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!
Today, the backdoor is open here in Kentucky, FRESH AIR!!!! Most of the snow has melted, and it is 62 sunny degrees! My Scotties want to stay outside longer, the daffodils are coming up, and I have 2 pairs of Cardinals flitting around.
YIPPPPEEEEE!!!! ALRIGHT!!!!! Just like you, it’s a good day for a walk outside!!!
Oh that sounds lovely. Happy Spring!
The snowdrops will not be long now and will come one in dazzling poof!
Hoping that Vanna picks me as the winner of the book!
I have several old Betty Crocker cookbooks that I’ve found at thrift stores and yard sales, and I love them all. The Kitchen Garden book looks enchanting…Thank you for the chance to own it. 🙂
Gonna start walkin’ soon with hubbie….just like you and Joe!
My girlfriend and I love your blog and every time it comes out, we love to talk about it. You go, girl!!!
Corgi!!
Thank you for the refreshing walk:) Our snow in Michigan is going, going… but not yet gone. It does feel Spring like at 51 lovely degrees!
I love getting your blogs. I live in sunny CA where we NEVER get snow. I can live vicariously through your photos. They’re beautiful and I feel like I was on your walk with you.
All blog readers subcribers should click on the post in the email, it takes you right to the website and the tweety birds (and comments)
!
Aha! Thank you Lynn! I didn’t know that!
Love Jack with his hair band in his mouth and regal ms girl Kitty on the October page!
Be so very careful on those walks….don’t need broken bones!
Would love to add this to all your other books i have collected.
Read a sweet little story with my student yesterday about a Snowdrop that lay quietly in its bulb under the ground and snow. The rain trickled a path through the snow to the Snowdrop’s bulb, and a sunbeam traveled the trail to tap-tap-tap on the Snowdrop’s bulb house. But neither were strong enough to lift the latch and open the door. After several visits from sunbeams, finally, the Snowdrop was able to lift the latch and raise its pretty head above the soil and snow to welcome spring. Children ran to it in delight and adored its beauty.
I bet some big people got on their bellies to take pictures of it too! Beautiful Jenny!
LOL!!! I’m pretty sure I know of at least ONE who did that!!
🙂
Greetings from windy chilly Chilmark!
Just when I thought it was safe to walk without skidding on ice; I’m sinking in slush and mud! I’ll take it! We had 6 pairs of Cardinals among the other song birds yesterday! The muddy puddle ducks and giddy geese are rapturous with the sudden melting of the pond ice! They’re generouly sharing their limited space with at least 20 pairs of Mallards! Spring has sprung!
It really has Elizabeth! I think people from other places might argue with us, but we are in tune with the cosmos when it comes to spring! Not an ant could walk by without us noticing at this point.
Yes, it was a lovely day yesterday here in New Hampshire, too. No gloves! Unbuttoned pea coat! Wishing for daffodils…
First I’m dreaming——of Spring!
Hi Susan. Hope it’s not too late to be entered into the giveaway. Love your writing and drawings. Your books take up almost an entire shelf in my library! Susan
Susan….didn’t you know, “Birds do it, Bees do it, even educated fleas do it”…haha! Cole Porter’s Let’s Fall in Love! I could hardly wait for this blog to come out…I get an email, and I do so look forward to reading & seeing what you, Joe & kitties have been up to. Can’t wait to get out & do some gardening & I have been wanting to make a kitchen garden like yours for years! I think this is the year that it happens! Sure would love to have that book to provide even more inspiration…not that you don’t supply plenty! But, you know we can never be too inspired, now can we? Thanks for brightening our days!! <3 <3
Whoops. Don’t know what happened. I wrote a note but I guess it didn’t get through. Anyway, Susan. Please put my name into the hat, if it’s not too late. Thanks. Susan
I’d love to give that book a home on my library shelf. Loved your pictures. Here in Calif. Spring has sprung early this year due to the drought. Had to get my fix of daffodils and there’s no better place to do so than Daffodil Hill in the Gold Country – 49’ner Highway in Amador County. This place is abloom with over 300,000 daffodils. Beautiful peacocks intermingle amidst them. Absolutely gorgeous. Here are a couple of links to it that you might enjoy:
suttercreek.org/sutter-creek-events-daffodil-hill-amador-county.html
facebook.com/DaffodilHill/photos_stream?ref=page_internal
Thank you so much Carol! Great idea!
Thanks for the delightful seaside walk. We lived on Long Island and our favorite time to visit the beach was in the winter! Now we live in beautiful Vermont and have lots of snow to melt before we see any flowers. Tasha Tudor is a favorite illustrator of mine and now we have you. I would dearly love to win the book.
Thank you for the lovely giveaway! And for taking us on your walk — Our little house here in Providence is still snowed in — my crocuses and daffodils and tulips are under LITERALLY a six foot high pile of snow. I wonder if we will see them this year at all? Thanks again!
I think it’s coming Vicki. Right now we can see the sunny parts of our lawn, all the shady corners are still snow, but there is hope!
LOVE!!!!!
Dear Susan,
I just can’t get through one of your blog posts without my eyes misting and tearing up at the prettyness of it all…the photos, your friendship to all of us girlfriends just bursting through the text, your generosity as you want to share your world with us. I just want to thank you, for your beautiful way of seeing life, and sharing it with us all. We’re kindred spirits, and it feels just so good.
Happy Spring!
from Northern Indiana,
Barbzie Bussell
So sweet to tell me Barb, I love being here too! xoxo
I’m the same. I also got teary at the end of Susan’s post this time; it’s happened before. It is so comforting here. I had just read some awful headline when I turned on the computer. Susan provides the bandaid over what was just an injury to my spirit and brain. News of the day doesn’t ever seem to be uplifting…the world is a worry…and I want to put my head in the sand; I don’t need to hear about every bad thing. In Susan’s world, things are GOOD!!!
Put your head right into that sand Vicki, if only for a few weeks, until you can gather yourself back. It’s that old saying that we have to be our own chaperones in this wild and crazy world.
Thank you for the beautiful snow pictures. Glad you made it down & back without any falls. And, thank you for a chance to win that wonderful book. Give that adorable Jack a pat for me!
I always love this time of year when winter is fading and we are just teetering on the brink of springtime. The dining room table is covered in seed catalogs and scribbled garden notes and plans. Hubby and I will tromp up to the garden this week and see if our bees survived the winter. Blessings of peace and all good to you and yours.
I adore all things Tasha Tudor, so I am crossing my fingers! Thanks for the Morning Science Moments and the lovely snapshots of the turn of the seasons. I love living in California, and I enjoy the subtle changes through the year, but I miss “real” Spring. And Autumn. And Winter. Summer we actually do pretty well. Thanks for the almost constant nostalgia for this Born A Connecticut Yankee girl.
I so enjoy the small adventures you take…somehow when I walk out I don’t look at it as adventure and I should…and will!
I live in Northern New Hampshire and spring is not here yet. This past weekend we couldn’t wait anymore and took a trip down to the lower part of the state. We actually walked on the beach in Rye NH! It had been a couple of months since we had a real walk and I felt so much better then I had in a long time. Here’s to Spring!
Oh, how I’d love to win this wonderful book! My copy of The Secret Garden illustrated by Tasha Tudor is very dear to me both as a reader and as a gardener, and I would treasure this special volume signed by you even more!
I love the little picture of the house in the snow with a wreath on the door. I have a tiny gift card that I bought years ago of the same little drawing, and every winter I set it among other small things in a child-size cabinet with glass doors. It is time to put it away now in favor of spring things, but I want you to know that I treasure each little watercolor you make. Thank you.
I would encourage other girlfriends who might not know Tasha Tudor to check on line and in libraries to see her beautiful drawings and read about her life. One website is cellardoorbooks.com. Her drawings are sweet and nostalgic like Susan’s. Happy spring, everyone!
How does anyone not know Tasha Tudor!
How funny that is the giveaway. We had that very book growing up and my mom and I were just talking about trying to find a copy for my daughter if she embarks (we hope) on a very small container garden at her rental. If she grows nothing but basil to make her own pesto, it will be a successful gardening year for her!
I’ve also heard little kids love to grow radishes from seed, because they come up so fast and give that awe and wonder of instant gratification!
Your walk looked fun! I loved all the photos. (Thank you Joe for patiently waiting!)
Here in Minnesota our snow is about gone. It is 61 right now, and may warm up even more. Love it!
And I loved seeing Jack waiting on his chair looking out the window! How sweet. He is just so adorable, but you already know that!
Looking so forward to the new book! Can’t wait to see what it is all about!!
And the book you are giving away looks so sweet! I LOVE Tasha Tudor, and have bought a couple of her books at the used book store. I just love her illustrations. It would be so exciting to have this one, because I have a kitchen garden.
Hold on to the hope of spring, soon to be here!!
Happy St. Patick’s Day and Happy Spring to you!!!
Snow is melting here in the Midwest, too. Wonderful feeling!
Here in Michigan we have the snow melting off the roofs, it’s finally been sunny for a number of days, so nice after the record breaking cold! We have turkeys and deer together in the back yard, so maybe they died of natural causes (you have had a lot of snow) Please put my name in, hopefully Vanna will pick it. Thanks for the spring pep talk! very much looking forward to it.
I’m getting anxious to get outside and work in the flower beds and plant some veggies! It’s almost time!
I saw the tip of the tulips this morning. The snow is gone, can spring be far away?
Susan, I love your blog and all your work. It makes me so happy. Thank you!
In Georgia we have snow drops and daffodils up. I’ve been busily cleaning up my garden and even filled the bird bath. Thank you, Susan! Love to read your blogs. I feel like I’m sharing with my girlfriend!
Enjoyed the walk. Loved the robins made the tree come alive.
I am anxiously awaiting the robins return as our snow melts in the northland…Your garden book looks so lovely. I adore Tasha Tudor’s beautiful artwork too. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to you Susan.
Our snow is quietly melting as well. The sun is out and I have the itch to get out. Love your emails!
I was a huge fan for years in the 90’s andrecentlyfound you again after reading A Fine Romance you’ve brought sunshine back to my life that I didn’t realize was missing. So whetheriwinor not isn’t important as I’m just happy to have you back in my life.
Very nice of you Susan, glad to see you here!
Susan, so glad to read your blog. I look forward to it. I , too. went for a walk with my dog today. It was cold and windy here in PA, but the sun was wonderful. Spring is on the way! Yay!
Fun post! As a Californian I appreciated the pictures of the large outdoor ice cubes! Ours are much smaller and live in our freezers and end up in our cups!
You would not want these anywhere near your cups!
The forsythia and star magnolia are blooming in the backyard except each puff of spring wind causes another petal to fall. I’m looking forward go gardening again!
Boy does my garden need some inspiration!! And Tasha is one of my favorite illustrators! Pick me, Vanna… pick me! xo
This book would be a wonderful reference for my gardening business, thanks for the giveaway, Susan!
I love your blog. Thank you for the care you show for your readers when writing it. I am visiting the Vineyard in the fall so I pour over all of your photos longingly till I can experience the real thing.
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day a little ahead of time Susan. I so enjoyed this newsletter. Here on Lake Erie the snow on our beach is so deep there’s no going down to explore yet. Lots of ice and huge mounds of snow. But the melting has begun this week!
Thanks for the lovely walk!
I miss back east when I see all your lovely pictures. Thank you for sharing.
Spring Fever!
Even though we had snow a week ago, down here in Kennesaw, Georgia my daffodils are in full bloom and temps are around 70 degrees this week. I must have at least a hundred blooms that I can see when I sit at my breakfast table.
Gosh Susan,
I live in western Maine and yesterday was so beautiful here too! I walked my maltese, Murphy, down our lane and we found bare spots, slushy spots and we heard a robin singing! The breezes were so warm…just wonderful. Our walk from the garage is long and Murphy and I made lots of slushy footprints. Today, they are preserved in ice!
I loved that you found sea glass. It was meant for you!
Hugs,Nancy
ONE WORD? How could I ever leave just one word after I read, no DEVOUR your blog?????? Oh how I loved every shard of ice, every kitty face, every reminder that Spring is about to SPRING!!!!!!! Although a committed devotee of Autumn, I have to say the beginning of Spring is just as delicious as things that I love about the other seasons: a ripe summer tomato, the smell of leaves in the fall, snowflakes starting to drift down just as you light the Christmas tree for the first time. But SPRING has those first mornings in a long time when the birds are SINGING, the first green shoots of daffodils, snowdrops and tulips, fuzzy little buds on trees, EARTHWORMS on a rainy afternoon, my heirloom roses bursting into bloom, sleeping near an open window and not wanting to sleep because the night noises are just as fascinating as dreams . . . oh yes SPRING!
Soon Spring will come and the weather will be glorious! Here on the Nature Coast of Florida we are having Spring and Summer in the same week. It is strawberry season and the temp was 91!!
We are hoping for a cooler week. Would love to have Vanna pick me!
Thank you for the breath of fresh ocean air. Lake Michigan is still frozen as far as the eye can see from the shore here in Holland. The first tulips are poking up next to the steps of the museum and that’s a promise of many more to come. The sunny days are a welcome tonic for the soul. Happy St. patty’s day everyone.
.
I’m a transplanted Northerner living in Florida. While I do not miss the ice and snow, I do miss all the wonder of that first turn in to Spring…snow drops, daffodils, plotting what to plant where in the garden. Thank you for the reminder of those simple joys.
Susan, I love your description of Jack as looking like Hercule Poirot. He really does! It’s a much better description than mine. When I first saw photos of your kitty, my immediate thought was, that cat looks like a feline Hitler! Just had to share this with you, for laughs.
Catherine L.
When I saw him as a kitty, all that mustache thing seemed bigger, like maybe he had a mouse on his face. But he’s grown into it.
I loved the early spring walk down to the shore and back. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Thanks for offering the wonderful garden book, Susan! I love-love-love Tasha Tudor, and you, too!
It’s weird how I JUST received your email in my box, yet there are almost 1000 comments! How can you possibly answer everybody? I would say don’t try. And what I also want to say is that you don’t need to do giveaways because every time you do a new post, it’s a gift. I will read your posts and reader comments over and over; seem to get something new from it each time. I love today’s quirky stuff and how you bring our attention to things like ice chips from puddles or how, in winter and snow, something a Californian like me wouldn’t know, you can’t open the windows of course, and what a treat it must be to have fresh air in a stale house that’s been shut up for weeks on end. I hope the coyote wasn’t a dog. Joe was brave to inspect more closely. I’m glad you guys got to get out and replenish your lungs; move the bones and joints. Also glad that you’re careful. TAKE YOUR PHONES WITH YOU. Wow, there’s still ALOT of snow. Isn’t it interesting to watch a flow of water and see nature working its wonder? I love to look at my mountains, when there IS a snowpack (it’s been a few years now in drought-ridden CA), then go back in the canyons and see the creeks busy at their business of running toward the river, the river swift-moving out to the flatter coastal plain and ultimately to the sea which I can see from our higher-elevation neighborhoods. It just explains things, you know? Nature has such…purpose. It knows what it’s about and what it needs to be and do. Yes, we can learn from it…and I try to, every day. Thank you for writing such a fun and interesting and wonderful post for us; I know it must take a lot of time and I appreciate it so much. We all want to know you, Susan. If I probably ever met you now, I assume I’d break out in tears. Happy tears; kindred spirits. You just have real impact that I wish you could know, although I will keep trying to tell you. Thank you for this bounty of goodies! I looked up the garden book on Amazon and, wow, you can still find it in paperback and hardcover but it’s very expensive. You are generous to give one away! Especially when we’ve all got gardening on our minds!!
I’m not trying to answer everyone, but I am reading them all! I love to do giveaways, but it makes lots of comments! Which is why I have to make sure I do them when I have the time to read! xoxo Thank you for being here Vicki!
I have this little gem of a book called ‘Home Bird: Four Seasons on Martha’s Vineyard’ by Laura Wainwright; perhaps you know of her. One of her essays is about beach glass. (I’m so nuts for sea glass and have a necklace of one pale green piece [pendant] made by a gal in Maine. It’s so soft and pretty.) Maybe Ms. Wainwright wouldn’t mind if I quote her on some of her island finds: “…Kelly green chunk was probably part of a Coke bottle made in the 1950s, possibly even bottled at the old Coca-Cola Plant in Vineyard Haven. Our cobalt blue piece likely started as a medicine bottle manufactured in the late 1800s…Grading rarity based on color, RARE: Cobalt Blue…” and she says this comes from a book called ‘Pure Sea Glass: Discovering Nature’s Vanishing Gems’ by Richard LaMotte. Maybe you know a lot about sea glass already, since you live at the beach. I never see sea glass on SoCal beaches (my neck ‘o the woods); I should look up why. I was in coastal Oregon once and there weren’t even shells; a local told me the surf was too violent to keep anything intact.
We had a house out there at one time; we used to try and buy red and blue glass bottles, like red rum, and also there was a cobalt blue water bottle around that time — he took them out and broke them on the rocks. Praying someday for them to come back to us.
Sigh. You two are romantics…
Dear Susan,
One of my sisters told me about your blog about a year ago, and I have
enjoyed it immensely! Reading what you write, looking at the pictures,
and your pretty watercolors have brighten many days when I was
stressed because of work or just having a little ‘down of a day’.
It all adds up to a refreshing and charming escape where I can go
for a little while, and then come back ready to tackle whatever
comes my way. I am also enjoying your lovely book, A Fine Romance.
Thank you!
Cynthia Rhodes
Thank you for the reminder of what fun it is to crunch the ice in the puddles! I had forgotten that part of walking during the winter season.
Hi Susan! Martha from Martha’s Kale salad here (Newburyport last fall) – just had my daily bowl, are you still making it? I am enjoying the beautiful beeswax candles made by the Nuns who were at the book signing. I ordered a big box full and gave them as gifts for Christmas and have a supply here at home too.
I have always loved Tasha Tudor, her Victorian way of life, her magical and sweet illustrations, her Corgis and animals…When she was living she had teas for the public at her home in Vermont which I had REALLY wanted to go to, but she passed away before I made plans to go. I understand her family may be trying to organize teas again… I have the Butt’ry Shelf Cookbook (1968) by Mary Mason Campbell illustrated by Tasha Tudor. It’s signed by Mary who was a friend of my mother’s friend. I love this book! Are you familiar with it? I rotate cookbooks from the shelves to a sitting area seasonally and this one is often grouped with many of yours! ❤️
I walk outside and feel, still, a chill in the air. Then I hear the birds singing, and I think to myself, “They know!” It’s in their song; Spring is just around the corner!!
I collect any Tudor book I can. Would love this one!
Hi Susan, I felt like I was on that walk with you and Joe today. Happy Spring to you both – and to Jack and Girl, too! Spring also means Great-Horned Owl babies! We’re hoping to see one in our neighborhood! Our snow on the North Fork of Long Island is slowly but surely melting and we’re finally seeing grass! I’m going to keep my eye out for the crocuses that come up in back of our house. The sun is nice and bright there and it is always a special treat to see them. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
P.S. I hope I didnt ruin things for you, and make you think of Hitler instead of Hercule Poirot every time you see Jack! I just thought Hitler was too funny not to share!
LOL! Jack has a curly mustache. Not that little black toothbrush Hitler had. Two entirely different people! 🙂
Thanks for letting me walk along with you and Joe. I didn’t fall down either!
Thank you for the beautiful pictures of your lovely island – you seem to be recovering nicely from this harsh winter! We are celebrating the same lovely weather here in Cleveland. And thank you for the opportunity to perhaps win this wonderful book. I actually own it myself, it’s one of my favorites, but would love to pass one on to my daughter who loves gardens and Tasha as much as we do.
Now this is my kind of MUSICA Susan. “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” This reminds me of one of my favorite all time movies, Dirty Dancing. The Shirelles sang it in the movie, but I remember hearing this song (and loving it even then) when my friends and I would hang out at the skating rink in our youth. It was the ONLY place to hang out where I grew up. There was a teenage couple that would slow skate to this and other nice slow songs and they were SO GOOD that everyone would just stop skating and watch them. I have to tell you and all the GIRLFRIENDS the GREAT news I got today!. Two weeks ago I submitted a book proposal and it just got approved. Of course it will not be as creative as your beautiful books Susan. It will be a pictorial history book about a subject that I learned to love from a great aunt who helped raise me and my siblings and also helped raise my mother and her sisters. Like you, I don’t want to reveal the title just yet, but I do want you to know that you were my inspiration and the words in your book and this blog, “If I can do it, you can.” gave me the confidence to take the leap on this project. I have never compiled a book before. Thank you for all you do for us Susan and thank you for the MUSICA. For the past two weeks I have had a song from another one of my favorite all time movies playing in my head. The Rodgers & Hammerstein, “I Have Confidence In Me” which I keep listening to for that very reason, to have confidence in me.
Congratulations Sharon!! Very good!
What an appreciative life you lead.☕ ☕
Greetings from the warm and sunny Northwest. We have had the most beautiful spring. The daffodils were blooming in February and now all the trees are blooming. It has been a really weird year. Hopefully we will have a really wet spring.
Oh, I love the garden book and would love to win it! Also am looking forward to your new book. The anticipation is so exciting! I live in Oregon but am considering a move to the East coast. The area where you live is so beautiful, but I think that much snow would be too much for me. I’m thinking about Charleston, SC. I grew up in San Diego and I’m missing being near the coast. Your blog inspires me!
It’s supposed to be 86 here in SoCal this weekend. I’m ready to start on the veggie garden. I have a black and white ‘Jack’ cat, with a moustache, who loves to look out the window, too. He’ll be supervising!
Thanks for sharing!
LIKE, LIKE, LOVE
Lovely, lovely! Always enjoy your posts. In the South, we just have drizzle, rain, more drizzle, and mud! Thanks for sharing your snow with us!
I just love your beach walks. I collect sea glass also, and that blue piece
you found today is beautiful. Would love to win the garden book and book mark.
Oh Sue, I can practically smell the sea air from today’s post. There’s no one who writes, using all FIVE senses, as well as you do. No one. You truly “paint a picture” with words [grin]. You’re right too, there’s something very satisfying about the sound of cracking, crunching puddle ice. There’s definitely a very distinctive snap there. And I’m really wondering what the furry half of that dead critter pile was you ran across. According to some sources on the Web, there are no coyotes on Nantucket or the Vineyard. But the Vineyard Gazette begs to differ. “Beachcombers Find Dead Coyote on Lambert’s Cove Beach.” “Island Coyote Proven in Lab Results.” And “West Tisbury Farmer Spots Coyotes Harassing Chickens.” I thought the word “harassing” was pretty funny. Makes it sound a little like the coyote was whistling at all the hens as they walked past the drugstore on Saturday afternoon. Well anyway, it does sound as if maybe an enterprising coyote or two may have bought a ferry ticket a while back. Good thing your gut told you to keep Jack an inside kitty. Oh and I hope y’all are getting yourselves some Yaktrax. You can’t believe how sure-footed you feel when wearing them, and I guarantee you’d really be loving them on your Morning Science walks. PS – not a paid endorsement – LOL!
I know. Our coyotes are like Big Foot. Some see them, and some don’t!
Thank you Susan for always being an inspiration. I like to check daily to see if you have anything new on your site, and then I’m pleasantly surprised when you do! I too am a California girl, but my daughter who is a transplanted New Yorker and will probably never leave after something like 12 years says that even though we love the beach, we missed the boat not being East Coasters. I agree when I see your celebration of seasons! We have 90 degree weather coming again…stupid drought!!! I would love some winter! Anyway, I wanted to thank you for reminding me of my mother, which is an amazing compliment…She was a lover of all things beautiful and found a way to be delighted in everything around her. She sang from morning to night and loved being a homemaker and having her children and grandchildren over for formal parties. Anything from her kitchen was sent home with beautiful bows or blossoms from the garden and anyone who stopped in felt special and loved. Your packages are the same…pretty stickers and carefully folded tissue, making a delivery from your store a present in every sense of the word. I’m so glad you share your life with us! And, I’m sure you had an amazing mother! 🙂 XO
I did and do! xoxo Joy.
Thanks Spring for being around the corner!
The walk was lovely—-totally enjoyed–thanks for sharing. What a wonderful prize this book would be. Thank you for being you!
I have been enjoying your winter blogs. I am in So. California and yours is the only “season”ing I experience. Congrats on the great piece of blue sea glass!
Want to win win win!!! Thank you for brightening my day!!!!!!
Wonderful! So happy you finished the calendar. I have 2015 hanging in my office where everyone can see it and it makes folks happy. Would love to be the winner of the book!
Be well…
Cathy
This post has been a bright spot in my day. We have been at the taking care of my seriously ill Mom for weeks now. The only bright light I have seen to date is this lovely post about my most favorite thing gardening. The book is beautiful I have never seen it before.. Thank you for sharing it was very uplifting for me…….
Blessings on you both Jeanie, big hugs. xoxo
It makes me so happy to see your lovely walk with Joe to “thee the thee”… and makes me homesick in a nice way for the east! I so enjoy your blog every time and I expect you understand how much joy you bring to me and all your other friends (not just girls)!
I adore Tasha Tudor’s illustrations and gardens in general, especially the English ones of my youth, and would be so thrilled to win the book. I am not a great winner of things so I am not holding my breath! Thank you yet again
Susan, it seems I simply cannot get enough of your amazing storytelling adventures, wherein you give us glimpses of your life there on Martha’s Vineyard. This blog is chock full of lyrical prose and beautiful, colorful, fanciful, and just outright wonderful pictures and drawings! I so enjoy taking time in my day to breathe in the beauty of nature. Thank you so much for sharing with us, your faithful girlfriends!
Dawna
Spring…rebirth…renewal…a new beginning..
Loved your pictures. Buffalo,N.Y. is warming up 40’s today,I never thought it was going to, after our 8ft. snow drifts. Winter started Nov. 1st. and is slowly coming to an end. Your blogs have helped, Thanks !!!!!
Love the new freshness of Spring – it has been a long,long Winter for all of us here in the east- welcome Spring!
What a wonderful thing, completing your new book. Can’t wait to see it!
Mary
Daylight savings time arrived on Sunday and the temps here in Michigan shot up to the 40’s the next day. Love it! Walking gets a little easier each day, but still puddles, snow, ice and small mountains to climb over of snow on each corner. My “eagle eye” is out for my daffodil patch. That’s next!
Dear Susan,
I have enjoyed your blog immensely! Reading what you write, the pictures,
and your pretty watercolors have brightened many days when I was
stressed because of work or just having a little ‘down of a day’.
It’s a refreshing and charming escape where I can visit
for a little while. Enjoying your lovely book, A Fine Romance, too!
Thank you! Cindy
Love your descriptions of spring springing! On the Central CA coast we have jumped right to summer – 80° today and no rain in sight…
Oh, such delight! Here in southwestern Virginia, the snow is almost melted away – and my precious purple crocuses are just showing themselves! I love it! The only icky part, is that our dogs DO NOT LIKE the mud. Especially on their toes. They explain to me that they prefer clean toes, so if it is okay by me, they will just go ahead and do their “business” on the non-muddy carpet or the non-muddy kitchen floor, thankyouverymuch. Hmm……..Of course, they are unaware that it is muddy and they wake us up barking and clamoring to the chorus of “LET US OUT! WE HAVE TO PEE!” So we get up, get our slippers on really fast and swing the door open, and all tumble outside, only to stop short. Oh no! Mud in some sections. UNACCEPTABLE! Back inside, we are reeling from being awakened so suddenly.
Such is life with dogs. But, would not trade it for the whole world.
I know it is too early to start my herbs, but I can hardly wait! Your blog posts are so wonderful and inspirational and just get me revved up to START on something! I love Tasha Tudor and her Corgi’s – we don’t have Corgi’s, but Pomeranians – and just love them!
Would love to win that wonderful garden book, but am sure that whoever does, will indeed have a real treasure to enjoy for years to come!
Thanks!
Annie
Thanks for the snowy walk and the morning science-I enjoy seeing all the beautiful natural landscape of the island! I’ve also been trying to keep up my walking with my dogs all winter but it hasn’t been easy. At least now it’s mostly puddles instead of ice, and I can actually see some grass on the sides of the sidewalk! The Kitchen Garden book looks wonderful, I have been on the lookout for that book ever since the last time you mentioned it on the blog. Thanks for the chance to win it!
I would so love a copy of the book as spring has sprung early on the west coast of Canada. We are enjoying blossoms and flowers and the birds are back in full force. It’s great to see everyone mowing their lawns and out in their gardens.