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
Glad to see the goldfinches made it north. I feed them all winter when they are in their drab winter colors and when they turn yellow I know it’s time to say goodbye and off they go. Love your kitty pictures. Makes me want to have one again but I can’t right now. So I’m getting my kitty fixes viewing your blog. Thank you.
Happy to help!
Oh my — Best wishes to both Dad’s undergoing cardiac procedures. I’m feeling kind of emotional here . . . And excited about a giveaway for quilters!! Count me in on that one. Just got back from a five-day getaway with my daughter house sitting and dog sitting in such a lovely locale. Princess Teeny the miniature dachshund kept us hopping but still we had time to be creative. Nancy sketching the scenery and the dog, and I finished a small quilting project while soaking up sun and intoxicating fresh air on the other side of the mountains. Trying to hang on to all that serenity. Love Jack in the bowl 🙂
Hi Susan,
First, a speedy recovery to your Dad. I have no doubt he will do great. He looks like he has good genes.
Second, Jack in that bowl is just the cutest thing. Makes me love him more every time I see your pictures of him.
I know you addressed this in your previous post for me and a few of the other “girlfriends,” but I want to make sure I don’t miss out on your reprint of the new Autumn book. Maybe you could have everyone send in a little note saying which books, (if you are planning on reprinting all the seasons), they want and you just have to do a total count. Should I call California to be put on a list or something?
Enjoy your trip to New York and again, best wishes to your Dad.
That is a very good idea Isabel. I listen to what everyone is saying!
Susan, I love your happy posts. Everything is so cozy looking and I love seeing the birds, the flowers and of course, the cats. I love cats and have a couple myself. We used to have a tuxedo kitty like your Jack. Love him in the bowl. What a sweet boy. I also love reading all the comments from your many readers. It really sounds like a conversation of girlfriends. What a great thing that is. Girlfriends are scarce these days. Looking forward to your new book, whenever it is done. Have a wonderful beginning of the summer season. We will be cooking out with the grand children.
So exciting to see that manuscript sitting there!!!! Can’t wait until it is sitting on my kitchen table in book form!! 🙂 Always love your posts and they are such a treat to read. Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend! Just enjoying a summer thunderstorm here this evening and the weather has cooled off beautifully!
I love the kitty house!!
Speaking of little houses – I thought of you when I saw the Argyle Sweater cartoon this am on Gocomics.com – your have to check it out!! Thought of the little house you put on the stove during Christmas! If others haven’t told you, hope that you enjoy it!
Best wishes and continued healing to your Dad too!
Have a lovely weekend!
Let’s hope we don’t end up there!
Dear Susan, Its your fault ! since I read your post this morning, I have been walking on air, lunch in my little garden enjoying the bees,hummingbirds taking in the wonderful aroma of my potted gardenia,cleaning and oh! yes,even baking cookies,Thank you for always inspiring!!! Despite the ups and downs, Life is wonderful if we choose to see it in the little magic moments, It will be 39 years this November that I came to this country with my Mother, I no longer have her but I am very blessed to celebrate another Memorial Day with a grateful heart. Wishing you and your love ones all the best. PLEEESE more pictures of Jack!
Love to hear that Patricia! Nothing like counting our blessings to make elation begin!
Isn’t it exciting getting the household fresh and clean in anticipation of guests and holidays?!
We might as well enjoy it and you always make it look more.. Homey!
I love that you decorate your home with such a big beautiful flag. Everyone going by
Must feel a patriotic surge when they see it! Well done Sue Sue and Joe!
That photo of Jack-in-the-Bowl is just the cutest thing everrr!!! LOL
I love Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Fly the flags and have picnics. Flags flying high here. I think I will take time next week to clean cabinets and wash dishes. You are inspiring. Getting so many to clean dishes.
The Children’s walk to sea has brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful thing. Thank you for sharing.
I know how you feel!
Jack in a bowl! Too precious! Another wonderful blog. I was reading some of the girlfriends comments and saw that blog daddy had a valve replacement. My Bob had his valve replaced about 5 years ago. He was supposed to get a pig valve, but then the doctor said it was pig reinforced with bovine. When the love of my life was still groggy in intensive care, I told him he had both pig and cow and he sang “ole Bob Cooper is a farm” :o) Sense of humor is such a great thing to carry us through those hard times. Good luck to daddy, and have a wonderful trip to New York.
LOL, that is so cute!
Here in the Southern Hemisphere we’re moving into winter but truly in our particular spot you wouldn’t know it. Like you we live and move between two homes but both are on the east coast of Australia not on opposite sides of the country. And the east coast is experiencing the most glorious weather at the moment…..sunny, balmy days and cool nights. This has been the warmest stretch of autumn weather since 1958 or something! The leaves have turned and the camellias are blooming but the sun is absolutely pouring through my little sunroom’s windows this morning. The sea has been a beautiful aqua, not like the grey of a few weeks ago. The weather people tell us though that this will end by the weekend, so today I will make the most of it……..morning tea at a little shop around the corner with a dear friend. Hope we can sit outside! Love to you and all the girlfriends.
It sounds so beautiful Chris. Thank you!
Loved your blog and all the great pictures of Jack. He is such a character! I always look forward to seeing what he’s up to! Here in Southern California we had quit a few days over 100, followed by several really cool days and the chance of rain tomorrow. Goofy, unpredictable weather to be sure. I hope your springtime is a little more even keeled!
I would love to be in your next drawing since I am a quilter and love anything quilt related.
Thanks again for the wonderful blog!
