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!
Loved the blog…..can’t wait for spring !!
What a wonderful blog today, Susan – so many wonderful things in it. It’s so refreshing to get out on an almost-springtime walk; I remember those from my years growing up in a rural section of Ohio. It always felt so good to get out and shake off the winter blahs. Spring was coming, after all, and the birds singing always perked up lagging spirits. How fun to have a beach to visit on your walk – look at all the neat things to put in your pockets! Were yours full? You’re giving away such a lovely book. Keeping my fingers crossed!
I meant to mention how cute Jack’s expression was. You were gone quite some time, he seems to say.
Yes full pockets! We found six pieces of beach glass! First come, first serve!
Love Tasha Tudor! Cannot wait for our snow to melt and see the beautiful gardens waiting in the wings!!!
I enjoyed our walk with you today! Always moves my soul.
I’m so glad that you got to go walking again, and that you took us along! 🙂 I’m afraid that I’m a ghoul when it comes to bits of bone and skin, I always try to figure out what it is (was?).
The blue glass was beautiful, I’ve never found anything like that on my beach walks.
You are a true scientist, the world needs you and your ilk. Left to me and Pat, there would be no cure for polio or anything. Couldn’t handle the needles.
Hope!
Love your books, blog and Tasha 🙂
I’m a SoCal beach girl and seeing snow on the rocks at the shore is craaazzzyyy. I love it!! And I love the beach glass!! I hunt for it all the time and never am lucky enough to find cobalt blue. So lovely. 🙂 Thank you for the lovely walk in the snow.
Spring weather has arrived here in northern Illinois too! I noticed my spring bulbs poking through the ground today! I love the kitty cat page peachy my cat will love it too!
Always look forward to your blog….you brighten one spirits. Thank you, Susan
Gotta win me that fine gardening book! Come on Vanna, it’s my turn!
Your posts are sweet honey for my soul and make my heart sing!
Susan,
I always look forward to your updates and this one did not disappoint.. I smiled my entire way through it 🙂
P.S. I cannot wait to hear the title of your new book!
Oh how I love TashTudor. Thanks for the walk today. We get no snow or ice where I live.
Thank you for a sweet breath of spring! ♥
Spring Please! 9 ft of snow is 9 ft too much!
Love your blog. Love your books. Love Spring. Would love to win! 🙂
Mmmmm….I wouldn’t exactly say deer have fur…..mmmmm. Thanks for taking us along on your walk and the Morning Science discussions!
Oh yes, they have fur. On their legs too. eeeek.
Hello Susan:
I am a high school art teacher and it is such a treat to read your optimistic words and see your many inviting images. In Minnesota we are also enjoying the return of spring this week. Opening a window, going without a coat and noticing melting snow rivers trickling down the road are simple pleasures one must pause to acknowledge. As I was scrolling down your “Kitchen Garden” pages and saw the illustration with the dog, I thought it had to have been drawn by Tasha Tudor as I recognized her drawing style and know she adored her corgis! In checking, I saw it was indeed! Amidst long work days and world news that is largely too grim to comprehend, you are a pleasant departure and reminder that amidst the things we cannot change, there is still so much to be thankful for in the “ordinary” days, many tiny things to be discovered if we maintain the childlike wonder all too precious to ever outgrow. Each day along with teaching art I look for an opportunity to teach one of life’s lessons to my students. Thank “you” Susan for inspiring so many of us! I would be thrilled to have my name drawn for your “Betty Crocker Kitchen Garden”!
Sincerely, Melanie
Love art teachers, you are gifted with the most amazing opportunities! Thank you!
Happy Day – a new blog. Can’t wait for the book! Something to look forward too. Flew from Lincoln, Nebraska today to South Burlington, Vermont. Another reason to be happy!
Love the all the winter photos! They could all be a greeting/Christmas card! I think, however, I love the ones of the cats the most! So much personality!
Your blog always brightens my day.. Love the photos of Jack and Girl.
Another awesome post, Susan! We are having a taste of spring here in Northern Minnesota; it was beautiful yesterday and today. A sure sign of spring for me is hanging my sheets on the line which I did yesterday. Oh, what a treat,
But, but, but…………..what about your trip to England?
I had to put it off for the book. It will be my reward when it’s done, and I will take you all along.
Bummer……….we had our bags packed & ready to go w/you & Joe!!!!! But………we’ll wait! Wouldn’t miss it for the world!!!!
Love Tasha Tudor! Wonder how many replies say the very same thing?!
Many! It’s kindred spirits here!
Tasha Tudor artwork is warm and cozy at it’s best. Lani
You’re in the midst of a winter thawing into spring and here in the middle of Washington state the apricot trees are just starting to bloom and the forsythia is in full bloom. What a glorious world we both live in!
The sun was such a gift today. Your kitty has great face markings . Tasha Tudor and gardening-sigh.
Yes he’s Hercule Poirot of the cat world.
y.ou were very fortunate to find such a treasure of a book
We are having an early spring here in California, can’t wait to make my garden beautiful. By the way, Susan did you see where the Duchess of Cambridge visited the Emma Bridgewater factory. That makes her mugs even more special
I did!
I live my life vicariously through yours! Everything you post makes me happy! Yes! Spring is around the corner!
Beautiful blog.
Spring is in the air in Michigan, also. We will be celebrating my dear Pop’s memory on St. Patrick’s Day, the 17th. Attending a special Mass in the morning and having my sibs over for an Irish dinner that evening…and a toast to the best dad ever. Enjoy your Martha’s Vineyard Spring and thank you for letting us tag along. It is all so beautiful.
Mary
Would love to be entered in the drawing for this wonderful book! That kitty, Jack, is such a treasure!
Robyn
i just love your books and your blog!
What a lovely promising walk! My husband and I had a similar adventure in NY state yesterday (no ocean though).
Spring. Thank you for whispering its promise.
It absolutely makes my day when I find a new blog post from you ! As usual today’s was wonderful. Yes, please enter me in your giveaway. I dearly love all that you do. Thank you for making my day !
Beautiful spring day here-almost 60!! Still piles of snow around, but spring is coming!
Oh…I really enjoyed the snow walk with you and Joe. All the little games we play to keep us entertained along the way. And you maple tree full of Robins…..spring is truly coming. Pretty little garden book. 🙂
You brave, brave people. I’ve been commiserating with you via your blog as you have endured the longest, coldest winter ever and we here, in the Pacific Northwest, have broken high temp records all winter long. Did you hear they had to change the date and location of the Iditarod? No snow!!!!
I would LOVE this garden book, I collect them. Have you ever read AN ISLAND GARDEN by Celia Thaxter? Charming!!!!
Hope I win!!!!
I have it, but I haven’t read it, believe it or not.
You will love it! With those mouth-watering illustrations by Childe Hassam….Celia Thaxter was an amazing woman. Not a spare penny and grew all her seedlings in egg-shells in soil she carried from the mainland to the island of Appledore off the New Hampshire coast.
I remember a painting in the book of a garden, it struck me. Have to go find that book!
Enjoy your Spring…San Diego is going to be 87 degrees on Friday! Just terrible. I want some New England weather again. (I’m from Framingham)…
That is terrible! eeek, I’m no good with that heat.
Thanks for taking me along on your walk. I walked today, too, because the air was too nice not to! Spring is surely coming! The buds are looking fat on the Japanese Maple — one of the first trees to get its leaves in my yard. The hundreds of finches I had all winter have moved on and I’m down to my “regulars”. I’m breaking out the grill — how do you like your burger? JoAnne
Slathered with thousand island dressing and tomatoes, thank you!
such a perfect give-away for this time of year garden dreaming!
It’s been warm here in Missouri. The dogs have been enjoying the dog park this week and getting worn out.
Spring is release from prison
Where Crocuses are keys……
I would love to have a chance to win this book. And the weather here was divine….sunny and 60s with shrinking snow at last. I even saw some snowdrops emerging where the snow has melted! Happy Spring!
Oh my goodness! This very morning I went online to look up Tasha Tudor books in the catalog of our public library. And I wrote down the Kitchen Gardens book to pick up on my next visit to the library. But having my very own copy (signed by you, no less) would be oh so special!
Thank you, susan, fit your wonderful blog post and incredible give away!
Meant to say “for” your, not fit your!! Darn auto-correct!
love your books! cant wait for the new one!
I have been reading your blog for years, but this is the first time I have left a comment. I love your blog, books and calendars! I also love Tasha Tudor and have many of her books. Would love to add this little gem to my collection!
Nice chance to say hello Sharon!
Reading your blog makes me homesick for my Cap Cod fall vacations. Have friends at Eastham. I’ve loved Tasha Tudor since I taught 1965 – 2000.
I enjoyed our walk today, so very glad no one fell. Yes, that is the first time to see large broken ice, me, a Californian. Kitty looks so cute waiting in the window.
Your work/play sounds as though all is moving along perfectly. My friend and I went to town the other day and the temp was in the 80’s. Well, we need to endure.
I always enjoy my visit on the Island, till next time. Blessings, Brook
Have spring bulbs peeking through the ground, heard the “peepers” (baby frogs) first time tonight. Hopefully, spring is on the way here at Little, Kentucky. Joyous springtime!
I love old books like this – thank you for offering it as a giveaway!
So ready to put my hands in the dirt!
Aw! The kitties! Beautiful! I’m glad you didn’t fall!
I can’t WAIT for the book!❤️
Oh yes, outdoors! No jacket, no boots, mittens, scarf, or thick, constricting coat! Ahhh, precious, glorious sun that actually feels warm! I so enjoyed the new blog!
It was delightful walking with you across the snowy path to the water. Thanks for sharing it.
Spring is coming!
I enjoy your posts and I love Tasha Tudor, too. I collect her books, but don’t have this cookbook.
What a wonderful book! I have lots of Tasha Tudor books around here. That would fit in beautifully.
You and Joe are very brave to walk in all that snow and ice!
I love, love, love your blog and your pretty artwork!
WOW! I feel like I just had a vacation and a delightful memory too. I grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan. As a little girl, blue glass tumbled and smooth such a beautiful find. I remember frosted pink pieces, green pieces too. Thanks for the moment!! And of course I would like to be chosen for the book! I love Tasha Tudors art too!! Thanks again Susan!
Enjoyed your post and lovely pictures. Tasha Tudor is a favorite of mine and have several of her books but didn’t know of this one. Gardening is my passion so would love to have this book!
I would love to own this book. I remember checking it out from the library many years ago.
Irene S.
In early February a friend of mine from Arizona referred me to your blog. And oh boy am I glad she did. I’m getting to know you and just love your blog and photos. I’ve spent many years visiting the Vineyard and have very happy memories of all the wonderful seasons; but my favorite season to be on the island is either late spring or early fall. Looking forward to a long “relationship” with you. God Bless!!!!!
Nice to meet you Ellen!
I would love to be the winner of this lovely book.
Blessings,
GG
I am so ready for spring! I do love the snow but it is time for it to go….
I am planning my garden and dreaming of sweet peas and roses..
Thanks for letting us see your part of the world.
Hi Susan I can never get in your giveaways because there’s something about needing moderating or something of the sort! Who knows!!! In case this goes through I really truly love you and everything you do!! You are so amazing. I’m so glad I found you since you published your first book. Thank you for bringing so much joy with all you give to us. I can hardly wait to get your new book. Love d
You are here! I have to “moderate” because of the spam that leaks into the blog. We wouldn’t want to have that. Thank you Diana!
Yesssssssss! I did it!! I got a response from Susan branch!!!!!heavens to Betsy!!!!!
🙂
We’re finally thawing out in Colorado as well! Except for the ski mountains of course!
Ahh Susan, we have had 80+ degrees lately and I long for cold weather. We’re never completely happy are we?
I certainly do enjoy your blog! Old book – gardening book – Tasha Tudor – gift from Susan Branch…..what a great give-away! Someone will be very, very happy. Keep those great blogs coming!
Aren’t these first beautiful, blissfully warm days an absolute gift?!?! After the dark, snowy days – that are wonderful in their own right – it is just such a gift to be able to go out in a jacket or a sweater and listen to the singing of the birds! Thanks for taking us along on your first walk out to the sea.
Can hardly wait to read the new book!! I’m sure you are excited to be ready to begin the “finishing” phase of its creation. I know it is hard work, but it must also be such fun to see it all come together. Can hardly wait!! XOXO
They are a gift!! The change of seasons is actually thrilling. The painting part of writing a book, I love that. I love the words part too. But the color always gets me.
I can’t think of a better way to welcome Spring!
This is my correct email. Forgot the dot!!!!
Ooooh, thank you!
For some reason, the Magic Bookmark will not print. Keeps coming up as an error. I’ve tried several times, just won’t work.
I asked Kellee to check on it for you . . . she will when she comes in around 8:30 west coast time. . .
Your blog always gives me a happy relaxed face! Thank you! I am flying from Pennsylvania to Denver on St Patrick’s Day to visit my daughter and wanted to take a St Patrick’s Day treat. The gold coin chocolates are a great idea! Thanks! Happy Spring!
Vintage Tasha Tudor?! I have my own collection of many of her children’s books, but this is a new one for me. What a find! And what a perfect book to get us all thinking about spring. The stream along my daily walk here in Pennsylvania is rushing madly along with all the melt-off and when I walked along it today I thought about snowdrops as well!
Enjoyed the winter walk! I love the snow but very ready for Spring!!
Dear Susan,
I’m taking a big chance here, but we haven’t had any snow for a whole week and the temperatures hit the 50s for the last two days, so…
Happy Spring!
Tricia
Hi Susan , as always I love seeing your beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing . Hopeful the give away isn’t over please include me too!!
