ALPHABETICAL APPENDIX for my book, A FINE ROMANCE ~ Falling in Love with the English Countryside
Page numbers refer to the pages of the book. MUSICA (you will love) for your enjoyment, just click and come back for perusing.
Alfriston photos, East Sussex
Ambleside p. 145
Anglophile, p. 242
Armitt Museum, in Ambleside, p. 165Arts and Crafts Movement p. 106, 108, 111, 202, 242
Ascot, see: Royal Ascot
Astor, William Waldorf p. 117 see also: Hever Castle
Austen, Jane, p. 232-245
& Beatrix Potter, p. 73
Garden, p. 236
Gift Shop at her house
Virtual Tour of Jane Austen’s House
& Laura Ashley, p 233
See also: Chawton
Aylesbury p. 136
Bateman’s House and Garden, p.102, Rudyard Kipling‘s House
BEATRIX POTTER, p. 38, 71-73, 145, 152, 165, 189, 211, 220
and Jane Austen, p. 73
and me, p. 71-73, 220
Castle Cottage, p. 158
Ethswaite Water, p. 171, where Beatrix Potter’s ashes were scattered
Gift shop at Hill Top Farm
Hill Top Farm in Near Sawrey p. 145, 150, 166
Miss Potter, the movie trailer
Norman Warne, p. 156-157
Peter Rabbit, youtube, for your little ones ♥
…in hotel, p. 178
Sawrey House Hotel, p. 158 (next door to Hill Top)
Tower Bank Arms, p. 158
William Heelis, p. 157
see also, Heelis.
Walking with Beatrix Potter, p. 150
Moss Eccles Tarn, p. 163
Windermere, p. 146. See also, Windermere
Wray Castle, p. 177
Bell, Vanessa p. 105
see also, Charleston.
Beret, Joe’s p. 23-24
Bibury Court Hotel p. 193, 199
Bibury in the Cotswolds, p.193
Birthday, Things to Ask for on Your . . . p. 251
Bloomsbury Group p. 106
Boleyn, Anne, p. 116 See also: Hever Castle, Henry VIII
Books, suggested, before you go to England, p. 181
Bourton-on-the-Water, in the Cotswolds
Bowlby, Alexis, future author, granddaughter of Diana p. 75-76, 246
“Box of Chocolates” cottages, p. 114
Bridge House, Ambleside p. 146
Bridgewater, see Emma.
British Country Living Magazine… so good!
Bunting, p. 136, 144, 172
Cassandra’s Cup Tea Room (in Chawton) p. 236
Castle Cottage, p158 See also: Beatrix Potter
Celsius (temperature conversion) p. 87
Charleston Farmhouse and Garden, p. 105 see also: Vanessa Bell
Chatsworth House and Gardens, p. 142
& Jane Austen, 236
Chawton, p. 232 Jane Austen’s House and Museum
Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds
Cooking Conversions, British Equivalents
Cottage
Gardens, p. 160
Storybook, p. 209, 211, 224
Cottages for rent, see RENTALS
Cotswolds, Map p. 192
Cunard, Queen Mary 2, p. 43-78, 238
see also, Queen Mary 2
Darrowby, fictional places we love
See also, Thirsk.
David Austin Roses, p. 168
Diamond Jubilee p. 89, 142, 143, 144, 146
Procession on the Thames, p. 147
DRIVING IN ENGLAND
Car talk, p. 79-82, 132-134
Rent a Car (Joe got best discount from Hertz)
Roadsigns, quick reference
Video (mine), driving in the Peak District
A traffic sign in an alleyway. Translation: Go VERY slow, honk.
Elderflower Cordial, p. 212
Elizabeth von Arnim P.64
Elizabeth and Her German Garden p. 64, 74-75
Ellen Terry (at Smallhythe Place) p.124
Emma Bridgewater, p. 110, 245
Factory, in Stoke-on-Trent, p. 143-144
Farmer’s Poem p. 189
Flats for rent, see RENTALS
Flowers
for Cottage Garden, p.161
Footpaths, Public, p. 120, 162
maps, for finding, p. 121
Forster, E. M., p. 107
Gardens
Beatrix Potter’s, p. 167
Jane Austen’s, p. 236
Rosemary Verey’s p. 206
Bottle (my video), p. 207
Vita Sackville-West’s, p. 91, 230
Gifford’s Circus, p. 222- 223, 245
Gingerbread, see Grasmere
Grant, Duncan, p. 107, see also: Charleston Farmhouse
Grasmere, p. 163
Gingerbread Shop, p. 162
Harrods, for Afternoon Tea in London, p. 196
Hats, Olney, p. 173
Hawkshead, in the Lake District
Hedgerows, p. 198
Heelis, William, p. 157
Heelis, headquarters for National Trust
Henry the VIII: bad husband, p. 117
Anne Boleyn, p. 116
See, Hever Castle↓
Herriot, James, p.181
Museum, in Thirsk, Yorkshire p. 188
Hever Castle, p. 116
See also: Astor, William Waldorf
Hidcote Manor Garden in the Cotswolds
Hill Top Farm, p. 145-166, see also: Beatrix Potter
in Near Sawrey, p. 158
Homemade Happy Life, p. 249
Houses for rent, see RENTALS
Industrial Revolution, p. 202
See also, Arts and Crafts Movement
Jane Austen, see Austen, Jane.
Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, p. 144, 147
Kelmscott Manor, p. 202 See also, Morris, William
“The Garden of England” Photos
Kipling, Rudyard, p. 102, see also: Bateman’s
Knole, childhood home of Vita Sackville West, p. 129
Lacock, p. 226
L A M B S!
lambs playing with a ball -video
lambs hopping – video
Landmark TrustLavender
Earl Grey Tea
~Orange Polenta Cake, p. 214
London, p. 136
Harrods, for tea, p 196
Ten Day Trips in Vicinity of (I would add Hever Castle to this list)
Victoria and Albert Museum, p. 156, 233
Mal de Mer, seasickness, p. 59
Maps: of England, p. 6
Cotswolds, p. 192
Footpaths, p. 121
Lake District, p. 180
OS Explorer Map for walks, p. 121
Martha’s Vineyard, p. 241, 253
Matlock Bath, Peaks District, p. 145
Pilgrims, p. 58
Middleham Castle, ↑ Yorkshire Dales, p. 184
childhood home of Richard III, p. 185
Miss Potter, the movie trailer
Money
Morris, William, p. 193, 202, 242
See also, Arts and Crafts Movement
Moss Eccles Tarn, 163
Movie List, p. 201
Much Ado Books in Alfriston p. 112
Music, to bring with you, p. 180
MUSICA, to listen to now
National Trust, p. 100, 106, 125, 155, 163, 175, 246
and Prince Charles, p. 246
Near Sawrey, Lake District p. 158
Old Norse Place names, p. 181
Viking Information (a mere drop in the bucket for fascinating subject!)
Olney Hats, p. 173OS Explorer Map, p. 121, for footpaths, bikes, etc.
Olympics, 2012, Danny Boyle Vision for opening games, p. 242
Peak District, 135-138
Pear Cider, p. 60 (we loved Magners, but there are other brands)
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet p. 131
Pimm’s Cup (see p. 218 for recipe)
Planetarium, on board the Queen Mary 2, p. 67-70
Portrait of a Marriage by Nigel Nicolson
Post Office Meadow, p. 158
Potter, Beatrix. See Beatrix Potter
Prince Charles p. 246
Pub in the Peak District ~ me with knitting, writing paper, camera and shawl.
Pubs, see p.217-219
Sunday Roast, p. 89
Queen Elizabeth, see Jubilee.
Afternoon Tea Dance, p. 64
Chart Room, p. 43
Life aboard ship (was enjoyable after I turned the music down)
Planetarium, p. 67-69
Seasickness, p. 59
Stateroom Layout, p. 54
Tour of an inside cabin, the least expensive way to go, very nice!
So civilized on the ship, you can bring your dog. Although you can’t sleep with him; you get to visit him, but pets must sleep in the kennel. I think that’s what you see reflected in these little faces. They aren’t that happy about it. I’m pretty sure it would turn me into a smuggler.
Quill Pen, p. 235
Gift Shop at Jane Austen’s House (in case you want a quill pen)
Rachel’s Blogs, Baking Brownies for Mozart, Sugarmoon
Reading List, p. 181-182
See also, Books.
Recipes Coronation Chicken, p. 163
Grilled Brie Sandwich, p. 110
Hot Milk Cake, p. 90
Lemon Butter Cookies, p. 139
Orange-Lavender Polenta Cake, p. 214
Pimm’s Cup, p. 218
Roasted Shallots, p. 76
Steak au Poivre ↓
Sticky Toffee Pudding, 148, 149
Rental, Car. See: Driving in England
RENTALS for Cottages and Flats, p. 114 Our flat in Ambleside, p. 145 (“Idle Mill 2”)
Bibury Court Hotel, p. 193, 199, where we stayed in the Cotswolds
in Stourhead (89 Church Lawn), p. 228
Weathericks Cottage in the Peak District, p. 138
Royal Ascot p.212
Dress code p.212
Royal Oak Society, join — includes free entrance to all National Trust properties.
Rules for travel, p. 70
Rydal Mount, p. 163
See also, William Wordsworth
Sackville-West, Vita, p. 91, 230
Lord Sackville, 129
See also:
Knole, p. 129
Sissinghurst p. 91
Sawrey House Hotel, p. 158 (next door to Hill Top Farm)
Seasickness, p. 58-59
Shambles, in York, p. 191
Sheffield Park and Garden
Shipton Mill, p. 208-210
Storybook Cottage, p. 209, 211, 224
Sissinghurst, p. 91
See: Sackville-West, Vita
See: Portrait of a Marriage by Nigel Nicholson
Ellen Terry’s Garden, “the air is a caress”
Dovecote p. 252
Stoke-on-Trent, p. 143
Stonehenge, p. 229
Storybook Cottage, p. 209, 211, 224
Stourhead House and Gardens, Wiltshire p. 228
This is Stourhead, you can stay here and walk for hours everyday across fields of bluebells in the spring, with lambs.
Stow-on-the-Wold in the Cotswolds
Suffragettes in England, the quest for freedom and the vote
Sunday Roast, p. 89 see also, Pubs.
Sussex, Map p.84
Tea, p. 194-197
Afternoon, at Harrods, London, p. 196
How to Make the Perfect Cup of, p.195
mugs, see Emma Bridgewater.
Organic Lavender Earl Grey (my blend) COMING SOON to the web store!
Parties, p 196
Party in a River, p. 215
Recipes, see Recipes.
~room, Cassandra’s Cup, p. 236
Tenterden, Kent, p. 85, 113
Terry, Ellen, p. 124
her daughter, Edith Craig
see also, Smallhythe Place
Below, Edith Craig’s wonderful sketch for Costume/shoe designs for her mother that was in the house at Smallhythe Place
Tetbury, p. 208
Thirsk, Yorkshire p.188
See also, Herriot, James
Twain, Mark, p. 102-103
Verey, Rosemary, p. 206, See also: Barnsley House Gardens
Victoria and Albert Museum p. 156, 233
von Arnim, Elizabeth, p. 64, 74, 107
Walks, see: Footpaths
Warne, Norman. See Beatrix Potter
Weathericks Cottage, Peak District, p. 138 (say hello to Jean for us!)
