Here I am with our extra-large Bonnet, all ready for our Lamb Cake and Kitchen Garden drawing and a little MUSICA to start things off right . . . ♥
♥ ♥ ♥ It had to be a really big bonnet ~ with almost 4,000 comments from all the Girlfriends, we will need it! She’s still upstairs, Vanna, watching the very last of Downton Abbey, in bed in the Peter Rabbit room, cuddled into her quilt with her tea and Girl Kitty. She’ll sweep down the kitchen stairs in a few minutes, sweep, as she is wont to do, make-up fully applied. She’s a little hard to live with, but no one draws a winning name with more flair than our own private game-show girl, Vanna. I have all your names in that hat now, she’s going to choose one. Yikes. How to choose one. Good thing this is all her fault and not mine, because choosing just one name is really not my cup of tea. I could keep this contest going forever just so I wouldn’t have to do that! But Vanna is steely.
Speaking of hats and Downton Abbey, let’s talk. I love to hash it over . . . Did you notice the amazingly adorable hats on everyone this time? Gorgeous elegant hats for the upstairs girls, but my favorites were the straw ones with the flowers worn for the fun day at the beach ~ I thought 
Mrs. Patmore’s hat won for most adorable of all.
And while I’m in a noticing mood . . . Did you see the champagne glasses at the party? Please. I’m not that wild about champagne but those glasses made me want to drink it. Would be even better with Peah-Cida! Other things I loved: The ride-in-the-car conversation between Violet (the Dowager Countess) and Isobel (Mrs.
Crawley, “much cattle, much care”) was so funny and good. Those two! Apparently the lesson they teach us is to never come right out and say another person is wrong, but show with your eyes and expression that someone is very wrong and it isn’t you. And “Mary’s Men” ha ha ha ha ~ how cute all the men were in their tuxedoes with those white ties!
I was so afraid Daisy would go to America . . . she’s always trying to better herself, using new words and becoming such a graceful girl and the way she said she “never gets excited.” (I loved her big clunky hat at her picnic last week), I thought sure she would say yes. I’m beginning to think America is where Downton characters go to die and I’m not ready for Daisy to go away. SO happy Edith is going to get her baby girl, can’t wait to meet her and see her little clothes! And Edith has power of attorney! I knew that guy she’s in love with was a good one!
But my favorite thing, after the hats, the gorgeous dresses, Rose’s coming out party, the punch bowls, the baskets (hampers of food) for that PICNIC in front of the Albert 
Memorial (wanted to be there ~ have you seen The Young Victoria? I loved learning a little about Prince Albert, what a doll), the musicians, the convenient (for the moment) difference between right and wrong (right: breaking and entering, forging and picking pockets (love you Mr. Bates), wrong: protecting possible killer of definite rapist; thank goodness Mary came to her senses and burnt that ticket), those long necklaces (want), the cars (want) and the musicians . . . the kindness of Mr. Mosely, the wisdom of Mrs. Hughes, and the consternation in the face of Mr. Carson with his moral sensibilities having to deal with the young American’s (what was he? a butler?) love life; but they saved the very best for last, didn’t they? (SPOILER ALERT, close eyes, skip next photo if you haven’t seen it!)
Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson holding hands, she saying the lovely words “We’re getting on, we can afford to live a little,” bare feet in sand, walk into ocean, cue music, wipe tears, wait another year. ♥
Such a good show. My England fix. Can’t wait for next winter! Lots of living to do between now and then, spring planting, beach walks, Christmas shopping! I guess that’s enough of that. . . where is that Vanna Girl . . . I think I hear the bath water running. She’ll probably have to have her bubble bath before coming down to grace us with her peachy visage. Patience is the name of the game when it comes to Vanna. I’m glad I’m not married to her. I’ll go out back and take a picture of our snow drops for you. Bright sunshine on the island today. Be right back . . .
Whew, I’m IN . . . it’s freeeeeezing out there! I laid flat on my stomach for this one, a lovely whale-like sight in giant old leather jacket . . . snow’s all blown away but the ground is an ice cube ~ we’re hearing we may have another storm coming soon, and yet, despite common sense and every other thing, from the frozen tundra the miracle occurs and there it is, new life, our first snow drops poking through little crunchy iceberg-like dirt clods. ♥
I saw this out there too, they think it’s spring! . . . Oh! and one more thing I can tell you. . .
Our handmade Bunny Banner and Lambie-Pie Garlands have finally arrived! Yay!
Oh, I hear Vanna, clunking down the stairs in her pink slippers, she’s coming, that bonnet is ready to go . . . now what was that Giveaway?
Ah, yes. I remember it well. And, with a little drum roll, Jack watching her every move, the lavender-bath-oil-smelling Vanna puts long arm deep into the bonnet and swirls the names until they become a blur, she’s in there up to her shoulder . . . she’s pulling a name, hope it’s yours – hope it’s yours . . . pulling out, out, out, here it comes! She’s got one! Thank you Vanna, beautifully done! And now, with no further adieu, well, maybe I shouldn’t tell you, I’ll show you instead . . .
Signed, sealed, flowered and ready to be delivered to K A R E N P O W E L L . . . I sent her an email and told her she is our winner. Karen, if you read this, Congratulations from all of us!! Write me back and tell me where to send your KITCHEN GARDEN BOOK and LAMB CAKE MOLD. ♥
Things wouldn’t be right unless there was a consolation prize no matter how small, a little cheerer upper, how about a beautiful photo of the Forget-Me-Nots from Bateman’s garden in England? That should cheer anyone up!
It won’t be long and this wonderful little flower will be blooming all over America! Also, for those of you wishing to get your hands on your own vintage copy of KITCHEN GARDENS illustrated by Tasha Tudor . . . I have been thinking of you. On our cross-country driving trip, whenever I ran into a copy of this book (not as often as I wished) I bought it and took my little stack to Kellee at the studio! She’s taken pictures of them, and is putting them up in 
the VINTAGE section of our web store even as we speak. So there are a few anyway. Go see. And with that happy thought, I will let you get on with the creative business of living life and I will go back to the art table! Wishing you the MOST wonderful day, thank you for all your fabulous comments! It was a joy. Oh! One more thing Girlfriends, speaking of comments, I can’t thank you enough for all your kind words about A FINE ROMANCE. I spent many months writing that book and am still living in the glow of it ~ I periodically see it, pick it up, and kiss it. Can’t be helped, I love it. It’s like a little friend. And as of today, we have 267 five-star reviews on Amazon and I could not be more surprised and thrilled (and grateful!). Thought you’d like to know since you are the ones that made it happen. Bye for now, see you soon! ♥ XOXO
Congrats to Karen ! ! But……..after reading all the lovely, positive, inspiring comments generated by this “give- away” we are ALL really “Winners”
……where do I buy your book “A Fine Romance” in Canada ? Our big bookstore Chapters does not carry it…..?
Thank you…….
I never know which stores carry it — that’s really up to them. Did you ask if they could order it for you? Most bookstores can do that, it’s very much available there. We sell signed copies in my web store, shipping to other countries (and even to ours) can be expensive, but Kellee ([email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/) can help you with that. Also, that old standby Amazon does sell them.
Thanks Susan ! !
Wendy, I ordered it through amazon.ca and the shipping was free. Hope that helps.
Thanks Karen ! !
Amazon.ca carries it.. a #1 Bestseller..
Good luck!
Thank you all! Love how we take care of each other!
found my copy of a Fine Romance at Amazon.ca
Ditto on everything you said about Downton Abbey !!! Julian sure knows how to touch your heart & keeping you wanting more ! Congrats to KarenPowell ! Love you!
You too Pat!
Dear Susan,
I cannot believe that I am the 1st person to comment, hurray!! Congratulations to Karen, and I hope she will make a lovely Lamby cake!
Susan, I’d like to share something really nice, that happened recently to me(besides discovering you??) I commented a few weeks ago, wondering where to get your fabric, and another reader was very kind enough to make a suggestion. We emailed a few times back and forth, from USA to Holland, and we discovered we have so much in common, one thing being a love of writing letters! So now we have a new PEN-PAL!! All thanks to you!!
Its the lovely Rachel from Texas! I hope she reads this, and I’m waving hello as I write!
The picture of the snowdrops is nice, and I hope you get to see the little white flowers soon.
So once again Susan, thank you for all you do!
Have a lovely day,
Nicoline
[email protected]
That is so exciting! I’m happy for you both! I know Rachel, she’s a generous soul and a doll and so creative. I’m waving Hello to both of you…xoxo
…yaaaay !!..the winner is Karen P. !!…how wonderful !!…congratulations, Karen !!..have fun with the darling lamb cake pan and you will love that book !!..thanks, Susan, again, for all that you do !!
