“Sharp Showers Possible in the North” says the BBC

Good thing we aren’t in the north!  I just love that they say “sharp showers!” The first thing you see when you get up in the morning, if you turn on the TV is the time — which was 5:01 this morning (sleeping in) and then, LG (a brand name I guess), then the words “Life is Good” come up.  What a nice thing to wake up to!!

Yesterday we took our first walk. Headed between those buildings (about a block from our apartment) toward the church you can see in the back. Behind every small town in England are fields and fields, private farms that allow public walkways and there are a jillion winding grassy (muddy) paths, through gates and over fences, criss-crossing this country that have been used forever and ever.

Through the churchyard we went . . .

Can you imagine building this in 1180?  They did!  Read Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follet) if you’d like to hear about it!  Fascinating fun book!

Past the Vicarage we went …. although I have never met a Vicar (in person) and it was tempting to go up this driveway.  If you’d like to “meet” a Vicar (the only way I have), read any Barbara Pym book, which you would like Vicar or no Vicar.

 But we kept going, hitting the outskirts of town, walking past the train station.  Bluebells are everywhere, they are almost a weed here, isn’t that just the luckiest thing?

And so here we go . . . just a little bit green . . . due to all the sharp showers they’ve had around here.  There were tons of wildflowers . . . the air is perfumed with deep grass smell, Queen Anne’s Lace (called Cow Parsley here), bluebells, buttercups, and daisies.

Joe going through a “Kissing Gate” . . . the fences and gates keep the lambs and cows inside, allows the people go through . . . kissing is supposed to take place over the fence! My BFF Rachel is here, she stayed the night with us, she is British and she says it is so.  So it must be so. “Any excuse to snatch a kiss,” she says.

Over the river and through the woods, there are rushing little streams everywhere, and little old bridges that span them . . . It’s amazing all this nice infrastructure for walking enjoyment!

Across the fields, I spotted my new favorite house in England (there will very likely be at least one of these a day!).  What must it be like to wake up to the birds every day in this house?  The Wood Pigeons that peep “My-toe-hurts-Betty.”  (Say this singingish, in a high Queen-Elizabeth-voice with a little slurring, for perfect pigeon noise.)

Up and over hills, it was so beautiful out there . . . and this is what we will be doing, day after day, the entire time we are here.

Time to go back to town, back through the old graveyard we go . . .

Because it was time to go meet our dear friend Rachel at the White Lion Pub for Sunday Roast — they have a special Sunday dinner in English pubs, roast beef or roast Pork, or roast chicken with Yorkshire Pudding, Mashed Potatoes and all the trimmings.

It was the perfect day, our long walk through history, a lovely late lunch, and as shadows get longer, we’re heading “home” for a long evening of talking, knitting, and getting a refresher course from Rachel on what things mean, how things work, why this and why that.  She is our invaluable friend and brilliant interpreter of all things English.  Today we’re off to gardens, along the narrow dodgy roads; is everyone ready?  Fresh batteries in the camera? Bring your raincoat, those sharp showers may sneak up on us!  Here we go!   XOXO

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285 Responses to “Sharp Showers Possible in the North” says the BBC

  1. Carolyn (SoCA) says:

    Oh! the flowers and everything green are lovely, but I think I may have to stop for some allergy meds. I will catch up! (loving it all!)

  2. Victoria Miller says:

    What a lovely start to the week, seeing your beautiful photos of that beautiful place! You folks all look amazing, well, and happy. I hope you and Joe take advantage of those kissing gates. What a beautiful walk. And, you are the only person I’ve ever known to know who is Barbara Pym. I’m trying to get all of her books, and they’re getting harder to find. Just watched Sense and Sensibility this weekend — more lovely British countryside. In fact, I think for the duration of your trip, I will make it a point to watch scenic British films. Pride and Prejudice next, I think. Perhaps I’ll watch as many versions as I can find. You are such an inspiration!

  3. Judy says:

    I also have never met a vicar. However, I think Joe must look just like one!!!!

