We’re Home! We got home Friday night. I woke up this morning to an almost-full snow moon peeking through the bare branches of the tree outside our bedroom window. The house is quiet, the streets are deserted, I’m back to my morning routine of ball throwing for Jack, tummy rubbing for Girl, and tea with stretching exercises. Mrs. Miniver was on TV this morning (giving good reason to cry hysterically, one of my favorite things to do any time of day, as long as it’s only a movie!); tea kettle is steaming, heater’s humming. I think the house is happy to have us back, but probably not as happy as we are! Going away is wonderful, but coming home is even better!
Especially when your house has critters in it. I couldn’t wait to get in the door! Hugs and a belly rub for Girl Kitty; her curiosity forced her to stick around and watch us for a while, but then, because she’s eleven years old and set in her ways, up the stairs she goes, back to her spot on our bed. My little beloved Jackie Boy, now almost six months old, follows me everywhere I go. He is here right 
now, in my studio as I’m typing, curled up under the lamp on my art table. I can’t keep my hands off him; I pick him up, roll him around, all furry and soft; he stretches full length, arching his back and putting his front paws above his head, purring the whole time, trusting me. Such a little doll. Isn’t that mustache amazing? He still picks up the ball in his mouth and brings it back to me when I throw it! He somersaults across the floor at least three times when he pounces on the ball; you can always tell where he is because there’s a bell in the ball. I don’t get much done; I write one sentence; I hear the jingle of the ball drop at my feet; I stop, throw it; it bounces off the back of the sofa, he jumps four feet in the air to catch it; he drops and rolls with it, because he is a drama king. I type another half of a sentence, he is back, the ball rolls at my feet, jingling. Ask not for whom the bell tolls . . . I get nothing done. I take Joe his tea at 7 am and I also take him Jack! I wrap his strong little kitten body around my neck like a fox fur and up the stairs we go.
I’ve been unpacking, doing our travel laundry — is there anything better than being buried in warm laundry on a chilly Saturday afternoon while watching an old movie? I’ll ask Joe. He says, “no there’s not!” He was so cozy in there, I had to go get the camera.
Joe had gone downtown to the PO earlier, to collect the mail — in the pile was my December Friends of Gladys Taber Newsletter — late because it was forwarded to me by Kellee from my Studio in California; but anytime it comes is OK with me! I just love this newsletter; I made a cup of 
tea and sat down to read it, while Joe wallowed on the sofa in the clean laundry. The perfect couple camaraderie for people celebrating their 25th anniversary (the real day is tomorrow)! ♥
This might be the best issue of all from the Friends of Gladys Taber! Full of Gladys’ Butternut Wisdom and comfort-food recipes from her kitchen: old-fashioned baked beans and ham pie. I knew they were including my recipe for Butternut Bisque in one of their newsletters, but I didn’t know which one; plus I’d forgotten all about it, so it was a thrill and a surprise when I turned the page and there it was! In case you’re new to my blog and haven’t heard about one of my favorite authors, Gladys Taber, you can click on her name and read more about her (and get her Newsletter for yourself!). And in case you’d like the recipe for Butternut Bisque, which is delicious and nutritious and a very good place to use some of that fabulous Chicken Stock you’ve been making, here it is:
BTW, this recipe came from my first book, Heart of the Home, which was written before I’d heard of immersion hand blenders! These hand-held blenders go right into the pan and make things so much easier; no more “pureeing the soup in batches!”
Here are a few more New York pictures — from our last day . . . with some Breakfast at Tiffany’s MUSICA . . .
Because, I thought I would take you window shopping on Madison Avenue.
Without it, our trip wouldn’t be complete! It was our last morning in the city, we went for coffee at a wonderful French bakery, Le Pain Quotidien, on Lexington and 64th; we had big bowls of Café Au Lait–I had oatmeal with berries and Joe had poached eggs on toast; then we walked a couple of blocks over to Madison Avenue to take photos. I couldn’t bring you to New York without showing you some fashion! That just wouldn’t right!
I simply HAD to have those yellow shoes! Ha ha. Did you believe me? No, I know, you’re way too smart for that! 🙂
Walking down Madison Avenue is like walking through the pages of Vogue Magazine. There are reflections from the street in all of these windows; some of the photos almost look like double exposures!
I actually like this outfit quite a lot.
Pretty. But not my color. You have to be a winter to really wear pure white well!
Lots of this bright green, in fact, lots of color! These stores have names like Michael Kors, Jil Sander, Yves St. Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Valentino, Georgio Armani, and Chanel. I don’t shop here, it’s really not my lifestyle, I’m more of the jammies all day long type of person, but I LOVE to look!
Here’s another pair of shoes I’m sure mean nothing but comfort for the foot! The color specialists at Pantone say this orange is THE color of the season. It’s on everything. The good news is that when we see more color introduced in fashion it’s traditionally meant that the economy is on its way UP! So this is good, no matter how we feel about Tangerine!
Pretty frock.
Purses, scarves, perfume and jewelry.
I think Cleopatra wore shoes just like this!
Cutie bow in the back of this dress. (BTW, Those are windows from across the street reflected in the fur stole, not a pattern!) What real people in the street were wearing was even more interesting to me! New York street style, at least this week, was leggings and boots, some with dresses, some with tunics, all with coats and scarves. Such cute boots: short, furry, and buckled; tall or mid-calf; heels or flat; dressy or casual. For young and old.
The neighborhood is just beautiful; these are two churches next to each other.
Lots of brownstones, change of paint and door style, and voila, it’s a different house.
New York is a big city, but it has a human scale, too; lots of wonderful little neighborhoods, even pigeons feel at home making their mark in New York.
So we packed the car, took one last trip through SoHo . . . and drove back the way we came, through Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, in time to have clam chowder in front of the fire at one of our favorite places in Falmouth (the Nimrod) and catch the 7 pm boat back to Martha’s Vineyard and home.
As we were coming in, Joe took this picture standing on the front of the boat on the freight deck; the ferry is moving into the slip where it will dock so the vehicles can drive off onto the island.
From a block away, down our dark street, we could see the twinkle lights in the upstairs window of our house; we still have a little tree there. It was our Kitty Babysitter’s way of saying welcome home. ♥
It’s lovely to go out and run around in the world for a while; wonderful to see the sights! I love to travel, but I especially love to come home to purring kitties, warm laundry with an old movie, a dinner of blueberry pancakes with maple syrup, our very own bed, and a cup of tea to drink with a snail mail letter. Throw in a little armchair window shopping and/or Superbowl watching, and you have it all; the simple joys of home. ♥ Have a wonderful day girlfriends! Hope you enjoyed New York!!!
“giving good reason to cry hysterically, one of my favorite things to do any time of day, as long as it’s only a movie!” – ROTFL So true!!!!
The pic of Joe is hilarious!!! I love it! and the music from “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” was perfect for window shopping!
Your kitties are sooooo adorable!! I love them both!!
I agree about coming home – home is my very favorite place to be!!
Thank you!!!
XOXO Mary!
Welcome home! Loved the window shopping but could never walk in any of those shoes. I’m afaid it’s flatties and comfort all the way with me!!
Happy Anniversary to you and Joe (belatedly). Loving the city tour and glad that you are cozy at home again. That Jack sure is a cutie pie, bet the kitties are glad to have you back, all is right with the world.
Hey Sue, happy you and Joe made it home safe and sound. Thank you for the pictures from NY. I can’t explain how much I’m missing it. It surely is the city that never sleeps! Those yellow shoes are sooooo you! (Not!) Hahaha! I’m sure your little furry friends are happy you are home and I know just what you mean when you say the “house” is happy you are home. It’s just a feeling you get when you walk in….it’s like it welcomes you home! It brings to mind that statement ” Home is where the heart is” Love that feeling! Well, happy Monday. Have a great week “girlfriends”. FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~
You certainly had a wonderful visit to New York! It was especially interesting to see all of the street scenes that you photographed…..your comments make it all more personal.
I would love to visit that amazing city one day……dreaming!, but in the meantime I feel as if I’ve had a little visit with you:) Thanks for sharing.
Nice to have you here Betty!
Thank you for the trip,Susan and Joe.Welcome home! Veronica
Happy Anniversary Sweet Sue & Joe! 25 Years of True~L♥ve…( Joe all snug as a bug in The Clean warm Laundry…) so Adorable! & Jack & all His Glory…Love that Girl~Kitty & Jack said “Welcome Home Mommy & Daddy!” Meow & Purrrrrrrrrrr! 🙂 & more Thank~You’s for all The New York City Photos…Sue you took Us Window~Shopping…My Heart Skipped a Beat with all those Shoes! Yay!…did Ya take a Peek at The Super~Bowl? The New York Giants Won! Yay! (MY Hot~Wings & Burgers were a Hit!) Yum! so I’m Happy You are Home Safe & Sound…I’ve got a Liz Taylor & Richard Burton Moive on Now as I Type…(TCM) so good….sending Happy Anniversary Pixie~Dust Your Way! Yay!…wishing You a Blissful Peaceful L♥ving Day Dearest Sue & Joe! (& Girl Kitty & Jack!) xoxo Poof!♥ & The Snow~Moon will Be Spectacular this week! Make Your Wishes! 🙂
I’ll do it for sure Angie, thank you!! Have a great week!
♥ ♥ ♥ 🙂 ♥ ♥ ♥
Susan~ Girl Kitty and Jack are tooooo adorable! Glad you and Joe had a fab time in NY and are back home safely. Yes, there’s no place like home. I think you left behind some good luck charm in NY. Yay Giants!!!
Bliss!
Marie xo
The best part of travel is coming Home Sweet Home! Sounds like you had a wonderful trip.
Thanks for brightening my day. I’m home sick with the flu and your blog was just what I needed. Take care!
Get well soon Vicki!
Welcome home and Happy Anniversary to you and Joe! Sue, your photos of New York were wonderful. I could see the city through a thousand different eyes, but the magic is that when I see it through your eyes, it’s exactly the New York I want to see.
I’ve been suffering from eyestrain and limiting my time on the computer, so I haven’t been leaving as many comments as I’d like, but I want you to know that I always read your blog and I still love it and you! xoxo
Feel better Janie!! xoxo
My creepy stalking eye noticed a book next to Joe on the couch; I just finished reading The Rector’s Daughter by F.M. Mayor….. Also creepy! I searched it out because the current director of the Jane Austen House museum in England said it was very English, and it was. I wonder if you’re enjoying it too? Also, have you ever been to Tender Buttons in NYC? Love the blog!
