[images page…here]

In a light-hearted, limerick style,
My message begins, with a smile
There’s no need to ask
What’s under my mask?
I’ve been hiding it now for a while!

New Covid restrictions, they claim,
Would help quench the pandemic’s flame.
Through ‘Lockdowns’ and ‘Vaxing’…
We’ve tried just relaxing…
But sadly, things just aren’t the same.

Who knows what tomorrow bestows?
But I shall not dwell on these woes!
Can I keep this cheery?
Avoiding what’s dreary?
I’ll give it a try! So here goes!

Last wintertime, when ‘blahs’ were spiking,
We’d head to the woods or go hiking!
With Luna we’d walk, 
We’d hold hands and talk…
The freedom was much to our liking!

In March I felt more need for resting,
So, off to Emerg for some testing!
I was taken aback
When they said “heart attack!”
It’s what the blood test was suggesting.

I was required to stay,
For an Angiogram the next day.
The MDs conceded
A bypass was needed.
I gave Barb the news right away!

The surgeon said, “Let me explain,
With quadruple bypass comes pain”.
The nurse said, “Don’t fret…
For we rarely forget…
To start the heart up once again!

In hindsight, I’ve no cause to bicker…
The process could not have gone quicker!
And, long-story-short,
I am glad to report…
I now have an overhauled ticker!

My healing at home was the best…
With TLC, pain pills and rest!
I’m feeling fine now, 
Yet, can’t explain how…
I was calm! It was Barb who was stressed!

Barb, and our children as well,
Were worried a tad! I could tell!
Heed now, my report…
All their love and support,
Is what aided me through the rough spell!

Barb gladly picked up the slack:
But gladder, to have my help back!
And she may agree…
That’s enough about me!
Perhaps I should get back on track!

As Covid still lingered about
Barb kept on teaching throughout…
She’d learn protocol 
She’d follow them all…
T’was challenging beyond a doubt!

Remarkably, students did fine,
And sent video clips to combine!
With Barb as the host,
We’d compile, then post…
Her year-end recital on-line!

We both felt a void, truth be told…
All ‘Singers’ events were on hold.
Yet then came a plan…
And rehearsals began…
Still, Covid rules would be patrolled!

This began mere months ago!
We’d put on our ‘Yuletide’ show…
With more elbow space,
And masks on each face,
Our music could, once again, flow! 

I’ll jump back; I think it was May!
With summertime plans underway…
A change would be fine,
So while searching on line…
We saw a nice trailer one day!

We offered a fair price and got it!
Then up to the campground we brought it!
While staying 3 weeks…
We found out it leaks…
Perhaps we ought not to have bought it!

To fix it and make all okay,
We borrowed a truck for a day,
Then home for repairing,
And winter preparing,
But damage extent brought dismay!

Spending some 3 or 4 weeks,
I first fixed the roof and the leaks.
The bathroom and floor,
Screamed of wood rot galore…
And damp insulation that reeks!

I uttered no cuss words! Not one!
And oddly, the project was fun…
New caulking; new vents;
Plus smoothing out dents;
And Paint touch-ups, also were done!

I pondered, while placing new flooring…
Libations I’d rather be pouring!
A cold beer or two…
Seemed long overdue,
A key part of RV restoring!

In other news, I shall proceed…
Some heart-warming news, guaranteed!
Our family tree grew
By not one, but two…
The sort of good news we all need!

Last April, with Erin it starts,
When she, to hospital, departs!
The birthing time came…
“Smooth sailing” they claim…
This lovely, new child melts our hearts!

Clara stopped work right away…
Her Parent leave granted! Okay!
They share in the care 
Of sweet “Sable Bear”…
Pretty proud parents, I’d say!

Their hopes for a child fulfilled!
And yes, their apartment is filled
With new-baby gear!
But let me be clear… 
As nana and papa, we’re thrilled!

Then several months hence; another!
Our Angie is now a new mother.
Thus Alex and she,
And Levi makes three!
We witness their love for each other!

These two, brand-new cousins are sweet;
They’ve had some occasions to meet!
Their smiles and wiggles…
Their snuggles and giggles,
In times such as these is a treat!

Angie still taught with intent…
Voice lessons, which help pay the rent!
Pandemic’s scare…
Means gigs are still rare,
Something Angie and Alex lament!

Now, grandkids are in good supply,
And since Ryan and Kat live nearby,
There’s a swim in our pool,
Or walking to school…
William, Zoe and Barb & I. 

Ryan works mostly on line;
With Covid, that suits him just fine!
Both Alex and he…
With the same company…
These two sons-in-law of mine!

In spare time… instead of just sittin’…
With authoring, Kat has been smitten;
A sequel, she’d say…
Soon coming your way!
A second kid’s book has been written!

We’ve gathered with James and Jocelyne 
And Luna comes too …now and then.
Each visit seems short,
But there’s love and support
Knowing things will improve …but when?

Mom does the home-schooling chores,
At home… along Bass Lake’s shores!
Éloïse, Olivier
And Émile, every day…
Learn “who/what/where/how & what fors?”
 
James has, as normal, been busy… 
His schedule might make one dizzy! 
So at days close
He sinks into repose
He’s not like his father – or is he?

There’s plenty more to each story,
In my “here is what’s new” category! 
These ‘bits and bites’…
Are just mere highlights,
Still I must conclude, and I’m sorry!

May blessings next year never cease!
And may all of your worries decrease…
Let’s pause and revere it…
That true Christmas spirit!
With it’s love, it’s joy and it’s peace!’