This weekend it was quiet and I was on my own

I walked around my property and was amazed by how much had grown

The grass was all greened up and some dandelions were starting to appear

It was even nice to welcome our first thunderstorm of the year

This inaugural storm raged throughout the night

My dog who usually hates these events seemed to handle it alright

The noise it produced didn’t seem to bother him in the least

He slept throughout most of it and was a calm little beast

It has been too hot the past few days to stay out in the sun

So I decided to stay indoors and get my series binging done

I ended up sitting on my couch and viewed them most of the day

The evening was reserved for me to see the “Battalions”, “Leafs” and “Oilers” play

After watching so many dramas I wanted to watch something amusing

“The Kids In The Hall” was a series that I ended up finally choosing

They have a new eight episode show that was making its debut

I used to love their old series and decided I would watch this one too

Enjoyed the entire season and laughed through every one

This killed almost four whole hours when I finally had them done

Just a little warning if you decide to peruse them too

The first episode has a skit that may have too much for you to view

The series is showing on “Prime” and the content is a little more risqué

There is also a few obscenities that you will hear them say

Something caught my attention during one particular scene

So if you decide to partake of it you’ll know exactly what I mean

Now I was at the hour when my hockey games were to commence

All three of them were able to keep me in suspense

Our North Bay team won and got the series win

Still not sure when their semi-finals will begin

The “Leafs” were beaten by the “Bolts” by a score of two to  one

They lost the series four to three and now their season is done

The “Oilers” were successful and finished off “L.A.”

There is still two more games in this playoff round to play

The “Penguins” are at the “Rangers” and the “Stars” will play the “Flames”

This will be another late evening as I endeavor to watch these games

The rest of these playoffs will be putting us “Canadians” to a test

Since the only teams remaining both hale from the west

It’s now early Monday morning and the latest results are in

Despite Dallas’s goalie making sixty four saves, Calgary got the overtime win

Gaudreau got the winner which brought mass jubilation to the place

We now have a best seven “battle of Alberta” in this case

Calgary” winning this morning ensures “Canada” being represented in the final four

With “Toronto” out of the picture, there just isn’t any more

No matter who represents us, our Country will be behind them all the way

I will be in front of my set witnessing them no matter what time they have to play

We are now into the third month of this continuing horror in Ukraine

This country is hanging tough in defense of their domain

This certainly hasn’t been the cakewalk that “Putin” had in mind

So much for the weekend skirmish that he designed

His ego has been tarnished and he wants things back to their former glory

In order to achieve this he wants to get back some of his lost territory

The atrocities he is committing are piling up everyday

How do you stop a leader from acting out this way?

Many countries are coming to Ukraine’s assistance by offering up some aid

Already there have been too many casualties and lives that have been paid

Is the world supposed to sit back and just let this tyrant proceed?

I think it is imperative for all of us to see that he does not succeed

He is now threatening nuclear action if anyone interferes

This is an option that everyone of us has grown to fear

So with that being said, are we just going to hope for the best?

Let this Russian despot continue on his murderous quest?

Ukraine has to be rescued from this unfortunate plight

The nations have to get together and get it done right

This is just an example of what our future could hold

We have to pay strict attention to see what will unfold

There are countries worldwide that also have nuclear arms

The fact that this threat is out there should sound some alarms

This whole state of affairs is complicated and has to be resolved

This has to be well planned out and everyone has to be involved

Propaganda is rampant for the Russian people of course

The only information they receive is from a local source

You wonder how this is possible in this technological age

Why isn’t there anyone around him trying to control Putin’s rage?

The war crimes he is committing are piling up as well

The people of the Ukraine are experiencing a living hell

So how do you approach someone who is lying to his own nation?

Controlling all the news that is being broadcasted on each local station

He is shuffling between cities as he continues with his attacks

There has to be a point when it’s time for some payback

Supplies for Ukraine military are coming in left and right

I think it is now time for these nations to assist them in their fight

It is now at the point where enough is enough

We have to deploy some troops and call in Putin’s bluff

Countries have to send in their manpower to help Ukraine defend

That is the only way to see this tragedy come to an end

If NATO is to be taken seriously they have to prove it to this man

These nations have to show their power and stick to this plan

They have to demonstrate to him that they are ready for anything

This also would send a message to all the others waiting in the wings

Now that the weather is starting to warm up it’s time to spend more time outside

Unfortunately due to circumstances we can’t control sometimes we are denied

We have a nice screened in front porch that is well used from spring to fall

The house is also air conditioned if it gets too hot to go out at all

Now is the time of the season where the temperatures are fluctuating a lot

So when the weather becomes comfortable we head to our favourite spot

The only problem being is that it is hit and miss at which way the breeze will blow

The direction it is going will affect whether we get to stay or go

We both have our share of allergies however my wife’s  are more severe

The only time we get to enjoy outside is when the coast is clear

This also in turns brings out our neighbours and everyone else on the block

They are also enjoying this weather and getting out for their walks

We are very similar and like to get out for the day

The only problem being that ninety percent of the time the wind is blowing our way

So when they are out there to smoke or enjoy a toke

Their fumes inevitably find their way to us and causes us to choke

There was no solution as far as we could see

That’s when my wife and I came up with our plan “B”

We seldom use our back deck because it’s always just too hot

This past weekend we erected a gazebo that we bought

It took us a while to erect it and frustration was setting in

With no instructions we had no idea on where to begin

We managed to fumble through it and were able to complete this chore

The two of us accomplished this, even though online it suggested four

We searched the internet for instructions but were unable to find a site

We have some extra parts but everything turned out right

So now we have a refuge on both sides of our place

We can now hide out in our eight by eight foot backyard space

Depending on the wind direction, be it east, west, south or north

We know have a couple of oasis to shuffle back and forth

The puppy has adapted and has taken it all in stride

This way we will all get to spend so much more time outside

In fact I have spent all day under our shelter and completed this week’s entry too

This is exactly what the both of us have always wanted to do

We will now be able to enjoy the coming seasons without a care

Now knowing that we will be able to finally breath in all that “fresh air”

The first decent day of spring and I was determined to take it all in

Of course a walk with the dog is the way it would begin

We took the usual jaunt and were back home a little after nine

Fed the dog his breakfast and everything was going fine

The temperature was supposed to attain the twenty degrees celsius mark

They were calling for rain but thankfully not until after dark

So my plan was to take advantage of this whole day that laid ahead

Trying to believe in everything that the weatherman had said

After I finished my breakfast I raked the yard of all of its debris

Tired of viewing broken branches and dead leaves for everyone to see

I started on this chore just wearing a sweater

In no time I was in a t-shirt which proves things were getting better

It was the first time I was in short sleeves since October of last year

It took quite an adjustment to finally get myself into gear

I managed to fill three garbage cans with the waste that was on the lawn

As far as the back yard was concerned almost everything was gone

I didn’t pace myself too well because before too long my forehead was starting to get wet

This was only proving things were getting warmer because I had broken into a sweat

I was going to tackle the front of the house but I ran out of garbage cans

Once I entered the house I found there was a whole new plan

We got on the “Canadian Tire” site and decided to order some patio chairs

We decided on purchasing four of them but we only ended up with a pair

Two of them were damaged and we promptly brought them back to the store

The ones they had left in stock were worse than the ones we had before

We were now into early afternoon and both of us were looking for a treat

It turned out to be very convenient to have the “Dairy Queen” up the street

We decided to reward ourselves and headed there right away

One banana split and strawberry sundae would be the order for this day

The line for the drive through was stretched out to the max

We decided to seek another location and we quickly made some tracks

During our short deliberation, I decided I wanted to hit “Subway” too

With some coupons in my pocket that’s what we decided to do

I picked up two subs for the price of one and went back to the car

My wife had left the vehicle and I knew she couldn’t have gone far

I decided to go and look for her because I couldn’t open my door

It wasn’t very long before I spotted her in the “M&M” store

We threw our purchases in the car and then headed for “Lakeshore Drive”

It took a lot of detours on our part but we finally arrived

We completed our orders there and decided to head home right away

We now had ice cream and frozen foods and we couldn’t afford any more delays

My wife finished her dessert while mine is still on ice

It now has been over four hours since I placed that order to be precise

I managed to finish one sub sandwich and still have another one to go

Looks like I will be having the same supper for two days in a row

After all this running around I still had my weekly poem deadline to meet

I am writing this now and am looking forward to my treat

This is the second last line and I know this will end soon

It has now reached its completion and I am heading to the freezer with my spoon

It’s the Thursday before Easter Sunday and it’s a gloomy day

Just a couple of more weeks and we will be into May

It rained all day yesterday and is supposed to stop today at noon

I am hoping all the predictions are correct and I am able to get out soon

Another case of the weather forcing us to stay indoors

I wasn’t able to get out that much just the week before

There have been a couple of warm days but they have been few and far between

Thanks to all the rain, my front lawn is now showing some patches of green

The lakefront has been quiet and I haven’t seen too many people there

Thanks to all the precipitation the paths are all snow bare

Nipissing is still full of ice and the level seems rather low

The beaches seem to be extended everywhere you go

All these local showers should aid in bringing the lake level to its peak

The water is fast and flowing as it meanders through Chippewa Creek

The melting snow in the forests will flow to other tributaries too

This lake could be in flood conditions before this month is through

It won’t be too much longer before the city crews are out in full force

To rid the streets and sidewalks of the sand that has accumulated of course

There will be dust clouds forming everywhere as they perform this annual task

This could be another reason for everyone to continue to wear their mask

I have officially packed my winter boots away and am now in sneaker mode

Now I am much more light footed as I walk along the road

I keep the puppy on his leash refusing to give in to his squirrel chasing game

If I were to let him loose, he would eventually just come up lame

He has the whole back yard at home to endeavor in this futile chase

With it all being fenced in, he is the ruler of his space

If you wanted to be adventurous and maybe make a wager or bet

Put your money on the rodents, he still hasn’t caught one yet

He is persistent and have to give him credit for this trait

Most of his quarry is able to escape under the garden gate

I can see crocuses sprouting but still none of them are in  bloom

This whole gardening frenzy should be kicking in quite soon

This past couple of years have taken quite a toll

Easter is the time we hope to rejuvenate our soul

For those who have experienced some heartbreak along the way

Here’s hoping that the healing for you is initiated today

So have you been following the antics of our Premier Doug Ford?

Do you think he is a man of his word?

Saying that we had the Covid 19 under control

While being re-elected is his ultimate goal

This is now the sixth wave of the virus in case anyone has lost count

The infections for the Province are once again starting to mount

Doug however is handing out money left and right

Instead of continuing in the Pandemic fight

Promising now that he will raise the minimum wage by fifty cents

Is his strategy geared to insult our intelligence?

Of course this will only happen if he wins the upcoming campaign

This only contributes to Ontarians continuing feelings of disdain

He held up signing up for the ten dollar a child day care plan

To me he is showing the traits of a seasoned con man

He opened the Province once again at the worst time

He and his cronies are partners in this crime

Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting

a different result

The fact all the people in power are becoming some sort of cult

It’s just like “Follow The Leader” that old children’s game

Now it is evident how they came up with the name

Can we not come up with a more practical plan?

We’ve been stuck in this cycle since the day it began

Not one politician wants to break the mold

Once again our new found freedom could be put on hold

So we will go through this scenario like we’ve done so many times before

Once again we have to wonder just how many more?

No one seems to be learning from the mistakes being made

Less and less of the population shows any concern I’m afraid

Meanwhile candidates are going to be out among us to solicit our vote

Ignoring the people and companies who have struggled to stay afloat

Making pledges to voters and ignoring the rest

Not making much progress with this Covid 19 pest

Perhaps it may be time to seek a new representative to occupy that chair

Someone who’s more suited to the challenge and is more aware

This past two years for the majority has certainly been tough

Our challenge is to seek out that diamond in the rough

So question each candidate whether they are established or new

Give them the chance to express their  point of view

Be very selective on the questions you choose to ask

This should help you determine if they are up to the task

This scourge is here to stay but we have to get it contained

There has be a policy put in to at least keep it maintained

It’s time to finally change things and try a different route

If you don’t have confidence in your representative, then just vote them out

A couple of weeks ago we decided to watch some flicks that were best picture nominees

“Belfast”, “CODA”, “Licorice Pizza”, “King Richard” and “The Power Of The Dog” we both sat down to see

We can honestly say that four of the five pictures were enjoyable to view

As far as the plot for “Licorice Pizza” I still haven’t any clue

We are now through half the list and still have five to go

When will we finish the rest? I don’t really know

Our aim was to complete them all before the awards were to be handed out

This way we would have some idea of what the fuss was all about

We both jumped on the bandwagon a little late in the game

You have to admire us for our determination just the same

Sunday we watched the red carpet interviews hours before the live show was to begin

This way we knew who the favourites were and who the experts were picking to win

Between phone calls, dinner and putting the dog in and out our back door

By pressing pause for each instance we were now behind an hour or more

Thank goodness it wasn’t the “Superbowl” because we fast forwarded the commercials, literally every one

We actually were in sync when the final award was won

It took six hours in real time to get through this annual event

I don’t know if this will classify as time that was well spent

The three hostesses that emceed this gala were very funny

Up until “Will Smith” took it upon himself to defend his “Honey”

A “G.I. Jane” remark to “Jada Pinkett Smith” and “Chris Rock” was under attack

“Will Smith” who was chuckling beforehand decided to give this comedian a smack

He went back to his seat and uttered some obscenities at “Chris Rock”

This unfortunately is what is garnering all the talk

Hats off to “Chris Rock” for staying in his place

“Will Smith” on the other hand is now feeling some disgrace

He ended up with the “best actor” for his “King Richard” role

His antics unfortunately has ruined his reputation as a whole

The acceptance speech “Smith” gave was intended as an apology as well

As far as the effects on his career? Time will only tell

Saturday he resigned from the “Academy”.  What they plan to do next isn’t clear

Finally, just in case you missed it, “CODA” won best picture of the year

I used to think that all our world leaders possessed some common sense

Most of them fit into this category but a few of them are just dense

I pictured them as sane and intelligent and that’s how they attained their position

Now I come to the realization that you don’t have to have all your faculties to become a politician

You don’t really need to be a genius to enter a  political race

Hell, you can be a complete imbecile and still occupy this space

The more news I watch the more evident it has become

I like to think most of them are astute but some are just plain dumb

I still get confused when their antics are on full display

Then all the members of their party let them continue on this way

Ignoring all the things they do and just avoid the press

If they run into a reporter, they ignore the questions they address

This is so prolific in the American political campaign

It rears its ugly head time and time again

With only two parties to compete, it comes to either or

Maybe there wouldn’t be so much hostility if they could squeeze in one more

It’s starting to get ugly on the Canadian side as well

Even with more parties, some bickering is starting to gel

With a minority government you have to work together as a whole

You have to be somewhat hospitable to achieve your final goal

This way you can get some bills passed if two groups can agree

You have to be more civilized when you have “Conservatives”, “Liberals” and “NDP”

Now when the day comes and a majority government ends up being formed

There could be a major difference in the way things are performed

Canadians and Americans regimes have had their troubles but things could be worse

We could all be living in Russia with “Putin” setting our course

This man has ruled two decades and sees no end to his reign

Then takes it upon himself to invade “Ukraine”

In his head he wishes it to be the “USSR” like it was before

He has slowly tried to reacquire it while not admitting it’s a war

He figured it would take less than a week to get this latest region back

He kept his whole nation out of the loop when he issued his attack

What he thought would take a few days just isn’t going right

He is now in his second month and “Ukraine” is putting up a fight

“Russia” has destroyed major cities and now are losing ground

“Zelenskyy” and his country are requesting aid from nations all around

How can the “Kremlin” let this egomaniac continue with his wrath?

Can’t anyone stop him from continuing on this path?

Is he just allowed to persevere in this annihilation?

There has to be a protocol to protect each and every nation

The more I watch all governments, the more I see them losing control

Backing up their leader’s insanity seems to be their primary role

“Republicans” still are pushing the “Big Lie” that “Trump” won the Presidential race

The events that are being exposed during his term are a total disgrace

This party seems to be ready to put him back in his seat

If you want to run as “President” , “Trump” is still the man you have to defeat

Thank goodness “Biden” is leader during this “Russian” attack

If “Donald” was still there, “Putin” would have his back

Sanctions are the way the world is going and Russia’s economy is starting to tumble

All because Putin’s foolproof plan is beginning to stumble

“Zelenskyy’s ” sane leadership is being recognized worldwide

He has all the nations backing him and are on his side

Still Russia seems to be sticking with their plan

Our goal is to protect Ukraine and put a stop to this man

So if you think this could only happen over there

Give your head a shake, it could happen anywhere

New evidence of Trump’s misuse of power is being exposed every day

Not sure if the day will come when he finally has to pay

All our concern should be for this Ukraine nation

Each of us should strive to help them without any hesitation

So many lives have been lost to a dictator who has no one to answer to

Sitting back and let him continue is what we choose to do

Putin is looking to China to aid him in his movement

Ukraine and their allies have shown some steady improvement

There has to be a way of stopping all this carnage, but how?

