Our last day in England we went to visit Jane Austen’s house in a little country town called Chawton. I can’t really say we saved the best for last, because there was just too much best on this trip! But add this to the pile, because it was best too. The house is in Hampshire, very near Southampton where the ship sailed from . . . that’s the lowest, middle part of England on the map. I’m watercoloring a map of England for my English Diary, so you’ll finally get to see where we’ve been (hiding in those suitcases you missed way too much! We’re going to make up for that!). So here goes, get ready, it’s a little bit long . . .
First off, you have to know how this quiet neighborhood sounded this day! The only thing missing is “my-toe-hurts-bet-tee” the nature national anthem of England, but trust me, the wood pigeons were out in full force!
There’s the house! That’s Jane Austen’s House! How beautiful! Let’s go find a parking space!
On our way to the house, we walk through the neighborhood . . . the neighborhoods were almost always as wonderful as the houses we were going to visit!
Many of the homes in Chawton have thatched roofs . . .
There are many rose-covered cottages . . .
This is the pub across the street from the house . . . in case you’d like a bite when you get done, or a peah ci-da. In case? Don’t you love the flower boxes?
On the corner, directly across from the house, you can stop for tea in this wonderful tea room called “Cassandra’s” — which is the name of both Jane’s beloved sister, and her mother.
So here we go, are you ready? I was so excited! Hope I don’t accidentally run anyone down!!
We had to go into the gift shop to get our tickets. My first question: “Can I take pictures inside the house?” (Not every house we visited allows photography, I really didn’t expect them to say yes; but I was hoping and praying.) And then, Yes You Can! I can? Oh Boy. Let’s go!!!
There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart. Jane Austen
Jane was born in 1775; she started writing Pride and Prejudice when she was 21, but it was in Chawton House at this amazingly small table that she finished it; it’s here she wrote and revised her greatest stories.
At this very table. Her books came right out of her brain, through her hand, onto the paper, one letter at a time.
We were invited to try writing the way Jane did … with a feather quill pen and ink! I couldn’t wait to get my little fingers around that!
If you look close, I think you can tell that I tried it! I loved it!!! I bought a feather and ink in the gift shop; I’m going to write with it in the English Diary so you can see it in action! How she did this I will never know, there could not have been much “rewriting” on her books; no word processor or even a typewriter to make it easier (or even a ball point pen for that matter)! Because you have to dip the quill pen in the ink about every 2 or 3 letters or it runs dry! You have to blot it too, or your arm will drag through and smear it! It’s a slow process, but it’s what she knew; and that’s how it is with book writing, no matter how you do it, you just keep going every day, until it’s done, and then, viola, you have a book!
Before I show you details in the house, let me show you just how charming this chock-full-of-history cottage is. This is the bedroom that Jane shared with her sister Cassandra.
This is a canopy tent bed of the period. Where they didn’t have the exact furniture owned by the Austen family, they used period pieces so we could know what things would have looked like. Love this bed! I would like to be twelve years old and have this bed!!!
There are bouquets of cut flowers from the garden all over the house; on mantles and window ledges . . . you feel like someone really lives here . . .
Here you can look across the street to Cassandra’s Tea Room, how convenient!
There are fireplaces in every room, some of them very tiny like this one. Isn’t it cute? Wouldn’t you like to warm your feet by this fire? (Well, maybe not today . . .)
They’ve put little cards on or next to everything, so you can know what you’re looking at . . .
It’s a house to go slow in, you can feel the reverence and the joy of the people who are there. One girl came bounding in to the room I was in, we looked at each other with huge eyes, just shaking heads at how happy we were to be there!
They have made it so nice for us; it’s all here for the savoring . . .
There are lots of glass cases with personal things belonging to Jane and to her family.
Gorgeous 200+ year old bracelet owned by Jane . . . I would love to have this bracelet! Look at the detail. ♥
Another adorable fireplace . . . and lovely period dress . . .
This is not the piano belonging to Jane, but it could have been, and so gorgeous, handpainted.
All the wallpaper you see is Laura Ashley which is very appropriate as many of Laura Ashley’s designs were inspired by antique papers and fabric she saw in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Something else that adds warmth and charm to this house.
And there are fragments of wallpaper they found in the house, like this one . . . very pretty too, light and clean like the ones they’ve chosen for the rooms.
This quilt was made by Jane, Cassandra and their mother. Jane Austen‘s stories capture the essence of her time; in the last two centuries, her books have rarely been out of print! She died very young, at age 41, in her sister Cassandra’s arms. ;-(
The house has lots of homemade touches such as these embroideries…
In every case, Jane said it like she saw it. This was on the dining table.
Here’s the bakehouse … and next to it is their little donkey carriage . . .
The kitchen! I could feel very at home in here! If someone would teach me how to work that stove, it would be Hot Milk Cake for everyone!
Little details like this jar of cut herbs from the garden make it feel homey, like you could move right in!
And the garden! With benches and lawns to sit and stay in. Jane and her family grew everything they needed in their cottage garden, vegetables, herbs, and flowers; Cassandra kept bees so they made their own honey.
Their favorite flowers were “Sweet Williams, columbines, peonies, pinks and laburnums” … they also grew “gooseberries, raspberries and currants” … they made their own jams and jellies and summer wines, kept a pig and chickens and had two donkeys to pull them in their carriage.
The garden smelled like perfume and sounded wonderful too; see the blackbird on the garden wall? He was singing his heart out . . . we took the equivalent of a whole “roll of film” just on him!!! What a perfect last day it was . . .
Then it was back to the gift shop again, of course . . . I had to get my quill pen and ink! And some postcards and some books …. and this ….
. . . my irresistible Chawton House dishtowel, which is hanging now on my stove, because we are HOME ; I’m writing this from my studio; Jack is asleep on the pillow on top of the fax machine (I’m speaking of my kitty Jack, not my dad Jack, just so you know!), Girl is in the chair; there are lawnmowers going outside; a soft breeze is coming through my window and I can see butterflies flitting around my picket fence garden . . . Joe is out back trying to bolster the rose arbor so it will last another summer!
We’ve been unpacking slowly and opening our mail so there is an impromptu gathering of little things on the shelf in our kitchen … ♥♥♥
And we finally got to drape our Jubilee bunting on our own kitchen windows!
As you know, we all got a bit drenched and waterlogged in England! Personally, I didn’t mind at all; it was moody and wonderful having fires and wearing sweaters, watching the black clouds roll in across the dales, getting to use my new William Morris umbrella, and the gardens were green and lush and so beautiful . . . so we didn’t know we missed the sun . . . but this was the view out on our walk this morning! Oh yeah, it feels very good to be home!
OK girls, I guess I better get going . . . I hope this post was long enough for you!! 🙂 But I just couldn’t let you miss anything!!! Hope you enjoyed it! I will try to make the next one shorter!!! How are you all doing? I’m worried about the heat, the fires and the loss of electricity for so many! I hope you’re all holding on! Stay cool Girlfriends, watch out for neighbors and pets and see you soon!!! xoxo
I am so happy you are home. I know you had a wonderful trip and memories to last a lifetime. It is 102 in South Carolina, but so glad we have air conditioning and relief in sight next week. Rest and relax and enjoy your kitties.
Cynthia
Stay cool Cynthia!
Not long at all! I loved that you could take pictures of Jane’s home. Seeing that tiny writing desk was inspiring. We live in such a bigger is better world that it is amazing to think how at one time that wasn’t true. Have a wonderful weekend at home, Susan!
I know, she had a pen and a piece of paper. Unbelievable!
Oh, I meant to tell you, you inspired me to read the Beatrix Potter biography. Another great author with a great story of perserverance. I am now rereading her children’s books and I am appreciating them even more.
She’s wonderful…what she did for England is just amazing!
Oh, Susan!
Another “best” day to share with everyone! We truly cherish each lovely adventure that you share… both in England and at home. Can’t wait for your English Diary! Things are finally getting back to normal here. Last Sunday’s storm left us without power for several days during the intense heat wave. Now, we truly appreciate the things we often take for granted ~ the air conditioning, the fridge, lights, and each and every ice cube! Thank goodness for the bright moonlight this week. It filled our dark nights with a lovely glow. xoxox
Oh Dawn, so happy things are back for you … we get hurricanes here, so I know how it feels! Ice cubes!
Thank you! Jane Austen’s place is just as I remembered it. I loved the shelves in the closet which reminded me of a passage in Pride and Prejudice. Did you also get a chance to go to the Pub across the street? Did you get the chance to go to the church and it’s cemetery? xoxo, Priscilla
We peeked into the Pub, but we had that boat to catch by noon, so we were on much too tight of a schedule that day!
When I was there, we had tea in the pub (not at Cassandra’s) and sat next to the fire, because it was December and a bit cold out. It was wonderful. I made some good memories that day. I’m sorry you didn’t have more time to spend in Chawton.
Love the long posts and beautiful photographs. Please don’t skip one detail!!
Oh so dreamy…… Keep ’em coming, Suzy B. Thanx 😉
Susan, thank you so much for the post. Enjoyed reading it in the cool air conditioning of our house. We are under a heat advisory here in Juniata County, PA. What would the term for “heat advisory” be in England I wonder?
It seems like it could be a rare occurrence from what we saw!
You packed so much into your trip, right down to the last day and with one foot on the boat. Loved the tour of Jane Austen’s home. You have given us all so much to think about and reminded us to appreciate all the little things like a singing bird or a beautiful flower in bloom. It’s very hot here in MD but we are blessed with AC and electrical power. Just visited our favorite vegetable stand and learned that the family had a tree fall on their home and are living in a hotel right now. But they were all still out in this heat offering us their wonderful vegetables and assuring US that everything would be ok for them.
Aren’t people amazing??!
Thanks so much. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. I felt like I was there learning with all of you. Yes, we are trying to take care of each other here in the Washington, DC area. I was so fortunate to have power restored 24 hours after the storm. We’re expecting 104 degree temps plus heat index tomorrow. Praying for everyone especially the folks in Colorado. And thanks for thinking of all of us. So caring of you as always.
I think I’m in heaven everytime you make a new entry! It is so wonderful of you to share your wonderful journey with us! It was awesome to escape the heat of WV and jump into your pictures! Thank you so much!
Thank you for writing again today Susan! I have been thinking that you would be too tired to write after your trip, but Thank God you did!!! I love hearing from you!!! So glad you are back home with Jack and Girl. I am home with my Mr. Miagi, a Himalayan. Please, keep on writing! I can’t wait to see your English Diary!!!!
Please don’t make your posts shorter! I love the details you share. Jane Austin…Delicious.
Now that is out of the way, “Welcome Home!”
(Yep. I know my priorities!)
Beautiful post! And it was not too long…I could read about your house, your life and your adventures all day long, never enough! Loved the Union Jack bunting and the picture of the Queen with the Silver Jubilee wording, did you paint that Susan? It sort of has your touch! I want some of that bunting so badly, are you going to offer it on your site? I believe The British Emporium in Grapvine, TX (which is not that far from me, but I have never been to it) has some for sale if not. The pub and the cottages with the thatched roofs are so wonderful, I could look at them all day, they bring back so many memories. Have a wonderful weekend Susan and Joe!
We don’t have the bunting on our site, if you can get it you should….we looked everywhere in England for it, but it was all sold out! Found that little bit at the last minute!
I did see some for sale on etsy, too! Bunting is so cute…there are also tutorials on you tube (Diamond Jubilee party ideas) on how to make bunting yourself….it looks kind of fun to make:). Xo
Bet it’s quick, which makes it fun!
Susan, thanks for taking us along! Your pictures and descriptions are wonderful! What a beautiful trip…loving all your posts and looking forward to the book!
Dear Susan, thank you for taking me to Jane Austen’s home. She is by far my favorite author! It’s hard to fathom that she did all that writing on that tiny little table! I can’t wait to show my husband, he’ll be shocked!
Welcome home!
I was shocked too … amazing.
Thanks so much Susan, for the wonderful tour of Jane’s house!!! LOVE all your new decorations, they fit so well in your home! It is 101 in Dublin, OH today, a real scorcher!!! Glad you are home, I can “hear” it in your voice, how comfortable you are to be back. Stay cool. Fondly, Kim D., Dublin, OH
It’s only 101 degrees right now in Kansas and I’m so thankful for the a/c. I loved all the articles and pictures you sent from England and can’t wait for your new book. thanks for taking me along! Sheila
Oh Susan!!
How incredible that you make us feel like we are right there!! What a gift you have and to share everything with us was wonderful every step of the way! I had my Mom following too and she’d come over for coffee and ask if I’d seen the latest! So sweet 🙂 When you came home I felt as if I had missed my sister being on the same Continent :)!! You being home, makes me feel at home too! Thank you for always sharing your talents , travels and loves. We love them too because we love YOU!! I hope you enjoy a beautiful weekend my friend, we’re going to get hit with a heat wave in this wonderful northeast, but I’m ready with my Miniatures and A/C and a good cup of English tea 🙂
Love you! Cynthia xo
So welcome Cynthia, say Hi to your mom for me!
Chawton must be less than 2 hours from where I live in Buckinghamshire, (just a few miles away from your friend Rachel!), and yet I have never been there! I intend to put that to rights this summer. Your posts have made me see things SO differently. Every where I drive now I think ‘Susan would love this’. I teach 5 year olds in a beautiful 400 year old Manor House, but recently I have taken it for granted. You have made me realise how lucky I am!
Thank you so much, it is such a treat to find you have written a new post. I hope your diary will be available over here. I am determined to get hold of a copy some how!
SO lucky! I’m glad you’re seeing it, it’s so beautiful! We will have the diary on our website . . . so you will be able to get it. Happy day with the 5 year olds!
I have so enjoyed your wonderful travelogue. Isn’t it wonderful that you could share your adventures with so many others? I felt as if I was right there with you and Jane Austen’s was the best. But then again – they all were. CT is very warm today and the humidity is supposed to increase this evening. We had our share of power failures last year with the hurricane and then the snowstorm – 15 days altogether – so I am praying that we’ll be spared this time. But my prayers go out to all those battling fires, power outages, heat, etc. You bring us all so much joy and I love the 2013 calendar – arrived a couple of weeks ago. I have incorporated the previous ones in my scrapbooks. xo Lynn
Long posts are wonderful… This one was the perfect length. Loved it. Thanks for sharing.
well, if you did not adequately explore the area around Jane’s House, I think you MUST add that to your list of “when we return we will…..” One never knows, you may just have to think of an English Diary, part 2. 😉
Warmly in Tulsa, OK at 104 (but we have power!)
Denise
Thank you so much for the guided tour! Just lovely! I long to live in a quaint, little town where one can just walk across the street for a cuppa tea. Soooo looking forward to your England Journal and was your quill writing the paper with the word “Wonderful”? ¢=
Yes, good eye!
Dear Susan, Thank you for the best vacation ever!! I’ve enjoyed each and every moment and post. Thank you for sharing !
Oh, it was fun to see where the books in our bookshelf were written! I love visiting historic sites and you really did a good job of sharing what you saw! Thankyou! To think how long ago she wrote these books which still are printed and read–it really makes me realize how we are but a drop of sand or a spot in passage of time, do you know what I mean? Actually, it is 100 degrees here in St. Paul today once again so the thought of cold rain would be wonderful! And thanks for clarifying which Jack was lying on the pillow on the printer–LOL! 🙂
Dear Sue,
I loved your post and so enjoyed seeing all the details of Jane’s house. I am ashamed to say I have not read Pride and Prejudice but will now put it on my summer list!
I hope you are enjoying these warm summer days of ours!
xo Tracy
Me neither Tracy but I’m gonna get it this summer! We can’t be the only two – can we????? I’ve been wanting to read it ever since I saw, You’ve Got Mail! Can’t wait to meet Mr. Darcy!
Ditto from Ethel in Indiana!!! Can’t believe I’ve never read it, even after watching “You’ve Got Mail” at least 50 times 🙂
Me too! At least 50 X – maybe more!!!
Me too Cathy. Ashamed to say so. My daughter is a huge – should I say HUGE Jane Austen fan, and I’ve never read one of her books. Seen the movies – which I love. Cathy, since you’re in Golden, and I’m in Pueblo, maybe we’ll meet some day?
Yes, absolutely!
Seriously!!?? A lock of Jane Austen’s very own hair??!! Why that gives me goosebumps, I don’t know?? How wonderful! And her writing chair and table? Very cool! Amazing process with the feather pen and ink. She must have been working on her books day and night! I wonder if she had carpal tunnel! Thanks for the beautiful tour!
oh man! if this post had gone on for a week
it would NOT have been too long!!! i can
NEVER get enough Jane! how is it that
we modern, non-corest wearing women,
can still…200 years later…so relate to
and adore her???!!! she was a wonder!
and THANK YOU a million times over for
this post! it is a little pleasure i can return
to again and again! ;}
m ^..^
Oh….amazing !!!!..dear Susan, thank you !!!…her home is a dream-house !!!…now I’m going to re – read this post again and again !!!….with love !!
Thank you so much, Susan. I have been enjoying your blog,tweets and Facebook. Love being able to buy from your website. Again, thank you. Rose
Long?? Your posts are NEVER to long. 🙂 Love every word and Picture of them. What great fun they let you take photos inside and out. I would spend half my time in the gift shop I think. Loved the Towel you got and the Rose covered Cottage and those Women standing and soaking up the atmosphere inside looked like a Rockwell painting. I will need to go thru this a few more times. Welcome back home but thanks for taking us with you to England..still.
Oh Dear Susan, Don’t ever worry about making these posts too long. I’m always sorry to come to the end. What a wonderful day, and a wonderful place. Thatched roofs, beautiful gardens, tea room and pubs – what a dream come true.
It’s finally going to be in the 80’s starting tomorrow after 14 consecutive days of triple digits – some up to 108. And everyone thinks it’s always cold in Colorado :o) I can finally stop bringing my 4 chickens bowls of ice to cool themselves by.
So glad you are home with your kitties, and such wonderful memories. I’m betting the best thing about your trip is that it wasn’t disappointing as trips can sometimes be, and everything was as wonderful as you hoped it would be.
This would have been on my ‘best’ list too. I love Jane Austen. Have you ever checked out this website lindafranz.com/
We make diamond quilt blocks named after Jane’s characters and sayings from her book. It’s inspired by the quilt Jane and her sister made.
Thank you for sharing your travel. It has been wonderful!
The first picture of the 3 ladies looking at the pictures on the wall, looks like a Norman Rockwell painting!!
Loved that picture ….!
Gorgeous-
am really intrigued how your camera & the lighting
reflected their images in the two front display frames
hanging on the hallway wall……just incredible !
You never know what might come out, but I agree, that one was pretty good..
I thought the same thing!
I loved this picture too. When I saw it I thought Susan must paint this one for her England diary! It is perfect!
I loved that photo of the women too, it represents all the ages of women who have loved Jane’s books. I have Pride and Prejudice on CD and listen to it once a year. When I see a new post it just makes my day, so thanks for taking the time to share!
I at first thought they were mannequins!
Stunning shot!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. So wonderful that I had to go back and read it 3 times. I’m thankful they let you take pictures. Love every thatched roof I see and that one was amazing and very thick. The gardens were fabulous. Loved every detail in the house. Amazing to be there and see her hair and everything else. Most of all, I loved the kitchen and could even picture myself cooking in there except for one thing……….no A/C back in those days! But I didn’t have any A/C growing up in NYC either! What pretty flowers on the window sills and all around. Would have enjoyed going to Cassandra’s tea shop too. Thank you again for giving us this wonderful tour! Glad you and Joe are back home safe and sound. Hugs, Gail Buss, Fl
As always, lovely photos and descriptions-
can just hear Jane & Cassandra
giggling & scampering up that wooden stairwell.
It is funny, I just read the following link, below, earlier this morning.
You may not have that beautiful bracelet,
but here’s YOUR chance at one of her rings
which will be auctioned off on July 10th.
Hopefully, some kind person will win it
and donate it to her museum…where it truly belongs-
too bad, the “person” whose possession it is in,
didn’t have the “sensibility” to do the same good deed !
Take a look:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/jul/06/jane-austen-ring-for-auction?newsfeed=true
Good point! Such a beautiful ring too!
Maybe we all could chip in a $1 and have someone bid on the lovely ring (I adore turquoise) and if we won then we could send it to her museum for EVERYONE to enjoy??
After I just wear it about five times 🙂
Perhaps “Gentleman Joe”
needs a hint for your Christmas present
this year, then you could wear it FOREVER ?
He has until the auction date on Tuesday-
perhaps he should play tonight’s Powerball
lottery…
that ring WOULD look so lovely on your hand.
Such history, but still a mystery of where & how
it found its way to Austen’s hand ?
Off topic & I know you have tons on your creative plate these days, but the other day,
while cleaning & sorting bookshelves,
I was moving around a collection of “The Night Before Christmas” books-
the same classic story, illustrated by many artists, from Rockwell to Rackam, from Tudor to Sabuda and on & on.
Lots of people collect every illustrated version,
different styles by different artists
and yes, there are lots but a Susan Branch version with your artistic watercolored interpretation would be such a wonderful addition…
maybe something for your backburner-
though I’m sure that is overloaded too.
Got lost in all the excitement of your English Diary, but do you have a tentative due date
on your already finished “Pancake” book ?
It’s not finished, really far along, but not finished, that was part of the reason I shouldn’t go to England, which we neatly sidestepped, so now I’m going to finish the diary, and then finish the Pancake book in a one two punch version of book publishing!
Thanks for the update.
Great to know…just didn’t want to lose track of it.
I’d say your decision to “neatly sidestep”
ANYTHING for your English journey
was probably one of the best detours
you’ve ever made.
I kind of took a vote, and everyone seemed to think so too! 🙂
hi susan…sooooo happy to hear from you and just loved this post about Jane Austen….always loved her writing so this was such a treat…. I can imagine, like you, her at that desk with words just pouring out of her…. born to tell those stories…lucky us!!! Happy that you all are home safe and that the trip was so thrilling for you all…have a GREAT 1st week-end at home!! love, sweltering in St. Louis…( cindy ) : )
Oh this is marvellous 🙂 I have to say, it would be a real treat to travel through England and make a travelogue based solely on visiting the places of famous authors. Joan Bodger did something similar in How the Heather Looks, ages ago… but it sounds good to me 🙂 Then you could do a whole bunch of other countries 😉 to go with it!
It has been SO HOT here. My poor English blood can’t take it. On the other hand, my poor English blood is very thankful to not have the cold wet summer back home LOL
Even though we have been hit hard in our area with the heat and power outtages, we have managed to keep ours on. Thankfully!
Rachel in central VA.
From what I hear, England is still in the rain and cold! I’m sure some of the Girlfriends would trade places in a minute!
Oh, yes, in a heartbeat! My cousin lives in Surrey and was telling of the rain and it being in the 60’s and 70’s. Then, I told her that tomorrow will be our 5th day of over 100 degree days with heat index’s of 105-110 (North Central Illinois). I think she’s okay with the weather now. haha.
Let me add to the rest of the ladies, Susan, when I say I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, the pics and the narratives. You are a wonderful tour guide. Thank you so much!
What a charming cottage Jane Austen lived in. Lovely to look at but I’m afraid we’re so spoiled with all these modern conveniences like A/C, refrigerators, indoor bathrooms and BIG closets that we’d be hard pressed to go back and live like she had to. Well, maybe a week now and then but no longer than that. We’re still getting extremely high temps here in Central NJ (high 90s!!) but no loss of power, thank goodness. Wish we were on your island sitting on the dock of the bay catching a cool breeze. I can dream, can’t I…..Hugs from NJ….
Thank God for you! You are my source of inspiration. Just think, Jane Austin dreamed up Mr. Darcy at that little table!
Just think!!!
Wonderful, wonderful pictures of Jane Austin’s home and gardens. It was great to “visit” her home with you and get a feeling for the life she lived. And it wasn’t too long, either. (Your blog entry, I mean, not her life, which was sadly short) One thing to be said about those gloomy, cool or rainy days you experienced there, I’d rather bundle up in a sweater any day and sit by a cozy fire than swelter in ninety-five degree heat and humidity like we’ve had here in Ohio!
Me too. I was quite happy.
Thanks again for sharing. I adore visiting historic places – It is *almost* like being there, a step back in time!!
Susan – please don’t forget to show your creations from Emma Bridgewater when they arrive!!! *Pretty Please!*
There’s No Place Like Home♥♥
We’ve been drinking our tea from them everyday. Good memories!
Don’t you dare make the next post shorter! The tour of Chawton House is lovely! I really like that you let us know what the immediate neighborhood is like too! It gives us an idea that these little historical places are right in the middle of real neighborhoods with real people living right next door or down the street! I think our Olympians might be surprised at the coolness of the English summer. Maybe the cooler temperatures will make it easier for them to compete…. Looking forward to more Englishness…..
Thank you for this wonderful vacation…I can hardly wait for your English Diary to be published! While I missed seeing you sail and return, I have saved the NY Harbor Webcam site and have enjoyed getting to see the Queen Mary 2 sail, just now in fact, leaving NY Harbor for England and Germany. What a beautiful site.
I have loved and enjoyed all your post…this one is the frosting on the cake!! Thanks so much for sharing.
Bev
Love long posts…please don’t change a thing!! 🙂 It’s a sweltering 100 degrees plus here in Central VA, but we were lucky and never lost our power…although here’s an interesting fact…did you know that old, dry mulch can apparently “self combust” in this awful heat? My friend told me today that her mailbox post was on fire! The mulch around the post was old and hadn’t been changed in years (or watered recently). It smoldered first, then flames appeared….keep watering the mulch, girls! And thanks for sharing more of your wonderful trip, Susan!
Now that’s hot!!!
I LOVE this post – every single thing about it!!! The gardens, the bouquets, the stitchery, the dress, THE QUILT (=D), the quill pen, THE table, the birds singing, I wondered about that gorgeous wallpaper, her bracelet – Oh, every single thing about it! I feel your bounding joie de vivre! Thank you so much for sharing all of this!!!
I know what you mean about loving the rain, too! It’s wonderful to live in NE after CA and no rain for months and months and months. I so appreciate the seasons and the green and the cool days…. and, if you can believe it – just the other night – in July, no less – my toes were cold! Isn’t it lovely?
But, mostly, thank you so much for putting all of these posts together and for taking us along with you. Pure magic!
xxooxxoo
PS I don’t know if you could possibly remember it…. but, I confessed, with shame, that I could quote you better than “the adorable Mark Twain” when I went to see his house, a couple of months ago. Well! I can quote Jane Austen better than anything! 😉 I’m going to have stars in my eyes all evening because of this post – so joyfully shared! Thanks, again! =] xo
What a wonderful trip! I think the visit to Jane Austen’s home was my favorite – of all the favorites. Thank you for sharing with all of us!
