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
Willard is just perfect! What a nice, relaxing letter to read at the end of the day! Love! Becky
Oh how wonderful, such lovely treasures to celebrate spring and birthdays (mine is in April too). I love, love, love your blog. So heartening to know there are others of like minds and to find a moments solace in our day to day life. Thank you so very much for all that you do!
You’re such an inspiration. Love your drawings and quotes. Will be trying your Mother’s Day Tea Cake.
Mmm…lemon cake! I have a hard time deciding if chocolate or lemon is my favorite…maybe lemon for spring. Sounds delicious!
Luv the “tin” of shells! I enjoy your blog ever so much!
I love shells! And Willard, it’s been a long time!
Susan…what a Welcome Spring Surprise, it has also been a long winter here in the Midwest. I think you are an amazing inspiration and I feel like I am taken to a very special and relaxing place when you share your life and pictures on Martha’s Vineyard :)…. Thanks for a chance to win some very special gifts from your “Heart and Home”.
Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity!
Dear Susan–Thank you for all of the joy and loveliness that you bring to our lives…your Willard and Springtime posts have been wonderful. I loved the link to the cherry blossom photos. So much beauty does the heart a world of good! Thanks again…Carole
Willard arrive just on time today!. He is such a welcomed guest anytime. Your gifts for the drawing are perfect.
Seeing the Lemon Roll Cake, brings back wonderful memories. It was one of my mom’s famous cakes. They went to many a function.
We are so delight that Spring has arrived in West Michigan.
Oh what a wonderful day! Gorgeous weather, a Willard AND a blog post to read! It just doesn’t get much better than that, except if I were to win some goodies! Thank you Susan for giving us so much! Almost like Christmas! Whoo hoo!
Happy Spring!! I love your jingle shells, but I love your books even more
Thank you!!
I would love, love, love the precious give-away! You are the BEST! And oh does that lemon cake look yummy. Lemon is one of my favorites!!!
The lemon cake looks amazing!!! Reading your post makes Spring time seem real. It’s arriving in Minnesota very slowly!
Reading your blog and A Fine Romance has been so much fun this spring! The pictures and quotes are beautiful and uplifting. I’m looking forward to trying the
lemon cake this weekend with a cup of tea!
Happy Spring! Oh how Ilove those jingle shells…i call them “grandfather’s toenails”. Your treats for us girlfriends are just right…always! Enchanted April is one of my very faves too…would love to read her other book~!
Glad you are back, Willard!
Susan, that Mother’s Day cake looks delicious! I love lemon. Oh how I would love to win that book, but even if I don’t, I want to say happy spring and thanks for our great blog!!
It all looks so delicious and fun and furry (love Jack and Girl). Lovin’ this …
Thanks so much for the stuffed eggs recipe! Sounds like something I would love. Can’t wait to try it. Always make your lemon chicken recipe and German pancake. And your carrot cupcakes are fabulous. Make them all the time! Yum!
Just finished reading A Fine Romance. Loved it. Makes me want to go on the Queen Mary.
Love reading your blog. Echoes how I feel. A good day is when you have a new one posted!
Beautiful shells – I have never seen shells so translucent.
My Dear Susan, your lovely illustrations and sentimental words always make my day. Thank you for brightening my world.
I can’t wait for your new book. I will make this lemon cake this weekend. It sounds delicious
I am going to make the lemon cake. It looks delicious. Your posts make me so happy. Sending xoxo to you too.
The snipe box is wonderful and I am so intrigued by the “jingle shells”, I have never herd of them before. Of course, I live on the Great lakes fresh water ocean! I’d love to be entered into your drawing- a Spring drawing where something wonderful could happen….to ME!
What a beautiful post! I can’t wait to try the pretty lemon tea cake. You always do such a good job showing us all the steps. I would really love to win the tin with the shells-I’ve collected some shells and sea glass from Maine but that’s all I have.
Happy spring … it is still a bit chilly in our neck of the woods
with an occasional 60-70 degree day … I look forward to our catching up with your weather. What a great blog posting, Willard, and give away that I would dearly love to win 
I am reading “A Fine Romance” in preparation for our upcoming trip to England next month…exactly two years since your trip! I’m LOVING the book and it is making me very excited about my own trip. I have followed you for years and used to receive Willard in the mail…kinda miss that. But I love your blog and somehow feel as though you are a very close girlfriend. Going to make that lemon cake tomorrow!
How exciting Jeanne! Bon bon voyage!
Hi Susan,
That Mother’s Day cake will be perfect! Thank you.
I just ordered another copy of a Fine Romance. A Mother’s Day gift for Mom.
Love your books and your blog/website.
Thanks for all you do for us.
Hugs,
Deb
“In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.”
-Margaret Atwood
Oh…that lemon cake recipe sounds so refreshing and delicious! I’ll have to try it soon. I’m sure the family would love it
And I always love the way you treat us to surprises! You’re so generous!! Willard was wonderful, btw – and the Musica choices are always lovely! I listen to them all the time and try to remember to save them to enjoy again later. 
Oh joy! A lovely new blog post and a new Willard on the same day! Both were so lovely to read. Your springtime on the island looks so much nicer than ours here on Lake Erie! Spring is very slow to come this year. Winter just doesn’t want to let go.
I’m not even that fond of lemons, but that cake looks so yummy, i could lick the screen! Thanks so much for brightening my day once more!
Hugs,
Vickie in Cleveland
wahooo ok I was going to jest that “hey” is for horses …and now with the lovely huge bale of gifts you have on offer ,that just wiil not do.
Which brings me to your beautiful kitties…and my little Jello is so similar to them,black and white and brave….that I know he would love for me to read yourr
purr fect book to him….out loud .
Thank you for offering a chance to win! (And yes,I missed Willard)
Thank you so much for your blog. I love reading it and it always lifts my spirit and makes me smile. I also just finished reading your book, A Fine Romance. It was so wonderful and inspiring.
Yes, enchanting is the word! I love the way you paint such a picture with your words.
Isn’t it wonderful that Spring has finally arrived! You are correct that you will do almost anything to be outside. Thank you for such a beautiful post! Take time to enjoy the Spring weather; it will be gone before you know it!
Hello from sunny California!
Many thanks Susan for your wonderful Willard, it’s always fun to read you. You have a great attitude, always positive and caring. I can believe how happy you are after this horrible winter, so: enjoy SPRING! You always recommend a good book, so I think you will enjoy this website immensely. It’s a bookstore in England called “Persephone.” They publish out of print old novel, mainly by women authors. You’ll LOVE their end papers. Go to their website, there’s so much more, article on art, and all kind of interesting exhibits. And of course you can order books and other things. Let me know how you like it and spread the word!
Hi, Susan?
Something sweet!
LOL, Chrissy
Thank you for the Willard, I loved it. Your little shells are beautiful, I live in Indiana and have never seen anything like them!
Anything sweet!
What a breath of fresh air it was reading Willard and your blog post. I saw the close-up photo of your stove and was instantly transported to my Nana’s kitchen….she and my Mom both had those big, white massive O’Keefe & Merit stoves…….a definate fond memory of playing and watching both of them cook up a storm during the holidays. I have often daydreamed about finding one and totally designing a new kitchen around it…….ahh. Spring has sprung a few weeks early here in the mountains of So Cal and it is such an amazing site every single day. The birds start tweeting early….even before my 5 am alarm….it’s so magical! Thank you for the amazing stories and cute little drawings, and for the delicious recipes that eventually make it to my table…..yum! Keep ’em coming
On some of my saddest, bleakest days I have found comfort, something to make me smile and know that life is still good because of the beauty you share so generously with those of us who follow your blog and have grown to love you as a dear friend. Thank you Susan!!!!!
Happy Spring. Everything is so refreshing to look at and read.
I love everything lemon! Can’t wait to make this recipe.
Gosh, I was just thinking I hadn’t gotten a Willard for some time and needed to see what you were up to. It certainly looks beautiful in Martha’s Vineyard and the shells are lovely. I was beginning to think I would never see moving water again, thank you for giving us hope!! Happy Spring!
So glad to receive the Willard! Was afraid I’d fallen off the list.
But, Susan, I have to tell you that it was WORTH THE WAIT. It was just bursting w/Spring! Like you held your breath all winter & finally exhaled when “spring blossoms and sunshine” appeared. Thanks for the delightful read!
Best to Joe, Jack & Girl Kitty.
What a wonderful post! I would love to experience a spring on Martha’s Vineyard. I always feel like I’m right there on the island when I read your posts. Love all your pictures and sweet words. Thank you. : )
Opening my door to Susan Branch and saying “Hello” was one of the best decisions I have made in many a moon. Your blog entries always warm the cockles of my heart – Happy Spring!
What a lovely lemon cake recipe for spring!
Susan, thanks for a wonderful news blog
Pat,
cincinnati
Ohio
Such a heavenly post for spring and wonderful treats for someone lucky! Thanks always for bringing us back here to see what’s new in your lovely home and yard–and so glad it’s spring!
Hello from Michigan, where my tulips are just coming up! I think I am going to take your advice and “schedule” a day for me to do nothing but read “A Fine Romance”! A good way to spend an early spring day!
Yay!!!
I look forward to all your stories. Thank you for the seashell information. Visited Tybee Island and found some of those & didn’t know what they were. Your lamb cakes have been inspiring me to get out my pans and make them again! Thanks for sharing your gifts! Happy Spring …
Ooh that cake looks so yummy and “that cat” is the cutest I’ve ever seen! Thanks for a wonderful blog today.
