“Princess Pants and Mr Toe Beans Christmas Tale.”

In the hush of winter’s morning, when the air was crisp and bright,Athena stretched with elegance, her eyes mismatched in light.Beside her sat Obito, all fluff and joyful cheer,His goofy grin announcing, “Christmas time is here!”Athena trotted gracefully, a Princess on patrol,While Obito bounded clumsily, a walking, talking soul.She leapt across the furniture like a … Continue reading “Princess Pants and Mr Toe Beans Christmas Tale.”

The Life Of Joseph Newell 1783-1860 Until Death Do Us Part Through Documentation.

As we turn the page to the next chapter in Joseph Newell's life, we step into a new season, one marked by both the quiet passage of time and the weight of unspoken promises. The years that follow his early life will reveal the man he becomes, the husband, the father, the individual whose choices … Continue reading The Life Of Joseph Newell 1783-1860 Until Death Do Us Part Through Documentation.

“Part 2 of The Life of Stephen Withers 1831–1916 Until Death Do Us Part.”

As I embark on the second chapter of Stephen Withers' life story, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has brought us to this point, a journey marked by love, labor, and an unwavering commitment to family. In the first part of his tale, we traced the early years of this man born into … Continue reading “Part 2 of The Life of Stephen Withers 1831–1916 Until Death Do Us Part.”

The Life of Stephen Withers 1831–1916 The Early Years.

In the quiet corners of history, amidst the yellowed pages of parish records and the labyrinthine trails of ancestral research, lies the remarkable tale of my paternal 3rd Great Grandfather, Stephen Withers. Born in 1831 and departing this world in 1916, his life spans an era of profound change and endurance.Navigating through the annals of … Continue reading The Life of Stephen Withers 1831–1916 The Early Years.

For Freedom, For King, For Country.

Beneath the sky so wide, so free,beats Britain’s heart, her destiny.I speak with pride, I walk my way,because of those who won the day.Our forebears, steadfast, brave, and true,through storm and fire, they battled through.For King, for country, side by side,they faced the dark, they turned the tide.They gave their youth, their hope, their breath,they … Continue reading For Freedom, For King, For Country.

The Life of Frank Whitlock/Whitelock 1846–1922 Until Death Do Us Part.

With the turning of a page, we step into the second chapter of Frank Whitlock’s story, a story no longer just of boyhood and the steady beat of rural life, but of love, commitment, and the quiet, sacred promise of “until death do us part.” As Part One traced the tender, often painful path of … Continue reading The Life of Frank Whitlock/Whitelock 1846–1922 Until Death Do Us Part.

Part Two: The Life of John Withers 1797–1865 Until Death Do Us Part.

The year was 1822, and Romsey remained the backdrop to John Withers’ unfolding life. Now a married man, bound to Mary Cole by the vows they had exchanged beneath the worn stone arches of their parish church, John stood on the threshold of a new chapter, one shaped not by the freedom of youth, but … Continue reading Part Two: The Life of John Withers 1797–1865 Until Death Do Us Part.

The Life of John Withers 1797–1865 The Early Years Through Documentation.”

In the quiet corners of history, where ink fades and parchment crumbles, lies the tale of John Withers, a man whose life unfolds amidst the shadows of uncertain dates and scant documentation. Born in the year 1797, before the days of standardized birth records, John's early years are a mosaic of parish whispers and faded … Continue reading The Life of John Withers 1797–1865 The Early Years Through Documentation.”

The Life Of Emily Kate Southwell 1892–1947 Through Documentation.

In the quiet corners of family attics and the faded pages of dusty albums, lies the essence of a life once lived. The Life of Emily Kate Southwell, 1892–1947, is not just a chronicle of dates and events, but a testament to the enduring power of family history. It is in these fragments of the … Continue reading The Life Of Emily Kate Southwell 1892–1947 Through Documentation.

Miss Pants And Mr.Toe Beans: The Dog influencer Disaster.