Thank you Mary!!
Hi Susan! Great post! So much fun to read, even if I didn’t win! I love the anticipation! I love the way you point out all the things we have to look forward to! I love your comments on Downton ( let’s me focus on and remember all those moments over again)! Maybe I will see the Forget-Me-Nots in Batesman’s Garden….or have a picnic while punting! Wheeee! I am getting so excited for MY England fix! I am so glad you wrote “A Fine Romance”! I need to find a proper hat
You do! 🙂
Susan, Are you sure it was Karen and not Susie??LOL… I am happy for Karen. Oh I can’t believe you lay on the frozen ground. Brrr. We are having beautiful sunshine today, gotta have it. It is very cold though. I am excited that thing are actually popping up for Spring. Even if it snows, we know in our hearts, it can not last, what with Spring being so near. Blessings to you, Joe and Vanna. xoxo,Susie
Oh, I do love Downton Abbey! My hand bell group has a rule that we must all be let out of practice with enough time to get home to watch it on Sundays – I think there would be mutiny if that didn’t happen!
Congratulations, Karen!
You wrapped up Downton beautifully!!! Yes, and now to keep busy until next season! And congratulations to Karen!! You make everything so fun Susan! I could just see Vanna coming down your stairs in her pink slippers. 😀 You are too cute! Your blog is so joyful and fun every day. Thank you!
Great episode – it got better the second time I watched it (thank you DVR! The best $10 a month I spend!) – the first time I was all distracted by plot and not wanting it to be over! However – when seeing it again – the hats, the tea, the fireplaces, the dresses – unbelievable. However – for THIS episode – a big WOW for the sets/settings. Not only did we have Downton Abbey, Violet’s house, Mrs. Crawley’s house – but we had the “London” house – complete with a whole kitchen (I don’t think we’ve seen that before) and a ballroom! Rosalund’s home was beautiful (loved the wall color), then we get Buckingham Palace – and the “mall” ride in a carriage and the picnic in front of Albert.
The show is a visual treat. Love it. I need to get the series on DVD as it is a gem. It’s wonderful to retreat into that world. We’ll have to keep busy for 10 months until it’s January again! (oh yeh – side note – loving Tom Branson this season – great character and loved his story arc. However, my group of DA fans are not feeling any chemistry for Mary with either guy… )
Congrats to Karen!
I think Tom has a little chemistry with Edith, if she would just for a moment remove the worry from her face! Mary seems a bit hard to get her own chemistry going! She’s so much like the young dowager to me.
Yes! Mary is very much like Violet! In a different time/place either one would’ve run Downton Abbey better than all the men IMO!
In real life that was also true. The women were often the ones that kept the places intact. The men (not all, but many) liked gamboling and horses too much!
I loved every bit of Downton Abbey and especially that final scene with Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson…I had a smile on my face and a tear in my eye! The hats and dresses were gorgeous! How will we ever wait for the next season? Thanks for that nice picture of the forget-me-nots, they are one of my favorite flowers. I had drifts of them when I lived in NY and have not seen any here in IL. By the way, I enjoyed A Fine Romance so much that I am buying a copy for my sister for her birthday!
I hope she likes it Debbie!
Oh boy! There they are – lovely little green things pushing their way up through the frozen earth- messengers that say, “Spring is on its way and all’s right with the world!” Thank you for braving the up close- I have flags, poppies, crocus, and tulips starting up in my garden, but it’s nice to know the snowdrops are making an appearance after all of your brutal weather.
Congratulations to Karen!!!
I love the Downton recap and hat watch. So lovely that period.
I, confess that I so love the steady sensible Mrs. Hughes- it was a perfect end, she and Carson walking into the sea hand in hand. Yes, lots of living to do between now and next season!
Have a glorious day all! xox
Congratulations Karen so happy for you! Thank you Susan for another wonderful post, I did the Peter Rabbit Room tour and loved it so much, do you think Girl would mind having me as a sleepover buddy with her? I loved your comments on Downton, I feel the same way, so loved the end, the clothes, hats, picnic hampers, oh my. Your snowdrops are so brave coming up thru those dirt icebergs!! And the birdies in the bath, so cute. I went to the web site for the vintage book and it was already SOLD, you have to be pretty quick around these girlfriends!! lol Have a wonderful day xoxo
There are more coming… check back!
Congratulations Karen ! You will love that book I have had it for years and it has helped me so much with my gardening ! I have all my special garden books out on my side table looking and dreaming of digging in that sweet ole’ dirt. Happy baking that sweet lambie kin ! Oh,Susan your little snow drops coming up is so exciting, we still have 2 feet of snow on the ground and no sign of a thaw for at least 10 days. So I am dreaming of Downton and will watch it again, I just loved the seasons finale, so much for the eyes, the hats, dresses, linens, and ohhhhh Mrs. Hughes and Carson, well I had tears at the end it was so so so romantic and loving ! It made me feel so good, just like your darling blog here with all you girls………………just pure JOY. Thank you so much from my heart to your heart ! OXOX
We are so lucky!
From one “Karen” to another, congratulations to the winner of these lovely gifts.
Hooray, Karen!!! Let us know how your lambie cake turns out! Susan, thank for posting that still pic from Downton Abby of Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes. Didn’t that final shot just make your heart sing out loud? Perfect, perfect. Hubbie was asleep when I went to bed after it was over, but I HAD to whisper the words Mrs. Hughes told Mr. Carson in his ear 🙂 Hugs!
Sweet!
Congrats Karen!! And congrats Susan for all the wonderful comments and reviews for that amazing book. I still look at it wondering how you did all of that by hand! It’s very much appreciated by all of us 🙂
Love to see the bulbs starting to grow! Life truly is beautiful.
I am still wondering how to get a picture of myself in the little box to the left of our names when we post…I know some html, but I cannot get it. Clues, anyone?
I asked Laura from Twitter to come by and tell us how that is done! She’s much more of a wizard than I am!
Michele,
Do you have a blog? I believe there is a setting that will post your twitter profile picture automatically when you post comments. Or a WordPress account? There are probably settings within twitter that allow your profile picture to automatically load when you comment. I do not have a blog, but I set up a WordPress account in order to be able to comment on certain blogs…You will see that some comments here have a picture and then an underlined link next to it. If you click the link, it will take you directly to that person’s blog.
Michele,
Could not find a setting on twitter, but can confirm that on WordPress.com I have the same picture, and when I comment on any blog, it automatically loads the picture.
I don’t know much but…I had an email from google that said my pic looked like this (blank square) now and to click if I wanted to add a picture. I think it is legit …I just don’t have a pic yet so I never clicked on it. Sooo, if you have gmail, or can go to google that may be the answer.
http://en.gravatar.com/. Create a Gravitar using your twitter profile or other pic..to use for comments, etc…hope this helps
One other question Laura, did you take a class somewhere for computer words and what they mean? Like Gravitar, plugins and hash? I think that’s the hardest part … I can do things, but wish they spoke English in their explanations. But something tells me I am in their country and I need to learn their language!
No, I did not take a class. I use a combination of self-taught, trial-by-fire, and practice-makes-perfect skills! My brain is wired to enjoy research and figuring things out…go figure..
Love it, we need you … that was a big help Laura, thank you so much!
Hi, Laura and Sue ~
This is a little test to see if I set everything up properly to display my photo….fingers crossed XX:)
Thank you for the help and thank you, Michele, for the question…I’ve been trying to figure this out myself for soooo long:)
Look at that, we are two for two!
Perfect, Debbie!! Great to see your smiling face!
🙂
Thanks SO MUCH ladies for all the tips!!! I will experiment when I have more time. You are all the best!
I have an antique cast iron lamb cake mold from my husband’s grandmother. I used it once years ago and let me just say that it was a struggle. I finished my masterpiece, set it out proudly on the counter, and about an hour later the neighbor’s son came over to play with my kids. He walked in the house, looked at the cake, and said, ‘Cool….an Easter cow.’ I haven’t been brave enough to try making another one! Thanks for your instructions, Susan. I may give it another go.
LOL, bad kid! Be sure to paint it with the melted Crisco … it makes everything so much easier!
Such an adorable story! Kids say everything so honestly! My mom had several cast iron molds she used to display in her vintage kitchen, but I have not seen them since dad updated the the cabinets and floors. I think one actually was a cow. I know one was a darling lamby pie. Ithink you should try again espesially with Susan’s tips. To be honest I think the mold could look like a cow too. I LOVE cows especially baby ones. We live in the middle of BEAUTIFUL farm country and there cows everywhere around us. Sometimes I can hear them mooing while they enjoy the fresh fronds that grow up on the fences just across my street…Oh and the funniest thing to me is when we have escaped cows just wandering in the street. I was a city girl before my huband retired from the army and settled us here in Tennessee.
Oh Susan, maybe next season there will be a story line about the Prince of Wales and Wallis Simpson! It’s heading in that direction, one can only hope. Trying to buy the Betty Crocker book but the website won’t let me. Are they already gone? Debby
First one is sold . . . Kellee will be putting up new one asap. Yes, Prince of Wales would be fun little addition!
Downton Abbey! I’ve read both books by the current countess and loved learning about the recent history of the house and its occupants. Mr Fellowes has certainly written a great story around all that, but as you said, the sets, the costumes, the hats – so gorgeous and wonderful. There is to be an exhibit of Downton costumes at Wintertur in DE soon. As we are not too far from there, I am hoping to be able to see it. Loved all your comments on the final show of the season. The dowager and Mrs. Crawley have the best lines and they deliver them flawlessly!
So much fun!
I just finished reading “Lady Almina and the real Downton Abbey”. I have a hold on another of The Countess of Carnarvon’s books, which I believe is about Lady Almina’s son (the 6th Earl of Carnarvon) and his American wife. It seems there are many letters, guest books, etc. to make the writing of life at Highclere possible. And they really did have a hospital there during WWI. Lady Almina was the illegitimate daughter of Alfred de Rothschild, so she had unlimited funds to back her.
I didn’t realize that the 5th Earl of Carnarvon was the backer for Howard Carter who found King Tut’s tomb. Unfortunately, he died before they broke through to the burial chamber, but did get to see many of the beautiful treasures he loved so much in the ante chambers.
I believe this is the book Julian Fellowes used as the basis of the story. One of the workers at Highclere Castle went off to war and came back with a leg injury and walked with a cane after that. His name was “Bates” and someone else was named Crawley, but he wasn’t part of the Earl’s family.
And now I must do some research. The Earl’s wife was called a Countess, so what do you call a Count’s wife? This is all very confusing.
That sounds so interesting! The inside story! We tried to get to Highclere when we were there, but they were filming the entire time and the place was closed. We went to Chatsworth instead, another grand house …and to Knowle …
Yay! Congratulations to you, Karen! The give-aways always seem to go to the perfect person!
Sue, I recently found and purchased one of your books: Little Dinners. I thought I had all of your books until now…are there more Little Books? Can you tell us about them? ….just the cutest, most darling little addition to my collection 🙂 Thank you.
xoDebbie
There were three of those little gift books, all of them came in a decorated box that also had a magnet with it. Little Dinners, Chocolate and Cocktails were the titles. Very hard to find these days!
Thank you! Well, now I have something to be on the look-out for 🙂 . With the 3 of them, it seems you covered all the necessities for happy cooking.
LOL!
good morning Susan, and good morning girlfriends. been busy with the peeps, keeping the nursery clean and fresh, just pushing the dirty straw aside and adding fresh to the straw already there, and of course keeping the water fresh and at the right temp for them, handy tip for those considering raising backyard chickens, never ever give baby peeps cold water the first 2-3 weeks you have them, it could chill their little stomachs and kill them. keep the water at room temp, just lukewarm and they will be hapy, and keep it clean, they dirty it up so much you will be busy refilling the water container, and boy do they drink it up. for now they are busy chasing each other round and round the nursery and peeping. we have our snowdrops pushing up by the back patio steps, our crocuses have opened up and our shy little violets are in bloom, and this year my daffodils are coming up so hopefully I will get to see them and my tulips are starting to shoot up. back out to the garden and to finish up cutting out the vines from the front gardens and the back ones, I love blackberries, but not the vines overgrowing into the gardens. the cats are busy watching the bird feeders, and the birds are really busy at them this morning, must mean another storm is moving in, awfully cloudy out, though its hard to tell between the fog. have a great day everyone, and congratulations Karen. hugs….. 🙂
Lucky you, Karen! Congratulations!
Lorie
Thank you, that was fun! I love your posts, makes me feel like we are sitting at your kitchen table with tea and “catching up”!
I’m a Downton fan, too, and enjoyed all the sights and scenes you mentioned, with Daisy’s, “I never get excited,” being my favorite line this time around:).
I gifted many (lucky!) friends and relatives with your England book for the holidays and every single one has made a point of telling me how very much she enjoyed it. These dear women are from ages 24 to 64…every one of them loved it just the same! That’s really saying something to be able to cross all those generations with such appeal:).
Oh Christine, you are so nice to tell me! Thank you!
Well, Vanna did not pick my name from the Giant Hat, but I think that Karen Powell might be a relative of a friend of mine … so that’s nearly as good!! 🙂 So sorry your soil is still frozen like an ice cube. Ours is thawing. The pansies are blooming. My neighbor’s Japanese magnolia is bursting with almost-open buds! Our beehives are buzzing. Spring is nearly here!
I hope Karen enjoys! But we are ALL winners – we have your happy blog to remind us of that. Thanks Susan! And to all the Girlfriends … don’t you feel a sense of solidarity and comfort knowing that we are out there???
oh, yes, Lori. We are all out there – youngish to oldish and everyone in between but I always think of the girlfriends as a single unit with lots of power because we are united in a common goal to live our best lives and be kind to each other. All kindred spirits with Susan. How lucky we all are.
In reply to your question, Absolutely! Isn’t it wonderful knowing that somewhere out there, all across the country, there are scads of beautiful people with beautiful souls. It reaffirms that it is a wonderful life and we can all choose to see it and make it that way. Bye bye.
If Downton Abbey were a book, wouldn’t we all love to read it to the end?!!! I’m surprised someone isn’t taking the script and writing a book–doesn’t that sound like a good idea? Of course, I’d want to be able to watch it, too. I love the clothes and hats. And also imagine how wonderful it would be to live that lifestyle (of course, IF one were living upstairs!). LOL! 🙂 Well, today the roof crew came and hammered and shoveled the ice dams off the roof. Too cold for steaming them loose! Subzero temps here the next 3-4 days–it not only LOOKS like Siberia, it FEELS like Siberia. Fanny was okay with with the pounding, took it all in stride as usual, but Betti was beside herself. Jumped up on my lap, stuck her head under my arm, and sat there while I slowly stroked her until she finally quit panting and shaking. Oh, the stories she will have to tell Norm when he comes home from work! 🙂 The pounding started to get to me, too!
Susan, I have the Betty Crocker book and it still has the packet of seeds in the back that came with it!!! Love the book and especially love the Tasha Tudor illustrations.
hi susan….OHHH KarenP. Yay for you!! That’s so fun and I would love to see your lamb cake… 🙂 I waited until this morning to order the cake mold cause I thought..just in case Vanna pulled me..but it’s ordered now and granddaughters are so excited to make ours!!! People around here are Downton mad!! I have heard tell of folks dressing up in their tuxedos and serving champagne for the final episode….. impromptu tea and cake parties… big bonnets everywhere…and that’s just the men!!!! ……. no really..what a supremely wonderful show and we are addicted to it…I began really noticing the hat thing a few episodes ago mainly because I am such a “hat person”myself, but the past two shows have raised the bar…..I agree susan….I loved Mrs. Patmore’s seaside hat too(want)…..I also thought that the scene with Edith and Mr. Drewe concerning her daughter was special…I hope he is forthright..but Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson was just the best….(sniff sniff)…. there is a cute little quiz circulating on Facebook showing people who answer these crazy questions which Downton Abbey character they are… I got ” Anna”….and my husband got “Bates”…thought that was pretty funny….hope you run in to it along the way..it’s fun!!! In the meantime, our hashing and rehashing will have to tide us over for a year!! I hope spring did not “forget-me-not”….loved your photo of the flower…..bright, beautiful and cheery….just like all the Girlfriends!! have a wonderful day… love, cindy
I took two different quizes, such as the one you found . . . in one I was Anna, and in the other I was the Dowager!
good thing those quizzes are around… so far I have found out that I am Princess Belle, a sunflower, Anna and a mutt!!!✨
Mutt? Reminds me of my very favorite scene in Downton every week…in the beginning, Lord Grantham with that gorgeous white Lab walking up to the house.
Congrats’ Karen! Enjoy your treasures.
Susan, thanks for the pretty forget-me-not’s. I just came in from the biting cold, and this warmed my heart. Thanks for thinking of us “almost winners.” I surely can’t say losers, when one is connected to you, even in the smallest way, we’re all winners.
The tea kettle is whistling.
Ciao for now!
Marie xo
We’re all winners ~ that’s for sure Marie. xo
Oh My Goodness!!! Are those little bulbs starting to peep thru the thawing ground!!!??!?! I <3 <3 <3 it!!!!!!
And yes, Downton Abbey was such a happy two hour event! I am relieved that all my favorite characters will be safe until we meet again!
I just love your Blog!!! It's like my favorite place to be in internet-land and i never get tired of reading them over and over again! 🙂
xox
deb w.
Little bulbs! Snow drops!
Snow drops!!!! :’)
i just love them now!!!!
Wanted to let you know I read “A Fine Romance” when we had a little snow a couple of weeks ago. Such a “get-away”. It was the SECOND time I have read it but now I have loaned it to my neighbor who is going to England. (I said, “I would like it back!!) She asked, “Would my husband like it?” and I imagine he will look through it too, being the wonderful gardener he is. All those lovely pictures. Thank you for your beautiful work.
My pleasure Judy, thank YOU!
Congratulations to Karen, lucky girl! Downton, how will I get through til next year without you? (Guess you answered that one for me, Susan.) I’m afraid with the bitter cold coming back in again that spring will not be not be here any time soon, but I dearly love those sweet pennants that herald this season. That final scene at the beach: perfection. Love those two!
Congratulations Karen, you lucky girl! I was hoping for it for myself, but I’m glad to find out there’s a possibility I can get that book anyway.
Oh Downton! Yes – I just said to my husband yesterday how Daisy was becoming so mature. And I thought it was so sweet to have Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes hold hands. Aaahhh, made me sigh. And don’t you think the Dowager Countess and Mrs. Crawley are actually becoming good friends, though you’d never get the Countess to admit it. Hats – I’ve always loved hats and they always have the most wonderful ones on this show. I bet if someone started selling them, they’d be snatched up in no time. Wouldn’t it be nice if women wore hats more like they used to? Oh there’s so much to mull over and discuss when it comes to Downton. I’m going to have to watch the reruns.
Mrs. Crawley said, “I know what I have in them” about the family — and she nursed the Countess for days. I don’t know if the Countess understands but something tells me, with her kind of wisdom, she does. And then they have this dry wit that must come out. Aren’t we the lucky ones!
I loved Daisy’s line, “I am never excited.” I rolled with laughter. And I love the exchanges between those two elderly women. Interestingly, the elderly don’t look as old to my as they used to look. I wonder why? The wrap up of Downton was wonderful and surprising and relieving. Who says they aren’t real people?
For the first time in my life, I’m sorry my name isn’t Karen. Sigh…..Your consolation prize was a wonderful choice. Forget-me-nots are a bittersweet connection to my little angle.
Susan … thank you for reminding us that spring is coming. She is a bit shy and winter is still being a bully, but spring will get here 🙂 congratulations to Karen … enjoy the dear Easter lamb 🙂
Congratulations Karen…snowdrops!!!…can’t believe you don’t have any snow, Susan…arrived back from five glorious days at the Arizona Biltmore to find 12 more inches of snow…EEEKKKK!!!…now we are up to a total of 161+” of snow so far this winter…ahhh…I am longing for snow drops and forget-me-nots…had forget-me-knots in my wedding bouquet…xoxo…
We don’t have snow this very second, but something tells me that’s not going to last for long! I can’t imagine 161″ — that’s just crazy! Your wedding bouquet must have been beautiful!
May I add my congratulations to you Mrs, Ms. or Miss Karen Powell! Have fun with the cake pan making your very own lambie cake and do enjoy the Kitchen Gardens book. I found a copy on recent trek to Santa Ynez Valley and believe it or not it was in a thrift store in amongst alot of other fun books! You will enjoy the book as well.
Well, Susan, I can just see you outside laying on the ground taking a picture of the first green shoots of the soon to be snowdrops! You make me smile! 🙂 I love the consolation prize…..the beautiful bouquet of forget-me-nots is on my screen saver at work reminding me of the delightful drawing and photos and comments on your blog today! How fun!
Just love how you “signed, sealed and flowered” your gift for Karen…..how special and thoughtful you are! 🙂
I also got information and plan to become a part of the Friends of Tasha Tudor. Thanks for your informative section that shares about her on your website.
Well, back to work! Thanks to you too Vanna for doing the drawing! You are the best! Have a glorious and fun day!
Sweet Sue of Southern California
The Tasha Tudor folks are so nice . . . you’ll love that Sweet Sue!
So good to know that I was not the only one with tears in my eyes at the last scene of Downton. I can’t believe no one has mentioned Daisey’s pretty little dress & hat while at the beach. The color and sweetness of it caught my eye. I am much too busty & round to ever hope to pull off some of those clothes, but wouldn’t it be fun to be able to dress like that! Perhaps we could all set a day & time to appear in costume & have tea, we might set a Guinness record!
Yes, she looked adorable in that little linen dress.
Totally agree with all your Downton comments!! So fun to read them! Don’t forget – we still have the Christmas Special to look forward to! That should come out soon, maybe next week? Not sure… Oh, and I was “Anna” in that quiz! I, too, was sooooo relieved when Mary threw that ticket stub in the fire!! That she could even contemplate bringing it to light was incomprehensible!!!
When I was watching this week’s episode, I kept trying to figure out where I had seen the guy who played the prince. Then it dawned on me – he starred in the Masterpiece production, “He Knew He Was Right”. That was a good one!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA xoxo
I hope you are right but I think “the Christmas special” is what we just saw … because when they showed season four in England, it was Christmas time and so they called it “the Christmas Special” there, but for us it was just the last two hour episode. I could be wrong, but I think that’s what Rachel (my English friend) told me.
Oh… :'( I think you are correct! *sigh*
Hi Susan-
The Husband was not thrilled with the ending to this season, but I LOVED the sweet ending (beginning?) between Carson and Mrs Hughes . . . much better than a great character DYING at end like last season!
Congrats to Karen- lucky gal!
Have a lovely day, Susan! 🙂
The husband was not thrilled? I cried! 🙂 from happy. Oh well. That’s the way it is sometimes!
Congratulations Karen !!! enjoy your little lamb, and kitchen garden book..
Susan, thank you for the fun and excitement we shared with Karen, I asked a couple of weeks ago for input on Downtown Abby, what I was introduced to at this late date, makes me wanting more. Something new to look forward too.
Have a nice day, oh, by the way I love the Peter Rabbit room.
Congratulations Karen, enjoy your new treasures! Thank you Susan for the wonderful, generous gifts, & your terrific tale of suspense leading up to the big draw! I love the Forget-Me-Nots, had to run in & look them up in “our” book – Page 103 – I didn’t forget them! And, nice freezing tummy shot of the Snow Drops! Thank you! xoxo
Congrats to Karen! And I couldn’t wait for the book so I ordered a copy from AliBris, which came yesterday. Love reading the old-timey-yet-still-relevant advice, and of course Tasha T’s illustrations. Some are even in [water] color. So enjoy your book, Karen and have a slice of lamby cake with it.
Congratulations, Karen! We will want to see a picture of your lamb cake, right, Girls! What a fun post for a lovely day. I was very happy Downtown ended on an up note. The quips this time were fast and furious. Thank you, Susan, for your dedication to us to lie down on the frozen ground to get a good picture for us. (Didn’t you hear your mother yelling at you to get up before you caught double p pneumonia?) Robins have returned to Western Washington. The first ones came during a snow storm now the rest are pouring in and pulling the worms from everyone’s yard. Spring is definitely here (even if some have a foot of snow still in the yard).
Robins = spring and that’s all there is to it!
Hurray for Karen! I know she must be walking on air!
I am not much of a television watcher (I’m hearing impaired and use closed caption, so on top of reading books, I’m reading TV, too! lol!) but I would like to catch up on Downton. It’s certainly the “talk around the watercooler”!!
Off I go to see if I have any snowdrops!! Stay warm!
XO,
Jane From Chicago
I sometimes look at the closed captions and I really get more from things I read than from what people say! They talk too fast.
We always put on the CC, too!! I’m like you, Susan, I get more from reading! And my husband can’t understand the British accent very well!
Mary S. from Fresno, CA
In keeping with your cake pan, I “sheepishly” confess that I never made it onto the Downton Abbey train. So most of your blog today sounded like the teacher in Charlie Brown–“wah-wah-wah-wah-wah-wah-wah.” 🙂 But, on our PBS station on Sunday nights after it airs, they have this show that cracks me up called “Manor of Speaking.” It is hosted by our local PBS guy, and he invites local historians and fashion people to hash out the episode. There is a live audience, and a fully dressed butler, who goes around with a microphone to folks with questions, saying stuff like, “Here we have Lady Dunkirk with a question, my lord.” My favorite thing is at the end, he hands the host a stack of questions that have come in from Twitter, and says, “Your tweets, my lord.” 🙂
Everyone from the panel to the some in the studio audience dresses in period clothing, and it just looks like jolly good fun. 🙂
We need to get that on our local station, although I think the comments here are a reasonable facsimile — without the costumes! (at least as far as I can tell!)
