Today we’re going to mix it up, a snow walk and a garden give-away all in the same post! MUSICA for slow dancing, Girlfriends. . .
Yesterday, for the first time in weeks, maybe even months, we had 
a sunshiny, lovely 42º. We scrambled into our boots and RAN ourselves out the door, for the first walk in all of that time!!! Our lawn is still covered in snow, but it’s quietly beginning to melt making a continuous little river down our driveway, joining the slightly bigger river on the street, and heading down hill to the harbor. We weren’t sure what the dirt road that takes us out to the ocean would look like, but we were willing to try, especially when we saw what was going on in the maple tree outside the kitchen window:
The photo isn’t clear, but that’s OK, those orange spots are Robins! If this beautiful day is good enough for them, it’s good enough for us!
so here we go
. . . walking very gingerly . . . It was melting, like a slushy in some parts (the good parts) but there were long lumps of shiny wet ice, and some nice stretches of mud. . . We plot which direction we should fall in case we need to, realizing no one brought a phone, if he breaks his leg, he lays there while I “run” for help. It would be sad.
The birds were singing, Joe’s trying to figure out where the sound is coming from . . .
See him? Way up top in the middle of the picture? He looks white but he’s a goldfinch, he can’t clap his hands so he shows his happiness with song.
The goldfinch has a really nice view! When we walked out of the canopy of the woods, we had our first view of the pond ~ we could see it was still partially frozen . . .
But I have to say, despite how cold it looks, the warm sun on our faces felt as much like spring as breathing into a bouquet of daffodils! Off came my hat and gloves, unzipped goes the jacket. THAT’S how nice it was out there!
I’m always behind him . . . he waits, as the ever-patient guy that he is, hands on hips . . .
Can’t just walk right by this little red fisherman’s shack and not stop for a photo . . . crazy man.
See those broken square-looking things on the ground (talking mostly to the Californians and Floridians right now)? They are giant ice chips. When a car goes through a partly frozen puddle, the ice breaks up and scatters. That’s something you don’t see all the time. See how patient Joe is while I take pictures of them?
We made it to the water, and I have to tell you, it wasn’t easy…. First we had to go through the deep snow in the yard of our friend’s house, then across their deck . . .
And down that very furthest set of stairs ~ see it back there? After that, finding a high-ish tide, we had to climb over each rock-piled breakwater, maybe five of them . . . yes, you’re right, I know what you’re thinking, it was heaven out there. (BTW, while we’re away from home, we had our bedroom windows wide open (for the first time this year); the ceiling fan was on full blast blowing out winter air and exchanging it for fresh spring air, and we knew we were going to sleep like babies after our walk to the sea!)
We discovered that others had been there first.
And then, beach booty! Big piece of dark blue beach glass!
More ice chips. I kind of love them. Like to break them with my toe. Makes a good noise. Two nature things happened out there that I didn’t take pictures of: A.) (Pat, you should probably skip this part.) Because some rather large animal was dead. I didn’t look because in my accidental half-second glance I could see it was all elbows, knees and feathers and other less identifiable furry parts, and despite my well-known interest in science, this was really not my cup of tea. Joe looked, he decided it was a coyote AND a turkey, entwined together on the beach. Wow! We skirt by it, my eyes covered with my hat, and we fall immediately into Morning Science discussion: First off “are there coyotes on the island?” I didn’t think so. Otherwise I’ve been living in a fool’s paradise thinking we had no kitty-eaters on Martha’s Vineyard. So, let’s say it was a deer. A deer and a turkey? 
“They don’t fight, they don’t eat each other.” So then here’s what must have happened: That thing (whatever it is, but it can’t be a coyote) killed the turkey, then, sadly, but deservedly, choked on a bone, fell over and died on top of it. (I just realized, this is kind of like talking about Downton Abbey.)
Anyway, lovely leaves embalmed in ice. The other nature thing we saw was a pair of birds mating on the road. That was a first, I have never seen birds do that. As a scientist, I had never thought about what those little devils did when we left them alone. We thought they were dead at first, they weren’t moving at all, we didn’t even know there were two of them, till Joe looked closer to figure out which side was up, because this was one weird looking bird. More Morning Science ensued when all of a sudden, the girl escaped! OK, I did get a picture of the chase . . .
This is the little father, in hot pursuit! Ah, spring. Quite the adventure!
Tire tracks become puddles . . . Look around, where is the best place to put your foot? Safest would probably be IN the water.
Time to go home . . . so far we have 100% not fallen down!
And we manage to keep it that way! Usually our walk is 45 minutes, yesterday it was an hour and a half. That’s from making sure we didn’t break our necks.
Front row seat to the melting of the snow. (OMG, is he not the most adorable thing in the world?)
So we all know the snow will go . . .
And waiting for us, under all the ice are our little snow drops (these are from last year, this year’s crop is frozen stiff right now, but soon). Because, it’s coming, only another week until official . . .
And in honor of the moment, when we are all teetering on the verge of spring, I would love for one of you to enjoy my favorite garden book of all time . . .
It’s called Kitchen Gardens, an unassuming little book wonderfully written by Mary Mason Campbell with illustrations by Tasha Tudor.
But it’s by far the most inspiring garden book I’ve ever read. There are other books with much more detailed information, and definitely glossier pictures, but no book has ever moved me into the garden faster and happier than this one.
It was published in 1971 and I was lucky enough to happen upon it as my first garden book. “I love how Mary Campbell wrote about the “sunshine, fresh air, and privacy of our gardens. . .”
I thought I would sign this book for you and also add a watercolor bookmark (I’ve been cutting up the bits of paper I use for testing my pen or watercolors and making bookmarks out of them).
If you want to be entered for this giveaway, all you have to do is scroll to the bottom of this post and look for the tiny word “comments” — and leave a comment. Your comment can be just one word if you like; that will be enough to enter you for the drawing. For those of you who get my blog via email, you will have to go to www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ and scroll to the very bottom of this post and find that tiny word . . . “comments” ~ for some reason, they don’t seem to send a “comment” button in an emailed blog.
Last but not least. I told you I finished the new calendars for 2016? I thought I would give you a little preview . . . This is “October” for the wall-calendar, and don’t worry, there are pink 
pumpkins on the bottom part.♥ For thee, from me. ♥
Something else for thee: click on “shopping” at the top of the blog, scroll to the bottom of the column on the left, click on FREE STUFF! Spring-themed stationery, bookmarks, tags — and computer wallpaper!
And just one more thing I wanted to tell you: My (our, because I’m always thinking of you when I’m writing) new book is being edited even as we speak. That means the writing part is almost done, after that I’ll paint it and add the photos and hopefully we’ll have it in about six months, maybe by the time we make our first fires next autumn. I know the title. But I’m afraid to say it out loud yet. So let me get used to it, maybe next time! You’ll be the first to know!
Until we meet again . . . Love you, love us.♥ XOXO
P.S. Don’t forget . . . St. Patrick’s Day is coming!
Susan, I love everything you create. Your website is such a happy place! I wish you all the best! Neja from Slovenia
Barbara Summey 23 Shady Valley Drive S. W. Cartersville, Georgia 30120 USA love new books of any kind you have some stash…i will take them for sure we old folks do not have money: limited income but we love reading books for sure: we swap around any thing Amish, Mysteries, Debbie Mccomber, your books of course, Sara Clipton, james patterson, john grisham , just a few thanks alot of you can help me out
Dear Susan,
I’ve been visiting your blog this afternoon, catching up on posts from way back when, just having a good time in your presence. I feel like I was having tea with you (hubby brought me a cuppa). As always, I came away inspired to create and play.
Oh yes, please, do include me in your giveaway. That book looks lovely and I’ve always enjoyed the wonder of Tasha’s world, ever since I ‘met’ her in the classic Victoria magazines back in the late ’80s or early ’90s (I didn’t know of her before then). I don’t know Miss Campbell at all, so I’d love to ‘meet’ her.
Your October calendar page is just too cute for words. Especially with Girl Kitty and that sweet Jack with his ring in his mouth waiting to play…..ahhhhh!
Wishing you a beautiful day… it’s a marvel here too with warm sunshine and snow melting all over the place.
Hugs,
Brenda
xox
Susan,
Having Downton Abby withdraw but so excited about your new book! Enjoyed taking the walk with you and Joe and wishing you spring weather soon. Would cherish the gardening book if I win!
We get very little snow and feel like I got to walk with you. I enjoyed it so much.
Love Tasha Tudor!
I am so excited this is you Tasha Tudor. You see, every Christmas Eve my husband read our family of 5 children Twas the Night Before Christmas illustrated by Tasha Tutor. The kids always got a kick out of the name so when we got a puppy that year for Christmas we named her Tasha Tudor. How many dogs do you know were named after you? We would get all excited every time we saw your name listed. Thank you for your beautiful illustrations and your funny name.
Josepha
Ohhh, I love the name of your dog! Perfect!
Love you and Love Tasha Tudor… Would love to have a bit of both❤️
Love your posts, love seeing the seasons on the Vineyard! Xoxo!!
I loved joining you and Joe on your walk and seeing all that snow and ice melting. Last year’s snowdrops are very encouraging and I saw your drawing of Jack with an elastic in his mouth and girl kitty all snuggled up!
That book called Kitchen Gardens looks so charming!
I love old books! It would be a joy to win it!
What fun! We’re a little ahead of you in Western North Carolina, but since the groundhog saw his shadow, there’s a little more winter coming. Love your blogs. Thanks, Jane
Love reading your thoughts! I wish we were neighbors!
What a lovely walk you two had toward the beach. Love the ice chips!
It seems you’re in the defrost stage. Hoping it continues to get warmer for you.
Jack looks positively adorable on his little chair. His front row seat for watching the robins.
I have my fingers crossed for the drawing(s).
spring fever
I just started my first garden last year and CAN NOT wait to get back out there and see how it is doing after this crazy winter! I know I would love this book! Thanks!
Sunshine is wonderful.
Love also the idea of having “Kitchen Gardens”. We live in the country and enjoy our small garden.
I would LOVE to add this cookbook to my cookbook library! My 82-year-old aunt/best friend’s name is Mary Campbell, and my Mom lived near Tasha Tudor in Vermont and had all her books! Fingers crossed!
Love gardens, Tasha Tudor & you! Love to have this book too!
What a wonderful post. Love your walks and adventures. I feel like I’m right there with you.
On my way to bed Across the Pond, sipping warm camomile tea, my hot water bottle tucked at the bottom of my feathery bed awaits, but wait it must do for a few moments longer as I read and reply!
Such a lovely sunny day for walking in the thawing snow and ice {at last!} and spring is springing all around.
Sorry ’bout the critter/thing but these things happen in the countryside 🙁
Oh, I can but only hope that Vanna would pull my name from the hat ~ that book has ‘me’ written all over it and it would look just perfect sitting in my stacks, along with a certain Susan Branch, Gladys Taber, Beatrice Potter, Susan Hill, Tasha Tudor, and so many more noteworthy authors and illustrators ~~~
Meanwhile, I’m clapping my hands because I am happy and I know it! Nos Da from me ~~~
Waving from Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Sweet dreams Deb! xoxo fingers crossed for winning!
Ugh–thanks for warning me about the dead critter. I covered my eyes, although have to admit that I peeked through my fingers. Somehow, peeking at something through my fingers makes it less gross or less scary. (I do the same for scary parts of movies…meanwhile asking Norm what is going on!) Loved your nature walk. We’ve had temps in the high-60’s which is VERY unseasonable for here and hardly any snow this winter. I’m on week 4 of “the bug” which has now turned into a sinus infection so am still “lying low”. So your comment gave me a smile and chuckle–but are you SURE you don’t have coyotes on the island? They don’t march around during the day, you know. They could easily cross the ice…So, the book you are talking about is Volume 1 of 2, right?
LOL, I knew you wouldn’t care for that . . . I didn’t either! I Googled it, Coyotes are like a “rumor!” Yes, volume one of two. Feel better!
sounds to me like it was a coyote or perhaps a stray or wild dog and a turkey and turkeys will fight anything, anything that comes to close to their young or to their mates or their turf. mine get pretty upset when anyone walks into the yard, they start carping and carrying on and will puff up and come over and challenge. and mine have attacked deer in their yard, those birds will fight anything or anybody. whatever it was, sorry but things like that happen in nature. turkeys are very aggressive birds, not at all mild and docile. especially males when its mating time. just thought you would like to know. spring is just about here for us, crocuses, daffodils, shy violets, snowdrops and hyacinths are popping up, can’t wait for the tulips to come up. for now its spring cleaning time. and before I forget, wishing you all a very Happy St Patrick’s day, save a few of those chocolate coins for me. talk later. hugs…. 🙂
We have wild turkeys in our yard every day and our biggest fear is that they will soon want to move in with us! It’s good to hear what you are saying, we will not let them!
well the best to have on hand when they come around is a big stick or a rake handle. they won’t attack you then, and you can always tell just look at the head color. if its bright red, its mad at you and most likely to attack. just have a large rake or broom handy and be prepared to use it. our tom has jumped me twice and got swatted with a broom for it, but he still tries, I just keep my eyes on his head color and I know what to expect.
I just read that out loud to Joe! Thank you!!!
its true, if a turkey is mad or excited his head color will be bright red, if its all red, run….. and better have that broom or rake handy. if its pinkish red, he is excited as in mating excited, if its bright blue, he is calm, bluish gray the bird is sick or injured.
Just males or all of them?
that one applies to the males, but if the females show a red face or a hot pink color on their face, run for cover, they are mad. if they are light pink in color, they are happy and calm.
I think if I just remember RED FACE RUN, I should be OK — we don’t engage with them though. Joe throws food on the ground and that’s about it.
Love, love, love and I’m so glad you both had an airing. We are in full daffodil blooming spring. I am still praying for more rain though. Our lakes are still on the empty-ish side. Have a happy day girlfriends!
Thank you for a wonderful post! Would love to win this book!
Loved your snowy walk! Please throw my name in the hat for the giveaway. Thank you. ♥
Yeah! Spring! Can’t wait!
Thanks for the great post. I enjoyed your walk. Thanks for taking us along. Things are thawing quite nicely here too. The dogs and I have ventured out to the state park trails. It was challenging (uneven snow and ice and mud at every turn), but so fun. The sunny days feel so good. Things that make you go Ahhhhh…. Enjoy!
Gardening and I are soul-mates…as a BONUS…Tasha Tudor and her life’s story are my bed-time reading. Thanks for offering this book.
Charming – thank you!
Please enter me in your Betty Crocker’s Kitchen Gardens giveaway. Thank you for your wonderful blog!
What a nice little read while I wait to pick up my son from basketball practice. Thanks!!
I love that you find happiness in the “little”things that we find each day…as do I. And more importantly, that you share them with us. Thank you!
Even though it occurs every year, Spring never ceases to delight us! Tasha Tudor always captured spring so well with her art. Happy Spring!
Love all you do! You inspire us all!
Wonderful…miss my NE home<3!
Yay for Spring…
I love Tasha Tudor!!! Anything she illustrates has to be wonderful!!
Hi Susan~LOVED your blog…no surprise there…we have yet to see a robin here…how lucky of you to see five in your tree…AND a goldfinch…your walk with Joe today made me think that tomorrow Dave and I might just be able to take a walk along the shore of our Little Traverse Bay…just maybe…we still have lots of snow and the bay is still icy, but we do have a little melting beginning…I did see a bit of my myrtle peeking through the snow today…I hope I can find a gem like the gorgeous blue sea glass you found on your walk…here’s hoping…xoxo…
Love the robins. Here in Phoenix the scent of orange blossoms tells me Spring is here.
I am so excited for Spring, I just can’t wait! Loved your walk.
What could be better than a new cookbook to cheer us up after another season of Downton Abbey ends? Reading and savoring it would sure fill the hole left in my Sunday evenings! I hope you see spring flowers blooming soon!
Tasha Tudor’s Easter Book was one of my favorites as a child 🙂 Her work always makes me think of spring. I don’t have a garden of my own yet, but I would love the inspiration.
Sign me up. There are never too many gardens or too many kitchens nor too many books about gardens and kitchens. and oh. Please point the extra robins in the direction of Wisconsin. We have cardinals declaring their territory with spring whistles and chickadees humming their most peaceful song ( not the dee dee dee indicating anxiety) but no robins , simply no robins yet. A mistake? Perhaps they just got caught up in a little New England gust or were influenced by peer pressure and really meant to come this way? Just check. If they’re happy and the island feels like home to them, we’ll wait a little longer. Thank you for the offer and yet another comforting post.
Hi Susan,thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures of your big thaw!
it looks absolutely beautiful and cold, here in the bay area the spring is almost turning to summer. Everything is blooming earlier and earlier ,which is a bit scary
Otherwise we are quite content with our blue skies and sunshine!
It was fun to read your Downton Abbey review ,aren’t the dresses gorgeous!!
