Still had a good time but returned to Bribie Island just as it was hit with the 'nuclear' storm that left most of the Island without power for days. There must have been dozens and dozens of trees down all over the Island, roads blocked and power lines down. Even telecommunications went down. A week later we still have gangs of workers going around cutting up fallen trees and cutting down dangerous trees or branches.
Traffic has been a nightmare not helped by those who came to sightsee. Fortunately we had no damage to the house but our potting shed was blown over, some fence palings went along with some bamboo panels around the BBQ area. Others were not so fortunate and lost roofs. Without power for days, most people lost the contents of their fridges and freezers.
Books
So excited to be given a review ecopy of Nathan Dylan Goodwin's new book The Hop Pickers Murders which is number 11 in the Morton series. Just in time for a good Christmas read. Although usually I finish Nathan's books within a day or so of starting as I can't put them down. The paper back is not out until next year.
Conferences
Attended the Dragon Tails conference in Brisbane and stayed over three nights in George Street. Brisbane has changed a lot since I last visited the city centre.
The conference was good and I learnt about more Chinese sources to try when researching my incarcerated women in colonial Queensland. Even met a descendant of one of the women I am interested in.
That was the third conference this year where I spoke about different aspects of my PhD thesis. It has really helped focus my thoughts on what I want to say.
Museums
While in Brisbane took the opportunity to visit the MacArthur Museum. It is where Douglas MacArthur ran his war office during WW2. His office and desk are recreated and the original war boardroom desk is still there. Also surprised to see in one of the display cases a photo which included Max's mother who was in the WAAF during WW2.
New Resources
Watched after the event, Andrew Redfern's talk on AI for genealogists hosted by Genealogical Society of Queensland. This is such a fast moving area and Andrew always amazes me with what he gets AI to do. In the coming weeks, the quiet time of Christmas when you don't have family living near by, I hope to try some of the suggestions on my own research and draft family history stories.
Talks
No more talks this year, thank goodness. It was busier than I anticipated with all three conference proposals accepted.
I have agreed to do some talks already in 2026. These are listed up on the Events page of my website.
What's coming up?
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| Christmas tree King George Square Brisbane |
Plus I am hoping to use AI to tidy up my draft family histories so that I can complete them, or at least the first edition of each. They will be uploaded into Trove through NED and free to access. That is one way to ensure that my research is not lost if I meet the proverbial bus.
Try to find a little time for family history research especially if you are visiting relatives. Have a wonderful and safe Christmas with family and friends. Although I am hoping to do another post before Christmas
Until next time, Shauna
