{"id":12261,"date":"2024-09-03T08:33:26","date_gmt":"2024-09-03T15:33:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/?p=12261"},"modified":"2024-09-03T08:33:26","modified_gmt":"2024-09-03T15:33:26","slug":"late-summer-update-an-exhilarating-august","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/late-summer-update-an-exhilarating-august\/","title":{"rendered":"Late Summer Update &#8211; An Exhilarating August"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>August Adventures!<\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">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 &#8220;Funfetti&#8221; and chocolate cake topped with a ring of sprinkles (Josie&#8217;s favorite). They were joined by Buzz, Woody, The Dinosaur &#8211; Rex, Jessie, and Bullseye from Toy Story. (I had to look up those names!)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12266 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2122-650x638.jpeg\" alt=\"summer fun\" width=\"650\" height=\"638\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2122-650x638.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2122-1024x1005.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2122-768x754.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2122-1536x1508.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2122-2048x2011.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2122-scaled.jpeg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 650px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 650\/638;\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">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! <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Auction of Washington Wines<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12275 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2940-600x800.jpeg\" alt=\"Auction of Washington Wines\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2940-600x800.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2940-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2940-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2940-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2940-scaled.jpeg 900w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/800;\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">We were invited to the <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/auctionofwawines.org\/picnic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Winemaker Picnic &amp; Barrel Auction <\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">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&#8217;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12272\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12272\" style=\"width: 590px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12272 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2955-600x800.jpeg\" alt=\"summer picnic\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2955-600x800.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2955-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2955-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2955-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_2955-scaled.jpeg 900w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/800;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12272\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">It was fun to talk with the local chefs at the Picnic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The food and drink <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">are provided<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Foo Fighters<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12263\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12263\" style=\"width: 590px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12263 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3128-600x800.jpeg\" alt=\"The Foo Fighters in Seattle\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3128-600x800.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3128-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3128-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3128-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3128-scaled.jpeg 900w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/800;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12263\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dave Grohl singing his heart out<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In mid-August, we were thrilled to attend the Foo Fighters concert at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. They were AMAZING!\u00a0 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&#8217;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!<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12265\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12265\" style=\"width: 590px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12265 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3112-600x800.jpeg\" alt=\"Chrissie Hynde this summer in Seattle\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3112-600x800.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3112-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3112-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3112-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3112-scaled.jpeg 900w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/800;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12265\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chrissie Hynde was incredible!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Family at Disneyland<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">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&#8217; first visit to the Disney Parks, and it was a grand success!<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12264\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12264\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12264 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_0696-650x771.jpeg\" alt=\"summer at Disneyland\" width=\"650\" height=\"771\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_0696-650x771.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_0696-863x1024.jpeg 863w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_0696-768x911.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_0696-1295x1536.jpeg 1295w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_0696-1726x2048.jpeg 1726w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_0696-scaled.jpeg 1012w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 650px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 650\/771;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12264\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The family at Disneyland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The grandchildren and their parents then went to stay with their <em>great-grandparents<\/em>, and we all met up for a family brunch to catch up!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12280 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1474-650x488.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"650\" height=\"488\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1474-650x488.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1474-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1474-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1474-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1474-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1474-scaled.jpeg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 650px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 650\/488;\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Adult R &amp; R &#8211; Late Summer<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">While the kids swam and played with &#8220;the Greats&#8221; 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!<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12270\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12270\" style=\"width: 590px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12270 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_0590-600x800.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_0590-600x800.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_0590-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_0590-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_0590-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_0590-scaled.jpeg 900w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/800;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12270\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Beach walk at the Alila Marea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">We stayed at a favorite hotel on the beach in Encinitas, the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alilahotels.com\/marea-beach-resort-encinitas\"> Alila Marea<\/a>, 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. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jeune-jolie.com\/\">Jeune et Jolie<\/a> is a notable restaurant that I highly recommend for every food lover.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12274 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3579-1-600x800.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3579-1-600x800.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3579-1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3579-1-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3579-1-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3579-1-scaled.jpeg 900w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/800;\" \/><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12273\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12273\" style=\"width: 590px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12273 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3596-600x800.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3596-600x800.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3596-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3596-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3596-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3596-scaled.jpeg 900w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/800;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12273\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A gorgeous first-course tart with sliced truffles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If you missed it!<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12236 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/aoen-on-gma-650x364.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"650\" height=\"364\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/aoen-on-gma-650x364.png 650w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/aoen-on-gma-1024x573.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/aoen-on-gma-768x430.png 768w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/aoen-on-gma-1536x860.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/aoen-on-gma-2048x1147.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/aoen-on-gma.png 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 650px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 650\/364;\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">We <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">were interviewed<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> on Good Morning America! You can watch each of the two segments on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/\">Home<\/a> page of my website. It was certainly a career high for me!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Publishing on Friday, September 6th, on the Travel Connections Podcast &#8211;\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/podcast\/\"><em><strong>Best of: Highlights of our Puglia Itinerary<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12269\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12269\" style=\"width: 590px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12269 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1888-600x800.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1888-600x800.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1888-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1888-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1888-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.adventuresofemptynesters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1888-scaled.jpeg 900w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/800;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12269\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The city of Matera, in Puglia, Italy, felt like a set from Game of Thrones!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>How&#8217;s your summer going?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h2>Suzanne<\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 &#8220;Funfetti&#8221; and chocolate cake topped with a ring of sprinkles (Josie&#8217;s favorite). 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