For starters, you need some . . . Frank! MUSICA Only Five Minutes more . . . or maybe we’ll take the whole weekend!
How are you? Everything is good here . . . this music makes me so happy! I’m still chugging away on the new book. The first one goes to the printer on June 15 ~ we’ll see if I make it! I’m still painting and adding photos and art to the pages. I decided yesterday it’s a very good sign that when I find the perfect quote for the perfect spot, I get tears in my eyes (sort of like I do at the end of a really good movie). I can’t wait to show it to you! ♥
But in the meantime, I thought we’d let our drawing for the giveaway go for a few more days . . . we have lots of books to give away! I just want to make sure everyone’s had a chance to sign up. So, if you haven’t, be sure to leave a comment, we’re giving away 10 of my new book, coming in August called THE FAIRY TALE GIRL ~ you can read all about it in the post just below this one. By the way, did you catch it ~ on the edge of the new cover? That the flowers are all missing a petal? “He loves me, he loves me not . . .” It’s a little clue.♥
In the meantime, I thought I’d share somemore Vineyard spring. Birds are frolicking in our birdbath. So fun to watch. Only one out of three of those is real ~ the one surrounding himself in water drops.
Joe’s favorite flower is in bloom, the Lily of the Valley . . . thank you again to Mrs. Bowditch, the woman who owned our house from 1949 to 1980 ~ she left such a treasure for us. Funny how you can get to know a person like I’ve gotten to know the Bowditches, from the things they’ve left behind.
I always have to bring in a little bouquet for the kitchen table . . . so we can bury our noses in them every so often.
Like little bells . . .
Yes, when I get a good subject, I take a zillion photos!
Today is the official start of summer here on the Island, no matter what the calendar says. It’s Memorial Day Weekend, and literally overnight our town turns from a quiet little country outback into Vacation Central . . . people come from everywhere . . .
Boat after boat arrives . . .
We like it . . . it’s a wonderful change from the quiet winter. Plus we know it isn’t a year-round thing, so it’s always fun to see them come, and it’s always nice to see them go! The best of all worlds. We have a weekend guest of our own to welcome off the boat today! The guest room is ready with Lily of the Valley as a welcome greeting.
And this is the event that happens every year on the Friday before Memorial Day ~ today! A wonderful old tradition called The Children’s Walk to the Sea ~ it’s been going on here since the 1870s. The Vineyard Haven Grammar School is just up the street from our house, so we get a birds-eye view of the parade every year as it passes by our house. Isn’t it adorable? First comes the kindergarteners, followed by the 1st grade, on up to the 8th graders, and all their teachers too.
And it comes complete with a marching band and George M. Cohan musica!
And, adorable children, carrying flags and bouquets of flowers. They march through town, down to the water, where they throw their flowers into the sea in memory of those who have fought and died for our country.
Girl Kitty keeps an eye out for the kids!
And here’s our kitchen garden . . . Joe’s been raking and getting it ready while I’m inside “directing” from my studio window! We’ll have strawberries soon if the catbirds leave us some! Time to plant tomatoes and lettuce and lemon thyme . . .
Our garden, though small, always makes us happy ~ it’s just enough to give us that “thank goodness it’s spring” feeling. You can read more about it HERE: Here are the basic elements that made it happen:
And look at this perky little goldfinch outside our kitchen window. Hmm, he says, I taut I taw a puddy cat.
Oh yeah. No doubt about it.
Jackie keeps a watch.
So a little reminder for the holiday weekend, be spontaneous and keep it simple and have a WONDERFUL time. Here’s a delicious potato salad recipe made with roasted potatoes you might like to try . . .
I’m going back to work in Fairy Tale Land ~ and guess what’s coming on TCM in about 10 minutes? Pride and Prejudice! The old one with Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier! Perfection! So lucky! Have a great day Girlfriends. Don’t forget, if you haven’t signed up for the drawing, be sure to leave a comment . . . we’ll do it next week. Let Vanna frolic for the weekend! You too! XOXO Bye for now!
I just love the cover of your newest book, your dress is beautiful. On another note, every year I plant lemon thyme and I don’t know how to use it. Any suggestions Susan?
Oh my goodness, put it with chicken, put a handful in the cavity when roasting it, and garnish the chicken with fresh . . . put the leaves in any salad, chop them and sprinkle over fish, stir into melted butter for lobster, stir the flowers into vanilla ice cream. I think it’s good with almost anything!
I love Lemon Thyme so much better than just regular Thyme! Lucky for me it’s a perennial in Texas!!!
Plus it makes great tea that has anti-aging qualities and cleanses all the organs of the body! Just add to a pot of boiling water and let steep 2 minutes ♥ Google it 🙂
Thank you Mary!
I always use lemon thyme in my french onion soup. I add it towards the end of cooking. Yum.
Thanks everybody for the great suggestions!
Love the pictures of the school parade! How fun that it goes past your house – an old fashioned tribute to the holiday. Hope you and all the Girlfriends have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
I’m with your Joe. Lily of the Valley is my favorite spring flower. I got married in may and my wedding bouquet was Lily of the Valley and the also the men’s boutinieres. Our first house had a carpet of them lining the whole one side of our house. The smell was sooo delicious! I moved three years ago into an apartment and last spring I noticed a few growing outside the door into my building. This year there were a few more. Maybe some day there will be enough for me to pick a small bunch. Love your pictures. Happy Spring to you and Joe. (and Jack and Girl kitty).
Where do all these people come from (the comments.) They must be the
silent majority! Same here on our muddy little island. One vacationer was
complaining about the crowds in our small grocery store last year so I
told her to come back in the winter – there’s nobody here! The Lily of the
Valley is so beautiful. I had to leave mine behind but I shared with others
so maybe they will share back with me. Beautiful blog, as usual, thanks!
My pleasure Julia, thank you for being here!
I’m watching P & P now. I enjoy the old classic movies. Can’t wait for “the Book”. Memorial weekend is the start of it all. Sister and I decorated all the family graves yesterday, school was let out and a family get-together is planned for tomorrow. One grandson graduated KU this past Sunday and granddaughter finished an all A’s first year at KU. Planting more flowers and lavender. It’s all go at this time of year!
Yes, must squeeze so much in!
Seeing your bouquets make me think of the song I was taught in first grade.
While others children were singing “Row, row, row your boat” we were singing:
White coral bells upon a slender stalk
Lillies of the Valley by my garden walk
Oh, don’t you wish that you could hear them ring
That will happen only when the fairies sing
We sang that in Girl Scouts!
Ahhh, our troop did, too! What a great memory you all evoked.
Didn’t Gladys Taber write about old farmhouses always having lilac and lily of the valley by the back door? We did at my house growing up, and I’ve made sure since that we have had both at every house we’ve lived in.
Thanks for the pix of the parade — what an incredible way to honor those who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice. Bless their hearts!
Ethel
PS – Congrats on your writing accomplishment:)
Oh, I remember this song. I was in Pioneer Girls (a church version of Girl Guides). We sang it in rounds. Lovely. I just sang it out loud once more to myself.
I love that! Yes, we sang it too! On long road trips with Dad driving and the windows open and breeze blowing through the car (pre-air condition days!) What fun! and great memories!!
Love, love, love the picture of Jack’s wild, ” I’m gonna jump!” eyes flashing above the papers on the table. Made me laugh thinking of all the bundled up kitty energy he must have. I have a now very sedate 18 year old cat, and miss the thunderstorms of frantic racing and jumping that young cats do – never fails to amuse. Your photographs are wonderful, and there can never be too many Girl and Jack ones . You catch such great moments with them.
I cannot wait for the new book !
You truly are an inspiration, Susan. You can make your deadline – I know you can I know you can!!!
I’m going to try!!
Enjoy the blog…every morning I check. It ‘s like a sister coming for coffee…sharing
Her thoughts and the gifts from nature. I love New England and seeing the pictures
Are a mini vacation for me. Can’t wait to read the book, hoping Susan comes to Hudson,Ohio
For a book signing. Pat testa
Yes Pat, I hope she comes back to Hudson too, that’s where I met her when she toured with A Fine Romance. The Learned Owl could have her again, or the library has a nice big room with chairs; good place for lectures. Lets keep our fingers crossed!
Me too!
What fun to see what will be going on at “the Island” today! I always love to start my day with my egg, toast, coffee and a fresh new blog from Susan Branch. Have lovely Memorial Day weekend!
You have tears in your eyes while finishing the new book and we will all have tears in our eyes when we get it in the mail and get to read about the early years of “the Fairytale Girl”.
What wonderful Memorial Day weekend fun! We are cranked up down here with all our flags and weekend plans too! I love all the beautiful pictures you shared. I agree–I do believe summer has arrived. We’ve had temps in the 90s for awhile down here in GA, so I often feel as though summer arrives in March. And it’s not really even HOT yet. BTW, every time you mention Mrs. Bowditch, I can’t help but think of one of my children’s favorite book by Jean Lee Latham, “Carry on, Mr. Bowditch.” Since that Mr. Bowditch was from Massachusetts too, I wonder if there was any connection. Have a lovely weekend!
Amy
Susan, I’m so excited about your new book! The parade is so sweet, what a charming tradition. Have a lovely Memorial Day weekend!
What a lovely surprise to see a brand new post from You today! I love the Children’s Parade pictures. What a sweet traditions, that parade. Have a fine day! Becky
Oh, Susan, what a wonderful treat! Another Susan Branch book! You are such a blessing in our lives!
Susan,you are a very special person.To see extraordinary beauty in the everyday happenings of life is truly a gift….and you share that special gift with all of us.Thank you!
You know Susan, We all want to know just how you came to be so charming, so dear. I for one love to read how people have grown up and how they perceived their life to be as they were living it. It’s so interesting how people get from point A to point B, from childhood to grown up. I love to hear what path is chosen and why and how it all turned out. This new book of your is going to be delightful, I already know that. I’m looking forward to the publication date and when it will arrive in my mailbox. Thank you Susan for reminding me to notice everyday’s simple moments and all the little things that make up that day. So important to be fully enjoying the living of everyday.
I love those things too, so interesting to hear about the different paths we’ve taken!
Keeping my fingers crossed to win this luscious new book! I am looking forward to this new publication.
I loved that you took a break from writing your new book to post a letter for us! Thanks for sharing what’s happening on the island for Memorial Day. The Lily of the Valley reminds me of my Mother because they are a Springtime favorite of hers. Looking forward to your new book!
Good Morning Sweet Susan,
Oh what a fairy tale dream come true if would be if I am the lucky winner of your new book giveaway!
I love today’s music…makes me think of my parents who are now both deceased. So glad to have two of your posts come close together. I miss you when you’re not posting.
I’m sitting here typing while looking out my window at the raggedy spider web that is still hanging on after several weeks. It’s missing a lot of lines and the ones that are left have a lot of dust clinging to them. Miss Spider is long gone, but I don’t have the heart to wipe away her web. I have to laugh as while I am looking at the web, Frank Sinatra’s “I Did It My Way” is playing. Miss Spider did it her way too and who am I to destroy her creation even if the window needs a good washing.
I hope you have a great day today…it’s sunny and bright here.
Diane in North Carolina
Good morning, friend!
Just want to send you encouragement to stay with it…heaven knows, you’ve certainly encouraged me over the past several years! Let that love freely flow out of you onto the pages of your new book and I guarantee it will flow right back to you when you’re finished. It is the most wonderful thing to hear: that you’ve been moved to tears while working on this…I simply LOVE your passion and your creativity!
Now, let’s see if I can be moved to tears as I tackle some much needed Spring housecaring…lol!
xoDebbie
PS: We have a catbird couple that frequents our birdbath now for the past couple of years. Your post may have helped us solve the mystery of our disappearing blueberries each summer!
Love the pictures of the traditional parade in a sea a red, white, and blue! Three cheers!
What beautiful work you do!!!! I can only imagine how busy you are trying to finish these books. Best of luck to you on finishing on deadline, and thanks for making everyones day so much more beautiful by sharing your talent and work with us!!!!!!! I love those photos of the children’s march to the sea to honor our heros!!! Happy Memorial Day!!!
Sue
A lovely way to begin this long weekend…I love the tradition of the children walking to the sea! I can’t wait to read the newest book and add it to my bookshelf!
Putting Lily of the Vally in an ordinary bouquet of Roses is like putting tinsel and lights on the Christmas Tree…. And it says , I really , really , do Love You ! Have a wonderful day
Grasshopper !
Adorable Man, I love you!
Susan,
Every time I read a post from you dad (I LOVE IT) I get a tear in my eye…okay I just outright cry…for I miss my dad so much… and my mother. Thanks Jack for all of your lovely and funny post. Love, Susan P.
Well said Jack!!
How lovely. I’m always really happy to see a new post on your blog Susan. I would love to be one of the lucky recipients of your new book. The cover is beautiful. I did notice the missing petal on the daisies, cute… My back lawn is covered in daisies right now, till by husband cuts all their heads of tomorrow! They are tough little things though, they just come right back. Tonight, I’m going to bury my nose in your Summer book. You’ve inspired me! Thanks Susan, look forward to the next blog post.
