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!
love this book
Yes. I would love the garden book , especially for my Tasha Tudor collection.
I am soooooo ready for spring! And gardening!!! Love you blog brightens my day. Thank-you! Linda
Finally, Spring! Although walking is still treacherous around here – ice lurking under puddles – the snow is disappearing. Thank you for the chance to win the garden book.
Did you see Duchess Kate visited the Downton Abbey set today? She looks like she’s having a really fun time in the photos.
Loved your walk today and loved the cobalt sea glass you found. I hope you can make a nice piece of jewelry with it.
Hi, Susan, I love your witty comments on Downton Abbey and pictures from the program.
What a lovely post today. Yes, Jack breaks my heart with his adorableness and so do you, Susan. You are an inspiration. What a lovely book to give away. I’m sure it will be cherished. Barbora
The snow here is starting to melt this week too, although we still have large piles, some as high as 4 feet. Today however, I noticed that in a couple of places right next to the foundation of the house, where the ground is exposed, there are tulips and iris starting to poke up! So happy to see them!
Love Tasha Tudor…in my second life I will live like her!! I worked at library in the children’s department during high school and college ( dream job!) and was introduced to her then. AND I grew up in Betty Crocker land…Minnesota! Just love reading your blog and the comments from such lovely people,
Such lovely people!
Oh my! You had a lesson on the circle of life on your walk. I would be so curious to know what critters had died together on the beach! But that’s just me….always wanting to know! Goggle and I are on first name terms 🙂 I used to raise birds and their mating habits can be almost comical. A little bit awkward, especially if it’s a young male!
I love the bookmarks you made.
Our snow is almost gone leaving behind
No doubt your walk felt like a mini vacation! Always enjoy seeing pictures of your area. Here in western Washington state, our spring has already arrived – daffs have been blooming for about 3 weeks – earliest in memory. Our Golden plum tree and one of our pear trees are blooming – look like big, fluffy bouquets! Your spring will be along in a bit – but gardeners always dream big before it finally arrives – right!?
Hello Susan! Have you ever heard of Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Garden? daffodilgarden.com It’s amazing! 28 acres of daffodils!! The daffodils are our harbinger of spring around here in east Texas…They have been beat to death by all the rain, but mine were standing proud today! I can’t wait for Spring!! Glad you made it home safely from your walk…
I gave my own Tasha Tudor book to my daughter.
Now I would like to win yours to give to her daughter.
Thank you for all the joy you give me in your life and drawings.
P.S. I love Jack…………………jody (*J*)
Any comment I make will be a big THANK-YOU for brightening my day with your blog posts!
Our snow has melted and left behind plenty of muck, but muck is the precursor to spring. I am so tired of numb fingers and toes, so muck is fine with me. Just ordered 2 Tasha Tudor books for my girls. They are her Corgi tales. Would love to add the garden book for me. Hope Vanna picks ME!
Wow~I miss snow! You guys have had more snow than we have had all winter here in Colorado (at least where I live). I love Tasha Tudor-she was an extraordinary woman. I especially love her art and gardens. Thanks for this Spring Timed giveaway! XXXOOO
Such a happy thing reading your blog! It really makes my day! I think it is because your outlook on life is so full of joy and happiness and humor! What a contribution you are making in this world of ours, when the news seems just the opposite. That’s why everyone loves you dear Susan…..you let the sun shine in…even on the dark days! I have loved Tasha Tudor for many years! Especially the way she always walked barefoot in her garden! XXOO
Tasha Tudor has been one of my favorite illustrators since I was a girl! My grandmother gave me The Secret Garden illustrated by Tasha Tudor for Christmas one year. The sweetest pictures and my favorite book of all time!!
Her cottages and gardens are heaven, just like yours. Two favorite illustrators together!
Hi, Susan…I just wanted to thank you for the bookmarks, you give us in your blog! I love them! Also, we went on our train trip, the scenery was wonderful. The sunset in New Mexico, while we ate our dinner, in our room, was so beautiful! I felt like we were in a movie, it was so romantic! It really was magic! 🙂 Our train car did have some malfunctions, though (but don’t we all, when we get older) . On the upside, that got us, some credit towards another trip! Yay!:) Thanks for all your encouragement! Wob, Candy 🙂
Oh Candice that makes me so happy to hear . . . I can just picture it. New Mexico has the best sunsets! Train car malfunctions, you are right, only human!
I just took a similar walk here in Allentown, Pennsylvania. We have a lovely park with a 6-mile loop. My feet were soaking wet from misjudging the depth of puddles, but it was well worth it to spend time in the sunshine.
The “mis-judging” was a real problem for us too . . . Joe stepped into what he thought was a snowbank, but under it was a river!
“A little madness in the Spring
Is wholesome even for the King…”
–Emily Dickinson
Love this quote!
Those cat pictures are adorable!
Tasha Tudor drawings and Susan’s….they just make me feel so happy and cozy!
Welcome Spring!!!!!
Thank you for that late winter walk by the sea….
I love Tasha Tudor’s drawings and yours conjure the same homey thoughts, Mrs. Branch!
Hi Susan: I was hoping we would have a post from you and a giveaway that’s two great things in one! Thanks for always thinking of us; I would love to win that book it looks quite charming! Can’t wait for the end of the thaw.. Noelle
I love the walk to the beach and the walk on the beach! I’m real skittish on ice also. But I do love to walk crunching snow when it’s cold and clear out and so quiet all you hear is the crunch! I would love to have the book! I always found her lifestyle and her drawings so fascinating. I can’t wait for your book to come out! Happy almost spring!
Enjoy your blog. Looking forward to planting my herb garden this weekend.
Down in Delaware the snow is melting and we are starting to plan our vegetable garden. And I can’t wait for my new herb garden. Isn’t food always better with fresh herbs?
Oh Susan … we were doing the exact same wonderful first spring snow walk here in the Berkshires of Western Mass, too. It felt wonderful and I wish I would have thought to open my windows like you did. My dog love sunning herself in the warm sunshine with the door open while she watches the neighborhood through the storm door. Would love to be entered into your drawing for the garden book. What a special treat.
Dear Susan,
This may be hard to believe, but, once in a while I miss snow and winter. Living in Florida is wonderful, but I am a New Englander in heart. Love to see your pictures.
Enjoy your spring. It just turned summer here – 90 degrees today!
Take care,
Lorraine
Thanks for taking us along on your walk, and to Joe for being so patient.. Love the photos of the island and the kitties!
Thank You, girlfriend….xx
Loved your blog today with the walk in the woods. I’m looking forward to Spring to see the trees start budding out along with my flowers. We live in the country & love to set in the swings in the front yard under our shade trees with a cool breeze blowing and listen to the birds chatter & sing while eating out of the bird feeders. Happy to be entered in the drawing for the Kitchen Gardens book.
Thank you for sharing your walk. Your kitty brought a smile to my face. Too cute!
Have I told you lately how in love I am with your sweet Jack? I have never considered myself a “cat” person (is there really such a thing?) – I have always had dogs. But with every picture of his precious little face and his gorgeous green eyes, I fall deeper and deeper in love. As much as I anticipate every edition of your blog, and I do love every single bit about it….I nearly fell over with delight seeing those green eyes and that little mustache perched on the little chair looking out the window. THANK YOU! I have a little 2 year old black pup named Gracie (full name – Grace Kelly) and I am looking for a little black and white kitten sibling for her, all because of the love I have for your darling Jack and Girl. Today was a rather rough day at work for me, so coming home and reading the blog tonight was a real treat before bedtime. The first walk to the pond, THE SEAGLASS(!), the birds, the kitties, and now a gardening give-away with my 2nd favorite illustrator, Tasha Tudor? Life is good, girlfriends! Spring is coming – and will be here next week at Navy Pier for the Chicago Flower and Garden Show (CAN’T WAIT – my daughter will be home from college for Spring Break and SHE ACTUALLY WANTS TO COME WITH ME!!). Must be her new love of all things floral and green after her fall semester studying in London. (I swear when you wrote about Pride and Prejudice a month ago, I recognized the pictures you posted ALL from pictures she had posted, too!). I dream of going, too, someday, but in the meantime, I have all I need, right here, in the heart of my home. Blessings to you and Joe, and all our friends in the “blog-o-sphere!” <3 🙂
Thank you Sue! We are animal people, that’s for sure!
What a beautiful piece of sea glass treasure you found! Such a brilliant blue!
Love love love your blog. As a Florida girl, I so appreciate your photos and creative thoughts of your day to day activities and musings!
I meet Tasha Tudor once at a book signing in Indiana. What a treat♥️You remind me of her, painting, gardening, cooking, birds, and animals, although she had her Corgis! Love your blog, loved reading your take on Downton Abby! Almost as much as the show!
Love those Corgis!
I am really enjoying reading *A Fine Romance* right now. Just read when you went to Hill Top for the first time. 🙂 Makes me want to go!!!!
I hope you do!
love love love all your posts. You took us on your walk! I loved the birds, the beach and sand and the birdie footprints. I live in Texas and our spring is springing up a little already. That sweet gardening book is calling out to me…”read me, read me,” “Ok”, I say! As I pulled weeds today I found pink, fat earthworms clinging to the roots and that was enough to fill up my happiness tank. But then I threw the weeds on my compost pile and poked around in it and saw how luscious the compost was looking and then my cup overflowed some more.
Thank you for taking me on your nature walks. It all looks so beautuful!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos. And, the lovely book with Tasha Tudor illustrations!
Oh, my heart! The calendar preview page! I just love your Jack. Spring is coming slowly to my northern Maine town. Snow coming for the weekend but it melts faster these days. Thanks for sharing!
I love Tasha Tudar and love to garden. Tasha and you combined would be delightful to join me in my home.
It sounds like a lovely book. At last spring has come to the Caroloinas and I am so ready to dig in the soil again. Who could not love gardening?
Such a lovely walk to the beach we had! And as always Jack is so adorable. I am a Californian nigh these many years but I still remember the crunch of those ice sheets on a puddle! thanks for the wonderful giveaway!
Love your blog! Thank you for the chance to win your book and bookmark! I’d be over -the-moon happy!
Oh my! What a hike you had, with all that ice!
I would love to win the book, with Tasha Tudor’s illustrations. How special!
Spring is almost here but regardless you brighten up the days!
I’m not sure why, but I rather enjoyed this somewhat ordinary and unassuming post so much! If I don’t win the book, I’m going on the hunt for it! Wishing you all a lovely Spring!
Oh, I would love this precious book to add to my Tasha Tudor collection. If I do not win it, I must find a copy. How have I missed it so far. Thanks for sharing it with us today.
Would love this book. Thank you for your wonderful blog!
Yay for Tasha Tudor illustrations. She was such a fascinating lady.
The added bonus of Tasha Tudor art makes this book give-away special. Looking forward to your new book Susan. You’ve really been busy! Also like the idea that you are turning your test papers into colorful book markers. So cute.
I too opened the window for fresh air! It felt so good. It smelled so good. It’s been a long wait.
Oh my I’m a new girlfriend well I’ve loved you for along time but just wasn’t connected to your blog! So sorry! Love love love your book about trip to England! Had to start my own Beatrix figurine collection. And now something MORE to love!? This wonderful garden book! Oh please please please pick me! :-))
Ahh…spring!
Susan,
As usual I enjoyed your blog, plus pictures! Thanks. Looking forward to spring as we all are!!
I have been reading about kitchen gardens and looking at designs the last few days. I have also just received 4 of Tasha Tudor’s books, so what a coincidence that you have blogged about both!! It is beautiful here in Colorado and most of the snow has melted. I spent the day with my son pruning our fruit trees. My legs are sore from hauling brush. But, it sure felt good to be out in the fresh air and sunshine. Thanks for offering a giveaway!!
