Halloooooo out there in realities-ville; here we are, right this moment, in suspended animation in middle of surreal Atlantic Ocean. This is what it looked like driving up to the ship on Sunday. Look how badly the Queen Mary 2 wants to get going! She is straining at those ropes!
She is happy now, doing what she does best; we are steaming right along, through blue sky and sea; making a beeline for home. It’s been hard to get on the internet girlfriends, sorry — that I can get on at all is quite a little miracle, yesterday I couldn’t even get the screen to come up; I think I might not be the only one on this ship doing a blog! But I got up early this morning to beat the traffic, so here I am, and hopefully, here I will stay for a while! It is cozy in our little cocoon this morning; here’s what’s playing on the TV here in the room, very quietly not to wake everyone up; for your morning enjoyment, French music …. they think of everything around here! ♥
Lots of tears saying good bye to England; but it was a gorgeous day to float out to sea. If there is a softer, gentler, more romantic way to travel than aboard an ocean liner like the Queen Mary 2, I can’t think of what it might be! It’s like living in a really good dream!
What a surprise for us to find this special box of chocolates and bottle of champagne waiting in our room . . . if you have time today, and you’re on Twitter, I think it would be a great surprise it you could drop a Tweet to @LisaPageUK and tell her how MUCH we are loving these champagne truffles, how they are melting in our mouth! How we especially love them at breakfast. Tell her we are saving the champagne to toast the Statue of Liberty when the Queen Mary 2 sails gallantly, as I know she will, into New York Harbor on Sunday. ♥
In the meantime we are ensconced and cozy in our little room, with the door open, the salt air is putting us out at night like lights; we are walking the promenade around the ship every day, Petey is happy, we are happy . . . and . . .
Oh dear . . . you know what girls? I hate to disappoint you, but this isn’t working; so far I have uploaded 17 photos, this is all I’ve managed to get to come up, and they are taking forever! I just got up to make another cup of tea and realized I am turning into a nut with this . . . so, see that bed, I am getting back into it! I’m rereading Sense and Sensibility and enjoying it so much, there is no reason I should be fighting city hall!
But, no matter how long it takes, I have to show you one more picture . . . here goes.
Taaa-daaaa, 15 minutes later, I got it!!! People can bring their dogs on the ship, but they have to stay in a kennel. They get to come out twice a day, and this was yesterday. One little bulldog is not happy, look at that face!!! I love it there are animals on board! We took lots of photos of them, but this one sort of broke my heart.
Soon we will be home; I’ll be in my studio with the window open looking out on my picket fence garden and, slowly but surely, the rest of the story will unfold . . . I will tell you, at leisure and with relish, all about going to Jane Austen’s house, Dove Cottage, and all the rest. I will show you Rachel’s beautiful bedroom wallpaper! I will show you the stone cottage at Siobhans! I have a WONDERFUL surprise that I’ve been saving for you . . . wonderful wonderful . . . Have we not had a ball girlfriends? Your comments made it so much fun for me! You are lovely traveling companions . . . I never felt alone the whole time! I’ll see you all back on Martha’s Vineyard; give me a little time for unpacking, let me dip my brush into some watercolors and do some more doodling for the English Diary; I can’t wait to walk out to the opening on the pond, roll around with Jack and Girl Kitty a little bit, cook something pub-ish in my own kitchen; have tea with my girlfriends, hear the screen door slam a couple of times. K, g’night girlfriends, back to the adventures of the Dashwood girls and that handsome Mr. Willoughby who feels that Elinor is “using him unkindly.” I think not! ♥
My sister Peggy and I returned on June 13 from our 17 day trip to Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland…….a memorable trip with so many moments we will never forget……a joy to be back in Republic of Ireland and a privilege to be in Northern Ireland for the first time – we learned so much. A bit of that “vacation is over sadness”…..but I had the happiness of “catching up” on all your blog posts….. so familiar to me after 5 long trips to the UK for both work and pleasure….you write with such love about a one of a kind country:)….how quickly can you finish that journal and get it published????? Still grieving over the loss of my dearest friend in January – but wear her claddaugh pendant everyday so a bit of K. went to Ireland with me…..and there is nothing like a sisters love to help with healing….Thank you Peggy! Welcome almost Home Susan….thanks for taking us along:)
Have a lovely, cozy trip home! xoxoxo P.S. I selfishly hope you are in MV for autumn. 🙂
We selfishly have really decided not to be anywhere else Dawn, we were away last year, big mistake!!!
And I too Dawn are so glad! Susan, MV & autumn go hand in hand in hand! Looking sooo forward to it as I do every year! Just wanted to say also that your blog is on my favorites list too Dawn just love your photo’s! xx
Susan, It can’t be over! I have enjoyed our trip so much. Thank you for sharing with us! Can’t wait to hear more about the diary.
Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us. I cannot tell you how much I’ve appreciated the chance to relive a few of the places….and see the new ones you and your husband visited. Your blog link is on my front page….and it’s been the first thing I look at when I open the internet each time……not my gmail, not the weather….I’ve gone straight to your wonderful trip. The photos, the lambs, the gardens, the teas with clotted cream, and all the wonderful places you visited. Truly a trip of a lifetime…..sigh, maybe someday again soon I can get my Mom or a friend to go again.
Safe sailing home…and I know just how you feel about getting there to see your animals. I just returned home to my kitties…..and yours will be so happy to see you!!
Cheers!
Jan from Northern CA
Yay US! We Did It!
Yay US! We did it! We certainly did!
Yay US! We did it! In bags we all hid.
We sailed the QM, right out of New York
Cham-pagne poured and opened… Wheee! POP went the cork!
The Statue of Liberty waved as we passed
It happened so quickly, we were sea bound at last
All 12 bags and Petey, plus stowaway friends
Headed off to adventures around every bend
Long dresses and tuxes across the great pond
Pure magic on water like a wave from a wand
Our dreams were unfolding. A super moon rose
To shine on our happiness right down to our toes
Did I mention England? Oh My, what a treat!
There were tea rooms and fun pubs with good things to eat.
Stone walls and meadows with flowers, and sheep
Hill Top and Beatrix, there was no time to sleep
Union Jack bunting, the Queen’s Jubilee
Six decades and counting. Let’s all have some tea.
With 10,000 pictures there’s so much to share
Surrounded by beauty and joy everywhere
We’re now settled in, sailing back on the ship
A hand painted diary will capture the trip
Yay US! We did it! Pack hairbrush and comb!
Yay US! We did it! We’re headed towards home!
Thank You Dear Girlfriend!!! You’ve enriched our lives.
XOXO
Farm Girl Georgie from Yardville, NJ
Brilliant poem!!! It was excellent traveling with you. 🙂
Due to my time constraints on the internet, I didn’t get to say GOOD JOB Georgie, yesterday!!! So here it is today, I’m with you Kathy!
You guys are just wonderful! I have tears in my eyes. This trip has been so much fun. My heart has a new love for England… AND for girlfriends of Susan Branch everywhere! Isn’t it life changing to travel together!!! I can’t wait for the Diary Susan. There is already a place on my nightstand waiting 😉
Georgie! Thank you for a beautiful expression of what “traveling with Susan” has meant. It’s clear you’ll remember this trip forever and always, and so will we all!
Yes, agree! Very clever — captures it all for us.
Thanks Kathy!!! We sure had fun, didn’t we??? I plan on going back through all the blogs of the trip and re live everything. I wish there was a were to print them out!!!
Love it Georgie!! x
Patricia!
Remember everyone getting on Twitter to watch Susan sail into the NY Harbor! I’m so glad tohavemet you through the magic of Susan’s trip!
xoxo Georgie
Hi Georgie! Yes, we had a terrific time enjoying England “all together”! Your poem is very Dr. Seuss-ish!
I wish we could print out the blogs and all the comments too. If you know of a way to do that Susan, we would appreciate your passing it on to us! But if not, please leave all these posts and comments up for a good long while or archive them, PLEASE. I want to reread all of them when I get the Diary so I revisit the whole experience all over again—I bet I’m not the only one!!
Maybe Susan will consider incorporating Georgie’s poem near the front of her new English Diary? It would certainly tie in all the girlfriends who went on the trip with her and Joe. Well done Georgie, loved it!
Georgie… ‘you did’ it alright! Loved the poem and I agree…. Susan, it would be so great it you could have the poem in the book.
Carol M
Hi Kathy!
Thank-You for your kindness!!! Dr Seuss and I go way back… all the way to Green Eggs and Ham! LOL! Writing the poem was such fun! Traveling with ALL the Girlfriends was a blast!
Now, soon we will have Susan’s Journal in our hands to relive our trip!
Georgie from NJ
oH Georgie girl!!! You have captured our English travels to a tea!!! If it is
okay…I would like to print this poem and put it in a very special place…..
my Susan Branch Diary of England Book! “Thank You” for sharing your
thoughts with us…..kind of like the suitcase…..magic! XoXDawn
Yes, Dawn! Georgie, we could print your poem and then have all of the traveling “Girlfriends” sign it as a memento for Sue … think how much fun that would be!
Super fun Georgie – thanks!!!
Thanks so much Judi!!! Isn’t is exciting we get to relive the trip over and over again!!!
Georgie
Terrie! Your comments are making me smile! 🙂 I am tickled that the poem brought joyand memories of our travels together.
Wouldn’t it be fun to have a special reunion of all the girlfriends… our own little convention/retreat Where Susan could show slides/powerpoint of her trip. We would all wear our jammies, stay up late and talk into the wee hours of the morning, and Susan could sign our books!
We could even make the recipes she will have in her Journal!!!
xoxo Georgie from NJ
Hi Dawn! Isn’t it fun to see the next chapter of the journey unfold! Susan’s journal is almost done! How exciting! Thanks for your kind comments about the poem! I can still remember the happy tears in my eyes as I wrote it, realizing while the journey was ending, it would live on giving us memories as though we were there… all of us together!
xoxo
Georgie from NJ
Georgie……
That was Jolly Good Fun! Brilliant! and SO clever………thanks for your poetry and wit……you really summed it up…..this trip was a PIP!
Deb
Hi Deb! I am just now revisiting Susan’s blogs about “our” wonderful trip together. What FUN! I agree! It was JOLLY GOOD FUN!!! A PIP indeed!
Georgie
Susan!
Just last year you shared with us about your birthday present.. .you and Joe would be traveling to… ENGLAND!
Just this past week, in WILLARD, you announced the presale of your journal, “A Fine Romance” It’s happening! You’ve come full circle. The girlfriends will get to take the trip all over again, and again. We even have a cute little lamb bookmark to keep us company as we relive our journey together.
Yay YOU! YOU DID IT!!!
Congratulations!
xoxo Georgie
162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch//newsletters/2013-2/
http://shopping.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch//A-Fine-Romance–
162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch//wp-content/uploads/2013/02/LambBookMark.pdf
Your beautiful vacation has been such a great ride !!!! My husband was born in England, we have 2 very old Petey dolls from his visits back to see family. His Uncle has done an amazing family tree and wants us to come visit. My daughter was in York for a semester in College & had tours of old family homesteads….she has Loved following your trip too !!!! Thank you so much for sharing & I hope to have an amazing adventure like yours someday !!!!
Words fail me to try to express how thankful I am that you took the time to include all of us in your wonderful trip!! How I have delighted in it!! I can hardly wait till your ENGLISH DIARY comes out!!!
Enjoy your reading!!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Oh, dear! Truly bittersweet, I’m feeling. Needing to return to the cat and his aloofness, but wishing to have more time to wander through the countryside.:-(
But – the sailing is grand, and Queen Mary I will pull into port in no time! ‘Twill be a wonderful welcoming home we’ll have!
Have no worries about the Internet connections. It will all work out when you are stateside.:-)
xoxo
Nellie
Oops! Should have said “Queen Mary II!” Proofreading is important!:-)
Hi Susan!
This has been the most wonderful “virtual tour” I’ve ever been on. Thank you for allowing us to tag along. Please be sure to thank Joe, too, for sharing you with us.
Safe travels to you both!
What a wonderful trip this has been – and continues to be — pink champagne truffles! Oh my! That is truly traveling in style. Is it too late to wish you ‘Bon Voyage?’ Wishing you smooth sailing, then – and a happy homecoming with Jack and GirlKitty. Thank you again and again for taking us all along!
Will quiet down now and duck back behind the luggage, till the coast is clear and we hear ‘Land ho!’
i’m wondering if the Queen Mary 2 might be feeling a little like home at this moment. i think it’s extreemely Cool that the crew have been aware of your blog. To me it’s as good as meeting the Queen herself..A whole ships compliment following your adventure!
YaY! Give a toast to the crew for Us please!
Of course we are Twitterpated (without twitter, even:) with the lovelyness of it all.
Dreams come true.
Welcome (Soon to be) Home!
Thanks for having us along with you…it’s been Grand!
Blessings & Buzz’z
*k.B & B.B
Susan
Its says 124 comments, however its only showing 13? something happen so I thought I tell you! Ok God Bless
The secrets of “why” are always beyond me . . . I never know what the blog gremlins will do here . . . I hope they’re all showing now!!
What a wonderful, picturesque journey! Thank you for sharing this trip with us. It made me feel like I was there with you, and made me wish I was. Only you could describe everything is such a way it became real.
It was a wonderful trip and thakyou again for taking us along but I bet you are glad to get home ! Lovely photos and post as always ! Safe trip and see you at home !
How I have enjoyed coming along with you. I must talk my husband into taking this cruise for our next big anniversary (our 30th is coming up soon!) Love the music, and that photo of the dogs broke my heart! The big lug looks so…resigned.
Thank you for taking us along for the ride. Reading your blog is always like a warm hug.
Pam
Thank you so very much for taking us with you. I thoroughly have enjoyed each and every day, and now understand the “England in me” too. Hurry home. Can’t wait ’til you publish the Diary.
Your blog is such a delight and very bright spot in my days, and this trip to England has been such magic! Just think of you on this fabulous ship in the middle of the ‘other big ocean’ (as opposed to the Pacific I can see when I glance up and look out the window), snuggled in bed reading Sense and Sensibility (what, not snuggled in a deck chair?!) warms my heart. Particularly since I’m a bit blue today since learning this morning that Norah Ephron is no longer with us on the planet, and she is one of my heroines! I just watched Sleepless in Seattle a little while ago. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy Susan and Joe! Savour every moment, just like those wonderful truffles! Smooth and happy sailing!
Dear Susan, I have been enjoying your posts from Merry Old England, but I feel like a voyeur! Ive been only reading and looking at your pretty photos, and writing no comments at all. (Rather feel like a person leaving a restaurant without paying the bill!) I hope you know how much you mean to us all, and what a fine fun trip we have had, tagging along with you and Joe on the Queen Mary. A chance of a lifetime for most of us! All I can say is THANK YOU, THANK YOU! 🙂 And welcome back home!
Have LOVED all of it! Thanks SO much. Wonder why the little bulldog was sad? Sad to leave England, sad to have to have to go back to the kennel? Hhmph? Oh well-he got to ride the QE 2 and I didn’t, I don’t think I’ll feel too bad for him!
Oh Susan this trip you have taken has been so wonderful, I have enjoyed every minute of your writings. Coincidently my husband and I are getting on the Queen Mary II as you get off to take a short six day trip up to Halifax NS and back, this will be our first time on this ship and you have given me such a wonderful preview. Thank you so much, I am so excited for you and Joe and also for me and my John. Thank you!!!!!!!!!
Oh Susan…your trip, our trip to England has been wonderful. Thank you so much for all the effort and time you put into sharing it with us. For the 1st time in all my years, 71 of them, I almost feel as if I’ve been in England. The short videos made it so real to me. Loved the fields full of lambs….awesome. Loved the stone homes, fences, etc. and all the flowers everywhere. And also enjoyed your photos of the ship….makes me feel as if I’ve been on a cruise for the first time. You have enriched my life. Just how can I say a thank you big enough for that?
Love,
and may God bless you continually,
Jane Alexander
Mmmmmmm Yummy, chocolate truffles……do I have any on my face?……..No…….Okay. Back up on deck, race you around the promanade. Last one back has to buy the drinks and do the funky monkey on the dance floor tonight!……. Put on your clam diggers and a little top when you land, we’re having a hemungus heat wave here (in the high 90s) and it’s supposed to last all the way into next week! Hugs from NJ……
The 90’s? I haven’t gone a day without a sweater since we left. Well, maybe those 2 days in London, but we’ve been bundled up the whole time, raincoats, hats, jackets. I don’t know how to deal with 90’s!
101 here in IN today this isn’t suppose to happen we don’t live in TX…we are scorched here no rain since May 1st and none in sight and then there is FL so much rain from Tropical Debby I was so worried about my parents in all of that; but, they survived. Wildfires in CO we are in a very odd weather pattern and there isn’t a thing we can do about it. The Lord’s Will.
We’ve been evacuated from Woodland Park due to the Waldo Canyon fire. We are up at Mueller State park (11 miles away) in our Airstream, hoping to return… 356 homes destroyed in the Springs Tuesday nIght. Due to better weather the past two days, the fire is now 15% contained. Big thanks to our firefighters and the coordinated efforts of the state, local, federal governments and the military!!
The good news: 70s during the day, 50s at night!!:)
Wow Susan! It has been such a scary thing to
watch and very sad! Hope it is 100% contained
and over with soon! “Take Care” and everyone
involved is in my thoughts and prayers.
Hot here, too, and from the weatherman’s map, it is all over the U.S. How to deal with it? Lots of ice tea and water, as few clothes as you can get away with wearing and still be “decent”, and seek out air conditioning–all of this with a good book to read! LOL! 🙂 Seriously, you won’t be needing your sweaters when you get home…
Hi Pat ! Are ya “decent?” Stay cool and when Norm
asks, “what’s for dinner?” You can say ICE CREAM!!!
🙂
I’m staying cool–working on peeling wallpaper in the small upstairs bathroom. Air conditioning vent in there–you shut the door and it is like working in a cooler. Best idea yet to deal with the heat! LOL! 🙂
My heart sank a bit when we left England! : – ( I’ll miss it all! But thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing with us! And we still have your home adventures to look forward too!
I can’t thank you enough for taking me with you to England! My ancestors were actually on the Mayflower (they are mentioned in the book “Mayflower” by Nathaniel Philbrick), and I’ve always wanted to get a glimpse of where they came from, knowing I will probably never be able to go to England myself. I’m so happy you had a wonderful time, and I know your sweet kitties are looking forward to your return home. Thank you again!
I had people on the Mayflower too Missy, which I think about out here — things have changed, comfort-wise, in crossing the ocean!
I read that book last autumn- highly recommend!
Missy and Susan- I have Mayflower peeps in my heritage too! And I agree….what a difference their voyage must have been! In fact, one of my ancestors was blown overboard during a storm and they were able to rescue him by throwing a log over and he caught that and was hauled back to safety! I am glad that you are having much smoother sailing, Susan!
I had a relative on the Mayflower, also!!! That is just too cool, that Missy, Susan, Noel and I had relatives that knew each other way back then!!! Wowee!!!! 😀
From Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Hi Sue, Ooh that musica has a great beat…..just don’t understand a word of it, can you translate for us! The water looks so calm and would be nice to go for a swim right about now. Any idea what the water temps are? Its just humid here right now after a really nice day with a cool breeze. Heat wave on the way for the weekend….or I should say a humidity wave. I love the pictures of the dogs so cute…. Had a surprise in my yard this morning…..a Doe…likes to eat the greens on the edge of the yard. Thats fine as long as she does not start on the garden…yikes! Glad you, Joe, and Petey are all cozy and relaxing and enjoying your truffles! Enjoy!
To all the girlfriends in Colorado with the fires……your in my prayers and to all the girlfriends in Florida affected by tropical storm Deb……your in my prayers to. Hang in there girlfriends……if you need anything let us know…..people care!
Hugs & Smiles………Barb, Ludlow MA
Thanks for your prayers, Barb.
Breaks my heart to see what these bizarre weather patterns are doing – fires in Colorado, flooding, storms in Florida. Hang in there girlfriends – others are praying too.
So sad to leave England and the lambs but I know there are two kitties that will be tickled to death to see you all. Loved seeing Petey on the bed, I know he had a blast too! I’m sure he is so happy you took him too. I’ve enjoyed every minute and can’t wait to see more pictures and hear more about the adventure when you get home. As for the little Bulldog I felt so sorry as I know it wanted to be with it’s Mommy and not in the kennel. But at least she is close by and will visit as often as she can and it will be ok in the end.
Susan
So sad to say good-bye to our English cousins, but enjoy your time crossing, and greeting the Statue. We will be here patiently awaiting the stories, the pictures, and the artwork. 🙂
This has me in as much suspense as awaiting the next season of Downton Abbey! Can’t wait to hear about what else you did and saw when the internet wasn’t cooperating. I ordered several books from Amazon based on your travels. Once again, life inspired by Susan Branch! Happy sailing!
Teresa, isn’t Downton Abbey wonderful?!? 😀
have a great trip back! we beat you here, we are in leicester Mass right now visiting family, we fly back to England on the 14 th of July. Weather is great, so hot!!! going to springfeild on the 4th of July for big celebration. Thanks for all the exciting trips in England, things we can’t get to because we live on the other side of the island…. safe travels…
To see England through your eyes, camera and thoughts was such a treat, Susan. It will have to suffice as I can only dream of such an adventure. Thanks a million for taking all of us along with you.
This was a sweet adventure from right here in Windy Wyoming.
The wind has blown, the air has grown hot and smokey with all the wildfires busting out to the South in Colorado and the Casper Mtn Range, to the North West near Buffalo and to West in the Mtns.
Tonight I start fire training…. a new necessity I had NO IDEA I’d be enbarking on, so as your travels bring us home, my new adventure begins.
Best wishes!
Jena
Wow, we have had no reporting on the fires since I’ve been away, will have to see the news … terrible; all my best to everyone out west!
There are 12 wildfires burning in Colorado right now. Some started by lightening, others be arsonists.
Arsonists! How awful. Sending my best wishes!
Are you going to be a volunteer firewoman?
hi susan
it’s vivi from argentina..
I wanted to thank you for “taking ” us, somehow, with you, your posts were so rich as you have us used to.. but this time was like being there
I told a webfriend to take a look at your blog; she lives in england since she was born, but I’m sure, the way you show, will be a discovery for her at some point
hope you get back home safe!!
🙂
Thank you Susan for taking so much time to make ‘the girlfriends’ a part of your life; a lifetime voyage that was utterly ‘back in time’ for each of us.
I now see why you are so attached to your Emma Bridgewater pottery.
Safe, smooth sailing and tanning weather for both of you. Relax, relax as you will be going 100% after your home arrival.
Joyfully,
~Sylvia Faye
Awww, that truly was sad doggy face. I hope they get to keep the kennels in the room with them at least. This trip has been so magical. I love your writing style Susan…feels so personable. You’re a delight!
xoxo!
You have so many comments, I don’t know how you can read them all. But I must say I thoroughly enjoyed your trip. Now I want to go there next year. I know I will, yes I will. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
The difficult part is not answering them all! I have to force myself to go to the next one!!! Love you girls!
Loved every minute of this trip – go snuggle in, relax, and enjoy the rest of your luxurious voyage! We can wait for what’s to come – anticipation is a good thing!!! Thank you (and Joe) so Very much for a wonderful time!
Hello Susan! You surely had a fairytale departure from a fairtale adventure!!!!
Rest and enjoy the rest of the voyage home……..you will need your energy for those two adorable fuzzy cats who await you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the wonderful summertime trip to the UK !!!!! What a blessing to have been there with you!!!!!!
Oh, wow. How can it be over?? Not quite, really–we still have the arrival in NY Harbor and toasting the Statue of Liberty with that lovely bottle of champagne! My mouth is watering already. Thank you, thank you Susan and Joe! What a wonderful trip. Have a safe crossing. I pet “Jack” and Miss Kitty can almost smell you. Love Kathy PS What a sad picture of the pooches on board! They must be wondering why they can’t be with “Mom and Dad” all of the time.
It has been simply dreamy tagging along with you on this wonderful voyage. Thank you so much Susan…safe passage!
Hi Susan,
Have a lovely trip back home. I have enjoying going along on your vacation, and am making a list of things to see when I get back to England myself. I’ve been having my husband read your posts too, just to get him in the “lets go back to England” frame of mind! I also passed your website address along to my penpal, Jayne, who lives in Chesterfield. Your blog is a love letter to where she lives.
Enjoy getting back home again!
Great trip …wonderful memories for all of us…can’t wait to see all the photos and of course Jack and Girl back home.
It was a blast!!!!
Thank you!
Thank you!!
Thank you!!!
xoxo
Sweet Pea
Your beautiful words, excellent choice in music to read your blog by, and your delightful photos have made our trip so special. I have been laid up since June 1st, and I have so appreciated being able to take such an amazing trip without leaving my home. And soon I will get to pretend I am living in a sweet cottage on Martha’s Vineyard with two adorable cats! Thank you thank you thank you for your most perfect blog.
Your trip was wonderful to follow. What a treat for all of us that love you and your blog.
Lynn Cooper
So sad to be leaving England, but it will be so nice to have you, Joe (and Petey too) home safe and sound on Martha’s Vineyard. (And we all do really need to stretch our legs). Back home to normal, kitties and to reflect on this most wonderful trip. It’s been so much fun, so educational – you know, I’m a different person because you guys went to England on a trip. How cool is that? This has been one of the most ingenious ideas anyone has ever come up with. How do we ever thank you? Have a safe voyage home and enjoy the last wee bit of your “dream come true vacation.” THANK YOU!!! xoxo
Your trip has gone SO quickly!! Coming home really is so bittersweet. I’m anxious to hear how Jack and Girl react to your homecoming!
The picture of the dogs with their people – oh my goodness. I absolutely love it. Would it be weird if I said that is my favorite photo from your whole trip?! That’s saying A LOT!
Happy sailing! I love that cozy room!
I agree, it was very touching! We traveled with our cat one time, drove her across country to live on Martha’s Vineyard; she did very well, and the fun thing was, we had a kitty in our hotel room every night. Such a nice thing to have when you’re far from home!
Susan…all the Girlfriends have been so eloquent in expressing their appreciation that I can add nothing but my own simple THANK YOU! ♥♥♥ With much appreciation…Charlene
Almost home! It’s been a grand time. I bet the longest leg of your homecoming will be the trip from NYC to the Vineyard! Be sure to capture the expression of the kitties when they see you for the first time in weeks!
Let me join everyone and saying thank you,,doesn’t sound adequate ,,for sharing your dream with us,,I will miss the lambs and all of that green! We only dream of that green in Calif. Hope your trip home is peaceful,relaxing and full of great memories,,,,Judy
Thank you for the wonderful trip Susan and Joe (Petey, too). I loved England, but am anxious to get back to the good old US of A!! Don’t spoil the kitties too much when you get home…I know it will be hard not to. I give my dog Maggie loves and kisses when I just get back from grocery shopping :)!!
xoxoxox from SW Hbr. Maine
Me too – my Maggie-dog gets kisses all the time when I return home…and she reciprocates with lovely licks!
What fun this has been. So looking forward to your English Diary.
Hi, Susan … I’ve been checking in with the ship’s cam here and there. It seems like you’re having *very* calm seas! Good going! Enjoy your walks around the ship and enjoy your meals …. and teas. Not too much longer before you’re home and it’ll all seem like a dream. I also wanted to tell you that thanks to you and the tour of the factory, I couldn’t stand it anymore and I’ve ordered my first Emma Bridgewater pieces. They’re on their way to me now. I can hardly wait! Good tides to you.
Oh Susan…hard to believe our trip is almost over..but what an amazing time we’ve had! Thank you so much for taking us along!! Blessings and smooth sailing!
Hi Susan, what a small world. I’ve been in England and Europe for six weeks and haven’t checked you blog in that time. How amazing to open up and find pictures of Lacock!!! OOOOhAAAAh, I was there too! I walked the streets, visited the old church and the abbey and even had dinner there in the evening.Didn’t get to the Lakes District so am relying on your pics for that, but did see Bath (again), Jane Austin centre and then into Wiltshire, and all around the Devon/Cornwall area. Wasn’t London something else with all the jubilee decorations?
My highlights were Prague, Positano (a whole week there and it was awesome), Lucern, Venice, canals of Amsterdam – just all the places I visited around European trip. We are lucky ladies to see these places.
Waiting to hear details of the journal 🙂
Beautiful trip!!!
Thank you, thank you for taking us along on this wonderful journey of the heart. It has added so much to my days, and like many others, I’m so looking forward to the English journal. But as exciting as it’s been, there’s no place like home, is there? (Georgie, loved your poem!)