Weight, stones and pounds, p. 87
White Garden, see Sissinghurst
Windermere, p. 146
Lake Cruises p. 174
Waterhead Hotel, p. 178
Wirksworth in the Peak District, p. 138
See also, Weathericks Cottage
Woolf, Virginia, p. 106, see also: Charleston Farmhouse
Wordsworth, William, in the Lake District
at Dove Cottage, p. 165
at Rydal Mount and Gardens, p. 163
Wray Castle, p. 177
Minster, p. 190-191
Shambles, p. 190
Thirsk, p. 188
Yorkshire Dales. p. 181-187
See also, Middleham Castle
The End . . . Leave me a comment if you think I missed something!
I’m so excited. Today I had an email notice my copy has shipped. You sure know how to build the excitement publishing the appendix. I won’t want to miss a page so will start at the beginning. Hugs, viv
I felt like I needed to have it up there as soon as anyone had the book! xoxo Excited!
Mine came today and I can’t stop reading. I love every page, word, and picture.
Yay, Viv!
Love this Susan!… I am sooo excited!… I got an email today too that my four books have shipped!… we are having my nieces birthday party Saturday and I am hoping they come before that as I will give my sister and my nieces (and me!) each one as a surprise!!!… love seeing photos of you in England… can hardly wait now for the mailman~UPS man!!!… xoxoxoxo Julie Marie
What perfect timing! I hope they make it! Happy Birthday dear Niece!
SO EXCITED!! (said like Agnes from Despicable Me! :0)
I am gonna have to beg for it for Christmas!!!
Love the appendix (and the little extras you added!)….a great resource for those who are planning to sail off to England!!! ♥ Peg
P.S. Happy Birthday week Peg!
Oh my-my!!! What perfect timing!!!! My book came just now! I’m so excited I “harlequin” stand it!! (saw that on a poster once and thought it was so clever).
What a wonderful surprise when I thought I wouldn’t be getting our book until fall! I LOVE it!! I love the size, nice and small and cozy. I love the way it’s in your very own writing, like all your books, and this maks it look and feel like a one-of-a- kind diary! I just couldn’t be happier with how it turned out! You should feel so very very proud Susan, as I’m sure you are. I’ve already started reading the first part about you and Joe meeting. I’m going right over to your store and ordering a beret like Joe’s!! I’m going away for the week-end and guess what’s coming with me!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for such an awesome book Susan!!!! It’s more than I expected!!!
LOL “Harlequin stand it.” Had to think, then say it out loud …:-) Thank you so much Cindy.
I got an email yesterday that my book is on its way. Can hardly wait for it to get here especially now that you teased us with the appendix.
YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IT”S HERE. I JUsT CAME FROM THE MAILBOX AND IT”S HERE, IT”S HERE, Sorry for screaming but I am very excited. I know now that all things will wait for another day….going to pour a glass of iced tea and start reading!
Thanks Susan.
Screaming is good. oxoxo
OK I am SCREAMING with Sue. Mine JUST CAME..YES!!!! I am sooo stoked. I had to stop everything and browse thru the book and my hubby looked at it for the short time I allowed him to see it. lol..and he said NICE BOOK. so you got the hubby stamp of approval. So now I am going to go join Sue in that Iced tea and you wont see me surface for awhile. It looks to be a long lovely read too. 🙂 Thanks to all for getting it off so soon. xoxo
Oops. I posted my last comment on the wrong post Should have been on the one before this post. So probable best not to post it here. I just wanted to let you know I was jazzed at getting your book and have been reading it and its wonderful BTW. 🙂
All good, and no matter where you post, it comes to me!
The Hubby Stamp of Approval! Love it!! Thanks Cris!
Do you know where I might purchase the lovely “love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea” spoon?
I found that spoon a few years back in a little shop here on the island. I did go back to get another one, and they were not only gone, but never to be seen again. Since they are not signed, I’m afraid we’ve come to a bit of a dead end! Sorry Laurie!
Hello Susan! Oh my…..what a teaser…your book appendix is delightful!! I am sooooooo excited to receive your book, but I preordered it in April and I will no doubt have to be more patient. (I keep checking my emails several times per day!) I feel like a child counting the days until Christmas morning!!!
Will be soon!
I may have to make a reproduction of the “Dead slow-Hoot” sign. I can judge people (no, I would never do that) by their reaction.
Dead slow hoot, IS a hoot! 🙂
The index is in the book, isn’t it? Or do we have to print it out?
I’m waiting for my email notice.
There’s an Index in the book — this is the Appendix to the Index! (just to complicate things) — because the Appendix has LINKs to everything, which could not be put in the book. So as you read the book, where you see a watercolored star, there will be a corresponding entry in the Appendix, with a link for more info. It will make sense when you see it.
Oh, yes, I get it now. And I “got” the two books I ordered over the week end, too. 🙂 What a treat. One is a gift for my English pen pal, visiting in October.
Perfect timing, I got my book today! I am so giddy! I just love it! I can’t wait to curl up with it tonight!
My book just arrived! It is gorgeous!!! I cannot wait to sit down and read every bit of it! I love the appendix, too. 🙂
So happy! Just received your beautiful book today! I don’t dare look through it now, as I’m saving it for our trip to England and France in the Fall! The 8-hour flight will give me lots of time to soak in every lovely detail and word! I’ll be happily tucking it into my carry-on. Having experienced every step in your process here with you on your blog makes this book so much more special to me. Thank you so much. 🙂
You are so welcome Christine — you truly have something wonderful to look forward to — England and France in the fall!
OH my gosh! I’m overwhelmed! Can’t wait for it to get here. I’ve never been to England, but just looking at the pictures again, makes it feel like home! I’ve never felt that way before.
Isn’t that strange, but so true for me too. Makes you cry when you’re there and in a meadow.
Hurry book, HURRY! Grand job on the appendix! Now, I’m really looking forward to holding the sweet book in my hands. If it doesn’t hurry I’ll begin memorizing the appendix so I won’t waste any time!! Still haven’t received the last Willard..makes me sad, but then patience is the virtue I haven’t quite got the hang of yet!!
Hugs!, Willa
Bah humbug on patience Willa! 🙂 I don’t know why, but WILLARD ran amok this last time… Here’s a LINK to it.
OMG! Not only am I excited for the book to arrive (any day now) but this appendix is amazing! Just in itself is a joy to play with. Made myself a cup of tea and began to click away! What fun is this and we haven’t even seen the book yet! Love it! Thank you Susan!
SO glad you like it! I had such fun putting it together, and trying to sneak in every little detail you might like!
The index is making the anticipation even greater — Can’t wait to read it!
Not much longer to wait — my book is ON THE WAY!!!
Tricia in CT
Thank you sooooo much for this little tidbit! I didn’t get my “shipping notice” yet, but I am anxiously awaiting it!
Soon Marie!
This appendix is wonderful Sue – I am just bouncing with anticipation of your book arrival. One little question? Can you direct me to a source to purchase that wonderful bunting of the British flag that is in so many of your trip photos? You mentioned that you had purchased some while on your trip. I would love to buy it…..any chance you will be selling it in your on-line shop? Congratulations to you for completing the book and making so many of your girl friends just giddy with anticipation……cue Carly Simon 🙂
Here’s one site Nancy … not sure if they ship to the US, but you can Google other places. It was SO hard to find it in England, they had almost sold out everywhere I looked. That’s because the entire country was draped in it! I wanted Joe to try and buy it off the walls in one supermarket, that’s how frantic I was getting about it!
Thanks Sue.
Waiting and watching for our letter carrier……
Just got my book. Quite a book. You should win some kind of award for all this hard work. Great Job!!! I can’t wait to sit down and read it.
My award is this connection to everyone! Been waiting a long time to do this — thank you dearest Internet!
Left anything out? I can’t imagine. I got my book today and it is amazing and lovely. I can’t image anything more. It is absolutely beautiful!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I just received my book in the mail this afternoon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am delighted and excited to sit down and get started on it. I have thumbed through it and put it on the dining room table. It smiles at me every time I walk by . . . and I smile right back. Not sure I can wait until this evening! 🙂 It is absolutely lovely, Susan. The girlfriends are in for a huge treat, but I think we already knew that!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ !!!
