A week from today . . . we Sail away! I really can’t believe it!
This is a little scene that has been in our bedroom since we came back from the last trip to England aboard the Queen Elizabeth II in 2004. I love having it here because a dress like that should not be locked away; it hangs there like a fairytale and has all the fairytale magic and dreams connected to it. I’m not the kind of girl who’s worn very many dresses like that. Like really, this is the only one. I just can’t hide it away.
The hat, I bought in England, because our good friends took us to Royal Ascot! I think I look a little like Queen Elizabeth in it (which, although she is lovely, is not the look I’m actually after), especially with Joe next to me wearing his gray top hat and a morning coat with tails! This is the dress code for Royal Ascot and you really have to do it!
Do we look like Yanks? Could they tell? I kind of think so! But not one dog attacked us!
I bought the dress that’s hanging on the closet door for our first formal night aboard the ship. It has a scarf too. It goes to the floor, has four layers of skirt; I packed it in tissue paper. I think it was the right thing to do for my first trip. But this time, I’m thinking differently (now that I’m a seasoned ocean-liner traveler); I don’t want to take different evening clothes for each night (six!) like I did last time; that was a lot of packing of things I never needed for the rest of the trip! I was jealous of Joe, who more or less wore the same tuxedo every night and looked adorable. To be honest, I’m not really a formal type of girl (I think pantyhose was invented by the devil); I like corduroy and linen.
I looked around the dining room last time, to see what other women did; there was this elegant French woman who sat at a table near us at dinner; I loved how she handled it. She wore the same classic black pantsuit every night, with heels, and different scarves and jewelry, to change the look. It was so clever; seemed very French to me. What a good packing tip for next time, I thought! So this time I have my own little (non-itchy) black suit all ready to go into the suitcase, and all the accessories to go with it. Just like Joe.
The entire rest of my suitcase is raincoat, cute umbrella, jackets, t-shirts, lots of linen bell bottoms . . . (remember my dancing pants … now they have a reason to dance, they’re going on a trip!) . . .
. . . warm sweaters, and comfy shoes. And art supplies!!! Almost ready!
Yikes!
By the way, are you all on Twitter? I am — I Twitter and send photos there too (I think you may be able to read my page without joining, not sure). A couple of times, when Joe and I have crossed the country on the train, I’ve done this thing called “Twitter from the Twain.” It works really well, because if we’re out and about and only have the phone with us, I can take photos with it and send them directly to Twitter. I’m going to try and do that on this trip, we’ll see what kind of connection England affords our internet connections . . . but I need help. I need a name. So far, the Twitter Girls have suggested “Shenanigans from the Ship,” “News from the Cruise,” and “Blog from the Boat” — all wonderful, but what about when we’re not on the boat? Any ideas? (Playing my cards right, figuring out ways to no longer have to do my own thinking 🙂 )
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!
Hi Sue,
So many show-offs with all their cute suggestions! My entry – “Tidbits from my Trip”!
Have a wonderful time! Can’t wait for the first twitter!
XO, Sue from Simi Valley
Love those pics of the colorful linen pants blowing in the wind. So springlike and lovely.
I have only been to London a few times…have never ventured to the countryside. But have always wanted to. One of my favorite books that is set in England is The Shell Seekers. It is a lovely read and always made me want to visit the Cotswolds and Cornwall.
I look forward to your ‘pics and bits’ about the adventures you are sure to have. I am slightly jealous, I must say 🙂
I’m glad you can come with us!
That’s my favorite book of hers!
I love her books too! My favorite is “September”. “The Shell Seekers” is the first one I read; my cousin gave me the book, a container of bath salts, and a candle in a candlestick, so I could read it in the tub!
Perfect gift! Like a calgon moment in a box!
You two look ADORABLE all dressed up like that and I agree with Rachel—you do NOT look like the queen—
and Diamond Jubilee—maybe you’ll just have to wear lots of diamonds!!!!!
I love tweets from the twip best—so far! Can’t think of a thing better than that…
xoxo
Joann
Don’t you love the week before a big trip? All the last minute packing and excitement. Your dress is beautiful and so is the hat. I’m going to have tea every day you are away in my Queen’s 60th jubilee Emma Bridgewater mug. Happy travels!
Oh my, but you do live the charmed life. I would think getting dressed up like that for Ascot would be worth it just to have that charming photo. You are absolutely glowing in it – and no – you don’t look like the Queen, but your own regal self. Smart girl on cutting back on the clothes for dinner. I went on a cruise that had 3 formal nights, and after the first two I said heck with it and dressed down and went to one of the more casual restaurants instead. As much fun as dressing up can be, it gets old quickly. I once went on a 2 week winter trip to England, Ireland, and Scotland with only a rolling carry on and small duffle because we would be traveling by train and lot and I needed to be able to handle my own bags quickly. I took a long black skirt and a couple of pairs of black pants with a few tops and scarves. That and some sturdy walking shoes, and raincoat and umbrella and I was good to go and presentable the whole time. We got mistaken for Europeans several times by dressing that way.
I know, with my orange shoes, I’m going to stick out like a sore thumb. But they’re so cute!
Oh but I do love the sound of the orange shoes. You’ll have to show them to us. Besides being your color, it’s supposed to be “the” color of the year in fashion. Besides, nothing wrong with sticking out a little. I just don’t like it when Americans wear nothing but white sneakers in big cities. I read somewhere that the French wonder why we dress like we’ve come to mow their lawns. Orange shoes are definitely not in that category :o)
It’s true, the women in Paris dress simply but beautifully.
Frankly I think the hat is wonderful! Very English and you looked very pretty in it. As someone above said you all looked very happy. I’m sure it was a wonderful experience! Your dress is devine and I’d hate to put it away also. *S* But the black suit sounds like the ticket. You can put wonderfull little tanks with sequines or other sparklies and nifty jewelry. Oh I can’t wait for the pictures!!!!!!!!! I’d be a bundle of nerves of sure. I was when we went to Japan and that is nothing like what you all are doing. All I had to do was sit back in my business class seat (we were able to upgrade thank goodness!) and enjoy the trip over. But I did do a cruise when I came back from living in Hawaii with my familey. Dad was a Marine. It was fabulous and of course we dressed for dinner too. As I sixteen year old it was so much fun. I would love to be going to England. You are going to have some much fun and so will we. *S*
Oh, have a wonderful time Susan and make many more sweet memories! I don’t have to tell you to take lots of pictures! LOL! I love your blog to pieces and it just warms my heart to visit. You are a sweetheart through & through! Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Hugs,
Maryjane
Murrieta, CA
Thanks for being here!
Ah… to go to England in May… the very best time to go! Roses, tea, cool nights in the north country… I am stuffing my little sheep bank every day with change and hope!
Tweeter name…
Posts from Abroad
With Love… Sue
Sue’s Views
Bon voyage! Write often… Send lots of photos!
I’ll do it Matty!
hello and good afternoon everyone. Bon Voyage susan, have a fun trip over….. how about twits from brits??? i have a question about that photo of you and Joe at Royal Ascot, what were the roses for???? i noticed you both had roses pinned on your outfits and was very curious about them. calm winds and smooth seas for your voyage. and easy on the videos from the deck, as i will be riding the deck rails all the way over. LOL!!!!! hugs…… 🙂
The daughter of the friends that took us to Ascot gave them to us from their garden…I still have mine– I dried it and it’s in my England diary. Thank you for the calm winds and smooth seas!
Hi Susan!
I hope you’re having as much fun preparing for your trip as your girlfriends are just reading about it! Knowing how fond you and Joe are of all things British; and, in anticipation of all the fun you’re going to have in England, I thought of an appropriate name for your journey: “Anglophiles’s Smiles”!
On that happy note…
Bon Voyage, Mon Amie!
Godspeed!
Bunny
I like it Bunny! It will be true too.
Susan,
me again, I forgot to ask you where you got those cute linen pants??
Nancy Jo
At Bryn Walker … was just there, not too many colors right now, but more coming.
SueB’s Newsbee
If we played our cards right we could work this into one of those she sells seashells things!!
Too funny!
Lol!
ROFL… …
Haven’t read all the names but I like the ‘Happy Yank’. (I’m always for short and sweet anything! ….lazy I guess!!)
Holiday Shenanigans – very Brit and very Yank -smile-. Dave and I could travel for weeks with a carry on each and me with a large purse. Scarves, scarves, scarves and not too much jewelery, unless it was costume, filled out the look.
Our maxim was “never travel with more than you can run with”, that helped keep suitcases to a minimum.
You and Joe look dashing; love the hats!
Please tell me I won’t have to run!!! LOL!
HI Susan,
I am so happy to hear about your trip. I went to London on a high school trip and had a wonderful time. To go now as an adult would be even more exciting. ALSO, I worked a temp job for two weeks on THE Queen Mary that is docked in Long Beach, CA and is now a hotel! I LOVED walking the halls and seeing the rooms and imagining what it would be like to take a trip across the ocean on such a magnificent ship!!
I pray you will have a safe trip filled with fun and relaxation and wonderful memories! How about Expressions of England or English Excerpts for your tweets?
Joand Sue across the blue…..take care and have fun!!!
We will! thank you Alison!
Sounds like a wonderful time! I am sure you will have an amazing and memorable time. A friend just returned from Scotland her had a blog “Smitten for Britain”. Something like that would be cute for the name of your blog. Cheers! (As she said at the end of each of her emails.)
Yikes! I meant “and she” had a blog.
Cute!
I can feel your excitement over your upcoming trip in a week. One week from today my husband (Tom) and I take our first vacation in three years. We’re going to the Outer Banks of NC to sit on the beach or on the porch of our rented cottage (oceanfront) and watch the wave roll in and out. Maybe we’ll have to walk the beach looking for shells and beach glass (heart shaped, of course). I am taking my laptop so I can follow your journey (the cottage has wii fi). You and Joe have a great adventure. We will all be “watching” 🙂
Have a wonderful vacation Susan!
Hi, Susan…
I’m so excited for you and Joe! What a wonderful trip full of planned and unexpected fun happenings…hence my idea for your twitter name…
“Serendipitous Wanderings”
Have a lovely time…look forward to your blog and twitter if I can figure it out! HA!
P.S. You two are quite the handsome couple in your formal attire… : )
If I can do it, anyone can!
How about “Blogging Like a Brit”?
I think you Ascot look was “spot on”!!!
“Banter from Britain”
Have a FABULOUS TIME. We are all jealous…but will share you with the Brits…just not full time!!!
The pic of you two is gorgeous – hope you have a large one framed on your wall. Also love your “pants” blowing in the wind. Do you think you could string up a little clothesline on your ship patio to dry them on the way, ha, ha.
Checked your tweet dealie on your sidebar. I can see what you “say” but not what the question/answer from other person was. I am not a tweeter. I will check it whilst your on the calm water.
Oh how I envy the “light” packers. Have never been able to do that. My husband usually asks if I have the kitchen sink too:) May each countdown day be calm.
What a ” Brilliant” Post ( said in my best British accent)…..
You and Joe at the Royal Ascot look “Smashing” ( still practicing the accent )………
So, so excited about the voyage and the trip……I can not wait to see the beauty of England! So grateful you and Joe are taking us all along.
We are “Sue’s Swashbuckling Sidekicks”….ugh, guess that name sounds like we all might be a gang of pirates…LOL, but you have lots of good ideas for naming the journey!
Counting the days…..
“Toodles and Pip Pip Cherrio” for now! ( yep, still practicing)
Doing good!
Your pants dancing in the wind…getting all ready for the trip…made me laugh out loud! So pretty too! I know you must be consumed by thoughts of packing and making sure you dont leave anything behind…what girl wouldnt be?! …and I think your ideas are lovely! How FUN to dress up for formal dinners and dances and Ascot? I dont know many people who are formal these days, but back in the day we always had to dress up for so many things. I miss that now to be honest, even though I was so sick and tired of it when I was little! I love the pic of your beautiful dress and that hat nearly made me jealous…. I think it made you look like a “Lady”…….”Lady Susan”…perhaps? Joe certainly looked gorgeous in his hat too! How exciting it all is…..I am thrilled for you and I am going to look up Twitter and see if I can find you on it. Have a wonderful, happy time with all of your preparations!
How about “twip and tweet”. . .?!? Have a great time. Chirp, chirp 🙂 🙂 🙂
hi Susan..oh my goodness..love love LOVE you in that hat and Joe is certainly looking dapper….and that dress..it certainly is another one of a kind moment..the British call that a “one off”!!!! I am catching on here…love all of the ideas for names… been thinking up some too…”Tickety-boo at Tea” (tickety-boo meaning things are splendid!!), “Hunky-Dory” and a personal favorite…”The Full Monty..Notes from Abroad”….tee hee!!! no matter what…I’ll be tuned in via whatever cyber-vehicle you’re on….wishing you a great week of anticipation….smiling!!! love, cindy
My dad is doing the countdown for me, we are on Six. If I could write that in squiggly handwriting, I would!
When we go to Door County every Fall, I feel the same way. I get really nervous that I will forget something (and that is certainly not like visiting the moon as there are lots of stores there, too!). But then when we are in the car, luggage and dogs all packed, and pulling out of the driveway, I feel this wonderful feeling of relief that we are finally on our way–and I know you will feel the same way!!! You’ll have a wonderful trip and I hate to say this but you know it is true: Soon you’ll be home and wondering, “Did we really go to England or was it all a dream?” 🙂
I know, the minute we get on the ferry, what’s done is done, what isn’t isn’t. There is always a moment of not knowing what to do with myself with all this new-found freedom!
I’m laughing–know exactly what you mean! It is like this huge sigh within myself–that is exactly it: “what is done is done, what isn’t, isnt–and it doesn’t matter any more–we’re on our way!”
Free at last!
Oh Susan..I have been racking my brain all day for a saying! I think you have some really wise and smart followers…love all these sayings! You are going to have a hard time deciding..or maybe you’ll have to put them in your little machine and push the button and let it decide…smile Well, how about “Twittering from TwEngland”?
I just love your no dress and hat! Being a Red Hatter…you have to know how much I love them! The picture of you & Joe was amazing! You both look unbelievable! You truly did look like a young…beautiful Queen! And of course Joe just looked so dapper! smile…
You are such a savvy packer….what a great idea..to have one (black) outfit then change it up with scarves and jewelry! Don’t you really appreciate the fact that we can learn from others? Just think of all that “we” learn from you!
Can not wait for next week and boarding that ship with you two! Yeah…I’m so excited!
Bless you!
I LOVE Twittering from Twengland!!! Too funny Gert.
Yes, Gert–I think that Twittering from TwEngland is a great idea!!! Sounds better than Twittering from Twitain! 🙂
I like them both! Laughing!
How about…”Especially for you from England!”
Have a wonderful trip!
Hugs!
Deb
That’s what it will be, especially for you!
How ’bout Written from Britain?? I can’t wait to go along with you, thank you so much for taking us. Hope I don’t need a hat.
LOL. England would be the place to get one!
Hi Susan! We are all SOOOOO excited about your trip! I couldn’t be more happy if I were on the ship with you. Won’t keep you long… thought I’d suggest a few names for you:
‘Sue and Joe’s Bloody Brit Twit’
‘2012 Branch’s Blog Across The Pond’
‘Fancy a Finger of Chocolate?’
‘Sue’s Best of British’ – This is short for ‘Best of British Luck’ (Seems appropriate!) Here’s a link for a Magazine Called Best of British, which is a nostalgia and heritage magazine for the U.K.!
Whatever you choose, I can’t wait to read it !!! Love to you, dear!
Angie Scott-Chavez
Southern California
Thank you Angie! xo
How about Joyful Journey? It certainly will be for us who follow you and hopefully it will be for you two as well. Bon Voyage!
Your hat & photo from the Ascot are beautiful! You look like a very pretty Englishwoman. You’ll do our country proud wherever you travel in England! I’m enjoying your blog so much! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Susan, we are going to try!
Love Letters from England? Blogging from Britain? 🙂 London Calling? LOL
I am sure you will think of the perfect name!
I love your Ascot hat, by the way. But then… I am a big fan of hats!
~Rachel~ in central Va.
E-X-C-I-T-E-M-E-N-T is in the air!!! Oh Susan! What a dashing picture! Your hats are spot on 🙂 Your smiles are jumping right off the page! Your excitement is bouncing off the blog!!! I am looking forward to your TWIP TWEETS (a suggestion you posted on Twitter).
Oh My! Now I’m singing songs from Mary Poppins… a Spoonfull of Sugar… Your Tweets will definitely be Treats! They will help the medicine go down!
I will look forward to my daily portion!
We are counting down with you. As Timothy Mouse said to Miss Flora McFlimsey… Cheerio!
Flora McFlimsey!
Great!
Now I have “Supercalifragealisticexpealidoshish” (spelling? Hey it’s early!) in my head for the rest of the day!!
LOL Lynn! I was singing it too! Whoever dreamed up that word had quite an imagination!
How about~ tweets from tween land? Have fun!
Oh Sweet Sue, I feel the excitement in the air way down here! I am so excited for you and Joe (and us)! 🙂
You and Joe look ravishing in your dressy duds!
Sounds alot easier this time around, lots of good ideas on downsizing, always hard for me. Love your dancing pants! What awesome colors! Fall right? Thats me too! Hope I don’t get seasick, got sick just taking the boat to Catalina when I was maybe 8 yrs old! 🙁 But felt better when we got off, and the trip back was fun watching the flying fish!
Lots of great ideas!
Witty twittys
Sue’s new’s
Like Matty’s Sue’s views! Cause we are all counting on those!
Good names! I have these stretchy bands (seabands) that go around my wrists — there are acupressure points for seasickness there, and they work really well for me.
……..yes the orange shoes will be a giveaway!!! Last time I was in England (a long time ago) I wore my long royal blue coat (I’m a winter). I felt surely I looked like Princess Diana and everyone must dress like this! But alas, I was surrounded by brown and black and STOOD OUT like ________ (fill in the blank).
But I loved trying to look like a Princess so it wasn’t too bad!!!!
Have a wonderful trip dear!
PS – Afternoon Tweet (& Scones?) I am bad at this I don’t know!!!!!!
I am hoping the color trends that are happening in the fashion magazines here, are making it over to England! And I promise to keep my voice down and never ever be demanding! We’ll just quietly insert our dollars into the economy and smile at everyone. They will think of us as “the quiet Americans.” Who wear orange shoes.
I’m smiling because of your comments about your orange shoes. I’m starting to picture them like Dorothy’s Ruby Red slippers so maybe you need to take a picture of them and show us? If so, have them on your feet and have Joe take a picture??? 🙂
OK! I wore them out yesterday, they passed the comfort test!
Y’know, I hate to say this but have to because I keep thinking it every time you mentioned your colors as purple and orange. I think you should sort of temper the color theory thing. A long time ago you had a picture maybe on facebook of you and Joe in the water, I think digging clams? You had on a sort of dusty-rose or rose-colored sweatshirt and it looked really good with your coloring. One of your calendars showed you in a photo on the back of the calendar in a red cardigan with a white blouse and that looked really good on you, too. And your very first photo on facebook, if I recall, showed you with a light blue blouse and you looked good in that, too…and you always look good in the cream or white. Just imagine that photo of you and Joe at the Ascot if you had a suit of orange or purple on… 🙂
You’re right, there’s a place for everything! Cream, is one of my colors too, so are all the beige’s which was another surprise as I always thought “wear beige, be beige” and I didn’t want to be beige. But now I am! I got a new pair of beige linen pants, like the ones on the line, yesterday, I love them!
Hi Susan,
The photo of you and Joe is priceless; what a great pose of both of you in your finery. You look very regal and refined with just enough tan to suggest that you probably own a racing stable in the States and have entered one or more horses at Ascot and have come over for the running.
I noticed on my first visit to London in late March-early April 1992 that most of the women in London wore black overcoats or raincoats with a colorful, seasonable scarf tied loosely over their coat and around their shoulders and/or neck. I was already wearing my dark hunter green wool gaberdine trench coat (which I still love to this day, and have had frayed cuffs repaired, when needed), so it was just a matter of less that an hour to find Liberty of London and purchase a finely woven and colorful wool scarf. I kept up the wearing of that scarf for many years afterward, as much to remind myself of my first magical trip to the UK as to feel as though I was making the world a more fashionable place.
Yes, LOL, we own a racing stable and have a right to be there! 🙂 Love your scarf story!
Liberty of London….love! When we were there some beautiful ladies were carefully choosing fabrics to have shipped to their homes to be made into saris….oooooh lala
Ooooh La La.
or High tweet & scones or Hi! Tweet & scones (obviously I have a thing for scones:)
LOVE THE ASCOT PHOTO!
I know this isn’t a traveling phrase per se but how about “Tea Time”? After all, it is an institution there; and it would feel like sitting down at 4 o’clock with you and listening to your travel adventures.
I was thinking the same thing!
…or “Tea Time Tales”?
Or “Tea Time Tweets”
Perfect choice, black suit with accessories. During your travels, you must find the perfect “little black dress” for a special night! Love Nancy.
I love this picture of you in your hat. You look so much like Doris Day in her movies from long ago. Adorable! A guy in a tux and top hat is pretty dapper too. I also love your dress hanging up. I have a vintage pink bed jacket hanging over the bathroom curtain. It’s nice to use something we love to decorate our home.
Cheery olde chirps
LOL!
Yes, I visited the Emma factory via Google and there was a specific notation about the process of decorating your own pottery piece. I think the suggestion of doing Jack’s picture is great — maybe on a food bowl. Also, something for others — maybe a
Mermaid for Margot, on a tea cup — in fact, as a thought, a whole set for when you serve the girls Tea! With a special design and/ or name, if you don’t have a good symbolic image for Lowely you could print her name around the base of the cup — down low, etc., etc. etc., and so on ….
Oh Susan… “Bubble & Squeak”….”Sue & Joe”… PERFECT!!!! Kinda like
“Toot & Puddle.” Are we not the luckiest to have forever photographs? Do
you remember what you were thinking when the picture was taken? You don’t have to tell !! Joe just looks so proud of you; and you, look like, you like what
you see! Aaaahhhh…Love….my little Fred & Ginger!!! Also, I Love your dress
and hat hanging in your bedroom….so extra special! Guess what?…I have a
green linen shirt hanging on my closet doorknob… It’s what I was wearing
when I got the last hug from my Dad! :.} Is it safe to say that we are both
a titch sentimental? Memories just seem to keep us HAPPY!
And… I am “Happy” to say this will be my very first cruise and my very first
trip to England! “Thank You” for bringing us along…You make us ALL feel very
Special and Happy!!! I’m excited for you and Rachel too!!!
It seems kinda strange…I know I’m not really going, going to England
but it just feels so magically real… XoXDawn
Oh, “Toot & Puddle” were books I read to my youngest by Holly Hobbie.
I hope I can keep that feeling going! Yes, Joe can be Bubble and I can be Squeak (First I typed Squawk and thought, hmm)
Bubble and Squawk……You may be on to something!!! 🙂 It sounds like that outside my window right now…a tree and pillar full of birds…..tweeting and “squawking”….HaHa they
sound just like the bunch of us!!! Excited and all tweeting
at the same time! Oh, and please, please, DO NOT WORRY about keeping your trip “magically real” for all of us…….we
LOVE YOU and are Sooooo Happy for you&Joe…that’s the
real magic!!! You are YOU and oh,I’m late for work…Have a great day !!!!! XoXDawn
Have a great day!
I do like Bubble and Squeak – and then of course you must show us photos of when you have Bubble & Squeak while there! isn’t it sausage and saurkraut or some such thing? LOVE all the names everyone is coming up with!! and I also like Toodles and PipPip
How about “Tweet from the Twip”?
I feel your excitement all the way out here! I know you’re going to have a fabulous time and are going to be so inspired. I LOVE England….don’t know if you’ve been to Haddon hall or Chatsworth house, but those were two of my favorites. (they’re in Derbyshire if you’re passing through). The delphiniums at Haddon Hall in June were sooo magnificent!! And the gardens at Chatsworth were a dream. P.s. The latest Jane Eyre miniseries, and latest Pride and Predjudice movie were filmed in part at both these places. Ahhhh, England. I’ll be thinking of you (and trying not to get seasick 🙂 ) as you journey forth.
We have them on our list, so we’ll see how close we get! Thanks Joanne!
What about, “Roses,tea. Let’s see!” have a wonderful time and thanks for letting us tag along undercover!
Love having you here!
You and Joe looked waaay better than any of the Brits on the Google Images!! Funny, my pants never look as cute on me as they do hanging on the line. 🙂
LOL! Isn’t that the truth!
Twitter from the QE2
or
Twitter from the Ship
6-5-4-3-2-1-yikes!
You are scaring me!
You don’t look like the Queen, my mom does and they are about the same age. My mom will be 82 in June and has lovely white hair. I look like her. When I saw a picture of her, at my age, I think wow she always looked so good (I still think she does).
I think your twitter thing should have something to do with branches….like Branching 2 continents. lol
Katharine
Just the hat, that’s how I related myself to the Queen; as it turned out most of the other people at Ascot (including our hostess and her daughter) were wearing those saucy little hats you see at the royal weddings! Who knew?!
Hi~
I think Susan’s hat looks far better and more sophisticated than “The Toilet Seat One” from the Royal wedding last year! Please Susan take lots of hat pictures!
Thank you (I think!) 🙂
Your hat was beautiful~ it did not look like anything one would find in the WC!
This is good!
Since I was sixteen I´ve been addicted to England, hats, tea, gardens, Laura Ashley and the Royal family… What a pleasure to see it through your eyes and share the sheer bliss! Can´t wait to see your tweets, they´re real “travel treats” for me… Enjoy! (I´ll certainly do with a nice cup of tea and shortbread crumbling on my computer 🙂 ) Thank you for sharing!!!
Irina
Another kindred spirit!
So love that hat Susan. Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures. Had a couple of thoughts for a title, how about Travelling Tales or Ramblings from Abroad (I’m not inferring that you ramble I hope you understand 🙂 )
Oh, I ramble! 🙂 Thanks Pam!
Will you be attending any of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in early June? I apologize if this was already asked. It does take some time to go through all the blog comments hoping to find out, so as to not be repetitive. I like the queen very much. Can you imagine being able to have a converstion with her? Wow!
No, I really can’t imagine that! I loved the movie The Queen; I really felt for her! I’m not sure if we’re attending any of the festivities in London, maybe, but I’m really not wild about crowds, so that may be why we don’t. I think the whole country will be celebrating, I’m not sure we can miss being a part of it no matter where we go.
I do not do crowds either. It is funny that you mentioned that movie. I remember talking with my mother when the accident happened and how she was angry with the queen for how she was handling things. The queen is still Prince Charles’s mother and that, I would think, would be her perspective. My mom and I then had a discussion with a similar tone to how that movie came across. We need more strong women whether someone like the Queen or Lady Diana or even Beatrix Potter. I like to read about strong women.
That’s how I feel too.
The time has come your one week away
For the cruise of a lifetime to England, will be starting in May
The excitement you feel projects upon us
The Beautiful pictures you share are a must
Your smile projects underneath the beautiful hat you adorn
With Joe in his tuxedo its very well worn
Your dancing pants hang on the line, as you set to go over all the last packing you have in mind.
You started a frenzy with a twittering name, oh my goodness it’s turned into a fun game.
Which one will you choose
We will all wait and see
There are so many neat ones, how can that be
As I end this little poem….I want you to know….your one special woman whom makes my life grand, for taking us along to England from ship to land. Safe Travels…….let the Fun Begin!!! Hugs & Happiness (Barb, Ludlow, MA)
That is so GOOD! Thank you Barb … I’m touched!! xoxo
Golly, this is so fun! Love the Ascot picture of you two! I’ll leave the clever Twitter titles to you and all the GFs & guys – I can’t decide which one I like the best, though, I don’t think “Twitter to the Twits” would be my 1st choice! 🙂 Enquiring minds want to know – do you iron your linen pants? I always iron mine then say to myself, why? Your wardrobe selections sound perfect! You and Joe, make us proud! Just an idea, I thought of when you talked about what to take pictures of….I wished I would have had a picture of the windows of a butcher shop with the poultry, etc., hanging, & the clerks (standing in the doorways) in their red & white shirts & hats!!! I know, sounds weird, but it was such a look back in time!! I am sooooo ready for “our” trip to sail the ocean blue! xoxoxo
I am always drawn to the British saying that is on everything British here that says “Keep Calm and Carry On”, etc. How about “Keep Calm and Tweet!”
Love your blog and will be following your tweets :). How about British Holiday (as in Roman Holiday) or Travels with Sue and Joe. Or Twaveling tweets with Sue and Joe. Can’t wait for your trip!
I like twavel tweets!
lol
You and Joe look like a Royal couple! Very elegant! Love the colorful linen pants and your dress that you have hanging!! Can’t wait to start “our” trip! I’m excited!!!
While doing a semester abroad many a fortnight ago, I left my heart in the seaside town of Brighton. Thank you, Susan, for giving me a fresh look at England as you embark on your trip. As far as a name for your postings, how about: Isle Be Seeing You; Here in Camelot; Crown Jewels; Off the Beatin’ Path; Tandem Tales, Knights and Dames, or A Bloke and A-Broad? (I could brainstorm all day!). Have a loverly time and I wish you many pleasures!
Good job! I’ve been to Brighton and I know your pain!
More appropriately, Isle Be Seaing You!
hahaha
Just catching up with your trip plans! How exciting. Wish I didn’t get sea sick or I would so do this! Please tell me you are also going to beautiful Oxford. My son is a student there and when I visit I dream of living in a thatched cottage along the Thames, watching the boat races and sipping tea. Chris would love to give you a tour of the college and share a cup of tea. One of the thrills of my life was watching him walk in full academic dress from Lady Margaret Hall to the Sheldonian Theatre for the matriculation ceremony. Then all the students entering college went to a pub to celebrate. So English!
Have you ever heard of long boats? People actually live year-round on these amazingly “long boats” on the Thames. They are docked along the sides of the Canal all year long. As you walk along the river you can peak into the tiny windows. The boats are about 40-50′ long and maybe 7 or 8′ wide. Many owners grow gardens on top of their boat and have grills and chairs on top–like a tiny backyard with a wonderful view. I found out last visit that you can rent them. (slowtrav.com/uk/notes/jack_canals.htm)
I guess if you get tired of the view, you can mosey on up the canal to another spot! So English. If you go you have to visit the Alice in Wonderland Shop, which used to be Alice’s Sweet Shop and was included in a chapter of the book. Lewis Carroll was a mathematical professor at Oxford, and also an inventor. He invented the early version of Scrabble. So much history, so little time! Have a wonderful voyage and trip and say hello to the Queen. Sorry for the long post–know you are PACKING……
Love the long boats . . . loved Oxford the last time we were there, we’ll see if we can get back this time. How lucky you are to have your son there…I love it when my family members go live somewhere wonderful! Perhaps you should rent a little thatched cottage along the Thames for a year, watch the boat races and sip tea? xoxo
Have definitely thought about it. Perhaps you could join me for tea. Have a wonderful trip and look forward to your tweets.
“Trip Snips” is my contribution today.
I thought I sent this yesterday but don’t see it. My suggestion is “trip quips”.
Also want to wish you and Joe smooth sailing!
Cecelia in Virginia
what about “All Aboard for Blossoming BranchTales . . .” for our adventures to England with you and Joe? – know you’re going to see plenty of pretty posies and will have tales to tell – kind of like Beatrix Potter maybe : )
So excited to see your photos and hear about your trip to England. I probably won’t be able to go back but one of the BEST days of my life was hiking the fells in the Lake District near Beatrix Potter’s house…
I can just imagine!
What fun you have in store!!!!! I can’t wait to “armchair travel” along….. I thought of a name for your Twitter posts- what about……. (wait for it…haha)
“TWIP TWITS” !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (catchy???)
I can barely say it. 🙂 I like it!!
Hello Susan,
So excited for you…..cannot wait, I feel like I am going on this trip with you.
I Love,Love, the Hat…andyou andJoelookgreat..I hope you are taking it…or…just buy a newone….Are you taking any side trips…like to Paris?
The day you go to Beatrix Potters….I will be so happy to Hear.
Have a great time…going on the Ship is another vacation on its own..fabulous and so 1900s…
CarolO in So. Ca.
My favorite author, Miss Read (aka Dora Saint) died a few weeks ago. I am sure you know her books but I would be tucking in a few of her Thrush Green series in my luggage. If you want to feel old rural England in your soul, there is no better writer.
Are you renting a car? The tiny back roads are the “real” thing. I would love to be showing you some of our favorites in Sussex.
Bon Voyage!
We’re renting a car, and we’re all about the back roads. You, for your own safety sake, should stay off them while we, the confused American drivers, are in your area!
Wow, some wonderful ideas for your journaling title. Here are a couple of ideas I had: Hobnobbing on Holiday, Memoirs on Holiday, Chronicles on Holiday.
What a absolutely wonderful opportunity for you both. You bloody well better have a grand time!!
OK!!! 🙂 LOL
Love everything about your trip….changing the subject. Have you finished your Kate Morton book? I am in the middle and having a hard time keeping up with the back and forth! I almost took it back to the library. Wrote down everything I knew about order and parentage. Do you find it confusing?
Have a great trip..looking forward to journeying with you. Blessings, Lee
I sure did, like who’s mom is who’s, but keep going, it all becomes clear. I finished it a couple of days ago, loved it! But I definitely experienced confusion in the middle, and it was frustrating.
So little time….so much to do! I’m sure you are dashing about madly trying to work everything in before you set sail. Never fear! I know you will be appropriately attired for every occasion. Your England friends will be thrilled to see you on their soil. xoxo
I think “Branch Trekking” might do nicely! Bon voyage, good friends.
we’re traveling and trying to send this from my phone 🙂 love the picture of you and Joe. Stunning couple! I haven’t read all the cooments so I hope this suggestion isn’t a duplicate. How about Ponderings from Across the Pond? What ever you decide will be great and we’re all excited to go with you! Ta-ta for now!
Hmmm — Abroad on the blog. Or, Blogging abroad.
A Broad Blogging? Abroad,blogging.
You and Joe look very British to me–‘smashing’, as they say! Hmm, a Twitter name….All-A-Twitter? Tales at Teatime?
I can’t wait for our trip — are we there yet????
-Marianne-
Oops – should have read earlier posts first; didn’t realize others had already come up with the same names….
-Marianne-
“Twits from Brit” perhaps?
Have the loveliest of times. I’ll be awaiting your “letters” from abroad.
Tally Ho from the Isle
Love the photos on this post. So many suggestions to choose from.
How about “The Grand Tour”? I am looking forward to all the details. Thanks for takingbus along.
Fabulous post! Love the Royal Ascot photo of you and Joe–you both look gorgeous! Cannot wait for our trip. Visited England when I was seventeen and can’t wait to see it again through your eyes! Thank you for being so generous with your time and for sharing your life with us. On another note, I saw your Homemade Recipes binder at Walmart and snatched it up! Also found the Summer and Autumn books as well (thank you, Amazon!), so my Susan Branch library is growing!
A new, and hopefully original, Tweet name just came to me (and I apologize in advance if someone else has already submitted it):
The Anglofiles…..
-Marianne-
Ooooo, now that sounds good. I think we would need some Agatha Christie aspect to things in this case.
“The Anglofiles” sounds like an excellent name for a television series!!!! I bet all of us together could come up with an excellent story week-by-week, with enough red herrings to confuse all the co-authors.
The scene opens with the camera trained on our intrepid heroine’s trademark orange shoes and two Tuxedo kitties. Who could our heroine be? Do we find out now or must we wait until the final scene?
For now only we know that our heroine must rely upon the tremendous insight of her blogger Girlfriends and Two Boy Friends (since they got her into this mess) so she spends a lot of time online. This means that she relies greatly upon the On-The-Ground muscle of her thoughtful and always one-step-ahead-of-her husband as well as upon her ready-for-anything MV girlfriends. She also relies on Little Jack’s and Girl Kitty’s many more lives than eighteen to get her out of all the jams we would get her into. Well then, our heroine must be none other than our very own darling: the well-traveled and put-together in Autumn colors, world-famous author, artist, blogger, and Girfriend with a capital G, Susan Branch!!! Can I hear a cheer??!!!!
After using her very many “little grey cells” Susan will invite all the suspects to tea where she will always be wearing her “beautiful gown and hat of her first cruise”. She will brilliantly cut to the chase ala Hercule and uncover the culprit. (Well, she would have to invite all of us to tea too as we certainly wouldn’t have a clue as to how it all would come out. Note to Susan: We would want to be fed and tea’d first before everyone lost their appetite!!)
