Tales of the Traveling Tote # 47

Welcome to our spring edition of 

Tales of the Traveling Tote #47

We last left off with events from our New Year travels to Colorado.

Upon our return, we had an exciting end of January with our

Dish Sisters for fun times shopping the 

Round Top Winter Antique Show. 

Roxy flew in from the West Coast 

and Alma from the East Coast.

First stop after arrival was dinner at Matt's El Rancho,

An Austin iconic Mexican Restaurant.

Early the following morning we all headed to 

Round Top, Texas for some fun antique shopping.

After our day shopping Round Top, 

we headed south to Rock Port, Texas where we were.

Elizabeth's guests in her beautiful bayside home, Casa Mariposa.

Fun times cooking, playing Mah Jongg, 

lounging around, and cruising on the boat.

In route home, we stopped at the infamous Buc-ee's

to stock up on provisions in anticipation a winter storm.

We returned to Austin with a serious 

winter storm of snow and thick ice covering.

No flights left Austin for several days, which provided

an added treat with a visit extension we didn't expect!

Roxy went home with Elizabeth, 

and Alma was my house guest.

Fast Forward to spring and on to more adventures .   .   .

I'm fortunate to have a wonderful group 

of friends who share my passion for needlepoint.

We stitch together most weeks, and on occasion take a road trip to Comfort, TX, to shop an amazing needlework shop, 

The Tinsmith's Wife.

Long a staple "gathering spot for those who love fine yarns, patterns, needlepoint canvases, cross stitch, and other needlecraft",  Wendy and Scott are available to help with questions and selections.  

The shop is in a large historic structure dating back 

to the late 1800s and part of the Comfort Historic District and 

recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

Within the many rooms are bookshelves and cabinets filled with various finished projects and antique collectables.  It's an added treat!

This visit introduced us to two new shop kittens.

Meet Sally, relaxing in the front window when we arrived.

This is Harry.  He was napping in the morning sun, 

when I disturbed him for a photo opportunity with Miz Merri Mac.

Obviously, it didn't much bother him,

 as he quietly curled back into slumber.

Back in Austin, the big news in the stitching 

community, was the opening of Hibiscus Needlepoint.

Hibiscus represents joy, beauty, and inspiration.

I took Miz Merry Mac on opening day to meet Stephanie, 

the young woman who founded Hibiscus.

It was fun to see all the shoppers, look through the 

extensive array of beautiful hand painted canvases, 

and to peruse all the gorgeous threads.

Are you a stitcher?

I left with some much needed  Silk and Ivory thread colors for a work in process, a fun new patriotic canvas, and of course 

I had to buy one of the Hibiscus needle minders.

I took Miz Merri Max to meet a friend 

for dinner at the Central Market Cafe recently. 

It happened to be Live Music night with the 

Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums 

Bagpipes!  What a perfect 

compliment to Miz Merri Mac.

Are you still with us?

We'll wrap up this post with a return visit from 

Alma,The Tablescaper, 

my longtime blogging friend who lives on Long Island.

Do any of you remember following The Tablescaper?

Alma no longer has a blog, but you can follow her on IG.

Alma was here with her husband who was attending a law conference.

We scooped her up early Monday morning and drove to 

Round Rock to give her a taste of the famous Round Rock Donuts.

Then we headed straight for the 

Round Rock Antique Mall.

Robin, one of our Dish Sisters, is the proprietor 

and curator of the best booth in the mall.

If you are in the area, it's a must for an 

antique shopping experience.

The Dish Sisters are a group of like minded tabletop enthusiast.

Meet Elizabeth, Robin, "Moi" Alma, and Ritz.

Each of us left with new treasures.

Hungry after a few hours of antique shopping, 

we enjoyed a lovely lunch at Whiskey Cake.

Never a dull  with this group!

Another day of exploring Austin which culminated with a delicious dinner at Austin's premier restaurant, Fonda San Miguel.

Thank you for joining me today.  

It's been a busy four months with lots to share.

You'll find the adventures of my 

Traveling Tote buddies at the links below.

Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths 

Linda P with Miss Lola @ Life and Linda

Patti with Miss Kenzie @ Pandora's Box  

Rita with Miss Luna C @ Panoply 

Sarah with Miz Merri Mac @ Hyacinths for the Soul (Here)

Jackie and Miss Madi K @ Purple Chocolat Home

Ricki Jill and Countess De Monet @ The Bookish Dilettante 

Be certain to leave a comment on 

Ricki Jill's post @ The Bookish Dilettante

for a chance to win this Courtly Check tote.

Good Luck!

Thanks for joining our travel tales.

Next edition will be September 15th.

Happy Summer and Safe Travels