Love is in the air!!!!! my copy of A Fine Romance arrived today in Nashville Indiana!! Joy is abounding! I am going on vacation and I don’t have to leave my house! Thank you for creating this book for us! Love, Love ,Love it and you ….my life is complete now with this book added to my 3 calendars I got in the mail a few weeks ago! I’m going to be sure and grab my kleenexes while I read….I teared up the whole time I read the blog while you were on the trip…..must be hormones! TaTa for now….must start reading! Mary “Barefoot Sparkler” 😀
xoxo Barefoot Sparkler.
I received notice yesterday that my 3 books had shipped (two for me and one as a gift for my sister). I’ve got my Harney and Sons Royal Wedding tea and Walker’s Shortbread Highlanders ready to go for their arrival. I can’t wait!
You are ready! 🙂
What a tease you are! I’ll be saving this book for cold winter days and nights..when I’m under the downy cover.
Balisha
It will be perfect for that!
Dearest Susan,
Thank you for this post and the many more photos. I’m on page 166…I need to take a break so I can take the pups for a walk. They have been very good to let me read all afternoon.
I am enchanted!! There are some parts that are “laugh out loud” (lol) funny! I love it!
G 🙂
Yay Giovanna! Love to hear that. xoxo
Oh, I am so excited – I received my book today!!!!! I cannot wait to curl up with a cup of tea and dig in, although I might have to wait a bit since I’m planning all the last minute details of my daughter’s wedding which is just 2 months away. I’ve flipped through it though, and Susan, it is just beautiful! I know I am going to treasure every page, so thank you, thank you for sharing your love, travels and talent with all of us. I’ll be sharing it with my daughter who is a big fan, also!
Happy wedding Debbie!
Correction to my earlier post: it’s here– and A Fine Romance is absolutely perfect!!
And bring to mind one more song: “Thanks for the memories”
Tricia in CT
xoxo Tricia!
Susan! Absolutely enthralling!! Talk about whetting the appetite! Let’s face it, we just can never begin to compete with England for beauty and charm!! I mean, The Knockerdown Pub??!! And that bridge in Stourhead!! Ohhh!!! There’s just no place like it (hope Dad Jack isn’t reading this!! 🙂 I love my country, but I am soooo homesick for this kind of BEAUTY!!! It just has to be in our genes from our ancestors! How did they stand it staying here in the wilderness with all that beauty “back home!” Well, I’ll simmer down!! But this is going to be a TREAT!!!! I’m clearing my schedule, making tea and cake (or scones!) and taking as long as it takes!! I’m warning Gene; sorry — I will be busy — maybe for days!! Thanks soooo much for all your hard work. And I KNOW about this kind of work from the writing I have done. It is a BIG JOB. Bravo, Bravo!!
Oh I so relate. Beauty. We make around us as much as we can, and do a pretty good job, but in this crowded world it gets harder to come by. What constitutes beauty, how to get it, surround ourselves in it. That’s definitely something. Thank you so much Jane!!
I got my book today and spent a good hour with it before I had to force myself to get up and fix dinner!!!!! I love it Susan, it rocks, just like I knew it would. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! Now I can relive it over and over and over. Hugs to you and Joe for our wonderful trip. I waited everyday to see what wonderful adventure we had that day. Hugs Susan!
SO glad to hear it! Thank you right back for telling me!
That is SO COOL, Susan! Who would think of such a helpful, creative tool but you? I got notice yesterday of the shipping also, and I can hardly wait to get into the pages! My younger son will be spending his Spring semester in London from January through May of ’14, and we’re going to visit him, of course. I am definitely going to use your book as a fantastic reference for our trip! Thank you so much!
P.S. I GOT IT !! this evening when I picked up the mail! My husband said, “I guess I won’t see you for a couple of days now” LOL ! He’s even looking at it. It’s so fun, I can’t wait to get into bed and start reading it tonight! Thanks again!
