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
Didn’t you say once that those shells are called “Mermaids Toenails?” How delightful! When it is 115 degrees in Phoenix this summer any reminder of the ocean is welcome! Wouldn’t they look lovely on the bathroom shelf?! Although, really Susan, it is your Forsythia that grab at my heart. I grew up in Maryland, and we had a big yard with several bushes . . . and Dogwood trees, too! Do you have those? I just love them! Thanks for the recipes!
I do have a dogwood . . . not quite in bloom yet, SUCH a beautiful tree!
love the pics of the darling birds…….it”s raining here today so looking at the pictures you sent brings Sun. Thank You
Happy Spring! Just got Willard, read the blog and am ready to make the lemon roll. Thanks for all the JOY! Chris
Dear Susan, what you offer is THERAPY. You do something magical, at least for me personnaly. What you offer in your blog and in Willard calms my mind, changes my outlook on things…you are blessed with a special combination of talents – writing, painting, a good sense of humor, and mostly the eye to see the beauty around us! Thank you! I wish I had discovered you sooner. God give you good health and spirit to continue what you are doing.
XOXO Reka ♥
Just finished reading Willard, wish I was in New England right now. It sounds perfect! Thanks for entering me in your generous give-away…
Where to start…I became so wrapped up in your lovely post that I almost forgot about the giveaway…love the idea of the journals… Oh and we have the rose breasted grosbeaks as the migrate through here in spring and fall… Usually only a few. Pair but it’s such a treat when they pass through
What an enchanting post! Love to everyone everywhere!!
Beautiful pictures of all the loveliness where you live and a beautiful spring gift for one of us out here that love reading your wonderful blog!!!
I made that “Mother’s Day” cake for myself a couple of years ago for Mother’s Day. It is sooo yummy! I will make it again, or better, teach my daughters to make it for me. Love your blog. I have a confession to make….I started “A Fine Romance”, but stopped because I didn’t want to come to “the end”. Next beach day, I will read it. <3
Can not wait for your new book. Loved travelling England with you. Your such a fun soul…you make my day.
You are so sweet to your girlfriends! I love that you take the time to give a piece of your heart away in every post you make and now to give a piece of your island is Awsome! Thank you for posting and allowing us into your live.
I would love to win any of the “goodies”. “Miss Spring” is ready to put on her floral fashion show..buds are swelling even though the nights are a bit chilly yet.
and don’t forget to heat up your Peeps in the Micro..you may be surprised when “Baby Huey” comes out when the bell rings..but it tastes just as divine! <3
I loved the bird photos..I’m betting you have Mrs. Grosbeak around there somewhere, but she’s not as vibrant as the Mr. She is a delicate soul in shades of beige and brown with a tinge of yellow. She’s usually busy snacking on the watery-stemmed false yellow ” snapdragon blossoms” that grow tall and like weeds. I would love some of the shells to add that beautiful color to the ones I picked up “Down East” in North Carolina, before Heiti and I were married. Gifts of the sea..and God. Happy Springtime..and if you don’t eat all those “Pidgeon Eggs” (thin shelled speckled beauties!) you can send them my way!
Thank you for the delightful Willard! Oh joy!
So sweet to see one of your newsletters in my inbox again!
Just received my first Willard. What a treat! Your blog is amazing, you are a multi-talented artist. Facebook, Willard, your blog, I love it all! I was up till four in the morning,just relishing every tick of the mouse wheel as I scrolled through your marvelous world! Oh, how I need this in my life. A fabulous way to unwind! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Welcome Susan! Happy to have you here — you will love our Girlfriends!
Happy Spring, Susan! I received and read Willard as I was baking my “BRICK-FLATTENED LEMON CHICKEN”. I have made this dish several times but today’s was really tasty. Thank you for sharing this tasty and healthy dish!
So happy to read that you are thriving with your latest project. I envision you falling into a reverie of funny, oh-oh, and poignant memories as you peruse your diaries. I look forward to walking alongside you as you progress on this journey! Reaching your destination will be swweeett!!!
Keep Calm
and
Keep Creating!
