The Tracey Trio takes Florida (Pt. III)

March 21, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

It’s hard to believe it’s been two weeks since our Florida trip. I was on the phone with a friend on Sunday and we agree that it’s such a blessing to have “time fly by when you’re having fun.” My loneliest year in Chicago felt like five, depressing, agonizing years—and my time here in Atlanta has felt like six months tops! There’s something about knowing who you are, being with the right people and feeling “at home with yourself” that has made my post-Midwestern years feel like they’re moving a million miles a minute.

I miss Linley stretching his head out the window to hear the ocean waves, feel the sea breeze and simply take it all in. We’re lucky that he’s such a good boy in the car, and he always found the sunshine no matter what…

In Atlanta, we live near Ponce City Market, and near a street named Ponce de Leon Ave, so of course we had to find Ponce while we were in Florida, too! We wanted to check out some natural springs and they were gorgeous. Luckily we didn’t discover any alligators during our stroll, although we did discover some beautiful views.

We snacked on some breakfast treats at a picnic table while we watched people swim and play in the park. It was awesome to find something like this in Florida, because I don’t realize how many natural springs existed there. We’ll be back!

After Ponce, we ventured to 30A (not our cup of tea whatsoever, but we wanted to check it out before leaving Florida). We found a non-bougie afternoon hangout where we grabbed a drink and enjoyed the fog. One other thing that threw us off about the PCB area was all the fog; that was my first time in the panhandle and it was insanely foggy, but abruptly! From Ponce to 30A, I felt like I was in a completely different climate and place altogether.

We found an amazing lunch spot with delicious food. The price showed because we were in an expensive part of town haha, but it was worth it. Linley was getting so much attention from all the women on spring break, and from other pups walking by, too. He’s well-loved wherever we go! 🙂

We quickly stopped at our Airbnb but ventured back to downtown Panama City because again, it suddenly felt warm and sunny. There was an art fair going on and although Lin was overstimulated, we found a great spot by the water to walk around and grab a drink before hitting the beach one last time. Seeing Linley smile and play the way he does when he’s in a new place is something that always melts Alex’s and my hearts. And seeing my two favorite fellas bond is something I’ll never get over!

The theme of the day was fog, because we sadly had one last evening of it during sunset. We met a stranger named Lee, who was nice but talked our ear off, so maybe it was a blessing it was foggy (I would’ve felt like I was missing out otherwise haha!) Despite the fog, Linley enjoyed frolicking on St. Joe Beach again on the last evening of our trip. When we visit again, we’ll stay near this beach because it was absolutely beautiful, barely anyone was around, and it was one of the nicer beaches we’d ever been to with Linley. I miss it just writing this now!

We headed back into town for our last dinner of the trip, and let’s just say I ate my body weight in crab legs! Aside from the fried fish we made the night before, it was my best meal of the trip, and it was great to be on the patio with Alex and Linley. The whole weekend felt like my happy place!

We were exhausted because of how much fun we had! We can’t wait to return, and we can’t wait for our next Tracey Trio roadtrip. 🥹

Media taken Saturday, March 7 & Sunday, March 8, 2026.

The Tracey Trio takes Florida (Pt. II)

March 15, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 4 Comments

It’s been a week and I’m still daydreaming of our time in Florida. I’m really missing the beach, the sand in my toes and the sea breeze this afternoon.

Last Friday, we attempted to see the sunrise with no luck. But it was still such a fun experience to be at the dog beach again with less people and pets running around. Linley, of course, had to mark his territory and say hello to strangers every chance he could. That’s one of many things about him that I love so much; he makes himself at home wherever we go.

Lin was in no mood for fetch!

After some fun in the sand, we hung out and had a pretty relaxing morning. You better believe we found another beach to hang out at in the afternoon though, and that was even more private than the dog beach in Panama City. St. Joe Beach, about 45 minutes from our AirBnB, was perfect; we enjoyed collecting shells, walking as a family along the water and the entire afternoon was the “pause button” I really needed.

Like I said in my previous post: I always get so emotional reflecting on all the times Lin and I have enjoyed the beach together. He used to be my little beach buddy when it was just the two of us, and Alex was that missing piece that we never knew we needed (but so badly wanted!)

After s’more fun in the sun, we grabbed lunch in St. Joe and had a relaxing afternoon of good food, conversation and laughs.

After lunch, we headed to this super cool brewery and cocktail bar before cooking at our place. I enjoyed some snacks and two mocktails while Alex had a beer and a cocktail afterward. Linley kept getting attention and we all had some fun with my heart glasses.

I’d imagine this is how Lin sees the world

Between our afternoon pit stop and heading back home for the evening, I wanted to see the sunset because our first night was such a flop due to the fog. And we got lucky because it was absolutely beautiful! Linley was a bit fussy haha, but we enjoyed it regardless.

Our first official sunset on the beach 🥹

I can’t wait for our next adventure!

Media taken Friday, March 6, 2026

The Tracey Trio takes Florida (Pt. I)

March 11, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Last weekend, the three of us had a great time in Florida. It was my first time in the panhandle and Linley’s first time in Florida altogether. Our roadtrips and long weekends away are something I’ll always cherish, and am already missing so much (we got back on Sunday!)

