As most of you know, I write a Christmas poem every year and this is the first Christmas since I started writing my blog. I have posted a lot of old Christmas poems from previous years. In those cases, I always felt the need to explain what was going on at that time. As this poem is current, it isn’t necessary. Below is my Christmas report for 2007.
A Christmas in Transition – 2007
It’s time to report on a year of transition,
Preparing for the future, the key to our mission.
Carole’s facing surgery and Jack’s to retire,
Trudging through ’07, dodging the mire.
We made it a good year, that was the trick,
We came out a lot better that OJ or Vick.
Carole’s a real trooper, but her knees cause her pain,
By continuing status quo, there is nothing to gain.
So it’s surgery in January, the answer to her pleas,
A partial replacement in both of her knees.
If all goes as planned, it will be a new dawn,
Before you know it, she’ll be mowing the lawn.
Jack’s truly retiring. It’s really the bomb,
He’ll be spending his time on ricequips dot com.
He’s written 60 blogs before retiring,
There’s poems, critiques, nothing very inspiring.
But he thinks he’s funny, though you may scoff,
It keeps him off the streets, when he’s not playing golf.
We did RAJA in Phoenix, with Mary and Becky close by,
Shades of Green, Disney and a Leadbetter School, how sly,
Carole’s 50th Reunion, one of four trips home,
A cruise to Alaska, yes, we did roam.
She medicated her knees with shots and pills,
Stayed with the basics, avoided the frills.
Life comes with sorrow, reality has its sting,
Carole lost her brother, Bob passed in the spring.
Diagnosed around Christmas, the news was stunning,
Hardly time to say goodbye, where cancer takes to running.
The children are doing well, jobs, schooling and stuff,
But in the grandparents’ eyes, we don’t see them enough.
Mary’s ninety-two and Blanche two years shy,
Blanche celebrated ninety, with a tear in her eye.
For we surprised her at her party, it was a lot of fun,
Carole hugged and kissed her, I dialed 911.
As we’re about to retire, and travel?, you bet,
Our emotions trumped reason and we got a pet.
A Sheltie named Nikki, she seems very smart,
But puppies make mistakes, right from the start.
She’s been easy to train, but keeps us guessing,
She’s brought joy to the house, she’s such a blessing.
With a new shed and gazebo, the house is complete,
We’re ready for the future, we’re up on our feet.
We stand at the beginning of 2008,
Changes are coming, they should really be great.
We think of friends and loved ones, we wish you good cheer,
Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Category Archives: Poems
Christmas – 1998
We’ve been to Disney World more times than you can count on both hands. We’ve been there with our children, with our children and parents, with our children and grandchildren and by ourselves. There is no angle of the castle that we haven’t shot and if I had to explain my feelings about Disney World to a panel of doctors, they would have me committed. In 1998, we gathered a crowd and went to Disney World.
I also fell in love with the Bombardier Neighborhood Vehicle and got NHTSA to publish a vehicle standard for low speed vehicles. It was the perfect vehicle to buzz around a retirement village.
The good news is that there are only four more Christmas poems in the queue. Of course, I just got through writing this year’s poem, but that doesn’t count.
Christmas 1998
The Christmas card’s ready, we’re decorating the house,
The card shows our family, and also a mouse.
It was Disney World in June, thirteen of us in all,
We gathered at the Polynesian, determined to have a ball.
The temperature was really hot, but Carole and I stayed cool,
The family met each night for chow, then gathered round the pool.
From log rides to fireworks, we heard the children squeal,
But I think I would go crazy, with one more character meal.
Carole started the year shaky, her heart was running wild,
Two hundred beats a minute, would cause one to get riled.
But the doctors performed procedures, using monitors and wires,
Her heart returned to normal, we’ll see what next transpires.
Carole finished the year strong, with only a slight limp,
She missed a step and broke a bone, my she’s such a simp.
But she’s still our Carole, busy with her books,
Enjoying much the Thrift Shop, fantastic when she cooks.
Jack had a great year for sheer satisfaction,
A new type of vehicle was the attraction.
Low-speed vehicles that go twenty-five,
Don’t need an air bag and all that jive.
Retired people in NVs *** don’t really need the speed,
After a year of haggling, the government agreed.
The client’s quite happy, their product is the best,
A glossy brochure to follow, sent upon request.
