Critters, Springtime, a Recipe, A Fine Romance, Musica and YOU. ♥
I have to say, I am madly in love with my computer. It’s such a miracle, that’s James Taylor singing right now! Computers are a magical link to the whole world and the internet just keeps getting better! From my studio, where I need to be to finish my book, I can go anywhere I want. I can dream while watching gondolas gliding 
live in Venice, Italy, or I can go see what Phoebe the hummingbird is up to. I can get a good laugh along with a taste of ranch life with The Pioneer Woman, or I can go get a little smarter with Brain Pickings. I can watch someone amazing paint a portrait, or I can push a button and there’s Miss Austen Regrets playing in the background while I paint, mood music of a sort. ♥ So great! All we used to have was Calgon to take us away — we’re finally out of the bathtub! Big time!
Speaking of the computer, another thing I adore is iPhoto on my Mac. How I ever lived without it, I do not know! I file my photos by subject — they’ve made it so easy — I can click on “Little Vases” and there is every little vase-full-of-flowers I’ve ever taken, or “Family” and all my family photos come up — I have Parties, Friends, Summer Garden, the Train, Beatrix Potter’s House, Old Letters/Books, California, The Walk, Tea, Food, Decorating, just to name a few . . .
Yesterday, I put on my jacket went out back to get a few more photos for my “Spring” file. I laid right on the cold ground to take this … the smell was intoxicating … wet new green spring dirt mixed with ocean! Ahhhhh. They should bottle it!
Up close and personal with the snowdrops, I got muddy knees, but it was worth it . . . the cold air was wonderful. It was so good to be outside — Joe loved it so much he stayed out there for half the day, picking up fallen bits of tree limbs, cleaning up.
I’m being good to limit myself to four of these snowdrop photos, I could easily give you the other fifteen! I will need a new computer soon just to hold my photos! But I do have to say, my very favorite section of my photo collection is called “Critters” . . .
Which is, of course, filled with 90% This.
And This . . .
and This . . .
And This too; some of you might remember my Man Kitty who went missing a few years ago in coyote-infested California. I’m still waiting for him. ♥
But there’s a whole lot more in my Critter Collection than kitties . . .
There’s these guys; they live in the linden tree right outside our upstairs bathroom window — which is where I went to take this picture — they are a riot to watch. Don’t they look healthy? That’s because they eat like royalty!
This baby bird fell out of his nest, in the garden next to the porch of our California house . . . Joe has him in his hand. I think he looks very confident for such a little critter. We put him back in the nest and the momma acted like she never knew!
And one of my favorite photos ever, of this little worried kitty we saw at the animal shelter. It was already spoken for, or it would be MINE right now! Those little eyes! Poor baby!
Speaking of eyes, this beauty is in a meadow at the parent’s house of my friend Rachel in Jolly Old England. I was taking pictures of bluebells and he came running over to see me, right up next to the fence. Adorable. Más Musica.
There’s a pet supply business in a barn on Martha’s Vineyard called Little Leona’s (I’d give you a link, but it looks like they don’t have a website). It’s in Vineyard Haven, you should go there if you come here — my favorite part of it is that they have critters, you can get up close to; this little pony is one of them.
As you know already, my Critters File is full of photos like this female Cardinal — birds in all seasons taken from our kitchen window.
But you never saw this before! We think he’s a baby hawk peregrine falcon (thanks girls!). He came to our California house one spring day, sat up on this roof long enough for me to race in for the camera — he just posed and posed, I’m this close to him, no special lens at all … he’s banded too.
Pretty wonderful.
This is wonderful too — it’s Sugahpus, my girlfriend Annie’s adorable cat with the two tiny white teeth I love, she’s in my Critter section too.
Along with these friendly girls who live next door to my house in California. Every time I go out for a walk they rush up to the fence hoping I will bring them a treat. You can tell I’m pretty dependable that way. They aren’t as bright as they look, and they are capable of a very nasty type of spitting, but if you know them and they trust you, they have a sweet streak a mile long.
Even photos like this are in my Critter file. Just in case you never got one, if you need an Owl Bookmark — here you go! ♥
Three bunnies at Little Leona’s. Want.
Back to Rachel’s parent’s house we go . . . their sweet and I mean SWEET, loveable, and very friendly sheep!
And this little chirper, on the back deck of my California house — had to go get the camera when I saw this cutie!
England was filled with these gorgeous wood pigeons cooing all day long everywhere we went.
Iris, or I-I as we call her . . . she is our neighbor’s dog, whenever she gets loose she hightails it to our house. Me casa es su casa, perrito. ♥
Where else would you keep this photo of a wonderful page from a vintage children’s book besides “Critters.”
This is an osprey. He’s not at his happiest at this moment, if looks could kill. He’s being very gently but firmly held by an osprey handler named Rob we met on the island in a meadow next to the dirt road where we walk — we just happened to run into him when he and his partner were banding this guy with a GPS chip so they can keep track of him. How lucky I had my camera with me that day! Now I get a regular letter from Rob telling me where they are, how far they’ve flown — so interesting.
I adore goats. Love them so much. Even with their scary rectangular pupils, they are the most wonderful critters.
My sister Shelly is a short-dog lover. Four of these dogs are hers, the dachshunds and the Snoopie dog — the two Jack Russells belong to my brother Brad. The little boy is one half of my sister’s precious twin set and possibly part dachshund (waiting for his treat like the others 🙂 ). It’s a wonderful butterball type of pandemonium at her house.
I always love to contribute a very delicious recipe on my blog when I can . . . I do not have first hand taste experience with these, but I know for a fact they are very popular in some circles. And healthy too.
So that’s our little stroll through my Critter File for today … hope you enjoyed it! I am still in the throes of book writing, but the light looms large at the end of the tunnel.
We have A Fine Romance book mockup! This is how fat it will be! Do you know how excited I am? It’s almost twice the thickness of any book I’ve ever done! Yesterday I designed the pages that go just inside the cover — they’re called “end papers” — It’s really difficult not to show you — it would be so easy on the computer! But I want to keep it a surprise — which, for me, takes massive determination! I’m afraid that if I show you too much when you finally get it, possible yawning could take place. I want you to go “OH WOW” . . . so you have to trust me, you will like them! And back to book writing I go …. marching to the end. Happy doing it. Wishing you the same. ♥ Remember to hug a critter today! XOXO
Hi Susan,
Nice post, Just love the aniamal world. I couldn’t watch Lassie when I was little because it always upset me, I was afraid he wasn’t going to get homen abd then poor jeff.
That is a thick book and I couldn’t be more pleased, I will prop it on a pillow when I read it to prevent wrist damage. You have little white flowers and we have snow, something wrong here. When are you going to the west coast? Can we see pictures of your home there?
Nancy Jo
I’ve put them up before, but it’s been a while, I’ll do some soon, as we contemplate our trip. I think we won’t go until fall …
Happy March, Susan! And thank you for the Critters photos! And the smell of Spring that is just around the corner. I have no snowdrops, but daffodils, or “March lilies” as they are called sometimes in these parts. They have actually been blooming since late January, and are still bravely lifting their yellow heads through the snow flurries we’ve had all week. I’ve heard the peepers a few evenings, and the geese are flying north: pure exhilaration (sp?)! I’m sending it all your way; it should arrive in just a few weeks!
My anticipation for A Fine Romance just grows and grows!
Thank you for the springtime views! More computer magic .. we are so lucky!
I just love when I wake up on a Sunday morning and there is a new post on your blog!!! Your blog is as refreshing and invigorating as the spring days you describe to us!!! Thank you Susan for all you do for us!!!! I’m so happy I am in the know about your book!!! Something to look forward too!! ALWAYS wanted to go to England, don’t know if I ever will, but your book will take me there!!! Thank you!!!
My pleasure Lisa, so happy to have you here. xo
Oooh Susan, I just stopped in to shop with you, and here was a brand new post, how fun!… “wet new green spring dirt mixed with ocean”… I want some!!!… sounds Heavenly!… and I love love love your critter file… your “Royal” squirrels are too cute… William and Kate?… your Hawk looks like a BIG one that comes to our place… it’s a “Coopers Hawk” I believe… looks just like your baby one… the color of his beak looks green like a pistachio nut!… I have to keep an eye on him so he doesn’t get our little birds at the feeders… I told him he is more than welcome to the nuts, seeds, berries, etc, but birds are NOT on the menu!… loved seeing your Snowdrops… I would have taken a bazillion pics too… wishing you a beautiful Sunday… hello kitties!… and hello Joe too!… xoxo Julie Marie
Still two feet of snow here. Our first flowers of spring are always crocuses which start appearing in pastures in April or early May. Meanwhile spring magazines and seed catalogues keep us happy. Bought homemade doggy treats at a farmers’ market yesterday – the lady makes 6500 a week!
Wow! They must love her!
PS I hug every critter I see everyday!… we have so many critter friends on our daily Nature walk… and alot of them come running to see us, just like those you posted about do… love them all!
It’s a wonderful world Julie!
Hello Julie Marie ~ Waving! 😀
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the cute critters this morning, a great way to start my day! (and of course James Taylor too!, also cute!) That tiny kitten and Iris with their sad eyes! It melts my heart…
I’m so excited for the book, thanks for “feeding” us little bits of it to keep us going, it’s a long time until fall when we can actually read it! Can’t wait…
Have a great day!
Everything always gets here before I know it, I trust it will be the same with the book! Right now though, I feel like Christmas when I was five, like it’s NEVER going to get here!
I know what you mean, all that work and focus, trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel! Well, we all appreciate it, and just think about how happy you will make so many people when it’s done! And you’ll be happy too! Thanks, Susan, for everything you do.
Thank you Karen, I feel lucky to get to do it. xo
I agree with you Karen! I think that Susan (& Joe) are going to be overwhelmed with adoration during the book tour!! 😉
It will go both ways!
I love you, Susan. You brightened my day – we’re waiting for another snowstorm and it’s March!!! Come on, spring!
Thank you Rita! xo
I agree with Rita. A great way to start the day. Cheers, Susan!
Good morning. Just got myself an iPad, so here I sit in my nightgown, watching it snow and reading your wonderful post. Our snowdrops have been blooming for a couple weeks now, such a sweet promise of spring! We love critters here as well, with 4 kitties, one dog, 12 chickens!! My dog is pawing my arm as I type because he is not getting enough attention. Have a wonderful Sunday!
Hi Joy,
You are just going to love your IPad. The only down side I have found, is that I can’t listen to Musica and read Susan’s blog at the same time. So I listen to the music and then read! I know you have mentioned which part of the state you are from, my son is in NE Ohio and it sure looks COLD! Hope Spring finally gets to you. Maybe you are in the southern half and spring has sprung. Happy Spring
Chris
I really do like the Ipad, and yes like you said I tried to listen to the music, but then the post was gone 🙁 I live in south central Ohio. Spring is trying to get here, but winter just won’t let go. We are supposed to get 1-4″ of snow by Wednesday…..
Happy spring to you Chris.
I understand now that on iPad you only get one screen at a time … that kind of doesn’t work for the music as it needs its own screen and so does the blog. OH well, if you’re ever on a laptop, you can do both there. Stay warm!
Where in the NE, Chris? Which way from Columbus, Joy? This Buckeye girlfriend in the California OC is from Tuscarawas County ladies. What fun to catch the references to my “heart home”! And Susan — loved all the kitty pics — and hey, how cute is it that Jack kitty has a mustach — an extension of the dark marking on Man kitty — meant to be, definitely meant to be.
Dottie,
I was born in Canton..right next door. Grew up there, but lived my adult life in Bath, between Akron & Cleveland. My son & family moved back to Bath from Columbus a few years ago, so when I go to visit him “I’m going Home!” You know the Buckeye State is also the Come Back State….maybe because you always want to go home!
Nice to meet you Dottie in the OC!
Chris
I am seeing photos of snowdrops all over the Internet lately and I must plant some this year – as soon as I do some research and figure out if they will bloom here – we still have a lot of snow 🙂
They probably will then, they love the snow, sit right in it and bloom!
…I love “sweet baby ” James and Carly Simon..that’s what , years ago, got me intrigued about your area !!…anyway, good morning, Susan !!…’love snowdrops and early springtime..’already planning a fresh new garden…..ah, yes !.. the computer, I’m learning, is so fascinating..when we were little, my father told us that “computer” was what we needed to learn about…alas…I was a slow believer..until now !!…gotta love the connections…yes, my parents loved Venice and my daughters love Ree Drummond..and shortly I will be checking out “Brain Pickings”…thanks , dear Susan…you are always soooo inspiring !!!… with love…oh, goodness !!..was I randomly rambling or what !! ..LOL..
Just like me!
Good Morning Susan’
I am so happy to have logged on to your site this a.m.I was having a blah day but then you cheered me right up!Love your postings.Looking at your pictures files I have become inspired to start one.The new computer age has made me nervous and I need to get over it and jump in.We have a brand new laptop and it brings the world to me just like you said.
Also I have many vases from my family and from collecting and I am going to start using them.No more waiting for someday.Today is the day.
Love to you and Joe and kittys. Your friend’s Sugahpus looks like he could be a devil.
Today is the day! What a good motto! I will tell Annie about Sugahpus! 🙂
P.S. ..’didn’t mention all the sweet “critter” photos..thank you..maybe ’cause my dear “critter” kitty, who is almost 17 years, hasn’t been doing very well..her vet said that she has masses in her lungs and doesn’t have very long..however she seems content for the most part and still has her appetite…I just try to “baby” her and I love her…at any rate, thank you for this loving post !!
Oh so sorry Mary …. hugs to her from me!
Good morning Susan,
What a great way to start my day ~ reading your new post & smiling at your critter photos! Thank you. The Lord surely blessed us with so many wonderful & different animals, didn’t He? And you photograph them so well. I’m sure they love your tender ways & that ever-so-sweet voice! Speaking of which, I can “hear” in your voice how excited you are that your book is getting closer to the finish line. Woo hoo! Be proud, we are!
Have a terrific week.
PS: When is your birthday (if you don’t mind me asking?) Just curious!
April! Soon!
I live in CA and have lost lots of cats to coyotes…The two cats I have now {my very favorite ever!!!} we never let outside. They are completely indoor cats and don’t even try to get out. Hopefully, we will have them a long time because I love my cats!
That’s what I would do if I ever lived in CA again, just never let them out. It’s not worth it.
Oh Surprise ! What a treat as I sit here with my coffee cup and a
Strawberry Bread in the oven. Love the spring flowers and all of the
critters. I had a critter in my yard last week, a BIG black snake and
we looked at each other for a long time. They say that black snakes
are good and I’m trying to love him back ! We’ve had such crazy
weather in the southland that he was confused. He wasn’t supposed
to be out until April. Also, Deborah, thank you for showing us the
St. David celebration. And thank you Susan for helping the newbies
out here love our computers ! You’ve taught me a lot. Now, I’m going
to see what I can do with my first digital camera and the photo album !
You place lots of smiles on our faces ! Thank you for sharing all of
your great photos.
Hello Julia . . you are welcome! We do it every March 1st! Your black snake sounds really scary, don’t get too close!
Good morning, Susan!!! Thanks for the delightful surprise of a blog post this morning! It’s a mere 13 degrees here in central IL this morning, no wind (miraculous), brilliant sunshine and due to no wind, a sparkling a diamond-like frost is covering everything, even the snow already on the ground. And, we’re supposed to get quite a snow this week too – a late winter for us, but I do love the snow and bright landscape. Helps whe. You know spring is around the corner.
LOVE all the critter pics!! I’ve hugged my fur babies many times already this morning. And, when we took our walk, marveled at listening to our feathered friends regale us in chirps and calls. Filled the feeders to the brim and added lots of fresh water to their “heated” bird bath – they love it and I love watching them dip down for a sip and even take baths. Feel like they need heated towels too! 😉
I’m about to burst with anticipation for “our” book. It is truly a work of art and love and we are grateful for ALL your’re doing to create this masterpiece. Can you hear the squeals of delight already from coast-to-coast!?!
Off to make yummy oatmeal with all the fixins for breakfast for me, my sweetie and my Dad!
Blessings and love to you! Hugs and kisses to the kitties.
XooX,
Jeanette
So ready for Spring! Can’t imagine living close enough to the ocean to be able to smell it every day but want to sooooo bad…..at least for just a summer! Perhaps, some day! Jan
Why not? ♥
Hi Susan, I love-love-love your cats. You can see the have a personality. All your photos were great. Spring is on it’s way. Yippee. xoxo,Susie
Yippee 🙂 is right!
Oh my dear Susan…I (of course) just love this post! (We really enjoyed James Taylor) And then animals…who (in their right mind) doesn’t just Love all the birds and animals in God’s world? They do ‘speak’ to us…in so many ways…but the eyes are one that you can’t ignore…
Your snowdrops are a sure sign that ‘spring’ is just around the corner…smile… We saw 2 robins the other day…so guess that is Iowa’s first sign of spring! Enjoy this amazing SONday!
Blessings,
Gert
You too Gert! xoxo
Hi Susan and Girlfriends~isn’t the critter world magical? Thank you, God! Well, pretty cold here in Williamsburg, but still, pops of Spring are peeking through the ground to say, “hi, here I am.” Such a magical and splendid life we are blessed with.
Susan, SO looking forward to “A Fine Romance.” I’ll be reading it, while sipping an English tea, from my British mother-in-law’s Blue Willow tea cup; the same tea cup she drank out of at her 5th Birthday (grown-up) Tea Party. I’m bursting with anticipation!
Merry March, Girlfriends!
Bliss!
Marie xo
Thank you God, is right, what an amazing gift for us lucky humans!
Thank you Susan! The pictures of all the animals were sooo cute! The worried kitten was adorable! Hope he has a wonderful new home. Im so happy that spring is on its way. I was a little surprised to see that we “spring ahead” next Sunday, but it was a good surprise!! Have a wonderful day!!!
The first I’ve heard of it ! Already! Winter flew by!
It seems early this year but I guess that time really does fly by whether we like it or not!!
It was definitely early last year, I’m interested to see what happens, if this keeps up.
Who decides when Daylight Savings Time starts and ends?
Very good question.
It was just a handful or so years ago that the daylight savings times were changed so that we have three extra weeks or so to enjoy longer daylight. Here’s what I found:
– begins at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday of March ( instead of the beginning of April )
-ends at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday of November ( instead of the end of October )
I, for one, love it because I adore longer evenings, especially during those beautiful summer days!
Old Indian Saying:
Only white man think you cut off top of blanket, sew to bottom of blanket and have longer blanket!
LOL. I just love that!
LOL Chris!
~ Good Morning~
Winter isn’t flying by here in Wisconsin!!~ Another snow storm exactly 1 week since the last one!~ I KNOW that I live in Wisconsin and we should expect snow but really?!~ It’s March!!~ last St. Patrick’s Day it was almost 80!~ I need to remind myself why I live here~ for the 3 months we DON’T have winter ~ha ha!~ my poor little 12″ beagle~if we did not shovel the snow would be over his little head! And the poor robins and red~ winged blackbirds~ they must not have gotten the memo that the ground hog was wrong!
~Thank you for letting me vent! ~ The pictures and comments re~assure me Spring is coming…….right?????