The scene closes upon our heroine’s orange shoes and Little Jack and Girl Kitty eating out of their brand new Emma Bridgewater food bowls. Don’t worry, they’ve earned them.
Now to casting!!!! I nominate Pierce Brosnan for the Muscle on the Ground and Julianne Moore for Our Intrepid and Brilliant Heroine!!!
Can I hear a cheer and a second!!!???
You should be a screen writer Kathy!
Oh, I think you very cannily noticed that I just filled in the fluff around the edges! I had a bit of fun though!
Ecstatic Cheers!!!! I second the motion! We’re a creative bunch — we can list all the Girlfriends in the screen credits, have them do walk-on parts, contribute to the scripts, design English outfits, decorate the sets ala British style, make tea and scones for the cast, scout out filming locations (I volunteer for this one!!!)…..What do you say, Girlfriends, are you in???
Great idea, Kathy — now all we need is a Hollywood agent : )
-Marianne in SoCal-
Thank you so much!!! Jack should be in charge of costumes!!!!
So much fun reading all the ideas for trip names…….so tonight I am adding
one for quips when you are missing Jack ( the cat)……
Sue’s Mews News ♥
You know we can’t go two months without a kitty update! ahhhhhhhh!
I think I have enough photos to last us a lifetime. I can’t begin to say, without getting too mushy, what a LITTLE DOLL this cat is! He is my love bunny.
I am leaving for the month of May to caretake for my Mom…and I have to leave my kitty at home too……
So do you think we will make it without those daily kitty snuggles??????…….thank goodness for Skype!
Not going to be easy.
5-4-3-2-1…and the beat goes on — regarding your black dress suite–in contemplating this –I
can visualize you dressed in a dark purple pants suit with nice accessories .Perhaps the suit would be made of fine velvet with a bit of off white old lace trim .I also see you in
statement making open toe lavender strappy heels to compliment this look…..easy on the nail polish and the shoes match your lavender clutch of course! Perhaps the jacket will have a bit of hip flare to enhance the aspects of femininity with an overall soft touch styling.
Remember you will need something to wear on the ship when returning home …..
You should have been a clothes designer, I love the sound of that outfit! xoxo
Jack, The Stylist! I’m likin’ those outfits!!!!
Jack …Blog Daddy
Who knew you were also a “Fashionista”
What a great idea for a very “Royal” looking outfit for Susan…Purple Velvet.
The Girlfriends might have to ( for this trip) dub you….
Sir Jack de la Renta
Jack, you have been keeping your eye for fashion from all of us including Susan…..I can see where Susan gets her flair for writing now. We have had storms and rain this entire day here and it is thundering so loud at 7:30pm and I hope it is over before I go to bed? I saw where we are to have 5 straight days of rain starting on Mon. Ugh I think having such a nice warm March we now will pay for it in May and in IN this is the wrong month to have bad weather in!!! How close are you to picking a name for your Twitter account you sure have had some great suggestions. I love the way you gush when you speak of Jack and how much he has grown into your heart is touching. Do you think he can go with you on your trip to CA I guess it all depends on your mode of travel doesn’t it. Has anyone suggested “Royal Rantings”?? I like the play on News with Mews in tribute of your kitties, maybe “Mews from Sue”, or “Tweets on the Thames”…..just put your favs into your lovely hat and draw one out!!!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Dear Susan,
So very excited for you (& all of us)! After Noah’s long days on the Ark, he sent out a dove & it returned with an….”Olive Branch” ! What about “Susan’s Olive Branch”? Also defined in the dictionary as “An offering of peace”…. And I think all of us girlfriends would agree you always bring us peace. And just happens to have your name in it…
Nice!
WHAT?!?!? You & Joe went to Royal Ascot? How do I not know about this? You both look absolutely maahvalous in your Ascot finery! (And so very Eliza Doolittle of you!) …The countdown has begun!
Oh…my suggestion: Sweet Tweets from Across the Pond
xo-Enikö
We did! Someday, remind me to tell you about the shoes I’m wearing in this photo (which of course you can’t see)! I like Sweet Tweets!
Were they orange???!!
Not orange, but even actually a bit worse!
I don’t have time to read all of the responses but I think “Branching Out” would be appropriate. Have a wonderful trip! (I’m insanely jealous!!!)
Laurie
I’m just glad you can come along! Think of all the packing and driving on the wrong side of the road we will be doing for you!
Love the Ascot picture of you and Joe and the capris flying in the wind! What sort of top do you wear with these? They sure look comfy. Regarding Twitter, does this mean I will be missing something if I’m not signed up? Sure wouldn’t want to miss a single moment of this trip of a lifetime! xoxo
I wear T-shirts and little sweaters. As for Twitter, you’ll get plenty here on the blog, but I do send things to Twitter when I’m out and about, it just depends on whether or not you want another thing to do on the computer! 🙂
Hello Susan Dear!
I am so excited for you and your trip. Your wardrobe sounds divine.
How about ENGAGING ENGLAND?
I’ve posted already… BUT I’m just so excited for you! Next Saturday morning you will wake up onboard the Queen Mary II!!! (…and we will be embarking on a 10.5 hour plane ride to Hawaii!). ENJOY your last weekend at home for a while! I can’t wait to see the places you will take all of us!!!
Georgie
We’re going exactly in opposite directions! You must be as excited as I am!
Sooo Excited! I am still staring at my clothes and wondering what to pack. 😉 Instead of black slacks with various tops, I think I will pack white… Of course I will be packing for only a week. You have 2 months to get ready for!!! Plus supplies for your projects!
You’d think I was going camping with all of the tea, nuts, trail mix, granola, chocolate I’m jamming into the nooks and crannies of my carryon. I even have your recipe for Hot Milk Cake on my iPhone so I can make it for everyone (in my free time!).
COUNTDOWN time! I need to learn Twitter too so I can post my pictures. That’s today’s goal 😉
Georgie
Remember we go over AND come back, you should pack both black and white. I brought the recipe for Hot Milk Cake with us! Seriously!
That little comfort cake is so good! I can’t wait to make it for my folks in Aulani (2 br ocean view… ahhhh). We’ve never been to Hawaii (or on a plane for that long)!!!
And it’s FUN to think of the recipe traveling too… by ship to England and by plane to Hawaii!
Still packing… LOL!
A little taste of home is always a good thing!
