I caught the bug. The Genealogy bug that is. When COVID stopped our country in its tracks, we all stayed home and learned how to fill our days, and nights, with new hobbies and old hobbies.

I have dabbled in learning about my family that came before me for many years. But it consumed me after a RV road trip we took just before mandatory lock downs became a thing. During that trip we spent some time in Montana. My great grandfather owned land out there in the early 1920’s. While talking to my father on the phone I got a general area and within an hour I was able to share the map of the property, the land patents and a google satellite view showing it was still 900+ acres of ranch land. That’s when it changed…

I LOVE genealogy! As human beings, we need connection. Not only connection to the present, but inspiration from the past and hope for the future. By learning who our family was before us and the moments that mattered in their lifetimes, we can live our lives in purpose and with intention for the legacy we leave.I work on my family tree every day. Sometimes for quick study sessions but more than not, for hours in the evening when everyone goes to bed and it’s quiet. I like to say, “all my ancestors come out to play after dark.” Genealogy is the perfect hobby for a night owl like me.

This blog space will be a place for me to shares my family discoveries along the way. I also hope to share tips and resources for finding your own ancestors to play with.

They say we die twice, once when our souls leave our earthly bodies. And second when our name is spoken for the very last time. My hope is to share their stories, say their names and hopefully the generation behind me will connect to someone or something and continue, saying their names.

~Mary K. Soller, nee Hartley