BRRRR, we have snow, we have ZERO degrees. Thats 32° below freezing. Baby it’s cold outside. MUSICA for a snowy day.
Even the snowflakes are dancing. I think I know why God gave us the gift of winter, it’s a healing time for Martha’s Vineyard after the busy summer, but in a way, for us too. It gives us a good reason to stop the go-go-go, and just be. Lots of people don’t like snow and move to Florida to escape it. But after growing up in Southern California, and now experiencing real winter, I would miss these quiet, introspective days.
The whole world is muffled in this blanket of white. Our old house is “anchored,” as Gladys Taber would say, “like a ship in a still white sea.” No cars go by, no noise gets through, only the popping of embers of a fire, and the bloop-bloop-bloop of the chicken stock that’s simmering on top of my stove and making the house smell cozy. It’s a world all its own.
Time seems to stand still, just us, the birds, the squirrels, warm sweaters, shawls, socks, furnace-vent-warmed slippers.
Every so often, I peek out the window. Yup, it’s all still there! Not a daffodil in sight. Thank goodness, I am not ready to give up on all this quite yet.
When I got up this morning and looked outside … and there was our Wolf moon — It’ll be full on Saturday night.
Inside the house, it’s cozy, with quilts draped over everything making us feel warm and happy!
Joe has been making fires every morning . . . I can see the fireplace from my art table, so I look up, Jack is draped on the back of the couch, there’s a fire beyond … girl is on the pillow in my studio. And I spread watery green paint onto a new piece of paper. . . clock goes tick-tick-tick, and I go, thank you.
We turn on the radio to the classical station, and I count my blessings. How lucky we are to have this warm house safe from the storms.
Yesterday we had pancakes on the sofa front of the fire. Could a person ask anything more from a little egg, milk, and flour? And Vermont Maple-tree juice? No, I think not. We have it all just like Bogie and Bacall.
This is one of my favorite photos of Joe. I see happiness in his eyes. If I EVER catch him lying down when the laundry comes out, he gets “the treatment.” Full body warmth from dryer.
But it’s not always quiet around here . . . We get visitors …. Lowely (my BFF and girlfriend who lives only one door over) came for tea the other day and provided lots of entertainment . . .
She came in the door and drama ensued almost immediately. Her scarf is caught in her zipper. She can’t get out. What do I do? Grab the camera of course! See the zipper being pulled up at the bottom? Her scarf is firmly in there.
So, a little bit of strangulation is taking place. Am I helping? Yes, I’m recording it for posterity! And laughing too hard, which is why these photos are not in focus!
Oh, the humanity.
She’s given up on trying to loosen the zipper grip on the fabric, now she is just trying to get the scarf off, but it is hopeless . . . she is trapped.
We are laughing so hard! There is no rhyme nor reason to that scarf! This is when I came to my senses and put the camera down and HELP her. She got out, probably without my involvement . . . but we are crying laughing. Then we had tea and a nice visit at the kitchen table. And I forgot to take a photo of the normal Lowely, so you can see how pretty she really is.
But here she is with Joe — we’re at her house, for one of her wonderful parties! See those yummy Clams Casino in the foreground. I would like one of those right now! (Thank you Lowely, for letting me use these photos and for the constant wonderful entertaining YOU! ♥)
There are so many good ways to celebrate this magical time of year before it gets away from us and becomes part of the past. Above is a little picture I painted of me in my chair, with William T. Aristocat III, my book, my blankie, my sippies, and of course, my singing bird (doesn’t everyone have one of those on the back of their chair?) This is what I call the good life. Speaking of which, if you haven’t already seen it, there is a really charming movie called Cranford — they have both part one and two, available in a set on Amazon, you will love it if you haven’t seen it; it will get you in the mood for England. Because we went to that darling village where it was filmed and there will be photos in our new book! Have the movie with a cup of tea, some cinnamon toast, warm slippers . . . the perfect thing for a winter day.♥
Sun is coming up right now, gorgeous blue-sky day and freezing sunlight putting a silvery outline on the tree branches loaded with snow . . . this is what I love, my kitchen, early in the morning, and the bloop-bloop-bloop of the chicken stock . . . Off I go, more pages for our book will be coming out of my little art factory today. There is a pinpoint of light at the end of the Fine Romance tunnel, girlfriends. Remember to
Do one little special thing for yourself today — such as this, bubbles, hot water, book! You can start having a special day right now, with a great big deep breath. Aren’t we lucky? Oh! And by the way, I want to make sure . . . did you get your Valentine bookmark? That’s for your book, with love from me, and for you to pop into an envelope to give your girlfriends . . . spreading a little sunshine as only you know how! Bye for now! Thank you for all your wonderful comments. We are the mutual admiration society! Happy weekend! XOXO
Hi Susan, glad you are enjoying this snowy day! I am inside looking out, too, but earlier I was out in it and the roads were slow going and nasty. I think the snow got here earlier than the weather man expected, but hey, it’s Friday so don’t have to go out tomorrow. I love the Cranford series too, have watched both parts a couple of times. I loved the episode with the cow in the long underwear! It must have been wonderful being in the town where they filmed it. Daughter and I have been watching Downton Abbey Sunday nights,too, it’s one of the few shows I look forward to.
Hope everyone stays safe and warm and can enjoy the snowy weather while we have it, spring will be here in a couple months!
This was a cozy post today. I grew up in Big Bear Lake CA and often got snowed in for a day and loved it, especially when it got me out of School that day. lol We don’t get much snow where we live now. But still January can be a long month for some reason, very dreary, rainy and cold. We forget to pamper ourselves when it gets like this… so this was a lovely reminder to do something for me today. Thanks.. I also saw the comment about your Sister having 3 Doxies. I am not aware of you mentioning your siblings much as adults. I wonder, do they have any of the talent you possess. It seems like talent will run in families and your parents were such great teachers. I will picture you in your nice warm cozy nest working on the last of your book when its in my hands and I am reading it. 🙂
Susan I LOVE winter !It is so true we are so blessed to live in this world ! And thats are job to tell everyone how blessed we are !Thank you for the wonderful ideas ill defenatly use them!Today is going to be a great day i can feel it! Faith
Dear Susan….this new blog was just what I needed to cheer me up and make my day perfect. It is January and I had that blah feeling this morning! To see pictures of your gorgeous snow and hear about how peaceful and sweet your life is going is just the tonic I needed…and I had to laugh out loud about your girlfriend and her scarf! The pics were blurry, but her facial expressions were just priceless! lol. Joe is too adorable with laundry covering him and I could just imagine you dumping the basket all over him! How funny! I cant wait for our England book!!!! I get so excited thinking about it, and I have been watching Midsomer Murders…w/detective Barnaby. Have a wonderful day and weekend and thank you for all you share!!! 🙂
Thank you for the laugh today :)) Lowely looks like she would be a delightful friend to have! We don’t have the beautiful snow, but we do have a layer of sleet and ice on everything so we are hunkered in our home today too. Thank you for the pretty new bookmark, love it!
Agreed-I think it would be beyond boring to live some place where each day is basically the same. Give me four distinct seasons any day. A snowy, cold January is a good excuse to stay tucked in and be so very content.
Love the post!!! It just began flurries here 🙂 And it’s cold for Virginia, but not that cold! Just came back to work from lunch hour at Michael’s where I indulged in a few more Valentine’s Day decorations 🙂
Stay warm and have a great weekend!
Love your pictures of a winter wonderland.
I am a very seasonal person and I love your website
Well, Susan, you will be happy for me, I know. We are getting rain here in SoCal and it is a perfect day for cozy indoor activities. I can’t pass up the opportunity to mention that my doxie, Scooter and Emma the Calico Cat are my rainy day buddies. Such a cozy feeling! Thank you for sharing your wintertime musings!
Oh Susan! You make me so homesick for winter! But in a good way! It is dry as a bone here this year, and winter just has to have snow! I did the oppositie of you. I grew up in New England, just up the coast north of Boston, and then I ran away to California! Silly girl! Then I met this crazy artist (actually he is the most sensible, dorganized, productiv and “un-crazy” artist I ahve ever known. And after we were married I discovered he wanted to come home to Arkansas and paint, so there we are! It has been good in many ways, but now we both want a “new chapter”, and my heart says “go home” You’ve convinced me my dream is to go to Martha’s Vineyard and write!! It’s a big drea — a huge dream! Will it happen? I don’t know, but we’ve seen a lot of dreams come true in the journey we’ve had, so maybe that new chapter will happen. In the meantime, I’m writing, writing, writing! And it feels good. And Gene is painting once again, too. mail.google.com/mail/ca/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/13c71c5f5b7c5ef3
Susan: I didn’t lose my mind at the end of my comment! The screen went out on me and I didn’t actually post my comment! It posted itself!!! Anyway, what I meant to say was. . .I also received this blog from England today, with some great winter book suggestions! They are talking about snow, too! Maybe you’ve seen this, but thought you might enjoy it. google.com/mail/ca/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/13c71c5f5b7c5ef3
Thank you again soooo much for all the great snow photos, and those wonderful old New England houses! My grandmother’s house looked like that!! Blessings!!
Where to start!!! :-).. THANK YOU Susan for the pretty bookmark! I LOVE having pretty bookmarks!!! Also, I am right with ya on the snowy,,,or sometimes not so snowy winter days. I LOVE winter! A chance to slow down, reflect, and have a little time to oneself…. Your pictures are beautiful!! We are in frigid temps but our snow has disappeared but that is ok.. we have sparkling sunshine today to enjoy.. A brisk day with sunshine is just about PERFECT!… how wonderful to have friends to laugh with and at sometimes!! as we laugh at ourselves… LOVE your quilts. I have several quilts that my grandmother made for me… treasure them and they are oh so soft and cozy!! I am planning on fires in the fireplace weekend with some soup tonight, maybe a chicken casserole tomorrow and homemade spagetti with meat sauce on Sunday when two out of my three boys come for free food day!! LOL… HAPPY WEEKEND to you Susan and all the GIRLFRIENDS out there!!!
It’s cold, snowy, windy and icy here as well; at 4 p.m., I’m already in my nightgown, slippers and robe. It’s going to be an early evening, the only thing to make it perfect would be your trip to England book -smile-.
Hi Susan: It hasn’t snowed here in cent’l Jersey just yet but it’s been a gray day all day so that may mean snow. I’ve been watching the progress of the Wolf Moon for the past few evenings. There’s something magical going on when there is moon glow all over the yard. I don’t mind waking up in the middle of the night, which I do all the time, because the first thing I do is peek out the curtains and check to see that the stars are still there. Nature at it’s best! Thank you for the lovely Valentine bookmark. I’m going to put a yarn tassle on it and use it with the next library book I read (The Paris Wife). Hugs to you and yours from me and mine……;-)
Loved The Paris Wife! Especially intriguing after touring Hemingway’s home in Key West, Florida…
Baby it IS cold outside and I am loving it. The snow is sooo pretty! I love how Jack looks like a little boy mesmerized by the fire in the fireplace.
As soon as I hit send I could here the children next-door crying out with glee!
okay… so… it is snowing here finally in southern NJ
I have had a leetle airline bottle of Frangelico, and I guess that was all I needed to get silly. For those of us here in the Sherman house it is cats on the handmade-by-my grandmom-sherman-braided-rug by the (gas) fire, banana bread from ‘scratch’ with chocolate chips tomorrow a.m., and storebought-but-tastey ham and cheese pie at the computer right now.
Susan – when the travel book is published, please let all of your fans know where and when you will have a book signing?
Marcia in Sewell
Sounds delicious!!! I agree with Marcia on the book signing. I hope you can go on a whirlwind tour across the states.
We’re going to try!
Hi Susan, your suggestions of quiet, cozy times are helping me prepare for my upcoming surgery i am having on wednesday. i will be out of work for 2 weeks, so i will have plenty of time to read books, watch movies, drink tea. All in all, thank you for all of the encouragement you give us helping us to take care of ourselves!
Lisa..I certainly hope your surgery went well …I hope you aren’t in alot of pain and can enjoy some cozy “pajama days”…resting and quickly healing !
Dear Susan, Thank you so much for the gift of the Valentine bookmark. I will print out several for my friends and Mom. I especially loved the picture of Joe covered in laundry…I spent more than a few minutes wondering “How did a picture of Kenny (my 26 yr old son) get into this post???”, then I realized it wasn’t him, but Joe! Their resemblance in the eyes, eyebrows and nose region is astonishing! I couldn’t get over it. I am watching my wild (pet) deer girls come in for food deep in the back yard; they come in with their “babies”, now fairly large, and nibble away on their pellets and seeds. The birds are done for the day, once the sun goes down, they hunker down, too. We have been enjoying a pair of Red Bellied Woodpeckers (new to our feeders) with their gorgeous orange red crowns and napes. We get regular visits from the tiny Downy, the noisy Hairy and the huge Pileated Woodpeckers on the suet feeders. Great winter fun. We have had the below zero temps here! Brrrr.
I love watching the woodpeckers. You must be out in a woody, rural area to get the pileateds. We get the others you’ve listed, in W. Nashville, but the pileateds don’t seem to come into populated areas like ours.