♥♥♥ charlene
Love the “good dirt smell of spring.”
Watch nature carefully.
Congratulations on the new rewrite and format for A Fine Romance.
Thank you for the lovely Willard that showed up today in my inbox at exactly 1PM.
You are just wonderful.
Hello Girlfriend!
It has been approximately a year since I have been able to visit your wonderful blog. Receiving Williard today in my email was one of the highlights of my day. Then reading today’s entry made it all even better. I love it here. When here I feel like I’ve escaped to one of my future dreams of a home with a garden and a craft room.
Hi Susan, I love this stuff! I’ve missed Willard,
So glad he is back. Happy Spring!
Oh…..have I missed Willard! Yay……he is back. What an amazing and wonderful spring giveaway you have assembled.. I love “Elizabeth and her German garden”. How exciting it would be to have an original copy! Also I love your book….everyone that I have given it to has loved it and bought additional copies to give as gifts.
Thank you, Susan , for all the sunshine you give.
Spending time with you in your blog posts makes me feel loved and cherished… Thank you Susan. xoxo
Thanks for such a beautiful post about all things spring! We’re a little ahead of you….trees all leafing out, tulips blooming…but love sharing a glimpse of your world. The shells are so amazing to me since we don’t have them here in the Pacific NW.
I’m so thankful to be one of your “girlfriends” love you.
I Love Willards! I just spent the most enjoyable hour perusing your latest edition. Thank you, Susan Branch, for sharing your wonderful recipes, photos and life. You are a real inspiration for me.
I read something today that reminded me of you……….”Some people see more in a walk on the beach than others do in a trip around the world”. I love that you love all those little things (shells, birds, mulch) that others overlook or take for granted. You are so special ……..wish we could clone you!!
Loved your post and Willard and the musica! Happy Spring! Linda from Idaho where it warmed up only to turn cold again……low 30’s at night 50’s and rain days! In 2012 it was 91 here–today 59!)
Thank you Linda, and so you know you’re not alone, we had hail yesterday! After that wonderful Easter weekend. It’s still dark, I wait for the newest installment coming with the sunrise. xoxo
I so enjoyed this Willard! And that lemon cake recipe is AMAZING. And the jingle shells in the snipe tin….I have the perfect windowsill for them to sit on and glow at me from. Happy Spring!
Susan: seeing the photo of you putting the “jelly roll” cake together instantly bought back happy memories of watching my mother prepare a chocolate jelly roll cake filled with whipped cream! I look forward to your new book, I’m so glad I have those books of yours that are now out of print. I never get tired of looking at them as they make me feel peaceful & happy!
It amazes me how beautiful you write and share your life with us. All the music links, watercolor drawings, recipes Jack and Girl Kitty. Had a bad day today so it was nice to sit down and read your post and RELAX. You always put such special things up for the drawing. Thanks from bottom of my heart.
I so love your blog and getting Willard in my email! Welcome Spring! I say it IS about time it came! I have been planting my veggies like Joe has been in your garden! And your new book in progress sounds wonderful! cant wait!
Happy Spring Susan! I really enjoyed the Willard, as well as this blog today. I am so happy you are enjoying beautiful spring days. Those Easter baskets are adorable! The lemon cake looks delicious, I would like some right now with a cup of tea. It’s always exciting when you have these drawings for all those fun things. Happy writing!!
What a breath of fresh air you bring to my life, dear Susan! I placed my BP figurines on our mantle for Easter, and our dinner guests were enchanted. Thanks for sharing my BP fascinations and helping our home to have heart, as well! I am grateful for all the work you do and love your books. Always look forward to Willard.
What a breath of fresh spring air! Love the cake recipe and your new rose-breasted grosbeak pal.
I love this. And am so happy my Aunt told me about you. Your blog has brought such joy to my life. Thank you so much for all that you do.