Take care girlfriends :)!
It’s coming sweetie . . . tea time, old movie, good book, bubble bath and nap day for you xoxo
~ Good Morning~
Thank you Susan~And Guess what? I have the day off ~sort of~ Because of the impending storm my daughter~ in ~ law is staying home which means so baby~ sitting for me today AND hubby tried to let me sleep~ in……
I made it to 5:15!~ Tea time and a good book later~ after a nice, long warm shower. Life is Good!
No babysitting ~ not so!
Lynn–we got 12″ with the big storm! They are saying 9″ but we measured 12″ on our deck rail! Remember that March is still Winter in the Midwest–Spring doesn’t come until April! I love the snowstorms in March as know winter is soon gone. The snow is beautiful in the evergreens here today–the sun is out and it is in 30’s so is melting…
hi susan.. a beautiful Sunday morning post….life is just not complete without critters in it….your photos are amazing..just love “worried kitty” ADORABLE!
that sheep looks part cow with that black and white face..precious…today is the first morning in forever that the sun is so bright here that we are squinting inside!!!.. it is just streaming in and a very welcomed sight…i hope the old adage holds true “in like a lion…out like a lamb” holds true for March…. we had a rough start here and we all are living for springtime right now… the book is looking great..can’t wait!! Have a wonderful week susan and joe and
all your critters!! love, cindy
“any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much larger and better”……john muir xo
Love John Muir!
What a wonderful post today. So many lovely photos. I woke early thinking its about time for an update on Matha’s Vineyard and our Susan and there you were. You never disappoint. We do a lot of Critter sitting, as I call it, for our neighbors when they leave town. They have collected enough to start a farm. Ducks, Chickens, Cats, Dogs and a Bunny plus the wild birds she feeds. Its really lots of fun. We decided to start our own farm, so recently we added to our one dog and cat, 5 Chickens for eggs and to grace our gardens. They are only a little over a week old but oh so cuuuute. I have always wanted some. We have 4 different kinds so I can tell them apart. Never got the sheep in our own little field but one can still hope. My favorite photo you posted is the one from the Vintage children’s book of all the critters together. All our neighbors critters get along with each other and its amazing.
Thanks for the Doggy treat recipe too, I’ve been thinking of making some home made treats for our Annie so I know exactly whats in them.
Have fun finishing up the/our book and don’t forget to keep stopping to smell Roses along the way, or the green earth as you did since the Roses aren’t in bloom yet. 🙂 As much as I am looking forward to your new book, which looks wonderfully thick and will be a treat to receive, I want to enjoy the spring and summer for as long as possible as it all flies by to fast. 🙂
I was just thinking, giving my cats their food — if they do to our food what I think they do, I can only imagine what’s in my cat’s food! * I know, take it reeeeeaaaallllly s l o w . .
Thank you for the wonderful web sites! I shared them with my daughter who’s due to give birth to son #2 any day now. I’m sure those sites will entertain her.
Congratulations Nancy! Give her my best xoxo
Yay for a fat book! Woo hoo! I can’t wait!
Those short-legged doggies are delightful.
A song you may love: Out of the Woods by Nickel Creek. Beautiful.
Thank you — I love that song!
Thank you for sharing this song and the group…Love it…may need to get one of their cd’s….<3
A Sunday post from you Susan! How wonderful! Loved the critters. I’ve been an animal lover since I was a child, which was a long while ago. My dear, dear Gram took me to see the Lassie movie when I was about six years old. We were all dressed up when we went to the movie. I had little white gloves on. I got so stressed out about Lassie finding her way home that I chewed the tips of the gloves right off. When Gram saw that I wasn’t enjoying the movie, we went home to our safe haven, where our dog Poochie didn’t have to find his way home. Just a few years ago, I “thought” I could now watch “Lassie” with a more mature view. WRONG. I was vacuuming & would come into our family room with a short peek at what was going on with Lassie. I had to turn the TV off. And then there was “Bambi.” Each hunting season, I become an advocate for the deer who got away. I ask some of our hunting friends, “is today the day you’re going to shoot “Bambi?” They think I’m pretty silly. I can tell by the look they give me when I say that to them.
Can you give us some info on the Osprey? How far away did the bird fly?
We had pretty bad winds the other day. When I was working in our yard yesterday, I found a piece of a nest that had evidently blown off of a tree. It looked as though it was the “beginning” of a nest, with soft pieces woven into other items the originator of the nest had found & sculpted together. I’m always amazed at how birds build their nests. Sometimes in the early evenings, when birds are settling down for the night, I think of them snug in their nests, swaying up in a tree, sort of like they’re being lulled to sleep by the breezes.
There’s a pond nearby that is full of ducks, mostly Mallards. Each spring I go to the pond to watch the annual parade of ducklings performing their annual show. Last spring, there was a female duck with at least twenty ducklings to care for. I don’t know how she collected so many ducks, but there she was, with all these little waddlers, all in a single line following her. She’d go up from the water, up a hill, & although it was a struggle, the babies would follow her. Then she’d drop off the embankment into the water. It took a lot of courage, but each little duck would jump right off the embankment into the water, following close to the mother duck. I found it hard to tear myself away from the show.
Have fun finishing your book Susan. You often say you’re lucky. With all due respect, I don’t think it was luck that you found the life you lead. You chose the things you love doing, therefore, your work is your fun.
(Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
I put a couple of links underneath the photo of the Osprey so you could look. They go a long way! And sometimes they just disappear. Thank you Sandy xoxo
Hi Sandy,
I always love to read your postings. I will tell you that Bambi changed my life. I am the only one in my family that is not a hunter. And having cared for many wild animals over the years, I can tell you they are no different from us. They have joy, and fears; some are brave, some timid, some comedic, some very serious. Their personalities are very distinct.
And thank goodness we don’t have to wear those white gloves anymore!
Chris
Chris, you sure know about animals. Some people don’t believe animals have “any” feelings. Can you imagine? Five mins. with an animal will tell you the personality of the animal. Glad you enjoy what I write. Thanks for the nice comment about my notes. I guess my family liked having a little girl to dress up, that’s why I had gloves on at the movies. Used to wear them to church as well. How lucky I was to be born into a family that loved me. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Sondra, I chewed a hole near the buttonhole of a sweater I had on when I was a child–watching The Lone Ranger! My mother never let me forget that I ruined a good sweater! 🙂
~ I STILL cannot watch Dumbo~ I am on the verge of tears just saying it!!~
Oh, absolutely! Both “Dumbo” and “Bambi” can completely do me in. I’m a quivering, shivering tub of goo by the time either one of them is over… :>)
The last two days when I stepped outside “Spring kissed me bang in the face!” It has just been beautiful. Need rain though….but then we always need rain. Today we have wind, so think I will stay inside and find some projects. We don’t have those delicate little snow drops to tell us spring is coming, but the hummingbirds are due back any day now. It’s quite a production here on Dove Creek to keep them fed. By mid summer we are talking 15 pounds of sugar a week!
Your kitty pics…don’t ya just wanna kiss em? Girl looks like Man Kitty, like they were twins. I never lost a pet, to have it disappear..I would be waiting for their return also:(
Also thanks for the glowing review of the Mac. Hard-drive just died on my computer, a friend is putting in a new one for me and my documents and pictures were backed up on an external hard drive. So I will get my computer back…but I want a Mac! Love my IPad, it is so easy to use and everyone in my family has a Mac and they love them. I will just have to bite the bullet soon. So funny, my son recently posted a picture of his 30 year old Apple 2 E, it still works!
Also wanted to wish your mom a Happy Belated Birthday, she looks great…so trim and she had how many kids?! My mom is 90 next month April 15th and she is incredible, she’s like an Energizer Bunny.
Happy Spring Everyone
Chris
Bite the bullet. You will hug it every day like a living thing, that’s how much you’ll love it. My mom has eight children … she’s a wonderful mom too, like yours!
I just got a MacBook Pro and am [slowly] learning how to use it! Every Mac owner I know LOVES his Mac to bits so I dived into the pool and got one. Overall I’m clueless right now but I do love the look of everything – it’s beautifully-designed. So different from other computers in that regard for sure. And I’m already finding it easier to type. Hopefully what everyone has told me will turn out to be true. I’ll be going along, struggling with A, B or C – then suddenly, there’ll be a Light Bulb-I-Get-It moment… and I too will love my Mac forever. :>)
It’s like “real” falling in love, it happens slowly and for all the right reasons 🙂
Gorgeous photos. Love the snowdrops… they’re definitely on my list to plant this year. I was elated when I turned your wall calendar on Friday and saw that Spring is less than 3 weeks away! Many surprises of late on my little piece of earth. My feeders have had a steady stream of customers this past week, including many cardinals and house finch, and the sneaky snacky squirrels continue to entertain with their gymnastic abilities to get to the seeds. The other day, I peeked out and found a brown-tailed HAWK perched on my deck railing. Such a sight. And this morning I came down to find hundreds of grackles invading the yard. (Hello? Tippi Hedren?) If not for the dogs’ eager ability to shoo them all away, I would erect a scarecrow.
So looking forward to diving into that big fat book of yours! It will surely merit many, many “OH WOWs”!
Thank you Maria!
I LOVE animals. Of all kinds. So I LOVED this post…but then again I LOVE all your posts! I fell for the pix of I I, her sweet tail with about 6 hairs on it. Sweet pup. Does Jack like I I? Hope so.
Well, I am guessing the inside pages might be Union Jack banners. I love seeing pictures of them all over England.
Hugs!