You are so good to Jack! I never would have let my cat do that–meanie that I am. But glad to see other people’s cats “getting away with murder!” So cute….. Can’t wait until your autumn book comes out–I just can’t find it reasonably priced anywhere. Thanks for all your cheer 🙂
Glad to hear your papa is doing well and coming home. He certainly has had lots of girlfriends praying for him. That’s the blessing of family.
I love the image of the Memorial Day parade. We have one similar in that the children each have a basket of hand picked flowers, they march in the parade to the cemetery and place their basket on a grave site that bears a flag. I remember being in this parade as a child. It is important to remember the sacrifices these men and women made for our freedom.
I agree. And their families. It’s probably even worse for them.
Your post makes me want to go at my spring cleaning, and life in general, with gusto. My goodness, I sure do love your Christmas plate…what a treasure. I’ll be keeping my eyes open to see if I can spot one. I wish you could reproduce some of these. Can a publishing company manufacture dishes? Ok, I’m stretching. Aye, Jack is way too cute in his wee hoose. And speaking of Jack, I hope your Dad is doing well…will keep him in my prayers. xo
I too am keeping your sweet, full of life Dad in my prayers for lots of healing. He’s such a joy.
Thank you for the lovely post today. I’ve always loved that Memorial Day remembrance – saved that calendar as I do all of yours. Love the Christmas platter. I recall you had a birthday one too that was adorable. I was never able to buy one. I’ve always washed my depression glass dishes, etc. by hand but I see you are able to put the hardier ones in the dishwasher. Do you have a “china” cycle? I don’t and afraid to use my regular short cycle. Can’t wait until your Dad is blogging with us again! Love him. Love you.
I think I only have one cycle. I’ve never really looked! But I will!
What I might try is washing my vintage dishes (glass) using only the hot water short cycle with no detergent to shine everything up!
That should work!
Oh if you see the children’s march to the sea again, share a photo on Facebook or your Blog. Sooo sweet. We would love to see that too.
Did you see the photo on Facebook?
Dearest Blog Daddy,
I hope you have been sprung from the hospital as you read this! I am sure your nurses miss you. You were probably their A#1 patient. Did they know you are famous?! Oh, you should have told them…..but I’m sure they would not have been surprised!
Girlfriend are praying for you tonight Blog Daddy, all over the world! Who could ask for more!
Love you and “Get Well Wishes” comin’ to ya!
Chris
Hi Chris Wells from West Texas ….and thank you and the other Girlfriends for your good wishes and prayers —they worked ! — As I sit here writing you all , my blood level O2 measures 99% — without external feed !
We still have some work to do and I will get on the hospital exercise program soon , but for now I’m doing the breathing and walking routines they gave me and feeling great!
I’m no stranger to Texas ….got married in Rockwall in 1945 to Sue’s Mom and had a wonderful 28 years , raising a great bunch of kids ….so now , Jeanie and I are living the good life , basking in the glory of those kids and lovin it !
Thank you all again Girlfriends — and yes Chris there was that one special Nurse ….
I’m sending a commendation in her behalf to the Cardiac Section of Banner Good Samaritan Hospital for her to be selected as nurse of the year , for that Pod .
Jack, it is so great to hear from you and know that you are doing so well. What a wonderful tribute to Sue’s mom, your family and Jeanie. I’m still praying for your continued progress. We look forward to hearing from you as always. Like Sue, you are an inspiration!
Awww, Jack, so very happy to hear that you are doing well! I wish you and Jeanie a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and know that you will enjoy and savor every minute of your good life. Hugs
Jack – glad you’re feeling so much better. Also glad you did not have to cope with the veterans health system in Arizona at this time for obvious reasons. I think of you every time I hear a news feature on the current troubles. Be good and keep getting stronger! PS – thank you again for your service back during the Big One, too!
Jack, I’m just reading and learning of your situation today. I’m so sorry that I didn’t know earlier, but my prayers are with you for a complete recovery!!
xoxo,
Carol M
Happy Memorial Day Jack!
I knew you would be back strong as ever!
So good to hear from you and also the good report! You are very special to this group of Girlfriends!
Chris
jack in bowl so adorable !! I have a stray that comes around he’s black with white paws and white chest i call him tuxedo so handsome. love ur blog hope ur dad gets well soon. God Bless sue and joe and kittys 🙂
I just love Jack! Girl Kitty is cute too in a sophisticated lady sort of way. But Jack is just so adorable!!! I love him almost as much as my own cat, Rico. Thanks for sharing him with us! Take Care – Andrea, Boyertown, PA
Oh, pick me, random number generator!!
Oh, that’s a fun job. Washing all the “tabletop” things that sit out on display every Spring. I always loved helping my mother with that. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in seeing things go from dusty to clean-and-gleaming. Like washing windows, one minute Dirt, the next minute Shine! You’re smart to be careful about those “iffy” pieces too. I learned years ago in bridal registry training that it’s not the action of the dishwasher as much as it is the harshness of the detergent that damages china, glass and flatware. It etches 1000s of tiny lines on metal items especially, EVERY time they’re washed in a DW, and making them look worn out way before their time. Since learning that, I’ve been handwashing all flatware and metal cookware, even though it is a real temptation to stuff everything in the DW. Love that Jack in the bowl too. What a character. Isn’t that your Grandma’s yellow bowl?
That bowl is also clean now, but it’s really big, it’s on top of the fridge. Jack’s been in that one too
For sure! I bet Jack’s been just about everywhere he wants to go by now. Has anything managed to escape him? PS – Girl doesn’t count [she’s mobile].
Yes, you got it, Girl would be the answer. I love how Jack’s interests change, just like a child’s.
Sending healing thoughts your way. My Mother-in-Law is just now home from valve replacement – at 77! She couldn’t wait to get out in her garden. Miracles are happening all over. Safe journey, Susan, and “Hi” to the girlfriends in the Southern Hemisphere from a huge fan of Ngaio Marsh!
Susan, I so love to read your blog. I usually don’t comment but when I read you had something for quilters I perked right up. I love to make quilts and enjoy all the beautiful quilts and vintage dishes you show us. I am lucky to have inherited some quilts and dishes from both sides of our family. They are such a treasure. I am lucky to have daughter-in-laws that enjoy them as much as I do! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!!!!!
You too Linda!
My little kitty, Rosita, likes to curl up in every empty container she can find also. I have found her in the strangest places and I always rush for my camera. She has owned us for 10 years now and she is a great source of amusement!
Can’t believe it’s been that long, I have loved every last word…try not to miss anything
Love
Pat
Because of Jack’s face, I can’t wait for kitty season at my local animal shelter – I need a little black & whiter to bring smiles to my face again – I have had exclusively B&W kitties for 40 years but had an epiphany a year ago and decided to take a left turn and got two tortoise-shell kitties – Lily and Sadie (who I love to pieces), but Jack’s face has me jonesing for a B&W kitty again, so I am keeping my eyes peeled for one. Happy Memorial Day.
That’s so funny! I can’t wait til you find one!
I love hearing about the island and seeing your kitchen or Joe busy with something. Then of course there are the kitties. Yes it tears me up to leave the house and my sweet grand dog Jenna with that sad little face. I may only be going to the store 10 to 15 minutes but it never fails to tug at the heart strings!! Enjoy New York!
You are such a busy lady! Love all of Mr Jack’s antics. lol He is adorable! I’m so glad you’re thinking of our friends in the Southern Hemisphere, they are such an amazing part of our lives! I can’t wait to see what your giveaway will be! Smile.. I want to check and see if I can find your Christmas plate, I love it!!
Thanks for another uplifting blog – Love all of them! But …now seeing the Christmas platter you designed will put me on another frenzied search for it! Haha! I bought the “A Proper Tea ” sugar and creamer on Ebay, but am still searching for the teacups -am hopeful they will turn up somewhere!! Your house and all your pretties are beautiful -thanks for sharing! In such a topsy -turvy world, you make everything happy, and I thank you SO much for that! Glad to be counted as one of the girlfriends. I love to quilt too and will look forward to the drawing -will keep my fingers crossed that I win!
Me too Sharon! 🙂
Your pictures and stories make my heart sing! Thanks for sharing!
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. In Canada we get our long weekend the weekend before yours to celebrate Victoria Day. So our first barbeque of the season is just a memory!
Did I miss something somewhere? Blog Daddy not well? Best wishes for a speedy recovery for whatever it is. 🙂
He’s well now!
We are putting out most of our plantings now, vegetables and flowers. The days are warm but not too warm. Lots of weeding and dreaming and cleaning and planning and wondering over all the growing things. We hope all is well with you and your family, young and seasoned, everyone. Happy spring, Susan. Congratulations on becoming a publisher and on getting that house in order and so many other things…..attracting gold finches! I love it. Many thanks for sharing.
Thank you Kathie!
Susan, you have such a beautiful collection of glassware and pottery bowls. I loved the picture of Jack resting in one of them! What an adorable cat he is. So much personality! Love all the spring photos, and that cat cottage is a real treat! (Mostly because of who is in it!) Your Memorial day is our Victoria Day here in the UK. It is the day we officially celebrate the Queen’s Birthday I guess, although most people just use it as a Barbecue day. (I hope the sun shines!)
Loving the photo of the manuscript. So much promise there. I cannot wait until it is in my greedy little hands! ☺
I hope both of your fathers recover well from their ops. I will keep them in my prayers for full and speedy recoveries! Keep us posted!
It’s raining cats and dogs here this morning, but we have had quite a few days filled with glorious sunshine, and I know you know how beautiful England is on a sunny day! You can’t beat it! Love the sunshine when we get it. ♥♥♥
Good Morning,
My husband and I are looking for a new home and with each look I say to myself, “I have to be able to redo this into a Susan Branch kitchen”. Oh, how I wish we were looking in New England. I love cozy and that is a task much of the time. Looking forward, so much, to meeting you in CT. Spring looks like a dream on Martha’s Vineyard. Lucky, lucky you!!
Happy house-hunting, Mary — I hope you find the perfect thing! See you in CT!
With this post and the last one, I feel like Spring has made an official -though rather late arrival.
I think the reason I so like coming to your blog is that you make me look around my own home and see things in a new way – and I really appreciate that!
I see things in your ‘conversations’ with all of your loyal followers and I am inspired to do different things – cooking, decorating, etc. So I thank you for those good thoughts and ideas.
Now I’m expecting to see “Jack in a Bowl” sometime soon in one of your illustrations — perhaps he is hinting that ‘bowl beds’ will be the new thing in the feline world? 🙂
🙂
Oh your cat….such a cozy home it is to have a cat or two, or three, or FOUR like we have. I love that Jack curls up in the big mixing bowls as pretty as a picture. Does he like to catch the birds outside? Mine were catching them so I stopped feeding the birds for now, but we do have a hummingbird feeder on the porch that I can see through the big picture window.
Have you read the Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock? I have begun my day today reading from it, so very fascinating….
The things that make you happy also make me happy~ all the good simple pleasures of HOME.
I haven’t let Jack out. He seems OK with it for one thing. And my girlfriend across the street has lost two kitties to cars. Jack is a nut and would follow any moving object right into the street without looking both ways. So the birds get fed and Jack eats cat food only.
I know of Anna Botsford Comstock but I’ve not yet read her book, she’s such a wonderful artist!
Jack in the bowl,
Food for the soul.
