Hi Everyone! Between WILLARD (which starts going out this morning and finishes Wednesday night) and this post, I think I’m going to wear you out! But in the Willard I promised you a recipe, I promised “make-up gifts.” (Too long since last Willard, should call them welcome-back gifts). But first, we need MUSICA . . . and I need to show you what my dad, better known as “Blog Daddy” and his darling wife Jeannie sent us for Easter.
Is that cute or what? I get the bunny with the bow and I’m seven again. It’s got green peeps, it’s filled with those 
little chocolate eggs with the thin crispy crust and my favorite dark chocolate-covered coconut bars. Thanks Dad, thanks Jeannie! There’s me and Blog Daddy → . . . Such a cute surprise! (We were so young!)
I hope Easter weekend was as beautiful where you are as it was here! We’ve been getting amazing doses (as in medicine) of spring, drinking it in, making it almost impossible to stay inside, stay home, stay down. We want OUT! We pop this music into the player and off we go…
The island is coming alive and it’s fun to drive around and look at it. You can see we are still waiting for leaves on the trees, but the air is filled with the sweet smell of thawing earth, the light is new, and the sailboats are coming back. It’s perfect timing . . . Happy Earth Day! It’s today! Pretty smart of the powers-that-be to tuck Earth Day into this beautiful time of year! For extra enjoyment, for frosting on the spring cake . . . Check out the Washington DC Cherry Trees in bloom! They will put a song in your heart.
And now, here’s the recipe for the cake I wrote about in Willard, an old-fashioned lemon-filled sponge cake, soft as a baby’s hiney, perfect for spring birthdays, and gorgeous as a Mother’s Day Tea Cake.
And since I made this cake for Easter, I thought I’d show you just how easy it is to put together. Making this roll is much easier than you might think if you haven’t done it before.
So set your oven for 375° and here we go . . .
Butter a 10″ x 15″ cookie sheet that has a rim (jelly roll pan), then lay down a piece of waxed paper (allowing it to go over edge), smooth it into the corners and into the butter, and then butter the paper too.
Put the yolks of three eggs in one bowl and the whites in another.
Beat egg yolks a little bit then add a cup of sugar and . . .
Beat them until they’re thick and lemon colored . . .
Sift a cup of flour together with salt and baking powder . . . (don’t worry I’ll give measurements at the end)…
And stir it in to your batter along with six tablespoons of hot water . . .
Beat the egg whites until stiff and glossy.
While you’re doing that take a peek outside . . . oh, my, what a DAY!
And LOOK!!! I begin calling for Joe . . . we have robins by the herds, we have gaggles of cardinals, whole families ~ (not that I will ever take them for granted), but see that bird on the right? We never see that bird. ever. Got out the bird book where we find out it usually likes woods and thickets. This is our driveway . . . he is a “rose-breasted grosbeak.”
We ooh and aaah over him for a few minutes . . . He must have spring fever, coming over for some dessert seeds.
OK, that was nice, but back to “work” ~ folding in the egg whites . . .
And then the zest of one lemon . . . Now spread the batter evenly on your well-buttered cookie sheet and put into oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
While it’s baking, lay out a clean dishtowel and sift over a sprinkling of powdered sugar.
When the cake is done, and wafting fresh cake fragrance to the neighborhood, bring it out of the oven and use the edges of the waxed paper to turn it out onto your powdered-sugar covered cloth . . .
Voila! While still hot, carefully peel off the paper. Then take a pair of sharp scissors and cut off the crispy edges of the cake all the way around . . .
You can eat those crispy edges immediately, but from experience, if you eat them all now, you’ll have nothing to dip in the lemon filling you’re about to make. Just sayin’ . . .
Now, using the dishtowel begin to roll up the cake. It’s fairly malleable while it’s hot so you can make a nice roll, just pull out the towel as you go . . .
Once it’s all rolled, just leave it there and let it cool while you make the filling. Essentially it’s in training now to be a roll.
LEMON FILLING: In the top part of a double boiler, put two whole eggs, a cup of sugar, the grated rind of two lemons . . .
The fresh juice of two lemons and two tablespoons of melted butter.
Pour the juice into the double boiler through a fine sieve if your lemons are like mine and filled with seeds. Stir over simmering water for fifteen minutes until the filling is thick. Cool slightly. (Más MUSICA Girlfriends?)
Then it’s time to unroll your cake; carefully peel it open until it’s flat ~ it goes very easily . . .
Pour over the lemon filling and spread it almost to the edges, but leave it thick in the middle. (Don’t forget to save a little bit of filling to dip your cake clippings in if you have any left.)
Roll the cake back up, not TOO tightly, because you want the lemon filling to stay inside. I roll and lift the cake a bit as I go so as to keep the lemon from squeezing out the sides. Move the cake to an oval serving plate.
Sift over a little more powdered sugar ~ the cake is beautiful, but I decide it needs a little Easter decoration . . . so I run outside to pick some of my pretty yellow (non-toxic) forsythia flowers . . . any excuse to go outside is a good thing.
And voila! Like little butterflies. Your cake would be just as pretty with wild violets, pansies, johnny jump-ups, or roses . .
Now, soak the dishes, while you’re at it, notice the guy in the garden . . . that really good guy in the garden? Doing the aphrodisiac-thing women love?
Mulching and getting everything ready . . .♥
Go ask him if he would like a piece of Lemon Cake . . . Tell him you will bring it and he can eat it in the garden.
He deserves this . . . tender soft sugary cake with the most lemony of lemon fillings . . .
And while you’re out there, find reasons to stay . . . Hang up your bird houses . . . because you LOVE the serenade of birds in love . . .
Go take a picture of your old bunny crossing sign … take note of good mulchy dirt . . .
Give up looking for more to do and go on a walk! Such an amazingly gorgeous weekend.
Remember these Jingle Shells I found on the beach . . .?
. . . and then arranged on my window sill?
Well, one of our Girlfriends mentioned how much she would like to have some of these genuine Martha’s Vineyard jingle shells . . . so yesterday, out on our walk, I collected these . . .
And I put them in this Emma Bridgewater tin as a surprise . . . because I thought they might be a fun giveaway for spring, to celebrate the change of season, a box from the sea.♥
Jack agreed. I tied the box up in a little bag. Then I thought maybe not everyone wants shells, but I bet everyone would love an original 1900 copy of the wonderful “Elizabeth and Her German Garden,” the first book written by one of my favorite authors, Elizabeth von Arnim (she also wrote “Enchanted April” which you would love if you haven’t already read it). So I added that . . . Look at the beautiful raggedy edges on the pages of this old book . . . (Of course, If I’m doing anything different at all, Jack is immediately involved. He has an inquiring mind that wants to KNOW.)
So I put them together and thought, that looks nice, but something is missing . . .
A Fine Romance! Yes, must have that in the package. I hope you like it! I’ll sign my book and the Elizabeth book to whomever wins the drawing . . . All you have to do to be entered is leave a comment; right here at the bottom of this post you’ll see the tiny letters “comment” ~ click there and say anything sweet and you’ll be entered.
But is that enough when it’s been almost a year since your last Willard? Don’t you owe the Girlfriends something else? Maybe not “owe” but “wish to give?” Oui! I think so! So Vanna will choose TWO names this time, and the second name drawn will get these two Keepsake books (guided “life story” journals with lined paper, places for photos, sewn-in ribbon bookmarks ~ and lots of fun questions to be answered in their own handwriting by mom’s, grandma’s, aunts, sisters), more Mother’s Day festivities! xoxo We are starting early because we know that the best way to remember Mother’s Day is to forget it once, but we never want that to happen!♥
Here’s the recipe Girlfriends!
CAKE:
- 3 eggs, separated in two lg. bowls
- 1 c. sugar
- 6 Tbsp. hot water
- 1 c. sifted unbleached flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- grated rind of one lemon (zest)
- sifted powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 375°. Butter a 10″ x 15″ cookie sheet or jelly roll pan, one with a rim. Line it with waxed paper leaving some to hang over edges (an inch is fine). Set pan aside. Separate eggs into two large bowls. Beat egg yolks, add sugar and beat until thick and lemon-colored. Stir in hot water and dry ingredients. Beat egg whites with electric beater until stiff; gently fold into egg batter. Fold in grated rind. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake 12-15 min.
Immediately turn finished cake onto clean dishtowel lightly covered with sifted powdered 
sugar. Carefully peel off waxed paper. With sharp scissors, cut off the crisp edges of the cake. Using the cloth, roll up cake pulling out cloth as you go. Leave it covered and rolled, set it aside to cool while you make the filling.
FILLING
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 c. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
- zest and juice of 2 lemons (strained if necessary, no seeds please)
Put all ingredients into top part of double boiler. Beat well and stir til thick, approx. 15-20 min. Cool slightly.
FINISH
Unroll the cake, spread on the filling, and roll back up. Cool completely. Transfer to serving dish. Sift over a tiny bit more powdered sugar. Add flowers if you like, edible and unsprayed, violets, pansies, roses, johnny jump ups. Here’s a list of edible flowers.
Now something everyone needs the week after Easter, a delicious recipe for:
These make the most delicious just-home-from-work treat, on the porch while you watch the green things growing. Which is what I hope you’re all doing these days, just as crazy with spring fever as we are. ♥ Deep breaths of the gorgeous outdoors, that’s the only “cure.”
Happy Spring, Girlfriends . . . I’m off to work on my book, my new addiction, a few hours every morning, trying to figure out what our heroine is going to do next (she seems to have a mind 
of her own) . . . housekeeping, gardening, normal life in the afternoon. Don’t forget to leave a comment for the seashells and books. Also, if you have any trouble with WILLARD, be sure to let me know. He goes to lots of addresses now, it takes a couple of days for them all to go out, but if you haven’t received him by Thursday morning, check your spam box (because I’ve heard he can take a detour) and then let me know . . . you can write either here, or on Twitter, or on FOSB (Facebook), and we will be paying attention!
XOXO
Good morning, Susan. Happy Earth Day! I was so thrilled to wake up to see a new post from you. The lemon cake looks SO good! You make it look easy. (Smile!) It sure has been very “Springy” here in WNY ~ love it! Your pictures are always beautiful!
Have a wonderful day!
PS: The bunny basket gifts are darling.
My Dad’s pretty darn cute! Happy Spring, Ms Lamb with the perfect name!
As usual, your blog is an inspiring glance at beautiful places and pleasant thoughts. Thank you. Sign me up for the drawing, please.
You are signed up Bridey!
Ah, lemon cakes, etc. my favorite, yum! Looking forward to your little gift in my in-mailbox:) Happy earth day to all!!
Should be there soon!
Susan, thank you for brightening my day. Seeing evidence of spring makes me smile.
Me too, I know how you feel Mindy!
Oh Susan, I loved seeing all of your photos here today. The Toddster does all of our gardening and I am so grateful to him for that. It is a gift of love. My arthritis means I can’t do it anymore myself, so I am an armchair gardener, planning and watching and then enjoying the lovely fruits of his labours.
When we lived in Nova Scotia, we often had Evening Grosbeaks at our feeders. They are such pretty birds. I do so love watching birds. On Sunday this week past we had a male Sparrow Hawk at our feeder, probably looking for lunch as the hedgerow which borders our garden is filled to overflowing with beautiful little sparrows. He stayed for quite a while and I got some lovely photos of him, and then he left without his lunch. (whew!)
Lovely recipes here today. I do so love anything to do with lemon. We have guests coming for tea tonight and I am making a lemon curd filled bread and butter pudding for afters. I can’t wait!
I can’t wait for your Willard to land in my “in-box.” It’s been far too long. One of my most precious belongings is the copies of your earliest Willards that I was able to buy a few years ago. I often go back through them and read them again and (no surprise here) am reading A Fine Romance again for the third time. I just love that book!
Happy Easter Week! xxoo
Happy Easter week Marie! SO happy you love A Fine Romance — it’s like my child! Your dessert sounds wonderful!
You color your world so beautifully! that cake looks wonderful. Im considering making it, but will have to have a tea party if I do, because Im 100% sure that I would eat that whole cake in 2 days (and thats using self control!) lol! if I had it for a teaparty, the others would surely save me from myself by helping me to eat it all! Im sure its a sacrifice my friends would gladly make for me! as for your give away, oh what fun! have a happy day!
xoxo
vivian
I know exactly what you mean! Thank goodness for Easter . . . it was scarfed up and we were saved!
Yes, it’s early but just can’t wait to respond to this one!!! Such a beautiful beginning for what should be a beautiful Spring day in Nashville. I’d love to be entered in the drawings! Thanks for the opportunity, Judy
You’re entered Judy!
Happy Spring, dear Susan! I’m so looking forward to visiting with Willard again….and trying my hand at your lovely lemon cake. Sending hugs from Western New York!
Hugs to you Cheryl . . . Willard begins his cross-the-world trip at 9 am EST.
Our teacups are overflowing with happiness this morning….a wonderful new blog with spring, beautiful birds, yummy lemon cake, sweet kitty, lovely garden, great music and more!!!! Thank you for all, and for reminding us to enjoy the moment! Have a wonderful day.
You too Elizabeth! xo
Good morning Susan and Joe. My, spring has surely arrived in your neck of the woods. Not so much here yet but the rhubarb is starting to grow. Can’t wait to make a rhubarb crisp so while I’m waiting I will make your lemon cake. Someone baked bread in the lamb cake pans like yours and gave it to our priest. He wanted everyone to see it so he displayed it at church among the Easter lilies. It was so cute. Such wonderful give-aways. Thank you for your charming post. Cute Easter goodies from your Dad and Jeannie. Never too old to enjoy an Easter basket. Cutest little bird ever!
Hi Elaine! Baking bread in the lamb mold, wonderful idea! Have a wonderful day!
I love your blog! It is so much fun to read and you have the best ideas!
Thanks!
Thank you Joan, happy to see you here!
Monday through Friday I drag myself out of bed at 4:30am to work on my writing. I have 3 kids under 5 so I almost always have to drrraaagg myself. I work for 2 hours and then check my mail and blog feed. What a wonderful treat it is when your blog pops up with a new post! Makes the early wake up call totally worth it because I get to sit here quietly and read it with my coffee before anyone else is up! Truly a treat!
Oh thank you Tatiana . . . You are brilliant to carve out those quiet hours for yourself. Three little ones! xoxo
HAPPY SPRING!!! I LOVE EVERYTHING YOU DO. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I JUST RECENTLY MOVED AND FOUND ONE OF YOUR COOK BOOKS I HAD FORGOT ALL ABOUT. I WAS SO EXCITED I SAT RIGHT DOWN AND RE-READ THE WHOLE THING. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!
That’s what my dad always says . . . only he says it, “can you please try a little harder!” 🙂
It was still dark when I read your blog this morning – but it was like opening the blinds and seeing a new day dawning 🙂 I loved all the backyard scenes, etc. Spring has been so timid in some ways – maybe because Winter just wouldn’t let go of us! So I don’t know about anyone else, but I am thoroughly enjoying all the color and beauty this spring – so thank you for these pictures – and the lemon cake just fit right in with the theme of bright and sunny!
I love that you are “boxing up the seashore” by including those shells with the books in your giveaways. I don’t get to the ocean as much as I would like – but each time I do go, I take away one little shell – or rock even – as a reminder of a peaceful walk on the beach.
Who ever wins will be able to take the lid off and get a whiff of the Martha’s Vineyard seashore.
The lemon cake just makes me happy–seems to be filled with the taste of spring (it also reflects the color of the daffodils in my garden!)
As one of our Girlfriends just wrote, yellow is just perfect for this cheerful time of year.
Happy Easter! Happy Spring! No wonder you made lemon cake. The sun was so yellow and shiny this week-end that only a lemon would do. Thank you for the recipe, it looks wonderful.
I hope you like it!
Beautiful gifts from a beautiful blog! Put me in for them, please. I’ve seen that same bird once or twice and wondered what it was. I am so jealous of your beautiful stove! I got to see bits of it, and your window over the sink-my other love.
I didn’t realize those windows would be our own sort view to the zoo when we bought this house . . . wild turkeys, squirrels, birds, skunks, it’s a passing parade.
Thanks for the beautiful Willard. So inspiring. Wish I could stay home from work to bake and spring clean! Hope your day is happy.
Susan, you need no excuses for your absence….not when you are writing a new book! But even the shortest communication brightens our day. Thanks for staying in touch!
I love your keepsake books! I have been using your Christmas Memories keepsake books for the past 20 years. And I need a new one to start this coming holiday season. They bring me such joy when we look back at the memories. A wonderful idea to save cherished times together.
They bring back such wonderful memories! And all those details you might have lost!
What a wonderful way to greet my morning! I love reading about all of your daily life, and the recipes are an extra treat too. We also get excited when we see a new bird to our feeders. I hear all the birds chatting away right now. I always wonder what they are saying to each other. Birds can get very loud sometimes. It seems like there must be a lot of news in the bird community.
The giveaways are awesome. Again we are very lucky to have you in our lives.
Emily says to give Jack a big hug. She still reads all you have to say about her favorite kitty. Enjoy the beautiful weather we share in eastern part of the USA.
I think it’s all baby news right now! 🙂
Hello Susan, I’ve been a reader for awhile, I’m just a quiet one. Thought I’d pop on today and say hello. That cake looks so lovely, and reminds me of my husbands, Grandmothers lemon cake 🙂 Have another lovely day.
Love having you here Dorian!
Hi Susan, thanks for the great recipe. I can’t wait for your new book!
When the grosbeak shows up, you know it is spring!! We are enjoying the long awaited season change here in PA too. Thanks for the recipe and giveaway!
Thank you for this lovely post. I would love to win some penny shells for I had never seen them before and they are so beautiful. My husband is also a Joe and a dear one. I shall be making the lemon jelly roll soon. Much love and happiness to you and yours.
Good morning from Ontario Canada!
I just love your blog!
Please enter my name in your draw 🙂
Reading your post is the very best way to start the day! And thanks for sharing the wonderful looking (and I’m sure tasting) cake recipe. Can’t wait to make it for my husband.
Isn’t yellow just the most wonderful color at this time of year? Loved every word of today’s post as it filled with sunshine in all shades of yellow … lemons, and forsythia, and the beautiful jingle shells! Thanks for bringing all this yellow goodness along with you today Susan … you literally brightened my day! I’m hoping Vanna will shine her light upon me as there’s nothing I’d love more than to find those shells in my mailbox! Happy writing … can’t wait to read it once it’s all done!
Happy Spring to you, too! I don’t know about you, but I thought we were doomed for a whole year of snow and ice! I’ve lived in Indiana for 13 years and this has been the coldest and longest winter yet! So glad it’s over. I love seeing all the buds on the trees and the flowers working their way up through the soil. Days of leaving the windows open, having the curtains fly with the breeze. My favourite spring smell is the earth after a light rain. It smell so fresh and clean, even if it is dirt!
I would love to be entered in the contest for the sea shells and the books. I do so miss the sea. I’m pretty landlocked here in the middle of farm country. To hear the sea gulls and the sound of the water is something I truly miss.
I hope you have a wonderful day. I hope to be able to read the new book you are working on. Your books are always a pleasure to read. They make me dream, which is a wonderful thing.
Hugs from me to you!
Deb Price
… good morning, dear Susan !..yes, spring time has finally arrived..happy earth day as well… the little ones that I take care of everyday got another lesson about earth day.. we love to recycle..that is one of the things we do do help momma nature.. plus we plant flowers and vegies… we love this time of year, especially after such a strong winter !!.. our weather for Easter weekend was exceptional also…couldn’t have been more perfect !!..well, once again, dear Susan, you give us all so much…so much to comment on, however this could get very lengthy very quickly and some thing tells me you are going to get a LOT of comments very soon !!…thank you , dear Susan !!..with love, as always..the gifts look absolutely amazing !!
p.s …. I forgot to say “welcome back, Willard !!…we’ve missed you so !!”
I speak for him when I say he missed you too xoxo
My husband LOVES lemon. This cake sounds delicious. He will love it…..we ALL will! Thanks, Susan!
Loved reading your blog post – I eagerly anticipate every Willard which pops into my mailbox. Thank you for the cake recipe, can’t wait to make it!
I would love to win the jingle shells and the books! What a wonderful giveaway. I am a little jealous of your seeing that rose-breasted grosbeak. I love birds and have never seen one. Maybe this year? Have a great day and thank you for the recipe and beautiful post.
Maybe this year, I can’t tell you how surprised I was to see him there!
Loved the little grosbeak! I have never seen one. I loved waking up this morning on crisp sheets that I line dried yesterday to the song of a cardinal outside my open window. Soft spring breeze fluttering the curtains..ahh spring!
Ahhh Spring, Nese . . .
Good spring morning Susan, ohh how I would love the lovely little yellow seashells in the Emma Bridgewater tin. Having my tea this morning in her robin mug which I thought appropriate for a spring morning.
I have just returned from a 12 day vacation to the east coast, Virginia and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This was my first time to experience the beautiful and wild Atlantic Ocean. I live here in the middle of the country in Minnesota. It was…. I can’t even find words to describe standing on the shore with the waves lapping at my toes. Yes, it was cold but just had to peel off shoes and wade in. Another day it was so windy and then the waves just rolled and crashed onto the shore. If there was a shell to pick you better be quick, run out, grab it and hurry back or you’ll get splashed! We did pick some shells but nothing as pretty as your little yellow ones.
“I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky” (Sea Fever by John Masefield)
When I came home the first thing I did was to check out my garden and I had a few nice surprises. I found lots of tulips sprouting, buds on a new little lilac bush and many others just peeping out. I was afraid I would have lost some plants due to our very long cold winter this year. We still have a ways to go to catch up to all the flowers that were in full bloom in Virginia but it won’t be long now.
Happy Spring to you and Joe, Jack and Girl kitty!!
OHHH Gloria, how wonderful for you. Happy Spring!
Yummy recipe Susan! I will give that a try for mother’s day. What a wonderful giveaway. We go to Maine a few times each year and I have never seen or heard of jingle shells. Would love to add them to my collection. Thanks as always for an inspiring post!
