November is here! Did you all remember to turn over your calendar page today? When you do (and if it’s mine), you are going to see the MOST delicious recipe for Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Sauce — my idea of what November is all about!
And although it’s lots of fun decorating and making our front hall look good; getting everything ready for Halloween . . .
And fun to fill the candy baskets and imagine how happy these kids will be who come to our door and see all the goodies we have for them.
And fun carving the pumpkins and smearing the cinnamon on the tops to make them smell good . . . fun to arrange them on the front porch and decorate with branches and leaves and bittersweet, with things in the windows, and little pumpkins over our door . . .
And fun when it’s finally time to light the candles in the pumpkins and remember to stop everything I’m doing to run out and get a photo of it before it all begins, before the moment passes, just before dark . . .
And fun to see the first kids wandering the streets in their costumes, it’s a beautiful clear night, not raining, and not snowing, not even windy, so the candles won’t need relighting . . . and suddenly I remember I better get myself back into the house because I know what’s coming . . .
That’s when it all becomes a blur, and pretty much every photo I have looks like this! We had over 400 kids come to the door; it was a mad house! It was spectacular! It was “people fireworks!”
But besides handing out candy, we were also stirring the chili pot, pouring the Corn Pudding batter into the pan and putting it into the oven, chopping garlic and melting butter for garlic bread, putting out dishes and silverware, setting up a bar, heating up the cider . . . because we were getting ready for a party — something we do most every year; when our friends finish with their halloween duties, they all come over — we eat chili with sour cream, chopped red onion and cilantro out of little bowls in the dining room and talk in front of the fire, laughing as the last embers die down. Around the witching hour of midnight they stumble home to their beds and we crawl up the stairs to ours. TGIO.
We only did the basics before bed, put away the food, got one load of dishes into the dishwasher, and left everything else high and dry . . . so I spent this morning tidying up. This is all that was left of the Corn Pudding!
The day after Halloween is always one of my favorite days, because all the “fall getting ready” is finally done, and we have the decorated house all to ourselves and no one is coming over! I padded around in my slippers this morning, taking stock and surveying the party chaos which wasn’t bad, only skin deep; made myself a strong cup of tea with lots of honey and cream, and put some food in Girl’s bowl, and got busy. I plumped the pillows on the sofa, gathered the tablecloth from the dining table. Pulled out all the burnt-down candles and threw them into the fireplace. Girl watched as I emptied the dishwasher, refilled it, and washed the big stew pot and the pudding pan by hand. The refrigerator hummed while I put in a load of laundry, and ate a bowlful of Chili, let girl out; let her back in; took Joe his tea, feeling very domestic, and thinking about Thanksgiving and who’s coming, and putting on my list, “order turkey.”
I did the last of the hand washing; Joe was up by then and I heard Christmas music upstairs, so he’s happy too.
I took out the burned-down votive candle holders I’d put in the freezer earlier.
You know this trick for getting a candle stub out of a votive? After it’s frozen, you whack it lightly on a wooden surface (or somewhere soft) . . . and
Voila! Out they come, usually clean as a whistle. I brought in one of the starry pumpkins off the porch for our kitchen table, and dust-busted up all the fallen bittersweet berries from the kitchen floor.
And to me, this day is the beginning of winter. We are battened down; the storm windows are all on and locked tightly. The wood pile is full, there are good leftovers in the fridge, my house is clean and decorated for the season; my heart is full from the memory of last night; and I have the rest of the day to go into my studio and work on a new page of my book, with the fireplace to keep me company. ♥
Happy Day-After-Halloween everyone!
looks like you had a gr8 halloween!! loving all the pictures!!
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Love this post! I woke up this am, got 5 kids & 1husband fed and out the door for school & work, put away Halloween deco’s, put our beautiful Christmas quilt on our bed (always the day after Halloween), flipped the page on my Susan Branch calendar 🙂 & baked cookies! I <3 Fall!
We are on the same page!!
WOW! You are busy. I love your comment as much as Susan’s blog post… 🙂
I love fall too!
I’m so glad you shared some of your trick-or-treaters with us – I really enjoyed living the moment vicariously. Sadly, for the second year in a row, we had nary a one (400?! Wow…). Thanks too, for sharing the votive-clearing trick. I am wondering now, though, about throwing the votives in the fireplace – do you put them under your wood, to finish burning them? Anywho, happy Day-After-Halloween, to you too!
They make great fire starters, so I just throw them there for the next time. Hi Terri!
Hi Susan! Thanks for the firestarter tip!
400 Trick-or-Treaters? Wow! So glad you had a great time.
Enjoy your day!
Yes the island is so rural; they all bring their children to one of the few neighborhoods so the children can go house-to-house, and that means US!
Ahhh yes! The day after is always the best. As much fun as holiday decorating, cooking, entertaining can be, there’s no quiet serenity like the morning after.
We can start playing Christmas Carols Now!!!!! (and not be considered too obnoxious) LOL!
You said it all! It *is* one of the happiest days for me as well, we too had a lovely time with family and friends last nite on the driveway, the vegan chile was a success, held everyones cute ~little~ baby~ in~ the ~most ~darlingest ~costume~ ever, and I thought, as i was picking up , after the last guest left, how Blessed we all are to have each other =’)
(next year i’m going to serve corn pudding with my chile! That sounds absolutely DELICIOUS!) I’ve only made it on Thanksgiving, but with CHILE~~ooooh yummers!
Have a scathingly brilliant creative day!!!
heart you Sue!
xoxo!!
Nice post! I enjoyed seeing your pictures. I do agree … now the house is all decorated for fall and we can look forward to Thanksgiving! My hubby and I are off on a vacation out west for 2 weeks, and when we come back, it really will be almost Thanksgiving. I’m thankful my fall decorating is done; I will only need to think about the turkey dinner and some touch-up housecleaning when we return.
I do want to add, though, concerning freezing votive holders to get out the candle stubs ~ I am sure you know this already, but don’t ever try it with the “crackle glass” holders from Yankee Candle. They just can’t take it, as I found to my sorrow…
Oh thank you for that, I don’t have any, so I didn’t know, but I would hate to be giving out bad advice — but I think most everyone knows by now to take everything I say with a grain of salt!! xoxo
A perfect heart-full day! Merry November to you, inspiring girl! Have yr Autumn book out, making happy, cozy plans. xoxo
Yes, I know what you mean–that good feeling after a successful fun party when you have cleaned up, the house still sparkles, you breathe a sigh that it is over, and now you can relax! We only had two (2) !!! trick-or-treaters last night… 🙁 I’m now putting away the jack-o-lanterns and other Halloween decorations and thinking ahead for Thanksgiving, too. It is fun to enjoy the holidays as they come along,,,but Thanksgiving is only 3 weeks from now, right?! 🙂
I’m thinking this is about as close as you get to “taking a break”! I have made that corn pudding many times, and it is so so good! no one can deny it! Glad all went well for you last night! Thank you for sharing with us even post party! I love the heart of autumn quote,…so very beautiful. And for heaven’s sakes, Susan, put your feet up with that cup of tea!!!
Put away most of my Halloween decorations too, still have to change out the big lighted pumpkin to the big lighted turkey & pilgrims on my front porch. Susan I so love the ghost you have in your window. Did you make him or find him?
I found him, but I think he would be easy to make with starch, fabric and wire.
Does the ghost “hang” or sit on a table? Is there a light inside the ghost as well as inside the jack-o-lantern Japanese lantern? Thanks for the info as I’m being inspired to make one for our deck next year…
He sits on the table, and yes there’s a cord that goes up to a lightbulb that sits in the wire frame inside. There isn’t a light in the jack-o-lantern — it just reflects from the bulb inside. Hope this helps!
Thanks! I won’t be “going into business” making them but will have fun coming up with one for next year! 🙂
Looks like a wonderful Halloween at the house of creativity! We had a quiet Halloween–our neighboorhood is an older one and all the children have grown up. But the few trick or treaters we had were so adorable! I must say I’ve been dipping into the candy leftovers way too much today—Everytime we pass by the candy basket we have to have just one–it’s only the fun size! Our morning walks may have to turn into morning and evening walks too!
Yes and a bike ride inbetween! 🙂
I love the day after Halloween too! (or any Holdiay for that matter- it’s like taking a deep breath and finally exhaling!) I had my Nov. 1st Nutella toast for breakfast (we only have it in the house in Nov) and flipped over my calendar page.
My kids got me a very nice stash of candy to enjoy with coffee this afternoon. While I’m snacking I will be planning Holiday crafts and gifts and advent stuffers and getting everything happily organized in my little Christmas journal planner. Have company tomorrow night, so need to get to the ironing so we have some table linnens ready to go. Thank you for sharing all your loving moments with us all- it’s so nice to have so many to celebrate domesticity with! 🙂
What a fun day and evening!! Your Halloween Pumpkin lights made me smile since they look like they’re laughing! Merry Fall!
Confession: I’ve been playing Christmas songs since I found a Christmas song app on my iPhone a week ago. haha!
Girl Kitty is such a beauty sitting there so regal like. I love the last photo looking from the leaves up to the house…that is a calendar photo if I ever saw one. 🙂
Took down Halloween decorations and put up Thanksgiving decorations – gourds and “Thankfulness” plaques. It is a beautiful day after here in northern Illinois – sunny and clear after a light frost this morning. Went out to ride my horse Nicky and we watched a coyote in one of the back pastures near the barn where she is boarded – its been hanging around there this past week. Leaves are still on the trees and just think – a month from now is December 1, and maybe snow will be falling! Happy November to all!
Rita, what part of Northern Illinois do you live? I’m out by Sycamore, & my son’s name is Nick! Don’t have horses…….yet……but my neighbor does, & I see them more than I see the neighbors. It was beautiful these past 2 days, & the nights were just as nice.
A question for Susan: Is there any chance your two cast iron “pilgrim” candleholders (tucked into so many photos) have a marking on the bottom? Do you think there are more out there in the world? I would love to try to track some down! Thank you and Happy Autumn!
They only have my sister’s name on the bottom as next in line! 🙂 Sorry, but there must be others!
Oh Susan, what a heartwarming post…I just love reading about Fall and coziness and getting ready for winter- I could go on and on- YOU ARE INSPIRING! Your words create pictures just as beautiful as your paintings. Happy November to you too! xoxo Jacqui
Thank you Jacqui!
I have been thinking gingerbread for two weeks and I hadn’t even peeked ahead at next month’s calendar. But when I flipped it over this morning your recipe made me smile. I will be making it very soon. My husband and I enjoyed working in the yard this afternoon. What a nice first day of November we had here in the hills of WV. I also went around and turned my jack-o-lantern faces to the wall. Now I can just enjoy them as pumpkins through Thanksgiving. Love your blog!
Hey Becky, that’s what I do too! I turn all my pumpkin faces to the wall so they take on an Autumn appearance instead of Halloween. I love to take acorns, pine cones & fall leaves and fill some of the glass cylinders I have around the house to give it a more “Thanksgiving” feeling. I just love this season…first the fun of Halloween then the more serious heartfelt holiday Thanksgiving! Enjoy!
Great post. Very cozy. Today I watched the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special. Its my absolute favorite. Sometimes I think Thanksgiving gets forgotten in the smoosh between Halloween and Christmas… but I love it. I’m so glad you are having a great day, girlfriend. : ) Shine on….
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday…I wait all year for it. Now that Halloween is over I’ll spend the next 3 weeks decorating and preparing for Thanksgiving…I even count down to it! It’s a lovely cozy day that starts with the parade and ends with Miracle on 34th Street and the Black Friday flyers. Can not wait! xx
ps- for us, the Christmas season doesn’t start until December 1…no music until that day. We celebrate all month culminating with the 12 days of Christmas starting on Christmas Day through January 5…I give my kids silly gifts to correspond with the 12 days…example this year they’ll get a Partridge Family cd on the 1st day, etc. Just a bit of light- hearted fun to see out the season. 🙂
Patricia – It is wonderful that you (and many of the other posts) actually ‘celebrate’ Thanksgiving!! We have three generations of birthdays in December (19th-17th-13th) so we do nothing Christmas-y until after mine (17th). I love that you do the 12-days and that you actually know when that is!!!!!! This is the most gorgeous time of year here in Michigan. We are looking at possibly hitting 60 degrees today!!! I even put my laundry out before work this morning!!!!! These are some of the minor things I am thankful for!!
Blessings, Debbi
I never heard of anyone not celebrating Thanksgiving? Doesn’t everyone? Or has the world grown out of it?
When I was growing up, my mother insisted that we went to her mom’s house (near Buffalo New York) for Thanksgiving as often as possible. My grandmother had the best tradition EVER… pie night. Pie night was the night before thanksgiving and she would bake a pie for everyone coming for Thanksgiving dinner the next day. (We once had 47 people for dinner. That’s A LOT of pie!) We had to get the request for our favorite pie in by Halloween if we wanted something other than apple or pumpkin. And she would bake us our favorite pie for Thanksgiving.
Anyway… we would all get to my aunt Joanie’s house that Wednesday night and have an “easy supper” of sandwiches and texas hots (hotdogs with this awesome meat sauce and onions and mustard) and PIE.
It was so fun to see what the aunts and uncles and cousins would request each year. (My mom would always want chocolate walnut pie. My brother Joe always requested cherry.) We would talk and eat and the aunts would set out the bread for stuffing the next day.
Hey… I just realized that this is the second holiday memory I’ve posted on this blog… and they BOTH concern pie. Wow. I guess I love pie. : )
Shine on girlfriends… let the Turkey traditons begin.
Here in the “Thumb” of Michigan we have a lot of snowbirds (people that go south for the winter) so ‘Christmas’ is already here. Our local K-Mart had Christmas trees and displays up by mid-October (those came right after the school displays went down). This weekend starts all the Christmas open-houses at the stores. You will even start seeing trees in people’s houses soon because they have to do ‘Christmas’ before the relatives leave so a lot of people here celebrate Christmas at Thanksgiving. And they wonder why winter seems to last so long!!
My family and I are not considered normal. We go out after the 17th and find a tree in my brother’s woods (the sadder looking the better – but we always look for one with a bird’s nest!) and that starts the whirlwind of Christmas! We do not take our tree and nativity scene down until the end of January and yes, the tree does last that long because it was fresh and we keep it watered. Then it goes out by the birdfeeders for the birds to hide in.
People seem to have forgotten the ‘reasons for the seasons’ and that is what really disappoints me. But I guess that is why I enjoy this blog. Mrs. Branch truly enjoys and celebrates each season and holiday for the gifts they are and she unselfishly allows us to tag along and bask in her happiness. What a blessing!! I so enjoy escaping from my 8-5 world and peaking into this dream. Thank you Mrs. Branch! You are (again!) on my THANKFUL list!!!
Debbi
Oh! So many Trick-or-Treaters at your door! I had one little girl and that was it. Usually get about 80. The weather was the problem. Snowy and icy. Of course, now I have all the candy! Can’t waste it, so I guess I’ll be “FORCED” to eat it! LOL! Your votive tip also works for tea light tart burners. After the wax cools, I put the whole thing in the freezer (upside down) and the tart pops right out after it’s frozen. Loved seeing your honeycomb pumpkin in several shots, once again…and ALWAYS love to see your precious Girl Kitty! I was up early this morning with a cup of tea, taking down Halloween decorations and replacing them with my Thanksgiving decorations. Since it’s All Saints Day, I will put a votive candle in one of my Nana’s old canning jars and set that on the steps at my back door tonight, in remembrance of my grandparents. I do it every year. It’s a comforting way to enter the holiday season. As always, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful photos and fascinating life with all of us! You are very special, and OH, so creative!
~xoxo~
I love reading your blog. It always makes me smile and think of wonderful things to do at home and for my family. I have had my Autumn book out since August and enjoy looking at it at least once a week. 🙂
Susan, Looks like you all had a delightfully, frightfully, fun Halloween. I can imagine all the photos a blur with 400 trick ‘o treaters – do you have nary a scrap of chocolate left?!? I can send some reinforcements, if needed ;).
I love your scene of domestic bliss you shared with us – I was out of the house at 7 this morning, off to work!?! But, thanks to you, I feel like I’ve had a vicarious treat of holiday preparations as we prepare for the season of gratitude and magic. Hugs to you! Jeanette
I actually hid some!
Good for you! Glad to know there are other planners out there ;). Especially when it comes to chocolate (wink, wink). Enjoy your treats for the sweet.
omG! I love your blog! And I wanta come to your house on Halloween!!!!! It looked, and sounded like so much fun! —Can you tell me the secret to getting your hubby to put on the Christmas music? LOL! I can’t wait to look thru more of your site!
He was born loving Christmas!
What a wonderful blog. I love days when I tend to my home. The world may be crazy but when you come through those doors and there’s something warm in the oven and we put out our little special treasures your heart feels good….your home.
Susan, do you have any idea when your new book will be published? I sure would love to have a copy when it comes out. Please keep us posted.
Susan, this is exactly my ritual on the day after Christmas…my treasured day spent savoring the memories and festivities of Christmas Day, lounging in PJs all day long on the sofa watching the daylight changing and moving rainbows of light (from leaded-glass mirrors) around the room, reading brand new cookbooks, enjoying the XMAS tree, listening to holiday music, all the more delightful because the house is spic and span, and there are lots of delicious leftovers…such a cozy day!
November 1st!!!!! First day of my favorite month of all!!! I love the light …..the clean trees…cool days and cold nights…sleeping on the porch in a sleeping bag with a hat on!!! Thanksgiving looming….yea!!! 400 trick or treaters…..holy moley. That’s a lot of candy!!! What a great idea to have a chili dinner…..maybe next year! I adore your dishes…the pink and cream?.they have such a old farm house feel to them…. Cozy kitchen….so pretty! Happy November!!
Love it, love it, love it!!!! What a fantastic post!!!! We had not a single trick-or-treater last night. No surprise there. It would have been a greater surprise if we had had any.:-)
We actually turned over the calendar page yesterday afternoon, just to see the wonderful gingerbread cake recipe, one of my husband’s favorites. Also have the turkey platter up in the china cabinet, the turkey gravy boat on the sideboard, and the turkey mint plate on display as well. I may get around to making some chocolate cream cheese turkey mints by the “big day.”
I provided lunch for the adult day care program at our church today, and dessert was pumpkin bars! Now it is time to move ahead!:-)
You give us great motivation, Susan, to put forth our best effort. Thank you for your dedication to helping us make our own little places examples of what “home” is all about. xoxo
I too feel like this is the beginning of winter…. :0)
My plan today was to begin bringing out the Christmas (Winter) decorations…if I call them “Winter” decorations, I tend not to get such a reaction of shocked from people….lol
I love “Winter” Decorations, all the glitter and shinny light…..Oh dear, I best not go on supper is calling my name…..oh Cindy!!!!
Have a great November 1st. evening…..:0)
Just got our power back after 60+ hours (New Hampshire). Trick or treat
has been rescheduled twice now…… Thanks to your lovely photos and words I am again excited about Trick or Treat, and just getting ready for the holidays. Your blog makes my day as your books and calendars have done for years. Keep it coming, I do so appreciate it!
Your day sounds so much the same as mine—two daughters came over, along with one very wonderful son-in-law. We had a buffet of food so that everyone could help themselves—I, too, got one load of dishes done last night and got the rest done today, but ALSO, I’m working in our tiny yard pulling up ‘dead things’ and sprucing things up a bit as another big snowstorm is predicted. I’m going to head off to the busy grocery store as soon as I finish this and get some bananas because I’m going to try a GF banana nut bread recipe tomorrow as the snow flies….
The ‘webs’ have been removed from the front porch and the ‘visitor kitty bowl dish’ is filled…..I’m ready….and that gingerbread recipe is calling my name!!
xo
Joann
Your blogs make me soooooo happy!!! This one is particularly wonderful because it is so Autumny!!!
I absolutely LOVE all the pics you post of your home! I have always been such a homebody – I love my own home, and I love other peoples’ homes, too, especially yours!! Thank you!!
Rabbit Rabbit ! Looks like you had a wonderful Halloween ! Best comment last night was an 8 year old who looked at my basket of candy and said “YES, Finally somebody who gets it..SNICKERS !” I felt like a success…. I turned over the calendar ( yours, of course) here at home and at school. Came home and had a cuppa tea and put away all the Halloween stuff and put out all the Thanksgiving things. Now dinner in the oven and while it is hot….a gingerbread cake to make the house all cozy. Enjoy your “all ready for winter” feeling….and thanks for your posts – they really touch the heart and make me smile !
♫♥♫♥ Happy Day After Halloween Sweetest Sue! ♫♥♫♥….ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I just spent the last 4 hours cleaning up after Our Wild Halloween…sat down with the last of The Brewed Cider…& Poof!…what do my Wandering Eyes should Appear?…You & This Beyond Wonderful New Blog…Thanks Swet Sue… 🙂 ♥…Yours & Joe’s Halloween was an Extravaganza!!!!! 400 TrickOr~Treaters…Your House Decked Out with Halloween Charm!,,,Your Yummy Corn~Pudding & Chili!…all that Candy….& now We Bask in The After~Glow…of All The Fun & Frolic….You are so Right… November Means “Gingerbread~Cake”….Savoring the rest of Autumn…Now Thinking of The Thanksgiving Menu…Like Joe Christmas ♫Tunes Beginning♫ Feeling Happy….Let The Holidays Begin! Hugzzzzzzzz & always lots of Joy & Love Happy Sweet November Everybody! xoxo Poof! ♥ P.S. I Loved Every Photo Sue & oh my Goodness The One of Kitty…Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrfection My Dear!
What she said!
Ok I just have to say… I LOVE GIRL KITTY!
We had a cold and stormy night and only had two children stop by all dressed up. They are neighbors who visit every year. The apres Halloween party sounds so special and I am sure was enjoyed by all. What a wonderful way to celebrate surrounded by friends in a cozy and warm environment. Just heavenly – Judy C in NC
After reading your post today it has **finally** dawned on me on whatyour blog reminds me of: the Christmas in Connecticut movie…one of my all-time favorites!!!! My favorite version is the 1945 one with Barbara Stanwyck: “A food writer who has lied about being the perfect housewife must try to cover her deception when her boss and a returning war hero invite themselves to her home for a traditional family Christmas.” Although the character, Elizabeth Lane, writes authoritatively about homekeeping…she doesn’t actually have a husband, a baby, or a working farm home…thus the ensuing hilarity. But unlike the movie, we all know that YOU are actually are an accomplished homekeeper and artist extraordinaire!!!! In the words of Uncle Felix, “Everything is hunky dunky!”
Here in Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving in October so between the end of October and the beginning of December is a quiet time. I love that month with no decorations, with time to display on my china cabinet some odds and ends of much loved silver, and to relax before the frenzy of December. Our tea club will continue to meet on Sundays in November and gingerbread cake will be a perfect offering on the table.
Happy day after Halloween to you too. It looks like a great time was had by all. I am loving the pumpkins over the front door. Fabulous. You pictures are wonderful and oh my goodness, our cats are twins.
Paula
ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
No trick or treaters stopped here but I think perhaps all of them live in your neighborhood. *wink Your post has so many interesting and lovely photos. I especially like those of the front of your house showing the decorations. Thanks for the votive candle tip…….wondering how I lived this long and didn’t know that???
Happy November!!!
Jack o lanterns gone now, and Thanksgiving things are out–I’m starting to think of Christmas too–Gingerbread sounds soooo good, but also need to make several pumpkin pies Yummmmmm!!!!! Today was my day for laundry and errands, but tomorrow will be free –all mine! Lots of plans involving paint and paper. 🙂
You are pure sunshine, Susan Branch!!!
Sounds like you had a very fun evening. We had about 30 trick or treaters. Was a very nice nite. Having our firsy snow flurries today in the Black Hills of South Dakota . Went out looking for some vintage things. Found a very cute Christmas plate that has a recipe for peppermint truffles on it with glittered peppermint candy on it. Is even dishwasher and microwave safe. Somebody will get it with some goody treat on it. I agree, it is time to start thinking about Thanksgiving! Thansks for all your inspirations.
Woke up, said “rabbit,rabbit,” and turned the page on your calendar to November. Gingerbread cake…yum; with lemon sauce………….yummier. Think that will on the agenda for this weekend. It’s even a little chilly here in north Florida. Thanks for sharing your Halloween with us.
Love that other people say Rabbit Rabbit !!!
Couldn’t wait to hear all about your trick or treaters and your party, and you didn’t disappoint! What fun! Makes me remember when we had such great parties and friends, but after almost 13 years since my husband had his stroke and suffers from brain damage, and is paralized on one side all those “friends” have long ago disappeared! I am not looking for pity, it’s just the way it is. Caregiving is a lonely life! But I do the best I can to make our little place cozy and festive. And I so enjoy being able to visit you in your home, consider you my friend, and come away with a idea or two to help me make my home a cozy sanctuary. Thank you Susan!
Happy-Day-After to you too Susan! I saw your Gingerbread Cake recipe this morning when I flipped up the calendar page. I’ll have to try it…it looks very similar to the one I use from my Granny’s cookbook…yummy! Don’t all goodies baked with molasses just smell amazing? 🙂
Hi Susan
Another Fabulous Post I must say, all the pictures were wonderful! We had quite alot of trick or treaters here also, Lordship is a tiny little beach community in Stratford and people drive over to walk around, its so much fun. Last night was the first time in years my Husband and I didn’t walk our girls around. The oldest is old enough to walk the younger one around with all her friends, it was fun to see them leave together and stay home to hand out candy. I had friends over for tea and Pumpkin bread today with a fire. I love the summer but oh the Fall and Winter are just the best.
Happy Day Susan, thanks for your inspiration every day
deezie
Just love your blog! It’s always so heartwarming. We had not one trick-or-treater. We live out in the country and all the neighborhood children are now grown up. I also love to decorate for Fall and in fact I did it early this year. I must make your corn pudding recipe – have been wanting to do that. Am also looking forward to whatever you are working on. Oh, and thanks for the reminder to turn my calendar to November. P.S. Love all your pictures.!
Dear Susan,
I have baked your gingerbread cake recipe in your special Christmas tree pan many times. This cake makes such a lovely presentation on the table with a bit of powdered sugar topping the trees to look like snow. I like to serve it with freshly whipped cream. It is spicey rich, so moist and absolutely delicious and my guests are always impressed that little ole me made it from scratch! Warmest wishes for a lovely November!
This is my FAVORITE time of year! And Susan Branch.com makes it brighter, warmer, lovelier, and I can hardly wait to see what’s next!:)
I made the Gingerbread Cake, Lemon Sauce and whipped cream on p. 93 of your AUTUMN Recipe book and YUM! WOW! FABULOUS! Next time, I will double the recipe..It evaporated at my Girlfriend Party – they all went home with the recipe and to order your AUTUMN cookbook!:)
Next, is the Molasses Cookies..I love to COPY the recipes and pictures off your blog and paste them…so when my computer is RESTING..I see a beautiful Snapshot of yours…Today, its the beautiful bouquet of yellow flowers..stunning enlarged and as my screensaver!!!
Everything is tastier and more beautiful with Susan Branch!! I have been a fan since my cousin gave me my first cookbook 21 years ago!! Bravo!
Love you, my dear secret friend!
xoxoxo!
Dear Susan, how I love this post! Although I will not be ready for winter until mid December, I love the sorts of food that come with this time of year, and I love stocking the larder and cupboards as if a seige is about to descend upon us. I put my votive ends in a tart burner with a few drops of essential oil.
I have to ask, sorry for not knowing . . is Girl named after the lioness who played Elsa in Born Free (my favourite film). I had a Rough Collie named Girl because she looked like a lioness!
p.s. thanks for the gentle nudge to turn the calendars . . so busy has been this day that I forgot!!!!!
Today is our 31st wedding anniversary~we went to our favorite little cafe Allyson’s in Ventura for breakfast. Then a little shopping and home. My Bob loves to cook, the first thing he did is turn the page of your cookbook to Steak Au Poivre and is madly concocting a wonderful dinner~our little tradition now since you published that book! The pages kinda stick together now, hee hee. The Cali weather is wonderful warm and and chilly at night, brrrrr. Our family on MV and Cape Cod I think a visit from us soon, your blog of events is great! Deb
Happy Anniversary Debbie and say hello to Bob!
Just had to let you know I could not wait for Thanksgiving turkey leftovers to make my daughter’s favorite recipe: your Turkey-in-the-straw! Made it feel like November for sure 🙂
Oh Susan what lovely photos….could just see myself ringing your doorbell & saying “trick or treat”…smile…. Oh ya, and maybe hanging around for that wonderful chili and corn pudding afterwards! Ha… As always it sounds magical!
Glad you rested well and have your home back in order, awaiting a quiet evening with Kitty and Joe!
Blessings,
xoxo Gert
Hi Susan………
Your pics are always so heartwarming and uplifting along with your comments! I suspect for a crowd like you get, the word is out on where to go for the good stuff as kids say. This is the day when I would get busy making my fruitcakes so that I could marinate them until christmas! I would then set out on making the French meat pies that we shared with family loved ones after we got home from Midnight Mass at 2 am in the morning. We would then allow Santa to place his presents around the tree before we went to bed ……..such sweet memories and oh so cherished.. I can still smell those aromas now today………..
Thank you so much for sharing your Halloween! What a FUN night!! We just had 2 trick-or-treaters last night, & they were darling!! (A Tinkerbell with bunny ears. How cute is that??? AND Snow White!) Today we had a breezy~leaf blowing kind of day. Yippee! Can’t wait to make that gingerbread cake!! 🙂
Hi Sue,
Don’t you just love that feeling you have when you know you provided everyone with a wonderful time. I love to think of it as my gift to my friends. Who really takes the time to make things that nice for us except our true friends? The memories made are just wonderful and you’ll have those to revisit for a life time. I’m glad you enjoyed your quiet time shuffling around the house in your slippers. Tea, honey, cream and ohhhhh yesssss Girl Kitty ! Life seems so much more meaningful when your able to realize you have been blessed, don’t you think? Sometimes I see my blessing in the smile of a friend, in the touch of a hand being held, in the smile of the woman on the park bench who had a tear in her eye when she responded to my hello…who knows….I may have been the only person who spoke to her that whole entire day, or it could be that little voice that said…thank you as you placed candy in their trick-or-treat bag. Yes, sometimes we need that day to just relax and realized life is grand…and…we are so blessed. FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~
Oh, I find this day the early beginnings of winter as well. It’s like a new beginning of a year to me, more so than New Year’s Day. And you are so right about November meaning gingerbread cake! Yum!
-Merry
Susan, your recent hunt for bittersweet and small village Halloween triggered yet more happy Cape memories for me. I’m so glad I found your blog– I have many of your creations, all wonderful, but it is the loving way you create a sense of place and share your home that fills a need in so many of us and draws us in. I, too, lived on the Cape (Falmouth & No Falmouth) in the 70s & 80s, and your words & images carry me back daily (though my heart never left!). I appreciate it more than words can say. So- in thanks, here’s a little contribution for a spicy-scented house on those (rare) days you didn’t bake something wonderful: sprinkle whole cloves on your carpets, wait a few hours, then vacuum. Freshens vac bag too~ Happy November to you, Joe & Girl Kitty!
Hi Susan,
Ooooh, loved your latest post!! My goodness 400 trick o’ treaters? You lucky duck. We didn’t have any. Oh sad face!! I had our pumpkin going with your delightful tip of the cinnamon. I had a huge pumpkin bowl loaded with candy but no guests. Your after party looked and sounded wonderful!! I envy your guests!! Thanks for always sharing. I have your smaller calendar and it shows the Cranberry Apple Crisp as my recipe. Yummy!! Delish!! I can’t wait to try it. After work today I put away all of my Halloween decorations and just left up the fall items for Thanksgiving. I kinda feel that Thanksgiving gets cheated because everyone is always ready for Christmas right after Halloween. I was in a store today at lunch and they were already playing Christmas music…really? I love Christmas but poor little Thanksgiving..I think we need to slow down and be thankful for each other and all of the little things in life. Just my opinion…hope I don’t upset anyone with my thoughts. GOD Bless…Love and Hugs, Tricia B.
I agree…I think Thanksgiving gets lost in the crush…I was married 2 years ago on Thanksgiving weekend, since it is my and my husband’s favorite holiday.
I agree with you Tricia 1000%!! Blessings to you!
I agree with you, Tricia! I send out Thanksgiving cards to family & friends to celebrate our relationships and many, many blessings of the past year. HaPpY ThAnKsGiViNg to all who celebrate their Blessings! <3
I agree with Tricia too! We have so much to be thankful for and it’s such a nice day, sharing a special meal with family & friends. It forces us to take those moments to be thankful that some of us might not have taken if we didn’t take the time to celebrate the day. Happy Thanksgiving Girlfriends…and gobble gobble all that wonderful food up. I for one so enjoy preparing our Thanksgiving meal. It allows me the time to revisit my memories of Thanksgivings from years gone by when my dear mother would prepare herThanksgiving dinners. I still use some of her kitchen utensils and bowls in preparing ours! Nice memories! FOSB 4~Ever!
~ Doreen ~
Love your FOSB 4~Ever Doreen! Love our Facebook people!
Oh Susan, I just love your blog! This is our first year in Arizona and it was 88 degrees yesterday. A far cry from our Halloweens in the Ozarks. Even so, I made our traditional chili dinner. We had lots and lots of kids show up which I thoroughly enjoyed. Living on a long dirt country road in Missouri, we never got any trick or treaters. I trying to pretend that it’s truly autumn and almost winter. Reading your blog sure helps. Thanks
Happy First day of November Susan!,
It’s hard to believe it is here already, where has the year gone? And we “fall back” this weekend! I was working from home today as well, one of only a couple days a week that I get to do that. But today was full of meetings, and appointments, and visits with fellow crafters to drop off crafts for a craft show coming this weekend. So no time for slippers, tea, or warm fires. But a soon as I finish typing this… I will head off to my craft room for an hour or two before bath/bed time. FYI… I have been playing Christmas music since the first day of October when I switched over from card making (from the summer) and into ornament painting for the Holidays. Gotta do something to get inspired to create holiday crafts when it is still in the 70’s out there! No problem with that now… my! how much has changed in that quick 31 days. Happy November Susan! have a great week!
Amy Lynn
I’ve been meaning to write this comment from the time you started your blog. I have been a fan for a long, long time! I’ve always loved your calendars and your books. And, OH, your stickers…love, love love! And then when I came across Willard, I was thrilled. And NOW! Your blog. I feel like I’ve “met” you and know you. (I know, crazy, right?) You have a way of connecting with people that you’ve never met in person and making them feeling like you’re a friend! Your posts, just like your books, evoke such wonderful, warm feelings of happiness and contentment. Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring outlook on life. I look forward to every single post! ♥
Very kind of you to tell me Kathy! I love doing it … so we are a good partnership! Thank you!
Hi Susan!
Just wanted to thank you for sharing the idea of sprinkling cinnamon on the lids of our jack o’ lanterns. The aroma was divine!!! How I never knew about this in all my years of pumpkin carving is beyond me!! I even carved a SB inspired star pumpkin. Lots of trick or treaters at our house too!! Next year I am definitely making your corn pudding to go with our chili. Happy November!
Isn’t it wonderful? I love that smell on our front porch! It’s in my kitchen now, moved one of the pumpkins in! Happy November to you too!
So much of your lovely Autumn Book in this blog, and it’s a real treat to see pictures of real life, here and now, around your cozy house to go with and among the paragraphs. Happy 1st Day of Winter. PS: do you have a house sitter while you’re in CA?–house plus Girl cat sitter?
Yes we gave a kitty sitter who stays in the house, because she just can’t sleep alone! Or, more like, I can’t bear the idea of her having to!
Hi, Susan~
I’m so glad I discovered your blog and your whole website! A few days ago, I received your Autumn book and today I received the vintage tablecloth and the maple leaf cookies…the book is beautiful! A girlfriend gave me your Christmas Joy Book a few years ago but I didn’t know how many other books you’ve done until now…you are very talented!
One of the things I like to do in November is try to be more aware of my blessings and to write down at least one thing each day that I’m grateful for. (I actually try to do this year-round but have to admit…I’m more successful in November.) Today, I’m thankful for you and your gift of sharing! Thank you, Susan!
Debbie
xoxo Debbie, lovely thing to do!
Dear Susan,
Saving your blog page to read until the day is done, when I get to sit for a few quiet moments before bedtime, is my favorite part of the day! Thank you for sharing your special self! I enjoy reading the comments from everyone else too! I didn’t realize there were so many of us out there with the same loves and simple pleasures! I wanted to share with you a simple love and pleasure of mine…. A tradition for me is to make a large roaster pan of scalloped potatoes and ham the day before Halloween. (Just a simple layering of sliced potatoes, lots of sliced onions, sprinkling of flour, ham cut into bite-sized pieces and salt & pepper…..just keep layering until pan is full – then pour milk over until the pan is 1/2 full of milk- bake 350, 2 hours) After a meal of the original dish – comes the BEST part….. The next day (Halloween) Take the leftovers – cutting everything up (I use that tool you use to cut the butter into the flour for a pie crust-or you can use a potato masher) – Then add a LOT of milk, a large blob of butter, and more salt & pepper. Simmer til thickens and…>Viola!!!!! THE Best potato soup you’ve ever had! Maybe because it’s pre-roasted! We always have friends stop by on Halloween who are the parents of our little trick-or-treaters. I give anyone who will take it- my soup and some cider! This soup was my favorite meal as a child and still is – it’s my mother’s creation, and tonight, while reading your blog, sitting in front of the fire, enjoying the last bowlful of THE potato soup – well, it just doesn’t get any better! :-))
My mom always made, and I adore, scalloped potatoes, but she did it with sausages on top, so I do too, love it so much! I will have to try your idea!
Great post very homey . I cant believe its November already where does the time go. Loved your photos . Have a wonderful evening.
Great post….lovely pictures…I love this time of year….we are getting ready for our first “blizzard warning” tonight into tomorrow! Love it! Will put on a pot of chili, make cornbread, finish cleaning up house and then set down for some knitting and perhaps start a new quilt! Life is good….
Could hardly wait for this post…filled with lots of autumn love!! Oh, my…Girl Kitty’s photo is really lovely!! And what a deliciously fun evening you had!! Your charming blog reads like your books, and how fun to log on and it just seems like turning a page in your book!! Great fun for all of us!! After remembering it was indeed…11. 1. 11 today, I was bitten by the Christmas spirit and ended up in Home Goods, ooooing and ahhhhing over ornaments and such. The magic from last nite must spill over to today!? Merriest of Novembers, Susan!!
What a treat to see today’s beautiful photos, and to see Miss Girl Kitty in her splendor! Thanks for putting the seasonal perspective into words … “What Susan said” could be my mantra. I may never need to speak again! Thanks, too, for the “votive release” hint. Winner!
LOL!
Made your wonderful Touchdown Chili recipe last night and absolutely loved it!! Kids came to school today totally high on a sugar fix and it was a crazy day. It’s always great to come home, relax and read what you have posted. Love your photos, recipes and music links! Have a great weekend!
Wonderfully warm post!
Thanks for the votive tip. I fill them with hot water and let them set for awhile but sometimes I still have to dig them out a little. I’m gonna try your way next.
This is going to change your life 🙂 !
I did remember to turn the calendar page tonight and voila–there was your gingerbread cake recipe–for you see, I do have your calendar!! And I already have one for 2012 too.
I LOVE your blog. Your descriptions of your life and the images you share are so much fun. Your life enriches mine and I thank you so very much for sharing it with the rest of us.
It is lovely to read about good things happening to a lovely person such as yourself. And it makes the rest of us believe in all the good possibilities. There is so much bad going on in the world that this sweet blog is a slice of heaven.
BTW–after reading about your train travels I am longing to take a train trip. We usually travel by car (I’m afraid of flying.)
Susan,
I loved your pumpkins with the cut out stars so much that I bought an extra orange one to carve. (It’s hard for me to give one up to carving, I don’t want to have to see it dying and have to get rid of it ) So, my question is how did you get the stars so cleanly cut and the same size? Thanks and just so you know, I love to get inspired by all your musings.
Cecelia
I draw the stars on with a pencil, like a child draws a star, using all one line, and then I enlarge it with the pencil by going around the points, fattening them, until it looks the way I like. They aren’t really the same size, I try to make them different sizes on purpose. Use a small, sharp, pointed knife, and you will need to cut at an angle, as you do it, you will see what I mean, so the star opening is big and the light can shine through — it’s pretty easy. One of mine is on the kitchen table now, brought it in and it’s our new votive! 🙂
Hi Cecelia!
I used star cookie cutters to trace my star shapes! Easy Peasy 🙂
Turned over the page to November on my SB calendar and put the ingredients for the gingerbread recipe on my shopping list for this week. Sure sounds yummy. Happy November!!!
What a beautiful post. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
And I have to say, I adore your soup bowls. What is it about china that makes my heart go pitter pat? My husband does not understand my obsession. The pattern reminds me of one of my oversize cups and saucers from England. (I have about ten of those, all different and varying ages, set aside on a shelf. And and all are perfect for a big mug of cafe au lait or soup by the fire!)
So loved this posting about Halloween . . . it brought back so many childhood memories . . Thanks so much for sharing, truly enjoyed reading it. Blessings, Sandy:O)
I feel like Dorothy – things “come and go so quickly” here! The storm in the NE knocked us out of power and internet on Sat. night and we still don’t have electric. I was able to catch up on this blog finally after we took refuge at my mother-in-laws on the other side of the state! Lots of towns here have cancelled school for days – and this is on top of all the damage from Hurricane Irene only a month ago! WOW.
It is so nice to check in here and feel the comfort of the girlfriends! I missed you. ;0)
Oh and BTW, I made the pumpkin french toast that I was so excited to get the recipe for (seems like MANY posts ago) on our GAS GRILL during the power outage! Can you believe it! It was deeeelish! I was so proud of myself. You just can’t keep a good cook down…
Sometimes the things we’ve done during power outage have almost made me wish we didn’t have it! But, then the second day will go by and I start feeling different! I can’t believe yours has been off this long. Glad to see you here, and wishing power to the people!
Pumpkin french toast? Sounds wonderful! I must have missed that one–will you write and share it?
Like I said – things “come and go so quickly here!” LOL
ArlineLA from California started it with her visit to the Honeymoon Cafe ( I would still like to know how they made it to be like creme brulee – yummmm) but it was Kirsten Wichert who finally came through with the recipe! Thanks Kirsten! It is all the way back on the “Patricia, Where are you?” blog!
Basic jist of it is adding pumpkin puree, nutmeg, cinnamon, little ginger to your basic egg/milk mix and soaking thick sliced bread in it well. I wasn’t able to bake it in the oven this time – will try that another time. Was a very big hit at our house!
Hey and BTW – I just got the call that our neighborhood finally got power back tonight!
Happy November Susan! I’m partial to it, as today (the first) is my birthday. I love Fall and everything that goes with it. I just learned the freezing your votive holders about three years ago and isn’t it great? Glad you had a great Halloween. I’m having a giveaway over on my blog for my followers. Stop by if you get the chance.
Hugs XX
Barbara
Happy Birthday Barbara!!!
Great pictures! Once again your blog is pure heart-warming, cozy, goodness. You inspire those feelings in others by example and your art.
I love Girl Kitty too!! You know… she would make a great children’s book. The story can be written through her eyes, all the “fun” and preparations for Halloween. You could write one for each season, or holiday. I think it would be great. You probably know her personality, and quirks… it wouldn’t be much of a reach to write stories for her 🙂 And your artwork would be perfect! I realize it might sound nuts, but often, where my kitties are concerned, I carry on B. Potter like stories with them. AND… they go along with the whole thing too! Imagine that! Maybe I need to get out more? But, I think it’s a good idea!
Yes, she has quite a droll sense of humor. I wonder if she would let me dress her up?
How do you do it……..stay in the moment long enough to enjoy all that the holiday offers, while staying on top of all the work involved!!!!!???? I’m still working on this! You really are my perfect role model (and I believe we’re about the same age…) You’d think I’d have it by now! LOL. I love, love the photo of Girl Kitty. She is so pretty and I can tell that she is so soft. Well, today I am stuffing my cute new socks I bought yesterday with rice. Got some pretty ribbon to tie them with……and wa la! Great neck (or bed) warmers for gifts. So much fun! What a great idea!!! Thanks!
Ohhh, love those neck warmers! So easy and so wonderful! I think you do pretty darn good. xoxo
This post makes me happy on so many levels… First, your Halloween sounded like great fun! I love the idea of people coming over after trick-or-treating… or better yet, having someone invite us over for after trick-or-treating fun! But, for me, taking all the kids out is about all I can do… it’s so fun! But, so tiring! It seems that every year they can manage more streets, more houses and more candy!
Here’s where I really love your post… we were just talking about how we feel like today is the first day of winter! Or at least, not really autumn anymore. And I also started listening to Christmas music today! Is Joe a Christmas music fanatic like myself? I love the older Christmas music especially… Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Ray Conniff and His Singers, The Harry Simeone Chorale… the list goes on and on (how could I have forgotten Bing?!??). I’m getting so excited, I am going to have to work really hard to avoid blogging about Christmas already!
Thanks for another cozy, inspiring and welcoming post… This is one of the best things about every day. My wife and I love to read and discuss whatever you’ve written about… How fun is that!? You are bringing couples even closer together!
Jake
Helen Keller, who’s words always carry such weight, said “To be happy, think happy.” So simple . . . happy thoughts from everyone seem to make us all happier!
I have to wake one of our dogs up early to feed her, since she has diabetes and has to eat and have her insulin on a regular schedule. Today while she was munching, I put the Halloween decorations away and started putting out the Thanksgiving ones…first to come out were the stuffed fabric turkey twins I found in the same thrift shop, two years apart…they’re quite large and the cats are bemused by them. I dumped out the outside planters, swept leaves, vacuumed, turned my Susan Branch calendar, and began to ready myself and our home for winter. I love the feeling that we are secure in our home and ready for the blizzards!
