’Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the towns,
The Traveling Totes were making the rounds.
Miss Poppy, Miss Posie, Miss Rosie and Dot
Each had an outing to a favorite spot.
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Miss Rosie was nestled away for the fall
but she sprang from her wrappings at my frantic call!
She was already dressed in her handles of green,
the seasonal color in which to be seen.
So off to Stew Leonards to pick out our tree,
sweet Rosie all packed with supplies just for me.
(You may think we Yankees chop trees in the woods,
but all of the locals head here for the goods.)
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Christmas means caroling and festive decor
and we enjoyed some of each at unique Caramoor
A Spanish Italianate mansion restored
please do spend a day here ~~ you will not be bored!
We took a (young) lady so lively and quick
At 92 her mind is as sharp as a stick
Miss Posie joined us on a tour of this “house”
we saw mantels and creatures but nary a mouse
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Then we came to the dining room set for the tea
and this to our wondering eyes did we see!
We dashed to our table, settled happily in seats
where we could enjoy all the music and treats!
Mom’s eyes, how they twinkled, her dimples how merry
and my own jolly elf was dressed up all in cherry.
We laughed and we ate and we cried and we sang
As carols brought memories and jingle bells rang.
Prosecco and china gave me reason to smile 🙂
And droll little Dottie came out for awhile.
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At home once again I looked over my stash
and found that Miss Posie and I needed to dash ~~
So off to Terrain with Miss Posie I flew
for goodies and shopping and inspiration too!
Now evergreens, succulents, towels and planters,
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grab cutting boards, ornaments and creatures with antlers!
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To the top of the houses lined up on the wall ~~
Make this and try this and just buy it all!
As I packed up my car and headed home to my nest,
I knew I was badly in need of a rest.
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Miss Poppy likes picnics so I stuffed her with cake
And off to Grace Farms we went for a break.
This local retreat is a welcoming place
With trails and tables and wide open space.
A serene spot to ponder the joys of the season
Or to hike or to eat or for any old reason.
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Gingerbread, spiced tea and fruitcake galore,
poured forth from Miss Poppy and still there was more ~~
Jingle bells, dishes, pine cones did appear,
and pine clippings and linens with santa’s reindeer!
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As I nodded my head and I started to doze
I heard Santa whisper to me, so I rose
With my heart full of joy I send to you wishes
great thanks to my friends for enjoying my dishes
and travels and tales, and for finding “fun” at my site
Merry Christmas to all, Christmas day, Christmas night!
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Linda
for more fun visit the Ladies of the Traveling Totes
Patti (for a wonderful giveaway)
Oh my goodness, Linda, this is absolutely fabulous! Your creative wit, along with the photos and sentiment expressed, had me really enjoying the experience of all the adventures. The treat of spending time with your mom and singing the carols with memories stirred – priceless. Shopping Terrain looks to be an experience I want on my bucket list. I have another friend who lives in an area with one of their retail stores, and the photos just make me drool. Great, great post – Merry Christmas, and cheers to more travels!
Rita
What a clever post! Sound like you have had fun preparing for the holidays and using all of your MC bags!! Your pictures really took me along for the fun, and what a sweet photo of your mom! Your holiday dishes are just lovely!! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
Linda, this is the best! I so enjoyed your creative rhyme as we ventured along with your beautiful CC gang. What a line up! Your month before Christmas is just magical! What fun to see your mom smiling and enjoying the memories while making new ones. Treasure these special days together!!!
I must find a Terrain. That store is over the top fabulous! Thanks for taking us along on each of these incredible excursions. Can’t pick a favorite.
Merry Christmas, my friend!
A very lyrical post showcasing the fun of the season Linda! That second pic has me thinking I need a white poinsettia… Merry Christmastime:@)
So nice to see what the family has been up to 🙂 Miss Poppy, Miss Posie, Miss Rosie and Dot each had their own special outing. You are a thougtful momma! I don’t think the owners of Terrain would have minded you hanging a tote on the wood stack with the scarves. Ha Ha
Merry Christmas Linda! I look forward to another year of dishes, travels, tales, and fun.
Linda, I don’t know if I enjoyed your adventures or your clever text and rhyming more! How wonderful to enjoy a day with your mom who is still so ‘lively and quick’ at the young age of 92! And please take me along to Terrain anytime! Your picnic looks so festive and merry with your wonderful MacKenzie-Childs, dream dish love! Wishing you the Merriest of Christmases with your family! ♥
loved the tour, so much fun, so much pretty! wishing you a very merry chirstmas, time is just flying as fast as ruddy!
Fabulous! Absolutely fabulous! And with your mom to boot! This is the best post of the season! Merry Christmas, Linda!
Your poetry sings my name Linda, it’s jolly good fun!! I always enjoy seeing where the traveling totes go, and to Terrain, my envy does grow! Your McKenzie Childs dishes are always on my wish lists!!! I wish you a very happy Merry!!! Travel on!!!
Your Chrismas tale is absolutely terrific and gave me a smile. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas…I know it will be beautiful.
Looks like a fabulous day! I love the McKenzie Childs. Beautiful greenery too.