Well,take care on your perilous walks,and stay warm,i really do hope you don’t get any more blizzards! And the best is to come,spring ,summer and then fabulous autumn and your book.Have a good week
Awesome Susan ~ can;t wait to dig in the dirt and go tothe beach!! <3
My daughter & I met Tasha Tudor at a craft fair. She was in her traditional outfit & looked kind of frail. I took a picture of her which I must look for. I think she passed away not long after that so it is a special memory for me.
She had lived a nice long life on her own terms.
It always amazes me that we share so many lovely authors. Gladys, always and Tasha Tudor, oh my! One of those, I’ve never won anything but, honestly, being privy to your wonderful world through your delightful posts is a gift to all of us! Thank you.
Sweet Ginger! xoxo
Whew …I’m off to make some hot chocolate and plop down in my chair .. I REALLLLLY enjoy your ”walk~about”….so much that I looked down to make sure my boots weren’t on…as I felt like I was slowly walking behind you…What a talent you have with your writings to make one feel there !!!! It was all I could do NOT to lean down and touch the shells and that loverly dark blue beach glass… And thanks in advance for your give~a~way …all of your girlfriends (me too) are doing the fingers crossed thingy….smiles and sparkles …blessed be to all of us 🙂
I need a fingers-crossed icon for this!
Oh happy day….a new post from Susan!! You definitely have a gift for communicating happiness & contentment, which are two things I really love & strive for. 🙂 And as a bonus a giveaway that excites me beyond measure. I do think if I would win I would have to give the book to a very dear friend. She is a fellow gardener & lover of Tasha Tudor, who very generously treated me to a garden tour at three of the Tudor homes…..including Tasha’s, several years ago. It was beyond wonderful, & we even “met” Tasha. However, I might enjoy the book for a month or so before I give it up. And, Jack is too adorable for words!!
Would love to win the book.
Hi Susan, Spring is finally coming to us here in Michigan too! I went for my first walk of the season today in 50 degrees and sun. So happy to be outside again.(not shoveling snow!) Can’t wait for all the snow to be gone so I can get into my flower gardens. I would love to win your garden book giveaway to help fuel my creative gardening projects. So glad to hear that your new book will be out soon. Eagerly awaiting it’s arrival!
Maybe it was a griffon.
I think that might be what it was!
Oh yes … A turkey griffin …you must post that recipe soon!
I thought you had it? Or was that just the griffin jerky you make?
I was so glad to see your new post! I have been checking everyday. We sure needed some Springtime from Susan! I felt like I was right there with you on your morning walk. Thanks for taking us along. I would love a chance to win that darling book, gardening and Tasha Tudor, two of my favorite things, plus a book mark from you,that would be heaven!
Mary Jane
I love winter, but looking forward to working in my garden,,,,already planning it out….can’t wait!
I would like crunching the ice sheet with the toe of my shoe. That seems a fun thing to do. And, always searching for the Kitchen Garden book. I would jump for joy at finding it, quite by accident, in some forgotten stack of books…
I LOVE your blog : )
Thank you!!
I am so enjoying spring this year! Glad to know that you are too. Loving giveaways! What a great day!!!
glad you’re out and about! Would love this book!
What a lovely book. Please sign me up. Hurry up Spring!
Glad you made it through your walk unscathed. Being an all season walker myself and one year falling and fracturing my wrist and the following year falling on black ice and fracturing my knee…. it’s no fun, so wintertime walking is no longer my friend (sigh). Even those cleats you can attach to your boots don’t seem to guarantee your footing. Oh well, I’ll build up my fortitude to get back on that horse in time. Looking forward to your new book. Happy Almost Spring
It never hurts to wait another week or so!
Such a lovely book to inspire us into Spring.
Thank you. Exploring with you two is fun…
Can’t wait until all our snow is gone. Looking forward to Spring and gardening!
I would love to visit Martha’s Vineyard someday. The pictures are lovely. It’s the same melting we’re getting in northern Michigan. And we’re thinking of seed starting sometime soon. Thank you for sharing your world with all of us. ♥
My favorite thing in this post is seeing the October calendar page starring Jack and Girl Kitty! So, so sweet! And Jack sitting on the chair! Oh dear he is an angel for sure! Thanks so much!
Book please 🙂
Yes to Spring! Yes to beautiful books!
I am planning on a garden this year for the first time in 16yrs and could sure use some help please ;0)
Biggest thing I learned, the first year, keep it small. So you don’t get overwhelmed and then accidentally hate it. Any little bit you do will give you great returns.
Susan I loved your post as always..but I really wanted to say that I have been shopping and I purchased 2 Lammie Pie’s and 2 suitcases ” Going to Grandma’s”. The Lammie’s are the cutest and softest cuddle toy ever. My twin granddaughters love putting their treasures in the suit cases and visiting Gramma. I also purchased your Vintage Wedding quilt for their bed here…I love it and it is in perfect condition.
Lastly I have been wearing my Toggi’s and I love them too.
Happy soon to be Spring to you and Joe
Aren’t those Lammie Pie’s heaven? I have one too, so soft! xoxo
i bought a copy of kitchen gardens in the 70’s and i still have it. always been a favorite. very inspiring and i have always loved tasha tudor’s illustrations!love the wheel herb garden idea!
Tasha Tudor has always been one of my heroes….as is Beatrix Potter….and Susan Branch! Thank you for the delightful blog read today. I enjoyed going on the walk with you and Joe. Thank you for sharing with us! 🙂
sun is shining and snow is melting here as well….
enjoying a lovely cup of tea and this latest blog…..thank you!
c’mon spring!
p.s. I have been a fan of Tasha Tudor almost as long as I have been a fan of yours…..
Thank you, Susan, for taking us along on your walk! I have loved Tasha Tudor for many years. When my daughter was a little girl, we would go to the library at Christmas and borrow Tasha Tudor’s book, ” A Doll’s Christmas”. Many years later I was able to find an old copy of this book and surprised my now grown daughter with it. It’s one of her most cherished possessions.
Such a delightful blog entry. Thank you!
aww, Susan !!…how I have been waiting for this post !!… I zoomed through it to say thanks for all you do !!…now to go back and read it all carefully…and love the photography and such a story teller you are !!…that’s a gift !!…with love…thank you…. “love those robins…btw…I have been feeding robins, cardinals, some kind of blue birds, some kind of doves, and even a woodpecker, among a lot of others…I wish I knew birds better…..
Thank you for your beautiful words and thoughts. I’m on the coast in Texas during Spring Break, and it’s rained almost every day so far. Not as cold as where you are, but cold enough for a native Texan. I’m tired of staying inside! Thanks for the pics!
It’s so nice to be able to get out again! That was one long winter! Love Tasha Tudor, gardens, spring & books! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Susan, so enjoyed going for a walk with you and Joe. Our weather is similar here and you can hear the snow melting. Not sorry to see it go. Your robins are very brave. We haven’t seen any here yet. Thanks for the chance to win the book. Tasha Tudor is one of my favourite artists. And of course, you are, too. Can’t wait to learn the title of your new book but understand it is something you need to savor before sharing. Loved the October calendar page, too.
Hi Sue. It was nice here in up-state NY as well. I saw a Robin too! I literally gulped the air when I stepped outside. It smelled so good. I am so excited for your new book. I’m sure it will be wonderful. I planted a hellebore (Lenten Rose) last fall. I am so excited to see if it comes up this spring. Happy walking, dreaming, writing, spring flinging to you, Joe and the Kitties! PS. I put my kitty on a leash and took him outside for an airing. He was so excited and overwhelmed by the smells and dripping snow.
I tried the leash on Jack last fall, but he turned into a bunking bronco, I thought I’d strangle him, I couldn’t let go, but he was a madman, then he wiggled out of it, hid under a bush and wouldn’t let me near him for 2 hours. Finally he came out and rolled over and let me pick him up. So, we are apparently not leash people around here.
Of course he is going to resist ….. He needs training first , you start him wearing a light collar in the house then after a couple weeks attach the leash , still in the house –soon he finds it’s OK and not a thing to fight. — for someone who has cats you should know they are not a compliant breed– they require training — but they will learn….get Jack a small collar to start! Then work up to a harness , you will find it very satisfying to “teach” him something new.
PS– Jackie , a lady here in the park has trained her huge Main Coon cat to sit outside on a long leash –he loves to greet people as they go to the nearby mailbox.
We had it on him once before, maybe two years earlier, and he was fine. So we were lulled into stupid. Your way is the way we should have gone, might just have to try it again.
