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 . . .
Thank you, & a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all too! And, yes, I did clap my hands at the end of this great blog….! It’s always fun to search for Gladys Taber books in antique shops, so far, only found one! What a lovely, generous prize, thank you (even if Vana doesn’t choose me)!!! I’ll make your stew next, love the ingredients, ’cause now I’m enjoying the aroma of corned beef & cabbage (& potatoes & carrots & onions)! Went out for awhile, no pinches, must be because of my Irish earrings & shamrock socks! Meowwww to Jack!
Hello Susan,
Thanks for all you write – I truly enjoy all your blogs (anything you write)! Happy spring (it’s on the way). We have daffodils and Japanese cherry trees in bloom, here in Washington State- beautiful!
Vicki
I would love to own a book by Gladys Taber…reading about New England is my “Calgon, take me away” bubble bath moment in life!
Wonderful musica today, Susan. I can’t believe they dye the Chicago River green. Here, on the souther tip of Vancouver Island, only the beer is dyed green. Thanks for the Irish stew recipe, it sounds delish. Spring is really happening here, flowering trees, flowering shrubs, and so many flowers. If only we had a little more sunshine, it would be perfect.
I “found” Gladys Taber’s books on my first stay on the Cape 30 years ago> You are certainly just like her in your approach to life! Slainte!
Born on the same day, April 12. Maybe that’s why!
Another great blog piece. Love ALL of them Susan. Wish you could write a new one every day. Don’t know how you do it. Please keep working on that new book too. I’ve already read “A Fine Romance” once and am starting over on it. Can’t put it down. Love, Love, Love it!
Maryellen Shute
My maternal greatgrandparents left Ireland for America in the 1850s…lucky to have relatives in NYC…and…in the case of my greatgrandmother, a job as a servant to a wealthy American family. They paid her passage and she was required to work with no pay, just room and board, for a period of 2 years. She met her future husband on the boat. They married and moved upstate at the end of the 2 years.They produced 4 sons…one of them my beloved grandfather. HE had only 2 daughters, so his line ended there. My Mom, his oldest, passed on 2 weeks ago at age 97. I am very aware on this St. Patrick’s Day of our Irish heritage and how important it is to keep telling the stories…the memories WE have that the younger ones do not know…yet. This is one of the reasons I love you so, Susan. The family stories and memories you share with us…your girlfriends. So…happy, happy day to all.
A lovely story of family Anne. I’m so sorry about the loss of your mom. xoxo
Susan, I love your stew recipe. It is very similar to mine. My husband has his own version, but I secretly prefer my own. Recently I have been cooking cheesy polenta as an accompaniment to mine. I just make instant polenta in the microwave, add enough cheese to make me smile, and serve it at the bottom of each bowl, piled over with stew. I also use cheese polenta with chili and it really is a to die for addition to short ribs.
Yummy. That sounds delicious!
Susan,
I am really looking forward to Spring. Here in Oregon, the sun has started to shine more but the wind has been a bit cold. Me and my room mate have started talking about what we are going to plant. I am so excited for that. Even though we live in a rental we are very lucky to get to landscape our own place and I have already thought of some great ideas for flowers in the front yard. I hope spring comes to you soon. Until next time, Blessings you and yours.
-Elmina
Susan,
Your blog brightens my day! I got hooked by my mom and sister.
A few months ago I went to an estate sale and got lucky finding a couple of Gladys Tabor books. My sister is collecting them and couldn’t believe it! I try to keep my eyes open now when I go to a sale.
I would love to receive a Gladys Taber book, especially from you! I would keep it with my copy of your book — they would be enjoyed together, over and over.
Thank you for thinking of us!
Greetings from the unseasonably warm San Joaquin Valley where we have had blossoms for weeks! It is beautiful but please send us thoughts for more rain as we are too dry for words. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all. Yesterday I did corned beef and my mom’s cabbage with melted butter in the big cast iron skillet so I would have more time to deal with the mess on a Sunday – delish!!
