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 . . .
Top of the morning to you ! Happy wearing of the green. I would love the cookbook, and love your books and blogs always!
Linda L. In Tx.
Love the addition of raisins to your Irish stew. That little touch of sweetness…yum.
(ps… How lucky are you to have a neighbor who brings you warm bread!!)
I have loved Gladys Taber for many years! When I think of Stillmeadow I find a sense of peace. I made a small rock wall,oh, how Gladys loved those, and it reminds me of Stillmeadow.
Happy St.Patrick’s Day.
Happy Saint Patricks Day to you, Susan.
Jack is so cute! I do believe he wants attention lying down on the papers.
I have a few of Gladys Taber’s books, but not the one shown in your blog. Her books make good bedtime reading. I may have told you before that I wrote to Mrs. Taber in the 70’s and she replied, of course by postal mail. At the time there was no other way to communicate.
I am now reading Stillcove Journal which was her last book.
I am so glad to see you are offering a decaf tea. Sometimes I can’t tolerate caffeine.
I can’t handle caffein after 5 pm, so I love an evening cup of something warm and this is just perfect.
HAPPY ST PATRICK’S DAY! Love your pictures ~ everyone needs a kitty cat like JACK ~ his eyes are really green today! You are so delightful and can’t wait for your new book ~ excitement is in the air! Thanks for your generosity ~ the Gladys Tabor re-union sounds wonderful ~ enjoy! Heavenly blessings! Cathy in Idaho
Would love to read about spring…we had a couple inches of snow greet us this morning!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to ya, Susan. I looked all over for my old recipe for Irish Soda Bread and couldn’t find it. I found one on the internet but it wasn’t near as good. Do you have a good recipe for it? Your blogs certainly brighten my days. Thanks, Jayne
Hi Susan! Off to store to buy ingredients for the stew!!! Yummy.
Our parking lot at work had plenty of ice and we slipped, slid, fell, scrapped knees, elbows and tryed to help each other up! Any publication that has the word “Spring” in it must be wonderful. Thanks for taking us out of our day to day life and transporting us to another beautiful place.
Oh, Susan, how I would love to win this book. I just got The Best of Stillmeadow from the library AGAIN. The book is in sad shape and I am afraid every time I look for it, it may be gone, pulled for it’s own good. If I could own my own copy I wouldn’t have to worry ever again. Would you believe, I have been reading Gladys Taber as long or maybe longer than I have been reading you!
Oh, Susan, how I would love to win this book. I just got The Best of Stillmeadow from the library AGAIN. The book is in sad shape and I am afraid every time I look for it, it may be gone, pulled for it’s own good. If I could own my own copy I wouldn’t have to worry ever again. Would you believe, I have been reading Gladys Taber as long or maybe longer than I have been reading you!
Thanks so much for the lovely “green” blog post. Jack’s green eyes are the perfect Irish accent. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
I have to say, I love Jack! I also would love to have the Gladys Tabor book, what a treasure!
Oh, I would love to win this book! Gladys Taber has been one of my favorites for a long time and I own a number of her books … but not this one. What a generous giveaway.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you and Joe! We had our corned beef and veggies on Saturday night and served them with homemade baked beans. Tonight I am making a different Irish dish called Coddle, and probably Irish soda bread if I can find a gluten free recipe for same.
I thought spring had landed for sure this past weekend here in North Carolina, Susan. But, alas, I was mistaken. Today it is only 34* and raining and I can’t seem to get warm. Perhaps winning that book in your give away would warm me up! 🙂 Love you blog, your photos, your recipes…..EVERYTHING. Thank you for doing what you do and giving me even more reason to smile.
I have loved Gladys Taber for many years. Thinking of Stillmeadow brings me a sense of peace. I made a small rock wall,oh how Gladys loved them, and it reminds me of her beloved Stillmeadow.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Always makes my day happier after reading your post. Gladys Taber was a special lady..thanks for introducing me to her.
Top o’ the mornin’ to ya, Susan and Joe. May the road always rise to meetcha.
Susan, I wouldn’t have found Gladys if it wasn’t for you so I must THANK YOU for that. She’s become a very special part of my all time favorite books to sit back and read with a cup of tea and think of those simple times.
Top of the morning! I can’t wait to try the stew and order some recipe cards!
Oh yes! Happy Saint Paddy’s day to you as well! here near Mt Vernon Va we woke up to 6 inches of the white stuff (that I secretly love) and 28 degrees will be our high today. No matter…I have a new lovely blog post from you, my teapot full of rose/lavender tea, a fire in the fireplace, stitching on a wedding sampler, not one – but 3 kitties on the couch with me, and Brownie home from work because the federal government is closed today so I’m a happy girl. L*O*V*E the pictures of Jack! Next time the little scamp takes off chase him with the video camera; would love to see just how fast that rascal can move. Have a lovely evening!!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Susan. I always welcome new recipes and can’t wait to try this and add to my collection. As an avid reader, I want to thank you for introducing me to previously unknown to me authors, namely Gladys Taber. I look for her books online and in stores whenever I can. Thank you again for sharing your gifts and talents with the world. God Bless!
Your blog introduced me to Gladys Taber so I bought a couple of her books on Amazon. I am now a fan!
Thank you for your delightful blog and your wonderful books! I am now a fan of YOU!
Your unique Jack (never seen such a descriptive face as his) is such a boy! Our daughter’s orange Flynn claims his territory all over her purses, backpacks, etc., probably payback for those daily face kisses she plants on him. Thank you for a chance in the giveaway!
I have not heard of Gladys Taber before but your post has inspired me to look her up. Your posts are always fun and interesting. Thanks for blogging!
La fheile Padraig sona dhuit!
This is my favorite holiday and the only thing that would make it better would be if I were having some of that Irish stew and a pint ‘o plain in Donegal, herself! The soda bread and whiskey bread pudding are cooling and the stew is bubbling away in my modern day crock pot. And my cup of Barry’s is nearly empty as I finished savoring your blog post (and my cuppa tae) ! O happy day, to all!
Thank you for your posts! They make Mondays nicer! I haven’t known who Gladys Taber was, but I will find out!
Bless you, Susan, for this wonderful St Paddy’s Day post!
And THANK YOU for including the more somber side of the day… ’tis a good reminder.
Love the pics of Jack – I was just sharing some of your stories about him with my girlfriends yesterday at a spring-brunch-in-the-park (it was too HOT! 80+ degrees! This Irish girl would rather have YOUR cold weather!)
I only JUST learned four of my friends also have tuxedo kitties gracing they cozy homes. They were intrigued when I described Jack’s adorable moustache ~ you may have a few extra visits on your blog this morning 😉
And oh! how I w*sh I could be at the Friends of Gladys Taber reunion, but ’tis not to be… I love her books (but not as much as yours)!
The first book of hers I read (after reading about it in one of your books back in the 80’s!) I found at our wonderful library; “My Old Cape Cod.”
I read in one sitting! I don’t always enter your (so very generous) giveaways, but I have to throw my hat into the ring for this one. It would be grand, indeed, to have one of her books as my very own!
Thank you ALWAYS for EVERYthing!
xo
Happy St Patricks Day. Hope I win.
All I can say, Susan, is that you are a gem. And, today I guess that would make you an emerald. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
I’m happy and I know it and I’m clapping my hands!! 🙂 We got 9-12″ of snow here in northern VA this morning (the inches depend upon where I put the yardstick). March came in like a lion and that lion has stayed around all month! It’s crazy to get snow this late in VA, but it’ll be gone soon because we’ll be up to 60 degrees by Friday. I enjoyed reading your blog with a nice cup of hot chocolate. I have no Irish in me but I’m happy that everyone else is happy celebrating today!!
Happy ST. Patrick’s Day, it’s special to me because my oldest son was born today. Spring is coming I feel it,even though it’s 22 in Lancaster, NY., sun shine and NO snow. Hope you have a great day,waiting for the new book.
We’re having New England Boiled Dinner for supper tonight, although I now know it is really not “Irish”, I guess, after reading a newspaper article. I always fix that for St. Patrick’s Day. Your stew recipe sounds wonderful–will try it soon. I was going to make a green dessert but decided on brownies–y’know, the “brownie” connection–sort of like a leprechan… (is that stretching it a bit?) 🙂 (anything in the name of chocolate…)
Works for me Pat! 🙂
I’m hoping the Luck of the Irish is with me today with the Stillmeadow book offering! Have been a big fan of yours for years but finally was able to meet you recently in Oklahoma City. I’m still excited about it!
wishing you all the beautiful things that wait at the end of the rainbow. that’s my irish wish for you. and i’m wishing that i win that beautiful volume by gladys taber. i want so much to discover her writings. those little snippets you’ve included from time to time have enchanted me. wish oh wish oh wish…..happy wearin’ o’the green!
Hello Susan,
Happy St. Paddy’s Day! Thank you for your lovely blog about St. Paddy’s Day. I love this day, and so appreciate it when others love it too!
Have a great day and best of luck with your book writing. Can’t wait.
I know that my chances will be slim, but I would love to win the book. This has been a very cold winter for sure, it would be nice to read those summer months entries for sure.
Thank you for a wonderful St. Paddy’s Day tribute, both nostalgia and history. I have always admired Gladys Taber and would love to win this book. Thanks so much for the opportunity. Happy Springtime, Susan and to all the readers!
And a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you, dear Susan.
Oh heaven….The Quiet Man…favorite John Wayne/Maureen O’Hara movie….best EVER! Now I have to go downstairs and find my DVD and put it on to watch later today…with tea!
Gladys Taber…how I wish I had known her…having her book would be heaven!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day dear Susan!
Thank you for your post and a chance to win the classic book!
With a husband who’s 100% Irish, a son named Patrick, and a daughter who just returned from a historic tour of Ireland, we did a bit of St. Patrick’s Day celebrating:)
I don’t suppose Lowely would share her recipe on your blog for the Irish Soda Bread? Just asking… 🙂
I’ll have to ask her for it Pat!
If she agrees to share it, please would you put it on a posting rather than in here with all of these trillion comments due to the drawing? 🙂
Remind me in case I forget Pat!
Thank you, Susan, for a post that was inspiring, heartwarming and thought-provoking. I like to pick a word now and then that represents something that I aspire to or from which I find inspiration. Today your blog gave me “compassion”. The world will be a better place when we all engage in active, loving compassion. Thanks for the inspiration!
No pinches for me today — I’m wearing my Irish Claddagh ring with the green stone, and tonight’s dinner will be corned beef and cabbage cooked with apple cider (I use Martinelli’s, the best!) and, with more inspiration from you, I’ll make some Irish Soda Bread to go with! Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to you, Joe, the furry kids and all The Girlfriends!
A Limerick for St. Patrick’s Day …
There once was a young sheep named Kelly.
She had wool from her ears to her belly.
When rain started to fall,
She didn’t like it at all.
The rain made her wool wet and smelly! Ba-a-a-a-a-a !
Dear Sue,
Well I tried to stick with your sheep and lamb theme. Go here: lmaohaha.com/funny-irish-poems/… and scroll down to “What’s Your Leprechaun Name”. You’re in for a fine Irrrrish (roll the r) chuckle!
Oh well … I’ll see you at the Friends of Gladys Taber Reunion. I love her novel, “Mrs. Daffodil” and the first day of Spring is the perfect time to rrrread (roll the r) it! Would you sign my copy of ‘A Fine Romance’ a second time? Love, Carol Tra la !
I’m Greenie McTavern! Cute Carol. See you at the Reunion — and yes, I’d be happy to sign your book for a second time!
Would love to win your new book because you signed it. Weather is tring to be spring,I think I’ll love summer more this year.HAPPY ST.PATRICK”S DAY !!!!!
Yes, I’m happy and I know it! CLAP CLAP CLAP! Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone! What a great prize for a giveaway, Susan. What a nice thing for you to do!
As cold as you have had your weather, we’ve had it HOT. My outdoor thermometer read over 95 yesterday. I went to Seal Beach to watch the ocean. It was soooo crowded.
Keep writing…we’re all waiting for a new book! Thanks!
This is the first time I’ve ever posted a comment (the one I am replying to now) and it still has not been moderated. The comments above and below me have already been moderated and posted……is that odd?
I’ve been in Boston today, just getting on the boat right this minute to go home. “Moderating” comments hasn’t been done very well today! I’m sorry everyone. Hopefully I’ll get through some of them tonight, and more in the morning….it’s OK, they’re all here!
It’s really hard to imagine 95!
I discovered Gladys Taber back in the early 80s when I was a new mother in search of ways to bring country living to our suburban home. I read and reread her books, loving her view of life, laughing over the mishaps, crying when Jill passed. I have the Stillmeadow cookbook and many of the volumes she penned. Your post today has me digging through some boxes of books to bring Gladys onto my bookshelves once again. Lovely reading for spring and any other time of the year. Thanks for the reminder.
I discovered your blog while surfing the net for information about Gladys Taber, I have loved her books since I first discovered Country Chronicle at our library many years ago. She is one of my top ten favorite writers and now YOU are on that list too. I think that A Fine Romance issuch a lovely book. I treasure it and can’t bear to have it end. I only have about twenty more pages to go and I’m spacing them out. Thank you for writing about your wonderful trip in such a charming way.
I loved writing that book, and still read it myself to dip back into those wonderful days.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you! I’ve always loved celebrating this day (with my name I kind of thought some of it was directed towards me anyway!) but I really don’t like corned beef and cabbage. Your stew recipe seems perfect and I’m going to rush out to the store to get the ingredients. Thank you for the recipe, the Irish music and thoughts, and some of their historical background. All interesting.
Although you’re about the busiest person I know, I really look forward to new blogs. Such a treat! Thank you, Susan!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
I remember reading and loving Gladys Taber a long time ago but haven’t seen any of her books for many years. How lovely that you found that beautiful volume. Thank you for being willing to let it go to another home.
Oh Susan what a lovely way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day! The Quiet Man is so wonderful, My mom and dad looked so much like O’Hara and Wayne. My mom had auburn hair and green eyes and my dad was tall and handsome. My mom Irish and my dad scotch-irish. That book looks so darling.
Made black bean brownies with avocado frosting. We are so ready for spring in upstate NY!
That wins for strangest sounding recipe of the day. How can black beans be brownies 🙂 They are brown, so that’s good. I can just imagine a Mexican style black bean cake with avocados would be delicious!!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all! Thank you for the lovely post. It is always such a wonderful day when you post. Jack is such a little cutie, his antics are so typical of a frisky kitty. Love, love, love all the give-a-ways you do. I am so excited about the new book, please keep sweeping a fast as you can!
I always loved Gladys Taber’s column in Family Circle, and thank you for reintroducing me to her. I am collecting and reading all of he books that I can find, but do not yet have this one. Happy St. Pat’s day to all!
Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! I feel so lucky today! Would love to win that wonderful book. Happy St. Patty”s Day! Thank you for all the wonderful posts—I look very forward to them all.
Susan, thank you for mentioning our Friends of Gladys Taber Reunion again! We are coming down the homestretch and our space is filling up fast. I hope all your interested readers will send in their registration forms ASAP and if they are not yet a member of the FOGT, that they will go to our website and leave us an inquiry. Info on how to join will be sent to them promptly! Once they have become a member, the March issue of our newsletter will be mailed to them and it has all the information about the Reunion and your appearance. Happy Celebrating to you and Joe!
Thanks for checking in, Susan, with all the good info! FRIENDS OF GLADYS TABER
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you. I remember the smell of corned beef & cabbage from when my Irish grandma cooked it in our two-flat in Chicago growing up. Thank you for giving us such beautiful glimpses into gentler times. I love your blog and your books!
Happy St. Paddy’s Day and all the luck of the Irish to you, Susan. What a lovely post (as always) from the yummy beef stew and pictures of Jack’s antics to info on the upcoming Gladys Taber events; so informative and fun. I had lunch with a girlfriend at a local tavern and enjoyed some corned beef pizza, it came highly recommended by our waitress, and was just so light and delish. I’m also trying to stay away from the wonderful sweet Irish bread that my Scottish neighbor bakes for me every year – too delicious for words. I’m going to drop by, across the street, later today with a nice bottle of Irish cream liqueur. Hugs to Jack!
St. Patrick’s Day brings us that much closer to spring! Anxiously awaiting the leaves, flowers, and bright blue skies!
Susan,
Would love a signed copy from you! She was a wonderful author, as are you! Happy Monday!
Yvette
I’m not so traditional, but a relic of the 70’s, and I’m craving a Shamrock shake right now! 🙂
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Wish I could send you some of our daffodils. 🙂
Celebrating St. Pat’s Day with the greenest green I could find – surely Spring is just around the Corner! Thanks for a lovely blog today!
Thank you, Susan, for taking time out today for this lovely St. Patrick’s Day observance. Having had my dream-come-true visit to Ireland a few years ago, I’ve since been smitten with all things Irish. I’ve seen a live performance of Riverdance and would love to see Celtic Woman in concert. Netflix isn’t streaming The Quiet Man (drat!), or I would be watching it this minute. As for Gladys Tabor, I’ve mentioned before that I discovered her years ago when I lived in Seekonk, Massachusetts, and have collected several of her books…would be THRILLED to win your giveaway (duh). 🙂 Happy rest-of-the-day to you and yours!
Sharon in Alabama
Happy St Patricks Day!
What a lovely surprise!! I’d love to read about spring at Stillmeadow. Hurry spring– winter has been FAR too long!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. My mother-in-law Nora, God Bless her soul was of Irish descent and I loved her and miss her dearly. And after Christ’s birthday St. Patrick’s was a very special day for her. And to top it off my daughter gave me and her Grandmother Nora a grandson born four years ago today. And would you believe he was born at 3:17 a.m. !!!!!!!!! And believe me Victor is full of Shenanigans the little leprechaun! I would love to read about Stillmeadow thank you so much for the opportunity ! God Bless.
Love those cats when they make an appearance on your blog! Would love this book! I only have one Gladys Taber book, and I treasure it! Have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Susan!
Love following your blog — delicious recipes I must try now! Happy “Patrick’s” day to you & Joe (my sweetheart great-nephew is 3 and calls today “Patrick’s Day)! Snow here today – but Spring not far away! Enjoy!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you and Joe; love this post! I’m going to make Irish Soda Bread for supper tonight; it’ll go nicely with my ham and potato soup.
I hate to tell you how big an eejit I am but…I visited someone’s blog on Fri and they had a St. Pat’s post and I thought…it’s not until the 17th…right? And then, bless me, I talked myself out of being right…duhwee!
All that to say, have you ever read St. Patrick’s Breastplate? Look on my blog where you can read the poem and then listen to it being sung…heavenly! thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com/2014/03/st-patricks-day.html
Happy St Patrick’s Day to you all! Sue, I can’t believe you will be in Danbury (I was born there many, many years ago) and I won’t. I was last there 2 1/2 yrs ago for my mother’s funeral. Most of her remaining family still lives there. The town holds a lot of memories for me.