Haven’t read the book yet, did you like it? Yes, on Tender Buttons! Love it.
Oh goodness — I, too, as a creepy stalking BOOKaholic had noticed that book and forgot to ask — so glad it came up. NOT that I need another book to add to the thousands I want to checkout and hundreds on the definitely would like to read list.
I know what you mean! 🙂
I’m so glad someone with a better eagle eye then mine figured out what the book was….I was picking my lap top up and peering left and right and upside down trying to figure out what the book was! And now I know and as soon as I type this I’ll go on my libraries website to request. Nice spot Dottie! 🙂
Oops I mean Gina! xx
I’m going to start thinking about what’s in the picture! I’ll put some trick stuff in there … it’ll be like those old drawings where things were Missing and you had to figure out what!
Good Morning~
Oh my gosh those shoes! Either a foot doctor’s nightmare or dream~come~true! They brought back memories of my younger self in my 1970’s platforms ~Yikes!
I did like the bright green clothes~ very Virginia Slims looking~ I know~ me bad~ but that is the first thing that came to mind~ just need a big floppy hat!
I guess what they say is true~ everything old is new again!
Thanks again for the web tour of New York!
Great fashion photos! I even saw you in one (your reflection). But really, the best photos are of the kitties………happy to have you home! That Jack ( like your dad) is quite a character! I imagine him speaking in a french accent (the cat)! I loved your Dad’s comment earlier about looking out for terrorists and pickpockets. He makes me laugh. Glad you both had a great time in N.Y.C. Thanks for taking me too……I’m so proud that I didn’t gain any weight on this vacation!
P.S. Or that I didn’t spend too much money!
I know, it wasn’t easy!
I felt like I was taking a mini-vacation with you! Thanks for sharing with us.
Sort of a dark story, but I enjoyed the description of English life & living, and an old rectory. Lots of reference to classic literature.
Sounds OK, when you think about darkness of Jane Eyre — hope it’s dark like that and not in the way of Anne Rice. 🙂
Welcome back and HAPPY real ANNIVERSARY!
I always enjoy your blog – rather addicted really. The photos, the kitties, the food – all of it! Probably spend way too much time reading all the comments!
But today, the thing that really made my eyes go boink! was the reference to the immersion hand blenders! How have I not known about those? Can you really avoid the “hot soup in the blender” routine? That would be amazing!
Yes, you can! It’s so easy too, just stick it in the pan and turn it on!
So glad you and Joe are home safe and sound! And, Happy 25th Anniversary! ♥ Thank you, again, and again, for your wonderful blog. It’s so much fun to see all the sights and read in beautiful detail about your travel, recipes, town, kitties, all of it!!! You’re terrific!!! 🙂
xoxo thank you Marie — Glad you like it!
Coming home is awesome, especially after a good trip. Kitties waiting to welcome you, what could be better. Looks like a great trip and you took some great photos.
Hugs♥
Hi~
If anyone is looking for a good read and is still in “A New York State if Mind” read any Joseph Mitchell book. “Mr. Hunter’s Grave” is a good one. A great story about an eldery man who is a keeper of history on Staten Island and has such talents as being a great pie maker~ (4 in one morning!) and hunting for wild flowers. I need to stop or you won ‘t need to read the book! Mitchell was probably one of the ( if not the best) writers in New York. Just thought I’d share~
Happy Monday~
Thank you Lynn!
Welcome Home and Happy Anniversary Susan and Joe! Isn’t nice to be able to stretch out our holidays….sometimes my birthday celebrations will last weeks!! LOL… I’m all about the celebrating… hope you have a wonderful thoughtful day and I know being home is a wonderful place to be, especially today. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog and the trip to NYC was informative and not as tiring as I thought it would be! LOL… I don’t think I needed a nap!! Ha! Glad you are home safe and happy! Have a wonderful Monday Anniversary Day… Your fan/friend ! Diana
I kind of think a nap would be wonderful! 🙂
Oh, a good nap can solve many a problem!! That’s my motto and I am sticking to it!!! There is a quote about naps fixing the day..but of course I can’t remember it exactly.. my brain is too full of other things right now and I have to write stuff down anyway or it will fly right outta my head!! I am thinking a nap today would be great… a little dark and cloudy.. perfect to lie in bed upstairs with the window shades open feeling like I am in the trees!! 🙂
Yes, it’s “No day is so bad it can’t be fixed with a nap!” So true!
THANK YOU!!! I am writing that down!! 🙂 <3
Lovely, Welcome home!!
Happy Anniversary!
“Home is the best place, for people like me.” From an old children’s poem. Thanks for the great recipe. We don’t have snow, but has been cold and dreary.
I liked the yellow jumpsuit with the open back too.
What channel did you find the movie on?
Have a nice day!
Turner Classic Movies TCM–there are some good ones starting around 4:15 est — at 8 is Foreign Correspondent, a really good one!
tonight Bye Bye Birdie is on with ann margaret and dick van dyke, a musical comedy about a rock singer going into the army…should be good watching and lots of laughs.
tomorow on TCM is going to be good starting with brigadoon at 4pm then state fair at 8pm, then bye bye birdie at 9:45 pm and last but not least the music man at 11:45 pm, going to be a great night of watching tomorrow night!!! 🙂
I just LOVE Brigadoon!
