Greetings and felicitations!

Yup! It’s that one time of year when I traditionally wrap things up by subjecting kind readers to my efforts at poetry! Here’s my 2024 in a nutshell, offered in the form of (or something lazily close to) the poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, submitted with all good holiday wishes – and apologies as required…:

‘Twas a year of embracing all life in its tenses
Past, present and future – such treats for the senses!

Gathered up recollections of sweet days of yore.
And fond memories? Well, I made many more!

Loved strolling along in my favorite spots –
Sometimes with good fellows, or just with my thoughts.

Jetted over to London to study and gawk,
And perform a tradition which I call “The Walk”!

At old Leicester Square, I’d begin as before,
Then cruise by Trafalgar, Parliament and much more!

I’d linger near Big Ben – one of England’s true gems –
On Westminster Bridge, thus bestriding the Thames!

That part of the world paid still more dividends –
As I got to see Denmark and dear family friends!

They took me to view sights from old Viking days,
Plus west and east coastlines and picturesque bays!

Walked right through a bog – that’s one way, I suppose,
To absorb Danish history from one’s head to toes!

Loved each new event, though I still have to say,
A favorite might be at the end of each day:

After long years apart, I was happily able
To call up old times at their dining room table!

To share a sweet week on a beautiful farm,
With two generous people – can’t beat that for charm!

Those were some terrific walks I got to do –
But I took special strolls on my continent too!

Met up with a chum for a quick local lark –
To walk and eat lunch ‘round LA’s Echo Park!

And it always works on me like some healing potion –
To walk on the sand or the bluffs by the ocean!

T’would be quite remiss not to state in this tome:
Savor walks with another friend steps from my home!

Through Covid, no patron of Arts had I been…
But now I’m back seeing shows – outdoors and in!

Stopped by Griffith Park – it had been far too long:
To watch bagpipers’ making a braw day of song!

Did hang with a bud, reminiscin’ and dishin’,
At gigs of her beau’s – an accomplished musician!

A pleasant but tragical evening was passed
With LA’s epic opera through its simulcast!

During that London visit, saw many a play!
Going twice to the Globe? Well, I couldn’t say “nay”.

Up in San Francisco, heard Beethoven’s 9th!
(But nothing to rhyme it with’s coming to mindth…)

G&S in the City was truly fine art,
And worthy as anything from D’Oyly Carte!

In recounting these moments – some manic, some comic –
Feel I must include fun affairs gastronomic!

Kicked off the New Year with tea, muffins and jam;
And ate lunch in the park with one niece and her fam!

Decided to get more discerning and skilled
With fermented libations as well as distilled.

There are so many parties, receptions and do’s
Where it’s custom and practice to show up with booze.

Cohorts might have thought so but not said full voice:
“How adorbs Amy thinks this a potable choice!”

I vowed I would research my way through this plight –
And practice with gusto til I got it right!

Commenced to go places to taste sundry vinos:
Santa Barbara and Solvang and quaint Los Olivos!

In measuring wines for their means and their ends,
The best vintage of all proved just being with friends!

Tossed back birthday whiskeys at a place I find fun –
Got merrily toasted in more ways than one!

For a Thanksgiving feast, peeps together did pull;
My tummy – and heart – are still wonderfully full!

’Twas a year of connecting in which I amassed
Happy meetings with folks from both present and past!

Attended a well-orchestrated retreat –
Old pals I relaxed with and new ones did meet!

The agenda left me with an energized feeling –
From hiking and gabbing and trying sound healing!

And after years toiling in the legal field,
Turns out bonds of kinship were thus duly sealed!

This year and the next, I’ve been seeing and will
See co-workers of old – quite a heartening thrill!

Met with co-paralegals as their lucky guest
For a holiday tea and the TCM Fest!

And one lasting friendship from temp days did stem –
My desk was by hers when we “ran” MGM!

Haven’t worked with some Turner folks in a blue moon –
But delighted am I to be seeing them soon!

I visited family to cheer long and loud
For a young college grad of whom I am most proud!

Since I love my sight-seeing (that can’t be denied),
I also saw more of where these kin reside!

Walked over some rivers and, yes, through some woods!
(Yet I didn’t glimpse grandmas or Red Riding Hoods.)

As in Denmark, I love it, wherever they’re at,
Just to sit ’round a table and cheerily chat!

Was once again treated to fresh mountain air,
And time with my “Goats” at The Lair of the Bear!

At first, that week camping had been our sole bond –
So touched that these friendships have moved way beyond!

Comrade-wise, I’m fortunate to have so many –
But two I’ve known nearly the longest of any:

That’s Kathy and Kelly! And this fall we met
In Cambria – always a sure coastal bet!

Shared stories and pics, plus the odd gift and token
For a milestone birthday (which year won’t be spoken)!

As the tide and our mem’ries did back and forth drift,
We shared old times and new – such a marvelous gift!

I’m running on here, which makes me a bit pensive –
Knowing this sized account can’t be all comprehensive…

So as not to stray too far toward ceaseless nattering,
I’ll represent this as a fortunate smattering!

Had lots more adventures at buddies’ behest;
Yet in 1200 words, it’s still clear how I’m blessed!

‘Mongst other events – some of these you may know –
Was how the November elections did go.

Throughout our vast country, key votes they were cast,
Leaving some quite elated – and others aghast.

But however the politic scene ebbs and flows,
We must press on bravely and see how it goes.

What joys or travails next year doth betide,
I’ll sure try to meet them and take them in stride.

Pesky Covid and strikes were both hamp’ring before;
I hope now as an extra to work more and more!

My traveling plans will be strictly domestic:
East to see hockey teammates, and sights most majestic!

I’m excited to think how this next year might be.
But that’s quite enough – nay, too much – about me!

If powers I had, I should wield them, I would –
To command that next year bring y’all nothing but good!

I can only exclaim with great vigor and might,
My wish for next annum to be bold and bright!

I’ll hope that in these days to come you shall thrive,
And have one amaaazing 20-25!

Cheers!