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!
Looking forward to spring! Jack is as cute as ever!
It would be a lovely thing to receive that lovely book and bookmark. Here in CA, we are warm and blustery – not good sinus weather, I might add.
Love the dark blue sea glass! What a wonderful find.
Dear Susan~ Thanks for the winter walk views!
I feel quite guilty for our spring weather today. Even cleaned up the bird feeders for extra visitors. We have had some of our biggest snows in March, fingers crossed this is really Spring.
I absolutely love Tasha Tudor’s illustrations, saw a wonderful show of her work a few years ago. Such a wonderfully independent life she led.
(Careful on the ice, wouldn’t do to paint with the other hand).
cheers.
Bernie
Dear Susan, thank you for the lovely walk; I am not brave enough yet, but in a few days! I’m re-doing gardens this year so I am so hoping to win! I do need some new inspiration and Tasha would certainly do it.
As always your generous thoughtfulness is so appreciated.
I just love reading your blog posts (especially the Downton Abbey centered ones!) because I can just hear your voice, and your excitement. You always have such joy. It’s a good reminder to me to slow down and enjoy what’s around me. Thanks for that!
Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona so I don’t know what it’s like to live with so much cold and snow. It’s beautiful so thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the lovely early-spring ramble (and thank you for NOT taking a picture of the first morning science discovery!). A beautiful book giveaway…Please, oh, please pick me! I love Tasha Tudor’s illustrations and my fingers are aching to be back in the dirt of my sunshiny, private garden! 🙂 Your blog is sunshine in my day!
I promise to NEVER surprise you with something like that! 🙂
I am so looking forward to your new book! I know it will be absolutely charming. I want to preorder now!!!
It shouldn’t be too long, just want to have some art done for previews first!
Hello Susan from Minnesota where we did not have much snow this winter! My kind of winter! March is usually a snowy month here but this past week and this weekend the temps will be in the 60’s. Thinking about putting out the deck furniture so we can sit outside and soak up the rays! Just watched the last DA again this morning. Love it! Have a happy spring and be careful walking on the snow and ice. XOXO
Good to get out, hope you don’t have any flooding with all that snow. Cheers!
SPRING!!
Serendipity! Lucky you to find that beautiful piece of sea glass on your walk.
Your garden book sounds lovely! My goal this spring is to add a few more native plants to our garden for the Monarch butterflies. Their numbers are in decline and they need our help. I’m anxiously awaiting the butterflies and my favorite little hummingbirds! Sweet spring is so close – saw my first Robin Tuesday!
What a wonderful gift!!!
You are so thoughtful.
Your wonderful blog brightens dreary days. Thanks for continuing to share your world with us
Happy Almost Spring! I love, love old darling books! Thank you for the fun giveaways always! xo
I have loved Tasha Tudor and her art since I first discovered her about 30 years ago. Also, I am planning my very first kitchen garden right now with the help of Pinterest. If I don’t win it I’m going to try to buy a copy somewhere.
I love your blog. Saw your book, A Fine Romance in the library last Sept and then got it for a Christmas present. Yeah!
Dear Susan, Space being a big factor in our Ocean Grove, NJ, tent, I have to buy the mini calendar so PLEASE include as much of your October page with your esteemed Hercules Poirot as possible. I will look forward to it. My granddaughter has a lovey black & white kitty too, but not quite as distinguished. But we still love him. Thank you.
Oh dear, the calendars are all different, and all turned in! Maybe 2017!
Hi
I love your blog. Thanks for sending it and hope your weather keeps getting better. I can’t wait for your new book. Loved A Fine Romance and Autumn so looking forward to the new book. Thanks for the chance to win your sweet book. I hope you have had a chance to see Miss Fisher’s murder Mysteries. You will love the clothes at least I think.
Thanks again for the blog and pictures.
Charlene
I love going with on your walks….
So happy you folks are finally thawing out! I’m from the northern part of the midwest and this week has been a little bit of heaven with temps in the 50’s each day (except today is a bit cooler – but back to warm tomorrow!). I will continue to wish you sunshine and nothing but Spring thoughts.
xoxo
I too am glad spring is arriving. My daffodils are blooming and look so sunny and happy. I can’t wait to find out more about your new book. I know it will be as great as your other books.
