Good Morning Girlfriends . . . MUSICA
Just a short one today ~ I don’t want you to think I’ve disappeared! I’ve finished two of our 2016 calendars and turned them in; I have just the blotter to go, and a deadline. Working at my art table like a fiend right now.
It’s still a winter wonderland here on the island . . . Every so often I look up from my work and there are beautiful flakes floating down in the wind . . . I call out to Joe (who’s starting to take apart the dining room ceiling to find out where the leak is in the upstairs bathroom) “It’s snowing!”
Snow climbs up our bedroom window and drips off the bay window…
The kitties are waiting for me when I come down the stairs to make my tea in the morning; we turn on something black and white: Betty Davis, Joan Crawford, or Susan Hayward, and get down to business.
Some people’s paths are strewn with flowers, mine is strewn with pony tail bands and I wouldn’t change a thing.
And I do this most of the day. I take time out for exercise, riding my stationary bike ~ I figure winter will end one of these days, and I 
want to be ready. We are eating healthy, exploring Netflix at night, getting up early, and making the winter count so we can be ready to GO when spring finally gets here; a fixed-up ceiling in the dining room and new calendars. I can’t tell you how it feels to turn in a calendar, all finished to the best of my ability, and think, oh boy, it’s DONE. I’m so excited to get back working on our new book . . . So off I go dear ones! Thank you for being here, I hope I do you proud. XOXO
Lovely to see your post this morning! That will be my approach to another cloudy Ohio February day…make winter count! 🙂
Yes, it will pass anyway, might as well get something out of it!
…good morning !…it means so much to all of us, coming here first thing in the morning and getting good news (except , of course the leak in the house ! ).. you are always so inspirational.. and you are right that “it’s the little things in life that mean the most ” !…’love seeing your painting in progress and the beautiful snow pictures… thanks for thinking of all of us…have a blessed morning, Susan !..with love, as always…
Yes, well the leak is part of the joy of an old house, that joy that keeps on coming!
…hah !!… to tell you the truth, I am dealing with a small leak in my house right now, as well…I will try to remember that “the leak is part of the joy of an old house”…thank you for the smile…( hah !..I told you that you were always inspiring us !! lol…)…have a good day !!
You too Mary!
Ah! A welcome sight as I break for elevenses ~ Mum has gone to lunch club and I am sitting in the quiet of the house where only the tick tick tock of the mantel clock disturbs the heavy silence of a sea fog blanket outside ~ oh, how my heart years for the sound of the fog horn, long gone now.
Lovely to see you this morning ~ from a foggy coastal Wales to a snowflake flurried island ~~~waving from Across the Pond~~~Debs in Wales xoxo
I know how you feel . . . we do have the fog horn, but I used to live where I could hear the far away whistle of the train . . . would be best to have both!
I do have both, here in coastal Connecticut, and I agree: they are both such friendly voices on a still, snowy night! I’m sending you, Debs & Susan, the sounds of them in my thoughts! My grammy called the lights from the train windows a “string of pearls” as they streamed across the bar downriver from our ancient house in its still, white sea. I love home but would also love to visit Wales some day!
Susan, I posted the calendar page you photographed in my sewing room back in December, it was so cosy!
thank you Rebecca from Riverbank ~ what a pretty name! I hear the fog horn, I hear it ~ all the way from Across The Pond on another foggy day in Wales 🙂
Winter is a cold but beautiful season of the year. Thank you for sharing these lovely pictures!
Love,
Maria
Glad you enjoyed them Maria!
Susan, I have been wondering how you and Joe were doing since the big snow storm. I am wishing Joe much luck finding the leak…..not always easy. The little painting of a bowl of soup, sweet. I love the movie Emma with Gwyneth. Blessings to all your way. xoxo,Susie
Same to you Susie, thank you!
Good Morning Susan,
what a lovely surprise to find a post from you! The talk of fog horns made me remember one holiday, many years ago….My husband and I were in gorgeous Looe, Cornwall. (might I suggest you visit cornwall; you and Joe would LOVE it..!) Almost all of Britain and most of Europe were having a HEAT WAVE…But down in ” tropical” Cornwall, we needed to wear the 1 sweater we brought (just in case it gets cool…) for many days because it was very cold and each morning we would wake up to the sound of the fog horn…It didn’t dampen our spirits though, what better excuse to visit a cute and cosy tea room!
But today you have brought sunshine to our home and many others I’m sure!
Happy painting and a hug for the kitties
Nicoline
We went to Looe, sat on the edge of the river and had dinner outside in a French restaurant. I love hearing your memories, it took me right back to the place I love to be — even just in my imagination.
Susan-I am a mom of six from Ohio, and I love your calendars. Every year I feel like it is almost ‘an event’ to buy one-I get so excited about my new calendar coming in the mail! I get to sit down and fill out important dates for the year, and then usually by the time the month starts there is little white space left with kid’s activities, appts, birthdays, special events, etc. But somehow your calendars always remind me to slow down and enjoy the good stuff while my life is going full throttle-the little things that can be over looked too easily, but feed my spirit. I’m so grateful for you!
Mom of six, a natural born hero — you go girl! Thank you for your sweet comment.
What a wonderful day opener on another wintry morning! Hope you get a break in the weather, although it sounds like you and Joe are loving every day. We are expecting another winter blast tonite here in northern Indiana. I’m “getting out of Dodge”, will meet up with one daughter + 2 little ones, and we’ll all head to Kansas City to spend some quality mom and daughters time with second daughter + 2 little ones. My cup runneth over! Congrats on finishing your tasks — indeed you do us proud:) Happy Valentines!! Ethel
That sounds wonderful! Have a great trip dearest Ethel!
So glad to see your new post this morning! May I just say how happy it makes me that you (and fellow blog readers) love the old black and white movies? They are some of my very favorites, and it seems there aren’t too many of us that agree 🙂 We’ve been woefully lacking in snow this winter here in Missouri, but there is something predicted for next week. I’m so hoping it comes true!!
I was lucky my mom was so in to them; she helped me and I think other moms help their kids get into them too . . . I can’t imagine how my life would have gone without their inspiration.
I too love the old black and white movies. TCM just had Damsel in Distress with Fred Astair, George Burns, Gracie Allen, a fun romp of great dancing and music!!
Hi Susan from Minnesota where it is cold and snowy too. Thanks for your blog it warms my day as I have just come in from the outside here at work. I have to shovel steps and sidewalks as part of my job. I am so grateful for your wonderful art and writing. It is on my things I am grateful for list. Arlene
You are making life very sweet for lots of people Arlene, although I’m sure it’s hard work you do! Thank you!
Yes, I’ve been looking for signs of life at Branch Hall because of all the snow you guys are receiving. I love seeing your art up close in process. Now that I’ve finally broken through whatever barrier was holding me back and I’m able to get MY art down on paper (such as it is so far). Seeing yours gives me even more courage to keep at it. I love the juxtaposition of the two Jack photos. Did you notice? It looks like he’s reaching from one to the other! BTW, you must “will” me to win the HGTV Dream Home so we can be island neighbors!~ I’ll have you over for tea and give you a personal tour.
Yes, like the second photo is a continuance . . . But not! Hope your art comes leaping out! That always feels so good!
Love hearing from you first thing in the morning. Always interested to see what you have been up to. We also had a leak in an upstairs bathroom, that has been fixed. But, now awaiting repair to ceiling caused by the leak. Our homes always want our attention, and we are happy to oblige because they give us so much. Comfort, joy, shelter, warmth we owe them much.
Also, I kind of love it when Joe is in there taking something apart and putting it back together again !
Your snow IS more beautiful than our icy rain, so thanks for sharing! Glad the calendars are done. My daughter-in-law receives a wall calendar for her fridge every Christmas…a special bond between us!
That’s what I love most about my job. The connections. Makes me happy! xoxo
And a good morning to you too, Susan! So nice to start off the day with your blog. I feel like I’ve heard from a good friend. We still have snow on the ground here in Eastern Pennsylvania, but it looks to be a gorgeous, sunny, cold! day. Have a wonderful day, and good luck to Joe with the dreaded leak!
Good Morning Linda! Thank you!
A leak! Aren’t they the pits? We had one at Christmas time from the upstairs bath to the finished basement below onto the newly installed carpet–noticed just moments before we were headed out the door to a Christmas gathering.
Have you heard that season 6 of Downton will be the last?!!! Waahhh. I guess all good things must come to an end, at least that is what my Mom always said. 🙂 I have been thinking about the weird relationship between Baxter and Barrow. Do you think that they are brother and sister???!!!!! This just came to me out of the blue on Monday morning after the show.
More snow coming your way! It is wonderful that you have work inside to while away the hours. Stay warm.
Huh. You know, wouldn’t that make perfect sense? She is very mother-like with him.
Wow! I hadn’t thought that they might be brother and sister! Could be! Very interesting!! Mary S. From Fresno, CA
Good morning all… I recall Baxter was Barrow’s sisters best friend. What will we do without Downton??? Waaahh is right!! Re-runs. Thanks for your lovely post Sue, always gives me warm fuzzies to see every new post of yours. Cheers!
That would be sense, indeed.
Good Morning, Head Girlfriend, from blustery North Carolina! Yesterday, it was in the 50s… this morning… 19-degrees with a strong wind. However, I feel spring deep down in my soul, don’t you?
In anticipation of the wonderful weather to come, I lopped off my hair yesterday. All. Of. It. Today? What was I thinking!!??
Downton… We all KNEW Edith was going to run off with Marigold, didn’t we, as soon as we learned she inherited all of Michael’s money! Do you think that Lord Grantham might find a “marriage certificate” to make Marigold legit? Might Michael show up? Will the crazy foster mother steal Marigold back?? Can’t wait to see what happens next! A week is too long to wait!
Stay warm!
Your hair! But I think I hear glee in that comment so I will risk it all by saying CONGRATULATIONS!!!! And with all you’re saying about Downton, they have to come to grips with a lot of it by March first! Exciting!
I feel rather like Jo March — pleased but dismayed!
I understand exactly. Don’t worry, it will grow!
Good morning- Susan-you always always make us all proud!@!@ that is why we are here- following your blog! haha!! I hope you are enjoying the snow and it looks beautiful. Here in Kentucky its just cold- no snow- just COLD! I hope you have a glorious day- and i CAN NOT wait for your new book!@!@! I am rereading A Fine Romance right now- and love it even more than i did the first time-if that is even possible. I hope you and Joe and the kitties are having a glorious day!@!@! Hugs from Kentucky!
Thank you Kathy, hugs right back to you . . . I’m as excited about a new book as you are, thinking how interesting it is that it doesn’t even exist yet except in my head! Hope I can get it out right, the way I want to.
Mid forties and sunshine here in SE Missouri. We could still get snow; winter’s not over yet. Have you seen the PBS version of Emma with Romola Garai? Like her a lot. – Paula
I haven’t! But I like her too, maybe I can find it. Thanks Paula!
Good morning, Susan!
I totally agree with your comment about turning on something black and white! My husband and I have been enjoying lots of wonderful old classic movies this winter. We do also love getting out in the snow with our snowshoes whenever conditions warrant. Our winter reverie will be coming to a close sometime in the near future, so I agree that we should have something to show for it. We’ve been painting the living room in preparation for new carpet. My other goal is to start winding down on the carb intake! Seems like carbs and winter go hand-in-hand–I guess all the delicious breads, etc., provide much needed comfort during the dark, grey days. (And provide much “un-needed” pounds!)
I love the sneak peeks of your paintings – so intricate, you must have lots of patience and a very steady hand! I’ve always wanted to learn how to paint with watercolors; I keep thinking I should take a moment and pull up some beginning tutorials on YouTube. Just when I forget about that idea I see your work and the desire tugs at me again! One of these days…
I am really looking forward to your book. You’re lucky you’ve kept so many journals. My journaling has been scant at best, and it’s sad to realize how much I’ve forgotten! Even though I cringe when I read some of my past musings, I realize how valuable they are. I’ve taken to writing in my calendar notebook, so even if I don’t have much time or energy, I can jot a few quick thoughts down among my appointments and to-do lists; a real slice of my life! Good luck with your work – can’t wait to see it!
You’ll be so happy you’re doing this, any notation at all makes a big difference.
Just had my FIOS upgraded and in testing pulled up your new blog. Happy morning to me! You’re a bright patch in a grey winter day! Good luck with the leak, aren’t old houses just ” money pits”? But, they’re still lovable!
Good morning, Susan! I’ve just discovered your blog–wonderful! I’m in southwestern Illinois where it is cold, but sunny. The cardinal was singing with great vigor so spring can’t be far away! I love watching for the signs of the seasons.
Sounds like we have another kindred spirit!
Do us proud?!? My goodness, you are my lifeline to the snow.
I started a new quilt so that makes me happy. A Christmas one.
Thought I’d better start now. I finally did find my calendar,
thanks to you and your girls. This won’t happen again.
Yay! (For quilt and for calendar)
Busy busy glad you have the kitty’s to keep you company! What no Downton comments! Yeah for Edith she has her baby girl loved to Sse her smile at the end she has done it so little her face lit up! She needs some happiness and a sweet young man! She’s so much sweeter then Mary!
Loved seeing the smile too! The actress who plays Edith much feel so much relief to be able to turn her lips in an upward position!
Congratulations on your calendars! Love the little basket drawing and the grilled cheese plus movie suggestions. Great musica for today. My cat Hannah Betty Anna likes to steal my bracelets and also open old cupboard doors. I named her Hannah and my husband added Betty Anna. As for Downton, Mary watch out for that Mable Lane Fox and Charles Blake. I dislike Miss Fox more than Miss Bunting! Marry Tony while you can. He’s been so patient. Okay, I’ve got to go out to the backyard and feed the birds. More cold weather in Pennsylvania.
I haven’t made up my mind about Miss Fox, since she is up against Ms. Formidable Scary Mary. From a purely Girlfriend point of view, even though I enjoy watching her from afar, to be up against Mary would be very intimidating. P.S. I LOVE your kitty’s name!
I was just looking at all the snow pictures from Boston and wishing for just a *little* of it here in sunny Virginia. We’ve had a few flurries and that’s it. I like a snowy winter and feel a mite envious over your snow adventures! Thank you for posting .. it’s a lovely way to start a workday. All I really need is TCM here in my little home office (that, and the cats!). Have a good and productive day, Susan!
Greetings from Providence, RI…not too far away…where we are also up to our eyebrows in snowdrifts and piles. More on the way they say, but I’ve been learning so much from you about how to weather the storm in cozy comfort! I’ve decidd to succumb and let the flakes fall where they may 🙂
I have been a fan of yours for many years. Purchased both Heart of the Home and Vineyard Seasons from a delightful culinary shop called Marshmallows (isn’t that adorable?!) back in the late 80s before there was such a thing as Williams Sonoma. Ive used over and over with great success and now have all your titles. Am just about finished with A Fine Romance, which I’ve not been able to put down. I promptly announced to my Love, Don, this morning that we are going to the English countryside on our next trip! Oh, yes, and that we must purchase an O’Keefe and Merritt stove as soon as it is humanly possible :-).
Stay warm and dry with Joe, Jack and Girl and lots of good tea! Spring is not far off here in New England!~Betsy
Two perfect examples of how to make a very happy life! xoxo Hello to Don!
So fun to see your work in progress! Thank you!
Hi Susan, So happy to see a new post. Long or short each is a welcomed read.
I’ve been a fan since the ’80’s and now so happy for the internet and being able to enjoy your blog.
Here in Portland OR we’re having a very wet winter. Had hoped for at least one beautiful day of snow – but no luck. Still I will enjoy whatever is given.
Fingers crossed Joe finds the leak soonest.
Sending a flying ponytail band into the air for the kitties.
Winter hits hard this time of year…..but the daylight IS getting a bit longer each and every day! And doing the same thing here – trying to get done with little indoor winter tasks, so there’s time for the glorious spring ones.
Good morning, Susan! Thank you for taking the time to post a new update on your blog. I love old black and white movies that are on TCM!! They are a good background
to whatever it is I’m doing! I’m enjoying this years calendar.! Would also like to see lots more traditional Christmas for the month of December in future years. Thank you for all of your cheerfulness and positive outlook on life when the “news”is so full of gloom.
Hugs,
Barbara S. from Cumming, Ga
Thank you for your “short but sweet” post—we love hearing from you no matter what the length! Our daughter was named from an old wonderful movie with Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr called “Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison”. We used to watch a PBS series called Cinema Classics and after this particular movie was over, my husband said he thought Allison was the perfect name for our precious daughter-to-be! I tell this story to every Allison I meet! Love to you and Joe from Bev, Jo and all from the English Rose Tea Room in Carefree, AZ…….
Hi Bev, did you know that there was no Wendy before Peter Pan came out? There were no girls named Wendy because Peter Pan invented the name. So every time you meet a “Wendy,” she is a direct descendent of Peter Pan and the imagination of J. M. Barrie. Inspiration is a wonderful thing!
That is exactly why my Mom named me Wendy ! She went to NY City and saw the play with Mary Martin ! I believe that is why I am sooo in love with nurturing ! oxoxox
That is just amazing to me Wendy, you must love knowing your name came from such a magical place!
Good morning to you too!! How good to see your cheerful greeting on this cold winter’s day!!
It’s also good to know that you are still enjoying the snow and have not been completely buried by it. Since you are not far from Boston I could picture your house with only the second story windows visible from the street. Winter is really special in its own wonderful way. I wouldn’t want to be without it even though it can be challenging. The change of seasons helps to give us a balance that could be hard to find otherwise.
I just finished another trip through the English countryside with you and Joe. I may have to make the trip again – it’s such a glorious journey! And your book may be the only way I am able to get back to England – we’ll see…
We are all looking forward to the new book. It will be a joy to have a window on your introduction to your lovely island and your first little house.
Have a wonderful winter day, and thanks so much for taking time to let us all know what is going on in your little corner of the world. XOXO
Oh, we are all rewarded with the connection to you today & I am sure we’ll agree brief is better than not at all. I love the glimpses of your art in progress. Congrats on turning in completed projects. Wish I could eat some healthy fare..but! winter makes me crave those “bad” things like gooey grilled cheese & hot chocolate WITH whipped cream, etc. Counting the days til Amtrak takes us from western Pa. to Florida. Going to spring training games for our fav Pirates. Can’t wait to wear clothing that doesn’t include scarves, gloves & just layers in general. Take care & thanks again for today’s peek into MV life of cozy!!
THAT sounds fun! Train to spring training . . . train from cold to warm, fun!
Don’t forget Spring Training in Blogdaddy’s beautiful Arizona where the train meets the sunset, the cactus touch the sky, and the tea kettle is always on at the English Rose Tea Room 🙂
Romantic!
Oh, ha…didn’t think of it that way…as in training, I mean. Your fresh outlook makes it seem even better. Love all the things that can be captured out the window. My fav last year was the spring wild flowers.
Hi Sweet Sue.
Congrats on finishing the calendars! I always feel good when I finish a project especially since I always have something new burning in the back of my brain waiting for me to start on. I thought I had to work today but it turns out I didn’t, so today is a gift! I put on a fresh pot of coffee, put in a load of wash and now I am upstairs in my quilt room (my hubby calls it my nest) and I am going to play for a while. sigh….pure heaven. It’s a blistery white, snowy, freezing cold winter wonderland here in up-state NY. So pretty from the inside looking out. Have a great day!
Mary
P.S. I can’t wait for your new book! <3
Good morning! Thanks for sharing the snow and kitty love.
We’ve got sunshine and warm temps here in Santa Barbara this week.
Thanks for the update, Susan! I love seeing snippets of your illustrations. 🙂
Good Morning ! You made my day this morning when I saw a new blog post. Thanks ever so much for making my day and helping me to remember to smile.
Yea, a new posting from you! I think we all would agree, long, or short posts, any news from you is uplifting happiness! I am in Ohio, & thank goodness for a brief bit of sun, it brightens a very bleak end of winter landscape here….earlier, my 2 pre-school children & I were making noise, ~as it were~, Jack was drumming, Courtney was ringing the bells, & I was on the harmonica!! I am a very blessed 60 yrs. young, daycare provider!! Your news of home, photos, BEAUTIFUL! artwork, light up so very many of us out here in cyber space, who truly consider you, our friend!! Thank you Susan!!
Lucky moms and dads who have their kids with YOU!
Thank you for your kind words, however, I am the lucky one…children, unconditionally, love those, who love them. And in this world of so much uncertainty & sadness, what a wonderful privilege it is for me, to spend my day, with laughter, love, hugs, music, ~ oh & I must not forget, the blessed afternoon quiet of napping children in my home! I am a bit overly emotional today, for I was among many, who read, wept, & counted my blessings, after reading, Kayla Mueller ‘s last letter to her family. May we all take a moment to hug this family in our prayers tonight.
Wasn’t SHE a little miracle? Her writing and thoughts remind me of Anne Frank.
Happy Wonderful Day, Susan! I agree whole-heartedly with making the most of every day; I’m up at 5:30, feeding the critters an hour later, letting the dog take me walking around the farm, and getting ready to accomplish everything else.
A quick thought about black and white movies, my favorites, too: They match Jack! 😎
Hello Susan! I’m writing to you on a cool, sunny, beautiful morning in Florida. It’s so much fun to enjoy your winter on the island through your writing and photos. I’d love to share a cup of tea with you! Thanks for adding happiness to my days.
Mmmm.. we have a little odd leak in our family room ceiling that doesn’t seem to grow but we wonder where it came from. Your mentioning Joe taking apart the ceiling of your dining room to uncover your own issue might just be the inspiring ‘ticket’ for us to tackle our own ceiling issue.
And, I love how you said you’re making use of winter so you’re ready for spring. I like to do that do, but so far I’ve been mostly doing computer projects. (I have boxes in our basement to sort through, and my Rick’s workshop needs a good sorting out too… ) Somehow, you saying that rekindles the urge to get ‘er done.
Do you realize just how much your life inspires others (I’m sure you do). For instance, I made the groundhog day recipes of yours (hubby and I loved both), and I think to myself, Susan might be enjoying this today, or one of her girlfriends somewhere in the world. And there is such a feeling of kinship and connection, joy bubbles up at the thought. Love it.
Thanks for your love and inspiration, and for the peek into your world today. We love kitty toys everywhere too. And we’re so excited to hear that your calendars are done. Yippee – whirling in my chair with celebration.
Sending you warm hugs from this part of the world in northerly Alberta Canada which it is looking quite frosty and gray and wintery today. We’re glad for the bluejays adding a touch of colour to our garden.
Brenda xox
“Rosemary and Thyme”, with Felicity Kendall and Pam Ferris (“Call the Midwife”) is a fun British murder mystery series on Netflix. The professional gardeners solve whodunnits while creating or restoring gardens throughout Europe. The beautiful locations and strong women characters warm the spirit during the coldest New England winter in over 100 years. Thanks for the post.
Hello Susan,
I am glad you are not totally buried in the snow! Our snow seems to be on the retreat at last, and our youngest kitty seems quite confused by the thaw. She walked into an icy puddle this morning and then carefully lifted each foot and shook it before taking the next step! Most puzzlingly wet!
I stumbled upon a new site this afternoon, that I thought might catch your interest, should you be getting cabin fever. It is the blog run by the National Trust Staff at Hill Top and at the Beatrix Potter Gallery, describing how they look after everything and are currently preparing new exhibits and springcleaning the house ready for the new season. Its is at beatrixpotterspatch.blogspot.uk. I hope you enjoy it.
I’ve enjoyed that myself — they are so careful with everything!
What a nice post…how great to see your beautiful illustrations. Sorry about your dining room – hope you get it fixed soon. Had that last Spring…the “seal” on the washer ( on the second floor, right over the kitchen) failed and came in to find water coming out of the lighting fixtures. Yikes ! But it was all fixed and now you would never know….Glad you caught your leak early.
LOVE the illustrations, especially the one of the toasted cheese and old movies…that is my idea of bliss. Hey – did you know there is a new restaurant chain called TC+TM – all about toasted cheese and soup. Just saw the sign and looked them up…can’t wait to try them. Thanks again Susan, for reminding us that winter is a time to enjoy and get ready for SPRING!
Wonderful post! ♥ Thank you for touching base with us girlfriends. Fingers crossed that Joe can easily find out where the leak is in the upstairs bathroom so he can begin fixing the dining room ceiling. Happy to hear you’re almost done with your beautiful calendars and get back to working on the new book! You give us so many wonderful things to look forward too. Thank you for being here, you do make us proud, very proud. 🙂
Oh, you WILL do us proud! Good job finishing the calendars, good girl!
Every time I see pictures of Jack, I start craving a kitty. Rats!
No-no, not rats, you go girl. 🙂 xoxo
Susan, the first picture in this blog is very interesting – very cute and pretty! What is it? It looks like a little fairy door! Love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA
It’s on a shelf on our kitchen porch . . . sort of a ghost of summer past. The door is a miniature garden gate I found in a shop years ago, of course, with the heart cut into it, I had to have it. It’s wood too, painted. Very cute.
It’s wonderful!
I loved that photo too! I hope to find it in a future watercolor! I actually had to enlarge it on my small tablet to see that in fact was not one of your darling watercolors.
I have checked out your old movie list and love love love so many of the same ones. A while back I remember telling you about MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES on netflix. Please please just watch the first episode of the first season just to see the devine clothes she wears!! I think they are on par with those on Dowton. Set in Australia post WW1. She is eccentric, adorable, and always getting into mischief. A wonderful 50 min show to watch with Joe all cuddled up on a snowy evening.
I also adore the show that comes on after Dowton. It is called Grantchester. About a young British minister who served In WW2. He developes a friendship with a detective and helps him solve mysteries. The scenery is gorgeous and the characters are delightful and complex. I know it comes on a bit late if you get up so early. But you can watch episodes in pbs.com. I hope you get a chance to check out Miss Fisher the most!!
I’m watching Grantchester, but haven’t gotten to Miss Fisher yet!
I like the little garden gate, but I like elves, fairies and gnomes too!
That would feel good to get those projects done so you can look forward to the next. You’re smart to just buckle down and do the work now so you can really enjoy the Spring weather when it comes. So many people complain about winter, but I often think it’s a gift: it makes us slow down and really gives us time to prioritize (and re-prioritize!) without having the distractions of outside. Who wants to find a leaky pipe when you can be out in the garden anyway?
Enjoy your week:)
Jenn
Thanks for post. I so love reading them. A leak!! well I sure know about those. love old houses. Sunny and warm down here in far west Tx. I am sure the calendars will be wonderful. Have a good day.
You are my indulgence! I should be working and I find myself slipping away to check in with Susan. What is my favorite artist/author doing today? On the days you aren’t there, I reread your old posts and always catch something I missed the first time. So happy to see you this morning and so glad you are working like a fiend for our benefit! I just sent invites out to my girlfriends for an SB inspired Twine Party! You’re like our very own fairy godmother so keep waving your magic wand over us – your blog pals love you!
Well then, be sure to tell them that I’m saying HELLO! Twine!
I’m sure your 2016 will be on my wall all too soon. Thank you for making them, they bring such joy to me and many many others…
Dear Susan, I knew I would love your book “A Fine Romance” as soon as I heard about it, but I had to wait a bit to get it. It arrived in the mail yesterday, and I have to tell you I am absolutely enchanted. I do believe that after the Bible, this is my favorite book of all time!!! It has always been my dream to visit the very places that you did, and thanks to your lovely book, I can feel I have at last visited them vicariously. I will enjoy your book for always, reading and rereading many times, and it will stay permanently by my bedside. Thank you with all my heart for such a wonderful book. (Maybe you could do one of France sometime? Tee-Hee!) With love, Shari Witt
I’m overwhelmed, that is so nice Shari ~ Thank you so much. The subject matter made it easy!
See, I’m not the only one who wants a book on France. I promise to buy at least ten.
I wouldn’t mind that trip to France!
Ooooh! I see a laundry basket and a clothesline being painted! I’m thinking it’s for one of the calendars – my guess is March? Are they ducks? I hope it’s the wall calendar. I love everything laundry, and my understanding husband built me a beautiful white clothesline in the back yard with scroll work on the posts. He also rigged one up on our large covered back porch to use when the weather is not cooperating. Thank you for painting life’s simple pleasures for us and reminding us that the sacred can also be found in ordinary dailiness.
They are geese . . . they are sacred laundry-loving geese. xoxo
Tee hee! You make me giggle. Can’t wait to see the sacred laundry loving geese on the finished calendar.
It is a beautiful sunny day here in Naples, Florida. Mockingbirds are singing, Egrets are sneaking into the preserve, and people are playing tennis. This will be short-lived though, for I’ll be headed North on March 1. I do hope Ohio will see a warming trend by then. I think I recommend your FINE ROMANCE to someone everyday.
Good morning from Quincy, MA where it’s snowing AGAIN and the kids are home AGAIN, but watching the news and seeing the long lines of people trying to get on a bus into Boston, I have never been more grateful to be a stay at home mother, that my kids are safe and happy, and for our sweet little home. Good luck with resolving the leak and thanks for the cheerful (as always!) update.
Good morning! So glad to see a post from you today!!! While you are enjoying the beautiful snow, we here in So. Cal. are expecting an 86 degree day! Lovely to see all your pics and know all is well in Smallville! Best of luck on the painting, I know how much I will enjoy your work when I get my 2016 calendars! I hope you, Joe and the kitties have a wonderful Wednesday!
Yay! a new post!! Have you gone out to measure the amount of snow in your yard? Poor Boston with 78 inches. On the Today Show this morning, they were comparing different cities with the amount of snow with Boston. Buffalo has 80 some inches almost 90 and you don’t hear a thing about that from them. Nothing new with them.
The rains have quit and the Pineapple Express is in the past. Loved the warm temps while it lasted, although it’s still warm…. just not as warm. The sun is peeking out from behind the clouds more and more. I’ve been able to walk around the subdivision these past few days. Spring spring oh where is thou? 🙂
You’ve been so busy with doing the calendars. Perhaps when you are finished with them all, the snow will have mostly gone away and you can start walking down to the pond once again.
Until next post….
xoxox
Carol M
I guess because everyone expects it in Buffalo, but they do deserve credit for all they go through! Yes, we are waiting a bit impatiently to get out on our walk again.
Always glad to see a new post.My husband and I have been cleaning out his mothers Victorian house, so many beautiful things. So, sad to see a life time of collecting being sold. We have a limited amount of space for more treasure.lol I have however rescued a few things. Grandchildren seem to have no interest in much. Lou had lovely furniture and loved keeping house. Our son is buying the house and we hope he will continue to rescue things. Mary
Happy to hear the house stays in the family!
Susan, you do us proud ALWAYS!!!! I wish you could give a workshop on how to paint and be wonderful…but there would be no room big enough to hold your girlfriends who would want to come…am LOVING my blotter calendar!!
DREAM………just as the song says! Love your “musica” selection today……..already have been to the gym (at least no ice on the roads this morning!) and getting ready to head to my friend’s house with my batiks to share for our community “at the shore” quilt we’re helping to make as a fundraiser. Besides the musica selection making me happy today……..the SUN IS NOW SHINING and that puts a BIGGER smile on my face. Hope the leak is found soon at your house…………
Good Morning! So happy to see your winter update on Island survival 🙂 We had precious rain here in California this last few days but need much more…….sunny today which is lovely since this time of year we are usually socked in with delta fog (and no wonderful fog horn sounds 🙂 ). I ordered your 2015 calendar from one of the Amazon listed sellers this week……and not because we need another calendar…..but because I wanted your art work! Now I will just have to see if I can bear to cut it up when it comes, to add your inspiration to my journal! I have your small 2014 calendar with your signed good wishes on my September birthday (from the meet up at Remnants of the Past…..and that whole little page has been installed in my book <3 . Thanks for painting for all of us!
My total and complete pleasure, thank you for liking it!
Susan,
You always do us proud! 🙂 Having lived in an old house for 20 plus years and having lots of winter snow, I so love what you’re sharing with us…
Stay cozy and by the way the tv series I recommended is called Gran Hotel, not Grand Hotel. My bad. It is a Spanish tv series with English subtitles. It would probably keep you entertained for some time, except beware, it is very addictive. Season 1 and 2 are on Netflix. There is a Season 3 but not on Netflix yet. It was just released June 2014. Hope you like it. 🙂
Well, I took your advice, but I got on to Grand Hotel, and now we’re hooked on that! 🙂 LOL, silly us!
My bad! Sorry. I do hope you like the one you got and can try the Gran Hotel next. 🙁
We like it . . . so far so good!
Oh Dear Susan,
I couldn’t be more proud of a dearest person here on earth than you ! You are such sunshine to so many and give life such a tickle ! My dear man is up on our roof fixing an ice dam. We have so much snow my wonderful Susan Branch Kitchen Garden is buried. You can not see the fence posts ! It is beautiful out there and we are hiking in the woods with our trusty pup to get exercise, so bundled up we purposely fall down and have to help each other up. You don’t get hurt with four feet of snow. We use snow shoes too ! Spring is coming ! The day light is longer and the birds are telling me. Our owls are noisey at night which means nesting time !
I am so pleased that our calendars are coming along, but I don’t want to wish the time away. I found a great book at The Sage Farm antique show in North Hampton New Hampshire, it’s called ” I Retire to Cape Cod” written by a lovely man Arthur W. Tarbell. Written in 1944 and it is right up your alley, what a delightful read. I think Joe would love it too ! Makes you feel good just like you make us feel ! Wishing you a happy heart, everyday, Love, Wendy-Louise oxoxoxox
I watched the last episode of DA twice in a row! It was a relief when Edith claimed her daughter. I know its been mentioned here before, but I just wish that Edith and Mary could be nicer to each other already. I was hoping that Mary would find out Edith’s secret and support her sister, or that they could reconcile in some way. It seems the creator is determined that they have a rivalry. Has anyone heard if the spin-off about the courtship of Cora and the Earl will be produced?
I am freezing at home. So I thought I would check to see if you had a new blog. You did!
Do you think it may not be the plumbing, but rather an ice dam somewhere over a window or porch?? Hoping it isn’t a large problem.
I just saw a French Chef painting watercolor(food coloring) on a white chocolate heart. Ooh La La!
Well to be honest, it’s been getting worse for the last 6 months. Little mark in ceiling is now big mark.
Loves!!! Excited for the new blotter, I cant bare to throw away my January page. I had to fold it up and save it.
Wonderful Wednesday wishes to you, Susan! It is always wonderful to read one of your posts!
My husband has just replaced the carpet in our family room with hardwood. Our house is only eleven years old, but we have to “keep on top” of things! Hope Joe finds the fix to your ceiling problem is simply done.
I’m holding Rachel in my thoughts today and sending hugs “across the pond.”
More storms are on the way, I hear. Hoping you continue to fare well through them!
xo Nellie
Hey, I think I was watching that Susan Hayward movie this am too – on TCM, right? Glad to hear that while you work on your book, calendars etc, Joe has project too – your dining room ceiling. Something for all the inside time this year. PS – I thought I spotted Joe wearing Yaktrax in one of your photos on the previous post. If yes, aren’t those just the best Winter invention ever? I place them just below “shovel” and “snowplow” – and just above “ice skates.” Because let’s face it, you have to be able to get out first. OK take care, stay warm and pray for Spring [Boston needs relief!]. ⛄️
I just said to Joe, “What are Yaktrax?” Thinking he might know. He said, “I don’t know, tracks of a yak?” I started laughing and he said, “what’s so funny?” I guess he doesn’t have any!
No kidding? He does look like he has them on his shoes on one of the photos taken outside the shops in Vineyard Haven… For the best info, obviously Google them – Yaktrax. But basically they’re rubber bands embedded with steel cleats that you pull on over regular shoes and make one extremely sure-footed on snow and ice. I’ve never been nervous about trucking around in bad weather since I got mine. I found mine leafing through LL Bean catalog about 12 years ago, but you can get them everywhere. FYI – you may very well slip and skid if you wear them indoors, but outside on ice, no problem! :>)
Found them! Need them! Thank you Janet!
That is so funny! Still laughing!
Oh, we BOTH have YakTrax–they are lifesavers (and save against broken hips, wrists, etc.)! You two need some–then you could go on your walks no matter how icy the roads or sidewalks in town… 🙂 I think LLBean carries them… 🙂
What are they?
Susan they are metal grips for your shoes to wear on icy streets, go to google, type in L.L.Bean on the search engine, when it comes to the official site, type into the Bean site search engine yak trax and you can see what they are. they have them for men and women’s shoes.
I checked them out . . . we need some of those! Just getting to the car yesterday was an issue of life and death (sort of!).
I wrote another comment with details about them – on Feb 11. Still “in moderation” however. :>)
I’m-a-comin’! 🙂
You’re so right, Pat! I literally don’t know what I’d do without my “Yaks” now – have had worry-free Winters ever since first getting mine… :>)
Am I dense or what but why can’t you just
get a pair of golf shoes?
I knew someone that tried that, wearing golf shoes or was it baseball shoes??? anyway they got out in the icy weather, and got stuck… the cleats on the bottom got stuck in the ice and wouldn’t let go so they were stuck there unless they wanted to try to run back in stocking or bare feet…BRRRRRRR!!!!!!
Hi Susan, After reading some of the above posts about Baxter and Barrow, I was thinking both begin with the letter “B” and have the same number of letters and they both have dark hair and are on the thin side……….I was thinking not that they were brother and sister but perhaps 1st cousins??? I always had the feeling he somehow made her steal those jewels because she would never really say why she took them, and I think he forced her to do it. Obviously, he is younger than her and such a bad seed. I don’t think all the medicine in the world could help him become straight or even become a nice decent person who would be caring of others. He is just bad news all around. It just isn’t in him. Yes, she is so kind to him. Hope you finish your calendars soon. I imagine there is quite a bit of work involved. Btw, Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe. With hugs, Gail & Joe xo
Ahh, those snow photos look INVITING! I want to just stick my face in it. Lol!
(I just got back from walking, to collect woodland things for building a fairy house, and it is so hot outside. We don’t have snow – or even cool air right now – so I guess I’ll just stick my head in the freezer).
Hi Susan! It’s so great to hear that you are both busy ‘making the winter count’ and having nice, together times, too! I’ve been busy making Valentines and writing letters. It’s one of my favorite ways to warm up winter day! Wishing you and Joe a very special Valentine’s Day!
Warm hugs!
Dawn
♡♡
When I go back and watch the black and white movies, I could swear they were in color when I saw them as a kid (reruns of course). My mind must have put in the color, such as a blue dress. Maybe that would happen if the movie was based on a book, but these weren’t.
Susan,
So proud❤️❤️
XOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOOXXOXOXO to ALL OF YOU! xo
XOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOOXXOXOXO back to you!!! Because, that is how it works. 🙂
Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a note this morning! It’s wonderful here in California today…will be close to 70 by the end of the week!
Dear Susan,
Love your beautiful pictures of the snow, your watercolors, your precious kitties and the beauty of the winter. We’ve had no snow here in Chattanooga this winter after being spoiled by two beautiful snows last year. I re-read your winter posts just so I can experience that wonderful snow-bound feeling!
Best,
Robin
Busy being busy! Love it! It’s 89 degrees here right now…not a winter in sight! I’m so glad you are able to get back to your/our book! We simply can.not.wait.!
xoxoxox
89 degrees!?!
We’ve not had much snow like you’ve been blessed with this winter (LOVE your pics!!) but this morning we woke up to about 3 inches of fluffy prettiness! I love how it blankets everything and makes the world so soft and fresh and clean! And I love being out shoveling! Glad to hear you’re working hard for our benefit! I adore your calendars and wouldn’t be without them each year! Thank you from the bottom of my little heart! xo
I look at what you are painting and I think, ‘how does she do that???’ – the basket is so life-like! I wish I could paint/draw/knit/sew. I think people are just plain born that way . . .
Guess what? Sometimes I look at it and think the very same thing!
Netflix is great..keeps us occupied in the evenings..have you watched Grantchester?Not Netflix though..
I love James Norton..
Just read a book that centres around The Haven
I love that now we have this inside joke of The Haven . . . LOL, it’s very funny to me.
Every time I post a comment from my mini Ipad..half the text is gone..It did have a smiley face after The Haven..and went on to say about Edgartown too..The book was called We Are Liars..reviews are mixed..I liked it!
Thought you might be interested.
I can just imagine your elation after finishing the calendars..and I have to say..ceiling leaks are no fun at all.
My Netflix tastes are eclectic..to say the very least.
Sometimes I surprise my self at what I like..
I get the whole thing! I saw it all ~ I don’t understand why that would happen. You are saying it happens every time?
Thanks for checking in – your posts make my day 🙂
So glad you have finished two 2016 calendars! Your industriousness and talent are impressive. This morning I spent a couple of hours (enjoy being retired) reading your old posts from 2011 and was so delighted with the description of Peggy in How to Bake a Peggy Pie. I used to tell my students that the best way to learn descriptive writing is to read good description by other authors. I fell in love with Peggy; you made her so appealing, precious, and grandmotherly. Her spontaneous kindness and generosity made her a wonderful next-door neighbor. I also enjoyed the Daring Girls post. How wonderful that girls as young as 10 and 12 are following Susan Branch! You have great appeal to such a wide range of ages. I hope you never get “burned out.” You inspire me and many others. Thank you!! 🙂
Peggy was wonderful. Thank you for reminding me, she is such a nice memory.
Black & whites while it snows! Perfection! One of our family’s favorites this winter is a Miss Polly film starring Zasu Pitts. Horribly silly, but silly in the winter is sometimes needed to keep the happy juices from freezing up. Don’t you think? Anyway, we like to follow up our Miss Polly film with another Zasu Pitts film, the 1941 version of Niagara Falls. All of the children, boys and girls, grown and little, love them. We have to keep the tissue box close we laugh so hard.
Hello Dear Susan!
Love the steady rhythm of your days and the “planting of the seeds of health” for Spring.
Of course you do us proud- how could it be otherwise when you work with such passion, diligence and joy?!
Take care, be well and stop to pet the kits as often as possible. Sending love and light!
xxooxx
Gabi
Susan, hello! So good to hear from you! Glad you’re keeping busy amongst all those snowflakes, doing what you do best, making beautiful calendars for us!!! And exercising, not only on the bike, but with precious little Jack!! Well, be careful that that dining room ceiling doesn’t fall on you…lol Hoping spring will come to you soon!
Susan, Dear,
So happy to hear that your calendars for 2016 are done. I don’t know what I would do without mine – it is my kitchen art – and it brings me so much joy just to turn it over to a new page once a new month comes – just to see what gorgeous things you have painted as a gift for us. Loved how February was a perfect square of 4 weeks.
Long blogs, short blogs–we love them all! Thanks for thinking of us, and good work on finishing some of your art projects. Glad you can now get busy on the next book you have for us–we are all eager beavers to see it!
Hi Susan
Its so nice when a I hop on the computer and see a new blog post from you. So sorry about the leak. We have a leak also, somehow coming in our sunroom throught the door and no one has figured out how yet. 🙂 hope Joe figures out the diningroom ceiling leak. Enjoy the rest of this beautiful day. I love the way all the snow looks, its just so pretty
deezie
Our snow isn’t of the magnitude of yours, but cold is cold! My husband and I are enjoying ‘Last Tango in Halifax’ on Netflix streaming and enjoying it tremendously.
Hmmm. Baxter/Barrow sister and brother. Hadn’t thought of that but it could be. It seems like they said they knew each other all their lives. We’re having a spring day here in TN–really nice. But I like winter to be winter so I will stay in and finish quilts and do clean-out projects around the house. Love the coziness of winter. Love the pictures of your snow. Sorry about your leak but it is a trade off in an old house. Ours isn’t nearly as old as yours (1936) but it has a warmth and charm that is hard to find in new homes. We have to be good stewards of these sweet old gals so no one will ever tear them down.
Soooo good to hear you are staying warm and cozy. Hope Joe finds the leak soon. The snow is very heavy and can creep in in the strangest places. My husband had to get on our roof and sweep the snow off–we also had icicles 18-24″ long. I loved looking at them especially with the sun, my own Pollyanna prisms 🙂 Take care, Susan and thank you for taking time out to check in with all of your girlfriends! We hang on your every post and you are the sunshine in my day! hugs
Fly Away Home! I haven’t watched that since my kids were wee ones! SUCH a good movie. Have you seen “The More The Merrier” with Jean Arthur and Joel McCrea? It’s my new fave … old fave? Okay, I admit I’m late to the party!
Short but sweet. Sort of how I think of you “Head Girlfriend”. Love that designation, Martha from NC. Hope Joe finds the leak without having to take down the whole ceiling. Is Jack helping?? Our animals are always on the scene when house repairs are in the works. Enjoy your cold, cold winter. Kathy in FL
I can no longer live without your blotter after ordering my first one this year. I am so glad you are working on the 2016 version! Thank you!
You always do us proud. Love your Calendars! Love your books! i have all of them. You will be certainly ready for Spring and warmer days! Enjoy the flow of creative Juices 🙂
I love turning on the computer and finding your loveliness on my screen – you bring so much light and love to all of us who follow. Certainly have wondered how you and Himself have been fairing with all your repeated storms. Hope your problems are small with the leak and easy to overcome. You have the kitties to entertain you.
I keep trying to get Sir Martyn to go where there is snow … he is not buying into that. He really loves the temperate NC weather so much better than where we lived in Colorado. Wonder if it may remind him of Harrow, England where he was born? Onward and let’s get these projects done because Sir Martyn is not about to put closet shelves up once it turns warm. Until next time Judy C says thank you for being you.
Susan, you always do us proud. I cannot tell you how much joy you bring into my world. My oh my, I received my package of “white Swedish hearts” day before yesterday. Heavenly. I hung them on my hand painted Degas ballerina secretary in my living room so I can drool just looking at them. So purrrrty! Kudos to you finishing your calendars. What relief! I’m sure Jack will enjoy having more play time with his Momma. Only seven more days before I win my HGTV Martha’s Vineyard home. I should start planning my outfit now…
LOL Susie!
good afternoon Susan and good afternoon girlfriends. sorry I have not been around lately, but between downpours is the only chance to get anything done. we have had rain, and more rain and still more rain, and while I cannot complain as we do sorely need the rain, I am glad the faucet turned off for now so we can get out and clean up the yard debris and repair the damages left behind. it will soon be “peep season” ( baby chicks, baby ducks and so on) pretty soon and we still have to get the barn and especially the nursery ready for the newer arrivals. I expect another busy barnyard like last year, especially with the chickens as we lost 11 hens to a coon family and one good rooster. so we need more babies to replace the ones lost. plus I plan to try leghorns, they tell me that the leghorns are good layers and very hardy birds so I think adding 3 or 5 into the flock should be interesting. the ducks have been enjoying this rainy weather, they zoom out the door, splash in the puddles and head for the pools for more splashing and quacking, then its a serious worm hunt for the worms who come up for air in the barnyard. of course the chickens join the hunt but prefer to stay dry and warm and nestled in their nests. the turkeys had no desire to be wet and stayed in the barn to be warm and comfy. life on the chicken farm, never dull that’s for sure. now we are dealing with the fog, and its thick and lasts for days on end. wouldn’t mind hearing a foghorn, but doubt we have one around. we do hear a train whistle now and then, love that sound. stay warm and comfy. have a good day everyone. hugs…. 🙂
Pat, I love hearing your stories. WOW, all those hens cleaned out by a raccoon family! Poor hens. Chicken feast for the coons, eh? We have raccoons come to our backyard, as well as possums, but they only eat berries, & lemons on our trees. They drive our dog, Jack, a bit nuts. He wants to get out & chase them. They only come around at night, so I don’t let Jack out. He’d be barking his head off & my neighbors would complain. Have fun on your farm. I’d love it! (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
just poped back in to wish everyone a very Happy Valentine’s Day, hope you get loads of chocolates to eat, beautiful roses to sniff and enjoy and lots and lots of love to last the rest of your life. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone…… hugs…… 🙂
How nice to be able to read your start of the day. Here in TX our weather has no idea the season so now it is spring pruning time. I just finish the sage that holds my bottles for another year of ‘imp’ catching. LOL
Love your dear kitty, daughter’s is black and white as well.
Happy Winter Susan! Always such a treat to get your posts. Enjoyed the photos of how you are spending your snowy winter days…..filled with painting, playing “Jack,” old movies and awesome beauty. Hope Joe gets your leak fixed. We had a leak yesterday too, but it was caused from ice damming on the roof. Had to have all the snow shovelled off our roof, and another snowstorm predicted for Sunday. Oh well, the “joys” of winter in an older home. But I can’t complain as I sit here enjoying your blog, watching a beautiful sunset on the snow-clad wooded property, listening to Louis Armstrong. This cd reminds me of you and Smallville….it is a wonderful world isn’t it? One of the girlfriends recommended the Jan Karon ‘Mitford’ novels for me, so after a trip to the library, I’m ready to snuggle in for the rest of the winter. Winter hugs to all the girlfriends.
Rhonda, I’ve read and loved all of Jan Karon’s “Mitford” books. Try to read them in order. You’re in for a real treat.