This is what my house looks like right now . . .
Lucky lucky lucky. Hope you are staying warm . . . xoxo
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Isn’t it the most perfect of perfect houses!!!
Most perfect. I think it’s a mixture of houses that Laura Scudder, Mrs. Pepperidge, Betty Crocker, Emily Post, and the inventor of Campbell’s Tomato Soup might have grown up in. The woman who lived in it before us, from 1949 to 1980, raised her four children here.
If you haven’t already done it, Sue, think about researching your house through the town or county assessors or however it’s done in Massachusetts. Usually doesn’t take much time. My sister was executor of my mother’s estate and in doing that, she found out the property my parents bought in 1966 [9 acres, 1 house, 2 barns, an apple orchard, peach & cherry trees plus the proverbial babbling brook with a little stone bridge], was built in 1880, making it much older than we thought. Quite a surprise to us; we found out who all the various owners were too. Made us wish we’d been smart enough to think of it while Mom & Dad were here – they’d have loved knowing its history.
We have done some of it . . . it was built in 1849 by a whaling captain with the name of Smith.
What a fabulous book this could make!!!!
That picture just took my breath away! I’m totally jealous 🙂
Every day I see that house and think, “who, me?” You have to be kidding.
Gorgeous! So fancy with the falling snow too! By the way, I am of the chicken variety living with a wolf pack!
You deserve it. You’ve worked so hard.
Nice to be able to stay inside just watching the snow fall. The joys of being retired, no slippery roads to contend with. As soon as I can make my way to the forsythia I’ll be cutting some branches though. Spring will be here soon, meanwhile enjoy the quiet season.
Amen to that, Pat! I retired last August and hands-down, the best part so far has been not HAVING to go out every year in frigid temps & endless snowstorms. And not HAVING to pay attention to traffic & weather reports. Although there’s been no way to avoid hearing about weather THIS Winter. Usually we remember the Blizzard of this year or that year – but we’ll all remember the entire Winter of 2014 for sure… ❄️
Jane, isn’t it delicious to know you don’t HAVE to go out in the bad weather and can enjoy it from inside? I retired, too, and thank God every day that I could, when I did. This winter I’ve been particularly thankful with all of the bitter subzero weather we’ve had… 🙂
It sure is, Pat. So far it’s THE single best thing about being retired. I hadn’t planned to retire when I did, I was going to try & eke out another year, but then the planets all lined up together last Summer and told me THIS was the moment! I think they knew what kind of Winter was headed our way… ⛄️
Same thing here–had planned to work a couple of more years and then the job dried up…but it is okay, I LOVE being home. Janet–are you in Rochester Minnesota or Rochester New York? 🙂
Gorgeous!!!
Your house looks like a postcard! So pristine and perfect. You mentioned you will be on to a new book endeavor soon and are in the process of deciding what to write. Weren’t you doing a breakfast book called tentatively “Pancakes” or did I just totally make that up?
You didn’t make that up … it’s on one of my several front burners!
YAAAYYYY! My pancake (we called them “hotcakes”) griddle is greased and ready!! And your house looks beautiful in the pristine snow….makes me miss that winter weather in Denver, perfect for baking something yummy and snuggling up with a good book. Enjoy your snow days, Susan!
Hi Marianne …how are you doing? We need to take another run to the lovely tea room. Hope all is well. Linda in San Diego
Hi tea lovers! Is this the tea room in Escondido, or is there one I don’t know about??? Arline in LA
~ Yum ~ Potato pancakes!~
Your house is practically perfect in every way Susan! I just LOVE Winter and snow but here in RI you take your life in your hands when you say that now because of all the snowstorms we keep having. I secretly believe I may have wished this Winter weather on us, but I don’t care. It’s magical. Stay warm and cozy and have a cup of tea and think of me 🙂 xoxo
I think I helped you Kerrie! 🙂
Pure magic, Susan! The sky is the bluest blue and your snowflowers are still in bloom! Enjoy every moment! It’s sunny and 40 degrees here. It actually feels WARM out!!
Warm hugs,
Dawn
♡♡
40!!! Wow. That would be spring!
Ha, it was 40 degrees here yesterday but starting tonight we are under a blizzard warning. Spring is right around the corner but not quite here yet! 🙂
..perfect ambiance(sp?) for writing a Christmas story for children and grown ups that are still children .. ‘love the peace..’always thought fresh snow resembled frosting and love, also, how it looks on a clear, moonlit night… enjoy your day…(good grief, do I sound sappy ?!..or just gratitude prevails..)..
I know just how you feel!
