Wait a minute, done this before, but this is what I do, so I’ll write some more. It’s Christmas time, so I need to report, it may be long, so be a good sport. The year has raced by and I haven’t frittered, I believe it’s a success, all things considered.

The move to The Fairfax seems wiser each year, everything is provided including good cheer. They clean, they feed, they transport me to a show, the activities are withering, and did you know, a continuing care facility is truly the right path, for when I become feeble, they’ll give me my bath,

It was a great year for golf, not particularly my score, but things happened I’ll remember forever more. My first golf trip to Ireland, Missy in tow, five courses in six days, a tough row to hoe. but with the lilt of Irish laughter, we knew we had it in us, we’d finish off the day with a hearty pint of Guinness. Stateside now was also great for my Fort Belvoir team, after forty years in the wilderness, we finally achieved our dream. League champions for the first time, yes, yes, it’s true, three playoff victories and we rose to the top of the queue!

The JAG School completed my oral history, better late than never, I rattled on for a couple of days, for me not a difficult endeavor. After a long career, I was really proud of myself, so what if it ends up on a dusty library shelf.

I’ve listed my health issues, of course I have some, to not acknowledge them, would really be dumb. And some of the problem I don’t understand, but when they say “I’ll see you next year,” it really is grand.

Trips have become annual, but not routine, most involve family, I guess that was foreseen. Florida in February, it was still quite cold, golf lessons with skosh improvement really gets old. But seeing four generations is exciting stuff, with me as the dinosaur, I can’t get enough. Retired Judge Advocate Reunion in Portland Maine, Missy helped drive, which removed the strain. Saw great friends and ate lobster until we nearly busted, why always a daughter along, because I can’t be trusted.

The girls arrived in July for their annual vacation, when we got to Ocean City, Courtyard lost our reservation. Kristin saved the day with a great backup choice, when I got my money back, Marriott heard my voice. We made the shopping trip to Rehobeth, we’ve perfected the drill, and nothing could be more perfect that an evening at Sunset Grille!

In October, Paul and Sandy invited us to Hatteras, at the bottom of the Outer Banks, it really did flatter us. Good weather, beautiful sunrises, ah, that’s the life, free from bickering and politics, away from everyday strife. You asked what I accomplished, yes, a week without distraction, I think the calm serenity, brings its own satisfaction.

I guess that’s about it, nothing else to report, oh, Becky is coming for Christmas, that’s a great support. So, I’ll leave you some advice, don’t be shy, when it comes to the market, buy low and sell high.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Marc Fleischaker was the Executive Director of the law firm, Arent Fox, during the years I was a partner there. Last week, he celebrated his 80th birthday. The was a lovely party at Bar a Vin in Georgetown. I was honored to be there. Below is a short poem I prepared for the occasion.

What’s this I hear? What’s this about?

Marc turning 80, let’s give it a shout!

A loving husband and father, but that’s not the end,

As many of us know, he’s a cherished friend.

A kid from Kentucky, a scholar you see,

Who played with Wes Unseld in sixty-three.

He grew from Wharton to GW, from a duckling to a swan,

Where he led Arent, Fox, Kintner, Plotkin and Kahn.

Eighty years is special, but not as special as the man,

Ask those at Arent Fox, the law firm that he ran.

The law firm was his treasure, and he carried great sway,

Times when things went wrong, Marc jumped in to save the day.

It happened very seldom, but when things did look bleak,

Marc gathered the firm in his arms and raised it to a higher peak!

So, let’s raise a glass and make a fuss,

For Super Marc, Chairman Emeritus.

Shout Happy Birthday, till he goes out the door,

Wishing him the best, and many, many more.

As I begin this report, the year is whizzing by, It’s hard to keep up, but I surely will try.

Life is good at The Fairfax, as everyone knows, And dodging scooters and walkers keeps you on your toes.

The staff is so friendly, so smiling, so giving, I can’t wait to get over to assisted living.  (NOT)

Since I’m on my own, the kids pay close attention,I’m afraid if I screw up, I may be in detention.

The girls’ summer visit is always a delight, Ocean City, Harris Crab House were things to excite.

A Sunday barbeque at Paul’s, brought all my kids together, Everything was perfect, even so the weather.

Golf, did I mention golf, you knew that I would,I’m trying to get better, whoa that I could.

Played Casa de Campo and Whistling Straits, Took lessons is Florida on frigid dates.

But I did shoot my age twelve times this year, I’m not getting better, just older, I fear.

Becky, Missy and Paul all retired this Summer, I can’t deny I’m old and that’s a bummer.

So that brings up health, thanks for your concern, I won’t discuss weight or things like heartburn.

For a guy in his eighties, I can’t complain, From spicy food to sugar, I won’t abstain.

Carpal tunnel surgery and trouble with an eye, Are not the kind of things that keep me from being spry.

I’m happy that I can drive, and climb out of the tub, And, of course, most important, I can still swing a club!

I bought a new car, a Beamer no less, But the process of buying is really a mess.

Just talking about it makes me blue, But the jokes about car salesmen are literally true.

Every four years we have an election, It might be less pain to have an infection.

I’m tired of hearing about every picadillo, Let’s go back to commercials on chips and My Pillow.

Now one side is upset, the other is in clover, But the good news for us is thank God, it’s over.

Most important are friends and family, let’s not get far apart, Let’s cherish every moment and keep close to each other’s heart.

This is a special time, one for laughs and good cheer, Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Before I put pen to paper, we go over the year,
Using five or six calendars, we try to make it clear.
We go month by month, so we don’t miss a thing,
Every month a doctor?  How does that ring?
It was a long, long year, long before it expired,
Not really a bad year, but boy are we tired.

Carole started the year at Johns Hopkins, minor surgery so to    speak,
But the follow-up visit showed infection, and she was there for a     week.
Johns Hopkins is special, had her Whipple in 2012,
Clean for five years, so concerns can be shelved.

Disney and golf school and Missy and the kids,
Great to see family and keep golf off the skids.
But shooting 79 when you’re 78, then 80 when you’re 79,
Means not shooting your age, and that’s not fine.

A May RAJA at Disney, what a delight,
Old Friends and Mickey, now that’s a sight.
As soon as we’re back, it’s off to Cape May,
It’s a Fairfax trip, filling the day.

Becky and Missy visited over the Fourth,
A Lancaster opportunity to sally forth.
We hit all the outlets, then crabs at Harris,
How many can we eat, why don’t you dare us?
Home for the brunch, joined by Paul, Sandy and Jack,
Seven at the table, gaiety yak.

This is the year of missing teeth for Daddy Jack,
Had his front tooth extracted way, wayback.
A flipper, a tray, it just didn’t matter,
A lisp, trapped food and usually splatter.
But after eight months of this ordeal,
Front teeth have returned, and they really look real!

We had parties and parties and parties galore,
For holidays, anniversaries, birthdays and more.
A giving society thank you, the Foundation scene,
Parties for our building, luaus and Halloween.
And what about next year? Probably the same,
We’ll dance around the clock, unless we are lame.

The kids are doing well, but we don’t see them enough,
A quick trip here, a quick trip there, and all that FaceTime stuff.
But next year will be better, it really should be great,
Seventeen of us on an Alaskan cruise, we already have the date.

This was not a good year for politics, nor sports here is DC,
Mutual respect and brotherhood, were a never answered plea.
But family and friends really filled the void,
and brought life into perspective,
It’s all of you and your smiling eyes, that makes hope more reflective.

So we close this year’s poem with more hope that fear,
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Written by PJ Rice at www.ricequips.com

Copyright 2017

 

It was an election year and boy was it bad,                                                         The choices we were left with were truly sad.                                                     Hillary and The Donald, we’re not knee deep in clover,                                 The only good news is that the campaigns are over.

But life goes on while the idiots fight,                                                                        And we had a good year, even in spite.                                                                   Health wise we’re fit, at our senior age,                                                               Nothing is perfect as we turn the page.                                                             No major problems is always a plus,                                                                                                                 Heading for 58 without much fuss.                                                                           

Saw Becky and the kids, when we went out West,                                         Time with the family, then a RAJA fest.                                                               Our great-grand daughter, Lydia, has a baby brother,                              Spoiling baby Bennett is at the top of our druthers.                             Thank goodness for FaceTime, it’s not really tricky,                                              But all Lydia want to see is our dog, Nikki.

Took Becky and Missy to Lancaster, the shopping was fab,                              Then we zipped over the Chesapeake, for some Maryland crab.             They stayed over the Fourth, to honor our nation,                                    The Fairfax had sparklers, what a wild celebration.                                      

Thanksgiving with Paul & Sandy, and Josh & Jack,                                                Our youngest at 17, is a whiz on the track.                                                                     Paul has a new job, still in the corrections  biz,                                      Superintendent of a Diversion Center, whatever that is.

Travel, we travelled, but not so much,                                                                             Jack’s 60th high school reunion, to keep in touch.                               Two-week cruise in the Caribbean, tux no longer required,         With sweat pants and a tee shirt, you’re suitable attired.

Two trips to Lake Anna, with dear, dear friends,                                             Just keep driving south until the road ends.                                               The Suter’s may be the best hosts we know,                                                The Lore of the Corps was part of the show.

People at The Fairfax are planning our days,                                                           So many activities, we’re just in a haze.                                                         Carole has zumba or yoga, it seems every day,                                         Jack has the Council and chorus and golf still to play.                                         Then, there’s luaus, The Fourth and Halloween,                                    Service birthdays, New Years, it’s just byzantine.                                             Trips to museums & restaurants, traveling every route,                                      And these activities, quite frankly, are wearing us out.

