Of course there’s really not, a more congenial spot, for happily-ever-aftering, than here in Camelot . . .
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
We have moved ourselves to the beautiful village of Bibury in the Cotswolds and are out on our walk . . . Just had to show you . . . Why don’t you stop now and go get yourself a cup of tea; we want to drag out the showing of Camelot!
Lambs! They’re everywhere here . . . aren’t they beautiful? You’re allowed right in the field with them in many places. A whole field of this!
Schmooshed into the grass, mom’s and babies . . . ♥
. . . curious eyes and little pink ears . . . the babies romp and cavort and play too!
This is where we are; we saw a sign, so we know this is called Court Farm; it’s out behind our hotel, over a bridge, through the stone fences; I believe that’s the Court back there! We walked down that path to get here . . .
See that tail? Look for it in this next video and know the true meaning of the wild and wonderful word, “wag!” It’s what the babies do every time they go to nurse!
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Cutest things ever, I could watch them all day! I always wondered why Beatrix Potter didn’t paint lambs; she did geese, bunnies, squirrels, hedgehogs, but no lambs! And she even raised them at Hill Top! I would like to see them in a capped-sleeved, empire-waist apron with rick rack on the hem!
Notice how normal I look? But I’m not really normal at this moment, because, the secret is, despite the comfortable jeans, the wonderful walk, the lambs and the permanently attached camera, we have a secret!
That’s our silver careen-mobile parked in front of that gorgeous building; it’s the Bibury Court Hotel, and the secret is, we are STAYING HERE. When I told you in the car that this was our hotel, we had to sit there fifteen extra minutes before we could stop the screaming. (But I’m better now.) Now we need music! (Just click and come right back, let it play while you do!) Is that your tea kettle I hear whistling?
One walk through the little town that William Morris called “The prettiest village in England,” and you can see why we fell in love with Bibury. It’s centrally located, in the Cotswolds, near lots of wonderful houses and gardens to visit . . . the perfect place for US, right girlfriends? There’s a great pub in town called the Catherine Wheel too. I thought we should tour the town together. Ready? Shoelaces tied in double knots? We don’t want to get slowed down by loose shoelaces . . . OK, meandering time, girlfriends, here we go! Take all the time you want, breathe in the country fresh air, and enjoy!
Did you hear that water rushing behind you? That’s because, when you turned around, directly across the street from that garden in the last photo is this, the prettiest little river (The Coln) flows through the village, full of swans, ducklings, jumping fish, surrounded by wildflowers and swooped upon by terns. You can feed the ducks, walk up and down both sides, and cross all those bridges if you want.
About half a block up the street is this. I’m taking the photo from the Trout Farm on the corner . . . we stopped here at the Swan for tea and toasted crumpets, slathered with jam and buh-er; did you love it?
Here’s the famous Arlington Row Weaver’s Cottages . . . adorable little 17th century stone cottages the National Trust owns and maintains and leases as living spaces to lucky locals.
It occurred to me today that the reason we love England so much is because it’s almost entirely handmade! Most of the country buildings were built before the Industrial Revolution . . . so all the chimneys are different, the churches are different, the barns are all interesting shapes, the walls are hand cut, hand laid; the windows are arched and square, narrow and wide, leaded and unleaded with wavy handmade glass; gravestones are hand carved; it’s like the stitches in a quilt, no two quite the same! The roof tiles, each a tiny bit different because they’re handmade, put on one at a time, and centuries old. It makes for a very pretty picture when you put it all together.
We stopped for Pear Cider at the Catherine Wheel Pub, with the cute window sill; a little refreshment before we head back to the hotel . . .
You haven’t even seen our room yet! Nap time! Follow me! Take the high road!
That’s our room, on the second floor, that big window and the little one next to it on the left, with the leafy green all around it! It has a name, it’s called the King James I Room! I think they gave us an upgrade! We have stayed in some dodgy places in our time, but this is definitely not one of them!
We acted very grown up and nonchalant in front of these darling hotel staff people who showed us to our “room” and brought us our luggage, and never stopped smiling the whole time we were there, but our little hamster hearts were beating a mile a minute…
The minute they left, we ran from corner to corner, into the bathroom, into the dressing room, window to window, hissing look at this, past each other, jumped in the air, high fived, and ran on! Wait till you see the bathroom . . . wait til you see the view!!! The TV comes up, out of a cupboard, when you push a button! The bed looks little in the photo because I’m about half a mile from it! (Hey, settle down over there . . . no jumping on the bed!)
This is the shower, built for two, with drenching waterfalls, no doors; marble floor, and when you flip a switch, it gets warm, the whole floor!! I know. Shocking. You don’t have to say a thing.
The view from the bathroom window is of the river walk that goes by the hotel, up and around, past huge ancient trees, over a bridge and out to those lambs!
Your basic King James I bathtub. The towels are hanging from heated towel bars of course; now we are spoiled and wouldn’t have it any other way!
From the desk where I write you, this is the view! Of a handmade 17th century manor house with a bell-ringing church on the other side. Deliriously, I asked, half awake, each of the four mornings we woke up here, where am I?
Then there’s the leather, gold embossed mystery box . . . what could it be?
Of course, what else in this civilized country? Tea! There was an electric tea kettle too, and a refrigerator, and a separate dressing room with a closet and built-in drawers, with a window in there that has a window seat. Just in case you need a rest during the dressing period. (Through that door ↓.)
We are very happy here! And when you come downstairs, there is always the delicious fragrance of food cooking in the kitchen . . . bread baking and soup making . . .
There are many comfortable places to eat at the Bibury Court, and we tried them all; there’s room service of course; you could have candlelight in the formal dining room with hand-painted silk wallpaper and a saucy little Dover sole; the glass conservatory was wonderful for your toasted jam and cream breakfast; or lunch, spicy fresh tomato-basil soup with croutons outside, next to the river, on the flagstone porch under white umbrellas; but our favorite was the Drawing Room, where they brought us a delicious dinner of gigantic cheeseburgers and chips (French fries) in front of the fire.
It’s casual and comfy in here, you can order cocktails too and they play Frank Sinatra music; I could knit and write in my diary and Joe could read and take pictures. Brilliant! But, all good things must come to an end, after another day of lamb loving and garden admiring . . . the eyelids are getting heavy . . .
Good night, good night, we say to the charming staff, and up to bed we go… (see the floor? Old, handmade, handcut, stone. From the machine-free zone of yesteryear).
Up we go; come on stragglers, it’s bedtime, we have a big day tomorrow!
Uh-oh, no sleeping yet! Bridget Jones’s Diary is on TV! If by any chance any of you haven’t seen it yet, which does seem quite impossible, cuddle in, you’re going to love it! I’ve seen it a hundred times, and never miss another opportunity to watch these two kiss in the snow!
And look! They put lights in the Bibury trees! OK, sweet dreams girlfriends . . . until tomorrow!
Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Yawn. Stretch. OK, sunrise! GOOD MORNING Girlfriends! Up and at’em, we have places to go and people to see!
XOXOX XOXOXO
Here we go again! William Morris’s house! You’re going to love it! There is so much to show you! We haven’t even had time to give you the gorgeous garden at Rosemary Verey’s house! Or the beautiful Churchyard next to the Bibury Court, or King Richard III’s castle, and so much more . . . James Herriot’s neighborhood in Yorkshire . . . But we will …. I can always post more England from Martha’s Vineyard! Because very soon . . .
. . . in about five more days (seems impossible), we’ll be doing this in reverse! Back on the Queen Mary 2, sailing out of Southampton, across the Atlantic Ocean, following in the footsteps of my English forbearers almost 400 years ago, but in a lot better accommodations, for HOME — we’ll be toasting the Statue of Liberty with orange juice since it will be about 6 am when we arrive in New York! We leave on the 24th of June, arrive home July 1. Not in any hurry, going to enjoy every moment of the time left here. ♥
Does everyone still have their links to the ship’s bridge (one of the Girlfriends wrote last night to say the Queen Mary had just left New York, on its way to pick us up!) and the Verrazano Bridge (I’m pretty sure this the right one) so you can watch us sail into the harbor? (Except most of you will probably be asleep!) Five more days of lambs to go, five more days of big English sky. XOXO
Thank you again Susan for blogging with us. This is the first blog that I have ever read and I am totally addicted! I rush home from work with the hopes that you have made a new installment. I am so happy for you that you are staying in that beautiful hotel!!! Thanks for inviting us along!!! Thanks for blogging and taking the time to include us. It is hours of pleasure each time I read your blog!!! I can’t wait for your book!!!
Susan,
Your pics and videos just make me swoon with delight. So glad you’re sharing your wonderful trip with us. Thank you! And safe travels.
Susan, what an absolutely wonderful beautiful hotel! And they couldn’t have given you a more perfect room!!! The lambs are so cute! I think Beatrix Potter left the lambs for you to draw! Can’t wait to see them in your diary! I think we all ran around in the halls all night long while you slept, hope we didn’t keep you up, wouldn’t want our photographer, movie maker, tour guide to be tuckerd out today!
I know you have two excited kitties waiting for you across the pond!
Jeannie
Chirp, chirp,
oh, Susan…. the best ♥♥♥ beauty and a way of life beyond description captured so beautifully ~ thank you! We are all truly blessed to be a part of this 🙂 (just can’t believe you are writing about coming home already!) Savor every moment, every cuppa, every lamb, every mile….truly a trip of a lifetime ♥
Maybe I’ve missed it but I haven’t read any comment from you about Jack and Girl Kitty. When we travel and leave Bailey at home I’m always just heartsick that I’m away from him even though he has a babysitter who stays at our house with him. Haven’t you missed them terribly?
Your pictures are from another world! I didn’t think it could get any better after the Emma Bee and Beatrix jaunts…but O!
Sue, you said it!! you’re just the one to do a lambie story book- it’s a given, you’re a natural…and in that tiny format- and by the sounds of it, you’ve already begun! a 2012 version of bunny books- lambie lore…sitting in a court yard of Emma tea things with their tails wagging…Perfect!
Speechless….how wonderful it all is and you make me feel as though I am right there with you & Joe. Every entry I forward to my mom and her friend who are in love as much as I am (but not very computer saavy!) Look forward to the next.
Kathleen
hi…just me again….there is something about this post that just keeps
calling me. I have been sneaking peeks all day long! And when I see you
on the couch with your knitting……I wish that I could schooch up next to you
and say, “hi, whatcha doing?” Susan, I think I am starting to miss you in
England……. 😐
Alright – I gave in and tucked the Kleenex under my arm before opening today’s entry…Enchanting….with the droplets coursing down my cheeks to
meet the beaming smile below as I recounted my memories of the Cotswolds
through your eyes…dear one….how well you “know” that beloved environ…The
book has now become a demanding necessity.. show the world what England has
spoken to your heart. They will be enchanted by your musings and sketches,
especially the lamb in a bib/bordered apron. By the way, our garden is just
teeming with lambs ears and the faire garden blog has a wonderful tutorial
how to make little lambs with the lambs ears plants…so charming…. Bless you
and Jack for heartfelt reminiscenses and memories. Relish every remaining
moment….and Godspeed ~
Mary
I tried to get a closer look (from your pocket where I’ve been stashed) of the adorable sheep. I can’t leave well enough alone so I’ve spent my afternoon doing exhaustive research on breeds of sheep with horns. Then I thought,
“why not ask Susan?” That one mama looks like she put her hair up in pig tails this morning 🙂
OMG – I don’t know what’s getting to me more – the baby lamb nuzzling her Mom’s chin or the heated shower!! WOW – all so wonderful. Everything is soooo green – it must be amazing to look at and feel in person. Thanks Susan 🙂
I could look at that view forever. I ‘ve always thought I belonged in England and now I’m convinced. The lambs are darling and I too love their little tails waggling as they nurse.The fields, the houses and other buildings, how luck to be there. As to the floor in the bath I’ve always wanted to do that in my house. You can actually lay a network of hoses and cover them with flooring and run warm water through them to heat the floors and your rooms. I saw it a long time ago on This Old House somewhere in New England if I’m not mistaken. It’s something to concider espically if you are building a new house and would probably be very cost effictive to run. There is something to be said for a warm floor in the winter! *L* I’ll drink my Earl Grey and think of you all.
Oh and I love Bridget Jones!
Wonderful, sublime post today. What a treat to hear the sounds of the wind in the trees and the birds and lambies etc. So incredibly soothing and restful. I’ll bet it’s actually in our DNA to respond to the sounds of the nature like that. I could be perfectly happy spending an entire day just parked along one of those stone fences in any sheep’s meadow in England – watching and listening and smelling all that nature.
Beatrix P never drew lambs? That never once occurred to me before but now that I know it, it does seem amazing. Maybe she had a ‘baaaaaaaad’ experience with a sheep when she was really small… :>)
Just love that despite all the great English food you’re having, you still haven’t fallen far from your American tree. Socking great burgers! And fries! A couple of ruddy Yanks and that’s great! Will there be any recipes coming in the new book?
Susan,
How blessed you are with what looks like a perfect day. So very happy to see what a wonderful time you seem to be having. Lambs are now on my mind too. I can see while you are in love with them. Thank you for taking all of us along. You gave this indoor girl a touch of jolly ole England that she really appreciates. Hugs!
Oh my goodness, I have totally enjoyed your trip. Now I must make plans. But the hotel just tickled my memory and now I am remembering a night my husband and I stayed in this very hotel as we traveled around the Cotswold’s. How lovely to have this remembrance eventhough I know our room was not so spectacular as the one you are staying in. It was just lovely.
Hi, Susan!
I think that was my favorite post from England. I am so so so happy for you! I hope your final five days are absolutely amazing!
Enjoy!
Love,
Terry
when I saw your hotel I started screaming too! What a dream and such a lovely place. It seems you just left and now we’ll all be home again soon. Looking forward to hearing (and seeing) all about the trip on your return and do I ever have the go to England bug now!
Susan, what a lovely bedroom with the gorgeous down coverlet on your bed. I sleep under a down duvet all year round. Amazing how comfortable it is! For years, I would freeze in the winter even under layers of blankets and quilts. Now, I’m snug, cozy, and warm with the top sheet and down duvet. I’m enjoying every moment of your travel journal…it’s all so-o-o very Susan Branch!
I love how Joe and you jumped up and down and looked in every nook and cranny of your beautiful hotel suite. because, uh, I was doing it too and I didn’t want to be the only one who was being, as you put it, a little hamster. Honestly, it is all so green and lush, full of beautiful flowers. I love the touch of old, handmade. The deep windowsill in the pub. The marble stairs of the hotel. The lovely stone bridge. I could go on and on.
Thank you for taking us to Camelot. This journey has been such adventure for all of us girlfriend, and I can’t believe it will soon be ending 🙁 (sniff, sniff)
Again, thank you, thank you for being so wonderful in sharing your trip with us.
Can’t think of any other writer, artist, friend who would spend so much of her time sharing with all of us so we can “be in England” too.
You are definitely the BEST!
Simply ENCHANTING country, Susan…….like a fairy tale that you don’t want to ever end! I’m thankful to know that I am not the only “kookie” girlfriend….I’ve been watching your ship too (making sure no unsavory soul is getting on board) as it is coming back to get you! How the time has flown by! Just a MAGNIFICENT trip! Thank you SO much again for taking us all along! A very lovely tribute to your dad, I might add…..you are both very blessed to have each other, to share your thoughts and love. You are very special to so many! Love ya! Miriam
You have given me the bestest tour of England. Will never be leaving the states. But you and several good movies have given provided such pleasant memories. Thank you so much.
I love the lambs too Susan and can’t wait to see yours in the apron with rick rack on it! I collect sheep figurines (old ones, not new ones) but I would like one of yours!
All the girlfriends have been so eloquent with their joy, appreciation and excitement about this trip you’ve taken us on. I wholeheartedly agree with everything that’s been said! And I look forward to seeing “Lammbie Pie Cuddle Bunch-in-a-cute-apron” one of these days. Thank you and thank you again!
O. M. G.! You lucky duck – what an amazing place! And those Arlington Row Weaver’s cottages . . . I’m speechless. Wow.
Thank you for showing us the “prettiest village in England.”
hi susan… WOW!!!!! is this place really real??? just absolutely tantillizing..the photos are wonderful…i actually had little bitty baby tears at my eyes from all of the smiling and the shear joy of it all. I am so happy that you and joe got to plan and take this magical trip together…a blessing for sure… I think you hit the nail on the head with the” realization of handmade”…tradition and appreciation..lovingly taken care of…thank you again for sharing it with us….i don’t think i’ll get to see you arrive in NY because….we are headed for Boston this Sat..(stopping by Niagara Falls for a bit) to see our son AND~~~~~ be-bop over to Martha’s Vinyard!!! yippee!! have a great rest of the trip and safe travels ahead!!! xo love, cindy
p.s. how’d that shower thing go??!?!?!???!?!? : )
Love your observation that so much of England is so old that it’s handmade. I looked back at all the photos and see what you mean. Thanks for that insight! Maybe that’s why so many of us love New England. I have loved this whole trip, Susan, and am eager to see the drawings and observations in your book. Lambs in aprons, teacups, stonewalls, wonderful old trees, bubbling brooks and so many other wonderful things! I just can’t wait. Have a lovely sail home! As always, DonnaRay
I’m gobsmacked by this entire trip. Every post is more and more brilliant (isn’t that an “english” term?!). I love every bit of this trip. You’ve inspired me to save for my own – it’s so worth it. I feel like I’m just going to take your same itinarary! This hotel is amazing – the fields are incredible.
I am loving every second of this trip and totally blown away! Thanks for sharing with us! I’m so glad you are having this experience.
(By the way – what are you knitting? When you are back home and have time you’ll have to share your “trip knitting” with us. I hope you didn’t leave home “underyarned” and you have enough yarn for the trip back. I don’t want to find you in a field outside the hotel unraveling one of those poor sheep to feed your knitting habit. Let’s just say as a fellow knitter – when I see pictures of knitting and sheep in the same area… I get a little nervous!)
