CHRISTMAS 2000

In January we welcomed the millenium in 
(Or is it this next year that it will begin?).
Presbyterian Women "retreated" to a Toledo metropark
Where in heavily snow covered trails we left our mark.
In March off we went to Georgia shore and sun
Where on St. Simon Island we sang and had fun.
Variety of activities abounded at the Elderhostel there
And with friends from Missouri and Ohio good times we did share.
At Stone Mountain near Atlanta we spent most of a day;
Tram/boat/train rides, plantation, museums were part of our stay.
Leaving near St. Pat's day, we north to Savannah went
Where green water upward in fountains was sent!
We walked the squares and had crab cakes,
Then on to Charleston to see more "sights" and lakes.
We visited historic sites, churches and homes,
Took a boat trip to Fort Sumter amid Atlantic foams.
Next an overnight stop at Elderbrocks in Tennessee,
Catching up with friends formerly from BG.
In April, Indiana Amishland our course we did plot
To check out, with Sam & Jo, our next reunion spot.
In May to Cincinnati (Sam & Jo too) for Kim's musical show--
Each year more professional and talents do grow.
Then we travelled on to Indiana State Park-- Clifty Falls
Where we met the Lawsons and stayed within lodge walls.
Rugged hiking was a challenge; the town of Madison was neat.
We got lots of exercise..and also lots to eat!
In May with good Rock friends, we biked on Kelley's Island to "bird".
On the ferry ride back, a downpour ensued--soaked to the absurd.
Toledo Zoo's party was fun with Andy, Anna & granchildren four
The new polar bear/sea lion site enjoyed along with birds that soar.
Our family reunion was in southern Indiana in July--
A hunting lodge our accomodations... but hunting we didn't try.
Multitudes of games were played and swimmers in the pool did get; 
A boat trip in a cave was fun; many golf balls were hit!
Then moving day 'twas for Andy Long's with helpers abounding
For the trip from Ann Arbor to NKU, cars the "moving van" surrounding.
They're settled in Ft. Thomas and hope to stay awhile;
After 7 schools, staying in one for high school would make Tchapo smile!
With activities and events our lives have been filled.
Cliff enjoys woodcarving and projects for him to build.
Cliff goes gamely on through pain and all life's various bends; 
Continuing to learn, laugh and love, enjoying family and friends.
  
	Since October, we've been on a "slippery slope".   We're trying to hold our own or go back uphill!    Cliff started having more pain so wasn't surprised to learn, when a bone marrow biopsy was done the end of the month, that the multiple myeloma had returned to the scene.   His oncologist didn't want to give more chemo & lower his already low blood counts.  Since early November he's been on thalidomide which has some side effects necessitating more medicine.   His body is probably wondering how to react to all of these drugs!    The last two weeks he's also been getting Procrit (by injection) to boost his red blood cell production.  These drugs all require a few weeks to start doing their "thing" so we're playing the waiting game.     He was having so much pain that his pain medication was doubled and that has helped the pain level immensely.   Because his blood counts are low, he doesn't have much energy and that's discouraging to him.
 	We've had and continue to have wonderful support from family and friends.    As you know, Cliff has always enjoyed people and having folks around is good for him.  At Thanksgiving, he was surrounded by 23 of us!....all of his immediate family (now numbering 18 with grandchildren ranging from almost 15 to 2 in January) plus Ellie & Jack from St. Louis, Sam and Jo from Indianapolis and Fred and Nelle from Abingdon.  At that time Cliff was having some trouble navigating but had lots of helpers!
         I seem to keep busy with church, Habitat for Humanity, wheeled meals and other charitable activities - plus coordinating family activities.
	Steve, Kim, Cliff and Sammy continue to enjoy living in Cincinnati and their involvement in church and community activities.  Steve just gave us a book of songs he's composed and had previously given us tapes of his singing/guitar playing.  Special!
  	Andy, Anna and Tchapo seem to enjoy life in Ft. Thomas.  Andy is teaching at Northern Kentucky University and all three are getting acquainted with what the area has to offer.  Tchapo was on the soccer team & now on the 9th grade basketball team.   Anna is looking around at job possibilities at nursing homes (her preference).
	We see Thad, Debbie, Connor and Rachel frequently and are glad they're in Bowling Green.   Thad keeps busy with the intramural/sports clubs activity at BGSU and Debbie keeps busy with friends and their children (and her own!) and has developed an interest in running.  They run the Long Hotel and embody hospitality.
	This is a busy time for Mindy, Mark, Alexis, Jack and Eric as basketball season is "on" in Fremont and as coach, Mark is busy with practice, games and scouting.   Mindy continues to teach 4th grade (& hopes the proficiency test for the state of Ohio is changed to be spread out over more grades than fourth!).   She's been in charge of "Pennies for Patients" at her school and this year they raised $2500 for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma patients (and research for those conditions)!   
	W'ere proud of all of our kids..can you tell??
	We hope you've had a wonderful year and that 2001 will be another one for you.  May this Christmas season remind us once again of the wonderful gift God gave us and help us keep in mind the real "reason for the season".