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!

Papaya, anyone? A great Florida treat that we obviously can't grow up north. Jack and Anne planted the papaya last year, it struggled through the winter . . now look at it! They can't wait until the fruit ripens. Rose Anne and I also enjoyed a taste of fresh OJ from Langs! Orange crop looks plentiful this year!

It was 84, sunny, and pleasant . . . . during our recent visit with Anne and Jack in Winter Haven Florida. We had a great time Tuesday thru Thursday playing golf, seeing friends, and enjoying food and family. The AirTran flight to the great Florida weather was only half full, but the flight home to 42 degree temp, clouds, and drizzle in Columbus was packed. That doesn't make a lot of sense, does it?