Sunday, December 1, 2019

Tales of the Traveling Tote #21

Rabbit, Rabbit
Hello, December!
Welcome to 
Tales of the Traveling Tote #21.
Come in from the cold and join me by the fire.

Though Mother Nature brought us our hottest September on record,
we have since enjoyed a lovely fall, including an early freeze in October and pleasant days of sweater weather and cozy fires.

Many of my readers know that "The Chef
recently had successful knee replacement surgery.
Unfortunately complications from anestheia or pain meds 
sidetracked his return home, so I've not much travel to share.
Suffice it to say, my total energy and concentration 
has been focused on my guy, who I'm happy to report 
as of this week is now back home and doing well.
Many thanks to each of you for your notes of concern and
support during this past month.  I appreciate your friendships!

Every fall and spring, I head to Round Top Antiques Festival.
Miz Checkers is the gal that typically gets to go along.
She is the perfect size to carry my phone and wallet, 
while leaving lots of room for a few small treasures to take home.

There is always a lot to tempt this collector at heart,
but I admit this year I only came home with a few apothecary jars.

Booths are artifully styled with a multitude of fabulous finds.
It definitely has a Texas vibe, but don't be fooled, there are
many beautiful American, French, and English antiques.

One of my favorite booths each show is 
Cotton Seed Trading Company.
It is owned by my friend, Marsha, who is an amazingly creative stylist.  Marsha is one who currates her booth with interesting finds, and creatively uses various objects to set her fun tablescapes.
I've featured some of her tablescapes herehere, and here.

Miz Cherckers and I were out shopping in September and met
this charming young lady at a Williams Sonoma pop-up shop.

Toni's Toffee is made right here in Austin, one batch at a time
and let me just say, " My chef and I are avid fans!"
We keep it in our freezer for a quick little bite.

When we read that Toni's Toffee would be the feature at the Peached Tortilla's first Sunday in October, we took our 
good friend, Eddie, to celebrate his birthday.

The Chef and I enjoy Peached Tortilla's monthly 
Milkshakes, Burgers, and Bubbles 
offered the first Sunday of the month.  
Miz Checkers is always ready for an outing, and you can see previous special shakes here, here, and here.

October's offering was of course, 
Pumpkin spice and everything nice!
Toni's Pumpkin Spice Toffee Mega Shake 
featured a pumpkin praline ice cream base, topped with
Toni's Toffee, a housemade pumpkin roll, 
whipped cream, and a caramel drizzle.
Yum, Yum!

Yesterday, the last day of November, Miss Merri Mac
and I stopped by one of our favorite local shops.

We went to visit my darling long time friend, Vickie
the propertier of The Menagerie
a fine jewelry and gift salon that is full of temptations.
Click her link above and do some Christmas shopping!

We had been invited to stop by for a special photo 
opportunity with this jolly fellow and his darling helper.

 I haven't had a photo taken with Santa in decades, but
couldn't pass up the opportunity with this darling elf.

Ho, Ho, Ho!
Are you in the holiday spirit?

Be sure to visit all the adventures below.
Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths 
Emily with Miss Courtney ChildsThe French Hutch
Jenna with Miss Coquille @The Painted Apron
Linda P with Miss Lola @ Life and Linda
 Patti with Miss Kenzie @ Pandora's Box
Rita with Miss Luna C Panoply 
Sarah with Miss Merri Mac @ Hyacinths for the Soul
Jackie and Miss Madi K @ Purple Chocolat Home
Ricki Jill and Countess De Monet @ The Sketchy Reader
Cherry Kay and Carrie Ann Hall @ Entertaining Women  

Giveaway has ended.
Congratulations to Rusthawk.


Joining
Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

23 comments:

  1. Adorable photo of you with Santa and his sweet elf in your CC boots! So glad your hubby is home and on the the mend after surgery. Complications from anesthesia can be scary. Love seeing bits from your RT trips...the model T with the quilts makes me swoon! Happy December and Rabbit Rabbit to you. ♥

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  2. So happy to see Monnie upright and feeling better, and especially that he is home!! You look like you enjoyed your fall adventures - and I am so envious of your monthly milkshakes!! You look so cute with Santa - hope you have a wonderful December!

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  3. Yay Monnie and sarah:) You got this!
    How enervating things get when they go awry:(
    So sorry you went through this.
    You both look wonderful and as always..those boots:)

    Take care!

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  4. Oh Sarah, such a special Thanksgiving for your and your mister this year. I'm so happy he is well on the road to a complete recover from his knee replace surgery. September was the same here, we wondered in we'd ever have fall. But, when it came it was worth the wait. I've always wanted to go to Round Top and I always enjoy your posts with pics. Mix Checkers is the perfect companion. I know Santa will ge especially good to you this year, I see a twinkle in his eye in that adorable pic. Love those MC Hunter boot!!! Happy December Sarah and my best to M.......

