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
Thank you for the beautiful pictures of your island!
I love Elizabeth von Arnim’s book, The Enchanted April (and movie version too)! I read it every winter I lived in MN and ND and it helped me make it to spring. I also love the idea of the ocean in a box. I have always loved seashells since I have always lived far from the sea. Thanks again for a great giveaway!
Love it all. Thanks for such sweetness!
Happy Spring! Love the lemon colored shells – I adore lemons – and adore yellow. Happy colors!
Oh, I would so cherish those MV shells, as I’m sure you know! I probably won’t be able to make it there again this summer, so this would be such a sweet consolation 🙂
Delightful post – delightful gifts!
I so love hearing reports on nature’s goings-on in your neck of the country, especially your beautiful photos. I attend night class at University of Houston Downtown and was treated tonight with seeing turtles swimming in Buffalo Bayou. Guess 80 degrees and bright sub shine brought them out tonight! Thank you for being. I love your Fine Romance…it is wonderful!!!
Hi! Thanks for another nice blog and giveaway! I loved enchanted April, so would love to win the book! The shells and tin are such a special touch. The other books look special also! Your book is my favorite! I’m looking forward to the Willard! Blessings to you!
“Anything sweet.” 😉
Kidding. Discovered your blog a few months ago and LOVE it. Now, when I see anything Susan Branch in the stores, I smile a little smile, as if I had a secret, because I read your blog and maybe others at the book store don’t.
🙂
After a long day at work, what a treat it is to come home and read your wonderful post! You make the “everyday” something special and it inspires me to do the same. Thank you,
Kathy
I love Willard! I look forward too receiving him, it is like sitting down with a long time friend. I can almost smell springtime in the air and taste the lemon cake.
Thank you, Susan.
Oh, yes, please. The combination of those pretty shiny East Coast shells in their pretty little box, and the chance to re-read Elizabeth’s story of her rose garden and the “man of wrath”, and another copy of your lovely book to share with a friend, or books to fill in with my own story, finally got me to comment. I had held back before, feeling that my life is so crowded with blessings that it would be greedy to ask for more, but now I feel like a child at the fair with the lottery wheel spinning (I once won a baby duck that way).
I so look forward to Willard and the blog, and I am never disappointed. It is like getting the very best letter from an dear friend. Thank you for all of your effort.
Lynn
I to am watching all the green things grow! Love them all! Its Been a long winter and spring is my favorite season. The rose breasted gross beaks are beautiful birds i love it when they vist my yard they have a beautiful song
I made a lamb cake and it was the hit of the gathering!! (He was SO cute, people didn’t want to cut it.) So…….I am thinking I may venture to try the lemon-filled sponge cake. I love that it is made with ingredients I already have!! I am anxiously waiting on Willard to show up. I shall make a cup of tea and read away! Thank you for your lovely site and sweet giveaways.
Susan, thanks for another great recipe for us to try! Your book suggestion will be added to my list of must-reads. It’s so nice that you also share books that are enjoyable. Have you read Elizabeth Gilbert’s book “The Signature of things” ? My husband just got it for me for Easter after some of my British friends and my Botanical art instructor raved about it. I thought of you when I received it as it’s set in 18th/19th century England. I think you’d enjoy it too!
Happy Spring!
Hi Susan,
Sending you sweet thank yous for the wonderful gifts you sent us today.
I hope you know how much we all love you for sharing your beautiful world with us! You are a treasure as is your beautiful island.
so happy to be a girlfriend….and would love to enjoy reading the books while sitting on my little patio and enjoying the smell of the ocean and the island…thank you for helping to bring the spring <3
I love those yellow shells! I am going to have to make the lemon cake for my Daughter, Julie, for her birthday. She loves everything lemon. She would love those shells for her birthday too. I love the instructions for the lemon cake. I did not think the cake would unroll. Who knew. Spring has arrived here in Ohio and not a moment too soon. Happy Spring to you and Joe.
The lemon cake looks and sounds wonderful!! Hope to try it one day soon! I recently found an old lamb cake mold and have been SO EXCITED!!! I’m definitely going to try it out soon. Thanks for sharing such a helpful tutorial!
Love the jingle shells and the Emma Bridgewater tin!!!! The 1900 copy of “Elizabeth and Her German Garden” is a real treasure ~ how thoughtful of you to share!
“anything sweet”
How to Make Baking a Cake and Spreading Mulch in the Garden Seem Like a Romantic Adventure by Susan Branch – ha ha ha!!!
Happy spring to you and Jack and Kitty Girl and Joe too. A gift from the sea would be really fine.
Oh that lemon cake looks very, very tempting. I think I may have to make it sometime this week. It won’t last long, I’m sure!! Spring is finally arriving on MDI ~ green grass popping up, the birds singing their little hearts out and (my favorite) the “peepers” are serenading us at night. Love it!! xoxo from SW Hbr.
You’ve inspired me to wander around the yard and say hello to the johnny jump-ups just as soon as there is enough light in the morning!
Thank you so much for the chance to win some lovely prizes. Your blog posts and Willards are a gift in themselves that I truly treasure.
Oh, I am eager to make the lemon cake. Thanks so much for sharing all your happiness. I know it is a bright and cheery spot in my day. I will wait, but not very patiently, for my “Willard”.
Love reading your blog. Make stuffed Jacks to sell . He is too cute…..
Looking forward to Willard! What a fun name for a newsletter:)
Good evening Susan,
I don’t think I can wait until Mother’s Day to make your Lemon Cake Roll! It looks soooo good.
We have been watching our Blue Birds, so fun! They have picked our Blue Bird House to make their home. Last year they nested two times, one in spring then in the early summer. They are so sweet to watch. The pair of them work so well together. The female is so fussy picking out her home, to raise her family.
You are giving a great gift to a lucky girlfriend
Happy Spring———–
Happy Spring, I’m glad it finally has arrived! 🙂
WHEWEEEEEEEEEEEEEE WHAT A LOTTA NICE CATCHING UP THRU “THE WILLARD”…………………AND THE POSTING ALSO
I BAKED A STRAWBERRY CAKE ROLL WITH YUMMY STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE AND MARSHMALLOW FLUFF FILLING LAST WEEK AND SERVED AT TEA TIME TO MY LITERARY GROUP WHICH MEETS EACH WEDNESDAY SEPT THRU APRIL………….I WILL DO A LEMONY ONE NEXT ………
THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING
Oh Susan….You are the sweet one with your thoughtfulness. I can’t wait to try the DELICIOUS cake recipe. I look so forward to willard’s arrival. I feel like I hear from an old friend when one arrives.. I remember getting the old paper copies and being so excited that I would open the letter and read it as I walked back up our old long driveway.. I miss that old long driveway and I miss those old paper copies. I can’t imagine how much you spent on all those letters, but thank you for those memories..
Thank you for all you do for us! I love reading your blog and have your 2014 calendar hanging in my kitchen~ I collect Beatrix Potter stuffed animals and love them along with the small books. A movie about her life is a much watched affair at our house! Thank you for this opportunity to own your books and seashells. I live in Texas and would love some shells!
Your blog is always a delight!! And on top of that you offer such special gifts! You are a treasure! Thank you and Happy Earth Day!
My mouth was watering for a bite of that buttery lemon goodness, ah well, I’ll have to get out my apron and pans first. Happy Happy Spring!
Susan, Thank you for sharing your beautiful blog posts and joie de vivre with all of us! We love your comments, your recipes, your books, your photos, your art work, your precious nature finds, and your generosity with all of us readers/girlfriends. You brighten our days, just by being you! Can’t wait to read the latest Willard. You truly make the world a brighter, better place.
Peace and blessings, Elaine
Mmmm that cake looks good. Would love to be a winner.
Thank you,susan for all you do that inspires me! I’m reading a fine romance. Loving it! I will be visiting England in May and can’t wait! Only for 10 days which seems so limiting, but I’m happy to be able to go. The only place I’m absolutely intent on going is Hill Top. I love everything about Beatrix potter!
This quote seems so appropriate for you (and everyone up there in cold weather land). Enjoy spring!
