So Much going on! Almost Memorial Day! MUSICA!
What makes you happy? This makes me happy. To see these little ears making themselves comfy in the laundry on the kitchen table.
. . . And dishes, glorious dishes. Sheets on the table waiting to be folded, and this is my third filling of the dishwasher . .
I’m doing one shelf at a time, putting dishes in the dishwasher, washing each shelf with soap and hot water and then rinsing them . . . getting off all those winter cooking juices.
Almost everything goes into the dishwasher ~ except for the really big bowls on the top shelf which don’t fit so I do them by hand . . . and also, anything suspicious, like plates with a gold rim, or the red stripes on these old glasses. I don’t know if the dishwasher would take them off, but that would be very sad, I take no chances and wash them by hand.
Enameled glasses too . . . with hand-painted flowers too cute to lose . . .
I can’t fold sheets until Prince Jack wakes up . . .
So I dry dishes.
And go for a little walk around the house. Look at that fat bee!
That yellow on the back of his legs is pollen. That’s where they keep it. It’s like their purse.
And then these little darlings . . . we love to see goldfinches at the feeders. They look good with the cardinals ~ all that bright exotic color.
Isn’t he perfect? Joe took this picture right through our kitchen windows using his telephoto lens.
Jack has moved. I wash the sheets, Jack gets into them, I wash the bowls, Jack gets into them. I get out of my chair, Jack gets into it.
Who me? What?
Don’t bother me. I’m almost napping again. You can rewash it, what’s one bowl? (He is so right! One bowl, and isn’t he the picture of perfection!)
So I continue cleaning cupboards. One of the fun things about this job, I get to pet and admire my favorite dishes . . . this is one of them, this old Christmas platter I designed back in 2003. I’m not sure how many of you even saw this one . . .
. . . here’s the back of it. Michel and Company, the company that manufactured this, was sold before most them even came on the market, but they are so perfect for Christmas cookies, I thought maybe you hunters might enjoy looking for it on ebay or Etsy. Yes, I see it, Made in China. Oh well.
More glasses, more sheets . . .
. . . long shadows and another day, more spring cleaning . . . getting guest rooms ready for the Girlfriends.
Girl Kitty keeping busy in the pantry . . .
And Lowely’s mother sent us a gift . . . a cat cottage her own kitty had finished with. Now it’s Jack’s turn.
Of course, he’s interested. What self-respecting cat wouldn’t be ~ and Jack is nothing if not self-respecting.
It’s three stories, there are little circle cut-outs between floors so kitties can go exploring . . . Here’s Jack heading for the second floor.
And here’s me, on the floor with the camera, peeking through that front door, looking up to see Jack on the second floor. Look at that face. How can a person even think about leaving home when she would have to say good bye to this face!
Yet, we must go to New York at the end of next week and kiss this little face goodbye. Only for three days and the person staying here with Jack and Girl may actually love them as much as me. They will get such good loving I have no fear, they won’t even have time to miss me.
Just because I follow the kitties around doesn’t mean I’m not working ~ oh no, here’s Joe and I reading the new book to each other, making notes, cutting things, adding things ~ then I go back to the computer and retype. I think we might be doing this for a while!
These lovelies are delicious anytime of year, but right now I’m thinking of our girlfriends in the Southern Hemisphere who are just about to go into winter! Hard to imagine from our viewpoint through the bees and the wisteria and the lilac, but I know it’s true. So we want to help our Girlfriends way down under celebrate their cozy season . . .
I thought I’d remind them of the most delicious Chili recipe from my Autumn Book! You will love it! Try it with Corn Pudding ! Stay warm down there. Write in and tell us how the weather is, what your trees look like, what holidays you’ll be celebrating! It’s hard to imagine our Autumn without Halloween and pumpkins ~ do you do something like that in the fall?
But around here it’s almost Memorial Day Weekend! On Martha’s Vineyard it’s the true start of the Summer season when all the 
restaurants are open again and the nurseries are filled with every kind of blooming plant, and the boats begin to arrive loaded to the gills with summer visitors . . . you can read all about the island festivities right HERE and remind yourself of my delicious Bean Salad and lots of other perfectly picniky holiday recipes you can make to celebrate. And, best of all for us, the island tradition that takes place right outside our front door.
Today we’ll hang our flag on the front of the house! We have to do our part!
Joe reaches out through one upstairs window, I’m in the other, he throws a corner of the flag to me, I catch it and hook my 
side, he hooks his, and up goes the flag. Since 1989. Been doing it so long, now we are our own tradition.
Don’t forget, we’ll be having a big drawing to celebrate our third anniversary for the Blog and our fifth year on Facebook. A little hint: There will be something in the drawing that will be of particular interest our quilting Girlfriends, be sure to tell your friends to look for it. Something for quilters and sewers, and something for everyone else.♥
Have a wonderful weekend Everyone! I’ll check back in if something fun happens (extra fun). xoxo
Looks like a busy time at your house Susan!! I have some dishes that could use the same tender care!! And some copper molds that hang on my kitchen backsplash could use a nice bath as well. That is one thing I like about spring…sprucing up and airing out!
Here in the South, Memorial Day is celebrated with picnics, bbqs, parades and in our city of Decatur, Alabama, a Hot Air Balloon festival. But we will be traveling to Memphis to visit family so we will miss the festivities this year.
The Balloons must be so pretty!
Happy Memorial Day to all! Aahh summer… I can smell the grills heating up now… Why can’t we grown ups have the whole summer off, too?!
I know. But the kitchen door open, with the BBQ smells wafting through, almost like a vacation!
I love looking at all your dishes! When you say it’s time to clean them I am right there! Just the thought of you writing a new book cheers me to no end! Have a wonderful time with your dear friends and keep us posted on the goings on while they visit. Have a safe journey to New York. Enjoy your condo Jack. P.S. do you think at some point you may design dishes again?
If I’m ever asked by a manufacturer, I would love to!
What a beautiful post to wake up to Susan! You’ve inspired me to get into the cupboards today! 🙂 Not to mention get the flag out and recipe plan for one of my favorite weekends! I love our island too (Long Island) at this time of year! Nothing sweeter than the sounds and sights of Summer!! Enjoy your upcoming weekend sweetie!! Xox
You too Cynthia, I’m sure all the flags will be flying out there.
Safe travels Susan and Joe. You are so smart to have someone move in to watch the kids – so much less traumatic for them while you are away. Bill and I recently boarded Lucy for six days and although they were wonderful to her and allowed the girls from the store to visit her, she was traumatized. It was so sad to see her wander through the house like she wasn’t sure where she was. After a few days she was back to her old mischievous self, but I learned my lesson and will never do that again.
Okay. A giveaway for quilters? Just threw that little hook out there did you? Stinker! Can’t wait!
🙂 Perfect for you.
I understand about the kitties. As much as they love us, they actually love their home and routines better. When you go, leave unwashed T-shirts for them to sleep on, your scent, then they will feel better and remember you better.
Susan, Do you have a new recipe for flap-Jacks?? Your cat makes me laugh, he is everywhere. His ears sticking from the sheets is so cute. Memorial Day will be so nice at your place. The wonderful flowers and trees. Hope your weekend is a truly blessed one. xoxo,Susie
I do but I’m sort of saving them so we can have new fun things to look forward to in my Pancake/Breakfast book when I get around to finishing it.
I love to wake up to a new blog posting from you to enjoy while I am having my breakfast. I LOVE Jack in the bowl and in his kitty condo–so cute. We have a huge summer flea market in our small town and yesterday I met my new girlfriend there that I met at one of your book signings for “A Fine Romance”. She introduced me to another new girlfriend that she brought along. Isn’t that wonderful? A new little group of girlfriends knitting together because of a book! I will have to be scouring the internet for that Christmas platter. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. We will have out two grandsons ages 1 1/2 and 5 1/2 so I am trying to rest up!
That makes me so happy to hear, Lynn Marie! Where are you? Is it Brimfield?
Lynn Marie, I saw the Christmas platter on E Bay last Christmas…I even put a bid in and that was that….It went very fast and someone paid allot of money for it, they wanted it so badly. They got a great platter. So keep looking…I went right to e-bay and then straight to Susan Branch…there is allot there, it can be addicting!!!!!!! Enjoy, I hope you find it….I will not bid against you hahahaha Love, Susan P.
Love traditions in small towns! Love the flag too!
Tradition is so special and important! To involve children early on in tradition will help insure that traditions live on, I think.
Aren’t goldfinches beautiful? They stay here year round and it’s so fun to see their drab olive winter colors change to bright yellow when spring arrives!
Jack’s new condo looks quite like an English cottage. He’s such a character. And speaking of English, I just love that new Emma rose and bee mug! That’s on my short list of ordering soon! By chance will you carry the plate or heart shaped pan in that line?? 🙂
Have a fun holiday weekend and safe travels to NY!
You could probably contact the girls at the studio, [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/, and ask her, she might even do a special order for you.
Sarah, that Rose and Bee mug is my very favourite pattern. I was lucky enough to be picked as “Review of the Month” on the EB site, here in the UK, and that is what I bought with the prize money! It is so, so pretty! Hope you get yours real soon! Deb xo
Oh, Susan, where do I start??? I love everything in this post today. The bowls, the cats, the cottage, but most of all the picture and sounds I have running through my mind of the parade of little children and the sounds of “Taps” being played. Oh, my. It’s almost more than I can imagine. And then to top it all off, I’m a quilter and just the thought of your giveaway gives me goosebumps!! What a special day you’ve given me!!! Thank You.
Thank you Sandy! I think I have the perfect thing for quilters . . . I hope so. The kids, yes. Imagine my first time, hearing all those childish voices and running out front to see what it was and there it was! With the band and the flags! I just could barely believe it.
What a lovely Memorial Day tradition on your Island. And it’s even nicer that they march right past your house! I love your big flag on the house, it looks wonderful.
I am happy to have another Susan Branch book to look forward to… 🙂
Hello to sweet Jack and Girl.
Hearing the kids coming is one of my favorite things!
Dearest Susan: Your blog was a delight this morning and that picture of Jack in that bowl made me laugh out loud! That face and your caption…”Who me?” was priceless as a “Mastercard Moment!”
Washing all your beautiful dishes was so inspirational! Gives us the “git up and go” to get ours done! Most of mine are all packed away in my basement, but I have made the step and signed the papers to go ahead and sell my house and farm this week and move. I am living in my deceased parents smaller home and farm I inherited. The 35 acres is just too much for me to take care of and I would like to buy a larger historic house someplace else with just a smaller yard that is more managable where I can display all of my beautiful things like you have displayed and “then” I can get out all of my dishes and wash them like you are doing! Oh I cannot wait for that day! You inspire me and all of the girlfriends to live our dreams. Write them down and go for it! Say It..See it..Seize it! Thank you Susan for your Inspiration for me and for all the Girlfriends!
We love you,
Judy Ann from Georgia!
Your plans sound like so much fun!!!
Good Morning Susan. You are a soothing balm for my soul. It has been a rough couple of weeks here. My Dad had two surgeries and I have been making daily trips to the hospital and have been in a constant state of worry. I am feeling so tired, frustrated and overwhelmed, but then I see your lovely posts and I am transported and reminded of lovely simple things and it helps me to snap out of my doldrums. I wonder if you truly comprehend how much you touch all of us girlfriends. You are wonderful. Thank you so much for being you. So, instead of feeling sorry for myself, I am strapping on my old straw hat and heading out into my garden to re-connect and talk to the chippys, birdies, bees and flowers.
BTW, I love kitty in the bowl! My kitty, Cheddar, helps me with everything, folding laundry, doing dishes, making the bed…like you, i just move on to something else until he is finished. He is just so gosh darn cute sometimes that I feel like i will explode from cute overload! Have a wonderful day. Mary <3
I understand Mary, so darn cute you just want to squeeze them to bits, almost. Me, too on the Dad. Blog Daddy is in the hospital right now, he’s OK — but he got himself, at 90 years old, and why not, a new valve for his heart! I am so proud of him. He is a gutsy guy. And I was worried like you and helpless, and relying on faith, and knowing what will be will be, and how life goes, and our turns in it, but I got to speak to him yesterday and he’s as feisty and happy as always. I hope that is soon true for you and your dad Mary. xoxo
So happy to hear your Dad is doing well. Will keep him in my prayers.
Thank you. xoxo
Oh Susan, I’m so sorry about your dad. I hope he is on the mend. My dad went in for a relatively simple heart valve repair and ended up with a very serious intestinal rupture that went septic. He was in ICU for over a week and now we are just waiting for him to recover so he can come home. Life seems to be on some kind of weird slow motion hold right now. He is getting so despondent. Before the surgery he rode his bike 15 miles and walked every day. He will be coming to stay with me for a while and I have made his little room as cozy and homey as I can get it. Fresh, line dried sheets, cozy quilts and lots love thrown in for good measure. Keep your fingers crossed that it will be soon…I’ll say prayers for you if you say some for me ; )
If he gets well too fast and back on that bike, I will come to the little room! It sounds wonderful. My fingers are crossed, he sounds like the kind of guy who will fight for every inch. He’ll be back. But just in case, I will keep him in my prayers. xoxo
Sending Blog Daddy a big internet hug and kiss. I am sure he is the best patient his nurses could ask for. Get Well Soon Blog Daddy.
He’s already teasing them. Thank you Kathy xoxo
Susan and Mary, my thoughts are with both of your dads. My dad, in AZ, had two surgeries over the past few months. He is bouncing back slower than he wishes, but still enjoys his time each day in his garage tinkering with his vintage motor scooter. My mom is his strong assistant… bending and lifting things for him. It’s so sweet how they make one another happy! Next week, they will celebrate their 62nd anniversary! It’s so hard when our parents live so far away. Yet we know they are so happy and healthy in the sunshine! Susan, I know that you understand… Big hugs! ♡
Definitely. And living their own independent lives.
Dear Blog Daddy:
I’m so glad to hear you are doing great. Try and behave and do what you’re told. Looking forward to seeing you back here real soon.
xoxo Suzanne (in the pink tutu)
LOL. This will make him well!
I’ll remember “our” blog Daddy in my prayers tonight.
I appreciate that Michelle. He came through fine, but these first few days are important.
Thinking of you and sending prayers for you, dear Blog Daddy, and you too, Susan. Jack, my own Daddy was several years older than you when he went home, but he was full of “sass and vinegar” and had a marvelous life. He endured and came through many, many physical adversities in his long life, and he was my hero. Hugs.
sending out my best wishes for a good recovery to the blog daddy, from our crazy barnyard to him… get well real soon. hugs… 🙂
~ Sending prayers & get well wishes to your dad ~
I just spoke to him, and he’s going home this afternoon!
woohoo!!!! yay!!!!!
So good! Now with the new valve I expect
him to keep on keeping on for another 90
years! We love our Blog Dad. Thanks for
sharing him with us. That little Jack is
a cheer-up for anyone. Be looking for your
proxy peah cida. I’m on my way!
What beautiful words, “going home”! Blessings to your Dad for a quick and full recovery. Prayers are with you.
hi susan…saying a little prayer for Blog Daddy … one of the nicest people I’ve ever not met….I feel like he will keep everyone on their toes at that hospital…
Best of everything, Jack! Hope you have your iPad with you in the hospital and are able to keep up on all the news. Here’s to your getting home soon and feeling 100% even sooner. Take care and BIG virtual hug!
He’s home and really doing great!
I am sorry to hear about your Dad. 90!!! Tell him he doesn’t look a day over 70. 😉
Dear Mary, Just know that you have reached 100’s of GIRLFRIENDS and they will keep you and your dad in their prayers. My father had 2….heart operation….one at 66 and another at 80….He came out of them great and so much better. By reading so many of the comments from everyone….I realize that many of us are at that age where we are helping or taking care of our parents. So God Bless you and your dad. Take care, Love, Susan P.
Dear Susan P., I It’s so nice and heartwarming to see all of the nice comments from all of the GIRLFRIENDS. I really try to keep it light when I post comments but today Susan’s blog post just struck me and I wanted her to know how hopeful and happy she made me feel. I’m glad that your dad pulled through his surgeries. I am hoping and praying that mine will as well. What a lovely community that Susan’s blog has created. The world is smaller than we think and we are all in this together. Thanks for your friendship. Tomorrow is a new day. Love, Mary Brehm
XOXO Mary.
Mary Brehm, Please keep us informed on the progress of your dad. I hope this brings a smile or even a good laugh to you. But I must clear up a small but important point ….of course my girlfriend (Patsy) pointed it out to me (a real true blue friend) And then again maybe really no one noticed, for I just live a very low off the radar life. I made my blog to you sound like my dad was still here (in my heart he still is) But My father did make a full recovery and had several really good years and was back to his walks and everyday activities….before he passed way. The only reason I bring this up ….is because I wrote about my father on another blog about 2 weeks ago….(it had to do with a quilt and a tea)……sometimes I get typing on the blog and I do not check what I write as well as I should. I just did not want anyone to think this lady is CRAZY. hhhmmmm So Mary Have a great weekend and prayers and love to you and your dad. Susan P.
Dear Mary,
Special prayers for your dad and for you! Keep the faith!
Chris
Dear Susan and Girlfriends. Just a quick note to say that My Dad (Affectionately known as Papa) is home with us now. He was discharged from the hospital on Saturday. It is going to be a long haul as he is on TPN ( liquid nutrition) for the foreseeable future. My husband and I laid in bed that first night and compared it to bringing home a newborn…kind of scary. Each day will bring improvement, I hope and he will be back to his old self, walking, bike riding, and flying his RC airplanes. Thank you all for your kind words and I am wishing you all a Happy Memorial Day. Mary <3
Oops! I forgot to say that I’m happy Blog Daddy is doing well. Welcome home to you! ; )
Home is the first giant step … My prayers are with you Mary. xoxo
Dear Mary, So glad your Papa is home…There is nothing like home and all the love and comforts of your HOME. Prayers and lots of hugs and love, He will be fine…for he has his loving daughter and her husband taking care of him. Love, Susan P.
~ Happy Pre~ Memorial Day!~ I am getting my decorations out too! ~
just finished with mine, most patriotic porch in the neighborhood!!! 🙂
~I’ll be done this afternoon~ Mine too!~
it seems a shame to take it all down and then haul it all out and put it up again for the 4th of July.
Good Morning, Susan. Oh my goodness, I love your comment about the pollen on the bee’s leg! So now I’ve decided to make a summer purse with a bee on it and your sweet comments circling the bee. Is that okay with you? Oh, please say yes!
We’re going to a friend’s country farm this Sunday to celebrate Memorial Day with an afternoon of Blue Grass Music, dancing and eating. Surely do wish you were here to join us all. My family is very patriotic with my dad having served in WWII and captured as a POW by the Germans, my brother a recipient of the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam, and several uncles who were in various branches of service. Each night my prayers include all the service men and women who guard our freedoms and that they will be kept safe.
Now I’m going to march outside and hang up clothes on the clothesline and then maybe I’ll swing a few minutes letting the cool breeze hit my face before I get back to work.
Have a great day!
Diane in North Carolina
It’s just fine, it will be so cute and you can keep all sweet things in it! 🙂 Your Memorial Day sounds perfect! We celebrate your family, and all our wonderful service people, right along with you. xoxo
Diane, a special THANK YOU to your family for their service and sacrifice. Since retiring, I have been volunteering with military families. I’m learning so much about how the whole family truly serves when one family member is deployed. It is such an honor to do small things for those who give so much to all of us! ♡ We honor all of our military families. past and present, with heartfelt thanks!
It really should be the whole country. xoxo
from one retired military wife, thank you Diane and thanks to your family for the service to our country. when our guys go on deployment, its hard on the families, so its nice to have folks helping out and remembering those who support that soldier or sailor while he is away serving his country.
Thank you so very much Pat for your husband’s service…and for the sacrifices I’m sure your whole family had to make during his service.
Enjoy the Holiday!
Dawn, thank you for your kind words. It means a lot to know that other folks care as much as our family does about the service people and their families. I think about how hard it must have been for my grandmother to have three sons serving in WWII, one of whom was a POW. Can’t even imagine the worry and fear she felt. You deserve a big salute for your volunteer efforts.
And Susan, you’re right, wouldn’t it be wonderful if the whole country did volunteer just as Dawn does?
Enjoy the holiday, ladies and we’ll thank God for our freedoms!
thank you Diane.
As usual, beautiful, BEAUTIFUL post! Do I detect a little wink from Jack in the last bowl picture?? 🙂
I think you do! Or one eye is going to sleep faster than the other one. 🙂
Thank you, thank you for this wonderful post! Cheers me up. I made myself ill the past couple of days and all self induced…..from the stress of moving and unpacking. Now it will be on to much better days enjoying this beautiful area. Love your photos so much. Been re reading ” a Fine Romance”, too good to read only once.
Don’t forget to breath — that’s the trick to staying alive! 🙂
Back on the Island getting ready for summer. Many chores await ( “dishpan” hands, lol) but had to chime in on the third anniversary of your blog. Have loved every one of them. Here’s to many more and to “Island living” from coast to coast!
XO
Jackie
Thank you Jackie!
Spring has finally awakened in Minnesota!! Lilac’s are blooming as I write this, must go cut some to bring in and perfume the house with their lovely scent. Rhubarb is also jumping out of the ground, maybe a pie this week. I guess it’s time to take the red Christmas plates out of the hutch and put in the pretty summer ones. I have just 7 of the Johnson Bros. Rose Chintz square plates that I use for desserts or sandwiches, I will have to check eBay for that 8th. one.
Have fun over the holiday week end and do enjoy your trip to New York, it’s on my bucket list.
We don’t get there often, but we sure love it when we do.
I did find the 8th. Rose Chintz plate on eBay and at a reasonable price! Should be here soon, I am hosting a Birthday party in June for a dear friend and will have enough to set the table now.
Hooray!! Such a gorgeous pattern!
My Bootsie, a Tuxedo like Jack, ignores a basket of dirty sheets but certainly loves the clean ones. If I dare to fold then right away, oh the look I get from her! Love seeing the pictures of flowers…..in our area of Michigan we don’t even have a lilac in bloom. One or two almost warm days just doesn’t “cut it!”
You have so much to look forward to. I might have to come over there and get a second serving of spring!
Okay Susan, fess up! How many tries does it take Joe throwing the flag before you catch it. You think Jack can take a video of this ~ love to see it ~ he’s such a talented cat I’m sure he can manage a video camera ~ do the neighbors come out and watch this display of athleticism?? LOL
There is a stop sign in front of our house, so we always seem to have at least a very small audience!
Hahaha…..I thought that very same thing! I am thinking…wow….they must really be good! I can just see Jim and I trying that maneuver…and it probably is not pretty! 🙂
Chris
Susan, it’s such fun to see you and Joe collaborating on “our” book! Take as much time as you need. Anticipation is part of our fun! I would love to see the children’s Memorial Day parade. I’m sure there would be tears in my eyes as they passed by. What a sweet, meaningful island tradition! I’m spending most of my time in the garden, weeding and mulching. It’s coming along nicely! Tomorrow I will freshen up an antique rocking chair with a new coat of white paint. When our home was built in 1922, the front porch was the gathering place for barbershop quartet singers. Doesn’t that sound like fun? We still enjoy the original porch swing and rocking chair that are part of the history of our little house! Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!
Love,
Dawn
♡♡
That’s lovely Dawn. Think of the songs they sang in 1922. They must have made the neighborhood so happy!
I noticed the Stargazer and Casablanca lilies you have, don’t they smell wonderful? My grandson sent me the Stargazers for Mothers Day, and I have really enjoyed them.
Jack makes me want a cat so bad, but with my Maltese dog, Raleigh, I hesitate to commit to another pet right now. Raleigh is quite jealous.
Hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend!
I love the way they smell . . . They perfume the whole room. We wouldn’t want to upset Raleigh!
We have a flag raising “under the arch” in my little mountain town for Memorial day. Don’t you love tradition? We go every year and then go home for a barbecue.
I’m a quilting, sewing, fabric loving girlfriend, and I can’t wait for the surprise!
…and now I’m inspired to go do some spring cleaning before the big weekend gets here!
Oh, the simple pleasures of life! Your lovely post gave me smiles all the way through. Beautiful! I send blessings from here on the farm.
Thank you Mary Ann!
✶*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶Good~Morning Sweet Sue….First This is Healing Pixie~Dust for “Our” Blog~Daddy (✶*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫) & Lots of Gentle Hugzzz Too! 🙂 Second… Here’s a Special Hug for You & Your Worry About Your Beloved Daddy 🙂 Prayers for Him & a Speedy Recovery…..He is Brave & Strong…..Amen! Wishing You Safe Travels To New York…..& a Fun Time When Your Girlfriends Arrive I Hear All The Laughter Already! 🙂 Enjoy Sweet Sue! & OMG The Kitty~Cottage for Jack…. 🙂 Meowzers! & The Photos of The Goldfinches Amazing Tweet! Chirp! 🙂 But Sue The Photos with Jack In The Bowl!!! I Can’t Stop Smiling! 🙂 ADORABLE! 🙂 Wishing You & Joe & The Kitties & All Us “Girlfriends” a Very Safe & Happy Memorial~Day Weekend! Let The Summer Begin! Yay! Love & Pixie~Dust Everywhere! xoxo Poof! ✶*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫
Thanks so much Angie, I love all your pixie dust!
Huge Hugzzzzzzzzzzz Sue! 🙂 xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Happy Start-of-Summer weekend! It’s been a year since I discovered your beautiful place in blog-land. 🙂 You’ve brought a lot of joy and eye candy to me this year!
I hope the festivities are wonderful and your spring cleaning keeps moving along happily…choose JOY!
~april
Happy to know you April!
Enjoy your holiday Susan! It is just the perfect time to step back and appreciate all we have and remember that freedom isn’t free. Wishing Blog Daddy all the best!
Thank you Lori!
Your blog is always a bright spot in my day. I love seeing what your cats are up to. My two orange cats, Fred and George just turned three years old last week. They are littermates and just as mischievous as when they were small. They do tend to love the laundry. Hoping you have a lovely Memorial Day!
Jack will be three this fall and he JUST discovered his tail and chases it as a whirlwind all around the house, up on my desk, everywhere!
Fred and George tend to race around the house chasing each other. One learns rather quickly around our house to stay out of their way when they are in chase mode!
I shared your part about Tradition (with full recognition for your work – no plagerism here) b/c I think it’s important. In a day where demanding lives take away time for tradition – the very tradition which over time enriches our lives – your remind is, indeed, very much a gift to be shared. The beauty and simplicity you create is a joy itself!
Thank you
Oh, Elizabeth, you are so sweet. Tradition gives such a strong foundation.
Good Day Susan!
Just loved your Memorial Day Blog! Yes, Memorial Day Weekend, a great time to celebrate…..it kicks off summer festivities across the country from sea to sea, remembers those who have served and are serving our country in the military and is just another happy time to be with family and friends! For my sweet Dusty and I we will be taking a long weekend off (Friday through Monday) together to celebrate our 38th Wedding Anniversary and special remembrances for our Dads and Uncles who are no longer with us that served our country in the all branches of the military.
Just had to laugh at Jack…….curled up in the laundry and curled up in the bowl….he is smart…..he knows where the warm places are…..a just washed fresh from the dryer or outside line sheet and a just washed warm bowl…..since your “lap” is on the move and unavailable. 🙂 And even his own “country cat cottage” …..how special is that! 🙂 He and Girl Kitty must give you hours of fun, amusement, joy, love and companionship……and yes they are family and let no one say they are just “pets”. No way……I was remembering this morning all the adorable and precious felines we have had in our home as family over the years…..each one dear to our hearts……Cimarron…the big sleek and majestic chocolate point Siamese/Burmese mix…..Kona….the cuddly gray & white faced sweetie pie……Sparkle……our black & white tuxedo cat who did just “sparkle” with personality…….Tanya Katrina……a chocolate point Siamese who liked to ride on my husband’s shoulders all over the house…..Kiowa Fire…..a red tabby persian who was a big fluffy, lovable and cuddly bundle of fur……Apache Sky…..Kiowa’s little girl cousin who had beautiful tortoishell coloring and loved to be whereever you were and last but not least Tucson Blue….a blue point Siamese who would play fetch and all kinds of games with you and jump out at you from behind walls and doors inventing his own “surprize you” game and who loved to “talk” to you non-stop…….such feline memories your kitties bring back to us from over the years of having these personable animals as part of our family.
