TRAVELS WITH TAM

A Story Told is a Life Lived

A Story Told is a Life Lived

Golden Travels and Perspectives about finding a new Path

A Swim With Sperm Whales Takes an Unexpected Turn

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The Island of Dominica

Dominica, unexpected turn

Dominica had long been on my list of places to go and things to do. Not for its beauty or diving, but for the Sperm Whales that congregate there. Swim with Sperm Whales! A chance to snorkel with Moby Dick! It sounded like the stuff of which magic is made. I made that reservation almost a year in advance with my friend, Annie, from Calgary. We met long ago on a Manta expedition, and we’ve adventured together many times since then. At the time, I was hoping for a little rest. Being a caregiver, even to someone you love madly, is stressful and takes a toll not only physically, but emotionally. I was exhausted and looking forward to it.

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The End of our Unexpected Double Lung Transplant Experience

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My husband, Randy, received a double lung transplant in 2013. It came as a huge shock. Randy had always enjoyed perfect health, and suddenly we were facing a future none of us could have imagined. At the time, we were told his life expectancy was 50% at five years. This past January, after 12 1/2 years of life post-transplant, we lost him. The lung transplant was unexpected; the ending, in many ways, was not. Expected or unexpected, life has a way of surprising us.

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Our last Christmas 2025

I began writing about this unexpected journey on Travels with Tam after we learned, in August 2013, that Randy needed a double lung transplant. He had been scheduled for a biopsy, but before we could get there, his lung capacity suddenly dropped to 21%, and he was taken to the hospital. A week later, his lungs fell to 0%, and he was placed on ECMO, a machine that supported him while he was in a medically induced coma. He remained on it for nearly two weeks. After 12 days, I was told he would be removed from ECMO within a couple of days because he was nearing the point where recovery might no longer be possible. The next day, the doctor told me there was a chance they had found lungs. By the following morning, Randy was in surgery.

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Rediscovering My Travels: New Perspectives on Familiar Journeys

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Rediscovering my Travels!

It has been a while. I think I will rediscover my travels as most of my journeys in 2024-2025 have focused on health-related matters involving my husband. Some of you may know that he has faced health issues since his double lung transplant in 2013, while others might not be aware.

Since I cannot travel physically at the moment, I have decided to revisit and relive my past travels through a project titled “Rediscovering My Travels: New Perspectives on Familiar Journeys!” I will be updating my blogs and republishing them with fresh insights and twists. I hope you’ll stay tuned to “Travels with Tam” as I explore these familiar journeys once again.pdating my blogs and information and republishing them with a new perspective or twist. I hope you’ll stay tuned on Travels with Tam as I relive these familiar journeys.

The Wedding Oak Wine Train Experience in Texas Hill Country Returns

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The Wedding Oak Wine Train Experience in Texas Hill Country Returns

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What: Wedding Oak Wine Train Experience

Where to Catch the Train: Cedar Park Depot, 401 E Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613

When: Doors open 10:00 AM, train departs 11:00 AM; train returns to station 5:00 PM on:

Sunday, January 12th

Sunday, January 19th

Sunday, February 16th

Sunday, February 23rd  

Ticket Link:https://www.etix.com/ticket/mvc/online/upcomingEvents/organization?organization_id=6038&orderBy=1&pageNumber=1

DETAILS: Enjoy the Wine Train as you travel by rail to Wedding Oak Winery in Burnet, Texas! Passengers will enjoy a 2-hour train ride from Cedar Park spanning the South San Gabriel River while enjoying an intimate talk and wine tasting with members of the Wedding Oak family. In Burnet, food and wine are available for purchase during our 2-hour layover at the stunning tasting room at Wedding Oak Winery. Complete with two-story views, a patio, and a rooftop terrace, Wedding Oak has made its home in the historic 1888 Badger Building, in the heart of Burnet’s town square. Finally, please relax and enjoy the ride as the train returns to our Cedar Park Depot in the afternoon.

To make sure attendees get home safely, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks will be available for purchase on the return trip. Alcohol will not be served and may not be consumed on our return trip.

This excursion is for ages 21 and up only. SCHEDULE: Departs 11 am, Returns 5 pm. Your ticket includes a 2-hour train ride and a tasting-sized flight of 5 wines. Full-sized servings, bottles to-go, and food are available for purchase in the Wedding Oak tasting room during the layover in Burnet only. Learn more about Wedding Oaks Winery at https://weddingoakwinery.com/.

