RABBIT~RABBIT! According to folklore, these are supposed to be the first words out of your mouth on the first day of a new month to insure a month of good luck . . . and here we are . . . It’s MAY! Brrrr! And it’s MUSICA . . .
AND It’s Spring Girlfriends (everywhere maybe but not exactly here) and you have been leaving the most gorgeous comments and today, we have gifts to give. So I’m wishing all of you the very best of luck.♥ Rabbit~Rabbit.
But, first a little tour of our garden and the neighborhood to catch you up on what’s new. Put your jacket on, that sun is very thin out there, but “pretty” is returning to New England after a long brown and sepia-colored winter ~ in the form of sweet-smelling pink and yellow blossoms, so gorgeous we barely notice the chill, we are so happy, we do not look gift horses in the mouth.
The cherry trees are blooming. One of the things I wait for every spring. They are such a gift! What flower store could do a better job with a bouquet? This tree is the gift that keeps on giving year after year. It puts a song in my heart.
Spring is the perfect example of the glass being half full around here. We’re still waiting for the season to really pop with most of our plants. When you drive around most everything is still like it looks in this photo . . . but I did want to show you a picture of one of my favorite little cottages in Edgartown. I’ll have to remember to go back when the roses are in bloom on that arbor!
And these are the trees just across from that gorgeous cherry tree in our garden. Still waiting for their leaves to come.
We mulched and fertilized the roses last week, and you can see they appreciated it. But this is not California . . .
This is California! Kellee sent me this picture of the garden at the studio out there, where the roses look like this right now…
That’s OK, on the island we’re happy to have our wild violets blooming in the lawn . . .
They’re so sweet and they just say, “MAY” . . . and when you need a cute little edible flower to decorate springtime cakes, puddings, pies and even salads, voila!
But back to romance in tree form . . . cherry trees in bloom ~ we have them in palest pink . . .
And dark Pink . . . these are weeping cherries . . .
This one is just behind my picket fence garden . . . they give us terrible cases of . . .
I bring it all inside. If looking at flowers cheers you up and you need more . . . HERE YOU GO….
It’s still early for us . . . all week it’s been like this. We’ve been able to go on our walk, but we have to wear our full winter garb when we do, hats, gloves, scarves . . . and this morning it’s been sheeting down cold gray rain, so we’ll try to go later . . .
But it’s OK, I have lots of spring cleaning to do and this is the perfect weather for it. We have a lot going on in the next few weeks. We’re going to New York at the end of the month for 
BEA (that’s Book Expo America at the Javits Center) where I’ll be one of the authors signing books there (we love New York and haven’t been in a long time). In June I’ll be joining several of you at the Gladys Taber Annual Reunion in Danbury Connecticut where I’ll be speaking and signing A FINE ROMANCE ~ can’t wait for that . . . AND THEN, on the 20th of June, four of my high school girlfriends are coming to stay with us for a few days. Very excited! We’ll get to take everyone on Island Tours (our own version, Nancy Luce’s grave, etc.) which we love to do. I have the perfect excuse to gussie up this house which I need!
Starting with this dusty shelf of cups and things . . . It needs a little bit of TLC after a long winter indoors with us cooking everyday. . .
It’s the perfect rainy day thing to do ~ put it all in the dishwasher and get everything shined up.
BUT, before I start any of that, I need to get Vanna up and let her know we’re waiting for her.
V A A A N N A ? I call up the stairs in musical tones . . .(one does not want to scream or yell at Vanna if one wants cooperation, one has learned ♪).
And look who comes out!
So I stand at the bottom of the stairs and shoot the rubber band up to the top for Jack (of course this wakes up Princess Vanna which is just what I was hoping; she loves Jack so much she is never mad at anything he does) ~
He watches me . . . seeing if I wait for him to drop it or if he needs to chase after me . . .
This is him taking it out of his mouth . . . The eyes! Can you believe those eyes?
And when he’s not on the stairs, he comes and drapes himself on my art table and tortures me by chewing on everything he can get his paws on. That’s OK. I have Girl Kitty who is a perfect lady and almost makes up for the shenanigans of Jack.
Ah, here’s Vanna ~ she just walked into my studio wearing pink satin slippers and yellow satin chinese pajamas with belled sleeves and wide legs looking exotic and quite divine considering the ungodly hour this is for her normal life . . . her hair is tied back with pink ribbon and she’s ready to draw 
those two names; in fact she is snapping her fingers at me ~ “Get the show on the road” is what I think I hear her saying. (I don’t get no respect around here.)
So, with no further adieu, VANNA, start your engines please.
She slips off her mules and high-dives into the huge basket where we’ve put all of your names and she is spinning to the bottom, her legs going like scissors, twirling and mixing the names, doing her normal fabulous job of it, they are flying Girlfriends. But here she comes . . . and, yes, she has got one . . . and now, there’s the other one . . . and here we go . . . Fingers crossed it’s you!
The WINNER for the Emma tin filled with gen-u-wine Martha’s Vineyard jingle shells, the 1900 copy of Elizabeth and Her German Garden and the first edition copy of A Fine Romance, IS our lucky Girlfriend . . .
JANET MARKLEY
Congratulations Janet!
And now . . .
For the two signed “STORY” BOOKS . . . the Lucky WINNER IS our Girlfriend:
PATRICIA STANLEY
Congratulations Patricia!
OK, Janet! and Patricia! There are emails waiting for you in your email boxes. Be sure to write me back with your mailing addresses so I can sign your books and get them out to you. CONGRATULATIONS to you both. This was a very big contest and look, YOU WON! Isn’t that amazing!
And the rest of you? Thank you so much for being here. I can’t tell you how much I wob you. I’m sorry you didn’t win. Because I really wanted you all to win. Maybe next time! (My hardest thing is this.) xoxo
Is it possible you weren’t wearing your lucky necklace? Take note, I did a selfie of my lucky necklace. Because I got my KITTY LOVE charm from the studio and now all my “people” are here (There’s Joe and the English Countryside and A Fine 
Romance, Girl and Jack in Kitty Love, home sweet home with Martha’s Vineyard, and YOU and the blog with Girlfriends! What more could a person ask for!) ~ I only take this necklace off to sleep and I put it right back on the minute I get up in the morning. It’s my lucky charm, I wear it while I’m writing and I don’t know for sure if it’s working, but I’m going so good and having so much fun that I have to give these charms the credit! ♥ I’m on page 523, Girlfriends. I would say, “Somebody stop me” but I would be lying. Please, no one stop me!
Now here is something new I hope will be of interest to you . . . I just discovered it and thought you might like it too. It’s this roasted pineapple and pepper sauce we found at Costco. It is so good. Just a little bit spicy, but not so much that it would terrorize anyone, just spicy enough to make life interesting.
