We're Not in Kansas Anymore

Five years ago I decided to trace my ancestors back to their country of origin. I figured this would be a good weekend project (ha!) Little did I realize I was embarking on an all-consuming passion that would last throughout my retirement years. Both my parents shared little about their childhoods. I knew a few details but no specifics. For example, Mom told me that she grew up on a farm in Franklin, TX and her father died when she was eight years old. I had no idea that Mom grew up surrounded by dozens of cousins.  And Dad told me his father left his mother before Dad turned two (and his younger brother less than six months). His mother contracted tuberculosis and eventually, the family moved to Alabama. An uncle owned a farm there, and they hoped the fresh air and sunshine would remedy the disease. Unfortunately, his mom died in 1941 when Dad was thirteen years old. I have a funeral notes document that tells me the church where her funeral was held and the cemetery where she is b...

  It's hard to believe it was only a week ago: Jan 15, 2022 -- the longest day of our RV career. And a day I hope never to repeat. The weather forecast called for spotty showers with significant wind: sustained wind speeds of 25-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. The overly cautious one thought we should stay another night at the current camp spot and head out the next day. The more confident one thought we should get on down the road. If wind proved too difficult, we could always pull over. At 9:30am we broke down camp. The engine started right up but quit suddenly. Odd... but not concerning. We started Toto up again and headed toward I-45 and Dallas. As we accelerated onto the highway, Toto started chugging and sputtering. Perhaps we needed some gas to mix with the additive. Fortunately, there was a Love's truck stop five minutes away. We filled it up - no problem. Toto started - no problem. We drove to the access road and attempted to make a left turn. BIG PROBLEM. Toto stalled...