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!
I could feel the sunshine through the screen. I had the privilege to visit with Tasha Tudor in her garden. A treasured memory. Thanks for being you.
It’s amazing how many lucky people have written to say they met her, or spent time with her! She touched so many.
i love the 4 seasons! Especially Spring as it is overflowing with hope.
Welcome Spring.
We’ve started planning our trip to The Cotswolds after being inspired by your book. We lived in London 1983-1990, have returned a few times, so this will be another trip down Memory Lane.
Wonderful Jocelyn!
Pretty!!
I have always loved Tasha Tudor’s artwork. There was an article on her in Victoria Magazine a long time ago. It showed her home. It was very tranquil.
Susan, I also love your artwork,too. It makes me smile. Love the little quotes.
Happy Spring Susan !!! Crocus are saying hello, peepers are twitterpated….Happy St. Patrick’s Day !!!
Serious Beach Booty! Thank You again, for bringing us with you on your walk.
It’s beginning to look like spring here in Michigan, too! Sunshine, the ground peeking through the snow, a few birds chirping, and the sweet smell of….Skunk! Pew! Oh well, we have to take the good with the bad. Happy Spring!
Susan Branch you make me happy when skies are gray!!!
You are such an inspiration!
Thank you for taking me on your walk!!! I could feel the fresh air and the sun on my face!
Susan,
Your snow walk sounds wonderful! I took a snow walk a couple weeks ago at my favorite nature preserve just to see its beauty in winter. It was so lovely to see the snow covering everything and it was beginning to flurry as I arrived. I couldn’t go far with the trails mostly ice covered – and I did fall once but thankfully nothing got broken! Glad you had a safe snow walk! The garden book sounds lovely! Hugs!
Sue from PA
Our snow is almost gone! Watching for my hellebores (Lenten Rose)to spring up.
Have seen robins and have heard the woodpeckers back in our woods. Watching for the bluebirds to return. They often appear in February in Ohio. Enjoying your blogging and drawing.
Love your “beach booty”! And everything else about you and your art. The robins are back in Maryland too and the buds are swelling on our trees. Spring fever is setting in. ❤️
Nothing like turning the soil and planting in the Spring. Everything is awakening to a new start. Love this time of year!
What a lovely book . . . just the thing to lift the gloom in my broken heart!
I can’t wait for spring.
And, I love Tasha Tudor!
Wish you made a pocket calendar for cards and just to make sure about appointments. Love the calendars….but would love them even more with card sized pockets on each month? ❤️
I have the “New England Butt’ry Shelf Cookbook” and “Basket of Herbs”; would love to add “Kitchen Gardens” to the party. Love your work, your blog, and the wonderful give-aways. Really LOVED your talk at last year’s FOGT — that whole day was a dream come true! The ice has melted and I can finally hear the water running in the brook by our house and it lifts my heart.
Thank you for sharing your joy.
Sring has sprung in Wisconsin too!
Beautiful
Though I would love the bookmark, I do not need to win this drawing, as I have owned ‘The Kitchen Garden’ for many years. I ‘discovered’ Tasha Tudor long before I knew what I was doing. One day when out looking at used books, I came across a book illustrated by her. I loved the scenes she created, but they seemed hauntingly familiar to me. I later realized she had illustrated poems in our family encyclopedia (there were books of poems and stories for children included in the set). I became a collector of books she illustrated, and they are much loved….just like the books by Susan Branch!
A simple kitchen garden, what a lovely thought. This book looks like a small treasure!
What a wonderful post!!!! it reminded me of my Chicago used walking down the beach at Lake Michigan. out here in Kansas our winters don’t compare. I love your science talks, you can be so hilarious! and that cat of yours is beyond cute and you nail them perfectly in your illustrations. I also appreciate your child likeness a breaking ice sheets. happy spring to you!
What a wonderful book! I love Tasha Tudor’s artwork!
Thanks for sharing your world with us. Looking forward to the many treasures of spring!
I have always loved your optimism and agree that the warm day we had on Wednesday was superb! It put me in advanced spring fever mode. The sun is perceptively stronger and the days, noticibly longer. Yes, we’ve made it through the winter of winters!
Anything with Tasha Tudor has to be great, and if you approve — even better! Sign me up. Also, love the illustrations you have of your puss!
Spring is upon us and can’t wait to purchase new flowers & items! Every year I add to my patio decor funny/cute garden decorative items geared to kids! It really does add a “happy” picture outside my window! (I can’t put anything out just yet as we are having our Santa Ana winds here in SoCal.) Thank you for recommending Kitchen Gardens….just love the illustrations and pretty garden picture. And thank you for sharing with us your life’s adventures – my day is always brighter when I read your stories and see the seasonal pictures on the other side of the country!
“Good day Sunshine!” 🙂
Thank you for sharing your lovely Spring-is-just-around-the-corner walk. I was reminded of the days when I lived in snow country (Northern Ohio) and how lovely were those first warm days when snow melted and you could open all the windows. Unfortunately, I remember there being a long way between those days and actual Spring. But Spring is certainly glorious when it does finally arrive. Here in Southern California, we are having summer. So hot, you don’t even want to go out until early evening. The pink rambling rose over my neighbors garage roof is in full bloom. The Mockingbird is singing for a mate. If Mockingbirds are the rock stars of the bird world, they certainly don’t have the same sort of fan base. Hmmm. He’s been quiet for awhile, so perhaps he’s found a mate. You calendar page is wonderful, and really waiting with baited breath to learn the title and publication date for your new book. Enjoyed ‘A Fine Romance’ so much that I keep it on a prominent spot on the bookshelves where I can look fondly on it from time to time, and plan on reading it again this Summer. Hope Spring soon springs!
tasha tudor….my absolute favorite, who found such perfect, sacred joy in her surroundings, in her work, her family, in her child-like whimsical spirit. i trudged through a muddy road to her first home….where she sailed little boats and other things down the creek with her children. of course, she was no longer there, but her energy, her love, her creativity and aura lived there still and the family that came behind her honored her home and all that was a part of her. how fit that you should love a garden book illustrated by her. what a treasure. both of you.
Spring, I can hardly wait! I have one book compiled, written, and illustrated by Tasha Tudor. It is a Christmas book of stories and carols called Take Joy. I stood in line in a small children’s book store in Los Gatos, CA to see this petite woman dressed in a long black dress. Her gray hair was pulled back in a bun and she was wearing simple glasses that looked like they were from the 1800s. In fact, she looked like someone from the 1800s!
Love your blog:) Love Tasha Tudor & would love to add this lovely book to my library 😉
“Good day Sunshine!”
My treasure find of the week: The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter, published and printed in Great Britain, along with A National Trust Pocket Book of The Real World of Beatrix Potter. I’ve been following your suggestions and seeking out books from the likes of Tasha Tudor and Gladys Taber. Such sweet, beautiful words and pictures. We can see our lawn, finally, here in PA. So excited for Spring!
I’m in a Chicago suburb. Just got back from a 2 mile walk on a 62 degree day. So great to see all the snow melting away….
Love the fisherman’s shack, I’d like to see the inside. I’m just nosy like that.
Yeah, those giant ice chips; it’s supposed to be in the 90s here this weekend, so can’t relate.
I hope your snow drops pop up sooner rather than later.
I love your lifestyle. When I grow up, I want to be just like you.
I always enjoy reading your blog and seeing your part of the world – especially love hearing about your kitties! We have our own little kitty named Pippa (yes, after Princess Kate’s sister) and are smitten with her!
love reading your blog and so looking forward to spring. Pretty sure I need that book, too
Hi Sue,
The snow is finally melting here and the birds are beginning to arrive! Hope all is well with you! Tracy
Ooooo that book looks DELIGHTFUL! I love the drawings. And, wow about the coyote and the turkey! Glad you didnt post photos- although part of me would like to see it 😉 Happy Spring to youuuuuu!!!
Thank you for that lovely walk in the snow and the mud! I think that early spring might really be one of my favorite times of year, because it is so much fun to hunt for the first little hints that spring is truly coming. We had a wonderful hint on Monday this week: while a snowstorm last week left us with almost 11 inches of snow, a warm weekend melted enough to coax our snowdrops into bloom! Then my daughter pointed out that a very early bee was already buzzing around the flowers – spring truly can’t be far away now!
Please do enter me in the giveaway, but just in case I don’t win, I’m writing all the particulars down so I can keep an eye out for it at used book sellers – not only do I collect books about gardens, but Tasha Tudor has been an inspiration for me (for living “the life which (s)he has imagined”) since I was a very young child. Obviously, this book is a must-have!
