Warning, I’m about to spill the beans on Downton Abbey Season 5 
Episode 7 . . . if you haven’t seen it yet, this is your fair warning alert. MUSICA! (Don’t worry you non-watchers, for better or for worse, soon we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programing); next week is the last episode of Downton Abbey until January 2016. I’m sure you can hear the sobbing all the way from here.
First off, have I told you how much I love Downton Abbey?
Some of my favorite things this week (how do you choose) were Daisy’s gorgeous wedding cakes with the delicate pink roses . . .
…the array of sparkly tiaras, filigree head pieces and . . .
. . . most especially, the amazing hats . . . (nasty bigot “Susan”, poorly named bad mother on the left, we could do without. Put the hat and the outfit in a box, mail it to me, and then go.)
Loved all the hats except this one . . . give the poor albino rooster back his feathers. This hat would be so distracting to talk to.
Despite that one indiscretion, Edith looked prettier and happier than I’ve ever seen her . . . Yay for her and Marigold!
I loved all the wonderful scenes of rapport between Carson and Mrs. Hughes, like this little exchange . . .
Carson: I’m not prejudiced, Mrs. Hughes, you can accuse me of many things but not that.
Mrs. Hughes: How about lack of self-knowledge?
Remember last year when they were at the beach? So cute. I have never stopped hoping these two will get together. Take her hand you crazy loon!
No one ever wears the same thing twice, every scene comes with new clothes; I loved both of these outfits . . . each one perfect for the person wearing it.
RoseGold!
Isobel sparkles! That glittery strap and the beads on the dress, her hair comb, earrings, cocktail glass . . .
I welled up with tears twice during this episode. Once when Daisy said she was giving her notice ~ tears popped into my eyes, Oh nooooo, I cried to the TV, Joe looking at me like I just came in wearing a chicken suit; I think I was more upset than Mrs. Patmore.
and the other teary moment is when Daisy changed her mind and told us she was staying. HOORAY! What a roller coaster ride! I love Daisy’s spirit:”Life is full of possibilities.” I 
never want her to go anywhere except if she becomes Cake Maker to the Queen. Mrs. Patmore could marry Daisy’s ex-father-in-law, they could all move to the farm, and use their own fresh organic eggs and butter for those cakes, and live happily ever after.
Maybe Cora would loan them some of her gorgeous pots and pans.
If being called Donk means you become a person as sweet as Robert was in this episode, then call me Donk. (Well, no, just call him Donk.) He accepted Marigold as his granddaughter with hardly a blink of his aristocratic eye and he figured it out all by himself!
He told Cora he’ll keep the secret ~ not that there are very many people left who don’t already know . . . I think maybe Mary will be the last on her block to know (or care) ~ I assume she will have something horrible to say . . .
Robert was so good to apologize to Cora for not trusting her during the Bricker incident. And selling that painting, not only to get the money to build his lovely village, but because every time he looks at the painting he’s reminded how terribly he behaved! You just want to give him another medal!
What a hero! The way he surprised Mrs. Patmore, all on his own to make a special memorial to her nephew, Archie, was such a dear thing to do.
He made her so happy ~ he didn’t have to do that. But he did. Endearing himself to the entire town, I’m sure. His open-mindedness, in a time of not-so-much, about Rose’s new in-laws, the look on Cora’s face, how proud of him she is . . . and getting down on the floor to play games with his grandchildren.♥ He’s leaving behind the thankless and isolating job of being a Patriarch with a capitol P and becoming a person.
And Tom, equally wonderful. Caring for both Edith and Mary and both of them showing they adore him too.
(More like a brother it seems, too bad.)I know Mary has issues ~ joking that if she murders her sister Edith, it will be Tom’s fault for leaving, is just her way of saying I love you.
Tom encourages Edith about her writing. Everyone relies on Tom ~ especially to help keep Downton afloat. He won’t let them down. (Or he wouldn’t, I’m sure, if he was real.)
And now a couple of last thoughts . . . Even when Barrow is “nice,” it’s a nice so dark and devious, you can’t trust it, and to finish his good deed by saying just “Tell Uncle Thomas?” Yikes. I don’t think so.
Is anyone else having second thoughts about Prince Kuragin who seems to only have one redeeming quality, which is his often repeated desire to ravage 
Violet for the rest of their lives? He is going to need something else if he wants a “yes” from our queen, (i.e. Does he read poetry out loud? Is he good at Whist? Is he funny? Can he tell jokes? Play the piano? Make bread? Anything?) Especially since he’s still married and has no job. Those are two big strikes already.
Last but not least, taking Anna to jail is senseless and wrong. If she pushed him, she pushed him. Leave them alone, and let’s go get that guest house.
Loved the walk back to the Abbey, hearing what everyone thinks. But I’ve been thinking they should plant bushes around the house. It’s so stark and cold. A tree or maybe some roses growing over the windows?
Something a little fluffy to soften those walls and spires.
So, what’d you think? Any new revelations?
The other thing for a complete Sunday Night wrap-up, did you see Lady GaGa sing a medley of songs from the Sound of Music at the Oscar’s? If not, get a tissue and then go HERE. Watch the way it ends . . .
Here’s what else is going on around here…
In Suenton Abbey . . . My dining room floor . . . call the butler!
OK, yeah, call the plumber . . .
They think they’ve found the leak ; this is a whole new point of interest for Jack and Girl Kitty.
We’re still buried in snow . . . but Joe took me for an airing and we stopped at the flower shop . . . it smelled like spring in there!
A gerbera daisy looks out at the bird feeders . . .
the perfect pick me up for the kitchen table . . . peach carnations and alstroemeria.
And I get up every morning and work on the new book all day ~ it’s almost all I think about. I couldn’t be happier. Hope all is well with you! Salmon for dinner, with spinach and green beans. Lost six lbs. On purpose. Must come out of this winter with something! (Or actually, without so much!) XOXO
I totally agree with you about Anna! Give it a rest! And the clothes just make me drool each week. I wish we still wore hats…so elegant!
I think I may find my way back to them . . . if I can find hats as beautiful as these!
Susan,
How lucky I have been…after my Aunt Agatha passed away (102) we found hats that went back all the way to the late 1800’s into the 30’s and 40’s. In perfect condition!!! Yes they were not a feather eaten or moth hole any where…all because my Aunt Agatha put BAY LEAVES in the boxes and plastic bags…keeps bugs away. We have 30 wonderful hats…that my daughters and I wear…how blessed are we? Very Blessed. We also do TEA PARTIES. So enjoyed all the pictures from Downton Abbey. Thank You, Susan P.
Oh that is just too wonderful Susan, how lucky for you, how dear of Aunt Agatha to save them. Blessed!
Love the clothes. ❤️❤️❤️ I also agree about letting Anna go…she was the victim. If I was writing Downton Abbey I would have Edith’s husband walk in….I like happy endings. As far as the outside its very stark…a willow and some roses…maybe even som ivy would be nice crawling up the facade. Some Camillias too!
Ivy or fig . . . anything green would be nice. Flowers would be the frosting on the cake!
I love Downton Abbey! I loved how kind Robert was this episode. I think he’s always had a teddy bear heart inside of that big, gruff exterior. I will sure miss it when it’s gone. I love that there is so much KINDNESS in this show, so different than most shows today and happy marriages! Yay! Men are masculine and women are feminine. I just ordered and got one of your calendars. Yes, it’s late but I still love it and have 10 1/2 months to enjoy it. Blessings to you.
Thank you Lori, same to you!
No to the Russian Prince! I think he’s looking for money, a bad man! Anna needs to be released post haste! I’m afraid Tom will leave, and I hope not. Oh so much going on this episode, I could go on, but so glad Mrs. Patmore had a happy end, I didn’t want Daisy to leave either!
I wondered if you had found the leak, you haven’t mentioned it. Kittys are surely fascinated and terrorized at the same time!
I don’t want him to be looking for money. That’s too cruel for our darling Violet and would burst her little youth-romance bubble. I just want him to a.) wash his hair, and b.) DO something poetic, like take her for a walk next to a river filled with wild swans. Or a ride in some romantic carriage.
Ha ha ha …..wash his hair! Yes please! He is too greasy and swarthy!
He lounges too . . . all other Downton folk sit straight as rods, but the Prince lounges.
Something we can mull over all Summer now, but I think the Prince is grubbing after money too. Many “lesser” Russian royals really were penniless once they got the Bolshevik boot. Plus wouldn’t it make for some excellent mother-son tension next season?
I love that Edith was transformed in this episode – smiling and happy! I’m not as happy that they have changed the child playing Marigold – who was already too old for the timeline, but appeared to age another 2 years or so in a couple of weeks! Blubbered through Daisy giving her notice – Mrs. Patmore being devastated – Daisy taking back her notice, and Mrs. Patmore’s reaction to Lord Grantham’s lovely gesture for her nephew. Glad Rose is safely and beautifully married to her hunky Atticus, in spite of hiccups. Everywhere I have read comments on DW, the vote is unanimous – we are all SO tired of the Bates’ / going to prison story line! Enough already!
Yes, happily ever after for Atticus and Rose and her new wonderful mother in law!
On the other hand, I have a little worry about Atticus. He was too good to be true, and he was not completely outraged when the “tart” tried to compromise him. He said something like, “this is not the time . . ” On the other hand, Rose was gorgeous at the wedding. The PBS website has a wonderful story about how they found the wedding dress. Completely vintage and it had never been worn. And you’re right. GaGa was just wonderful. Looking forward to the new book!
I was reading about that amazing dress!
I just love Downton and am sad that there is only one more episode this season. I thought last nights episode was great. Love all the clothes and hats. So beautiful! Loved the flowers you bought Susan. So pretty. Flowers make me happy and when I was a Trader Joes this morning I bought some daffodils and sunflowers. They are in my kitchen and and really lift my spirits every time I look at them!
I miss Trader Joe’s so much. There is one on the Mainland in Hyannis. But that’s too far away in one degree weather!
I think they actually outdid themselves with the clothes on Downton last night and wasn’t Rose’s mother something else! Your Dining Room!!! At least everything is protected with lots of plastic sheeting and hopefully everything will be set to rights, repaired, and tucked back into place soon. Kudos on the 6 lbs. I have also been thinking that it is time to get ready for Spring and leave the comfort food poundage behind…..as in NOT on my behind! Happy book writing Susan.
Yes, it’s that time of year!
Susan, what could be sweeter than reminiscing about last night’s Downton Abbey and Lady Gaga’s amazing tribute to The Sound of Music? Such sweet memories!! I remember one of our UK Girlfriends hinting that next week’s episode will be ‘perfection.’ Can.not.wait!! Hope your dining room will be perfect again very, very soon!! Just think of the party you can plan to celebrate! So glad that you have ‘our’ book to keep you distracted during the construction phase. It makes us all so happy to think of you happily writing and painting every day! ♡
Sending warm hugs,
Dawn
♡♡
I know, Joe and I are already talking about the party! 🙂
Hi Susan and girlfriends! Like you, I’ve loved every minute of Downton, but I’ve reached my limit with the whole Anna, Bates, Mr. Green story. Ugh! I hope Isobel marries, and Carson and Mrs. Hughes end up together, but I don’t see it in the cards for Mary or for Granny Violet. It almost seems out of character for those grand dames. And don’t we LOVE Shrimpie! Such a kind hearted gentleman. How did he end up married to that damaged viper? There’s no accounting for taste, right?
The Academy Awards seemed to miss something this year, but you are so right about Lady Gaga. She was spectacular and makes it seem so effortless. What a wonderful performer! And then the understated elegance of Julie Andrews was so touching. I hope your leak problem turns out to be a small one, but whenever there’s a hole in your ceiling, it looks drastic, doesn’t it? I’m happy you got yourself some posies to brighten up your abode. Take care and thank you for your wonderful friendship from afar.
Yes, holes do look drastic. But I’ve seen Joe patch them in such a way you can’t tell a thing, which gives me confidence!
According to Jessica Fellowes’ new series companion book “A Year in the Life of Downton Abbey” they have a new costume designer this year – Anna Mary Scott Robbins who reveals that Rose has the most dresses. I would have thought it was Mary. In any case, well done Anna Mary!
AHA! Thank you Joan! Yes, great job Anna Mary!
I JUST watched it. I love it so much, too! Tom is SO nice and smart. Robert DID redeem himself in this episode. I hate it when bad things happen to Anna. Weep!
I’m so sorry your dining room ceiling is leaking! I hope it’s fixed soon!
Lots of things got “settled” nicely in this episode. Everyone looked fabulous, even Robert in his uniform. We must get Anna back and I fear we will lose Tom.
I agree, those hats are so wonderful. How do you remain so calm with snow and water on your floor and a big leak???? Your “happy gene” at work!.
I’m busy! 🙂
I love the gorgeous hats. I say we absolutely bring them back. My mom wore those sweet little hats from the 50’s with the little tip of the nose blusher veils. I remember how they tickled when I’d kiss her on the cheek, and to this day I can remember the delicate sweet scent of her face powder. Hats are a bit magical.
Susan, you explain Downton Abbey soooo well and love the choice of pictures. I don’t understand though, why they put in the extra help for Violet when Mr. (I forgot his name!!) was fine. Wonder where that story will go. The wedding, if that’s what you call it, went so fast I wanted to put my TV on slow motion. Everything is so detailed.
Miss the Oscars, just watched the dresses on the red carpet. Some pretty ones.
I thought of you right away last Friday night when I saw that gorgeous sliver of a moon like a smile………the night was so clear. Thanks for your “love” and pictures of the full moons and sunsets.
Time for Mrs. Patmore’s tea. Love it!
Love the hats and if I can’t come live with you all then Violets house would be my second choice. Her house is so adorable! Your house is my first choice even with the big hole in the ceiling. Wow that looks serious. Poor Joe! We had ice and sleet in Dallas so got to stay home!!! Perfect timing so I could get all cozy and watch DA again and again all day. Except I think I gained six pounds! today because it was cozy baking weather. Made sour cream apple walnut squares. I divvied and wrapped them up for sharing with family when the streets melted and drivable again.
I don’t understand how you and especially Rachel bake and stay so slim!!
I don’t — but she does! I think maybe when you do it for a living, you don’t want to eat it. I sold ice cream once, and it was that way for me. I’ve never been a huge ice cream eater since.
To Joan of TX: Would you please share the recipe for the sour cream apple walnut squares??? Thanks! 🙂
Hi Pat, the recipe came from a Pillsbury Grand Prize Winner Contest recipe book. You know the little recipe books that you sometimes see at the checkout stands in grocery stores. If you type in on your browser search bar Pillsbury recipes sour cream apple squares it is listed there. Let me know if you find it okay. It says to use one cups of nuts in the recipe and I happened to have walnuts in my freezer. I was stuck at home due to an ice storm and luckily had all the ingredients on hand. So good with a cup of coffee…
Oh, I’m so sorry about the tear up but glad the leak was found! Now, I love Downton Abbey and I couldn’t wait and went on line and now I know how this season will end, but I’m a good girl and I won’t tell! 🙂
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Thank you for not telling — you ARE a good girl!
Please tell me where I might find this leak. I am awful at waiting and want to know how this season ends. (giggle)
Just don’t tell us!
Glad to know I am not shedding the winter pounds alone. When my husband saw my raw veggie dinner last night he asked if I was trying to lose weight….I said bikini season was coming and I wanted to be ready
Here’s a delicious, easy, filling, no calorie dinner. Get a package of organic green beans. Steam them the way you like them. Drain them, put them back in the pan until they are dry. Drizzle the teeniest little bit of olive oil over them and toss until they’re shiny. Freshly ground pepper and crunchy sea salt finish it up. YUM! A half pound of them is something like 50 calories.
That does sound good! The evenings when I get home from work are when I have a hard time not wanting to eat bad things so going to get stocked up on fresh green beans and see if I can loose a few pounds. Thanks Susan!
They’re really filling! There’s no torture involved!
Missed Downton last night because I was watching Oscars and after and fell asleep. However, I usually wait and watch it Saturday nights the following weeks, since there’s nothing I particularly care for on Saturday nights other than Downton. I’m thinking perhaps you could be hired as a writer, because you certainly are right on! However, you are already a writer and doing your own work very nicely and we wouldn’t want that interrupted! Thank you for the run through, and yes, the pestering of Anna is nothing short of annoying. She and John need to be left alone; they’ve already paid more than their dues. Thank you for yet another delightful post. Hope your dining room is rapidly put right!
LOL, it IS annoying! Stop you cops!
Didn’t you love the final scene of Downton last night, with all the family and staff walking back to the Abbey? Sigh. So perfect. And don’t you wish Carson could show up at Suenton 🙂 to whip your dining room back into shape? Love Joe’s expression…”Relax! We’ve got this all under control!”
Yes, I’d like to have Carson to tea!
Susan – loved all your comments on “Downton Abbey” ……. I feel the same on everything, but don’t wish Mary on Tom ! Sorry about your leak …. a lot of New Englanders here going through that with all the snow, etc. :(. Congratulations on your weight loss !
Take care,
Helen
I worry about the snow weight on some houses I see! Yikes!
I love your blog each week, its like a friend comes to visit. Sorry about the leak. Lots of snow on the roof. We had three tuxedo kittys the last one died last year, 21 years old. One 20 and one 19. They were wounderful kitties, always in the house and loved each other. When second one died it was so hard on the last one. He would go through the house looking fot his brother and cry for him, even 6 month’s later. We have 4 kitties now but not the same. Enjoy your week.
My kitties were all the same age as yours when they died. I got them all first thing when I moved to the island and had them for such a nice long time. They knew all my secrets. I never pass the kitchen door that I don’t look out on the porch to see if one of them wants in. It’s a habit I can’t break even though they’ve all been gone over ten years.
Awwww… I know the feeling. Even ten years after our last childhood dog died, I’d be visiting at my parents, sitting in the kitchen yacking with my Mom. And at some point – every time – I’d be ABSOLUTELY SURE I heard doggy nails skritching at the back door… Sniff!
Yes, they go, but they don’t go away.
It is so good to read about your views of Downton Abbey…especially since I agree with every thing you said 🙂
I did have a nice little surprise…I thought last night was going to be the last episode…I felt so happy when I realized that I was wrong.
So sorry about your leak…had many of those when we lived in our Ipswich, MA house…we used to make bets before each winter on which room would have a leak that winter. I would not have traded the experience of living in a 300 year old house for anything…I long for that experience again…my current house is a youngster…only 52 years old 🙂
I wouldn’t trade it either. 52 is pretty good though!
So nice to have a recap of last night’s Downton show. I confess I hadn’t watched it for a few weeks; it was just like I never skipped a beat. So fun, I turned away from working on my quilt to catch it all. Must get some handwork ready for next week’s show so I don’t miss a thing. Guess I’ll catch up on some full episodes online or buy all the programs from this year to watch whilst waiting for Spring to show up after all this snow melts. We have below 0 temps every night this week and I think we’re all getting cabin fever here! Stay warm and out of the cold if you can.
I’m going to watch season one and two again . . . I forget how it all started!
Ha! We were just saying the same thing!!! 🙂
I am loving the hairstyles (perhaps I still mourn my voluntarily shorn locks…) and all the hair bling! Isn’t it lovely to see women with their hair “done” rather than just stringing in their faces?? That was the one thing I noticed in the Oscars — lovely dresses, but that hair? Dahling, puh- leeez…
Robert redeemed himself last night for his naughtiness to Cora. He DOES love her, very much. And Cora! Oh, how I laughed when she reminded Lady Alice that “Have you forgotten that I am part-Jewish? My father was a Jew.” I loved Lady Alice struggling to get her foot out of her mouth.
I cannot bear for next week to come. Whatever will I do on Sunday nights??
Are you warmer in Smallville this week?
I know, Lady Alice, kind of a fruit cake too . . . something about the hat, which I actually loved.
Oh, Sue, so sorry about the leak in your lovely dining room! Hope it’s patched up good as new before long. Looks like the plastic is protecting everything well – like the wonderful corner cupboard. I love those!
I agree about Anna as well. Give that poor couple a rest already! The clothing is so fabulous it makes me want to dress up in period clothing like that just once! I would love to see the exhibit of costumes at the Biltmore Estate.
We are buried in snow with sub-zero temperatures here in Michigan, too. Your trip to the flower shop sounds like just what I need! A trip to the greenhouse tomorrow has been added to my agenda!
I can’t wait to see your new book! Keep warm and happy painting!
I think we should all go get ourselves a new hat for Easter this year!
Oh my, thank you for the update on Downton & Suenton, very well done my dear! I’m thinking I need a beautiful new wardrobe, with hats, but haven’t lost 6 lbs. like you – soon – I’m sure! I know this sounds silly but, what a neat feeling to see those 150 yr old (or so) boards holding up your second floor! Too bad about the water leak though, that kind of ruins the feeling! And too bad about all that bad weather, still wishin’ we could share! Take care, xoxo
One time we were fixing a wall on the outside of the house, we found boards with signatures and dates ~ from the 1800’s! That was interesting. And every time we dig a hole around here, we find something.
Wonderful that you’re loving caretakers of your beautiful old home, & grounds & finding treasures for safekeeping! Here, house only 56 yrs old, we haven’t found treasures. Although one great-grandson was into digging (he was 6) so we buried some treasures for him to find! So cute, he was so excited!!
Yes, salt the area!
Back then people used to bury their garbage in the yard.
I am glad to hear there is one more episode for this season. Poor Anna! I hope that they were wrong about Gregson and he comes back to Edith. Loved lady Gaga, did you notice her heart engagement ring, really beautiful. She got it Valentine’s Day! And susan, did you see the duchess of Windsors zipper necklace, the lady that wore it last name was Robbi. Incredible. I have been following your weather, and here on the west coast we have had two weeks of very spring type weather! Loved your thoughts on Downton. Thanks, Debby
I think Gregson went under cover into Nazi world for a “story” – that he will come back! I really do. I really hope so. Yesssss, I saw that necklace. Oh My. Just GORGEOUS.
Oh yes, I have thought the same thing about Gregson all along – that he will return, and Edith will have her happily ever after, perhaps in the last season. I noticed a lovely new man with Mary in the previews for next week! And the clothes!! Lately I find myself wearing only my long necklaces when I go out for lunch, etc, and longing for more sparkle. Perhaps I need a tiara for the grocery store? Remember when we were kids and always wore little hats and gloves on Easter, even in CA?
Oh yes, white gloves always for Easter. We got in on the very last of the glory days!
So do I! I’m not at all convinced Michael G is dead. Edith got Marigold back – a little too easily I thought, for a Downtown script – and I think that’s because Michael is coming back too!!
Let’s hope! I can’t wait to see her face when she sees him!
I also want Alfred to come back and he and Daisy can start a bakery together. Of course Daisy will make the cakes and keep the books!
Yeah, unrequited love, that was sad.
I couldn’t wait to get to your blog this evening and it certainly was everything I looked forward to. There were so many touching moments during Downton Abby last night – lots to say about the human spirit. However, as much as I’m glad that Edith has her Marigold, I do feel so sorry for Mrs. Drew. She loved Marigold as her own and the baby was taken from her as if she had no feelings. I probably missed any discussion about this but just had to comment. I do recall that you mentioned how loving Mrs. Drew was in the end when Marigold was leaving. And yes, Lady Gaga was lovely in all ways. The tribute so sentimental and the wonderful ending (don’t want to give it away). Thanks again for your “Downton Abby” run down. Just love them and will miss them as much as the show itself.
How quickly they forget Mrs. Drew. Maybe she will come back for revenge. That was so unfair.
I realized with a shock that the woman who played Rose’s awful mother, is the one who played Anne’s awful sister Elizabeth in Persuasion with Amanda Root. She’s good at playing the awful, I guess. But now she’s so much older, which means so am I! (Have you seen Grantchester? The housekeeper there played Mary Bennett in the old Pride and Prejudice from the 80s. Yikes!)
I love that housekeeper!
Oh my goodness! I would have never seen it about the actress playing Rose’s mother, if you hadn’t mentioned it, but now I do! I think Persuasion might be my favorite of the Jane Austen movies. It is so faithful to the original, and beautifully acted.
Sparkling jewelry and tiaras – gorgeous clothes for sure! However, Robert was THE HERO of the night for me – I LOVED every way he handled and resolved every hanging issue of the season last night! Totally agree about the Russian Prince. Will Violet become Isobel’s champion taking on the prejudiced bad boy sons of Lord Merton with her velvet gloved iron lady style – she is the only reason my husband will watch the show with me!!! Speaking of Violet,that new maid of hers – and what an introduction to the character? Interesting how Barrow knew exactly what sting she was pulling off – will she try to cross Barrow – just how bad can she be?! If this was Shakespeare, Anna and Bates seem to be the star crossed lovers of the drama – great twist having her hauled off to prison – I agree it really pulls at my heart strings for she and Bates. I’m still hopeful for Tom and Mary, what seems to begin as brotherly love might turn more passionate and romantic 🙂 – will he go to America and some crisis in the future find him rushing back to Downton?
LOVE those flowers you brought back from the flower shop – red tulips and those fluffy pink carnations almost look like mini peonies! You really needed to do that after seeing the state of your dining room. . .hope that is the source of the leak for sure and it will be over and done with quickly!
Thank you for another wonderful blog!!!
I would just love for Tom and one of the sisters to suddenly find themselves in a dark hallway . . . and say, OMG, where have we been all our lives!
The oddest thing…..just saw a “live chat” with Allen Leach (Tom). When begged to stay on DA, his response was, “Petition Julian Fellowes. I think Tom’s place is at Downtown.” Odd because they are already filming season 6, so surely those decisions and the script are in stone? Also, quotes from Allen that he couldn’t see himself staying beyond season 5. Perhaps the admission he had no acting jobs on the horizon was telling. Yes Julian!! Keep Tom!!
Whoa!!!
Yes,Yes,Yes!!!
By the way, I am so enjoying your beautiful address book, which I’m filling in with different colored inks.
Thank you for telling me Lisa!
I have to confess I skimmed this blog post, and what I read I hope I forget- LOL.
I am glad to know I have about ten ( eleven?) months to get caught up on the previous seasons. Then I can get in on the inner circle – make room! I love hearing you mention the new book;we’re all so excited about it. Congrats on losing the six pounds!
Always room for you Susan!
I love that Robert came to his senses and apologized to Cora and accepted Edith’s baby.
I do believe that Baxter is the wild card here.
I just wanted you to know my husband purchased your book a fine romance for me as a late Valentines present. I rarely get new books, I manage a used book store so it is in my blood to buy used. But your books never come in and I have wanted this book for some time. After I got it I was afraid to devour it to fast and then it would be over:(. So I have been doling out a few pages a night to make it last.
Cathy
I love used books too . . . but I’m glad you like a fine romance . . . I tried to make it seem used even when it was new.
🙂
I just love Downton Abbey! I don’t want the season to end! I’ve mentioned before about the show “Manner of Speaking” which comes on after Downton on our PBS station, which does a summary of the current episode. If you go to mannerofspeaking.org you can get all the info on Downton Abbey. It is so cool. Interviews with the cast, info about fashion and lots of other goodies. I encourage every fan to check it out.
Love it too. Very fun way to decompress after the main event.
Oh, my — I just love, love! this season, don’t you? They just bounce along from one happening to the next, no dragging out the storylines for weeks at a time. I’m just heartbroken that it will be over. Did you tell us that next week is not really a part of the storyline but a Christmas celebration? I went to your link to see Lady GaGa and got the message that it was shut down — something about Oscar copyrights or the like — I don’t remember the exact wording. Big bummer. I fell asleep during that time; I needed a nap to prepare for Downton AFTER the Oscars. It was a TV marathon night! Glad you are so content in the snow and hooray for you for six pounds! You inspire me. Keep on keepin’ on. xox
It’s what they call their “Christmas special” — I think it’s part of the story line, and a wrap up of the season, and probably comes with a torturous cliff hanger for next year. I’ll go check on that link . . . hope I can fix it!
I had no trouble with the YouTube link at all [using Safari]. I thought Gaga sang very well. She has a good, powerful voice for sure. But IMHO, she looked like someone who might be trying to break into the movies. Seemed like quite a hammy performance overall. And it sounded like she was singing with a British accent. ?? Very odd, because it’s the rare British singer whose accent can be detected. Although Julia Andrews is one of them – and maybe that’s what Lady G was thinking about?? I wish Julie could have sung but she had that tragic throat surgery a while back. Really sad.
I used to sing with along with the Beatles (on the radio 🙂 ) and if they said a word in “English” I did too. Always fun!
Edith’s dead lover is not really dead and will reappear next season and she will get married and live happily ever after. Tom will stay at Downton, but not marry Mary, I hope, but find a new love. Mary will be the one left the old maid, I hope, and will take over all the running of the estate and become just like her grandmamma, sharp tongued and agile with words. Carson and Mrs. Hughes will buy a house together as an investment and make plans to be married. Suddenly the writers and producers of Downton Abbey decide maybe season six won’t be the last one and they will take us right on up to World War 2 with the family. I can dream, can’t I?
Perfection!
My goodness, what happened with your leak? How did you know you had one? And they had to get to it through your dining room ceiling?? When will this be fixed? You can’t go around with this hole in your dining room…. Ah, Downton! Edyth looked happy for the first time this season! I want to smack Mary! She needs to be nicer to her sister. Cora got all my brownie points last week but Robert swept them this week! Now you understand why Cora fell in love with him! And don’t forget, he also got a headstone for Isis….
We started getting a watermark on the ceiling of the dining room. Good hint!
Hi Susan,
I was torn between Downton and the Oscars last night, but I did watch DA and flipped back to catch Lady Gaga’s amazing Sound of Music performance. I think she did Julie Andrews proud, and the way she choked up when Ms. Andrews came out on the stage, made me cry too.
As far as Downton goes, I agree, enough with poor Anna, hasn’t she been through enough? I’m a bit mad at Julian Fellowes for making us upset because these people who aren’t actual real people but characters and we feel like we know what is best for them are not being treated the way we would like! You are right, Robert was so especially sweet and kind this episode…I have such a crush. I am hoping that Isobel and Violet both get a happy ending. Not sure about the Prince though, he’s quite the somber fellow for Violet’s sense of humor. I’m excited for next week’s episode, but so sad that we have to wait so long for the next season. Anyway, I always appreciate your musings on the show, so fun to talk about it! Good luck with your dining room and congrats on the 6 pounds, wish I could say the same for myself! 🙂
Is next week two hours? I hope?
Yes, I checked…next week’s episode is two hours, yay! I guess that’s some consolation. I’m looking forward to your reflections on the season finale!
Actually, me too! 🙂 ‘Cause then I get to hear yours!
I am so dissapointed! Not even a mention of poor Isis! Stay warm!!
They were having a stone made for him. I think that’s the tell-tale sign they gave.
I can’t believe that next week is the last episode of Downton! It went so fast! I am still hoping that Mary and Tom become a pair, but it doesn’t look like that will happen. What about Rose’s mother? What a witch Susan is! Her own daughter! I had a feeling that Anna would be arrested. Hmm, how is she to get out of this one! I too love the clothes they wear. I loved Rose’s wedding attire! Mary always looks beautiful. I could go on and on. Thank you for your posts Susan! I always look forward to them. I hope they found that leak! Right now it is -6 in my town of Avon, NY. Lots of snow too! Love those flowers you got at the florist. They look so Springy! Can’t wait to see what will happen next week on Downton. Until than stay warm and snuggle Jack and Girl and of course Joe. Bye for now. P.S. Love everything you write and paint. I have all your books. Bye, Bye Kathy!
Thank you Kathy! Stay warm!
Yay congrats on yr 6 lbs! Your poor ceiling… leaks are sooo hard to find sometimes – we’ve had to rip out a wall once, ceiling another time – such a mess! Downton Abby – I loved the hats too, so elegant and sophisticated. Haah, great idea Mrs. P. marries Mr. Mason and Daisy becomes a famous cake decorator! I don’t want Tom to go to America cuz I think he can do amazing things with the estate! Isn’t Susan (Rose’s mother) a piece of work? And Mrs. Denker! wth?!? haha! You’re right… leave the Bates alone now, good grief poor Anna – never ending hell! I LOVE Downton – everything about it and love your recap of it – such fun. Keep warm and good luck with that darn leak! Spring is on the way!
Susan . . . a piece of work is right! No wonder Rose came to live at Downton!
Oh, I couldn’t believe it when the police came for Anna! Such lovely fashions!
Your dining room! How long will the repair work take? It’s a good thing to be able to lose yourself in the book!
We are replacing carpet with hardwood here, and husband is the “do-it-yourselfer.” I dare not ask how long he thinks it will take.:-)
Hoping winter will not decide to settle in for good, and spring will appear!
xo Nellie
Not sure how long it will take. Depends on what has to be replaced, but it’s really not a big deal right now . . . it’s not a high traffic area, so I don’t actually have to look at it much! Replacing the carpet would be a much bigger deal! But worth it! Good luck, Nellie!
Does it feel a bit like spring inside with the flowers? I did that also today, picked Violets and Dafodills from our yard!! So sorry that you have a leak, and your ceiling is all apart, and all the frustrations that goes with a leak. Hope they really find it and it gets a permanent fix! Then the ceiling fixed with no signs of the leak!
Not exactly spring, but it’s a cheerful happy sight to see. Joe’s brilliant at fixing things.
I think you should clone that boy, Sue. He can cook, he tinkers in your barn, kitties like him. Now we learn he’s brilliant at fixing things etc. You could really clean up, $$$-wise, with some “Joe clones.” Think about it… LOL!!
My girlfriends and I were talking about Joe today. The thing is, he never says no. That’s his very best most wonderful, let’s do it, quality.
I love Downton Abbey, I think it should continue for several more seasons !!! We need more quality shows on TV ! So sorry about the leak in your house. I have a primal fear of water leaking—I think it started when I was a small child in the bath tub with my sister& the water wouldn’t shut off ! Plumbers are my heroes—good luck on a quick fix !
I’ve been afraid I’d be taking a bath and the bathtub would fall into the dining room!
Susan, Very impressed with Lady Gaga’s new look and performance. It was a real treat to see her on stage surprise. Hope your repairs are quick! Don’t want to keep you , can see your busy. Just wanted to see the pics of Joe with his tea bag hanging from his glasses and can’t remember where to look. That pic was priceless!! Best wishes for a speedy repair to your home in the middle of winter.
Here’s Joe and his tea bag glasses!
That is hilarious! No wonder you’re still laughing! And he didn’t know it? You’re so right, Susan, you can’t make these things up! 😀 😀 😀
No, ha ha ha, I think he felt it first, when he saw it he came walking into my studio with that look on his face. It was too funny.
Laughing like crazy now. Thank you!
Beautiful flowers.Sorry about the plumbing issues. I hate them. Robert was a stand up man. Loved his response. Congrats on the weight loss. That is a great feat for winter…..we all love so many warm goodies then. I made a Hot Milk Cake today……awesome. My little grand-daughter loved it. She is becoming a fan. nite.
It’s like a nursery cake, perfect for grownups who haven’t grown up too much, and for little children. Give her a hug for me.
Did I miss you mentioning Anna’s arrest? So OVER that story line. I love the hat with the white albino rooster feathers. Agree about everything else. Love the clothes, but would hate to change ten times a day!
It was almost the last thing I talked about . . . because, I agree, what can you say?
And how about Cora telling the snooty wedding guest that her own father was Jewish? And how much more awful could Susan be? Not much. Lucky gor Rose she has a real ally in her new mother-in-law. Downton is the only thing getting me through this crazy Massachusetts cold. Maybe they could do a new show about Tom’s new life in Boston and we could all be extras?!
I adored that part, I loved how calmly she said it, and how proud Robert looked. What a dingbat.
Oh, Susan, your Dining Room! I hope they find your leak and not too much damage to your lovely house. I had a leak in my DR right over the built-in hutch. We found it when I heard a drips, drips, drips on the heads the nutcrackers collected there at Christmas. Poor gents! The damp made their hair fall out – wet, bald, they had good reason to bare their teeth. All better now, hope your room is dry and cozy again soon.
Love Downton (and Love among the Ruins)! I have my tea and am transported. Amazing what full lives everyone had before tv and electronics.
Spring is coming. Hold on!
I’m trying! 🙂
Bad, bad detectives!!!! I don’t see much of the influence of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in their methods. They got a guy who claimed, I thought, only to have seen the back of the person standing by Mr. Green and so the bobbies trot out some lovely ladies and ask him to look at their faces! Crikey! Anna just HAS to survive in good stead. I’m going to have to go back to that season and see what Anna was doing at the time someone mercifully gave Mr. G. a healthy shove. Rose was bee-u-tee-ful; Susan was a jerk and Shrimpy was a knight in shining armor (or, better, a marquess, which is above a knight)…..and Atticus was good, just as he should be. (I like that name. I like it so much, I named one of my children Atticus. Pregnant women about to give birth, should not watch “To Kill a Mockingbird” the night before delivery……). Lovely wording on Mrs. Patmore’s nephew’s plaque. Quite perfect. It’s nice having friends in high places. Once more, next week. Will Tom leave for America? Forever? Will Mary find true love? Will Michael miraculously appear? Will Barrow ever find happiness in service? Will Violet see through the Prince in time? Will Mrs. Crawley live happily with Lord Merton? So many questions. So little time……
And oooooo, your poor house! It has an owy! Needs a little surgery. Hope all will be well soon. Glad to hear you’re happily writing away. We can’t wait to read it, no we can’t! Thanks for sharing and being willing to talk about DA. It’s a weekly cleanse, of sorts……
Why do the police care so much to HUNT down the killer of a serial rapist? They work awfully hard to find out how this perfectly understandable accident occurred. It’s not like he was somebody important. It’s not like they don’t have other things to do. Did they catch Jack the Ripper yet?
🙂
As you say Susan, would Scotland Yard really spend two years tracking down the killer of a serial rapist who was also a valet? Back in the day, I think not.
A possible surprise twist would be for Anna to discover she is preggers in prison.
OMG. I think you’ve got it.
More laughter going on over here! My face hurts!
🙂
Okay, consider this, the Detectives are going through Anna’s house, looking for evidence, and they find the little something Mary has Anna keeping for her. Hmmm, questions. Mary must decide to claim her property (those Detectives have already set her teeth on edge!) then – yikes! Why would this belong to you, Lady Mary? Why would you have a contraceptive device? And Lord Robert- wide-eyed asking his daughter the same thing! On the heels of his revelation of his other daughter’s dalliance….
and what if the device – like so many – failed and Mary comes up in a family way again? OH! The cliffhangers we could see next week!
That’s when the detectives go too far! Not that they haven’t already!
Hello Susan! Congratulations on your healthy eating and six pound weight loss!!!! Good job! You’ve inspired me to cut back on all the cookies I’ve been eating. Seems like the colder the temperatures drop outdoors, the more I find myself baking and yep, the blue jeans and slacks are getting tighter!!! So sorry you have a leaky pipe, and of all places, over your gorgeous diningroom! Your fresh flowers are the best medicine for cabin fever!!! Where do you get your energy and ambition Susan? Take care of yourself and keep warm!!
I imagine it’s a byproduct of the happy gene! You take care too Carilyn (with the smart mother).
Awwww, thank you! LOL…..maybe I have the baking gene…..that’s making me fatter!
The colder it gets the more I want to bake and cook wonderful things! I will work it all off this summer when it is too hot to eat anything……..except ice cream! And there are so many wonderful recipes out there. After all…” If you can read….you can cook.”
Her spirit lives on and on…..
🙂
Ahhhh, dear Chris. xoxo
Hello Susan…..This week of Downton was filled with so much beautiful fashion. The dresses were just so pretty with all the sparkles and hats were just so over the top. Just why did we allow fashion to go by the way side of such casual dressing that I don’t even see any hats worn at church anymore. Even when I was a little girl on Easter we wore gloves and hats holding our little purses with black or white patten leather shoes. Those were the days and now I am giving my age away.
It’s the kids. Like when we were kids. Kids don’t want to do anything their parents did, so they change everything, and then when they get old, they’re smarter, and they’re sorry.
Ah…A kindred spirit. I loved my Easter outfits!!!
You are such a character, Susan…Sometimes you just make me laugh out loud! 😀 (And that is GOOD!!) Your enthusiasm is just so contagious. I have not ever seen Downtown Abbey and I get excited! With all of your talk (and the girlfriends) about it, I sincerely hope that it comes to NetFlix one of these days (soon!!), so I can watch ALL of it…a Downtown Abbey MARATHON!! 🙂
My girlfriends here talk about it also and they say I will really LOVE it…so I am really looking forward to it!
Lady Gaga was indeed very good doing that “Sound of Music” tribute.(Wow!!) I heard somewhere that she had a special singing coach for about 6 months just to be ABLE to do it. She really did pull it off! Very beautiful!
A little less than 4 weeks until SPRING…And less than 2 weeks until Daylight Savings Time. (YIPEEEE!!) So hang in there!
And, thanks for the S M I L E S !! (As always!)
<3
Happy to see you here Judy! Thank you back!
So sorry about the leak and your dining room! Hope it will be all better soon! 🙂 PS, I am the one who sent you the little set of Peter Rabbit books a few weeks back….they had to come live with you!!!
Ohhhh, I love them. They are up there in the Peter Rabbit room all tucked in with the bunnies. Thank you Lori!
You are welcome! They just spoke to me at our local antique store that they simply had to go live with you!!! Xoxo!
Well, I’m glad they did .xoxoxo
Lady Gaga’s singing was magnificient! I could never get into watching her when she wore all those WEIRD outfits = but maybe now since she appears to have changed. 🙂 (except for the “dish washing gloves”) ha ha
I tried to like the gloves, but no.
As I was trying to get to sleep last night, it came to me that, yay, I can’t wait to read what Susan says about tonight’s Downton! I love how you write! Thank you! And, why does British TV only make series with under 10 episodes?? I could watch Downton forever…
They are the experts of elegant downplay. Thank you Jaime!
I too loved this episode. Robert was wonderful. The thought of losing Daisy made me tear up. The cake was beautiful.
I loved your idea about Daisy, Mrs Patmore and Daisy’s FIL moving to the farm. Lovely.
I just got back from Hawaii. I bought a copy of A Fine Romance for my vacation book this year. I am absolutely LOVING it. Thank you for doing what you do. You bring great joy to us, your girlfriends.
Erin
Hawaii! How wonderful Erin! Thank you, I’m glad you’re enjoying the book!
Susan, I love your comments on Downton Abbey, always! I am enjoying it so very, very much! I agree with you about Lady Gaga on the Academy Awards! She was amazing! I don’t think I’ve ever heard her sing and I never expected that! And the ending – oh, my goodness! It made me cry! I am so sorry that you have a leak in your house! That is so sad! Enjoy your beautiful snow, it actually rained here in Fresno California last night and this morning. I was soooo happy! Love from Mary S. in Fresno California
It’s an old house. Things happen. We’re used to it. Must take the bitter with the sweet. Happy rainy day, hope it continues for a while!
Hello from snowless Kansas City! Have thought of you and all your white stuff SO often. (I have added Martha’s Vineyard to my Weather Channel app in order really keep track of your weather.) The only bright spot I can think of that might come from your white deluge is how very, very happy spring will make you. Hope your Honeycrisp tree survives all this. (I brought you Honeycrisps when you were at Rainy Day Books in KC last year.) Isn’t Downton wonderful? Will miss it terribly. Love hearing your book is getting lots of your attention…cannot wait to preorder! Stay warm.
The perfect gift, thank you!
I too, had tears in my eyes when Lady Gaga sang her Sound of Music anniversary tribute. Beautiful! Saw Downton last night and thoroughly enjoyed it also. What a grand saga! Stay warm, friend! xoxo
Not so easy this morning! I think it’s one degree or something. I think my winter timer would go off ~ “time’s UP” ~ if I wasn’t so deep into writing to the point I don’t often notice!
Wonderful recap!! I agree, happy unworried Edith looks so lovely.
Worst mother on the planet award goes to Susan (she brings dishonor to the name!)
Best save the day mom – Lady Sinderby!
Finally, your flowers are beautiful.
I know, definitely chose the wrong name for her!
Good Morning Dear Susan ~~~
Here’s my five pennorth for such as it is worth on Anna and the whole miserable affair of the demise of Mr Green. Send for Sherlock Cumberbatch and all will be solved with aplomb without any more suffering for Anna or us!
I have a couple of Downton~esque summer hats and a leaky umbrella that is now called a parasol for summer use. Oh, to dress as they did then {or how my Nanna dressed in her Sunday best, on her days off from keeping house at the Deanery}
Hope you get your ceiling fixed very soon! An entertainment Jack and Girl Kitty could do without.
Waving from Across the Pond in Wildly Windy Wutheringly Wonderful Wet West Wales {yes, we are back to that kind of weather system again, with a Supertide thrown in the mix and lots of coastal flooding!}
~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Love the Sherlock Cumberbatch idea!
“Downton Abbey” and “Sherlock” are my two favorite shows of all time! Do you watch “Sherlock”, Susan?
Mary S. from Fresno, CA
I watched a bit of it . . . but you know, later night TV is always a stretch for me . . . I stretch for Downton, but not for much else!
Love Sherlock, too…and the new one with the Vicar who helps solve mysteries – Grandchester ? Forget the name. And Susan, I am with you …find myself falling asleep and not even KNOWING it. Hate that. So I DVR everything and enjoy them when I want…early in the evening !!!
Just thought I’d say hello from Hampshire in England 🙂 I live about 35 miles from Highclere Castle aka Downton Abbey (well the exterior of it at least) I have to confess I haven’t actually been there tho – yet.
I’m enjoying reading through your blog and have just bought A Fine Romance… such a beautiful book, I keep dipping into it whenever I have a few minutes and telling everyone to ‘Look, listen to this…’ 😀
Lucky you, you lucky thing! Glad you’re enjoying my book, makes me extra happy to hear from Brits ~ I feel like my appreciation is getting to the place where it should get to! Have a wonderful day!
