In life it's not where you go but who you are with……Charles Shultz
Vagabond Tales- Run Away & Join the Circus
February 12, 2023. Myakka River State Park, Sarasota, Florida Site 42
Step Right Up, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls…Come Closer You Won’t Believe Your Eyes!
We heard they were two clowns short of a circus at the John and Mable Ringling Museum today, so we offered to help them out this afternoon.
Bring in the clowns.Some of the tools of the clown trade.This Pullman train car was purchased, the exterior renovated and then transported to Sarasota to it’s new home. It was purchased in 2003 and was highly prized because it had been John and Mable Ringling’s Pullman during their hay-day! What we found interesting was that it had been in very poor condition when the museum bought it. It had spent several decades in Morehead City , NC serving as a fishing cabin for railroad officials.
No sooner had we finished our clown show to raving audiences when they said they had heard about our extraordinary balancing talent so we ran over to the high wire tent.
It may look like we are mere inches above the ground but it seemed like we were at least 15 feet in the air! Thankfully no Vagabonds were injured on this high wire trick.Probably, one of our very favorite rooms was this one with miniature circus tents, trains, acts, menagerie and anything else you can think of having to do with a circus! It is the genius of Howard C. Tibbals. He built his first train car as a young child, being inspired by his trips to the circus. His wife told her mom, who would have thought she would marry a man, who liked to play with dolls, as much as she did! Howard made everything himself,,,down to each folding chair that really folded.They are also the home of Florida’s oldest rose garden…. Mable Ringling’s collection.A fig tree in bloom. Several Asian girls were picking the fruit and eating it. They assured me it wasn’t ripe.“I’m a fern! I’m a fern! You don’t see me! I’m am not moving even though you are standing right beside me!”The Ringling’s home off the Sarasota Bay.Taken looking out onto the courtyard from within the John and Mable Ringling Art Museum!We also visited the Florida Art Museum. Lots to see there! Such a beautiful collection of art!The weather today was a tad cooler…like 20 degrees cooler and very breezy. We are farther north, after all!
The house is an add on to the ticket. Maybe that is why! We chose not to go n, ourselves! Just didn’t have enough time. There wasn’t enough time to do everything justice if we did that tour, as well! Pretty place and a fun afternoon!❤️
Harness free! That’s the ticket! All kidding aside…I am going to get that ball under a board thingy out that we used for cousin camp when we get home and practice!
hkdorr 
Have been to the museum. So awesome!!! I don’t think I went to the mansion. Why NOT I now wonder?
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The house is an add on to the ticket. Maybe that is why! We chose not to go n, ourselves! Just didn’t have enough time. There wasn’t enough time to do everything justice if we did that tour, as well! Pretty place and a fun afternoon!❤️
I see you got your balance!!! Wonderful time. Great adventure. M.E.
Ha! I still could use some practice balancing!😃
Chuck and I visited the home and museum about 10 years ago.
I wonder if the miniature circus was there then? It was really one of my favorite things at the museum!
I’m getting caught up on your days of adventures…clowns, high wire act with no harness – very crazy! FUN stuff.
Harness free! That’s the ticket! All kidding aside…I am going to get that ball under a board thingy out that we used for cousin camp when we get home and practice!