I love reading your blog. I am awaiting spring time here at home too.
sweet book! I would love it!
Love your stuff
Nice!
I love the beautiful book!
I am a cat lover also – my Emma is twelve now, and very lovely. My husband and I visited Martha’s Vineyard last summer – it is gorgeous!
Absolutely love your blogs. I found you after I received A Fine Romance as a gift from my niece last summer. It has never left my coffee table as it is one of three “pickup and read me” books that bring joy to my heart. Our family has three tuxedo cats, Topper, Jack and Bootsie. Bootsie is my very independent and bossy love, Topper belongs to my granddaughter and Jack belongs to her and her fiance. So glad I finally have figured out how to send a comment!
Happy to see you here Patricia!
Happy Spring Susan!
I would love to be entered in the drawing for this lovely book.
Thanks for always including us in your magical life! I would love to be able to follow your lead and live in such a gorgeous place. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Love gardens❤️
Great blog… inspiring!
I love Tasha Tudor. Would love to own this book.
Thank you for the lovely beach photos! If I win, may I also please have the blue beach glass to make into a necklace? I hope my request is not too bold.
xoxoxo
Not at all!
How big a piece will you need?
So nice to see the photos of the robins! We live in the Chicago area and I have not yet seen my first robin this year . . . a sure sign of spring!
I absolutely love your winter pictures-especially beach glass and shells on the sand. Please enter me in the drawing. Would really enjoy the book.
Love that little house with the red door! So sweet. Also love that little book.
What a long winter it’s been. So good to know the robins are arriving. Would love to have a bookmark of yours, along with the gardening book, if fate sees fit. Blessings on your new book, can’t wait to read about your creative journey.
Would cherish that little book!
Susan,
Beautiful blog…easing us into spring. I so enjoy all the seasons, each one brings something special,and so appreciate you sharing Cute little Jack sitting by the window….kook forward to the new calendar with him included! 🙂 The book you are giving away looks awesome..
Happy March! 🙂
I would love to gift this to a friend. 🙂
Oh my goodness, what a lovely blog. You never fail to surprise and cheer us, even on a snowy day awaiting spring, glorious Spring! As always, Susan, thank you.
Luv yr pics as always! My hubby and I went walking in the woods that day and I took pics as well! It was so good to get out and walk and breath the fresh air and feel the sun on our faces!
Someday I will visit Martha’s vineyard 🙂 Not in the Winter though~
Smart!
Sounds like the book is a real treasure!
Love gardening, tusha Tudor, I collect her books
Missing New England in the winter and spring!! Spring my most favorite, love all the new beginnings of trees and flowers!!
I had the pleasure of walking with Tasha in her beautiful gardens, she had a quiet sense of humor, delightful, so cute! Your blog brightens my day! Thank you!
Don’t you just love Tasha’s illustrations?! I am fortunate to have “The Tasha Tudor Cookbook” which I just love to look at! Early this morning it was fun to watch rabbits springing around the lawn at a hundred miles an hour, more or less! They were taking their morning walk!
Thank you for your wonderful blogs. My husband and I watched the first season of Downton Abby this afternoon and now we’re hooked. Keep the blogs coming.
I love al your posts! This winter has been quite a bit for us hasn’t it? I love Tasha Tudor and would love her gardening book. It would be quite an honor to have it here in our little town of Bethlehem, CT. Thank you!
Susan, You are an inspiration to us, all.
beautiful
Tasha Tudor always a favorite.
When we have so much in common, it is no wonder that we are “girlfriends”. Thanks for brightening our world Susan! Lxo
Oh, Susan!
What a little treasure the book you mention must be! I have been a pre-school teacher for many years and welcome the opportunity to read classic stories to the children whenever possible, and have them see the glorious illustrations! Tasha Tudor has always been amongst my favourites, along with Robert McCloskey.
My cat, Oliver, and I must give up my own little garden and house this Spring and are moving to an apartment… but mental “traveling”…or escaping is always a welcome respite and books are a superb vessel! Happy Spring! and thank you for the “travel” you, yourself provide so well!
Delightful! I always love your art and always love your writing! I’m so glad you are happy for spring and we in the Northwest are blessed to be having a wonderful early one, so I’m thrilled with the sunshine and chirping birds also! Blessings, to you and Joe!
