“Once upon a time” …that’s how most fairytales start,

The test of time, they have withstood! True literary art.

Fiction feeds our dreams, fuelling wonderment and laughter!

Where’s the harm in hoping for a “happy-ever after?

Please enjoy our story and the truth I now unveil…

Fueled on fact, not fiction; this is not a fairytale!

Watch for puns, a play on words, or rhyming rule faux pas…

Rhyming rules aren’t really real. Just go ask Santa Claus!

Think of ‘Once upon a time’, when we, twelve months ago, …

Wished you Peace and Joy! So did it work? …we’d like to know!!

I pledged “Happy New Years”, thus it’s clear what I must do…

Verify the Happy part, but focus on the New.

Friends may hope these words I write will fit some melody…

“Super-cala-frag-al-listic” seems to work for me!

You can sing “Um-diddle-i” in between each verse – your choice!

You could also leave that out, to save your singing voice!

March saw Barb arrange a flight, out east, to Fundy’s Bay…

I had planned some Reno’s so she got out of my way!

Oh, that dismal closet which brought gloom to our front hall…

Simply fix the door, and then, oh yeah, I’d move a wall.

You who dwell in older homes, are likely most aware…

The challenge isn’t colour choice, when not one thing is square!

No complaints from me, however; renos can be fun,

In my secret, happy place, in “Land-of-Never-Done!”

Peterborough Singers, and their music keeps me sharp…

Some songs are a challenge, yes, but I’m not one to harp!

We did the Messiah; we sang Yuletide Cheer with Brass;

Topped it off with “Elton John”, then Bach’s B-minor Mass!

Barb and I have both signed up; next year, in late July,

Off to Durham England, with the choir, we shall fly!

In the large cathedral there we shall sing every day.

We’ll have time to go exploring; so at least they say!

Back in march, a gathering both Barb and I attended.

Mike, my sister Bonnie’s husband’s life has sadly ended!

It was on St. Patrick’s Day: I gladly joined a toast!

Lovingly, we hugged them all, but “Bon”, I hugged the most!

‘Mid the days of April came a rather special one…

We were told the moon would pass and cover up the sun.

Drove to catch totality, near Lake Ontario…

It grew dark, yet sadly, clouds would hide most of the show!

Spring surfaced so suddenly, supplying slushy snows.

Global warming? Polar shift? The list of theories grows!

I say best to not complain; we’ll take what comes our way!

[Barb was swimming in our pool, the 20th of May.]

Every morning Barb would swim; her suit was rarely dry!

And the pool was popular in both June and July!

Many birthday gatherings, with swims and barbeques.

Children share the water, as the parents share some brews!

There’s a list of things we like to do, year in – year out.

Camping out of doors is on that list, beyond a doubt!

Happy Camper Memories; we’ve truly had our share…

Sadly though, we had to sell our pop-up pal, BonAire!

Now the little trailer’s gone, a fact we must accept;

Still, we’d head to Dunchurch, where our larger one is kept!

We’d arrange a drop off, with the local man who stows it…

That’s because our Outlander is just too small to tow it.

Barb went swimming every day: the weather was all right!

We were fortunate to grab the perfect camping site…

On the water’s edge! We loved the fascinating view…

Luna swam each day as well; we think she loved it too!

When our children came, I thought “we’re truly on vacation”.

Bears had been reported, but it lacked substantiation!

After seven days or so, relaxed and slightly tanned,…

We’d head off! A nearby cottage rental had been planned!

We have stayed there in the past: up high upon the rocks.

Just how high?.. One hundred stairs descending to the docks!

Going down each day, my mind would lean towards regret…

There’s a chance, returning, I might break into a sweat!

With regards to others, for the year I’m now reviewing…

I suppose you’re wondering, just how our kids are doing?”

Subtle changes here and there! I’ll aim to do my best,

Sharing what’s for certain: speculating on the rest.

As I’ve said before, I will respect their privacy.

Simple math reveals they’re one year older; just like me!

None had major address changes; …each one has employment;

Frequent calls and messages, of course, provide enjoyment!

James is teaching high school and directing several bands.

Not sure how he meets the “time and energy” demands!

Updates to their home, when there is spare time to be had…

“DIY”? James is your guy! He gets that from his dad!

Jocelyne, and children too, are all doing okay…

Both the boys had summer jobs to pass the time away!

Schedules for things like sports and choir means more driving…

Yet, with hectic timetables the household is still thriving!

Emile and his mom are doing online Spanish courses!

Eloise did dance last year; of late she’s into horses!

Middle child Olivier; six foot-two inches tall…

Welcome on the Midland Rep team, playing basketball!

Here in town, we hang out with the Bennett family…

Kat and Ryan, and their children drop by frequently!

Luna stayed with them sometimes, but there’s a hold on that;

No more sleeping over, since they have a brand-new cat!

Ryan, who is self-employed, now, truly his own boss…

To describe his job, precisely, I’m still at a loss!

One side note; it’s still about whatever floats your boat!

Storage space in warehouses?… Call Ryan for a quote!

When the year began for Kat her job would mean commuting…

Now she’s at a local school. Much better, no disputing!

As for hobbies, she and Ryan take things in their stride…

Prime example; “C’est la vie, our honey bees have died!”

There is more to tell: I hope I still have your attention…

News of William, and his sister Zoe, I’ll now mention.

Like fish take to water, they both competently swim.

Ryan’s taught them confidence: my hat goes off to him!

Switching to Toronto, now, as memories unfurl…

News of Angie, Alex and Levi, their little girl.

They required bigger, brighter digs; we have concluded…

So now rent a larger space! Yippee! Windows included!

Their new place is very near to where they were before.

Levi heads to preschool; 80 meters, door to door!

Angie will teach students; some in person, some online…

Alex says his college job “the tech guy” suits him fine!

Alex has been gigging less to give his hands a rest…

Both as “mommy” and “musician”, Angie gives her best!

Recently we saw them all; the Lounge was called Lulu’s…

Angie sings up quite a storm, however, that’s not new news!

Also, we will visit, in Toronto, when we’re able,

Daughter Clara, Erin too, along with daughter Sable.

Even though it’s not that far, we’ll often spend the night…

Trav’lin light, for space is tight, yet welcomed with delight!

Sable Bear, I do declare beams personality…

You might never guess this clever girl is only three.

There’s a daycare song she sings; she’ll do the actions too!

I have proof, on video, that I could share with you.

Some routines can, now and then, feel like an uphill climb…

Work, for Clara, seems to be what gobbles up her time!

Wouldn’t it be great, if when our energy seems gone…

We could simply order more, online, through Amazon!

Erin likes the clinic, where she offers RMT…

What she loves the most is clear; just being Momma-E!

Now, a bit of worrying has managed to creep in:

Trips to vets with aging pets: there’s Marley and there’s Phin!

Marley is a cat, but he is just like family!

Eighteen years is rare for cats; I trust you would agree.

Fourteen-year-old Phineas is daily, getting worse!

These pets give such joy, they’ve earned their own entire verse!

Sadness strikes when members of our families pass on:

My niece, little Bonnie, was so young, but now she’s gone!

If you have it in your heart, to join this little prayer…

“Strength for all who suffer loss; May hope replace despair.!”

Outside, snow is on its way. The year is nearly gone.

It is true what we are told; time does go marching on!

Just a few more things to say: I’ll be done pretty soon!

Curiously… who stuck with the Mary Poppins tune?

Near the end of summer, we both took a trip by plane!

We had fun in Ireland, perhaps we’ll go again!

Here’s a list: the sheep, fresh air and frequent rainbow hues…

People we encountered, plus the stunning seaside views!

We enjoyed the B&Bs; the cottage that was booked…

Guinness at the pubs, where tasty Irish stew was cooked!

Barb was quite at ease, but one concern was hard to hide…

“Just relax” I said, while driving fast, on the wrong side!

Here at home, Barb grabbed her music, flute and piccolo,..

Then to Bowmanville we drove, the Flute Choir had a show!

As a part-time member, Barb will choose to play or not…

She enjoys the Wildwind Flute Ensemble, quite a lot.

Time to wrap things up; my rhyming mind must disengage;

I’d need smaller fonts, or else perhaps a larger page!

Wishing happiness to all of you, both far and near…

I conclude now, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

…and remember to please stay in touch: