Today, I thought I’d talk about the Heart of the Home . . . which means many things to many people, including me . . . but this is where it all started in my life . . .MUSICA
In the kitchen. We never took photos of my mom’s stove when we were growing up, we had too many other much more interesting subjects . . . but this is one of the rare ones where the stove insisted on being 
in the picture, a photo-bomb so to speak. These are two of my little brothers, Brad on the left and Chuck on the right and the little person in front is my sister Paula. She’s about one, which means I’m about eleven at the time of this photo. I grew up with that stove, learning to cook by helping my mom in our tiny kitchen. This is where my mom and my grandma made Thanksgiving dinner for our big family and where Blogdaddy tasted and approved everything, especially the gravy and the stuffing. He was our own, built-in, Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. (That’s him showing us that if you hold a piece of bread in your mouth when you cut onions, you won’t cry, which didn’t totally solve the problem for me, but it did help; then I learned to hold my breath completely and that helped a little more until of course I had to breathe and then everything went haywire.)
My stove at home, on the other hand, gets photographed every five minutes. Since I learned to cook on one just like it, this stove says H♥ME to me, my kitchen wouldn’t have felt complete without it.
Just like my mom’s, mine is a 1956 O’Keefe and Merritt . . . two ovens, two broilers, four burners and a griddle. Back in 1989, when we moved to this house, we found a refurbished one with all the original parts ~ she’s still going after almost sixty years in service.
Just like my mom’s, my stove is prone to photo bombing too. Here she is, getting in on the action, peeking around the carrot cupcakes . . .
Knowing the power of her lasting beauty, she stands back and confirms the cheesecake, so proud of her accomplishment, as well she should be.
She slides in next to the cheese blintzes we made for a winter breakfast party, trying hard not to take too much credit . . . but finding it difficult.
I mean, hey, after all, I agree . . . when you got it, flaunt it.♥
She’s the Queen of Butter Cookies and she knows it!
She’s back there, warming the kitchen with her magical self, filling it with fragrance of turkey meatloaf making our cup runneth over with gratitude . . .
Spicing the kitchen with chocolate; we come in from the cold to the smell of “after-school” when she and I make brownies together…
And even poking herself between the spiced pecan–making for the holidays. My old stove is the Heart of our Home too . . . she’s been a very good girl.
Because of the way she makes the house smell, she righteously takes center stage in our kitchen . . . the Heart of the Home, where the action is.
But as you can see here, she is not overbearing, doesn’t take up too much space, never says “me, me, me” ~ like all stoves, she’s a giver, quietly motherly and elegantly low-key, passionately nurturing. When our electricity goes out on the island (taking our heating with it), there she is, waiting to be put in service. We close the kitchen doors and cook something by candlelight, heat up the kitchen, make it smell good, and it’s as cozy as can be as the storm rages outside. That’s our stove. ♥
As you have probably noticed in all these photos, she’s also a fantastic display unit for dishtowels, worth her weight in gold in so many more ways than one . . .
Because I love dishtowels . . . they’re decorative; they’re a fun and easy project to make, and they perk things up for the holidays or anytime. She wears them well.
Another reason I love my stove so much is for that shelf up top, not a big thing, but a fun little item to have.
It’s not only cute and adds charm, but it’s handy for potholders at the ready . . .
And gives me one more way to celebrate the seasons as they change . . .
It takes just moments to go from flowery summer to owly fall; I add a couple of snowy trees, and it’s winter . . .
And then, it’s Christmas. I hang my banners there, and see the little snowman in front of the cardboard house on the left . . . we have those houses in our web store . . . they come like a card, you can take them apart and lay them flat. I’m house-crazy year-round, but especially at Christmas.
The stove-shelf can actually lay flat if you want to have the ultra clean look, which for me is almost never; I do like clean, but not “ultra.” Except for when we paint the kitchen, then it’s nice to see it like this. I love the stove-on-stove look ~
So much so, I hunted around and found this little stove in an antique store and it’s now pretty much a permanent part of the stove shelf; good for all seasons.
Hello Kitty. While I decorate my shelf this little guy watches my every move from the top of the fridge . . . Girl sleeps through it all on the back of the couch in the “wood room” ♥
The stove is the first thing I go to in the morning, when the world is hushed, her pilot light burning softly . . .
. . . on windy days and chilly fall mornings, she warms up the tea kettle . . . my footsteps are the only noise, I take my cup through the house to my studio and start the day . . .
. . .The sun comes up and casts long shadows, lighting the stove with rays cutting through the trees out back . . .
Yes, all this is good. But cute is never really enough, is it? The bottom line is, is she practical? That is the question. Cute + Practical = Please come live in my house. Despite practical shelf and dishtowel display, can she cook? Oh yeah, she can cook.
What better time of year to celebrate the little-white-stove-that-could than Thanksgiving? She’s the gift that keeps on giving, like this most delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake. If you’ve never made this, try it this year, you will be so happy you did! It’s really easy. I promise! It’s in the Autumn Book, but click on the name ↑, it’s there too.
And so’s he, by the way, the gift that keeps on giving. ♥ This is Joe pouring off the juices from the turkey so I can make the gravy, the famous (at least in our family) gravy my grandma made . . . Here’s a little tip for . . .
Joe and I are away from the Island, in Arizona now, visiting with my darling Blogdaddy (the Daddio that leaves so many interesting comments in our “comment section”) and his wonderful wife Jeanie. We’re making this gravy (I don’t have the recipe here to put up ~ traveling as we are makes it difficult, I’ll ask Kellee if she can put it on Facebook for you. If you have the Autumn Book, the recipe for the gravy and lots of other things is in there) for Dad and Jeanie tomorrow night, with all the fixings, and then next week, we’re going back to California to do the same thing with my mom. We are the bread dryingest people you know right now . . . getting ready to make my Grandma’s Stuffing everywhere we go, like this . . .
My grandma’s turkey stuffing is easy, it’s made the old-fashioned way with air-dried bread . . . takes about three days for it to dry properly. When I’m at home, I use my ironing board to lay out the bread in the pantry, so I can close the door, no kitties allowed . . . I think we may have it laid out all over our luggage in the back of the car on this trip! Where there’s a will, there’s a way . . .
Because we can’t have Thanksgiving without this . . . it doesn’t matter where we are.
Here I am rubbing the sage to drop it into the bread, now mixed with melted butter, sauteed onions, and celery . . . it’s just one of the things we are thankful for, it 
says Mom, it says Grandma, it even says Great Grandma. Traditions are so important, they make the world a saner place. Old ones are especially wonderful, so if you don’t have them, remember you can start now and do something the same way every year, and someday, your traditions will be as old and revered as our Grandma’s Turkey Stuffing. You’ll be able to carry them with you no matter where you go, and make home in any environment. As you can see, the littlest things can have the greatest meaning. Connecting your traditions with the five senses, such as warmth and fragrance, makes them even better. Throw in some MUSICA and a bit of heart and you have foreverness.
We’ll make our favorite cranberry sauce too . . . if you have my calendar, you’ll find this recipe hanging on your wall right now! 
Don’t forget to make extra so you can make delicious Christmas Jam with it ~ that recipe is on your wall too!
You put this on buttered toast or biscuits and your taste buds go to the moon, and you get to go along for the ride.
So yes, that old stove is the practical of the practical, she’s been bringing people together for a very long time. Still going strong, born about the same time Norman Rockwell painted this lovely picture . . . look at the eye of the man in the lower corner. I think that’s Norman Rockwell . . . Is he happy, or what?
Touch hands Girlfriends . . .
“Ah friends, dear friends, as years go by, and heads grow gray, how fast the guests do go. Touch hands, touch hands with those that stay; strong hands to weak, old hands to young, around the Christmas board, touch hands.” ♥ James Patrick Erdman
♥ XOXO ♥
Wonderful post especially while you are traveling. We should all be like your stove, as you are, “she’s a giver, quietly motherly and elegantly low key, passionately nurturing.” Perfectly said. Best to Blog Daddy’s recovery. Enjoy your time with your family. Happy Turkey Day!
You too Kathy and George!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe, Susan! I am thankful for you, and all of your wonderful pictures, recipes, and inspiration!
Love, love, love the stove. I think the best things in life must have character and this stove definitely has it. Thanks for reminding me the pumpkin cheesecake recipe is in Autumn, I have been craving some and the book is right on the coffee table!
May you have a fabulous Thanksgiving and may your blessings continue to multiply.
uh oh! I think Thanksgiving crept up on me this year ~ not living Stateside I always have to be careful not to miss it, as I do my own, lil’ ol’ me celebration all the way Across The Pond ~~~
It goes without saying, the old ones are the best ~ my cousin’s twin tub washing machine is over 50 years old and still going, and her Kenwood is one of the very first ones made! Still going strong! I think we can say they don’t build ’em like they used to! Did you know I named my Kitchenaid “Emily”?
I love stuffing. I love stuffing sandwiches! Now, there’s a sandwich if you like your bread! With lashings of Branston Pickle and home made pickled onions on the side.
I guess you won’t be writing here before Thanksgiving, so I’ll wish you and Joe, and all your family, a Happy Thanksgiving Day ~ and I’ll raise a glass as I sit down to my vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner!
~~~waving~~~ from Across the Pond ~~~ Debs in Wales xoxo
I like cranberry sauce with my stuffing sandwich . . . carbohydrate heaven! Happy Thanksgiving Debs!
Stuffing sandwich, with cranberry sauce, YUM! I’ll have to add that one to go along with my usual turkey, cream cheese, cranberry sauce, mayo and lettuce on a Croissant. Love, love, love all the Thanksgiving leftover possibilities. And elastic waistbands. Happy Thanksgiving to you in Wales, Debs and to you Susan and Joe!
I like the croissant idea. I can’t get enough cran with my turkey.
Be still my heart! Stuffing sandwiches? Where have I been all my life? I have never heard of such a gastronomic wonder until now! A new tradition is born! Stuffing sandwiches! 😀
Oh yeah. 🙂
Stuffing Sandwiches are special occasion sandwiches only ~ but I do so love them and it is a Christmas Day and Boxing Day tradition in our house! My top choice is nut roast {as a vegetarian that is my turkey or ham option} and stuffing sandwich ~ oh, boy, this is making me very hungry now!
~~~waving~~~
Don’t worry, Sara…. I have never heard of a stuffing sandwich either. I bet it’s good!!!
Oh Sweet Sue I have missed you so! What a wonderful homey post. Thank you, thank you for the joy that you bring. Your timing is always perfect, just when I am in a funk I pop on the computer, hear that sweet little bird chirping and see a new post and I feel almost giddy! I wanted to tell you that You inspired my 24 year old daughter to take a train ride. He boyfriend goes to College at Northwestern in Chicago. She read your blog and said, “If Susan can do than I can too!” She didn’t go on the sleeper car, just the regular passenger car. She left at 7:30 in the evening and arrived (a little late) at around noon the next day. Such a brave thing for her to do, I think. I wouldn’t have had the courage at her age to try. Have a wonderful thanksgiving and I wish you, Joe, Your Mom, Blog daddy and kitties Health and Happiness. Thanks again, Mary in up-state NY : )
I’ve done one trip sleeping overnight . . . it was a lot like camping!
Such a homey and cozy blog post, Girlfriend! Have you seen “All About the Baste”? It’s pretty cute. youtube.com/watch?v=XWe4GpTaO8I HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Connie B
I jumped on over to youtube and watched this—soo cute! Thanks for sharing Connie B.
That video is hilarious and darling!! What a fun family!
Susan once again you have graced us with a heart-warming blog! I absolutely adore your stove and wish I had one just like it! I can remember my Mom’s old stove when I was growing up. It was all rounded corners and black knobs and so sturdy. A stove is like the tools you use when cooking, you must have the correct tools, makes it easier and more enjoyable and recipes turn out right, so you must have a great stove!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful stove, she really is quite the celebrity, but takes it all in stride with grace. Get well wishes to your Dad and have I hope that you and Joe enjoy wonderful Thanksgiving(s) with all of your family!!
Blessings to you and yours,
Candice
Your stove is quite a girl! I’m pretty sure I grew up with her twin.
I love your kitchen! Even though I didn’t grow up with one like that, we are nearly the same age, so I can relate to the same ‘nostalgia’ you do. More than the (fabulous) stove, I have noticed your steel-edged countertops. I had those in my first house. When I watch those ‘shopping for a house’ shows on TV, it drives me crazy that no matter how nice the kitchen…..the wife always says ‘it’s all gotta go’ – they must have granite counters and stainless appliances! I muuuuuuuch prefer a house and kitchen with warmth and character, inviting and cozy!
Those kitchens will be as marked someday as the one my mom had later on with the avocado fridge and stove . . . they tell the story of their time, as does my old white one. The great thing is, we have lots to choose from!
Happy Thanksgiving Susan to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your warm, homey memories.
Thanks for thinking of us on your travels! Happy Thanksgiving!
Love the hands quote! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Dear, dear Susan! What an amazing post this is! You have brought forth many memories of your life with that stove – and the one like it as you were growing at home. Yes, both recipes are hanging on my wall right now. I’m getting anxious to enjoy them as we have our family together here next week.
May love, joy, and peace surround you and your family during this time – and ALL the time!
Hugs,
Nellie
You too Nellie!
Happy thanksgiving, Susan. We had a big old Chambers stove when I was growing up. It had a deep well – sort of a forerunner to crockpots – where my mom made soup and beef stew and other dishes we slow cook today. I remember her using the little space above the pilot light to warm up the oil she would put in my ears when I had an earache. That old stove made the best meals – she left it when my parents sold their old bungalow in Chicago. Now I have a Maytag – it’s not the same but it does cook well.
Nice warm memories. xo
Oh I just LOVE this!!!!! I thought you were going to end this post by saying you wanted to give me your stove, but you must have forgotten to write that part 🙂
LOL heh heh heh, no, but it was a very good thought. xoxo
Oh Susan, this must be my favorite post! It reminds me of my Grandmother’s and her sister’s stoves. Oh the magic they used to make for holidays and family get togethers from lasagna and eggplant parmesan to big turkeys, golden cakes, and Christmas cookies.
I have an electric stove, and though she tries her best, she often burns or under cooks. She could do a lot of damage in just 2 minutes! Oh well, I better stop talking about her, or she’ll take revenge on my Thanksgiving pies!
Wishing a wonderful Thanksgiving to you, a kindred spirit, and to all those you love!
shhhhhh! 🙂
Thank you for this post! I too have a 1950s OKeefe& Merrit stove and she is the center piece of our kitchen and in fact our home. Ours is a 6 burner with 2 ovens with glass doors and 2 broilers. i also decorate the top shelf. I am a rescuer of senior chihuahuas from the high kill Los Angeles shelters so my favorite decoration are my chihuahua salt and pepper shakers.
Not only have we had wonderful meals from our beautiful stove but it warms the kitchen and makes the room so cozy. Our dogs are often at our feet while we cook, keeping warm by the stove. Ive also made many homemade meals on the stovetop for sick and neglected dogs we’ve taken in. I wouldnt trade that old stove for anything!
Wob you for saving the dogs. xoxoxooxox
Happy Thanksgiving Susan and Joe! Being with your family and sharing not one but two (tired just thinking about that 🙂 ) Thanksgiving dinners filled with tradition and memories makes up, and then some, for being off Island! Hoping for a return Twitter train journey with you in December……already imagining the snow views from the train Windows 🙂
I’ll do it Helen!
Susan, I adore the stove. Reminds me of one I had for 40 years. I have yet to find another like it. You certainly have cook many wonderful things with your fabulous stove. Blessings to you and Joe for a wonderful thanksgiving. xoxo,Susie
To you too Susie!
I love the cranberry dish – i haven’t seen that piece. Thank you for a wonderful blog…..
Happy Thanksgiving to you all — and Susan, Joe, and Blogdaddy! How anyone can get through the holiday without Grandma’s stuffing and a kitchen full of drying bread?? I preach the gospel of real stuffing to all my peeps this time of year, begging them to forget Stovetop and Mrs. Cubbins and Pepperidge Farm. Open Susan’s Fall book — get the recipe and try it! You’ll never go back, and your kids will grow up loving it and will never want to go to the in-laws for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s that powerful. Just sayin’. 🙂
LOL, don’t I know it. Oh, the complaints if someone doesn’t get it one year!
Beautiful post….like a Hallmark moment. Miss my old beauty stove…loved that shelf too.
Have a wonderful holiday! <3
ingela
Thanks again Susan for such a wonderful blog. How I wish I had a stove like yours! 2 ovens are practically a necessity when cooking Thanksgiving dinner for family. Enjoy your holidays with your family and that little honey of a stove will await your return home. Thank you for your inspiration!
Spontaneity: it’s a good thing! Wishing you and yours a joyful and blessed extended time together. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Trails …
Sharon in Alabama
Have become totally addicted to your blog — so glad to see it this morning! Your words always lift me up and ground me at the same time. Me and my three kitties say thank you and happy Thanksgiving to you and yours (kitties and all).
Hello and Meeow back to you and yours!
Susan, what a gift you have to take something simple like your stove and make a lyrical essay, that is charming and inspiring. Makes me want to stop right now and make some stuffing and cranberry sauce! And to think you have that wonderful kitchen waiting for you to return and do this all over again for Christmas! Life is good!! I made the jam last year for gifts. It came out great! I may do that again. Tradition?! I think I’ll try the pumpkin cheesecake. It sounds delish! Happy travels, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING both times! xo
Ahhh, you gave me a sweet respite from my day! I love those old stoves too. We had one similar when we first married.
Thanksgiving blessings to you and yours, Susan.
Thank you for this wonderful post! I love the tribute to your stove and if I had a similar, wildly talented stove, I would do the same! Happy Thanksgiving! Safe Travels!
LOL, wildly talented!
Thank you for bringing back special memories for me. Your kitchen and stove reminds me of my mom and her wonderful homemade recipes she cooked for us. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving
Oh, how I love that stove! Your “stove on stove” photo spurs me to look for a little kid’s model. I am a miniaturist, and my favorite kind of room to do is a kitchen — a little kiddie stove like yours is a bigger scale but a perfect one! Ebay, here I come. I need that specialness in my big-girl kitchen.
I’ve often seen the kids stove I pictured in this post . . . it’s sitting on top of the big one . . . I’m sure you can find one, when I do, I usually put it in the Vintage section of our web store.
Thank you for the delightful blog ! Your stove is my favorite thing of yours—& seeing her in action —-cozy , beautiful & your right it really does say HOME . I am so happy for you & your family that your changed plans & are spending more time with them. Time is something we can’t get back. Happy Thanksgiving !
How right you are Pat ~ !
Hello Susan! Oh, who knew I could get emotional reading about a stove? It warmed my heart. (Pun intended.) I hope your dad is feeling much better and that you enjoy your family time. It looks and feels like winter here in Indiana – better get my own stove warmed up. <3
You are so cute, I love your stove too, wish I had a little shelf to decorate. I like looking each season (or whenever) to see what you set up there. You’re not just cute, you are so uplifting as many others have commented. I am telling you without question you have touched my heart and soul many, many times. Thank you so much for what you do. Have a lovely Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Not just cute, but practical? My prayer. xoxo
What a beautiful tribute you have given to a faithful old friend! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
I always love your posts!! I love the wonderful ideas than you give and the food!! I miss living in New England. Love the pictures that bring back New England to me!! My hubby took me to cape cod for our 5th anniversary, I fell so in with it.
Happy Holidays to you and your family! Susan Cowles
Of all the times of the year, this is the very dearest and best to me to do all those warm and loving and homey things that make memories and bring memories back to life – whether it’s decorating, looking at photos, music, family celebrations (with food of course!) – it brings tears of joy and an aching heart for all God’s goodness and grace to us. This is the first year that I have my mom living with me here in Virginia. She has mild to moderate dementia, and all those very tactile activities and memories of family and times past things to do really do bring out her very best side. So good! And thanks to you because your posts always lift my spirits and bring on the joy and sunshine ♥ Thank you for such a wonderful post! Enjoy your visit with Blog Daddy and your Thanksgiving. You are blessed, and we are blessed – touch hands, touch hands… ♥
just popping in to wish you Susan, Joe and family and all the girlfriends and their families a very Happy Thanksgiving. I’m already baking away at pies, breads and on Thanksgiving will be baking fresh rolls for the dinner, plus have to get all the sides done, cooked and in the fridge for the holiday, then reheat while the bird is out on the BBQ. we do that to free up the oven for the dishes to be reheated, and finish off the pies while we eat. I have a small stove so it takes some planning to pull off Thanksgiving. anyway I hope Blog daddy is doing well and recovering nicely. have a safe trip back and Hapy Thanksgiving everyone. hugs…. 🙂
Great post and much appreciated considering your own current family activities. I especially loved the changing dishtowel display – my fave is the wild eyed floppy eared bunny on the breakfast feast laden stove 🙂
I swear, I can almost smell all great dishes you have shared in your lovely montage. I am inspired! Wishing you and your family members – and all the girlfriends – a very Happy Thanksgiving.
I love, love, love your “everything”! Imagine, an ode to a stove. I’ll be sending strong, healthy thoughts out for your dad. Enjoy your trip. Stuffing – air drying the bread!!! I do that very thing … it’s a must! Imagine that, being like you 🙂
That’s the thing, we’re all so much alike, so much in common, love of the same things is so obvious. xoxo
Just wanted to say thank you for the cranberry sauce recipe (the one where you just put the cranberries in the oven with sugar). I made it last Sunday for an early Thanksgiving lunch and it was the bomb! Tasted so fresh and oh the tart and sweet flavor. Definitely will try the jam made with it. Happy Turkey Day to you and all your family!!
I agree, it is absolutely the bomb! xoxo
Such a lovely post today, dear Susan. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! I know you are going to enjoy two Thanksgivings with your family. How wonderful! You are a good daughter! xoxo ♥
I am a lucky daughter. xoxo
Love, love, LOVE the new blog post!!! My stove says “Hi” to your’s!!! We are hosting Thanksgiving and this is when we are especially grateful for our new-old stove (we’ve had her since 2008) and her TWO ovens! As always, Charlie will take the helm and bake the pies, cook the turkey and tell me “Why don’t you just sit over there (pointing to the other side of the kitchen island) and I’ll pour you a glass of wine?” My job is basically to set the table, deciding on the linens, dishes, serving dishes, glassware and keep up with the clean-up as he cooks. Then, I pop in Miracle on 34th Street to watch while we are in the kitchen being busy! Oh, I do make you wonderful cranberries! Wishing you a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving! xoxoxox peg
We got it all, just like Bogie and Bacall . . . 🙂
Susan.
What a great post. My kitchen is where everyone gathers also….I love it and my double Wall Oven and my six burner stove. Did not know how small it was until I was watching a re-modeling show that showed a Kitchen just like mine. WOW….I was so surprised to find out that my Kitchen was small. HHHMMMMM what a wonderful WORLD I LIVE IN…I STILL HAVE THE SAME KITCHEN AND JUST LOVE IT. hahahaha
Now I must thank you for such a wonderful surprise I received from you……I was not able to make it to Cayucos…but my girlfriend from High school who lives there….. DID GO TO SEE YOU!!!! You might remember her…. she gave you some of her great tomatoes ….that I blogged about not to long ago. Well about
Three days after the book signing I received a box…..I gasped with such SURPRISE…the first thing I saw was a picture of my friend Melinda and YOU.
She bought (another) book for me and some oven mitts and you signed them all to me. I WAS SO HAPPY AND EXCITED I CALLED HER RIGHT AWAY AND WE TALKED ALL ABOUT THE EVENT. She said (which I already know for I met you last year In SLO) What a wonderful person you are and that you treat everyone like they were their most important one there right now. And even though the line was long… you rushed no one and listened to everyone with a sincere heart. Thanks again for all of your love and kindness and YOUR BEAUTIFUL AND HUGE HEART AND YOUR SOUL THAT TOUCHES SO MANY OF US…even when we are not there. Love, Susan P.
Ohhh Susan, I remember your friend well, remember signing the oven mitts and book and the way she was planning your surprise ~ and her tomatoes were DELICIOUS! Next time, I hope you’ll come together!
We had a similar stove in our home growing up – what fond memories. A different T-day for me this year – with cousins on horse farm in Texas. This California girl may need to buy a coat! Also, Susan, met up with my Boston cousin in Long Beach last week for dinner – decided to spend night on Queen Mary – that was an experience. Now itching to make the crossing that you took us on so beautifully to England and beyond. Would love to visit WALES since it is in my heritage.
I love to listen to dreamers dream! xoxo
Hi Susan
Another wonderful blog post. So perfect for this time of the year with the holidays coming. I just adore your stove. If I ever came across a beauty like that I would scoop it up in a minute. Love all the photoes of it.
Hope your daddy is doing better. Enjoy him and the rest of your family you are vistiting
deezie
Ah, sweet nostalgia! I do so appreciate your timely quotes. Where do you keep them all? Your sweet post had my eyes leaking, in a good way. As a single woman, I do not dwell on that, but have made my own traditions. If I’m not working on Thanksgiving Day, I fix my own big brunch, and begin decorating for Christmas, with candles lit, and Musica. (Our family get-together,which has it’s own traditions, is the Saturday after.) Dressing is important to Thanksgiving. I raise sage and rosemary to add that distinct fall flavor. I also like to use leftover biscuits and cornbread. But enough about my traditions. I stopped by to tell you how thankful I am for the joy you and yours bring to our lives. May you have a blessed time with your families.
You are an inspiration Chrissy . . . not everyone is surrounded by loving family during the holidays, it’s hard for many, but your way of keeping it special is wonderful. Thank you for sharing!
In our family the turkey is just a vehicle for the YUMMY……STUFFING !
It is a Winter Wonderland already in Cambridge Ontario Canada…..big puffy
snowflakes are falling as I type this.
Thank you so much Susan for your lovely post today !
Thank you for that! I absolutely love that stove. Reminds me of my Grandma Grasso’s stove. She passed away before I was born but that stove stayed in their home even after it was sold. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! I love this blog post that reminds us of the coziness of home while reminding us of memories long past, but not forgotten. Blessings to you and Joe!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and also all the girlfriends out there. I wish I loved my stove as much as you love your’s. She doesn’t have the kind of character your’s does although she is reliable. I only wish she had handles to hang stuff on and a shelf so I could dress her up and make her happier looking. Next stove……….
Reliable counts for so much!
Susan
Thanks again for a delicious blog. The pictures left me drooling (Pictures of the food as well as the stove.) It brought back lots of memories of Childhood holidays. So different now that parents are gone.
It has to be a loss that never goes away, with cherished memories forever.
“Heart of the Home” and that drawing of the house with the heart inside is what attracted me to your art all those years ago. I took and take my “job” very seriously, to put the heart in the home. In a difficult time in my life some 15+ years ago, YOUR art, calendars, supplies, etc. reminded me of the importance of my “job”.
Enjoy Thanksgiving with your families Girlfriends!!!
Most important job there is. The heart that’s in the home. xoxo
Almost forgot…my grandmother had an electric stove that looked very much like yours. The girlfriend I met in Ocean Beach had a house built in 1925, remodeled in the 50s, and she kept the stove when she remodeled the kitchen! She had a black and white checkerboard floor (you would have loved it!), my grandmother’s “new” floor was a red and white checkerboard.
Dear Susan.. What a lovely blog today! You are SO RIGHT about having family traditions! In the 45 years we have been married, our own homemade traditions have evolved as our lives have changed. Now that we are in our retirement, we enjoy sharing old and new ways of celebrating. Dealing with cancer gives me a whole new outlook on all of life’s celebrations! I find each day that is reasonable, a reason to celebrate! Learned from my younger sister when she was dying from cancer a couple years ago. She is my spirit guide. You are my ” focus on now” guide! Thank you for making my days bright!
Blessings on you dear Mary Pat, your spirit is beautiful, we might have to thank your sister for a bit of that. XOXO
You are so right, Susan! She was a true guide for me, even though I am older! Happy Thanksgiving and safe traveling back here to Massachusetts!
Oh Susan I love your stove, I bet you talk to her and she answers. My Mom’s family all had farms in Iowa and I am so sure they had stoves so similar to the one you have. My Aunt Hazel taught Food in High School and she had a stove just like yours, so homey, so many stories to be told.
Happy Thanksgicing to you and your family, Susan.
Cindy from the OC
How I loved my Homemaking teachers in school!
Hi Susan, I loved Home Ec class, too. I used to come home and make for dinner whatever we had cooked in class. Half the class cooked and the other half set the table and cleaned up. We took turns. It was such fun. Do they still teach Home Economics. Oh, and we learned to sew, too. First project was an apron. Happy Thanksgiving my American friends and prayers to Buffalo as they battle Mother Nature.
Was all exactly the same for me!
Love reading about your heart of your home and visiting your wonderfully inviting kitchen! My mom was the heart of our home! I miss going to her & Dad’s house for Thanksgiving! She is in Heaven now…Dad is in a Veteran’s home now. So I’m learning to be the heart, hopefully! Enjoy your family! Happy Thanksgiving!
Yes, in the spirit of “carry on” you have your work cut out for you Brenda! xoxo
OMG! Only you, Susan Branch, can write a story about your stove, with pictures from every angle, every season and make your girlfriends love it!!!! Love, Love, Love It!!!! This blog has absolutely made my day and I want to wish you, Joe, and your family a Happy Thanksgiving…..hope BlogDaddy is feeling better and safe travels back to New England. xoxo
Thank you Ann dear!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe, Susan! On Wednesday we pack up as much as we can get in a Buick Enclave and along with the three little kittens we are leaving our beautiful home (now for sale) in Virginia and headed to Texas, land of our birth! We are ready to start the next chapter in our book…the next jog in the journey. My beloved and his new lung are doing so well so as we arrive in Houston on Thanksgiving Day we have so much for which to give thanks!! Can’t wait to get started on decorating my new home there. I’m taking the heart of my home with me so that should be easy! XOXO, Willa
So much gratitude Willa! xoxo
Hi Susan,
Such a warm, nostalgic post about where we all spend so much time: in the kitchen. That’s where all the family crowds in at gatherings, no matter how small it is. Just celebrated my husband’s 75th birthday. We bought his parents’ house years ago and carry on their spirit. Love all the traditions, like adding one rutabaga to the Thanksgiving mashed potatoes. The grandkids go right to the hall drawer, where my mother-in-law kept special toys. Thank you for all the light, color and warmth you share. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
PS. I, unexpectedly shared the elevator with you, at the hotel, while going down to early breakfast, during the Gladys Taber weekend ! What a serendipity!
Oh yes! Hello Rosemary!
I love you stove to. When you share pictures of your kitchen I see it and know your in your own kitchen. Our houses are truly our homes! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I’m truly grateful for all the reminders from you to continue to make my house the homiest! God Bless you, Joe and those adorable kitty’s.
Hello Susan~I so enjoyed reading your Thanksgiving blog…as I watch still more snow fall outside my window on the shore of Little Traverse Bay in northern Michigan…we have been getting lake effect snow bands since last Saturday and have several feet of beautiful white snow on the ground…nothing like Buffalo…thank goodness!!! I hope our blog daddy is feeling better and I’m so glad you are spending Thanksgiving with your mom and dad this year…enjoy every minute…we are going to our daughter and son-in-law’s home this year for Thanksgiving…I am taking my dear mother’s cranberry sauce…still missing her after she went to heaven last August…this will be the first holiday season without her…trying to put on a brave face and be thankful for her 91 years…I am thinking we may be going to Arizona~lovelovelove that state~for a while next winter…we were there for a while last winter and enjoyed the warm days and sunshine…have a wonderful Thanksgiving…I am thankful for Y~O~U…xoxo…
Blessings on you and yours Rae Ann. xoxo
Susan & Joe, may God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving!!! Susan, as always, you brighten my heart with your wonderful memories and recipes. Thank you!!! Donna (Idaho)
Dear Susan, thank you soooo much for taking time for us Girlfriends and giving us such a lovely post! I was lucky to get your Autumn book and A fine Romance book when you were in Santa Barbara, they go with me everywhere! My home right now smells wonderful,in the oven,Spice Pecans! My dream finally came true,waiting to take her place in the Heart of my home, my own O’Keefe and Merrit stove!! If I could, I would go up and down my street dancing with joy,but probably would be a bit scary so I’ll just do it inside! You see so many people in your travels and hard to remember everyone, but for my husband and I was a joy to meet you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your lovely family. XOXOXOXOX.
You are so sweet to write Patricia! xoxo
Heartfelt warmth coming from you, thank you. Love the pictures of your stove, wonderful memories.
Forgot to mention earlier in my comment, it’s so nice to see you on Instagram!
I need more time so I can be better at it . . . I love it already!
How absolutely silly I am – as I read about your wonderful vintage stove, it brought to mind (and heart) my vintage stove and then tears of joy came to my eyes! What IS with that???? I have a Wedgewood Holly (approx. 1946) and there was a time that I used it. It was a necessity because my stove (wall) took a dump, so I decided to see if the old girl would do the trick. Of course she did! I think the tears are because I have a newer stove that I am using in the house we moved into some time ago. But I kept the old girl and she sits where I can see her and holds pics of family & treasures in my dining area. I have tried to “release” her to someone else over the years – but always go back to keeping her because she is part of the family. I wonder if she still works?? Perhaps I need to see. And then there is the info on Thanksgiving. Funny you should bring that up because our family is now so spread out and we it is difficult to get to all of the kids, let alone bring them all together. My last child just moved to the Bay area and is lamenting the inability to have huge Thanksgiving time with ALL the family. It brought to mind that Thanksgiving is not just about FOOD or being within reach of each other. Whether it is hamburgers, picnics, or a small dinner at home, it is time to consider what our family means to each of us. I think I am going to send personal messages to all of my family to let them know how grateful I am for their love and presence in my life. And by “send” I mean through the mail, not on the computer. HOWEVER, to all of the BFFs, I send gratitude for your friendship and sharing of life AND to YOU, my BFF Susan, gratitude for opening up the world for me and inviting me into yours. Have a fabulous time with your family – CELEBRATE!! And that is the name of the game BFFs…. CELEBRATE LIFE AND THOSE WITHIN IT!! XXXXOOOO
XOXO Pat!
thank you Pat, that is what Thanksgiving is all about. its not just the food, its having the family gather to celebrate and give thanks for all the wonderful things given over the year. its for sending out that love to those that cannot be there, but wish they could and for remembering those that are no longer with us, but with us in spirit. Happy Thanksgiving Pat, Susan and all the girlfriends, may you all have a wonderful, blessed and loving Thanksgiving this year. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. hugs…. 🙂
I am so envious of your love of your stove that you could write this beautiful post. I am waiting for mine to die so I can replace it with something a little better looking. Happy Thanksgiving! How is your Dad doing?
Better every day!
I too have the same Ho Ho Ho mugs–love love love this time of year.
Only you could do a whole post about your stove and make her seem alive and leaving us all yearning for one just like her! It was lovely and I loved every word and picture. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and soak up every ray of sunshine that you can before you return to the island.
That is precisely what we are doing. Filling up that yellow gold well inside us with this amazing light!
I love your stove, and would like to have one like it. Thank you for sharing it with us. How is your Dad? Good, I trust. Happy Thanksgiving from the prairie 🙂
He’s getting there. He has an excellent appetite! 🙂 Stronger every day.
Glad to hear your Dad is feeling stronger everyday. I’ve been wondering how he was and keeping the prayers going for him. Happy Thanksgiving and hugs to everyone!
I could just drink in these photos all day long..I never tire of the delicious food and cozy kitchen shots. I’m so sorry that I missed the message about your Dad not feeling well…I will keep him in my prayers…and I’m sure it’s no secret to anyone that all the GIRLFRIENDS HAVE A MASSIVE CRUSH ON YOUR DAD ! !
No secret at all, and he will love to read this! xoxo
I want a Gas Stove. We don’t have gas in our home but I could go with Propane. I have been watching for sales for a Viking Stove or something like that. I have electric and I HATE it! It’s funny I can add anything to our Thanksgiving menu but I can’t take anything away or I get complaints. I don’t mind because I love cooking. I would love it more with a gas stove.
Me too, we can add, but not take away!
Viking is good, so is Wolf (sp?). Gourmet all the way!
Thanks for the lovely post today, especially the pictures of your beautiful old stove. Who says modern is better? That wonderful porcelain stove looks so much nicer than those ultra stainless steel appliances.
I bought your Autumn book in 2004 and have been making things from it ever since. I couldn’t be without it. Along with my 1964 fruitcake recipe, this book will definitely become a family heirloom. We’ve already had our thanksgiving here in Canada, so the stuffing has already been made as well as the awesome gravy, and now I’m looking forward to Christmas festivities. But I’m going to make the cranberry Christmas jam for gifts this year. Thanks for that recipe. I may have to try the pumpkin cheesecake recipe as well, even though I usually make a no bake eggnog cheesecake that is fabulous. Enjoy all your family visits and have a safe happy Thanksgiving.
That was the best! Of course I love kitchens and stoves and Thanksgiving, but really, the best. Everything from the childhood picture to the shelf through the seasons to the bread drying and the husband helping! loved it? Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy your time with your family!
Oh, Susan! What a heart-warming little novel you wrote for us! I love so much how you described your lovely member of the family- your stove! You write so eloquently! I will read this one again, and again! Thanks so much for your lovely way of making us all feel like your dear old friends, and like we could just walk right in and sit right down for a cup of tea with you!
Happy Thanksgiving! From sunny Arizona, too!
When I first saw the pic of your mom’s stove I immediately thought, “Oh! That looks just like Susan’s!” Then when I saw that’s what this post was all about I smiled. Thanks, I needed that! Happy Thanksgiving to all!
ps – still waiting to see if my guess about your next book is correct! 😉 Is it almost ready?!
Being away has slowed it down a bit, but sooner or later, it will be done!
I loved reading this post, it reminds me of years past and the wonderful feeling of being “home” with family & friends. Hope you enjoy time spent with your family!
Love your stove and so happy you will be with your Daddy (HI BD:) & Jeanie for thanksgiving.
When you got to your spicy pecans it reminded me of when I made them – fabUlous and I stashed a little extra bag in the freezer. Well, down the road was hungry and was checking out the freezer (I think I’m part squirrel, I’m always putting bits and pieces in the freezer for later) and I came across those pecans. Wow, jackpot:)) they were still just delicious.
We have all had so much “fun” in your kitchen through the years on your blog. Have a wonderful holiday with your family. xoxo judi
Cozy. Cozier. Coziest. A great post. I swear I could smell roasting turkey in the air while I was reading along on this chilly, gray, dreary afternoon. I love old stoves and sometimes think I would try to recreate a vintage kitchen of the 1930s or 40s if I ever get my dream house. PS – about a year ago I was watching a Rachael Ray program on the Food Network and got a shock when I saw, in her TV kitchen, the same exact stove my Mom had when we were kids, a Chambers. Four gas burners, a griddle, a pressure cooker well, everything Mom had. Stirred up some great memories, including the night of November 9, 1965 when the lights went out all over the Eastern Seaboard of the US at suppertime, and most of the neighbors on our street were lining up to cook portions of their dinners on Mom’s stove. Very exciting for us kids. And another memory my sibs & I still talk about. How [even on 95-degree Summer days] our little 6-lb toy fox terrier Peanut would slide himself under the oven portion of the stove [which sat off the floor on 5-inch legs] if Mom was baking cookies or had something in the oven. We figure the little fellow was cold much of the time otherwise – !!! Enjoy your visit with Jack and Jeanie, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving in both Arizona and California!!
What a wonderful homage to your beloved stove! I found myself coveting a few mugs in the photos….and noticed that I have a BIG spongeware bowl just like yours. It has traditionally been the bowl in which I make a batch of caramel corn — so good and gooey. I think I lost a crown once while eating it! (I also have the same little needlepoint pillow with black background & pink roses that was in a photo with Jack a while back.) It is always fun to search the photos of your rooms & see all your special treasures!
miss winnie*
>^..^<
I do that too, looking at Home pictures, it’s always fun!
Susan, I just love seeing all your cute, kitcheny photos of the Heart of the Home! Is that her name? Nothing like Margaret or Mildred? Or something equally as cute and lovely? Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Big hugs to Blog Daddy for us all! …..Karen P.
She doesn’t have a name. She’s just herself. Thank you Karen, the hugs are my pleasure!
You bring tears with these sweet posts, Sue. Have a wonderful holiday with all the family!
xxoo,
Sue from Simi
Happy Thanksgiving to all! (Gee, I almost wrote “and to all a good night!”) 🙂 It looks and feels more like Christmas here in Minnesota unfortunately. I tried clicking on the turkey meatloaf to find the recipe but didn’t find it. Is it in your Autumn book?
It’s in the Girlfriend Book . . . Stay warm Pat!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Susan, family and all girlfriends wherever you are~~~
Loved the stories you told of your oven growing up and later of the one you found. I’ve always liked those stoves! Always remind me of years gone by. Like you say, if only the could talk.
I should try to make my dressing from scratch. I do make it from what I’m thinking is scratch, but I buy the bags of dried bread anymore instead of drying out my own like I did years ago. I’ve never used sage that I’ve grown. I do use rubbed sage (looks the same) from a jar.
Looking forward to reading about everybody’s Thanksgiving. I love to read all the stories and get ideas of decorations and food.
As much as I like Thanksgiving, I’ve moved on to Christmas. With my whole family going to be with us at our home this year, I’m planning and dreaming. First time that both kids (daughter and son) have been with us since they were small. Now, with them, plus grandkids and a spouse, there will be 12 of us, including my husband and I.
I’m so glad that you posted a new post. Been checking in each day. Enjoy your time with you family and friends in Arizona and California.
I’ve noticed everyone on Instagram is on Christmas too! I am going to be so far behind! 🙂
No, you just relax and enjoy Thanksgiving with your family!!! I don’t start decorating until AFTER Thanksgiving day. We will be getting boxes of decorations down from the garage and put into one of the spare rooms for now. The only reason, I’m so into thinking about Christmas this year is that we are hosting it. I’m just soooo excited!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
I know, when you have a “big one” coming, you can’t help but be excited!
Nothing puts me in the Thanksgiving mood more than reading your posts and your Autumn book. Best wishes to you, Joe and all of your family this Thanksgiving.
XXOO
Yet another beautiful post Susan. So many wonderful stories, pictures and recipes to enjoy. It so amazing how the simple things in life are some of the best things in life. Your posts always remind of that and how to appreciate each day and what it has to offer, if we only look. I was wondering how your dad is doing? I’m hoping our prayers have helped to heal whatever was ailing him. Thank you Susan for being who you are, a wonderfully generous human being. xoxoxo ♥
Your prayers mean the world to him, and to me. He’s much better, he has his entire energy and will set on a full and complete comeback.
I am in awe of that stove and its cute shelf with all the darling decorations.
Thank you for the wonderful pictures and for giving us that Thanksgiving
feeling of gratitude for family and traditions. I’ve made your pumpkin
cheesecake and it’s a show stopper – on the menu again this year. Happy
Thanksgiving!
This is such a delightful post. I’m hungry now. Happy Thanksgiving
with your family. Give our blog dad a hug from the girlfriends and
please tell your mom how much we learn from her oldest child. Your
joy shines through. Thanks, Julia
He’ll read this I’m sure xoxo Thank you Julia.
The quiet of early morning is the best! I have always loved your stove. She does have her own solid, dependable personality, and is absolutely gorgeous to boot. Your brother, Chuck, looks like he must have been the male version of you at the same age! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, full of love, family, friends, and (of course) delicious food 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving dear Sue to you and yours. Safe Travels.
Debbie R
Hi Susan, always love your post!
Your Brownie recipe is mine too>the best!
May I ask how you are preparing the meat in the iron skillet? Are you doing steak in the oven? Thanks for sharing!
BLESSED THANKSGIVING TO ALL!
Joe was searing it. Making a crust.
What a lovely post! I have told you this before but I absolutely love your “cooker”. We are currently in the middle of a kitchen re-do. All I have at the moment are painted walls and lots of exposed wires and plumbing. Yuk! They are laying the new floor tomorrow and we are going to stay with family for the weekend so we don’t walk on it. I can’t wait to start using my brand new cooker with two ovens and a griddle, I’m so excited! I miss cooking so much. Thank you for sharing your kitchen with us and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Julie x
It’s worth it when it’s over, but it’s tough until it is! Love the British way, “cookery books” and “cooker.” Want to steal them, but they only sound good coming from you. xoxo
Oh my, is my mouth watering after reading and viewing this one! So much deliciousness in one post! Your stove is a great presence in your delightful kitchen. As is Jack. Ending with that classic Norman Rockwell picture and that wonderful quote from Erdman was just perfect! Where ever you and the family are, wishing you all a most wonderful Thanksgiving and Holiday Season! Thank you for all the joy you bring with these ever marvelous posts!
Happy Thanksgiving!!! So nice that are making special dinners with both your Dad and Mom before you come home to have your own! My Mom had a gas stove very similar to yours, too, when we lived in San Diego, only I think it was a Westinghouse. It moved with us several times, even out of state, until we finally left it behind on our last move up to Washington state. It brings back lots of warm memories, seeing yours! Electric stoves just don’t compare to gas! Enjoy your time with your families, as well as the warmer weather!
Blessings,
Laura
As always, thanks for the cheer! I love the stove and have stove envy…..not really, as you always share! I’m at home, recovering from surgery on my hand, (arthritis ate all my joints).
I want to cook, bake, but just have to make plans for now. I’ve ordered pie mix from William Sonoma. ready made mincemeat and some cook’s baking tools that go out of their way to make it easier for those who are ‘grip’ challenged.
I have my mini tin tart pans waiting for me, sitting on the counter.
This evening, I managed to make some malted pancakes. (An ordeal), but I had to have something made and sweet!
Have to go and look up recipes–Mary Ward
Love your keepin’-on attitude Mary, I hope your hand is better soon.
Hi Susan……..cozy and homey wherever you are! I love your stove and always have. I haven’t had a gas stove since when I was first married. I miss it a lot. I’m sure you have natural gas. If I wanted it here I would have had to put a propane take under the ground and everyone tells me it doesn’t cook like natural gas. I’ve been praying for your Dad and so it appears he must be doing better. And that gingerbread men “Merry Christmas” banner is the one I love. I’ll have to check and see if you are carrying it now. Another thing I love is the cupboard in your kitchen. Just perfect!
My great news is that my cousin and her husband are coming to visit tomorrow from Belfast and I’m so excited! They will be here 3 weeks and I’ve been cooking and baking and freezing. I know the time will fly by quickly. I just want to make it so special for them.
Hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving and safe journey too. Thanks again for the great recipes too. With hugs & love, Gail xo
Have a wonderful time Gail!
I just LOVE, LOVE your stove!! I also grew up with those — I especially loved the griddle for making pancakes. I recently looked them up and was shocked at how much they cost now!! I remember in the late 1960’s and 70’s people were sending these to the dump and replacing them with the modern new avocado green or mustard yellow stoves. I remember being so sad when my parents got rid of our good ‘ol O’Keefe & Merritt stove in favor of the new fangled avocado green stove. Glad you you have kept true to your stove!
Wishing you a lovely Thanksgiving Day and hope that your Blog-Daddy is feeling better now.
You brought a tear to my eye as I remembered the kitchen at home when I was a girl with my mother bustling around making pies, noodles and all kinds of good things for Thanksgiving. It always smelled so good and now I try to do the same in mine. I’ve worn out a few stoves in my lifetime because I love to bake. I think I will try that pumpkin cheesecake. It looks yummy. Happy Thanksgiving, Susan and Joe.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours…Have a truly blessed one!
Aw! How lovely! I liked the stickers that featured your stove. It’s so perfect, little darling workhorse!
Safe travels, Susan and Joe!
I hope your stuffing turns out beautifully, extra scrumptious!
Thanks for a very dear and entertaining post with nice words and gorgeous photos! Happy Thanksgiving!
She is a classic beauty. I have always thought so. I would be rubbing her with a diaper which in fact it looks like you have been because she is so shiny and loved. I especially like the long shot photo of your kitchen towards your east side screen door and also the early morning photo with the tea kettle on the burner. Thanks for being our own Norma Rockwell and keeping our hearts warm like your cherished and trusty stove. Happy and safe Thanksgiving to all.
Norma Rockwell! You’ve just made my day! 🙂
What a lovely tribute to your steadfast stove. I love the shelf too and so wished my stove had one. On a cold day your blog came right in time to warm up my day. You always seem to know when I need it most. Wishing you, Joe and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving. Blessings!