Anne Gracie here, very excited to be sharing with you all an amaaaazing and incredible discovery I've recently made. As some of you may know, over the last few years I've been digging into genealogy and my family history — and have even done a bit of DNA tracing — and wow! 
I could hardly believe it when this information started to turn up, so I said nothing about it for quite a while, but little by little the evidence has mounted, and once I told a few of the wenches about my discoveries, they also got excited and chipped in their bits and pieces. It's been an extraordinary journey, but now, at last, we've agreed to go public.
It turns out we're all related in some way— yes, all of the wenches are related, some more closely than others. There is blood and some kind of DNA connection between every single one of us. Hard to believe, I know, but the evidence is incontrovertible.
It started with Jo Beverley, who was born a Dunn, as was I. And yes, on further investigation, it turned out that Jo and I had a Scottish great-great-grandfather in common. That's him on the left — looks a bit like Sean Connery, doesn't he? Who knows, we might be related to Sir Sean, too.
The next wench who brought a piece of the puzzle to the table was Pat, who turns out to be a kind of great-niece of mine, thanks to a mutual ancestor who travelled from the California goldfields to the gold rush in Ballarat in 1850's Australia.
He never made his fortune, but he married and fathered a handful of kids, one of whom is an ancestor of mine. Later he returned to the US, married again (well, I hope it was again, though there's no marriage certificate for the Australian marriage) and fathered Pat's ancestor. (I know, incredible isn't it?) And here's a photo of Pat and me beside the Great Ocean Road in Australia — we could almost be twins, don't you think? 
Nicola is another distant cousin, on my mother's side of the family. My great-great-great-great grandparents emigrated from the same small Yorkshire village that her GGGG-grandmother came from — and weren't we both stunned when we discovered that they turned out to be first cousins. Though there was some mysterious falling out—something to do with a goat—and for fifty years they never spoke to each other.
We believe Mary Jo and I are connected through a swashbuckling soldier-of-fortune known as SayYourPrayers McGorrigle in the 17th century. He was called 'SayYourPrayers' because that's what he told each enemy before he killed them. There's not very much official paperwork on him, but his name keeps cropping up in letters and diaries held in both Mary Jo's and my family collections. I think you'll agree that there cannot be two men called SayYourPrayers McGorrigle at the same time.
As well, Susan, Pat, Andrea and Mary Jo are all distantly related to each other on the maternal side, descended from a marriage between a Dutch burgher and a Huguenot lady. They had five daughters, and it was only when Susan shared that amazing photo at the top of this page that the others realized they also had an identical photo of their own ancestress and her sisters. There were cries of "But that's my GGGGGrandmother! No, it's mine!" And slowly the mystery was solved.
That original Huguenot lady, Susannah, had a sister who married a Scotsman and went to Canada, and yes, you guessed it — we've traced her line to wench Susanna. And how spooky to realize that as well as this uncanny family resemblance they're both named after that original Huguenot lady.
It's a small world, isn't it? But I suppose in those early colonial days, it was a smaller, less populated world, and people were bound to cross paths. Can you match each wench to her ancestress? A couple are surprisingly easy. And one of those daughters looked just like her aunt, who looks exactly like Susanna! And Susan.
And here's a restored picture of a medieval wedding where you can pick out MaryJo, Pat and Susan's ancestresses. Incredible, It could almost be a modern photo. 
Wench Susan has shared another early portrait of several of our mutual ancestors. Rather a grim-looking lot, but appearances are often deceptive.
Pat and Joanna's connections come from The Auld Country — Ireland. Their Irish ancestors were brothers who left during the Potato Famine, and got separated when their ship was wrecked and they were washed overboard. 
Picked up by separate rescuers, Pat's ancestor found himself on the way to California (and you know what happened to his descendant) while Joanna's became a whaler, like the men who rescued him. After many years at sea, he fell in love with — wait for it, a cousin of Andrea's great grandfather! — yes really! — and settled down in the South, not far from the sea. Joanna still remembers the old sea-shanties handed down in her family from generation to generation and, with a little encouragement, will sing them. Some are a little salty though, so be warned. (And don't give her rum!) But you can see the incredible family resemblance between them in the photo on the right.
Now comes the real surprise. Pat, Mary Jo, Nicola and I were all more than a little disconcerted to discover we each have a connection to a notorious 16th pirate, a ruthless, fierce and bloodthirsty fellow called Cecil the Quite Appalling! As well as being appalling (obviously) he was also a bit of a lad with the ladies and fathered children all over the world. The picture on the left shows a clear ancestral influence — not to mention the choice of the name of Word Wenches!! —but honestly, we had no idea!
Actually Cecil the Quite Appalling is a continuing embarrassment and inconvenience. We were brought up to believe that our ancestors were pillars of the community, so it was a bit of a come-down to learn about old Cecil. 
Worse, he seems to have told his various inamoratas that he was a Lord back in England, so Nicola is forever being approached by so-called distant cousins (on the distaff side) wanting directions to their hereditary castle. Poor Nicola — relatives coming out of the woodwork! But it's pretty obvious that Nicola and I are related, isn't it?
In case you're still doubtful of the veracity of this amazing discovery, here is some more evidence: 
1) Here you can see Jo Beverly, Andrea and Joanna showing us an old family heirloom, the BevPickensBourne shroud — and if that's not enough evidence for you, look at the resemblance —they're practically triplets
And here's a painting that shows the BevPickensBourne shroud being woven, back in the middle ages. Their ancestress is the one in the pointy hat.
2) It's extraordinary how blood will out, for instance, can you honestly tell the difference between these three wenches? Go on, I dare you, pick out which is Jo Bourne, which Is Andrea and which is Mary Jo. 
Impossible, right? I told you, didn't I?
The resemblance is utterly uncanny!
So there you are, the incredible story of how the Word Wenches came together. The connections between us might seem almost unbelievable, but the evidence is there, before your very eyes. We always assumed it was luck that we met each other, but clearly it was fate. Blood will out!
