Author Archives: The Retiring Sort

DNA Ethnicity Test Result Reliability – It’s All About Expectations

Around Thanksgiving, I went to lunch with a group of childhood classmates. During a lull in the conversation, one of them asked – “Hey, who here has done their DNA?”  A number of us raised our hands. His next question … Continue reading

Posted in DNA, Family, Genealogy, Genetics | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Chasing Family – Online Family Trees: To Post or Not to Post?

  SPOILER ALERT – This post relates to the hobby of Genealogy. I’ve been at this genealogy thing in one way or another for about 25 years now. I worked full-time for many of those years, so it was an … Continue reading

Posted in Family, Genealogy, Technology | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Chasing Family… Down a Rabbit Hole and Up a Tree

I haven’t regularly posted to this blog for a while. Life gets in the way sometimes, but since this week marks my 5-year “blogoversary” I’m inspired to jump back in. I’ve recently had eye surgery, and the world is literally … Continue reading

Posted in Blogging, Family, Genealogy, Recreation, Ruminations | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

The Pros and Cons of Fear and Anger

Right this minute, I don’t much care how you voted anymore, because the election is over, and now we have to look ahead and not back. I understand you’re angry at the opposition, and I understand you’re afraid that the other … Continue reading

Posted in Ruminations | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Starting a New Holiday Tradition

Well, here we are into the first week of Advent! In addition to the Sunday celebration services and advent candle lightings, that means baking, wrapping, decorating, and mailing. I don’t know about you, but we still send paper Christmas holiday … Continue reading

Posted in Faith, Giving Back, Ruminations | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Giving Season and the Thoughtful Giver

It’s that time of year again. Since before Hallowe’en, US stores have been sneaking Christmas items onto their shelves. Blue and silver Hannakuh wrapping paper and red and green Christmas candies have appeared everywhere, and seasonal music has begun playing … Continue reading

Posted in Blogging, Faith, Family, Finances, Giving Back, Ruminations | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments