Good Morning Girls! ♥ Did you have stars where you are last night? Musica!
This is our sky last night! We walked into town for dinner with our BFF Lowely and John who live one door over; they came over to “pick us up.” As we stepped out the kitchen door, we were compelled to look up; we just stood there in the middle of the grass, transfixed, heads rolling back on our necks, staring at the sky in awe — it reminded me so much of those summer nights sleeping out in the backyard when we were kids — looking into the night sky until our eyes glazed over and we fell asleep. Martha’s Vineyard is far enough away from the big cities, this little dark island spot in the Atlantic, to get these amazing starlit skies. My photos don’t do it justice; it’s hard for the camera to focus on such little faraway pinpoints; but the stars were clear as ice last night glittering hard in the black sky. I thought you might like to see it.
It’s not easy to say goodbye to the quiet season and I’m glad we have a few more weeks of it. Right now this island belongs to us. Nobody comes here; it’s healed beautifully from the tourist onslaught of last year. We could walk right down the middle of Main Street last night; there was no one out but us; our footsteps on sandy sidewalk and gravely road echoed against the old clapboard houses. Lovely to walk through the neighborhood, in the cold night air with dear friends who live just one door over, and have dinner at the French restaurant (Le Grenier) in town that has been there forever and say Hello Jean, how are you . . . the proprietor hugs Joe, they’ve been friends for many years. I had melt-in-your-mouth Sole Almondine; Joe had Soft Shell Crabs; Lowely chose Steak au Poivre; John had Swordfish, mmmmm; we shared a little hot pan of creamed spinach and some crisp fried potatoes; it was delicious. The boys, who love us, ordered two chocolate desserts and four spoons. ♥
We walked home, fat and happy from a wonderful dinner and even better conversation; about how to handle life, how our work is going, where we’d love to travel, our trip to New York, their trip to Costa Rica, Lowely’s taking French lessons, how Joe and I met; two couples, holding hands under the stars, chugging up the little hill to home; past the picket fences, the old trees, porch lights on the houses throwing long shadows.
. . . under the spire of the old church and the town hall . . . home to kitties and cozy bed and feather comforter; and that was our evening!
And today? Today is big; I’m going to turn on the music, smooth out the tablecloth, make place cards, set the table, arrange flowers, make crepes, make basil lemon filling and fruit salad; stir up blueberry corn cake batter, and roast some cranberries; getting ready, because tomorrow, we have breakfast for twelve at our dining room table at 10:30 am — some of our dearest friends are coming to celebrate our Anniversary, Valentine’s Day, and just LOVE, in general . . . So, that means I have to GO!
Thinking I might use old books like these for a centerpiece; maybe put some old photos with them. Some glass candlesticks too. I almost told everyone to wear their jammies, and then I thought better of it. But we’ll have a fire.
Can’t decide between these happy no-name flowery dishes . . .
Or maybe a whole table of PINK . . .
But I’m definitely using this! And I might even use this quilt for the table cloth, or would that be too busy? All these decisions, how much fun can one person have?
Or maybe I’ll use this old Matelassé bedspread as a tablecloth and keep the table light and bright and clean. If Girl Kitty will get off of it. That will be the challenge today, kitties love to spread themselves out on my projects and pretend they don’t know what they’re doing! ♥
I just went to the kitchen to start the tea water for Joe; the heater is humming; it’s the only noise in the old creaky house and a true comfort; it sent a blast of warm air across the wood floor making my feet very happy. I fixed myself a piece of sourdough toast, was shaking cinnamon-sugar on it and looked out back across the lawn. There’s a heavy swath of dusty pink sky running along the roof tops, spires, and chimneys in our neighborhood; the leafless tree branches are black against the color; the sun is coming up . . . another beautiful day! I hope it’s a good one for you! Thanks for being here! ♥
What a beautiful sky. Since we’ve moved further out of town you can see so many more stars. It’s so nice.
And Happy Anniversary. Ours was yesterday. And might I suggest you use the pink plates. They are gorgeous.
I hope you have a wonderful day today.
HUGS
Kim
I’m definitely leaning in that direction! 🙂 Thanks Kim!
pink plates!
While I love those wildflower colored plates, the pink ones definitely speak love and Valentine’s Day. Such a problem to have to have! I LOVE dishes!!!!!
Good Morning Susan!
What a beautiful night sky! I can actually pick out the constellations in it. How lucky you are to have such a wide open spance. It reminds me of my growing up years when the sky view was endless and the stars and the moon were major attractions in life. Your walk and dinner sounded delightful along with your evening. Your breakfast sounds so charming. I do have a question for you. What do you do if spills occur on those beautiful quilts or mattelasse spreads that won’t wash completely out? How do you deal with that? Would love to know. By the way this is way off topic but have you run across the sugarless flavored dessert gum for chocolate mint that is put out by EXTRA brands? Oh so so delicious and sure does take care of a chocolate craving too. No calories lol……..and delicious as all get out and go……..(no I am not paid or have any stocks in the gum either), lol………….Have a great day……….
I’ve used my bedspreads like that for a long time, and I guess I’ve been lucky, because everything comes out — mostly I don’t think much has gotten spilled . . . the matelesse goes right into the wash, but anything happens to the quilt and it gets soaked in the bathtub.
What beautiful stars and a perfect evening for a walk to town! Yesterday was like a spring day here on the coast of Massachusetts. My son and I took a long three mile walk in the state park in back of our home. I kept looking for signs of pussy willows. It’s been such a mild winter, I think the flowers are going to be fooled and start budding early this year. Loved the music you chose for this blog. It brought me back to my college days. That VanGogh painting of the Starry Night is hanging in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC for all of us to enjoy. Wishing you a lovely breakfast tomorrow. xoxo
Beautiful sky- I didn’t look out last night and now I wish I had. I need to start remembering “the little things” because they really are the best. I wondered back at Thanksgiving about that tablecloth because I love it so much….now I know to be on the hunt for a white bedspread! Enjoy your breakfast party tomorrow- sounds wonderful!! xx
Hi Patricia,
Try the Williamsburg Marketplace online. They have many wonderful matelasse quilts in beautiful colors, but my favorite is the white. I just ordered a new yellow and white toile quilt for our bed from them and am waiting anxiously for it to arrive…I thought it looked like Spring. Xoxo
Good morning to you and yours from NH …..great pics of the great dome above….its amazing how each and every star has its place….love the toile dishes but the no name plates really do speak for themselves……good day to you as well susan….painting my family room today….cheers!!!
