Happy December, My Lovelies! It's time for another Tales of the Traveling Totes post!
We traveled to three of my favorite places in the world this past quarter: Seaside, Florida, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Sedona, Arizona.
Our first stop was Seaside during Shanley Belle's Fall Break. Unfortunately our girls' fall breaks did not coincide, but Shelley was able to drive down for the weekend and meet us.
La Countess du Monet loves to ride bikes, and so do I! Seaside is a bike lover's paradise. It's fun looking at the architecture, shopping, and visiting the Seaside Airstream Trailer Food Trucks!
Mr. Sketchy Reader and I have considered retiring to Seaside, but we've taken it off the list of possibilities because the red tide was in while we were there! It was my first experience with the airborne menace, and I have asthma. It was horrible for a couple of days, but we did have a few good days, too!
Shelley is cooling off in one of the fountains at Watercolor. It was very hot while we were there, and I loved it! Our girls have very different personalities!
Boathouse at Watercolor
Western Lake
Of course while we were there Shanley Belle and I had to visit one of our favorite Indie bookstores, Sundog Books.
I bought these books, and Shanley Belle and I went to Lisa Patton's book signing for her new book, Rush. I haven't read it yet (and I'm dying to do so) because I've been either sick, traveling, or reading books I'm obligated to read for publishers.
I love the architecture at Seaside. This is Truman's house from the movie The Truman Show.
We attended the Farmers' Market on Saturday. I loved the selection of heirloom pumpkins!
Next, we visited Scottsdale during Thanksgiving. We lived in Scottsdale in the early 90s. Shanley Belle was born there, and I love it. Although I love Alabama, and I grew-up here, Scottsdale is the home of my heart. I would move back there so fast it would make your head spin! I've always wanted to take both girls and show them why I love it so much. I'm so blessed we were able to go. However, the red tide situation from Seaside eventually caused me to get bronchitis, and we left for Scottsdale the day after I finished my second round of antibiotics. I felt a little better after a day or two in Scottsdale, but I did not take as many photos as I wish I had, but the rest of the family took some good pictures.
La Countess du Monet loves Scottsdale, too. This is our home away from home for the week: the Hyatt Regency Gainey Ranch.
I love Gainey Ranch for its location. We almost bought a house in Gainey Ranch when we moved there. It's the first time I've ever stayed there (usually we stay either at the Scottsdale Princess or The Phoenician).
This is Maggie. She's a rescued Great Horned Owl, the largest owl inhabiting Arizona. The Hyatt invites these rescue birds of prey to visit during the daytime to keep the birds away from guests (and their food) while dining alfresco. What a great idea because other hotels and restaurants we visited didn't have the predators keeping the birds at bay!
It was fun having breakfast with Maggie!
We spent a lot of our time in the car showing the girls around. Some of the places (like the original Chuck Box in Tempe) aren't very photogenic. We took the girls to see our house, my favorite parks, shops, our former church where Shanley was dedicated, etc...
The two photos above are from the General Store in Pinnacle Peak. We lived not very far from here, and it was our favorite place to have breakfast while living in Scottsdale. This is the outside plaza where I like to eat. Shelley loved it! It hasn't changed much at all except that they've opened a new coffee shop recently in the store.
We took Shanley to visit ASU which was like a ghost town because the students were out for the Thanksgiving Break. I wanted to see what she missed by not going to ASU for their doctoral program and choosing LSU instead. Yes, I admit that I'm that petty! I sure am!!! Maybe she can join their neuro-lab once she's finished her post doc! *tee hee* She loved the campus, by the way.
We also visited Old Town Scottsdale because we enjoyed going there a lot when we lived there. Of course we had to go to The Sugar Bowl for ice cream.
The seasonal flavor is peppermint, and it's my favorite!
On Thanksgiving Day we had dinner at the Arizona Biltmore.
Perhaps the highlight of our trip was the Holiday Tea at The Phoenician. It was probably one of the best High Teas I've had anywhere. Ever. It was the best!
Shelley in the lobby at the Phoenician after we enjoyed our tea. She said she enjoyed Arizona, but Alabama's home! She's a funny bird!!!
Next stop: Sedona!
We wanted the girls to visit the beautiful red rocks of Sedona. It's such a beautiful part of Arizona, and we had a blast! Below are a few of the highlights.
The red rock formations truly are spectacular!
Each time I visit Sedona I hike up to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It is so beautiful!
We enjoyed the art, food, shopping, and Christmas spirit at Tlaquepaque.
I love how this fountain is decorated for Christmas!
La Countess du Monet and I are tired! We need to recover, so we're spending Christmas at home, hopefully outside by the fire watching Hallmark movies!
What are your Christmas plans?
Please visit the other ladies and see where their travels have led them. Jackie is hosting a lovely giveaway, so make sure to leave a comment at the Purple Chocolat Home for a chance to win a MacKenzie-Childs tote!
The Traveling Tote bloggers would love for you to visit.
Join us for our next adventures March1, 2019!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill