"The Night Before a Caedes Christmas"

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the land
The only thing on the radio was a country western band.

And me in my hat and long johns of red
Was just getting ready to hit the ol' bed

When all of a sudden there came such a sound
That I grabbed my Winchester and out the door did bound!

I was just getting ready to take good aim
When over the hill the Caedes gang came

In a sleigh so huge it was hard to believe
I thought I was seeing things that Christmas Eve!

It was driven by Eileen, (that's Foofoo to you)
With Madmaven riding shotgun (she'd already had a drink or two!)

The sleigh was pulled by a team that seemed a bit odd
Eileen's pony Dakota, and Mariana's Filip & Tia did plod

In the many back seats all my good friends came
And I hollered out and called them by name

Hey John, Howdy PJ & Cindy, Hi Patty,Patti and Pat!
And back of them Owd Bob,Erja, Muggsy & Marzena all sat!

Many friends so numerous and not enough room to name
Some I'd never met, yet friends just the same!

I wasted no time and ushered them in
To the barn for a dance and warm drinks spiked with Gin

Me, I spent the night under mistletoe with a cup of good cheer
Stealing kisses from the girls whenever they came near

The hay loft seemed to be a Caedes popular spot
And return trips were made for clothes that were forgot!

People from all walks, states and nations were we
And we danced and sang that night 'til 'least three!

When sunrise came it was time for all to go
And Eileen grabbed the reins just as it started to snow

I said "Friends, now back to your family and homes, I know it's early"
And some were hungover and became kind of surly!

But we all hugged and shook hands all 'round
Cuz it was time for them to be homeward bound.

Then I quick wiped a tear away as I bid them adieu
Cuz we know cowboys are tough and crying will never do

Then everyone smiled almost as if on cue
And I snapped a pic. 'fore they went out of view!

"Merry Christmas Caedes friends, I said in a shout
"See you on the web, of that there is no doubt!"

Then I turned to go in for Christmas Day to prepare
And I looked under the tree..cuz something new was there.

A box wrapped all fancy with paper, bows and my name on top
And I started rippin' it open like I couldn't stop

Inside a brand new white Stetson that fit just right
Oh man, I thought, what a beautiful sight!

Quite a Christmas; I couldn't have asked for one more dear
I hope I see all my Caedes friends here again next year!!

Daniel you have outdone yourself here! what a wonderful Christmas picture and the poetry!!! wowza! wonderful adaptation that is and that party was something! It will take me a week to recover! lol! I hope you have a lovely Christmas too. Ms Patricia fogz ;)

So this is cowboy poetry? I like that. I also like the picture, but the poem is better than anything else I heard those days. Great job! I would sit there at the party with my leg on a chair and enjoy all your dancing and singing. Thanks!

*EXCELLENT* Dan...I love it!....Enjoyed my night out at your barn 'dance'....The gals were in all their finery and I kinda made a fool of myself trying out the 'mistletoe' !....How was I to know that Jerry (digi) had dressed as one?....
Hope you have a terrific Christmas mate....and thank you for the invite!

I love it Dan- The poem, the picture of the Caedes barn, what a masterpiece this is and how nice of you to be thinking of your friends here at Caedes for the holidays. Sounds like everyone had a great time ( some more than others ) LOL. This was a delight to read and thank you so much for your time putting this together.Everyone's going to love it!. What a wonderful post and Merry Christmas to you my dear friend.

Hey Dan ... appreciate the "heads up". Great job. I'm thinkin' our cowboy put a lot of time, effort and thought into this ... ... then shot from the hip aiming at the members hearts. Nice shootin' Dan ... BULLSEYE! Thanks my Friend and the Best of the Holiday Season to You!

Awww Dan ya big ol' softie, made me take my tail and brush a tear of joy away from my eye too. Just ta think what a good friend I got out there in S.D..........you're a kind and funny soul my brother and I truly do with all my big ol' Lion heart can muster wish you and yours the very best this holiday season. p.s. If ya find Toto around there send im' home wll ya ?? He knows the way. LOL Musta found a girl dog or somethin' LMAO Taker easy Dan. John

Oh and nice job decoratin' your barn too Sheriff. LOL

Good job Dan, really puts you in the mood for the Christmas season,
Very Well Done my friend, thanks for sharing, Don

Wonderful,Dan..I Love it ! The poem,the picture of Caedes barm.. Merry Christmas
to You ! Thanks

What a wonderful poem you have created for All our Caedes friends. Must have taken weeks to pt that together. But then again maybe not. The image was beautiful too. Thanks my friend for such a great Christmas gift to us all. May you and yours have a belssed Christmas and a prosperous New Year too.
Chuck and Patti

Marvelous - 10 for the poem and 10 for the pic.

Merry Christmas, Dan. Bet that new white Stetson looks GREAT on our Sheriff cowboy :)) What a terrific poem and a wonderful sentiment from a thoughful guy! (And they thought you were just another pretty face :) ) Clone in a spiked egg nog now and have a great holiday, my friend. Thanks for the friendship and smiles all year long! - Patty

Hey Dan, I was about to comment on the barn and the snow when up popped the poem which I found most amusing and quite heartfelt and a wonderful Christmas gift to boot.
I've often fantasized what it would be like for all Caedesians to have a conference or a party somewhere, but it's just too impossible, but you have managed to put us together in this whimsical tale of merriment and delight of good company. The image is great. Thanks for bringing the snow. It looks like a full moon is shining on it and I love the colored snowflakes falling from the sky. Thanks Dan for being there, for being such a wonderful guy and damn, I do hope Santa brings you that white stetson! It's gonna look just terrific on you! I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year, dear friend! Cindy

Boy Howdy, was I ever glad I decided to climb on that sleigh, not that there was much of a decision when it came 'round to pick me up...crowded it was, but we all had a good time getting to the party, even if Madmaven gave FooFoo a wrong turn somewhere down around Digi or was it ChuPat's place...*confession* I gave her that second drink* and I in fact had a grand time at the party, watching you over in the corner under that mistletoe, and no, I won't tell on anyone..lol...MERRY CHRISTMAS to you, my friend, and thanks so much for having all of us over, and writing about it after..enjoy your stetson. There were a few of us that insisted it be white, and I won't breathe a word about who suggested it be otherwise. Have a wonderful holiday... make sure you stay safe so we can all enjoy another year snappin' and yappin' :)Ms PJ Phasmid

Perfect holiday desktop & very creative I may add. I love your version of "Twas The Night Before Christmas" as well. Very nicely done Dan & you have yourself a wonderful Holiday Season.

Wonderful Dan, after I saw this I peeked in your gallery and saw all your great Christmas photos and loved them all. Nice poetry here, you have a great Christmas..Gregg.

Dan,
You are a poet !!! I mean that you are a very gifted person in many ways and talents ...
LOL
Merry Christmas !!!!

wow... You must get your poetry gene from me! LOL! really good Dan! Merry Christmas. Wish I could be with you and the family, but I'm always there in spirit!

Barn dancin! What a great image and hilarious poem. You are a man of many talents! Have a wonderful cowboy Christmas, Dan!

hahaha what a cute treat this is, Dan-o! Merry Christmas dear friend!

You are quite the poet. You know, I do wish we would try to have a get together, one stateside and one in Europe. Set a date and announce it one year in advance so everyone could plan. I sure would love to meet some these people face to face. Nicely done, Dan.
Pat