Happy Father’s Day! Here’s a little special Musica for our blog Daddy and a little bit about him from my book of memories . . .
A lot of you are getting to know my dad because he’s been bringing his funny comments to this blog for a while now. It makes it so fun for me, I love it! And lots of you, maybe missing your own daddies, have adopted him! That makes it even more fun!
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!! XOXO
Some of you know why I call our family his “pork chop family” but in case you don’t, here it is, a little family legend: One of the things my parents had in common when they met, is that they loved pork chops. So when my dad proposed, he said, “Let’s have a pork chop house, get some pork chop furniture, hang some pork chop wallpaper, and have us a whole bunch of little pork chops running around.” I’m their first pork chop. ♥
Here he is, bon vivant, handsome man about town, hanging out with the Beatrix Potter People. They’ve been friends for a long time! They’re on my kitchen windowsill keeping each other company till I get back. Big Father’s Day kisses Dad, XOXOXO from me and Joe, and of course Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and all the rest! Have a wonderful, wonderful, gingerbread-eating day! See you soon! ♥ P.S. Can’t go without saying, thank you for everything!!!
Happy Father’s Day to your handsome Daddy (he looks like a movie start in his photos) … my own Daddy passed 16 months ago, we hope peacefully in his sleep, as he’d been ill a long time and was very tired.
xoxo, Priscilla
Wonderful Post. All this love goes for Grandfathers too!
Treese
…what a nice tribute to your father ..’sure it put a smile on his face !…’must say that tales of your father reminds me alot of my father also..my father and mom got married when he was 21 and she was 17..and went on to have 10 children….my parents were and still are amazing !!!..my Dad continually and joyfully kept us all busy…he, too,Loved being a father to us all !!! I could go on and on about tales of childhood memories…good and precious ones…thanks to my mom and dad !!! Happy Father’s Day !!…with love…
Such a wonderful tribute to your beloved, handsome Daddy; well done, Susan! We had such similar childhoods but in mine, not as many pork chops and my Daddy can’t sing a lick but the rest is spot on.
Happy Father’s Day to Daddy’s everywhere!
A special Happy Father’s Day to Mr. John Stewart (although I think you sign yourself as “Jack”). Hope you have a wonderful Father’s Day and have lots of fun. My Dad is up in heaven but I think of him every single day. Hope you don’t mind me sending these wishes your way. God Bless You and all the other pork chops in your family! Fondly, Gail Buss XX
A nice tribute. Happy Father’s Day to Susan’s dad. We have enjoyed your contribution to this fun-packed blog-trip!
Happy Father’s Day John Patrick Stewart Jr.! I’m sure you are beaming proud to be the father of such a wonderful daughter Susan Branch and of course the wonderful son-in-law Joe! Ejoy your father’s day! FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~
Oh Susan what a lovely tribute to your dad. Thanks for sharing and stirring within me memories of “my sweet daddy” who I lost 2 years ago. I loved him so!
Your post reminded me that I can still have him with me..I was a very blessed daughter.
Hi Susan! I hope it’s a lovely day over the pond! Your tribute to your dad is so wonderful…and you are such an incredible person Susan. Not only are you sharing your trip to England, you are also sharing your Dad with all of us!!! 🙂 xoxo Debbie
WOW — such a handsome Dad! Is it just me, or does anyone else see a resemblance to James Dean, the young movie star of the 50’s? But with a happier attitude. Happy Father’s Day to all our Dad’s out there – those with us and those in Heaven!
-Marianne-
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad, Susan…enjoy every minute, blog post, phone call, visit with your Dad…I am missing my World War II Army Air Corps ball turret gunner Dad, but I know he is watching over our family from heaven…
Oh Happy Father’s Day Jack!! I love reading your comments…you are soooo funny & enjoyable! Susan…I love this tribute to your Dad..you are such an amazing writer & memory maker! (aren’t you so glad that your Mom or someone took pictures back then?…love that one of you & your Dad!)
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Gert
Good Morning Susan! so glad i don’t have my make-up on yet… because the mascara would be running down my face, like it usually does when i read your posts…..Just want to say Happy Father’s Day to Jack and to thank him too, for you!!!!!
How very sweet the childhood memories are, I miss my daddy. He was a lot like your dad!
Oh, what a lovely post. You’re right … count me as one who has adopted your Dad. Oh, so handsome and you….you were the cutest “little porkchop”, haha. I do so enjoy his comments. It was nice getting a glimpse of him last year when you stopped to visit on your train trip to/from CA.
Does your whole family ever get together? Or do any of your siblings live near you? My Dad’s birthday would be in 2 days – June 18th. Sometimes it would fall on Father’s day. He was a happy, good looking guy with wavy blond hair and a great sense of humor. Sure do miss him. Have a happy day!
It’s not as easy as it once was, we’re so scattered all over the country, but we get together in chunks!
That was beautiful, Susan. Miss my dad so much; he passed 4 years ago at age 96 so I had him with me a long time – he lived with me the last 16 years of his life and we had a wonderful time together. Took him on lots of trips like Hawaii, Alaska, Caribbean, New York, etc. He LOVED it! He was much like your dad – great sense of humor, loved music; good voice – one of his favorite songs with Tennessee Waltz – lived in Cottonwood AZ for a while working in the mines in Jerome (this was before mom and I came along) and I think spent a little time in Prescott along Whiskey Row in his day. He was a quiet man; intelligent; liked to work with his hands, creative and artisitic. Like I said; much like your dad. Thank you for sharing him with us. Daddy – I love you and miss you.
