Tales of the Traveling Totes #19

Hello, readers! I am delighted to be joining my fellow traveling tote tribe sisters in an update of the latest adventures! To read how this group originally began, click here. To read all about my tales since joining the group with my two totes - Miss Luna C and Miss Charley C -  you can go to this link.

I have been totally and wholly submersed in my project of downsizing since we last recapped on March 1, and I am beginning to see the light at the end of this tunnel.

On March 15 it became quite clear that I needed some help in purging and organizing from nearly 5,000 sq feet down to 2,300. I rented a 10' x 10' storage unit to help myself out. Miss Charley C thought this was the perfect answer to storing much of my 'stuff'.

She was right. On April 10th, the first of three phases of moving occurred. This is mostly my vintage inventory that I rotate between home and shop, fostering and selling. I hung all my wreaths along the top of corrugated steel perimeters with over-the-door hooks, S hooks and wreath hangers.

The second move of the furnishings which made the cut to the condo occurred on April 23rd. Things are still disorganized, not ready for debuting on the blog, but coming soon.  A third, final move will be made from our prior home to the auction house before the 10th of this month (fingers crossed).

I took a couple opportunities with Miss Charley C to break from the stress of the downsize. The first was with Mr. P. to his 50th college reunion (!!). That was mid-April in Bristol, TN, celebrating alumni in an event called Dogwood Weekend. There were several planned events throughout the weekend honoring his class, including a breakfast (below). My saucer had a dogwood on the bottom, so I was the lucky winner of the table centerpiece begonia.

We took some time to walk the campus, beautifully designed with buildings around an oval.

We went inside what is now the university's theater, previously home to the school cafeteria when Mr. P. was a student there, and had a little fun, running into a few celebs.

Edgar and Miss Charley

Me & Willie & Miss Charley C

Following that weekend, a girlfriend from high school days invited me and a few other classmates to dinner out and an evening of 70s music by the Doobie Brothers. As you can see below on the TV screen at the sports bar where we dined, this was the same day as the historic close of the PGA Masters tournament which Tiger Woods once again claimed the winning green coat!

Our performance center for fine arts is a venue performers almost always comment on, with great stage accommodations and acoustics.

We had a blast, before, during and after the show! I saw the Doobie Brothers in the mid-70s, and they're still just as good now as then, with original members Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons.

A little fun outside, after the show, with sculptural installments on the property.

With all the time and effort spent on downsizing, my goal was to turn over the keys to the new owner by May 31. We came close, as the final move of remaining furniture is scheduled for transport to the auction house no later than June 10. My capstone to the move was a planned trip to the Gulf Coast of FL at the end of May, beginning of June. This is one of my happy places, and this time we're celebrating my birthday there, too. There'll be more to share about our new digs and summer fun in upcoming posts, I promise!

NOW, ONTO THE GIVEAWAY!

The Traveling Totes Tribe is offering another giveaway. Ricki Jill of The Sketchy Reader is our giveaway sponsor this time. One lucky reader who leaves a comment on Ricki Jill's June 1 post will have their name thrown into the hat for an opportunity to win this MacKenzie-Childs neoprene wine bag! I have one and it's really nice - you'll love it. Hurry over now!

Where have all the other Traveling Tote tribe members been this winter? Check them out at the links conveniently located below to see. It's always fun when we come together, no matter where we travel, near or far.

Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths
Emily with Miss Courtney Childs@ The French Hutch
Patti with Miss Kenzie and Miss Taylor @ Pandora's Box
Jenna with Miss Coquille @ The Painted Apron
Linda P with Miss Lola @ Life and Linda
Rita with Miss Luna C @ Panoply (you are here!)

Sarah with Miss Merri Mac @ Hyacinths for the Soul

Jackie with Miss Madi K @ Purple Chocolat Home
Ricki Jill and Countess de Monet @The Sketchy Reader
Cherry Kay with Miss Carrie Ann Hall @ Entertaining Women

Come see us again on July 31 in a special post, "Fun in the Sun". We wanted to capture summer as it's happening, and show you how our totes enjoy the lazy days, summer breezes, and other outings of the season.

On September 1, we officially close out summer and recap our adventures. Be sure to leave a comment on Ricki Jill's blog with this adventure for a chance to win the wine bag! 

Thanks for your loyal readership, I appreciate each and every one of you!

Rita C. at Panoply

Sharing: Pieced Pastimes, Best of the Weekend, DIDI, BNOTP, Inspire Me, Make it Pretty, Celebrate Your Story,SYS, Delightsome Life H&G, Grace at Home, Vintage Charm