The Great Bath Betrayal had left emotional scars on Athena’s royal soul, but it had also launched her and Obito into the stratosphere of fame. They were no longer just dogfluencers. They were Legends. Icons. Icons who smelled faintly of wet dog and misplaced dignity, but icons nonetheless.It was on a foggy Saturday morning, while … Continue reading Miss Pants And Mr.Toe Beans: The Dog influencer Disaster.

The Life Of Elizabeth Wren 1831–1900 Until Death Do Us Part.

When Elizabeth Wren stepped into the church on that cool, spring morning in 1850, the air was thick with the quiet promise of forever. Her heart fluttered with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty as she stood before her groom, the man who would become her world. His eyes, warm and full of quiet devotion, … Continue reading The Life Of Elizabeth Wren 1831–1900 Until Death Do Us Part.

“Miss Pants and Mr. Toe Beans: The Great Bath Betrayal”

It was a Wednesday when the world as Athena knew it ended.She had been basking in the glow of fame, curled up on her self-built throne of stolen blankets, eyes half-lidded like a queen surveying her adoring peasants. Obito, her enormous, floppy brother, was lying upside down nearby, his legs twitching like a dreaming pony, … Continue reading “Miss Pants and Mr. Toe Beans: The Great Bath Betrayal”

Dogfluencer Disaster: The Rise of Miss Pants & Mr. Toe Beans.

It all began on a Wednesday, a day that felt like something big was meant to happen. The kind of day where clouds part, the sun shines dramatically through the blinds, and a husky named Athena stretches her long, graceful legs like she’s warming up for greatness.She was lounging regally on a mountain of blankets … Continue reading Dogfluencer Disaster: The Rise of Miss Pants & Mr. Toe Beans.

“Surf’s Up, Paws Down! – A Tale of Two Surfing Failures.”

It was a bright, sunny morning when Athena and Obito’s humans decided to take them on the ultimate birthday adventure, a beach trip to celebrate Obito’s very first birthday. And while Obito might have been clueless about the whole “birthday” thing (it was just another day of slobbery kisses and endless food opportunities), Athena had … Continue reading “Surf’s Up, Paws Down! – A Tale of Two Surfing Failures.”

“More Than Sugar: A Life Measured by Numbers, Not Defined by a Diagnosis”

When people hear the word “diabetes,” most imagine sugar, needles, and maybe a relative who had to watch what they ate. But living with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes is something much deeper than dietary restrictions or injections, it's a daily, private balancing act. It's science and intuition, discipline and forgiveness, vigilance and fatigue. It is … Continue reading “More Than Sugar: A Life Measured by Numbers, Not Defined by a Diagnosis”

The Life Of Rosa Alice Freak 1877–1965, The Early Years, Revisited.

In the quiet corners of family lore, where whispered tales mingle with sepia-toned photographs, there exists a story woven through the fabric of time, the life of Rosa Alice Freak, my maternal 2nd great-grandmother. As I embark once again on this journey through her early years, I find myself drawn back not just by the … Continue reading The Life Of Rosa Alice Freak 1877–1965, The Early Years, Revisited.

“The Great Fete Fiasco: Athena, Obito, and the Marching Band Mayhem”

Ah, the village fete had finally arrived, and the entire town held its breath in anticipation, wondering if today would be a charming little celebration, or a glorious, uproarious disaster. And who could make sure it was the latter? None other than Athena and Obito, the furry siblings with a single mission: wreaking so much … Continue reading “The Great Fete Fiasco: Athena, Obito, and the Marching Band Mayhem”

The Life Of William Harry Freak 1846–1891 Till Death Do Us Part

As I continue to unravel the life of William Harry Freak, I find myself stepping deeper into the world he built for himself as a husband, father, and working man. When we last left him, he was a newlywed, standing at the threshold of marriage with Eliza Stockwell, his young bride, by his side. Their … Continue reading The Life Of William Harry Freak 1846–1891 Till Death Do Us Part

The Life Of William Harry Freak 1846–1891 The Early Years Through Documentation.