The photos of Jack are just priceless. He certainly loves his life and knows that he can get away with most anything. Thanks for brightening a slightly gloomy St Paddy’s day. (Threatening rain in sunny Florida.)
My husband and I go to New England to see our son every September. A couple years ago we made a little detour and stopped by Stillmeadow. A lot of the area where it is is developed now. We drove slowly down Jeremy Swamp road with our eyes peeled and it seemed as if all the hustle & bustle of the town slowly fell away, and suddenly there it was. Sitting so small and quiet and peaceful. My heart nearly burst. It was late afternoon and the sun was slanting through the trees and it was so quiet. I imagined the sounds of barking spaniels, of Jill coming in from the garden and Gladys tapping away on her typewriter. We took a beautiful picture of the little house that day which I keep on my dresser. Just looking at it calms me down when I feel frazzled, just like the Stillmeadow books do. They are little sanctuaries where I can escape to a quieter simpler time. I got teary eyed as we drove away that day, I don’t know why. Maybe because am sentimental about those bygone days before technology ran amok. I will probably miss the tour and reunion this summer due to family obligations but I will always treasure my little glimpse into Gladys’s world.
Such a lovely description Nese. Thank you!
I am sooooo glad I found you blog ! You always bring Spring into my home. Blessings
I’ve been a Gladys Taber fan since I was a very little girl – reading her column in a magazine (Family Circle -?) and loving everything she had to say. Thank you for thinking of us for the book – and Happy St. Patrick’s Day back – we have 6 inches of snow in Virginia – what’s that all about????
Susan,
Thanks for your St. Paddy’s Day post! It is always fun to read your blog and keep up with life on the island. Thanks for making my day!
Can’t wait to try that new green tea! Sounds wonderful! I’ve been meaning to read Gladys Taber, but now I am going to have to read it to try and get into the Spring mood! I can understand you’re desperately wanting Spring! We feel the same way here in Minnesota!
~~My crock pot it filled to the brim with corned beef, cabbage,carrots, potatoes for the St. Paddy’s Day dinner with my family tonight…The house is starting to smell really good and I think I might start drooling!!! haha….I love the recipe for you Irish Stew with noodles! I will try that one really soon! Yummy….You were the one that introduced me to Gladys Tabor and I can tell you, her wit, wisdom and way of life is enchanting. I love that time and reading all about how they did things and the way they lived…I have purchased 3 of her books and read them over and over..and lent them out to my dearest of friends….We all adore her. I wish I was on your side of the states to enjoy a day at Stillmeadow with you…It will be a packed house, but so much fun..I will be there in spirit, for sure! So, I raise my glass to you, dear Susan…In honor of St. Paddy’s and also Gladys!!! O happy days! …………susan
Susan, if it wasn’t for you , I wouldn’t have found Gladys! After I started seeing her quotes in your books, I started to read and collect her books and was hooked! I can’t imagine a more perfect thing than a book written by and then signed by my two favorite writers! Heaven. So thanks for introducing me to Gladys and I’m looking forward to meeting you at the reunion.
Happy St. Paddy’s Day!
You do find the most interesting things to give away. I have set the top of my china cabinet with my Belleek to celebrate St. Pat’s Day. Five friends over yesterday wanted to drink from it, but, alas, there were five friends and only three Belleek cups and saucers. To keep it fair, no one drank from them and we used English teacups instead.
Thanks for the Gladys Taber info! I believe I’ll join the group. Spring weather will come soon, I hope! Enjoy your blog very much!!
My husband ‘s family is from Ireland so Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you and
Joe. We would like to take a trip there someday.
How lovely to find a treasure of a book in a dark corner. That’s one of life’s happiest moments that make your heart skip a beat. I always look for Gladys’ books when I’m out, they are hard to find. Hope I’m the lucky one! Happy St. Patrick’s Day Susan, we’re the lucky one’s to have such a wonderful girlfriend.
