Of course our blog is wearing green today, it would not like to be pinched! But I am now on my fourth try to write a new post! The first three failed because important memories or perfect descriptions have been crashing into my best intentions demanding to be added to the new book before I forgot them. I will try my best to stay focused here! This will help . . . MUSICA made in heaven. First a little something to make your mouth water . . .
Happy Saint Patricks Day Everyone! How’s it going for you so far? I don’t know if you have a special something you like to make in honor of the day, but this ↑ is our favorite recipe for stew. It’s very different, it has raisins! 
And orange juice! And cayenne! And nutmeg of all things! That’s because I got my hands on it, and thought, those creative Irish, they would forgive me for messing around with their stew. Yummy, egg noodles, with butter. Yes.
I know, it says Irish and the only potato is a sweet potato and there’s no Guinness but I would wager you (and that is Irish) that the flavor of this stew will make you jump up to do your own version of Riverdance, from happiness.
For more wonderful Irish things that don’t make total sense to us go HERE and laugh. And HERE, for a wee taste o’ some things that make Ireland so wonderful. And here’s to a day of love and blessed luck for you all! ♣
Had to show you Jack this morning! He is in a very feisty mood. Jack is never in any danger of getting pinched on St. Patricks Day because . . .
. . . he brings his green with him wherever he goes, he is always Wearin’ the Green.
He knows what the camera is now, because he makes me chase him around and he rarely holds still anymore . . .
I get the camera and he begins to jump about or roll around so it’s difficult to focus on him. I have to take LOTS of pictures before I can get one that isn’t totally blurred into oblivion . . . It’s those green eyes I love so much.
He gets bored with me very quickly though . . . Get that thing out of my face, he yawns . . . (and please, WOMAN, stop kissing me, I am BEGGING you. You’re messing with my DIGNITY.)
Or else I will just leave. Very spoiled, very sure of himself.
So I say, OK, be that way, and go into the kitchen to get my newest Gladys Taber Newsletter to show you. I wanted you to remember that third thing down, in case you’re interested, and remind you to make your plans because I would love to see you there. ♥
I was trying to show you the article in the Newsletter about the Reunion where I will be speaking and signing copies of A Fine Romance, but of course the minute I don’t pay 100% attention to him, he is back. Now he wants to play! I take it any way I can get it. Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets . . .
And Lola wants to drape himself on just the parts I would like you to see . . .
I hope lots of you are already a member of the Friends of Gladys Taber? She has been one of my favorite authors for a long time. The quarterly newsletters are always delightful, interesting, informative, fun and evocative, I save them … ↑ here are a few of them from years past. If you’d like to read more about Gladys Taber, find out how to become a member of her fan club, or get better information about the Reunion in June (and tour her house Stillmeadow), I did a post about her HERE and put the dates and times at the bottom.
I finally got the Newsletter out from under Lola and on top of him. He took it rather well before he tore out of the room and up the back stairs. Like a nut.
Let’s see … oh yes, well! I asked my little-old tea-leaves blender for something Cinnamony and Green for spring, and preferably Caffein Free and they sent me a few packets, some more cinnamony than the others, some more flowery, but I think they got it just right with this one . . . it has body and balanced flavor and smells wonderful . . .
Only three more days until the first official day of spring.♥ Last night after dinner, I sat in front of the fire (because spring-schming around here is the real truth) with a cup of my new Spring Tea and read my Newsletter and I almost didn’t care that it was 28 degrees. (Ridiculous.)
I also made us some “Celebrating Spring” cards (2nd row from top) that can be used as Greetings cards for spring or Earth Day, as postcards or Easter Dinner invitations, or even recipe cards — they’re lined on both sides, are 4″ x 6″ on nice, heavy, uncoated card stock and come in sets of 25. Happy Spring!
Even if there is no spring (yet) at your house, I can’t tell you how lovely it is to read about a New England Springtime through the eyes and heart of Gladys Taber. I think this is my favorite of her books, probably because it was my first, but also because it takes you through every month and each season of the year. Especially good if you can’t make it to the Friends Reunion for Gladys Taber, this is a little
because I am going to sign this lovely book to the lucky one of you whose name is drawn as the winner of this vintage copy (in almost brand new condition) of this out-of-print title published in 1976. Oh yes! I found it on a back shelf in a dark corner of a group antique mall on our trip across country and have saved it for today. Just leave me a comment and you will be automatically entered.
One Last Thing, almost a PS: There are always lots of fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s day, delicious recipes, lots of parades, prayers at church, and bagpipe music; they even dye the Chicago River green. But for those of you that would like a more sober look at a piece of Irish history, this lovely MUSICA is practically an Irish National Anthem. There was a story this Sunday in the New York Times … my girlfriend Lowely (Finnerty) from two doors over, brought some of her famous (still warm!) Irish Soda Bread to help Joe and I celebrate this morning. We smeared it with butter and ate it while we 
read the article and listened to the words of this song together. Then we cried. I felt like I wanted to add something meaningful to the celebration, so here you go ~ it’s history we never want to forget. (Spoiler alert: I must say I don’t agree with those that would politicize this subject as was done with this article, just so you know. There is nothing political about hunger and the story is important; as my mom used to say, there is a difference between right and wrong. I try and think about it the way St. Patrick would wish for me to do and toss in a bit of common sense for luck ♣. We can’t change the past but as Oprah put it so perfectly, “We did then what we knew how to do; now that we know better, we do better.”) Blessings to us all dearest Girlfriends. XOXO (Don’t forget to leave your comment for Best of Stillmeadow!♥)
BACK TO BOOK WRITING . . .
Susan, I have read a few of Gladys’ books (but not this one). I sure would love to win this wonderful gift from you.
I would love to win that book ~ I have never read anything by Gladys Taber!
Gladys helped me cope with some difficult times in my life. It brings tears to my eyes when I think of her and Stillmeadow.
pick me! pick me! 😉
Your Irish Stew recipe sounds wonderful! I will have to give it a try. I know my husband would love it!
Happy Spring to you! It sure doesn’t feel like it here, but the crocus and daffodils are doing their best to usher it in.
Love & Hugs,
Terry
Gladys Tabor – One of my mom’s favorites. I found several of her books when going through her stuff, but not the one you list. It looks very intriguing. I hope spring is included in her book! Here in Michigan, spring is a distant memory. I’ll be heading out to get some parsnips for the stew soon – the produce guy says they were “not on the truck this week.” I LOVE parsnips.
I remember when I snuck them into some stew when my girls were small, and they said “what are those white things in there.” Thanks for being you!
Hi Joanne,
Just wanted to let you know that while reading your post the thought of your “spring is a distant memory” statement caused my heart to speak loudly to me in saying; “Doreen, send that girlfriend a post and tell her not to look at is as a distant memory but to envision it as a dream of tomorrow.” Joanne, I’m hoping you took the time to read the Gladys Tabor books you found amongst your mother’s belongings. What a wonderful thing to be able to share. The words of a wonderfully wise woman. Your heart will speak to your mother’s heart in the thoughts and memories they awaken while reading them. How lucky are you to have those wonderful belongings of your mom’s to behold and enjoy today! Have a wonderful week. FOSB 4~Ever! ~ Doreen ~
Well, Doreen, you are so sweet to respond to my post! I am a winter/Michigan lover – normally. This is a bit of overkill – there are ice jams in the village, and I’m surrounded by hungry deer. BUT, this week is sunny, and on this first day of spring the birds woke me, and the sun is shining. Yes. I love going through my mom’s books. She had a book shop in her home but couldn’t bear to sell some favorites when she sold out. So, any that had scraps of napkins, newspaper, or who knows what stuck in as markers, I HAD to investigate first. I am today knee deep in sorting all my favorites, and not getting rid of a whole lot.. Not to worry, I will be keeping an eye out for the first sign of my little white snowdrops by the front porch. I suspect I will be tempted to give them a kiss!
Doreen and Joanne,
This is just another wonderful example why this is such a wonderful place! Hope spring is just around the corner…the calendar says it’s here!
FOSB!
From the dry lands of Teaxs.
We are in Michigan, too and Spring IS a distant memory!!!!!!! Three inches away from most snowfall here EVER…. BLAAAAAAH!!!!! #going crazy#losing what is left of our minds#can’t take it anymore!!!!!
Ps… That pic of Jack’s legs on your papers cracks me up… Too funny!!!
Wow! Love Gladys Tabor… Thanks so much for the lovely giveaway.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for your slice of heaven blogs! I so love them 🙂 You’ve introduced me to Gladys Taber and I did find one of her books at our used book store – The Book of Stillmeadow. It was wonderful! Another would be SO wonderful!
Crossing my fingers 🙂 Happy dance!
Thanks Susan,
Lynn
I tried to get this book at my library just yesterday and they didn’t have ANY books by Gladys! Not a one. I would be thrilled if Vanna pulled my name out of the hat. Will have to try inter library loan. Wish me luck. Thanks for always cheering us up Susan. You are so special.
