Travels with Tam

A Path through Rome, a Travel Treasure Hunt for Your Family!

January 8, 2015 By Tam Warner 12 Comments

treasure hunt, marcus aurelius, rome, a path through rome, — Based on the novel **Angels and Demons** by Dan Brown.

A Path through Rome, a Travel Treasure Hunt for Your Family! Several years ago, it must be over ten years now, (can that be possible)….??? Anyway, Randy and I took our teenage children on their first trip to Rome. Dan Brown’s novel Angels and Demons (he is famous for the Da Vinci Code) was a favorite book of mine at the time, and my son also loved it. The history, the symbology, secret societies…Dan Brown does it well, and my son and I love our fiction mixed with history, truth and a little mysticism. I decided that Wesley, my son, would lead us on our path around the Eternal City. If you are not familiar with Angels and Demons, it is predicated on the ancient secret society, The Illuminati, and their secret great artist who created the Illuminati Ambigrams with the scientific elements embossed upon them. In the book, Bernini was the secret artist. [Read more…] about A Path through Rome, a Travel Treasure Hunt for Your Family!

Randy’s first trip to Cozumel since his transplant!

January 6, 2015 By Tam Warner 14 Comments

Randy and I getting ready to swim with the whale sharks! See it just behind me?

Yes, Randy has been given the OK to travel to Cozumel and to scuba dive! We have planned a two week trip to Cozumel, one week with friends, and one week just the two of us. I have been so excited….but now, I’m feeling a bit nervous. I suppose it is natural to feel this way…with everything we’ve been through, every trip seems risky. However, this is Mexico, and there are many who have advised Randy not to go (family members). The transplant team has given their blessing, and the transplant coordinator even suggested she come along to make sure Randy is well. Of course, she was joking.

Mexico has its risks, but we’ve been going to Cozumel for almost 30 years. Our house has filtered water, air conditioning, and is not in town, but on the water. People still picture Mexico as third world, and in most places it is. Cozumel’s amenities have improved so dramatically that it is nearly as comfortable as our house here. Nearly.

I’ve gone out and bought him a brand new regulator, new booties, new snorkel and new mask. I just think it best if he has new, clean items. I have citronella and sunscreen (biodegradable of course). January is the dry season, but mosquitoes might still be around, so he should be wearing insect repellent. As you can probably tell, I’m a little nervous.

Being a bit nervous should help keep him well, though. I’ll certainly be vigilant about the food we buy and eat. We know well the restaurants that are absolutely no problem. Actually, Cozumel is not known for tourista these days, it has become more and more careful about food, water and service due to its dependence on tourism.

Dinner out with the "kids" — Dinner out with the “kids”

So, we will be off to Cozumel in 5 days, and Randy is very much looking forward to it. Our home there has played a very large role in our lives, and in the lives of our children and their friends. Since he’s been ill I’ve had the house painted and leaks repaired, and new furniture put into place. I am hoping very much he likes all the changes, but most of all I hope for a quiet, lovely, healing time for him, and for us.

5 days!

Oh, and we also lease/rent our home! Check it out at www.vrbo.com/368692!

We'll soon be there! — We’ll soon be there!

The Best of 2014

January 1, 2015 By Tam Warner 6 Comments

The last few years have been, for me, at least, a perfect storm. Circumstances have conspired to create the most challenging years of my life. So much so, that there have been times I have almost had to laugh at the continuing onslaught. Although 2014 has been a year of challenge, there have been moments of joy and signs of better times coming. What we learn during the bad times is that there can be no light without the dark, no true happiness without deepest sorrow. As trite as that sounds, it is the truth. I have high hopes for 2015, and plan to do my best in continuing cultivation of a positive, and optimistic, outlook. For now, I wish to share with you the best moments of 2014, it has certainly been one hell of a year!

Randy’s remarkable recovery from a double lung transplant in September 2013 continues! The story is HERE.

In January 2014, friends from around the country came to celebrate Randy's recovery. — In January 2014, friends of Randy’s from around the country came to celebrate Randy’s incredible continuing recovery from a double lung transplant, September 2013.

My cousin Kathy and I took a quick trip to the Exumas to swim with feral swimming pigs!

I took a dive trip to Thailand, and was joined by my daughter! It was an incredible trip for us both.

Engagement! My son, Wes, and his fiance, Carisa, with their animal family!

Randy’s first trip out of Dallas since his transplant, we headed to the Texas Hill Country.

