June's Christmas Poems
We did it!
Lock stock and barrel, packed up the kids, the pets, the house
(We were considerate enough to leave the new tenants the mouse)
Barriere now is where we reside
Yes, halfway up on the mountainside
We've traded the crime rate, the noise and the bustle
For some good ol' down home get off your ass, on the double!
"Haul in that wood. Go shoot me some supper
Don't give me no lip, you'll do as you oughter!"
We live in the country, the laid back life
I'm now baking buns (like a good wife)
The kids have adjusted, only a mile to the bus
At twenty below, there's minimum fuss
For walk it they must (uphill both ways)
If they're ever to elaborat on those "good old school days"
As for me and Mike, we don't regret it one minute
"The coast" as it's called, can keep everyone in it
We're happy we two, if you don't hear from us in a while
It's because we're so busy with our laid back lifestyle
If you ever pass by, don't ever pass through
We'd sure love to see you, hear what you've been up to
A hop, skip and a jump from Kamloops they say
Just 45 minutes up the Yellowhead Highway
Our door's always open, what else is new?
(We've been raised in a barn the last year or two)
Please knock and walk in, the same thing applies
No notice is neede, we love a surprise
p.s. We hope this note finds you enjoying the season
With family and friends, for what better reason
To share home and hearth...
And hope for peace on earth
(top of page)
~1994~
It must be Christmas for here I go
Hacking out poems like an old pro
The dishes in the kitchen sink sit
As I search for rhymes... who needs this s***
A year has passed since I last wrote in prose
Why I do it, heaven knows?
Mike claims it's the Hungarian in me, starting to show
(I told him just where he could go)
'94 in Barriere has come and gone
We blinked and missed it, didn't seem that long
How time flies when we're having fun?
Still, it continues now that year two here's begun
Spring came along and we thought it'd be nice
To just find one lake not covered in ice
For what good was living surrounded by trout
If we couldn't penetrate to get the fish out?
Second time out the kids were in school
Loaded the boat, thought it'd be cool
To have a few hours at the ol' fishin' hole
Till we got to the lake... and forgot the poles
Third time's the charm, we took the girls out
(Isnt' that what families are all about?)
Kids quickly bored stiff were taking turns rowing
While Daddy his casting flare to all was showing
The girls' "K-Mart special" had been giving them trouble
Daddy gave out pointers on the double
"It's easy if you only know what to do
Give me that rod and I'll show all of you!"
Winding up to cast clear across the lake
Would have been fine (if it weren't for fate)
For that rod could snag, lo and behold it could fly!
We all watched in awe as it sailed by
"A new trick! Hey Daddy, that was great!
We liked when we saw it hit the lake!"
Of course, it was never found
Back home again, we soon were bound
Summer brought the sun, the pool and the heat
All the relatives for the reunion did meet
August long weekend, we worked right through it
Don't ask us what happened to it!
It sure was nice to have family and friends
Drop in to see us now and then
More made the trip than we could possible imagine
We thank one and all for the time and the plannin'
My job at the grocery store still going strong
I work full time, all week long
As for Mike, his dry spell's over
He's out pushin' trees till we're in the clover
As the next season changed, so did my Mike
From fishing to hunting (you know what he's like)
Traded his fishing rod in for his gun
Now we have "Bambi" for supper. Yum, yum
As if a "four point" wouldn't swell his head just a bit
Two snowmobiles in the garage now do sit
And now that the snow has started to fall
All of Barriere gives the Snowmobile Club President a call
"Mike, how are the trails and where have you been
Out on your new red, racing machine?
What, took the kids and not the wife?
She's working you say. Well, that's life."
Out come the tow ropes and the GT Racers!
Home come the frost bitten, smiling faces
Tired from tearing up the mountainside
My three (four) speed demons to bed abide
The girls now attend grades 1,3 and 5
Report cards came home and they're still alive
All held glowing accounts of our daughters three
In reading, writing and "arithmaree"
School can be fun but the weekends await
With snow all around, who needs ice skates?
Surely, not these three and their dad
These machines are the best fun they've ever had!
But Mondays come quick when risin' time's four
Getting up early's what Mike has in store
Mondays I have off guaranteed
(With all that goes on, it's the whole day I need)
School bus by eight, to Brownies by three
Yes, I'm the leader (Who else but me?)
Piano lessons start promptly at seven
Wait a half hour, then it's back home I'm headin...
Even in Barriere we fill our lives with such fuss
I guess the hustle of the city never quite left us
When sometimes, it seems, my molehills become mountains
I stop for a moment and my blessings start countin'
Our health, our happiness (both of these I pray
Will remain with us till our dying day)
A husband, three children, friends and family I love
And the wisdom to cherish all listed above
(top of page)
~1995~
Fraid to say, I'm in the poop
Some day I hope this poem to recoup
My filing system's rather sloppy
Contact me, if you have a copy!
(top of page)
~1996~
Sit back and take in what '96 held in store
For the Webb's here in Barriere life's never a bore
Spring I remember, took forever to arrive
The cold hung on, but the woodpile survived!
Science World of bust, was my first trip to "town"
Jessica, me and all the Brownies headed down
The sleep over was dubbed a huge success
(No one suffered from car sickness)
Very next weekend, headed back to the coast
Mom and Dad's anniversary to toast
Jessica's birthday, thrown in for good measure
(Our trips down are rarely for leisure)
The month of June brought my weekend "for me"
Once a year, my time with best friend "Nosky"
Headed down to see Miss Saigon
And like a fool, let the kids tag along
Saw Pitt Meadows parade, then off to the bay
Auntie Jann to the rescue (always the way)
Dropped off the kids then hit the street
Back to Pitt Meadows through traffic and heat
Arrived back at Kelly's with the clock ticking...