Congratulations Karen! I know you will enjoy your wonderful treasures!
ahhh Downton Abbey, it was amazing this season. Sad that it is over for now. But like you said, we have a lot of living to do before next season. I am thinking that Lady Edith will start to help with the estate by taking over the pig operation, that way she can be near her daughter. Then Branson will see her with new eyes….or am I going to far with this? Thomas is really starting to worry me; did you see how he clinched his fist when he was standing behind Branson in the dining room? He is so wicked.
I loved the hats too, so much to take in. I am glad we taped all the episodes. I think I am going to watch them all again and look more at the background instead of focusing so much on the dialogue.
Ohhhh, brilliant, the pig operation for Edith. Hmmm. I like Branson with Edith too. Keep it in the family. Yes, Thomas is wicked, I saw that clenched hand, he’s so jealous. What will happen???????
How special for Karen!! My mom gifted me the book years ago but if I had won, I would have gifted it to one of my loved ones. The cake pan would have been mine, however, 🙂
You had it all figured out . . . maybe next time Barbara, I will get to say your name!
Hi Susan: Fun to read all this! A great break and needed! (If you only knew! Maybe soon!) And congrats to Karen Powell! Make us a cake and send photos Karen!! 🙂
Loved, LOVED this season of Downton!! Love the faster moving plots and seeing the Crawley’s house in London! I think Mary is playing it smart. A LOT at stake — her inheritance; how will it effect her son if she remarries; what happens to the money; who runs the estate. Having said that, I vote for Charles Blake! He has not been afraid to get his hands dirty, i.e. the pigs, and he knows how to spar with Mary which will make for a much more interesting relationship than the mooning aristocrat, Tony! (Just my opinion!!) It will be interesting to say the least!! And what about Bates! A true dark horse, and no mistake!! Forger? Pickpocket? Hmmm! Will be interesting to see what else he knows. I STILL don’t think he did it!! He’s too smart for that!! We’ll see! He no doubt masterminded it. Poor Edith. I hope (and predict!) that Michael Gregson will be found and all will be well! Just my thoughts!! I agree about the fashions. Absolutely gorgeous! Now to watch again and pick up the fine points!! Can’t wait!! Such fun to read all the comments. Thank you Susan!! 🙂
I like a sparing man for dating (and ruining my life), and a mooning man for marrying ever after, because being loved is even more important than laughing. Unless he is a dead bore, then of course, go with the sparer. They are both so handsome. But new blood in the way of Charles may be what saves Downton.
As I read this discussion of Mary’s beaus, I’m reminded of the last shot of the 2nd to the last episode where Rose, Edith, and Mrs, Crawley, leaned forward to get a better view of Mary and her Mary Men. My husband and I laughed. One scene that turned my favor to Charles Blake was when he so willingly, with a smile even, held a crying Baby George. Loved the look of astonishment on Mary’s face! Yet another discovery!
The three girls, that was so cute.
♥*¨`*.✫*¨*♥*¨`*.✫*¨*♥*¨`*.✫Wow That Bonnet had to Be So Heavy! Yikes! 🙂 Vanna does do an Excellent Job! 🙂 Congratz to Karen Powell! Such A Lucky~Girl! 🙂 Whew! There’s Always Next Time! 🙂 Sweet Sue All Your Downton~Abbey Photos! Scrumptious! & I Agree with All Your Thoughts! Oh I Love Mr. Bates! & Thank God Mary Threw That Ticket into The Fire! Whew! 🙂 & Lady Edith & Her Baby~Girl! Shhhhhhhhhh! Whew! 🙂 & Daisy! & Ivy off to America! & Mary’s Men! & Violet & Isobel! 🙂 I’ll Be Dreaming Of Downton~Abbey…Such An Excellent Season! Well Done Julian Fellowes! 🙂 Thank You Sweet Sue! Spring has Arrived Here In Florida! Sunny & Warm….Birdies Everywhere! Twirling into The Bird~Bath! xoxo Splash! 😉 ♥*¨`*.✫*¨*♥*¨`*.✫*¨*♥*¨`*.✫
Ivy is a sweetheart, and she wants an adventurous life, I want another show to follow her life!
Good Morning Sweet Sue Look! I Did What Laura Said to Do & Poof! My Little Picture is there! Yay! 🙂 Thanks Laura! & Sue for Asking Laura To Help Us! 😉 You Are Right About Ivy! Another Show A Sister~Show About The Downton~Abbey Characters Who Arrive in America! Oh Julian….. 🙂 xoxo Poof! 🙂
Yay, good work Angie. I have to do that too!
🙂
Congratulations to Karen! You’ll love the book. I bought it back in the ’70’s and absolutely love it. Tasha Tudor is another favorite of mine.
Great ending for Downtown Abbey. At least I didn’t cry my eyes out! Looking forward to Season 5 and what Julian has in store for his audience! I am so glad Edith is getting her baby girl back. I thought maybe Micheal would make an appearance being the last episode. Is he really dead or what? Did I miss something since she has power of attorney? Did they find the body? I didn’t think I missed anything but sure he is alive! At least I want him to be, Edith needs to be happy! I at first didn’t care for her but the last two seasons she has become a favorite. I still love the jabs between Isabelle and Violet! I laugh everytime they are together. I read a review before season 4 came out in Parade and they made the comment that she was mean! I don’t think she is mean she just says what she thinks and may the pieces fall where they may. I did love the part though where the gardener was accused and Isabelle came to tell her what was what. Violet beat her to the punch! Well have to go but I love your blog Susan, just like Downtown, can’t get enough of it!
Michael had Edith sign some papers just before he went to Germany but we didn’t know what they were until last night. We were afraid they were something bad because she didn’t seem to be looking at them very carefully. But he had full trust in her. He’s not dead yet. He was beat up by German “brown shirts” and that’s all I think we know. I love that the older a person is, the more acceptance there is with sarcasm and expression of personal likes (or dislikes) — gives us all something to look forward to!
Thanks Susan, now I remember her signing papers. I think that was the same night she stayed over. As an older person I still don’t think I will be as sharp as Julian has written these characters! I at first didn’t like Isabelle in the first couple of seasons but now I like her and Violet when they take a poke at each other.
The characters seem to change over time. I’m liking them all (most all) better all the time. Mary isn’t my favorite though, oddly enough, she hides her heart way too much for me. No, I would also never be as sharp as these two girls, that requires English wit! — but I could be pretty darn opinionated!
Greetings from Chiberia, Susan! (Chicago area) The ground is still frozen and there’s nothing popping up yet. And some poor robins who arrived early are desperately trying to find wormies in our frozen tundra lawn that is not covered by snow. You’re so lucky to see those snowdrops. Love the photo of the forget-me-nots. So cheerful, especially when it’s going to be below zero again tonight. Believe me, all of us in the frozen upper Midwest are learning patience this winter.
I know you people up there have really been hit with the snow. I can’t even imagine. At least down here we get small glimpses of the ground every so often! Stay warm, cook something lovely, go to the movies, take naps, and soon it will be over.
Congratulation to Karen…enjoy your special gift. Downton Abbey….I KNOW ! I loved every minute – favorite hat was Mary’s at the art gallery – and can’t believe we have to wait until January to see all our friends again….but like you said, we have a lot to look forward to and fill our minds with until then. Enjoy it all !!!
So beautiful and ethereal, that hat!
I loved DA.. I loved that it ended on such a lovely fresh..optimistic note..and loved the hats.
It’s funny..the beach scene…I have such a similar hat to Mrs.Patmore’s..Even Jacques said so.And we both said the beach..would be our fancied day off destination..instead of any museum:)
I have a dear friend.. the dearest kind..that wore a hat w/ a sparkle for this season finale:)All on her own.
I found a lamb mold available to Canada..I know how difficult it can be to ship..I checked to see about ordering from you..
So to save everyone concern..:)
I cannot wait to make your recipe for the wee ones this coming Easter.
I have printed up the recipe..thank you so much..
Cannot believe how fast your snow goes away..
Here..in Quebec..it lingers:)
The days are getting longer though and in about 11 days..we Spring forward with one extra hour of daylight and that always helps..
Happy daisy is staying..
And Paul Giamatti(sp?) is great in his role..Hope Madeleine writes..and writes..
Not in love w/ Branson’s new friend..there’s something about her..?
I think I just miss Sybil too much.
I like Isobel Crawley..a friend like her would be a gift.
Longing already for next season..
