Furry Friend Friday: Rekindling Joy – Absence Truly Makes the Heart Grow Fonder!
Greetings, fellow dog lovers and cherished readers! We are absolutely thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of Furry Friend Friday. After a truly significant hiatus, our beloved Golden Retriever, Logan, is back in the spotlight, ready to fill your screens with his boundless energy, charming antics, and heartwarming adventures. If your heart melts for Golden Retrievers, can’t resist the playful spirit of puppies, or simply adores dogs in general, then you’re in for a treat as we dive back into Logan’s world each week. And believe us, the past few months have been nothing short of extraordinary!
It feels like an eternity since our last update, and we sincerely apologize for the prolonged silence. Life, as it often does, threw us a few delightful (and incredibly busy!) curveballs that required our full attention. We can hardly believe it’s been nearly four months since we last shared Logan’s latest escapades, but rest assured, we’re officially back and brimming with stories to tell. The last quarter of a year has been a whirlwind of change, growth, and entirely new experiences for our family, and especially for our furry companion.
A Journey East: Saying Goodbye to the Desert, Hello to the Coast
For those of you who have been following our journey on Instagram – whether through our daily stories or regular posts – you’re likely aware of the monumental shift our lives have undergone. Yes, after nearly seventeen incredible years calling the sun-drenched Valley of the Sun in Arizona our home, we’ve embarked on a new chapter. We’ve joyfully returned to our roots, making our way back to our cherished home state of Rhode Island, and the feeling of being back is simply indescribable. The decision to move was a significant one, born from a deep sense of longing and a desire for new experiences, and Logan, of course, was right there with us through every step of this exciting transition.
Our reasons for this significant cross-country relocation were deeply personal and profoundly heartfelt. Kurt and I made the decision to leave the warmth of Arizona primarily because we missed our wonderful children, Alex, Emma, and Cameron, as well as our extended family and dear friends who reside in the Northeast. We originally moved to Anthem, AZ, back in 2002 with the dream of raising our three kids under the perpetual sunshine and immersing ourselves in a new corner of the country. We achieved that dream, creating countless precious memories. However, once our children had grown and flown the nest, this “mama bird” found herself yearning for their proximity more than words could express.
Our eldest, Alex, is currently exploring the vibrant city of Berlin, Germany, while our younger two, Emma and Cameron, share an apartment in the bustling heart of Philadelphia. The distance, while allowing them to pursue their own exciting paths, created a void that we felt keenly. Beyond missing our family, there was a profound yearning to be closer to the ocean, a connection to the water that was ingrained in us from our Rhode Island upbringing. We longed to experience the distinct beauty and rhythm of the changing seasons once again – the crisp autumns, snowy winters, vibrant springs, and mild summers. These combined desires painted a clear picture for Kurt and me: it was time to make the move back east.
A New Chapter for Kurt: From Chiropractic Care to Culinary Content
Another pivotal factor in our decision was Kurt’s well-deserved retirement from his long and distinguished career as a chiropractor. After more than 27 years dedicated to patient care and providing steadfastly for our family, I am absolutely delighted to share that he is now bringing his incredible skills and analytical mind to assist me with 365 Days of Baking and More! He’s diving deep into website optimization, ensuring our content reaches even more enthusiastic readers, and will also be contributing his own expertise by writing insightful posts on health and wellness. We’re incredibly excited for you to read his first article, which will be making its debut in the upcoming weeks. This new partnership has been an exciting development, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to our shared endeavors, and Logan has certainly enjoyed having both of us home more often!
Logan’s Pre-Move Paddling Perfection at Bartlett Lake
Before we officially packed up our lives and embarked on the grand cross-country journey, we were fortunate to have Cameron visit us in Arizona one last time. It was a precious opportunity for family bonding, and we made sure to seize it with an unforgettable trip to Bartlett Lake. This beautiful reservoir proved to be an absolute paradise for Logan. He reveled in the scenic hike along the shores, his tail wagging furiously with every new scent and sight. But the true highlight for him was undoubtedly the water! Logan, being a true Golden Retriever at heart, was in his element, joyfully retrieving sticks we’d toss into the refreshing lake, his powerful strokes cutting through the water with effortless grace. It was a perfect Arizona farewell for our adventurous pup.
The Great American Road Trip: Miles, Memories, and Our Furry Co-Pilots
With our hearts full of anticipation and a touch of wistful nostalgia, Kurt and I meticulously packed up the essentials of our life. It was a true exercise in minimalism, as we opted to give away the vast majority of our belongings, embracing the idea of a fresh start. The journey itself was an epic undertaking: a cross-country trek spanning over 40 hours of driving (thanks to a bit of traffic and unpredictable weather conditions!) completed in just five days. Our travel companions were none other than Logan, our valiant Golden Retriever, and Winnie, our sweet, steadfast little companion, safely tucked away with us in the car, while a U-Haul trailer laden with our remaining possessions followed faithfully behind. This monumental road trip was both mentally and physically demanding, testing our endurance and patience. Yet, through it all, we navigated the miles with a shared sense of purpose and, remarkably, encountered no significant issues. It was a testament to our planning, our teamwork, and the surprisingly excellent behavior of our canine crew!
A Heartwarming Stop in Ohio: Reconnecting with a Dear Friend
Midway through our extensive journey, we were fortunate enough to make a very special detour to visit Mary at her new home in Ohio. Many of you might know Mary from her incredibly popular blog, Barefeet in the Kitchen. Mary and I had grown incredibly close during our time in Arizona, with her living just a short twenty-minute drive away. When she and her family moved out of state a little over a month before we did, I felt her absence profoundly. I missed her (and still do!) immensely, so when planning our route east, I emphatically told Kurt that a stop at Mary’s was non-negotiable. It truly turned out to be one of the absolute best and most rejuvenating stops of the entire trip!
Mary has created the most beautiful and welcoming home, and I eagerly anticipate seeing the delightful updates she shares from her picturesque front porch on Instagram every day. Our visit was a much-needed pause filled with laughter, shared stories, and the comforting embrace of enduring friendship. It revitalized our spirits for the remaining leg of our journey.
Navigating the Miles with Our Furry Passengers
Throughout the extensive car ride, both Logan and Winnie proved to be exceptionally good travelers. Their calm demeanor and adaptability were truly impressive. We made it a point to schedule frequent stops, ensuring they had ample opportunities to stretch their legs, sniff around, and take care of their business. For Winnie, our smaller but no less adventurous companion, I made sure she was always secured in a comfortable harness and on a leash, offering peace of mind that she wouldn’t dart off in unfamiliar surroundings. These planned breaks were crucial for keeping both our spirits and our pets’ comfort levels high.
There was one particularly memorable moment somewhere along the Pennsylvania Turnpike where Logan gave us his classic “are we there yet?” look. His expressive golden eyes, usually brimming with playful energy, were wide with a mix of curiosity and a hint of weary patience. It was a sweet, relatable moment that perfectly captured the long haul.
A Joyful Reunion in Philadelphia
Our journey continued with another incredibly meaningful stop in Philadelphia, where we were ecstatic to reunite with Emma and Cameron. Seeing both of our beloved children again filled my heart to overflowing. That moment, enveloped in the warmth of their presence, cemented beyond any doubt that our decision to move back east was absolutely the right one. It was a powerful affirmation of family bonds and the profound joy of being physically closer to those we love most.
Logan’s Rhode Island Welcome: Beach Bliss and Snowy Surprises
Finally, on the crisp morning of March 11th, we arrived at my in-laws’ welcoming home in Charlestown, Rhode Island. The sense of “home” washed over us, profound and comforting. One of the very first things we eagerly did was to take Logan down to the nearby beach, a quintessential Rhode Island experience. It was his inaugural encounter with the vast, shimmering ocean, and it was fascinating to witness his reaction. Initially, he approached the waves with a healthy dose of caution, perhaps a little intimidated by the unfamiliar roar and shifting water.
His initial trepidation was endearing. He’d cautiously dip a paw, then retreat, observing the rhythm of the tides with a curious gaze. But, true to his Golden Retriever spirit, it wasn’t long before his innate sense of adventure and love for water took over. Over the ensuing days and weeks, Logan’s confidence blossomed, and he has since grown to absolutely adore the beach, embracing the sand between his paws and the refreshing spray of the waves with unbridled joy. It’s become one of his favorite places to explore, fetch, and simply revel in the coastal freedom.
Just a week and a half after his introduction to the ocean, Logan experienced another Rhode Island first: his very first snowfall! Having lived in Arizona for so long, this was a completely novel sensation for him. The fluffy white blanket transformed our yard into a winter wonderland, and Logan’s reaction was pure delight. He immediately launched into a series of joyous “zoomies,” tearing through the snow with incredible speed and enthusiasm, kicking up powdery trails behind him. It was a heartwarming sight, confirming that our adaptable boy was embracing every facet of his new (old) home, from the sunny Arizona desert to the snowy New England winters.
Settling In, Embracing Rhode Island, and What’s Next for Furry Friend Friday
While we are still in the process of finding our permanent home, we’ve successfully settled into a comfortable one-bedroom apartment for the next year. This interim period has been wonderful, allowing us to slowly rediscover the charms of Rhode Island without the pressure of immediately buying a house. We continue to make frequent trips to the beautiful beaches, now beloved by Logan, and have been enjoying countless trail hikes, exploring the diverse natural landscapes that our beautiful state offers. Every weekend brings a new adventure, a new trail to conquer, or a new stretch of coastline to admire with Logan leading the way.
Now that the significant move is behind us, and we are comfortably settled into our new routine, you can eagerly anticipate the consistent return of our weekly Furry Friend Friday posts! The saying, “absence makes the heart grow fonder,” has resonated with us deeply throughout this entire experience. When we initially left Rhode Island all those years ago, we truly believed it was for good, never imagining we’d return. However, being away for such an extended period has instilled in both Kurt and me a profound appreciation for its unique beauty, its charming character, and its vibrant community. This extended absence has undeniably made our “coming home” experience all the more sweet, meaningful, and cherished. We’re so excited to share all of Logan’s upcoming Rhode Island adventures with you.
Thank you so much for your patience, your loyalty, and for being a part of Logan’s journey and our family’s new chapter. We can’t wait to reconnect and share more!
Did you enjoy Logan’s grand adventure and our tale of “Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder”? Explore More Furry Friend Friday Stories!
If you loved reading about Logan the Golden Dog’s latest “tails” (haha!) and our family’s big move, we invite you to delve into some of our cherished past Furry Friend Friday posts. Each one offers a glimpse into the delightful personality of our favorite Golden Retriever and the joys of pet ownership.
Furry Friend Friday – Family: A Look at Our Golden Circle
Furry Friend Friday – Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: The Many Moods of Logan
Furry Friend Friday – Dog Farts: A Humorous Side of Pet Life
Stay Connected with Logan and Our Family!
Never miss a moment of Logan’s delightful adventures or our family’s latest updates. Be sure to follow us on social media for daily glimpses, behind-the-scenes content, and more!
~ FOLLOW US ~
FACEBOOK ~ PINTEREST
INSTAGRAM ~ TWITTER
Don’t forget to follow Logan the Golden Dog on Instagram for even more exclusive content!
You can also follow all of Logan’s antics here on my main Instagram account, too! You’ll see what our Furry Friend Friday pup is up to each day.