Christmas 2006
Make yourself somewhat cozy;
grab a pillow, and maybe some tea,
Then put on your smile,
and traverse a while,
down to memory lane with me.
Be certain, with details forth-coming,
we’ve enjoyed a “truly blest” year!
I’ll voice no denials
that some days bring trials,
but mostly, what’s good I’ll type here!
My annual update, which follows,
is honest, precise and sincere;
A poem? Again?
I must be insane:
a tradition now, it would appear!
We’ve kept ourselves busy, of course
with our usual obligations;
Thus, let me begin:
I will fill you all in,
but watch out for pontifications!
First, I’ll update on our children;
Clara, the youngest of four,
Has entered “Year 2″
at Laurier U.
With a passion that’s hard to ignore.
The program is Music, what else?
With a leaning toward “Composition”
For love of a song
she’ll work all night long,
a sign of a true musician.
Sharing a house with 4 girls,
she’s learning of budgets and bills!
Though cash flow is tight
She’s doing all right!
Quite content, despite fewer frills!
Involved with the choir, and more;
with recitals and concerts to play!
Some things Clara does
she does, just because
she lives to the fullest, each day!
Last March, our Clara turned 20:
now reality starts to unfold!
She’s out of her teens
which probably means
her dad could be labelled as old!
Perhaps you require more details,
but some facts too hard to recall;
Which just makes it worse
since I’d waste a whole verse
saying little, or nothing at all!
Angela, next to report on,
you’ll recall was a student full time;
Then the previous years’
“thorn” reappears. . .
the Tuition continues to climb!
Her year at Concordia’s finished;
she’s living in Toronto now:
And at “Humber College”
she’ll gain all the knowledge
her body and mind will allow!
She’s in “Contemporary Music”;
with the main focus on “Jazz”!
She’ll let out a laugh
as she bonds with the staff,
and one or two favourites, she has!
She acquired work in the summer,
at the “Thousand Islands Park”
She worked in admin.
signing visitors in,
but very few stayed after dark.
Angela stayed with some friends,
but commuting was quite a concern!
Each day, on her bike,
that “16 K” hike,
and each night, “16 K” she’d return!
Yes. There is a boy that she’s fond of
and I “could” describe him in rhyme:
Yet, I think I’ll choose
to forgo that news;
perhaps she will tell you sometime!
Katherine’s next in our saga,
She now has a “Bachelor’s Degree”
with her double major,
I’m willing to wager
that she’s become smarter than me!
Her majors, were French & English,
and came with honours, you know!
I’ll say it aloud:
we’re all very proud;
and now there’s just one year to go!
She’s training to become a teacher;
the day is drawing quite near;
We’ll noisily have fun
this spring, when she’s done,
at the onset of her new career!
Her placement school is in Kingston,
but she’s rooming in Napanee!
Because it’s so far
she picked up a car;
a “Sunfire”, bright red and shiny!
Cars are not one of her fortés,
but wait, before anyone panics,
She can depend
on James, her boyfriend,
as he’s rather good with mechanics!
As for her final semester,
she’s been checking various maps.
Placement rules
allow foreign schools;
such as Guatemala, perhaps!
Speaking of teaching professions,
I now bring you news of our son.
Six years, none the less
he’s had great success,
and now his schooling’s all done!
A diploma in “Education”,
to add to his “Music” degree;
Now it gets tough . . .
For there’s not enough
job openings, from what we see!
He applied to a number of districts
and then had a few interviews.
An “Occasional” spot . . .
he applied for – and got;
an offer too good to refuse!
A music department position,
for a school in Richmond Hill.
Plus, taking command
of the choir and band,
were pretty big shoes to fill.
But rising to the occasion,
“Mr Hilts”, to whom I refer;
has gained a rapport
that’s tough to ignore,
and most of the kids call him “sir”!
I’ll jump back to summer, to mention
his summer vacation plan!
Newfoundland touring:
the thought was alluring;
to get there he borrowed our van!
They took lots of photos while touring;
our van made the round trip: hurray!
But we had to face it,
‘twas time to replace it;
the motor had “280 K”.
While keeping an eye on the car ads,
a spot check? Alas, we were caught!
And then, for the sake
of a weak parking brake,
the plates were removed on the spot!
Forced now to shop in a hurry,
yet we found a van that we like.
And we still lack snow. . .
which means I can go . . .
off riding to work – on my bike!
Barb’s mother is holding up well;
her health and her spirits are groovy.
She goes out a bit,
but often will sit . . .
with her books, or sometimes a movie.
Gladys has made a few friends
through “Activity Haven”routines;
She’s used to the fuss
of the “handi-van” bus!
(We love her to smithereens!)
Barb’s teaching continues to blossom:
her students are all great achievers!
They’ve come a long way . . .
since their MYC day . . .
with the “hops” & the “busy beavers”!
Barb’s had a dream for a while;
her playing, she felt, has improved!
Saying “Ready, I am . . .
To take an exam”!
She signed up. . . and I approved!
Among all the lessons and planning,
plus Symphony concerts to boot,
she played it with class. . .
and yes, she did pass
her “Associate Level” on Flute!
Barb’s sister Mary was 60 this year,
so in August, with air miles to use;
we, to Edmonton flew. . .
since vacations were due
and the invite, too good to refuse!
The ‘Singers’ are planning a July trip
to“Winchester Cathedral”, to sing;
When considering facts. . .
I might want to relax. . .
so a trip could just be the thing!
Speaking of birthdays, I had one too;
I’m one-half century old.
Barb threw a fling
and I felt like a king
as the party began to unfold!
Such is a blessing; all of our friends;
I hope you all know who you are!
Without friends, I think
daily living would stink;
so if you need a friend – here we are!
My words have expressed, I believe,
the joy that we live, day and night!
Here’s our prayer, that you. . .
will know such joy too. . .
I conclude! It has been my delight!
rwhilts 