Still We Rise. It should come as no surprise that I am an avid reader. My problem is when I start a good book, I have a tendency to tune out the world until said book is completed. I did just that with the international bestseller, Maude. I started reading and didn’t put it down until it was finished. On occasion, I’ve written a book review or two which I’ve shared here with our readers. My Life in France and Grandma Gatewood’s Walk are two such books. Please tell me you’ve read both. For that matter, please tell me you’ve read, Maude.

I went looking for a feel good story to write and here’s why I’m writing about The Camino, A Toddler & The Yellow Envelope.  Not your average post title, right?  But there’s a definite story behind the words.

The first time we entered Casa Natal, I could hardly contain my enthusiasm.  Of course, not wanting to embarrass myself I kept my glee in check, but oh… in my head a party was going on.

Our relationship with the City of Porto began in 2010 when Abi and our son took a Port wine – vinho do Porto – tour of the Douro Valley and it’s when they first met Andreia and were introduced to the Kopke Port Cellar.

This is a tale of how we fell under the charms of the City of Porto, and how we found our way to one of the best wine shops in Porto, Garrafeira do Carmo.

I’ve always embraced the belief that life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.  A well-known phrase quoted by many, but a guiding force in my life.

It’s just a little yellow envelope, maybe 2″ x 3″ with a little red heart sticker to seal the deal.  But, the message inside…

I first introduced you to Amy and Andrew just shy of 3 years ago, February, 2013.  They were gearing up to take off to travel the world indefinitely.  Honestly, I don’t even remember how I first came upon their blog, Our Big Fat Travel Adventure, but I did and there was just something about the two of them that touched my heart.  Fast forward to December 2015 and our paths happily crossed in Washington, D.C.  It really is a small world.

Just how many baby boomers are there? How many are retiring and/or gearing up for retirement?  Ready for this? “…Data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that there are 76.4 million baby boomers.”

This whole concept of so-called retirement has me fascinated.  I’m someone who likes to shake it up every few years and I’ve always embraced change.  My journey thus far usually found me focused for about 5 years and then when finding myself becoming complacent, I would ache to change direction.