What a nice memory of your dad Linda, on a perfect day for it!
Wow, I agree about your dad being handsome. I thought there was a look of Richard Chamberlain about him in that photo ;). Happy father’s day to your dad and all dads out there.
Happy Father’s Day Jack! Love the pork chop story. My dad Jerry loved pork chops also, and one of his talents was making up ghost stories. They always featured 2 main characters – boys named Pork Chop and Johnny. My dad was also in the Navy in WWII – remember “Than Navy gets the gravy and the Army gets the beans”.
I miss my dad so very much, he has been gone for thirteen years but it still hurts as much as the day he died. I didn’t get to say goodbye but he knew how much he meant to me. To those who still have your dad, tell them how much you love them. On a much happier note, thanks for this blog it has been so much fun on our trip to England. It is a sunny and no humidity day in the South, how much better can it get with my glass of sweet ice tea!!!!!
Happy Father’s Day, Jack. You’re an inspiration to all fathers.
Oooh Weee – HANDSOME! Happy Father’s Day Jack!
Thanks for sharing your sweet memories!
Beautiful tribute to your dad, Susan! How very fortunate you both are to still have one another. You gave me a great idea with that picture you have of him with your figures…I have to go look for one of my old shots of me and my dad, and frame it now….tomorrow will be a good day to do that!
Happy Fathers Day Mr. Stewart!! I do wish that I could adopt you! The wonderful stories you have shared with us Susan about your Dad fill my eyes with tears and tear at my heart.. in a good way!
So sweet and wonderful! His greatness in fatherhood shines through you!
Oh boy, what a handsome lothario, you are dear Jack—I’m so happy you’re here! Have a Happy Father’s Day! And what a peach of a pork chop you are, darling Susan!
xoxoxo,
Kathy
P.S. My dad was a handsome flyboy in WWII. Oh, what a man in uniform can do to a woman!
I miss my dad, lost him 12 years ago. I was number 2 of 6 and was born a year to the day after my dad was discharged from the Navy. My older brother was born while he was in the Phillipines and didn’t meet dad until he was 8 months old! We share many of the same experiences! We especially went fishing!, played ball in the street and shot baskets. Love you Dad
I so enjoyed your love letter to your Dad. You just are the nicest woman, and I’m sure your folks had something to do with that.
My dad died a month after I turned 15, so Father’s Day has always been hard for me. However, reading your post makes me see it as a wonderful day to celebrate the men who meant so much to us and shaped our lives. Thank you, Susan.
It must be hard … I can’t imagine. Happy celebration of your dad, Missy.
What a lovely post about your darling Dad. He sounds like a great Dad and holds special wonderful memories within your heart. Mrs Tiggy will take care of him. I hope Peter doesn’t eat all the gingerbread. Enjoy your last week in the UK xx
Happy Fathers Day Blog Daddy Jack!
I just wanted to say how much getting to know you has meant to me. You make me laugh out loud and cry with tears of endearment for your relationship with Susan.
Dad’s are a treasure and time goes by so quickly…..it is a blessing to have good memories to share and good times to create new memories.
I put out my Dad’s mug today….the one I gave him in 1986 for Fathers Day ….I will miss not being able to make him coffee in it, but we had him for 92 special years.
And so…..on every Dads special day…..special thanks to you Jack….for touching our hearts and giving us moments of joy and laughter….that remind us how special the times a Dad and daughter share really are.
Have a wonderful Sunday, filled with all the things you cherish……we will be looking forward to some Blog Daddy wit and wisdom. And thank you Susan for sharing your wonderful Dad with us all.
Happy Fathers Day! ♥ ♥ ♥
Such a lovely tribute to your Dad. Happy Father’s Day to him and all the other father’s out there. It’s not an easy job!
What a beautiful tribute to your Dad! Although my own Dad passed away 50 years ago, I still think of him often but especially every year on Father’s Day. He held the same old fashioned values that you appreciate in your Dad and I thank the Lord for every year he was in my life. So Happy Father’s Day to you Dad, and to you too, Mr. Stewart!
One can certainly tell by that first photo
that not only, were you your Dad’s prized pork chop
but the absolute apple dumpling of his eye !
And that photo of your Dad with your Potter critters –
talk about matinee’ idols…
WoWsa, WoWsa,
or as they say, in today’s lingo…he’s HOT !
Forget the pork chops,
did your Dad have any acting chops ?
I dare say, John Patrick Stewart could have easily given
Jimmy Stewart a run for his role as Donna Reed’s
HuBBa, HuBBa husband in “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
All kidding aside,
weren’t all the men of that generation incredibly handsome & gorgeous ?
I remember being in 4th grade and having the biggest crush
on Peter Lawford.
He had that British sing-song accent & was dashingly handsome.
When my Dad dressed up for special events,
I would watch as he
splashed himself in Old Spice
& put on his gorgeous brown, tweed sports jacket,
so “Peter Lawfordish”-
I never forgot that tweed jacket
and asked for it, following his departure from this earth.
It meant nothing to anyone else but everything to me & probably would have been donated to a charity, if I hadn’t requested it.
It is never far from my reach.
Please, don’t let those special things get lost or misdirected,
in the moment or years…these treasures tie everything together.
