Aruba Mornings
Category: Retirement
Returning to Bucuti
I lost Spence in March 2017 and he was – hands down – the BEST travel partner ever! I had been to Aruba in my twenties but Spence had never been there. In 2015, we booked our trip discovering the top-rated Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort. We loved the idea of a romantic, adults only, zen location on the breathtaking Eagle Beach. We went back many times, usually for our birthdays. I blogged extensively about those trips ( search under “Travels in Aruba” or “Bucuti” in the Search bar for those posts).
Returning to this place, so full of happy memories and romance seemed daunting to me. In 2019, I traveled to Aruba (staying at an AirBnb), but when I drove by Bucuti I couldn’t even pull in the parking lot – emotions overwhelmed me.
Fast forward to autumn of 2023 when the pull to return to Bucuti had started to dominate my thoughts. Because it’s focused on being a romantic couples resort, would they take a solo traveler? Prepared for either a yes or no, I emailed their concierge and explained my situation. Moments later I had the loveliest email saying how sorry they were about Spence and that YES – I could come back and they’d be happy to help me make new memories. I immediately booked a week in a deluxe Ocean View room! 
I expected to be flooded with memories but it was okay. I believe Spence was watching over me and was happy I was back at Bucuti.
There will be several posts to come as I recount the fun I had…stay tuned.
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Puzzles 🧩
With lots of travel followed by the holidays it’s been a minute since I’ve done puzzles or blogged. It’s cold and snowy in Michigan so I’m staying warm and cozy, doing puzzles as I watch the weather from inside near the fireplace.
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Laura’s Pretty Food
In case you haven’t checked out my insta account, @laurasprettyfood I’d like to share a few screenshots of what you’re missing. This account represents my passion for food, some I’ve prepared and others I’ve enjoyed while traveling.
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Roadside Fresh Flower Bouquet
After a fun day with my BFF including an art fair, delicious lunch, shopping and wine tasting we were headed home. She noticed a little roadside stand for flowers, $5 per bouquet. They were so lovely I had to photograph them. It’s a mix of perennials, annuals, wild flowers and herbs
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Puzzles of 2023
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Smoky Mountain School of Cooking Appalachian Store & Cafe – a new experience
Always looking for new experiences, I came upon this cooking class and signed up for it during my recent trip to Tennessee.
With an ever-changing menu, I attended the class with one other couple and learned to make Bananas Foster French Toast, homemade pork sausage patties and an omelette with ingredients of our choosing. We each got a chef’s apron to take with us.
Stephanie Foley, the owner and instructor was delightful and the class was interactive and fun with the added enjoyment of consuming the delicious food we prepared. I’m now planning to sign up for a class whenever I’m visiting the Wears Valley area.
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Rocking Chair Farm – an interactive Alpaca experience
I’ve vacationed in Tennessee for years and am so in love with the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, the kindness and hospitality of the people, southern food and the endless fun things to do there.
This trip I sought out new experiences and happened upon Rocking Chair Farm. Located in Corryton, it was an easy 30 miles drive from my Sevierville cabin. A cool day with a possibility of rain (which didn’t happen) it was perfect for a tour of this special farm run by David and Christine Rogers. I was their only customer for the 10 a.m. tour and got to have lots of interaction while learning about and feeding these adorable animals.
The herd is comprised of Huacuya and Suri Alpacas guarded over by the couple’s four livestock guardian dogs. Before we entered the first of three pens, David and Christine went over a number of rules for my safety as well as the alpacas. I was told there are some that are really friendly and if there were those who didn’t approach me, not to worry. I learned how to feed them with a flat, open palm; it was the sweetest feeling as they gently nuzzled my hand. There is a gentleness about them, their personalities and curiosity is endearing.
After the tour we visited their gift shop. David designs and makes the lovely hats, scarves, gloves using yarn made from their alpaca’s wool and there are a number of other quality items to choose from. Given the opportunity I’ll visit again – this was an experience I’ll never forget!
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Best friends
For the last week things have been busy and I’ve had a lot of company. It’s different than our day to day life which is pretty chill and quiet. While Biscotti was his usual outgoing and entertaining self, my guests caught only glimpses of Reo as she is shy…
This morning it was back to the three of us and this photo montage was taken as my fur-babies snuggled on my lap.
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Puzzles, over the last year
My love affair with puzzles continues though I haven’t posted updates in awhile. 2022 was an incredibly eventful year and as I searched out these photos of completed puzzles I’m surprised I had done this many. It goes to prove regardless of how busy and overwhelmed I get by life, I still seek out the solace and focus of putting on a playlist and doing puzzles.