Oh, and I realized that the reason I couldn’t quote Mark Twain is because it’s been decades since I’ve read those books – I cleaned the museum’s bookshop out – I’m going to right that wrong, this summer! =] and, you’re right…. he’s adorable! What a personality and way of thinking! I thought it would be dry edification – that I would slug through it – WHAT was I thinking?! ‘Innocents Abroad’ is hysterical – and feels so much like traveling to England, through your posts, with you! 😉 (Time traveling, too boot!) I’m jsut an armchair world traveler, that’s what I am!
Thanks for ‘listening’! =]
That is the only man that could actually (and I am bad to say it, but very safe considering) give my darling Joe a run for his money. I love Mark Twain!!
=D
Can I just say that while I’ve loved reading each and every minute of your grand adventure, what I am most amazed by is how you scheduled things so beautifully. You fit in so much and yet it seems you still had time to savor the moments. I’ve no idea how long it took you to plan all of that but what an impressive job you did. Bravo!
Jenny
Well thank you…I think we just sort of happened into things, but it’s pretty easy over there, since there are so many things to happen into!
Oh my – we are getting a soaker with thunder and lightening. That should fix the fire for good! Cleaning all the ash and dust off of “everything” – I’m so happy I feel like I could go outside, dance around and stick my tongue out – but I’m repectful of the lightening!!! It’s coolish now and I’m content. Love your post so very much and am glad you’re home safe and sound. Looking forward to “the book” 🙂 Hi to Joe and snuggly smooches to the kitties……
I should say, “fires” !
Dear Susan,
Thank you for sharing your lovely holiday. I have enjoyed your blog posts and twitter updates so very much…your attention to every darling detail just warms my heart(I almost feel like I took this trip myself)! One of the neatest things I have noticed is that your photography looks just like one of your drawings…you have a very special eye for life. Thanks again for sharing!
Love, Christy in Southern California
ps…I really can’t wait until your England book is ready <3 🙂
Oh, Susan, what a delightful post! My daughter and I are quite obsessed with Jane Austen and your delightful prose and photos were like a balm. You see, we live in Colorado Springs, and our beloved hometown has been battling a ferocious wildfire for a while. Thank you so much for transporting us, for a while, to a kinder and gentler scene.
Sending a big rain storm, if possible! So sorry Denise!
Fortunately it rained today. The Waldo Canyon fire is nearly out – 95% contained! God bless our firemen!!
Now that’s what I call heroism!
Late yesterday they said it was 98 percent contained! On the other hand, the NWS has issued a Flash Flood watch, with especial danger for the Waldo Canyon fire area, as there is no longer any vegetation to hold the water. Sigh…
What a lovely visit to Jane’s house. I did not grow up a Jane Austen fan, I was too busy being a tomboy, but in my late 40’s I discovered her and love love love her stories. What a delight to get to see her house and how wonderfully it is being kept up and displayed. Thanks for taking us there.
Thank You so much for this! It made feel a little like I’d been there with you!
Such a lovely post…ohhhh the thatched roofs…can you stand it???
England is just beautiful but you can’t beat the Vinyard in July…my friend you are livin!!!
We love your life sweet Susan Branch and we are so glad you so selflessly share it all with us!
xoxo
Sweet Pea
Love to have you here Sweeeet Pea!
I love Jane Austen’s novels and I would so enjoy seeing where she lived but you gave me the next best thing. Everything about her house looks just like you would expect it to.
Not a second of disappointment, in fact, just the opposite!
…which reminds me.
have you ever seen the JANE AUSTEN ACTION FIGURE? ;}
she inspires me…and keeps me on my toes!
talesfromanoccottage.blogspot.com/2011/01/someones-in-kitchen-with-jane.html
m
There is one?
For goodness sakes, a Jane action figure??? Who thought that was good idea?
She never strikes me as having lots of action to her! 🙂 I don’t picture her in a marathon for instance.
HA !
They used to be sold through the Archie McPhee web site.
Never heard of “Archie McPhee”
but went to their website,
curious to see a creepy,
Jane Austen action figure doll ?
Didn’t find any doll-
could it had been a big-seller or a bomb ?
I did stay long enough to witness
a few creepy, all be it, hilarious things-
Abraham Lincoln bandages
and cans of Bacon Frosting –
oh my, perfect if,
Susan has a family recipe for a Pork Chop Cake ?
Who wants to lick the spatula ?
Anyone ?
Not me, But my dad probably would 🙂
Haaaaaaa !
You KILL me !
Well — Burger King has Bacon Sundaes as a temporary special at the moment — and my nephew and I DID have one. both of us thought they were quite tasty — soft-serve vanilla, caramel drizzled then hot fudge sauce a bit thicker than the caramel and lots of crunchy bacon — strips and crumbles. Yes, really. Yes, actually very yummy.
Shorter posts? Blasphemy!! I – selfish greedy oinky piggy that I am – would take more any day and I’d be willing to bet most other Girlfriends would too. I’m always disappointed when I see the end of a post creeping up the screen. But hey, you have a [very full] life beyond the blog too… and you owe us nothing. Your blog is one great big beautiful Daily Bonus in my book. I get so much more than I give in this equation – so you just keep on writing as much or as little as YOU think. You know we’ll all be here, dear friend – long post or short…
PS – gotta say how much I love the photo of the dog in the window of his house – just checking out the Chawton hood!
I think he thinks he’s in charge! 🙂
For sure… We have a little beagle down the street in our neighborhood who does the very same thing. There’s a cat in that house too, but if she has the temerity to get up on the back of the sofa and he’s around to see it, he chases her off. Good friends most of the time, we’ve been told – but The Window Is His.
Love the caps!
Susan, Thanks for another great blog! That period dress is very similar to what I wore to my son’s wedding, right down to the color, how many hundreds of years later! Did anyone else see the ghost cat sitting in front of the dress? Pat Mofjeld and I see it! ; ) I can’t imagine writing a book at that little table, dipping my ink every few letters. That is determination and inspiration!
A wonderful surprise to have your post come up and to learn so much about Jane Austen – you spoil us so wonderfully. Love all the pictures – we were 100 degrees today. Definitely looking forward to our “cool spell” next week. Thank you Susan for all you share with us, it is your spirit that makes it so meaningful. Judy C
Thank you Judy, dear thing to say!
Oh Susan, I cannot read a post of yours with out having blurry vision!!!!! They always touch my heart!!!! thank you for the post, i was so hoping to hear from you and how beautiuful it all was….from the wallpaper to the donkeys….i loved that and oh my the gardens…. took my breath away….. ahhhhh how wonderful and much needed as we are still at 100 degrees here in central Ohio….Thank you again Susan for sharing so much with us!!!!!! xoxoxo
xoxo back to you!!
Well, Susan, I must agree with the others, your posts can never be too long! Especially about Jane! Oh! to see her house – this was such a treat! And the quill pen made me remember when I was a child, we went on a class trip to Washington Irving’s house and I bought a quill pen to write with, too! Never got the hang of it, certainly not enough patience – so I pulled the tip out of a Bic pen and pushed it into the stem of the feather! Love the picture of the women, as well! Thank you for sharing your wonderful way of seeing things!
A modern girl with an old-fashioned heart! 🙂
🙂
Make your posts as long as you like! I enjoy every single word and picture! Thank you, thank you, thank you! ♥ Kathy
Amazing!! Thanks for sharing and the tag-along ride too! How are Jack and GK???
Priscilla
They are heaven. What can I say? Pure moosh.
Never, never think your blogs are too long. I could read them all day and they absolutely make my day when a new one appears. Thank you for sharing your gifts. Be glad you visited in May and June, flash flood warnings have been for issued for England for tomorrow!
Beloved Friend,
You can never write a blog post that would be too long. I agree with Janet above…we are greedy, oinky piggies. It is always so much fun to find a new blog post up, your photos are scrumptious and you always shed such sunshine around it brightens my day. I can hardly wait for your Diary to be out there for all of us…’cause even your books are never long enough, but they’re longer than blog posts! 🙂 We truly are blessed that you and Joe are so willing to share so much of yourselves with us. Thank you!
Stacey (thanking God for air conditioning here in the FL swamplands)
Susan, enjoyed today’s ‘educational’ post (as I have the others, as well); do you consider yourself a ‘Janeite?’ I’ve just been watching the QM2 on the NY Harbor webcam, heading back out to sea. Thanks for broadening my horizons as I sit here in 100+ sweltering degrees in the Bluegrass of Kentucky. The lush greens on your morning walk surely look inviting…
PS: forgot to mention…I finally made your ‘Fireworks’ ice cream sandwiches this week…YUM!
Aren’t they good! Isn’t it kind of a shock for such odd ingredients to be so good!? Just love them. Glad you did too.
I can’t really say I do. I just admire these people who overcome what we might see as adversity and are brave enough to step out…it’s a scary thing to do; I always hope I can learn something…
That desk was amazingly “tiny.” I have a table that small that I have a lamp on but four legs, instead ofa pedestal shape, so it would be hard to write on comfortably, so you showing a picture of the desk puts things in perspective doesn’t it? and writing with sharpened feathers! LOL! We have come a long way since then and thankfully so! We take so much for granted… LOVE your shelf filled with colorful red, white and blues from England and America! And no, the post wasn’t too long, loved it, as always! Smiles!!
Dear Susan–I have thoroughly enjoyed going to England with you. It is going to be 108 in So. Indiana tomorrow so I just might have to review the trip and stay inside.
Or go to the movies … air conditioned movies is another way to feel like you have a life while waiting for the weather to change!
In this day and age of wails of ‘never having enough’ or ‘bigger is better’ etc. etc. it’s amazing to note the size of that writing desk of Jane’s and the monumental impact she’s left on the world all starting from that itty bitty desk… there’s a lesson somewhere in that, I think.
Thanks for everything you’ve shared… it’s been Wonderful, truly wonderful!!
I love to imagine the silence in that house…that’s the part I love, not even the noise of a car going by. I do it here in the morning, so it’s all birds right now, and fog horn. Oh, there goes a crow!
Your blogs are NEVER too long!!! I hate for them to end!
I was glued to the computer for every word and picture in this one (and every one!)! I absolutely LOVE thatched roofs!!
How wonderful, getting to see Jane Austen’s home! Again, thank you, thank you sooooo much!!
“(I’m speaking of my kitty Jack, not my dad Jack…)” – ROTFL
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Jane Austen’s cottage is all I thought it would be and more! The gardens are so beautiful–They are so lush and it makes me wish we had that cooler weather and rain that they have. Here in Va it has been an interesting week for sure. Our neighbor’s huge pin oak fell during our horrific storm. This tree was probably 200 to 250 years old –according to our tree surgeon. So sad to see a “witness” tree fall. We’re sad that it fell on our fence and took down two leyland cypress trees along with it. It looked like a bombardment of leaves and limbs on every ones property. We are so fortunate it did no damage to make our homes unlivable! Not everyone was that lucky during these storms.
Thank you for the diversion today–I love all the posts you share! xoxo ♥
Sorry about the loss of that old tree!!! Glad everyone was OK!!
“Be still my heart.” A million thanks for taking us along with you. I have a request…Would you post about the styles/fashion worn by the British women. I’m a conservation gal and literally fell in love with the outfit one of your friends wore. She was wearing a plaid coat, scarf, tights, and really cool shoe boots. Oh, my word, she looked adorable. Thank you so much.
I’ll try … it’s SO hard taking pictures of strangers … they look at you like “what are you going to do with that!” Mention the word blog, and that’s the end of it, but I can talk about it! One thing, since I got home, I’m in a cotton skirt every day, right now in fact; but instead of boots, it’s bare feet! I think I might have some other photos of Siobhan, she dresses so cute!
Where did you find cute cotton skirts? I have been looking and find none to my liking!! How I miss them! What length are the ones you are wearing? I find in the stores they are either too short or too long! Been meaning to ask you the very same thing Janet asked, so glad she did so it jogged my memory… thanks!!! And when I want to take pictures of others like you said, I first focus on a building or a car or whatever they are around and then point to them like I am doing something to my camera and click! Very quick and works every time! LOL!! Shhhhhh don’t tell anybody! LOL!! And with my zoom they don’t know if I am taking it of them or not… I take a lot of pictures and have learned to be quick with it as I have to keep moving usually…
Try Bodenusa.com , sometimes they have cute skirts — I either like skirts to be just around my knee, or mid calf. Like your spy cam suggestions! 🙂
never heard of Bodenusa.com! thanks!! spy cam, a good way to word it! I was in places where I could not use my big camera, people could see it, so I used my small one at times BUT I was in the Sistene Chapel and I finally got to the room with “the creation of Adam” reaching towards each other, we were in a hurry as it was late and it was closing so I lifted my big camera up to look at it up close and snapped pictures, no one knew the difference and we were NOT supposed to take pictures. I didn’t see the sign!! I usually comply with that rule of not taking them but sometimes I missed it!! I bet you took tens of thousands of pictures in England! Years ago, I had to buy an external hard drive just for my pictures!! LOL!! Hugs!
I stuffed my computer with as much memory as possible before I left . . . I should check it though!
Thanks for the Jane Austen tour. I love her stories, too, though I’m currently buried under Gladys Taber books. Thank YOU for the introduction. I think I’m beginning to live inside her (GT’s) head. I love her cookbook published in 1948 because I’ve been trying to extend my ability to cook from the pantry…..I mean REALLY cook, not just open a can or two. My dear husband has an American Family Home cookbook from about the same era that he got from his sweet mother. Both are treasures, being made before microwaves and supermarkets. Well, it’s a great ending to a lovely, hot, day, here in the West. We have little or no humidity (12%), as you well know, and 91 degrees. The garden is very happy, at last…..the corn can grow at night when it’s like this. Bye for now. Thank you for the lovely times.
The low humidity and the high temperatures bring back memories of my childhood in the San Fernando Valley. That’s just what we had … we played hide and go seek at night in the dark, it was wonderful.
OHHH…..Jane Austen’s very house!!! and writing table!!!! If only, just by looking at the photos, I could absorb even an ounce of her wit and talent. Felt much the same way when I visited Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House and stood by her small writing table where she wrote “Little Women”. Here I have a den, a computer, a bright electric lamp, a big comfy padded chair, too many ball-point pens to keep track of, reams of paper and a desk almost the size of the QM2 in comparison and I can barely keep up with a few Emails! How did they do it? For that matter, how do you do it dear Susan? I need to tap into whatever energy source you’ve got going on. Thanks dear lady for another fabulous and inspiring post!!!
-Marianne-
PS: Just finished watching the 1995 BBC mini-series edition of “Pride and Prejudice” starring Colin Firth — isn’t he a wowser!!! and this is the best P&P ever made in my humble opinion. Also watched a 2005 (?) version of Emma – excellent!!
A total wowser! 🙂
I just love, love this post – it could have been longer actually! How wonderful it must have been to visit Jane’s house, it’s so amazing to see all the items from her life. That little table and chair where all her characters came to life just gives me chills. Which is a good thing here in steamy, red-hot Virginia! Thanks for the tour SB!
What an awesome, wonderful post Susan. Great to grab a cuppa tea (or “twine” depending on the time of week or day) and enjoy your blog. I know we all savor these. It was one of the best ones ever, definitely not too long. It’s like being in a dream with your eyes open to see Jane Austen’s home for ourselves. Maybe I should pinch myself. I have some Laura Ashley wallpaper in my home that I treasure – in fact I haven’t changed it in so long I’d be ashamed to say. Dashed to the dining room to check (almost the same, not quite), couldn’t get back to the computer fast enough to finish reading. (People in this house will start wondering about me). I’m a lot like you and I would have self-combusted in the cool rain had I been there to see this place; so tell me how in the world do you keep your composure to get your work done in such an exciting place? Amazing tour – thank you!
No composure at all, we gasped every day!
Nice and toasty here in the ‘Burgh. We missed the record of 98 and made it only to 97, but we have another chance at the century mark tomorrow. Have very much enjoyed your adventures in England. Can’t wait to get there next year. Thanks for the memories.
Susan,
Don’t dare to abbreviate your “long posts”! I personally cannot get enough of them and look forward to your diary of this lovely trip. My husband & I visited Bath a few years ago and were able to squeeze in a day trip to the Cotswolds.
Imagine living in such a place of beauty & grace! Your trip brought it all back and
I WANT MORE! Also, you gave me lots of ideas for our next trip. On the subject of Jane Austen, a fun tv miniseries from a few years ago is “Lost in Austen”. This may have been mentioned but it is adorable and the quite handsome Hugh Bonneville is one of the actors. Personally, I’m going to hunker down here in Philly and wait out the blistering heat predicted for Saturday with a huge pitcher of iced tea and a well worn copy of Pride and Prejudice. Some books are worth an annual re-reading!
Sounds perfect, like something Jane herself would do on a hot Saturday!
Your posts are never too long. I was able to visit England in April and reliving it with your posts is wonderful. I am starting a list for my next visit. It was rainy for us too but it did make everything so green. Here in the Midwest we are in drought conditions with temps of over 100 for several days. But I remember those the cool air and those rainy days. Don’t you think all that moist air is good for the complexion? When in England did you notice any Cath Kidson stores? She loves flower prints. What did you think of York, the Roman walls, the shops? Can’t wait to hear more.
Went to one in London, but it was closed for remodeling . . . her products are everywhere though, so I didn’t feel like I missed too much. YORK!!! If I was 23 I would move there immediately!!!
What an absolutely amazing adventure! Thank you so much for taking us along! Everything has been just lovely!
xo Nellie
Another satisfying post, aaahhhh. That quilt is incredible and table is so small! I think I remember reading somewhere that people were smaller in the past, lack of nutrition during pregnancy etc,etc.
I went to Catholic elementary and we had to use ink fountain pens. I can testify to the blots, it was difficult to write homework without any! (Ball point pens were prohibited.) We had to fill the pen’s cylinder with ink from a bottle by suctioning the ink through the nib. I used to get ink on my fingers too. I can’t imagine using a feather, incredible. But aren’t we glad that Jane persevered to write her stories? What an inspiration to us!
WOW, I must revisit Jane Austen in her books. Imagine writing on a very tiny table like that. Wonderful post Susan. I’ve been looking for you for a couple of days. I know how very busy you are, so I enjoy your blog “when” you have time to send them out. I’m amazed at how much you do! Glad your cats are once more in the loving arms of you & Joe. You’ve never said (maybe I missed it) whether or not your kitties bonded. Do you have any kitty stories of when they were in your friends’ care? Did they sleep a lot of the time you were gone? I used to enjoy writing with an ink pen, the type you had to fill up with ink. I miss them. Cannot imagine writing with the quill type pen. A very patient woman, that Jane Austen.
No bonding I’m afraid, but territories are clearer! Can’t tell you how darling they both are to me though, they’re so loving, am happy to be with them again!!
Yes, I write my books with an ink pen, but I don’t have to dip it every three letters!!!
I am thinking about how Jane was so creative and gifted in those times which then became timeless. Life was not so complicated, maybe…but it was quite difficult in some ways as far as day to day living? More peace and quiet? Time for reflection with fewer distractions? It is just a beautiful thing that you were able and willing to make a trip that took in things and places that did not seem so “touristy” but showed the true country that is England. That book had better be published by the thousands with the demand that I see here. I want my name on the list!!!! We are waiting until spring to go to England as opposed to this September, which is what we were hoping. I think this will be a better plan so we can read the BOOK! first. I think these posts are so wonderful and enlightening and fun! Do not change a thing. But, I do look forward to another book from you that I can hold in my hands and read for as long as I wish! Your spirit of generosity in sharing this trip has certainly triggered our interests in traveling to England. You should be rewarded by the England Chamber of Commerce…ha ha! no such thing, I am sure.
OK…have a great weekend.
Going next spring will actually be even better, more time to look forward to it!! Enjoy!
