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!
Your e-mail brightens my day. Thank you Susan!
Such a joy to get outside and walk again! And we have little shoots coming up from our bulbs, here in Pennsylvania. Spring is coming!
You all must be so ready for spring out there. We are still hoping for some rain in northern CA! I think I’m old enough to remember that Betty Crocker book, it looks familiar to me!
I always enjoy your blog, your books and calendars. You always bring me sunshine.
Oh how lovely…how absolutely lovely is this little book. I must add my comment/name to this give away…and cross fingers and toes. But you know we are all truly happy for whomever might win. You are a generous soul, our dear Sue, and we love you for coming up with the most delightful ways to spoil us:)
Through the open front door, on the other side of the screen door, cars splash the remaining puddles from the rains…the birds sing…and the earth makes ready for Spring! Oh Glorious SPrinG!
Love and hugs to you and Joe and that darling boy and girl:)
Thank you Christie!
XOXO
I’d been checking your blog every day since your last post hoping you’d show pictures of snow, I figured you were trying to hit your deadline for the book but it didn’t keep me from peeping and then wouldn’t you know it, my computer finally takes a long walk but unlike you, it definitely took a bad fall. Ugh! Nothing worse then having to have your computer fixed, the waiting, the cost, the “what do you mean I’m going to have to re-load all my PASSWORDS!” (Hope you get the yellow address book back in stock, I could sure use it!) Anywho all is well, took a little but computer is purring like a kitty and you’re the first place I went straight to and was thrilled with the whole post. Joy, oh joy, it’s so nice to start of on a happy note! Thanks Susan <3
You poor thing, you just lived through my biggest fear! Congratulations!
Just loved your post about your walk and the promise of spring beginning. How great to live near the water AND the woods. About five years ago, I found these great things called Stabilicers at the hardware store. They are rubber with metal cleats and pull on over your boots/winter shoes. You can get them at a lot of places online–not expensive–just get a size to fit over boots, not ballet flats!
I love Mary Mason Campbell’s books and have all of them. She and Tasha Tudor lived near each other in New Hampshire and had a lot in common. I met MMC years ago when she did a book signing at the Herb Society’s plant sale in Massachusetts. I was also very lucky to meet Tasha Tudor at a book-signing as well–the book about her garden. Brought my camera and I have my photo with her signing the book. It is tucked inside the book and I’m still pinching myself.
And best of all, I was very, very lucky to meet you at a book-signing in Newburyport last fall where you signed ‘A Fine Romance’ for me. My cousin took a photo of us–we were just in front of the nuns. Very special memories!
What a fun day that was!
My snowdrops are blooming, here in southern Missouri! And my daffodils are about 4″ tall! I am hoping spring has sprung here, and am getting ready to garden. Your book would be an inspiration!
I’d love to have the gardening book. I’d read through it first and then give it to my sister who is a gardener.
Beautiful!
Love to garden!
having grown up in the Midwest as an Air Force brat, I enjoy your pictures as they bring back some happy memories of living in snow country! Thank you for sharing!!
For a wedding present in 1975, I received a Mary Mason Campbell/Tasha Tudor cookbook (New England Buttery Shelf Cookbook) and then I bought the “More” version. I didn’t realize there was a garden book, as well. This has been quite the winter on the Cape. However, there is no doubt Spring is on it’s way when we hear the birds singing their hearts out when we take our daily walk. Just hope the snow will melt enough to see the snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils before June!
I love your blog and would gladfully taken a walk, here in the pacific northwest we are in a big drought, no snowpack, no skiing, little rain and the summer will be unbearable as we get the humidity and no rest from it..I would love the book you are giving away, Tasha Tudor my only child adored and I adored too her life and how she lived her life..what an unusal human and creative human being..she lived a long life and I think it was because she was a shining star for everything in nature and loving kitteh cats, etc..I love to garden even though it usually rains and is inclement weather here about 200 plus days, but when spring usually comes and then summer it is glorious not too hot normally and the fruit, and fauna and flora is spectacular, we usually have 4 distinct seasons, not anymore..sadly it is raining a tiny amount today and tomorrow then back to 66 degree and higher days, our lawn will probably not make it and I cannot plant anything as their will be water rationing a drought for sure, but reading your blog and I can only dream of the snow you have the run off coming our way, it is a big dream, ciao happy easter, happy Passover, st. patricks day greetings too,ciao and X()X()X()X()X()
When the Pacific Northwest has no rain, we know we’re in trouble!
I want a cat (or two) just like Girl Kitty and Jack!
They are out there, go find them, they are waiting for YOU!
There was a photo of a cute Tuxedo kitty in our local paper today. He was up for adoption. The prose described him as a “love-bug”, always wanting to be loved and played with! Sounds like Jack! That was Plano, Texas for any of you that live in this area and want a kitty like Jack!
Thank you for that Susan. Imagine how many shelter kitties Jack and Girl Kitty have saved!
My prayer. Get a kitty everyone! You think you’d be saving a life, which you would, but you’d find out it might be your own.
Hi Susan Your walk through the woods looked like fun and I’m glad you both made it home safe and sound. I have always loved tasha tudor and admired her lifestyle and I have collected many of her books and prints. I would love to be in the drawing for the kitchen garden book what a fun way to start spring and gardening. Thank you susan you are such an inspiration to all of us!
I would love, love , Love this book! It’s one I’ve wanted for years. Winter forsook us here this year and our adorable mini irises are in bloom already- so cute.
Have been reading your blog for some time since I, too, have been a Gladys Taber, Tasha Tudor fan since the late ’70’s. I bought your Vineyard Seasons cookbook years ago and whenever I see one of your books, I buy it. And I have coveted The Kitchen Garden book since learning of its existence last year. Seems I am a kindred spirit with you and your readers.
The scientist part of me enjoyed the mystery of the fur, feathers, and bones found on your walk. Warm temps and rain have pushed the daffodils and other green shoots through the muddy soil. Robin songs and returning golden hues of the finches kept me company earlier in the week as I cleaned the garden beds and repaired brick edgings.
I enjoyed your walk in the warm sun. But I especially loved seeing Jack!
Hi Susan! So happy Spring is here! Thank you for sharing the beautiful views of Martha’s Vineyard, so pretty! We still have a fair amount of snow blanketing the lawn…melt, melt! 🙂
I truly enjoy your blog! You make everyone feel right at home. Thanks!
Susan, thanks you once again for inviting us into your world. The robins are a beautiful sight. I have not yet seen any here in Alberta, Canada, although we had a milder winter with less snow than you did!
The lovely Tasha Tudor book would be a great tease for the coming days of spring.
I have been a fan of Tasha’s work for many years along with Beatrix Potter and yourself too, of course. Another favourite is Jill Barklem who wrote the Brambly Hedge books about little, old fashioned mice living in the English countryside. They have extremely detailed watercolours depicting their lives. I have often thought you would enjoy them.
Here’s to spring!
Happy spring Susan, glad the snow is on the run. Cute picture of Jack!! Debby
I adore your wonderful blog! Thank you for inspiring us!
Awesome to see your snapshots of nature and hints of spring. So inspiring when it’s been so cold here, with only bits of warmer weather here and there. We are expecting another big snowstorm tonight here in Halifax. It’s the middle of March already….can the “polar vortex” or whatever not give it up already? Maybe you will get some of this system there on MV. But we are still celebrating life anyway with the birth of a new granddaughter. Her name is Charlotte Rose…isn’t that so beautiful! And she was born on her great great grandmother’s birthday. This little one has come through a lot to be here with us. She is showing such amazing spirit while being so tiny. (She was born at 35 weeks and still weighed in at 5 lbs. 13
oz.). Someone will get to enjoy a lovely book. I’ve looked at the Kitchen Book several times, but never took the plunge. Stay cozy til spring decides to come.
Congratulations Rhonda, I love her name!
Thank you Susan. I passed your message onto my daughter. Everyone has been commenting on how much they love her name. (Sorry, I meant to say Kitchen Gardening Book in my above post).
Love love! What more is there to say?
Lovely to see the first signs of spring in your part of the world, and such a perfect give-away to celebrate. Thank you xx
Bernhardine Uys
Stellenbosch
Western Cape, South Africa
Well Hello South Africa, so nice to hear from you! Have a wonderful day!
I love to garden and haven’t read this book yet, sounds lovely. I enjoy your blog and all the kitty photos :).
So glad you are back to your walks and “morning science”. As always, a wonderful giveaway for the girlfriends.
I fell in love with Tasha Tudor as a young girl. I have one of her books and always search for more a yard sales and flea markets. Thank you for sharing yourself with me. I feel like we are friends even though I only met you for a moment at a book signing in Goshen, IN. Have a happy and delightful spring!
PS Haven’t seen in any robins yet but someone else did so will keep my eyes wide-open!
Wherever ours have been, there must have been lots of food, these birds are fat and huge!
I’ve noticed that here too, Susan. We’ve had robins coming to sit in our Burning Bush through the winter and they are just huge. I can’t ever remember seeing robins that fat.
Aaaah Spring!!! you are here somewhere!!!!
What a wonderful walk I just took with you guys! here in Connecticut pretty slushy too but I’m sure Spring is on its way!
Tasha Tudor pictures are beautiful as are yours! I love seeing all of your beautiful drawings and watercolors! They brighten my day.
I would love, love, love to have this book. I don’t know how you
can give away such a treasure. I love Tasha Tudor’s work.
First if all, I LOVE the bird wallpaper border you used throughout this blog writing and wonder whether you have it for sale on your website (I will check in a bit). Thank you for this opportunity. I just ordered the book from my library to devour before the drawing.
Happy spring, Susan and Joe!
Cate <
It’s a border I did for last year’s Christmas page in my calendar . . .
Thank you for your continued posts, we love them!
TOO CHARMING FOR WORDS!
Would love love to win this book!!! I love gardening and have a Corgi like Tasha Tudor!!! Thank you for offering such an awesome give away!!!
Happy to hear the sun was out for you and Joe to take a walk. I do have the same book bought many years ago and still love it, along with Tasha Tuders’s other books. I love her water color pictures, garden, and life style of sorts. But I do not have any of your book marks, Susan, and that is why my name is in your fun and rewarding comment drawing. Oh, what some of us will do for your paint try out bookmark if we were to win. I did see the thousand plus other fans of yours, wow, you are loved not just by my husband and I. Roma
Look at all those thousands of comments! Susan, dear, I loved your Morning Science comments. You guys must crack each other up. I think the coyote was eating the animal and got hit by a car. (just my thought, could be wrong). I went for a similar slushy/icy/slippery/messy walk in Kensington MetroPark nearby with my grandson. I brought his wagon thinking it would be easier to keep him clean (and confined). what a hard walk it was! Pulling the wagon in the ice/slush and trying not to fall down….I wish I had cleats on the bottoms of my shoes. The sun was Heavenly on my face. In spite of snow everywhere, the sun shone on us, and wearing a hoodie and no coat I was plenty warm enough. I think dragging the wagon quite warmed me up! I packed PB&J sandwiches and apple juice boxes and we feasted on a park bench.
It was on the beach, where the beach grass ends and the sand begins, so no cars. Good theory though. Your picnic sounds perfect!
From northern illinois, i am sending even warmer weather your way. It wa 60+ today. Love your posts.
It’s funny how I have every Tasha Tudor book I could ever get my hands on, and every Susan Branch book I could ever get my hands on, and now Susan is offering a Tasha Tudor book. Her books, like yours, take me to a world I’d like to live in. I guess because of these books I’ve made my world as close as possible.
Celebrating Spring’s arrival with you! This is the second weekend of our harbor’s Festival of the Whales, and it is in the high 80’s at the beach!!! My daffodils have withered with the heat, but otherwise, I have to love it. Thanks for brightening each week with your posts, and for your thoughtfulness in raffling off such a charming and wonderful book…I just had a milestone birthday and would be so pleased to win!
Such fun photos–I love your email updates!
Jack is absolutely adorable. Happy Spring, Susan and Joe!
Happy Early Spring – thank you for all the joy you bring to all of us.
Susan in Atlanta
Best winter since I was a child. I loved all the snow days (no work) as much as I used to love “no school” days due to a snowstorm. Cuddled up and cooked and played spirograph with a vintage spirograph set with my 25 year old daughter !
Susan – your art, your pictures, your words – what can I say – I honestly Love You! Thank you ever so much! Salve
So sweet Salve, thank you xoxo
Hi Susan,
Love that book. I have a copy my husband gave me but would love to win the drawing and give one to my sister.
I just completed a copy of the Jane Austen quilt that she, her sister and mother made in 1811. You probably saw it on the bed when you were at her house two years ago. My quilt is larger (95X95) but has the same piecing design with a 17 inch applique block in the center and 1 1/2 inch squares pieced in the border. It is a beauty!!
I did see that on her bed. I am so impressed! That’s just fabulous Darlene!
Love & enjoy your blog. And would really enjoy the book. Sounds great & I love the older books. Thanks for the giveaway.
I can’t stop looking at the drawing of Jack and Girl Kitty for next year’s calendar. I also adore the Kitchen Gardens book. Have been looking for a copy in every old store I go into. The drawings if the gardens and the cat just warm my heart. Thanks for your wonderful, inspiring posts.
What a darling book. It will make someone very cherry and happy.
Hi Susan,
I just finished making Shamrock cookies with my 3 yr old grandaughter Bella on Friday in anticipation of our Family St Patrick’s traditional dinner. She was pretty intense about putting green sugar on your lemon cookies, featured on your smaller calender for the month of Feb 2015.
I met you in the elevator at the Hampton Hotel, while riding down to breakfast, being in town for the Gladys Taber reunion. What a serendipity ! My friend, Paula and I had also gone to Tasha Tabor’s house for a tour which was wonderful. I hope you make it there someday. The garden book with her illustrations looks so charming. Thanks for all the color, nature, insights and humor you pass along to all of us, on your blog. Anticipating your next book!
Happy Spring!
Oh I remember Rosemary! Nice to hear from you! Say hi to Paula too.
What a lovely book! I would love to win!
Seeing Jack on the chair at the door, looking outside reminds me – at our house there’s a Share-a-Chair Club – a chair at the door for my three cats (extra treat when the glass is up and the little noses are busy smelling the fresh air). Amazing to me, not living near water, the bright blue sea glass. I assume you bring it back home with you.
Oh yes.
I love reading your blog.
Lovely blog! always, always enjoy…
Greetings from Fort Lauderdale..
What a beautiful little book from a very beautiful person. 🙂 Thank you
That cookbook looks so charming!
I am sending you spring greetings from southern California where today it is summer- 90 degrees!! So, I could really use a fabulous garden book right about now to get my garden going right away! Thanks for all the special stuff you do for all us!!
Thank you for making me smile. I am in love with nature too!
Spring is definitely on the way (FINALLY) here in Ohio – Saw a red winged blackbird today! That was pretty exciting! The snow is melting but the flooding is always scary and there is plenty of it in these parts. Loved looking at all the beautiful pictures – the best was your “beach booty”!
I always anxiously await your next post! I am amazed that you can walk along your beach and find that wonderful beach glass. I walk along the beach in South Carolina and it is just shells, no beach glass. I would love to find some, I would imagine that I would be so excited and feel as though I had just found a piece of Gold!
Beautiful blog and book! Thank you.
Susan, you said it could be one word…..well, SPLENDID! Thank you!
Waiting for Spring – looking for a new gardening book!
I know, isn’t it wonderful to be full of anticipation of Spring? Winter has it’s beauty but I mostly appreciate it because I live each day in Spring and Summer savoring each green leaf on trees and everything growing in abundance. We had the last blast of winter just last week. This week the temps warmed up and we could walk and drive everywhere. The birds are singing. I love my former home state of California but I love the change of seasons. Continue to have lots of safe and adventuresome walks. I think the state of Massachusetts deserves the medal of honor for the incredible winter you’ve all endured.
Lots of heroic stuff went on up there this year, digging out, snow plowers, moms and dads getting kids to school, keeping business open. Crazy!
Oh me. Oh my. A garden book! What a delight!!!
Thanks for sharing your winter photos!
Oh! Trying not be jealous but so tough. How I miss the snow since moving back to California. Escaping to your blog is always delightful but this time of year brings an extra dose of wonderful. Guaranteed happiness here and dreamy pictures with snow is one of them for me, especially when it is 84 outside here now. About as out-of-place as that toasty day in Cayucos this past November!
Yes, Jack is adorable and love the chair upon which is highness is sitting!
Thank you for sharing the snow!
I would love a little encouragement to go out into the garden. I hope to win!
Ahh Spring! Anxious to get out to the flower beds. Waiting for any little thing to poke it’s head out.
Me encanta el blog lo sigo a diario .Adoro los paisajes nevados y todos los comentario
Felicitaciones por todo lo que hace y se ve el amor que pone en cada una de ellas.Desde Argentina le envio muchos saludos y exitos.
This is what Google says Mirta wrote (somehow I think Google speaks Spanish just about one degree better than me):
Love the blog I follow daily .Adoro snowy landscapes and all comment
Congratulations on everything you do and love put into each of ellas.Desde Argentina sent him many greetings and success is.
Perfectly understandable!
I wonder what I will say back . . . (via Google), praying it’s what I mean to say!:
Hola Mirta en Argentina! Es tan bueno tenerte aquí! Gracias por decir hola usted.
I always look forward to your blogs. The Bradford Pear trees are in bloom here in Savannah! Great picture of Jack! I’m also looking forward to your new book.
It’s always so exciting to see my first robin…thanks for sharing a whole tree of them!
We are enjoying the Spring-like temperatures in Michigan, too! Just this morning I see the pansies I planted last Fall are popping through the remainders of snow — green leafed and full of promise!
I would love this book!
Spring made a brief visit today and has promised to return with increasing frequency. The book would be a most welcome surprise.
This book looks wonderful. I love Tasha Tudor illustrations and I especially love corgis.
Would love, love to win the beautifully illustrated book but am not holding my breath as the only thing I remember winning in a contest (in all of my 64 years) is a can of tuna fish, but hope is alive and well in Decorah, Iowa.
You and Joe should come and visit our beautiful little town someday. We are nestled amidst some awesome bluffs in the northeast corner of the state – home of “The Music Man”, “Bridges of Madison County”, “Field of Dreams” and Ashton Kutcher to name but a few wonderful things about my state of birth. We also have a great indie bookstore – Dragonfly Books.
I read that you once lived in Reseda, California. I lived there from 1956-2008.
By any chance do you remember having your mail delivered by “Spanky”? That was my dad and he delivered in Reseda. I never understood the origen of the nickname but he was always happy and whistled all of the time and the people loved him. Just wondering. His real name was Harry Edde and he was one heck of a guy.
Wishing you, Joe and your 2 sweeties a beautiful Spring.
Patricia
Our mailman was called “Breezy” — I wonder if all the mailmen in our area had nicknames? That’s so funny!
I would love it so!
Happy Snow melt! Loved the walk to the water, the ice and the Robins. The
snow is melting and the ice on our street has now gone. I have been using my
truck and not my car because of the foot deep ice on our street. All kinds of ruts and holes in the ice Our squirrels have come out of their nests and are fun to watch, now that the temperature has come up. We went to a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Party today—–lots of fun and ended with singing Irish
songs. Can’t wait until you tell us the name of your new book—–Maybe you
will come to Sandwich for a book signing—-That would be a good thing—–
I love reading your blog. I hope I win the book, but if I don’t, I still win.
Welcome Spring!
–Julia
I would love love LOVE to win!!!! Pick me, pick me!
Yay! Spring came to Northern Wi., too. We had 60 on Thursday. Loved your spring walk and talk.
This is such a darling book and will make someone very cheerful and happy!
This precious book is going to make someone very cheerful and happy!
So excited for spring and my windowsill garden!
I beg your pardon. I didn’t think it was working. I’m such a dope!
