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!
With all of the snow gone here in parts of MN, we can smell the earth, and I for one am eager to get into the garden ….need to wait since its a bit too early. The garden book by Mary Mason Campbell looks delightful!
I love learning about New England as I read your blog.
The snow is beautiful…from here in California though,’
take heart, spring is coming your way!
One of my favorite books is Tasha Tudor’s Garden. I pour over that again and again!! Would LOVE to have this book from you to add with her delightful illustrations!
I have never tried my hand at gardening….I think this may be the book to get me started.
Ooohhh…pick me! I love this book!
Your blog is the first thing I read each day…and I often reread! It sets such a lovely tone for the day. And thank you for all the lovely photos. So different from SoCal!
Gardening makes me happy….I love to go out and check on all my plants….see what they’re up to! The whole process always amazes me!
so glad to see pictures from your daily walks again. Also the robins in your tree. I beleive that Tasha Tuder was either born ar visited relatives in Redding ,CT the town close to ours. The beautiful old home is still there. I have always enjoyed reading her books ,as have my children when they were small. I can’t imagine living my life in another time as she did, but it seemed to give her great pleasure. We have just become parents of a 12 week old english setter named blue. So we have many new things to discover about each other. take care
Congratulations on your new Baby!
Thank you for sharing your adventures. This Texas flatland gal loves to see what is going on in other parts.
Peace and Blessings to all.
Martha
Love your art, your home, your website/blog, i guess….everything! I would really love to win your garden book. Thank you. B
I adore Tasha Tudor, and her beautiful illustrations. What a lovely book. I enjoyed reading about your walk as well. Won’t be long before the sunshine is bright, and the flowers are popping up all around us! Cheers!
I am the 2,476th person to comment on this post. And, yet, I’m always surprised when Vanna doesn’t draw my name for the giveaways. Imagine that. 🙂
Ha ha ha . . . still better than the lottery!
Thank you for sharing your lovely blog, I visit often. I have some of the same collectibles you have 🙂 and I started reading Gladys Taber in the 70’s. Your site is like a nice cuppa tea.
Refreshing.
Oh, dear!! So many comments, so few chances!! But I am glad you have such a faithful group of friends. Loved your walk in the ice and snow. I miss Downton:-(
Our spring is here in Florida. Hopefully yours won’t be too far behind.
My friend’s mother was friends with Tashua. What a delight to be able to share this book with her.
Beautiful pictures. Too cold for this SoCal girl!
Long time reader, fan of all things Susan Branch and fellow Central California gardener…we could use some of that beautiful H20 here!
Here in Kentucky today- it is almost 70 degrees-sunny and beautiful. Hard to believe that less than 2 weeks ago we had almost two feet of snow on the ground and below zero temps. – hey- welcome to Kentucky!!!! I love your blog – each and every time i am never disappointed…..always happy to see your pics- and read all about your life! I am keeping fingers and toes crossed for the contest too.
Have a great day!!! Thank you Susan for all you do! We all really do love you!!!!
It’s a mutual admiration society around here!
I love Tasha Tudor and would love to own her book but if my name is drawn, I plan to give it to a friend who loves your art and spirit and beautiful ideas. She has kept up a gracious home while she battles colon cancer with metastases to her lungs, liver and hip. She is an amazing woman and I would love to brighten her day!
Well, give her a hug for me too Judith. Has she read A Fine Romance? Because I think it might help to give her mind a rest, at least for a few hours. xoxo
Thank you for another wonderful blog, Susan! It is a joy to come to your site!! Happy Spring to you and Joe 🙂
Time to think about spring and gardening! I LOVE Tasha Tudor!
Thank you for taking us on your walk this morning. Beautiful as always.
Love Tasha Tudor! Love gardening! Love You, Miss Susan!
We’re putting in a kitchen garden this year for the first time in almost 10 years- can’t wait!
Love Tasha Tudor and gardening. Already been to the greenhouse and making my list. Finally warming up. Good bye snow!
The warmer weather has been great. It would be neat if my first gardening book would also be this one. Thinking spring and waiting for the crocuses to appear.
“Summer and winter and springtime and harvest;
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above;
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hands have provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!” –Thomas Chisholm (1866–1960)
Oh my goodness, this book is gorgeous!!! I will dream of winning it while I warp my loom outside… it is going to be sunny and in the 70’s here today 😉
Have all your cookbooks and new calendar every year. Looking forward to the new one…from a fellow Massachusetts/Californina frequent traveler
Oh, how I would love to win! I am a novice gardener, working out of containers at my apartment, dreaming of the day I have a house. Thank you for your beautiful and inspiring blog!
Your writings and illustrations are always a joy to read. Thank you for sharing your talents 🙂
Spring!! I am sooo looking forward to all things ‘anew’! 🙂
I love Tasha Tudor and gardening and would so enjoy this giveaway. Spring fever is hitting!
Love everthing about your page…..drawings, photos, and sounds! Have some of your books and would love to have another!
When I was a library assistant in an elementary school, there were several books about gardening and Tasha Tudor did the illustrations. I loved them and luckily, one of those books found it’s way home with me. It’s sitting beside me right now. Her illustrations are beautiful and very inspiring. Thanks for the spring walk, Susan. You really make me feel like I’m there!
I can hardly wait to smell sun-warmed earth again! Pam, in Montreal
I’m surprised you’re giving away this book! I looked it up on Amazon and used ones cost a fortune!
Love your blog–such a ray of sunshine! 🙂
I had an extra!
The Red-Winged Blackbirds and Golden Eye-ed Grackles arrived today. Spring is coming on slowly.
would love love love to win!
I saw my first robin! And I now hear the birds’ morning song when I awaken!
Happy Spring….it IS coming!
I would love to win! It absolutely beautiful!!!! 🙂
Tasha Tudor is one of my favorite illustrators! I love this book already. I love my pause your blog gives me. Makes me remember the world I belong in. Thank you Susan!
magical walk to a surprise destination. The seashore!
Oh, I would be delighted to give this a new home.
I LOVE Tasha Tudor in any format! You and she are like souls from different times. I’m obsessed with her books and special ordered Butt’ry Shelf Cookbook years ago after finding it at my close friends grandmother’s house. Had to have it! It’s def a “MUST HAVE” if you don’t have it 🙂 Have all my bunnies out and Beatrix Potter’s figurines and plates for Easter. Counting the days until Springtime in the Rockies and more Susan Branch girlfriend fun! XO
This winter has over stayed its welcome.
My idea of spring, in one word: JUBILATION!
Oh how I would love a copy!!!
Oh, how I love Tasha Tudor, Susan Branch, and gardening in the sunshine!!
Thank you, Susan!
Thanks for sharing your walk. It was absolutely beautiful.
Love, love, love your posts. Can you tell me if you are going to get any more Girlfriend charms????? Thanks.
Judi
I don’t know . . . ask Kellee at customer [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ . . . not sure if we’ve ordered them or not, if not, I think we should get some for when the next book comes out!
Tasha Tudor……..so inspiring!!!!!!!! 🙂
dear Susan, Our Snowdrops are in bloom here now!! Noy as numerous as yours, but Oh, so welcome!! It’s a good feeling to know we have weathered well, as have you there. Happy Spring!!!
Thank you Susan for such a wonderful treasure! I love Tasha Tudor and would love to win this.
Thanks again,
Dawn R.
Would love to win!
Can’t wait for spring, flowers, and good books to read in the sunshine.
Today would have been my little sisters birthday, she would have loved a book like this. Miss you dear sister.
Still waiting for Robins here in Canada. But in my neck of the woods I have much less snow than you! I think that must be very rare indeed… Happy Spring!
Ps. did you know that an X is carved into Irish soda bread to let the faeires out? How cool is that?
Extra extra cool!
How wonderful. Kitchen Gardens was also my first gardening book and also my first book illustrated by Tasha Tudor. But I’d love to have another copy to share with one of my daughters who also loves gardening and Tasha Tudor.
It’s not just Your past and present books and art that bring Me coming back to Your blog, no not at all, there is just a sweet kindred spirit I feel from Your life.Reading about Your life and enjoying the photos bring Me into a peaceful mood…..Thank You Susan for sharing these God given gifts with those that appreciate them and are inspired from them. Thank You Lord for Susan. Hugs Denise of Coffeeberry Cottage
XOXO Denise.
Thanks for the transitional photos.
Fun to see winter loosening its grip as spring tip toes in. The air is so fresh and green smelling. And oh, those little flower tops! So much hope!
Thanks, Susan for another wonderful post!
I would love this little book with all my heart. Tasha Tudor has been an inspiration for me for many years. I have even raised and loved 4 corgis over 25 years. Gardening is my passion. Also, just so you know, I have loved your paintings and books for many years and now love reading your blog. It just makes me very happy.
Autumn here in Australia is the perfect time for garden inspiration as there is nothing I like more than the shadow of summer as I potter away in the outdoors.
Even though we are almost getting spring and it’s such a magical thing after winter, there is nothing like autumn. Enjoy!
Such a pretty book! I’ve got serious spring fever . . . .
Tasha Tudor’s books are treasures, and this one all the more because of its theme. Thank you!
I enjoyed this post so much. Here in Chicago spring has sprung, snowdrops are up in our back yard and crocuses in the front. Some tulip leaves are peeking out of the ground. (We live near the Lake so it is a bit warmer here than further inland, actually 70 degrees today. It will only be in the 40’s tomorrow, but we know now that winter isn’t going to be able to hold on, so we can deal with that!)
Happy Almost Spring!
The grass is beginning to peep out and the snow is almost gone!! I saw robins and finches yesterday! Hurry Spring.
I have a couple of books by Tasha Tudor and I love them. I would love to add this one too, as I know everyone else would too.
Glad you and Joe had a safe walk to the shore , how lovely to be able to do that.
Looks like a lovely book!
As the mother of corgyn, and a gardener too, I need to be entered in your drawing please!
As an avid lover of not only gardening (no grass in our yard – just English cottage gardens) but of Susan Branch (own every book she has put out – even the recipe recording books), winning this would be an absolute dream for me as I retire.
I love your Carl Sandburg quote! My granddaughter attends Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, IL
I never win things but hey..nothing ventured, nothing gained..:) love gardening, loved Tasha Tudor, have a couple books of hers, and love anything Susan’s Branch too. 🙂
Fingers crossed Cris!
Magical dreams are created by Tasha Tudor.
Happy St. Patrick Day Susan! , may the wind be always at your back! I can’t wait for your new book!
I would dearly love to give this book to my sweet niece, she and her husband have an organic farm in Illinois. I know she would treasure it.
thankyou for not posting a photo of the wild animal on top of the turkey Susan! Happy St. Patrick’s day tomorrow and tell Vana she has a HUGE job ahead of her with 2,000 some comments! Thank you for sharing your garden book!
She does! She’s been at the gym every day in preparation for the big dive!
Things are changing fast this time of year. In a week it will look completely different outside.
Fantastic!
I’m late to the table, as usual. Love the illustrated walk and that page from the 2016 calendar – perfect! As I’m allergic to cat dander, I get my kitty fantasies right here and next year I’ll have a page of kitty paintings as well. I really love the houses border too!
HAPPY SPRING & HAPPY GARDENING!! ~ I admire your talent & your books, blog & website are an inspiration……..
Would love to win the book! Enjoyed looking at your winter pictures..thanks for sharing them….I live in Texas now, but am originally from NY, and I miss the snow (sometimes). 🙂 So many robins in that tree, wow!
I just made your roasted shallots from your book, given me by a faithful friend. They were amazing! Words cannot capture the flavors. Such unique ingredients. You and Joe did great.
have loved Tasha Tudors work for ask the years I read to little ones. Thanks for the chance.
SO nice to hear that Stacy, glad you liked it!
Hi Susan…..so speaking of St. Patrick’s Day, my son was born on that day! He will be 13, it’s a very special day for us. 🙂
Happy almost birthday!
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WALK & A WONDERFUL WAY TO WELCOME SPRING! tHANKS AGAIN SUSAN FOR SHARING!
With a cup of tea next to me I enjoy reading your posts. They are always so welcoming. Thank you for sharing all with us.
Monika
What a gorgeous book, and I need all the help I can get! LOL
would be honored to own this inspiring book esp. with your signature…..I have your books…..:)
thank you for sharing….Lorraine
Looks like a fun book. So cute.
Hello Susan, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read you are going to give a copy of this beautiful book away! I have been trying to get a copy for almost 3 years but it’s been impossible. I fell in love with it after seeing some of the beautiful illustrations and reading a few excerpts here and there from a friend’s copy. Just today whilst trying to figure out the best way to purchase one I found on Etsy IT WAS SOLD just a couple of hours ago 🙁 So fingers crossed for my name to be pulled out of the hat 🙂 I just want to say that I love your blog and your illustrations are so heart warming. I have your calendar, pocket planner and desk planner and I love them. Thank you for bringing sunshine to my world. Good luck ladies!
I love your blog Susan – always a bright spot in my day. I would love to win a copy of the garden book. How generous of you to share.
Love the post! Reading A Fine Romance with my 10 year old. Getting her hooked on you early!
So sweet!
I would love to highlight the drawing with my watercolor pencils! The book looks beautiful-my garden would love it!
2,534 responses, Susan!! Where have I been, and where are all these people coming from? Your popularity is just about off the charts!
The scary face by the coyote story made me laugh out loud. I hate to tell you, but coyotes are everywhere nowadays, but I’m certain that if it was such a creature, it was the only one on Martha’s, so not to worry. You are such a good storyteller, Susan, and yes, it would be divine justice if that meany choked on a bone after doing in that nice turkey!
The garden book is just lovely, Susan. Our snow is practically all melted, and although nothing has greened up or poked its little petals up through the dirt, I can’t help but do a little spring dreaming about raised beds and picket fences and adding to my ‘gotta-git-list’! What a wonderful idea to make your blotting paper into bookmarks. Ingenious and thrifty, too! You are SO smart, Susan. I know that for certain, because you nabbed that patient man of yours!
Thanks for sharing your walk with us–and the free stuff, too. I’m on my way there to print out stationery for a letter to my new pen pal who I met through you! 🙂 Sara 🙂
“Divine Justice” 🙂 xoxo Sara.
Every season is wonderful in its own way.
I really enjoy garden books with wonderful drawing
I love gardening and books on it. Your books are awesome.
What a fantastic idea to make those adorable bookmarks!! Perfect match for that darling book! Cheers! 🙂
Finished your book, A Fine Romance, this morning…Absolutely LOVED it!
Merci Beaucoup! xoxo
Tasha is my favorite, her corgi dogs and kitties make me smile….
Love Tasha Tudor!!