On behalf of Amy and I, we would just like to take the opportunity to wish all of our friends and family a very Merry Christmas.

Whether you keep a collection of photographs that have been passed down to you, you get scanned copies from relatives or you have scanned pictures from libraries or other repositories, it is always a good idea to get copies. If you have original photographs, the originals should be placed in protective sheets and placed in a location separate from your daily genealogy files. Ideally they would be placed off-site where they are away from potential home disasters but a dark temperature-controlled location which will reduce the possibility of damage is sufficient. If you have scanned pictures, it is a good idea to have printed copies in the event that you lose your hard drive or computer (an experience of which I am familiar with). There are multiple sites that you can upload digital images to to order prints. One site ShutterFly offers 15 free prints for customers when then initially join. Most drug stores offer photo printing services. For example, our local Walgreens allows a customer to upload digital photographs and then pick them up from the local store. Whichever solution you choose, you might want to get another set and give them as a gift.


Merry Christmas!!

Bill

So as I mentioned in my last entry, the only victim of the move was my workstation. I've gone through about 3 workstations during the last three years so rebuilding my workstation has become a familiar process for me. In this most recent case, there is a possiblity that I installed a video card which had higher power requirements than the workstation could provide. In any case, I purchased a new PC with Vista. So far, all of my applications work including Family Tree Maker. I'd like to have my older video card for the 3D capabilities of Vista but I'm not going to push my luck.

Just a few to go until we reach 17,000 in the tree.

Well, it wasn't pretty (they rarely are) but we completed the move. We had some challenges with Comcast which is why the site (and our email) has been down for two days. Vonage is a great value for the money but when you are reliant upon your ISP for your phone service, it does become a bit challenging. So far there has only been one victim...my workstation. But, I'm optimistic we can get that resolved soon.

Thanks for your patience!

Bill

Amy and I are in the process of moving. While it is only a few miles down the road, there is still a lot to do. Throw in the fact that it's the holidays and the feeling that there just isn't enough time becomes an understatement. That said, we'll get it all done. I am working with several of you on various projects. Please know that I may not finish them as quickly as I would like to but I am working on all of them.

We are in the process of mailing our change of address cards so we don't lose touch.

Stay warm!

Bill