I wish I could tell you that this poem is special. It was special in 1996 when it was the vehicle we used to let all our friends know how we were doing. But, if Tyler’s barfing in the back seat was the big news, then it was a pretty calm year. The smoothest part of the Tyler episode was the way Missy magically made the whole problem go away. It’s nice when your children solve problems, rather than create them.
Becky, our oldest daughter, started back teaching school and that was really significant. Paul got into the Virginia Corrections System (on the right side). Both Becky and Paul are still at it.
Season tickets to see the Redskins were impossible to get. We had been on the waiting list for years. But, with the new stadium, the club level opened to people foolish enough to pay the outrageous price. Because of the Dual Compensation Act, I did not receive any of my military retirement pay while I worked at the Department of Transportation. Now, I was receiving it. So, I told Carole we could go to all of the Redskin’s games for just one month’s retirement pay. She said OK. Pretty slick. If she had realized that we were paying over $350 for two tickets each game, she never would have agreed.
96′ With Gusto
The pen’s in my hand, there’s a calm in my look,
I’m the proud owner of a new rhyming book.
(licensee, maitre d, potpourri, nth degree)
So here goes ninety-six, it’s almost gone away,
But let’s not treat it tritely, it’s more than a cliché.
(but, time does fly)
For the first time in years, we had no holiday party,
The strain of getting ready, had made it seem foolhardy.
But with no preparation, the holiday lost its shine,
So we’ve done a quick reversal, we’re about to pour the wine.
(we invited how many?)
Carole so enjoys the Thrift Shop, and searching for used books,
She even scours the beltway, and knows all the little nooks.
But, of the inner loop and outer loop, she’s thoroughly unknowing,
She thinks it is dependent on the direction she is going.
(I thought the Wilson Bridge was the other way)
Jack enjoys his work, but it truly is a grind,
Keeping track of the hours will simply boggle the mind.
But the phrase “frequent flyer” brings on the smiles,
When you don’t work for Uncle Sam, you get to keep the miles.
Over three years with the Firm, that’s not really plenty,
He must work to seventy-four, before he makes his twenty.
(has anyone seen my cane?)
Paul has a new job and we think its great,
He’s counseling inmates locked up by the State.
He’s grown a few inches, and looks hail and hardy,
He lives close enough to come home for the party.
(please don’t bring any counselees)
Missy came to visit and brought Kristin and Tyler,
He’s still a rascal, but she’s quite the beguiler.
We traveled to the outlets and traffic was a drag,
Tyler wasn’t feeling well, oops, too slow with the plastic bag.
(don’t worry, we’ll buy some new clothes)
When Grant and Brandon go to school, they’re no longer the only feature,
For Becky is also riding along, because she’s the fifth grade teacher.
They’ll need to work hard, it just seems prudent,
For in one year, Grant is Becky’s student.
(so, who wants to clean the erasers?)
Both Moms came to visit, but next we did stray,
To St. Louis, Puerto Rico, Wintergreen and Cape May.
To Hilton Head, Martha’s Vineyard and Colorado Springs,
And, of course, to see Mickey and Tinker Bell’s wings.
(next year – North to Alaska)
The Redskins are moving, a new stadium is appearing,
It’s happening in 97′, and we will be cheering.
You’re wondering about the tickets, you’re wondering what it took,
Each Saturday we clean the stables for owner Jack Kent Cooke.
(sure are a lot of horses)
The poem has gone on way too long, and writers cramp I fear,
So we wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
I do enjoy reading these poems again, especially with the comments in front of them. I cannot wait until this years poem. Have you started yet? Love, Becky
I also enjoy looking at the poems from the past. Real nostalgia. I haven’t started this year’s poem and I hate to admit how little time it takes me to bang one out. I just finnished one for Blanche, Carole’s mom, for her 90th birthday. I will publish it when I get back from the surprise birthday party. Don’t anybody tell her we are coming. PJ Rice