In the quiet corners of history, nestled within the yellowed pages of documents and faded photographs, lies the essence of William Harry Freak, a name that resonates through time and bloodlines, echoing with stories of courage, love, and the quiet strength of everyday life. Born in 1846, he embarked on a journey through an era … Continue reading The Life Of William Harry Freak 1846–1891 The Early Years Through Documentation.

The Life Of Robert McIntyre Wallace 1898–1925 Through Documentation.

Family history is more than a collection of names and dates, it is the foundation of who we are, the story of those who came before us, and the legacy we pass on to future generations. To understand our own identities, we must look to the lives of our ancestors, for their struggles, triumphs, and … Continue reading The Life Of Robert McIntyre Wallace 1898–1925 Through Documentation.

“The Great Birthday Blowout: Operation Auntie Jan”

It all started with a whisper. Not from a human. No. From Athena. The elegant, intelligent, bi-eyed queen of strategic mischief herself. She paced the hallway like a tiny general in a fur coat, muttering under her breath and occasionally glancing dramatically at the calendar that no one taught her to read.“Today is Auntie Jan’s … Continue reading “The Great Birthday Blowout: Operation Auntie Jan”

The Life Of Samuel Green, 1842-1911, Through Documention.

Welcome to The Life of Samuel Green, 1842-1911, a celebration of the life of my husband’s 2nd great-grandfather. Samuel Green’s story is not just a window into the past, it’s a connection to our shared human experience, an opportunity to honor his legacy, and a reminder of the enduring value of exploring our family roots. … Continue reading The Life Of Samuel Green, 1842-1911, Through Documention.

“Operation Fluffstorm: Athena, Obito, and the Day the Army Almost Surrendered.”

It was a Tuesday. Not just any Tuesday. It was one of those suspiciously calm mornings where nothing had exploded, no one had mysteriously disappeared with a slipper, and Athena hadn’t yet flung herself over the back of the couch like a caffeinated gazelle. The humans were relaxed, hopeful, sipping their coffee like they hadn’t … Continue reading “Operation Fluffstorm: Athena, Obito, and the Day the Army Almost Surrendered.”

The Life of Francis Herbert Butt 1883–1948 Through Documentation – Part 2  

As we step into the next chapter of Francis Herbert Butt’s life, we find him not as a young boy growing up above his father’s butcher shop in Romsey, nor as the grieving son mourning the loss of his mother, but as a man beginning a new life of his own. With Henrietta Annie Richardson, … Continue reading The Life of Francis Herbert Butt 1883–1948 Through Documentation – Part 2  

The Princess, the Love Bug, and the Curse of the Hosepipe.

Once upon a recent Tuesday, in the great suburban kingdom of Backgardenia, there lived a noble, misunderstood, and slightly dramatic husky named Athena.Athena wasn’t just any husky. Oh, no. She was The Elegant One. The Pack Leader. The Jumping Furniture Olympian of 2024. Her coat shimmered in shades of silver, black and white, as though … Continue reading The Princess, the Love Bug, and the Curse of the Hosepipe.

The Life of Francis Herbert Butt 1883–1948 Through Documentation Part 1.

In the quiet corners of history, amidst the echoes of bygone days, there exists a tapestry woven with the threads of ordinary yet remarkable lives. Among them stands Francis Herbert Butt, a man whose life, though lived decades ago, resonates with timeless lessons and profound moments that shape our understanding of resilience, creativity, and the … Continue reading The Life of Francis Herbert Butt 1883–1948 Through Documentation Part 1.

“The Magnificent Miss Pants and the Curious Case of Invisible Obito”

In a neighborhood that, to the untrained eye, seemed peaceful and average, white fences, trimmed hedges, mailboxes that hadn’t been chewed this week, there raged a glorious storm of canine chaos. That storm had a name. Well, actually, it had two names.Athena and Obito.On paper, they were Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute siblings. In reality, … Continue reading “The Magnificent Miss Pants and the Curious Case of Invisible Obito”

Welcome May.

