Standing on our little balcony, with the wind and the clouds and the sun sparkling on the water, is awe inspiring and frightening. What’s between me and this endless view? One really good gust of wind! To describe it, I need words much deeper than “vast” although vast is true. But others would be, infinity, desolation, natural wonder, loneliness; the power of Nature; these words still sound small compared to what we’re seeing here; nothing stands between us and it, but this little ship bobbing incongruously on top of the swells. Us looking out to sea and only God in the heavens looking back.
If you ever need to put yourself in your place, this is a good spot to do it. We are SO not in charge. What an amazing planet! I took this photograph just before sunrise from our balcony. I have videos too, which I can’t wait to show you, but too much bandwidth is required for them from the ship; we’ll have to wait until we’re back on land. In them you will get to hear the wind, and see the movement of the ship on the water!
And the ship isn’t really all that small, but it sure feels that way in the immensity around us. Here’s the hallway outside our room. I guess the reason people come away on vacation is to shake things up a bit; our little every day world and schedules are challenged, we don’t have quite the control over our environment as we generally think we do!
So we make up for it with tea and dancing every day in the Queen’s Room at 4 pm! As sweet salve to the travelers’ souls, we get this kind of beauty. The orchestra plays Cole Porter and we are served cucumber sandwiches, radish slices on buttered peppered bread, smoked minced ham with mayonnaise, and egg salad; soft, powdered sugar scones with jam and clotted cream, and tiny cream puffs and napoleons. Yesterday we sat with a darling young couple from Germany; heard all about their lives, their home in Hamburg (it sounds beautiful there!). He travels to China all the time, for his business as a designer of LED lighting; they own a 19th century manor house in Hamburg that they rent out for weddings and anniversary parties. So interesting to hear about the politics and cultures of other countries, not filtered through news media. Yesterday, the Scottish couple we sat with, the husband was a policeman; although he looked to be about fifteen, tall, thin, blonde, wearing a blue checked shirt, and not a bit like a policeman; and his wife, darling in a cream colored shawl and top to match, was a water tester for their city. They were both born and raised in Inverness; they met because she was his little sister’s best friend. In the evening our table partners are a British country doctor (who does watercolors) and his wife, who’s lived all over the world and has stories to go with it. We are not in Kansas anymore dearest Toto.
Four times I have done this post and four times it has disappeared. As I said, I don’t have quite the control over things as I do at home! I got smart this last time, copied it first. So when it disappeared, I just pasted it back up. I’m going to now try to go directly to post. Say a little prayer that it goes through. Loving your comments, you funny girls. ♥ You are my anchor to reality! xoxo
Susan, I’m not sure if you understand just how much fun this is receiving these posts and pictures!! I’m sure being there is loads more fun, but this is amazing. You are doing a wonderful job of keeping us posted and sharing the details with us. I am just loving it! Can’t wait to check everyday to read what’s happening. I love hearing about the people you are meeting. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Ohhh, you are so welcome! I just love being able to share it … looking forward to getting full “control” of computer back! 🙂
Wow! I totally agree. This is such a blast! Thank you, thank you….♥
Dear SusanThank you sooooo much for taking us along–you make life look so beautiful -it makes me want to go on a cruise–i love your ideas for home,travel,cooking family–and I love girl Kitty and Jack and I love this website–i go on it every day and I learn so many wonderful things from you and your girlfriends–have a great trip and thanks for sharing nina
Happy you can be here Nina!
It went through my dear traveling friend. Thank you for your wonderful description of God’s World magnified out on the mighty ocean blue. I so want to do this sometime. You are paving the way Thank you, but, maybe you could do it again? In a few years? OOXX. 😉
We’re coming back this same way, more sky sea and air!
And you, Dear Susan, our sojourner across the seas, are making our heads swim with dreams of English tea & clotted cream; moonbeams & starry skies; and enough wishes to fill our Bucket Lists to the end of time! Thank you is not enough, there should be a “hugs & kisses” button for this warm & fuzzy feeling!
All the blessings we enjoy are Divine deposits, committed to our trust on this condition, that they should be dispensed for the benefit of our neighbors.
~John Calvin~
Hugs to you from my corner of the world!
Bunny
XOXO, Bunny. Perfect quote!
I so agree with Bunny…there should be a “hugs & kisses” button on your blog. It’s pure enchantment to read about the little details of having Tea at 4 O’clock, chatting with new friends you’ve just met from around the world or just to hear the description of the ocean wind while standing on your balcony.
Hugs to you from Yvonne in North Carolina
Marvelous quote, thanks for sharing!
Gorgeous morning out here on the ocean blue! Leaving the trail of scone crumbs down that loooong hall was a good idea, found my way back! Havin’ the time of my life with you all and meeting new friends, and dancing (always wanted to dance, no rhythm, I guess the sea rhythm has fixed that!)! And the food – WOWOWOW!! I ♥ computer travel, not even seasick! Thank you a million times!!!!xoxoxo
Oh my dear Susan..you are so right..we definatly are not in control…(as much as we want to be..lol) The Master paints the skies, calms the seas, brings the sun up each morning and let’s it set each night. He truly is in control…smile… I do know how frustrating it is to write a post, only to loose it. But, that is the thing to do ‘each’ time you try (on the ship) to put up a post copy it..so you can paste it later if need be. Your pictures are amazing…thank you so much for sharing!
Blessings my friend! Happy sailing…
Enjoy Dear Susan and I’m so glad I can share this way, this trip with you. High tea and Cole Porter sounds dreamy. XO.
Oh, what a wonderful time we’re having!:-) Tea was simply lovely, and the music divine!
Four more days on the water! How early will you be able to see land before you reach your landing?
Have a marvelous Tuesday!
xoxo Nellie
I feel I am right there with you on the Queen Mary. Love your descriptions of your dining partners. I love meeting people from other places. It makes me realize just how small our world is becoming as technology has broken down walls and we can “travel” with you to England! I would give anything to be at your table for tea each day at 4PM. I just love high tea time. Enjoying it with friends makes it just all the more better!
I just have one question. After the food from high tea, how can you have room for dinner? I guess you eat late.
Keep doing what you do. Your readers love it.
Ann
I got a chill just looking at this picture this morning, God’s handiwork! I am so enjoying this wonderful adventure, thank you so much for taking us along.
Norma from Texas
Good Morning Susan,
I love that you are giving us your “interior view” also as you experience lack of control, surprises about people and politics across the world, refreshed feelings of the grandness of the world….. I’m just loving this trip outward and inward!
I remember flying over the ocean (to circle around for a landing in FL) and seeing a tweensie weensie boat out there in the blue beyond……it gave me the shivvers quite honestly!
As always, DonnaRay
Susan, Thanks so much for sharing this oh-so-exciting journey. Truth-be-told, I’m absolutely petrified of going on a cruise. I’m hoping that by accompanying you along, some of my fears will be allayed. So far, so good! Everything you are doing and all you are not doing (i.e. resting, taking in the views, relaxing) is mesmerizing! Hugs and love for another joyous day. xoox…..Jeanette
No, you aren’t in Kansas any more! I know that feeling so well that you describe, as I grew up on the sea . . we are not in charge. The three greatest forces in the world are, in my opinion: wind, water, and words . . and we have no control over two of them and we are the craftsmen and women of the other, and you, Susan are greatly skilled in word crafting . . I am now just so hungry (and I’ve only just had lunch) reading your dangerously delightful description of your afternoon tea! Why, I am sure I am gaining weight just reading it! Now, if only I had a loooooong corridor like yours to walk it off!
I was getting a tad worried as I’m not getting any tweets through from @dearsusanbranch, but there they are now! We had the same breakfast . . I had cinnamon too . . Happy Days . . ♥
Good Morning Susan! I just got lost in the view from the balcony!!!! Oh what a beautiful world we are blessed with and thank you for sharing that view with us. Like the rest of the girlfriends, I am loving this so much….. sending big hug!!!!!
Susan & Joe…. I look so forward every morning to read whats new……loved loved loved how sweet you are including all of us in this most wonderful journey. I loved hearing all about your tea……..Have a great day……..can’t wait for more….smiling as I read your blog……….:) Lori Ragalis
I have been following along on your posts, and tried to comment on a previous one, but the computer simply would not agree with me that my comment should upload, so I gave up in defeat (after multiple attempts). Oh how lovely everything sounds! Afternoon tea with scones, sigh. 🙂
I love all your posts, but this one just might be among my favorites–my Grandmother used to say that the only things we have complete control over are what we eat for breakfast and what time we go to bed–and sometimes even that turns out differently than we’d planned! I think it’s very, very important to step back now and again to realize that we’re just a tiny bit of a much larger grand design. It helps us not to take ourselves so seriously, to let go of what we have no control over, and to ENJOY the time we have here on earth!! Godspeed, dear Susan and Joe!
So needed the reminder that we are not in control today. Why do we even bother thinking such a silly thing? LOL! Today I read in my devotional something that stopped me immediately and I closed it after I read these words and didn’t finish the devotional… it got me pondering and reflecting and now your post… Think Someone is talking to me about my priorities!! What did the devotional say…”You have an eternity of problem-free living reserved for you in heaven.” Before that sentence it spoke of how unrealistic it is to long for a problem free life, since we will always have them. Thus your reminder of how much we are not in control and how I so delude myself sometimes. BUT we have wonderful friends like you to remind us to enjoy the here and right NOW, not matter what we are doing today or not… Loved that tea picture!! Tea time I’d say. I still have some from my shopping in Harrod’s last year! Smiles!!
Hi Susan and Joe, my favorite floaters.
Yes that waterway is on the large size, kind of a hard thing to wrap your mind around. BIG! Nature really is a wonder.
Would love to meet all those interesting people you have been talking with. So much out there to hear about and learn.
I have been with you from the start and love hearing what you are up to, Can hardly wait for the book and the pretty water colors you do. ” My Enchanted England” by Susan Branch. Just throwing that out there.
Nancy Jo
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your voyage with us! It brings back memories when I was six and traveled to England on the USS United States with my mother and father. Everything was so grand and polished…I felt like I was an actual princess. Your voyage is the closest I’ll ever come to doing it again. I love, love, love your blog and I can’t wait to read all the details and see all the pictures when you’re back home again!
What a lovely post, Susan! With all the beauty surrounding you I can see how it is breathtaking and so in God’s hands! I love that sunrise pic! And what darling couples you are meeting!! Tea and scones and dancing to Cole Porter…HEAVEN!!!!!
Oh, what a lovely post. It is so interesting to meet people who are not from our familiar nesting area. Tea sounds wonderful – (skyped my Nova Scotia friend and we had tea together yesterday afternoon – AND we both had the same clear footed teacups) NS to FL, technology is wonderful ….when it works right, ya. You are one smart cookie to copy your blog before sending it to the wind:)
Checking in on the NY harbor site each day – it is amazing – you can also “palm” all the way across the ocean to England (and I imagine the world) and see the ships. The english channel looks like a freeway with boats/ships. What fun!
It’s just like everyone else is saying!!! I come here every morning to see what fun we are having. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Dear Sweet Sue,
Your views are AWE inspiring and so are YOU! …. and it’s all ever changing, in constant motion and never the same twice …. There is just so much more to feel than there is to say. It touches our soul while our mind’s just can’t quite make it out yet… like poetry…
Each of us are so small, yet we are all a necessary part of it all….
Thank you for sharing. Your image and your thoughts will stay with me ….
…And the cream with the tea? ummmmmmmm! For now, I can at least rustle up a poor imitation . 🙂
I am so happy for you and Joe ( and Pete), you deserve this trip so much!
xo!
Victoria
Thank you again for sharing’ with us! Thank you to Joe too !
We really do have a beautiful planet~ so blessed!
Lynn~
Such a wonderful way to travel.
I love experiencing your trip with you, how fun for all of us!
It’s so nice to be able to take this trip with you through your blog. Dance your heart out!
Catherine
It’s a little crowded here in your handbag, but I’m loving meeting so many people from all over the world! Tea Time sounds simply marvelous! Feel free to slip something into your handbag…..:-)
Nothing like being in the middle of the ocean–So right Susan–puts us in our place! We are but a speck in the whole realm of things.. Love the calmness of the post today. Enjoy your time sweet Susan. ♥
Hello Susan!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I’m guessing for some (myself included) this is the only way we will experience something like this.
The flower moon (according to your pocket calendar) was a pretty shade of pink/orange on Saturday night in southwest OH.
Cheers!
This is so much fun to read about. It almost makes me want to do this sometime in my life. I love the tea and Cole Porter. How fun is that?
Anyway, I look forward to more posts.
Janice
Oh, Miss Susan, how vast and amazing and I know words are hard to describe what you’re seeing however your words are perfect. Thank you for the ‘words in pictures.’ It’s wonderful to be a stowaway and to see what you’re seeing up close and personal. You are giving us quite an experience. Love hearing about your tablemates, sharing your tea time and being with you transcontinental. It is awesome!
So enjoying “our” trip! Thanks for keeping us posted and ENJOY!
First things first. So exciting to get on the blog and see what’s happening. Thanks so much. Love hearing about the people you’re meeting. Have a great day. Hugs!
Copy and paste is a trick I’ve learned from too many hotel stays with horrendous internet connectivity! Good for you!
I feel I’ve become addicted to this England trip; I hope you’re thinking forward of what’s next because in two months you’re going to have a bunch of addicted-to-you/adventure-craving women looking for their next fix!!
A personal question, does one of you not like to fly? Feet on the ground = comfort and safety or do you prefer the simpler modes of transportation, so to speak because week long voyages and train trips aren’t necessarily simple!
Twirl your skirt once around the dance floor for us strapped to our desks today!
I’m loving your reports from The Queen Mary – something I’ve always dreamed of but you have now inspired me to make it a reality in the not too distant future. I forget myself at the moment and find myself saying that a friend of mine is coming over here to visit us in England – you make everything sound so personal. Thank you for including us all and enjoy the rest of the voyage.
I am seasick reading about this post. But LOVE it. Thanks for letting me go along with you on your voyage. God’s creation is thing of beauty. Enjoy.
A very good day………traveling to England on the Queen Mary……seeing the water and beautiful sky. Thank you so very much for sharing your trip, what joy. Bobbie
I believe to have to submit to this turnover of NOT being in charge is a good thing…once in a while. I believe it is called FAITH. Don’t know where that came from, but I remember having that feeling myself in the middle of a big ocean. Thank you sooo much for taking us with you on this journey. It is a delightful part of my day. I think you might have some converts; people who will read this blog and put it on their bucket list…and someday actual do it. That is a good thing. You make it that appealing.
Hi Susan,
“Oh God, thy sea is so great and my boat is so small”…..where have I heard this from? Anyway, that is what came to mind when I saw your photo off your balcony. I checked the bridge cam early this morning and the virtual map shows the Azores Islands off your “starboard” side. Do you know if you will be able to see them from the Queen Mary ll?
This trip is setting my brain abuzz. There is so much to take in and so much delight in taking it in. Thank you! And we have barely begun. Oh boy.
xoxo Pam
Thank you so much for taking us along on your trip. We do have a nice room! I’ve always thought the ideal vacation would be a cruise…now I’m sure of it. Can’t wait to hear what we do next!
Hi Susan! I have never seen the ocean-what a great pic. The hallway pic made me feel trapped from here! Kinda narrow and oh so long!!!!!!!! You are such a gem for sharing with all of us-thank you!
With your exposure to the vastness of infinity — you can imagine how our astronauts must feel flying through never-never land. During WW2 I sat in the tail gunner’s turret of our plane once — once was enough for me! You are hanging out there with nothing between you and space but a thin wall of plexiglas; a weird and eerie feeling where you KNOW you are not in control! This post was right on, Grasshopper; told the story well and that sunrise was gorgeous!
Hello Susan,
I feel your joy, and I thank you for the pleasure. You have us all hooked on your postings, but please take time for yourself to truly RELAX. Have Joe take a picture of you taking a nap or reading on a deck chair a time or two. You give so much and ask for nothing in return. When I go on my morning walk today, I’m going to be thinking of that open sea and feeling peaceful.
From your California girlfriend,
Gloria
The photos are fabulous, as are your descriptions. This trip is really fun!!! The comment you made a couple of posts ago has stuck with me–something about being on the ship you have nothing to do but “be”! I can only imagine!!! But today you really underlined one of the BEST things about this sort of travel versus flying: It is not only MUCH more “civilized” (not being crammed in a “cattle car”), but you have the wonderful experience of being to able to meet other people from different places and exchange pieces of your lives and make new friends. (Hmmm, sort of a less virtual version of what we do on your blog?) 🙂
I’m catching up on your ocean-going posts after a few days away. There’s nothing like the vastness of the sea to make me realize how small I am. I remember being out on our sailboat early on, and saw the depth meter register 300 feet, and got a queasy feeling thinking of how far down the water beneath me went before hitting solid ground.
Your cruising companions sound delightful, as does the afternoon tea party. Enjoy every minute!
Susan,
Love hearing about all the people you are meeting -so interesting. Yes, a view like that does make one seem small, a bit scary too, I must say! But what a wonderful world God has given us-just amazing! Tea and all the goodies to go with it – delightful! Am really enjoying this trip, and you are such a sweetheart for taking the time to share with us. Thank you, thank you!! Looking forward to your next post!
I thought we stoaways would get away calorie-free on this trip, but I believe your teatime descriptions are affecting my waistline, you’re so good with camera and pen! But I just realized that if I can gain weight just from reading about and seeing pics of all the wonderful food onboard, then I can LOSE weight by knowing you’re hitting the ship’s gym! 🙂 Thanks for taking one for the team, dear Susan! And thanks so much for the pics of teatime china and great food descriptions. I won’t gain an ounce as long as YOU keep up the exercise…… 🙂
-Marianne-
How extraordinary !!! We are SO Blessed to have the ability to enjoy ALL that you are sharing with us!! It is SO Exciting & you “delete” the need to imagine what you are describing because we get to see your Beautuful Pictures!! What a real treat to log on everyday to read about your Wonderful Trip & To see where you are, is a gift!!! You are a Truly Loving, Gifted ,Creative & Interesting person!! All of us are More than Blessed with your kindred spirit and love for adventure!! Loving It!! You & your Sweetie ENJOY!! Please Enjoy!!!! Xo
To be Pilgrims on the Mayflower or Pilgrims on the Queen Mary,
I’ d say, you two, definitely……got the better deal –
Wanderlusts Gone Wild…….Porthole Envy !
You’re right – were so not in charge! Thank goodness our God is so much bigger than us and we can float along on his mighty seas enjoying all of the wonderfulness. Love your stories of conversations with people from so many places and learning about the world first hand instead of through media. Happy floating . . . . and sipping. . . – from Texas
Lord, your ocean is so vast and my boat is so small.
That old fishermen’s saying makes me think of those who went before you on that trip in much smaller boats, such as my sweet grandmother sailing from Germany to marry her sweetie who sent for her in 1910. Loved the view of the sunrise. That’s one view that has not changed over the years. Thank you again!
Arline
Burbank, CA
Cole Porter! Cucumber sandwiches! Oh, my…….
Sitting in my cubby hole at work and traveling w/you….AWSOME !!!!!
I am swooning, and it isn’t seasickness. Lovely, lovely post. It’s just all the bee’s knees, and no one can make it come to life quite like you, Sue! Thank you!
Well I am speechless……..there just aren’t enough words to express how much we are all enjoying this journey at your invitation. We are all loving it. Love the photos, the stories, the descriptions and yes, even remembering how WE ARE NOT IN CONTROL as much as we constantly forget and think we are. Thank you so much for such beautiful reminders. Oh save me some scones will you?
Love it! Now the big question is: cream then jam or jam then cream? It’s a major debate in our house and words have been said in defense of both ways…my best friend Sharon and my husband usually gang up on me- they say jam then cream. As Russ says “all other ways are dumb.” But I must stress that the correct way is always will be cream then jam! 🙂
xx
Hi Patricia,
I have a lovely little tea book, my favorite, entitled “Let’s Have Tea Together” (formerly published under the title “Tea With Victoria Rose”) illustrated by Susan Wheeler and published in 2001 by Harvest House publishers. It’s illustrated with the cutest little Victorian rabbits imbibing in a variety of tea services. On page 69, your question is answered: “Spread butter on the scone before adding jam. When using whipped cream, however, spread the jam on first and then the cream.” Hope this helps to settle the debate, (though if I were you I’d eat a scone according to my pleasure – life is short! 🙂
-Marianne-
I just caught up with all your dispatches from the ship. Looks as though you’re having an amazing trip so far. I’d love to see photos of the German couple’s home. I bet it is beautiful.
I’ve been popping into your blog for some time and really enjoy your writing and illustrations. And your home….OMG, it’s so lovely!
Have a wonderful trip and keep the photos coming!
Janine
Absorbing every moment of my virtual trip, which for myself, in all actuality, will probably never be a trip I will really get to make. So I am REALLY thankful for the privilege of joining you and all of our virtual friends! So beautiful!! {And I didn’t have to take my Dramamine} What a wonderful world!
All journeys have a secret destination of which the traveler is unaware…Martin Buber xoxo
…once again…amazing photos…amazing words…I’m humbled with very few words to say….but ..thank you so much …this all means so much to us….
P.S. ..you are more than half way there !!!!!
Today I’m 65 years old. Thank you for sharing your trip with all of us! It’s a wonderful birthday present to someone (me) who you don’t even know.
HAPPY 65TH BIRTHDAY MARIANNE!!! Hope you are having a wonderful day and have plans to do something extra fun for you. Enjoy your Special Day!!!!
Happy Birthday Marianne!!! Imagine, a cruise to England for your birthday!!!
-From another Marianne (in Hidden Meadows, SoCal)-
I am loving these posts! We went on a cruise for a family reunion back in January so I can clearly imagine the vastness of the ocean and feeling that God is looking back at you (the North Dakota prairie will make you feel the same way without the swells). I too, love how the ocean smells and feels (never got sea sick) and my boys and I have seriously thought about running away and joining the Coast Guard since we live so far away from the ocean.
I also love how you are meeting so many interesting people. I didn’t get to meet too many new folks at dinner since we always sat with family so I am living vicariously through you. People always have such interesting lives.
And here I sit at the end of a dusty dirt road (which I love, but would love even more if it were muddy), as you traverse the seas in the midst of wild adventure. I adore the fact that this medium allows us to travel along as imaginary stowaways – thank you for adding a bit of exotic to my day. Bunny said it best!
What an awe inspiring and yes frightening view you have I hope you do have some kind of barrier so as not to blow over board. yikes.. Leave it to scary cat me to think of that. :)) I am so enjoying your trip and happy you keep trying to get something out to us to share. Are you getting to do any drawing or painting while on board? The days are sure going fast. Enjoy every second of it.
Hi Susan…..After reading your description of the mighty ocean, I closed my eyes and pictured it all! I could almost smell the sea!
Carol M.
Hi !! Your post for today came through just perfect. Now It has made me want to put the kettle on and have a cup of tea. Let me see, I have seven to chose from, I think it will be Earl Grey and a thin slice of lemon and sugar.
Our flight to Greece made me feel the way you are feeling. For me it was way to many hours in the air. Is it just because you are not getting the computer to cooperate,or have you started to feel the hours at sea? I wanted to get off the plane, at the nearest country……. Let me off of here!! “LOL”
“Wishing you heaps of fun.”
is it okay to crawl out of the trunk now????? good morning everyone, lovely photo of the ocean, and i do love the tea at 4pm. such lovely people and so interesting, a treat for me as i all deal with out here are ranchers, farmers and merchants and while they are interesting, just not that foreign flavor to them like you are getting. whats on the schedule for today, what are the classes???? have a lovely fun and sunny day today, i’m snoozing on the sundeck. hugs…… 🙂
Thank you for dispensing those Divine deposits to us. Lovely photo of the ocean’s vastness.
I am so enjoying hearing about the people you’re meeting on the ship. And they’re saying to family or friends “And we met this darling American couple…”
My mouth was about to go crazy when you were describing all those tea treats. Yum, yum, yum.
So fun to sail with you. Thank you seems inadequate, but it’s the best I can do. Thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart.
Oh, Susan, your photos and stories are wonderful, thank you! I am SOOOO enjoying your posts and photos and am looking very forward to the videos too!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart (and the rest of it too!) for taking the time away from your vacation to share your trip with your girlfriends.
My heart was fluttering as I waited for your ship to leave the dock, and it was racing as I watched (thanks to modern technology!) the QEII go under the bridge and begin its hop across the pond; the camera zoomed for a minute and I put my face closer to the screen hoping to see you and Joe waving from the deck!
Now, each morning at the first moment I can, I go straight to your website to see what’s new today. It all sounds delightful!
Happy Sailing!
xoxox ~Diane
Susan, Oh, how delightful this is!!! Thank You for the views and your “play by play”!! Every moment you have is a treasure!
Thanks to you, and the QE2 for the daily update on your trip. I love hearing of friends adventures!! How have you enjoyed the SUPER moon over the sea?
xox m
I can’t wait to grab my coffee in the morning and first thing is opening to your post!
As I look daily at the course on the ship’s web cam, my heart sank a little when I saw how far away from both shores you were yesterday. But today– there is a group of tiny islands just south of you in the Azores. The closest is called Santa Cruz da Gracioso! Gracias island–perfect fit for you and your journey. Much like Martha’s Vineyard I suppose, just with less people (4777). Just as hard to get to I imagine! This is a description I found. Enjoy.
“The undulating wheat-fields; green and purple vineyards; The vanes of windmills revolving in the wind; The color of the vineyards; The mirror formed by a lagoon hidden in the depth of the earth; The peace and quiet of country life; The nectar of delicious wines. All this are attractions of Graciosa, which also offers, in dramatic beauty, the rainbow colors of underwater life.” Doesn’t that sound lovely!
All I can say is WOW! Your first paragraph really got my attention. The photo of the ocean is magnificent! Your description is so powerfull. And then we went to tea…..fun, fun, fun! Dance for me Susan!
Thanks for including all of us.
It all sounds so wonderful!
OH WOW! You had lunch with Scotsman Hamish McBeth?!!! You are SO lucky! And then, the country doctor…surely he was James Herriot???
My favorite “comfort food” is milky, sweet tea so be Mother and pour me a cuppa, will ya dearie? -smile- Susan, thank you for your updates; hopefully, you’re having as much fund writing them as we are reading them!
The blog came through just fine Susan. You have no idea how much fun this is for me to be ‘traveling’ with you. Just like most of the other girlfriends, I am loving it! The view of the see and sky honestly must be what heaven looks like, that’s all I could think of. Awe-inspiring! Sounds like you are meeting some really wonderful people on the journey, that’s so nice, but it’s also ‘so nice’ for them that they get to spend time with you and Joe! Thanks again so much for taking the time out of your vacation to let us share it with you, we are all so grateful and I can’t wait each day to see what you’ve posted. xxxooo Sharon in Maine
I am so loving to hear about all the people you are meeting , it sounds so interesting. I can’t wait to see pictures of GB. I feel like I’m in your pocket. The “Bishop’s Wife ” is on TCM right now. Have a wonderful day on the ocean blue. Sharon, from Ohio
or rather TMC
Susan,
What a treat this is (especially for those of us who will probably never cross the pond and see Europe). You are a true blessing; life is a “happy place” with you in it 🙂
I love your little moustachied Jack, and girl Kitty (mine are heaven).
Continued happy travels, and we’ll look forward to your posts and pictures.
“Us looking out to Sea and only God in The Heavens looking back”…. Goosebumps…I too must Say “Thank~You” Sweet Sue…I actually Feel like I am On The Queen Mary 2…& I’m not even Sea~Sick! Yay! You have Mastered The Whole Computer Thing…I Love each Photo & Love Reading Your Words….I’ll Meet You in The Queens Room at 4:00 pm Tea & Dancing sounds like The Perfect Way to Spend The Afternoon…Please Pass Me a Cucumber Sandwich & A Lovely Scone with Jam & Clotted Cream…Beyond Yumminess! 🙂 Sweet Sue & Joe & Cole Porter….Twirling amongst The Travelers’ Souls! L♥ve & Hugzzzz xoxo Poof! 🙂
I am besotted. xo
So wonderful. Glad I had already planned on egg salad sandwiches for lunch today after reading about your tea. Our radishes are doing well in the garden, so will have to pull some and have them on buttered baguette with afternoon tea. Thanks for the reminder of the small but wonderful niceities (sp?) we can treat ourselves to, even if we aren’t on that wonderful ship with you. Can hardly wait to see all the pictures when you arrive across the pond. Ta ta for now.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! This is so awesome! The view is awe inspiring and tea is lovely. How fun to meet so many people from other countries! It’s wonderful that even with our differences, we really are all in this together! xoxo Debbie
So glad it came through. I am loving this How wonderful to meet new people with such interesting lives.Maybe you could show us one of his watercolors. I am enjoying it almost as much as being there. Thank you so much Susan. Talk to you soon, have fun.