We started our day on Thursday by exploring a couple places for lunch and nice views in the afternoon. Then once our AirBnB was ready for check-in, we relaxed on the patio for a little while. We all enjoyed soaking up some sun!

Our first sunset wasn’t the most successful, given that it suddenly became extremely foggy as we drove to the dog-friendly beach nearby. It was such a bummer because we really wanted to see it, but we were able to enjoy a sliver of it.

When I look back at these photos and videos, I get emotional because I love these moments together more than I can put into words. And I’ve genuinely enjoyed soaking up every sunset and sunrise with Linley over these past eight years, and now we get to do the same with Alex.

On a lighter note, of course our boy had to sniff and dig around in the sand!

And as much as Linley enjoys the beach, he doesn’t enjoy his post-beach routine (but we do!)

Media taken Thursday, March 5, 2026 in Panama City Beach, Florida🌴

Hiking with the guys in North Carolina

March 5, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

Something I always enjoyed doing with Linley was hiking, so the fact that I have a husband and friends who want to tag along is so much fun; the more the merrier! We found a hiking trail near our AirBnB last weekend and it was an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon. Although it was warmer and a steeper slope than we expected, we had a ton of fun!

After a couple good meals for lunch and dinner, and LOTS of laughs, we enjoyed a cozy night in.

Next stop: Florida!

Media taken Saturday, February 28 in North Carolina

Foggy Sunrises

March 4, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

In my previous post, I talked about my appreciation for a good sunset nowadays. But if you’ve been following along for a while and remember some of my Chicago dog beach posts, y’all know how much I love a good sunrise! It’s a start of a new day, chapter or beginning in general. And sharing those quiet moments with Linley has meant the world to me over the course of these eight and a half years! Last weekend in North Carolina was no exception of that…

Saturday morning

Sunday morning

Media taken Saturday, February 28 & Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Murphy, North Carolina 🌅

Back in the D

February 8, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

I haven’t been to Detroit since moving to Atlanta in 2023, and it felt great to be back! When I lived in Michigan, my parents seldom went to Detroit with me, and Alex had never been, making it extra special.

For my dad’s birthday, we went to a Red Wings hockey game and although they lost, we had a ton of fun. Little Caesars was as energetic and fun as I’d remembered, and the guys cheered with their Labatt beers before we found our seats. It was awesome to be there again.

As we marched back to the car, we had to stop in the cold and drop another Linley sticker!

As we headed north to Ferndale, it had secondhand admiration of Detroit’s architecture through Alex. He was so cute looking out the window, pointing out all the museums (including the Detroit Institute of Art) and other beautiful, historic buildings. Sometimes we take a place for granted until we see it through another’s eyes.

Near my old house is one of the best local, Detroit-style pizza places, and I knew this would be the perfect spot after a game. Como’s is a place I didn’t go to often, but every time I went it was special.

The rest of our evening was laid back and easygoing, just the way we all prefer it to be. Of course I had some flashbacks of my brother, my ex and former friends of mine, but luckily it didn’t dominate my time in Michigan. At times I wish things with my brother and former best friends were different, but I also know things happen for a reason, and I wouldn’t have ever met Alex or moved to Atlanta otherwise. I hope to return with Alex (and Linley next time!) so we can experience the beauty of Michigan in the summertime.

Media taken on Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Detroit & Ferndale, Michigan.

Matching PJs

February 7, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

My family is complicated, and if you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you probably already know that. But one thing that consistently awesome about my family – and something I always love – is our matching holiday pajamas.

Alex is newer to the tradition but it’s always great to see him embrace it as well. This year, Linley wasn’t able to be in Michigan with us, but my mom shipped a matching winter coat his way. We all love the movie Dodgeball, so we had to sport our “dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge” shirts; my mom even bought dodgeballs so we could take some goofy pictures with them!

Sometimes it’s the little things that I hold onto in my family, like these goofy photos, the thoughtful gesture or even visiting with my parents first thing in the morning.

Sometimes the little things can add up to a bigger thing, and I’m holding onto that wherever I can. 💙

Photos taken Friday, January 30 & Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Fenton, Michigan✨

Playing in the snow & feeling like a kid again

February 6, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 4 Comments

Last Saturday, Alex and I felt like kids again while sledding up in Michigan. My parents still had some sleds and we headed to a hill I’d sled on as a kid all the time. My dad was so sweet to not only drive us there, but video us going down the hill!

I hadn’t went sledding in three or four years, and it’d been almost 20 years for Alex! We had a blast and it was so sweet to have these moments captured. I can’t wait for next time 🫶

And while we were sledding up in Michigan, Lin enjoyed some snow down here in Georgia!

Media taken Saturday, January 31, 2026✨

The Laundry

February 5, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Anyone who knows me knows what The Laundry means to me. It’s a restaurant in my small Michigan hometown and has been a meeting place between me and high school best friends, family and more. The drinks are amazing, the food is delicious and the dessert always feels like a warm hug. I’ve cried there, laughed there, laughed til I’ve cried there… it’s always been a happy place, even during hard times.