My mother was in the backyard hanging laundry,
when I decided to “show up”.
She couldn’t get into the car, leave alone the hospital-
My Dad brought me into the world
and so I was named after him—
another story, I never learned until I was almost 30.
When you feel there’s a special connection, an untold story-
dig a little deeper, don’t resist the temptation to twist fate
because usually, it works itself out, in unbelievable ways.
Happy Father’s Day to Susan’s delightful Dad, Jack
& thanks for the gift of your amazing daughter, Susan.
When it comes to producing Pork Chops, Pop….ya’ done did good !
I just realized our internet was back after a few days out and decided to check to see if you had a new blog up. And so I found this wonderful tribute to your Dad, which brought tears to my eyes, even as I type this. I won’t be the only one either when they read your blog. It brings back so many memories of my own dad, whose been gone since 1996 at age 85. My dad was a Jack of all trades too, could build anything we needed, fix electrical problems, lawnmowers, TVs(back when they had tubes). He loved fishing and camping and once turned an old school bus into a camper one year complete with all the comforts of home! He was a great dad and it was just Dad, Mom and myself. You are so blessed to have your dad, and all those siblings even if you had to share him. Thanks for sharing your tribute to him with us!
Happy Father’s Day, Dear Jack, our blog Dad!!
What a lovely tribute to your Dad and yes we all do adore Jack and think of him as our “virtual Dad”…just what he needed more kids??? haha I was a little too early I posted my Father’s Day Tribute to my Dad on the end of the last blog….Susan, we were so blessed to have such extraordinary Fathers and that would be my wish to all children….the comfort/security a Dad can give a child compares to non other than a loving Mothers of course. Dad’s especially hold a special spot in a daughter’s heart and mine will forever. Blessings to all Dads.
…ever so thoughtful you are….and to think that sometimes all we
really need……is for someone to Hold our hand. Hope you had a great
weekend too “indy-girl”….my Dad and husband went to the Indy 500
(dream-come-true for my Dad…..who built and street raced cars…had
quite the reputation…even with the police…a good one!!) Those were
the days…in a small town……full of corn…….and dreams waiting to come
true!
…….to just simply……hold our hand.
Hi Dawn, I got to talk to my Dad on F’day which was a big thrill for me because he just never answers the phone which gave me a chance to say to him what a wonderful Dad he is and how very much I love him….he is in failing health for the first time in his/my life and it is scary and sad at the same time. On June 30th he will be 92 and I just want him to be happy and not fretting about his age…Dad was in the AirForce for 20 yrs. and you talk about a “looker” so my first love of a man was him and I was his “lil pumpkin” the youngest of 4 and born in Japan!! I have been blessed to have had him in my life for so long and enjoy every day even though he is in FL and me in IN…..yes…to just simply….hold our hand.
Happy Father’s Day Jack……you deserve it.
And thank you back for being who and what you are — special. So special! And not just for me, but also for your Mom and Joe and a host of GirLfriends out there! We love you Su-ey ….. Dad and Jeanie
xoxo You guys have a wonderful day!
Sending BIG hugs your way. Have a HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
Happy father’s day Mr. Stewart…… What a lovely family of pork chops you have….. especially Susan, who is a very talented pork chop.
It’s been a privilege and lots of fun to be part of you blog, Susan…. it’s kind of like having a really fun place to go to everyday.
xoxoxoo
Happy Father’s Day, Jack! My Dad was also a WWII Navy man who married my beautiful mother on a weekend leave in 1945 (he was late as his ship was pulling out to sea and had to get a water taxi out to it!), and raised our family in CA after the War. Like you, he was strict (in a good way) but full of fun. We lost him a few years ago, but his spirit is with us always. I love reading your comments, which are wise and witty – an added bonus to Sue’s wonderful, wonderful blog. Best wishes, and thanks for being part of The Greatest Generation!
Your dad’s “pork chop proposal” reminds me so much of something Jimmy Stewart might have said in “It’s a Wonderful Life” — Happy Pork Chop Father’s Day to Jack! We all love “seeing your voice” here on your sweet Sue’s blog!
What a lovely tribute to your wonderful Dad! How lovely that your folks are still with you… I’m younger than you and lost my folks over 20 years ago, so I’m a bit envious. Reading about your dad reminds me of my own dad singing, laughing at tv shows, planting a garden, adding on a room to the house. Gosh, I miss him even more than I thought I did. Thanks for sharing your Dad with us.
What a great tribute to your Dad! I’m one of those who love to read his comments here and envy you for still having him around. My Dad was 45 when I was born and you and I are about the same age I think, and I’ve been without him for 10 years now. And miss him every day.
I love hearing about your family, especially you Father, whom you portray with all of the qualities a father should have – strict, strong, loving, fun, etc. If I am not being too intrusive, however, may I inquire about your Mother? I have not seen any mention of her in the present tense, and am wondering of she is still with us, as it were.
Best to you for a safe & fun voyage home – thank you for sharing the delightful posts; it is as if we were there right along with you.
JM
Oh yes, she’s great! You can read about her here …
I tried to follow your link but it came to a screen asking for a password?
I put it up again … let’s try this…
Thanks, that worked. And I had read that before….beautiful Susan:)
This one worked!!
Hi: in trying to connect to the link about your mother, WordPress pops up asking for username and password … ?
