Building Your Family Tree 101 How to Find Your Irish or Scottish Ancestors

Did your ancestors come from Europe – in particular Ireland or Scotland? It's quite possible to find their records. You may even be lucky enough to find records online, because as more and more people become intrigued with their origins, more are being made available.

If Your Ancestors Came from Ireland

Huge numbers of Irish people left Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century when famine forced many people to look for a new and better life in another country. When you're trying to locate records, it's vital that you know as much as possible: if you can establish which town or village your ancestors came from, you'll know which government – whether Northern Ireland (Ulster) or the Republic of Ireland – now holds the records.

Is There a Family Tree Goldmine Hiding in Your Attic

Most armchair genealogists today are so conditioned to look for just about everything online that they often forget some of the very basic “old school” methods that worked so well years before anyone had even heard of the Internet. So, turn off the computer, get up from your desk, and get ready to do some down and dirty family tree research the way it used to be done.

Where to start? Well, if your parents or grandparents have an attic, prepare yourself for a dusty afternoon of rummaging through chests and boxes looking for old family records. Papers to look for include: property deeds, military service records, birth and death certificates, and old wills. Take a notebook, and write down the name of each document you find, as well as any dates, and any names (both of people and places), which are mentioned.

How will you use the documents and these names and dates? Try entering the names into any of the online search resources you’re no doubt familiar with. One of the reasons so many people get frustrated with their family tree research is that they simply can’t find much – if anything – online. The more names and information you can uncover using more traditional methods, the greater your odds of success when you try today’s “cutting-edge” methods. Remember, as you learn new search techniques, your family tree will take shape from ALL the pieces of the puzzle that you discover.

Letters from the Past

When you find an old letter, one that's perhaps a couple of hundred years old, you're listening to the voice of your ancestor, in his or her own words. The ink will be faded, and it might take a lot of effort to read the letters. Rather than ruin your eyes or become frustrated, take photos of the letters, or copy or scan them, and have them enlarged. Then transcribe (copy by hand) as much of the letters as you need to help you to identify the person later. Include any dates; also take note of the addresses on envelopes, and the dates the letters were posted. As you go through old letters, many of the names will be completely unfamiliar to you. However, don't ignore them. Write down each name in a master list. If you use a spreadsheet program you'll be able to sort the names alphabetically. The deeper you go into your research, the more you'll come across the same names, and you will figure out just who these people are.

Old Account Books

Families in the 19th century kept careful accounts. These account books can be of several kinds. Women kept household accounts of money spent on food, fuel and other household necessities. Farms and small businesses kept accounts of their business transactions. In addition, fathers kept family accounts with their wills. Any money that was advanced to a child against his inheritance would be carefully written down, along with any repayments, and any amounts outstanding would be calculated against the child's portion of the inheritance when the father died.

Diaries and Journals

People in the past were more inclined to keep a diary or a journal than we are today. Travelers kept diaries of their explorations, and students kept diaries when they went to boarding school. Read any journals you find carefully, and make a note of people and places that are mentioned. These will help you later on.

Military Records The Key to Your Family Tree

Were your ancestors war heroes? Believe it or not, vital clues to your family’s history just might be hiding away in military archives – and finding them can be easier than you think. Even if you’re not sure whether or not any of your ancestors ever served in the military, it can pay to do some digging. The payoff can be huge.

First some background about what you’re looking for and why. Fires in 1800 and 1814 destroyed the records of the American Army and Navy servicemen that were held at the War Department. In 1894, an effort was made to restore these records from many different sources via abstracts, and individual packets of records were created for each serviceman.

This packet of records was known as a Compiled Service Record, and it contained information including rank, military unit, date of admission into service, and discharge, or death. It also may contain other information, such as age, place of birth, and place of residence on enlistment.

Indices to Compiled Military Service Records

In the U.S., the indexed Compiled Military Service Records to many wars are available at the National Archives. They include the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, various Indian wars, and the Civil War. Most of the indices have been microfilmed. If you do find your ancestor's Compiled Service Record, it can mean that you gain access to a lot of other information!

For example, if you learn that your ancestor served in the Revolutionary War, the pension file indices will show whether he or his heirs have a pension file. If they did, you'll have access to a lot of information about the family.

As you can see, if you're lucky enough to find your ancestors' pension files, you'll gain an accurate picture of what happened to them during their years of service, so these are definitely files worth seeking.

But don’t stop there – go ahead and try to access the complete pension files. Why? Because when war veterans and their widows applied for pensions after various wars, including the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, they had to prove the births, marriages and deaths of their immediate family so they could receive the funds. Often, the only proof they had of these events were pages from family Bibles. So the pages were ripped out and submitted. These pages will still be in the files! Talk about uncovering a piece of your family’s history!

Fun Card Games You Can Play Alone Or With Your Family

Like cards, but not gambling? Then turn to your PC. The Internet has great card games to tickle your mind, while you don't have to bet a penny. Curious? Try these PC games:

ShapeSolitaire (Dekovir)

ShapeSolitaire is a new unique card puzzler. The game adds a modern twist to the classic card game. With ShapeSolitaire, you have to fill all open tiles with cards by following one simple rule - you must place a card on the field next to another card with a value one less or one greater, regardless the suit. Shape Solitaire is a fantastic game for card and puzzle fans alike. Download it and test your luck.

PrettyGood Solitaire (Gamesol)

You will enjoy countless hours of fun with PrettyGood Solitaire. It's probably the largest solitaire card game collection that lets you play 600 different solitaire card games, from classic games like Klondike, FreeCell, and Spider, to original games found nowhere else, such as Demons and Thieves, Aces and Kings, and Double FreeCell.. In addition to that you can use PrettyGood Solitaire to play Pyramid, Cruel, Gaps (Montana), Crescent, Diplomat, or Indian Patience. Pretty Good Solitaire contains a solitaire game for every mood. Whether you want an easy, mindless game or an intellectual challenge, you will find it here.

BVSSolitaire (BVS Development Corp)

BVSSolitaire is an award-winning collection of 385 solitaire games. You'll be able to learn solitaires created by BVSSolitaire founder and not found elsewhere. Another advantage of this game is that BVSSolitaire gives you the plethora of statistical and scoring screens. You can track your performance and progress in playing solitaire about as completely as many people use a computer to track their finances. And you can publish your personal statistics on the BVSSolitaire web site to appear in the top scores list.

Rummy (YPR Software)

In the addictive Rummy game, you play your cards on the table in groups of three or more, and you win when you play all your cards before your opponents do. You can chose to play online or offline against the computer players, varying difficulty level. As an added bonus, you can choose from many different variations of the Manipulation Rummy game, playing with cards or tiles. You can ask the program for a hint while you play. You can undo and redo your moves and can set a time limit for each turn to make the game more fast-paced. Save the game you are playing and resume it later, if something suddenly distracts you.

Low cost Home Modifications for Greater Independent Living 10 Accessibility Tips

Whether you anticipate changes in your health status or that of a friend or relative, modifying a home to accommodate a disability could be a component of those changes. While you may have visions of drop cloths, plastic sheeting and drywall dust all over your home, don't worry. Many home modifications need not involve noisy construction and costly contractors. There are many inexpensive ways to make your home more accessible. If you are planning in-home care strategies with your aging parents, or just want to answer the question, “What do we do when Uncle Bob comes over?” the following tips can help alleviate the stress and anxiety of making the changes that will accompany you into a new phase of life.

Keep the lines of communication open. It is always better to inquire as to what is needed than to avoid the issue. Asking what is the best way to accommodate a disability is not insensitive, and raising your awareness can help to avoid awkward moments and misunderstanding. Don’t be afraid to express your ignorance and consider the situation a learning opportunity. Your desire to learn is an act of compassion, as it treats others with dignity and respect.

Try a “simulation exercise.” Spend a day sitting in a wheelchair. Move about the living areas making note of what is in the way or out of reach. Rearrange the items that you anticipate will be needed frequently. For example, pull the microwave closer to the edge of the countertop, or move it to a low table, while still allowing for a food transfer and preparation area. Simulate vision loss with a blindfold, and attempt to locate food in the pantry or refrigerator, personal care items, towels, electrical outlets, and the telephone. Make these items readily accessible and identifiable. This exercise will help you to understand the challenges that face people with disabilities every day.

Don’t overdo it. If your loved one or friend uses a wheelchair, it is not necessary to remove all the furniture in the house. In general, you should establish a five-foot by five-foot turning radius for wheelchair users in kitchens and bathrooms when possible. If a person who is blind comes over, you need not pack away your knick-knacks. While removing obstacles is a good idea, simply orienting the person to his surroundings and potential hazards can go a long way toward making that individual feel more welcome and comfortable.

Seek alternatives. If you are unable to recruit a contractor to widen doorways, you can try removing doors altogether or purchasing “swing free” hinges. These special hinges allow the door to swing completely away from the frame, allowing just a little extra room to accommodate a scooter or smaller wheelchair.

Remove hazards. Think of the home modification project in the same way you think of baby-proofing a home. If electrical cords might cause a tripping hazard, remove them or tape them securely to the floor. Remove throw rugs or floor mats that may impede a person who has difficulty ambulating. These items may also make using a cane or walker more difficult.

Know when to stop. If a friend or loved one is visiting or living with you, ask how much description is needed for comfortable identification of food, surroundings or entertainment activities. This way you do not find yourself providing a continuous stream of information, which may be embarrassing and unnecessary.

Keep your options open. Not all alterations to the home must be permanent. If a person is temporarily disabled or undergoing difficult treatments that will eventually conclude, look for independent living aids that can assist with reaching and grabbing, seating and support, watching TV or reading. Many daily living aids are inexpensive, and may fill a role temporarily. Daily living aids can be found in catalogs and on the Internet. Try Maxi Aids or Rehab Tool. You will discover an astounding array of tools for home, work and play.