It’s like a pepper jelly, so you can serve it on crackers with cream cheese, or on crouton toasts. There are delicious-looking recipes on the side of the jar. It’s gluten free; we had it on salmon and it was wonderful. The other night we sauteed onions and ginger in a skillet with a little bit of oil, we cooked boneless, skinless chicken thighs until they were almost done, tossed in one of those gorgeous yellow pears in the picture in the last post (chopped), added chicken stock and some of this sauce, put a lid on it; let it come to a simmer and finish cooking the chicken along with the pears and it was just delicious, spicy, sweet and different.
And we liked the sauce almost as much as a dip with these wonderful “Popchips” . . .
Also gluten free, also delicious, half the calories of potato chips, healthier and very crisp and at Costco too … Needless to say I have no personal interest in either of these products, only so far as my taste buds are concerned, but I thought you might need a very yummy consolation prize today.♥
I hope where you are it is NOT raining (unless you’re experiencing a drought, then I hope it is a steady strong rain just like here) and NOT snowing, prayers for NO tornadoes in the sky, just a gentle spring breeze, soft sun, and blessings over all. That’s my recipe for your day. Thank you for every dear word expressed in all of your comments. ♥ XOXO
You are having the same weather we are, although we are having it every day this week. The grass is really greening up, though, so spring must be around the corner. I’m just waiting for the first rhubarb to appear in the markets! 🙂
Me too!
Do you have some good rhubarb recipes Susan you can share with us all? 🙂
Pat, I was visiting the twin cities Easter weekend what a glorious day Easter was! My son attends the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. What a beautiful state and area you live in. I always enjoy my visits there! I live in northern Illinois so I know how anxious we are for spring to arrive and stay!!!!!!
Chris, I’m glad it was nice for you that weekend. This past week was terribly rainy and dark but now we have another beautiful weekend ahead of us. Always nice for people who are in school or work, to have the weekends nice out! Come back in the Fall–that is when it is really beautiful here. Makes up for the icky heat and humidity of summer!
I LOVE this post. I always have Spring Fever. Living in Florida makes it easy to concentrate on the warm days. Believe it or not, we do not have the abundance of beautiful spring flowers like the rest of our beautiful nation. But needless to say Spring is HERE!! Congrats to the special friends winners. And thank you, Susan, for bringing a little more sunshine to my day.
Thank you Jocelyn! Have a wonderful day!
oh, my goodness!!! you truly never disappoint, Susan Branch!!! I was soooo hoping…and, there you are!!! a very, very sweet “visit”…..thank you!!! can’t believe it’s May!!! I surely didn’t want to turn my lil calendar page…I was soooo enjoying the “dust-bunny”….but, on we go. excelsior!!!! have a great day!!!
We’ve had cold winds and rain for weeks, but for just a few days this week we are being teased with a summer preview. Yesterday it was 76, today it’s supposed to be 77. But, alas, it will not last…it’s back to rain on Saturday. But for today, the air is kissed with sun and heady fragrance so we relish it while we can!
Congratulations to the winners! I really enjoyed the pictures. We keep saying we need to see the cherry trees in DC one of these days, so far we haven’t made it. Ahhhh Spring!
Congratulations to Janet and Patricia! I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t win but I know the prizes are going to “good homes” – someone who will love and cherish them. They are Girlfriends, afterall! And it’s hard to be sad with the gorgeous day we are having here. Plus, I just got back from delivering my May Day baskets. Surprising others always brightens my day! Know what else brightens my day – a new post from you! So thank you for the icing on the cake!
Lisavi, what do you put in your May Day baskets? That sounds like a great idea to bless others! Have a joy-filled day!
Hi Susan,
What a lovely, lovely post! Here in Michigan it is rainy..that’s fine with me. Things are greening up and flowers are starting to peek out. I love it! YES, I have Spring fever. 🙂
Bless you, have a fab day!
xo
Hi Susan ~ I am starting to notice a lot of gluten free mentions in your blog posts, which makes me happy because my family had to become gluten free for my husband in 2007. I have lots of gluten free recipes on my blog if you are interested: nutritionmassage.com/blog – I haven’t posted much on there in quite awhile, but there are lots of baked goods/comfort food recipes and I would feel so honored to know you were a visitor on my site!
Well, we’re not really totally gluten free around here, but I know so many people who are which makes me want to include recipes that work for everyone.
Thanks for getting us excited for springtime Susan!!!! Must go out to refill the bird feeders and birdbath as the little guys are so busy too!!!! Happy cleaning, cooking and writing!!! Looking forward to your new “novel”!
Things I loved in this post [in no particular order]. 1/Wild violets. Quite possibly my new favorite flowers/who could ever resist those sweetest little flower faces? 2/Cherry blossoms. 3/Old Vineyard cottages. 4/Jack! 5/Talk of visiting NYC. 6/Roses. 7/Spring cleaning. 8/Photos of your kitchen “china cabinet.” 9/Chicken with roasted pineapple & habanero pepper sauce. Yum & YUM. PS – having the same “unseasonably cool” weather here in NY’s Finger Lakes. Yesterday the gutters literally roared with rain all day long. Still winter coat-chilly today but thankfully all I hear are the windchimes at my front door [key of E natural]. PS – congratulations Janet & Patricia!
Hi Janet.
This post was full of wonderful things, as always.
Linda from Lancaster was trying to send water my way….might you need some warmth? We are to hit 101 Monday and I would be most happy to send it your way! 🙂
Chris
Hi, Chris! I’ll gladly send surplus water [we have plenty] in exchange for your lovely Texas heat! Although maybe not as much as 101 degrees, thanks! ☺️ We just had another “Hound of the Baskervilles” weekend here. Dark & gloomy, rain and thunder, sun finally out late yesterday afternoon. Today however we’re having the proverbial Spring Day – perfectly glorious. The kind of weather the poets write about… I’m off to do errands & look at the outlying area farms. PS-I must have been a very contented farmer/farmer’s wife in a former life, because I love farm-gazing, 3 seasons of the year. Take care. ❤️
Rabbit-rabbit dear Susan !! Things are looking so pretty around your yard. Love the blossoms. That cat is so talented.:):) It’s chilly here today around 45 but promises of 80 next week. Enjoy your beautiful May. xoxo,Susie
You did say you are on page 523!!!!???? WOW! You are writing up a storm! (Well, I hope not, or if so, just a nice spring storm.) Will this be two volumes? Exciting!!!! Meanwhile, I love the slow, beautifully unfolding springs of back East. Still chilly days, but all that magic unfolding right before your eyes. It’s just that winter that precedes it that prevents me moving back. Meanwhile, it’s 80 something today here in San Pedro CA. However, there’s a nice breeze (not those nasty Santa Anas which cause so much trouble.) But alas, no rain in sight. It particularly seems to elude us here on the peninsula. My neighbors pink rose bush tumbles over his garage, and a lemon tree frames the house chimney. And I can see the misty ocean from my high (but not too high) perch here when I write. Your posts are always a treat, Susan. And Jack is looking very “game’s on.” Congratulations to the lucky winners of the latest contest. But the fact is, just visiting your site is a win!
It won’t be two volumes, I just have to get it all down and then I’ll start editing to make it clearer. Thank you Victoria!
That is what I used to do when I was in college and writing papers–write, write, write, get it all down, and then go back and “edit” what I’d written after it sat a little while. Easier to edit some out than try to add more… 🙂
I hope you’re right and editing will be easy. I’ve never written so much so fast! I’m so addicted to it. Word is open right under this screen and it’s all I can do not to pop over there!
Congratulations to Janet and Patricia. What a lovely surprise for them on the first day of May. My surprise in the mail was a summons for jury duty which is ok (we all have to do our duty) but I’d really rather have won your giveaways, lol. Jack is such a sweetie and the spring blossoms are beautiful. Your new book is going to be wonderful, Susan and no, we wouldn’t dream of telling you to stop. Hope the sun shines for you tomorrow.
Thank you for sharing your cherry trees with us! How beautiful they are! We are sunshiny today but have been cloudy, rainy, snowy, and windy since Sunday afternoon. The rain was so badly needed that I’m not complaining even a little bit. Though the dear little calves have to be thrilled with sunshine today. Thank you again for the spring cheer!
Rabbit. Rabbit. Rabbit.
It’s been raining cats and dogs here too – which wouldn’t be a problem if I weren’t allergic to them . . .
But, your pretty flowers and, needless to say, Jack’s face, has infallibly brought a smile to my face.
Spring in Kentucky-remember the photo’s you posted of driving thru Kentucky from Shaker Village? oh it is glorious thru there right now…..you would love it.
thank you for the blog today- i am so happy for the winners….they are lucky gals.
I have been kinda down a bit- and your blog made me smile….so thank you kind lady…….you are the best!!!!
Lovely blog today I needed it because here in Iowa we are blustery cold. It looks like Jack is ready to try his hand at painting a picture. Terrific photo. You must have taught him good technique!
Hard to teach him much, mostly he teaches me! And he’s terrible about posing for pictures. I have to use my human wits to outsmart him and it’s not that easy!
We just finished putting up the awning over the patio and getting the furniture in place. I thought I would sit out there and read for a bit but a very fine chilly rain started blowing across me and I scurried inside. Brrrrrrrrrrr! is right! I’m heading out to the French market in our village which starts today at 2 pm. Thank you, French market, for brightening my day. Thank you, Susan, for brightening every day – you’re a peach!
It’s sunny and WARM here in Florida! I always loved pepper jelly on tuna sandwiches…sounds like an odd combination but it was good! Congrats to your lucky winners! I’m so happy for them….really I am! teehee! Hugs to you sweet lady! You make us all winners when you post your delightful posts! Diane from Florida
I look forward to seeing violets every spring- purple, white, pink, and the sweet little ‘Confederate’ violets, you know the ones speckled with blue gray dots? (that was the name given to them by my dear gardening friend June). Every day there are new flower friends to watch for-bloodroot, Virginia Bluebells, wild ginger, primroses…I love May.
Hi Susan
Here in England we say White Rabbits at the beginning of each month.
Love it!
Love the branches you bring in…and thanks for all the pretties:) and the adorable Mr. Jack!!! Congrats to the winners – lucky ducks:))) I like that you had two winners instead of only one.
Oh, Pat, how I miss not having my yummo rhubarb patch in MN – loved making strawberry/rhubarb jam and a delish rhubarb creamy dessert!
Sounds like a fun time ahead for you two. Thanks for bringing us along girlfriend! xoxo judi
Judi,
Sounds like you are a rhubard fan as well. Can you share your recipes with us all? I for one would like to try them…..sound good! Blessings, Sweet Sue
My roses look like your California roses right now. And I am having a big Kentucky Derby Party this weekend, complete with mint juleps on the lawn, so I am glad my roses are cooperating on this “Run for the Roses” weekend! 🙂 Your cherry trees make me miss living near Washington D.C., where those annual blossoms are truly a sight to behold. It’s like standing in a bag of cotton balls! 🙂
We love the Kentucky Derby too . . . mmmmm mint juleps! 🙂
Mint Juleps…..my favorite ones are the non-alcholic type like they serve at Disneyland. Anybody got a non-alcholic mint julep recipe they can share? Blessings to you all!
I find your website both a comfort and an inspiration. I love how you share the coming alive of your home and all the beautiful budding of local plants; the spring cleaning (you make it seem so much less of a chore) and delighting in the beautiful things in your home which feed your soul. I love your playful cats and how much you love them. Reading your sharing just makes me happy!
Thanks for a peek at your beautiful flowering trees, Susan! In my yard, here in Ohio, they only plants blooming are the daffs and wild violets…..at least the trees and bushes are greening up! I love your posts and can’t wait to see you in June at the Gladys Taber reunion!!
Wow…I love the wild violets in the grass. I think I will throw some seeds in my yard. 🙂
Hi Susan. I wob you too & the pictures of Jack were gift enough.
It is a cloudy, cold May 1st here in Ohio, however it is also the first day of my Birthday Month! One week from this coming Saturday, I will happily greet the #60!!!!!! So, today has still shone brightly for me because of your lovely spring blog post! Always happiness you sprinkle on SO many of us who just love your heart!!! Stay cozy, eat well, and enjoy spring moments!!! Happy May 1st!!
Happy 60th Birthday Mary!
Any special plans? I’ve decided that the 60’s are the new 40’s….what do you think? 🙂 Whatever you do treat yourself to all the joy and love your heart can hold…..after all you only go through this life on earth once so be a joy bringer and a love bearer to all! Hugs to You!
Happy May Day Susan, girlfriends. time for may baskets and maypoles. congrats to the winners, and I have to ask where did Jack get Tabitha’s ponytail holder??? Tabitha has a yellow ponytail holder she loves to carry around and have me play with her. yes my cats have the ponytail holder habit too. well its warm here, 72 degrees, lots and lots of sunshine and violets everywhere and tulips. my roses are starting to bloom, and the grapes on the grape arbor are budding and flowering now. my little peeps ( baby chicks) are outside in the sunshine and enjoying the sun, I swear it makes them grow all that much faster. the laundry is out on the line, put my clothesline back up awhile ago and have been enjoying that. and the cats are snoozing for now, its nap time for them. the barnyard crowd is fed and has fresh water and the duck pool is clean and refilled, so its time for me to head to my friend’s house, Judy, and take her to lunch and bring her a May basket full of flowers and my Daisy cookies. have a wonderful May day everyone, enjoy the sunshine. hugs…… 😉
Say Hi to Judy for me! Happy May, Pat!
did that and she sends greetings back, she loves your calendars, I get her one for Christmas.
Daisy cookies ……..just what are daisy cookies? You sound like such an industrous person …….keeping active and healthy and reaching out to others along the way! My kind of person. May you have the best day ever!
Sweet Sue 🙂
hello sweet sue, daisy cookies are so simple, its simply sugar cookies cut with a flower cookie cutter to look like a daisy, frosted in white frosting, ( canned is okay to use if you’re in a hurry), and a yellow mint candy to look like the yellow center of the daisy is put in the middle. and you have daisy cookies. something fun to do, and fun to look at and fun to eat. Susan Judy sends her best to all, she loves your calendars, I get her 1 or 2 for Christmas. 😉
hello sweet sue, I replied to this once, but I guess it got ate up or something. a daisy cookie is simply a sugar cookie cut with a flower cookie cutter, then you lightly frost it with white frosting ( canned will do fine if you are in a hurry) then before it sets up a yellow mint candy in the center and it looks like a daisy. they’re fun to make and fun to give. to Susan my friend Judy sends her regards and says she adores your calendars, I get her one each Christmas. hugs…… 😉
Thanks Pat for “Daisy Cookie” recipe! Think I will make some this weekend to bring in next week for my co-workers. A great “Spring” cookie I am sure they will all enjoy! Have a blessed day!
Sweet Sue
Hi Susan, love the photos, thanks for sharing! (I shared mine on my Pinterest page, but now have to rush out to take pics of the white lilacs blooming) Unseasonably warm here in Seattle, it’ll be 84 today! WHAT?! Cali weather –which I hear was 90 degrees in our old stomping grounds, those roses in your yard there will be needing a drink! Wow you are working hard to have soooo many pages written already, that sounds like a double book, you know, like the Beatles White Album 🙂 Can’t wait to see how it all comes together. Congrats to Janet and Patricia….I think Jack changed his name to Vanna, just for today ♥
LOL, Beatles White Album! 🙂
Your post and wonderful photos filled me with the spirit and hope of May…while making me ever so homesick for New England. I left much of my heart in New England the very first time I came to visit.
Your trees are ahead of us here in Cleveland, but I’m in no hurry to rush to 80 or 90 degrees. I would like to turn the furnace off for more than two days, though.
Thanks for New England homes, spring beauty, and pretty kitties! Have a lovely May Day!
Hi Bobbi,
My son lives not far from you and he complained to me just yesterday that it is May and the furnace is still running!
Chris
Here in Orangevale, CA – about 30 mi East of Sacramento – we are having a gorgeous sunny and quite warm day… going to get to 94 they say. Looking out just now I saw a butterfly, so it’s a great birthday.
Love your blog!
Hugs
Jack is sooooooo cute with the hair band in his mouth! And, it looks like he is trying his paw at painting! All the Susan Branch Girlfriends win every time we get a post like this! Your yards on Martha’s Vineyard and in California are beautiful! Thank you for sharing. I just took a bunch of photos of the five new goslings on our lake – the Mama and Daddy are so watchful and protective. Wish I could share the photos with all the girlfriends . . . guess I will have to start a “Life on The Farm” blog. Happy Spring to you Susan and to Joe, Jack and Girl Kitty and all the Susan Branch Girlfriends!
aren’t the baby goslings adorable??? we have some here, we have 6 baby goslings, 6 baby ducklings, 6 baby turkeys and 28 baby peeps (chicks) in the nursery, well they are almost all ready to go out in adult pen, and that’s when the fun begins…especially at the duck pools, both of them. we have a smaller one for the babies and a larger one for the adults. this is going to be fun when they all get to swimming, won’t be a dry hen in the pen…LOL!!!
well I just popped back in to wish everyone Happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone is celebrating this weekend…tacos, enchiladas, burritos and margaritas. on a sad note yesterday ( Saturday may 3, 2014) we lost our male turkey, Tom tom to old age, he just collapsed in the henhouse and we could not get him back, so we lost him. just thought you all would want to know.
Oh I was just reading a friend’s blog and she had a post about A Fine Romance!!! (theycallmemommywithapileofbooks.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-fine-romance-falling-in-love-with.html) And that made me think that it would surely perk up my afternoon if you happened to have a new post on your blog, and lo and behold you did!!! Always glad to hear that progress is being made on the next book!!! “An artist is a professional ‘imaginator’ to help their handicapped, unimaginative neighbors, to intercede imaginatively for them.” (Calvin Seerveld) I’m not claiming no imagination, but I always benefit from other’s imaginations!! Now, I must go tackle some housework!
Thank you Heather, I loved reading her review! That was so nice. I benefit from everyone else’s imagination too, the more, the better for all of us!
By the way, the Lamb Cake for my little daughter’s birthday turned out perfectly!!! Just like you said!!!! Such a difference from my disaster three years ago. Thanks for the instructions! blackberryrambles.blogspot.com/2014/05/laura-turns-4.html
She needed that red nose! Perfect! xoxo
I just love reading about your days. You have the BEST website and I truly do look very forward to it. When I see your name in my inbox I grab a cup of tea and start to smile. Thanks very much for all you do. You have a great day too — in spite of the rain.
Nicki
Ahhhhh SPring Fever!!! I love it! and… I L.O.V.E. this post….That jack, what a nut! The pictures of him and his rubber band are priceless!……Looking through all of your pictures today..i find that I am most interested on the “Bunnykin” plate you have on your wall with the 3 hearts above it….I have my bunnykin plates and cups from when I was a baby also….I guess, I would like to know the image on that plate!!! This is so cool, my bunnykin cup (my real baby cup) has a bunny at an easel painting!…Such a small world, because that is where my own life has taken me …..an artist/watercolorist. I treasure that cup. I love all those bunny plates, hot cereal bowls, cups and all….So nice to see others that treasure those as well….So…what’s on your plate? hee hee Again Rabbit-Rabbit for a wonderful sunny MAY DAY on my island, sending baskets of May Day love to yours!
I had to go make my second cup of tea and took a look for you . . . It’s laundry day in Bunnykins city!
Susan, Per usual a wonderful post. Your pictures, flowers -sentiment and just all your writings are so enjoyable. Living here in Lexington Ma., we are also having this rainy weather. When is Spring really coming?
Thank you, let us hope for a little more sun!!!!
Been raining here all week, but the Bradford Pear trees have finally blossomed, so at least we can be happy about that. Little green leaves on some of the trees but a lot of others are bare. And only 47 degrees today, but I did get a chance to ride my horse without shivering. This is a cold, late spring but at least it’s spring, and better days will come!
I say “rabbits, rabbits” on the first day of the month because I read it in one of the Trixie Beldon books! So it must be true! cheers, from Pam in a chilly Montreal
I was very happy to see your spring flowers, here in SD we are being blown away by hot dry winds, so our spring flowers are parched, ah well. I have been enjoying the howling which is rare here. We’ll whether the weather whatever the weather, whether we like it or not!
Congrats to the winners!
