Thank You Barry

Made it through the blizzard safely - never lost our heat -

But we got so much snow that they've measured it in feet.

We got over 30 inches...  That's a lot of snow.

We'd begun to shovel it but our progress was slow.

Suddenly, a mighty roar was heard above the wind

And our neighbor (on whose grass our dog has often sinned)

Carved a path across our yard - snow blower set on high -

Coming to our rescue because he's that kinda guy.

Hours worth of digging out...  In minutes, he was done.

His machine's amazing.  I have got to get me one.

Even more amazing is our neighbor, Barry Moore.

Thanks to him we're shoveled out and our old backs aren't sore.

Building an Ark

It's cold and it's windy and wet

So, as I've explained to our pet,

No walks in the park...

I'm building an ark,

'cause we're gonna need one, I'd bet.

I fear that our dog is upset

For there's not a puddle she's met

That she doesn't mark.

She's starting to bark

But I haven't given in yet.

Uncaring how drenched we'll both get

The dog's still insisting I let

Her out in the dark.

Refusing to hark...

Perhaps we'll go visit the vet.

Dear Boys... You Are Killing Your Mother

Way below 0.

Took the dog outside today.  I think I froze my toes.

Only out for minutes and I couldn't feel my nose.

I wore coat and hat and gloves and still - my fingers? Numb.

Neither son wore coats today 'cause teenage boys are dumb.

Just in case you're thinking that they don't own coats? They do.

Both of them have winter coats and we have extras, too.

Three are in a locker, there's another at a friend's,

One is lost, the other is the jacket that he lends

To his lovely girlfriend who, I bet, displayed good sense;

Bundled up and warm and so, my two loves - no offense -

Global warming doesn't mean it's hot out every day.

Make your poor mom happy and wear coats next time, okay?

Happy Thanksgiving (A Little Bit Early)

Norman Rockwell's iconic Thanksgiving.  Notice how he doesn't show you what this poor woman's kitchen looks like...  Or mention the fact that she's only 42?

Here I sit - the place a mess - Thanksgiving on the way
(In the winter we're the hosts for every holiday).
Have to get up off my bum and go and clean the house;
Don't want to embarrass either children or my spouse.

Thankfully our guests are all extended family...
They're aware of what they'll get when they come visit me.
There'll be lots of food and drink and, if you've room, there's pie.
There'll be food to take with you when you must say goodbye.

There'll be people who you love and they all love you back
If you can ignore the fact the china's got a crack,
Carpet is a little worn, and Bailey always sheds,
And (with Dr. Seussilitis) I use wine for meds.

Since there is so much to do and there's so little time
I will not be back before Thanksgiving for a rhyme.
Thanks to those who, in my youth, invited in a stray.
Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday.