I am still learning. Michelangelo

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. C.S. Lewis

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

swish. . . .then it is 6th July.  To save lives, the weather channels and national weather forecasters are issuing more heat advisories, several days in a row.  The temps haven't even been in the triple digits, but with this humidity, it is terrible.  
      The  Boston Pops and music from the National Capitol proved how old we are; we didn't know many of the entertainers and the music was unrecognizable to us.  There were some familiar Patriotic songs and we loved the military trumpeters and all the flags.    
    Genealogy Road Show was on last night.  It was thrilling to see how the researchers could help several families seeking answers to neat questions.  My DNA results was interesting, but didn't exactly give me the answers to who I am and where did I come from, or at least, close enough for me.  I really, only know that the McCleskeys originated in Ireland, that leaves a lot of families that came from Western Europe, Britain, Scandinavia, Iberian Peninsula, Finland/NW Russia and that tiny part of me that came from the Caucasus and Middle East. 
    Today was John Jr's 5th chemo therapy, we haven't received update.
   Only 10 weeks until days begin cooling down.  This is my least favorite weather period.   JMW 

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Can you Believe?  Two post in one day.  This one is about having fun in Ancestry.com.  For DNA purposes it is suggested you use one family tree.  By being slow to start a Family Tree I was able to post both John's and my data as one Family Tree.  That makes it easier to find other kit and kin that are researching their ancestors...and your ancestors.  
    Now, instead of making scrapbook pages, I can post photos and stories to individuals and hopefully their history and stories will be seen by more than a few and will be open to everyone forever.  I am so proud of my cousins that were  part of World War II and part of The Greatest Generation.  That is my project for the next few days:  Brothers George and John McCleskey,  brothers Lester, C.B., and J.H. Keys (s/o Bertie McCleskey), brothers: Glenn and C.H. 'Buddy' Holt; Brothers: Jasper, Calvin and Carl Jr Graves (sons of Esther Holt). They are now, all gone, but I Honor them with all my heart.  
A little side step away from Genealogy/Family History for today.  I was just looking at several of my completed projects.  Finally, I realize I made them for myself and I do not have to gift them; enjoy and see what happens down the way.
This is Who I AM !!

Is this font too large, I enjoy the larger font, do not think it matters to others.  Since last post we have received our DNA results from Ancestry.com.  

Asia< 1%

  • Trace Regions
    < 1%

Europe96%

  • Europe West36%
  • Great Britain21%
  • Ireland17%
  • Scandinavia13%
  • Iberian Peninsula8%
  • Trace Regions
    1%

West Asia3%

  • Trace Regions
    3%

Saturday, April 23, 2016

 Adding update, 24 April 2016

How is this for Celebrating John's 90th birthday!  This party was 3 weeks early because of Spencer's Spring break.  Left to right: Joe and Linda Limb Bunscho, David and Biddie Webb, Spence and Scott Webb, John and Judy with Steve behind. Darcy, Sandy and John Jr.
This delicious Italian Cream Cake was so large, we shared with other tables.  Party was held at Lazy Heart in St. Jo.  So thankful for family.  Announced at party was the wonderful news: Max is expecting a sister: Katherine "Kate" Elder Webb.

Since then, on the 12th John had surgery on right eye to remove a growth in his eye and smooth out the cornea. It went well, healing is going well and his next appointment is Thurs 28th.  And yes, the left eye is next.

This formatting is for the birds !!  This photo was made in March, in Houston, for Biddie's 60th Celebration.  And Yes, Max and his parents were there.  He is such a handsome young man.  Will try for updated photo.



This photo (one below) was made in Houston.  A surprise 60th Birthday Party for Biddie (given by her sister Linda).  Much fun by all.  Sorry, I didn't get a photo of Max.  He was there to add Joy to the Celebration.  We have since learned that Max is expecting a little sister in October, Katherine Elden Webb.  So happy for all.

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Sunday, 3 April 2016.  No post for entire month of March.  Yes, the last collection of research: McCleskey, McLain,  White, Dawson, Jarrett, and others are packed ready to be shipped to Cobb Co,, GA after Scott arrives.  It is so handy to have someone that can lift a box without having to unload it, take the box into the Ship and Mail and then carry books in and repack box.  I do not know which research has been the hardest to ship, the McCleskey ancestors or the Holts. Recently, I have been working in Ancestry.com on King family.  All is not lost, I have all in Brother's Keeper and many photos and family memories in paper albums John and I made.  He contributes his memories to photos I have and I enter into Ancestry.com.  That is why I have not been blogging,  Going through my Ancestry entries, adding photos and comments.  It is wonderful knowing my research will not be lost.  Say nothing about photos that some most descendants have never and would never see if I do not not add and identify.  Once again I give credit to two individuals:  my Mother who did wonderful job documenting our Holt family and McCleskey family and Mamie Holt Adams who saved many old photographs from her grandmother Francina Cochran Holt.
    It saddens me to think I spent all these years, starting in 1986, researching and have not found one line that crosses the Atlantic to Europe.  To fill the gap, both John and I have submitted DNA samples to Ancestry.com.  We are waiting for results, so exciting.
   I forecast my percentages as: 75 percent Irish, maybe some English, we know Stalnaker is western German, so a little German.  I have a hunch there may be a little Native American. And there may be some Scandinavian. If you are Irish there is strong possible you have a touch of Scandinavian.  Seems like men from the North, while exploring, raped and pilfered Ireland.  That would be true of Britain as well.  My thoughts, now we will see what science tell us.
   Scott and Spencer arrive Tue, Darcy, Thurs.  David, Biddie, Joe and Linda on Friday.  We are gathering to Celebrate John's 90th birthday (Spencer's spring break is early...so we celebrate early.)  This visit coincides with Medal of Honor week, so we are participating in those events as well.  More later.......happy week.

Friday, February 12, 2016


PROGRESS !!  12 Feb 2016.  Today, we shipped 2 book boxes full of Webb, King and Brown research to Stone County (AR) Historical Society for the research library.  Only research left covers McCleskey, McClain, Rhea, and small amounts of Jarrett, White.  As difficult as it was to part with this research, I do have data committed to Brother's Keeper and most of the photographs scanned.  Have saved family much time in sending these albums.  Looking at these two photos shows, still, lots of decisions to make and more to send "somewhere."
    I think this first photo posted of Bernice (Bernie) as she is constant companion while I work in my office.  Chris gave us Bernie in Dec. 2014.  She loves us dearly and we feel same towards her.  Her herding instinct shows around the cat.  Thank goodness GiGi is not afraid of her and strolls through the room almost challenging Bernie, put not quite.  She mostly wants to please but not enough to "Heel."   She wants to be in charge, but she isn't.