Ah, poo, I didn’t win–but I got to read your delightful blog leading up to that moment when Vanna drew the names. Those two lucky winners–congratulations! Thanks as always for your wonderful presence in our lives!
Oh Susan, since I am not a winner of your two drawings I have to turn my anticipation elsewhere………to the hopes of Spring in Westfield MA!! Just as I felt the rush of anticipation and then the disappointment of not winning, the sun started to shine!! I wanted to play my own “musica”…..Here Comes the Sun…du dh du dh….here comes the sun….du dh du dh….and I say its alright! Congratulations to the two girlfriends who won the drawings!! And, Susan, you never cease to amaze me. This blog just bumped me out of a huge slump…..I love your Jack and his expressions! I love your cherry trees…..love your Costco finds….love love love hearing from you! Thank you! P.S. I’m off to the Westfield Homeless Cat shelter to look for two inseparable adult cats to live out the rest of their feline lives with me. Wish me luck!
Good luck Ann, tell us how it goes! Any slump you had will be gone with your new furry friends.
I love spring flowers too, thanks for all these photographs Some flowers you can compare with the cherry trees in bloom are the almond trees in bloom, they are lovely! and their scent is incredible, the only thing is that they bloom in February which is wonderful sight during the worst of the winter, as in Mallorca very rarely snows, our fields are full of them at it seems as they were all snowed….
There were rolling hills of almond trees near where I lived in California and you are so right, just gorgeous! Happy day in Mallorca!
I love your cherry trees, and cut branches, and wonder what the flowers smell like. And I really like your cup shelf, but would worry about the cups jiggling off with the closing of the doors and stomping on the stoops, let alone a little earthquake! Your house must be STURDY!
Thank you always for your blogs, books, products! Love you Susan Branch!!
Hello Susan! Congratulations to the winners Janet and Patricia!!!! Lucky ladies for sure!!!! Your kitchen shelf holding all of your beautiful cups is very nice…..did it come with your home, or did someone make it for you? It looks perfect for your collection and very sturdy! The small heart cut-outs are a delicate detail at the top! So nice! I always wanted to display my collection of china tea cups on a shelf, instead of stored away in the closed kitchen cabinets. But just haven’t found the right one. Enjoy the rest of your day amongst your indoor Spring flowers!!!!!
Here in Ohio by Lake Erie, it is still very chilly and wet. Love to see your Spring blooms and hope we all have some soon. We also have a black & white cat named Bianca who has a very snooty way about her. But we so enjoy her antics and love her anyway. Take care.
Happy May Day! This day brings to mind memories of May Days when we were kids. We would make construction paper baskets, fill them with lilacs and a few white mints, and them take them to the neighbors homes and hang them on their front doors. Such fun to knock and run really fast, half hoping we wouldn’t get caught, half hoping we would! We lived in a wonderful neighborhood, with a mix of families with lots of kids, and older, “grandparent” age people (like we are now!). Such a legacy. Looking forward to your story-so glad you are enjoying writing it.
It’s sunny, breezy and in the 50’s here in Colorado.
In our home, we greet each other with “Happy May Fool’s Day” (or June Fool’s, or November Fool’s, whatever the month) and “Bunny, bunny”. I don’t know how that all started.
If there are cherry blossoms, summer can’t be far away!
Congratulations to the winners! I absolutely love the picture of Jack, looks as though he’s getting ready to start painting. So cute! We had about 30 minutes of sunshine in Western PA today, such a tease. But the trees have buds and daffodils are blooming so spring is here.
Jack is very good with his “hands” — I wouldn’t be a bit surprised!
Rabbit Rabbit….Congratulations Patricia & Janet! So excited for you both! Thank you Susan for the opportunity to win these wonderful prizes & I just knew the right people would be the winners! Blog is lovely, thank you for taking the time to show us the beautiful pictures – we just came in from working outside & it is hot, going to be 95 today…arggghhh…I prefer the spring showers bringing May flowers!!! Cleanup then off to Costco & looking for the Pineapple Sauce – my family will love it! ♥
Congratulations Janet and Patricia! How lucky you are! And, Susan, I LOVE this post. We are waiting and waiting and waiting for some shred of evidence that Spring is really truly going to arrive this year… the snow is still thawing, the ground is still rock-hard and the sky is gray, gray, gray! And not a blossom in sight! Not even crocus! Sigh…
Love your darling “cups” cupboard! And I especially love the cup that looks as though it may have a Dutch windmill design on it? Soooooo cute!
I also went back to your “little vases” post, per your suggestion. It was nice to see all of the flowers and all of the vases in your incredible vase closet! Wow!
Thanks, Susan!
That windmill cup was in my house when I was growing up. I don’t know how it got there, but my dad had it and gave it to me.
We finally have had some sun today after 2.5 days of rain – but the trees are budding, the flowers blooming – everything is renewing. It’s my favorite time of year. Thanks for sharing a peek at Martha’s Vineyard!
What a joy this blog post is on the heels of a devastating tornado that touched down 9 miles south of us and killed 16 people leaving much destruction. Lots of work to be done. Jack with his band in his mouth would bring a smile to anyone’s face.
I’m so sorry. I can’t even imagine how awful it must be. I’ve been through earthquakes and hurricanes and once a tree fell on my house. It’s a terrible feeling — but this is unimaginable.
Dearest Susan
Just read your new post and read all the little extras throughout it. Always love to learn new things. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. The blossom pictures are beautiful and it is always so nice to see the blessings of each season of the year and the lessons in them. Congratulations to Janet and Patricia as they must be so excited and looking forward to the arrival of their special treasures. Vanna can enjoy the rest of her day now that her work is done for the month. Love her mules, so girlie and frilly. You have been a big part of our April. We celebrated our 42nd Wedding Anniversary April 29th and my husband surprised me with a gift of all your teas. I surprised him by baking your Mothers Day Cake (lemon jellyroll) for him. Ohhhhh is it sinfully delicious! Your picture instructions were perfect. Thank you for this keeper recipe. That lemon filling is sooo good. We are having a beautiful sunny day after two days of rain and cool so it should be up your way by tomorrow. The pictures of your mug and vase collections were such fun to look at and I enjoyed reading your article on vases , with pictures. I love to have flowers in the house at all times. They are such spirit lifters. The Jack pictures are adorable. Kitties are non-stop entertainment. I am looking forward to acquainting myself with Gladys Tabor. I sold many of her books in my days as a professional book buyer in the 70’s but didn’t have the time to read them. I will make it a point to now. I received your Girlfriends book this week in the mail and am thoroughly enjoying it. Thanking you for the gift of your post today and hope that your busy May and June will be full of fun for you Joe and your furry babies.
