Traveling with vegans...can be fun

Both of my daughters are vegan so finding appropriate restaurants can be a bit of a challenge. We had already searched in Klamath Falls to no avail. It is a great town, but very beef driven. However, yesterday my sister Joan used Happy Cow on the Internet to find a vegan restaurant in Ashland, Oregon.

Ashland is an oasis of good restaurants and fun shops set in the locale of the Shakespeare Festival http://www.orshakes.org/. Hotels like the Stratford Inn and House of Shrew are commonplace here along with a city center of picturesque small shops.

Joan chose Greenleaf http://greenleafrestaurant.com/ and it did not disappoint. I had the terrific tofu burger (it was great without the mustard), Becky had the Thai tofu wrap and Ashley had peanut satay stir fry. Each entree was excellent. We sat outside along the river amid bright umbrellas in 80 degree weather. We heard it was 106 in Chandler. A respite from the heat indeed. Mom planned well for us to get out of the heat.

We spent most of the day here and it left us wanting more. See for yourself at http://www.ashlandchamber.com/

Midges welcome us to Oregon...

We arrived in Medford last night only ten minutes behind schedule. Highway 140 east to Klamath Falls was a curvy two-lane path lined with towering Ponderosa pines.

Green had replaced the heat, brown and dust of the desert. Clear blue lakes and rivers replaced dry washes and basins.

As we approached Klamath Lake, a swarm of what looked like dark rain pelted the car. First, once, then again, and again. After a few more swats, we realized the swarms were bugs.

Today my brother-in-law told me the bugs are midgies, or midges as I found on the internet. Midges live for only 24 hours. Unfortunately for them my rental car, a blue Chevy HHR, shortened their life span considerably as the photo shows.

More to come on my visit to Oregon and family soon.

1850 and 1857 Census fill gap on my family tree

Thanks to the efforts of Brent Mai and others*, I now own copies of the translated 1850 and 1857 Censuses of Reinwald in District of Samara, Russia.

These censuses are the links to mother's genealogical past. My mother's maternal family tree shows gaps between my great grandfather, Phillip Reimer, and the original Reimer settlers of Reinwald, Russia. My mother's father, Fred Herzog, reflected the biggest gap from his birth in 1882 back to Leonhard Herzog and his wife Elisabeta Stengel as recorded in the 1798 Reinwald census.

I analyzed the 1857 census first since my great-grandmother, Anna Maria Körber for whom I was named, was born in 1857. Anna Maria was the wife of Philip Reimer. Could the timing of the census and her birth benefit my research or could it be a near miss? The census was dated 1 November 1857. I knew my great-grandmother's birthday was 22 August 1857.

I scanned the pages and found her name on page 10 line 299. Anna Maria is listed in household 22 headed by Johann Peter Körber age 63. He was listed as married to Christina Ruppel age 60. Also in their household was their son Karl age 40 and his wife Elisabeth Roth age 37. Karl and Elisabeth's children, Georg age 20 and Katharina age 18 lived in the same house. Anna Maria was recorded as the 1/4 year old great-granddaughter of Johann Peter Körber and Christina Ruppel. The double asterisks by Anna Maria's name led me to the next page which states, "Illegitimate great-granddaughter by granddaughter Katharina."

Wow. You never know exactly what you will find when you start to research your family history. My heart ached for Katharina and Anna Maria. What did it mean to be an illegitimate child in a small German Russian village in the mid 1800s? How did this impact their lives? Even more, who was Anna Maria's father? In a small, farming village like Reinwald where life was quite structured and everyone knew everyone, what circumstances led to my great-grandmother's birth?

It's interesting to note that on my great grandfather's death certificate, both of his parent’s names are clearly listed. He died 3 October 1948 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The informant was his daughter, my great aunt Elizabeth, listed as Mrs. David Wiegand. On Anna Maria's death certificate, where Phillip Reimer was the informant, her parents are listed as Unknown. Was it possible that Anna Maria and Phillip were never told the full details of her birth? Or were they just unaware?

I would be interested in hearing from others who have encountered this situation in their family history to gain an understanding of how this situation affected their lives. There is so much information on these censuses, I look forward to further investigation of the Reimer and Herzog lines and will continue to post my discoveries here.