Our local independent TV station is playing classic films every Sunday evening at 9PM — last night’s was One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest — that film is more powerful every time I see it — hadn’t seen it for quite a while and was amazed at the punch it still packs.
Happy anniversary, you two! So glad you had a good celebration and are home safe and sound. I was also glad to know the laundry piled on Joe was clean!
Happy anniversary Susan & Joe! Thank you so much for taking us on your trip we really enjoyed it! And Susan those shoes!!!! Maybe if I was twenty years younger…..And you are so right “be it ever so humble there’s no place like home!”. Especially with those two darling little faces to welcome you! Have a great day tomorrow! xxxx
Greetings Susan!
Okay, so I did a bit (an hour or so) of window shopping and changed up an outfit or two! I love the white, off shoulder peasant blouse and would choose that little black skirt which looks to have a lacy hem. I do love me some lace!
Hey, if a person can go to a spa and pay big bucks to have hot rocks or warm towels wrapped around them, why not toss warm laundry on your loved ones? Such a great idea Susan…..and your mister is such a good sport too, isn’t he?
Your right, home is the BEST place to be. I used to have a little saying on a piece of knarly wood that said…”HOME IS WHERE YOU HANG YOUR HEART.” So true, and my heart hangs here.
Meow. >^..^<
XO
So thankful that your NY trip was so much fun! Thank you for taking all the girlfriends along! Laughed outloud at the shoe photos! Thankful that I am NO longer pursuing a fashionista way of life. Instead, pursuing a youthful spirit and healthy living! Do I get an amen to that?!?
Welcome back, Susan! ♥♥♥
I know exactly how you mean by come home! I love to go on trips, but soooo very happy to be back home again!
Loved all the pictures of NY, but what’s with those shoes??!! LOL!! They can NOT be comfortable at all. Same with those stilletos. Pretty summer colors though. I, also, liked that yellow outfit! But, I would want the back to have a back… not open like it was. But, the color is so soft. I’ve noticed all the tangerine colors at our stores as well. There are even purses of that color. Last year I bought the prettiest, brightest color yellow purse. I just love it and get so many complements on the color all the time.
Welcome back home Susan. I’m sure the Girl Kitty and Jack were thrilled to have you back home as well.
Carol
Susan, I know that you, as I, like to pretend sometimes that you are living in The Past. Just in case you’re interested, I found a website that has produced original, Victrola music on CDs! I ordered one, and I LOVE it!!! The website is besmark.com – there is a lot to choose from! I put it on and pretend that I am back in the early 1900s 😀
Thanks Mary!
So glad you made it home safe & sound. The shots of NYC and the shopping district are wonderful. Thanks for letting us tag along on your trip!
PS – That picture of Joe looks like he’s having his colors done. 🙂
:-)! I’ll tell him!
Susan and Joe, Wishing you a very Happy Silver Anniversary!
Thank you, Susan, for the lovely trip to NYC. Couldn’t have asked for a sweeter, more eloquent tour guide! Your pictures brought back wonderful memories as we spent a week of our honeymoon there in 1964 and another trip in the 70’s. I can still see the sea of yellow cabs!! We happened to stay at the Gotham Hotel which was as it sounds….a grand OLD hotel!! (probably no longer there?!?) Anxious to see what new items will be in your on-line store after your shopping trip! I am so enjoying your hand-hooked pillow and I purchased two of the ADORABLE little heart necklaces, one for me and one to give to my sweet girlfriend/granddaughter for Valentine’s Day! Enjoy being home with your sweet family! Hugs to you, Miriam
Didn’t they turn out great? Love the “united hearts” Nancy Luce quote! So happy you like them! Thank you Miriam!
Yay! New York is wonderful, isn’t it Susan? It’s my home town, although I actually live on Long Island where I am lucky enough to have that wonderful city on one end and beautiful, beautiful beaches on the other. New York is the only home I’ve ever known, but we will be moving to Texas in the next year, and I am very, very -shall we say NERVOUS!!! Although I am excited and ready for an adventure. Sometimes you have let life take you where it must! 🙂 XO Helena
That’s quite a move — where in Texas?
Outside of Houston. We want a nice big piece of property where I can garden to my heart’s content and have lots of animals. 🙂 It is quite a move, but I have heard so many good things about Texas. My husband has had to travel there for business for many years, and he loves it. I’m visiting there for the first time in April, but we won’t be moving for another year.
Texas is wonderful!! We have driven through there many times! The nicest people!
Susan, you do such a wonderful job of finding the most appropiate and perfectly fitting quotes and music for your lovely messages. How do you do it!! I love the Beatrix Potter quote you ended with. She sure was an amazing lady and what a marvelous legacy of stories and illustrations she has left for all of us to enjoy for generations and generations:)
That is so true!!
Love the big city tour!
Dear Susan
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you and Joe. We wish you much happiness in
the years to come. We have enjoyed following your blog. Loved the trip
to New York, “New York”. You give us joy and enrich our lives at ages
74 and 83. We have tour books, calendars and through the blog we feel
we now have a “Special Friend”. Enjoy reading comments of your faithful
followers. (This is my first one ever)
Thank you Connie, so nice to see you here!