Susan and Joe, if the staff knew who you were and your “mission” they would have been jumping around doing high fives and getting autographs. I imagine there are going to be lots of lambs in your diary and future designs. I hope they show up in your fabrics too. I also have to say that bathroom was fabulous. How could you not spend half the time in there! So Wonderful! I checked a coffee table size book out from the library about William Morris. It was so informative. Beautiful pictures of his designs and how the papers and fabrics were used in his homes. I studied that book for the longest time. Thanks for sharing this trip with us!!
A lovely name for “one” of your lambs could be AnnabelleBloomDePooh! This was a joke when you didn’t want to take responsibility for doing or saying something stupid you gave your name as the above! Annabelle sure got in a mess of trouble!!
Thank you again for the enjoyable read–great bedtime reading!
* Hello Susan * The nineteenth of June… Here in Camelot…
Your new post is all so…is all so…I can’t seem to find the right words and I usually do, but not this time. Best to say it as you did, sweet Susan, “Happily-Ever-Aftering here in Camelot…if only we could!
O.K. some words are coming to me now… darling lambs, enchanting bridget jones diary music, quiet village walks and the magical Bibury Court Hotel. I could get lost in it all, in Bibury Village.
This is such a special post you have set up for us, Susan. Thank you!
Oh, by the way, I love being in the “Drawing Room”…oh here comes the waiter with my cheeseburger and chips…have to dash now…
* Luv from Dorothy Ann on Cougar Mountain, Washignton
I am having a wonderful time on vacation…with you! Can’t wait to see the William Morris house!
This is absolutely beautiful! I love the gardens and the wall around the sheep with its pointy top of rocks on end. Thanks so much for sharing all this with us!
This has been such an incredible arm-chair travel for husband and myself. I have a dedication to you and Joe – “May You Always” by The McGuire Sisters. JudyC
This one’s for you and Joe
http://youtu.be/vseQPmUd58k
Perfect McGuire sisters, for humming through the white garden at Sissinghurst this morning! Thank you Judy!!! May you always walk in sunshine . . .!
Was the White Garden more in bloom this time? I thought about this being your last day in England while I was walking through Tasha Tudor’s House and Garden today. I head home tomorrow, too. I’m really missing my Westie, Gabriel, and my Calico Cat Poetry. Can’t wait to see them!
It was HEAVEN, I will show you the whole thing very soon!
Thank you for sharing with us. I love all the details you have posted. It’s like we are right there with you!
OH what FUN! I loved that first photo of the sheep! I have so enjoyed this awesome journey. I know it has been trying at times to get things posted to us here on the blog. BUT thank you so much for your patience and perseverance. And oh yes, the story must continue with pictures etc. when you get home to Martha’s Vineyard… I know the time has flown for you and Joe! But ahhhhh what a wonderful time this has been! Squeeze all you can in the last few days until the float home! LOL! Hugs and tissues…
Truly one of your finest, most captivating blogs . . . and I share your heart with the lambs. My favorite creatures, ever! Beatrix Potter didn’t do it, but I hope you have “lambie things” in your store . . . Now I’ve gotta have a look!
Oh No! Our adventure in England is almost over! The way you have shared England with us has been brilliant and exciting. Hopefully, when you return to the US, you will be saying “there’s no place like home……there’s no place like home!”
Just so you know , I did pick up on your aside as it related to the upgrade accomodations ,
however , I didn’t know it would be the Bridal Suite ! And with such a charming staff of three ……somehow I get the feeling they , the Hotel , seriously wanted to impress you …..
in anticipation of the “good press ” they would obtain from your depiction of their facilities
In this Blog and your forthcoming book ……very wise move , I’d say !
I thought the same, Jack, but whatever…the suite was incredible. Funny how modern and luxurious it was inside while the outside might lead you to expect something else… LOL! 🙂
Hello Susan, I posted a comment early evening last night but don’t see it on here. I also so put a comment on two posts back and see that did not go on either. I cannot access twitter either how I use to……ugh! I don’t know why this is happening as I am not a great techy as they say so my husband is going to check into this. .I truly was in “awe” of this post.
The lambs……..to cute for words! Your Bibury Court Hotel………gorgeous and loved the picture with it lit up at nightime! Inside ……..oh my gosh..! The picture of you in the chair knitting ……is really nice you just look SO HAPPY ….and Content as this is how a Magical Vacation should be. I so enjoyed the picture of that bridge with the stonework and the flowers. It would be great to just pull up a chair sit near to that bridge and you could just sketch away, draw, or write. That would make a great photo to, to hang anywhere in a home. I was also in such awe of the beautiful Gardens. When you told us you had a secret………I too thought
you found a place in England to buy. I really want to thank you and Joe for taking all this time out of your vacation to bring us girlfriends on this virtual tour of England. It’s been a pleasure and has been so exciting to visit places we have never seen and to see the beauty, learn the history and meet your friends as well. Only a few more days left……..but a lot can be done in those days so soak it all in and maybe you could both just maybe………miss the boat ride back and we could spend some more time. in England……..yes……sound like a good idea? Okay I know……we have no choice but to be there to set sail back……but it sure was worth a try. THANK YOU !!!! Barb, Ludlow, Ma
Susan,
Wow!! What lovely pictures of a perfect spot! Thanks so very much for the fabulous vacation. We all are having such a wonderful time, I’m sure none of us can wait to get the blog and see what’s new. I know I can’t. I am so very glad you took us all with you on this perfect trip! Thanks again for taking so much time to bring us all with you on this incredible trip.
Happy exploring, Cheryl
Happy First Day of Summer!! Can’t imagine a prettier place to celebrate than where you are today!
Cheers!
What a wonderful post! I do not know how I missed Bibury before but I must make up for it on the next trip, that’s for sure. I love that you said that England “is almost entirely handmade.”
When I am actually standing in Great Britain and ruminating about things, I think about all the generations of people who walked through all the pathways that I am now walking. And the farmers that have walked the fields and built the stone walls and planted the hedges and repaired and replaced them when necessary generations later. And those who scrambled up the roofs to put the stone tiles or thatch in place and those who are replacing and repairing them today. I think about the men with no engineering education or computer programs who had the foresight to dream up the gorgeous cathedrals and skill to start them, knowing that generations would come and go before their dream became a reality. I bet there is not an inch of England that has not been trodden over many times by dignified human beings doing their bit, as they saw it, to make the most of the lifetime that God gave them with the resources that were at hand. And the result to me is a most “perfect” place that has been built by “imperfect” hands and that to me is truly what makes it “perfect.” Thank God its history is appreciated by its citizens!
