Lots of Little Things . . . the glory of love ….

It’s a day of “Little Things” around here, making life sweet . . . even better because you are here . . . 

I promised in the new WILLARD I would take you to the water . . . so here we go.  (Willard starts going out Tuesday morning and will continue through late afternoon on Wednesday ~ if you’re signed up for it, watch your email!)

XOXOXOXOXOXO

It started out so peacefully, the little lapping of the water on the very edge of Martha’s Vineyard, and then, here comes my guy the photo stylist.  Which reminds me, while we’re at it, I should show you another of Joe’s amazing talents.  But first, Musica?  Oui!

Because I love to look at my Beatrix Potter figurines every day, I keep them in a precarious position on a narrow shelf above my kitchen sink.  It’s only precarious because that’s where Jack hangs out.  The bird feeders are right outside the windows.

Who me?  I never go there, why would I go there?  I don’t care about birds.  I’m innocent!  Where’s my fair trial?  I need a lawyer.

Here’s my lawyer, Petey!  Tell her Petey. We were together, right?

Uh-huh ~ I think Petey’s face says it all.  Anyway, Jemima Puddle-Duck ended up in the sink.

With a broken neck.  Oh, the anguish.

I took her to Joe for fixing.  And look at that rubber band origami he performed with a toothpick!  My hero!

Could you do this, to hold the glued neck together?  I could never do this. I don’t even like to think about myself doing this.  It would be like dealing with a pile of tangled hangers which is one of my worst nightmares. I would very likely accidentally shoot Jemima across the room.

Note how the rubber band goes around her tail.  This is pure artistry.  It’s so nice to have a man around the house!  Between Joe and I, and each of our talents, we make one entire person.  He reads the map, and I say slow down.  I hold the camera, he throws oyster shells.  Perfect.  Something for everyone.

So we are having company.  Today my girlfriends Elizabeth and Diana will be coming in from California, arriving on the noon boat.  I have flowers to arrange.  There’s a beach party tonight,  and we’re also having our Royal Baby Tea Party on Saturday.   Must hang the bunting, make the cucumber sandwiches!

Talk about two people making one person!  I hope Catherine has the baby soon so we know what we are celebrating (I’m sure she’s hoping the same thing!).  Hope it’s a fat healthy pink baby that looks just like its Grandmama with all the grace of it’s great grammy.  Such a happy time for our lovely Mother Country. 

So of course I’ve been getting ready for everything, cleaning house, washing shelves, hanging towels on the line to dry, making delicious carrot salad . . . and my new curtains came.  Aren’t they pretty?

I’d love to show you before and after photos, but “before” would be SO bad, I could never show you ~ they looked like they’d come out of Miss Havisham’s house.   You only get “after” pictures.  (Love Miss Havisham, the character in Dickens Great Expectations, whose expectations were so dashed that time stopped for her while she was dressing for her wedding day when she realized her groom never loved her.  She stopped all the clocks in her house; stayed alone exactly as she was at the moment of discovery, never removing her wedding dress, wearing only one shoe,  leaving the wedding breakfast and cake uneaten on the table, for years.  It was awful.  Her hair, you can imagine; her curtains were hideous. That’s what I call passion. “A woman scorned…”  I could never stay mad that long.  But I do love this woman, for all her faults, how fun she must have been to write!)  My old curtains would have fit perfectly in her house.

 But here are the new ones (that’s a canopy on the poster bed at the top).  Love lace, so light and airy, and these hot summer days, we need all the airy we can get!

I chose the “Ivy” pattern, but there were many beautiful alternatives.  I looked everywhere for lace curtains, and I found lots of them, but my windows are a funny height and everywhere I looked, they came either much too long or much too short, and in this case, I was looking for a little instant gratification that did not include hemming.  I found a lace curtain place that hems them exactly to your measurement!  They were fast, good quality, and inexpensive; I thought you’d like to know.  They’re from a store called Decorating with Lace.   Think “decorating.”  Think “holidays!”

Each time I show pictures of Jack, I’m asked, How’s Girl Kitty?  So here she is, you can see, she is fine, more than fine, perched in the soft spot as a calm little queen should be.  She truly understands the art of “continuous small treats.” 

Must go finish washing the dishes for Twine!  And make an Orange Lavender Polenta Cake from our new book (I put the recipe in the WILLARD).  I’ll show you the How-To for this cake in a couple of days.  You will love it.  I’ll take pictures of the Tea Party!

OK, that’s my day of Little Things that Make Life Sweet.  I hope you are making some little things of your own.  I will say hello to the ocean for you tonight, and watch the sun set; I’ll take a deep breath of island air and bury my toes in the sand, and imagine you are feeling it too.

Because it is. xoxo

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645 Responses to Lots of Little Things . . . the glory of love ….

  1. Susan Simon (in Illinois) says:

    Good morning, Susan and everyone…
    Love the new curtains… I have lace curtains in our guest bedroom in the summer and love having them blowing and moving with the summer breezes. Yours are beautiful.

    I am so glad Jemima got fixed… Joe is a talented rubber bander, that’s for sure!

    Have a wonderful time with your girlfriends, and I hope I get the Willard this time… didn’t get the last one for some strange reason. Your polenta cake sounds just fabulous… may have to bake that up some time soon.

    Girl Kitty is such a “regal” cat… dignified and very proper looking. Does she keep Jack in line at all? I visualize her telling him to behave! Was Jack repentant when Jemima went into the sink?

    Take care, and have a lot of fun the next few days. You and Joe do make a complete couple… you complete each other, I know. Tell him we all think he is just wonderful, too.

  2. Sherry Palla says:

    Have a beautiful summer day! Yay! xo

  3. Julia says:

    You and Joe are so lucky to have each other. I lost my husband 7
    years ago after 38 years of wonderful. He was like Joe and could
    do anything. My neighbor wanted me to go to the “senior dance”
    with her because she just “loved a man who could dance.” I said,
    “no, I don’t need a man who can dance, I want a man with a saw
    who knows how to use it!” Fuzzy babies look smashing today.
    Hope I can get Willard, I can’t get into my other email account.
    I love the teacups at the top. Wouldn’t that make a great kitchen
    print? I would buy one in a heartbeat.

    • sbranch says:

      First off, Julia, I hear the missing in your voice when you talk about your husband. Thirty-eight years is sometimes just not long enough.♥ I love the idea of a kitchen print of the cups, with come, sit, stay on it. I’ll see what I can do. xoxo

  4. Suzanne says:

    Good morning Susan,
    I share your pain with little items getting broken from the kitties…mine loves to sit in my living room windows and always knocks off a little china tea cup I have sitting there. Once she toppled my stained glass lamp in the same window but luckily it did not break! I think they sell this stuff (probably at Michaels Craft shop) that you can stick under the item and then set it on the shelf and it will stick to the shelf but you can remove it any time. I forget what its called as I know I had used it years ago when a previous kitty used to knock things off my mantle. It worked marvelously.
    Your new curtains are lovely! I too love lace, I have them in most of the windows in my home. They are so sweet and airy.
    Have a fun party this weekend, how fun that sounds! Hope its pink too!!!
    East Longmeadow, Ma

    • sbranch says:

      Me too. I think no matter if it’s a boy baby or a girl baby, all babies are pink, so that will be the prevailing color!

  5. Elaine in Toronto says:

    Another beautiful post! Your lace curtains look so summery and cool. Have fun with your friends. I ordered a copy of your book “Baby Love” for a soon-to-be new mom. Hope I can part with it, lol.

  6. Miss holly says:

    Oh you just made my day!!!! The curtains!!!! Perfection!!! I usually make my own…but I cannot find the right lace sooooooo I think you have just solved the problem!! There is just something about how a lace curtain puffs in the summer breezes….I guess it is sort of a billowing….
    I can not wait to get the new book! I am already in love with the English countryside….this will just help me when I miss it…thank you as always for your lovely work….xx

    • sbranch says:

      I’m not sure if it will help you. What I think might happen is that it might get you back there sooner! 🙂

  7. Pom Pom says:

    Oh, I’m so sorry about Jemima and her crash to the sink. I only have one BP figure: Ribby and her butter. I look at her every day, too.
    My sweet dad passed away less than two weeks ago. We’re sad. The sweet little things bring great joy even in the midst of sadness.
    Have fun with the friends, Susan!

    • sbranch says:

      Oh Pom Pom, you are sad, I’m sad for you. Terrible loss. The quote says, “Nothing on earth can make up for the loss of one who has loved you.” Or the loss of someone we love. Blessings on you and yours. Sending a big mommy hug. xo

      • carmel says:

        Pom Pom, I don’t know if you’ll see this message as it’s late, but I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about the loss of your
        father. I lost my mom almost 3 years ago. Know that everything good that passed between you will always remain. I know my mom still watches over me. Protective things happen that have her signature on them. Take good care and know that it’s perfectly fine to feel the sadness at any time. There’s no time limit to that even when we know our loved one is free and whole again.