This year was sad, because we lost close friends,                                  Such a surprise, when a vibrant life ends.                                                                     It makes us cherish each and every day,                                                             And with that in mind, we just want to say,                                                              Take care of yourself, the whole blessed year,                                       Enjoy everyday with a smile full of cheer.                                                              We’re thinking of you at this Christmas time,                                                                  Have a wonderful New Year when all the bells chime

                           Merry Christmas

Written by PJ Rice at www.ricequips.com

Copyrights 2016

                             

I know, I know, I know I’m late,
But sometimes I’m carrying a lot of freight.
When we retired life was supposed to be simple,
But it turns out you still get warts and a pimple.
So it’s the week before Christmas, I’m off of my keister,
If I don’t hurry up, you’ll get this for Easter.

It wasn’t a great year, but it wasn’t bad,
We had happy moments and moments so sad.
Fifty-five years of marriage, not all bliss and spice,
But devoted to each other, not related to Ray Rice.
We celebrated the entire year, fifty-five for goodness sake,
No one seemed to complain and we ate a lot of cake.

We traveled to the Smokies, we saw all that we could,
But we couldn’t find Dolly in Dollywood.
We trekked the Boardwalk in Ocean City,
Did Rehobeth shopping, and ate till we were giddy.
Becky and Missy flew in in June,
They kept their bags packed as we departed soon.
Pennsylvania was our destination,
The Carlisle Kitchen Shoppe without hesitation.
Then on to Hershey and a Lancaster call,
Then dash away, dash away, dash away all.

We made it to RAJA, it really was a treat,
Illness cancelled our last two years, this year it was sweet.
The Inner Harbor Baltimore, with old friends galore,
Next year Colorado Springs, we’re ready for some more.

All of our lives we’ve accumulated things,
Big things like couches, little things like rings.
As our houses got bigger, we filled them to the top,
Then comes the day when it all has to stop.
This year we are downsizing, it’s really a twist,
Yard sales and thrift shops and even Craig’s list.
It’s a maddening experience, brings you to your knees,
Does anyone out there want 1990 TVs?

Jack lost his brother Bill, his friend evermore,
We traveled down to see him two months before.
The memories of him surely brings the tears,
But before they even dry, a great granddaughter appears.
Lydia’s a precious bundle, but she’s too far away,
Thank goodness for FaceTime, it really saves the day.

We finished the year strong, that’s why the poem is late,
Thanksgiving at Paul and Sandy’s, then we left the state.
The first half of the month in Florida, Jack took his sticks,
Why go South in December without a golfing fix?
Carole rented a scooter and we scooted around the park,
Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom, we scooted until it was dark.

Now it’s time to reflect on the year, to think about what’s key,
Our wonderful friends, loving family & a nation that is free.
We wish we had a wand, to bring all our friends together,
To push away the aches and pains & bring us all fair weather.
But know that we are wishing you health, wealth and cheer,
And a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Jack and Carole

written by PJ Rice at www.ricequips.com
Copyright 2014

The earth is getting warmer, it’s clearly getting older,
I could turn off my seat warmer, but, damn, it’s getting colder.
I want to do the right thing, I agree with what they say,
I’m opposed to burning rivers, and I want to save the Bay.

They want my gas powered car, even though I always car-pooled,
They tell me electric’s cleaner, they think they’ve got me fooled.
Where does electricity come from?  What generates it all?
There’s probably a smokestack involved, it’s not just a plug in the wall.

We’ve had earthquakes, hurricanes and tornados as long as the earth was around,
But now we blame them on global warming.  Is such thinking really sound?
Global warming has become passe, I know that that sounds strange,
But to assume a broader posture, they call it climate change.

I’ve been watching the temps in my burg and the city,
It’s cooler in my burg, and not quite so gritty.
Let’s pull the cities down, that will eliminate some heat,
We’ll mention breaking eggs and omelettes and won’t even miss a beat.
Pulling cities down might sound unorthodox,
But it’s forward, liberal thinking, thinking outside the box.

I grew up in East St. Louis, a tough industrial town,
Our air was full of soot, we wore it like a crown.
Stockyards to the North, Monsanto to the South,
Stinky, stinky winds, well shut my mouth.
But we all survived, some of us moved away,
The town has gotten worse, but that’s for another day.

I think the earth will survive, it’s taken our best shot,
It survives India and China, and gray air you can swat.
It’s not such a fragile onion, it’s withstood the test of time,
We may kill each other, but the earth dusts off the grime.
So here’s to the not-so-fragile onion, here’s our salute,
You’re going to make it baby, and we truly give a hoot!

Written by PJ Rice at www.ricequips.com