    • Kim says:

      Judy
      Vicars have various titles based on what role they are performing. An apostolic vicar is a bishop or priest who heads a missionary particular Church that is not yet ready to be a full diocese – he stands as the local representative of the Pope, in the Pope’s role as bishop of all unorganized territories. A vicar capitular, who exercises authority in the place of the diocesan chapter, is a temporary ordinary of a diocese during a sede vacante period. “Don’t think Joe looks like one his just a husband!

  4. Margot says:

    Susan you look so cute on that bridge. Thanks for clearing up the Yorkshire pudding, as I have always wondered what it was. I will Google it.

  5. Cindy says:

    It was such an adventure! Thank you! To have a native is even more fun! Looking forward to all your trips. I lived in Ipswich when I was 8 and thought the gardens were magical.

  6. Kimi says:

    Susan

    This was just plain fun, I think the pictures are just wonderful. The Town is soooo cute just like a peter rabbit book! no kidding the English are wonderful people and their livelihood too. Just love it. Susan the graves there as you pass by them on the sidewalk that’s a little to close to the sleeping people! I think I would just walk on the other side and give them there rest. You look like your relax and enjoying the time with Joe. I don’t know about anyone else but I had FUN… Love ya xo

  7. Patsy in Nixa, MO says:

    What a refreshing walk. I’ve heard about those walking trails, but have never had the opportunity to use one.

    If you want to see a vicar, look for “Keeping Up Appearances” on the telly with Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced Bouquet), and sooner or later you’ll see the vicar who tries desperately to avoid Hyacinth, the social climber. Hyacinth has sisters Violet, Rose and Daisy, and the program is corny, funny, and absolutely delightful.

  8. Karen P - Wisconsin says:

    Hi Rachel! So nice to see her darling face and wonderful that you have her expertise on your trip. That is invaluable!

    I am sitting here all alone at my computer saying “My-toe-hurts-Betty” to myself! I don’t think I’m quite getting it right.

    Love the walk….the church….graveyard….quaint homes…..the green lushness (is that a word?) of everything…the abundant bluebells….bring on the “sharp showers” if that’s the end result! “Keep Dry and Carry on!” 🙂 xoxo….kp

    • sbranch says:

      High voice, slurring the word, and then you have to pretend you don’t know what you’re saying. It isn’t easy 🙂

  9. Beth in SC says:

    Sharp Showers is sometimes an accurate description, harsh little raindrops can sometimes hurt! 🙂

    Lovely views, so glad you are sharing your trip with us! I have enjoyed your walks more than if I were to walk them myself! I work hard to keep this lush womanly figure and exercise would surely ruin it. HAHA!

    Please keep guiding us along on your adventures! We are all enjoying them so very much!

  10. Rebecca L. says:

    My goodness it’s lovely. Thank you for sharing your adventure.

    I’ve never met a Vicar either, the closest I’ve come is “The Vicar of Dibley”; played by Dawn French. Truth be told, I’ve only watched the double episode of “A Holy Wholly Happy Ending”; ridiculously funny. [Netflix (used as a verb) it if you can.]

    Happy trails! From sunny Riverside, CA

    • Pat Mofjeld says:

      The Vicar of Dibley is one of the funniest shows we ever watched. One has to watch at the VERY end when the Vicar and Alice always have a little talk together…easy to miss at the end as you’d think the show was over but then it would come back for a minute! 🙂

    • Carolyn (SoCA) says:

      hello, Rebecca~
      I live in Riverside, too. We’ll have to get together someday and chat about all things Susan Branch. ~Carolyn

  11. We truly are fortunate that you are so willing to share your travels with all of us. I can’t name one other celebrity (which is what you are, right?!) that would do this for the sisters in America.

    Hubby and I traveled in freelance fashion a few yrs ago in France while youngest daughter was in a summer school program there. One of my favorite times each day after our lengthy walking was to find a sidewalk cafe with live music and sit down to a cheese and olive plate along with a carafe of table wine. Do you see any of that in England? Also….what are the beds like there? Ours in France were tiny!!….as were the rooms!!

    Cheers from Indianapolis!!