This is Anne Gracie, wishing you happy April 1st on behalf of her relatives, the WordWenches.
Perhaps you, too, are related to one of us. If so, in the comments, tell us your story of how you and one of the wenches are related.
My husband’s family came from Yorkshire and there is a family tradition that they kept goats 🐐. After some kind of feud, young Samuel ran away and joined the army ending up in Australia. On my mother’s side a reprobate called Cecil who was rumoured to be quite appalling fathered a line of equally appalling young men who ended up in the New Zealand goldfields by way of California.
My husband’s family came from Yorkshire and there is a family tradition that they kept goats 🐐. After some kind of feud, young Samuel ran away and joined the army ending up in Australia. On my mother’s side a reprobate called Cecil who was rumoured to be quite appalling fathered a line of equally appalling young men who ended up in the New Zealand goldfields by way of California.
My husband’s family came from Yorkshire and there is a family tradition that they kept goats 🐐. After some kind of feud, young Samuel ran away and joined the army ending up in Australia. On my mother’s side a reprobate called Cecil who was rumoured to be quite appalling fathered a line of equally appalling young men who ended up in the New Zealand goldfields by way of California.
My husband’s family came from Yorkshire and there is a family tradition that they kept goats 🐐. After some kind of feud, young Samuel ran away and joined the army ending up in Australia. On my mother’s side a reprobate called Cecil who was rumoured to be quite appalling fathered a line of equally appalling young men who ended up in the New Zealand goldfields by way of California.
My husband’s family came from Yorkshire and there is a family tradition that they kept goats 🐐. After some kind of feud, young Samuel ran away and joined the army ending up in Australia. On my mother’s side a reprobate called Cecil who was rumoured to be quite appalling fathered a line of equally appalling young men who ended up in the New Zealand goldfields by way of California.
Anne, your confessional blog has finally inspired me to reveal my deep dark secret. I am the fraternal twin of Robert Smith, the lead singer of The Cure. Yes, if you google him you’ll see we have exactly the same birthday and the same rising sign which proves it. We became seperated through the vicissitudes of the artistic life. But I think you’ll agree that there is the same deft touch with eye liner.
Anne, your confessional blog has finally inspired me to reveal my deep dark secret. I am the fraternal twin of Robert Smith, the lead singer of The Cure. Yes, if you google him you’ll see we have exactly the same birthday and the same rising sign which proves it. We became seperated through the vicissitudes of the artistic life. But I think you’ll agree that there is the same deft touch with eye liner.
Anne, your confessional blog has finally inspired me to reveal my deep dark secret. I am the fraternal twin of Robert Smith, the lead singer of The Cure. Yes, if you google him you’ll see we have exactly the same birthday and the same rising sign which proves it. We became seperated through the vicissitudes of the artistic life. But I think you’ll agree that there is the same deft touch with eye liner.
Anne, your confessional blog has finally inspired me to reveal my deep dark secret. I am the fraternal twin of Robert Smith, the lead singer of The Cure. Yes, if you google him you’ll see we have exactly the same birthday and the same rising sign which proves it. We became seperated through the vicissitudes of the artistic life. But I think you’ll agree that there is the same deft touch with eye liner.
Anne, your confessional blog has finally inspired me to reveal my deep dark secret. I am the fraternal twin of Robert Smith, the lead singer of The Cure. Yes, if you google him you’ll see we have exactly the same birthday and the same rising sign which proves it. We became seperated through the vicissitudes of the artistic life. But I think you’ll agree that there is the same deft touch with eye liner.
Wow, thank you for introducing us to some more of Cecil the quite Appalling’s relatives, Fiona! I’m surprised he had time (or energy) to be a pirate what with the fathering of so many children. Extraordinary!
Wow, thank you for introducing us to some more of Cecil the quite Appalling’s relatives, Fiona! I’m surprised he had time (or energy) to be a pirate what with the fathering of so many children. Extraordinary!
Wow, thank you for introducing us to some more of Cecil the quite Appalling’s relatives, Fiona! I’m surprised he had time (or energy) to be a pirate what with the fathering of so many children. Extraordinary!
Wow, thank you for introducing us to some more of Cecil the quite Appalling’s relatives, Fiona! I’m surprised he had time (or energy) to be a pirate what with the fathering of so many children. Extraordinary!
Wow, thank you for introducing us to some more of Cecil the quite Appalling’s relatives, Fiona! I’m surprised he had time (or energy) to be a pirate what with the fathering of so many children. Extraordinary!
You had me going for a while there. Okay—almost all the way through. Great blog in honor of the day.
You had me going for a while there. Okay—almost all the way through. Great blog in honor of the day.
You had me going for a while there. Okay—almost all the way through. Great blog in honor of the day.
You had me going for a while there. Okay—almost all the way through. Great blog in honor of the day.
You had me going for a while there. Okay—almost all the way through. Great blog in honor of the day.
WHAT! You think this is a joke??? The Shroud is deeply hurt, as am I. How can you think this is Fake News when we have a picture of the Shroud being created?? Sigh. I shall have to go eat my chocolate Easter-Fool eggs to assuage my pain!
WHAT! You think this is a joke??? The Shroud is deeply hurt, as am I. How can you think this is Fake News when we have a picture of the Shroud being created?? Sigh. I shall have to go eat my chocolate Easter-Fool eggs to assuage my pain!
WHAT! You think this is a joke??? The Shroud is deeply hurt, as am I. How can you think this is Fake News when we have a picture of the Shroud being created?? Sigh. I shall have to go eat my chocolate Easter-Fool eggs to assuage my pain!
WHAT! You think this is a joke??? The Shroud is deeply hurt, as am I. How can you think this is Fake News when we have a picture of the Shroud being created?? Sigh. I shall have to go eat my chocolate Easter-Fool eggs to assuage my pain!
WHAT! You think this is a joke??? The Shroud is deeply hurt, as am I. How can you think this is Fake News when we have a picture of the Shroud being created?? Sigh. I shall have to go eat my chocolate Easter-Fool eggs to assuage my pain!
