It seemed that Christmas vacation passed more quickly than in other years because I had purchased several new software programs for my computer. Vacation time allowed time for installing and using these new programs.

Because Christmas is a time when families usually get together, a program which traces and records family tree information was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for me during the holidays.

The process of gathering full names, dates of birth and death, and even the addresses will be a lengthy endeavor. On one day, I mailed out 17 sets of blank forms to cousins and other relatives with requests for their return to me. I have already received one response back from one of my first cousins. He has seven children and several grandchildren. He gave me all their addresses and phone numbers.

The regret I have is that I didn't start gathering family information long ago. Many of the older relatives have died or their memories are failing. I made several phone calls to get additional information including several calls to my mother who is now 85 years old.

Christmas vacation passed too quickly because I was so involved in what has become my new hobby, genealogy.

Richard L Olsen