The McLaughlin Group Team

The McLaughlin Group Team
www.TheMcLaughlinGroup.com

Sunday, December 23, 2012

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 361 Xmas Exchange



Every year our family does an exchange of hand made gifts. Last year I was a complete failure attempting a candle. This year hiking around, I came across a cut down Oak Tree and found the pieces of bark that I have made into planters, one sitting and a couple hanging. I think they will be a hit this year, redemption from last year, I hope. Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays to all.

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Friday, December 21, 2012

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 360 This Old Guitar.....Follow up.




A few days back I posted a blog to and about my dad. I entitled it "This Old Guitar" after the John Denver song because the song reminded me of my dad and the lessons and love that he gave us. At 1:31 this afternoon, looking out over the lake he loved, he passed. I thought this was a fitting shot of him to post, long jumping as a senior at Fremont High. Fitting, because he believed that he would leap into eternity and this is my shot of my dad leaping into forever. He was the best dad!

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Sunday, December 9, 2012

BLINDS WIDE OPEN -day 359 The Honey House


The little gem next door to the folk's house is on the market. So many thoughts and memories when a neighbor decides to sell, especially the next door neighbor. This home ties 5 what we call laker kids, to all of us, plus one very special lady. She has poured her life and love into this home and it truly reflects a passion for nature and life. Yes it's old and needs a little work but there is heart & soul in this home. I once earned a 10 gallon jar of honey by helping harvest the honey from the bees that were kept on the property. I probably got stung 30 times in that hour but it was a great life lesson...I would never grow up to be a beekeeper, but I still love honey from the honeycomb!

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

BLINDS WIDE OPEN - day 358 This Old Guitar




John Denver wrote a great song titled "This Old Guitar". In this song Denver writes about the old guitar and the things the old guitar taught him.  As I sit at my parent's house tonight with the morning rushing us into a new day, I could not help but to reflect back on the life that the stud in the middle of this family photo lived and the things he taught us.  This photo is before 3 more grand kids and 2 great grand kids.  Yes, my dad is battling to live after a long bout with Parkinson's disease but most recently a massive stroke.  His will is strong but the body is weak.  Sitting next to the old stone fireplace, the stories, lessons and love echo though my chambers like a shout across the lake on a still quiet evening.  If you know the Denver song it begins with "This old guitar taught me to sing a love song" and it strums its way through some other magical lyrics.  This song makes me think of my dad.  He taught us everything!  He taught us to work, he taught us to laugh, he taught us to love, he taught us to sacrifice, he taught us to fish, he taught us to tie knots, he taught us to be respectful, he taught us to honor others, he taught us common sense, he taught us to camp, he taught us courage, he taught us discipline, he taught us how to swim and dive and as you can see, he taught us most everything any child would need.  You see, my dad was not a brilliant or learned man, but he was so much more.  Compassionate, simple, practical, kind, caring, wise and strong in body, mind and spirit.  My dad is a great dad and before he passes, this life, his life, needs the praise, he so well deserves.  My dad does not need this but I do.  His life counted, his life counts and my life, my brothers and sister and all our kids are filled with the DNA of one strong, loving and special man. Dad, we are so grateful for the life you gave us, the lessons you taught us and the life we have shared with you. You were and are that old guitar in our lives!

This is Dave, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

BLIND WIDE OPEN - day 357 Our New Neighbors


We moved to a new office behind Costco in Westlake Village a few months ago. Right next door they are building a huge complex with a Target, a new Total Woman gym and several restaurants. We are happy to have them as our next door neighbors. They are clearing the land for construction and we have a front row seat. Future plans? Maybe a gym membership, first dibs on Target sales and fresh sushi!!!!!!
This is Laurie, from The McLaughlin Group, keeping it real in real estate!!