And let me not forget to let you know that I read your comment about Blog Daddy and he has been in my prayers ever since for a fantastic recovery and restoration of health and also to Mary Brehm and her dad who is recovering from surgery as well. May they both be tremendously blessed! 🙂 🙂
Bye, Bye for now! Have a simply wonderful Memorial Day weekend …… my sweet Dusty and I will be thinking of you and Joe as we take 4 days to just enjoy each other’s company, have quality time together and explore some areas of Southern California we have not been to yet. Love ya!!! Sweet Sue
Susan, I love your dishes. I’m on the hunt for some Vintage Drinking Glasses right now – yours are beautiful.
The photo of Jack sitting in the large mixing bowl is soooo precious. Love it.
Happy blog & fb anniversary. Looking forward to the new book and always enjoy your blog updates … So fun, so creative & so inspiring! ~Keep up all the fun! It’s always a favorite part of my day!!!
What kind of sandwich is it on the plate next to the glass of milk in the clear and red striped glass? It looks like it is on toasted rye bread? Is it cheese or egg and ??????????? How did you make it?
It’s a good old-fashioned grilled cheese on good whole grain bread. YUM!
Susan…….Wow what a nice blog again…but it seems so many of us are needing those extra prayers and hugs….my husband just had minor surgery but very necessary and your dad with his major surgery. What a great and smart person to know that things are not quite right and takes the steps to correct it and get it done. There are so many that wait until it is to late. So congratulations to your dad for taking care of himself…and prayers for him and all of your family as you all go thru this with him. Special prayers for his wife who will be the main caretaker. This was said many times before….but just reading your blog brings allot of happiness to so many who just need that joy or laughter or those cute pictures of Jack to make our day. Thanks again, Love Susan P.
Susan — You could fill your blogs with photos of Jack! He is so photogenic and I can never get over how round his pupils are…. Of course, Girl is the picture of
feminine dignity! My kitty, Tinkerbelle, was the picture of dignity too, as she
sat on the kitchen counter and watched my 6 mo. old yellow lab come bounding
in from outside looking like a mud ball! Spring is so wonderful but also the
season of MUD!
Hi Susan! Thank you for your post today. The most important part, in the comments section, is that I send your Daddy prayers and good wishes. Ah! the miracle of medicine and prayers.
Blessings from Barbara in Cumming, GA
It’s a true miracle, I’m so happy he did this! (now.)
Good morning Susan, Good morning girlfriends. greetings from the chicken farm. we are getting ready for Memorial weekend here, flags and bunting are hung up on the porch and ready. we are polishing and shining the antique vehicles ( 1929 ford coupe and a 1931 ford pick up truck) to run in the Big Memorial Parade this Saturday. then its on to the boat races on the river for the weekend with the biggest race coming Monday, from Grants Pass to Gold’s Beach on the coast all along the Rogue river. of course we plan to watch the sprint boats and the drag boat races, and watch the fireworks in the evening. its been going for years, and has become a tradition. and hooray for summer, and BBQ’S….. I’m so ready for a grilled hamburger this weekend. love the photos of Jack, he is so cute and I am glad to see my cats aren’t the only ones who help out with the spring cleaning and folding sheets.. LOL!!! well off to get the roosters crowing, time for the rooster crowing contest and we have 3 roosters in the competition this year: G.W. our biggest rooster ( Rhode Island Red), Jack our next one ( Plymouth Barred Rock) and Reuben. J. Cogburn our youngest one ( also a Rhode Island Red) and just learning to crow, he sounds more like a flattened out bugle, and knocks himself over from the effort of crowing, but hey we thought he should compete with the big boys and have fun. wish us luck and for the blog daddy, those roosters are crowing for you to get well. off to go feed the flock and get the rest of laundry on the line. have a great day everyone… hugs…. 🙂
Hi Pat! It sounds like a fun weekend celebration! Your Model A’s must be beautiful. My dad restored a 1930 Ford Coupe while we were growing up. It was such fun to ride in the rumble seat for parades! Have fun! ♡
thank you Dawn, we had a ball, the parade was fun, but the truck did backfire going home…Kaboom, Kaboom, even startled a state trooper as I drove past…no ticket though just a finger shaking at me and a good laugh. even had a wonderful flyby by 3 WW2 vintage 1942 Boeing Stearmans’ over the river before the big race on Memorial day!!!
thank you! oh! thank you…as usual !!!! and, my fervent prayers for your dad!! I kind of had a little feeling ( I tend to have some sort of esp !!) that he wasn’t quite himself at the last message from him that I read….soooo….I started my prayers for him at that point. I can truly know how you must feel, with such a big thing going on for him…and, esp, you’re so far away…my dad had a ruptured aneurysm at age 86, and he did fine….and had 5 more years of wonderful life after that, soooo, the moral of the story is….can’t wonderful things be done today to give folks more comfortable lives??? the “new valve” will be his “best part” now…at least that’s what I’ve heard some nh docs say about “new” parts. neat. prayers continue for both of you….keep us posted….looking forward to your dad’s next message!!!! his strength and humor will bring him thru. safe travels to nyc. and….enjoy the children’s march to the sea!!! wow.
I’ll keep you posted. Hopefully he’ll write soon. Thank you Chris!
Wonderful post! It must be amazing to watch everything unfold after your long winter. Can’t wait to hear about your New York trip and your visit with old friends.
Happy Summer!
xxoo,
Sue
Does anything look better than freshly washed glass, all sparkling and glinting in the sunlight of Spring? {confession~I’ve been known to put Waterford crystal in the dishwasher~splutter splutter} You can stand back, reach over and give yourself a big pat on the back and say, “Job Well Done!” and even look a little smug at how delightful it all looks.
I’ve just taken a Lemon Vanilla two layer sponge out of the oven, put a dozen vanilla cupcakes in the oven, have a chocolate two layer sponge to go in, and will be frosting and freezing later! I’ll send some over for you to have as a treat for all your hard work.
Oh, can hardly wait to see what the quilting giveaway will bee {did you see what I did there?} I just took delivery of a parcel of the most delightful fabric remnants from a friend who was “de~stashing” {which I didn’t think was allowed?}
Waving {energetically to ‘earn’ some cake} from Across the Pond ~~~ Deb in Sunshiney Wales xoxo
oh, answered before I read the replies~~just backread, so sending BIG hugs to your Daddy for a speedy recovery and to be home very soonest! XOXO
Thanks Debs!
I like the “waving energetically” Debs! LOL!
Beautiful post! I was especially attracted to your row of cookbooks. I have the same farm pie cookbook, I bought it when I was in high school in the 70’s. It’s still my favorite pie recipe and my go-to pie crust recipe is in it.
Which one is that?
Great post! I was especially attracted to your row of cookbooks. I have the same farmhouse pie cookbook. I bought it when I was in high school in the 1970’s. It’s still my favorite pie cookbook and my go-to pie recipe is in it!
Which one is that? 🙂
Susan,
What a sweet tradition the children get to be a part of and how sweet of you to participate! After doing an internship this past semester at a VA hospital, my appreciation for the Veterans and those who have lost their lives is just overwhelming! It’s so great to know that they are still educating children of tradition and appreciation for them as well.
And I think a trip to Martha’s Vineyard needs to be added to my travel list. Every one of your posts makes me want to visit more and more! 🙂
Hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend! Give Jack and Girl kisses for us! 🙂
xoxo
Good Morning, Susan
So good to see your new post and sweet Jack in the bowl 🙂 He is a cutie. My daughter has a black cat with a tiny bit of white and white whiskers….so sweet!
A book with quilting in it……..Sigh! I make yoyos and that is about my speed as a quilter but love quilts. The sound and taste of Spring! Just made my second batch of rhubarb jam! Yum!
Be safe………and thinking of Blog Daddy and trust and pray he is recuperating well!
Irene
Mmmmm, rhubarb jam! I just planted rhubarb for that very reason!
Recipe please…
I second that, Margot! LOVE rhubarb [even more because of its short spring season].
We love to spend Memorial Day with a family picnic n the park! We play horseshoes, softball, croquet! Almost the end of the school year and the children are so excited. Thanks for the wonderful blog it always makes me smile!!!
All looks so lovely, clean sparkly dishes..
Sounds like a lovely day on the Island. Your Memorial Day story brought a tear to my eye. A really lovely tradition. Must remember to scan a wonderful photo of my dad in uniform that I just found to post on FB for Memorial Day.
Great idea!
Hi Susan and all you girlfriends!
I’m still sitting here grinning ear to ear thinking of the wonderful photos of dear little Jack – what a ham! I hope to have a tuxedo in my life someday, I have a beautiful grey tabby, Missy-girl, and an orange boy, Milo. They keep me company – so much joy in having a kitty in your life. Susan, I’m pleased your Dad is doing well, it’s so difficult when parents have health issues, both your folks look like the picture of health! I lost both my parents, and my husband, and two precious kitties all within a fairly short time, but God blessed me with an upbeat nature and a heart that trusts Him so I’m doing fine. I’m so happy to have found your blog, I’ve had your books since your very first one and love, love, love them all. Enjoy your visiting girlfriends, nothing better than the warmth and love of being gathered together with your kindred spirits! Happy Memorial Day!
That is a true blessing Elaine. xoxo
How you get anything done around the house is beyond me. I could stare at Jack-kitty all day. And pretty dishes, and birds….. What was my point?
It’s not easy!
Love your dishes & glassware, Sue! I am tackling the dish detail tomorrow…they are (finally!) resurfacing our street today. What a process this has been! Not only did we have an pre-summer heat wave complete with hot winds, but the dust and dirt they kicked up in preparing the street is beyond belief! In the end, it will feel great knowing everything has been washed!
What is it about traditions that tug at our heart strings? Whatever the celebration, the season, or the special recipe….tradition is wrapped lovingly around everything! Like a well-rehearsed dance…we remember without effort what happens when…where things go…what we need to do to make something complete. Amazing, really. Traditions. Life would be so dull without them!
The intrigue mounts as you leave little hints about your upcoming drawing….I can only imagine what little quilt-y surprise you have up your sleeve! I can’t wait!!! Happy weekend, Girlfriend! ♥ peg
Same to you Peg, that was lovely, what you wrote about traditions. xoxo
Well, Susan … for goodness sakes! When I read your previous post about celebrating with a drawing, my mind conjured up an actual ‘drawing’ of some sort; was really curious to see what artwork you and the West coast gals came up with to commemorate the milestones! 🙂 Love today’s pics of Jack-in-the-Bowl and in his cottage; he’s the cat’s meow, alright!
Hugs from Alabama’s Gulf Coast
P.S. …in reading previous comments, surprised to hear about Blog Daddy’s surgery, but so relieved to hear he’s heading home already. Wishing you and yours a blessed Memorial Day weekend.
So much going on, indeed! Love, love, LOVE the pictures of Jack! This reminded me to dig out my flags. I have bunches of small ones I plant along our street, in my window boxes and huge cobalt pots of red and white geraniums. It has been raining a lot so hoping for a break in the weather to get some things planted. Happy Memorial Day!
So much going on! I love to hear about your busy life and how you handle everything with grace and style. You remind me to breathe and roll with the flow…
Tradition is the backbone of my family and our life, it seems. Even when I get it into my head to break tradition once in a while, my kids call me on it! The important thing is that the children understand WHY we do things the way we do, i.e. What is Memorial Day? What a precious thing your neighborhood school children do! In our little town, we have a parade also. Everyone throughout the village makes their way to the main street to meet up with neighbors and friends. The high school band leads and our girl and boy scouts, from the youngest to the oldest branches march behind. Local officials, choruses on floats and horseback riders participate. At the American Legion, the parade ends and all gather around to listen to members of the high school recite the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, etc. The gathering moves to local cemeteries where wreaths are laid. There is always a fly-over in the moving missing man formation. It’s not fancy but the outpouring of support for this local tradition is wonderful! Izzy will be here this year, waving her little flag!
Afterwards, families gather at the church bbq or in backyards for cookouts. Our family bbq will be @ our son’s home this year. I’m bringing individual red, white and blue trifles, made in jelly jars for everyone.
Happy Memorial weekend, Susan! When I count my blessings, be assured your influence in my life is on the list!
btw…prayers for a speedy recovery for your Dad!
xoDebbie
Thank you Debbie! Your celebration sounds just perfect!
Oh that Jack! He is just so darn cute and fun. Please give him a hug for me! Have a great Memorial Day weekend! Such a wonderful tradition to honor our military, a great lesson for the kids. Thank you again for such an enjoyable blog. You even make spring cleaning look fun:).
Always love an opportunity to see your dishes!! I just love dishes. I’ve been viewing mine as well as I moving from my home of 24 years by end of month. Cried my eyes out yesterday. So much I’m going to miss that I love here. Going through so many memories of my family while sorting and packing has been happy and sad.
Love Jacks new place however, there’s a new avenue for you, designing charming Jack Condos! I’d buy one.
Throw my name in the give away batch for lovely Vanna to choose from.
Thanks for the joy you bring. Lisa in Pa
Oh Lisa, I’m sad for you too. Things to look forward to, but so many nice memories.
Jack is in a yellow bowl! Jack is in a yellow bowl! I LOOOOVE kitties in bowls! Made my day!
Also love his kitty cottage. Oh boy, would my two fuzzballs love that. Great post. So springy and Memorialy.
Oh, what a happy post today! Love, love that sweet Jack! He’s such a character. All your dishes are so lovely! I have a lot of my mother’s and grandmother’s old dishes, too. I wish I could display them all.
Best healing wishes to Blog Daddy. I’m sure he’ll be up and about real soon.
Have a wonderful Memorial Weekend!
Sounds like you’ve been busy getting ready for the summer. I’m sure the atmosphere on the Vineyard will be changing quickly as the summer people join you. Love seeing all your lovely dishes and glasses. I’m in the process of cleaning out the china cupboard – hope to have it done this weekend. Discovering the treasures tucked in the back and on the upper shelves is always a joy. The curtains have all been washed and will get ironed this weekend and fresh linens will go on the kitchen table and side tables. It’s also time to get out the spring/summer covers for the cat pads around the house. My cat doesn’t go on tables or chairs, but she does have special spots she likes to take naps in, so I made pads that are covered in soft fleece in the winter and cotton in the summer. I’m hoping it doesn’t rain too much as I’d like to give the house a good airing out. She’s getting on in age (14 in July) so I try to make her comfortable. Once that’s all done, I’ll sit down and do some stitching – maybe even get to sit on the porch and sew. Have a great Memorial Day weekend and a safe trip to New York.
