GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 23 June 2017

It's been a frustrating week for reading and writing blog posts. The phone line has been down for a week at our city pad and the internet is moving at snail's pace. I spent five days at our lake house and  have nearly chewed up the 40gig of data I have per month on my phone plan so my online activities have been seriously curtailed.

In selecting posts for this week's Gems I was forced to skim read and ignore posts with titles that didn't pique my curiosity.Here goes with my selections for the week past.

1. Great to see Fran (and Carel last week) mentioned on the GeneabloggersTRIBE site (have you listed your blog there?)
http://geneabloggerstribe.com/travelgenee-joins-the-geneabloggertribe/

2. A few short tips for Intelligent Searches.
http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/intelligent-searching.html

3. Jane describes how she looks after her data.
http://www.taubman.org.uk/family/wp/2017/06/18/backups-and-ransomware/

4. Anne has reached a milestone.
http://ayfamilyhistory.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/250-posts-later.html

5. Help for the DNA Challenged.
http://dnaandfamilytreeresearch.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/wdytya-2017-videos-going-online.html

6. A researcher needs our input.
http://www.irishgenealogynews.com/2017/06/views-of-genealogists-sought-by.html

7. Chez researches an Aussie icon.
http://linksinachain.blogspot.com/2017/06/trove-tuesday-biscuits.html

8. I haven't read this yet. Have you?
http://ancestryauthor.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/dying-games-is-out-what-do-you-think.html

9. Trove comes up Trumps again.
https://ancestorchaser.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/david-adams-breakthrough-i-hope.html

10. Reflecting on an ancestor's life.
https://gsq-blog.gsq.org.au/life-pioneering-woman/

11. This title fascinated me.
http://earlieryears.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/the-rams-head-and-rock-playground.html

12. And here are a few responses to the Cemetery Day Challenge Alona posted last week. A great theme that elicited some interesting responses.
http://robynandthegenies.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/celebrating-cemeteries.html
http://michellefnichols.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/remembering-cemetery-day.html
http://www.lonetester.com/2017/06/cemetery-day-18-june-2017/
https://campaspegenealogy.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/cemetery-day.html
http://geniaus.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/my-cemetree.html

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 16 June 2017

Once again I have decided to be patriotic and offer selections from Australian bloggers in this week's post. I think again this week that the cool weather has driven the bloggers indoors. I see a few blogging who have been absent for a while.

First up I mention a post that came through from Alona this morning. How about we all put our fingers to the keyboard and craft a cemetery post for Sunday, then tweet it using the hashtag #CemeteryDay.
http://www.lonetester.com/2017/06/introducing-cemeteryday/

Robyn reports on her DNA progress.
http://robynandthegenies.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/dna-12-months-down-track.html

DNA helped in this case.
https://historybylarzus.wordpress.com/2017/06/13/the-mystery-of-jane-leahy/

How did I miss Kerryn's discovery last week. Had to break my cutoff rules and share.
http://ancestorchaser.blogspot.com/2017/06/our-amazing-new-family-dna-discovery.html

A spot of local history for Sydneysiders.
https://anmm.wordpress.com/2017/06/14/midget-submarine-attack-on-sydney-31-may-1-june-1942/

James visited another Sydney icon.
https://jamesobrien.id.au/2017/06/10/mortuary-station/

A new resource that add background to your stories.
http://caseycardinialinkstoourpast.blogspot.com/2017/06/year-book-australia.html

More suggestions for your reading list.
http://geniaus.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/five-faves-geneameme-responses.html

These titles may also be of interest.
http://ypgenealogy.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/new-books-for-family-history-research.html

Chez sends us down a rabbit hole with another online resource.
http://linksinachain.blogspot.com/2017/06/trove-tuesday-never-ceases-to-surprise.html

A Geneajourney for our GenX girl.
http://genxalogy.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/why-is-it-always-you-jimmy.html

TRIBE leader Caitlyn
http://genealogically-speaking.blogspot.com/2017/06/geneabloggerstribe.html

Have you joined the TRIBE? Jo Ann has.
http://ofmyfleshandblood.blogspot.com/2017/06/blogging-badge-for-geneabloggers-tribe.html


New to me blogs
The Keeper of Stories
https://tpr76797.wordpress.com/

Luddite Bicentenary (not Australian but has some Australian content
http://ludditebicentenary.blogspot.com/

Oops
Just realised that this blog was missing from my RSS feeds
http://blog.gsv.org.au/

GAGs- GeniAus' Gems - 26 May 2017

My mind has been on other things this week, ie #Congress_2018, I also spent this morning meeting some of my new neighbours at a local Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. I have still managed to fit in a bit of blog reading. Hopefully you will enjoy some of what I have selected.

