A foghorn blew here all night long, I can hear it right now . . . a rather forlorn sound that 
I fell in love with the first time I came to Martha’s Vineyard . . . I think it’s the reason I woke up singing my Grandma’s favorite song . . . (this one is fun to watch) . . . now I will sing it all day! Just a little salute to Andy Williams who died two days ago. His voice brings back memories of our living room when I was a little girl, squashed in the nubbly green chair with my book. When he sings, I can smell bacon and pancakes and hot maple syrup my mom is making for dinner, and hear my little sister’s feet kicking in the high chair.
These are the wild asters that grow along the dirt road where Joe and I walk every day. Behind them, a leaf we found on the ground … gracing the little shelf above my kitchen sink. Jack (kitty, not Dad) thinks they are delicious.
Sending love, thinking of you . . . don’t worry, I will do my work today, but those leaves that are calling? I’ll be going out to see them! XOXO
Good morning, everyone! I remember many evenings with my grandma, curled up on the couch next to her, watching Andy’s Christmas specials. My grandma loved his singing, and since I loved her, so did I. I actually have one of his Christmas shows on DVD, and watch it every year, and think of her.
Your new kitchen is gorgeous… love the colors, and the how sparkling clean it all looks. Is Jack missing his ladder?
We are headed to Portland, Oregon this weekend for a wedding; we have never been there before and I am excited to see it!
Although it’s been a while since I posted here, I check this site every day… and since I am up so early (for me) I am visualizing you as you start your day too, with your tea and those beautiful little lamps on all over the house.
Have a great day, everyone.
You will love Portland, such a charming little city! And the perfect time of year to be there! Should be wonderful! Yes, tea, with English Muffin this time, lamps are lit, kitty is rolling ball (with bell) around on the floor under my desk, foghorns are blowing, all is well in the heart of the home! ♥ Have a wonderful day Susan!
have a wonderful time in Portland, and be sure to visit the rose gardens there.
I agree with Susan, you will love Portland. It’s a neat city. Also, if you get a chance, go across the river into Van Couver (SP). It’s also a fun town.
We used to live in Portland, and lived there for 25 years!! My hubby and I now live in Arroyo Grande, CA. Two of our three kids have moved back to Oregon, and love it! I guess they will always call it ‘HOME.’ You are going at a good time of the year because the rain hasn’t started. =) It should be a beautiful weekend….Have fun at the wedding!!
Don’t forget to go to the rose garden in Portland, absolutely beautiful! It’s a must see!
good morning Susan, I think I may be the very first comment – how thrilling!
The Andy Williams holiday specials were very big in our house. What a wholesome and soothing contribution he made to the world through his music. Not too many like him these days.
My grandmother was always singin ‘My Blue Heaven’, the other day I found I have it on a CD by Harry Connick, Jr. Not quite the up-tempo way Grandmom GiGi sang it, but a nice surprise to hear it again. She also sang ‘The Little Red Schoolhouse’ – have yet to find that on a CD. She liked to sing in colours!
Finally, that quote is used in the 1971 foreign film ‘Friends’, soundtrack by Elton John. If you do not know it, I HIGHLY recommend it – very early Elton…some lovely songs, especially the title track.
Enjoy your day – I will enjoy mine just a little more for having seen your blog this morning.
Blessings –
Marcia in Sewell, NJ
Good Morning Marcia! Thanks for all the good memories! xo
Whatever he is doing…singing, playing the piano, acting, doing a Broadway play, doing philanthropic work…I LOVE HARRY CONNICK,JR. He is the epitome of a well rounded entertainer…and very cute too!
~So is Michael Buble!~
Marcia….how well I remember and cherish the music on the “Friends” album by Elton John! Freshman year of college in fact and my roommate and I played it over and over.
Oh what a voice Andy had. Smooth and soothing and a backdrop to so many of my childhood memories. And I too love the sound of fog horns. Actually quite comforting on a foggy damp night. And don’t you just love The Distant Hours?I just finished it (won’t tell you the ending. Quite remarkable) I am hooked on Kathy Morton thanks to you! Please clarify, is Jack or Joe who goes down the ladder head first? If it is Joe please take a picture for us!:-)
NO, sorry, it’s not JOe! LOL!
Good morning! Oh, how I miss the color changes. We just don’t get that down here on the Gulf Coast. So, I decorate like crazy! The Halloween *stuff* is coming out of storage and will be up by October 1! 😀 😀 Good Day All!
I’ll put up lots of photos for your imagination to play in . . . 🙂
Looking forward to seeing all that you have. I decorated my home last week. Took pictures to put on FB.
That’s right–your “leaf-watching jaunt” is coming up very soon. The leaves are just starting to change here. I’m afraid by the time we do our Wisconsin trip, the leaves will be gone this year as everything seems early. Well, have fun on your “escape”!!! (and take lots of pictures!) 🙂
You know I will!
Good morning Miss Sue!
Like you and the girlfriends, I have fond memories of Andy Williams. I can remember going to one of his concerts back in the 80’s. It was a Christmas special and I just loved it. I think it was one of the best concerts I have been to it ranked right up there with the John Denver concerts I had been to. Andy Williams reminds me of a beautiful Christmas. He will always hold a special place in our memories of childhood which I like to visit every so often. May he rest in peace and may our hearts hold close the memory he left with all of us. Love seeing all your fall leaves and your sheets on the clothesline the other day blowing in the Autumn air. Hope your tea and english muffin are keeping you cozy and that your day is starting off as a good one. FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~
Thank you Doreen! Happy day!
…good morning, Susan and everyone… we all loved to hear Andy Williams comforting voice… brings back such good childhood memories as well…especially at Christmas time… I love the quote ..” and all the leaves were calling me “…so enjoying these Autumn days..I just want to be outside and walk !! …have a sweet Autumn day…take care.. P.S. ‘ should’ve said we love hearing his voice !!
Yes, it never has to end!
Going to get a CD of his songs.
Lida Rose & Memories Of Your Grand~Ma “Darling~Sue” Hugzzz & Love My Dear…I Think I Can Hear That Fog~Horn in The Distance…. I Still Play Andy Williams Every Christmas….Now He is Singing in Heaven with The Angels….ahhhhhhhhhhhh…..(Amen!) ok Have a Peaceful Autumn Day Sweet Sue….The Wild~Asters in The Vase with The Autumn Leaf…Truly~Scrumptious! My Picnic Basket is ready for The Leaf~Peeping Adventure! Oh Yeah! ok Byeeeeeeeeeee Kitty~Kisses to All & to All a Great Day! xoxo Poof! ♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨` 😉
Hi Angie, haven’t been able to read all the comments in a while, have missed yours! So fun! How do you do those cute hearts?
Hugs!
Good Morning Susan:
What wonderful memories. Looved Andy Williams and really sad to hear he passed. What a national treasure he was and yes, thank you , I recall the same memories. One could not help to sing along with him could they? Your leaf and wild astors remind me that this time of year is such a struggle because one cannot decide whether to go outside or to continue with the pre winterizing needs that have to be done at home…..aye aye yai……and those autumn leaves and colors sure do call me ………loved your post. Thank you kindly. Have a great day and don’t work too too hard.
Must be I am invisible??????????? blame it on a new CPU……….
Andy Williams was such a gift. Enjoyed many times sitting on the floor glued to the tv watching his wonderful shows. I wouldn’t miss his and Perry Como’s shows.
Love the little brown bird poem – used it in my fall cards years ago – it’s delightful. Enjoy your favorite season – it lasts such a short time. The book can wait!!! xxxooo
Both things pull me, writing this morning about an English path and wildflowers, it’s almost as good as walking in the woods!
Ahhhhh….laugh and go:)
my dear susan branch…you make everything fun..good morning!
xox
Good morning! xo
PS. Ah the wholesomeness of Andy Williams and the Osmonds. How I miss those wonderful variety shows. Makes Lady Gaga seem a bit “much” don’t you think?
LOL!
Good morning! I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Andy Williams, so many memories for me as well. I remember every Christmas Eve my mom would play Andy Williams Christmas albums on the stereo in our living room along with Perry Como, and Bing Crosby. I loved them. They’d sing in the background while we ate french meat pie that mom makes every Christmas eve.
Your little flowers are so simple and pretty just like the voices of those bygone days. Thanks Sue…. ~ East Longmeadow, Ma.
Andy will be missed. His voice and music were part of the soundtrack of our lives. Thanks for sharing Susan!
Lori – love your comment! One of the first pop songs I really loved was his “Can’t get used to losing you”! Soundtrack of our life indeed!
What a lovely morning visit. I also have fond memories of Andy Williams television shows and the Osmonds. I enjoyed the poem and knowing I’m not the only one distracted by the beauty of fall.
Distracted is the perfect word.
Enthralled!!!!
Good morning Susan! I’m so jealous of you and the girl friends who are experienceing the marvel of Fall. Here in Lodi, about 30 minutes south of Sacramento Ca…we are in he throws of Indian Summer with temps in the high 90’s and slated for 100 on Sunday!!! But of course, I had to make the house look like it was a burst of autumn….so my lucky husband walks through pumpkins and scarecrows and garlands of leaves while dressed for summer, drinking iced tea, and closing up the house to put on the air conditioner!
A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do! 🙂 Sounds like fall to me!
Good Morning Susan, I too am up early, and it is very foggy and misty here in Central PA. We don’t have a foghorn since no big vessels grace the lovely Susquehanna River that flows past my town. But, when all is quite, and I am awake at 3am (don’t know why), I can hear the sound of the train on the tracks. I find that sound rather comforting too. The leaves are starting to burst in color here too. In the front yard the tree is the most gorgeous orange and red…I am in love. Enjoy your walk and day….Happy Fall, Erica H.
Joe and I have always wished we could live near train tracks . . . when the wind is right, we can sometimes hear the whistle from our house in California. But no train on the island anymore. Happy fall Erica!
From one ERICA to another…..Hello!!
Train whistles comfort me, too! Passenger trains no longer pass through my area, but the old train station has recently been restored and now hosts many special events. When I was young, I loved hearing the train…it was especially loud and distinct on snowy winter nights. OH, the memories of hearing those whistles will remain with me, always! It was always a big deal for my family to take the train into Philadelphia for our annual Christmas shopping spree. That was way back when the old department stores still existed near the Reading Terminal in Philly. I miss those days! We do have several historic train lines in eastern PA which depart for short excursions various times during the year. Very nice way to spend a day and rekindle old memories!
Pamela Jo
I have fond memories of the whistle blowing as a train traveled through North Dayton, OH when I was a girl, staying with the rest of my family at my grandparents home. My sister and I would be tucked into the double bed but not yet asleep when that train would come through right on schedule. I couldn’t decide how I felt about it. The whistle sounded lonesome to me so I was glad that I could still see the light from the dining room under the door and the murmuring of the grown ups’ voices. But I also always imagined that it was a passenger train and I wondered who all those people were and where they were going on their exciting travels. So I was absolutely thrilled when I got to travel by myself with my other grandma and her sister, my great-aunt Stella, by train from southwestern PA to stay for a week in northeastern OH. I felt just like a grown up woman of the world! I remember that my aunt had a train case and I think I was obsessed from then on until I was old enough to get my own set of luggage!!! Thanks for the memories!
Thank you for a wonderful start to the day! Your grandmother had great taste in singers. Where have all the wholesome singers and performers gone? I loved the “yes, sir” response from one of the boys at the end of the clip. Ahhhh, the good ole days!
Good morning, Sue!
Thank you for this! I hadn’t heard about Andy Williams. I had such a crush on him when I was a little girl! His music was always played at our house and we never missed his television show. I remember the beautiful background sets and I would just “dream” that I was there and he was singing to me.
The weatherman reports some areas of heavy fog in NY this morning, too. You know…I just realized that I’ve never heard a fog horn in person. Hmmm…. I guess that’s because we’ve only visited the coast during summer.
Well, today I think I’ll play some Andy Williams tunes on Pandora while we make applesauce.
Always love to see the flowers on your windowsill..
xoxoDebbie
That sounds wonderful, perfect applesauce-making music!
Good Morning Susan!
Yes… Andy Williams… ah… memories… especially at Christmas time 🙂
Sending love up to you today. Rain is gently falling here in NJ. LEaves are changing color. If I listen really hard… I can hear your foghorn too! xoxo
Georgie
NJ
I thought maybe you could! 🙂
Good morning, Susan!!! I too love the sound of a foghorn. Although I’m far from the ocean here in Central IL, I recollect back to when I first met my husband, who was then stationed on Governor’s Island in the harbor of NYC in the Coast Guard. We married on the island in a lovely, old church and have so many special memories from that precious gem-of-an-island. And, that soulful horn would sounds through the thickest fog and I’d think of how many ships it guided safely into the harbor those many, many years. I miss it and thank you for helping me recall it with a smile on my face.
The leaves are changing here too, pockets of color bursting here and there. I’m not certain we will have a widespread proliferation of color due to the drought, but I am taking it all in however Mother Nature blesses us with it this year. I have my front porch all decorated with pumpkins and mums and the house has taken on fall and Halloween. I so LoVe this time of the year.
I curled up with “Autumn” several times this week, so I’m regaling in all the splendid fabulousness of the season.
Autumnal blessings to you, dear Susan.
Much love,
Jeanette
Same to you Jeanette!
I too have warm memories of watching Andy Williams with my family when I was little. The Christmas specials were special, and Andy does deserve a salute. I am now three weeks past my surgery. I am doing well, still sore, doing my exercises faithfully, and able to drive. It’s a beautiful time of year in MA to recover….
Yay, Sandy, what great relief and gratitude you must be feeling, and you’re driving! I am so happy this is all behind you and you are on the upswing. xoxo
YAY!! Good to hear from you Sandy!! It IS a wonderful time of year to recover and enjoy your time… Keep up the good work and know we are all with you. Prayers sent your way!
I’ll tell you–Sandy is an inspiration to all of us! (though I tease her that it must be her tough Norwegian genes! LOL!) I’m glad it is all behind her now, too, and she can enjoy the Fall season… 🙂
So happy to hear you are doing so well. Breathe the air, drink in the fall beauty. Nature is so amazing!
Glad to hear you’re doing well and on the road to recovery. Stay strong, Sandy!
Good news Sandy! Keep on keeping on in this beautiful fall season. Nothing better than the outdoors for healing. You’re in my prayers.
Blessings to you Sandy and I’m so happy you are moving ahead and what a lovely season to heal your body and spirit. Enjoy the process and know that we are all renewing our lives right along with you!!! Remember…every fallen leaf is a wish for you.
So glad you’re up and moving forward! I was thinking about you and the other girlfriend on our prayer list just this week and wondering how things were going. All the best and you’re both still in my prayers.
One day at a time, huh, Sand? You go, Girlfriend! Sending you a virtual bouquet and a BIG virtual hug! :>)
I’m happy to hear from you too, Sandy, and to hear that you are doing well. It’s a wonderful time of year to breathe in so much healing fresh air, to glory in God’s bounty and to know that you are part of that wonderful creation and to look forward to participating fully in life’s cycle once again.
I grew up on a ranch in Colorado, but spent my summers at the seashore. I loved the smells and the sounds. I went to Harvard and made the rowing team. I would scull on the Charles River every day until the bitter cold and snow would come in the winter. I loved when the boat house would open in the spring. I remember hearing fog horns once in a while over in the Boston harbor. I miss the seashore and really miss those days on the Charles.
I have friends I visit in Louisiana. One lives right off the Mississippi River and the other on Lake Pontchartrain. I visit them every winter and all night long the fog horns blow because of the shipping lanes. I love to throw open the windows and let the horns put me to sleep.
Our flowers especially our state flower the Columbine are all gone now. We had our first snow two weeks ago and it took my entire pumpkin patch. The rafter’s are all off the Arkansas River (which I live on-just can’t get away from the water!). I am still fly fishing, but getting too cold for the trout-they aren’t coming down here much now they are staying up-stream.
But, the trees are changing colors, hay rides are starting, autumn fairs are here and Saturday night it is the Harvest Moon-my favorite. I am surrounded by Quakers, Amish and Hutterites as they all farm here (I ranch not farm) and they are harvesting everyday and it is a sight to see. I help them drive the tractors when they ask so I get an abundance of homemade, jams, jellies, canned vegetables and frozen pies. YUMMY!
I LOVE autumn!
Treese/Colorado Cowgirl.
Ooooo, you sculled on the Charles. How wonderful. Must be an amazing memory. I’ve always watched those kids and wondered how it felt to be out there gliding so fast on the water, especially in the fall, with all the trees turning color!
Sounds like you have had and have now, a delightful, adventurous life:) I agree once you live by the water it is hard not to. Lucky girl being the recipient of autumns homemade harvest.
Your short but oh so sweet posting has put me in a melancholy mood — thinking about Andy Williams and the comfort he brought so many people and the excitement I recall seeing in the eyes of my kids when they would hear “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”! Well, I have work to do today, but I’m going to “bunch it” (as my dad would say) and go to our lake cottage and see what changes are going on there. I’m sure a little birdie will sing to me and tell me I did the right thing. Thank you for including the You Tube clip — wish we could watch the reruns of Andy’s variety show — the best, and so wholesome 🙂 Ethel
PS. No foghorns at our lake, but a train runs about a quarter mile past us and it is music to my ears! But, oh, to hear a foghorn and bell . . .
Church bells!
Oh we can hear the train too sometimes… just love it!
Yes, do bunch it! 🙂
Oh, I did “bunch it” and had such a lovely day. And I have to share this with you. Months ago I applied to go to a wonderful retreat that takes place THIS WEEKEND in southern Indiana called “Casting for Recovery”, a fly-casting get-away for breast cancer survivors. I ended up being an alternate and I JUST GOT A CALL THIS EVENING that there is room for me!!!! I am running around like crazy, arranging transportation (I live on the northern border of Indiana and the retreat is almost all the way to the southern border!!!) and packing. But, I think it is God’s will that I get there because everything is working out!!!! Just so excited I had to share my news. Everyone has been so kind and so helpful. I’ll be meeting up with a whole new sisterhood and I’m excited! XOXO Ethel
Have a WONDERFUL time, and say hello to the girls for us!!! Excited for you Cathy!
Good morning all! Foghorn, grandma, Andy Williams, bacon, flowers & colored leaves – “Oh What a Beautiful Morning”!! Thank you! Love to all! xoxo
Susan…I love your grandmothers song…but sorry I don’t remember it! Tom & I have been enjoying it all morning…smile… Andy Williams was an amazing singer and entertainer and will be missed in this world! (I always loved his Christmas shows!)
Even in Fall your walks produce lots of beauty don’t they? I was reading my last Gladys Tabor book that I bought and when I opened it up…there was a leaf I had pressed a couple years ago…smile… I need to buy another one..maybe Sugarbridge? What do you think?
Blessings,
Gert
I think Yes! You will love it! Also, you might like to read one of the Kate Morton books everyone it talking about … I think you would like The Forgotten Garden!
Good Autumn Morning! Andy and the Osmonds: so cute! I just checked out The Forgotten Garden yesterday at our local library … 🙂
Sharon in Alabama
Ha, I just checked out that book from my library in FL:)
You will love it!
Thank you…I will check it out!
Gert, you have to watch the Music Man. It’s one of the best songs in the movie – actually ALL the songs in the movie are wonderful~
Good Morning Susan. I am writing because I just had to let you know how much Andy Williams was loved in our home when I was growing up. My mom and dad would play his albums over and over again, and we would watch his TV show and Christmas specials unfailingly!!! My twin sister actually called me to let me know that she heard that he passed away. May he rest in peace, and may his music live on. (I recently made a scrapbook page about him, too!)Thank you, Susan, for the memories.
So sad about Andy Williams – such an icon and reminder of gentler times and places. I saw him in concert in Denver around 1990 – could not find anyone that was interested in going to the concert – their lost – so made it a celebration for myself of “just Andy and me.” What a beautful Christmas concert and gift. I remember the beautiful and colorful scarves he would wear throughout the show – his voice so pure and wonderful and the beautiful Christmas songs with each one better than the last that only he could sing with such love and feeling. A truly beautiful memory. Judy C
Good Morning, Starting my day in a “mist” as well….. thinking of the sound of the fog horn, missing my own dear grandmother, and listening to the sweet sound of Andy Williams and bringing back all those dear memories…..thank you. Have a wonderful autumn trip; bet those leaves will be spectacular! Thank you for your wonderful blog. You “do a body good” with each of your postings. Peggy
Hi Susan,
OOOOOOOH that was so cute. I wonder if Marie has seen that? That was the year I graduated from High School. Boy I need to lay down.
Got a cute lamp for my back entry way from an antique store, thought of you. Its another one that I will leave on all the time. Put a picture on my blog. That makes three that I leave on all the time. Very small bulbs.
We don’t have any fog horns, but Richard does snore sometimes.
Nancy Jo
Close, but no cigar 🙂
hahahahahahahaha!!!!
chuckle, chuckle!!!
Hahahahaha! I think Phyllis Diller is alive and well and living inside Nancy Jo! :>)
Lol.
Your “foghorn” probably sounds a lot like MY foghorn! I wonder if that’s what Susan meant?
xo
Lol!
I was saddened by his passing….what wonderful memories he gave me. I can feel myself sitting in our living room, my Dad smoking his pipe and my step-mom darning Daddy’s socks. His voice thrilled me as he song Moon River. That is the song I have always sung to my grandbabies as they were drifting off for a nap. After his show would be Sonny and Cher and then Dr. Kildare—life was good in the ’60s as it is now…but just different.
I love eating breakfast for supper, too! We will occasionally hear a train whistle far off in the distance. It IS a very lonesome sound. It always reminds me of my mother’s stories about her Dad hopping a freight train during the Depression in search of work. I’m sure when you hear that fog horn now you are feeling some of what you felt when you first arrived on the Island. It’s good to revisit old feelings when they make our present moments even more precious.
Talk of your morning walk brings back lovely memories of my walk on your lovely Island…
Susan, thanks so much for remembering Andy Williams. He was just THE best all around. We went several times to his Branson theatre for his “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” Christmas shows – and they were SO beautiful!! Yes, I too feel that he’s in heaven now, and we’re so thankful the Lord allowed his wonderful voice to be shared with us down here on earth. When the Lord blesses us with talents, then we are expected to use them, to glorify Him. And I can see that in how your amazing talents help all of us every day, too! So – Merci Beaucoup – for sharing the beauty of fall. Can’t wait to see more pics of MV during this gorgeous season! PS, my sweet husband brought home a big orange pumpkin on the first day of fall – to celebrate the beginning of our favorite season. “Either you ARE a pumpkin, or you are not! I am!” : )
Good morning Susan! Andy Williams’ voice is and has been part of our Christmas soundtrack. I will never tire of his version of “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”. Enjoy the foghorn and the leaves!! They are just starting to turn color here in northeast Ohio 🙂 xoxo
Great nostaliga thinking of Andy Williams and how his music provided a backdrop to our lives. Never knew the name of the song to that familiar chorus – perfection Lida Rose. Happy trails to you and yours – sounds enchanting to scope out all the backroads and take in the beauty that is a New England autumn. Speaking of sculling the Charles, punting down the River Cam in Cambridge is also delightful, with many bridge crossings; the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical Bridge to name a couple. Here’s cheers to a wonderful and relaxing weekend that may be a balm to your soul Susan!
Hi Susan, The Andy Williams video was beautiful. What a great memory of a handsome, talented man. Andy had such a sincere way of presenting his beautiful voice in combination with the Osmonds. It made me smile – just what I needed right now.
The sun is making an appearance right now, so soon I’ll take my dogs out for our walk to the cranberry bogs. I love to look for Astors along the way. They signal Fall for me. I love the way they sprinkle the woods with color wherever the sunlight falls.
Enjoy your day!
Janet xoxoxo
Susan, thanks for the musica this morning…….I too have wonderful memories of both that song and Mr. Williams. A true American treasure………
Good morning Susan — My, you get up early. I, too, love the quiet of the house when I’m up before everyone else. When the days are light at 5:30AM, I like to take my coffee outside and sit in an Adirondack chair and listen to the morning happen around me — bird song and the rising sun…what a great way to start the day — but then I want to stay there instead of getting ready for work — or I see bushes that need trimming and weeds that need pulling and I wish I had the day off to putter in the garden.
I think we all grew up watching Andy Williams on TV — I especially remember his Christmas specials when he had his pretty French wife and his kids on the set with him. He had such a wonderful voice.
Speaking of fog horns (not Andy) — I’ve had the pleasure of staying, many times, on Cape Ann (Rockport and Gloucester) and I remember with fondness the foghorns and hearing the train whistle. Our local train tracks and station are long gone, here in Branchville, NJ, and we use the railtrails for hiking and horseback riding but something has been lost without the sight and sound of the train. I take a steam-engine ride wherever I find it! I’ve developed an appreciation for “fog” since my stays on Cape Ann and I wish we had fog horns here when the valleys are gray with mist.
Your kitchen is looking great, by the way. I love the light blue paint. I’ve been enjoying your photos of Jack on the ladder. I think it’s his round pupils!
What a cutie — thank you for sharing.
JoAnne, here in rural North West New Jersey — nothing like the Jersey Shore and Snooky!!
Thank you JoAnne … good memories!
Loved the Andy Williams/Osmond video! Gentler, sweeter times … We could use a little more of that these days! Have a gentle, sweet day yourself … You know just how to start off a day for your girlfriends. I get to go painting today! It will be a painting of a very colorful rooster with pumpkins and other fall ‘stuff’! ~It’s gonna be a good day!
Good morning Susan! If it is a beautiful crisp day where you are, then I say go, go out and see the leaves. They are only here for such a short time. Have a wonderful day!
🙂
yes the leaves are here for such a short, time to get out and enjoy the beauty while all we can. hugs…. 🙂
Good morning everyone! In this crazy fast paced world, your blog Susan, is one of those moments in time we can all just slow down and enjoy a little piece of quiet happiness. I don’t watch news on the TV anymore, or listen to it on talk radio, I do click on something here or there on Yahoo when I’m on the computer, but that’s it. I’ve found I am a much more postive and happy person since I’ve made this choice. I just had to thank you for your wonderful upbeat posts, they are inspirational, and remind us to slow down and smell the roses. Enjoy your beautiful fall walk with Joe this morning, I know you will! ♥
You are being your own chaperone! You are so right!
Sitting here listening to the train go by as I’m enjoying this post. We are very, very close to the tracks and in a valley where the sound travels. Interesting that I haven’t been hearing the train much anymore, but since my creative genes have been awakened by this blog (and no more depressing news), I now hear it more often. I’ve just noticed this in the last short while. I love being my own chaperone now. Find it hard to refrain myself from “shaking” some people in my life now when I see their lives in certain states from not being their own chaperone. Huge difference. If the rest of the world would come in here with us, the world would be a much better place for people to live in.
Did not know that Andy Williams had passed away. So sad. He was “standard equipment” in my childhood days. I still play his music especially at Christmas. Beautiful, beautiful voice. Really enjoyed the video today.
I miss the foghorn here. I grew up near the ocean and loved to hear it. It really becomes a part of your soul, like the sea.
Can’t wait to see all your leaf peeping pics. We’re expecting a lot of rain here in the maritimes this weekend, first of the week. So you are probably getting it before us. Hope it doesn’t interfere with your fall adventure. Enjoy!
Oh, I LOVE that….you are your own chaperone…. good one!
Btw, Susan, I love the comment you made about being your own chaperone. I’ve not been able to get that out of my mind. You can hear or know something forever, and then someone just puts it in such a way that it clicks…the lights come on!
I put that in my Girlfriends Book (page 41) — it’s actually part of an Amy Vanderbilt quote: “The modern rule is that every woman must be her own chaperone.” The rest of the page is about just that. I wrote, “It’s a toxic world but you have the power to protect yourself. Feed your life from the well of sweetness. There’s lots of art too . . . Amy made the lights come on for me too!
For 20 years or so I have been collecting vintage “domestic” books – cookbooks, homekeeping etc. I wish I’d started earlier so I’d have more now because I just love roaming through them, learning how ordinary people lived and ran their homes ‘back in the day.’ One of the first ones I bought was ‘The Amy Vanderbilt Book of Etiquette’ with a publication date of 1961 [I think]. Not all that vintage of course [I was 5 then]. But what surprised me so much is that it is really good reading! And not just for the content. Amy was a terrific writer! I always loved her definition of etiquette too. I’m paraphrasing here, but she said “Having good manners is not knowing which fork to use with the fish course. It’s knowing how to make every guest feel comfortable and at home in your home…” Isn’t that great?
Perfect!
I’ll check out page 41 of the Girlfriends Book. I can read Amy’s quote and understand it, but your “chaperone” response to Marie’s post above made me say, “Hey, wait a minute, I get this at a whole other level.” I guess it can also be the place you are in life too, how you receive things. When the student is ready, the teacher shows up (or something like that).
Same thing happens for me! Things sink in. I noticed it first with Long Division! 🙂 Light bulb literally came on.
It never happened with algebra for me! 🙂
The little video brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes. How sweet is that! Thank you, Susan — many days you bring a smile to my face. Love the sweet simplicity of it all. We need so much more of that. Bless you!
Barb on Cape Ann, MA … a stone’s throw (well,sort of) from you
I wish that I could have seen the video. It was blacked out for security or some reason. Someone sent it to me yesterday and I went to open it up and the same thing happened.
If you are going to my blog from an email, that might be the problem . . . try to go directly to http://www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ and see if you can view it . . .
Susan, I did go from you blog. Actually it said it was from Youtube, so I will try going directly to that. This computer with Win7 is quite different from WindowsXP.
I went directly to Youtube and still the same thing. Oh well.
Oh well, I wish I knew enough to help you further!
Smells take me back to places I haven’t thought about in years.
You have great recall!
Good Morning Susan, it’s been a while since I posted here, but have been reading every new entry. Loved the one with the lamps! Nothing warms up a dark day or night like a beautiful lamp. I was sorry to hear about Andy Williams passing. Of course I remember watching his variety show and Christmas specials while growing up. He had a wonderful, smooth voice. I’m sure he’s singing up there with the angels about now. “Moon River” was my favorite, but I have some of his Christmas albums also. Get out and enjoy the leaves and beautiful day if you have one; it’s raining here in Ohio, so I guess I’ll go clean the kitchen. (P.S. Glad your kitchen is done and getting back to normal, the pictures you put up of it looked great!)