Always ready and willing to fall into your lovely stories. I’m in the middle of a big mess, packing and getting ready to move and I can’t wait to start spring cleaning in my new home! Thanks to you, of course 🙂 xoxo
Happy Move Jacqui!
Your dishes look so pretty! Instead of dusting (which I need to do) I spent the morning working in the garden, planting, weeding, and getting my patio set up for summer. Now it is time for a glass of iced tea on the patio…the dust can wait another day! Happy Memorial Day!
Loved this blog. You inspire me to get busy here at my home…with spring cleaning (albeit late!)….remembering what Memorial Day is all about and appreciating our country’s original values. Thank you for your beautiful blogs and reminders! Happy Memorial Day!
Aww. Jack even looks good in yellow ware. And now, he has his own bachelor pad. You’re going places, Jack.
Happy Memorial Day to the entire brigade!
Loved today’s post. You’ve inspired me to be a little more energetic in my spring cleaning. Your dishes are so pretty. Have a fun Memorial Day weekend and safe travels next week.
I love traditions and quilting is a big part of it. Quilts that are passed down from family to family, friend to friend. Quilts that are brought out for special events and holidays. Quilts that are made from family clothing, reminding us of that person, who may no longer be here. Quilts that are made of favorite fabrics, some of which are quite rare. Quilts that are made for new babies and toddlers naps. A quilt can celebrate anything and every thing. I have been quilting for over 30 years, owning a wholesale and retail quilt business. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has a quilt story. I am excited to see your quilt giveaway.
PS As long as you are reprinting books, how about re-issuing your Christmas platter?
A manufacturer of dishes would require us to order thousands, and we’re too small to buy thousands of one thing, would probably have to get a warehouse and then, I don’t know, look for a sink hole to bury the leftovers in one of these days! I would love to though. Next life, I need my own factory!
I LOVE the photo(s) of Jack in the bowl! We have a cat as well (Lucy) and I always get a kick out of how they find their way into tiny little places and just look at us like it’s such a normal thing to do, like we should all be climbing into and napping in bowls! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Happy Memorial Day! You have been busy at your house and me too! For me it is flowers…..petunias, geraniums and many more. It takes me a couple of days to plant my pots and then I always seem to find a new perennial to plant!
We are so blessed to live in a country with the freedoms we have and remember those that sacrificed their lives for that freedom. Have a wonderful holiday!
Hi Susan. It is so nice to get your newsletter today after a hectic day with my toddler. I am halfway through your book: A Fine Romance. I’m up to the part when you and Joe are about to go Beatrix Potter’s home.
I am enjoying the book. It is feast for the eyes and spirit.
Wishing you, Joe and the kitties a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.
Thank you Shell!
I absolutely love patriotic traditions! PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!
Thank you so very much for sharing Jack with us. My black & white kitty, Louie, died last October. I miss him and it makes me so happy to see Jack and follow his escapades. Louie was such a sweetheart and acted very similar to Jack. They do capture our hearts, don’t they?
Yes they definitely do, and we never forget them.
Your posts always say, Hello, friend…come out and play.
Thanks for a little piece of feminine beauty.
You asked what makes me happy. Today, I’ll take the little Yorkie out for a run. No, I don’t run. She does, while I saunter along. As she bounds across pastures and down forest lanes, I smile and feel so happy. After I read the Gladys Taber books you recommended, I enjoy these walks even more. The little dog runs here and there, but always comes back to check on me. Even though she could never defend me, she would never leave my side.
BTW-here in the Pacific NW USA, it is a bit chilly…like an autumn day. I’m wearing a thick wool sweater on my walks but no coat. NW springs are more chilly than not.
Thanks again for your post.
Ours are chilly too ~ Sunny with slight chill, one-sweater weather, love it!
Happy Memorial Day! You just reminded me to get out your books and plan my Memorial Day goodies. A trip to the farmers’ market on Saturday to gather all the ingredients needed will make a great start to our weekend. Thanks for always reminding me to find joy in all the little details.
hi susan!!…what a darling post today!!….that Cat Cottage is simply adorable and it seems that Jack has moved right in. I wonder if he thinks moving into a Cat Cottage is a step up from a batter bowl. or vice versa!!!!??!! too cute any which way..I LOVE the MV lilac Memorial Day tradition…..what a great lesson for those young people to carry on….and the house looks great!! When we stayed in Vineyard Haven last summer we drove down Spring Street many a time on our way to here and there….and I always commented to my husband how lovely your home is…quintessential New England/Martha’s Vineyard….comfy, cozy, inviting…..just perfect.. 🙂 We plan to really celebrate this Memorial Day as we will be married 35 years on that very day!!! what a blessing in my life!!…. enjoy this very special fun “beginning-of-the-summer” Memorial Day week-end and thank you to all who are serving and have served our great country!!! xoxo love, cindy
Happy Anniversary Cindy!!
You inspire me with your spring housecleaning…nice to see the shiny clean dishes and glasses. Please pass a great big “Get Well Wish” along to your dad from me. Incidentally, we have some positive news for a change at our house: “Savvy”, a 10-month-old mini-schnauzer is coming to live with us to be a friend for Betti. We are already anticipating new little eyes seeing the knitting bag with balls of yarn (new toys?), books within reach of little teeth, etc., and are “puppy-proofing” our house in anticipation of her arrival. I think I know a little bit now what it must feel when the adoption agency phone call comes… 🙂
I am so happy for you Pat!! That’s just the best news. A new baby for you!
Hi Susan,
Sweet blog today as always.
I have clothes flapping on the line, our lilacs are blooming~ wonderful spring it is! I’ve started a grandmother’s flower garden quilt, copying one of yours (I’ve studied your photos 🙂 ) It’s the one with white in the center, blues around that, then 30’s reproduction prints surrounded by white muslin. I’m really enjoying all the hand stitching and watching it take shape.
Happy Day,
Carol
Oh and I washed windows this A.M. Everything always looks better through clean windows!
Jack in a bowl is sooo funny!!! I know about cats in laundry, but a bowl. LOL So much personality.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for sparkling my day! We are wrung out from a trip to watch the Red Sox get defeated by the Blue Jays at Fenway Park last night! Our son received four tickets for his 30th birthday, and had us jin him and his girlfriend. So we drove from western Massachusetts to the T station at Riverside, and into Fenway! Walking to the stadium is such a hoot! All these vendors trying to sell hats, shirts, and other trinkets compete in volume with the scalpers screaming, “TICKETS!!TICKETS!!”. didn’t get home to bed till nearly two in the morning! So today is a draggy day for this old lady. Your blog has brightened my day! Also, the thought of a prize for sewers is making me all tingly! I’ve been sewing since I was a pre-teen more than 50 years ago! Wow! Happy Memorial Day! Such a lovely way to start “official” summer on the island!
Just what I needed to perk up a Wednesday afternoon, a blog with lots of darling kitty pics! Thanks!
I love that you and Joe own that house and I love that you love it so. It so sad to see an old house abandoned and unloved (I love the “love” word). My best wishes to Blog Daddy for a speedy recovery. My hubby and I are not far behind him agewise, so he is an inspiration to us to stay “feisty”. I love the cat cottage, but hope my daughter doesn’t see it because her home is overloaded with condos and kitty toys etc. At first glance I thought Jack was outside. Don’t let him out, Susan, we would ALL worry we love him so, and Girl Kitty (such a glamour girl)~~adorable!