The island is very woodsy and rural … even the “cities” which are really little 3 block villages.
Wonderful blog! Thank You!
I think Lowely’s dishes are mine! Spodes Tower?
If so….how successful is she at finding any additions?
I so enjoy going to your blog….even tho we spend winters in Florida, my family and my husband’s family are up north….and I love the snowy pictures!!! I miss the snow, but not the work of it! I am anxiously awaiting the new book. Thank you for keeping us girl friends entertained and informed! XOXO
Both Lowely and I have those dishes. I know I have enough of everything … I gave her half my egg cups so I think she’s good too! Thank you Bonnie . . . if I ever run into any Spode I’ll be sure to put it in the Vintage part of the web store, although I have to say, I don’t see it very often — do you?
How kind of you! I will check the Vintage Store more often! I have never seen any and I look every time I am in a consignment or antique store. I have filled in with Johnson Bros. English Chippendale-Red. Thank you 🙂 Warm hugs from Florida!
I think that cold winter days are somehow cleansing and good for us. No snow here in central IL, but it has been cold and that feels right. I lived most of my life in NY state and believe it or not, I do miss all that snow! Thank you for your lovely post and the bookmark. Stay warm & cozy!
Dear Susan, I hope you can leave that wonderful house of yours to go to the Nantucket Historical Society’s celebration of everything “Moby Dick” this weekend. I read a note on Nathaniel Philbrick’s facebook page that he will be reading Chapters 8 and 9 tomorrow (I think) between 12:30 and 1:30 pm. I have been glued to the “Moby Dick Big Read” that has been going on in England since Fall. I haven’t been to Nantucket for almost 45 years but because of your blogging and Moby Dick I just might have to revisit! Thanks for your wonderfullness.
Nantucket is wonderful, kind of, but of course, when you compare it to Martha’s Vineyard, well there is no real contest! Kidding, of course, but I’m here on MV…and at this time of year, that’s SO far from Nantucket.
So bad of me thinking you lived on Nantucket! Well, its been 45 years since I visited MV also so I’d better get back there. I remember renting bicycles and tearing around having a great time.
It’s almost Nantucket! 🙂
Hi Susan!
I’m also sitting inside my old house, looking out at the snow swirling around, feeling thankful I’m toasty and warm in here as the wind howls and the temperature is in the single digits out there! BBRRR! Oh, but I love it, too! Now, I’m going to brew a cup of tea and settle on the sofa with my kitty, Clara. I tell her it’s a “three blanket night” tonight, so we will cuddle and keep each other warm while reading a good historical romance. Clara helps me to read by moving my bookmark for me. She seems to think the tassel is her toy. I agree with you about “Cranford”…it’s wonderful! Right now, I’m enjoying Downton Abbey every Sunday night. I find that I watch PBS more than any other channel. I love those British shows! Have a great evening and stay warm!
Pamela Jo
~xoxo~
Hi Susan, well here I am in the frozen tundra of Minnesota looking at bare brown grass. I envy your beautiful snow and keep hoping we will have a snowstorm one of these days. When it snows I want to make soup and bake cookies, so hurry up and snow. Love this blog it’s always a bright spot in my day when there is a new one!
Hi Gloria — we are in the midst of transitional weather now in South Bend — expect freezing rain tonite, high of 60 on Tuesday, and high of 14 on Friday. So goofy! This is following a no school day this past Tuesday due to snow and COLD!!! Good time for our buddy to be in Cancun, huh? Isn’t this bond of FOSB just wonderful? I read the blogs and laugh and cry, my heart goes pitter patter, I often get goose bumps — but always feel loved and watched over! Take care, everyone! Cathy McC.
Cathy, our friends made it home just in time for freezing rain, sleet and downright miserable weather. That will show her for leaving us all behind : ) The good thing about being retired is we can be like Susan B and stay home and watch out the window. I did get my soup made, snow or no snow.
It looks like you’re having a lovely “snow day”. It is so nice to be able to hunker down in the winter and just enjoy a warm, wonderful home. I’m so excited, today I bought myself a new sewing machine. Yay me!! : ) Can’t wait to start stitching pillows, etc. again AND I picked up a paint brush this afternoon and have started working on a little canvas with a heart on it. I guess I’m in the mood. haha. Thanks for all of your inspiration. Thank you, also, for the very cute Valentine bookmark. Have a wonderful weekend!
Joe under the laundry and your friend stuck in her coat/scarf are too funny and cute……love the wintry pictures….I too love the slower pace of January and February..we don’t get much snow here in the south but when we do the world seems to stop bc we are not prepared for the roads to be snowy/icy. We lived for five years in SD and I will take our occasional snow anyday over the blizzards I shoved out of there but love the beautiful, quiet days and nights when a snowfall comes.
Love your ode to winter. I’m going to have a big bowl of steaming sausage and bean soup and do some paperwork while watching “Nanny McPhee Returns” in front of a warm fire. Thanks for putting me in the mood! Blessings!
Oh my goodness! My daughters (my 3 beauties) and i watched that last night-one of our favorites! Just love the farmhouse, the blonde “city boy” cousin is just hilarious and i always cry with happiness at the end when Nanny, beautiful outside because of the childrens’ kind behavior, gently smiles (the background music sets the mood so perfectly) and lets Mr. Edelweiss ride on her shoulder. Watch this one, girlfriends!
i so love the snowy and cold days of January….a time to sit by a warm fire, enjoy a cup of something soothing and reflect on our blessings………….bliss
If I didn’t get so excited and rush to look at all the pictures first….I would have known that the toasted buttered brown bread was not a hamburger…..I would have known that the cruller was not fish…..and I would have known that Lowely was indeed wearing and stuck in a scarf…not being attacked by Jack!!! … thought he was just excited to see her!!! That first picture…..thought I was seeing a ball of fast moving Jack around her neck! What a wonderful warm day you had in the middle of winter…. xoxox
Wonderful post as always – made my day! It’s 9 degrees here so we’re a bit warmer than you. I went out and picked up wood to stock up for the many fires I’ll be cozying up to this weekend! Fires are such a treat!
– I’m nervous you are leaving MV at some point … you said you aren’t willing to ‘give this up quite yet’ – I can’t imagine you ever leaving this cozy paradise!
– My dream (no pressure on you, but thought I’d share!) is for you to finish the “seasons” books and do a “Winter” and “Spring” to go with my “Autumn” and “Summer” books. I think your winter book would be amazing.
– You’ve mentioned Cranford before and I’ve been meaning to get it – and will this week. Between Downton Abbey and your new book I’m all about England right now!