I have a fabulous recipe for Irish Soda Bread—it is a delightful thing warm from the oven isn’t it? So glad you are “in your element” with your new book. There is nothing quite like being in love with what you do. I am so excited to be in the Gladys Taber drawing. Have a joyous Spring. We know it is coming because of course it always does but it sure is taking its’ sweet ole time this year.
Happy St Patrick’s Day Susan,
We plan to try the stew soon. It sounds delish. I always appreciate the photos of Jack. He is so entertaining. Our daffodils are just starting to bloom and the trees have tiny leaf buds. Spring can’t be far off.
Blessings to all.
xoxo Pam
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from cold and sunny Chicago! We haven’t seen any green buds yet, but the green river sure cheered us up!
Lovely tatted edging under Jack, Spring tea, and a lambie on a leash for a pet! Oh, I love this post, and I’m going to have to read it over and over to absorb all the Springtime goodness! I used to read Gladys Tabor’s magazine column too, but I’ve never been able to find any (affordable) copies of her books. If I don’t win this one :-), has anyone (the GT Society?) explored the possibility of reprinting any of them? At least this one, because it is, after all, the “best of.
I’m not sure about that. It would probably be up to the family, and then whether or not they had a way to offer it in stores and so forth.
Tatted edgings” — haven’t heard that reference in many years … My mom used to do tatting when I was a wee tot ….
Happy St. Patricks day! Hope you have a nice corned beef simmering!!
I hate to be the one to tell you this, but…….it was 90 degrees yesterday in SLO! We walked on Pismo Beach with the dogs at noon and it was 78! Your snow pictures always look lovely, but…..come back to sunny California! Spring is HERE!!
Lucky girl! The beach must be heaven right now.
popping in to say goodbye for now, I’m off to watch a rainbow, Finian’s Rainbow. “on the day I was born, says my father says he, I’ve an elegant legacy waitin’ for ye, tis a rhyme for your lips, and a song for your heart, to sing it whenever the world falls apart.” Happy St Patrick’s Day everyone…. hugs … 🙂
Sweet Pat!
I love Irish novels. One of my favorite authors is Frank Delaney. He just writes absolutely beautifully about Ireland. He is a true Irish storyteller. His novels include Ireland, Tipperary, Shannon and The Matchmaker of Kenmare. I also enjoy the series by Patrick Taylor; An Irish Country Doctor, An Irish Country Village and An Irish Country Girl. I love being able to visit Ireland through these wonderful books. Happy St. Pat’s Day!
Thanks for all the interesting recommendations… I think I read one by Frank Delaney a long while ago, about family.
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! We never got to see the Worm Moon-I was wondering about that until I went for a few walks and noticed all the earthworms everywhere! I am so excited about this giveaway. I love all the quotes you have shared of hers. Maybe I will have the luck of the Irish with me on this one! Thank you for your loveliness!
Thank you, Susan, for introducing me to Gladys Taber. I have been enjoying her book all winter and would consider myself one lucky Irish Lass if i won the book you are so kindly giving away!! Jack’s green eyes are beautiful!!
One of our tea friends shared a loaf of homemade Irish Soda Bread with us! We had to dig into it last night…couldn’t wait until today. Feeling a wee-bit lucky…was SO yummy! Thank you for introducing Gladys Taber to me. I was able to borrow Mrs. Daffodil from our library, the only book they had by her. I felt an instant kinship. As a farm gal I could relate with some of her hardships…and laughed out loud too at times knowing someone else understood some of my rural trials. Crossing my fingers Vanna! Happy St. Patty’s Day! (Imagine my note in green!)
Donna,
I felt the same way about Gladys Taber..what an amazing lady she must have been.
Susan, Just reading your lovely posts makes my heart sing. No one would want to be around me if I were to actually sing out loud.
Drinda’s birthday luncheon was a success with spring flowers in canning jars, tied with sheer blue ribbon and little bunnies hiding among the jars. But they loved the button flower napkins. So happy. Passed on the greeting to Drinda from you. She was thrilled with the message and the tea can and Lavender and rose tea. She had been looking for it, but alas, no computer so I was the lucky one to surprise her. She and Michael will be having tea and leftover birthday cake tonight. Thank you for making it possible.
