2017 – MERRY CHRISTMAS    FROM PETERBOROUGH  

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My saga begins; with a promise of news;

With so much to tell, I must pick and choose,

The joys we’ve shared with friends… and family too!

At the end of the rhyming; just like every year;

I could reward myself with a beer…

But this time, instead, a wee bit of red wine will do!

 

I’m gathering thoughts; I shift in my chair;

I scratch at my noggin to unlock what’s there!

Ideas and notions will, hopefully become unfurled!

As I get to it, and news starts to flow,

My rhymes may get dull, but I’d like you to know,

They’re singable, to the tune “What a wonderful World.”

 

While trying to make ‘twenty-seventeen’ rhyme…

I’d love to pick up where I left off last time.

That said, I’ll proceed! So, here comes my yearly review!

If I were to bet, I could bet on one thing;

Quite a few friends are attempting to sing;

But don’t let me stop you; in fact, I’m still singing too!

 

When I reflect, it was twelve months ago

At work, mopping floors and shovelling snow;

I started to ponder ideas …as I perspired….

With thirty-plus years, my pension looked good!

Barb said OK, …we could and we should…

So officially, as of September, I’ve been retired!

The freedom to plan my own day, is a perk,

Now finding my groove, may still take some work.

If Barb has a task I can help with, gladly I’m there!

But true, what they say, about time to adjust;

Our need for personal space is a must!

So sometimes the task is, simply, stay out of her hair!

 

Among my retirement’s pros and cons,

I heard they were missing me, back at St. John’s.

They asked if I would come visit, and help with the choir!

The plan was to sing for the seniors, once more,

And all of the songs, we’ve done them before!

I said “yes” which, in honesty, answered an inner desire!

 

Unlike time stamps on an image recorder,

My brain doesn’t file things in precise order,

People suggest that’s normal: it’s true I suppose!

Now, back to the topic of how the year went,

With accurate details of every event!

Primarily, happy moments, I plan to expose!

 

Our Nana and Papa joy, daily, increases;

Four tiny people; we love them to pieces!

And, any week now, …we expect number five!

The day, they predict, is the ‘solstice’ of winter;

Seems a good time for new life to enter!

They say angels sing, when December babies arrive!

 

Child number two, for Ryan and Kat:

Thus William will put on his “big brother” hat!

Another big change; they’re moving, closer to us!

To Peter-patch, soon, the family returns!

Some help, Barb and I can supply, taking turns,

And less than 10 minutes away, that’s truly a plus!

 

Ryan once more, has found new employment;

His last job was OK, but gave no enjoyment!

Now, it’s “technology distribution” he deals.

Working from home at least half of the week,

Securing huge clients, online, as we speak!

Wow! New baby, new job, new house & new wheels!

 

We can’t imagine what next year will bring…

For Angela, and her desire to sing!

She’s teaching voice; it’s her thing, exclusively now!

Angela’s earning income supplements,

Through weekly gigs and special events;

She even finds time to call up her folks, somehow!

 

She has sent word of a brand new recording,

And found the experience, very rewarding;

Shifting a bit, to what Angie calls “Indie Band” style.

What she enjoys, no ‘ifs ands or buts’

Is singing on stage with the “Double Cuts”

Her ‘swing band’ pals; they’ve been together a while!

 

One other thing! …When Angie gets time,

Alex and she will hear wedding bells chime!

Perhaps in a year or so! There’s planning required!!

I hope it’s okay to be mentioning this,

Since ‘her’ parents know! Not sure about ‘his’,

But if we know Angie, the day will be truly inspired!

 

While searching hearts, I proudly report,

Clara and Erin, we love and support,

Still surviving Toronto; making their way!

Erin has four jobs, I understand,

I don’t recall what they are, just off hand;

They hope to open their own private clinic, someday!

 

Clara has shown her finesse and grace,

At the school, with it’s hectic pace!

Running faculty meetings and open-mic shows.

