One of the events Dave and I enjoy this season is watching the Saints basketball team. They’re truly a group of young men playing for the good of the team, their school, and their fans, which are many. Good luck on all future games. Win or lose, the way you play the game says it all. Of course, your coach, with the booming voice, has to be a great inspiration.

Dave and I talked to Todd Backus last weekend. Todd and his wife, Connie, live in Houston, Texas. Some time ago Todd was ill with a brain tumor, which was surgically removed; treatment for cancer ensued, and Todd responded very well and has enjoyed good health since then. Not too long ago, the symptoms returned, and thanks to good surgeons and timely treatment, Todd is again on the road to recovery. He will take chemotherapy every other week. The prognosis is good. Todd’s optimistic attitude and Connie’s support and prayers all play into the treatment.

Last week Bill Movalson called on us, armed with peanut brittle and chocolates. At some point, this has to stop, but not yet. After the holidays.

Dave and I hosted our second annual Joy Sunday brunch at our home Sunday after services at Trinity Lutheran Church. About 20 parishioners gathered to enjoy Swedish fruit soup, kringle bread, breakfast casseroles, and other goodies.

Joe and Sharon Chalmers returned home after a week in Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and Charleston, South Carolina. The week started out a bit cold, but it did get quite nice and they played rounds of golf. Charleston is full of southern charm, reports Sharon, and the food is very good, too.

Jim Dyer attended the American Legion meeting in Engadine Monday evening.

Bob Flora and the crew are putting the finishing touches on the greenhouse on the south side of his home overlooking Lake Michigan.

Dot Glashaw joined Pat and Dave Ramsay and MariAn and Ray Huhn at the home of Phyllis and Ed Massey for their annual stone soup supper Sunday evening.

Thora Shepard entertained the Secret Pals at her home Thursday evening. Eight pals gathered for a full-course potluck dinner with champagne. Thora had a game planned, which was different and a lot of fun.

Pat Lebutzki has moved back to Midland. It was an opportune time, as her family was here to help with the move.

No snow to go snowmobiling, so Russ and Susie Nesberg got the fourwheelers back out and cruised the back trails last weekend. Not a whole lot going on as far as business is concerned.

Jim and Jerri Rose announce the birth of their first great-grandson, Brayden James Rose, Sunday, December 17.

Randy and Helen Haas journeyed to Green Bay, Wisconsin, for the football game between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers Sunday, December 17. They’re tried and true Lions fans, so were disappointed the Lions lost. They stay with friends who are also Lions fans, even though they live in Green Bay. They have to be commended for sticking with the underdog.

I took a quick trip Saturday to the Gypsy Rose Farm and Brenda Spencer’s shop.

Joan Spencer has been found to be cancer free. That has to be a good feeling. She still deals with the problems with her legs, but is getting around. She and Mark are looking forward to family members coming home for the holidays.

Dennie White has returned home from Fort Wayne, Indiana, after renovating his daughter’s basement.

Linda Gibb will be traveling to Toledo, Ohio, for an early Christmas with family members.

Thursday visits at the Kewadin Casino always afford Dave and I a chance to catch up with seeing old friends and acquaintances. I can’t begin to name everyone we see, but it’s a lot of people. I have to mention last week we visited with a special lady we haven’t seen in a long time, Irene Fenlon. She was with her daughter, Jane Hampton, and another daughter.

It’s coming down to the wire and we’re not done shopping, but I don’t feel alone in this predicament. Thora Shepard said she will be starting her 2007 Christmas shopping in January. Go, Thora.