The Magic of technology…where the unknown become known

While I was on my Thanksgiving vacation, I took a ton of pictures. I got photos of friends, things that I did and so on – most of these I haven’t uploaded or even processed yet. I’ll get there – I promise. Why the delay, you ask?
 

 

The answer is because while I was there I got a nice little hobby that I had to work on. You see, I’m an odd duck (yeah, no surprise) because I like to go to Cemeteries, etc when I can. This trip, I managed to hit two of them. One of which – the Bingham City (ghost town) cemetery happened to have an Boy scout (Eagle scout) project going on.
 

Bingham City Cemetery
 

 

Thing is that at the time, I didn’t realize that what I was going to do (take pictures) would actually be able to help. You see, the project they’re doing is to GPS map, identify unknown graves, restore and preserve those that are deteriorating, and just simply take care of this old cemetery.
 

 

You see, there are a ton of headstones in this old cemetery that are completely unreadable. Cemetery records weren’t kept until the turn of the century – and there are graves here from way before – some from the 1870’s. So, there are alot of unknowns – and more whose markers have become unreadable or just are missing completely.
 

 

Through the magic of technology (and me being determined to see what I could see) photoshop allowed my photos to be processed – and allow us to see a few markers – and help identify some of these settlers to Utah. I also got to see/read the inscriptions that previously were just faint grooves. Yeah, it took some time (in a couple cases well over an hour per picture) because of switching to black and white, enhansing, tone tweaking, color tweaking, blowing up, shrinking down, highlighting etc etc etc. But in the end, a few more people don’t have to be called “unknown” anymore.
 

Broken Cross knocked over Split Headstone
 

 

How cool is that? (you can click on the pictures to see a larger size AND read what suddenly became clear on them.)
 


Someday, I hope that someone would be willing to do the same for me….

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Home again – and needing a vacation

After 24 hours of flying time, I’m back in Berlin. I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation, but I am pleased that I got everything in SLC done that I needed to.

Meanwhile, I go back to work tomorrow, laundry is being started, and my pup is ever so happy to know i’m home. (He’s sleeping on the couch becide me.)

I’ll have photos up in the next few hours (joy) and hopefully labelled.

*yawns* I need a nap!

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Salt Lake City & Thanksgiving.

Ahh what a crazy week. I got to salt lake city friday and have been running all over. I’m now exhausted and thinking I might need a vacation from my vacation. Truly.

I have, however, great news. This Crest kid has no cavaties (once again), the doctor has pronounced her in good health (yeah baby!), and I have meds. Migraine meds are good. My taxes are in the process of being done (after stumping 2 tax people and having to contact the district office at H&R block), so please keep the fingers crossed that they’re not gonna cost me too much.

Otherwise, the sunshine is out, the weekend was in the 60’s (jacket? who needs a jacket!) and it’s been sunny every dang day. YES, the sun does exist. Unfortunately for the skiier’s and snowboarders, there is no SNOW. We had hoped for some last night, but from what I can tell, there’s maybe an inch up in the mountain peaks but that’s it. Oh well, beggers can’t be choosy – and I have at least a nice view.

I’ve had a steak dinner (thanks Bri – you’re still my hero!) as well as seen Beowulf (recommended – great movie!). I’ve also gotten my fill of snuggles, american football – 4 games (3 on sunday – 1 monday night football), and yes, even caught a hockey game from the front row. (SMOOSHED FACES UP TO THE GLASS and FIGHTS – yeah baby!!) I’ve also had a small lunch party where I was able to catch up with some geocaching friends (love you all!).

So, I guess that leaves tomorrow – turkey day. Let’s go turkey day! I have the turkey thawing as I type this, the pies are made, the stuffing is ready to be prepped tonight – and after that… well, who knows. Perhaps black friday shopping!?!

Yeah ok so I’ll have photos to share soon enough. In the meantime, Here’s what I’m thankful for:

My Health and that of my family
Getting to see my family and friends
Enjoying the mountains and the sun
Freedom (and the soldiers who have fought for it – JCCE, you have mail on the way)
last but not least….

RUM!!

(yo ho yo ho, a pirate’s life for me….)

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