Welcome to my website

Yes, I'm Dean Cumings, author, historian, and all-around nice guy. Hmmm…

Yep… The site of our new book, Ellie A Pioneer Girl’s Journey West 1845.

This site will describe some of what we’re doing now, since I’m supposed to be retired. I don’t really believe in so-called retirement. Rather I prefer to call it “re-tryment.” Which means—if truth be told—I’m busier now than before.

Finally, I’m catching up on several projects, some of which were started years ago and some we just initiated –projects such as writing to be published, sorting and utilizing photography, getting rid of a myriad of books, sporting gear, and leftovers. Of course, downsizing is always hard when we move from a large house to an apartment/living area, in a Walton’s style Grandma-Grandpa live-in with Kids and Grandkids (yes, at their request.)

Therefore, we are kept busy with Grandpa duties (we have 26 grandchildren –fifteen of whom are part of this immediate family). Remodeling a lower level walk-out, building a deck and gazebo, and setting up a workshop are enjoyable spare-time activities. Planned re-creative pursuits, including hunting, fishing, traveling, family outings, et al, fill in more time slots.

However, living in the woods provides peaceful rehab from cities, highways, the bustle of people, and required business. Early mornings are the best times for my reading, writing, and re-filling the preparation tanks for speaking gigs, book sales and signings, and development of new story lines.

Sooo… Please check out the various pages here. Some will surprise you. Some will be incomplete. We always welcome suggestions and fill-ins we may have forgotten. Especially check out my new book, Ellie A Pioneer Girl’s Journey West 1845.