Something a Little Different for the New Year

Which blog has 4,500,000 pageviews? You'll have to continue reading, because you won't be able to guess it.

Bloggers love writing and at the beginning of a new year, many will write what they accomplished the previous year, and what they hope to accomplish in the new year. I don't bother with the resolutions.

Instead, I've decided to post some of the very enjoyable blogs I follow that have no genealogy information. They are also the ones I usually read first. After 23 years of doing genealogy and over three years of writing this blog, it's time to discover what else is out there. If anybody has a few favorite, non-genealogy blogs, please leave me a comment. I'll include them to this list.

The most recent blog I discovered is, My Castle in Spain. Lala says, "I’m an ex Parisian living a village life in Andalusia (southern Spain). I create paper objects, I make aprons, I bake cakes for a restaurant and I occasionally translate to earn the extra bucks. Andalusia, gardens, pastry making, flowers, cakes and books and my Spanish boyfriend are my constant inspirations."

Do you like Paris and food? If so, you'll enjoy Paris Breakfast by Carol. She writes, "Paris breakfast is an 'amuse bouche', a little bite of daily Parisian life to savor with your coffe and inspire your dreams. I paint Paris dreams." I had never seen a blog with over 4,500,000 pageviews" That give you an idea of how popular it is.

The Library History Buff Blog, by Larry, a retired librarian, wrote, "Promoting the appreciation, enjoyment, and preservation of our library heritage." His blog has been a long-time favorite of mine.

One blog I can relate to and really love is Elizabeth's  About New York She has some of the best photos of the city, and this was my go-to site as Hurricane Sandy hit. She lives in lower Manhattan and captured real life days following the storm.

Now I know gardening is a huge hobby, maybe more popular than genealogy. Finding Growing with Plants was a real treat. Matt of Worcester, MA wrote, "Growing with plants began as a little project where I could document my daily adventures in my glass greenhouses and in the garden, here in central Massachusetts.  To show this blog's popularity, he has over 1,000,000 pageviews!   

Another fun blog is Shortbread and Ginger. The owner, Liz writes, “I also love rummaging through charity shops for vintage bits and pieces." If you enjoy needlework, beads, antiques, you'll enjoy this site.

Heather Rojo recommended a cooking blog, Cooking without Dairy.

Wendy Grant Walter recommended a blog about quilts called, Crazy Mom Quilts.

Rockport, Massachusetts -- War Memorial

These Our Dead in Honored Glory Rest

Located in Rockport, Massachusetts

World War I

1917    1918

James E. Bryan

John A. Carlson

Dwight P. Dutton

Edward R. Everett

Harold T. Grover

Edward Peterson

World War II

1941    1946

Carl E. Bannon

Robert M. Barrett

Phillips H. Bradley

Vincent Charte, Jr.

George L. Costa

Garder J. Garrett

William Hakala

Arthur L. Johnson

Leon W. Kantala

Donald F. MacEachern

George C. Mills

Anthony J. Pascucci

Glenn M. Rowe

Charles W. Sears

George A. Sears

Dean K. Selig

I couldn't decide which photo I liked the best of Motif Number 1, so I posted them both.

Smokestack or Christmas Tree?

"The smokestack tree contains 5,440 light bulbs over 32 cables anchored to a 102-foot diameter angle ring at the base. The tree is topped with a 19-foot star." Information from The Lowell Sun newspaper, December 2011 (I had it linked, but the article has been removed.

The tree is located in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Reflection in a nearby mill.

From Wikipedia, "The Wannalancit Mills are an example of adaptive re-use as they contain offices. Part of the mills are owned by the University of Massachusetts Lowell. In 2000, the owners of the mill utilized their smokestack for the city's largest Christmas tree, reaching two hundred and fifty six feet in height."

Originally posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2011.

They Married on Christmas Day

My great-grandparents, Everett R. Bishop and Mira J. Kilborn, were married on December 25, 1888. The Marriage License below, was one of the first official documents I obtained become a DAR member.

Note: This is re-posted from December 25, 2011.

The Delight of Christmas Lights

The Cape Neddick ("Nubble") Light located in York, Maine. These photos were taken on December 21, 2012. There is a live webcam.

 

Bedford, Massachusetts World War I Memorial

Note: New photos will be taken of monument, and name of church will be posted soon. The church is not next to the monument. It was taken because of the design I love.

In Memory of

The Men of Bedford

Who Gave Their Lives in the World War

And in Appreciation of All Those Who Served

To the Credit of Their Town, State and Country.