Hmm, don’t know why, but let’s try again! See if this works!
What a sweet tribute to your Dad Susan…..Happy Father’s Day Jack and to all the fathers out there, especially those who are following this fantastic trip to England!
Also, I just wanted to say a big Thank You to the girlfriends that mentioned the mystery series by author, Susan Wittig Albert, The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter. I had never heard of this series or this author, but I went to my local library and they, lo and behold to my delight, had several in the series!! I was able to get The Tale of Hill Top Farm and The Tale of Castle Cottage. That ought to keep me busy for awhile. Hill Top Farm tale is magnificent and so charmingly written. Susan you should consider writing books of this nature, wouldn’t that be fun?! I am thoroughly enjoying this first book in the series, almost as good as reading your about your travels in England! Love it all!
Happy Father’s Day to Jack! I only live about 90 miles south of Cottonwood. I so hope I have the good fortune of meeting you and your father someday. Susan, when you visit your Dad, is there any chance you will be doing a book signing somewhere near? Hugs to both of you!
Maybe when my new book the diary I’m working on, comes out!
I think San Diego would be a good place to do a book signing with your new book. Be glad to do anything I could to help and you seem to have LOTS of fans in this area.
OK, when the time comes, I’ll let every one know — maybe we’ll go by train and do a whistle stop book signing event!
Oh please, please, please stop by IN I live close to Indianapolis now and would love, love, love to meet you!!! Sorry about everything in 3’s (above) not sure why I am so excited it’s not like you said you WERE coming for a book signing now did you?? Maybe means just that!! I agree that so many of us that have connected from your blog would recognize each other from our names….how about doing some regional signings so many States at a time in a central location?? Just a friendly suggestion I can’t imagine you wanting to go state to state you do have a life (don’t you)? haha
How Fun! Would it be bad if I wished for the
whistle to actually “stop” and YoU had to stay
a “long” while longer when in Minnesota…….
YoU and the girls could come on over to my house!!! Bret could take Joe and the guys out for beer & burgers and then, I’m thinking…..
what else……Home Depot…..where they could
just take their t i m e to give us more
Girlfriend Time !!! I’m gonna go put this in my
Inspiration/Dream Book ! 😉
Oh boy, I would love that!
The train comes thru SW Florida too….and it’s nice in the winter:)
I’d love it too! Wouldn’t it be fun to meet everyone, especially when you recognize the names?! It would be one big party!!!
hi Cathy, may I ask how the wildfires are??
It all looks so scary and our news makes
it sound good…then bad…..all depending on the
Winds…..hope they end very soon!
What an adorable photo of you and your dad! Happy Father’s Day to Jack–whom we, who have lost our own dads, have adopted!!! You are of my dad’s era and have so much in common with him. You even sang the same songs! Thanks for your comments on Susan’s blog and for letting us get to know you! And thanks to Susan for sharing you!
Pat….excited to meet you! Does it work sometime after the 4th of July?
I have some family in town for a Bridal shower that I’m hosting……
just let me know, okay? And when I’m holding my Susan Branch book
(you think the summer one, since it’s summer?) I will also be holding
a can of salt & vinegar BOLD Blue Diamond almonds just for YOU……
🙂 hahahaha……now if we could just get Susan here for REAL!!!!
Oh girls I’m feeling left out but am so HAPPY that you two are getting together to meet….what a treat….may I ask Dawn what part of MN do each of you live? I have noticed some of the girls are becoming penpals not sure how they exchanged their addresses….emails would be easier don’t you think?? I would love to do that mainly because Susan has been so generous with allowing us to chat on her blog and having each others emails would just allow us to carry on these friendships….just let me know if you both are interested in becoming email buddies. I’m so excited you both are going to meet…have a wonderful visit.
Deborah, not sure how we can get each other’s email addresses…being email penpals sounds like a good idea if we could do that…there is, of course, “anywho.com” that sometimes works for postal addresses and tele. numbers. We could find each other probably rather easily but Dawn hasn’t divulged her last name, so…guess she will have to find us! 🙂 Okay, Dawn, the ball is in your court! 🙂
Hi Pat, we will figure it out and just curious what city in MN do you live in? I have a dear friend who was our Pastor who lived in MN and her family still does…sounds like a beautiful state and I think the people are just wonderful!!
Wherever did you find them in Minnesota? (the almonds!) 🙂 After the 4th sounds good! Would really be fun! By then my stupid shingles episode will be over and I won’t feel like Typhoid Mary. Okay, Dawn, do you know how to look up my tele. no.? Very easy to find, just try…call? And how are you guys dealing with all of this severe weather and rain we’ve been having–will it never stop??? If it isn’t storming, we’re having temperatures in the 80’s-90’s with high humidity. For those not living here, we’ve had so much severe weather in the last 2 weeks that our scared-of-storms little schnauzer is even getting sort of used to them! 🙂
Deborah–answer is St. Paul. So, what town do you live in in Indiana? 🙂 Incidentally, Dawn called me! We had a very nice chat and will meet for tea sometime in the future…
I live in New Whiteland, IN we moved here last October. Oh that was really nice you both got to talk…I saw on that website you mentioned above your name and Norman R. is that your husband?? I think they wanted $.95 to get more info. like your phone number but wasn’t sure if it was the right person. We do not have a landline only our cell phones so they won’t have our phone number listed. It is nice to meet up with girlfriends in the same areas…this has really been fun to blog on Susan’s site. Have a great weekend.
Dear Sue,
You’ll love the latest Country Living UK … they have an article on sheep racing! Brilliant fun.
xoxo, Priscilla
Do you know the songs “The Yellow Rose of Texas” and “Cowboy Joe”, too??? 🙂
You mean that one that start’s– Out in Arizona where the Cowboy’s are……
nothin’ there to guide you but an evening star
And the roughest , toughest one by far,
Is rag- time Cowboy Joe …!
Yes, that’s the one! I’m sitting here teary–can hear my dad’s voice in my head… “as he swings in the saddle on a horse, what a horse,…”. He also sang “The Yellow Rose of Texas”…I’m not sure why, maybe to make me giggle? I was a little cowgirl, enamored with Gene Autrey, Roy Rogers, and The Lone Ranger! I had a little cowgirl outfit complete with a hat. My parents were from Southern Iowa and moved to California when my dad was in the service–lived in Burbank and something-Park, I can’t quite remember the name. I have photos of him in uniform, too. So many stories Susan tells and photos she shows bring back memories–guess it was the same era! He loved Big Band music and I think one of his favorite songs was “Melody of Love”. When I would get bored and wiggly in church, he would pull a pen out of his shirt pocket and hand me his bulletin to draw pictures on the back. My dad had the same witty humor you do–he would make this quiet funny comment that could go over some people’s heads. He could see humor in situations that others couldn’t and also be very “punny”, making puns… My BFF Sandy met him when we moved to Minnesota when I was in the 7th grade and she reminds me of funny things he would say… All I can say is thanks for the memories… 🙂
Good Memories Pat! Buena Park?
Hmmm, don’t think so. Will ask Norm if he remembers from the stories my dad told. Norm is from Calif. so might remember. It is so funny when you show the old black and white photos of your family as they look exactly like the ones we have in our photo box… 🙂
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful !!!
Missing my own dad this year, but your post brings a smile to my face.
Thank you Susan 🙂
Susan, What a nice tribute to your Dad. My Dad was in the Navy in WWII, also, & he’ll be 89 in July. God bless them. I just finished reading all the girlfriends’ wonderful (& informative) comments about the Beatrix Potter visit & I’m speechless to add anything more, except to say a profound thank you for sharing it and bless your heart. I am really looking forward to seeing your English Diary. xxoo
My dad taught me to dance to The Tennessee Waltz. I stood on his feet and held onto his belt. He loved old westerns and cowboys too.
Keep enjoying your time in England.
Mine too except I think it was Peg of my Heart? song:)
Such fun to see the wonderful relationship you have with your amazing Dad, Susan! Jack, you bring joy to this blog and it’s always fun to see what will come out of your blog posts next! Happy Father’s Day to you and all our Dads!
Awww so sweet! I didn’t know about the pork chop family. Too cute! Does England celebrate Father’s day tomorrow as well? Probably a silly question but I never thought about it before. ha 🙂
It does!
I LOVE the “pork chop” story!!! And your dad is so handsome! I am one that has adopted him!!
I have a frame EXACTLY like the one your dad’s picture is in!! It was my mom’s, now it’s mine!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Thank you Susan. I do miss my father. He has been gone for 5 years now. All the wonderful things you mentioned about your father helped me remember the great things about mine.
Thank you, Susan, for letting us adopt your dad as our dad!! My dad died during the war on Christmas Day when I was only 9 months old, so I never knew him. I know he was a great tenor so knowing your dad likes to sing makes me like him, too. Thank you John for bringing Susan to us all. What a gift she is, and you obviously were “the Grand Pork Chop” for making a pork chop life that gave her such great memories. I hope your Fathers Day is wonderful, full of love and hugs from all your pork chops and “step-pork chops”, too.
Happy Fathers Day from Susan in Spokane, WA where Fathers Day was created by Sonora Smart Dodd whose home is just down the hill from where I live.
Love what you wrote about your dad. Happy Father’s Day, Jack! Yes, we so do love his “comments”. He is so funny. It’s truly incredible how we can always recoginize you in your photos no matter what age you were at the time! You don’t age at all!!!
Your Dad sounds absolutely wonderful! Is it too late for him to adopt me? Then I could be your sister! I’m an only child, so having 8 brothers and sisters would be really neat. 🙂
When I was little, I had a doll my Dad insisted on calling “Pork Chop’. I would laugh and tell him her real name, but it did no good!
Happy Father’s Day adopted blog Daddy. I wish I was part of the “pork chop family”. My family was a bit the same with all the fun we made. I have a headstart maybe because my name is also Susan Stewart. Happy Father’s Day Joe. Your kitty kids can’t wait for you to come home.
Is your middle name Anne (with an e)?
My middle name is May.
Susan,
I love the photo~ you were a pork chop! I love your daddy for being such a great dad! Happy Father’s Day John Patrick Stewart Jr.! Thanks for giving us Susan, I love her too.
What a beautiful tribute to your Dad!!! He must be very proud of you— and all his other pork chops!!!!!
Hi Susan
Yes, Happy Fathers day!!! What a wonderful day it will be. Loved your story about your Dad and the pork chop story 🙂
I lost my Dad last year so it will be sad without him. But I do have a wonderful husband that will be spoiled by our girls
I am loving all the updates from England
happy day Susan
deezie
A beautiful tribute to a most wonderful father. I love the Patti Page Tennessee Waltz – my Dad bought it for me when I was just nine and I never tire of it. Thank you for sharing.
I so enjoyed your post about your Dad (our blog Daddy). I don’t have my Dad this year for Father’s Day, and yes, I’ve adopted yours. (I was hoping you didn’t mind that we borrow him on occasion). He’s so much like my Dad-fun, handsome, great sense of humor, smart, a navy guy that loved to cook, and he had all the answers. I miss my Dad so much. I cried when “Tennessee Waltz” played. Hard to hear some of this stuff now. Hope our Dad’s realize how important they are to us. So Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there; and especially to our very own blog Daddy, your Dad. Love him! xo
What a sweet photo of you and your father and all the sweet memories you’ve shared! Count me in the club who are fortunate enough to have such wonderful dads (and moms)…today my family members have gathered from near and far to celebrate both my father’s 82nd birthday as well as Father’s Day (a day early)….
Happy Fathers Day to all the wonderful dads out there!!
Your Daddy was quite a good looking fellow in his day……. I can see where you got your looks and from all you have mentioned, also your talent.
The “Tennessee Wlatz” by “Patty Page” is a classic. Love It!
Well little pork chop, hope your trip is still hitting the high notes, but ready to come back when your trip is over. This has been fun but miss the regular routine of your daily blog. For sure by now you are ready for hearth and home and everthing familiar, Girl Kitty^.^ & Jack ^.^ and all your friends on the Island. I fly and when we see the shores of “America”, there is such a welling up in my throat and eyes that words can’t explain except one return trip, I wanted to kiss the ground. No matter how far we wonder there is no place like home.
We get to sail past the Statue of Liberty coming home!
…..the Statue of Liberty !!!! Home !!!! I dream of seeing Her
someday….I wish I “knew” my ancestors who traveled to
America. I always wonder if they were excited for a new
life…running away from an old life…arriving with a family in
tow….or alone with the whole USA waiting to say, “Hello!”
I think, they were Excited…& ready to explore the new world! oH, the stories they would be able to tell us! And hopefully, when they got settled in somewhere, they felt
as if they were finally…Home!!! Sue….it must be quite a
lump-in-your-throat-moment to see Her coming into view!!!!!
Susan…..are you just the Happiest????
and my Glads these days……..still thinking corn!
I actually am the happiest! 🙂 Finishing a new post I started yesterday, GORGEOUS morning here in Jolly Olde, have a beautiful dog at my feet, birds singing outside yes, very happy! Hope you are too, and having sweet dreams!
I love when your Dad comments- he seems really lovely. I thought his story about you the other day was really sweet. Happy Father’s Day, Jack! xx
…and thanks Jack for giving us our girlfriend Susan who helps make our world a much nicer place. You must be so proud and who can blame you. I wish you a wonderful Father’s Day Jack and hope it’s spent with all those who love you – your family and us girlfriends along on the trip with you! ♥
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your wonderful father-daughter memories!!
Happy Father’s Day to you, Jack! Yes, you are a wonderous dad and human being. I can tell and have been told by many that I’m truly good at knowing things like that about people. Thanks for being part of the posts. I do enjoy your contributions. All the best to you.
What a blessing to have such a caring, strong, talented and loving father!
Your dad certainly is a looker!! Happy Father’s Day to you John Patrick Stewart Jr. 🙂
What a handsome father you have Sue. No wonder you’re so cute! Know what you mean about living with the singing of birds. Beautiful day here in sunny CA. Windows are all open, birds are as happy as I am & singing their little heads off. We have a few resident Mockingbirds who sing all night long. Most people detest them. We love to hear them. I feed the birds each day. They return their gift to us by giving us their daily songs. Keep listening to those English birds, reveling in the gift they’re presenting to you. Sondra
Wow Susan….your dad is a “looker” as they used to say…handsome! My dad went to heaven last year, he was a looker too…and a Navy man….I’ll enjoy ,you sharing yours! Thanks! PS…I love pork chops too!
Susan,
It is difficult to type with tears in my eyes. I loved your Father’s Day letter. It sounds a lot like what I would have written, but lost Dad to cancer. I wrote a book about our last three years together. I read that for Father’s Day. He too loved the Tennessee Waltz, along with a lot of other classics. He’d sit and strum his guitar to the songs.
Just celebrated my birthday and guess what my thoughtful husband got me….. three Beatrix Potter figurines to add to my collection in my Bunny Room (which is also our guest room). Enjoying your/our England trip immensely!
Happy Birthday you lucky girl!!
Happy Father’s Day, Jack!!!
Priscilla from So CA living in SDakota
This brought back many memories of my dad!! It was “The Wizard of Oz”.. and the love of horses with my dad and I. I still collect items of both! Thank you, Thank you!!! Have a continued happy trip Susan, and safe travels home!
What a great tribute to your father, Susan 🙂 I can feel the love popping out of this post you made ………….
Love the little story of “pork chops”.
Gosh, you know how lucky you are to still have your Dad around to share memories with. I lost mine when he was just 65 years young from a major heart attach and I miss him so much I still cry just thinking about him and what a wonderful Dad he was. So Happy Father’s to ALL Dad’s in the ‘Here and Now’ and in the ‘Gone but Not Forgotten’. P.S. Mine used to love to do a wild tap dance. Hugs, C
Lovely tribute to your dad. Loved the pictures and the ones on Twitter.
