Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer

Three beauties on the beach:

Mabel Hanaway Kleckner, Margaret Anderson Hanaway
Arlene Guinee Wozniak

July, 1971

Many a summer past included a visit to my cousins cottage in Stevensville, Michigan. The Hanaway clan is quite large and we are now spread out over most of theses great United States. I grew up enjoying the simple joys of gathering with family. There was a lot of fun to be had at the cottage too. Playing with my MANY, MANY cousins; running down sand dunes, fishing, swimming, boating, and of course eating pot luck dinners! Many visits were short day trips, if I was lucky, I would get to spend a night or two! Who minds sleeping on the beach with a campfire, roasting marshmallows, telling spooky stories and falling asleep under the stars? Those clearly were some special times and I cherish the memories. When I can create them for my children I jump at the chance. Although many parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are now gone, there are those of us who still take the time to get together and we always have a blast! The cottage is still in the family. When the opportunity knocks I take advantage of a little road trip with my kids and once again enjoy the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.

"You Have Family, You Have History"

I know, I know, I haven't been blogging lately, but that doesn't mean I haven't been working on my genealogy.

Mailed my reservation in for the "You Have Family, You Have History", Illinois State Genealogical Society Conference. This year it will be held on October 23, 2010, in Peoria. Can't wait to attend and learn even more!

I continue to work on my Sommer/Rusch relatives and am happy to say I continue to gain ground. Thanks to FamilySearch.org and lots of hours of reading microfilm I have connected even more relatives.

Two weeks ago, my cousin Marian emailed me indicating she found another relative right here in Chicago, about 11 years earlier than our ancestors! What a find! Now, perhaps we'll be able to find a cousin or two to connect with in our area. No matter, we both were excited and happy to share the information with each other! That's what cousins are for right?!!


Getting my Hanaway family trees lined up for printing. This year I will be putting a "scrapbook look" to them. Our reunion is coming up on July 18th and this year I think I will print off about nine different trees for door prizes or raffles. That's a gift I would love to receive!

July 8th the MLS Historical group will hold a meeting at the National Archives on 73rd and Pulaski in Chicago. Mrs. Eula Nichols will be present a program on the LDS Family History Centers, well, guess what? Mrs. Nichols has taught ME a trick or two using the FamilySearch.org database at the Chicago Heights Family History Center (my favorite one) and I love her assistance. Cannot say enough wonderful things about her! Most of all, she doesn't mind at all, when I ask, "just one more question." Cannot wait for July 8th! Thank you Mrs. Nichols!