Oh sweet Susan , Tasha is one of my very favorites. I learned about her when I was taking a children’s literature class in college. The class required us to study authors and illustrators of children’s books. Her art struck a cord in my heart just as yours has. It would be so lovely to have both Tasha’s art and yours as a gift. ( It’s one of her books that I do not own.)
Thanks for always sharing.
Lovely little book…..I would love this in my library.
Please enter me.
Sandra
Susan what an uplifting blog! I love your ideas. Congratulations on another book! I’m excited to see what it is. I’d love a chance to win the herb book. Looks like something to go back to time and time again. Thank you for the offer! Hope my post isn’t too late.
Love anything illustrated by Tasha Tudor! We’ve had the earliest spring ever here…great temperatures starting in January!! Which we’re hoping doesn’t mean it will be 120 all summer! We shall see!
Hi Susan,
Oh how I wish we had even a tenth of the snow received on the East coast. I would watch the news and feel sorry and envious for all on your coast. The West is dry, but we are always hopeful for moisture.
It is good to read your post….the “giveaways” are a delight and your words a balm.
Xoxo Pam
Such a cute little book!
Off subject, someone told me that the most recent full moon is called a worm moon because (to quote the Farmer’s Almanac) the earth softens and the worm casts reappear, inviting the robins. Your robins seem to have come inspite of the lack of earthworm casts.
Have a dear friend who collects Tasha Tudor illustrated books, would love to win it and give it to her, if she doesn’t win it herself.
Thanks for the joy you bring, like Spring.
I love reading your blog anytime it comes into my inbox. I am sure that your lovely walk was so enjoyable after the weeks and weeks of snow. But how glorious the spring will be. I am very interested in the Kitchen Garden book as I have moved recently from Florida to the Pacific Northwest and I can have a lovely kitchen garden .
Good morning, Susan! Thanks for the pics of your snow walk! It’s going to be hitting 80 degrees this weekend here, and I’ve got to pull out some cooler clothes! Not that I mind the sunshine, but what we really need in California is LOTS of rain . . .
I am enjoying watching a pair of mourning doves build a nest on my front porch. I love doves. I’ve been wanting to name my little gray cottage house, the way they do in England, and I think now I’m going with Dove Cottage!
The garden book is lovely — I am such a fan of Tasha Tudor. Enjoy your sunshine!!
Love your stuff….you inspire me with your paintings and lettering. Working in the garden soon enough. Keep up the good work!
A friend in Minnesota <
I am ready for spring.
Spring!! Thank you for taking us on the walk to the water!! It was delightful!
A couple of weeks ago hubby and I went to our camp. He had loaded the snowblower into a trailer and tackled the 3 +/- feet of snow in the camp’s driveway. He cleaned it up enough to be able to push my wheelchair right up to the front door of the camp! I immediately set about firing up the woodstove and making a pot of tea. There’s a “magic” couch in the corner of the camp. Magic because if you settle into it, gaze out the window at the lake, mountains and sky, you’re off to dreamland in no time at all! I had a wonderful book with me (Katherine by Anya Seton) and a border collie curled up on my legs (until Daddy was done with the snowblower!). What a wonderful day. The story of your walk reminded me of that day. It’s finally melting up here in Maine ~ although we have a long, long way to go. I saw a robin on Tuesday and it landed in a tree quite close to me. It had a dried berry of some kind (no juicy worms yet!!). I thanked him for coming back and making my day brighter! Our dog was going crazy in the back yard at about 7 a.m. ~ hubby looked around for the problem. Saw and heard several turkeys. A new experience for the dog!! Stay warm and think Spring everyone!!
xoxo from SW Hbr.
Loved hearing your thoughts on Downton! I so totally agree with each and everyone of them. I must watch it three times too!
Thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Coyote-Turkey-Deer. Good girl for not looking…you can not unsee that kind of stuff! Xox Christl
Daffodils are blooming here in Northeast Texas. 🙂
Susan, Thank you..Thank you..For the wonderful hopeful sights of spring. From a robin tree to a gold finch and even a beautiful blue sea glass treasure on the beach. My brother and I were talking about snow drops today and were both so excited to see a glimmer of grass peeping out from some melting snow. Must admit can hardly wait until spring arrives but have noticed the birds singing more lately…have a great weekend and hope spring appears a little more…
What a treasure this would be.
Would’ve to win the book. I am a big fan of Tasha Tudor.Love your blog!
Already starting to garden out here in San Jose, CA. Would love to win this sweet book.
I love your optimism, Susan. You inspire me!!!! xoxoxo – rosie
One of the most intriguing things about your wonderful post is the interesting chair that Jack is perched upon. There must be a story to it. Perhaps you will share it with us sometime. And you found beach glass! I’m jealous.
It’s a tall-ish stool, almost a baby chair height, but with no arms. Original dark green paint; and maybe, I’m guessing, a hundred years old? Found at a big flea market, Brimfield; it lives in the corner of my kitchen for whenever Jack needs a perch, or if I need a place for flowers. That’s all I know!
Thank you Sweet Susan for another give away full of Branchy Magic!
❌⭕️❌⭕️
Tawni Urrutia in Lodi Ca
Susan, you are an inspiration for a better quality life. Simple but extraordinary! I consider myself a country girl , when everything around me say’s different. My aesthetic , cat’ , bird’s then garden.
Love Kitties
Love Spring
Love You !
All that snow and ice, and yet you always manage to find the sunshine in every day!
Happy Happy Spring Susan,
Hope you get to enjoy spring very soon. We’ve have spring for a few weeks. Would love the garden book, I could use it in my horticulture class (love old garden books) for inspiration.
I live in Michigan and we’ve had down right balmy weather, mid 40’s to low 50’s. Haven’t seen any robins though. Can’t wait to get in the garden!
Wish we had some of your snow here in the Central Valley of California. It was in the 80’s yesterday.
Lovely. Inspiring. As always.
Thank you for sharing your life and photos and art and now this book. I hope I win.
So glad Martha’s Vineyard is thawing out ….. Wow you east coast folks have had a HARSH winter—brrrr❄️❄️❄️❄️. Spring is just around the corner
Hi Auntie Penny! I hope one of us wins the book…if it’s you, I’m going to “borrow” it!
We are f-a-m-i-l-y, I’ve got all my aunties with me!
Dear Susan….oh, how much I love your blog! the sweet little book would be a grand prize, indeed to win! In my mind I am going on that walk with you and it was so refreshing…yes, spring will be here soon. Opened a window or two today, as well….snow is finally starting to melt in our little woods here in Wisconsin. Thanks for thinking of your readers with this sweet giveaway!! Diane
Well, it is supposed to be 90.degrees for the rest of this week here in So. Cal. My a/c ran all day today. I’m not complaining. Just like our trip to England, I live my winters with you!
Best of both worlds!
I live in a little house with a little herb garden. I would love to win a gardening book recommended by you. Tasha Tudor is a favorite, too. Crossed fingers – thanks, Susan!
A beautiful book I would just love to read it
Thanks for taking us with you on the snow walk (I’m so glad no one fell in the making of this blog post!). I’m so glad you explained about the sheets of ice for us Californians, I thought it was glass on the road, when I first saw the photo, lol. And thank you so much for the opportunity for the beautiful garden book!
p.s. Did you see the videos of lovely Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, visiting the Downton Abbey set? I loved seeing her meeting all the cast – especially loved how they presented her with a cake. Eased my withdrawal pangs a little.
I just want her to join the cast for the last season (asking too much?).
Susan,
I have not laughed soo hard as you describing Joe and the mating birds.
Very funny.
I am a long time fan of Tasha Tudar. I actually meet her once at a book
signing in Newport Beach in the 70’s.
I love the calendar page of Jack for next October. I love seeing him and hearing
about him so much. I too have a black and white kitty. His name is Spot due to the 3 spots on his left side.
Keep writing and painting we all love it.