Much love and bunny hugs,
Shirley
Have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day Susan. It is so much fun knowing another wonderful book from you will be coming our way.
Hugs, Carol
Love you Irish posting today…..I have been playing Irish music all day. The Tabor book is wonderful……would be a wonderful gift to whoever receives it!!!!
What a surprise to have rediscovered Gladys Taber. I have always loved her writings, and have been searching for her stuff for years and didn’t know anyone who knew who she was. So glad to find out she hasn’t been forgotten, and has a new following. Thanks you for what you are doing. I would so love to have her book, what a treasure. Her writings always spoke to my heart.
Hi Susan:
I was thrilled over the weekend when I found an original Lamb Cake Pan Mold at my local antique store for only $9.00. I also found a Beatrice Potter bunny figurine for $5.00. Love them. I have all my bunny and lamb figures sitting on my kitchen windowsill to greet me each morning. Love your blogs.
Hugs, Freya
$5.00 for Beatrix Potter? That is insane! Lucky you Freya, good job!
Susan:
Once again thank you for a fun Blog post. I love the pics of your kitties antics. Always make me smile.
Can’t wait to try the irish stew recipe. Is it also in one of your cookbooks.?
I would love to be the winner of the book The Best of Still meadow.
Not yet, that’s just one for us so far.
Happy St. Paddy’s Day! Try Irish brown bread sometime, just delicious and so easy and healthy too. The butter will get me every time though.
It is almost spring? It is -13 C here today, but I guess the calendar doesn’t lie. Your spring cards are so cute Susan, and they give me hope…spring must be coming. Interesting to read about the Irish Potatoe Famine in the NY Times. So, so sad, heartbreaking. My ancestors were Fitzgerald’s that came from Ireland years ago, and settled in the New England states. I must ask my relatives some questions about this. Loved the pictures of Jack, such a ham. Must remember to call my niece, today is her birthday. I would love to have today as my birthday. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day everyone!
History is so fascinating, especially when it comes from our own relatives.
You are so right…there’s nothing better, nothing more interesting. I find it so healing, helps me to understand who I am and how others have “payed it forward” so I can have a better life. Fascinating! I had the spark already, and you lit the torch…and at least I’m circling the “well” now. (Hopefully it’s an oil well, and not a water well…you get the picture).
Hi Susan! This recipe makes me hungry! I enjoy reading your blog and all of the quotes…which, I always think I will write them all down but then get on to something else before I do. I love and treasure these old books! Enjoy your yummy looking stew!
Love the idea of finally getting to read about Stillmeadow….for the past 15 years I’ve sold vintage ads on eBay, so I’ve gone through LOTS of vintage magazines (mainly 1940s & 50s) & seen the articles that Gladys Taber wrote—but didn’t really take the time to stop & read them (cos I’m like that dog in the movie “UP”, easily distracted…”Squirrel!”….!). I noticed an article where she was sharing photos of her kitchen remodel (Oh how I wanted to stop & read that one) and she just seemed to be calling to me every time I saw another article with her byline. But those magazines are long gone….so I’m excited to be in the running to read this gem! Thank you! (now get back to work, we girlfriends don’t want to be YOUR “Squirrel”!)
It might be too late! 🙂
Hello! Thank you for offering the precious book! Learned on your Facebook page about last night’s “Worm Moon”, and impressed a friend today with my knowledge! She asked if I saw the full moon, and I launched into the story about it! Thank you for making me look smart
Do you have my FULL MOONS BOOKMARK? Just click here and you can see what I mean. It has all the names! And dates.
Susan,
Carol entertained me while in line at SLO, where we picked up the rear. We laughed, and I mean the hearty-kind of guffaws that may as well as be considered aerobic activity. When I approached “A.F.R.’s mecca,” I implored her and her friend to stay near me in case I literally tipped over or was rendered mute as I approached THE table. They bolstered me on and made the day all the more fun. What gems!
