I recently came across a cassette of my grandfather talking with my children. He has since passed away and this little treasure has much more value now, than it did the day it was recorded. Reason being, I can not go to Grandad any longer to glean from his 90+ years of experience on this earth.

As the holidays approach, consider getting recordings of your cherished family members. Ask your mother or father to talk personally to each of your children on separate tapes. Do the same with great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Once completed, you will have an audio history to pass on to your children and to be enjoyed by you as well. These recordings can later be dubbed into digital presentations which feature 8 mm movies, photographs, videos and digital camera images of homes and other tangible objects when available.

This can be your Year of Audio Memories Preserved if you plan now.

--Jill Davis