*Alexander Robert Anthony     *Hugh I. Hunt      * William Walter Hamilton
Lionel Reginald Anthony
Vernon Richard Anthony
Abigail Bacon
Albert Bierenbroodspot
Andrew Cornelius Bierenbroodspot
Howard Drown Brawn
Charles Elmer Brock
Charles Elmer Brock
Thomas Butler
Roland H. Brown
Franklin Harwood Canlett
Arthur Everett Carson
Hermann Emil Christiansen
William James Crier
Frank Bellows Davis
Howard F. Davis
Clifford Louis Day, Jr.William J. Durkin
Michael Lawrence English
John Stephen Fanning
Basil Edward Fletcher
Milton Currant Ford
Benjamin Charles Freeman
Nicholas Genetti
Edward Loren Goulding
Arthur Holden Hayden
Gunnar Hemmingson
Edward Amos Hunnewell
William James Hunt
Henry Clare Isnor
William Jackson
David Theodore Keay
Francis Joseph Kelley
Henrick Hans Johan Larsen
Hubert H. Loomis
Ralph Loomis
Samuel Loomis
William F. Loomis
Francis Colin MacDonald
Walter Francis Manning
Johanna Elizabeth McMahan
Martin Francis McMahan
Philip Edward McMahan
Edward Joseph O'Dowd
Philip Stephen O'Dowd
Frederic Parker, Sr.
Henry McBurney Parker
John Stanley Parker
W. A. Parker
George Henry Peterson
J. H. Philbin
Fred A. Proctor
Paul Rhoderick Raymond
John Harold Riese
Nicholo Silverston
Peter Snyer
Frederick H. Sullivan
Nicholo Silverstone
Peter Snyer
Stephen Tackney
James J. Walsh
Rev. Arthur Stanley Wheelock
William Albert Wilkins
Harold Edward Willson

Justin Bieber, Trash Pickup, Lost Portrait, Louisa May Alcott and Ducklings

The first sign that yesterday was going to be a little different was, I got tangled up in the crown of people rushing to get in line to buy Justin Bieber tickets to his concert, to be held at the TD BankNorth garden (North Station) in Boston (July 20th, I think). It's been a long time, since I've seen that many people in a line, but they were all happy, and that's a great thing to see first thing in the morning.

The sun was shining, temperature was warm, and I was on my way to the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) to use their library, by way of several detours. First was to the Massachusetts State House (aka Capitol), to take additional photos of my ancestor, Simon Bradstreet. Right away, I couldn't locate him, and had to ask an employee. He tried to find the location, but he and nobody knew where it was. Where could he have gone, I was just there a few months ago. I really thought I'd have a quiet day in the building, but no, there were so many people, listening to live Christmas music, and lots of school tours of the building were being given. Hum, I'll go back in January.

Second detour was to tour the Beacon Hill area (super wealthy) of Boston, with all the steep hills and cobblestones. I thought the Christmas decorations on the old townhouses would make for nice pictures. Not so fast...it was trash day. Bags and bags of trash on the sidewalks and every once in a while, I'd see the dump trucks. To make it worse, most doorsteps had the day's newspaper/s on the steps and many had notices from UPS or FedExpress telling the owners that a package was ready to be picked up. My two hour walk to NEHGS left me exhausted to say the least.

Once at the library, I had had it, there wasn't any energy left. I spent a half an hour chatting with three employees, and then left. Can you imagine not having energy to do some simple research? It was a first. I took the subway back to North Station, a television there changed my entire day.

I decided to share some happy photos of yesterday. John Kerry's town house, the house where Louisa May Alcott died, Boston Public Gardens (it looked like spring), some Christmas decorations, and a surprise for your young children, it seems appropriate.

 Massachusetts State House.

 Stately mansion on Mt. Vernon Street.

 John Kerry's house (with flag) taken December 15, 2012.

Home of Louisa May Alcott, this is where she died. John Kerry lives across the street.

 Boston Public Gardens, looks like spring.

 House along the way, decorated for Christmas.

 Acorn Street, Beacon Hill.

 For the children. I have seen them many times, but for some reason, I decided to take the picture.

For fun, a YouTube video of Beautiful Boston by Little Big World.

Simon Bradstreet at the State Capitol in Boston Massachusetts

Portrait of Colonial Governor, Simon Bradstreet of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Located at the State Capital, Boston, Massachusetts. Other posts I wrote about him: where he is buried, see HERE, information about his life, see HERE.

If you are interested in his wife, Anne Dudley, please see HERE, I was fortunate to attend a dedication in 2000 in the North Andover, MA cemetery, where she probably was buried.

Revolutionary War Memorial, Simsbury, Connecticut

Memorial to the brave American Revolutionary Soldiers; especially those from Simsbury, Connecticut.

1775  -  1783

We, the people of the Town of Simsbury, do hereby recognized the many hardships and countless sacrifices made by all those brave American Revolutionary Soldiers; especially those from Simsbury, who died for our freedom from England. 
We hereby dedicate this bronze memorial plaque as an everlasting tribute to these American heroes, whose gallant and brave efforts brought us to the birth of the United States of America and adoption of the Constitution. 
To these courageous countrymen, we are eternally grateful.