Willard is wonderful. Looking forward to your new book!
Your posts always make my heart sing…thank you for sharing your adventures with all of us!
Susan Branch + A Fine Romance + a cup of tea= bliss
Oh…and may I add that your pesto recipe is my favorite. Every summer my garden yields bunches of basil. I prepare your pesto recipe and freeze into cubes in ice cube trays. Throughout the winter I can grab a cube and enjoy that nutty green heaven tossed into pasta, stuffed into cherry tomatoes, or countless other dishes.
I do it too …. a taste of summer in the middle of a cold winter is a good thing!
Left an earlier message, but for some reason, it hasn’t posted, rather it says, awaiting moderation, so reporting my comments, thanks and hope it goes through this time! :
Loved reading your Willard newsletter and blog, and realized it has been awhile since we’ve heard from you, it was so nice to hear all that’s been happening, read about the birds, thank you for the lemon cake recipe, sounds great! All of it puts me in a chipper mood, as it’s been a sadder season since my mom passed last Oct. Blessings to you for bringing a joyful, happy reminder to life! Also, love all your artwork and was wondering how you learned, any tips to get started? Thanks so much!!
Love that Spring is in the air finally. I made something similar for Easter dinner dessert. White cupcakes filled with lemon curd and topped with buttercream frosting. Also made a fresh strawberry pie
Thank you for putting such beautiful words to each season we get to experience. You say what I feel! What a gift you have. Happy Spring!
Dear Susan,
It is so nice to be reading Willard again. I was happy to see it in my email box. Thank-you. I have my bird houses out and my husband and I have been out cleaning up the yard already. It is lovely to be working outside again. The birds are singing more in the mornings here in Minnesota too. It is time for me to get out my humming-bird and oriole feeders now. I love this time of year, with it’s comfy temperatures and no bugs. I will also be putting dishes of grape jelly out for the orioles. Thanks too for your yummy recipes. I have written out your granola recipe to try.
Take care and Happy Spring,
Crystal
I love your stories and I can’t wait to make the lemon cake!
Willard oh Willard I have missed you so!! I have just spent a delightful hour with you Susan and I can’t wait to make the lemon cake. My soul has been refreshed.
I am ready for spring and immerged myself in reading both Willard and your new blog post…now I must go have my late dinner but the two new items from you to read were such a joy…may you be blessed.
Your ‘A Fine Romance’ came in the mail today so will be reading it very soon. We are awaiting news from our daughter as her husband underwent a 7 hour surgery today and was in recovery when she called.
Who would not appreciate either your new giveaways…thank you from the bottom of ‘our hearts’ for thinking of us. Maybe Vanna will think ‘canadian’ this time.
Happy Easter,
Sylvia Faye
Dear sweet Susan,
I loved the new Willard and the way you ended it with your special wish for each one of us. Well I received the three parts of your wish– a kiss from my sweet hubby, love from my family, and so unexpectantly BLUE BIRDS in my garden! Yesterday for the first time EVER, two blue buntings came to the feeder in my crab apple tree!
Wow– blue birds in MY garden! What a gift your wish sent me! So just consider me one of your winners ( I do) because I received your WISH GIFTS. JOY TO YOU for making our days so lovely and the power of your wish.
So happy Cora! Bluebirds! They are so adorable!
Lovely blog post and I still have Willard to read! Thank you Susan for your enthusiastic take on life! We find joy in all the little things because of you..there is so much to be thankful for. I know I am rambling, but you know what I mean. Happy Spring everyone!
Hi Susan,
It’s always such fun to read your Willards. I remember receiving them in the mail. This is no different. I just need to buy oranges to make your granola. Homemade is so much better, and your recipe looks like a very tasty one. So does the Lemon Roll. You have inspired me to attempt making one.
Hi Susan,
Willard was worth waiting for! And such a long one with so many topics. Loved them all. Your choice of quotes was impeccable. I’m sending Willard to a friend who has never seen your blog before so I’m glad you referenced your blog in Willard. Can’t wait to see the NEW book!
Anne
Thank you for an awesome and truly unique giveaway!!!
Hope I win–fingers and toes crossed
The cake sounds wonderful. Would love to win the shells. Moved to TN from CA and I miss being close to the ocean.
So glad that spring finally arrived on MV !!! You’ve had such a brutal winter. If you and your readers want to see your book in “Tea in Texas”, go to issuu.com and search for the Spring 2014 issue. I love the issuu website !!! Would love to add the books to my Susan Branch collection of books !!
I love the shells!!Garden books look fun too!!
Having tea with you and Willard is delightful.
My favorite laugh is Joe with the dangling tea bag!
You spread so much joy!
I wish I did not live alone and could make and enjoy all your yummy recipes. After I retire I will have parties and try them all!!! Love you….