No time to get ready (lucky for me, I'm good looking)
Zipped off to Vancouver in time for Act One
Squeezed in supper at an Italian restaurant
Woke up the next morning and drove to see Grandma
(Who not to see is always the dilemma)
Chicken-with-my-head-cut-off hardly describes it
This trip to the coast, I barely survived it
Sing "Happy Birthday" to me, then pile in the car
We're Barriere bound, it's not that far
A few hours later it's, "Honey, I'm back!"
Work the next day, just enough time to unpack
Got back in time for ball season to start
Three girls... three uniforms... three minutes to be at the park!
Lived on burgers thrown on the "barby"
"Eat!" was the word of the day, or be tardy
Rebecca did quite well, her team made the finals
Practised hard, played hard, qualified for Provincials
We were so thrilled till we were told
They were due to be playd in our town of old
In July we made another trip down
Back to Maple Ridge we were bound
Sisters to their friends (the usual drill)
Family to the park to cheer on our girl!
This trip we had to chock up to "experience"
Lost four in a row, the competition was fierce
Somehow returned with our numbers increased
It seems cousin Kenton we'd leased
He took swimming lessons and lived in the pool
(It was the only way the kids could stay cool)
Uncle Mike took us all to the lake
Kenton's first fish sure did taste great!
Summer brought warmth and the urge to garden
Grew lots from seed, but had no place to put them
Had a brainstorm, we'd landscape the pool
Till Mike announced, "Don't have the right tool"
I am pleased to report this "discussion" I won
A sod lifter couldn't be how Stanley Park was done!
"With a good sturdy shovel, what's a hundred feet of dirt?
Besides, we've got a hot tub now, if you hurt"
The next month I spent rushing home to revive
Ten flats of bedding plants, barely alive
Each lunch break spent frantically watering
All my poor, root bound darlings
But oh, what a masterpiece when finally done!
Everything in full bloom, under the sun
Mike's back got better with each passing day
(Who could have predicted all that clay?)
Now, before you conjure up too much pity
For this man who "hauled ass" from the city
Let me tell you, I couldn't have worked him too hard
(Wait till you see the other side of the yard)
It seems when all was said and done
There were a few day-lillies without a home
Meanwhile, there was this stump...
If he'd just move it, I could get the job done
"Don't look at me like that
I didn't plant the tree where it's at!"
A 4x4, some chains and I was ready to go
Except now Mike noticed a crack in the patio
"All we need now is to break out this slab
Think then of the garden you'll have"
The "slab" turned out to be three feet thick
With a second stump cemented under it
Half a day later we had nothing to show
but a great big, honkin' mother of a hole!
But my man Mike took one look a the disaster
"A fish pond!" he declared, was the answer
The fish it turned out, were the cheapest part
($125 just for the tarp)
My day-lillies you ask? Beside the pond they do sit
Still waiting for a place to "fit"
While gardening outside, thought we'd get a start
Renovating the house with "Power Smart"
Hydro showed, workers in tow
While Kelly was up canning, row upon row
We just covered the rhubarb, the jam and zucchini
While they worked around us, cutting holes in the ceiling
They laid the drop sheet to catch all the dust
While we fed the kids amidst all the fuss
...it never donned on me until that very minute
That the cup Kelly drank from didn't have pop in it
It turns out I almost killed her!
Filled the cup with soap and left it on the counter...
Blue was the colour of the pop
Blue was the colour of the soap
(I've heard it said things come in threes)
Blue was her face, as she fell to her knees
Gasping for breath, she ran from the room
Dodged under the ladder, headed straight for the loo
I'm pleased to say she's fully recovered
(Though I don't think blue is her favorite colour)
Aside from Kelly a few others did show
Lisa and Dave brought their crew up the road
Took them out boating, hooked up with the Green's
Let adults play, while kids watched the scene
Oh, we gave them a turn, after we'd had our fun
Each one of us airborne, our ass to the sun!
Introduced all to the famous "sea biscuit"
No one survived (we've got video to prove it)
'96 still had "surprises" in store
Poor Mikey didn't know what he was in for
Innocently thinking he was off to the Keg
Only to find we were pulling his leg!
Lots made it up to watch him turn 40
Thanksgiving weekend... wasn't that a party?
Mike's now convinced he's more that good lookin'
In his new shirt that reads, "Farfrompüken"
Todd and Laurie sure cut loose
And what about Mitch the Caboose?
The Macarena didn't compare to the train song
We had everyone "tagging" along
Before we knew it the weekend was done
Why does time fly when we're having such fun?
That so many made the trip
Warmed our hearts and made the party a hit
One member of our family is now over the hill
Though not (I might add) on his snowmobile!
"Tis mid-November and guess what? No snow
How he'll survive, I'll never know?
In the garage Mike's new machine lies
As he pines away for white flakes from the skies
He traded his old one for one with more power
(Tim Allen look out, this guy can grunt louder!)
Odd how life now hinges on the weather
With Mike's new job, the sooner we get some, the better!
For he's back with the highways, third crew
And until it snows we're in the stew
As for me, you'll find me explaining
"I'm the new T.I.T." (Teller In Training)
The Credit Union's where you'll find me now
Across from the post office, downtown
Of course the Credit Union's also next door
To the place I used to work before
And the new girl Al hired to fill my shoes
Has the locals a bit confused
She used to work up the street at the Esso
Now she's at Al's, selling espresso
It seems we've thrown the whole town for a loop
They don't know where to go for soup!
Standing at the grocery store, did they come for gas?
For there stands Cheryl packing their bags
"Where's June?" they ask, and are soon told...