– I love winter because it’s the reward for preparing all year. The vegetables are grown and canned/dried. The wood is seasoned and chopped. There is no lawn to mow or garden to weed. I can feel proud that the pantry is stocked and the house is safe/cozy. I love being snowed in – with plenty of candles, firewood, books and soup – what could be better? I wouldn’t want it 12 months of the year – but it’s so fun for a season. Cozy! You describe it better than anyone I know!
–
Speaking of scarves, how is your purple and lime scarf coming along, the one that you were going to be knitting while on your England trip? Would love to see a picture if/when you are finished.
I have almost finished it! Just in time for the book to come out!
I would like to see it too! Keeps the hands warm~knitting.
UFF DA, it must be about 50 ft. long by now….just kidding:)
Would be probably if I ever remembered to work on it. Once I got Jack, I had to put it away, and now I forget to get it back out. Jack loves it a little too much for comfort!
UFF DA Judi!!!
Good point Jan! We need a pic! I hope it makes an appearence in the new book…
This is just what I needed on this cold, snowy week: a reminder to relax and enjoy a warm & cozy day at home. It’s so enjoyable to visit your home through your lovely posts. Thank you.
Thank you for these beautiful, wintry pictures. Here in the South Carolina Lowcountry, snow is rare and shuts everything down, so folks aren’t pleased to see it. I hope one day I experience a real winter’s day like you are having. Your home looks so cozy and happy! I hope that all those that are experiencing the deep freeze are safe and warm. Spring will be here before we know it.
Susan … I love this warm and fuzzy post! Thanks for sharing. My favorite part was seeing the beautiful old quilts that you have. Enjoy these quiet winter days … Carol
Sleeting in NC today – covered the ground and looked white so I pretended we were covered with snow – hee, hee, works for me. Your winter wonderland is the real stuff and so lovely. Snowy days call out and demand some cooking – Virginian Brunswick Stew, Corn sticks baked in cast iron pans and Mince Meat tartlets. Yummy … no longer have to wear the sling for my broken arm so a little hand stitching this afternoon was the real sweetness of the day . Staying warm with my sweetheart and little dog and reflecting about the beauty and the stillness of the day – so beautiful from Judy C
Getting better Judy!
I remember him well — “William T. AristoCAT” …. I called him BILL … He called me when he was hungry…I think he firmly believed this was our working relationship …at least it was just the way he liked it!
He loved you too Dad!
Hi Susan’s Daddy!… I love you too just from what Susan has posted about you!!!… daddy’s are the best!… xoxo Julie Marie
Hi, Susan.
I love reading your blog during my lunch break at work. It really brightens my days! It is cold and snowy here in Ohio; it has been very cold for a week now. But then, it is the north coast. Your pancakes look delicious and inspired me to make them for our dinner tonight. What is YOUR recipe? Is it in one of your books? I have all of them, so reference me to the book and I will do the rest of the work.
Anyway ~ stay warm and enjoy the cozy times with Girl Kitty, Jack and most of all, your man Joe.
I did this recipe for another new book to come, the Pancake book!
Sounds delightful!
Susan, I am so happy for you that the Vineyard has snow! It looks absolutely wonderful! We haven’t had any snow where we are, though we woke this morning to ice. Thankfully we haven’t lost power.
Now I want to eat pancakes in front of the fireplace! How delicious!
I was laughing along with each picture of Lowely! Your description of her efforts to free herself from that coat and scarf truly added to the experience! How lucky she is to have a friend in you!
I send the best to you for enjoyment of that wonderful snow!
xo Nellie
Hi Susan! I just loved seeing all your wonderful winter photos! I wish we will get some snow this winter here in Nashville, Tn. What could be more fun than a warm and cozy day at home eating pancakes in front of a crackling fire:) I was wondering if there was still a way to get the winter bookmarks (snowman, and the other) from last month, as I didn’t get a chance to print them due to my printer being down. It’s up and running again, and thank you for the very cute Valentine bookmark, I love it.
Happy winter, I am already looking forward to your next post!
I can feel the coziness you’re describing so well. I share the same love of snow days and I grew up with snow. It’s as if I have an excuse to do whatever I want all day! Bless you Susan
Susan, you and Claude Debussy had the same thought. At the beginning of the post, you wrote “Even the snowflakes are dancing,” and one of the sections of his Children’s Corner Suite is titled, “The Snowflakes Are Dancing.” 🙂 Thanks for all the beautiful images of winter, and your wise and welcome words, as always.
More kindred spirits! 🙂
Such a lovely and cozy post! Beautiful pics!
Susan, you never fail to write in a way that touches me deeply. I’m quite sure everyone here on your blog knows what I mean. I always get a wistful tear, a “knowing”, and a great sense of comfort from reading your blog. You live the life I dream of everyday. I am working to envision my own “home”, and my dream of living a life of creativity. I know it will all come together when the time is right. Everything about you tells me you are a kindred spirit, and again I know every woman here understands that feeling. This is such a warm and welcoming place to come visit, spend a few minutes, and come away uplifted, inspired, and smiling! Thank you from the bottom of my heart and right out through my fingertips as I type this! xo
I am so glad to have you here Cindy, thank you for the kind words xoxoxo
Please thank Lowely for letting us share her little “scarf caper”. She seems like someone who is so completely normal….having those stupid but silly moments that just crack you up. I loved it! Her expressions are priceless!
Oh and how lovely the snow is!!! You have gotten the snow and cold from the deep freeze that swept over Colorado. For the past few days, we have been bathed in warm temperatures while the East is now freezing—how strange!!
But I love the snow and I know you do, too….
Stay warm sweetie!!
xo
Joann
Thanks for the bookmark! Am currently reading China Court that some of you mentioned before. Thanks for the tip, I love it. We had an ice storm here in east TN early this morning so everything is covered in crystal. My husband is out of town so I had coffee and read in bed until 9!! Got up and made a fire in the fireplace and declared a no-cleaning day. I spent the whole day quilting in front of the fire with my 15 yr. old dog, Ginger curled up by me and had popcorn for dinner. I love winter!!! I would also like to vote with one of the earlier gals for Winter and Spring books. Please!!!!!! (We don’t ask much, do we?)
Oh Susan..your Vineyard looks so beautiful all snuggled in that marshmallow world! And your home filled with love and friends is so inviting! Who wouldn’t want to be curled up in front of that fire with those yummy pancakes?? You just made my day with this amazing post! Blessings, Gert
Hi Susan & Girlfriends! Love that snow!! The pictures are gorgeous~~~all that’s missing is you making a snow angel :0) Your home looks so cozy & inviting but even more so today. Love everyone’s ideas about how to spend the day~~~I’m thinking cuppa tea, making a batch of Vermont maple & oatmeal scones, then wrapping up in a fluffy throw & watching the 1938 version of “You Can’t Take It With You” (starring Jimmy Stewart). Of course my little fur girls Cookie & Gracie will be curled up with me. Lovely! It’s cold & gray here & snow is coming in on Monday. Everyone take care & have a wonderful weekend. XOXO, Linda from Chino Valley, AZ
Your post today is a masterpiece! It will bouncing between my heart and my head for the rest of the winter. Thank you for sharing your life and words so generously with all your girlfriends.
Loved this cozy post Susan! My favorite photo was of Joe buried beneath “warm” laundry! I love to hug the warm laundry to my body as I carry it to the sofa to fold, nothing better!! Lowely was a very good sport to allow you to post the photos of her “predicament”, so funny! We’ve all done that at some point, still laughing about the strangulation comment. But it’s so true! At least she was laughing and not panicking!
I cannot imagine zero degrees, I think the coldest I have ever experienced was about 13 degrees and that was a lot of winters ago (in Texas). Yesterday, here it was 76, today about 61. Not too bad. Jack looks so content in front of the fire, but why wouldn’t he be? He’s living in Susan Branch’s house! We should all be so lucky!!
Stay warm!
awwww. 🙂
Talk about a winter wonderland! You’re in it! It is so beautiful! A great winter day post, Susan! Love how everything is frosted in snow, and you all snuggly warm inside with the quilts and warmed slippers and roaring fireplace, and content kitties. Your photos of your friend Lowey are a riot — that’s what friends are for…she’s a good sport. Although I think you all there on that island might have a bit of ham in you…. Joe in the laundry I remember and love…it reminds me of a commercial with a French speaking cat that was having a love affair with the laundry until dinner arrived. Oh, today is the celebration of Robert Burns Birthday….I just listened to a wonderful musical setting of Red Red Rose. Red, red roses to you and your wonderful family! This is all for now…it’s hard to type and waltz at the same time!
My husband just came in from a business trip to Manchester, New Hampshire and he too said the world just comes to a stop with all that snow. Unfortunately for him, it was drive to the meeting each day, at least warm scones were waiting for him each morning at his meetings. He’s gone to his warm beddy bye now and I have my own MUSICA playing, “The Breeze and I” by The Knightsbridge Strings, can just hear the rain now in not so sunny Anaheim, Ca.
Love the snow photos, Susan! As a 2nd generation So. Californian, I’ve only been in falling snow two times in my 63 years. I do remember the “shush” of a footstep in the freshly fallen snow and waking up to a beautiful snowscape. :). Two weeks ago, my sister and I had the most remarkable weather experience as we were out for a day of antiquing in San Juan Bautista, Ca. The sky was a beautiful clear blue with big, puffy, white cumulus clouds overhead. Suddenly, we felt and saw things falling around us! We looked up into the blue sky and saw little white balls of ice raining down on us! Hail! No dark clouds! No dark skies! They were falling out of a clear blue sky! As they caught the sun’s light, it was like little diamonds were falling down around us! It was utterly enchanting and colored the rest of our day with smiles and laughter. It made a great sister memory!
Knowing that your lovely, cozy, snuggly home is providing “swift and sure” inspiration during these winter, indoor days… ❤♥❤
Ok, I am cracking up. The story and pictures of Lowely stuck in her scarf!!! I am laughing out loud again. That is so great you grabbed your camera…..I would have done the same. Proves you are besties!
Enjoy your snow!
Christine from CA (no snow)
She was so funny, and good to let me do it! And show it! I still laugh.
“We are the mutual admiration society!” I like this phrase of yours! Lots of thanks for the Winter Wonderland pictures! Oh – I love the “quietness” of snow! And I saw my favorite quilt – the top one to the left which was in one of your calendars (I save all your calendars)! I got to do that quilt – someday……
The name of the quilt pattern that you liked is Dresden plate.It’s my favorite too!
I have an unfinished one that my husbands late mother made—–about sixty
Years ago.
We had snow and bitter cold again today, too. I finally broke down and got a new winter coat (I gained weight and my old one no longer fit–sigh). Brrr.
Cranford is wonderful. If you haven’t already seen it, I think you’d also enjoy the Lark Rise to Candleford series.
Speaking of winter…..I know that I am part BEAR! I love to hibernate in the winter……it is such a delicious time of the year!
Hello 🙂
I stumbeled upon your blog today!
And wow.. I love it!!
Your paintings and text are just beautiful.
Line from Norway
Thank you Line!
Maybe Joe can do a guest blog (a la the wreath blog!) about building/maintaining a fire? Your fire pictures always look lovely! I have to kind of wrestle with mine (I’m kind of a newbie with the whole fireplace thing) and could always use some tips!
Hahaha. Joe is wonderful about everything truly, but so far, he chooses not to quite “understand” blogging! I can tell you what he does: lots of tightly wadded up newspaper at the bottom, a few sticks of kindling on top of that, then the small logs, and then the bigger logs. Always seems to work. Hope this helps Stephanie!
Thank you for the beautiful photos of your snow covered home. In Southern CA it’s a sight I only saw once in my life. Even with only rain and cooler days I can appreciate staying home with a fire and the cozy times.
Remembering we are blessed is the greatest gift of every day. You always remind us of that blessing.
Have a warm, cozy weekend Susan!
Well, I placed my order, Susan! I couldn’t remember if we had to do anything else to be eligible for the drawing…..so I hope I’ll be included. I finally ordered the brown bird cup and heart muffin pan. I anxiously await to hear if you will be getting the polka dot cup with the peppermint on top again….I so hope so. I really loved that one! Next time I won’t wait. I didn’t want to order anything in the middle of a move…..but we’re still in my old place for now.
Growing up in New Jersey I vividly remember how quiet it was waking up on a snow day! Of course as children, we couldn’t wait to be out in it. My brothers would be out in their jammies under their snow suits building snow forts. We converted the whole back yard into a maze. Then we’d take out our mom’s oversized skis and ski through the maze. My mom would look out the window for real entertainment!
Thanks for bringing back the memories!
Hi Kirsten . . . Kellee is trying to get more of the peppermint cup. Keep watching, I think we might be getting them in, as long as the manufacturer still has them!
Thank you for trying to get the cup!!! I will order as soon as I see it!! I’ve learned my lesson.<3
I wish it was easier, but the way the manufacturers work, everyone is so careful these days, not to order too much!
Just loved this post as I sit here on Sanibel missing my CT home and the peacefulness of the early mornings when it’s so quiet from the newly fallen snow. I’d give up Sanibel in an instant to be back home where my heart truly lies. I will never get used to not having the change of seasons so reading your blog is so comforting to me. Thank you!
Susan, I thank you for sharing the snowy day! How I miss them so much living in Florida. You are so right about the lovely quiet and stillness of a snowy winter day. Such a peace and time to have rest with introspection unmatched by other types of weather. As a youngster, I remember walking in the snow, hearing my boots crunch along, feeling the snow flakes on my nose, and thinking like the world belonged to me. Nobody was around so I had the place all to myself. I think that is why I always loved Robert Frost’s poem “Stopping By the Woods”. And visiting with you at your home is always a perk! Happy January days to you, Joe, Jack and Girl!
i won’t show my grandsons your beautiful snow pictures! they have been patiently waiting-sleds ready on the front porch-for snow here in north central illinois! they used every flake we got yesterday but that was not enough! since i still drive to work every day i’m torn but maybe it could just snow on the weekends! enjoy your cozy fire! mb
Hi Susan,
Thank you for bringing us into your wonderful warm, cozy & beautiful home. I love the insulated feeling that Winter brings us with a beautiful snow fall. White winters is what I knew as a young child in northern Maine. We got SO much snow & the snow drifts were so high, that we went sledding off of the slanted garage roof, with a little help of some cardboard, we built two story snow forts & we went ice skating in our back yards. Now for children- that is a wonderful Winter!
Hi again Susan… felt a bit blue this morning, so I wanted to come to my “happy place”… here!!! I just found out people have been snatching my photos from my own blog right and left and putting them on Pinterest… not even asking me, which I clearly state for them to do… I don’t do Pinterest or any other social networking, just my little blog… how do you keep people from doing that with yours, or do they?… I know your sidebar says please ask, and I did when I did a post about you… Kellee emailed me permission to use several of your photos which I told her which ones I wanted… I am from the old school where people always played nice and asked before they just took something… anyway… just reading your post again and looking at all of your photos made me smile… I noticed your friend has a little Shawnee elephant like yours too!… how fun… I have one as well!… can’t wait to see the Wolf Moon here tonight… after our ice storms, now we have Fog… so maybe I won’t be able to see it… thanks for my happy place to visit and always feel better!… love you, xoxo Julie Marie (from a foggy town in Utah today!)…
I think the people who did the “back end” of my blog put a block so that the images aren’t available to pinterest … I’m not sure, but every once in a while I get a message from someone who wants to know why I “don’t allow” pinning from my site. Either that, or the gremlins are in charge! I know how you feel though, you do your blog for your friends, and it just seems odd to see it go places you didn’t intend for it to go… but I’m understanding more all the time that what goes out on the internet is just basically fair game.
I truly appreciate and respect people who ask. It’s such a nice thing to do! xoxo sending love Julie Marie.
Good morning, Sue and everyone ~
We woke up to zero degrees this morning, here, too….the last several days have been in the single digits…bbrrrrr! But the view out my kitchen windows is that of a winter wonderland….so pretty! It does make me feel so blessed to have a warm, cozy home!
I totally agree that we’re a mutual admiration society…”I love you…you love me. We’re a happy fam.i.ly.”….the Barney song…you can tell I need some more adult stimulation. As a matter of fact, I made a banner for Valentine’s Day out of the wooden letters and it’s hanging under my mantel: With a great big hug and a kiss from me to you. It looks great and makes me smile every time I look at it!
Thanks, Sue, once again, for putting so many of our favorite things – nature, home, coziness, quilts, friends, laughter, food, comfort, and beauty – into such a lovely little package and gifting us with it! You are a treasure and I’ll do my best to spread that “sunshine” in my little corner of the world.
Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxoDebbie
PS: Lowely is so pretty! …and her home looks as inviting as yours, Susan! So happy for you that your BFF is right there!
First I have to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog and everything else you do for that matter. I very happily collect all your books and many other products that you so graciously offer to make us happy!
My husband was transferred to FL 2 years ago. We couldn’t bear to leave our beautiful CO so we now have homes in both places. I am here in FL right now so I really enjoyed your snow pictures and description of a snowy day. I tried to put myself there while I was reading, if only it was just for a few minutes. I love snowy days! I recently tried to explain to someone what it was like living somewhere that had no seasons. You just never feel any different was the only way I could describe it. Not my cup of tea.
I was taking my beach walk recently with my eyes trying to scan every shell, stone etc and suddenly came upon a heart shaped stone and immediately thought of you. And to my wonderful surprise when I checked my email that day there was a picture of your collection! Just had to write and tell you. Fondly, Martha
“You just never feel any different” – that’s how it is for me too! Love the roller coaster! (Not the real one, just the seasonal one!)
We got 5 inches of snow in Pittsburgh yesterday and it was beautiful! Big, fluffly snow not wet at all – my favorite 🙂 I love the quiet too after snow….so soothing. It’s definitely the 4 seasons for me. I don’t think I could eat a big bowl of oatmeal in Florida – doesn’t sound right! Stay cozy 🙂
Lovely post. Snow pic – so beautiful. I loved that kind of snow. Would go out early before sunrise and clean off the bird feeders and scrape a flat area under them for the birds. The cardinals are the first to come – just before dawn, and the last to eat at dusk.
How wonderful to have a bff right next door – lucky duck. I see that light getting brighter every day on your incredible book. Ha, cool enough here to actually make porridge this morning – love it:)
Susan: I have kept note of your blue paint color from your kitchen which inspired me when choosing paint for our version of a “wood room” which was depressing me, actually — a very dark room where I did my sewing and had customers come for alterations. The transformation is amazing and I’m loving it. Thanks for the inspiration!! Makes me think of the beach!
Barb
How fun for you Barb, glad to hear that! Nothing like paint to perk things up!
Thank you so much on your thoughts on visiting outside of London. Getting so excited. Love your SNOW photos! That is as close as I want to get though. Love the diversity of people and their comments on the weather. Got up this morning to my window and watched the CA surfers as our waves are gargantious now! Time to go for a walk on the beach.
I am just feasting on your snow pictures! There is something about that blanket of pure white that soothes the soul and calms the mind. I grew up in northern Nevada, and miss those snowy days. We’ve had a few mornings of frost here in California, but it’s just a distant cousin to the snowfall.
Thank you for sharing your snow day. I would like to sit next to Jack on the couch, comfy and out of the cold, and just doze in the warmth of the fireplace.
=^..^=
What a beautiful scene to behold from the coziness of home, sweet home! How I wish we had it here! My north Georgia school board gave us two consecutive Fridays because of the threat of potential ice (which is worse than snow to drive on any day) and nothing showed up but cold, grey and rain (I think the weather people have gone into hiding). Although I didn’t have my favorite snow, I had pots of Earl Grey with lavender, one new kitty compliments of my daughter back at home to commute to grad school, and my most beloved pit mix, Linus. Taking a cue from one of my favorite winter pictures of yours above, I swathed myself in a fleecy robe, read, practiced my beginner’s knitting stitch, caught up on Downton Abbey compliments of Netflix, which now has Cranford in my queue, watched my new DVDs of Gosford Park, for which I would be lost without closed caption and Like Water for Chocolate (pure cooking inspiration), and enjoyed the days. Hot chocolate and popcorn also figured in. Your calendar is always such an inspiration, as is the blog you so generously share, opening up your home and Things You Love with so many. None of your calendars ever goes into the recycles, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this practice. No matter the year, every month is a joy and — here’s that word again — inspiration!
Send some snow my way, please!
That just sounds so perfect Frances!!! Loved it!
Oh Susan! Your snow is a dreamland! So cold though! And I was complaining of 20-30 deg! But you have snow! Bet you didn’t take your walk today, but I bet it was beautiful down by the seashore. We havent gotten our snow here in WNC, just ice yesterday! Hunkered in! Yea! How cozy you all are! How funny, hope your friend didn’t ruin her scarf, it is beautiful. What fun to just have a teary belly laugh once in awhile! Jack looks like a king sitting on his throne! Pancakes for dinner, definetly! Thanks for the bookmark, printed on for our granddaughter, daughter-in-love, and me! Your pictures are so precious Susan, can I print the bath one to frame and hang in my bathroom?
Oh, keep the book info coming!!!!!!~~~~~~~~~~!! So excited!
Hugs
Jeannie
Our ground was covered with birds yesterday! Under all the feeders, in the trees, ON the feeders and at the suet feeder! Love it!
I want snow though!
Tweet Chirp!!! 🙂 🙂
No walking today! Went out just to look at the perfect snowflakes shining like diamonds in the sun. But the sunshine was deceptive, because it was only 20 degrees, so we weren’t out there for long. Today I painted an elf!
Susan,
Since you love sheep so much…I have been wondering if you have ever seen either of these two “Holiday Miracle” youtubes that were an ad for Brooks Brothers:
youtube.com/watch?v=GzxkNRvujiw
youtube.com/watch?v=atj7sj2wz4I
Feel free to “moderate” this comment out if you think it looks like advertising – but those singing sheep are so cute I thought you would not want to miss them!
Betsy: I love sheep too (would love to have a bunch) – and did watch the little videos. I loved the little guy who steps forward to give his squeaky little solo. How can you resist! Thanks for sharing that!
Barb
I love the photo of Joe wrapped in the warm laundry.
I do that to my doggie (Sophie) and she loves it.
So enjoyed the winter wonderland scenes and everyone’s comments about their own snowy days and memories. Did you happen to see on the news that it snowed in London and a little chimpanzee was walking around his compound at the zoo with a blanket around him? So cute to see him bundled up!
In the “bird land blog” above your kitchen sink is a plate with a house on it and a saying. What does it say?
Let me go look . . . I brought it back with me . . . this would have required memorization! 🙂 Here it is: “As I was wandering o’er the green, not knowing where I went, by chance I saw a pleasant scene, the cottage of content.” Pretty!
I have seen those cottages! The birds were playing in the snow this morning, but now the snow has halfway melted away here.
Thank you for the lovely bookmark which I have just run off and cut out for my Valentine’s luncheon (placecards I’m using them for) for my “Aquabeauties”. Our name for the six – sixty-something (plus) ladies who do aquafit together three times a week. We too are digging out from the dumping of snow, but it is beautiful and sunny. It has been some time since I have sent along a comment. I have been “set aside” since last May and am only now getting back to some of the things I soooo enjoy. One of them is reading your blog and I greatly appreciate your cheery notes on less than perfect days. It is a great joy to read your encouarging comments.
Betty
Welcome back Betty and hello to all the Aquabeauties! Have fun!
What a lovely post again, I am so glad for the winter to just do what I want, cozy in my cottage. Got all bundled up and went for a lovely hike through a beautiful park I live next to , Maudsley State Park, 350 acres along the Merrimac River. What a gem to live next to. Eagles and Owls and trees beautiful trees and open meadows to run through. I am so thankful to have this preserved land to explore. We came home and made a lovely pot of tea and now I am off to make beef stew, yummy ! Have a terrific weekend and Thanks for your blissful pictures content in your cottage. I am in-love with winter and very thankful for everything ! 🙂 oxox
Just printed out the book mark- thank you!
I loved your description of your slow and simple snow days . . . you captured the joy of winter with perfect words. That’s exactly what I love about snow too- and why I’m so anxious for at least ONE snow day this winter! But winter can still be enjoyed without snow . . . I love having more time for all the cozy inside chores and not feeling guilty about ignoring weeds in the garden- the ground is just too hard for digging and the wind much to cold. By March I’ll be ready for all that, but for now . . . ? Quiet pursuits and dreams. 🙂
Thank you for the bookmark and the WONDERFUL! snow photos. We had 6 days of icy fog on our little Oregon mountain. Everything was flocked with ice–January Christmas trees! The whole world would have sparkled like diamonds in the sunshine–if we had had any sunshine. No sun, no snow, but 29 degrees–cold by our standards.
Say snug,
ElFe
Susan…what a beautiful post! Today is my birthday and I too love the beauty and magic of snow. I do love each of our four seasons when we get them in NJ…but I very much love the quiet and beauty of wintertime!
I too am laughing at the plight of Lowelly and her scarf in the zipper….she was a good sport!
I have that artwork of yours of you in the comfy chair with your book and your kitty—so cute!
Your posts are such a joy to read and I have always loved your artwork through the years. I can take a breather from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while I enjoy my own cup of tea and read and enjoy the photos and artwork here. I come to enjoy the warmth and friendliness and “take time to stop and smell the roses” kind of feeling I get when I come to your blog.
Now off to put lace doily Valentines hearts in my front window–which I love to look from inside out onto the snow!
Happy Birthday Mary!
Those pancakes look perfectly scrumptious – I’ve never to make any that look like that! Will you share the recipe?
I have it for my breakfast book, it’s not been scanned yet. Won’t be too long!
That Joe is a very cooperative husband, not to mention your BFF for giving you such good material to chat about! Love your snow pictures while I sit here in sunny South Texas! Reminded me of one of my favorite quotes by Joan Walsh Anglund. I stenciled it on our bedroom wall: “A nest of stillness, in which to hatch our dreams.” Also enjoy seeing your quotes from Glady Taber, one of my favorite writers. Have you read all of her books? Definitely worthy of tea by the fireplace on a winter’s day. Thanks for sending us regular doses of cheer!
Love the quote on your wall. Very nice for a bedroom!