Now singing in the Nathaniel Dett choir;

Her musical calibre keeps going higher;

We’ve seen how she, still loves to sing and compose!

 

There was some sadness; it was a day,

when Erin’s grand-dad passed away!

Still, they have hopes, to keep his memory alive!

They’ve given their keepsake the name “Carmelle”,

Now, they can go ‘here and there’ very well,

In the Chev. Malibu, …which they now drive!

 

Now to Orillia; to James and the crew.

Highlights of things they’ve been “up to”

Speaking of ‘up’, that’s how all 3 children grow!

A big renovation is underway,

with plans to offer retreats, someday.

The workshop, transformed, into a large studio!

 

Jocelyne, has great plans for the structure…

She is now trained as a yoga instructor!

In this venture, we truly wish them the best!

Renos take time, but when things are done

May they discover the time for more fun.

The ‘new space’ providing a spot to gather and rest!

 

Last year I mentioned how James gives a hand,

Conducting Orillia’s Concert Band.

This is something, we know, our son loves to do!

One other thing we find rather cool…

Regarding his teaching position at school,

Officially …finally… permanent! …Yahoo!

 

Emile and Olivier, sang ever sweetly…

A recent concert! I filmed it completely!

The Concert Band had put on a wonderful show!

The choir was great; it gave us a lift!

To hear children singing is always a gift!

May interest in music continue, as they grow!

 

Barb and I both, have new things to tell.

despite minor glitches, this year went well,

Camping this year was a challenge! Let me explain.

In August, when Barb turned sixty-five,

A family campout! The kids arrive!

We’d have endless fun, but instead, had endless rain!

 

Campsite submerged! We all started sinking!

The recurring question was “what were we thinking?”

A few days later, we managed to find higher ground!

Despite the puddles and mud, some how,

We’re able to look back and laugh at it now!

Yes, we were wet, but together! Safe and sound!

 

We took to the east, around mid-July;

A summer trip planned, for Barbie and I,

Heading to Newfoundland, with trailer in tow!

Yes, we decided to get there by car.

Barb packed a flute; I had my guitar!

Simply because we take music, wherever we go!

 

Now, to highlight the trip in point-form!

Friends offered warning; we’d need to stay warm,

However (and happy to say), the weather was fine!

Long days of driving; distances vary!

Departing North Sydney, we took the short ferry.

Arranging a cabin, provided a place to recline.

 

In the morning we disembark!

Through Corner Brook to Gros Morne Park;

Encountering friends from here, along the way!

To Dildo Run and Twillingate;

The parks were clean, the vistas great;

Icebergs, viewed from shore, on several days!

 

Continuing east, just north of St Johns,

To Flatrock, where Capelin are known to spawn;

And whales, were spouting afar, these fish pursuing.

Met Cathy, Barb’s cousin for dialogue!

Saw signal hill, in spite of the fog!

Toured the port just to see how the b’ys was doin’.

 

Back to the ferry with stops on the way,

In Bona Vista, a two night stay,

A lighthouse tour, with puffins galore on the rocks!

”Blow Me Down’ park, next, with one minor glitch;

The camper was wobbly; we had a loose hitch.

Thank goodness a local mechanic, lived by the docks!

Back via ferry, then carrying through;

We’d stay in New Brunswick a night or two.

Near Quebec City, last stop: a nice B&B!

We made it home by dark the next day,

In three weeks the car put on 8,000 K,

We may return! There’s still so much to see!

 

One final venture which gave us a thrill,…

A camp-by-canoe trip; we think of it still.

Two dear friends gave us the invite, …so we went!

We portaged, we paddled; our sight was on rocks;

Our food hung in trees; our outhouse… a box!

So quiet! We loved every minute… 100 percent!

 

Time to sum up: I draw to a close.

Who sang to the end? Not one, I suppose,

I hope this narrative given, has been clear!

Our genuine wish now! Blessings to all…

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Merry Christmas to all… and a Happy new Year!