Agree with everything. Really do not like that new girl lurking around Tom! Much too judgmental in a negative way. Countesses can be nice too! (The dollar sign for a coat of arms? Please.)
I don’t like that new girl Tom’s been talking to, either!!!!
Mary S. in Fresno, CA
No, too presuming, too judgmental… and that bit about the dollar sign really got me. She needs to go meet that downstairs underbutler Thomas, they would be perfect for each other.
We’ve decided to watch the whole thing over again, soon as Seasons 1 & 4 show up in the mail. We have 2 and 3. We just have to have an extra dose of England. They don’t mention it much online in bios, but Julian Ovenden, who plays Charles Blake (pig expert, now, revealed as a very rich earl or something), played Andrew Foil in Foil’s War. His character was the son of Christopher Foil, the great, incorruptible, Chief Inspector, of the little seacoast town of Hastings during WWII. If you haven’t seen this before, see it soon. It’s a wonderful story and it breathes England in nearly every scene. We have lots of snow, again…..but it will not stay (hope, hope, fingers crossed). I loved Daisy’s darling pink dress and the straw hat with pink flowers on it for the beach scene. Mrs. Hughes may, yet, humanize Carson. Thomas is treading for another fall, don’t you think? And Mr. Mosley is turning into a real, loving person with a lot more confidence than before……I hope he knows he’s in love with her….. Thank you, Susan, for all the excitement and suspense of the drawing. Can’t wait for the next one. Such lovely prizes. Best ever……bye for now.
“Pig Expert” . . . LOL! I love our shorthand for who these people are.
Hello Susan! Congratulations Susan, you are a very lucky lady!!!! Do you know when the Forget-Me-Nots begin to bloom? My generous elderly neighbor down the street, let me dig up some of hers that were crowding other flowers in her front yard, and I never saw the blossom, until now! Can’t wait to see them flowering! And, each and every time I pass by my cookbook collection, I smile at the sight of A Fine Romance (top shelf on it’s side) each and every time!!!!!! You are our “sunshine” Susan Branch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They are spring bloomers, it just sort of depends on when it gets warm where you are. Thank you Carilyn, you are my sunshine too!
speaking of your book, was visiting my favorite paper store here and we were discussing your book. the store owner is a big Beatrix Potter fan and has collected for years. she has also tried contacting your publisher about carrying the your book in her store. she is waiting to hear back. she is not sure who to contact. any advice?
thanks for all the spring references and photos.. it will be all the more special after such a winter !
She can order from regular book distributors, Ingrams or Baker & Taylor … or she can order direct from the publisher by emailing [email protected] Thank you Patti! Oh! Yes, we also sell them wholesale from the studio, if she wants, she can contact [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/
Congratulations Karen!
I agree with the fact we’ve all won…what fun reading through the posts.
Thank you Susan for starting the whole thing!
I was so thrilled today to see that “Bunny” banners were ready. Have already ordered three.
Will send two to the closest ladies in my life. Can spring be far behind?
I am trying so hard to be gracious, since Vanna didnt pick me….CONGRATULATIONS Karen !!
Good job Bernie! xoxo
Congratulations Karen! Susan, you must have eye strain reading so many comments but I know you love your giveaways as much as we do. The 20’s are my absolute favorite era for fashion so I am loving Downton right now. Not that I wasn’t loving it before! Mary has worn that light blue dress with the white French knots or beading a few times and I just love it. The decor at the festival was sooo pretty and I just want to put pendant garland everywhere!! I’m jazzing up the house for Spring and I think that might be just the thing.
After Mary’s wedding I found white bunting on etsy and got a lot of it for my back yard. I loved the town they drove through strung with it. When we were in England, during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, every little village high street was strung back and forth, back and forth, with Union Jack Bunting (and so was London). Fluttering and blowing, it made every town a festival.
That’s a good idea. White or pastel bunting would be pretty strung in the back yard and garden for no reason other than it’s so pretty.
Looks great against the green in summer, with the house that’s white — it’s my own little town of Grantham!
Perfect!
Happy Day to Karen for her win. We all know she will enjoy the lamb and the book. How lovely for her.
How lovely you are for always thinking of the rest of us. I am always so tempted to send you treasures, but remember your request for us to resist that temptation. But I know if all of your girlfriends sent gifts, there would be no room for you to play elastic bands with Jack, a place for Joe to sit or room for you to write or paint. That would be a tragedy. Just know we love you and would love to spoil you.
Hip Hip Hooray for Downton Abbey. You summed it up perfectly.
Much love and bunny hugs,
Shirley
Hooray for Karen and thanks to you and Vanna!
Funny how we love Downton, knowing that my grandmother was a maid in the house of the mayor of Cleveland a long time ago makes it especially interesting to me.
I find it of interest, as well, that you, Susan, kissed your book, because this very morning I kissed the mug that I got at the British Library several years back, loving the memories.
Keep us enchanted, April will come soon.
I have stood in the door jambs of my house and then kissed the wood. What is it with us and love? xoxo
I just can’t believe this season of Downton is already over and know my husband is even more sad than I am. But I loved your review, savoring all the photos you’ve shared. I was worried Daisy was headed to America as well and am very glad she isn’t. As for laying on the frozen ground to get that shot of the snow drops — it’s far more glamorous than having to lie on the floor to retrieve my dog’s ball for the 10th time in a morning! Thank you for this happy place — it truly brings a smile to my face as I read.
I am a dust mop for Jack’s rubber bands. A dust mop wielding a wooden yard stick crawling around trying to retrieve his hidden rubber band booty from behind dressers and hutches. In case anyone out there thinks I live some sort of movie star life, which I think even movie stars do this exact same thing, so maybe I do!
LOL!! try locating and retrieving Midnight’s mousy toy, its his own personal teddy bear, goes everywhere with him and when he loses it, I have to find it. if this the glamorous life, I hate to see what the poor folks do…. LOL!!!!!!
I so love that you are a real person! That is why we feel the Love you so Generously give thtough your books and art, and sweet words of encouragement. I can just imagine Jack gettig so excited whe he sees you with the yard stick. It just tickles me to watch my kitties light up when the hubby gets ous out and takes the bottom part of the fridge off and pulls out bajillions of rubber bands, neon colored mousers, little bits of scrap paper wadded up into kitty projectiles and bouncy balls. The bouncy balls are the best because they hop like bunnies as the ball bounces on the floor each time until the have stopped the thing and start playing soccar between themselves. You are lucky Jack is such a good retriever!
He does! Just like yours, Jack’s eyes light up when I come in with the yardstick — he loves it when I get down there with the dust bunnies and find his treasures for him!
Hahahahaha!! I use a wooden yardstick, also, to retrieve my kitties’ toy mice from under things! 😀
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Susan, just wanted to let you know that our local PBS affiliate here in Houston puts on a show after every Downton episode that I love and I’m sure you will too if they go national next year as predicted. It’s called Manor of Speaking and the NY Times did a piece on them this past Sunday. You can read about it here: nytimes.com/2014/02/23/us/lets-talk-a-bit-more-about-bates-and-anna.html?_r=0
I love all that you do!
That looks fun! Thank you Barbara!
Congrats to Karen for being a winner. I know she will love using the lamb mold and will think of you everytime she uses it. Also thank you for my new pen pal. I am enjoying getting emails from my pen pal Linda from California. It is so nice to see flowers poking their heads out of the ground. In my area, Suburbs of Chicago we have so much snow on the ground that I know it will be a long time before we can see dirt. Spring can’t get here soon enough for me.
Thank you all for your wonderful comments. I can not wait to make a lamb cake with my 8yr.old daughter. We are both so very happy to have won such a wonderful gift. I have never won anything before and this is such a treat. Thank you again.
Hi Karen! I’m so happy to see you here . . . I was wondering how old your daughter was — you two are going to have so much fun! Joe took your lamb cake mold and Kitchen Garden book to the PO and mailed it about three hours ago. Enjoy! xoxo from everyone!
Hi Karen , I’m happy to see that the wise and insightful Vanna selected
a winner , such as yourself , with the interest and impetus and an eight year old daughter to enjoy making the Lamb Cake together for this upcoming Easter ….. Congratulations and Godspeed and don’t forget the internal supports for the head and ears….Blogdaddy!
Congratulations to you and your daughter, Karen! ENJOY!
Karen, you are the perfect person to win the lamb cake pan and cookbook. With an eight year old, you are going to have so much fun baking together! ♥
Hi Susan. We have just started watching season 4 of Downton Abbey here in Australia. Is that the season that you are watching now. Isn’t it the best show ever? I have been trying for ages to get your books here especially A Fine Romance. I guess I will just have to order it overseas. Could you speak to your book distributors and see if they could get some books to us down under.I have noticed that you have a few Aussie followers,we would love to get your books. After a very long and hot summer we are heading into Autumn(Fall) my favourite time of the year and I guess you are looking forward to some warmer weather,enjoy. Judith.