Beautiful … love the ‘falling snow!’ It’s currently sunny and 73 degrees just north of Alabama’s Gulf Coast beaches 🙂
Sharon in Alabama
Wow. Can’t even imagine!
We are staying warm…hope you and Joe are too…had to have the cottage roof shoveled off yesterday and today we woke up to 6″ of gorgeous sparkly new snow…watching the icicles lengthen this afternoon as a bit of melting is happening…before the next new snow arrives here Thursday and Friday…xoxo…
We have the icicles too.
Susan, Was thinking of you when I saw this on Amazon…
Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life: The Plants and Places That Inspired the Classic Children’s Tales
by Marta McDowell
You’ve probably already got it on your reading list but thought I would pass it on to you just the same! Enjoy the snow and your warm fire!
Cindy
I got it for Christmas from my English penpal Rachel!
so pretty! we are in the 70’s in Bakersfield!
Thank you so much for your lovely photos and story. Such a beautiful scene of your home blanketed in snow. I have to live vicariously through those of you who have weather as I am in sunny (or not so sunny this morning at 63 degrees!) San Diego and crave real weather once in a while. I will have to share your wolf analogy with my husband, as I am a devout chicken in the car as well.
xoxo Thank you Kelly!
our roof is groaning and the plaster is cracking just a bit but oh we are warm…thank God! I have never seen icicles the size of ours but I delight in this magical season….a fire, a cup of tea and a big fat book sound just right..oh i forgot the crucial curled up cat on my lap!! Enjoy the slowness this time of year brings because we will soon be whirling about again! Love your home Susan….perfect for you and Joe!
Oooooh, that’s such a picturesque pic of your home. Thanks for letting us see the beauty that surrounds you. Hope your. Snug & cozy!
I love snow which we don’t often get around here. Your home looks so beautiful. My hubby just got home from 2 1/2 weeks in Kenya where it was near 90 degrees, right there on the Equator. I am googling Kenya recipes today thinking it would be fun to try to cook a basic meal (Ugali and Sukuma Wiki – had NO idea what those were until today!). And I have a whole list of recipes to try from your cookbook I won from Country Register – they look SO good and doable!
You’re keeping nice and busy!
BTW, Susan ~ as beautiful as the Heart of the Home Cookbook is, I can see how your artwork has progressed and become more charming and creative! I imagine that’s what every artist hopes. I love all of your work, though. There are only a few books I don’t own. Yes, I’m a fan ~ smooch!
🙂 Practice, that’s the secret!
So pristine and down right georgous, Susan. It’s 58 degrees in VA now. We were able to take our walk outside today! Glorious bright sunny day–we do have quite a bit of snow on the ground still and had a dusting overnight–supposed to be 70 by Friday! Stay cozy and warm in your beautiful cacoon! xoxo ♥
Oh, winter wonderland…glad you are warm and cozy! It has been a long winter! We have more snow set for Thursday…ugg! I thought of you yesterday. A lady in the grocery store had a pink ‘Martha’s Vineyard’ sweatshirt on…naturally, I did what any Susan Branch fan would do…I went over and asked her if she was from the island. She was not, but had a marvelous vacation there. Next, I asked her if she had heard of you…and from there, we had a fun conversation…like old friends talking about a friend!
Hahaha, small little world.
It’s beautiful! A winter wonderland!! We had several inches of snow yesterday! Stay cozy!
Sue – does your house actually have TWO front doors? It looks like there’s a very pretty front door/main entrance to the house [just left of the big tree near the house]. And there’s also the entrance that’s a few steps from the street, the one you often show decorated for Halloween, Christmas etc. Just wondering…
There is only one front door, but there are 4 other entrances from the outside … kitchen doors and like that.
Susan, Your home looks beautiful, even in all the snow. So glad you are safe at home, after your trip to the mainland . We were having some thawing today. I stood on the porch and did not feel like I was freezing….oh happy day !! Blessings to you and yours. xoxo,Susie
Several people have been saying that . . . it’s a good sign!
Beautiful! Much nicer to enjoy the snow from the safety and warmth of your beautiful home, and not on a highway or boat. It’s in the 60’s today in Southern Colorado (I know everyone thinks it’s always snowing in CO, but that’s only if you’re in the mountains). We are expecting some light snow tomorrow night though. We need it since it’s been crazy windy here, so dries everything out so terribly.
I noticed in the comments on your last post that you had a message from Bernideens Tea Time Blog. If you ever make it to Colorado Springs, you have to visit her tea shop. She doesn’t serve tea, but sells every teacup, teapot, tea books, etc. that your heart could want. It’s my favorite place to visit in the Springs, and I always spend at least an hour in her shop. At Christmastime I’ll put things on the counter I want to buy, and by the time I pay, everything is wrapped beautifully.