“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” ― Hal Borland
Susan, thank you for the lovely post…. Spring on the island! Our spring in Indiana is just beautiful as well and we welcome the tulips, daffodils and hyacinths! I will make the roll-up cake… Looks yummy!
Still not quite spring here in far northwest Montana. But reading your blog is the best thing to keep my attitude adjusted! Our lake has been ice free for about 2 weeks, but the wood ducks are back with the geese and the other ducks. Summer is always later here, but we are looking forward to it! Happy Spring to you!
Love spending time reading Willard and all things Susan. Love pours from her hand onto the page. Always makes me happy to share in her thoughts and talent. Thanks from a loyal follower.
Happy Spring Susan and happy belated Birthday!!!
Your blog and Willard make my day 🙂
Wonderful, sweet post today. I’ve so enjoyed your spring activities and seeing Jack with his lovely yellow flowers, MV’s beautiful birds and Joe, especially, who deserves that delicious looking cake! What a guy! My guy was working in our garden today also. He’s moving slow tonight!!! You are so dear to think of us with your lovely give-a-ways. Thank you!
Hello,
Thank you for this fun post and the sweet giveaway.
I love how your gardener is making everything look so wonderful. 🙂 I am so glad you shared your yard with us today. I just love it!
Thank you ~ Carla
So lovely to have Willard in my inbox today! thanks so much!
Inspired, again and again and again. Thank you for helping me stop and enjoy each season.
Dear Susan, I love, love, love, love your Blog! Thank you, so much! Eileen Nieli
What a Happy Blog! It is so good to see and smell Spring again.
Love, love, love the new little bird that came to visit your house too. So sweet!
Happy Spring Everyone! This blog entry makes me feel so happy!
Dearest Susan—-Ah, Willard is back. I really don’t know how you do it, you cover so many people, and bring joy to every one of us. In a world that doesn’t seem to treasure “vintage” any more, it’s wonderful to see what you do with it. Your lemon cake and egg recipes sound wonderful. We used to claim that my mother was the lemon pie queen, so the smell of lemon takes me back. She isn’t with us anymore, but she would have loved this cake. A must try for me.
Spring has erupted here too. I look one way to my small garden, the other to the sea. Blooms to touch the heart, and make one glad. Polly from Oxnard.
Hi Susan
I remember my Mom making that lovely lemon roll for special occasions.
I always love anything lemony. I think Spring may have arrived here as well, even though we had a snowfall on Good Friday. Lovely to see the birds back.
Waiting patiently for Willard-it is always worth the wait.
Susan M
Susan, Your little bunny spring hanger has totally inspired me! I made one with flower shapes with my Mother in law to hang in her cute little apartment! I so
look forward to the drawing for your wonderful choice of spring gift items! I love spring here in Alaska and I’m happy to report it’s not 40 below its nearly 60 degrees here in Southeast Alaska!! Thank you for keeping me inspired no matter the season!! Happiest of springs, Teresa
Happy Earth Day!
Thanks for the reminder, I had forgotten.
Reminds me of my PTA days bringing programs to the kids at school on Birds of Prey, a band that wrote kids songs about recycling, info on composting and sending out a recycling tic tac toe game to win a prize. I love feeding the garden with our homemade compost. Now as a Grama, I will have the fun of introducing this special day to grandkids. We love walking through the garden. Thanks for all the inspiration and color you bring to our lives. Love all the recipes and would love the books and shells.
PS…Williams and Sonoma have a very cute bunny cake pan and kids apron with a bunny on the pocket on SALE on the web site. I’ll be ready for next Easter!
Thank you for the lovely pictures of spring – and Earth Day. We had two whole days of spring Sunday and Monday here in Michigan. All the little spring things that had been hiding in the snow just pushed right up to make up for lost time. Now back to a cold week coming up. Sigh. But on the bright side, the spring flowers will last longer. Love the idea of your keepsake books.
I’m thinking of doing up something with all the articles and recipes my mother saved. Thanks for being you.
Another wonderful post, Susan! You remind me to appreciate all the little things that make life so enriching. 🙂
Love the recipes and the spring pictures! Your give a ways are always sooo special!