Hi Susan,
I would love to win your giveaway. I have a flower garden and would love to have some inspiration for a kitchen garden. I miss Downton Abby already!
Joyously,
Betty @ My Cozy Corner
Loved the description of your walk. I always enjoy reading everything you write.
thinking spring is a most wonderful season and anticipating a garden is a joy.
So nice to see that spring is on the way! I too have been opening up a window here and a window there to let in some fresh air! Thanks for the pictures of your walk!
hope….
Glad you managed to get out for your walk. I enjoy ‘our’ trips to the water. 🙂
Good news about your book and a great time for it to be published, already dreaming of curling up in front of the fire to read it.
snowdrops! Mine are blooming, too! So happy to know you are finally over your snowiest winter ever. Thanks for your update.
Thank you for taking us with you on your walk. I lived in Ohio till I was 14 then we moved to the southwest. I remember the hint of spring when there was still yet snow on the ground. So refreshing!
Hi Susan!
Your timing is perfect — you emerge just in time for spring! You have been missed, but I know you were so busy and engaged with your project (or should I say “projects”). Can’t wait to get a peak at the new book!
This winter we topped out at over 3′ of white, fluffy snow and it was glorious. Lots of shoveling, lots of ice, and now — lots of mud. Can’t wait until the springers (Winston and Bentley, of course) can get back out into the yard and RUN!
I too had spring fever here in NH so a long walk in the mud and muck that was wonderful. We are getting warnings of more snow for the weekend:(
I would love to win your wonderful give away so I could dream the snow away.
Cathy
After shoveling 92″ of snow this February, I’m happy to say “It’s melting!!!”
Please add my name to the hopper. One can never have too many gardens or too many kitchens or too many books about gardens and kitchens. And oh. Please point any extra robins toward Wisconsin. We have cardinals whistling to stake their nesting territory and comfortable ooooo hooos from chickadees, (no distressed dee dee dees.) But no robins, simply no robins. Perhaps they were caught in a New England -bound blow of wind or are adolescent robins and influenced by peer pressure to come your way? Just check with them. If they are happy, if it feels like home to them there, it’s okay, we’ll wait a little longer. Thank you for the comforting post. Always grateful. Toni
The book would be a treasure to have!
Remembering the ice squares when I lived in Iowa. I would love to win your gardening book treat!
O how I would love Vanna to pull my name from the hat for this book! Thank you for the walk in the snow.
Thank you for taking us along on your winter walk! Your blog is a pleasure I look forward to! Hope Spring comes soon to the Vineyard…what a winter!
I so enjoy your blog! Would love to win the book. Thanks for everything!
Thank you so much for sharing with us. I always feel as if I have visited with an old friend. A gardening book … how nice that would be! :o)
Oh, I forgot to ask, is it possible to make the clock you had for daylight savings into a bookmark? Thank you…xoxoxo!!!
Which one was it?
The one with the pocket watch on the chain that says take time for all things. I print your bookmarks and collect them! 🙂 xoxo!!
Got it, thank you Lori!
…I’m thinking that Lori might be referring to the drawing of a pocket watch with the saying “take time for all things” that was posted on Friends Of Susan Branch…our reminder to set our clocks forward for daylight savings……
Aha, thank you Mary!
I loved taking a walk with you today! It was so nice here in upstate NY – 43 degrees – that my husband and I barbecued hamburgers! Love your work, love Tasha Tudor, would love to win!
That’s the spirit!
I loved reading your post today…I bet it WAS fresh and airy when you returned home from your walk with the bedroom windows open 🙂 It’s nice to see the robins have returned to your neck of the woods, hopefully they are on their way back to NC! It’s been in the 70’s here the last couple days and the yellow finches are all over our feeders, but still haven’t spotted a robin yet. As you say, soon…
Oh Susan what a thrill to find a new blog post from you! Made my day! You are the best writer in the whole world! I had a wonderful time tagging along on your walk, I had my bogs on so didn’t get wet feet or slip but after climbing over all those rock piles, I was winded! LOL! Thanks for all the lovely pictures and YES, Jack is the most adorable kitty-cat ever! Thanks for the sweet giveaway. I’m really liking older garden books lately and haven’t seen this one. Blessings to all of you! Cathy in Idaho
One of my nicknames is ‘Sue Plant’, and Yes – I’ve answered to it. That being said, I love anything dealing with plants. =>¡<=