Live it and love it , as my Dad used to say, ” Anticipation is greater than realization!”
I have absolutely enjoyed everything about your blog! Your pictures are just stunning – you have some great shots. I would love to go to the places you visited, but who knows if I ever will, so it’s just wonderful to see it all through your eyes. Thanks for taking us all with you !
Thank you,thank you for the wonderful long post..anyway you could never write a post that was too long, especially when it’s about Jane Austen! I was also getting chills and goosebumps when I saw the lock of hair and her beautiful bracelet, and that tiny writing table is not what I expected. It’s amazing what she created at the little table.
Thanks again Susan, for taking the time and effort to share this wonderful experience.
Oh Dear Susan, please know, your posts will never be too long…or long enough.
Thank you for the wonderful tour. What a treat alongside my summer read of Sense and Sensibility! The girls who enjoy stitching might like to browse the Jane Austen inspired samplers at thesamplergirl.com.
Thanks again 🙂
That’s funny, I’m doing a cross stitch of her house right now!
Please share when you finish! I had to go back and read the entire post again this morning. It’s just amazing to see the house where Jane lived and worked. Thanks again for the lovely tour.
Susan,
Great post! I was giddy reading it! Thank you for sharing everything with us. It is so much fun!
Carla
Thank you! Loved loved seeing the Austen home. Your description was def. the next best thing. I too loved the photo of the three women. Brought a smile of admiration & …recognition? Your trip = amazing. A BFF left today (Lisa b) on the QM2 following in yor steps.. I am so exited for her & for me to live vicariously again.
Lucky her!!!!!! Yes, it’s almost as good just knowing she’s out there experiencing it!!!
I have followed your whole trip thru England and what a beautiful trip it was, I can only imagine being there in person, and the memories you must have..I think I brain would have exploded before the Jane Austen tour..and what a lovely tour that was, I am so glad you shared it with all us girlfriends, and yes all thou the trip was awesome there is no place like home..welcome home.
Devon
We just had our sixth straight day in the 100’s it made it to 104 today. Susan, your pic from your walk this morning reminded me of the lush green lawns in England we have brown grass here and no relief in sight. The weather man just said it has been 76 yrs. since IN has had 3 consecutive days in the 100’s so we are breaking records here I have never experienced anything like this. My parents in FL are having temps. in the mid 80’s and rain everyday, our ponds/creeks, some rivers are bone dry with cracked bottoms with boats on dry ground. I think they are saying it might be 2.5 weeks before we see any rain and we had 15 mins. of showers last Sun. and that has been it for us since May 1st. Our A/C runs for 10 hrs. straight and never shuts off I am fearing the motor will burn up soon?? I think my lovely flowers will wilt and die even with Jim getting up at 6am every morning to water them (not the lawn) and they just can’t survive these temps. and the searing sun everyday. We are close to being banned from watering and I am just not brave enough to go to jail!!! Susan, will you please take a picture of your gladiolus when they bloom I would truly appreciate seeing them. Sandy/Pat, I also see the “phantom kitty” and wonder if it is a reflection or double exposure? We get up early to go on our bike rides when the temps. are in the 70’s I am finally starting to enjoy it and you never do forget how to ride a bike. Blessings to those suffering from weather related episodes it is out of our hands. Susan, thank you for this wonderful blog it was very interesting.
I will definitely take those pictures, the glads are tall and green, but no flowers yet. The weather there sounds terrible. I can take cold, but it’s difficult to handle heat. I feel for you! Thank goodness for mornings!
Wow – after reading all these posts, I’m feeling overly blessed to live in San Diego right now with all the high temps of the nation. Sending many prayers to the “firefolk” – that was the name was gave ourselves when we were going thru the 2003 wildfires. I LOVED the quote from Jane embroidered on the napkin or hankie – Hope you put that in book. SO TRUE! Stay cool everyone. Thank you for a BRILLIANT post, Miz Susan.
Linda – I’ve been thinking lately that it would be fun to get together with other fans of our Ms. Susan Branch who live in San Diego county. Maybe get together at a restaurant, Balboa Park, or wherever and share our enthusiasm for all things Susan and maybe even share “show and tell” sewing and gardening projects inspired by Susan. In my mind, it would be like a Susan Branch version of the Red Hat ladies. What do you think — any other San Diego area ladies have an interest?
-Marianne-
Well you will need to blog about it then so we can all see!
Hmmm…if I can ever conquer the “goldang” computer, I’ll will! A techie I’m not…..
….and apparently not much of a proofreader, either! (I’ll will ?)….
Wow ! Thank-you so much for taking us to Jane Austen’s home ! I love all her books and the movies are the best. Oh to be there and soak in all the surroundings, you must really know how inspiring everything truly is. Someday I hope to visit,to soak it all in. We are all so blessed for your generosity. None of your posts could ever be too long for me, I could just go on all day hearing from you. To enjoy life to it’s fullest, that is the key and to be Thankful for all the little small things. Everything is a miracle ! You teach us so well. OOXX
So nice Wendy, thank you!
Another wonderful post. And a coincidence, I just started reading Pride and Prejudice (again) during my lunch break today.
A lovely way to wrap up the trip.
Thank you.
Rebecca (Riverside, Ca)
ps By the way, you don’t have to make the posts shorter if you don’t want to. 🙂
You just make your post as long as you want! I adore reading and seeing and dreaming and wishing and appreciating it all !!
Love that bunting!!! 😉 And those cute fireplaces!! Makes me wonder how much heat they put out and they must have been cold.
The colors throughout the home are all so soft…especially the quilt. And such a lovely pattern.
So charming.
Thank you.
This was an Ahhmazing post!! Absolutely Loved every bit of it! Wow! Did you have to pinch yourself to realize you Really were in Jane Austen’s house? (And Beatrix Potter’s, too?!!) Thanks Sooo much for sharing your very last day in Merry Old England with us! Every bit of your trip was Amazing! I don’t know how you can include all of it in your diary, but how could you possibly leave anything out?? Can’t wait to see it when it’s Done! (Even if it’s 300 pages long, we’ll all want one!!) So glad you’re back home safe and sound. Traveling is fun and exciting, but “There’s no place like Home!”
P.S. I think we must be the coldest place in the lower 48, here in the Pacific Northwest. My heart goes out to all those who are suffering in the heat and with the fires.
Sigh of contentment . . . loved everything about this post! The length of it, the gardens, the close-up pictures of everything . . . hard to believe that most of Jane’s books will turn 200 in the coming few years. Thank you so much for taking us with you! Can’t wait for your Diary to come out!
It just feels good knowing you are home — that safe and sound feeling.
I don’t know how folks are managing with power outages, raging fires, this crazy heat. Prayers for cooler temps and neighbors checking on neighbors.
Your summer island looks so lush and inviting.