I have tried and tried to make the crusted potatoes, but just can’t seem to get them right.
She said she started them directly from the fridge, cold, into a hot oven.
Thanks. I’ll try that.
Susan,
Yes, have so enjoyed your father’s comments. He certainly has a fine sense of humor. Dad’s are the greatest! We are so lucky to to have my dad who will be 82 this year and my father-in-law who will be 92 this year. We are taking them out to dinner tomorrow with all of the family. By the way- love the picture of you and your Daddy! So cute!!
Jan
What a wonderful tribute to your father … he sounds as special as my Dad, who is 88 years old and still going strong. Your posts always put a smile on my face and sunshine in my heart.
Happy Fathers Day Jack! You are our blog Daddy. Susan, thanks for sharing him.
No doubt about it Susan, your dad is a very special man! Both of your parents obviously did an outstanding job raising YOU. I love the comments from your Dad and read every word he writes. Happy Father’s Day Jack! Thank you for sending us Susan Branch! xoxo ♥
GoodEvening Sue, Okay……pass the tissue box my way. Thank you for sharing more about your (Dad-Jack)……such a “heartfelt” post. I do enjoy your Dad’s quick witted comments. I am reminded of my own (Dad) he had a great sense of humor as well. Tommorrow is the seventh anniversary of my Dad’s passing which happens to fall on Father’s Day this year. My Dad also was in (WWII in the Army). My Dad was one of (14 children). I still have my Dad’s old guitar he use to sing to me and he played the piano too and whistled tunes. He loved the old country songs and westerns on tv. He loved doing crossword puzzles and could do them so quickly which amazed me. He could recite poetry at a drop of the hat. Tell great jokes, you name it. My Dad loved the outdoors and taught me how to garden from a very early age. I am the youngest of three in our family so I was Dad’s favorite….although he was so good to all of us. There was so much history I grew up learning from my Dad and till this day…..I love History. My Dad was such a people person……so kind. My Dad was my hero and I truly miss him.
To Jack…….Happy Father’s Day to You…..and thank you for sharing your fantastic Sue with all of us…..for all she has given us true fans of hers!
Thanks once again Sue for sharing this Father’s Day Tribute.
Hugs & Smiles………Barb…Ludlow, MA
Actually it’s Sue sharing everything with us , even her girlfriends with me , so I can
have some fun getting in on the act too ………
What a beautiful tribute to a man well loved Susan!
and he certainly looks the handsome man about town in that pic doesn’t he…..don’t you Dad!? 🙂 Hope you have the best of days!
You got that right —- babe !
We are unleashing a monster. xoxo
Ha !
Sesame Street has the “Cookie Monster”,
the Susan Branch blog
has the “Pork Chop Monster”-
he’s fun, he’s silly, he’s infectious.
Pass the applesauce !
Pork Chop Monster Blog Daddy.
Susan, you are too funny!!! LOL! 🙂
I love what you said about your Dad. I had a great Daddy too. I missed him today with his practical one liners that would just put everything in perspective.
We’ve been very blessed …I’m grateful.
Happy Fathers Day…xoxo
What a wonderful way to honor dad! Yours sounds like the best! Happy Father’s day Mr. Stewart!!
You can call me Juan ……
What a perfect tribute…you are so lucky to have each other!
xoxo,
queenmum
I am very moved by your post about your dad.
I did not have that growing up. My dad was too dysfunctional because of his upbringing and he died at at 56, before we had a chance to patch things up. I have done so in my heart and hope he knows.
Thank you so much for sharing your dad.
♥♥♥
Sue
Lots of dads never know what really important people they are! xoxo Happy to share, he has enough for everyone!
What a great tribute to your dad. My dad was a special, wonderful man too, and I miss him very much.
Aren’t we blessed indeed for the wonderful childhoods we had. Happy Father’s Day to all those dads who put their familys first. 🙂
Sure wish I had my Dad with me. He has been gone for 46 years now and I still miss him. Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there.
Happy Father’s Day Mr. Stewart! Thank you for being who you are!
And thank you back Ms.Trish and please it’s hi Jack , see ya Jack , or what ever remember ,
we have a special blog relationship going here and that makes us fully blended in
frendship…..
….have you ever been “the other Jack”? He answered my
question about artichokes and I have never seen him again.
I’ve always wondered if it was You aka “the other Jack” or
if he’s out there somewhere?
Don’t remember your question about artichokes, Dawn…We love the reaction at the supermarket checkout when we buy them: “Whatever are these and what do you do with them?” I love to tell them they are a big thistle bud actually… 🙂
I, too, thought my Daddy hung the moon. He died way too early in 1980 at age 65 and people still say about him, “what a sweetheart of a guy!” He made a difference in people’s lives by doing the simplest things…..a smile, a candy or pack of peanuts (he called them “goobers”) from his pocket, always lending a hand, a long funny story, a hand on your shoulder, such a good listener with his blue eyes glued on you, and he often said, “come look!” as he shared his pleasure in small discoveries…and I always thought he looked like Paul Newman…a dreamboat! I love being his daughter! I’m enjoying getting to know your dad and your relationship with him. Happy Father’s Day, Jack! Now here’s the important question for your Pork Chop Family……did you serve your chops with brown gravy or milk gravy? As always, DonnaRay
Ummm Gravy ! You. Sure do know your men Donna Ray and how about both kinds ?—Gravy , the elixir of the food world …makes an old boot a delicacy and also …..
