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.
Happy Birthday, Joe! Isn’t it grand to have birthday parties with all your nearest and dearest nearby? I love, love, love looking at pictures or “blasts from the past”…..and you gave me a wonderful idea. There’s a gathering of the girlfriends in the mountains of North Carolina next week and I’m going to bring the makings for an outdoor picture show of our past gatherings, just like you did! O happy day!
Oh Susan! I want to live in your world 🙂 Happy birthday to Joe! And I would love the Jubilee cup for my 89-year-old British mother. She missed all the Jubilee fun in person but watched every minute on TV. Thank you for inspiring all of us.
Oh how I love the Jubilee mug! I would add it to the collection that was left to me when my mom passed away! I have mugs that are very old, featuring the Queen, and so on. My mom was a huge fan of all things having to do with the Royal family! I have plates, mugs, tea cups and would love to add this special one to my collection. I so love your blog, love reading it…makes me want to visit! :o)
the birthday party looks like it was soooo much fun !!! all the wonderful food you described, great friends, and an activity that i am certain was loved by all.. great party planning by you susan… thanks for sharing.. that emma mug has a space waiting for it…in my black cupboard….i would love to tell the other mugs in there… a friend is on its’ way from England via the Vineyard. : )
Happy Birthday, Joe! Looks like everyone was blessed at Joe’s party…delicious food, fellowship, and a stroll back in time together. It just doesn’t get better! I love your handpainted Emma Bridgewater mugs! I have my fingers crossed for the Royal Jubilee mug (but maybe someone will win it for their birthday…that would be the icing on the cake!)
Well, happy birthday to the one who makes your world go round and round!! My birthday was yesterday as well. Great day!
The cakes look so, so good and the best part is, you were surrounded by love and friendship.
Thank you for sharing such a special occasion …………. I always look forward to your posts!
Thanks for letting us enjoy the party from afar. Aren’t friends the jewels in our lives? Hope the cup comes to live here in Wisconsin.
Sue,
I would love to have that cup! I had a 60th birthday this summer, too, so a belated Happy Birthday to Joe! I have a little toy stove like yours with Revere ware pots, pans and a tea pot in my kitchen. A fridge, too. It’s nice to know there is another woman “of a certain age” who still likes toys! Mine doesn’t have cherries on it, though. I may gave to look for decals. Yours us just adorable!
Fondness, Barbara from Lodi, CA
Greetings Barbara from a fellow Branch fan 10 miles north up Hwy 99, Carrie.
Well hello there!
What a wonderful party. Where everybody knows your name. 🙂 I never seem to live anywhere long enough to be part of a group like that with such a collective long memory and history. That sounds like a heavenly way to spend an evening!
Happy Birthday Joe! Looks like you had a wonderful party full of family and friends. Thank you so much for sharing your pictures with all of us! Best wishes to you both, and the kitties too of course! 🙂
Happy Birthday Joe! I also share “60 years” I have been looking for the “60 years a queen” teapot by Emma Bridgewater!!! I would be more than happy with a mug…. I hope to some day go to the factory. What a great birthday celebration. Thanks to you and Susan for the invite.
p.s. Susan both the cheesecake and carrot cake are an absolute favourite at our family gatherings. Once again you outdid yourself. Cheers
What a beautiful party, and what love there was all around!! I now have a little less than 2 years to get it together and have a party for my hubby’s 60th!! I love the slide show and Joe’s 2 favorite desserts are also my hubby’s favorites, so there, I have one decision made!! Wish me luck!!
Happy Birthday Joe! My husband turned 69 on Saturday, the 18th, and he was kinda grumpy about it. But our little family party cheered him up! I’ve already told my family that I want another slide show of the family photos…real slides, too, for my birthday in September. The last time we did that was about 8 years ago and my grandchildren are now 9 and 12. Every year we do it they’ll remember more and more. It’s a fun and very special way (I always need a box of tissues) to remember and celebrate family and friends. And, I love the mug a bunch. Hope I win!!!
I want a piece, I want a piece..of either! Or both!!
Happy Birthday Joe!
What an amazing, creative, fun partythrowinggal you are! Joe’s so lucky to have you! Everything looked delicious and beautiful and sweet.
Kindly,
Jenny
Wow….looks like a great birthday party for someone who is so obviously loved.
Happy Birthday to Joe and many, many more!
(ps…you did a great job Sue)
I love that you are still making the recipes from your very first book Susan ~ it shows that they are truely authentic favorites! Happy 60th Birthday to Joe 🙂
I so much like being able to be a part of the birthday party like this! Happy Birthday, Joe! 60 isn’t bad at all! Thank you, again, Susan, for letting us be a part of the special times of your life and for the wonderful gifts you share with your friends! Best wishes, Judith
HaPpY Birthday to Joe! The party was a blast! I enjoyed myself so much ! Thanks for inviting me! Susan, the lamp in the table – it’s lovely – do you sell them or at least the shade?
Hope I win the mug to go with my Diamond Jubilee tea tin from Harney & Son!
xxoo
Happy Birthday Joe! What a wonderful party! I would love the English Jubilee cup! Plan to make that cheesecake soon!
Thank you for sharing – especially the cheesecake recipe. I have so enjoyed your trip to England.
It looked like a wonderful party! Happy Birthday, Joe. Good friends, good food, and more good memories made.
Thanks for the chance to win, Susan!
Happy Birthday to Joe! He was born the year Elizabeth II became queen!
I would love to win the jubilee mug frmo Emma Bridgewater. I have her “Holly” mug and love it!
Susan – let me tell you once again (for the 12th time) how much absolute joy your blog gives me. I love it that you share you life with complete strangers, although by now (a long-time for me) I feel like I know you and we are great friends! I’ve made that carrot cake of yours–so much goodness! By-the-way, my mom and I spent the weekend canning applesauce and apple butter. Can’t help thinking of you when I do these things. Fall is coming!
That sounds like the perfect thing to do!
Wonderful party – can’t wait to try the cheesecake too! Love the Jubilee mug give away! That would be nice to drink my tea in!!!! Have a wonderful day!
Happy Birthday, Joe!! Looks like you had a great birthday! Much happiness in the coming year!
Happy Birthday Joe………And………Many, Many More!
We attended a friends BD dinner last night too!
Susan, just wanted to let you know that every time I see the e-mail from you, my heart get’s an “instant happy beat to it!” Here’s to a big “Thanks!”
Would love to win the coffee cup for my husband Bill!
Thanks again for always making my day a happy one!
Sandy
Oh Susan, what a wonderful idea for such a special birthday! And Happy Birthday to you Joe.
I’ve read every single entry you have ever written on this blog and have been transported to a truly happy state of mind on many, many mornings with my coffee or tea. I traveled with you across the pond and up and down hill and dell, through beautiful towns and homes and imagined painting my own cup whilst the two of you were sharing your experience with all of us. I rarely leave comments, I just soak up the wonder and all the happy that you provide. I look so forward to new blog posts and my copy of Willard.
I decided that finally I needed to let you know just how much I enjoy keeping up with your life on the island as well as loving all of your products that help make a happy, life loving home.
Best wishes to Joe and to you for many more years of such special days
Kat
Seeing all this “friend fun” makes me want to get together with my friend, Martha Jean, (who introduced me to your site!) and get all the details of her daughter’s recent wedding – over delicious cheesecake and carrot cake, of course! Love the painted pottery, it’s one of my favorite things to do. We just finished vases, plates and more with my two month nieces hand and feet print. You just can’t beat it, can you?
Thanks for sharing all your adventures, local and abroad, with us! 🙂
Happy belated birthday Joe! What a wonderful celebration you had too 🙂 I would love the chance to have Vanna choose my name as the winner of the fabulous Emma Bridgewater Royal Jubilee cup. I love Emma’s ware and, of course, “our” Queen!
What a lovely birthday party! Seems like everyone had a good time, too. Oh, and, even though I’m a cat person, Iris is a very cute dog. I wouldn’t mind visits from her (if I lived anywhere near).
Happy Birthday Joe! That is my favorite cheesecake recipe too! I have enjoyed it every single Christmas Eve on my birthday for 47 years. 🙂 Yummy!
I love the Emma Bridgewater. Crossing my fingers for good luck. 🙂
Susan, Thanks for the invite to enjoy the party. Looked like you all had a lovely time. I made your carrot cake recipe into cupcakes for Easter and they were a great hit with the family. My son loves cheesecake, so will try that one on him!
Best wishes to Joe.
A JOYous Happy Birthday to Joe!! What a FUN birthday party!! Thank you for sharing it with us, feels like I was there having a good time too!!
Happy Birthday, Joe! Susan you are lucky to have him and likewise. Another successful party with family and friends. I live my life through you two as my Bob is a loner and doesn’t like parties…can you believe it??? Thanks for sharing the recipe for the cheesecake 🙂 The mug would be a lovely addition to my British “stuff”…I’m the one with the rabbit guest room with the Beatrix Potter figurines and the tiny Peter Rabbit book!
You are a good friend,
Anne Marie
What a wonderful party. Thanks for the easy-peasy cheesecake recipe. The pictures had my mouth watering. Dee
Happy Birthday Joe!
You and Susan really know how to throw a party. That’s exactly the kind of party we like here in Lee’s Summit……family, friends, good food and drink, and lots of laughter and remembering good times together. I would love to win the cup for my morning/afternoon/evening tea. Every time I used the cup I would remember your and our wonderful trip to England.
Love, Nancy
Oh that Joe!!! What a guy…..loved the pic of him hanging up the canvas screen. Brought back memories of my family and getting out the family slides. We knew that the time would come while we were together that we would share the memories of days gone by. My Dad was the great photographer and so we had many, many slides. I think of our kids today and they can go onto a computer and play back memories – but it just isn’t the same. Each click of the projector brings forth another surprise and you would either laugh or get tears in your eyes remembering special (or embarrassing!) times. Thanks for the memories, Joe. Happy 60th and I raise my glass to many more fabulous years to come. XXXXOOOO
Happy Birthday Joe 🙂
Looks like you had a wonderful party! Thanks for sharing. I would love to go to the Emma Bridgewater factory someday. The Jubilee mug would go so well with the mug I have from the Queen’s 25th anniversary 🙂 🙂 🙂
My sister and I have been fans of yours for years, but I only recently found your blog. We feel like your blog is a present that we receive. We especially enjoy reading the comments from your readers. We loved the book recommendations and may not have time in our lives to read them all!! The photos of the England trip are amazing. I hope we have an England trip in our future. One of my favorite new things in your blog is the Emma Bridgewater pottery. Every day I look at her items online and do a lot of wishing. Giving the Jubilee cup as a “prize” is a great idea. Needless to say, we love your blog. (PS I adore the little stove sitting on the table with the cake).
Look in my vintage section of “shopping” at the top of the blog, more stoves!
Sara, I love reading everyone’s comments, too. And I loved reading YOURS! Hope you and your sister have a great day!
Hi Susan
Hey Happy Birthday *JOE* Wow 60, My Joe to turn 60 too in June. You know something it really makes for a better man Yes this is true you know how to love! and show patience! understanding! Yes honey I hear you! and no when to walk awayyyyy. Oh 60 is a wonderful age and its gets better too! Susan the cakes and Cheese cake look so good I use Mascarpone/cheese In my cheese cake its very good too! Susan, also I love you’re book _Heart Of The Home_and enjoyed you’re recipes and YES I use my *BOOK* Everything looks so inviting the glow of the house to the lights outside! It looks like everyone one enjoyed themselves and reminiscing the past. Joe My Birthday wish for you is May God Bless You, and keep you close to his Heart! And many more Birthdays Too! God Bless you too Dear Susan XO
What a great blog post….a little bit of everything! Thanks for sharing your party, hubby, friends, family, recipes with us. I love the cups you and Joe painted…awesome keepsakes!
I zeroed in on the royal flotilla lurking behind the pie plate and peeking out from behind the mixing bowl. I’m not too proud to admit it… I covet that mug!
Happy Birthday Joe! The party looks so warm and inviting. I am sure you had a great time.
Joe, I am sure of all the presents you were blessed with, the presence of your wife is the best! Many more Happy Birthdays to you!
I have always wanted to go to England, but I will never get there, so I relish posts like yours to dream with. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures with me. They mean so much!
The mug you are giving away is very special and would mean a lot to me, not just because it is from England, but because you designed and painted it.
Thank you for the opportunity to win it.
Good luck everyone and I look forward to your next post!
Sincerely, Pamela
What a wonderful party idea! That sounds like the best kind of slide show entertainment. Love Joe’s homemade ‘big screen.’ Happy birthday again, Joe! Party on!
p.s. Everything looks so wonderfully delicious and festive…those sunflowers are gorgeous and that tiny stove perched on the table, is ADORABLE. Just seeing it makes me happy 🙂
Happy 60th Joe! Sixty is great and people are so impressed with the fact that you make it to this landmark… and the years go by and they look at you and say to themselves “She’s still here?”! Seventy is creeping up on my horizon. Interesting how people my age are not old people. I refuse to be. Won’t catch me doing that!
Thanks so much for sharing! I’m definitely trying your carrot cake as I like mine with pineapple AND walnuts. I’d love that cup too!
Happy Belated Birthday Joe! The party looked so fun! Thank you for including us. I would love the Jubilee cup – I have a tulip cup that I just love from Emma Bridgewater. Thank you for the inspiring blog!
What a special party! I felt like I was there, thank you! I am a little older than Joe, my 60th birthday was July 9. I enjoyed this post so very much, Susan. Of the many things I love about you, Susan … one is that you live life to the FULLEST! You make things happen and I realize it does not come easily, you truly work at it.
Best wishes always,
Cindy Ellison
Thank you for giving away such a beautiful thing. I’m taking my chances! Maybe my luck will be a bit better than last week for the 320 million powerball…
Love, Jacqui
Definitely your odds will be better! 🙂
The evening looked magical, especially when the “floating hearts” appeared in the photo of Joe with his cake. How lovely to have so many friends to share this special evening with! Now, I want to make myself a cup of tea and curl up with a book, dreaming of Emma Bridgewater! Thanks for sharing, Susan!
Happy Birthday! Joe!! What a grand party you had! Thank you, Susan, for sharing the pictures and cake and pie recipes. And thank you, too, for giving me a chance to win the lovely Emma cup. With hugs and blessings from Georgia, Barbara S.
Happy Birthday to Joe! What a wonderful birthday party surrounded by the blessing of many friends. Love the idea of an outdoor theater looking at old photos, may have to borrow that sometime! Thank you so much for sharing, may the year ahead bring many more happy memories.
Would love the mug, I’ll keep my fingers crossed!
What a wonderful birthday party! Loved the slide show idea! I wish there was a place over here on the east coast to make those wonderful mugs. I guess I’ll have to make a trip over to England for my 25th anniversary next spring – my husband would love it!
Happy birthday Joe! Nothing better than celebrating with precious friends! I love the mugs. Those are true souvenirs. I would love to be a winner. Maybe if I say something nice about Vanna??????
Hi Susan…
All I can say is that you make everything look so easy to do…I know you work very hard, but you do it with such grace & ease. I would love to try the cheese cake recipe – but my husband is lactose intolerant – is there such a thing as lactose free cream cheese? I must investigate…
Thank you for including us in your life…I love the hand painted cups – what a perfect part of your trip!
Thank you again…I would love to be your neighbor on the island – I would learn so much from you!!!
Chris S.
Happy Birthday Joe! It’s my mother’s 60th birthday tomorrow as well. Unfortunately I won’t be there with her in person to celebrate, but a cup of tea and a phone call will have to suffice until we can rectify that. That cheesecake looks simple enough that even I wouldn’t botch it, here’s hoping.
Happy 60th Birthday Joe!! and many, many more! Thank you both for sharing your wonderful party and all the goodies you made, Sue! You really bring great homey ideas to us all, simple ways to live life the Heart of the Home way. I love how the mugs turned out, I would love to win the Jubilee mug! Kiss the kitties!
Happy Birthday Joe! What a wonderful, celebration filled summer you’ve both had! I so enjoyed “our” trip to England and would love to have the Royal Jubilee mug to commemorate the adventure. I’ll be so delighted if Vanna picks my name 🙂
Friends of many years….what could be any more special than that? Your party sounds and looks like the event of the season. Know it was fun.
Thank you Susan for your spectacular blog. It is a source of such happiness when I read (and reread) it. I told my wonderful sister about it. She receives the blog now too. I tried to win the book for her from your trip, but alas, no luck. I am hoping to win this adorable mug for her. I will keep trying. She is an artist but needs a bit of encouragement to jump in!! She collects all your books so I know this would mean a lot to her to have a mug from YOU!! She has always been there for me through thick and thin… I will keep trying until I win something for her from you! Thank you for using your gift to make the world a better place! Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!
Give my love to your sister, tell her to be brave, she really has nothing to lose. xoxo
I just called her(and woke her) :)) and told her to read your comment. Thank you!! Oh, and I loved the Irish seagull. Being mostly Irish (ok well not mostly) I love everything Irish.
Adventurous souls, as you can see!
I just LOVE your blog! And the musica you choose is super-duper! And oh, how we LOVE Emma! Thank you for the offer and hope Joe knows how special he is! Thanks to both of you!
Happy Birthday Joe! & Happy forever to Susan and Joe!
Happy Birthday, Joe. I’d love to win that mug. We were on the Embankment when the Jubilee flotilla went by, trying to see over the heads in front of us! It was a wonderful weekend & the mug would be the best souvenir of a very special time.
Happy Birthday Joe. May you celebrate many many more! Susan, thank you for the newest Willard. It was a very pleasant read 🙂 You blog today was perfectly timed. I needed to escape into a lovely party! Thanks for including us all.
Happy Birthday to Joe! I would love a cup for just me, no sharing!
Many years ago I use to make a cheesecake similar to this one. Now I am hungry for it, only maybe throw on a few sliced strawberries on the top too.
What a great 60th birthday party! Happy Birthday Joe! Thanks for the recipes….can’t wait to make them.
Many Happy Returns of the Day to sweet Joe! Looks like it was a very special gathering! The Jubilee mug is just lovely!
Awesome party pix! 🙂 Looks like he had a wonderful bday! Thanks for bringing us along. The cups you made look darling–what a great memory for you both!
How perfectly dear and lovely and PERFECT!!! Thank you for being who you both are!!!
If Vanna does pick me, please send it to Cynthia Nolan–she deserves it!
* * *
Thanks for sharing your life with us, Sue – you and Joe are so blessed, as am I.
I love Emma Bridgewater, but honestly, I think your custom mugs are a million times cuter! I think you should start making ones to sell! And once again- Happy Belated to Joe, and thank you for the recipe! I hope to make it this week 🙂
Count me in, Susan!
This may be the closest I get to England!
Best wishes to all!
Happy Birthday Joe! May you and Sue share many, many more years together!
Happy Birthday to Joe! It looks like an absolutely awesome birthday – the best that life has to offer. What better present than friends, family, laughter, (great food!) and a new lovely memory! Just fantastic.
I love the cups! I’d almost forgotton those were on the way. They came out beatifully – very much in the EB style! You should design a cup or two for them.
I want you and Joe to write a book on “how to live a happy life” because as much as I come to your site for the fun, the pictures, the recipes, the shopping, your incredible writing – I also come to learn about “how to live a happy life” – you inspire me to do that. For some of us we need to learn that lesson; it doesn’t come naturally.
Happy, Happy Birthday to Joe!
I get SOoo touched at your celebrations and parties and events! They are everything I always love the most…..family, friends and food! lol. It is the way you put them together and mostly, the LOVE that you can see on everyone’s face and in their body language. Thank you for sharing such personal moments from your lives with us! I feel that I am looking in on a part of “family” and definitely friends of mine that I almost, but dont quite recognize….but I can feel the vibe! lol.
Happy Happy Birthday to Joe….May you have so many many more wonderful years…..and take hundreds of thousands of more pictures. How special and how adorable the homemade outdoor “drive-in” was to see…….what a treat!
Your recipes are super delicious, btw, from all of your books. We love them…but to have the pics almost makes me feel like I just baked something myselt this time. You are the best girlfriend to have, Susan…..you spread joy wherever you go and whatever you do!
Such a great Birthday Celebration for Joe! I love your blogs! Thanks for providing such a wonderful gift for the drawing! Hooray! for everyone.
Happy 60th Birthday, Joe! Thanks, Susan, for sharing it with us. I can just smell the carrot cake and cheesecake by looking at the pictures and the recipe! YUM! Loved seeing the mugs you and Joe made. Going to the Emma Bridgewater factory has been on my bucket list since you posted about it on your blog during your trip. I have ordered several from you in the past. Would love to have the Queen’s Jubilee mug that you are putting in the drawing. What a FUN party! Love the picture of Joe and his BFFs — how adorable are they? Everyone looked like they were having a grand time!
A very happy birthday to Joe. I love his party idea–my father-in-law has reams of slides, but my mother-in-law would probably not consider the viewing as a fun party entertainment. 😉
Your Bridgewater mug is charming. “England 2015” is a byword for my husband and I. We’d hoped to go next year, but it proved impossible. 2015 will give us plenty of time to stuff the piggy bank (the dreary truth), finalize the itinerary, and knit a few Jane Austen Themed sweaters to wear at Bath and Lyme (ok, so that’s my personal thing). Thank you for sharing your trip; it was vicariously wonderful for all of us.
And yes, I’d love a Bridgewater mug, you wonderfully generous giver! 😉
Getting ready is so much fun! Makes the trip last longer!
Thanks for sharing the pictures of Joe’s birthday party (thanks for sharing the recipes too)! There is so much love in these pictures! It made me all teary eyed… You are very blessed with your wonderful group of friends.
What a lovely post! A perfect summer evening and a wonderful birthday party. As always, thank you so much for sharing with us. Your blog touches my heart.
Thanks for the fun blog and sharing the birthday party. Loved it! And loved the card from Iris (who looks like our yellow lab that has been gone for 2 yrs now). (Heavy sigh) Thanks, too, for offering the gift of the Jubilee cup!
Happy Birthday, Joe! Your party looked great, especially your very own “drive in” movie. Wish Jack wasn’t so shy of the camera. I’m sure he wanted to help stir the cheesecake. Did he get to lick the beaters?? Can’t believe that summer is almost over. Of course, a two month trip to England used up a little of it. But, oh what fun!! Love the cups. Kathy
What a fun party! I had a big 60th bash last year, but not like this! I loved the blogs of your trip, and seeing that I couldn`t go, a cup to remember it by, which will be the closest I will ever get to going, would be so super special to me forever!
Happy Birthday, Joe! What a wonderful gathering of friends to celebrate. Looks like such fun! Love those Emma mugs you made. I drink my tea out of one of her chicken mugs…it seems to make the tea taste better, don’t you think?! Thanks for sharing the party, Susan.
xoxo,
queenmum
Hi Susan! The cheesecake recipe is the one my mother-in-law used when she made our favorite dessert! It’s especially good for breakfast as Joe proved! Thanks for inviting us to the party. I had a great time!
What a great electronic card shower Joe is getting for his birthday. May I
add my best wishes? Happy Birthday Joe!
I have several tea cup and saucers from the Queen’s Coronation so an Emma
Bridgewater mug from her Jubilee would round out my collection very nicely.
Hope I win!
Happy Birthday to Joe! Sooo excited about the opportunity to possibly win this unbelivable treasure!! Thanks for all the wonderful moments you share with us!
I really like your idea of bringing home souvenirs that you can use EVERYDAY! One of my favorite ways to remember a place is to seek out something that captures its essence for my Christmas tree – and not all are actual ornaments – they just have to bring that place with a “whoosh” back to my memory when I look at it!
Happy Birthday Joe! Oh Susan, I want to be your neighbor! Or, won’t you be mine? At least I can imagine through this sweet, sweet post, (and blog.) Thank you for sharing. This party should be in a movie…all full of love and happiness…Love, love your England mug.
Dreaming,
Bethie
thank you for sharing your fun birthday party with us- we have a 60th coming up soon- though I don’t think my guy will be as obliging as Joe 🙂
That looks like such an awesome time. I would have LOVED to be there in person to see the slide show! (I’m the kind of person who actually will look at your photo albums and enjoy it! 😀 )
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!!
And oh, my, he shaved his face off?? Aw… I liked it. Bring it back!
The mugs are great!
No it’s still there, it’s just very short, and now, it’s white!
Hi Susan,
It sounds like Joe had the best 60th B-Day party one could have ever asked for. It is so true when you are with BFF’s and family, life is good. I enjoyed your tour though Emma Bridgewater factory, and have loved the mugs on your shopping site. I would love to own one of my own. Thank you for giving us this opportunity Susan. Happy belated B-Day Joe. Your cheese cake looked so yummy. That’s my favorite too. You both are a very special couple. Keep it going!!! Gail
Fabulous party,and what fun! My daughter surprised me by flying in and being at a quilt retreat with my girl friends on my 60th. I cried, she cried, and we all cried. It was the most wonderful birthday ever. Hope Joe’s was too!
Age has its rewards they say!
Linda L. in Texas
A very Happy 60th Birthday to Joe! I’m also a 1952 baby – a very good year!!! I just read an article that said you should eat a little dessert at breakfast time to help you over your sugar cravings for the day – guess that’s why Joe looks so slim and trim!!
Oh my goodness! What a lovely party and what lovely cakes! Thank you so very much for sharing Joe’s birthday with us. It looked like it was a glorious summer evening for such a festive occasion. And the mugs you two created at Emma’s– how totally delightful! Thanks so much for posting this for us all to enjoy!!!
My heart is singing “pick me, pick me!!”. Happy Birthday dear Joe, you’re looking good! Love the photos of the cheesecake being created – looks soooo yummy…
Happy Birthday to Joe! Wishing him a year of wonderful surprises! What could be better than spending a lovely summer evening surrounded by the smiling faces of family and friends and munching on homemade cakes? I can’t think of one thing! xoxo
Just my kind of party, thanks for inviting me to be a part of it on Susan’s blog. Slide time what a great idea. Food looks great, and so do you. Many more !!!!!
What beautiful mugs! I Love a drawing. To think my name goes in and I have a chance to win is so fun!!!!!