1999
			                    From 
                      		         Mari-lyn and Cliff

It's time for Christmas messages to be sent out once again...
With a wish for "peace on earth, good will toward men".
We hope '99 has been a good year for your loved ones and you.
It's not been the best one for us, 'tis true.
Two terrible losses the Cline clan suffered this year--
Brother Fred's wife, Louise and sister Diane, both so dear.
 In February to Illinois we went to celebrate Louise's life
With tribute to her as A Lady, mother and wife.
To be with Diane in California we went in the Spring
And were priviliged to be with her as her spirit took wing.
Steve and Andy were there too for those last precious days
And for the strength of her daughter Elyse we give praise.
A sad time for Mark and Mindy it was also then--
The death to leukemia of Mark's brother, Ben.
Such a tragedy to lose one so young and good. 
For the best of virtures he  truly stood.
On a happy note, January added to our family tree.
Rachel Elizabeth was born to Thad and Debbie!
Travels have been on our continent this year
To be with friends & family, special and dear.
In May, we met Doris & Bob Lawson in Battle Creek,
Toured Cereal City &  the wonders of Marshall did seek
Reenactments at Greenfield Village were seen and heard
With Andy's family...& a throat singing concert eardrums stirred
Rachel's behavior at her baptism was exemplary in June;
Unlike at her Daddy's (could be heard on the moon).
Productions at Ohio Light Opera in Wooster were fun;
Talented musicians they have there by the ton!
To the Long reunion in Canada we went in July.
Fun, food, games and visiting made the time fly!
A stay with Sue & Bill Rock at Lakeside was a treat,
Joined their Lutheran gathering; nicer folks you'll not meet.
In August to Illinois for a reunion of Clines
With special T shirts, activities; many people made long food lines!
Almost the entire church service we "did" on Sunday
and with Fred and family as hosts, each day was a "fun day".
In September Fred came for a short stay
Which included our  42nd anniversary day.
In Wisconsin, we joined the Lawsons in exploring County Door
With biking, hiking, viewing scenic vistas galore.
Then to Chicago where we experienced traffic bad
But at Cliff's 50th high school reunion, a good time we had.
Lawsons came in October to join us for an excursion--
To the Shakespeare Festival in Ontario to hear their version.
A stop at Jack Miner's bird sanctuary we made on the way
Where migrating birds stop for a short stay.
The plays we saw at Stratford were mostly a delight,
And at the costume warehouse "tried on"--which was "right"?
To Albuquerque we flew in November
For meetings and a visit we'll long remember.
Cliff heard lots about computer aided design
From which he carves wooden models fine!
We rented a car and went to artsy Santa Fe
And the next day, on to the Canyon de Chelly.
In northeastern Arizona you'll find that scenic spot.
Tour by vehicle, horse or foot...you'll enjoy it a lot!
The meteor shower I anticipated greatly.
A fizzle!  In 33 years, we hope it's more stately!
Thanksgiving was celebrated with family dear--
An event we look forward to every year.
Christmas preparations we're now  making;
Candymaking, card writing, decorating, baking.
We're glad that our kids & their families are relatively near
Here are some highlights of those so dear
Steve's now consulting and works out of their home
With church mission friends in summer to Guatemala did roam.
Andy's family from a 3 week trip just made their return.
He gave talks in Paris and Benin; more details we'll learn!
Thad and Debbie have kept busy with their new little daughter
And 2 year old Connor, lots of things he has taught her!
Mindy's trying to end lymphoma, leukemia & MM (*), all cruel
With a fund raising campaign, planned with others, at school.
Busy folks they  are and we're as proud as can be
 And wish all parents could so enjoy their family!
Now as we celebrate this season of our Saviour's birth,
We reiterate our wish that next year peace will come to earth!

*multiple myeloma--what Cliff has, Diane had lymphoma; Ben leukemia

An update on the family:

  Steve and Kim,  Cliff(13) and Sammy(11) live in Cincinnatti, OH
  Andy and Anna, and Tchapo(14) live in Ann Arbor, MI
  Thad and Debbie, Connor(2.8) and Rachel (.11) live in Bowling Green, OH
  Mindy and Mark, Alexis(6), Jack(4) and Eric(2) live in Fremont, OH