"Next door at the Credit Union handing out dough!"
As for the kids, still growing, all three
Rebecca's quickly catching up to me
A half shoe size away from her mother
Her feet are growing (yet she doesn't seem taller?)
Our girls are now in grades 7, 5 and 3
Next year, the high school is where one will be
Rebecca will be moving on
(If she happens to live that long)
Grade 7 for her proves to be very busy:
Volleyball, flute, student council secretary
She babysits now and when she's at home
Practises her piano from dusk until dawn
I don't know if I'll survive
Hearing every song she's learned since she was 5
Over and over and over each day
Were Liszt and Chopin "created" this way?
Jessica in Brownies, Melissa's in Guides
Little did I realize...
"Cookies anyone?" would be the line
I'd be spouting all the time
Life as a mother rolls merrily along
I have no choice but to hang on
For though the ride may sometimes be bumpy
I cherish these three who call me "Mommy"
This life I lead may prove hectic at times
(Marriage being constant compromise)
But I wouldn't trad what I've got for the world
A husband who loves me, three beautiful girls!
Christmas isn't the only time I count my blessings
For life has taught me some very tough lessons
First and foremost, when you look at your world
Make sure that your glass is always half-full
This Christmas season we can't make it to the coast
To be with those we love the most
But keep in mind, each Christmas Eve
We raise a glass, the whole family
And offer a toast to those we love
(Both here on earth and up above)
Who can only be with us in our hearts
When distance and circumstance keep us apart
We'll have our turn to celebrate
For good things come to those who wait
And to prove my point, as I look out the window...
Finally, at last, we have our snow
(top of page)
~ Reflections of 1997 ~
Events from this year will not soon be outdone
Everything from new babies to Nana turning 91
Our lives held the stuff of a hollywood script
(Too bad the budget didn't come along with it!)
We squeezed alot into 1997
"Three Weddings and a Funeral" we attended
Three, count them, three brides in white dress and veil
Sent invitations to us in the mail
Yet life, as we know it, is never all roses...
Grief always arrives in unexpected doses
Said our good-byes to one whom in the end
Everyone called both family and friend
On the homefront decided to renovate
Three girls to the basement to re-locate
Each to their own room was the plan
Did I mention I married "Tim the Tool Man"
Mike measured,cut and hammered, no time was wasted
Fingers to the bone... then sanded and painted
The only thing he asked of me was to start peeling
The old wallpaper from Rebecca's "new" ceiling
"Leave it to me Mike, I'll fly right at 'er!"
(Near killed myself falling off the ladder)
Hauled out the sponges, buckets and scraper
Had nothing to show for it two hours later
Is this to be what I had to go through?
(Thinking like a carpenter just wouldn't do)
I knew there had to be a better way...
The garden hose would save the day!
Got the job done lick-it-e-split
Once I figured out how to really SOAK it
Mike, as he walked by, just bit his tongue harder
Cursing the day he married a gardener
What started last January is still on-the-go
(Budgets were made to be broke, don't ya know)
Don't get me wrong, they've all moved in
No doors, no closets, no laundry bins
Of course Mike wouldn't still be renovating
If he hadn't landscaped the garden last spring
(Hasn't he learned by now it's all his fault)
...The basement came to a screeching halt
100 feet of garden under all that snow
Seeds were all ordered and now place to sow
"Plans for a greenhouse, draw me some quick
If you hurry you've got enough time to build it!"
The greenhouse looks lovely, the rooms do too
The yard was a show stopper and the girls never knew
That money intended for carpets on floors
Grew lovely flowers out-of-doors
Seems we can't say "no" to Lotus Land
Know the route like the back of our hand
Popped down in January, March, twice in April
(Easter at Jann's, Brownies to the Aquarium)
June and July each held a trip down
Melissa made Provincials, we were White Rock bound
While down in July, to Nanaimo sailed over
Then back down to the coast twice in October
those who came our way sure did have fun
With his new golf clubs Mike showed how it's done
He, with Uncle Wayne and Larry
took first prize at the local golf tourney!
Tracey, Arif, Jillian and Blair
Saw Fall Fair and Rodeo, spent all weekend there
The midway, the cowboys, the little calfs who
Got yaked by the neck, then their legs bound too!
Jessica entered her 15 foot sunflower
A few inches short of the "grand prize" tower
But all good things must come to an end
School days were waiting just around the bend
Rebecca to the high school this year
Getting all kinds of education I hear...
Thanks to the couple sharing a locker next to hers
"French kissing's" no longer something she's heard
Kids off to school, I started full-time in town
We work in Kamloops though Barriere's home
Our lives are full, right down to the minute
Each day doesn't have near enough hours in it
We count our blessings, make sacrifices galore...
Isn't that what family is for?
Along with our love, we send through to you
Our very best wishes, and Merry Christmas too!
(top of page)
"Peace on Earth"
~ 1998 ~
As I look back on 1998
Like Tony the Tiger I’d say it was “Great!”
Disneyland, Toronto, from the Mouse to the Jays
My memories all, are of golden days
Saved our pennies, and lived like paupers
Took a year to build enough funds in the coffers
Disneyland or bust, was our secret goal
The children, Mike & I agreed, must not be told
We searched for a “code” that wouldn’t seem weird
“Peanut butter and jam” might fall on deaf ears...
No suppers out, no movies, no fun
“Peanut butter and jam” was always #1
Of course for a year, kids thought we were starving
“No money for food”, we were always harping!
Before we knew it, we were winging our way
To stay with the “Woodies” in Californ-i-ay
Ten days of never once saying “No”
Rode every ride, twice... saw every show!