Nice to see you here Barb!
I’d love to be hearing the sound of that fog horn!
How much we enjoyed the music of Andy Williams! I remember the Christmas specials that were such a pleasure each year.
You have such good self-control, Susan. To think about working on a day when there is such beauty around outdoors takes great determination!
Have a great Thursday!
xo Nellie
Memories are best when sniffed 🙂 Honeysuckle in the air reminds me of my childhood. The leaves are just starting to change here. I am in love!
Good Mornin’ SB, it’s a muggy, drippy, gray morning here in Flemington but I’ll get over it as soon as the sun pops out. I’d love to take a walk in the Fall leaves too but these new knees just aren’t up to snuff just yet. So here I sit in the window with my two kitties watching the leaves drifting to the ground and thinking, would the neighbors mind if I got a sound track of fog horns to play on days like this. LOL Like everyone else I was so shocked when I heard on the radio that Andy Williams passed. Gosh, he was only 84 years young!! Makes me want to cry. Hugs and all that good stuff……….
We listen to a CD every night by Andy Williams as we go to sleep. Beautiful voice.
Your kitchen is lovely – I want to see it again when you have all your goodies back.
We are taking up carpet and replacing with hardwood (natural color) and painting
the bedroom and also painting the living room so every room in my house looks
like a bomb went off…but the end will be worth it. The colors are just starting
here in the panhandle of WV. Poison Ivy climbing the trees turns the most beautiful color of red and seems to be the first to turn.
I have to agree with Erica H., I can hear the train running through the center of our town twice a day. In fact it is usually the last thing I hear at night…I love it. I also love the sound of the buoys…I grew up near the water and they always bring me back to my childhood.
Have a great day.
~Good Morning~
No one sang ” It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” like Andy Williams! What a sweet memory of watching his specials with my family.
As for the bacon, that will be a sweet memory too. They say there may be a pork shortage into next year and the price will be much, much higher.
I can live with turkey bacon but the smell of real bacon……
~Blessings~
Lynn
The best bacon ever…is at Held’s in Slinger, WI.
The bacon ( and breakfast) at Cliff’s Boathouse is pretty darn good too!
That’s the only time I eat bacon. I will remember Held’s if we get up that way. Thanks Margot!
P.S. My dear friend was here this past week and we went hunting for sea glass. We found some! We also found a heart ~shaped rock and a mouse ~ shaped one too ~but ~ no marbles!
Have a great weekend!
I also have fond memories of Andy Williams, especially the Christmas specials with all their beautiful music, family and red sweaters. He has such a pure clear voice, lovely to listen to. – Love the colors of that little leaf in your vase, most of our leaves are still on the trees and most are still fairly green, but the air is cool and crisp and feels wonderful in the morning and evening hours.- We are fogged in every morning, but alas no foghorns sounding here. – first on my to do list today is a nice long refreshing walk. – God bless you for all the joy you spread.
good morning susan, everyone. i can close my eyes and i can hear your foghorn, reminds me of being in Coos Bay and hearing the foghorn all night and early the next morning. i can remember sitting in the living room with the family and watching Andy Williams’ christmas specials, loved listening to his singing. somehow it just seemed more christmassy when he was singing that favorite song..the most wonderful time of the year. i’m with you, i have work to do but i want to go out in the woods and explore and enjoy the Fall. i just love this time of year. well since its laundry day and the towels have to dry out on the line ( weather is still good, might as well take advantage while i can) i may just go and explore for awhile. have a wonderful Fall day today susan, and everyone. hugs…. 🙂
Good morning, Susan~~~~~ I love that saying you put up in this blog. I have used it on some of my Spring cards that I make. Along with everything about tea, I love everything about gardening also. I’ve made a line of cards call “garden line”. Simple I know, but it lets me find those cards faster.
It was so sad to hear about Andy Williams’ passing. He was a great singer and watched his variety show when it was on. I especially enjoyed watching his Christmas special each year.
Sounds as though Autumn has really come to Martha’s Vineyard. I think it’s come to Eureka as well. No fog horns, but dense fog in the mornings. No summer for us this year 🙁
Have to just say, as I live in Portland, Oregon, it is a beautiful place to be visiting.
Love the video and reminder of Andy Williams singing with the Osmonds. Yes, please take time from your work, a break or two, to step outside and savor.
Greetings!
This morning, the sky is colored WOODLAWN blue….
and I thought of you. XO
I’m thinking Andy Williams left a legacy of memories for all of us to enjoy indefinitely. Thank you Mr. Williams, and thank you Susan!
Love,
Erica
Just loved the video. I’m thinking about all those Christmas specials. Could you picture Justin Bieber in a sweater singing with Jennifer Lopez for Christmas this year! HA HA!
When I was little I wanted to grow up and be on the Lawrence Welk Show. When that fell through, I tried to talk my little brother into a duo act like Donnie and Marie or The Carpenters. Not a chance. Oh well, a girl can dream!
Enjoy the weekend! Aufweidersehn-Goodnight!
Ha, cute:)
Oh, how I long for a walk with the leaves changing, a fog horn moaning in the distance, a slight nip in the air, possibly perfumed by woodsmoke and the promise of a cuppa when I return to the house. Thank you for all the wonderful word pictures you paint, along with all the scrumptious pictures you share. They lift the heart of this misplaced New Englander. Love, Stacey
I will take you through the leaves very soon Stacey!
Can hardly wait. You’re the best!
Stacey (down in Hernando, FL)
Your title “The Foghorn is Blowing” immediately brought to mind the skit that Carol Burnett did years ago, where they were living in a lighthouse and they all sounded like foghorns when they talked. What years of true innocent enjoyment both Carol and Andy brought us!
“Hi Paaaaatsy” – loved that skit!
Good day all!.. Oh, Andy Williams… loved lying on the floor with my brother and sisters and watching his shows.. the Christmas specials were the best!! Also brings back memories that it just wasn’t Christmas until we got out the Andy Williams Christmas album to play on the big ol’ stereo in the living room!…I can see it all now.. His voice was pure velvet and he will be missed. Such a gentleman….
Susan, I am not worried about you getting your work done!.. Please take the time to enjoy.. I am currently taking a break from my work (aka job) to look out the open window.. feel the cool breeze coming in… no fog horns in the midwest, but we do have fog today!!! 🙂 A train runs through our little town and usually late at night.. I like to listen to that… we used to live next to tracks when my husband was in grad school in Louisville, KY… I always think of all they are carrying and that it is soooo good to have trains!! when I was a child, we would ride the train from St. Louis to Little Rock to see my grandparents sometimes…usually when my dad couldn’t get off work and my mom needed her “southern” fix!! LOL.. why else would you go on a train with four young children!! 🙂 what an adventure!!! I am antsy for my work day to be over… am getting ready to head up to Peoria, IL with my youngest sister to enjoy a weekend for the Dan Fogelberg Memorial Weekend.. always so peaceful and fun meeting like-minded music types!…It just makes me so much more aware of truly appreciating what we have in this life while it is here.. and .. now… not waiting.. not wishing.. just doing and feeling!.. sorry for going on…back to work!! HAPPY FALL WEEKEND EVERYONE!!!
I’ve been hearing the fog horns here on Vancouver Island, mostly in the early morning. We’ve had so much sunshine this year (I’m not complaining), but now that the temps are getting cooler overnight, early morning brings fog, but lovely sunshine again in the afternoon.
I, too, have fond memories of Andy Williams. My husband and I had our first date at a nightclub in Burlington, Ontario where Andy was singing. There was a very large outdoor deck and Andy arrived by boat, passing right by our table. My parents and I always watched his Christmas specials with the cute Osmond kids.
Hi Susan, When The leaves call, no one can resist. We wait here till they tell us they are at their peak colors and we go leaf peeping in the mountains of Pennsylvania.Oh,some the colors are just neon!….. I have always said, I wish I could find these colors in yarn and make an afgan to always remind me the beauty Autumn brings. Happy Leaf peeping…….. 🙂
So happy to see a tribute to Andy Williams here. I haven’t seen one on the morning talk show I always watch. Of all the people to have one He should. His voice was Heaven and my family loved his shows as many did in the 60ies. My Grandmother especially. She had a German accent and always said his name, Andy Villiams since W’s were always pronounced with V sound. A silly thing but I always remember her when I hear his name or voice. Enjoy those leaves. We wont be getting the pretty ones for awhile here.
I have such fond memories of Andy Williams and watching his show with my family–it doesn’t seem like that long ago although it is… LOL! I love hearing the fog horns and seeing lighthouses. We’ve toured most of the lighthouses in Door County, WI, over the years. One year when it was too warm to leave dogs in the car, Norm and I went on a tour of Cana Lighthouse–each of us with a backpack on our back with a schnauzer’s head peeking out the top! I’ve always said that would be a fun thing to do when we are both retired–stay in a lighthouse for the summer! Pack a pile of books, several knitting projects, etc.–wouldn’t it be fun!!! 🙂
Hi Susan! what a breath taking post! and to hear the foghorns!!! I, like some of the others, do have a train whistle in the distant, to hear every now and then, and i do love it and now i will think of you when ever i hear it!!!! it’s raining here today and the leaves are starting to get some color. I have always loved that quote and isn’t it wonderful when we have days like that! Enjoy your day!!!!! xoxo
What an icon we have lost–Andy Williams was a favorite of my family’s also. Moon River was my daddy’s favorite song of his. I remember all four of us children sitting around the tv watching his shows. I even named my daughter after his daughter Noel. Hope you are basking in the glow of your beautiful kitchen. xoxo ♥
Noel, was that his daughter with Claudine Longet? I don’t even know if they had children . . .
I think the newspaper article said they had 3 children…I always liked her, too. I remember really being impressed how he stayed by her during the trial, etc., and how bad I felt for all concerned…
I had albums by her, with her little tissue paper voice.
Noelle was his daughter by Claudine Longet–They had two other children –Christian and Robert– Our daughter was born on Christmas day so we spelled her name Noel–So joyous for us and such a wonderful gift!
Oh such a delightful post. Like many others, I remember the joy of Andy Williams Christmas show. I miss wonderful shows like that at the holiday season.
BTW…my sweet Mom ( Oma ) is STILL not over the surprise of getting your email, and I have to admit I am equally giddy to have gotten your sweet note too. You are the best, and reading your blog is liking sharing a cup of tea with a very BFF!!!!
xoxo Annelies!
It’s just not Christmas for me until I hear Andy Williams sing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” 🙂 I like Johnny Mathis’s version too, but Andy is IT for me. Make me think of my childhood.
I’ve seen that clip before of the Osmonds with Andy. So adorable. 🙂
The leaves aren’t really changing much here in Georgia, yet…but they will be. I’ll enjoy autumn now via your posts and then again when it arrives here.
I just noticed, your birdie isn’t tweeting across the header anymore. Has he flown further south now for the winter. 🙂
Oh, scratch that…he just doesn’t do it when coming here via the link in the email subscription, I guess. He did appear when I clicked on “blog” at the top. 🙂
That’s exactly right! People on the email subscription also don’t get to see the videos I put into posts! The screen looks black!
oh I love that video and the song… and it led me to more videos 🙂 I can’t wait til snow and Christmas! 🙂 But first enjoy fall lol
Loved Andy, too. So glad we have youtube to watch now <3
Have a beautiful day.
Love
Denise
Oh, how I do envy you people on the east coast. Living in Central California it is still summer, high 90’s. We still need the air conditioner on. Can’t wait for fall to arrive, even though it only lasts a week or so, then we go straight into winter. I can live vicariously through you though. Thanks for your posts.
I’ll be putting up lots of fall pictures soon!
That will be nice 🙂
Hello Susan,
I’m having a challenging day at work and your sweet, brief and welcoming blog arrived just in time to re-set my thoughts and add a smile. 🙂 <3 <3 <3
…ok, back to work I go. Have a wonderful day,
G
Good! xo
Oh what a loss-loved watching his shows and such a smooth voice. The generations of now have missed so much good clean entertainment. Guess I’m an old prude but I don’t see anything come close nowdays. Loved Lida Rose-it was in Music Man too.
Susan,
Thomas took the week off and we are busy ‘playing’ outside! You need to get outside and kick up some leaves for inspiration.
You dip in words and create as lovely a picture as you do with paint.
Your Friend,
Deborah
♥
We have always loved Andy Williams— he will be missed for certain!!
Ahhhh, the sound of the fog horn…. a lovely thought!
I need to get to work myself—- the leaves and everything else call me as well…. and typically, I give in, but I need more control (like you).
Thank you for your continued inspiration….
Love from afar,
Joann
xo
My mother and her best friend loved Andy Williams. She had all his albums and faithfully watched his shows, especially the Christmas ones. Unfortunately, my mom passed away 6 years ago from alzheimers. So yesterday, my daughter e-mailed me telling me that Andy had died. She said, “Grandma is probably swooning now in heaven!” I wrote back that she was also getting all gussied up to meet him! What good memories we have! Thank you for your beautiful site! Always brings a smile to my day!
That was so sweet Chris!
Oh, I hadn’t heard about Andy; his beautiful voice will be so missed. I’m not sure if it’s Indian Summer or not but it sure is beautiful here as well. I didn’t know those flowers were wild asters; they sure are cheerful.
good morning/afternoon susan, everyone. ohh the memories of Andy Williams and his christmas specials and the records, my mom played Bing Crosby and Andy Williams records all through the christmas season, we baked cookies and decorated our tree to those records, and painted snow on the windows and snowmen. i don’t get foghorns here, but we do have a train that rumbles past in the distance every night, love the sound of that train whistle. the turkeys are up to new tricks nowadays, they pick pockets and steal bandanas to make you chase them all around the back yard trying to get it back, somehow i think they have been talking to the chickens and trying to figure out a way to get us to come play with them. and i can report that the squirrels threw some acorns at the school bus yesterday afternoon…guess the bus startled them and they got even with it. Happy Autumn everyone, go out and enjoy those besutiful leaves now while you can, they here for so short a time and then they are gone until next Autumn. Happy Harvest and Autumn blessings all. hugs….. 🙂
Happy fall to you to Pat! Trains are fun to hear late at night/early morning, we don’t hear them since we moved 6 miles east. miss them! Now we have our son’s chickens wake us at 4 am!
LOL!! you can always come around here, our chickens get us up at 4am, along with the ducks and turkeys. its quite a commotion going on until they get let out for the day. hugs….. 🙂
Susan Branch…….You’re just Adorable!!!
xoxo!
Wasn’t Andy handsome and such a smooth voice? It was a treat to be able to stay up late and watch the Andy Williams show which along with Ed Sullivan were my favorite TV shows. My great regret is I never made it to Branson to see him perform his Christmas show live. That’s 2 wonderful Andy’s that have passed on this year, Williams and Andy Griffith. Rest in Peace to both of them.
All my thoughts exactly Deb!!! I even had a crush on Andy Williams as a young girl. I bought a couple of CDs a few years ago. I like the old glamour and wholesomeness of the 60s.
I remember Andy William’s wonderful Christmas specials with all his family. I have a memory of watching it one year in our living room with a fire crackling away. I will miss him too. I saw the first reddish leaf on the ground in our front yard this week. I will be flying up to Boston this weekend for a family get-together and a visit with my youngest son. Have to get going on the holidays when I return! Enjoy the fall girlfriends.