We are in need of a world leader and the time is now

A person who has the attributes of intelligence and tact is a must

The highest priority would be finding a person everyone can trust

I am up bright and early even though it’s Saturday

First news I hear is “Brandon Hagel” traded to “Tampa Bay”

Reality has set in and the trade deadline ends March twenty first

This is one move I whole heartily won’t endorse

“Hagel” was the catalyst of what this team could be

Getting rid of him right now makes no sense to me

They did get a lot in return from this “Lightning” team

The “Blackhawks” new manager is ripping this franchise at the seams

“Jonathon Toews”, their captain is now wondering what his future holds

With “Kyle Davidson” as the new manager, who know what else unfolds?

“Johnny” sounded a little downhearted when this transaction went through

Pondering his future and not knowing what he will do

“Taylor Raddysh” is one of the players “Chicago” got in return

This just gives this fan a reason to show some concern

With “DeBrincat” and “Strome” this reunites a potent “Erie Otters” line

Is this something that “Davidson” had in mind?

This raises even more questions because “Kane” now plays with these two

Kind of makes me wonder what’s the next thing that he will do?

If he’s going to clean up house, he might be selling everyone out

When you are in a rebuild, that’s what it’s all about

“Fleury” still hasn’t been traded, I can’t see him wanting to stay here

Rumours are he is going back to “Pittsburgh” to finish off his career

This somehow just seems fitting if he decided to depart

Going back to the team that believed in him right from the start

So if they trade him now they will get more bang for their buck

I hope he wins another “Stanley Cup” and wish him the best of luck

“Fleury” has no contract next year and it’s the only way the “Hawks” will gain

Which now brings us to their biggest star, of course it’s “Patrick Kane”

The “Rangers” are rumoured to be interested and want him to reunite with his old teammate

When “Panarin” and “Kane” on the same line would make this team great

“Toews” and “Kane’s” contracts are finished after next season

With this new rebuild, they may both want to be out for this very reason

The next couple of days will be interesting to see what moves are made

How this new formed foundation is being laid

Over this summer there will be more athletes being moved

This team will be new and hopefully improved

“Davidson” is the youngest “General Manager” and wants to make a name

The product he puts on the ice has to improve their game

Who knows who will be wearing the uniform when the new season begins?

Hopefully the losses won’t again outnumber the wins

This Pandemic now has entered into year number three

As of March twenty first, Ontario will be mask free

This will be an option that you can give or take

Conveniently lifted after the March break

They are going to eliminate the masks for schools altogether

Just in time for spring which will bring some better weather

Hopefully it heats up enough to allow in some fresh air

Could we finally come to an end of all of this despair?

We have been through so many highs and lows, has anyone kept score?

I just want to get life back to the way it was before

I hate the fact that this has also become a political germ

Doug Ford could be easing this to obtain a second term

Regardless of what happens, I have tried to stay optimistic

It would be helpful if our leaders could be altruistic

They seem so concerned about themselves and their party as a whole

Instead of working together to achieve this final goal

I am going to keep on doing what I have been practicing all along

We are supposed to follow the guidelines whether you think they’re right or wrong

Yet another variant is now making its debut

As far as its potency, no one seems to have a clue

I have tried to stay upbeat throughout this dismal event

Still waiting for this virus to make its final descent

All the articles and videos to watch have become too time consuming

I have decided to cut this down as well as my personal grooming

Months ago I decided to let my hair grow and also not to shave

Being stringent to the rules, this was a way for me to misbehave

My hair has become so long I could do a comb over to eliminate my skull’s glare

My beard that once grew in red and brown is now just gray everywhere

One grand-daughter says I look like Kris Kringle

All I need is a Santa hat and some bells to jingle

She was real excited and already knew this

Was the fact that my first name is actually Chris!!

I now have this and my mask to hide my face

This is now a major improvement, especially in my case

I actually have some hair and now a beard to comb

If I wore a pointy hat I could pass as a garden gnome

I am now at a fork in the road and not sure what path to take

I may have to come to a decision that I said I wouldn’t make

I promised to continue on my quest until this Covid 19 was finished

It still looms among us although at times it has diminished

As the temperatures increase, I may have to go back on my word

Getting overheated in the summer is something this guy can’t afford

I mustn’t let my pumper work too hard to keep me cool

In order to maintain my health, I must adhere to this rule

If I were to continue, eventually I would be stepping on my beard

My “skullet” would be past my ass and make me look even more weird

Here’s hoping that everyone is able to stay healthy and well

This virus and all its variations could still be here for quite a spell