Your flowers are so lovely and cheery. We got a bit of rain here in SoCal yesterday; washed off everything again. I’ve got a riot of blue hibiscus blooming in the yard. Creek’s still dry, though. River looks like a very narrow irrigation ditch in a lemon orchard. Seriously pathetic. We need tons of rain to get out of the drought and it seems likely it’s not going to happen in 2015.
Catching up to your archives; lots of good posts from the past and, you’re right, I’m reminded that you have no annoying advertising. Thank you. Loved reading about how you and Joe hooked up. I, too, had a broken heart as I began my 30s, figuring the one had ‘got away’ and I’d never be destined to meet another handsome, dark-haired, BEARDED hunk ever again…but, I did. It took awhile to find him…eight years (I was glad to say ‘bye-bye’ to the 80s)…but I married him. He’s sleeping in the next room at the moment!
I wanted to do what you did when The Big Breakup happened; change everything…my hair, my locale, my job. Escape. New start. Maybe a sea island off Georgia. NYC? Santa Fe? There was nothing keeping me…my family was well and fine back then; I could’ve done it…but I didn’t have your courage. I only wound up an hour from home. But at least I did that much, and it was gloriously life-altering. It just took me a long time to get back any confidence. Rejection or criticism and disappointment is tough. Anyway, you have to be a really resilient and take-charge person to change coasts like you did, brave girl. I admire you for that ambition and determination! (Don’t you dare tell me it was desperation.)
It wasn’t desperation (except for the bag lady fear :-)) — it was more like destiny. Sounds like you and I took the same trip!
I’ve just been writing a second comment here, realizing it got ‘way too long, so will try to condense. Just wanted to say that I’ve been learning a little more about your ‘journey’ (I’m Susan Branch-obsessed at the moment, trying to catch up to your product and you; all that I’ve missed, in coming to the program late, clueless that you’d done more than calendars…HOW could I not know about your quilts, goodies at Michael’s, Lenox teapots and trinket boxes, your Arroyo Grande retail store and the farm stand? Frustrating!)
I’m so glad I found your blog and learned more. Your ‘stories’ (books I’ve begun to collect) are comfort food for my soul. Your illustrations? Visual healing. It makes my insides ‘smile,’ like a slow warmth or being hugged. Loved. Happy. So enjoyable to read.
All I can do now, better late than never, is buy whatever of your past creations sing to my heart which can still be found in the secondhand marketplace. I’m at a spot in my life when I need the soothing balm of your ‘pictures,’ words and quotes. You’ve created things to make people feel good.
It’s supposed to rain this weekend here in SoCal (yay) and I’m going to curl up with a blankie and read and read the Willards book I just bought from your online store. Tonight I listened to a long podcast you did with a quilter (about the time period of Joe opening up a restaurant in SLO…was this like 10 years ago; it was undated) and I’m piecing together how you came to be/stay in Martha’s Vineyard, how your painting evolved, etc. You built an empire! It’s all very serendipitous!
I have deep admiration for all you’ve accomplished. You ARE the Gladys Taber, Cicely Mary Barker and Beatrix Potter of your generation. Your name is right up there with theirs…and you will always be remembered in the years to come, just like them. It’s your very fine legacy. Bravo.
Oh my goodness Vicki, by the time I got to the end of your comment, I was in tears. What can I say. Thank you so much. I’m going through photos this morning, befores and afters of my first house on the island . . . trying to choose which ones for the new book I’m working on right now. I’m writing all about those times, and still of course wondering if this will be of interest to my “Girlfriends” — your words came at the perfect time . . . like a balm. Now I’m all perky and saying to myself, “They are going to LOVE this!” 🙂 Thank you! I’m keeping your comment — will read it over when I start to worry. xoxo
☃♡☂☆☼❆✿Good~Morning My Snow~Bunny… 1 Degrees? OMG! Crazy! Warm Hugzzz & a Little Florida Sunshine For You Sweet Sue! 🙂 I LOVE Your Review of Downton~Abbey! Perfection (Love Today’s Musica Too!) 🙂 I Love The Scene With “Donk” & Cora About Marigold! My Wings were All a Flutter I LOVE DOWNTON~ABBEY! I Know….Breathe…. 😉 Yikes About “The~Leak” ;-( But Your Joe Knows What To Do….He’s a Genius! 🙂 Whew! 🙂 Now About Lady~Gaga….CLEARLY She Grew Up Loving & Watching The Sound of Music….Oh My Goodness! & When She got to Hug Julie~Andrews OMG! Goosebumps Tears Joy….I Understood…….Raindrops on Roses & Whiskers on Kittens….Snowflakes That Stay on My Nose & Eye~Lashes…These are a Few of My Favorite Things!!!!! I’m Happy You Are Safe & Cozy Working & Creating Your Magic Sweet Sue! Your Springtime~Flowers Are Gorgeous! & I Know They Put a Smile on Your Face! Sending Love & Warm Hugzzz & Pixie~Dust Mixed with a Little Bit of Sunshine To Brighten Your Day! Yay! xoxo Poof! ☃♡☂☆☼❆✿☃♡☂☆☼❆✿ P.S. & Thank~You For This Glorious Blog~Post! I Want To Buy Myself an Easter~Bonnet This Spring! 🙂
I know the feeling Angie! xoxo Have a wonderful day!
Thank~You Sweetest Sue I Shall! I’ve Got So Many “Spring” Projects Tis Time to Get Started Yay! xoxo 🙂
It appears that you live in a PBS kind of world………….tea and cakes at Downton Abbey one moment and your own “Ask This Old House” the next… Joe would fit right in with the guys on TOH – in fact, I think it was last week’s episode where Tommy Silva was plastering a ceiling.
Thank you for your wonderful updates/reviews on Downton — my husband and I do our own little rehash during breakfast Monday mornings and I like reading your take on things as well. SO many things in this week’s episode that were like loose strings being gathered up for next season’s story line!
While it might be nice for Violet to see a bit of a ‘twilight romance’ and all that, I’m thinking she is wise to the prince — I’m sorry, but he’s the male version of a gold digger – and an old, ratty looking one at that. He’s not as interested in ‘love and romance’ as he is in being able to live in a very nice, warm house with Violet and Spratt to take care of him……………..Nope – don’t want that to happen!
I hope it isn’t true, I don’t want Violet to lose any more illusions. Romance is such a mine field!
Oh my Gosh! It was the most interesting show Sunday night! Love your blog and totally agree with you summary! I really thought That Ms. Patmore such marry Daisy’s father-in-law!! What a match! Anyway, I still am routing for Mary to wed Tom. They are both wanting the same things for Downton Abbey and the children. What could be better. I think Tom would also straighten her out! What’cha think? Can’t wait for the next episode. But, will cry at the end. Oh, what withdrawal we shall have!! Hugs, Marie
We’ll all cry together!
Susan, I felt the same way you did about this last episode of Downton Abby Sunday night! So many beautiful scenes and details about our beloved friends both upstairs and downstairs. I think the most difficult piece I have is the planned leaving of Tom to America. How can he do this? He, more than anyone, has moved the transformation forward for how Downton is to financially face the future. But there is much to be done and he has a stronger vision of what change must be. I fear it is that the plot will send him off and then it will be a whole year until we hear more!! The relationship between Violet and Isobel was so beautiful and touching this week, wasn’t it? It must have been quite
hard for Violet to admit that she was lonely in her old age and Isobel had become an important piece of her life. It all just made me teary!!
Stay Warm and looking forward to your new book!!
Makes me love Violet even more.
I may seriously go into withdrawal with out Downton Abbey! I am SO hooked! Spring better get here early…..maybe digging in the dirt will help drown my sorrows. I cried twice watching, once when they unveiled the memorial to Mrs. Patmore’s nephew, I wanted to throw my arms around Robert and give him a hug…..and when I saw Mr. Bates face when they took Anna away!
Seriously I am going to have to get a life! By the way, you would look absolutely adorable in that hat!
Thanks for the link to Lady Gaga’s performance…..I must have dozed…..when I opened my eyes Julie Andrews was on……that’s a very late night for me!
Love all the comments on our collective addiction and how we would like to see the show end……HAPPILY EVER AFTER!
Love you all,
Chris
I think it’s physical pain for the first couple of weeks without it! All life becomes slightly grayer! Yes, please, Happily ever after!
Hi Susan. Just wanted to tell you how much I LOVE your cozy blog! You give me such inspiration of fun cozy homey things to do around my house and ideas to do seasonally or monthly. Your house looks so cozy too. Love your recap on downton too! Just love love your blog!!!!!!! A bright spot when I see that you’ve posted again! Xoxox Jennifer in Boise
You are so sweet to tell me Jennifer! Thank you so much. Stay warm!
Just a caution to the wise. On two occasions (remodel and bathtub repair) our kitties decided to explore the lovely space between the floor and ceiling, or between walls. On one occasion, an additional hole was cut in the ceiling to rescue the rasccal! (Who promptly retreated out of reach, of course.) So keep the ladder away from the hole. And if you can’t find Jack (Girl Kitty would never be so bad), consider the hole.
Downton, I love the clothes. Would never have the patience to wear them or even worse, wash them!!! But lovely to look at.
Good advice Sandra, thank you!
I watch DA twice to analyze every word. When Mrs. Hughes told Carson ” I can guarantee Anna and Mr. Bates did nothing wrong” my radar went up! Mrs. Hughes is not tall and could she have been in London the day of the murder?
From my window this am watching snow falling thru our pine trees in back garden. I am in love with this view and cardinals for a bonus!
Oh that was good radar, I didn’t quite get it that way, hmmmmm!
No, no, no!!! Mrs. Hughes couldn’t ~ wouldn’t hurt a flea let alone that sKuzbag Mr. Green.
I don’t picture Mrs. Hughes taking the law into her hands. I don’t think Anna did it either.
Oh, that would be a fabulous thing, only if she never gets caught! Mrs. Hughes is so motherly, I can imagine her doing the pushing.
Ooh I thought the same thing about Mrs. Hughes! Ut oh…
Susan, thank you so much for always recapping Downton Abbey for us. It’s on from 9-10 pm out here on the West Coast and somewhere during the show I seem to fall asleep for a few minutes. I miss a lot of the dialogue because of the British accent, too. Your recaps always fill me in – and the pics are gorgeous! You can spot so many details and capture them for us with the pics. I hope all will be well at the end. Is this their final season or is next year the final season? Thanks again for your blog! Love it!
Next year will be the final season. Thanks so much Connie!
Hello all you DA lovers ~ in case you didnt know you can catch it on tuesday evenings ~ I always watch it on both nites. Im here in Brewster on cape cod and I sell antique linens and some clothing and hats !! have a few beautiful ones ~ currently Im at the Antique Center in Dennis on rt 6a ~ love your blog Susan
stay warm Lorraine
Rt 6a — love it!
First, Lady Gaga —– wow! I had no idea she was so gifted. I haven’t watched the Oscars in years, but I am convinced that her medley from SoM
was the classiest, most memorable presentation of the evening. And Julie Andrews? I needed more than one tissue…
Second, Downton —– I admit to cheating just a little and read one of the many spoilers about the last episode (sniff!) next week. I won’t reveal it myself, but I am glad I read it. Loved this past episode! So many things were resolved. I hope Isobel changes her mind about “Dicky.” I really don’t think he can handle a woman like her. I also hope that Rose’s nutsy-cuckoo mother will be another never-seen-again character. A hearty “amen” to all the clothes in the latest episode —- Rose has become just as stunning as the others. Here in NC there’s currently a display of DA costumes at Biltmore Estate. If the weather weren’t so yucky today on the way to the mountains, I’d probably go this week. These designers are pure geniuses.
Enjoy your day. Spring’s coming!
I like “nutsy-cuckoo” 🙂
Hi Susan: As THOROUGHLY hooked on Downton as you are! Have watched most of the episodes twice already, and I’m going to “cheat”!! We are going watch #9 tonight!! Can’t wait to see what happens to Anna! I won’t tell though! Promise! You may have hit on something!! Perhaps she ran into “Mr. Despicable” (I can’t put his name in print! The letters just won’t come out on the page!!), when she sleuthed out the spot where “it” happened, and he tried to attack her again. She resisted, of course, and he lost his balance and fell into the street! How will she ever prove that? Perhaps some gallant soul is going to surface who saw the whole thing! We are DEFINITELY staying tuned!! Thanks for all you observations! Interesting!! It would be grand if we could have a giant recap with all the Girlfriends together to hash this over!!
Sorry about the dining room! Oh, bummer! But glad you have competent help on top of it! Love the flowers. Speaking of gallant! What a “knight in shining armor” thing to do!! Take you to a flower shop during the great snow burial! Good for Joe!!
Thanks again for bringing fun and loveliness to our day! Enjoyed it immensely!!
Jane xo
Yes, my help is very competent! Thank you back Jane!
Dear Susan, I love your re-caps on Downton. I purchased all of it so that I could have my Downton Library and watch it as many times as I’d like. I must say, when you re-cap, there is always something I’ve missed……it is a lovely series and I, along with you and the girlfriends, will miss it; however, we still have your blog to look forward to…………and it is just as good as, if not better, than any PBS broadcast. xoxo
Oh Ann, you are too sweet! xoxo
One more comment about Anna & Bates. I’m getting a bit worn out with them. They seem to “look” guilty all the time. Maybe there is more to this than yet we know! If someone walked in from Mars and looked at that lineup they would have picked Anna, too. She looked the guiltiest of all! Why? If she is innocent. And Bates always has an ominous look about him. Well, that was more than one more comment! But I think you get the drift. I hope Fellowes wraps this up in a “non-frustrating” way!! And I hope we find out the WHOLE truth! But I doubt it this season!! We shall see!! Actually, it makes for great storytelling, doesn’t it! He’s a genius! He has us all hanging on tenterhooks! 🙂
LOL, she DID look guilty! After Matthew, we can never trust Julian again! He is the wild card.
Yes, indeed! And we will thoroughly enjoy not trusting him in whatever he shocks us with won’t we!! Can’t WAIT to discuss #9. That’s all I’ll say!! 🙂
~ Good Morning~
The Downton Abbey episode this past Sunday had to be one of my favorites! ~ Lots of “redemption” but Tom Barrow ~ you almost think he’s going to do the right thing and then…..Uncle Tom? Please…
The clothes and hats ~ every week they get even more beautiful!~My grandma was married in 1929 and had a wedding dress and flowers that were absolutely beautiful! Over the top gorgeous~Rose’s dress reminded me of my grandma’s ~ She had a beautiful art~ deco engagement ring too~ I wish they would show more closeups of the rings and earrings~ My girlfriend I deceded we are going buy and wear hats more often! ~She bought a fedora and I’m going to buy a cloche when I find the right one~ grandma wore those too! ~ Good luck with your plumbing problem! ~ Have a good day!~
You too Lynn!
By the way I did find a hat today~ a cute black cloche!
Fun!
Don’t you have one on the bedpost in the Ptere Rabbit Room?
My little Laura Ashley straw bowler with the robin’s egg blue band? Oui!
Peter Rabbit
Yes that’s the hat! ~ we girlfriends need to get out there and start a fashion re~trend!❤️
The problem with that hat, and I knew it when I bought it, but couldn’t resist anyway, is that it goes right down over my ears and covers my eyes! Other than that, it’s perfect!
Wow — that’s a Lady Gaga I can appreciate. What a beautiful dress and sincere performance. Thank you so much for suggesting we watch til the end — what a thrill to see Julie Andrews walk out, so appreciative and loving. I’m sending that on to my daughters — with the tip to grab a tissue. Good luck with your dining room rehab. Seems there’s always something, huh? But we have to know that spring is on its way — your bouquets are telling us so. Keep up the good work with your weight loss — you are motivation for us all. Stay warm — Ethel
Always something . . . 🙂
Hi Susan. I agree just to wear those hats, the coats, and the gloves. I saved all of mine and my Mother’s gloves. I just can’t give them up. Some have pleats, some have buttons, love them all. On another note, I was jotting down some thoughts in my “Days” book and read through the one ingredient snacks. Now, when you say a pile of chocolate bits do you mean chocolate chip cookies or just the chips :).
Just the chips!
Susan, I had to laugh when you mentioned that Joe took you out for “an airing”!! Yesterday my hubby told me that perhaps I was suffering from a bit of cabin fever !! I think I need an airing , too !! Loved your recap of DA and loved that last scene with them all walking back to the abbey. I did think the scenes went pretty swiftly thru the show, as all the different characters had their loose ends tied up. The writing on this show by Julian Fellows has been so wonderful. Too bad Hollywood cant match the quality of writing for tv shows. Good luck with the dining room ceiling.
Hope you get outside soon Teri! Thank you!
So enjoying your blog susan! (nice name by the way, lol) I gain such insight to DA, by reading all the comments…many things just zip by me, until all the DA “detectives”, clear up the subtle nuances!! So sorry about your dining room, we had this happen when living in fla. I used every pot in the house to catch the rain and we saved our hardwood floors! Do watch the kitties, we didn’t know our cat could climb a ladder, until dh, was doing the ceiling and a pink insulation face popped out of the ceiling!!! He was surprised as we thought it was a lost possum!!! lol…keep up the good work on this blog…we so enjoy it…off the subject..have you read an author from the past? Elizabeth Goudge? I think you would love this English novelist…I recommend “Pilgrim’s Inn”….all about an English family…you will be hooked on her…sort of a Gladys Taber in Britain!
Jack loves to hang out on the top of ladders . . . but we are watching where we put it! Yes, Elizabeth Goudge, I have! But not Pilgrim’s Inn . . . I’ll check it out.
Thank you for the lovely photos and thoughts about Sunday night’s DA episode.
I also cried twice – when Daisy said she was giving notice, and then when they were arresting Anna and Mr. Bates rushed in and they held him back. I don’t know that Violet can go anywhere with the Prince of bad hair since his wife’s whereabouts are unknown AND she has her title to think about. She strives for propriety when she can help it! I think that Thomas was doing what the doctor had told him – to try to get whatever enjoyment out of life that he can. So, he actually helped someone without expecting something back for a change. (I hope.) Your flowers are just beautiful. I got to participate in a flower meditation recently, here’s a website for more info if you’d like to try it. taoism.about.com/od/meditation/ht/Flower_Gazing.htm
Susan, you bring us such joy and light. Thank you.
Thank you back Lisa xoxo
I’m never ready for the episode to end on Sunday nights. It’s all so fun and interesting. And now to think there is just the season finale and one more episode? Sadness! I can’t imagine these characters and stories not going on and on. Thanks for the blog post. It’s always fun to read your re-cap of the highlights!
Just next week, that’s all. Then one more season next year.
Good morning to you Susan and all girlfriends~~~
I loved your take on Downton Abbey and all the pictures! Has anyone seen the previews of Cinderella? The girl who plays Rose in Downton Abbey is Cinderella.
All the flowers were very spring-like. That’s a very good idea to cheer one up from winter. Each year I think I’m going to do that, but never do.
You must be nearing an end to writing your new book aren’t you? I’m not anxious or anything to read it.. 🙂 I bet we are all thinking the same thing.
xoxo
Carol M
No, I’m not nearing . . . I had to stop since last October, so much else going on. I have lots to do!
I won’t comment on Downton plot as I have seen the whole season already. But I do have a question. Susan, you commented on the lack a base planting around the Abbey. I have noticed this ever since Pride and Prejudice. Many of the grand country homes look this way. Do you know why? It does look so stark and cold and abrupt to our eyes. On to your dining room ceiling. As a HGTV rehab addict I wonder: will you replace your ceiling hole with plaster or drywall? It makes me sad to see the old plaster go. Many people don’t know how much charm it adds to an old home. It makes the acoustics so much better and is very fire resistant. I was also so jealous of the flowers you got. I love flowers–especially tulips–in the winter. But it has been so cold here (well below zero) that I don’t get flowers because they get cold injured just going from store to car!
Thanks for a very interesting post!
Well, I was just hearing a few comments back that part of the reason is to keep the house safe from people hiding in the bushes, from molds, and also to show off its architectural lines. I still would like something climbing on those walls! But then again, I don’t have to live there and experience the break-ins and the mold problems! 🙂
The lawn going right to the house and the lack of foundation plantings was a featured part of the style of one of England’s greatest landscape gardeners, Capability Brown. In the 18c, he designed landscapes at stately homes all over England, including Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey). There is not much worthwhile about him on the internet, surprisingly, but many books and articles have been written about him and his work.
He was a great landscape gardener, although more like an architect in some ways . . . he did the one at Chatsworth . . . He was all about the view – and water. I love his name! Even his real name ~ Lancelot!
We also had a cat that got into an open ceiling. Fortunately we were able to
extract her without enlarging the hole.
As usual, Susan, loved your comments on the DA episode. The snobbery that is depicted with some characters is hard to take. As sad and tragic as Anna’s arrest was, an interesting moment was when Lady Mary proclaimed to the police officer, “I’m not ‘Miss’ Crawley, I’m Lady Mary Crawley.” And his responding put-down was, “I don’t care if you are the Queen of Sheba.” Lady Mary was shocked. Perhaps this is a harbinger of how the aristocracy is losing influence with their “inferiors.” In earlier times, I think they had more clout with the police.
A comment about there being no shrubs or trees around the castle–an NYU prof (from England, with expertise in Brtish history and architecture), pointed out that this is deliberate: it shows off the architectural lines of the building; safeguards it from thieves and robbers hiding in the bushes and gaining entry or entering the manor from a tree branch; and acts as a retardant against mold and decay around the foundation in the damp climate.
Here’s to a glorious Season 5 finale next Sunday and Susan’s review thereafter! Thanks for everything you do, Susan.
Lois from Westchester
Interesting Lois! Thank you!
Oh dear Susan how I love your recaps of Downton – they are a great joy for me to read & giggle over out loud!! I’m with you on every point. I’m so worried they’ll want to end next season with a dramatic bang though and not give everyone a happy ending…like kill off Mary with influenza or something. I think it’s sad enough it’s ending and also sad enough to know that their world does change and those old traditions don’t really exist anymore (or those lovely fashions!!)
On that note: why can’t we go super retro in our fashions of today?? I could totally get on board with hats and gloves.
Love your flowers! I just bought a begonia to sit in my kitchen window as I NEED that to gaze upon it each day as I WILL this winter to end soon. Best wishes finishing the book!
xoxo
If we all dressed up all the time, the world would be a better place! 🙂 Thank you Carrie!
Amen to that dear Lady! The rest of the problems would just fall in line…. 😉
Boo! that Downton is over in one episode…not to be seen again until 2016?! Why do they torture us so?
Yea! for Lady Gaga who did an AMAZING job in her tribute to Julie Andrews/Sound of Music. Beautiful!! And Julie Andrews looks magnificent!
Didn’t she? I thought so too. It was a very sweet moment between the two of them.
hi susan….there is a sense of impending mourning at my house at the thought of losing our Sunday night treasure….. if even for a little while….can’t wait for the finale but don’t want it to arrive either for it means the end… boo hoo.. we find ourselves quoting favorite quips from the show and discussing what has happened at what shall be….we love that each person is developing into their character with such fervor and grace….I cannot wait until Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson finally get together…their suppressed attraction is glaring!! I love Mrs.Patmore too and both her scenes brought crocodile tears… Robert is back in everyone’s good graces and Edith is finally showing signs of joy… I love each and every piece of clothing and jewelry…. .this show is truly a gem and twice as fun to be watching it with friends who love it as much….we are quite “dewey eyed”…loved your synopsis of Episode 7..and yes..we were gaga over Lady Gaga!!!! good luck with that leak … I think flowers always help…xo love, cindy
Mrs. Hughes + Carson = Chemistry!
Oh Susan, I can’t even think of Downton Abbey already ending and next year being the last season. The only good thing I can say about that is, that we don’t have to think about it for another year. I completely agree with you about Mrs. Patmore and Mr. Mason marrying, what a fabulous idea. I also agree with you about roses climbing up the Abbey or bushes around it, it really does need a bit of landscaping it’s definitely missing some pizzaz. I love the peach carnations you posted, they are so fluffy and light they look like roses. Congratulations on your 6lb weight loss, I too have lost 6 lbs, it’s not easy, but much needed. I still have a bit more to go but I am finally in the right headspace to keep it up. I had to move my bird feeder this week, because we could not keep climbing through 4 feet of snow to fill it. It’s been 2 days and the birdies haven’t found it yet, uggh. Good luck with your leak, hope they find exactly where it’s coming from. Keep the fire burning, it’s freezing out today.
Will do Tricia, you too, stay warm!
Some of you girlfriends may want to read While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax.
I am so excited that I finally can see that you really can leave a comment on your blog…I get it sent to me by e-mail and there never is a comment spot…This time I got the link off of Facebook and boom!! I can comment….and now I have nothing to say…LOL….yes I do…I love your posts…they make me smile and I love you cat…He looks exactly like my Feral Cat “Miss Kitty” who we have officially adopted….it took three years but she finally has become a house cat…and we adore her!!
I know, that drives me crazy, why would they take away the comment button just because it’s emailed? Welcome, so happy you found your way here! =^^=
Love! Lord Grantham is fabulous. He is such a good hearted man and I am sure one reason this show is such a hit. It has beautiful everything which the soul longs for and goodness in which what the heart needs ;D
I have had the privilege to watch Downton 5 during the first airing in England altho’ I was in the US….so easy on how to do it! Ask if you would like to know…yes, it is legal 😀 Wait for the last episode….you will LOVE LOVE LOVE it! That’s my spoiler ;D Such good hearted people to rejoice with.
I love how each episode of Downton has so much packed into it. It seems to take much longer than an hour because we get so much “meat” to digest. This last episode left me emotionally spent! So many feelings: Mrs. P. also caused me to well up on a couple occasions, the wedding and party was gorgeous, the clothes, hats, tiaras…aaaaah!, and Robert stopped being such a jerk. I do not want Tom to leave with little Sibby! What was up with Uncle Thomas? Why is he being “nice?” He has to have an angle. And let’s have one season without a Bates jailbird!
Thanks for posting. I’m snowed in, too. ❄️
It’s hard to thing that Uncle Thomas ever does anything without thinking there might be something in it for him. (meow)
I so love Downton Abbey! I cannot bear that this season is nearly over! My sister and I visited Highclere Castle last October for a special tour followed by tea in the coach house. Watching the series brings lovely memories. I was bad and snuck in a few quick pictures inside the castle when no one was looking! I especially loved this blog Susan! Hope your plumbing problems are solved!
It sounds like you and your sister had a wonderful time!
Ooh. I love your Downton posts.
I bought the season on dvd finally. And just finished it up Sunday afternoon.
I love so much about this episode. Especially Robert. I’m glad you mentioned him playing on the floor with his grandchild because that was something that stood out to me too.
I won’t spoil the last episode but I will say that it had me woop for joy and cry lots of tears.
Yay!
So sorry to hear about the dining room fiasco! Hope it’s all fixed soon.
Loved your Downton Abbey recap. I watched both episode 7 AND the finale last night with my friend and her DVD. Since I saw both back to back, I won’t comment much in case I get mixed up and inadvertently spill the beans on the finale. I have to say, you will love it!
Yes, Susan is nasty, Tom is considerate and loving, Robert has redeemed himself and Edith looks so much happier. Loved the hats and dresses.
Thank you for being so careful!
Too many “feels” about Downton. I hope they show more of Mary’s gentler side because we’ve seen that she has it.
We had a hot-water pipe burst and our den looks like your dining room. Now we have seven high-powered fans drying it out for the next three days, and ceiling and walls removed. I think I might be getting disenchanted with my “charming” older house! (Sorry, house, I didn’t mean it.)
Thanks for the flower shots. Amazing how much it perks things up!
Wow, we’re both in the same boat. Although we don’t have fans (yet). Yes, talk nice to the house . . .
I want Mary and Tom to get together. Friendship evolving into romance.