Wordless Wednesday - Spring 1942

My great-grandmother, Ruth Burnett, in spring 1942

Living in Tornado Alley

Hearing the news of the devastating tornado that struck Moore, Oklahoma yesterday, I couldn't help but be reminded of my days of living in tornado alley. I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri and every spring and summer we dealt with the fear of tornadoes. I lived there for 26 years before I moved and there was only one time when I had to face the green, sickly skies up close and personal.

Davidson Elementary School

I was attending school at Davidson Elementary in Kansas City North. I think I must have been in fourth grade. I vividly remember that tornado sirens were going off and our teachers escorted us to the downstairs hallway, that had no windows. As we passed the front door of the school I saw that tell-tale green sky. As we sat crowded together in the basement, I remember my friend Laura crying uncontrollably because she was worried about her mother. I remember feeling the need to be calm and talking with her to try to help her understand that her mother would know what to do to be safe.

Luckily, a tornado didn't touch down. If there was one, it was brief and completely missed the school. It wasn't until a year or so after I moved away that a tornado touched down a block from my childhood home.

My heart is sick today thinking of the poor folks in Moore. I know that life is not about things, but as a genealogist I can't help but also mourn the memories that have been lost. I wish the people of Moore the strength to get through this horrible day and the weeks to come.

Follow Friday - Favorites for May 17, 2013

Favorites is my weekly list of favorite genealogy, history and random finds from across the Net.

Girls and young women beware

The Legal Genealogist reminds us that They Also Served: Women in the military

Beautiful images of Paris shop fronts at The Bees Knees Daily

Genealogy Roadshow Coming to PBS this fall

Everyone needs Chocolate therapy...try this version

A 92-year-old shoe cobbler is the pride of his town

An interesting tale of Frank Baum, the Wizard of the Wizard of Oz at Filiopietism Prism

Annmarie at Skipping Down Memory Lane has finally found a missing child from her family tree!

The Genealogy Guys celebrate their 250th podcast

Mocavo reinvigorates Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness through Genealogy Karma

Donna at Finding Ellen makes a genealogical trip through my stomping grounds

A beautiful and unique brooch at Caroline's Chronicles

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wordless Wednesday - Home on leave

My great-uncle, Bill Burnett on his first leave home from the war. The lovely lady is unidentified.

A slow down

There are times when real life seems to push my "past" life out of the way. Right now is one of those times. There are big changes going on with the living right now which I hope to be able to share with you all soon. For the time being, my posts may be few and far in between so please bear with me! I very much enjoy reading your posts and getting your feedback to my various thoughts so I hope to be back sooner rather than later. Thank you!

Follow Friday - Favorites for May 10, 2013

Favorites is my weekly list of favorite genealogy, history and random finds from across the Net.

This Month in History: Selective Service Act of 1917

Long lost mental asylum drawings create a stir

Follow a great research find at A Southern Sleuth: Part I, Part II and Final 

Fashion Friday at The Bees Knees Daily: Spring and Summer fashions from 1915

May Day was really moving day?

The lewd women made me do it...

Meat Pie, Anyone? The True Story of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street

A Scrap of Fabric That Could Save a Downed Pilot's Life

Foundling Tokens: For Surrendered Children, a Final Tie to Family

Late Arrivals, Goldfish, and Guinea Pigs: Unofficial Soldiers' Clubs of WWII

Bill West shares his Bad Boy Plymouth Colony ancestors

Some great southwest travel photos by Wendy at Shaking Leaves

A yummy granola recipe at My Ancestors and Me

Wordless Wednesday - Fun at the beach

My mom searching for shells at the beach. I believe this was during a vacation to Florida in 1980.