Well, you did note that it is April first! Fun!
Well, you did note that it is April first! Fun!
Well, you did note that it is April first! Fun!
Well, you did note that it is April first! Fun!
Well, you did note that it is April first! Fun!
You must send us the family tree, Anne! I’m so excited–we have an entire collection of historical romance novels right there on that tree. We can cross the veil and talk to Cecil and his lot, and send back ghostly novels into eternity just writing down ancestral stories!
You must send us the family tree, Anne! I’m so excited–we have an entire collection of historical romance novels right there on that tree. We can cross the veil and talk to Cecil and his lot, and send back ghostly novels into eternity just writing down ancestral stories!
You must send us the family tree, Anne! I’m so excited–we have an entire collection of historical romance novels right there on that tree. We can cross the veil and talk to Cecil and his lot, and send back ghostly novels into eternity just writing down ancestral stories!
You must send us the family tree, Anne! I’m so excited–we have an entire collection of historical romance novels right there on that tree. We can cross the veil and talk to Cecil and his lot, and send back ghostly novels into eternity just writing down ancestral stories!
You must send us the family tree, Anne! I’m so excited–we have an entire collection of historical romance novels right there on that tree. We can cross the veil and talk to Cecil and his lot, and send back ghostly novels into eternity just writing down ancestral stories!
Very interesting, Anne. Your relative really does look like Sean Connery!
Very interesting, Anne. Your relative really does look like Sean Connery!
Very interesting, Anne. Your relative really does look like Sean Connery!
Very interesting, Anne. Your relative really does look like Sean Connery!
Very interesting, Anne. Your relative really does look like Sean Connery!
You had me until you got to the 2 brothers from Ireland. When you got to Old Cecil…I knew my wooden leg was being pecked on. The Shroud….yep….you were weaving an excellent fantasy.
You’ve taken many true bits and woven it into an extremely believable story…until Ireland. Grin. Thanks for a great funny today.
I’ll be sure to share this with my sister who is a professional genealogist. She’ll get a kick out of it.
You had me until you got to the 2 brothers from Ireland. When you got to Old Cecil…I knew my wooden leg was being pecked on. The Shroud….yep….you were weaving an excellent fantasy.
You’ve taken many true bits and woven it into an extremely believable story…until Ireland. Grin. Thanks for a great funny today.
I’ll be sure to share this with my sister who is a professional genealogist. She’ll get a kick out of it.
You had me until you got to the 2 brothers from Ireland. When you got to Old Cecil…I knew my wooden leg was being pecked on. The Shroud….yep….you were weaving an excellent fantasy.
You’ve taken many true bits and woven it into an extremely believable story…until Ireland. Grin. Thanks for a great funny today.
I’ll be sure to share this with my sister who is a professional genealogist. She’ll get a kick out of it.
You had me until you got to the 2 brothers from Ireland. When you got to Old Cecil…I knew my wooden leg was being pecked on. The Shroud….yep….you were weaving an excellent fantasy.
You’ve taken many true bits and woven it into an extremely believable story…until Ireland. Grin. Thanks for a great funny today.
I’ll be sure to share this with my sister who is a professional genealogist. She’ll get a kick out of it.
You had me until you got to the 2 brothers from Ireland. When you got to Old Cecil…I knew my wooden leg was being pecked on. The Shroud….yep….you were weaving an excellent fantasy.
You’ve taken many true bits and woven it into an extremely believable story…until Ireland. Grin. Thanks for a great funny today.
I’ll be sure to share this with my sister who is a professional genealogist. She’ll get a kick out of it.
You had me going there for a while:-) Forgot what day it was!
You had me going there for a while:-) Forgot what day it was!
You had me going there for a while:-) Forgot what day it was!
You had me going there for a while:-) Forgot what day it was!
You had me going there for a while:-) Forgot what day it was!
You had me right up to Cecil the Quite Appalling. Was any of it true at all? lol!
Happy Easter! And happy April Fools!
You had me right up to Cecil the Quite Appalling. Was any of it true at all? lol!
Happy Easter! And happy April Fools!
You had me right up to Cecil the Quite Appalling. Was any of it true at all? lol!
Happy Easter! And happy April Fools!
You had me right up to Cecil the Quite Appalling. Was any of it true at all? lol!
Happy Easter! And happy April Fools!
You had me right up to Cecil the Quite Appalling. Was any of it true at all? lol!
Happy Easter! And happy April Fools!
Great fun! You genealogy is more creative (and more extensive) than mine has been. All I ca manage to discover is: C. J. Cherryh and I are NOT related, even though we have brickwall ancestors from the same area.
I am NOT related to Pat Richley-Ericson (U. S. genealogist and teacher of many of us — including me — )even though she turns up cousins every where.
I am NOT descended from Charlemagn or Niall of the seven hostages even though all the rest of northern Europe IS!
(You might look into those last two. You might be able to add some versimlitude to your post!)
Great fun! You genealogy is more creative (and more extensive) than mine has been. All I ca manage to discover is: C. J. Cherryh and I are NOT related, even though we have brickwall ancestors from the same area.
I am NOT related to Pat Richley-Ericson (U. S. genealogist and teacher of many of us — including me — )even though she turns up cousins every where.
I am NOT descended from Charlemagn or Niall of the seven hostages even though all the rest of northern Europe IS!
(You might look into those last two. You might be able to add some versimlitude to your post!)
Great fun! You genealogy is more creative (and more extensive) than mine has been. All I ca manage to discover is: C. J. Cherryh and I are NOT related, even though we have brickwall ancestors from the same area.
I am NOT related to Pat Richley-Ericson (U. S. genealogist and teacher of many of us — including me — )even though she turns up cousins every where.
I am NOT descended from Charlemagn or Niall of the seven hostages even though all the rest of northern Europe IS!
(You might look into those last two. You might be able to add some versimlitude to your post!)