Joe in the laundry cracked me up! Years ago I popped in on my neighbor, Barb G, and there she was sound asleep on the couch with laundry all over her. She had folded it on the high back of their couch, then felt the need for a little rest, but as she laid down the tower of laundry toppled over on her……she, like Joe, felt cozy warm and actually fell asleep! You can imagine how suddenly she jumped up when she realized I’d come in the door. Oh, the wonderful comfort of old friends……so many terrific laughs! And, Oh, the wonderful comforts of home after a fantastic trip. I loved seeing the latest fashions, especially knowing that I’m totally exempt from keeping up with them! 🙂 Thank you, darlin’ Susan, for, once again, giving me memories and laughter. As always, DonnaRay
Loved that story, so funny!
“I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul.” – Jean Cocteau
Bless you Susan for sharing your travels and both your heart and home and furry little souls with us.
Oh! Totally forgot to tell you that I gave my friend of 50 years (since 3rd grade) your “Old Friends” necklace for her birthday, along with a few other little things, and she absolutely LOVED it! Said it was her favorite gift!
Such a nice thing, thanks Mary!
And her name is “Susan” and her mother’s name was Mary. My other best friend’s name is “Susan”, and her sister’s name is Mary!!! And MY name is Mary. I think this is all soooo funny! Do you have any close “Marys” in your life?
My sister’s name is Mary!
OMGoodness!! That is waaaaaaay funny!! Something about Susans and Marys!!! lol lol
They seem to gravitate toward one another!
My grandmother’s name was Mary and so is my middle name…..can I be part of this club?
You’re in! We needed a little more Joy too!
O’ Mary what a nice gift! I bet she did love it!
( why can’t a keyboard have a special key … an exclamation point with a heart at the bottom.”
Wouldn’t we design a darling keyboard!!!
Yes! Something else for you to design, Susan! 🙂
Thanks, Carla! Susan’s necklace designs are so darling!!
Yes Susan for sure! Do it please : )
Hi Susan! Thanks for sharing your trip with us. My husband and I went to New York for our anniversary also. In December we were married 29 years and our children gave us Radio City Christmas show tickets! It was great! Love your pictures!!
Fun!
Thank you for the window shopping and happy, happy anniversary! So glad you are home!
Susan…honestly, after reading your blog, I almost want to purr!! You make me happy because the simple things of life are precious to you. I’ll be making your butter nut squash soup soon i hope……and I’ll probably have to have some blueberry pancakes soon as well. And…I’m doing lots of stretching exercises to help out with my hips and legs. The stretches are wonderful, but sometimes painful!
Love,
Happy Valentines Day…and P.S. I love folding WARM laundry.
Jane Alexander
Good girl on the stretches! Pretend you’re a kitty, they really know how to stretch, and you already know how to purr!
Happy Anniversary Susan and Joe! And may you enjoy another 25 years (or more) of wedded bliss! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Loved the travel blog and all the wonderful pictures. I can’t believe you passed up those wonderful yellow shoes! =) How do they walk in those without breaking an ankle? I guess it helps to be young!
By the way, you looked lovely in your colors (picture through the windshield) and so happy! I wish we could all have a “Joe”. You are very blessed! As I’m sure you know!
Looking forward to your next post, it’s almost the happiest part of my day! The happiest being – coming home to my sweet dog, and talking to my sister every chance I get.
Happy Anniversary!
Thanks so much Tammy!
OMG!!! Guess what I got for my birthday from the best Sister (in-law) in the WHOLE wide world? A SUSAN BRANCH GICLEE PRINT OF “GRANDMA’S BOWL” 🙂 She gave it to me not only because I love Susan Branch, but because I, too, have that bowl!!! And, as if that’s not enough, she also got me the Tea Party Collection!! I’m on cloud 9!! Woooo Hooo!! I love Lauri, I love Susan Branch, I love my life !!!! <3
What a wonderful sister-in-law you have! Happy Birthday Christine!!! xoxo
She’s a keeper! And happy, happy, blessed anniversary to you and Joe!! If Cowboy plays his cards right, we’ll celebrate 30 years in April 😉 xoxox
🙂 Girl after my own heart!
Loved your trip, thanks for the tour! My hubby and I are trying to figure out what to do for our 25th this fall, maybe I can talk him into NYC with your posts! But you are right, coming home is always my favorite part of any trip.
Thank you for letting us share your trip to N.Y. -it was wonderful. I agree, it’s great to get away – but nothing like returning to “Home Sweet Home”.
Happy Anniversary to you and Joe!!
Happy Anniversary Joe and Sue!!! God’s blessings to you and your home filled with LOVE and kitties!. OXO ♥♥♥♥ XOX
Thanks Deb!
Susan,
Glad to be back and reading your blog again. It’s been almost two weeks – as I am recovering from surgery and am just starting to feel like doing things again. Have enjoyed catching up . Loved all the pictures from your New York trip and also the entry on picking out colors. I agree, its always great to come home! Home is where the heart is! Thanks for sharing !
Jan
Glad to hear you are feeling better!! Keep doing more of that Jan!
