Ten Things of Thankful: Kaleidoscope of Cousins and Other Delights

 

My cousin and I in a life-size kaleidoscope at RootsTech 2024

I just got back last night from fun-filled days at RootsTech, a large family history conference. Originally, I had not planned to attend this year, but my cousin contacted me to ask me if I was still going, even though I'm living in California for the year. Before she knew I was moving, she had told her husband she wanted to go to RootsTech for the first time, because she "knew" I would attend and we could visit. She didn't have to twist my arm! We quickly made plans to drive to Utah together, stay at my house there, attend RootsTech, and generally have a great time. 

This cousin is not one that I spent a lot of time with growing up, as our families lived in different states and our age difference seemed greater as children. I enjoyed getting to know her these past few days, and am so glad she reached out to me about attending RootsTech together. Hopefully we have started a new tradition! 

1. I'm thankful I had company for part of my drive. It certainly made the time pass more quickly.

2. I'm thankful I was able to see youngest daughter on the way (even if I did forget to get photographic proof.)

3. I'm thankful I was able to spend some time with youngest son (and his girlfriend) as schedules allowed. 

My cousin, my son, and I smile for a selfie

4. I'm thankful that everything is growing well at home. Before Christmas 2022, I had purchased some wax-coated amaryllis bulbs. After their blooming season was over, I carefully removed the wax, planted them in a pot, and put them in the basement until fall 2023. I then brought them upstairs and started watering them again. Lo and behold, it worked! They are currently huge and getting ready to bloom again. 

Budding amaryllis bulbs next to a ficus plant

5. I'm thankful that not only plants are flourishing, but also the animals my son takes care of are getting along swimmingly. (I couldn't resist.)

An orange cat and an orange fish come face-to-face on either side of the aquarium glass

6. I'm thankful I got to spend lunch time and some class time with my friend, walking buddy, and Utah neighbor. It was so good to see her again! (Is the photo on my cousin's phone, my friend's phone, or did we forget to take one?!)

7. I'm thankful for the things I learned. For example, did you realize that the Freedman's Bureau records contain not only documents pertaining to formerly enslaved individuals, but also records of white persons who sought government assistance after the Civil War, and other records which mention former enslavers? I want to explore the Freedman's Bureau now and see what I can discover. 

8. I'm thankful for technology. As you can tell from the name RootsTech, the conference focuses on both genealogy and technology, and AI was a big topic at this year's conference. One presenter stated that AI can be useful in learning useful historical background. For example, you could ask Chat GPT (or another AI) to write a short paragraph describing a particular county in a particular year. I'm curious to try some of the new technologies that I haven't explored yet.

9. I'm thankful that many of the RootsTech sessions are online here. Online videos are free to everyone, so if you're curious about family history (or a fan of comedian Henry Cho or singer Kristin Chenoweth), be sure to check out the video library. 

10. I'm thankful for John. He supports my interests and activities, and holds down the fort while I'm gone. While I had a great time at home in Utah, it's sure nice to be home In California with John!

What are you thankful for this week? Be sure to click on the link to go to the Ten Things of Thankful blog to see the other bloggers' entries in this blog hop!