Great fun! You genealogy is more creative (and more extensive) than mine has been. All I ca manage to discover is: C. J. Cherryh and I are NOT related, even though we have brickwall ancestors from the same area.
I am NOT related to Pat Richley-Ericson (U. S. genealogist and teacher of many of us — including me — )even though she turns up cousins every where.
I am NOT descended from Charlemagn or Niall of the seven hostages even though all the rest of northern Europe IS!
(You might look into those last two. You might be able to add some versimlitude to your post!)
Great fun! You genealogy is more creative (and more extensive) than mine has been. All I ca manage to discover is: C. J. Cherryh and I are NOT related, even though we have brickwall ancestors from the same area.
I am NOT related to Pat Richley-Ericson (U. S. genealogist and teacher of many of us — including me — )even though she turns up cousins every where.
I am NOT descended from Charlemagn or Niall of the seven hostages even though all the rest of northern Europe IS!
(You might look into those last two. You might be able to add some versimlitude to your post!)
Very interesting!
Hope you’re not related to Sean Connery, mind you.
In a documentary about him, he said he thinks it’s okay for a man to slap a woman if she disagrees with him for too long, won’t stop arguing with him.
Yup. Said that on film.
Dink-eye.
-Kate
Very interesting!
Hope you’re not related to Sean Connery, mind you.
In a documentary about him, he said he thinks it’s okay for a man to slap a woman if she disagrees with him for too long, won’t stop arguing with him.
Yup. Said that on film.
Dink-eye.
-Kate
Very interesting!
Hope you’re not related to Sean Connery, mind you.
In a documentary about him, he said he thinks it’s okay for a man to slap a woman if she disagrees with him for too long, won’t stop arguing with him.
Yup. Said that on film.
Dink-eye.
-Kate
Very interesting!
Hope you’re not related to Sean Connery, mind you.
In a documentary about him, he said he thinks it’s okay for a man to slap a woman if she disagrees with him for too long, won’t stop arguing with him.
Yup. Said that on film.
Dink-eye.
-Kate
Very interesting!
Hope you’re not related to Sean Connery, mind you.
In a documentary about him, he said he thinks it’s okay for a man to slap a woman if she disagrees with him for too long, won’t stop arguing with him.
Yup. Said that on film.
Dink-eye.
-Kate
And sadly, that Connery bit is no joke.
Really enjoyed yours though. -Kate
And sadly, that Connery bit is no joke.
Really enjoyed yours though. -Kate
And sadly, that Connery bit is no joke.
Really enjoyed yours though. -Kate
And sadly, that Connery bit is no joke.
Really enjoyed yours though. -Kate
And sadly, that Connery bit is no joke.
Really enjoyed yours though. -Kate
Wow. I was prepared for an April Fool’s yarn…but this is truly amazing! No wonder it took years to unearth and untangle all the threads of connection. Had a wonderful time reading and re-reading this and comparing photos!
Wow. I was prepared for an April Fool’s yarn…but this is truly amazing! No wonder it took years to unearth and untangle all the threads of connection. Had a wonderful time reading and re-reading this and comparing photos!
Wow. I was prepared for an April Fool’s yarn…but this is truly amazing! No wonder it took years to unearth and untangle all the threads of connection. Had a wonderful time reading and re-reading this and comparing photos!
Wow. I was prepared for an April Fool’s yarn…but this is truly amazing! No wonder it took years to unearth and untangle all the threads of connection. Had a wonderful time reading and re-reading this and comparing photos!
Wow. I was prepared for an April Fool’s yarn…but this is truly amazing! No wonder it took years to unearth and untangle all the threads of connection. Had a wonderful time reading and re-reading this and comparing photos!
That was quite the tale! Thanks for a very entertaining post.
That was quite the tale! Thanks for a very entertaining post.
That was quite the tale! Thanks for a very entertaining post.
That was quite the tale! Thanks for a very entertaining post.
That was quite the tale! Thanks for a very entertaining post.
I’ll tell you a true story for April Fool’s day, one I gave up on a long time ago. About six weeks or so ago, I found my birth mother on Ancestry.com. No name for her, just initials and an indisputable match. This past Tuesday after researching the almost no clues information I had (hey! I’m a writer after all!) I spoke with her on the phone. So while this whole story may be an April Fool on Anne’s part 😉 sometimes, weird things really do happen…
I’ll tell you a true story for April Fool’s day, one I gave up on a long time ago. About six weeks or so ago, I found my birth mother on Ancestry.com. No name for her, just initials and an indisputable match. This past Tuesday after researching the almost no clues information I had (hey! I’m a writer after all!) I spoke with her on the phone. So while this whole story may be an April Fool on Anne’s part 😉 sometimes, weird things really do happen…
I’ll tell you a true story for April Fool’s day, one I gave up on a long time ago. About six weeks or so ago, I found my birth mother on Ancestry.com. No name for her, just initials and an indisputable match. This past Tuesday after researching the almost no clues information I had (hey! I’m a writer after all!) I spoke with her on the phone. So while this whole story may be an April Fool on Anne’s part 😉 sometimes, weird things really do happen…
I’ll tell you a true story for April Fool’s day, one I gave up on a long time ago. About six weeks or so ago, I found my birth mother on Ancestry.com. No name for her, just initials and an indisputable match. This past Tuesday after researching the almost no clues information I had (hey! I’m a writer after all!) I spoke with her on the phone. So while this whole story may be an April Fool on Anne’s part 😉 sometimes, weird things really do happen…
I’ll tell you a true story for April Fool’s day, one I gave up on a long time ago. About six weeks or so ago, I found my birth mother on Ancestry.com. No name for her, just initials and an indisputable match. This past Tuesday after researching the almost no clues information I had (hey! I’m a writer after all!) I spoke with her on the phone. So while this whole story may be an April Fool on Anne’s part 😉 sometimes, weird things really do happen…
Wow, Theo! That’s major. I hope the phone call went well.
Wow, Theo! That’s major. I hope the phone call went well.
Wow, Theo! That’s major. I hope the phone call went well.
