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
Hi Susan!
I read your blog, but have never commented. Thank you for sharing your trip to England with me and so many other wonderful things. I have most of your books and am looking forward to your new one. I enjoyed our fall trip also, I am from Illinois and we have pretty falls, but nothing compared to New England. Thank you and God Bless you. 🙂
Oh Susan,
Your drive through CT brought back so many memories for me! I was born there and lived there for 42 years before I came south to FL. This time of year always makes me want to go and see the beautiful leaves. Thanks so much for sharing your drive. xoxo Jacqui
I felt like I was on the trip with you! Thanks for the ride as it was fun!! The doll houses are amazing, as are the “real” ones you photographed. Thanks for sharing with us once again and where are we going next?
I so love those homes! What charm they have! Cannot believe one of your books left it’s home for a library book sale 🙁 Your blog brings a welcome respite from busy days. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your trip through New England. I will get there one day and I am sure it will be fun looking for treasures in all the antique stores.
The homes are beautiful and the trees are a true gift. I always try to find the first leaf that falls from my tree and keep it til spring.
You always have the BEST giveaways! They are so thoughtful and personal. One of these days I will win one! Thank you for your always inspiring blog posts!
I just love reading your blog. Makes me feel all comfy-cozy. So glad you had a nice trip and made it home safe and sound.
Susan, I so enjoy your posts, pictures and blog. Thank you for sharing your trips with us, makes me feel as if I am sharing the venture.
Now I’m homesick…….I grew up in one of those old houses in Connecticut! Thank you for taking me along!
I have to agree with everyone about loving your blog. It’s fun to see where you’re visiting and what you find on your adventures. Sure would love your book. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Welcome home!! Thanks for sharing pictures of your trip! I hope to be able to travel to New England in the fall some day. I have been a fan of your books and calendars for years and love, love, love your blog. Thanks for being such an inspiration to us all.
Bit of a homebody myself, so good thing I live in New England! 🙂 XO
Dearest Sue and Joe, Good morning I would love to win the book , as i dont have it. I need several of your books. I would be so greatful for it and would protect it and give it a great home. I went for my birthday Oct 6th to see Rod Stewart at Caesars Palace with Nicolette Harridge . Rod put on a great concert. We had a great time. I would love to win. I always look forward to your blog it brightens my day. I have to go to do some money things i hate doing so with God all things are possible. I send you love and blessings to you and Joe and to your fur babies too. Love to you all Cheyenne from Henderson Nv i saw Rob in Las Vegas Nv its fun to live here for that reason alone close to all the shows etc. Have a great week God Bless you all I know u remember me im in your Willard # 8 i have know u a long time Be well and blog soon ok
Beautiful pictures! New England is on my list of places to see.
Just returned from visiting my son and daughter-in-law in Virginia, beginning of fall was beautiful. Now that i’m back in Califorina, i can see why you love both places!
I have to agree with everyone else about loving your blog. I enjoy following you on your journeys and seeing what adventures you have. Would love to have your book. Thanks for the chance to win it.
I would just love to have a copy of your book. I have had your calendars and other small things, but a book, I would treasure.
Thank you so much for taking us on your trip. It was almost like being there in person.
Love the house, I have two one cup glass measures that are way older than I am,belonged to my mother. Don’t know how long she had them. They get more use than the new ones. :-))
This trip is so fantastic—so happy you had fun!!! I know you had some rain so I’m extra happy you got some gorgeous sunshine, too!!!!! Those pretty leaves and gigantic pumpkins need beautiful light for those amazing pictures….
LOVE the measuring cup…..
and you,
xo
Joann
Hi Joann!!!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful trip with us all.
A locely time for me to follow you and Joe on your trip. Being from Wisconsin and now living in Florida, really enjoy seeing the “colors” in our northern states in October.
I am a fan and follower from many years back and am looking forward to the “Diary of a Lifetime-Summer in England”
I love your life!!!!! I enjoy hearing about what you and Joe are up to and all your travels……I want to know if you bought any other wonderful books at the book sale?
I live in Atlanta and we just don’t have quaint New England down here. I am from the North shore of Massachusetts and know how wonderful New England is….I miss it very much…..thanks for all you do for us out here. I know I speak for us all…You are amazing!!!!! Have a great day:}
How Beautiful! I’ve always longed for “New England in the fall.” Just love your found treasures, and the candle use of the measuring cup. I have the rubber stamp of the ornament art, it was a catch your breath moment, when I first saw it (I’m a cookie girl). I’m wondering how to get my wonderful husband to enjoy just that kind of a trip!! Happy Fall, Ya’ll!
I love the color of New England! Thanks for taking us all there….
It is sooooo easy for me to distract myself from my work when I see you have sent a blog! I love reading them.
How very sweet of you. When I shop for “the girls” I am finding treasures for my nieces. What fun to be one of “the girls” being thought of and gifted to. Thanks for your thoughtfulness.
Simply beautiful – makes me want to skip out on work and head down the road to enjoy a leisurely look at the fall leaves and stop for some treasures along the way. Thank you for the inspiration.
Thanks for taking me on the trip back east! That is usually my BD gift, but since my Mother is 88 and my husband was sick, it just didn’t happen! Thanks for taking me down memory lane!
Love every post you do. Devour every word and picture. Always wishing I was at home playing house, and not at work . . . Love the towels on your stove, I switch my theme every month. However, I do think you need a different phone in your kitchen hanging by the stove, even if it were just a different color. . .
Sure enjoy the road trips, last week mine was Salinas and all the Steinbeck tributes. August it was Morro Bay and Avila Beach. So much in this great nation to see, let alone California!
I loved seeing all the fall color in this post. I live in southern California now and miss it terribly! Thank you Susan for such a beautiful post and a nice giveaway. If I don’t win I’m ordering the ornament as soon as you announce the winner 🙂
fall in new england…beautiful…thank you for the tour!
it’s always a good day when I have a Susan Branch blog post waiting. Wondered if you might ever do a watercolor painting class online? I LOVE your painting! Thank you, always.
Karen
I enjoyed the Blog showing the Doll House. How it must have been loved over the years! Thank you for taking the photos for all of us to enjoy learning about what you and Joe experienced.
Beautiful!! thanks for sharing! What a great fall, still green in Va. Looking forward to the leaves changing. brenda
fall in new england….beautiful…thank you and joe for the fun tour!
post you do. Devour every word and picture. Always wishing I was at home playing house, and not at work . . . Love the towels on your stove, I switch my theme every month. However, I do think you need a different phone in your kitchen hanging by the stove, even if it were just a different color. . .
Sure enjoy the road trips, last week mine was Salinas and all the Steinbeck tributes. August it was Morro Bay and Avila Beach. So much in this great nation to see, let alone California! I get excited seeing a Mission; I imagine I’d faint if I actually touched a house that was nearly 300 years old. (Then there’s Europe.) I travel vicariously through you! Thanks.
Dearest Susan,
You have taken me home. To New England. To Massachusetts and almost to New Hampshire where my heart still thrives. It was wonderful to ride down roads with leaf covered yards and the crisp feel of autumn air. I could almost smell the apples in the back seat. Thank you so much. I treasure those memories.
Thank you for sharing the drive in New England. The trees are so pretty!
Loved your trip…it sounds like I’d have stopped at all the same places. Thanks for the peek into places I have yet to visit. If you ever get the chance to come north of the border, south central Ontario is also quite beautiful at this or any time of the year.
