Our deepest sympathies go out to Pat Mahoney on the loss of his wife Nancy Lamothe who passed away Dec. 23. They had been married for 44 years. Nancy leaves behind her beloved children Heather and Jesse and brothers and sisters Geraldine, Johnny, Kenny, Donna, Faye, and Jane. Nancy was an organ donor and was able to improve the lives of many by her selfless donations. God bless her.
During the past two weeks . . .
Saint Elizabeth Church in Vinton has been the hub of activity for two different reasons. First, it had a chimney fire which burned itself out and there was no damage but it scared a lot of people because we thought the church might burn down.
Then on Christmas Eve, during mass the police showed up to make sure there wasn’t a big congregation but to their surprise everyone was in their cars listening to the sermon over the radio.
I also heard through the grapevine that some people have been stopped coming back from Ontario and have been warned to stay at home in quarantine for two weeks but there was no fine unless they get caught again. Also someone in Vinton had the police enter their homes because there were too many cars in the yard. They also got a warning and everyone was sent home.
I know that everyone is tired of the restrictions. We are social animals and need the interaction with other people. It’s very hard being alone, I know but if we try a bit harder, for a bit longer, we might just overcome this COVID-19.
I was bored at Christmas time so I wrote this poem which I thought I’d pass along to you. I actually wrote it Christmas Eve.
Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, except a gray mouse.
The traps were all set and placed everywhere
Come eat that peanut butter he probably won’t dare.
No children were here because this is the year 2020,
I had cooked up a storm and there was food a plenty.
So I sat here alone in this big empty house.
No wait I am wrong, there’s me and not mouse.
I heard such a noise on top of my roof
I thought could it be the sound of a hoof!
But to my surprise it was just pouring rain
My arthritis flared up and I was in pain once again.
So I looked out the window and saw such a fright.
Our snow had all gone there was nothing of white.
What a year this has been with the COVID-19.
We can’t be with family or friends… Those poor teens! Can’t socialize and must wear a mask out,
It’s getting to me… I just want to shout!
All the stockings are hung by the chimney with care,
Saint Nick might come but no one else will be there.
Then what to my wondering eyes should I see,
A miniature sleigh with a tiny mice by the tree!
So out of boredom I decided to play a game.
Each little mouse would be given a name.
Now Dasher now Dancer now Prancer and Vixen.
On comet on Cupid and Donner and Blitzen.
So as you can tell… I’m losing my mind.
Being alone this long, is not very kind.
Will this nightmare be over before I get sick?
Or will I party again with eight tiny mice and Saint Nick?
So up from my nightmare I awake just to say,
“Merry Christmas to all and have a safe day!”
I would like to send out happy birthday wishes to Yvonne Mayhew, Isabell Kluke and Boyd Ebert who celebrate on Jan. 6, Keith Morin on Jan. 7, Roxanne Kluke on Jan. 8, Peggy Frost and Hector Kluke on Jan. 9, Peter Narlock on Jan. 10, Eric Kluke, Betty Laporte and James O’Brien on Jan. 11.