Another new client builds a walk-in van,
Now building its chassis is part of the plan.
It’s a ten time expansion coming out of the haze,
And Jack’s going to lead through the regulatory maze.
Arent Fox keeps expanding, could we really grow more?
There was a simple answer, just add on a floor.
Our Moms are soon arriving, the holiday is special,
But come the third of January, we’re climbing on a vessel.
We’re going island hopping, until we blow a fuse,
We’ll be down in the Caribbean, basking on a cruise.
You want to know about the cruise, what’s the best and what’s worse,
Well, wait till next year’s card, and I’ll tell you in a verse.
*** Bombardier Neighborhood Vehicle
Long Time Redskin Fan
After watching yesterday’s loss, I just felt I needed to sit down and write about the Redskins. I think what happened to Sean Taylor was tragic, but I am not sure it had much to do with yesterday’s loss. The loss looked so much like other losses this year. Two minutes left to go and we have the ball and the lead. We spent the next two minutes trying not to lose, rather than trying to win. The Bills had ten men up at the line of scrimmage and we just plowed into them using up their time outs. All we needed was one first down and the game was ours, but we just plowed into the defensive mass using up their time outs. Well, we tried not to lose and it didn’t work. We lost on a last play field goal. It was disheartening.
The poem below doesn’t spend anytime on yesterday’s game. It just made me feel good to express my thoughts on the past years.
Long Time Redskin Fan
I’m a Redskin fan, that’s my claim and my cross,
I’m elated with a win, and despondent with a loss.
I’m doing better now, and it’s not so confusing,
It’s easier to take when you expect they’ll be losing.
I go back aways, when George Allen said, “Dang,”
“The future is now,” with the over-the-hill gang.
With Sonny and Billy and stomachs galore,
We’d push down the field, and somehow we’d score.
Then came the glory years, with tremendous highs,
With the Hogs, and Joe Gibbs and the Super Bowl prize.
Three times the champs, the battle cry rally
But the high is now gone, we’ve skidded to the valley.
Jack Kent Cooke’s will was really a boner,
It cost us two years just to find an owner.
Confusion reigned supreme, it really was a churner,
We desperately needed to fire Norve Turner.
Marty Schottenheimer was a gem, but no one could see,
We swapped him for the Ball Coach, and floundered at sea.
Spurrier was a disaster and clueless to boot,
He went back to college, where he could golf and recruit.
Then our prayers were answered, Joe Gibbs came back,
Successful at NASCAR, but gave up the track.
Hired high powered assistants to run the show,
While it just hasn’t worked, we still love our Joe.
Somewhere in the transition, we just blew a fuse,
From a team trying to win, to one trying not to lose.
It just hasn’t worked, the numbers are clear,
I’m tired of saying, wait till next year.
But, I will be cheering, I love the team,
My hopes have been lowered, but not my dream.
Stinking TV comments, I don’t give a hoot,
I’ll cheer on my team, with my finger on mute.
Go Skins!
Sometime Around Christmas 1997
No Christmas party in 1997. So we didn’t have to send out the Christmas cards early (with invitations) . And then, with Disney World, time just got away from us. I think I wrote this poem in mid-January and we mailed out the Christmas cards toward the end of the month. This is an excellent way to find out who the people are who are only sending you a card because you sent them one.
Just ten years ago and it all seems foreign to me. It did remind me that both of our mothers were present for Paul’s wedding. That was no small fête. I guess that means Paul and Sandy have been married for just over ten years. I was married right before my 21st birthday and I had to get my mother to sign a consent form so I could get married. What a crazy world.
Sometime Around Christmas, 1997
It all seems so fuzzy, I can’t see through the haze,
This poem should be written, but I’m still in a daze.
It was a great year, and we had a blast,
But it galloped right by us, just too darn fast.
We saw Palm Springs and Scottsdale, Prescott and Rapid City,
We were all over Alaska and boy was it pretty.
Back to Mizzou for a law school gathering,
Great to see classmates, yet only a smattering.
This poem was a casualty of the events of the year,
Too much packing, unpacking and over bookings to fear.
But as wild as it got and as it spun and twirled,
In December we trekked to Walt Disney World.
So we’re exhausted, but smiling, it was quite a treat,
To see Disney at Christmas, just to walk down each street.
