Thursday, October 18, 2012

A Milestone

Another week is coming to a close.  As always, its been a busy one with work, not feeling well and topped with just a little bit of  'family drama' that I'm just really hoping I have shoved closed and locked the door on.  I'm reminded yet again that we have a really good life that is better off without certain people as part of it, especially when being so cruel and vindictive comes so easily to them and is the only way they know how to act.

Moving on from the negativity, this week we reached our 5 year milestone of living at Golden Pines.  To some, I know that it's not that long, but it's a milestone nonetheless.  I remember very well the day we left our last house in the subdivision.  I remember the feelings I had when I stood in it's empty entryway for the last time looking at the freshly painted bare walls, new carpet and polished floors. Carl and I felt humbled as we thought about our life there and the dogs that had found their way to us during the 10 years we lived in the house.  
Below: Golden Pines 2007
On Tuesday, we remembered those same things.  The house we bought in the country was only supposed to be a place to give us the room we needed for the dogs and the privacy I was craving.  But along the way, it has become so much more; it has become home.  I am so grateful to have the chance to bring the senior dogs to Golden Pines that need a place to go.  Yes, we've had many losses that have brought their own sadness and heartache.  But without a doubt I wouldn't want to miss out on the joy we've had in caring for and getting to know these precious senior dogs and have the memories of them.
In remembering them, today I also want to toast the dogs that came with us from our last house and are still a part of our lives at Golden Pines.  They are:
Wendy, who came to us in July 1999
Josh, who came to us in 2002
CarrieAnne in June 2003
Charlie in July of 2004, 
Sheba, September 2004
Here's to the next 5 years and the adventures ahead!     

48 comments:

  1. Hello Kim, you are an angel to me to give those beautiful older dogs a warm and safe home to live out their years...So happy you made that wonderful place a home...Yey!!! for your milestone...Hugs Francine.

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  2. Kim
    golden pines has been a part of my blog life for an age now!
    we have never met....
    but my life has been touched by you, your labs and that spikey little scottie xx

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  3. amen to that, and to good neighbors moving in next to you... :)

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  4. Yeap, understand the time thingy, we are coming up of 5 years in novemeber since our move. Amazing how things change, look at the trees and bushes, and it's hard to believe how the dogs have developed.

    Your Furiends
    Susie & Bites

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  5. Congrats and here's to 105 more!! Have a wonderful weekend Kim :)

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  6. Hi Kim - you are such a special person to care for all these beautiful dogs. I hope you have many many more happy years in your home. Lily. xxx

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  7. amen amen
    bless you for all that you have given to these dogs
    ....home....wow...that was your reward......not bad
    hug and kisses to you all
    and i am so happy about that little rascal Toddie....he has so many bros and sises.....

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  8. A pleasant milestone. The house that is now a home will be forever known as the house with all the goldens on the front porch. Without y'all it wouldn't be so special.

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  9. I agree, here's to many more years at Golden Pines......

    Gill

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  10. There is an old quote "a dog is the only relative you get to choose" so keep that door locked on those relations who upset you, and enjoy the four legged ones who love you, make you smile and are there for you no matter what.

    Wishing you and Carl much happiness, in the years ahead, with your true family at Golden Pines.

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  11. Woof! Woof! There's Lots of Golden LOVE in Golden Pines house for the past years ... and course LOVE from a Terrier, Scottie and cat too. Wishing you guys the best ... Are you celebrating? How about a delish tasty cake. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  12. Hi there, Our last home,in Ca., we thought we would only be in for a few years since hubby didn't like it but we ended up staying for 18 yrs. This home we've been in for 3.5 yrs and again hubby doesn't like it but I wonder how long we'll be here. So glad you have been able to care for all the dogs you have. It will be fun to see what happens in the next five with both of us.
    Hugs today. Noreen

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  13. Oh I love it! Congrats on a very happy five years and to many many more!

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  14. Happy Anniversary! It's the perfect place.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  15. Golden Pines is a magical place. Thank you for sharing it with us!
    - Anne & Charlie

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  16. Wishing you many more happy and tail-wagging years at Golden Pines, you are incredibly compassionate caretakers.
    ~Jo

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  17. Congrats on your 5 year anniversary at Golden Pines. I know what you mean about having lots of room and privacy. After living in a "normal" neighborhood for a few years Charlie and I moved to our 5 acres over 22 years ago and have loved every minute of it. I love all the faces that have been with you all those years too.

    Cindy

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  18. On my bucket list: To visit Golden Pines! This looks like heaven on earth... of course it is with all these beautiful four legged loves wandering here, there and everywhere. And then - Angels Kim and Carl! Happy Anniversary to all of you! GREAT PICTURES!

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  19. Congrats ! Such a lovely place you have made there for all the lovely goldens and yourselves . You have given so many pooches a wonderful home and I thank you for all you do for them ! Awesome photos and I love your header . Have a great day !

