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!
Please enter me in the giveaway! I would love to have such a wonderful book – gardens and Tasha Tudor!
I don’t know of anything that I would rather have than this book!
Happy Spring! I know, it really is not here yet, but today it was wonderful to have a peek.
I would love the book!
What a refreshing trip,,bet your home smelled like wet plants and spring when you got home,,Love Tasha Tudor and Gladys Tabor,, they represent what is good about us all,,,Judy
Looks like a beautiful book! Thanks for sharing, Susan!
I took a walk to our pond this week. Not quite like a walk to the sea, but satisfying none the less. The puddles on our dirt road remind me of latte and I too love cracking the ice. I remember the first warm days of spring in childhood when I finally got to get rid of my snowpants and begged my mother to let me wear my spring jacket. Lots of snow still on our front meadow, but I wore a heavy sweater instead of a winter coat to town this morning to visit an antique shop going out of business where everything is 50% off. Found some treasures. The sun was shining and spring was definitely in the air. Looking forward to your new book. As always, your posts are the best.
Gorgeous tree full of robins! What a lovely walk, especially to be serenaded by a goldfinch – and to remain 100% upright!
We have had warmer temps here, but lots and lots of rain came with the warmth. Today there was a short appearance of a big orange ball in the sky! More rain expected late Thursday and through the week-end.
The gardening book would be really wonderful to have here! At some point, the earth will dry enough to work up for the garden, and the built-in bookcases (the next project, following the completion of the hardwood in the living room) will have room to add another book!
St. Patrick’s Day is next Tuesday! Corned beef and cabbage here, being true to my Irish heritage. It is also a daughter’s third wedding anniversary!
Sending you lots of happy wishes! Give those kitties an extra pat on the head from me!
xo Nellie
I have so loved having a winter through your words and photos! On the awestcCoast we skipped winter this year and I LOVE snow. With my dog, Toby, on my lap I slouch down in my chair and reading your words,imagine being there enjoying it with you!
Amazing that you haven’t been on your walk in SO long! I was out today too, inspecting my tiny patch. The garden is really showing the effects of the hard winter, but there there were two cheery yellow crocuses!! It was over 60 here today – not bad considering less than a week ago we had 20 inches of snow and 0 degree temps!
When you see black and white illustrations in a book like ‘Kitchen Gardens,’ are you ever tempted to pick up your brush and color them in?
I’ve done it many times! Oh yes. And it looks wonderful!
I love all of your work. It would be nice to win such a special prize from you. Spring is finally arriving in the Mitten (Michigan). Good timing for a great book! Thanks for your wonderful blog. You’re a joy:)
I am ready to garden right now. Love the book!
I’m so glad you are finally seeing signs of spring! Out here on the west coast, we worried that you on the east coast would be buried in an eternal winter! Happy that mother nature has decided to turn the season towards spring. Tasha Tudor’s books are wonderful! Great harbinger of spring….
Old books are my one weakness! 🙂
I love Tasha Tudors art work almost as much as yours!
My girl kitty, Wilson, don’t ask about that boy name, was sitting on the arm of my chair looking interested in your beautiful blog, she might be crushing on sweet Jack:). I have been diggin in the dirt here in Oregon where we have had a lovely and mild winter. And, of course, the book is to die for!
I would love to have one of tour favorites that has tour autograph. Bon Jour!
I enjoyed your blog about the Snow/Spring walk. I felt like I was right there with you.
Love your blog, gardening, and spring!
love your kitty! I have a blond tuxedo named Jake. We love him dearly.
Gifts from God.
Susan I just love your blogs, notes and pictures. Have a wonderful Spring.
Loved the Tasha Tudor exhibit at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan several years ago…loved the photos from your walk…love your blog posts!
‘Stache Cat has the right idea. Sure, cold feet means warm heart, but warm feet means, well, warm feet.
Love Tasha Tudor!
Susan,
Thanks so much for your blog about the snow. I felt like I was right there beside you walking along the path…loved your descriptions of all the wonderful things you saw along your journey!
Thank you for sharing Brenda Lee today and for taking us along on your walk to the sea. Was that a little Chickadee following his mate in your photo? My husband and I went to the movies this afternoon. We saw “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” Hope I got that title correct.
Yes he was chasing after her . . . they got in a little mid-air dustup after that photo. Did you like the movie?
Thank you for taking us along on your walk! I saw a chubby little robin just yesterday, so Spring must be coming soon! Oh, I love, love the kitty calendar page — can’t wait to see the whole thing next year 🙂
My sweet little 9- year old cousin had a t-shirt on last year – it had a drawing of a dinosaur (the one with the very short arms!) and it said, if u r happy and u know it clap your “o” – my mom, sister and I read it and took a few minutes to understand the dinosaur couldn’t clap his hands, they were too short! Oh…he can’t clap!
Love the sweet book…what a nice giveaway!
LOL! Poor thing!
I would LOVE to win that book. It would be the second greatest gift…right behind spring! 🙂
When my family was vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard this past summer, my daughter and I rode our bikes down this same dirt road! I remember the house with the red door! It was one of my favorite things to do while staying there. Such a beautiful place.
Lovely giveaway. Tasha Tudor’s drawings are so endearing and anything old from the Betty Crocker name is wonderful.
love going on walks with you and love your water colors!
As much as I love snow, I have to admit I glad to see it melt away. I’m ready for spring!
I never win anything, but I’m always willing to TRY winning something from Susan Branch! Love Tasha Tudor and her sweet Corgis.
I’m glad you do! I always say you have a much better chance here that you do with the lottery! Fingers crossed!
Aaaah — SPRING!!!
Love the weather the last couple of days, it feels like spring is buried under all this snow!
Isn’t this spring like weather wonderful. I live on Cape Ann and we are also experiencing the great melt. I can see my front door today! The gardening book looks lovely. I have a small collection of Tasha Tudor books (my favorite is A Basket of Herbs ) and have loved her since I was a child. Just got Stillmeadow Sampler today from the library. I enjoy every minute spent reading your blog and books.
Hi Susan, Your walk looks just lovely. I love taking walks while it is still snowing, and coming home to a warm house and either a cup of tea or hot cocoa. Thank you for sharing your walk with all of us. I hope you had a cup of something hot to reward yourselves. However, the walk, the views and seeing the beach and water would be enough of a reward for me. Pat
I feel about Tasha Tudor and this book as you do about Downton Abbey! I bought a copy when it first came out (at Disney World, of all places) and lost it in a long-ago move…Thanks for the opportunity to try for another!
Hurry Spring! I live in Wisconsin and so I know all about SNOW. I love snow but I also love Spring and gardening. Hope I win the book. Candy
Wonderful blog and wonderful gardening book.
Spring is in the air…bright sunny days and long nature walks on 66 degree afternoons in Minnesota…a reward to us winter weary souls!
Thanks for such a beautiful walk!
So looking forward to getting outside in the warm, fresh air that last night I dreamt I wore brand new Cole Haan’s to dig and plant my garden! LOL, can you believe it? I just had to smile 🙂 Thank you for sharing your beautiful corner of the world with us!
That was funny!
Oh I love Tasha Tudor! We have tickets to tour her home in September. So I NEED that book!
[email protected]
Tasha Tudor is wonderful — my sister-in-law introduced me to her, and I introduced her to Gladys Taber. We’re all good friends now!
Sisters!
How nice to get out for a walk after the long snowy winter! Today was warm up here in New Hampshire too, but the snow is going to take a LONG time to melt.
I love Tasha Tudor, Mary Mason Campbell, and vintage Betty Crocker — and I would love to win that book! Thanks for the opportunity!
Lovely…breathing the Spring air with you as you walked.
I love your free printable stationery. It turns out that it is almost impossible to find (cute) letter-writing stationery anymore, so thank you so much for sharing this with us! It’s warmed up some here in Vermont, too; so much so that a skunk came by yesterday and sprayed our house! Ah, the smells of spring…
That’s why we do it — it really is hard to find. Too bad!
Lovely giveaway, thank you.
I love gardening AND old books! Very charming!
Susan,
I hope I win and I can’t wait until SPRING!!!!
Love the description of your outing! We have finally been walking our dog in sunshine and nice temps! After sub zero temps 32 feels balmy. The book looks marvelous–would love it!
Dear Susan,
I so enjoy your blog and look forward to your posts. It feels like a wonderful and cozy conversation with a friend! I am so excited for your new book. I have quite a collection of your books now and love to read and re-read them. I feel as if every time I look at one of your books, I find something new each time, some tidbit that I may have missed is discovered…such a great feeling of joy! Thank you!!!!
I try to hide things on purpose, not that easy on a flat page, but then, little secrets here and there are fun to find.