So this is my best shot, my promise, what-the-hey,
You’ll be reading this poem by Ground Hog Day.
The Ross’s are in Arizona and Becky is still teaching,
But with Grant in her class, it’s a wonder she’s not screeching.
The kids are doing great, enjoying sports and school,
Except Grant broke his arm and Brandon thinks he’s cool.
Big year for the Hansens with Terry’s promotion,
But with moving to Florida came all the commotion.
With Tyler in wrestling and Missy house selling,
Kristin’s playing princess, that’s so foretelling.
This is Paul’s year, all other things aside,
At thirty years of age, he took himself a bride.
Married in September with Sandy forever more,
Both hugged Blanche and Mary, then off to the Eastern shore.
The Firm is doing well, another banner year,
So many new lawyers, I can’t keep them clear.
We’re converting from a partnership to – oh, I can’t remember,
I will no longer be a partner, I’ll soon be a member.
Our spirits are running high, and Carole still has her looks,
But she has the basement tilting with shelves and shelves of books.
She get them from her mother, from friends and from the stores,
She finds them at the Thrift Shop, along with friends that she adores.
We’re loyal Redskin fans – we show up every game,
The only thing we wish is that the team had done the same.
I think I better quit, what else can I say,
If I keep on scribbling, I’ll miss Ground Hog Day.
We wish you a very merry
Ground Hog Day!
P.S. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Blanche
On November 14, 2007, Carole’s Mom, Blanche Shaw, turned ninety years old. That’s quite an accomplishment. Carole decided that we would surprise Blanche at her birthday party. There was quite a bit of discussion about how much you want to surprise a ninety-year-old woman, but Carole was determined.
So, dealing with her brother, Will, it was decided that there would be a dinner party for Blanche on Saturday, November 17. We had told Blanche that we couldn’t make it. We lived over 800 miles away. Then, we would walk in just when everyone was seating themselves at Andrea’s Steakhouse in O’Fallon, Illinois.
We left Springfield on Thursday so that we could spend a night with our children (Paul, Sandy, Josh and Jack) in Roanoke. Then, we spent Friday night with Del and Jane O’Roark in Louisville. They are close friends from our military days. I worked for Del many years ago. By leaving late in the morning, it would put us in O’Fallon right about 4:30 PM.
The biggest problem with this plan was that Carole calls her mother every day and she had to come up with some wild explanations as to why she was always calling on her cell phone. I told Carole that I didn’t think we could pull it off. But, we did!
Will called us on his cell phone to let us know everyone was sitting down. We walked in and Carole touched her Mom’s shoulder from behind. I got ready to call 911. But it all came out perfect. After some delightful tears, we all sat down and celebrated Blanche’s birthday.
The poem, below, is to commemorate the occasion.
Blanche
We’re here to celebrate and that’s what we’ll do,
We’ll shout Happy Birthday to Blanche-Poo.
Ninety years young, with a smile and a knack,
For handling about everything, she’s sharp as a tack.
Grew up in the Depression, a truly smart child,
Living through some hard times, it really could get wild.
She was an excellent student, her grades were always tops,
We’re talking about the only child of Mam-ma and Pops.
She spent most of her life in Illinois,
Where she had a girl and a boy, and another boy.
She had beautiful children, mercy me,
But apples don’t fall far from the tree.
Of grandchildren, she has more than a few,
There’s Becky, Missy, Paul, Kelly, David and Drew.
Great grandchildren yes, there really is a pack,
With Grant, Brandon, Tyler, Kristin, Josh and Jack.
Six just doesn’t seem right, I’m sure there must be seven,
That’s right, there is Miss Charlotte, who just arrived from Heaven.
She lived in East Side and Belleville and down on the Lake,
Now she’s back in O’Fallon for goodness sake.
Playing poker with the girls, she comes out OK,
President of the Association, she’s had her say.
Now, she’s hooked to some tubes, makes her want to scratch,
But whatever you do, please don’t light a match.
Ninety years and counting, through the smiles and tears,
The time just simply flew by, all those special years.
But we’re all here to tell you, what you mean to us,
And whether you like it or not, we’re going to make a fuss.
We love you
96′ With Gusto
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!