There are just no words. #staresslackjawedatthecomputer
ooooooooooooooo! thanks SO much for posting all these pictures and videos from your trip! i am thoroughly enjoying them.
Thank you for sharing this joyous stop on your journey~
I don’t understand why this makes my eyes watery.
It’s as if I were there myself.
So happy.
Thank you so much, Susan & Joe.
Love,
♥Debbie♥
I. Think. I’m. In. LOVE!
Susan, thank you, thank you!!! I am LOVING “our” trip :0) Seeing so many beautiful things!! Kill me now, with those little lambs! And all that green growing around your windows! And the stones! And the bridges! So b~e~a~u~t~i~f~u~l!
(btw, you looked adorable in your jeans and scarf!)
Oh! First off, that hotel, is a must on my list of places to go! I loved!!! how you described how excited you and Joe were with the room. I immediately pictured Kate Winslet in “The Holiday” as she explores her vacation home. I would have a very hard time leaving there. The countryside, what’s not to love? The lambs, the stone walls, the fields with wild flowers… I’m so glad (and grateful) that your trip was all about the “un-touristy” side of England, I would probably never think to explore this, and now I will look at all my vacations in a different light! Enjoy the rest of your trip – so happy for you!!!
Brilliant! Simply brilliant!
OH.MY.HEAVENLY.STARS!!! Lovin’ the posts! Enjoy your stay!
Bridget Jones Diary. I’ve watched it so many times just to see Rene Zellwenger kiss Colin Firth. Lucky, lucky girl. One of the all time most romantic kisses in a movie ever. Except for Rhett Butler kissing Scarlette O’Hara when he left her to join the confederate army. I am enjoying all your posts so much. Thank you for proving to me that England is as wonderful as I have alway imagined.
If it wasn’t for Girl Kitty and Jack, I would ask if we could stay but…..
Such a magical trip.
Loved the walk- and your hotel- Oh my! Those old stone walls get me every time . . . I dream of stone walls and open fields and lambs and cows and long country walks! I CANNOT wait to see William Morris’ house- I’m a huge fan! So exciting! But it’s going by so quickly- and I’m sure you miss those darling fur-balls of yours. Enjoy these last days under the English sun (or clouds) !
Susan, Can’t believe the Bibury Court Hotel! So old and beautiful on the outside, yet in some ways so new and modern on the inside. Talk about comfort!Hard to believe that the trip is almost over. Looking forward to seeing James Herriot’s countryside. Bought my children his book of animal stories when they were young – they loved it. Have so enjoyed everything you have shared with us!! Relax and enjoy the rest of your time!
Jan
my daughter and I have been discussing the B Potter non-drawing of lambs. her opinion is this: most of B’s animals are drawn standing up (like people) with clothes on….can you picture a lamb standing up? we can’t, and therefore perhaps B couldn’t picture it either?? bunnies and squirrels do stand up on 2 legs to stretch high to get a look, but a lamb doesn’t. I LOVED the comment about the baaaaad experience!! HA!! Susan, Bibury is just tooooo gorgeous and luxurious to imagine. I am also cracking up seeing you knitting in a SWEATER! it’s 96 degrees here in Mich (in the shade) and the thought of a sweater makes me just itch! I have been knitting (but wearing as little as possible – tank top and shorts, barefooted) and knitting only things like little washcloths using cotton yarn…no wool – eegads. We have the shades all pulled down and have been living in the dark with the lights off to keep it cooler. I have been loving your blog and am cooled and refreshed by all the scenes of the waterways, the scenery, animals and the stone buildings. So scenic. Why is it that Americans feel the need to tear down anything that is slightly old and keep building new? why?
She does have a standing up mouse, frog, pig, fox, and hedgehog. I really don’t know why no lamb, so I painted one! Had fun doing it! Your question “why?” is a very good one!!
As much as I love America (and I do!), it was a bit sad and boring coming back to the wood frame houses….I missed so much the stacked stone walls and thatch-roofed houses and gorgeous country gardens. New isn’t always better! 🙂
But NEW England does still carry some of that OLD England charm, thank goodness. We even saw a castle younger than our house, so that made me feel a little bit better about it! But no stone houses! Or thatched roofs!
True…need to get to New England sometime! Looking forward to your book SOOOO much! Have enjoyed reliving it all on your blog!
We’ve been in New England this past week and have seen several stone walls. I love how the barns are attached to the houses and the deep red color they use. I think the difference between here and the mid-Atlantic where I live is here they preserve anything old and elsewhere they tend to preserve only historically-significant buildings.
That room – ohlala:) Didn’t you stay at that hotel on your way “up north”? Your rooms sound more like an apartment….sure you wouldn’t mind staying a few months a year there.
Thanks for spoiling us with the videos – you know we LOVE them. Will you stay at a hotel near the port the night before you leave? Oh yes, and does the QMII have a storage room to put up some of your bags???? Quite a squeeze if you have to have all of them in the room with you:) Know it’s hard to post from there but, I will be following your progress each day and hopefully see you arrive 07/01.
Double times wow! Double times oooohh! Double times any other way to say how great your blog is of the beautiful England countryside. Took a trip to Cottonwood yesterday. Didn’t see your Dad, cuz I don’t know him, but did a little secret “Hello”. Hot there! Susan, looking forward to hearing all about Jack and Girl Kitty when you get back. I think when you get home this trip will seem like it was a big wonderful dream. Don’t you think doing the diary will keep it real? I do. Thank you girlfriend and boy friend Joe, for sharing this wonderful trip! XOXO
Breathtaking. I love the cozy antiquity, and I’m learning a lot, too. Thanks for a lovely day Susan.
Dear Susan and Joe,
I am enjoying your blog, all the photos and videos! Brilliant!! My cousin took me to Bibury last year on my visit. It is a lovely village, words cannot describe it. You just have to see it…..and you have done just that for all of us Stateside girlfriends across the pond! Thank you, you are a blessing! Enjoy every minute! (which we know that you are!) Maybe you can paint the lambs!