1. My answer is NO.

http://researchbylily.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/do-we-own-our-ancestors.html

2. Michelle blogged about Jenny's ancestor.

http://hawkesburyheritage.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/the-wilberforce-sundial.htmlhttp://hawkesburyheritage.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/the-wilberforce-sundial.html

3. Shauna reports on what we missed out on.

http://www.shaunahicks.com.au/footsteps-in-time-family-local-history-conference-review-may-2017/

4. Congratulations to Jennie on the 50th post in this series.

http://edenborough.info/2017/05/20/jim-and-elsies-1978-tour-day-50/

5. Another interesting post from an a blogger I cannot identify.

http://exploringmilitaryhistory.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/nurses-during-world-war-i.htm

6. Nifty changing graphic in this post.

http://blog.library.ipswich.qld.gov.au/lh/2017/05/25/were-you-a-fan/

7. Emily ponders on a question.

https://diaryofayounggenealogist.wordpress.com/2017/05/23/who-am-i-doing-this-for/

8. Fancy a sdrop of Earl Grey/

http://blog.perthmint.com.au/2017/05/23/historic-medal-captures-earl-grey-to-a-t/

9. A Manly pharmacist.

http://manlylocalstudies.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/manlys-enterprising-chemist.html

10. Thanks for the memories Pauline.

http://paulineconolly.com/2017/empire-day-lollies-and-crackers/

11. New items at SLQ.

http://blogs.slq.qld.gov.au/jol/2017/05/22/new-accession-patricia-ward-nee-meadows-papers-1942-1986/

12. I remember that visit in 1954.

https://canadabayconnections.wordpress.com/2017/05/22/a-park-fit-for-a-queen/

BTW. If you want to know about #Congress_2018 join our Facebook Group Genimates at #Congress_2018.

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 19 May 2017

It's dilemma time. This week has delivered a rich collection of blog posts to my RSS Feed. My issue is - do I add them all to this post or will I be selective?

I have decided to go down Ruthless Road. When I started this series of posts I planned to share 10-12 posts each week so, although I have read much of value this week, I will stick to my guns.. It would be easy to share a long list but I will go through what I have saved and select those Gems that shone most brightly for me.  

1. I have to start with Alex's rallying post which resonated with a large number of commenters.
https://familytreefrog.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/bloggers-united-we-never-be-defeated.html

2. Grave advice from Amy.
http://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/5-photos-you-should-take-at-the-cemetery/

3. I always took our wireless for granted.
https://sydney-city.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/glebe-wireless-house.html

4. News of a valuable resource from Pauleen.
https://cassmob.wordpress.com/2017/05/16/red-cross-cards-and-vatican-archives-wwii/

5. An admission from Alona.
http://www.lonetester.com/2017/05/yes-im-a-collector/

6. I admire Shelly's patience and skill.
https://whoisshelly.wordpress.com/2017/05/17/colouring-old-photos/

7. Sharon had a catchy headline.
https://shazlex.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/she-had-light-of-battle-glimmering-in.html

8. Barb raises a grave issue.
http://barbs01.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/is-find-grave-accurate-source.html

9. Carmel generously shares her slides.
http://librarycurrants.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/introduction-to-family-history.html

10. A geneajaunt for tweedheadsgirl.
http://utfp.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/americanisation-or-anglicisation.html

11. He wanted to be first!
https://thedustybox.wordpress.com/2017/05/17/jonas-and-the-whale/

12. Facebook's plans.
http://www.socialmediatoday.com/social-networks/inside-facebooks-10-year-master-plan-infographic

PS I am always on the lookout for words for the geneadictionary like this one from Andrew.
https://geneadictionary.wordpress.com/2017/05/11/gymnealogy/

I'm also excited to be presenting a blogging session at #congress_2018

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 5 May 2017

Congratulations to my genimates who completed the 2017 A to Z Blogging Challenge. You have helped raise the profile of Australian Geneablogging.

The big news on the geneablogging scene this week was Thomas MacEntee's announcement that he will no longer be maintaining the Geneabloggers site. There has been some lively discussion on Thomas' decision on Facebook and other social media. I see this as a commercial decision on Thomas' part. Thomas has done a great job in bringing the geneablogging community together over the past eight years but, as a professional who needs to make a living, Thomas must do what is best for him.

The Geneabloggers brand has allowed Thomas to build up a reputation and following in the geneaworld. He probably realises that, for him, devoting time to Geneabloggers will not grow his business. He is now turning his attention to other areas including DNA - an area that is growing and may provide more commercial opportunities for him. I don't think Facebook and other social media will replace geneablogging but I do feel there will be less growth in the blogging arena as people become more comfortable in using other forms of social media for communication. 

For me blogging is a convenient, dynamic platform for sharing news, opinions and stories. I'm with James Tanner on this one. 

Long live geneablogging.

Following for your enjoyment are some of the blog posts that resonated with me this week.

