We are HOME and happy to be here with darling kitties! I hope you will love this charming MUSICA . . .
Perfect music for nesting . . . which is what I did yesterday, our first day home; I waltzed around to this song putting everything back in order; kissing the kitties, hanging laundry, eating farm-stand Honey Crisp apples, putting the pumpkins we bought on the porch, hanging the wreath on the door. I dressed my stove in the two vintage dishtowels I found on the trip . . . cute eh? Look at those embroidered, appliqued apples! How come that was even THERE? Why hadn’t someone snapped it up before me? Lucky!!
I was all over the place trying to figure out how to do this post . . . I have too many different subjects/things from the trip to show you! But since I started with antiques, I thought I would continue that way . . . especially because we careened into every antique-store driveway we saw and found some really fun things.
“Was it open?” were the most-often spoken words on our trip.
This cute little barn was filled with wonderful old stuff.
But this one had the best prices! I found a 4′ x 6′ black, flowered, hooked rug here, for $49! For my pantry. Oh yes!
Some things struck me as perfect for Christmas presents . . . like this large embroidered towel with the title “Mother’s Little Helper” on the back. For some reason I’m weakest for embroidery, potholders, tablecloths, napkins, dishtowels, fabrics, needlepoints; the soft stuff.
And I found another vintage measuring cup! These are not easy to find! The shapes are softer than the modern ones, and they aren’t printed on, they’re embossed!
But this was the big one, and I do mean big. I walked into a wonderful store called Rustology in Stafford Springs, CT and just fell in love with this old doll house. It was almost four feet tall, and about six feet wide . . . and three feet deep.
The front of the house is on wheels and you can roll it away to reveal the wonderful rooms inside.
Wouldn’t Jack just LOVE this? The owner of the antique store said he found it in the attic of a Massachusetts house during an estate sale. It was originally built as an exact replica of the real house — It must have had a room of it’s own to live in, it’s so big.
What this must have looked like when it was furnished, I can’t imagine! That flowered piece on the floor is an actual carpet, a tiny petit point; and you can see the old wall paper. And the doors! And the doorknobs!
If this was my house, I would make everything for it. I would paint little paintings, and mold little clay, and stencil the walls. It would be so much fun finding the perfect pots and pans, making tiny pillows, looking for little dishes. Decorating it for the holidays!!! Joe could make beds, I could make sheets. Our real house could fall apart, but the doll house would be perfect at all times!
It definitely needs help, but it has great bones … and all the wonderful details; trim around doors and baseboards.
The shutters are perfect, and there’s glass in the windows, and through this window you can see two other doors with doorknobs.
The front door . . . Imagine it with tiny lights on it! The owners of the antique store love the doll house as much as me; they were showing it with so much pride. I don’t think they are in any hurry to sell it; they’d only had it for two weeks . . . they were asking $6,500 for it.
Anyway, I had a lot of fun in there pretending what I would do with it if it were mine. I considered which room in my house I might put it in, and came to the conclusion that it was too big for any of them. I also would have wanted it when I was twenty, so I could have done it the same way I did my charm bracelet, making and gathering one piece at a time, from everywhere, so each piece could have a story to go with it. Magical magical house. Lucky someone who will end up with it! But this house requires commitment, if you move, you have to pack it and take it with you which would he a true heck of a packing job! Maybe the smart thing would be to get it, give it to a historical society with the caveat that during your own lifetime, no body touches it but YOU.
This house was in the same store . . . . MUCH less expensive — $250 . . . and pretty darn cute, although it needs a lot of work. It opens like a little closet … how smart, hardly takes up any space at all; I really liked the original shape of this.
And it has lots of charming details too. . .
Inside, you can still see vestiges of the glory that it once was . . . but someone would have to start from the beginning to put it right again.
Sooo, while I’m at it, I thought I’d show you some of the pictures I took of REAL houses as we drove hill and dale around Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Because truly, one of the inspirations that motivated me into moving to New England was the charming houses I saw in books and movies. I wanted an old house sooooo badly; my life just wasn’t going to be complete until I got one.
Just look at these and you will see why. I would be perfectly ecstatic to have any of them! Look at that glassed in porch. Perfect for a tea party!
Obviously these people have another way to get into this very old house besides the front door! Look at those pumpkins!!! Wonderful, huh?
Of course, I am a fool for picket fences with colored leaves falling around them.
Sunny cottage, little arched porch, dentil-work up top, and tiny windows.
Very old house, leaves swirling through the air.
Love this soft yellow house in Historic Deerfield, Massachusetts — if you ever get a chance to drive through here, you should do it…. the prettiest houses ever, so full of history, most of the houses are very old, pre-Revolutionary war!
The great thing about these houses is that no two are exactly alike and all so amazingly romantic … I always wonder what kind of thinking was going on that they added so much gingerbread; the wide porches, bay windows, columns, and balconies? And inside, with all the built-in little nooks and crannies! Some of the bigger houses have a cozy fireplace in every room! I think I would have liked those people!
So on we drove, past houses and barns, farm stands, graveyards, and antique stores . . .
The sunsets would light the mountains on fire with color . . .
In one little town, we saw they were having a Book Sale . . . So of course we stopped to see what treasures we could unearth . . .