If you’re having a drawing with a little something for quilters, then I’m in!! 🙂 Memorial Weekend here in the WDC area is pretty special. There’s the big motorcycle ride, Rolling Thunder, from The Pentagon to the Viet Nam Wall, the President’s laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown, and Arlington Cemetery is especially memorable with a flag placed precisely at every grave. And many local towns have parades. DH and I are renting a quiet little cabin in WV for the weekend. He needs some down time and I need some time with him. Happy Memorial Day everyone.
Well, Susan, aren’t you ever a busy little bee! Keeping all your darling things bright and sparkly. And speaking of busy bees, your bumblebee pics are just adorable! I love to “pet” them as they’re floating busily about! Strange, I know! I adore the Emma Bridgewater Rose and Bee mug that you have in your store! Must get that! That kitty cottage is just too darn perfect for your little loves!! Love the close-up of Jack peeking out! I had a black and white fluffball at one time who was the same way….so nosy….claiming every cozy space as her own! Sooooo sweet! Happy Memorial Day weekend! xo
I’m in the mist of setting up for a art & ag tour through our county in middle Tennessee. We do this every year on Memorial weekend and it’s a self-guided two day tour to homes and farms that have arts they sell from their home or unique farms, organic and kiddie animals. We’ll be doing a quilt display, over 50 antique quilts and my daughter and I will have several quilted items for sale. I love your blog. I always come away inspired.
You inspire me to be thankful everyday for things that I sometimes take for granted—–a home, song birds, cats in bowls (lol) -as Dorothy said “there’s no place like home.” Also, I’m sending along caring thoughts and prayers for your dad. Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday weekend!
This is JUST what I needed, yet again, to get me into the spirit of Spring cleaning! Have a great holiday weekend! Revel in the merriment that happens over there on MV!!
Hi Susan — Happy Memorial Day weekend and official beginning of all things summer. STAMP ALERT! Just had to be sure that you and all of my fellow Susan Branch fans knew about the gorgeous new USPS Forever stamps just issued. Oh, my, are they beautiful — SONG BIRDS!!! — Have you seen them? I bought three sheets as they are FOREVER and will be the most fun to send on that special note to those who appreciate the beauty. Each sheet has two each of big, bright lovlies – meadowlarks, orioles, sparrows, goldfinches, etc., etc. You heard it here first . . .
I’ll get right down there, wonderful stamps!
As I sit here taking a break with a cup of tea, I realize how fortunate we are to have such instantaneous communication around the world. Whenever I see a new entry in this delightful blog, I know I will be transported to other places with some new viewpoint, recipe , ideas. So, I thank you most heartily for continually bringing a little bit of sunshine. Having read some of the other comments, I trust that your father continues to improve so that you may enjoy each other for a long time. Happy Memorial Day!
Thank you Marilyn!
This year, my daughter and I will be in Colorado to celebrate the high school graduation of my best girlfriend’s daughter. We will be on a plane late on Memorial Day. But, at home, we have a flagpole and proudly fly our flag every day!
I am a quilter, as is my best girlfriend. If we lived closer, we could get into SUCH TROUBLE! 🙂 Cannot wait for the surprise! Love your blog, as always.
This was such a lovely way to start the day! All the best to you and your dad. My brother is having a valve thingy next week. Isn’t it amazing what they can do now. We are blessed to live in a wonderful country and time!
So amazing! My dad’s was done through his leg. How could you ask for anything more. Good luck to your brother!
I loved seeing Jack in that bowl. So Cute. I remember when we had our Peanut, she would get under the sheets when I was making the bed. She loved to hide under there with the sheets all stretched tight over her back. And then I would pile on the blankets and the comforter, and finally she would squeeze out from all that weight. You know what’s funny? It made me smile to see your Volvo in the driveway! We had ours for over 27 years when we finally gave it to our daughter and son-in-law. Unfortunately they sold it to a friend, so I never get to see it, but it comforts me to know it still runs. I guess I’m just sentimental like that! So, happy Memorial Day!
I bought mine the year I moved here, 1982. It’s an amazing car, starts up every time!
that jack is to cute for words! I love his personality! I also love the traditions your town has and how the folks won’t let them die! Have a great weekend!
Thank you for such a joyful entry!! Waiting for Jack to awake so you could fold the sheets! A brimming bowl of Jack! I have fun memories and funny to of our Siamese cat Sing Lee from when I was a teen ager and he was still around when I got married. Favorite trick, jumping on my poor new husband from the top of the refrigerator! Funny to us, not so humourus to my hubby!!! Have a wonderful weekend!!!!
Girl Kitty in the chow bag, brilliant! I sometimes look like that, head stuffed into the newest flavor of gourmet potato chips bag. Currently, my black and white feline friend is stretching out in his cat bed on top of the computer cupboard. He left his bed behind my daughter’s vanity to take yet another nap here at the computer. What a life! Thanks for always showing the kitties!
Wish every little town had a tradition like that. Not really sure if a lot of the kids now know what Memorial day is all about and I find that very sad.. We must all continue to try and educate these little ones. Memorial Day to our five-year-old greatgrandson means going fishing so we really need to get busy with him. Stay safe and happy on your little trip. Spread your love all along the way. Judy C
Forgot to mention how much I loovvee Jack’s little house. Is it inside or outside? and all that gorgeous glasswear is to re-awaken all my antiquing spirit. JC
It’s cardboard, would not do well in a rain storm!
Yes, it is sort of up to us I would guess. But fishing could still be a part of it!
Love the pictures of Jack lying in the laundry and the bowl-my Manx-cat Winny does the same and Josie likes lying under the sheets or a blanket.
Love traditions-keep them alive! So pity we don’t have in Holland so much traditions any more.
Have a nice weekend in new York an good luck with your new book.
greetings from Trudy
Thank you Trudy!
Sending you and yours an early Memorial Day greeting…we put two screens on doors today…still chilly here in northern Michigan, but 50* today felt really really warm…!!!…we’ll take it and enjoy every minute of sunny blue skies…xoxo…
Happy Memorial Day everyone! Warm sunshine , laughs, good times are wished for all!!!
I love Martha’s Vineyard and your traditions. Also love seeing your kitchen and dishes!
What a lucky Jack. Will he share with girl cat?
Have a great summer kickoff!
Oh please tell me there will be more of your wonderful fabric!!!!
I still haven’t connected with a fabric company! I wish!
Susan, I was concerned when I read about Blog Daddy, but when I read he was teasing the nurses, I knew he was on the mend. That is exactly how my Daddy acted. He has been gone since ’76, but I remember it like yesterday. Your spring cleaning photo’s make it look fun. You get to touch your treasures and make them look like new. How fabulous. Right now I am making a quilt for our king size bed, so the washing up must wait a little while longer. Our wedding anniversary is the 4th of July, so it will be done before then. But it makes me want to empty the china hutch and begin right now. Thank you again for your inspiration. And I must say, I was shocked to see girl kitty in the cat food sack. I never thought she was ever naughty. And Jack, in all his comfy places makes me smile. Thank you for sharing.
Happy Memorial day and safe journeys to you and Joe.
Love and bunny hugs,
Shirley