Your posts and pictures always brighten my day, and this one was especially needed! Oh, and I think you should consider letting Jack have his own blog; that adorable face and his witty remarks would be an instant hit. =^..^=
Up here in Canada, we still have giant snowbanks on the sides of the roads and driveways. A bit of Spring in the mail from Susan would be SO very welcome and bring that long awaited season closer. Keep up the wonderful and inspiring work Susan.
I’m a little late for all of this St. Patty’s Day delightfulness, but just discovered it! We had a wonderful Corned Beef and Steamed Cabbage and Roasted Potato and Carrot dinner for the day. Plus, I made some yummy Irish Soda Bread! It was all so good that we ate it again on the 18th!
I’ve only read one of Gladys Taber’s books thus far, but I am so glad I discovered her here on your blog. I would love to see that little book up on my book shelf, next to A Fine Romance; but along with all the others who would like it on their book shelf, I realize it’s a long shot. I’m not even Irish, so there goes the luck, but I can still anticipate seeing it there until I know for sure! 🙂
I love ANYTHING
Oh good Tina , now we know who wins the Alligator !
Thanks for the laugh, Jack! It’s been a tough week and you made me laugh out loud and cheered me up.
I find myself looking for your comments as well. Your comment about an alligator as a gift reminded me of the movie “Glory Road” where the basketball coach gets selected to coach a college team in El Paso, Texas. They have lodging in one of the dorms and as they are shown their new living quarters the coach’s little boy looks up at the ceiling and sees a stuffed full-size alligator and with big eyes and mouth dropped open says “WOW” when he sees the alligator.
Glad you are a part of Susan’s blog. 🙂 Have an absolutely awesome day! 🙂
I love ANYTHING written by Gladys Taber, this book would be such a treasure to have! Signs of Spring are here in New Hampshire, Daffodils coming up, the Red Wing Blackbirds are back and singing too. I love the way Gladys describes the Spring in her writings. She’s always a comfort & inspiration to read. Happy Spring to you Susan, and thank you for the opportunity to win a lovely book!
What a wonderful book! Would love to look at all the wonderful pages.
As a young married woman with three small children, i read and reread Gladys’ column in the woman’s magazine I squeezed into the budget at the grocery. I grew up in a rural environment, and reading of Stillmeadow reminded my of my childhood. I love reading all the info on Beatrix Potter and her surroundings in your column. I always hoped to visit some close English friends who live in Cheshire and get to explore that part of England. My late Irish husband was so excited when our only son was born on St. Patrick’s Day.
I would love to read an old vintage book in a bubble bath!
Thanks to you Susan when you mentioned Gladys Taber on your blog a while back, I’ve been a member of the Friends of Gladys Taber club for 2 years now and love it! I had never read any of her books before but after I found my first one, I only had to read a few paragraphs to become another one of her devoted fans. I have found a couple of her books here and there but haven’t been lucky enough yet to find The Best of Stillmeadow, so if my name gets picked and I win your book, I’d be thrilled! Your Irish stew recipe sounds delicious, I’m definitely going to have to try that. Happy belated St. Patrick’s Day to you, Joe and kitties. Hugs from Sharon XXOO
Loved the St. Patrick’s day post. My mother’s family(both sides) came straight from Ireland. I love the Irish. I have red hair and my grandson got it too! I am going to try that Irish stew recipes. I’m so glad it had beef and now lamb in it. We raised sheep and I have never eaten lamb, and never will! I love them so much. Gladys Taber is such a favorite of mine. I have many of her books and just love her down to earth and the kind way she lived life. I am looking forward to your new book. I have almost every one of yours. You had me from just looking at the covers, before I ever even read the first word! I knew I would love it. I hope our Spring comes soon. In the northeast we are really having a time getting rid of old man winter.
Mary Jane
Can’t wait for your new book and can’t wait to see you at Stillmeadow in June!
Susan, you are the high point of my weekends. I wait until then to catch up on your blog and your kitties, then turn my attention to weekend chores and the demands of my own two furrballs — tuxedoes named Jet-Boy and Ollie. You, cats, and the weekend…it doesn’t get much better than that! From another Sue.
So glad the book is flowing out of you. Looking forward to reading it. In the meantime, I’d love to read the Gladys Taber book.
Love the Jack pictures. What a cutie!
I have been a big fan of Gladys Taber for years and would love to have a copy of her book signed by you!