I feel like we are all ‘family’ after our travels……and I love it! You truly make us feel as if we are special and loved ‘family’ members and I can just imagine how wonderful that is to some who are not fortunate to be blessed with a real-life, loving family. Thanks to you, Joe, all the girlfriends and boyfriends for their brilliant company ♥
So many feelings…gladness for the trip, sadness we’re leaving…happiness you’re coming home, glad to see kitties again. Nothing like your own bed is there, although those in England were pretty special. (it is true, sadness, even though “we” stayed right here waiting for your next message. I’ve never felt this way before and it’s kinda’ hard to place it in my mind.) Maybe kinda’ finishing a wonderful book and you don’t want the characters to go. Not doing such a good job here, am I. Anyway, I’ll be watching the Queen pull into the harbor, I saved that website you gave us of the live shot. So pip-pip and cheerio, we’ll be waiting for you. Blessing to you both…….Marge
Thank you!!! I think we still have lots of “memories” to share . . . I know just how you feel, a good book should really never be allowed to end!
Have so enjoyed your posts. Lifelong dream to see London was fulfilled when m
eeting up with our daughter who was studying abroad this past spring. “this earth, this realm, this england”
Thank you so much for sharing your trip to England. I enjoyed your many stories and videos.
Perhaps somedayI will be fortunate enough to visit all those wonderful places you spoke about on your blog.
Hugs,
Judy
You both have been such gracious hosts to all of us admirers and hanger-oners!
This was such a unique and endearing journey seen through your cheerful kind hearts! The time that you devoted to all of us unworthy fans is so appreciated by all of us (I know from the others mail). Enjoy the ride and give the kitties a big hug from me!! Linda In Idaho
Wasn’t it just yesterday we were sailing out of NY harbor?!? This trip has passed so quickly and what an adventure it has been! Many, many thanks for all of your wonderful tales and photos. Such a thrill. Have a very sweet arrival home.
Dear Sue and Joe,
These past two months have completely changed the way I think of England.
I have laughed and cried, but mostly have just been awestruck at the beauty of that country.
And not just from your wonderful pictures and videos, but from your words and descriptions. You see the good and the wonder in everything and everyone. Every blog and tweet was a total delight.
The precious little lambs and their Mamas, I will never forget.
Driving those curvy roads on the other side!
The blankets of Bluebells, Beatrix Potter’s house and gardens, all the wonderful history of buildings and people.
You spent so much time including all of us along the way and we all love you for it.
And your Joe is not only Cary Grant. He is a Prince.
I know we will all be purchasing your Diary, probably many more than one. I want everyone I know to have one!
It will be my most treasured book, because I will be able to relive this incredible trip.
Thank you, thank you!
And please let us know, when you have had time to come down to earth, how Girl Kitty and Jack reacted to seeing you home again.
I have missed them!
xoxo
Suzanne in Carmel, CA
I will do it for sure Suzanne, I’m so happy you enjoyed our trip. Now we get to go home and relive it! xoxo
Suzanne! I agree!!! Wasn’t the trip ever so special. And… Susan took all of us with her!!! The Diary will indeed be a treasured book!!!
Georgie
Hi Georgie,
Yes, such a special trip. Don’t you feel so fortunate to have been a part of it?
By the way,
I LOVE your poem!
Suzanne
I have had a fantastic journey with you. I am looking forward to seeing the diary. You have a magical way of bringing everything to life on paper. Where are we going next?
Right now, we’re going home, putting new things in the Peter Rabbit room!
Oh, Cleo will be enchanted to see them!
I feel so much better now, having read this post, about leaving jolly old England behind. You do have a way my friend of making life grand whatever and wherever. You have many many charms and you have worked your magic on me….I am NOW officially excited about returning to the island with all of IT’s charms…especially Girl Kitty and Jack. Oh–we’ve had so much fun haven’t we??…it’s been so lovely..pure delight….from the suitcase via the hills of TN.
Hi Susan, joe and petey,
This has been and still is a wonderful trip but I want to get home now and see the kitties and your house and I’m so excited to see the Diary when its done. Isn’t it nice to always have something to look forward to? Been a very busy summer here at my house, but I always find time for you.
Nancy Jo
I can’t wait to see the reaction to the unveiling of your surprise! Someone is going to have a treasure to enjoy and pass on to family forever! Am I saying too much???
No, I don’t think so, Jack!!!! I think you are saying mighty too little!!!! Out with it, My Man!!!! Or out of the suitcase you go!!!! 😉
P.S. I’m sure I saw an empty dog kennel somewhere around here!!!!
I’ll never tell !– go ahead put me in with the English Bulldog
I can take it and you will be sorry — because you will miss me
and just because we are sharing a suitcase in very close quarters , I’m sorry I cannot divulge this terrific idea that Sue came up with ….I think I can say here , as a clue , the previous
blogs do reference the the subject matter involved in this overall idea — which I would suppose anyone as astute as yourself may have already figured out the answer ……and are just being coy in asking me ! We really have a blast coming don’t we , Kathy from Brevard .
.
Girls, I have to tell you that my Dad can not BEAR surprises!!! Christmas almost does him in! Not only for himself, which sends him over the edge with guessing and wheedling information, but for everyone else too; he loves secrets! He starts with me at least a month before my birthday, dropping hints on his surprise for me . . . his gift always arrives a week before my birthday, he’s too excited to wait… We’ll see how long it is before he can’t take it and tells everyone what the surprise is!!! He’s already giving clues!!! Dad ? ? ?
You are too much, Jack!! What fun to have grown up in your family. . . oh wait, you never grew up, did you?! LOL 🙂
Well, I never was good at being coy—doesn’t that have something to do with batting the eyelashes? I am now trying to rise to the occasion and be astute but that seems to be eluding me. I would love the surprise to be that Susan and Joe have bought a piece of property in England that we will all be traveling back and forth too on a regular basis. But from your clue the surprise seems to be a giveaway that “someone is going to enjoy and pass on forever” so that seems to fit. And generous as they are. . .YES, I HAVE IT. . .THEY HAVE BOUGHT A HUGE ENGLISH ESTATE WITH ACRES OF GARDENS AND WILL BE GIVING IT AWAY TO ONE OF US GIRLFRIENDS.
Oh, I must be right, I must be right, I must be right! Hey diddle, diddle, the cow jumped over the moon! Yes, Yes, Yes! Oh, I am over the moon!!! Thank you a gazillion times darling Susan and Joe—I didn’t realize that your generosity knew no bounds!!!! What a GIRLFRIEND with capital letters!!!!!!
xoxoxoxooxoxox
Kathy 😉
……IT’S THE SUITCASE!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
It’s that flowery little pistachio-colored truck!
Or, a lifetime supply of pear cider!!
I had first dibs on that:)
LOL LOL LOL
Or a trip to Hill Top Farm????
Oh Dawn, you are SO FUNNY!!! Ugh–Just imagine how the suitcase is going to look (and smell?) after all of us have been living in it all of these past weeks! Hmmm…I love a mystery…so, let’s look at Jack’s clues carefully…hmmm…something related to B. Potter? Something Emma Bridgewater? Something soft and fluffy that goes baaaa? A copy of the new book–the English trip diary by Sue when it comes out? Maybe we need another clue??? 🙂
LOL LOL …. I know I am joining in the reindeer games a little too late, but this is a real head scratcher…. I have to throw in my two bits. You bought an estate in the Cotswolds as a give away, a set of dishes from Emma’s, we get to meet Queen Elizabeth for a day, tea from England or maybe one of us will get the suitcase we all sailed in to England and back to MV????? I give up…. there are a million things we did on this blog, could be anything.
Could it be…..the scarf??? Jack — you little devil! Now I won’t be able to concentrate on anything else until the secret is revealed…..
