Why Empty Nest Dogs are So Important as we Transition to Life without Kids. No matter how prepared we think we are when the last chick leaves the nest, there is a void in our lives when they go. Many empty nesters fill that void with a pet, most often a dog. And that is a healthy reaction if not a permanent one.
[Read more…] about Why Empty Nest Dogs are So Important as we Transition to Life without KidsA Hot Mess on the Way to Sydney!
On my way to Sydney! I have been so proud of myself! My packing actually went okay….it took 2 or 3 days, but I was very careful, followed my list, and checked everything off. Preparing for my epic month long journey has been arduous. I’m packing for two seasons, and have electronics, a cpap, camera gear, scuba gear, clothes, etc. A lot of packing. I made it though…in 3 bags. One to check, one to carry on, and a backpack.
So, granted they are very heavy, but really, I am about as good as it is going to get. So, off to the airport, a connection through LAX, then Sydney.
First, my flight to LAX was delayed. I called AA immediately and after a protracted conversation, was booked on Qantas, direct to Sydney. My first flight on Qantas, and my first flight on a double decker airplane. I’m on the top floor…the plane seems so big! That’s the good news. Typical Tam events soon followed.
I arrived at the Qantas Business Lounge, and settled in happily to charge up and work on my computer. I brought the wrong cord for my iphone. Then I spilled a drink. Then I went to put on my glasses (I cannot see without them, they aren’t for looks) and … no glasses. Shit! I went through my bags, compartment by compartment. No glasses. I left them somewhere, so I left in search of them. They were at TSA. Relief! On my way back to the Club, I stopped and bought a bag of chips at the Travel Mart. I paid my money and left without my chips. I went back to get them. I think this is the definition of a “hot mess”, is it not? I mean, I haven’t even boarded yet!
At this point, I am going to sit here quietly and hope I get to the gate without incident. I’m taking my roaming gnome as a good luck charm, so I can wander wisely! I will check in from Sydney!
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Being a Mother is the Trip of a Lifetime!
In many ways, I cannot believe I am a mother. These tiny creatures arrive, and all of the sudden you are responsible for a human life. It can be overwhelming, but there is no doubt that being their mother was the most important thing I have ever done.
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Life’s Little Reminders
Yesterday we discovered that a very close friend of ours had a “mini stroke”, and had to have his carotid artery operated on to clear it out. That news made our blood pressure go up (thank goodness we both have low blood pressure). The symptoms were worrisome enough that he and his wife, who is a nurse, sought medical care right away, and it is a good thing they did! The older we get, the more our bodies throw crazy, unheard of, health issues at us! My husband ended up with a double lung transplant two years ago (he was never even on oxygen!) and now Tom had a “Transient Ischemic Attack”, also known as a “mini stroke”. He is doing very well, and probably will get out of the hospital today or tomorrow. Scary, you know? I mean, this is the stuff that is supposed to happen to our parents, not to us! Of course, these things did happen to our parents…both of mine are gone now, but I still think of myself and our friends as young. Certainly too young for strokes and heart attacks and lung diseases! Get better FAST, Tommy Boy! We love you.
The symptoms of a clogged carotid artery are the symptoms of a mini stroke…apparently that is how most carotid artery disease is discovered. At your annual check up your doctor could pick up a “whoosh” sound in your carotid artery, but I’m really not sure how many men go for annual check ups. (I found this guide online for checkups every guy needs, for each decade of life, because once there are symptoms, the disease has already advanced).
Stroke and mini-stroke symptoms may include:
- A sudden, severe headache with no known cause
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Inability to move one or more of your limbs
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the face or limbs, often on just one side of the body
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech
So, I take this as another warning that we cannot take anything for granted. I’m always anxious to do everything NOW. My 90 year old uncle and 79 year old auntie have not been to Dallas in many, many years for a family event. I finally just bought them airline tickets and said, get on the f#%king plane! (Yes, I did use the “F” word.) I pick them up tomorrow. My uncle really wanted to come, he told my aunt, “this may be the last time we see the kids”. You know what? He could be right. So do it now, folks!
Oh, this makes me want to eat fruit and go scuba diving!
Empty Nesters Enjoy Austin: Stay at the Hyatt Regency Austin!
Empty Nesters, there is a lot to do in Texas! How about Austin? What do we really want to know about the Hyatt Regency Austin? The important stuff, right? Like the incredible location and views! Our recent stay was fabulous, and we enjoyed the view so much we didn’t even close the drapes at night…Austin looks mighty pretty as it twinkles in the dark!
One of the best perks was the online check-in. Check-in, and they email you when your room is ready. Don’t want to wait at the front desk? You don’t have to. Just pick up your keys at the kiosk. Love it!
The hotel feels big and airy as it has an atrium in the lobby of the hotel which goes all the way up. Very pretty!
The service is top notch. Any time I had a question or a request, boom! There it is. The staff is super friendly and helpful. A delight after staying in hotels where you are just a number.
Activities for Lady Bird Lake are right on the Hyatt’s doorstep. If you want to rent a paddleboard or kayak, there’s no better place to be.
The Hyatt hosts weddings and other events all the time…it is a fantastic venue for any occasion. Who wouldn’t want this backdrop for a special event!?
They serve a wonderful brunch at the Southwest Bistro, and their Pure Luck salad is delicious! The Bistro has views of the water and the cityscape. Soooo relaxing!
What makes a hotel stay great? An inviting lobby area, friendly reception, and comfortable room are givens. These you expect, and the Hyatt Austin delivers these elements perfectly. In addition, they provide a great location, for in Austin, staying on Lady Bird Lake is the ultimate experience. Add an incredible view, friendly staff, good food, and Texas hospitality, and you have the Hyatt Austin. On your next trip to Austin, be sure to stay at the Hyatt, I guarantee you will be glad you did! And tell them Travels with Tam sent you!
*The opinions expressed in this post are my own.
Napa Valley: A Harvest Celebration at Quintessa Vineyard
By fellow midlife adventurer, Suzanne Simone Stavert at Adventures of Empty Nesters!
Great friends, heavenly food, delicious wine and a breathtaking landscape are the perfect ingredients for an amazing experience in Napa Valley to celebrate the harvest at Quintessa Vineyard.
We discovered this extraordinary winery in June of this year when we were given a private tour. Quintessa provides guests with a comprehensive look at the vineyard, winemaking facility and underground caves through a unique personal tour. Additionally, we were taken on a walk to the vineyards behind the winery to a scenic overlook of the property and sweeping views of the land encompassing the Rutherford Appellation.
Craig and I became absolutely enamored with Quintessa through this unique experience. We loved the people, the stunning views and of course the phenominal wines so much that we joined their Wine Club. However, to be completely truthful, we truly didn’t want to miss any opportunity to visit! For this year’s Harvest Celebration we invited our dear friends Meg and Doug Pearson to the party on the grounds of the home of the Proprietors Augustin and Valeria Huneeus on the picturesque property of Quintessa.
The celebration was magical from beginning to end. We were greeted with flavorful wine and treated to a vast array of innovative cuisine and lively music. All four of us enjoyed talking with other guests and discovering new friends from Alaska to the Bahamas. The atmosphere was elegant and relaxing and we experienced a memorable afternoon. Augustin and Valeria greeted all of us as if we were family and shared their thoughts about winemaking and invited us to visit the private island on the property as well. Private island? How fun!
The Harvest Celebration
1. Welcome to Quintessa 2. Our empty glasses await. 3. A view of their home and party in the distance 4. A tempting cassoulet with beans and sausage 5. Craig happily bringing us wine 6.Proprietors Valeria and Augustin 7. Amazing oysters 8. Meg and I at the entrance to the private island 9. A peaceful seat on the island 10. The four of us standing in the island gazebo 11. View of the vineyard from the hilltop 12. Craig and I visiting the wine caves 13. Tasting “Illumination” in the vineyard
A big thank you to Doug Pearson for photos 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, & 10
The Estate Tasting Experience is approximately 90 minutes and available by appointment only. Tasting fee is $65 per person.