Oops,I just discovered when I was making an entry on my Susan Branch 2014 wall calendar that there is no July 31st on it. Maybe its a Girlfriends holiday? Ha ha ! xoxoxo
We’ve been announcing that awful mistake ever since the calendar came in, but I know we’re going to miss people . . . Here’s a FIX for it that works like a charm. So sorry! (We tried to use it as a ‘secret day’ but I’m not so sure it was working!)
Thank you for the calendar fix, what a clever idea. That’s my Susan, clever, thoughtful, resourceful, organized, supportive, uplifting and talented beyond measure. So sorry that I missed the memo but I just discovered your blog about three months ago. I’m a newby. Do you think we have a collectors item? Ha ha ! xo xo xo Love my calendar.
You forgot to add “human,” as in “to err.” (“To forgive, divine” 🙂 ) So happy to hear you like the calendar anyway, Luci! I need to repeat the memo soon!
Thank you Luci, I loved your Anniversary gifts! So thoughtful and sweet and real xoxo
Dear Susan
Thank you for the chuckle and the compliment. I have spent the last three months taking your gifts so I have a few for you. The first gift is sharing one of my favorite muscians who is Earl Klugh, a protoge of George Benson( another favorite). His CD Move and Whispers and Promises are my favorites but everything he does is good. The other gift is for your trip to New York. If you and Joe are looking for a special dinner out try Patsy’s Italian Restuarant at 236 West 56th Street in the city (one of Frank Sinatras favorites). You should make reservations at 212 247-3491 before you go. Sal Scognamillo the owner is a jewel. He is a real Sinatra fan . If you go be sure to buy their cookbook and they also sell a DVD set of a collection of Frank Sinatras Concerts. Sal makes a wonderful Meatball Lasagna and the recipe is on Martha Stewarts website along with a video of how to make it demonstrated by Sal himself. When we make it we use the fresh pasta sheets at Wegman’s and Sal’s pasta sauces are sold there too. Hope that you enjoy my gifts to you and no, I have no financial stake in any of it. It’s just sharing with my favorite Girlfriend. Hope that you and Joe enjoy! xoxoxo
I love the Cherry blossoms, they are so beautiful. I also have violets in my yard that have been blooming for a month or more being a further south than you. I love them so much that I move them into the area outside my living room window where I can see them up close. But it is wonderful to walk through the yard and see them here and there. The pineapple and habanero sauce sound so good. I immediately thought about putting it over a pork tenderloin. Will have to look for some of that! Congrats Janet! and Patricia!! I don’t ever look to win anything so when the few things I’ve ever won arrive I’m always so excited! *L* Good things come in small packages they say and it’s been so for me. Hugs to all, stay safe in the bad weather that has come through the country!!
The pictures of Jack! How could anyone resist those eyes?
Can’t wait to see your Vineyard garden in full bloom, Susan.
Spring Fever! Yes!!! After three days and 3+ inches of hard rain, the sun is now out and it’s over 75 degrees in our backyard 🙂 My wild rabbit-rabbit just ran across the yard – the grass is high due to all the rain – all is well in the world. Wished I had won those jingle shells, but so happy for the girlfriends who did win, and so thankful for wonderful Susan Branch who is sooooo generous with all of us. Happy Spring!!!!
Congratulations to Janet and Patricia! This was their lucky day!
It is a bit chilly here today, Susan, but we have definitely had some days that might be a bit warmer than springtime.
Jack is just the cutest! Those eyes! They are really something else!
I’m thrilled that I was just able to order Kitty Love! I have my other charms on a bracelet which I wear every day.
I always enjoy the pictures of Martha’s Vineyard seasons. Springtime looks wonderful, even though it is currently chilly and rainy there.
Enjoy those Costco finds!
xo Nellie
Happy May Day, Susan…OOOOOHHHH…I can just smell the air in your beautiful yard…thank you for sharing…the ice has broken up in Little Traverse Bay!!!…but the east wind blew it all into the harbor…so this morning we woke up and a west wind blew chunks of ice back our way…BUT…I do see buds on my lilac bushes and that makes me happy…still chilly…just 41* and rainy…sending thoughts to those in California dealing with fires, Florida and the east coast dealing with flooding….counting my blessings…xoxo…
It poured here all day yesterday and we had lots of flooding going on what with the Neshanic, Raritan, Millstone and Delaware Rivers all around us plus all the tiny streams and tributaries. Today is redemption day. The sun is out in full force and drying things out. I LOVE your weeping cherry tree and NEED one in our yard too. And now I want to find a spectacular climbing rose to plant by the arbor out back. Something that will stop you in your tracks and fill the air with an intoxicating scent. Maybe soon you can give us some tips and tricks on how you and Joe grow such beautiful things around you home.
NJ hugs……………..
The best thing to do is to drive around until you see exactly what you like growing beautifully. Grab a little clipping if you can, and take it to your nursery for identification if you’re unsure. Because, some plants really won’t do at all … only the ones that grow well in your kind of weather, in your soil and so forth.
That would be the most logical thing to do. Thank you for the tip. I’m going to try that…
Congratulations Patricia and Janet!!! And Susan, thank YOU for the gift
of this wonderful blog!!
was nice to see the lovely flowering trees and bushes. thank you for sending the pics.
Hi Susan,
I’m rereading one of Gladys Taber’s books this spring. I love my little collection of her books and I often reread them.
Our spring is a little behind yours…today..winter coats again.
Thank you for your beautiful blog…something to look forward to for this older one.
Balisha
Don’t hate us here in Western WA, girlfriends, but we are having a week of unseasonably warm temps – in the 70’s & 80’s. Glorious! Rain is coming back in soon but the garden will need it so I am okay with that. Oh Jack, you made me laugh with those eyes and that hair band, haha!
I totally agree with you about the weather… It’s spring, but not quite spring. I have a serviceberry tree that is just now flowering – everything is about 2 – 3 weeks later than “normal.” I also went out this morning with the dogs in full winter garb – layers under a winter coat, hat and gloves. Brrrr, indeed…. Regardless, it inspires hope – so for that I am grateful.
Congratulations Janet and Patricia! Enjoy!
Thank you Susan for a great post and sharing with us…
Thankyou, Susan, for your lovely post! I cannot begin to tell you how much I look forward to reading them and to seeing the photos that you include. They are such a blessing. And your recipe sound delish; hope I can reproduce it for my hubby and me. Also, hoping to find those Popchips….I have to do GF and they sound so good. Thanks again and God bless you~
Sherrill
Happy May 1 to all! It has finally stopped raining today and it is a beautiful day here in D.C. Susan, I LOVE Jack. Every time I see a picture of him, he makes me smile. What a cutie. We should all have such a cutie in our lives.
Happy Spring.
Candy
We sure should!
Yesterday it was so cold and rainy-damp that when I went home for lunch
(from the library) I just couldn’t abide a cold sandwich or salad, so I made
grilled cheese sandwiches — I never cook since I only get one hour off for
lunch — they were yummy! I’m still waiting for my Serviceberry to bloom and
it is one of our early trees. The crabapples are already leafing but no flowers
yet…that should change as today it is 70 degrees!
