I added on a photo I took this morning just after we hung out the flag. HAPPY JULY 4th, Happy Independence Day! Ring out wild bells . . .
Hello girlfriends! I’m back! I hoped you enjoyed a little summer rain (if you didn’t see the video,it’ll be at the end of this post). One good thing about the rain is how beautiful and fluffy and green it’s making everything look. MUSICA!!!
I wanted to give you our lucky winner for the bookmark right now, but Vanna wanted a bubble bath! And whatever Vanna wants, Vanna gets! So we are going to have to wait a bit longer until she comes down. Until then, I’ll give you a little more of our local weather report . . . That’s my garden up there, we haven’t had to water it once this year!
The last time we saw the sun for real was the afternoon of the full moon over a week ago. Early that evening we went to a friend’s 1820’s house to sit on her screened porch, watch the birds at the feeders and try to name them, sip wine, and wait for the moon to come up.
A couple hours later we drove out to our favorite place to moon watch on East Chop where we get an unrestricted view over the water. But, this picture says it all, blowing clouds were racing the moonrise and the clouds were winning.
So I looked around to find something else to point my camera at and I found this …
And this too, the ferry coming out of Oak Bluffs crossing just where the moon should have been. Nice but not quite what we were expecting. Picture a huge yellow ball right behind it. That’s what we should have seen.
We stayed out there for a while, but finally realized it wasn’t in the cards and started home. On the way we stopped for a quick photo of the lighthouse.
And then around the bend we went and over Lagoon Pond we saw this. STOP THE CAR! This was the only peek we got of the moon until early the next morning when I saw it going down from the bedroom window.
Pretty, beautiful over the water . . . and then the clouds came in and have never gone away since. A couple of nights ago we walked down to Main Street for dinner at La Cave — we sat on the restaurant porch and watched visible fingers of mist curling and blowing down the street. It’s warm, it’s dark and it’s wet.
But it’s not dreary. It’s making the island more beautiful than ever. It feels just like England! I’m sure if you’ve rented a beach house on the island, this isn’t what you were expecting, but business at the bookstore is very brisk, and the restaurants are full!
I don’t mind a bit.
And neither does he. BTW, I would never kiss this frog because I like him just the way he is. And I already have my Prince. What else, oops, I think I hear the pitter patter of little feet. Vanna . . . Let me grab her! Yoooo Hooo, Vanna, we are waiting for youuuuu.
(Dressed in tennis clothes and a gold necklace this woman understands the good life.) Before I could say a thing she sprang up, skirt twirling, and leaped into the top hat and disappeared to the bottom like a swimmer. It looked like she turned herself into a Waring blender because she had all your names twirling in the hat like a tornado — round and round they went, then suddenly, Boom! Here she was! And I have the winning name!!! Now let me get my pen so I can write that winning name on the Beatrix Bookmark. Six letters . . . and one of them is the very last letter in the alphabet. A hint Girlfriends. (That narrows it down a bit, doesn’t it?)
The winner is our girlfriend ESZTER from Veresegyhaz, Hungary! We’ve truly gone global girlfriends! This is our second world winner — the first was when Leanne in New Zealand won the Autumn book, and now Hungary! What a small world! Congratulations Eszter, you are our grand prize winner for the day! I will put your little bookmark in an envelope, with extra postage, and send her winging across the water. Say hello to Hungary for us!
Thank you all for trying, for being here, and for being you. ♥ And now, not to let it get maudlin around here, I have news. In fact I have too much news. Number One is this:
Can you guess what this is? Note that it is not moving, and yet I cannot seem to take a focused photo of it. Can you imagine what is in these boxes? she says, shakily.
Can you believe it? They’re here!!! A Fine Romance, our brand new book, is actually here in my house! Ripping the wrapper — I’m way too excited to focus the mere camera. What camera?
Now I begin to get it together…. I’m better now. I report in: she is beautiful. She smells just like all the best new books you have ever smelled. She is cozy, her pages are smooth, her cover is cool to the touch, and she is wearing a red ribbon, sooo romantic.
Petey wasted no time getting into the picture. Everyone wanted to get near her. These first advance copies of our book ~ we only got a few ~ are going to be mailed to places like Publisher’s Weekly, Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews, plus different magazines and newspapers.
But, as promised, the very first one gets signed and off it goes to Gail. If you remember, Gail is the girlfriend who won the Valentine’s Giveaway of an advance copy of our Book! Surprise Gail! Your book is in the mail! And it really won’t be long for the rest of us! Every day I am adding new EVENTS to our calendar . . . it’s getting exciting! Be sure to check often for a book signing near you. What? Did someone ask me if I liked the book? Oh girlfriends, I really do like it. ♥
And here is the next wonderful thing: Many of you know what a long-time admirer I am of Gladys Taber and her wonderful books ~ and if you don’t, you can read about it HERE. I especially loved everything she wrote about her 1690 Connecticut farmhouse called Stillmeadow. I “discovered her” many years ago when I bought my first little house on the island. One of Gladys’s books had been left behind by the previous owner; I fell in love with The Best of Stillmeadow and Gladys Taber; she helped to anchor me in New England (coming from California, I needed anchoring ~ it was all so different than what I was used to). Soon after, I found out there was a Friends of Gladys Tabor fan club and became a member. Their wonderful Newsletter is still a highlight of my day. When it arrives, I always make a cup of tea and sit down to read it, like a letter from home. I’ve never been to Stillmeadow. I’ve heard that Gladys’s granddaughter lives there now and never wanted to disturb her, although I’m sure she does get disturbed all the time!
This is Stillmeadow. And yesterday, I had the honor . . . the surprise and honor, to accept an invitation to speak and sign books at next year’s (Saturday, June 14, 2014) Annual Reunion of the Friends of Gladys Taber. This time it will actually take place in Southbury, Connecticut and include a tour of Stillmeadow Farm (it doesn’t always). I would put a hundred exclamation points here, but I’ve been told that’s not “good writing.” Perhaps squealing, jumping for joy, or calling my mother would tell you how I feel. Suffice it to say that I am thrilled. If this sounds like your cup of tea, you’ll find details in EVENTS, which is in the column on the right of our blog. Check back, it’s a year from now, we don’t have every detail set, but you can defintely pencil it in on your calendar! Stillmeadow! I never in a lifetime would have imagined this!!!!!!!!!!!! (oops)
As if that isn’t enough, there is still more! But I am going to save the other things for next time, because it’s getting late and I need to hit the “Publish” button. I could go on all day! Have a wonderful evening Girlfriends. Congratulations to all of us just for having each other. Here’s more rainstorm for all of you living in the heat. Blessings to us one and all . . . Happy 4th of July! XOXO
I love the summer rain because it gives me an excuse to stay inside and be cozy! Thanks for sharing your morning, Susan.
Enjoy your walk in the rain! Here, we are 15.5 inches above normal rainfall levels for this time in the year! It would be easy to take a walk in the rain.:-)
xo Nellie
Good Morning Susan!!! Thank you for the peak of your glorious rain soaked morning…I could almost smell the rain and feel the breeze. Isn’t it wonderful to be a morning person? There are so many blessings to be discovered at that time of day. I think animals have always known that! Happy Day!!!
Definitely the birds do! 🙂
Isn’t it lovely! My garden is very happy…….the morning glories are climbing up to reach the rain……my planter boxes are looking glorious. I may be wishing for a little sun but I have to look on the bright side. I am getting some inside jobs done and making paper decorations for the 4th of July festivities.
Good Morning, Susan!
I loved your showing us the rain. It’s been raining a lot around here too and like you, I don’t mind it. I have a frog very much like yours who sits on a rock in the bend of our tiny little stream that leads to the fish pond. He looks as though he’s singing “God Bless America”, with his little hand across his heart and I get the biggest kick out of him every time I think about his singing. Sometimes he has to sing really loud to outsing the real frogs in our pond, though. Hope you have a great Fourth of July, even if it’s going to be a wet one.
Love from Diane in North Carolina
Oh Susan…what a wonderful way to start our day! Your yard is so beautiful and luciously green! Hope you’re enjoying your walk! Anticipating Vanna’s drawing!! I’m so excited to hear the lucky winner!
Blessings,
Gert
Good morning!
We are having lots of rain, also. Not continuous but… More than usual. But here ( upper NYS) we aren’t as content, as you are. Sun! We want more sun! To mature the corn, corn, corn. -smile-
_Your_ attitude is much more sensible, and good for your over-all health.
Gentle hugs,
“Auntie”
LOL Auntie, good for my health!
Love your attitude! (I must remember this one!)
Rainy day in Martha’s Vineyard – rainy day in Connecticut as well…. but don’t all of our flowers look gorgeous?!!
Martha from CT
Never prettier!
Hello Susan! What a charming rainy day you are having on Martha’s Vineyard! Your beautiful blue hydrangias are gorgeous!!!! Do you put anything on them to produce such a rich blue color? My grandmother would pour pickle juice on hers to get them to flower blue……since she has long passed away, I always wondered if this was true? Here in Dearborn, Michigan it rained all day yesterday. I did not mind, as I spent the afternoon with my knitting group sipping tea, listening to the rain and trying not to drop a stitch! Have a wonderful Tuesday and take care!!!
We have pickle-juice dirt here on the island — it’s much easier to get blue than pink! Perfect rainy day for you Carilyn!
Hydrangias need acidic soil to bloom blue–that is probably why your grandmother put pickle juice on them…Greenhouses sell stuff you can add to the soil to make it more acidic which would be safer than pickle juice. Vinegar can kill plants… 🙁
Thank you Pat! I will write this information down in my garden journal for future use!!!
You are just the cutest! I’m here in a heat wave in Seattle and envy your rain. Our local yarn store owner wrote in her note this month to all that the best part about turning the calendar page to summer means that autumn is just around the corner. Knitting, a cuppa, a cozy throw! I look forward to it already!!!
Me too! Was talking about fall with Joe on our walk in the rain!
it has been raining like this in PA too. It does able you to get a lot of scrapbooking, and indoor things done in the house. It is making our grass grow and grow and grow. Light a candle and enjoy the sound of the rain.
Those hydrangeas are a gorgeous colour, and the rain will certainly do the flowers good. (Got to look on the bright side of the rain somehow 🙂 ) Keep your fingers crossed there isn’t any rain on Thursday please, we are off to Wimbledon to see the tennis.
My mom would LOVE to be going to Wimbledon, I’m sure she’s getting up in the middle of the night to watch!
I will give her a wave 🙂 we will be on Court No 1
I just got off the phone with her, I will tell her — she will love that! It’s on her TV right now — not sure if it’s pre-recorded, but there’s a rain delay.
OKIE DOKIE! I like posts like this…almost like being there. It looks like this in Nashville today, without the rain–68 degrees and comfy. Judy
Awww, thanks for sharing your rainy morning 🙂 Enjoy your stroll!
Susan, what a lovely rainy gift! Thank YOU! I do not mind the rain either, but was praying for sunshine this past Sunday for my daughter’s Downton Abbey garden tea party bridal shower, and after an early morning rain to freshen the flowers, we had a glorious day! Now it can keep on raining!
Hello Terri! Your daughter’s bridal shower sounds divine!!! How did you decorate and what did you serve?
Hi Carilyn, it was a lot of fun! I think I now own stock in Victorian Trading Company! My house and decorating style is cottage/victorian/edwardian anyway so I just took it several steps more. I made 3 kinds of scones, 3 kinds of tea sandwiches, rose shaped strawberry cupcakes, and Susan’s blueberry angel cake! We had Buckingham Palace Garden Party tea, lemonade, and iced tea, because we live in the south,natch! Oh, and champagne punch to toast. There were 22 ladies, of various age, all in dresses, and quite a few in period costume. We had croquet, and a spiritualist, to tell fortunes. It went really well, and I am a tired puppy!
How totally wonderful!
hi susan… just love a summer shower…brings out that all those unmistakable summer scents….need smell-a-blog!! 🙂 a wonderful time for a stroll….have fun and don’t melt… love, cindy
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the video…love your frog! It’s raining on and off here on Long Island too. Luckily on my morning walks with Winston (our yellow lab) it hasn’t rained, but it sure is humid. It’s so quiet in the early morning. On our walk we pass two huge beech trees. They make the most amazing sound in the wind! It’s magical. 🙂 Enjoy your Independence week!
Maureen
Oh my gosh….here’s a video of the beech trees in England. It’s really windy, but at times you can hear the sound of the leaves. Love it!
bing.com/videos/search?q=beech+tree+leaf+sound&view=detail&mid=B17D39FA9779CCE4C738B17D39FA9779CCE4C738&first=0&FORM=NVPFVR
Guess what? I just realized we have a dwarf weeping beech tree in our yard. It looks a lot different….much smaller with purple leaves, but the leaves are the same shape and they make that precious sound! You have to get up close and personal to hear it….I guess it’s better that I’m listening to the trees in my own yard and not in someone else’s, right! Who knew tree leaves could bring so much pleasure. 😉
Loved the video, Susan! We have had grey skies here as well with occasional downpours – all makes the grass super green and the flowers lovely for the 4th. My hydrangeas are going crazy- love it all!!!
Have a wonderful day – thanks for always bringing to us slices of your life on MV 🙂 ♥
Your post reminds me of a book I loved when I was a little girl. It was called, “Susan and the Rain”. It was about a little girl who visited her Grampa’s farm and was very happy until it rained. Then she was very sad until Grampa explained how important the rain was to farmers. When she got back to the city he sent her a raincoat, boots and umbrella so Susan could enjoy the rain. Loved that book. Still have a copy of it.
How adorable!
Good Morning, Susan-
I mustn’t be wishing hard enough to be in England, because we are just miserably hot in California. Your rain is just lovely, and I think I’ll be watching it again and again for the next few days.
I was hoping it would bring cool breezes to our western friends!
I prefer the rain, too, to what comes after when the sun comes out–HUMIDITY–because the temperature rises to the 80’s!
Thank you for sharing your rainy morning. I could feel the cool breeze–not at all humid. 🙂
Yup just like Britain rainy ! Lovely video . We had lots of rain last week but then cleared up for a few days and more rain to come for the next few days . It is unusually cool for this time of year here in Ontario but I love it . Our gardens are happily blooming and plumping up which in tern make us happy to have all the lovely colour ! Thanks for sharing . Have a good week !
good morning Susan…and everyone…you are so right that we” are watching this blog” this morning !!..as always…’ loved the video of your yard with the rain !!..but now it’s time to wake up Vanna !! LOL !!
I’m going in to get her right now, but she will need coffee first — she’s a slow mover in the morning!
I think this post was a “teaser”! It has been raining a lot in Minnesota, too, and everything is incredibly green. But we had such hot weather last week that our tomato plants almost look cooked–leaves curled up, no blossoms. 🙁 Two more months until Fall…I’m doing a countdown! 🙂
Wish some of that rain soaking the East could move west to help out all the firefighters!! ;-(
Good morning Susan… what a beautiful gentle Summer rain… so soothing and calm (just like your soft voice)… love your sweet froggie!… does he have a name?… I tend to name all of our little garden critters… xoxo Julie Marie
No, no name — but I do love his sweet expression!
Ooooh, lucky you! No rain here in Pueblo, CO, just afternoon clouds and wind. But at least this week has been in the 80’s instead of the 100’s like it was last week. This morning’s paper said we’ve only had 2 inches of moisture so far this year. Blaaaah :o( I’ve had to give up on trying to grow hydrangeas, foxgloves, delphiniums, lupines – all my favorites. But I’m learning to like some xeriscape plants which actually have some beautiful flowers also, and the roses are doing very well. I ordered and planted a zepherine droughin on your suggestion, and though still small, seems to be doing very well. Thank goodness for sprinkler systems.
Thank you for this lovely gift of rain to refresh our spirits ~ it will be about 115 degrees here in the Las Vegas area today. NOT so good for flowers 🙂 But your blog and your special self are a delight ~ thank you!
Hi Maggie,
Wow….so hot….! I saw on the weather report, two news reporters in Las Vegas baked chocolate chip cookies on the hood of their news truck! It took a bit longer than an oven…..actually looked pretty funny too……they ate the cookies on camera and said they were yummy…!!!
Hope you are staying cool!
Deb
Susan – what a beautiful post ! I thought of that quote yesterday in your Summer Book about a tree reconsidering their leaves after the summer solstice….I was cutting the grass ( between rain showers!) and some yellow leaves were falling down like rain and I had to come in and take my book off of the display easel in my kitchen and find the exact words. I agree with the others who say it makes you think of Fall….but I am not ready to give up on summer. Love living where I can experience all the seasons….but I admit I am ok if this rainy season stops….anytime now….honest !
Love this….the sounds….all the pretty flowers….tranquility at it’s best. Thanks for sharing “Your neck of the woods,” as Al Roker would say.:) Have a great day Susan!
(((Big Hug)))
I’m so jealous of the rain, its 110 here in Cali and I would love to be on MV today. The heat is stifling and horrible here. Thanks for sending me some cool ocean breeze and raindrops. The hydrangeas are beautiful. Mine was pink and now because of the heat and sun its really faded. Any suggestions?
Have a great summer stroll.
xo Tiina
Lots of water … but I don’t think anything does all that well in 110 degrees!
Tiina, I don’t think we’ve ever had it THAT hot here in Maryland, but the 90-100 temps we do get scorch my plants. I have too many plants to do this, but I’ve often thought I should erect tents over my plants to protect them during the hottest part of the day. Maybe you could do this just for your hydrangea, along with the lots of water Susan recommends–4 tall stakes with a sheet stretched over them.
What a wonderful rainy day….so peaceful in your garden….and your flowers are beautiful. It does feel like your looking out into an English Cottage Garden……thanks for sharing! And I am a big fan of Mr. Frog….he is just cool and fun!
Is there anything more refreshing than a walk in the rain on a warm day? Maybe a cooling thunderstorm when you are safe under the covers at night!
I hope that some of the rain makes its way to the besieged folk in the west with the fires and heat.
Good morning Susan, we are enjoying a gentle rain here in the Chicago area as well. I can’t complain. My gardens and the lawn are looking wonderful as are yours. Hope you are having a lovely day. Can’t wait to hear if I’m the lucky winner of the bookmark. Ciao for now~
The rain is on both sides of The Pond today, and yours sounds exactly like ours! 😀
They say in two days we can expect summer! {{{Sigh}}} My garden will love it, then we will need more rain soon . .
My neighbour had a beautiful, big hydrangea in the corner between our properties and it spilled generously over the wall into my garden . . it was stunning and I picked blooms every year and dried them for Autumn arrangements. One sad day she asked me if I wouldn’t mind cutting it back a bit as she doesn’t like them. Somehow, she thought it was mine and growing from my land onto hers, so I had to tell her I couldn’t because it was hers!!! She didn’t even know it was hers, and she dug it up and that was the end of the beautiful hydrangea 🙁
p.s. I have just come in from a walk along the country lanes in the rain . . I am dripping wet and about to make a bowl of steaming hot curried coconut and butternut squash soup to warm me through!
Oh, that really sound good!!!
It is, or it was, Carol! Here is the recipe that I’ve devised: Cut up a butternut squash, a couple of med. red onions, and a couple red/yellow peppers. Toss to coat with vegetable oil and a teaspoon or two (to taste) of Garam Masala (or other curry powder/paste) and roast in a hot oven until slightly charred. Blitz a sachet of coconut milk with two cups of stock and add the roasted vegetables, blitzing until blended to taste. Serve with a swirl of yogurt and a Naan bread. Tastes even better reheated next day, and even tastes good cold!
If you use an organic squash, you don’t need to peel it.
good morning Susan, girlfriends. Susan send some of that rain here please…. its to darned hot here, 105 today… blah!!!! it looks so nice and cool and refreshing there, wish it were here. have the ceiling fans going in the barn to help keep the hens and everyone else cool and comfy. we installed a couple of ceiling to circulate the cool air down and around so the henhouse and barn don’t get soooo hot!! have the ceiling fans in my house going as well, and when I am done here off goes the computer…anything and everything is turned off to keep the house cool. are we all ready for the 4th??? I have my patriotic parfait recipe for the holiday. would you like it??? let me know and i’ll give it to you. you all have a great day and keep cool. hugs….. 🙂
Pat, don’t you have air conditioning? I’m sure you do with all that heat. We were doing so well last week with the warm temps and sun, but sadly to say, we now are in fog. That Redding….. LOL Never fails.. hot inland and fog at the coast. We plan on going up to Washington next week, but will be going at night. With triple digits during the day and not much cooler at night really, we are opting for night time this time around. Sorry about not being able to stop by. But, I’m thinking that we can on the way back home.
I’m SOOOO envious! We haven’t seen rain in San Diego for SOOOO long…months and months and months…honest. It would be so nice to have a rain day…can’t remember what it is like. Just completed by roadtrip up the coast. Went to farmer’s market in Arroyo Grande…snapped a pix of the building where your store was located…now called GATHERING…a wine bar. I guess if it can’t be your store, a wine bar is good. Happy Day!
~ Good Morning~
You are such a tease!~ We are finally getting sunny weather~ 2 days straight!~ Love your little frog ~ mine snapped his little leg off~ must have been from all the yoga he did ~ He was doing The Warrior Pose~ That or my granddaughter helped……
~Happy Tuesday~
Hey – just subscribed to Yankee Magazine so I don’t miss your piece in the holiday issue. Can’t wait !
I can’t wait to see how that turns out!
I hope you enjoyed your walk, Susan. It’s a cloudy day here, but no rain, and I enjoyed a nice walk for an hour or so. Thank goodness for whoever, way back when, decided to create trails by the creeks in my little city!
-Karen
Your video clip brought to mind Fred Astaire singing “Isn’t it a lovely day to be caught in the rain.” I had to go to YouTube and give a listen. He was so wonderful. Think I’ll have to put him on as background music when I open the pages of A Fine Romance!
I have a picture that a friend gave me that says…”God made rainy days so gardeners could get their housework done”. That certainly is the truth at our house! Lovely video…looked like a charming English garden.
Love that quote!
I love that quote too! It is so true for me.
I know it’s practically un-American but I have to admit it – I like rainy days. Not days and days of it of course – anymore than I like days and days of endless sunshine either [shocking I know]. But Variety is the spice of life – and we wouldn’t appreciate glorious sun-filled days as much if we never had gray ones too. I do love the skies when huge, ominous black clouds approach in the Summer and thunder sometimes rumbles for hours. I like the heavy, moist mistiness in the air after a shower – it’s almost like a spa treatment. I like the sounds rain makes – the gentle “plop-plop” of a slow, quiet rain on the pavement or the merry pitter-patter of raindrops hitting the windowpanes when I’m safe inside [and looking out]. So here’s to Rainy Days!! I hope you enjoyed your damp walk today, Sue… I’ll bet you took a huge deep breath of ocean air for all land-locked Girlfriends everywhere! :>)
I love rainy days too! My daughter left for Ireland on Sun for 2 weeks -I hope she gets to see a little bit of sun while she is there, since she left after 2 weeks of rain in Ct. At least it wont be humid 🙂
We had some rain today also. But our 3 year old grandson got to stay out in the rain and play(what happens at Nana’s, stays at Nana’s ) and he had a ball. He managed to find the puddles and the mud puddles and it was soo much fun watching him, running and skipping and splashing around. Oh to be that young again. Wishing everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July. My heart goes out to the 19 firefighters that lost their lives recently in AZ. Your in our prayers.
I love the rain, too! Just thought I would pop in and tell you what I was doing…
I am making homemade envelopes to send cards in and I just used my/your old July 2011 calendar page. I was sure to put the silly seagulls where they would face the front. They are saying, “Shut up” and “Good Lord!”. So funny!! I’m sure it will bring a smile to my friend in Florida. Happy Summer Day! xx, Julie
Raining here in South Haven MI and 59 degrees? Where’s summer? I really don’t mind as well except that it is my birthday and would like to have it a sunny one!
Happy Birthday Marianne!
Thanks for sharing your rain..Your flowers are looking great! I mean the blue ones( we call ’em hortensia)In our garden we have white ones, but they’re not yet so beautiful /fully in bloom, and I especially love my babypink one! I still am keeping my fingers crossed…hoping Vanna picks me.
Lots of love from Holland
Willemien
Enjoy your day! Only 66 and sunny here! I’m loving it!
Hi Susan,
How refreshing! Here in California we are “having a heat wave” and really have to make sure the plants are hydrated along with our bodies! Summer is supposed to be hot, so I won’t complain. I appreciate you sharing your raindrops and the frog at the door.
Blessings,
Pat
A little too much rain here in the midwest. The Mississippi River is out of its banks for the third time this year. I feel sorry for those folks living along the flood plain. Tom Sawyer Days are about to start in nearby Hannibal Mo. Thankfully the town purchased flood gates some years back so the festivities can go on.
65 degrees and rainy here in the midwest too. Perfect day for making soup!!
The hyndrangeas on Martha’s Vineyard are simply incredible, like you!
xoxo Nancy!
Good morning Susan and Girlfriends ~~~ The video was very refreshing to watch and to hear the rain. I was looking at the national weather map this morning and thinking of you and all the girlfriends back east. Rain rain rain! Here on the west coast, it’s just the opposite… sun sun sun and very high temps. I feel so sorry for those in the tripple digits! Here, in Eureka, the fog is showing it’s face to us this week. It does that whenever inland had tripple temps. Was so warm last week here. Loved it.
Guess what?! Should I talk about our house or not? LOL The people who signed a contract with us last month and then backed out, signed a new contract with us and I have accepted one more time. We’re hoping that this time around will work out. I think it will. They couldn’t find anything better out there in our price range. Yay!!!
xoxox
Carol M
Good luck with the house sale! Know how frustrating it can be.
I rememeber the mists and fog of Northern California well!
Thanks for sharing your rainy day! No rain here in Texas for a while and it is very hot. Your rain shower was a delightful spot in my hot Texas day.
dear Susan, I need people like you who call a day like this a nice one…I’m such a summer and sun fanatic, where I live in the far, very far, pacific northwest, summer comes so slowly. two days ago when I got up and looked out the sky was clear!! blue!! there was sunshine!! my heart leapt within me! I walked around all day in a delighted daze. at sunset there is still a lot of light in my home and I just have to stop and notice and appreciate it. even took pix of it coming in thru the lacy curtains; will look at that in the winter. or next summer when it’s still gray. thank you cheery one! xox 🙂
I’m with you, Sandy. I love summer, and here in the PNW it takes forever to get here so I’m in no hurry for it to go away! It always goes too soon! Rain is what we expect, sunshine is what we crave.
Susan, your idea of the bookmarks is so great! I hope to be in San Luis Obispo for your book signing and look forward to a signed bookmark from my girlfriend, Susan Branch – you know, the famous artist and author! 🙂
Enjoy your rain. Sandy & I will enjoy our sunshine!
Congratulations, Eszter!
♥Deb♥
Mmmm…I loved going with you on your rainy walk. A little summer sprinkle sounds mighty good to me here in CA. My thermometer hit 102 a couple of days ago. No AC. The pets and I are roasting. And, hey, I have that same frog. Isn’t he wonderful?!
He sure is!
I LOVE THAT FROG!
In central Indiana today we donned hoodies to go out and weed the veggies. So thankful for the clouds, rain and cooler temps. Last year so many of us were in drought and I lost my entire tomato crop. 🙁 I’m thankful I don’t live in Death Valley. Spent my childhood in Las Vegas. I prefer these cool Midwest summer mornings.
Enjoying 2 weeks of Wimbledon (6am ETon TV live)
sharing cups of tea with my daughter
and
English muffins with strawberries decorating the tops.
The rain helps us feel like we are there…
Only a kindred spirits like
you and your girlfriends
would know that : )
Happy Day!
We’ve all been blessed with another gift!
With a thankful heart,
deby
Aren’t we lucky!!
Just beautiful! Visiting Martha’s Vineyard is on my bucket list :). Anyone know the best place to stay that won’t cost me an arm and a leg but is still close to everything? Off-season….maybe mid-September 🙂
There are lots of places, go to the Chamber of Commerce web site and you can see them.
Correction…Wimbledon starts 6am CT!!!
I love a rainy, gloomy day. It’s a perfect day to stay inside and be a mole. I can read, watch movies, write letters, bake something yummy, sew, or even iron … it soothes my soul.
Read … I’m reading and loving it.
I am one of your Goodreads friends. I’ve been enjoying that wonderful site since 2007!
Hi Marge … you’re lucky, I just found out about it — it’s wonderful! Nice to meet you here!
Been raining here in Pittsburgh as well. I love it – haven’t watered my garden in days 🙂 My coleus is amazing right now – it too loves the rain 🙂 Happy strolling Susan!
Oh Susan, how I wish it was raining here in Northern California. Where I live it very seldom is over 90 in the summer. We had a beautiful summer rain for two days last weekend but now we are having a horrible heat wave and it’s been over 100 for the last week and is going to stay that way for at least another several days. Can you blow on those rain clouds of yours and send them this way? I would love that!!
Thank you for the glimpse of your home and the beautiful rain.
Melissa
Thank you for sharing your rainy morning. We have a tiny glimmer of hope—-10 per cent chance on July 4th. Even if it rains on our nations birthday/and Johnny and My 45th wedding anniversary, it will not dampen our joy. So pleased for you and Joe and your garden.
Love and bunny hugs,
Shirley
We had the same morning here, but now the sun is out!!! It also doesn’t seem to be as humid. I can’t stand the humidity. We have our fireworks tomorrow night keeping fingers crossed for nicer weather. Your flowers look beautiful. They must like this weather. My garden is lovely too. It makes my day when I leave for work and when I get home, just puts a smile on my face. Have a wonderful 4th can’t wait to hear what you served if you had a group over. Give girl and Jack some pats for me. I love to see their antics, share those pictures with my granddaughters they get a big kick out of the hair elastics and ironing throne. take care, Karen M.U, in CT.
Susan..You always make me feel like I am right there! Waving from Gloucester, Ma.
Waving back!
Oh, Susan! Your yard looks beautiful in the rain! Everything is so green and vibrant.Things here are hot and dried up.
Here in Cent’l NJ it’s hard to remember a full day of sunshine, we’ve had so much rain also. I’m starting to get used to the rain but not the hot muggies that are accompanying it. Boy do I long for a sea breeze. Thank you for sharing your bit of heaven. P.S. I love frogs too……
I’m loving the rain too. My pink hydragenas are in full bloom. Isn’t it funny, I would love them to be blue! Can’t believe July sneaked up on us.
Again, going too fast!
Hi Susan: LOVE the rain, too! We’ve had quite a bit — not as constant as you. BUT. . . we are ecstatic over the COOOOL weather we are having this summer in Northwest Arkansas! Never happens! It is so wonderful. Reminds me of New England summers with blue sky and white puffy clouds. But I DO love the rain, and work on my porch (writing) when it rains here with all my leafy things dripping “out there” and I’m dry and hunkered down. It is wonderful! So happy for you and your puddle weather! Have fun! Jane
Hi Jane…I, too, live in lovely Northwest Arkansas and I, too, am “ecstatic ” over our unusually cool weather we’ve been experiencing lately…’just talked with my parents in California and they are in that “heat dome”…’so grateful for N.W. AR. weather these days !!
Hi Mary Spring! I lived in California, too, for awhile! I’m from New England, and Susan sure makes me homesick!!! But we are enjoying this New England-like weather! We need to email or something! I bought Susan’s book and if she comes anywhere near here I’m going!! Are you, too? Hope to hear from you!!
Hi Jane…thanks for writing..another nice day in our neck of the woods… I also pre ordered Susan’s newest book..’so ready to get it in my hands !!..it would be nice if Susan and Joe would venture in our area as part of their book signing adventure… this area has a lot to offer..good hearing from you Jane…I love this connection that Susan has created…such a kindred spirited-ness !!!!…oh, and have a wonderful 4th of July !!..take care !!!
Rain of biblical proportions here in NC this past week! I too love it for all of my flowers and lawn. I also am one of the rare ones that love cloudy days. Just needs to sunny for the 4th. Then it can rain again. 🙂
Right!
Thank you for this video! I just finished watching it and I’d like to play it all over again, already. We’re thirsty for rain out here, after several days of triple digits. Your hydrangeas are so beautiful. They’re clearly liking your weather. Mine is not so happy about ours’ right now. I’ve been keeping it alive with lots of water, but I don’t think the poor thing has the energy to bloom in this weather — we’re all feeling a little wilty. Great for tomatoes and squash, though. It’s the first time I’ve actually gotten butternut squash to grow. I can hardly wait for cooler weather so I can make it into soup. Happy Tuesday!
I’m praying for rain for you … too darn hot!
Thanks! We could sure use it.
Congratulations to the lucky winners – and congrats to you on the arrival of your book! I can hardly wait till fall when all of us girlfriends can hold a copy of it too. (Also, it will be much cooler here, then ; ) Much easier to imagine England when it’s cool and damp!
How exciting–the arrival of the book AND your event at Stillmeadow next year!!! (I don’t care if it is “bad writing”!!!!!!!) 🙂 Are you just walking around the house with a copy of the book in your arms with a big smile on your face???
Not to distract from the excitement, the 4th of July is in two days! What are you and all of the other girlfriends doing for the 4th? Food and fun ideas??? Happy 4th of July to you, Sue, and Joe and the kitties!
Yes Yes Yes I am. I pick up, I read it, I put it down, repeat. We are going Next Door for a BBQ — Joe and I are in charge of making some sort of special gin cocktail. Not a bad job. How ’bout you?
Hope you’ll give us a report on the special gin cocktail. I’m having girlfriends over on the 4th to toast our freedom with G&T’s. Making some deviled eggs, guacamole, warm triple berry crisp with vanilla ice cream with our tea, because it would be positively un-American not to have ice cream on the 4th of July. Sooo excited about your book, and Stillmeadow. All these wonderful things are coming back to you in return for the happiness you share and create for others. Thank you!
Toast our freedom, toast this peaceful (relatively) country. The rule of law! Hooray for us! We have chosen this. I think I might have to makes some homemade ice cream for the event. Today, our flag goes on the front of the house!
We’ve invited a friend over to be out on the deck–have barbecued ribs thawing to go in the oven. Tomorrow I’m making potato salad and a fruit salad. Will have garlic bread probably. Can’t decide between making a rhubarb pie, blackberry, or raspberry pie. Costco has had the berries at a good price so I’m tempted to make a pie of them since that isn’t something I often do. Always have rhubarb available and I make rhubarb crisp more often…Then, if it is hot, maybe instead we should have a watermelon so we can sit and spit out seeds over the deck rail! 🙂 The schnauzer doglets get very nervous with the firecrackers going off all over the place so in the evening we watch the Capital 4th on TV with the windows closed, multiple fans running, and the volume turned down! After all of the rain we had the last 2 weeks, the mosquitoes are too plentiful to sit outside and watch the fireworks, anyway…What do your kitties think of the firecrackers?
P.S. I’m going to try making that ice tea with orange juice and lemonade that one of the girlfriends posted the recipe for last week on here, too…
Hot Rhubarb with ice cream! But really, how can you lose! Watermelon with yogurt and brown sugar, yum! We get a few pop-pops around here, but the real fireworks show is far enough away to only be more “people noise” to them. I’m sure they would hate it if they were closer!
Along with the usual, I’m making a cherry pie and going to the nearby farm stand for our first of the season sweet corn for our 4th picnic.
Hi Pat! Your 4th of July sounds red, white, blue and happy! Have fun!
Hi Dawn! Happy 4th to you, too! Are you still coming for lunch sometime this summer? 🙂
It makes my day when I can come home from work to one of your wonderful blog postings. Thanks so much. Lots of rain here in northern Indiana also–I’m ready for a little sun and a little dry. Happy 4th of July!
Susan, congratulations – beautiful, beautiful book. And your visit to “Stillmeadow” – icing on the cake. Please take us along with you. And your little bookmark winging it’s way to Eszter in Hungary. She must be thrilled. Can’t wait for your book. I’ve pre-ordered four copies for myself and friends.
It won’t be long Elaine!
What a thrilling day for you, your book arrives and an invitation to Stillmeadow.
Plus lovely rain!
Excitement !!!!!!!
The books look beautiful and I’m happy for you that you are pleased with them. What an amazing delivery to have come to your home!
Congratulations on the speaking invitation. This sounds perfect for you as you have been quite the fan of Gladys for some time.
Life is good!
Love the photo of the rose(in the middle there is a lovely face)!
So happy !!..Our Book is here !!…so excited !!..and congratulations to Eszther for winning that treasured bookmark !!.. take care all and with love…oh, and have a joyous 4th of July !!!!!
How exciting to see the book! I e-mailed Stillmeadow earlier this afternoon to request a membership and received an e-mail back from the membership guy saying he was on vacation this week and would get back to me next week. I think he’s about to get inundated with e-mails on his vacation! If I don’t get to meet you on this book tour I’ll be at Stillmeadow next year! My brother only lives 30 minutes away. He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s getting a houseguest next June. By the way, the Events page says it’s the 14th while you write it’s the 21st. 🙂
Perfect Cathy, how great!
Yaaaaaaa, our book looks beautiful! Just want to clarify the date for Stillmeadow next June…14 or 21? It’s listed at the 14th on the coming events link, but you mentioned the 21st on this post…..I know you’re over-the-moon excited, but just want to make sure that date is written in indelible ink on next years calendar!!! Congratulations, Estzer, on winning the precious little bookmark…hugs, Susan!
Oh dear, yes, Saturday the 14th, I will go change it. So happy to know someone around here is paying attention!
Oh, Susan! What a glorious blog! You perk me up with each visit! Thank you for showing us “our” book! The fall mailing can’t come soon enough for me! Bet you are still doing a happy dance around your house. My heart went all a-flutter when I saw those boxes! I figured the book was inside. I keep telling my Lamb bookmark that the book will be here soon! We both are anxious! Enjoy the upcoming Fourth. Maybe it won’t rain for evening fireworks?!
I like that you talk to the lamb! Happy 4th Mary Pat!
Omb Susan!!!!!! I live in Sherman Ct! Just thirty minutes from Southbury! I can’t believe it. I might get to meet you up close and personal. I am a HUGE fan of yours and nothing would please me more than to meet you. I would love to have you back for tea at my house if you’re interested! Well you just made my day. I will request time off from work (nurse have to give a year notice; at least at my hospital) so ilk tell all my friends. And since I have 5 of your cookbooks and am anxiously awaiting “our” new one maybe you can sign them all. But I’d be thrilled to meet you even if you’re too busy to sign them all. Oh my…I’m just rambling. Can’t wait to tell my hubby. There’s no living wig me now!!!!
So fun Marie, I can’t wait — another year to wait for something!
Hi Susan,
I wrote earlier today, but for the second time writing to you, my comment keeps “waiting for moderation”. Do you know what I might be doing wrong? 🙂
Love from Diane in North Carolina
ps – can’t wait to get my hands on my copy of your book!!!! I ordered it the very week it was available. Ooooh, I’m so excited!!!
It’s not you, it’s me. I have to “approve” all the comments because we get tons of spam and it just doesn’t look nice with all these sweet messages! Besides I like to read them (not the spam, the comments!) — I’ll get there, slowly but surely.
Thanks…I thought I was doing something wrong. You’re already a busy lady and it’s a shame that you have spend time weeding out spam!
We have a spam remover on this site, and it’s MUCH better than it used to be, but some of it still slips through. Right now I looked up and the mailbox is showing we have 4,599 pieces of spam in it … must remember to empty that box!
I think my comments are in your spam folder! Some get moderated and some never do….so I wanted to try to congratulate Eszter again on her win and hopes this gets through.
I wonder if I did something wrong….because I left two comments yesterday morning, and one yesterday evening…..all were in moderation. But none of them showed up….and there are lots of comments today….so I wonder if it is the gremlins or my computer?
It could be me too, wait for a few more hours, I’m working through the 95 comments that are now waiting for moderation — let’s see if yours are in there Deb.
Your hydrangeas are beautiful. I can smell the rain, too. This post brought tears to my eyes as I looked at Stillmeadow. I have the reverse of your situation. I moved from Connecticut to San Diego California in 1993. I to had to adjust. I missed the old farm houses and the architecture. I used to watch This Old House on PBS just for a hint. I gradually grew to love San Diego with its cool night breezes and something in bloom all year round! And now I am in Scottsdale for 14 years! I’d enjoy some of your rain right now.
Bet the books are wonderful and truly a dream come true!!
Oh, Susan. That Gladys Taber appearance sounds HEAVENLY. I’m so penciling that on my calendar! A year away is more than enough time for me to plan 🙂
So exciting to see the books all ready to go!
Goodness, I love this blog. Such great news, all the way around! The MVI pics are soooo romantic and I yearn to come back each time I see one. Yours are amazing today and I can almost hear the sounds of the sea.
The book is so beautiful and I cannot wait to receive my order this fall. I can only hope now that I get to a book-signing. Thrilled for you that you’ll be speaking at the Gladys Taber Reunion. God willing, I just may take a drive to CT to attend next year.
Rain, rain go away–we’ve had enough and the nearby tornado scare yesterday did it for me. Bring on the SUN, and Happy July 4th Girlfriends! xoxo
P.S. Congrats to Eszter! Lucky lady!
We’re having a string of rainy days here in IL too and I don’t mind it one bit. My Grandmother loved reading Gladys Tabor’s magazine column and had two of her books: Stillmeadow Seasons and Especially Dogs. I have those books now and maybe this summer is the time for me to re-read them. They will keep me busy until I receive your new book!
You’ll love them Debbie!
Hello, Susan…..another wonderful blog story! Oh….I love the pics….I want to go to Martha’s Vineyard so bad!! Today is a great day….it’s my Birthday!!! Oh….so glad to see the books are in!!!! Can’t wait to get one for me….and hopefully an autographed one!! Thanks for always making the days so bright and cheery…..have a good one!! loretta/Calif.
Happy Birthday Sweet Loretta!
What a great blog post! 🙂 so happy for the winners of the drawings, and for you experiencing what must be some kind of ultimate thrill at having your book baby, your very own creation sitting in its place of conception — AND — the invite to read at Gladys Taber’s event. It’s so good of you to share with us all in pictures. The titillation on this end is reaching a fever pitch — well the record heat may have something to do with that. Man, we are melting in the usually cool soggy Seattle. So your video of refreshing rain is very very welcome. Thanks for that and Wheeeee — so fun to see the book. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. . . .
What a journey! Such an adventure we girlfriends have had, thanks to you and Joe too. ( And Petey……the first mate).
How exciting!!!!!!!! ( yep…multiple exclaimation points…..could not help myself). You know, while reading this blog post I am certain I heard outbursts of joy and ya-hoo’s and screams of delight…..coming from all over the country….well, the world actually…..us girlfriends are virtually every where now!
How very exciting to see the book…..what an accomplishment!….Cheers to you Susan for making the dream of “A Fine Romance” come true and for reinforcing the principle of that ole karma……….I have to believe that you speaking and signing books at Stillmeadow….that is just one example of the goodness you give, coming back to you!!
Congatulations to Eszter too…..a global girlfriend!
So happy…….for you Susan, and for all us girlfriends too!
Happy Fourth of July everyone!
And P.S. – I heard a really loud woop and holler of happiness drifting down the jet stream from Arizona way….could it be coming from Blog Daddy……??????
Oh, Deb, it is SOOO fun to hear from you again. Having your conversation in the mix just makes my day!
Love,
Linda
After last year’s OH drought, few are complaining about rain in my corner of the world. I’m especially thankful because my 12 hydrangea bushes I planted near my picket fence last summer are thriving thanks to our frequent storms. I hoped for lavender flowers, but the Master Gardener chose pink with a hint of white; still a thrill because they look like pastel tissue paper!
My first two Gladys Taber books came into my life when I resurrected them from a garage sale. I was smitten reading the front cover, having had a granny by the name of Gladys! Her diaries are like old friends, comfortable!
We’ll all cherish your diary of England just the same, as tomorrow’s heirloom!
Happy Summer Showers!
Bunny XO
I LOVE the video….your hydrangeas are splendid they are!!!!!!!!!!!!! We could use the rain, so I know you love it. Posies, grass, and some creatures love it, too!!!!!! It’s so green!!!! I’m happy it is raining somewhere and it seems like a soft rain, not a torrential downpour.
A hungarian winner…………how grand!!!! Nothing like hungarian paprika!!!
Off I go………..wedding plans. Oh Susan, you would be proud!
xoxo
Joann
I love it that you are so happy Joann!
Hello Susan! So excited about your delivery of books!!!! They looked like opened boxes of instant sunshine delivered right to you!!!! (I just had to comment a second time today……) Also, “CONGRATULATIONS” to Eszter for winning the bookmark!!!! Lucky lady!
I heard about Gladys Taber’s books from reading your blog. I was in Ct a summer ago and my dear friend and I made a habit of looking in antique shops for her books – no luck finding any Stillmeadow books, but I did find one of her WWII romances and it was really interesting – don’t ask me the title but it was about a young woman who grew up on a farm, but because there weren’t any men available, landed a job in some sort of munitions factory and realized she was quite good at the job. Anyway, it still had the book cover from G. Fox’s (Hartford CT) Lending Library on it. Not long after, a friend of mine invited me out into Virginia countryside to go antiquing and she asked me what books I kept looking for and I said the Stillmeadow books by GT. So one day a package arrives for me in the mail and she send me a whole collection of the books (not first editions, but SO WHAT???) Wasn’t that just the nicest thing ever??? Anyway, I wouldn’t mind coming up to CT next year and visiting Stillmeadow and YOU! Thanks for the heads up. xoxoxoxo t
The nicest thing ever!! What a gift!
Please come do a book signing event in Litchfield County, CT!! Here are 2 good ones: The Bank Street Book Nook in New Milford, or the Hickory Stick Bookshop in Washington Depot 🙂
Thanks for those names, I will look into it!
Just gotta say this… Sue, I am SO impressed that you’re going the independent bookstore route for your tour [and so far it’s sounding like it’s ALL independents]. It’s very “Slow” of you & very patriotic as well. It is. A lot of people talk a good game – but then end buying their socks at WalMart because they save 50 cents or something. It’s wonderful to know that every once in awhile someone really does “put her money where her mouth is…” Proud of you – and proud to be a Girlfriend… ❤
I love the little bookstores — makes me so sad when one of them closes. They have always supported me; it’s only fair I return the favor when I can.
Me too. I’m not sure there are any independents left in Rochester now – maybe a few in the outlying towns but I don’t know. We have only Barnes & Noble [even Borders is gone]. I could be wrong… but I just don’t think that’s a good sign…
I love being in a circle of international girlfriends! And I loved seeing the big stack of books – oh, gigantic congratulations and salutations of joy to you, Susan! At first I thought that the pre-ordered books (of which I bought 3) had arrived early … sigh … but it will be so nice to get mine in the autumnal bliss of October (and 2 for Christmas gifts). I love the anticipation of smelling it and feeling the soft, cool cover and the smooth pages; sitting down with tea and savoring every itty bitty word, photo, drawing, and flourish. Huuuuuuuuuuugs, Jana
So, so happy for you and your Gladys Tabor opportunity. What a sweet day that will be.
And I’m happy for us, too–A Fine Romance seems very close to arriving at our homes, too.
xxx Beth
It’s even cool in Austin, Texas (sadly, in the summer we consider low 90’s as cool…) but sure would love some rain!! I’m so excited to see a corner of “A Fine Romance” and can’t wait to get it in my hands and feel it and smell it for myself. The anticipation is a sweet and unexpected gift!!!
Julie
I fell in love with Gladys Tabers books when I read the first one. I always am on the lookout at antique stores for maybe one I dont have. Would love to be there next year. Must do some planning