Chula Vista Genealogy Society Picnic

Wednesday August 26, 2009 John and Barbara co-first vice presidents of the CVGS hosted a delightful picnic outside in the picnic area of the ELKs Club. It was just a marvelous day and we all had so much fun. The theme was RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WHILE WORKING ON GENEALOGY. We heard stories that simultaneously made us cry and laugh at the same time. Early in the day these random acts of kindness were labeled "genealogy angels" We heard of a story of one member finding a picture of her great great grandfather's farm hanging in the mayor's office. Another told of a story of finding her ancestor whom had died in the Civil War---his death was recorded as the wrong year, the wrong state yet she found him buried with 4 other soldiers all named in a small plot in Mississippi. Fine Genealogy Angel ladies offering real down home hospitality and even dinners at their home as they shared information about what they knew of the earlier settlers: our members ancestors. The backroom archives, the beautifying of old homesteads, the feelings of going home overwhelmed us all.

We shared a dozen or so stories while enjoying root beer floats and bag lunches.

I shared my own Genealogy Angel, my aunt Helen. Helen and her two granddaughters, Amanda and Zoe joined us for the picnic. I shared how my aunt arrived at my home with pictures she said she rescued when Grandpa JP Reed died but she had no ideal who they were. But I remembered the pictures and found my handwriting on them. In 1982 when Grandma Alta was very ill I went to LA to see Grandma, and when we took turns visiting Grandma in the hospital, I asked Grandpa Reed to tell me who the people were in the pictures and I wrote down all the data on each picture. So I said Aunt Helen that is my handwriting!!!!! And we identified everyone on our genealogy trees.

Of Course our Sexy Genealogist aka Randy Seaver ran out of town on a genealogy vacation after he passed out bumper stickers that read Genealogist do it in the Library and wore a shirt that explained how Genealogy and Sex is the Same (you have to ask him!!!) I think he planned the trip just to save himself from being ran out of town!!! LOL

President Gary Brock met and greeted us all and participated in a great white elephant auction. Everyone was pleased with their "surprises" and we all agreed it was a great picnic.

Thanks Again,John and Barbara