*Reinwald 1857 Census. Initial acquisition and translation of the 1857 Census of Reinwald was made possible by the generous contributions of the following: Mrs. Jene Herder Goldhammer, Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Shirley Hurrell, Beaverton, Oregon; Mrs. & Mrs. Arthur R. Mai, Sharon Springs, Kansas; Prof. & Mrs. Brent Mai, Beaverton, Oregon; Mr. Gerald Yurk, Fort Meyers, Florida. Census was translated by Brent Mai, Concordia University, Portland, Oregon. For more information on Brent's research visit http://www.volgagermans.net/

Doris Ann Dalhaimer 1927-2010

Much of my inspiration is gone today. My mother passed away today at 11:50 a.m. Arizona time. She was the heart behind my first book Value Meals on the Volga.

It's not that I was surprised as my journey with her included three hospital visits and two stays in a skilled nursing center. I know she is in a better place and, by this point, my Dad has welcomed her and is showing her the sites.

How can I capture all of the memories in this short blog? There is no way to accomplish it. Still I want to start to try. I am sure I will have many more updates over the next few weeks but the moments which register with me today and the things I will miss the most are:

*Going to the library with her every weekend

*Knowing my dishwasher was already emptied for me

*My Mom standing over my shoulder in the kitchen supervising as I made some of our favorite recipes

*When she asked me "aren't you going to put that in a smaller container?"

*Or, when I asked her if she would like popcorn, ice cream or some treat, her response was "What are you having?"

*Trading "Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit" comments on the first day of the month

*When she would ask "Is it spicy?"

*Word search puzzles

*and, last but not least, her description of "steak on a hard roll with butter. You know they don't make them like that anymore."

They sure don't. Thanks, Mom for everything and thanks for letting me be with you during the past six months.

Grand Canyon called us for a great family outing..

Check out a few of the pictures from our latest adventure.

All photographs are Copyright 2010 Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski

Graduations over...my first hour of time

I had an hour to use as my own. After two graduations, family guests, graduation party and dinners, hospitalizations, and skilled nursing center visits over the past four months, I did not HAVE to do anything for an hour this afternoon.

I promptly put on my swimsuit and dove into the swimming pool. I realized how much I had taken this action for granted in previous summers. I missed spending time with the family visitors who enjoyed the "spa" and now that all are gone, I actually have an hour in my schedule.

I wish I could have moved this hour to have spent the time with all of my family.

I used the word "spend" and "spent" quite a bit in the last paragraph. We have control over how our time is "spent," "used," or "deposited." I made a lot of family deposits this spring. I certainly will continue to let family guide my time. However, I so enjoyed my one hour in the pool, I need to find a way to "spend" some of that valuable time every day on myself.

Flags celebrate Memorial Day

Since I do not live near the cemeteries of my family members, the flags which adorn the entryways of my subdivision are my inspiration to celebrate the memory of all who served our country with honor. I hope you enjoy.

Memorials, Hospitals and Graduations

Last year my Mom told me, "If I am alive, I will be in Arizona for the graduations."

We laughed about that last week since neither of us knew at the time how true the statement was. Mom is here in Arizona although she is now two for two of being in the hospital during the graduation ceremony.

When Becky graduated from ASU, Mom was at Mercy Gilbert. When Ashley graduates on Wednesday from Basha High School, Mom will still be at Chandler Regional. And, tomorrow when our country celebrates Memorial Day, I plan to be at her side again in this hospital room.

Little did I realize how torn I would feel trying to celebrate such milestones and coordinate my mother's care. But, when family needs you, you do everything you can in the moment to ease their way. And, as far as be memories go, this month of May 2010 will stay in my mind and heart forever.

Photo courtesy of Duane Stabler

I must share this picture...Dragonfly extraordinaire

even though it does not tie directly to family history. This dragonfly visits my backyard every afternoon. Beautiful to watch as it glides over the swimming pool, this dragonfly is one of a kind. First, it alighted on the toe of someone on a floating chair in the pool. When a hand was extended out, it quickly moved to the finger as you can see in the photograph.

The dragonfly followed this routine for the past three days. At one point when a swimmer assumed the Status of Liberty pose in the pool, this dragonfly again flew to and rested on the fingers. This is what spring is all about. Enjoying the outdoors, the pool and seeing beautiful life in Arizona.

Family history at its best...celebration of graduation

I would be remiss not to devote an entire blog entry to celebrate my daughter's graduation from Arizona State University. The photos from the ceremony are quite dark, and the official photographer pictures are not quite ready to share, so here are some photos of our celebration party the day after. Enjoy!

Special thanks to Damon at Green http://www.greenvegetarian.com/ for catering the event. The food was outstanding!