“This holiday rocked!” was the cry on the last night
Every sacrifice worth it, in hindsight
No sooner returned home safe and sound
July found us Toronto bound
Tickets to the Jays, plus Les & Marg’s wedding
Landed in Winnipeg: Mike started sweating
With one hour to spare to make the game
We didn’t have time to fix a hole in the plane!
Four hours later, landed in the right town
Jumped in the rental car (the game was half gone)
Mike’s eyes on the road, my eyes on the map...
We took the wrong exit, now whose fault was that?
“North does so mean Up” ~ “Don’t gimme that tune!”
Toronto look out, here comes Mike & June!
We got to sit through innings 8,9 & 10
The Jays won the game, all was well in the end
Les married his lady, and oh, what a party!
Cleared out all the tables and danced on till mornin’
The Nemeth home was sold in early September
Made a time capsule to help us remember
Shared all our stories, drank lots of wine
Filled it with mementos, gathered through time
Speaking of parties and happy occasions
Webb’s had their share of family celebrations
We welcomed Kelly to the ‘Over the Hill’ gang
For Tracey & Arif: wedding bells chimed
Wayne & Norma hosted another family reunion
Water fights, horse-shoes & a mess of good cookin’
Where else can you go (that it’s O.K.)
To stick kids to the house with a roll of duck tape?
As for the girls, they’re doing just fine
At Barriere High, Rebecca’s loving grade 9
The school to herself, she’s enjoying every minute
Next year won’t be the same with her sister in it
A full blown teenager (much to her dad’s surprise)
She blossomed this summer right in front of our eyes
Now along with Rebecca’s piano and sports
It’s make-up and clothes, plus perfumes of all sorts
Melissa had the lead in last year's school play
In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy seized the day!
Sang like a lark, we all said, “Who knew?”
Immediately signed her up for voice lessons too
She learned the hard way, ‘tween wrong & right
Attended a party and paid the price
(When the answer’s "No" & you choose to ignore it
You’ll spend the whole summer paying for it...)
Grounded for two months, you’ve got to be kidding!
No, Melissa. Plus, the garden needs weeding
Got an ear infection, couldn’t go in the pool
Can you say, “Happy to be back in school” ?
Jessica, it turns out, can run like the wind Mike’s doing well, seasonal work aside I’m now on year two, working full time in town Sometimes I sit back and look at my life Then the hot tub cools down, and I’ve got to go in “Hey you, get to bed! And you, do the dishes! This ditty’s our chance to say Merry Christmas
Ribbon after ribbon - she’d race, and she’d win!
Growing in inches, otherwise the same
(The baby of the family, she’ll always remain)
Davey Crockett’s a role that suits him just fine
“I’ll go gather wood, I’ll go hunt deer”
(I’m married to the king of the wild frontier)
Go, go, go is the pace, it never slows down
Chores are for days off, my meals made then too
This supermom label is stuck on like glue
Am I a good parent, do I make a good wife?
Am I doing the right thing by setting this pace?
Am I too stressed, too caught up in the rat race?
Finish my wine ~ face reality again
One last look at the stars, shining above
Head into the house to distribute some love:
What kind of a place do you think this is?!
Can’t cuddle with you Mike, there’s just no time
I’ve a poem to do and it’s got to rhyme!”
Wrapped up in verse: all our hugs and our kisses
When it comes to family, we’re very traditional
We send all our love to you, unconditional
(top of page)
~ 1999 ~
How to sum up '99
Only six trips to the coast this time
4 family additions, for what it's worth:
2 by marriage, 2 by birth
Welcome Ashton and baby Shakeel
Our family grows ever larger still
Two more blessings we add to the roster
Two little miracles for us to foster
Harrison was 'Hot' in the spring
A beautiful spot for Kim & Clint's wedding
Our 'Colgate Kids' celebrated in style
Every photo a winner with custom smiles
November brought us back down to the coast
We cried through the vows, speeches & toasts:
Jason married his Liza, (Nike sandals and all)
The video didn't leave a dry eye in the hall
Happy they've gained both a son & a daughter,
Kelly & Larry are now poor as paupers
Throw grad in there too, & now that it's over
That's them over there, passed out in the corner
In June, Wayne & Wendy heard "Surprise!"
As 50 candles lit up their eyes
Shawn & Chris 16: Both learning to drive
Les turned 40: now the downhill slide
March found us Mexico bound
Sans kids and snow, we flew out of town
After 17 years, we could finally say,
"We're all alone! Ole! Ole!"
Sunsets to die for, dancing till dawn
Forgot to put our sunscreen on...
"Don't touch me!" "God this hurts!"
Whose idea was it to play in the surf?
Easter long weekend our master plan:
Celebrate spring birthdays with Auntie Jann
Tried a new restaurant with Hungarian fare
"Just 4 platters!" Grandma ordered with flare
"There's 14 of us!" Mike's hopes were dashed
"I'm hungry!" he whined to me, "Is she daft?"
Then the food arrived, platters overflowing...
(Our apologies to Grandma, the "all-knowing")
As for the home front, we're doing just fine
Girls all keep busy, in sports all the time:
Volleyball, basketball, softball - times three
On the go year round, then there's MIke & me
To Kamloops and back we still car pool daily
Got to run a tight ship, just like the Navy
Each morning we wake up, in an hour and a bit:
Shower, shave, do our hair, scream at the kids,
"Isn't this game day? Go take off those jeans!
Have you got money? Uniform's clean?
Can you get there? Who's driving you home?
This better not leave Jessica here all alone!"
"Made your lunch yet? Well, pick up the pace!
And wipe that look right off of your face!
Supper's in the oven. Make sure it turns on!
Stone cold stew when we get home is no fun."