  8. carmel says:

    Since I have some time off this summer (teacher) I’m doing a lot of much needed cleaning out and organizing, but I too love doing some small things in between to make things cheerful. I love your new lace curtains. I have floor to ceiling windows in my apartment so I’ve had to get creative about curtains. I have white swiss voile (1 panel) in my bedroom. For the living room and dining room I got those expandable rods and have lace cafe curtains for the lower half of the windows and the blinds are held at a certain level on top. That way I can let the full view in from the top part of the windows (love to see the sky) and the lacy curtains provide some privacy and loveliness. Joe is amazing! He saved her! My small thing yesterday was to buy these gorgeous small white tulips (grown in Virginia) and put them in a blue and white patterned pitcher. Takes my breath away everytime I pass my dining table. Thanks so much for the beautiful ocean moment. And thanks to you and the girlfriends for letting me tell you my long story about my lace curtains :). Take care, everyone.

    • sbranch says:

      White tulips in a blue pitcher, I would have to agree, a beautiful little thing! You are so smart to get your lace and keep your view!

  9. Becky Maggio says:

    I always feel so sad for people who haven’t yet realized that it IS the little things in life that matter the most! Started my “gratitude journal” this year, along with a small gratitude tree in my bedroom (I’d like to send you a picture), and seeing those simple words everyday…a beautiful sunrise, a healthy family, a blessed life, etc, sure puts things in perspective and makes for those carpe’ diem days! Enjoy your company and tea. Wish we could all be there with you. Now that would be fun…lol Be blessed our dear friend.

  10. Carrie says:

    What a treat! Loved the ukulele ditty. Just looove your painting of the teacups. Ah the gentility of those lace curtains with the sea breeze coming in, heavenly..

    Jemima’s doctoring is inspired, well done to your fella. I saw in your webstore a new little BP person that is just calling out my name.

    The Royal Baby – really hope it is a girl as it would have a beautiful symmetry if Diana’s son’s first child was the one who ascended the throne in her own right, under the new succession rules. Healthy most important to be sure.

    How festive to have a Royal Baby party w/all the fixings! Chin chin!!

    God Save the Duke and Duchess and their wee one!

    Carrie

  11. Louise says:

    Susan,

    I love your lace curtains, I also love lace curtains. I have them in my dinning room, front room and my bedroom. They make me happy. Maybe my love for them, comes from the fact I was born in Bavaria, and family there only have lace curtains in their houses and it looks beautiful. I think it makes a house feel like a home.

    Have a great weekend

    Louise

    • sbranch says:

      Many years ago I needed lace curtains but there was no Internet and I could never find them. But I found wonderful old lace tablecloths and cut them up for curtains ~ I agree, they make a house feel loved.

    • Dawn (Elmhurst, IL) says:

      Hi Louise,
      On my first visit to the Black Forest area of Germany many years ago, I fell in love with the beautiful white lace curtains adorning every window. I knew I had to bring some home. Somehow I used my wee bit of German to buy the pretty lace curtains for our dining room! I really had to guess since the measurements were in metric. Where there’s a will there’s a way! Now every day when I see our lace curtains, I smile and remember my shopping adventure so long ago. It truly is the little things that make life sweet! ♡

      • sbranch says:

        I’ve always loved lace too, even back in the days when I had to make them out of tablecloths because I couldn’t find curtains! Loving Google everyday!

        • Susan on Bainbridge Island in Wa. state says:

          It is the same in Norway also…..lace curtains at the windows and most always with red geraniums in the windows too! In there white houses, red barns or red sea houses (that they call a boat house, to keep their nets and things in)….always lace curtains….So charming and inviting!
          And I have lace curtains in my kitchen and white ruffle curtains in my living room…so homey and comfortable!!!

          • Susan on Bainbridge Island in Wa. state says:

            oops..sounds like lace in the barn and the sea house…nope…just the family home!!! ha ha

  12. mary spring says:

    …so thoughtful you are…you know that we are all sitting on the edge of our chairs this morning..anticipating Willard’s arrival..so what do you do ?!?…you give us another sweet post on the glories of love… simple treasures that make all our lives so dear and sweet…what photography; what a story teller you are !!..sorry about Jemima puddle duck ..so your dear Joe, of course, would come to your rescue !!( I’ve been wondering about your Jack and Girl kitty )…have a wonderful day and thanks for all you do !!!..( ‘love Einstein’s quote !! )…take care and with love…now where is Willard ?!?!..(lol)…

    • sbranch says:

      Hope you got him by now! Thanks Mary.

    • mary spring says:

      … Willard finally arrived and left me teary- eyed with joy !!!….’ love this feeling that I can’t quite put into words !?!… so heart- felt !!!….. thank you…I’m soooo grateful….

    • Karen P - Wisconsin says:

      Must say, I just LOVE your name, Mary Spring! 🙂

      • mary spring says:

        ‘just read your comment, Karen… “Spring” happened to be my last name when I married…however, since, alas, I’ve been “divorced”.. (never liked that word )…but’ kept that name regardless… ‘sounded alright to me …..p.s. Karen…don’t you just love this connection Susan has started ?!?…’coolest blog in the whole wide world !!!

  13. Joan Lesmeister says:

    I know you’re busy, but just have to say I love the lappin’ of the water, the sound of the wind…& the stylin’ with the oyster shells! Crack me up, ha ha, and so did the rubber band clamp! And, tangled hangers always get a loud grrrr from me! Your new lace curtains are beautiful, I’m watching mine swing and sway in the breeze from the open window! Kitties are just too kute! Wonderful, you’ll be together with your girlfriends, tell them hi! A Baby Tea coming, and pictures for us, thank you thank you my dear! I’ll wear my straw hat with shells! Thanks for a great start to a beautiful day! You always amaze me with your cleverness! Looks like your day will be lovely, like you! XOXOXO

  14. Diane says:

    Aaaahhh…I can almost smell the water and feel the breezes. Have a great time with your friends. BTW, will one of your friends be staying in The Peter Rabbit Room? I love that room so very much.

    Diane in North Carolina

    • sbranch says:

      Elizabeth always has dibs on it!

      • Diane says:

        Smart girl! I haven’t seen your other guest rooms, but it would be hard to beat The Peter Rabbit Room!

        • sbranch says:

          There’s one other, it’s bigger, much more space, and is in the trees with a view up the street, but it doesn’t quite have that “room in the eaves” kind of charm.

    • Jan Stwart-Bass says:

      Susan — Your sweet Joe throwing in the shells for the video reminds me of when we lived on an AF base in Puerto Rico in 1974. Back in the ’60s or so, the base was known among the troops as “the Senators’ playground,” since various U.S. Senators loved to fly there for vacations, conferences, etc. It was indeed a gorgeous Caribbean paradise. So right before a Senator or group of Senators arrived, the base commander would ask the airmen to go buy a bunch of huge conch shells. Then he would have the men slightly bury or randomly place the shells all along the base’s lovely beach area for the Senators to “find” as they strolled the beaches!! (They were the type shells rarely if ever washed up on those beaches!) So Joe is in good company – ha! And I often wonder if any of those Senators still have their “found” prizes! Unfortunately, the base closed in’74 or ’75 and given over to the Puerto Ricans.

      • Jan Stwart-Bass says:

        That should be Stewart!

      • sbranch says:

        Joe and I have actually talked about salting our beach with beach glass when we have visitors and then taking them out for a walk. Haven’t done it, but I can imagine it would go over really well! 🙂

  15. Patty in Redlands says:

    A “can do” husband (mine is too), friends visiting, gatherings to plan and enjoy, and a peaceful and beautiful home. . .your little things are the biggest blessings of life, aren’t they? Enjoy the fun and know that your GFs are anxiously awaiting Willard. Thank you, Susan! This was a beautiful post.

  16. Barbara S. says:

    Thank you for a beautiful post and Willard in my email this morning. Now my day is off to a very happy start. Thank you, Susan!!
    Hugs from,
    Barbara S. in Cumming, GA

  17. Betsy says:

    Petey’s eyes tell the whole story of guilt!!! I am in love with your new curtains, thank you for telling us where you found them. I went right to the site and found a style with bunnies and other animals on them. As soon as I complete my message here they will be ordered. Have a wonderful time with your guests. Tomorrow is my birthday party with two dear friends and I can’t wait. There is nothing like being with people you love. xoxo

    • sbranch says:

      Nothing like it! We were in the car on the way home from the beach party — Joe was driving of course, doing his guardian angel duty — and we were talking about our most prized quality in our girlfriends (and boyfriends too!). We agreed what is most important, what we love the most is LOYALTY.

  18. Jacquelyn...Bainbridge Island, WA says:

    What a day! A new blog post and Willard too! Beautiful photos, art, recipes. Everything is lovely. The royal baby party promises to be wonderful no matter what… a prince or a princess. Thanks once again, Sue, for a wonderful start to this day. Thanks also to Joe for repairs well done!
    XOXO
    Jackie

  19. Jan Wells says:

    Have a wonderful visit with your friends & an evening at the beach with friends sounds like heaven…..someday! By the way, loved the ukeleles! Jan

  20. Good Morning Good Morning (or afternoon, depending on where and what time it is)

    Well, just got to say, with Joe around who needs a stylist anyway? You have to give it to the man, so capable of turning his hand to anything it seems . . as in suddenly becoming a doctor to ducks . . I’d say he is very handy to have around! So often I’ve tried to repair a much loved figurine only to end up with bigger damage than I started with 🙁

    Waiting patiently for Willard, especially that new recipe which sounds, not only awesome, but just perfect for the things I have in plenty in my kitchen right now. It sounds just the cake for a summer’s day, taken with a glass of my special recipe Fizzy Summer Fruit Tea ~ should I tell you how to make it? It’s a doddle!

    Sure wish the new Prince or Princess would get a wriggle on! The world’s media are gathered, and I have the BBC set as my homepage main tab and keep buzzing in and out like a bumble bee . .

    Well, I’d best be off, back to the potting table and earn my cake and tea. I’m planting up some tubs of lettuce, radish, salad onions, and other simple salad fare to try and get a small crop from this wonderful, warm Welsh weather we are having.

    • my computer is having a complete wobble fit here . . posted my comment before I’d had a chance to say

      Sending Hugs and Smiles from Across The Pond
      Deb C♥ xoxo

    • sbranch says:

      Joe can untie the tiniest knot from a fragile chain too. I can’t do it!

    • Karen Saunders says:

      okay need that recipe!!!

    • Sharon Calvert says:

      Deborah…yes, do share your special recipe! 🙂

    • It is so easy!

      Take 6 of your favourite fruit infusion bags (not fruit flavoured black, white, or green tea) and make a good, strong brew in your teapot, between 7 and 10 minutes. Allow to cool and pour into a bottle or jug to store in the refrigerator. Dilute the tea to taste with an unflavoured sparkling water or club soda. It looks pretty if you crush a couple of the main berry ingredients in the bottom of your glass, and you can frost the rim too. For an special occassion drink, use a champagne flute and top up the tea with your favourite, inexpensive sparkling white wine.
      At the moment I am using a box of assorted Twinings Fruit Tea Bags, and enjoying the delights of Strawberry and Melon, and Raspberry, Strawberry, and Elderflower. Things like Celestial Seasoning’s Red Zinger work well to.

      See, I said it was a doddle!

      Iechyd Da! Cheers! ~~ and enjoy! xoxo

  21. viv says:

    Love your new curtains. Glad Jemima is on the mend. We’re in the midst of breaking and putting away green beans, so would love a breath of ocean air.

  22. Sarah Maldonado says:

    The stack of teacups made me smile…then there was the perfect ukulele serenade! I just loved it all as usual. Plus, I have to tell you that listening to the ocean musica the other day brought magic to our dry, hot land! We had rain and temps dropped from 100 to 80 for a couple of wonderful days! That is unheard of in Oklahoma in the summer. I’m convinced it was your merry heart and calming ocean sounds coming my way.
    Your Jemima had quite an adventure but Joe worked his own magic, didn’t he? And yes, lace curtains were just made for summer! I have some in my parlor and love how the sun and scenes outside dapple their way in.
    Sounds like your Royal Baby Tea might be timed perfectly. Can’t wait for your photos! Have fun with your friends and thank you and our friends here for blessing me in special ways!

  23. shelley from Home says:

    Loved the post today, I got teary eyed when you said I will say hello to the ocean for us tonight, such a beautiful thought. Have a wonderful time at your party, look forward to pics. New curtains blowing in the breeze nothing better, except clothes on a line. Hoping Ms. Puddleduck is good as new. Shelley

    • sbranch says:

      She is, she’s good as new and back at her post in the kitchen, and keeping a wary eye on Jack!

  24. Sharon in South Carolina says:

    I cannot wait to get my first WILLARD (I think I have signed up to receive it). I have really enjoyed my ALL GOOD NEWS – WILLARDS, October 1995 – January 2003. I take it with me everywhere I go. Will there be one of these booklet for WILLARDS 2003 – 2012?

    I enjoyed listening to the Ukelites: The Glory of Love. My son plays the Ukulele which his fiance bought for him for his 30th birthday last year. And I enjoyed the Vineyard Shore video with your photo stylist.

    Believe it or not, everyone in my hometown called my grandmother, Puddle-Duck, because she did not want to be called grandmama. I am so sorry about your figurine and yes, Joe did an amazing job with the rubber band thing. Just out of curiousity, what kind of glue did he use? I have a huge collection of Occupied Japan Frozen Charlottes and every time I dust the shelf they are on – I break one. I have saved all of the pieces, but I cannot find a glue that works. I had to laugh picturing Jemima Puddle-Duck flying across the room (oops-sorry!).

    So nice to hear about your Royal Baby Tea Party (cucumber sandwiches are my favorite) and I look forward to seeing the photographs. The new lace curtains are gorgeous. I am heading to our home on the coast tomorrow for a long weekend and I cannot wait to get there and back to all my Susan Branch books. I will definitely NOT accidentally leave them behind again. They will be carefully packed and placed in the front seat on my trip back to the farm to stay for the remainder of Summer.

    • sbranch says:

      I keep trying to corral Joe to ask him what kind of glue he uses, but he’s always somewhere else. It’s one of those permanent ones that will glue your fingers together if you aren’t careful “good for glass, porcelain). I’m sure any hardware store has it. Or Michaels Crafts. I’m glad “I’m” coming home with you to the farm. 🙂

      • Sharon in South Carolina says:

        Thanks Susan! I will check at the Pawleys Island Ace Hardware store tomorrow.

    • Sharon, if you Google “Susan Branch Willard” links to most of her past Willards will pop up.

      • Sharon in South Carolin says:

        Thank you so much Cathy! Now, I am going to be Super-glued to my computer and the Susan Branch website for the rest of this weekend occasionally taking a break to check for any Royal Baby news.

  25. I can’t wait for the new little royal baby. A tea party sounds like the perfect idea for a summer day of celebration. I hope you are having champagne for a toast!. I’m looking forward to my Willard, and hope you have a wonderful day, Susan!

  26. Margot in Virginia Beach says:

    Yes everything is a miracle!!! I do love your new curtains! I like ivy and it fits your home. Thank you for the link. I need to put up my shell ones in our bedroom. I guess I just put it off to watch the trees sway and my birdies.

  27. Linda Pintarell says:

    My only two comments: (1) Have a wonderful time with your friends; and (2) Joe is a treasure! (but then you already know that!)

  28. Jan says:

    Susan,
    Loved the picture of the three stacked tea cups – adorable! Dishes are my downfall. I love them! (Oops- my Grandma used to tell me – “You love people and like things.”) The tea cup sitting on the dish towel drying is the exact pattern of my Grandmother’s dishes. I had forgotten about those. Sorry about your Jemima, hopefully she will be as good as new. Thanks to your hubby.
    Love your new lace curtains! I have just a lace topper in my living room because I like a lot of light. Enjoy your tea party and time with your girlfriends. As mentioned in the last post, I enjoyed a visit to a local tea room with my sister while she was here. Have a great day and memorable visit!
    Jan

  29. Jackie says:

    I cannot thank you enough for all the joy you bring me! What a gorgeous post! *happy sigh* Please give your Jack and Girl Kitty a kiss from me. They’re so darling! Love those lace curtains! They’re so perfect for summer. I am so ready for the royal baby! Can’t wait to see what she has! Have a wonderful beach night and tea party. Can’t wait to see and hear all about it!

  30. Laurie says:

    Wish everyone could enjoy this glorious day on the Cape. Your video clip says it all! Once in a while we find a stray oyster or clam shell in our yard. Guess it’s a passing seagull (or fox? or Joe?!?). But no mussel or scallop shells. Hmmmmm. Excitedly awaiting the royal grandbaby, as well (I predict a girl). What a lovely day to entertain company, especially with fresh lace curtains–tres envious!

  31. Linda says:

    Thank you Susan for reminding me about…”It’s the Little Things”…

  32. Pam says:

    That elastic band on Jemima is truly a work of art 🙂 I hope she’s fully recovered very soon. Enjoy your tea party and have fun with your girlfriends. The new curtains look lovely and cool, very pretty.

  33. Lorrie says:

    There are lots of little things in my day to enjoy – raspberries picked and eaten from the canes in the back yard, the first dahlias blooming, lushly blue hydrangeas, a warm breeze, a quiet house. Now to the garage to paint the dining room chairs, hopefully this will be the last coat.
    Love the traction device Joe rigged up for Jemima – having a broken neck is no fun at all.

  34. Dawn (Elmhurst, IL) says:

    Wishing you lovely days with Elizabeth and Diana! Everything is ready, so relax and make fun memories together. The Royal Baby Tea Party sounds divine. Can’t wait to see the pictures! It truly is the little things that mean the most! ♡ Your photo stylish is amazing, too!
    Happy days!
    Dawn
    ♡♡

  35. Anna says:

    Today is my dad’s 67th bday and I woke up so excited to make him his favorite chocolate cake because that’s what we do for our daddies! Anyway, how exciting to see Willard in my mailbox and a new entry to your blog to read while the cake was baking! I would just LOVE for that royal baby to be born today because GREAT people were born this date! Thanks for setting the wonderful mood with the blog and Willard and taking me back to being a kid with the windows open at night because NO ONE had a/c-(except maybe a window unit in a particular room!) and wearing soft cotton jammies or sleeping in a tent out back!!! You always give me the desire to slow down! And that I thank you the most for! Happy summer!!! Oh and I WILL be contacting book stores to contact you for book signing! Meeting you is one of my top 5 bucket list desires!!!!

  36. Tina Mandeville says:

    Susan, Enjoy your days, your friendships, your celebrations, your beautiful corner of the world!

  37. Pat Stansel says:

    Your new curtains are beautiful ! You referring to Miss havisham about the old ones
    tickled me—-I love Great Expectations, really anything Dickens. Something about
    old England touches me deep in my soul.
    Joe’s repair job was brilliant—-hope I never have to use it ,but I will remember
    it if any of my Beatrix Potter has an accident.
    Also want to mention how much I love that little pink floral bowl on the sink counter.

  38. Judy F. from Orange County, CA says:

    What a beautiful way to start my day, reading your blog! Doesn’t matter how I’m feeling, YOU always lift me up! Have a good time with your girlfriends, I too am expecting a good friend this Sunday for a couple of days.

    Love your new curtains, so lovely, light and airy.

    Wishing you a beautiful summer day! I’m looking forward to receiving my Willard.

  39. Angie(Tink!) says:

    ✫*¨♥* ✫*¨♥* ✫*¨♥* ✫*¨♥* Good Morning Sweet Sue (Almost Noon) This Blog Is Pure Summer Joy! Thank You! 🙂 I Love Your Beach Video with Joe & You & Your Laughter & The Seagulls….Perfection…. 🙂 & Poor Jemima Puddle Duck 🙁 Dr. Joe is a Genius! He Fixed Her! Whew! 🙂 & Jack & His Lawyer Petey (I am Laughing Out Loud)! Ha! 🙂 & I Love All The New Lacey Bright White Clean Airy Curtains…I can Feel The Island Breezes Blowing Them…. The Photo of Jack In front of The Curtains….Purrrrfection & Queen Girl Kitty Beautiful! My Wings are Crossed for a Royal Baby~Girl too!……( A Prince will be Okay too!) 😉 A Healthy & Happy Baby is Our Wish…. so Friends are Arriving…Beach Party Tonight… Royal Baby Tea~Party too! Oh My Goodness You Know I’ll Be There in Spirit Sweet Sue! Wishing You So Much Summer Fun! Hugzzz to Elizabeth & Diana! Kitty~Kisses to Jack & Girl! Hugzzz To You & Joe…Pass Me one of Those Scrumptious Cucumber Sandwiches Please…. 😉 Yum! Have a Blast at The Beach Party! I Await “Willard” with Sweet Anticipation….Loved Today’s Musica! Huge Smile on Me Face! Thank~You Sweet Sue! xoxo Poof! Summer Pixie~Dust Everywhere! ✫*¨♥* ✫*¨♥* ✫*¨♥* ✫*¨♥*

    • sbranch says:

      The beach party was perfection, a beautiful evening and gorgeous sunset. Summer pixie-dust!

      • Angie(Tink!) says:

        ✫*¨♥* ✫*¨♥* ✫*¨♥* ✫*¨♥* Yay! Summer Beach Party Summer Sunset & Summer Pixie~Dust! With Fabulous Friends!!!!!!! Sweet Summer Joy Sweetest Sue! 🙂 xoxo Poof!

        ✫*¨♥* ✫*¨♥* ✫*¨♥* ✫*¨♥* 🙂

        Reply
        Reply

  40. Connie B says:

    Dear Sue,

    How handy is Joe to have around?!! I must tell you my PETER RABBIT PEOPLE STORY. I was just about to checkout at a Goodwill store when they announced they “had another cart of wares coming to the sales floor.” Those words are like a magnet to me and as I walked to the back of the store I spied the cart with small ceramic figurines that I thought looked like Peter Rabbit people (Beswick England.) As I drew closer it became apparent that that’s exactly what they were….SIXTEEN of them!!! I picked them all up as quickly and gently as I could and put them in my buggy (yes, I’m from the South and I say “buggy”.) The sales associate just stood there with her mouth open as I swooped them away from her cart. She said, “I’ve seen these for $10 each…you done good.” Little did she know that these range in price from $25 to $175 depending upon age and backstamp. So now I am in the process of researching and determining their worth although I will never part with them. The BEST part: they were $.99 each! <3 I call this "my 'find' of a lifetime!"

    • sbranch says:

      That is so fabulous Connie!! I’m happy for you. It can be done, if you hold out long enough and are patient you will always be able to find a treasure at a wonderful price. That was great!

      • Janet [in Rochester] says:

        Wow, such a deal, Connie! Right place, right time or what? I remember how much all those sweet Royal Doulton figurines [Bramby Hedge etc] were when I was a part-time bridal registry consultant years ago… One of them was more than what you paid for your whole haul there at Goodwill. You really did done good, child! :>)

    • Timing is everything! When I see someone pick up a bargain I was just about to come upon, I remind myself THEY must have been meant to get it. You are definitely one of THOSE people! You answered the call (literally!) 🙂

      • Connie B says:

        Yes, I think they were definitely meant to go home with me! If y’all are interested, I posted a picture on the FOSB FB page on June 16, of them all piled in a basket. The first word on the post was “JACKPOT!” Blessings to all, Connie B.

  41. Deborah Heater (Indiana) says:

    Sigh……the water on the beach with all those tiny shells then shells from the sky (I first thought “how’s that happening”) haha and also double sigh…the broken Jemima and we have all been there….over Christmas Jim was putting a new power bar in around my corner curio stand and we all hear “crash” and there laid my minature teacup minus the handle….I wanted to cry and instead I calmly walked to the sofa and thought to myself “why didn’t he ask for help”….yes, I did pout for awhile until Angela reminded me it was an accident….so, after the Holidays I put the handle in place and no one knows it isn’t perfect except for my family and now ALL OF YOU!!!! I have lovely floral lace curtains (white in den) at the farm and truly miss them up here. I love how they make any room look airy and truly romantic (rose colored in bedroom) and your new ones look lovely. Wishes for a wonderful visit from your girlfriends, the Royal baby shower, (it has to be a girl she is the smallest pregnant woman ever….she looks like most of us after a Thanksgiving meal????……have a glorious evening on the beach. Blessings

  42. Heartsdesire says:

    Poor Jemima, but cats will be cats and since we love and enjoy them so much, we forgive them most anything. We’re all an Royal Baby Watch, too, here on the south end of Vancouver Island (Victoria). It’s so exciting. What will it be, what will they name him/her? Camilla predicts he/she will be here on Saturday, just in time for your party. Enjoy your evening at the beach with your girlfriends, hope you’re taking the Stylist along. He might be needed to arrange the beach chairs.

    • sbranch says:

      I LOVE Camilla. Thank you for the opportunity to say that! Every time she’s in a group, watch, she leans in, says something to a person, and they laugh uproariously. She’s the fun one! And if the world was an honest place, as much as I adored Diana and believe she was “done wrong,” the true love story is the one between Prince Charles and Camilla. He just needed to find out what was really important in life, and Diana was his guardian angel in that regard.

      • Chris Wells in Knickerbocker, W TX says:

        I had never thought about that. I have held such a resentment toward Camilla and Charles all these years, we were all so in love with Diana. I will begin to look at that differently. Thank you for sharing that.
        Chris

        • sbranch says:

          I think that family had discounted the humanness of love and life, maybe even took it for granted a bit. They pushed the marriage between Charles and Diana for not very good reasons. He was all duty duty duty, not realizing how wrong that would be, he actually thought he was doing “the right thing.” He’s only human, but if you read about him, you will find he is an amazing person who does very good work for his country and the world. And now he’s with the woman he’s loved all his life. There is a lot of sadness in that story, but a lot of good is coming from it, both from him, from the Queen too, and from the children. Diana was a wonderful guardian angel for the whole royal family, even if they don’t quite see it that way.

      • Heartsdesire says:

        Oh, that is so true. I don’t think the English public gave Camilla half a chance. But she will have the last laugh, someday, she will be Queen!

        • pat addison (cave junction,OR) says:

          I had heard that Camilla will never be Queen, she is twice divorced, instead she will be known as the “Royal Consort” and as Queen. I have no idea how that works but its the law there.

          • pat addison (cave junction,OR) says:

            oops meant not as Queen

          • pat addison (cave junction,OR) says:

            okay my goof, Camilla will be known as the “Princess Consort” she will never be Queen. and she is once divorced. but that raises a question with me, since Charles when he becomes King, he will also be head of the Church of England and he can’t be that since the Church of England does not allow any divorced persons to head up their church, been that way for over 300 years and they are not changing it now.

          • sbranch says:

            I think they’ve worked all that out now.

  43. Deborah says:

    Sorry about Jemima…but it sounds like Joe has it under control…I understand his handiwork completely, it is a reflection of my own honey, Mike, he seems to be able to fix anything that can and does find itself cracked, broken, warped, or out of sorts…I love this skill, my dad had it too. What we see as bits of junk and stuff in a messy drawer is shaped into wonder by these guys,..utilized to the fullest by their skilled and steady hand, fixing, creating, mending… I love it!

    Thank you for these pretty things today…some days, I just need to pick up my Bliss Victoria mags, or open my Susan Blog….for certainly with pretty things in my head, the day is better. You make such incredibly pretty things!

  44. Peggy Davis says:

    Poor Jemima, she seems to never get a ‘break’ what a hard life she has between Jack and the Foxy Whiskered Gentleman, poor girl. Joe did a fine job, hoorah for Joe. Girl Kitty looks like the Princess and the pea!! Is Jack in ‘time out’? I love lace curtains blowing in the breeze!!

  45. Reading your post, Susan, is like taking a breath of sea air in all its freshness. I love the photo of Girl Kitty on the quilts, the ingenious elastic band wizardry, and have a fondness for lace curtains as well. Two of my “continuous small treats” are watching the lace panels dance in a breeze and seeing the patterns created when sunlight passes through them.

    Enjoy your day and have a wonderful time with your friends.

    -Karen

  46. pat addison (cave junction,OR) says:

    good morning Susan, girlfriends, what a lovely post, so peaceful and so lovely. ahhh poor Jemima I do hope she is all better now. I have the same problem with my cats, they just love the windows ad of course my plants and pots are in the window right in their way. something has to give and its usually the plant and the pot. I do hope the royal baby gets here soon, and I do hope the Duchess has an easy labor and delivery. and I hope its a healthy and happy baby. well off to go tend to the barnyard crowd, have to clean out the water tubs, refill the food containers, and clean out the ducky pool and put some extra buckets out for water for the turkeys and the deer. have a wonderful day and time everyone. hugs…… 🙂

  47. Marion in the UK says:

    Heavenly. Magical. Mystical. Wonderful words from Willard to enjoy on this glorious summer afternoon. Thank you so much Susan. The days between your letters are some of the longest in the year.

    Do hope Katherine will oblige in time for your TWINE. Whatever, have a wonderful, wonderful time and thank you for sharing it with your many friends around the world.

  48. Marion (in the UK) says:

    The days between letters from Willard are some of the longest in the year. Such magical words and pictures. Thank you Susan.

    Here’s hoping Kate delivers in time for Saturday’s TWINE and that you have a wonderful, memorable gathering. Room for one more at the table? I wish!

    Hugs from “the old country”.
    Marion

  49. Lynn Marie says:

    Your blog posts are always the “treat” in my day!

  50. Ann says:

    Housework can almost be fun when friends are expected! Thanks for taking a moment out of the preparations to check in with us.

  51. Janet [in Rochester] says:

    You have a Diana AND an Elizabeth coming to your Royal Baby tea party! Could ANYTHING be more appropriate?? That MUST be a sign! Be sure they get seats of honor as Grandma, Great-Grandma and Great-Great-Grandma-to-be, respectively! And have fun! Pinkies in the air everyone?? :>)

  52. Colleen says:

    Hi Susan –
    I love that Mark Twain quote. So true. Needed that one today!
    Have a wonderful day.

    p.s. does Joe have any nephews in or around the NYC? Will travel. : )

  53. Cindy Tuning says:

    I do love your new curtains. They must be Heritage Lace? Except for curtains that I’ve made, almost all my windows have curtains from them but I don’t have that pattern. They wash really well too. We have a new addition to our pet family as of 3 days ago. Our neighbor found a little calico kitty about 6 wks old in his Hydrangea bushes.I told him that I didn’t want another pet but since we already have a litter box and cat food, I would put her in our house till we figured something out. Well….I’ll tell you what we figured out. We named her Rosie and are taking her to the Vet in about an hour to get checked out. I guess we have another pet!! Lucy hisses at her when their paths cross and Blake ( our ShihTzu) will not take his eyes off her. He follows her everywhere. Not sure how this is going to work out but she is adorable! Now to start devising the plan to get Lucy in the cat carrier without her seeing it first. I dread this trip. But, here we go.

    • sbranch says:

      I love what you figured out. I would probably figure out that exact same thing. ♥

    • Chris Wells in Knickerbocker, W TX says:

      Good for you Cindy. And good for Rosie. Never ever thought my house cat would accept another cat. But you know what, she has! And it’s much easier when the newcomer is a kitten! Keep us posted.
      Chris

      • Cindy Tuning says:

        Thank you Chris. Blake has calmed down and let’s her go about without being chaperoned but Lucy is giving us the cold shoulder. Last night she finally came up to sleep at the foot of the bed and sometime during the night Rosie came upstairs so Lucy retreated. I think it might be best if only Lucy is allowed to be up there so she at least still has that domain without stress. Trial and error I guess.

        • Chris Wells in Knickerbocker, W TX says:

          It is trial & error. Katherine is still working it out with BB3. But they don’t look at each other and go ino battle. It’s funny, but the dogs have been the first to adapt to a new cat! And the new cat seems to make friends with the dogs. Cat to cat comes last!
          Who knew?! Hoping for the best for your household.

  54. Karri Van Tongeren says:

    Just opened Willard and was so excited to see the new calendars! Will you be doing a desk blotter calendar this year? I love having mine here and can’t bear the thought of not having a new one in January!

    • sbranch says:

      The people who manufactured the desk blotters decided they no longer wanted to do it. Sadly. But my wall calendar people where thrilled to hear it and will be adding a blotter to their collection for next year. So sorry Kari! But next year for sure.

  55. Nancy says:

    Hi Susan,
    I really love the little things in life. I think if we all could enjoy the little things, we wouldn’t have to worry about the hard things as much….
    Have a great day!

  56. Sarah says:

    First he makes wreaths, then styles the beach, and now he is a duck neck surgeon and origami aficionado. Joe is truly a Renaissance man! 🙂

    I’m sorry to say it, but that Petey doll still scares me just a little… 🙂

  57. Janet [in Rochester] says:

    PS – I’m hoping the baby will be born on Sunday [my b-day] but I heard on the news that Kate’s mom told someone the actual due date is in “Leo” so that would be July 23 or later…

    • sbranch says:

      I heard that too, but if I’m hearing baby gossip, it just can’t mean very much! I can imagine them telling us the due date is later than it actually is because that would make a nice surprise, but to tell us it’s earlier, oh dear, then poor Catherine will be hounded with crazy expectation for the last two weeks!

      • Janet [in Rochester] says:

        I’ll bet you’re right. It’s probably a well-planned [and fictitious] story to throw the media off the trail… and I don’t blame them. Besides everyone knows first babies can come at ANYTIME at all – all the others will take 9 months.