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  20. It sounds like such an inviting and wonderful place. I'm glad you found your dream spot and I hope you're able to enjoy it for many years to come, along with the dogs who need a place to call home. :)

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  21. Here's to another 5, 10, 15 years in that beautiful place with all those beautiful pups and with more to come I am sure. May you be richly blessed in all your days ahead.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  22. Here's to your milestone and all the beautiful pups who have shared your lives over the years. Golden Pines has been a slice of heaven.

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  23. Good for you to be able to shut the door to negativity. I know what you mean about family drama and not wanting it. I don't either. I hang up or just don't answer the phone. Literally. We sometimes have no choice.
    It is also a bitter sweet emotion when one moves, but most of the time it is for the best. In your case it seems that way. You and Carl have a heart of gold and I am sure the dogs know it and appreciate.
    Enjoy your next not 5 but 20 or more years.
    Ana

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  24. This brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. I'm so happy I found you and your crew. Love to you all.

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  25. Isn't it wonderful when the house becomes home. It happens even faster with dogs to run thru the rooms and each find their special spot.

    I think Josh is one of my favorites. I love his expressive face.
    Sue

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  26. That's a blessed milestone.
    Here's to many many more happy years at Golden Pines! ♥

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  27. Congrats to you and your family on your milestone, and your so wonderful for taking care of all of those precious critters.

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  28. Kim congrats on your anniversary, what a wonderful milestone to be celebrating.

    As for those other not so good days, they are now behind you.

    Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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  29. What a wonderful "post toast" to your babies! You have chosen such an unselfish path at Golden Pines helping so many wonderful senior dogs by giving them a loving retirement. As for family drama, I agree, your better off closing the door on the negative ones. Sometimes locking the door isn't enough and you have to nail the door shut! LOL! Congratulations on 5 years at Golden Pines and I wish you many, many more! :)

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  30. Oh Kim, we love Golden Pines. We have only known you for little more than a year or has it been two years, but you inspire us. It is odd to me that Bert is only four and already showing the mask on his face often thought of as a sing of old age in goldens. I visualize all your pups and each ones face as I became better acquainted. here is to at least five more years of Golden Pines happiness.

    Bert and my vickie

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  31. Your house has become a home, for you and all the extended family you have brought into your lives. Rooms and paddocks full of love, fun,happiness and joy, scattered with sadness at times, but coloured with memories.Happy Anniversary, I hopped over from Lori, and am adding you to my increasing blog list. Fond greetings on this special wonderful day, from Jean , New Zealand.

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  32. Hi Kim

    I too can remember those magic words "Its Home" and I am delighted for you and your pups to be in the best place of all for you.

    That you unselfishly share it with homeless Goldies is a jewell in your crown.

    Jo

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  33. I think having a bunch of relatives is highly over-rated. LOL! We have a small family but they are spread out so we really don't have to see relatives very often. This can be a good thing.

    It sounds like your home life with all the pups has more than made up for any family dramas or busy weeks at works. That's what it's all about isn't it? Beautiful home life - beautiful life!

    Have a wonderful weekend Kim!
    xo Catherine

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  34. What a wonderful life you have at Golden Pines. Thank you for sharing snippets of it with us.

    xo
    Lynn

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  35. What a lovely remembrance, congratulations and here's to many more!!

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  36. have always said it is sad we can’t pick family as we can our friends. Congratulations on the milestone.

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  37. Such sweet faces. I bet the 5 years feel like they just flew by. Here's to the next five and all the sweet faces you will meet along the way.

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  38. i am late. as usual...
    in coming to the party!
    and i always read every single comment. because i think of us all as your neighborhood.
    there is not a word i could add to the wonderful words already spoken about golden pines.
    it's a place like no other.
    and . . .
    those adorable adoring faces peering back at us. oh to touch that fur! to kiss those noses!
    and . . .
    you have every right as a being of
    love and peace ~ to close the door
    on any toxic spirit that destroys that peace.
    you deserve all the happiness and sheer REST! that you can get.
    love to you dear heart,
    tammy j

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  39. Hey Golden Pines Gang, Jet here. Hi Miss Kim.

    Miss Kim... seems like you need an extra special delivery of Jetty kisses and JJ hugs... on the way immediately.

    We agree with your philosophy about toxic humans, although, sometimes Mom feels lonely...which... is why... she's so lucky to have US!!!

    Congratulations on your 5 year milestone. We think reflection is meaningful. Thank you for doing all you do for seniors and sharing their beautiful photos.

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  40. I think Golden Pines is heaven on earth for our Golden's, and you make it so much more special!

    Sam

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  41. Oh congrats!

    Pees: Please stop by my blog I've given you a little something!

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  42. The seniors and we are lucky to know you! Golden pines is so beautiful!

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  43. Great post, Kim. And you are so right...life is much too short to let others drag us down.

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  44. Mazel tov on your anniversary! Clearly an excellent decision all round to move. Maybe you could just get an unlisted number to cut out the unpleasant contacts? Better yet, get Caller ID and just don't answer the phone. Or the door. Whatever it takes to preserve your peace.

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  45. You are so so so special. hugs and hugs.

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  46. We love you and you loving hearts
    love
    tweedles

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  47. Such a sweet post! Love those photos. :)

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  48. Congratulations on five years in your home!

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!