Today, I have the same problem I have with every post, too many things to talk about and only one blog 🙂 ! I couldn’t decide if you’d rather have a delicious recipe for the Onion Pudding I made yesterday? Or, maybe you’d like a retrospective of the Life of Jack and his beautiful step-sister, Girl Kitty Branch? Perhaps you’d enjoy a peek between the illustrated pages of my English Diary? Maybe we should do winter decorating? Or take a walk over to the old graveyard?
One thing I know for sure, I’m keeping our drawing open for the little birdie salt and peppers for another couple of days . . . want to make sure everyone’s had a chance to enter; just scroll to the bottom of the next post and leave a comment if you haven’t already.
The “what to talk about” question was solved for me, because we finally had snow over the weekend! I can’t bring myself to talk about a recipe when all this beauty is sitting outside the window just waiting for the click of my camera! Having been born and raised in California I don’t think I can ever stop thinking about a snow fall as a kind of miracle!
Our first snowstorm this season started innocently, a few flakes came drifting down, but soon, with an assist from a sharp breeze off the harbor, every rooftop, picket fence, tree limb, and porch roof was edged, then blanketed, in white. A wall of gray mist blocked out the sky and hung over the shore obscuring the line between land and sea . . . pure white snowflakes poured down from every direction, swirling off the roof of the barn, a ticker-tape parade in celebration of nature. ♥
The views from inside the house were wonderful . . . this one is from the living room . . .
Looking out the kitchen window toward the barn . . . the feeders were filled with chickadees, wrens, nuthatches, and cardinals, tiny feathered things, hungry in the snow, keeping warm by doing lots of eating — much the same as yours truly.
It’s a decorator’s dream, white on white with smidgens of black trim thrown in for graphic contrast! Joe and I decided to go for a ride and check out the island; we brought back lots of photos, so now it’s your turn! I can barely wait till you see the ferry docking!! While Joe cleaned off the windshield and heated the van, I checked out the garden . . . ♦ ♦ ♦
We’re only growing snow flowers today! But it’s still a “lovely garden.” ♥
If you look closely at the tree, you’ll see a little bit of inspiration, my favorite bird house. Before I moved to snow country I didn’t realize that snow gathers on twigs as tiny and narrow as a needle; the thinnest ledge on the picket fence is brimmed in snow. Everything gets outlined in snow.
Cozy in sweater layers, topped with fleece-lined jackets, thick socks and boots, leather gloves, wool hats and scarves, we head out to explore — if we fall down we probably won’t be able to get up, like the kid in the snowsuit in Christmas Story — Joe calls what we’re doing an “airing” as in, do you need an airing? Yes, I do!!
But you need musica to do this, if Martha’s Vineyard had a voice, this is exactly what it would sound like . . . and never more beautiful than on a snow day.
Down our street, through the mist to Main Street . . .
♥ ♥ ♥
Some of you are probably starting to recognize the places in my photos — remember the lighthouse the other night under the full moon? In this photo, you can barely tell where the mist ends and the water begins!
A beautiful long fence collects snow . . .
I visited this tiny graveyard on my first trip to the island. It was fall; the leaves were coming down; I had no choice but to fall in love. That will be thirty years ago, March 6th of this year. Like it was yesterday.
Beautiful houses are even more so in the snow. I’m laughing, just thinking, so many of you can probably look out your windows and see these kinds of scenes in your own neighborhoods; you would probably rather have me show you last year’s garden in full bloom!
But I can’t help it, this is so beautiful to me. Lines get blurred with the blowing snow and wind off the sound on our left. Can you imagine being a whaling captain in the 1800’s in this weather?
Another cozy little house in the snow…
Joe had to get out and play with the windshield wipers. We wandered around a bit more out there and then fishtailed and slid our way back into town . . .
Past the darling houses . . .
to the harbor . . . the shore line and this little green boat with the red life saver. But then the real fun started, because the ferry came in . . . so we ran over to watch it dock . . .
XOXOXOXOXOX
It’s always so exciting at the ferry, the boats coming and going, the loading of the people, trucks and cars, the hellos and goodbyes. Once in a while the ferry stops running and we are all trapped. That’s when it really gets fun! But it takes a lot more than this “little” storm!
Joe dropped me off at the back driveway so I could walk up; I took this picture of the house next door to us — always so pretty in the snow!
Love Gladys Taber; she always says the right thing. And then, Home Sweet Home . . . where we found this . . .
. . . for the first time, they shared the back of the sofa! We made a fire
. . . and watched a wonderful old English movie with Wendy Hiller called, I Know Where I’m Going.
I caramelized some onions and put a casserole in the oven — and continued to watch the storm . . .
. . . the garden from our upstairs window
Life goes on, no matter the weather — I loved seeing these people trudging along with their umbrella.
After the sun went down, we had to celebrate by turning the Christmas lights back on the tree in our front yard. We didn’t have snow at Christmas, but we knew we would someday, so we left lights on the tree just for this moment! Yay. Now we are complete!
Hope you enjoyed our snow storm — I spoke to Kellee and Judy today so I know it’s raining in California. Must really be winter! Have a great day girlfriends!
Just magical! We just came out of a big snow (by Seattle standards). I hope you enjoy every bit of it! There’s nothing like a casserole for that type of weather- we made one too last night.
I love a hearty meal on cold days but especially on snowy nights.
I grew up in MN so had lots of beautiful snowy days. Now I’m in the tropics so I love looking at your pictures. Soft snow that falls on branches (and eyelashes) adds beauty to every little crevice. The “highlights” on the stone wall are a perfect example. Thanks!
What a fun time you had! Loved the video of the ferry and all the pictures of “white” and my goodness Jack is getting so big! Thanks for your inspiration. Have had some rough days but am coming out into the “light” and enjoying your “white” blog! Enjoy that fire and the fur kids and your warm home and all that makes you cozy during your snow storm! Blessings!!
Lovely! I enjoyed our snow, too – only 3 inches or so – just right! And so fluffy, you could just blow it away – easy to clear!
Isn’t it a relief when the cats seem to be getting along better? Your Girl kitty is awfully sweet looking.
Thanks for sharing.
Oh what joy to go along on your ride through town in the snow. We only go to the islands in the summer so this was a real treat. Our snow here in MD came overnight and was pretty sparse. Congratulations on your upcoming 30 year anniversary! I think you have found a home.
Looks like!
There is nothing more beautiful than Christmas lights covered with snow. I left mine up this year too in anticipation of the snow. Loved the scenes of your winter garden. It is a lovely sight in all seasons xoxo
It never matters what you talk about, it’s always delightful!
XOXO!
There is nothing I love more than a wonderful snowy day…every speck of what you did was exactly what I love to do on snowy days…it is just so beautiful!!!! I have a swing ..on our big oat on the back yard..one of my favorite things is to swing in the snow..it is so so quiet and the only thing you can here are the snowflakes hitting your coat……heavenly….oh..and I left my lights on too…I just love how they look with the snow and the colored lights hiding underneath… So loved your post!!
Almost 80 here in Tampa . . . . sigh . . . . how I wish I could look out my window and see snow. I may reside here but my heart resides in the north! So glad to see your kitties peacefully co-existing! Thanks for the diversion!
What beautiful pictures! I love your ferry boat video. We have a beach house on Bainbridge Island, WA, across Puget Sound to Seattle (6 miles) and ferry boats are a big part of island life. They are also a big part of my decorating theme in the house … I have them tucked everywhere. Always room for more boats. What great fun. Thanks, Sue, for a beautiful reminder of what I am really missing until summer comes around once again. And Jack and Girl sharing the sofa back …This is indeed a red letter day! Jackie in Las Vegas
So beautiful. I love walking through the neighborhood after a snow fall. We had a small light and fluffy snowfall Saturday in N.H. I made the Milk cake that day and have been nibbling on it daily…
Thanks and as usual a beauty of a blog..Love the picture of the Kitties, they look so warm and cozy there..
Love. (sums up what I think of this post)
XO.
Oh, I do love the pictures of your island home! No matter what season it is truly a beautiful place to call home! I would have been out and about in the snow too! When it rains here I always have to go out in it. Now, because we are having rain, and I have already been out in it, I am going to start the fire in the fireplace and enjoy our weather. Just had a piece of that milk cake and the custardy sauce..still wonderful! Thanks for those recipes!
Susan
If ever any one person could say: More lovely then a post card its this! “Every house in its own right can say I’m lovely, from your garden fast asleep to the town so very sweet! I believe its like living in a story book yes that’s it a story book can the author be so real.
How Sweet! My Grandmother had a collection of salt & pepper shakers she displayed in a little curio cabinet and they were all shapes & sizes-animals, little windmills, Hansel & Gretel-no theme to her collection, just whatever caught her fancy. As a treat, she would let my sister & I take them out one by one. Thanks for sharing your special treasures!
Thsanks for the wonderful pictures…I especially liked the graveyard…I have this thing for walking in old graveyards and the photo looked magical in the snow. You, your photos, your calendars, and ideas are helping us all enjoy the most of each day – thanks a bunch !
Our snow is going away in a cold rain…but the menu and the weather are the same…Chilly…with cornbread and a fire and a good book. Bliss !
I took an interest in visiting old grave yards after reading Anne of Green Gables as a young girl. Anne Shirley made it sound romantic.
I look forward to you blog to take me to a relaxing place that ends with a smile on my face. My sister Sue shared your site with me two weeks ago when I came home from the hospital after having a total knee replacement. I simply love your photos, home and adorable furry kids. Your garden is inspiring. I just love to scroll through all of your pages and and dream of projects awaiting me once this new knee is healed. Thank you Susan!
Congratulations on your new knee!!
I’ve had both of my knees replaced Carol and couldn’t be happier! It’s made such a difference. Do ALL of your therapy faithfully! You will be glad you do!
Good to read of your knee replacements. I’ve got one coming sometime in my future, when my right knee becomes bad enough. Ugh, those of you out there without arthritis, be thankful! 🙂 I wonder sometimes if, when I finally get it done, I will be sorry I procrastinated so long…good if all goes good but not if otherwise…
Pat, I put mine off for 10 years. Only a little over 2 weeks post op and I can see this was due a long time ago! I do all of my therapy which was extremly hard at first!
My mother was told to that she needs to get her knees operated. She’s heard about the possible side-effects that she is worried. Should she be worried? What do you suggest I tell her to ease her nerves and get her to make the decision?
It’s hard seeing her in pain.
Just in case Linda doesn’t find you again, maybe if you found some others that had gone through it for her to talk to? I can’t believe what I’ve seen — people I know couldn’t walk at all, one had a cane . . . terrible, but within a week of surgery, they were already walking! It’s a miracle!
Thank you!
So enojoyed the beautiful photos of the snowy winter wonderland you experienced this weekend…(with James Taylor in the background….couldn’t be better!!) We too, in Ohio, have finally experienced some snow…I cherished the
moments while I could….it warmed up and melted overnight. The milk cake recipe you recently shared, reminded me of the chocolate wacky cake (same 8″ square pan, quick, easy, moist) – my Mom used to make for us all the time when we were kids. Delicious served warm with heavy cream poured over the top. She NEVER frosted this cake. Saturday night after we all went skiing, this old family favorite was waiting for us on the counter when we stopped over to visit.
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing such beauty and moments of winter joy with us!!
I have a confession to make. I have lived in Arizona my entire life and have never seen snow. Okay, real snow. I saw flakes falling in Phoenix twice that melted before they hit the ground. I also saw a little bit of snow in Tucson in college. I have never seen mounds of snow or walked in snow or a “White Christmas” or sledded down a snow-covered hill or worn snow boots. There! I feel so much better for making this confession. I sure hope I see snow someday. I really must get out more.
LOL!
WOW! I forget that there are people who have never experienced snow. As beautiful as it is – somedays I would gladly trade you places as snow comes with COLD – burrrrrr!
Oh Susan, thank you! It was a wonderful trip through Martha’s Vineyard! The snow does give it even more of a magical air! How fortunate you are to live there!
Thank you for the tour! Lovely-I have a ? Does anyone out there know what the word bespoke means? When you said you had an English diary it made me think of the word.Would it be appropiate to use for my sweet sweet husband Bill for V-day?
It means “custom-made” — if he’s that sweet he just may be bespoke!
When I saw the weather forecast this weekend I just knew you had gotten snow! Great pictures – love that cream-yellow house! Could feel the warmth of your fireplace – and – lo, and behold – Jack and Girl sharing the back of the sofa. How about that. Sweet!!!! Amazing what a little snow will bring about, yes? Enjoy your paradise – it’s just raining and chilly-cold here in NC – no snow in our area yet this year. Those little bird S&P shakers get cuter every time I see them! Have a grand week! chm
We have snow and cold too, at last, up here in New Hampshire (though it’s supposed to be in the 40s tomorrow). Though all of your pictures were lovely, my favorite photo was the Christmas lights under snow. Simply magical. Thanks for sharing your gifts with all of us.
“I want to wash my hands, my face, my hair with Snow”.. You need a puppy to make paw prints in the beautiful snow. A puppy would provide the kittens with daily challenges. Enjoy the season, what a blessing!
Well none of my comments ever seem to go through… don’t know why. Loved seeing the cats together, just like mine, close but never ever touching. So funny, bet they are quite dependent on each other now. The salt and pepper shakers are gorgeous I had a pair of lustre kookaburra’s… someone broke one and threw them both out. Ouch.
I don’t know why either, I hope this one makes it! Everything about it looks normal to me!
So enjoyed your lovely photos and post ! I like taking snow photos as well it can make it soo pretty out there ! I would love to visit there and take photos it looks like such a wonderful place to be ! Have a great day !
I love the snow….even when the snowblower has to come out of the garage, even when the snow is little and stinging your face as you blow out the driveway, even as you slip and slide shovelling off the front deck, even slipping and sliding to the post office…I love the snow. I love the snow even more now that I’ve recently relocated to where there is none, only the rainy plops and drops on the umbrella. So…thank you for the snow today…..I love the snow. Love the kitties too.
I really love the snow photos. To me, snow is Mother Nature’s way of giving us absolution.
I am so jealous of your beautiful snow,,we haven’t had a snow yet this year and I wait for it anxiously!!! If it is supposed to snow in the night I am always looking out the window with my flashlight to see if it has started,,it’s my favorite thing!! Your tour of your house and island is beautiful, and loved the fireside with the two kitties,,aren’t they precious!!! Know you had a wonderful day, I did too looking at your pictures,, thank you,
Reminds me of home in OH when we would suddenly decide — even at midnight — to go take a walk through a deep, newly fallen snow. I love the photo of Jack and girl sharing the back of the sofa! And the sofa and curtains, too. Stripes! My family room sofa is stripes with an underlying herringobne in the weave — two subtle stripes in one. As I’m working toward redoing our home, I know I want more stripes similar to yours — the simple ticking stripes or some version of them in various colors will get mixed in with the florals and plaids and other patterns. Thank you once again for an upliting post! My red muffin pan is washed and dried and awaiting hot milk cake batter for cupcakes this afternoon — perfect treat for a rainy and very chill — in the low 5o’s here in the OC. The rain is gentle and takes a break now and then so much is soaking in, I believe — certainly So Cal needs rain!
My Mother raves about the movie “I know where I’m going”. I keep meaning to see it…But who has the time? I am re-watching the Island Home Ferry out of Woods Hole, MA dock on Martha’s Vineyard in a snow flurry and reading your blog all day…
Love ya to bits, Karen England (as in “You love England”)
Yes I do! 🙂
Susan, I just have to Thank You so Much for sharing your island with all of us. One day I do hope to visit there, the snow is beautiful. Today we have 50 degree weather and rain, all of our snow is gone and it is rather depressing.
Thanks again for the pictures. Have a Great time in the snow.
.
Susan, what beautiful snowy scenes! Never been to Martha’s Vineyard, but love your pictures and stories all through the year. Thank you for taking the time to share:)
Loved the trip with you and Joe through the snow and especially the ferry docking video clip. It must be incredible to live in such a beautiful place. The picture of the old graveyard with the one American Flag is my favorite. I am always drawn to pictures like that……perhaps the grave of a soldier from World War I or II. Anyway, it does something to my heart.
Oh Susan I loved the tour of your Island Home in the snow! I live in Va and when we get snow, feelings of being a child stir up in me. My husband and I walked today and yesterday in our little snow event. It’s so quiet, and the sounds of ice tumbling through the evergreens was magical this morning. Believe me I’m no longer a child but hope I never lose that excitement for what nature brings to me in this wonderful world we live in. Thank you so much for all the joy you bring to me and my girlfriends! ♥
Oh and what a wonderful blog Susan! I live in snowy Michigan but I LOVED seeing your snow pictures! I love going out taking pictures in the snow myself. . but since I am in the country mine are mostly of trees and shrubs and birds and animal tracks in the snow. Last year I got some wonderful pictures of all the cardinals at my feeder. . .like 15 to 20 at a time! It was so good they even put it on the night news on our local station. I love winter and snow. Today we have rain and are losing most of ours. I especially loved the green boat with the red life ring and the house with the cedar shake siding and the white trellis. And the house with the stone steps and wall. And all of them!! Thanks so much for sharing with us. It’s been such a pleasant, refreshing break in my afternoon. My house is full today with 4 grand daughters spending the day as school closed due to the bad weather. They are all sitting around the kitchen table painting! One of them even went and got my Susan Branch calendar out of my room to show me a picture on it. Have a great week Susan! Thanks again for your wonderful blog. A little bit of heaven on earth!
XOXO Thank you Linda!
Oh, I just adore Wendy Hiller and Roger Livesey. I Know Where I’m Going! is a bit silly but such great fun–perfect snowed-in viewing! Your winter wonderland is gorgeous and makes me a bit sad that we haven’t had a proper snow here in Kansas yet. It’s like spring this week!
I was telling my mom that I had bought another of your cookbooks and she told me I absolutely had to check out your blog. I’m so glad I did; it’s charming!
Welcome Lauren — it was a bit silly, but loved the sea, and the step back in time! Perfect stormy weather viewing!
Susan, I just wanted you to know that I look forward to reading your blog every day…it’s my “aahhh” moment. I really enjoy all your stories, the beautiful artwork, yummy recipes and wonderful photos…especially of the kitties! Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Lovely photos, thanks for sharing. Looks like you had a lot of fun.
Beautiful, beautiful…BEE-U-T-FUL!!!!! You live in a Snow globe!!!! 🙂
~Tina
Oh, I love, love, love your snow pictures!!! And the Christmas tree looks AWESOME!!
It is finally raining a little bit here in the middle of California, as I guess you know. I have been waiting and waiting for it!!!
I was sooooo happy to see the pic of GirlKitty and Jack sharing the back of the sofa!! I laughed, tho’, to see each one of them with their inside ear turned in towards the other cat!! lol lol
I just love your snow! We rarely get good snows like yours here in Alabama. ^_^ So, whenever it does, I’m always dancing about, looking out all the windows, taking pictures. Also, I do hope you’ll sometime post those wonderful things you mentioned at the beginning of this post. 🙂
-Merry
WOW! It’s so beautiful there Sue! Enjoy!
And I am so happy to see Jack and Girl Kitty sharing the couch. That’s how it was with Kiki and Boston…one day, Kiki finally just accepted him, and I was SO HAPPY and RELIEVED.
