Happy Summer!

I think the summer months are one of the best times to stick close to home. Lots is going on, the weather is usually not too brutally hot, and it's finally time to unpack all those shorts and sundresses that were packed away all winter long.

We're sticking close to home for the next couple of weeks for a couple of extended family activities. We'll head to the Seattle Center this weekend for a local Pokemon Go event. I'm a fair-weather player, dabbling at it most of the time, but I do enjoy it when family and friends make a day of it. If you're a player, feel free to add me as a friend. My trainer code is 822496148810 (travlingwithmj).

Then, we've got a family wedding coming up. It's my favorite niece (not that I play favorites or anything), and it's sure to be a great time seeing family and friends that we often miss.

I've been battling a DOS attack on my blog, which has forced my host to switch servers and rebuild the site. I think we're at the tail end of it. I had been hoping to get into the backend by now and start fixing things, but it looks like it may be another week before everything is back to normal and I can publish new content. Don't go anywhere - I'll be back soon.

If you feel like I've helped you in some way, or just appreciate personal travel information that isn't AI-created, feel free to "Buy Me a Glass of Wine." More info here.

Safe travels,

Mary Jo & Tony

Have You Read:

Will return next time. The good news is that the site is back up. The bad news is there is still a lot of conflicts that need to get resolved.

Here's what else is going on:

Traveling: Planning

While we're sticking close to home for the next couple of weeks, we're in the planning stages for the rest of the year.

I'm heading to Southern California at the end of the month; we're researching a trip to Santa Fe; the fall has us heading to Haywood County, North Carolina, for the annual SATW Convention; and we've got our eyes on a couple of cruise possibilities.

Reading: A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Frost and Starlight explores the far-reaching effects of a devastating war and the fierce love between friends.

I've taken a breather in this seven-book fantasy series (this is book #4), but finally have it queued up ready to read. It will likely take me a while to get up to speed with all the characters and nuances from previous books, but this is usually an enjoyable fantasy read.

Learn more about the book here, or check at your local library.

I'm still behind in doing a full update of my reading list, in large part because of the previously mentioned technology issues, but I think I've finished 75 books this year, fulfilling 24 prompts.

I track my reading in general on Goodreads and with the Bookmory app. I track my reading challenge progress on my blog. When it's back up, you can take a look at all the books I've read so far this year here.

Want to join in the reading challenge? It's not too late!

The challenge is designed for travelers who like to read and readers who like to travel. It started as a simple project with friends, grew into a larger project with friends and friends of friends, and now we have a small community of travelers who love to read. It's self-paced, and while you can read what you want when you want, we hope the prompts encourage you to try some new authors and genres in your reading choices.

You can learn more about the challenge by signing up for our monthly newsletter here. Or join our spoiler-free Facebook group here.

Watching: FIFA World Cup

While I'm not a big futbol (soccer) fan, it's been hard not to get caught up in the excitement of the World Cup. And, since Seattle is a venue, that excitement has spread across the city and surrounding areas.

The joy of the Cabo Verde team making it to the Round of 32 in their very first World Cup appearance was a highlight for me (and many). The team then played a very competitive match against the powerhouse team from Argentina, but fell short. So many people hadn't heard of this island nation until the World Cup. Now, how many of them are looking up info on traveling there; I am.

Still more matches to come, and still more stories both on and off the pitch.

Listening: Theo of Golden (audiobook)

A story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is an unforgettable novel about the power of generosity, the importance of connection, and the quiet miracles that happen when we choose kindness and wonder.

Actor David Morse narrates this feel-good, New York Times bestselling book. His voice is perfect for this book, and he makes me believe he's Theo. I've still got a couple of hours left, and am both eager - and sad - to be finishing it up.

Listen here.

Heads in Beds: Willows Lodge (Woodinville, Washington)

Woodinville Wine Country now boasts over 130 wineries and tasting rooms, showcasing wines from 19 of Washington State's AVA. You can learn more about those AVAs here.

The Willows Lodge has long been a staple for luxury wine getaways. The property is located adjacent to the Sammamish River Trail and is a two-story Northwest-style lodge. You'll find lots of wood and up-cycled touches, from the door to the floors, from the fireplace to the ceiling beams, and represented in various small touches in the rooms. The Barking Frog restaurant is open daily, and for a decadent indulgence, try the nine-course seasonal dinner at The Herbfarm. There is also small spa.

If you're a DIYer, you can find info here.

Or, if you'd prefer to work directly with us for your travel booking, taking advantage of the many value-added perks we can help with at this hotel, get in touch via our dedicated booking email (most services at no fee).

In the Glass:

With the warmer weather, we've moved away from wine (although we're still on the lookout for some delicious rose options), and have been enjoying Aperol Spritz, the classic Italian apertivo. We follow the easy 3-2-1 recipe. Learn more about this refreshing drink, it's history, rise to popularity, and the recipe we follow here​

4946 SW 329th Way, Federal Way, WA 98023

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