I love everything about you and your creativity. I have 7 grandkids and when I retire next month I plan to start an individual journal for each of them to receive when they’re 18, 21 or whatever I decide. I want the journals to look like “A Fine Romance” which, by the way, is my new favorite book. I have bought multiple copies as gifts for friends. Any helpful hints for my new adventure would be appreciated. xoxoxoxo
Seven is a lot . . . unless you want them each to be different, you could write one and check with your local printer ~ they could easily make seven of them, you could leave space in each of them for a special note to each child …
What a marvelous give away! I can only hope once again!
As always, thank you for sharing your happiness and inspiration. Also, thank you for the new Willard.
I always fall into a little trance when I read your postings – they remind me of life in my once charming and tiny cottage, now long gone. You seem to find beauty (and love) in the little things that are so abundant in our world – especially in your neck of the woods! I may never get to the east coast so,”Thank you” for sharing it with all of us.
Another delightful post. Where do you find the time. But thank you so much for sharing with us. Wonderful! Definitely going to make the lemon cake….looks delicious. Have a lovely spring!
Thank you for bringing back sweet memories of our visit to Martha’s Vineyard! Happy Spring!
Thank you for the wonderful letter. I have to try that lemon cake, my tummy was growling while I was reading the post and looking at the pictures, yum! Have a scrumptious day!
Just love the new Willard soooooo much……xoxo
Such beautiful pictures and that cake….yummy !!!
The give away package looks wonderful. Hope I can enter, I live in The Netherlands ; )
Have a great day.
My mother used to make pudding filled jelly rolls. It always seemed like a form of art to me who’s end result seemed almost to good to eat! Maybe it’s high time I tried making a jelly roll.
Don’t you find the shore to be the most inspirational place? I just returned home from the Farm Coast of Rhode Island and all I want to do it paint/sketch. And I’m not even an artist! But I might be soon! Happy Thursday, Susan : )
I love dropping in here for a visit. It’s like a breath of fresh air! I haven’t been able to afford your new book and my library doesn’t have it yet. So if my name it drawn, I will be delighted beyond words!
Enjoyed the new Willard, but I enjoy all of your blogs and all of your adorable “stuff” in the shopping category. Love to just look at everything.
Loving the hope that spring and Easter bring!
Good Morning Susan,
I have to tell you that I made the lemon daisy lamb cake (but with buttercream icing) for Easter, and my sweet husband told me that this is now his favorite cake! Thanks to you (and your Grandmother?) for the inspiration. This lemon jelly roll cake looks amazing too. Good thing the weather here is springing and I can get in some extra walking, life is too short not to enjoy desserts!!
Have a wonderful day!
Susan,
Thank you for ….. well …. poor sharing everything ! Can I narrow it down? Why no, no, I cannot.
It’s 2 am Pacific Time, in Washington…. yet, all I can see and smell is “Sunshine and Wisteria”…. He calls me his” Lottie” .. (although I married , a direct descendant of Nicholas Nicklebee, if there ever was one , and fortunately not Melush !) I look down at the little shells I gathered from the east coast of Ireland, on the kitchen window sill , they look like little mounds of dried white sand , and sigh with joy as I remember. I know there are those that understand. Then I hear my husband … he is calling out from our dining room table… ” “yes my dearest, Freshly cut yellow tulips are easily the most vital expenditure at this time of year , an absolute necessity “… and I just smile in agreement and love him all the more. I rejoin him and we sit down to sip our first cup of tea of the day ,(using our very recently acquired and v-e-r-y old Lord Nelson chintz tea set. We both gaze out our window in sheer contentment… – and then first …we hear it.. a flutter , angels wings ? Little brown sparrows and red breasted robins have touched down in the courtyard upon the one little tree I love the most. It is now completely veiled in white lace… And the birds join in song and chant , ” Yes ” … Yes.
