Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Tales of the Traveling Tote: Safely Social

 Wake me up when this is over, will somebody, please??

Ho-hum. Not much going on here. No travels, but daily walks keep us out and about, enjoying the beauty in our own neighborhood and surrounding areas, with the opportunity to be safely social. Well-groomed landscapes and small garden plots....

Scenes along the river, from both the north and south sides (where we moved from and to) catch our eye....
...capturing various flora.....
...and creatures, big and small.
A look across the city skyline outside our living room windows gives us up-to-the-minute alerts on summer storms as they pass, often literally in minutes.
Waking up to unique sunrises is the promise of new beginnings.Online shopping has generated new excitement, especially when new or previously coveted items are scored!
I've still been doing a lot of cooking and baking. If the collage below looks like the same thing over and again, that's because it is (except for that last batch that I didn't even plate off the cooling rack, lol). Baking these little jewels and freezing individual servings has become something I really enjoy. The blueberry muffins have become a favorite!

Curbside & drive-thru pickup, and eating in the car has become a 'thing' with us and, apparently, a lot of others we see out. Separately, I get out more than Mr. P., but still fairly isolated in terms of people. I continue helping my brother purge and organize, and go to the antique mall weekly at the opening hour.

I did get out to a friend's backyard for a safely social gathering at the end of July. A welcome change!

The traveling tote tribe has held a couple Zoom calls, and I look forward to those also. It's been a nice way to get to know each other more personally.

I've played 'pretend hosting' a couple times too, once in setting up a bar cart for some fun. MacKenzie-Childs had their Unorthodot entertaining line on sale, and I had a birthday coupon, so I splurged. They also had their annual barn sale online. Even though I placed a couple orders during their online event, they've not shipped yet, but I'm in no hurry. I'm certainly not going anywhere. Oh, and then there was an end-of-summer sale at a local boutique, which just happened to include all of their MC stock. I splurged there, too.

Stay the course, friends. Be safe.


NOW, ONTO THE GIVEAWAY!

The Traveling Totes Tribe is offering another giveaway and I am our giveaway sponsor this time. One lucky reader who leaves a comment on my post today will have their name thrown into the hat for an opportunity to win this set of four MacKenzie-Childs Parchment Check cork-backed coasters! 

Without further ado, here are all the links to the rest of tribe members' travels since our June 1 post. Several of our tribe have actually taken some fun trips, so be sure to check them out. 

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

Thank you so much for dropping by the blog today. I love reading your comments, and don't forget to leave one here for a chance at the giveaway! Come again for our next adventure, which  will be December 1, 2020.

Rita C. at Panoply
(A special thanks to Rebecca of Zucchini Sisters' Celebrate Your Story #247 for featuring this post!)

40 comments:

  1. Wow, I'm the first to see your post. That's because the cat woke me up at 3:00 am rubbing her face against mine. I hoped she was going somewhere and just stopped in to say goodbye, but no. Love the charming homes on this side of the river and the lovely gardens. Louise Brooks on the couch and the comfort of homemade blueberry muffins. Living on a river is more fascinating and entertaining than being on a lake, I think. Looks like you have settled into your new home. I'm happy for you, dear Rita.
    Ginene (Somehow, I got signed in by that sneaky Google, so I'm using Anonymous (?)

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  2. Gorgeous captures and photos from your daily walks Rita! I always love seeing the steam fog rise from the water, it lends such a mysterious and magical quality. Love to see your baked goodies. You’re so photogenic even in a Zoom meeting. :) I hadn’t seen the MKC Unorthodot collection, so retro and fun. Isn’t it amazing the thing we took for granted give us such thrills now. Not much shopping for me in person other than a weekly grocery store trip. I did manage to pop in HomeGoods a couple of weeks ago but it was disappointing as there isn’t much inventory to be had. Happy September and here’s hoping we’ll be travelling again sooner rather than later. ♥

    P.S.I was able to comment on your previous post but I keep getting ‘blogger refused to connect’ messages with this one. I guess I'm not holding my mouth just right :)

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  3. Loved seeing your post. You have captured this time so well and it looks and sounds very nice. I'm envious of your boutique shopping. Looks fabulous. I'm afraid inventory is down everywhere in our area. I just yearn for some exciting shopping.
    How fun your group got to zoom. I loved seeing familiar faces.

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  4. What an entrance to the posting today--the necessities during this time--SO TRUE.
    The cheer of the bag going from place to friends but always social distancing and making sure that you have the mask with you.

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    1. Thank you, and yes, that mask has become a part of my wardrobe and laundry, and a pack of disposables in each of our cars just as an extra precaution! Happy September.

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  5. I had to laugh when your latest purchases turned out to be TP, 😋. Sounds like you have been doing a lot of what hubs and I have been doing, eating in the car. I'm glad to see that you have a gorgeous view to wake up too, though. Nice place to have a morning cup of what brings you to life.