Take a deep breath...

When I originally made plans for the month of May, I had no idea how hectic my life would really be. Between my daughter Becky's graduation from Arizona State University and my mother' hospitalization and subsequent move to a skilled nursing center, I squeezed in my job and guests for the special occasion.

But, today is Saturday and my favorite day of the weekend. The graduation is over, although another one looms in the next week. Yet, today I get a dose of normalcy I missed so far in May.

While Becky enjoys her weekend away in Portland, I went to the Desert Botanical Gardens with Ashley and her Dad. What an exquisite walk. I have been to the gardens many times before, however each time is a unique experience as you can see from the pictures.

Stay tuned for more pictures tomorrow from the graduation party.

The highs and lows of life...

just don't keep themselves separated in compartments of your life. On one hand, this week has been sobering and filled with hospital visits. On the other hand, it has been a week of great celebration and joy.

My mother, who was truly the inspiration and knowledge behind my first book, Value Meals on the Volga for which this blog is named, remains at Mercy Gilbert Hospital. I can't count the number of visits, length of stay, numbers of nurses, doctors, aids or blood draws anymore. I can tell you that after nearing losing her, my Mom's vitals are back on track. Her heart is strong. Unfortunately, five days in bed have taken their toll and when she is discharged, likely later today, she will head for occupational and physical therapy at a rehabilitation center.

The other side of the story is my daughter, who after four years of college, earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University last night. The ceremony at Gammage was a celebration of the graduates, the school and the late Walter Cronkite. My beautiful daughter, Becky, graduated magna cum laude. Could I possibly be prouder? Absolutely not.

So, to end the week, Mom will be discharged to a rehabilitation center for therapy, and I host a graduation party to honor my daughter's achievement. Like I said, the highs and the lows just blur together in life. You just need to savor each moment.

SaddleBrooke Genealogy Club: WRITE to the Heart of the Matter for Genealogists

I savored the beautiful views of the desert as I drove from Chandler to SaddleBrooke via highways 287, 79 and 77 yesterday. Desert wild flowers surrounded by blooming cacti provided the perfect view to relax before meeting a new group.


As I approached the Santa Catalina mountains, I was impressed not only with Mother Nature but also the SaddleBrooke community itself. To quote from http://www.robson.com/page.cfm?name=saddlebrk_, SaddleBrooke is where "stunning multi-million dollar country clubs overlook championship golf courses, sun-washed desert vistas and the panoramic splendor of the Santa Catalina Mountain range." I was also pleased to learn that during the summer months, the community is cooler than Tucson and residents "open their windows at night."






However, the best part of day was meeting the people of the genealogy club. They inspired me with their interest and questions about writing. I enjoyed all of their stories, even met someone with German-Russian ancestry like myself, and look forward to read what everyone in this group will write.


Genealogists who want to write are my favorite people. While genealogists think about birth certificates, census records, cemeteries and family history libraries, writers ponder plot lines. characters, points of view and best sellers. What a fascinating combination for those of us who can make the transition.






I extend an invitation to all aspiring family historians to write and contribute an entry of 400 words or less to the "Tell Us Your Best Adventure with Your Grandparents and Win!" Contest. It's a great opportunity to explore genealogical facts and expand it into a story of your family. Plus, you could win $100* and be published in a future Infinite Adventure book. Click on the link for rules and entry form at http://maggiesadventure.blogspot.com/



Special thanks to Karen Hahn who invited me to meet with such a lively and entertaining group. What a pleasure for me to have been a part of their community.

WRITE to the Heart of the Matter for Genealogists...Creating a Family Story Your Descendants Will Want to Read

Today I head to Tucson to join the Saddle Brooke Genealogy Club to discuss my favorite topic...writing. I look forward to meeting the group, learning about their club, and sharing my ideas on how genealogists can leave a written legacy of their family history.

It should be a fantastic day and I will update more later.

Spike Lee uncovers his grandmother's roots in Georgia...

Tonight's episode of "Who Do You Think You Are" highlighted filmmaker Spike Lee's family search back to Griswoldville, Georgia. This hour was another outstanding segment in this series and three points jumped out to me.

1) Even filmmakers can miss the opportunity to use the camera to document the knowledge and family members. Such a valuable lesson for all of us. No matter how much you have captured, once the opportunity is lost, there is always regret. When Spike admits this loss, it touches everyone's heart.

2) When he dug up the red soil of Georgia that Mars Jackson owned decades ago, it reminded me of my first trip to Georgia when I scooped the clay into bottles to take back with me to Wisconsin. And, since both of our ancestors were farmers, the link back to the land struck a chord.

3) Genevieve, his third cousin twice removed, sparked Spike's memory of watching people in an airport and wondering whether he was related to them. I always knew when I met people whose ancestors came from the same German Russian village as mine, that we were related whether we could prove it or not. Spike's experience expands my notion well beyond the small village. The more we learn to think globally, we need to realize if we can track enough generations back, we are all related.

Tonight was another moving story of how one man's family was impacted by history and slavery in our country, and how the same family made such a remarkable impact on our country.

Spike Lee is next!

I always look forward to Friday and this Friday is no exception. In fact, the Spike Lee episode of "Who Do You Think You Are" will be the perfect way for me to end the month of April. Stories, a bit of drama, and another powerful search experience.

My own family will take the forefront in May. In the upcoming month, I plan to fill my photo albums and family storybooks with memorabilia from:

• four birthdays
• Mother's Day
• two graduations (technically one falls on June 2)
• a speaking event in Tucson with a genealogical group
• and many family and friends who will join us to celebrate

And, these are just a few of the things I am planning. So, Friday night's show is the perfect transition to reflect on family history and close out of the month of April. Then it's time to take a breath and plan for the fun events to come in May. Stay tuned.

Susan Sarandon's search inspires me...

Susan Sarandon's story on "Who Do You Think You Are?" http://www.nbc.com/who-do-you-think-you-are/ inspired me in so many ways. I always admired her honesty and independence, but I have to admit I enjoy seeing the "stars" of this show so natural, without performance makeup, just as themselves. I applaud their efforts to trace their history.

Susan's search struck a chord with me. She hunted details about a grandmother she never knew. Her name was Anita and she left for destinations unknown when Susan's mother was only two. Consider the fact that Anita was only 13 when she married and you can understand what a different time it was in the early 1900s.

Ultimately Susan tracks down the house where her grandmother lived, less than an hour from where Susan grew up. So close, yet Susan was pleased to learn her grandmother enjoyed the later years of her life.

One of the reasons I started my family history journey was to understand why my father grew up without his father. He did ultimately have a wonderful step-father in his life, but my step grandfather passed away years before I was born.

Johannes Dalhaimer was my grandfather's name. He left the family home in the summer of 1925. Some say he was never seen again. Others say he briefly returned the day my father was born.

There are clues but I have not landed a link yet. Could he have gone to Flint, Michigan? Did he return to Fresno, California? Could he have gone back to Mariental? Since my grandparents followed the harvest when they came to the United States from Russia, did he have the energy to go back to it? I have met cousins who now live in Washington and there was a connection, but nothing after 1925.

In the meantime, I will continue to enter the ancestry.com $20,000 giveaway at http://www.ancestry.com/and hope that will be the key to discovering the story of Johannes. But, if you have any ideas and what else I can do, please send me your thoughts and encouragements. I always wanted to uncover this for my Dad, but since he is in heaven, he already knows. Now I want to find out for me.

Friday night was almost lonely without "Who Do You Think You Are"

I really missed that show last night. But, I did hear some good news. It has been renewed for a second season. I am ecstatic.

Of course, I had plenty on my plate last night as I prepared for the WRITE Stuff workshops today at the Chandler library.

My presentation is "WRITE to the Heart of the Matter" which covers all types of writing and includes great interactive exercises. Join us if you can. The workshop promises four excellent speakers and over seventy attendees.

And, the show will go on the road on May 6. when I present a similar writing workshop exclusively for the Saddlebrooke Genealogists.

One of the exercises is to focus on the first sentence. Obviously, this sentence is critical to get an agent, editor or everyone interested in your story and critical when you do not have a cover designed to draw in the reader. So, to jump start your writing, take a good look at the picture on this blog. Use it as your inspiration to write the first sentence of your next book, story, or blog. Spend only five minutes on it, your sentence does not need to be perfect.

Add your sentences as comments to my blog and let's see how many fantastic ideas and story lines we can compose. I will share mine later this weekend after the workshop. I also have an interesting example from a good friend.

I wish everyone one thing this weekend...write and enjoy your family. Life moves so quickly at times, savor every minute. Even the bad stuff. It's the experiences that builds bonds which last much longer than we do. And, with the stories we have heard from "Who Do You Think You Are," we are well aware of how the next generation needs to know about what we did. Let's all leave a good trail to follow.