Hi everybody, Forgive me for not replying "in thread" (to my introductory post on the March 9th), I'm still trying to get my sea legs when it come to figuring out mailing lists (I'm far from new to the web, just mailing lists, this being the first one in which I've ever posted anything). I read and reread each of your tips and very helpful insights, and will take each of them to heart. I agree with those who said that it's vital to try and conclusively establish links, dates, names, etc with concrete evidence (e.g., birth/death certificates). I've always been a rather methodical person (which my husband says is a positive trait to have), so I'm totally fine with the reality that many times one will have to hunt, sift and sort their way through a great deal of information (or lack there of, as the case may be) until you they can definitively establish certain links, prove/disprove suspected information, etc. My pocketbook isn't up to footing the bill for Ancestry at the moment, so I haven't had to deal with the (infamous) leaf (potentially) throwing me off track yet, but I will certainly heed this group's advice when it comes to any leaves I encounter down the road! :) I am documenting everything that I find, along with my own musings/new questions, no matter how big or small, and have already gotten into the habit of reviewing my progress every few days to see if any sudden "red flags" have popped up. I fully accept that at any point something I'd previously had reason to believe was accurate, was in fact, false or partially mistaken. In that sense genealogy reminds me of trying to prove a scientific hypothesis. Virginia said that I'd bitten off a large project, and she's (you're) completely right - that's a good way to look at things. I couldn't be happier to have done so though. I've felt happier during the past few weeks of beginning to explore my family history than I have in ages. The reality that each new day could potentially lead me to better know my own roots is a humbling and beautiful thought that spurs me on (in my search), as I grow ever more passionate about my family's history. Again, thank you very much to all those who took the time to reply to my introductory post, I appreciate your tips and support so very much! Happy genealogical sleuthing to all, Jessica