My Scottish Ancestry Travel Adventure Welcome to my Scottish ancestry travel adventure, where I share the unforgettable journey of tracing my roots through the rolling hills and historic towns of Scotland. From cozy breakfasts in Strathaven to emotional discoveries in Glassford and Darvel, this trip was more than sightseeing—it was a pilgrimage into my family’s past. Join me as I walk the paths my ancestors once did, uncovering stories, landscapes, and legacies that still echo today. A Lifelong Passion for Family History My journey into genealogy began long before my Scottish ancestry travel adventure ever appeared in this blog. I’ve always been obsessed with my family history—especially the story of…

The Letter Why is this letter so exciting? It is a pretty mundane, short letter between brothers.  Weather, crops, news about people they know.  Not much to it. And then you read one short little sentence: “I was sorry to hear that Bob Ferguson got his house burned with all of its contents.” And just like that…everything changes. Family Stories Family stories are wonderful, especially the old ones.  Unfortunately, unless the original teller of the tales writes it down, oral family history is more like a game of telephone.  With each telling, the story gets bigger.  Details are omitted or added.  The teller gives their own version to the listener,…

We love to travel and to eat.  We learn so much about a place through its food.  South Africa is certainly one of those places.  We have traveled there several times over the past few years (staying at Umndeni Game Lodge), taking friends with us to enjoy the adventure.  (You can see some of those trips here.)  While braai (grilling) is king, bobotie is a close second. South African cuisine is delicious and one of my favorite dishes is Bobotie. Let’s delve into the delightful world of Bobotie, a beloved part of South African cuisine that combines curried minced meat with a luscious egg custard topping. If you see food…

Transcribed Letter: October 19, 1862 Mrs. Wood I now take the opportunity to you a few lines to let you know that Im well at present. The boys from our sctelinen are all well but Obe we are campt close to El Parsons.  Arch and Eli are at our camps every other day or to.  Archy and Eli has got as fat as hos Parsons Men are bringing in yanks every day or to. Obe has got the flux I saw Mat Finch in des ark as We past thrugh. I didn’t get to see John Patterson but Bob said looket well. Corn is plenty. Is plenty in this part…

This letter was written by William Riddell, brother of Isabella Riddell Wood. Transcribed Letter: Wellgreen 19th November 1878 My Dear Sister, Yours of August 10th have duly to hand, I was glad to hear from you again and to hear you were all well, I had a letter from Allegheny with the same Post as yours came with, they then were in good health, I have wrote again to day to Mrs. Reids – Mr. Riddell is much about hir usual way.  She is mostly confined to bed, she had one of this ill turns a fue days since, but is greatly covered again, theirs a Dr. Donale in Strathaven…

John Wood’s commander wrote home to his parents, notifying them of their son’s death.  The letter is a bit of a jumble of words in places.  One can only imagine how terrible it would have been to write home about death.  I didn’t try to correct his grammar or add missing words.  I’ll leave that up to the reader. Cloutierville, LA July 26, 1864 Mr. and Mrs. Wood, It has become my painful duty to give you the sad news of the death of your son, John Wood.  He was taken sick over three days ago. He was taken with a chill and was not considered dangers until yesterday evening…

Our “New” Historic Airbnb in Pensacola, Florida When we finally moved into our dream home in Texas, it was our 29th home.  I thought we were finished.  I thought we had caught our limit and I knew we were where we wanted to spend the rest of our lives.  Of course, fate is funny and now we also own a historic Airbnb in Pensacola.  Who would have ever guessed? We spent 20 years being moved around by the Navy, but were never stationed in Pensacola.  Jerry wasn’t associated with the aviation side of things and that is the largest group here in Pensacola.  We hadn’t even vacationed here on the…