Then there's piano, clarinet and the flute
(As if they don't have enough to do)
Report cards must average A's and B's
Too many C+, something gets the squeeze
No steady boyfriends, no gun at the door
But they've figured out what the phone is for
Just ask Jessica (I'll give you a 'for instance')
50 bucks she owed: 1 month of long distance
Mike got a membership at the local golf club
Paid his green fees, and here comes the rub
Now it's two cars in town every Men's Night
"Can't wait for you, gotta play when it's light!"
My fairy godmother's a bit confused
She forgot Shwartzenegger's been my muse
It seems she has me married to Palmer
I shoud be happy, for his name's still Arnold
Now that the clubs are all tucked away
He can hear the snowmobile calling his name
Mike's biding his time till the snow flies:
Sundays on the mountain with all of the guys
If all goes well for Christmas this year
We'll be down at the coast, spreading cheer
For Y2K, we won't be at home
The cat will have to go it alone
One thing's for sure, she won't be bored
Water and food in the cool room's stored
We're counting on her to master door handles
Tend to the fire, light all the candles
But I'm sure when all is said and done
She'll survive the new millenium
Doesn't each day provide us a new beginning
Full of new challenges to be experiencing?
...To all of those who've touch our lives
Present day & times gone by
Friends ~ Co-workers ~ Family tree
Without you, where would we be?
Each one of you in your own way
Make our lives richer, every day
We thank God. We know it's true.
Our lives are richer for loving you!
(top of page)
Last holiday season
We spent on the coast
With family and friends
Enjoyed toast after toast
Each night for 10 nights
A new bed to be had
As we changed location,
We'd unpack our bag
Wake up the next mornin'
And load up the trunk
"Whose idea was it
To bring all this junk?"
We left shoes at one house
Toothbrushes at another
Backtracked a few times
...Our things to recover
We survived Y2K
New Year's Eve, had a ball!
Came the stroke of midnight
Nothing happened at all...
The power stayed on,
There was no big boom
Just kisses & singing as
Auld Lang Syne filled the room
As Y2K unfolded,
Made 3 more trips to "town"
Grandpa Nemeth turning 80
Was the first reason to come down
Then Becky discovered UBC,
Spent a week with Auntie Maria
Learning about the life she leads
Juggling her career
Our third trip was down memory lane
Mike's 25th high school reunion
Brought out the yearbook to compare
To the days when all were groovin'
As for those who came our way
We cherished every minute
Spent with friends and family
Who took the time to visit
This year for Fall Fair,
We entertained a crew,
Jann, Peter, Connor
Kelly & Jennifer too
Of course they thought
They were rodeo bound
Till they got at taste
Of life in our small town
First, everyone had to bring
An entry to the fair
Then I signed up Jann & Kelly
To be the judges there
The kid's section was theirs
(Had to sample all the baking)
And Mike, the bum, outdid me
Took 1st place in flower arranging!
When I think back on this year
Mike's had quite a time
At a gof tournee, a hole in one!
(And didn't win a dime)
Half hour into hunting season
He'd already bagged his deer
Now it's "Pepperoni a la Bambi"
For Christmas time this year
Of course, he's still hunting
Now it's wood he brings home
Each time he pulls in
Three girls let out a groan...
As he bucks it and splits it
They stack it up, learning
This is how we keep
The home fires burning
As for the girls
Each one is still growing
It seems the older they get
The more they're "all-knowing"
Each takes her turn
Being "up the creek"
(There's always a reason
To be grounded for a week)
We now have a driver
In our midst
Becky's sweet sixteen
And by Trevor is being kissed
Melissa, in the middle,
Keeps us on our toes
Sports and boys
Seem to be her main goals
Jessica's grade seven
And loving every minute
Cause next year's the high school
With both her sisters in it!
Our commute to Kamloops
Is still going strong
Only when we're "not speaking"
Does it ever seem long
Mike's landed full time
Works the whole year through:
It seems the more money we make
The more we "make do"
At the credit union I spend all day
Handing out the dough
I thougt by now I'd have the seed
To make a money tree grow
Paid off our personal loan this year
For SIX DAYS we weren't extended
Till the septic field went for a poop
(Yes, the pun's intended)
Each day we come home
Dog-tired and stressing
Then take a step back
And start counting our blessings
For life will always have
It's ups and downs...
It's having each other
That really counts
(top of page)
~ 2001 ~
Ready to be regaled?
The fun's just begun
With tales of the Webb's
~2001~
See what's been happening
To kids, hubby and me
So many changes
Between "Christmas trees"
Winter was slow
Not much to report
Spring came along
And with it, new sports...
Jess decided to take up golf
Now, rugby's Becky's game
Mike and I joined slowpitch
Now "Slugger's" my new nickname
Discovered I can hit the ball!
Even made and AWESOME catch!
(The rest of the season
...I think I'll just scratch)
I was out to have some fun
Enter Mike's competitive streak
After each and every play
He'd mutter, "Bleep, bleep bleep!"
Melissa discovered Phone Tag
"Long distance on the line"
Now she owes me big big bucks
(And writes letters all the time)
Next we all learned how to luge
At Todd's house on the coast
Celebrating Larry's 50 years
Man, he's hard to "roast"!
All 3 girls held summer jobs
Bringin' home the bacon
Now they sport brand new wardrobes
With the money they were makin'
No reunion held this year
So we toured Mayne Island
Just the girls, no men allowed
Sunscreen, laughs and drivin'
Each day the cabin had a theme
Complete with music and props
Spent our mornings at the beach
Afternoons, we toured the shops
Dean Martin's crooning
Woke them up, in Little Italy
And if ever they visit the Orient
They know now, they don't like Saki!
