, but it definitely bothers me<br />
if I'm not.<br />
I have three clear containers that I have mine and my husbands Genealogy in.<br />
There are newspaper clippings, certificates, photo's etc.<br />
These are my containers.... actually, I'm showing just one..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0ctE-NAuTyNeg8Gj9ikVS-SMaql16SfqkXbIkw5v1eb-YieK2p07tabp35oo3WvdGeNqnymI0o3qw-kPLnhkPqz5h2JfejHA7Mos0Oqx0RrXSlZWm5CF_IDBLgbX1PuBdP3FUUXkziQ/s1600/IMG_1075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0ctE-NAuTyNeg8Gj9ikVS-SMaql16SfqkXbIkw5v1eb-YieK2p07tabp35oo3WvdGeNqnymI0o3qw-kPLnhkPqz5h2JfejHA7Mos0Oqx0RrXSlZWm5CF_IDBLgbX1PuBdP3FUUXkziQ/s1600/IMG_1075.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Its good that I'm organised to have it all in containers, but......</div>
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its not good that it actually looks like this...</div>
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It makes me crazy to even see this... and a bit embarassed :)<br />
<br />
I know how important it is to have an organised Family History... hopefully<br />
one day I can get around to getting it done.<br />
<br />
Occasions :<br />
There are so many occasions of happenings in our lives..we should<br />
be documenting them all.<br />
Weddings, the birth of a child, a sweet 16 birthday.. you get the picture.<br />
How important for future generations to see a picture of any of these.<br />
I take pictures of EVERYTHING... <br />
Yesterday was my husbands birthday...<br />
I decorated the ceiling in our living room with balloons.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7W82mqaJ2dxm0Mrf1O24GDhuwfROiPbjyCIAnX71xwefUjwclaxxf9-piq41aR7JVmQJjzmyqytXLS4AI6qtvzkOfCcS4j3iXCOpxganC7pRw3iWhilZFAs8FmE71TnyGZzHvO3NfE0/s1600/549271_10153233420085050_2457359237675703708_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7W82mqaJ2dxm0Mrf1O24GDhuwfROiPbjyCIAnX71xwefUjwclaxxf9-piq41aR7JVmQJjzmyqytXLS4AI6qtvzkOfCcS4j3iXCOpxganC7pRw3iWhilZFAs8FmE71TnyGZzHvO3NfE0/s1600/549271_10153233420085050_2457359237675703708_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Why ? Because I like to surprise him but I also want him to know<br />
he is special... he loves it :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ5yEjwO3G3K9bnJH-Z2GpzHfc7u9dil73cGV6-47Pf2meieAJbUxMPhNUCPEC0IJIBDKPe07o9tGdSzhXyuZIa-nQ3FEPnURc7M9tQhzepHL5WryVoZFNIFGxzhYoSLCL5AP_bjMp_0/s1600/11156298_10153233449225050_7468431053769142819_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ5yEjwO3G3K9bnJH-Z2GpzHfc7u9dil73cGV6-47Pf2meieAJbUxMPhNUCPEC0IJIBDKPe07o9tGdSzhXyuZIa-nQ3FEPnURc7M9tQhzepHL5WryVoZFNIFGxzhYoSLCL5AP_bjMp_0/s1600/11156298_10153233449225050_7468431053769142819_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Its important to document these different occasions in our lives somehow..<br />
even if its just pictures.<br />
Now If I could just get them organised, I would be set :)<br />
<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-5957603093505684552015-04-15T21:11:00.000-07:002015-04-15T21:11:39.152-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge N is for Notes and NemesisNotes : I do write notes.. in fact I usually write lists, and then write a list for my list.<br />
<br />
When it comes to Genealogy, and I find something say on Ancestry,<br />
I will grab whatever is handy, be it a scrap piece of paper, or an envelope from<br />
a bill and write on it. I have so many of these, and some were written years ago,<br />
I have them with my other family history things.<br />
There is no rhyme or reason to it all, and some I have the same information<br />
written down a couple of times.<br />
Some of it, I don't understand anymore, which isn't good, because when my children<br />
go through all of this, when I am no longer here, I am sure it will just get thrown<br />
out.... even though I have thought about this before, I still haven't done anything<br />
about it...<br />
I'm thinking that this will be a good summer project to get started on :)<br />
<br />
Nemesis :I kind of knew what this meant, but not really when it came to<br />
Family History.. so here is my take on it...not sure if it is what it really<br />
means or not.<br />
My Nemesis is time.... I am trying to find time every day to write..<br />
I'm trying to find time to organise my family history..<br />
I would like to have my Family History written down for my children or grandchildren<br />
to maybe read one day.<br />
I am also trying to find time for ME... does that sound selfish ?<br />
I find that in the rut of every day life.. I have no time for myself , to do<br />
things like just going for a walk.<br />
One of the reasons I am giving up working, is because I am feeling more<br />
and more that I need that time... so in the Summer I am hoping to do some<br />
" me " things... selfish or not.<br />
Does that make sense that my Nemesis is time ?<br />
I hope so...Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-64506106525335411682015-04-14T05:38:00.001-07:002015-04-14T05:38:56.783-07:00A to Z Challenge M for Methodology Do I have a method to doing my Genealogy ?<br />
If not, it can be chaotic....<br />
OH DEAR !!!<br />
I am always looking for ideas, so I don't feel like this... so I can learn some good<br />
methods to doing it, and storing it etc.<br />
<br />
I do have my own webpage for my family tree, and do try to keep it up to date.<br />
I do a lot of my research on Ancestry, Family Search, and have also gone on<br />
Scotlands People to try and gather as much information as possible.<br />
<br />
If any of my family went through some of my things.. quite honestly they<br />
wouldn't know what to do with it all. I have notes here and there, with dates<br />
and names etc.<br />
<br />
I have a tree on Ancestry and Family Search, but both are not as up to date<br />
as they should be... something that I need to work on...<br />
<br />
I'm full of good intentions...Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-55884167531970850602015-04-13T08:54:00.000-07:002015-04-13T08:54:22.708-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge L is for Learning and LoveLearning... <br />
Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember , involve me and I learn.. Benjamin Franklin<br />
