*when finished here check out our 2016 year in pictures [link at bottom of page]

As I flip the calendar
to it’s final frame,
My mind reflects on what is new
Along with what’s the same!

By now, it’s well established
With poetic grace I’ll say it!
The highlights of our year,
Thus in rhyme I do convey it!

By sharing this, perhaps it shows
To all, that I’m no quitter!
And ninety-nine percent is true
And one percent mere glitter!

I’ll start to jot down details
As they flow within my brain;
It’s harder than it used to be
But still, I can’t complain.

Our health is good at present
And we both still have our wits!
But one good thing about my job,
It comes with benefits!

Barb still goes to “physio”
To keep her spine in check…
She sometimes overdoes it
And the doctor gives her heck!

At ‘syncro’ for example,
Where drills aim to improve her;
A sudden pain in ‘down the drain’
Or a similar maneuver.

Her swimming and the buddies
On her team down at the ‘Y’…
For Barb, jolly good treasures!
…That nobody can deny!

There’s exercise and stretching,
and daily meditation,…
Barb’s starts each day, calmly
with tremendous dedication!

I am so unlike her!
I lack in motivation
When exercise is called for
I display procrastination!

I think a change in my routine’s
a goal I have this winter;
I rather spend my time at home
than at the Wellness Center!

Our friend, Kathy works there;
a true fan; head to toe…
When it comes ‘newsletter’ time,
she’ll make sure that I know!

Barb and I will plan a date;
an English Country dance!
Often there’s a conflict…
and thus, we miss the chance!

In case you’ve ever wondered
these dances are great fun!
Barb will laugh the loudest…
Surprised? ….Anyone?

Our mingling in society,
when dancing must be missed,
involves, mostly a concert
or some show we can’t resist!

We also like the Theater Guild!
Such talent on display!
We’ll get series tickets
and support the Arts this way!

I had an opportunity
this year, to test my nerve;
A one-time show will hit the stage;
I agreed, but with reserve!

Another friend named Sylvia
was with an Improv crew,
they needed a musician,
she thought that I would do!

If skits required “change of pace”
they’d leave it up to me.
A style change on keyboard
for increased intensity…

It worked out fine, in the end!
The crowd enjoyed the show…
If asked again, would I do it?
Who knows? But likely, “No!”

So! In other walks of life
I’ll make brief summary.
One thing we have, I’m glad to say
is reg-u-lar-i-ty!

Before your mind gets side-tracked
I offer a suggestion…
the lines above does not refer
to food, or its digestion!

We joined up as a group of friends,
with refugees expected,
When approached to “get involved”
neither Barb nor I objected.

Know as “Team Bienvenue”
just one of many teams!
We’d offer our assistance,
toward resettlement schemes!

The New Canadian Center
helps make things less complex;
they’ve trained us in what’s needed!
[Yes, we passed our police checks!]

At present, two new families,
we’re helping day to day;
currently eight persons, but
a baby’s on the way!

We felt the time was right to fill
our hen house “vacancy”
Our city plans a chicken ban,
but we still ordered three!

We called them Hurdy, Gurdy
and the third, Penelope!
Daily eggs they offer
one for Barb and two for me!

I’ll move on to activities
which could be called routines!
Our house, sometimes resonates
with bells and tambourines!

It’s Mrs. B and MYC:
lessons happen weekly!
Barb creates her schedule
and does it quite uniquely!

Working private students in
while leaving time for tea!
But don’t misunderstand,
Music takes priority!

Barb adores her students.
They give her great enjoyment!
For now, we won’t consider how
they also give employment!

We also both continue,
rehearsing wednesday nights,
as Peterborough Singers learn
melodious delights!

Barb’s Alto; I sing Tenor.
We’re not considered “stars”,
but recently I had a solo…
eight entire bars!

On flute, with the Symphony
Barb’s returned to play!
A temporary fill in,
But that suits Barb Okay!

I should take a moment
to make apology
since things are out of sequence
and lack chronology!

One day we stuffed luggage
with as much as we could carry…
A summer trip to Edmonton
to see Barb’s sister Mary;

She’d be turning ‘70’…
…More family arrived;
we wined and dined for seven days;
…both Barb and I survived!

After that a family week;
a cottage, we did rent!
We brought along our trailer,
as a bedroom supplement!

My dad came to stay one night;
we’d catch some trout or bass!
First, no fish, and then our boat
kept running out of gas!

Barb and I don’t boast a lot
But as each year progresses,
Our children and our grandkids,
Continually bless us!

Jocelyne and James are well
and near Orillia still.
Their children too, are fine!
Should I name them? Yes, I will

Émile, he’s a clever boy,
loving anything explorable!
Next in line, Olivier;
Sweet and plain adorable!

Rounding out the clan…
Éloïse Marie-Adèle.
The cutest girl; perhaps I’ll add
the cutest mademoiselle!

James took on a challenge;
I’m not sure it was planned…
but he’s the new conductor
for Orillia’s Concert Band!

Something new for Jocelyne;
She’s formed a fine website;
It’s called “The Local Shop”
and it’s doing quite alright!

For Katherine and Ryan
another move! Good Lord!
From Richmond Hill to Thornhill
and a rent they could afford!

Their little boy is growing!
And William Richard Bennett,
would be happy every day,
if his Pappa could be in it!

Katherine’s still teaching…
French Immersion – First grade!
And Ryan’s still with Canada Post
though some cuts were made!

They travelled to New Zealand
Thus, folks and boy could meet.
Until then it was just “Skyping”,
Or Facetime or a Tweet!

Angela, has had a change…
correction, two or three;
She’s resumed her job
working at the M.E.C.

Her singing keeps her busy,
Most weekends, she reveals!
The Swing Band’s cut a record;
Go to iTunes for the deals.

No longer living downtown,
as she’s living farther west!
Then there’s Alex, her new partner!
They’re in love & we’re impressed!

The Rucksack Willies Band
Is fading to one side,
As Angie’s style is broadening
With new songs to be tried!

I think I’m running out of space;
to Clara’s stanzas now:
She and Erin, show me still,
what’s life’s about, somehow!

Simple things have merit, such as
bonding with your pets.
They never prejudge people…
that could often cause regrets!

Music is like breathing
for Clara, who still teaches.
And Erin’s at a different Spa,
I think it’s near the Beaches.

When Clara is available
and Angie has a show,
She’ll be there singing harmony;
Kat too, will sometimes go!

There may be some complaining;
my details may seem weak;
Maybe you should Google more
if info’s what you seek!

The year’s been full, it’s true!
but a fine year I do say!
And since it was a leap year
we were blessed one extra day!

Dear family and friends,
There’s love we cannot hide!
We wish you peace and joy,
may it keep you warm inside!

But now, with wine glass handy,
saying what we truly mean..
Blessings now for Christmas
and in Twenty-Seventeen!

Go to our 2016 Year-In-Pictures… click here