DNA Results are in . . .

As interested as I am in learning about the origins of others--and especially my own--could you believe that I forgot about my DNA test through Family Tree DNA?

I knew it would take a while, so I just estimated it would be done by June and thought to forget about it until then. I happened to stumble upon it today, and then I noticed my results were in.

Oh, ok.

Let's check it out, shall we?

(***DISCLAIMER: These results might be slightly off. These tests are not fool-proof.***)

Here's the overall map, with my highlighted results.

This breaks it down to percentages.

Let's go in order of largest to smallest percentage:

1. European

Iberian Peninsula was expected. Scandinavia, however...

I wonder if this explains where my preferences for cold weather, solitude, and not talking so much comes from...

2. African

I knew I had West African blood, just not so much. Heck yeah!

3. Middle Eastern and New World (tie)

I actually expected a higher percentage. Still cool, though.

 Considering North Africa's role in Spanish history, I'm surprised the percentage is not higher.

Why is Cuba barely highlighted?!

Wait, is there more Native American in me than what met the Conquistadors in Cuba and Venezuela? Man, I wish I could witness the past.

4. Random, not-so-reliable, but you never know

Ok, I'll give you South Central Africa, but Oceania???

I'd love to get some answers for both of these regions.

So there you have it: except for Asia Minor and East Middle East, I just needed Asia to be a thoroughbred mut.

Will this change anything? Probably not. But I'm really excited to get some confirmation.

Have you taken this (or a similar) test? Did your results come out as you expected or did you discover some surprises?

Chosen DNA Test

I've got something else to share. 

***DISCLAIMER: I'm not paid for this at all. These are just my thoughts and the summary of my own research. I recommend you do your own and find what is best for you.***

You know all those DNA tests that are popular (Ancestry DNA, 23 and Me, etc.) and getting more popular (or so it seems to me)? I've wanted to take one for a long time.

Since I already have my taxes sorted out, I figured to treat myself to one of these tests.

The one I chose was Family Tree DNA

Why?

This article from The Legal Genealogist convinced me.

Basically, it offers the most for the lowest price ($79, but $90+ with shipping).

Apparently, this test is better for those who may not have European ancestry (or considerably less than others). 

I originally wanted to take the 23 and Me test, that checks your ancestry AND medical makeup ($199), but then I found out there's a site called Promethese that offers the same medical information for $5- $15. In essence, one needs to have their DNA results, upload them to Promethese, and it "reads" the information and can give one's medical/health makeup as well.

Below is a picture I took of the kit when it arrived. As you see, it included an intro letter, instructions, two swabs and two containers (for said swabs), a clear plastic bag with a form to sign (forgot what it was for), and a prepaid envelope.

I did as it said: swab one side of the inside of my mouth with one swab, put it in one container and break the handle part off and repeat with the other swab on the other side of the inside of my mouth.

Then just put everything into the prepaid envelope, drop it off in the mail, and done!

Now, I just need to wait 6 - 8 weeks for the results. I'm supposed to get an email when the results are in.

The complete Family Tree DNA test kit.

Alright, Let's see what they find . . . 

Last few days (30. Dec. - 1. Jan.)

On Friday, 30. December, all of us returned to Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine. Why? We were just there the day before; why go back?
Simple: we wanted to see the cannon fired.
They have a live cannon fire drill demonstration every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 15:30 (not sure if there are other times, but this is what we found out). We did not know this. Now that we did, we decided to go back and check it out--as well as get a military pass for my step-brother and a senior pass for my step-mom. With both passes, they can bring up to 3 people along (each) and enter any national park for free for as long as they live!

GOD bless the USA, right?

Cuban family from Texas 

Step-brother and his family came in "Cuban" uniform. Step-mom didn't have that, but at least she had a similar color to the uniform. That kinda counts, doesn't it?

Ahoy there!

Ah, these Spanish ships are still sailing in these waters, 504 years after this city/fort/settlement was founded.

May St. Barbara bless us!

Volunteers doing the drill--and even asking for St. Barbara's blessing. 

I would cross myself too if I knew I was going to use a cannon for real.

Fire!

I did not know how loud a cannon can sound, especially from this close.

Whoa!

The volunteers aren't kidding when they tell you to cover your ears!

Quite the crowd

All these, both inside and outside the fort, were here to witness the cannon drill.

By the way, there were no cannon balls used, only gunpowder.

¡Viva España!

Photo time

They were really fast to get pictures with the volunteers before anyone else could have photo-bombed them!

I like whoever did this, not sure if it's legal, though

Welcoming Sabbath at Ponta Vedra Beach on A1A.

It was quite cold there, actually. 

What you can't see is the wind, which made it worse.

It's not a Cuban household until there's a game of dominoes.

Mother and son turn out to be the victors.

Oh, it was so much fun having them over! I'm really glad they took the time to come over.
Come back anytime--just let us know when first!

Funnest Wednesday Night in Jacksonville, Ever (28. Dec.'16)

With the surprise arrival of my step-brother and his family, his mother and I decided it was a good idea to show them the Riverwalk. This time, however, we decided to go at night.

Family in the living room.

Downtown Jacksonville at night.

Hart Bridge

The only fisher allowed to fish.

The same sailor, just blue at night.

Family checking out the sight.

Christmas theme still going on.

Under the Main Street bridge.

The street art mosaic under the bridge.

Family enjoying said artwork under the bridge.

Main Street Bridge and the Wells Fargo building.

Acosta Bridge

Colored shots up Friendship Fountain

Ghostly palm trees

Steel architecture of the Main Street Bridge

Close up of the Christmas tree.

Faithful Jaguar fans

I did not know this. Cool!

Even closer close-up of the Christmas tree.

Complete view of Friendship Fountain from Main Street Bridge.