Exploring the Past to Improve the Future
By Eilene Lyon Some people are collectors. I used to be, but 18 years of being an Army brat cured me, with one exception: books. I will always have books. Other people have things, part of a collection or not, that never get used. Maybe it’s a formal living room no one ever visits (think:... Continue Reading →
By Eilene Lyon "Aren't you going to count your pairs?" "Oh yes. Pair, two. Pair, four (cupping breasts), plus a pair of legs, a pair of arms, a pair of ears..." "I don't think you can peg points for those." [Neck-and-neck at the finish line - player drops a queen] "Seventeen" "Ohhhhnnnnggg!" "What was that... Continue Reading →
It’s been a while since I shared one of Smitty’s stories with you. This was written on May 24, 1991, in Portland, Oregon. My grandparents got married about the time Clare was graduated from the University of Idaho. It was in the depths of the Great Depression. Smitty had graduated earlier with an electrical engineering... Continue Reading →
By Eilene Lyon When I go on one of my "Dead Ancestor" tours across the country, I take along a micro-cassette recorder. I see a lot of interesting things as I'm driving around and don't want to forget them. It's also helpful for remembering where I went and what I did there. Later, I transcribe... Continue Reading →
By Eilene Lyon See a gringa in this mariachi band? Yup, that’s me! Sorry, no big sombrero or fancy conchas down my pant legs, but I really am blasting out “Volver, Volver” on my silver Getzen trumpet. My parents were both musical (not so much these days). They insisted that my brothers and I get... Continue Reading →
By Eilene Lyon Generally, I will stay away from politics. This is a history blog, right? But history is in the making every day. Also, I am by no means a poet. With that in mind, I’ve begun this poem, but really think it needs more verses. I’m sure you can help! He Says... Continue Reading →
By Eilene Lyon Auto makers have been coming up with weird names for cars and trucks for…well, forever. But the auto industry has nothing on the RV manufacturers. I live in a tourist town, so there is no shortage of RVs bumbling through the area, especially in the warmer months. (Full disclosure: we own an... Continue Reading →
By Eilene Lyon I was puzzling over the use of the term "Dogfight" to describe an aerial combat. It seems odd, considering that the only "flying" dogs I've ever come across are Snoopy, who is forever losing his Sopwith Camel (an entirely absurd name for a plane, I might add, especially when it’s really a... Continue Reading →
By Eilene Lyon This one, found on a walk down the mountain above Bergen, Norway, left me scratching my head. Is there supposed to be a hyphen in there somewhere? Is someone hunting invisible witches, or is the witch hunter invisible? Or is the witch an invisible hunter? Now I’m extra confused! And why does... Continue Reading →
Sharing stories from my family history
Thoughts from the Inner Mind
A blog about my writing and the things that I care about
The less traveled paths
Stories from my family history research.
(Somewhat) Daily News from the World of Literary Nonfiction
A blog devoted to genealogical wanderings - dedicated to family near and far, through distance and time
My Family Stories
Finding the facts behind the legends!
Climbing the branches of my family tree + the occasional post about old Hollywood
a nurses' perspective on the need for reform of our current healthcare system
Sits down with The Two Doctors and .....
Exploring family histories & mysteries
Digging through the stacks to find my family's history
A blog about genealogy and family histories
You'll be as happy as you make up your mind to be
A tour of Public Lands & National Parks with T
Genealogy and other musings
