Donāt get me wrong: I love our roadtrips and weekends away. But thereās something extra special about being home in Atlanta this time of year. Itās not nearly as drastic as Michiganās winter-to-spring transition, but laying out in the sun, listening to soul music in the park nearby is something I donāt take for granted here.
The last couple weekends have been so much fun, and I know this weekend will be no exception. Weāve even stayed busy during the week, because thereās no point in living for the weekend (in my humble opinion š).
Hereās some highlights that have brought me sheer enjoyment and smiles from ear to ear:
Enjoying some beautiful sunrises and sunsets
An afternoon with Linley
My first Atlanta United game of the season
Another fun dog mom social club event (and checking out a new trail!)
Painting Linley at Piedmont Park
Seeing Linley after his Two Chicks and a Pack hike
I canāt wait for more fun, but enjoying these moments has been exactly what Iāve needed!
Itās hard to believe itās been two weeks since our Florida trip. I was on the phone with a friend on Sunday and we agree that itās such a blessing to have ātime fly by when youāre having fun.ā My loneliest year in Chicago felt like five, depressing, agonizing yearsāand my time here in Atlanta has felt like six months tops! Thereās something about knowing who you are, being with the right people and feeling āat home with yourselfā that has made my post-Midwestern years feel like theyāre 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. Weāre lucky that heās such a good boy in the car, and he always found the sunshine no matter whatā¦
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 didnāt discover any alligators during our stroll, although we did discover some beautiful views.
āLook up, look out!ā
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 donāt realize how many natural springs existed there. Weāll 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. Heās well-loved wherever we go! š
Again: ālook up, look out!ā
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 heās in a new place is something that always melts Alexās and my hearts. And seeing my two favorite fellas bond is something Iāll 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 wouldāve 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, weāll stay near this beach because it was absolutely beautiful, barely anyone was around, and it was one of the nicer beaches weād 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 letās 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 canāt wait to return, and we canāt wait for our next Tracey Trio roadtrip. š„¹
Lin was exhausted the next morning!
Media taken Saturday, March 7 & Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Itās been a week and Iām still daydreaming of our time in Florida. Iām 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. Thatās 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!
Getting cleaned again!
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 āpause buttonā 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 sāmore fun in the sun, we grabbed lunch in St. Joe and had a relaxing afternoon of good food, conversation and laughs.
Lin loves to stick his tongue out!See what I mean?! š
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.
Iād 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.
Last weekend, the three of us had a great time in Florida. It was my first time in the panhandle and Linleyās first time in Florida altogether. Our roadtrips and long weekends away are something Iāll 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 wasnāt 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 Iāve 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 doesnāt enjoy his post-beach routine (but we do!)
Media taken Thursday, March 5, 2026 in Panama City Beach, Floridaš“
Who knew Atlanta had a bamboo forest? I certainly didnāt, and the crazier part is that itās near the dog beach we take Linley to all the time! Iām off this week and enjoyed my Tuesday āstaycationā by frolicking in the woods with my best bud.
Linley is always up for the adventure!
Our total hike time was five hours(!) but Iād only anticipated about two or three. Luckily, Lin and I kept going and didnāt get tired out. The only times we stopped was when we wanted to take pictures, meet strangers or when one of Linleyās pack leaders of Two Chicks and a Pack recognized him. Heās basically a celebrity in Atlanta now š¤£
We easily couldāve (and probably shouldāve) parked in a closer lot to the bamboo forest, and Alex apologized for giving us the wrong directions. But honestly, who could get mad at getting lost in the woods with their best friend? I certainly canāt, and ānot all who wander are lost.ā š Plus all the meandering led us to meeting some friendly pups and humans!
Iām the happiest when Iām hiking!
Parcore!
Crunch crunch crunch crunch crunch!
Lin was like the energizer bunny and kept a great pace the entire time! But rightfully so, he needed a break and was exhausted! He was such a good boy getting back to the car and I took him to the pet store on our way back home.