Last weekend, I was finally able to share this experience with Alex. And ironically enough, I was at The Laundry when I told my parents I was moving to Atlanta and that I’d be joining a dating app, which led me to Alex in the first place. In recent years, my Friday dinners with my parents got me through some pretty dark times, so being back with my husband for the first time was extremely special.

It was my dad’s birthday the day after, so the staff brought him out a candle (even when he didn’t want dessert!)

And although Linley wasn’t there with us in person, he was there in spirit (and was living it up with our aunt, uncle and his cousin, Ellie!)

Media taken Thursday, January 29-Saturday, January 31

Reminiscing

January 25, 2026January 26, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

Today has been a strange one: Alex’s grandmother passed, and it never snowed. I was so looking forward to visiting Lau Lau more and was looking forward to celebrating Chinese New Year with her next month. The last time I saw her was Christmas and I wish I’d spent more time with her — both then and in general.

And is not seeing snow in Atlanta a big deal today? No. But the snow always makes me think of Michigan, my former home, and always makes me think of fond memories there. I’m not close with family but I am close with my parents, so I’m inevitably missing them more today. The snow always brought us together, even when things were distant.

I miss Lau Lau already and wish I could’ve spent more time with her. I don’t have a relationship with my parent’s moms, and it was warming to have Lau Lau welcome me the way she did. And I miss my parents and I wish my relationship with them was less strained. I wish I didn’t feel guilt about distancing myself, both physically and emotionally, from family members who’ve repeatedly hurt me before. Maybe I wish they’d never have hurt me at all. I’m just thinking about family and the complexity of it so much today.

What I can control is my new immediate family: Alex and Linley. Together, we’re the Tracey Trio, and before that, it felt like Linley and me against the world.

In honor of this, I wanted to post some media in reverse chronological order, ranging from our big Atlanta snow storm last January, all the way to Linley’s first ever time seeing snow in 2017. Atlanta is our new home now, but home is wherever my heart is, and my heart is always whole with my two favorite guys. And although I’m not religious but am definitely spiritual, I know Lau Lau is with her husband again, and I hope her heart is full as well. 🥹

December 2025 Gratitude

January 1, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 4 Comments

As we enter a new year, I can’t help but reflect on all the ups and downs of 2025. From starting a new job and quickly dreading it due to verbal abuse, planning a casual wedding, getting married and going on the honeymoon roadtrip of a lifetime, and everything in between… I’m extremely grateful for all the greatness this year has brought me.

2026 will be all about letting go, healing and being more open and willing to receive the universe’s gifts, as opposed to wanting to control everything (my schedule, others’ emotions, etc.) Spontaneity is the name of the game for 2026 (aka: the year of the fire horse!)

But until we get into 2026, here’s some of my favorite moments from December. I may not stick with monthly gratitude journaling going into this year, but I’m extremely thankful for the community I have built – and am slowly rebuilding – here in Atlanta.

Moments between Alex and Linley

A blossoming friendship with Colin, Devin and Grayson

Seeing my two favorite pups

…and more moments like these!

Our third annual Botanical Garden Lights

Getting professional photos done with Linley

Linley and Ellie making the nice list this year

Running into our neighbors at Ponce City Market

Linley going on more hikes with the pack!

…getting tipsy and buying a toy for Linley at the Cirque show…

…and Cheeto having a front-row seat at the show!

Enjoying our Chippy the Dog daily calendar

…and even more moments between Alex and Lin!

Strolling through a new part of the city

Sunny afternoon walks

Running around at the park

Grace’s and my first time at the Clermont Lounge!

Wishing Saskia a happy new year in Germany

My happiest holiday (no, really!)

December 26, 2025December 26, 2025 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

Yesterday was probably the best Christmas I’ve ever had. I used to love my family get-togethers before my estrangement took place, but holidays haven’t been spent with my biological family since 2018 or 2019. As much as I miss spending time with my parents, Alex and I will be seeing them next month, and that dedicated quality time will mean so much to me.

I was tossing and turning on Christmas Eve night into Christmas Day, and Alex let his parents know that I was feeling anxious and emotional about my past. My first Christmas with his family in 2023 was nice but it doesn’t even compare to the love, support and ease I felt yesterday. I couldn’t be more thankful for that.

We visited Lau Lau (Alex’s grandma) for lunch with all the aunts and uncles and their families, then had quality time with Alex’s parents and brother on the Tracey side, followed by a lovely dinner at Aunt Susan’s and Uncle Ray’s house. Spending quality time with the cousins and our friend Trizzie was super fun, and it felt very much like the cousin time I’d had as a kid long ago. It was nice to feel young again, and I haven’t felt that way on Christmas in probably almost twenty years.

I couldn’t be more grateful for Alex, the love he has for Linley and me, his parents, and entire family for welcoming Lin and me with open arms. As my therapist always says: I deserve to feel safe and loved in every space, and I felt that way in spades yesterday. My father-in-law even turned to me, we clinked champagne glasses, and he told me how happy he was that I was there. And my mother-in-law told me that she looks forward to many more years of love and celebration to come.

What a great way to end a wild ride of a year!