OH BOY, look what I found!! My first book, Heart of the Home! Rescue secured! Book no longer lurking pitifully in cardboard box! I brought my baby back home. Pobrecito!
And then, while nesting all day yesterday; I put some Martha’s Vineyard sand in my new measuring cup; then I added a pear-shaped candle I found on the trip, and a couple of shells and some sea glass. I thought, how perfect for the kitchen table!
And then I set it on top of my book, and it all looked so cute together, I thought,
I already have one of these books, and I already have one of these candle holders; I should make this a give-away for the girls, because they stick by me through thick and thin. And so that’s what it is!
And then, guess what? My brand new Collector’s Edition Ornament was waiting for me when I went to get the mail! Isn’t it cute? This is the 5th year in a row for our dated collectible ornament (no, in case you’re wondering, we don’t have any left from the other years; we only get a few in of each design, and because they are dated, when they’re gone, they’re gone!) . . . . so, I thought, oh yes, I better throw this in with the book and the candle, right? They look so good together. ♥
I added a leaf I brought home from the trip . . . . and I’ll sign the book when I know the name of the winner and where its new home will be. Just leave a comment, and you will be entered in our drawing for all these goodies! And BTW, if my blog is being emailed to you, you have to come directly to my website (click here: www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/) to enter for the drawing . . . just scroll to the bottom of this post where you see the tiny word “comments.” Click there, and leave a comment and that will automatically enter you!
OK Girls, bye-bye for now … I have more to show you, but realized this would be the longest post EVER if I tried to do the whole trip all at once. So, there’s more to come! XOXO Love, me
I loved, loved, loved the dollhouses! My father spent several months building a beautiful little dollhouse for his one-and-only granddaughter ( my one-and-only daughter) and after seeing this, I marched myself down to the basement, unwrapped it from the plastic, and spent the next several hours “playing” with it, rearranging the furniture and decorating it for fall. I know he was smiling down from heaven, knowing that even though the little girl it was built for had grown up, the little girl’s mother was still a little girl at heart! Thank you for sharing the wonderful story and photos of your autumn outing.
How sweet Susan! xoxo
What a great trip! The colors on the trees is just unbeatable. These are the most beautiful pictures. Thanks for taking us along 😉
Oh, Susan! One of my dreams is to visit New England in the Autumn!! Thank you for posting pictures of it for all of us to see!! And what another great give-away!!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA (in Arizona at the moment)
Sighing and crying <—– wistful, wishful lil tears. Why? Fall? The houses of New England? Missing all my family there? Yes all those things and more … ever the coastal Yankee girl at heart, despite living in the desert of SOCAL. Dang! Love your posts, words, musica and well … just everything!
Amber in CA
It’s yearning … I have it too.
Hi Susan –
Just found out about your blog from my dentist today. Fabulous! I look forward to trying your recipes.
OK, now you have to say a big white smiling hello to your dentist for me! 🙂
Thanks, Susan, for your lovely blogs. I live in SoCal but so excited to fly “back East” tomorrow for my husband’s class reunion on Cape Cod. Will be able to visit Martha’s Vineyard on Monday!! Hope I see a lot of the beauty you share with us!
The weather is getting chilly … don’t know if we will turn into an Indian Summer, but today, it’s just exquisite, cold and clear and sunny and breezy.
Oh, Susan… I don’t even have to tell you how much this post means to me. All of the beautiful old houses, the fall foliage… it all just screams NEW ENGLAND, and swells my heart until it feels as though it’ll burst! These are the topics that drew me to YOU and to my love of this region in the first place- indeed, I owe it all to your wonderful life, and your charming of sharing it so specially with all of us. I truly, truly loved this post, and hope you have more in store for us like this as autumn continues to unfold! ♥
So glad to see you here Erin … every time I do something especially “New England” I always think of you!
Loved all the pictures of Everything, The houses are lovely , what a lovely trip you must have taken. I had a beautiful English doll house and I never wanted to part with , but I had a minimalist in mother ,,and away it went .still love them .
Loved your trip thru New England. I live in San Diego and back in the 80’s my mom and I took a trip discovering the delights of the New England area. My mom passed away on 2009, but the memories of our travels together bring a smile to my face. I also had the pleasure of visiting your charming shop in Arroyo Grande. So wish it was still there! Thanks for sharing a part of your life with us.
You are so lucky to have those memories!!
i have been so blessed by your words and photos. One day i hope to follow your example and share the treasures and talents. Thank YOU for being who you are . and for sharing so much with all of us! i am always blessed that your designers showed me what a small world it is. i am blessed in SO MANY WAYS THANK YOU!
Not sure what happened to an earlier e-mail, as I do not see it and came back to find my e-mail address all askew- Could be those silly thumbs of minde , again.
Your trip through NE was just perfect–and I see that Petey stowed away once more for a glorious trip. What a well-travelled gent!
Your “finds” are always so interesting-what a wonderful embroidered towel. The measuring cup is really wonderful and will delight the lucky winner. Enjoy your new treasures–we wil look forward to hearing about them!
Hi Sue, you just made my heart feel cozy and at home when I looked at your post of all the beautiful homes from New England. That’s my real home at heart. I’m really a country mouse with a city house and really missing “home”. I know all you girlfriends know that although I’m physically in FL, home is where your heart is and mine….is in New England! Thanks so much for the visit, I so enjoyed it. FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~
FOSB 4~Ever Doreen!
I just lover, love, love you! Your art is inspiring and altogether encouraging! Thank you for sharing so much on your blog! Especially your trip to England! If I ever get to go, it will be to the Lake District for sure! Gathering inspiration like leaves falling in the fall!
The Lake District and then a drive across the Yorkshire Dales. Words fail me. . .
Oh what fun antiquing and leaf peeping all in one- thanks for the visual!
That doll house is amazing!! I have one (about half that size!) sitting in our garage that needs some TLC. My mother bought it for my daughter at a yard sale, probably 5 years ago. I feel so bad it sits there…. but daughter and I are determined to bring it back to life! Thanks for your posts…. we always feel like we are right there with you! ♥
Fun project for you!!
love the pretty pictures and treasures!
Thank you so much for another road trip Susan! I am tucked up in bed resting after my pink ribbon start this week so I really enjoy the trip.
Feel better soon Mary Ann!
Best wishes, prayers and happy thoughts to you, Mary Ann! Having Susan’s blog will help you through this time, I’m sure.
♥Deb♥
Hey there, Mary Ann,
I remember you from other comments and you are on my prayer list! So, girlfriend, chin up! Rest and renew and allow your body to heal. I’m thinking of you!
Lots of love,
Linda
Hello, Mary Ann – here’s to a swift and easy recovery. Take it from me, Sue’s blog will be some of THE BEST medicine and therapy you could possibly get. If I was an MD, I would [seriously] write prescriptions for it. Sending a warm virtual squeeze your way – and God bless. :>)
Susan, I have loved you since I was in my 20’s, and now I am in my 40’s and I must say you get lovelier and funnier and more adventuresome as each year passes. I love growing older with you.
And I love growing older with you, although with YOU, I think I’m growing younger! xoxo
Thank you for all your beautiful fall pictures. I have a fall driving trip to the country planned for this Saturday. The leaves in Ohio are also gorgeous this time of year! Can’t wait to get to the antique shops and enjoy everything autumn has to offer.
Susan,
I absolutely love to hear of your road trips. They set me back to the place where I feel I’m driving along with you. Sorry Joe, didn’t mean to move you to the back seat! lol Thank you for always including us on your drives where you always choose the most perfect music to come along with us all. I’ve always dreamed of living in New England…your posts move my dreams closer.
Love and hugs and stuff,
Rose
Thank you for sharing New England, there is no place like it. Although I like to think we come pretty close here in Franklin, Tennessee. Autumn is my favorite with the leaves, pumpkins and delicious treats! Blessings, Victoria
I don’t know if this question was asked already on the blog, but did you let anyone from the book sale know that you were the author of that fabulous book? Thanks again for the lovely post!
I didn’t tell her. She was so busy and I thought she’d probably just look at me funny!
Well, she obviously never looked inside that book or it wouldn’t have been for sale!
Ya got that right Susan Joy! At least now it’s back in loving hands! And hopefully will soon be in the hands of someone lucky that wins it and who will love and cherish it living happily ever after. FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~
I left a comment last night but the “awaiting moderation grimlin” want let go of it:/
At any rate… I adore your beautiful blog… That measuring cup reminds me of the kitchens of my childhood… Love it! Trying again…
OH I LOVE that doll house..but really the prize is sooooooooooo high!
Loved all the photo’s from the real houses too..you are so lucky to travel all around those great places..
Love it –love it! I grew up in the area and now live in TN. We have pretty autumns too, but nothing compares to New England! I am a born in ’52er also–and yes, we all wanted to be Moms and have the perfect house, kids, white picket fence! I remember jumping in huge piles of leaves in our Valhalla, New York neighborhood.
Such innocent fun!
It looks like you had a fantastic trip!! I just love New England!! I would so love to win this giveaway – I actually asked my mom to unearth one for me for Christmas! Love your work – and especially your blog – j
Thanks Susan for providing a wonderful break to my day. The pictures of houses, leaves, and especially the doll houses where wonderful. I so enjoy your blog. Would love to be the winner of your rescued book. It would be cherished. Have you posted the Christmas ornament for sale yet? Didn’t see it. Thanks again and enjoy your day.
Second paragraph from the end of the post, it says “Collector’s Edition Ornament” — click on those words and it will take you to a page that has the ornament on it. Thanks Christine!
Hi Susan! Your trip looked absolutely dreamy! I love living vicariously through you! 🙂 I lived in New York a couple years ago and loved driving upstate in the fall. It’s a special time!
I’m glorying in October on the prairie, but so happy to see your adventure in New England. Thanks for sharing with us!
I had to ask-did you tell the people at the book sale that was your book?? I can’t imagine their reaction to that! I really needed this uplifting post today, going on my 4th week of this virus & feeling crummy-but I feel better now! Thank you!
Happy to hear that, get better soon Sheila!
I love coming along on your trips, Susan and the large doll house looks like one I gave my granddaughters years ago. It was given to me by a elderly woman who had her hair done at the same place as I did…..my grandson is now painting, papering and putting electic in the house and having fun doing it…great project for him.
In my corner of New Mexico we do not have the lovely, sumptuous fall colors found in New England. Thank you so much for sharing. Fall is my most favorite time of the year.
Bet you didn’t realize that I have lunch with you everyday. Yep I do! When I am at work and the lunch bell rings, I scurry to my secret place in the back office and visit your blog just see what new place, photos and news you have for me today.Lunchtime with you is so great,I get to visit so many places with you such
as ship rides over the ocean to England , car rides thru Connecticut and even cozy times by the fire in your beautiful Martha’s Vineyard Home and garden. Time for tea what kind of are we having today? Thank you for making my everydays so special. See you tomorrow at noon.
I’m just heating the water now! xoxo
It sounds like it was a wonderful trip 🙂 Our road trips always end up with us going into the little antique shops everywhere too LOL
I love that little measuring cup… I really need something like that!
And that doll house… wow. I would have kept it with the house, it seems so sad they were separated!
I saw Queen Mary’s doll house in Windsor castle last time I went to England- THAT is an impressive doll house, let me tell you!
Glad you are back home (selfishly, I admit. I love reading your blog ;))
~Rachel~ in central Virginia.
Thank you for the great adventure in autumn….brought back fond memories of some trips we made a number of years ago. Not as many antique shop stops…but wonderful times all the same. You can’t bug a non-shopper! As you so often do, you touched my heart. Thanks you for letting me tag along!
Thank you Susan for taking me along with you on your New England trip.
Autumn is my favorite season, all the beautiful vibrant colors of the red, orange and yellow leaves also, the wonderful smoky, earthy scent in the air
and no matter what road you take in New England it’s breathtaking, I’ve seen wild turkeys on the side of the hwys, wonderful farm produce that’s as colorful as the leaves falling from the trees. The beautiful old homes with so much history, that are so lovingly taken care of. The wonderful antique shops with so many wonderful things like that old doll house that you shared with us. I miss New England so much at this time of year. Thank you so much for sharing this with me, with all of us! when I saw your pictures I just sighed! it was almost a good as being there. It’s my dream to move back there one day.
Next time you travel in the area check out Quechee, VT cute town and wonderful resturant call Simon Pierce great food and they make glass and pottery by hand that they sell and use in their resturant, you can even watch them making the glass and pottery so much fun! I love glass in all it’s forms so,
I love the old measuring cup and your book you rescued that and your little ornament for the give away I hope I win. Again, thank you for the lovely New England trip and if you have more pictures of Deerfield, MA I would love to see them it’s such and beautiful and historic town I remember when I was younger there was an old and well known prep school there I think it was called Deerfield Academy. Thanks again Susan!
I think it might still be there …
Sent a reply yesterday but can’t see it in the list, so I’ll try again and hope for better luck this time! Your blog reminded me of visiting my grandma in the Berkshires years ago and being amazed by all the color. We don’t see anything like this on the California central coast. Loved the doll houses. I remember playing with mine when I was a child. I loved “living” in a world where I was in charge and able to make everything run just the way I thought it should!
What a joy it is to read your blog today. So beautiful in your part of the country. Susan, I wanted to thank you for something a bit off the subject. I’ve had several down pillows that I didn’t know how to clean. I didn’t really want to take them to the dry cleaners. Then I read your blog on how you cleaned yours. I got very brave, bought a couple of tennis balls and followed your directions and now I am so HAPPY. My pillows are like brand new and they smell so fresh. You have made me and my family very happy campers indeed. Thanks for your help!
Isn’t it wonderful to know they are clean? I love it too, already did mine for winter!
I have a great big king-size down puffy poof comforter that I wash and dry. After it’s shaken, it looks like a big white mountain on the bed! I decided to try LEBLANC DOWN WASH Fine Specialty Cleanser. It’s made in the U.S.A. without animal testing. linenwash.com The cleanser is for washable down comforters, pillows, and jackets. It has a neutral pH that gently bathes the down and keeps the natural oils in the down from drying out. A friend told me to put a couple of clean sneakers in the dryer with the comforter to puff up the down while it’s drying. I put 6 of those plastic dryer balls in instead. I know it’s wise to remove the down article a couple of times during the drying process and shake it well before returning it to the dryer.
Carol – great information, thanks! Time for me to do mine soon but one question. Can you do your king comforter at home in the washing machine? Or do you have to use one of those pituitary-case commercial machines at the laundromat? Thanks again. :>)
Fall greetings from Wickford, RI 🙂 This is the start of my best and favorite Season. Our little town is decorated with pumpkins and corn stalks and everything Fall-ish. Right now I am looking out my window at the incredible sunny sparkles dancing on the pond. I love New England too, and could not imagine myself moving elsewhere. Your Blog is great and I have been enjoying your artwork and recipes for many many years. Pet those two kitties on the head from me please. The pictures you send of them are priceless. Kerrie Foley
Gosh! Over a thousand comments. When oh when do you find the time to read all of them? What a super doll house that was! You could have set it up in your barn. Aren’t you glad I wasn’t along on your trip, I would have talked you into buying it, that’s for sure. Stick me in the drawing for the neat measuring cup and your signed book. I always have a little something as a centerpiece on my kitchen table and this one would be very special. If I win, I promise to give the copy of your book I already have to my sister because I don’t think she has this one in her budding collection. Hugs from NJ…..
My girlfriend is getting married this weekend. My other girlfriend and I are helping her sing a Bob Dylan song “I’ll be your baby tonight…” to her groom after dinner …. so I read comments, run and go sing, come back and read more comments, and then, soon, I go clean upstairs!
OH! I LOVE IT!!!! Now that’s what friends are for! 🙂
Laugh, cry, smile till your cheeks hurt and toast to love, love, love…….. you are just too cute! …….”if that moon’s gonna shine like a spoon……..I’ll be your baby to-ni-i–ight!” Have Fun!!!
Oh we are very IN to it! 🙂
LOL! 🙂 Any swaying involved, I wonder? Oh man, Joe is gonna be so proud!!!!
Oh – I think we need a video of this one! 😀
Thank you so much for the video of New England! My extended family lives there and I haven’t been back for a couple of years. Your video takes be back there if only in spirit. You bring New England alive with your photos, video and mostly your awesome and descriptive writing!
xoxo Yvette!
I love (envy) your trip through New England. I am so glad that you are sharing it with us. How nice to be able to pick a direction and just go, stopping wherever you find an antique store or sale. That’s my kind of trip! And you take all of us along – you must set a record for people going on a trip together! 🙂
We’re finally getting fall weather and temperatures here in Central CA. The trees are a little behind, but as soon as they change color we’re set for autumn. Thanks again, Susan! We love you!!! =^..^=
Susan,
I am just catching up on your blog while I enjoy a bowl of your French Chicken Soup that I made yesterday. It’s heaven…a hot bowl of soup, some Guy Lombardo, and a tour of New England..those homes are exactly what I would look for if I were out “house-shopping” again. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Susan,
Just love the pictures of the beautiful old homes, thank you for sharing the feel of Fall with us. I have my Autumn book out on my kitchen counter, I enjoy looking through it this time of year.
Laureen
Just got back from two weeks in MA visiting my daughter and her husband in
Templeton, MA – the leaves were gorgeous although the weather slightly damp!
The end of the trip was sunny and cool-yea! Check out the old houses in Bolton,
MA -apple country…Love the dollhouses – just got through restoring my daughter’s old dollhouse that my dad made for her -I enjoyed it so much and it’s a lot cheaper than the real thing! It’s still made to be played with – very
hands on. Loved seeing your travels – thank you for each post!
September and October in New England is hard to beat!
Dearest Susan, I haven’t written to you in some time (but I’ve read everything!) because I’ve been so busy with my home renovation. Whew…as you know! At last I have ‘heafed to the fell’. I wish to thank you most kindly for the exquisite post on William Morris that I nagged you several times for. Sweet umbrella! I love his stuff. Also thank-you for the way you approached the explanation of the Arts and Crafts Movement school of thought. Great point of view that I am sure is shared by many. Affection and a tra-la-la, Carol
I love it that you nag me 🙂
Well, in that case….I thought you were going to post something about Jack’s babyhood at the end of each post?
Uh, oh…no comment? I was just teasing, you know. Really.
Oh I know 🙂 I just forgot!
Susan,
I was so surprised when you posted a picture of my friend’s house in Historic Deerfield. He lived in the white house with the barn in the back. He was born there and his grandfather worked in the Inn. I go there often. So glad you enjoyed your trip through beautiful New England.
Isn’t that fun? I’ve been waiting for this to happen!
I was perusing the shopping section as I am wont to do and realized you have pig cutting boards. My parents were married in 1935 and one of the gifts my mom received at her bridal shower was a pig cutting board made for her by her best friend’s father. I have inherited the much used and much loved pig. It stands up on my kitchen counter leaning against the wall just as it did all those years in my mom’s kitchen. And being the useful pig he is, he is still put to good use when bread needs slicing.
That’s exactly why I found someone to make them for us … I have an old one too, and I love him so much, I figured everyone would!!
Love the measuring cup-scape. I didnt know about the ornaments…..ebay here I come 😉
Susan I love reading your blogs/emails I too gravitate to the fiber arts in antique shops. I collect/use table runners love old rugs and believe it or not I have found 5 of your books as well.
Hello again Sweet Sue! During the morning of this day, 10/11/12, I heard Emma Thompson speaking (what a beautiful voice and accent) on NPR about her brand new book, (pub. 9/18/12), “The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit”. I can’t wait to read it. She read some of the introductory text on the air; “On a hot day in Scotland (2010)…I received a package from an old childhood acquaintance. …I knew him to be wise yet rash, funny yet dignified and always up to something. His two remarkable qualities were that he was 110 years old and a rabbit. The parcel” (from her very clever publisher) “contained some half-eaten radish tops and a letter inviting me to write a new tale. … it was an invitation I could no more refuse than I could refuse to breathe.” And so she did write the book: amazon.com/Further-Tale-Peter-Rabbit-Potter/dp/0723269106/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349980306&sr=1-1&keywords=peter+rabbit+emma+thompson “I have not seen many rabbits moping, but when they do, their ears droop.” Tra-la-la and a-hop-hop-hop, Carol
Looks so cute! Thanks Carol!
Dear Susan, it is always such a joy to read and hear and see your blog posts! The pictures of all the houses make me want to hop a plane and take a ride through the countryside. I used to live in Boston and loved all the historical sights and homes — you just absorbed history in your bones by being there! The treasures that you are giving away would be a welcome addition to all things Susan Branch in my home. I do have all the cookbooks, but none are signed! I would not part with any of them, so you will never find them in any book sale, no matter how deserving the charity! I love reading them and adore all the beautiful artwork. Thanks for continuing to share so much with all of us through your blog!!! From an ardent admirer, Marian-the-Librarian (retired!)
Thank you so much Madame Librarian!
What an adventure! Antiques, doll houses and books, oh my! Glad you were able to rescue your book from the box….those peeps don’t know what they missed! Thanks for putting together such a nice “girlfriend gift!” I love that measuring cup! It’s a crisp fall day here in PA…a perfect day for baking!
Kelly from eastern PA
Loved the New England “Homes Tour” photos. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Susan,
reading your blog is always a highlight of my day. I like to share your beautiful pictures of old houses, cottages and countryside with my kids as well. When I reached the end of your post and read how you secured your “baby” book I thought of my wonderful friend Janet from Rochester in Minnesota. Janet introduced me to your art and website 3 years ago and since then I´ve been also getting your wall calendar for Christmas from her. We write to each other quite often and chat about your blog and also exchange pictures of our gardens and interiors. Two weeks ago, Janet sent me a picture with this description :’This is the counter in my kitchen with a cookbook collection just like the one on Susan’s blog about her remodeled kitchen (which I love)!’ I´m sure she won´t mind that I reveled a bit of our correspondence to the others. Further, I´m more than certain that the rescued book would be well taken care of in Janet´s house if my comment is drawn. Wishing beautiful colorful October to everyone.
Olga from Novy Jicin
I wonder how close you were to me. You could have stopped in for tea! I love your blog and your books — they inspire me! And the doll houses! I’ve loved miniatures ever since I was a little girl and can just imagine doing exactly what you said in decorating them. Thank you for all you do for us girlfriends.
Gail in Western Massachusetts
I love Autumn in New England!! It’s lovely here today (on Mt. Desert Island) – sunny, bright blue sky and very blustery. We’re getting near peak color, but there’s a bit of green left.
I loved the $2500 doll house ~ I picked out the room that would have been “mine”. Some of the pictures looked like a real house. As you said, it would have been so much fun to fix up. Antique stores are so much fun, so tempting…sometimes you have to tear yourself away, only to regret it a few miles down the road!
Would love to win your latest giveaway. Again, I have this book (just like the Autumn book in your last giveaway) but would pass it along to someone on Cougar Mtn. Washington (hi Dorothy Ann!). Fingers crossed!!
xoxo from SW Hbr., Maine
* Hi Lori from Maine *
I just saw your post, Lori…and of course, I had to send you a little “hi”.
Susan’s new post is such a delight! I sent her a comment too.
You, as usual, are so sweet to tell Susan you would send me her “Heart of the Home” book, if you won it. What a lovely thing to say and do.
I know you told me you had many of Susan’s books, but I didn’t know you had her first book.
I’ll be e-mailing you a nice, long note this weekend to catch up with you…
so, in the meantime, I hope you come back to your “comment” page.
Guess what? you’ll find this note to you!
Hugs from,
* Dorothy Ann on Cougar Mountain, Washington *
Hi Susan!
My comments from yesterday, 11-10 at 10:23pm, are still “waiting moderation”…..I hope that you finally get them!!! xoxo Miriam
I hope so too … there have been so many, but I’m working on it!
What a fine mini-vacation! Thanks for bringing us all along, Susan!
Hi Susan, This time last year, my husband and I went to Boston for our 40th Anniversary. We managed to drive to Cape Cod and spend a day at the little towns there. My hope was to visit Martha’s Vineyard but we ran out of time. Like many, Fall is my favorite time of the year. Your pictures reminded me of our trip and I try to picture myself there. Thank You.
Nothing like the crisp cool Autumn air and Antiquing. They somehow belong together. I so enjoyed the journey. The special finds are the ones that last with us forever!
Hi Susan,
You always seem to do the things I would love to do if I could. Your trip to England, seeing all the historic houses and colors of New England.
I love all the houses you showed us, but I love, love, love YOUR house also. You are very lucky to have achieved so many of your dreams. A lot of us live through your posts.
Would love to win your early book, since I don’t have ANY of your books. Only started seeing your items a couple of years back.
Looking forward to the rest of the trip.
I went leaf collecting and strung them across my window. Thank you for the idea!
The New England that people think of! We wait all year for the trees to put on their spectacular site. If you are lucky you may even see an all red maple. Surely a bright orange one for sure! Our sugar maples are a treasure to our foliage in the fall. What a great road trip Susan! I love the houses! I am terrible about making my husband stop while I take a photo of a house. Then there are doorways and windows. We were in Savannah a couple years back and it was October. I LOVED all the stairs and the autumn decorations. Kind of sad and missing home but the trip was short and although we fell in love with Savannah like no other place we have been to, we would never leave New England. Thanks for the ride, it was fabulous.
I absolutely adore your blog and books as it gives me the chance to “see” lots of things that I hope to see one day on my own. But until then, I live vicariously through your writings, art and photos!! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!!
John and I have been to New England twice in the fall but always long to go back. Our first trip was in Vermont, riding bicycles from one B&B to the next. So fun. We also made a trip to Cape Cod and Nantucket. Nothing tops New England in the fall.
