The topic for the 101st edition of the Carnival of Genealogy is: My genealogy research/writing plan for 2011. Figure out what you think you can accomplish in 2011 and write it up on your blog. Then share it with us in the COG!
It is good to set goals and prepare a plan to help focus oneself. Now, we don't always achieve our goals or follow our plan but if we don't think about what we what to do, we can get scattered and accomplish little. Well that sounds good but I am not always the greatest planner and I am not always good at keeping focused but let's see if I can do it for the coming year.
Goal 1: Complete the book on the Soldiers from Knox United (then Presbyterian) in the First World War. Most of the research is done, I think. I may find out differently when I go to work on writing about each one. I have started the writing on about four or five. There are 23 men involved with two being siblings.
Plan: To focus on one a week, finishing research and writing. That will take me to the end of June.
To decide how I am going to publish it and distribute it. It is not meant to be for a large distribution but I wanted the information about them in writing so that it is preserved for future generations.
Publish by September 14, 2011 (92 years after the organ was dedicated in memory of these men).
Goal 2: To update the family history that I did for first for my brother and sister and then updated it again for my four Iles nephews. This is not a full blown history but it focuses on the main people in my parents' lines. My parents are the focus in the book. The first two versions were done for 3 ring binders done on my computer and printed out on my ink-jet printer. This time it will be for all my nieces, nephews and my siblings.
Plan: Add information to my genealogy software that I found while I was at Salt Lake City in August.
Add the appropriate people and information to the "book".
Review what I have and decide if there is further research that I could do to make the information and stories more appealing to non-genealogists.
Look for maps and photos that might be useful.
Decide on how it will be produced. - 10 copies needed.
To accomplish this all before Christmas 2011.
How well I do on this will be dependent of course on what else is happening in my life. When you work as a freelance researcher, you do not know how much work you will have and when it will occur. I have two talks booked already. I am also President of two organizations. All I can do is my best and try to focus on these two goals.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 - December 24 - Christmas Eve
How did you and your family spend Christmas Eve?
I don't remember what we did when I was young. I am sure we tuned into the radio to hear the report of Santa's status. We would likely be excited and have trouble falling to sleep. My great Aunt Margaret spent many Christmas holidays with us when she was living in Southern Ontario.
In my teen years, I either went to church with my brother and his girl friend or went to one of the churches holding services on a rotation. As an adult, I remember going with my mother and father to our church. They were in the choir on Christmas Eve once they retired. (While we had the supermarket, Christmas Eve was a busy one right up to 10 p.m. when they closed. Then they had to come home to prepare the bank deposit.) If the weather was co-operative, we would go for a drive after the service and see the Christmas lights. Before the services became family oriented, I showed a Christmas Eve movie with the children in the Sunday School hall.
I usually go to the Christmas Eve service at our church. It is a family service at 7:00 p.m. Several times, I have been invited to friends' place for Christmas cookies and a visit after the service.
To all, I wish a Merry Christmas and a time of creating new memories for you and yours.
In the language of my Germanic ancestors Fröhliche Weihnachten. In the languages of my immediate family, I wish all my readers Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad
photo from Christmas 1952 - Ted, Nancy and Janet
I don't remember what we did when I was young. I am sure we tuned into the radio to hear the report of Santa's status. We would likely be excited and have trouble falling to sleep. My great Aunt Margaret spent many Christmas holidays with us when she was living in Southern Ontario.
In my teen years, I either went to church with my brother and his girl friend or went to one of the churches holding services on a rotation. As an adult, I remember going with my mother and father to our church. They were in the choir on Christmas Eve once they retired. (While we had the supermarket, Christmas Eve was a busy one right up to 10 p.m. when they closed. Then they had to come home to prepare the bank deposit.) If the weather was co-operative, we would go for a drive after the service and see the Christmas lights. Before the services became family oriented, I showed a Christmas Eve movie with the children in the Sunday School hall.
I usually go to the Christmas Eve service at our church. It is a family service at 7:00 p.m. Several times, I have been invited to friends' place for Christmas cookies and a visit after the service.
To all, I wish a Merry Christmas and a time of creating new memories for you and yours.
In the language of my Germanic ancestors Fröhliche Weihnachten. In the languages of my immediate family, I wish all my readers Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noël, Feliz Navidad
photo from Christmas 1952 - Ted, Nancy and Janet
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Review of 2010 goals
As last year ended, I set some goals. So how did I do?
1. I need to get organized and this applies not only to genealogy. So this is really my most important goal for the year and then once accomplished, I hope I can maintain it through the year. I am really good at getting started but I get so far and then other projects have my attention and organization doesn't happen.
I started to sort the genealogy related materials but there is so much still to be done. In non-genealogy matters, I did a major go through my clothes. Thanks to my sister's help, I gave away bags of clothes and I tossed some that weren't suitable for others to wear.
2. After all the sorting of the family information, before I file the material, I want to make sure that everything is entered in my family database with proper citations.
Not done
3. Get more people involved in the Historical Society project of mapping all the churches in Grey County.
The project is on hold.
4. Write some articles for the Grey County Historian.
5. The soldiers' project is still on the list but what I get done will depend on other projects that will be given a higher profile.
Nothing was done on this during the year.
6. Keep up with the blogging. I enjoy writing so I will have no problem in this area.
This I continued to do.
Not planned but happened.
© 2010 Janet Iles
1. I need to get organized and this applies not only to genealogy. So this is really my most important goal for the year and then once accomplished, I hope I can maintain it through the year. I am really good at getting started but I get so far and then other projects have my attention and organization doesn't happen.
I started to sort the genealogy related materials but there is so much still to be done. In non-genealogy matters, I did a major go through my clothes. Thanks to my sister's help, I gave away bags of clothes and I tossed some that weren't suitable for others to wear.
2. After all the sorting of the family information, before I file the material, I want to make sure that everything is entered in my family database with proper citations.
Not done
3. Get more people involved in the Historical Society project of mapping all the churches in Grey County.
The project is on hold.
