Good Morning . . . let’s go hang out with the cute livestock for a while! MUSICA
I fell head over heels in love with lambs when we were in England. Now I’m feeling sheepish.
Because while I’m choosing the photos and painting for the book,
I’m with them every day. (This one looks like he’s up to something. If he was mine, I would have to go check what he is doing!)
Sheep are everywhere in England, part of the fabric. I would love to go on that walk in the Yorkshire Dales right now. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Believe it or not, on the right, just out of the view of the camera, is the 12th century ruin of an amazing castle that belonged to Richard III. OK, I have to show you, even though it’s not a lamb.
We climbed to the top of the castle, which was sprouting all over with wildflowers. Not exactly Downton Abbey, but still, it truly told a wonderful story. Narrow stone stairs worn in the center, huge openings for fireplaces, little slits for windows.
(BTW, My mom used to sing this song around the house! She still won’t get a computer; I may have to phone her and play it over the phone! She’d be off to dance with the refrigerator door!)
This is one reason that spring is so special in England, besides the wildflowers, these little guys are playing in all the meadows where you can walk right up to them, unless their mom’s call them away! They are the sweetest!
This little guy was in the buttercup meadow at Hill Top.
So picturesque, they make the countryside beautiful.
They also keep the whole country looking like a well-tended parkland! I would like one for my back yard!
So darling.
Little sheep families everywhere.
This one was sure the grass was greener on the other side of the street.
Misty mornings and lamb meadows. I am standing right there. It’s hard to believe.
Those tails go a hundred miles a minute when their mom’s let them nurse.
I’ve been painting lambs for a long time — here and there, in calendars and greeting cards. This pink-cheeked one was originally painted for a fabric design.
Sorry to say, fabric designs are one of those products that doesn’t stay around long… they print it, it sells until it’s gone, and they never print it again. I don’t know why, but I think it has something to do with that chant I keep hearing . . . What’s new? They always prefer to make new. But it’s cute while it lasts. This design is all gone … you probably know that. I don’t have anyone making my fabric right now, but if I did, I’d have to do more lambs!
Still, I thought you might like to see it. It has little hearts on too, and, besides blue, it came in pink and yellow.
So any way. Lambs. I’m painting them in the new book, and they are SO fun to do. The one I’m just about to paint is wearing the Union Jack as a shawl. Since they’re on my mind, I thought I’d give us a little retrospective and look at the real things. Also, several of you mentioned the pair of white lambs I had on my mantle at Christmas time. And guess what? You may not be able to get that lamb fabric, but . . .
I bought a bunch of these lambs for my web store (if you click there, look in the very bottom right corner of the page) — we have some in stock now, and more on the way. All the rest of my decorations went back up to the attic, but these lambs are year-rounders; I can’t see any season they couldn’t grace! They look 
cute every where. I carried them around with me . . . the kitchen counter, my art table, on top of a stack of books, on the bathroom counter. Very cute on the tea table! I have to pass the mantle every time I leave my studio, so there they are, making me happy every day. They’re actually iron banks, they have a slot in the top, but to me, they’re just a reminder of all that English countryside beauty. They look like vintage, but the price for the vintage ones has gone to the moon . . . these are bearable. You can also start saving for your trip to England in them. Makes a nice gift!
What else, oh yes, Brenda, one of our girlfriends, has recently started a collection of heart-shaped rocks and she wrote to ask if I’d post a picture of mine again, so there they are Brenda!
I found one rock down by the water in the shape of a fish, see it there in the middle! Almost as good as red sea glass! See my darling girl?
Lately, food-wise, I have been pure as the driven snowbound groundhog, eating fresh fish, organic chicken, and fresh salads all the time; having scrambled eggs (with only one yolk) on top of steamed spinach for breakfast. Being a healthy little groundhog. But Joe just walked into my studio and this is what he put under my nose. Half an old-fashioned cruller and a cup of chocolate coffee. I had to get the camera, and then . . . Snarf. Groundhog noise!
It reminded me of the card another one of our girlfriends, Denise, sent me via Twitter. So I say THANK YOU JOE! And you, what have you been up to? Have a wonderful weekend Girlfriends! We have friends coming for Twine today at 4, and Downton Sunday night! Yay! xoxo
Sheep are especially sweet…so old fashioned and of the ‘earth’! We’re looking forward to Downton Abbey on Sunday, too! We are SO addicted! heehee! Enjoy your weekend!
YIPPEE for the new season of Downton!!!! And for cute lambs. And blessings big and small 🙂
I am eating healthy too….let us know what else you are munching on…salads get old pretty darn quick!!!
xoxo
Twine? It took me a minute, and then I remembered what that is.;) Actually, when I invite friends for tea in my “crumpet room” (my son’s name for the parlor), they know there will be wine as well.;) Loving Downton Abbey! My kitty and I watch it every week, and I’m also participating in a mystery D.A. knit-a-long, which is very fun. We get a bit of the pattern before each wonderful new episode. All those cute lambies make me smile. My parents had some sheep on their ranch, and they are so very soft and sweet.
What a cute idea!! :>)
Hi Rosanne–tell us more about this mystery DA knitting. Is it a sweater or something of the period? Is this through a yarn shop? Haven’t heard of anything like that but it sounds like fun. 🙂
This is a free project designed by a yarn store in Reno, jimmybeanswool.com. You can also find it on the Ravelry website. The first part of the pattern is on the JBW Blog. Turns out we are knitting lace gauntlets as worn by Maggie Smith in DA. Not very practical perhaps, but I figure I can wear them while knitting and while watching DA! It’s a very fun pattern knit in the round, similar to making socks. The project just sort of captured my imagination, as DA has, and I’m using a hand dyed yarn in a colorway called Christmas at Downton.
Sounds like fun. Thanks for the info. I’m on the look for an Edwardian-style cardigan sweater pattern… 🙂
Good morning to “ewe” Susan!… oooh I just love these precious little lamb families!… I would so love to visit England!… and Hill Top!… and see these beautiful lambs and the wildflowers and all of the unspoiled countryside… BUT, I AM going to England this year… through your book!… I can’t wait!… those little sheep banks are precious too!… I loved seeing your collection of heart shaped rocks… and I think Girl Kitty is eying the one that look like a fishy!… Joe is a sweetie too for bringing you that yummy looking cruller and chocolate coffee… yum!… I am finally over my awful cold, I think it was that sock around my neck you told me to do that helped me!… much love, xoxo Julie Marie PS I am going back now for another look at those sweet babies!…
I had a cold last week and I could not find a sock in this house that was long enough to go around my neck (and not strangle me!) and I am just normal size! I finally settled for a scarf!
Scarves work!
Thought of you Wednesday when I picked up a pair of owl salt and pepper shakers at the Goodwill. They have joined the roost on my hutch. Loved the lambs and especially the picture of the castle. We are currently in rehearsal for Henry V and our director keeps sending us pictures of castles. Iron sheep sort of remind me of Great Britian, steady, stalwart, forever (one hopes).
One does hope! Break a leg Pat!