    • sbranch says:

      We’re in actual homes, not hotels and everything is somewhat what we are used to. Except for the electricity, the washing machine, the shower, all plumbing in fact, and everything you see in the store, also the TV. Driving. I take it back, everything is different here! 🙂

      • Joan Lesmeister says:

        Showers! I remember the showers! We couldn’t figure out how buildings could still be standing 7000 yrs, but plumbing had not been mastered! 🙂

        • Kathy from Brevard, NC says:

          Yes, I remember the showers too. And each B&B seemed to have a different tap system!!

      • Kathy from Brevard, NC says:

        And the electricity. We bought a converter especially for England before we left the US in 1992 and we could tell from the way the prongs went that it wasn’t going to work as soon as we took out our blow dryers in the UK. Why wouldn’t the US manufacturers know this?

        • sbranch says:

          They know it, but we’re basically on our own! I just went and bought an English blow dryer after the one we brought with us, even with the converter, blew a fuse. So foggedaboutit is what we thought!

  12. Martha says:

    I am having a delightful time reading about your journey. What a lovely time you are having, I am so very jealous. This is my dream, so if I may, I will live vicariously through you! Are you going to Derbyshire?

    thank you!
    Martha
    Maryland

  13. Heidi Rose (Issaquah, WA) says:

    Oh, how beautiful! I am so happy to see that England is still as lovely as I remember it when I was there 25 and 30 years ago. One day, my sister and I had taken a walk through a pasture full of grazing cows. So peaceful, until a bull saw us and apparently he didn’t like us there and started chasing us! Thanks goodness for the “kissing gate” we used for our escape, although I would have leaped over the wall without it! Enjoy every wonderful moment there, I’m enjoying it with you!! ♥

  14. Lori Ragalis says:

    This is so much fun to come home from work & see where we went today……. I look so forward to this. Thank you ssoooooo much for sharing with all of us… You are the best!!!! Lori Ragalis

  15. Gale Jourdet says:

    O’ Susan you do look so cute on that bridge! I look forward to every post. It’s a lot of fun to be a part of your friendly circle. Sharpish rain is such a polite description…here in Boothbay Harbor, Me. …they say “slashing rain” and follow it up with “get out your rain suit today”. Yep, it’s the yellow slicker complete with the yellow hat and pants….and boots. (You get wet, anyway) O to be in England in the Spring. You have a wonderful time and get those new white sneakers “dirty”!

  16. Kirsten Anne Wichert of So. Calif. says:

    Dear Susan, I haven’t read all the posts so forgive me if anyone already suggested this… When you go through the graveyards, if there is one really interesting head stone markings, you should (or I would!) make a rubbing of it. Just have paper and a black crayon or charcoal or something to rub over the paper on top of the markings. They turn out really great, and can be saved, framed or scrapbooked, whatever. The older, the better. We used to use unprinted news paper and black crayons (on their sides.) Maybe find a romantic one? Just a suggestion.
    Your photos have been fabulous!!! I love our trip so far. Thanks again!

  17. Jane alexander says:

    Interesting, precious, beautiful. Actually almost brought tears to my eyes it is so lovely seeing you getting to spend such special time with a BFF there in England. The bluebells!!! Ah!!! takes my breath away.
    Thank you for sharing with us.
    Love,
    Jane Alexander
    I love your photo on the bridge….nice haircut from the cruise!

  18. Dale Worness says:

    Well, you and Joe are certainly enjoying yourselves! Could you please send me some bluebells? They are SO pretty! I thought of the perfect book for you. It’s called “Knight In Shining Armor” by Jude Deveraux. It’s about an American woman touring England. She gets jilted by her boyfriend while visiting an old church and prays for her knight in shining armor to rescue her and a statue of a 16th century knight actually comes to life! It’s really is a fabulous book. In fact, I think I’ll read it again right now. Looking forward to your next installment!

  19. Anna Marie says:

    yipeee! Just “finding” you again….since you used to send news letters in the mail! So fun that you are on “holiday”! Enjoy yourself…I will be following along here. God Bless!

  20. Peggy says:

    What a lovely day to catch your breath and catch up with your friend. The hike was lovely and a Sunday Roast Dinner sounds heavenly! Do they serve horseradish with the beef there? That is what we always have for Christmas dinner and I make the Yorkshire Pudding and everything. We have Christmas Crackers (not a food item) at each place setting and it’s very festive.
    Looking forward to your trip to the gardens…I’m still not walking without help, so I’ll remain in the Rose Chair with my feet up while all of you enjoy! XOXO, Peg

    • Peggy says:

      Forgot to add for your father: Jack, think of Yorkshire Pudding as more of a Popover than a biscuit. I make a batter in my blender of eggs, milk, flour, s&p and then pour the beef drippings into a popover pan. Heat the drippings until very hot (450) and then pour the batter quickly into each cup. Bake on very high heat and they rise up quickly and are crisp outside and a soft texture inside. Fill those babies with gravy or au jus and serve with the roast. Yum!

      • Patricia H. says:

        I make these for my husband with roast dinners in winter- always at Christmas as well. Jamie Oliver has a very easy recipe in his Jamie’s Food Revolution book (it’s the one I use). You can use a muffin tin as well. I use 2 yorkshire pudding tins I bought over there (perhaps a future SB store item?!) You can also make up the batter, cook sausages, preheat a cast iron pan and then pour the sausages and batter into it and bake. This is a favorite winter treat for my family. Sometimes I put grated sharp cheese into the batter before making that (toad in the hole). It helps if you rest the batter in the fridge for awhile before making.
        (it’s worth noting in the UK you can buy yorkshire puddings frozen in the freezer section- my friend admits to never having made them from scratch!)

  21. Lisa says:

    Loving this blog Susan!!! Thank you so much for posting. It is the highlight of my day. I hope someday to go to England, don’t know if I will, but this makes it seem all the more real to me. Thanks!!! Lisa

  22. Jack says:

    You’re there so you get all these questions — that picture shows Joe and Rachael seated at a table, beside a window, having a roast something or other meal — now this would normally be categorized as a “restaurant.” How does it get the destinction of being a pub? PUB being short for “Public House” where alcoholic beverages are sold! Better have them check in with Ireland where if ya go to a Pub, ya get a pint!

    • sbranch says:

      Pints in pubs here . . . All I know for sure is that a pub is very cozy. Little rooms, tables drawn up to fireplaces, usually picnic tables outside in the garden for when the weather is good. I put up some photos (on Twitter) of the pub we were in yesterday that’s been in business since 1420! You would have loved it Dad!!!

      • Jack says:

        1420– no wonder the pudding’s stale……..

      • Karen P - Wisconsin says:

        LOVE the pubs!!!! I was shocked, for some reason, to be able to get tea in a pub. Guess I was thinking it was all about a pint of beer! All so cozy….and comfortable….and welcoming good conversation!

  23. Joann says:

    Oh Susan….how idyllic!!! You and Joe are having such a glorious time already!!! And…there’s Rachel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I know you’re over the moon!

    xoxo
    Joann

    • sbranch says:

      Talking until midnight, eating all day, I had to send her home this morning! 🙂 We’ll go stay with her next week!

  24. patti frain says:

    So love the term, “Sharp Shower.” Last week I saw Prince Charle’s doing the weather. I am a weather nut so I just had to stop and watch. It is truly touching and beautiful. I so hope I can go there some day. I am sure I will. We will, I mean. Love the youtube music w/the blog. What a great idea. Susan I can’t help it but you have become part of my spirit. You are just very cool. Patti:)

  25. Nancy B says:

    Such a charming village you chose for your stay in England! So glad your “real” BFF is visiting you. Your photography is wonderful. I feel as though I’m right there. The pictures of the old church and graveyard remind me of our trip to Ireland. I still hope to one day visit England and Wales as my ancestors are from there. Being there with you will have to suffice for now. Thanks so much for sharing.

