It’s still dark outside my windows as I begin to write this, but bean soup is bubbling on the stove, onions, ham hocks, navy beans, peppercorns, bay leaves, carrots and celery, blip-blip-bubble-bubble — MUSICA
It will do this comforting thing for the next four hours, making the house smell like heaven, and warming things up to boot, which we could use. It’s 5° in New York City this morning, a new low, but for us, out here floating in the “warm” ocean, it’s a balmy 12º.
So it will be thick bean soup for breakfast, with hot crusty bread and butter.
And the wonderful news, for the first time since returning, I can say, I’ve got my house back!
I’ve been catching up with my housekeeping, cleaning out the dishtowel drawer, sending some to Good Will and refolding the rest; I cleaned the fridge, empied, wiped down and straightened the cupboard with all the baking things in it, sorted out my winter clothes and, best of all, I got all my paperwork done — my house clean, and sort of empty looking, smooth, like buttah.
Now I have a little housekeeping to do for the blog which involves you. (I’m sorry to say.)
I been waiting until you all had your calendars, to break this as gently as possible to as many of you at the same time as possible. Some of you may have already heard because it hasn’t been a secret, but this is my first formal announcement. Are you ready? Do you want the good news or the bad news?
OK, first the bad news. There is something wrong with this picture. This calendar did not receive its normal fine-tooth combing, it seems that we all thought someone else was editing it, but as it turns out, no one was. And, in real life, July has 31 days. Thirty-one, not thirty. Fine, I suppose, unless your birthday is on the 31st. And whether or not it’s your birthday, it’s still unacceptable to be missing a day on a calendar. Other places maybe, but not on a calendar. These calendars had already been in stores for weeks before we found out about it. It was gone. So what to do, what to do! First I did this:
And then we faced reality . . .
Here’s what your calendar should have looked like. And, now, through the magic of the Internet, it can. Because Kellee has reformatted that corner of the calendar and made a pdf for us that we can print out and glue on to our own calendars and it fits perfectly! Above is a photo of my calendar and that’s the “fix” already glued on. At a glance, you really can’t tell — and it’s so easy to do. Go HERE to read more about it. And please accept my sincere apology … you have every right to expect more from me. Now for the good news:
I’ve done the cover for our next year’s calendar, and now that the house is clean and organized, I’m about to seal myself inside my studio and paint and write us a bunch of new pages for it . . . the good news is that you can be sure I will check this calendar over a thousand times before it ever goes to print! Living and learning.
And on to something a bit more fun . . . Remember that interview I did a couple of weeks ago for the January/February issue of a new (ish) magazine called CELEBRATING EVERYDAY LIFE?
Well, it was just published . . . it’s a delightful magazine filled with wonderful photos put together by hardworking mom of two-year-old (how does she do it?), Jennifer Carroll (and friends) — you can read more about her on her blog. You can get her magazine in all kinds of formats, digital, for iPad or even a print edition . . . and you’ll see, it’s filled with inspiration for easy projects, arm chair travels (in this issue they go to Chatsworth House ~ remember Chatsworth, girls?), cooking and so much more.
I thought you’d like a little preview . . . to see if it’s something that would interest you. I also wanted to thank her, she did a lovely job with my article . . .
Next bit of housekeeping, look at new thing that just came in yesterday . . .
It’s an I Love You Tea Towel for Valentine’s Day, or any day where there’s LOVE involved. It has a story: The art on the tea towel is one of the crayon drawings I did as a child that my mom tucked into my Baby Book and saved. I was in the fourth grade when I did this. It’s the first picture I ever did where there were birds. And hearts. And I was learning how many different ways I could write I Love You. We thought it would make the perfect dishtowel. So here it is ~ and the same lovely fabric and quality as our Come Sit Stay Tea Towels and Santa dishtowels. They’re made in the good old USA; we weren’t able to get many, so please don’t wait if you think you will want one.
We also have two kinds of Valentines . . . not only for Valentines, but for all year long, every picture tells a story.
Plus, we still have a few of our Girlfriends Dream Charms left, just in case you want one for Valentine’s, we’re probably not going to make more … We’re thinking Kitty Love might be next.
And most wonderfully, Janie is making us two new garlandy, festooning, bunting-like banners, HEARTS and LOVE . . .
She sent along some photos, they both come with her darling handmade envelopes, and a little card so you can send them to someone you love. Perfect little gift.
So, that’s it for your Valentine’s preview for today.
But I had something else I wanted to show you. Part of my housekeeping was putting Christmas away, packing it all up and sending it to the attic. While I was doing it I found this little box that I see every year ~ it’s mixed in with all the ornaments, so we unpack it, then pack it back up, and between Christmases, we forget about it. I love finding it, like new again every time, and I thought you’d enjoy seeing it.
Just a plain little box I’ve been saving. With a message on it. It’s already eighteen years old but it seems just like yesterday. (Have I mentioned that this house is wafting fragrance of bean soup now … ? It is!)
Inside the box is this little angel ornament . . . along with a few photos. There’s all kinds of “scrapbooking” in this world, but we creative-types aren’t limited to books, we can branch out to boxes too. Scrapboxing.
This is Heidi. She’s my niece, my brother Brad’s daughter. She is wearing the wings we gave her for her birthday. They fit her to a ‘T’ because she was born to flit. The moment she got her wings, she turned into Tinkerbelle and took off around the house scattering fairy dust behind her, spreading merriment throughout. That’s why we got the little angel ornament for her the year she came to our house for Christmas. It reminded us of her.
This is another one of the photos in the box. She was on a roll that year. She made up outfits like this, wearing my hat, her own kitty sweater and furry boots, and she loved to pose. She was the only child that year amongst a lot of adults, and she kept us all laughing the whole time. When my brother and his wife were dancing, Heidi wrapped herself, arms and legs around the ankle of my sister-in-law, sitting on her shoe, holding tight and going for a ride during the dance, making us cry from laughter. She never complained, never cried, was just truly nice the whole time. Luckily every bit of it is on tape. She will get that someday too. She needs to know what a delight she was to have around.
Not a great photo, but I wrote on the bottom of the Angel. It will go on her tree someday. I’m just waiting for her to be settled down before I give it to her. She’s 23 and living in Lake Tahoe, and something tells me she will see this, so Hi Heidi! She doesn’t know about this Christmas box. I guess she will now.
This is the recipe scrapbox I made for Heidi last Christmas. See that photo? That’s from the same year — she’s pulled down a normal Santa hat that had split open at the seam — which is where her face is sticking through The bottom furry part of the hat is around her neck. This is what she was wearing when she was clinging to my sister-in-law’s leg, and one of the reasons we were crying.
So anyway, I still have a few years before I give it to her, but it’s fun to find the box every year when we take out our decorations and remember that wonderful Christmas. One of these years when I bring it out, I’ll wrap it up and send it to her.
I’ve also been wanting to write about my “Unforgettable Faces of 2013” and I will soon, but I want to start today with a furry face that I love. Many of you know her,
. . . it’s Iris, ♥ I’ve had photos of Iris on my blog since the beginning. She was a wonderful dog ~ I’m so sorry to say, “was,” but Iris went to heaven this year while Joe and I were driving across country. She wasn’t our dog, she belonged to my girlfriend across the street, Martha, who wrote to tell us that Iris hadn’t been able to wait for us to return. I was afraid of that.
This was one of the first times I wrote about Iris on the blog. Whenever she could 
make her escape from Martha’s she loved to come over to our house. We would hear just one bark. That’s it, one bark, and we knew she was waiting at the door.
Martha and her husband Gerry (and their daughter Anna) once lived in our house for a year while we were in California and they were remodeling their own house. Iris adopted the house first, and then, when we came back, she was forced to take us too. Lucky us.
She was dear, she even put up with our kitties, she had a beautiful smile, and she never wanted to cause any trouble.
“Meow” means “woof,” in cat. ♥ George Carlin
She tried to pretend she was invisible so I wouldn’t notice her on the white sofa, but what the hay is what I always thought. Little old girl can get on the sofa if she wants.
This is Iris’s cookie face. Cookie? Yes, please, can I have eight? (Notice cat food on floor? She never touched it.)
The snore room.
This is Iris last Christmas 2012. As beautiful as always.
We will miss her very much. We were honored to be her friends, she made life better. ♥
I knew you would want to know.