I swear I'll never forget
The fun I was havin'
The first time Melissa laid eyes
On the panelled station wagon
"Oh Mom, I'm so embarrassed
To be seen inside this car
And loose those stupid glasses
You're going way too far!"
"Take a lesson from your mother
~ No one knows us here ~
Besides, I'm on vacation
Don't you like my glasses dear?"
Many thanks go to Malenstyn's
For their hospitality!
...Left the island - hit the mall
Spent ALL DAY at the PNE
Made it back to Barriere
With not much time to spare
The Fall Fair Pageant loomed
And Becky had to be there
After months of preparation
"Princess Becky" sports a crown
Now with two other "Royals"
She travels town-to-town
Soon the summer ended
And high school did await
Our three teenage sisters
In grades 12, 10 & 8
As for Mike & I
We ran away from home
Spent three days at Stoney Lake
"Just to be alone"
A gourmet chef cooked our meals
Enjoyed a horse-back ride
Fished the lake for rainbow trout
A bona fide good time!
No sooner had we returned
Packed our bags again
Headed to the coast this time
Thanksgiving for to spend
Then Becky decided to renovate
Painted her room lime green
I swear it's the loudest colour
That Mike has ever seen!
He headed for the hills
Where deer hunting abounds
(And no estrogen
was anywhere to be found)
Our larder is now laden
With salsa from the garden, canned
And venison peopperoni!
Country folk, living off the land
Getting back to basics
Was what our move was all about
Could it be 8 years ago
We said, "Time to get out"?
My reminiscing's almost done
Just one more thing to note
Of those I hold most dear to me
There's one I am without
As my year wound down
"The coast" called out to me
Said good-bye to Grandpa Nemeth
As he drifted off to sleep
He now joins the band of angels
That surround me with their love
I feel their prescence always
And bid them "Viszonlantasra"
(top of page)
~ 2002 ~
Another year has flown by fast
Blinked, and now it's in the past
Lots took place in 2002
Of course, with us what else is new?
The New Year found Mike on call at the mill
Gilbert Smith's green chain: bottom of our hill
Physicaly demanding but close to home
Now he has time, the golf course to roam
This year he won't pray for the snow to fly
Had to sell the snowmobile, (yes, he cried)
But turned around and bought Cleveland clubs
Expensive as hell and here's the rub
His buddies now are crying the blues
"Who the hell wants to golf with you?"
Club Champion now, is his claim to fame
A five handicap is where he rests his game
Fishing & hunting, he still finds the time
(When he's not doin "another nine")
Mows the lawn, fetches wood, father of three,
Of course (worth mentioning), married to me!
We spent "quality time" together this year
Took dancing lessons, held right here
(I think actually, all we need
Is for me to learn how not to lead)
My pace it seems, is set by our girls
Three different directions, our lives in a whirl
Becky goes left, as Melissa goes right
Jess, it seems, has grown up over night!
April found Melissa enrolled in the pageant
Another round of speeches, gowns & talent,
Interviews, resumes, how to act like a lady...
Crowned by her sister, she balled like a baby!
And introduce, in the middle of it all
Kamloops rep team, Provincial softball
Mike's saving grace (he's always so pleased):
Picture Melissa in a tiara, with skinned knees
Don't forget, this year she turned sixteen
And we all know what that means
Driving lessons were in there too
Thrown in for good measure, not enough to do
Now Becky's grad year was in the mix
Fundraisers and celebrations to be fixed
"Mom, there's a meeting, you have to attend!"
Stupid me, put up my hand, again
I'll only do the Dry Grad Fashion Show
I work far away, don't you know
I'm never around, so I'll delegate
Lots of help you say. That'd be great!
Who walks with whom ~ the tuxes ~ the gowns
Door prizes ~ decorations ~ back & forth to town
"The gym's never been set up this way?
Deal with it, or do it yourself" I'd say
Burn the cd's - update the tunes
What, no MC? That's ok, pick June
In the end, fundraiser a huge success
Nothing to do but spend the money, I guess
"By the way, who's spearheading Dry Grad?"
You guessed it, me, left holding the bag
Pound the pavement, drum up donations
Send out all the invitations
Nanaimo or bust, a quick trip down
Auntie Lisa whipped up a fabulous gown
Kidnapped Grandma along the way
Twisted her arm till she said, "O.k."
When all was finally said and done,
Gave Mike goose bumps to see daughter #1
Accept her diploma, scholarships too
Now off to college, higher Ed to pursue
On to daughter #3
Jess stands the tallest, (all legs in a bikini)
At 14, life will never be the same...
Teenage pimples & boys on the brain
Boys on the internet, boys that have cars
Boys that live near, boys that live far
Boys in the backyard, boys on the line
Mike sure wishes he could hold back time
And if he could, we wouldn't have been
Looking all over, when she couldn't be seen
Unlucky for Jess, her father found her
Kissing a boy! (In the darkest corner)
Summer was hot... water was cool
Worked on her dives, her Jack Knife's the best
Stunned even the boys when put to the test
As for me, still commute to town every day
Switched branches & jobs, a slight raise in pay
Planted my garden, salsa's been canned
Next year, turn 40 - big trip's being planned
Speaking of trips, this year made a few
Decca Lake for a day; Todd & Laurie, nice view!
To the coast for a week, Mike built a new shed
Jess to Allanna's, Becky the "Sparkle-head"
Come September, Gord & Jess tied the knot
(Apparantly "Turdy" was spotted a lot)
Celebrated Mom's SURPRISE 65th
The place was rockin', the whole night a hit!
And as for those who came our way
We can't say enough, you all made our day!