St Patty’s Day was always big at our house because Daddy claimed to be A LOT Irish but it was all said and told, he turned out to have Scottish blood! We then lost SWEET MOM on St. Patty’s Day in 2004 and suddenly that day was about remembering her instead of Daddy. Funny quirks of life.
And yes, I am certainly going to mark my calendar and try make it to meet you in June!!! How exciting……Gladys Taber….woot, woot,woot!!!!!!!!!!!!
Susan, love your blog read it as much as possible. Would also love to read Gladys Tabor book! PS love Jack too, we just adopted a kitten he is wonderful !
A new kitty, how wonderful for you!
Hi Susan,
I joined the Gladys Taber organization and waiting for the newsletters. I cannot wait to get them. I was going to write you and ask which book you would recommend to read first. I wrote to the organization and they said any of them would do. What are your thoughts? I would like to attend the CT event, but waiting for the newsletter to come.
I just send out several e-mails to friends about your book A Fine Romance. I enjoyed it immensely and keep returning to it. Your entire trip is a dream for me. I hope I can do it one day.
You cat Jack reminds of my first cat that I had named Tabby. She live to be 21 years old and she was so sweet. I miss her dearly. Finally, I am sending SPRING your way! It is slowly coming her, we had 53 degrees today. Yippee! Thanks for the Irish Stew recipe, cannot wait to make it. Have a great day, Cathy
Gladys wrote a couple of books about her cat Amber, maybe you should start there? Amber, a Very Personal Cat, and Conversations with Amber ~ but they are right, I think you’ll be happy with any of them. She was such an animal lover, among many other things, and stories about them are woven throughout every book. Just so you know, I think they are starting to run out of space for the Reunion. Hope this helps Cathy!
I’m with Carole, reading a vintage book in a bubble bath.
Enjoyed all the Jack pics. Stew recipe looks great!
I love the Gladys Taber and Barbara Webster book “stillmeadow and sugarbridge” – but I bet I’d like this book even better!. Enjoyed your post, as usual.
Thank you for writing your blog. It warms and comforts me.
Gladys’s book would be quite a treasure to own. You are a most thoughtful enabler!
It’s always a treat to find a new posting from you Susan, and this one is an especially good one. I’ve been a reader of Gladys Taber for years now, and have a pretty full shelf of her books. Last week, I happened to stop at a local used book shop and found quite a nice stock of her books, inlcuding two which I added to my collection. The owner of the shop gave me permission to mention the shop to your readers, it’s located in Mecosta Mi., and the web site is–
mecostabooks.com. He would be happy to hear from anyone who needs to fill in their collection or purchase a particular book if he has it. By the way, his prices are very reasonable, and he does have that one The Best of Stillmeadow.
and especially, he does have at least one of her cookbooks. Wonderful!
Just can’t tell you enough times how much I enjoy your blog !! It ALWAYS brightens up my day!! I would LOVE to win the Gladys Taber book. Thank you for giving us a chance to win such a great gift!!! Joyce
Love the Oprah comment. How true. Recipe looks delicious. Can’t wait to try it but I am a little late for St. Paddy’s Day. Oh, well, no one has to know :0)
Great St Patrick’s Day post. Jack is amazingly cute! How can you not love that face? Two of my kitties have those big green marble eyes too. Tell Vanna to put my name in the hat, I would love to add this book to my GT collection! Thanks for the great giveaway.
Thanks again for w wee peek into your day. I just love your kitty’s face, with the little jaunty mustache! I have never read a word of Gladys Tabers writing but would LOVE to! Thank you for a bit of the green!
I have loved Gladys Taber since the 1970’s when I first read about Stillmeadow. I have all of her books, and I have traveled to Jeremy Swamp Road as well. I am thinking of joining the “Friends” in the hope of seeing Stillmeadow at long last and, of course, meeting you.
Like so many things, I think the Irish potato famine and mass emigration to America aren’t covered in much real depth in school, so many people don’t understand the true horror–or significance–of those events. I recognize it was an opinion piece and Mr. Egan obviously disdains Paul Ryan, but I wish he had taken the opportunity to pay tribute to the resilience of the survivors of those catastrophic years and the contributions many of them made to the building of America. (A good book on the Irish (and Scots) in America is James Webb’s Born Fighting.) Not that I have strong feelings about the subject, or anything. LOL
On a lighter note, thank you for the wonderful pix of Jack. He sure is full of beans, isn’t he? <3
thanks for that info! no, they don’t teach anything about the Irish coming to America in the schools. I think in the history classes they teach about the early days (Columbus and Magellan, etc) then about the Revolutionary War and Civil War and that’s it. You are right, we know so little! shamrocks and leprechauns is about it!! so sad.