Hyacinths are wonderful too!
Love and thanks to you and all the girlfriends.
your blog is such a joy!
OMG! Jack in a bowl! Too cute for words 🙂
Hi Susan, I was in our local Goodwill one day and I spotted a really pretty large bowl with flowers. I looked at it and thought of you when I picked it up it was one of your pieces. I practically ran to the check out and paid for it. It is perfect for potato salad and I have had many comments on it. I do hate to use it though because I am afraid it will be broken.
I too am a huge fan of your stickers and such. I wish I could find more of them.
Love everything you do.
Suzan Ladybug Cottage
Thank you Suzan!
Jack’s new play house is adorable! I love the style and the fact it has all sorts of interesting places inside for kitties. He looks absolutely adorable peeking out of the window. Such a ham for the camera! You know, in my mind, Memorial Day is the Summer kick-off no matter where you live. The thought of great stretches of warm long sunny days is intoxicating.
Well wishes for you Dad and enjoy your trip to the Big Apple!
Hi Susan,
Ha,ha, love Jack in that bowl! He’s cute. Again I love your post!We’ve moved and everything is not yet in its place but we’re getting there! I’m so glad we’re “online” again and can use our computer. Here in the Netherlands its very sunny lovely weather! Perfect for sitting on the grass with cold lemonade and your book! But unfortunately I’ve got a pile of ironing to do… Those yellow birds look so cute.
Have a lovely weekend you and your Joe.
Sending (zonnestraal) Sunbeam to you!
Lots of love Willemien
Must be “tis the season” to freshen up the house. I’ve been purging out cabinets and washing dishes to place in new arrangements. Ironing linens with lavender scented spray starch is a favorite thing as well. They smell so good. Makes me happy to have everything sparkling clean again.
I know you love your kitty babies. Pets do bring a lot of love to our lives, don’t they? My Gracie, “because she can” (Bichon Frise) trots along with me to every room and then watches every move I make.
Enjoy your trip!
Susan & Girlfriend’s…Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
Susan, always love your posts. That Jack is beyond adorable. Don’t you just love the feeling you get after a deep spring cleaning? It’s like a warm hug from your favorite possessions. I’ll be hunting down that Christmas platter asap. Wish there was an entire Christmas line. Love the simplicity of the red bold lettering against the pure white. Now, to get it made in the USA, would be the BEST. I was just thinking in your spare time. Heeheehee!
Thanks for continuing to inspire to aspire.
Bliss!
Marie xo
Memorial Day used to see a big parade in my hometown with school and community bands, gun salutes and taps. It was always hot by then and invariably someone would faint from the heat. I haven’t seen that tradition in many years (bands and gun salutes, not the fainting). It’s good to know some places keep up their traditions.
Cats are the darndest creatures. Gotta love them.
Hello Susan and Girlfriends, I want to start off with saying Happy Recovery to Blog Daddy so happy he is on the mend 🙂 I too have been going through rough times with my Dad (94 on 6/30) who had a blood clot that was headed for his brain and burst in the carotid artery and saved his life. Everyday we have him is a true blessing. I am still dealing with my back issues and probably will my entire life, I’m waiting for a report on a sonogram I recently had to check out my kidneys that I’ve been having issues with the past 6 weeks. I do my very best to deal with my poor health and then something else comes along and I must admit I am becoming weary. Now, for my Wonderful news…..my Lovely daughter Angela became a Mrs. on May 10th and we all are still aglow from watching her marry her Prince Charming in a ceremony that brought tears to my eyes (happy ones) from just sheer love and joy. I will never forget her coming down the aisle on her Daddy’s arm and the look on Jim’s face….Sigh….everything was just beautiful and I made the entire weekend just fine (I must admit I did dance because I was not going to miss dancing at my daughter’s Wedding)!! I thought my back might have something to say about that and all in all I came through my “rebellion” just fine. We adore and are very proud to have a new SON in our family. I regret I am not an active girlfriend on your blog anymore, and believe me I miss everyone it is just very hard with all I have going on to devote the time I once enjoyed spending with you. I love that you gave a girlfriend a piece of advice I once gave to you about leaving an article of clothing (scent) for your kitties to make them miss you just a little less!!! Yay! I want to wish you/Joe and all the friends a very Happy Memorial Day, happy travels, and a very Happy, Safe Summer to All. Blessings
Nice to see you on here, Deborah. Spring is turning into Summer so we need to think positive thoughts–“Onward and upward…” Just remember that it is always darkest before dawn (not that I would know that–we should ask Susan as she is the early riser around here) LOL! Somebody came up with that phrase “This too shall pass” and it was for a reason. A lot of us are going through things we would rather not but you just have to tell yourself that nothing stays the same forever and things WILL improve for the better. You just have to keep looking up, keep the faith, and trust… (That is my sermon for the day…) 🙂
Did you get your puppy Pat?
Susan…LOVE it! Thanks! Seriously.
And could Jack and Girl Kitty be any cuter. Some days it kills me that I cannot give them a little snuggle!
Love seeing Jack in the Bowl. My kitties, litter mates who were rescued as newborns, used to sleep together in one of my bowls. But since growing older and bigger, they now sleep in boxes. No box is safe from their inspection and claims of property rights–“mine” they say, and there’s no use in arguing the point.
Right, arguing is senseless!
Last weekend I had some girlfriends in for parlor time, to kick off the season with G&T’s (medicinal), tea and treats. So fun to make nibbles, and how appreciative they are of little things like deviled eggs and fingers sandwiches and chocolate dipped strawberries – all so easy and available but nice. I thought about how each of us there is going through life challenges right now, and how good for us to have a time out and create some fun and laughter together. I have a little plaque on the mantle, a picture of a bird, that says, “Choose Happiness.” It is such a good motto, and your blog and books are such a fine example and inspiration for that. Happy Memorial Day! That children’s parade is too wonderful, and that it goes right by your house. I can feel the lump in my throat.;) And Jack is too cute in the bowl! My kitty, Bella, is my very sweet companion. Love our kitties! Loving our sunshine. Now heading out to the backyard to say good morning to my flowers and choose more happiness.
Lovely Rosanne!
Today I finally made your hot milk cake from AFR. It is lovely and old fashioned in all its vanilla deliciousness. Plain in the best possible way. Thank you for yet another great recipe!
I’m so happy you liked it Rosanne!
Happy Memorial Day Susan!!! Looking forward to a beautiful summer with lots of picnics!!! xoxoxoAngel
Your blog is so inspiring – I am working on Spring cleaning, too. I have pics on my Instagram of one of my kitties, Nellie, “helping” me clean out my closet! Just like Jack, she is lying smack dab in the middle of whatever I need at the moment! I got my copy of Autumn out – not that I didn’t believe you – just to confirm no ribbon! And of course, I had to look thru all those recipes again. My mouth was watering! But my memories took me to the first book of yours that I ever bought, The Summer Book. My daughter was still little (she turns 30 in August!) but she always laughed at one of the recipes I made from it. She couldn’t have any because she was too young, but the name of it was so funny – Skip & Go Naked! They were one of my favorites and of course she had to have one as soon as she was old enough. And guess what?! She and her girlfriend (born two days apart) are spending this Memorial Day weekend at the family cabin and guess what is on the menu? That’s right. They’ve been girlfriends since kindergarten and they both love Skip & Go Nakeds! So, you are an inspiration to more than one generation of girlfriends! Thank you so much!
That’s too cute. You tell the girls I said to have fun (although I don’t think they really need my help!).
Memorial Day….a great day to celebrate and remember our Veterans Past and Present. I was lucky a few years back to take a trip to the Gurnsey – Jersey Islands with my Mom, and also to visit Normandy and the US cemetary near there. So emotional to see the sacrifice of our troups for Freedom! I will never forget that experience. It is indescribeable.
I just returned from Colorado last night (amongst hail and severe tornado warnings trying to drive my rental car back to the Denver airport yesterday…). I flew out on Sunday to surprise my daughter for her birthday Monday. We had a great couple days just the two of us squirreling around and enjoying each others company. We have planned a Princess Cruise the end of September out of New York….and were trying to figure out a way to use one of the days we dock either in Newport or Boston to get a car and drive to Martha’s Vineyard……but we found after asking a few folks….that it wouldn’t be enough time. We were pretty dissapplinted……even it isn’t that many miles…..they said it would be alot of traffic….and we’d just get there and have to leave…..So, I guess we’ll just have to plan a trip…. just to Martha’s Vineyard. (I’m just used to rural CA…..and we just have lots of space where I live….) We’d love to see that parade! Maybe next year, if we plan far enough ahead, we could spend the Memorial Weekend there…..Ahhh to dream. Well, a big thank you to those who have served our country to protect the Freedoms we love and cherish. Be safe FOSB !
Cheers,
Jan from Northern CA
There’s lots of space here too, and the trip down from Boston is very open, it’s just that Memorial Day Weekend is a BIG one for the island. The weekend before and the weekend after, probably would be fine. It’s an hour and a half car ride from Boston to get the boat from Woods Hole to the island. The boat ride is 45 min. Maybe next time. Wait, end of September? There should be NO traffic by that time, summer will be over. You could do it much faster if you didn’t bring a car over. The boat docks right downtown.
Have beautiful Memorial Day weekend, girl and Joe! Love the part about your town parade! Sounds a bit like the 17th of May parade in Norway, which celebrates their independence from Sweden!! They dress in red, white and blue uniforms and carry the Norwegian flag! Singing and dancing! A beautiful thing. Love the tradition of the flowers tossed into the sea. Thanks for sharing!
Happy picnic time! Marie
Since I’ve been introduced to your website, I can’t get enough! After a long day at work, I look forward to browsing your website and past blogs. I feel so much better after having spent time here. Please continue to write about such interesting things and paint such gorgeous art!! You are a true inspiration. You’ve even got me motivated to Spring Clean!!! My journaling has never been better and I’m starting a discovery journal this weekend if the weather doesn’t cooperate….Thank you so much!!!
So nice to hear from you Mamey! Thank you, we are kindred spirits here!
Dear Susan~I’m sure you know about this, but just in case you haven’t seen it {it is RHS Chelsea Flower Show this week} this lovely garden was designed after a visit to Cape Cod. Here’s the link
rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/exhibitors/gardens/The-Massachusetts-Garden
Love it, thank you Debs!
Did someone say quilters??? Here, here, me, me I say as I jump up and down with my hand in the air.
Love the children’s march to the sea. Very touching. I lost my Uncle in the Pacific in WWII.
Someone said quilters!!
Oh, how I love your blog! It makes me want to go outside and take pictures of the flowers and bees. In fact, that’s what I’m gonna do, right now. Notice, I didn’t say it makes me want to spring clean. 😉
First thing’s first!
Susan, I send along wishes for a quick recovery for Blog Daddy.
I have that very same Merry Christmas tray! Also, a smaller one that plainly says it is for Cookies! 🙂
Jack is quite the helper! Absolutely adorable!
You have been very busy giving your home its spring cleaning! Everything will be bright and sparkling, plus it will have that freshness that comes from clean linens!
xo Nellie
Such a sparkling post with everything that’s happening. Love seeing that manuscript pile. I look for your books in thrift stores and second-hand bookstores, but I don’t often find them. They are collectors’ items!
Jack in a bowl is adorable. Hope all the health stuff gets taken care of soon.
Hi Susan, Happy Memorial Day! I love the story of the parade to the Sea and the 80 year old who participated as a child. I am very thankful for all the servicemen and women who sacrifice their comfort and safety so we can enjoy ours. My Dad served in the Air Force during WWII and was not in the habit of talking about his memories. I know his story is one of so many. We are very blessed to live in the good ole’ US of A! Hooray for the red, white and blue!
Yes, my dad was in the Navy and doesn’t say too much either . . . but he’s given me some great photos of that time of his life.
Ah, a Navy man! My dad was so thin and very young. Lied about his age to go serve! Just a farm boy from Indiana. Humble and oh, so handsome! Aren’t those old photos treasures?
Happy Memorial Day weekend, Susan and Joe!
Loved seeing the photo of that huge American flag hanging from the second story windows of your lovely home. It brought back memories of my childhood in Glen Ridge, N.J. when my Dad hung a huge flag like that across the front of our house on Memorial Day. I always felt so proud and excited, too, since my birthday, May 29, was always the day before Memorial Day (the traditional one on May 30), so I knew I’d have a day off from school and a chance to march in my Brownie (and later Girl Scout) uniform in the annual parade. Great memories, to be sure. Thanks for always sharing yours with us!
And thanks for your housekeeping tips, too. I just did all my silver with your aluminum foil in the sink trick and it is truly amazing how that silver shines. Mine had been packed away for a year since we moved from our big house to our new, smaller last summer. And, truth be told, I had not polished it in awhile. It made it so much simpler to do it this way than dealing with hand polishing it all. Even my small silver candy dishes and bud vases benefited from this method and only needed a little touch up with the polish to really bring out the gleam. Thanks again and have a wonderful weekend and great summer, too.
All best,
Nancye T.
I just did all my silverware too — it really get’s the job done fast!
Well, that’s the cutest cat house I have ever seen! For some adorable kitty cats! Thanks, Susan, for a wonderful Memorial Day week blog post.
Love jack in the cat cottage !!
I love seeing Jack in the bowl and snoozing in the clean laundry. Now I know my home is normal. Isn’t it? I chuckle! I am ready to hang out my larger flag tomorrow and it is definitely showing sign of wear and tear. One more season. Our VFW near us takes old flags to recycle and give the utmost respect when it is time for them to retire for newer red, white and blue pristine flags. I appreciate that. Enjoy NY. I’m out on the north shore of Long Island so wave as you go by.
We have several old flags. Some with 48 stars. Joe loves to rescue them from flea markets.
Hi Susan,
I love your cat cottage house! I use to have a cute little cat-dog house made out of washable material which assembled with velcro strips. You could take it apart- throw it in the washer and air dry it whenever it needed to be cleaned. But Walter the Wonderful Weenie Dog was jealous of Angel Cat’s domain and chewed it up beyond repair. Poor Angel! No more kitty house to hide in. I have been on the lookout for another one….so I am going online to see if the one you have is still being made by the same company. It is so cute!
I love that photo of Jack in the bowl. I use to have a dove gray tabby who did the same thing in any empty shoebox. “Lefty” was so cute just snoozing away in his shoebox.
Cats are so funny- the little things they do to entertain us human-folk. Angel, my cat, loves a warm laundry basket too. Her quirky trick is picking out socks and hiding them. Just socks, not underwear, or wash cloths or any other small items. She just is very particular and socks are the only thing that are good enough to “steal”. She is so funny. She will come and talk to me when her food bowl is empty. She meows real loud, over and over and then runs to her empty food bowl and nods her head and waits for me to fill it. She is one smart kitty girl.
Keep up your most enjoyable blog. I just love everything “Susan” and always look forward to the next one.
Happy Spring! —–<–<–@ Randi
Hope the children’s traditional parade never ends. Sweetness!
I don’t think it ever will. It’s gone on so long, and the kids just love it, you can tell how happy they are when they are marching into town.
Susan, I have a question for you. On your site you list a lot of your favorite things. I am trying to find if you know of or have any other favorite blogs that you check out on a regular basis. Something that is as inspirational and beautiful as yours so we have another place to frequent while waiting for another one of your posts….Please share your favorite websites and blogs….Anxiously waiting…..:)
What does it mean when it says my comment is awaiting moderation???
It means that I am having a crazy day and haven’t been able to read the comments yet — so sorry everyone. I have to go get my haircut in 10 minutes. Then I have a birthday party to go to. I hope I can read and “moderate” this evening! Mamey, I love to read what everyon’e writing, but also, we have a terrible spam problem, so while I read, I also delete spam.
Oh no problem….I’m sure you are very busy….I was just hoping you were getting my comments. I LOVE your website. You have no idea how much you have inspired me. Thank U Thank U Thank U……You are an angel sent to bless us all.
You are so sweet Mamey! xoxo Thank you!
I have a list of good ones — if you look in the right hand column of my blog you’ll see a link to my favorites.
Oh Susan.
I love the Mar h to the sea tradition. How wonderful. I live in A small town in Texas and there is a parade every Memorial day here. WHat fun
Dear Susan,
Jack is so adorable! I loved the photo with him in the bowl!! Too cute! What a wonderful tradition of the children marching to the ocean with flowers! I wish I could be there!
Have fun on your trip, it will be a nice break from cleaning. Tell Joe, the photo of the yellow goldfinch is fantastic, please take some photos of cardinals, they are favorites of ours, my husband being from Saint Louis.
