Genie Road Trip

The annual meeting of Grandma Ethel’s family empire was this weekend reminded me of this Christmas memory.

My Grandpa loved Christmas! This is him, William Eugene “Gene” Johnson, myself and the back of my brother’s head. This is from the Christmas of 1979, the year before he died.

I hope you’ve had a fabulous holiday season!

Happy hunting,

Jess

My Cousin’s cat reminds us to share the family stories about our furred family members too!

Like the story of the Siamese who brought home a mouthful of baby mice in order to train her people how to hunt. Grandma was not amused… though in the stories the snake was off-putting as well—but visible before Mademoiselle was allowed into the house.

Or my babysitter’s tiny dog that delighted in burrowing in my hair anytime I lay down at the house.

I spent a lot of time trying to photograph this cat at our holiday gathering last year.

Are you collecting that part of your family story?

Happy hunting,

Jess

No doubt 2013 will be a memorable holiday season for many Michiganders purely because of our ill-timed weather events—freezing rain, snow, more snow and the possibility of wind today—causing countless power outages. But I’m hoping everyone can find some sparkle and shine in their holidays. Stay warm and enjoy the gift of friends and family, in whatever form they come!

Find joy in your holiday season!

Happy hunting,

Jess

‘Tis the season! This week I was going through Christmas specific pictures and came across this lovely shot of my Aunt and my Grandmother from around 1971. It’s a little fuzzy but I love the lace. I have to say my dad’s family has consistently had style! Remember Dad’s Nehru jacket? And, oh, if Uncle would only let me show you some of his looks in the 1960’s and 1970s—the hats alone are fabulous!

Happy holidays and happy hunting,

Jess

Today is the 177^th Anniversary of my 4^th Great Grandmother’s birth. Rebecca Huntington was born in Vermont and orphaned at a young age. She was brought to Michigan as a child. She married Seth Porter, Jr. on October 4^th in 1852. The couple had at least seven children including my 3^rd Great Grandfather, George Erwin Porter.

Just a quick remembrance…

Grandpa Bailey (my Step Great-Grandfather, Harold Bailey) would have turned 107 this week.

The photo is from my father’s collection taken at one of the Bailey/Johnson Christmas gatherings—probably in 1982.

Happy Hunting!

Jess