Hugs,
Candice
If I am not able to tour London myself, this is the next best thing!!!!! Your work and words are so wonderful and expressive…Such a gift!!! Thank you for caring and sharing with your girlfriends…BAA BAA…..what a loveley sound and I know you can paint the lambs just the way you described…..Enjoy more for us and keep the sweet smell of flowers coming forth.
Pamala B
Hi Susan and Joe, too.
I feel like I know you through this travel journey with you. You are so expressive and darling in all you are doing and it is so delightful to be along with you. Love the lambs, the hotel and all your sharing, the walks and all. Have never been to England but you have made the journey come alive. It is so sweet of you to take so much time and effort to share with you. Looking forward to the book and any products you do that come from this trip. I LOVE Susan Branch!!!
Irene Talaasen in Colorado
My husband and I just returned home from beautiful Lake Tahoe in CA. I ‘ve read all your posts Susan, as we took the computer with us so I wouldn’t miss any!! Got to update Doug on all your adventures too. He enjoyed. We settled down at 11,000 ft. altitude; it was snowing when we arrived, and snowing over Donner Pass upon our return- in June; indeed!! I’m up to date with all the girlfriends’ comments (delightful, every one). We stopped at an English pub in Carson City (can you believe that we found one?). When telling the waitresses about Susan Branch, they were so excited they couldn’t wait to get home to join in on the fun of each becoming one more of your girlfriends! Suzi the little Steiff kitty went with us. She rode up front, took the trip well, and is now perched next to the computer so she can see the screen as I write this. How has your sweet little kitty, felted by Kellee, made the trip so far? Have you given him a name? (He wears a blue ribbon thus he surely must be a he!) Thank you Susan for your illuminating spirit as you are overflowing with all your heart can hold, and then sending your impressions of picturesque England to us over ocean and land. We receive your messages with the same spirit you send them. Nothing has been lost in the translation! We take it all in and our hearts are touched once again, with each correspondence from you! Lucky us!!!
I’m still loving my vacation with you! Can’t believe it’s almost time to cross the ocean back to the USA. It’s been such a memorable trip and I can’t thank you enough.
I look forward to your little bird chirping and flitting across the page each time you post. Is that little one perhaps a mechanical bird that sits in a cage and sings whenever you wind him up? I have a sweet, sweet little German cage with two tiny birds that sing and flap their wings whenever you wind up the key on the bottom. Tasha Tudor (now deceased as you probably know) had a fantastic mechanical bird and I searched for about five years before I found my very own. She was such a special woman and every time I hear your little bird chirping, it reminds me of her. I’m so very glad to hear that wee bit of joy and follow your happy bird across the page.
Diane in North Carolina
I sure enjoyed my day with you. Great tour guide 🙂 I think I’m in love with England *sigh* …………….
Oh, Susan, I’m just so happy for you! If anyone deserves a magical holiday it’s you, for all the inspiration you bring to others is now coming back to you! I’m keeping you in my prayers for continued enchantment!
I feel like I am lost in a daydream….walking the wildflower lined paths that Lords, Ladies and the Village Folk walked in days of yore. Looking at sheep and streams, meadows and castle manor houses. Dreaming of all the tales that could be told by those old stone walls of Bilbury Court, Weavers Row or Catherine’s Wheel………….hundreds, maybe thousands of years of interesting stories.
Ah…….It has been a magical adventure…..Loved every minute of it……….so i am going to keep daydreaming……until the ship sails again!
Hi Susan, Now I have tears in my eyes thinking of having to leave this beautiful place with you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing the last part of your wonderful trip with us. I absolutely adore this post, all of the photos, and your beautiful way with words!
Holy socks! What a gorgeous place – Wow – My newest favorite! Love those lil lambies……beautiful creatures. Love that double shower!!! 🙂
hello susan, Happy summer solstice!! i know how you can get those towel warmer racks for your home, my cousin can give me the address of where she getsw them. she gave us 2 towel warmers for a wedding gift 11 years ago and i cannot imagine life without them, it is so nice to have a warm towel to dry off with on a cold winter night, i love it and you can dry your stockings and other items on the rack and they are dry in no time. so let me know and i will give you the address. my cousin fell in love with those towel warmers in England when she was there and has one in both her baths ever since and she tells me its a little luxury she gives herself, and she is right every now and then we need to spoil ourselves, and a nice warm towel is a nice way to do it. let me know!!! enjoy the rest of your stay in England, see you on board ship. off to go explore the countryside. hugs………. 🙂
Have you been pinching yourself? What a dream of a trip!!! As I told you before, I’ve been writing down each place you’ve visited. This hotel will definitely get my vote if we get over there, which I hope to do. Your trip is the best travelog of England that I’ve ever, ever encountered. What a charming hotel. Happy trails Susan & Joe.
Thank you Sondra . . . I do have lots more to show you, so keep that pencil sharp…and I won’t always be in a hurry either, from my own studio on the island!
I am not ready for this trip to be over. boo hoo. I hope you post some more from England before you board the ship back. I haven’t gotten my fill yet. 🙂 At the moment,and until just before you depart on the ship, we are caring for our neighbors Chickens, Ducklings, Cats and Bunny. I feel like I am living Beatrix Potters life. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of the time there. It’s been a lovely trip.
Sounds like a wonderful way to spend a day . . . I will try to post, but the hours are very few and we are trying to fill them with memories! I will definitely have lots and lots to show you when I get home, I wrote all the stories down, so I won’t forget a thing!
OK – I thought I wanted a burro, but maybe I want lamb! These fluffy white English lambies are way cuter than USA sheep. Can you bring one home to me?
Leaving Mexico for Morro Bay tomorrow.
Safe travels to you and Joe across the Ocean Blue.
Hasta Luego Sweet Sue, Sarah
I know you well enough to know you definitely want a lamb! Burros are cute, but stickery compared to a lamb! 🙂 Miss you Sarah, travel safely!
Susan, I knew we were going to be in England at the same time, but after just reading your post, turns out we were in Bibury the same day! We even took some of the same photos. We had an ice cream at the trout farm and bought some tea towels there. We were only there a couple of hours though. After we left Bibury we went to the Iron Bridge and then on to Liverpool. We are in London today and then off to Switzerland for a week tomorrow. It would have been really funny if we would have run into you in Bibury, England of all places.
