Another year over, a new one has begun,
I reflect on the great things that I’ve done,
The places I’ve been, the people I’ve met,
The many ways I travelled by car, train and jet.

I’ve been to some great places, Zante, Memphis, New Orleans & France,
All these places have their own unique rhythm and dance,
In Zante it’s Greek music and dancing, jumping and clapping all part of the fun,
In France the rhythm is vibrant and fun, all taking part under a gorgeous warm sun,
In Memphis, of course, it’s rock and roll, rhythm and blues and a lot of soul,
Beale St is the place to go,
In New Orleans, it’s rhythm and blues and jazz,
On each street corner marching bands,
Bourbon St the place for all genres of music from Louis Armstrong to Jason Mraz.

I’ve climbed to the top of a Mountain to look at a Saxon Fort,
I’ve been underground to some Roman Remains,
I’ve travelled the English Channel from Dover Port.
I’ve become intolerant to the Gluten Grain.

I’ve visited Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams,
I’ve been to Cardiff to see the Speedway,
Visited a stately home for Scones and Cream,
I’ve visited The Mumbles, Swansea just for the day.

I’ve celebrated my middle son getting married,
I’ve snuggled the Grandkids for hours and hours,
Dozens of shopping trips complete and bags carried,
Worried over my Grandkids in the darkest of hours.

I’ve visited Graceland’s, home of The King,
I’ve travelled from Memphis to New Orleans by Amtrak train,
I’ve visited the bayou of New Orleans,
Seen Alligators sleeping, Herons, Lizards and Cat Fish on the end of a line,
Travelled the Mississippi on a paddle boat powered by steam.

I’ve visited museums in several locations,
The Van Gogh, The *** Museum and The Moco in Amsterdam, The Lowry and Imperial War Museum in Manchester,
Walked these cities in all types of Weather,
Viewed paintings and sculptures by Van Gogh, Dali, Lowry and Banksy, photographs of **** maids and their Lords,
At the Imperial War Museum, I learned a lot about wars,
On display the bravery of more than a few, Men, Women and Children too.

I’ve had family days out aplenty,
Fed ducks, swans and geese with stale bread,
Trips to the park on seesaws and swings,
Laughed so much, at Comedy Club, it’s hurt my head.

I’ve travelled on a barge up the Manchester Ship Canal
I’ve visited Rame Head, Cornwall, for Family occasions
I’ve watched Peabody Ducks march back to their nest, a carnival fit for Royal
Walked along the cliffs of Whitsand Bay, close to the Coastguard Station

I’ve published two children’s books based on stories told my children at bedtime
I’ve been to concerts, Phil Collins, Coldplay, Robbie Williams and The Rolling Stones
I’ve written many a poem, 190 plus including Limericks, consisting of 5 lines that rhyme
I’ve had a tooth implant, causing swelling and bruising to my cheekbones

I’ve discovered a love of Gin and Tonic,
I never used to like so that’s ironic
Rhubarb and Ginger my favourite flavour
Sit at the bar, sip it slow, it’s a joy to savour

I’ve had times I needed to cry
I’ve had times I needed a hug
I’ve had times I needed to smile
I’ve had times I needed to laugh
I’ve had times I needed no one
I’ve had times I needed to be surrounded

As I reflect at the year past,
I reflect that mostly it’s been a blast,
This year I want to experience new things,
And, my long-term plan is to return to running.

So, please Lord bring forth another year,
I’ll use all my blood, sweat and tears,
To make good use of another year.
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On This Day In History – August 15th

1914 – The Panama Canal opens to traffic with the transit of the cargo ship SS Ancon.
1920 – Polish-Soviet War: Battle of Warsaw, so-called Miracle at the Vistula.
1939 – The Wizard of Oz premieres at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, California.
1941 – Corporal Josef Jakobs is executed by firing squad at the Tower of London at 07:12, making him the last person to be executed at the Tower for espionage.
1944 – World War II: Operation Dragoon: Allied forces land in southern France.
1947 – India gains Independence from British rule after near 190 years of Crown rule and joins the Commonwealth of Nations.
1965 – The Beatles play to nearly 60,000 fans at Shea Stadium in New York City, an event later regarded as the birth of stadium rock.
1998 – Northern Ireland: Omagh bombing takes place; 29 people (including a woman pregnant with twins) killed and some 220 others injured.
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People I Share my Birthday with

Princess Anne
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Jennifer Lawrence
Deborah Messing
Ben Afleck
Jack Russell
Carol Thatcher
Mark Thatcher

Muscles ache,
Exhaustion sets in
My head is in a bit of a spin
What is this Gym, where people partake?
I thought you said Gin for goodness sake!

Kettle bells, weight machines, deadman lifts
Grin and bare it, lift, lift, lift!
Treadmills, rowing machines,  standing bikes
Keep going 30 secs on, 15 secs off is what we like!

Muscle men and woman showing their skills
Pushing heavy weights just for thrills

My Person Trainer is one of the best
Until it comes to putting me to the test
Then i dont like him very much
He keeps me going when i just want to give up

However he knows my goals
And i trust he will get me there
So for the moment i grin and bare

I will keep going to the Gym
And of course partake in the ocassional Gin :)

She laughs
She crys
She moans
She sighs

He laughs
He crys
He moans
He sighs

Together as one
They laugh
They cry
They moan
They sigh

As the day draws on
She strikes a fire
Pink and red candles
Project her desires
Flickering flames
Smoke in our lungs
Her dresser's an alter
Unto the Sun
Passion her offering
She straddles my lap
No need for instructions
Ancient writing, nor map
No day can be darkened
In the temples of her soul
Witches of the northern land
The place I call home...

There was a young girl from Troy.
Who fancied she could fight like a boy.
She stepped up to the ring and started to sing.
So much joy did she bring as she danced around the ring.
It was the perfect decoy that she used on that boy, that devious young girl from Troy.