I grew up loving Andy Williams & do remember his time with the Osmans. Lida Rose brought tears to my eyes. Needless to say, I am happy to be able to remember those days. Loved the poem because it is so me. I discovered some time back that the bed that is unmade will just be ready to jump into that night, the dishes in the sink will get washed eventually and everything else will happen in time – BUT going outside and experiencing nature – that is so important because it will be different the next day. I am known for going next door, to the neighbor, saying “Come outside now – the sunset is beautiful or the moon is so bright or the stars are so clear.” She is always grateful for my visit. The things that need to be done on the inside of the house is my mess – the things outdoors are the gifts given to us and need to be seen RIGHT NOW. When my grandchildren were little, we would go out for the sunset and clap and yell “Yes, God – what a great painting tonight!” They would laugh and jump up and down. Still too warm in California so I loved the foghorn piece. XXXXOOOO Pat
I second that!
Susan, I loved that video…what a treat! thank you. Happy Fall…
Memories are made of this….how amazing to see Andy Williams in his prime and the very young Osmonds, and how wonderful they sounded. The song(s) are one of my favorite parts of The Music Man, which I watch at least once every summer. And, serendipitously, I found both songs in an old song book I was going through recently and was noodling with the guitar (what you do when you’re not really ‘playing’) and singing them. My parents loved music (my father played banjo and had been in Vaudeville with my grandfather at some point), and we watched all the music shows. Unfortunately, my mother couldn’t carry a tune in a paper bag, but one of her favorite ways of waking me up when I was reluctant was to come in my room singing The National Anthem at top volume. You only knew it was The National Anthem by recognizing the words. Better than any alarm clock.
Your blog is a delightful way to start the day. How wonderful to pick flowers on a morning walk and bring them home with fallen leaves.
Finally the temp has dropped here in SoCal, to ‘comfortable’ anyhow, and looking at the last pages of your Summer book, reluctantly I relinguish summer to fall, and celebrate with a bite of pumpkin bread. A very joyous autumn to you and all!
Oh the fog horn all night! The first time our family visited Maine, we rented this teeny tiny cabin on the coast. The first night, the fog horn started blowing and my 2 girls plus the best friend, who was along on the trip, were delighted at the spooky, lonely call. The sound of the waves on the rocks and that lonely rhythmic horn lulled us all to sleep. Oh, to walk and go see some leaves changing…. pure delight. Will you post some photos for those of us who live in the Florida land of hot??? Please???
I sure will Winnie!
I second, third and fourth that:)
I just love your blog and your art! Thank-you Susan, for inviting all of us to come to Martha’s Vineyard and visit with you and all of your adventures. From a few photos in your book Autumn, I am imagining that your place is really classically “New England Autumn”. This year, we will be able to see it in almost “real time” for sure. I’ll be sure to make a cup of my favorite Pumpkin Spice coffee to read when you do your fall post! The internet is a wonderful thing!!!!!
Yes it is . . . I think I will get everyone in the mood by giving us first a bit of fall last year, then, in real time, I’ll just have to do it again! 🙂
Fog horns….trains going along the tracks a block from my house with the whistle blowing during the night …..and the memory of glass milk bottles clanking on the front porch at 5 am as the milkman delivers every morning…ahh..life is good! I made your carrot cake cupcakes this morning and shared with my neighbors. We loved them.
Mmmmm. Life is good!
Hi Susan!
This is the first chance I have had in a couple of weeks to post a response back to you and again, want to thank you for the your last few posts! Your kitchen is stunning, and I especially love the shade of blue that you chose for the walls! It is one of luminous natural blues and reminds me of the soft blue background that William Morris used on his “Pomegranate” wall paper. It is so lovely. You and Joe did an amazing job! SO glad that you posted a tribute to Andy Williams as listening to him and watching his T.V. show was such a big part of my childhood and could not help but get a bit misty-eyed upon hearing the news. Along with the Crosby, Como, and Sinatra Christmas albums my parents played during the holidays, my sister and I really knew Christmas had come when they played Andy’s Christmas album as well. I remember well that we were always watching his Christmas shows when they came on T.V. And my older sister just swooned when he sang “Moon River” as his good looks and charisma along with his mellow voice charmed us all, but especially day-dreaming teenage girls! It is these little memories that are so very special to me, and I treasure the comfort that they bring in remembering. Thanks for reminding me!
Hi Minette, good to see you here! Love the memories!
Thanks for the Lida Rose video 🙂 It brings back a lot of memories. My dad has been a Barbershopper for 50 years so I was brought up on this music and I love it still! I remember falling asleep to the sound of my dad’s quartet practicing in the living room.
You just made my day!! 🙂
Laurie
Nice thing to fall asleep to!!
Hi Susan! The kitchen turned out great and is well worth the effort and the wait!!! Blue and white always look so fresh together. Joe and you are definitely made for each other and I’m so pleased for you that you found each other on Martha’s Vineyard. I think you two will be very happy playing “Husband and Wife” in your kitchen for many more years!
I just discovered the Honeycrisp apples last year and as soon as I can find some this year I will try your cole slaw—sounds Yummy. But Jack takes the cake as usual—perfect photo caption there!
We just got back from a couple lovely days in Savannah so am behind in Comments—much to catch up on I see. We left about 9:00 Monday morning and the frost was on the pumpkin—I think that means we may get more leaf color this year. Fall is in the air but the leaves really haven’t started changing yet where we are at 3,000 ft.
xoxoxo to all!
Hope you are right about the leaf color!
“Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion!” Does everyone know that great line from “Steel Magnolias?” Well, today’s post was all that for me.
I first puddled up a bit early this morning when I heard the news of Andy Williams’ passing on TV. Then started up again listening to Andy & the Osmonds here ‘on the blog.’ It always surprises me how hard it “hits me” when I hear about a loss like this. People I never met and yet were a part of my life, especially if they were part of my childhood. And even more if they were people my parents liked and respected [like Andy Williams, whose program mine never missed]. When Andy Griffith passed away this past July, I actually said “Awww, gee…..” out loud [alone at home] when it was announced on MSNBC. Boy, we’ve lost a couple of wonderful Andys this year, didn’t we? I’ve heard more than one television critic say that “The Andy Griffith Show” was possibly the best television program of all time. Well, they’d get no argument from me. I can clearly remember watching it, in noontime reruns in 1961, when I was five years old and waiting for the kindergarten school bus to arrive. Half a century ago! Doesn’t seem possible sometimes [sniff]. Rest in peace, Andy and Andy…
Then I’m reading about the foghorn on the Island – and remembering that same poignant sound from my childhood, growing up on the shore of Lake Ontario and my dad once explaining to us kids about how the lighthouse and the foghorn worked together to keep sailors safe. I hadn’t thought about that sound for the longest time, but it was back clear as a bell today. Thanks for the memories, Sue!
Then I got an honest-to-God belly laugh reading Nancy Jo’s comment: “We don’t have any fog horns, but Richard does snore sometimes.” OMG – I actually burst out loud laughing! The proverbial LOL! Now I’d love this place to pieces even if there were no comments to read, nothing but your own wonderful posts – but it is indeed icing on this delicious cake to have all these fabulous, funny, caring, creative kindred spirits piping up from time to time. I HAVE to read every comment. If I don’t I just know I’ll miss something great. I can totally relate when you say you have to restrain yourself from answering each one. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend [the colors are just beginning to show themselves here in the Finger Lakes].
I HAVE to read them too! If I don’t, I know I will miss something great! xoxo
Janet, a LOL for me too when I read Nancy Jo’s comment about the snoring. And another LOL when you mentioned it again. I usually manage to get a good laugh here everyday. This blog is just plain ole good for the soul! Happy fall!!