Yes, wow, they do sort of scatter it around. England got Season Four last year, we got it this year, and now it’s your turn. I hope I didn’t tell too much. But you are in for a joyful season, it’s so well done. Get your girlfriends to come together after each episode because the hashing-over is almost as good as the show itself! And remember, you can always talk about it with us! No one here will mind reliving it a bit!
Your Australian book and gift stores can buy my books from the same places we do. Ingram and Baker & Taylor are both distributors. If you go to your bookstore and ask for it and tell them to order it through American distributors, they can do that (and I would be forever grateful). It’s just hard to get a book known everywhere, but word of mouth is what does it.
Happy Fall Judith!
Karen will love this book! I realized I had a copy I must have purchased many years ago, so I put it back out on my shelf. Didn’t know then it would become a treasure.
Downton Abbey is also a treasure. I will miss that show until it returns for the next season – that seems so far away! Mrs. Hughes & Carson was the sweetest scene they could have made. Never too late for a little romance…….
Oh my heart! I was happily reading the blog, absorbing every little remembrance of last week’s Downton Abbey then scrolled to the page and saw “Karen!” My heart skipped a couple beats! Not for me is it but CONGRATS to another fellow Karen P!! So happy for you and your daughter!
Oh the costumes! The handsome suitors for Mary! The scene at the beach was so precious! Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes holding hands in the sea! All too glorious! Such a gift is Downton Abbey!
I always feel bad, there is more than one Karen! I know that, but what’s a girl to do??
Write the name –last name first! How Librarian-ish would that be?!
AHA. Or go Miss so and so … and then the first name. Good idea, hope I remember it for next time!
I am surprised that I haven’t seen a comment about the article in Victoria Magazine about the costumers for Downton Abbey and the pages of fabulous dresses followed by the article on period hats–just beautiful!
I haven’t seen that issue . . . is it older or is it out now, because if it’s out now, I’m off to the bookstore!
The Victoria Mag., with Downton fashions, is Jan-Feb issue. You may be able to find it but the next issue is coming out now!
I’ll go look for it!
Good for you, Karen! Thanks for cheering us up, Susan. Feeling sad that Downton has ended and cheered right up after reading your hilarious blog. Could picture you laying on the cold ground taking that picture. Is Vanna a real person or is this your wonderful imagination. I could picture everything you said about her so clearly and had a good laugh. You made my day! You’re the best. xx00
She’s not real, she’s named after Vanna White. We needed a game show mistress to help with our drawings. I’ve started to love her. . . she’s such a good dresser and knows just how to pamper herself. xoxo Thank you Jeanie!
Congrats Karen! What fun you will have with the super directions from Susan making that sweet lamb.
Susan, you rascal….your Dad taught you well….the suspense…stringing us along:)…..and along….and along! Ha, reminds me of your tales of your Dad telling stories! I am drowning my sorrows with animal crackers dipped in nutella:)))
Thought the last show of Downton was good. I really loved Mrs. Crowley’s hats and clothes – grays? I will have to watch it again to peruse the details you have pointed out:)) ttfngf judi (ta ta for now girlfriend:)
Love how you drown your sorrows! Very original! I think if someone started a clothing shop that sold Downton clothes (mixed with the outfits from Out of Africa) they would have to give people numbers to get in! If I was 25, that is exactly what I would do. Heavy linen. Oooooo.
Indeed! Linen! No tight waist lines! I love the visual juxtaposition of the Dowager’s Victorian dresses and Mrs. Crawley’s more current lines. Loved Rose’s necklace that carried a bauble both in front and back, accenting a low back view (scene in Mary’s bedroom). I would love to see today’s oh-so-tight, form-fitting fashion to be influenced by DA!
🙂
What a marvelous way to announce the winner! Too fun 🙂 Congratulations Karen – what a great prize to win!!! Enjoy!
Con-
Congratulations Karen! You and your daughter are going to have so much fun together!!! Blessings!!! Donna (Idaho)
Historic moment as I just finished “A Fine Romance” and I loved – loved it. I want to try the recipes – 6 if you count the grilled brie sandwich which I have never had one of those.
Thank you so much for your special gift of writing and your fun style – not to mention your art and photos!
Bernideen
Thank you Bernideen … I do feel like that book is my baby, and who doesn’t love a person who likes her baby??? xoxoxo
Congratulations, Karen. Eight years old – perfect age for baking in the kitchen with mom. Have fun!
Congratulations to Karen—may she feel like a princess upon receiving it!! xoxo
Joann in Colorado
Snowdrops! You are sooooo lucky. They are saying more snow for next Monday. 🙁
Enjoy them.
Oh my! So much to say…. Yeah Karen!! Enjoy! Such fun here today!
Yes! So glad we’re talking “Downton” today! Oh… the dresses & hats were amazing. I’ve enjoyed the slow progression of style change since the beginning of the series. This last episode has to win awards for costumes. I think our modern culture is way under dressed these days. We should wear a few more dresses, or more “girly” type pant outfits. And this winter I’ve learned gloves can be wonderful again. Don’t get me started on Edwardian jewelery! Just beautiful.
I ordered the gardening book last week (just in case). We are planning a new veggie/herb garden this year, so will add it to my reading. You have such good ideas (sort of like Oprah’s yearly list of best things only for real people– like us). ttfn friends
I was imagining a few years ago that there would be a comeback for gloves, especially in cities, because of all the new and exciting germs we are manufacturing these days! Still waiting to see that!
purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2014/2/23/mollys-sketchbook-purl-sohos-little-lamb-finger-puppets.html
Congrats to Karen!
How can we wait a whole year for the next installment of D.A?!
And Lady S. the above project is right up your alley…. so cute.
I’m going to go back and watch the first two seasons. That’s how I will make it. I barely remember them and I’m sure there are lots of interesting details I’ve missed.
I have all 4 seasons on DVD now, and my husband and I are going to start from the beginning and watch them all again! I can hardly wait!!
Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
I’m so happy it’s a Mom and daughter winning the giveaway, something to share and remember forever. Have fun Karen baking AND reading the book. 🙂
Me too, can imagine the cuteness.
But did the ticket really burn up? I’m so afraid mean old Thomas is going to find it….:( I love Downton Abbey!! Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a group that could watch it together while drinking tea…………..hats mandatory! Love your blog as usual…..sending you warm spring thoughts!
Ohhhh, you have wicked imagination, Lisa. YES! It burnt to a crisp! 🙂 I don’t know. But that Thomas… whooooo, I think they are going to make him SO evil that when he gets his just deserts, a cheer and glad tidings will reverberate all over the world! Lurking in the hallway spying on our dear Tom. (BTW, I’m not wild about that girl he’s taken up with. eek.)
Oh yes, if anyone ‘goes’ it should be that Thomas – such a wicked, wicked man! As good as Julian Fellows is in writing this – I think he could take a page from Agatha Christie (Murder on the Orient Express) and make Thomas’ demise one where every member of the caste THINKS they did him in……and they won’t feel the least bit of remorse either!
Oh, I’m so awful for wishing that character would be gone in a ghastly manner – but I realize that for all the good in the world, there is the bad – and he definitely is the bad – and we have to live with it as best we can!
No I agree, it will be fun to see him go. Not like poor Matthew which was so hideous. Or if he sent Daisy away, that would be bad.
Hooray for Karen – your lucky day! Enjoy. Love the Vanna drama!
Congrats to Karen!
Great job reliving that closing episode, Susan – it was wonderful, wasn’t it? And the American guy on Downton was not a butler but a valet – which he pronounced the American way, “val-LAY” and not the British way, “VAL-it.”
I’m very jealous of your snowdrops. We’re about to set a new record for cold this week in the Chicago area – sometimes we get snowdrops March 1st, more often a week or so later, but I don’t think we’ll see them this year until late March. Bleh.
That’s right, could not think of what he was. I liked him. Open and innocent. Says anything to anyone! My kind of guy!
I like him, too!! Very cute and sweet!
Mary S. in Fresno, CA
Not very English, wasn’t going to fit in, but cute!
Love Downton, loved today’s post. But I still can’t get this backyard visual out of my head “I laid flat on my stomach for this one, a lovely whale-like sight in giant old leather jacket…..” LOL
I’m sorry Kathy! Wipe your mind clean, meditate,ohmmmmm. Cleaning out boxes and things last night, ran into the newspaper article with you and me in it from all those years ago. We were babies!
And my boy was a baby then and he will be graduating from college in May. Where did the time go?
