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There were over 20 families take advantage of "Photos with Santa" Sunday at the Dodgeville Senior Center, That resulted in some 65 photos to be printed and given to those families. There were a few youngsters that weren't too cooperative, but to the most part they all loved to sit on Santa's lap and give him their Christmas wishes. They also loved the flavored candy cane they got as a gift from Santa for being a good little boy or girl! One little girl (to both of our amazements) only asked for a book - and she didn't ask for a "Nook"! The people at the Senior Center were tremendous with the youngsters and their families. They went through a lot of punch, coffee and cookies and had a great time visiting with everyone. They really kept busy taking in the dollars for each photo, keeping track of who was there and how many photos they wanted and refilling the goodies. After it was all over, they posed with the jolly ol' fella for a photo that can be seen above and at the Senior Center! 
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My favorite story from Sunday's photos with Santa (and there could be several) is that of a family from Iowa who had driven ot Johnson Creek for a big sale at the outlet mall. They stopped in Mineral Point and bought some things, including a stocking hat for their young son. On their way back from Johnson Creek they stopped at Kozelka and Wall in Dodgeville as they knew Bill Wall. They parked in front of the Senior Center and spotted Santa inside, so they brought their young son in to see him. He was all smiles and loved visiting with Santa! They asked where they could get the photos and I told them the Dodgeville Chronicle office on Thursday or after. I then said do you live around here and they said no, we're from Iowa. The wife said she thought she'd be back in the area on Thursday and then the ladies from the Senior Center and I said almost at the same time - that's when we're supposed to get that big snow storm! Anyway, I got their address and will send them the photos. They even ordered more photos than they at first said they'd want and they left a tip! Oh, and from the Senior Center they stopped at Linens & Accents (my late buddy's wife's place) and spent some more money!
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Wow - what a catastrophe out there in Connecticut. I can't imaging anyone going into an elementary school and doing what that guy did, killing 26 people, 20 of which were children. I'm sure on Sunday that every church had parishioners say a prayer or two for the people who were killed and their families and friends. Flags all over were at half mast and I know the National Football League (NFL) had a moment of silence for everyone. I'm sure every sporting event that went on did the same.
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We had rain pretty much all day on Saturday and that took care of most of the snow we had on the ground. That snow and rain all soaked into the ground and was much needed. We're supposed to get our next measurable round of the white stuff on Thursday - the day the papers come out. That should mean a white Christmas for us. It seems more like Christmas when there is snow on the ground.
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This is our last newspaper(s) issue before Christmas and that also means just one more after this one during 2012. Remember last week on Wednesday when the date read 12-12-12? Well, that's the last time in our lifetime (probably) that the three numbers on dates will match. There's no 13-13-13!
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To everyone, a Very Merry Christmas from myself and the staff at the Dodgeville Chronicle! And that even means the "Crubaugh" family (I get soft this time of year!)