Duane De Mello <casademello@comcast.net> wrote: " However, I do not believe this forum is the appropriate place to discuss in detail, insofar-genealogical much less personal experience purposes." Hi Duane, Will you please explain what you meant by what you posted above? I, too am a first generation American born of Portuguese ancestry, soon to be 65. ;-). Born in Lowell, MA, but raised in San Diego CA. My family also lived in Oakland, San Leandro, Hayward, Newark, Livermore and now Tracy CA. All these cities had/have a solid community base of Portuguese residents. So I am "no stranger," to the Portuguese ways, as well as the "moda da Americana." Never the less I am still learning about the events that our Portuguese ancestors faced... as evident by Margaret"s reference to Castelo de Vide and the "safe house." What topics do you or other list members think should be discussed on this list ? I for one would like to know more about Dr. Robert Reid Kalley, the wealthy young Scottish physician who was also a minister of the Free Church of Scotland, and his missionary work among the Madeirans. How about Dr. Manuel Luciano da Silva, in analyzing Christopher Columbus' three real ciphers: his Sigla, his Monogram and his Blessing. What about "Portuguese Recipes," Ailments," Blessings to cure various conditions, ie. "the evil eye," some of these practices performed by our Madeira ancestors were taken from the "slaves," that were brought to Madeira to work the fields, etc. These practices could often be perceived as border line "witch craft." Or is this list simply a vehicle to post surnames? Maybe Luis Beal needs to re-state the purpose of this list group, so that we're all on "the same page." We claim to be Portuguese, (I liked what Luis K W said "whatever that means.") with like as well as different life experiences...in my opinion that need to be shared. Correct me if I'm totally off base. Adios, Pat Silva Corbera "Genealogists live in the Past Lane."