Happy, Happy Anniversary Sue and Joe!!! Sure goes by fast doesn’t it? Thanks for taking us along. It was really fun. What a nice stroll down Madison Ave. With the Tiffany musica playing, I not only saw the reflections of the city in the windows, but of you and Joe strolling alongside Audrey Hepburn and her great big floppy hat. I’ve always wanted to take a stroll down that street (now I can say I did – sort of). Is Fifth St. the same as Madison Ave? Btw, your cats are cute, cute, and Jack’s mustache is so funny. You got your self a little Frenchman there, oui? Monsieur Jack :{> (sad New England didn’t win)
Fifth is different, but beautiful too. The Plaza Hotel is on 5th Avenue. All the horses and carriages gather there.
The Plaza Hotel, together with the horses and carriages must create quite an ambience throughout the year, that must really be something… with all the snow in the winter, and the new foliage coming up in spring, hot humid summers and oh fall (my favorite) leaves all different hues…. someday I’d love to go back to NYC and really take the time to explore this wonderful city.
It’s a wonderful city, so alive!
Thank you Susan for our little trip to NYC etc…and of course Happy Anniversary!
I have never been to NY, some how in my travels, I have missed it,not sure how but, it is what it is.
Anyway, THANK YOU! loved the photos, enjoyed the fashion and culture!
Jess and I are saving up for NY at Christmas time.
Again Happy Anniversary!
Lisa and Jessie
Enjoyed all the trip pics, but what is not to love about NYC. I bet the fur babies missed you 🙂 My boy kitty loves “hots” from the dryer, so much that I throw things back in to warm them up for him – he also waits when he hears the dryer cranking – so smart!
Welcome home Susan, there really is no place like home. It’s so nice to come back to the warm comforts of home after a trip, it just makes you appreciate all the little things we sometimes take for granted. I love to travel too, but there is nothing like coming home to my little routine, my Maggie kitty following me everywhere, my favorite cup for coffee, and my comfy bed. Thanks for the tour of New York, it looked like such fun!
Oh my goodness! Don’t you have the best adventures? I love going along with you and the pictures and everything. It brightens my little corner of the world in Oklahoma. God Bless and Happy Anniversary to you and Joe!
Welcome Home! So glad that you arrived back safely. The older I get, the more I worry about the traveling part. I loved the music you picked for this blog – made me feel like Audrey wandering around with my coffee, window shopping! So much fun to visit, but I could never live there. Whenever we go away for a weekend or overnight, my cat will find a stray sock from one of the kids rooms, drag it downstairs and leave it by the front door for us, presumably to let us know she is not happy we were gone/there’s laundry to be done! The longer we’re gone, the more socks pile up! Does Girl Kitty or Jack do anything weird like that? She can carry one around and meow at the same time, not sure how that works! But we just love her! Thanks for all the wonderful pix and smiles! Always brightens my day!! ({})
How funny about the sock. No, my two just had a guilty look on their faces when I came in, like “who me?” I have no idea what they might have been up to!
good morning susan, hello everyone. thought i would pop in and let you we are on our way to rescuing the 2 goats from that guy, we will bring them to our home and hold them for a couple who have a goat farm and will gladly take them and give them a good home with their goats. so the goats will have a happy ending as well. just thought you all would want to know. and that guy has been turned in to the ASPCA!! we have a small pen and shelter built for the 2 goats out in the back on soft green grass for them to stay uintil they go to their new home, and the couple will send their vet over to look at the one goat’s front feet. so everything worked out okay. talk to you all later, on my way to get the goats to their temporary new home. hugs…… 🙂
I lived next door to a goat once, would visit him at the fence. I fell totally in love with him. They have very strange rectangular pupils in their eyes, but the sweetness shines right through them. Good luck! Keep us updated Pat!
Pat, how wonderful that you and your family have rescued the abused animals and are giving them a chance of knowing love…Thank You, from one animal lover to another. Blessings
good morning everyone. we have the goats in our barn, and they go out to soft grass, the vet looked at the one goat’s front hooves last night and its just what i thought. that bozo did not really try to clean out the hooves, or didn’t know how to do it right, but it was mud and pebbles in those hooves and they got infected. so the vet cleaned the hooves out thoroughly and gave the goat a shot of antibiotics, the fact that they are now on soft grass helps alot and in a clean dry and warm barn to keep them safe and warm helps alot also. they also had baths to wash all the muck and crud out of their coats and are eating a proper diet of alfalfa grasses and grain and have lots of clean water to drink. they go out in the yard where the grass is kind to the feet and watch the birds. the ducks have hit the pool this morning splashing and quacking and the turkeys and chickens are all aout and about in the yard. i’d say we have some happy critters now. the people who will adopt the goats will take them this weekend to their new home on their goat farm and it was these folks who sent the vet over to look at the goats. i’ll let the ASPCA deal with that clod and he can explain to a judge why he neglected these animals and abused them and let them get in the condition they are in now. people like that make me soooooooo mad. these goats are so sweet and gentle, hard to believe that the guy was just letting them eat whatever was out in the yard, poor things, but they are doing fine now and happy to be here. just thought you all would like to know. thanks but we just did what we felt was right to do and i could not stand to see those animals live in that place anymore, the fact he was just going to abandon them there and let them die was unthinkable to me. people like that ought to made to live in the conditions they forced the animals to live in and see how they like it. off to go feed all the crittersw and clean out the pool and refill it for the ducks, talk about being in heaven, they just splashed the hens again…hehehehehe!!!!!! ever see a bunch of wet and mad hens?????? LOL!!!!! hugs… 🙂
He must have been out of his head. Yay for you!!