My pleasure Carol! xo
How lucky for your son, and for you! Be sure to tell us where you go!
I will do that!
Thank you for sharing this. My heart is singing, while my eyes are sparkling with tears–can’t explain why, exactly, except that each entry seems so lovingly considered, each subject a little gift.
I was able to splurge only on one copy right now, and I am so happy that my (first) “A Fine Romance” will be going to my dear friend Diane for her birthday. We had a bit of a scare this year with her health, and so this birthday is even more cause for celebration than most years. Your book might have been written especially for Diane, so perfect a fit it will be, and I am deeply grateful to be able to share it with her. Oh, there I go, tearing up again.
Your comment made me tear up too, so happy that it was only a scare (which is more than enough!). xoxo
My birthday is Saturday, I so hope my copy comes in time for my birthday. It sounds like the perfect day.
I hope so too … Happy Birthday Kathleen!
I received your book today! I feel like you wrote it just for me! It’s deeply satisfying even to just hold it in my hands. You have such a gifted way of sharing that special, authentic soul space. I feel honored to have found you. Thank you!
You are so kind Kathleen — thank you xoxo
oh my….now I really wish I had preordered! How soon till we can order? I love what I see!!!!!
You can order right now Mary!
awesome….will get on that and thank you Susan! <3
Just received my “Fine Romance…” after much anticipation and “impatience” on my part. A wonderul page turner filled with so much heart love and wonderfulness. Thought I would “just look through it” and next thing I knew dinner was late and I was on page 40. Your art is so beautiful and page after page of your handwriting just makes the happiness shine through with every word. A true book of inspiration and love. Thank you for including the appendix for us – kinda like icing on the cake!!! Judy C in NC
So glad to hear it Judy!! Thank you!
Now I have finished the book, I feel like I can peruse these at leisure. What a lovely thing for a rainy day 🙂
Hope you find all the information you ever wanted and more. But if I forgot anything, please let me know!
Aaaheeee!!!! I just got an email to tell me that my book is on its way! JOY! It is ridiculous how extremely excited I am about this!! I know what I will be doing this weekend and this lovely appendix to peruse in tandem…..So so wonderfully delighted….Thank you~Susan:) Hugs!
Happy to hear it Amy!
I am really, really looking forward to your book.
Have a nice weekend and best regards from Berlin (F. R. Germany)
It should be there soon Bettina…. Hello to Germany for us!
Just got home from being away a few days…. had a surprise in my mailbox out by the road AND one in my email mailbox!! The book is beautiful, Susan. The Appendix is a sprecal treat. An understatement to say, “You must be so proud.” You’ve truly given a gift of you.
Keep forgetting to ask you ~ do you know the book, ‘The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady’ by Edith Holden? Think you would like her watercolors.
I do, I have that too. Beautiful. xoxo
I went to the mail box yesterday and grinned like a Cheshire Cat – there was a package in it – I quickly looked at the address and almost started to cry…yes, I was emotional…..I RECEIVED “THE” BOOK – your book!!!! Torn open the wrapping and gingerly turned the first page….I couldn’t put it down….read, read, read and dreamed, dreamed, dreamed – I was actually there through your writing, photos and illustrations – Heaven on Earth….that’s where I was. Thank you, dear Susan, for this Masterpiece. I finished it this afternoon and now plan to re-read; take my time and obsorb it all again. Loved the last picture of you and Joe – the perfect ending (although I did NOT want it to end). After reading I felt so peaceful and calm – the old culture, buildings, gardens, animals transported me to another place in time. Again, thank you !
Judith, you doll, thank you. It’s just beyond my dreams to read your comments …. means so much to me! xoxo
Your book came in the mail yesterday! What a delight! Absolutely eye candy! I feel I am really there the writing and paintings are so personal. Every page is to be taken slow then looked at again and reread. I think it’s the best book I’ve bought.
Congratulations on an extraordinary work of art and writing! Thank you so much! I read it then put it down and can’t wait to read some more. Wonderful!