OH I love fall! today it finally feels like it here on Northern Cali! My dream is visit the east coast in the fall, I feel like I have through your blog. I hope I win then I can have a signed copy of you book:) Mine is getting quite dirty… I use so many of the recipes. Here’s to crossed fingers and wishing I win!
I feel about New England the way you feel about England…and even though I would love to go to England, my dream is to take a trip to New England, preferably in the fall, but any old time will do. (And that dream WILL come true one of these days!!) Needless to say, I adored your blog. Fabulous. Thanks for taking me along!
PS It is finally feeling like fall here in Central California.
Wow Susan what a trip you and Joe had! Loved the ride down the winding road, how cleaver of you to do a video. I wished that it could have gone on and on anticpating what was around each bend of the road.
Oh, don’t those old doll houses tug at your heart strings! There should be a show on TV called “This Old Doll House”. You have inspired me to start my own reno of my 50’s doll house that my grand parent had made for me. It has been passed down through many children since then so it needs help and all the original furniture that was custom made is long gone. But that gives me the opportunity to redo the house and will be a fun project over the winter. It is in the Mid-Century style, two story with roof deck, built on a lazy susan so you just twirl it around to get to any room you want. It is very charming with all sorts of kooky things built into it that are so reminiscent of that era. So again, thanks for the inspiration and I hope all your readers that have doll houses collecting dust will bring them out and enjoy them again.
Also, thanks for sharing those wonderful pictures of the beautiful and charming old New England houses. I loved every single one of them!
Fondly-
Jamie
I would love, Love, LOVE this giveaway. I collect your books and this is one I haven’t been able to find!!! What a generous prize and one that will be cherished by whoever wins. Thank you! Happy Autumn!
Happily traveling along with you to see the pretty fall scenes…. more houses please! I keep checking to see what’s next! Thank you, Susan.
Thanks for this wonderful blog. I’m so enjoying “our” trip and looking forward to the rest of it! I live in a very old house as well, and wish I could have it restored. Sometimes I wonder what stories I would hear if only the rooms could speak. And I’m joining with you in nesting projects and loving every beautiful autumn day!Also love the chance to win your newest package. Thank you for having a giving heart and for always thinking of us!
First off—thank you SO much for another lovely segment of your Leaf-Peeping Adventure. I firmly believe that I’ll get to see New England someday, one of these years—perhaps when my husband retires?—and after reading your blog, I’ll know EXACTLY where I’ll want to visit! But oh-oh-oh—-that dollhouse. . . . I was reading so quickly to find out if you’d bought it or not—and hoping you had!—but then you mentioned the price—-yikes!! I’m very glad you didn’t keep that a secret, ’cause I’m sure all the girlfriends were pulling for you to give it a good home, just as I was. 🙂 At any rate, it sounds like the current owners value it and will find someone to love it, IF they can bear to part with it. Owning my own dollhouse is another dream of mine. . . . My sisters and I had one when we were small; it wasn’t big or fancy but it did have electric lights and we always enjoyed playing with it (wish I knew where it was now). On that subject, though, any lover of dollhouses will surely enjoy looking at this one, currently residing at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island: blog.grandhotel.com/?p=2371. It is absolutely NOT for sale, but is quite a labor of love (as all miniature houses should be) and a very fine example of what can be done with a dollhouse, given lots and lots of TLC. I hope you can find the time to look at it, in between reading all your blog comments and singing another chorus of “I’ll be your baby tonight. . .” 😀 Cheers—and happy wedding wishes to your friend!
Wonderful Libby! Thank you!
I love all the fall colors. I am homesick for the north when the leaves change color. Thank you for the tour.
Carol in Florida
I can’t believe one of your books was in a box! I always look at the books when I’m out antiqueing or thrifting. I have your Summer book, and a long list of others that I want. They’re on my Christmas list. ;o)
What a grand give-away, thanks!
Thank you for the chance to win love your blog
Waiting for your new calendar to come in the mail
Thanks for the dream of winning
Lovely New England! Lovely here in Michigan also..celebrated our neighborhood pumpkin “festival” they do such a grand show an have pumpkins for everyone..neighbors, friends, and there family and beyond. We all bring somehting for the table and feast, visit, and hay rides thru the fields…so gorgeous!! I lost the pumkin contest with my stepson..his weighs in at 246Lbs..mine at aboue 3lbs!! LOL!! but as true to U Susan..it all makes it the “Heart of the Home”..U get me thru every day..a true blessing..hope I win!!
246 lbs!!! Wow!
LOVE those older homes. My husband and I lived in his grandmother’s 50+ years older home until our family outgrew it. I cried the day we moved. We have vowed when we are empty nesters to try and buy it back and live there once more. The details cannot be found in a newer home – the molding, the crystal doorknobs, the built in corner cabinets…sigh!
I think fall must be the favorite time of year for most of us. I loved your photos of the old houses in charming little New England towns. There’s nothing better than an easy ride enjoying the sights and haunts in the crisp cool air. Thank you for a few moments online here to refresh and recharge.
Hi Susan……..Luv your blog and your books. I hope I win your book and your
ornament & so do all your loyal blog readers !!! Thank you for taking us chicks
along the trip with you and as always, we have a great time. Your photographs
are out of this world beautiful. Thank you and your God given talent for sharing with us. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So much fun to travel with you!! Thank you for putting together such a wonderful give away- hope I am the lucky winner!