I canāt wait until next time š«¶
Media taken Tuesday, March 3, 2026 on the East Palisades Trail in Atlanta, Georgia
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
In my previous post, I talked about my appreciation for a good sunset nowadays. But if youāve been following along for a while and remember some of my Chicago dog beach posts, yāall know how much I love a good sunrise! Itās 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 thatā¦
Saturday morning
Peeing with a view!
Sunday morning
Peeing with a view round two!
Media taken Saturday, February 28 & Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Murphy, North Carolina š
I used to love the sunrise because it symbolized more than a new day, but also a new beginning and a fresh start. Ever since I found more peace and healing from my past, Iāve grown to appreciate a sunset in the same way; I know something good isnāt ending for me and that itās simply starting over.
Iām facing growing pains now: learning which friendships are ones I want to continue cultivating in this chapter, am starting my own business while joining a new company next week, and am seeing a new therapist to help me through current challenges. But for the most part, Iām in a happy and healed place, so itās time to celebrate all the moments life has to offer post-āsurvival modeā like before.
Last weekend, Alex, Linley and two of our closest friends and I went to a small town called Murphy, North Carolina for a friendās weekend. Our first night at the cabin was so much fun because we relaxed outside, enjoyed stunning views, and laughed in each otherās company. It was cute seeing Linley soak it all in, too!
I look forward to more adventures with the guys and am going to cherish all these moments as they come.
Media taken Friday, February 27, 2026 in Murphy, North Carolina
Do you ever have those weekends where you wish every weekend were like that? Thatās how I felt on Friday the 13th (a holiday I love to celebrate), Valentineās Day (a day a hardly celebrate) and the day after.
Iām grateful that Iām starting to feel at home in Atlanta again, that I finally have a truer sense of community and that Iām continuing to meet new people, try new things and experience true joy.
Dinner with Devin, Colin and AlexAlexās first time at Build a BearOur new stuffies!Linley thinking the stuffie was hisLinleyās sweet bandanaThe Alexās cheering with sakeTwinning at the burlesque showLinley watching himself get groomedLin sleeping with one of his actual stuffies
I also had a lovely dinner with a dear friend, coffee with another friend and her daughter, a fun Lunar New Year concert with Alex and a great dance class this week. Although I love staying busy, Iām excited for a lazy weekend!
Media taken Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15, 2026 š§§
Today was Lau Lauās service. Lots of tears were shed, laughs were had and hugs were given. It was a beautiful, sunny day here in Georgia and it was evident how loved Lau Lau and the entire Tracey/Shu family are. š
Uncle Ray taking Linley to visit Lau Lau last year
Although today was beautiful but sad, yesterday was full of love at a local bakery who hosted Linleyās and my first Atlanta Dog Mom Social Club event. I saw their sign on a family walk around the holidays, and Iām so glad I found them. The fact that there are other dog moms who love their dogs as much as I do is really special! And of course sharing these memories with Linley means the world to me. š«¶
Before we both moved to Atlanta, it used to be Linley and me against the world. So although we missed Alex, having these solo bonding moments with Lin brings me back to the times it was just us two. Weāre two peas in a pod! š«
Linley loved all the attention, treats and fun that this event had to offer! He got a little overstimulated and hit a sugar crash about halfway through the event, but it was okay because I got to hold him while he fell asleep in my arms. š„¹ Lin was saying hi to every dog, owner and volunteer in hope for more treats and attention. He also tried really hard to find a girlfriend in time for Valentineās Day, but he came on a little too strong, so looks like Iāll need to be his Valentine again this year. š
Linley and I canāt wait for the next event! š„°
I havenāt 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 dadās 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 Iād 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 Detroitās 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 anotherās 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. Comoās is a place I didnāt 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 didnāt 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 wouldnāt 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.
My family is complicated, and if youāve 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 itās always great to see him embrace it as well. This year, Linley wasnāt 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 ādodge, duck, dip, dive and dodgeā shirts; my mom even bought dodgeballs so we could take some goofy pictures with them!
Sometimes itās 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 Iām holding onto that wherever I can. š
Photos taken Friday, January 30 & Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Fenton, MichiganāØ
Traveling with the Traceys 