Welcome to the final newsletter of the year – My 2025 year in review! Just some highlights – we would be here all day!

Is it just me, or did 2025 fly by in a blink? As I look back, I’m filled with gratitude—for family milestones, unforgettable travels, meaningful work, and all of you who continue to follow along. Here’s a quick rundown!

Family Joys

Our family grew this year with the arrival of our grandson, Clark—making the twins officially cousins! Watching your grown child become a parent is one of life’s great gifts, and we’re savoring every moment. Nick, Kylie, and Clark are doing great!

We also celebrated several beautiful weddings, each one a sweet reminder of young love at its very best. And somehow, Craig and I reached 41 years of marriage. Four decades of partnership, adventure, and laughter—how lucky am I?

A Dodgers Season for the Books

Go Dodgers! Another World Series win—and an experience we’ll never forget.

This year, we found ourselves at the longest World Series game in history.

October 2025
18 innings
6 hours 39 minutes
Dodgers 6, Blue Jays 5

We went with my 85-year-old mom and our son Nick, and it was epic from start to finish. What made it even more surreal? We were ALSO at the previous “longest World Series game ever” back in 2018:

October 2018
18 innings
7 hours 20 minutes
Dodgers 3, Red Sox 2

Twice in one lifetime? The odds are wild—we really should have gone straight to Vegas.

Travel Adventures

This year’s travels were nothing short of extraordinary. We kicked off 2025 with New Year’s in London and Paris, then embarked on a spectacular culinary tour of Morocco. Riding camels in the Sahara with our best friends felt like living inside a dream. One email invitation—“Who wants to ride camels in the Sahara with us?”—turned into an unforgettable adventure.

In July, we spent several weeks in Italy preparing for our upcoming Travel Connections Tours in Tuscany. From meeting with vintners to tasting extraordinary meals at family-run restaurants, we’re carefully crafting the most authentic, delicious, and memorable tours you could imagine. You can learn more about the tours HERE.

If you want the behind-the-scenes stories, I recorded several podcast episodes filled with fun details from all of these trips—don’t miss them! You can find the podcast on several platforms:  YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and iHeartRadio

Thirteen Years of Adventures of Empty Nesters

When I started Adventures of Empty Nesters 13 years ago, my goal was simple: encourage fellow empty nesters to get out, explore, and rediscover what lights them up. With the kids grown and our calendars our own again, this chapter of life can be incredibly vibrant.

I plan to continue this work for decades to come—especially inspired by my mom, who keeps up with every adventure we dream up. Watching her cheer on her beloved Dodgers at the World Series was a highlight of her life (and mine) and a reminder to keep saying yes to what brings us joy.

Final Journey of the Year

We’ll close out 2025 back in South America, revisiting Chile. From the wine country to the remote beauty of Chiloé Island, we’re excited to explore more deeply and record a brand-new podcast episode to open Season 5 of Travel Connections Podcast in February 2026. I can’t wait to share it with you.

As always, thank you for reading, for traveling alongside me here, on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and on the Travel Connections podcast. Your support and enthusiasm mean everything.

Wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday season—and a spectacular start to 2026.

With gratitude,
Suzanne

The post 2025 Year in Review: The Best of Travel and Family Adventures appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

“I am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
— L. M. Montgomery

October has always been our month. It’s when we celebrate our wedding anniversary—on the 20th—and it’s the time of year that holds some of my favorite travel memories.

Don’t you just love October? In the Northern Hemisphere, the leaves begin to change, pumpkin-spiced everything returns, and the cozy spirit of the season arrives. For me, it’s a time of reflection, celebration, and often… adventure.

I’ve always believed in celebrating—new jobs, new homes, new babies, sunsets, anniversaries, birthdays—and yes, especially travel.

When a journey is truly special, I can’t just file it away as a memory. I want to relive it—again and again. I’ll scroll through photos, share moments on Instagram, and create reels that capture the feeling of being there. These are not just trips—they’re milestones in our story as empty nesters rediscovering the world together.

Adventures Worth Celebrating

Since becoming empty nesters (and creating Adventures of Empty Nesters), travel has become a beautiful thread in our lives. My readers often tell me they travel vicariously through my stories—or they’re inspired to start planning their next adventure. Whether you love to explore from a cozy chair by the fire or have a suitcase always half-packed, I’m here to share ideas, tips, and destinations to inspire your own journey.

A 40th Anniversary in Patagonia

Last year, for our 40th wedding anniversary, we partnered with our friends at Collette for a truly unforgettable tour—Patagonia: Edge of the World. The landscapes were otherworldly, and the adventure was everything we hoped for and more. We extended our trip by a few extra days in Buenos Aires, soaking in the city’s rhythm, tango music, and those famous Argentinian steaks.

An African Adventure to Remember

Two years ago, we marked our anniversary with an extraordinary Africa tour—a once-in-a-lifetime experience that continues to inspire me. The wildlife, the people, the vast open skies—it was pure magic. I’ve shared podcast episodes and Instagram highlights from that journey if you’d like to experience it with me!

California Dreamin’: Our 2025 Anniversary Getaway

This year, we stayed closer to home and indulged in a luxury travel experience in California—a romantic weekend in North San Diego County. We returned to one of our favorite boutique hotels, the Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas.

The Alila Marea is modern, sophisticated, and perfectly positioned on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The staff is exceptional, the cuisine is outstanding, and the entire resort embodies California coastal luxury.

Of course, no trip to the area is complete without dinner at Jeune et Jolie in nearby Carlsbad—a restaurant that redefines French-inspired fine dining in Southern California. Their four-course tasting menu allows guests to choose their own adventure, blending inventive flavors with impeccable presentation. Though Jeune et Jolie proudly holds a Michelin star, it remains refreshingly warm and unpretentious—an experience that feels both refined and welcoming.

Here’s to Many More Octobers

October will always hold a special place in my heart—a season for celebrating love, adventure, and the beauty of travel. Whether we’re exploring faraway lands or rediscovering favorites close to home, the spirit of discovery never fades.

Here’s to many more Octobers filled with sunsets, passports, and champagne toasts. If you are in a celebratory mood, why not come with us to Tuscany next year? Check out our Tours in Tuscany—we want to show you all our favorite places!

The post Why October Is the Perfect Month for Love, Travel, and Celebration appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

Reflecting on a delightful Summer!

When Summer is in full bloom, it brings many moments worth celebrating—gardens overflowing with color, refreshing summer cocktails, trips with my mom to the Huntington in San Marino, CA, a peaceful Camano Island getaway, and perhaps the biggest milestone of all—the twins turned five! Watching them grow has been such a joy.

As many of you know, more and more empty nesters are choosing to move closer to their grandchildren—or to downsize into a new lifestyle. I understand this completely. For us, it was absolutely worth it!

Five Years in the Pacific Northwest

August marks five years since we left Southern California and made the move to the Pacific Northwest to be near our daughter and son-in-law. It wasn’t an easy decision to sell our home and start fresh in a new region of the U.S.—especially in the summer of 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. What an uncertain time that was.

But looking back, it was one of the best decisions we’ve made. We’ve fallen in love with the seasons, the wildlife, and the natural beauty around us. Visits from family and friends have been a huge blessing too—and we love showing off how magical the Northwest can be.

Family Updates

The twins are officially five! Celebrating their “golden birthday” was so special, and watching them grow into their little personalities has been a true gift.

And we have even more exciting news—our son and daughter-in-law welcomed a new baby boy, Clark! He’s healthy, happy, and perfectly sweet. We can’t wait for the twins to meet their new cousin. Needless to say, Southern California will be seeing a lot more of us in the months and years ahead.

A Great Day with Mom at The Huntington

As you may recall from a previous newsletter, my mom lost her husband earlier this year. These past seven months have been difficult, but her resilience has inspired me every single day. At 85, she radiates beauty and joy for life. We recently visited the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino, CA, and it was a wonderful reminder of her strength—and the healing power of family, art, and nature. Have you ever visited?