I look beyond the tree, and to my surprise in the distance I view what appears to be a young man, unsteady, …teetering in this tree , a tree which is towering above a field of Poppies, and not just poppies , but Poppies in flame… (a ‘bower of beauty’, I think to myself , then repeat out loud , simply because I like how those words sound.) I strain to hear the unknown man’s desperate proclamation … A message, a cry. He is unashamed. He is belting it out… All all who take the effort and pause, can hear his message ….”LOVE…. ,TRUTH …… ,……BEAUTY “. …….. The branch has now broken and the young man has fallen from his precarious perch. Miss Honeychurch , Eleanor Lavish and of course “poor, poor Charlotte are unimpressed , …….however, I am transformed . You understand. ( scene courtesy of EM Forrester from Room With A View . )
It doesn’t get any better than this Susan ! What else is there to say? <3
Tam
Good morning dear Susan,
Thank you for Willard and of course, the blog, (such a funny word). I enjoy going to your blogland over and over. Still waiting for those handhooked rugs to make a comeback and kicking myself I didn’t purchase one when they were around.
Would love to be entered in your generous giftie giveaway.
Merci, ta ta, Ruthie
P.S. You live a charmed life. I love the view from your window and your eyes.
Happy Spring Susan!!!! I love baking in the spring and plan to make that cake for my annual Mothers Day brunch that I host! It looks delicious and I can almost taste and smell it just by looking at it!! Thank you for the recipe and the inspiration!
Spring has been full of fun crafts, projects, and gardening for me! I just recently planted some pee gee hydrangeas…. You can prune into a tree and they tolerate full sun! I look forward to watching them grow! I am also redoing a table with Annie Sloans chalk paint. Have you ever used it? It’s from England and it’s fabulous! It’s thick and creamy and incredible!
Enjoy Spring!! I would love to win one of your give a ways!!!
Can’t thank you enough for the new Willard! As usual, you pick the most uplifting musica…Perry Como brought back so many memories! You touched on having a ‘sing songy’ mother…well I had that with my grandmother…every night she would come to say goodnight singing “Goodnight Ladies” to my sister and I! How very lucky are we to have been serenaded so delightfully?
my first cookbook, after betty crocker of course, was heart of the home. I read a fine romance not long ago. what fun to read Willard. I love it all. thanks for sharing great recipes.
I love it all!!
I really loved your letter. I have missed it. And I would love the Memory Book. I spend so much time scrapbooking memories of family members but I don;t know where to start with my own
Thank you for the new Willard! I enjoyed it so much.
Susan, I have been looking forward to getting my Willard Fix but it hasn’t shown up in my inbox yet. Are they still being sent out? Thanks,
They should have all gone out by last night . . . have you checked your spam folder? Sometimes they end up there by accident.
What a wonderful surprise to open my email and see a letter from “Willard”
I look forward to reading them each time they arrive!!
Thanks for your special treats to share, can’t wait to try the lemon cake.
Lemon is good anytime!!!
Happy Spring to you. Our yellow bells are gone but will look for other edible flowers in yellow to sprinkle on the lemon cake.
Love the shells, I haven’t seen any of that shade. Would love all your give aways!!
Hi Susan,
I signed up for Willard not knowing exactly what it was, but I love your blog so I thought it has to be wonderful. Well, I was right! I so enjoyed reading it and your blog. I especially love your cute little pictures and borders. You do those yourself, right? They just always touch my heart. Thank you.
Yes, I do all the painting and handwriting for my books and things.
What a wonderful world we live in ! That is what you remind me when I read Willard or your blog. So Thankyou for the help in refocusing on what’s important ! The little red breasted bird was a dapper little fella
I too love shells ,collected some on a beach vacation one year and rinsed them off put them in a zip lock and in my backpack they went. Only to reach in my backpack on the plane and whew! Must of been a lil hitchhiker in one of those shells ,yikes what an odor. Happened to be seated near the latrine on the airplane so everyone looked toward that with disgusting looks. Learned my lesson well. I had to ditch the shells on the layover so my husband would continue on the flights with me. So would be grateful to be included in your next drawing. Thankyou!
LOL, lil hitchhiker!
This Welcoming Willard was so enjoyable . . . reading it was like having a wonderful cup of tea on a brilliant Spring day!
Love Willard and love the cake. You are the best Susan. I remember years ago (won’t say how many). I wrote you (snail mail) to tell you how much I loved your 1stcookbook and you wrote back to me. I still have the card and use the bookmarks you sent me. Never will forget how kind you were and still are!
