I wonder what the authorities would think if they knew how many people are crushed into this room? You’re so quiet, everyone slept so well, like spoons! This is really working out!
Thought I should take you out on deck for a breath of this fresh sea air!
And this morning, before you all got up, I had tea and knitted and watched the BBC on the telly. You didn’t move a muscle. Must be all worn out from all that dancing last night!
Under a beautiful moon . . .
I am shocked that they let me put up three photos. I’m going to push my limits, use up precious “minutes” to get one more gorgeous photo of Joe in his tuxedo up here, here he is, last night.
Nope, darn it, it’s just not going to let me! He looked so elegant, will show you later.
To answer a couple of your questions, yes, we did bring Pete. Can you imagine how long he had to wait to get back to sea? Poor little sailor boy. And yes, he trip is going way too fast. We set our clocks forward one hour each night, which makes the trip even shorter! We’ll make up for it on the way home.
Sat with darling young Scottish couple for tea yesterday, and for dinner, we had an English couple sitting next to us. I want to compliment you all on your impeccable manners! I was so proud of how cute we all looked. I took lots of photos again today, and sooner or later, I’ll be able to show them to you. OK, must go, minutes flying by! Talk to you soon, thanks for coming along. Love reading your comments, you’re so funny!!! XOXO
Sue, would love to hear about air temperatures, ocean breezes, any sightings of other vessels, sea life, etc. Love the view from your deck!
It’s 60 degrees today, quite balmy, the sun goes in and out of clouds. We’ve only seen one other ship, it was a car carrier, huge and a bit far off. When it’s foggy, the ships horn just blows and blows, very pretty sound. There are 2500 passengers and 1500 staff on board. It’s a little city! No sea life has popped up as far as I know!
Did you make that banner?! Too adorable. I really am enjoying my trip with you. Amazing the wonderful sleep you can get on a ship! I never knew! So glad you are enjoying yourself. How could you not?!
Oh, Susan….I think I can speak for all of us…..we love your blog and getting to “go” on the cruise and trip with you!!! That moon over the sea is incredibile….can’t wait to see Joe in his tux!
I was showing my 16 y.o. daughter your pics regarding your trip and I gotta tell you, she is creeped out by Pete! Makes me laugh! I think it is sweet that he is back at sea.
It was lazy Am. We had tea and toast on the deck and hummed the lovely tunes from the dancing last night. Was ‘t the moonlight on the water divine?
Having a Monday kind of Monday…so nice to be reminded that I am on a fun filled vacation when I sit down. Thanks for the continued adventures. What a perfect time to be at sea…with the super moon and all. Must be breathtaking.
Susan we were wondering how you had to adjust the time difference. Very clever, one hour increments! Hope you got all the girlfriends in your photographs! Maybe you’ll be able to post them later! ♥
This is so much fun, Susan! Are you enjoying the QM2’s magnificent library? Are there interesting authors on board to give lectures?
My favorite place to sit and read when I voyaged to Canada on the QM2 nine years ago was on a window seat by a large round window that was sea level.
I loved the formal teas in the ballroom but I also loved the informal teas that was held on the restaurant level.
Glad you are able to post some photos!
Hugs,
Pat
We took photos in the library, will show them when we have enough bandwidth!
I love how you “nest” and make yourself at home, whether on a cruise ship or an Amtrak train. That is a real talent. You make us all feel like we are getting emails from a dear friend who has gone on an extended vacation.
The picture of the Flower Moon over the Atlantic is magnificent! I so enjoyed telling everyone, who would stand still, that they should not miss the largest/brightest moon of the year!
Hello Susan!!! Your sign on the balcony door is sooooooo cute!!!!! Is the breeze from the ocean warmer during the day or do you need a sweater when sitting outside? Love the “knitting plus tea pot” photo! Surely you will finish your project before you return home. Prop your feet up and rest from all of that dancing!!! Take care and have fun!!!!
So much fun to tag along with all the girlfriends! We are all on our best behavior and appreciated the breath of fresh air today. 🙂
I’m so relieved you brought Pete along with you. I didn’t trust him home alone with Jack. I’m sure they would have gotten into trouble while you were gone.