If they made things easier for us, we wouldn’t feel like dopes! Join the club Victoria!
Hi Susan, Made your cheesecake tonight for a St. Patrick’s day party, dyed green, of course! Big, big hit! Thank you.
Oh, how very exciting! Even if I don’t win, thank you for letting us know about this book! One of my favorite Tasha Tudor quotes: “Nowadays, people are so jeezled up. If they took some chamomile tea and spent more time rocking on the porch in the evening listening to the liquid song of the hermit thrush, they might enjoy life more.” ~Tasha Tudor
Oh happy spring, soon to come!
I adore vintage books!
Hi, again, Susan!…I just had to “comment” on this particular entry again because there is a picture here that has been “haunting” me a little bit. The photo above of Joe’s back …and in front of him (to his right) is a little gray house with a red door. Had you done a painting of this little house before? I LOVE that little house…and now it won’t leave me alone.
Sorry…I tried to look waaaaay back in some of your past blogs…but that was not working…and taking toooo long! 🙂 So I thought I’d just ask you.
Thanks very much!
Hope you are enjoying your weekend!!
I hope Vanna’s getting plenty of rest,too…so she will pick the correct name in the upcoming drawing!! 😉
Take care!!
<3
There is a painting on page 8 of my book Vineyard Seasons — it’s actually not the same house, but it kind of looks like it ~ I painted it years ago ~ it was my own house at the time ~ I took artistic license and gave it a red door (it didn’t really have one). The house behind Joe belongs to our friends Kitty and Ken, and if you think it’s cute from the outside, you should see how darling it is inside. It’s very old and just adorable.
Maybe Kitty and Ken will let you post some photos of their house for us to see???
Thanks, Susan…I feel much better to know that indeed I have seen an actual painting of yours that is very similar. And I did think it looked like the little house that you had lived in before…but I think I only recall a black and white photo…so I was not sure. (I will see if I can find the one that you describe here!!)
As Judy Young above, I would also love it if Kitty & Ken would let you take pictures of the inside…but perhaps that is a bit too much to ask.
Thank you for getting back to me and answering my tormenting dilemma …and giving me a bit of peace of mind! 🙂
Here’s to a great week for ya…and the luck of the Irish along with it!
xoxo
<3
If I see Kitty on the road, I’ll ask, but I’d be very surprised. You don’t know until you ask, and she really has a darling house.
Sunflowers!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing your walk, I was tempted by the blue glass and the smooth stones! My pockets would have been full of stones!
I hope spring comes for you soon, we seem to have spring here in Oregon right now!
Susan, I especially enjoyed your photo of the blue beach glass! I have been able to pick up more than usual this winter on our Prince of Wales Island Sandy Beach because of our winter storms that have stirred everything up! Happy Spring to you, Joe and Adorable kittys!
I could just hug Jack, self and drawing, for he is to the life our long ago cat Goober, of the innocent, inquiring gaze and the Continental moustache. There was just enough of a white line twixt nose and stache to define it into Thirties Movie Star mode. He was such a window-gazer that we had Daddy come and widen the sill in his favorite spot for bird-watching.
Thank you for that lovely memory; it’s a sweet moment in this busy day.
rachel
I know how you feel, I drag chairs around, scoot the ironing board next to the screen door in the summer, and tell him when there’s another kitty in the yard! I will help him run from window to window if necessary. We are in this together.
Every year I try a kitchen garden but here in Ojai, California, our “strawberry pot”….the kind with all the cubbie holes, is full of herbs. It sits proudly on our balcony on the other end of the balcony overlooking the pool. It is really a BBQ Garden pot! Fresh cilantro, parsley, chives at the ready…..hubby has not figured out anything to bbq with the peppermint hee hee.
He could drop it into his drink!
Your walk looks like fun in the melting snow. It is going to be 92 degrees in Phoeniz, AZ tomorrow!
Oh how I have been looking this book, so i will do a happy spring dance and a click of my hills and wish for the best. We have daffodils blooming in the Northwest and tulips coming up crazy early but oh so beautiful. Ilove the changes of the seasons it brings the child out in me.