The Genealogy Search

At just about every conference, groups attempt to meet up.  The meetups allow group members a chance to meet people that they have never met in person and allow for new friendships and business acquaintances.  It also gives members of the groups that are acquainted with each other to catch up with one another. I am not familiar with all the groups.  I do attempt to attend meetups involving ProGen - which this conference will be meeting on May 11th, 5:00 pm in room 307 of the conference center.  If you are or were part of a ProGen Study Group please RSVP with hosts Angela McGhie and Greg Lovelace at greg@part-of-the-tree.com . Check and see if any of your groups are meeting up.  Groups that usually meet up are DAR, APGEN [Associtation of Professional Genealogist], Geneabloggers, societies, BU [Boston University].

I was recently talking to some North Carolina folks about the Pig Pickin' dinner offered through the NGS Conference.  I was told it was an event to attend and that North Carolinians really knew how throw a barbeque.  I was worried since I am quite allergic to pork but after reading the menu description I found that the menu consisted of pork, fish (another allergy), and chicken!.  Sides include fried okra, mac and cheese, collard greens, hush puppies, rolls, cornbread, and desserts!  They also have a vegetarian option for those that request it during registration.  I happily have signed up for the dinner. Also at the Pig Pickn' will be an award winning bluegrass band called The Grass Cats.  Artisans will have their wares for sale.  So far there will be a glass blower, goat soap maker, wooden bowls, painter, glass blower, metal worker, tinsmith and so much more. The cost of the outing is $45 which includes round trip transportation, food. and the en...

I have spent a wonderful day editing my master research list, ticking off those items I was able to locate and view while in Salt Lake.  I managed to view nine rolls of film and roughly seventeen publications.  Some yielded family wide information others items were just eliminated as  possible resources. Now is the time to use the information located and eliminated to analyze, resolve conflicts, make conclusions and develop new research plans. I also have some assignments gleaned from networking at the conference. Most importantly, I need to get back into the daily grind of  running my business Nosy Wilma LLC, a private investigative firm here in Tucson.  It seems a week is forever for some of my clients to not have me at their beck and call - not to worry - I'm back!

The conference starts in the morning and I can't wait.  I drove in from Tucson to Salt Lake in about twelve hours on Sunday.  I have spent time at the library both on Monday and today.  I found a great great grandparents will and probate records on microfilm, spent about three hours reading parish records in German with no luck, and located some land and genealogy information that I copied and have not yet sat down and reviewed.  I also took the time to enjoy the tulips in the square, took a tour on the Beehive house, wandered down Main Street, and really enjoyed the city - until the winds started.  Luckily I found a Rite-Aid on Main Street and bought allergy and decongestant medication.  The dust blowing around forced me to take out my contacts and switch to glasses.  Here's hoping the weather improves in the morning.