7 Family History Things To Do on a Rainy Day

It seems like it has been raining non stop for days and it is raining again today. It's cold, wet, and gloomy outside.

I have a million things to do, but can't do any of them due to the bad weather. Then, I thought of my favorite genealogy and family history things to do when I have some down time.

Here are seven family history things I do on a rainy days.

1. Upload all my pictures from my phone to the computer and then to the Cloud. Sometimes, I go a step further and organize them by year.
2. Write in my personal journal about all the latest happenings in the family. I have kept a personal journal since I was 8 years old. I believe I am on journal number 17. I have NOT been as good at my journal writing since the kids have gotten older. I am lucky to write once a month. Since time passes so quickly and I don't write daily like I used to, I have started using a new format for journal writing. I use an outline format. It may not be as detailed or "interesting" but it will work for key events and at least jog my memory someday.

3. Clean up my pedigree chart by checking that no sources are missing.
4. Catch up on reading my favorite blogs, magazines, or newsletters.
5. Write letters or emails to all those on my "old ladies" list. Now before I have everyone jumping all over me, let me explain! Years ago, I had several older ladies that allowed me to interview them for our family history. I realized that many were widows and enjoyed getting a phone call or letter from time to time. I decided to create a list I loving referred to as the "old lady list." Over time, I added other people to the list, even older couples or widowed men. I try to write them as often as I can. I let them know I am thinking of them, how the family history research is going, and update them on my latest happenings.
6. Dust the shelves. I have a lot of shelves in my office. They get pretty dusty. :)
7. Clean the desk and file away notes. I love to make notes. They are everywhere. On occasion, it is necessary to go through the notes and either file in drawer 13 (the trash can) or file in the appropriate hanging folder. When the note is important to the family tree, I not only file it, but I add the information to my family history database with a source citation.

Guess what? While I sat here writing this post, it stopped raining! Figures. Maybe I will do a few of my rainy day items anyway. What family history things do you do on a rainy day?