Oh, welcome, dear May, with your soft, tender light, Your blossoms awake after long winter's night. The meadows are painted in green and in gold, As spring whispers secrets the flowers retold. The trees stretch their arms, dressed in garments of green, Their branches like lace, a most delicate scene. The sun hums a tune, … Continue reading Welcome May.

Goodbye April

Goodbye, sweet April, soft and mild, The month that smiled like springtime's child. Your rains have kissed the earth awake, And coaxed the bloom from bud to break. The lilacs lingered, fragrant, shy, Beneath your ever-changing sky. The clouds that wept, the sun that stayed, Wove fleeting light through mist and shade. You whispered songs … Continue reading Goodbye April

The Life Of Arthur Henry Butt 1856–1937 Through Documentation – Part 2

As we continue the story of Arthur Henry Butt, we pick up in the year 1890, a time of both loss and new beginnings. The passing of his father, William Butt, marked the end of an era, yet life pressed forward. Arthur, now the head of his own growing family, carried the weight of his … Continue reading The Life Of Arthur Henry Butt 1856–1937 Through Documentation – Part 2

Malamute Mischief and Husky Howls: Siblings Go Viral for Attempting to Drive Owner’s Truck. 

It started like any ordinary Friday morning in the sleepy town of Willowbrook. Birds chirped, neighbors sipped their coffee, and nothing seemed amiss, until two suspiciously fluffy figures were spotted in a pickup truck that appeared to be... moving on its own.Meet Athena, the elegant, stubborn, and mischievous one-year-old husky, nicknamed Princess (and occasionally Miss … Continue reading Malamute Mischief and Husky Howls: Siblings Go Viral for Attempting to Drive Owner’s Truck. 

The Life Of Arthur Henry Butt 1856–1937 Through Documentation – Part 1

In the quaint town of Romsey, Hampshire, England, amidst the cobbled streets and timeless cottages, lived a man whose life's tapestry was woven with the threads of tradition and craftsmanship. In the heart of Romsey, Hampshire, where history lingers in every street and storefront, the life of Arthur Henry Butt unfolds, a story not just … Continue reading The Life Of Arthur Henry Butt 1856–1937 Through Documentation – Part 1

“The Life Of Samuel Solomon Williams 1884–1912 Through Documentation.”

On the 113th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, we remember not just a ship lost to the depths of the North Atlantic, but the thousands of lives taken with her, each one carrying hopes, struggles, and stories that still echo through time. Among those lost was a young fireman from Southampton named Samuel … Continue reading “The Life Of Samuel Solomon Williams 1884–1912 Through Documentation.”

To my Love

In every sunrise, and in each setting sun,I see the reflection of two becoming one.Through valleys and peaks, through trials we've braved,Our love, like a lighthouse, steadfast and saved. In the depths of our souls, a connection so deep,A love that awakens even in the midst of sleep.It's a flame that burns bright, never to … Continue reading To my Love

The Great Circus Caper: Featuring Princess Athena & Mr. Toe Beans.

Once upon a time in a cozy suburban neighbourhood where the grass was always too wet for delicate paws there lived two canine companions who were absolutely the most chaotic force the neighborhood had ever seen. They were Athena and Obito, and their names were whispered with a mix of awe, confusion, and cautious respect. … Continue reading The Great Circus Caper: Featuring Princess Athena & Mr. Toe Beans.

“The Mother’s Day Mud Spa: A Husky’s Vision of Luxury”

On a bright and peaceful Mother’s Day morning, Athena, the elegant, intelligent, and slightly mischievous husky, stretched luxuriously on her throne, also known as the living room couch. Her nearly white opal eye shimmered in the sunlight, while her rich chestnut one gleamed with quiet scheming. She cast a glance toward her clumsy, food-obsessed, oversized … Continue reading “The Mother’s Day Mud Spa: A Husky’s Vision of Luxury”

The Life of James William Willats – Embracing Life as a Married Man.