P.S. This is an add-on to this post: Yesterday I got a note from Iris’s dad Gerry telling me about something very sweet that happened recently. He wrote:
Anna Lee (the 8-year-old daughter of a friend) was at our house making a gingerbread house with Martha when she turned to me and asked, “Where’s Iris?” I said,” I’m sorry Anna Lee, but Iris passed on a few weeks ago.” I could see Anna Lee thinking, furrowed forehead, so I added, “But she was very very old.” Anna Lee looked up, smiled instantly and said, “Too bad, but where she is now, she’s the youngest one!”Out of the mouths of babes. ♥
If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. ♥ Will Rogers
OK, sniff-sniff, I’m hungry now . . .
Soup is done, or at least close enough for snacking. Soup and my favorite shawl, two perfect items on a day like today. Here’s how to make the soup:
COLD DAY BEAN SOUP, Serves six
- 1 ½ lbs. smoked ham hocks
- 1 lb. package small white beans
- 3 sliced carrots
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 med. onions, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- whole peppercorns (about 14)
- water to cover
- salt and pepper to taste
Put everything (except salt and pepper to taste) into a soup pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 3-4 hours, stirring every so often. It will get very thick, add water if necessary. After two hours or so, remove the ham hocks from the soup, cool them. Cut the meat off the bone, discard the fat, return meat and bones to the pot to finish cooking time. When you’re ready to serve, remove the bones and bay leaves, stir in salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
I guess that’s it for today … just one more thing … Kellee put up new computer wallpaper and game score sheets for you, and if you didn’t get your 2014 Full Moon Bookmark, HERE YOU GO.
Adios dear Girlfriends . . . I hope you’re keeping warm!
Sweetest Iris pix…. We lost our lab-shepherd Abby in October, after 10 years of the most sincere eyes and loving soul. Miss her every day! I’m convinced God sends us these animals He creates just for our family.
I’m with you on that. Gifts from God.
Hi! Lovely blog once again, Susan. I love the saying about “buy a book”! It’s so true. My Susan Branch calendar is also misprinted for July. As you say, live and learn. It was a gift for Christmas from my faithful friend Lori. Thanks, also, for the bean soup. It inspired me to make a chicken soup for supper. I’m always inspired when I read your blog.
Kate
Nice to hear Kate!
Oh! I am so sorry to hear of the passing of wonderful Iris! Such a very sad time.
Bean Soup! Yum! Nothing better on a day like today. We had two degrees this morning, with a wind chill of -15! That is too cold to be outside, and I really bundled up when I went out to the mailbox to bring in the newspaper.
I had noticed that July 31 was missing. Thank you for sending us an option for editing it. I will have to print it off four times as I gifted our three daughters with a calendar as well.
I will definitely be interested in that kitty charm!
A dish towel with your childhood art is very special. That must go on my list!
Heidi will truly be appreciative of your gift! That is such a thoughtful thing to do!
Now – off to fire up my oven for some roasting of vegetables! Such good aromas will be filling the house.:-)
Take care, and stay warm and safe!
xo Nellie
You too Nellie, thank you!
Hi Susan, another inspiring blog. Susan from “Writing Straight From The heart” has featured your calendar in her blog today. Here’s a quote – “…Susan who is truly a wonderful artist with a spirit that could light up the darkest night”. Oh, yes! Also she wouldn’t give up any of your books for all the tea in the world! Loved your tribute to Iris. I remember you showing us the card she gave Joe for his sixtieth birthday – a real treasure now. And speaking of treasure, Heidi will love her time capsule/Christmas box. We did something similar on my neice’s daughter’s first birthday to be opened when she turns 21. She turns 12 in February so a few more years to go. Enjoy your bean soup. Soup is always soothing, especially on a cold day.
How nice!! Thank you for telling me!
I’m so sad to learn of Iris’ passing. She’s been such a girlfriend for us and a member of our little blog family. Such a beauty. Please tell you neighbors that we’re all so sorry. It’s a balmy 26 here in Charleston, SC. Your soup looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it. Stay warm!
I added a little story sent to me by Iris’s dad yesterday… be sure to read it, it’s pretty cute.
You scared me! I thought you were gonna tell us something awful, like maybe no more blog or no more books or calendars or- heck I don’t know! This news is a relief and I love how you take care of everything! Soup looks yummy! Sorry to you and your neighbors about Iris. This to shall pass and maybe then they will be ready to love again. Its hard, we all know! Hugs:-)
My computer must have a glitch! Hope you get this one!
Help
My computer must have a glitch too…my comments always say “Your comment is awaiting moderation”…moderation???…what is that???…
Because so much spam comes into my comments, mixed between all the lovely ones from you, I have to “moderate” so I can get rid of the spam. Which means I have to push a button to approve each comment. Which is good, because I like to read them anyway. But sometimes I’m slow.
Thank goodness for the Internet, it would have been awful to have to say, oops, no 31st and then have no fix! Yikes!
I am positive that Iris is in “Puppy Dog Heaven”. When we give a dog a good home they love us with no reserve. They don’t care if we have our hair out of place, our clothes aren’t the latest in fashion or anything thing else trivial we have going on. They love us unconditionally. Thank you for letting us know Susan.
Thanks for the coziness, yet again! I’ve heard somewhere along the way – the Amish (or someone) always have a mistake tucked away somewhere in every quilt they make. I comfort myself with that thought as I knit project after project, with usually some kind of mistake somewhere! May you be comforted also, Susan!
I am Cheryl! Thank you xo
I heard that too. And I think my mom said that the Navajo always put a flaw in their rugs, because only the great Spirit was perfect. Not sure if it’s true, but I always respected that.
Susan,
My biggest, softest, heartfelt sympathies for Iris, as my eyes are floating in tears…She was absolutely precious and I can’t tell you how many times I watched the video clip. Oh, they have such a way to get love in every possible crevice of our hearts, forever and ever…such a sweet, gentle soul. I will keep you all gently in my heart.
The story and photos of Heidi are priceless. I can see how you all laughed and laughed. What a treat it will be for her to receive such a beautiful box of delights.
I made potato/corn chowder yesterday and I too heard the blip, blup, bubble for quite some time, it was delish. Now, though I will need to make some bean soup – my Dad will love it!
Sending you all the biggest, squishiest, fleecy hugs to warm your heart from frigid central IL where the wind chill was -37 this morning! Yikes.
XooX,
Jeanette
Thank you for that great hug!!!
Oh, so sad about sweet Iris. Thank you for the sweet pics and writing the tribute. I’m sure she was met at Rainbow Bridge by all the Girlfriends’ pets and mine. We love them all so much.
As for the calendar mistake, not to worry! We’ll all smile when July rolls around and remember our own flubs. I read somewhere that the Amish don’t correct mistakes they make on quilts, etc., as it’s a reminder that only God is perfect. I just ordered your sweet towel for myself and my girlfriend. We share our birthday week later this month and are going to a cute B & B to celebrate. She’ll get a girlfriend charm, too! And then there ‘s your cute box for your niece! She’s lucky indeed. Love how you’re saving it. :-). Well, it’s degrees here today and a far cry from -1 yesterday! Stay warm!
What a blessing to have such a Heidi in your life! (I’m quite partial to Heidi’s myself 🙂 ) She’s a lucky girl to have such an auntie as you, and she even has your eyes! I’m so sad about Iris…such a sweetheart. ♥ She reminds me of my Golden, Zoe who will be 15 in March. She’s all white faced and stiff, skinny legged and sometimes goes kersplat on the floor, like Bambi on ice. But she still acts like a puppy and I know this will probably be the year I have to say good-bye to her…I don”t even want to think about it. Thank you for sharing Heidi, Iris and your soup, and stay warm and cozy!!
I’m very sorry about poor Iris going to heaven. Our Audrey went to heaven while we were gone for three months having my dear hubbys cancer treatment. I think it makes it even more sad when we can’t be there to kiss our dear pets goodbye… Enough sadness! When I got home I spent weeks doing a huge clean out of everything and getting ready for the holidays. It just feels so good to start fresh at home. Home at last! Your darling Heidi has your adorable brown eyes, and I’m glad.
You live in one of my favorite places, because I adore Mark Twain.
Oh my goodness…when I saw the picture of Iris I knew… 🙁 You have shared so much about her that I felt I knew her a little bit. Her sweet soulful eyes, as she made herself comfy cozy in your living room, are unforgettable. Maybe your friend Martha knows this already but I will offer it up. Two years ago we lost our Westie “Happy” – he was a love through and through. We missed him so so much we could hardly say his name. Our family and friends said to get another dog and it would help, but we waited and waited till last year. A friend who runs a Westie rescue told us about a special little girl who needed a home and we said we were finally ready. We know now why we waited till it felt right. She is an absolute darling little girl, we are so happy again and we are convinced that someone special sent her to us… maybe Happy did!
I think they’ll know too, when it’s right.
COLD?? You say COLD??? Yup, that’s what it is here in West Michigan! About 2 below with a windchill of anywhere from -25 to -45 degrees! With LOTS & LOTS of Snow to top it off! It sure is beautiful, looking from the inside out!
A good time to enjoy it by the fire with a good book; perhaps a travel book called “A Fine Romance”! That should do the trick to warm us up!
Stay safe and warm, wherever you are my girlfriends!
Good idea Elly! 🙂
Oh, Elly – I will be thinking about you – can’t even imagine what it must be like – hate to tell you that I am in California and we have sun and warm temps – probably the only place in the United States – not quite bathing suit weather though 🙂 Don’t stick your nose outdoors – love the fireplace & book suggestion. A little Hot Toddy would be nice too! XXOO Pat
Please send Martha and her family my deepest condolensce. Beautiful Iris had a beautiful life, I can tell.
She had it, and she gave it. Thank you Nancy.
Oh Susan, I’ve been wanting to know about Iris but was afraid to ask. Such a precious girl. I love the Will Rogers quote…never heard that before. Maybe the kitty charm could be a kitty/doggie charm? I collect your charms but I must remain loyal to my five member canine crew!
I have this one designed, it’s black with big white spots and called Kitty Love. I feel like it’s hard to pick a dog color … suggestions?
The kitty one sounds wonderful. How about a white one with spots of gold, brown and black called Puppy Love?
Good one!
Brown and white!! – I had a Jack Russell with A LOT of brown on him (as opposed to the breed standard – mostly white) – Casey. He died this past July, but he had a long, happy life. We miss him a lot.
how about Iris?
Love that idea!
My favorite is Golden Honey, maybe with a bit of white at the tummy! Good dog colors!
Thank you for letting us know about Iris, she was so adorable. Her cute little tushy wiggling all over when she was at your door waiting to go inside. I’m afraid I would act the same way if I ever got the chance to go into your house and share your world for just an afternoon.
LOL!! Probably not! 🙂
What a sweet dog. I’m glad you got to share her.
Our dog likes to visit the neighbor’s too. He will go sit on their porch, do a small “woof” and then their dogs go crazy and then the dad, who works from home, will open the door and let the doggies have a play date. Silly boy. But he’s smart! He doesn’t run away–he just goes to the neighbors! I think they have good snacks too….
I gave “A Fine Romance” to my bestest friend and she finally read it! She said she cried when it ended! She didn’t want it to end. Isn’t that the sweetest? I ordered two books from the first printing, one for me, one for her. And I kept waiting, and waiting, and waiting for her to read it. And, whew!–she finally did. And she loved it.
She and I used to get together for a cuppa every morning and have the nicest times together. Her family got transferred overseas and she’s been around Asia and is now in eastern Europe (Hi Sweet Sarah!) I miss her terribly but love that she is having grand adventures. I’m waiting patiently for her return!
How fun that you two can meet here! That is definitely a kind of miracle! xoxo
Sharrie! Now you’re making me cry again…I miss you my dear friend. I enjoyed the book so very much and thought of you often as I read it. I miss my garden too but I’m excited for a European springtime and the flowers it will bring.
The soup sounds yummy. Wish I had the ingredients here and it is too cold to go to the store to pick them up. We finally got above 0 about an hour ago. Yesterday it was -16. Hopefully our cold blast is over. I am yearning for springtime.
I’m yearning for toast!
Love Iris! Reminds me of our Annie & Pete, also in heaven. And, now we have Roxie, stealth dog. She has it down to a science…one minute she is outside and the next, she is lying right behind you. If you don’t check before you move, it might not be pretty. She also thinks she’s invisible on the white couch. We’ve had that chat…”Nice try, Roxie Girl! Brown dog on white couch? What? Do you think you are invisible?” A losing battle on my part for sure.
When you mentioned the new wallpaper on the website, it reminded me of an idea I had when everyone was a-buzz about the new season of Downton Abbey. I think maybe you need to whip up some blank calling cards for the girlfriends. I mean, really….kind of plays in to the whole English Countryside theme, don’t you think? English/tea/lamb/bunting/country garden themed cards…what do you think (ok…I know your eyes are rolling!!!). Anyhoo, you knew it couldn’t be long before I had another scathingly brilliant idea, right?
xo peg
Yes I did know that Peg, it’s to be expected! 🙂 Those antique calling cards were so wonderful weren’t they?
I had calling cards made up for myself. It sure helps when one makes new friends or does volunteer work. Mine has my tele numbers and e-mail.
a scathingly brilliant idea! (from the Parent Trap, right? – maybe? but definitely Hayley Mills, whom I love, wanted to name my daughter Hayley but my husband vetoed it) anyway, love the blank cards idea! It’s insanely freezing cold here – I don’t ever remember cold like this – I heard today that Lake Michigan froze over – inconceivable! It’s so cold that I won’t take the dog out for more than 2 minutes. so cold that this morning when I went to the mud room to put my boots on, I found snow that had blown in on the rug inside the room about 2 inches deep all along the door frame and it didn’t even look like it was even remotely thinking of melting! Susan, dear Susan, love you even more for messing up on the calendar – like you did 2 years ago with Reasons to go on Living 🙂 it simply means that you are not a computer, and like the Amish (I’ve heard) deliberately make a mistake when doing a sampler or a quilt so they won’t be accused of vanity. We love you for your imperfections and your “real” style 🙂 xoxoxo to you! Or you could say you did it on purpose because you don’t want to be called a perfectionist or vain.
Do you think people would fall for that? 🙂
Once was a Michigander, but living in San Diego now. Thanks so much for sharing “winter.” Have so many happy memories of snow, toasty warm kitchens and my Mom’s homemade soups. your photos help to bring it all back!
Thanks again for a wonderful post, even though it contained the sad news about Iris. What a sweetheart! Give my condolences to Martha. It’s so hard to lose our furry children.
A perfect day for that soup recipe. I usually make it myself. My hands are so cold as I write some notes! Personally I don’t miss the 31st, because I like the bigger Elizabeth quote.
My sister’s friend passed away last night, and I wondered…what does a pet do when the owner passes on.
I was wondering why the towel maker doesn’t carry your background design all the way to the sides?? I think I started writing poems in 5th grade and I love penmanship. It seems you have always liked RED flourishes (and hearts). Cute! I like heart things too!!!
It’s because of the hemming. It makes a lump on the fabric printer so they stop before they get there. Pets mourn the loss of their masters, it must be awful for them.
Poor doggy. And…this man was taking care of his elderly parents too.
Hi. I’m new here. I’ve been lurking for about a month now, and I was so touched by your loving tribute to Iris that I wanted to respond. I agree, pets do mourn their people after they’ve gone.
Imagine living with a family for perhaps several years—safe, warm, loved. And then, suddenly and without explanation, you find yourself taken away from all you know to live in a strange place with strange people and animals coming and going at all hours. I think pets feel the same way we would—scared, lonely, confused, even depressed.
That’s how we found our Emma. My husband and I have always had two dogs at a time, so for the time we had only our Dylan, we felt someone was missing. One day, Wayne came with me to help out at our local Sheltie rescue where I volunteer, and just as we were leaving, the shelter owner came in with the newest rescue. Emma’s elderly owner had become ill and died. No one in the family wanted her, so they surrendered her to the shelter. For some reason, she took to Wayne right away (often unusual for rescues to take to men), and he looked at me and said, “We can’t leave her here.” A few hours later, our family of four was complete again!