Oh what a lovely give away! I’m excited and I am happy and I know it and I have that little song dancing around in my head!!
That has to be the cutest cat face I’ve ever seen!
Brenda
The Best of Stillmeadow, it just sounds wonderful!! That Jack is sooo cute. Happy Spring to you and Joe! I want some stew and noodles. Thanks Susan. I loved your “Happy Birthday” on my calendar last month!
Connie in Columbus, OH
Would love to have that book. Always enjoy reading your blog.
Thanks so much for giving us a chance to own the Gladys Taber book!
I’ve been under the weather and it was so nice to start coming back to life again and find a new post from you. Thank you for the reminder of spring, and traditions, and our responsibility to care for each other! I’m glad there are silly things in the world like dying rivers green and I hope they always remind us to share joys and sorrows and blessings and burdens with each other. That’s what makes life sweet!
My Shawnee elephant creamer came today! My first reaction when I unwrapped it: “ohhh, how adorable!” Sweet as can be! Thanks Susan. Also, thanks for the Irish Stew recipe. Must try it – looks so delicious!
Hope he brings a little bit of luck with him … enjoy!
He already has. Happy Spring today!
How lucky you were to have found that beautiful Gladys Taber book. I am always on the lookout for her books in antique shops and flea markets but no luck so far. Back in the 50’s and 60’s my mom would get Family circle magazine and Gladys Taber had her Butternut Wisdom column in it. We both enjoyed her stories so much. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. I love that you love Gladys Taber too!
The Irish stew recipe looks great. Must try it soon. I really enjoyed the pictures of Jack. I just love your cat.
Hi Susan, Your Spring Tea sounds wonderful. I’ll have to get some soon. And Jack is pawsitively so sweet. I love him and you for this blog and everything else “Susan Branch” that you share with us girls! Thank-you so so much!
Linda from Michigan
I haven’t been able to find this book so I would love to win it!
I love Gladys Taber! Wouldn’t you have loved to have her as a neighbor? With her friend, Jill, and all those cockers, they rarely had peace and quiet. Finnerty was my great, great grandmother’s name when she emigrated from Ireland. The dislike of the British has filtered down through all these generations and we grew up on stories of “the troubles.”
Thanks for the joy for life you share. It’s in the simple things! I enjoy your blog, save your calendars, and love your books. Your blog always makes me smile! I’d love to win the book like everyone else, I’m sure. But mostly we all love you!
I’d never heard of Gladys Taber before, but she seems like such a lovely person! Her books are definitely going on my reading list now. Can’t wait for your new book!
Would love to read this book! I really enjoy your blog.
Happy St. Paddy’s Day to you too, Miss Susan (2 days late). I live in Chicago, and that Chicago River is always green, but on St. Patrick’s Day it’s a wee bit brighter green (said w/an Irish Brogue). I would love to read a book w/every month of the year. I don’t know anything about Glady’s Taber, but I will soon enough. I made my Corned Beef/Potatoes/Carrots in the crock pot. My little Gabriella brought out two of her dolls (Sarah & Julie) to join me and Grandpapa for dinner. She set such a lovely table for out St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. And I agree totally with you about Spring/Schming, it’s still freezing cold and Spring seems so far away. Well hope I win the book, looks like an interesting read and anything from you w/your signature is definitely worth it’s weight in gold. Love you, Miss Susan Bye <3
I LOVED ” A Fine Romance”!! I am going to turn right around and read it again! Have bought copies for friends and recommended it to so many others! My darling husband, the love of my life for 53 years, passed away and reading your book and blog brings back so many happy memories of our many, many times on the Vineyard, especially during the years 1966 to 1977. My best friend lives on Lambert’s Cove Road….an artist and art teacher for over forty years. Perhaps you have heard of her? Cynthia Wayman? Oh Susan…you have brought so much joy and humor and love of home and friends to so many. Bless you for all the good that you are sharing! Your blogs always make one smile and even laugh out loud! I look forward with great anticipation to your next book and all the quotes and precious watercolors! From St. Louis with love…….
Thank you so much for the sweet words Barbie, I’m so happy you enjoyed A Fine Romance and that it brought back happy memories. I used to live on Lambert’s Cove Road, I’ve heard of Cynthia, but I don’t think we’ve met. My new book will have a lot about the island — between the two of us, you and I, we almost have it covered … I got here in 1982. Thank you xoxoxo
Clapping my hands!