4. Write some articles for the Grey County Historian.
I wrote about Influenza in Grey County during the post world war one flu epidemic. I became President of the Society, a year early so I wrote the note from the President for an issue.
5. The soldiers' project is still on the list but what I get done will depend on other projects that will be given a higher profile.
Nothing was done on this during the year.
6. Keep up with the blogging. I enjoy writing so I will have no problem in this area.
This I continued to do.
Not planned but happened.
- I write a short local history article (around 200 words) every 3 months for the "Viva Historica" column in our local newspaper. This a column done by the Society.
- I spent a week in Salt Lake City researching.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 - December 21 - Christmas music
What songs did your family listen to during Christmas? Did you ever go caroling? Did you have a favorite song?
Do you remember the 78s? I went to the basement to see what old Christmas records had survived. I found these.
I still have a record player. Although, they are a bit scratchy, I put one on to listen to. They bring back memories. After 78s, we graduated to 33 albums and single 45s, then cassettes and now CDs.
We listened to both secular and religious music. Some of the records also had stories. One orange record had "It came upon a midnight clear", "Away in a Manger", "The First Noel" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". These are still favourites today. On the other side was the narration of "The Night before Christmas". Another disc had "C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S" (a favourite), "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas", "Up on the House Top" and the Village of Christmas Pie."
I can only recall caroling once outdoors.
When my dad was in hospital at Christmas (1989), he was so pleased by the visitors who came to sing carols and of course the visit of the Salvation Army with their musical instruments. I am sure he sang along. Every time I hear or sing Silent Night, I remember that Christmas. That was my dad's last Christmas.
Do you remember the 78s? I went to the basement to see what old Christmas records had survived. I found these.
I still have a record player. Although, they are a bit scratchy, I put one on to listen to. They bring back memories. After 78s, we graduated to 33 albums and single 45s, then cassettes and now CDs.
We listened to both secular and religious music. Some of the records also had stories. One orange record had "It came upon a midnight clear", "Away in a Manger", "The First Noel" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". These are still favourites today. On the other side was the narration of "The Night before Christmas". Another disc had "C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S" (a favourite), "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas", "Up on the House Top" and the Village of Christmas Pie."
I can only recall caroling once outdoors.
When my dad was in hospital at Christmas (1989), he was so pleased by the visitors who came to sing carols and of course the visit of the Salvation Army with their musical instruments. I am sure he sang along. Every time I hear or sing Silent Night, I remember that Christmas. That was my dad's last Christmas.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 - December 20 - Religious Services
Did your family attend religious services during the Christmas season? What were the customs and traditions involved?
Our family attended church every Sunday so it was no different during the Christmas season. Of course, there were some special services.
During the period leading up to Christmas there was Advent. I do not remember lighting Advent candles until after I was a Sunday School Teacher. The church would be decorated with lights and a Christmas tree. During the years I was Sunday School Superintendent, the Advent Wreath was my responsibility. I would talk about the different candles and I would teach the congregation an Advent Candle song.
For many years, the most important service was the Carol Service. At first, it was only offered once but the demand was so great it was put on twice on a Sunday close to Christmas. The church organist/choir leader, Victor Kerslake, would work with the choirs for months. The church would be packed (near 900 people I figure). There would be choirs, ensembles and solos. The children's choir that I was part of would be in the side galleries - the boys on the east and the girls on the west. For many years, a wooden platform would be put up to extend the pulpit area. Unfortunately, a minister came who didn't permit this anymore. The intermediate choir (older teens and early 20s would sit on this extended platform.) The service was mostly music with only a few readings.
If Christmas Day fell on a Sunday, our family would open our gifts from Santa before going to church. The Christmas gifts would be opened in the afternoon after we had lunch.
As a teen, on Christmas Eve, I would sometimes go with my brother and his girl friend to her church for the special Christmas Eve service. One year, my sister and I were in a young peoples' group at a neighbouring church and our group looked after the service and the lunch that followed. That year, Santa had arrived before we got home but we did not look at what he brought.
This year, the young people did a great play for the congregation at the morning service on the 19th. Christmas Eve there will be a service at 7 p.m. with quiet communion offered before or after the service.
© 2010 Janet Iles updated from 2009
Our family attended church every Sunday so it was no different during the Christmas season. Of course, there were some special services.
During the period leading up to Christmas there was Advent. I do not remember lighting Advent candles until after I was a Sunday School Teacher. The church would be decorated with lights and a Christmas tree. During the years I was Sunday School Superintendent, the Advent Wreath was my responsibility. I would talk about the different candles and I would teach the congregation an Advent Candle song.
For many years, the most important service was the Carol Service. At first, it was only offered once but the demand was so great it was put on twice on a Sunday close to Christmas. The church organist/choir leader, Victor Kerslake, would work with the choirs for months. The church would be packed (near 900 people I figure). There would be choirs, ensembles and solos. The children's choir that I was part of would be in the side galleries - the boys on the east and the girls on the west. For many years, a wooden platform would be put up to extend the pulpit area. Unfortunately, a minister came who didn't permit this anymore. The intermediate choir (older teens and early 20s would sit on this extended platform.) The service was mostly music with only a few readings.
If Christmas Day fell on a Sunday, our family would open our gifts from Santa before going to church. The Christmas gifts would be opened in the afternoon after we had lunch.
As a teen, on Christmas Eve, I would sometimes go with my brother and his girl friend to her church for the special Christmas Eve service. One year, my sister and I were in a young peoples' group at a neighbouring church and our group looked after the service and the lunch that followed. That year, Santa had arrived before we got home but we did not look at what he brought.
When I was teaching French for the Central Algoma School Board (near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) 1971-2, I lived on St. Joseph's Island and went to Harmony-St. Mark's United, I joined the choir. At Christmas, we put on a Christmas Cantata with a gospel style. That was fun to do!
This year, the young people did a great play for the congregation at the morning service on the 19th. Christmas Eve there will be a service at 7 p.m. with quiet communion offered before or after the service.
