TSGS Cruiser Blog

Saturday, January 30, 2010

STAYING AFLOAT in the GENE POOL -
Genetic DNA News

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DNA: Another Side of the Story
DEAR ABBY: My parents divorced when my older brother and I were small. Mom remarried, and I was adopted by the wonderful man who raised me as his beloved daughter. I had limited contact with my biological father, "Nate," which seemed to please everyone.

After my adopted dad passed, Nate came back into my life. I have not seen much of him but he was present at my second marriage five years ago, traveling across country to be there. Last month he called to tell me he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and has named me as his heir since my older brother is deceased.

As a birthday gift, I presented him with a box from a company that does genome sequencing. It allows people to see their DNA and learn about their ancestry as well as any health-related issues. I enjoyed learning about genetics and thought Nate would, too.

Imagine how stunned I was when I learned that Nate is NOT my father. The company has assured me there is little chance the test is wrong, and they are certain we are not related.
I am close to my mother and horrified that she kept this secret from me for more than 50 years. I don't want anyone to be hurt, but I need the truth. What do I do?
-- QUESTIONING MY DNA IN S.F.

DEAR QUESTIONING: Have a calm, private conversation with your mother and tell her what you have learned. If she denies it, have the test repeated. When you receive the results, either apologize to your mother or raise the subject again. She may know who your father was, or you may have been the result of an opening shot in the sexual revolution, a chapter your mother may not care to revisit.
-Submitted by Don Counts.

Friday, January 29, 2010

From the FIRST MATE's
PHOTO ALBUM...

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Winter brings us those cold, dreary, snowy days, but our friend Linda L. Young-Niemeier found some wonderful wildlife to capture some very nice, cheery winter pics!



This squirrel is munching on some seeds & oranges. click on the image for a larger photo.

This is my favorite... it looks like a Christmas card or a post card. Notice the seed in his beak.


- Photos taken & submitted by Linda L. Young-Niemeier.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Tombstone Thursday - Schulte

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Saint Bernard Cemetery
Rockport, Indiana
Leland Louis Schulte
(1942-1995)
Married Sharon Carter 19 Oct 1963. Served as a Rockport City Councilman 1992-1995. The backside of the marker depicts a very peaceful scene and lists the children and one grandchild.
- Photos taken & submitted by JGWest.

[Tombstone Thursday is dedicated in memory of Donald G. West 1952-2000]

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

From the FIRST MATE's
PHOTO ALBUM...

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I have been so busy, that I have not had time to post anything. I was hoping we would get some items submitted that I could post rather easily. Anyone can submit something for me to consider posting. Today's blog is a photo that seems out of season, but yesterday my letter carrier left me a lot of junk mail as I was standing by the box. I joked about needing a better carrier that brought better mail and he laughed saying that he was just getting even for that tombstone I had by the mailbox during Halloween. I have no idea what his problem is!


My letter carrier admitted that it made him laugh and made his whole year! I kind of think that he liked it.

- Photo taken & submitted by JGWest