Camano Island Escape

For the second summer in a row, we rented a small cottage right on the water on Camano Island, WA. Our days were simple but perfect: walking the driftwood beaches, rock skipping with the twins, and quiet moments in the sea air. Sometimes, island life really is the best kind of reset.

Looking Ahead

This Fall is already packed with adventures! We’ll be back in California for a wedding, then later this year we’ll head to Florida, Napa Valley, and back to LA for more celebrations. And I can’t hardly wait to share details about our holiday trip—we’re headed back to South America! Stay tuned.

In the Empty Nest Spotlight

I was recently interviewed by USA Today about life in the empty nest. The article ran in the U.S. and the U.K., reaching an incredible 220 million readers. Watching our grown children become parents has been one of the greatest joys of our lives, and I was honored to share that perspective. My time here on Adventures of Empty Nesters has given me the chance to hear from so many empty-nest parents. We are an important group of people who love fiercely and believe that family is everything. I sure do!

On the Podcast

Coming up on Travel Connections, I’m excited to share my conversation with Erik Hulslander, who recently walked more than 550 miles across Spain on the legendary Camino de Santiago. His stories are insightful, inspiring, and full of adventure. Even if you never plan to walk the Camino yourself, I promise you’ll be captivated by his journey.

And yes—Craig is planning to walk the Camino when he retires! Stay tuned for that adventure, too.

A Little Housekeeping

Suzanne’s Substack is HERE!

Come on Tour with Us – Info HERE

Travel Connections Podcast is HERE!

Until next time,
Suzanne

The post Empty Nest Adventures: Family, Travel, and Walking the Camino appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

The California Wildfires, a devastating natural disaster that has broken records, is where I begin this newsletter. I am literally going to skip over December and move right into January. January has been so emotional and catastrophic that I must honor it. Our December was full of incredible travel experiences and a lovely holiday season, but the California wildfires, which have ravaged thousands of acres and displaced so many families, are at the top of everyone’s mind.

A little background: We planned a festive trip to London and Paris, departing on Christmas Day 2024. It was a spectacular trip, and I promise to give you the details next month. However, my newsletter begins this month on the last day of our European vacation.

My mother’s husband, Gus, passed away on January 2, 2025, after a two-year battle with cancer. Mom and Gus were married for 36 years. My Mom is 85, strong, healthy, and such an inspiration. However, when you lose your husband, you do need backup, and she has it. My brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and our kids were there for her as Craig and I made our way home from Paris.

Gus loved being a grandpa, and as I have reported here many times, he loved being “G-Pa” to our twin Grandchildren, James and Josephine. Most of us know how unfair life can be, and our family is trying to fill in the gaps where a great man stood. He was taken far too young, and we will all miss him very much. Mom is doing pretty well, or as good as you can try to be, is the better answer. I wish I could ease her pain, but it’s just not possible. I can, however, try to make her life a bit easier. This is where the story of the California Wildfires connects with Gus’ passing. Holy cow, what a week.

Craig and I flew home to Seattle from Paris. I hugged my dog, washed my clothes, and flew to Pasadena, California, the next day. Mom and I numbly went about the practical household things for two days; we took walks, tended the yard, etc. On Tuesday afternoon, we made the arrangements for Gus at the funeral home, and on Tuesday evening, January 7, the California Wildfires began. The origin of the Eaton fire is about 7 miles from my mom’s home.

My sister-in-law Leslie went with us to the funeral home, and on her drive eastward home, the strong Santa Ana winds were howling, trucks were overturned on the freeway, and she saw tree branches cross the highway lanes. She also saw the glow of fire in Eaton Canyon. It was unbelievable and super scary.

On Wednesday, the unimaginable happened. My Mom received a call at 5:30 am from my brother Kirk, who lives in La Canada, not necessarily close to the fire origin, saying he was being evacuated because of the fire. We didn’t question the news; we knew the winds were strong and anything could happen. Embers were starting new fires miles from the origin.

As we scurried around in the dark, getting ready to fix breakfast and comfort my brother and his family, we took another gut punch. One hour later, at 6:30 am on Wednesday, January 8, our phones started honking this hideous sound – we were being told to “be ready to be evacuated.” What? No, we weren’t anywhere near the fire. Her husband just died; WTF?

Neither one of us had ever faced a situation like this, and I will tell you that there was panic involved, denial, and heartwrenching fear. Once we got our s%it together, we packed up Mom’s important papers, photos that could not be replaced, sentimental items and loaded her car.

As we waited for a possible evacuation, we sat on the couch all day, watching the news on different channels like two zombies. We were afraid for my brother and local friends, and an even more profound sadness enveloped us. First, Gus, and now the local world was ending? The devastation caused by the wildfires was palpable, with homes and livelihoods being destroyed. We never knew where the fire would go next.

At times, the trauma of it all was almost more than we could take. We what-iffed ourselves a lot, but ultimately, her house was spared, my brother and family were safe, and so was their home. We are deeply grateful for the support and safety we have received. Thank God.

So, what is the moral of this story? Truthfully, I am still working through this. I appreciate you reading all of the excruciating details of our story; it was cathartic for me. The California Wildfires tragedy is beyond words. So many people have lost so much, and my heart aches for them. The wildfires have not only caused physical destruction but also left a deep emotional scar on the community. Anyone we spoke to at the market or restaurant, was affected somehow by this disaster.

I will say that through social media, I can see many people rallying together to offer assistance; it is inspiring. The community’s response to the wildfires and their willingness to help and support each other is a beacon of hope in these dark times. It won’t bring back the homes they lost, but it will assist the fire victims as they begin to rebuild their lives.

As I type, the fire is still raging, and there is a long way to go. I have gathered some links for you to help if you wish.

Long List of Links

 https://5pmlucky.substack.com/p/direct-fundraising-for-los-angeles?utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYzWlzWv2VcdoQkN7RhkVF0vPJfw5kA60Zn0enmhT5y6iHUBXtDhSJxNJc_aem_k5YpwB8wk0lcbTAltDQDlw

This is the link to Gaby Dalkin, a Los Angeles cookbook author. She is amazing and is using her connections and 1M Instagram followers to feed the firefighters and raise money with lists of needs of fire victims.

https://www.instagram.com/whatsgabycookin?igsh=MTI2NHc1Z3RyMHQ2Zg==

This is a newsletter that I never dreamed I would write, but you follow our adventures, and sometimes the adventures are not easy. Thank you again for being here; February should be an easier month.

On February 7th, we begin our fourth season of the Travel Connections Podcast with all of the incredible details of our trip to London and Paris for the holidays. In Episode #2 you will also hear from Craig and me as we share our extraordinary tour of Patagonia. February has great promise! You can listen and watch the podcast on Apple, Spotify, I Heart Radio and YouTube.

The post The California Wildfires and A Family Update appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

Fall travel to the end of the Earth? That is kind of a dramatic statement, don’t you think? But seriously, that is exactly where we just returned from – the end of the Earth. We traveled with Collette on the Patagonia – Edge of the World Tour.  Which was EPIC!

We did so many things, enjoyed vistas that would blow your mind, met incredible people, and traveled so far away that it was tough to fathom. 10,000 miles from Seattle! Ah, now I am Suzanne, the explorer; just kidding, but we did climb on a replica of the ship that Magellan sailed. To imagine these sailors traveling so far from home with incredibly challenging weather, uncertainty, and primitive accommodations was humbling.

This tour has so many facets to share that I will have to offer them to you in bite-sized pieces. Maybe you have never thought about traveling to Patagonia. Cape Horn? Buenos Aires? Perhaps you just want to be prepared for an upcoming Jeopardy question? Either way, I appreciate you reading, and if you have questions along the way, let me know.

Quick overview:

We began the tour in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which is an impressive, vibrant city with a European feel. The architecture is influenced by the many different nationalities that settled there. Sometimes, we felt like we were walking in Paris, and sometimes, we felt like we were walking in Barcelona. It is a stunning city located on the widest river in the world. Think Lake Michigan – the water goes forever, and it is not the ocean!

We then flew to Patagonia, where we hiked and visited the extraordinary national parks.