The 116th story in Philip's amazing Great War series.
https://shireatwar.com/2017/05/04/116-w-s-filmer/

Thanks for the reminder Shauna.
http://www.shaunahicks.com.au/trove-tuesday-why-you-should-repeat-trove-searches/

Great to see Brett returning to research.
http://aussiebornirishblood.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/40-post-delay-back-to-it-stories-stored.html

A common problem.
http://maryboroughfamilies.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/what-mess-to-sort.html

Kylie speaks out for cemeteries.
http://blog.kyliesgenes.com/2017/05/protect-our-cemeteries/

Victorian esources.
http://caseycardinialinkstoourpast.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/historic-melbourne-and-victoria-on.html

A book review from Liz aka Infolass.
https://infolass.wordpress.com/2017/05/01/book-review-see-what-i-have-done-by-sarah-schmidt/

Irish woes.
https://diaryofayounggenealogist.wordpress.com/2017/04/29/difficult-irish-ancestors/

Dudes.
https://thedustybox.wordpress.com/2017/05/05/the-dude/

Some Gedmatch tips.
http://youngandsavvygenealogists.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/10-tips-for-making-most-of-gedmatchcom.html

I almost thought I was there, thanks Debbie.
https://cruwys.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/who-do-you-think-you-are-live-2017.html

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 29 April 2017

The focus in Australia and New Zealand this week has been on remembering the commitment and sacrifice of the men and women in our armed forces. As there has been no Trans-Tasman ANZAC Day Challenge this year I have decided to make this issue a compilation of blog posts with an ANZAC Day theme.

I am including all of the posts I have read but apologise if I have missed any. Please let me know of any I may have overlooked and I will add them.

The Ancestor Digger Honouring the WWI ANZACS in our family, and the 10 who lost their lives serving - "Lest We Forget"

AncestorChasing: A story of Anzac by Allan FLEMING 

Anne's Family History: Anzac biscuits

Anne's Family History: U is for Unibic biscuit tin

Australian Geographic: The evolution of Anzac Day from 1915 until today

Canada Bay Connections: Remembering the Fallen

Behind the Lines:  Captain Frederick Reidy Jolley

Diary of a Young Genealogist: ANZAC Day 2017 (Part One)

Diary of a Young Genealogist: Anzac Day 2017 (Part 2)

The Empire Called and I Answered: The Reluctant Soldier

Experts in Genealogy: John Francis Walsh - Gallipoli 100 Years on.

Exploring Military History: ANZAC Day 2017

Exploring Military History: ANZAC Day 2017 Part 2

Fairfield City Library Local Studies: Lest we forget

Family History Across the Seas: A family ANZAC: Pte Hugh Moran (Part I)

Family History Across the Seas: A family ANZAC: Pte Hugh Moran Part II

GeniAus: Trove Tuesday - 2/7 Australian Field Regiment

Headlines of Old: Trove Tuesday 25th April, 2017- The war that went to the dogs

iwiKiwi: A penny for them ~ Anzac Day

Jenealogy Scrapbook: Websites I Use for Military Research

Killion and Nott Family History: A broken promise

Little Wandering Wren: ANZAC Day: Lest we forget.

Lois Willis – Genealogy and Family History: William Claude Whimpey

Lost Medals Australia: An ANZAC Day find.

Lonetester: “Dead” Soldier Returns

L W Reid:  ANZAC Day 2017

Mcollierheritage: ANZAC Day 2017 - Additional Family Military Personnel

Noel Turnbull: ANZAC Day 2017 at Port Melbourne

Nola Mackey - Family History: Family Heirloom- Dead Man’s Penny for James Joseph Stapleton

On Record:  "Steel your Heart" ANZAC Letters

Outback Family History: Kanownas Anzac Story – by Robert Baugh

Parramatta Heritage Centre: World War One – Parramatta Soldiers – Archie McWilliam

Pastlinks: Bougainville 1945

SA Community History: ANZAC Bites

Shaking the Tree: “They shall grow not old …”

Strong Foundations: Remembering Roy

Stumbling through the Past: Review: The Anzacs by Patsy Adam-Smith

Sydney - City and Suburbs: Anzac Bridge, Anzac Memorial, Anzac Day

Thames (NZ): ANZAC DAY at the Thames 2017

Travelgenee: #AtoZChallenge U for Uniform - Lest we forget.   

Wagga Wagga and District Historical Society: ANZAC DAY Wagga 1952

Blogiversary

Congratulations to James who has been blogging for 15 years

https://jamesobrien.id.au/2017/04/27/fifteen-years-blogging/

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 23 April 2017

Friday when I usually post my GeniAus' Gems flew by as did Saturday. Now on Sunday morning I have found some time to share some  blog posts that resonated with me up to Friday 21 April. This week I found several posts where bloggers' stories contained shared tips/reminders for researchers and also I learnt about people and places from other stories.