© 2010 Janet Iles updated from 2009
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Advent Calendar of Memories 2010 - December 19 - Christmas shopping
How did your family handle Christmas Shopping? Did anyone finish early or did anyone start on Christmas Eve?
I do not recall anyone during my childhood/youth being last minute shoppers. My mother was a list maker and kept track of the gift giving as well as those gifts received in her notebooks . I am sure things were not left to the last minute as Christmas time was always a busy time in the grocery business. I still have the tiny notebooks. The earliest that I can find with the list of gifts written in shorthand was in 1955.
Gifts purchased have a check mark beside them. This is only page one of two for that year. Mom had gifts to purchase that had to be sent by mail so she would have to get those away early. She gave gifts to her siblings and her nieces and nephews. I can remember when there was enough mail around Christmas that we received two deliveries a day by Canada Post.
What did I get from mom and dad that year? -- Slippers, pyjamas, and telephone (toy of course)
One year, my dad took my sister and I Christmas shopping for new dresses. We were headed south for Christmas that year. My dress was a bright pink, with a dropped waist and it was sleeveless. I can't recall my sister's outfit. We went to B. Gorbet and Sons - women's clothing store and furrier. It has been closed for a number of years. [Information on this business and the founder]
This year, I haven't done much in the way of shopping, but I still have a few more days to get it done.
© 2010 Janet Iles
I do not recall anyone during my childhood/youth being last minute shoppers. My mother was a list maker and kept track of the gift giving as well as those gifts received in her notebooks . I am sure things were not left to the last minute as Christmas time was always a busy time in the grocery business. I still have the tiny notebooks. The earliest that I can find with the list of gifts written in shorthand was in 1955.
What did I get from mom and dad that year? -- Slippers, pyjamas, and telephone (toy of course)
One year, my dad took my sister and I Christmas shopping for new dresses. We were headed south for Christmas that year. My dress was a bright pink, with a dropped waist and it was sleeveless. I can't recall my sister's outfit. We went to B. Gorbet and Sons - women's clothing store and furrier. It has been closed for a number of years. [Information on this business and the founder]
This year, I haven't done much in the way of shopping, but I still have a few more days to get it done.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Guatemalan Nativity Scene 2010
I have been having trouble posting photos to Blogger. Today, I decided to try another approach. I have used Flickr to upload to my blog by using Share, Blog it. This works great if I only want one photo in the article.
This is the photo of the nativity scene from a different angle. I have raised the Holy Family about a half inch but you can see that these figures are much larger than the village people. The Holy Family and the 3 Magi are wooden and they were my first items that I received from my brother and sister-in-law.
This is the photo of the nativity scene from a different angle. I have raised the Holy Family about a half inch but you can see that these figures are much larger than the village people. The Holy Family and the 3 Magi are wooden and they were my first items that I received from my brother and sister-in-law.
Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 December 18 Stockings
Did you have one? Where did you hang it? What did you get in it?
Christmas 1952 I am almost 3 years old. My sister and I are sitting beside the "fake" fireplace" Our stockings are hung waiting for Santa. The fireplace was made from wooden orange crates covered in "brick" paper. Did your family make use of these wooden crates for furniture such as bedside tables?
An orange usually was in the toe of the stocking. There would be a few toys and some candy.
In my teens, we graduated to tights and these were put over a chair. When we moved from the apartment over the corner store that we owned, the fireplace did not come with us. (not as a fireplace anyways). posted in 2007 and 2009
© 2010 Janet Iles
Friday, December 17, 2010
Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 - December 17 - Nativitiy Scene
My Guatemalan nativity scene with a few additions is the focus in my living room. Here is how I have set it up this year.
Unfortunately, I am still having trouble with uploads of photos to my blog so this does not show the colors well. I have posted them to my Flickr account. At the point of the page, there is a link to my Flickr account.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Unfortunately, I am still having trouble with uploads of photos to my blog so this does not show the colors well. I have posted them to my Flickr account. At the point of the page, there is a link to my Flickr account.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
101 Carnival of Genealogy = Call for Submissions has me thinking.
I am taking a break from the Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories for a couple of postings.
Jasia over at Creative Gene has posted the prompt for the 101 Carnival of Genealogy. She polled her readers for the suggestion for the topic. The top choice was ---
My genealogy research/writing plan for 2011. Figure out what you think you can accomplish in 2011 and write it up on your blog.
There is no limit on entries for this COG. It will help us to focus our resolutions for 2011. I think this will be good for me to write something and put it in the public view. I may also print it out and post in my office as a reminder. Now to get thinking.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Monday, December 13, 2010
Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 - December 13
Did you travel anywhere for Christmas? How did you travel and who traveled with you? Do you remember any special trips?
Most years our family would stay close to home for Christmas. Occasionally, we would travel to see friends but it would only be a day trip.
During my teen years, our family travelled several times to Florida - Naples, Fort Myers and Sannibel Island. We flew. It was fun to get away from the cold and snow. I didn't mind not having a white Christmas.
When I was little my paternal grandparents lived across the street. At some point on Christmas Day, we would walk across the street to visit. Quite often, some of my aunts, uncles and cousins would be there.
As an adult, I have gone twice to my sister's for Christmas Day. Back in 1978, she was expecting child #2 any day, so we packed up everything and headed there for Christmas (via car). Now, I often go to my sister's during the days following Christmas.
Christmas 2002 was very special as my brother, sister and I would be together for Christmas Day. My sister and her son accompanied me to Guatemala. I had gone over to Barrie on the 21st travelling by coach. Early on Monday the 23rd, we left Barrie on an air-bus with door to door service to the Toronto airport. That began our adventure. It was a long day as we had also stops in the Detroit and Houston airports.
When we left the arrival lounge at Guatemala City, straight ahead in the mass of people were Ted, Doris and Sarah. I am not sure what we would have done if we hadn't seen them right away. By this time it was quite late. It was hard to believe we were there. A brightly lit Canadian Christmas tree awaited us at their home.