The pace of the tour was not too fast and definitely not too slow, we had a lot of ground to cover, literally. There were snow-capped, jagged peaks everywhere you looked, and we were so fortunate with the weather. In Patagonia, you cannot often see the top of the mountains, and we enjoyed blue skies as majestic condors flew above us. It is surreal! Our guide shared a story with us: One of her guests from Italy had visited Torres del Paine National Park three different times and had never seen the peaks clearly. We were so lucky!

National Parks~

• Torres del Paine National Park (Pronounced Torres del Pynay)
• Tierra del Fuego National Park

Glaciers

• Perito Moreno
• Pia
• Glacier Alley

Experiences

• We took a four-night cruise among the icebergs and penguins in Chilean waters – A dreamy experience.
• We spent the afternoon at a Patagonian estancia (ranch) and enjoyed a traditional lamb roast in their home after we viewed an incredible demonstration of the sheepdog herding the sheep.

Every day was jam-packed with new and extraordinary experiences! There is much more to share and you will read more in upcoming newsletters. I will begin the Travel Connections Podcast Season 4 on February 7, 2025, with two episodes devoted to this tour in Patagonia. Make sure you sign up to receive the updates!

Where has your Fall travel taken you?

Halloween

We made it home just in time to celebrate Halloween with the twins! Yay!

On the Travel Connections Podcast!

A Lovely Conversation with Elizabeth Poett – The Ranch Table

The post Fall Travel to The End of the Earth – October News appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

September Travel News & More!

In my last newsletter update, I wrote that August was a whirlwind of activity, and to be perfectly honest, September was no slower! Our September travel news found us in the pumpkin fields of Seattle, the mountains of the Rockies, and in the gardens of California. A wonderful month!

Garden Talk

The enormous pile of the last of the summer tomatoes caused me to feverishly roast and puree so we could enjoy every bite from the garden. This year’s crop was by far the best, and the yellow pearl tomatoes were my favorite!

Author Talk

My daughter Alex and I attended a delightful author talk featuring Zoë François, who I absolutely LOVE. Her new cookbook, Zoe Bakes Cookies, is fantastic. We lined up at The Booklarder in Seattle about 20 minutes before the event began. The way we were lined up, we ended up sitting directly in front of Zoë and talking and interacting with her. She was so lovely! What a treat!

September Travel Talk

We headed to Grand Lake, Colorado, which is about two hours outside of Denver, for a family wedding for dear friends! We have known Steve and Kath, the bride’s parents since we were teenagers! We were so happy to be in this incredible setting to celebrate Jen’s getting married. The hotel was located directly across the street from Rocky Mountain National Park! So beautiful there!

I also made a quick trip to Pasadena, CA, to see my mom and stepdad and enjoy The Huntington Library with my mom. Have you been? It was a perfect 80-degree day, the roses were blooming, and I loved spending such quality time with her.

Twin Talk

Over several September weekends, there was serious pizza making, soccer practice, and a visit to the pumpkin patch! Our annual Pumpkin Patch adventure is truly one of my favorite days of the year!! In the Northwest, you have the opportunity to visit many real farms with pumpkins attached to the vines! In suburban Southern California, where we raised our kids, farms are not plentiful. I love the start of the Fall season; the twins are four years old now, making it even more fun!

In case you missed it!

On the Travel Connections Podcast:

Our Road Trip to Banff, Lake Louise and Calgary

A California Road Trip Through the Central Coast

Our Next Epic Adventure

This Friday, we are headed on tour to South America (continent #6!) with our friends from Collette. You may recall we traveled with them to Africa last year. On this tour, our first stop is Buenos Aires, Argentina. We will then head to Patagonia, Cape Horn, and then travel by ship through the fjords and glaciers and see the penguins! I am over the moon!

If you like, you can follow along on social media – @suzannestavert on Instagram and @AdventuresofEmptyNesters on Facebook. WiFi will sometimes be a challenge, so you will see a lot of postings when we return in November.

Do you enjoy the Fall Season as much as I do?

“I am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” Lucy Maud Montgomery – Anne of Green Gables.

Until next month – (Which will likely be a week late as well…)

Travel Safe!

Suzanne

The post A Swift September – Travel News & Fall Activities appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

August Adventures!