We were too busy having fun to notice! 🙂
Congratulations to you, Karen! Have fun making your lamb cake with your daughter. 8 years old – great age for baking with Mom! Susan, I tried buying a lamb cake mold and they’re out of stock. Will you be getting any more in soon? I really wanted to make one for Easter this year. Hope you’ll be getting more inventory! Thanks.
That’s almost shocking. I can’t believe we’d be out this soon. I wrote Sheri to find out if there was a glitch, but if they’re gone, I’m sure more are on the way!
Thanks, Susan. I’ll keep a watch to see when they come in!
I checked, they are on the way.
Hi Sue,
Just in the last two weeks I have become OBSESSED with Downton Abbey! I had never watched it before….until my classroom aide tuned me in, and I have watched 3 1/2 seasons in the last 2 weeks!
So I could not read your above DA comments or risk ruining my remaining episodes. I’m going to jump to Upstairs, Downstairs for a ’70’s version of DA until Season 5 begins!
Enjoy your snow. We are hoping for a good storm this weekend in Big Bear…while I’m in Seal Beach!
Hugs,
Sharon
Once you start you’re hooked. I think the hashing-it-over later is what makes it even more fun! Have a wonderful party on Sunday — hug all the girls for me!
Love your blog ! Anyone who goes out into the cold to take a picture on the freezing ground of Snowdrops is my Hero! You are truly enjoying life !
It’s the little things in life! 🙂
Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson holding hands. I loved it!!!!! I just caught up and loved the last episode. No one died and Mr. Bates saved the day. What could be better. I love this show and can’t wait for the next season. *sigh* On a happier note congrats Karen Powell!! I’m sure your Lamb cake will turn out delish!
Oh and I agree the hats were the best!
I think Julian Fellowes (the writer of Downton) learned his “killing characters” lesson after last year. I understand he got tons of angry letters! It’s funny in a way … he must have been shocked!
I just love that you get down on your tummy to take photos to share with us girlfriends. 🙂
Love You!
Happy Think Spring ~ Carla
Up close and personal with the frozen tundra and the newest almost leafy green things growing. I actually like it down there, it has a very nice smell — camera is just an excuse! 🙂
Susan: I have never watched Downton Abbey. I think by the time I realized it was on and heard all the “buzz”, I had already missed several seasons and didn’t want to start unless it was at the beginning. I am such a big fan of anything PBS and a big fan of past series: Upstairs/Downstairs, Masterpiece Theater, Brideshead Revisited (probably my favorite to date), etc. etc. I am planning to go to my Library and get the DVD’s starting with Season 1. But in the meantime, I do love seeing the pictures with the clothing, hats, shoes and hearing about the adventures of the various characters. I’m sure once I start watching, I’ll love it. And since it won’t be back again until next winter, I’ll have plenty of time to catch up! It is freezing here too. Rumors of another snowstorm abound – this time maybe Sunday into Monday. There is still plenty of snow around in big piles, and icy roads, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots. The boots and flats have gotten a workout this winter. No heels for this lady lately, that’s for sure… So it was so nice to see the picture of those lovely Forget-Me-Nots! Thank you for the beautiful glimpse of Spring!
From the other programs you mentioned, there’s no doubt you’re going to love Downton. I want to go back and see the first two seasons again myself. Next January, you’ll be all ready to oooh and aaaah with the rest of us!
Karen, you and your daughter will have to send in a picture when you bake in it so we can see the finished product! Congratulations!
I love your homely blog and yet the sheer number of comments puts me off adding yet another! However, since I bought your book: “A Fine Romance”, I wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying it! I love all your drawings and how you see England through American eyes! I’m glad you enjoyed your time there so much.
I’m English, but I’ve been living in Switzerland for many years. I return to my home country as often as I can. I come from the Oxfordshire area and beautiful Cotswolds!
I appreciate your kind words Sandra! You are so lucky to live near home — in both countries. Thank you for writing, happy spring!
LOL, Susan! You are not a whale!!! Thank you for the Downton Abbey commentary. I don’t know HOW I will make it until next year!
You feel like a whale sticking up on the frozen tundra! 🙂
Congratulations to your lucky winner Karen! Yay! Susan, you would love it here today. The sun is shining! In our garden the red stalks of the rhubarb are growing up as it’s leaves uncrinkle and unfurl . . . the birds are picking up bits of straw and carrying it into the hedgerows which border our whole back garden (I must remember to leave out some yarn clippings so that they can weave them into their nests as well), the gold fish in our pond are coming back to life after their winter’s sleep (all of them have survived this winter, yay!) and I don’t think it will be long before the daffodils begin to bob their pretty yellow heads. Hooray for dry weather at last! Oh, and the pink blossom on our camelia bush by the front door is prancing and dancing. Can the Forsythia be far behind? I think not! Spring is springing or at least getting ready to. I fear that March is going to come in like a lamb, but after the winter we have had I am more than ready for it!
My BFF’s English mom Maisie used to say we should clean our hairbrushes and let the “tousles” float outside in the wind for the birds to make nests of.
What a lovely thought! I love it!
Me too, being a part of a bird’s house! We’re all connected! 🙂
🙂
Wonderful to see the photo of the snow drop pushing their way into bloom! We still have over a foot of snow own the ground and it is -1 degree here in Maine this morning! Love this blog and all the comments it generates! It is like having a lovely group of friends in for tea each time it arrives! Stay cozy everyone and think spring!!
Wonderful to see the snowdrops – with that picture (and the birds in the bird bath) I think we should declare that the groundhog was wrong – spring IS here – just in little bits and pieces!
I read other reviews of Downton – but none have the ‘flavor’ of your insights. In particular, you comment about what people ‘say’ with their eyes and expressions instead of words.
Sometimes I wonder what those other reviewers were watching because they grind on about negative things to the point where I stop reading……..one person even wanted to kill off Bates! They think he pushed the rapist to his death, etc. Oh please – get real!
While Bates may have ‘learned’ a few things in prison (forging, how to pick pockets, etc.) I don’t think the physical act of murder was one of them. Let’s just say that he may have been “responsible”. I mean if he was on the street and approached that guy – a look from Bates would have sent him running into the street in fear of his life! And well, we know how that ended! Besides, how would the rest of the family get out of all their sticky little messes if it wasn’t for Bates? 🙂
And yes, I LOVE how Mrs. Hughes and the stuffy but loveable Mr. Carson are FINALLY getting together – I admire Mr. Carson and his values and his dedication – but he needs to loosen up just a little bit from time to time – and Mrs. Hughes is going to help him do that – I just know it!
And yes, I LOVED those champagne glasses too – I’d put my morning smoothie in one of them – what an extra treat that would be! 🙂 🙂
Get real is right! Bates is a doll and a wonderful husband to Anna. He’s had his troubles (mostly not of his own making), but he stood by Lord Grantham in the war. LOL, “a look from Bates would have sent him running into the street!” I bet that’s exactly how it happened! That look in Bates eye when he figured out that guy was the one, oooo, scared me on the other side of the TV screen. And he’s not a little guy either. Pink smoothie in etched crystal champagne glass works for me, Rosanna! Have a wonderful day!
Hi, Susan! I have been a fan of yours since before blogs. But, YAY!–now I can enjoy your beautiful work/play? in another form. I am re-reading all of your blog entries and Williards from the beginning. How I’m doing it is I am going back to February, March, and April entries and reading those again now and savoring every word, image, and quote–to get me into that hopeful spring frame of mind. I send these quotes to my husband to brighten his day, as well. His office is down the hallway from mine in our home. As each season arrives I will read the next entries to get me in the summer frame of mind, etc. You are such a gift. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your world with us. By the by, I live in Brown’s Summit, NC. Hello, NC girlfriends!!
Hi Kim, so nice to meet you! Welcome to the neighborhood!
Congratulations to Karen!! I was able to order a book on Amazon which I am quite excited about. Now on to Downton Abby, those photo recaps were perfect. The ongoing friendship between Violet and Isobel is so entertaining. I have really grown to love them both for their common sense and generous hearts, albeit expressed very differently. I do worry about Edith. She has shown strength in the face of rejection. How difficult it must have been in her day always under the shadow of the popular Mary and her suitors. Foolish me had high hopes that maybe Michael would be a winner, but apparently his strategy for German citizenship went awry in the face of the political chaos following WWI. And Daisy! I love that Mr. Mason loves her and encourages her to move forward in her life while offering her an inheritance. And Ms Patmore’s sweet moments lately with Daisy over the whole Alfred turmoil!
Julian Fellows has written some amazing characters and developed them in ways that continue to pull on my heart strings. But that last seen with Carlson and Ms Hughes=THE BEST!
The best!