Friday, November 24, 2023

Auld Codgers Ramblings MMXXIII



 Auld Codgers Ramblings MMXXIII

So, we are into the third year of a geriatric presidency and hurtling ever increasingly forward to another election of the ‘same old stuff’ – providing Biden doesn’t die of old age, or potentially a re-run of the infamous ‘Trumpton’ if the main contender manages to stay out of jail in the surreal game of Monopoly in real life.

 

It’s been an eventful year for the Drew-Harrell Gang. Sadly, David’s mom passed away in April of this year; David and Kim travelled to Newcastle, Tynemouth, and Wallsend for the funeral, and reconnecting with family. They also spent some time in London with Dr. Edward Cooper in Wembley, their former Landlord and friend – enjoying themselves just as Grandma Margaret would have wanted.

 

David celebrates his first year as a security officer at the inspiring Denver Art Museum. Both he and Kim are planning a trip to Bergen, Norway to see friends in May 2024. Kim visited her sister Kerry and family in Connecticut earlier this year, and she was elected President of the Colorado Metalsmithing Association for a second term.

 

Bea and Mario celebrated their first anniversary of marriage and are happily living next door to the family home. They both visited Mexico City and Mario’s hometown of Irapuato in Guanajuato in October. Bea continues to work as an Art-Teacher at Aurora Hills Middle School. Mario still works as a manager for Comfort Suites hotel chain but is planning a major career change for 2024. We wish him the best of luck.

 

Bella successfully graduated from Denver University in June of this year with a major in psychology and a minor in studio art. She gained her independence by moving into a house across the street in which she has been recruited as a property manager. She still works as a barista at Dutch Brothers coffee chain. She is taking a break from education, but hopes to study for her Master’s Degree in the future.

 

Hannah completed her second summer as a camp counselor at Bluff Lake Nature Center, and recently found an amazing job as a behavioral technician at the Soar Autism Center in Denver. In her time off she hangs out with her new beau, Noah Ramirez – an inspiring young man from Eau Claire in Wisconsin – and who works at Verizon.

 

We never imagined getting another pet after the traumatic episode with our last dog, Finn, but Dad relented and surrendered, and we welcomed Pepper a boisterous and energetic black and white cat into the family home in October – who Hannah picked out at the Denver Dumb Friends League. 


All the best for the coming new year – The Drew-Harrell Family.  

Friday, November 17, 2023

Ron Johnson Memorial


Today the sad message came that Arnhem veteran glider pilot Ron Johnson has passed away, he reached the age of 102 years. He returned many times to the Arnhem Oosterbeek area and was a popular veteran. The Dreijenoord Hotel or to Ron, the White House " was a place of remembrance to him and where he had his final last stand during the battle. He was very proud to be asked to unveil the VC David Lord monument at Wolfheze on his former LZ.

 

Destined by fate,

On a glorious path,

In faith you ascended,

Into battle dropped,

Hard pressed in the fray,

Through fury forward,

In action distinguished,

Forever remembered,

The Spirit never dies!

 

Rest in peace Ron Johnson

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Lines on the Horse

 


Lines on the Horse (A Meditation on the Sculpture of Deborah Butterfield).

 

Strayed and downed limbs;

Articulately positioned driftwood

From Trojans ancient shore

Bronze and battle charred

Held taught in disarrayed form

To resemble a primeval ‘Equus’

A diagrammed anatomical Stubbs

Silent grazing in the concrete courtyard

Knots, grain and whorls of ingenuity

Twist rhythmically into sinew...

Muscle, bone and tendons

Shade springing to life amidst the ‘Ginko’

Darkly sketched, pregnant with life

Solitary waiting in rain, wind, and sun

Waiting for ‘chevaliers’ to race and jump!

 

 

All Rights Reserved & Copyright: David John Drew ‘Lord Carville’ 2023