And I just found out she is selling our book too!
So glad you are cozy in your beautiful home. I am cozy too. I just finished snow blowing the driveway and walkway and now i am settling in with my kitty and a cup of tea….
I’m about to go get into my chair with Jack and my new book.
Peace … another word for home ♥ Scudder, Pepperidge, Crocker, Post, Campbell, Branch Home … What a lovely image 🙂
All those old fashioned people we used to know. And me. 🙂
I’m stumped… Laura Scudder❓
Potato chips.
The potato chip queen had a cool old house on Balboa Island in Newport Beach 🙂
Oh, thank you! What a great story! Another unsung American woman who succeeded despite the many obstacles in her way – one of them just being a woman. ⭐️
Are you still able to find Honey Crisp apples? They are puny and shriveled at my market.
We have them, but not organic anymore — however still juicy!
All winter I’ve been able to buy a 3 lb. bag–organic–at Wegman’s for $6.99.
That’s great, they are starting to understand our passion!
I agree with Darcy K—-your home is postcard perfect! Just came in from shoveling in CT —- again or yet! I have a flag that says “WELCOME WINTER” hanging in my yard—-maybe it’s beckoning the snow! It is so beautiful out though…..I think it’s time to pull out a Gladys Taber book (any one will do) and just enjoy the season!
Agreed, any one will do!
Oh, Susan, I have been away from blogland since Christmas and have missed your posts so much. Trying to catch up. Your tribute to sweet doggie Iris was beautiful and sad. Some of your pictures of Jack made me laugh out loud. I always enjoy when you show different areas of your cozy home, especially kitchen, Peter Rabbit room and the lovely living room. I loved that you mentioned OUTLANDER on your blog. I have been a devoted (rabid?) fan since 2004, and adore Jamie and Claire. You do know starz cable is filming book one of the series (in Scotland)? It is supposed to come out sometime this summer, as well as book 8 in June. Heaven!!! So glad to be back and find your adorable blog still inspiring MILLIONS!! Hugs, Robin.
Nice to see you back Robin! I heard about that new series … I hope it’s wonderful and takes us all on a magical ride!
Robin, Thanks for the info on OUTLANDER! Another trillionth thing to write down on my list of things/stuff/recipes/ideas I’ve gotten from Susan’s informative blog. Ideas from all over the world from GF’s, “and” Susan. OUTLANDER is a wonderful story. A page turner. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
So pretty. I would never leave home! For those who are addicted to historical homes we need a complete room by room video home tour please. And if you still have your first cozy cottage when you moved to the island, an interior view would also be on our wish list. That must be Peter Rabbits room sitting over the side porch? Adorable balcony. Did it used to be a widows walk?
There was a Victorian 3 story structure there on the back of the house, way before my time, we’ve seen the photos.
Oh, please post the pictures!! I’ve studied your house–all of the pics–trying to visualize the floor plan, etc. I LOVE historic houses and a virtual tour would be wonderful! Thanks for considering it.
Judy in Nashville
Have you seen my youtube channel — because there are mini tours there.
Sitting by the fire in my own (albeit pink brick ) cozy home with the snow having just tapered off fromasf night’s fall…. Cup of lavender Earl Grey tea, knitting a cap for my new grandson… Just read your latest latest post…. All in all – a pretty nice way to spend an afternoon I think
Sounds perfect
Your home looks beautiful in the snow, Susan. After some shoveling, I’m cozy inside and, across the room, Claire (the puss) is snoozing. She’s my foster girl and has been her for just under a week. I’m smiling here.
I’m smiling back at you and Claire . . . good luck! I’m so happy you have her!
You should see her big green eyes; I’d invite you over to my little blog, but I know you have enough on your plate. You will just have to take my word for it. 🙂
Love your New England home Susan!!! I changed out my valentine decor today for some Spring decor!!! Have you heard of Dedham Pottery? It is bunny pottery that my family collects, as we grew up in Dedham, Mass. You would love it Susan, as I know you love bunnies!!! I believe you can find the store online, as it is made in Concord, Mass now. We have bunny salt and pepper shakers, candle sticks, pitchers, platters etc…. It truly brings spring into our home every year!! Thanks for your blog posts, they get us through the chilly times!!! Fondly, Kim D., Dublin, OH
Oh yes, very famous Dedham Pottery! Perfect for this time of year!
Picture perfect, heaven on earth ! What a picture postcard this is ! Not much more I can say…….it is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your joy with us once again today !