Oooh, YES! Good guessing, Marianne ~ wouldn’t it be fun if Sue “gifted” the scarf to a Girlfriend? Although, she was such a busy girl every moment of the trip, perhaps the little scarf is more ‘Kitty Jack’-sized than we might think … personally, I’m holding out for a REAL, LIVE, LITTLE LAMB (not a chop)!! xoxo
What scarf? Trying to think? The kitty scarf?
Hi Susan!
Glad to hear you’re enjoying your voyage home. And speaking of home, we want you to take as much time as you need with Jack and Girl Kitty, your friends, dipping your brush into some watercolors and working on your English Diary. Everything YOU want to do to make yourself happy! You’ve spoiled us beyond our expectations and it’s your turn for some ME time. Thanks for a wonderful time traveling with you Susan. It was terrific! ♥
Susan, I haven’t commented for months but this trip of yours was a Godsend for me. I read with delight how you enjoyed and savored (are enjoying and savoring still as you mosey home) every inch of this adventure. My father (my beloved, darling, sweet, kind, special, wonderful, delightful daddy) passed away after a grueling illness at home during this same time period and I have been “away” caring for my parents. Reading your posts has been a break from the grief and rest from the work. I had, and still have, a lot of hard emotional and physical work to do getting Dad’s things squared away and my darling Mumsy moved to our home but I thank you for comforting me with your lovely, kind, thoughtful, artistic, charming posts to read. Keep it up! I still need it. God Bless You. Travel mercies! ~Karen ENGLAND
Life keeps on happening, doesn’t it Karen. I’m so very sorry for your loss. xoxo sending love.
You are the best! Thanks.
Karen, so sorry for the loss of your beloved Dad and my thoughts and prayers are with you. May all the special memories you have of him bring you comfort during this sad time. Blessings
Sending prayers for you and your family. No words can ever express the emotions we feel with the loss of a parent. Know we are thinking of you and hope that wonderful memories of your Dad may give you some comfort.
God bless,
Deb
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing–it’s so hard! I’ve been there and know it’s important to take care of yourself at this time. ♥
Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing…. I’ve been there with my father-in-law; its never easy. Saying a little prayer for you and your family at this time. Take care. Silvia
What a beautiful description of your dear father, Karen! Any girl lucky enough to be raised by a daddy like that is going to be okay in this big, wide world ~ because he taught you well and loved you dearly. You will always have a special Angel on your shoulder … and you have lots of girlfriends here who understand and have been in your shoes. We all send you love and peace ~ xoxo Terrie
So sorry for the loss of your father, Karen. I lost my Dad in February after a two year battle. I know it leaves such a hole in your heart. Coming here to “Susan Branch Land” has been a God send for me. It brings such comfort, helps me want to keep on going. Thinking about you, praying for you. Take care.
Don’t say goodbye — just say “Until next time.” It will be weeks before you can come down to earth, and who could blame you? But I know you will be so happy to see your own home, your own cozy kitchen with the tea kettle on the stove, your friends, your dishtowels out on the line, and, of course, two VERY special kitties who have missed you terribly. And to that end (the furbaby one), the look of unhappiness on that bulldog’s face, and the loving, apologetic hugs that its loving owner is giving it, as if she’s dreading having to put him back in the kennel, says it all. Enjoy your marvelous trip back over the pond!
“A Thank You Note for Susan”:
Dear Susan,
I wish I could make this a very official note with some of your cute stickers to put here and there, making lots of visual candy to see, BUT–your great creative mind will just have to imagine all the cute stuff!! Suffice it to say, this has been an amazing trip for me to be on. It is hard for me to imagine that you would take the time to share all of this with girlfriends you have never seen, but as you say in your “Girlfriends” book, you are a “Girlfriend’s Girlfriend” (cute) and now I know you really are!!
I was one who climbed out of the suitcase toward the end of our cruise going over, due to a stressful end of the school year (I teach), but our journey together did much to relax and revive me. As a matter of fact, today, on one of the empty back pages of your “Days” journal (#5 for me) I created a “Rx for Good Health” with a striped border a la Susan Branch! I wrote lots of ideas to help me get back on track. Now for a little housework. Then I will treat myself by reading all your England blogs all over again!
Thanks again, for being such a great friend,
Linda
,
Cannot begin to tell you how wonderful your blog is!! Bought your recipe book month or so ago…loved the illustrations…then went to your website & fell in love with your stories. You were just leaving on your trip…and today I looked at the website again…absolutely like being in Heaven! My family has always loved England, my Mother was a teacher, loved literature, named me Heather. When I was little I thought I was the only little girl to have the name Heather….my brothers teased me….Heather, Heather, was a feather! Our Aunt traveled to England many times and collected many Royal Daulton figurines…..many Bunnykins….so I was delighted with your blog…to say the least…almost like a kindred spirit.
This has been a wonderful day and I cannot wait to share this website and your blog with my Aunt who is 86. Thank you!!
I can hardly believe how fast the time has gone. It seems like yesterday that Queen Mary 2 was docked in New York ready to depart for England. I felt such anticipation…. I could hardly wait to see how your’s and Joe’s trip was going to unfold. Well now we know how it unfolded…. each day, through your blogs, I could almost feel England’s cool weather and almost smell the sweet floral fragrances in the air. I wanted to reach out and hug the sheep and lambs in the meadows, touch the old buildings, and take in the surroundings at Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop studio/home. If I gazed at the photos long enough, I could even hear the British accent being spoken. England is such a charming place.
I think I share that bulldog’s sentiments…… 🙁 ………. at having to leave.
Now your somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic, fast approaching New York, relaxing and readying us for the next set of gentle adventures heading our way…. gardening, end of summer, Fall and the Holidays…. yum. So very little time to stay in the doldrums…… that’s funny I just learned that ‘the doldrums’ is an actual place in the Atlantic Ocean near the equator where there is very little wind… making it hard to sail…. doesn’t sound like you’ll be anywhere near ‘the doldrums.’
I can’t wait to see Jack (its the irresistible mustache that I miss) and Girl Kitty.
They might be wondering what’s taking you so long to get home 🙂
I hope your printing gobs of your English Diary….. it sounds like we may all want one…. I know I do. Here’s to a safe return home
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo xoxooxox xox xo x
hi Silvia ! I had to chuckle….”the lambs….the sheep….” I think England
is in my brain!!! I was driving my daughter to a friends house today,and we
passed a beautiful meadow, and I’m saying, “oH honey, look at all the
baby lambs! They are extra fuzzy, they look more like the baby lambs
and sheep of England!” And then she looked at me and said, “Ummm….
Mom, those aren’t sheep….they are baby llamas.” 😉 Well, till they get
bigger and more mature….I’m gonna keep calling them my English Lambs!
🙂
Hi Dawn!!!!
LOL about the llamas! If you get this message….. shhhh don’t tell anyone but I stowed away one of those fluffy lambs in our suitcase. Now that we are home – it doesn’t seem like anyone noticed – I think I get to keep it. That was a swell trip…. wasn’t it? You and all the other girlfriends, along with Susan and Joe were a blast to travel with. Can’t wait to do more.
Wow – I just pulled up the bridge cam to see some pretty dark skies and significant ocean swells ….. And I thought you were much further along than Norway –too many stops
But not to worry I figured it out …..you will get here shortly after you arrive . We decided to meet the ship and welcome you back home — not really , vicariously , like the way you do the girlfriends :~) just thought I’d give you a start !
Just think you’ll be a day younger when you get heren….