Thank you, Susan! Today’s post was a “breath of fresh air” on a gloomy Ohio day! Oh, to be in England! And….I am sure you have thought about this, but perhaps your next book might be a travel guide to England. We “Girlfriends” all need to know exactly how to find the best country lanes, small villages and historic ruins!
(Or, maybe a guided tour by our “fearless leader”….YOU!)
That’s exactly what it IS … a guide book, diary of our trip to England! Called A Fine Romance!
Yea! Did you visit Downton Abbey on your trip?
No, darn, Highclere — that’s the real name of the house — was closed while we were there. Probably filming or something.
~ Good Afternoon~
What a pleasant surprise to find you here!~ I thought I’d take a peek at the blog while checking on the cuppycakes~ please hang on~have to get them out~
Okay~ I’m back~ Love the little lammies ~but my in heart I’m a vintage cow~ girl~ they fill my kitchen~ I love my little herd!~ My favorite cow~ girl thing is a painting in my kitchen of an old fashioned milk~maid pushing a wheelbarrow through a pasture full of cows ~ she looks just my grandma who grew up on a farm near GreenBay~
Crullers were a treat my grandma also had for us~ yummy but oh so naughty!!
~Thanks for bringing back some “sweet” memories of my grandma!~
Might just have to take a walk to the beach and look for some more sea glass myself~
50 degrees tomorrow!
~Have a great weekend!~
Lynn
~In my heart I meant~ my fingers are too slow for my brain!!
Oh my gosh I forgot another thing about my grandma~ she loved football so ~ GO Packers!~
me too (as I sit here in my GB Packer hoodie)…..go Pack go!
Yes, Go Pack Go!!! As I type this I am wearing my Clay Matthews jersey! Wore it to school today to get on all the Bear fans nerves!!!!LOL
CLAY MATTHEWS…YAY!!! Christine he was one of our “boys” on our Fantasy Football team this year and I was so bummed when he went out for several weeks injured…I adore a defensive player that jumps on the backs of others to bring them down!!! GO PACKERS since my COLTS didn’t make it your team is my team (for awhile of course). Enjoy the game and Good Luck!!!
Have to add, “Go Broncos!”
Thanks for all the support ladies!~ I can feel the love all the way over here in Wisconsin!~
We are getting back into a routine around here after the holidays and it is nice. Some paint projects on the horizon and going to start to work on a raised garden. Love, love love some Downton Abbey….can’t wait until Sunday!! Your post made me serene….must be the lambs. Have a blessed day….:)
Twine huh? So is that tea and/or wine? Love it!
Starts with tea, goes to wine . . .
LOL Cute!
What a FANTASTIC concept!!!! Must share this with my sister….and try it myself!XXOO
I’ve been patiently waiting for the new blog!! So worth the wait, choked full of goodies,thank
You. I don’t know how you do it.
Thank you for your patience. Someday I’ll get back to doing it more often, as soon as I finish the book!
I love lambs- they are so bouncy!
If you want to do more fabric- try spoonflower. You can design and print your own there- and others can buy it too 🙂
I think it’s something like $30 a yard … which I’m not so sure would go over very big! 🙂
hello, good morning susan and girlfriends. well we have had a dusting of more snow (yesterday) and today we are supposed to get more rain or snow showers…so far none. i love lambs, i love sheep in the meadows and if i could find some around here i would get a few for the back and front areas..no more mowing the lawn, let the lambs do it!!! i do love those lil lamb banks you have, did you get them in England?? and i love that fabric print, too bad it is not being made anymore, would look so nice on a quilt. just dropped in to say howdy and to let everyone know that a funny classic is on TCM tonight ( 8pm pst- 11pm est.), The great Race starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, Natalie Wood, and Peter Falk. its funny, very campy and i love watching it just for the laughs, great way to start a weekend with lots of laughs and giggles. off to check on the chickens, we have made it past the 7th night and no new chicken killings so maybe we finally secured down the henhouse and kept that varmint out of there. its been a pure relief to walk in the henhouse and not have to haul out a dead, mangled chicken…blyuk!!! and the chickens are getting back to normal, clucking and making racket as they wait impatiently to be let out, and the ducks quacking and making more racket as they want to be let out to go swimming in that icy pool in the morning…brrrrr!!! then ZOOM out they go and you have to jump back or get run over by 2 ducks. now i can concentrate on replacing the birds we lost, 13 hens, 1 young rooster and 1 duck. i’m keeping my eyes open for the free ads for young laying hens and another pair of ducks and hopefully this spring we will have nests full of baby chicks or peeps as i call them and baby ducks and baby turkeys. finally its over with. well you all have a wonderful day and a wonderful weekend everyone. hugs…… 🙂
I, too, hope that you have no more trouble with that varmint that kept getting at your chickens and ducks! We’ve become very cold there in Eureka! Heavy frost, but at least the sky is clear and the sun is suppose to be out all week. Time for me to trim up some bushes and weed a bit. Still, after 15 years, I’m not really used to going out during the winter months and garden 🙂
Carol M
Your post was perfect for today! I’m sitting here on a warm sunny day in Kentucky with the windows OPEN. The fresh air feels so wonderful and I long for spring. I know it’s a long way away, but I’m not going to think about that now. I am going to enjoy this moment for as long as it lasts.
oh, i just LOVE lambs! when my youngest niece was little, she couldn’t say her “ls,” so it was “yittle yams!” I LOVE THAT! and still say YITTLE YAMS to this day and think back on when she was little and stayed with her Auntie Pat! i have started collecting them, so will check out your shop! this made my day today! Thanks Susan! oh, i’m with you on being there walking down that lane right now!!
Pat – you reminded me of my nephew who [as a toddler] couldn’t quite swing “New York.” If you asked him “what state do we live in, Ryan?” he would smile and say “Yew Nork!” and now we all say Yew Nork too! :>)
Susan, I love your lambs. Our neighbor’s goats do that thing about the grass being greener…..they get their heads stuck in the fences , trying to nibble grass on the other side. So I think goats and sheep are a like. That sheep did look like he was up to no good.LOL xoxo,Susie
mmmmm chocolate coffee!!
I love baby lambs too! They’re so cuddly. They look especially cute hanging with their moms. What’s the pink and blue on their coats? Is that some sort of ownership marking?
Great post Susan – have a snuggly day with your lambies 🙂
…goodness !!..Susan, thank you for bringing us back to England !!… your photos are precious !!…all those little lambs in the countryside and then there is Jack !!!!…gotta love “twine” as well !!!…have a great week end !!…it’s going to be close to 70 degrees today and forcasted for snow and maybe ice tomorrow night !!..go figure ……love it all !!…
Sweet little lambs! I have a small collection of sheep displayed on a little table in my hall. I went to your shopping site to add to my flock…and was delighted to see how they were displayed!!! My sweet daughter added three Gladys Taber books to my stach for Christmas.. My Own Cookbook, Especially Dogs, and Amber, AVery Personal Cat.
Speaking of collections and books….I added another of yours to my collection. Original Snail Mail Willard’s came yesterday, and I am so happy that I decided to order it! I started reading the last letter first (Willard #8) and found it to be so interesting. I loved learning about your dreams for your little piece of heaven in CA…..do you and Joe still think of swapping coasts sometime?
Have a wonderful weekend!
P.S. …I love Middleham castle !!…did I say “thank you, dear Susan ?!?
Twine… I love it 🙂 Those little lambs are soooo cute! I would love to go and frolick with them right now! Your webstore has quite a few great new treasures!!!
Have a fabulous weekend!!!!!
Love the musica and the photos. thanks for showing them again. In Atlanta we had the first of Downton Abbey 111 last sunday night. It seemed like a lot was edited…..Mary is headed down the aisle and the next frame they are returning from their honeymoon. Missed quite a bit. And the sister’s romance was not fully developed. Wonder what others viewers thought. I still love it and wouldn’t miss an episode, maybe I love it too much. During the holidays I watched The Bells of St. Mary (1943 I think) and I ordered Mrs Miniver for delivery next…Need a rainy day with no work committments! Can’t wait. Thank you again for you wonderful blogs and wishes for all good things for you and Joe in 2013.
You will love Mrs. Miniver … in fact, the story line about the prize winning rose a few episodes back (on Downton) was taken directly from Mrs. Miniver. And I agree, they definitely cut the wedding way too short!
I noticed that about the scene of the prize winning rose, too. How did they get away with that?
I don’t know, but I was kind of appalled really because that was such an iconic wonderful scene in Mrs. Miniver that always made me cry . . .
Ya know what makes me cry ?Lamb Chops!
From the yumminess?
Love seeing all the lammies Susan. I can hardly wait to get ” A Fine Romance”–I just know it’s going to be wonderful. I’ve been tweaking things around here since taking down the Christmas decor. I’ve had my Mom’s Meakin Ironstone stored in our basement for 10 years and decided I needed to bring it up to the light of day. I’ve arranged it all on a bookcase that banks our fireplace and I must say it looks lovely. I don’t know why that took me so long to do. If those dishes could talk I’d hear all my family joking and laughing around our dinner table as a child. Great to see them again. Enjoy your “visit” back to England and have some twine for me. xoxo ♥
Good for you Martha! Meakin is so beautiful too!
I just loved the sheep in England! These pictures take me back to when I studied abroad in England two summers ago. When I visited Chatsworth we actually walked through the field of sheep to take a shortcut to the house. I petted one just to say I did!! I cannot wait to read your new book! Lots of love from Ohio!
We went to Chatsworth through the lambs too. It’s something else.
Happy Friday, everyone! Aren’t lambs just THE most photogenic creatures ever? When I was younger & there was still a possibility of offspring, I knew I’d want the nursery to be all done up in Lamb. With a smattering of bunnies and mice on the side. It would have been as Beatrix P as I could have made it, for sure. Your fabric pictured here would have been perfect. For some reason, to me “lamb” equals “baby.” The very definition of cuddly – on four legs.
I just love it when Girl visits the blog. Look at her gazing up at you with those jade green eyes! What a dolly-girl she is…
Yum, that cruller looks SO good. Joe is saying “you deserve a treat after being so good…” How nice that the “dunking sauce” came right along with it. PS – I finally got to sample cider doughnuts! Still nowhere in sight in this particular neck of the woods, so when I saw them in the VT Country Store catalog just before Christmas, I called right away. Arrived Fedex direct from the baker & absolutely delicious!
Have lots of fun at your twine party and everyone have a great weekend! :>)
Hi Susan, love the lambs and sheep. Easter is coming and so the miniature lambs can be good decoration for that, too. It would have been fun to explore the castle ruins, and the wild flowers do soften the ruin. Dreary day here in Ohio, but temps are supposed to go to 60 degrees tomorrow. Maybe sun will shine. Glad to hear the book is going so well, I can’t wait!
I love the long, undocked tails on the lambies! So cute when they wag just like a puppy dog.
Love LOVE all the pictures, it’s been ages since I was in England and I miss it! The castle ruins picture is amazing. I love castles and if they’re in ruins, I love them all the more. When I went to Kenilworth Castle I wandered around and felt the walls, trying to absorb the history. 🙂
Baa to you, Susan! tis a good day here, in spite of the cold I have ! your cherry email was just what I needed. I have work to do [doll clothes to cut out for three quilts, rewrite first chapter on my book, make some tea to soothe my voice box from this cold…..oh, never mind the laundry and the dishes!] but you wrote and it made me smile. I sometimes wish I had a real friend who wrote me. well, baa from me to you,b
Susan, Those sweet little lambs are simply too precious for words!!! I just adore them! We have a farmer nearby who hang Christmas lights on his sheep barn every holiday and I smile from ear-to-ear everytime I pass by, thinking how darling it is that he decorates the barn for the sheep for Christmas and they’re hung so neatly in a swag pattern. This year, I must stop to take a photo!
I’ve just started watch Downton Abby – I know I must have been under a boulder to have missed it. But, now I’m catching up and then can start the new season. Yippeee… I even got my 83 year-old Dad to watch the DVDs with me, it was too cute!
Hope the rest of your weekend is splendidly enchanting. I can’t wait for our book to come out – certainly gives us something to look forward to this year!!!
Soft hugs and sweet, lamby love,
XooX,
Jeanette
I love the little lambs! I love the sheep too, they seem so peaceful and snuggly!
Downto Abbey 3 is off to a great start, can’t wait to see what is next.
In SoCal we are back to water aerobics, great excercise after the Holidays. Yes we are outside in a heated pool. Sun and blue sky!
As always thank for the blog it always cheers my day.
Thank ewe Susan! Adorable lambs and sheep to keep us going on this rainy day in Indiana. (The snow is turning into mud.) Got one of those sweet banks too.
I cannot wait for your new book to come out. My partner and I plan to retrace your steps as much as possible, it is a dream come true and we look forward to it. Also, I am also trying to eat a little more healthy and wanted to share one of my favorite breakfasts, it is very simple but delicious: 1 or 2 poached eggs on top of fresh spinach sprinkled with a bit of garlic salt and pepper. Try it, you’ll love it as a change of pace. The egg yolk creates a delicious dressing over the fresh crisp spinach and it is truly a treat.
Sounds delicious — will try that one for certain. Reminds me of my Grandmother, actually — poached eggs with garlic salt and pepper on a slice of toast was HER breakfast innovation for me in junior high MANY years ago.
I’m lovin’ all these “spinach for breakfast” dishes that are out-and-about on the blog lately! Yum. Whooda thunk it? Spinach! :>)
Know what else is good for winter morning breakfast? Fried spaghetti!
Oh, yeah! LOVE leftover pasta in a skillet with a little real butter melting over it. And though I never thought of it for breakfast, I will now! :>)
SO good! I don’t limit myself at breakfast anymore. Meatloaf is something else, hot and delicious on cold mornings!
Hi Susan,
Thanks so much for the blog with the lamb pictures. I love them. As always, your blog has lifted my spirits. I just got home from the hospital yesterday as I had to have a very unexpected gallbladder surgery on Wed. I needed to see your sweet lambs today. Will be looking forward to installment 2 of Downtown Season 3 on Sunday evening. Isn’t it the best? Have a wonderful weekend to all on the blog.
Oh dear, hope you are doing better Crystal!
Hiya Susan! Glad to hear from you!
I so enjoyed seeing your heart-shaped rock/stone/glass collection, so kudos to Brenda for asking to see it!
Years ago, you offered quilting sizes of your (then) assorted fabric designs. I bought a bunch of them, and made small(ish) pillows for our guest room. They sit on a child’s rocker, along with cross-stitch one my young daughter stitched, that says “actions speak louder than words”. These pillows cheer me up every time I enter the room.
I am sooo looking forward to the new book!
Twine is a great word! Love it. I imagine some Constant Comment steeped in a cup of rich red wine would be …………….awesome! I’ve tried it with cranberry juice and it is amazing. I also have a fondness for lambs and sheep, and goats. Looking forward to your new book. Happy Weekend! xo
Your pictures are like pages from a storybook. What is it about sheep? I am drawn to them as we’ll….When my son was young we actually brought one home from a fair in the back of our Oldsmobile….My husband learned to never ask me questions…..but now I will simply enjoy your artwork and look SO forward to your new book! E
I know this may sound awful, but I can only imagine how amazing that lamb tastes eating all that gorgeous green grass!
Your menu sounds delicious, but I do my scrambles backward… one extra yolk for each whole egg… the yolks are where those precious fat-soluble nutrients are that keep us happy and healthy through the long, dark days. Winter food is my favorite (:
Oh dear…Mary’s Little Lamb on a platter??? Stuff of nightmares! 🙂
Thank you so much for the photos of your rock collection. So far I have two, one from Hawaii and one from Williamsburg. I can’t wait to show my husband the photo when he gets home. One day I hope to come up to your hometown and maybe I can find one from there. Thanks again, Brenda in GA
Oh good, was hoping you would see the photos Brenda!
I have always loved fluffy little lambs, too. The theme of my daughter’s nursery was lambs. Lambs, lambs, everywhere!
Sounds like your twine get together will be a lot of fun later today! We had a family fajita party last night and were so busy eating we forgot to bring out the sangria!
Have a lovely weekend!
XO,
Jane From Chicago
Dear Susan,
The English countryside is beautiful. The 12th century castle (ruins) is breath-taking. I love the wild flowers sprouting in it’s nooks and cracks. We have chicken, sheep, goats, long horn cattle, cows, horses and even a buffalo residing on our road. {Well, not on the road; that would block traffic!} Lambs have a special sweetness in their appearance and personality. You’ve captured it in your paintings. I am so looking forward to your new book!
Your Friend,
Deborah
“Snarf … groundhog noise” oh my gosh! You keep making me laugh aloud! I had just finished a texting conversation with my daughter-in-law which had me laughing and now this. I just cannot take anymore! I am leaving forthwith to run my errands, very serious stuff, absolutely no laughing matters involved. Isn’t Downton Abbey wonderful? And how about Call the Midwife? I only saw the last two episodes of the season, but had already decided that was a must view as well. Happy weekend to you, too, Susan and your company and all the girlfriends!
forthwith! LOL.
Awww, that brought me a fresh breath of springtime, and it reminded me too of this little silly ditty:
“Mairzy Doats And Dozy Doats
And liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn’t you?”
Now here’s what you really meant, “Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy, a kid ‘ill eat ivy too, wouldn’t you?” LOL 🙂
Oh, Brenda! I laughed out loud, groundhog-snarf-style, at your rendition of this old song. What would Debbie Reynolds say (or sing)? xo
Sheep lover here too!! Lovely lil animals! Love the plate that your yummy cruller was placed upon—the floral pattern is wonderful! Who wouldn’t want to eat that which was place upon it?! Your blog posts always lift my spirits!
~Mary
I loved your comment on the lamb’s tail. For a light cleaning of a room (particularly dusting), my mother always said to “give it 2 shakes of a lamb’s tail”. Thanks for bringing back that memory.
What a wonderful post! Love all the lambies, and the musica just had me in its spell…perked me up out of my blues! Thanks, Susan! Warm hugs to you!
Oh, I love rocks shaped like hearts! I started a page on Facebook called Hearts: Here, There and Everywhere. Originally I thought we’d paint hearts onto rocks and leave them for folks to find (which we have done). But people have also posted pictures of their heart shaped rocks, or even heart shapes in nature. If you’d like to see, here is the URL:
facebook.com/HeartsHereThereandEverywhere
Don’t you just love looking at sheep? They really are cute. just don’t tell Jack, he might get a little jealous. We love Downton Abby, it must of been an adventure living back then. I wonder if we would of been living upstairs or downstairs?
Hmmmmn…I think I’d choose upstairs! LOL! 🙂
I think I would like to be upstairs also, just thinking of the clothes you would get to wear.
I think I would like to live down the road from them (in a little rose-covered stone cottage). I would sell them eggs. Too many rules in the house! 🙂 Cute clothes though!
I can see it now, we could become friends and have tea at your cottage; A little get away from the life at Downton.
Yes, we could talk about them. 🙂 Sew ourselves little dresses that kind of look like the ones they wear, and criss cross our garden in white bunting!
Thank you for this wOnDeRfUl tour that you have taken us on during this January day. I love sheep! Such angelic faces. Thanks for showing us your ♥ rock collection again, I thought of you recently when I ran across a ♥ shaped rock. It was cute of Jack to be looking right up at the camera. Imagine, Jack having competition with rocks! 🙂 The photos were so beautiful. Love those rosy cheeks on the lamb you painted. Have a wonderful weekend, Susan, Joe, Girl Kitty and Jack.
Oops! I mean “Girl Kitty”. ;-D
I too love lambs and sheep-in fact I have a wee china one myself and need to check yours out.
I love the fabric-I have noticed they go in and out so quickly you can’t even find one you might have seen 6 months later, which is extremely bad for my pocketbook as I have small amts. of mounds of fabric all over the place!
Never heard of twine but good to know.
Your Joe is a darling….my tummy is growling and what I wouldn’t give for a cruller and choco. coffee right now-do you have a bakery nearby?
It’s teeming rain and the ice and snow is getting slushy..bad for my dogs who do Not want to go out!
til next time, keep painting those lambs…I’m getting back into art a bit and doing a snowman with chickadees, so fun
Pam
I’m so excited that you’re posting so many sheep things. I’ve had a love affair with sheep for a long time. If there was any question, you’d know for sure once you entered my home…there are sheep things EVERYWHERE! I love it that God likens His children to sheep, for sheep cannot function without a shepherd and I’m a knitter, so I love it that they are a “renewable” resource. LOVE your photos of England. I long to visit there some day!
Love those black-faced sheep! We saw them and petted them all around the town of Avebury. Did you go there? They have stone circles like Stonehenge. Just doesn’t get as much publicity.
Keeping a watchful eye to order the England book next month! Will there be a limit on how many can be ordered?
Arline (freezing in Southern CA. What is up with that???)
Yes, have been there, quite wonderful! No limit on the books, that way we won’t run out!
Really it’s not that cold as my OH brother-in-law reminded me — when it gets into the twenties back there — but I’ve been freezing all day!
Oh, Susan, love the lambs and sheep!! And your paintings of them will be splendid , I know!! Thank you for keeping us in tune with what you are painting will showing the photographs again!! Such a Blessing!! Enjoy a little respite with company this weekend, you need a little break!!
Hugs and thankfulness,
Irene
Ohhhhhhhhhhh ! Love the little sheep and want the fabric.
Red seaglass – never found it but a nice piece of yellow was good.
About the computer. When my husband passed away 6 years ago
I never got back online. But my daughter got an Apple laptop
and I finally got one so she could help if I needed it. I LOVE,
love, love it and your mom would, too. It is user friendly and when I
left the store, I was online !!!!!! I’ve even become a groupie !!!
Never thought that would happen but I love your blog (and a few
others) and I love all of the girlfriends comments. Thanks.
My 2 cents again !!!
I love love love it too, Julia, and I know she would, but she is just adamant, and as much as I would like her to have it, I have to remember, it’s her life! I bug her, but not too much!
Beef stew is simmering on stove. Sat down with cup of tea and delighted to see the lovely lambs. I always watch each episode of DA twice to make sure I get all the conversations!
YAY LAMBS!!!!!!!! I miss the lambs so much, it’s good to see them again.I know it’s not all like it but I see fields with little lambs all over England. *L* I would enjoy seeing the ones that are there. We have goats here and some lambs but not a lot. Boo that. The little goats are cute too though. Yes I’ve felt very English minded with Downton Abbey starting again. I love it! You are a very lucky lady to have Joe. Even though you’ve been good a little snack like that is ok now and then, but more then than now! You didn’t eat the whole thing after all. *L*
Very thankful for your post. It was a nice break between helping my sweet students in the success center. I am glad I read the other posts ~ now I know what “Twine” is! Very clever! Many of my mom friends from school watch Downton Abbey but I have not experienced it. I have an awesome mom bringing me season 1 this afternoon!! Can’t wait to get caught up and be in the know!
It’s kind of turning into a little club! Hi to your mom Jennifer!
Very cute post today (as always, really). I was almost afraid to click the ‘musica’ link. In the last post you had an Eartha Kitt tune that I had never even heard before but couldn’t stop humming it all day which can sometimes make one a little crazy! Anyway, what a thoughtful guy. . . half a cruller and chocolate coffee is just enough of a treat for someone who is cutting back after the holidays. You live a charmed life!
I’ve hummed this one all day, so I know what you mean!
Susan, that is just the cutest blog ever! Oh, I want to run right out the door and go to England, only I know it isn’t springtime there, yet, either!
I have to say, you so inspired me with your Ground Hog post that I sat myself down and did some stiff talking (and planning); and I’m back at my writing. It’s a long story I won’t go into it all now — but I began this incredible journey in 2005 — had written nearly a whole novel — got side-tracked big time in 2007 (husband injured in accident/he broke his neck/doing okay but still recovering) — but. . . I’m back at it! And he is the artist that made it possible for me to write what I’m writing. Oh, it’s far too long to tell you here. Maybe I’ll write a snail mail some time. But I am soooo excited, and sooooo thankful for your blog! And SOMEDAY I will get to England! That is a big part of what we are doing.
And. . .we have been watching Downton Abbey reruns for weeks and are beyond excited about Season 3 and Sunday nights! Yea!!!
Thank you so much for your wonderful, wonderful blog! It helps lift my spirits and gets me moving — every time! Blessings!!
Good for YOU Jane! xoxo My best to your husband!
Dear Susan: Thank you for your encouragement and good wishes!!
Love the lambs, Downton Abbey, and The Great Race! Life is good, if not a bit chilly (30’s ) here in Las Vegas. Thanks for a lovely post and everyone have a lovely weekend.
Jackie
Love it…Twine! Lol
When we were kids Susan my Dad brought a goat for the garden one day to keep the grass down…Unfortunatly it was a “Nanny” goat and was not friendly at all! It use to chase us everywhere!! lol. Whats a cruller by the way?
Also just wanted to say a fab new series started here on Sunday called Mr Selfridge it was fabulous! Just for the hats alone! Can’t wait until next Sunday, look out for it it may be coming to you soon….xxxx
Maybe cruller is a New England thing, but it’s a long donut, an old fashioned, which is like a plain donut with a crunchier crust. Goodie, something new coming, thank you Nina!
O Susan we have them here they are call Yum Yums! xx We also have SNOW this morning! So excited first snowfall this winter for us! xx
I bet it’s beautiful!
Yikes! I thought that was a cruller! Only the best doughnut ever! Glad to see Joe taking such good care of you in your “Groundhog state” 🙂 Can’t wait to see the new book! You go girl 😉
Kelly from eastern PA
Sweet lambs! These photos are wonderful, Susan. Oh, to have accompanied you to see that beautiful countryside. Cannot wait for the new book and to journey to England myself one day.
A grey and rainy day here in New Jersey, but I wanted to tell you the good news–two cardinals (a boy and a girl) showed up in my yard this morning! (I had written a few weeks ago that none had been seen in our area since the hurricane.) Thank you for passing the word on to your pretty red visitors that they’ve been missed here. Hopefully they’ll rediscover my feeder soon. xoxo
Makes me happy to hear that, maybe things will go back to normal!
oh…I remember having to stop while all the sheep crossed the little country roads! you’re right…they’re everywhere and I loved it!! they had their own time table, too; absolutely no hurry to get to the other side. hmmm…wonder if there’s a lesson there. 🙂
England is so incredibly beautiful, even on the rainy days!!
Susan, I noticed awhile back you were reading “The Distant Hours” by Kate Morton. I just finished it….was an awesome book. Did you enjoy it?
Loved it!!
Oh, I love the sheep!! they make me laugh with their big, puffy bodies and skinny little legs!
I am in awe of the England photos with the short, stone walls! I stare at them, imagine how long they have been there and picture Bathsheba and Shepherd Gabriel there on the green meadow. *sigh* You HAVE seen “Far From the Madding Crowd” with Paloma Baeza, haven’t you, Susan?
Oh, I immediately went to your webstore and purchased one of the darling lamb banks!! I can hardly wait to get it!!!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
You’re going to love it Mary!
Happy New Year, Sustan! It’s Jane from Seattle — I wrote to let you know that my husband and I were on our way to England and Scotland last fall. We spent time in London, York, golf at St. Andrews, and then to the Lake District for Beatrix Potter. Oh, how I hope you painted the delightful wooden ferry that took us across the lake from Windemere. Anyway, we rode the train through the country to the Coltswolds and I became OBSESSED with sheep! and finding some for my bookcase at home. My adult children recognized my disappointment at not finding any in England and went on ebay to find darling! Beswick ones — white with black faces — by the people who do Beatrix Potter figures. Oh, so darling, and I was given a mom and baby for my birthday! They had wreaths for Christmas and are now grazing on a shelf. Charming, those animals! My next stop is looking at your shopping site. I simply cannot wait for your book.
Hi Susan:
Just finished rereading the second All Creatures Great and Small, by James Herriot, the Yorkshire vet. Your pictures look just like his descriptions. I love sheep and lambs and have a collection stored away in a box somewhere. I too am sorry that your lamb fabric is not being printed. Why do “they” always have to be wanting something new? I hope Kellee and Judy will be at the Road to California quilt show anyway. We missed them last year.
Krista
Isn’t James Herriot heaven?
Read the whole series of books in my teens after years of watching the PBS series with my family [my dad was a PBS junkie]. It’s been 40 years but we still talk about Mrs Pumphrey, Tricki Woo, Tristan, Siegfried, James etc. :>)
We stopped by his vet office in York on the trip! He was a wonderful man!
So did we! I was THRILLED! The day we were there, he wasn’t in!!! xoxo
OMG! Did you meet him? Wow – what a treat that must have been. If my mom were still here, she’d have a jillion questions – she absolutely adored those books and the series! In fact I’m getting awfully nostalgic – I may have to see if there’s a DVD series for sale. :>)
He passed away in 1995 … so no. He was a shy man, and really wouldn’t have wanted me to find him anyway!
That had to be such a thrill !
It was! I could feel I was in the right neighborhood just from all of his descriptions!
I love the heart-shaped sea glass in Brenda’s photo. Although I’m a Brenda too, I don’t collect heart-shaped stones, but as a land-locked person 1,100 miles from the nearest ocean, I collect sea glass. Go figure!
I’m so happy for the new season of Downton.
Susan, Thank you for the sweet lambs. I am taking down the Christmas tree, the last thing to go, yes, I have procrastinated much too long. It is so messy, and long-you have to find the correct box, and new things are given and nothing ever fits the same, and then new containers have to purchased, then where will they go in storage. Oh me. So the sweet lambs are calming roaming the green fields and delight in knowing your tour guide for the girlfriends will be ready for pre-order soon. Thank you, Thank you.
Bunny hugs to all. Shirley
I love sheep. A few years ago, a ewe came across the creek and was hanging out on our land and finally had a lamb. I watch them for a couple of weeks and always looked for them when I drove in and out. After not seeing them for four days I went looking and found the mother dead. I looked around and didn’t have to look far when I found the lamb. It took me a while to catch her, but to make a long story short, I named her Parsley, she followed me everywhere and got very upset when I would go in the house. She played with our dogs. I really wanted to keep her, but Jim said no. A family I know that home school their children, took Parsley for a project, weaned her and then gave her to a rancher for “a lead sheep”. Lead sheep are the ones that will come to people and lead the other sheep wherever the people need them to go. So hopefully Parsley had a good life, but I REALLY wish I could have kept her. For a long time after that, any time I found anything with sheep on it I bought it, to the point my girlfriend commented it would have been cheaper for Jim if he had just let me keep Parsley:)
So I will have to take a look at the sheep you have on the web store. I bet it will remind me of Parsley! And I will have to have it!
And while I’m reading your story, I’m wishing you could give her to me!
If only we had been friends then! I would have brought her to you. We love road trips:)
What a great story, Chris… :>)
What is it about sheep in England that is so charming and endearing? Maybe the combination of green pastures, stone fences, and fluffy sheep! Can’t wait to see your sheep drawings in our book!
hi susan….your post today was spring-like and i loved it…we are unseasonable here in st. louis…60* today…on January 11!!!! the two just fit..we are usually bundled to our eyeballs in coats hats and scarves at this time of year…everyone is bouncing around pretty happy right now…i know it won’t hold, but it’s fun to enjoy…. I have a darling old wooden sheep that I keep on my oak sideboard in the kitchen…it usually dons something representative of the season we are in… cute red scarf for Christmas…little straw hat for Easter..etc. and no matter what other of my knick-knacks are around, people just love my sheep and seek her out when they visit…something endearing about that girl!!!! soooooo..i loved all of your photos of the English countryside..so charming…and I can invision Downton Abbey….happy week-end susan and joe!!! ps..Twine??? gotta love that one… : )
Hi Cindy — I am just across the river from you in Highland, IL! So nice to know another FOSB is close by!! It was a beautiful couple of days on the weekend, but I also love the crisp cold air! Take care! and can’t wait for another Downton Abbey this week!!! Oh, and the start of BLUES hockey!!! I know.. they don’t really go together, but they do in my house!!! 🙂
Susan, Just a few weeks ago I thought I saw, in one of my online quilt fabric sources, that a new fabric line of yours was soon coming, it was a camping theme and oh so cute! Was that not right?
I thought that collection had been canceled by Cranston, will have to check! Thanks Theresa!
hi again…. just remembered….that means I must have attended three Tookie Swaps this past Christmas!!! You’re the best!!! xo
Tookie?
wait!!!!!! i guess it would be Wookie Swap!!! haha… good thing i am not a writer!!! : )
What is a “Wookie Swap”? Am I the only one that doesn’t know??? 🙂
I’m guessing it’s Cookie, because really, no one would swap their Wookies!
I visited my sister in Scotland in May several years ago. The countryside was a lush green, with stone fences criss-crossing everywhere, more daffodills than I have the language skills to describe and sheep, sheep, sheep, wandering absolutely everywhere. Soft, almost-downy lambs, and their mamas keeping watch. Add in a few Highland cattle youngsters, a newborn
minature horse one day that we just happened to come upon on our way to either a whiskey distillery (the BEST thing about visiting Scotland!) or a wonderful castle ruin -it was truly heavenly. Your England photos brought back many happy memories of a wonderful visit in a wonderful country with a wonderful sister.
Well – it is FREEZING in Paso Robles – 18 overnight!!! My comforter feels oh so wonderful. The sun is shining during the day and that makes up for the cold. I remember the lambs and the green grass of England – it gave me such a sense of peace and fun to see those little (?) guys. I know you are working so hard on the book – I can’t even imagine what it must be like – but then you are so talented and it gives you a chance to remember all of the fun times there. I just LOVED the castle at the side of the road – how absolutely perfect! Keep up the good work and stay warm. And that Joe – reminds me of the things my Fred use to do for me. . . those kind of men are treasures, indeed! XXXXOOOO
Treasures Pat. How’re you doing?
So happy I took a break from stripping wallpaper to find all those cute lambs grazing about. Makes me want to go back to England also. Forever Fiancé Ted wants to go back to the UK to tie the knot at the place of his birth,Scotland. The last time we went it was a hurry hurry gotta see this and that kind of trip. Well not next time! I want the kind of “enjoy the moment “kind of trip you took so I’m not going anywhere until your book comes out as a guide. Well, back to my project. I’m removing the wallpaper in the upstairs hallway..the entire length of the house and then the living room and dining room which is a dark cranberry. I’m going all white and light grey. Love white Shabby French looking rooms but its a big change. Hope I’m not sorry as everything goes perfectly together right now. Excited for a change though. Thanks for taking a break to share with us. Have a good week end everyone.
Cindy, do it! A wedding in Scotland – so romantic! Think “Four Weddings and a Funeral” – the Scottish wedding [Andie McDowell] was breathtaking [I thought]. :>)
I just want to reach out & pet those lambs, & maybe have a bite of your cruller! Beautiful countryside & love those wildflowers growing on the castle! Twine time sounds terrific! Have a lovely weekend all, & you keep gowin’ girl on “our” A Fine Romance! xo
Just want you to know how much joy you bring in my life. I don’t take your blog for granted and appreciate every bit of. Love,joy,peace, and blessings for the new year.
Thank you, I so love doing it, and you are part of the reason why. xo
So peaceful….the English countryside and those sweet faced sheep, adorable!
Gives me a sense of calm.
The heart rocks….well, they capture my imagination too…..because they are beautiful, special, unique and because every one holds…..the tale of a walk to the beach, the thrill of the find, and the excitement that another rock with heart will be added to the house of creativity.
Counting my blessings out loud!
Happy weekend Susan and girlfriends!
oh my gosh your sheep are so cute , the fabric is beautiful!! I can see this fabric in nursery, maybe a bunting bag, or maybe in a quilt or an apron, for ME!!!!Congratulations on the healthy run of eating, that half a cruller is well worthy of a minor slip!! Oh and chocolate coffee, oh my!We are busy busy here, making lentil soup and potato bread, its supper time here. the weather has taken a mild turn and its actually raining! Unheard of in Northern Ontario but yup its raining!Have a wonderful weekend!Looking forward to your new book!
Rain and fog in Minnesota the last 2 days–really odd for January and makes for slippery roads at night! Temps dropping as a cold front from Canada is dropping down tomorrow. Where is winter?
Thank you. I know you are busy with the book but those pictures were a nice break from work on a Friday afternoon. Your Mom and I went to the same dance school. My partner was the door for the broom-mop-ironing board cupboard. Every afternoon with American Bandstand. My Mom use to say I’d have to take that door with me to school dances. As it turned out I went to an all-girls high school and dances were few and I went to one, I think. But that door was a faithful partner. Thanks for the memory. Have a wonderful “twine” and weekend!
Yes, I had a good relationship with the fridge door handle too. Always held his arm at the perfect tension!
We have begun to make arrangements for a Girl Scout trip to England, France and Switzerland. We will visit two World Centers. Your book will help us dream about what we will see when travel while we wait for trip time.
It’s a frosty day here in the Pacific N.W. and these sweet lambs are the harbingers of spring! I also collect heart-shaped stones from the beach (and sea glass too, and TONS of shells). I have one or two that seem perfectly shaped, and for the rest, my husband says you REALLY have to have an imagination to think they look like hearts, but to me they do! Have you ever seen the book, “A Guide to England Through a Cat’s Eyes” by Pat Albeck? Picked it up a a used bookshop because (1) it’s about cats and (2) it’s about England! It reminds me of the book you’re doing for us! Didn’t know when I bought it that she’s Matthew Rice’s (Emma Bridgewater’s husband’s) mother. Her drawings are similar to his style a bit. Interesting life history on pat-albeck.co.uk. Happy weekend, dear Susan! YAY for the return of Downton on Sunday nights!!
So Susan, please tell us what a cruller is??? What have I been doing this week? Well on Sun. p.m. [actually Mon. 2 a.m.] had my first kidney stone! Had husband drive me to ER cause I just couldn’t figure out that PAIN! CT scan showed only one kidney stone. They sent me home with some pain med…but I didn’t need it all day thankfully! Went to school Mon. to teach, and think moving around helped that thing move too! Came home, passed the stone, ate only l piece of banana bread, as wasn’t hungry with those cramps, took l pain pill, and went to bed at 7 p.m! Woke to shower next morning and fainted on bathroom floor! Thankfully hubby wasn’t in shower yet and heard me in his bathroom downstairs! I hit the laundry hamper first which helped break my fall! [Angels watching over me again] He took day off to drive me to my follow up appt. for kidney stone, and dr. said i had a concussion! Whoops, couldn’t go to school Tues. or Wed. Had to ice my eye and rest. One little student today said about my big purple eye…”I really don’t like your eye like that.” Then another chimed in, “Yea. It looks freaky!” Well…I told them it was an accident and I fell. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it! [Maybe i could have said it was paint and i was just being a good Vikings fan! just kidding!]
Anyway, I too am addicted to Downton Abbey! It is my favorite show on TV now!
I really enjoy their costumes, hair dos, the music, and their accents. Which are your favorite characters Susan? I like Cora and Mary, oh and Grand MaMa is a hoot! Wondering if it’s also a book to be read? Does any one know???????
Thanks! xoxox
Kids! LOL, how they say it! I hope you’re feeling better!
Thank you Susan….I am…just a bit tired yet…but what is a cruller? Like a donut?
Yes, it’s long instead of round, the flavor is like a plain donut only with a crunchier crust.
MMMMMMM….thanks! Happy Sunday!
Hi Susan! Love seeing all the sweet little lambs of England. I made an “awwww” with each picture. I just spent the afternoon getting my hair coiffed (viola!) and a fun lunch out with my sister Nancy. Now I am home and looking forward to having a crafting weekend of inspiration. Hmmm….I am so thrilled to be back with Downton Abbey once more. Heavenly! Have a lovely weekend!
Susie
What a thrill to open up and see your new posting — those little lambikins are darling — Lucy will be so excited to see all the pix! She is such a lamb/sheep fan. I am enthralled with the heart rocks you find. I remember digging potatoes with my neighbor a couple years ago and we dug a heart potato — I wanted to keep it forever! Thanks for taking the time to share all the pix — kind of a sneak preview to some pages of your book, I imagine. But it probably made you yearn for days of summer past. Hugs, Ethel
PS Your eating habits inspire me — and half a cruller now again can’t be that baaaaaad.
It’s been snowing for hours here, hubby braved it to go out and get us Famous Dave’s for lunch…yum. Saving the bread pudding he got for dessert later, and making tomato soup from our garden tomatoes that I froze. I got my new Yamaha keyboard out of the box (Christmas gift) and I’m pretending that I remember how to play the piano. I always loved the lambs and sheep in Britain, thank you for the wonderful post and I CAN’T WAIT until the new book is finished! Elizabeth P.S. no news on my dog’s biopsy yet but she’s acting a lot better. Also, Janet in Rochester, if you see this, I think we knew the same Mrs. Leckinger and I’d love to “talk” with you about her.
Hello Elizabeth! I’m here [as usual] and would love to talk with you too. The lovely lady who was my first-grade master teacher during student teaching in November 1977 was June Leckinger – at School 39 in Rochester. PS – thank you Sue, for letting us “talk across the table” here! :>)
I love it!