Christmas Eve day is a big day in Guatemala . In the morning we saw some places in Guatemala City. In the afternoon, the extended family started to gather. They all made us feel so welcome. It was such a beautiful warm day and it was great to sit outside and visit. We were able to eat our Christmas turkey dinner outdoors. Some of the family departed for their own homes.
Because of our big dinner was served in the late afternoon, we only had a light supper of the traditional Christmas Eve meal of tamales. During the evening, we could hear firecrackers being set off.
We were all waiting until midnight. Ear plugs in place and with my hands over my ears, I went outside the gates of the home into the streets with the other members of the family to watch the lighting of the firecrackers which are in rounds and to see some of the fireworks shooting high above the city. I didn’t last very long outside.
Now it was time to open our gifts. Never have I ever opened Christmas gifts that early in the morning.
After 1 a.m. we posed for family pictures and despite the late hour and the long day, we still looked pretty good. Finally we headed to bed. During the night, the vibration of the firecrackers being set off, set off the sensitive car alarm.
In the morning, the crowing of the roosters announced that it was Christmas morning. What a great feeling to wake up where you didn’t look out of the window to fields and streets of snow - no thought of snow boots and heavy winter clothing and travelling on slippery, snowy roads with the fear of poor visibility.
That was a wonderful trip with the opportunity to see family and to experience Christmas in another culture.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Most years our family would stay close to home for Christmas. Occasionally, we would travel to see friends but it would only be a day trip.
During my teen years, our family travelled several times to Florida - Naples, Fort Myers and Sannibel Island. We flew. It was fun to get away from the cold and snow. I didn't mind not having a white Christmas.
When I was little my paternal grandparents lived across the street. At some point on Christmas Day, we would walk across the street to visit. Quite often, some of my aunts, uncles and cousins would be there.
As an adult, I have gone twice to my sister's for Christmas Day. Back in 1978, she was expecting child #2 any day, so we packed up everything and headed there for Christmas (via car). Now, I often go to my sister's during the days following Christmas.
Christmas 2002 was very special as my brother, sister and I would be together for Christmas Day. My sister and her son accompanied me to Guatemala. I had gone over to Barrie on the 21st travelling by coach. Early on Monday the 23rd, we left Barrie on an air-bus with door to door service to the Toronto airport. That began our adventure. It was a long day as we had also stops in the Detroit and Houston airports.
When we left the arrival lounge at Guatemala City, straight ahead in the mass of people were Ted, Doris and Sarah. I am not sure what we would have done if we hadn't seen them right away. By this time it was quite late. It was hard to believe we were there. A brightly lit Canadian Christmas tree awaited us at their home.
Christmas Eve day is a big day in Guatemala . In the morning we saw some places in Guatemala City. In the afternoon, the extended family started to gather. They all made us feel so welcome. It was such a beautiful warm day and it was great to sit outside and visit. We were able to eat our Christmas turkey dinner outdoors. Some of the family departed for their own homes.
Because of our big dinner was served in the late afternoon, we only had a light supper of the traditional Christmas Eve meal of tamales. During the evening, we could hear firecrackers being set off.
We were all waiting until midnight. Ear plugs in place and with my hands over my ears, I went outside the gates of the home into the streets with the other members of the family to watch the lighting of the firecrackers which are in rounds and to see some of the fireworks shooting high above the city. I didn’t last very long outside.
Now it was time to open our gifts. Never have I ever opened Christmas gifts that early in the morning.
After 1 a.m. we posed for family pictures and despite the late hour and the long day, we still looked pretty good. Finally we headed to bed. During the night, the vibration of the firecrackers being set off, set off the sensitive car alarm.
In the morning, the crowing of the roosters announced that it was Christmas morning. What a great feeling to wake up where you didn’t look out of the window to fields and streets of snow - no thought of snow boots and heavy winter clothing and travelling on slippery, snowy roads with the fear of poor visibility.
That was a wonderful trip with the opportunity to see family and to experience Christmas in another culture.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Blog Caroling 2010
FootnoteMaven is hosting a Blog Caroling Event on December 15. We are to share a favourite Christmas Song. This year, I have chosen Mary's Boy Child. The video features the song sung by Helmut Lotti & Cliff Richard in 2003 in Brussels, Belgium accompanied by the Golden Symphonic Orchestra.
I like the message and the rhythm of the piece. I hope you sing along.
© 2010 Janet Iles
I like the message and the rhythm of the piece. I hope you sing along.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Friday, December 10, 2010
Advent Calendar of Memories 2010 - Christmas Gifts - December 10
What were your favorite gifts, both to receive and to give?
Well, when I think about this I honestly can't name a favourite gift that I received. It is not that I haven't received many great gifts because I have. My mother kept a note pad listing the Christmas gifts she was going to purchase. Even if you read the list before Christmas, you wouldn't know what you were going to receive because it was written in shorthand.
One gift that I received a few days before Christmas 2000 did not come wrapped in paper to be placed under the Christmas tree, nor did it come by parcel post. It came from a stranger via email. It was the helpful piece of information that took me back another generation in my Iles family. I wrote about it in A Gift of Genealogy.
My favourite gift that I gave was in Christmas 2000. I made three copies of a brief family history. I gave a copy to my sister and my brother. The book was printed on my computer printer and put into a three-ring binder. Our parents were the focus of the book. I talked about them, their families and traced only their direct lines as I knew it at that time. A couple of years ago, I did an updated version for four of my nephews.
One year, around 1993, my mother and I gave each other the same sweater. When we exchanged the gifts, only the two of us were there. She opened hers up first. At first, she thought something had happened to the gift tags. Then, I opened mine. We had a good laugh about how we both had chosen the same gift for the other. Has that every happened to you? Sometimes without consulting the other, we would both chose to wear this same sweater and the same coloured slacks to an event.