Everyone likes her … she is not a cat chaser, so that’s a big help. They all loll around together. Not Union Jack . . . 🙂
Love getting this Critter blog! Great way to start the day GF! Thank you! I’m marching behind you my dear, to the end! xoxo
I feel it Joanie! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Morning Susan,
Can’t wait for your new book! Love your blog this morning. I too have daffodils peeking through the soil. We are all so ready for spring here in Kentucky.
Speaking of pets, we were talking of them weren’t we?, my little suzie, (chihuahua -pug mix, six pounds of fierce sweetness) is lounging in the front bay window, soaking up the sun, after her regular Sunday breakfast of egg, tiny bites of my homemade bread, prepared by her doting “dad”. She is a real joy for us. Thanks for the doggie treat recipe. I do plan to try it.
Did I mention I can’t wait for the new book?
Have a blessed Sunday.
Thank you Jan!
Possible yawnings? Never – not where you are concerned! Wonderful critter images – we are a spoiled sheltie house – cannot imagine living without our fur babies.
Those snowdrops – oh my! We have a foot or so of Wisconsin’s idea of snowdrops but the days seem brighter and a touch more gentle. Until our own Spring arrives, we can take pleasure in enjoying yours by way of that miraculous internet.
And longer, I feel that too … the days are going into spring despite the thirty degrees!
Love the whole look of the book! And how encouraging to see FAT looking GOOD!
Yes, nice for a change!
Be still, my heart! James Taylor and dachshunds all in one post along with gorgeous photos!!!! Thanks for making my Sunday am, Susan Branch!!
mary
LOL!
My daughter just bought her first Mac.
She has been texting me on its’ virtues as well as talking to her brother on Facebook (he’s a software engineer who owns all kinds of computers so he kept Facebook up at work to answer her questions the day it arrived).
I LOVE the pictures! We have a nest of cardinals in a large bush by our fence, which is in my line of sight through the kitchen window as I do dishes… and can be seen by our Maine Coon (Victoria) through the French windows in the family room.
Each winter day I see the bright red male cardinals, I thank God that He assigned that bit of color to be seen when I’m missing all the other birds. We have a contest in our family, the winner gets bragging rights for the year… for who sees the first robin of spring.
One year it was my daughter in Massachusets (who knew they would go there first?). Last year it was my husband. He got lucky and saw an entire flock taking a break on their fly over. We are all on bird watch at the moment. 😉
The perfect thing to do for spring!
What a perfect post to begin March!
The local hummingbird family is back to sip from the red flowers on the giant pineapple sage in our backyard. The peafowl group has already visited us for their morning snack of seeds! Our cat pride has had their 20 minutes in the back yard – they have to inspect to make sure everything is ok! Now on the balcony enjoying the view!
A pair of hawks moved into the neighborhood last year! They keep the pigeons away when they appear but fear that any pea chicks will make a nice snack for them!
Love all your animal photos as usual! Thank you also for all the new links – can’t wait to explore Brain Pickings & the osprey links!
Serene Sunday to all! 😉
Same to you Kerry!
You use a Mac!!!!!!!!!!
And you like the iPhoto Ap.!!!!
I love my iMac, which just had its first Birthday!
Yes, I wished it a Happy Birthday, on my blog.
Of course!!!!!!!!
Doesn’t everyone? -grin-
“Auntie”
Yes, it’s a kitty!
Forgot one thing Susan!… have you seen the darling “Peter Rabbit” collectible box of jellybeans by Jelly Belly for Easter this year??? My nieces just gave me a box and it is ADORABLE!… xoxo Julie Marie (You have me totally hooked on Peter Rabbit things!… I don’t have a Peter Rabbit Room, but I do have a Peter Rabbit corner in our bedroom!)
Once you start picking up PR things here and there, a room kind of materializes! 🙂 I’ll look for the jellybeans!
A few years ago FTD had a large Peter Rabbit themed egg that held a floral arrangement – I asked my husband to have the florist create another arrangement in it for my birthday (Easter Saturday)! We don’t need another vase and this container is wonderful! Plus perfect for the day! 😉
~ Anything I love becomes “an addiction” so that leaves a lot of room for collecting!!!
I can’t see yawning going on at any point in your book. If anything, extra caffeine from tea so we can devour it all in one sitting! Thank you for all the wonderful photo’s of critters. I must tell you that the railing on my back deck has become a “Match Makers” site. Birds doing all sorts of “dances” around each other vying for attention from another bird. Also there are twigs being set up into nests under the deck. This is one active place. xoxo
It’s that time of year!
Hi Susan:
As I sit here watching my neighbor shovel his driveway and also looking at your photos of the snowdrops I am thinking “Geez Louise! Why don’t I live in Massachusetts, huh?” Lucky ewes!………loved all the critters but love the additional touring links even more. Will check them all out! Today is a good day to do this. Meanwhile, the book looks wonderful and I am sure hoping the print is large enough for us girls with poorer eyesight (polite way of saying older girlfriends who didn’t eat enough carrots) ..
.have a great day!
It’s kinda huge … being hand written!
I got my happy gift today——your new blog! I loved the animal pictures particularly
The one of the horse at Little Leona’s—–he looks like he’s wearing an ill fitting toupee.
It was also great seeing a glimpse of your sister and her critters! Actually I hated
Coming to the end of the blog today—it was so adorable.
Thank you Pat!
What a fun way to start the day – thanks for sharing your critter file! I need to get my iPhoto photos organized better. . . Oh, and I believe the banded bird is a Peregrine Falcon.
Really? That’s interesting!
How wonderful to find a new post from you this morning. Your critter file is spectacular. The link from Venice was quite interesting, they pilot those boats the same way they drive a car. Crazy! Spring is very close now, I spotted some lovely pink rhododendrons a couple of weeks ago (must be an early variety), and our Japanese cherry trees are about ready to pop with colour. There is a decidedly pink blush on them. Today is cold, but sunny, so I’m sure there will be many more treats in the garden.
You’re ahead of us!
I’ve been a follower for a long time and decided it was time to drop in. Thanks so much for providing such joy! I’ve been a Gladys Tabor fan for 30 or so years and your work brings me to the same level of peace that her writing does. Deborah xx
Thank you Deborah, and it’s nice to meet you!
Watching Downton Abbey reruns (first time for me) and reading your blog–I’m in heaven. Very chilly here in Va today. We have a fire and I have a heating pad on my hip–it’s acting up so we couldn’t do our walk this morning. I love all the critter pictures you put up for us this morning. What a wonderful collection of God’s creatures. Happy Sunday everyone! xoxo ♥
Good Morning Susan….I enjoyed your “critter” file and the mock up of A Fine Romance. I think of you every day, sitting at your desk, diligently working away. What a joy for us! We have a gang of Cedar Waxwings in the neighborhood. I love looking at them. They look like little bandits. Especially enjoyed the photo of your hawk. Except I think its a falcon. Probably a Peregrine as the big hint is the band. They are endangered and are (controversially!) tracked. We don’t have any flowers out yet, but I noticed that the trees are beginning their “bud swell”. So it won’t be long. Thank you for the links. All of them sound so interesting and will have to check them out. Have a lovely day!
xoxo Pam
As March arrives, a quote from one of my favorite writers (besides G Taber): “This lovely month when the earth trembles on the brink of spring.” – Celestine Sibley. If you have never read “A Place Called Sweet Apple” I highly recommend it.
Goats – I love them – we had babies born one year Christmas week and named them Mistletoe and Rudolph. We had one hen with a topknot tipped on the side of her head that bobbled when she walked – we called her Crazy Old Hen. And a blind duck we named Ping (from one of my favorite childhood books). And Marie, the cat who lost her own kittens so we loaned her to a neighbor to nurse their orphan kittens – she snuggled right up to them and all were content. Only four of many friends at Prairie Cove Farm. So many creatchie friends down the long years.
Oh, Ping, I hadn’t thought of Ping for a long, long time — what wonderful memories of walking to our local library and tripping up the long, broad stairs and walking through those heavy double wood and glass doors into that enchanted world of books.
Oh! You have a Peregrine Falcon! What an honour for you. Mind, they are the most ferocious airborne predators, fascinating to watch, but nature can be so cruel in her beauty. Still . . maybe you can tell I’m excited? Beautiful birds, especially in flight . . I got so used to seeing them on their nests, raising chicks, and flying around Ramsey Island rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/r/ramseyisland/about.aspx where we used to have landing rights. This was my playground while growing up . . magical . .
What, indeed, would we do without our technology? My music collection, I am reliably informed, will play for over two weeks without a repeat . . that is over 350 hours without stop . . who would have guessed that from the piles of vinyls by the 40 year old mono record player (yes, I still have my very first one) and the neatly stacked cds in the rack? I had no idea, but my computer worked it all out for me. Yes! Photographs all perfectly tagged and organised, and if they were all on paper, why, I’d need a room, maybe two, just for my photograph collection . . what have we become through our technology? 😀
Just this morning I had five wood pigeons feeding off my lawn . . not sure what they were eating, but there they were. I live in the country, a small village, but over the years I’ve noticed more and more wildlife finding it’s way into the gardens. “Woodies” were once only found in the fields. A sign of the times . .
Thanks to the convenience of my laptop, I’m now off to Venice (oh, how it is my heart’s desire to visit there) then later to visit Phoebe again . . and I must not forget, while distracted elsewhere, to read all the lovely replies of everyone too!
Thank you for the Owl bookmark . . I must print off one for . . ME! I printed them off and made pen pal enclosures of them for everyone else but me . . now it is my turn 😉
Happy March, Dear Susan . . thank you for another wonderful calendar page and another blog xoxo
Thank you Deborah! Always love to hear from you.
I check every day for a new blog and i am so Excited!!! when one is there!.. Thanks so much.