I love this cozy, autumnal, halloween blog – I love all your blogs! It sounds like you had fun! I think chili is the perfect Halloween meal – partly because it can cook away in the crockpot during the madness and won’t burn! Then when it’s time for some protein (to help balance the sugar-coma from the candy!) you just take the lid off and ta-da!
I’ve switched to tea lights in little metal containers. I just burn too many darn candles all the time – and the clean up was too time consuming. I put them in little votives that are colored so you can’t see the metal part, but you can see the flame. Best part? I can get 100 for like $2.50 at Ikea – (I buy many 100-light packets!) and they each burn for 4 hours…
Turning over the November calendar today (I have 3 of yours!) seeing the gingerbread reminded me that I still have to make pumpkin bread this fall. I also need to get my turkeys out for Thanksgiving…
Thanks for another great blog!
Lovely, enjoy your day.
Greetings,
We took the steam ship to VH this past Monday (we live in WH) and saw all the lovely Halloween decorations, and whiled away the afternoon window shopping & browsing in the Bookstore.
I am curious about the plates and sou bowls that you have pictured for your Halloween feast – just wondering whom they are made by .. they are beautiful.
Hope your are enjoying this glorious day we are having; the early sun on the sound was beautiful.
JM
What a perfect day trip this time of year, over on the boat, gorgeous weather! The soup bowls are Copeland Spode and the plates are all Vernon Kilns; a mixture of “Mayflower” and “Dolores.”
Susan! Thanks for all the great pictures! I’m lucky to get 30 trick or treaters in our neighborhood…so I’m living my Halloween vicariously through your blog! I didn’t know the candle trick but have made a mental note! Thanks for all that you post…it brightens my day! Stay warm and give Girl Kitty a squeeze!
Good morning Sue,
I lingered on your pictures as usually thats what my house look like at Halloween, as its my favorite time to decorate and light up my house with lit pumpkins, little lights and candles. But this year was different, we had extensive damage from the snow storm, lost 3 trees in my front yard, we still have no power since saturday, and the area cancelled trick or treating….so disappointing! On the bright side, my husband did hook up the generator so we are lucky enough to have heat and hot water, but no stove or frig. So I’ve been walking around at night with my little lantern totally appreciating the things we so take for granted. Last saturday I actually was in the process of making your chicken soup 101 from your autumn book, and although I was never able to finish it I have frozen it outside at night and packed it in snow during the day so the minute we get power that soup will thaw back on the stove and I am going to finish it and really enjoy it! It was unbelievable to have 13 inches of snow before Halloween, something we have never seen here before and hopefully won’t see again. Thank goodness for my work computer as this is how I am able to access you, my day is not complete without checking in. Thanks for being here.
I can’t believe you are still without power! And so sorry for the loss of your trees. But I’m proud of you and your frozen soup! Thirteen inches, just amazing! Somehow the island missed it, it’s a little warmer here because of the ocean, we just got the rain. Sending you all my best wishes, prayers, hopes that this too shall soon pass!!!
Thankyou so much….we are a hardy bunch us New Englanders! We weathered the tornado in June, and now this…yikes! Hopefully we’ll have power back by tomorrow!
I hope so!!!
Holy cats! 400 trick-or-treaters??!! How fun. I didn’t have one this year….didn’t even hear a peep outside. It seems like most people take their kids to “trunk or treat” events at church or the malls in this day and age…it’s a little sad. How fun for you though! ;}
m ^..^
Little island makes that a little more possible I guess.
Ms. Susan, I have been following you for ages and have never posted before! I just want to jump into your books and live there forever. We have 3 cats and a dog along with a 4 year little girl, Caroline. How in the world do you keep precious Girl Kitty from batting everthing on the floor? If I lay one cute seasonal item on a table it is broken or nibbled on! Also, what is your favorite tea?
Kristy
Hi Kristy, glad to see you here! Cats are funny, and mine is just not much of a hunter — which is how I think about a cat that bats things around . . . I don’t know, I’m not a cat whisperer, although I do try! My favorite tea right now is Earl Grey with lavender in it. Or plain Earl Grey, organic.
LOVE your post! Happy NOVEMBER. Time to put Halloween decorations away and put out all the TURKEYS!!! I’m like other posters. Would love to come to your house on Halloween either as a child or an adult!!
Love your Girl Kitty. My first kitty was black and white like Girl, officially named Cinders, though called Big Kitty. Now I have two grays, brother and sister. I may be one of the few who doesn’t have your current calendar, so I don’t have Gingerbread Cake recipe – possible to get it? TY!
I want to spend Halloween in your neighborhood!
Loved the Halloween blog! Love November! This November big brother turns the big “60”! Getting ready to make the Thanksgiving food list. I reached in and gave “Girl” a big hug. She is beautiful. Happy November Susan Friends! I have been playing Christmas Music for a couple of days now.
Your blogs are so delightful. They bring joy to so many people! Thank you for your writings, your pictures, and all your wonderful work. I will be giving friends and family some of your collectible cups from England, and I’m excited about it. I also want to give them some of your books. I love everything you do! You are an inspiration to us all!
Thanks for the tip on the candles!! I still have some stuck in jars from my son’s wedding in September. Enjoy the fall!!
We closed our doors and shutters… My daughter came in saying a big bunch of kids were looking for sweets and were not dressed up…At least fifteen!
I was the one who got scared!!!!
I love your pictures, I love automn…
Happy November, Sue and Joe!
I so enjoyed this post and the ones before it, stuffed to overflowing with autumn goodness. We are having the most amazing fall here, the colors are breathtaking. Today was windy and the leaves were coming down…soon the branches will be bare. “The leaves are down, we see more sky,” as Gladys once wrote. 🙂 Such a positive way to look at it!
I think of you and am always so happy when I have the chance to stop by here and see what you’ve been up to over there on that beautiful island you call home.
Thank you for the little message you left on my blog the other day, I really needed all the encouragement I could get. Raffi is doing great now…he looks with big eyes on our autumn walks, taking in all the fall colors. I think he loves it just as much as I do.
Sending lots of love,
Dawn
Hi Dawn, so glad things are better! Everyone getting to know everyone! Happy November back to you!
So sorry for you folks with power problems. I love no power the 1st day, not so much at all the 2nd! Cinnamon in my coffee, after reading this blog! Being a really thoughtful Grandma, I brought home some candy from Halloween party, am still taste testing for the kids, ok so far. Today is a sunny & cold NoCA day with wispy clouds, rain tomorrow, maybe, yay! So Joe cooks, wields a hot hammer, & loves Christmas music, sigh!!!! Love your blog & home pics Sweet Sue, thank you! Hearty Hugs to all!
Yes and he wears a black beret and looks really cute in it. 🙂
…be still my heart! 🙂