We’ve had Emma for a little over a year, but I think she still misses her first mom every now and then. She suffers with separation anxiety and is our constant shadow. Even though we couldn’t love her more, I sometimes catch a glimpse of sadness or uncertainty in her eyes, and I know she’s mourning the first woman who loved her. How could she not wonder what happened to her and feel that loss, and perhaps fear if she will lose us too? Yes, it must be awful for her, the not understanding.
Susan
She’s a very lucky dog that she found you.
There are collars for that separation anxiety. They have a mama dog’s scent with lavender and chamomile.
After my mom died, our dog Jolie used to lay underneath the baby grand piano (my mother practiced on the piano daily). We thought that Jolie was in mourning and thought that if she stayed there long enough Mom would return. It made us all cry to see her laying under the piano! It’s been 37 years and I’m brought to tears just remembering 🙁
awwww, I understand.
Just some of the many reasons we love you, dear Susan!! ♡♡
There is a big pot of soup cooking here, too. It’s just what we need to keep us cozy and comfy inside, while the cold winds blow outside.
Extra-warm hugs!
Dawn
♡♡
Hi, Dawn! And those are cold winds outside our doors, aren’t they! Glad tomorrow will warm up to the teens.
Hi Ginnie!
I smile whenever I see you here! So happy that our gardens are warm under this think blanket of snow. I’ve been thinking a lot about my garden during these frigid days! Warm hugs for you and your parents!! ♡♡
Lol! It IS so cold here, girls isn’t it? My front storm door just groans and creaks and barey wants to open as if to say “Are you crazy!? Stay inside where it’s warm and toasty!” I plan on making your ham and bean soup today, Susan!!
Susan, heartfelt thanks for bringing so many Girlfriends together during the ‘Fine Romance’ tour. Ginnie, Karen, and I met at the Tea Party in Wilmette. We sat together, took pictures for one another, and have been in touch ever since! Such fun to meet kindred spirits and watch our friendships grow!
Warm hugs,
Dawn
♡♡
Makes me so happy to hear that Dawn… kindred spirits!
Oh Susan, I’m afraid I would have let her up on the sofa, too. What a doll face and you’re such a sweetheart with all animals, big and small, winged or footed. (I’m just not a fan of the ones without any legs, if you know what I mean)
A beautiful tribute to Iris and a great soup, too!!!
We’re cold here in Colorado but we had our subzero times before Christmas….now it’s just darn cold, not ‘freeze your toes and nose in 2 seconds cold’. It was -8 yesterday morning but in 20’s right now. No sun today. Bummer.
but, it’s still sparkly inside with piles of silver to be polished and put away for awhile, twinkling lights still up on the tree. Yes, I admit it. I got it up late, so it’s staying up awhile longer.
And I made a homemade pizza last night (GF) to nibble on today of what’s left of it. Hmmmmm, maybe soup tonight after yoga class!
The calendar fix up is part of the fun—-I’m the REAL girl, remember….and I love that you’re REAL, too!!!
Love you lots—Amanda finds out if girl or boy in less than 2 weeks, then grandma can start breaking out the pink or blue craft projects!
xoxo
Joann
What does she want? Is she partial? I want to know what to hope for!
OK, well she and her husband both think it’s a girl. I will know by the end of next week…..
I’m happy with a healthy baby, as we all would be, but I must admit that I do have a few little ‘girl’ things tucked away!!!! lol
xoxo
I can just imagine Joann! 🙂
Dear Susan,
Be still my heart. Thank you for the wonderful tribute to our sweet Iris. I say our because you shared her with us. If I can tap dance in heaven… I dream it! I know there will be dogs in heaven. They are our heaven on earth.
Carol
OMG! What happened to the 4 days since your last blog???? I didn’t even get a chance to respond to it. But I loved this one because I know now that you are doing well in this terrible weather you are having – or should I say that other people are having. You didn’t get down to -41! Thank you, Lord. Sitting in California I feel pretty darn lucky to see the sun and feel the warmth. SLO County is doing quite well, thank you. I think I will still try out the Bean Soup though. You made me hungry. And Iris – I would like to think that Iris is introducing herself to all the dogs in heaven – including my Abby. She passed away a few months before my Fred did – she had to make a place for him and be there to greet his favorite person. Our dogs – what can I say??? Stay warm and happy – I am going over to see my Great Grandson Felix because I haven’t seen him in 5 days!!! Good Grief!! Thank you for making my life full of wonder, surprises and joy. Can’t imagine being without ALL of my BFF’s – so I won’t!!!!! Hugs to all…….XXXXOOOO Pat
Hi Sue! I got up early and made bean soup as well! what a co-inky! My Hubby, Built a pizza oven in our backyard last summer and he has been experimenting baking all kinds of bread, so we will be having some home-made bread as well….yummm. I am so sorry about the loss of Iris…i got a bit teary watching the videos. sigh…. It is so cold here…i can’t get warm…especially my nose and feet. Thanks so much for the great post! I am always so happen when I click on and see something new from you. Gonna go quilt for a bit with a cup of tea and then soon hubby will be home for soup. Have a great evening and keep warm <3
opps…i meant to say happy, not happen…owhatagooseiam! ; )
I just put an extra pair of shoes at the heater grate, now I will just keep trading them back and forth, warm shoes for cold.
Bean soup and chili and chicken soup and turkey soup and any other kind of soup I can think of for dinner these cold and snowy days!
And then on one HOT day in July, perhaps the 31st, Beer-Butt Chicken?
Thanks for the smiles dear Susan.
Your story about Iris brought tears to my eyes, Susan. We lost our beloved border collie, Tip, a few years ago and to this day I cannot hear about another dog passing away without crying.
Thanks for the comforting bean soup recipe and your lovely story about Heidi. You have warmed a cold, wet day for me.
I shed a tear for Iris… love her sweetness!!
Thank you your post today, especially the bean soup recipe…And all this time, I thought I was the only one that ate beans at breakfast 🙂
Me too! Beans are actually an excellent low [even no]-fat protein for breakfast. Veddy English too. I read somewhere that Prince Charles LOVES baked beans on toast for breakfast.
We were a balmy 12 degrees this morning here on the Alabama coast, too! LOVE your “I Love You Tea Towel”…February and Valentine’s Day are my favorite times of the year and “Love” is my word for 2014! Your soup looks yummy! ~ Donna
Oh my! We must be tuned to the same mental channel because I made bean soup yesterday LOL. Ok Girlfriends, how many others had a pot of bean soup going on the stove or bubbling in the crockpot?
Don’t worry about the calendar. Dear goodness, we all have collectors’ editions now.
Rest in peace, dear Iris. I can think of nothing more wonderful than being greated by all the dogs I have loved waiting for me on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. rainbowbridge.com/Poem.htm
Oh, that Rainbow Bridge is impossible to read and not cry. Heaven really could not be heaven if our animals weren’t there.
Soup sounds wonderful! It was -5 this morning and for Georgia, that’s unthinkably cold! I cannot even remember the last time it was that cold here. Thankfully it is up to about 18 now, and the sun is shining. It snowed all day yesterday and I stayed inside my house and watched the snowflakes. I do love days like that. But I like for it to melt pretty quickly, too. I finally made it out, down the hill, and to work about noon today.
Anyway, I LOVE your memory box for Heidi! You have given me an idea of something to do for my granddaughter. Thank you. What a treasure this will be for Heidi when you send it to her.
And Iris, wait patiently at the Rainbow Bridge for those who love you.
Stay snug and warm, thank you for sharing your day with your girlfriends. And don’t worry about that calendar. It’s all fixed now!
Yippee, Skippee, a new post from you, Susan!! Sort of mixed with good and bad but nevertheless inspiring!! I LOVE the tea towel with your art work on it. The kindergarten teacher in me adores children’s art and yours is delightful. Must have one of those. Sad for Martha and family in losing Iris~~ and you two, too, that she adopted. We had Hunter, a loving Black Lab, and miss him terribly!!
Enjoy your soup, it “smells” delicious and will taste even better, I am sure!
Blessings and keep warm!
Irene
I just checked my calender and yep 31st is missing, NOT that I noticed but then my birthday isn’t 31st July. So it doesn’t worry me. I still love the calender and it just makes it that little but more quirky and hand made with such love. I’m really spoilt that a friend in the USA sent me A Susan Branch calender this year and last year. Keep warm over there!!! Love from Leanne In NZ
We’re working on it Leanne! 🙂
“greeted” not “greated”
hi susan!! When I clicked on Susan Branch Blog on My Favorites list this afternoon and the picture and recipe of Bean Soup appeared, I just had to smile and shake my head….for once again….we are on the same wave length!! My only problem is that, mine are not cooking just yet as I realized when I woke up early this morning, I had forgot to soak my beans overnight. So..away to the kitchen I flew in a flash…tore open the package…and beans went everywhere!!! Nice thing to happen at 4:30 AM!!!! I got them all gathered up and they have been soaking all morning. I am just getting ready to rinse them , add all of the other goodies to the pot and let them cook several hours. With corn bread, we’ll have a feast!! Every time I fix ham and beans I am reminded of the very first time my new husband asked me to make “beans” for supper. No problem…. I opened two cans of Libby’s Cut Green beans, heated them right up and presented the aforementioned beans at supper. Boy..did we have (and still do) a good laugh!!! Raised in Chicago, I had not heard of the ham and bean thing….thankfully my wonderful mother-in-law ( keeper of all great country recipes and many secrets) taught me just how to make this wonderful dish. I have used your recipe for along time, adding the carrots and celery to her original recipe. I am not sure there is a better soup for a cold winter’s day..and that is exactly what St. Louis is having…. bitter artic cold!!! This will help. I remember Iris…what a sweet loyal companion and friend. Animals always make life better…..I loved your tribute to your friend. We have been walking in the snow too..our daily hike to a local beautiful park by the Mississippi River. We have begun to see many eagles as they have made their way south from Minnesota. Absolutely stunning animals and thrilling to see in the wild and so close to home. I have been wearing my new wonderful mittens that I got at the Island Alpaca Company when we were on MV this past summer. What a great place and lovely gift shop and the alpaca wool is soooo warm and soft. It’s a double dose of Susan Branch for me today because as I was writing this, the doorbell rang and my 2014 calendar arrived…I LOVE IT and cannot wait to slowly page through each month. I wouldn’t worry about July either…. but so thoughtful to post a fix-it for it…. “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing” George Bernard Shaw. You are a doer….and we are all the better because of it!! enjoy the soup and stay toasty warm… xoxo love, cindy
Tears in my eyes for you, Martha and everyone who was graced with Iris’ presence…remember “all dogs go to heaven”…I’m thinking of Captain…my wonderful chocolate lab granddog…who went to heaven a year ago this past Thanksgiving…we had Captain for 14 wonderful years and we all think of him every single day and talk lovingly about how he could scarf a package of chicken breasts from the kitchen counter whether your back was turned or not…we know Captain is chasing squirrels in heaven and know Captain will make friends with Iris…getting ready to put away our Christmas decorations here…finished laundering sheets and towels after our house was filled to the brim with love and laughter and hugs and kisses during the holidays…made turkey carcass soup Sunday and I have a ham bone waiting in the fridge for bean soup…I can smell your bean soup…yum…stay warm and cozy…xoxo…
Iris will be our Captain, I’m sure we will be talking about her forever.
Condolences to all in Iris’ passing. We lost our grandson dog Nalo right before Thanksgiving, so I know the sadness takes time to lessen. We now have a new grand-dog, same breed, but girl versus boy. No replacement, but a beauty in temperament and looks!
Your post today was very nice, thanks for the soup idea! It’s single digits here, and upturn on the way! We will be watching our 10 inches of snow melt by weeks end!
I am off to check on the magazine!
Hello Susan,
Thank you for your lovely post today. So sad to hear about Iris – she brought joy to us and was utterly charming. Loved seeing your illustration of her, the great photos and video – simply wonderful!
Your fantastic calendar is a lot like a quilt – it doesn’t need to be perfect to be completely beautiful! No one ever fusses over a quilt that isn’t perfect – they love it all the more for it’s realness and the loving hands that made it.
Thank you so much for all you do Susan – so good to read your blog in these very cold days! Can’t wait to try the soup.
XO, Lucy
Homemade is never perfect … that’s the glory of it. But a missing day is a bit much! Thank you all for your forgiveness and “way out” 🙂 I just updated that last post with a little story about Iris you might like to read.
Thank you – I will read that. Oh, and what a wonderful niece! You are so blessed to have each other! It will be so fun to hear more about her! And the scrapboxing – brilliant!
I never liked the idea of July having 31 days to begin with — in just seemed to be a stumbling block right in the middle of when things started rolling mid-year , so instead of modifying “July.” I’m going to slip that day over to August — for me it will become ‘
August 0 with 1 ,2 and 3 etc. following in an orderly fashion —
This works good ! ….having a birthday on Aug . 5 it gives me an extra day this year , before I get any older . Dont’cha think ?
LOL!!! Dad! You win for the funniest person I know. Yes, get rid of it entirely! Move it to August! Brilliant in every possible way!
Too funny, Jack! You’ll be celebrating your birthday one day before hubby and I celebrate our 48th anniversary…you’ve probably enjoyed a few more birthdays than we’ve had anniversaries 🙂 🙂 Susan, I made ham and bean soup today, too. Instead of using a ham hock I made it with the bone from our Christmas spiral cut ham. I wrapped it up in foil and tucked it into the freezer after Christmas dinner…still had lots of meat clinging to the bone. Will make corn bread in an iron skillet to go with it.
Absolutely brilliant! By all means you truly deserve the extra day. Thanks for the laugh today. I really needed it.
Oh my, tears in my eyes for Iris, even though I already knew, I cry again and then I get to your dad’s comment and now I’m crying and laughing!
I’ m with you Jack, let’s skip into August! LOL
I don’t like months ending in odd numbers, because it messes up chore charts. If you’re the kid with odd days, you would have to do dishes two days in a row!!
August 0, I love it! I always manage to get a good chuckle from your Dad, Susan. I can tell that growing up with him in the household was probably never boring…never a dull moment. So, so sorry to hear about Iris. She was a beautiful dog. I loved how she made herself right at home at your house. My thoughts are with her doggie Mommy and Daddy…I will keep them in my prayers. I lost my beautiful little dog a few months ago too, after 17 years. There is a heartbeat, an energy missing from this house now. It doesn’t just leave a lump in your throat, it leaves a lump in your whole life.
Oh what a wonderful dog Iris was! Her spirit was captured in your videos. I know you all miss her…How lucky you were to have her as a neighbor. Lovely tribute dear Susan. xoxo ♥
I checked and I plan to leave my calendar as is. I turn a new decade that week and somehow adding one less day will make me feel younger. 🙂
My daughter and her family were on the way back home to Mass. from visiting us near Chicago last spring when they received a call that their neighbor’s dog had been hit by a truck and he died.
It hit them as if it was their own dog. Both houses have electric “doggy fences” and they have them linked so both the neighbor’s dog and their dog can go into each of the back yards. Their dog lost his best friend. Even I cried when they told me.
What a lovely warm blog to read on a very cold day! I’m afraid time has slipped through my fingers today because other than writing in my journal I’ve accomplished nothing, unless patting myself on the back counts. I spent the better part of yesterday – a really long time – reorganizing my kitchen and pantry. I was shocked at how many food items were well beyond their “use by” date. I will keep a closer eye on those dates this year! So to make up for that waste, I boxed up many, many utensils, linens, and dishes and donated them. But that was yesterday; today…I’m lazy! Stay warm!!
PS….Just noticed AFTER I hit “post comment” that my email was incorrect. I’ve typed in the right one now. I didn’t know if that made a difference or not, but at least it will be right on my next comment! wb
It seems strange to be shedding tears for a dog I didn’t really know. It’s a mystery, it’s a mystery — Iris had such a charismatic face and body language. Thanks for sharing all the pictures and videos. Love the shots of her lounging on the white sofa :-). I can almost smell that bean soup. I think the Pacific NW and coast might be the only warmish places left. Can’t stop watching the weather news. My son spent the night here to be close to the airport for an early flight out to Tulsa OK with a team to fix a broken plane. He LOVED that broccoli slaw I learned about on your blog. Thought it could be good hotel room food while away. So thanks again. Everyone keep your digits and nose covered up. Brrrrr.
Susan, so sad to hear about Iris. please express my condolences to your neighbors. They must be devastated. I had tears in my eyes just reading about her passing.
It is a blizzard here in Buffalo, NY. I’m enjoying a day off from work and catching up on some household chores. Time to start my own pot of soup now. Stay warm and cozy. Debby
Oh Iris, what a sweet heart…so sorry for your loss. The bean soup looks too good to be true….how I wish I could beam myself to your home and smell it and of course eat it too!!! Have to tell you, that I gave your Fine Romance Tea as a gift to several people this Christmas and EVERYONE says it was their favorite gift!!!! It is a gift to sit and smell and savor it…especially on these cold cold days! Thanks Susan, for sharing your life with us girlfriends…it is like a light in the dark!
How wonderful to hear that Melissa. Thank you so much.xoxo
Dearest Susan and Girlfriends,
I am most certain our pets are in heaven!! Animals were in the first garden; they will be waiting for us in heaven!
Oh, yeah, bean soup. Except we call it Ham and Bean Soup and it is our Christmas Eve tradition. This year the boys just followed the delicious smell to our house. Their wives and children just sort of followed in their wake–liking it, but now like my sons and husband!!
Just about all of our snow is gone, but we sure are in a cold snap just like you, Susan. In fact, all of the Lancaster County schools have closed due to the extreme cold–and wind–and that ole chill factor.
The sun is casting its long shadows across our patio and into our sun room. One of my spider plants is soaking up those rays.
Sue dear, I know you feel ever so bad about that “mistake” in your July page, but honestly, I think it’s just so adorable!! And the cut out and paste piece?! How cool is that?? I can’t wait to add it to my calendar!
I think its spaghetti and salad for us tonight. Maybe I’ll make enough and my husband and I will shuttle it over to my son, DIL, and most precious granddaughter so we can spend some time with her–I mean everybody!!haha
Love,
Linda
Hi Linda,
Glad you are staying warm. It actually was very cold here and the wind just cut you, but it never lasts long and the wind is blowing in warm air today. As much as I miss Ohio, I am not sure I am ready to spend winters there! I have thought about all of you, but see you are keeping warm.
I’m glad Raylene is close by, dinner for the parents sounds like as good an excuse as any!!
Well, I must pull myself out of this warm bed, where I am surrounded by two cats and a dog and get ready for work.
Have a wonderful day,
Chris
Well, gosh – I’m glad it was only a calendar glitch, and only July at that. When you said bad news I was afraid it was something truly awful, like that you weren’t going to do the blog any more! The very thought gives me shivers! Who would give me my dose of cozy, like hot soup simmering on the stove on a cold morning? Don’t you just love wearing hand knit shawls? They are like a warm hug. Love making them for my girlfriends. They go perfectly with tea and a soft kitty and a good book – and bean soup!
Here in northern IN at the time of this writing, it is -2. Yikes!!! At least the storm part is past and the sun is shining. I love winter from the inside looking out, LOL! I have a pot of chili simmering on the stove for supper and am going to make a pan of cornbread . Poor Vanessa the Cardigan Corgi can barely manage the cold long enough to go out and do her business. I often have to pick her up and carry her back in because her feet get too cold. Happy nesting and painting the new calendar. I just took my 2013 calendar and took it apart to use the picture part of each month on the cork board in my sewing room.
Toodles, Lynn Marie
Definitely pick that little dog up! Too cute.
Hugs and love to Martha. 🙁
Oh Susan, I have been following your blog for some time now and look forward to every posting. I received your calendar for Christmas this year and also the book “Notes from a Vineyard Kitchen”. My sister found it in a used book shop! It’s always fun to find a treasure that way. You are one very special person, Thank you for all that you share with us.
Loved reading about Iris….what a sweetie of a dog. I know his owners and you will miss that happy tail way…and wait at the door.
Speaking of Rainbow Bridge…you could have a charm done more like a rainbow….called Rainbow Bridge~
Love your charms so much….I need to get a girlfriend one before they are gone!
Sending you Hugs….
Hi, Susan!
Making bean soup myself today…no ham or bacon…I had a pet pig as a child, but that’s another story! We had 9 below this morning..coldest ever here….but my hubby has kept the wood stove fired up all day. It’s a soapstone..holds a fire nicely. Iris on the couch reminds me of something a neighbor said to me when my daughter first came along…she said she never wanted furniture too nice for a dog or children to enjoy sleeping on. She had 8 kids! at least 2 dogs, and numerous “barn” cats..that never seemed to be in the barn! So no matter how nice my couch is~~kids, cats, and dogs are welcome. Iris was a beauty, by the way. So nice of you to “share” her photos.
One of our girlfriends suggested smoked turkey leg instead of puerco. (disguising pet as foreign object) — but I think the turkey leg sounds wonderful! Unless of course, you also had a pet turkey, then, no.
Ha! Yes the smoked turkey works for me!
Thank you for your blog…always I look forward to it! Your niece looks so much like you…adorable! Children at Christmas is the best!!
Sorry to hear about Iris… We just lost Molly, our Golden Retriever a week before Christmas…her best friend Gidget (our little dashound) is just heart broken. Dogs are really the heart of the home (besides our children & cats of course) they are funny, loving and just all around the best thing ever. I miss Molly so much…I know she is in doggie heaven looking at us smiling like she always did. Gidget is going to be fine in time…not sure if another dog is in our future – but probably…just can’t say no to such cuteness.
Thank you again…for all you do & the pictures you create!
Chris
I just added a little story about Iris to the blog that might also apply to Molly xoxo
Chris,
When I read your comment, I wanted to say how sorry I am about your Molly. We also have a Golden, Jenny. She is just a model dog! And then we have Sally, half dachshund, half black lab! She is a mess! And like yours, they have been together forever. And they are our family.
Jenny is our first Golden, and won’t be our last. I can’t imagine life now without one!
They are very special.
Again I am so sorry for your loss and I know when the time is right another dog will find it’s way into your heart…..they always do!
Chris
What a welcome sight your new blog was today. A blizzard hit here (Granger,IN) Sunday. Then the freezing temps (-42windchill). Tomorrow will be the third day of cancelled schools and other things. So it was great to hear news from your neck of the woods. So sorry to hear about Iris. We lost our beloved Snickers over 7 years ago and haven’t been able to get a new dog yet. Your soup looked so wonderful that I actually got a whiff of it as I was reading. The driving restrictions were taken off at noon today so Ethel and I (along with Fred and Ricky) are going to venture out for pizza. Your soup smelled so yummy that some sort of soup will definitely be on my stove tomorrow. Thanks for another of many inspirations! Love, Lucy
P.S. love my calendar just the way it is. It will be the day of mystery!
Since it obviously does not exist, it’s a giant day off. I always wished there was an extra day a week that was secret and only I knew about it. Maybe THAT’S what happened! (Be careful what you wish for!)
Hi Susan….Don’t think I would have even noticed that July was missing a day since that calendar is the one I hang in my office at school, and since I am not there much it would not matter. Don’t worry…there are so many wonderful things on your calendars that nobody will miss a day ! Love the soup recipe…I was up early and filled the crock pot with my own version of Chili Sans Carni…chili with soy crumbles and lots of beans and chili goodies. I know, it sounds not great, but when those soy crumbles are in there bubbling all day you don’t even notice it is not beef. Then you can load up on cheese and other stuff on top because you are being so good about the soy. Did not need to use the crock pot…school was called off and like you I am getting my house in order….holiday decorations away and organized, coupons and clippings cleaned out and sort of organized, LONG talk with m BFF of 42 years while we drank tea and caught up on life, and now a good book. Thanks for a great post and a little peek at Valentine’s Day. Oooh..and the idea of a scrap box…going to have to start one for my wonderful niece, too !
I was sorry to hear that sweet Iris died. She was so lucky to have you in her life! Stay warm and cozy 🙂
I still miss my old dog Milly. All dogs are beautiful. Take care sweet Iris xxx
I’m so sorry about Iris, but what a perfect lady she was! Such a good girl and so at home where ever she was. She certainly loved her neighbors, and what a warm feeling she gave you then and still gives you now. God’s gifts come to us in many ways, and one of them was, and is, Iris.
Thank you for another lovely blogpost Susan, full of the highs and lows of life. I would not have been aware of the missing day until July arrived because I never look ahead. I like your beautiful artwork to be something to look forward to each month. There is no way I will be adding the 31st July to my 2014 calendar. It’s a unique one off (just like it’s creator) and I’m keeping it that way. Stay warm.