Loved going along on your trip. It was so much fun seeing everything!! Thanks!
I wish my kitty still fetched. I used to throw “mousie pie” (one of those soft stuffed mice from the grocery store) to her and she would fetch it back. Then like a dummy I got busy with this or that and got out of the daily habit of not playing fetch with her. I keep trying to get her back into it but she won’t do it anymore. I could kick myself now for not keeping at it. But I still absolutely love her to pieces. She does however like to lay on the wood dining room floor all stretched out and then I slowly spin her like a windmill. I’ll ask if she wants to play “spin the kitty” and she will flop down and stretch out waiting for me to slowly spin her while she stays all stretched out. It’s hysterical. Really do seeing the photos of your kitties. They are adorable.
Love “spin the kitty!” I hope Jack doesn’t stop playing — my Girl Kitty doesn’t play anymore, so I do think about it!
Susan, It’s raining here in Northern Cali today. I just took warm jammies out of the dryer, and thought of you .
PS .. I love the name of your kitty “Jackie Boy” it couldn’t be any cuter.
your girl kitty has such beautiful green eyes and you can just see the adoration in Jack’s eyes for you. They’re kitties for such a short time….dang it!
I know, I can hardly stand it!
LOOKING AT THE WINDOWS ON MADISON AVENUE WITH THOSE SHOES (I CAN JUST SEE MYSELF WEARING THOSE TO WALK UP 6A ON THE CAPE!!), THE MODELS AND THAT WHOLE AURA; PROBABLY EXPLAINS WHY I’VE NEVER BEEN TO NYC, AND NEVER WILL GO. I MUCH RATHER SHOP AT THE LEMON TREE VILLAGE IN BREWSTER. THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME APPRECIATE MY HOUSE ON THE CAPE EVEN MORE. AND SUSAN, I’M SO GLAD YOU DIDN’T BUY THOSE YELLOW SHOES!
CATHERINE
Hi Susan,
I have always loved your books, and have several of them…it never dawned on me until last week that I should check out your blog. what a TREAT!! I’m so glad I found you! I enjoyed the trip to New York, never having been there. I’m personally glad for ‘Tango Tangerine,’–orange is giving me great pleasure. As I get older, my color tastes are changing a bit. I too, have a kitty who fetches! ‘Maggie’ is her name, and if you have a chance to look at my blog, you can see her photo on my last post. Thanks for sharing your heart.
Happy to have you here Carole!
Thank you for sharing the NY photos. It is a “virtual shopping trip” for those of us who read your blog. I wonder how women can walk in some of those shoes? A Chiropractic visit waiting to happen, I think! Orthopedic specialists must love them, too! LOL! So glad you enjoyed your time in NY. You are right, though, it IS always nice to come home…especially when two beautiful, furry babies are waiting for you!
Your little kitties get cuter with each new photo! ~xoxo~
Happy belated anniversary! My beloved husband/bestest friend and I married 2-7-2000. Each year gets better 🙂 Gentle blessings to you and Joe <3
Thanks for taking us along on your anniversary trip to NYC! I love NYC . Truly, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
But I also completely agree that coming home and sleeping in your own bed, greeting your pets and enjoying the comforts of your own home….is pure bliss!
So glad that you had a safe trip!
Marilyn (in Dallas)
It was wonderful travelling with you and Joe. Your writing is so descriptive. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the fabulous photos. Seeing NYC through the eyes of an artist was wonderful. Thanks again for sharing. Happy Anniversary and welcome back.
Love, love, love all Audrey Hepburn movies! She’s my favorite actress. That music was perfect for your super NY photos. Yes, home sweet home~it is fun to go away, but wonderful to come home again. Love those 2 kitties. Thanks for giving us a NY trip with you. Susan, you’re the best! <3
Mornin’! Here, the moon is peeking through the neighbor’s oak tree, & the lace curtain, so beautiful. Your picture is great, I wonder if our neighbor would mind a little pruning, for a better view for me! L♥ved our Anniversary trip to NYC! Thank you so much! Your sweet kitties, cozy Joe, & the beautiful ferry pic (love all the color in that shot) make for a super blog. Butternut cubes in the fridge, anxious to become bisque, mmm! Just home from Ft. Bragg/Mendocino, sigh, & the beautiful ocean, what a wonderful world, & we could even wear yellow shoes, if we so desired! xoxo PS I’m rereading blogs, waiting, waiting, waiting, for the next one! You’re a beautiful beginning to my day, dear Susan!
When things are …. shall we say, “less than wonderful” in my world, I make sure I get a dose of SB. In the past it was paging through you books. Now I just click on your Blog, which is a Fav on my IGoogle, and all is right with the world. Thank you, Susan, for all the years of peace and harmony that your writing and illustrations have brought into my life.
P.S. Can a person, no a woman (men are too smart to fall for the “sexy” hype, just look at their underwear compared to ours), really walk in those tangerine things?????!!!!!!
Awesome blog post as always!
Girl Kitty’s face is just KILLING ME. Her eyes are breaking my heart!
