by Jack Baxendale
Dedicated to Cathy, Bill, Andrew and Anna Maurer.
Arrived in Vancouver, the first of November,
Those eighteen days, - we shall always remember.
The timing was perfect, as Cath had returned,
Along with her newborn, - a girl - we had learned.
There were plenty of jobs, and the garden to do,
But it wasn't all work, there was lots of fun too,
From all of the Maurers, and nucleus of friends,
A very warm welcome, now always extends.
The party for Robin, - a treat not to miss,
Rankin Inlet awaiting, - BC - farewell kiss.
Starters, main courses, and rich sweets galore.
And Andrew was dancing, alone on the floor.
A wonderful view, of the city's bright lights,
At rear - magic garden, for midsummer nights.
Photos were taken of groups, - quite professional,
Resulting for some, to request the confessional?
On Sunday we prospected, posh West Vancouver,
But at one million plus, Bill advised he won't move there.
The view was fantastic, and most folk would please,
But most of the folk, that we saw, were Chinese.
At Charles St. - spaghetti, by Albert and Liz,
The banter was quick, and it started to fizz,
When JB made comments, re Wimbledon dress,
And Robin described him, - "As full of BS."
Without any breakfast, and starving for lunch,
"Knight & Day" and "The Bay," are ideal
for a brunch.
Two Nanas, two Granpas, two parents and mite,
Bill's bacon and egg, with choc' gateau, - some sight!
To Mary's and Gavin's, with Maurer's new clan,
Three generations, all packed in the van,
We sat down to pasta, and such tasty fish,
And music selection, -- nostalgic Irish.
"Willie McBride," and then "Life is an
ocean,"
Harmonic and haunting, and full of emotion.
"Irish boys leaving,", and then "Diamond
Day,"
All put on tape, and presented next day.
The next morn went shopping, to grand downtown Mall,
All quite impressive, with goods to enthrall.
But Joan was bemused, and went into a trance,
So sat down for muffins, and saved on finance.
At Debby's and Wolf's, we conversed with champagne,
Hearing vivid accounts of the 'hols' spent in Spain.
Caesar's salad with croutons and salmon, -- divine,
Enhanced and washed down 'mit' Gewurztraminer wine.
For afters - a souffle and nectar, sweet blended,
Then supped vintage port, that from heaven descended.
Paid homage to Bacchus, - decadent - bucolic!
That's genuine praise, and is not hyperbolic.
New shapes in the garden, creations in stone,
Installed and christened by Jack, Cath and Joan.
There's Adam and Eve, and there's Liberty Bell,
South West Way, Ring of Kerry, bring memories to dwell.
At Bob's and Maria's -- concerto by Bruch,
Talked "Making Wine," - the "J. Underhill
book."
Then practical tasting of wines, - all home made,
Good stuffing and pork, Egon Ronay's -- top grade.
The cabaret consisted of both of the boys,
And rides on the horse, in a room full of toys.
We regretted so much, that the evening had ended,
And suspected that Karl, could be "deeply offended!"
At Fraser View Golf course, Liz played a good round,
The swing was quite graceful, her stroke technique sound.
But after a small tip, from golf guru Jack,
Proceeded to strike, with a mighty big whack.
To the church round the corner, the baby to christen,
To young Father Stewart, t'was pleasant to listen.
Son Andrew roamed round, and was cared for by Nana,
Whilst water was poured, over new sister Anna.
A party did follow, of friends and relations,
From all walks of life, and from several nations.
A toast was then drunk, to the newly born girl,
To Cathy and Bill, she's a priceless, bright pearl.
Round Stanley Park, sparkling sun on smooth water,
Pushed pram at great speed, with Jack, Joan and daughter.
Saw Goldeneye, Widgeon, Surf Scoter and Loon,
Siwash Rock, Prospect Point, English Bay, - Lost Lagoon.
At Liz and Albert's, an epicure's feast,
Four - succulent dishes, all born in the East.
Chicken, beef satay, pink prawns, fluffy rice,
That sated the palate, with curry and spice.
Choc gateau with strawberries, yum-yum, rather special,
With offers of "seconds," - and "thirds" had
to wrestle.
To Natalie Cole, some smooth dancing was done.
Then time to go home, but we'd had so much fun.
We shall always remember, the time that we spent,
At the 'Two Nought Two One' home, and all that it meant.
To our son in law - Bill, and our daughter - hostess,
Merci beaucoup! -- and your young ones -- God Bless!