Today is my birthday and what a pleasant treat for me to see you’ve posted your blog early and that you only have 4 comments. what? usually it’s 1700 or so!! you are so popular Susan! the pink floral plates are delightful and I love the old books for the centerpiece. I am having 7 (plus me makes 8) friends over on Tues for an evening of yahtzee – we have a club. it’s silly fun and we do prizes….alternating who hosts the evening. The FUN part is just what you described, what dishes to use? what menu to plan? (because we serve a light supper) and what prizes to buy? I have decided on a Maurice Salad (famous in Michigan) plus dessert of apple cake with warm vanilla sauce (you just want to lick the plate that sauce is so wonderful). But how to set up the serving table? My children have learned over the years that my motto is Presentation is Everything! I’ve taught them – if pressed for time, you can buy a square pan of brownies at the grocery store, cut into squares and arrange on a lovely china plate, dust with powdered sugar and EVERYONE will ask for the recipe – because you see – it’s all in the Presentation. Making it lovely to the eye guarantees it’s delicious to the taste! NOT that you Susan would ever cheat!! ha! For some reason I just wanted to share that with the “girlfriends” — Susan you are the Queen of Presentation! I love seeing how you have everything set up! from your kitchen and little displays, to your guest room, to the fireplace and the dining room table, you are the Queen and I am envious of your many guests visiting and feeling the love you generate in all the fine details. xoxoxo
We love playing house! I never got over it 🙂
Happy Birthday Barbara!
I vote for the No Name plates! I love the white with the flowers and they’re square! Your life is so peaceful — hard to believe you are a BUSY successful business woman writing books, blogs, entertaining, fabulous cook, travelling across the country, raising TWO adorable and responsible kitties, taking good care of a wonderful husband! You are a true inspiration, dear Susan!! I always get more pep in my step after visiting with you and the girlfriends 🙂
Responsible kitties, ok, now I get it! 🙂 Very sweet Christine!
Oh Barbara, please share the recipe for the warm vanilla sauce.
The warm vanilla sauce sounds good…….but what’s a Maurice Salad? I’m curious about that.
Hi Susan! Happy Anniversary Breakfast! I vote for the pink dishes with the Emma teapot on the white cloth♥♥♥
I know you said that links sometimes do not come through on your blog, but here is a link to a recipe for Maurice Salad. This salad comes from a midwest department store restaurant. No visit was complete without it! Happy Decorating! xoxo Debbie
I forgot to add the link http://allrecipes.com/recipe/maurice-salad/ 🙂
Thankyou for the link..came through loud & clear. And I will HAVE to try it. Never met a bad salad! ( perhaps I was a rabbit in another life )
Thank you Chris, let’s see if it goes through!
Worked–thanks Chris, and Susan! Looks yummy!
Maurice Salad? Would you share the recipe? Maybe I have it but call it something else? Grateful in advance!
Maurice Salad – famous from Hudson’s Department Store – Detroit. Hudson’s was 1st bought out by Marshall Fields, and then by Macy’s. Everyone still calls it Hudson’s and we love re-using Hudson’s boxes at Christmas. If you go to Macy’s (in the Detroit area) you can still order a Maurice Salad – and many other local restaurants have it on their menus.
DRESSING:
2 t. white vinegar
1 1/2 t. lemon juice
1 1/2 t. onion juice (I just mince onion)
1 1/2 t. sugar
1 1/2 t. Dijon mustard
1/4 t. dry mustard
1 c. mayonnaise
2 T. chopped fresh parsley
1 hard cooked egg, diced
salt to taste
SALAD INGREDIENTS:
14 oz. ham, cut into strips
14 oz. cooked turkey breast, cut into strips
14 oz. Swiss cheese, cut into strips
1/2 c. slivered, sweet gherkin pickles
1 head Iceberg lettuce, shredded
12-16 pimento stuffed green olives
Combine the first 6 dressing ingredients and stir to dissolve the sugar. Add remaining dressing ingredients and mix well. Combine the ham, turkey, cheese and pickles together in a large bowl. Toss together with the dressing. Divide the lettuce among plates, top with salad and garnish each plate with 2 olives.
Apple Cake w/Warm Vanilla Sauce
4 c peeled sliced apples
2 c sugar
2 c flour
1 1/2 tsp bak soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
3/4 c oil
2 tsp vanilla
1 c chopped pecans
350 oven. Stir together apples & sugar in lg bowl. Add dry ingred and stir well. In separate bowl beat eggs, oil, vanilla. Stir wet ingred into dry ingred, until thoroughly moistened. Add pecans. Pour into 9×13 greased pan. Bake about 50 min. serve w/warm vanilla sauce
Warm Vanilla Sauce:
1 c sugar
1/2 c butter
1/2 heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla
Place ingred in saucepan, stir. Bring to boil, cooking and stirring for 3 min. Cool slightly. Serve warm over cake. 🙂
See why we love Susan! Maurice salad and cake recipe from acrossed the country, right to our door, from a sister friend we haven’t met. Thankyou so much Barbara and happy little cottage for taking the time. Recipes have been copied and saved.
See why I love you guys?
hi Barbara! just copied your recipe… can’t wait to make it…sounds so delicious….. thank you….have a happy day!
Thanks for the recipes, Barbara!
What a fun weekend you are having!! I too noticed the evening sky last night too, when I took my dog out! Beautiful!! We moved from the large city of Milwaukee to a small town about 5 years ago. Lots more stars out here! By the way, I love the pink dishes!!!! And the books for a center piece…wow! Take pictures please!! Sounds like a yummy breakfast that you’ve planned! Wish I were invited! Can you at least pass a plate full of food over to me??? Happy Anniversary to you and Joe. My husband Dan, and I will be married 25 years in July, so we’re right on your tail!
Happy Anniversary — better start celebrating now!
Good morning Susan, It’s always a pleasure to greet the morning with you. There is nothing more beautiful than the star lit sky near the ocean. In the summer when we are on our boat, I love when the sun starts going down like a big ball of fire and the clouds are pink, purple, orangey and just the most beautiful colors. Then all those twinkley stars come out and they look like they go on forever, all the way to the horizon. Sometimes we’re lucky enough to see that shooting star, but I just lay there looking up and say some of the silliest things to Bob, you know like your walk questions, ha ha. I think your table will look lovely tomorrow no matter what combo of clothes and dishes you put together as you have an “eye” for beautiful things. Guess what? I just won one of your teapots on ebay! I’m so excited, its a lovely green color with a chubby little belly, omg I am so excited about it! Well I hope you have a lovely day today as well, I’m off to yoga now, got to stretch these muscles! Luv you!
Oh my, that was cloths not clothes. oops!
Good for you Suzanne! Yes, Morning Science works at night too!
Your sky is fantastic…it looks like something from a movie! Thanks for sharing!
Where do I start? Well, as soon as I saw the word Stars I started turning over the words of Vincent in my head . . and there he was, by the wonderful Don McLean in your link! So one of my favourite songs, singers, and artists. I hear you, stars are not the easiest of subjects to capture, but you have done so most beautifully, and I can truly imagine what it was like here in my little corner of our wonderful world. Gotta love those frosty nights with not a cloud in sight and just feel the stillness connecting to the Great Big Universe . .
My darling little village, too, is recovered from the onslaught of last year (which was not as big as normal, recession maybe?) but had a gentle reminder of how things will be in a few months, as half term week saw all the little holiday cottages full of good folks exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, marvelling at our beautiful cathedral and Bishop’s palace, or just simply chilling in the village and sampling the quaint little coffee shops . .
right now, sighing at the beauty of your crockery displays again . . .
hey ho! off to do something else I go, still humming Vincent . . .
Have a wonderful day!!
