CHRISTMAS FROM PETERBOROUGH – 2001
The year’s nearly through; soon another begins;
and once again thoughts turn to family and friends,
To make readers happy I’ll try to find time
to stick to my pattern (and challenge) of “rhyme”.
There may, on occasion be rhymes that don’t work
so I’ll use a non-sensical word, i.e. splurk!!!
I will try to be brief yet precise in conveying
what’s happenin’ here and what people are saying.
But the task that’s ahead is to tell you our news,
without boring you into a ten-minute snooze!
Some things are funny, yet none-the-less true,
here’s hoping you’re smiling by time you are through!
WINTER
Since this time last year, so much has occurred,
still I don’t want to say what you’ve already heard.
We had a great Christmas; our New Year’s was swell,
and we had some nice visits with family as well.
At York the strike ended; the workers went back,
And James’ resumed studies, about 12 weeks off track.
The three girls, once more, as the “Hilts Trio” sang,
A “First Night” performance, downtown, where kids “hang”.
For Clara we’re renting a huge double bass,
It gives lots of sound; (& takes up lots of space)!
With Kat on French Horn , and Angie’s guitar
Music surrounds us, where-ever we are!
Rick, I confess, remains “slightly” ambitious
But helps with the chores, i.e. laundry and dishes.
The Symphony played from the “Nutcracker suite”,
When the music was done the crowd rose to their feet!
The “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” Barb played,
“Such marvelous flutes”, the Arts Critic conveyed.
SPRING
As school work continues in 2nd semester,
The cops call on Angie, but not to arrest her.
It was in regard to their “Bear Hug Band”
She’d passed her audition, they told her first hand.
Someone once said “have fun while you learn”,
With this “co-op” placement, 4 credits she’ll earn.
Kat had a “co-op”, too, where the main thrust,
Was helping new emigrants learn to adjust.
Known as the “New Canadian Center”
Katherine tutored, or went where they sent her.
The spring break for James, was only 2 days,
Because of that strike, and resulting delays.
The highlight was Easter, when all the Simms crew
Gathered at Bob’s for a laugh or two;
With all seven sibs, plus the mom and the dad;
In those brief few hours, such pleasures were had.
As in the way Howard got Gladys up dancing
Or the girls, ‘round the kitchen, in undie-pants prancing.
Clara played scales on piano each day,
To prepare for the playing exam, late in May.
She passed Grade VIII level, we all knew she could;
Barb then bought ice cream, as any mom would.
Rick was relieved when at last it stopped snowing,
But the pool work was calling and grass needed mowing.
SUMMER
Just prior to summer, Barb gave her consent
To what I could label a “major event”.
Since the pain in her hip could not be erased,
The joint, (with “titanium parts”), was replaced.
The surgeon did fine; the recovery went well;
How long ‘till it wears out again? Who can tell.
About two weeks later came news, rather sad,
In regard to the passing of Howard, her dad!
His health was declining, throughout the year
After cancer was found on the tip of one ear.
Following surgery, to our distress,
The treatment he went through had little success.
The first of July, it was Canada Day,
When Howard’s light dimmed, then, he passed away.
We gathered together, his children, his wife,
With tributes to Howard’s remarkable life.
Gladys has taken up residence here,
And remains in good spirits with fam’ly so near.
The rest of our summer went past in a wink,
but we managed a little relaxing, I think,
Arranging a trial for Barbie’s new hip,
We worked out a long-weekend camping trip.
Kat stayed at home due to Nana’s adjusting,
And tended to Daisy, did cooking, did dusting.
AUTUMN
With school’s return, what we witnessed was this:
an odd little dance between chaos and bliss!
Routines remembered, the homework, the bus,
the lunches, the showers, the “how’s my hair” fuss.
James has gone back to year two of his studies
after eight weeks of work with his Camp Borden buddies.
Clara got wrapped up in special fund-raising
for cancer research; the results were amazing.
“Eighty-One Thousand”; her school raised the most
of all “Terry Fox Runs”, of all schools coast to coast.
[Clara read this and said “Dad, it’s no use…
There’s too little news and too much Dr. Suess!]
Angela went on a tour with the band
to Germany, Belgium and parts of Holland.
Gone for two weeks, she enjoyed every minute,
exploring each town for the hottest guys in it!
Despite speculations of terror and fear,
they sang a few festivals; had a few beer!
It’s her OAC year, and Kat’s doing swell,
she really likes music, it’s not hard to tell.
In Jazz band, she makes the “Double Horn” shine!
(No, not with polish I just mean she plays fine).
With Barbie back teaching piano and flute
her spare time is rare time, without dispute!
SUMMARY
Without exception, without any doubt,
All families, sometimes have things to work out
We’ ve had our fair share of struggles to face,
And some pain could take a long time to erase.
With Howard gone, Gladys needs family near,
We’re very glad that we have space for her here.
Concerned for her care, and a comfortable living
All of the siblings, so kind and so giving,
Have helped out so much, as in furniture lifting;
selling the house, all that sorting and sifting.
The future’s unknown, what’s next we can’t tell,
But deep down we know that all will be well.
To the new hip, Mrs. “B” is adjusting,
And doc says’ there is no chance of it “rusting”!
She had some concerns regarding her scar,
but that too, is doing okay, so far.
In fact, by a specialist she has been told,
Her scar would make “Scar Centerfold”!
As I wrap up, I’d like no confusion,
Each day’s a gift, that is our conclusion.
We are reminded: another year ends;
We are reminded of blessings and friends,
We celebrate Christ and His birth we recall,
As we say “Merry Christmas, to friends one and all”!
rwhilts 