Hi Susan! Lover revisiting England with you. Ah, Downton Abbey; it’s almost Sunday. A friend gave me “Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey” by The Countess of Carnarvon for Christmas. Downton Abbey is really Highclere Castle and it has a fascinating history (but not as intriguing as the fiction on t.v.) Kepp up the good work on the book. Cannot wait for its release. “Happy writing,” she wrote sheepishly.
*loved revisiting! WHY do they put all these letters so close together? Why do I not hire an editor?
🙂
Such beautiful landscape and the lambs, oh the lambs….precious! I wonder if I could talk Mr. B into getting me one for our yard? I know our 3 girls would be so very Motherly, especially if it were a boy…they really want a baby brother.:) Ok, I think I will just get a couple cuties for my mantle! Ha!
Oh, I just have to share something, it’s not about lambs. I was out shopping today and as I was digging through piles of stationary, journals, etc….Big SMILE….A Susan Branch “In Love with Nature” Photo Album with a little Brown Bird and the names of trees and Gladys Taber and Eleanor Farjean (By the way, who is Eleanor?) Anyways, made my Day!! Put it with my book collection!
Love and Light Girlfriends!
Eleanor is an English children’s book writer from first half of 20th century. xoxo
Hello Susan and girlfriends. Happy Friday to ya’ll. What a wonderful idea “Twine”. Love it. I just received my new teacup from your store Susan…the “Bird Toile”..the one with the lid. Absolutely adore this cup and I am having so much fun experimenting with different “loose” teas. (In fact, I am sipping tea as I read your blog.) However, I do love my wine though, so my next party is definitely going to be a “twine” party. Cheers to all! Have a beautiful weekend.
I had a wonderful walk just yesterday searching out color in a gloomy, grey day. It did delight me.
That third photo, of the sheep looking like it was up to something, reminded me of the same expression I’ve seen on schnauzers faces around here when they are up to no good! 🙂
I used to see it on the faces of my little brothers!
Susan, I FEEL like it’s Spring! The lambies were perfect to see! It got into the mid 50’s today and I only worked til 3:00 – came home to SUN and melting snow and I was looking for robins and listening for cardinals….my daughter and I took the grandbaby for a stroller ride in the park and it was just glorious amidst the melting snow!! Now anyone who is not a Northern gal won’t “get it”….but cabin fever and spring fever have only one cure – being outside in the sun. “you know you’re from Michigan when…… you see kids in shorts and there’s still snow everywhere” (but MOM, it’s Summer!) We all got a bit crazy today…snow in the forecast for tomorrow, but today we PLAYED!
Every once in a while one of those miracle days show up and they are like little jewels!
I had never heard of a Cruller before today…..but now I am beginning to drool since it seems that almost everyone I know are all eating nothing but greens these days! One gal I know is even doing one of those juice fasts….lots of green smoothies or something. I much prefer something more lady-like…such as a nice, warm, big , fat Cruller! lol. I LOVE the little lambs….and I cannot wait for our England book! You really took some lovely pictures…they are so clear and it makes me feel like I could be right there in the picture. I also love the sea-glass…..so pretty! Have fun with your Twine! Is Joe allowed to be there for this? I dont know if my husband would enjoy all women and Twine, but some men seem to fit right in and love it! 🙂
Susan, I was wondering why some of the sheep are spray-painted (?) blue and some are pink? Is it like a brand of some sort? Your pictures are lovely!
It seemed to have to do with identification and record keeping…. who was born when and to whom.
Ok, now I know that I just HAD to be the last person on the planet that had no idea about Downton Abbey. However, that has all changed. My beloved and I were in Greenville SC for Christmas with my daughter and family, and while there we took an hour ride through beautiful countryside to Biltmore. I had seen it before but never at Christmas. My daughter, her husband and two daughters had never seen it, so off we went. It was everything we had hoped for and more. Anyway, on the way back home, Christin (daughter), announced that when we got back to her house we would watch Downton Abbey – first season, first episode. WHAT the WHAT, I asked. I had no idea what she was talking about. Wellll, I was hooked after only one episode. When I got home back to Virginia I downloaded the first two season and began watching on New Years day. Beloved and I were all caught up by the time the 3rd season started last Sunday. I absolutely love the series and wonder how in the world I missed it for the last two years. And then, as if to emphasis its popularity, that’s all I’ve heard from friends and family (on FB, of course) since last week. EVERYONE was waiting, very impatiently, for Sunday night….even the preacher at my church mentioned it. Why didn’t they tell me two years ago. No matter – all is well. I’m a fan and I say FREE MR. BANKS!! I can only imagine how many of the “girlfriends” are sitting down, cozy in their chairs this Sunday evening, all doing the same thing! The anticipation is almost as intense as what we all feel while waiting for your book!! Love you Susan B!!!
Oh I love lil lambs and sheep too! I have a shetland sheepdog Laci. She doesn’t have any sheep to herd but she sure loves the squirrels in our back yard ! I collect little sheep figurines love them! Come to think of it Laci has been stealing my little black sheep off the bay window and running around the house with it!!!!
You my kindred spirit are just as darling as those lambs ! I started a heart collection a while ago and have only one, I have found ones in stores that they sell but they do not count. You are such an inspiration and you make my heart sing and dance for joy. I wish your Mom would get a computer, she is missing so much of her wonderful daughter! My Dad actually bought my Mom one but she does not use it. She says she has to get used to it first, I wonder if having it just sit in your kitchen counts. Maybe someday she will surprise me and send me an email.Oh they don’t know what they are missing!!!!!
I just love getting a new blog from you on my new Mac, it is so beautiful. Thank-you so much for the music it definitely will go onto my itune list. Have a beautiful weekend, I’ll be down on the cape visiting my folks before they take off to Florida for the rest of the winter, oh what they miss. I’ll be sending you waves across the sound from Harwichport. Yeah Downton Abbey Sunday night!!!!! OOXX
Hi Susan! I love lambs too. I especially would love to experience those rolling fields and those darling lambs. My youngest daughter, Elizabeth, had a stuffed lamb with a music box inside that we played until it broke! It was named MeeMee because she couldn’t say Lambie. Anyway, she got that for her first Christmas and I believe still has it. She’s 24 :). Over the years we collected ALOT of lambs needless to say lol. I never really thought to much about England (besides being in love with Princess Di). After seeing your wonderful trip, I would love to experience it the way you and Joe did. It is just so enchanting. I’m going to be packing this weekend as we are getting ready to start moving…little by little…so it will be a while before we are totally moved. Have a great weekend! Love you Girlfriend!!
What sweet English lambs! We are ranchers who raise cattle and sheep and we just love our sheepies. We will shear them by the end of the month and start getting baby lambs by mid-Feb. I just love this time and can’t wait to take care of the new lambs and their mothers. Your photos are lovely. I always wonder what breeds they have over in England. Do you know?
That cruller looks so yum. Nothing better than coffee and a goodie in the afternoon!
So many breeds! They sell little books over there with photos of all the breeds.
And all of that wonderful wool to spin into yarn to knit with! 🙂
The last 3 times I visited England I too fell in love with all the sheep. Saw lots of them while hiking in the Malvern Hills. So looking forward to your book.Stay warm and toasty.