Thanksgiving weekend’s weather was lousy and most of us decided to stay indoors

However I decided to take a chance to go out and explore

I didn’t make my way outside for the entire day

Then I took the opportunity when the rain was in a delay

I checked my weather app and chances were pretty low

Thirty percent for the next two hours , so I decided we would go

If it was higher I wouldn’t venture out the door

Let’s just say from experience, I’ve been burned before

There were a few things I had to do, so allow me to explain

I elected to wear a waterproof jacket in case we got caught in the rain

I looked at my cell phone and it was only at eighteen percent

I decided to take a second one and out the door the pup and I went

My plan was to use the backup so I could listen to music while on our route

This way I wouldn’t have to  worry about my battery running out

I put my headphones over my cap and headed up our street

Put a cell phone in each pocket which was a simple feat

They were both protected by a flap that wouldn’t let any moisture in

This is the way that my journey would begin

I went up the overpass to Memorial Drive which led me up to Main

When I got to the corner of Fraser Street, there was a few drops of rain

I didn’t get excited, I wasn’t worried at all

I got to the bowling alley and gave my wife a call

She said to stay there and she could pick us up in the car

I said it wasn’t bad and home wasn’t all that far

I put the phone in my pocket and adjusted the volume on the other one

I put them in each side pocket and continued on our run

Just the two of us walking on Main Street, there was no one else around

We were only halfway down the block when the rain came pouring down

The water was flowing everywhere and getting deeper with every drop

We just continued on our way, we had no inclination to stop

My sneakers and my blue jeans were now soaking wet

I just said to myself how much worse can this get?

Then as the deluge continued my ears were starting to sting

That’s because there were now hailstones appearing on top of everything

There was a strange noise coming from my coat pockets with every step I took

I was only a block from home when I decided to take a look

The water was up to my wrist when I put my hand in there

All the time I was walking I was totally unaware

My phones were immersed in all this water and I may have to pay the price

They now both sit on the counter in a bag of  rice

It turns out I didn’t close the pocket flap after making that one phone call

I guess I shouldn’t have decided to take that walk after all

So I will keep my fingers crossed and hope they come back to life

Next time I will make sure I take that ride with my wife

It’s the last long weekend before Christmas and it’s such a dismal day

This pattern is to continue until Tuesday before it goes away

The leaves in the yard are continuing to pile up as well

Will the trees be bare after this weekend? Only time will tell

The weather has affected so many things for this very reason

Our local carousel and mini-train have been shut down for the season

The farmer’s market must be suffering for customers today

It’s so sad to see their last outdoor Saturday finish in this way

The mini heat wave we were experiencing has finished its late run

We may even have to kick in the furnace before this weekend’s done

What can we do now that we are forced to stay indoors?

Raking the leaves in my yard will become a midweek chore

I thought I would be watching “Blue Jay” baseball, but sadly that’s not the case

I still can’t believe “Guerrero” got picked off on second base!

The CFL has a game on Saturday and another Monday afternoon

The playoffs and the “Grey Cup” will be following soon

You can eat breakfast and watch a NFL football game on Sunday

Set the alarm in case because it’s nine thirty am when they play

This is the second game from England to be broadcasted live

The number of matches they play there will total five

So NFL football will be on from morning to night

That’s why Saturday morning was the time I chose to write

You see I plan on taking full advantage of watching all these events

If I am forced and stuck inside it only seems to make common sense

Take in all the action and have a “Thanksgiving” meal

This is a combination that never loses its appeal

CFL football Monday afternoon, NFL Monday night

To someone who enjoys sports, this just works out right

This will consume a lot of energy but I’m in it for the long haul

I will probably be totally exhausted after watching all that football

Yet still I will be too excited to sleep for one single reason

Come Tuesday afternoon, the NHL starts its regular “hockey” season

Thirteen Canadian rock acts got together Thursday night at “Massey Hall”

If you were around in the 1970s and 1980s you probably remember them all

They were big here in Canada and some reached international acclaim

They now have all been inducted into “Canada’s Walk Of Fame”

For some of us it will definitely be a blast from the past

I’ll mention all the performers but still save my favourite for last

“Glass Tiger” is a band from Newmarket that started in nineteen eighty six

“Someday” and “Don’t Forget Me When I’m Gone” were their biggest hits

In 1979 there was a band from Calgary whose name was “Loverboy”

“Turn Me Loose” and “Workin’ For The Weekend” are their hits that we still enjoy

“Gone, Gone, Gone, She’s Been Gone So Long’

