Our trip to Aspen last week was absolutely fabulous. I really don’t have the words to describe the breathtaking scenery, so just enjoy Fab Photo Friday in Aspen, CO!
Fab Photos Friday: The Natural Beauty of Aspen, CO
Amazing Women Wednesday: Suzanne Simone Stavert
I am a great admirer of Suzanne Stavert! She is the author of Adventures of Empty Nesters, a thoroughly enjoyable blog! I often have her on Travels with Tam as a guest blogger, especially her yummy foodie posts! She loves food and wine and travel accordingly!
Adventures of Empty Nesters was created from the idea that empty nesters needed a place to share adventures, as well as inspire others to go out and find adventure. Suzanne believes the second half of life can be the best ever! I agree with her when she says it is time to focus on our dreams instead of carpooling and soccer practice. She has grown her blog tremendously in just a couple of years, and loves the fact that empty nesters are a community of people who are talented, creative, adventurous, enthusiastic, loyal and are ready for the next adventure. She has created an exciting community online! I admire her for creating adventure for herself and others instead of mourning for her chicks. They all fly eventually, and we need to fly as well.
Suzanne travels the world with her husband, Craig, and blogs about their adventures. One of the most interesting things, especially in the 21st century, is that they were high school sweethearts! They have been married for thirty-one years, and have two amazing adult children, Alexandra 27 and Nicholas 22, (funny, I have an Alexandra, 28!). Travel has always been a part of their lives, but when the nest was finally empty and Nicholas was in college at UCLA, they turned it up a notch!
I asked Suzanne what was happening in their active lives right now, and she replied, “Our biggest personal adventure to date is we downsized and moved away from our home of 27 years. We wanted to live closer to our families and so we took this huge step in January of this year. We purchased a 1937 Spanish Colonial, fixer-upper home in Pasadena, California. Wow – a huge change, as well as an exciting, scary adventure. We start the project today after months of planning, hiring an architect, contractor and city permits. While our home was renovated, it was imperative that we live somewhere else, we decided to take on one more adventure. We drove 1200 miles to Seattle, Washington where we have rented a very small apartment on the 18th floor of an urban high-rise building in downtown Seattle! Our daughter lives in Seattle and it was always a dream of ours to live an urban lifestyle. This is just temporary and so far we are really enjoying this location. Our young dog, Rocco is having a little bit of trouble adjusting to this cement jungle, but we are finding many parks to take him to play. We can fly home every couple of weeks to check on the project and see our extended family. With very competent contractors, face time and cell phones, it simplifies the process of this long distance. Our little dream house in Pasadena should be finished in March of 2016 and we can’t wait to invite our family and friends to our first open house.” How exciting to move to a different city and live a totally different lifestyle! That truly is an adventure!
Be sure and follow Suzanne’s adventures, I always do!
Two Years in the Rapids: a Photo Essay of Gratitude
Today marks the two year anniversary of my husband’s double lung transplant! We are celebrating by enjoying a trip to Aspen with another couple, who stood by us all the way. Yesterday, we whitewater rafted (and floated) the Colorado River, and I think that is a fair analogy of the last couple of years!
I want to thank our friends and family who stood by us during a horribly uncertain time, and continue to give us their love and support. There really are no words to convey the depth of our gratitude…so here are some photos of the last two years.
Thank you.
The Ritz Carlton Club in Aspen is Absolute Luxury!
As one would expect from the Ritz Carlton, this Residence Club has everything. Our residence was lovely, with a view of the mountain. I can only imagine what it would look like in winter, because the ski lifts were a stone’s throw from our balcony. I could imagine all the snow and the skiers dashing down the mountain and then going back up. The Aspen Trees were just beginning to change color, and they shimmered within our view.
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Monday Musings: Aspen
Aspen, Colorado! How often I’ve heard of that small ski town. I’m finally going to see it next weekend. Randy and I are headed off for a week with friends, and hope to see the Aspen Trees turn gold.
We’ve planned a float trip, a backroads Jeep drive, dinner at Justice Snow…is there anything we are missing that is a “must do” for Aspen? It will be interesting to see a town where selling weed is legal. I’ve watched several shows about the dispensaries, now I will see for myself.
I bought a new GOPRO with an LCD on it for our float trip and the Jeep ride. I’m really quite excited about seeing the mountains! We are staying at the Ritz Carlton Club residences…and I look forward to reviewing it!
So, folks, what do we need to see and do? What restaurants do you recommend? I really want your advice!
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.