Not sure what happened to my comment – please excuse if it shows up twice – Your wonderful New England travelog is so nurturing to those of us who are unable to go on a road trip at this time. I can’t wait to unpack my Susan books next week when we move and do some serious Fall decorating – they are my true treasures and just speak of Fall to me when I see them casually laying there for my perusal and pleasure. Thank you for always thinking about us, your loyal followers, and being so generous with your giveaways. Maybe one day each of us will be able to say we won a very unique gift from Susan Branch. Hugs from NC and Judy C
Susan,
Thanks for sharing some of the highlights of your trip. Joe must be a saint to stop at all those places with you. I know you both like the same things so that makes a trip like this even more fun. I would love to take a drive like that to enjoy the leaves and countryside. It’s still in the upper 80s here in Fl so I am really ready for some cool weather. Love how you used the glass measuring cup for a candle holder. Can’t wait to see more of your trip. We are anxious for you book and I know you’ve been working on it hard, but you deserved a break.
Sue in Fl.
Hello, Susan and Joe…
I love travelling with you…next best thing to being in New England in the autumn
in person! Thank you for all the lovely pictures and writing…I think I would have adored the families in those beautiful, cozy homes too! Love what you have put together for this next gift from you…have a perfect spot waiting… 🙂
What fabulous pictures of Autumn in New England! Brought back such fond memories of my trips to New England in the Fall! Never tire of these beautiful history filled homes and landscape!
Linda from Lake Havasu City, AZ
Getting your newsletters is like getting a letter from an old friend but with PHOTOS! I really enjoy receiving your newsletter, recipes, and that feeling of being “the best of girlfriends” that you lovingly share with all your readers. What joy! And like you, I love Autumn and really enjoying the scenery in your neck of the woods at this time of year. Thanks for sharing it. My dear hubby, Wayne, and I plan to move to New England in the next few years and I for one, cant wait. Ive always loved the possibility of life in New England! <3
What a fun trip it looks like you had and exploring New England this time of year, how wonderful! Not until my first time in New England 4 years ago did I realize such cute quaint towns existed other than in storybooks! I fell in love immediately! Thank you for sharing your pictures.
Wow, how nice of you to offer this. I would LOVE to win and I would put it right on my kitchen table, on top of a quilted runner I made. Thank you for the chance.
Hi Susan,
Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year and I so enjoyed your tour of the countryside and antique stores.
Welcome home! Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures with all of us. I hope to one day get to visit New England in the fall. I have been a fan of your books for several years and am a huge fan of your blog! Thank you for always giving us inspiration to “feather” our nests too. Have a blessed day!
Denise 🙂
Looks like a great trip. I know you are happy to be back with the kitties though. I’d have been in heaven with the antique shops. Love the “candle holder”. *L* It’s fun to take things and make something else out of them. Perfect for the kitchen, plus I love sea glass. I could live in most of the houses you took pics of. I especially love the deep porches that you can put wicker chairs and porch swings on. The color of this season is one of my favorite things. Apples simmering on the stove with cinnamon. Love fall.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for sharing such a delightful tour. Autumn is absolutely my favorite time of year with all the colors and the coziness of the season. I love your blog!
Thank you so much for the gorgeous pictures of the Fall Colors!!! You made them come to life – I think you should run a tour group and take a whole bus load of us on your next adventure – what a delight that would be!!
Rats! My comment disappeared…
I was saving your blog as a treat for when I finally had a few moments to take a break! I read it in my email and almost panicked when I couldn’t get on the website to leave a comment- LOL! It would not be the first time I have missed a giveaway from being too busy. Big sigh of relief to be here… and then my comment disappeared!
So glad you had a lovely drive through my home state! I am amazed you got some sunshine – it seems like it has been very rainy here. You must have brought it with you! Would love to prowl through some antique stores – lucky you that Joe must enjoy it too! That would not be a couple’s activity for us… ;0) !
Hope this makes its way – oh! the sun just poked through – THANK YOU!!
Oh,how I long to see New England in the Fall…maybe one day…until then I loved seeing it thru your pictures! I think I will be dreaming of that doll house!!
Thank you for taking us on the tour, Susan. I so miss New England in the fall……. there’s just no place like it! And what little girl wouldn’t love to play with those doll houses…….. your post brought back many wonderful memories!
You are living the life!!!! Enjoying seeing the sights via your website! I’d love to live in that little red barn!
Those close up pictures inside the doll house felt like being in a grand old life size house! I loved your “Pobrecito” comment about finding your book at the book sale. Poor little thing. 🙂 My husband says the female version of that to me when I’m griping about something. “Pobrecita.” It somehow seems like you should pet someone on the head when you say that. 🙂
You have the most wonderful of having the right amount of mix of pictures and descriptive writing that can transport me to wherever you are visiting! Thank you soooooo much for showing us Fall in your ‘neck of the woods’.
You always have the best giveaways! What a joy it’d be to add these treasures to my home!
you were in CT and i didn’t even know it! i would have loved to have you stop by for tea! how fun to know you were nearby.
and i really do love and appreciate so much all of your art that i feel like i know you. SB is in pretty much every room of my house and i am doing one of your counted cross stitch pieces right now! i wish that you could make more – i have to scour ebay for them <3
if you're ever driving thru danbury ct and need a rest area "cozier" than mcdonalds :-), i live .8 mile from RT 84.
Loved all the things you saw and always feel close in heart to you.
Thank you so much for sharing your trip. Thank you for the opportunity to win all those fabulous goodies!
Thanks for sharing all the beauty. Autumn, New England homes, antiques, kitties, all a wonderful adventure to follow. I love your book Heart of the Home, I gave it to my daughter when she was a bride.
Hi Susan
Oh my what a wonderful blog post that was. They truly always are though. Your trip was just so fun to see. Love all the pictures ! I am lucky to live in New England by the sea. It is quite fabulous here, although we always talk about moving to Martha’s Vineyard when my husband retires.
I have that book you found on your outing. Its one of my favorite books Susan. Hope I win though, and if I do I will give one of the books to my daughter for when she is married and has her own home. Love that pear candle.
happy day Susan
deezie
Wow…. It is one of my all time wishes (dreams) to see New England in the autumn! So until that time, I will live vicariously through your blog. LOVE IT!
Thanks so much for sharing.
I’m new to your blog & have only been enjoying it for 2 weeks or so, but I have to tell you that I have the biggest smile on my face when I’ve finished it. LOVE this trip through New England & thank you for inviting us.
My favorite time of year….and favorite season to decorate. Several years ago we went on a “Fall leaves” tour through New England and…..our timing was a bit off due to that year’s weather pattern….saw lots of GREEN trees! Went to MV and loved every minute, until the storm hit on the ferry back (poor seasick husband:)….woke up the next morning to go to Nantucket and the Harbor Master had cancelled the ferry due to inclement weather! Good thing we had such a great time overall…as the point of our going…was pretty much re-arranged for us. The next week back home in CA we were driving through Sunol (a small town near us) and stopped to take pictures of the ….you guessed it….the beautiful orange/gold fall foliage. We just laughed in delight about going all the way to New England to find fall colors in CA!
Have your Autumn book displayed along with other seasonal books in our old green wood wagon in the kitchen – along with your charming “Home” pillow with smoke coming out the chimney…..Happy Fall!
Hi Helen! Our son goes to San Jose State, we have been to Sunol a few times on our way to see Dominic. It is a darling town in the the most gorgeous surrounding. Lucky girl!!! Enjoy your day!
Thanks for the wonderful pix, and the ever-so-cute give-away. Love that you take us with you on your journeys—even into magical dollhouses!
Happy autumn!
This was a fun tour of old homes (large and small :-)). There’s something about fall that adds a touch of gypsy magic to everything! Looking forward to more.
I loved traveling along on your journey. So beautiful. (I think you should have bought the doll house! Ha!). Thanks for the good time.
Linda L. In Tx.
Thank you for sharing your pictures. I’ve never been to that part of our great country and so I enjoy seeing what is there. Beautiful!!!! Those dollhouses were so interesting. Can’t believe the price. I’ve always thought it would be fun to fixed up a house like that with my daughter. Maybe one day. Thanks for the giveaway and sharing with us.
The houses look so nice. I love looking at the old fashioned homes. I just love the sneak peeks of your kitchen too. It seems to have turned out beautifully.
I would LOVE to try and win that book too !
Nicki
I love Autumn. I was lucky enough to have been to New England during this season years ago. The photos of the homes are wonderful. I loved driving around and seeing these old houses. I’m still hoping I’ll have one someday.
Hi Susan,
Loved the sunset picture with the hills “on fire!”
Warmly,
Eileen
Wow, what gorgeous photos. If I wasn’t in the fall spirit before I definitely am now! Oh, and that dollhouse is an absolute dream. Thanks again for sharing another one of your great adventures.
Beautiful homes…it has been a dream of mine to travel through New England…thanks for taking “us” along! 🙂
Oh what a wonderful trip you took. I have been in and out of CT twice but for such a short bit of time, no time for wandering! How I dream of meandering thru CT one day in the fall. I am so glad I have your blog to look at until I can go someday! Thank you for sharing your travels, home and special finds!
Christine L. From San Jose CA
I remember the first time I saw this cook book. It was in a little gift shop in Hanford California. How delightful I thought the book was but alas,I was too poor to buy it. How special it would be to win it!!
Oh, my, my…..I’ve never been to New England but see that I simply *must* go! Thank you, Susan, for allowing us to peek over your shoulder on your trip. And I do so love your closing words, “…more to come!”
Susan,
All of your blogs are SO fun to read. Sometimes, like this one, I’ll share with my Richard as he and I love to go on drives just to look at the fields and houses, and stores…etc. Saturday we so enjoyed Doylestown Pa. as they have many precious houses on many of the streets. Add to that pumpkins and mums, and etc. and it is a delight. And, I believe my house is lovely when I get home! I love seeing your kitchen back in operation….So glad you’re my friend! And….all the other ladies too. <3<3<3
Love,
Jane Alexander
Oh what a lovely tour! Thanks for sharing your photos and commentary–made it feel like being there.
That doll house is so cute and deffiantely you have the energy and ideas to decorate it so cute. would love to see that. You are really inspiring me to do some fall decorations at my home. You have so much energy, I do not know how you do it. I wish I had just a small amount of your energy and talent.
Called my DH Tom, come sit down and enjoy a tour (with musica) Loved the video,the houses and especially the doll house. I can see it decorated lovingly by you! That would be a treat. We do get fall color here in northern CA. Not like New England.The colors are so beautiful. My heart picked up several beats hoping while you were in CT, that you might pass by Stillmeadow. In my heart I still hope that it is still a part of Gladys and Jill’s family. Thank you for such a great little trip!
Oh, how I miss the colors of fall and the smell of burning leaves! Nothing like quaint houses and you’re right no two are alike. Loved the doll houses. Just think when we were born the price of that doll house is the price our parents paid for their first house! As always, thank you for taking us girlfriends on a fabulous trip and bringing back goodies. We’ve been very good 🙂 xoxo
There is no place like New England in the fall, except maybe old England. The only way I know we are in fall here in Southern California is when my Boston ivy along my fence starts turning color. It has maybe 2-3 red leaves today; this is also the first time I can remember all season I woke up and felt a chill in the air. Autumn has arrived…
The first doll house was truly magnificent! I wonder who the lucky child (?) was who owned this?
I would love to win this drawing, as I do not have that book–
Take care and keep the wonderful blogs a-coming!
Robin C
I am so jealous of your tour – those beautiful New England homes which I lust after especially in the fall. That dollhouse was spectacular but I understand the space problem. I have serious space issues in my house – books, collectibles, royal memorabilia, books – you get the picture. I am so looking forward to your England diary. It is my favorite place in the world. Also I am a member of the Beatrix Potter society. Keep those books coming!