Spring is inching into the Mountain Northwest. Bud and I made a trip to Wenatchee today and were surprised to see cherry trees, tulip trees and Forsythia all abloom. I love Tasha Tudor’s illustrations. The kitchen garden book sounds inspiring. I enjoyed going on a beach walk with you and your hubby. Slipper shells and blue beach glass look lovely on a sandy backdrop! Give Jackie and Girl Kitty an extra love for me. Fingers and toes crossed to win the lovely book!
Here in the Midwest we are almost out of our winter cages, too. But, I haven’t seen any robins yet! Tasha Tudor was a character, wasn’t she?! Your comment about living life on her own terms seems right on. That is something we all must do, even if our terms are less flamboyant than hers, or anyone’s. Happy Spring, Susan and Joe, and girlfriends.
Its true, within the confines of our realities, pick the things we love and do them.
I have anxiously awaited your post, and was not disappointed! That walk is like our Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve. We have not made our walk yet, but the 51 degree day today tells me it is time. It will be a muddy mess also, but oh, so many delightful things to discover. God made such a beautiful world, one must lift up their eyes from their feet and look up…lo and behold, what a beautiful world! When I take the time to just look up, oh my…the sky. Myriads of color and a feeling of eternity to soothe the soul. I love your photos for these are the things they show us. Of course can one not adore God when we see the kitty creations He gave us?! Along with so many others, I shall hope to win the delightful book. Gardens and Tasha Tudor, with the addition of Gladys Tabor promises hours of contentment. It is sweet of you to share that lovely book with us. Thank you ! Life began in a garden….God bless from Rochester, MI.
Don’t hate me for this, but our temperature today in small town South Carolina was 82 degrees. I got outside and worked in my kitchen garden, which is modeled after yours. I love your blog and look forward to your new posts. I have your calendar each year, in my kitchen and I always save them. I would love to have the kitchen garden book and would consider it a treasure.
Where in SC? I’m in Mt Pleasant!
Susan, I commented yesterday about the warm weather in small town South Carolina. Kelley from Mt. Pleasant asked where in S.C. I live in Union and I love, love, love Mt. Pleasant, S.C. I meant to tell you that Biltmore House in Asheville, N.C. Is having a special showing of things from Downton Abbey. If you have the opportunity, you should go. Biltmore is wonderful, as well as the Asheville area. I think you would love it.
Blessings, Kathy
Loved your description of your walk! Would love to win the book…..here’s hoping!!
Hi Susan! Sounds like you and Joe had a great walk and the “science talks” are interesting I bet. Lol! Happy almost Spring!
Spring is on it’s way, we have it here in Oregon.
I look forward to your posts. They make me smile
Loved that Downton reference, lol!! Yes, your cat is so adorable, and your blog is like peering out onto a field of sunflowers. Always a ray of sunshine. ( :
I so enjoy your delightful posts. Thank you!!
A breath of fresh air…thank you for sharing your walk with us!
Very inspiring:)
I so look forward to reading your blog! Love Tasha Tudor.
Lovely!
What a lovely book, please enter me in the drawing. I so enjoy the peeks into life on your beautiful island.
Yes, nice ocean fresh air after being cozily tucked in all winter. We opened our bedroom window a crack last night and it was so nice and crisp and cool. From 20 degrees last week to 65 degrees tomorrow here in the mountains, yay, Spring is on the way!!! And now Spring booty from you. Pick me pick me…..pretty please? LOL.
Hi Susan
Loved your winter walk
Pictures are lovely
Thanks
Mary Ann
Yikes, I think I just erased my message. Darn…..just said “pick me pick me….pretty please?”. Thanks Susan.
I would absolutely love to win the book!
Wait a second….. A gardening book with Tasha Tudor illustrations? Where has this book been hiding all my life?
It’s been out of print for years. But here’s another chance!
My days are harried and busy. Always surrounded by people, activity, noise. A moment to read is rare and a blessing. When I see that you have a new post, I claim the first chance to escape to a quiet place, close the door, and slip into lavender, sweetness, peace, quiet, loveliness . . . I love the way you think. I think I did it too, once. 🙂
(Not that I don’t love my life. It’s just so crazy!)
You did it just now! Sending a big deep breath of fresh spring air just for you xoxo
Love your blog: happy thoughts, joy and peace. Would enjoy winning the Kitchen Gardens book. Heavenly.
Love the pictures!