I love your aerobic activity!! Such a fun day! xoxo
Please pick me for the book. I just finished reading one of her books and loved it. Thanks for the recommendation. She inspired me to write a bit about spring. Oh I do love visiting you here.
Darling Girl–Stillmeadow is how we found each other!! I’d been looking for Gladys’ Stillmeadow cookbook for me mum, and suddenly there it was!! on your website. (I’d looked all over the Cape for years during vacations. No luck.) So I signed up for Twitter, just so I could say “Thank you!”. And now here we are. Love to you and Joe. Daffodils up here in Indiana, there’s a rumor it’ll be 60 on Wednesday! Happy St. Patty’s day to you from Katie O’Connor’s granddaughter, your gfriend, JoEllen (alicesroses) XO
Ha! That is so great. Just shows ta go ya . . . 🙂 Happy St. Patty’s day to you too, me fine wee lass!
Hi, Susan!! Just got done ordering your “Country House” pillow and a set of your new lamb note/recipe cards…can’t wait to get them! Love your website and enjoy seeing pictures of that sweet face of Jack’s! Enjoy your week, my dear!
Thanks to you I learned about Gladys Taber and ordered several of her books from Amazon. I loved each one. I do not have the one you are offering to one of your readers, so I am hoping Vanna picks my name. Can’t wait for your new book.
I look forward to the hunt as I have never read any books by Gladys Taber. I will check to see if our small library may have any or be able to order one in from a larger city. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, I am heading to the kitchen like most cooks and finish my Corned Beef and Cabbage.
What a fun post. Happy St. Paddy’s Day to you. It would be great to win.
Marie
Oh, I’d love to read that book! Hope to win, but either way I’m going to do some research about this new author to me. Thanks a million for sharing!
By the way, we are snowed in AGAIN here in Virginia with a foot of snow and no school. But, I’ll never complain about a day OFF! Pancakes, pjs, fire in the fireplace. Spring blossoms will come, but I’ll embrace COZY for as long as possible!
Very smart girl.
Just celebrated my mother-in-law’s 93rd birthday today and she was named Patricia in honor of St. Patrick’s Day! She must be doing something right! Must make that stew-yum!
Me mum is Patricia, me da is John Patrick Stewart . . . part Irish and part Scottish, and then part English too. Please give Birthday wishes to Patricia!
Love all your posts Susan….
I wore my green today and will eat ‘Irish Potatoes’ tonight for supper. 🙂
Love the book!
Have fun writing…..can’t wait to see what you’ve done.
We had steak and baked Irish Potatoes – buttered salted and peppered , ate the skin ,
Best part .. Didn’t quite finish the potato part ….too big –but I ate all my steamed asparagus and broccoli :~)
What a good boy you are. Me boyo. xoxo
Enjoying your books and blog so much! You add a smile and inspiration to my day! Happy Day!!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you, Susan! I love Gladys Taber’s works ever since you introduced her to me via your posts. Don’t have the book that you are gifting, so I’m hoping it’s my name that’s chosen. Thanks for your generosity!
What a lovely blog today…came home from teaching and there it was. Made this “dear teacher happy”! I’m going to check out your Gladys Taber friend too! Thank you for sharing.
rw
Dear Susan…
Whether it’s The Irish Potato Famine or The Cherokee Trail of Tears, (our fore fathers suffered through both), the Godless heart of man is despicable.
Only with God’s love, and selfless acts of kindness, will the world find hope.
Thanks to you and Gladys Taber, for giving us so much hope and love-filled inspiration! You both have “brightened the corner where you are”! 😉
“May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain,
tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart may desire! ~Irish Blessing
Hugs,
Bunny XO
xoxo Bunny.
My mother was a great fan of Gladys Taber, and I sort of grew up thinking that she was Mother’s special friend. One year for Mother’s Day I took her clippings of Gladys Taber’s articles, mounted them on construction paper and placed them in a three ring binder that I had covered in contact paper with stencil letters spelling Stillmeadow out on the front. I still have it fifty years later. Mother would be so pleased to think that “her” Gladys still lives on in the hearts of homebodies everywhere. With love from my corgis and me.