Good morning, Susan! I had cinnamon and sugar on my toast this morning, too, right here in central Illinois 🙂 Love that you appreciate the stars as much as I do. Enjoy your party tomorrow – your guests are in for a treat!! 🙂
Tracy – Hi!… I am from Highland.. where are you located?… it is so much fun learning where people live and what their traditions are! Have a wonderfrul weekend!
Hi Diana – I’m in Springfield! Nice to meet you 🙂 You live not too far from my son Rick, who lives in Maryville with his family. Enjoy your weekend, too!
Oh yes.. Many friends from Maryville and I used to work at the hospital there… I was thinking maybe you were in Springfield.. a beautiful place too!… Enjoy your day!
Good Morning Sue,
LOVE the starry night photos. We are big sky watchers here as well. Ran outside on Valentine’s night to spot the Intl Space Station going overhead. We waved enthusiastically then ran back inside for our special dinner for two. If you are interested the NASA website lists sightings for the station – you select your location and it will give you the list. Elevations over 40 degrees are best. Tell Joe – guys love this stuff. I vote for the white tablecloth with the pink floral dishes. It’s a very SB look of course! Especially with the teapot. I have some old Homer Laughlin floral dishes that belonged to my grandmother that I enjoy using with pink depression glass. Now you’ve inspired me to pull them out for tea time this afternoon. Have a great weekend and enjoy your guests. -Kathy
You too Kathy, gardengirl! xoxo
Oh, Susan, what a beautiful starry sky! Thank you for sharing the photo! Sounds like you had a delicious, magical evening with friends last night. Happy Anniversary to you and Joe! What a wonderful idea to celebrate with a breakfast. I know there will be lots of smiling, laughter, and happy tummies around the table! Have a wonderful celebration, sweetie! xo
Thank you so much Rosinda!
Good morning, Susan!!! Just got back in from walking the pups and getting the paper, quite a walk out here in the country. A bit of frost dusted the grasses in spots, the sky a mix of gorgeous pinks, oranges and blue/purples…the sun just came up now. It’s a frosty morning, the air smells so crisp. The crescent sliver of a moon was out this morning. Out here in the mid-west the stars are the most spectacular I’ve ever seen. We can see the milky way and even watch satellites go by and then of course the shooting stars, oh, how I love their magic, even though it’s fleeting. Not before I get to make a wish!
Any table setting you chose will be spectacular!!! It will be inviting, cozy, compliment all the delectable food and exude love. Have a wonderful time, can’t wait for the vicarious seat at the table from a post.
Warm hugs and love, Jeanette
I miss those stars Jeanette!
Morning Susan ! WOW ! what a beautiful post . I love nights like that we live in the country and get fantastic skys at night here filled with stars good thing Papa and I are Astronomers and have a small observatory and equipment to seek the stars and planets out ! Your evening and today and tomorrow sound like the perfect weeekend to me ! Have a great time and a good day !
Good morning Susan and everyone! Love the beautiful starry sky…thanks for sharing. I make a wish every night on the first star I see…been doing it forever. Been a little behind on the posts so I’m catching up. Congratulations to Sharon…I’m sure she will love her gifts. Susan, your trip to NY sounds wonderful….thanks for taking us along. Girl kitty and Jack are just too precious! I love that you share them with us<3. It's a brisk sunny day here in NYC…..I'm off to do some house cleaning and posssibly bake those tea biscuits you shared….don't think I have self rising flour in the pantry so I may have to run and get that. They look so yummy so I know it'll be worth the trip to the store. Have a great day everyone!!!
hi darlene….i didn’t have self-rising flour either but had the rest of the ingredients…so i used a substitute…take 3/4 cup all-purpose flour and add 1 tsp. baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt….sift together!! viola!!! self-rising flour!!! they are yummy!!! love, cindy
Thank you so much Cindy! I will remember that the next time I don’t have self rising flour. I didn’t get a chance to make them yet but I will for sure very soon. Thanks again 🙂
Stars are something I miss. Too many city lights here. I was reading all the comments from the other day. I think a lot of men will be building white picket fences this spring! All we (girlfriends) ever wanted was a cozy home with a white picket fence. sigh… I had put in my request months ago. When I was a young girl in WI, the garden on the family farm had a fence around it. I wish my parents would not have changed that. What I really like about your fenced garden is the flower border around it. The dessert sounded fabulous!
Have a nice day!
Margot
Margot,
When our family moved to the farm back in the early 50’s there was a white picket fence around our yard also…but eventually it was taken down…sad… I always wanted a garden surrounded by that ‘white picket fence’
Good morning!
I loved looking at your night sky and hearing about last night’s fun. We celebrated Jim’s birthday at our local theatre production of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit. FUN!
We live in a sleepy little beach town on the Delaware coast and know how you feel about walking empty winter streets and quiet beaches. We, too are beginning to feel a sad good bye to our coziness as we realize that soon the summer people will come trickling back….
Have fun today getting ready for tomorrow.
Lorie
Happy Birthday to Jim!
OMGoodness! I just had a cup of coffee and my “fix” for the day with your new blog post called “Stars”…what a wonderful way to wake up! Thank you for “sharing” with us and have fun getting ready for your party, and have fun partying! Love and hugs for spreading your love of life, your passion for living life to the fullest, and enjoying God’s creation. I think of you as our Ambassador of Love, Peace and Goodwill.
Thank you!
Have a blessed day!!
I vote white bedspread and pink and white dishes, lots of flowers and books and photos and food on the table, but I don’t know half as much about decorating for brunch as I do about eating one, so whatever you choose is sure to be perfect 😉
Morning Sue,
Coming from a small town in Upstate NY where we have a log cabin on top of what I call a hill, (some would call it the mountain) we get to see the night sky as clear as a bell. Now living in Florida, we don’t get the nights as clear. I love going up to the cabin on vacation and just sitting out on the lawn an watching the fireflies during the summer and the arrival of complete darkness in order to see the stars. It’s amazing how it makes you feel like you could just reach up and grab one. I too know what it feels like to have the “summer folk” desend on your town. We have the same thing. Everyone comes for visits on the weekends and for vacation and life is just not the same. During the winter time….it’s just US! And the people of the town sense the change and enjoy it. I don’t mind sharing our town but love it when it’s just us. I miss it so much. Someday when I’m retired (in about 7 years) we’ll spend most of our time up north and maybe two to three months down here in FL. I guess that’s having the best of both worlds!
Happy entertaining tomorrow morning! Enjoy your friends and making pleasant memories. FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~ BTW…..I’d go with the white bedspread and the pink flowered no name dishes! Just saying! LOL !
What a sweet post! Congratulations on your anniversary. It looks like your celebration will be lovely. Your creativity shines through your decor and your heart I’m sure. Enjoy your day today preparing, and your day tomorrow of celebration.
God Bless.
Belinda
susan, i loved this post. have fun todday with your friends and each other. smiles, susie (She Junks)
When I first moved to Boston, I lived in the Back Bay in an old brownstone (I was single then.) A very nice lady invited me up to her apartment for tea one afternoon. soon after I had moved in. She had a table set in the front window of her living room which overlooked Commonwealth Avenue. She had a fire going and had the table set with an old bedspread similar to the one you posted. She had lovely pink and white china as well and roses on the table. It was so cozy and warm and that was my welcome to Boston from my first neighbor. It was near Valentine’s Day and along with the thank you card, I also gave her a set of two small tea cups with little roses on them.
I probably bored you with this story, but your post brought me back there.
Anyway, your blog reminded me of that cold day all nestled in her lovely place surrounded by beautiful things. Not fancy, showy things, just pure and lovely. And that is why I love your blog. I feel that same exact way each time I visit. 🙂
Oh, and use the bedspread and pink dishes!!!
What a nice story and a nice compliment! Thank you Janice!
oh Janice…..i loved the story. ahhhh what a wonderful memory for you!!!!
I loved your story Janice!
This sounds wonderful!
Happy Anniversary! How did you two meet?
Was that skylights I saw on the virtual tour of the restaurant?
If it was, could you see the starry night while dining?
Here in Illinois my 2 sister’s & Mom had a Girl’s Day Out at a restaurant named”Sweet Peas”! Never had been there, so we tried it and liked it! Then spent afternoon with 94 year old grandmother at the nursing home!
I think it’s neat you are in walking dictance of such a neat restaurant!
Always enjoy your blog!
I was wondering the same thing, Karyl. Perhaps, one of these days Susan, we can all put on a pot of tea, get some pleasant background music playing, and you could tell us all about how you and Joe met.
Happy Anniversary!
It’s a story I’ve been wanting to tell, will do it soon!
opps! Di”s” tance!!!
Hi Susan!
What a wonderful way to start the day, with a new blog! We, my husband Michael and I, love looking at the moon and stars in the evenings too. Although we can’t see as many as you, darn light pollution, we take what we can get. 🙂 And I totally understand the fun involved with setting the table for entertaining friends and family. It’s one of my favorite parts! I do hope you’ll post a picture of your final masterpiece once you’ve made all those tough decisions. 😉 Enjoy your “LOVE in general” breakfast, it sounds like you’ll all be having a fantastic Sunday together!
Hi Susan! Oh, the stars are lovely! Thank you for the pictures!
I was just over at Emma Bridgewater’s site today ordering the sailboat mug for Alice. Do you know about that? Here’s the link: emmabridgewater.co.uk/alices/alices-escapes-12-pint-mug-/invt/1spa020002/
You don’t have time today, but I bet you’d like to help out Alice’s mission.
Oh, when our son was in Costa Rica, his host mother had Susan Branch stuff! That made me happy!
Wonderful, we should get that!
Good Morning, Susan Branch! I love your opening quote . . . and to think that God knows each one of those magnificent stars by name!
Good morning, Susan and all…
The star photos were so lovely; what a treat to be able to walk out your door and see them. Living in the ‘burbs of Chicago, it’s much too bright to see many stars, so when we are somewhere and can enjoy them, we treasure those moments. Enjoy the quiet times there while you can… what a wonderful place to live.
Have a great time celebrating with your friends for such a lovely occasion! Brunch sounds lovely; I like the no name plates. They remind me of some of the Hammersley china I have; they have similar flower patterns. And definitely use the quilt for a tablecloth…it’s beautiful. One of my favorite brunch things to serve is a Heath Bar Coffeecake; got the recipe from a friend of my grandma’s almost 40 years ago, right after the party for my grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary. Been making it ever since. (Can’t eat it anymore because of the chocolate in the Heath Bars, but I do occasionally make it with just the toffee bits. Yum!) Take pictures of your table and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! All the best to you and Joe as you move into the next 25 years!
I know everyone is going to want that recipe! 🙂
Yes we are!
Here’s the recipe, with a small caveat. My grandma gave me this recipe after that weekend celebration of their anniversary. First few times I made it were a disaster. Finally started adding more flour until the batter was thick enough to hold the topping. After my grandmother passed away, I was so happy to get her recipe box. In it was the ORIGINAL recipe from her friend Judy. My recipe (from my grandmother) specified 2 cups of brown sugar and to remove 3/4 of the dry mix before adding liquids. The original recipe had ONE cup of brown sugar, and said to remove 1/2 of the mix before adding the liquids. Some difference! I had a taste test, making both recipes, and my whole family, from my mom and dad to my dh and kids, voted hands down for the recipe my grandma gave me. So, when you make this, please be sure to add flour until the batter looks substantial enough to hold the topping. I usually end up adding anywhere from 2/3-3/4 of a cup of flour. Let me know if you make it and how it turns out!
Heath Bar Coffee Cake
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x13x2 pan ( I use Baker’s Joy, a spray with flour and oil combined, works great and takes seconds to do)
In a large mixing bowl, mix (I use my Kitchen Aid stand mixer) the following until crumbly:
1 stick margarine (I use Smart Balance sticks)
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups flour
½ tsp. salt
When mixture is crumbly, remove ¾ of a cup and place in second large bowl.
To the original bowl, add:
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1 tsp. real vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
Mix together. (At this point, I usually start adding about ½- ¾ cup of flour, until the batter looks fairly thick, thick enough to hold the topping.) Pour into prepared pan.
To the reserved mixture in the second bowl, add:
½ cup chopped walnuts
1 bag Heath Bar bits (or, if you can’t find the bits, chop 6 Heath bars into small pieces… use a food processor, or freeze the bars and pound with a kitchen mallet inside a freezer bag once the bars are unwrapped.)
Combine, and spread on top of batter in prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees until the cake pulls slightly away from the edge of the pan, and the center is done (usually about 30-35 minutes). Let cool, and cut while still slightly warm.
Yum!!!! Thank you, Susan dear. Will have to try that.
Thank you, Susan S. Another good recipe for a cold winter evening. 🙂
Breakfast/brunch is a beautiful way to celebrate with family and friends – just starts the day with a lot of happy. IMHO the Matelassé would be the puurrfect backdrop for your beautiful dishes – leaning towards the pink/red in the spirit of February – and your menu sounds intriguing. Hummm – basil lemon filling – wonder where that recipe is!!! I believe you will be having a wonderful celebration of you and Joe, Valentine’s Day and the love of life that surrounds you. Beautiful stars and music full of love. – Judy C
I believe I love your Saturday posts the best! I am not at work. I am sitting dreamily reading with coffee in hand, reading and re-reading, then reading all the comments. Yes your Saturday posts are best! Thanks for the stars, no stars here last night, instead RAIN! Glorious, glorious rain..heavy rain, re-charging water wells and filling up creeks rain (maybe). Precious rain. Thoughts can turn to gardening. I may start looking for those window boxes and fill them with herbs! Send us a picture of the table when you finally decide, it will be beautiful! Just use Jack and Girl for the centerpieces! Love ya!
I might not have a choice . . . they may just drape themselves in the middle of the table and stay there!
Good morning Susan..thank you for “Vincent” made me cry…but such a beautiful song from my high school years…the stars were stunning here last night…one mile from the village of Nashville, Ind……we are up on the hill and far enough away from the glow of the shops.I do believe the kitties are part of your decor and you should work around their “cuteness”…they know what they are doing and they love all of your pretty stuff…lol have fun with your breakfast bunch!
We had the stars here in Pittsburgh too! It was gorgeous last night. I was out in the yard w/my dog Jo…I looked up and there it was – the big dipper! Right in front of my eyes! Near by was the little dipper – I, too, felt like a kid! Reading the other posts it seems we were all connected last night by the stars – how cool:-) Thanks for sharing Susan – have fun at your breakfast party. BTW, I like the matelasse with the pink flower dishes.
Happy Anniversary a day early. This sounds like a lovely way to celebrate it. I would go for the Pink dishes. Love Pink. 🙂 We will be celebrating 45 years come April. Gives me some ideas. Have a wonderful day preparing. I think the antisipation leading up to something is more fun then the actual event. 🙂 Oh and some time please tell us all how you and Joe did meet. If you wrote about it I missed it. What a lovely post to wake up to. Its not light here yet. Think I will go look for the sunrise.
susan thanks for sharing your wonderful evening with us-that’s my kind of date! love your posts and look forward to next-happy anniversary and may you have many more!
Good morning! What a beautiful post! …and a perfect song for a starry night! George and I always like to do something fun on Friday night…it makes the weekend seem longer, I think. We have a wonderful restaurant in our little village and how nice it is to walk down to have dinner. The walk home is always full of contentment and loving feelings about our close-knit, cozy community.
This morning, as we’re planning our Saturday morning errand schedule, I’m so wishing I had something fun to look forward to tomorrow, like a happy little brunch with friends. You’ve inspired me to get on that!…..gotta buy some flowers and brighten up the grayness around here!
If we get to voice our opinion, I love the white cloth with the all pink dishes. I would consider, however, folding that beautiful quilt and laying it on top of your sideboard or incorporating it somehow into your decor. It would really help bring that garden feeling into the room. Have a wonderful time “playing” and enjoy your friends tomorrow morning!
xoxoxDebbie
Good Morning MV Sunshine, I’m voting for the pretty pink plate assortment and the Matelasse spread with a potted pink baby rose bush or two. I love doing setting for my friends like that too. They all refer to me as Martha S but I’d much rather be known as an SB copycat instead. LOL The sun is shining here in Central NJ so it’s going to be a happy day. We’re going to take in an art show in Stockton along the Delaware today and I can’t wait to grab my camera and go. Have a weekend filled with good friends and lots of love……Hugs
Love the starry night pics. Every night I look to the sky to see how many stars I can see but even though we’re rural we don’t get the same view as you do. waaaaaaaa!!
Hi Susan,
Every night when I take the dog(Miss Ellie) out the first thing I do is check for the stars. Aren’t we blessed to have such beauty in the darkness? Since the girls seem to be voting, I vote for the pink rose plates. It goes along with your tour of roses yesterday. Have a wonderful breakfast. Of course, we want to hear all about it.
What a beautiful life! I never saw a star last night. I was up two nights attempting to deliver a early calf; up to my elbows in blood and dirt. However, she is a beautiful healthy little heifer so it was worth it. But, some days I swear I am going to move to the sea shore and never see another God forshaken cow or mountian again. LOL! I love the sea shore.
I love reading here how all of our lives are so different. BTW, I have learned how to turn on the oven and bake a sweet potato and I only burn them now about 1/3 of the time! LOL.
Treese/Colorado Cowgirl.
You’re on your way!! 🙂 and I can’t deliver a calf, so you’re way ahead of me!
But Colorado is such a beautiful state. And what could be cuter than a new-born calf! Everyone’s talents and abilities are valuable. I’m sure the mama cow was glad you were there. 🙂
I vote for the Rose Chintz and the white matelasse cloth. Thank you for the lovely post and music. Your description of last night is lovely also. Your getting the table ready reminds me of the story you shared once about your landlady setting her table for guests. Hope you will repost that enchanting story or include it in your book, it is very inspiring. Have a great weekend!
I’ll do that!
Yeah! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Good Morning!… What beautiful pictures of the sky last night.. which I missed because I was working late and then my only thought was to bed with a book before having to get back up and repeat this morning.. taking my coffee break now with your posts… Since you saw the “pink” sky this morning, I think that is a sign for your pink dishes and I LOVE LOVE LOVE matelasse’ work!.. I have a white matelasse bedspread in our master bedroom… so beautiful and simple but soothing in appearance… well, that’s my vote and have a wonderful weekend and enjoy your company! …I am enjoying my Valentine roses still, but almost time to get some more flowers for the house.. That is my Monday goal (Mondays are my day off! )… Happy planning to you!
Oh my … thank you so much for the most beautiful walk “through” the stars. I love stars (even bought your starry needlepoint pillow) and really needed them this morning after a very hard week at work (teacher). You’re so healing. I also enjoyed the other girlfriends comments. Great way to start a 3 day weekend. I think I will remind my sweet little students (3rd grade) about looking up. The sky can hold so many reminders of adventure, hopes and wonder. Enjoy all the love and warmth at your party. We’ll all be there in spirit to wish you and Joe all the good your lives can hold and more.
Oh, Susan, thank you for painting the perfect evening for me. I read your blog and literally felt myself right there looking at the stars, then strolling with my honey into town to have dinner with friends. Absolutely perfect… one of the many reasons I simply adore your blog!
“Yes, beautiful stars better see.” ~ Johnny Five, Short Circuit
http://www.hark.com/clips/wxkhrpnrsm-yes-beautiful-stars-better-see
It’s a great weekend for entertaining! We are hosting family game night today … Romantic Adventures Tea Party … to celebrate the month of Love with a Parisien twist (our 2nd Anniversary was on Valentine’s Day!):
Jigsaw Puzzle: French Cafe
Music: Edith Piaf, Chocolat soundtrack
Movies: Chocolat, French Kiss
Food: Tea Sandwiches & Cheese Pizza (for the kids!), Wine – white and red, Sparkling Apple Cider, Tea, Lavendar Tea Cookies, Cream Puffs, Brownies, Chocolates, and Popcorn (our tradition … it’s at all family game nights!)
Must go prep for my party …
XOXO Priscilla
Good morning to you too Susan and all! It’s sunny but cold (for us) here along the Pacific Coast! Having a wonderful weekend because my Valentine guy is home for a weekend from his current work near Boston! Will treasure this weekend because have a feeling he won’t be coming home again until late March! Sigh!
Love the pictures of the stars. That’s the best part of getting away from “civilization” – to look at the sky!
Have a lovely celebration of love tomorrow! I vote for the pink dishes with the white spread! Cheers to all!
Oh, pure joy! Have a wonderful breakfast with friends. I love to ‘play house’ too! Setting the table is one of my favorite parts (…cooking too!) Oh! it’s all good…Enjoy your time =)
The stars in Minnesota
have been amazing these
last few evenings, as well.
Your night out sounds perfect.
Go with the matelasse : ) !
Have fun….
xx Suzanne
hi susan!!! so funny that you mentioned the stars…living in an urban area plus the cloudy dreary winter…the stars have been elusive..but last night…the sky was lit up and beautiful…not as many as seen in your photos, but what were visable were sooooo bright!!! love love love the night sky pics…i know that you and your friends will have a grand time at your brunch…i like to entertain at that time of day too…people love it and then i can offer some of my most favorite dishes…your menu sounds delightful…i like the solid tablecloth against the beautiful floral china the best…but i would be happy with paper plates and sporks at your house!!!
have a great day and a perfect party and thanks again for sharing…makes my day!
Thank you for the morning “Chat”! When I sit at the computer in the morning, one of the first things I do is open your blog to see what you are talking about today! It’s like having a best friend stop over for tea each morning!
LOVE the pictures of the night sky and the desription of last nights dinner! YUM!
My vote for your table- use the white spread and the pink dishes. Please let us know how the breakfast turns out!
Oh oh oh….so glad someone else enjoyed the beautiful starry sky last night. We got home late in the evening, looked up and just delighted in the wonder….felt like a kid. Just love your posts….so cozy. Truly the best things in life are free.
Have a wonderful day Susan, and know that I appreciate how you share your life and ideas with all of us. I never come here, that I don’t take away a little gem. I have never thought of using my matelasse bedspread for a table cover! Think I see a brunch coming here soon. Your friends are in for the most lovely day ever!
Susan, The books will make a great centerpiece. I have my nana’s old books displayed on top of my kitchen cookbook shelf and in a big ironstone bowl on top of my piano. When my mom and I were going through my nana’s old books I didn’t realize how nice they would look displayed. I chose the books I did because I wanted to read them. Now, I look for them in antique stores. My most recent purchases are three minature books of Shakespeare and a beautifully illustrated book of Aesop’s Fables. Love it! Have fun at your breakfast.
beautiful starry night….musica is perfect! I like the pink no-name dishes…the white quilt….maybe some colorful napkins, flowers of course! Sounds like a wonderful breakfast party! have a wonderful time and don’t forget to take some photos of the finished table! xoxo peg
I LOVE the idea of the books and glass candle sticks as the start of your centerpiece; looks lovely. And whatever you decide to put around that will be just beautiful…I am sure. Just celebrating with friends sounds wonderful. Your life is filled with love and the many pleasures of living…thank you for sharing them with us!
Pink dishes and white spread, that’s my vote. Will look especially lovely with the heart tea pot. I bought a crepe pan made in France about a month ago, and haven’t used it yet. This post reminded me of that, so I’ll have to make something yummy with it for my daughter who is coming to visit for the long weekend. Have a very lovely day, and a nice visit with your friends. I’m heading out to a pot luck for volunteers at the library. Taking simple deviled eggs as my contribution since I have chickens and always have an over abundance of eggs.
Everyone loves deviled eggs!
Hello Susan! I loved the stars shining over Martha’s Vineyard….the music was so appropriate!! Good luck on your Anniversary brunch tomorrow! (The blueberry corn cake sounds yummy!) I would like to congratulate Sharon J. for winning!!!! She is so lucky! Hope Girl Kitty will let you use the white Matelasse bedspread for your table on Sunday, what a cute idea!! Everything you do is an inspiration!!! (No ironing any fussy tablecloths…so easy!!!) Happy Anniversary to you and your hubby Joe!!!
That’s why I love it, comes right out of the dryer looking good!
This, my dear, may be the most “feel good” post I’ve ever read. The description of your beautiful evening out made me feel, well…. happy ! Thank you for that.
We live along the coast in VA (on a tiny island actually) and on a moonless night we’re able to see millions of stars. Such a gift! A sweet young couple recently moved in a few houses down and installed a BLINDING light at the end of their dock. They don’t know the unspoken rules we have in our happy little neighborhood… I suppose we’ll have to break it to them gently-
A word about your kittys– I’ve been visiting various shelters looking for my next cat (my Emma sadly left us recently) and It’s funny that I found myself thinking “now that’s a Susan Branch kitty (all the black and whites).” I’m more of a Tabby girl, but who knows, I might just fall in love with a little B&W!
They grow on you, and they really look good with the furniture! 🙂
I think this morning’s gorgeous pink sky was an omen for you…pink dishes, quilt, definitely books and glass candlesticks…how do you do your fruit salad in advance???…I’ve tried to do that, but the fruit gets mushy…I know you will share recipes and photos with us…have a LOVE-ly time celebrating all things L~O~V~E…sending hugs…
Your post about the stars is one of the reasons we love RVing. It gives us the chance to be one with nature. (98 days days and counting!) We will spend the summer in Woodland Park, Colorado. It is high above Colorado Springs and next to Pikes Peak. The stars are gorgeous there. They just seem to POP out of the sky!
Your brunch sounds delightful! It is one of the things I will miss while we are on “the big trip.” I used to do a lot of entertaining. It was a lot of fun setting up the table and sideboard. Always had to do it a day ahead so I had time to cook/bake on the day of the party. Love your china with the pink roses! I had a set of Laura Ashley for everyday (blue and white) that I used for big groups because I had 24 place settings.
Always enjoyed the debriefing with my husband after the party. Hope you will include us in your memories of the day!
Susan
What a great night you all had. I love those kind of evenings. I can see you all walking hand in hand down the street. My daughter used to live in Emerald Isle, NC and I loved to go to the island in the off season. We’d walk the beach and have the whole thing to ourselves. We couldn’t walk down the middle of most streets but in her neighborhood we could. It’s one of my favorite places. Have a great breakfast, sounds yummy. I also vote for the no name dishes. *L* Have a great weekend all.
I just love how I can be transported to your street, your town, your home, Susan. What a gift you have. This blog, plus a hot cup of coffee in my “Life is Good” light blue snowflake mug, so shiny and thick, is heaven to me as I start my day. Thanks from all of us kindred spirits, Sue, and have a wonderful Love Day with your loved ones tomorrow. Congratulations on your Anniversary…Tom and I will be sharing 37 years this fall! Barbzie
hi barbzie….just had to reply….i’m sitting here enjoying reading all the comments and drinking coffee in my ” life is good” (red mug) and my husband and i just had our 38th anniv. lol isn’t this just fun! Susan’s blog is the best!!!!!
Beautiful post!
Hi Susan,
Happy anniversary!!! You and your friends had a wonderful evening and it was so enjoyable reading about, thank you again for sharing with us!!!! I love all of your photos and I am wondering what kind of camera you have? I’ve tried to take photos of my night sky and they don’t come out well at all. I have a decent camera but not as good as yours. I live in the country and I am lucky to see the stars at night also, but it’s not as lovely as yours out on the island!! By the way, my sister and her husband just got back from the Vineyard last night, they arrived on the island this past Monday and had a wonderful time visiting their friend. My sister walked by your house (by my request) and saw your heart decorations in the front windows. Told me how lovely they were!!!
Thanks again Susan, Kathy from CT.
Beautiful photos–thanks for sharing them. Walking at night looking at the stars–something we do as dog owners quite often but the street lights don’t let us see all of the stars that your photos showed, unfortunately…We had your blueberry corn cakes last weekend for breakfast (and thanked you for the recipe, once again!) Such a nice change from pancakes and so easy. So, do you mix them up the day before and just keep the batter in the refrig? How do you do that kind of menu and serve very many people without being in the kitchen the whole time the company is there? Or do you get several pans/griddles going all at once and both you and Joe flip the corn cakes? Do you really make the crepes ahead of time? If we entertain for breakfast or brunch I always make something easy like an egg/ham strata or either apple or blueberry oven french toast–both of which I make the night before and just pop in the oven in the morning. So, share your secret? I love your rose chintz dishes–look so very English! Have a fun day today getting ready and then tomorrow with your company! I’d say I wished I could be a fly on your wall or a mouse in the corner but if I was going to wish something like that, I’d rather wish to be sitting at one of the chairs at your table enjoying the food and fellowship! 🙂 LOL
Have to tell you later! 🙂
Hi Susan!! And Good Morning! That toast sounds delicious! And I love how you start the day with a big 😀
We are lucky people that live in the city but have a country home in Michigan as well. There you can see the stars…they feel close enough to touch and the sky looks like blue velvet. I think you got some wonderful pictures and when you look at them you will always remember your special night!
Have a wonderful time tomorrow at your gathering. I love the idea of using the quilt for a tablecloth, it is so cozy looking! Hello to the kitties and Joe!
XO,
Jane
Happy Anniversary!!
I love those flowery dishes so much…can you tell me who made them?
The white with flowers don’t have a name on them! The pink are Johnson Brothers Rose Chintz.
I absolutely love the floral no-name dishes – MUST find out what they are called!
Thank you sooooo much!!!
Happy Anniversary, Sue and Joe!
Your dinner sounded lovely, as does your friendship with John and Lowely. I hope some day you will share the story of your friendship! I have been having my own struggles finding girlfriends (in the real world….I have great ones in blogland though, which I am grateful for!). It’s just not that easy to find BFFs when you’re a grown up. Any tips? 🙂
Sending you lots of love! Enjoy these last quiet weeks on the island!
xoxox Dawn
In a few years your baby will go to school and you will go with him — and meet all those moms, and have so much in common! Maybe some sort of creative class? xoxo Dawn!
Dawn, it’s the exact same thing with me. I moved here 17 years ago, but it’s hard when everyone else had grown up here. I want to go back down home!! lol
Denise: It really isn’t easy, right? Women before the internet must have been even more lonely. It’s much easier to find like-minded people and kindred spirits on the web. I feel very lucky to have this community!
Sue: You are right, it’s already starting because I go to Mommy Groups. Have yet to meet another mom who has become a best friend, but it’s nice to be social, and of course, we do all have something in common. Thank you for the x’s and o’s!
xoxo — there’s more for you!
Dawn, I feel the exact same way. If you’re in the Dallas area, I’m here too. Maybe I will look for a Susan Branch Girlfriends Group. You could too. Maybe we should start one in our respective towns? Pam K.
How fun to celebrate – just love………. I do just admire those dishes, I’d use those for sure!!
I’ve been meaning to ask you a question about your little spoon tea disfuser. I have one too, but no idea how to use it. Do I fill it completely with tea, or just one side, and how long do I let it set. I’m thinking as long as I would a tea bag. I want to get a really cute tea kettle for heating water on the stove – it’s got to be cute, because our house is an open concept with view to all – so if you have suggestions, I’m open. Thanks for your help.
Enjoy your brunch, wish it were me coming!!!
I fill one half of it, then I put it in the tea cup and fill it with hot water. Leave it in about 5 minutes, but you can drink it anyway while you wait. You only want to buy your kettle once, so be sure to get just the one you like. I like these Le Creuset kettles. Thanks for being here Linda!
Oh great!! I would have to have one in EVERY color…
Linda, I have the same kettle as Susan, only mine is blue. I love it!
Hello Sandy and Susan,
What tea kettle do you have exactly? Are they still available for purchase? I have looked for a kettle like that for quite sometime. I have found really pretty stainless or copper kettles, but never anything in white and certainly not in blue! Thanks girls! ~Christy
I put a link there on the original question . . . mine is Le Creuset . . try that.
Hi Christy,
Have you seen Susan’s white kettle on her stove? I have a blue one just like it, Le Creuset I got mine at TJ Maxx/Homegoods. Have fun looking for one!
Happy Anniversary!!! And many,many more!
You did a wonderful with your photos of the stars, I can never get them that good, living in the country we don’t always look up as much as we should. A winter sky is beautiful!
Love those pink rose dishes….maybe with a lace tablecloth….have a wonderful time!
Noticed the stars in central IL last night also-lovely.
Sounds like a wonderful evening. Good friends, love and conversation- and yummy food- what else do we need? Okay- warm kitties to snuggle with are also important! I hope your breakfast tomorrow is blissful! The images of your life just play in to my own dreams and hopes for the future. I’m glad you are happy.
Susan thank you so much for your night sky photos! They are quite amazing–you have a planetarium in your backyard. I feel soooo humbled when I gaze into the stars–goosebumps galore.
Your brunch celebration is going to be lovely. I vote for Rose Chintz and matelasse coverlet. Enjoy your weekend –it sounds great! ♥
How lucky you are to be able to walk to town for dinner and enjoy the beautiful star canopy on the way. Have a wonderful breakfast/brunch tomorrow.
Please keep writing to us……you make us remember how blessed we are for so many things……friends, teapots and kettles, wonderful husbands, stars in the sky, warm bedspreads…..you name it. We sure are a lucky bunch!!!! xo
I so love coming to this sight and reading what is happening in your part of the world. It has always been our desire to one day be able to visit in and around the New England states. As you were describing the wonderful night out with your friends…strolling down the street, hand in hand with your love, I let my mind walk right along with you. How wonderful it would be to walk that road..with that sky and those stars…with the quietness of the night!!! Until 7 years ago, my husband and I lived in Houston, Texas….both of us were born and raised there. Now we live in the piney woods of East Texas…and what a treat it is. We live out in the country on 11 acres with our own 1 acre “pond” right out the back door. Every day, I look out my kitchen window and across the highway is a big pasture of quarter horses….just an absolutely beautiful sight!!!! And then there are the stars…and the firefly’s…the fresh air. A piece of heaven every day… Thank you for sharing. I just love it!!!
Happy Anniversary, Susan! What a perfect day to celebrate–love the idea of matelasse, the matching pink dishes, the Shakespearean books, and….yummy food. Girl Kitty will have to light elsewhere, however. Loved seeing her all cozy on the matelasse..how happy can one be?! I must admit…I missed. Picture of the little rascal–Jack! Have a beautiful celebration–Joe is a lucky man!
Hi Susan and girlfriends! I LOVE the stars, the moon and all of nature’s gifts so much. At our house we can go out on the deck and the stars look like they’re on black velvet. Most nights we can also hear the waves crashing and smell that wonderful ocean smell. I feel so fortunate to live where I do. The tourists will be coming back soon, but we locals know where to go to be alone 🙂 Still in the hospital – I want my house, hubby and dog! Our hospital allows dogs to visit, so my sweet Maggie comes in and snuggles on the bed with me. I may be home on Monday (keeping my fingers and toes crossed) Hope everyone has a great weekend! xoxoxo from Bar Harbor (SW Hbr very soon)
fingers and toes are crossed Lori!
nice 🙂
Thank you for the pictures! Just what I needed today. Bless all those little stars and angels in heaven. Reminds me of a song I used to sing with and for my great-grandmother. “The Angels are Lighting God’s Little Candles”.
How neat that we BOTH have Valentines Day anniversaries! Our 25th was celebrated this past Tuesday. Lots of fun times & wonderful memories made!!
May you have many more years together!
fondly,
Rett
p.s. I ♥♥♥ your pink Johnson Brothers Rose Chintz dishes!
OMGoodness!! Those stars!!! Wow!!
This made me LOL – “I almost told everyone to wear their jammies…” How cute!!! And this, too, of course – “…kitties love to spread themselves out on my projects and pretend they don’t know what they’re doing!”
Wonderful Blog today! The pictures are beautiful! Makes me so grateful to be alive! Thanks for sharing your beautiful world.
You must get tired reading all these comments, well here goes another one, teehee. I use quilts all the time for tablecloths, in fact I use them more on my tables and less on the beds or backs of chairs. Fortunately I have all white dishes so they go with everything. I love your book idea and will keep that in mind for my table. Happy Anniversary, Valentines day and love to you all. Thanks for allowing me into your home.
I never get tired of hearing from everyone!!
It was surely written in the stars! February 19th is the day I met my sweet husband 30 years ago. I have always said that 19 is my lucky number since both my son and I were also born on the 19th. I know you and your guests will have a delicious day and the decor will be gorgeous! Can’t wait to hear all about it. We will celebrate by either taking a day trip to Napa or Sausalito. Cheers and Happy Anniversary!
Have fun at your get-together tomorrow. I’m sure your table will be lovely!
February is a busy month for us also…my birthday (1st), hubby’s (3rd), Valentine’s Day, and our 33rd anniversary (24th)….we’ll eat sweets and celebrate all month!
Hugs! LC
Hi Linda, I just wanted to say hello and to let you know that Feb. is also a very busy month in my family too!! My birthday is the 1st, my oldest sister’s birthday is the 3rd, and my niece’s birthday is the 15th….we have 2 of the days in common, happy belated birthday to you!!!!
How did you and Joe meet?
It’s a long story I’ll tell someday.
There is something magical, indeed, about walking out under a star-filled sky…your photos were gorgeous…amazing that you were able to capture them so clearly!! In our daily newspaper there is a sweet comic strip that I love called “Rose is Rose.” The husband in the story has special moments that only he alone enjoys at night when he takes the garbage out and Is alone in the dark under the stars. Sweet. Thanks for taking us on your walk. Have a fun breakfast party!!!!
Hi! I wish I could see stars like that! I can if I drive up to the foothills near here (Modesto, Ca.) for about 45 minutes to Sonora. Sometimes we can see them closer in Oakdale, but I want to see them from my backyard! I am so jealous of you and your girlfriends – getting to celebrate with you and living in Martha’s Vineyard! Thank you for all the wonderful pics!
Oh I love these photos of the stars! When we are outside and see them, I could stand in awe! God’s beauty! What an amazing evening you must have had!! To share this time with good friends…wonderful….
I think the white quilt, with the pink floral dishes would set the ‘love’ mood…for a breakfast celebration with friends!! Of course who wouldn’t want your Kitty as the centerpiece??….but I really think for this, the books will be perfect! smile…
Enjoy….will be there with you in spirit!
Blessings,
Gert
Hi Susan, We lost power due to a storm last fall, and I think my favorite part was looking at the stars at night! I live in a small town, and there are street lights, just enough light to block the starlight, but I can still see the moon! Enjoy your anniversary party! Thanks for sharing the prep. I used to entertain quite a bit, but haven’t done too much in the past few years. (except out of town company) I want to start doing some entertaining, and your recipes and table ideas, as well as the girlfriends have been encouraging. My friend Pat Mofjeld and I share recipes all of the time. Happy Anniversary to you and Joe! Wishing you many more….
Thanks Sandy!
Walking hand in hand….treasure every moment!!!!
Oh I needed you today, (((Susan)))
and there you were.
What a delicious post. It has given me the happiness and motivation I needed for today.
I love the stars… you answered your own question… use the white cloth… it can be the background to set those beautiful pink rosed dishes off perfectly.
but one thing you must do… set out little white lights for your own indoor starry night dinner! It’ll be memorable and so dreamy. Put them above the table, or on the table or both… inside vases… on the hutch in your dining room… it’ll be so pretty! Starry place cards too 🙂
Enjoy your special dinner.
Happy Anniversary from me to you both,
Love,
Denise of Ingleside
Thanks Denise . . . Joe bought us the funniest little thing . . . it attaches to the window in the dining room, and has a tiny solar powered thing in it that slowly twirls a large glass prism; it sends those little rainbows moving around the room. It’s kind of wonderful, and Jack LOVES it!
Several years ago we bought, at Target, a package of stick-on plastic stars that glowed in the dark. They were cream-colored. We stuck them all over our bedroom ceiling, where they blended and were not too visible or attention-getting during the day but then at night we had stars that we could look at…I’d forgotten about them until I looked at your photo of the stars. Will have to look for them–we took them down to repaint the ceiling and they didn’t get put back up! 🙂
Love the rainbow idea, Susan! and Pat we have those too 🙂 The kids love them on the ceilings 🙂 … me too 😉 lol
Hi Susan,
Your blog is always a bright spot in my day. BTW, I’m going to make a quilt similar to yours in this post~I just decided. Been pondering that for some time now and I like the white background and the vintage prints in yours. My grandma always made the “Grandmother’s Flower Garden” pattern,when ever she made a quilt.The sad part is she would use old clothing which was already pretty well worn out! They didn’t live very long.
Why do I get teary eyed over your blogs sometimes?
Thanks for the view of your sky! xxxooo
I get teary eyed when I write them!
I’m the same way… I don’t know what it is… but I’m thankful <3 You're a true blessing to so many, Susan <3
What a post and the comments afterwards – recipes and everything! I felt like I was walking down Main Street, enjoying the quiet and the stars with you all. How fun it must be to have such a good pal living so close, and the husbands enjoy each other also. Please post some pics of the table and food tomorrow, if you don’t mind, we’d all enjoy it so much.
I plump for the matelasse. I adore white on a table. Either dishes would look very lovely on it. Just puttin’ my two cents in!
The white is the way I went! Looks really gorgeous in the dining room!
Happiest of anniversaries! My husband is a true constellation geek (said lovingly)and I spend many nights outside (central California) looking up and listening to his descriptions of what we are viewing. It truly is amazing.
I am gearing up for Shrove Tuesday (pancake day) and Mardi Gras all rolled into one. I never miss an opportunity to celebrate and it seems you don’t either! Cheers!
If there isn’t something then we just have to make it up!
Hi, Susan!
Beautiful photos! I love when we can walk to dinner. We have one great restaurant near us that we can walk to, but most of the time we only do the walking when we are on vacation.
I hope you post photos of what you decided to use as you set your table. Everything was so pretty. You couldn’t go wrong with whatever you chose. My cats do exactly the same thing – that’s why I have to wait until the last minute to set the table.
I hope your day was absolutely wonderful!
Terry
Your photography continues to be fabulous, Sue! The night sky pics came out out fab! Hugs!