In June of 2014 Randy and I took a glorious drive on the Pacific Coast Highway, all the way north to Shelter Cove, CA. Then we met up with friends in Tahoe. This trip really pushed Randy to a whole new level in his recovery. Since then, he has gone up, up, up.

Incredible view from the hills of Santa Barbara

spending a day with my niece and her children in Santa Barbara

Big Sur's elephant seals! — Big Sur’s elephant seals!

and Lake Tahoe with friends we hadn’t seen in 15 years!

t 14 jill don tam ran — Enjoying good friends.

t 14 emerald bay — Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, has to be one of the most beautiful spots on the face of the planet.

I had a chance to go to Cozumel in August, and met up with an old friend I volunteered with in Mozambique, Leslie. Of course, she’s young enough to be my daughter, and many people thought shewas! A couple of my yoga buddies came along as well!

In August, my daughter, Alexandra, became engaged to be married! She and her fiance, Mike, plan on an October 2015 wedding.

Then, in September, I went on a volunteer science expedition with Marine Megafauna Foundation. Off the coast of Ecuador 3 currents converge at a small island called Isla de la Plata, and with those currents come Giant Manta Rays and other pelagic sea life. I volunteered to dive and photograph the animals. It was a very physically demanding trip, but I loved every minute.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — The wonder of these graceful, beautiful animals is beyond words.

Meeting up with Marine Megafauna and volunteers, some of whom I’d been with in Africa.

Then, a one year “Re-Birthday” celebration for Randy….one year post double lung transplant. An important milestone, and just the first of many I know he will reach!

Next, a wedding and Randy’s 40th High School Reunion. What an incredible night it was, we were all so thankful that he was able to be there.

I visited my family and friends in Ohio in October, which was wonderful, and I even went on a hayride with my sistah Holly’s granddaughter, Becca. Then, off to Kentucky for my cousin Brittane’s wedding!

I hadn't seen an Ohio autumn in 20 years, at least! — I hadn’t seen an Ohio autumn in 20 years, at least!

High school friends meeting for a great dinner!

My daughter, Ally, was Brittane's Maid of Honor — My daughter, Ally, was Brittane’s Maid of Honor, doing the Cotton Eyed Joe!

My cousin Lisa and her daughter Brittane

My son performed the music at the wedding.

A quick, and successful, trip to Vegas!

Then, time spent with family and friends during the holidays.

Ally and Carisa with their dogs at the Turkey Trot 5K

xmas 14 tam bodie sofia — Watching Lyn’s grandchildren opening gifts.

Poker for Christmas, Mintons and Greenbergs — Poker on Christmas Eve with the Mintons and Greenbergs

I do believe the signs for 2015 are looking good! Two weddings coming up should give us plenty to celebrate!

Happy New Year to you and yours! Let’s all look forward with joy.

Philanthropy: 5 Worthy Organizations Who Need Your Help!

December 28, 2014 By Tam Warner 14 Comments

These organizations need you! And, hey, just before the end of 2014, which means you can write them off your taxes! These 5 groups, foundations, organizations, are always on my Giving List, and for very good reason!

It is thrilling to go on an MMF Expedition as a volunteer!

1. Marine Megafauna Foundation: “MMF specifically focuses on the research and conservation of threatened marine megafauna species. ‘Marine Megafauna’ are large marine species such as sharks, rays, marine mammals and turtles. These animals are key components of marine ecosystems but, as they are long-lived and have low reproductive rates, their populations are usually the first to be reduced by human pressures. Fortunately, they are also among the most charismatic animals on the planet and engender a high degree of public interest in their biology and conservation, making them useful ambassadors for the whole marine environment”. Adopt a Manta Ray or a Whale Shark! Or give in general, for their research. My favorite way to give? Participate in one of their many “expeditions” and do citizen science! I went to Ecuador this year with MMF and it was such a privilege to participate in their Manta Ray Research! Go here to donate! Join me in becoming a MMF Guardian, or adopt/sponsor an animal…there are many ways to support this group!

Genesis Shelter Donation for the Holidays

2. Give to a Women’s Shelter. I give yearly to Genesis Women’s Shelter in Dallas, Tx. Help support quality safety and support to battered women and their children, whatever your location! There are shelters everywhere who need your help.

3. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s Heart and Lung Transplant Clinic. Our family certainly supports this group of world renowned Doctors and Nurses. My husband benefited from their expertise and world class facilities…he had a double lung transplant in September 2013. They saved his life. I cannot say enough about how incredible UT Southwestern is, they are certainly deserving of giving to support their research.