Have a safe trip home.
Maybe we did!! Have a great trip Laura!
Ohhhhhhhhh! Sweet Sue, Thank you!!! You bring us soooooooo much beauty and delight!!! It’s all a fairy tale for real! The girlfriends already expressed my sentiments so beautifully, all I can say is that I am in awe of it all!
On your next trip the Queen must give you and Joe a special reception for all the increased tourism you have generated by sharing the enchantment of England so vividly with all of us.
Oh! If you happen to find an old book shoppe with a tinglely bell that has the Cotswold book like yours, please buy a stack and have them sent to your store, I would love to have a copy, and I’m sure other girlfriends would as well.
I can never thank you enough for everything!!!!!!
Love,
Victoria
I found a lovely old copy of Cranford! But not the Cotswold book yet! I’m so happy you have enjoyed it Victoria!
you have shared your pictures and words with us throughout your trip and
I thank you
Safe travels home.
Now that is a posh hotel!! How gorgeous it all is! And I’m so pleased you have had sunshine Susan because where I am its just been wet, wet, wet and wind, wind wind! I feel guilty saying so, but I’m quite looking forward to your homecoming and all the memories you’ll be sharing with us at your leisure. I want to see ALL those photos of the places I meant to visit and haven’t been to yet – even though they are not that far away.
One other thing, I’m rather glad you weren’t around when all our lambs were new born in early Spring! I fear you would have expired with delight ;o)
I would have expired with delight!!! I am in LOVE with lambs. I got to touch one on this trip, which puts the icing on the cake. Lucky you!
Love this place……screaming with you!
Oh no, just three more days of England! I’ve enjoyed your videos & wonderful blogs, so very much. While looking at the darling lambs, I was reminded of the baby goats my family raised. We had a couple of acres in PA where the goats would run & play. A baby goat can be standing still, then jump straight up, high, into the air! Marvelous to see. And, it’s been said that kids (the human kind) on a farm just work & there’s no play. Not true. We used to laugh & laugh at the silly, little goats. Like you with your English lambs & sheep, we could have watched the goats for hours. Happy journey home. Loved each & every blog you’ve written while in England. Sondra
I just love goats, I used to have one for a next door neighbor and visited him all the time. Very darling creatures. Glad you have enjoyed the trip Sondra, I have a feeling it might just go on and on … so much I didn’t have time to show everyone. But it will be fun reliving it with you!
What a tour.Thank you so much.It’s perfect for My taste’s,just My kind of dream,In fact,those are the exact makings of My day dreams.inspiration plus! Denise of Coffeeberry Cottage OXOX
Susan,
Where are you? We miss you! We haven’t heard from you in days! Please send us an update. We want to know all the wonderful things you have done during the past few days. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us.
Have a safe trip home.
America misses you.
Where we were, until yesterday morning, there was no internet access in the little stone cottage! I took my computer, over the river and across the garden to the big house (I’ll show you someday), to work on their second floor in order to have access, which wasn’t too easy all the time! Now we have all our suitcases in the car; we left to begin driving to the boat yesterday (Friday morning) — we drove all day, went to Stonehenge and other wonderful places, and didn’t get to the hotel we’re in right now until 10pm last night. Now, it’s morning, we have tea, there are white doves (and I am not kidding), three of them, in the tree outside our window! We’re about to leave for another day of meandering before we go to the ship tomorrow at noon. We want to go through the white garden at Sissinghurst one more time, the roses weren’t blooming yet the first time! Have to see those roses! Our last stop will be Chawton and Jane Austen first thing tomorrow morning — we board the ship later tomorrow (that’s about 1 pm on Sunday)! Trying not to cry; hard to laugh and cry at the same time, because we love it here, it’s been so beautiful and very hard to leave, but Home is a wonderful place! Thank you for asking, it takes a few hours to do a post and lately, those hours have been hard to come by. Will do my best to update soon, say hello to all the girlfriends for me! xox
Thank you dearly for the update!!!! It makes me cry, too, to think of you leaving England. But I know how great it will be to get home!!
Words can’t express how wonderful it has been to follow along with you on your blogs and tweets!!!!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Thank you for the update. It sounds like the last few days in England have been wonderful. I have enjoyed “our” trip so much!
My Dad, who passed away last summer, often sang this line from a Frank Sinatra song, “It’s very nice to go travelling, but it’s oh so nice to come home. ” And you’re coming home to summer in New England, which is wonderful, too!
Thanks for the memories.
Hi, Susan, your trip has been a joy to experience through your eyes! Thanks so much for taking the time to do the blog posts as I know it takes a considerable amount of time.
I do have a question for you…do you allow other artists to sketch and paint from the images you’ve posted on your blog? Not for commercial reasons, just for personal enjoyment and if possible to post on my own blog.
If not, I completely understand. Once again, thanks you for your generosity in including all of us. England has climbed several notches up the “Places to Visit In This Lifetime” List!
~ Laure
Hi Laure, nice to hear from you . . . thank you for the compliment of asking. In order to protect the copyrights on my art, I can’t allow people to copy it…but you can practice painting with it, that’s fine, for you at home; but copies of what I do on someone else’s blog wouldn’t be a good thing. You can use a little of my art on your blog if you like, if you attach my website to it; it’s the same as providing copyright; that would be OK.
Oh, my! I apologize for not being clear….I did NOT mean your art!!! Not at all! I was speaking to the beautiful images you’ve posted from the various villages you’ve visited in England!!
My apologies for not being very clear in my first request.
Oh no problem, it’s the same with photos, if you just post a link to where you got them, that would be wonderful! Thank you Laure!
Oh you lucky girl!
“buh-er” – ROTFL!!!!!!!!!!
From Mary S. in Fresno, CA
I’ve loved catching up with you this morning on your blog & twitter! Been gone taking care of Mom for 2 weeks (she’s better now, whew)- no computer -eeks! Dear sweet Sue, Joe & Petey, your writings & pictures just take my breath away! I’ve had to keep wiping down my eyes to get through it all! Missed you all, girlfriends & Jack! Absolutely glorious blogs & twitters my dear, a bazillion, trillion thank yous!!! I can’t believe our trip is coming to a close, and I so look forward to the coming book! You’re in my heart, with love, Joanie
Happy welcome home Joan! So glad to hear your mom’s better! Thank you!
