2012 Merry Christmas From Peterborough 2012

I have a thing or two to say.
I’ll speak it here, without delay!
Of course with rhyming, that’s a must,
And news that’s mostly new, I trust:
So here we go, I’m underway!

Twenty-twelve was quite a ride:
We rode with friends on every side!
One of you must surely know
Where the heck did that year go?
But oh, what joys it did provide!

I hope this rhyming scheme’s okay,
With A-A B-B plus an A!
A limerick style that gives you more
By stretching out lines 3 and 4,
To bring you up to speed today!

I’ll make good use of metaphor
And humor, minced with facts galore!
Such detail! Oh, but how appalling…
You must think by now I’m stalling!
In truth, my brain’s already sore!

Barb’s kept well, and does her best
With exercise and all the rest!
Even though most days are brimming
She makes time for sake of swimming.
Syncro, too! She syncs with zest!

We’ve had several ups and downs…
Barb held firm; I gained 10 pounds!
Those extra pounds fell off with ease…
I’m currently avoiding cheese!
(That’s not as easy as it sounds!)

One event, that must be shared,
Had caught us slightly unprepared.
Barb’s mom Gladys became sick:
Her decline was rather quick,
And we were all a little scared.

Kate, from overseas, flew here,
We were glad to have her near!
Struggling for a diagnosis,
It returned a bleak prognosis!
Slipping fast, that much was clear!

Sadly, Gladys did succumb!
Her passing left us somewhat numb!
Barb’s siblings came; most had to fly;
Some had the chance to say ‘good-bye’!
I will admit… I miss Barb’s mom!

Gladys left us in July
As Cardinals seemed to fill the sky!
What stirs a tear… or fuels a laugh?
The memories in each photograph;
Yes, we feel she’s still near by!

With the summer plans on cue
We did what other people do.
Found a cottage up for rent,
And thus, for 7 days, we went,
With our trailer and canoe!

We celebrated, truth be known
For Barb had reached a milestone!
Sixty years can’t slow her down…
I had to get her ‘out of town’…
A cottage week would set the tone!

We shared the space with family…
Of course we shared it happily!
Siblings journeyed once again
But travelers did not complain…
Yet (wine)-ing happened frequently☺

A cottage week was not enough!
We had planned some other stuff.
With trailer and canoe in tow,
To the teacher’s camp we’d go!
(Setting up in rain was tough).

From our trailer, near the dock,
We could ‘chill’ around the clock.
Anon, the fire ban was lifted!
Sun came out and rains had shifted,
But enough of weather talk!

You’ll recall our children’s names…
Clara, Angie, Kat and James…
They all planned to share the week!
A bit of family time we’d sneak,
At the beach or playing games.

Cabin number 2 was booked…
We relaxed, as our kids cooked!
James and Jocelyne stayed there,
Rustic, but they didn’t care.
Not a thing seemed overlooked!

Out in nature life is bliss,
With spectacles we’d hate to miss!
Loons calling; beavers flipping;
On occasion, skinny-dipping!
Forget I even mentioned this!

Moving on to other news.
Many things from which to choose!
Clara’s life has changed a lot,
She’s fell into a teaching spot.
An offer she could not refuse!

The job title, I’m pretty sure,
Is “Music Specialist.” That’s her!
Students all, grades 1 thru 8,
And the staff thinks Clara’s great!
We know her well and we concur!

It’s a private school, you see,
Named “Waldorf Academy”.
A perfect fit right from the start,
Seems Toronto’s middle part,
Is the place she needs to be!

Settled in now, she seems glad
To share her place with Erin Ladd!
A masseuse, that’s Erin’s job!
Drop on by when muscles throb…
There’s great massaging to be had!

Now, to Angie, I shall go!
Living large, there, in T.O!
At ‘M.E.C.’ remains employed…
Yes, it’s work, but still enjoyed…
Yet, that’s not her dream, you know!

Teaching voice is in her heart!
20 students now, to start!
Employed with ‘Music Studio’!
Her guy, Nick, is there also…
Teaching guitar! Such an art!

Yes! A diva in the making…
She herself, voice lessons taking;
But for now, her Rucksack band,
Is the focal point at hand:
It’s been quite an undertaking!

Angie keeps on going some how!
Likes to run when times allow!
Friday is her yoga day…
And adding to this fine array,
Angie has a new dog now!

It’s Katherine; I’ll get to next…
A thoughtful girl, in all respects,
For finally, they’ve set a date
When she and Ryan will conjugate!
But planning, that has been complex!

Immigration’s been a pain
With holdups, time and time again!
Nonetheless, they aim to wed,
So, with planning, forge ahead!
They’re in love – that much is plain!

July of summer, next, is when
But where will married life begin?
Both have friends around the globe,
So they sent a “facebook” probe…
Cuba? Guess we’re flying then!

Website searches keep them humming,
Yet, to me, it’s all mind numbing!
We shall have a local fest…
And we wish them all the best!
Soon more details will be coming!

But for now it’s school bells,
As a teacher, Kat excels.
Switching to a different school,
A short commute now saves on fuel!
Richmond Hill is where she dwells!

Now, for James, a verse or two…
Much the same, but here’s what’s new!
A move which we all felt was bold:
Their home in Barrie had been sold!
It worried us! What shall they do?

Maurice, who is Jocelyne’s dad,
Said a farmhouse could be had!
Rent was low, in fact a steal…
That’s what sold them on the deal…
Country living’s not so bad!

At the farm, there’s room to grow…
And both young boys are doing so!
Olivier’s a character…
Emile is too, and smart for sure…
If we mess up, he lets us know!

Summer time is best, by far,
When your aim is R & R!
Since James and family agree
They found a cottage property!
A ninety-minute trip by car!

Fletcher Lake’s a pretty spot
So, the property was bought!
With construction underway,
Soon they’ll have a place to play
If, by chance, the summers hot!

Since Barb and I still love to sing
Our local choir is just the thing!
What “Peterborough Singers” do,
Is best described as sing! Who knew?
For me, twelve years! Not just a fling!

Singing out at home is merry!
Not for Igor (Barb’s canary)!
Six months now he’s been all quiet!
Laryngitis… We don’t buy it!
Sick? On strike? Opinions vary!

Days march on; the globe still spins.
It’s time! My summary begins!
Bidding twenty-twelve good-bye,
The thrill of holidays draws nigh!
Best wishes now to our dear friends!

We’d really like to stay in touch;
Drop in – there’s always tea and such!
We’d maybe hoist a glass or two:
(That’s what I intend to do)!
We love you all, so very much!