Wow, Theo! That’s major. I hope the phone call went well.
Wow, Theo! That’s major. I hope the phone call went well.
It was emotional and full of tears, but I think we both got a lot of answers we’d wondered about our entire lives. I don’t have quite the extended family the Wenches do though! 🙂
It was emotional and full of tears, but I think we both got a lot of answers we’d wondered about our entire lives. I don’t have quite the extended family the Wenches do though! 🙂
It was emotional and full of tears, but I think we both got a lot of answers we’d wondered about our entire lives. I don’t have quite the extended family the Wenches do though! 🙂
It was emotional and full of tears, but I think we both got a lot of answers we’d wondered about our entire lives. I don’t have quite the extended family the Wenches do though! 🙂
It was emotional and full of tears, but I think we both got a lot of answers we’d wondered about our entire lives. I don’t have quite the extended family the Wenches do though! 🙂
I tumbled at “…looks a bit like Sean Connery…” Took a second look and said “Nope, that IS Sean Connery” but I enjoyed your story!
I tumbled at “…looks a bit like Sean Connery…” Took a second look and said “Nope, that IS Sean Connery” but I enjoyed your story!
I tumbled at “…looks a bit like Sean Connery…” Took a second look and said “Nope, that IS Sean Connery” but I enjoyed your story!
I tumbled at “…looks a bit like Sean Connery…” Took a second look and said “Nope, that IS Sean Connery” but I enjoyed your story!
I tumbled at “…looks a bit like Sean Connery…” Took a second look and said “Nope, that IS Sean Connery” but I enjoyed your story!
Anne, I’m so glad to have been a source of inspiration! And yes, I can certainly see an uncanny resemblance among all of you! When I got my DNA results last year I realized that Dixie Browning and I are remote cousins! Who knew!
Anne, I’m so glad to have been a source of inspiration! And yes, I can certainly see an uncanny resemblance among all of you! When I got my DNA results last year I realized that Dixie Browning and I are remote cousins! Who knew!
Anne, I’m so glad to have been a source of inspiration! And yes, I can certainly see an uncanny resemblance among all of you! When I got my DNA results last year I realized that Dixie Browning and I are remote cousins! Who knew!
Anne, I’m so glad to have been a source of inspiration! And yes, I can certainly see an uncanny resemblance among all of you! When I got my DNA results last year I realized that Dixie Browning and I are remote cousins! Who knew!
Anne, I’m so glad to have been a source of inspiration! And yes, I can certainly see an uncanny resemblance among all of you! When I got my DNA results last year I realized that Dixie Browning and I are remote cousins! Who knew!
I’m so glad the two of you made a meaningful connection, Theo. Being given up for adoption and meeting the birth parent as an adult has to have huge amounts of emotion, and the outcome can be unpredictable. Hugs on your very eventful day!
I’m so glad the two of you made a meaningful connection, Theo. Being given up for adoption and meeting the birth parent as an adult has to have huge amounts of emotion, and the outcome can be unpredictable. Hugs on your very eventful day!
I’m so glad the two of you made a meaningful connection, Theo. Being given up for adoption and meeting the birth parent as an adult has to have huge amounts of emotion, and the outcome can be unpredictable. Hugs on your very eventful day!
I’m so glad the two of you made a meaningful connection, Theo. Being given up for adoption and meeting the birth parent as an adult has to have huge amounts of emotion, and the outcome can be unpredictable. Hugs on your very eventful day!
I’m so glad the two of you made a meaningful connection, Theo. Being given up for adoption and meeting the birth parent as an adult has to have huge amounts of emotion, and the outcome can be unpredictable. Hugs on your very eventful day!
Fiona! I should have known there was something connecting us! Of course, the dreaded Quite-Appalling strain! And goats as well — see Nicola, they keep cropping up (heh heh)
Fiona! I should have known there was something connecting us! Of course, the dreaded Quite-Appalling strain! And goats as well — see Nicola, they keep cropping up (heh heh)
Fiona! I should have known there was something connecting us! Of course, the dreaded Quite-Appalling strain! And goats as well — see Nicola, they keep cropping up (heh heh)
Fiona! I should have known there was something connecting us! Of course, the dreaded Quite-Appalling strain! And goats as well — see Nicola, they keep cropping up (heh heh)
Fiona! I should have known there was something connecting us! Of course, the dreaded Quite-Appalling strain! And goats as well — see Nicola, they keep cropping up (heh heh)
He only fathered the children, Nicola, he didn’t bring them up.
He only fathered the children, Nicola, he didn’t bring them up.
He only fathered the children, Nicola, he didn’t bring them up.
He only fathered the children, Nicola, he didn’t bring them up.
He only fathered the children, Nicola, he didn’t bring them up.
Well well well — I should have noticed the family resemblance right away! Silly me.
Well well well — I should have noticed the family resemblance right away! Silly me.
Well well well — I should have noticed the family resemblance right away! Silly me.
Well well well — I should have noticed the family resemblance right away! Silly me.
Well well well — I should have noticed the family resemblance right away! Silly me.
Thanks, Kathy — wonderful where genealogy can take you. That and a deeply silly streak
Thanks, Kathy — wonderful where genealogy can take you. That and a deeply silly streak
Thanks, Kathy — wonderful where genealogy can take you. That and a deeply silly streak
Thanks, Kathy — wonderful where genealogy can take you. That and a deeply silly streak
Thanks, Kathy — wonderful where genealogy can take you. That and a deeply silly streak
I did, and it was quite tricky working out when to post it while dealing with international time zones, Donna.
I did, and it was quite tricky working out when to post it while dealing with international time zones, Donna.
I did, and it was quite tricky working out when to post it while dealing with international time zones, Donna.
I did, and it was quite tricky working out when to post it while dealing with international time zones, Donna.
I did, and it was quite tricky working out when to post it while dealing with international time zones, Donna.
Pat, the family tree will be my next project . . .
Pat, the family tree will be my next project . . .
Pat, the family tree will be my next project . . .
