Christmas-Eve Day

“Twas Christmas-Eve day," and all through our house,
The kitties were stirring, in search of a mouse.

With Missy on guard, and Junior prowling ‘round. We were watching TV, not making a sound.

The stockings were hung on the mantel with care,

In hopes that Junior would not go on a tear.

Filled with ornaments and lights, to brighten the season,

The house was all warmed . . . 'gainst the cold was the reason.

Mother was nestled all snug her chair,

While the TV was blaring with holiday fares.

Me in my sweater, with Junior in lap,

Had just settled in for an afternoon nap.

Sunlight caressed the freshly mown lawn,

Gave warmth to the day,

as dog-walkers trudged on.

Then the doorbell rang, there arose such a clatter,

Junior sprang from my lap to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, he flew like a flash,

Tore open my leg, while Missy chewed on the sash.

When what to my drowsy eyes should appear,

But gift-bearing neighbors, with sweet Christmas cheer.

Their mother was jolly, so lively and quick, I knew in an instant it wasn't St. Nick.

Up to the door, the young family came.

With a card and a package, she called us by name - "Where's Patrick, where's Lori we have a gift!" she exclaimed.

Their eyes how they twinkled, their dimples how merry!
Cheeks like roses, nose like a cherry!
They were dressed all in red from their head to their toes,

And the smiles they wore set their faces aglow.

A bright red platter in the little girls' hand,

Was extended with joy, that was part of the plan.

Perched on the window and balanced with care,

The kitties just watched but tried not to stare.

We accepted warm cookies, a right jolly old snack.
I looked like a peddler adding gifts to the stack.

I spoke not a word, but went straight to work.
Filling the stockings then turned with a jerk.
And warming my fingers by striking a match,
Strolled to the fireplace, to open the hatch.

As the neighbor’s departed we heard them say, “Happy Christmas to all,” . . . Have a Great Day!

Updated 12/24/2019

Comments

Everything I Need to Know About Christmas

In this episode, Everything I Need to Know About Christmas–I Learned From a Little Golden Book. We are thrilled to present this year's (2024) annual Christmas episode for kids! The story has it: back in 2020, when we first launched On the Fly , one of Santa's helpers whispered a fantastic idea into our ear on Thanksgiving Day. “Wouldn’t it be fun to share children's books by sending an audio file to your nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends so they can enjoy the story with their little ones?” So we did, and here’s the list of books and stories organized chronologically. Feel free to click the links and listen again, or maybe for the first time. Twas the Night Before Christmas Christmas Eve-Day How the Grinch Stole Christmas Frosty the Snowman The Story of Rudolph The 1939–Original Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Tracking Santa Santa’s Toy Shop My listening friends, choosing the right story has always been challenging, but the journey has been rewarding. It's our wish t...

Gobble, Gobble, Let’s All Trot

Oh, a Turkey Trot, a funny sight, A morning stroll, a pure delight. Six forty-five is the time to start, So let’s all run (walk) with all our hearts. While others Turkey hunt today a foolish plight, We’ll run and jog with pure delight. No need for guns, no need for gear, Just happy feet and holiday cheer. New York City is a bustling place, A different trot, a different pace. With Macy’s Parade, a colorful sight, The city’s bright a morning light. But here in Vista, we’ll run our own, A festive race, a joyful tone. So lace up shoes, and let’s all go, To run and walk, row by row. A Turkey Trot, a thankful sight, A perfect way to welcome daylight. Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a fantastic day filled with joy and togetherness! I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening, see you in the next episode.

Unexpected Encounter

In this episode, Unexpected Encounter . . . Life presents peculiar twists that make us ponder the universe’s mysteries. Last week, I found an unexpected book : Another Lousy Day in Paradise , A 1996 fly fishing journal by the inspiring humorist and author John Gierach. It may seem strange for a random book selection to inspire such reflection but stay with me. I’ve always been a bookworm, often buying more than I can read—ask my wife. This book had been gathering dust on my shelf for over 28 years. As I delved into Gierach’s witty and insightful writing, I was captivated by his unique perspective on life, fly fishing, and the outdoors. In 1992, while living in Manhattan, I stumbled into a shop on 5th Avenue called The Urban Angler . I purchased my first fly rod, an Orvis eight-and-a-half foot, three-ounce, five-weight beauty! I remember thinking Dad would say, “Why the hell would you buy a fishing rod in New York City?” “Because I want to learn to Flyfish.” “In New Yo...

A Scent of Nostalgia

In this episode, A Scent of Nostalgia: Old Spice . . . Empty! Here’s an odd question: Is there a particular scent that instantly transports you back to childhood? For me, it's the unmistakable aroma of Old Spice Aftershave . It was my dad's go-to, or perhaps the only affordable option at Kroger when Mom did the grocery shopping. T his got me thinking; I wonder when Dad started using Old Spice? I distinctly recall the opaque white glass bottle from the 1960s on his shaving shelf. The front featured a sailing ship illustration; the " Old Spice " branding was in red script below it . The bottle's tapered shape narrowed toward the top, culminating in a small aperture secured with a gray stopper. Did you know that Old Spice has a fascinating history? It all started in 1937 when the Shulton Company, founded by William Lightfoot Schultz, introduced a unique fragrance. Interestingly, this original product was meant for women! Inspired by his mother's deligh...

On The Fly

Search This Blog