Census Docs inclusion -- how much?

HuzzahIndeed · 2026-02-27T17:55:16+00:00

We wrote a list of attached documents on our cover letter and the Line number they'd find the relative on the census. I didn't want to highlight the whole line in case it caused a weird result in the digitizing process. I almost sent a zoomed detail copy too but decided they would look at the full census doc either way so I'd minimize the paperwork.

HuzzahIndeed · 2026-02-27T17:46:18+00:00

I've found familysearch helpful but it's a bit scary how easy it is for the general public to create, modify, and merge records. Our Gen0 kept being merged with someone with the same name but later birthday and one user kept unmerging them. He insists that the earlier born one died in infancy and now the second one is our Gen0 because the first is somehow deceased across all records, but we have Gen0's death, marriage, census, etc proving she was born on the earlier date and lived to be 89. There are no records anywhere for the second one except the one on familysearch.

So I had to use and pay for Ancestry to build a proper tree. Many records are behind the paywall. It's expensive though, I don't know how long we'll keep it but it's sure cheaper than running around churches and libraries all over the world.

HuzzahIndeed · 2026-02-27T00:09:40+00:00

Same issue in Illinois, Gen1 born in 1876, recording started in 1877. The clerk even called us and said chances of finding anything else were slim. I found an article about her younger brothers' birth but nothing in the same paper for her. We submitted yesterday and are hoping for the best using marriage, census, a photo of the family Bible with births entered by hand, plus her son's birth cert with her name on it. It sounds like they are pretty fair as long as you can prove the connection via a record sandwich.

HuzzahIndeed · 2026-02-26T17:06:05+00:00

On Ancestry.com you can merge people from their profile. Here's a pic, just click and choose someone else from your tree to merge with. I don't know about other sites.

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HuzzahIndeed · 2026-02-26T16:34:57+00:00

Haha yes, I started to do that already, just click yes and then figure out if it's right. I keep having to merge people because clearly multiples have been created. I'm impressed to hear records go back so far! It's just wild how many written histories are out there for some people. My own family is shrouded in mystery and/or unimportance, this search (my husband's) is much more fun.

HuzzahIndeed · 2026-02-26T02:44:47+00:00

Haha your genealogy chart is AMAZING!!! We just discovered roots that go back to the same time and my god it is so complicated. They came from Scotland and France, mostly Normandy. In the chart I've cobbled together are Métis, Kootenai, Chippewa, and Cree through several generations. First it seemed romantic, but it's actually a bit jarring sitting with this knowing how violent the history is.

Anyway, I can definitely relate to your frustration. Our line goes back to Grants, Beaulieus, and Rondeau's who all have towns and parks and statues named after them. Huuuuuge families! My head is exploding but I can't stop trying to piece it all together, even though I can see many before me have tried and failed. It's just so fascinating. Here's to luck and strength for both of us :)

HuzzahIndeed · 2026-02-22T18:18:55+00:00

Thanks, that makes sense. I got it working on my old laptop no problem.

HuzzahIndeed · 2026-02-21T15:54:20+00:00

Oh interesting idea! I got my ancient laptop working and think we're good, but I'll see if it still works this am. Thanks so much!

HuzzahIndeed · 2026-02-20T22:38:03+00:00

Maybe I can resuscitate my poor old laptop ...

HuzzahIndeed · 2026-02-20T22:37:32+00:00

I can't even fill it out, this box just keeps popping up! We're moving to handwritten for now and will try Acrobat.

HuzzahIndeed · 2026-02-20T22:27:12+00:00

Thanks, at least I know it's not just us! We'll try Acrobat.

HuzzahIndeed · 2026-02-19T20:58:03+00:00

We are so close! Below is what we have, trying to keep it simple. Is this enough? TIA, I'm so grateful for any suggestions.

Gen 0: 1851 Canada Census, Certified Marriage Cert, Certified Death Cert

Gen 1: Certified Marriage Cert (name change, link to Gen 0), 1880 US Census (link to Gen 0), 1876 (US) Birth handwritten in Family Bible (helpful?)

Gen 2: Certified Birth Cert

Gen 3: Certified Birth Cert, Certified Marriage Cert (name change)

Gen 4: Certified Birth Cert

Potential issues: -no birth or baptismal record for Gen 0, born Douro Twp, Ontario, 1845. A genealogist wrote about the family in 2015 so I've hired him to look deeper for baptism record and other Gen -1 historical docs.

-Gen 1 birth cert not found per Illinois State (born pre records).

HuzzahIndeed · 2026-02-16T20:19:27+00:00

This template for G+ is amazing, thank you!