4. UN World Food Progam: From projects around the world to supporting school lunch programs, the UN’s WFP is attempting to eliminate hunger for the world’s children. A very worthy cause and a very hard fight. We can all help!

5. World Wildlife Fund: WWF works for conservation of our Endangered Species. Did you know we are down to 5 Rare White Rhinos in the entire world? Help fight extinction for these animals…which is being caused by humans. The list goes on and on…there are many people out there who are dedicated to saving lives, human and non-human. Give a little and get a tax break….but mostly give because only Giving (in whatever form you can or want) will change the world.

It was an Epic Christmas/Christmukkah!

December 26, 2014 By Tam Warner 4 Comments

It was truly an epic Christmas.

Christmas Eve was great fun, visiting with friends we regard as family, and playing an utterly crazy poker game until all hours.

15 months from a near death experience and a double lung transplant, my husband Randy is doing incredibly well. Back to his old self!

My two children, Ally and Wes, 27 and 24, were both home with their fiances, Mike and Carisa. I had four kids this year! And four dogs. Chaos! One of my favorite things.

We are missing loved ones, that is true, but such is the tenor and measure of life itself. They are in our hearts and the very air we breathe. We have much to be grateful for.

Life moves on, the moving finger writes, and all that, and we lose touch with some while we strengthen our bonds with others. We are thankful for those we love in our lives, and even though so many very many of our friends and loved ones live at a distance, we know that friendship and family is not about geography. Besides, we love to travel!

I hope you had a holiday of joy and wonder, with many more to come. Season’s Greetings!

Ho Ho Ho, here we go!

December 21, 2014 By Tam Warner 18 Comments

I’m done with the buying, almost done with the wrapping, 2 days away from doing the baking with my daughter, and 3 days from our annual Christmas Eve get together! Whew. Yes, I’m tired….but happy and looking forward to the festivities!

Tomorrow, I’m taking Pilates and getting my hair cut. I had lost a bit of weight, but the Christmas season has made sure that I gained every ounce back. Well, there’s always the day after Christmas to get started losing again. I desperately need yoga…my usually limber hips hurt like bloody hell, and my joints are killing me. It is so hard to work out and get ready for Christmas! Which probably means I am doing too much Christmas.

I have always been in love with the Christmas season, the decorating, the wrapping, buying gifts, and the best part? Watching people open gifts! I love that. You should see my big brother, in his mid fifties, he looks like a 5 year old again when he opens. I buy him a lot of presents just to see him open!

Both of my young adult children are getting married in 2015, so I bought for 4 kids this year! I know they aren’t really kids, but hey, my 85 year old mother called me a kid until the day she died. So I guess they are adult kids. Hopefully they will like their gifts, I hounded each of them relentlessly for a Christmas gift list.

My BFF always brings her very large family over on Christmas Eve, and since she has grandchildren, we still do cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. And, oatmeal for Jule Nissan.

The children set up for Santa, Jule Nissan and the reindeer.

Oh, you don’t know Jule Nissan? He’s an elf. A grumpy elf who hated toymaking. He doesn’t like kids or people much either. About 25 years ago, Jule hopped off of Santa’s sleigh and moved into our attic. Jule is a sneaky little elf…he is always taking items and hiding them from us throughout the year! He pops in and out of different locations in the house. On Christmas Eve we leave Jule a big, nice bowl of steaming oatmeal. Why? Because he likes oatmeal. Who knows what he would do to our trees and gifts and decorations if he didn’t get his Christmas Eve oatmeal? He likes to visit with the reindeer and Santa, so they snack together. Jule likes animals which is a good thing since we have, through the years, had zillions of them. This year, only 4 dogs on Christmas.

The young ones leave on Christmas Eve somewhat early in order to get to bed so Santa will come, but the adults often stay for a bit. This year we have a poker game planned after the little ones leave. Randy and I have no grandchildren yet, and our children have finally decided that Santa only has to fill stockings this year (yes, Santa came to our house and left presents until my children were adults, so I must have been good at it!) and I’m looking forward to winning a pot of gold on Christmas Eve! Finally, I can stay up late!

My family, Alexandra, Randy, myself and Wes. — From our house to yours: have a happy holiday season!

My husband, who had a double lung transplant 15 months ago (looking a bit weak and pale in this 2013 Christmas photo) is doing great, working out every day and really, back to normal! We could not be more grateful for our good fortune in having him with us, so…..Have a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Festival of Lights! I will check in after the big day! Good will to all, and may peace come to our world soon.

This Golden Girl is Ready to Explore Life Beyond the Ordinary!

Subscribe to Blog via Email