Happy Winter my dear! The first month of 2012 is already almost over!
xoxo Dawn
I do feel relieved when they are nice to each other!!! My children! Nice to hear from you Dawn! xoxo
Thank you for sharing your snowstorm! We’ve had a 24 hour period of snow, rain, thunder, and wind — as I was on your village tour, loving the misty scenes and the mellow voice of Sweet Baby James, my backyard windchimes were ringing out due to our 45 mph winds! Made me think it was the haunting of the graveyard or the signaling of the ferry boat. And then to top it all off with a quote by dear Gladys — well, bestill my heart. You are a joy!
PS Those onions looked so good — I’m off to search your cookbooks for a recipe!
That particular recipe is new, but there are lots of other good ones. I’ll put the onion pudding up soon!
ALL I CAN SAY IS…..BEAUTIFUL!
Thank you for the beautiful photos and the James Taylor music. One of my favorites! I love New England, and my favorite vacation of all time was when I visited Mystic Seaport. The old whaling ships and shops were fascinating. The best part was that we were there for the annual Chowder Fest! I love chowder and that was the best ever! We had snow on Saturday…The pretty kind that clings to everything just like your snow, but it has been raining all day today and the snow is washing away. : (
So happy to see the kitties sharing the sofa. They look content and I’m sure Girl Kitty is adjusting to having a “Step-Brother” even if she doesn’t quite want to admit it! Have a great evening and I hope your snow lingers longer than ours has.
~xoxo~
Thanks so much for the snow photos. We have not had much snow thus far here in the mountains of West Virginia. I think it is is magical too. I never get over the delight it brings me watching it fall. Loved the fire and the kitties too. You made my day!
Hi Susan – I loved your pictures..I love snow..and I love anything ‘Cape Cod’ – put the two together..my heaven! We had about 3 inches in upstate NY, enough to make everything pretty for a few days. Today it’s in the 40’s and drizzly and muddy – yucky. I’m still waiting for us to get a real storm. Your kitties remind me of my cairns. The two of them get up on my oversized chair and sit with their butts touching – one faces out and the other faces in – its too cute; they guard my living room that way. XO!!
Oh such beautiful images! Snow covered everything is so pretty! I am in love with the lighthouse! What a pretty painting that would be! Stay warm and cozy! I so enjoyed your winter wonderland!
Miss Bloomers
Beauty, peace, & serenity.♥
What a cozy post. I so loved the kitty-kids together on the sofa top, and the Christmas tree all lit up outside. Thank you for the lovely tour !
Susan~ It looks like heaven on earth! Must visit in the wintertime!
I loved your snow pictures! It’s so pretty and quaint there…real Currier and Ives. I’m not a winter lover but I love when it snows (I live in Pennsylvania) especially when we have a blizzard and get snowed in. That’s the best. I make lots of soups, stews, desserts and eat to my hearts content and watch as many old movies as I can. I love Wendy Hiller. She had such a unique beauty. We had snow this weekend too and it was so pretty…all the kids on my street were out playing in it…so cute. :0)
Hey Susan,
I love looking at your pictures, they always make me so happy or brighten my day! I also loved the two cats laying next to each other. They finally got to know each other better. I thought it was so cool how you got the little picture of the fire moving. I love taking walks down the snowy lane and looking at the darling little houses and the birds by the bird feeders. I love all seasons, especially winter because the snow lines everything, and coats everything. Makes everything more happy in a odd way! I enjoy sitting by the warm fire with a mug of hot chocolate watching a movie with a cozy pillow and blanket with the cat snuggled on your lap sleeping. I always enjoy looking at your blogs and getting a good laugh, thanks Susan!
Thank you – its a winter wonderland. It snowed once in Bakersfield, CA, a whole 8″ which shut everything down. Thank you again.
What a lovely end of January tour of the snowy vineyard, ending with a lovely return. Also, I loved the snow on the picket fence of the birdhouse, particularly. Jack and Girl Kitty on the back of the sofa is a sight to treasure, and with the fireplace. It warmed up my day, because yes, it is raining in southern California. In fact, the atmosphere is very like yours, a white mist — chalkdust, but instead of snow, rain. I grew up in Ohio, and moved to California in my 40s, and I tend to think of the lack of snow here as amazing. Of course, there is snow in the mountains. But your snow photos are just right for me. And I loved that you folks kept the Christmas lights up to turn on when it snowed. When I did live in Ohio, I can remember how bleak winter became after Christmas, and I used to love seeing Christmas lights in the snow into late January, or perhaps, if I was lucky, early February. Thanks for sharing your day, and may your days be merry and bright…
Oh, this is a wonderful day for reading a book (which, being a bibliophile, I do in any weather), and I’m currently reading a wonderful one, “The Dance of Time: The Origins of the Calendar, A Miscellany of History and Myth, Religion and Astronomy, Festivals and Feast Days, by Michael Judge. It’s a great January read (and a small book, not so scary at the title implies). Oh-oh, the slam dunk of rain pounding down again….