Just enjoy your book. We will still be here when you get home! Your blog is a part of my life and a sweet ” pick-me-up.” Hope you are not worried about us not checking back in to your blog! NO Worries!!!
Thank you Susan and Joe.
Your blog has been such a joy and comfort to me.
My husband of 40 years died on May 14. We had met on Martha’s Vineyard in 1969.
If I may say something to all the girlfriends, it is to please take the time to tell those you love, how much you love them.
So sorry Susan. Such good advice . . . xoxo
I’m so sorry for your loss Susan..and you are so right..very valuable advice. x
Sorry for your loss Susan and you are so right about telling the ones you love that everyday. Please find comfort in all your wonderful memories. Blessings
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband Susan. Please know I am thinking of you. ♥
So sorry for your loss Susan. Sending my thoughts and prayers accross the pond to you. xxxx
I second everything said about the wonderful trip and the adventure of going along with you and Joe. Thank you, thank you – can’t wait for the Diary.
xoxo
Hi Susan — I seem to be having a little trouble receiving all the blog comments from your last post “We’re On Our Way Home”. When I go to the blog, it says in the little grey letters at the bottom “198 comments”, but when I click on that (as I normally do to see all the responses) and the responses come up, it says only 13 responses at the top and displays only that many. Is anyone else having this problem — am I doing something wrong….or our computers getting seasick?
Thanks,
-Marianne-
I MUST BE having a senior moment – found the missing responses under “older comments”….must be time for a nap…..
-Marianne-
OH good!
Hmmm, they all seem to be there for me, I know everyone always says this, but have you tried to refresh? You aren’t the only one, someone else mentioned this problem. I have experienced blog gremlins before, things change, and I never know why!
Thank you for the lovely trip to England. Look forward to posts from Martha’s Vineyard soon. I am missing Massachusetts and the Cape and Islands this summer. Park City, UT is lovely in summer, but there is just something about the islands that say “summer” to me.
Susan,
I can’t thank you enough for sharing your wonderful trip to England with all of us here in “reader’s” land. Your trip was such a dream, not only for you but for me as I followed your blog every day. A trip to England is on my bucket list and Bibury in the Cotswolds is at the top of my “places I must go.” Reading about the lambs in the meadow, Jane Austen’s home and Beatrix Potter’s home with all the wonderful places that were special to them was a dream come true. I cried when you and Joe took “the roads less travelled” and can never express my gratitude for sharing your beautiful trip with me and everyone else. The ship looks like a dream and I can’t imagine a more wonderful way to breathe in every wonderful detail of not only the destination but the journey. Petey was so fun to watch and I look forward to future writings about your dream come true. I know you are sad to see it end but I would bet that you can’t wait to get back to your beautiful home with all your things around you and for some “kitty” time. Enjoy the rest of the trip and enjoy your dreams to follow.
Be safe,
Linda T
It has been a wonderful trip. I have to say, though, that I am really missing Jack at this point! Why can’t kitties travel with us too?! Can’t wait for pictures of the reunion.
Thank you again for the tremendous job you did in sharing with all of us. You were so faithful! That’s a lot of people to travel with, but I think it went splendidly.
Susan, thanks for letting me tag along-I’ve enjoyed every minute! Safe trip home!
Is the “good” part of goodbye there to wish us luck when we have to say, “bye?”
Or is the “good” there to make us always look for the “good” in everything????
I’m not sure…..but, I know what is GOOD! A Party!!!! Yep!!! This Saturday
at dusk, on the deck where we uncrimp our legs every morning! Petey is
whispering all the details, so be warned! It is a Voyage Bon party – coming to
America! Dinner will be all-American: Hotdogs, apple pie, and pink lemonade
without the Rose. The Queen Mary will not allow any baseballs out on the deck,
so the game is off! However, they will find a baseball game to put on the
BigScreen. Petey wants to speak on our behalf….He is excited; because, he
thinks he best represents England & America……because his outfit is always
Red,White,&Blue!!! He will also present Susan with her “thankYoU” gift from
“US”…and I cannot believe it got here in time!!! It is just the sweetest little
golden suitcase charm for her charm-bracelet! I hope she likes it!!! And Joe’s
gift….Petey will “Remind” him that We are Not following them home to live in
the suitcase Forever….they are gonna be on their own!!! 😉
And then the ta-da !!! …..Celine Dion is going to sing a song!!!! No, not the Titanic!
But, she does have a request…..she wants “US” to wave little American flags
when she sings. She cannot be here for Real, but it will be played on the Big
Screen!!! Oh! and we want Mr. Jack next to Sue and Joe when she sings!
Other than that, just a simple party…eat…mingle….make a wish on the stars…..
and dream of not goodbye’s but of ….goodhello’s!!! So, dear girlfriends….
grab a flag and wave it high with thanks to our dears : Susan, Joe, & Mr. Jack!!!
youtube.com/watch?v=6LSarhZpnMs&feature=related
“thankyou!” dear girlfriends for a journey (in a suitcase!) that some will never
understand…..but, one that I will cherish for a lifetime!!! And “thankYoU!”
dear Susan for always, always, sharing your Heart with US!!!! XoXDawn
Hello Dawn, it has been awhile since we have chatted and I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed our time this past 2 months. It was so much fun to blog back and forth and even just reading all the comments has also been a hoot. Pat told me that the two of you are meeting each other very soon and I wish I could be a part of that day but it is not possible, so have a great time and give her a hug from me please. My Angel is headed back to the States on the 30th and should be back by the 1st. I think she is exhausted and ready to return although I know she will miss the new friends she has made and the beautiful scenery, she did say that she missed American Food!!! I will see her on July 4th and probably will have to be pried off of her I will hug her so tight. Again, it has been fun to share this wonderful trip with you and all the girlfriends and I’m sure we will keep in touch. It was a blast.
Deborah, Dawn and I were wondering if you could call either of us to exchange email addresses. Or tell us specifically what town you live in, in Indiana… 🙂
Pat, I live in New Whiteland, IN but we do not have a land line only our cell phones so that won’t help you. I think you said that you live in St. Paul and I asked in an earlier blog is your hubby’s name Norman R.?? Maybe I can find your number if that is correct and I will try. I have seen where some girls just list their email addresses on here?? I have no idea where Dawn is from she just list MN?? one way or the other we will get this done I want to keep up with you two ladies.
Susan wishing you and Joe Bon Voyage! It has been a wonderful trip that we have all enjoyed with you, thank you for taking us along. I can’t wait to see your England diary I hope it will becomes one of your lovely books, if it is I plan to buy a copy!!! It has been so much fun traveling with the two of you. It was so sad when the trip was coming to an end. I felt the same way on my trip to New England for the first time in my travels I didn’t want to leave. But it’s alway nice to get home to family, friends and our four legged babies(I have to cats Jack and Bobby). Just think, you’ll be home in time to enjoy the rest of the wonderful New England summer and in time for the 4th of July festivities it’s one of my fav’s. Thanks again for the wonderful trip Cindy M
P.S. to Treese in Colorado (Colorado Cowgirl) my prayers and thoughts are with you and everyone in CO. who is going through this horrible fire hope that it can be contained and put out soon.
Thank you Susan for the most wonderful trip of my life! I have all of your books and have always been a fan of your wonderful talents and now I feel I know your heart also. I too have been to your beloved England and revisiting all of the wonderful people and places with you was the highlight of my month–rushing to find your exciting words after I got off work and sometimes even before giving Sergi (kitty) his daily massage! Thanks for sharing and thanks for being such a special you.