When I was younger, our family custom was one person to act as "Santa". This was usually my dad. He would dig under the tree to pass a gift to each person as it came their turn. Only one person opened a gift at a time. Everyone would ooh and ah! It didn't matter whether it was a pair of socks or a new toy or book. The giver would be thanked if they were present. My dad's big gift for my mom would always be given last. Often, it would placed somewhere other than under the tree. Someone would grab a camera to capture mom's expression when she opened her gift.
After all the gifts were opened, each person was assigned a spot to display their gifts. A list was made of what a person received. This helped when you did your thank you letters.
After my brother got married, we adopted his wife's family's tradition of passing out the gifts to each person at the start. Still, only one person could open a gift at a time. If it was your turn and your pile was getting a little short, you might pass until it came your turn again.
I enjoy taking my time to open the gifts and to see what each person received. I do not like to be rushed.
My mother and I have always liked people to open the gifts carefully to save the paper if possible so that it could be reused. I didn't know if my any of my nephews remembered that but when my nephew was opening the wedding gifts, he was tearing off the paper and he said, "Sorry, Janet". Well I really don't expect to recycle wedding paper.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Well, when I think about this I honestly can't name a favourite gift that I received. It is not that I haven't received many great gifts because I have. My mother kept a note pad listing the Christmas gifts she was going to purchase. Even if you read the list before Christmas, you wouldn't know what you were going to receive because it was written in shorthand.
One gift that I received a few days before Christmas 2000 did not come wrapped in paper to be placed under the Christmas tree, nor did it come by parcel post. It came from a stranger via email. It was the helpful piece of information that took me back another generation in my Iles family. I wrote about it in A Gift of Genealogy.
My favourite gift that I gave was in Christmas 2000. I made three copies of a brief family history. I gave a copy to my sister and my brother. The book was printed on my computer printer and put into a three-ring binder. Our parents were the focus of the book. I talked about them, their families and traced only their direct lines as I knew it at that time. A couple of years ago, I did an updated version for four of my nephews.
One year, around 1993, my mother and I gave each other the same sweater. When we exchanged the gifts, only the two of us were there. She opened hers up first. At first, she thought something had happened to the gift tags. Then, I opened mine. We had a good laugh about how we both had chosen the same gift for the other. Has that every happened to you? Sometimes without consulting the other, we would both chose to wear this same sweater and the same coloured slacks to an event.
When I was younger, our family custom was one person to act as "Santa". This was usually my dad. He would dig under the tree to pass a gift to each person as it came their turn. Only one person opened a gift at a time. Everyone would ooh and ah! It didn't matter whether it was a pair of socks or a new toy or book. The giver would be thanked if they were present. My dad's big gift for my mom would always be given last. Often, it would placed somewhere other than under the tree. Someone would grab a camera to capture mom's expression when she opened her gift.
After all the gifts were opened, each person was assigned a spot to display their gifts. A list was made of what a person received. This helped when you did your thank you letters.
After my brother got married, we adopted his wife's family's tradition of passing out the gifts to each person at the start. Still, only one person could open a gift at a time. If it was your turn and your pile was getting a little short, you might pass until it came your turn again.
I enjoy taking my time to open the gifts and to see what each person received. I do not like to be rushed.
My mother and I have always liked people to open the gifts carefully to save the paper if possible so that it could be reused. I didn't know if my any of my nephews remembered that but when my nephew was opening the wedding gifts, he was tearing off the paper and he said, "Sorry, Janet". Well I really don't expect to recycle wedding paper.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 - Little Ones at Christmas - December 9
Today's topic is our choice.
I am having uploading photos to look the way they should - Click here to see the photo
This is showing Grandma and Grandpa (my parents) with all their grandchildren. One more was born after the death of my dad. Mom has the twins - Jeffrey and Andrew, Matthew is sitting on David's knee and my dad has Heather and Adam.
The children of my two siblings are all ready for bed after a busy Christmas Day. Christmases were lots of fun when the children were little as the children were all close in age. David and Adam are three days a part. Matthew is a couple of years younger. Heather, Jeffrey and Andrew were all born in the same year.
The photo was taken at my brother's home at Sauble Beach. We would come for the day and then head back to Owen Sound sometimes in very snowy conditions.
Now the children are all grown up. Even their youngest grandchild is now in her late teens. Christmases are not quite the same when you don't have children in the house.
This year, my sister will be celebrating Christmas with a little one in the house as she has her first grandchild. He is too little to know what is going on but it will be a special one for the family.
© 2010 Janet Iles
I am having uploading photos to look the way they should - Click here to see the photo
This is showing Grandma and Grandpa (my parents) with all their grandchildren. One more was born after the death of my dad. Mom has the twins - Jeffrey and Andrew, Matthew is sitting on David's knee and my dad has Heather and Adam.
The children of my two siblings are all ready for bed after a busy Christmas Day. Christmases were lots of fun when the children were little as the children were all close in age. David and Adam are three days a part. Matthew is a couple of years younger. Heather, Jeffrey and Andrew were all born in the same year.
The photo was taken at my brother's home at Sauble Beach. We would come for the day and then head back to Owen Sound sometimes in very snowy conditions.
Now the children are all grown up. Even their youngest grandchild is now in her late teens. Christmases are not quite the same when you don't have children in the house.
This year, my sister will be celebrating Christmas with a little one in the house as she has her first grandchild. He is too little to know what is going on but it will be a special one for the family.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Advent Calendar of Memories 2010 - Christmas Cookies - December 8
Did your family make Christmas Cookies? How did you help? Did you have a favorite cookie?
My mother made cookies for both the family and church bazaars. I do not remember helping her. One year as an adult, I made many angel shaped sugar cookies for the church bazaar - "Invite an angel for tea". I don't remember how many but it was lots!
My favourite Christmas cookie is the melt in the mouth shortbread cookies. My mother also made cookies using a cookie press.
This is the shortbread recipe found in my mother's small binder of handwritten recipes. Note - few instructions or details. I am not sure if these are the ones I remember.
