Here’s how spring is progressing in our home! Musica for today: our new favorite song . . .I’ll get you hooked yet!♥
But first, just so you know, the drawing for the Rose Chintz teacups is still open; just leave a comment at the bottom of this post, and you’ll be entered in the drawing! You can read more about it and see pictures if you scroll down one post.
I just couldn’t wait to show you what we found in the hall next to our dining room!
I think many would see this as a harbinger of spring, which was exactly my first thought; plants are bursting up through the floor! How adorable! Get the camera!
But, with a little help from Joe’s more mechanically-minded, reality-based thinking, our second thought was, What’s going on in the basement? Is there massive plant growth down there? Now we’re afraid to open the basement door! 
Well, Joe’s probably not, but I kinda am. I’ve never really gotten used to having a basement even on a good day.
Our basement was dug in 1849; it has a dirt floor so it smells like old dirt down there; the walls are made with granite blocks. It’s very deep, plenty high enough to walk around in, it’s very cold, and it has rooms! They probably kept their apples and potatoes and other garden produce down there in the old days. And who knows what else.
You get there through an outside door on the porch; the door opens with a long creak to a steep set of granite stairs going straight down into a dark, what appears to be, hole. The stairwell is very deep and draped in cobwebs suggesting that a person should definitely duck when they go down the stairs; the corners are alive with long legged black creatures that seem to “winter” here; they like it in the summer too; I don’t know if they jump. I’ve only been down there maybe four times in the twenty-three years we’ve lived here. Our basement goes under the entire house. I call that area of the house “Man Country.” It’s where Joe keeps his paint cans, for one thing; and he seems to like it down there. But of course, he was born in this part of the country (Connecticut) where every child grows up with a basement.
I grew up in California, no house I ever saw had a basement; all I ever learned about basements was through Halloween stories (“he’s on the first step; he’s on the second step . . . slooowly he turns…” . . . my dad, entertaining us around campfires with ghost stories), horror films, and movies like Arsenic and Old Lace, where the darling old ladies buried their gentlemen friends in the basement. So basements, to me, had no lure. I wasn’t all that wild about attics either, for the same reasons.
Having 
basements and attics were two of the many new things I had to get used to when I moved to this part of the country; every old house has them!
I never went into the basement of my first house until I completely owned it; did not visit it in the course of buying the house. Even then I knew it was man country down there (this definition comes from having four brothers and learning very young what was and what was not, man country; I’m sure there are plenty of intrepid happy normal women who love basements too, don’t get me wrong; I like the basement, I just don’t like to go there!), there were no men around me at the time; I rest my case, pathetic as it is. It never occurred to me (because I was young and this was my first house) that it might be the place where the furnace was, which is something a savvy home buyer should take an interest in.
Now I understand that having a basement is a wonderful thing! It’s extra storage space! It’s where many people do their laundry; it’s where they keep their children when they turn into teenagers; but I’m also pretty sure it’s where Lizzie Borden kept her ax. I will love our basement if, and when, a giant hurricane comes to the island; we’ll make friends then. Why am I talking about this? Oh yes, Joe (Oh yes, I’m spoiled) needs to go find the beginning of this plant before it eats the house!
I really didn’t think I’d be writing about basements this morning! I meant to write about happy harbingers of spring, and then our basement crept into the story. That’s how letters to my girlfriends have always been. We go from cheese blintzes, white tablecloths, and Rose Chintz dishes to scary old basements in the blink of an eye. That’s another thing I like about us! We’re diversified!
Now, here is a true harbinger of spring. Normally, one hundred percent zero things bloom on Martha’s Vineyard in February, no camellias ever bloom here this time of year. At least, I’ve never seen it. But, I went to my girlfriend Annie’s house the other day 
for tea, and the six foot camellia bush next to her front door, outside, was blooming, all over, like this!! I want to be afraid about what this could mean, planet-wise, but I’m too happy having them on my kitchen windowsill right now! I will let this pass for one winter; if it’s like this next winter, I’m going to start having a fit. Let’s all have one!
What else? Oh! You know what I think would be fun? If, when you leave your comments, at the end, you always type in where you are, what city, state, or country. I love hearing where people are so I can imagine, or try to, their surroundings. Plus, then everyone with the same name will start to look a little different! We have girlfriends from Alaska to Florida, Maine to Hawaii, and so far, just today, I’ve heard from Finland and France! Love it! Sing with me!
♫ I’d like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony. . . ♪
I was going to show you more of my dinner party diary, but I think I’ll save it for later, this should be enough for today; I have stuff to do, and you probably do too! I kept you long enough the last couple of days! Love hearing from you! Love how you’re connecting with each other too. Have a great day! ♥
I chuckled when I saw what looks like ivy! At the end of last summer while in the laundry room, which is only half underground since the house is tri-level, I spied over my head the same type vine growing into the house. I was so stunned that those vines were able to make a way into the house – had to go out and tame it
🙂
Aggie in the motor city ~ Detroit, MI
Yay, Detroit!
When you decide to make your through Michigan to Mackinac Island :-), may I suggest making a stop at the historic Pewabic Pottery in Detroit: http://www.pewabic.org/
Beautiful stuff!
My basement is what I call my space. I do laundry down there, that’s the not so fun part. The fun part is that I can sew, make jewelry, knit, really any kind of craft and I can be by myself.
Jana in West Des Moines, Iowa where we have had a strange winter.
I’m right there with you when it comes to basements. I hate them. They scare me, and they’re usually quite depressing.
I grew up in Pennsylvania, and we had a basement, but you couldn’t access it from the outside, which was somewhat of a relief to me.
Most of the basements here in the south have a door that leads from the kitchen to the basement, but there’s almost always another door that leads outside. And if you can go outside … others can come inside. Eek!
I’m anxious to hear how the plant saga turns out. Hope you’ll keep us posted!
Eeek!
Forgot to mention this … Maybe that sprout coming through the floor is Jack’s beanstalk. And maybe (fingers crossed) Joe will find some magic beans down in that old basement. 🙂
OK, maybe I should go down there with him!
Please let us know the origin of the plant in the basement ;))
Happy Spring!
Susan, first time commenting for me, though I have been reading your blog for quite some time. Greetings from Central New York where our winter is very odd too. I grew up in Alexandria, VA with both a scary basement and frightening attic, so I completely understand where you are coming from!! Good luck with the jungle in the basement–tell Joe to take a machete when he goes down there! (lol!!) And I am loving the thought of entering your giveaway! Thanks for such a beautiful blog filled with so much info, inspiration, meals, and Kitties!! Robin.
Scary basement and frightening attic, laughing! yes! Thank you Robin, I can just picture Joe in his hunter outfit with the machete!
Basements! I grew up in California too but lived in basement country (KY) for 13years. Sort of a half basement in the house with extra refrigerator, storage, etc. It had windows so not quite so scary. I miss it.
It will be 80degrees in Pasadena, CA today. We’ve had no California Winter to speak of this year; pink jasmines are in bloom now and so fragrant!
“O the green things growing, the green things growing,
The faint sweet smell of the green things growing!
I should like to live, whether I smile or grieve
Just to watch the happy life of the green things growing.”
I am a California girl never had a basement never knew the need till I move to Texas,but now oh! how I wish for one. Love seeing your California pictures I was born and raised in centeral California. Love Ya’ JoAnn
Susan, loved the little plant in your dinning room. Cut the bottom out of a pot and slip it over the top and no one will even guess what deep roots it has! It deserves to live and be cherished.
I’m in Toronto, Ontario at the library (I work here – for one more day only as I retire tomorrow). Then I can spend more time reading your blog.
You make each day a little better.
Elaine
Love Toronto, elegant city!
Susan, I can relate to your feelings about basements and attics! I also grew up in California (Sacramento), although I’ve been a midwesterner for 40 years now. Another thing that I had a hard time adjusting to when we moved to MN was thunderstorms–all that thunder and lightening was pretty scary to a teenager. Camellias are one of my favorite things about the area I grew up in–in fact, last year I planned a trip back at this time of year just to see them in bloom! My spring bulbs are poking up here in South Bend, IN, and we are expecting a few inches of wet snow tonight!
Hello, South Bend buddy! There are several of us Susan Branch girlfriends in Farmington Square!
**such a great idea, Susan, to hear where folks are from. I often wonder when I am out and about if any of the folks I see are waiting to win a contest, too!
I am fortunate to live within walking distance of both Bob Hope’s and Bing Crosby’s one time homes. I always feel a sense of entertainment history as I pass by their houses. Ah, the stories those houses could tell. Amazing!
That would be fun, you should give tours 🙂
Hello Cathy in Golden….yes, the wind here in Fort Collins, CO was atrocious!!! Now I have to get 7 layers of clothes on today because it’s now FROSTY cold wind and light snow and the porch is covered in dirt and other stuff because the wind blew everything over and about….
Anyway, I have a terrible plant confession…..Honestly, I shouldn’t tell the story. OK, I will. A few years ago, in another house, I decided to steam open my pores and do an at-home facial with a bunch of herbs, etc. I boiled water and put the water into the sink, poured in the herbs and put a towel over my head and breathed in the delicious hot steamy air. My face was so fresh and clean and wonderful….. OK, now back to the dreadful part. Well, a few weeks later, I went to the sink and something was coming out of the overflow area (hole) in the sink….I pulled on it and it was a plant!!!! Long story short, we had to put in a new sink and plumbing……the herbs had sprouted in the plumbing!!! Do you know how much time and effort I put into herbs and gardening….I didn’t know that the best thing to do was just throw some herbs down the drain and wait. Who knew?
So, if you’re going to steam your pores, do it over a boiling pot of water (carefully)….NOT in your sink. Don’t let the herbs go down the drain. So, now I can’t wait to hear…..’ the rest of the story….’
xoxo
Joann
hahaha!
Ha, ha! Joann, I love this story…thank you for sharing! So, just throw some herbs down the drain and give it some thyme…..sorry, I couldn’t pass on the herb humor! A side effect of Spring Fever!
Susan, your blog today gave me such a laugh too!! (You are such a fantastic humorous writer!) All of this is sprouting such wonderful humor, stories and laughs! The House of Creativity, where all things bloom and grow with love, inside as well as outside! P.S. Grew up with basements and never acquired a fondness for them either!
SOOOOOOOO – WHAT was the plant and how big was it in the basement – you didn’t finish that part of the story – or is Joe still down in his man country trying to figure it out – that would be spooky to me to suddenly have a plant coming up like that. I would NEVER go in the basement OR attic – don’t like creepy crawly fuzzy things!
Garden Grove, CA. (Orange County) I’m near your Mom and waiting to be called to “doll sit” (LOL).
Hi Susan,
I think that maybe you will be telling us next a great new twist to Jack the cat and the bean stalk that grew in the house. Just think where that could take him on a adventure and not have to go outside. 🙂 This week I’m spending time out on the Cape in Mashpee. I waved from the shore when we had lunch at the BBC. It was a beautiful spring day and we loved it. Flowers are coming up in the yard here and the birds are singing spring songs.
I live over in Canaan, NY. Just a jump from the Mass line. My house is made of stone on a hillside so the celler is also made of dirt. Growing up I always thought monsters lived in there. The house has a trap door in the living room that was used to get to the celler. We don’t use that way any more. There are full sized barn doors that work real well on the side of the house.
Enjoy this beautiful “spring” day.
Girlfriend hugs,
Sue
Very little rain (or winter) this year but lots of sun so our daffodils are blooming early — everywhere. Flowers and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” — a great way to begin my day. Love both. Thanks for the reminder.
Hello Susan! Laura from Atlanta, GA here.
We’ve always had a basement in every house I’ve lived in…perhaps it’s a southern thing. I’ve never liked them, either, one of our houses had those giant spider crickets that, while harmless, always jumped on my bare toes and creeped me out. But this is Georgia, there’s all manner of crazy creatures down here. The only reason I find a basement useful is for tornado season (which, we’re supposed to have severe storms tonight, and my apartment is on the second floor…hmm). Anyhow, love your blog, as always. I check every morning to see if there is a new post up, and I drink my coffee and happily read.
Love!
Hi – Basements…we just moved from a home with one to one without and I honestly don’t miss it. I think the only time I do is when we have the occasional tornado warning – I haven’t adjusted to having a small interior bathroom to ride out a storm. Picture myself, husband, three grown kids (if they’re home from college), two large dogs, one cat and a turtle all squished into a tiny bathroom!!!
Thank you for the picture of the pretty camellias. It seemed we had been blessed with an unusually snow free winter, even the snow drops have begun to show their little heads, but 6-8″ of the white stuff is forecast for tonight. Glad to have your pretty picture to remind me that spring isn’t really too far away as I watch the snow fall tonight.
Lake Forest, Illinois
Something tells me, that as long as the storm isn’t bad, you’d love to be squished in that bathroom with all those people! 🙂
Wow! That camelia was beautiful. What happened in the basement? I can’t imagine what you were thinking when you saw that plant growing.
I used to live in a house with a dirt basement entered from the outside. We lived there for many years and raised our family-it was built in the 1860’s. I loved that house but after the kids left we built our present “retirement” house which is so light and airy and new-well, now almost 8 yrs. old. I adore old things but not the money it takes to keep up old houses. I only stepped into that basement a couple of times in almost 20 yrs.
Now our basement is not one but 1/2 of it is storage and 1/2 a room for family to stay wth a bath. It is a walkout so it has a big window which looks out on the patio and flowers.
Tee-hee….too funny about you and basements! I have always had a basement here in Wisconsin. Some better than others! The basement I have now is all finished, with a full bathroom and a few rooms. My sewing room is down there! I like it, because I can “escape” when I feel the need, since I don’t get out as much as I used to, due to being a caregiver to my hubby!!!! We are expecting some snow tonight! But we’ll see. First they said during the day today, and now it’s changed to the evening. They said we may even have some thunder snow!!! Ow!! How cute of that plant to peek into your house to say hello. I’m still thinking of your lovely tablescape for your anniversary party! Just lovely.
I just want to know now…what is growing in the basement?
Pussywillows are budding out in Oshkosh, WI, and this morning I noticed some the daylillies next to the garage are coming up, in February! Snow is in the forecast for the weekend and early next week—maybe that will make it feel like a more normal winter up here in the frozen tundra (not-so frozen this year).
good morning susan, good morning everyone!! spring may be in the air but its still cold and wet here so winter is still lurking about. been hectic and crazy this morning, had to get miss kitty ( our newest family addition) to the vets for her surgery appointment(spaying) and shots today. my hubby came home from work to help get her there, takes 2 of us to get the cats to the vet..one to drive and one to hang on to the cat. we just got home, parked the truck in the carport and one of our hens chased a mouse out from underneath the truck. yes we have mouse and mole chasing chickens, and they even kill them if they can catch them. hubby is now in the front yard chasing down the mouse with the hen, don’t ask as i have no idea what he is trying to do. and where are the rest of the cats??? watching from the front windows and enjoying the show. LOL!! beautiful teacups, they sort of match some i have hanging up under the cupboard ( inspired by you susan) and being displayed for everyone to enjoy instead of being stashed in the cupboard where no one can see them. seeing the hearts you had in your windows reminded of me when we used to make paper snowflakes and hang them in the windows for christmas, and paper ghosts for halloween. next yeat i can do hearts in the window. well off to go finish up feeding the chickens and get busy with the laundry. have a wonderful day everyone. hugs…. 🙂
Weird! I just found an ivy vine growing out from under the wall in our guest room. Like so many folks here in Atlanta, GA, our house is built on a concrete slab. Apparently I need to do some research as to the state of my walls. Yikes!
I’m looking forward to finding out what Joe sees when he checks out your basement.
I would, too Grace….if that can come in from outside…..other things can, too! I’m just sayin’
Out here in SE Idaho (Pocatello, Idaho, to be exact), it’s rare to find homes without basements. I was born in California, so I know what you mean by finding basements to be odd, but I’ve come to rely on them for storage, extra bedrooms, laundry facilities, and so many homes have the family rooms in the basements – obviously, the floors are not dirt!
I love reading about weather (and blooms) in other parts of the country! Living in north Idaho, there are no spring signs here yet, still some snow on the ground with more to come this weekend. Those little sprigs of green growing inside are pretty surprising, right? Like the weird little bugs that I see creeping slowly across the floor once in a while even though outside doors haven’t been open and where did the buggers come from?
Love the Camelia Susan. I didn’t realize they grew that far north. Beautiful colors. I can’t wait to hear about THE basement!! Remember that old movie “Little Shop of Horror’s” where there was a man eating plan growing in the flower shop! Watch out for Joe, make sure he comes back!!
JoAnn
Mt Olive, Virginia
Laughing out loud as I look at the plant growing out of the floor! I can’t wait to find out what you’ve got growing in that basement. I live in Lancaster, California and just planted Peonies and a Butterfly Bush. This morning as I was leaving Yoga class, I saw Seagulls flying over head…odd to see them in the desert.
Congratulations on your retirement Elaine. I’ve been retired for about 6 weeks now and I’m not looking back!
Congratulations!
You’re hysterical! You have a plant growing on your floor!!! I’m with you — there’s no way I’d go into that basement. Our son lived in a house in college that had a basement like that — no one ever went down there. Everyone joked that there were probably dead bodies down there. Ewwwwww. And I’m very sad that you’re requesting my location. ‘Cause Fort Wayne, Indiana isn’t nearly as exciting as UK. That’s what I REALLY want to type!
It has you in it!!
Fort Wayne isn’t that bad … be proud to be a Hoosier!
Wow, I am very curious about the sprout in your house! I am surprised Jack or Girl Kitty haven’t chewed on it. It is reminiscent of the magic beans and the beanstalk. Be very wary if it suddenly shoots up through the second floor and attic! I live in Fort Wayne, IN and I don’t have a basement. My little house is on (ready for this?) a slab. Not exactly warm fuzzy connotations with that …
Hi Susan,
Nothing like a weather advisory of 6 – 8″ of heavy, wet “heart attack” snow coming our way tonight to put a damper on my spring fever. That little sprout coming up is too darn cute. I can’t wait for Joe’s report on where that sprout originated in the basement. You almost don’t have the heart to kill it since it went thru all that work just to make it to daylight. It definitely has a will to survive. Like you, I don’t do basements – our first house had a dark, damp dungeon that I had to go to to do the laundry. So, when we built our “dream home” in 1997, even though it had a full basment, I had the laundry room put on the main floor, making laundry chores a breeze. Basements were created for men and little boys – they seem to thrive there! P.S. Making room on my hutch for those charming tea cups. Love ya!
Yes, I know, it’s still there!
I don’t blame you on the basement thing girlie. The only one I’ve ever had experience with, was in an apartment complex when I was 12. It was clean and bright and the complex washers/dryers were down there. We kids loved to play down there. But dirt floors and black crawly things… hmmm, no.
The weather has been in the 70s the last few days here in Sheridan, Arkansas. I am afraid for flowers and trees, not to mention the bugs that didn’t get destroyed by the lack of a cold winter. But, we have much to be thankful for, and I just try to enjoy the weather and thank God for it.
Love your Michelangelo quote!!
Your beautiful teacups remind me of my grandmother. When I was a young girl she would put tea in my “milk”. She always let me use her China teacups. One with pink flowers and my favorite purple flowered one. She recently gave them to me…love her!
It is gorgeous and sunny here in WI. Love the promise of spring coming. Watching the little birds flitting to and fro is such a treat. They’re loving it, too.
I’ve never been a fan of basements, either. I KNOW that spiders are wonderful creatures to have but….really….nothing worse than running into a cobweb and wondering if a creepy black spider has hitched a ride on your head! Worse thing EVER!!!!!!
Oh how sweet are these spring posts! Though the winter has been SO unusually mild, it’s still cold (I’m in Minnesota) I would love to win the charming pink teacups – please enter me! Thank you, sweet Susan!
Susan: It’s so nice to hear the stories of spring from all over the country. I’m in Spokane, WA, and my pussy willow catkins are just budding out which is unusual for this time of year.
The basement stories made me smile. We live in a 100 year old Craftsman home with a full basement and a wonderful attic, both which run the full length of the house. The attic is full of costumes, seasonal decorating items, canning jars and dolls, dollhouse of my childhood, model trains, old games and kids books and “Granny’s Attic” was the favorite place for my 4 grandsons to take their friends or “search for treasures”. There are skates, both roller and ice, old Major Matt Mason dolls and moon stations, and all the stuff to entertain grandkids. The basement contains a “man cave”, an old coal bin now serving once as a fruit room, and now as an excellent wine cellar – perfect temperature. My husband has his “shop” and one end, I have a sewing space in the middle, and we have exercise equipment on the other end, with all the walls lined with bookcases full of books and old Sunset, Victoria, Bon Appetit and McCall knitting magazines. Even though the basement walls are rock and mortar, we don’t have ivy growing through, but in thawing winters we do get a leak in one spot which we watch closely. I don’t think I could be happy without my attic and basement and tell my kids that the treasures therein will be their inheritance!
Oklahoma City, OK
I love reading your blog. We have a very busy life with four children and this time of year, it’s full of all things baseball (thanks to my sons). So I love escaping in your girly world when I can. Love your positive personality! Thanks for taking the time to write regularly.
Hi Susan,
I know how you feel about basements. I don’t like them either. My son had a basement in the house he used to live in and when we went to visit him, I would have to go down to do our wash. You got there from the outside as well. I grew up with a basement, but my father dug it out in order to make a family room of sorts. I was the only one would used it. We had our piano down there, along with a couch, lamp and rug. It was kind of my ‘getaway’. I entertained my friends there. I was in junior high and high school at the time. The first house I lived in was the same kind where the basement of full of dirt that had to be dug out. The only part that was useable was the part that had the furnace and a big old sink.
So glad that the cups and saucers are still being able to go to someone very deserving. Like me? haha.
So long for now.
I’m living in Eureka, CA. Been here for going on 16 years and wanting to get back to WA where the kids and grand kids are still. I like it here in the Redwoods and ocean, but I DON’T like the earthquakes at all. A couple years ago we had a 6.9 one and was very very scary.
Again, so long for now.
Carol M
I definitely would not exchange my basement for an earthquake!
Hi Susan,
I also had never been near a basement until we bought a 1930’s house near the University of Nevada, Reno. Our children were attending school and it was cheaper than school housing. It is a cute cottage, painted white with green shutters, 1000 sq ft and has all of it’s original lighting fixtures. The “kids” are out of school but our daughter decided to stay in it (we live in south Reno and this house is in north Reno). The basement does give more storage but sometimes has crawly things and spider webs. We are used to it now but it was a novelty at first. Luckily there are windows so it gets a lot of sun light. They are at eye level so when neighborhood cats come roaming they peek in. It is a hoot to see the startled look on their faces when they see someone looking back at them! Also there are a lot of quail nearby, so we see them in a bird parade often.
Nevada is a sunny place but usually cold this time of year and definately no buds on anything. The pussy willows are the first thing to bud and they are out!
In fact I need to go outside and trim off some of the old growth stems and leaves on our flowering shrubs.
See you later!
xoxo Pam
Susan I love the little plant growing out of the floor just like it is meant to be there and it looks so happy and those beautiful camelia’s just what I needed
giving me much anticipation of Springtime and all the gorgeous flowers. Abingdon Maryland wishing you a happy Springtime!
Dear Susan, I’m from Northern Illinois, nearish to Chicago. We do have basements here but unfortunately the house my husband and I just purchased doesn’t have one so he has to make due with turning the shed and the garage into his Man Country 🙂 I’m the one who commented on your last post saying it was our wedding anniversary, do you remember? my husband surprised me with my favorite flower that evening!
Sweet!
Receiving your teacups would be the greatest gift!!! I think of you as one of my best friends.
So, Susan from Martha’s Vineyard and California, just what happened to “where was the plant coming from”? I would have to do some investigating myself! Girl, you need to get down to that basement and make friends with it! Just put one of your pretty paintings down there, a few niceties, and it will start to feel like “just another room” in your already lovely house. Remember, sometimes “out of sight, out of mind” is not a good thing!
And to all The Girlfriends: if you really want to see some gorgeous Flora and Fauna (and I don’t mean the twins from the Addams Family) come to the 2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show, the world’s largest indoor flower show.
It runs from March 4-11, and this year’s theme is Hawaii, Islands of Aloha. Ladies, you will not be disappointed should you decide to set aside a day for this out-of-this-world extravaganza of flowers. It will herald in Spring in a whole new way.
I grew up near Philadelphia (Broomall) and I remember my mother always looked forward to spring and the flower show there. Thank you for the invite … will just have to dream about it from San Diego.
Hi Kathleen! My godson lives in Broomall (Pius X Parish)… so sorry you can’t go to the Flower Show, but hey, you live in San Diego! It’s a flower show year round!
When I saw the basement door photo, I immediately thought of “Arsenic and Old Lace”, too. I almost expected to see a man dressed as Teddy Roosevelt standing there! (I like to imagine that this is a case of “great minds thinking alike”) 🙂
Trish
(the displaced Manhattan-ite who finds herself in Palm Beach County. Of course, I should be grateful because I “discovered” my first Susan Branch book in the now defunct Mark, Fore and Strike store here.)
Also, forgot to ask….isn’t your “Spring, Spring, Spring” musica for today and yesterday also from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers? I LOVE that movie!
That I don’t know! I’ve only heard it sung by these two.
Susan, I am shocked that you don’t remember the song from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers—if you’ve somehow missed it all these years, you have a treat in store! 🙂 And thank YOU for the treat of hearing Bing and Fred sing it—I ordered the CD immediately, from the link you gave us, and it’s on its merry way to me right now! Yay!
P.S. I’m north of Chicago, not very exotic but it’s home. 🙂
Love Chicago!
Karen, that’s one of my favorite movies too—love it! And yes, this song is definitely from that movie—-Jane Powell, Howard Keel, a very YOUNG Julie Newmar (remember her as Rhoda the Robot?), Russ Tamblyn (better known in West Side Story) and a whole host of wonderful singers and dancers. 🙂
Me too Karen!
My daughter lived in an older apartment in Atlanta that had a basement under it. She always had so many spiders and strange many legged creatures, more than seemed normal. She would complain but they kept saying no one else was complaining (I think they were just thinking girl sees one tiny spider, girl screams) so they never would really look into it. Then the wood floors started bucking, but the building was old and so she lived with it. Then I came to visit, you could have tripped and broken something on the oak floor boards. And I could have sworn I heard water dripping. We complained again they said they checked and fixed it. I came again, the floors looked like mountains and valleys. Her cat would not even walk in some areas. She again just thought it was old building. And the spiders were everywhere! I went to take a shower (with a spider) and I saw tiny mushrooms growing behind the plumbing, mushrooms. And when I turned off the water I could hear water still running….
So I complained, they sent two grown men to check the basement for moisture, they took one step in the basement and ran out because of the massive infestation of damp loving southern spiders! They refused to go back. We were evacuated and moved to hotel.
I loved that my daughter for over a year had learned to “deal” with these constant spiders and the big guys didn’t even try, just ran like, well scared men!
Dolores from Alabama!
Dolores, I think you just traumatized me for life.
Wasn’t that an amazing story? Spiders so bad the floors are uneven, evacuate shamacuate . . . I would look for another place to live . . . how would you ever sleep again?
I think basements are scarrrrrry too! We only have a little section under our porch…very useful but dark and spider webby. I might brave one though for the chance to be on Martha’s Vineyard 🙂 I have never been there but did live in Maine for a short while and got to visit some islands there. My best adventure ever! I live in Cambria, California now where we have forests near the ocean…just like Maine (well, kinda).
Happy signs of Spring!
No basement here in San Diego but sometimes I wish I had one only because my husband likes to put one of the vehicles in the garage and I have to my “stuff” in there fighting for the same space. Sounds like some spring cleaning is in order…ha! The sun is shinning today and the yard is calling … so since I’m finished reading my Willard and your blog for the day I better get moving. I’m off to spend the day in the sun and my hands in the dirt. The garage will have to wait for a rainny day. Visit with you soon…..
I know just what you mean about scary attics. We’ve lived in our house for over thirty years and I’ve never been in our attic (nor ever intend to!)
Thank you for the lovely pic of the camellia, one of my favourite flowers, and ….. I’ve just received my first Willard – love it, love it, love it!
Tasha in deepest Warwickshire, the very heart of England
The very heart of England xoxo
oooooohhh, heart of England. Let’s trade houses for a couple of weeks, OK? Arizona desert suburbia for Warwickshire….
Susan, I am sitting here in Carmel California and we have a beautiful day here today……no fog and 70 degrees. Love your blog and your kitties! I grew up in New york so I know about basements. Not many basements in California!!! I first discovered you when you had your monthly recipes in Country Living Magazine.
I lived in Carmel for about a year, a long time ago, on Delores, in a darling house!
Susan,
Loved opening my inbox to find Willard waiting for me. A wonderful start to a beautiful day here in the Midwest (Lee’s Summit, MO), right on the eastern outer edge of Kansas City. Sun’s shining, shoots coming up through the ground, although I’ve not checked our basement and even the smells of grilling surround me. Winter’s not over yet and according to our weatherman, a storm is heading this way next week but I don’t think it’ll last too long. I was so happy to see your pillowcases in the Willard as I purchased those some time ago from your store. I have them in my guest room folded over the top of my white cutwork curtains so the pretty edges show. I love them!
Linda Trokey
Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Hi Susan
Had to laugh when I saw your little (or not so little) plant. I had the same experience when I was working in a fabric store a couple of years ago. I admired the tough little guy, but my boss was not so happy about it and she pulled it up when she found out about it.
About basements-I grew up in an old house and we had a dirt cellar. Mom always kept her canned goods and potatoes down there, so every once in a while one of us kids had to go down and get stuff for supper. It wasn’t bad unless you let your imagination take hold on the way down. My brother still lives in the house and I haven’t been in the cellar in years. I may have to pay him a visit just to see what is still down there.
See you soon
SusanM
I think it would be much better if you didn’t have to go alone!
I live in Michigan and grew up in a large historical home. The basement was part dirt and the walls of the basement were made up of large rocks. Surprisingly
it was quite dry down there. Cool in the summer and warm in the winter when the furnace was running. It housed all the food we canned in the fall. as well
as paint and other things that needed to be saved from freezing. I think I was never afraid to go down there because my grandfather kept his Koi goldfish down there in the winter and it was a treat to be able to feed them. I really like your tea cups. I used to work for a couple from India and the wife introduced me to some really wonderful Indian teas served in teas cups like yours. It makes a moment in time special. Thanks for the great blog
I have only had one house with a basement. It gave me the creeps from the day I moved in. It came with my husband. Still have him, but now live in a nice one leavel rambler up against the Cascade Foothills. Green and beautiful. Thanks for all your wonderful stories, and thoughts. I’ve bern a fan for many years. Hope you had a great day!
From, Enumclaw, Wa.
Enumclaw is one of the names that makes me wonder, where, how, what . . . love hearing where people are from!
Now I am curious as to what that plant is but at least it is green and it is still winter…now how nice is that! Those of us in Minnesota are enjoying a truly wonderful winter with minimal snow – no downside to no snow.
Oh Happy Day! My 2012 Susan Branch calendar just arrived. I waited too long to order one from what was probably the first printing so I missed January and most of February but my kitchen is now complete for the year. Clutter everywhere and my calendar above my coffee maker, so I say “Good Morning” to you everyday! Also, basements, yuk! I have one in the house where I live now and I have been down there maybe 10 times in 11 years. Yes, the furnace and water heater are there but I get my son to change the furnace filter and the landlord has to deal with the water heater. When I was growing up in north central Indiana, our basement was completely finished with concrete, we had a storage room for apples, potatoes, squash, and shelves full of the most beautiful home-canned vegetables. Corn, carrots, beans, tomatoes, peaches, beets, pears. We also did the laundry down there in the winter. Wonderful memories. Your mention of Arsenic and Old Lace brought to mind that I have played the part of Aunt Martha three times in community theatre. One of my favorite rolls as she is the one with the “recipe.” Then you hit on another practically life-time study of mine, Lizzie Bordon. My family in Westport, MA sent me the new “Parallel Lives” book (1100+ pages) for my birthday. It is a social history of Lizzie and her Fall River. You talk about her storing her axe in the basement, in the Elizabeth Montgomery movie about Lizzie, she threw the axe in the basement privy! Yuk again, but possible. What a lovely day. You always bring a happy smile to my heart.
See? That’s how basements got a bad name! They’ve been demonized! 🙂
Spring, Spring, Spring…….here too ( Mennonite farming community outside Nashville , Tn. ) The farmers are turning up their family gardens, baby lambs are jumping, tiny calves are curled up in the new green grass and you can smell wild onions when the wind blows. HEAVEN :o)
I always read your blog from my tiny appartment in NYC. Scrolling throgh your posts always helps me reconnect with my home in NJ which i miss very much and which looks quite a bit like yours.
Just read some of the previous posts. Yes, Spring, Spring, Spring is in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”
Hi Susan, love the plant growing in your hallway. Could it perhaps be some ivy from outside. It’s a very tough plant and can fight its way through pretty much anything. Here in Victoria, it’s extremely prolific, although, so far, it hasn’t dared entered the inside of the house. Most homes on the west coast have basements, but they are totally “finished” basements. No dirt floors for sure. The camellias on your windowsill are beautiful. I’ve seen so many flowers blooming here lately; forthysia, rhododendrons, daffodils of course, and believe it or not, there is still the occasional old rose left over from last summer. It seems we’re all so anxious for spring. It really is the best time of the year, I think.
Living in New England all my life I have been in many a deep dark basement, I find them mysterious and a little frightening. As a child one of my girlfriends had an old house and we used to love to go down there to play, there were cob webs, a dirt floor, and that damp smell and of course you’d never know what little creature was lurking around the corner. Even though it was a little scary we were drawn to going down there, ( I think we read too much Nancy Drew!) My neighbor across the street had a basement that was part of the underground railroad, amazing! The cape and the islands always seem to be a little warmer than inland but those flowers are just amazing for this time of year, so beautiful!I can’t wait to hear what this mystery plant is growing from your basement. Keep us posted. East Longmeadow, Massachusetts
I’ve always lived in either brand new, or sort of new suburban homes here in Washington state and where I grew up in California. They only had crawlspaces. I have always wanted to live in an old house but I never really considered the basement factor before…yikes! I always have a very overactive imagination so I’m sure I would scare myself silly. Isn’t it great to have big brave men around who can catch big creepy spiders and go down into basements for us? Although, when it comes to changing a diaper, it’s another story! 🙂
We all have our talents! 🙂
Behind in my reading and almost missed the give-away for the beautiful teacups! I still have Willard and this post to read but I loved reading about the anniversary/Valentine party. The Rose Chintz teacups would have a special home in my 100+ year old china cabinet near the equally old but lovely teacups that belonged to my husband’s grandmother.
Haha. I’m right in Joe’s camp–both on plant life growing up thru the floorboards and basements. My first thought on seeing your little sprout definitely wasn’t “Gee, how pretty that looks,” but “What’s going on under those floorboards?!?” Please let us know if Joe discovered triffids living in your basement!
I also have to say that I’m somewhat of a house explorer and love basements and attics. Of course, some basements/attics are scarier than others. For some inexplicable reason, I was once terrified of the basement of a house we had in Germany and would not go down there–even tho that’s where the washer and dryer resided. (And, no, it wasn’t a ploy to get out of doing laundry!) I was a teenager, so I couldn’t even blame it on being an impressionable youngster. I was glad to leave that house behind.
A few years ago, when I worked in a very old federal building, it had creepy attic spaces and basement (and sub-basement) levels that I absolutely loved. When the air unit needed adjusting, I was the one who always volunteered to take the flashlight and go into the back corner of the attic to fiddle with the controls. And the boiler room in the basement? Totally fascinated me.
The door and stairs to your basement actually look incredibly enticing to me. A gateway to a secret land. Instead of Man Country, I’d turn it into Woman Land.
Susan
McLean, VA
That’s what I love, one person’s nightmare is another person’s heaven, and all’s right with the world! Thank goodness, because otherwise how would things like the Golden Gate Bridge have gotten built? Not by me, I can assure you!
Susan,
I’m still swooning over your Breakfast Party! How lucky your friends are!! I really think that is a wonderful idea and I’m going to have to borrow…er, steal….it from you. 🙂
Basements are very rare around here, but when I was growing up in Central NY, our basement served as a laundry room-storage area- canned food pantry and play area for us in inclement weather. I still remember roller skating around the cement floor, round and round and round. Great memories!
Hope y’all have a great day!
Marilyn (in Dallas)
Oh how scared I was of my grandmother’s cellar and I have never been in our
attics in my life. My grandfather had a very spooky (to me) attic in his shop (he
died when I was little) and I cringed when I went up there. In fact I have
never been on our roof and my two younger neighbors go up there with ease.
I guess I was raised in the era that that was man’s territory. That’s ok…a few
less chores for me! By the way I have violets growing in the bricks of our
courtyard!
I share your non fondness of basements, but love attics. Don’t forget to let us know the mystery of the floorboard plant. Beautiful weather we are having, but it makes me a little nervous for March.
Oh Susan..I can see why that would be kind of scary…no one likes unknown vegetation growing in thier house..lol Being raised here in Iowa the basements & attic’s are just an expansion of your home…smile… During tornado season, I can’t imagine anyone living without one (now that scares me…smile)
We are getting rain/snow here today…and looks like a cross between spring (rain drops on the branches) and winter (snow flying through the air!)
Stay safe out there…smile….
Blessings,
Gert~Iowa-USA
Wow, what history your home has! Our home is old but hasn’t hit the Historical part yet, just old…..! Hee hee! I sure enjoy your posts and check them almost daily!
take care,
Kate
This whole blog is just too, too funny!!!! Are you going to let us know what Joe finds in the basement regarding the plant? That is so cute, the way it’s growing up into your house! Does Jack play with it?
And mentioning Lizzie Borden – I am obsessed with wanting to know who killed her parents!! Have you seen ‘The Legend of Lizzie Borden’ with Elizabeth Montgomery? I own it, and I have read several books about her. I would give anything to be able to be invisible and travel back in time to see who really killed her parents!! I think SHE did! What do you think?
Love and blessings from Mary S. in Fresno, CA, USA
Such a mystery! I read the Wikipedia account of Lizzie Borden, I think she did it. I don’t think I like her father too much, cutting the heads off her birds. He might have been a bit of an inspiration!
Yes, he was not a very nice man!!!
You should try to see if you can find The Legend of Lizzie Borden!!! It’s sooooo good!!!
Your basement does sound scary. I have never even seen a dirt floor. I grew up with basements but they were all finished with carpet, rooms and big windows. In the summer, when it is really hot, we spend most of our time in the cool basement, even sleeping there at night.
Sharon from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
We have cellars not basements and I wont go down there unless I really really have to and I get out as quick as I can..it’s creepy!!! I dont like the attic either. There are a lot of Lindas in Blog land that’s why I use the name Sunnybec…..I know it’s me people are talking about then!!
Linda , Rochechouart, France
in France too!
Spring fever greetings from Little, KY. Temp. is 65 deg.. sun in all its glory and the daffodils are in bloom! Monday, we had 6 inches of snow, today a wonderful spring-like day. Typical Kentucky weather.
I just splurged (last of my Christmas money) on a set of Johnson Bros. Devon Cottage dinnerware. If the rng draws my name, I may have to add the rose chintz pattern to my “look for” antiquing trips.
Thanks for the wonderful blog. I so look forward to it.
Did I miss it, or did you say what the plant coming up from the basement was? I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your blog, Willard, artwork and books. I also really like your old music selections. There is nothing like the old standards. I love your cat, Jack’s, painted face. Kind of comical. I have an all black Hurricane Katrina cat named Halle (for Hallween, when we got her from the shelter) Katrina.
Spring has come to Olympia, WA even if there is the wonderful/nasty “S” word in the forecast for this weekend. My crocuses (crocus, croci?) bloomed yesterday! The cherry and plum trees are starting to get their pink pre-bloom fuzziness and catkins are in full bloom. The old wives’ tale says peas should be planted on Washington’s birthday but from experience I wait until I’m sure the seeds won’t rot. 🙂 You don’t need a basement to have things growing from under your baseboards. One spring day I found grass coming into the back bedroom. The area between the siding and the foundation hadn’t been calked and the bedroom was a nice warm place to move to. It’s calked now. I’ve never desired a basement but a taller crawl space would be nice and I’ve always dreamed of having a dusty attic full of trunks and discarded furniture full of adventures and memories. But there aren’t many ranch style houses with them since the invention of trusses to hold up your roof. LOL
Haha! I totally was right there with you all through the “Oh Look…how COOL!” to “Umm…I’M not going down there…”!!! Being in upstate New York (upstate New York we know is Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse… in New York City they think it’s Albany…) I know all about basements, but not 1600’s basements with dirt floors! That’s just scary. My husband on the other hand wants to come visit Joe! We went to look at an old farmhouse when we were househunting and there was a tunnel from that house to another down the road, Underground Railroad, and the owner showed us the capped entrance. We did not buy the house but Jim surely wanted to!!! haha again!
Hugs from Wendy
Rochester, NY
Yes, Joe would have loved that too, how interesting!
I came to the computer real quick like, just to check if I should butter my cast iron heart pan for those orange chocolate chip tea biscuits i’m in the middle of making, and there you have a new post!! And so intriguing, with that first precious photo, that of course, I had to read the whole post….and I almost got off track why I sat down here in the first place…until you lost track, too, making me feel verrry much better about myself:)))
Okay, so I’m back to the kitchen…that orange zest is wafting through the house and it smells like home…Florida…all up in here! Thank you so much for making our day, every day…and I REALLY look forward to the journal post. I was already checking my supply of journals…it’s low…might have to get a special one and be ready for your tutorial..or whatever it is you have in store for us.
Also checked out your adorable stickers and such in the “store”..
OKay okay…off to the kitchen..
Christie
Been reading Anne of Green Gables…way way too many similarities:)
Hello, from Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
The beautiful westcoast is showing lots of signs of Spring. Lots of shoots are showing up in many strange places. Basements are not my favourite place to visit. I agree Joe can handle it.
Enjoy your day, Susan, thanks for sharing.
Wait! you never said if Joe found the Mother plant, or if he is tangled up in it and never came back up the stairs or if it was a seed that got blown into the basement and started to grow. Yeah Spring! The birds here have been singing their Spring songs the last few weeks…so nice to hear.
Rita Champion
Onalaska, WI
Some plants are just so intrepid — my office (I work in a library) has frequently had a green visitor peeking up through a crack between the wall and floor. As for my BASEMENT…WELL…somehow, vigorously green ivy has found a way in through a window and is growing over the window sill with wild abandon! I don’t think it’s going to attack me and I admire it’s pluck!
Thanks for enlarging my music appreciation — I love the melodies about spring — aren’t we all ready? I live in Sussex County, NJ and locally we celebrate Springfest at the local fairgrounds mid March. I can’t wait to get my spring fix even though we can’t really complain about this snow-less winter.
Wait!!!! Did Joe get back from the basement or is he tangled up in vines????
Kim in Carmel, Indiana
P.S We say it CAR-mull not Car-MEL like the one in California.
Ah ha! Didn’t know that!
It’s such a pretty and bright little sprout! But popping out of a wall is a little scary. I’m sure it’s a sign….a good one! And certainly makes a great story. Our basement is a walkout with sliding glass doors and two windows so we’re very comfy there. Last summer we were visiting my BFF in Groton Long Point, CT and my DH came up to me and quietly told me not to go downstairs into her basement. LOL. It was just as you described…steep and dark stairs with a dirt floor and damp and musty smelling. I have allergies to dust and molds and my asthma kicks in at the drop of a hat. So I avoided it for sure. She grew up in that house and doesn’t think twice about going down there to do her laundry, etc. Her Dad dug it out with his own two hands bless him. Hugs Susan! You made my day, as usual.
Donna from Burke, VA (suburb of DC)
Ooops, I should have said, his own two hands with a shovel….you knew that. It’s weird but my original post is still “awaiting moderation” and I see you’ve already responded to posts past mine. I’m not in a rush, don’t expect you to comment and not complaining but I was just wondering why that would happen.
The comments don’t come to me in the order they’re written; for some reason what I get is the most recent one first. So if I have 163 comments, it’s going to give me number 163 first and it will be a long time before I get to number 4 — especially when 100 more come in while I’m approving the first 163. Don’t ask me the rhyme or reason of this, I’m just grateful to have a blog at all! 🙂
Love your husband whispering!
I slept in a basement growing up and my sister used to jump out of closets at me – sometimes I was so scared I didn’t dare close my eyes!! She finally out grew it and found boys more interesting and stopped tormenting me. Now we are the very best of friends – don’t you love stories with happy endings? I loved the picture of the Camilla on the windowsill – made my day – thanks.
Ventura, CA
I’ve always wanted a house with a basement or attic, especially an attic! I find them fascinating and beautiful. 🙂
-Merry, Northern Alabama
Oh! I love that song “Spring, Spring, Spring”!!! It does feel like spring in Costa Mesa, CA today….I would have enjoyed a little more cold so I could wear my winter cloths (yes, we do have them in California)…I would love to win the teacups and saucers!….I would save one for me and give the other to my sis who’s a missionary in Cambodia! She would love it!
Tell your sister hello for me!
I grew up with basements, although ours were always finished. They really can get your imagination going. You didn’t mention if there was a huge plant growing down there coming through the floor ? Was there ? Inquiring minds need to know… hahahah
Nicki Sadler, Texas – population 400 Wowwwwwwwww.
Used to be 400 would be 400 and that would be all, now you can go on line, and talk to the world! And still live in a small town! Wonderful!
Hi Susan..I’m here in Abilene, Tx….it is close to 80 degrees and everything is green and WET…..my Arizona ash tree is blooming and and the weeds are flourishing…..I’m sure spring will be brown and dry and summer…..well expecting desert heat….weather is upside down….loving your blog…never miss it. You have become a wonderful friend….AND love the music…!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ha ha, can just imagine your first thought! Oh cool! Spring!!
and your husband (with all his husbandly thoughts).. oh oh! trouble, but where? !
I am very thankful for my husband, esp. when little critters from outside make their way into my cozy lil’ home!
Our spring in the pacific northwest has come quietly in with a dash of wind, rain and hellebores blooming.. ahh.. we sigh, spring may approach us yet.
However, in true northwest fashion, snow is predicted this weekend..
nevertheless, we hope and pray for spring, daffodils, tulips, and warm cocoa by the fire..
I always thought I wanted a basement, we dont have them here, but now I dont think I do. I hope yours has not been taken over by a ginormous plant.
Michelle from southern California
A basement is a great place to keep your kitty litter box. I live in Southern Minnesota, so we do have a finished basement. Yes, we did keep our teenagers in ours, along with many of their friends!! They didn’t always appreciate the kitty box… Now our children have all left the nest. Our basement it too quite now, miss those days of all the kids hanging out down there.
Teacups??? I would love a teacup. After reading your basement story, I am glad we only have a crawl space, and that I’ve never had a reason to go into it!
Webster TX (between Houston and Galveston) and it’s 77 deg here today!! OMG! Don’t the skies know that it’s February?!?!?! We’ve been green all winter and still have many trees that never lost their leaves…
So are you going to let the plant grow and see what it becomes?????
Susan,
Reading your post brought back some memories for me – my grandparent’s basement. They did keep all of their garden vegetables DOWN THERE in the cold cellar.The cellar had a big heavy wooden door with a metal latch on it that always seemed to swing shut when you were inside. It also was where Grandma’s wringer washer and ironing board were kept. Grandpa’s tool and work bench were also DOWN THERE. Jars and jars of Grandma’s canned goods would be lined up on shelves on the wall DOWN THERE. The chest freezer was also DOWN THERE. Whenever Grandma would send me downstairs to get something for her I would slowly creep down the steps until I got to the bottom. I would then look around; get whatever she had sent me for as quick as possible – and then run upstairs as fast as possible! Only as I got older did I appreciate what WAS DOWN THERE ! Memories!! Oh, as far as spring goes, we are suppose to be getting 6-8 inches of snow tonight! I really did appreciate the Willard and your recent post! Have to tell you I am going to be Grandma again! My daughter and her husband are expecting their second child. Two new grandchildren on the way- one in August(my son and his wife- #5) and one in September. Sorry for the long post.
Jan- Mount Morris , Michigan
What’s down there is good, getting it is the hard part!! I love childrens’ imaginations!
I am so curious as to what your “sprout” is going to turn into. Our basement is actuall y finished…with a fireplace, etc. It is our family roo, another room for my crafting and another rooom for my husband’s workshop……no spiders or bugs down here 🙂
How funny..that plant coming thru the floor! But…I’m with you on dark basements…been a ‘fraidy cat since day one… We had a dark basement when I was a little girl and we lived in an “ancient” home in Maine–yup, true “man country!” Loved all your commentary on the deep, dark basement–I could even smell the dirt! (Be sure and tell us if the plant is taking over the house on not!)
Have to laugh over your many topics covered in letters/visits to your friends. My husband always asks, “How could you talk for 3 hrs. at a time?!” He still doesn’t understand about girl-friends….!
Your blog is a beautiful treat!
I just love that about us — what a comfort!!
So Susan what was that growing in the crack of the wall? I am in SC at the beach enjoying a warm winter.
This post just made me giggle when I saw where the plant was!…of course your home Dear Susan would be magical enough to grow plants thru the floor!…I hope we get to hear what the mystery plant is ..:)
It’s the House of Creativity whether I’m in it or not!!
Finally figured out how to post a comment – yay! Yes, the basement can seem a bit creepy, that is the luxury of an active imagination( makes life fun). I am in Bucks County ,PA and we have been treated to a stream of spring harbingers – hellebores are blooming, fragrant witch hazel is open, along with snowdrops and crocuses. Am anticipating the blooms of iris histrioides, squill ,pushkinias and chinodoxias. Thank you so much for the blogs and Willard too – love read ing them and dreaming.
So glad you made it here Marilyn! Look at all the springtime we were missing!
Hi Susan!
Shannon from Hamilton, Montana here! I grew up in Valencia, California and moved here in 1987. I do miss the California sunshine in the winter. Lots of gray days and snow here, but I am convinced there is no place prettier than Western Montana in the summer! Come visit and we’ll take you and Joe to Yellowstone and Glacier National park!
Must be gorgeous!
Hi there, Susan, and I agree, you are hilarious and I LOVE it! I’ve always loved having a basement, but I think what YOU have is a “cellar,” which is always a little danker, darker and scarier. You never hear of someone having a “finished cellar,” but there are plenty of rec rooms in “finished basements!”
One thing I wanted to mention is that as I read the beginning of today’s entry, I was CONVINCED that the sprout you were featuring was actually something you were painting on the white wall to cheer up the winter blahs. It seemed to be in character for you to paint a cheery, healthy little sprout as a harbinger of spring. It took scrolling down to the second photo to actually see that yes, this is a REAL sprout!
Thanks for all the sharing you love to do. We love to hear it as well!
Barbzie, from Warsaw, IN (Northern Indiana, between Fort Wayne and South Bend
Yes, you’re right, ours is a cellar — that’s my California roots showing, knowing the difference is kind of another thing to learn about!
My first time on your blog…. I love it and am hooked on Spring Spring Spring!
thanks so much!
Happy to see you here Lynn!
Basements are creepy – and this is from someone who grew up with a basement! My parents’ still live in my childhood home, a bungalow built in 1927. For years, my bedroom was in that basement. It’s nice, as basements go…fully finished and even pretty comfy. But to this day, when I visit the p’s, I do not like going to the basement alone. Hold my hand! 🙂
Our current house does not have a basement and yes, we wish it did. You would cringe at our garage – a full half of it is piled high with boxes and bins. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do!
Your little plant is too cute!
Wendy Conger, Volo, Illinois
Hold my hand too!