Susan.
Thank you for sharing so many treasures with all of us. Many Blessings to you and your family.
What a lucky find! I would love to win this book! Thank you for doing the giveaway! Kim
I am in my 60’s and, for the first time ever, I made soda bread for St. Patrick’s Day; it turned out beautifully and tasted so good with butter, especially served warm in the morning, with tea. I was so proud of myself and, contrary to what he anticipated, my husband loved it! Thank you for introducing me to Gladys Taber and I would love to read her book!
HAPPY SPRING!!! Oh Jack is just adorably entertaining and thank you for sharing him with us. The stew sounds delicious. I am planning on trying the recipe since cold and snow are still in the forecast. (I guess mother nature didn’t take a peak at the calender yet)
Wow Susan! Thank you so much for this wonderful give-away! I love Gladys Tabor as (I am sure) all of your readers do! And happy belated St. Patrick’s Day to you and yours!!!!
Hi Susan, What a special giveaway! I found several of her books in a used bookstore a year ago and would love another one to read. They are wonderful. I doubt that I will be making it to the Reunion in June but this would be the next best thing! Love the new recipe cards and spring tea offerings. You never fail to amaze me. !! So happy you are enjoying the writing of your new book. Happy Writing and Happy Spring!
Oh my! Oh my! your blog is my quiet coffee companion in the early mornings, and this is so special! I’d love love love to win that beautiful book! What a lovely gesture to your readers. 🙂
Have been wanting to know more about Gladys Taber ever since I first read about her on your blog. I would be so happy to win that book from YOU, Susan
Barb
I’d love to read this book. Never read any of Ms Taber’s books and would love to try. Not too many bookstores around here- the last used book store shuttered up and moved north years ago. We all use our library a lot so maybe there is one there! Thanks for the green post!
Good Morning girlfriends. here comes slowpoke. Did have the
proper food for St. Patrick’s Day. The local cafe always does
it right on St. P. Day. I’ve been hiding in the sewing room lately.
Didn’t realize how much I was missing my quilting habit. Planting
season is here. Hooray! Guess what? My crab apple tree is
blooming and I just planted it in Feb.! Thanks for the pix of
your sweet boy!
Thank you once again for your informative, beautiful, thought provoking, and musical blog. It always makes me smile ( and cry) and reminds me to keep what’s important in it’s proper place. (Let it go…to all the rest!) Have you watched Frozen? Delightful!
I know I have to see Frozen!
Susan–you have such thoughtful give-aways,
and you bring SO MUCH JOY into our days.
The Best of Stillmeadow would be a grand edition
to have in my “very special” book collection!!
Happy Spring! So much fun to Celebrate! My son’s Soccer Team Hosted an Irish Soccer Team for some Friendly’s yesterday and we all enjoyed having a Bit of the Irish so close to St. Patrick’s Day. Fine young men and women hoping to find a University to continue their education here in the US. Only problem was our sun. Those kiddos have the fairest skin…like porcelain.
Hope your weather is headed toward Spring!
I have found a few lovely books at the library—what a wonderful give a way!
Blessings of Spring!
Happy Spring to everyone!.. ..I think I will go flower/plant shopping today and get some beauties for the yard. Susan, I am so looking forward to your new book! Remember to do some scheduled stretches so your muscles and back don’t get all grumpy. Happy writing!
Good Morning and thank you for helping me start my day so joyfully! I LOVE the pic of your kitties- they remind me of my own plump Siamese kitty- Elvis! He truly believes he’s the king and we are his staff 😉
Know what you mean Cindy…..we had a chocolate point siamese/burmese mix cat….a big absolutely gorgeous guy….who also thought he was the king of his domain. He would get up on top of the refrigerator (the highest point in the house he could sit on) and then just sit there surveying all of us as we moved about. He was a fun cat just like Jack is. What a joy it is to have the privilege of caring for and having felines as part of a household…..they are such wonderful companions. Give Elvis a hug for me!
What a treat to read your blog this morning, and to double my pleasure to enter your pool to have a chance of luck to receive a Gladys Tabor book. I’m holding my four leaf clover 🙂 thank you Susan for spreading your joy 🙂
Hi Susan ~ I am reading my second Gladys Taber book now from your book list suggestion, and she really is great! I recommended her to my mom, so she’s reading Gladys Taber now too. I would love to win this book for us both to share!
She is so dear and funny funny funny. When I read one of her books it is like putting on my favorite sweater…..so soothing. I especially love her recipes….which Always seem to involve some sort of cream of mushroom or tomato soup!! lol
Dear Susan,
Such a joy to be able to visit you ! 🙂 I’ve been so inspired already!