I absolutely adore everything about your home and your furry green-eyed child!
How exciting, I love reading Gladys Taber!
May God grant you always…
A Sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you,
A SHELTERING angel so nothing can harm you,
Laughter to cheer you, Faithful friend near you-
And Whenever You Pray, Heaven to Hear You!
— An Olde Irish Blessing
Susan, I just read my 5th GT book. HEAVEN! My library is so accommodating, going the extra mile to get them from other libraries…not so near.
It’s an icy chilly day today; but no matter what the weather, I’ll get daffy’s and an ice cream cone on the 20th and not break with my tradition.
You even make chill-to-the-bone days warm and fuzzy with your posts, Susan. You’re a dear!
Happy St. Paddy’s Day to you, Joe, and the GF’s.
Bliss!
Marie xo
The Irish stew recipe looks so good. Thank you for sharing!
Betsy
What a lovely blog today. Top O’ the mornin, afternoon and evening to ya….I can’t make the GT Reunion but I sure would LOVE to win that book. I’ve been a FOGT for several years now and enjoy those newsletters. I’ve also read every book our library has on her. I hope Vanna picks me…….
It is magnificently spring here on the central coast of California. Wish I could send some to everyone still mired in winter. My day is not complete until I read your blog and if I have read it the day before, I read it again…….and again.
I’ll be celebrating my Irish heritage with corned beef and cabbage for dinner tonight.
And I’m going to check out Gladys Taber. I’m always looking for new authors. And if you love her writing, I’m sure I will too!
This book looks wonderful! I would love to own it or one like it someday.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!! I’ve read many of the Stillmeadow books but have never seen the one you are offering. Gladys Tabor was an amazing woman. Have you ever been to Door County, WI? Some of her early life was spent there. It’s sometimes referred to as the Cape Cod of the Midwest.
It would be wonderful to see her home in person and you too!! I look forward to hearing all about the reunion in June.
Does having an ancestor named Gladys count. I love Glady Taber too. And have been a fan of yours since your first book. I look forward to your blog. It’s fun to spin the wheel of fortune, especially on St. Patrick’s Day.
Great post and Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Susan! I hope whoever wins the book will enjoy it! 😀
-Merry
the best place I ever visited was Ireland. Would love to return some day!
HAPPY ST. PADDY’S SUSAN AND JOE! I have my Irish stew in the slow cooker … The Irish Soda bread out of the oven soon…it’s snowing…just made a pot of tea…
would love a Gladys Taber book to curl up with for the afternoon! Thank you for sharing her!
I just knew you’d have a new post today! Been checking since 4 a.m. Idaho time. I read and re-read them all. Thanks for always thinking of us Girlfriends and taking the time out of your very busy life to share with us! Happy St. Paddys Day to you too!
I can’t wait to try the Irish Stew. Sounds delicious.
Top O the afternoon to you Susan O’Branch. Happy St. Paddy’s Day to you and Joe
your stew sounds lovely! I will have to jot it down and give it a try sometime soon. Tonight we ate having corned beef and cabbage, new potatoes, colcannon, and steamed carrots with butter and parsley. I have some Irish in me, but I married into it as well. I am a “Kelly” now! We used to host big family parties every year on this day, but everyone grew up, and it became to much work for me as the family grew. But we have wonderful memories of those days.
And h
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to dear Susan!
Thanks for the wonderful post today! It would be wonderful to win this gem of a book, and learn all about Gladys Taber. I adore great authors. Another is Celia Thaxter. Do you know of her?
Green me fav color. The color of my eyes just like Jack! Have a lovely Saint Pat’s. I love the Quiet Man reminds me of my mom and dad. I’m going to look up Gladys Taber, I think I recall reading somewhere that Tasha Tudor was a fan. Mary