Susan you inspire and motivate me to tap into my creative side. Thanks for the inspiration and wonderful blog
Your writing, artwork and generous giveaway brought much joy at the end of a long day. Thank you!
The robins gathered in your maple tree just made my heart sing, Susan! It was such fun to tag along on your snowy walk. So excited to think that ‘our’ newest book could be ready in just six months!! I’m soooooo looking forward to this delightful treasure!! This week most of our snow has melted and it’s finally time to take a little walk in the garden. Thanks, Susan, for being YOU… and inspiring us with all that you do! Fingers crossed!
Happy hugs!
Dawn
♡♡
Thoroughly enjoyed “walking with you” on your Spring’s Eve walk! Thank you for having this give-away. I’ve always loved Tasha Tudor and find myself sorely in need of inspiration for a freshened garden. A deadly virus has wiped out most of the roses in North Texas and I will need lots of inspiration to find just the right replacements! Thanks, Susan!
Ohhhh, Lady Bird Johnson will turn in her grave. One rose that I think is perfection : “Just Joey” blooms constantly, the flowers are peach colored to-die-for, they smell wonderful, very disease free, I can’t say enough nice about them. The other, which is almost a hedge-type rose is Julia Child, makes a nice big bush of fragrance and beauty. I love it for all the same reasons, but it’s a butter yellow.
Susan, I am so excited for your new book! I hope you do give away the name of it soon 🙂
Enjoy the sunshine xo
I love Tasha Tudors drawings and paintings, actually I like her life. It is so good to see Spring is on the way. Do please send the Robins home to Michigan. Ours have not arrived yet. It is thawing this week, maybe snow will be gone by weeks end. Probably wont be the last of it but as long as the break is long enough to get a lot of clean up done. Right now its too wet. After I have it all cleaned and straight it can snow all it likes because now it wont last…..cant wait to get out in the woods again.
Oh yes, and thank you for having a give away………..I will enjoy entering it.
Janice
Loving how robins are so often in large flocks!
We’ve been enjoying the warmer temps and thawing here in Ohio also! Thanks for sharing your pictures. I have a copy of Kitchen Gardens that I’ve had for 20 years, but would certainly love a signed copy from you! I agree with you, it’s a wonderful book and who doesn’t love Tasha Tudor’s illustrations!!
Hi Susan, I’m a true gardening person so, of course, I would love to enter your giveaway. I’m looking forward to warmer temps so I can go play in the garden this spring.
Dear Susan,
I so enjoy your artwork and outlook on life! I had seen your artwork before and always loved it, but this last summer I stumbled upon your book, “A Fine Romance” in the library, and thoroughly enjoyed it! I felt like I had gone with you and was so sorry when the book ended. I just wanted it to continue, I feel as if we would be great friends and have a lot in common. Ever since then I have enjoyed your website and blog, not sure why I haven’t subscribed yet, but am going to do it now. 🙂 Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing your creativity with us! P.S. Your cat is so adorable!
Nice to have you here Bekah!
Susan: lovely post, as always. I think the East Coast got all of our snow by mistake this year; in my Minnesota backyard I could see brown grass peeking through the dusting of snow pretty much all winter long. Only used my snowblower once all season, and I think that was back in November!
We don’t have one, but after this year Joe is thinking about getting one. Funny we had the most beautiful summer I can remember in all my years on the island, followed by the snowiest most wintry of winters. I don’t mind. I would love to have another one of those summers this year.
I love books and gardening and your blog is lots of fun!
Can’t wait (but I will) for the title of your new book. Tell Vanna I hope she chooses me!
Oh, I would love this book……..
What a pleasure to share your walk and thoughts!
Jack the cat has the cutest sweetest little face ! Not only are his markings adorable, he just has the most endearing expression- I like seeing him at the window looking at the birds and his paws on the hair bands – so cute….
He makes me laugh! Susan, Your blog is the best
Tasha Tudor took us to a different time in every book she wrote and illustrated. I love Pumpkin Moonshine and was just looking at my copy of A Tale for Easter. I would love to win that book, what a treasure! Thanks for giving it away, and brightening my day.
What a pleasure
Oh, I love this Spring! I am in the PNW, and in a “new-to-me” home, and so excited to get up every morning to look out the kitchen window and see what has popped up overnight and is blooming in the backyard! This morning, along with all the daffodils and tulips we have, a beautiful pink Hyacinth! So exciting! Would love and cherish your book, if I should happen to be lucky enough to win it! Happy Spring to all!
i love your blog. Makes me feel good.
Thanks for showing the ice chips….I’m from Florida ! :O)
I knew someone would find them interesting! Like broken windowpanes!