It was such a shock to me, getting those first letters — I never imagined when Heart of the Home came out that people might write me. It was a big surprise. Thank you for doing that! You’ll never know how much it meant to me.
Dearest Susan: Always can’t wait for the newest post and this Easter one was heartwarming! From previous posts about Gladys Taber, you had inspired me to find Gladys Taber books. I have hunted and hunted old books stores and could not find any of her works. I finally ordered three of her books from Amazon and they finally arrived last week. Just started reading “Stillmeadow Road” and what a delight! I have started pouring over her recipes in “Stillmeadow Cook Book” and can’t wait to read in the one… “Chronicles” which is signed! They are all as you described! Oh, Susan, you always are turning us on to such wonders of life in new books, music, recipes, places to visit, new trinkets to purchase, how to decorate, and make our homes more “homey”. I just can’t wait until the latest post arrives for a new tidbit and morsel from Susan’s table. We all love and admire you so much and thank you for sharing with us your “Heart of the Home” to make our home a little richer. From Judy Ann from Georgia…..
I’m so happy you’ve found the books Judy Ann!
A delicious dessert that looks and smells like Spring! We have tulips and daffodils only up about 6 inches but the sunshine is glorious. Your garden pics give me a glimpse of what’s to come. Welcome Spring!
I know I’ll never win but I’ll try!!
Much better chances than the lottery! Good luck Maria!
Just finished reading Willard; everything you write is such a delight! Thank you
LOVED the Willard! Wouldn’t it be great to come up with a compilation CD of all the songs you include in your blogs? Like all your favorites? That would be great!
I would love to do that!
Just got my Willard…what a swell way to start a Thursday! So fun to read, as are all of your blog entries. They make me so happy…especially when skies are grey. Keep on writing forever and ever. Can’t wait for the next book…I have everything you have ever written. I lived in England (in the Yorkshire Dales) for 8 years and your book was like heaven. I understood everything you wrote about how special everything was, and how beautiful. Thank you!
OH, lucky lucky you Jill! In the Dales. And even after eight years, that’s how you felt. Then it was all real and not a dream!
Loved the Willard! Have a beautiful day way up yonder in the north! I’m enjoying gorgeous weather here in Houston, TX.
Thanks!
Happy Day, Susan!
I so look forward to receiving Willard — it’s delightful and inspiring — and always uplifting, especially if I’m feeling a little down because of inclement weather and no sun. Like you, I love spring — always makes me feel so vibrant and alive!
Please keep writing Willard — so much interesting information!
Hi Susan, Thanks for the Willard. Enjoyed it
Sitting here with my morning cuppa I got inspired reading through Willard. I thought to myself, “I would love to make a spring banner to welcome my grands home from school this afternoon (having seen your bunny & carrot one). But how about forsythia and spring birds???” Oh yes, off to find the construction paper and string……
Hello! Reading your blog is so “cozy feeling!” Happy Spring!
I only found your blog a short while ago and haven’t read your books yet so it would be great to win them. Reading your stories and recipes starts my day off with a smile. We’re just greening up here and so no flowers yet, but the forsythia and scilla are close to blooming -yeah.
Morning Susan, from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, where Spring hasn’t quite made up its mind yet….some budding of trees, a few green sprouts breaking up through the ground, some “for cynthia” (my brother’s pronunciation as a child!) starting to bloom…depends where you live! Some possible snow in weekend forecast! Egads! But, then Willard arrives and all is right in the world again. Lovely post, great recipe to make, fun to see Jack all ready for Spring too. What did we all do before you came into our lives?!?! Thank you. Can’t wait to see your pictures of blooming dogwoods (which I really miss, along with magnolia trees, from living in Virginia!).
Believe it or not…..waving hello from a ferry on its way to Ireland. We are following our dream, which last week included Hilltop!!!!! I will be sure to make the cake as a welcome home….entice the family to share and attack them with endless pictures of the most wonderful trip!!!! We even had tea at the Manor House Hotel. Please include me in the giveaway…..good luck one and all. XXXX
Look at you Annelies! How wonderful!!! Love knowing where you are — so fantastic!