  58. Tricia Staley says:

    How wonderful that Jemima will be able to take tea with you and the girlfriends! It’s a very impressive repair job. (I’m with you– I’d probably catapult her out onto the lawn, where she’d be trampled by the resident deer herd.) Enjoy the Tea party– sounds fun!
    Tricia in CT (who is anxiously awaiting Willard)

  59. mari1017 says:

    Lovely post for a very hot Summer day, Susan ♥ When my email notice chimes on my phone, and I see your site come up, I rush to my laptop to read your latest treat! (I can do this because I had to take leave from work to help my NY sister move mom in NY to assisted living 🙁 – mom’s second husband died & she could no longer live alone due to worsening dementia – I am now looking for new employment back in Virginia as the entire process and cleaning out and selling her home of 57 years took over 3 months – but blessed to say she is in a beautiful small assisted living facility and safe!)
    Poor Jemima Puddleduck! Joe is amazing for such a repair – very cool 🙂 Looking forward to Willard – looking forward to royal baby! My neighbor was due same day – had an 8 lb, 14 oz baby boy yesterday – so Kate can’t be too far behind 🙂
    Stay cool & enjoy your company on the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard ♥♥♥

    mari

    p.s. a wonderful family around the corner adopted Noah, my big black cat – I couldn’t bring him to NY – and their 4 yr old son loved him – he is now a completely indoor kitty, so it’s all good ♥, even as much as I miss him)
    Hug Jack and Girl Kitty for me!

    • sbranch says:

      Oh Mari you’ve been working hard! I’m so glad to hear it’s all sorted out. Such a difficult thing to do. Now you can get a new kitty for your reward.

      • mari1017 says:

        Thanks for your reply ~ yes, new kitty will definitely be in my future ♥ Can’t just leave them all at the shelters – and my good friend who is a vet tech (and owner of 6 kitties!) always has options for me lol 🙂
        have a wonderful day & stay cool!

  60. Pam T says:

    Ahhh. Just the dose of inspiration I’ve been needing. I have been so VERY lazy since we returned from vacation last week (although my sweet girlfriend assured me it is NOT laziness, but rest for beauty and rejuvenation…I like her take on it). However, your light, breezy photos and precious kitties make me realize it is time to get back to my house. Nothing is more refreshing than a sparkling kitchen with an open window. It’s a little hot for open windows here at the moment (in So. Cal.) but I will go for the fresh kitchen anyway.

    Your pictures of Girl and Jack are always so fun. We had a Jack-cat in the family (I also have a 12 yr old Jack-human…a very sweet one too..I think it’s in the name) who has now found a new home. He sadly lost his human in March. We were very worried for Jack-cat but he seems to have found a loving new home with a sweet lady whose kitty had left her recently. Isn’t it wonderful how those things seem to sort themselves out. Everyone who wants one should have a kitty and every kitty should have at least one human. It just keeps things cozy.

    Have a lovely visit with your friends. And thank you again for the push. 🙂

  61. Susan M says:

    Oh my. That photo of Jack and Petey made me chuckle. They have a look of mischief about them. Enjoy your tea party with Elizabeth and Diana -perfect names for a princess theme party.
    SusanM

  62. Jeanne Hedin says:

    Oh how I love your painting of the stacked cups! And you are having a tea party . . . one of my most favorite things! And I’m so glad to know Jemima will survive to return to her perch. 🙂 You also used a quote from Einstein that I particularly like so this was, indeed, a delightful post (as usual). Have a wonderful weekend with your friends!

  63. Lynn McMahon says:

    ~ Good Afternoon~
    Saturday is my birthday~ a great day for a tea party (Twine!) and baby a new baby! ~ I was wondering if a figurine of the squish-able gardening guinea pigs from ” Cecily Parsley’s Nursery Rhymes” was ever made? ~ I NEED ONE! ~
    ~ Have A Great Day~

  64. Martha Ellen of VA says:

    Showed this post to my sweet hubby–he smiled and said he was happy for you and Joe to have each other. He said it sounds like us–two make one. Love how Joe repaired Jemima–great surgical abilities! Such lovely lace curtains Susan–I know what you mean about needing new ones. I washed some 27 year old ones this spring and they fell apart in the washing machine. LOL –Love your twine glasses–Enjoy your friends and the beach and what a wonderful tea party idea. I love how you think. xoxo ♥

  65. ChrisTea says:

    I sympathize with the curtain dilemma. My Mom has a big ol’ Victorian and, I swear, all of the windows are a bit off, and they’re l-o-n-g! After she finally finds curtains to (kinda) fit, then we have to get up on the ladders to hang them. Dangerous times. But it looks beautiful when we’re done! 😀

  66. Vickie (Little Rock, AR) says:

    Sweet Jack looks so contrite about the mishap with Jemima. Girl Kitty always looks so regal. Both your sweet kitties are precious. I have e-mailed two local bookstores. I hope they can talk you into coming to Arkansas, but if not I’ll find the closest point you will be and maybe treat myself to a special 60th birthday present – a trip to meet Susan Branch! Thank you for the beauty you bring to my day – enjoy the tea party.

    • sbranch says:

      Thank you for doing that Vickie! Makes a huge difference that the stores know they have interested customers. Hope we get to go there, I’ve never been to Little Rock.

  67. Hello Susan, I just love your photo of Girl Kitty on the quilts! She reminds me of the Princess and the Pea story! Have you thought about painting it? It would be so sweet.

    Michelle

  68. Deb from Dixie says:

    What a treat, a new post! YA-HOO and a Williard too! Thank you Susan……It’s a lucky day for the Girlfriends!

    Things that make us smile……..
    ~ Looking at the waves on MV lap the shore…..with bonus footage of oyster shells, from your personal stylist.

    ~Mr. Ingenuity ……who needs power tools when you have rubber bands, toothpicks and technique? Yeah, The duck is on the mend. ( Although I am sure the shock of seeing her broken necked, lying in the sink……was horrifying….”call the CSI team” who committed this crime?”

    ~A rascally kitty with his lawyer, and a royal kitty on her quilted throne!

    ~Girlfriends coming to visit, girlfriends on the blog….the kindred spirits!!!

    ~Beach parties, tea parties, new lace curtains and a summer breeze!

    ~Little Things that Make Life Sweet!!!!!!!!!!

    ~Using multiple exclamation points because you’re happy!!!!!!!!
    Hugs all ♥ ♥ ♥

  69. Carilyn Wolski says:

    Hello Susan! So nice to see Jack and Girl Kitty enjoying the summer “their way “!!! I love your beautiful lace curtains, white is so fresh looking! Have lots of fun at the tea party with your special friends. What a blessing to have them travel all the way from the west coast!! Thank you for your delightful posting today, as I was a bit nervous this morning prior to getting my freckles checked. Using your words Susan, they are all “behaving “. Relief! (My elderly father was diagnosed with melanoma last summer….he’s fine..will be 89 next week…lives on Harsens Island and enjoys life to the fullest!) Take care, and have a great rest-of-the week!!!!! Kisses to the kitties.

    kisses from me!!!

  70. Love the trip to the seashore. Your stylist rocks, or, er, shells out.

  71. Oh my, don’t you just love the lapping of the little wavelets! And such a fine stylist Joe is! Of course Jack didn’t knock Miss Puddle Duck down! Petey attests to that, they are standing behind their story (whatever it is)! What nice new lace curtains, I can feel the merry little breezes coming in the house thru them! Enjoy your friends and parties! What a grand sounding cake, I am trying to remember where in England you had that! I honestly hadn’t even thought of recipes being in “The new book! Duh! Of course there would be! Just one more reason to be absolutely over come with excitement! I must check to see if any new signing sites are afoot!
    Chirp Chirp!
    Hugs and blessings
    Jeannie

  72. Elizabeth says:

    Thank you for the ocean walk and sound! One time when my daughter went to the ocean she put her phone down by the waves so her mom could enjoy them too! I kept that message for a long long time….

  73. Shannon (Pennsylvania) says:

    Oh, Joe, whatta guy!! Jemima Puddle-Duck looks adorable…her rubber band contraption matches her bonnet! Susan, love your equation… between you and Joe, you make up one entire person. Every couple should be so blessed 🙂

  74. Georgie Bonsanto says:

    Lots of little things leads up to LOTS of BIG EXCITING THINGS!!! We are all so very happy for you and for everything that lies ahead… the cross country trip, your signs on the car, your book signings, Christmas Yankee, Beatrix Potter, Gladys Taber… on and on you go!

    Most of all, we enjoy living life as though EVERYTHING is a big old whopping miracle. Thank-you for sharing your happiness with all of us!

    Counting down to Martha’s Vineyard: Colors, Illuminations, Shell Collecting, A Fine Romance Launch :), Fireworks… oh, Lobster Rolls and Menemsha Bite…
    Thank-You for the NEW jammed packed Willard. It was Awesome. I can’t wait for the Twine Party pictures!
    xoxo Georgie, NJ

  75. Brenda Caldwell says:

    Oh my gosh….Your Joe sounds like my husband, thank God for him 🙂 He can untangle all my knots and put back all the broken pieces for me. You and I are very fortunate to have them…I wish you a wonderful visit from your friends~

  76. Susan, I was trying to think of a solution for your Jack’s perch conflict. One thought is to put a rubber mat in the bottom of your sink, but that wouldn’t be a 100% fix if the figurine landed elsewhere. How about attaching each figurine to the ledge using those removable Command strips? Just leave him space to place his paws between and a spot to sit and maybe they can co-exist.

    I love lace curtains, too, and are the first thing I buy when I find inexpensive ones at yard sales, whether or not I need them….you never know when an idea of how to use them will strike!

    Will wait to comment on the Willard until everyone has received theirs, except to say it was wonderful, as always!

    • sbranch says:

      Good ideas Cathy! Glad you liked Willard!

      • Janet [in Rochester] says:

        I know people who put a small chunk [think “Tootsie Roll”] of museum putty under their figurines and other things their cats “walk amongst…” It adheres well and really makes it more difficult for a quick, light kitty swipe to result in breakage. :>)

  77. Terry says:

    Hi, Susan!

    I love your new curtains! I am definitely going to check out that website.

    I too am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new royal baby.

    Love,
    Terry

  78. Pat Mofjeld from St. Paul, Minnesota says:

    Love the new curtains. Heat wave here, too. Remember how I said I would try to not complain about the heat and humidity this summer? Ha! We’re occupied full-time with care for an elderly friend who fell last week and ended up in hospital and now rehab. Reading your blog and the comments is my “stress relief” nowadays… LOL! 🙂

    • sbranch says:

      Hot here too Pat. Just the way it is this year, either raining or hot!

      • Pat Mofjeld from St. Paul, Minnesota says:

        That is what Norm keeps telling me: It is July and July is hot. Decided tonight with running back and forth to the hospital and Rehab now, maybe I should be thankful it isn’t -15 degrees and icy roads, right!? 🙂 Any thoughts whether you will come through St. Paul/Mpls. area for your book signings?

  79. Elaine says:

    Lovely post and photos ! Oh I thought the video was cute when Terry did that lol ! Cheeky monkey he is lol ! The English country side always takes my breath away it is so beautiful . I will have to go back and visit my family soon and take in the beauty of the English country side again ! It has been years since I have been there . Thanks for sharing . Have a good day !

  80. Jo P says:

    I love to vacation at the beach but this year it’s just not going to happen. I live in Northern California so there so much coastline yet to discover. Meanwhile, I so enjoy your photos of the ocean, beach, seashells, garden and your kitties. My “girl” kitty is named Jack-my daughter thought she resembled Capt Jack Sparrow because of her strange markings so hence she was Jack and has been ever since. I can’t wait to get your book. Thank you for sharing your island life.

  81. Debra V. ~ Southern California says:

    Susan,
    Love your new curtains. So fresh, clean and light to let in those cool summer breezes. As for Jack, well he looks perfectly innocent sitting next to Petey. Maybe Miss Jemima Puddle-Duck slipped into the sink trying to catch Jacks tail…have you ever thought about that? Anyway glad that Joe was able to craft such an elaborate device to hold her while she heals. It should be a success. ~ Have a great tea party and weekend with your friends. I look forward to receiving the new Willard. ~ Today I’m canning Peach Jam with my daughter from all the peaches from my tree. Later we will have tea and scones with Peach Jam and think of you all at the beach.

  82. Jody says:

    I love how men think — their fix-it mind fascinates me. Loved Joe’s bandage on Jemima. Have a happy tea party!

    • sbranch says:

      Fascinates me too. Joe can find his way anywhere, in any city, without ever having been there first. I’ve lived here 30 years and still get lost!

      • Pat Mofjeld from St. Paul, Minnesota says:

        Norm is the same way as Joe. Makes me nervous to try to find my way through new cities–I’m more than happy to be the one saying “slow down” from the passenger seat. We joke that I “back seat drive” from the front seat and sometimes brake on my side of the car faster than Norm does from the driver’s seat! 🙂

  83. Oh, I love it! Your Ms. Puddleduck’s bandage and your sweet kitties and your lace curtains! I especially love non-frilly lace like these (as opposed to those ruffley priscillas!) So Pretty!
    I envy the gals coming to your party! I don’t get enough parties here in Western Massachusetts…though I’m planning a birthday for my best friend in a couple of weeks. Hope the weather cooperates, as being in my house is not pleasant lately (long story)…The best porch party was a rainy one and all the grandkids played under the gutters. Everyone had a great time!
    Enjoy yourself!
    Sherry

  84. Sandy from Kentucky says:

    Susan,

    Thanks so much for the link to the lace curtain site. We recently built an English cottage home on our farm and I need lace curtains! (And yes, of course, I’ve ordered THE book!)
    Love your blog as it gets me through the rest of the day when the day isn’t going so good. You remind us all that “smallest is GREATEST”.

  85. Paula B. says:

    Your friends are named Diana and Elizabeth, hmmm, remind’s one of a well known grandmama and great grandma….! Should be nice on the beach tonight, what a lovely welcome to the island. Have a wonderful visit. On baby watch, myself, it’s a girl for sure. And, Jack didn’t look in the least repentant. Hoping to see you, in person, next month at the Sandwich book signing, fingers crossed.

    • sbranch says:

      I know, can’t have a royal tea party without Diana and Elizabeth! Look forward to seeing you Paula!

  86. judi says:

    Oh, swooning over the ROCKS in your video (shells are nice too Joe:). There are no ROCKS in FL, waaa. Whoda thought you could miss something like that so. I LOVE rocks!

    Mr. Jack cat (other one probably too:) has the academy award for “Best Actor” – his reactions to what you say to him are priceless and perfect. Laughed so hard. Our cats were indoor cats and the windowsills were theirs. Good job Joe!

    The lace curtains – BEAUTIFUL! How nice of you to share the sorce for others. I’m so happy your social schedule is back – love to hear about your party – prep, during and after.

    I think it is going to be a girl and should be a beauty if she takes after her Mother – Kate is a striking beauty in every way – lucky William. Have fun with your friends. Look forward to Willard. Hugs

    • sbranch says:

      We all think she’s going to be a girl! My girlfriends are here and they think so too. I’ll be happy either way — we’ll know soon!

  87. Mary A. Brown says:

    Love the seaside pictures! I will be going to the seaside soon because we are planning a trip to Mendocino! I can’t get to Martha’s Vineyard but Mendo is pretty close. A little bit of New England in Northern California.
    Jack looks adorable with your new curtains in the background. Girl Kitty seems to be re-enacting the “Princess and the Pea.” Hugs from CA, Mary A

  88. jan says:

    Your posts are always so positive and full of enjoyment in simple things. It is very unusual to read about the kind of life you live in this present day of chaos and stress. I think where you live must be like many of the places which I dearly love in England. Your environment calls out to you to come and delight yourself in the beauty of nature. We have a beach in Southern California, but it really doesn’t beckon me In quite the same way as the Vineyard would appear to do. Thanks for sharing you bit of heaven though.

    • sbranch says:

      I’m happy to do it Jan. I’m aware of the strife in the world, would give every fiber of my being to wave a magic wand and do away with all of it. But I do my best to stay focused on the little things that make life sweet. Believing there is hope for the world is a way to move toward it — Gladys Taber said that and she was right.

  89. Laura Croyle says:

    Ohhh, thank-you for the video of the waves on the beach!! I’ve been pining for the ocean, lately. Sigh….we probably won’t be able to go until Sept or Oct. But, after your last post, I found a old bucket full of shells in our shed and drug those out to sort through and display in a tray on our deck. So that helped a little! My, your Joe is very clever in how he twisted that rubber band to hold Miss Jemima Puddle-Duck’s head on! Husbands sure do come in handy! 😉 Sometimes it takes two to figure out how to fix something, or solve a problem! How do your lace curtains hold up with an active, curious kitty gallivanting through the house? Girl Kitty looks very serene, like the Princess and the Pea, on the pile of quilts! 🙂 That’s one nice thing about older kitties. They aren’t quite as rambunctious! We miss our dear, sweet, elderly kitty, even though we were treating her for diabetes and other ailments. We finally had to have her put down on the first day of summer. So, So Sad….she was the last of our pets from when our kids were still teenagers! (They’re in their 30’s now!) It’s seems really strange not to have any pets, as we’ve had at least one kind or another since we bought our first house! But, we want to wait a while before acquiring another kitty. Don’t know how long I’ll be able to hold off, however! At least, I’ll try, anyway! Thinking of maybe adopting an adult kitty from the local shelter when the time comes. Not sure I have the energy and patience for another kitten! Although I’ve enjoyed watching Jack grow up on your blog! How can you get upset at him with That face, when he breaks something?!!
    Enjoy your tea party with your friends. Sounds like so much Fun!
    Laura C. from WA

    • sbranch says:

      I understand pining Laura! Love is love! And you’re right, I can’t get mad at Jack, he does the best he can!

  90. Mary Kathryn says:

    Lovely post and lovely curtains! My favorite picture is the one with the bed canopy, b/c I imagined you standing on the bed, trying to get the photo straight without falling off 🙂 The older I get the WORSE I am at trying to stand up on a bed! It’s awful cleaning the overhead fans 🙂 A welcome-baby tea is a fabulous idea, and I think I’ll ask my mother in the mountains if we can do one too, when I go visit this weekend. Thanks!

  91. Cindy says:

    I am lucky too, to have a person who is my “other half”. If I want something made or fixed, he can usually do it.
    Those curtains are so pretty! I hope you have a very nice visit with your friends and a great party. Hope we hear something soon:)

  92. Jane F. says:

    Love it, Susan! The little things! I need lots of little things right now! My (wonderful) investment guy missed something and I’m getting sent back a whole lot of $ from my IRA (it’s along story I won’t bore you with) — and he’s still a great guy and friend. Wasn’t his fault. Old Uncle Sam came into the picture! Need I say more. But that’s okay!! RE-INVENT is the new opperative word around here!! And it might be a

    • Jane F. says:

      Whoops! I hit the wrong key too soon!! . . . As I was saying, it might be a blessing in disguise. We are RE-INVENTING Gene’s art career with a new online presence — and I’m incorporating a Blog for my Book — my electronic “Inkling” group to cheer me on!! (Wonder where I got that idea! 🙂 Hopefully up and running late this year. Today, one of the little things I’m doing for myself as a break from writing is making a tote out of those flimsy plastic grocery sacks!! Sounds crazy, but they are really, really cute. I’ll email a photo separately later if it comes out! Hint: idea came from Yankee Magazine!! Thanks for reminding me how important the little things are and for all your adorable ideas. I just love Jemima’s brace for her broken neck. We know about broken necks. Gene broke his a few years ago. Thankfully it mended and he’s okay. I hope Jemima will be, too! And love your royal baby welcome tea idea! I’ve been checking every day dozens of times to see if he/she is here yet! Might have to roll out the tea cart with everyone else! Thank you, thank you. What a fun break in a busy day!!

  93. Melissa Leathley says:

    Thank you again for sharing your life. In wish I had some girlfriends from far away who came to visit but I am SO fortunate to have all my girlfriends right here in town. I think I’m going to get something together for all of us just like they were all coming from far away.
    I’m so excited that this coming weekend my toes will be in the sand by the sea…Pacific Grove, California. I can’t wait. And thank you for the name of your friend Margot Datz and her book A Survivor Guide for Landlocked Mermaids. I have ordered it at our local bookstore and can’t wait for it to get here. I will be fitting right in with her thoughts and stories!!
    Melissa

    • sbranch says:

      How nice. It’s Margot’s Birthday today, which is why we’re going to the beach tonight!

      • Melissa Leathley says:

        say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to her for me!!

      • KarenP (Wisconsin) says:

        I have had Amy the Dancing Bear and The Fisherman’s Song by Carly Simon for years! Bought them because I love the illustrations that just complete the sweet stories. I love them more now knowing that the illustrator Margot is a dear friend of yours! Happy Birthday, Margot!….Karen P. xo

  94. Janna from Texas says:

    Willard is so refreshing! I purposefully make time to read it all — can’t wait to try the lavender cake. For those of us who are living a very “land locked” life not near the ocean or seashore, we say thank you for sharing your life and adventures! And, I’m pulling for a boy:). After all, Harry needs a nephew to teach a thing or two! Thanks, Susan, for your talents and for sharing them–

  95. Beverly Brewer says:

    The sweet stack of teacups was so pretty—am always drawn to tea items since I work at The English Rose Tea Room in Carefree, near Phx, Az. I wonder if any of the girlfriends saw our owner, Joanne, on Good Morning America last week—they interviewed her about the forthcoming royal baby and all the excitement and anticipation. Joanne had a baby shower at our tea room and customers brought many lovely baby clothes, diapers, toys, etc, all of which were donated to UMOM, a local shelter in Phoenix. Our garden patio was filled with such generous donations from our sweet customers. Joanne arranged for a genuine English red double decker bus (yes, there is one in AZ) to deliver the beautiful presents to the shelter and it was so wonderful to give these new little babies or babies-to-be a sweet little boost to their precious lives!

    • sbranch says:

      I have heard of this shop so many times. Everyone talks about how wonderful it is! You made a beautiful event for everyone!

      • Elaine in Toronto says:

        That’s something we could all do. Fun for everyone and a lovely tribute to the little royal prince or princess. A beautiful reason to have a tea party.

      • Mary in Phoenix says:

        Didn’t see this post before writing mine … about the English Rose Tea Room! Had the pleasure of having owner Jo attend our annual tea party recently in beautiful historic Prescott AZ. Such fun to invite her to tea … and such a lovely lady. She has my vote for owning one of the best tea shops in America! carefreetea.com.

  96. Nellie says:

    Reading your blog unleashes such a yearning for life on “your” island!

    Joe is quite the repairman! Jemima should heal with no problems.:-)

    I like your new lace curtains. They give a cooling touch.

    xo Nellie

  97. shirley burt says:

    Hello Susan, Have my “little thing” 3 1/2 year old granddaughter staying with me the whole week. We have had tea parties, baked pie, used brand new markers and now, opening our new play dough. Yes, little things are definitely the best.
    Love, love, love the lace curtains, Thank you for all your inspiration and sharing all the things you love.

    Love and bunny hugs,
    Shirley

  98. Cyndee Randall says:

    Oh, Susan. I loved your comments on Miss Havisham. I have been single (never married for over half a century. For a while this distressed me. But I have learned to love the independence. On my 60th birthday I decided that IF I even marry, I want a “Miss Havisham” wedding cake. One side will be a beautiful white cake with fondant roses, peonies, orchids… The other side will have little fondant mice “nibbling” in the cake with spun sugar cobwebs. ALMOST makes me want to get married… not sure a cake would be worth it. (Unless I meet a “Joe.”) Loved the lace curtains! Blessings!

  99. Wendy Louise says:

    Thank -you, Dear Friend, for so much sharing and such a nice reality. The small things are the joys that are with us everyday, if only everyone could see them. I had a bluebird bathing in my bird bath, what a beautiful moment nature shared with me. Bluebirds have just shown up at my home and we have been here 30 years. Have never seen them before in real life. They are making a come back and I hope they decide to stay, they truly are the bird of happiness. I get soooo excited when I see them, I have a house just for them and I even bought Meal worms for them and keep them in the refrigerator (downstairs, the extra one). They have been scoping out the field and back garden a lot. Maybe next year they will raise a family here! Have a wonderful time with your girlfriends it sounds fantastic!!!!!!!!! OXOXOXO

    • sbranch says:

      I have bluebirds at my house in California. I love them too, they look just like the Walt Disney bluebirds in Cinderella! I’ve read that they like countryside, are shy, stay away from homes, so we put our bluebird house way out in a field. They use it every year, but they never come to the feeders. You are so lucky to get to watch one in a birdbath!

  100. Mary in Phoenix says:

    My heart jumped at the sight of your teacups on the blog … and the thought of a Royal Baby Tea Party … how perfect! We have the best English Tea House this side of the pond here in Carefree, AZ. They just hosted a lovely Royal Baby Tea and asked guest to bring diapers to donate to a local women’s shelter. They even made Diaper Cakes with the diapers! Considering how Kate, and even more so grandma Diana, hold charities near and dear it was a touching thing to do. “To whom much is given, much is expected”.

    I know you have the BEST tea sandwich recipes but here are a few more ideas:
    Cucumber & Dill
    Egg and Watercress
    Roast Beef & Swiss with Horseradish Cream
    Tomato & Basil with Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese
    Cheese & Pickle (Chutney)
    Honeymoon Sandwiches (Lettuce Alone) 🙂

    Can’t wait for the new recipes in your book …. always an inspiration. Have fun “Twine-ing” and toasting the new Royal with buntings and brouhaha!. Will it be Alexandra, Victoria, Charlotte, Diana … or even twins??? Here’s to the little things in life … XO

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