Christmas 2013

Christmas Greetings 2013

Happy Howlidays from the Barcomb’s and the incredible Solo! What’s that… been here, done that? Yes, I know I’ve already been the star of one Christmas letter, but while time waits for no man, or dog as the case may be, I wanted one final chance to put paw to paper and bid a final farewell to all those who have given yours truly, belly rubs and ear scratches over the years. While part of me hopes I’ll still be around this time next year... this old girl’s body may be packing it in. But don’t be sad… I’ve lived an awesome life and really while it would be cool to have Willard Scott put my picture up on the Smucker’s centenarian segment on the Today Show, I don’t think I’ll… wait, what… mom just said they don’t put dogs on that segment, only humans??? THAT is a travesty!!! Right up there with not allowing our kind in fine dining restaurants that serve bacon and prohibiting our use of the furniture like we’re some kind of animal!!! My time here on Earth is almost done, but I do hope the future four-legged family members will take up this cause and right this horrible injustice!!! Ah, but I digress… so without further ado here are the 2013 highlights of Dan, Angie, Lexi, Hunter and Me… Solo!!!

† January, Hunter boy turned 7… and is no longer our baby boy… meaning no more dropped food or unearned Scooby snacks… Solo sad!

† Sports, sports, sports… what don’t those kids play??? Basketball, soccer, baseball and softball… oh my!

† Lexi was top scorer in basketball, made several goals in soccer and as goalie some incredible saves, outstanding defensive plays as short stop and catcher and collected a nice amount of stolen bases this past year!

† Hunter is an excellent soccer and baseball player and is just learning basketball but looks to be following in big sis’ footsteps, which is pretty easy considering they wear the same size shoe!

† March, Lexi turned double digits… the big one zero! How did that happen??? She is officially a tween now… God help us all… especially daddy!

† Besides playing sports, travelling to sports, and eating and sleeping sports… kids find time to do some schooling too! As 5^th and 2^nd graders this year, this will be the last year the kids will be in the same school until Lexi is a senior in high school!

† As a 5^th grader this year Lexi was able to run for A.S.B. president of the school. She lost by a slim margin, but is still an A.S.B. class representative and vows to run again someday… Solo proud!

† As for my mom, Angie, and my dad, Dan… they just celebrated their 14 year anniversary… finally something that has lasted longer than me!!!

† Dad still manages to find time to squeeze in work and bring home the bacon… me love bacon… while busy coaching Lexi’s softball team. And because he loves coaching pre-adolescent girls who already know everything there is to know about, well… everything… he volunteered to coach Lexi’s basketball team this year too.

† Mom also had some big happenings this year. She celebrated a milestone birthday… 29, for the 11^th year in a row. She also got to go see The. Best. Band. EVER. Bon Jovi, in October with her little brother. And finally, not to be outdone by her daughter’s political aspirations, mom became the Vice President of the PTO this year… move over Joe Biden!

† Finally, there’s me, Solo! And while rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated, I am nearing the end of this life. I turned 13 this past July, have tumors near and far, get two shots of insulin a day and am completely deaf and nearly completely blind. My legs don’t always cooperate which means making it to the little girl’s room difficult at times. But with all of these issues… I am one extremely blessed pooch! I have THE best family in the world and while I know I will soon join my BFF, Patches, in the great beyond… I intend to enjoy every day, minute, second to the fullest while I’m here on Earth! Of course for me that means following my bliss… a 23 hour nap!

So as I conclude, what will most likely be my final letter, I leave you humans with these final words of dog wisdom: Greet everyone you meet with sheer enthusiasm, be loyal & faithful, chase after your dreams, take a nap, learn new tricks no matter your age, love unconditionally and above all else, live in the moment… life is too precious and too short… so don’t waste it!!! God Blessings and Merry Christmas, sending loads of love from all of us… Dan, Angie, Lexi, Hunter and most especially, yours truly, Solo!