Pet a Corgi for me, in fact give him a little cookie please!
Happy St. Paddy’s Day to you and your furry companion!
I had some free time on my hands today so decided to make some Irish Soda Bread. This was my first attempt and it turned out pretty good if I do say so myself. I’ve never eaten it before and wasn’t sure what to expect. I added a few raisins and caraway seeds just to put a spin on the recipe I used. After enjoying a warm buttered slice, I am now thinking that I will be making this quite often now. I will have to check out your recipe to see how it compares. Your Irish Stew sounds really good so thanks for sharing the recipe.
We are truly kindred spirits, Susan, for I am a Gladys Taber fan as well. I’m not sure I want to go to Stillmeadow, though, because I don’t want to destroy the Stillmeadow in my mind. 🙂 It’s too lovely a place to lose.
I know, it’s a little scary to actually go see your dream, that’s the way I felt at Beatrix Potter’s house, but I’m so glad I did. I just want to smell the land around her house in June ~ the grass, the hills, and just feel that breeze and see if there are any squirrels.
I LOVE all those cute pictures of Mr. Jack!! He makes me smile eveytime I look at them!! Beautiful green eyes!! 3 more days till Spring!!
How fun! A Gladys Taber book signed by you…..two of my favorite peeps. Thanks for the chance to win. I always look forward to your blog posts……especially the photos of Jack and Girl Kitty.
Happy St. Patrick’s day! I made corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread and Baily’s Irish Cream cheesecake. Now getting ready to watch “Darby O’Gill and the Little People”, a tradition we started when the kiddoes were little. Rubbing my four-leaf clover and crossing my fingers and toes so that Vanna might draw my name to win Gladys lovely book : )
oh, the Irish in me is a stirrin’ today as I sit in my tidy home listening to the sound of bumble bees at the wisteria and the wind, so pleasantly floating aong the new green leaves of spring. Thanks Susan for your lovely offerings – maybe I’ll be reading Gladys Tabers book soon as I welcome in SPRINTIME!
lovingly yours, Dixie Gladstone from So Ca
Thanks for your beautiful blog…and it’s so good that you shared the NY Times article. Knowing about history matters. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Thank you for the lovely green ideas for this St. Patrick’s Day. And, how generous of you to offer this lovely book. I will wish upon a star & hope I win.
By the way, saw the lovely moon last night….I think it was Worm Moon. Amazing – so large & so bright. Thanks for that bookmark.
Hi Susan,
I had been wondering what to have for dinner tonight then I read your blog and now I know! Sounds yummy. Can’t wait to try it out on my husband.
Jack was being a real pistol today. My two little ones (Maltese) have been quiet but by my side all day. We just got back from a wonderful Caribbean cruise when they stayed at a friends house. I suppose they figure if they stay by me I won’t “send them away” again. They don’t realize just how much I missed them!
Have Vanna include me in the drawing, if you would please. XOXO Anne
I cant remember when I discovered Gladys Taber, but I have loved her for a very long time. Thanks for giving us a chance to win and Happy St Patricks Day!
Thank you for the introduction to a new, to me, author! I read a bit out of the picture of the newletter and know I must read more. To avoid pinches I have in some terrible tacky green plastic shamrocks for earrings, but my children love turning on the flashing gizmo in them so mama endures plastic baubles for one day each year.
Spreading that sunshine Becky! xo
Happy St. Patrick’s Day and blessings to you, Joe & kitties.
While it’s beginning to look a little like springtime here, today it feels like winter with freezing rain and chilly temperatures-brr! It would be so nice to have a “new” book to curl up with under a warm blanket.
Here we are in sunny and warm Sebastopol California. We have had spring for a week or so and out in the garden we are. Having a few months of winter rest from the garden energizes us in the spring, seasons are wonderful.
love Irish Soda Bread! anytime! 🙂
I love Gladys Tabor!!! I have only read a bit of her while in the local used book store (her books are expensive). Your blogs have so helped this wintry season go by with some sunshine from you! Just the thought of another new book from you makes me antsy!!! Can’t wait. Going to try this Irish Stew recipe. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you, Joe and the kitties.