Safe travels,
Lucy from California
Thank you for your lovely enthusiasm….you have inspired me to begin my kitchen spring cleaning with joy instead of dread….the kitchen is being remodeled and EVERYTHING must be removed from cabinets, shelves, drawers. Thank you dear Susan for providing just the kick in the pants I needed to get going!
Hi Susan, Have you ever come across books by Dorothy Hartley? She wrote “Food in England” which was published in 1956. It’s an amazing history of how normal people ate, how they cooked, preserved, grew their food. It also has recipes. Miss Hartley was an artist and illustrator, who also became a self taught historian. She wrote many books mostly about how life & traditions of English life began to be lost after WW1. I discovered her by watching a youtube video by Lucy Worsley youtube.com/watch?v=1DfqOwUic2w I found her books more affordable if ordered from the UK, even with the shipping included.
I have found videos by Lucy Worsley really fun and informative. She is the head curator of Royal Palaces, and now works out of Kensington Palace (what a great job!!). This youtube channel seems to have most of her BBC programs – youtube.com/watch?v=nzr8tXOPUGU&list=PL0ZNg0YVBp9se3svkE2N30RsWFQJgv0X2
Have fun in NYC! My husband is dragging me along to Oshkosh, WI to pick up a tooling machine….. oh joy!! I’m hoping for an antique shop stop!
Loved all of that Holly, so interesting! Thank you!
Susan, I just love your blog post! You, remind me so much of our former neighbors which unfortunately moved up north years ago. Looking forward to picnicking on our new rebuilt deck Memorial Day weekend with friends and family. Cooking up lots of food and playing games outside. Life is grand. Make everyday special…..
XO
Oh goodness, Jack is so adorable. What fun he adds to your home. He should marry my Audrey. 😉 Deb
Hi Deb, I follow your blog and I’m so happy to see you here at Susan’s blog. Yes, I think Jack and Audrey would make the perfect couple but I think we know who would rule the roost, lol. They both have personality, plus! Susan, you must check out Deb’s blog. You’ll like it.
Thanks Elaine!
Imagine the little outfits we could have. All Jack would need is a formal bow tie.
Just took the time to read the Girl Friend’s posts!
We would like to wish our brave Blog Daddy a speedy recovery!
You go Jack!
We can’t wait to hear from you!
XXX!
What a beautiful tradition, the march to the sea. Loved the picture of the bee with pollen! Birds, jack…you even make washing the dishes fun!. I love your home keeping blog.
Hi there Susan,
Debbie from Seattle here. Just had to say that I love when you share pictures of your darling cats. I had, or I guess I should say we had a very sweet cat. His name was Spazz. My younger son used to beg & use threats on his chore board to inform us that he wanted a cat. He really, really wanted a cat. So one day in the classifieds I saw an ad for free kittens. I called the lady & asked if she had a male cat. My husband & I had discussed possibly getting one & my husband insisted it be a male if we did. The lady said she had just given away the last male. I was disappointed, but unbeknownst to me it was my husband & older son who she had given that kitten to. So they pull into the garage shortly after & I see my son attempting to coax something out from under the seats of our old Chevy. It was our Spazz!! Ricky, (younger son wanting cat) came home from school & was told to look into a box in the kitchen. He did & promptly leapt with joy into my husbands arms. We had our dear Spazz for 16 wonderful years. He entertained us & brought much laughter & joy into our lives. He especially loved getting into anything he could even remotely fit into. So your pictures today made me smile & also just a tad wistful thinking of my baby. He has been gone a little over 2 years now & we all still miss him so. Thanks for the cute kitty pics. & also the lovely bird photos. I get to see & hear a lot more birds here in Seattle than I did in Nevada where we used to live. Your blogs are always a delight. Thank you again for sharing. Have a safe trip to New York.
Debbie, there are probably several good reasons for you not to get another cat, but life is too short not to have one. If you can, you are the perfect person, and there is a kitty just waiting out there for you.
Laughed with delight to see Jack in the Bowl! he is so stinken cute!
And as cute as he is, he’s just that sweet!
Your island has so many wonderful traditions, so magical. Thank you so much for sharing your stories with us. Most of all I love the “Jack” pictures, what a cutie he is. I love my cats too, they bring me constant joy.
Hugs to your Dad, I hope he is doing well.
Oh Susan, only you could make such a mundane day sound so lovely! Wishing you a good trip to NY and a delightful Memorial Day! Here’s hoping for SUN!!!
We’re only getting peeks here on the island, how about you?
Hi Susan! I hope your dad has a speedy recovery! Just love that Jack what a doll….. he is personality plus! 😉 Thanks for sharing your day to day activities, especially the book. I can’t wait. What a lot of work the spring cleaning is, but it is neat to go through all of your treasures and enjoy them. Take good care Girlfriend and have a wonderful holiday weekend!! <3
♥ Love ♥ Love ♥ Love ♥ this post! I’ve always enjoyed seeing before, during and after photos of anything to do with cleaning and organizing. All that beautiful glassware, dishes and bowls, makes me giddy. 🙂 And adding pictures of the birds, the bee, and Jack, well, it’s just perfection. You and Joe make such a wonderful team, working together on your new book and Spring Street Publishing. Dreams do come true! I’m wishing you and Joe a safe and fun trip to New York. ♥
Thank you Marie!
Hello Susan!
Thank you for remembering us down here in Southern regions. Those recipes will be just right as we move into winter next month.
Autumn has been wonderful here in Melbourne. We have had a run of most beautiful days. The deciduous trees have been looking colourful and my Virginia Creeper has been a picture. The leaves on the Japanese Maple are turning red.
