Hi Barbara,
I second Jane's sentiments - it wouldn't be the same with out you. You have
helped me immensely. I am now back to the late 1700's with my Speckmann family
search, thanks to your help.
Barney Speckman
Hello Friends,
You are all so nice--thanks for your kind words! I don't think I
actually said I was going to leave the list. I have not made any progress
on the rest of my German lines for some time now. I know where they were,
for the most part. The LDS doesn't have the church records available and
I'm too stubborn to pay anybody to do the research for me. We've gone to a
couple diocesan offices in Osnabrück and Wurzburg (Bavaria) to do research
and probably won't be going back. I figure one day I'll come across
something that fits--so I keep looking.
I've said this before, but as a retired librarian I love research. I
love the hunt--and so, when I can't hunt for my own German relatives, I like
to help others. I have learned so much. It is still fun. I have learned so
much from so many of you and I thank you for that. I'm not naming names
here, lest I forget somebody! You are great folks.
I do have my husband's English and Scottish lines to work on. But I'll
be around for awhile--I am ONLY 64.
Barbara
Retire from the list? Oh good lord no. That would mean Fred would have to climb out of that motorhome of his and get back to work. Gale will lose her counterpoint. Gary might ditch that non-threaded, digest mode. 
Hans Peter and Wilfried (et al) may go back to speaking German only (it could cause a snowball effect). Barney might not make the 1600's. The Saxon Chronicles may abruptly end! For all we know, Rena may forsake her royalty! 
(well...)
No, this will not do. I'm certain I speak for the entire list when I say - and this is in fervent hopes that you'll reconsider without as much as a second thought - ASK JUERGEN FOR A RAISE!!
Your negotiator in time of need (I stand ready to do battle, with mind going as well). Jb 
PS. Max! What about Max?!!
My God. Somebody is paying attention!
Jürgen could use a raise himself. Just ask him.
Fred
PS we've been parked for quite a while building a place with garage etc take
a look at the URL in the sig.