1. Two posts of most interest to we who blog came from my genimates James and Julie.
http://genealogysstar.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/are-we-nearing-end-of-genealogy-blogging.html
http://genealogy.julietarr.com/blog/what-happened-to-genealogy-blogging/

2. A different perspective on digging up the ancestors.
http://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/archaeology-dig.html

3. Remembering Henry at Canada Bay.
https://canadabayconnections.wordpress.com/2017/04/11/henry-lawson-remembered/

4. Chris reminiscences on Easter.
https://urungamaiden.wordpress.com/2017/04/15/following-the-trail-at-easter/

5. Learning from the challenge.
http://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/learning-little-more-about-blogging.html

6. Another treasure from Alona's chest.
http://www.memorabiliahouse.com/2017/04/licence-plate-number-21-419/

7. Kylie revisits the records.
http://blog.kyliesgenes.com/2017/04/mary-plunkett-read-carefully/

8. A Kiwi genie visits Canberra.
http://kiwichoccie.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/canberra-planned-city-but-is-it-part-of.html

9. Neville's missus.
http://headlinesofold.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/trove-tuesday-18th-april-2017-whats-in.html

10. Witnessing a gruesome scene.
http://cicadasbeesandbargepoles.com/edward-winter-witnesses-the-hanging-of-three-bushrangers/

11. Jen checks the facts.
http://conversationswithgrandma.com.au/2017/04/18/early-postmaster/

12. Pauleen returns to blogging with two bumper posts.
https://cassmob.wordpress.com/2017/04/18/the-reddans-from-gortnaglogh-part-i/

New to Me Blogs

From Emily in Sydney https://diaryofayounggenealogist.wordpress.com/

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 14 April 2017

I'm taking an hour off from packing boxes of books and geneastuff to indulge in a little blog business. I hope that the posts I am sharing today will do one of these three things,  Educate, Enthuse or Entertain, that Michelle Patient mentioned in a recent podcast.

I've caught up on reading my overseas blog subs this week so have a couple of international posts to share as well as local items.

1. Lorine shares some exciting news for those with ancestors who may be buried in Highgate.
http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/burials-at-highgate-cemetery-london-uk.html

2. Libraries we love from my mates at Librarything.
http://blog.librarything.com/main/2017/04/national-lib-week-2017/

3. Can you help James?
https://jamesobrien.id.au/2017/04/12/wanted-american-soldier-and-war-bride/

4. I don't think I can declutter to this level.
http://mycrazypaving.blogspot.com/2017/04/100-essentials.html

5. Susan's letters.
http://susansfamilytales.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/a-lady-of-letters.html

6. Genies in Geraldton reflect on their history.
https://geraldtonfhs.wordpress.com/2017/04/06/early-meeting-memories/

7. A roadworthy story from Moya.
http://www.outbackfamilyhistoryblog.com/2017/04/10/cobbled-road-near-poison-creek/

8. I'm ignorant in matters of music so found this educative.
http://boobookbacktracks.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/london-school-of-music.html

9. A few suggestions for inclusion in your vocabulary.
http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2017/04/oxford-dictionary-new-words/

10. Thanks to Linda I have a story for my CurryAus Surname Study. https://argonautsite.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/j-is-for-john-curry/

11. What would Sydney be without the Royal Easter Show? Thanks fro the update, Pauline.
http://paulineconolly.com/2017/social-history-sydneys-easter-show/

12. Something old is new again.
https://suzysu.wordpress.com/2017/04/07/some-random-musings-on-sharing-our-social-lives/

Congratulations

6th Blogiversary for Western Districts Families
https://westerndistrictfamilies.com/2017/04/12/a-box-of-chocolates/

Pauline Connolly has clocked up 100,000 visits
http://paulineconolly.com/2017/a-website-is-a-wonderful-thing/

Let's not forget the stalwarts who are participating in the #AtoZChallenge:

Alex http://familytreefrog.blogspot.com.au

Anne  http://ayfamilyhistory.blogspot.com.au/

Carmel  http://earlieryears.blogspot.com.au 

Fran  http://travelgenee.com/

Jennifer  https://jonesfamilyhistory.wordpress.com

Jill  https://ballau.blogspot.com.au

Linda https://argonautsite.wordpress.com 

Sandra  http://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com.au

GAGs- GeniAus' Gems - 7 April 2017

I have realy enjoyed my blog reading this week although I have concentrated on blogs from below the equator. Some weeks there are so many posts that resonate with me while in other weeks there are slimmer pickings, this was a bumper week.

