The heroes that used to be

Do you do genealogy? I've been doing genealogy for about eleventy-forty-seven years and over the years I've developed quite a deep admiration for those brave souls who laid the groundwork for my comfortable life.  No, as far as I am aware, none of my direct ancestors invented anything of note or created something to ease life's pains. But you know, they were the ones who cut a path through life's fields so I could come along later and drive my little go-cart or whatever.

My good hubby-buddy's family have tales aplenty of members who traveled by wagon or lived in soddies.  He even tells the story that some of his family members were the first into Salem, Massachusetts... and among the first to leave when they began burning some of their neighbors as witches. Quite an interesting legacy, if you ask me.

My stories are much closer, as I only recall the tales told by people I actually knew personally. Things like the night my little gramma' shot the ghost and how my mama and her sister chased the burglar away with their purses. Does this make my ancestors' lives as pioneers less important? Absolutely not! Without their input, I might just now be building my own little soddie. I'm sure thankful for those who have struggled to make my life easier.

Do you know stories of your ancestors? I'd like to suggest that you help keep those stories alive for your posterity by writing about them in a tablet or some other convenience of modern-day life. Or even, write some of your own experiences. Your children and grandchildren will be very grateful if you do.

How Hot Is It?

Evidently, the weather can be quite cranky. Yesterday, my hubby and I were visiting another town and had many errands and much work to do. We just kept plugging along with our tasks, aware that it was uncomfortably hot, but plowing through as best we could. It wasn't until 5:00 in the evening that we were driving from one area to another and saw one of those dreaded signs that likes to taunt you with how much you are suffering. You know the kind of sign I'm talking about; those that say congratulations on the fish that 'Got Away', happy birthday to the 50 year old and don't forget that its April 15th and your taxes are due. Well, after managing to avoid any discussion that might tell us it was too hot for human habitation, that sign was like meeting up with a brick wall. There, for all the world to see was that awful message: 100 degrees fahrenheit!
Instantly, my body was ready to fade away. There is nothing quite like realization to put the crimps on an otherwise perfectly good day. I noticed that my hubby even seemed to shrivel a little bit, as well.
I don't know how the pioneers survived such heat, but I strongly suspect that 'Blissful Ignorance' played a big part in their ability to make it from morning until night without needing to be rejuvenated. Then again, maybe they were just from stronger stock.