Please add me to the draw for the book. I’ve searched for Gladys Taber’s books here in Australia to no avail. Once I thought I’d struck gold at the library as there was one single copy in the catalogue but it had been removed to book heaven because of damage! Still searching! I love Ireland as I’m married to a wonderful Irishman with a sense of humour that has got us through some tough times in our 41 years of marriage and last year I got to visit Ireland for the first time when we went to England and Ireland for our 40th anniversary. My husband saw his boyhood home for the first time since leaving Ireland at 12
I am always happy and I know it, and especially when reading your blog. Happy St Patrick’s Day to you! Would love to win this Glades Taber book. I could sip my tea and just get transported to another time and place, finding myself in her lovely garden. How very thoughtful of you to share this treasure with us girlfriends.
*** I. Will try the Irish Stew with Buttered Noodles later in the week. Today I·m simmering Corned Beef & Cabages & Carrots for dinner. Green lime & lemon squares for dessert. *** Hope your area of the country enjoys Spring weather soon. Sending warm blessings your way. *** PS: love seeing Jack as always.
Irish stew recipe sounds scrumptious. Thank you! We are going to an Irish music concert tonight –lots of violins and clomping, etc. I’ve been under the weather and away from the grocery for the past week, so our Irish meal will need to come late this year, but that just makes the celebration last longer! Gladys Tabor has been a favorite for many years.
Love your blog! Just finished reading you lovely book “A Fine Romance”. Hope to win the Gladys Taber book :o)
Bought the ingredients for Irish stew and can’t wait to try it, I will be doing a vegetarian version and let my carnivorous hubby add the stew meat to his !
Oh, if I only could back many years and reread all the Glady’s Taber essays in the magazines my mother purchased from our local market. I never missed them! Nor did I every miss reading Faith Baldwin’s articles. I would love winning this book.
I love St. Patrick’s Day almost as much as Gladys Taber and her lovely books! I have a bunch of them, but not the one shown above. I always read them when I’m feeling like there’s “too much winter”!
Thanks for the link to happy music! Such a bright spot on a dreary and cold day!
The Irish in me delights in this fun day! Thanks for featuring all things “green” today!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Susan! I am hoping it is my lucky day since I would love to add The Best of Stillmeadow to my library. Thanks for brightening my life with your lovely artwork and inspiring stories!
AHHH! There is NOTHING like a READ of Gladys! As a young bride I corresponded with her, and she graciously replied with lovely letters…now framed!
Enjoy that wonderful reunion!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you too! What a lovely surprise to see your post today. We were all sporting green at school in my JK class but we celebrated by reading “Green Eggs and Ham” since we are in the middle of a study on Dr. Seuss’s fun books. I will be having potato leek soup for dinner instead of Irish stew or corn beef and cabbage like my mom. She is the original Jane Curtin as she refers to herself all the time. Thanks for the opportunity to possible have that book by Gladys Taber, your recommendation of her many stories and books has put me in the roll of treasure hunter as I search antique stores and flea markets for anything written by her. I love a good hunt and she sounds like some I will like to read about. Enjoy your day!
The best giveaway ever!!! I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed tight, dug out a four leaf clover from last summer, and you can be sure I’ll head out to look for that first star later tonight! Thanks so much for always having the most delightful surprises, natalie jo
Oh! How I would love to read this book! I would treasure it forever and share it with all my book loving friends!
Have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Susan and Joe.
Receiving “The Best of Stillmeadow” with your autograph would be the Best! Hear that, Vanna? 🙂
She’s out cold asleep still but I’ll leave her a note. 🙂
I love Gladys Tabor’s books. I would like this one for my collection. Love your blog.
I love vintage books and would love to add this one to my Gladys Taber collection. SO wanted to come to the reunion, but I have a son getting married this summer – priorities!
Understandable!
Love your blogs! I have one Gladys Tabor book, would love another…
Happy St Patricks Day to you!