That is one beautiful picture..actually, picture perfect..thanks for sharing..love you blog..I’m new to it…
Hi Susan, welcome to the neighborhood!
Would that not have been the perfect cover picture for the December issue of Yankee magazine when they came calling in 2012? It would make a lovely Christmas card, too. Keep warm.
It would have been perfect!
Hello Susan, I’m new to your blog but I’ve been in love with your art for years. I’ve read your book A Fine Romance and it was perfect in every way, a treasure to the senses. And I feel the same about your wonderful house.
Thank you Carol, so nice to meet you!
Your house if SO beautiful – just a dream home! Would love to snuggle up by the fire with a cup of tea and have a long chat with YOU! Thanks for sharing!
That is what we looked like yesterday. Today the warmer weather–40’s — is melting things quickly. One big problem–ground is hard and we have so much snow that it is not going anywhere fast. Oh I guess that is two things. Also the sewers are covered with snow so that adds another dimension asking where is the snow going.
It is so pretty to look at when it is happening but there is no place to put the snow–we have had close to 70 inches of snow so far and there are a few more weeks of Winter left.
Enjoy.
I was wondering what will happen to rivers when all of this begins to melt.
Can you send all that water to us?……..please?
Chris
Maureen, when I read your message, I closed my eyes & pictured 70 inches of snow!!!! WOW! Some winter. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Maybe you could dig some little trenches and sent it west to us. Remember when we used dig rivers in the dirt and then fill them with water and watch it flow? You all have too much water and we don’t have any!
I know, it’s not fair. Someone should think of something. They have no problem getting oil around, down from Alaska …
The way things are going…some day water will cost more than oil!
Absolutely beautiful! We all hate the inconvenience the snow brings, but there is no denying it is beautiful! One of God’s blessings!
Picture perfect…..looks like a postcard!
Would it be weird to want a set of dishes with your house on the front? 🙂
I think not….and I will wait patiently. :)))
I’d like some of those! 🙂
On one set….a winter scene as it is now…..and another set a Spring scene!
Inside the winter cups could be a snowflake and inside the spring cup a sweet blossom.
🙂 🙂 🙂
I’m dreaming.
OR….:)….maybe just a cake plate with server.
One winter and one spring!
Okay….I’ll stop. ::))))
Your home is perfectly gleaming – seems almost life-like in its efforts to give you the very best in the way of a magical winter wonderland. One of the prettiest scenes, ever. Thank you for sharing it.
Any cranberry bogs, or blogs for that matter, in your yard? :)) Thanks for the education today. Now the Cranberry Ocean ads on TV make a wee bit more sense with the fellas knee-high in cranberries.
How would you know? I never knew til I moved here! Seems a funny way to do it.
I LOVE your house Susan! We live in Ottawa Canada so can relate to all the snow and cold! It is actually very beautiful outside my window right now. We spend a lot of time in Ocean Park, Maine and love the New England architecture and way of life. You live in a very beautiful place. Love your blog xx
Your house is beautiful! Isn’t it lovely to watch the snow fall from inside one’s warm, cozy home? That lasts a day or two for me, then I’m ready for it to go away…and usually here in Georgia, it does!
It looks like Narnia. I expect Mrs. Beaver will have fish and chips as well as a hot cup of tea being served just around the corner. 🙂
What a joy to have such a lovely house. And to watch the snow fall. One of my favorite winter pastimes, though it doesn’t happen often here in NC. I grew up in Missouri and loved all the snow we had there.
I do love your home and the history of it makes it even more special. I have heard some say they are sick of all the snow. It really hasn’t bothered me too much. When more arrived last evening, I just thought more time to snuggle and light candles! We don’t run out so much for needless errands. More time to enjoy each other. Although, when spring arrives, I will embrace it with open arms! Thank you for the little winter post card today, Susan!
Magnificent picture of your home…just stunning!
oooohhh – that picture of your beautiful home is MAGICAL! Sigh!
Beautiful……
Susan, I’m so glad you are nice and cozy, and sharing pics of your enchanting winter white wonderland. It’s 70 degrees here in Albuquerque 🙁 I just finished your last book (I tried to draw the pleasure out as long as possible) and now I’m going through withdrawals! I may just have to re-read it 🙂
Thank you Christina, such a nice compliment!
My family and friends would be very surprised to hear that I miss anything about the snow, but here it is. Normally at night the sky was very dark. But at night when it was snowing the sky lit up, and I liked to go out and take a walk in the quiet with the snow falling on my face. Everything else was covered up! And the fresh smell of the snow. Kind of a clean smell like rain, but different, I guess from the cold. Love the picture of your house with the snow!