Lovely garden book! Lovely blog post! lovely walk!
I love gardening and all things “Tasha”. You make me want to visit Martha’s Vineyard. Spring please.
Ah, spring! Hurry up!!
thank you for pictures and stories of your walk … ah, Spring … could it come a bit faster:-)
I would love to get this little book. I had it at one time and must have lent it out and never got it back. I loved it!!
Just lovely, as always.
Just love all your interests,gardening,books, wonderful walks, England, and last but not least your adorable cats. We have a lot in common, really enjoy these blogs, please keep them coming.
I feel spring and can’t wait for the flowers!
Beautiful Martha’s Vineyard anytime of the year! How fortunate you are to live there.
It seems to me to be a fairytale kind of place for every time I see your photos I’m taken away
to an amazing wonderland.
Keep those photos coming so I can keep dreaming.
Fondly, lynn
Would love your giveaway! Thanks Susan and thanks for your sweet blog!
Jennifer in Boise
I love Tasha Tudor. I have many of her books, especially the larger ones, and I even named one of my cats Tasha Tudor. I’ve never seen the garden book, but I would love to have it!
As always Susan, you do such a great job of sharing your life with us “girlfriends”!!! God bless you for sharing!!! Donna (Idaho)
How delightful to follow along on your journey through the melting snow to the beach.
I have the Buttery Shelf Cookbook by Mary Mason Campbell/Tasha Tudor and it (along with your cookbooks) has been read, read, and reread. Would love to win the kitchen garden book. Our snow is all melted and I may be the only one that misses it! I had some wonderful quilting, soup-making and fire-gazing days. It was wonderful!!!
Thank you for another wonderful post full of hopefulness for your time is almost here. To me Spring means new and hopefulness. New blooms are coming up everywhere here in NC and I just picked my first baby Jonquils of the season … so sweet. Judy C
I do so love Tasha Tudor! Her life and gardens are an inspiration to me. She lived the way she wanted to live – creating a life that she dreamed of and she inspires me to do the same thing. As do you, Dear Susan. 🙂
Spring is coming! Hopefully, sooner than later…!!
I look forward to reading your blogs! And I love your books, I have most of them! No snow here on the coast of SC so seeing your snow is fun for me. We do not handle ice and snow very well. It was 85 degrees here yesterday–cooler today, in the 60’s. Jackie
Oh my, that beautiful piece of blue sea glass! I have a very small collection of sea glass and I love it. I wear my teenies in a small bottle on a chain around my neck. What a conversation starter. I will wish for good luck with the book. Thank you dear friend for your kindness. toni b
I never saw this book before, I love Tasha Tudor!
Love Tasha Tudor!!!!
Spring flowers are some of my favorite. Hope they are popping out soon for you!
So glad to view pictures of you ode to winter receding!!! (couldn’t happen soon enough!
I love how you take us with you when you and Joe go walking around your lovely storybook neighborhood! We, here in Western Washington, had no snow this winter and are having unseasonably warm temperatures. I love reading your blog, girlfriend. It makes me smile.
Can hardly wait for spring!
Wow, what an adventure filled walk, Susan! I bet you will sleep well tonight! I’m in MN and I hate to say it, but you’ve had a much worse winter this year than us. Our temps are in the 70’s today! We’ve hardly gotten any snow all winter! Go figure! My daughter is in college in Boston, however, so we’ve heard all about your hearty winter! Stay strong, spring is coming soon! Most years, we know how you feel!
I love reading your blog. When I read it it is like taking a wonderful mini vacation!
Thank you for offering up the Tasha Tudor~Mary Campbell book!!!
Thank you for such beautiful blogs–highlight of my day!!!!
In Michigan–the snow is melting too and I had the window open – SPRING air!!!
Your blog makes me so happy and joyful!
I love Tasha Tudor books/items/anything connected with her. I’d love to add this book to my collection. Thanks for your generosity!
Dear Susan,
TY so much for taking time to write these FABulous blogs. I look forward to them in my inbox. We have Sweet Kitty who could be a sister to yours! The snow is still thick here too. Love Tasha Tudor’s drawings and would adore having a copy of the book. TY for offering this special gift.