You are so right, Rhonda! I never fail to smile OR tear up a bit on Sue’s blog [which made me think of ‘Steel Magnolias’]. And I never fail to close it without just feeling “lighter” all over – if you know what I mean…
If we could bottle Sue’s gift and sprinkle it over the Middle East, peace would reign! :>)
🙂
I want to apologize first for making yet another comment. Believe me, I AM practicing restraint! But I just have to agree with Janet in Rochester about your Blog. I think of so many comments I want to make on other’s comments! In fact, I finally realized the other morning what it is about your Blog that brings me here several times a day. I grew up with Lucy and Ethel and always wished I had a friendship like that. I turned out to be an Ethel-type of person, but deep down in my heart I’m actually Lucy–which is probably why I never found that bosom-buddy friend….how could I find my Ethel when I was playing the part? Anyway, the point I was going to make is that I’ve always wanted a friend I could visit EVERY day and your Blog provides me with that. I had a friend like that when I was in grades 1 through 4 but her mother asked me not to come over so much. So far you haven’t asked me not to comment so much, so I thank you for that! 🙂
Having said ALL THAT I realized that checking your Blog so much is keeping me from my own creative endeavors, so I’ve decided to turn the tiny room in our house (it was originally meant to be a bathroom but never was finished as one) into my “retreat”. It has a twin bed in it (the room is just wide enough to accommodate it) where I’ll take an afternoon nap and then I’ll practice drawing and French and writing stories and whatever else I feel inspired to do. I’m excited about decorating it so that will be my first creative endeavor.
How wonderful! A room of your own!!! Every girl should have one!!! Make it just the way you like! Put in every little favorite thing!
Your comment reminded me of a couple of things. Virginia Woolf’s wonderful book, A Room of One’s Own, which I’d started reading and then got sidetracked, so I just found it and am going to start reading it again. Also, about your ‘inner Lucy’….my long time ago former husband once told me that being married to me was like being married to a cross between Julie Harris and Lucille Ball, and when I asked him why he replied because one was wierd and the other was crazy. Suffice it to say, the marriage didn’t last much longer: I took it as a compliment and that wasn’t how he intended it. But the best thing you can do is be who you feel you are, only then can you connect with that in life which will be meaningful to you, and to which and whom you can be meaningful. Susan is 100% right, make that room your own from the bottom of your heart, and then thrive being you! (Also, keep the ‘Ethel’ going to — nothing wrong with Ethel and she was one heck of a good friend!)
Thanks Victoria! Your comment is just perfect–at my age I have been Ethel too long to give her up! But I can let Lucy have her turn from time to time–just not in front of my grown sons….they wouldn’t understand, I’m sure. 🙂 I made up my little room yesterday complete with a bed for my dog, but I had to let my cat in and out at least 6 times–she didn’t like that I’d closed the door! I just might have to put a cat door in for her!
good morning Janet! I just loved your comment! I too just totally had a belly laugh from Nancy Jo’s comment…. I don’t know how many times through the day, i got tickled thinking about it….and i do agreee that reading all the comments is such a joy!!!! enjoy your day!
Have a great weekend, Zinnia! PS – great name! :>)
I agree, great name! Is Zinnia your real name or is Zinnia Patch just a moniker? I will have to think which flower I’d call myself…..hmmm, some days I feel more like a Weedy Patch!
Susan,
You are such a dear-heart for bringing back all those wonderful memories! Oh to be young again! I grew up with nine brothers and sisters, and I remember all of us sitting around the black and white TV watching those wonderful Andy Williams specials. It might have been the only thing that made us all quiet. The TV seemed so magical then. Thanks again for reminding us. Hugs KarenC from Greensboro NC
Thank you for the wonderful video of those great god fearing Osmonds (Donny and Marie were sooo cute that little!) and of course the wonderful Andy Williams–hadn’t heard of his passing so that was a shock. Good entertainers who never relied on off -color and entertainment that needed no editing for the children…….wish there were more like them now. Southern Idaho is starting to cool off alittle–air conditioners still going but bearable to be outdoors reading a book or romping with the dogs! Leaves still green and tomatoes still tomatoeing! Hard to picture Fall yet but know it will be here soon…, Thank you for this nice post in Andy’s honor—I too grew up listening to him on my parent’s stereo and later watching his tv shows. Thank you again.
Oh Susan, I just got home from a day of shopping, and then a movie I spontaneously decided to see (popcorn for dinner! Husband out of town for the weekend), and came home to the musica of Andy Williams. I had no idea he had died so recently. I used to love to watch his Christmas specials and looked forward to them every year. And no, I wasn’t a child at the time. Hearing him sing again makes me want to seek out his albums on CD. He had such a soft gentle voice, and a manner to match. Thanks for the memories. <3
Love the clip of Andy and the Osmonds….Branson is just three hours up the road from us and we go several times a year just for a quick getaway….won’t be the same without Andy Williams. On a happier note, I wish I could send you a picture of this adorable baby Calico kitten who has landed with me for a while. I think she’s only about five weeks old….a stray my granddaughter found. I sent out an SOS for a home and a neighbor who has recently lost her Calico will take her home to live next week…..meanwhile I am in LOVE! 😉 Ms. Lucy, reigning Queen of the House is not one bit happy about the situation though!
…yes..Andy Williams had three children..Robert, Noelle, and Christian ..(with Claudine Longet ..) …just saying..
Thank you for the lovely, sentimental, memory-filled post. It’s beautiful here in my corner of Minnesota. The trees are turning gorgeous oranges, reds and golds. And . . . I’m sitting here typing this while listening to the train whistle as it passes nearby. Life is good. 🙂 Wishing you and all the girlfriends a wonderful fall.
What a legacy Andy Williams has left us! Just the start of a few notes of Moon River pushes out all the noise of daily life, and I can feel my whole body relax. And isn’t it wonderful how so many of the comments here are recollections of good dads and moms spending time with their kids. Sweet dreams Andy!
Oh Susan, I remember seeing that show with the Osmonds! So long ago! Little Marie, dancing with Andy Williams! weren’t they all great? Sob! Andy W will be so missed!
We have lots of purple asters growing wild here in Western NC, just love them! My nasturtiums are loving the cool nights and mornings now!
I’ll never forget the fog horns in the nights in Corona del Mar CA, always felt so cozy!
Happy Fall Y’all!
Thanks for linking that song. Marie is a bit older than me, so I wasn’t born yet. But I’ve seen it on reruns or some such place. Andy was good to the Osmond family, and they were good for him.
I love to find wild flowers and draw them, too.
I got my first paints today from Michaels. The one’s you showed in a recent post. Tomorrow I will paint my first watercolor. I’m not expecting too much at first. Thanks for your beautiful inspirations.
Cats are funny people.
Good luck with the watercolor . . . have fun and remember, a lot has to do first with your pencil drawing . . . and then it’s just a matter of practice.
I spent my childhood (up until I was 10 years old) in San Francisco and still miss the sound of the foghorns. It was a lullaby as I drifted off to sleep. I do hear trains here in the distance (Washington, DC area). Comforting. I’m grateful we will still hear Andy Williams especially at Christmas. He’s left quite a legacy. Thanks for remembering so that the girls could share their memories.
Hi, we were at the Mansion House Inn in M V last night missed the fog horn, we were on the back street side and it was not real quiet, But could sure smell the skunks this morning hope Jack doesn’t go out side at night
Love your little town
Pat
No, he is not allowed out! I didn’t hear foghorn either this morning!
Hello everyone! I too am sad at the passing of Andy Williams. The Youtube clip got me started listening to old music all day! I love Moon River, and remember my mom working in the kitchen singing that song. So, it’s been a quiet music filled, rainy day here, spent at the sewing machine. I fought the urge to escape outside into Fall most of the day, only because it was raining!