Out of the gate, we started the month of August on a full run. The summer flew by this year! August was especially wonderful as our twin grandchildren celebrated their fourth birthday. Their Mom baked a three-tier “Funfetti” and chocolate cake topped with a ring of sprinkles (Josie’s favorite). They were joined by Buzz, Woody, The Dinosaur – Rex, Jessie, and Bullseye from Toy Story. (I had to look up those names!)

The summer weather in the PNW in August is perfect: clear skies, sunny mornings, cool breezes. We have taken Rocco on many long walks along the lake; the sunsets are glorious, and my tiny vegetable garden is out of control!

Auction of Washington Wines

We were invited to the Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction put on by The Auction of Washington Wines. This soiree is an outdoor summer affair on the spectacular grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle. The A of WW raises money for Seattle Children’s Hospital and Washington State University Viticulture and Enology. We were there as media guests to share the outstanding work of this unique charitable organization.

The food and drink are provided by local restaurants from Seattle and surrounding cities, and it was fabulous. We talked with chefs and ate numerous delicious bites, including divine king salmon and spicy pork tacos! The dessert table offered handmade macaroons and creamy hand-churned ice cream sundaes. Mark your calendar for next year; this is a fabulous event for a great cause.

The Foo Fighters

In mid-August, we were thrilled to attend the Foo Fighters concert at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. They were AMAZING!  I am a massive fan of Dave Grohl, the charismatic lead singer, and The Foos will be celebrating a 30-year career next year. The stadium was packed with fans singing their lungs out, and the opening act was our long-time favorite, The Pretenders. Chrissie Hynde, the lead singer, still sounds as good as she did in the 80’s. Watching a 72-year-old woman rock that hard is inspiring! Craig and I saw The Pretenders for the first time in a small venue in Santa Monica, CA, in 1980!

Family at Disneyland

We finished the month with an 8-day family adventure to Disneyland, California Adventure, and finished with some adult rest and relaxation in Encinitas, CA. This trip was the four-year-olds’ first visit to the Disney Parks, and it was a grand success!

We raised our kids in Orange County, and visiting Disneyland was just a 30-minute drive. Back when our kids were young, we bought annual passes for a fraction compared to what it costs to go to the Parks today. We had a blast and took a million photos.

The grandchildren and their parents then went to stay with their great-grandparents, and we all met up for a family brunch to catch up!

Adult R & R – Late Summer

While the kids swam and played with “the Greats” we headed south to recuperate from the crowds of Disney, 7.5-mile days in 88-degree weather. I am not complaining, but Disney is definitely for the youngsters in the hot summer! I have gotten used to the cooler temps in the Northwest!

We stayed at a favorite hotel on the beach in Encinitas, the Alila Marea, and we loved it there. With gorgeous beach views, the hotel design is unique, sleek, and super cool. However, a highlight for us was a revisit to dine at Jeune et Jolie, a phenomenal Single Michelin-star restaurant in Carlsbad, CA. The atmosphere is beach elegance, the food is beautiful and incredibly delicious. Jeune et Jolie is a notable restaurant that I highly recommend for every food lover.

If you missed it!

We were interviewed on Good Morning America! You can watch each of the two segments on the Home page of my website. It was certainly a career high for me!

Publishing on Friday, September 6th, on the Travel Connections Podcast – 

Best of: Highlights of our Puglia Itinerary

How’s your summer going?

Suzanne

The post Late Summer Update – An Exhilarating August appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

It’s the middle of summer and it is going by too fast! Do you feel that too?

Here’s to a mid-summer check-in. How’s your summer going? Is it going by far too fast? The weather in the Pacific Northwest has been spectacular! We traveled to Southern California, and although it is always beautiful, it was HOT! We are attempting to squeeze in every adventure we can this summer. How about you?

This newsy letter is my way of filling in the gaps for sharing our latest adventures. On the Travel Connections Podcast, we drill deeper into specific subjects and meet amazing guests. In some episodes, I share more details of our recent travel experiences, and sometimes, we are introduced to brand-new travel inspirations. In next week’s episode, I talked with Susie Chau, a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist, and we had an incredible conversation! This episode is published on Friday, August 9th.

