2020 – MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM PETERBOROUGH – 2020

Another year’s conclusion looms, for here it is, December!
So I’ll provide some updates, if, God willing, I remember.
We’ve had a few distractions; maybe more than just a few.
My mind will thus be challenged as I offer up “what’s new?”

I hereby do decree with a solemn declaration…
To share the good and bad alike, in modest moderation!
Of course, I’ll try my very best to keep the discourse ‘cheery’…
My challenge thus is Covid; it has made the year so dreary!

When you find something funny, then I’d say I’ve met my task!
Laughter leads to hope, and hope lives on, beneath a mask!
Normality ‘back soon’ perhaps… perhaps with less confusion!
We long to say “Adieu” to this pandemic and seclusion?

Amid the stress and worries of a fever, or infection,
I can offer one opinion… the result of some reflection!
I’m thankful every day despite the ‘bubble’ rules and such,
And saving up my hugs for when we, once again, can touch!

The year had started off, rather well, if I recall.
Welcoming the New Years with no worries, none at all!
No talk of distancing, or P.P.E., or sanitizing…
Simply living, loving, laughing! And freely socializing!

Last winter, every Wednesday, we would scurry off to choir!
Studies have been done! It’s true! Music lifts us higher!
We still, Barb and I, with Peterborough Singers ‘sing’…
Our two upcoming concerts would require practicing!

The February show was successful: all enjoyed it!
The one for May was cancelled… there was no way to avoid it!
We tried some Zoom rehearsals, but technology would fight us:
Now everything’s on hold, courtesy of ‘Covid-itis.’

Before they quelled air travel, Barb had visited her sister.
A week with the Stanley’s! Yes, both Luna and I missed her!
Oh, Luna, by the way, if you haven’t heard this yet,
Is a young, Golden Retriever. She’s our brand-new family pet.

Our pup is nearly 14 months! She loves to make new friends,
And fills that ‘void’ created when our city said “No hens!”
Luna went to “Doggie Manners” …for some puppy training!
She still chews and jumps a bit, but we are not complaining!

We’ve come to know, first hand, of how a pet is like a friend…
Sometimes, having pets is something doctors recommend!
All that put aside, I should switch to other news…
Time to grab a beverage! Put your feet up if you choose!

At first, restrictions here were not as strict as other places.
Just washing hands a lot and keeping hands away from faces!
Then shops began to close and offer merchandise on line…
“Just a month, perhaps” they said, and then we’ll be just fine!

The “quick fix” promise, as you know, just didn’t fly!
More things began to close! No more swimming at the “Y”!
We’d need to wear a mask to block our microscopic vapour.
We’d need to queue for groceries and a bit of toilet paper.

I’ll mention now Barb’s love of music has been ever strong!
In playing, or when teaching, she gets joy from every song!
This is her final year with MYC! It’s been such fun!
Barb’s ‘MYC-ed’ a long time! This year marked year 31!

Barb made it into May, teaching via Skype or Zoom.
Just she and her laptop, there, in the music room!
I ran a network cable, due to trouble with the Wifi,
And sound was poor, despite it being patched into the hi-fi.

All students, by request, would record a video clip.
The ‘end-of-year’ recital Barb would really hate to skip.
So, I had volunteered to make a ‘Youtube’ presentation…
Her recital, thus became, a virtual celebration!

In perspective, it’s amazing, just how we improvise…
Or work around the issues: giving up is just unwise!
When I said “celebration”, yes, I said it with intent…
Since ‘happy attitudes’ is where our time is better spent!

Then came a time of tension. An official confirmation!
A date and time were booked for a major operation!
The schedule for surgery was soon! Six days in fact!
Some risk involved we knew, however it was time to act.

All went very well with the procedure on her spine!
Walking free of pain now, her recovery’s going fine!
In her words, “the staff and surgeon, rate a nine or ten!”
Then she adds, “I never want to eat that food again!”

Barb was healing well, so we planned a camping trip!
Fresh air! Just the ticket! Kayaking? That she’d skip!
The camp had Covid rules! We would take it all in stride!
We were ready to enjoy whatever nature could provide!

Now, here is a sad part for my dad had taken ill!
When we received the call, I was setting camp up still!
I faced a huge decision… he was six hours away,
Then came a second call, saying, “Father’s passed away!”

My sister said, “There really isn’t much here you can do;
Enjoy a little holiday… our dad would want you to!”
“I believe he would have”, I agreed as we conversed…
One thing dad was famous for, was putting others first!

Covid meant restrictions; still, dad’s funeral took place.
Barb and I did music from a distant, open space!
As family we gathered, somewhat weary, somewhat numb,
And nursing home restrictions meant mother couldn’t come!

Our dad made daily visits! To just be near, he’d come!
Then two months after dad died, we said “good-bye” to mom!
I’d visited and we held hands: we smiled face to face!
Two days hence, she passed away…into God’s embrace!

Another funeral to plan, plus tying up loose ends…
Barb and I felt blessed! So much support! So many friends!
Of course there were some tears, as we said our last goodbyes!
They’ve reunited now, believing ‘true-love’ never dies!

How did we survive all this? Perhaps you’re wondering now.
It’s simply having family; it gives us strength, somehow!
We gathered for the service! Note, our children were all there…
We sang & played together! That was fun, beyond compare!

Speaking of our children, I’ll attempt a brief report…
The page is nearly full! To repeat I’ll keep it short!
I hope to give you glimmers while maintaining privacy…
I’ve discovered that’s important! I am sure you all agree!

James, regarding teaching, had a change to his assignments!
Music course restrictions forced timetable realignments!
He says he’s happy, in a way, to teach a normal class…
It’s quieter, I bet, without the drums, or winds and brass!

Now Jocelyne and James, through my perfect observations,
Have a much improved home, after major renovations!
Along with their three children, a prediction I now make…
They’ll enjoy many, happy years residing on the lake!

Our daughter, Katherine, has a teaching change as well…
Now assigned in Cobourg, teaching Core French for a spell.
Ryan too has had a change, but works from home, online!
I just couldn’t do that, but for him it seems just fine.

Their children, we see often, since they’re in our bubble too!
And Katherine’s been published! She’s working on book 2!
Her simple children’s story is for sale online, (wink wink).
And at the bottom of our news I plan to add the link!

Angie, as per last year’s news, to Alex got ‘attached’…
The honeymoon postponed, however, now a plan had hatched!
Travels to Jamaican shores, I’m sure, gave much delight!
This occurred pre-Covid! Everything turned out all right!

Then lots of us were stuck at home, so Angie went ‘live stream’
For five days every week, with a different Yoga theme!
If I were she, I’d likely say, “With Covid everywhere,
Go search my Social media… and buy my music there!”

For Clara days are challenging, at the Waldorf School!
Thanks again to Covid, nothing’s easy, as a rule!
I’ve said this before, I think! Whatever the event…
Clara puts her all into it… 100 percent!

Clara went with Erin, off to Portugal last spring,
What gave joy, reportedly, was simply everything.
Then Parliament decided: “All Canadians must return!”
They flew back to isolate, with health the main concern!

There is more to say! However, I’ll end on this note…
Christmas Joy, this time of year, is what it’s all about!
So friends & family alike, we’re sending love your way!
Blessings for the coming year, …each and every day!

Reminder to check out these web pages…
Our News Archive: https://rwhilts.wordpress.com/
Katherine’s Book Sales: https://kathilts.com/
Angie’s music: https://angiehilts.bandcamp.com/

Seasonal Song by Angie… https://youtu.be/w8G4SCe6-qs

And our 2020 pictures page is here