1 cup lard
1 cup butter
1/2 cup icing sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 cups All purpose flour
1/4" thickness - 375 degrees F (note that there is no time limit given)
Here is another Shortbread recipe from the cookbook
There are few details written down
1 cup butter beat
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 3/4 cup flour
Spread on cookie sheet
at 300 degrees F for 50 minutes
I have not tried either of the above recipes so I can not vouch whether they are tasty. This last one looks easy.
In the 1970s, when the library had its "Butcher, a Baker, a Candlestick Maker" bazaar, the library staff (the women) had a cookie making party. We had lots of fun with each person given a task. The recipe was from the Canadian Living magazine - date unknown.
Check out the Canadian Living web site for the sugar cookie recipe.
When talking about cookies, I must also talk about the "Cookie Walk" at our church bazaar. We didn't come up with this idea. For many years, members of the congregation were asked to contribute at least 7 dozen cookies. People lined up to fill containers with this delicious and often colourful items. There were 2 sizes of containers. The price was a bargain but still a few people liked to cram the boxes extremely full. We always wondered if the cookies were smushed when they got home. The last time we had the cookie walk, volunteers gathered the day before and pre-packed an assortment in the boxes.
My mother made cookies for both the family and church bazaars. I do not remember helping her. One year as an adult, I made many angel shaped sugar cookies for the church bazaar - "Invite an angel for tea". I don't remember how many but it was lots!
My favourite Christmas cookie is the melt in the mouth shortbread cookies. My mother also made cookies using a cookie press.
This is the shortbread recipe found in my mother's small binder of handwritten recipes. Note - few instructions or details. I am not sure if these are the ones I remember.
1 cup lard
1 cup butter
1/2 cup icing sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 cups All purpose flour
1/4" thickness - 375 degrees F (note that there is no time limit given)
Here is another Shortbread recipe from the cookbook
There are few details written down
1 cup butter beat
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 3/4 cup flour
Spread on cookie sheet
at 300 degrees F for 50 minutes
I have not tried either of the above recipes so I can not vouch whether they are tasty. This last one looks easy.
In the 1970s, when the library had its "Butcher, a Baker, a Candlestick Maker" bazaar, the library staff (the women) had a cookie making party. We had lots of fun with each person given a task. The recipe was from the Canadian Living magazine - date unknown.
Check out the Canadian Living web site for the sugar cookie recipe.
When talking about cookies, I must also talk about the "Cookie Walk" at our church bazaar. We didn't come up with this idea. For many years, members of the congregation were asked to contribute at least 7 dozen cookies. People lined up to fill containers with this delicious and often colourful items. There were 2 sizes of containers. The price was a bargain but still a few people liked to cram the boxes extremely full. We always wondered if the cookies were smushed when they got home. The last time we had the cookie walk, volunteers gathered the day before and pre-packed an assortment in the boxes.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Advent Calendar of Memories 2010 - Christmas Parties - December 7
Did your family throw a holiday party each year? Do you remember attending any holiday parties?
The only holiday parties that I remember hosted by my family were the staff Christmas parties for the staff from our supermarket. For many years, it was held in our home. I started working when I was 14 but I am sure my brother, sister and I got to attend even before we started to work. (at least for the first part of the evening.)
It was a fun evening. The women would dress up in their best outfits. There was a gift exchange, some silly games and some singing. The staff gave my parents a gift. Of course, there was good food to eat. One year, a few of the young men (most in their teens or early 20s) brought their musical instruments and entertained everyone.
When I was in the junior choir at church, the church organist would have a party for all the children in the choir. In those days, the choir was very large. (The boys and girls did not practice together.) The highlight of the party was always the movies that the organist would borrow/rent for us to see. It was a big deal in those days. Many did not have television in the early years and if they did, they only saw one channel or the television was very small. Are there any former Knox junior choir members reading this who remember Victor Kerslake's parties?
This year, my Christmas parties are lunch out with friends from the church: the book club and the women's group. I am also attending the library's staff party this year. (most likely the last time.)
updated from 2009
© 2010 Janet Iles
The only holiday parties that I remember hosted by my family were the staff Christmas parties for the staff from our supermarket. For many years, it was held in our home. I started working when I was 14 but I am sure my brother, sister and I got to attend even before we started to work. (at least for the first part of the evening.)
It was a fun evening. The women would dress up in their best outfits. There was a gift exchange, some silly games and some singing. The staff gave my parents a gift. Of course, there was good food to eat. One year, a few of the young men (most in their teens or early 20s) brought their musical instruments and entertained everyone.
When I was in the junior choir at church, the church organist would have a party for all the children in the choir. In those days, the choir was very large. (The boys and girls did not practice together.) The highlight of the party was always the movies that the organist would borrow/rent for us to see. It was a big deal in those days. Many did not have television in the early years and if they did, they only saw one channel or the television was very small. Are there any former Knox junior choir members reading this who remember Victor Kerslake's parties?
This year, my Christmas parties are lunch out with friends from the church: the book club and the women's group. I am also attending the library's staff party this year. (most likely the last time.)
updated from 2009
© 2010 Janet Iles
Monday, December 6, 2010
Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 -Santa Claus - December 6
Did you ever send a letter to Santa? Did you ever visit Santa and “make a list?”
© 2010 Janet Iles
Yes, I wrote letters to Santa. We saw Santa at the Santa Claus parade. Our parades have not always been in November and in the morning. I can remember walking down in the afternoon and there was tons of snow. (that is how I remember it.) Christmas 1989, although I didn't attend the parade, I remember how much snow there was as I had to make a trip to London to visit my father in hospital. Now I watch the parade on cable TV. Santa would also pay a visit to the Church Christmas Concert. After we got TV broadcasts in this area, we watched Santa on CKNX.
One of our favourite things in our area, when I was a young person, was to listen to the afternoon broadcast on the radio (CFOS). Santa would be joined by Peek-a-boo (a little elf who was invisible and could report to Santa whether you were good or not - name pronounced by Father Time as Peck a boo) and also Father Time. Another interesting character was also Jack Frost. Santa would wear special glasses to see Peek-a-boo. Santa would read the letters he had received.