    Have you put a container out there yet filled with plants ?

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  6. Good morning, Rita. You have kept busy during these unsettling times. Getting outside every day and enjoying nature has kept me sane. Your walks and views from your balcony are beautiful...love a great sunrise and sunset! I have really missed travel and shopping. I had an appointment in Birmingham and managed to stop at a Home Goods, the inventory was sad. We did manage to pick up curbside at our favorite Italian restaurant.

    Happy September!

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  7. Hello from Central Texas! I love reading these TTT posts, it looks like such fun. The pumpkin is a beautiful treasure for Fall - and I enjoyed all of your nature walk photos. Hang in there!

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    1. Hello, Gina and Central Texas! So glad you stopped by, thank you! Happy September.

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  8. Rita, it was lovely taking a virtual walk with you this morning. I envy you the shopping excursions, however limited as they may be. I have not been baking as Mr. Buzz and I are trying to avoid comfort food and adding Covid poundage, lol! Yesterday we finally scored me a bike! It was to be my birthday gift in June. It’s also a gorgeous shade of Tiffany Blue, so people will see me coming and going!

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  9. LOVE the first photo!! I have serious pumpkin envy, was that new MKC pumpkin on sale?? I love the Orthodot things you bought, I'm crazy for polka dots :) The scenes from your walks and views from your building are beautiful! It's so nice you have enjoyed baking and setting your bites on your MKC pretties. Our Zoom calls have been fun, at least we have been able to get together that way! Happy September and new adventures!
    Jenna

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  10. Beautiful photos! I love the flowers. Glad you've gotten out a little, and done some fun shopping. Thanks for the giveaway entry. Stay safe and well!

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  11. Im sure your hubby has really enjoyed your baking, Rita. Those muffins do indeed look like yummy treats. I do a lot of freezing, too, or giving away.
    Did I see a rainbow in one of your pictures? I know you enjoyed your walks and brief shopping trip, and helping your brother. Happy September !

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  12. You live in such a pretty city - lots to see and enjoy. And you also have a great view from your home! Even tho you haven't traveled, you certainly have stayed busy, so that's good (too bad I wasnt your neighbor as your baking skills look divine!!) I agree with you in regards to the Zoom calls, it is so nice to hear everyone's voice and to be able to share out stories! What store were you in that carries all the M-C? I hope you bought that cute pumpkin!! Happy September, Happy Travels!

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  13. Beautiful shots and we also did some shopping at the MC Barn Sale! I am glad to hear you are staying safe, as we are trying to, also. Instacart has been a life saver!

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    1. Anita, thank you! How fun that you got in on the barn sale too! Good luck on the giveaway!

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  14. I have serious MC envy. I LOVE that pumpkin you have.

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    1. Linda, thank you. I was shocked that the boutique owner put her latest stock on sale, but grateful! Good luck with the giveaway, and happy September!

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  15. So happy you got to have a little girlfriend time. I just had that too and what a great difference it makes to have a little normal once in awhile. I am glad you are staying safe. Let's hope eventually you and your sweet tote will be traveling again. I know how much you love to travel. Sweet giveaway. Have a great start to the new week. xoxo Kris

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  16. Love the opening photo! Rita, you do live so lovely, the sunsets and views are amazing from your balcony. I love the pretty area you walk, such lovely scenes and nature. So nice you have been able to get out safely and enjoy what you love, antiques and shopping. I'm missed all of that! Love all you've been baking and freezing. Looks delicious and it will be so tasty when you pop those individual servings in the oven to heat and enjoy this winter. Have a lovely day sweet friend and Happy September.

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  17. Wonderful views Rita and the city sounds so alive. Beautiful gardens and furry critters to admire. Your baking looks wonderful and I am sure appreciated it. So glad you got some girlfriend time. We have to be able to get out now and then. The shopping for MC is always fun. Happy September Rita.

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  18. Rita,
    Your days have certainly afforded you some beautiful views. Love that you have shared them.
    Your local store also looks wonderful! I am jealous.
    Thanks for sharing the travels, always look forward to these posts.

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    1. Chris, thank you. Yes, I'm very grateful to feel settled and have family and nice surroundings close by. That little store is a great little shop, and very close by (read: danger, danger!). Happy September, and good luck with the giveaway.

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  19. How wonderful that you were able to get out and safely socialize. We have not done any of that here yet. Hubby is not doing so great so we are at the hospital again waiting for more testing to be done. Always something! We just keep smiling through it. Love your view and how you can see the storm is coming. Love the giveaway. Throw my name into the hat. Hope you have a wonderful September! Travel or no travel.😊❤️

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  20. Wow, you scored on all accounts with one sale of MC after another! How fun is that. It felt so fun to finally get together with friends and social distance! I was inspired by others I saw doing that. We need each other. Sure hope my Zoom works this time! I am getting frustrated. Maybe I will make sure hubby is home. I have had several Zoom calls work this summer and I was on the first one, but hate missing out. Keep making fun!