Driving at night is fun too, when the headlights hit the snow they look like needles coming at the windshield.
Yes! And there ususally weren’t too many cars out at night, so it was peaceful. Driving in the day time though, in rush hour, that was a whole different story………
“Snowflakes are some of Nature’s most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together!” Saw this quote somewhere—probably from you! I agree with the other GFs—this photo is a postcard and Christmas card!
B E A U T I F U L ! ! ! The sky blue skies, the white snow everywhere on and around your white home, picture perfect! 🙂 I love living vicariously through your winter weather posts! Thank you Susan! ♥
I am up to my ears in snow in Cambridge Ontario Canada and have just recently discovered your lovely blog ! It is a pleasure to read and brings some “sunshine” to my day ! I particularly loved the recent post on “Wolf and Chicken” logic and the story in archive of how you met the Beatles….John Lennon was my favorite ! I do own a number of your lovely books as well. What important work you do…..lifting our spirits ! ……….Thank you so much Susan !
Thank you back Wendy! xoxo
Picture perfect that is! Can’t be angry at snowflakes when you look at that photo!
So lovely! Snowed here, too….but they promise warming temps by week’s end! We do need to melt some of this stuff!!!
~ Hi Susan ~ your house looked like mine yesterday with the snow falling ~ we had a winter storm warning ~ I love my old house which has been in my hubby’s family over 100 years! ~
I forgot to add then 45 yesterday! ~ and guess what ?~ Back to Winter ( and Spring and Fall Thursday thru Friday) starting the day in the 40’s and then we get the rest of the seasons by Friday ~ Yikes!
hi Susan …. The house is simply beautiful ….the people make it home❤ love, Cindy
Looking at the lovely picture of your home in the snow makes me want to extend winter. I absolutely love winter, especially snowy ones! I will be happy to see spring in its right time but for now it just can’t get better! Love the fires, tea, hot chocolate and coffee piping hot, soups and stews and time to read and quilt and putter around. Nope, not ready to give it up!!!
Hi, Susan! What a gorgeous home in Winter Wonderland! I can’t think of a more perfect house~old homes RULE!!! Stay warm <3
Stunning! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Just wondering… how did you make the snow look so crisp and diamond like l have taken pictures of my house in the snow and it doesn’t turn out anything like that. Is it a layer over the photo or an an app? I would love to do that to my lovey home. I’ve been trying to send pictures to my kids of how beautiful the snow has made the house and they turn out misty looking. If their is a trick please share.
It’s just the photo — no layer of anything, but right after fresh snowfall. Google put the falling snow on it. (Don’t ask me how that happened because I have no idea, it just showed up and I thought it was so gorgeous I hoped I could get it on the blog, and it went!)
So very lovely! We get ‘lake effect’ snow because we live relatively near Lake Michigan. When this happens, the sun is often shining, or trying to, and the snow comes down usually off and on all day long. Do you get ‘ocean effect’ snow? 🙂
We do get snow when the sun is shining, so maybe that’s what it is!
Hi Susan,
I know I posted a comment before but I have not had internet access for 2 weeks, and having gone to the library to use the computer, I don’t remember which blog of yours I posted the comment on. So forgive me if you are answering something you already answered.
I am down here in Florida and I miss the northeast so much, I use your snow pictures as wallpaper on my computer so I can look at your beautiful scenery. The little video where you are out in the yard, that is how I remember the quiet of the snow also.
What I had asked you before was about Everyday Life. The first time you mentioned it in your blog, I went to their website. They said they do not have subscriptions right now but that one issue would cost 35.00. Is that the same facts that you are familiar with? I did sign up for a computer version of the issue, so maybe I can get the cover cookie recipe that way.
LOVE, LOVE Jack. He is even cuter than before, if that is possible.
As for Shirley Temple, I am like you. I grew up watching every one of her movies countless number of times. I even had a Shirley Temple doll. Unfortunately, I do not remember what happened to it. She will be missed. Love your story about you got to meet her. Hang in there. Spring is not far behind.
Yes, she hasn’t taken the magazine to the stores yet and has only been able to do them Print on Demand which is very expensive. But yes, you’ll get that recipe with your computer version.
You are so right, Jack gets cuter everyday!
I was just wondering why no one is having Downton parties with high tea and fancy clothes. Then I thought, Susan should have one. Then she would start a movement across the nation and eventually it would come to Texas and I would be invited to one, where I could wear a fancy hat, drink tea, and gossip about Edith’s condition. 🙂
That’s so funny — we were just talking to our friends, having a bit of a daydream, thinking we could find a 6 or 7 bedroom castle in Scotland and invite all our friends to share in it with us and then everyone comes as a character in Downton Abbey!
