One of the challenges in genealogy research

This is a copy of the transcription record of the 1920 census record for my uncle Charlie. He's listed as Charley Blanders - not Charlie Flanders. Granny is Jarlie O. Blanders - not Verlie, and mom is Ida M. Blanders, not Ida N. Flanders. You could go a long time without ever finding this record!

On the other hand, the genealogical things that are available on line now are truly amazing - as is the software that handles them! I wasn't even looking for the record above - the program found it and suggested it.

Winnsboro

We keep getting amazed at this little town!

We went to Quitman this evening - "Friends of the Arboretum" and Chamber of Commerce mixer at the old historic Stinson House in the park. I'm getting acquainted with a lot of the folks through the master gardeners (where I'm V.P. for next year). But point being, we were out and decided to drive to Winnsboro for a latte at a little place that we like to go, "Art & Expresso".

As usual when we got to town it was hard to find a parking place (Thurs, Fri, & Sats). Then, as we were walking up to the coffee shop we could see that there was some live entertainment tonight. It's a little coffee shop - could seat maybe 16-18 people max. But there was entertainment. In this case four girls ages 9 to 19 I believe. They were dressed like school girls form the 50's - no, like "church" girls from the 50's. And, we found out, there music is a ministry. But the songs tonight were old traditional Christmas carols and music from the 50's but not pop music. And they were very good!! They also have a band with their two older brothers - The Great Interference! Listen to them. We just stumbled across them in a tiny coffee shop in Winnsboro..

Alex and Daniel worked on the chapel today

. . . and this is pretty much the way the chapel will look for the wedding on Saturday - except, of course, for Glynda's decorations. There's still quite a bit of work to do. We could not put on the green tin roof because I didn't buy enough boards to go under it - so there's still a hole in the roof. And I didn't buy enough siding so the back gable is not yet done - plus some other things that I wasn't even hoping to get done. But overall I'm really happy with what we've accomplished and I'm happy with the design!

Wildernest Chapel

It's moving along pretty well! Unlike the original plan to take it slow and easy, we're rushing to get it usable by next weekend so Aaron and Amber can get married there. We'll have something but there won't be any effort to finish it - just get it "usable"! Doing it with hammer and nails and cutting the wood at the shop before taking it down in my little trailer.

Thanksgiving

Just a quick post. More later. We counted 25 folks that are usually at Thanksgiving that weren't here this year. If they had all been there, the count would have been (drum roll) 81! Yep, even with all the no shows we still had 56 folks having a good time - especially at the Treehouse / Zip Line!!! (I took 245 pictures. Will
get them edited, cut down and distributed soon.)

Pre-Thanksgiving

As it turns out, a number of folks that are usually at Thanksgiving have other commitments this year. Seven of them stopped by the house today and we all had a good visit with the zip line! Pat and Brian are here with us this week too. Riders on the zip line were Justin, Greg, Ren (twice), Caroline (twice), Brian, Pat, Karla, Jill, and Daniel and Justin did the "Superman" routine. )The blog only lets me put five pictures on a post.)

Deja vu!

One of my daughters sent me a newspaper clipping with the note "I thought you'd enjoy this". It WAS interesting reading and I did enjoy it! But it occurs to me that there's only been one other person in my life that's sent me newspaper clippings.
(Thanks BBD)

More Treehouse work today

We finished the rails on the steps and put a facing (cedar log slats) on the Crow's Nest. Two successful projects that added a lot to the appearance.

Thanksgiving day weather forecast - mostly sunny, high in the lower 60's!!

First look - Thanksgiving Day weather forecast

and temperature somewhere about 56-60 degrees! I can live with that! (caveat - this is from a ten days out forecast!)

Daniel has been busy today!

He came over this morning and suggested the cedar fence in the front of the house - then cut down the trees and built it - and then put out the Thanksgiving decorations!
Thanks Daniel!

Daniel on the zip line!!

East Texas Autumn Color

The picture was taken in Mineola.

Better!

OK - This one is better but still not right!

I cleared out the two trees (we're gonna use one of them on the rails) but the picture's still not right - can't see enough of the Treehouse itself. I guess I'm gonna have to take a step ladder down there and take the picture from the top of that!

Yesterday's Treehouse work

Some stain on the inside, some stain on the outside. (There are four outside walls and three of them still look the same. I'll do one more and then shame Alex and Daniel into doing the two that require working off the ladder.) Need some input on the door. It can stay as is or it can be painted - can't be stained. The other picture is the picture I want to take again after clearing out a tree and some brush.

(Deanna - Do you see what's hanging on the wall? I think Daniel wants to get us in the next one!)