Before Christmas, I was able to watch the New England Patriots with Tom Brady as quarterback playing the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati. I shared that I thought it may be the last time we see Tom Brady in person in a Patriots uniform and as events unfolded, we were correct. I thought he would retire.

With Mark and his friends

View from the seats–no luxury box for me!

Pre-game warm-up

At the game

My son joined me for a “fun run” in Northern Kentucky put on by the Arthritis Foundation. The Jingle Bell 5k Run was fun and a challenge (for me). My son ran with me the whole time giving me moral support and slowing down his pace for mine. One of the pictures he took while running backwards.

In the warm convention center prior to the run

Getting ready to run outside

Crowd prior to the run

Ready to Jingle!

Live on the run

After a Christmas Eve church service we had a lovely Christmas day dinner in downtown Cincinnati, complete with a walk around town with wonderful December weather.

At the Christmas Eve Service

Getting the Christmas cookies ready

Perfect weather on Christmas Day!

On Boxing Day I flew to California to enjoy the continued nice weather and live out my desire to spend time with family and friends. Our youngest lives in San Jose and we had a great visit. Besides spending time together, watching the MSU Spartans win a bowl game on TV and seeing the latest Star Wars movie, just spending time together was the highlight. We also had a day in San Francisco where we toured Golden Gate Park, visiting the California Academy of Sciences and enjoying the wonderful late December day. We ended up at Ghiradelli Square for some ice cream and good memories.

Final score of the Pinstripe bowl!

Got to have a beverage to watch the game.

Golden Gate Park. Glen and Jette

Golden Gate Park

Glen at Golden Gate windmill

Underwater view of the CA Academy of Science

View of the Golden Gate Bridge from WWII defensive placements

Golden Gate overlook

Golden Gate overlook

Cable cars in San Francisco

Ghirardelli Square on a perfect day in December

Lessons learned:

Just being together is enough. Listening and respect is also good. I love all our kids!

Other activity:

I did get in my running preparation while visiting prior to joining the running club for the Flying Pig half marathon I plan to run virtually in May of 2020. No bike riding on this adventure.