  26. Sandra Gillanders says:

    It’s so lovely it makes me draw a deep breathe and sigh. So glad you and our darling Rachel are having fun, catching up on all the news and how everything works in Jolly Old England. Your apt. looks so cozy, a great find indeed. Have a wonderful time exploring all the wonders of the countryside. I adore the bluebells. It the country life for me! xoxo

  27. Jennie says:

    I wished we had those sort of walks available here! What a lush and beautiful area- love the buildings and graveyard and just how old it looks. What a great start to your adventures! 🙂

  28. Oh mercy! Sharp showers indeed…we’re having Very sharp showers that are turning into flooding. Your beautiful photos make me want to drag out my Miss Marple and Hercule P. dvd’s and watch them. Lovely English countryside, thank you, Susan, so much for your updates.

  29. Suzanne says:

    Susan, I am loving each and every post that you are sending. I love seeing all of the things through your eyes that I won’t ever see. God Bless and keep enjoying your time there.

  30. Jack says:

    It seems that almost every building is at least two stories over there — is that because they have very defined edges to their country , so they double the area use for a building ?

    • sbranch says:

      But you should see the fields and fields of grass and farm land, on and on forever. They just double up in the towns! 🙂

  31. Karen Z @ Victoria, Australia says:

    Ohhh Sweet Sue I’m loving the trip with all the other girlfriends! Isn’t the scenery just beautiful? I’m a fan of an English show called “MidsomerMurder” just to see the houses and scenery. However I don’t think I want to live somewhere that have “sharp showers.” It sounds like raindrops shaped like daggers. XOX

  32. Rita from MN says:

    Everything sounds wonderful!
    I wanted to share that yesterday for Mother’s Day my 13 year old niece baked your lovely coconut lemon cake from the May calendar. I always buy the calendar for myself and my two sisters. She went through all of that work and we so enjoyed it. So yes, on Mother’s Day, in a small town in Minnesota we were thinking of you! Continued safe journeys.

  33. Susan, thank you for sharing your “holiday” with us….it really DOES seem like we’re there 🙂
    Cheery-0 !

  34. Joanne from Colorado says:

    Oh this is making me want to go back! I remember those little towns well. Going through the little gates, passing through fields of sheep and cows and wild foxgloves! Through little fern forests and then into open meadows with stone walls and little “stonehenges”. I felt like Jane Eyre walking up windy, rolling hills….aaah. And then we would stop at a random little pub and have the best pub food! It’s funny, but before we went I was warned against English pub food and warm beer. I was never served warm beer, and had some of the best food ever! I don’t know how you’re finding it so far. Enjoy!

    • sbranch says:

      Exactly the same, the food is wonderful, don’t know much about the beer but the Pear cider is ice cold and heavenly!

  35. Katharine says:

    I’m enjoying the sisters tour very much. I read Pillars of the Earth many moons ago. Have you read Rosamund Pilcher’s books? As far as I know, I’ve read all of them. She is so descriptive that you want to go to England, especially near Portsmouth, the next day. I always have to have a cup of tea when reading any British novel. My parents are from Sweden and there they have many showers and it’s always green…well when it’s not snowing.

    • sbranch says:

      I read only one Rosamund Pilcher many years ago, everyone loves her so much, I think I need to read again!

      • Joan Lesmeister says:

        ….and the Pilcher paperback books all have flowered covers! Her descriptions of the cottages and countryside are charming, umm, second to yours of course my dear!!! xoxoxo

      • Aggie says:

        All of her books are excellent – makes you want to visit England! Love what I am seeing so far… I see why you are there, you lucky girl 🙂

  36. jeanne hedin says:

    Such an enchanting adventure you are taking us all on! Absolutely delightful! 🙂

  37. Kate garfield says:

    Absolutely delightful! Can’t you just imagine the Victorian times and all the walks the ladies took? Love the pictures! Thanks!

    Kate

  38. We are traveling right along with you via the blog! Thanks so much for taking us all along.

    Loved your reference to Barbara Pym… In addition to Miss Read and the Dowager Duchess, I read Barbara Pym, too. It just never stops, does it? 🙂

    Looking forward to tomorrow’s excursion!

    Jake

  39. Bernadette Gibson says:

    You are the first person I talk with each morning. I am loving our trip to England. Remember we need to go to the Laura Ashley store.

