Enmore, Somerset, U.K.

My aunt sent me what she has on my Maternal-Grandfather
over the weekend. It was interesting, if not totally confusing
reading. Oliver John Ballam was born in Enmore England, and
no father listed on the birth records, and took his mothers
maiden name. There must have been quite the stigma attached
to being a bastard child in the 1890's. He served in Afghanistan
with the British Army prior to coming to the States. It appears
there are family members also in Kent, and Liverpool.

Growing up when asking my Paternal-Grandparents about the
family the answer was always the same: "There is no need for
you to know." (Yes, Tom, I think that is exactly what you think
it means) I know very little about any of my family. Never a
tight-knit group to begin with. I know exactly one Heger from
Germany. I know none of my family from England, unless you
count my cousin John, who is a transplant from Frederick County.

It is interesting to hear from both sides that each family started
out in France, and ended up elsewhere. What's the deal with that?
It appears the English side of the family were Huguenots who left
because of the fact they weren't catholic. The Germans could have
just ended up there because of redrawn borders or better living
circumstances. Who really knows.

Saturday I kind of hid-out after going to Christmas market. I
got about 1/2 of what I got last year for the same amount of money.
The weak dollar was VERY evident. They had what I wanted,
although much more expensive than anticipated. 10 boxes of Asbach
Chocolates was the big ticket item this year. It was good to see
they were 5 dollars less than what Amazon wants for them!

Okay- got stuff to get done.