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 your Spring filled post. I loved and enjoyed each morsel. The perfect start to Earth Day.
Thank you,
Lani
What a beautiful post. Such a happy greeting for me this morning. So glad for you folks in the east. An especially loooooong winter it was! The shells are so pretty. Here, on the central coast, (you know where that is!) it’s sand dollars, that I pick up on my walks. Pismo Pier to Grand Ave. and back again! The vintage book, looks so intriguing! This library technician would love it! Thanks for the beautiful blog.
That’s a long walk!
Good Morning, Susan!!! Where did your Dad and Jeannie get those darling Easter baskets? I love them! The lemon sponge cake, the birds, Joe gardening, the seashells, the Bunny Crossing sign, the giveaway.. All just wonderful, most especially that cake! It looks heavenly. I have some happy news to tell you.. My sister gave birth (nine days early ) to my very first niece and she had her on YOUR BIRTHDAY!!! She shares a special day with a woman whom I admire so very much 🙂
Laura Anne (I’m Susan Anne) and we have a new baby! How wonderful! xoxo Congratulations and tell your sister hello for me!
Susan, thank you so much for your beautiful Easter and spring inspirations. What a wonderful Easter surprise from you father and step mother. As long as my parents were alive, I also received Easter treats–even though I was grown and on my own. I’ll do the same for my children. It’s sad to think that some grow up and forget the simple pleasure of our childhood and youth. My fondest memories are of collecting seashells whenever I am at a beach. I bring them home and keep them. My collection includes shells from the Gulf Coast all the way to the Bahamas and Hawaii. I love your keepsake books. My children are always curious about what my life was like when I was their ages. I love sharing my memories with them, and absolutely am working on writing them down as well. Thank you again for your inspiration. I love your books and can’t wait for your next one. I have traveled with you in England many times through A Fine Romance, and I look forward to your next adventure. God Bless.
So happy to hear you are writing things down. That connection between the generations is powerful, but fragile. xoxo
Hi Susan,
I was once the Sharon from Morro Bay but thankfully had an uneventful move to the east. Absolutely….LOVE…it here!! I can truly appreciate your thoughts on the seasons and what a wonderful time to be here for spring. I am in awe of all the blossoms from variety of plants and trees. The dogwood blooms are incredible. Our back yard (before we on had a tiny strip of land) has 100 ft. pine trees so every time I glance it is a cardinal I see!
Must tell you…the very first nail I put in was to hang your wall calendar in the new home. You are a huge inspiration to me on a move of this magnitude. THANKS!! Going to make the lemon cake for my daughter-in-law’s first Mothers Day as a new mom.
Good for you brave Sharon, quite a big move, but I love seeing how you’re enjoying it!
Couldn’t wait to see what I would be waking up to this a.m.! Anticipation 🙂 Felt like a b’day gift the day after (celebrated yesterday with Queen E and Earth Day!). Your cake was almost a replica of my cake! My BFF made the Strawberry Pionono recipe from the April Sunset. “Pionono” is Spanish for Jelly Roll. Recipe says it makes a big “ta-da” at the table (and it did!) for very little effort! Melt in your mouth goodness 🙂 Thanks for the the newsy post amazing lady! Hard to believe you can write this & a Willard & tend to your garden & the thousands of replies you will get … all while suffering from your current book addiction 🙂 Must be your 8 hands (I’m convince you are hiding them!). All you need is Love ♥
This is the truth! xoxo
Spring came late here, too. I think we are all enjoying it more because it was so long coming. What fun bunny baskets! Happy Spring!
Thanks for your blog post today. It was a great way to start the week after a long Easter weekend and such a happy feeling (with your lemon cake recipe) to celebrate Earth Day!
Lovely post and so looking forward to Willard arriving at our house! I made stuffed eggs this Easter weekend, but your recipe looks very interesting, so may make them again this week and give it a try 🙂 Happy Spring!
Thanks so much for your wonderful post on the lemon cake. It brought back memories of the “jelly rolls” my mother used to make when we were kids. Please enter me into your drawing!
Thank you for brighten my day! We miss you out here in California! The Lemon Cake sounds wonderful! I am going to have to try it soon!
When your store was in Arroyo Grande I had bought a cute vintage bunny. I always have it out but at Easter it makes a special appearance as a centerpiece at brunch.
Thank you for being you!!
the lemon cake looks yummy! can’t wait to try. the fuzzy pussywillows have pushed here in PA – a true sign of spring!
My guy earned brownie points when he decorated our front porch for Easter with geraniums, kalanchoes, begonias, petunias, and Easter lilies. So beautiful! I always look forward to your blog entries–makes me feel as though I’ve stepped into your kitchen or back yard for a chat, and you’ve invited me to go along.
Our son-in-law’s birthday is today, Earth Day, as well as his father’s. We are so blessed he and our daughter found each other. So many wonderful people and things to celebrate this spring!
Happy Birthdays to near and dear Joanie!
My gosh Susan you are certainly generous!!! I feel like you are a present to all of your fans because you remind us about how life used to be and if that wasn’t enough you guide us to recapture the wonderment and joy of being young at heart. Thank you for being exactly who you are; I’m happy I was born in time to enjoy Susan Branch books and cards and gifts; the list could go on and on and on . . .
xoxo Deborah!
Loved the Willard and blog post. Am going to make the cake as I have some leftover lemon curd that I made on Easter, it will be perfect. Can’t wait! Thank you for being a wonderful online girlfriend!
I am a lemon girl so that cake I may have to try! Thank you for the beautiful Spring Willard. Everything is looking beautiful in your part of the world. What a wonderful giveaway! I would love those little yellow shells. They are so sweet and the tin too! Because they came from you would be extra, extra special! Have a beautiful day!
Happy Spring to you and Joe!
I just made your bunny cake for Easter and had 3 of my grandkids and their parents over for dinner. They loved it–it was so fun to make. I will have to try this lemon one, too. Thanks for all your recipes and give-aways and musica and ideas and love! Can’t wait to read my Willard.
Cecelia in ole’ Virginny.
PS….I’m looking forward to the Willard, it will be my first!
Nicoline
Oh include me in the drawing! I would love either package!!
Such an inspiring post! Thanks Susan!!
Would love to receive one of your wonderful gifts! It’s beautiful here in the St. Louis area too – thank you for the reminders to go out and enjoy this beautiful weather that we all have waited and dreamed about!
A beautiful HAPPY blog. Don’t know how you do it.
I treasure the Easter things that my mother gave
me. She made a stuffed bunny Mr. and Mrs. with
clothes for me several years ago so I feel like she
is always with me, especially at Easter. Will try
the lemon roll. Thanks a bunch (of carrots!)
Reading AFR again in preparation for my trip.
It will be my travel guide.
Haven’t made a jelly role cake in years ~ why not?! You have inspired me to get rolling, especially because lemon is such a “spring” flavor and just because it looks so pretty! Thanks, Susan! Happy Spring! Happy Day! And thanks for the chances to win some wonderful gifts. Hugs, Barbara in South Carolina where I found the most gorgeous purple irises blooming next to the house this morning! I LOVE SPRING!!!!!
So nice to see that Spring has arrived on the island after such a long winter.
My mouth is watering at the sight of that lemon roll cake. I’ve always been a bit reluctant to make a roll up cake. You make it sound easy. I should give it a try. Thanks for the recipe. Thank you also for “Willard”. Always cheers me:)
Susan, OHMYGOSH… a blog post and Willard on the same day?! I am in heaven with my Earl Grace tea (earl gray and jasmine) (I asked for yours for Christmas. I think its here in the hubby’s gift closet) and fruited oatmeal. (oat revolution apples and cinnamon with my addition of dried cherries and walnuts) You make me so happy by just being your darling self. Going to make the lemon jellyroll tonight for company. Thank you so much for all that you do. I started to write how happy you have made me, but it started sounding like I was crazy or a stalker or something. I’m perfectly normal, I swear:) I just wanted to say that you are so wonderful and your spirit and creativity is something that has really helped me when I was low because of chronic pain. You inspire me and all these other ladies and I just wanted to express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude for making a difference in my life like you have with so many others. I know I am not the first to say this, nor will I be the last, but i thought… does anyone really tire of hearing that someone thinks they are wonderful? NO:)
Hi Susan!! I recently started following your blog!! And this morning received my first letter from my new pen-pal!! Thank you so much for the recipes, which sound delicious! I am thinking I need to make the lemon roll this weekend! I just love the pics of your cat!!he is the cutest!! Enjoy the day!!:)
Good morning Susan. I’ve already received my Willard! The painting of the lamb and little girl is so VERY sweet! Will it be appearing in a calendar or book? What darling characters they’d make for a children’s book–or on fabric. As for your “historical novel”…..you explained “historical”, but since “novel” is a work of fiction, I was wondering if that is want you meant to call it. Whatever it is to be, I know I will love it because of what you’ve already said it was to be about. I had not seen your “My Story” Guided Journal and am eager to get it, but will wait a few days to see whether or not I win it! Thank you for all that you do for us, your readers. Happy writing! P.S. I have Glory of the Snow scattered about my property, too. Such sweet surprises when they “travel” to other spots (due to our resident squirrels, I’m sure).
It’s based on my own experiences but there’s a chance I change a few things taking others (not dead) into consideration!
I love the jingle shells and the books! What a wonderful giveaway. I wish I could win! xoxoxo
Hello Susan, My Massachusetts town shares your sunshine and cool spring breezes, but we have nary a sign of daffodils or forsythia. Our wooded lots cling to patches of snow and shade the thawing gardens. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photographs. I can enjoy Spring’s colorful displays at your house while waiting for our stirring plants to bloom.
You must be further west? Or north? It’s on its way Lynne!
Happy Earth Day to you, dear Susan! Thank you for sharing the joy.
I loved starting my day with Willard. Like your mom, my dad was quite the singer. Like you, I am now the singer in our household. I make up lyrics to personalize songs to our dogs and cats. I find myself singing songs from the 1920’s, and then wonder how many people alive today still know those songs.
As I give subcutaneous fluids to our sweet dog Mary every other night, I sing to her. We have done this for almost a year and I’ve learned that she prefers songs my dad sang to me–perhaps because I sing them with extra heart. Within that category, she likes peppy, upbeat songs. We never miss “Hey look me over” and “You’re A Grand Old Flag”. How thankful I am for the way those tunes bring back memories of singing with my dad in our old car–we would sit in the driveway and finish our song before going in to the house where my mom, baby brother, and dog Duchess waited to greet us and hear all about our adventures.
hi susan!! yippee!!! so happy to see you and the lovely pictures of springtime on MV!! life has been a blur around here what with Easter ( made both the lamb cake and the carrot cake cupcakes ~ smiles and giggles and yummies all around!!…. thanks for the great recipes and making me into a Granny-hero!!) and finally getting outside to do some clean up from the winter that wouldn’t go away…..totally appreciate Joe’s position!!! Part of our Easter celebration was spent at our Missouri Botanical Garden that is at peak bloom and absolutely picture postcard gorgeous….oodles oodles of blooming flowers, trees and shrubs….delightful…thought of you and how much you would appreciate this simple beauty….LOVED BlogDaddy’s Easter gift…he is a man after my own heart as I am still sending our son (30) and his fiancée Halloween, Valentine’s and Easter fun stuff…never too old!! Have a great week Susan and Joe and HAPPY SPRING!!!!! xo love, cindy
Susan,
My mother in law just made it through a tricky winter with double knee replacement. Like you, she is a lover of the ocean and the one who introduced us to your cookbooks. I would love to win the shells on her behalf and gift her. That would be my way of thanking her for being a great mother in law and for encouraging her to keep her spirit up as she recovers. Not to mention , her calendar, which she fills in annually, includes a daily countdown to our annual family vacation on Cape Cod. Happy Spring and thank you!
Aren’t you lucky to have a wonderful mother-in-law to add to your collection of loved ones!
Happy Spring, Dear Sue and Joe!
Just want your books. Plain and simple!
I can’t wait to try the lemon cake recipe. You continue to inspire me to enjoy everything about the seasons, (even though in Santa Barbara they aren’t so defined 🙂 and now after reading your post I think I’ll go on a walk! Happy Earth Day, Susan!
Smell a little of that Santa Barbara air for me Pamela!
Happy spring ,susan! Hope your Easter weekend was just the best!
Such a happy Spring-filled post. I so enjoy seeing a new post. I do a little happy dance in my office chair! Thanks for the recipe – it looks so good. Your Easter basket is adorable! Have a lovely day and thanks for making mine a little sweeter!
All your pretty pictures make me want to pack up and move to Martha’s Vineyard! But we had a beautiful weekend here in southern California too. Thank you for your blog posts, I am looking forward to the Willard.
This was a lovely kick-in-the-pants to get about some springtime business, like building birdhouses and finding planters to make our yard a refuge for our feathered and other winged friends. Not having a “Joe” of my own (you are so blessed!), I’ll have to strap on my toolbelt and see what wonders await to be created by these two hands! Thank you so much for your continued love for all of us Girlfriends out here – we love you right back!
I have a new nephew, as well, born on ….your birthday!! I was reading your blog while sitting in the hospital waiting room – he was 7 lbs, 9 oz of pure deliciousness and as his proud momma says, he is our angel baby. 🙂
Congratulations Dena . . . this is the second baby-on-my-birthday announcement I’ve gotten today . . . you girls have been busy!
Thank you so much for this fun giveaway! Just what I needed to get in the Spring mood!
Hello Spring! Here in Minnesota we have been under winters spell for to long. With eighteen inches of fluffy white just last week! But now I am seeing little sprigs of grass! Even brought some in to put in a wee vase on my window sill. I can hear frogs at night so I know Spring is finally here, and ever so welcomed.
happy spring susan!! and how wonderful, another surprise gift! love shells and books! i am going to make the lemon cake for mother’s day. looks so good.
Thank you!
How do you keep Jack from knocking off the shells and other pretties? My cat Beau will not tolerate any little things like that and I just love them.
He isn’t interested in my little things other than plant matter. I do have to watch him with flowers.
Willard was wonderful and the new blog posting also. Spring has finally sprung in the upper midwest, so I wasn’t whining at all when I saw the springy photos. The windows were open until dark last night. Fred and George, the ginger brothers were happy boys about that. Hard to believe there was snow on the ground a week ago!
sweet Spring post. The cake looks yummy!! Happy Earth Day!
i read your post and willard early this very rainy morning and wished oh wished that i could be outside digging in my garden while the birdies sang. you filled me with sunshine and goodness despite the soggy world outside. i am completely stunned by your generous giveaway and wish oh wish that your particular something good would happen to me. right now, i need an italian villa and if not that, then the precious goodies you are so willing to give away. it would sure make my entire spring. thank you for sunshine and goodness, susan.
You are in the right place at the right time to read (or listen to on tape) Enchanted April . . . that’s where you will find your Italian Villa xoxo.
Every time I read Willard or your blog I think, “she and I would make such good friends!”. Happy spring and thanks for spreading the joy!
Thank you for that sweet compliment!
Susan, Thank you so much for another wonderful blog post! I’m going to surprise my mother on Mother’s Day with the lemon cake- it’s so pretty! I’m looking forward to the Willard. Please enter me in your drawing. Thank you!
I so look forward to my Willard. I listen to the music and sip my lavender tea and am transported to a place I’ve always wanted to visit but have never been. Thank you for this lovely taste of spring.
What a wonderful day….Earth Day and a Willard….Happy Spring!
Hello dear Susan (you are the something sweet in my comment)… Happy Spring to you!… happy flowers, happy gardening, happy walks along the beach, happy everything to you!… thank you for the recipes, yum!… your baskets from your daddy and Jeannie are adorable!… and that pic of you and your daddy is so sweet… I miss my daddy… how I would love to experience Spring on Martha’s Vineyard… but I am wearing my Isle of Dreams bead from your shop, so it will magically carry me there today… in my daydreams anyway… you have sooo much energy!… is it the salt air?… perhaps, but I think you inherited it from your daddy… oooh, how I would love a chance to win one of those beautiful gifts… are those the same shells you called Mermaids Toenails before?… so beautiful!… Happy Earth Day to you, Joe, Jack and Girl Kitty… much love, xoxo Julie Marie
Living at the shore we have little shells too, but none like these. Looking forward to Willard. Thanks for the sunshine.
Everyday, at least a couple times, oh who am I kidding, SEVERAL times each day, I check to see if a new blog posting has appeared! Hip hip hooray!, today was the day, happiness just filled my Tuesday!! Thank you Susan for beautiful photos, seashells, kitties, and lemon cake!! Now a little gift to you ~ the love in your heart wasn’t meant there to stay, love isn’t love until you give it away!! THAT, my friend is you!!
P.S. I am not sure how it happened, but I think my comment for today posted on the previous blog. Just had to comment again to make sure I am “entered” to win!