Oh, also, your salt and pepper shakers remind me of the song “Green Finch and Linnet Bird.” I’m not sure what a Linnet Bird is, but one of them might be a Green Finch.
We have lived in north Texas, near Ft. Worth, for 8 years now and every winter, it has snowed. I never get tired of seeing pictures of snow from people who really love it. Thanks for sharing!
Awwww-that was so great! Our kitties our becoming friends too! The old one even licks/cleans our little one-it is quite sweet:)
Loved your winter wonderland. Thanks for the pictures.
We had ice and snow here and westren PA on Friday and Saturday, but today we had rain and temps near 60. Ping-pong weather I call it.
Here in east central Illinois, we have had snow, sleet, freezing rain, rain and thunder storms all during the past week! I’ve lived here five years and sometimes miss the snow we had in upstate NY.
Hello ,
I just finished up with my pot of corn chowder and it is wonderful ! ! You have to try this Ladies ! Thanks Susan! Yummy!
loved the christmas tree outside with the lights on and the snow cover beautiful.
Gorgeous!!!!!! A little jealousy coming from San Diego!
Your pictures are so completely lovely; thank you for sharing them! I live in California, born and raised, and I have often found my self wishing for a snowy winter. The only time we see snow is when we head up to the mountains on a road trip. Although these pictures are magical, I’m not sure I could deal with all the work that this beautiful snow brings. Hope your having a cozy winter. lots of love, Brooke.
I am so happy you chose to show the pics of your ride through town. Loved the old houses and your house and your neighbors’ houses. It is so quiet when it snows..traffic noises are so much quieter, peaceful. When we lived in upstate NY 30+ years ago, our house was an 1850’s gentleman farmer’s house in a little four corners called Baptist Hill. (We used to have snowdrifts in the kitchen cupboards, really)As soon as a blizzard would come, my husband would be anxious to get out in it! Do not see much of that anymore here in Texas. We love the sunshine here, though.
Those little kitties on the couch…if they are not the funniest! They probably talk and get along great while you are gone…but do not want you to know that! They are “notional” little beings…I just think it is adorable that they were sitting together/apart!
Have a cozy, warm, by-the-fire day!
We had freezing rain that turned to snow early in the morning. It is a winter wonderland outside here–the evergreens are gorgeous! But I still enjoyed very much your photos of your “airing” and also your yard. We filled the birdfeeders, too, before the rain started and they have been busy spots for the birds today–“Schnauzer TV!”–free entertainment for Fanny and Betti, who sit quietly and watch the feeders, seemingly fascinated. (or are they simply bored watching me weave today?) LOL 🙂 Norm has been gone out of town to a meeting, coming home late tonight, so a girlfriend is coming for dinner and knitting time. I’m thinking the milk cake might be just the thing to fix for dessert with maybe fresh blueberries over it…if one doesn’t have vanilla beans, could one “cheat” and use regular vanilla–any clue how much? 🙂
I would try a teaspoon and then taste it!
I did put fresh blueberries and cream on it and it was wonderful!!! (was delicious plain too!:)
Oh so so pretty and thank you for sharing the pictures. We still have green grass here and it is raining this evening so there will be black icing outside we can presume. However, I am not complaining after last winter when the walls of snowbanks on my street were literally twelve feet high and it was like driving through the frozen parting of the sea by Moses. What a once in a lifetime site that will last for a lifetime in memories. Stay warm and enjoy the beautiful blanket of white. It is really awesome to see……..and yes, it really is always a miracle to me also! Don’t let those little green birdies get lost in all that snow!
I confess that I am just a bit envious of your 30 Vineyard winters (and springs and summers and autumns). But it is is nice to know they have all been so appreciated and enjoyed by a kindred spirit. Life really is good isn’t it?
Wishing you more snowflakes!
Thank you! What a fun, comfy-cozy walk through your eyes! I love Christmas lights glowing beneath the snow, also!
So pretty! 🙂
We had our first measureable snow this past Friday. The worst of it hit in the afternoon as we were loading our students on the bus. The drive home was scary. but I just kept thinking about the kid’s exuberance…and I must admit I was excited about it once I was safe in my driveway. Your photograph of your garden reminded me of my old house’s garden. After working and planting all day in the Spring, I would head inside to shower and soothe my aching bones but oh the delight of standing in my upstairs alcove gazing on my
garden…it
was a thing of beauty! Sent my message too soon!
Your snow is beautiful and I love how you love it. But, honestly, I’m glad it’s yours and not mine. It was almost 60 degrees here today in North Texas. Now that’s my kind of January weather. lol.
Thanks for giving me a snow fix without the cold and inconvenience. Your photos are beautiful.
Thanks for the beautiful snow pictures! We’re still waiting for our first real snow here in TN. We’ve been having thunder storms (in winter!!!!!) instead. Crazy weather but rainy days make good quilting days, too. I’m getting ready to make a pattern you sent out years ago with beach hats. Remember that one? So cute. We have a condo in FL and I’m making mine bed-sized with more hats. Have been itching to get to it for years. Yea winter and indoor days.
