1998



			                   From 
                      		        Mari-lyn and Cliff

'98 started, for me, with a bad case of flu.
Cliff's a good nurse and didn't get the flu (whew!).
In February, to Cinci where theyıd had a Big Snow
To see little Cliff as one of the stars of a show.
Then to Indy for a reunion of 5 ³kids² named Cline
With spouses attending; we had a time fine.
March--Lawsons visited as did Gedeon kids three
Which kept Grampa n Grama busy as could be!
In April, Andy came from Benin for a job interview.
The week he was in Bowling Green just flew!
Back to Cinci in May for another performance
To see Kim & friends emote, sing and dance.
To Toronto for math meetings we drove in July.
Where we went in the summer, temperatures were high!
Then to Indiana to a lodge near French Lick
For a reunion of Clines--good location to pick.
Of our total number, Longs were nearly half
Lotsa eating, card playing, and many a laugh.
From there to a Presby Women synod  event in BG
Where friends and special events I did see.
Then Cliff and I flew to the City by the Bay
And from there, to Bogarts in Sacramento to stay. 
Royal treatment we received at their hands;
They did everything but hire brass bands!
To a math/art conference at Berkeley we went
Where Cliff displayed sculptures; a special event.
To Chautauqua, New York for our next expedition.
Soaking up culture & info our mission.
Our African trio in August returned
With many things taught and many things learned.
Items stored in Thad & Debbieıs basement were removed
As the job and move to Ann Arbor were approved!
To the Long reunion we 5 went soon after,
Canadian relatives to chat with, much laughter.
In September of sister Dianeıs anemia we learned;
Low hemoglobin & weakness have kept us concerned!
In October to Oxford (Miami) we wended our way 
Where Cliff showed his models; then on to Cinci to stay.
At the Stratford festival we were joined by Louise & Fred
To see plays enacted, previously read.
An Eastern Europe trip was a November treat;
Interesting scenery, nice people to meet.
Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest, Vienna, Prague were cities seen
And we bussed through the countryside in between.
The castles & cathedrals were sights to behold;
No wonder that part of the worldıs called old.
Now free from Communist rule, those nations.
We hope thatıs always cause for celebrations.
Thanksgiving has more meaning each year
As we join to celebrate with family dear.
Next day after leaving BG, brother Sam had a heart attack;
Angioplasty, a stent...and a fast comeback!
That was cause for more thanks giving
Some minor adjusments heıll make to his style of living.
Now Christmastime is fast approaching...
And Markıs basketball season (4th year of head coaching).
Our number will increase early next year
With the arrival of Debbie and Thadıs little dear.
Cliff keeps busy with projects galore..
Were he totally healthy, heıd even do more!
Weıre thankful for doctors and chemo and pills;
For such helpful service, you donıt mind the bills!
Enjoy the festivities of this advent season--
The gift of baby Jesus, the wonderful reason.

An update on the family:

  Steve and Kim,  Cliff(12) and Sammy(10) live in Cincinnatti, OH
  Andy and Anna, and Tchapo(12.9) live in Ann Arbor, MI
  Thad and Debbie, Connor(1.7) and ? (-.2) live in Bowling Green, OH
  Mindy and Mark, Alexis(5), Jack(3) and Eric(1.3) live in Fremont, OH