1. Please help Jenny find her soldier.

http://jennyalogy.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/he-wants-to-be-found.html

2. No doubt there will be a flurry of posts on this topic. This was the first I read.

https://whoisshelly.wordpress.com/2017/04/05/familytreednas-new-origins-estimates/

3. As I am in the throes of moving house this post from Diane struck a chord.
https://diane-adventurebeforedementia.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/new-home-new-car-new-life.html

4. Manly Local Studies do a great job highlighting past citizens.
http://manlylocalstudies.blogspot.com.au/2017/03/john-leplaw-manly-policeman.html

5. Third instalment in a charming series from Jennie. Read them all.

http://edenborough.info/2017/04/01/jim-and-elsies-1978-tour-3/

6. A new source of images for bloggers.

http://mymodernmet.com/metropolitan-museum-of-art-open-access/

7. I loved the ovie, looks like I'll be reaing the book, thanks Alex.

http://luvviesmusings.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/lion-or-long-way-home-by-saroo-brierley.html

8. Jess shares the tale of a skeleton.

https://thedustybox.wordpress.com/2017/04/01/the-ginger-haired-skeleton/

9. Alona reminds us that boys will be boys.
http://www.lonetester.com/2017/04/hoon-and-youll-be-fined-even-in-the-1840s/

10. It's time to get a new app under my belt.
https://www.theedublogger.com/2017/03/29/picmonkey/

I have found that several of my genimates (and I) downunder are participating in the 2017 A to Z blogging challenge. Please give your support. Here are links to some maiden posts (where are the boys!).

Alex http://familytreefrog.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/a-zchallenge-is-for-acquisition-atlas.html

Anne  http://ayfamilyhistory.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/a-is-for-letter-from-anzac.html

Carmel  http://earlieryears.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/apricots-and-almondsall-whistle-now.html

Fran  http://travelgenee.com/ancestor-jane-gibson/

Jennifer  https://jonesfamilyhistory.wordpress.com/2017/03/31/a-z-challenge-a-anderson/

Jill  https://ballau.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/windows-on-world-is-for-alesunds-art.html

Linda https://argonautsite.wordpress.com/2017/03/31/a-is-for-argyle-cut/

Sandra  http://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/a-to-z-challenge-is-for-addresses.html

Have I missed anyone?

Finally congratulations to Chris who is celebrating her 1,000th post on her As they were blog.

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 31 March 2017

The break I took form GeniAus' Gems ballooned from a two week break around Rootstech time to something much longer. I have spent quite a bit of time this week catching up on my blog reading and I've selected a few posts to share with you.

While I have read some really good posts from the past couple of months I have restricted my selections for this week to posts written in the past week with the exception of a couple that mention the 2017 AtoZ Blogging Challenge (I'm participating over at my jillballau blog). I'd love to hear of other genies who are taking up the challenge.

1. Jennifer has taken up the challenge.
https://jonesfamilyhistory.wordpress.com/2017/03/16/april-a-z-challenge-theme-reveal/

2. And so has Sandra.
http://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com/2017/03/snippets-from-life-of-martha-sarah-ellis.html

3. Thanks for sharing this message Alona. Sadly it often falls on deaf ears.
http://www.lonetester.com/2017/03/another-copyright-issue/

4. Congratulations to Lilian who is progressing with her project.
http://researchbylily.com.au/an-update-on-the-book/

5. I caught up on all Shauna's recent posts. Here is the latest.
https://diaryofanaustraliangenealogist.blogspot.com.au/2017/03/perpetural-copyright-ends-other-news.html

6. Or a face like Phar Lap.
http://ozwords.org/?p=8246

7. Jess offers some guidance for West Austraian research.
https://ancestrysearch.wordpress.com/2017/02/24/using-was-birth-death-marriage-indexes/

8. Listen to Jenny Joyce's latest podcast.
http://jennyalogypodcast.blogspot.com.au/2017/03/jennyalogy-podcast-march-2017.html

9. And hear what Jenny Joyce has to say about genetic communities.
http://jennyalogy.blogspot.com.au/2017/03/new-genetic-communities-results.html

10. Nola is a collaborator.
https://nolamackey.wordpress.com/2017/03/24/more-bell-family-going-to-america/


New to Me Blogs

Gengenaus - https://gengenaus.com/2017/03/25/gedmatch-generations/

The Landfill Chronicles - an hilarious blog from my genimate Amy - http://www.thelandfillchronicles.com/

A Scottish Farmer’s Ride Through England…100 Years Ago’ - https://scottishfarmersride.com/

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 12 February 2017

I have been too busy having fun at Rootstech to catch up with blog reading this week.

I am therefore directing you to Randy Seaver's compilation of Rootstech blog posts so you can see why that is the case. Each year Randy compiles a list of all the geneabloog post with Rootstech content. Take a look and see what you are missing out on (and why I return to Salt Lake CIty for this event each year.

See Randy's compilation here: http://www.geneamusings.com/2017/02/rootstech-2017-blog-compendium.html

GAGs - GeniAus Gems - 4 February 2017

I had every intention of collating this post in the Qantas Club while waiting to take off for Salt Lake City and Rootstech yesterday but the free internet was abysmally slow so I gave up.

Here I am sitting at the desk in my hotel room where I have been awake since 2:30 am after having a really early night. I'll probably get into the timezone just prior to leaving for home.

My selections this week are all Australian - there was a flood of good blog posts in my RSS feeds which made choosing which to share a challenge. Happy Reading.