Oh, Vanna… I sure would like to win!
Oh what a wonderful Spring Day, the first egg in our “scrape” here in Columbus Ohio for the Peregrine Falcons, pictures of darling Jack, ordering my Spring tea and a chance to win a Gladys Taber book? I tell you, Spring can’t come in much better than that. Happy Spring flowers to all!
Oh my! My heart actually flutters just thinking about winning your Gladys Tabor book! I read your original blog about her and promptly joined her fan club. Dear Vanna, please, please pick me!!!!!
Loved, loved wearing of the green! My son-in-law is Irish so I sent him your funny Irish “Buzz”. Thanks again for all that you do Susan!
Happy First Day of Spring?!
Am not sure about you, Susan, but Mother Nature showered us last night with 8″ of heavy, wet snow! The poor birds are quite beside themselves.
Loved your new blog and the Irish stew recipe sounds divine. Can’t wait to try it. And a new Spring tea will fun as well. We in New England need all the small and large perks that you are always sending our way – it’s been a very long winter!
I thought of you a few days ago as I found Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck in the antique mall nearby. The called to me to bring them home and, I did. They are so adorable and both sitting on my bureau in my bedroom.
The Gladys Tabor book looks so wonderful and thanks to you for making me aware of this special person.
Happy Spring again!
Michele
Not us, it missed us, for a change! It’s almost 40 here now. I know you’re as ready as we are for a little bit o’ daffodil! Happy almost Spring Michele!
Love Gladys Taber. Her love for animals first attracted her to me.
I would love to have this book, hope I get picked.
Love your blog and would love to know more about Gladys.
Please Please Please! xo Debbie
Yes, happy spring! Bring it on!
Oh what fun! Another surprise from you! We all already love and adore you so much! 🙂 Really there is more?! What a fun find and that you are gifting it! You both are wonderful!
Since you are/were on lamb kick did you see the photo I sent of a bday card I made my nephew who loves lambs as well?
Happy writing and spring!
I am your Dad and Jeannie’s next door neighbor in Cottonwood. They loaned me your book about your visit to England. I started reading it yesterday am and couldn’t put it down until I finished it just in time for a later than usual bedtime. Jeannie and I have an 11am walk date. Your Dad, as you probably know doesn’t get around too well these days. We enjoyed meeting Brad when he was visiting.
But back to your book. The theme of love you find in your marriage intertwined with your celebration of love gave the needed connection in your story of a wondrous a
Two month adventure. Your descriptions of the back roads and gardens were vivid as I read them along with the historical descriptions of the people who lived there so many years ago. I’m recommending the book to several of my friends.
I’m sorry to have to return the book to your Dad and Jeanie but I want to own my own copy so I can loan it to friends–bad for you economically but sharing a good book with others brings me joy.
The friend next door.
Hi Barbara! I’ve been hearing you’re home and you and Jeannie are walking. Luckily my dad has an imagination that takes him everywhere! I’m so happy you liked A Fine Romance, you do live next door to my biggest supporter. Enjoy your stay!
I’m hoping the first day of spring will bring me luck and a new book! I love reading your blog, its such a happy way to start a busy work day. Escape to the island 😉 If I don’t win, I will be on the lookout for it in the antique stores and used book stores in my area. I read Elizabeth and Her German Garden last spring and loved it! Wishing you a happy spring and can’t wait for your next book to come out ~ love, love, loved A Fine Romance <3
Susan Thanks for all you share! Many Blessings to you and Joe always.
I would treasure the Gladys Taber Book should I be lucky enough to win. Thanks! Nancy.
I forgot my green for the first time in forever!:( Hope everyone had a great St. Paddy’s Day!
I am a member of FOGT, and would love to win this book. I have read many of her books and all of them are wonderful. Thank you, for giving all of us a chance to win this book.
Would love to win THE BEST OF STILLMEADOW…..
Gosh, I love your blog. Always so interesting, and aaalllways so pretty to look at. And speaking of pretty to look at, while I loooove Jack’s green eyes, his best feature is truly his fastidious “Poirot” moustache!
Lovely blog today, Susan. Telling everyone about Gladys Taber and Stillmeadow made me go to the bookcase and pull out my only book of hers, “Conversations with Amber.” What a lovely book. Happy Spring…from me here in CA to you there in MA…and to all the girlfriends in between.