Susan, I am a huge James Taylor fan, but have never heard his rendition of Paper Moon, thank you!! Looking forward to your new book, you are amazing : )
Thank you so much for the owl bookmark – I love it and what a joy to see all the critters and flowers … now I must go back and look at the sites you’ve included.
~carmen
Susan,
It’s wonderful to see the new life blooming on the island. We’re still covered with snow here in the midwest but should have spring-like temperatures by next weekend. I am so ready – winter has been long and dreary. I loved the “critters” file and thank you for sharing. My grandson saw the picture of the little white and gray kitty and wanted to “go adopt it.” I guess we will soon be caving in to this requests for a kitty as he needs the joy and fun that only a kitty can bring.
I did notice that the bath mats in your bathroom are identical to mine – great minds thing alike, I guess.
Happy Spring!
Linda T
More simple magic! =]
Dear Sue,
I just love that you’re down low, chatting with the snowdrops and taking their pictures! Have you ever noticed how many spring flowers are so tiny and/or growing so very close to the ground!!! Since I got my camera, I’ve been doing the same – stretching out on the ground to take a picture – which used to alarm the neighbors when I lived in town but, now, up here on the hill, my only neighbors are my in-laws and I don’t think that they even bat an eye any more when they see me out in boots, a sweater and my nightie if there’s moody fog or heavy dew! =D (Sorry, horrific run on sentence! =P) But, quite honestly, it feels queer to see your early spring pictures….. sort of like, ” d’ye mean spring really exists?” But it is sugaring season up here in Vermont – HOORAY! =D We’re getting closer… =D
But you’ve given me another curious feeling when you said, “the smell was intoxicating … wet new green spring dirt mixed with ocean!” Ah, you very dear woman… just you saying that – I can almost smell it! It makes my heart swell!!! Thank you! I’ll take ten bottles, please!
I was scrolling and scrolling through the comments in the last post because I remember seeing someone mention Rose Tree Cottage in Pasadena as a place for a book signing. (I couldn’t find the comment, though.) If ever there was a match between your book and a place!!! Rose Tree Cottage is a little patch of England set down in California. Also, they [used to – still do?] be the largest retail seller of ‘Beatrix Potter’ in the US. But I’ve never seen their new premises and don’t know how much space they have. They do a PERFECT tea – absolutely brilliant – but, when I left California, twenty years ago, it was a bit pricey. But it comes with the deep fragrance of early twentieth century proper afternoon tea!! It’s the real thing!
Then…
I know Vermont is rather an out of the way place which IS part of the charm, eh? But, if you could possibly be interested in doing a book signing up here… my family owns a B&B and TEA ROOM called Rose Arbour! (I started it almost twenty years ago and, then, my sister took over.) The deal is – I was trained by the best – Mary and Edmund at Rose Tree Cottage! 😉 We have an absolutely scrumptious scone (Devon bakers trying to get the secret ingredient out of me, no less! heehee!) and know what a true cucumber sandwich is and we always hot the pot and use loose leaf tea, etc, etc. I didn’t mention it at first because there isn’t enough room at Rose Arbour for a mob. But, then, I was thinking…. in true New England style, our church is a beautiful, beautiful space – a lot happens there from recitals to other authors’ talks and plays, etc. etc. The congregation is beautiful and comfortable (although, like a true Yankee church – no air conditioning =/) and seats well over 200. Then, downstairs, we have a space that’s set up as a ‘coffee shop’ with a large kitchen and very comfortable chairs and round tables, etc. What’s more, we would, with joy, offer a free stay at the B&B to you and anyone else who you would need with you. Also, we could do this in conjunction with our small but hip book store, Misty Valley, that’s here in town. Just a possibility… =D A warm invitation if it would fit your needs…
I didn’t mean to write so much, this time. A nice simple, sweet and encouraging comment is what I meant to leave but, then, I had the idea…. so, anyway…
Very best wishes to you with it all. I’m really looking forward to holding that book in my hands and, goodness golly, thanks for not sharing the end papers 😉 , they’re part of the joy of unwrapping a book – smooth and delicious and pretty! 🙂
xxo
oh….. I’ve just had the thought that perhaps, somehow, such a personal invitation, if it doesn’t meet you needs, might feel awkward to say ‘no thank you’ to. But, of course, we simply love and appreciate you and are just dreaming…. 😉 =]
It was very sweet Katy!
Nice simple sweet and encouraging is exactly what you DID write! Thank you Katy … I probably missed it, but what town are you in … I wrote down Misty Valley — I can at least put it on my list and see if it fits with the rest of the tour. Thank you!
Katy Noelle,
I want to come!!!!!! 🙂
Katy, me too!!! 🙂 I’ll even volunteer to “pour”! 🙂
Alright! =] Firstly, I wanted to say thank you so much, you guys, for you kindness – you’re soooo sweet! and it shows me again how powerful a little bit of kindness just is! =] xo
Secondly, I responded two nights ago! I pushed publish and it was taking a moment and I went off to make dinner and, when I came back at the end of the day to turn the computer off, it showed that I’d had internet connection problems. Waaaaa! =P =]
But, here I am again – second try! =]
and, yet, again…. hours later from the last sentence! 🙂 Where was I? (Is there such a thing as a cross-eyed smiley?!)
Oh! You guys were so sweet and stuck a smile on my face that lasted for hours! Thank you! xo
We live in Chester, VT. It’s a charming town (of course! 😉 ), somewhat south and just a bit west of the Connecticut river, nestled in a sweet mountain valley. I love it here! =]
and just… thank you…. =] xxo
So nice to see a new post from you Susan! I had just fixed breakfast for me and my husband, cleared away the dishes and wondered if there would be a new post and you always delight! Thanks for all the links, I am loving the hummingbird web cam, keep checking back every so often, being from England I am not used to hummingbirds and they are charming. I think there are some in summer here in Texas but you have to grow certain flowers to attract them I think……maybe the Texas girlfriends will bring me up to speed on which ones!
I also finally figured out how to play the musica and still read the post! Duh!
It’s going to be 70 degrees today and 80 degrees tomorrow here in North Texas. Then back to the fifties, for next week. I turned the new page on my calendar and yea..Spring on the 20th! I love how your words keep us happy and realizing how much “good” there is in the world. Leave the televisions with their doom and gloom off, take a walk instead, feed the birds or the ducks, bake a fabulous cake and work at making our homes cozier. You are such an inspiration Susan, please don’t ever stop doing what you do!! Love you!
Hummingbirds love red! You will love having them around you, such adorable little birds. Thank you Judy xoxo
Judy,
I am in West Texas and definitely out in the country. My saying is…if you feed them, they will come! And boy do they come. If you have trees and open spaces you should have no trouble attracting hummers. One of my co-workers saw all the hummingbirds at my house and starting hanging out a feeder. He gets a few, but he lives in town. I will have as many as 25 hummers at a feeder. They literally swarm.
I have been trying to landscape with plants that attract hummingbirds, because I worry that once I start to feed them and then go out of town for the weekend, they won’t get fed. Although they also eat insects I am told. There is a place in Christoval called The Hummer House, it’s a B&B and their attraction is the thousands of Hummingbirds that reside there. Dan Brown and his wife are the owners, and I have learned much from him over the years.
So if you really want hummers, hang out a feeder 4:1 water to sugar. Change it often if you don’t have enough birds to empty the feeder. Oh and boil the water to dissolve the sugar, boiling kills any bacteria and it you have city water it gets rid of the chlorine. And I promise they will come!
Good luck, Chris
Hi Judy –
Susan is right – they love red flowers like bottle brush & pineapple sage. You should be able to grow pineapple sage where you are. Just plant and let it go – it turns into a big wonderful bush! The man I buy herb plants from at the Farmer’s Market said that he has visits from hummingbirds even in the midst of some of the markets when his small plants are in blossom. I’m sure it’s extra sweet!
Have fun!
Ours loved our fuchsia too.
Ours LOVE my trumpet vine and morning glory!
I love the deep flowers where they practically get inside!
I just love your blogs & look forward to each new one. Just can’t wait for your book to come out. Of course I’ve pre-ordered it and i will get a copy for a dear friend of mine who is English and married an American 60 years ago. She tells me wonderful stories of her life in London. She used to sit outside her parents grocery store and wave to queen Elizabeth & princess Margaret when their car would pass by on their way to the country!I have dreamed of going to England since I was a little girl. I had an English pen pal named Susan Toynton for many years. She had the most lovely penmanship. How I wish we had kept in touch with each other. The Philadelphia flower show is all about England this time around. I will be going this week to pretend I am really in the beautiful land I only hope I will get to see one of these days.
You might be able to find your old friend here — the world has gotten so much smaller! ♥
Hi Everyone!
Can’t wait til Spring! I, too was outside yesterday raking the leaves from my reblooming iris, early daffs which are ready to open, and enjoying my snowdrops.
They have been in bloom since near Christmas time! I have had a long time to enjoy them. I also found a suprise when I raked the leaves off my vinca…they were in bloom…so I also had pretty purple flowers to look at. My garden in the front of my house is the best in early spring…all types of bulb plants. More flowers will be in my near future, as I am going to the Philadelphia Flower Show this week…the theme being “BRILLANT”…jolly old England..wish everyone could go to visit it…it is the best flower show around. I get Spring Fever each year when I go in March.
Dream about the warmer weather and beautiful gardens!
Kathie from Limerick, Pa
OK, now I am sad!! You have spring flowers and we have about 1 1/2 ft. of snow on the ground, and I’m sure there will be more! (I see some of the other girlfriends are a little tired of snow too) My biggest concern is not being able to get to my washlines to hang out the blankets/comforters. If I could, they would be dragging in the snow. Thank you again for another great blog.