1. Happy Birthday Jennifer, I'm pleased you posted this.
https://jonesfamilyhistory.wordpress.com/2017/01/31/today-is-my-birthday/

2. Shelley writes of Tasmanian Farewells
https://shelleysfamilyhistoriesandmysteries.wordpress.com/2017/01/31/tasmania-to-the-transvaal/

3. A tale of two fishes.
https://pastlinks.blogspot.com/2017/01/a-tale-of-two-fishes.html

4. Treasured pages from Lynne's family bible.
https://lynnesheritage.wordpress.com/2017/01/21/craigs-and-sanders/

5. DNA knocks down a wall for Jenny.
https://jenealogyscrapbook.wordpress.com/2017/02/04/minor-detail-big-results/

6. I'm sure my Irish Orphan ancestor behaved.
http://headlinesofold.blogspot.com/2017/01/trove-tuesday-jan-24-2017-not-all-sugar.html

7. A comprheensive list from Pauleen.
https://cassmob.wordpress.com/2017/02/01/ready-for-rootstech/

8. A chubby classmate.
http://cicadasbeesandbargepoles.com/sitting-next-door-to-alice/

9. Anne's detailed DNA story has helped with my understanding. http://ayfamilyhistory.blogspot.com/2017/02/dna-analysis-taking-tree-back-two.html

10. Darryl discovers some family traits.
https://bradyfamilytree.org/genealogy/wp/?p=2931

11. I can't resist a library mystery and Alex's s is a good one.
http://familytreefrog.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-body-okay-ancestor-in-library.html

12. Jo Ann reminds us of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
http://ofmyfleshandblood.blogspot.com/2017/01/international-holocaust-remembrance-day.html

GAGs - GeniAus Gems - 27 January 2017

Yesterday, Australia Day, I spent most of my time setting up profiles on FTDNA and Gedmatch for three fab family members who took DNA tests for me.

In the evening we celebrated Australia Day with some of the family. We enjoyed a Barbie by the pool and then, in the cool of the evening, the more energetic took to the tennis court for a set or two while the kids happily played on their bikes and scooters.


I feel quite guilty that I didn't write an Australia Day post so I am going to fill this post with links to posts with an Australia Day theme written by mates I follow in my RSS feed reader .

1. A verse from Chris.
http://thebackfenceofgenealogy-crissouli.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/im-happy-to-know.html

2. The Clan MacFarlane Society.
http://clanmacfarlane.org.au/australia-day-victoria-peoples-march-26-january-2017/

3. Pauleen reflects on her immigrant ancestors.
https://cassmob.wordpress.com/2017/01/26/australia-day-and-my-immigrant-ancestors/

4. Alona remembers the Hannafords.
http://www.lonetester.com/2017/01/my-first-hannaford-family-in-australia/

5. The Australian National Maritime Museum.
https://anmm.wordpress.com/2017/01/26/one-day-many-meanings/

6. Australian Cuisine from the Cook and the Curator.
http://blogs.hht.net.au/cook/australian-tastes/

7. James O'Brien spent the day in Parramatta.
https://jamesobrien.id.au/2017/01/26/the-countrys-first-mcmansion/

8. The Australia Day Awardees in Hornsby Shire include Genealogist, Carol Liston.
https://hornsbysfhg.wordpress.com/2017/01/26/its-an-honour/

It's a short list this year probably because no-one organised a blogging event. I promise that I will coordinate an Australia Day Geneameme in 2018.

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 20 January 2017

The early bird catches the worm! It's 5:00pm on Thursday afternoon and I am selecting my GAGs list a bit early because I have an important date tomorrow at The Society of Australian Genealogists and I won't be around to write a post.

I am hoping that by next week I will have some new geneabloggers to introduce to you as my gig tomorrow is presenting a Handson Blogging for Genealogy workshop at the Society. With 14 attendees the workshop is fully subscribed, teaching a small group who have demonstrated a commitment by signing up and paying to attend should be a pleasurable experience. I imagine it will be less of a challenge than in my working years when I tried to teach computing skills to high school students in a lab of 24 computers.

And here are a few of the posts I enjoyed up until 4:00pm on 19/1/2017.

1. For those of you still in holiday reading mode  some suggestions from Sutherland Library.
http://blog.sutherlandlibrary.com/2017/01/criminally-good-reads-january.html

2. And as we're on a bookish theme here's a review from Shauna.
http://www.shaunahicks.com.au/writing-up-the-family-history-with-carol-baxter/

3. I was/am a Beatles fan. I cna see this weeks list being overrun with reviews.
https://residentjudge.wordpress.com/2017/01/14/looking-through-you-rare-and-unseen-photographs-from-the-beatles-book-archive-by-leslie-brice/

4. Katrina tries her hand at creative writing.
https://pastlinks.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/kilbahahere-and-there.html

5. I'm not fond of poetry but a good old Bush Ballad draws e in. Thanks Moya.
http://www.outbackfamilyhistoryblog.com/2017/01/18/bulletin-hotel-henry-lawson/

