Saturday, December 30, 2006

A Christmas Poem

Post 100 - - - - - Friday, 29 December 2006.

Hi Everyone ~~ I hope you are all doing well and looking

forward to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day when we

make all those crazy resolutions and don’t keep them.

I usually do not bother to make any. Just plod along and

do the best that I can.

I am slowly getting through the comments, trouble is I had

missed a week of posts, so read them to catch up and it

takes me longer than usual. I didn’t even take my laptop to

Kathy’s place, so had a good rest. This blogging gets to be

an addiction for some of us !!

I know Christmas is over, but I received the following item

and thought you might like it. Simply called A Christmas Poem

and though it was written by an Australian, it applies to all.

T’was the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,

in a one bedroom house, made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney, with presents to give,

and to see just who, in this house did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight did I see,

no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stockings by mantle, just boots filled with sand,

and on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,

a sober thought, came through my mind.

For this house was different, it was dark and dreary.

I found the house of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,

curled up on the floor, in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,

not how I pictured, an Austalian soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?

Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realized the families, that I saw this night,

owed their lives to these soldiers, who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play,

and grownups would celebrate, a bright Christmas Day.

They all enjoyed freedom, each month of the year,

because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder, how many lay alone,

on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye.

I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened, and I heard a rough voice,

“Santa, don’t cry. This life is my choice.

I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.

My life is my God, my Country, my Corps.”

The soldier rolled over, and drifted to sleep.

I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,

and we both shivered, from the cold night’s chill.

I didn’t want to leave, on that cold, dark, night,

this guardian of honor, so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, whispered, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all is secure.”

One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,

“Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.”

This poem was written by an Australian Peacekeeping soldier

stationed overseas. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable.

Please – Would you do me the kind favour of sending this to as many people as you can. Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to all of our service men and women for our

being able to celebrate these festivities. Let’s try in some small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe.

Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who

sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.

<><><><>

Time for some jokes - - The first was sent by my 21 year old

grandson -- Thanks Chris. Are you trying to tell me something?

Old Timers should Stay fit.

They say we should exersise and stay fit for as long as we can.

Walking can add minutes to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at

$5000 per month.

My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. Now she is 97 years old and we don’t know where the hell she is.

The only reason I would take up exercising is so I could hear heavy breathing again.

I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 bucks. Haven’t

lost a pound. Apparently you have to go there.

I have to exercise early in the morning before my brain figures

out what I’m doing.

I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who

annoy me.

I have flabby thighs, but fortunately my stomach covers them.

The advantage of exercising every day is that you die healthier

If you are going to try cross country skiing, start with a small

country.

. . . . .And last, but not least,

You could walk this over to your friends, but why not just

e-mail it to them !!

<><><><>

Noah went to see God to ask for a new and improved ark.

“OK, Noah,” God said, “I think it is time you had a new ark

Take a seat and tell me your ideas, and I’ll start a design.”

“Well, firstly,” Noah said, “I’d like it to have plenty of floors.

Say five or six.”

“OK . . . .five or six floors.”

“I’d also like some spaces on the floors as well, to keep things in.” “Right spaces.”

And with this God starts drawing designs for Noah. “Would you like some animals in there to start you off?” God asked him. “Er - - Fish,” Noah replied.

“Fish.. OK. What sort? Any in particular?”

“Carp, and plenty of them.” Noah said.

“OK. Anything else needed?” god asked.

And they went through various items such as the color, doors

and windows. Between them they’d come up with a design that they both agreed on.

Sitting back in his chair admiring the new ark, God asked Noah,

“So what are you going to call it? Have you thought of anything?

“Well, God, I thought I’d call it - - - -

Noah’s Multi Storey Car Park.”

<><><><>

Just after opening time, a koala walks into a pub, climbs upon a

stool and orders a beer.

The barman pours the beer, and the koala reaches into his pouch and pays with $50.

Taking the note, the barman opens the till, but this early in the day there’s no change, only $5.

“He;s only a kala. he won’t notice,” thinks the barman, as he hands over the $5 as change.

The barman says, “We don’t get many koalas in here,”

The koala answers, “At 45 bucks a beer, I’m not surprised.”

<><><><>

A wealthy man needed a brain transplant. His doctor said he had two choices. One was a college professor at a cost of

$10,000. The second choice was a famous politician for $500,000. The patient asked why so expensive?

The doctor replied, “It’s never been used !!”

<><><>

Marriages are made in heaven, but them so are thunder and

lightening !!

How many red-headed women have been born in United States?

None - - - only red headed babies.

Well folks, that is enough for tonight. Stay well and happy and

have some fun. Take care my friends, Merle.

Post 100 - - - - - Friday, 29th December, 2006.

<><><><>

13 comments:

Susie said...

100 Posts! Glad you had a good visit at your daughter's. You're right blogging can become an addiction, but I think it's the friends we've made to which we become addicted!
((hugs))

Lee said...

Hi there, Merle....I hope you have a wonderfully Happy New Year. Take good care. Best wishes. :)

Unknown said...

Merle, Christmas need never be over if we can keep the Spirit in our hearts! Thanks for this post: it has helped keep the Spirit in my heart.

kenju said...

Congrats on 100 posts, Merle, and have a Happy New Year!

Puss-in-Boots said...

One hundred posts, Merle, woohoo! Have a glass of champagne...

Ouch, I can relate to all the old timer jokes! Funny, though.

Have a wonderful New Year Merle and I look forward to talking with you next year.

Hugs to you, dear friend.

Robyn xoxo

Pamela said...

Merle, Congrats on hitting 100 posts! So glad you enjoyed your family and being together for Christmas, and you survived without your laptop! lol It is amazing how much I enjoy blogging and it is so nice to have met you sweet friend! I love that we live oceans apart and you have found a way to my heart. Take care, I'm sure this world is a better place with those whom we call hero's, and we would probably all live much better if we took Chris' advice! lol

Wishing you a year filled with an abundance of joy and happiness for 2007! :)

Marcus said...

Happy New Year Auntie Merle. I'm amazed at your constant supply of jokes, had several laughs as I caught up on your blog.

Take care
Marcus

Anonymous said...

Always enjoy your blogs, Merle. I especially liked that thing about getting old! :)


June

HORIZON said...

Merle, you are a riot- and loved Chris's jokes too-lol- just add Peter and what a great fun family you have!! l look forward to going into 2007 with all your 'laughs a minute'- what would we do without you :).
Nice poem too.

TJ said...

I can't wait to tell my red haired daughter that joke when she gets here this afternoon!!
:-D
Have a Happy New Year!!

G-Man said...

Post 100?!! Congrats! Have a happy and healthy 2007! Happy New Year!

Michelle said...

Merle, what a brilliant poem! Glad you had a wonderful rest and enjoyed your Christmas :o)

Here's to 2007, may it provide health and happiness :o)

Janice Seagraves said...

Hi Merle,

This post had me crying then laughing.

Oh, and by the way I was born a red head the day I started coloring my hair.

Here's to a happy and prosperous New Year!

May this year be your year!

Janice~