Our sweet little garden

Our very compact container garden is overflowing with goodness! I cannot really comprehend what is making it grow so well this year, but I am a happy gardener. I did sprinkle some bone meal- could that have done this?

VEGO makes the container gardens we planted, which have been such a hit. They are customizable, and I love that I don’t have to bend over to weed and trim. I also think they are fun and design-forward!

Every day, when I am not traveling, I go out to see the garden’s growth and when I return from a trip, it feels like Christmas! Everything is bursting with life. Last night, I made a delicious salad with four kinds of lettuce, homegrown baby yellow tomatoes, salty kalamata olives, creamy feta, and a light red wine vinaigrette. Summer in a bowl!

In our garden:

• Nasturtiums – to decorate cocktails and salads!
• Italian parsley
• Rosemary
• Basil
• Plum tomatoes
• Four kinds of lettuce
• Marigolds for attracting bugs (away from the veggies)
• Cherry tomatoes
• Zucchini
• More tomatoes!

Santa Ynez Weekend

After our return from Italy, we headed to Santa Barbara County, where we enjoyed a long wine weekend in the Santa Ynez Valley with our son Nick and daughter-in-law Kylie. We decided to rent a cute little Airbnb ranch house so we could hang out together more easily—BIG WIN!

We sipped, tasted, and ate at some fantastic restaurants that Kylie had curated for us. Everything was delicious, and the landscape was stunning—I highly recommend it.

Stay tuned for an upcoming episode on Travel Connections with all the itinerary details!

The Ranch Table

We also dined at a Gathering of The Ranch Table, a community dining experience created by Elizabeth Poett on her ranch, Rancho San Julian. We enjoyed every morsel—she is a spectacular hostess, and the setting was incredible. Elizabeth Poett also has a television show on the Magnolia Network called The Ranch Table, and I am a big fan of hers. She does it all! Elizabeth will also be a guest on an upcoming episode of Travel Connections! More details to come!

A Weekend on Camano Island, WA

My final mid-summer update is about our exceptional R&R weekend on Camano Island. We rented an adorable little beach cottage on the island’s East side, right on the shore. On one of the days, we welcomed the twins and their parents for a day of “rock throwing” (their favorite activity), grilled burgers, and popsicles (also a favorite). With bright sun and azure skies, we held hands and enjoyed this family time that I will never forget.

In case you missed it!

Our latest episode on Travel Connections;

Our Epic Cruise to Alaska – A Mother-Daughter Adventure

Hope your summer is going well! Where are you going next? Do you have a summer garden? If so, what are you growing?

Suzanne

The post Mid-Summer Update: Garden Abundance, A Wine Weekend & More! appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

Summer is almost here!!

Summer is fast approaching, and I am looking forward to it. My birthday is June 16th, which always coincides with the Opening of Summer for me! It is the time of year for Dads and Grads and lots of family celebrations. This month is always so festive!

We will be celebrating as well! Our son Nick will visit us in the Northwest to celebrate his Dad and Mom—my birthday falls on Father’s Day this year. His wife Kylie will stay in Southern California this trip, caring for a dear friend’s baby while the parents attend a wedding. I remember worrying about babysitting, ha, but no more! Now, I am the one to offer my services!

My recent local adventures

Craig and I drove to Skagit Valley on a warm, clear, sunny day. We visited my favorite local farms and food shops and had lunch in the picturesque town of La Conner. This destination is only 55 miles north of my house and an hour north of Seattle. My husband is so supportive, and he does like these adventures, but not half as much as I do. After almost 40 years of marriage, he gets me.

I love it there. I can get my “farm fix,” plus there is no better place to buy your fresh organic produce, specialty cheese, and wildflowers than from someone local!

Dinner at Cafe Juanita

We began my birthday celebrations early by dining with our daughter Alex and son-in-law Brent at the incomparable Cafe Juanita in Kirkland. Without counting special house-made bread courses, there were at least six courses or bites to swoon over!

The service is exquisite, and the ambiance is comfortable yet chic in a mid-century modern setting—I loved it all! This is our third visit, and we have thoroughly enjoyed it each and every time! Cafe Juanita offers a curated dining experience with four prix-fixe tasting menus in four iterations: omnivore, pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan. There is also a supplemental menu where you can add specialty dishes as well.  The kitchen is quite generous and flexible, and each diner can swap one dish for another on any of the menus!

We splurged on special wine pairings! (It is my birthday, after all.) Craig enjoyed the classic wine pairings, and I enjoyed the Reserve! The cuisine celebrates the foods of Northern Italy, and the wines come from small Italian wineries. They were some of the best I have tasted. Seriously!

Summer Plans on the Podcast

Last week, I announced our summer travel plans on the podcast and offered three helpful suggestions for improving your summer travel. In our next episode, I will interview my daughter Alex, and we will share all of the details of our Alaskan Cruise on the Celebrity Edge.

Summer Travel is around the corner!

Craig and I are heading to Italy, beginning with Rome, where we will be enjoying my favorite country for a couple of weeks. You can follow along on my Instagram here if you wish. There won’t be a newsletter until July 12th, when we return!

Ciao for now!

Suzanne

The post Feels Like Summer! Local Fun & A Foodie’s Dream appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.

I write this newsy letter twice a month when I am not publishing a podcast episode on Travel Connections. Lots of adventures are happening outside of the podcast! Summer is BIG for me. We are doing some new things and headed to some new destinations this year and I look forward to taking you along. I appreciate you reading and for your comments as well!

My Spring Tulip Journey~

Have you ever planted tulip bulbs in the winter to come up in the Spring? I did it for the first time last year. I seem to equate the entrance of Spring with the wild tulips that pop up everywhere here in the Northwest. Since living in the Northwest, we try to plan a visit to The Skagit Valley, an hour north of Seattle, to see the planted fields, which are spectacular. I guess I have a slight obsession with tulips in general.

In September, I purchased 25 bulbs of the Triumph Mix from Tulip Town. Tulip Town is a place where tourists and flower lovers from around the world come to visit in April and other months, too!

My mother, an avid gardener, mentioned that she was concerned that our wild bunnies would eat up all of the tulips once they started coming through. So, I planned to outsmart these garden bandits and plant the bulbs in my above-ground planters. I ended up planting them on November 12th, and my plan WORKED!

I waited many months before I saw anything green poke up through the dirt. I watched and waited and received the greatest gift! In late April, I waited until they were fully grown to cut them and put them in a vase. I had such fun watching them grow slowly as the weeks went by.

The blooms are enormous!! I have already enjoyed them for a week indoors, and they still have a few days left! This was a gift I gave myself, and it keeps on giving!

Fruit Turtles~

Our twin grandchildren love arts and crafts and especially love to cook. I looked through Pinterest to find an easy and entertaining activity we could do together. We made delicious baby turtles from sliced kiwi and green grapes.  The eyes are mini-chocolate chips! The kids are still talking about this adventure. They truly had a blast, and so did I.

Author Event

My daughter Alex and I attended an author talk given by Gabrielle Zevin. I have read several of her books, but she primarily focused on her latest novel, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. Have you read it? It’s fantastic. Do you look for events like this in your area?

Seattle Trip ~

On a bright and sunny Saturday, Craig and I headed into Seattle for a day trip that included our favorite brunch at Oddfellows and shopping at Pike Place Market. The market was so alive with tourists and bursting at the seams with Spring Flowers! What a treat!

Travel Connection Podcast News~

On the podcast: Take a listen to our latest episode – A Spectacular Day at the Seattle Center

Coming soon! 

I interviewed Cindy Greenstein, The Points Mom. She is so knowledgeable and will save you money and time on your travel. This episode is a must-listen and will be published on Friday, May 10th.

Warning: Lots of travel ahead!

• Another trip to So Cal
• Cruise to Alaska with Alex
• A summer blockbuster of new destinations
• A fantastic fall schedule – and another new continent with Collette!

Until next time!

Suzanne

The post Spring Tulips, Fruit Turtles and More! appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.