Welcome back to the captivating journey of James William Willats, an enigmatic figure whose life's tale continues to unfold with both intrigue and inspiration. In our first installment, we embarked on a thrilling expedition through his early years. Now, we delve into the next chapter of his extraordinary life, the story of James William Willats … Continue reading The Life of James William Willats – Embracing Life as a Married Man.

Athena and Obito: The Quest for the Great Bone Down Under.

In a cozy little house nestled on the edge of a sprawling garden, lived two extraordinary canine siblings. Athena, the one-year-old husky, was the undisputed queen of the household. With her striking black, grey, and white fur, she moved with an elegant grace, her head held high like a true Princess. Her bi-eyes, one a … Continue reading Athena and Obito: The Quest for the Great Bone Down Under.

The Life Of James William Willats 1841 – 1922, From Upbringing To Marriage, Through Documentation.

Welcome to a captivating journey through time, where the veil of history lifts to reveal the rich tapestry of a life once lived. Together, let us delve into the fascinating story of James William Willats, my 4th Great Granduncle, a man whose life, though distant in years, remains ever vivid through the threads of family … Continue reading The Life Of James William Willats 1841 – 1922, From Upbringing To Marriage, Through Documentation.

Athena and Obito: A Tale of Friendship and Family.

In a quiet, sun-dappled village nestled between rolling hills and whispering woods, lived a one-year-old husky named Athena and her eight-month-old malamute brother, Obito. They weren’t just any pair of pups; they were as different as night and day but as close as two pawprints in the sand.Athena, often called Princess or Miss Pants, was … Continue reading Athena and Obito: A Tale of Friendship and Family.

The Life Of Margarita Carroll 1824-1909, Through Documentation.

Welcome to The Life of Margarita Carroll, a blog dedicated to unraveling the story of an extraordinary woman whose journey spanned two continents, and whose legacy continues to inspire her descendants. Margarita, also known as Margaret, was born in 1824 in Ireland to Daniel Carroll and an as-yet unidentified mother. Her story, like so many … Continue reading The Life Of Margarita Carroll 1824-1909, Through Documentation.

Whispers of the Lost.

In days of yore, when shadows fell,And hearts did mourn, where tales do tell,Of tender souls, like morning dew,Lost to time, in the silent blue.In fields where laughter once did bloom,Echoes linger, in empty rooms,Tiny footsteps, a fleeting grace,Now whispers soft in time's embrace.Oh, mothers weep, with tear-stained eyes,For babes who danced 'neath azure skies,Taken … Continue reading Whispers of the Lost.

Under the Knife

In sterile halls where whispers tread, A journey starts, a path ahead, With heartbeats quick and shadows cast, A moment waits, the die is cast. The gown of white, a second skin, With trembling hands, I breathe within, Anxious thoughts like fireflies dance, In twilight’s grip, I take my chance. The surgeon’s hands, both firm … Continue reading Under the Knife

Endless Grey

The days crawl by in shades of slate,Cold winds that bite, dull skies that wait.The sun? A myth, long lost, long gone,Each morning bleak, each evening drawn.The rain taps out a hollow tune,Against the glass, against my mood.The trees stand bare, the fields are drowned,The world is quiet, lost, unsound.No warmth, no light, just time … Continue reading Endless Grey

The Life of Frederick Howard Willats, 1877-1947, The Early Years Through Documentation.

Every family has its stories, and among them, there are those who leave their mark not through grand gestures, but through the quiet strength of their lives. For our family, Frederick Howard Willats is one such figure. Born in 1877 in the vibrant heart of Highbury, Islington, Middlesex, England, Frederick’s life reflects the spirit of … Continue reading The Life of Frederick Howard Willats, 1877-1947, The Early Years Through Documentation.

Athena and Obito: The Great Bank Robbery Chase.