Susan, so happy to have Willard waiting in my in box this morning! I was getting a bit worried that you had forgotten us chickens. Ha! Loved and continue to love A Fine Romance which is still sitting on my bedside table. My second signed copy will be a Mother’s Day gift! Already looking forward to the new book. No pressure…but hurry up already! Headed out the door to work (at our school farm) where I will be greeted by the 19 goat kids and 15 lambs that have been born in the last few weeks. It is like living in one of your drawings! Happy Spring to all.
Thanks for the yummy recipe! As usual, your blog and Willard were special treats this morning. Happy Earth Day to you and Joe. 🙂
What beautiful shells! In land locked Oklahoma shells are very special. Special books are loved too.
Wow, what a special day to receive Willard in my email and your beautiful blog. Thank you for making our day so special. So excited for your new book. Its going to be so hard for us to wait, but just like “A Fine Romance” it will be absolutely worth the wait. Happy Writing dear Sue. Happy Spring to all our girlfriends.
Oh, Susan! What a perfect Springtime post!! ♡ I’m so happy about your “new addiction” and can’t wait to read everything about our lovely heroine! Thanks for thinking of us as you walked along the beach. I’ve been dying to read “Elizabeth and her German Garden” and have been hoping to come across a copy somewhere. Heartfelt thanks for all that you share! Can’t wait for Willard to arrive!
Warm hugs,
Dawn
♡♡
Double S Branch treat this morning in Ca! Just finished reading Willard and then the blog……what a great way to start the day! Have mentioned before….but your stuffed egg recipe is the best! They have been a Thanksgiving and Easter tradition in our family for years…….
Happy Spring Susan……..Thanks for the happy reminder…….to embrace the joys of everyday life….
This lemon cake is definitely a cake I will have to try to make….I love lemon meringue pies, and this looks pretty lemony. Thanks for the step by step pictures…it will make it easier! I’m glad you had a great Easter too. Ours here in NJ was sunny and beautiful as well. One last thing….please enter me for a chance for those seashells and books 🙂 Thanks, Holly P.S. I can’t wait to see the Willard!!
Happy Spring Susan and thank you for your beautiful blog this morning just
what I needed. You make me want to open windows and doors and sweep out
the winter doldrums. Your photos make me think of gentle breezes, warmer
weather, abundance of flowers, lemon cake and those stuffed eggs to die for. I am looking forward to Willard. Heres wishing you a Blissful & Happy Springtime. Thank you for being you!
Your Lemon Cake looks lovely and is next on my to do list. I will let you know how I do on my cake adventure. Thank you!
Happy Easter/Resurrection Sunday, Susan! what a wonderful blessing to have you in our lives.
I didn’t even know you made those books for telling your story …. and until this very minute I didn’t think I would ever have need for such a thing. You see, I was never able to have children. I was pregnant several times and lost them, until I gave up and had my tubes tied to avoid all that heartache. However, I have a niece who was born when I was just 8 and we have recently reconnected after 30+ years. I would like to fill that book out with all the family history (and mine) for her. I think she is the kind of person who would treasure that. After all, she and her hubby bought an 1890’s home in Philadelphia that they are loving back to life true to era decor. (You should see their kitchen! So cute!)
That’s fantastic Celia, I’m sure she will love it!
I will make the lemon roll very soon. I used to make the bunny cake for my
son during his growing up years. It brought back happy memories of that and
I dug out the photo I have of his two-year-old self sitting next to that cake one year. Trees and daffodils are nearly done blooming in s.e. Missouri. Moving on to tulips and lilacs.
Thanks for the post – I always enjoy! – Paula
Happy Earth Day! Totally enjoyed your Springtime post…brought every bit of Spring into my kitchen just reading it (with a cup of coffee of course). lol
After Spring Storms last night, North Texas woke up to a beautiful day!
Reading your post made it more beautiful…..and a HAPPIER EARTH DAY!
Thank you!
Wonderful post as always Sweet Susan! Happy Earth Day to all living things at Branch Hall!!
❌⭕❌⭕,
Tawni Urrutia in Lodi, Ca
thanks for such an inspirational post, going to get out and enjoy the beginnings of spring that we have on long island, maybe do a little gardening, a little baking? ❤
What a wonderful post! So nice to see all the wonderful signs of spring after such a looooong winter. Here, tulips and daffodils are peeking through, trees are budding, and baseball is underway. My indoor kitties are happy too because the screens are on the windows and they get to experience all those wonderful scents; better than catnip! Can’t wait to try that lemon cake recipe. Thanks!