Susan your posts make life seem so exciting from the everyday drearieness we see on TV. I could read and listen to you all day and love it. Pat
We may be your anchor to the more familiar, but it’s all reality, and what wonderful reality you are sharing with us! How wonderful to meet people from so many different places and learn so much about the world firsthand. How amazing, that view of the ocean from your balcony on the high seas! I love quotes, and I’ve always loved Robert Louis Stevenson’s, “The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.” Just the tea and ocean view would do it for me, let alone the great company! Your efforts at finally getting through to us are much appreciated. I finally learned that one too, about copying things before you try to send them!
Thank You!!! am loving our trip accros the sea and all the new friends we are meeting. What a wonderful way to travel!
Look so forward to this every day. Thanks again.
I think it’s wonderful that you are meeting such interesting people on board the Queen Mary. I’ve always thought it extremely intresting to meet and exchange ideas with people from different parts of the world and different walks of life.
Weather is so humbling, isn’t it? Even though it was many years ago, I still remember the sight of a tornado in the sky overhead (for the first time) and at that moment fully realizing the force and fury of nature. We have no control over that violent energy which, in itself, is sooooooooo humbling.
Thanks for all your posts! I’m really enjoying “our” trip!
Marilyn (in Dallas)
I think I will have a cup of tea here as well at 4:00 🙂 As usual, your photos are wonderful. Thanks again for taking us along! How many days til you see land? Kelly in Eastern PA
I love your musings about looking out at the ‘vast’ sea and the sky. It must seem so Huge, being out there in the middle of the ocean, and make one feel so small! Whenever we go to the ocean, I am always captivated by it! I feel I could sit and stare at the sea and sky forever, pondering the meaning of life! Nature is beautiful and powerful, but can be frightening, too. We are definitely Not in control, but I’m So thankful I know the One who is!
Sounds like you are meeting a lot of interesting people! How fun! Your own little (big?) community on the ship! Doesn’t appear you could ever get bored with all the different things to do! Thanks again for taking us along!!
Susan- we may be your anchor to reality, but you are our anchor to all the beauty of dreams come true!
What fun meeting all sorts of people on the ship- my favorite part of staying at a Bed and Breakfast is the opportunity to sit down with people you’ve never met and over a delicious breakfast, get a glimpse into their stories.
Oh Susan, what a beautiful view from your balcony! I hope I don’t bother you while looking over your shoulder. It is so much fun for me to read all about your voyage. When I have my tea, I make believe I am with you. It must be so nice to meet so many people at meal time and hear about their piece of God’s world. What an artist God is with his sky. Do you ever see a perfect shape of something in the clouds? We often saw objects in the clouds when we sailed around the waters of Cape Cod.
Look forward to your pictures and your descriptions everyday. What a trip for me. I read all your messages to my husband so he will get the feeling of being with us on the big pond. Thank you for widening my horizon, Marion Rose
on
Dear Susan:
Oh I can’t wait to hear the ocean noises, this is just the best, going on this transatlantic trip with you. Oh a Country Doctor, he sounds like the character in the Patrick Taylor books.. thanks for sharing the people with us too, it’s just too much..
Oh my Susan the view, the smell of the salt air, your wonderful description of tea at 4,
that magnificent ship, such interesting dinner companions!!! I am loving being your stowaway girlfriend and I’m having a terrific time!!! Thank you and hugs!!! Dorothy
i love it- absolutely can’t wait until i get your blog every single day…..i wish you could do it 3 times a day…haha- i know you are on vacation and that would not leave much Holiday time would it ? I know you are missing your kitties and i hope that they are doing well with your being gone……but i hope that you all have a glorious holiday!@! Can’t wait until you land and start sending some pictures of the places you will be visiting over the big pond!@!
We are all living vicariously thru you!@!@
Have fun!@!@!