That floral dress (you called it “pretty frock”) would look stunning on you – a little sweater on top for a summer dinner party would be perfection!
Dear Susan – You gave us the most wonderful gift for your anniversary! I clicked on the Le Pain Quotidien link thinking how wonderful it was. Then I discovered that there’s one in Manhattan Beach (Ca) – well, Monday was quarterly fasting blood test and my husband was home so we went there for breakfast (a true breaking fast in my case)! Then we took care of errands and went back for lunch plus bought goodies and a jar of their wonderful apricot jam!! The waitress asked us if we were tourists! Said that they get a lot of people in from Northern Ca who love the place too! We laughed and said no we only live 25 minutes away! So new place to go to! When I worked in the South Bay used to go to MB all the time for lunch and shopping. Now lots of new places to explore. Plus Le Pain is located in a new shopping, walking place with access to free parking! Thank you so much for including the link!
How great! Love somewhere new!
Oh Susan you did such a fabulous job showing us New York, almost as good as being there with you. Even the description of the yummy food, too! Thank you so, so much for doing that for all of us! I’m not too crazy about those shoes, either, but the long white/pastel flower strapless dress was beautiful, I could go for that. And thank you for mentioning Gladys Taber again and telling us about the newsletter. I’ve never read anything by her but she sounds like she was a wonderful lady, so I went ahead and emailed yesterday to get my subscription started to the newsletter. They wrote me back on what to do and also recommended Abes books as a good place to start looking, so I’m going to try that. Happy Annivesary to you and Joe, even though I know it’s a little late, and I’m glad you made it back home safely. By the way, tell Joe he looks pretty cute there hiding in that pile of clothes! xxoo Sharon
I’ll do it Sharon!
We hadn’t realized how addicted we’ve become to your blog postings, but since you haven’t posted for a few days, we’re running low on Susan Branch-provided inspiration! Of course you are busy and this is certainly not a complaint, just a little note to say how much we enjoy having you as a part of our day.
Take care!
Jake and Melissa
I’m coming. . . going away for a week left lots of little threads floating in the air, I’ve just been trying to tie them all up! Almost there!
After searching for one of your books today, I spoke with a clerk in Cary, NC. She is the first person I spoke with in weeks, who knows who you are. I told her that you have a blog and she was happy to hear that. She said she gave her children your LOVE book for their weddings and she loves your Autumn book. Yet another girlfriend!!!
Knows who she is?? ~Have they benn living under a rock?! ~Their loss!
LOL!
I meant been! Darn sensitive keyboard!
We are a secret around here 🙂
Hi Susan!
I saw you at work today….I walked into the staff lounge (I’m an elementary school librarian) and a book seller of some sort had left a collection of books and there was your big ol’ recipe binder. I could tell from across the room that it was you 🙂
Your watercolors have warmed my heart from first sight.
From your friend in WA State.
Had to read that twice, thinking, where was I yesterday? 🙂 Thanks Lori!
good morning susan…..couldn’t sleep for some reason so got up to say hello knowing you are an early riser. kinda’ sad how we all look so forward to your blogs but i, as well, look sooo forward to them. i know you must be piled high with ‘things to do’ so just sending a little note of encouragement your way and hoping you have a great day!
You’re a sweetie Karen . . . I’ve been thinking about all of you too!
After reading your post I was intrigued by Gladys Taber. Yesterday while at a thrift store, I found a copy of One Dozen and One for one whole dollar! I read the first story last night and it was just charming. Can’t wait to find me some more Gladys! Thank you for introducing me to a lovely author!
So happy you found one, and what a great price!!! Lucky!
Welcome home!!! Such a funny photo of Joe – where’s Waldo?? In the laundry?? LOL!!!
I can hardly wait for new fabric!! I’m going to start thinking up a special treat for the birthday one.
Good Morning! Made the Bisque last night – yummmmy! I almost used olive oil instead of butter because I’m in an almost healthy eating mode, but whew, came to my senses & used butter (because I needed more protein?!)!! Thank you for your delicious recipes!!! xoxo
Yes Protein!! 🙂
I start my day going to your blog, and what a beautiful start to the day. You are soooo creative, generous, and downright inspiring. I have tried many of your recipes and they have all been fabulous. I also love to have tea parties and have a little house in my garden we call the tea house, the girlfriends love it and I must say, it is so “you”. Wish you were here in the summer to be a part of it. (We have Butterburgers in this neck of the woods, too)
How cute, a tea house in the garden!
Oh Susan, (i think i start every comment to you that way!)
I had no idea that my computer had that “brighten the screen” thing. I can see clearly now the darkness is gone!! (sing a little melody) Yay!
Your BLOG makes me so happy. When I have a long day like today I come home and see that your blog is here and I get so happy. I get my tea and cit down in my warm sweats and read your every word and watch your every video and look at your every picture. You live my dream life!! I’m not a stalker..really!
So thank you so much for sharing your life the way you do. I love it!!
Melissa
Glad you are here Melissa!
Thank you so much for the explanation email today. I, for one, needed the education immensly! After all, I am now here and being able to leave a comment. And for all the wonderful pictures to break up education 101~
So glad Charlene, welcome!
Thanks for always making me smile. Love your stories, pictures, artwork, recipes…ok…I simply love Susan Branch!
XOXO