Monday, December 29, 2008
Spinervals
Along with my funky new bike trainer I also received a Spinervals DVD. I used it today and what a great workout !! I give Spinervals "Two Thumbs Up".
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Xmas Gift
What a great Christmas we had. It was just the four of us this year but we sure had a wonderful day. I was given an AWESOME gift - abike trainer so that I can get some riding in during the long winter months. Here I am giving it a try:
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Night Before Christmas - Canadian Soldier Style
The Night Before Christmas
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 home did live.
I looked all about,
A strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents,
Not even a tree.
No stocking by the mantle,
Just boots filled with sand,
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 home 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,
A Canadian 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.'
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 home did live.
I looked all about,
A strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents,
Not even a tree.
No stocking by the mantle,
Just boots filled with sand,
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 home 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,
A Canadian 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.'
Monday, December 08, 2008
Santa Shuffle 5K
On Saturday the 4th annual Santa Shuffle 5k (in support of teh Salvation Army) was held in Fredericton. This is the 3rd time I've participated but it wasn't a typical race for me. That's because it was "graduation day" for my Learn To Run class. Although the group numbers diminished slightly over the course of the 10 weeks - injury, relocation and other life issues - a total of 9 participants "toed the start line" for their first ever race.
I am really proud of each one of them for their dedication and determination. Every one of them finished upright and smiling which was our ultimate goal. Here are a few pictures:
I am really proud of each one of them for their dedication and determination. Every one of them finished upright and smiling which was our ultimate goal. Here are a few pictures:
