Please remember that this website has grown thanks to a lot of volunteers. We're not a homogeneous group. We have different values, different styles, different abilities, and sometimes we just plain make mistakes. So, given the nature of our mutual enterprise, we've got to learn how to "do difference."
.
If you're irritated and frustrated by people who think or feel differently than you do, then please try a personal conversation before resorting to power moves and policing. Relationship goes a long way toward solving problems, which is something that Abraham Lincoln understood very well: "I don't like that man," he said, "I must get to know him better."
.
NOTE: If you send me an edit, please send a source for the information. If I don't receive a source, I will attempt to contact you. But if your contact information is blocked, then I will automatically delete the edit.
.
NOTE: Please do not use my photographs without permission. If you send me an email message, I will gladly grant permission for your personal use.
.
NOTE: Please refer to find-a-grave guidelines If you would like me to transfer a memorial to you. And if you do request a transfer, please include the particulars of your relationship to the person who's memorial you are asking to manage.

OK, enough said. And now back to business:
Many people have asked me how I am able to take such clear photographs of the very old stones in the burial grounds of VT and NY.
.
Let me say first that I have taken some terrible photographs in my day, and I am still going back to re-shoot those stones. I am not a professional photographer and I use a very old point-and-shoot digital camera.
.
But I have been gifted with two good friends who deserve much of the credit for my photos: my long-time genealogical buddy, Steven Smith, who gave me two invaluable tips for photographing difficult stones (just send me an email message if you'd like my write-up of Steve's tips); and my mirror-and-umbrella-bearer, Fay Smith (unrelated to Steve), who willingly slogs through waist-high grass and dark woods with me each summer, in the most oppressive heat and humidity, and despite squads of mosquitoes and flies that routinely assail us. How anyone can remain cheerful under such circumstances continues to amaze me, but Fay does.
.
Were it not for Steve's advice, Fay's help, and the unfailing support of my husband Jim Boyce - who allows me two months each year in his native state of Vermont - I would be unable to "do cemetery," much less get good photographs.
.
And finally I would like to acknowledge my canine companions - Millie, Malarkey, Mischief, Morgan & McKenzie - Springer Spaniels whose enthusiasm for "doing cemetery" over the years has rivaled my own!

Please remember that this website has grown thanks to a lot of volunteers. We're not a homogeneous group. We have different values, different styles, different abilities, and sometimes we just plain make mistakes. So, given the nature of our mutual enterprise, we've got to learn how to "do difference."
.
If you're irritated and frustrated by people who think or feel differently than you do, then please try a personal conversation before resorting to power moves and policing. Relationship goes a long way toward solving problems, which is something that Abraham Lincoln understood very well: "I don't like that man," he said, "I must get to know him better."
.
NOTE: If you send me an edit, please send a source for the information. If I don't receive a source, I will attempt to contact you. But if your contact information is blocked, then I will automatically delete the edit.
.
NOTE: Please do not use my photographs without permission. If you send me an email message, I will gladly grant permission for your personal use.
.
NOTE: Please refer to find-a-grave guidelines If you would like me to transfer a memorial to you. And if you do request a transfer, please include the particulars of your relationship to the person who's memorial you are asking to manage.

OK, enough said. And now back to business:
Many people have asked me how I am able to take such clear photographs of the very old stones in the burial grounds of VT and NY.
.
Let me say first that I have taken some terrible photographs in my day, and I am still going back to re-shoot those stones. I am not a professional photographer and I use a very old point-and-shoot digital camera.
.
But I have been gifted with two good friends who deserve much of the credit for my photos: my long-time genealogical buddy, Steven Smith, who gave me two invaluable tips for photographing difficult stones (just send me an email message if you'd like my write-up of Steve's tips); and my mirror-and-umbrella-bearer, Fay Smith (unrelated to Steve), who willingly slogs through waist-high grass and dark woods with me each summer, in the most oppressive heat and humidity, and despite squads of mosquitoes and flies that routinely assail us. How anyone can remain cheerful under such circumstances continues to amaze me, but Fay does.
.
Were it not for Steve's advice, Fay's help, and the unfailing support of my husband Jim Boyce - who allows me two months each year in his native state of Vermont - I would be unable to "do cemetery," much less get good photographs.
.
And finally I would like to acknowledge my canine companions - Millie, Malarkey, Mischief, Morgan & McKenzie - Springer Spaniels whose enthusiasm for "doing cemetery" over the years has rivaled my own!