<br />
There is so much to learn in doing our Family History... <br />
First, we have to learn where to start / how to start.<br />
We have to learn how to keep it and save the information that we have.<br />
We can learn things about our ancestors that we never knew before.<br />
For example... I had a couple of uncles and also a great uncle who told me<br />
about my Grandmother ( Norah McCulloch ).<br />
Because I didn't know her growing up, every bit of information I could<br />
get was wonderful to me.<br />
I learned that she loved to sing, and when the family went on a bus trip<br />
somewhere, she would be the life of the bus, with her singing etc.<br />
Of course everyone could join in, and a good time was had by all.<br />
<br />
I heard from my Aunt Helen, that her mum, my grandmother ( Agnes McGowan )<br />
was a tall, well made woman. So I could kind of picture in my mind, what she<br />
could look like... and also.. maybe that's where I get my height from. :)<br />
<br />
Love : So many kinds of love.<br />
There's the love we have for our parents, for our children / grandchildren, our spouse,<br />
our friends.<br />
We can have a love for reading, or for exercise ( I wish ), or for the mountains<br />
or the ocean.<br />
Love is a warm feeling that can reach the tip of our toes, to the top<br />
of our head.<br />
Love can be, infatuation, unconditional, romantic, we can have tough love<br />
or puppy love.<br />
<br />
When it comes to my family history, I have felt a deep love or connection<br />
with my ancestors... I can say that I love them and mean it.<br />
I love my family.. my extended family.. its my nature to love... I dont know<br />
who I inheritated it from, but I'm glad that I did.<br />
<br />
Love is ... what gives you a smile from ear to ear..<br />
Love is... far away people, you call friends<br />
<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-55004379596385586432015-04-12T20:28:00.002-07:002015-04-12T20:28:51.421-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge K is for Keepsakes and KissKeepsakes... I already mentioned about how close I was to my Gran...oh<br />
how I loved her. When my Gran died, my dad sent me her bible... it is something that I<br />
still cherish now.<br />
I also have the last card that my dad sent me for my birthday.<br />
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<br /></div>
I love to see his writing and remember him.<br />
<br />
This past Christmas, my son and his wife gave us a framed picture..In it<br />
were our grandchildren's hands. There hands will never be that size again.. it<br />
has their ages on it, and it says : From Firm Roots Grow Beautiful Leaves.<br />
The PERFECT gift to have given me :) and a real keepsake..<br />
<br />
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Kiss..... My first kiss would have been from my parents.. and maybe even</div>
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my Grandparents as well. :)</div>
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I remember when I was a wee girl... my dad would kiss my forehead,</div>
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even now, if someone kisses my forehead, it makes me feel</div>
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warm and safe.</div>
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I remeber my Gran would kiss my cheek as she gave me a hug.</div>
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My first :" real " kiss would have been from... well</div>
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that would be telling.. hehe</div>
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Was it romantic ?</div>
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I would have to say it was.</div>
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Was it from someone special?</div>
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It absolutely was...</div>
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<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265538444879646050.post-75647510057091562502015-04-12T19:51:00.001-07:002015-04-12T19:51:14.836-07:00A to Z Book of Me Challenge J is for Judgement and JewelleryJudgement... Its human nature to judge someone, but we shouldn't be doing that<br />
at all... Who are we to judge another ?<br />
I know I have been guilty of this very thing, but as I have got older, I am<br />
really trying hard to not do that. When I walk imperfectly !<br />
<br />
There was a time when I questioned why my Mum would just leave.. to leave her<br />
children, because I knew I could never do that... never !<br />
There are times when I sit and think, and still sometimes do this again.<br />
This is bringing up feelings in me as I write.. I feel like like that wee girl<br />
again.. I remember her leaving.. I remember my dad crying and begging her<br />
to stay... but she didn't.<br />
It was hard growing up knowing this, and not judge her<br />
<br />
I do want everyone to know that I love her, I<br />
have always loved her ... I forgive her, and I am<br />
still human, and I'm trying hard to not judge.<br />
<br />
There are things when we are doing our family history, that we find out things<br />
about our ancestors.... but it is not our job to judge them... it is our job to<br />
accept them.. they are ours.. we are entwined with them.. we are theirs,<br />
they are ours.<br />
<br />
Jewellery... I inherited a ring from Ken's Aunt, that I have since passed on<br />
to another family member.<br />
I have a purple brooch that belonged to my Grandmother ( Norah McCulloch ), that<br />
was given to me by an aunt.<br />
I will try and take a picture of it and put it on here....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUxs_ASYb2jOM4tMmpRWb1FIQe_anbtIHMIK3nrF6SxELwUsAET_ZOSE6CzYMNg5wQ1L4m2ijcuhzZlZE_dSS2vWL1vn9Thtn_LUuotcOpwvH5OfeMDxa1ftLwGpn7xpbBG-pRVeKc80/s1600/IMG_1037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUxs_ASYb2jOM4tMmpRWb1FIQe_anbtIHMIK3nrF6SxELwUsAET_ZOSE6CzYMNg5wQ1L4m2ijcuhzZlZE_dSS2vWL1vn9Thtn_LUuotcOpwvH5OfeMDxa1ftLwGpn7xpbBG-pRVeKc80/s1600/IMG_1037.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10154548291641046622noreply@blogger.com0