Each kit includes a map and DVD telling about the Genographic Project and what’s been discovered to date. The story of the science and research is absolutely astounding!

By submitting samples of our DNA, using a simple swab inside our cheeks, the Project will tell us the story of our own ancestors’ migration. The Project is careful to explain that no medical research is done on the DNA, and all the samples are anonymous. Nor are the results genealogical. They simply tell us where our ancestors came from, going back thousands of years. Let’s just say it involved a whole lot of walking over the centuries! Our samples will help add data points the the project to help complete the picture of the human family tree.

How is this possible? Mutations have occurred over the centuries in certain markers in DNA. They take place in a specific order, which means the switches in markers can be tracked back over time. Even where physical archaeological evidence has been wiped out by glaciers and/or rising water levels along the oceans, the changes in DNA help to track populations’ wanderings across the globe.

The kits come with unique identification codes which we use to track our samples on the website. My DNA is now being isolated, which means its going through some chemical washing and soaking. The next step is the analysis. I can’t wait to find out where my ancient ancestors migrated from!

There are some good YouTube videos if you’d like to explore further, starting with this introduction:

The kit can be ordered here: https://genographic.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/lan/en/participate.html

As we get ready to welcome Winter, here’s a parting shot of Fall, taken in the Ferncliff Forest near Rhinebeck, NY.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I feel like my husband’s photographs form bookmarks around an entire missing season.

In the spring a coyote family moved into one of our culverts in California. Here you can see one of them (the boy, I bet) stepping on the other (probably a sister). I love his impish look, and her howling in protest.

Coyote Pups: Photo by Steve Ells

It seems like one minute we’re laughing at coyote pups frolicking near the culvert, the next we’re in Ohio  seeing this:

Early Fall: Photo by Steve Ells

We love hiking on the wonderful trails we’re discovering in Northeast Ohio. I think my husband captured perfectly the end of summer, with its field of yellow flowers on one side of the path, and the beginning of fall, with leaves starting to turn, on the other side.

Somewhere in between, a whole summer occurred.

Here, the deer make themselves at home in our front yard. When we re-landscaped after the earthquake, I made sure the plantings were wildlife friendly. Enough grows here that we don’t miss whatever the wildlife munch on.

The deer don’t eat the lavender, but they love to sleep next to it, although I haven’t seen them there for some time. This was in spring before they had their babies, so maybe it’s a pregnancy thing, like craving ice cream. Or maybe now that they’ve given birth they’re just too busy chasing after the youngsters to nap.

Whispering sweet nothings.

(You may not get daffodils in January, but on the other hand you don’t have earthquakes. Blossoms may come later to your neck of the woods, but at least they stay put.)

These funny little fungi were growing in moss which came to life on an oak tree as soon as it rained.

The tiny mushrooms were 1/4″ tall at the most. They seemed to occupy a magical little world.

January brought the first tentative appearance of daffodils.

Somehow the local bank ends up with the first apple blossoms of the year. Maybe it’s Nature’s way of softening the economy’s harsh edges.

No knitting pictures this week, but I do have a couple of critter photos. 

Mama looking after her babies

The sheep are back!

Shepherd watching over his flock