It’s funny, the yellow shells only seem to be on certain parts of our beach . . . they aren’t not spread out all over. I hope they have them in Maine, I would think they would.
Good morning! I love this giveaway! You think up the sweetest treats for us. Joe, you are the man! My guy spent most of yesterday outside sprucing up the yard and tilling the garden. Susan’s right…it’s absolutely that aphrodisiac thing we women love 🙂 I didn’t have a lemon cake, but I did make him a grilled cheese-bacon-apple slices sandwich and served it to him on the little table he’d just hauled to the patio. 53 days and counting till CT! Hugs 🙂 🙂
53 days! Oh boy!
Happy Earth Day, Happy Spring!!
Happy Earth Day Susan! Oh, how I love what Blog Daddy and Jeannie put together for you and Joe on Easter! Surprises are the sweetest ever. Plus that photo of you and your Dad is priceless!
To celebrate Earth Day this year, we are off to the Netherlands in a short while to take in the fields of tulips and windmills and all of the other beauty it has to offer! It will be stunning, I know!!
Your lemon cake is beyond perfection with those forsythia sprinkled about for a bit of Spring. I wish I could have a slice right now with my coffee! Depending on wifi, my Williard m ight not get read until I return, but thank-you, thank-you! I just love your Williards. They are like little treasures to save and reread over and over!
Lucky lucky you Winnie! Have fun, hello to the tulips and windmills for us!
What a way to start this special Tuesday! I am sitting at my desk, preparing for Earth Day celebration activities for my elementary students, breathing in the fragrant scent of sunshine on my desk (beautiful, bright daisies in a sunshiny vase!), and reveling in all things spring that you shared on your new post this morning! Can life get any better?!? Thank you for sharing such hope and joy with all your Girlfriends. Can’t wait to find my copy of Willard in my box whenever it arrives, and I am crossing my fingers (and if I had cat, I would cross her whiskers, too!!) that Vanna might just pull my name!!
Have a glorious day breathing in all the splendor of Mother Earth!
Thank you Samantha! Fingers crossed for you!
That lemon cake looks divine! But I first have to eat the carrot cake cupcakes from Easter. Ah, the dilemmas of life! The advent of Spring has just been made more beautiful by your lovely words and reflections of life surrounding you. Susan, thank you for your willingness to share your gifts of observation and gratitude. It’s catching!
I’m glad to hear that Carol! xoxo
Oh Susan how nice it was to wake up this beautiful Earth Day and see a new blog! Im not even sure if my comments get to you but I love sending them anyway. Weather here in Va is so nice also. 70’s yesterday! Played outside almost all day with my Grand Children. Loved seeing the little bird in your driveway. He was spectacular! We have lots of feathered friends we feed here too. Well add me to your list of friends who love you and yours and would absolutely love love love to have those precious shells for my collection. Have a wonderful Earth Day!
Hope you see this and know I’m getting your sweet comments Shelia!
The cake looks Ah-mazing! And I am always amazed at the different variety of shells from one beach to another. So unique and pretty. Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. It’s always so lovely.
Have a most excellent day.
Kim
Like the way different plants grow in different places . . .
Susan Branch, You are nothing less than amazing……Thank you for all you do for all of your Girlfriends! Happy Earth Day! 🙂
Hi Susan……it’s 4:20 A.M. and I’m 14 hours post op from a hip replacement! . Yipeee!, now I get to garden again……I can’t wait! Anyway…..they just came in at 4A.M. to poke me for blood (at 4A.M…..can you believe it?!!) & now I’m wide awake, so I thought I would see If Susan has left a new post &YES! YES YOU HAVE! Thankyou. Susan. Such a fun one too! I’m using a bunch of exclamation points…..is it possible the pain meds are making me a very happy girl? 😉 !! Anyway…..I love,love your Easter baskets….it’s true, you’re never too old for Easter baskets. The beautiful cake made me smile because I used to make it for my mom who was a huge lover of anything lemon. It is indeed a gorgeous cake & absolutely delicious. Give darling Jack & Girl a pat for me. I can’t wait to get home to my 2 kitties…. they’re such good re-hab friends….curled up right smack on top of me the whole time. By the way Susan, I brought A Fine Romance to the hospital with me because I knew it would make me happy. Going to read it for the 3rd time! Happy Spring to you & Joe.
You sound wonderful Lauren, congratulations!!! It’s over and only way to go is UP UP UP! Happy Spring!!
Hi Lauren, so glad to hear your surgery is over and things can only improve for you. I’m waiting for a call to tell me when my hip replacement surgery will be – probably August/September. Please keep us posted on your recovery period. I’ve heard lots of good things from people who have had the surgery. Although I am a little anxious I am also trying to be optimistic as the alternative is chronic pain and decreased mobility. But as Susan says no way to it but through it so I will be very brave and soldier on. Susan’s blog will certainly help. Best wishes for s full recovery, Lauren.
I’ve ordered several things from you over the years and the service is so incredible and personal. Love receiving the items in colorful tissue paper and with cute stickers on the pkg.
Have even had calls from ‘the girls’ – such nice touches in this age and so completely in tune with the intimacy your writings convey–
Jane
Makes me so happy to hear that . . . I will pass this message on to Kellee and Sheri. We are in the business of people, that’s what we like. xoxo
Happy Spring, Susan! What a beautiful posting in your blog today. The pictures, shells, lemon cake (yum!) — what a wonderful way to start my day. Thank-you!
Good Morning Susan! It was so nice to poor my morning coffee and find a new blog post today. Spring is just starting here and I spent the afternoon with my kitty (Cheddar) raking and stirring up all of those great springy dirt smells. I have a harness for him and Iclipped his leash to my belt loop.
I loved the picture of the grosbeak. We have a pair that come through our yard every spring. It is always a thrill to see them. My husband put up some bluebird houses and we have a pair of bluebirds inspecting them now. The male inspects the house first and then shows his lady friend which one will be just right. It happens every spring and we get so excited. Unfortunately, there is a very feisty Carolina wren that chases them away every year. Naughty Wren…but, we love him too! I just love seeing pictures of your mulch/dirt. I just love good dirt. I love the smell of it and the feel of it. I have a compost pile and i love going out and inspecting it. I plunge my arm in all the way up to my elbow to feel the heat…It is such a thrill. My hubby made me a sifting screen for it. It is one of my favorite garden tasks. I put the screen on a wheelbarrow and pile on a few shovel fulls of that leafy brown goodness . I put on a big ol’ pair of garden gloves and wave and rub my hands all over it till it comes through the other side a gorgeous mass of dark brown goodness. I take such pleasure spreading it over my flower beds. It makes all colors of the flowers Pop. Thanks again for another lovely post. I have to go play with kitty now…he’s fetching his little ball for me to throw to him. Love,
Mary Brehm
I love your long, newsy, charming posts that inspire us to seize the day!
Hi Susan…my first time writing here. I am on my third reading of your Fine Romance book. I just can’t put it on the shelf…as soon as i finish reading the last page, not a week goes by, and i open it again to start reading….i follow your blog religiously…have even read past blogs. Love your writing and love your drawings. I have been journaling for the past 28 years, but you have inspired me to start using watercolors in my journals. Keep on writing…I am looking forward to your next book.
Well, hi Ileana! Kindred spirit . . . I’m glad you’re here!
i have been here for several months….just never wrote a post…really love your book.
Hi Ileana!
I’m from S.C. and just wanted to say that I don’t ever think I will put “A Fine Romance” on the shelf….it’s just too beautiful! I have a spot just for it on one of my end tables so I (and anyone else) can see it when I walk by!
Take care-
Martha Jean 🙂
isn’t it amazing what ONE book can do for you? i just love to open it at any page and look at the pictures and read the words….i find that every time i read one of her pages, i run to my own journal.
p.s. hi from NJ!
~ Good Morning Susan and Girlfriends ! ~ We had a wonderful Easter ~ Time with The Lord~ Perfect weather ~ Family ~ Delicious Brunch with Mimosas ~ Easter candy(Peeps) ~ Bubble Blowing ~ Hopscotch ~ Singing Birds ~ A Glorious Day! ~
I can’t wait to get my bare toes in warm sand !~ it will be a while since way out in the lake you can still see a little ice ~ I’d love to get my “hands” on your “mermaid nails” ~ we don’t have those here in Wisconsin ~ they would look great next to my jar of beach glass! ~ Off to make a Strawberry Shortcake and a pitcher of Strawberry Kiwi Iced Green Tea ~ Happy Spring! ~ It’s finally here!
Oh the seashells are so pretty! We used to pick them up when we visited our relatives on the East Coast. Haven’t seen them “in the wild” since I was young. Going to attempt the Lamb Cake this week for my little Laura’s 4th birthday. We are finally having some spring weather — but everything is still behind time.
Oh she is going to love that cake! You will be her hero (except I know you already are!!).
I look forward to sitting down and enjoying your blog every single day! Even if I’ve already been there, I do it all over again. You are such an inspiration to me! Cannot wait to make the Mother’s Day cake and the stuffed eggs. I absolutely love your home. The way you put things and place them, so cozy and so sweet. Thank God that I found you! Much love from South Carolina!
Love back to you Denise!
Wow! That cake looks delicious! I don’t think I could make it as good as you so maybe you would like to make it again and invite me over…..I promise to wash all the pots and pans. : )
🙂 !
Oh, I love the jingle shells! Would love to have some!!
What a lovely post! The Mother’s Day Cake looks A-M-A-Z-I-N-G ! I can’t wait to make this for family and friends. I enjoy baking but have always been “fearful” of a jelly roll cake. You made it seem so easy!
I haven’t been able to get A Fine Romance yet and my library is not carrying it, so thank you so much for offering this wonderful gifts for us all. I know whoever wins will greatly appreciate the shells and books! Take care and I hope you have a wonderful day~
Ask your library to get it . . . sometimes they just don’t know. And yes, I promise, the cake is so much easier than it looks!
enjoyed hearing from you this morning…felt like i was right there with you in the kitchen and then on your beach walk. vanna…please pick me…i have a great spot for the jingle shells…right along with my petoskey stones!!!!
I love reading your blog, love your beautiful work, love your adorable Jack. 😀 Thank you for the giveaway. I’ve never been to Martha’s Vineyard and would love to go one day. Love the ocean and seashells. We usually go to the coast of Maine for vacation where there are rocks more than seashells.
Hi Susan! Love to see Spring in your neck of the woods. My girls and I are outside every day looking at all the changes – budding trees and flowers – all of it wonderful. Can’t wait to visit with Willard!
Give those girls a hug for me Rachel! Happy spring!
Susan, I just started reading your blog before Christmas and it has become a part of my daily routine to check for a new post. I am thrilled to see a new one and have gone back and read many of your old ones. I even share them with my daughters, who listen to hear the bird chirp! Thank you for sharing your world, I feel as if I’m a part of it at times. I would love to be able to visit Martha’s Vineyard sometime, it would be to me as it was for you when you visited Beatrix Potter’s house. Thank you for taking time out of your busy life to share with all of us!
Happy to meet you here Robin!
You and your beautiful blog makes my heart happy! Thank you!
It’s a two way street Myra! Thank you!
Susan, thanks for your happy refreshing spring treats. This may sound gross but when I was little I used to summer at my aunts (actually my grandmother;s sisters) summer house. It was on its own beach. So many days were spent looking for things that game with the tide during the night. We seemed to always have the shells that are now part of your new package. Here goes , because I was living with four seniors, plus many guest their ages, I used to call those shells old folks toe nails. I hope I didn’t gross you out, seeing them again, just brought back that memory. Thank you for taking me back to a wonderful time in my life. Happy spring!!!
No because the other name for those shells is Mermaids Toenails! You were very close!
Hi Susan, thanks for the chance to win your wonderful gift. That lemon cake looks amazing! I’m going to make it today.
Oh, and that little bird, love it!
It is finally spring here in northern Ohio after an awful winter. My lilac bush has popped out leaves seemingly overnight. My pond frogs and toads are screaming their love songs to each other (and the algae is blooming in the pond, too 🙂 ) And I see how much work needs to be done in my yard….can I borrow Joe for a while? LOL. The Lemon Cake looks wonderful – I might make it for my birthday next month! Looking forward to Willard – have a great day!
Please sign me up for the drawing. You always choose such delightful goodies for your give-aways. Wish me luck! Can’t wait to see what’s new from Willard.
I just give away what I would like to receive. I figure that way someone will probably like it too! Good luck Jackie!
Susan, thanks so much for the post & the Willard. Yesterday was my birthday and I am considering this one of my best presents !!! You make me feel like dancing. You are awesome. Lots of Love.
I’m so glad to hear that — let me add, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR KAREN!! Now it’s official.
Such a lovely new post! I always check before leaving for work, and was excited that today is a “double”–new Willard too! And gifts!! Happy Spring from Georgia!
Yes, I’m keeping you extra busy this week! 🙂
What a happy post! My son has promised to help me mulch the beds and plant some chrysanthemums this week and this cake would be the perfect reward for him. He’s such a lemon lover, he’ll flip! Thank you, Susan.
Happy Earth Day Susan! So love the pictures of your lovely island.
How wonderful to know we are never too old for our own Easter Basket! Your Dad is such a sweetheart. I still do my daughter who is almost 34 years old a basket and this year included her boyfriend who was visiting also. She said she would have been traumatized if she had gotten up and found no basket from the Easter Bunny. And her Boyfriend smiled all day about his basket. Keeps you young with memories both ways.
xoxoxo
What a wonderful way to start another beautiful Spring day by finding a new blog posting. I will definitely be making my mom the beautiful and delicious looking lemon cake for Mother’s Day next month. I think this Spring is more joyous than ever after the horrendous winter we had. Can’t wait for my Willard to arrive. You really do “make our day” with each and every post you know. Happy writing on the new book–we are all waiting with anticipation!
Hi Susan
Can’t wait to receive my Willard. I have been getting them for years (when they were going out snail mail) and have enjoyed each and every one. I get them out on a regular basis and read them. I enjoy them now almost as much as when I first read them. Thanks so much for bringing so much joy!
Angie
I have been sick for a few months and have not even had the energy to check your blog. I have missed you! Finally checking back today was uplifting! I live by the water in Rhode Island and you have given me the desire to get back out to my walks on the beach!! Thank you….
Barbara
It’s a wonderful time of year! I hope you’re feeling better every day.
What a lovely gift – your new posting on Earth Day! How it wonderful to still be able to get an Easter basket from your Dad. And such cute ones.
The lemon cake just calls my name – love lemon squares so this would be just as yummy or better. Not sure about getting it out of the pan onto the towel – you do make it look easy, but I am a klutz – :-)!
Your gifts are just amazing – wonderful books and a gift from the sea!
Thanks for all the joy,
Mary
No, I promise, it seems scary, but it’s really very easy. I don’t make this cake every day, and yet it works every time I do.
Happy Earth Day!
Those sea shells are beautiful. I now live far from the sea, but I think about my days at Harvard when I was able to visit the seashore often. I miss the smells and sounds.
Treese/Colorado Cowgirl
Hi Susan,
What a nice post and now I’m pretty sure I should have something yummy to eat. Also what a nice giveaway, which I would be more then happy to win. Thank you. Looking forward to my Willard, I keep them all. I also keep all the Gladys Taber news letters too. I just got another Taber book in the mail yesterday, used of course. I have 10 of her books now. She has a calming effect on me, or I could just give up the coffee.
Nancy Jo
What a wonderful collection for a gift…here’s hoping! I visited your beautiful island one year ago and still dream about coming back…thanks for the pictures.
Good morning, Susan ~ I so enjoyed your blog post! I’ve been to Martha’s Vineyard, many moons ago, and dream of visiting again. Such a beautiful place. I felt like I was on the edge of the world there! Your lemon cake looks and sounds amazing. I plan to make it this week! My husband and I adore lemon. 🙂 I am making my way through your A Fine Romance slowly, because I want to savor it. Twenty years ago, I was stationed in Germany, but never made it to England. I’m a Jane Austen and Beatrix Potter lover, so I dream of visiting. I will get there! 🙂 I love the pic of you and your dad. So precious! I live on Lake Michigan in Western Michigan and Spring has finally arrived! I have buds on my lilac bush, which caused me to jump up and down! It’s been such a looooong, cold winter. Thank you for the giveaway offer. Blessings upon your day! ~ Julie
Such a beautiful post today! Thank you. Can’t wait to make the cake.
Living near the beach in sunny Sarasota, there is no shortage of beautiful shells, but nothing like the shells you find where you are! My little granddaughter always comes home with a pail full and these would be a wonderful addition to her growing collection. I always look forward to your postings and one I especially loved was the one this winter of your home and the snow falling-something we never see in Florida! Thank you, Susan, for sharing your life with all of us ‘Girlfriends’!
