The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel: Saying Goodbye to an Icon

February 22, 2016

One of the modern suites we stayed in at the Century Plaza Hoel — One of the lovely modern design suites we stayed in at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California

I never thought it was possible to have a relationship with a hotel, but we certainly have had a beautiful association with the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel also known as the “Century Plaza” for several years.

Unfortunately, those days are over because on March 1, 2016, the 49-year-old Century Plaza in Century City, CA will no longer exist. So sad but true. The unique property has been sold and there are tremendous redevelopment plans ready to begin. There will be new towers, a new lobby, new owners and I am sure it will be extraordinary, just not the same as it always has been. It is time to say goodbye to a glamorous icon and hello to change. Change is inevitable, but it makes me sad that such a special place will now be gone forever.

Saturday Morning Browsing

February 20, 2016

Saturday Morning Ritual

I look forward to Saturday morning for a multitude of reasons. The best reason is that my husband Craig has returned from a week of travel and we spend the early morning catching up on our online reading. We sit drinking large cups of our favorite hot tea (Lord Bergamot by Steven Smith Teamaker) stirred with lots of honey. Our view of the Puget Sound off the coast of downtown Seattle is spectacular and we are even able to see the ferries on their journey across the water.

This morning's view of the Puget Sound and the ferry to the left. — This morning’s view of the Puget Sound and the ferry to the left.

Planning For Travel Can Be Fun!

February 19, 2016

Thank you to Fisher Investments for sponsoring this post which allows me to share our planning ideas for creating adventure in midlife. All opinions are my own.

The kids have grown up and moved out of the nest and it is now our time to find adventure. We are no longer focusing on our children on a day to day basis, it is time for our personal adventures to begin!

We look for ways to create meaningful experiences to enjoy in our new found “freedom”. We ask questions, look for referrals and rely on others to help us make these plans.

Craig and I have learned a great deal in the past four years and we like to think we are experts in encouraging others to find adventure in midlife! However, we need to pay for these adventures as well and have learned some valuable lessons over the years that help this process.

It’s Time for a Fixer Upper Update

April 5, 2016February 17, 2016

Phew – it has been a busy time at the fixer upper. One month ago was the last time I reported to you the changes in the renovation and although they may not seem that monumental, they really do to me. Our little Spanish señorita is starting to look like a real house again! No …

Portland’s Powell’s Books- The Largest & Best Bookstore Ever!

March 24, 2020February 8, 2016

So happy to find the largest & best bookstore ever… Ever since I read Harriet the Spy in the fourth grade I have been a reader. In some years way more than others, but I almost always have had a book or two on the nightstand. In the last few years since becoming an Empty …

Saturday Morning Browsing

February 6, 2016

Saying Goodbye to Dad

April 5, 2016January 27, 2016

I wanted to let you know that my Dad passed away this morning. Thank you for all of the prayers and virtual hugs. I recently authored a personal and heartfelt post detailing my fears and anguish over my dad’s terminal illness. I received a loving avalanche of kind, helpful, prayer-filled thoughts from friends …

When Your Parent Gets Sick – An Adventure I Don’t Want to Take

March 24, 2020January 20, 2016

The life of a grownup isn’t easy. We have come to an age where we have to deal with adult situations that are challenging and heart breaking too. I am sad, so sad. Sometimes my heart doesn’t know where to go to relieve the pain. My dad is so sick and fighting an amazing …

Good Bye Glenn Frey, I Will Miss you, We All Will

January 19, 2016

Good Bye Glenn Frey~ November 4, 1948 – January 18, 2016

With the passing of this rock legend, I wanted to share our experience at The Eagles concert which was almost exactly two years ago. The concert was held at the newly renovated and revitalized Forum. Growing up in Southern California, The Forum was the place to see every band that came to town.

For my very first concert, I went with my best friend Debbie and her brother to the “Fabulous Forum” to see the Eagles’ Hotel California tour. That was forty years ago this month, my how time flies. I was devastated to hear that Glenn Frey had left us. As a singer/songwriter, he was brilliant, direct, honest, sincere, always entertaining and he had a lovely, wicked sense of humor. Glenn Frey was one of my very favorite performers of all time and I have cherished his work since I was fourteen. The world is so sad and has lost another legend.

I wanted to republish my post from January 27, 2014 for you to enjoy. AdventuresofEmptyNesters.com was only a few weeks old!

Do you have memories of Glenn Frey and The Eagles?

Experiences Are What Matter Most – January 27, 2014

The experiences of life are what matter most, don’t you agree?

A spectacular (almost 3 hours) with The Eagles.

Home Renovation ~ Fixer Upper Update!

July 30, 2019January 15, 2016

Although the house kind of looks like a war zone, we have made significant progress! The exterior walls have been sandblasted and that is why they look so damaged. I can honestly say that this fixer upper adventure has not worried me a bit. We stumbled upon some rotted wood, weak plumbing and old insulation …