Grandma & Peter, for Becky's grad
What a wonderful time we had
Dallas & Shaymus, stayed up till 10
Come back soon & we'll do it again!
Tom & Bert showed up as the farm was sold
Reunions there, are now "times of old"
Kelly & Larry couldn't stay away
Came up twice and stayed for days
2nd trip up brought Mom & Abby too
The poor dog didn't know what to do
Dumped in doggie-daycare-from-hell
I'm sure she's got a few tales to tell
Rode in the parade, fell in the pond
Attacked by the cat, I could go on & on
Meanwhile Kelly & Larry were looking
At tables & tables of little one's cooking
Judged the children's section of the fair
Saw a bit of rodeo while they were there
Then in October it was supper for 9
Mike's birthday was the occasion this time
Mom & Dad with Ernie & Shirley in tow
Stayed for a few days, then had to go
No rest for the wicked, as we kissed them goodbye
Harped at the girls, "Start cleaning!" "Why?"
"More company's coming, here in 3 days"
Turkey supper for Grandma, Lisa & Dave
"House has to look like nobody lives here,
Grandma's coming! Do I make myself clear?"
"But we have homeowrk, lots of it too."
"Never mind that now. Go clean I told you!"
All kidding aside, we feel we are blessed
Each time our door is graced with a guest
The more, the merrier, we're always hopin'
No notice necessary, door's alway open
Don't know if we'll make it down this year
With Mike on call, work keeps us here
And hindsight being 20/20
No one said there were jobs a-plenty
It's a choice we made 9 years ago
Moving to Barriere, to live in the snow
So this year we might have to pass
And Christmas Eve, we'll raise our glass
To toast those only a phone call away
As well as those that await us one day'
In our hearts you all reside
We send you our love, this yuletide!
(top of page)
~ 2003 ~
Take a peek at 2003...
The events that took place here in BC
Just like a chapter of Harry Potter
We've lived life "come Hell or high water"!
Had to cancel my trip to "Celebrate 40!"
Every where I turned, God stopped me "shorty"
Thinking back on it now, I should have known
The signs were all there for me to stay home
Beginning of August, me and girlfriends
Had all booked off time to spend
First it was Greece (God threw in a war)
Change of plans: Canada's Eastern shore
Let's go to the theatre every day!
(He sent us SARS to get in the way)
Now the trip's cancelled, with nothing to do
Holidays start - McClure Fire rips through!
Transistor radio, volume turned high
Black mushroom cloud filling the sky
The world as we knew it ~ all a strange hue
The rays of the sun couldn't get through
Thankfully I come from "evacuee" stock
Picture me calmly filling a box...
No power in town since the night before
I'll just put a few things by the door
Seven boxes later - will I ever be done?
Mike thinks I'm nuts - "Just humor me, Hon!
...come to think of it, I would feel safer
If you loaded all now, 'stead of waiting till later"
"The golf clubs of course will have to stay
They're taking up room. They're in the way!
My Hungarian china - photos - the cat
Priorities dear, is where it's at"
Next step: go to get my car gas
Only one pump in town, emptying fast
Girls and I prepped to head down the hill
Left Mike behind, to protect his mill
No one knew the fate of Barriere town
As we drove to Kamloops "the long way 'round"
Fire burned to the ditch across our street
Couldn't get home for a full 2 weeks
What was it like, our life in limbo?
What did we do? Where did we go?
Mike got his clubs back (Yes, he forgave me)
One week in Kamloops, thanks Linda & Jamie!
Drove to the coast ~ spent a week there
Telling the tale of how well we'd fared
Granville Island, golf, low tide one day
Swam out to the marker at Boundary Bay
Made our way home to clean up the mess
Mike was the one who summed it up best...
He held up his Coke at the table one night,
"Cheers... here's what the pool looks like!"
Back in Barriere; all singed at the edges
No rodeo this year, instead took in pledges
Helicopters overhead, Hydro crews
Forestry was in town, Army too!
Someone mailed the town a card
Letting us know they were praying hard
At the post office, it was on display
Strangers helping ~ in every way
Introduce Danny, Melissa's beau
Now he's dubbed, "Little Black Sambo"
Became a "smoke-eater", money to be made
Came home blacker than the ace of spades
Amazingly enough the garden pulled through
With a bumper crop of tomatoes too!
Slowly settled back to our daily routine
"Normal" again, became the scene
For Becky that meant two jobs this summer
Rent, food and college to pay for; bummer
Now lives in Kamloops (1 down, 2 to go)
Rents an apartment with roommate Nicole
But getting to work proved to be quite a pain
Riding the bus there and back again
Bought her a "beater" for her 19th birthday
More rust than car, but that was o.k.
"Hello Daddy, my car is making a sound
But it's still going, still gets me around"
Two days later, the call came through...
"Hello Daddy, car stopped, what do I do?"
"It's parked at a friends ~ No, I didn't tow it
The friend's name? Oh, I don't know it"
"Becky", Mike said, "While your at it,
next time make friends with a mechanic!"
Melissa's quite focused on her career:
Cooks up a storm at college this year
Last year completed both 11 & 12
So in culinary arts this year she could delve
Our "sparkle head" gave up her crown at last
The life of a Princess at thing of the past
The pageant was small, but boy did she shine!
Upstaging all, line after line
Jess has had quite the year too
(Very different from 2002)
"School of Hard Knocks" she attended each day
Determined to grow up "the hard way"
At 15, tried to teach herself how to drive
Counts herself lucky to be alive
Heathen child still; had to show her the door
Learned what the term "tough love" is for
Now back home and working on trust
"Straighten up and fly right" is a must
She's landed a job ~ makes a mean sub
Earns a paycheck, but ah, here's the rub
Add to the commute I face every day
A 20 minute drive the other way!