Then, let me encourage you – party like it’s 1915, in England. 😉
Sounds delightful!
Hi Girls,
Newby here but I just have to join the chat! Please come to Scotland, esp Argyll amd the Highlands. Wonderful, atmospheric scenery and accents you will love! Castles a- plenty,each more beautiful than the last. Keep cosy! We are having quite a mold winter here, and my garden is full of snowdrops!
We are working on it . . . Have always wanted to see Scotland!
Susan, in case you missed it, here is the link to the Downton Abbey Trunk Show and Tea Party at Strawberry Patches. I wish I had known about this when I was there to meet you. patches.typepad.com/notes_from_the_patch/2014/01/my-entry.html
Just admiring….. too beautiful for words….
From a native Californian who has only seen snow in Big Bear/Lake Arrowhead/Mammoth – this picture of your house is EXQUISITE!!!!!!!!!!
probably dumb question – but how do I find your utube channel to see tour of your house? (I am lucky I know how to just “turn on” the computer – ha ha).
I know the feeling 🙂 … if you click HERE you will go to my YouTube page — but also, fyi, in the right hand column of the blog, there are links to other things including YouTube. Also if you haven’t clicked on the little art icons at the top of the blog, you should, because there are lots of fun things there too.
Such beauty snow brings – I feel sort of guilty mentioning that when much of the US has sooo much snow and they are expecting more – doesn’t seem fair! I agree that your house looks delightful with all of the snow. It was dreary today in Paso which made for a great day to go visit Felix (8mo. old Great Grandson). My Grandson has the beginning of a small farm in the backyard – when I arrive at the house the goats greet me. Felix sits in his Dads back pack holder and goes around cleaning up the farm and gathering eggs. Never in a million years did I think that Nic would be a farmer – and he loves it. I have asked to be a “silent” partner so I can help with purchasing supplies & food. Seems like just the right thing for a Grandmother to do. And with that, I must say, LIFE IS GOOD! Stay warm & enjoy…..XXXXOOOO GGma Pat
How wonderful for you. Goats and family and farm, sounds just perfect. xoxo
Your house is so picture perfect in the snow. What a lovely site. I received “A Fine Romance” today in the mail and can’t wait to start reading it. I have come to your party a little later than most everyone, but I made it. You brighten up my life with words of wisdom and cheery thoughts. It’s a joyful experience to read your books and posts. I ordered all your books from Amazon and they have slowly been trickling in.
How nice Sharon, welcome!
How perfectly lovely. You are so blessed. The sun is shining here today, for the second day in a row and I am also feeling very blessed. No snow to admire, but the feeling that the bumbly bees cannot be too long in coming. The buds on the Camelia bush by our front door are swollen and blushed with pink, just waiting to burst out in their yearly glorious dance of colour. So cheering to come home to after a day out and about. They don’t last near long enough. Those are the the little moments we must cherish, because as Gwendoly Brooks quote so aptly says, they will not come again in quite the same disguise. Oh how I love it. Happy days. “Happiness does not depend on outward things, but on the way we see them.” ~Leo Tolstoy
That makes me so happy! I want you guys to dry up over there . . . worried. I bet the entire population is out dancing in the streets!
Ohhhh, that photo took my breath away. But best of all, the love inside your home is what makes it so beautiful.
If I lived in your house, I would never leave home.
I was thinking the same thing, Chris… 🙂
Beyond lovely, Susan! Such a stately-looking house, which you made it into a perfect cozy home. Continue to make memories in your “White House,” and please continue to share.
Toasty-warm wishes to you and the Girlfriend’s!
Bliss!
Marie xo
Susan,
Hi again from Holland. What a BEAUTIFUL picture you are showing us today! No snow here, in fact it feels like spring! I have my tiny bumch of snowdrops peeping out in our garden, and today picked a few for in the house. Last saturday I saw something bright yellow in a park in Amsterdam, it was the first of the daffodills, lovely!
And I wanted to let you know, that just a few minutes ago, the mailman brought a package….It was my (1st of many??) Gladys Taber book! You have mentioned her so many times, I could not help myself, and ordered it. (Stillmeadow Daybook) Now I am going to SLOWLY look through the book and look at the lovely drawings…
and I’m almost embarrased to tell you, I like the way old books smell, anybody else out there who likes this too, or am I just wierd??
BTW, Susan, do you know why I didn’t get this post in my email box?
Best wishes from
Nicoline
Thanks Susan, for bringing so much into our lives!
I don’t know . . . I’m not sure how all that works. But I’m thrilled you have a new (old) book to smell and read and enjoy!