I loved your snowy pictures. We are totally bare now and we’re hoping for a good blast of snow soon. We need the moisture it brings and the whiteness to cover up all the brown. I like the slow-ness that winter brings.
I loved Cranford too.
All I can say is “thank you” – I so needed this today. You show such appreciation for the simple, everyday things. Sometimes I lose those feelings in myself (due to circumstances beyond my control), but reading your blog helps to bring things back into focus.
The snow has stopped, the clouds have parted, tracking the “wolf moon” while hibernating in front of the fireplace with drinks, iPads, laptops and books – “heaven” for us!
Susan, you MUST create a playlist for us! I love the variety of the songs you link us to! Thank you!
Hi Susan,
I live in Connecticut and it’s freezing but as snuggle by the fire reading an English magazine, I have found the most wonderful reference to an English wesite – I’m sure you will love it too! It’s called ‘Belle and Boo’ and I’ve just spent a whole hour exploring it. I am orginally from England and have lived in ‘New’ England for a while now but love things that remind me of home. You might also love the books by Shirley Hughes, so whimsical and ‘make you want to live in their world’ just like your books!
Enjoy,
Gaynor
I am not sure what happened when I sent a message earlier but my entire message was not sent .
I am interested to know when your Girlfriends Forever book will be available ? I love that book & look forward to sharing it with some dear friends.
Thank you so much!
Kath
It’s out of print now, so we would have to reprint it, which we may do in the future. Just finishing a new book now . . . will be out later this year.
Thank you Susan ! I am hoping that it will be reprinted – loved it!! I gave it to friends years ago! Looking forward to your next book & anything that follows. ☺ I am enjoying your blog – photo’s – recipes – musica & the ability to bring you into our homes now! Thank you very much! Gods Blessings to you, Joe, Jack & Girl kitty!☺
We are lucky to have computers! It’s changing the world, and I think for the good.
I so love winter, Susan! I love your snow pictures! We had an ice storm here in NC on Friday(25th). I DO NOT like the ice. I would much rather have the snow! It keeps missing us this year and I’m so mad about it! lol. Everybody says I’m crazy because I love the snow! It’s like you said, so peaceful and makes you rest. My 3 cats have not ventured outside at all this past week due to our freezing temps here. They hunker down in all sorts of strange, warm places. Unlike your Jack, I have to hunt mine sometimes! They can hide really well! I work from home, a bookkeeper, so there has been lots of hot tea flowing this week for me. I know you love your tea too! The logs have been burning as well. I love your fireplace in your house. So pretty! I love the quotes from Gladys Taber too! I just discovered her recently! Thank you for the Valentine bookmark! (and I ALWAYS do one special thing for myself every day!) Thanks for your wonderful update! Enjoy the snow!
You too Tracee!
I just LOVE Cranford and Return to Cranford! My daughter and I watch it often, and my mom too! Love a cozy fire here in PA too! We use a woodstove for our heat. Have not used our furnace in 5 years? It’s great!!! A fire just warms your very bones!!
Love reading your blog and getting your emails! I am unable to get the bookmark to load, am I doing something wrong??
Hugs!!!!!
Linda 🙂
I can’t imagine why it won’t … let’s hear if it’s happening to anyone else . . .??
Your snow is lovely, Susan! I too adore snow! I know so many people think it is terrible, but I really love it, and it saddens me that we have less of it nowadays than when I was younger. I also love the northern states because they get more snow! We did have a nice snowfall here in West Virginia as well, and a spell of cold weather, down to 7 degrees. Thank you for sharing the funny pictures of your friend. It’s nice that you have a neighbor so nearby that you are such good friends with. Have a happy day!
Of all the cozy things I love about winter, the best little thing is ice cold water right from the faucet! Stay snuggled!
Isn’t that the truth, just love that water in the winter!
I was laughing so hard when I saw your friend with her scarf stuck in her zipper because the same thing happened to my daughter last week when we were out. All she kept saying was out, out, help – but I was laughing so hard I couldn’t help her. I finally stopped laughing but by then she was free and all she could say was thanks Mom which started me laughing all over again. We both had a good laugh at that. Too much fun is a good thing!
Why is that so funny? It makes me laugh again just hearing that you were laughing!
Hi Susan ~ I love snow (as long as it doesn’t linger TOO long on the streets!) and having a fire to sit beside as I knit, or knit and watch an old movie, or (fill in the blank here)……
Some time ago you posted a recipe using salt and baking soda for using to clean silver —– I bought the salt and soda but, alas, I forget the amounts of your mixture —– could you possibly help me out by emailing me with the recipe or directing me to the post where you wrote this? My silver set looks so sad.
You once knew me as “Cootie Bug” on my old blog and we shared some emails (I know you have a great memory, but you also have a great number of fans and commenters so I’m adding this tidbit simply fyi). I’m STILL working on my log cabin quilt applique borders … I got sidetracked a while back and it has been idle so I have only two borders completed. ONE DAY it WILL be a completed flimsy (quilt top) and will go on my longarm machine to be quilted by me…….ONE DAY!!!!!!!!!!
Have a beautiful Sunday!
connie
Your photo of Joe enjoying the warm laundry made me smile. A precious little cat sometimes vacations with us, and warm laundry is the highlight of his visit. He especially likes to nest in warm laundry INSIDE the dryer, and take a nap there. He can hear the click of the dryer door from anywhere in the house, and will come running. He has been known to make a mistake and try to climb in as I put damp clothes in there eeow! Of course I am especially careful in the laundry room, and automatically double-check the dryer every time I switch on. I cannot let anything bad happen to this sweet little feline visitor.
Love your blog, thanks from Joan in Southern CA
Thank you so much, Susan, for the lovely bookmark. It is just what I need today to boast my spirits!
Oh. My. Goodness, Susan, You can certainly paint a picture with words! No need for those paints, your pen works just as well! Please don’t take me seriously! I love your paintings too too much to live without them!! Thank you for putting me into that cozy, snowy scene to enjoy the JOY of Winter. You are the best and I always have a brighter attitude after reading your blog. Stay cozy along with me! Love you!
Merry Winterness!
Loved your post as Snow always makes home cozy, warm and the place you want to be. Your home is so comfy-cozy. Jack is one lucky cat and I think he knows it. It snowed here too! But now the sun is shining and it’s starting to melt. It’s just been off and on all winter. I’m heading out to get some errands done, and one is Valentine’s shopping for my new pen-pal that I got via Susan Branch Facebook Friends. So I wanted to post a BIG THANK YOU for my new friend that because of you, I got introduced to…You are just the best! (Artist, writer, blogger and buddy-pal-girlfriend, and a blessing to many.) I can’t hardly wait- a new Susan Branch Book coming out soon. Yesssss!! —<—<-@ Randi