Welcome to the winter edition of the Tales of the Traveling Tote. We escaped the cold and celebrated our anniversary on Marco Island, the largest of Ten Thousand Islands at the southern tip of Florida's Paradise Coast. We chose Marco Island since my niece's wedding anniversary is also in February, and they rented a house and invited us. What fun we had, and my sister and another niece joined us. Joe and I also went to Key West and Naples Botanical Garden. Miss Aurora had to stay home for this trip, but my fabric tote was easy to pack and came along.
We visited the Naples, FL Botanical Gardens and were pleased to experience STICKWORK "Sea Change" made of willow by sculptor Patrick Dougherty. Patrick creates one of a kind works of art by weaving tens of thousands of pounds of willow branches into intricate structures specific to its site-an illusion to the connectedness between the built environment and its natural surroundings.
In New York, we have the cousin to "Sea Change" and it's named "Hopscotch" since it was built in the Scotch Pine forest. 
The botanical garden was a lovely way to spend a day and we also enjoyed lunch there. I was very intrigued by the Victoria water lilies.
We enjoy Marco Island and Key West, especially in February. I went with my family and we all fished from our dock each day, and watched the dolphins swim by on days that we got lucky. 
Upon our return home, this little cutie wanted to see her grandparents. ❤❤ Our daughter-in-law is so good about sending us photos of sweet Claire. I know when I hear several text messages coming through on my phone at once, there will be at least 5-10 photos of Claire. They live right around the corner from us so it's easy to pop right over and visit.
We're finally at the best part 😊 DON'T MISS OUT ON THE GIVEAWAY!! 🎁
Just leave a comment on Emily's blog, and you will be entered in the drawing.
See what the other "travelers" have been up to.
Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths (you are here)
Emily with Miss Courtney Childs@ The 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
Jackie and Miss Madi K @ Purple Chocolat Home
Cherry Kay with Miss Carrie Ann Haul at Entertaining Women
I'll end my post with this (just like David Muir does on the nightly news, and it's my favorite part of the news). I know some of you will recognize this castle. Our friends have a summer home in this area, and this is one of my favorite sights when we visit. “Did you know that legends say that Boldt Castle was a 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗘’𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗬 gift for George Boldt’s wife Louise? A tribute to his love for her - he imagined her as a beautiful princess in a castle walking down a grand staircase. It was nearing completion in January 1904 when tragedy struck, Louise died at 41 years old. George never stepped foot on Heart Island again.” 💔
❤
I wasn't familiar with Boydt Castle, had to look it up! It appears as though it could be another continent! Your trip to FL was the perfect slave to the winter crush you were having in NY. Your little Claire is adorable, and she's being well-trained. ;) Happy March, Debbie. May cooler and more rational heads prevail in this world than what is demonstrated now.
ReplyDeleteOh the gardens are LOVELY!And Claire:) Look at her in her dress.A fun getaway for cetrain..How did I miss the kids lived around the corner from you?
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful trip to Florida. I enjoyed looking at all of the nice photos you shared.
ReplyDeleteWe have visited Boldt Castle many times and have enjoyed seeing progress on its restoration. Not a legend, but rather a true story about Boldt! Have you been to Singer Island in the same area? Very interesting! Your vacation in Florida looked like a wonderful way to spend a few days out of snowy and cold NY! I have never seen the twig sculptures - something to add to my list!
ReplyDeleteOh what a wonderful trip you enjoyed in Florida and timing was perfect. A tropical paradise in the middle of winter and even better it was spent with family. We have not had the opportunity to visit Boldt Castle so I really enjoyed the legend, very romantic and the perfect month to visit. Happy March Deb......
ReplyDeleteYour trip to Marco Island and Key West was the perfect winter escape! The willow sculptures are amazing! Little Claire looks like she's taking after her grandmother wearing black and white checks :) Boldt Castle and Heart Island are beautiful, but what a sad story! I hope Spring is headed your way Deb~
ReplyDeleteJenna
Debbie, your trip to Marco Island looks fabulous. We want to follow in your footsteps. You have the best travel tours. The gardens, the food and of course your darling family. I have never heard of Boyd Castle and heart Island. Such a sad story when Louise died so young. Claire looks so cute in that little checked dress. A perfect getaway to get you out of the snow.
ReplyDeleteDeb, your post filled with sunny days on Marco Island is very inviting. We are finally enjoying a little sunshine and warmth here today. Love the photo of Claire and her pig tails and checkered dress! I enjoyed seeing the Stick Work Exhibit. Each one is so different. The bird's eye view is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteBoldt Castle is new to me. I need to go read up on this destination.
I know you had a fabulous anniversary trip, Debbie! How wonderful that little Claire lives right around the corner from you. What a sad story about the Boldt Castle; it sure is a pretty picture.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post! The icing on the cake was sweet Claire. She has such a beautiful expressive face.
ReplyDeleteSea Change is a fantastic installation. I'm so glad that you shared it with us. I loved visiting Boldt Castle on the St. Lawrence Seaway. I have a ton of pics of it that I've never published. I should have done that this quarter, but I didn't think of it. I'm finally up and posted for this quarter. Late to the party because of some technical issues with my external hard drive. Finally resolved this afternoon. Hope you'll come visit. CherryKay
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing photos from your trip! It must have been nice to have escaped the cold north for Florida! The waterlilies are so stunning...I'd like to draw or paint them!
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