Thank you for taking the time to write and tell me Sharon — I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it! xo
Susan~Your book is here. What a beautiful piece of art. You have done yourself immeasurably proud. I just cannot imagine the hundreds of hours that went into this. What a labor of love. As last fall then winter progressed you gave us updates but after having now held the book in my hands you really understated how labor intensive this must have been for you. How very compassionate that you still managed to keep up with your blog that we all love… And…. The Willards…… And…. your life…..all the while writing this heirloom. Thank you for helping me cross the ocean to a place I hold most dear……The very reason I have always always been devoted to my books…..lovely sojourns. Hugs and Blessings, A
“Lovely sojorns” well said, Amy! Thank you!
Hello Susan! I AM IN HEAVEN!!!!!!!! “A Fine Romance” just arrived in my mailbox this afternoon! It is a beautiful book!!! Thank you Susan for the signed bookplate…..it makes it even more treasured!! (It sits beside my mother’s cookbook in my cozy kitchen on Nightingale Street….love your cute little singing nightingale bird across from the inside title page!!!) Your artwork and photos and pretty handwritten text will truly take me to far away England!! I will read it very slowly…..because I won’t want it to end!!!! God Bless you for allowing us to dream!
SO glad to hear it Carilyn! Thank you♥
Well it arrived today. What a treat and what a delight! I was amazed at the time it must have taken you to hand write all of that. It is so lovely I really want to savor it and draw out the pleasure of reading it. Even though I want to dive head first into its luscious pages; I think I will nibble it a little at a time so that it will last and last and last. Your book is a visual treat and you my dear friend, are a talented woman. Thank you for sharing this fine romance!
Enjoy your nibbling Debbie! Thank you so much!
Ok Susan, so I lied. I am not nibbling at all. I’m gulping it down just as fast as I can. You would think it is chocolate cake! Dare say, I even took it into the bathroom with me. :/ Well can you blame me? You were sea sick how could I leave you alone? Well, back to the book. By the way, I am thoroughly enjoying it!!
Yay Debbie!!! Thank you !
O what a tease! It’s on my Wish List.
and by the way, if you are interested, I have a blog and my entry on May 17th was about our small Beatrix Potter tea party. Nothing grand just some sweet time with my girls and a dear friend. I’d love it if you were able to visit my blog. Thanks
Sweet as pie Debbie!
Your lovely book just arrived. I am bursting with joy and anticipation. I will savor every page. Thank you for such a wonderful gift of yourself.
My pleasure Di, thank you so much.
Thank you so much! I splurged on this (am currently unemployed) because I love your blog and couldn’t resist the title and the little bits you shared from it. Am so glad to have it and am trying to only read a bit each day, because I can only read this book once for the first time. Thank you again, I love this book and love your stories of yours & Joe’s journey.
Thank you Kim, I’m so happy you’re enjoying it. Here’s to a new job (that you love!) soon!
Oh Susan, I’m finished and you are now home. I feel silly but I feel like crying. I’m not sure why; maybe because the tale of your trip is over and it all went so fast. Even though home is such a wonderful place, your journey seemed so magical, so other time and place. At the end of it all I am thankful for the list of things you’ve learned. I was grateful that I had learned some of these things also and maybe not missed the mark by too much. It is funny to me that I could feel so connected to you. I feel that I was right there with you along on your journey, but then again I am sure so many others will feel the same way as they travel along with you in your book. Because I too am a writer and so wish that what I write would touch hearts and change lives; I wanted you to know that I have been deeply touched by your book. The things you delight in are the things I love too. You have shared well. You have not only accomplished taking me right along with you, but you also reminded me, refreshingly so, the value of a life enjoyed; of tea by a crackling fire, of twinkle lights for no reason and a flower pressed in a book. I feel like you’re my friend. That is a good story teller. Beatrix and Jane would be pleased!
More kindred spirits. And you, Debbie, thank you, your comment is so nicely and beautifully written and I can’t thank you enough. xoxoxo