We have recently celebrated ‘Anzac Day’ on 25th April, remembering the many Australian and New Zealand soldiers who lost their lives at Gallipoli, Turkey 99 years ago, during World War 1. It is also a day when we remember those who have served in all wars. In some ways similar to your Memorial Day, I guess.
‘Haloween’ is gaining in popularity here in recent years. It wasn’t heard of when I was young! Of course, it’s Springtime here in October, so a different season, without colourful Autumn leaves. Pumpkins are still used as decoration.
Thank you for this lovely post. I love all of your close-up photos around your home.
Happy days from ‘Down under’
Betty
Thank you Betty, so nice to hear from you! I’m wondering how you get pumpkins in the spring? Do we send them down to you?
They are probably artificial! I have seen some very realistic ornamental ones at the garden centre.
It’s Jack in the bowl instead of the cat in the hat. What a cutie. Excited to hear about giveaway with something for quilters. Always enjoy the photographs of your the pretty flowers at you home. Your posts are an inspiration. Wishing your Dad a speedy recovery.
“If a cat spoke, it would say things like ‘Hey, I don’t see the problem here.” ― Roy Blount Jr.
LOL!
Ahhhh again!! We all just SO love everything Susan Branch! Thank you thank you! Cute and darling Prince Jack and of course Miss Girl kitty too! Love imagining you and Joe hanging your flag 🙂 just love it all!! We too had kitties that would get in anything slightly possible 🙂
Made your delish granola and Polenta cake last week OMG! Heavenly, delicious yum!!
Loving healing to your darling dad (love the pic of him cutting up onions! and with Joe!) have a wonderful trip and time in NY and happy Memorial weekend to all!
Thank you for recipe review, Juli!
Greetings Susan!
With that big beautiful flag, Memorial Day this weekend, Blog Daddy recovered from heart surgery, Joe assisting you on your new book, sparkling dishes, Jack in the bowl and Girl kitty being just as precious….there is much to celebrate!!! Have a great weekend.
Maybe next year, hang a big red heart from the top window. Almost as if to say, WE HEART AMERICA! Sweet.
Love
from your neighbor,
Erica xox
Hi Susan and girlfriends, I just put my first rhubarb crisp in the oven. I needed two pounds of rhubarb and I used my new “vintage” scale in shiny fire engine red with the wonderful retro dial. I really wanted an old, chippy one but hard to come by so I bought a new one (a lot cheaper) and I use it to display my crochet pot holders. My favourite are the red and white ones with the flower but I have blue/white, yellow/white, green/white – who am I kidding – I love them all, lol. Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone. Hope blog daddy is doing well.
How’d your crisp come out?
It was delicious. It was a Martha Stewart recipe I’ve used for years. It makes a large pan so we will be enjoying it for a couple of days. Nice for breakfast too with Greek yogurt. How is your rhubarb coming along?
It’s perky, but we can’t harvest for the first year. I love the big leaves in the garden.
As always…absolutely love your posts. Love what you are doing.
Thankful for your ideas and the ever so sweet way you communicate
to those of us who are kindred spirits!!
We’re all in it together! 🙂
Dear Susan, What a great blog! Well actually they all are! Of course I think each one when it comes is the very best. Just love the picture of Jack curled up in the big bowl. That is way too cute. Also, I just love the Merry Christmas platter for Christmas cookies. It just plain and simple………just perfect and I had never seen it before. I also never heard of a “cat cottage” which looks great for the kitties.
The best photo was of the grilled cheese………I could even smell it, yum.
Hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day……….we all need to give tribute to our Vets who have given so much to protect us. We are having a cookout and I’m having a blast planning it and getting out my bowls and dishes for what I’m serving……………with lots of red, white and blue decorations too. Hugs, Gail xoxo
Happy Memorial Day, my dear friend.
I love your HUGE American flag. Wonderful. 🙂
xx oo
And I love all your photos you shared. The bee with her purse is my favorite.
Happy happy Memorial Day to you, Susan and to all the girlfriends everywhere!
Have the greatest time and be safe this weekend. We are having some rain right now. It’s been so nice and hot this past week, that the rain showers and cooling off is a welcomed resprite.
xoxox,
Carol M
Love that little “Jack face”. We have a little “Roxie face” only of the canine persuasion and alas, she likes the laundry pile too. I agree with Sharon — you make a mundane day so lovely….getting joy out of the simple things. Can’t wait for the quilter’s/sewer’s (or as some like to say “sewists” as “sewer” can have another meaning all together…..oh dear) giveaway!
Yes, 🙂 Sewists!
Oh It sounds lovely there!Its so lovely here to! I am sitting outside now with beautiful weather as the sunsets with a shade of pink and blue. I can hear the frogs croaking in the background with my kitties purring on either side of me. It’s so beautiful! God is so good!
Oh that Jack is so darn cute.
I have a Joey cat and he hides under the blankets when I try to change the bed. I just don’t have the heart to finish the bed sometimes all day long. In the bowl, oh my! And in that new little house, so cute. Do you come help others clean their kitchen. I need to this.
Just do a little bit each morning. I think this morning I finally got the last of it done! It’s beautiful. Now I stand and stare at it. I cleaned every shelf and basket in the fridge. It’s sparkling. I filled it with grapes and yogurt and pink grapefruits and pineapple/coconut ice cream. The platters that hang on the wall sparkle!
LOVE the photo of Jack in the bowl!!! He is so adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Susan, thank u for thinking of us down under. Our fall colors are beautiful this year, must have been the incredibly hot summer, a week over 40 Celsius was incredible and our little 16 year old black and white ‘Forrest’ the cat was not too impressed! Cooler days now so the sandwich melt and autumn bowls will be great tummy warmers!
I would melt too! Must feel wonderful in contrast. Enjoy!