Shop around. Not all home modification fixtures are utilitarian, unsightly and sterile-looking. With the popularity of home makeover and interior decorating shows, many of these design elements are very fashionable. Decorative grab bars, bath fixtures and floor texturizing for safe ambulation are attractive and readily available.

Don't forget about lighting. For those with low vision, consider how lighting can make your guests or loved ones more comfortable. Either insufficient or intense lighting may be problematic, depending upon the specific type of vision loss. Use lighting to enhance contrast, as well as a way to identify potential hazards, such as stairs or changes in the floor texture. Ask the individual in what type of lighting he or she functions best. He or she may prefer indirect light or close lighting, or lighting that can be adjusted. Install dimmer switches for maximum flexibility.

Do a little research. If you do require construction, look for contractors that are familiar with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) construction guidelines. Accurate communication will ensure that the result will meet your specific needs. A good contractor will know the critical requirements of wheelchair ramp width, slope ratio, handrail height, etc. If you are considering a major remodel or building a new home, then find a contractor that specializes in “universal design.”

When modifying a home for accessibility, small changes can make a big difference. Evolving health circumstances along with aging can make for difficult choices. Educate yourself as to the variety of accessibility options, and comparison shop for the best value. Planning for changes before they are necessary will make transitioning into a new lifestyle more comfortable and secure. Most importantly, you can enhance the quality of life for yourself as well as for your loved ones.

How Do Pools Affect the Value of Your Home

If you're thinking about adding a pool to your home, carefully evaluate your reason for taking the action. If you think that a pool will add value to your home, check with a local appraiser first.

Many people think that any improvement they make to their home will result in the value of the home increasing by that amount. In some cases, you do get almost a dollar-for-dollar return. But in the case of pools, you'll get only a fraction of the cost of installation.

If you're considering adding a pool, chances are that you and your family love the water, love to swim and expect to spend many happy hours both in the pool and at poolside. You probably envision pool parties and barbecues, all with the family pool at the center of the activities.

Pools can be great for families with teenagers. Especially if you've worried about your teens running with the wrong crowd, there's nothing like the lure of a crystal blue pool to entice them to stay home. They'll usually have friends along, but at least parents can keep a closer eye on them. That's important and may in itself be enough to warrant the cost of the pool.

Pools are also a great way to get exercise. Unlike running or jogging, there's no impact on knees and ankles so you don't have to worry about undue damage. There are other healthy benefits to using swimming as an exercise routine.

All these are excellent reasons to install a pool, but remember that the reasons you are considering a pool may are not shared by everyone. To some people, pools in the backyard are nothing more than a liability.

The point of an appraisal is to arrive at a market value for your house and property. Since not everyone will be excited about a pool, the market value for homes with pools - even inground pools - isn't significantly higher than the market value for homes without pools. That means that the value of your home isn't going to increase nearly as much as the cost of installing a pool.

So should you skip the pool? If your family will enjoy the pool and you can afford it, go for it. The hours of enjoyment you're likely to get from the pool is invaluable.

September 16 is Stepfamily Day

In the United States, and perhaps in other countries as well, September 16 has been designated as “Stepfamily Day”. A day dedicated to the stepfamily. A day to honor all the StepHeroes out there who choose every day to be parents to ALL the children in their lives.

What will you do to honor your family on this special day? Some communities have picnic celebrations planned. Some blended families choose to spend the day together, as a family, without any electronic devices on for the whole day. Other stepfamilies go to a favorite place with friends and play together. And the vast majority let the day go by as any other day and miss the chance to honor themselves for all the effort and hard work it takes to make a blended family work. Why? Because they do not even know this day exists for them. They are not aware of all the resources out there for them. They believe that they are the only ones who are experiencing what it is like to be in a blended family and they feel all alone.

This could be a great opportunity to reach out to other step and blended families in your community. What would it be like to arrange a spontaneous pot-luck, where you invite two other families you know who are also blended, and ask each of them to invite two blended families that they know. Have some activities planned for the different age groups of children, and plan to meet at a location that can accommodate you all (one of your homes; a nearby park or playground; a community center; …). This doesn’t have to be fancy and you do have to spend a ton of money. In fact, you can have each family bring one of their favorite games to play, and see what you discover – how many are the same? How many are different? Which ones have never been played? Which ones are the ones everybody knows and has? … Spend the day connecting and being with others who are blending too.

Step and Blended Families that choose to make this kind of effort are always amazed at the rewards that happen unexpectedly. Oftentimes, they enjoy the experience so much that they decide to make it a monthly event, with a different theme each month.

Are you finding yourself excited and elated by this idea? Or are your first thoughts those of resistance or dread? Notice how your mind is responding to this idea. Is it coming up with all kinds of reasons why you could not or would not or should not do this? While all those reasons may appear to be valid, chances are they are not necessarily true. Our minds have a way of keeping us from trying or doing anything that is different or out of the ordinary. This is a natural, healthy defense mechanism designed to keep us safe. The problem is that what we perceive as safe is often just what is familiar. The unfamiliar is then deemed to be unsafe, when the reality is that it can be very safe, fun, fulfilling, and full of new possibilities.