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!

;

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)