So how many of us ARE on board with you? Good thing we’re quiet or they’d make you and Joe walk the plank. So in five more days we’ll be in jolly old England. I can hardly wait. Your cabin is getting way too crowded!
Hi Susan- we are all having a wonderful time stowing away with you. Do you think if we email the captain and tell him how important your blog means to us, they will give you the internet minutes free? Have another biscuit with tea for me! Thank your husband for sharing you with us.
Thank you for taking me with you on your journey. I so enjoyed this post and dream of knitting whilst sipping tea and watching BBC. Doc Martin will be on our local PBS again this week and I will knit along. There is nothing better than British television.
Sipping tea and dreaming of England,
Bethie
WOW!! I am Loving this trip!! ….and I LOVE the bright moon on the water photo…. I can almost taste the salty air!! 🙂
~Tina
Did you bring a silver tea kettle? LOL! Wow, it is a fancy one! Did you have a scone of some kind too, with clotted cream and jam! LOL!!So glad you can share what you can and that leaves us in suspense for the rest! Oh to be a fly on that cruise ship! Wow!! Enjoy the sea breeze, clears the mind doesn’t it? And prepares for what is ahead and in your case it is more wonderfulness! Smiles!
That’s what they serve tea in here on the ship!! I have pictures of Tea time on the ship yesterday, soon as I can get them up!
Can you sneak one in your suitcase? LOL! Nah, just kidding, but I thought it was so cool!! I will have to check out Twitter now… never done this before…Happy Sea Trails! LOL!!
So glad to see pictures!! Your room looks amazing. What a wonderful view you have! When my sister and I went to England on the QE2 years ago, we had a little tiny room right at the water line. Watching our “view” out our little porthole made me feel a little green…lots of sloshy water. Urp. Thanks for bringing me and everyone along! I love the “Bon Voyage” banner – so cheery! 🙂
Susan, love, love, love your blimey blog. Feel like I’m right there with you and not feeling sea-sick at all. Have you stopped at every meal shipboard? One could eat a dozen meals a day and all so beautifully presented. What a well deserved time you’re having. Hi to Joe! and Pete!
Mary
Blimey Blog! Love it!
Good evening,
It all sounds and looks so wonderful! Great viewing more of your photos … you have it all. LOVE the moon shot!
Have a great time and wish I was in the next cabin. (Cocoon)
Barbara
Ahhh, refreshed from an afternoon siesta. Need all my strength for dinner and dancing. Took some dancing lessons this afternoon so hubby and I will be dancing fools tonight. Think I’ll wander over to the Mayfair Shops to see if there are any bargains (ha!). Susan, you and Joe look fabulous! We’re keeping a low profile so no one will suspect we’ve been hiding in your cabin.
ah hoy susan are we there yet….i use to say that alot as a little kid…couldn’t wait to get where we were going when we went on an outing…and i am excited to get to england….i have done alot of reading….fictional books that are set in england and my favorite author is miss read….she is still living in england today…she is in her 90s i believe…i love her books…i reread them alot..well i better let you go as you are on vacation and i know other girlfriends are waiting to say hello….keep a look out for land and give a shout of land ho. i will be listening…
Now me and my granddaughter are cruising with you. Love your kitty. Looks just like our Mr. Jinxy cat. He was dropped off one cold january morning. Literally in a carrier so he could not escape. We had 2 dogs so we didn’t know what to think or do. When we found out they were going to put him to sleep, we knew we had just become his knew family. Like they say, cat’s adopt you. Love your room and have already looked at what room I’m going to stay in when I take I take the cruise. I must say I’m going to have to get more adventurous to do that. I watching your cruise, you are such an inspiration to me. Love everything about you. I use to live in Maine, and it brings me back to a simpler time. Oh well I’m rambling again. Safe travels Susan to you and your family.
I did a little knitting, too–yes, I really did. Not that I have time to with my mom arriving on Wednesday and then I have ‘rehearsal’ on Wednesday afternoon….then the hooding ceremony on Thursday night and then Friday morning at 8 am it’s graduation—takes a lot to make a daughter into a doctor, you know. I’ve been going through old photos for the last few weeks, finding ones of her with animals to show how this was all meant to be….it truly is, you know.
AND, me going on this cruise with all that’s going on is quite nice—such a great mental break from all the stress and excitement. I can’t wait to have my first bite of Indian food in England. I know that sounds strange, but it’s the best there; it truly is. I hope we go to Emma Bridgewater and I hope to find some of my favorite china….Winton’s Evesham at some random little flea market or antique shop. Can we go to Cath Kidston, too!
And since I’m an English teacher….. well, we’ll talk about this later. I’ve got to get ready for tea! Meet you on the bridge darling!
xo
Joann
Thank you for the breath of fresh air…I was getting quite stuffy in the closet, thank you. 🙂 I have loved tracking your trip…such fun! And I actually noticed Pete the sailor in your first picture of the room yesterday…sitting on the desk, missing Jack, I’m sure. I had wondered what was on your balcony door, so now I can see it…how cute! Does your balcony have a covering or is it open air? I think I noticed both kinds offered on the ship. Am very jealous of the relaxing fun time you are having!! 🙂
Could you teach us all how to make that adorable little swag? Love all the different ones you have for different seasons and occasions. Love the way you make “our” room so much like home! I’m having a ball!
Did you make your banner – it is darling! Are you coming home via the ship – or flying? Loved watching it go under the bridge – wish the web cam had sound – the sound of the ships horn always gives me goosebumps!
The banner was a gift from one of my sweet Twitter girlfriends, Janie!
I cannot wait to see ALL of your pictures!! So glad you are taking us all along with you. How about a cruise with just “friends of Susan Branch??” Now that would be fun 🙂 thanks for sharing 🙂
Got some great ones yesterday, I will do them all asap, but the computer works so slow out here!
Did I read you correctly that the bell from the original QM, in Long Beach, is on your ship? And you hear it ring? That is SO special! I told you my folks emigrated to the US in 1958 on the original QM. Just think, they heard that bell and now, you hear that bell. And I love you all! Somehow, that make sense to me.
I’m getting back in the suitcase now. I don’t want to be around for the immigration interview. 😉
You slipped right through, we kept a straight face, it all went swimmingly. Whew!
Hi Susan – So far I am loving what you have been able to share from your trip. Last night (actually early this morning, Mon. May 7) I woke up and looked outside at the brilliant full moon and it had an absolutely perfect rosy-pink circle around it. Looked like the moon was lying on a sumptuous silk pillow – very large and oh so gorgeous. I thought of you and wondered if you saw it too.
So cool to feel this connection………….so looking forward to more of your trip!!
Love & well wishes to you & Joe,
Joan B.
I am happy the best time tagging along with you and Joe, just wish it wasn’t so hard for you to upload pictures from the ship. Love the banner from J, it is precious. Love how you bring so many things from home so you feel comfortable. Great idea for my next trip or voyage (dreaming of it). Someone I know of is very excited as your ship makes it’s way across the sea. Hope the food is fabulous and that you brought stretchy pants. Lol!
Sandy
I’ve never slept so well, thanks. Better than being on the Empire Builder, speeding across Montana! Do they have a genealogy class on board? Kathie, in Odessa, WA
Susan, you are so funny; you’re making me laugh! Meeting all those people…lovely and having afternoon tea and late dinner…sigh. All the time in the world and it’s passing so quickly. Cram in as much joy, happiness and loveliness as possible you two.
Hi! I’m feeling the sway and the roll of the waves just a tinge, but getting use to it along with the QM2 tipping just a little towards our side :)…. It’s glorious!! Thank you ! XO
I jumped on board with you back on the dock and and stayed with you until it so dark it was black…. so exciting!!! Hubby came in to watch too!
Couldn’t figure out Twitter, tried to send you a note on your blog, but lost it on my iPhone… for awhile I was feeling like I was really missing the boat but with you all along.
Do you ever think about what’s underneath ?… all the fish and mysterious things just below you’re passing over?…probably not!.. with all the wonderful things going on !…It’s just me, forever curious…
Just want you to know…as much as we love to hear from you and all the details, we Love you and expect you to just get lost in the moment, relax and enjoy.. and not feel like you have to write every day…After all, we’re all right there with you anyway!
Love you! xoxo!!
Victoria
We are having a wonderful time on this trip!! The dancing was delightful and you an Joe were the most ELEGANT couple in the dining room!! Really, I can’t wait to see more pictures and am LOVING this little peek into your life 🙂
I love cruising with you guys.LOL I just got back from a cruise with Bee..she and her son took all of us. Can’t wait to read more and see the photos. Smiles, Susie
You are the best! Did you actually bring your own tea cup with you? That one with the hearts looks like yours… too cute!
I’m am so loving this trip…
I never new so many women crushed in such small quarters could be so good and so quiet!! It just proves what we can do when we really, really want something! PLEASE promise me you’re going to take us to the Cotswolds! We’ll be really good if you do, promise ….
I promise, because you’re so good!
Very pretty — I bet moonrise on the horizon was a spectacular sight ….
Thank you for the opportunity to cruise with you! I’m living a dream through your blog and tweets, keep it coming and I’m loving the tiniest details. HUGE THANK YOU~~such a sacrifice for you to take this long sojourn on the behalf of all us lovelies! 😉 You’re such a trooper!!
okay i know i left a comment early this morning, but i haven’t seen it since, so what happened and where did everybody go?????
I have to approve them all, one by one, so sorry, everything is so slow out here on the water, including ME!
Uh, oh, I sent 3 – they all disappeared, except one that is waiting moderation just now. Please only post this last one, if they all happen to show up “somewhere.” Thanks. Rhonda
thats okay, just glad to know everything is okay with you!!!
wonderful
Oooh! My dogs are killing me! Way way too much dancing! We danced the night away! Where is that handsome Brit I was dancing with? Oh yes, I slept late, I bet its tea time! It is so nice on this deck! The coffee is delish! Sorry dear Susan, I love coffee. We are being very nice and quiet aren’t we! And we aren’t bothering you and Joe and Pete at all! We are all so polite, and considerate!
I am so….Excited! England in 3 days! Pip Pip!
Where are we tonight?
xoxoxo
Toot Toot
tweet tweet
Adorable. Everything and everyone just adorable. I know you took the elegant black, versatile outfit for evening dining, but I was wondering if you also took that one gorgeous gown that you bought for your last cruise to England that’s so (or was so) beautifully displayed in your Vineyard home. If not, maybe there’s another one on this ship for memory making. Silly me.
Good evening Susan and Joe or Good morning ! 🙂
Susan, I just loved the Bon Voyage sign! Did you bring it with you or do all the passengers have one in their room? It is so much fun to read the comments from all the girlfriends — I didn’t even notice Petey at first! Sorry, Petey. No offense I hope. I can almost smell the ocean…eagerly waiting your next post. Have an amazing day :)))
The color of your yard in interesting. What are you knitting?
Just a long scarf, the “England Scarf” as it’s gotten itself called!
Susan,
I have a great idea and I can’t think of anyone better to do it than you. Did you ever read the books by Susan Allen Toth, “England As You Like It” and “My Love Affair With England”? I think a book, a memoir of your trip written in your inimitable style would be a hit! You could write about the various gardens, unique places to stay, beautiful walks and winding lanes, those huge trees only England
has, the interesting characters you meet, etc. You’re right at the beginning of your trip so you could start jotting down notes. You are such a gifted writer. Please oh please!!!???? Love your blog. If I can’t go this is the next best thing.
With thanks,
Alice Backman
I’m doing that very thing on this trip, will bring it home and maybe have it in print by Valentine’s Day!!!
I would like to place my advance order now, thank you. It will make a lovely memoir of our trip to England.
Yvonne in NC
We’re going to do something special for all our blog people with the new book when I get back! A little surprise!
Save me one!!
Me too, please! Please reserve a copy for the Moonstruck Crab. Can’t wait to see the finished journal – sure it will be a souvenir of my first “virtual” vacation. Thanks in advance :>)
I just checked the
2620 Passengers
Ship information/Review | Deck plan | Contacting the ship | Current position
New York
Southampton
RMS Queen Mary 2
I just checked the current position of your ship and it appears that you’re exactly half way through your journey to merry ol’ England! What fun that you’re taking us along with you!
I’m really enjoying your trip Susan. I’ve never been so far from home before. I’m so glad I don’t get seasick!
Luuuuv YOU, IT, the SEA, PETE, JOE, ET. AL! xoxo
I love the little Bon Voyage banner! It sounds like you are having a fabulous time! My in-laws just got back from a similar trip across the Atlantic. I so want to do this some day, but until then it’s so nice to come along with you.
-Lynndee
….you’re so funny~and so generous to take the time to even think of all of us
crazy girlfriends while you are on vacation.
….thanks for making us smile and for sharing so much.
Oh, Susan…I’ve been meaning to ask you about those cute and colorful pants you had hanging on the line at home….do you mind me asking where you got them?!
Mary, if you look somewhere in that blog (with pants on the line) Susan mentions the site where she purchased them.
It’s the cotton store in Vineyard Haven, and the name is Bryn something. You can probably Google it from that, I forget the name, I just go in there all the time!
Row, Row, Row your boat, gently down the stream~ Keep having fun!
Can’t wait to see Joe all “decked” out- Hopefully you too, I want to see your dress!
Dear Susan, I have REALLY been enjoying Reading and SEEING (YAY for you!) what you have put up on your Blog and on Twitter. I don’t leave comments because it takes ” your time” to read what we say, instead of writing to us. Selfish me! You are having a Blast! and this is what counts! Am loving going along!! Thanks so very much!!
Wow! The moon on the water…..looks like you are floating away to dreamland.
Oh, I love your Bon Voyage banner! Did you make it? So perfect!
Hey, I hadn’t thought about changing the time an hour every day. That’s like doing your “jet lag” gradually. Seems like that would make it easier, doesn’t it?
hmmmm…have been enjoying your posts of your trip–really has me thinking of how a cruise would be such a wonderful vacation again – maybe 2013!!! …Sounds like you are having just such a wonderful time- how could you not?! My son who lives/works in Charleston SC reminded his “CT based mom” just today that cruise ships depart from Charleston now, so next time we’re down for a visit, we could add a cruise to our itinerary… it’s soooo nice to dream!!!
PS: love the yarn color you chose !!!
* Good Morning…Good Afternoon…Good Evening. * May 8 “Out To Sea”.
Oh Susan, it’s all so loverly. There you both are sailing away across the Atlantic ocean! In your sea haven…room with a view! And you don’t have to “pinch yourself” to see if you are dreaming. You’re not. It’s your dream come true!
And I am, and all of us girlfriends are right nearby, in our hearts and thoughts, wishing you happy sailing…happy adventures…and happy everything. Love the new photos and ah! the scent of that fresh sea air from your deck is intoxicating. Mind if I stay here awhile?
See you on the main upper deck…later on…you can update me then.
Luv * Dorothy Ann on Cougar Mountain, Washington *
Hi Susan,
Just curious. Left a comment to your Day two, Queen Mary 2 blog at 5:07AM yesterday and it is still awaiting moderation?
Hugs,
Suzanne
Love it all too. Get so excited to see a new blog. Thanks for taking us along….never too crowded when you’re with friends!
Danielle told me about your wonderful vacation, so I had to hop on over and see how much fun you are already having. What a wonderful experience. Hope the computer lets you upload tons of photos!
It will be better when we are back on land!
Hope you got to see that amazing moon in all its glory. I think it would be quite a sight to see from your vantage point on the ocean. My Mom lives in a village right on the water on the south shore of Nova Scotia, not too far from Halifax. She got to see the moon just after moonrise on May 5th. The water was just white and absolutely beautiful. She described some pretty nice scenes to me. I was thinking about you because you were in the same general location at that time. I didn’t get to see the best of it because it was cloudy where I am. Should have done some “moon chasing.” I see Pete, the sailor guy made it on board. At least he doesn’t have to be a stowaway like the rest of us. But we get to see things through his eyes and your eyes. Looks like you’re having a marvelous time. Enjoy!