Thanks for the wonderful post, Susan. I am feeling stressed as I try to clean out cupboards and ready our house to go on the market. But your words and pictures are a great stress-buster. Love the critter pictures! Although I am downsizing and getting rid of most of my collection of over 200 cookbooks, none of my Susan Branch books are going. I love them so much and couldn’t part with a single one. Looking forward to the England book.
Thanks so much for making my day!
Thank you for the compliment on the books Nancye!
Susan, I love your critter pictures….so adorable. I am sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for your “A Fine Romance” to be on our bookshelves. I do hope I get to meet you again at a book signing. I met you at one of your “Autumn” book signings a few years ago.
I have made a special place in my bookcase for your new book.
Enjoy your Sunday afternoon.
My 21 month old daughter is a HUGE fan of your “kees” (kitties). Anytime I see pictures posted of your fur babies I share the post with her and she loves it – almost as much as I do. 🙂
How fun for you to have a darling little girl to share it with!
Susan — thanks for a peek into your “critter file”. I have one of my own and use the photos whenever and wherever I can.
A photographer friend of mine told me about “wet belly photography” — the kind where you get the worms eye view of snowdrops!! But isn’t the result worth it?
My critters can personally atest to the tastiness of the dog treat recipe. I’ve been using that recipe for years — it came with a dog bone cookie cutter — but you’re right — the dogs don’t care what shape they’re cut into. This past Christmas my friend Vickie was given a Boston terrier puppy — so tiny. I found a very tiny bone-shaped cutter just for him. I presented Vickie with a bag of tiny bones, the recipe, and the tiny cutter….so she could make her own!
It’s been cold here in NW New Jersey this weekend but I’m looking forward to the first day of Spring (my kitty Tinkerbelle’s birthday). I’ll be cooking steak and shrimp on the grill — my girl has expensive taste!
It’s time to cut the forsythia branches and bring them in!
JoAnne
I know, forsythia, so wonderful to force — I have to do that too!
Hello Susan,
Happy Sunday to you and Joe, and thank you for the photos. You have snowdrops and WE have snow! We spent yesterday in Buffalo visiting family (including my sis’s two adorable labs) and it began snowing on our very late 2 hour ride home. The county road we need to drive on for several miles to get from the state road to our town was covered in several new inches of the white stuff; as we came around one of the many hilly curves at about midnight we saw five beautiful deer just getting to the field on the side of the road. One turned to look back at us as if to say, “Why are you here? This is our road!”
Love the Critters Album… it is wonderful. We just came home from picking up our Golden Retriever from her groomer (she smells and looks fab); the Scotties go in three weeks. If only the cat would agree to it! I can’t imagine why some people choose to live their lives animal-free. They are such a joy. Adored the squirrel photo; mine refuse to pose! When they hit the bird feeders they must sense that I have gone for the camera. Thank heavens our bird friends are more cooperative. Enjoy your early springiness; we are still in the throes of winter here!
xoxoxo,
queenmum
Great links, partiularly the live webcam of the hummingbird sitting on its nest with one baby h-bird and an egg underneath him ready to hatch. A fine line across the egg promising birth to be eminent. It’s incredible! And the sound – what fidelity. You can hear the bird’s wings!!
And Miss Austen Regrets looks very promising!
The mock up has some changes on the cover. Where your name appears, on the bottom vs the top. Also, the “Falling in Love with the English Countryside” is not in the bold red. I prefer your original cover, just as it was. The words all in red pop so beautifully with the contrasting verdant lush green landscape and stone colored buildlings/walls and makes the colors more saturated. In my “humble” opinion that matters absolutely nill, YOUR name should be at the top as this is the story of YOUR Fine Romance(s).
Do not understand about the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Someone else commented that some of the girlfriends would likely be willing to pay a wee bit for such an experience. Sounds like there are going to be multiple signings in So. CA, giving people the choice on what they would like to do. Would it be possible to ask girlfriends who would be interested to response via this blog that way you have a general idea of #s?
And here endeth my unsolicited opinions! (Offered with the best of intentions)
The one you liked best, that’s the real cover, this was just the “play cover” — it was the first one I did, and I just grabbed it to wrap around the pages. Love your opinions, feel free!
I’m sure we will like the “end pages”! I make dog treats (known as crunchies!) for our schauzers but my recipe has a little yeast in it and no onion. Onion isn’t real good for dogs but they love garlic. (and both are in the same “food family”, so don’t ask me why one is better than the other but I have read that.) Also, I’d suggest that if a person rolls them out on a lightly-floured countertop, a pizza cutter used lightly (to not mark the countertop) quickly cuts these into squares. The only problem with a shape like stars is that when you bake them, the points get hard and sharp and can be hard on a dog’s mouth and throat (especially if they like to “inhale” them instead of chewing well, which some dogs are prone to do…) 🙂 Fun to see the photos of all the critters–especially that little kitten with the worried face. Our Betti can have that expression on her face–melts your heart. 🙂
Incidentally, the weatherman has us under a winter weather watch and has predicted 6-8″ of wet heavy snow for tonight through Tuesday! If there are snowdrops around here, they won’t be visible for a while yet! 🙂
Hi Pat~
It looks like you might be under a winter storm warning just like us!
We mid ~westerners come from some tuff stock….or is it stubborn???
I’m Danish and German ~ just to name some of my ethnic background…..you decide!
LOL! ~Be safe!
Lynn–how much snow did you get from this storm? We got what looks like 12″ on the deck rail. It is beautiful on the evergreens. I LOVE March storms as you know it will melt soon. As much as I long for spring, I will miss the cozy feeling of being inside when it is snowing outside! Not the same thing as cowering in the basement with the tornado sirens going! Yes, we are tough–imagine the temperature changes we experience during a year’s time! (I’m German, Dutch, and English…) 🙂
Hi Pat~
Judging from my porch rail it looks to be at least 6-7 inches. It got very windy in the afternoon through the evening~ lots of blowing so that total maybe wrong. ~ I do like to snuggle under my woobie (blanket) and I do like the feeling of cool sheets when I first get into bed! ~Definitely can’t do that in the summer!
Your are right about tornadoes ~scary things for sure!!~ we have even had them in January here in SE Wisconsin! ~not a common thing thank goodness!~
German seems to be a common denominator in a lot of us Mid~westerners so I’m guessing that’s the link ;)! Enjoy the snow!
Lynn, is there a story about why you call your blanket a “woobie”? Just asking… 🙂 Oh, I lost your email address from last fall accidentally–did you keep mine?
Hi Pat~
I call it a woobie because in the movie “Mr. Mom” their youngest son called his well~ loved blanket that! I have a couple of Hudson Bay blankets ~but the one I like to put on my bed is the one I got from my grandma~ makes me feel like she is hugging me!!
I still have your email~ I will send you a picture of my banana dish if you want. ~ The sun is out ~ yeah!
Have a good day~ Lynn
Pat – this weekend the Animal Planet featured schnauzers on one of their “Dogs 101” programs – and I thought of you! I think they were profiling miniature schnauzers – is that what you have? I remember them mentioning that they’re one of the very smartest breeds, very healthy, easily-trainable [though sometimes quite stubborn] and make wonderful family pets – great companions, always up for anything! That sure sounded like the stories you tell of your girls… :>)
Janet, yes, we have miniature schnauzers and they are extremely smart. The dog books call them “the dog with the human brains”. The two we have now want to please very much but the ones we had in the past were a little more stubborn–I guess “stubborn” isn’t the right word, they more have a mind of their own. For instance, you could ask them to do something and they had to think about it first… 🙂
But they always make eye contact when you talk to them and some days it is almost scary to realize how smart they are! 🙂
Well, it’s clear from all the fun stories you share about them that they’re just wonderful animals. If I’m ever in the position to adopt a dog, miniature schnauzers are going to be very near the top of the list and in large part because of your stories… Please give them each a big hug and pat from “Aunt Janet.” :>)
And–Aunt Janet–they don’t shed and are good for people with allergies! I’ll give Fanny and Betti a hug from you. One night Betti just sat looking at us from the end of the bed with Fanny sleeping beside her. Norm and I kissed goodnight, then Norm said, “What does Betti want?” I said, “Just watch this, she wants a goodnight kiss, too.” Norm said, “Noooo”. So I turned out the light and we saw her in the semi-dark, just sitting there. Pretty soon I turned the bedside light back on and said, “Betti, do you want a goodnight kiss, too?” She slowly got up and came up to me, put her head down and I kissed her on her forehead, she turned around and went back down to the end of the bed, laid down, and sighed out loud!!! This is now expected each night! LOL!!! Like I said, they are smart dogs… 🙂
Love that Pat!
Susan, if you still have that photo of them, Betti is the smaller one that is darker in color and has a darker face…but cute as a bug! 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed your critter post today. It was a great way to start my day!
I too think the banded bird you called a baby hawk is actually an adult male Peregrine Falcon. The Peregrine Falcon was once an endangered species but has made a recovery; mostly due to the ban of the use of DDT and other pesticides and due to a recovery breeding program. My Dad was involved with The Peregrine Fund back in the ’70’s in Colorado and I remember him banding birds. 🙂 The Peregrine preys primarily on other birds and typically while in flight. They are very swift and skillful flyers.
I believe that in the sport of falconry… is that a sport? The Peregrine Falcon was one of the species favored by the falconer… I just “Googlized” falconry and that is entirely another subject that is steeped in history… I’m off to learn something new, something I didn’t even know I was curious about. Thanks for that too!
Have a wonderful day!
I can’t believe we were able to stand so close to him, I wonder if he was someone’s pet.
Seeing the picture of the owl bookmark reminds me of something I do with it that you might get a kick out of. My youngest daughter and I are in a homeschool co-op and every semester the Mom’s have the option of participating in having a Secret Pal. I’m a total secret pal geek. I just love it! I print out your owl and then write on the back of it, “Whooooooo’s your Secret Pal? Sandy Manning that’s who! I laminate it and it is part of their gift and the way I reveal myself to them. Pretty clever, huh?!
Very clever Sandy! 🙂
Love the birds, love the critters, too! My dogs love the biscuits, too. We give them to our friends with dogs every Christmas in brown bags with the recipe tied on with a red gingham ribbon, Susan Branch style! They are always a big hit!
You are like a spring blossom, Sue! We love you!
Barbara
The story about “Man Kitty” made me sad but I’m sure he’s waiting for you too somewhere. Jack’s pictures always crack me up — what an adorable face! …and girl kitty too — she’s so beautiful! Thanks for the owl bookmark!
OH so much deliciousness to write about 😀 I’ll try to be brief.
first thing i remember now that i’m at the bottom… is, of course, the baby crow.. it’s a crow, right? Do you remember you named the crow in one of my stories? Pippa of Piper’s Pond… it’s still around. It’s just about ready to send out. I also have a wonderful old owl in it 😀 I think you’ll love it. I hope lol
oh! James Taylor… I like that song! and the other one too, so I think I’ll make a list in youtube for Susan’s picks 🙂 that way I can just click play while I work and be lulled 🙂
*gotta scroll up now*
*back*
Yes! snowdrops! and you’ve no snow! GAsp! We’ve tons of snow. I thought we had the same climate, but you are definitely warmer there. We’ve had a light fluffy christmas snow falling today. My favorite.
*a scrolling I will go…*
Oh I love all the critter photos, esp that darling cat with the 2 teeth showing lol! He so needs to be painted and written about… hmmmmmmmmmmm what will his story be???
Cardinals, sheep, goats, frogs, birds!! I love them all. thank you for sharing them with us, Dear Susan.
*scrolling again PUFF PUFF*
*PHEW back*
*giggle*
Owl bookmark. somehow I missed that and i ADORE owls! Thank you so much!! oh i must get some ink.
which reminds me, Rosinda and I haven’t heard from Kelli yet about shipping costs for your new book. We are dying to pre order it <3
Thank you tenfold for all your hard work, Susan.
Enjoy your early spring 🙂
Love,
Denise of Ingleside, PEI
Thank you Denise — oh yes, I’m sure we’re warmer than you are — you’re so much further north–when do your daffodils usually bloom? Shipping costs are on the order page now, fyi. And you are so welcome, thank you back!
Our Daffodils bloom around May I think. Oh I can’t wait. I used to have a whole bunch of Rock Cress Arabis with my daffodils, then a horrible weed invaded my gardens and I had to throw out the arabis. I plan on getting more, but oh the Daffodils and Arabis were so pretty together 🙂
Thanks so much for the shipping info!
Love,
Denise
Susan, I just tried to order, but it’s not showing the shipping to me. It says International – Price to be determined and I can’t choose another method.
OH, I forgot, you are international! I think in that case you should scroll to the bottom of any shopping page where there is a contact number for Kellee and order over the phone. Might work out best. Sorry!
Dearest Susan,
In reading your dog treat recipe and see that it contains GARLIC and ONION powders. According to our vet, garlic and onions are TOXIC to dogs! The offending chemical they contain ACCUMULATES in dogs over time until too much is accumulated and then DEATH. Please check with your vet!
Richele
I’ve read both sides of that … but I agree, check with your own vet! And thank you Richele!
Hello Susan,
Just read your “critters” blog and I loved seeing the photos! Anxiously awaiting for your book. Thank you for the owl book mark and for all the joy you bring into my life!
Hi Susan,
Computer love! Can’t live without my MacBook, poor little thing is still plugging along great after four years, really must upgrade soon though. I agree about iPhoto but I sure have a mess of thousands of photos that should be sorted to albums. Do you just split and label events or actually put them in titled albums? More than one way to skin a cat. Oh, my, Jack! I don’t mean to offend you, I take it back. 🙂
Loved the Venice link. Webcams are so much fun, Dutch hubby and I often check in on an Utrecht webcam. We enjoyed the snow earlier in the winter and always lots of bikes moving along the shopping street.
noah-design.nl/utrecht/webcam
I’ve loved goats since 1969 when I took my 4 year old son to a petting zoo. I was wearing a green plaid maternity dress, 7 months pregnant, and a cute little goat kept following me all around nibbling on the hem of my dress, he must have thought it was grass.
Can’t wait to enjoy your book with a cup of tea, may call for a tea party with friends.
Cuddle Jack for me and whisper in his ear that I adore his little Puerot mustache.
Donna in Fresno, CA
Must be 2ish in the morning there, but the people are still riding by on bikes! Thank you — what a world!
I just split and label events, label pictures so I can have secondary events … it doesn’t take as long to do it as you might think and it’s kind of fun!
Not only do I love Susan’s blogs ( as well as her), I also love all the comments from ladies all over the country . There are so many fun tips hidden everywhere. I was born in Urecht in 1951 and my family moved to Washington in 1957. I can’t wait to look at the Utrecht webcam. Thanks!
Connections of the very best kind xoxo
Loved the critter pix today! Thank you for sharing. Jack in the bathtub is just too cute :0). We’re having a chilly, gray day & I’m waiting for the nights to warm up a bit more so I can plant some hollyhock bulbs. Always wanted some~~~so we’ll see what happens. The little snowdrops in your yard are so sweet. Have a lovely day!
XOXO, Linda from Chino Valley, AZ.
How I loved today’s pictures — but particularly of all the animals! How I wanted to say “I’ll take one!” for each type! I looooooove vintage children’s books, and several are in my cherished collection. Do you know the name of the book the picture came from? I would love to order it! Jack has the roundest eyes of any kitty I have ever seen — he seems to instantly switch to “go.” You are right about the llamas, though fortunately I’ve never been a well intentioned victim, but I am nevertheless amazed at videos I see of people holding their face or hands right up to a camel or llama whose ears are sitting flat on their head — yuck! Iris looks as if she’s thinking of your couch ^_^ Enjoy your beautiful, chilly early spring!
So sorry Frances, I don’t actually have the book — I rescued that one page from an antique store. The trick to llamas, is to keep your eye on their mouths — if it looks like they are starting to chew but they’re not eating, run!
Thank you for a peek into your critter file! I’m so glad you love goats & sheep! They are my favorites… 2 of my favorites really. When I was young I had a goat farm, about 50 of them. It was a riot, and the noise… so much fun. Your sister’s short dog collection… amazing fun at her house I’m sure! Right now I have 3 kitties trying to see who can sit closest to me– lots of kitty love here. Yeah for Spring!!!! (although no sigh of it here in Indiana)
What a lovely post! So many cuties to share with us. Love your sister’s Dachshunds! Your flower photos are also wonderful. Can spring be far behind. Thanks for another peek at “A Fine Romance”. Can’t wait to hold it in my hands!
Jackie
Well, you’ve done it again! It’s snowing here in VA but I get to see new spring growth and almost smell it. Thanks for “wallering” on the ground to take those pics and describing the smells. Just like something I would have done back in my younger days. At my age I’d be afraid of never getting up again!! Always a treat to visit you here! 🙂
Hi Susan…. just a thought, I have a MAC too, (which I totally love), but if I was you, I would get several of those little flash drives and back up your pictures. My daughter-in-law’s mother lost ALL of her photos from her computer crashing. She was sick. I don’t know if MAC’s crash, but it would be a shame if you lost your stuff.
I do a back up, but it would be horrible if something like that happened.
Well, you’ve done it again! It’s snowing here in VA but I get to see new spring growth and almost smell it. Thanks for “wallering” on the ground to take those pics and describing the smells. Just like something I would have done back in my younger days. At my age I’d be afraid of never getting up again!! Always a treat to visit you here! 🙂
Loved today’s critter photos. At our house we call the cardinals “Mr C” and “Mrs C”. And we call all squirrels “Timmy”. Don’t ask me why! I’m planning on bringing A Fine Romance along when my husband and I take our trip to the English countryside in 2014. I may have to pay extra fees! Next weekend we change our clocks to “spring forward” girlfriends!
We call the squirrels “Freddie” — don’t ask me why, either. It’s been a family tradition for so long I don’t know how it began . . .
LOL Jackie and Ann!
Our squirrel’s name is Sally. She eats pecans on
the front porch. My grandmother’s cats were
all Tom – even if they had kittens, they were Tom !
Squirrels I encounter a4re wither Timmy (for Beatrix Potter’s Timmy Tiptoes or Jody for the little pet we had when I was in junior high. funny how we name the wild creatures as the connections form.
So happy to learn I’m not the only one who names the squirrels!
OH WOW! I’m practicing. Lol. Even though a few of us had a dash of snow around here last night, Spring has sprung on our side of the mountains. There is a new foal kicking up her heels in the pasture next door, my crocus are in full bloom and the daffodils are budded and ready to bloom. AND we have the fantastic gift of a sunny day. Icing on the cupcake, a new entry from Sue! Thanks for reminding me again to treasure the little joys of life.
I love neighbors who have foals — the best kind of neighbor there is!!! You are so lucky!
I started reading this post a while ago but didn’t leave a comment until just now because I got so interested in all the links you put in! I could watch that beautiful little hummingbird for hours! When did the first egg hatch? I will have to keep checking back on the second egg. ;o) I love, love,love animals! I wish I could see those ponies, goats and sheep in person. I wish I could have a kitty like that ADORABLE one with the worried blue eyes – I would have taken her in an instant – allergies or no! Good thing I have my own two cuddle-buddy black labs! They make that same face Iris is making. I think it is amazing that you let her on the couches – I don’t even let my own dogs do that- LOL!
I don’t have any snowdrops or crocuses in my yard- will have to fix that for next year – but there are tiny tips of tulips and daffodils just starting to push up next to the foundation of the house. We still have quite a bit of crusty snow in the yard, so I feel like telling them to stay put for now. The thought of another round of snow still seems possible. I love the snowdrops all through your yard! You must not have a problem with deer eating them – ?
Probably if she was our dog we wouldn’t let her, but she’s older, rather rickety although you don’t see it in the photos, it’s very very difficult not to allow her every comfort. We’re in a neighborhood, we rarely see any deer at all here. Once or twice only.
Been reading Gladys Taber’s “The Stillmeadow Road” and thought of you with your sweet kitties when she was talking about her cats and dogs. She was explaining why cats flock to non-cat lovers and I chuckled because when we go to my son’s house his sweet babies don’t first come by me (who welcomes them with open arms!) no, they go and snuggle by my non-cat-loving hubby! But, for some reason, he seems to snuggle them back! Hmmm…..? And we have photo evidence!
Love all your critter photos! Beautiful!
I was one of those non-cat lovers at one time — staying with a girlfriend who had a cat that cuddled with me all the time, making my girlfriend mad — I didn’t always know the joy of kitties!
I can’t believe that!! I have the cutest pic of my hubby sleeping with “Josie” curled right up by his neck and instead of just lying there, he has his arm around her….so sweet! BUT! Cannot convince him to let me get one again (had two in earlier years but had to find another home for them). I miss them EVERY day!
I had a terrible set of gophers in my yard at one time, so bad I went and got a cat to try and take care of them. I fell madly in love with the kitty and that was the beginning of the good life (and the end of the gophers!). Set mice loose in your house, live with it for a couple of months, then “get a kitty.” ta-daaaa. 🙂
Purely delightful, Susan! Can’t think of anything nicer than critters! We’re so blessed to have a fabulously-smart farm dog and sweet chickens. They all send greetings your way! 😎
Hi Susan,
another fine posting. Just LOVE the critter shots — the kitty pix especially adorable!!! (Jack and Girl Kitty, priceless.) I can’t believe you have snowdrops already. We have at least 6 inches of snow on the ground, (down from almost 30) and our dirt road is muddy! (Mud seaon is NOT my favorite time of the year in NH.) I could almost smell the air you described — the moist earth and salty air. Ahhh! Thanks!
Thank you Susan! LOVED all the Critter pictures today – and the snowdrops – we don’t see those here in southern CA! I am definitely a critter person, too! We are seeing an increase of hummingbirds at the feeders the last couple of days – I think they are beginning to head north! We had a couple of “teaser” days of beautiful spring weather, but its going to get chilly again this week and we’ll be getting some more rain – WOO HOO Rain!!! It makes everything so green and more flowers bloom – can’t have too many flowers in my garden! Looking forward to “A Fine Romance” and coming to your book signing SOMEWHERE here in southern CA!
What fun to see all the sweet little critters….and flowers! Can’t wait until we get flowers here! We’re expecting more snow!! Can’t wait for your book! Very exciting!!
How fun, to click on all your links today, Susan!
…and to read notes from all the girlfriends. I had to tell you I had the chance to share the Langston Hughes poem at our children’s lit festival yesterday that is featured on March’s calender page as we spoke of poetry and wonderful literature for children with its line “…and spring kissed me bang in the face.” It was a huge hit. especially with some of the authors who came from the east coast. We enjoyed gorgeous weather here in Redlands for the festival.
Loved readng Cindy’s quote from John Muir, too! Took me right back to John Muir’s birthplace which we visited in Scotland at Christmas. What a visionary, and such a lover of all of nature…
Thanks for getting those snowdrops photos! (your poor muddy knees…yikes!) they really are incredible! Wish we could grow those here, but it’s wonderful to live in such a diverse country, with so many landscapes and so much to love!
I don’t blame you and Joe for taking your time to go across it when you travel.
Happy March!
Spring is just around the corner…
Marsha
He called the battle for conservation part of the “eternal struggle between right and wrong.” I never heard it put that way before, but I think it’s exactly right. How wonderful to be so clear about what you believe.
It occurred to me while watching PBS mystery show called Pioret, I think I spelled that right, that your Jack has an identical distinctive black moustache. Take a peek at the PBS site and see if you agree? Pioret incarnated??
OOPS spelling error
The PBS show is Masterpiece Theatre and is spelled Poirot. But that is definitely Jack’s mustache!
sandy
They look so much alike!
Susan,
I am a critter lover and have many photos of critters that live around my house. I have a few of my own critters in my family too. I have a black cat named “Bitsy” and an Aussie dog named Charlie. I LOVE seeing photos and hearing stories of your family and those critters that you have run into over the years. Thank you so much for sharing with us. I think if I could I would have every animal available!! on my homestead. Even the lizards and snakes! :o) Bugs are a different story altogether!!
Thanks again and I can’t wait for your book to come.
Melissa
Thank you so much for the owl bookmark. Such a simple thing – makes my day!
There was one in the backyard last year. My friend was yelling “come out quickly – bring the camera”. I stood there trying to coax him with “Who – Who – Who!” Who was I kidding, as he started to fly right at me, I freaked and took a lovely picture of the blue sky! We laughed hysterically as he flew away!
I got really close to one once, then remembered, hmmmm, talons, maybe not!
Well, it is 4:15pm and 70 degrees in Paso Robles, CA – however, we had rain clouds earlier – naturally they floated on by and NO RAIN! We are truly in a sad state of affairs! I am afraid that this summer is going to be major water rationing and a terrible fire season. Not my idea of a happy summer. I have mating hawks in my neighborhood and love them so much. I always feel that seeing a hawk (flying or sitting on a pole or fence) is definitely a sign of good luck. They are so majestic! I do believe it is time for a cup of tea and a good movie before dinner. Once again, I enjoy the report on A Fine Romance and the joy you have in doing this project – And you KNOW your BFFs can hardly wait for the joy of owning it! Keep up the great work & thanks for the ride in the gondola!!!! XXXXOOOO Pat
Susan
My mum Anna is 92. She describes snowdrods as those ” Brave Little Souls” Mum figures if they can faith and push up through the soil in the cold and damp we should be optimistic too. I agree. Looking forward to” A fine romance”. You could always visit my neck of the woods and you would have enough for two books! Happy Springtime xx
I will there sooner rather than later!!
Susan, thank you so much for the adorable animal pictures! We are all animal lovers at our house, though we lean more toward the kitties. (I’m not a crazy cat lady yet, but could be heading that way!) I sent the link to this blog to my dear, dear friend who has terminal cancer. She, too, is an animal lover, and I know these pictures will make her day.
We have two trees in front of our new house, and because of the warm weather this week, we found out that they are flowering trees. One has small white flowers, and the other has pink tulip-like flowers. So pretty! All the orchards here are in bloom; from the top of the bridge looking over the valley it looks like a sea of fluffy white! Spring comes early to central CA! I am already planning for our gardens for the summer and next year.
Love to you and all the girlfriends! So fun to be looking forward to the big book!!!
=^..^=
I’m with you Mona, thinking about the garden! Please give my best to your friend. xo
Loved today’s post. My love for all things bright and beautiful equals yours. The corgis and I send our best wishes for a happy week.
Good evening Susan~~
It was so much fun seeing all your photos! Love all the critter pictures that you’ve taken. I devide up my photos much the same way as you do. So much easier to find a particular pictures. My folder of “family” is the fatest by far. I have been having so much fun saving pictures of family that I haven’t met off Facebook. I’m the family historian of my cousins and so I feel it’s most important to have tons of family photos.
Spring spring has definitely sprung your way! Those cute little flowers! They seem to be all over the place in your yard. My husband and I were going to this little town about 6 miles from us the other day and I noticed all these wild dafodils all along the way. A sure sign of spring.
Everytime I see Jack and Girl Kitty, I really want to get a kitty for myself, but am trying to hold off until after we move up the WA. Hope that won’t be too far off in the distance.
Bye for now to you and all the ‘girlfriends’ on this Sunday evening.
Carol M
Hello Carol . . I just wanted to say, I keep seeing your name with Eureka after it. Eureka CA by any chance? I once spent a very happy year living very near there in Ferndale. Loved my time there greatly for it is such a beautiful area in the heart of the Redwoods. There was a wonderful coffee shop called Bon Boniere that served giant banana splits . . loved it to bits! I think of it all fondly with many happy memories.
Hi Deborah ~~~
I just got finished with reading your blog. I see your name here all the time as well. I enjoy seeing the same people write in. Such a great bunch of ‘girlfriends’ that we have here.
Yes, I’m in the one and same Eureka, Ca. I love going to Ferndale! Such a quaint town and love all the fabulous Victornians that are there. The whole town is on the National Historic Places.
I just heard last week that Bon Boniere is closing shop! Was very surprised to hear that as they are doing great busy. A new ice cream shop just opened up close by on the water front so perhaps that has something to do with it. But, it is costly to have a shop in “Old Town” though. Not getting the tourisum as much these days with the economy.
Oh, such sad news . . I will never forget my first visit there, right before Christmas 1983 it was, and my very first sugar cone of Christmas Candy Cane flavour ice cream . . my favourite was the Chocolate M&M! I took my lovely Daddy there on his Great American Adventure for the banana split . . oh, and the milkshakes too . . he’d never seen a banana split that came with three spoons, and we even left some! Portion control was something they threw out the window 😉 I’d always hoped to come back there one day. Guess not now 🙁 End of an era.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. It isn’t that brilliant, but I enjoy doing it when I have time.
(thanks Susan for letting us chat!)
I just love Iris!!!!
Us too! Honored, she has chosen us!