You always know how to brighten a day! Loved seeing the mama cardinal. I only lived in Wisconsin one year but miss seeing them–we don’t have them in the Pacific Northwest. Sigh. We are now having almost all of our trees leafing out, even my ginkgoes are chiming in. The tulips are about done, but I am so excited to be enjoying the best fritillaria patch ever along with the trilliums and bleeding hearts. I love spring (even with a lot of rainy days of late). Enjoy the long awaited spring coming your way! The elusive possibility of being chosen for your giveaway is just enough to get me to post. Thank you for being so generous!
I was so excited to get your new post today. Like Joe, I’ve been working in my flower beds, and I have the sore back to prove it! I haven’t received the new Willard yet, but I am trying to be patient. The excitement is killing me. It’s been so long. Great to hear from you down here in Arkansas.
Yes, we have been getting some nice doses of Spring here also. The lilacs are blooming and I love the smell. Everything looks beautiful where you are and I love the pictures of the red birds. We have a Canadian Goose couple in our neighborhood that have a nest and I am hoping we get to see the babies when they hatch. The parents have been wandering the neighborhood eating in all the yards and they have everyone excited to see them.
Another lovely blog…I loved the picture of the birds and sea shells and the lemon cake…well, I am just going to have to bake one and call the girls up for tea!
Oh Susan, I absolutely love your precious way of warming our hearts with your beautiful thoughts and ideas. You positively transport me to somewhere far, far away, where I could stay forever! I will always appreciate all that you share of your extraordinary talents and gifts. Many, many blessings to you in return. <3 (P.S. Although I really don't expect to win, this seems to be a perfect opportunity to thank you for sharing YOU with us… and the Willards are always such a sweet surprise of a gift, as they are.)
I was so looking forward to my Willard, I enjoyed reading it tonight. I can’t wait to try out the spring cake, it looks yummy. Spring is here in California too! I can’t wait to see what will be coming next.
Thank you for the lovely post and the recipe for that beautiful lemon cake. All it needs is a cup of wonderful tea and a few good friends. Happy Spring to everyone.
Hi Susan, what a wonderful and generous give a way! I must read that book whether I win or not. Can’t seem to keep away from the garden section whenever I go out shopping- Happy Spring!!
Spring in Colorado is ever changing. Looking forward to reading the Willard, and loving the giveaway. You always come up with the most amazing things. Have a wonderful day, Susan, and please, please, pick me.
Lovely seashells, I love shells, I have some from Iona in Scotland, and some from Cape Cod and Cape Hatteras…but living here in Montana, they’re rather “thin on the ground”…so please enter me! My mom isn’t feeling too well but the the daffodils are in bloom in our front yard, as are the hyacinths and grape hyacinths my husband planted especially for her, because they’re her favorites. Have a wonderful Spring!
I hope your mom feels better soon . . . LOL “thin on the ground” — I would imagine!
Lemon cake yum…..happy day!!
ahhh, love blog Daddy and his wifey Jeannie. How sweet and thoughtful to send precious baskets. There is a little kid in each of us. Always want to keep the joy of Easter. Can’t wait to try the recipe for Mother’s Day. My mom and dad are both gone but I always celebrate carrying them in my heart.
Sweet kisses for Jack and Girl Kitty. e
My first Willard… can’t wait to see it! Fell in love with your blog and you from the moment I found you many months ago. Have just been a lookie-loo … never commented b-4 but here I am, thanking you Susan Branch, for who you are and what you do. You bring me great joy and lots of laughter. What a gift YOU are. My sweet man is from England – always love his accent. We have a wee long haired mini daschund named Squirt, the love of our lives. I will forever be your ‘girlfriend’ fan! Cheers from Port Moody, Canada!
Thank you so much for the lemon roll recipe and the demo – you make it look so easy!! Happy Spring and Earth Day to you!! I always look forward to your blog and, of course, Willard! Haven’t received it yet, but I’m sure it will be in my inbox soon!!
The cake looks delicious! I love lemon flavoured cakes so I will make this soon. Thank you for the recipe Susan!