So happy that you and Joe are having such a grand time. Thanks for taking us along. Wonderful photos so far-amazing-from a ship in the middle of the ocean. Party on………….
Oh Susan, you aren’t able to do “mass comment approval” as you hoped? Please don’t take time out of your precious vacation to do it then. Much as we girlfriends like to visit with you and each other, we are really looking forward to your blogs and photos, not to mention THE VALENTINE’S DAY BOOK to all of us!!!! CAN’T WAIT FOR THAT!!! You must rest up and treat Joe with extra loving care because you will have much to do when you get back home. So, we more than understand stopping moderation in favor of bliss and fun and love!!!! Just explain in your blog what you are doing. You may start with this one!!! xoxoxoxooxo P.S. I would have gone to bed with a sick headache when the purser didn’t understand the word Twitter!!
Thank you SO much for taking me along on this cruise, my first ever! I have too many issues for me to actually go on a cruise myself…Titanic, Legionnaires, Norwalk Virus, Tsunami’s, errant Torpedoes (it’s been known to happen!!) and sharks! Yes, I know they don’t have sharks ON the ship but just knowing they are swimming below…along with sailors in submarines who can see through ANYTHING…well, that’s enough to keep me on dry land till the 12th of Never! But I have loved reading everything – so I’m praying that your computer issues will subside!! Safe Saling!! PS…I’m told there are body fluids on every inch of a cruise ship…make sure to wash your hands!!! And don’t sit on the bedspread!! Okay, I’ll go back to my padded room now…
In every entranceway to any restaurant is a hand sanitizer station! There are signs in every bathroom “Please use a papertowel to open the door on your way out of the bathroom!” Someone is paying attention!
Hope you were able to get an awesome view of the full moon. My Mom lives in a village right on the water in Nova Scotia, not too far from Halifax. She was able to see it just after moonrise on May 5th. She said it was amazing – the water was just white with moonbeams, very, very beautiful; a sight to behold. She gave me some awesome descriptions of it. I thought about you, because your ship was in the same general location at that time. It was cloudy where I am, so I missed the best part of it. Should have done some “moon chasing.” I see Pete made it on board. We all have to be stowaways, but at least Pete gets to “hang” out of the suitcase. He and you will give us all the exciting updates. Good stuff! Keep having fun for all of us!!!
Stay happy, curious, relaxed and full of wonder, for yourselves and for us–hanging on your every observation. It’s great to see close up what a cruise is actually like; I never really knew. (and I loved the “Urp!” comment from Heidi about the porthole at water level..). Now- a little problem– one of the girlfriends in the closet–upper shelf, left side- has been sneaking out for tea table pastries (you know who you are!) and it’s getting a tad tight in here. Perhaps a word from you regarding ‘restraint’ might help? Eagerly awaiting landfall and photos!
Be good you girls, for more treats later on!
Now I am embarrassed Susan!
I do understand how long it must take to moderate all the comments.
So please don’t mind me!
I just love all the photos you are able to upload, and the wonderful descriptions of your trip, the people you meet, the food, the views, moonlight, sky, etc.
And all the pictures and stories up until you left of your precious Girl Kitty and Jack.
Keep on having a magical time.
Hugs,
Suzanne – Carmel, CA
Oh please don’t be, it just is what it is!
I feel like I am 12 years old again , when I did the same trip , I am enjoying it more this time ,
The trip of a lifetime I will never be able to take except as part of “the closet girls”. It’s SO exciting to have this opportunity !
Those of us not on Twitter will be waiting for the pictures..and it’s Ok.
Thought I saw land from the bridge last evening, but I guess it was a cloud bank.
Can’t wait for land HO…
How wonderful of you to share your dream trip with all of us . To be able to see all the sites thru your eyes. It’s probably the closest I will ever be on a ship and out to sea ! I so love your pictures and beautiful writing, it’s like being with with an old friend….Thank you so much for sharing all of your beautiful memories !
wow! love that picture 🙂 sounds like fun!! sailing sailing!
I’m swimming as fast as I can to catch up with you all!
Puff Puff!!!