Pat, the family tree will be my next project . . .
Pat, the family tree will be my next project . . .
Yes, Ryan, I was stunned by the resemblance myself. Extraordinary how people from a similar geographic region can have similar features. 😉
Yes, Ryan, I was stunned by the resemblance myself. Extraordinary how people from a similar geographic region can have similar features. 😉
Yes, Ryan, I was stunned by the resemblance myself. Extraordinary how people from a similar geographic region can have similar features. 😉
Yes, Ryan, I was stunned by the resemblance myself. Extraordinary how people from a similar geographic region can have similar features. 😉
Yes, Ryan, I was stunned by the resemblance myself. Extraordinary how people from a similar geographic region can have similar features. 😉
Thanks, Vicki, I did have fun doing it. I shared it with a friend who is a whizz-bang genealogist, who might have been appalled — but wasn’t.
Thanks, Vicki, I did have fun doing it. I shared it with a friend who is a whizz-bang genealogist, who might have been appalled — but wasn’t.
Thanks, Vicki, I did have fun doing it. I shared it with a friend who is a whizz-bang genealogist, who might have been appalled — but wasn’t.
Thanks, Vicki, I did have fun doing it. I shared it with a friend who is a whizz-bang genealogist, who might have been appalled — but wasn’t.
Thanks, Vicki, I did have fun doing it. I shared it with a friend who is a whizz-bang genealogist, who might have been appalled — but wasn’t.
Heh heh, my cunning plan almost succeeded.
Heh heh, my cunning plan almost succeeded.
Heh heh, my cunning plan almost succeeded.
Heh heh, my cunning plan almost succeeded.
Heh heh, my cunning plan almost succeeded.
Jana, there are actually a few true threads, but if I told you, the other wenches would have to kill me!
Jana, there are actually a few true threads, but if I told you, the other wenches would have to kill me!
Jana, there are actually a few true threads, but if I told you, the other wenches would have to kill me!
Jana, there are actually a few true threads, but if I told you, the other wenches would have to kill me!
Jana, there are actually a few true threads, but if I told you, the other wenches would have to kill me!
“C. J. Cherryh and I are NOT related, even though we have brickwall ancestors from the same area.”
Really, Sue — you don’t have a genealogist with sufficient fortitude. I’m sure I could prove that you and C. J. Cherryh are related — you cannot waste such a brilliant writer in some vague non-connection — I’m certain you and she will prove to be twins separated at birth. Or something. She claims to be a little younger than you, but that’s just a strategy on the part of those who stole her away.
Now I’m away to investigate Niall of the seven hostages. LOVE that name!
“C. J. Cherryh and I are NOT related, even though we have brickwall ancestors from the same area.”
Really, Sue — you don’t have a genealogist with sufficient fortitude. I’m sure I could prove that you and C. J. Cherryh are related — you cannot waste such a brilliant writer in some vague non-connection — I’m certain you and she will prove to be twins separated at birth. Or something. She claims to be a little younger than you, but that’s just a strategy on the part of those who stole her away.
Now I’m away to investigate Niall of the seven hostages. LOVE that name!
“C. J. Cherryh and I are NOT related, even though we have brickwall ancestors from the same area.”
Really, Sue — you don’t have a genealogist with sufficient fortitude. I’m sure I could prove that you and C. J. Cherryh are related — you cannot waste such a brilliant writer in some vague non-connection — I’m certain you and she will prove to be twins separated at birth. Or something. She claims to be a little younger than you, but that’s just a strategy on the part of those who stole her away.
Now I’m away to investigate Niall of the seven hostages. LOVE that name!
“C. J. Cherryh and I are NOT related, even though we have brickwall ancestors from the same area.”
Really, Sue — you don’t have a genealogist with sufficient fortitude. I’m sure I could prove that you and C. J. Cherryh are related — you cannot waste such a brilliant writer in some vague non-connection — I’m certain you and she will prove to be twins separated at birth. Or something. She claims to be a little younger than you, but that’s just a strategy on the part of those who stole her away.
Now I’m away to investigate Niall of the seven hostages. LOVE that name!
“C. J. Cherryh and I are NOT related, even though we have brickwall ancestors from the same area.”
Really, Sue — you don’t have a genealogist with sufficient fortitude. I’m sure I could prove that you and C. J. Cherryh are related — you cannot waste such a brilliant writer in some vague non-connection — I’m certain you and she will prove to be twins separated at birth. Or something. She claims to be a little younger than you, but that’s just a strategy on the part of those who stole her away.
Now I’m away to investigate Niall of the seven hostages. LOVE that name!
Thanks Stubblejumpers Cafe — if he slapped my I’d just slap him back. Besides, he’s not my ancestor — he only looks like him
Thanks Stubblejumpers Cafe — if he slapped my I’d just slap him back. Besides, he’s not my ancestor — he only looks like him
Thanks Stubblejumpers Cafe — if he slapped my I’d just slap him back. Besides, he’s not my ancestor — he only looks like him
Thanks Stubblejumpers Cafe — if he slapped my I’d just slap him back. Besides, he’s not my ancestor — he only looks like him
Thanks Stubblejumpers Cafe — if he slapped my I’d just slap him back. Besides, he’s not my ancestor — he only looks like him
Thank you muchly
Thank you muchly
Thank you muchly
Thank you muchly
Thank you muchly
Thanks, Faith — yes those photos, such obvious similarities — I wonder we didn’t realize our cousinhood years ago!
Thanks, Faith — yes those photos, such obvious similarities — I wonder we didn’t realize our cousinhood years ago!
Thanks, Faith — yes those photos, such obvious similarities — I wonder we didn’t realize our cousinhood years ago!
Thanks, Faith — yes those photos, such obvious similarities — I wonder we didn’t realize our cousinhood years ago!
Thanks, Faith — yes those photos, such obvious similarities — I wonder we didn’t realize our cousinhood years ago!