Love the stroll through the snow! So beautiful. Just returned from a trip where the weather was in the 50s and 60s. About an hour before we turned to go home it started snowing and I love it. So peaceful. Thank you for sharing your photos. Very nice. Hard to believe you have been in your home for 30 years! I remember when your first book was published.
Me too Glenda. I fell in love with M.V. after reading her books.
I enjoy your pictures . We had 6 inches of snow on Friday and rain and a thunder storm last night. Snow is gone . That rarely happens that fast but we’ll get more. We are in northern Indiana and lined up with lake Michigan and get plenty of lake effect. Your writing is a joy to receive . Pat
I love your blog. It always cheers me up! And your turkey gravy recipe has been a huge hit at Thanksgiving dinner for years now! Thanks for all you do for your loyal fans.
Glad to see our midwest snowstorm made it up to you! I hope you don’t get the thunderstorms we had yesterday, it stormed all night and this morning almost all the beautiful snow was gone : – ( It was so soothing to enjoy your pictures to one of my all time favorite singers James Taylor. After the day I had I needed Baby James and snowy Vineyard pics. Had my first endoscopy / colonoscopy done this morning and it was a piece of cake ( red velvet with cream cheese frosting ) Anyway, to you and all the girlfriends if you or a loved one need the procedures done…don’t put it off and don’t be scared. Actually the worst is the prep you do the day before with the liquid diet / laxative concoction. To change the subject to something much more pleasureable, when my husband brought my home, what do you think was our mailbox? My order of Susan Branch items including your Love Book, the cute daily planner and Romantic Homes featuring the one, the only Susan Branch all wrapped in pretty heart tissue paper. Thank you Susan, it was such a delight to come home from the hospital to that package. I’ve been devouring the Love book this afternoon. I still find it amazing that I never had that book in my now complete Susan Branch library. Love you girlfriend!
Pictures are never boring Sue, love the snow shots. Happy to see Jack and Girl Kitty making friends, my Ollie and Jasmine now share the couch too. Only it’s taken them two years. Thanks for always having something fun to share. Boy, those onions look so yummy carmelizing in the pan, love to see that recipe.
Thank you so much for the snow pictures. Here in the Chicago area we have
had very little snow. It did snow a few inches last week but today it’s all….”mellllllllting”! Your pictures always are a delight as I grew up out East and all those picket fences just have a way of making me feel peaceful. Just an FYI, if you haven’t seen The Artist you might want to catch it. I think it just might make your favorite movie list!
It’s definitely on my list — just have to wait until it gets here . . . or maybe we’ll see it when we go to New York!
What fun to see the snow Susan! Thank you for the tour. I was scrolling through your page while the Yellowstone Live page was open – the bison are roaming around the Old Faithful area today in the snow. Here is the live streaming link. http://www.nps.gov/features/yell/live/live4.htm The link to the static pages (where the Old Faithful eruption predictions are posted) is http://www.nps.gov/yell/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm The Old Faithful VEC webcam is where to find the predictions! Fun to watch the snowmobilers and cross country skiers! These are underwritten by the Yellowstone Park Foundation – we’ve been members for years! For those folks who want to watch nature and more snow! It won’t replace the wonderful movies but an online treat nonetheless!
So great to see that the cats are becoming friends! Great way to start the week!
BEAUTIFUL tour of your grand winter wonderland. I, too, am so thankful to live in a place where we have snow! Can’t imagine life without it! That second pic from your upstairs window (the one with the couple carrying umbrellas) reminds me of the closing scene in Groundhog Day! Love it! Enjoy your Marshmallow World!!!! (Precious, cozy pic of Girl and Jack, too. Before you know it, they’ll be all cuddled up together in a little bundle!)
hi susan…just love all of the snowy pictures…i especially like the one with the Christmas lights….there is something so special about those lights framed by a fresh snow….a great forethought to keep the lights up for that moment…..no snow here yet….unusual for st. louis… hope we don’t get it in march!!!!! have a wonderful week susan……love, cindy
Yippee! 1 month of winter is over. I made the milk cake today for an older couple I work for. It just seems like the perfect cake for today! You hit the nail on the head all the time! Ill try the cake for myself tomorrow. You help me get through the winters cold and darker days! I love your blog. Thank you.
I would love to experience snow like that. It is so beautiful.
I have seen snow when I was in England a long time ago, but we see very little here, just a light fall in the nearby hills, some winters and it usually melts before reaching the ground. Your photos are lovely:)
We had a little snow storm here and it wasnt enough so this is heavenly. We dont as a rule get much snow here. But what we do get I enjoy big time. This is a post I will have to go reread. Enjoy your winter.
