We had such fun birthday party yesterday! Here’s a little song to set the stage!
It was Joe’s 60th and we invited all our oldest and dearest island friends and family — the kind where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came . . .
And while Joe was out back getting the garden ready, I was inside baking cakes! If you look close in this picture, you will see that I had help. I can’t take all the credit. (Hint: my help is fuzzy and there isn’t much of it showing here. He kept skirting away from the camera!)
I started by making Joe’s favorite Cheesecake, a recipe from my first book, Heart of the Home. He loves it because it’s plain and simple and melts creamily in his mouth. (I know because I watched him eat the last bit of it this morning for breakfast!)
I pressed a mixture of graham cracker crumbs and melted butter into this 9″ pie plate.
. . . Then I beat a package of softened cream cheese until it was light and fluffy.
To that I added a half cup of sugar . . . this recipe is SO easy . . . it’s the perfect cooking project, it makes you feel like you can really COOK!
. . . then a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice . . .
. . . and a half-teaspoonful of vanilla . . .
. . . then I added two large eggs, one at a time, beating after each . . .
And that’s IT! Voila! Poured it into the unbaked crust . . .
And into the oven it went for about a half hour. While that was baking, I went outside to see what Joe was up to . . .
. . . and how things are progressing; he’s planned a big surprise for his friends. Since the 1970’s, Joe has been taking photos at every party, event, or hang out; in the car, on boats, at weddings, at halloween parties, graduations, clam bakes, tag sales, dinner parties, christenings, you name it, he took a photo of it. He promised (some see it more as a threat) to do a slide show for YEARS, but it’s just never come together. He and his BFF Bob, who also has box loads of slides in his possession (some that one suspects could be quite incriminating) decided that the occasion of Joe’s 60th Birthday seemed like the perfect time to finally do it . . . so they worked on their slides; Joe MADE this “screen” out of boards and canvas which he then hoisted into the big maple tree out back. (That’s what’s going on in the picture above.)
These three, Joe, Bob, and John have been cooking Christmas Dinner at our house for the last twenty years! While Bob was gathering together his slideshow, John came early to help Joe get set up . . . these three are the true representation of what BFF looks like inside the man cave. ♥
They made a little theater, with an aisle and everything.
They hung the lights on the arbor that Joe had JUST finished rebuilding on Friday; paint dry? Yup! Up go the lights . . .
I could see they didn’t need me . . . I went back in to make the topping for the cheesecake.
When it came out of the oven I spread this mixture of sour cream, sugar, and vanilla over the top.
Then, I put it back in the oven for another ten minutes . . . and here it is, out of the oven to cool a bit, then into the refrigerator to chill.
While that was happening, I made a three layer Carrot Cake (also from Heart of the Home in case you’re looking for it!).
Here it is cooling . . . three layers of cinnamon and nutmeg spiced crushed pineapple, coconut, walnuts, shredded carrots, and golden raisins. AND, btw, this recipe makes fabulous carrot cupcakes!
And here’s the cake, all frosted and decorated . . .
New Music . . . for this part . . . (today’s generation has the electronics, but we had the music!) This was last night. I forgot to take photos of the food! I’m so sorry, because it was potluck and everyone brought just gorgeous things, fresh garden vegetables and salads, lobster sliders, potato salad, and Lowely made a huge moussaka; Joe and John barbecued swordfish and steak . . . then, after dinner, the theater filled up and the show began . . . a trip back to the 1970’s and 80’s! There were cat calls and teasing, oohing and aaahing, saying, “OMG, Remember that???” Or, “there’s so and so, whatever happened to him . . . ” And, “Who’s THAT?” Laughing, joking, crying, sighing, reliving; this group of people have known each other through thick and thin, they’ve traveled together, in more ways than one . . . they know each other’s moms and dads, sisters, brothers, and children . . .
So it wasn’t just friends, it was families too, which are also friends! All gathered for the memories, and the good times we’ve had, coming together on this little island, most of us from somewhere else, pulled here by the same sort of heart magnet that brought me . . . a long road that lead right here, to our house, last night.
What we lack in wisdom, we make up for in good will. ♥
Even when we get busy and see less of each other, that just makes times like these more wonderful, to sit in the candlelight and cricket noises and catch up on each others lives.
And here is the happy much-loved Birthday Boy . . . can you see the little string of hearts hanging in mid air just in front of Joe? I swear, they follow him wherever he goes! ♥♥♥♥♥ (Most of the time you can’t see them, but every once in a while, the camera catches them in just the right light . . . which is why I love this camera . . . night time shots may not be clear, but they are real.)
Blow honey!
May all his dreams come true!
And here we are, Martha, me, and Kappy cutting the cakes . . . I’m thinking, as I’m writing, this is what it’s all about . . . friends, family, food and fun — and all the good things we’ve shared.
I have to show you a card from last night — for Joe from Iris, the dog we love, that lives across the street with Martha and Gerry and comes over to visit almost every time she gets loose (might be because of the dog bones we keep in the pantry)! Here’s the front of the card:
Hope you had fun at the party! We won’t mention that picture of you skinny dipping in Tashmoo Pond!
OK, and here’s another promise I made a while back — remember when we went to the Emma Bridgewater Factory in England?
Where they had that design room where they gave you everything so you can paint your own Emma cups? Here are the ones we did, the way we turned them in, before they were fired . . . those pencil marks, we were told, would burn off.
And they did . . . here they are, after firing; they sent them home to us; they were here when we got back; we drink our tea in them every single morning now, he drinks out of his, I drink out of mine! I put the word “England” on mine so I would just look at it and remember.
With the date . . .
And here’s the cup Joe did; he wanted the ship. We love them even more now, and as time passes I’m sure they will become more and more valuable to us.
Maybe someday you will go to Emma Bridgewater and paint your own cup, but until then . . .
Maybe you would like to have an Emma Bridgewater Royal Jubilee cup just like this one, directly from England, for your very own? If you already have one, wouldn’t it make a nice gift for someone you love? If you agree, just leave me a comment and we’ll have Vanna (our random number generator) stay home from the tanning salon one day next week so she can draw a name and tell us who this cup belongs to! OK girls, believe it or not, the parties aren’t over yet. More cooking this week! Happy Monday everyone! XOXO P.S. Just in case, here’s the recipe for the Cheesecake!
CHEESECAKE
- 2 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs
- 3/4 c. melted butter
Combine and press into a buttered 9 in. pie plate, building up the sides. Set aside and make filling.
FILLING
- 1 – 8oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 c. granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Beat softened cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually blend in sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Pour filling into crust. Bake at 325° for 25-30 min; til set. Make the topping.
TOPPING
- 1 1/2 c. sour cream
- 3 Tbsp. sugar
- 3/4 tsp. vanilla
Combine all ingredients; when cheesecake comes out of the oven, spoon topping over top of hot cheesecake, spreading evenly; return to oven and bake 10 min. longer. Cool; then chill several hours. Serves 8.
Fantastic blog post as are they all. Happy Birthday to Joe and yes, as someone else said, the 60’s are great!
I was searching all over for an e-mail address to send you a couple of links I think you may find of interest in relation to your search for the perfect rose but couldn’t locate one anywhere — maybe you can point me to it for future use.
Meanwhile — here are the links:
hex.be/hex.taf?IdNav=3&Type=home
hex.be/hex.taf?IdNav=3&type=collection
The alphabetical list is one I’m using to search out info and images on each listing to find the perfect climber for a future litchgate/arbor at our entry way. Hope you have as much fun researching as I’m already having.
Thank you Dottie! There is an email contact at [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/
Thanks, Susan — I knew there had to be one!
hi susan… yep…I just knew that you would make that carrot cake!! I have made it (and cupcakes) oodles of times and my family and friends absolutely LOVE it!!! My husband’s favorite cake is carrot..so, of course, I wanted to become expert at it..thank you for the BEST recipe…i am a hero!!! Your party sounded just wonderful..the timing was perfect for all of that reflection… it all looked delightful!!! Good friends are hard to find…. you are blessed for sure..WOW and an Emma giveaway to boot!!! very sweet… : ) have a wonderful week susan and joe!!!
I will be trying your cheesecake for sure. What a lovely birthday party and photo show. Your mugs look terrific – great job! Tell Vanna tanning salons are not good for you!
She just says, “anything for beauty.” 🙂
Thanks for sharing the birthday party! You blog always makes my day. With a world filled with so much negative, it’s nice to see some positive! P.S. I LOVE the mug!
Happy 60th birthday to Joe! The mugs came out fabulous. It is on my bucket list to have an Emma Bridgewater mug someday. I can’t imagine a more pleasant way to take the morning tea than in one of these delightful dishes!
Joe’s party seems magical—–it’s people, our friends, who make the world go round, right? Love your Emma mugs and sipping out of one every morning would be a great way to start off the day!
Happy Birthday to a fellow Leo! I had a birthday the Saturday before. Joe’s party looks wonderful, especially to be able to share it with such loving friends.
Well, after watching the TV show Cheers for so long, I wouldnever have been able to come up with the words to the song…never would ahve imagined those to be the words either! Thank you for sharing that.
I love the mugs you and Joe made! I agree with a previous post. Mine would never look like that! I do love Emma Bridgewater mugs and would be honored to win the one you are giving away.
Keep doing what you do, Susan. Reading your blog and adventures make so many people happy.
What a wonderful party!! Happy Birthday to Joe!
So glad you remembered to share your mugs – they turned out beautifully!
xxxxxx
Happy Birthday Joe. I marvel at you and Susan’s wonderful life. Bless you both!
The dancing hearts on Joe are my favorite part!
Mine too!
I don’t know which treat I want to make more, the cheesecake or the carrot cake. What a terrific way to celebrate a birthday with friends, food and memories! Thank you for sharing your wonderful evening.
Happy Birthday, Joe! I enjoyed the pictures of the party! I hope you will soon show us more pictures of the arbor.
Happy Birthday Joe, and thanx again for all you guys do, it really makes my day
Susan
Happy 60th Birthday to Joe!! What a beautiful way to celebrate, family, friends and shared memories!! I’ve made that cheesecake many times and everyone always loves it and while I haven’t made the carrot cake yet, it looks so good I am going to have to soon!! The mugs are beautiful and such a wonderful reminder of your very special time together in England.
Happy Birthday Joe! Your party looked amazing. The photo slide show outdoors is an wonderful idea that I’m stealing! We are turning a space between our 2 warehouses/home into a 300 yd x 40 ft garden, with outdoor kitchen, etc… but a screen for movies or slideshows via powerpoint would be great!! So many good ideas here!
Ok, now my belated OMG!!! I LOVE the Emma cups you made, especially the ship. Who really drew the ship? haha anyway, I love everything Emma, and would never shut up again if the cup came to my house…. (my husband says “don’t pick her”. I just found an Emma baby cup with kitties all over it (love thrift stores) … too perfect. Anyway, beautiful weekend behind us all…. now the sunset. xoxox to all the girlfriends and Joe too.
That’s what my dad said, but Joe really did it . . . he’s a terrific artist, he just doesn’t do it much. Love the sound of your new garden!
I forgot — your carrot cake is our favorite, and we might have to make one very soon… ummm. 🙂
I find the left over cake has a voice, I can hear it from all the way at the front of the house, come susan, we knooooow you want us …
Oh gosh, too funny…I can well imagine that that cake would have a wonderful voice! 🙂 The cheesecake looked yummy, too! I’ll bet it would “melt in your mouth!” What a nice birthday party celebration for Joe and all participants. It is always good to get together with friends, food, and fellowship…and I think the idea of the outdoor slideshow entertainment was brilliant!!! Y’know, the wonderful thing about the Emma Bridgewater mugs is that not only do they look nice, they are just plain good design–non-tippy, not too heavy, and they feel good in your hand! 🙂
I know, there’s more to them than meets the eye! 🙂
haha–it’s still calling my name, and it’s not even at my house!! What is it about cake? geez… 🙂
LOL….when I was growing up “the voice” at our house had a name…. his name was “I don’t know”…drove my mom crazy!
Hey, who ate all the cake?! I don’t know? 😉
Joe did! 🙂
Wonderful party! What wonderful times to review on the backyard movie screen, too! Again, a happy 60th to Joe! We (husband and I) have been there – a number of years ago, actually.:-)
It was party week-end for us, too. Our little granddaughter was six on August 14, and the party was this week-end. It is such fun to see the excitement of children when they are the birthday honorees.
As much as I would love to do it, I fear I will never be able to reach England. I must live through your posts – and gazing at the Emma Bridgewater cups! Wonderful giveaway!
BTW, the cheesecake is delicious, and such a simple recipe. Wonder why carrot cake is mentioned often as being the cake of choice by a man? That is certainly true around here.
Have a great week!
xo Nellie
And women…my favorite & this recipe sounds ‘oh so yummy’
Love your sous chef, Jack!! Happy Birthday Joe!!! What a delightful celebration……and a party favor for us, a Jubilee cup…yes please…love, love, love!! Cheers!!!!!
Oh Susan…what a grand time you guys had…I love..love..love the movie theater..smile… I think I heard the laughing and the ooohs & awwws all the way back here in Iowa… And the smell of all that food was almost unbearable…ha.. The carrot cake looked soooo yummy –my favorite-(as did the cheesecake)…I better get your Heart of the Home book down and check it out! Oh…how I’d love to win that cup….Vanna please…please…please, smile… I really need a new cup, especially one from England!!
Looks like Joe had a very Happy 60th Birthday! Sure sounds like one for the memory book…
Blessings,
Gert
Happy 60th Joe!! I’m quickly approaching the same age. We’re just kids aren’t we? Hubby and I just got back from seeing Bruce Springsteen in Boston – he’s 62 and managed to put on a 3 and a half hour show. I was exhausted after it!! 🙂 I know I’m getting older…instead of buying a beer I found myself a hot cup of tea- I enjoyed it so much!! (I was careful not to spill it on anyone!) Sue, it looks like you put on a wonderful party for your sweetie! Don’t you just love making all his favorites? Cheesecake is hubby’s favorite too, I’ve neglected him (sigh…) maybe I’ll make him one in the next couple of days (weeks)!
xoxo from SW Hbr.
Mmmmm, Bruce Springsteen….wonderful!
What a Fun birthday party! I bet the slide show was a real hit! What a Great idea! Kinda’ like movies in the park! (Except, featuring, the audience!) Love how your Emma Bridgewater mugs turned out. They make unique and personalized souvenirs of your trip! Count me in for the drawing.
~Good Evening~
From the looks of things you had a wonderful time! Aren’t birthdays the best?
I love making the birthday girl or boy’s favorite dinner and dessert on their special day~ but the best part is truly the conversations we share and the memories we make~ I learned these traditions from my mom and grandma who always made me feel special~ grandma always brought orange crunch cake~ and circus peanuts! ~ the cake would be decorated with little plastic ballerinas and rose candle holders~ I close my eyes and blow out the candles~ I’m 8 again!
Here’s my wish~ 43 years later~ a beautiful Emma Bridgewater mug ~ or a pony!!
Have a great week!
Lynn~
Hi Lynn,
As I was growing up, whenever I wished upon a star or birthday, I always wished for a pony, saddle and bridle! I gave that up when I became a sensible adult though (and would actually be the one paying for the upkeep). Are you one of the magical ones who decided it was best not to grow up? XOXO
Yep~ I am still holding out for that pony or maybe now a horse!
I crack up when I see the Seinfeld episode when the the old lady says
” I had a pony!” I’ll probably be that old when I get one!! Have a great day Kathy!!!
Lynn
Yeah, I crack up at that one too! The writers must have had a blast working on that show! I probably would have had to take medical leave because I would have had a permanent stitch in my side from rolling on the floor laughing so hard. Actually I probably would have expired on the floor during the first script run-through because I couldn’t catch my breath! You have a great day too Lynn!
Hi again~
I think my favorite episode is about ” shrinkage!”
That one was pretty hilarious!!! Jason Alexander is a very talented actor and song and dance man. Have you seen the movie “The Man Who Saved Christmas”? It’s one of my favorites now (Jason doesn’t sing or dance in it though); I just had to buy the DVD last Xmas. It’s heartwarming and based upon a true story.
Thanks! I will check it out!!
You have another good day Lynn!
I ‘m singing “Six-ty Candles” to the Guest of Honor! Love those little garland of hearts. Some folks have auras, your hubby has hearts! Thank you for the mug give away. Here’s to random serendipity!
Belated Happy Birthday to Joe. What a wonderful party you all had. Your pics just drew me into the event! Love that cheesecake recipe too. I will be giving it a try because cheesecake is my hubby’s favorite food ~ right after hamburgers of course!
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
It looks like Joes’ birthday was a blast. The BEST way to celebrate is with great food, family and friends. My Mom has been making that same cheesecake recipe since I was a little girl (almost as many moons as Joe). It is the BEST and as we in the family always say, “slides down real easy.” It is a family favorite and called for at every event, so try it everybody! It is scrumptious.
What a wonderful, magical night. Happy Birthday Joe! Susan my favorite part of your blog was the photo with the hearts. I think you invited the Birthday fairies!!!!!!
What a wonderful party! Happy Birthday to Joe! Thanks for cheesecake recipe … I love easy!!!!! I’d love to give the Emma Jubilee cup a good home! I’m going to go look for the carrot cake recipe. YUM!
What a great party! It is obvious that you and Joe are blessed to have each other and a host of good friends. And you made my two favorite cakes — I will pick cheesecake over anything else every time and carrot cake comes in a close second. Thanks so much for sharing the festivities with us!
winnie*
>^..^<
Happy happy birthday to you Joe!!! Your birthday party was a complete success… I can tell by the pictures that your lovely wife took.
Susan, I’m looking forward to making this Cheesecake soon. Looks very simple…. lots more so than most of the recipes that I have seen. No fuss no mess!
Looks as though you out did yourself with the party for Joe, but I’m thinking that you have lots of get togethers like this one. Having friends that are cherrished over the years of knowing them and doing things with and for are very precious in deed. You are very lucky to have so many close friends as these.
OK…. now for the drawing of the CUP. What fun it will be to see who the lucky girlfriend will be this time around. Looking forward to it!
Carol M
Had a wonderful time at the party. I’m ready for the next one!!!
Blessings,
Bernadette
What a fabulous party for Joe’s 60th! May Joe have wonderful extended celebration! I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the opening of a new decade. Turning 60 last year, I agree with you that we HAD the music! Oh yeh, we made history!!! And that little sneak of a black Jack kitty! So adorable and such a ham!
I just received my first Willard this week and I was so delighted! What a wonderful newsletter. Also ordered your new calendar. This girlfriend does not want to be one of those that misses out for 2013. Nope! Finding your blog in April, just in time to pack my bag and ride in the backseat of the fabulous England trip, has been more than a blessing and a fabulous time. I have enjoyed getting to know you again after so many years of owning a few of your books. How did I miss so much? Crazy busy life. But now, I am connected and loving every post!
The handpainted Emma cups turned out to be really great. I like the form of them. Nice and big and sturdy– my kinda cup!
Thanks Susan, and if there is any of that carrot cake leftover, will you have a piece for me at breakfast? Carrot cake with coffee? Breakfast of champions!
I think I could do that! 🙂
I think I could do that! 🙂 Thank you Winnie, I am so glad you like Willard!
Happy Birthday Joe!!! and Hi Susan!!! Thanks for sharing the cheesecake recipe…and a chance for an Emma mug! I loved watching the Royal Jubilee on TV and would adore having one of these mugs!! But I really want the one you designed 🙂 xoxo Debbie
Looks like a great time was had by all. I love outdoor parties and the idea of showing the slides was wonderful. Happy birthday, Joe and may you have many more.
Looks like you all had a wonderful time! Happiest of birthdays to Joe (how cool is that green heart thing!) You are so right, Susan, good times with the people you love & care for, are really what it’s all about 🙂 Thanks for sharing your party with us, and next time we’ll refrain from the skinny dip…..well, maybe 😉
Kelly from Eastern PA
It looks like you and Joe did it up right! So many friends and family, what a wonderful birthday celebration…and I have to say that the cheesecake and carrot cake look yummy too. 🙂
I love how your Emma cups turned out…I would love to design my own cup, but sadly am not an artist and would probably sit there trying to decide what to make for an hour or longer! I may have to try that cheesecake recipe…I have been trying new recipes all summer…THAT I’m good at. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your party with us!
Susan, I loved the party, the mugs and just everything about this post (including the tiny stove). Thank you for sharing it all with us.
Looked like a wonderful party…fun for all. I can’t wait to make this cheesecake it looks easy and absolutely delicious!
Happy Birthday to your Joe!
And those mugs.., ohhh myyyy gooooodness are they ever cute!
Happy Birthday to Joe and many more loving years for you and Sue! The party looked like a blast–wish I could have been a fly on the wall (or that slide show screen!) Love that Jubilee cup–pick me Vanna RNG.
That looked like a fun party! Thanks for sharing with us. Loved the idea of doing an outdoor slide show. I will join Joe in the 60’s at the end of October and wanted to bring all the family to Boston where I grew up to show them the house I lived in, the schools I went to, the apartment I had across from a beach, and all the jobs I had. But my daughter-in-law will be 8 months pregnant then so we will have to put off that trip until next year. By the way I love, love your minature kitchen stove in the first pic.
Happy Birthday, Joe. It looks like such a fun party with very yummy treats! Thank you for putting the recipes in the blog.
Sept. 10 is my hubby Bills 56th b-day. He has always wanted to have a movie night outdoors(Star Wars)! I like the idea of using the canvas, so I think this will be the year for a big party! He will never suspect-shhhh! Thank you! What lovely friends you have. I would love an Emma mug too.
Dear Susan-Please sign me up for a chance to win the Emma Bridgewater mug.
I read every one of your Blogs and get Willard too, please keep it up.
What a fab birthday party! Your personally designed mugs are adorable, and I so would love to have a memento of when I travelled with Ms. Branch and her Joe to the Bridgewater factory, lol. Happy 60th to your mister! Now, I’m off to add some extra ingredients to my shopping list to try the carrot cake recipe. Thanks!
Would love the Emma cup and a wee slice of carrot cake…but I am sure every last crumb was eaten at Joe’s fab party!
We just returned from a weeks camping trip in the beautiful Redwood Forest of Northern California with my son and his wife and her family along with of course our two grandchildren we share ages 4 and 7. It is wonderful when your family becomes your friends. We too celebrated a birthday. The children’s aunt turned 33. We were without candles so my grandson fashioned a flame atop a toothpick. (You see his other Grandmother is an Art teacher as well as a watercolor artist who has passed on her talents to her grandson. The little four year old said it several times “I am so lucky to be with my Nana, Grandpa, MaLee and Pops. We are grateful and blessed grandparents and all four of us say it often.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful evening.
Lani
Happy Birthday, Joe! And, thanks so much for allowing Susan to share the celebration with us! I would love the mug, but if I don’t win it just having the recipes for carrot cake and cheese cake are like winning every time they are made! We are in Ohio now….on our way east. Nights are cooler which makes sleeping more comfortable! Thanks, again, for sharing your happiness!
Mmmmm ….cheesecake – yours is WONDERFUL – have made it many times! Next to my Grandma’s it’s my favorite What a fun party – nothing better than family, friends and dancing hearts! Thanks Susan 🙂
What a wonderful b’day party that must have been. Our group of friends usually gets together during the Christmas holidays. We take turns hosting a house party and every one brings a fav dish. These get togethers are just the best. Little story: For my sister, Roberta’s b’day this past March I bought her the Emma Bridgewater Rose mug. It’s now her special cup for her morning cup of. I called her the other day and she was sooooo upset. When I asked her what was wrong she said she couldn’t find her Rose cup. She “tore the house apart” looking for it in the process finding things she had forgotten she had. She said she even called out Rose, Rose, where are uuuuuuuuu. No answer. So being the good sister I suggested, have you looked in the fridge? Don’t ask. LOL She said no, then I proceeded to tell her about my hubby’s habit of putting his cup of coffee in the microwave to reheat it and forgetting all about for half a day. In a flash I heard shreeks of joy coming from her end. There was the Rose cup sitting in her microwave all morning while she ‘torn the house apart”. I’m sure from now on she’ll check the microwave first when Rose cup decides to play hide N’ seek with her. Now I wouldn’t have that problem if I were to win that beautiful Jubilee cup. I wouldn’t let it out of my sight. Hugs to you and your ‘b’day boy’
Oh, what a wonderful birthday party!!! Thanks for sharing Joe’s special birthday celebration with us. Your mugs turned out great! ♥
Sue, thanks so much for sharing. Yes, I would love to win that mug. But, really I wanted to thank you for putting me together with some lovely ladies who are now my penpals. I am loving getting to know them all.
What a lovely post! Joe’s birthday looks like it was a perfect way to celebrate not only his 60th birthday, but also all the great times he has spent with his friends on the island. The cheesecake and the carrot cake look delicious! My daughter and I will definitely be trying the cheesecake recipe very, very soon! Your Emma mugs turned out brilliant! What an awesome souvenir for you! Makes me want to go back to visit England ASAP! Especially since I am reading the most darling English book set in a little English village, Welcome to Rosie Hopkins’ Sweet Shop of Dreams by Jenny Colgan! I highly recommend it! Although be forewarned: it will make you want lots of English sweets. 🙂
Oh what a night! Thank you so much for sharing. I truly appreciate it. I could feel the good will and fun coming right through my laptop. It’s such a great reminder to spend time with people we care about and who enrich our lives. By the way, I had my one-on-one training at Apple yesterday (iphoto for my vacation pictures of New England) and asked about finding a scanning service for the hard copy older pictures of my mom. The wonderful Apple trainer gave me some suggestions (in my area, but I’m sure one can find one nearby or online) but also mentioned that they will scan and reproduce slides too. I’m mentioning that in the event that’s helpful to Joe and any girlfriends on this blog that want to have extra copies or put them in their computers (I’m probably behind and everyone else knows all this but just in case…). Love the Emma Bridgewater creations – wow – 2 artists in the family!
It looks like it was a terrific party! My husband is the same age as Joe. Bill turned 60 this past April. Happy Birthday to our guys!
I also want to let you know that for my niece’s wedding shower we collected recipes to make a book for her and I shared your spinach salad recipe. I make it all the time. Sooo good!
Hi Susan!! Happy Birhtday, Joe!! My Leo sweetie just had his birthday last Sunday. What an enchanting evening, I do believe some cheesecake will be on our horizon…we’ve just finished the remnants of his birthday cake, yum. I would love the mug and think it would make a lovely birthday gift for myself. I turn 30/20 in less than two weeks! Were is the time going!?!
Susan, you ALWAYS know how to live life so perfectly! So serenely, so fun and make the most wonderful memories.
Hope your week is simply lovely!
Xoox, Jeanette
Susan, Looks like your party DID go swimmingly! I was thinking of you while my entire family (three sons and their wives and one fiance, plus the star of the show our 8 week old grandson–the first one!!) gathered at our house.
We hung out, ate on our back patio, took pictures of each person with the baby, then each couple with the baby, then the grandparents–us!–with the baby. Well, you get the “picture”. (haha no pun intended!)
Plenty of happy vibes going around. And in the midst of it all, I thought, “oh, Sue and Joe are having their party! I bet they’re having just as much fun as I am.” It was just such a happy feeling of connection! I am so glad I could see your pictures! Thanks for being so quick!!
Oh how I love a good birthday party! And I am going to bake that cheesecake on Monday! A great day for a cheesecake! LOL!! WhooHOOOO!!!
What fun! Thanks for the party invitation! It was so much fun “seeing” the party through the reporter’s eyes! Joe is a very happy birthday boy, isn’t he? Who wouldn’t be with all that good food and fun?
The cups are lovely! I’d have English breakfast tea Every Morning if it came to my house to live~~~~~~
Oh! Forgot to mention that I was on the Cape last week. I wanted to come to Martha’s Vineyard, but it was JAWS Week! It was toooo busy! But, I did go to Ptown and Saw Whales! What a beautiful part of the world you live in!!!
Jaws week? We had Jaws week? See that’s what happens, things happen and I miss it! 🙂 It was also fireworks week, and the fair too! August is really our busiest time of the year.
The Minnesota State Fair starts this week!!! This is also called “The Great Minnesota Get-Together”. And every year, halfway through the fair, Summer magically turns to Fall!!! 🙂
I bet there will be some good eating up there!
What a beautiful, fun party!! Happy birthday Joe! I love the look into the man cave;)
Happy Birthday to Joe. Looks like you had a great time. Family and friends is what it is all about. Going to try the cheesecake. have a great day!
Hi Susan, you and Joe are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends in your lives. (Some friends are as close or closer than family!) Joe’s birthday party looked like it was a magical evening! 🙂 And that cheesecake looks to-die-for! YUM~
Danielle xo
PS and I looooove the little stove on your kitchen table! That is darling!!!!
Happy Birthday, Joe! I feel like we know you after traveling with you through England :). Anyway, it seems like you had a great party with friends and family and Sue’s cakes!! That makes birthdays more bearable.The cheesecake looks yummy and the mug is too gorgeous (fingers crossed!!).
Susan,
It sure looks like you know how to throw a party. Joe is a lucky man. It is wonderful to have so many friends & family for a big birthday. Thank you for sharing. The Emma Bridgewater mugs you two made are beautiful too.Congratulations & thanks for taking me with you to England.
Pat
A most happy birthday to Joe! What could be more wonderful than celebrating with friends and loved ones (human and 4-legged)? Thanks for sharing the party and the sentiment!
The anonymous lurker “me” finally decides to come in especially to wish Joe a Happy 60th Birthday. Being a silent reader of the most wonderful blog in blogdom warrants, that I come in and tell Joe he’s the most wonderful husband, I’ve ever read about second only to mine. Happy Birthday Joe! What a fun party you had with all your friends and family.
Susan, finally a chance to tell you how much I love your blog. The blogs from England were awesome. But your everyday blog from Martha Vineyard, is the bread and butter that we just can’t do without. Love the Emma Bridgewater cups. And really excited to try the cheesecake and carrot cake recipes. xx
I love to hear from you lurkers . . . very fun! Thank you A.M!
Happy birthday Joe! What a wonderful way to spend Joe’s 60th, with friends and family reminising about all the crazy fun things they did. You seem to always make everyones day special Susan, especially with those yummy desserts! My nephew took all the slides of my family and had them all put on a dvd for my parents, its so cool to see them on the tv, there were hundreds of them. Thanks for letting us share in Joe’s very special day, it looked like it was lots of fun. ~ East Longmeadow ~
We just finished up daughter’s birthday dinner/party here:)) She just wanted momma’s cooking…all that comfort food….yes, that’s what it’s about! Sitting out on the porch swing, with full tummies, petting the doggies, scratching each other’s backs…how wonderful to celebrate on a lovely August evening.
Happiest birthday wishes to Joe…your prince!
The mugs are wonderful, delivering a cup of happiness every morning:)
I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE for the jubilee mug to hop on a plane to my house…or a ferry, a train, a bus, a truck….or any combination…
Have a lovely week, dear Sue…you did good:)
Christie
Old friends on a beautiful summer night- nothing better. That’s the sweet stuff of life 🙂
Much love,
Jillian from Rhode Island
Love, love, love your posts. Looks like a wonderful birthday celebration. My dearly departed father-in-law used to set up his slideshows for everyone to see. I had been thinking about setting it up again myself and this makes me want to do it even more.
I can’t wait for your England diary to be printed, I loved all of your blogging about your trip. Thanks for always sharing.
Dear Sunshine-y Sue: U make me want to hug strangers. Made your lovely carrot cake for my mom’s 84th birthday in February, and my cousins are still talking about it! YUM. Love makes a house a home, and friends into family. Thanks you for sharing all your goodness. xoxoxo
Hi Susan:
Happy Birthday to Joe and thank you for sharing your party and friends! I love the homemade cheesecake and carrot cake. They look wonderful! Definitely a must to make them in the near future. Looks like it was a very wonderful evening.
Your yard is as beautiful,as any in
England.
Happy B-day Joe!
Happy 60th Birthday, Joe!!! That’s a milestone – yeah! Looks like a great time & the slide show is perfect. We had collected tons of photos and slides over the years – and the sheet went up in the backyard on hot summer nights – popcorn, and we had an above ground pool, too. Magical nights ♥♥♥ May you have a wonderful personal new year ahead 🙂
Susan – I have to make that cheesecake. Yum!!! What a great party you threw for Joe 🙂 Isn’t summer the perfect time for such a grand event??? Thank you so much for sharing it all with us girlfriends – loved it all.
A very happy birthday to Joe! What a wonderful birthday celebration party with all your friends and family. And, yes, I would love to have an Emma jubilee mug…but most of all I would love to sail on the Queen Mary II to England. I’ve flown there in the past but that boat trip looks fabulous. Glad you were able to go to Rosemary Very’s garden. I was able to visit her garden before she died and was able to speak to her. It was one of the highlights of my trip. Have a great birthday week with Joe!
How lucky you are Dorothy, what a thrill that must have been!
Last week I discovered Joe and I shared the same birthday–we share the same birthdate as well, this was my 60th also Loved seeing pics of all of the fun you all shared with your life long friends – nothing better than old friends, not that Im calling your friends old or anything Also loved seeing your England mugs Please remind Vanna that I am available to be the proud owner of such a wonderful mug
Happy Birthday week to you Charlotte!
Enjoyed the party pics – may Joe enjoy his birthday WEEK!
Love the mug! Ah, to be in England.
The recipe in Heart of the home for cheese cake was the first baked cheesecake I ever made, before that I had only made the no bake one with eaglebrand.I make your recipe all the time now, its our new favorite since i bought your book all those years ago.I also use it for the carrot cake which is an amazing birthday cake recipe.It makes a lovely tall cake that is always moist, never fail.I make it for my husbands sister every year.What a wonderful birthday your fella Joe had, you really know how to party hardy!!!
Your friends on MV are such a treasure! What a fabulous party – and yes, I would love to win the mug – thank you for being so good to us!
Thank you so much for sharing Joe’s party and the Emma mugs. The slide show was amazing. Looked like a great party. I’ve made your carrot cake many times and everyone always wants the recipe. The cheesecake looks delicious. I’ll have to try that too. I love being able to get a glimpse of your beautiful life. Thanks again.
Just thought I’d check on you tonight, & what a lovely SURPRISE!!!! A Birthday Blog!!!! Joe is amazing and I’m listing just a few of his many talents – cooks, wears a toolbelt, makes movie screens, paints beautifully, takes all of Sue’s blog GFF along on trips. No wonder precious heart banners follow him everywhere! You’re a great guy Joe, & we can see you’ve had a fabulous 60th birthday celebration! Best wishes for a super 60th year! Sending you a big hug, Joe! Thank you, Sue, for the great blog, what a wonderful party! xoxoxo
I have to get Joe to read some of these posts!!
Yah, comments from his fan club! Oh, I forgot to say thank you for entering us in a contest to win the beautiful cup! xoxo
My 60th is right around the corner-can’t wait!! Would love that mug to toast to it!!!!!
What a delightfully fun post! Happy Birthday Joe! Yummy cakes, furry kitties, doggies, mugs for tea and best friends. Perfect!
What a lovely party and you said the carrot cake made wonderful cupcakes…..I made the cupcakes for Easter and they were so delicious so I assume it is the same recipe? Susan, would there be too much batter for a bundt cake? I will be making the cheesecake it is Angela’s favorite dessert! I was just wondering if your Dad is well (hope so) he hasn’t been on here since his birthday? I want to thank you for a chance to win the mug and I wish everyone GOOD LUCK!!
Not sure about the bundt cake, I haven’t done that — you could try it and if there’s left over batter, count your blessings and make a few cupcakes! 🙂 — and yes, that’s the same recipe. My dad is fine, his back has been giving him trouble, but he’s better. I miss him too, he commented yesterday so that made me feel better. Thanks for asking!
I was missing him too. Didn’t see the comment yesterday. I must say, your morning view is a “cheer-up” if I ever saw one. Hope you will soon be feeling 100%.
I’m fine; my dad is the one who wasn’t feeling well, but he’s doing better! 🙂 Just so no one thinks I’m not well . . . Everything is good!
For Daddy Jack: Take care of yourself, & I hope you’re feeling much better today (ouch, I’m having sympathy back pains, really, I’m sitting here with a hot pack)! We miss your comments. Gentle hugs!
Ah, it was early and I was in a hurry. I meant, your Dad’s view (saw the pic of him w/coffee on his deck in a past post) was gorgeous. That would cheer me up any morning:)))
I will try the bundt cake especially at Easter and decorate it like a giant nest with little jelly beans all around!! and good idea with the leftover batter for some cupcakes!!! I saw a segment on one of the cooking shows about cream cheese icing that if it is too thin they said to keep the cream cheese/butter cold and it would make a thicker icing?? That totally goes against every recipe I have ever made I would think it would be impossible to mix to a smooth consistency. If mine is too thin I just added more powdered sugar? Why change now is my theory.
You know how butter and cream cheese get hard when they are cold? That’s what they mean when they say if you refrigerate it, it will get thicker. I think they mean, after you’ve made the frosting, if it feels too thin, then put it in the fridge. But I think you’re right, whatever works!
That is what you would think Susan and I agree, but, they did a demonstration and the ingredients were cold?? I haven’t tried it because if it isn’t broke why try to fix it!!!! Have a good evening.
Sounds mixed up to me, because creaming cold butter and cream cheese is only good for making good arm muscles!
So true just like mixing fudge!!! Yikes
Looked like a wonderful party! Loved seeing the lights, the people and the desserts.
So glad you made the carrot cake – it is our favorite birthday cake !!!
Dear Susan,
Joel’s birthday party was wonderful! It was fun to read about all the preparations and work you both did to get ready. Everything was wonderful. I can’t wait to try the carrot cake recipe for my birthday next week 🙂
I do think a cup of tea would be delightful in the Emma Bridgewater mug. I hope I can win it.
Janet xoxoxo
I loved Joe’s party and the sweetness of all the photos he has taken of friends thru the years. Not to mention the man friends…too precious. I may make your cheesecake to celebrate my brother’s birthday this week….only he’s living in Italy as of last week and I miss him. I’ll make it and send photos so he’ll remember all the birthdays we used to share. Susan, I love that you share your traditions, your life, your experiences…and it always comes through how grateful you are for all of it. Bless you.
Ahhhhhh, summer birthdays! Happy birthday to Joe! Your blog makes me smile, and feel as though I live (for just a moment) on your beautiful island.
Loved reading about Joe’s birthday party, and I will never get tired of reading “anything” about your trip to England. Thanks for sharing. This was a nice surprise to find this evening!
Happy birthday, Joe! May you enjoy many more with your wonderful group friends and your amazing bride.
What a fun and loving party! It is so true-life is about family, friends, food and the good times when all three of those are gathered together! I just had my birthday yesterday, and had 4 great gatherings with family and friends over the last few days…I am blessed indeed! But I would be even more blessed if I won the cup! So come on Vanna, this birthday girl needs one more gift!!! 😉
Happy Birthday Kristy!
Happy Birthday to Joe! What a fun party too (love the outdoor theatre). I am pretty addicted to Emma B mugs so I do believe I would just love to have that! xo
Happy Belated Birthday JOE, Hello Susan, Looks like such a wonderful time with friends.The night looked perfect..I am hoping to visit you Island some day, but until I get there personally, reading your blogs make me feel as if I am there. I am also enjoying England through you also. I watched and read much of what I could find on the Royal Jubilee…I would love to win the Emma cup…What will be will be….Thanks so much
What a perfect way to celebrate a birthday, surrounded by those you love, remembering lots of fun times together. Your cheesecake recipe is like my mother’s – the one we always had for holidays. It’s easy to make and everyone who eats it swoons. Thanks for sharing what looked like a magical night in your lovely backyard. Love Joe’s little string of hearts, which are proof of the magic!!
Belated birthday blessings to Joe! Awesome party, thanks for sharing.
August is the time for parties. Birthday, Retirement, Reunion, Anniversary and just- because- we -haven’t -seen -you -all- summer parties. Time to sit outside and enjoy our friends until the mosquitos and yellow jackets drive us all inside to enjoy our friends even more. And when we can’t have a party, Susan will and tell us all about it with lots of great ideas, recipes and musica!
Thank you for another delightful read. 🙂
What fun ~~~ Happy 60th Joe …2 great choices ….the carrot cake has been made every year at least twice (was my husbands favorite …he’s been gone since 1998 ..and we STILL make it for his ”birth~day”) since the book came out…The Cheesecake is another hit with our family. And just perfect to take for any gathering!!
Loved seeing how great your “emma’s” came out …I so enjoyed your blog that day going alongside your both touring the factory ..
Thanks for sharing !!!
You had me at the SUNFLOWERS, Susan!!! And the song—I never knew all the words before—very clever! Then the scrumptious-looking carrot cake and the little furry tri-cornered bit that I believe belongs to the little man-of-the-house Jack. Oh, and the crocheted oven mitts! Are they really functional? I have two that my grandmother crocheted but I just use them decoratively. I will make your cheesecake recipe very soon. My old standby seems to want to crack on me every time now and I can’t figure out why. I hate to say Goodbye to it but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. What a smashing party you had!!! It’s easy to tell that your MV gang is a bunch of keepers and it’s easy to imagine what blessings you are to each other. It was so nice of you and Joe to share his party with the Girlfriends and so kind of your friends to let us be butterflies on the arbor. And so kind of you, Susan, to spend your Sunday putting together this post for us! Thank you for the recipes—I think I better get your Heart of the Home book!
“Butterflies on the arbor,” love that Kathy!
🙂