Raymond Long is a local poet with a book of lighthearted poems, The Fourth Quarter, available in some local stationery stores.

Now Ray has sent me two humorous greeting cards, also available in stores, that contain paintings by Ray's daughter, Dianne Ball, complementing the fun-filled lines of poetry.

Once card depicts two kittens playing on pillows. There is a comic lilt to the accompanying poem and a greeting that says, "May your days be filled with happiness."

The second card has a Christmas theme with two snowmen illustrated. The accompanying poem is called Senior's Jingle Bells and reads:

Slogging through the snow in my galoshes and my scarf.

I don't feel a glow; I think I'm going to barf!

The snow melts in my socks; it freezes off each ear,

In my head I will have rocks if I stay here next year!

Oh, Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle not for me,

I must escape to Florida or lose my sanity!

Oh Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle as I strive,

To make my happy way down south, on Interstate 75.

The card adds, "May your holidays be happy no matter where you are!"

Thanks, Ray!

Ted Wilcox is a lifetime Hamiltonian with a passion for sports, community and, most of all, family.