Grab your favorite cup, fill it with something warm and delicious and come back, because I’m going to try and show you what New England in the fall is all about! MUSICA
This mug has been in my family for as long as I can remember, it was in the house when I was a little girl. I don’t know where it came from, maybe if Blog Daddy remembers it, he will know . . . I loved it since I was little, the colors are what attracted me, and of course, anything with a house on it. I snapped it up at the first chance I got! Which was long ago, I’m not exactly sure when my parents lost custody, I’ve had it a long time. It’s just
Of course, if your kitty is like mine, you are going to have company while you wait for the water to boil . . .
Back about a month ago, one of my photos showed this mug in the background; one of our Girlfriends asked for a closer look, which I promised I would do ~ seemed like tea time was the right time to do it! (I’m seeing something almost alike in our colors here!)
This is my only clue as to where it came from . . . Germany 29 ~ but we are not German, and have not gone to Germany, so I’m thinking it might have belonged to my Grandma or Great Grandma (even tho’ they are not German either!).
Jack could care less about which mug I use . . . he just wants to be where I am. In order to distract him, I gave him a little milk to lap up . . .
So I could take pictures. You know how much this kitty loves me? This much { ↔ } or more.
Know how much I love him? To the ends of the earth and back and then out again.♥
. . . and then, while he’s busy, milk for me. So here we go, on a road trip through New England, are you ready?
Come on Jack, let’s go to the studio . . . my shadow goes everywhere with me.♥
So here we are, this last weekend, on the back roads of central Massachusetts, going out to two book signings . . . one at Titcombs Bookshop in the darling historic town of Sandwich on the Cape . . . and the other, a fundraiser for the Westfield Library, clear on the other side of the state.
We could not have asked for a better weekend, leaves flew off the trees as we took the side roads and stayed off the freeways as much as we could.
This leaf blew up and landed on the windshield then went for a little ride with us . . .
See the leaves coming down out of the trees? My favorite thing about Autumn, they way the leaves fly through the air.
Look how gorgeous, this is why I moved here, I needed to smell this!
Just following signs off the road less traveled, curiosity brought us here to a place we never heard of called Wallum Lake in Douglas State Park.
Pretty ♣ pretty ♣ pretty. Smelled as good as it looks, fresh, clean, woodsy, fallish. Sounds of water lapping on shore.
Hard to believe the color . . . ♣
Or the lovely New England Architecture.
I thought this stone house was just about perfection of coziness. I could almost smell the corn pudding baking in there!
We saw beautiful Oak Ridge graveyard and went for a little walk.
Peaceful, old and elegant.
See the leaf flying by? You can’t make this stuff up.
Colors are wonderful, leaves are crunchy . . .
. . . Trees are brilliant . . .
And the roots . . .
go way down . . .
I think cemeteries are works of art . . . so real and human and filled with love and loss and all the important things like memory and history and reminders of carpe diem . . . because life is for the living . . .
Right Jack? This little boy never spends one moment of his day worrying, especially about anything he can’t control. Which brings me to something I would normally ignore, and that is Ebola. I’m sorry, I realize you are inundated with it these days, but I just need to say something and then I will forever hold my peace.
You know how when a storm is coming to your area, the media, almost 100% of the time, blows it completely out of proportion? 
(When we have a storm forecast for the Island my entire family calls from California, they are so worried about us, we answer the phone and tell them not to worry while we are busy lighting candles and roasting a chicken, loving every moment of it, figuring if it turns bad, we’re as ready as we’ll ever be and cross that bridge when we come to it and every other cliche we can think of that means we have a handle on it.)
This is what we do during storms.
Remember Y2K? When the entire world was supposed to come to an 
end and all the planes were supposed to crash at midnight between Dec 31, 1999 and Jan. 1, 2000? The media had a field day with that one, it went on for months. Then, when they were wrong, as they almost always are, it’s just ooops, sorry. I don’t think they are sorry. I think they like it. Because when we get afraid and fearful we are more likely to tune in and watch every word that comes out of their mouths, which means they get higher ratings ~ and higher ratings brings in money. It’s always money these days. You can always ask yourself, OK, who makes money from this?, and you’ll usually find the answer and that will be your culprit.
Anyway, bottom line is this: The chances of most of us getting 
Ebola is somewhere between zip and zilch. Unless we physically touch the urine, sweat, blood, vomit or feces of someone who already has ebola, we can’t get it. It isn’t spread by a cough. Common sense will guide us about this, our brave hospital worker-heroes, all very smart, caring, wonderful people, will have it under control in a very short time. I have complete faith.
✮ Faith ✮
Faith that it’s the little everyday things that make life sweet. Not denial, but faith. Don’t let the media scare you or your loved ones.♥ Life is for the living, and that is us. If we get it, we get it. Other than that, we aren’t going to. So turn off these people and go about your business, with maybe just a tad more caution because you know you have much more common sense than any of these fear mongers do. I rest my case. Off the soap box I step. With love for all of us in this beautiful season of color and nature, kitties and God. xoxo
Now, I’ve been saving this to tell you about . . .
Much more constructive to think about your health in terms of what you can do to make it better, which brings it all back to home sweet home . . . our favorite place.♥ I found something I’ve been wanting to share with you! My new favorite thing! And you’ll see why.
This is me making noodles out of zucchini!!!!!! YES! It’s true. I am making noodles out of zucchini!
Take a look at these, in a matter of moments, the easiest thing in the world ~ delicious squiggly noodles, just like pasta, only better, less fattening, healthier, and really just as good, only better! (One small caviot: I’ve been reading about GMO foods, zucchini is one of the biggies they have really fooled around with ~ only use organic zucchini when you make your noodles.)
This little machine (Kellee got a few of them in to our web store, go NOW if you want one) uses no electricity!!! Another reason to love it. It’s easy to clean and easy to use. You just cut off the end of a zucchini to make it flat, pop it into the pusher, crank the handle and out they come from the other side.
You can put any sauce on them, make Linguini and Clam Sauce if you want, or even the simplest thing: heat a little olive oil in a frying pan, add some garlic, maybe some mushrooms, perhaps carrots or a little broccoli slaw, and saute everything until soft . . . add the “pasta zucchini,” cook until al dente, pour onto your plate, sprinkle over salt, pepper and Parmesan, and voila! You can add them to soup too!
Here I toasted up the potatoes before I put in the zucchini ~
Besides zucchini you can make vegetable noodles out of potatoes (like those above), carrots (get the largest you can find), beets, onions, sweet potatoes, apples, eggplant, cucumber, radishes, cabbage, and butternut squash. FUN! It comes with three blades, in three sizes!!!
Here I am tossing the potatoes in the pan with some shallots . . . Use another blade, make them slightly thicker and you have curly fries! I mean, it’s truly the best thing in the world. With all due respect to all the other best things in the world.
Like Kellee in her darling Pilgrim Thanksgiving apron . . .(whoever took the picture cut off the best part!)
Or, Jack helping me with the laundry . . .
or, Girl Kitty, prepping for a nap.
or, the Turner Movie Channel (TCM) which is much better than the news and leaves you feeling up, happy, positive.
a Bountiful Harvest of the Best things in Life.
Like Penelope . . .
. . . who just naturally keeps . . .
Her face turned toward the light.♥
XOXOXOXOXO
This may be my favorite of all your blog posts so far, Susan. Thank you so much for the lovely/precious photos and for the reminder to appreciate and focus on the little blessings that make our lives so rich. 🙂
Thank you Erin!
What a lovely, lovely post. I enjoyed the fall colors tour immensely. I am actually getting to enjoy some fall colors of my own. We moved to Washington 3 years ago & after a couple of years in Seattle we finally found a house. It’s about an hour north in Bothell & it’s very woodsy where we live. I love it. I also want to thank you for the uplifting & encouraging words in this post. I really needed a lift & you delivered. Your kitties are precious. I miss mine. He left us almost 3 Christmas’s ago. We were blessed with his adorableness for 16 years. Hugs & happy fall to you & yours.
Happy new house Debbie!
Dear Debbie, I know where Bothell is! It IS very beautiful, and I am so happy for you about buying your house too! I agree with you that the fall tour was GORGEOUS and isn’t it wonderful that we are beginning to really see Fall weather here? I also greatly appreciated the uplifting words and to be encouraged to keep the faith…and not be brought low with doom and gloom news. I feel for you about your kitty….I lost mine over a year ago and I am still going through times where I cry from missing my little fur-ball so much. They are like family! I send you hugs and comfort! …….and thank you so much Susan for your beautiful heart! :). I am impressed with the noodle machine and now I want one! Xoxox
Hello Susan, Hello Girlfriends…. good afternoon, and a beautiful Autumn afternoon it is here, cloudy, rainy and just pure heaven. we are now enjoying cooler temps here, lots of rain and right now its cloudy with a bit of rain, and the leaves are just turning color, its glorious out there. I love that stone cottage, my ideal dream home. well some day , in the mean time one can dream. the cats are chasing their mousey toy all over the house, and watching the newest member of the squirrel family, we have a baby western grey squirrel visit us daily and he is so cute and adorable and sooooo tiny. and so quick he just zips up and down the front tree, and has gotten quite used to me coming over to the tree to feed him, he trusts me. well I had better get busy, out the door to the farmer’s market for fresh veggies, I like your new kitchen gadget, I have an older version of it, my grandma used it to peel and slice apples with. and I do agree with you on the media, they just whip up some minor crisis into a major one and have everyone in a panic. then when they are wrong, they can’t or won’t even have the decency to apologize… sorry news media, you lost this customer a long, long, long time ago. wishing everyone all the beauty and blessings of this lovely Autumn season. my advice… get out and enjoy it. Happy Fall and Autumn blessings to everyone. hugs… 🙂
Happy Fall Pat!
and to you Susan!!! 🙂 have a safe trip to California!!!
Beautiful mug, beautiful walk, beautiful nature, beautiful kitty, beautiful food and beautiful YOU! Fall is the best – where every leaf is a flower.
Thanks for bringing a little more “beautiful” into this world and into my day dear Susan. I just love your posts.
PS: completely agree with you about the whole ebola thing! Amen.
xoxo Beautiful Carrie!
I will simply say….thank you, Susan! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
You are more than welcome BB ♥
Susan, I had my left leg raised on my swivel chair, so relaxed, enjoying your beautiful Autumn in New England, and my husband comes by and said “It’s been so long since I’ve seen that ‘picture’ – a child’s memory – Mama, you look so good!” I needed that after a long day at work! Thank you for all your exquisite pictures and meanngful words!
Beautiful post! I loved the beautiful fall photography – I want to find that exact route and travel it too! I used to live in the country in Ohio, and when we sold our house to move into town, I took a lawn chair out into the yard and sat in the middle of the swirling yellow leaves. I knew how much I would miss seeing them rain down in October,and it was heart filling but heart tugging at the same time. Some day I want to walk amongst the leaves again.
I think if we keep doing this we will bring back all the dislodged easterners and midwesterners to get their fill of leaves and first snows!
I cannot WAIT until we can return to Ohio for good! I’ll have to change my little nickname here , though.
Yes, to Home at Last! xo
Hi Susan (an Ohio gal in SoCal),
I did not make my usual Fall sojourn back to Ohio this year and I am so sad about it……Susan’s pictures help. I can almost smell the leaves. Where did you live in Ohio? I am from Bath, NE Ohio.
Chris
Hi Chris! I wasn’t very far from you at all! I grew up in Norton and many years later moved to Wadsworth. I’ve been here since 2010; we go back to Ohio every year but never in the fall. Here, it’s a matter of my spotting a tree or two with changing leaves and saying ” Look – fall! ” How long have you been in Texas?
I have been here for 21 years….but I am sure it is just temporary? :). I worked for years at Craft n Flower in Fairlawn, and one of the girls that worked for us lived in Wadsworth. That was such a lovely town, I remember one Antique store that was in a huge Victorian house, I doubt it is still there. So much has changed in that area when I go back, sometimes it is hard for me to find my way around!
It is nice to meet you, Susan, and sweet to know you were so close to Bath. Since I did not get back this fall, I am planning a May trip and my DIL and I are going on the Bath House and Garden tour.
I hope you are not in the drought area of California, we are still not in a normal rainfall pattern here, but I am hoping that we get back to normal rainfalls soon.
Happy October (such as it is!)
Chris
We’ll be going back in May as well – nice coincidence! It’s nice to meet you, too. If you’d like, come visit my FB page – Susan Thomas Morgon. I welcome friends from here and back home.
Thank you for your wise words about ebola. I need them. I tend to freak out at everything, and I need to learn a lesson from you and Jack. You are a wise woman! I’ve been wishing for one of those zucchini noodle makers. I should just get one!
Yes you should! Therapeutic making noodles. 🙂 I freak out too, that’s why I get so mad at them.
Dear Susan,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! The voice of reason! I avoid the news and figure if something really important happens I will be told by someone around me. Beautiful pictures! Fall is my favourite time of year. Wishing you safe travels to California. Enjoy!
Thank you, we’re very excited to go west!
Great GREAT post, Sue! One of your best ever, and that’s saying something. You had me at “New England Fall.” LOL. Fall leaves, stone cottages, quiet old cemeteries, zucchini noodles [with shallots & potatoes] and Jack! Did you do any gravestone rubbings? Bet you saw some very old cemeteries – there must have been some memorable headstones.
PS – I agree wholeheartedly that the media has been overplaying the Ebola situation overall. It’s too bad they don’t devote the same level of coverage to the flu, getting a flu shot etc. Because that will kill many more in this country than Ebola in the coming year. But people are overreacting too. No schools needed to be closed, for example. That was clearly an over-the-top reaction. But I’m a news junkie and see a somewhat different angle to the coverage. After watching Congressional testimony yesterday, it seems that the story the media is focusing on now, some of it anyway, is the varying levels of preparedness and response plans among our national health organizations [NIH, CDC etc] and hospitals. Training has been haphazard in some cases. Equipment has been inadequate, mistakes were made. That Dallas hospital clearly erred in sending the first patient home when they knew he had been in West Africa. Of course, some of the mistakes are almost understandable. We don’t normally cope with health crises on this level in the US. Mistakes will always happen the first time when people are unprepared. To me it seems very much like 9-11, when we learned how various government agencies made mistakes. Didn’t follow-up when things appeared odd. Didn’t share information in ways that may have prevented the attacks. Sadly, it often takes media light on issues for changes to be made.
Such a wonderful post. Thank you Susan!
Thank you Tamara!
“Go. Be. Love. The world needs you.” I put your new Be an Elf bead on my bracelet this afternoon, tucked the little card that came with it into my journal, and then sat down to read this blog. Sweet serendipity. That phrase must be your mantra. Thank you, Susan. Hugs.
It’s my mantra . . . go. be. love. also, be an elf. I love that too. Hugs to you Shannon.
Thanks for the wonderful post. It was the perfect ending to a bit of a nerve-jarring day. BTW, I watched Miss Potter last night and loved it. I probably wouldn’t have given it a second glance had I not read “A Fine Romance.”
Goodie! So happy to hear that!
Susan, I so agree with you about Ebola. Thanks for sharing that! And most of all thank you for a lovely trip through my dear New England which serves a great purpose of almost being there until I really can be!! It was lovely and memory-filled. We are having a wonderful time with lots of folks who are loving Gene’s stories. And many encouraging comments about his paintings. We are bringing a little beauty to a lot of people’s lives this weekend. That feels good!! 🙂
I’m so happy to hear that Jane! You have worked so hard, I hope you are having a wonderful time! Sending love xoxoxo
There was one little girl about 10 who was just in awe and enthralled with Gene’s work. Her mouth literally flew open when she saw his watercolors, and she was absolutely glued to the pencil book her mother bought for her. Of course, he signed it for her. And he talked with her for quite a while. It was almost heart-wrenching. Her mother says she paints all the time — they were very humble people. I could tell her mother was so grateful to find Gene. I envision her doing something wonderful with her life. This little girl was inspired to follow her dream. That alone was worth the whole show. I am very proud of Gene’s desire to help people like that.
Me too Jane!
I just got back from visiting my home town in northern Ontario – the leaves were as brilliant and the roads as pretty …… How blessed are we to be in the midst of this beauty !– makes your heart sing yes?
Thank you for bringing it to our attention …. And helping us stay focused on what is important.
Yes!
Beautiful, beautiful colors!! Everyone of your pictures has such beautiful colors in various tones. Even Jack’s colors are perfect. And thank you for your approach to Ebola – very logical and much needed, especially after listening to the news. Think I will skip the news, pull out my knitting and enjoy watching the leaves fly. As always, thank you for your wonderful, uplifting blog!!
Knitting and leaves go together like cake and ice cream! xoxo
Oh, Susan. What you shared about the media and it’s scare tactics is so very true. I tell my best girlfriend she best call me if something critical is happening that I can do something about because we seldon have the news on in our house. A Southern CT State University professor, Joyce Saltman, once came to my school to do a lecture on the importance of laughter in learning – her most important piece of advice, “don’t listen to the news. It only drags you down.”
It’s is important to be informed, but in moderation.
Thanks so much for being you. You can stand on that soapbox any time you like, my dear. We are listening.
XOXO Carolyn. I feel the same, informed but not overwhelmed to the point of unrealistic thoughts.
Thank you for sharing the beauty of fall…and the keep it simple realities of Ebola. I tend to avoid the news when these types of stories are pushed at us. Accept the things you cannot change, change the things you can.
Our leaves are all getting wet this weekend in the Buffalo area, rain, rain go away.
Happy weekend!
Buffalo, uh oh. You are the snowiest place I know! Get ready to burrow in . . . mmmmmm.
Susan,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the post! Filled with beautiful photos of the autumn scenes around New England- seeinf that part of the country is definitely on my to do list. Autumn is my favorite season- love the colors, weather, getting outside, cozy evenings with a fire and yummy soups! It’s so nice to read about the little details other people notice and point out. Thank you for the wise and comforting words about Ebola. I am one that avoids the news but I do know what’s going on and I do tend to worry. My husband and I are going to be welcoming out first baby, a little boy, in about 6 weeks and when I’m up at night (unable to sleep) I often think about the world he will be entering and wanting all to be calm and right. It really is all about noticing life’s beautiful little details and seeing the good that’s in the world- because no matter what- there is more good in the world. Thank you for this post though- it made me happy to read it! Have a great weekend and enjoy this amazing season!
You can make your own world for your baby . . . it’s normal to worry, but just practice singing around the house and you’ll make all the difference for him. Our world is what we think it is, your son will be imprinted by your faith. Congratulations Emily! Such a joyful time for you and your family. Wait till you get that warm little wiggly package in your arms. I’m excited for you! xoxo
Dear Susan, I’ve been a fan of yours since discovering your books in the 1980’s,
but this is my first time on your blog. In this day of TV and all the other forms of
negativity, it is so refreshing to log on to a site of love, and beauty, and creativity.
And to connect with a whole beautiful world out there of kindred spirits who are
also being loving and creative. I was so disappointed I didn’t get to see you last
winter when you stopped in New Mexico. Just love your descriptions of your train travels. When my kids were small we used to get on the the super chief in Albuquerque and arrive the next morning in Kansas City where my parents lived.It was so much fun. At that time in the1970’s there was a grand old hotel here called the Alvarado Hotel. It had lovely gardens and fish ponds on the grounds, and a Fred Harvey restaurant in the hotel. Un fortunately, in 1975 the Santa fe railroad decided it could no longer keep it up, and it was razed and all the beautiful furnishings and old oaken bar with the patina of the ages were sold off.Later in the 1990’s theybuilt a theater complex in a similar style near the site, but it just wasn’t the same. We were worried that the Castenada Hotel in Las Vegas, NM would suffer the same fate, but thankfully the couple who restored the Posada Hotel in Winslow, AZ bought it this spring and are restoring it. You can Google Castenada Hotel and see some of the restoration and a virtual tour of the hotel. Fred Harvey was instrumental in bringing civilization to the Old West, and he had many restaurants in the hotels along the Santa Fe rail line. Of course, everyone has heard of the Harvey Girls. Hope this brings a happy thought to you if you pass it on your train trip this fall.
We’ve passed the Castenada Hotel many times over the years on the train, always wishing and praying someone would buy it and take care of it, such a gorgeous old building. And they did! How wonderful! I wonder if they’ve started to remodel yet. We’ll be looking for it in a couple of weeks when we go west. Nice to meet you Paula! Thank you for your lovely comment. I remember the old train station in Albuquerque. That was a huge loss.
Thanks, Susan, for the beautiful pictures….I love this time of year! I also love seeing photos of your kitties. Right now, we have six in our house..my three and three belonging to my daughter and her husband….gotta love those kitties!
How fun that must be!
Good evening Susan,
It was so good to see you at Titcombs last Sunday. It was a beautiful Fall
day for all our Kindred Spirits to be together. As I waited in line , a woman
asked me if I had ever braided rugs. Of course I braided rugs I answered
with a smile. She smiled back and we both said in Hanover! We took a class
in braiding about 35 to 40 years ago. I was shocked because she told me I
hadn’t changed and she recognize me. I finished my large dining room rug,
a few small area rugs and that was the end of my braiding. I asked her if she
finished hers and with a smile said no. So many people start rugs and because
it takes so long to finish it, they just tuck the tail under and use the rug. It
is also an expensive hobby. They don’t wear out! I watched Hockey while I
braided. So the visit to Titcomb’s was a two for! I visited with you and a
braiding friend from years ago. You bring out the best people! We also enjoyed the Fall foliage on Sunday, loved your pictures. As I left the book
signing the refreshments made using your recipes were delicious!
Look forward to the next visit, Marion
What an amazing coincidence! Wonderful! Rugs are something I’ve always wanted to do — I love hand work, but I’ve always managed to fill my hands with other projects and haven’t gotten to a rug. Yet.
Wonderful post! I shared it out loud with my husband and via email with family. Here, here, Susan. Here’s to common sense and faith!
You are the best my dear darling friend, the best ! You said everything I think, so I guess, I think I am the best too ! Thank – you for your soap box it is the best common sense soap box out there ! I turn the news off when I have had enough and give myself a break to live the loveliest life I can muster ! You my darling friend add so much to enrich my life…….. I truely love you , there is a special place here in my heart for you darling friend, just you remember that and I know there are so many more that feel the same way ! Never stop being you ! The world is your oyster and you share sooooo much of your oyster….. Thank you very much ! The best blog ever, hands down ! Have fun at home with your kitties and Joey before you go on your next trip, can’t wait for your sharing. Wendy-Louise oxoxoxox
Thank you dear ♥ “Living the loveliest life you can muster” is probably the greatest gift anyone could receive! XOXO We are so lucky!
Thanks for this beautiful entry, Susan. It was lovely to look at and lovely to read.
I think it would be so lovely to see a New England Fall! Here in East Texas, we won’t see any Fall color until next month.
I hit the “Mother Lode” in Gladys Taber books today at an estate sale! She must have followed your blog! I bet that lady had almost every book Gladys ever wrote. Today they were 25% off of $3. and tomorrow they’ll be 50% off. It was really hard to choose! Oh yes, and I even got your Heart of the Home cookbook plus two by Tasha Tudor. Might just have to go back tomorrow. It was a VERY good day!
That zucchini dish with the garlic, mushrooms, etc. dish sounds really yummy. I’ll have to try it soon.
Susan K –you hit the mother-lode of Estate sales! I look for those books at every one I go to but no luck yet.
Thank you Susan B for your common sense outlook on the news. Have a wonderful trip West.
how lucky for you! I have never found nary a Gladys Tabor nor a Susan Branch book at an estate sale! oh, but however several years ago I ran across the vegetable spiralizer on sale at Williams Sonoma and bought 2 of them – one to give to my dear friend Katie as a bday gift. Her daughter is a vegetarian and she is wheat allergic – I thought this would be the perfect way to make fun dinners they both could eat! I use it to make fun salads using similar ingredients that I would for cole slaw.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Sue, for stepping up on the soap box. I feel and think the same way about it. And thank goodness someone is taking good care of Bentley, one of the nurse’s puppy.
The trees are really starting to turn here in Virginia. Some just take my breath away with their beauty. Many thanks for sharing your lovely photos. I especially love the one with the stone house.
I’ve seen those devices that make “vegetable spaghetti”. Great idea!
Kellee looks like a professional model and girl kitty’s pic before napping is adorable. Makes me want to snuggle her – I don’t think she’ll like that, tho. Penelope is making progress. Enjoy the anticipation of Thanksgiving, everyone!
Susan, had to get my husband to come over and see the pictures of your zucchini spirals, as we’d just bought a spiralizer and love it! Besides the zucchini and other veggies, it does an awesome job on apples ( of which we have a slight over-abundance at the moment)…it truly is a fun little kitchen helper. And thanks for your wonderful pictures…so relaxing to just look at them…
Well we all have a much high chance of landing the hospital from flu than Ebola….get your flu shots!!! And thanks for the words of common sense and beautiful pictures of Fall!
That post read like a bedtime story – so calming, so comforting, and with pretty pictures filling my head. Thank you, Susan, for setting the world right again. I’m marking today’s post for when the world goes skitty wampus again, and it will, and I will reread this and feel good again. Also, I got one of those zucchini noodle makers last year and it was a total game changer. My husband doesn’t even like regular noodles now! I used almost all the zucchini we grew making noodles, but I have to confess I haven’t tried any other vegetable so now you’ve inspired me to venture beyond the zucchini! As always, thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Teresa, I am thinking you might be the Teresa who was behind us (Joan and Helen)in line at Remnants of the Past for Susan’s book signing last November? You were such a delight….dressed in red and had moved to your husband’s home town after marriage. What a small world if this is you 🙂
Hi, Sue~
I wait every year for your Autumn posts…is there anything more stunning than a hillside painted in Autumn colors? Or a winding road with the leaves falling all around? You have such a knack for capturing the essence of the season…color, coziness, gratitude. I fill my well at your blog…thank you!
We’re celebrating this weekend with a surprise 80th birthday party for my Dad. Most of the family was able to come to town and I can’t wait to fill the house with the love and laughter that all those years and all those memories evoke. Color, coziness and gratitude…it’s all there 🙂
xoDebbie
Lovely post Susan. Enjoyed seeing the falling leaves. I was in awe today on my ride about town oohing and aahing at all the colorful trees and thanking my Creator for my sight of such beauty. I’m with you about the ‘ebola’ news. I say the very same thing to everyone who speaks to me about it. Where is everyone’s faith when we need it? Change the channel. Go to Food Network or HGTV, make a cup of tea and put your feet up and sigh. That’s what I do. And it helps to have my trusty, cuddly cat Louie nearby for reassurance that all is well. PS: The veggie noodle maker looks like so much fun!
Dear Susan,
I have been a huge fan of yours for a long time. I have all of your books and a lot of your calendars. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked at your blog and thought you were my long lost twin because we just seem to like all the same things. My husband past away three years ago and your website has become one of my ‘happy places’ , and I just wanted to thank you for all you do.
Oh thank you Kathy, I’m so glad you are here ♥
Thank you for the lovely journey. We avoid the news but always make sure we know what’s expected of us in meeting the news that effects us. Other than that, watching news 24/7 is not our cup of tea. If we did that, we’d need a lot more medication than we are taking now! Sheesh! Hugs to all of you from all of us. It’s raining in the desert, finally. And there’s a new kitten at our house. She has a nose with two streaks of lightning on it. Leaves are turning, time for baking, savoring the changes (not the drama)…..
K I T T E N ! ! ! 🙂
I feel like I’ve had a mental vacation in New England! Your photos of New England are just beautiful Susan. I also really like the rabbits around the candle in the tea cup. It’s so cozy!
Hi Susan!
I adore this posting….The fall is just so outstandingly beautiful.. the colors are enough to take your breath away! I adore the photos of your road trip around MA….Your part of the country is gorgeous this time of year especially. I have always wanted to take a trip back to MA to see the changing colors in the fall. I have been twice..but once in May and another in June..no fall yet!!!! thanks for sharing ……
I can feel the changing of the seasons now.. summer and Indian summer lasted well into October this year…such a blessing…but now the evenings are cooler (which I love) and the days are starting to draw into darkness much earlier….and it also, won’t be too long and we go back to standard time and that really shortens the day….But….but when that happens, out come all my catalogs….garden ones.. but for me, mostly my art supply catalogs…I find myself making lists of the dreams that I want to come true!!!
So much art stuff that I want to try…but I always stick with my watercolors and new brushes, paper and paint…..again it is so fun just to look! Tomorrow, I have to work on an art project….watercolors on gold gesso…it is outstanding…it shimmers and it is really fun to work on…takes a little getting used to but the end result is fantastic! Do you ever have some time just to play and experiment with some of your watercolors? new colors, paper and brushes? So fun….I have just started using Fabriano hot press #140 paper in a block, and I really LOVE it….so smooth the paint just glides……I didn’t mean to ramble on, but I love talking art with other art people…it’s the BEST….So I will say thank you again for your continual commitment of blessing us with your love……love of your girlfriends, your art, your writings, wit and humor…YOU are a blessing to so many ……thank you dah-link! from my island to yours! xoxo
Dearest Susan,
Wanted to say Thankyou ! For your sharing of all things close to your heart. You have enriched my life immeasurably over the years, for which I am so very glad. I hear from your insight, that when we stay true to our hearts’ lead, we will be all right. You feel like part of a larger family to me, you and all the lovely souls who share your enthusiasm for life and all its beauty.
May the very best be yours, now and always.
With love, Dianna
What a pretty thing to read at 5 am Dianna, thank you so much ♥
Dianna…Where’s the “like” button? You summed up exactly how I feel. I can come home from work after a long day, read Susan’s blog or pick up one of her books and get lost in it. Suddenly, all is right with the world again as she reminds us of the things that are really important in life. Blessings to you, Martha Jean
And now I need the “like” button too!
What a warm and comforting post. You’re the best. Thank you, Susan! Got some of your terrific 2015 calendars today from Amazon; more soothing and visual treats for the whole new year!
Beautiful photos ! You have such an eye to capture the beauty . Enjoy your blog so much.
So uplifting and dont we need that in our lives ! I am a nurse by profession. I agree with your point of view on Ebola. The one good thing out of the media frenzy is maybe funding will support a vaccine and eventually help those effected ,especially in Africa where getting help is so difficult.
I am really loving the look of those zuchinni noodles ! I am Italian so this could be the cure to my carb addiction . I always thought if I didnt have pasta I’d starve to death. Not now! 🙂
Thanks for the tip!
Oh and I just have to say How about those Royals ? 😀 come on now have you girls been tuning in? This team you cannot miss tune in for some nail biting baseball! 🙂
Good Saturday Morning from S.C., Susan!
A hot cup of coffee + a new post on my favorite blog = my favorite way to start the weekend! Thank you for this wonderful post…..I still have my daddy’s favorite coffee cup and years later, unknowingly, it turned into my husband’s favorite cup. Instant smile inside every time I see it! These photos of God’s amazing autumn artwork are breathtaking! Thank you for sharing them with us! On my “retirement bucket list” is an autumn trip to New England to see the leaves…..one day! I must ask… what kind of tracks are those running through the cemetery? I, too, turn off the news more and more and turn on an old movie or the Hallmark channel..and even more so, I simply listen to music. The sun is coming up in my neck of the woods and it is a cool morning in SC…finally! Have a wonderful weekend and thank you again for this post! Martha Jean P.S. As I was typing this, one of my Girls jumped up to see what I was doing….I think she wanted a sneak peak at Jack…
~Good Morning~
I too have a veggie spiralizer~ I bought mine several months ago~ it’s a smaller hand held version with 2 different blades ~ did you know you can freeze the pasta too? ~ Perfect timing as today is “National Pasta Day”!
I made Apple Slices last night ~ they are so naughty but I only make them this time of year ~ as long as I’m being naughty I may as well top mine with a scoop of ice~cream right? ~They take longer to make then they usually last so that is a hood thin~ no leftovers!
Now that it has finally stopped raining we can get out and take a walk ~ nothing like being out in nature to take one’s mind off the doom and gloom for a little while ~ like you said Susan ~ Faith~
Good Thing not Hood Thin!~ Doesn’t seem to matter how many times I check my spelling!!
I see your little volunteer plant is working hard to survive …. I think I can see just the beginning of serration’s on the edges of the more mature leaves …….as a suggestion ,
You might mix up a solution of plant food to drizzle down the stem where it emerges …
I am trying not to be too attached since by the time we get back from seeing you, Penelope will be a fond memory at least for this year.
So should she suffer in the meantime ?
More – you named her Penelope , she has become an item of focus on your blog ….. An you won’t give her a little drink ,
provide her with a little sustenance …..
This is for Jack …Jack , aren’t you glad you’re not a little plant?
So don’t get too comfortable — you never know when they are
gonna turn on you ……if a little female plant gets treated like this …., no tellin’ what can happen to a Male Black Cat …on
Halloween :~(
And remember , ” keep her brooms hidden ! ! Best of luck fella….. Oh, and you know all those rubber circles she’s been collecting ? …. I heard she was going to put them all over your body … And use you for a wheelbarrow tire !
I will not be showing this to the Prince of Darkness, my little mustachioed love bug.
Jack, you make me laugh out loud. You are one fast witty guy! I had to get my husband in to read this because I had to share the fun and silliness. Keep on reading and keep on posting – I love it!!
The voice of reason! Love reading yours!
She is not suffering. She’s got the sun in the morning and the moon at night . . .
Good for you Susan. I also noticed the second row of a couple leaves. These ones are the real thing. Will be interesting to see what happens to her while you are gone. When do you leave and come back? With the cool air and a bit of rain, perhaps she will survive. You’ll have to let all of us girlfriends know:)
Ohhhh, I think she will have the lifespan of a Mayfly, but her moments are lovely and well spent with a nice view.
Are you sure you don’t want to transplant her before the frost?…..little Penelope?
I think I would have to take the porch rail across to get her out in one piece! Little Henny Penny.
Hearing from your dad is always such fun!
What a perfect post ! A dose of appreciation, beauty, and common sense. That’s nourishing for both mind and body. You made my morning start with cheer and perspective, and even better, made me look outside and be grateful that I can see and smell all the crunchy, colorful leaves and that wonderful autumn air.
Thank you, Susan !
Susan,
I love that you obviously spoil your kitties rotten! LOL. Jack lapping milk from the countertop is just priceless. A lot of non-cat persons would have a stroke at seeing that, but we cat-people understand that such things are important… I’d still like to know how you manage to take close-up photos of lots of light-colored things and we never see a single cat hair. Are your two “children” too well-bred to shed? They must be!
As for the newsies and the weather — or anything else significant — I understand. Being from Houston, I see it every time a hurricane hits the Gulf; they go into an absolute FRENZY anticipating doom and gloom, and three flakes of snow sends them into spasms of utter apoplexy. It’s hilarious to watch.
As for fall, it’s finally starting to hit Houston; temps in the low 80s and a couple mornings that actually felt somewhat brisk early on. There’s hope!
Sue
I think most of the non-cat people that used to come here have stroked out and are no longer with us because of the relationship I have with my cats! They really don’t shed — or at least I don’t notice it — which is more likely true! Only if they lay in the same place, on the same blanket, day after day for months, then I can tell. And I’m pretty sure there is at least one cat hair painted into every painting I do.
My two tuxedos have turned the fine art of shedding into an exceedingly percise science! If they’re on something light-colored, they place their black fur next to it; if they’re on something dark, they arrange themselves so the white is on it. They’re actually quite talented that way. LOL.
When they set their minds to something kitties are unstoppable!
Oh, Susan! I live with seven house bunnies! Yup! Count em, seven! They definitely do shed. I paint watercolours as a hobby and notice that every finished piece has just a little bunny in it!
Laurie
And I’m sure, being the kind and caring person that you obviously are, you don’t even charge extra for that! 🙂
My Himalayan cat, Sheba, is a long haired beauty that leaves a puff of hair here, a puff there, throughout the house, even though I often brush her. I just pick them up & go on my way. She never gets up on tables. She’s a very polite, mannerly cat. Her little puffs are her way of showing me where she’s been. She adds so much joy to my life. She & Jack (Wired Hair Terrior) love one another. Sheba wants to lie beside Jack sometimes, but Jack doesn’t like that. They sniff one another’s nose each morning when we all awaken. Such adorable creatures. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Oh Susan, you always help me feel better! Showing all of us the details of the beauty of everyday and reminding us trust our own wisdom rather than the TV, it just felt so reassuring to reframe the current ebola crisis. Two weeks ago, we went to Vermont, and I had the same pleasure of seeing the Fall in all of it’s New England glory! There really aren’t enough words to describe it properly. Honestly, I think your art in the Autumn Book brings forth those feelings we get in the Fall. The colors, the sights, the traditions, the smells, the little everyday details we experience that bring us joy are all packaged up in a beautiful book that offers a new experience with every read. Here is my anecdote to the Media Hype: If you have Autumn, turn off the TV and get a cup of tea , or in my case pumpkin spice coffee, and read the book making little notes to self about which recipe or idea you wish to try. If you don’t have Autumn, get same cup of beverage and order one post haste!! In the meantime, review this post and all the posts from October 2013 and select a recipe of decorating idea to do. Like you say, let’s not let the Media steal away these precious glorious days of Fall from our lives. Besides, there are fabulous Apple Ciders to enjoy! Have you seen the Woodchuck Pumpkin Cider? Oh yeh, we are talking fun and delicious!!
Susie Kunze …almost Swoozie Kurtz
Thank you for such a beautiful Fall journey. Your photos capture the essence of this very special season here in New England! I also liked your visit to the Oak Ridge Cemetery. My dad as a granite dealer in Conn. for over 40 years, and as kids, we grew up visiting many of the local cemeteries, including many of the old final resting places in the nearby countryside.
Yay for finding a blog post when I checked my computer this morning! I agree with you about the media! So much better not to listen…. I love the falling leaves too — wish it was easy to capture the whole effect with a camera and show how it looks in real life. October has been beautiful here in the midwest!
Thank you Susan for such a beautiful post. It’s good to be reminded of all the wonderful “little things” in life that we may overlook. The media sure loves hyping stories and yes, we need to be aware but not so much that it takes over our day to day living. If we get caught up in the hype we may miss taking a walk to admire the leaves, a good pot of tea with a dear friend or a meal prepared with love. xoxox
Betsy, I was born & raised in New Castle, PA, where the leaves were so fantastic every fall, up to our ankles when we’d walk on the sidewalk. Are you near there? I’m homesick as I’m writing this. I’m like a Salmon sometimes, wanting to swim back to my home waters. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Happy Fall! I say that only after looking at your lovely pictures, because Fall is not here yet.
I think I can almost smell those leaves and that little leaf on the windshield, sweet picture. Really love the cemetery! I can only imagine how old the cemeteries are in New England. One of the cemeteries in Somerset, PA that I was in was really old, with graves dating back to 1700’s. But the most beautiful cemetery, I have ever seen was in Dayton, Ohio. I believe it is the Woodlawn Cemetery. Many famous people buried there, the Wright brothers, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, the poet, and what makes this cemetery so magnificent are the monuments themselves. They are incredibly ornate. Just a beautiful cemetery.
Thanks for the reality check. I try not to listen to TV news, but even print news has been on the sensational side lately……enough is enough. I think I will go pull weeds in the flowers beds!
Happy Saturday to all!
Chris
Thanks so much….you are so wonderful to share such happy things! I think my girls, Emma and Laura, who are both into cooking would love the vegetable noodle maker thingy…I will put that on our wish list. Fall is wonderful here in PA too! Take Care, love Kathy
Oh, you – always reminding us of where our hearts should be! Cherishing the here & now – gazing out at the marvels of the land – thankful for our families and surroundings. I am still in Newport, WA with the leaves falling from the trees and some still dressed in their brilliant yellow, orange or purple leaves. Can’t get this drama anywhere but the colder climate areas. I so enjoy just gazing at their brilliance! Just yesterday I found the perfect yellow-gold tree and sat for a while just living with it. I have been away from home for so long that I don’t even remember what my house looks like!! Now that is a statement to ponder!! But I love it in my little 3 room cabin nestled in the Inland Northwest. And I am thankful that it is mine! Enjoy and keep up the great work! XXXXOOOO
Thanks for filling up my cup today 🙂 I love reading everyone’s comments; so uplifting! When I heard about ebola, I was very scared. I even told my husband (partly in jest, but partly serious!) that we should think about moving to Italy if it gets bad. Then I reevaluated and realized I was being a whimp. If things got bad, that’s exactly when I should STAY, have courage, and face the storm! But you are right, it’s another media stunt. My baby girl is asleep in her crib, my husband is snoozing underneath our fluffy down comforter, and I’m sipping hot coffee, eating a gooey cinnamon bun and reading your blog. All is well…. <3 Jill
Susan, thank you for your calm, rational comments. I have read your post and feel as you do that so many things are hyped by the media. We certainly miss out on a great bit of living when we get sucked into the panic and fear caused by the news media. With that, my husband and I are going to finish cleaning our windows so we can marvel at the beautiful colors of fall as the leaves drift down into our yard, Guess we’ll be raking very soon!
Great post Sweet Susan! The news media remind me of piranah. They are so ridiculous.
My husband and I just returned from a trip to NYC. It was my first time. What a remarkable place! The Met, The Cloisters, The Frick Museum, the NYC Public Library wow! All the beautiful brownstones decorated for Fall. Amazing food at every turn. We ate at Les Halles, because I harbor a little Bourdain crush, and while the meal was good, the service was awful! But we ate at a place called Peasant in Little Italy, outstanding! You can eat at street level with reservations, or descend a cement flight of stairs to a big, dark, rustic room with communal tables and tons of candles if you don’t have reservations…DELICIOUS and so fun! A dad walking down the street with his little kids suggested it to us. And while I could go on for days about all the magic we saw…I will leave it at this…EATALY! My husband, who is in love with Lidia, was in Heaven. That place is phenominal!!! If you haven’t been there, check it out online!
Enjoy your day!
❌⭕❌⭕,
Tawni Urrutia in Lodi, Ca
BEAUTIFUL blog Susan. It just gave me such a sense of coziness and warmth. I totally agree with your views on Ebola. The media just loves to cause mass hysteria. We need to go on living our lives, use common sense and I’m sure we’ll be fine. I work healthcare. I can assure you we’re all working diligently to take precautions and common sense does seem to be the best defense. (As in just about everything.) “Keep Calm and Carry On” is my motto. By the way, my husband and I were in your neck of the woods two weeks ago. We had such a wonderful time on the island. I walked by your house and it’s just as beautiful as in your blog. I was hoping to catch a glance of you and to say “hi” but I’m sure you were busy writing your new book. (If you saw someone taking pictures outside your house it was just me.) The colors of Fall are just gorgeous here in Maine. We truly are so blessed to live in New England! Have a wonderful weekend.
Love, love, love all your visions of life……………Autumn, pretty china and kitties…………you’ve made a drab day wonderfull !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for the soothing post. Isn’t it wonderful to know that there are so many good people in the world, not to mention the innumerable joys this world has to offer? My favorite couplet and mantra – ‘The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.’
Family reunion on Martha’s Vineyard next summer, can’t wait! Will be my first vacation in New England!
Beautiful New England fall! The first picture of Wallum Lake reminds me of one of my favorite movies, “On Golden Pond”. It’s one of my many reasons, along with Gladys Taber andTasha Tudor, that I love New England (from afar!). Not to mention the beautiful soundtrack. On a separate note, seeing your much loved fur boy, I’m watching the episode of Mr. Ed where big hearted Ed wants Wilbur to buy Christmas gifts for all his horse friends who are in peril of waking up without a visit from Santa (packages of colored hairbands in Jack’s stocking?). Mr. Ed, and a few select other programs, are about all I care to come into my home via television. I would much rather choose the good things to put before my eyes and ears rather than what all the various forms of media wish to blare, including the current mass hysteria for what many down here call “e-boli.” Lastly, thanks for sharing this nifty kitchen discovery! It widens the possibilities beyond spaghetti squash, which is still a yummy favorite. My daughter, Hannah, loves your Iowa cornbread, and it’s definitely on the menus for fall 🙂 There are not enough Octobers in a year!
Such a beautiful autumn! We only have glimpses of such beautiful color here in the Ozarks. I so miss the Appalachian falls of my childhood. Last year though, we had a gorgeous fall here & I am just beginning to see glimpses of it again. I’m hoping it will burst out soon & do a repeat of last year’s performance.
I totally agree with you on the media hype. I only watch the news when there are tornado watches or thunderstorms out here on the edge of tornado alley. I love our common sense weatherman who doesn’t hype the weather but tells it like it is.
I love your noodle maker! How amazing. My husband is diabetic & we have totally cut pasta from our diet(though I indulge occasionally in a small bowl when he’s not home). I really want to try this.
Thank you so much for the “picture tour” of a beautiful New England Fall. It was delightful for an East Texas girl. We will have beautiful autumn colors, but it will be several more weeks. Our area of the state is called the Pineywoods, so we have more beautiful, always green pine trees than anything else. Isn’t it the most wonderful blessing to LOVE the place where you LIVE? I have your sweet little Autumn book (the original) on the table right next to me to re-enjoy this afternoon!
Once again a soothing post full of good common sense and things that matter like kitties, autumn and food and friends 🙂
Hi Susan,
Thank you for sharing with us pictures of fall time in New England. Having come from the midwest, I have never forgotten how gorgeous fall time can be. I am in California and although one can’t beat the mild weather here with its skies that are always blue, I still find myself craving the crisp air, the colorful trees and the smell of fireplaces burning. One of the things I would like to do is visit New England during the fall, never been there. I heard/read that there is somewhere in New England/Vermont a small town that has a big pumpkin festival during this time of year. They supposedly have a huge pumpkin carving contest and the whole town seems to be in on that, how fun is that. That I would like to do. Your pictures have renewed my inspiration to go to New England. I would like to bring my son there, since he has never really, really seen what fall can look like in some of these states.
Have a wonderful fall day.
Silvia
Lots of towns up here do that! You would love it this time of year. It’s as pretty as a picture!
Silvia, I think the pumpkin carving contest you mentioned is in Keene, New Hampshire. I just read about it in Yankee magazine. I haven’t been yet but would love to see it some day. Looks like such fun. Hope you will be able to visit New England soon. There’s nothing like New England in the Fall! Have a great day. Anne
Hi Silvia,
You might be talking about Keene, NH’s pumpkin festival. Its one of the best around and really fun to watch and participate in. They have won many Guinness World Records for most pumpkins lit at the same time however, they did not win this year as they had some complications. You can read about it at pumpkinfestival.org
Thank you, thank you for the info on the pumpkin festivals. I am definitely going to put this on my list of things to do. I don’t know what it is, but there is something somewhat magical about pumpkins this time of year. We have a bunch laying around here in fruit stands and on a clear day their orange goodness seems to make the day even brighter. Thank you for the website on pumpkin festivals, I will have to check this out.
Thank you Susan for sharing with us your pictures of New England. I forgot to mention the one with the leaf floating by is fun… it almost feels like your there on a breezy day.
For Jen Y and all you girlfriends that have had to cut Pasta from your diet because you or a loved one has Diabetes. I use Spaghetti Squash. Wash the outside and cut in half. can’t remember if they have seeds inside but if they do remove the seds, Heat the oven to 350 degrees put about an inch of water in a baking dish place cut side of squash halves face flat side down. in the water, cover with foil and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Take them out and remove foil be careful as the steam is very hot. Let cool for a few minutes then take a fork and scrape the inside of the squash meat into “Spaghetti strings”. It has a wonderful kinda nutty flavor and makes wonderful “Pasta”. My Husband is a diabetic and he says he likes it is better than regular pasta and it does not bring his blood sugar up. Also good for theto get them to eat a vegetable. It keeps well. I just put the leftovers in a plastic bag and refrigerate so we can have Spagehtti again as left overs the next day or two.
I use spaghetti squash all the time too ~ love it, but you are going to like this new noodle Karen . . . it’s more like the real thing — but vegetable!
Susan~~~ I was so happy to get another post this morning. I was just about to get off the computer and thought….. “I’ll just check and see”! Oh, all the pictures of the trees with flying leaves of changing color. How can one NOT love Autumn! Thank you so very much for sharing with us.
The Zucchini noodles sure looked good. A very Autumny food.
I’m on my way for my walk before the wind comes up too much.
Say ‘hi’ to Jack and Girl Kitty.
xoxox,
Carol M
Happy walking Carol!
Susan Branch, I love you “half to pieces” as my daughter says! Clearly I am not alone…look at all the girlfriends you continually bless and unite in love and friendship. And even in our beautiful uniqueness we are all so much alike deep down inside. May every blessing you send our way return to you a thousand fold.
Exactly how I experience it too Julie Ann, well said!
Hi Susan; This is the first time I have commented on your lovely blog. Just wanted to say that I enjoy your blog soooo much, as well as your calendars every year and your wonderful books. I am re-reading A Fine Romance for the 4th time. Love it. Sometimes the words you say sound just like something I have thought, like saying you have to move there just to smell it!! That part of the country calls to me. I probably am not as brave as you to move there but will wish for a “fall” visit sometime. Wanted to ask where you got the adorable bunny on the leaf that is on your porch railing? I’m so surprised I haven’t seen that anyone else asked about him/her. Enjoy your trip out my way (San Bernardino CA) and enjoy your loved ones.
Hi Paula, so nice to meet you! Thank you for all your kind words. I hope you get out to this part of the country one of these days! I’m not sure where I got the bunny on the leaf . . . somewhere on my travels I’m sure. I look for things like him when I go out and about. We have a lovely downtown area here on the island, but it’s small and so when we travel, I usually try to check out all the cute shops on the way. Looking forward to our trip west. Thank you for saying hello.
I love your little Beatrix Potter family with the candle light. They seem to be gathered around like a woodland nativity scene looking for solace and comfort. (When I’m afraid, He’s the one to I look to.) I will be getting out mine from my Easter stash (I think I only have two) and pairing them with my grandmother’s Johnson Bros. teacup as a votive too. Thank you.
So welcome . . . they were my Christmas decorations in the Peter Rabbit room last year.
Beautiful, brilliant Fall !!! Even here in southern California we are having a Fall day with 63 degrees now, big fluffy white clouds and a cool breeze blowing. I had to get my Fall pumpkin fix yesterday with a trip to Trader Joe’s for pumpkin-filled ravioli (for which I made a pumpkin-sage-cream sauce to go over), pumpkin cornbread mix (which I’ll have tonight with homemade cream of celery soup), and pumpkin spice granola —- HELP, I’M TURNING ORANGE!!! Thanks for the voice of reason, Susan and for the beautiful New England Fall colors!
That makes me so happy to hear Marianne — 63 degrees! Wonderful! I’m orange too, all filled up with sweet potato noodles!
Wow, everyone else has already said what I myself wanted to say, so all I can say is “ditto!” I loved your blog post today and if you ever find out where the coffee cup came from, please be so kind as to let us know…You have my curiosity up 🙂
I will do that Brenda . . . we have some super sleuth Girlfriends on this blog . . . I wouldn’t be surprised if one of them discovers the answer!
Susan, I was hoping you would comment on the Ebola issue, and I knew you would have a sensible perspective on it. The media is having a field day with it.
I was thinking of getting one of those veggie spaghetti makers. I am eating lowcarb to keep sugar spike down. How does it taste with the clam sauce or red sauce? Do you miss the real pasta when eating it that way?
I would bet the butter,garlic and parmesan with maybe some red pepper flakes would be delish to try. I really miss my linguine with clam sauce!
Cecelia
I haven’t made it with clam sauce yet, but I have no doubt it would be great! We JUST finished having sweet potato, parsnip, and apple “noodles,” with garlic, butter & oil, s & P, raisins and a handful of fresh cranberries, Parmesan on top. SO delicious. A full meal from only one potato, one small apple, and half a parsnip. Filled up and healthy! Next time I will try a sprinkle of cinnamon.
almost forgot…when is your new book going to be out? Are you writing one for your next trip to England. Hope so!
Cecelia
I’m editing it now . . . but I still need to paint it and write it in my handwriting. I’m hoping it will be done next year, asap! I’ll keep a diary next time we go to the UK and we’ll see if there’s a book in it!
Loved my daughter’s surprise while visiting her on Cape Cod for Canadian Thanksgiving and she took the time to bring me to Tidcomb’s for your book signing. My husband and I had just arrived home from mass and our daughter said “Mom, get in the car….never mind where we are going.” She finally told me and when I saw your Romance on wheels I knew you would be in the store for me to meet.
She told me to get in line and she would peruse the bookstore; however before that she purchased for me your new Autumn book and large calendar. I was in a very happy place and as you said the weather could not have been better and the winding country road to the bookstore was a romance in itself.
You were so kind and gracious as I knew you would be. I was the second from last person you met. I told you I was from Vancouver area. My daughter was with me at the time and took several pictures…I have not seen them as yet!
On our way out there was Joe speaking to the two ladies from the bookstore and I introduced him to my daughter…an extra bonus.
As we were ready to leave my daughter said “mom, I found something I think you would like to have.” It was a tin of Courtship Tea (I had purchased one years ago on a visit to Cape Cod Centerville Historical society)…which is so tasty and cannot get it here. The couple who had the tea blended for themselves as they do talks on the Victorian era and had spoken at the society that eventful day on Traveling in the Victorian era…and their tea was served afterwards with goodies.
What a picture of your tea items between the legs of your kitty waiting for you.
One had to smile at this one.
I put the picture of the stonehouse on your blog as my screensaver and it looks so attactive.
I agree with you 100% regarding the media and their hyping everything to scare people.
Lovely, lovely post and your zuccinni spegetti is a winner for sure. Love all your ‘downhome cooking’.
With a joyful heart,
SO nice to hear from you again Sylvia Faye . . . we did have so much fun at Titcombs! Thank you for coming! Hello to your daughter!
Thank you over and again, for one of your BEST BLOGS, EVER!!!!!!
FAITH! And gumption!
xoxoxo
Thanks, Susan, was feeling a bit depressed with all the news today so reading your common sense words and seeing your wonderful photos have helped immensely!! And the kitty photos — and wisdoms — are always very much welcome too!!! Thanks again!!
It has been way too long since I’ve replied to your wonderful blog! I just stopped and decided to relax and read about your beautiful fall drive! It was windy and chilly here today, but fall is here! I love watching the colors creeping down the mountain in front of my kitchen window! Being a fellow transplant from So. Cal. Fall is my favorite season here! Your pictures of New England Fall are beautiful! I have had the pleasure of visiting friends in Pa. in the fall, and taking a short train ride near Gettysburg. I love your rabbit, Isn’t it fun finding different things in fun little shops? Hugs to you Susan, Joe, Jack, and Girl Kitty and to all the friends
Happy Fall Y’all!
Hi Susan, I agree with you 100% on the Ebola issue. Media hype. I can hardly watch the news anymore. Love the Fall pics. Just starting to turn here in Central PA. Jack and Girl are darling as ever. This is my favorite time of year. Kisses to the Kitties!
A voice of reason in this mad mad world, thank you. Enjoy the rest of this glorious Fall.
Hello Susan,
I am so happy that I got to meet you in Westfied, thank you so much for traveling that far. It was a wonderful day. I treasure my books and recipe box that you signed for me.
Jack and Girl Kitty are so adorable. The autumn scenes are beautiful. We have beautiful foliage right now. I am definitely going to order that zucchini machine, how amazing it must be to make zuchinni noodles, I can’t wait to try it. Thank you so much for all you do for us. We appreciate you more than you know.
I LOVED it Carol! Thank you for being there! The appreciation goes both ways xoxoxo
Oh, Susan. You are the hot chocolate to my good night, sweet dreams to my weary mind. Thank you for your warmth, your sincerity, your faith and gentle reminders of all that is good. Are you really a fairy godmother? How we love you – thank you so much for sharing so much of your lovely soul with us!
XOXO Tamra . . . I’m not as fairy-like as I would LIKE to be! If only! Thank you for those sweet words, they fill me up!
You Fill Us Up, Susan…..and we are ever so Grateful! 🙂
Happy to have you here Bonnie!
Good Morning Susan. As I came down my stairs this morning around 4:30, I thought of you lighting candles and making a cup of tea 🙂 When I stepped outside for a bit to drink in the silence of the morning, I listened in on a conversation between 2 hoot owls. It was so delightful I even joined in 🙂
What a wonderful post! Isn’t Fall just so beautiful! The road less traveled is definitely worth the journey. Your leaf pictures are such a delight. Colorful leaves filling the air, decorating the ground, and the AFR van too! A song from kindergarten came to mind as I scrolled down the screen and discovered more of the landscapes you visited.
Come little leaves said the wind one day
Come oer the meadow with me and play
Put on your dresses of red and gold
Summer is gone and the days are cold
The words are from a Poem by George Cooper.
Have a wonderful Sunday. It’s now 6:00 here and drizzling. The sun is showing no signs of getting up… It’s a perfect day for curling up with a good book. (I can’t wait for your newest one to hit the press!)
XOXO Georgie from NJ
Hi sweetie! Thank you for the sweet little poem. I worked hard on the book today, I love it, what will I do with myself when it’s done?!
Maybe a brief respite, then a return trip to the UK and another book? (Hope springs eternal!) 🙂
Fall is why we live in Maine. It is my favorite time of year. The leaf colors are outstanding this year and I always decorate with pumpkins. We’ve just had a wonderful Indian Summer week but now the temps are dropping. So time to start wearing our lightweight coats while we rake leaves. Thanks for your lovely pictures!
Dear Susan,
Oneofthemostbeautifulblogsever.com!!! Thank you so much once again, for inspiring all the girl and boyfriends who read you….love it all. Kitties look so cuddly and lishus…just want to squish them…and I’m a dog-person!!
I am not sure if any of you would be able to get a playback of a programme we have running here in the UK, called ‘Trust me,I’m a Doctor’?? This last weeks episode was the beginning of a new series where doctors test out ‘theories or ‘old wives’ tales’…. A new study conducted showed ten waiters and waitresses from an Italian restaurant eating a dish of just-cooked pasta..yum! They then took blood samples every so often until the food had been digested. They were then given a dish of cold pasta to eat, and again had to take blood samples. Finally they were given a dish of reheated pasta and had to take blood samples once more. The findings were incredible and although only a small sample of testers i.e. ten peeps, the results were identical. The freshly cooked dish gave everyone a spike in their sugar levels and then a massive drop; the cold pasta did better by not giving such a high rush and a slower release but the real find was from the reheated pasta dish…everyone had a lower ‘high’ and then a slower release of the food, meaning the food took longer to be absorbed and you were fuller for longer! The doctor was amazed and so was the professor who created the test….so pasta, potatoes and other carb-rich foods should not be discounted in our diets…we just need to reheat them. I’m sorry I can’t be ore technical about how it works…but being a bear of little braini easily forget complicated things! So we can have our carbs and eat them!
Btw – looking forward to trying out your veg version of pasta too! Aren’t these easy machines just the best sometimes??
Well, we are amazed here in Blighty, that our October is so warm and the leaves falling and the colours are so spectacular – it gives us good reasons to be thankful and get out there walking our dog which we have just done for an hour and a half…he is now kipping and I am enthralled and inspired with your blog!
Manythanksagain.comx
Karen (Cambridgeshire, England)
x x x
LovetohaveyouhereKaren! Interesting series about the Dr.! Gotta love it! I wonder if it works for toast? Like cool it down and reheat it and now it’s half the glucose? That would be so great! Thank you!
What an amazing post. Every time I read your blog, I feel as though I have just visited with an old friend. (Not literally ‘old’, if you know what I mean…smile) We both love fall, we love colorful leaves falling in the air (your photo was exqusite by the way!) Cemeteries are so beautiful in their own way. They are full of history, our history. That coffee cup has history of its own doesn’t it? I have a little green vase, I have no idea where it came from, other than I always remember it being in my mothers kitchen. I fill it with pretty little wild flowers. Today, I have two volunteer yellow wild violets! (God is good!)
And as far as the news is concerned…once again I totally agree. It’s all about making ‘money’…drawing in the public. We just had an incident like what you were talking about here in our city the other night. “Scare tactic” and for the most part it worked…sad…
I love your new little gadget….what fun! Who wouldn’t love eating their vegetables when they look like that? How I’d love to sit at your table!! smile….
Now then that Jack is way too much fun! Oh, and Girl Kitty, she is so beautiful! Speaking of pets, our dog Rusty turned 10 yesterday, Tom got him a plush yellow ducky…that goes “quack..quack..quack” over and over again! How long do you think it will be, before its retired??
Bless you…
How long? Because Jack is finished with most toys before he even gets them! All except ponytail bands. We got a new dishwasher the other day, our old one finally died a heroes death. We had to pull out the fridge to get the dw installed, and under it was about thirty ponytail bands! His hideout, his stash, we finally found it ~ at least part of it! There are hundreds of ponytail bands stashed somewhere in this house. Sometimes I look around and can’t find even ONE. It never seems possible. Jack! (Say that the way Seinfeld said “Newman.”)
How funny! Yes…Rusty is the same…he is tired of it already! lol Okay now, his toy of choice is an empty 2 liter pop bottle, smashed down. He runs around the house with it…and loves it when he runs across the parkae floor. Lol
LOL! The smashed 2 liter pop bottle! It truly is the little things in life!
That adorable hider. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
🙂 Hilarious! Adorable! Meowzers! Hello Jack! 😉
Gert–I have to tell you that if Rusty’s duck that quacks over and over is like the one we have at our house, it has survived 3 schnauzers, has gone in the washer and dryer several times as I wash their stuffed toys occasionally so they don’t get stinky, and it STILL quacks!!! LOL! Savvy, the current pup in our household, sets it off quacking many times a day and if she doesn’t, Betti does just to get Savvy’s attention to play with her! 🙂
Hi Susan–I loved your blog post, your wise words, and beautiful photos. I refuse to live a fear based life based with all the negative news! Your pictures of Wallum Lake were beautiful. I hope you saw me waving since I live about 20 minutes away! You and Joe were in the Blackstone Valley and I hope you enjoyed your ride–so many gorgeous views everywhere you looked. The leaf colors have been wonderful this year. Sending love and hugs!
Couldn’t have loved it more! You live in a beautiful place!
Just this morning my husband and I were talking about how everything with business is about money anymore so I totally agree with your take on the Ebola. The media is way over the top on that. We are planning to be in the Northeast for fall next year. We have some beautiful fall colors here but I am told there is nothing like the New England States for color. I am so looking forward to seeing all the color. Your pictures are gorgeous. I also love going through the old cemeteries and reading the headstones it makes me think about the people that went before me and what their lives must have been like. When I walked the Freedom Trail in Boston one of the things I enjoyed most was seeing the names from history on some of the headstones.
Me too Judy, wasn’t that amazing!?
Hi Susan, Love the new shredder. Looks to be handy in the kitchen. I like the way you can use it to make potatoes, veggies and more. Would be a great Christmas present I think. I have been doing the same thing you have, getting all the photos I can before the wind whips all the leaves of the trees. The colors here are always so amazing .Each year is always so different. Love this time of year. I took many amazing pictures of lots of different colors of mums the other day at this place that they sell mums. So beautiful ! Crisp and clean smells in the air and the apple pie is in the oven as we speak. Pumpkins gourds, apples, squash,and apple cider warming on the stove with cinnamon sticks. We have it so good here in Maine and all through New England. We are so lucky. Keep on writing those books for us. We love them all. Your corn bread with our maple syrup sounds so good that I think I will make some today also. Thankyou. Take care.
Putting a pie in the oven — and then taking it out — two of my favorite things on earth! xoxo
Hi, Susan! Thank you so much for sharing the wonder of a New England fall with us, and for spreading a bit of much needed common sense. You’re a treasure!
Thank you Terri!
Thank you Susan, Thank you!! I am having a health struggle and am a devoted fan of TCM “jolly” movies. and when I can I read your blogs!!! Bless you!!!
And you Christine . . . we’re on your side, wishing you well, well, well!
A brisk Fall greeting Susan!
First of all, I want to applaud you on your stance regarding the media and what a negative effect it can have on people’s lives. Once I have heard the morning news, I don’t want to hear the same stories glorified throughout the day by various media people. One reader commented on “news in moderation” and that is surely the way to keep informed but not be constantly attacked by every news source out there! Sorry, I do carried away on this subject.
Hasn’t the Fall foliage season in New England been marvelous this year? All your photos from your recent trip to western Mass. have been gorgeous and I loved the ones from the graveyard! The colors are so thrilling to see and even though most of the reds have fallen to the earth around here, there is plenty of vivid yellows, oranges, and greens still left to excite the senses before Mother Nature arrives with those tiny little snowflakes.
How much fun your vegetable noodle maker looks. I just ordered one last week and so it was such a surprise to see your machine and yummy recipes. You’ll have to do a cookbook now on veggies!
All the best to you and Joe and the “gang”. Enjoy the rest of New England’s foliage season while it lasts!
Michele
You too Michele!
My daughter and I just had a brief talk on the phone regarding care for Penelope…that volunteer porch-rail plant. I thought maybe we could try to save it, so while I was on the phone, she went over to it and described where it was. I thought maybe if she just eased it out, she’d get the whole thing and could replant it. She tugged it softly, and, sad to report, it broke off, the root was too tied into the porch rail I guess. I thought she’d be upset, but not my girl, oh no, she said, Dad you know everything around here dies in the winter don’t you? We kind of get used to it! Sounds somewhat heartless to me …she comes by that trait naturally because of how she was raised … As the oldest, and a girl … With four “active” brothers! Here is one week out of Sue’s regular life on a day to day basis: Monday – Jim, her brother, got into a fight — broke his thumb, off to Dr. Polito to put him in a cast. Tuesday – Stephen, another brother, jumps off the roof of the garage with our oiled canvas tarp as a parachute ~ Sue and Mom go back to see Dr. Polito to get a cast. Wednesday – Mom sends Jim (with the cast on his hand because of his thumb) to the mail box … On his way, Jim falls off the top rail of the shortcut fence – broke his other arm – both arms in casts. Dr. Polito asks Mom if she would mind if he got an insurance policy on us with himself as beneficiary. Mom is beside herself. Sue is bathing babies and helping all she can -Thursday – our dog Nipper saw someone out the window — Roar! He runs right through the screen — a streak across the yard into the street and into the spokes and forks of that bicycle. Sue helping to get Nipper’s head out .and so it went. Camping at Refugio at the beach – son Brad broke the same arm doing the same dumb backflips two years in a row … Chuck (other son) fainted walking down the hall at school … broke jaw, wired shut. Sooo as you see Sue is a veteran of many battles with just living her life in the environment where she was born. When it comes to worrying about a random weed she is just plain tough. Weed, you got yourself here, so work it out ……
Never a dull moment! 🙂
Too funny…can definitely see how Sue’s childhood was preparing her for the awesome things she is doing today. Hmmm…maybe there’s some lessons to be learned from this.
Family~Fun! 🙂 Life…Love….Amazing!…. 🙂
…awww…dear susan…sincerely sorry for the loss of “Penelope”…you, though, blessed with that”happy gene” always have a way of making everything alright….”haven’t heard from you in awhile…probably geting ready for your travels on the train… ‘so happy for you !!…at any rate, I was lookin’ at qoutes to incorporate into my clay work and this one made me think of you..”there is no charm equal to tenderness of heart”..by Jane Austen…’thought that would make you smile…with love, as always….
omG…please forgive my mispellings…egadds…
Thank you Mary, it definitely does! Yes, getting ready to go, fixing beds for our Kitty sitters, cleaning house, doing laundry, airing comforters, battening down the hatches. Will almost be winter when we come home!
you and Joe will have a wonderful time !… this Autumn has been simply amazing !.. enjoy and please keep in touch with all of us ! (isn’t it comforting and sooo nice to travel with loved ones ! ) take care and with love, as always…
Hi Susan – I must tell you how much encouragement your post offered me. I truly appreciate your attitude towards the Ebola crisis. Indeed, I believe it is so important for us all to trust the wonderful medical teams that we have to deal with it in the most professional way. That being said; we definitely should use our heads and use caution…..but of course not worry incessantly! Thank you for being a voice of sanity. I absolutely LOVE visiting your blog, and enjoy your perspective on life. Keep them coming!
Thank you Charis!
Susan:
I finally had time to sit down and savor your autumn blog. The tour was lovely. I Never get tired of the fall colors. We will be in a gray and white world soon enough.
Thank you also for your wise words on the EBOLA situation. As an RN I sympathize for those poor nurses. Hospitals do have protocols to follow and they usually work. We saw the same chaos with Aides and HIV. mass hysteria… problem solving…education… return to sanity.
Your Blogs and cookbooks are a very pleasant parts of my days. Thank you Thank you !!
Thanks so much Denise. xoxo and for what you do!
Hi Susan,
I just finished reading this blog. I always feel as if it’s a letter from a sister of mine. You make us all feel like family. Thank you. I live in southern CT now but grew up in Westfield, MA. Did you go to that library for a fundraiser? I spent all of my high school years there pouring over the books and my aunt was the children’s librarian there years ago.
And just when I felt so akin to you, you up and visit a beautiful cemetery! I just love cemeteries, especially old ones. They are definitely a work of art! I lived near one years ago and loved to go for walks there to enjoy the peace. And so much more so in autumn
I did go there for a fundraiser. What a gorgeous lovely old library. All libraries should look like that! xoxo thank you Char!
Susan~ the calendar says Autumn has arrived, but our Indian Summer here on the Central Coast of CA defies cozy pots of soup and stew bubbling on the stove, and our poor brown drought-dry landscape is void of beautifully colored turning leaves. However, 2 of my best friends have birthdays on the same day, and as we gathered for our weekly craft day and birthday celebration in beautiful Cayucos last week, I gave them each your Autumn book. Crafts were delayed, recipes were recited, dreams of Autumn were shared. The birthday girls were thrilled!! I hope they can get to Happy Go Smile next month to meet you! Keeping fingers crossed for some much prayed for rain and cooler weather…keeping the faith that Autumn, indeed, will show her lovely face here this season.
I’m so excited, LOVE Cayucos ~ praying for a bit of fall for you!
✮Good~Evening Sweetest Sue….I Say Amen! & I Agree With You & How The Media Tries To Hypnotize Us Then Scare Us into Insanity 🙁 We All Need To Keep The Faith….Stay Smart & Aware….& Breathe In… Life… Love… Family… & Friends & All These Gifts God has Given Us…. 🙂 Amen! Thank~You Sweet Sue… 🙂 Now As For Your Gift….All These Glorious Autumn Photos Make Me A Very Happy Pumpkin…. 🙂 The Photos Of Jack…Delicious! & Oh My Goodness Girl~Kitty Stretching for Her Sweet Kitty Dreams Nap….Purrrrrrrrrrrrfectly Adorable! 🙂 I Had A Busy Fun Weekend….On Friday It Was My Mom’s Birthday! IRENE….77 Years Young! Yay! We Had A Fun Birthday Party For Her….Balloons… Gifts… Cake… Ice~Cream… Delightful~ 🙂 & On Saturday…We Went To BOKTOBERFEST….In Lake Wales Florida (15 Minutes from Winter Haven) is A Magical Place Called Bok Towers….A Huge Park Filled With Glorious Nature & When You Walk Through The Woods You Feel Like You Are Up North! There Is A Huge Amazing Tower (A True Historical Landmark) Where A Carillon Bell Ringer Will Play Those Bells…..& The Bells Ring Out All Through The Park….You Know There Is A Heaven…..Anyway… Every Year At This Time They Throw The Boktoberfest ….There is German Musica Live German Bands…. Lots Of Bratwurst & Beer & Fun & Frolic There’s A Huge Pumpkin~Patch & Face Painting & A Cute Clown Named Juggles Etc Etc Etc….it Was Wunderbar! Lots Of Dancing & Kids Running & Playing & Me Twirling 😉 I Simply Love October & Autumn….& Halloween is Approaching….I Swear I Saw A Witch Flying Across The Black Velvet Starry Sky Last Night! xoxo Boooooooooo! Thank You For This Blog~Post Sweet Sue & Making Us Feel Joyful & Loved….. 🙂 ✮✮✮✮✮✮✮ P.S. I Love The Spaghetti Maker Thingy! Amazing! 🙂
Tell Irene I said Happy Birthday! xoxo watch out for witches!
Sweet Sue I Shall! & Irene’s Been Watching Out For Witches For Years! lol xoxo Booooooooooooooo! 🙂 😉
Thanks for the beauty and for the uncommon sense!
We returned this afternoon from a two week cruise to Canada and the New England states………your fall leaves rival photos we took of the magnificent color we saw on this trip. Quebec City (tea at the Chateau) reminded me so much of our days living in Germany (architecture)…………Bah Haba, ME was a HUGE favorite for us………..more color and Acadia NP was a BLAZE of beautiful color……tea and popovers was a fav at Jordan’s Pond…………you and Joe definitely live in a beautiful part of the US!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome Home Dee!
Just lovely!! Blessings and love from the hills of TN.