Friday, September 1, 2023

Tales of the Traveling Tote Edition #36



Rabbit, Rabbit
Welcome, September 
~ The Cusp of Autumn ~

I've not been on a plane nor traveled since before the fall of 2019,
but a thoughtful invitation to join eight friends and spend a few days in the Hamptons the first week of June offered a much needed
 chance to get away for pure relaxation.

We stayed in my godson's beautiful 
old home in East Hampton.

The village of East Hampton 
is full of historic charm.

Everything was lush and green with
abundant vibrant blooms.

Peonies were growing in the gardens of every home.

Big, gorgeous blooms!

First thing I did was cut 
blooms to bring into the house.

Are you surprised?


We also cut white iris blooms from
the garden and filled this pretty vase.

We ate at charming restaurants.

We shopped the boutiques in 
East Hampton and Sag Harbor.

Mostly we relaxed around the house 
and played Mah Jongg.

We took morning walks along 
the shore of a nearby beach.

One evening we arranged for 
a clambake on the beach.

The dinner was delicious!

It was a gorgeous evening with perfect 
weather, a full moon.   .   .

And sand between our toes!

Five days filled with good friends and lots of laughter.
Just what my spirit needed!

An added highlight for me was lunch with these two special ladies.
Kathleen, Alma, and I first met in 2009 through our blogs.
You may remember Cuisine Kathleen and The Tablescaper.  
Sadly both Kathleen and Alma no longer have their blogs,
but you can find them on Instagram.
@thetablescaper 
@kathleenmiller

Closer to home, I ventured over to Opening Day 
of a brand new independent bookstore. 
First Light Book Shop
Hyde Park Neighborhood ~ Austin, TX

It has a walk up window for coffee 
and baked goods that opens early morning.

Picnic tables under shade trees 
provide space to spend time with friends.

Inside is a coffee bar open all day.

Opening day was filled 
with enthusiastic customers.

I was thrilled to see a special space for young children
set up with small tables and chairs and an excellent book selection.

I couldn't resist this book and a few others.
I'm addicted to children's literature!

Tell me, do you have any independent book stores in your community?
If so, I hope you will support these businesses!
If you are local, please consider shopping

Enjoy the adventures of my 
Traveling Tote Friends 

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 (You are here)

Ricki Jill and Countess De Monet @ The Sketchy Reader 

Jackie @ Purple Chocolat Home (Give Away Here)



A new edition will post December 1.  
Please join the fun.

 

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