Each programme would end with everyone repeating the Christmas wish with Santa. Now, is my memory serving me correctly? Do I have it right? Do any of you who are reading this remember these radio broadcasts?
"I wish that all the boys and girls in the world are happy this Christmas and that I can learn to be so good that every day is as happy as Christmas day." Of course Santa would end with a HO, HO, HO! and the "so" in "so good" would be stretched out.
During the Christmas Fund Broadcast,the radio station would connect with Santa for his message. On Christmas Eve, the Radio Station announcer would check in with Santa to get his final report and the reminder that it was time for little children to go to bed.
One year, in high school, at our annual Christmas concert, one of skits had our well remembered characters - Santa Claus, Father Time, Jack Frost and Peck-a-boo.
I wish had a photo of Peek-a-boo to show you, but since he is invisible to everyone but Santa Claus you will just have to use your imagination.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 -Outdoor Christmas Decorations - December 5
Did people in your neighborhood decorate with lights? Did some people really go “all out” when decorating? Yes people in our neighbourhood decorated their homes with lights. Some had great displays.
One of our family's favourite activities during the Christmas seasons was going for a drive to see the lights around the city and sometimes out into the country. I still enjoy travelling around to see the festive displays -- not only on the buildings but about also in the yards. (can't say lawn because often they are quite snow covered).
For many years, lights were strung across the main street at Christmas time. Christmas lights were made in Owen Sound by Noma Lights. This custom of lights hung high above the street has been revived. In our city, we also have the Festival of Northern Lights. Many volunteers work on these displays.
Check out the photo gallery to see a view of some of the displays in Queen's Park. e. Bus tours come to see the lights throughout the city. This year it is a little difficult to do a round tour of the river as the 9th Street Bridge is still out as it is under construction. First Avenue West in front of the Library from 8th Street to 9th Street is currently a dead end and the work likely will not be finished in time for this year's festival.
The Christmas lights certainly make things cheerier on these cold winter nights. I only have a string of blue cord lights. Our street is not highly decorated but all I have to do is drive around the corner and there I can see many beautiful displays.
updated from 2009
© 2010 Janet Iles
One of our family's favourite activities during the Christmas seasons was going for a drive to see the lights around the city and sometimes out into the country. I still enjoy travelling around to see the festive displays -- not only on the buildings but about also in the yards. (can't say lawn because often they are quite snow covered).
For many years, lights were strung across the main street at Christmas time. Christmas lights were made in Owen Sound by Noma Lights. This custom of lights hung high above the street has been revived. In our city, we also have the Festival of Northern Lights. Many volunteers work on these displays.
Check out the photo gallery to see a view of some of the displays in Queen's Park. e. Bus tours come to see the lights throughout the city. This year it is a little difficult to do a round tour of the river as the 9th Street Bridge is still out as it is under construction. First Avenue West in front of the Library from 8th Street to 9th Street is currently a dead end and the work likely will not be finished in time for this year's festival.
The Christmas lights certainly make things cheerier on these cold winter nights. I only have a string of blue cord lights. Our street is not highly decorated but all I have to do is drive around the corner and there I can see many beautiful displays.
updated from 2009
© 2010 Janet Iles
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Saturday Night Genealogy Fun
The challenge for tonight from Randy
What are your own d'Aboville numbers for your four lines of your grandparents (starting with the first known person in the paternal line)? Your genealogy software program may be able to help you with this [Family tree Maker 2011, RootsMagic 4 and Legacy Family Tree 7 can, but Family Tree Maker 16 and earlier cannot].
If I have figured this right mine are:
From Richard Iles 1.1.7.2.6.2
From Josiah Dudley 1.4.6.2
From Thomas Love 1.3.5.5.2
From James Johnston 1.1.2.5.5.2
I used Brother's Keeper to figure this out.
I created a Descendant Report - Indented Report. In the options I chose Henry - Brother's Keeper gives several options for Henry. The first one for them is actually the d'Aboville number format.
For my Stiver files, I put the documents in the binders according to this number.
© 2010 Janet Iles
What are your own d'Aboville numbers for your four lines of your grandparents (starting with the first known person in the paternal line)? Your genealogy software program may be able to help you with this [Family tree Maker 2011, RootsMagic 4 and Legacy Family Tree 7 can, but Family Tree Maker 16 and earlier cannot].
If I have figured this right mine are:
From Richard Iles 1.1.7.2.6.2
From Josiah Dudley 1.4.6.2
From Thomas Love 1.3.5.5.2
From James Johnston 1.1.2.5.5.2
I used Brother's Keeper to figure this out.
I created a Descendant Report - Indented Report. In the options I chose Henry - Brother's Keeper gives several options for Henry. The first one for them is actually the d'Aboville number format.
For my Stiver files, I put the documents in the binders according to this number.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 -Christmas Cards - December 4
Did your family send them? Did your family display the ones they received? Do you still send Christmas cards?
Our family sent Christmas cards. My mom kept track of those she sent and received in a Christmas Card address book. We displayed our Christmas cards in different ways. We had an iron tree form that held cards. Special cards might be placed singly on a table or the television. After Christmas was over, we would re-read the cards with their notes and letters. I have a large box of Christmas cards that were received through the years. I have weeded out those that didn't have special notes or ones from my parents' friends who I didn't know. At some point, I will have to do another weeding as I can only keep so many.
I still send Christmas cards. My list is not as long as my mom’s but I have some with whom I keep in touch with once a year. Unfortunately, the list has grown smaller as family pass on.
I look forward to hearing the thump as the mail is dropped through the mail slot. I run to see what has come. I am eager to hear the news from friends and relatives.
This year, I have received my first card, a card from a cousin's wife (what I call a cousin by marriage). I look forward to hers as she tells of the happenings of the year in poetry. I need to ask her for details on marriage dates and births of grandchildren to add to my family tree.