Thanks, Kareni
Thanks, Kareni
Thanks, Kareni
Thanks, Kareni
Thanks, Kareni
Oh, Theo, what a wonderful thing for you. I’m so happy that you were able to talk to her and fill in some of the blanks in your story. What a marvelous truly special Easter gift. Hugs.
Oh, Theo, what a wonderful thing for you. I’m so happy that you were able to talk to her and fill in some of the blanks in your story. What a marvelous truly special Easter gift. Hugs.
Oh, Theo, what a wonderful thing for you. I’m so happy that you were able to talk to her and fill in some of the blanks in your story. What a marvelous truly special Easter gift. Hugs.
Oh, Theo, what a wonderful thing for you. I’m so happy that you were able to talk to her and fill in some of the blanks in your story. What a marvelous truly special Easter gift. Hugs.
Oh, Theo, what a wonderful thing for you. I’m so happy that you were able to talk to her and fill in some of the blanks in your story. What a marvelous truly special Easter gift. Hugs.
No, Jeanette, didn’t you read the post — it’s Jo’s and my ancestor. Trooly rooly he is.
No, Jeanette, didn’t you read the post — it’s Jo’s and my ancestor. Trooly rooly he is.
No, Jeanette, didn’t you read the post — it’s Jo’s and my ancestor. Trooly rooly he is.
No, Jeanette, didn’t you read the post — it’s Jo’s and my ancestor. Trooly rooly he is.
No, Jeanette, didn’t you read the post — it’s Jo’s and my ancestor. Trooly rooly he is.
I don’t know why you make such a big deal of all the things you do with genealogy, Anne — this was a cinch.
I don’t know why you make such a big deal of all the things you do with genealogy, Anne — this was a cinch.
I don’t know why you make such a big deal of all the things you do with genealogy, Anne — this was a cinch.
I don’t know why you make such a big deal of all the things you do with genealogy, Anne — this was a cinch.
I don’t know why you make such a big deal of all the things you do with genealogy, Anne — this was a cinch.
But really — how cool to be related to Dixie Browning and presumably her sister, too. They write some wonderful historicals together. The Warfield Bride is one of my all time faves.
But really — how cool to be related to Dixie Browning and presumably her sister, too. They write some wonderful historicals together. The Warfield Bride is one of my all time faves.
But really — how cool to be related to Dixie Browning and presumably her sister, too. They write some wonderful historicals together. The Warfield Bride is one of my all time faves.
But really — how cool to be related to Dixie Browning and presumably her sister, too. They write some wonderful historicals together. The Warfield Bride is one of my all time faves.
But really — how cool to be related to Dixie Browning and presumably her sister, too. They write some wonderful historicals together. The Warfield Bride is one of my all time faves.
Well, ya got me! I completely ignored the first clue (Sean Connery), and skimmed right over Cecil Quite Appalling. Brilliant setup and details. Thanx for a fun and delightful (and, for me, anyway) successful hoax. I am all admiration.
Well, ya got me! I completely ignored the first clue (Sean Connery), and skimmed right over Cecil Quite Appalling. Brilliant setup and details. Thanx for a fun and delightful (and, for me, anyway) successful hoax. I am all admiration.
Well, ya got me! I completely ignored the first clue (Sean Connery), and skimmed right over Cecil Quite Appalling. Brilliant setup and details. Thanx for a fun and delightful (and, for me, anyway) successful hoax. I am all admiration.
Well, ya got me! I completely ignored the first clue (Sean Connery), and skimmed right over Cecil Quite Appalling. Brilliant setup and details. Thanx for a fun and delightful (and, for me, anyway) successful hoax. I am all admiration.
Well, ya got me! I completely ignored the first clue (Sean Connery), and skimmed right over Cecil Quite Appalling. Brilliant setup and details. Thanx for a fun and delightful (and, for me, anyway) successful hoax. I am all admiration.
I read the post via email without downloading the pics so it took me JUST a little longer to twig. Brilliant stuff. Loved it. Thanks so much, Anne.
I read the post via email without downloading the pics so it took me JUST a little longer to twig. Brilliant stuff. Loved it. Thanks so much, Anne.
I read the post via email without downloading the pics so it took me JUST a little longer to twig. Brilliant stuff. Loved it. Thanks so much, Anne.
I read the post via email without downloading the pics so it took me JUST a little longer to twig. Brilliant stuff. Loved it. Thanks so much, Anne.
I read the post via email without downloading the pics so it took me JUST a little longer to twig. Brilliant stuff. Loved it. Thanks so much, Anne.
Well, Shoot Fire, I can see it now. That kilted Great-Great-Grandfather who resembles Sean Connery explains why all of you ladies are so beautiful. All of you are descended from so many handsome looking people.
And I know they must have all been brilliant people. I can see it in their eyes.
My family is all descended from a small group of criminals who escaped from Europe right before being hung for their crimes. But, alas, their ship sank off the coast of the Azores so they never made it to the US. Which means checking my DNA has become a rather dead end effort.
Well, Shoot Fire, I can see it now. That kilted Great-Great-Grandfather who resembles Sean Connery explains why all of you ladies are so beautiful. All of you are descended from so many handsome looking people.
And I know they must have all been brilliant people. I can see it in their eyes.
My family is all descended from a small group of criminals who escaped from Europe right before being hung for their crimes. But, alas, their ship sank off the coast of the Azores so they never made it to the US. Which means checking my DNA has become a rather dead end effort.
Well, Shoot Fire, I can see it now. That kilted Great-Great-Grandfather who resembles Sean Connery explains why all of you ladies are so beautiful. All of you are descended from so many handsome looking people.
And I know they must have all been brilliant people. I can see it in their eyes.
My family is all descended from a small group of criminals who escaped from Europe right before being hung for their crimes. But, alas, their ship sank off the coast of the Azores so they never made it to the US. Which means checking my DNA has become a rather dead end effort.
Well, Shoot Fire, I can see it now. That kilted Great-Great-Grandfather who resembles Sean Connery explains why all of you ladies are so beautiful. All of you are descended from so many handsome looking people.