Y’know, several years ago (more like 15, when I really think about it) I ordered several Gladys Tabor books from a small publishing house in New England that had reprinted a lot of her books in paperback. Wish I could remember the name/address, but I can’t. Somebody should be able to find it…?
So beautiful! Susan, you live the life I dream of! Thanks for being a constant inspiration to me. I want to be you when I grow up! LOL
LOL you can probably do better than that! 🙂
Lovely photo of ye olde house; it’s sheltered many hearts during its day. Farming has taught me to prepare for the storm during the day, then I can sleep well at night.
That’s kind of the sailor’s motto too, be prepared so as not to worry.
Aw! Cozy and grateful – that’s you!
Thank you for sweet little glimpses into your content world.
Your lovely home is beautifully frosted… like a cake! So pretty. Here in Wisconsin’s Northwoods it is practically tropical… nearing 35 degrees today! But Thursday is scheduled for another giant whipping from Old Man Winter. (Truth be told? I LOVE winter!… sorry everyone…) P.S. Susan: What are those small green flags which appear to run the length of your drive?
Joe put them there so we know where the driveway is! 🙂
Good idea. Here we have very tall thin bright orange poles lining our driveway so the snowplow knows where to plow! LOL! 🙂
Ahhhhhhh…. very clever, that wolf bunny of yours!
I love the Gladys quote! And, your beautiful home, ayeyiyi, be still my heart! Don & I really have tried through these last 50 years to live in a Victorian, but, alas, wasn’t meant to be! I just showed him your picture & he asked if you rent out rooms, not a B & B was my reply! When we drive around drooling at old homes, we always are so grateful for the love folks pour into their homes & don’t tear them down to build new ones! The snow, the house, perfection, my dear! ♥ Joanie P.S. We do have black shutters!!!
Have the reason I think I ended up here was because this was where the oldest houses were!
Good Morning Sweetest Sue…You Live in An Enchanted~Cottage…In A Winter~Wonderland….Ahhhhhhhhhh Magical Indeed! 🙂 & Oh How I Love The “Falling” Snow! Thank~You for Putting A Huge Smile on Me Pumpkin Face! Kitty~Kisses To Girl & Jack! & Warm Hugzzz For You & Joe! Winter Pixie~Dust Everywhere! 😉 ♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨`*.✫*¨♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸
Thank you Angie, you seem back to your old floating on air pixie self!
♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨`Whew! Yes! 🙂 xoxo Poof! ♥*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.♥*¨`
Your house is so beautiful in the Winter! And Spring..in Summer..and also Fall. Perfect. I’m still enjoying the snow while it lasts but so looking forward to weeding and planting. If my body could just keep up with my ambition I would be out there all day! Even though it has been so cold(-14 a few days ago) I have opened all the windows upstairs and down for a while to let in all that fragrant fresh air. My Grandmother always said that clean air heats easier than old air. My Honey Bunny is in Florida for a few weeks so I’m taking advantage. He would have a fit, seeing dollars flying out the window but I’m with Grandma on this one.
I do things like that when no one is watching too!
Beautiful picture of your house in the snow. My house and surroundings are covered in snow too, but that’s going to change today and tomorrow as we already have temperatures in the 40’s today, blue skies and bright sun. It’s supposed to rain a lot tomorrow and be up to 50! But only for one day, and they are talking about flooding with all the snow we have melting so fast.
And in reply to the last post, I’m definitely a chicken and my husband is more of the wolf when it comes to driving, but when it’s snowy and nasty out I want to be inside looking out. I would have been holding my breath the whole trip back, but your Joe is a good driver obviously, and you made it back safely and that’s what counts.
I am on page 137 of your book. Would be through it all if I didn’t work but savoring every page. Beatrix would say it’s “delicious”!
What I like most about your picture, is the blue sky. I could do “cold”, I could do “snow”…but GRAY? Not for this Florida girl! I dont know anyone who likes snow as much as you, probably because you dont have to dig out your car and drive to work every day. I am getting ready to move my sewing machine out to the back patio, because today is the most glorious, sunny, 77 degree, Chamber of Commerce kind of day, here in Jupiter Fl. Or maybe I’ll grab a book and go to the beach.
Sounds wonderful!
I think that picture is Christmas card worthy!!! Just gorgeous! It is already 70 degrees here ~ how disgusting is that!
We are trying to be you today! 🙂
Such a perfect picture showing that snowfall! We had a surprise snowfall here on Sunday morning – two inches – but it was gone by noon. The temps this week have been in the mid-sixties, and we had some thunder storms overnight. Perhaps spring is on the way!
