Happy December, and welcome to the fall edition of the Tales of the Traveling Tote. This edition of the Tales of the Traveling Tote has taken me to Jamaica, Maine and spending time with some Mackenzie-Childs friends.
In October we attended our niece’s destination wedding in Falmouth, Jamaica, and spent the week at Excellence in Oyster Bay. The packable Mackenzie-Childs flower market tote came along too.
This is what I learned about the forming of Oyster Bay: Barriers slowly cut off bays from the sea. As the long shore current moved sediment west from the main island of Jamaica towards Bush Cay island, the gap between them filled up. When the mainland of Jamaica became attached to Bush Cay island, it formed the North boundary of Oyster Bay. The South boundary of oyster bay is formed by the island of Jamaica itself.
My sister Diane and I enjoyed the beach very much. Diane is the mother of the bride.
Dressed for the wedding.
The beautiful bride and groom, Chelsea and Travis.
The resort is all-inclusive so we participated in as many activities as time allowed. We enjoyed riding the eco bikes around the island.
It was very hot so we spent a lot of time in the pools. We brought our own floats and snorkeling equipment, and floated in a lagoon at night where we experienced bioluminescence. 
Most mornings, Joe and I tried to rise early enough to see the beautiful
sunrise.
The bridal bouquet had photo charms to remember lost loved ones.
In October I attended the the Mackenzie Childs warehouse sale and got to see Patti. We always enjoying see what MC puts on the shelves to tempt us. 
Joe bought a "Always Flowers" garden hose at the sale :-) Bless his heart. LOL
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In September I had a getaway to Maine with my friends "The Scoots". We've been traveling together for 10 years, so this was our TEN year anniversary trip. We had a marvelous time and stayed in an Airbnb that was steps away from the ocean and walking distance from Reid State Park in Georgetown. The beach, rocks and ocean waves are the perfect setting for picnics. Also nearby was a marina and The Osprey restaurant where people dock their their yachts and sailboats and enjoy the weekend.
The day we arrived was foggy and we couldn't see the ocean. But you could certainly hear the crashing waves right outside our window.
Up at 6 a.m. watching the sun come up. I was in my nightgown :-)
Meet the Scoots - Me, Maureen, Paula (she invited a random dog who was out for a walk) Kathy and Annemarie. Reid State Park is Maine's first state owned saltwater beach. Lots of shells, so we collected a variety and decoupaged some oyster shells.
We visited Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, and it is the largest botanical garden in New England. I wish we had spent an entire day there but we only had a few hours.
Hidden throughout the native, natural wooded areas at the botanical gardens were giant friendly trolls that were "guarding the seeds".
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Thank you to my faithful blogging friends for stopping by for a visit, and we want you to know that we appreciate you taking the time to follow along with our travel adventures. For a chance to win this adorable MacKenzie-Childs tote below, just leave a comment with Linda @ Life and Linda.
The links below will take you to my Traveling Totes friends.
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
Ricki Jill and Countess De Monet @ The Bookish Dilettante
Debbie, your travels to Jamaica and Maine couldn't have been farther apart in agenda and climate, but I loved them both! Life is truly good, and certainly was for you these past few months. I love the decoupaged oyster shells you gals created. And Joe's hose. ;) Happy December.
ReplyDeleteOh that was FABULOUS FUN! Loved all your adventures and darling photos, you ladies know how to enjoy life, thanks for sharing 😊
ReplyDeleteYou had fun! Like Sarah..:) That first pic is so lovely!
ReplyDeleteSo many fun Fall trips Deb! The resort in Jamaica and the wedding, what a great week with such a variety of things to do, plus time with your sister. I know you and Patti had fun in Aurora looking at all the MK goodies! The Scoots are hilarious, happy 10th anniversary! Love the decoupaged oyster shells, so pretty. Those giant trolls in the Botanical Gardens are amazing! I hope you have and wonderful holiday season, Happy December!
ReplyDeleteJenna
What a fun fall you had - Glad you enjoyed Excellence (I want to go back!) And Maine is always a fabulous getaway! Loved the large trolls at the Gardens! Glad I got to see you in Union Springs!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I always smile at how you and Joe are making the most of your years in retirement. You will never regret it! I also love the idea and history of the Scoots. Darling photos of your get together. Can't imagine that many trolls in the Botanical Gardens. We have one that lives here in Pease Park. You and Joe need to come visit!
ReplyDeleteHappy December and may the upcoming holidays be filled with joyful occasions.
Oh such fun you and Joe have had with your travels. You and your sister look beautiful in your pretty colorful dresses. Destination weddings are always fun and it shows with you and Joe enjoying the island. Our son and daughter-in-law honeymooned in Jamaica and loved it. How nice you and Patti get to meet up for fun shopping, love the pic. Maine was a lovely destination, I love seeing the botanical garden pics. I'm sure you enjoyed more than a few laughs with the Scoots! Fun times and making memories. Happy December dear Deb and Joe......
ReplyDeleteDebbie, your travels are always so fun and full of activities. You and Joe must have really enjoyed Jamaica. The wedding was lovely. Your Scotts group is so awesome. Fun filled travels with dear friends for 10 years. The Botanical gardens are so fun. Love those giant trolls. Hooking up with Patti at the MKC warehouse must have been a great time. Such a cute idea, those decoupaged oyster shells.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love that fun tropical tote and so nice that it is so packable. What a beautiful time in Jamaica. And then that over the top travel bag in Maine - wow! I can't imagine fresh lobster every day - i would be in heaven! Then the trolls - they are AMAZING! What fun travels you took us on!
ReplyDeleteOur yacht club is having a class tomorrow for anyone wanting to decoupage oyster shells. I guess it is getting popular everywhere. Karen (Back Road Journal)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun filled Fall you had, Debbie! I had tears in my eyes when seeing those charms of loved ones…such a sweet idea. You Scoots have more fun, and the gardens were unbelievable. I would be in lobster heaven if I ever went to Maine.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the joy!
I enjoyed reading all about your fall travels. Destination weddings are so much fun, and your niece was a stunning bride! Your group of friends look like they're tons of fun, and those trolls are something else! I would love to attend a warehouse or barn sale again and meet you and Patti. Maybe in 2025!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun fall you've had! Loved seeing all the photos but those huge trolls in Maine are amazing!
ReplyDelete