Love your snow walk, the 11th was my birthday so I sat in the sun and read your love book. Your. Walk sounded great. Would love yy
ur garden book. Iam going to start A garden. This year at least. Herb garden.
Happy Birthday Betty!
So very ready for Spring – love seeing all the birds returning to our bird feeders and finally seeing patches of grass through the melting snow.
Oh my, it has been too long since I have taken a looksy at your blog. I was inspired today by my second reading (in the middle of it) of your book, A Find Romance. I love it! It is the next best thing to going myself. I have always wanted to go to England. In my younger years I only drank tea, not coffee, and dreamt of bashing about England to see the places my wrote authors wrote about. I so want to see the place that inspired Kenneth Graham to write Wind in the Willows and to see the home of Beatrix Potter. Thanks for the journey. I grew up where the weather was much like your walk, but I am happily tucked in a cozy corner in southern California. You are an inspiration!
That’s what it is, the place that inspired so much magic. Thank you Julie!
Such loveliness you share on your walks. Happiness abounds everywhere~!
Love Edward Gorey’s quote, “Books. Cats. Life is good.”
PS….Thank you for the lovely gift tags…..Perfect for my Spring fun gifts for my “grands”. ♥
XOXO
Sums it up perfectly!
Ah Spring! It’s on it’s way.
What a lovely MV walk you shared with us. I am a NEer, but the ice was really interesting! But you really got my curiosity up with the description of the arms and knees and fur and feathers? Long ago we camped on the Vineyard and were told that skunks had no preditors on the island. We had the biggest skunks visit in the campground each night! Like the biggest we have ever seen. Quite a mystery, The Mystery on a Marthas Vineyard pond? Happy Spring everyone!
The fragrance of skunk is one of our harbingers of spring . . . they wake up and begin to waddle about!
For some reason Jeanie kinda likes Skunk smell….everyone to their own taste , said the old lady as she kissed the cow….
I kinda like it too, because it means spring. But not if it’s close up . . . no.
come around here, we have plenty of the lil stinkers around here. they are up and about and waddling around. PHEWY
My husband is a “Joe,” too, and we just did our garden walk a few days ago. Most of our snow has vanished, revealing dark soil and small green shoots peeking out–future lilies and daffodils! It’s so lovely to watch it change.
Hi Susan. I absolutely adore all of your work. I have been a fan for twenty-plus years. Thank you for adding so much beauty with your books, art and blog, just to name a few!
I love the illustrations in the book, and the bookmark is so pretty! 😀
My grandmother and I absolutely love your books and blog. We love to chat on the phone every week about your posts. That little book is beautiful, I would love to share it with her! Thanks for taking us on your morning walk and happy (almost) spring! xoxo
Love, love, love, Tasha Tudor. She lived such a magical life. Was true to herself. I would love this book. I do have the book about her own garden, which I’ll be pulling off the shelf soon. Happy Spring and Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you, Joe, and the kitties!
We had a wonderful little corgi and I believe Tasa Tuder drew the cutest ones. If you ever consider a dog,they are the best.
That is exactly what I would get. It’s just that we go away so often, it’s hard to leave the cats, it would be impossible to leave a dog!
Wonderful! Wonderful! Your pictures of the breaking ice are so promising. Spring is coming! The funny thing is, our daffodils are just about spent. We’ve enjoyed them for a few weeks now. I think they came a bit too early! Even though a California girl such as myself has no room to speak of being anxious for spring, I can’t help but long for it. Fascinating morning science lesson! I learn so much from you! 🙂
Just read your blog, as I am currently recovering from the flu. You really brought sunshine into my day and into my heart. The sun is shining outdoors here, and I can’t wait to get outside and go for a walk. My garden is still covered with at least a foot and a half of snow, but it’s melting! And I am awakening to the sound of birds. Haven’t seen a robin yet, but Spring is here! I love Tasha Tudor as well. Missed out on the chance to take the limited tour of her home this summer, but I’ll pay closer attention next year.
Lovely! Thank you Susan
I could use a nice gardening book to read about now. After this long cold winter a nice comfortable chair, hot cup of tea and a good book about gardening would be very welcome! Maybe Vanna will choose me!
one word
I love the snow but also the freshness of spring!