Please let me take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you Step
Daughters out there on Sue’s blog , for your wonderful , thoughtful Fathers Day wishes , to myself and to all your very own Dads ……today gives all children a moment to reflect on their lives and to feel the goodness of this day welling up in their hearts …..even at 89 , in August , as I bring back the emotional presence of my own father , I can sense that special feeling of appreciation for all he was in my life .
So , as we pursue our own personal issues on this Fathers Day let me send you
“Kids” out there , all the love and caring that each and every one of you is feeling
today , for your own very dear Fathers and thank you again for taking time to comment on Sue’s blog!
Jack, are you sure you want 2,000 more step daughters?? you are such a dear man and you truly do spark a connection with me when I read your comments to Susan. I can hear my Dad in your teasing banter and it makes me happy that Susan allows all of us to share in the special bond both of you share. Thank you for sharing your Dad with all of us Susan you are his #1 pork chop, and Jack I have to vote on milk gravy not very often but once in awhile it is just heaven. Blessings
Happy Father’s Day to Jack! (if I may be so bold!). Your notes are such a delight..I can see why your first little pork chop is so talented..(I’m sure the rest are as well!)
I hope you enjoy a lovely day hearing from the pork chop clan! CHEERIO, PIP PIP PAP!
Laugh!
Dear Mr. Jack,
Thinking of You today. . . . . . . and wishing YOU a
APRICOT-GLAZED BRAISED. . . . . . “PORK CHOPS” kinda day!!!
(a recipe from Katie Lee Joel: the Comfort Table)
1 cup chicken stock
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/4 cup apricot jam
2 Tablespoons olive oil
6 boneless center-cut pork chops (about 1 1/4″ thick), trimmed of fat
salt & pepper
1 garlic clove, smashed
1 bay leaf
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, mustard, vinegar, & jam.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork
chops with salt & pepper. Place the pork chops in the hot oil and brown about
3 minutes per side.
Remove the pork chops from pan and set aside. Add the chicken stock mixture
to the pan and deglaze the pan, scraping up the brown bits with a wooden spoon.
Add the garlic clove and bay leaf. Reduce heat to a simmer. Return the pork
chops to the pan, cover and braise until just cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Transfer the pork chops to a serving dish and tent lightly with foil to keep
warm. Discard the garlic and bay leaf. Bring the liquid to a rapid boil and
reduce to a thick glaze, about 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt & pepper.
Pour the glaze over the pork chops and serve.
Happy Father’s Day to you…………..XoXDawn
Sounds delicious!!! Great Father’s Day gift!
Thanks Dawn! Just copied it into my favorite recipe file. Can’t wait to try it. Sounds yummie!
🙂
Yum !,– such a daughter ! and rest assured I will be making this , even if I have to call on my own dear wife for help in the kitchen !
awww….”two” in the kitchen ? Sounds like “date-night”
to me ! Jack+Jeanie……dancing & cooking & looking for a
spoon & dancing some more……..hey, what’s for dessert?
I’m thinking that if you have any Ben & Jerry’s left…………
“oH-Yum”……favorite flavor? Me?….Cherry Garcia and Bret?
it’s Heath Bar Crunch all the way!!!! Yours???
Thanks, Dawn! This looks good! Norm loves apricots so I’ll try this soon! 🙂
Dawn,
I always seem to end up with dry tough pork chops…ugh! ( Should have tried “gravy” I guess…….Jack said gravy could make an old boot taste good…LOL. )
So thanks for the recipe…..I can’t wait to try it!
Deb
Deb, in my vast experience with “pork chops” I have found the boneless chops tend to get tough when fried or grilled? (any meat with the word “loin” means less fat and a higher quality of meat) Now, a bone in a chop just tends to make them more tender when they are cooked….I will say if you put the boneless ones even the butterfly chops once browned in the oven covered with gravy or even cream soup they will be very tender. I just suggest a pork chop with a bone in for frying on top of the stove!! Give it a try and let me know what you think. Also, for a healthier version and fall off the bone tender try cooking in a crockpot with cream soup…yummy……Not an expert just from experience!!
Deborah, “healthier version” cooked in a cream soup??? LOL!!! 🙂
Yes my dear friend the 98% fat free soups of course!!! I guess healthier version in being slow cooked vs FRIED…..it would be really healthy with a tomato based sauce wouldn’t it??
LOL ….I know….makes me think he is Really good at making
gravy!!!! Must be the recipe in Susan’s book! 🙂
My, he is handsome! He must be so proud of you, and all the other pork chops! Lost my own dad 3 years ago, but have some wonderful memories. Your description of your dad laughing at Barney’s single bullet, reminded me of how my dad loved that show and The Honeymooners! Do you remember that one? He loved Art Carney! Thanks for leading me down that memory lane!
What a sweet picture! You’re as cute as ever! I have enjoyed your blog posts tremendously….living vicariously through them. <3
You are blessed to still have your Dad. Love his remarks.
Mine is waiting.with my mom in the presence of God for my arrival. The Lord only know when that will be. In the meanwhile I am thankful for the Dad my husband has been and the wonderful Dad our son is to our favorite granddaughter, never mind she is our one and only grand. XOXOXO