Looking more and more like fall in Pennsylvania. I’ve decided raking the leaves is my new exercise and one that I enjoy!!!!!! All the dogs love being out with the leaves and good smells. Three rescue collies and my Scotty Haddie (she thinks the big dogs are hers and keeps them all in check!! ) Oh how we all LOVE the fall !!!!!!!!
What a beautiful trip….I so enjoyed your photos. I loved the doll house too….it could be a fun project!
The New England trip looked great! I agree with a post above–Franklin, TN (and Leiper’s Fork/nearby) are great for Fall and Christmas. Both are quaint, old-fashioned–no glitz and glamor, just tasteful and beautiful! Judy
Wonderful trip. Reminds me of my childhood.
The best memories.
Thank you & hugs
Suzanne
I love all your fall pictures,,especially the leaves! Having grown up in Pa. but living now in S.Cal.,,,I really miss that fall atmosphere.I have your cookbook which I use all the time but would love that great measuring cup and I know my recently married daughter would inherit the cook book,,,
Judy
Susan, I’m on a road trip as I read about your road trip. We are traveling down the coastal route to Marina del Ray. As my husband drove past Cambria..I sighed and sighed cause he didn’t stop. It’s so beautiful along the coast..we aren’t seeing the fall colors that you saw…just a peek here and there.
Make him go back! 🙂
If we weren’t headed to see our granddaughter at Loyola Marymount University…I would certainly go back. I think I see a “girls road trip” coming up.
I can see a “girl trip” coming up….no John allowed.
Ya gotta do what ya gotta do!
Susan,
Western Washington has been having the most wonderful Fall but our leaves do not come close to the colors in New England. I definitely have to put New England in the Fall on my list of places to go. You take such wonderful pictures and the doll houses were delightful! Such memories they brought back of my childhood.
Thanks for taking us along on your journey, Susan! Happy A*U*T*U*M*N!
Hi Susan,
I love everything about fall and it’s starting to feel like autumn in California. Thanks for your joy!
Ann
Your trip looks Wonderful. My Bestfriend and I are already planning a trip for next year. I cannot wait. The leaves , the cool-crisp air , the way that the air smells so clean, there is nothing like Fall.
Fun to do with a girlfriend!
Thanks for the beautiful blog post. Don’t you just love the fall in the northeast. We just got back from Ohio and Pennsyvania from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The colors were astounding!
I enjoyed the mini vacation through New England. The homes and autumn colors are wonderful. You take to places I probably will never visit and it’s so fun.
Thanks
BTW I’m trying to teach y kitty to go fetch like Jack..not much luck…You have such a smart boy!!
He came that way, he actually taught me .. and you won’t believe it, he just this second dropped the ball at my feet! Must go now! 🙂
Cats can read our minds. Don’t even THINK ball unless you’re ready to play!
And dogs tie the tiniest movement associated with something they like to the next time you make that movement. If I start to get dressed, he’s at the door ringing the bell we put there for that purpose because he thinks I’m getting ready to take him outside….so there I’m am half-dressed, he’s keeps ringing that bell, and I’m not sure if he just REALLY has to go or thinks I’m taking him for a walk!
But we adore them!
I love love love your tea towels on your stove! So sweet! Being new to the cape, we are def wanting to explore all the New England states and you have inspired me to start soon! I would be lost in all the sweet shops and antiques! I love the measuring cup and it would fit right in with my vintage kitchen theme! Keeping my fingers crossed! Love reading about your adventures as well! I loved the England adventure and my mom sent me for my 40th bday a copy of Beatrix potter a life in nature book! She thought you and I were kindred spirits and sort of neighbors and wanted me to have it! Perfect gift!
Welcome to the neighborhood Jen! I know you will love it ….
Wonderful post, Susan! It brings back sweet memories of my beautiful dollhouse. Thank you!
Susan, I just LOVE your blog! Living in Central Texas, we seldom have a cool fall. When I read your stories and look at your pictures, it makes me feel like I have had a taste of autumn. Thank you for sharing a glimpse into your life.
Blessings ~
Pam
Autumn is my favorite time of year. Thank you for sharing your wonderful road trip.
Thank you for sharing your stories with so much detail! Your beautiful pictures are so much fun to look through! Thanks you from the bottom of my heart!
~Megan Fick
I loved the dollhouse! I have one made for my daughter by my sister. It’s covered in stones collected from a creek bed in Michigan– the most charming little stone house you’ve ever seen. It started out as a kit, but it ended up entirely unique. It’s always good to atart with something and then make it totally your own.
My daughter is grown and the dollhouse is in the attic now, waiting for her to have children of her own someday.
Susan,
I have to say that I don’t need to go to New England to see the beauty of autumn because we are blessed with it in Michigan. But the houses are different there and I’m always up for a stop at an antique shop. I have an antique booth in a place called Silver Hills Antiques in Pentwater, Michigan. We just returned from Europe where I got to go to a wonderful flea market in Vienna. What a great city. We also went to my grandmother’s home town in Slovakia which was a learning experience. Bratislava was a fun city as well.
Isn’t autumn just about the best time of year? Hope you’re resting up from your trip. I’m still trying to get over jet lag. I just think you were so wise to go by ship to and from England. Such a more civilized way to travel. All the best..Joan
It truly is … each night, on your way over, you set the clock forward an hour…