I haven't started my cards yet. Perhaps tomorrow, as I listen to the Christmas Fund Broadcast on our local radio station. Some years I have made cards but I am not sure yet what I will do. Perhaps a mixture. I have kept samples of some of the ones I made.
Included is one that I made for my niece Sarah for her first Christmas in 1993. I didn't have a colour printer back then.
What I wrote was
I think I will make a card for Oscar, my great nephew, for his first Christmas.
I will prepare a Christmas letter to go with many of the cards. I keep a copy of these for future reference for highlights of each year.
updated in 2010
© 2010 Janet Iles
Our family sent Christmas cards. My mom kept track of those she sent and received in a Christmas Card address book. We displayed our Christmas cards in different ways. We had an iron tree form that held cards. Special cards might be placed singly on a table or the television. After Christmas was over, we would re-read the cards with their notes and letters. I have a large box of Christmas cards that were received through the years. I have weeded out those that didn't have special notes or ones from my parents' friends who I didn't know. At some point, I will have to do another weeding as I can only keep so many.
I still send Christmas cards. My list is not as long as my mom’s but I have some with whom I keep in touch with once a year. Unfortunately, the list has grown smaller as family pass on.
I look forward to hearing the thump as the mail is dropped through the mail slot. I run to see what has come. I am eager to hear the news from friends and relatives.
This year, I have received my first card, a card from a cousin's wife (what I call a cousin by marriage). I look forward to hers as she tells of the happenings of the year in poetry. I need to ask her for details on marriage dates and births of grandchildren to add to my family tree.
I haven't started my cards yet. Perhaps tomorrow, as I listen to the Christmas Fund Broadcast on our local radio station. Some years I have made cards but I am not sure yet what I will do. Perhaps a mixture. I have kept samples of some of the ones I made.
Included is one that I made for my niece Sarah for her first Christmas in 1993. I didn't have a colour printer back then.
What I wrote was
I think I will make a card for Oscar, my great nephew, for his first Christmas.
I will prepare a Christmas letter to go with many of the cards. I keep a copy of these for future reference for highlights of each year.
updated in 2010
© 2010 Janet Iles
Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 -Christmas Decorations - December 3
Did your family have heirloom or cherished ornaments? Did you ever string popcorn and cranberries? Did your family make ornaments?
Some favourite ornaments that I can remember were glass Christmas balls. I still have some of them. I do not recall stringing popcorn and cranberries at home, but we have strung popcorn down at the church.
The decorations that are special to me now are those that were made by my mother and her church group (before I became a member). As I add each one to the tree, I think about my mom and the other women who made them. They used to have lots of fun making them for the church bazaars. The bell-shaped ornaments with gold and white beads shine in the Christmas tree lights.
I have two painted and decoupaged eggs that were made by a library member years ago. The library before the popularity of craft shows began had "The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick maker Craft Show" as a fundraiser. It was at this event that I purchased these eggs.
I particularly like each of my angels. Any that can stand are now added to my crèche scenes when I don’t put up a tree. Some are added to the spiral tree.
I have been able to find miniature ornaments to add to my spiral tree and my Guatemalan yarn tree. Here are the miniatures waiting to be added this year.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Some favourite ornaments that I can remember were glass Christmas balls. I still have some of them. I do not recall stringing popcorn and cranberries at home, but we have strung popcorn down at the church.
The decorations that are special to me now are those that were made by my mother and her church group (before I became a member). As I add each one to the tree, I think about my mom and the other women who made them. They used to have lots of fun making them for the church bazaars. The bell-shaped ornaments with gold and white beads shine in the Christmas tree lights.
I have two painted and decoupaged eggs that were made by a library member years ago. The library before the popularity of craft shows began had "The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick maker Craft Show" as a fundraiser. It was at this event that I purchased these eggs.
I particularly like each of my angels. Any that can stand are now added to my crèche scenes when I don’t put up a tree. Some are added to the spiral tree.
I have been able to find miniature ornaments to add to my spiral tree and my Guatemalan yarn tree. Here are the miniatures waiting to be added this year.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories 2010 - Holiday Food - December 2
Did your family have any traditional dishes for the holidays? Was there one dish that you thought was unusual?
I do not remember any unusual dishes at our home. Some years we did not have the big turkey dinner meal on Christmas Day. Instead we had it on Boxing Day (26th). Meals were kept simpler on Christmas Day. The Christmas season was a very busy one as my parents had first a corner store and then had a Red and White supermarket and then later an IGA. In my teen years, the supermarket was open to 10 p.m. and Christmas Eve was a hectic work day so we kept Christmas Day as simple as possible.
My mom often made different Christmas fare for the bake sale at the church bazaar. Extras were made to enjoy at home.
The traditional Christmas meal would be turkey with stuffing, potatoes and turnip. Although, we loved our Christmas pudding, it was often saved to another lighter meal. Sometimes, we would have our first course and then have a break, clean up and then when we had had a chance to digest the first course, those of us who loved the Christmas pudding and the very yummy sauce would sit back down at the table.
Now Christmas fare may vary but it is always tasty. It is a wonderful time to sit around the table with family.
updated from 2009.
© 2010 Janet Iles
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Advent Calendar of Memories 2010 - Christmas Tree - December 1
Did you have a real tree or was it artificial? How big was the tree? Who decorated the tree?
When I was very young, we had a real tree and as a little child I am sure it looked big to me. From the pictures, I would likely say it was around 7 feet tall. The last real tree that I remember in our house was when I was a teenager. I recall taking it out and all the remaining needles were falling off, as the tree was pulled out the door.
For many years, we had an artificial tree. I remember my dad being responsible for the lights and making sure that the icicles were hanging properly. As we got older, we helped with the trimming of the tree.
 |
| 1993 |
As the nieces and nephews grew, our small living room became too crowded, so the Christmas tree moved to the family room in the basement. The challenge is the ceiling is not very high which makes it more challenging to put the angel on top.
Sometimes, Christmas Day is spent with my nephews and family. The above tree is from 1988 at Sauble Beach.
updated 2010
© 2010 Janet Iles
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