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  5. Oh Sarah, you and Santa are adorable!! You in your cute boots! I am so glad the Chef is finally home and doing so much better, I can't imagine how worried you were plus dealing with all the stress of remodeling. We had a brutally hot fall in Alabama too, but were finally rewarded in mid November with stunning Autumn leaves and color. I love seeing all the goodies at Round Top and always drool when you post those amazing concoctions from the Peached Tortilla 😋 Happy December!
    Jenna

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  6. Oh Sarah, you look so adorable with Santa in your jolly boots! You are the cutest! So glad The Chef is doing well. Complications are so awful! Your photo of Mz Checkers in the truck at Round Top is just stunning. Sounds like a fabulous tradition!
    I would have to have that wonderful shake! I love the pumpkin roll stuffed in the top! What a fun, fun place! So glad December will have both of you at home! Prayers have been answered!

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  7. What a happy ending to your Chef's ordeal with knee replacement! Your photos with Santa is darling as can be be, as is the fall photo at Round Top (still on my bucket list!) with the truck.
    Whether we travel or not, life is certainly an adventure. So happy you're back to somewhat of a normal routine again! Oh, and those monthly milkshakes look like total meals (my guy's favorite kind of meal, anyway). Happy December!

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  8. I always LOVE the stories that go along with your traveling tote! What wonderful adventures you have. I love that you go to Round Top every year. I hope to do that one day although the truth is--I don't need a darned thing. lol

    Glad your hubby is getting better. It is hard to see your spouse suffering...as I well know. Hope you have a blessed, wonderful December. xo Diana

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  9. You may not have been out much, but it looks like a grand time!

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  10. Very sweet posts Sarah. So happy the chef is doing quite well. A quiet Thanksgiving is so special sometimes. Your tote looks lovely at Round Top. What a meal, that burger and special milk shake. Love the Santa picture with your MK boots. Here’s to a happy December.

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  11. Sarah, you could not be more adorable in those boots! I was going to wear mine today in the snow, but decided not to venture out. So happy your sweetheart is doing better, and I am so proud of Monnie's accomplishments as I know you are. I always enjoy seeing what you, Miss Merri Mac and her siblings are up to. LOVE the Santa photo! Hope you can make it to the Peached Tortilla on February 1 for an early Valentine's treat! xo

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  12. Wonderful photos of what looks to be great times!

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  13. The picture of you and Santa is so cute. I love your boots!
    You had lots to share despite the ordeal with complications from your husbands surgery. Your Thanksgiving post was so special with a candlelight dinner to celebrate his return home.
    I enjoyed each pic and your commentary with all Miss Merri Mac's adventures.
    Your pumpkin spice toffee mega shake is decadent!

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  14. I love your photo with Santa and it made me think when I took one like that ... and I can't rememeber! Have to change it this year :)

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  15. Sarah, I am so glad to hear your Chef is mending and home! I know that setbacks can be rather frightening. I love your photo with Santa, that one is frame worthy! Looks like you had lots of fun. Happy December!

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  16. So happy to know that the Chef is back in his kitchen with you by his side. Eventually he will love his new knee. It has made a huge difference in my life. You may have only traveled a short distance this quarter, but, oh my oh my, the eye candy that you encountered is absolutely delightful. Thank you for sharing your encounters with us! CherryKay

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  17. Great post, sweet Sarah. Glad to hear that the Chef is on the mend! My favorite pic is of you and Santa. Enjoy your week.

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  18. Sarah, I know that you're most grateful for your darling Chef to be home with you and Sadie. Your Fall photos of your fun trips to RT, the Peached Tortilla (swoon!), and all your other jaunts looked like such fun. You with Santa is the cutest pic! Happy December!

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  19. I am glad to hear that your husband is feeling better from his surgery. I enjoyed looking at the photos and seeing where you and your bag visited. Have a nice week and Happy December!

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  20. Dearest Sarah,
    Glad to read about your husband's return home from the hospital.
    That is the most important thing at our age... or older as my husband is.
    Never ever will acquire the commercial holiday spirit I'm afraid.
    Advent and Christmas season do have such a totally different true meaning and I will adhere to that!
    All those that are followers of the dictated shopping, go and enjoy.
    Sending you hugs,
    Mariette

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  21. That is quite the mega shake! Glad Mr is back home and doing better. What cute photos with Santa.

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  22. Glad I found your blog! I followed from another travel blog... :)

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  23. Such a darling pic of you in your fun boots! I hope your husband is doing well now and that you have a wonderful holiday.

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.