    • sbranch says:

      I won’t forget, we need to spend some time doing serious shopping! The shoes here are adorable.

  40. Becky says:

    Great to start with the music from the lads from Liverpool. I could listen to Obladi Oblada….Eight Days a Week! (Sorry, I couldn’t Help! myself)
    Your post was so calming and exhilarating all in one. All of the girls have given me things to Google and learn about; Hiltop, Miss Potter movie,Tenderten, puddings, and all things English. One of the oddest English terms I heard used last summer was for a type of leafy green on my sandwich. It was called rocket….I think.
    I love new learning!

  41. Jan says:

    Susan,
    Beautiful countryside! Am enjoying every minute of it. The bluebells are so beautiful! Am wondering if those can be grown here ? (in Michigan?) I don’t see or hear of them around here. Would love to be able to grow them. The food sounds wonderful too. The photos are great! Love the old buildings. Have a great day!!

    • sbranch says:

      I grow them on Martha’s Vineyard so maybe you can … but it’s not quite the same thing as they way they do here, with really fields and fields of them, they just keep multiplying they love it here so much; it’s amazing to see.

  42. Marie says:

    WE had Sharp Showers and Thunder and Hail up here in the North West yestersay, and today looks like it might be much of the same. I thought of another village you might enjoy, Cranbrook! Oh and also Goudhurst. Both are very near to Sissinghurst, which I am sure you will be visiting as well as Scotney Castle. Scotney should be breathtakingly beautiful at this time of year. I am not sure if the rhodendrons will be in bloom yet or not, but there is a beautiful bluebell wood there as well, and you can now go through parts of the house as well! It was one of my husbands and my favourite places to go in the spring and summer as it was only a hop skip and jump from where we lived. Happy days! xxoo

    • sbranch says:

      We couldn’t go into the house last time so we’re really looking forward to going back! We went to Sissinghurst yesterday, the first English garden I read about when I was 24 and one of the things that started all of this! So beautiful!

      • Diane Harris says:

        Sissinghurst!!! My one and only garden I got to visit on a short day trip out of London for business in 2005; did you know Charles and Anne Lindbergh lived there before WWII? I read all her autobiographies; a hero for me.

        • sbranch says:

          No I didn’t! Even more magic!

        • Terrie from Atlanta says:

          Oh, Diane! I was on an Anne Morrow Lindbergh quest (or “AML,” as she refers to herself) a few years back, too. Read every word of all her diaries, letters, poetry and prose. Highly recommend them to all of our SB sisters! xo

  43. Joan Lesmeister says:

    So looking forward to our garden tours! Somebody mentioned earlier, M.C.Beaton & Agatha series, I’ve also read the Hamish Macbeth series, very fun! No reading today, cleaned the mud off my shoes, ready to walk some more dear Sue & Joe, thank you for inviting us all along!! xoxoxo

  44. Dale Worness says:

    I just had to add a comment about “sharp showers”. It reminded me of my shower before my friend replaced the nozzle. The spray was so sharp it really hurt! I’m sure the English version is much nicer. Probably just a nice spring rain! Don’t forget to wear your “mac”!

  45. Silvia Niomi says:

    delightful excursion. The bluebells are so lovely. They are so full and big. If I could even grow them here in California’s central valley the poor things would be so darn scrawny, not worth the bother. Hard to imagine that there would be fields and fields of these pretty little flowers.

    Everything is so green there, it’s not easy being green here in California. Although, if one wanders north about 500 miles (approx 805 km) it’s pretty green and there are even roses growing on the highways. But, that is rain for you. The fragrances in the air must just be something… especially after those sharp showers. I know, how about if we barter…… I’ll send you some warm, bright sunshine (we’re already @ 70 – 90 F weather – which is 21 to 32 C) in exchange for some of those sharp showers.

    It seems like the whole country is set up just for walking. Do most people walk
    everywhere? I read somewhere that people take ‘walking holidays’. What is that? I heard too that the walking sticks are pretty neat too. All in all, it seems like where you are at, is a very cozy place. Thank you for taking us there. Am lovin it!

    xoxoxoxo, Cheerio

    • sbranch says:

      There are several cross-country walks that take you from town to town, county to county, through tiny villages, you can walk, and stay at inns along the way. I actually could live a whole life like that I think!

      • Pat Mofjeld says:

        Me, too! What a wonderful way to spend a vacation!!! 🙂

      • Jack says:

        Of course and never do any housework ……

      • Silvia Niomi says:

        This sounds like a neat way to travel. Walking, is a great way to stay in touch with the cycles of nature. I walk every morning and it is such a joy to watch nature. I look forward to the birds singing, the hummingbirds fluttering by and the flowers (the area I walk in is pretty well irrigated and so the flowers are there). What you describe is unusual. People here don’t make a habit of walking from town to town. For most, walking here is not very carefree, its always with a purpose – got to get that exercise in… power walking. Are the attitudes different there about walking? Is it more carefree? Do they meander more? Is it safe to walk from town to town? Sorry, this response is so late. I didn’t get a chance to get back sooner.

        • Silvia Niomi says:

          I have to say something about …. no housework???!!! that really resonates with me deeply. Just only being responsible for keeping one’s rucksack (love this word) tidy, walking to interesting places, being close to nature and meeting interesting people – now that’s a holiday !

        • sbranch says:

          Plus, with walking, you get all that wonderful QUIET!!

  46. I think we will have to take up a collection so you can stay there longer (like forever, so you can keep sending us all-things British)! Only, I know you will be missing your kitties too much. I know dogs have a 6-month quarantine before they can be let into England, but what about cats?! I’m even enjoying the comments from others who have been there.

  47. Jenny says:

    What fun to be on this journey with you! The old cemetery was amazing and that house! And those bluebells! I love your little apartment and the fact that you have your art supplies all set up so you can create when the inspiration is high. Hope those Sharp Showers weren’t too terrible.

  48. Kathy from Brevard, NC says:

    Hi to Everyone and Susan,

    I haven’t had time to read all the comments but a very fast skim through told me that we are talking about books and other luscious things so I will be reading them very closely later today! Your wonderful photos and tweets and delightful descriptions have all brought back to me my past visits to the UK. All I can say is the isles are full of pubs and food and views and vestiges just like these….so very precious!!! Hubby has said we sail on the QM2 next year!!!!!! I am busily writing down all the place names that you mention as possibilities. Now I have to pry myself off the Chicos online sale page so I can save my pennies for next year! xoxoxo to everyone!!! I’m already over the moon!!! But you know me by now, girlfriends; I always overreact….

  49. Marge says:

    Oh how wonderful everything is!! I’m so glad I came along with you. You do walk a little faster than I do, but I’ll catch up. I’m too busy looking at everything around here. My dream vacation – ah, England. May I have another cup’a? Thank you ever so. That nap was refreshing – ready to go. Pip-Pip. All my best, Marge

  50. Kimi says:

    Susan Just a Note!

    I have to say this, I wasn’t but I have too! The picture of you walking the bridge you look like your a girl of well younger years this has to be because you see life with humor, colors, cats, long walks, adventurer, life, happiness and in the moment! Your heart Susan is even now A wonder and your life reads it and because you live it. Stay this way It does a soul good and for us too! Kimi God Bless

    • sbranch says:

      There’s just something about the light out there, in real life, no, not like that!!!!

      • Kimi says:

        Then Let Our Light Shine From Within, and shone Outward! Its All Good…Let Us Be This…And then We Can Share Our light with Others…Its All Good!

  51. Diane says:

    you looked so cute I could TooT!

  52. Fran says:

    Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us! Your descriptions, photos, and blog make me feel like I’m there too! Have a wonderful, wonderful adventure and keep the blogs coming!

  53. Denise says:

    A few British words you may be hearing : bubble and squeak , tiffen , bonnet (as on a car), look for lynchgates in the church yards and enjoy your 99 flake on a hot day!! cheers 🙂

  54. Denise says:

    Forgot to add that a charming series and wonderful series of books are The Darling buds of May by H E Bates ,bucolic country life full of wimsy!

