CHRISTMAS 2009
Hello there! Here’s what’s new,
it’s our annual review
to all, be you family or friend!
I shall now endeavor
on my shortest update ever!
“We’re fine! Happy holidays! The end!”
P.S. . . there’s more to add
on the year that we’ve just had . . .
and ending here might seem a little rude!
So, for those with the need
of a slightly longer read,
this post-script I’ve decided to include!
Another year has past
and man, it went by fast,
but don’t think I’m complaining, ‘cause I’m not!
Every day and every minute,
had potential blessings in it
and my hair is getting greyer, but so what?
Some challenges intrigued us
and often they fatigued us,
but still, there is nothing we regret!
Multi-vitamins will do
with a supplement or two;
we’re not ready to be put to pasture yet!
Find in the lines below,
how the past 12 months did go:
happy times, or moments more severe!
So, with humble, sincere tone,
using rhyming words alone,
I shall fill the page and then, have a beer!
Thus, do I now begin
so prepare to wear a grin
and try to pay attention to this poet!
Barb’s mom still lives with us,
and at 89 years ‘plus’,
health is a concern; we all know it!
Yet, gladly, we recall
she’s been hardly sick at all;
some aches & pains, plus a cold or two!
Her system’s rather stable
meaning Gladys has been able
to avoid that dreadful H1N1 Flu!
We’ve started to rely
on the help we have nearby;
so far, twice this year, with respite care!
Gladys packs her stuff;
(Barb ensures she’s packed enough)
for she will be spending two weeks there!
Somehow, when she’s away,
where we know she’ll be okay,
the pressure’s off! We find ways to relax;
like a “bed and breakfast” date,
playing music when it’s late,
or merely to sleep in! These are the facts!
In July we had a call
and they said she’d had a fall . . .
while going to the bathroom, in the night;
the call was just to say
that Gladys was okay;
a bruise or two but she would be all right!
This fall, she went again
and they called! She was in pain,
a swollen ankle, and her foot was bruised!
Off to x-ray, we were sent
where 6 hours time was spent!
But nothing’s wrong! Hence, we were confused!
When Gladys does return,
I’ve observed and I have learned . . .
how we are family; there’s no denial!
As Barb leans across her bed
to lightly kiss her head,
I see these two are friends; it’s in the smile!
As for hobbies, well it looks
as though Gladys still likes books . . .
plus, weekly to the senior’s club she goes!
She’ll win at quite a few
of the games they play, it’s true!
We are told she is an ‘ace’ at dominoes!
I feel I’m in the groove now,
so on to Barb I move now . . .
she has a brand new title: ‘Grandma B.’
Her joy could not be greater!
I’ll talk more about that later,
but first, her day to day activity!
I say this quite sincerely
but with 40 students, nearly,
She often works for hours without pause!
Planning extra stuff to boot . . .
Like a ‘Master class for Flute’,
to chase away those February blahs!
Her guest was “Sergio”
and for those who do not know,
he is of international acclaim!
Not only hot on flute. . .
seems the girls found him cute . . .
Google him; perhaps you’ll feel the same!
When spring was in the air,
there was music everywhere;
Kiwanis Festival, to name just one!
Tons of preparation
and despite some trepidation,
the end results were fabulous and fun!
With her weekly student load
passing through the Hilts abode,
sometimes I will chat with these nice folks!
Time to time, a little crazy
with the students chasing Daisy
or the parents making “What’s for dinner?” jokes!
Barb wishes to relate
student progress has been great!
Several big awards, have been earned!
Some bursaries, which come
with a monetary sum!
It testifies to how much they have learned!
On her flute, Barb did play
with the Symphony ‘till May. . .
20 years, chalked up with that crew!
Perhaps hard to believe
but this year she is on leave. . .
she had decided, that a change was due!
Barb sings with me, instead;
music is our common thread;
with Peterborough Singers, we sing out!
Our night life gets a boost;
and with stress somewhat reduced
we have fun, and that’s what it’s all about!
The peek of this year’s joy
was the birth of one sweet boy;
Émile! A son for Jocelyne and James!
To say we were elated
leaves it somewhat understated!
The “cutest kid on earth”. . . so Barb claims!
His birth was back in May!
The procedures went okay,
with brand new parents trying to stay calm!