Thank you,Susan,for the breath of spring. We had snow this am! Willard was great. Fondly, Kathie
Isn’t SpRiNg the loveliest time of year? I have just started to have cardinals come to the yard. I am jealous about the red breasted gross beak. I have evening gross beaks. I throw peanuts to the squirrels and blue jays to keep them away from the bird feeders. So much life. Love your bunny baskets!
Love to see I’m not the only one making a bunny cake for Easter, carrots cake of course, what other type would a bunny be!
I am thrilled to have two tulips blooming here in Taos at this high of an elevation of 7,000 ft. We had a beautiful, nourishing rain for Easter with some breath taking rainbows!
Lovely post! Happy Spring:)
Stuffed eggs will be made with the leftover Easter eggs today! And the lovely fluffy lemon cake for Mother’s Day.
Thank-you for letting us experience Spring on the Vineyard with you! And for sharing Jack and Girl too.
Hope it’s me!
Hello Susan,
Just a note to thank you for being a blessing to all of us! I’ve read you for years and continue to be delighted by your books, artwork, blog, and website. You’ve encouraged me (and in turn, many others!) to rejoice in the world around us and share the beauty that we see.
Here in New Hampshire, we’re excited to see a touch of spring with the arrival of the daffodils. The forsythias can’t be far behind!
Looking forward to your newest book! Happy Spring!
Thank you for the new “Willard”…. such fun, as is your blog that I check daily.
I don’t want to miss a beat with you. So much fun being “girlfriends”….it makes my day!
Lovely post and lovely girlfriend giveaway! The breath of spring was delightful.
Oh, Susan! What beautiful stories and pictures and ideas you bring us! Even our dog Fred perks up when he hears the birds “tweeting” as your blog loads for us! Thank you – thank you! Happy Spring!
Spring sure did take her time this year. Makes it that much sweeter I guess. Thanks for spreading your “happy gene” like magic fairy dust on our lives!
Hi Susan!
Willard arrived in my inbox today. I always look forward to that. I loved the quote in there, “Don’t be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so.” I hope you don’t mind, but I shared that on my own blog today (with a link to your blog, of course). Love it!
Have a blessed day!
Thank you, Susan for such an uplifting Spring post, a giveaway, a new Willard, and a wonderful recipe. I truly feel blessed this morning.
My heart is full. Spring is finally here, and its so beautiful and fresh outside. I’m feeling dreamy. My thoughts are full of relaxing vacation ideas, the new blog post and Willard, and yummy Lemon Cake. So excited for your new book!
I’m sitting here with a hot cup of A Fine Romance Tea (with Maine beekeepers Honey and half & half) ready for a savoring of Willard. It arrived yesterday, but I wanted to read it with my tea today! First, though I wanted to stop and say “hello” as it’s been a bit of a while.
Question…I know I asked this at your book signing at A Bunch of Grapes, however I didn’t write the answer down so can’t remember it… I’ve tried to find it on the blog as I was sure I’d seen the answer here, too… What is the journal pen you prefer to write with? Did you tell me it was a Staedtler? Is it a fountain pen?
Do Jack and Girl have plenty of “Kitty Can’t Cope? My girls need a bit extra when spring fever comes to call…
Oh, and I just discovered that May 6 is “World Kids Colouring Day” I think I will put that on my calendar as I believe we are never too old to color (and I have a feeling the Girlfriends will agree)!
I have the audio CD of Elizabeth and Her German Garden. I haven’t listened to it yet, although I am very much looking forward to it.
Stay well and happy. Hello to dear Joe, kisses for the kitties, and hugs to all! xoxo Lynn
What is Kitty Can’t Cope? I’ll have to look that up! For my own journals I pretty much use any kind of pen. But if I want them to be pretty, I use something with black ink, maybe a Papermate Flair — nothing fancy really.
