It seems impossible that we have enjoyed “retirement” now for 6 years.
Genealogy again has consumed our activities for another year but with great results. Jim has now published his third and last book on his lineage. In 2006 he completed the Winsness book, then in 2007 and 2008, he completed the books on his mother's parents lineage. The 2008 book was 350 pages completed with so many relatives providing input and assistance. That book documented and photographed graves back to 1691 and the birth document for the first born ancestor in the Colonies in 1643! Sixty five copies were printed in hardback and distributed.
But most of all, the 3 books provided a means for Jim to connect with so many wonderful relatives who, in many cases, were totally “lost” to other lines of the family. The friendships that were made on-line, by phone, or in person are treasures not to be lost again.
Bev's research on her lineage has produced 3 volumes with over 1,000 pages to date which have been donated to local libraries. When she finishes, there will be 7 volumes and over 3,000 pages of family lineage, stories, and obituaries!
Spring again had Jim in North Dakota for his 5th return to the old family farm where the Hagen family allows him his “fantasy vacation” on their incredible equipment. This year was very special as they also let Jim take Don Wilson, his best friend from NY, to also help with the spring planting. They even had their own farmhouse to live in for the 2 weeks! What an experience for both of them!
The family vacation this year was to Mesa Verde and then to the Mount Rushmore area with all it's wonderful experiences. This year we had a vote to chose the vacation place for next year and the choice of the family was Norway. The first week of June we start in Oslo with relatives, then spend some days touring the mountains and work our way up to Trondheim where again we will see more relatives. The second week we will spend at the Winsnes Fishing Lodge in Singsaas Norway in the area of Jim's ancestors and with family Bev and Jim were with in 2001 and 2005.
Finally, our descendants will get the chance to see and meet the wonderful Norwegian relatives Bev and I have been lucky enough to have met and fallen in love with!
Summer in upstate NY this year allowed us to again be with our wonderful friends there and this time, we did stay long enough to see the beautiful colors of the fall foliage!
Our 2008 was wonderful because of our friends, those we knew before, and those we have had the opportunity to meet through our travels and genealogy research. We obviously are looking forward to an incredible 2009! Life is embarrassingly good!
Love to all
Bev and Jim
Winter at the Winsnes Fishing Lodge, Singsaas Norway