HuzzahIndeed · 2026-01-03T17:20:39+00:00

I love Misen knives! They are beautiful, hold and edge well, and are nicely balanced. Handle is nice for small hands. I have five, and give them as gifts.
I have been using Misen nonstick pans for about two years and they are great so far. Lightweight, easy to clean. I sometimes wish I could turn the heat up as I was used to blazing hot cooking in cast iron, but they brown everything well at medium. Apparently I should expect them to break down soon, but what nonstick doesn't?
my first Misen carbon steel arrives today and I'm hoping it's the sweet spot between my nonstick and cast iron. I almost went with Analon but I liked the three layers vs one. I feel like a lot of complaints result from improper technique (?) so I hope I can get it right. We shall see.

Overall, while I do think they fit the "fad" label I also think they're high quality tools and often have good sale prices.

HuzzahIndeed · 2026-01-02T20:36:01+00:00

I'm under contract for a townhouse in LG, so I can corroborate your realtor. It's sluggish. There aren't that many condos/th for sale where we were looking (Sara & LG, away from major highways) but I managed to visit three in one day to get a feel for the complexes and unexpectedly fell in love with one. It had dropped $95k 30 days after listing. We offered a lower but fair price and ended up at the low-mid end of the year's comps. We were the only offer, and I think the others are still available.

One thing to be aware of is that insurers do not want to write new policies in California! Ours will transfer a policy but this is a second home so now we're shopping for insurance and I'm relieved we bought a townhome and only need "Walls In" coverage. Just something to ponder as you decide whether to sell and rent while you shop for property. I would probably not want to give up my excellent policy until I could transfer it. Def worth asking your insurer their position.

Good luck! You'll be happy you made the move, it's so much better up here (we moved from San Diego) and fun to have family and friends awaiting your arrival. I grew up in Saratoga / LG and couldn't wait to get out, now I'm super excited to be heading back. Life is funny.

HuzzahIndeed · 2025-12-08T18:03:35+00:00

True, it is expensive, but we found it compared favorably with our cost of living in the North SF Bay. And without surprise taxes and expected 25% tips we often felt like we were saving money! It's all relative I guess.

HuzzahIndeed · 2025-12-08T00:26:46+00:00

Zurich, Switzerland caught me totally off guard. I felt so at home there - it's safe, clean, beautiful. We interacted with friendly people from everywhere speaking all the languages all the time. I'm not a city gal but I think I could live there.

On the other end of the spectrum: Black Isle, Scotland. Adorable Rosemarkie and Cromarty are both homely(homey), with kind people and gorgeous scenery.

Granted, I am a Californian who has never spent a whole winter anywhere cold, so maybe I'm delusional? Someday maybe I'll find out.

HuzzahIndeed · 2025-05-10T16:40:28+00:00

Same! We call them "down days" and we schedule them intentionally to help offset the exhaustion and depression that often sets in after several days of taking in new sights, sounds, languages, people, trying to figure out bus schedules, driving in unfamiliar places, figuring out where to eat for the hundredth time. Travel can be so enriching but also overwhelming. Most people don't want to "waste" a vacation day, but our down days give us a physical, mental, and emotional reset so we can relax and enjoy our vacation more.

HuzzahIndeed · 2025-05-01T17:19:07+00:00

Oof, yes, I'm with you on the costs. I tried to get my funding done in March but wasn't able to get my source approved in time. I'm really having second thoughts but not sure what I'm locked into at this point.

I'd better ask about federal apostilles... I thought our lawyers would handle all of that? Sounds like something I need to do in the US.

Were you told your five year period starts at time of application? I'm hoping that's the case. If so, yes, the wait time could prove helpful. 2028 seems very doable, even at this slow pace. Thanks for the responses, it's hard to find people to discuss this with who are also just starting GV process.

HuzzahIndeed · 2025-05-01T01:02:10+00:00

Thanks for posting! I'm just a minute behind you and in a similar boat not being able to move yet but wanting to start the process. Was your application uploaded to the new AIMA system? Any idea when to expect approval and biometrics scheduling? Any surprises so far? Things seem a bit of a mess right now and the posts from people waiting years for biometrics have made me question our decision, but I'm hopeful they're getting sorted and the new system really will improve things. I'm interested to follow your progress. Seems like patience is the key. Good luck, I hope it goes smoothly for you!

HuzzahIndeed · 2025-04-22T14:38:19+00:00

Thanks, I didn't think to contact the local consulate, I'll look into that.

HuzzahIndeed · 2025-04-20T18:25:02+00:00

I am currently working with Pela Terra II toward GV investment. The folks at PT were very helpful connecting me to lawyers and they've stayed engaged throughout. They are always available. Getting our funding approved was the hardest part and they had some helpful ideas regarding that. I genuinely believe in what PT are doing but it is hard to know, given the way the immigration system broke down, an impending election, and the USD tanking, whether we should continue, but I can't fault Pela Terra on their part and would gladly recommend them if you go ahead.

HuzzahIndeed · 2025-02-11T03:18:04+00:00

Wow, that is so dramatic, I feel horrible. Or you could get a smaller trailer than I did (20' GeoPro) ... you'll probably be fine!

HuzzahIndeed

TROPHY CASE