95′ Holiday Poem
In late 1995, Congress couldn’t agree on a budget and parts of the Government shut down. The debate still rages as to whether that was a good thing or a bad thing. Also, it’s a kick in the teeth when it is decided that you’re “nonessential.” I was two plus years out of Government service, so that was somebody else’s problem.
One of the really great feel good stories in 1995 was Cal Ripken breaking the record for most consecutive baseball games played (2131). If you figure 162 games a year (I’m not sure the early years had that many), we are talking about playing over 13 years without missing a game! This record is not just about sports, but about how a person approaches his responsibilities. His record is something that everyone can celebrate.
My feel good story that year was that I was elevated to partner at Arent Fox.
95′ Holiday Poem
The Fed may have no budget, and the Government may close,
Yet, I’m picking up my pen, to write some silly prose.
Government worker – nonessential, they’re all uptight,
My issue – should this poem have a copyright?
(nope! not even Jessie Jackson would lift a line)
The Disney family reunion was simply grand,
We ate, rode and played till we couldn’t stand.
Four generations from two to 79,
Thirteen’s not unlucky, when you’re having a great time.
(no! no! not the luau!)
Missy and Terry have moved, they’re back where they met,
Terry’s working at Caterpillar, making buckets, yet.
Kerby’s still at Safeway, but stacking lettuce no more,
He showed his MBA, and now he runs the store.
(love those sons-in-law)
Paul still works with troubled teens,
Yes, saving a few pearls,
But the problem just got more complex,
He’s switching from boys to girls.
(I think I’ll just stand outside)
It’s been a banner year, with really no down side,
Carole’s doing great, she’s definitely my pride.
No longer an Arent Fox newbie, but I’m still making boners,
Yet did enough things right, now I’m one of the owners!
(what do you mean, capital contribution?)
Work took me to Brea, Dearborn and Troy,
Fun took us to Charleston, Chicago and boy,
The rocks of Sedona, now that’s a find,
But the Indian myths will play with your mind.
(how – scrambled!)
Mom celebrated eighty at Jeannette and Bill’s,
In Henderson, North Carolina, up in the hills.
We children were there, Karen came a long way,
We laughed till we cried – just a great day.
(no, not that story again!)
Five years in this house, records for us and Cal,
Blanche came to visit, and Holly’s such a pal.
She brings in the paper and sometimes a branch,
That’s Holly I mean, certainly not Blanche!
(roll over, sit up – good girl)
So that’s it for this year, we miss all our friends,
Especially at holidays, when the year ends.
But I have the answer, I have the fix,
Let’s see you real soon in Ninety-six!
(have a wonderful holiday and a happy New Year)
A Holiday Poem (with in-depth commentary)
I told you I had lots of Christmas poems. I’m only up to 1994.
Not really much to explain in this one. Marion Barry, the former mayor, went to jail for drug possession and use, then got himself elected as a councilman in D.C. Chris Weber spent less years in D.C. than DWI arrests. In fairness, I think we did go to the playoffs while he was here.
A HOLIDAY POEM
(with in-depth commentary)
I’m starting too early, I have time to waste,
It’s usually better when I’m in haste.
But I’m traveling this December, clients in the West,
But Carole says no packing till the poem meets the test.
(if she accepts this, she’s easy.)
It’s almost five years since moving to D.C.
For us military folks, that’s an eternity.
Arent Fox has been great, worries not a nary,
City’s in good hands, ask Marion Barry.
(don’t ya believe in redemption?)
Carole’s enjoying life, Thrift Shop and used books,
Her hearing’s gone South, but she still has her looks.
It’s time for the Christmas party, it should be a blast,
But she say every year, this one’s the last!
(this time she really means it – – that also sounds familiar.)
Then there’s sports in D.C., no baseball, no hockey,
But Redskins, yes Redskins, but the season’s so rocky.
But we still have the Bullets, that’s the suggestion,
But if Chris Weber is the answer, what is the question.
(does it have something to do with the playoffs?)
It’s tough to be separated from family and friend,
Especially on holidays, when phone wires bend.
But a reunion is coming, Carole’s planned it for years,
The entire family together, for hugging and cheers.
This January in Orlando, we’ll come, we won’t dally,
The Hansen’s from Hutchinson, the Ross’ from Prescott Valley.
Blanche and Mary from St. Louis, Paul from Buckingham County,
We’ll meet Mickey and Goofy, and all reap the bounty.
(which one is Goofy?)
