So what can I talk about that is significant for the year -- one thing that comes to mind is the wonderful discoveries in outer space -- that is the recent announcement that two possible planets about the same size of Earth were recently identified:
The amazing ability of the telescopes now are finding more and more about deep space. The International Space Station continues to astound. I found the above on www.msnbc.com The site talks not only about the new planets but the reducing of the number of our own planets -- Pluto is out.
But while this is great news I find a parallel in my own work (hobby) -- the comparison of the new capabilities of the Internet to the ISS with the connection of finding two new Cousins just this week. To me, bringing the advances of technology to a personal level brings the same kind of satisfaction to me as a family history researcher that must be felt by the folks working on space projects. The interest to the world (and even many family members) is of course a major difference.
So Who Are These Cousins?
The Cousins just identified are shown above -- Lila, and her Mother, Vera Kay Hiles who are 3rd Cousins and their Father, Walter Frank Hiles who is a 2nd Cousin 1x removed. I am just beginning to exchange emails with them and hopefully will learn a lot about their branch of the tree.
I do know that they live in Michigan and that there is a lot to learn about their individual families. I look forward to that. So, welcome to Vera and Lila!
Back to the grind . . .
The countdown to the end of the year for us includes a very important day that comes a couple of days after New Years -- and that is the day that Gail gets to open her office in town and go back to work for the seasonal task of income taxes . . . so there is a mixed feeling about the count -- in about 60 hours or so one of us will be "on the job" once again . . . Dino and I have agreed to visit the office from time to time.
In the meantime, holiday decorations have been taken down as of today -- the tree stands -- bare on the back porch, the holiday moose now stand by the plant in the corner where the Christmas Tree stood. Dino is checking everything out as we go about the day:
This of course is Dino's first experience of having a tree inside and he was really very good about not disturbing it -- he would though eat any needles that he could find around the floor . . .
Birthdays this day:
There are five people from our tree (so far) that were born on this day. If their parents were really experts in planning for income tax -- they did a great job. We'll look at tomorrow's birthdays and check those out to see examples of not-so-good-tax-planning . . .
I've cut off the year portion of the dates -- but those of you who go to the website (and have permission) can check out the full information.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I have never really felt like celebrating the NEW YEAR event that much as it seems artificial often -- but the following wallpapers are available at www.smashingbuzz.com that says it all in a way. They have many more examples that you could choose from -- check 'em out:
I think these are some really nice examples that might just brighten up the desktop . . .
And Lastly --
Everyday Gail & I read a few selected comics and this one we enjoy and it is appropriate for today and for the way that we feel:
One thing I do remember is that at the beginning of the year -- in this blog -- I said that I wanted to write a post each week. And in a few minutes when I push the key to "publish" I will have achieved that goal. There are now 52 posts recorded in the year 2011 . . . thanks for reading and now it is time for the Slider Saturday Night once again . . .
Have a great new year -- see you in a few!
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