Fifer Daniel Barber	Private John Fletcher	Ensign Oliver Humphrey
Fifer Jihiel Bidwell	Captain Abel Forward	Private Richard Humphrey
Private Benjamin Brewer	Major John Garritt	Private George Merrill
Captain John Brown	Private Dudley Hayes	Lieutenant Joseph Moore
Captain Jonathan Buttolph  Sr.	Ensign Carmi Higley	Private Daniel Moses Sr.
Private Seth Case	Private Josiah Highley III	Private Uriah Pease
Private Josiah Clark	Corporal Jedediah Holcomb	Captain Johahan Pettibone    Sr.
Private Lemuel Colton	Private Thomas Holcomb	Private Samuel Pettibone
Lieutenant Joseph Cornish	Major Elihu Humphrey	Captain Elisha Phelps
Private Jesse Cosset	Sea Captain Elijah Humphrey	Private  Zacheriah Prince
Private Roger Cossitt	Private Erastus Humphrey	Private Thomas Wright

Additional photos of Hop Meadow Cemetery, Simsbury may be seen HERE.

Have you heard about Heredis, the Genealogy Software Program?

NOTE: PLEASE READ THE BOTTOM, NEW INFORMATION AS OF 7/3/13

When I received an email from a Heredis representative on November 21, 2012 telling me about their genealogy software program that has, "been widely appreciated in Europe for almost 20 years and has now been launched world-wide," I was a bit skeptical because I hadn't heard of it, nor had I heard any buzz about it on facebook or from any of the 300+ blogs I read.

The letter went on with, "I notice that you keep a genealogical blog and as an expert in genealogy, we would very much like to have your opinion on our software. We want to know if Heredis will be able to meet your expectations as a genealogist." She couldn't be talking about me, I'm no expert. Then, "We would therefore be very pleased to offer you a copy of the Heredis program. To do this, simply reply to my email and tell me if you want the version for Windows or the Mac version. I can also send you both if necessary. We also have a version for iOS (iPhone / iPad / iPod touch) which is available free on the App store."

After four days, I wrote back because I had just received the current issue of, "Internet Genealogy" in which there was a review. Still nobody posted anything on facebook. I was pleased to receive both a copy of Heredis for my PC and the Mac. The company was very accommodating and wrote, "We've just asked you to have a look on our software: don't worry about time. We would very much like to have your opinion on our software. We want to know if Heredis will be able to meet your expectations as a genealogist. If you want to share your experience or the video with your followers it's better for us but not necessary."

I am anxious to try their product, and told them that I currently use RootsMagic4, FamilyTree Maker 11 and 12, and just ordered Legacy a few weeks ago (but haven't used it much). None of them seem to meet my needs.

This is in not a review. I can say, all 43,000 of my names were quickly put on Heredis, and that I love the looks of it. If you want a review, check out the current issue of "Internet Genealogy."

Last week, Dick Eastman of Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter (EOGN) posted an article about the special deal Heredis is offering through January 6, 2013. You may read it HERE.

In part, it says, "From now through Sunday, January 6, 2013 inclusive, there is 20% discount on ALL Heredis genealogy software: Heredis for PC at $ 29.90 instead of $ 39.90 and Heredis for Mac at $ 42.99 instead of $ 59.90." Why not treat yourself to a New Year's gift. Better yet, post this article or my link to your blog, so your readers will be informed.

On December 8th, Valerie Craft wrote her blog post, Exploring Heredis for Mac. Please visit her site to read her nice review of this product.

Disclosure: I received two copies of the software, however, this is not a review. I'm passing information on to some of my readers who might be interested. Soon, I will try out the features, but I probably won't do a review, instead, I'll give my feedback to the company.
----------------------

I recently received notification from a rep. from HEREDIS, a genealogy software program you might have heard about. There is a super deal on to buy it for $10, until Sunday. Here is the message: We would like to inform you that we have launched promotions for all versions of the Heredis genealogy software and some of the offers may interest your readers.
MEGA DEAL: Heredis software for $10!

For 4 DAYS ONLY, from Wednesday, July 3, 2013 to Sunday, July 7, 2013 inclusive, Heredis for PC at $10 instead of $ 39.90 available in http://www.heredis.com/en/heredis-pc/ and Heredis for Mac at $10.99 instead of $ 59.99 available in http://www.heredis.com/en/heredis-mac/or in the App Store: http://appstore.com/mac/heredis/.
Last update: improvement of the Gedcom import/export. If genealogists have created a file with another genealogy program, it is easy to transfer in the Heredis program. The file will be converted automatically in the Heredis version. All data will be open.

We thank you in advance for your feedback. Do not hesitate to come back to me for any further information.

Heredis PC | Heredis
www.heredis.com
Tout sur la généalogie avec Heredis, le logiciel de généalogie pour Mac, pour Windows, et pour iPhone/iPad.

Heredis PC | Heredis

www.heredis.com

Tout sur la généalogie avec Heredis, le logiciel de généalogie pour Mac, pour Windows, et pour iPhone/iPad.