6. Images of summer.
http://littlewanderingwren.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/summer-is-here.html

7. Lynda writes of a geneajourney.
https://mccollierheritage.wordpress.com/2017/01/17/mcknights-gregg-dunlopsdelap-from-raphoe-co-donegal/

8. I can so relate with this crime shared by Anne.
http://ayfamilyhistory.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/trove-tuesday-discreditable-conduct-in.html

9 Alona's been a busy girl.
http://www.lonetester.com/2017/01/update-facebook-for-australian-history-and-genealogy-2/

10. A fitting name for this townhouse. We need to apply similar creativity when naming our blogs.
http://ontheconvicttrail.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/bellkirk-hobart.html

11. A facelift for Maggie's ancestors.
http://blog.iwikiwi.com/2017/01/17/george-elizabeth-tunnecliff-all-spruced-up-tombstone-tuesday/

12. Genealogist Chris doesn't blog much abut genealogy but her travelogues are fantastic. this is just one post.
http://coolgarra-trips.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/snowy-river-drive-to-jindabyne-day-38.html

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 6 January 2017

After a holiday break in Hawaii with Mr Geniaus and all our descendants I am back in my geneacave.  I am sure I have missed many Gems while absent but the time spent with our living family was so precious and more important than my geneactivities.

In this post today I am concentrating on some living Gems - my genimates who have responded to my challenge to  Accentuate the Positive 2016, it takes hours to respond to this geneameme (I am yet to finish mine).

 I am so grateful to those who have already risen to the challenge and I look forward to more submissions over the coming days.  I am so impressed by the progress these Gems made last year and I have learnt of new resources and cottoned on to some new ideas from reading these posts.

Anne Young, Australia
http://ayfamilyhistory.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/accentuate-positive-2016-geneameme.html
Carmel Galvin, Australia
https://earlieryears.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/accentuate-positive-2016.html
Christine Woodcock, Canada
http://scottishgenealogytipsntricks.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/accentuate-positive-look-back-at-2016.html
Elizabeth Handler, USA
https://frommainetokentucky.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/accentuate-positive-geneameme-2016.html
Jennifer Jones, Australia
https://jonesfamilyhistory.wordpress.com/2017/01/01/accentuate-the-positive-geneameme/
Jill Ball, Australia
https://geniaus.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/dragging-chain-accentuate-positive-2016.html
Jo Ann Fitzgerald, Australia
http://ofmyfleshandblood.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/reflect-on-your-geneayear-2016.html
Judy Webster, Australia
http://judy-webster.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/genealogy-in-2016-accentuate-positive.html
Katrina Pilkington, Australia
https://pastlinks.blogspot.com.au/2017/01/accentuate-positive-geneameme-2016_9.html
Kerry Jones, Australia
http://geniaus.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/kerry-jones-positive-genimate.html
Kirsty Gray, England 
http://family-wise.co.uk/accentuate-positive-geneameme-2016/
Lilian Magill, Australia
http://researchbylily.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/accentuate-positive.html
Linda Stufflebean, USA
http://emptybranchesonthefamilytree.com/2017/01/accentuate-the-positive-geneameme-2016/
Maggie, New Zealandhttp://blog.iwikiwi.com/2017/01/accentuate-the-positive-2016/
Patsy Daly, Australia
http://www.patsyspaddocks.com/charles-salter/
Pauleen Cass, Australia
https://cassmob.wordpress.com/2017/01/14/accentuate-the-positive-2016/
Sandra Coombe, Australia
http://emptybranchesonthefamilytree.com/2017/01/accentuate-the-positive-geneameme-2016/
Shauna Hicks, Australia
http://www.shaunahicks.com.au/accentuate-the-positive-geneameme-2016/
Sylvia Valentine, England
https://recoveryourroots.wordpress.com/2017/01/01/new-year-and-the-new-kid-on-the-blog/

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 16 December 2016

Where did that week go?

It's December and I am turning my attention towards living family so this will be the last GeniAus' Gems post for 2016. I will return in the first week of January.

Let's dip into my collection of saved posts in Evernote and see what we can find.

1. Janet Few asks is the 20th century really history?
http://theindepthgenealogist.com/twentieth-century-not-really-history/

2. First time I ever heard this Word of the Year.

http://ozwords.org/?p=8168 

3. A sad story from Al's past.
https://almewett.com/2016/12/15/dreadful-railway-mishap/

4. This week's book review comes from Moya.
http://www.outbackfamilyhistoryblog.com/2016/12/12/men-western-australia-book-review/

5. Helen's China.
http://helenvsmithresearch.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/the-dinner-service.html

6. What did you eat?
https://ancestrysearch.wordpress.com/2016/12/14/family-history-food/

7. I found some new shortcuts here.
http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/ctrl-your-computer.html

8. James talks software.
http://genealogysstar.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/choosing-program-for-your-genealogical.html

9. A mother and her babes at Parramatta
https://stjohnscemeteryparramatta.org/2016/12/09/romani-of-the-female-factory-st-johns/

And now for Christmas

10. Have you written yours yet?
http://www.geneamusings.com/2016/12/saturday-night-genealogy-fun-your-2016.html

11. The 12 genealogy days of Christmas - from Lorine.
http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/the-12-genealogy-days-of-christmas.html

12. Vive la difference.

http://www.thepastwhispers.net/2016/12/vive-la-difference.html!