It’s difficult to be separated from family and friends,
But at Walt Disney World, the separation ends.
The grandchildren will be there, and each great grandma,
Carole’s the tour guide, and I’m just Grandpa.
(do you take American Express?)
We scream from the Tower of Terror, as we fall out of sight,
Merry Christmas to all and to all a
A Washington Holiday Poem
The Christmas is 1993. I have completed my first nine months at Arent Fox and am starting to enjoy private practice (“starting to enjoy” means I finally have some clients). We have a new puppy- Holly (just like today we have a new puppy – Nikki). Carole seriously broke her ankle walking down the steps of our deck. So here is the 1993 report.
A Washington Holiday Poem
Another year? Already that time.
For me to scratch out a silly rhyme.
Christmas in D.C. – Redskins alas,
Bubba’s in the White House – This too shall pass.
The house is improving, we put up a fence,
Carole was the inspector, that seemed to make sense.
But she missed a step, her ankle blew a fuse,
Now she has a metal plate and six tiny screws.
But that was March, now she’s cruising the sector,
Only problem when she flies is the metal detector.
Holly’s our new little sheltie, I don’t know just why,
Now when we want to travel, it becomes a harder try.
But you know the old saying, says the polly wog,
If you want a friend in Washington, get yourself a dog.
Paul got another promotion, and I’ve become a fan,
He’s had his job longer, than even his old man.
Kerby’s into taxidermy, and it can cause the jitters,
When you look in Becky’s freezer, chucked full of ugly critters.
Missy’s teaching Headstart, Terry’s shaping vans,
This holiday we’ll see them, D.C.’s in their plans.
The military’s behind me, my political career’s in a box,
A bright new world awakens, private practice at Arent Fox.
Time sheets and billable hours, my mind’s become so pliant,
Long hours and library trips, just to please the client.
But the roughest days are over, I think I’m past the crunch,
I must quit writing now – It’s time for my power lunch!
Another Silly Christmas Poem
When I wrote this poem in 1991, I actually entitled it, “Another Silly Christmas Poem.” How would I know that 16 years later, when I am publishing back poems, that the title would be so apropos.
We had been retired from the Army for over a year and I was becoming knowledgeable in motor vehicle safety. It seems manufacturers were putting all kinds of things on the steering wheel – symbols of horns and airbags, and cruise control buttons. For safety reasons all these items were required to be upright so that they could be easily understood. Well, once the steering wheel is turned, everything goes upside down. In our wisdom, we decided the symbols and gadgets needed to be perceptively upright only when the car wheels were going straight. Sometimes, we did things that saved lives. Sometimes we just avoided doing stupid things. This was the latter.
Another Silly Christmas Poem
(because Carole made me do it)
I guess it’s that time, to put poem in gear,
So, seasons greetings and a happy New Year.
Happy in Springfield, you surely can guess,
For the first time in four, the same address.
We’re hanging paper and painting and watching things grow,
And next year we’ll try for three in a row.
Carole’s a Thrift Shop volunteer, one of her joys,
Hates the Springfield exit and the Dallas Cowboys.
She started the year working, but gave it up for Lent,
Fighting rush hour traffic, would leave anyone spent.
The Christmas party’s coming and Carole’s oh so busy,
With cookies, candies and decorations, Lord, I’m feeling dizzy.
Jack’s still cranking out rules to make car safety air tight,
Why even gadgets on steering wheels must be perceptively upright.
Airbags and seat belts make our season safe and merry,
With special help from the crash dummies, Vince and Larry.
The boss has been tapped to lead FAA,
It makes life exciting day after day.
Christmas should be great, we’ll be sleeping in the hall,
With Missy, Terry & Tyler, and also Blanche and Paul.
We’ll miss Becky and Kerby and the kids this season,
Arizona’s far away, and that’s the reason.
Uncle Sam has them stationed out in the West,
He’s teaching ROTC, and proctoring a test.
Paul’s got a job and we’re flipping our lids,
He’s providing guidance to troubled kids.
He’s patching together what was damaged goods,
They’re finding themselves, out in the woods.
So I’ve done the deed for another year,
I hope these lines have brought you cheer.
Each year I get worse, just a bit,
but, I’m really not sure, which year to quit.
(but I’ve quit for this year)
Merry Christmas, etc, etc.