And I know they must have all been brilliant people. I can see it in their eyes.
My family is all descended from a small group of criminals who escaped from Europe right before being hung for their crimes. But, alas, their ship sank off the coast of the Azores so they never made it to the US. Which means checking my DNA has become a rather dead end effort.
Well, Shoot Fire, I can see it now. That kilted Great-Great-Grandfather who resembles Sean Connery explains why all of you ladies are so beautiful. All of you are descended from so many handsome looking people.
And I know they must have all been brilliant people. I can see it in their eyes.
My family is all descended from a small group of criminals who escaped from Europe right before being hung for their crimes. But, alas, their ship sank off the coast of the Azores so they never made it to the US. Which means checking my DNA has become a rather dead end effort.
Marvelous! Simply brilliant, Annie! Brava! You totally had me going, despite the incredible connections. But my brain finally kicked into gear. Then onwards, I laughed till the end. A virtual hug to you.
Marvelous! Simply brilliant, Annie! Brava! You totally had me going, despite the incredible connections. But my brain finally kicked into gear. Then onwards, I laughed till the end. A virtual hug to you.
Marvelous! Simply brilliant, Annie! Brava! You totally had me going, despite the incredible connections. But my brain finally kicked into gear. Then onwards, I laughed till the end. A virtual hug to you.
Marvelous! Simply brilliant, Annie! Brava! You totally had me going, despite the incredible connections. But my brain finally kicked into gear. Then onwards, I laughed till the end. A virtual hug to you.
Marvelous! Simply brilliant, Annie! Brava! You totally had me going, despite the incredible connections. But my brain finally kicked into gear. Then onwards, I laughed till the end. A virtual hug to you.
Anne! Anne! Not Annie. Apologies.
Anne! Anne! Not Annie. Apologies.
Anne! Anne! Not Annie. Apologies.
Anne! Anne! Not Annie. Apologies.
Anne! Anne! Not Annie. Apologies.
So glad you enjoyed it, Keira. I had a lot of fun with it, as did the wenches.
So glad you enjoyed it, Keira. I had a lot of fun with it, as did the wenches.
So glad you enjoyed it, Keira. I had a lot of fun with it, as did the wenches.
So glad you enjoyed it, Keira. I had a lot of fun with it, as did the wenches.
So glad you enjoyed it, Keira. I had a lot of fun with it, as did the wenches.
No apologies necessary, Keira — half my friends call me Annie. I answer equally to both.
No apologies necessary, Keira — half my friends call me Annie. I answer equally to both.
No apologies necessary, Keira — half my friends call me Annie. I answer equally to both.
No apologies necessary, Keira — half my friends call me Annie. I answer equally to both.
No apologies necessary, Keira — half my friends call me Annie. I answer equally to both.
It’s Kismet. Y’all definitely belong with each other…..and deserve each other. You hooked me in at first. Then I was thinking ‘Wait, what?’
It’s Kismet. Y’all definitely belong with each other…..and deserve each other. You hooked me in at first. Then I was thinking ‘Wait, what?’
It’s Kismet. Y’all definitely belong with each other…..and deserve each other. You hooked me in at first. Then I was thinking ‘Wait, what?’
It’s Kismet. Y’all definitely belong with each other…..and deserve each other. You hooked me in at first. Then I was thinking ‘Wait, what?’
It’s Kismet. Y’all definitely belong with each other…..and deserve each other. You hooked me in at first. Then I was thinking ‘Wait, what?’
Thanks, Joanna. BTW I loved your costume posts on http://libertabooks.com/.
Thanks, Joanna. BTW I loved your costume posts on http://libertabooks.com/.
Thanks, Joanna. BTW I loved your costume posts on http://libertabooks.com/.
Thanks, Joanna. BTW I loved your costume posts on http://libertabooks.com/.
Thanks, Joanna. BTW I loved your costume posts on http://libertabooks.com/.
Wow, Annette, that’s a pretty interesting story. But . . if they all sank, how did you come to be?
And thanks for the lovely compliments.
Wow, Annette, that’s a pretty interesting story. But . . if they all sank, how did you come to be?
And thanks for the lovely compliments.
Wow, Annette, that’s a pretty interesting story. But . . if they all sank, how did you come to be?
And thanks for the lovely compliments.
Wow, Annette, that’s a pretty interesting story. But . . if they all sank, how did you come to be?
And thanks for the lovely compliments.
Wow, Annette, that’s a pretty interesting story. But . . if they all sank, how did you come to be?
And thanks for the lovely compliments.
Heh heh, Michelle, that was our Cunning Plan. *g*
Heh heh, Michelle, that was our Cunning Plan. *g*
Heh heh, Michelle, that was our Cunning Plan. *g*
Heh heh, Michelle, that was our Cunning Plan. *g*
Heh heh, Michelle, that was our Cunning Plan. *g*
I was almost buying it, until I got to SayYourPrayers McGorrigle! But I hope he does exist, it’s a great name.
I was almost buying it, until I got to SayYourPrayers McGorrigle! But I hope he does exist, it’s a great name.
I was almost buying it, until I got to SayYourPrayers McGorrigle! But I hope he does exist, it’s a great name.
I was almost buying it, until I got to SayYourPrayers McGorrigle! But I hope he does exist, it’s a great name.
I was almost buying it, until I got to SayYourPrayers McGorrigle! But I hope he does exist, it’s a great name.
Thank you… I was in bad need of a smile. Say Your Prayers McGorrigle may turn up as a character in one of my books! Still chuckling!
Thank you… I was in bad need of a smile. Say Your Prayers McGorrigle may turn up as a character in one of my books! Still chuckling!
Thank you… I was in bad need of a smile. Say Your Prayers McGorrigle may turn up as a character in one of my books! Still chuckling!
Thank you… I was in bad need of a smile. Say Your Prayers McGorrigle may turn up as a character in one of my books! Still chuckling!
Thank you… I was in bad need of a smile. Say Your Prayers McGorrigle may turn up as a character in one of my books! Still chuckling!