For it is in giving that we receive

promises of spring river

For it is in giving that we receive. – Francis of Assisi Promises Life can be about giving a little and getting a lot. Today feels like one of those days. Many years ago I made a promise to my grandmother. Something I do not do easily and once made,…

Continue…


Grandson of the Coppersmith


Welcome to the family Today I had an email from Robert Alexander “Sandy” Sinclair. He is my second cousin once removed. Our shared ancestors are Robert Sinclair and Janet Sinclair, who married 3 October 1888 in Dunoon, Scotland. Generally speaking, it is a small club of descendants. Of the couple’s four…

Continue…


Hypothesis Revision – conflicting evidence

searching crystal ball for answer to hypothesis

Another Secret telling I’m going to tell you a secret (again.) When it comes to research and proving a hypothesis I happen to like having conflicting evidence! It forces me to think. Most of all to think about my thinking process. Those metacognitive experiences give me a rush. They are…

Continue…


The Polish Poppy who became an English Rose: introduction

english rose

I’m feeling rather accomplished this week. I digitized a number of boxes of documents. My husband keeps scraps of paper, putting them in boxes like you sweep fall leaves and bag them for pick-up. A classic paper hoarder, he keeps it all. There are phone numbers, addresses and little scribblings…

Continue…


Using Census Records to Calculate Birth Range


I started on the trail of Mae Beattie’s birth record today. I want to prove my research question. Who were the parents of Mary (Mae) Cameron Beattie, who married Thomas Laidlaw on 3rd November 1922 in Glasgow? The initial records kicking off this research are still on my desk. At a…

Continue…