With love from
Ann in Thame xx
🙂 xoxo Ann!
Thanks for another sweet post. At this very moment, I have a little fairy or angel, I can’t decide which, in my Sunday School class. I’ve never run into a child like this, which is odd since I have seven of my own plus have taught and tutored children for over 30 years. Anyway, she has eyes and a smile that would light up any room. I wish I could capture her spirit somehow. Sorry to hear about Iris. She is lovely, but we all must go sometime. Glad she had two families to love her during her earthly sojourn. Thanks for the bean soup. I make beans almost every day but without the ham. I love them that much; today’s selection was savory lentil…mmmm. One thing I don’t share with you is the temperature. On the west coast we are well below freezing today, which makes me pleased as punch. I can’t slip on sunshine and don’t need to shovel sun patches. But to each his own my grandma always says. Have a lovely, cozy day.
How fun for you to have the little angel. They do keep your attention don’t they!
Susan – I love your calendars!!! I never even noticed that July was missing the 31st. Real observant I am… Anyway, I have been using your calendars for years and always look forward to the new one at the end of each year. So, good luck with 2015 and I can’t wait to see it. Also, LOVED your Fine Romance book. I got one for me and one for my friend that I went to England with years ago, we went to some of the same places. We can’t wait til the day we can go back. Take Care and keep warm!! (Biz – in MD)
You and I have equal powers of observation! Kindred spirits!
I’m so sorry to hear about Iris. I know you will miss her very much. Always so hard to lose those four-footed fury friends.
Sending you a big hug,
Candice
Hi Susan,
You had me worried when you said you had some bad news! I thought that maybe you were changing careers or something! So when it was just a mistake on the calendar, I was quite relieved! But it was bad news to hear about Iris. I think that most of us can relate to the pain of losing a cherished pet or animal friend.
My husband has been home from work for two days now due to the snow and extreme cold weather in northern Indiana. Its been cozy! I also made some crockpot soup yesterday–made the house smell so good. Fun to look out at the beautiful white snow in the sunshine while we’re watching old movies. I’m glad we’re all the types who can make the best of every kind of weather! I really enjoy your January calendar illustration–so perfect this year!
Another bean soup comment, if you don’t mind. I made 16 bean soup on Saturday, using my ham bone from Christmas dinner. My son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter dined with us on soup for Sunday dinner. It was perfect.
So sad about Iris. We lost our Charlie years ago but miss him to this day. Dogs are special friends.
Always a good day when I see your blog in my email!
Dear Susan,
I just want to tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog and looking at the pics of your beautiful home and the lovely island of Marthas Vineyard! My sister passed away 2 years ago at the age of 54 from cancer and we would love to read all your books..it gives me a warm feeling of my sister when I see all that you post..she was a kindred spirit much like you..loved to hear about Iris..she was a beautiful dog..love all your recipes which we’ve made a few! Keep posting and doing what you do because you do it so well! Thank you and God Bless, Roseanne
Huge loss, your sister, and kindred spirit too. xoxo Roseanne.
Oh, and no big deal about the calendar….an easy fix, thanks to Kellee!
~ Good Afternoon ~
It was so sad reading about Iris~ but I know she is in Doggie Heaven ~ I didn’t get to make homemade soup yet this week ~ Italian Wedding soup is my favorite ~ but I am going to try to make a new one ~ Homemade Tomato Soup with Mini Grilled Cheese Croutons ~Sounds Yummy! ~ I wouldn’t worry about the calendar oops ~ as long as July 20th is on there….. Somebody’s birthday…….? ~ I love how sentimental you are ~ I’m that way too! ~ Probably why my Christmas tree is still up ~ it’s so full of homemade memories~ but this weekend it will be going down ~ I will be leaving the outdoor garland and wreaths up until next month ~ we need some color out there besides the white snow~
Stay warm ~ it’s up to zero here now!!!
~Blessings~
Lynn
Hi Lynn~I have marked my calendar. 😉
😉 !
~~~Freezing fog here today~~~that’s a new one for me!
sounds a little slushy
Oh, I’m heartbroken about Iris! She seemed like the sweetest dog with a droll sense of humor. Every picture of her indicated she made a beeline to your house because she loved reclining on cushiony chairs and sofas with neighbors who were a second family to her. And yes, all dogs go to God’s heaven, where He loves them and they have so many children to play with! If you’ve ever read Cynthia Rylant’s “Dog Heaven” and “Cat Heaven,” you will be happy in your tears. Gorgous folk art with words to warm your heart and let you know that you will see those precious furry family members again.
The soup look deeeeeeliiicious! North Georgia had single digit temps, negative numbers with the windchill. I don’t mind it as long as the power doesn’t go out, but at least I have a kerosene heater. I’d much rather have a fireplace or woodstove! Such weather is always temporary for us. At least it could have have the decency to snow :-/
I didn’t notice July, and being a shameless tea buff, love the cover of the 2015 calendar. I know how quickly the time for buying it will get here!
I just realized it sounds as if I have only a kerosene heater. We have gas heat, which is wonderful, but it’s on an automatic thermostat. I had to keep the heat going at 70 instead of it’s normal 68 to make sure to keep the crawl space and pipes warm!
I am certain that Iris has already met all the critters that are waiting in heaven for me. I will see my four dogs, four cats, and a big flock of chickens when I get there. Happy trails, dear Iris — you simply must greet them all for me!
I have this soup recipe, Susan, and will most likely try it this week! Y’all stay warm and cozy there; we are having temps in the teens and twenties these days, a bit odd for North Carolina.
Your Dad’s response cracked me up! Thank you for the additional July page option (I had not even noticed the missing July day yet!). 🙂 So, so sorry to hear about sweet Iris. Loved the pics and stories you shared about her in this post. And, what a sweet gift for your niece … she will love it!
Loved the soup! I am with Will Rogers, Iris looked so sweet!! that Heidi is a doll ! What a fun box she will get! I’m so excited about the Valentines buntings!! Congrats on the Magazine article!
Isn’t it wonderful that with just a click , we can fix our calendar and it is no big deal! I love that calendar so much, one day out of 365 does not bother me. I will print my little corner and with a dot of glue, July will be whole again! stay warm!
Connie
Sue!
July 31 IS my birthday, so I’m very glad to have a sticker to add it onto my calendar! 🙂 Too funny…
Whew!
Dear Susan ~
Thank you so much for your wonderful blog! I always look forward to reading it. I was wondering if one day you could do a post about writing in your journals or diaries. When did you start? What time of day do you write? How often do you go back and reread your entries. I hope to do more journaling this year!
I should do that! I have over twenty diaries now.
Susan–You stopped my heart when you said you had bad news! I thought it was something serious (like you needed to stop blogging or something!!) not just that MY birthday (7/31/1960) was missing from your calendar, lol. That’s something we can fix, so glad you got that glitch taken care of for us! Now I know how leapyear babies feel–birthdays on Feb. 29 and sometimes missing from the calendar!
I’ll just throw in a great big Happy Birthday dear Linda! 🙂
I like the Calendar just the way it is and will use it to my advantage…..I will make all kinds of appts that day and when it comes around I’ll say “oops it wasn’t on my calendar” lol………
So sad to hear about Iris, she definitely was a beauty. And very patient and well behaved. I’m sure she’ll be missed by everyone around her. On a happier note, how funny about your calendar. I never look past the present month because I want to be surprised but I love your dad’s attitude about July 31. My birthday is August 10, so think I’ll stick with your dad on that one as I’d like an extra day before I get older too. Your soup looks delicious, must try it. We’ve only rain here today so it’s rather dull and dreary. A good pot of soup would probably cheer us all up. Thanks for the recipe.
Heidi looks just like you. really.
Susan, You seem to know how to touch our hearts when we need it , I came in from teaching Bible class this morning, so cold and with a heavy heart. Little Daisy has leukemia, Gwen just lost her husband, Mary’s mother has alzheimers and I had no answers. Couldn’t cry. I sat down and wondered what Susan might be doing and sure enough, there was Iris. Looking at her pretty face and seeing her “at home” on the white couch caused me to smile and then the release of tears began, I feel better now. Thank you for sharing Iris with us. Thank you for caring for us, Sue.