I love your photos of Jack — his pupils always look so round — very cute!
How do you ever get any work done? Yesterday we brought our Ellie-girl
back from the vet after being spayed — she looked so sad in her Elizabethan collar. She has to wear it for 14 days — don’t know how any of us will manage
that long. Ellie is our 6 mo. old yellow lab.
I’m sorry I didn’t win anything, but maybe Vanna will pick my name next time.
JoAnne
Hugs to Ellie! Poor baby.
(¯¨`❤.,¸_¸,.·´
`·. .·´¨`·.
`·.·´¨¯¨`·. ‘·Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ )
.·´ ) `·.,¸_¸,.❤´
(_¸.· ♥ Congratulations to Janet and Patricia! ♥
Hello Susan!
Enjoyed your blog today! Your flowering trees are gorgeous! We have Bradford Pears in our yard and they are just starting to show some blossoms. The weather here in NW Ohio has been up and down. Yesterday was warm no jacket day and today it is cold and windy you need to bundle up day! But my tulips, hyacinths and primroses are all in bloom and their bright colors cheer me up!
I believe the Robert Rothschild products (the pineapple/pepper sauce) are made here in Ohio, I want to say Urbana. We have a local shoppe that carries all different varieties of them. They are all really yummy and great to serve at parties or to cook with.
Want to say WOOT WOOT!! to the lucky girlfriends Janet and Patricia!!
I always keep a look out for any of the books that you feature when I am out and about on my treasure hunts at local charity shops. You are keeping all of your
Girlfriends on tenterhooks about your new book! How exciting!!
Thanks so much for taking time and brightening up our days with your thoughtful insights and inspiration!
Hugs,
Candice
I was amazed when I read that you are still having chilly weather. We are going to turn on our air conditioner this afternoon ( it seems so silly!) because it will be around 85 degrees here in the Northwest! It doesnt bode well for summer, does it?! I am glad that you are experiencing springtime growth at least. Congratulations to our two GirlFriends! Vanna was right as always to choose these two.
I am so excited about your new book! I can hardly believe you have over 500 pages so soon, but the sooner the better. I hope you will do a pre-order again so I can sign myself up.
I cant wait to try the new sauce/salsa from Costco. Yum!
xoxoxo
Well, congrats to both Janet and Patricia! Aren’t you two the lucky ones! I’m lucky too. I LOVE SUSAN’S BLOG! Her stuff is all over my house. I can look at it whenever I need inspiration.
I think we skipped Spring and went right to Summer! It was almost 100 degrees yesterday. I have to water my container garden on the front porch daily or it wilts. My beggonias aren’t looking too happy this afternoon.
I love those pop chips too. But I caution you girlfriends, they are addictive! But so yummy. I’ll have to try the pineapple habanero sauce,too. Thanks for the tip Susan.
Well I had to replace my dinosaur of a computer. It was XP. So I am now trying to learn Windows 8.1. This old girl has to learn new tricks! It’s way different.
Good Luck Kirsten!
Congrats to the two lucky winners! I was shopping for tomato plants today with my winter gear on. Then I came across citronella geranium, it is pure heaven! I buried my face in it then just had to bring home! Thanks for the pics of blooms Susan! Love that little cottage, would also love to see it in full bloom! Love.
Isn’t spring so….so….invigorating. It makes everything new and wakes us up and makes us want to live again. I’m investigating a tree around here that has blossoms the color of Shock Wave Denim Petunias. Your Jack always makes me laugh.
Oh, I forgot!!! How did you teach Jack to paint? Also, I’m going to build a cottage just like that some day. I’ve aways wanted to live in a tiny cottage. ‘Oh, a cottage…a cottage is always so snug.’
He’s a natural!
OMG it is still chilly here.
love the photos. Perhaps the warm weather will come sometime. I guess just wait it out.
Happy Spring.
Congratulations to the winners! But I feel like a winner too because I got a lot of Spring Fever from Sue! Our Pacific NW is being blessed with two fabulously sunny warm days. Too soon we will be back to normal so just for today (and yesterday) I’m pretending it is summer. Isn’t pepper jelly the best? Thanks for the recipe it sounds like a very tempting dish to try.
Happy May Day to you dear Susan!… May is my favorite month of all, along with October my favorite Autumn month… my birthday is in a couple of weeks, on the 13th and my sweetie Jack told me to pick what I wanted from your shop!… Yay!… it will be so hard to decide as I love everything you have there… sorry it is rainy and cold in MV but happy to hear you and Joe still bundle up and take your walks… Jack and I call ourselves “all weather walkers”… I hate to miss a single day out there amongst Nature… that little old cottage is so wonderful!… please do post another pic when the roses are blooming… and your cabinets of cups and creamers and bric a brac is so gorgeous!… now I want to gather up all of my cups and treasures and do something like that!… I have the Emma red and pink hearts teapot from your shop too… I loved seeing Jack sneaking down the stairs with his rubber band… Hello Kitty!… (and Girl Kitty too!)… congratulations to Janet and Patricia!… thanks for sharing all the goodies available from Costo… that salsa looks delish!… xoxo Julie Marie
Hi Susan,
My French teacher in middle school taught me the “rabbit,rabbit” for good luck each month – do you know ANYTHING of its origin???
Lovely post as always!
Thanks,
Susan
If you click on the link I included with the name “rabbit rabbit” it will take you to a place that talks about origin.
Yay for the winners! You’re so generous, Sue!
I love that shelf whether it’s dusty or not!
Jack is SO ADORABLE with his hair tie obsession!
Love the pictures of JACK! He is the cutest thing ever. Hoping you get good weather, 82 here in the PNW. Debby
Just finished reading your latest blog entry. Such lovely spring blossoms and sorry it’s still stormy and rainy there. Out here in California where I live, it’s currently 87 going on 93 degrees today. Not looking forward to the high summer temps we get. Congrats to the newest winners! Happy, happy spring to all.
I’m not so good with the heat either, so this, to me, is better, even if it’s a little bit ridiculous!
Oh Happy May Day!
Congratulations to Janet and Patricia! Thanks for the flowers- they are so cheering. Today, I have a case of the mean reds (as Holly Golightly says)- but I always feel better when I visit your blog. Thanks!
Jack is a doll- he reminds me of my own tux mankitten Poirot so much. Even that round eyed stare that communicates so much in its simplicity is the same. <3
Wow- you are a writing machine- I am so impressed that you are able to get it all out there with such progress. Keep on pouring it out- can't wait to read it! 🙂
That was a breath of fresh air — it always makes me smile to hear and see what you’re up to. What gorgeous blossoms you have — like a spring party waiting to happen! Or is happening 😉 It’s been well over 90 unseasonable degrees for several days here, and whatever blossoms and tender growth I’ve been enjoying has been scorched or blown away by our fierce Santa Ana winds. So thank you for sharing your bit of paradise.