  55. Dear Susan,

    So enjoyed your cruise and are now looking forward to your stay in England! The Bluebells at the train station are lovely!

    The old church reminds me of St. Dunstan’s Church at Cranbrook, just a hop, skip and a jump from you to the west! The church is also known as the Cathedral of the Weald. My 10th great grandfather William Eddye was the Vicar of Cranbrook from 1591 to 1616. Doesn’t that have a nice ring to it, the Vicar of Cranbrook?

    We love your photographs of the church and graveyard, the old houses and shoppes, and the beautiful greenness of England!

    We have been having spells of showers today and I have been making violet jelly from violets collected and infused for a day. Mmmm, tastes so good, this naturally pink jelly! We feel like Pooh Bear licking the kettle, ladle and spoons, as it truly tastes like Violet Honey!!!

    Looking forward to more of your photographs and posts from England!
    Diane and daughter Sarah at the Corgyncombe Courant

  56. Rebecca says:

    Just FYI…a vicar in the Anglican (Episcopal) church is the priest in a church that is not self supporting (gets financial help from the diocese)…in a church that is self supporting the priest is called a Rector.

  57. Candice Black says:

    Dear Susan,
    I am so enjoying your trip! Such a lovely time of year to visit England! Brings back so many lovely memories from my visit last year to visit my relatives. Best Wishes and have a wonderful time and be safe.

  58. folksmith says:

    Be sure to try the Ploughman special. I think that’s what they call it. It’s a wonderful pub food. Your trip is bringing back memories of when my family and i went to live in Cambridge for a month. What a wonderful time.

    Speaking of reading, Nancy Atherton’s books about Aunt Dimity are a must.

    have a great holiday.

  59. Enikö says:

    Dearest…how lovely to read about your adventures. Jaime & I got caught in some sharp rains ourselves today on our way to our catering meeting. Thinking of you! xo

  60. Lori says:

    Thank you so much for the pictures of the cemetery!! That’s my favorite place to visit in any new town. Weird? I’m not ghoulish in the least, I promise. 🙂

    • sbranch says:

      Not weird, sort of the history of the world! Beautiful in a wild weathery way, there are stories to tell there.

  61. kathy in oregon says:

    I think I had a physical reaction to this post! I must be related to you or it could be my 1/8 English heritage kickin’ in….or maybe it’s the Happy Gene that you are reproducing like crazy these days! I feel like I’m having some kind of screwed up deja-vu…or a prophetic dream of the trip I will someday make. But if I don’t make it….thank you, Susan, for taking the time to share this in such an enjoyable way! It’s truly a gift to us all. Just lovin’ it so much…..I’m smiling away here. : )

  62. kathy in oregon says:

    oops! My last comment was supposed to be on your May 22 post….sorry!

  63. Denise Watson says:

    Susan, Thank you for “taking me along with you to England!” It’s more wonderful than I ever could have imagined!!! I’ve longed to go there since I was a teenager anf I’m now 51 yrs old and have not gotten there yet, but it is at the top of my bucket list. If I never do get there in my life I will have the happy memories and images that you have shared with us all, and I am truly greatful to you. I have many new happy places to go to when I meditate thanks to you. Enjoy and keep sharing!!!!!!!

  64. Barbara L Seman says:

    Susan, Thanks so much for all your posts. I’m lovin’ them. I thought England was dreary. cold & foggy! thanks for enlightening me….it is beautiful & I’m so glad you are taking all of us with you. Enjoy your time there. ♥ Barbara

  65. Obladi Oblada! I sing this song < well the chorus) and wasn't sure where it came from lol

    You've brought 2 songs from my childhood to life <3 What sweet blessings <3

    Bluebells a weed! NEVAH! lol I adore them. but I suppose it's like Lupins here on PEI. Some hate them and think them a weed. I love them . 🙂

    Queen Anne's Lace called Cow Parsley… Bleck! lol

    I think the kissing gate is so cute, but I can't seem to figure out why it'd be made… why can't they just lean over the fence to steal that kiss?

    Hi Rachel! You won't see this, but hey 😀 lol

    Lov,e
    Denise of Ingleside, PEI

    getting there!

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