Thank you for sharing your amazing pictures of the snow! I live in CA so it finally feels like January with the rain finally here! My husband and I often talk about leaving CA and moving to the East Coast. For our honeymoon we went to Newport, Nantucket and Maine. We fell in love with every place we went! Can’t wait to get back -maybe a 10yr anniversary trip? hmmm…love the your bird salt and pepper shakers- they are so sweet! Enjoy the snow for me! Nicole
Sometimes the only thing I can say that captures the feeling of it all is thank you. Thank you!
Aahhhh Susan, what a treat to accompany you and Joe on your “airing out” outing in the snow. How lovely of you to share a bit of your neighborhood with the stunning homes, the picturesque scenes in town, and then…home sweet home, with the kitties, the fire, the comfort food, and lights on the tree in the snow. Simply couldn’t be any more cozier. Hugs through the intenet from me to you!
You may never read all the way down to this message, but if you do, know that I LOVE the snow pictures. Living in Florida the past 28 years I have missed the great snuggle weather of home. Thanks for letting me ejoy it a little bit again. Have a fun week!
I read them all Pat — and it just about Kills me not to answer everyone as I go!!! LOVE ALL OF YOU!
We know you do. We love you too Susan.
Thank you Arlinda!!
Snow is my favorite thing in the entire world…..(that an Christmas Cookies with frosting.) When you decided to leave California, how did you pick Martha’s Vineyard? Had you been there before and decided you wanted to return to live there?
I have a story all about that coming out one of these days!
you little stinker!! …..i can wait!! I’m glad you’re going to do a book about your life. It’s such a great story.
:-)!
How Beautiful!
Hi Susan,
We finally have snow. Yay. Our view looks like powdered sugar sprinkled mountains with chocolate bits. Love it!
I enjoyed the docking of the ferry. The captain makes it look so easy when ofcourse it isn’t. What fun to take a tour with you around town. Snow always gives buildings and landscapes a mysterious but beautiful appearance.
I hope you will paint Jack and Girl Kitty with the fireplace in the background. It looks so homey.
xoxo Pam
I know, the way he brings that huge boat in is almost dainty . . . just up and nudges the dock in the softest way!
Hi Susan,
I just wanted to write and tell you how much I love your post!! I always love your posts…they are so fun and enjoyable to read. I just want you to know that because of you…I decorate more romantic and cozy. I bake more, I cook more…I mean I have always love cooking and baking but I was always so nervous to try new things. But because of your delightful blogs I am digging right in and trying it all, so thank you my precious angel friend for inspiring me to be brave!!! I just finished cooling the vanilla sauce for the milk cake and it is now in the frig. I will make the cake tomorrow night after work. I can’t wait!!! I was supposed to make it this last weekend but there were to many items on my “to do” list and we got an ice storm ugh..love snow but ice is no fun. Well my friend…Be Safe!! GOD Bless!! Love and Hugs, Tricia B. XOXOXOX
Love hearing that Tricia! I love it all too, makes life wonderful!!
We finally had a windy rainy storm this weekend in our seaport town of Eureka California. I was thrilled. It’s Winter! Our kind of winter and it’s all good.
L
Oh, thank you, thank you for posting all the lovely snowy wintry white photos…we have had no snow yet, here in Tennessee…well, one afternoon it snowed and then promptly melted away. I long for just one really great snowfall!
I am beside myself excited to tell you, I have a meeting Friday with publishers who are wanting to see my little books I’ve been writing and illustrating (in the midst of book #2). your prayers, crossing fingers and toes, and anything else for good luck would be much appreciated. You have provided such inspiration, I don’t know where to begin to tell you…and I wanted you to know how much I appreciate your encouraging words that come with every post. You affirm all of us girlfriends, in every way. You are pure happy…and how refreshing is that?!
Thanks bunches and hugs from afar,
Your friend,
Christie
Good Luck Christie! xx fingers crossed!
Thank you dearest Susan! This is just the most exciting thing, and I’m so thankful to be able to come here and share….
How wonderful to be a part of this circle of friends:)
How very exciting!! I wish you lots of luck!!
Thank you, sweet girl!! Just absolutely beside myself with excitement….will most likely have meeting this Friday…YIKES:)))
Love the girlfriends, here!
I know just how you feel! 🙂 Good luck!
That means the world! So you feel my heart racing all the way there in MV… I will let you know what I find out:)
God Bless you!
Loved your snowy pictures of MV. They remind me of home in Marshfield where I grew up in an old white colonial with black shutters. Our frontv door was painted a colonial mustard yellow which which always looked so beautiful when it snowed. Your blogs are especially appreciated and comforting to me as I read them when I arrive home after doing nursing duties at a long term care facitity. Thank you so much for sharing your life with all of us and bringing back so many wonderful memories .
Almost makes me homesick without having ever been there. How does that work? Loved the sharing the airing with you, and a little JT in the backgound, oh my. What a nice afternoon. Thanks for sharing.
Susan, you have such a romantic soul! It was so magical seeing the snow through your camera lens. You gave me a whole new appreciation for the fluffy white stuff! My favorite picture was of your sweet husband through the windshield with his red scarf. How romantic!
My favorite too!