The title is “My Girl” and “Chilliwack” sang this song

“Platinum Blonde” is another band you should remember too

“Situation Critical” and “Crying Over You”

“Carole Pope” with the band “Rough Trade” had so much potential

Their biggest hit by far was “High School Confidential”

“At The Feet Of The Moon” and “Rise Up” were big hits in our land

“The Parachute Club” was the name of this band

“Trooper” was a party band that did relatively well

“We’re Here For A Good Time” and “Raise A Little Hell”

“Lighthouse” was a band that featured horns and strings

“One Fine Morning” and “Sunny Days” were the biggest hits that they would sing

There were two solo performers who were also honoured at this scene

The first was “Lee Aaron” who is known as the “Metal Queen”

“Michel Pagliaro”, a renowned French Canadian who was another member in this lot

One of his English hits was “What The Hell I Got”

“Max Webster” is another band that we all remember

This band was a trio and “Kim Mitchell” was a founding member

“Prism” was another band that made it from the west

“Take Me To The Kaptin'” and “Spaceship Superstar” were probably their best

Now we have come to the end of the line

They are the best of the bunch and that’s “April Wine”

Why this band hasn’t won its fair share of awards has been a mystery to me

They were the first “Canadian” act to appear on “MTV”

They have been entertaining us for what seems like forever

I guess it’s a case of “better late than never”

Opening up the “Greenbelt” was an ambition that “Doug Ford” was eager to take

I guess reality finally set in and now he is admitting his mistake?

He was certainly pigheaded and intended to stay the course

Then this week he decided to kick it into reverse

So for now I guess this “Greenbelt” will remain intact

I did a little research and here are some of the facts

This all began last year on November 4th with Housing Minister “Steve Clark”

This was the first we heard of this scheme that they were  to embark

They needed almost 17,000 acres to proceed with this plan

Then build 50,000 brand new houses on this land

Some developers knew in advance is something that has been implied

When confronted by reporters , “Clark” and “Ford” both denied

It was the end of November when this all occurred

It wasn’t until the new year when the police considered investigating “Ford”

NDP leader “Marit Stiles” informed them that developers had paid for tickets to Ford’s daughter’s stag and doe

“Mr. Ford” said that only friends and family were allowed to go

For the developers who attended the wedding, some benefits would ensue

It would be another month before the integrity commission decided what to do

“Bonnie Lysk” released her report and the facts were all there

Two key developers got the major share

Clark’s chief of staff “Ryan Amato” awarded ninety two percent to developers he knew

Then “Ford” put in a request that police look into this man too!

August 22nd, “Amato” handed in his resignation

The next day “OPP” refers the matter to the “RCMP” for an investigation

“Ford” says he’s confident there is nothing criminal on the “Greenbelt” file

With all they have to research it may take a while

Then you have “Clark” resigning on September fourth

It will be interesting to see what facts they will unearth

The next day “Ford” announces a review of the “Greenbelt” lands including the ones removed

I guess maybe his ego was now beginning to get a little bruised

September 20th, “Kaleed Rasheed” resigns his post and the “Conservative Caucus” as well

How much is he involved? I guess time will tell

The next day, “Dougie” reverses his plan to open the “Greenbelt” lands

Hoping all his constituents will truly understand

Asked if he would resign after all of this deception

He said that he’ll let Ontario decide in the next election

So now we have two more years and counting if this man remains

The way that he has governed really is a shame

He’s getting a lot of backlash from his members, there’s no doubt

Here’s hoping that they will get together and finally boot him out

There is a ridiculous story that I read in the news

It certainly is getting a whole pile of reviews

I’ve read the articles and watched the videos as well

So I said to myself “Oh what the hell”

This couple attended a musical on a Sunday night

Looks like things didn’t turn out alright

They were both thrown out as a matter of fact

Escorted off the premises during the second act

This ruckus was caused by “Lauren Boebert” and her male guest

It all started up when a pregnant woman made a request

Seems “Laura” was vaping and taking pictures during the play

The ushers came in and took both of them away

She was quoted as saying “Do you know who I am?”

Then shown giving the finger caught on the lobby cam

They proved she was lying because they have her on tape

After the woman asked her to stop, she continued to vape

There were more embarrassing antics that she had to address

The fact that her boyfriend was fondling her breast

Things just continued to escalate from there

Her touching his groin while he sat in his chair

She tweeted by saying she was guilty for laughing and singing too loud

But her story is changing now that the real truth is getting around

She now says “her public and difficult divorce has been a challenge for her”

This latest caper has created quite a stir

This all occurred in the riding that she represents

How does this compare to some of her previous events?