My pleasure Barbara, as I’m sure you know!
Happy Spring to you Susan!! The cake looks sooo delicious. There is nothing more fun than mucking about the garden in Spring. Have fun doing that and Happy Earth Day
So good to see this post…my weary eyes and heart needed it. I have had a bit of a roller coaster ride with some health issues! The cake looks wonderful, Joe in the garden looks more wonderful…maybe I will send this post along to my husband, see if he gets the idea. Love the sea shells and the little birdies, God’s creations always amaze me! Love to you this wonderful Earth Day!! Katherine
Hope you’re on the straightaway now and heading home and safe and healthy. xxoo
Birds, flowers, lemon cake-a fine way to start my day.
Susan, Happy Easter and Happy Spring ! I am going to make the Lemon Roll Cake this week as we have company coming. I usually make Lemon Meringue Pie when they come, but this will be a nice change ! Love the challenge of the roll-up sponge cake…especially when you flip it out on the towel…ha ha. Hope this comment is sweet enough to win . Thank you for being you !
It’s pretty darn sweet alright! xoxo
We had a glorious Easter here in the Detroit area – we were invited to enjoy an Easter potluck at my daughter-in-law’s 95 year old grandma’s! We were able to eat outside at the picnic table. Wonderful day with my whole family there.
The lemon roll cake looks yummyyummy!! Can’t wait to make it! i
Awesome giveaway as usual – count me in!
Lemony yellow things just sing about springtime; thanks for the recipe. As for the forsythia, I forced a few branches indoors and am still waiting for whole shrub to burst into bloom.
I loved seeing the bunnies, birds and, for good measure, the lamb.
Happy Spring, Susan!
I’m not sure how you do it, but you make the changing seasons, foods, views, and your experiences come alive as if we were all there with you. Your love and joy for your husband, your family, your cats, birds, flowers, nature, music, and found objects resonates off the pages and turns the beautiful into wondrous. Thank you for your brilliant, magic touch that highlights the delightful side of life.
Aren’t you a sweetheart, that was so nice Alexandra xoxo
Lemon roll-up cake sounds wonderful – maybe my lemon-yellow roses will make some buds for me now that we are having Spring-like temperatures! My husband preps our garden-y areas, too! I know he would also enjoy this little treat. Thank you for the recipe.
Good Morning, Ms. Susan! And a Happy Earth Day to you. Today’s post has me drooling for your luscious lemon desserts. Wouldn’t some blue and white wild violets be beautiful on your cake roll? My side yard is just full of them right now and I need to pick some before the yardman (aka the husband) mows them down. Thank you so very much for the giveaways. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I will be one of the lucky winners!
Love from Diane in North Carolina
They would be gorgeous Diane!
Thank you for letting us lean our arms on your window sill and showing us the beauty of living a grace filled life.
♥ ♥ ♥
So happy to read a new Post on Earth Day! I just wish I had a slice of your Mother’s Day Cake for breakfast this morning. It looks sooo delicious! What wonderful gifts you have found for a special girl friend. Someone is going to be a very lucky person. – now I have to stalk my email as I wait impatiently for my Willard to appear!
Enjoying your posts right before we hike on Lucy Vincent Beach. All of your photos are eye candy to me. Keep them coming!
Ohhh, a giveaway for the Memory Books, how exciting! I didn’t know you could use wax paper in the oven, I’ve only used Parchment paper, I’ll give that recipe a try, looks so yummy. Thank you for your posts, so exciting to read them.
Thank you for the wonderful pictures, if I close my eyes I can almost smell the island air!
Happy Spring and Happy Earth day to you Susan and Joe,
What a sweet sweet give-away…Those shells are darling, and even the name makes smile! Do they jingle when they’re in your hand?
The lemon roll looks delicious, I think in Europe we call it a Swiss Roll. Just this weekend I made your carrot cake cupcakes! I was smart (HAHA) and froze a few, otherwise my 2 boys would have eaten them all…They were delicious!
Schools have a break next week, so we are going to Kent next week, lucky lucky! I’m hoping the fruit trees will still have their blossom, and l’m going to try my first ever Pear Cider!! Cheers!!
Best wishes from Holland
Nicoline
That all sounds just wonderful Nicoline, from carrot cake cupcakes to Kent and back again! Have fun!
Susan,
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful spring day! I always enjoy reading your posts. We had a beautiful weekend here in Nebraska. I love when everything starts turning green and the flowers add wonderful color! Happy Easter!
What an excitingly beautiful Earth Day surprise!! The cake sounds (and looks) delicious! Isn’t Spring grand?!?!
It is always such a treat to log into your blog and find a new post waiting there! Sometimes I wonder if I should ‘get a life’ because I look forward to your posts so very much! What a joy!
Have a wonderful day!
Thanks for a fabulous new lemon recipe, my favorite flavor 8-). Went out and picked tea roses for my window sill so very very glad spring is here. Thanx for Willard.
Susan
I love spring time in the south but you make me want to experience it where you are too!
I can’t imagine a “bad” spring, but the world is full of wondrous things.
Oh how your blog posts make my heart sing. I live in NC but at 3800 feet elevation in the mountains our weather and the time for arrival of spring are very similar. We, too, often see the grosbeak and become so excited when one is sighted. I have only recently discovered your writing and your blog and so much enjoy the sampling of books. In the meantime, I will wait with you for the green to appear on the trees and enjoy the daffodils and dogwoods. I adore all the seasons and their changes but am always the most excited about the one that’s immediately at hand. Welcome Spring!
Me too, love the one you’re with! xoxo
Reading your blog post was like taking a mini-vacation. Thank you for sharing all your Spring goodness.