The topic posed by Amy Coffin and Geneabloggers for Week #14 is Spring. What was spring like where and when you grew up? Describe not only the climate, but how the season influenced your activities, food choices, etc My first thoughts on Spring are Mr Cassmob’s inevitable quote “Spring has sprung, the grass has riz I … More 52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy and History -Week 14 -Spring
At the conclusion of Women’s History Month I have been thinking about personal history and in particular women’s history month which led me to reflect on how much has changed in the world of women’s public work. Of course the simple fact is that whether our female ancestors were in paid employment or not, they were … More Women’s History month – women in the paid workforce – some thoughts
52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History: Week 13’s topic is Sweets. What was your favorite childhood candy or dessert? Have your tastes changed since then? This week’s topic intersects both my genealogy and my own personal history. As I grew up I was told that my maternal great-grandfather owned a chocolate factory. You can imagine … More 52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy and History: Week 13: Sweets Lollies and Desserts
This week’s topic in 52 weeks of personal history and genealogy is: Movies. Did (or do you still) see many movies? Describe your favorites. Where did you see these films? Is the theater still there, or is there something else in its place? I’d been looking forward to the Movies question but as it happens … More 52 Weeks of Personal History & Genealogy -Week 12: Movies
Well I’m behind the eight-ball this week! Week 11’s challenge in Amy Coffin and Geneablogger’s 52 weeks of Personal history and genealogy is “Illness and Injury”. Describe your childhood illnesses or injuries. Who took care of you? Did you recuperate in your own bed, on the couch in front of the television, or somewhere else? … More 52 weeks of Personal history & genealogy: Week 11: Injuries and Illness
As this is women’s history month, as well as yesterday’s centenary of International Women’s Day, I thought it appropriate to include some photos I took during a recent trip to London. We came across the statue by chance while walking from Vauxhall to Westminster. Emmeline Pankhurst was a key figure in the Suffragette movement in England. … More Women’s History: Emmeline Pankhurst -British Suffragette
Today is the centenary of International Women’s Day and an appropriate day to honour our female ancestors. I have chosen to highlight the lives of my great-great-grandmother Ellen (Murphy) Gavin and great-grandmother Julia (Gavin) Kunkel as well as an unrelated friend. Their lives were so much harder, and stoic, than ours and I thank … More International Women’s Day – Ellen Gavin, Julia Kunkel and Johanna Gavan
We are now in Week 10 of Amy Coffin and Geneablogger’s 52 weeks of Personal history and genealogy. This week’s topic: Disasters. Did you experience any natural disasters in your lifetime? Tell us about them. If not, then discuss these events that happened to parents, grandparents or others in your family. With the 2011 events … More 52 weeks of personal history & genealogy: Week 10: Disasters
Grandma calls me her bonnie wee bairn as I lie on the couch while she brushes my hair. The rise and fall of the silver hairbrush makes a clicking noise as soothing as the brushing itself. Afterwards we’ll share a treat. There’s a clunk as the lid rests back on its hinges. A heavy record … More 52 Weeks of personal history and genealogy: Week 9 Sounds – a reflection
The Week 9 topic from Amy Coffin and Geneabloggers is: Sounds. Describe any sounds that take you back to your childhood. These could be familiar songs, jingles, children playing, or something entirely different. Thinking of childhood sounds my sub-conscious brought forth an arrayof random and evocative (to me) sounds: The kookaburras laughing in the trees … More 52 weeks of personal history and genealogy: Week 9 Sounds
Family history across the seas 