Best to you,
Mimi
Hurry Up Spring!
Snow drops,sunshine-its Spring
Spring, be our guest! We’ve prepared our hearts for you!
I love that you love Tasha Tudor. I have had the book, “Tasha Tudor’s Garden” by Tova Martin, since 1994, with her photography. Happy you are out and about in nature! Daffodils now blooming in central Oklahoma.
Those robins are a good sign that Spring is on its way!!! I love the beach booty! I just love cobalt and aqua sea glass! Orange sea glass is valuable. In NJ a person can find old glass buttons. I think it is because there were so many clothing factories there in years gone by…
When we left home last weekend we were freezing, here we are boiling! LOL
This book looks charming, as does your walk. My favorite garden book–so far–is “Through the Garden Gate” by Susan Hill, with illustrations by Angela Barrett. The drawings are slightly odd and a bit angular, but they’re fascinating, and the colors are vibrant and compelling.
Here, in Northern Virginia, Spring is doing it’s best to arrive. We still have some piles of whatever snow turns into after a week or so. It’s gray and icky looking – thank goodness it should disappear in the next few days. The weatherman says we should be getting rain tomorrow, and that should certainly encourage the remains of winter to leave.
I would love to be entered into the drawing for the lovely book. It’s just what is needed around here to help bring Spring closer.
I’m looking forward to your new book with much anticipation. I have so many of your books and refuse to part with any of them!
Hi Susan,
I have loved your books for a LONG TIME! I LOVE all the artwork and everything!. I would love to be chosen for the Betty Crocker Kitchen Gardens book. Have a wonderful day! Can’t wait for the new book to come out. Your girfriend,Glenna
Thank you Susan for sharing your life with all of us. You are living my dream. Spring has sprung in NJ.
I had the book “Kitchen Gardens” too— for about 30 years. I let it go when we moved to Texas, and I thought I’d never have a garden again. I was wrong, and things grow bigger in Texas!
Well most people who live in Florida are from up north so they knew right away about the shards of ice. It is a nice reminder of what we are missing. Hopefully Spring is not far off for you. My most favorite bird is a Robin and I have seen my first one here in Florida last week. Waiting for a flock to fly through towards the northern states.
Today has been absolutely beautiful here in Virginia – mid 60’s! I drove home from work with the windows down and the radio up. Our winter has not been quite as dreadful as yours, but we are soooooo ready for spring. Thanks for the freebies also Susan!
Isn’t spring wonderful? I love cracking the ice too. And like you, fear falling. I wear Yak Traks and they are a great confidence builder. They slip on your boots.
We are slowly losing our ice caves as the warmer temperatures are coming in off of Lake Michigan. We had 78% ice coverage on Sunday and now, Thursday, we are down to 38% of the lake is frozen.
I love Tasha Tudor and this looks like a delightful book. I can’t wait spring and summer. I’ve had enough of snow!
What a delight to own.
I enjoy your blog-and I am very patiently waiting for SPRING! I so hope it won’t be late.
I love to garden!
Love Tasha Tudor! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
oh please oh please pick me this time Vanna!!
Susan, I would love to have my own copy of Tasha Tudor’s book!
Spring is around the corner and it’s time to garden! Can’t wait!
As always your blog leaves me with a smile on my face .
Hi Susan! Do you mean we will have to wait for the Fall for your new book? So can’t wait! Take care ! Christine
Just don’t think about it… 🙂 I promise, it will get here much faster than any of us expect!
Oh, Yes please! Love Tasha, corgis, gardening and reading lovely books. Of course, you too!
Oh how beautiful the world is with people like you in it. Thank you for the beauty you create each day and share with the rest of us.
SPRING
SPRING
SPRING
90 degree in cali ! Early spring
Looked at your post during a busy afternoon at work and feel like I had a walk in the snow, too! Thanks so much for all of your inspiration. And oh… HOW I want that lovely little treasure of a book!
Should I get on my knees and give thanks? I can see the concrete of my driveway!!! Spring walking starts today!
Our robins also returned this week, but no grass for them. I kinda felt sorry; however, I am sure they have experienced this drama before and have become quite resourceful in finding “worm substitutes”!