Birthing pain. . . soon forgotten
as they wrapped him up in cotton
and placed him gently in the arms of mom!
Now Jocelyne portrays
in the most important ways,
everything a new mom hopes to be;
the way she cradles him. . .
it goes far beyond “je t’aime”
with a bond that is forever! Yes-sir-ee!
When a husband and a wife
welcome children, each new life,
changes things, but this change, for the better!
I suppose, in future, they . . .
may wish to rhyme away
in their very own family newsletter?
James likes his occupation
teaching music and notation;
the students learn to sing & play with style.
Though enrollment is declining
and some courses need combining,
his job is still secure for a while!
Speaking of employment,
we convey, with great enjoyment,
that Katherine is back from South Korea!
Eighteen months . . . long enough,
so she packed up her stuff!
She’d find some work back home! A fine idea!
Then two months of commuting
‘till she found a job – recruiting;
screening teachers who apply to teach abroad!
She’s happy with the pay
and has found a place to stay!
It’s her perseverance we applaud!
In Toronto she will thrive
even with no car to drive;
a short walk, from work to the apartment!
Something new – her life has in it
by the name of Ryan Bennett!
A young man from the “Kiwi” Department!
This New Zealand dude
has led us to conclude
that their relationship is serious!
So, with his place of birth
being half-way ‘round the earth;
we really hope they settle here, near us!
We really have no doubt
that they know what life’s about;
His working Visa lets him earn some cash!
He likes cheese, this young fella;
and it looked like mozzarella,
we recently saw stuck in his moustache!
Of Angie I now tell!
In Toronto there, as well,
Completing her final year, at Humber!
All those months, weeks & days
learning music business ways
and how to put pizzazz in every number!
Last April, in recital . . .
a decent mark was vital,
so she, put on a show like no other!
Angie sang her best!
We sang too, at her request;
Clara, mom & dad &James her brother!
The happy smiles meant
she was pleased with how it went;
her teachers gave a nod & all was well!
Many friends were on hand
in support of Angie’s band;
her ‘Rucksack Willies’ cast a magic spell!
This musical montage
seems to have a common cause:
Promoting living . . . in simplistic ways!
With bluegrass as there style
they are planning to compile
an album, full of songs that will amaze!
Her assignments; sometimes hard!
She has had to stay on guard,
as the long days and nights take their toll!
In just a few months time,
pumped up and in her prime
She’ll shout “I’m done! Time to rock and roll”
As for an occupation
she holds anticipation
she’ll find it in the entertainment field!
The music will explode
when her band hits the road,
with hopes of some monetary yield!
Speaking of big dreams,
Clara, now, it seems,
also has a vision to explore!
I don’t know where to start
without skipping any part;
she’s doing things she’s never done before!
She finished school, of course
last spring . . . with no remorse!
Her education will produce some income!
Four years, getting through
Laurier, in Waterloo,
has given her what’s needed – and then some!
Job searching, she inquired,
and was soon thereafter hired;
at a music camp she’d run the show!
The job, though rather short,
paid well, by her report!
Next job: overseas! She had to go!
On her own, it’s true!
To Ireland she flew,
destined for Clare Island, on the west!
This all may sound alarming
but Clara would be farming;
an all-organic farm’s working ‘guest’.
She learned new things for sure
mixing sea weed with manure;
No computer, just some ducks and mules!
She’d work in wind and rain,
but relax, she’s not insane . . .
For now (says Clara), “life has no set rules!”
This experience was fun
and when harvesting was done,
She had more adventures in her plan;
not really in a hurry . . .
she’d spend some time near Surrey;
with Uncle Malcolm; such a sweet old man!
Then Amsterdam was next . . .
with Aunt Kate she intersects;
the visit short, with France next in line!
At times her sleeping spot
would be bunk beds or a cot . . .
The bottom line though: everything went fine!
I’m running out of space
and I’d rather not erase:
I’ll finish with some words regarding me!
Barb thinks it is exciting
how, new songs, I’ve been writing;
each day itself, stirs creativity!
You may say “it never fails…
Lots of words – few details’?…
Possibly you’re asking ‘Where’s the rest?
Try our website just for fun;
there’s a link back on page one!
Merry Christmas! We wish you ALL THE BEST!
rwhilts 