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I realize that the older I get, the harder it is to learn new things. But, I also realize that if I really am interested in something, I will figure out a way to put it to memory.

My sister told me the other day that I talk about our ancestors as if I know them personally. I know the names of the children, where and when they were born, etc. It must be I am interested!

Now, I am interested in starting this blog, yet it seems like a daunting task to learn how to put it all together. So, I will try to write like I talk to my sister…about our family, who’s who and how I found them.

Today, I want to tell you that I began my quest by interviewing everyone. I interviewed my grandmother, my mother and my aunt first. I wrote down pertinent information, such as names and dates. My grandmother had 12 brothers and sisters, so there was a lot to try to keep straight! But, again, it’s interesting to me, so I tried hard to be diligent.

I also tried to find out where our ancestors lived, died and were buried. Write down everything you can or take a small recorder with you. My cell phone has a voice recorder built into it, so I can record notes to myself.

Here http://genealogy.about.com/cs/oralhistory/a/interview.htm is a good place to start. This website gives you 50 questions you can use in your interview. You will undoubtedly hear a story or two you never heard before, so be prepared! My grandmother, who always insisted on good manners and proper speaking, told me that when her grandmother died on the second floor of her house, the undertaker embalmed her in her bed and dumped the fluids in the outhouse. Then she ended the story with, “And don’t you dare tell anyone.” I wasn’t prepared for a story like that, but it sure was interesting!  No wonder I remember it!

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