We wish you a

Merry Christmas

And a

Happy New Year

 

Hello everyone, Bert here.  I'm back by popular demand, plus the fact that Dad has been procrastinating to write this newsy greeting.  So here goes.

 

2009 was rather quiet around here compared to last year.  At least we are all in good health and hope you are too. 

 

Mom has been working on her family genealogy all year.  Our summer vacation was even geared to that end, as you will see in a minute.  Dad has been making progress, albeit at a snail's pace, on his workshop out in the hangar.  Mom and I don't mind since it keeps him out of our hair.  I stay close to Mom and help her with whatever she is doing.  I'm a great supervisor. 

In July Mom and Dad flew our airplane up to Red Deer, Alberta Canada to attend the annual Grumman convention.  I got to stay with my Auntie Rose at her Bed and Biscuit.  I hung out with my Airedale cousins   Bailey, Chelsea, and Timmy.  I don't know where Timmy gets all that energy from, but he liked to drive Bailey and me nuts.  But then, I guess we were all two years old at one time.  I really love all three of my cousins (and Auntie Rose) and they have accepted me into their pack.  Thanks, guys. 

 

Speaking of years, I became a teenager this year on June 28 (in case you want to send me some treats next year).  Yep, 13 has been a lucky number for me.  One, I made it this far, and two, I'm still in pretty darned good shape.  I can still do everything I used to do, just not as fast.  I am especially good at charming the ladies, which I have always done slow and easy in order to make it last.  Did I mention that I love attention?  Mom baked me a bone shaped cake and even gave me the first taste.

 

August found the three of us piling into the motor home for an extended vacation to the Pacific Northwest.  This was Mom's "trip of discovery" where she did a lot of research about her ancestors in libraries and at local newspapers and museums.  She sure got excited when she found out some new information about her family, Of course I got excited because she was excited, and Dad, well he got excited when he saw an ice cream shop. 

 

Mom's biggest discovery was a distant cousin whom she met online via one of her genealogy sites.  This was especially cool because we actually got to meet her in person.  We spent a few days visiting Cousin Arlene in Oregon, and now she is staying near us in Wickenburg for the winter and we get to see her some more.  How cool is that?

 

We even returned to the same Oregon beach where the Beach Nazi yelled at Dad because I pooped on her sand.  This year was different.  Of course I pooped again, but Mom was ready with a bag to pick it up.  However, the Beach Nazi was no where to be seen.  I think she was out surfing, despite there being shark warnings posted all over the place.  She needn't worry -  professional courtesy and all that. 

 

Remember last year I told you how Dad had lost a ton of weight.  Guess what?  He found it, at least some of it.  Mom and I stay fit and trim but Dad gets bigger and better each year -- kinda like the circus.  I really get peeved when he wears his favorite T-shirt with "Devil Dog" on the front.  I can assure you that he stretches that baby out pretty well.  I'm embarrassed to be seen with him.  First of all, he never was a Marine, and second he projects a bad image for dogs in general.  I swear that I'm going to bury that thing in the yard and then have Mom look for a replacement that says "Devil Walrus" on it.  More accurate and let the marine mammals be embarrassed for a change. 

 

Early October was not a good time for us.  Our very dear friends and good neighbors, my Uncle Ralph and Auntie Jolene went to Heaven when their airplane crashed in the mountains on their way home from the mid-west.  We sure miss them.  I especially miss Auntie Jo because she would come to visit and always bring me a treat.  When she invited Mom and Dad to come over I was always invited too.  I was her surrogate dog, and I loved her dearly.

 

Dad's sister came for a visit toward the end of October and that helped cheer us up.  She stayed with us a week and we did all sorts of fun stuff.  I love my Auntie Sis.  She feeds me.

And finally, last week Dad bought an Arctic Cat Prowler off road utility vehicle for "Mom's Christmas present".  Yeah, like whom is he trying to fool?  It's big and green and has four big knobby tires.  It looks like it can crawl straight up a wall.  I only hope that he doesn't injure or kill himself in it.  I know I'm not ever getting in that sucker.

 

Well, gotta go.  My paws are getting tired from all this typing.

We wish you the happiest Holiday Season and the very best that 2010 has to offer.

 

Love,

 

Bert, Kay, and Jim

 

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night...