For “Laura” and the “Republican Party” this is just par for the course

This doesn’t even rate, they have done so much worse

Impeaching “Joe Biden” is the new agenda that is on their slate

As far as this theatre episode goes, it doesn’t even rate

“Scruples” is something this party does not possess

It’s already been forgotten would be my guess

The last long weekend of the summer has now come and gone

My early mornings are now delayed because of the later dawn

The last major heat wave we experienced is definitely the last

The summer once again seems to always go too fast

Just another couple of weeks and we will officially be into fall

It is going to be my ambition to get out and enjoy it all

The leaves are still green but the colour red is creeping in

How much longer will it be before the leaf raking will begin?

The nights are getting longer and daylight is shorter with each day

This is just another harbinger that winter is on its way

So best take advantage of every day we have remaining

Soon winter will arrive and so will our complaining

The weekend was great and the temperatures were just right

Of course they are dipping quite a bit overnight

Still not below zero like our northern neighbours had

All in all, these past few days haven’t been all that bad

Hoping that this trend continues and we delay the cold

We have no way of knowing what the future will unfold

Can we drag this summer out and continue with a late fall?

Let this trend continue and benefit us all?

Have Thanksgiving dinner served outside in the fresh air

Not have to be confined indoors with everybody there

Let it continue and the kids wear sandals as they “trick or treat”

Having to wear light costumes because they can’t handle all that heat

Let not one flake of snow fall until it’s “Christmas” eve

Let it stay till “Boxing” day and then it all can leave

Not have to use a snow shovel until well into the new year

Then by the end of March it, all of it has disappeared

I know I’ve gone a little overboard and I’ve gone too far

The things  that I am wishing for all sound so bizarre

Just enjoy what we have left of summer and the coming fall

We all know as “northerners” , winter is a long haul

Usually I talk about corrupt politicians south of our border

But our own Ontario “Premier” has to get things in order

It’s being called the “Greenbelt Scandal” and it is yet to be resolved

From all the reports I’m reading, “Doug Ford” is heavily involved

The “OPP” and “RCMP” are busily looking into this situation

It might be just a matter of days before they haul “Doug” into their station

He is orchestrating everything but appearing very dense

It certainly had me hoodwinked because he never seemed to make any sense

Let’s get the facts together and finally get things right

This is no revelation, “Doug Ford” isn’t all that bright!

“I’ll carve up the Greenbelt” he said on a video five years past

Then he just swore off of it, obviously his promise didn’t last

The integrity commission report shows he ordered “Clark” to go with plan”A”

He proclaimed this in public and that’s where we are today

“Ford” wouldn’t fess up, while “Clark” blamed his rookie chief of staff

This is so much criminality that has to make you laugh

Was setting up his “Municipal Affairs” minister part of “Ford’s” design?

“Steve Clark” who holds this post, has now chosen to resign

There has always been crooked politicians but catching them was rare

The parties used to do their due diligence and just threw them out of there

Now it’s just another day in politics for you and I

These parties now seem to protect their girl or guy

Big money runs the show and the rich get richer still

Running for election doesn’t require any special skill

They don’t seem to work together, it’s just constant dividing

They are more concerned about the party than their local riding

This isn’t just “Provincial”, it’s “Federal” as well

The whole political scene has gone all to hell

You need a bankroll if you want to start a campaign

All they seem to do now is just bitch and complain

There seems to be no benefit to the people they are supposed to represent

They wouldn’t even be there if they didn’t get our assent

This fiasco at “Queen’s Park” is only going to go from bad to worse

This in no way will benefit any of us of course

 Us common folk should campaign for office on “Twitter” or “Facebook” instead

Maybe this is the only way that any of us will ever get ahead

Here’s the latest news: “Donald Trump” has been indicted once more

If you haven’t been able to keep track, this is now “four”

The felony charges against him now total “ninety one”

Who knows how many he will accumulate before this year is done?

“Donald” is going down to Georgia, but he has no soul to steal

Unfortunately, as his charges continue to increase, so does his appeal

The Republican party is still supporting this guy

They seem to believe “The Big Lie”

So no matter what he does, most of them have his back

They haven’t left his side since the “January attack”

To all his “MAGA” supporters he has done no wrong

They have been contributing their undying support all along

Millions of dollars spent for lawyers to defend him in all his cases

Not to mention the jet fuel required to get to all these places

So keep on sending in your cash because he really needs the funds

Who knows how much will be needed to finance his “Presidential” run

There seems to be no “Republican” challengers at any rate

He may be their candidate without participating in any debate

This party is totally dependent on his “MAGA” base

“Trump” should be their man in the “Presidential” race

He wants to delay the court cases so he can campaign

His party is supporting him, it all seems so insane!

“Joe” is totally responsible for the dilemma that he is in

That’s the story he is selling because “Biden” didn’t win

His disciples believe everything that comes from the mouth of this buffoon

Here’s hoping that we will see a court case happening soon!

Trump has a had a “mug shot” taken which is a “Presidential” first

Only minutes after it was taken, it was widely dispersed

Of course, being the con artist, “Trump” came up with a plan

In order to scam more money he’ll do everything he can

So next time he has a rally and is looking for support

His fan base can say: “Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt”

I spent most of my past Saturday at “King’s Landing” by the lake

It was an adventure that my daughter and I chose to undertake

We both decided that we would see the talent that were performing on this day

We sat through the first three acts and then went on our way

All through the day, the crowd was pretty thin

Perhaps the final act was the one that would really bring them in?

What we saw was entertaining and they all put on a great show

I can’t speak for everyone, but not one of these performers did I know

They kept us all amused and gave it with all their hearts

I have to commend them, because the crowd was very sparse

I realize this city is trying to get things right

They also offer concerts each and every Wednesday night

They feature local talent for everyone to see

These concerts are available to everyone for free

We saw kids playing while these acts were performing on the stage

My daughter remembered doing the same things when she was their age

I recalled back some years ago when the “Heritage Festival” used to rule the “Bay”

There were lots of attractions to see all night and day

“Lee Park” used to be packed with vendors and booths were everywhere

Friends that you haven’t seen in years, soon could be found there

There was such a range of foods out there for you to try

Also quite a variety of merchandise to buy

They had the annual “country music contest” that was at this park too

There were countless things available for everyone to do

This was free to everyone and you could come and go

You could go the whole weekend without spending any “dough”

There were always bands that you waited at the end of the day to see

This part of the festival however wasn’t free

You would have to purchase a “wrist band” to see this event

Thirty five dollars for this accessory was the most that I ever spent

Kids under the age of ten still could attend them for free

These are just some of the recollections that came back to me

We would look forward to this long weekend each and every year

We truly were excited when the “Civic Holiday” was getting near

Now for many years, this city hasn’t brought in even one big name

All we have are memories, it really is a shame

Are any of you looking forward to the new shows coming this fall?

The way things are going, we aren’t going to see anything at all

The writers are still on strike and have been since the start of May

This was the first instance of causing some delay

I am missing the late night talk shows and the ones in the afternoon

From what I have been reading, this strike won’t be finishing anytime soon

The Hollywood actors are now fighting for their rights as well

The entire entertainment business has gone all to hell

The stage actors reached a last minute agreement so you can still go see a play

As far as it goes for new shows and movies, it’s really hard to say

They have saturated us with the big summer blockbuster advertising once again

Hell, even I am getting excited to see “Barbie” and “Ken”

The big issues are with the streaming services who are raking in the dough

The actors aren’t making enough in residuals for the episodes they show

Protection against “artificial intelligence” is another hurdle that has to be addressed

This is definitely a hindrance for every performer’s road to success

Star actors fear they will lose control of their likeness as a whole

This would also make it harder for the up and comers to even get a role

Writers feel they will have to share credit or lose credit to machines

This is what is happening to this industry behind the scenes

Will you be that upset if your precious shows are all put on hold?

Not have the chance to see how their story lines will unfold?

How do you defend these actors that look to you for support?

Just sit and watch the nightly news and perhaps your favourite sport?

Events might get you so frustrated that you might want to scream!

So don’t rush to your television to watch your beloved stream

Remember these services are the enemy so you must not give in

Perhaps read a good book just to begin?

If you need some video to watch and want to succeed

 Look around the  house for a player and dust off an old DVD

Go to an even older version of escape

Fire up the old VCR and insert a video tape!

In the case of an extreme emergency, you can hook up an antenna to your TV

To be honest, I don’t really know if there is anything out there to see

I have prepared for this tragedy many years in advance!

This is my one opportunity and perhaps my final chance!

My basement is full of record albums that people always told me to throw away

If you don’t mind me saying, I’m looking pretty good today!

The DVD and videos that are products of yesteryear

I have been wondering when they would reappear

So scurry to your storage space and root them out

If you can’t find them, may I suggest taking a different route

I happen to have thousands presently for rent and are easy to find

For those who chose to view my tapes, “Please be kind, rewind”