Merry Christmas! Tucker says . . . . "Do you have to go?"

"Christmas Day in Saginaw" . . . Jim+Anne, Ted+Rose Anne joined Wes, Jennifer, and Tucker at their home to celebrate Christmas and Dr. Jennifer's graduation! Jennifer mentioned "this was the first family meal served on our new dining room table!" Everyone had a great time, but Tucker hated to see his visitors leave. Travel conditions were good, however, slick roads in Fenton, MI and bumper to bumper traffic on I-75 at Findley OH made the trip home slower than usual!

"Greatest bagel in the world" . . . Rosie & I stopped at the Bagel Fair in Nora while in Indy Saturday to stock up on our favorite bagels. Nothing compares to a Bagel Fair bagel . . and it's extra special when you get to see a smiling, Hinkle face working there. We had an opportunity to visit with Justen, a grandson of my half brother, Jack Hinkle. Thank you Justen, for the service and a great deal on our favorite bagels! "There is no bagel-based little pleasure as heavenly as Bagel Fair" . . . quote from a customer.

"I don't care if it is almost Christmas, leave me alone!" While we were in Indy, neighbor, Don Olenick and his daughter, Hannah attempted to get Maddie to go outside. Maddie growled at Don, showing her "pleasant disposition". Hannah finally enticed Maddie by dropping "treats" on each stair all the way to the front door!

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Merry Christmas . . . Pictures of Louie, Aiden, Ella; Grandpa, Aiden & Ella checking out the presents; and a picture of the Hinkle clan!

Hinkle family Christmas . . . Mindy & Chris hosted the Hinkle family Christmas gathering last Saturday at their home in Broad Ripple. It was good to see everyone and it's interesting that Grandpa continues to "look up" to more of them each year as he is quickly becoming the "shorty" in the family! Good thing the pictures were taken seated! Merry Christmas . . . Chris + Mindy Muska & Aiden; Louie + Shelly, Bryce & Shelby; Mike + Amber, Ryan, Josh, and Ella. We missed not having Cecilia, Brianna, and Brandon with us. Rosie and I wish each and everyone of them a Blessed Christmas.

(One picture is Josh & Ryan . . . a store clerk thought they were twins! Picture of Ella & Aiden, he has his Butler autographed b-ball, a third pix is of Mike & Mindy))

"Let it snow, let it snow . . . . . Sunday afternoon, looking out the window . . . it appears we are picking up where we left off last February . . still snowing with more than 2 inches of new snow accumulated, more on the way, and drifting expected. Good thing Cara & Riley travelled home Saturday before the roads got bad . . . I worry about Rosie driving to PA, Monday, in this white stuff! Okay, . . . time to shovel snow . . . again! . . . . let it snow!" "Oh, the weather outside is frightful . . . "

Rose Anne & I enjoyed having Cara and Riley this weekend. The anticipated snow storm shortened the visit, but Mother and daughter were able to check out the mall prior to heading home Saturday evening. Riley had a great time "winning" numerous games of Nerf basketball & Chutes & Ladders.

"A busy and eventful weekend" . . . . Jennifer successfully defended her thesis and is now proudly titled, Dr. Jennifer Dane McCullough. Cara completed her Human Resource classes and is now Cara Christie, PHR. Jack and Anne welcomed the "snowbirds" to Florida by hosting a wonderful "Block Party". John and Luana just received news that daughter Mariah is expecting. Ted & Rose Anne completed the interior and exterior decorations . . . almost . . . while Maddie stands "on point" in anticipation of turkey leftovers. Through the hurried activity of this season, let us make time to "be silent and reflect" on the true reason for preparation and anticipation during Advent . . . the Birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. "The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world." (Jn 1:9)

A wonderful announcement . . . Wes and Jennifer proudly announced they are expecting Baby McCullough in June! Nana Rose Anne is beside herself with joy. Wes and Jennifer creatively announced the event by placing the ultra sound image on the screen in their new Jeep for all to see! Mother and Father are doing well and both sets of grandparents are ecstatic! " . . . . every perfect gift is from above." James 1:17

Asher Dane Ewing's Baptism . . Heath & Kristin Ewing and family celebrated the Blessed Baptism of their son, Asher, Sunday, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tipton followed by a reception of family and friends at Grandpa Jim and Grandmother Ann's home. Asher is seen enjoying the event with a family friend's little one! God Bless Asher and his Mommy and Daddy!

Cold . . . but no snow! Rosie thought I was a little crazy to start a fire Friday evening in 26 degree temp . . . but it was enjoyable!

"Happy Thanksgiving to all" . . rain turned to cold; however still without snow. Thanksgiving Thursday began with the Pilgrim Progress 4 miler through the Polaris Mall with 572 participants enjoying the pre-Thanksgiving meal run/walk! The race began in 44 degree temp with a slight drizzle, which provided a window in the constant two day rain throughout central Ohio. Dinner for two . . . and Maddie followed amidst shared telephone conversations with family. Later that evening we enjoyed a visit with Carmen & Michalle DiGiovine and their daughters, Caitlin and Olivia. Shopping, leaf raking, putting away Thanksgiving decorations, watching football, consuming some leftovers, and enjoying a fire pit completed a busy Friday! Rose Anne & I are looking forward to putting up some Christmas decorations Saturday and preparing for a trip to Tipton Sunday for Asher Dane Ewing's Baptism.

"Let the games begin . . . . no matter what your loyalties, don your school colors and run 3.1 miles . . . with pride and perseverance!" The Westerville Game Day 5K, formerly the Buckeye Bash, kicked off the intense end of football season rivalries with a great November run through the residential area surrounding Westerville Central High School. The Columbus Running Company sponsored event benefits the Westerville Central Cross Country programs. This year's event on Saturday, November 20, attracted 433 runners who ran in 32 degree temp and a thick fog on a fast course. Numerous colleges were represented including some Iowa, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Butler alums and fans among the numerous OSU fans, students, and alumni. Jason Oswalt, a University of Akron runner, was the overall winner, finishing in 15:13.2. Rose Anne finished 7 of 16 in the "50 and over" Age Group and was the 4th oldest female runner/walker participating. There were 9 runners in the 60 and over age group. Jack O'Handley, 70, won the Age Group; finishing 147 over-all. Ted finished 7th in this Age Group as the 3rd oldest participant. This is one of our favorite races! "Run long . . . and taper!"

Are those Indiana grapefruit???? Anne has a long standing tradition of painting the large fruit of her grapefruit tree IU crimson. It certainly catches every one's attention and is a conversation piece. Jack thought we might be interested in painting a couple of the grapefruit Butler blue/white . . . . or ND Blue/Gold! Thank you to Anne & Jack . . and Miss Kitty, for the hospitality and a wonderful visit!