Susan, thanks for sharing yourself, I enjoy looking for your blogs when I have some time I sneak into my email to see if I have something from you. Should be working but since I work for myself guess I won’t be fired. LOL
Although I live in Virginia, where we have a true autumn, I think that a New England fall is a season unto itself. Love the pics, and I’m pretty sure I spied a nautical stowaway in your back seat, lol! If I didn’t know you were talking about a doll house, I would have thought you were describing a real estate listing. Amazing that someone took the time to make that, definitely a museum worthy piece. Glad you found a “baby” to share! Cheers!
Susan, YOU are THE BEST person to travel with……..along with Joe, of course! My husband and I did a road trip into the northeast back in the early 90s…….WANT to go back and seek out MORE of that part of the US in FALL, naturally. Thank YOU for sharing………..LOVE LOVE LOVE the old measuring cup, your pear candle with MV sand, shells, etc along with your “new found” book (who would get rid of that!) plus your Christmas ornament……..have to order one of those for myself!
Would love to win. I enjoyed sharing the moments of your trip with you. The trees and homes were just beautiful. I used to have a doll house and wonder what ever happened to it. It would be so fun to decorate it now. I would put art work and little quilts in every room.
Shawn in Michigan
What fun your post was today, Susan! I love houses, especially ones with as much character as you showed us today – I am inspired to come to New England in the Fall and just drive and go antiquing, can’t think of a better way to pass the time away! I would love to win your giveaway, my kitchen’s theme for Christmas is gingerbread, and I would love that ornament (and everything else!) I will keep my fingers crossed…..
I love the old doll house and the new ornament. What a wonderful post.
Oh, thank you, Susan, for taking us all along! You are very kind to allow us to experience all these wonderful things along with (well, shortly after) you.
Okay – I just KNOW I am going to win this time! What a great trip. I just love these excursions we go on so much. This one makes me want to pack it all up and leave the big city and move right into that doll house! Thanks so much for always taking us along.
I totally loved the “drive” thru part of New England although I was starting to get car sick since I have motion sickness, but it was worth every bend and curve. It has to be heavenly to live there. I, too, would love a doll house like any of those and since I don’t have your first cookbook, I would just love to receive this one. Thanks for rescuing it.
Thank You! For a trip back in time! I grew up in Massachusetts and the fall has always been my favorite season!!! The “crisp” autumn air, pumpkins and gourds, swirling leaves and the smell of a woodfire!!! Time to get cozy for a long winter’s nap!!!
Hi Susan!
I just love traveling with you guys!! You take us to the most beautiful places. Love all the pictures and musica too!
Thank You!!
Hugs,
Debbie
We had the opportunity to see New England in the summer and could only imagine what it looks like in the Autumn. Thank you for sharing it with us now!
And thanks for another charming giveaway!
What a fun post today, Susan! I love houses, especially the ones with as much character in the pictures – I am now inspired to come to New England in the Fall and just drive and go antiquing, can’t think of a better way to pass the time. I would love to win the giveaway, my kitchen is decked out in gingerbread for Christmas, so your ornament would make a wonderfull addition (along with everything else!) I will keep my fingers crossed……
I love, love,love the trips inside the antique shops. Please tell me you’re considering the dollhouse. I can see a “Peter Rabbit Room” in there!!
Please welcome my Sister-in-Law, Connie Glasgow to this warm friendship gathering. I know she will love the emails as much as I do.
Since I last posted a comment, we lost our Senior Citizen Gentleman Cat; Gizmo. He had lived and loved for 18 long years and now has new adventures waiting for him beyond the “Rainbow Bridge”. Our Ditzy Miss Lucy sends kitty kisses to Jack and Girl Kitty. <3 <3
So very sorry for your loss … Gizmo, awwww, so sad. I would be happy to welcome Connie! xoxo