What a wondetful post!! Once again you have me memorized!! 🙂 I cannot tell you how excited I am for Willard to arrive. Happy Earth Day!! Happy gorgeous spring! 🙂
Looking forward to making your lemon sponge cake using my own lemons from my little tree in a pot. And also looking forward to a new adventure: Reading Willard. Thank you Susan, you’re a peach!
Happy Earth Day! That cake is my absolute favorite, how did you know? I just love spring time, when everything wakes up, and all is new again! Loved your gifts you received, so adorable! Lovely post, as always. Thanks for being – you!
What a wonderful start to my day – a Willard in my inbox and a new post on your blog! I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I went right back inside and brewed my cup of tea as you suggested, put food out for my feathered and furry friends, refilled the bird bath with water and then sat down to enjoy your posts. Now to complete my day, and in honor of Earth Day, I’m going to get some veggies planted in my garden since it is supposed to reach 90 degrees today here in central Texas. Our spring is over. Thanks for sharing your world with all of us!
Oh Susan- Happy Easter- I too love those delicious dark chocolate covered coconut eggs! It is my Easter treat. I have a similar garden sign as yours except it says ‘duck crossing’ instead of the bunnies (in honor of our pet duck Fluffy who wears a diaper in our house!)- I am loving this morning with my coffee and my good old 19 year old cat keeping me company- xoxo Amanda
I’ll toss my hat in the ring for an opportunity at your wonderful drawing…what a terrific way to welcome spring! Thanks for thinking of all of us, and for sharing your goodies. Can’t wait to read Willard…and the cake looks yummy. What a fun way to begin the day (ah yes…even though it’s a day destined for spring cleaning!) -Mary
Ohh…this is like the lemon jelly roll I learned to make in the early 1980’s…my mom thought I’d finally mastered being good in the kitchen – she LOVED when I’d make this cake and share it with her and Daddy. My house is gonna smell good this morning – the oven is heating 🙂
You are so sweet to not only take the time to share your “goings on”, recipes, and beautiful artwork, but to also give away lovely gifts. I always enjoy reading your blog, and especially like seeing what Jack is up to. I have a kitty about the same age who is also very busy. (Jack, Clover says “Hi”!)
Susan, thank you for making our days a little bit brighter.
Cindy
So great to enjoy your island Spring and Earth Day with you! What a nice beginning to my morning! we are expecting up to another inch of “Spring” snow tonight! will make the lemon cake roll to get me through!! Thank you Susan!
What a fine welcome to spring! The cake looks heavenly and since it’s a bit of a rainy day here, will be a cheery distraction. Thank you for your blog. It brings such joy.
Spring is slowly awakening here in Nebraska, too. My forsythias are blooming, the grass is gradually greening, and I’m itching to get out into the garden. My favorite time of year!
oH MY! A Willard AND a new post and GIFTS! I have so much to say and I am at work, not getting much done I might add. Our book in Chinese and still on the top 10 at Amazon is WOW. And the giveaway is beyond gracious! And blessed spring! Love it all Susan and I will write more as soon as I get home!
Thank you for all you do for us.
Chris
Had to adjust the email, sorry. Only one “s” in comcast.
Hi Susan,
I just recommended your book to a couple who plan to be in England taking a weeks course at Oxford about English village life. That lemon cake looks more than delicious. Enjoy spring. Here in Los Osos, CA it’s way less defined than where you are but still glorious.
The lemon filled, rolled cake looks soo good. I’m not much of a baker, but this seems easy enough to put together. Just the thought of that lemony filling has my mouth watering. Loved Willard and the blog. In Willard, most adorable watercolor of little girl petting the lamb with forget-me-nots. So nice! Oh! and the rose-breasted grosbeak . . . I don’t think I have ever seen one. Must be an omen — of something wonderful, of course! Happy Earth Day!
Jackie
Oh, at long last! What a way to have the day begin. My heart is now at peace. I love the bluebird for Mother’s Day; it was my mother’s favorite bird! She coveted the ones that flew to her neighbor’s yard, even though she had the ‘special’ bluebird feeder! Right before she ascended to the heavens, her wish was granted: the first bluebird of spring landed on the waterfall of her koi pond! It was such a joyous moment…a wish fulfilled! Thank you for reviving a wonderful memory with your “Willard”! You’re the best for inspiring and creating a wonderful world with your art and creativity. Ahhh.