Take care, and stay safe and warm!
xo Nellie
Such a beautiful, peaceful sight. I’m so glad it’s inhabited by a couple & 2 kitties who truly appreciate it!!
O Susan I love your house and in the snow its just perfect! But more than that I love that you love it too and don’t take it for granted at all xxxx
It’s easy to look around at this crazy world and realize how very lucky I am. No sense to any of it, but I count my blessings.
I love your lamb cake and the beautiful inspirational pictures of Spring! I can’t wait! But there is something so special about snow flakes falling and the inviting glow sneaking out the window of a fire lit room on a cold winter’s night! I really love it all! Thank you Susan for rousing my imagination and making me smile!
Perfect as a picture postcard! Thats a frameable picture for sure!
Susan I have to admit I love your house, but I love that kitchen best of all, all those beautiful windows and that lovely view. but I do love my kitchen too, and I would not swap my walk in pantry for anything in this world. but if I had to trade, I would want your kitchen its so comfy and cozy. hugs….. 🙂
Oh my goodness! Your post today brought tears to my eyes (happy tears). I remember my mother making the lamb cake for Easter every year. Not sure what happened to the cake pan.
I am ready for spring. I trimmed the thyme today. I had a lamb pan years ago when the kids were small and it was always hard to eat the cute little face. Here’s hoping I win the garden book. Tasha Tudor is one of my fav illustrators. By the way I put the last of my S.B alphabet stickers in my journal last week. I have been hoarding them for years. It is hard to get really cute alphabet stickers. These were primary colors with lots of polka dots. Pam
What a wonderful post…we need Spring! Our snow has melted where I live in Colorado, but you don’t dare do a happy dance yet…it could come back any time until April! Your lambie cake looks too cute to eat, and I love your step by step directions. Those helpful hints will avert disasters, don’t you know.
I just discovered Susan’s page today, and am thrilled that I did! I have loved all things Susan Branch for several years. Along with loving Susan, I also love Martha’s Vineyard. My extended family has been vacationing on the island since my sister’s wedding there in 1990. I’ve always wished I could be there in the winter. Thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts and beautiful pictures. I feel like I’m sharing a cup of tea with you right there in your kitchen.
Happy to have you here Nancy!
Susan ~~~ Your home with all the snowy white snow is gorgous!!! I love to see the large flakes of snow coming down so thick! I had Frank come look at it as well and told him it was the perfect picture postcard. Thank you so much for sharing!!
xoxox
Carol M
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with the rest of us. I, for one, am not tired of winter yet – I know other readers would cringe, but today it’s low 80’s and very grey and HUMID here in San Antonio, Texas. I’ll take that lovely snowfall any day!
I recently subscribed to your blog and am enjoying it so much. I have several of your books and love them. I’m so excited for the chance to enter your drawing for the lamb cake mold and the gardening book. I didn’t know Tasha Tudor had illustrated that gardening book — what a treat. I’m also a fan of hers. Such a loss that she’s now passed away, but glad that her family is continuing her legacy. It’s snowing here today, so I’m making chicken and dumplings from scratch — the ultimate winter comfort food (at least my husband thinks so :)) Spring is coming! We getting closer every day!
Hi, Susan!
I love your blog… You never need to apologize for no matter how lengthy…the more the merrier! When I receive them in my inbox, they are like receiving a little letter from a sweet relative! In fact, they prompt me to sit down and write at least one little note to someone in my family or to a friend.
Thank you again for inspiring & sharing with your art, creativity, cuisine, photography and musica!
Nina
I, too, love lambs! I have them all over the house and even have a pencil tree with lamb ornaments. I keep this up all year. I would love to make a lamb cake to go with all my little lambs and serve it for my daughter’s birthday and for Easter. Loved your blog and didn’t find it too long at all!
Reading the almost 200 comments before mine all I can say at this point is Ditto, ditto ditto! There is a beautiful old house here in town that I pretend I live in ( in my mind) and my alternate is yours in MV. Lucky for me you share more than the local house’s owners do!
Have Vanna please pick me!
The daffodils, violets, hyancinths and camellias are all blooming here in Northern CA, but that’s because we forgot to have a Winter here!
Best regards, Barbara
Barbara, isn’t it funny how living in Northern California all you can dream about is living in a fine old house like Susan’s? As soon as my last girlie leaves college, that is my dream. To live in a quaint little town in a home with a wrap around front porch. Too bad we don’t have many of those in NorCal.
<3 Robin
Snow, snow, snow! We got another 11″ yesterday and it is snowing again! They are saying 4″ to 6″. Oh my aching back!!