Happy warm up, Susan.
I know, kiss-the-ground-time!
I am looking forward to spring and getting outside to work in the gardens again.
What a lovely book!
Oh! How I love Spring!
I just discovered your blog in Dec. 2014 and am enjoying the new (and old) posts! I just got and finished reading A Fine Romance! I didn’t want it to end! I loved the photos, your beautiful artwork, but mostly the words! You have a way with words! I cannot wait to reread it and discover things I’ve missed. I even learned some history! Thanks for sharing your trip! I had a good time, too!
Thank you Jakki!
I have that book and love it. Kitchen Gardens , I love because Tasha Tudor illustrated it. So kind of you to give one away. Mary Elizabeth
Six months till the book is ready??? That seems a lifetime. That’s like waiting for the next season of Downton. How we will go on? HAHA I’m sure it doesn’t seem that long to you but I’ve almost worn out my copy of A Fine Romance (lots of drooling while reading you know) so I’m desperately in need of more. Sigh…at least I have the blog to hold me over.
It will be here overnight!
I would love to win this book for my amazing sister Barbara – an avid gardener and wonderful cook. She turns 65 in April!
Wonderful walk with you, as always. Spring temps have finally found Wisconsin and we are practically in summer mode…shorts, flip flops, jogging, biking, walking, feeding the ducks on the wee part of the Mississippi which has thawed. And my mourning doves have returned to coo on my balcony. But, this being Wisconsin, we won’t be surprised to be thrown back into the deep freeze before spring seriously arrives. Never plant the garden before Memorial Day!
Mary, Mary, how does your garden grow?
Tasha Tudor is my very favorite! I can’t believe there is a Tasha book I don’t own…hmmm…you will have to address this problem, I’m afraid.
Have a lovely day watching the snow melt. In the mountains of North Carolina we have our first crocus!!
Peace,
Leslie
I say it too… “OMG, I can’t take it anymore! She is so damn ‘dorable’! ”
That is Sophie the cat, she is my muse, imagine that!
Don’t know how to send a pic to you of her majesty.
She too is a hair band cat. I say.. ” lets play ring”, Oh my- her saucers get real big. Greatest joy!
Yo Adriene
I would love to send a picture of our “Miss Kitty’ because she looks just like Susan’s adorable boy….Only ours is a Feral cat….we took this cat 3 years ago and started feeding her to keep away the snakes and after 3 years she is a beloved house cat…she still is wild and comes and goes as she pleases with every day staying a little bit longer…She sleeps with us at night…Not a cat person she has melted my heart…I wish I could post a picture so more people would see how wonderful these cats can turn out with a little love….
Your words say it all!
Oh my, I’m late to the party over 1,000 comments here already. Dear Susan, I will be lucky indeed if I win your garden book, but I’m grateful to be here to see another Spring unfold. Six year survivor of kidney cancer, and 2 weeks after skin cancer surgery, life is good.
I am so ready for Spring!
This is my first visit to your lovely blog. I have always enjoyed your books, calendars, stickers, etc., but I had no idea there was a blog. What fun! I grew up in NH, but I’m living in TN now, so I especially enjoy the glimpse of home you provide. I’m also a fan of Tasha Tudor, so I’m very interested in this book! Thanks!
Welcome Carin!
Would love the book and bookmark!
How cute is Jack today? I can just imagine him dragging that chair to the window to watch you come home.
Today I picked up the chair to move it to the door for him ~ he jumped up on it while I was still carrying it!
I, too, walk in the woods very carefully dodging ice, snow, water and mud. I am looking for sheds, two so far.
Every time I get an email from your blog, it so brightens my day.
When I was a child growing up in Virginia, In the month of March every year my mother and I would go out in our yard that was still covered in snow to the huge evergreen tree, i still can hear the crunching sound that my boots made as we trudge through the snow. Reaching the tree my mother would pull back the lower boughs to show me with my eyes wide with excitment the tiny little snowdrops huddled togather there to keep warm untll spring was ready to burst with life. She would say to me”This is gods little promise that sping is on its way”. The Kitchen Garden book looks so specal. That would be lovely to enjoy. love your work