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  21. Your treats look so wonderful! I love blueberry muffins, and it's smart to cook-up a batch and freeze some. What kind of scones did you bake? I love the view from your home. So pretty! And I think you hit the jackpot with the local MacKenzie-Childs sale. I have not been shopping much during this pandemic. I have saved a fortune! I've been buying groceries via curbside pick-up...it is so convenient, and I'm saving a ton of money: No impulse shopping! ;P
    Love the critter pics, too. And your first photo made me giggle....wake me up when it's over, too!!!
    XO,
    Ricki Jill

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  22. Beautiful pictures, the skies and ideas....and you frost your blueberry muffins???!!! If so, we are kindred spirits for sure.....:-)

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  23. Rita, amazing photos of the scenes along the river! How cute that you played 'pretend hosting'. I think the Unorthodot entertaining line is so fun. I should probably upgrade my entertaining line from 20 years ago. And you got the beautiful plaid pumpkin! I have the little heart shaped dish and love it. I’m currently using it as a coaster on my work desk.

    I am actually getting out to a friend's backyard for a safely social gathering next Thursday. A welcome change! I’ve only seen family this summer for the most part. Wishing you a happy and healthy rest of your summer. 💛

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  24. I am so looking forward to the COVID being over, though it seems like it never will be! I have been isolated with my fiance since the end of February! I so miss visiting thrift stores, garage/yard/barn/estate sales, seeing friends, going to lunch and dinner, going to my writing group, antique store shopping...everything!!!

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    1. Hi Rose, yes, the social absence has been quite draining on most of us, and I empathize particularly with those who live alone! Hang in there, and thanks for visiting virtually!

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  25. Rita, just lost my long comment!!!
    As I was saying, I stopped by earlier, was enjoying our post, when I was pulled away with house issues. Just now getting back on again. You might guess what kind of day. A lost comment is just one more thing! 😂😂😂 I love the river scenes. Your photos are dramatic and make feel as if I'm in a movie. Really interesting! Love the bar cart with its MC Unorthodot pieces. And I'm envious of your local boutique that sells MC. Austin only has Neiman Marcus, and their MC selection is very, very limited. They once had a beautifu showroom full of MC, but now just a small space. Dallas and Houston each have several boutiques for MC shopping as do several small towns in TX. Austin needs to up their game. I think its a lost opportunity! Thanks for this fun post. Happy September!

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  26. Forgotten to mention. Love the plaid pumpkin!!!

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  27. My husband surprised me and ordered me a tote that came in this week! We have been married for 46 years, and he still loves to surprise me.(blessed I know!) ...I have followed you girls and your traveling totes..even when you don't get to go anywhere. The antique shops are missing me I am sure, for I certainly miss my antique jaunts especially Round Top! Would love to win the coasters, as you girls have been a cheery spot in all this covid mess. Blessings and hugs...Alda

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    1. Alda, thank you for following the tribe's tales, and I hope you enjoy many jaunts of your own with your new tote! Good luck in the drawing, I'll toss your name in the hat!

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    2. Alda, I hope you see this as well as my post of Sept 11, wherein I announced your name chosen! Please respond by Sept 16 in order to claim the prize, else I will need to randomly draw another name! Thank you!

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  28. What fun, and I am delighted to see you pass along the Safely Social term!! I plan to venture slowly out this weekend to an apple orchard, and maybe a thrift store. I am grateful it is September, and hope for cooler weather soon. Don't enter me in your drawing, I am trying to destash a bit.

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  29. I love every image. I'm glad you are still being careful -- too many aren't! (There's a house party next door; I wave and keep my distance!) Your views are fabulous and so is your walking area. I still can't get wipes or Clorox spray here. (And oddly enough, toilet bowl cleaner is on short supply.) Well done with your shopping. I want to stock up because I know things will get very bad soon enough. Your MC trip looks fun. And I'm so glad you have people you can distance with besides Mr. P -- the variety helps! Big hugs and stay well!

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  30. I am inspired by all the creative ways of getting together and keeping our lives interesting during this time ! The skies and gardens in your post are gorgeous!! keep well, Sara

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  31. I can't agree more - wake me when it's over - yes! I'm getting quarantine fatigue, for sure. I've been staying sane by trying to have outdoor, socially-distant get-togethers with friends. It really helps my mental state. I enjoyed the shots around your neighborhood, especially the river. I'm going to check out some of the tribe members' posts for sure, and do some virtual traveling!

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