Kitty Can’t Cope is organic catnip from Maine. I use it to fill pretty little catnip pillows for the kitties, but you can buy a pre-made “Kitty Can’t Cope” catnip pillow as well. Jack and Girl each got one last summer before your road trip…
Contact Information for Kitty Can’t Cope…
Back Bay Pet Company
PO Box 801
Portland Me. 04104
Phone: (800) 293-3826
One good recipe deserves another!
Spinach Bacon Deviled Eggs
12 hard boiled eggs, peeled, cut in half and yolk mashed in a bowl
1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, par cooked, drained and squeezed dry
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup real bacon bits
2 1/2 Tbls. cider vinegar
2 Tbls. softened butter
1 Tbls. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
black pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients and fill whites evenly. Top with bacon bits if you wish.
Enjoy!
Thank you, perfect timing Ellen!
Susan, it is always a joy to read you’re blog and now can’t wait to read the newest Willard!! What a yummy looking cake!I can’t wait to try the recipe. My family will love it:) excited for spring and all it has to bring. Our lilacs are now in bloom and so beautiful! I teach first grade and we have had chicken eggs in the incubator and have been anticipating their arrival. Yesterday, after listening to the chirping inside the egg, the little chick hatched and we are so excited!!! Happy Spring!
I just got my Willard today!!!!!!!!:)xoxox
Happy, happy spring Susan, Joe, Girl Kitty & Jack! So much fun to see the bird photos!
Thank you for the new Willard. He has such good timing … I already had my tea when he arrived. I just want to tell you how thrilled I am to hear that A Fine Romance is being published in Chinese! It sounds like such a fun, exciting project, and your book is the very best ambassador we could send. More girlfriends to change the world :-). Congratulations, Sue!! xoxo
Janie! xoxo Thank you — I’m thrilled too. What an honor!
Happy Spring! The lemon filled sponge cake looks delicious. Reading your books, blog, and Willard always puts me in a good mood. Thank you!
Thanks for the granola recipe, I was planning on making some this week. Watching hubby’s diet. He needs the yogurt. I really like the quote about being a wonderful Mother!!! oxox
The Willard was the best of the blog ones! I wish my grown-up self would have thought to my favorite author years ago. I don’t have a snail mail WILLARD.
Correction: “thought ~to WRITE~ to.
Late last night my oldest bunny boy called to tell me he made Sergeant!!!!!
He is ARMY Strong.
Congratulations to him and to YOU Margot!
A new post from you always brightens my day.
Dear Susan,
I love to watch the birds too. The finches enjoy a bath in our garden fountain and wisteria brings the hummingbirds. It’s so peaceful to sit outside and listen to the birds sing.
P.S. My husband & I were charmed by the turkeys when we were on MV last October.
Hu Susan,
What a lovely way to start my day Willard and a new Blog Post from you! I too am so happy that” Spring has Sprung” here on the north shore of Long Island.Your blog always makes my day and reminds me to enjoy the simple things in life.I live in a tiny town on the shores of the Long Island Sound called Poquott. My husband and I Love taking long walks on our beach where we have found many Jingle Shells.I adore collecting shells,arranging them all thru the house during the summer months. Star Fish line my windows all year round.For the last 2 years we have been the proud owners of Captain Byron Hallock’s house built in 1865, we are the 6th caretakers of this Wonderful house and are sooo Happy to call it home! We love the History of our Beautiful town by the Sound. I am happy to say I purchased my copy of A Fine Romance thru your blog and enjoyed reading every beautiful page! Susan you are an inspiration to us “Girlfriends” your kindred Spirits.Enjoy your Peaceful Island this Spring!! xox
We call ourselves caretakers too, of our Captain’s house here on the island. How can we not. It was here before us, it will be here after us, and we are lucky ones to share history with the others who’ve lived and loved in this house.
I’m going to try your lemon cake, It looks so yummy! I’m curious~ why the wax paper or parchment paper in your sifter? I know there has to be a good reason for it. Happy Spring!
Here’s my video on sifting flour! (Just happened to have in back pocket) — it’s shows how and why I use the wax paper.
What a wonderful post! Thank you for all the sunshine you add to my life. I am saving my Willard until I have the time to savor it. I just love everything you do. Happy Spring!