Thank you for sharing Iris with us all these years what a sweet soul she was. I know she had a long and happy life! I just printed the score sheet with the darling snowmen, I play cards with my girlfriends every other week, so I will bring a copy for each of them. We will use them to keep score of our games. If the truth be told we talk and eat more than we play though! Always, Always look forward to card night!!!! Brace yourself for the polar express on its way! It has been brutal here in northern Illinois, glad it’s pulling out of the station soon! Love your blog and beautiful pictures, I can’t say thank you enough!
I lost my beloved yellow Lab, MaryKate in Oct…just saw a Facebook post that said, “too bad the Rainbow Bridge doesn’t have visiting hours”…how true…
We are very cold here in northern WI…but I am off to FL on Fri. so the bean soup will have to wait! My daughter’s birthday is July 31st so I am glad that you fixed the calendar! Stay warm! r
I loved that, about the visiting hours.
I shed a few tears for dear, wonderful Iris. She had enough love for two households! It’s fun to read about the new charm that will be available – can’t wait.
Thanks, too, for sharing your story about Heidi’s special Christmas and the lovely box of memories that you will be giving her.
Thank you so much for all that you share with us, Susan. Your blog, like your books, is always a very special and fun read!
I made some soup the other day — chicken noodle — enough for three or four days. My husband doesn’t want left overs so sloppy joes will be his dinner.
Stay warm.
Hi there ! Couple of things….loved your blog with the soup simmering….I went grocery shopping today and bought ingredients for two new soup recipes….nothing like homemade soup with warm hard rolls or French bread on these cold New England days.
Secondly…..the “calendar”……no big deal, unless your birthday is on July 31…..be glad it didn’t carry over with the “boo-boo” for the next five months !!
Lastly…. the picture of “little Heidi” in the angel costume with her arms crossed…..she LOOKS LIKE YOU ! I could see your face in hers. 🙂
Keep warm, cozy and happy !
Helen
Susan, I am so sorry that you lost your dear canine friend, Iris. It is very hard to say good-bye to a sweet animal. She is not gone … just gone on ahead.
Here in Indianapolis is it positively frigid!!! Woke up and the thermometer inside the house said 56 degrees. UGH! I think it is finally up to 60 at the end of the day. I’ve been pretending we live in the UK and this is the normal temp for our house. 🙂 Also thank you for the bean soup recipe because we are having a ham tonight and tomorrow we will have your ham soup. I will soak some beans tonight…..Getting out Christmas thank you cards to write I found a tiny little booklet by you on flowers! how fun! I will either have to save it for myself or save it to give to someone special (like my mom). Well, I must go cook up a feast to keep us all warm tonight.
Warm and cozy blog post today….soup, Valentine fun (Janie has outdone herself again!), sweet tribute to Iris :-(….and that new mgazine looks beautiful! Must check it out! Doesn’t it feel wonderful to be organized again?! The 2015 calendar cover is darling!!,;
Hi Susan,
So sorry about Iris. We had to say goodbye to our 10 year old cat Stuart recently. We ventured out after a little time of mourning and got two new kittens who were brothers “Jack” and “Colby” , yes the cheese brothers. But Jack got sick and we lost him less than a month ago. It has been so hard. My heart goes out to Martha. But we still have Colby and he is a lively guy and we are enjoying him. I WAS SO EXCITED WHEN YOU MENTIONED IN YOUR BLOG THAT YOU MAY DO A KITTY LOVE CHARM. Oh please do !!!!!!!!!!!!! Here’s hoping. Stay warm Susan
Hugs,
Joy
So sorry about your little Jack. xoxo And Stuart too.
Such a sweet, comforting post today with bubbling soup and a warm tribute for Iris (and all of our kitties and doggies who have brought such joy to our lives). I very much doubt that any of the girlfriends mind if the July page of the calendar has a little mistake. Anyone who needs the 31st will use your “fix” or just make an extra note in the margin. 🙂 I LOVE the cover of the 2015 calendar — a stack of cute teacups!!!!! We were 25 below zero in MN yesterday but are climbing up to zero as the week goes on. Hot soup is bubbling here, too. 🙂
Oh my heart melted when I saw your friend Iris…what a sweetheart she was! I wish pets could live as long as us , we’ve lost so many over the years, dozens of cats and 2 wonderful “woofies”…a Scottish terrier and a Beagle…all of them are buried here on our land. I don’t think I could ever leave, too much of my life is here! Your house is beautiful, and if it makes you feel any better, it’s 12 below zero here in my neck of the woods. Soup looks great, you’ve inspired me to make some!
Chris, I’ve always said I have to go to Heaven because I want to ask God why he gave us our 4-legged loving companions that live for such a short time comparative to ours lives. All of these comments about Iris are especially poignant to me as one of our schnauzers is very sick, the vets tell us either irritable bowel disease or lymphosarcoma, and we may lose her. She has lost half of her body weight in the last 2 months. We are taking it one day at a time but it is kind of eating us up…
Enjoy her Pat, as much as you possibly can … maybe it’s neither, maybe she’ll rally. xoxo
Pat, I’m thinking about you…it’s a tough journey. When my little doggie was so sick, I would lay on the floor with her and try to get her to lick peanut butter off my finger to keep her alive. She was so “far along” that she was cold and I had to cover her up. I sang “You Are My Sunshine” to her over and over. And you know 3 times the vet “wrote her off” over the years, sometimes giving her only days to live, and I managed to keep her going. They called her the miracle dog. I know she felt the love that I had for her and that is what brought her around and kept her going. I never gave up on her. We finally had to put her down after 17 years, mostly because of my illness, having my granddaughter around, and she was getting to be too much work. These little guys steal our hearts.
Nothing like a frigid day in Winter for a warm and inviting blog from you, Susan. Wow, that soup looks fabulous and one I will try real soon. I made my short rib soup this week with homemade Polish klutski (noodles). In this weather a home needs a pot of soup going. I was saddened to hear about sweet Iris. What a wonderful dog. I adored seeing all the pics of her around your home and the videos too. She will always be in your heart. I was very impressed that she never touched the cats’ food. My sister’s friend’s dogs come over to my home and go through it like a rotor rooter cleaning up every last cat morsel whilst the cat looks on in disbelief. I always let them think they are getting away with something. The way you fixed the July 31st on the calendar was perfect. How unique this year will be! Sending you warm hugs from cold Long Island, NY. How many days away from Spring???
Sorry to hear about Iris, but what a sweet memorial! Our pets (& neighbor’s pets) are valuable family members & thus leave a void when they pass on…
On a lighter note, I think the “July error” is a hoot! Makes the calendar even more dear because it is hand-made. Isn’t it the Amish who deliberately add an error to their quilts to ensure that they aren’t perfect? Your internet fix is genius, of course! I guess I will print out the correction so that my hubby isn’t thrown off!
My son gave me a gift certificate for Christmas & I had a hard time choosing which charm to get but did order the pink one and am anxiously waiting for it! Happy New Year!
hi,susan. my calendar will remain july 31-less in honor of you. that day will be a day to do something fun and wild. I will tell everyone that is a ‘susan branch day’!
I like to read certain books in the summer …books set in cold places to cool me down. your bookstore sign reminded me to find some books on the tropics to read so I will be ‘warm’ in my thoughts as I read. ta
Your sweet memorial for Iris is so heartwarming. I’m so glad you told us in such a loving way. She was family in the best sense. Thank you. Congratulations on your magazine article. I can’t wait to read it. Looks like a lovely magazine (I love magazines – the homey, pretty ones especially). No problem with the July calendar. Easy fix and we are all human. It happens. Will be making the soup soon! Looks delicious and healthy. Love to all.
Just loveed your blog today! Could almost smell the soup cooking on your stove! My husband and I are going out for soup tonight since you made having soup today sound sooooo good! Thanks for correction for July for 2014 calendar. You are a real sweetie to think of sending us a “patch” for our calendars. Love your artwork, sayings, your latest book “A Fine Romance” and all the little “freebies” you offer to us online. You are the best!
Hugs,
Sue
Susan, thanks for sharing Iris’ crossing of the Rainbow Bridge. Loss is the price we pay for loving these wonderful critters…I know, my dear Golden Retriever crossed the Bridge right before Thanksgiving. Hang tight, give your Martha a big hug from Colorado, and rest assured knowing Iris knew she was well loved!