Being Irish, myeself, I’d say a word or two for the green: let there always be an America toward which the starving and the down-trodden may flee. Bless those who couldn’t get here and couldn’t bide the bad times and survive at home. A little trivia: Butte, Montana, is the only city in America, I heard, where the majority are Irish (and that’s an interesting history to read); I bet St. Patrick’s Day, there, is a wonderful time. Bless free enterprise which upholds the poor and provides a doorway to better times for all of us. Bless us all that we may have strength and hope for better times through honest labor and stronger prayers for liberty, charity, and peace. Bless this nation and grant it may always stand as a beacon for all who hope, even if they were so unfortunate as to not have been born Irish!
Thank you for sharing your book writing. It’s an inspiration. I have been reading some of Gladys Tabor’s stories. Lovely, they are.
Waving my hand in the air and jumping up and down hoping I will be the lucky one to receive the wonderful Gladys Tabor book. I don’t have any of her books but would LOVE to begin my collection with this treasure. Thank You, Susan for always thinking of us out here.
Hey Girlfriends ! Today is the first day of SPRING! Yeah! Yeah!
It is cool yet not cold here in California and I saw blossoms on the trees where we live as well as some love red lillies that grow near walkway where I worked just bloomed so I feel like it is SPRING!
Any spring flowers there in Martha’s Vineyard Susan? How about any of the rest of you that live on the East Coast and points in between?
Makes me want to shout “THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE…LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!” I just love SPRING and think it is an absolutely grand way to start new life up again! THE BEST TO YOU ALL!!!!
The teeniest snowdrops. But there are green sprouts poking through everywhere. Pointed tops of daffodils are visible. Our spring comes in slowly.
I can just picture you laying on the ground getting photos of those first snawdrops and buds of the daffodils. Here in Southern California you can get several stems of daffofdils for only $1.29. So I am enjoying bouquets of daffodils in my home today! 🙂
Have a great and awesome day!
Sue
They are SO perky in the spring!
Would love to win this lovely book. Didn’t win the lamb cake pan and garden book so had to buy them. Maybe Luck of the Irish will be with me this time as I have a lot of Irish in me according to my late great Nana. Love everything you do. Sandi from Texas.
I’m “late to the party” on this one, so to speak.
I must say that I am descended from some of those Irish of the 1840’s who somehow fled Ireland, most likely with nothing, to settle in the hills of East Tennessee where it is safe to say they had the hope that life would be better than it was where they left. I couldn’t attest to that as the earth was of red clay, more suitable for the Cherokees and their pottery than it may have been for very much gardening. Oh – and I have Cherokee ancestors, too.
There is the thinking that we create dependency when we offer assistance. So be it! I cannot bear to think of someone being hungry and not being fed. I am reminded of the quote, “I don’t care how much you know until I know how much you care.”
While I have Irish blood, the “luck of the Irish” somehow escapes me.:-) I do, however, wish to add my name to that pot that Vanna will draw from for a winning name.
Beautiful day here today for the First Day of Spring; however, the long range forecast indicates Old Man Winter is not yet ready to hibernate. Mother Nature needs to have a talk with him! 🙂
xo Nellie
Irish and Cherokee! Beautiful. xoxo
Oh, sweet, sweet serendipity! We got home today from a trip to WV to visit my Mom, so I was internet-less for several days. When I read this new blog I laughed out loud…guess which Gladys book I took with me to read down there? The Best Of Stillmeadow! I found my copy in a used book shop in Provincetown when my daughter and I visited Cape Cod and Marthas Vineyard last summer. Vanna, please throw my name back in the bucket for another lucky Susan fan if you should happen to draw it…I’ll bring my copy to the reunion in June for her to sign! Hugs!
Hi Susan,
Happy Spring! We are starting to see the ground here, as it’s been warm enough for the piles of snow to melt. I am ready to spring clean and get on with the nice weather. It has been a long winter in the Hudson Valley.
🙂 Sharan
I adore everything about your lifestyle and wish I could be you! Don’t worry. I’m not a stalker. Ha! Ha! I just wish I could be as creative as you are and get paid for it too! I love your house and how it is decorated. It looks so warm and cozy and comforting. And I love the little video you put on you tube of you in the kitchen very early in the morning with Frank Sinatra music playing. 🙂 You turned me on to Gladys Taber many years ago. I read her every night before I close my eyes. Of course I am reading the Spring section now. There is just something comforting and safe that you feel when you read her words. Thank you for
everything! p.s. I own most of your books too!! I am trying to get them all !
Nice to hear from you Kathy! Thank you! xoxo