Thank you dear one, I’ll tell her!!!! xoxo
Hello Susan we all have been away from your blog for a few days and I understand fully about the internet service abroad….Angela is in her last week of studying and sightseeing and also has had the time of her life. She leaves on the 30th and will be back on July 1st. I have missed her greatly; but, know how much she is loving all the History (especially of Mozart) so it is also bittersweet for her too. I personally have not mentioned your kitties because I knew they were just fine and knew there wasn’t anything you could do for 2 months anyway….but, now that you are close to leaving England and have the long trek back across to the States….you have just got to be so excited to imagine the homecoming you will have with Jack/Miss Kitty….Jack will probably think it sure was a long trip to the market and back?? haha Don’t be sad for leaving be excited for going home and you will be just fine. I want to take this time to just say THANK YOU for including us in your journey it sure was a blast!! I had my 6 mo. checkup yesterday and all in all I am doing a lot better and even lost some weight….so I am ready for the suitcase and sure hope Pat/Dawn are ready too. Enjoy your last hours in your lovely English Countryside and say Baaaaa to the lambies. Safe Journey and Blessings.
Deborah, I’m ready though I haven’t lost any weight, alas, so it will be just as much of a squeeze to get in the suitcase. It has been a wonderful trip but it is time to come home–home to familiar surroundings, somewhat-routines, and as much fun as it has been to stay in the flats, B & B’s, and that fabulous hotel, there is “No place like Home” and one’s own bed! And, though it has been fun being in charge of keeping track of you and Dawn to make sure you don’t drown in a pond or stream, end up playing bull-fight with a real live bull in a pasture, or get left behind hiding in Beatrix Potter’s house or one of the wonderful huge country house/castles we have toured, it is time for you both to get to your own surroundings and lose me as your babysitter–not that either of you are babies but I think you are both younger than I so that is why I’m calling it that…it has been fun, though!!! 🙂 We’ll still have fun on the cruise home, though. Just imagine the nooks and crannies on that ship that we can explore! 🙂
Pat, you will always be our “big” sister and I also want to thank you for all the care you gave to me while in England. I guess we have 7 days to play on the ship and you are so right about all the places we can explore…..I tend to turn in early but I think Dawn is one who sneaks in after hours?? and the poor dear gets those charlie horses so if we can and if Susan/Joe have a balcony I think we should sleep out there as long as you open the door for us in the mornings. See you in the suitcase my friend.
All I can say is WOW. Your pictures are truly amazing. That hotel is probably the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen! I would love to visit these places, I better hurry up or I wont have the energy to enjoy them! Safe Travels
Been watching the Queen Mary 2 returning to England. Right now 5:53 p.m. eastern Saturday night, it is about 7 hours from arriving in Southhampton (I think about 6:30? am or 7:30 a.m. on Sunday morn). I don’t really understand UTC time:) It is incredible they can clean, fill, etc. a ship that size in time to leave again 6/7 hours later. I suppose most of that is all going on in the background as they get near their destination.
It’s been a fantabulous trip and I can hardly believe how much spending money I have left:) Can I have a space next to the patio door or I could stay on your deck if the weather is not bad on the way back. Love the outdoors. TaTa
(my weather radio keeps going off and it startles me!!! Quite the amount of rain we are getting in SW florida and now there is hurricane Debby. Uff da. )
Hi Susan!
Just had a chance to catch up with your blog and all of the exciting things you’ve been up to. I’ve been “out of the loop” for quite a while, as my Dad has had some serious health issues the past few months. I see I’ve missed quite a bit! I plan to spend the evening looking through previous blog posts and checking out all of the lovely photos. I’ve missed spending time on your blog and hope I can get back into a routine again. A friend of mine is an art teacher, and her husband is a history teacher. They spend nearly every summer in Kent and I babysit their cat for them each time they go. As a “reward” for cat-sitting, they always bring me some lovely things from the UK when they return. One of these days, I would really like to go there myself. Wishing you all the best as you travel back home again! Can’t wait to hear about the Welcome Home you receive from your kitties!
~xoxo~
Pamela Jo
Hope your dad is feeling much better!
THE SMILE ON YOUR FACE TELLS THE WHOLE STORY!!!!
oh wow! what deliciousness!!!
I love your face… you look simply happy 🙂
I have absolutely LOVED all of your posts from your trip, really made me feel like I was right there with you. So beautiful, all the pictures and lambs and cottages. I would love to visit one day — I’ve been to England twice, but only as a flight attendant, so not a whole lot of time to do anything.
Everyone is having such hot weather except for us here in Alaska I think. I’m kind of wishing for warm weather – has been below average temps all summer. But my son was invited to play hockey in Minnesota (where I’m from) so we leave next week for 10 days. I’m sure I’ll get my fill of hot weather! Lol
Thank you for posting all of your travels and pictures — thoroughly enjoy them!
Sonya
Susan and Joe,
Thank you for letting me join you on your beautiful journey, it was a trip of a lifetime and I feel honored to be part of it. We live in such a beautiful world and I am so thankful to be part of all the wonderful parts of nature. I keep re-reading the blog to be sure I don’t miss anything, it was so exciting. patricia
This brought back wonderful memories Susan. Thanks for sharing. I have never blogged before but this reached right into my heart. You see, for 42 years I was maried to my pen friend who was from Gloucestershire so I found tears running down my face remembering all the memories we made in the places you mentioned. He rests in the Saddle in the Malvern Hills in Gloucestershire overlooking his beloved England. Sir Edward Elgar country which inspired his musical compositions. His home is also worth touring with lovely gardens as well.
Love your site and Willard, and that you are a cat lover like I am. I did try to order from your site but it didn’t like my e-mail address and said I needed a different format. What’s that about??
I so love Martha’s Vineyard and I was so lucky to grow up on Cape Cod. Have many trips over to the Islands.
Thanks for the lovely tour of what has become my beloved England.
Linda
Thank you for that sweet comment Linda. I’m so happy you enjoyed it. As for your email address, I forwarded your comment to Kellee, she’ll probably contact you to see if we can help with it. Thank you again!