The Crew at Golden Pines

I realized its been a few weeks since I posted anything about our "core-group" of pups here at Golden Pines. So, I thought I'd post a couple of pictures that I've taken this week and just say that everyone is really doing well and are healthy (knock-on-wood). For the pictures I'll just tell you whose-who and let them speak for themselves.

For my gardening readers, at the end of the post is a picture of my clematis that was the first thing I planted when we moved to the country just over 2 years ago. Until today, it has never bloomed.

~~Left to right, Rudi, Hamlet, Josh, Charlie, Maguire and Sheba~~

Wendy SammyBall obsessed foster boy PatchI really love clematis! But I had a hard time finding the right spot to plant one at our last house because they like "cool feet and hot sun." I have always had the hot sun and no shade, until now. This one gets full sun, and its feet are kept cool.

I hope you've had a great weekend!!

THANKS as always for stopping by my blog, I'm so glad you did!!

Just Can't Say "NO!"

The word "no" might be a small word, but for me, it's not always been an easy one to say. For example, I have been asked on more than one occasion if I could help organize a dinner for our church--Of course I said "yes." Then there are the times when I'm asked if I can work an extra day at work, even though I have made plans for my day off and I'm exhausted, I almost always say "yes" to that as well.

I have found that saying "yes" might be the automatic, simplest response for me, even when I truly want to say no. But there is a price, at least for me, for not being able to say "no," because there are times that I know that it will inevitably lead to some stress and my blood pressure being raised a few points.

On the flip side of that, I have some "guilty pleasures" that I (typically) never say "no" to...

Like lunch with my friends--My hands-down favorite has been and is still a cheeseburger and fries, I really have problems saying "NO!" to one...

A visit to a greenhouse! I love to just walk around and look at all the plants!
A good yard sale! I can never say "no!" to a good deal!
This is our CarrieAnne on Saturday--She couldn't say "no" to rolling in something that smelled so good--I did say "no!" to her coming in the house until she had a bath!!
Finally, there's something else I just can't and have never been able to say no to...A senior Golden that needs a place to go--Meet our new foster dog "Patch" who came to us late last week. He's an active and bouncy, ball obsessed 12 year old boy whose owner left him outside for 14 hours a day and the neighbors complaints were finally heard...

Yes, I know, I know, I said I was done taking dogs in from the rescue. But I think the rescue knows that I'll never say "NO!" to a dog in need... "No" he won't be staying permanently, I'll be putting him up for adoption...Wait, haven't I said "no" to that before too? Hmmmm...maybe I AM better at saying "no" than I think I am!!

What can't you say "no!" too?

Healing Energy Needed for Digby

As you know, my pups and I have been the recipient of your well wishes, prayers and support at difficult times. Today, I'd like to ask you to please direct those same healing thoughts and energy towards France to a very endearing nine-year-old Polish Lowland Sheepdog named Digby who is seriously ill from a tick-bite. I know how very busy and chaotic lives and weekends can be. But I hope you'll take a moment to visit them and remember Digby. I know his family (and his brother Wilf) will really appreciate it! THANK-YOU!!

Here is the link to their blog:
Wilf & Digby discover France

Happy Earth Day!!

Today is Earth Day! It was created with the intention of raising public awareness about a variety of environmental issues. These issues vary from year to year—air pollution, water pollution, habitat destruction, sustainable energy, climate change, species losses, and environmental policies. The list really is a broad one with complex solutions...On the flip-side, for most of us, if Earth Day is acknowledged, it's done so on a smaller scale, by acting on behalf of a single issue such as working to save an endangered species in your region or helping to discourage the use of pesticides in your neighborhood.

For me, I acknowledged the day by "celebrating nature" and all that was around me today...Here are a few pictures...

Our day started with a foggy sunrise...

And an interesting and complex looking spider web...

Then I admired how fast my flowers are growing in such a short time.

Of course the dandelions are coming up too, and I think this little butterfly is just fine with it!! Since it's Earth Day it was pretty appropriate that we had a bird come to the feeder that I've never seen before, and I was able to get a picture of. I found out from a friend that it is a "Rufous-Sided-Towhee." well, okay... Of course the dogs also enjoyed "Earth Day."

By digging a hole...again...

And eating grass...

And rolling in the grass... And running through the grass...

And refusing to walk on the grass...Gotta love cats...

Happy Earth Day!

What does it mean to you?