Oh what a joy this has been for all of us, reading away, dreaming with you. Thank you Susan, safe travels, see you at home!
Really that English Bulldog looks like every other English Bulldog — he’s not unhappy
That’ simply how they look — think of it in terms of Winston Churchill 1– they look like they look ….
You, dog lover of the world, can not see the deep abiding sadness in the eyes of that doggie???
I’m with Jack on that. The dog sure knows how to apply a guilt trip on it’s people, for sure. LOL
“Dog love of the world”….I knew I liked Daddy Jack!
Winston Churchill, that’s funny. I see the resemblance.
Oh dear, dear, our trip is coming to an end! How delightful, breathtaking and surreal!! I want to go back to England. Have just been once but want to go to Hilltop and Austen’s and all the many, many places you took us.Thanks a big bunch!
xoxoxo
Lori
Thank you for allowing me a mini vacation each time I read your blog. I so look forward to hearing your news and be transported elsewhere for a brief time. The trip was oh so much fun!
* Good Morning Susan * Friday, June 29, 2012 Pacific Time: 1:28 AM
Well, you’ve said your weepy goodbyes, waved one more time as you set sail on the beautiful Queen Mary 2, and there you and Joe are, all cozy and comfortable in your cabin…homeward bound.
And here I am, we girlfriends all are, with you, as we all have been since Day One of this incredible journey you have taken us on with you.
I know you’ve heard it so many times, in all of the posts, but I just have to say it again…Thank you, Susan. You have truly showed us the real England, with it’s history, art, glorious gardens, charming cottages, and the people who graced the countrysides, especially, Beatrix Potter. You have taken us right into the heart and soul of the land. And..so I thank you. It is all because of you, that my husband, Ron and I have now added England to our “vacation wish list”.
Susan, you’ll never really leave England. You’ll take a part of it home with you and you’ll leave a special part of yourself back there too!
Bon Voyage! Until you return to America’s welcoming Harbor once more…
and to your “Heart of the Home” on the Vineyard Haven Shore…
* From Dorothy Ann on Cougar Mountain, Washington *
Dear Susan…just wanted to let Marianne know that she wasn’t just having a “senior moment” with her computer…just this morning my computer let me go beyond the 13th comment ?!…. by the way..good to know your sooo close to the shore…welcome back !!!…with love…
No moderation needed. My heart is so full after this “trip.”
Linda T
Thank you so much for the most wonderful trip…….it was so much fun and something to look forward to each post…………your pictures, enthusisam,great stories, music, so much to make us smile and be a part of your trip!!!!!!! Lori
This has been wonderful darling!! Just wonderful. I have enjoyed every moment of our voyage. I am most excited about the return to the good USA and can hardly wait to see a post of kitties upon the return.
Please consider an event for all your blogger friends. A wonderful opportunity for each of us to meet you and to meet friends to connect with that live near us and we don’t even realize it.
You and Joe are such kind people! Sail on home dear friend!
Wonderful idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am a big fan of yours Susan – I have all your books!
I am so envious of your perfect United Kingdom Trip – I have always wanted to visit there myself. And then . . . the perfect ending on the Queen Mary 2.
I have enjoyed ALL your photographs and they are exactly the ones I would take if I could take the same trip. Thanks so much for sharing . . . it is almost like I am there in person.
Lately, my morning ritual has been, a cup of coffee, power up the laptop, and read your blog. Susan, thank you for blogging your trip and taking all of us along with you! I have always been ‘drawn’ to England and now I know sooo much more about it and can’t wait to hear more stories of your adventure. I just finished watching ‘Ladies in Lavender’, so delightful. Perhaps Petey should have his own FB page? His pictures made me LOL! Also, because of your blog, my daughter (CA) and I (AZ) are going to MV in October and see Wendy! I am soo excited!! Dreams do come true! Hugs and Sunshine to you and yours. 🙂
Thank you, Susan for all the wonderful pictures of England and your cruise, and the witty, informative dialogue about each place you visited, ate at, fields and paths you traveled on. You made me feel like I was there with you as each blog told of a new adventure. I look anxiously forward to the English diary with all it’s pictures, drawings and descriptions only you can tell, and you tell it very well. Enjoy the rest of your cruise home on that beautiful ship and will be looking forward to your return to the old US of A on Sunday.
Oh how I’ve loved every minute of the trip you shared with us and I am really looking forward to more! It’s been amazing Susan, thank you so much!
Thanks again for taking us along. I loved every minute of it!
It won’t be long now, girlfriend — welcome home!
P.S. Looking at the ship’s path on seascanner.com, you will be passing by the Islands (MV and Nantucket, of course!) — I wonder if you will be able to see them (Nantucket?) from the ship? So close, yet, so far away!
We were wondering last night if they could just pull up to island, send us and 12 bags in with launch? Wouldn’t that be wonderful?!
Did you finish knitting your scarf???…just wondering…
I started over! I kept feeling what I was doing was wider than I wanted it to be, but kept on anyway, until one day, I made the executive decision to pull it off and start over, now I have about 6 inches…. that’s OK, at least it’s what I want — I just knit to keep my hands busy if I have to sit around somewhere, and lately I seem to have lots of ways to do that!
Last day on ship!!! Scary to think of 90 degrees in New York!
WELCOME HOME Susan, Joe, and Petey: 90 degrees would be a blessing here for the past 2 days it has been 104, 103, and now it will stay in the high 90’s for the next 4 days and we are in IN. My parents in FL are having 80’s?? I think your area has been having rain off and on while you were away; but, we have only had a slight shower yesterday with high winds and it left and that has been it since May 1st. Our grass is brown and Jim has been watering all our flowers daily and if you miss a day some of the impatients wilt immediately and it takes more water the next time so it is best to do it daily. I do think we are close to being banned here for watering so that won’t be good and all the fireworks have been cancelled. Enjoy your home, kitties (I have missed them too), and your bed….I can’t wait for your diary to come out (the other day Jim said now you be sure to get Susan’s calendar that you missed last year), I said oh I am but I’m waiting for her diary of England to come out and I will order them both together!!!! YAY Happy painting and writing I can’t wait.
Making the decision to take something out and start over is always hard but it should be the way you want it and sometimes you have to knit a little before you can really see what it looks like to make that decision. The good thing about knitting is that when you put it down–because of being otherwise occupied or because of weather (hot temperatures), it always waits for you until you pick it up again! 🙂 90’s here and with the high humidity, “heat index” in 100’s. When, again, does Fall start??? I realize I’m rushing my life by but I can’t wait for Fall this year and cooler drier temperatures!!! 🙂 Really feel for those in Colorado, though, and realize I shouldn’t be complaining…
I’m knitting a bright pink afgan for my darling granddaughter Maggie Campbell R…per her request…it’s been hothothot here in northern MI…too hot to have an afgan on my lap so I have tucked it away til cooler weather arrives…your scarf project will be waiting for you when you are ready…I’m thinking of you and Joe having dinner right about now…I hope you have air conditioning at your house on the island…we don’t have ac here and there have been some days without even a tiny breeze on the porch from Lake Michigan…I have purchased extra fans for the upstairs bedrooms for the coming week when we will have 10~including a six year old, a five year old, a four year old and a three year old…+ we are waiting anxiously for our daughter in law to give birth to our fifth grand grand…!!!…Happy homecoming and Happy 4th…xoxo…