What a lovely lemon roll! My Mom used to be a dab hand at jelly rolls, they made a very welcome appearance at lots of special occasions as I was growing up. So thank you for the recipe and for jogging my memory to wonderful childhood remembrances!
I love the lemon roll cake lesson. I wonder if I have any lemons on hand? I might just have to surprise my Sweetie.
What? Finally a Willard? I can’t wait to read it! We are loving the last couple of days. Windows are open again, I can smell grass and mulch and dirt! Yes! I love the smell of dirt. And today, up on the campus where I work, is the (almost) delightful smell of manure………….almost delightful. It just means the farms around us are loving this warm weather too! xoxo
Susan….what a wonderful, springy, delicious, inviting post! We all know you have been concentrating on writing, writing, writing, but it’s wonderful to hear from you and see bits of spring on your island. And, what a give-away!…you have such a generous, thoughtful heart, not only with things, but with your time and creativity. I’m so very grateful to have you in my life. Rachel, Georgetown, TX
P.S. What is your favorite candy bar?
I smiled while reading your blog about taking every chance you could get to be outdoors. The weather has been lovely and seeing the buds on the trees, the flowers in bloom, and the grass coming back to life is glorious. How wonderful to see color after the winter. Being able to experience all four seasons is a blessing. There’s a chickadee outside my window as I’m typing this; they are so cute. A yellow-shafted flicker (woodpecker) comes every spring to the telephone pole in my back yard. Nothing sounds like him and as soon as I hear him, even with the windows shut, I know spring is back. Thank you for sharing and teaching the love of all things.
oh, my goodness!!! I did my usual “morning-check”, but truly did not expect to find anything soooooo wonderful !!!!! hmmm. stopped my “morning-stuff” in its tracks!!!! (obviously, work waits for us!!!). very delightful. so, as usual….thank you. oh! thank you!!!! mostly….for being you!!!! happy earth-day. we should all take small (or, big) steps…DAILY to cherish and protect the earth….it’s the only one we’re likely to have. xoxo
thank you for today’s blog! Those bunny baskets are sooo cute (I have a Lamb Chop, too – my daughter gave him to me! :-D) Haven’t eaten breakfast yet and the lemon cake has made me hungry!!! Looking forward to Willard!
Oh my, so much this morning. A fun filled , thought provoking , stomach growling , heart warming kind of Willard and blog! I am so happy. a new lemon recipe to use my Jenkins on and a chance at a wonderful prize. And I fall in love with your Daddy all over again for sending Easter gifts!
I hope to win. And even if I don’t, I’m happy to be a “girlfriend”!
Barbara
Happy Earth Day! There are lovely April showers outside my windows today…really helping to bring out the greens in the grass and the budding trees and flowers. This kind of day always makes me think of baking and something yellow and lemony has just moved to the top of the list! I can always count on you for inspiration, Susan!
Thanks for sharing the pictures of the birds, your garden (and your handsome gardener 🙂 ). Just curious…I see you’re planting some new little pots of yellow sunshine. Is that a variety of sedum? Such a happy color!
Sweet post ~ sweet dessert ~ sweet thoughts of Spring ~ sweet give-away ~ sweet comments from sweet girlfriends ~ Isn’t life SWEET?!
Love ya, Sue!
xoDebbie
Hi,
I thought I would be able to post a photo but I don’t see a way to do that. I wanted to show you a wooden folk art bird that I have and I never knew what kind of bird it was until I read your blog today! Thanks ~ now I know my little guy is a rose-breasted grosbeak. ~ Ellen
Well now, today must be lemon roll cake day! Thank you for the recipe (and for the cardinal pic).
A virtual feast for the senses! The birds, the lemon roll cake, the kitties, the beautiful out-of-doors, Joe….thank you for sharing this lovely spring day with us, sweet Sue. xoxoxo Sherry
Good morning, busy Susan!
I’m almost fainting with happiness and excitement over your wonderful post with the lemon cake and the birds and the flowers, the anticipation over a new Willard, and TWO lovely and generous give-aways. Wow wow wow! Thank you! I love and appreciate it all!
Happy Earth Day and Happy Spring! Amazingly we had snow a week ago in Wisconsin and now, we have daffodils blooming. I love seeing what is happening in your garden.