Hi Susan, how about Utterings (or Utterances) from the UK as a title for your tweets? Or Expressions from England, or just plain old Blogs from Britain. It is raining here in the UK and the forecasters tell us that the rain will continue well into May. We are very wet and rather chilly especially in the evenings. Do make sure you have plenty of wooly cardigans or jumpers. I am so looking forward to hearing about your travels and I wish you a vey happy visit. Alexander will miss the videos of Jack. He looks at your blog with me about once a week to get updates on his favourite American kitty. Safe journey. Best wishes Anne xx
Thank you for that weather update and sweater suggestion. I thought I better bring along some warm things this time! Tell Alexander there’s a new picture of Jack coming soon, before we go! Thank you Anne. I just hope the bluebells wait for us!
Hi Again Susan, just eating homemade bread and damson jam for breakfast when I thought “How about Branch on Britain as a name for Susan’s british trip blog”. We’ve had very strong winds overnight down in the southeast of the UK overnight and it is now wet and grey. Just the day for staying indoors, lighting the fire and doing some crafting. I wish we had better access to your craft supplies over here Susan, they are so gorgeous. Alex and I will look out for Jack before you leave. Again, have a wonderful trip and I too hope the bluebells wait for you. Anne xx
Look for Jack today Anne, and say hello to Alex for me and Jack and Girl
“Newsin’ with Susan” makes sense. Joe sounds like such a fun person to share your life with…..kudos to him for living outside of the box in which so many others hide.
You sail away and I am heading south to Orange Beach, AL to visit our married daughter and her family. (which includes her great husband and darling 8 mo. old son) Tally-ho!!
How about “Here and Now” since that’s what tweeting is all about–plus it will remind you to be in the present moment and enjoy it to the fullest!
I’ve always wanted to go to England but keep putting it off because I’m quite sure I’d fall in love with some little cottage in a quaint village and never want to come back home!
This is truly a problem, you’re probably smart!
O Susan there are no other words for it! You and Jo look spiffing in your ascot picture!! As what to call your blog howabout Branchers blogging from Blighty! Love all the sugestions! xxxx
Aren’t they great! Love Blighty!
OMG…Susan and Joe…you must be beside yourselves with the anticipation for this upcoming adventure !!! ( I can hardly wait….)…are you sleeping at all ???P.S. You and Joe look simply ” Dapper and Dreamy” in that photo…(thanks Jake) …sincerely and with love….
I wake up early and excited and there is no going back to sleep!
Oh, so many suggestions..so, here are a few others: Leaves from the Branch or Branch Twigs and Tweets..maybe just Branch Leaves..Have a safe and joyous time.
Ohhh, the photo is just a dream come true! You are so lucky to have a great guy like Joe who’s a sport at going to events and dressing the part. So romantic! My guy and I renewed our vows on our 20th….and he surprised me wearing his family’s kilt….and let me Knight him with a sword! I was speechless.
We are lucky girls. I wish you both a wonderful trip to Merry England. I’ve been over several times and found May and October are the best months to visit. I wish someday to travel over on the Queen Elizabeth 2……sigh. Enjoy all those wonderful gardens, book stores, tea times….sigh again….and just have a great time!! I don’t have any ideas for tweets…..the ones the ladies above have suggested are over the top! It will be hard for you to choose! Will wait with anticipation to see what one you decide on.
I also have to see about tweeting……never done that before…so wish me luck.
Cheers.
Jan from Northern CA
Cheers.
Jan
It’s easy Jan, you’ll see!
I am just now catching up on your blog posts. I have never been on a cruise so will most definitely enjoy your tweets and posts from the ship! I love the dress you have hanging on display. Pretty! The only article of clothing I kept hanging on the outside of my closet was a pair of jeans which were to inspire me to work towards fitting into them again. HAH … it did not work!!! Your dress would surely conjure colorful, magical memories from your earlier trip. I will picture you though, mostly in comfy shoes and sweaters, using your art supplies, painting many charming English visions for our pleasure and yours! Enjoy and thank you!
Thank you Wendy!
Love the scene in your bedroom…the dress, the hat…sigh…just lovely. And the hat is very Queen Elizabeth-esque. You made me laugh, with your non-itchy suit reference…I might have snorted milk from my nose, had I been drinking some. Wonderful plan to wear basic black and change it up each evening with scarves, shoes and jewelry. Very smart. Yes–lucky Joe…only having to take one tux and be all set. Can’t believe it is only a week away! Egads–it’s almost here. I don’t tweet but was able to follow your tweets when you went to NYC. As for a name, I’m drawing a blank—something with dream and trip–maybe Dream Trippin’?…LOL…And lastly here’s a tip for you…my mom met a woman on a trip. She said mom that when she traveled she took her old holey underwear. Each day she threw it away after wearing it, and when it was time to come home she had all that extra space–instead of dirty laundry–in her suitcase for bringing souvenirs home..I always laugh when I think of that, wondering what the hotel staff thought, seeing her undies in the trash each day…..from the hills of TN…
Because we’re going for two months, that would mean one heck of a lot of holey underwear!!! LOL!
Underwear with holes in it??
Didn’t her mom tell her ” Never wear holey underwear!” “What if you are in an accident?!” My mom always said make sure you had clean, decent looking underwear on! LOL!
Agreed, travel in holey underwear? Who would take such a chance!!? 🙂
….ha, ha, ha, I think she must have met my friend, who travels the world over in her holey underwear (ewwwww), & tosses it. Luckily, knock on wood, no accidents. ‘fraid to say this out loud, she comes home from Italy tomorrow!!!
Helping you with the knock on wood! How exciting, now she gets all new underwear. Don’t tell her you told us!!!
Susan, now for the practical suggestions for your trip. Since you will be driving in England and heaven forbid you have an accident (hush my mouth)…..be sure on your phones you have the ICE (In Case Emergency) filled out to include your friend Rachel’s info. since she is close by….and it might not hurt to place a note with your names and info. somewhere in the car so it can be found. I’m sure the rent a car company will have your information also. This is the unpleasant portion of a trip; but, it is best to be prepared in case. With all the prayers you are receiving for safe travel this is just an ounce of prevention….Happy week before your journey!!!
All good ideas!
Innocents Abroad…. Twain would love the nod!
Love the dressing simply ideas.
Yes, but would it be believable? 🙂