Here’s a DELICIOUS recipe for one — it’s healthy too! Not cake, but almost as yummy!
I so look forward to Willard and your beautiful artwork. It always brightens my day especially since I am taking care of my mom who has cancer. Every year I get your mini calender and large calender and read the pages over and over. Thank you for making the world a little prettier.
Hug your mom for us Melissa xoxo
Mine-mine-mine! I’m the one who wanted to buy some jingle shells. If I don’t win, I’m going to have to come to Martha’s Vineyard and get my own, and I
Thanks for the chance to win your gift Susan. I have purchased your book A fine Romance thru the Book Depository. Free shipping all the way to New Zealand. My first one. Happy Spring!
Where there’s a will there’s a way! xoxo
Mine-mine-mine! I’m the one who wanted to buy some jingle shells. If I don’t win, I’m going to come to Martha’s Vineyard and get my own, and I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE. I shall knock on your door, interrupt your work, and invite you to lunch (Joe, too).
Lovely post and the Willard is one to enjoy over and over.
Willard is back! I am soo happy
And I can’t wait to make the Lemon cake for Mother’s Day…thank you for sharing! I look forward to reading your blogs and Willard too…you inspire me!!!
I enjoyed reading your update. I Love the way you tell things. It Makes me smile. Your cat makes me think of my brother’s cat who wants to know everything. The cake sounds terrific. I hope to try it as I love lemon. Thank you for sharing. Edwina Brown
Hi Susan! Pick me!!!! Sea shells what are those?? I live on the prairies, so it would be wonderful to have a little something from the sea. Thanking you in advance for your kindness…
P.S. Loved the Willard this month, never assume they’re too long, you always leave us wanting more…..
Love the bunny cake from last post and the yummy lemon roll from this. Looks as if you had a delightful Easter. Grass is greening here in Indiana and we have some sunny, warm days.
Thanks bunches for the “Willard”.
I have enjoyed your writings and recipes and style for many years, but in the last year I have discovered several books, and cross-stitch and quilt labels that I had purchased over the years. It is like getting close to a friend that I have not seen for several years. Love your heart. Can’t wait till your next blog. Good luck on your new book.
Susan,
Thanks for the recipes. I will have to try the cake. You are so giving to give away something that you cherish.
Belinda
A lovely day to you dear Susan. You’ve brought so much happiness to all of us!
Just read Willard for the first time and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you, Susan, for sharing your life and beautiful home with us. What a pleasure it is to sit down, relax and enjoy your blog. The new book sounds wonderful, can’t wait to read it.
Susan, I just love catching up with you from Martha’s Vinyard. I can’t wait to go there again someday.
I would love to win to pass on my love of your books and collectables to my Daughter who picked up “A Fine Romance” here at my house one day while she was visiting and couldn’t put it down, she also loves to write and I think she was being inspired by what she saw in your book…I am going to have to order one for her if I don’t win one.
Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Oh my gosh, I’d love to win!
Thanks Susan!
Can’t wait to try the cake!
I can’t believe that just yesterday I was going through my emails, afraid that I’d somehow unsubcribed myself from your Willards! What a great surprise!thank you!
Loved this post about Spring…I love it too! I like to get out in my yard every chance I get. The lemon cake looks wonderful! My husband loves lemon, so I might just have to surprise him with one of these too. Thank you for the chance to win a gift from you. I don’t live near the ocean, but when I do get to visit one of my favorite things is collecting shells. Happy Spring!!
So enjoyed your latest Willard and blog post and the sweet spirit with which you write. Happy Spring, Susan! I’m very much looking forward to making your lemon jellyroll cake as soon as I get a chance.
A blog AND a new Willard a few hours later; Susan Branch makes me happy! Happy Spring, Susan. And thank you …for being you.
Just plain lovely and delicious…thank you!!
ooohh perry como makes me absolutely swoon….papa loves mambo tonight!
Thank you for the lovely blog post. I LOVE the “lambchop” puppet? stuffed animal? between the Easter Baskets. Reminds me of the wonderful tele show….Where did she come from?
So happy to receive the newest Willard! Whenever a new one comes out I wait ’til Hubby goes off to bed and then settle onto the sofa for a blissful evening. I always start with the Musica – and my attention always gets caught by the other great music listed – it’s often an hour before I get back to Willard! I savor every bit of it. A very happy & relaxing evening indeed!
Dear Susan, I love your art work and your blog. Thank you for sharing such lovely paintings and endearing words.
Kerry
Oh my goodness who wouldn’t want a tin of the shells fresh from the seaside?! That is a wonderful idea! Everything else would be a bonus in my mind! Love your sweet blog. Happy Spring!
Daffodils in my garden, blossoms on my crabapple tree, and Willard in my inbox. Spring joys abound. Thanks for your inspiration!