Little Fort Subway, 3 shifts a week
Her wallet grows, mine's sprung a leak
Tough love we pray, is a thing of the past
Hoping she's learned her lessons at last
Now all Mike and I have left to do
Is count the sleeps till she turns 22!
As for my man - he's still the same
Some things, thank God, never change
To relieve stress, he's gotta get away
For women encompass his life, every day
His passion is still to shoot things all year:
A great round of golf, in the winter a deer,
Every Saturday night at hockey ~ the puck
The "bull" at Eddy's, where coffee's a buck
This summer he took Kelly & Larry out
To Gorman Lake (pre-fire), caught some trout
Mike's mill is still standing, his shift is on-call
Very grateful to have any work at all
My 40th birthday, did I celebrate?
Balloons, tiaras, Les arrived, it was great!
Giggle Dam Theatre, Mom & Elvis on stage
Raunchy banter was all the rage!
Trips to the coast, had many reasons to go
Weddings, funerals, disco dancing retro
Shed a few tears, some happy, some sad
Family ties, the best kind to be had!
A new fridge and freezer at our house reside
It's Christmas now; the fire's "inside"
It's all said and done & what have we learned?
Life's not about the money we've earned
In love is where we're truly blessed
Happily we'd leave behind all the rest
Seven boxes, our kids, it was enough
The rest we knew, was only just "stuff"
Family around me, the tree we are trimming
My cup overflows, to the top it is brimming
I send one and all our Christmas wishes
Goodies will be served on Hungarian dishes!
(top of page)
~ 2004 ~
What did 2004 hold inside it?
Movie of the week might best describe it
My life, it seems, is never dull
So much took place, I'll have to cull
Picture, if you will, a theme park poster
Advertising a never-ending roller coaster
Personal highs, amidst lowest of low
Buckle in, for here we go...
Fought for my rights for over a year
Pink slip arrived, now no career
Filed for pogie alongside Mike
His work is slow, mine's nowhere in sight
Amidst all the turmoil, this spring I "gave birth"
To a weekly column (great for self-worth)
"Poozie's Ponderings", in the local papers
A humorist's twist on life's daily capers
I picked on Mike, the girls and myself
Alas, now it all sits on the shelf
"No room", cries my editor, "budget woes"
(That's the way the coaster goes)
Deep valleys ~ Yes, I've seen a few
But up on the peaks, what a view!
To the top with Les, of the CN Tower
Niagara Falls, what a shower!
Victoria with Jann... a little wine
Somehow we ran out of time
Speeding hell-bent-for-leather up the street
Made last ferry sailing, by the skin of our teeth
Angels watch over me, I now know it's true
(How else to explain all my horseshoes?)
"Cause sure as blazes, I did it again...
Found myself screaming, "Hold the plane!"
I'd arrived at the airport 3 hours too late...
As luck would have it, my flight was delayed
Budapest bound, I was soon on my way
For my long-awaited holiday
Spent time with family, Magyar style
A million kisses, laughter all the while
My accent grew, along with my waistline
As I ate the food and drank the wine
Language, it seems, is like riding a bike
It all comes back, easy like
Took every opportunity (I'm such a brat)
To spout, "Irgum burgum vaslapat!"
Not a minute was wasted, no time to spare
As we raced 'cross country & took in the fare
From Szeged to Sopron, Herend too
Can't leave out Lake Balaton's view
No time to breathe and before I knew it
Budapest to Athens; next flight, hop to it!
Bit back the tears, as I said my good-byes
Checked in my suitcase & took to the skies
With girlfriends Shyanne & Linda in tow
Trekked all over Greece & wouldn't you know?
After 3 days I learned it wasn't efficient...
Speak Hungarian to Greeks, they don't listen
As for my pals, they tried and tried
"It's all Greek to me", they finally replied
I think at the end of 16 days
"Oopah!" was their only phrase
They finally gave up after learning
Talking with their hand was disconcerting
Hand up, palm out means "Go to Hell"
(Just when we thought we were doing so well)
It did prove useful, this new gesture of ours
When the cabbie tried to overcharge
5 Euro to town, 10 Euro to go back
I politely smiled & in Greek said, "Screw that"
Dogs and cats were all around
They were everywhere to be found:
Restaurants, shops, every national treasure
Shy found a rat (just 1 for good measure)
Crossing any road had Linda quite stressed
"Run for your life!" described it best
On the whole, we felt quite safe on the streets
'Thanks to the presence of "Tourist police"
Highlights for me: Shirley Valentine's beach,
Watching the sunset, my friends within reach
Having dinner arrive... eyes intact
Waiters who ask, "You want fries with that?"
Meanwhile Mike had plenty to do
Fall Fair arrived... & family too
In golf, took 1st place (like he was hopin')
At Chinook Cove's Fall Amateur Open
Jessica came home, kept Mike on his toes
(Got a taste of how single parenting goes)
With sisters gone now, she's having a blast
Sibling rivalry now a thing of the past
There's more dessert each night on her plate
No one to fight with, Jess thinks it's great!
She does miss them both, quite often too
(Whenever there's weekly chores to do)
As for Melissa, she dressed to the nines
For high school grad, looked mighty fine
Daughter #2 is quite a looker
With a jump on college, to be a cooker
Claimed a scholarship, the classy way
Liss & I, coast & back in a day
Bright yellow Mustang, boy we were cool
Top down, cruise control & money for school!
Summer employment, had jobs x 3
Shared an apartment with sister, Becky
Afternoons at the college, cooks 5 star grub
(With her sister's ID) Liss gets into the pub
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