New to Me Blogs

St John's Cemetery Parramatta https://stjohnscemeteryparramatta.org/blog/
Tinker - Tailor - Soldier - Sailor  https://cherryseed.wordpress.com/

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 9 December 2016

My week has been focused on the living family. We have celebrated a grandchild's birthday, watched two granddaughters perform in their ballet concert, attended speech days/presentations/prizegivings for six grandchildren and watched in pride as the children have made music and collected awards for their academic efforts. We have just one ballet concert and one presentation day next week and these events will become family history. I have been taking photos and diarising these events so that they will be kept alive for future generations.

In my downtime I have enjoyed reading blog posts from several corners of the earth. I have also penned our annual Christmas epistle - another means of preserving our family history.

1. Kudos to John Grenham for correcting his error.
https://www.johngrenham.com/blog/2016/12/05/i-was-wrong-wrong-utterly-wrong/

2. Thanks Liz for introducing us to Cedric.
http://ypgenealogy.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/meet-cedric-at-state-library-victoria.html

3. Ideas for the bibliophile's Christmas stocking.
https://readersinthemist.wordpress.com/2016/12/02/alisons-best-reads-for-2016/

4. Fleshing out the family story from Barb.
http://barbs01.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/fleshing-out-story.html

5. Jo counts down the days.
http://turnerstreettopics.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/counting-down-days.html

6. Which would you choose?
http://www.beholdgenealogy.com/blog/?p=1831

7. A new app to try.
http://blogs.slj.com/neverendingsearch/2016/12/02/photoscan-for-no-glare-super-easy-archiving-of-your-old-pics/

8. Welcome home Shauna.
https://diaryofanaustraliangenealogist.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/family-history-fiction-bendigo.html

9. Helen's Heirloom.
http://genieq.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/custody-of-locket.html

10. Love being  a member of Alona's tribe.
http://www.lonetester.com/2016/12/genealogists-are-my-tribe/

11. Kerry knows why so many DNA matches are treeless.
http://www.cluewagon.com/2016/12/genealogy-changed-dramatically-in-2016-i-can-prove-it/

12. Christmases past.
https://westerndistrictfamilies.com/2016/12/08/christmases-past/

And this isn't a blog post but a story of a tree in which my friend Robert Marsh plays a part. https://youtu.be/T1HV-P4TUbc

New to Me Blogs

Kiwichoccie http://kiwichoccie.blogspot.com.au/
Underneath the flight path  http://utfp.blogspot.com.au/

GAGs - GeniAus' Gems - 2 December 2016

It's summer time downunder .....and the living is easy when one can sit back and relax in the heat of the day and read some excellent blog posts.

I hope you enjoy the suggestions I have for you today. I definitely learnt a thing or three from blog reading this week.

1. Edublogger, Richard Byrne, shares the lessons he has learnt from 9 years of blogging.

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2016/11/9-lessons-learned-through-nine-years-of.html

2. The Pages from one of my fave bookshops share their best reads of 2016 .

https://coupleofpages.com/2016/11/22/my-top-5-reads-for-2016/

3. Jennifer's posting brings results.

https://jonesfamilyhistory.wordpress.com/2016/11/29/three-lost-children-of-daylesford-good-news/

4. A beaut idea for the festive season from Helen.

http://helenvsmithresearch.blogspot.com.au/2016/11/my-genealogical-kindness-advent-calendar.html

5. Helen's really getting into the Christmas spirit.

http://helenvsmithresearch.blogspot.com.au/2016/11/25-christmas-gift-ideas-for-genealogist.html

6. A handy tech tip from Carmel. Shame it was too late for my library visit this week.

http://librarycurrants.blogspot.com.au/2016/11/grab-image-text.html

7. Beaut biography of a Hawkesbury from Michelle.

http://hawkesburyheritage.blogspot.com.au/2016/11/death-of-astronomer-hawkesburys-john.html

8. Sailing with Kay Cottee.

https://anmm.wordpress.com/2016/11/25/a-woman-and-the-wild-ocean-kay-cottees-first-lady/

9. I was attracted to this post because I have Bowe ancestors.

http://www.outbackfamilyhistoryblog.com/2016/11/26/edith-annie-bowe/

10. Another site to see in Tasmania.

http://ontheconvicttrail.blogspot.com.au/2016/11/denison-canal-dunalley.html


New to Me

Anglo-Indian Project  https://angloindianproject.wordpress.com/