The new year is just beginning but I’m already looking forward to spring so I can see scenes like this again.
Simply flowers 
Branch in bloom 
Chelsea Flower Show
I can’t wait!
A New Year
I started Meg Travels back in 2011, and after taking a break started posting again this fall. I also started a new blog in September called Meggie’s Adventures that shares family stories and even explains why I have always loved flowers, travel and ice cream (and gelato)! It’s been fun and I’m looking forward to seeing you there. I’ve also been working on travel plans for the future and look forward to more adventures.
Here’s to a wonderful 2021.
Happy New Year!
Happy Holidays!
Here are some ornaments I saw at a Christmas market in Chicago several years ago. It would be fun to get one (or more) of these for the Christmas tree.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
Bryce Canyon
Autumn Sights
A couple of years ago I was in Colonial Williamsburg to see the autumn foliage. I didn’t expect to see so much greenery in November, but it was a delightful day and many people were out walking wearing t-shirts, shorts and sandals. I didn’t think it was that warm but I ended up carrying my jacket after walking for a couple of hours. Here are some of the sights.
With everything still so green I wondered if I’d see any fall foliage. I did find this tree on one of the streets and the colors were lovely.
Autumn Leaves
I’ve been admiring autumn leaves for a long time. When I looked back I found these pictures from some of my blog posts between 2014 and 2016 that show many of the times that I photographed colorful leaves.
They are memorable every year!
A Pumpkin Walk
I’ve been looking for a pumpkin to put on my front porch. It was fun and interesting taking a walk on a sunny October day and seeing all these possibilities. But with this many choices it was difficult making a decision!
I spotted a butterfly in the flowers.
So many pumpkins – I probably need more than one!
For more about pumpkins, take a look at Pumpkins and Candy Corn at Meggie’s Adventures…
Gondola Ride
More about Souvenirs
I’ve been thinking about souvenirs and how to stop bringing so many back from trips. I have decided that the following are even better than souvenirs because they don’t last (at least for me) and therefore won’t require packing!
Chocolate:
Fruit from markets:
And of course gelato!
Decluttering Travel Souvenirs
For me the fun of travel begins with research and the library is a great place to find travel books as well as history books about cities and countries. I also like using apps to listen and practice words and phrases in the language I’m learning. I know I’ve made progress when I can read signs and billboards while on my travels. But then I’ll hear children speaking to their parents and realize that they already know more words than I ever will in their language.
I also like to leave extra room in my suitcase for the souvenirs I want to bring home, although I’m trying to limit my souvenir buying. This is especially true since I have brought back some purchases that I haven’t used and have no place to keep them.
Luckily there are things you can’t take with you (like gelato), so you have to eat them right away!
So now I have more than one drawer stuffed with travel souvenirs like key chains, postcards, ticket stubs and refrigerator magnets. Are they valuable memories or just clutter? I did find a use for some of my key chains by displaying them on an earring holder:
Sometime soon I will look at these souvenirs and decide whether or not to keep them. At least in the future I can focus on enjoying the experience of travel through photos and memories and let them replace the clutter. I will really try to do this!