Hi Susan, I would love a chance to win the book. Thanks so much!
NYT article very moving, something every American should read.
Had Potato Leek Soup to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day today. Something a little bit different! Love your blog and web site. Would cherish the Gladys Taber book. Hope you had a perfect day!
Brenda
Dear Susan,
That’s one GT book I don’t have. I love how she beautifully describes the simplest things in life. Everyday is a gift!
I’m so excited about the new book….I was hoping you would choose that one. Your mind seemed to be on it in your blog too. ♥
See you at the reunion,
Maureen
Hi Susan, your giveaway looks so lovely, I must enter just in case! Thanks for spreading the word about great books… Speaking of which, when I look at your blog and see no new posts, I think, OH GOOD, she’s writing more of her book today!
;O)
All the best from Maine – still so cold here, where oh where is spring??
Oh I’m so glad to hear that because you are exactly right. I can barely get away from the computer these days, I wake up and there are ten ideas I want to run to write down before I wake up too much and forget. It’s great, but it’s very consuming. I wish all books were this easy to write. Spring has GOT to get here soon Sarah, I was watching something on TV last night about how the earth spins toward and away from the sun. So, really, it’s coming!
I love Irish dancing and Irish foods and Irish people, but I never liked St. Patricks Day I must confess because I used to get pinched at school every year (and threatened to get pinched) and it absolutely terrified me! I never understood during all those growing up years, but now that I do: Happy St. Pats Day to all of my Irish loving girlfriends!
I love the relationship that Jack has with the camera….he is too adorable! Thank you for this lovely blog!
Lowely is a Finnerty! That’s my Mom’s maiden name 🙂 Doesn’t get anymore Irish than that! Mom was born in Waterbury, CT – her side of the family are all New Englanders. Maybe Lowely and I are distant cousins ! 🙂 Thanks for the Irish funnies – the tea cozy is the best LOL! Also, thanks for the stew recipe – that will be our Sunday do din :-). Loverly blessings to you, Joe and the kitties! Xoxoxo
Very possible! Lowely is from New York.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Susan! Always look forward to reading your blog and especially enjoyed listening to the music on this one. Though I’m more English than Irish, my mother is from Caerphilly, Wales, I always enjoy seeing how Americans celebrate this day. Thanks for the opportunity for someone to win a wonderful book.
Have you ever seen the wonderful movie How Green Was My Valley? OH! It takes place in Wales, and is a step back to another time.
Your writings always make me happy! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Hurry Spring!! It is starting to “feel” like Spring. The temps are like a roller coaster, but with each day……a little warmer. Can’t wait to dig in the earth.
I love seeing pics of Jack and reading about him! He’s a day brightener!
I love the Spring recipe cards – they just make me smile.
. . . have re-read “A Fine Romance” twice already . . . can’t wait for those 2 new books you are writing . . . keep them coming !! . . .
I have lots of ideas for new books, I just hope time is on my side, because hand-writing them is time consuming, but the art part is the heart part!
Happy St. Paddy ‘ s Day! My friends and I made all the traditional foods and celebrated at our yearly St. Patrick’s day donner last night but I will take some time to make your Irish Stew this week when my leftovers run out. I love it when you share your kitty photos. I have 2 of my own and they are hysterical and fun companions.
Today is extra special because it’s my sweet mother in law’s birthday as well as St. Pat’s day. We are in celebration mode here. Thank you for always making me chuckle over Jack’s antics – he reminds me so much sometimes of our Mr. Moon when he was younger. So funny!
If I’m lucky enough to win the Gladys Taber book, I’m giving it to my mom. I’ve been collecting the other books over the years for her, and I’m hoping she will leave them to me some day when she’s gone (a long time from now of course!).
I love your blog so much!
Thank you so much for sharing your Stew Recipe! Jacks eyes match my cat Gracie’s! I just love a cat with green eyes! She also helps with my paper work at my desk :).
Have a wonder Stew on this Irish day!
I love your news…. it always makes my day! Thank you and thank you so much for the opportunity to win that fabulous book !!