You always have such lovely giveaways, Susan. Thank you! Happy Spring to you, too!
Just finished reading my Willard. It is so nice to get a special email among all the others. Thank you! Of course, I then came right hear to catch up on your blog. If it wasn’t so late I would make the lemon cake right now, instead I will wait till this weekend to do so. I will also be looking out the window at spring blooms and birds and my honey while doing so.
oh, Susan, what a fantastic post….and then the gift. wow! I know there is only one winner so I ‘ll be brave when I don’t win and be happy with Willard and the delightful pictures and thoughts of the I sland! which reminds me of a book idea I have had for awhile: ‘island’ books….. books with water color art and things about the island. islands such as Martha’s Vineyard ,wee scotlish isles ,block island, islands in Puget sound,etc. ah, if only…….. thank you for your lovely work. b
You filled my cup again to overflowing – – – Happy Spring ! 🙂
Happy Spring! Tonight made your Quinoa salad for my vegetarian daughter and we all loved it! Thanks for the dinner solution I got from reading your blog! Jingle shells are one of my favorites from the SC coast (was born in SC) -haven’t been to Martha’s Vineyard so was surprised that you have them there,too. Maybe one day I can see for myself- in the meantime, thanks for sharing it with us now! xoxo
Your post was wonderful, as always. I’m not much of a baker but I might be able to make the lemon roll sponge cake. I would love to win either of your giveaways! Happy Spring from the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
k(dot)castanette(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love the beach so these sweet little shells are fabulous!! Thank you for wanting to share with us-
We’ll you have certainly made up for your absence! The photos, recipes and all of your lovely conversation makes it a seamless reunification. I have been a fan of you and your work for so many years. It is like old friendship….you pick up right where you left off. Thank you for that.
In Washington state we did have a beautiful Easter. And the rain is back now. We need it after such a dry winter. We squeezed in two long bike rides when the sun was out. What a wonderful giveaway – the shells are so pretty!
Hi Susan, Eventhough it’s late in the evening in the Pacific NW, the sunshine is shining brightly in my soul after reading your delightful post. I’m tempted to make that luscious
Lemon sponge cake right now. I’m rereading the Anne of Green Gable series and I think of you each time Anne mentions a “kindred spirit”. Spring has produced a rainbow of spectacular color here and you would love the fields of blooming tulips, and 10 ft. tall rhododendrons and nature’s charm bracelet …the “bleeding heart” perennials. Thank you so much for sharing your life’s daily treasures with us and your sweet give-always thrill the cockles of our hearts. Sweet dreams.
I’m with you…. I love the spring and all the fresh smells (even with the pollen-down here in Atlanta). Most all our leaves are out with such beautiful shades of green.Walking in our woods today I found a purple mushroom. Have you ever seen one? It has so many beautiful shades of purple…
Thanks again for Williard and your blog. You are a special lady.
Our weather in Northern, CA is beautiful and warm! All may gorgeous peonies are in bloom and the fragrance is amazing. Enjoyed my first Willard that arrived today in my email box. Thank you so much and I will be looking forward to following you! Happy Spring.
Jan
I had coffee with a gentleman artist friend this afternoon, and introduced you to him. He was intrigued by the gaggle of girlfriends you have and the way you share your world with us. He loved seeing some of your posts and your artwork. Don’t tell him I said this, but our visit today was as charming as having tea with my girlfriends!
Sounds like my kind of guy! 🙂
Susan, I was so excited when I noticed a new “Willard” in my email, earlier today. I wouldn’t let myself look at it until I got home, put on my jammie’s, made my tea and could fully enjoy it!! They are never too long for me! As you are just starting to enjoy spring, we in California are getting a taste of summer already, my daffodils, iris, lilacs and dogwoods have all finished blooming but I had a big beautiful bouquet of roses on my Easter table! I loved reading about your birds, because I happen to love birds and just yesterday, as I was making my coffee, with barely opened eyes, I looked out my kitchen window to see two bright yellow orioles dancing and playing in the spray of our sprinklers! I was goofy excited!! They flew away just seconds later as I ran from window to window to try and see where they landed. I’ve never seen orioles around here before! A chance to win your great gifts is so exciting but your willingness to share so much of yourself with us is what I’m am truly thankful for. Life is just a little sweeter because of it!!
