The efforts paid off as Francis was found near the old Earl Mosher place which is about 4 miles away from his home at about 11:15 pm that evening, just as the mercury dipped to 15 degrees. His body temperature was 97 degrees. He was taken to hospital, and is said to be improving. It has been reported, but not confirmed that Francis is in a stage of Alzheimer's Disease, and may have gotten lost or disoriented. All of us at the Holabird Advocate rejoice at this Christmas miracle, and send out best wishes to Francis and his family and friends at this time.

He didn't get everything he asked for, but as Holabird Advocate Publisher, Jerry Hinkle observed, "There's a Christmas every year!" His biggest disappointment was not being able to find the DVD box set of "Sanford and Son" for his father. Doug Hinkle and Noel Pothast did not brings gifts for each of their family members, but did bring a basket of goodies to share.

Among the more memorable Christmas gifts were a "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" book from Andy Lennick (you can tell he reads the Holabird Advocate) and A Johnny Cash CD from Darrel Hinkle. Darrel must have got it on eBay, because Kristi Hinkle, Not believing a minister would listen to anything like that kept telling him he could but it up for sale on that sight. Jerry is keeping it regardless. Darrel knows his brother pretty well. Brittany Hinkle gave her uncle a picture of a Christmas tree. She didn't sign it, but it is still lovely.

Agnes Hahn's house was a veritable revolving door of children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Getting the prize for the farthest distance travelled would have to go to Elizabeth, Dylan and Josh Peterson from Woodbury, CT. They were without Tim, but hoping to have him along in July next year. One sad bit of news was that Elizabeth's other Grandma died last Christmas. On the bright side, her mother Donna Rose Durrett, however, is alive and doing well preaching at an old country church in Nebraska. A gal her age could do a lot worse.

Reverend Jerry Hinkle of the Holabird Church of Universal Life, has been eyeing Noel's bottle of Sparkling Cold Duck. He is hoping to use it for a special communion service that he wishes to throw together at the Ponderosa on New Years Eve. All who are able are invited to attend. Red Green will be on Public TV that night as well, so that should be fun. Start the New Year by getting right with Jesus. If you are able to participate or wish to donate homemade bread or anything else, let Rev. Hinkle know at hinklejerry@yahoo.com or Gmail the Holabird Advocate at publisher@gmail.com and we will pass it on. Walk-ins are welcome as well.

Strange things are afoot at the Goehring web site on Myfamily.com. Sightings of a Colleen Hinkle have been reported. Not much is known about this person. Only that she has the same birthday as Kevin Hansen. Jerry Hinkle said in a statement this afternoon, "Looks like I have a sister or niece that nobody's told me about."