I think this would be so much fun! I do love trains!

wedding train, wedding oak train

NOTE: Wedding Oak Winery and the Austin Steam Train Association wish to provide each passenger with the best possible experience during their excursion. To ensure this, we kindly request that groups of two avoid choosing seats that are facing each other. If you do choose such seats, we may need to reassign your seats to ensure that you are seated next to each other. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in making this train ride enjoyable for everyone.

Edinburgh’s Rich and Royal History Draws Incredible Number of Visitors

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Edinburgh’s Rich and Royal History Draws Incredible Number of Visitors!

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh’s Royal History Draws Incredible Number of Visitors, and I am among them! Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is steeped in fascinating history that dates back centuries. From its iconic landmarks to its vibrant culture, Edinburgh offers a glimpse into the rich and royal tapestry of Scottish history. I have long wanted to visit the city of Mary, Queen of Scots, and Robert the Bruce. And William Wallace, but don’t mention the movie to a Scot, the history is so incorrect they dislike it intensely. And not to forget Adam Smith, David Hume, and many great intellectuals, poets and writers.

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The Christmas Trees in the National Parks Honor the Holiday Spirit and Ancient Traditions

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FROM PHANTOM RANCH TO YELLOWSTONE AND DEATH VALLEY

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El Tovar’s lobby, the Grand Hotel of the Grand Canyon, Photo by Xanterra Collection

The Christmas Trees in the National Parks Honor the Holiday Spirit and Ancient Traditions.

The history of Christmas trees goes back to the symbolic use of evergreens in ancient Egypt and Rome and continues today with the German tradition of Christmas trees. The Christmas Tree came into vogue when Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha introduced it in the 1800s in England. I love Christmas, so I thank Prince Albert profusely because he is why we decorate Christmas Trees!

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Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos: A Spectacular Holiday Delight at the Dallas Arboretum

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9 Ladies Dancing

Journey Through the 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos: A Spectacular Holiday Delight at the Arboretum

Step into a winter wonderland unlike any other as the Arboretum unveils its spectacular 12 Days of Christmas Gazebos. Each enchanting gazebo brings to life a different day from the beloved holiday song. Imagine strolling through a festive atmosphere, surrounded by intricate designs, twinkling lights, and captivating decorations. So mark your calendars for November 9 through January 5, and plan your visit to the Arboretum, where unforgettable memories await during the most magical time of the year.

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Did you know that Italy has a Christmas Witch, La Befana? She Flies!

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Did you know that Italy has a Christmas Witch, La Befana? Yes. The gift giver in Italy is a woman!

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La Befana flies proudly on my Christmas tree!

La Befana flies on her broomstick on the Eve of the Epiphany, January 5, to leave candy, or charcoal, in children’s stockings!  In Italy, children hang stockings on the Eve of the Epiphany, the celebration of the visit of the Wise Men to the Christ child, which is also the eve of Twelfth Night. The legend of why La Befana brings gifts is somewhat sad, but it is celebrated robustly in Italy during the holidays.

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Here are My Dream Christmas Destinations! Where are yours?

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Yes, you heard me, my dream Christmas Destinations! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day must be spent with family, of course. I really would not have it any other way…but I can dream of visiting other locales during the Christmas season. I imagine sailing on a river cruise in Europe to the Christmas Markets with Viking River Cruises! What a dream come true that would be! [Read more…] about Here are My Dream Christmas Destinations! Where are yours?

Immerse Yourself into the Mystical Beauty of the Scottish Highlands to Experience True Wonder!

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Immerse Yourself into the Mystical Beauty of the Scottish Highlands to Experience True Wonder!

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Beautiful Loch Lomond!

Immersing yourself in the mystical beauty of the Scottish Highlands, where rugged landscapes meet serene lochs, is an unforgettable experience. In this blog post, my daughter and I journey through the enchanting regions of the Scottish Highlands, Loch Lomond, Oban, Loch Awe and Glencoe, each offering its own unique charm and allure. There are so many legends, songs, and the scenery looks as though it is a painting. Our combined Scottish Ancestry touched our souls.

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