Susan…just wanted to add a note (I commented last evening)…read your post shortly before eating dinner last night. My husband and I decided to have our meal outside. Hubby had filled our bird feeder earlier in the day and while we were eating we were enjoying watching the birds. Guess who was at our feeder? Several Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks! I ran into the house and got my camera and was able to take a few pictures. A little excitement here in North Alabama to end our day 🙂
Oh Susan, love my Willard. Thank you! Especially enjoyed the music – made my day. I live in the Southern Hemisphere, so it is autumn here, not spring. It makes me sad to be out of sync with you, but I remedy that by bookmarking your spring posts for me to go back to when October comes and I am longing for spring! Now I will go over to my bookmarks and look for a fall post from you and live in Susan-Past-Land for a bit. Happy Willard Day! hugs to you!
Oh Susan!
I love Lemon Cake, Seashells and You! 🙂
My birthday is coming soon and I am working on an Under The Sea/Mermaid party. Every Mermaid party I’ve seen online is for a little girl 6 years old and under. Then, there is me, turning 60 in May. It will be good friends and an event to remember. Then, I will be off on a trip to Hilton Head, Charleston, Newport, Martha’s Vineyard and more! I can’t wait…just like a 6 year old! 🙂
Eeeeeeeek! Can’t wait for my Willard. As always Susan you make celebrating Spring Magical. Sometimes I wait a few weeks to check the blog so I have a whole night to enjoy all the whimsy:)
What a gorgeous gift from your dad! I had to call my 11 year old over to see your picture of the Robin (he is bird mad- the feathered type luckily) as they are so different to the Robins here in the UK.
Much Blessings to you and all the SB girlfriends this Easter 🙂 xxx
I just love happy surprises and your pages always bring them.
That lemon cake looks yummy! I am attempting to eat in moderation and have treats only once in a while…. I will be tucking this one away for another day but am looking forward to making for my family. One of my brothers’ in law and myself enjoy all things lemon 🙂
Happy Easter! Happy Spring!
Love your spring photos and a glimpse of walking on the beach. Thanks for the chance to win.
How wonderful! I miss being in New England during the spring.
Can’t wait to try the lemon cake! Everything on this blog is such a delight…many thanks!
Thank you Susan, for always being the oasis in my day. No matter what is going wrong in my day, I am confident I can turn to your blog and be uplifted. Thanks for updating my recipes and enlightening me to different authors and topics. You’re the best!, Barb
I’m very much looking forward to Willard popping into my inbox. Your blog is such a joy. I’m currently reading A Fine Romance for the second time, but this time looking at all the links in the Appendix. What a brilliant idea! I can’t get over how much work (and love) you put into this. I may be sometime. 🙂 I would love to give your box of shells a home. xx
Oh I’m so happy you are doing that! I’m not sure how many people have had that chance, but they do go well together — there’s so much more when you have the Appendix. xoxo
Thank you for this sweet post!
Susan – Spring is just a blessing, isn’t it? I have friends who haven’t experienced the winter of the MOST SNOWFALL EVER breaking the long-standing record – and they are coming back from AZ and FL and just can’t even begin to feel what we do. The gentle breezes, the popping up crocuses and hyacinths about 1/2 tall now – but wait is that a hint of purple? yes it is! no one that lives down south knows this feeling – a butterfly! it is! so what if there are no leaves? – wait I think I see something budding….I do! To see the goldfinch started to change from drab to yellow – the sheer joy of that rose breasted grosbeak (my daughter’s fave bird is the female who is just so sweet and sings so beautifully). anyway…I go on and on….what a delightful set of gifts for one of us! woo hoo!! pick me, pick me 🙂
Perfect description! Born again!
As if this wonderful Spring post wasn’t already packed with wonderful surprises and delightful pictures of all things “Springy”…but there are two special Susan surprises. What lucky ladies we are to have you as our girlfriend! Thank you for beautiful posts, pictures, yummy recipes and so much more. Happy Spring!