Lilian's Tree

This year I stayed at the hotel, opposite the Salt Palace, so it was just a very short walk, to get there. My day started with an interview for My Heritage on how I use it and what I like about it. I then went to Lisa A Alzo's talk on 25 Hacks for genealogy.  Very useful information.                                           Looking into the Vendor Hall as it is being set-up. Next I  went to Rob Hamilton's talk on Freemasonry, a subject I know nothing about. I don't have any Masons but this talk was very informative. Sylvia Valentine was next with her talk about Scottish records. I always learn something new, when I hear Sylvia speak, as her talks are so well researched. At 4.30pm there was the Opening Ceremony  of RootsTech and a look back over the previous 10 years and how it evolved. I was asked if I would be at the ceremony and when I said yes was asked to met one of the organisers by the main door. There were several of us and we were taken to allocated sea

 Life has happened in an interesting way and I haven't really felt like blogging but I would like to share my RootsTech 2020 journey. After the fantastic Sunday exploring Antelope Island, I thought that I'd crash. Nope! Sleep eluded me until the wee small hours of Monday, which then caused me to sleep in and not start my day how I planned it. I had wanted to be a the Family History Library, when it opened but while that didn't happen I did get there by 9.15am. Tried to research but gave up and went to find friends.  There was a large group of us waiting to see Dear Myrtle and have a chat. Jennie Fairs and I were in the first group and it was great to catch-up.  Then we all went to lunch in the John Smith building. Being interviewed by Dear Myrtle. After lunch Pat Richely-Erickson, Roberta Estes, Jennie Fairs and I went to Quilt Etc. a lovely quilt shop and did some shopping. The view from the shop was lovely. Back in the city Roberta, Jennie and I contin

It has been nearly two months since I commented on what is going on. Stage 3 lock-down/self-isolation is still in place. We are walking, reading, I've finished two university subjects, one more to go and I'll have a Diploma of Family History. Nearly finished a pink cardigan for Miss 4 and am progressing well with a jumper for Master 6. I've also recorded books and uploaded them to my YouTube channel, just for the grandchildren. I've started to do my grocery shopping online, again, even purchased a new electric blanket, online. I don't miss going and doing the shopping.  Enjoying baking again. Thankful for Facetime, Skye and Zoom as ways of keeping in touch with family and friends. Enjoying webinars organised by the Society of Australian Genealogists. I'm going to enjoy bringing this blog up to date before my last subject starts on 11 May. Stay safe Lilian.

Arriving late on the evening of the 22nd, dinner and bed were my only two options and both were very welcome. Sunday dawned cool and blue skied and Kristy Gray and her navigator James Green took several of us on an amazing sight seeing tour. First stop was on the causeway leading to Antelope Island. Why, you may ask? Well look at the photos. The reflections were stunning.                        Stopping next at Ladyfinger Point, we walked to the viewing area. From there we could see across the lake and the water was so very calm. I spotted a coyote. We spent several hours exploring the island, gazing is awe at the mountains and the reflections. Bison and antelope were view, including one bison who crossed the road in front of us and then did a bit of a dance. The antelope are called Pronghorn and are the fastest land animal in North America. There are over 500 Bison on the island and they are the largest land animals in North America. This i

Random thoughts. When I was heading to Utah for RootsTech, Covid-19 was a flu bug in China, now it is a world-wide pandemic that has us in lock down. So how is it effecting us.  Can't visit the grandchildren is our main one, both the Sydney based family and our Victorian based family. Walking down the street for coffee or going out for as meal, whilst not something we did every day are curtailed but that is all. We are walking, most days. I'm cooking and enjoying it. Have home schooled Master Six, via Zoom. Skyped Miss 19 and Miss 16. We have time to sit and relax, time to chat on the phone to friends and family, time to read, sew, knit and do research. So yes, there are things we can't do but I don't mind the lock down because life is taking a slower pace, something I hope continues, once the world settles into a new normal. Take care, Lilian.