Wow! What a wonderful walk! Thank you for including all of us in your travels. Spring is DEFINITELY on the way! We are equally giddy here in New Jersey where my kindergartners have finally escaped the confines of the classroom. Thank goodness & God bless!
A wonderful giveaway…thanks for including me.
…one word…
(Kidding…. It’s heartening when the temperature rises enough to start melting the snow, as it has been the past few days here in coastal Connecticut. Spring is nine days away…can’t come soon enough, after the last six or seven weeks of snow, snow, snow, cold, cold, cold.)
Happy Spring Thaw! Thank you for taking us for a walk to the water. I’ve missed it. Your post today may have solved a happy mystery. For two days this week, there has been a little bird outside my office window with the strongest lungs ever, singing his heart out. His is the most joyous birdsong we’ve ever heard. Now, thanks to you, I believe it may be a l-o-v-e song. Romance is in the air, it seems!
Dare I say I love you Susan as much as I love Downton Abbey. And books. And gardens. And all furry friends. And feeding the birds. And strolling.
Now that is one heck of a compliment! Two pinkies up! 🙂
Your Spring walk was like we were all there along side of you two! I am a NEer but I have never seen ice from puddles fracture like you showed us this AM.
You had my full attention when you came upon the “crime scene”. Ooo!
Let us hope you do not have to wait long to enjoy you second morning walk. Everyone in NE deserves a lovely Spring! Enjoy, we all enjoy you so much.
I enjoyed reading your blog this evening. I, too, am very excited about the warm temps and the thoughts of beautiful flowers and budding trees. We are moving to the home of our dreams very soon, which is in the country, with plenty of wild animals and flowering trees and bushes. So excited! I truly love your art work. Thank you for sharing your talent, as it brings much enjoyment.
Love Jack and girl kitty and all he things you write about and paint.
My snowdrops have been blooming for about a month! I live in the mountains of Colorado! Mixed up wild weather this year! Thank you for your ever-wonderful blog! Happy Spring!
Yes, totally backwards and upside down!
your open hearted, creative, loving view of life makes my heart happy
You are a doll to tell me.
I have so loved Tasha Tudor since I was young and to have another book illustrated by her
Would be wonderful! And you are quite wonderful for giving it to one of us! Thankyou so
much.
I may be sitting in southern CA, but my heart is in New England as the first hints of mud season (Spring!) finally start to arrive. Thank you for sharing your walk with us, and the sneak peek of next year’s calendar! Would love to win the beautiful Kitchen Gardens book. Tasha Tudor has inspired me since I was a little girl, and especially more recently as I’ve pulled out my pencils and watercolors again! 🙂
Love Jack and girl kitty and all the things you write about and paint. Happy Spring,
We’ve not had any snow this year here on the southern tip of Vancouver Island so I really enjoyed your walk-through-the-snow photos. So glad neither of you fell. That would be catastrophic. What a lovely giveaway you are having, I love Tasha Tudor’s illustrations. She led such an interesting life.
I love the books that Tasha and Mary Mason Campbell collaborated on, this one and the Butt’ry Shelf books. In fact, they rank among my favorites. Spring is coming — at long last! Can’t wait till I can get my hands in the soil!
Barbara
Love your nature walk. Reminds me of finding spring when I lived in Michigan. Now I’m here in Southern California -where spring is giving way to summer like temperatures. I miss the true seasons. Thanks for letting me live thru your true season in New England.
It felt like spring today,even though the snow is deep,the buckets are on the maples and the sap will be boiling any day now. I love Tasha Tudor and gardening ,I’d love to read the book with a nice pot of tea.
It’s so refreshing to read your writing, especially when you describe activities such as finding sea glass. A lovely escape! Your calendars are beautiful as well. Thanks for sharing your gifts!
susan you make me happy!
Thankyou
Brenda
Oh please take your phone and a walking stick the next time you head out in the mud, the slush, and the ice!
Today we had sunshine! I went outside and start clipping back the dead twigs on perennials. Lots more still to do!
Yes, he is the most adorable thing in the world, I love that face!
Oh Susan what a lovely walk! And a lovely book! I love your blog post and your pictures!
Oh, so many of my favorite things: books, gardening, cats, Tasha Tudor, the beach, your blog. Did I mention books? Thanks for all you do!
I would love to win the book as we head into Autumn here is Australia. Our winter isn’t as severe as yours but for me a task to get through as I detest the cold. The book would give me something to read on cool winter nights in front of the fire.