Over 90! Yikes. I knew it was hot, but didn’t know it was that hot!
Happy May Day Susan…and thank you for sending sweet spring wishes to us!
Thank you Suzanne!
Oh Susan, it was so exciting to see Patricia, b/c that is my full name. Alas it was not to be. But I was soooo close. It was fun for a second, but oh well maybe next time. Love you, Susan 🙂
Hopefully next time Patti!
Rabbit~Rabbit Sweet Sue! I Love Your Bunny! I Love This Blog! It Makes Me Want To Dance Around The May~Pole! (Jiggity~Jig!) 🙂 It’s May! Yay! I Love Those Photos of Jack! Meowzers! 😉 Congratz to Janet & Patricia! Two Very Lucky Gals! 🙂 Wow so it’s Still Chilly on Your Island! Here we have hit 90! Yikes! Too Darn Hot but We Had Lots of Rain Last Night so it Cooled us Back Down….to 80 🙂 Florida! The Kentucky~Derby is This Weekend & I Always Dream of Actually Going There….One Day…. 🙂 But Herbster & I Go All Out! I Make A Scrumptious Mint~Julep! & I’ve Got My Hat Picked Out! 🙂 My Pick for The Derby Winner This Year is A Cute Horse Named “California~Chrome” Giddy~Up! 😉 Wishing You & Joe & The Kitties & All The Girlfriends The Merriest Month of May! Yay! xoxo Poof! ✶*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫ P.S. Ask Miss Vanna if I May Borrow Her Gorgeous Pink Slippers! Pretty Please! 🙂
I was SURE you already had them dear Angie Tink!
.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫ 🙂 .✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫ I Don’t Have Them In Pink! ( I’ve Got Them in Lavender Baby Blue & Red!) 😉 Happy Weekend Sweetest Sue! 🙂
Of course you do! 🙂
Great pick!
Take heart! You’re farther along Spring-wise than we are here in the Thumb of Michigan. Waiting impatiently to see how much damage the Winter did to our roses. I like to melt that pepper jelly with a little bit of apple cider in a saucepan then toss it in a salad. Kind of a spicy wilted lettuce. Good with blue cheese on it, if you are so inclined.
SO many ways to use it! That sounds delicious!
YUM!!!
What great post! I has all of my favorites–kittie antics; wonderfully voyeuristic views of your shelf full of mugs, glasses, cups and such; foodie tips; and LOVELY glimpses of spring. I am from Minnesota as Pat above and we have nothing yet. We are most in need of that bright color. Thanks, Susan.
Until the real thing arrives, there is nothing like virtual!
Rabbit, Rabbit to you. Will you be getting more “Martha’s Vineyard” beads in the shop? Since I don’t have any of them, think I’d like to get them all at once! Thanks, Judy
We have to order quite a lot of them when we order, so we’re more or less trying to figure out if we should reorder or not.
We had sun in Lancaster today and I think it is headed your way! There was a short cloud burst just now, but it will not last. It is just going to scent the air and give all the flowers a drink. You have inspired me to run out and clip some spring blooms for indoors, as soon as it is done.
Congratulations Janet and Patricia! Of course we are all winners in the Susan Branch blogosphere with all the joy it brings. Happy May Day!
It’s like summer here today (Vancouver Island). Hot sunshine. Lilacs scent drifting through the house from the bouquets I made up yesterday. Blue skies and bird song. There will be steak on the grill tonight. We have to enjoy it now for the rain is coming on the weekend. Seize the days as they come for things soon change.
Thank you for the glimpse into spring on your island. Add more pages to your book. Don’t stop. Wasn’t it C.S. Lewis who said that “you can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me?” (yes, it is. I looked it up.)
LOL!
I love the sweet photos from your yard with the trees in bloom. Here in the Pacific Northwest, spring has been around for a while though sometimes it’s not all that warm when there is a mile deep cloud blanket over everything. However, the sun is warm and when the clouds blow off, it goes from winter temperatures to summer in a day. Such is the nature of spring, I guess.
Here in the Midwest we’ve had rain and it has been chilly. But my daffodils are still blooming, which I don’t recall every happening the first of May. So there is a good side (I guess?). However, there are 80s in the forecast next week!
A very good friend, one I met through my blog and never in person but feels like a sister (you know the type), she was experiencing blizzard conditions in South Dakota earlier this week. So I will take the cold, gloomy, rainy weather when compared to THAT!
I do know the type Brenda! 🙂 It looks like we are going to be on a weather roller coaster.
Oh, Susan, you are a breath of fresh air!! Our weather is exactly like yours but reading your blog and seeing the lovely pictures made me feel so much better!! It makes me feel like spring is just around the corner!
Sorry not to have won but happy for those who did.
As always, love visiting your home and neighborhood. Feeling a bit envious of your “cool” as we are experiencing 80’s and 90’s, yuck, too early for heat in Oregon’s capital city.
Delighted in your little flower arrangements, beautiful.
Congratulations to Patricia and Janet! I thought this was an extra charming giveaway. The jingle shells and EB tin were dear. This blog is a wonderful consolation prize, however! I’m happy spring is finally making her appearance for most of us. After 48 hours of hard rain, May dawned bright and sunny here in my corner of PA. The yard is like a giant green sponge, but the red bud is in bloom and the crab apple will probably be in full flower by tomorrow. Hubby cut our first harvest of asparagus and we had it for supper, tossed with olive oil and salt and pepper and roasted in the oven till the ends just started to turn crispy. So good. Susan, I love your autumn-colored scarf. I have my beads on a bracelet and I get compliments every time I wear it. I went to my dentist this morning and met the newest member of his staff. She immediately noticed my bracelet and wanted to know about each bead…her favorite was Marthas Vineyard because that’s where she and her husband spent their honeymoon! Have fun in NYC. Have you ever been to Laduree, the little French macaroon shop on Madison Ave? It is so cute, and the macaroons are heavenly. My favorite is salted caramel, but their rose is yummy, too. They package everything so nicely. See you next month in CT…so excited! Hugs 🙂
See you there Shannon!
Happy May to you also, it was lousy weather here this morning but after 3:00 the sun came out and boom, spring is here. Perfect weather for the first day of May, let’s hope it stays that way.
Love, love, love your happy bouncy bunny with the flower garland, adorable. Also your Emma Bridgewater polka dots, I noticed you don’t have one of those mugs on your shelf, unless it’s in your dishwasher?
Thank you for your posting today, let’s bring on spring.
Rabbit, rabbit to you Susan. I am in northwest Indiana and it is cold and rainy here too. No dancing around the Maypole today! Our little violets aren’t open yet, but hopefully soon. I loved turning my calendar to May this morning. I never peek ahead, it would spoil the surprise each month. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for warmer, sunnier weather☀️☀️☀️.