It started as any other morning in the peaceful suburban neighborhood. The sun was shining, birds were singing, and Athena, the elegant, intelligent husky with her bi-eyes, one sapphire blue and the other warm chestnut, was poised on the porch like royalty surveying her kingdom. She sat with her paws crossed delicately, her black, grey, … Continue reading Athena and Obito: The Great Bank Robbery Chase.

The Life Of, Percy Sidney Willats, 1875-1945, Through Documentation, Part 2.

Welcome back to our exploration of Percy Sidney Willats' extraordinary life, as pieced together through the documents, and records. In Part 1, we delved into the early years of Percy’s life, uncovering the foundational experiences and relationships that shaped his character and ambitions. Now, in Part 2, we move deeper into the narrative, focusing on … Continue reading The Life Of, Percy Sidney Willats, 1875-1945, Through Documentation, Part 2.

The Life Of, Percy Sidney Willats, 1875-1945, Through Documentation, Part 1.

Welcome back to the year 1875, Islington, England. The air there is thick with the soot of coal fires, hanging like a fog over the narrow cobbled streets. Horse-drawn carriages clatter past, their wooden wheels rattling over uneven roads as the wealthy ride in comfort, while the poor shuffle by on foot, faces weathered from … Continue reading The Life Of, Percy Sidney Willats, 1875-1945, Through Documentation, Part 1.

The Spirit of Our Beloved Malamute Puppy, Obito.

As I sit here, watching the morning sky weep with pouring rain, each droplet tracing rivulets down the windowpane and pooling in the garden below, I find myself reflecting on the beautiful journey we’ve embarked upon with Obito, our five-month-old Malamute puppy. He’s a whirlwind of energy, joy, and love, a clumsy, adorable furball who … Continue reading The Spirit of Our Beloved Malamute Puppy, Obito.

“Reflections and Resolutions: Embracing the New Year.”

As the final days of December slip away, I find myself in a familiar place of reflection and anticipation. Goodbye, 2024. You were quite the whirlwind, weren’t you? And hello, 2025. You stand before me like a blank canvas, full of promise and potential.This year has been one of growth and challenges. There were moments … Continue reading “Reflections and Resolutions: Embracing the New Year.”

The Treasure of Oak Island: Athena and Obito’s Grand Adventure.

Athena stands at the bow of the boat, her lean frame poised with perfect balance as the vessel glides through the calm, glassy water. The sun hangs low on the horizon, casting streaks of gold and orange across the surface. Her fur, black, grey, and white, shimmers in the light, and her bi-eyes, one eye … Continue reading The Treasure of Oak Island: Athena and Obito’s Grand Adventure.

Athena, Obito, and the Radiance of Rudolph.

On the edge of a vast snowy wilderness, nestled by a cozy log cabin draped in glittering lights, lived Athena, the elegant one-year-old husky with her mismatched eyes, one a striking blue, the other a warm chestnut, and her clumsy, affectionate, five-month-old Malamute brother, Obito. Athena carried herself with poise and grace, her black, grey, … Continue reading Athena, Obito, and the Radiance of Rudolph.

Athena And Obito’s Magical Polar Express Adventure.

The soft crunch of snow underfoot echoed in the crisp night air as Athena, the graceful, intelligent one-year-old husky, padded carefully along the glistening path. Her luxurious black, grey, and white fur shimmered under the light of a full moon. The icy breeze ruffled her coat, but her blue and chestnut bi-colored eyes glimmered with … Continue reading Athena And Obito’s Magical Polar Express Adventure.

A Year with Athena: Socks, Spades, and a Husky Full of Personality

One year ago today, we brought home a whirlwind wrapped in soft fur, our darling Athena. From the moment she set her curious little paws into our lives, she has been nothing short of a force of nature: elegant, intelligent, soft-hearted, gentle, energetic, and yet... oh-so stubborn. Over the past year, Athena has taught us … Continue reading A Year with Athena: Socks, Spades, and a Husky Full of Personality