HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALKER BAYER LOSHBOUGH… Our third great-grandson turned 4 years old on December 26, his party was Saturday. Anne and I joined in on the party enjoying pizza from Amy’s Kitchen, “The Walker” named after the celebrated great-grandson. So much laughter with the kids and the face painter and balloon artist, Anne even got a Viking balloon hat. CONGRATULATIONS… Miss Watervliet 2026 Emma Birkhead and her court of honor, 1st Runner-up Kassandra Riggs and 2nd Runner-up/Miss Congeniality...

CHRISTMAS COLUMN TRADITION CONTINUED… This is the 50th year I have published my Christmas column as being a part of the Bayer Christmas tradition. Every year I seriously consider not printing it. When I express doubt as to running it again, I get responses from folks asking that I keep the tradition going. From family members and friends alike, all expressed that their own holiday memories were stimulated by my story.

BAYER FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY… last weekend in Sand Lake, Michigan was a great afternoon. We had 17 this year representing the Karl Bayer clan at the party, including Gill and Sergi and Polly from St. Louis. There was one group photo with about 65 people in attendance, I will always miss the ones that have passed on and the family members that just couldn’t come.