Good Morning Susan:
What a treat to have a new entry from you-just makes the weekend start a little sooner and on a happy note. I trust that you will take time with your friends and family even with deadlines looming-a little joy along the way makes the journey that much easier.
We are planning on a little antiquing and a fresh view on everything- and some time to remember those who are with us only in our hearts and memories. Hope the sun shines for everyone–Marty
Oh the joy of spring! Love your Lilies of the Valley! Ever so pretty!
Marie Fluck
Hi Susan,
I look forward to your blog posts every week, and can’t wait to read your new book! Happy writing ~ Kathleen
Have you ever noticed how clever your fingers are? ….. Just watch them while you tie a bow knot on your tennis shoes …..
They are SOOOOO clever, it’s true!
I love the illustration of your garden! It’s my goal for next year. My husband and I just moved into a new little (960 sq. ft.) home. So far we put down wood floors throughout and he built us a new kitchen with cabinets that he hand made. It looks so beautiful. Hopefully next spring we will put up a fence and start the garden. have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your guest!
Thank you for being you!
All this sounds wonderful. I can’t wait for your new book. I particularly liked your “Sandwich” suggestions. My kids, and their cousins, (now all in their 30’s!!) call a Liverwurst and Onion on toasted Rye bread “Vacation Food” because that’s the only time we all eat it…..and love it!
OMG … the missing petal! How clever of you! Love how you are putting the pedal to the metal … or is it petal to the medal 🙂 Thanks for the loyal Memorial Day post … “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” 🙂 P.S. Keep wearing that invisible crown ♥ Love you xoxo
Love you back Mary!
Hmmm , I have an aunt named Marie.
Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for the lovely pictures of your flowers and also the Memorial Day Parade is so awesome! I love how you share every aspect, every detail of what goes on at Marthas Island. What a neat tradition of the children walking to the sea. Love, love, love your beautiful picket fence garden. Thank you again for sharing your heart with us. We are so blessed.
Mary Ann
Frank (especially 5Minutes More), potato salad,Lily of the valley, birds,kitties,Memorial Day, gardening. What a beautiful way to start the day and especially news of your book. You bring incredible cheer and such deep emotion to life and how to appreciate every moment.
We have an old home 1892 which also came with those sweet lily of the valley and many old fashioned lilac bushes. We can practice for 1940s swing dancing with awesome 5 Minutes More all day.
We have so many freedoms because of our brave service persons who perished, thinking of them always. My husband will be marching in Parade with Am Legion Color Guard.
Thank you so much Susan
Spring in bloom – lovely Lily of the Valley – my favorites also. The new book looks wonderful – can’t wait!
Martha from CT
Oh what a surprise…Another new post from our girl! Love, love, love. That was the cutest picture of Jack with those mischievous eyes peeking out from the table ready in a flash on the scene. And so glad you pointed out the flowers with one petal missing…I had to go back and check that out! I missed that. Guess I would never make a good Detective. I did notice in your garden plot on the side you had “lemon cucumbers.” Did I read that right? What are lemon cucumbers and are they smaller for salads? I guess I don’t get out much.
Thanks again for the lovely post. Can’t wait for the new book to come out.
Judy Ann
They are round and yellow! About the size of tennis balls.
Oh boy oh boy!!! Another book 🙂 The anticipation is killing me—pick me pick me!
Hi Susan, hope you’re enjoying this fine day and the weekend to come. The sun is shining here and its still a little bit cool but is set to warm up in the next few days. I have planted most of my summer flowers, but we may get a frost this eve so I’ll have to cover them. Hubby still has to plant the vegetable garden so he may wait a few days. I love the pictures of spring flowers and love Lily of the Valley too, but don’t have any. I remember my mom had some always in her garden. Have a great holiday weekend!
Can’t wait for the new book…pick me Vanna!!!!
Susan, I’m stealing your kitchen garden plans and starting my own this weekend! Can’t wait for the book to come out and by George, if you do another book tour coming within five hours of me, I’m planning on being there. (I’ve always wondered, who was George?) : )
LOL! Good question!
Hello,
Ask Joe how he manages his Lillies of the Valley, the foliage part is taking over. I would like more flowers than leaves. Like your Mrs. Bowditch, my Lillies are from my great grandma Moon. It may sound like I am bragging, well, I am. I tend to brag about my plants the way I brag about finding a good sale on clothes.
Susan,
Love your blog. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Can’t wait for your new book
to come out. Have a great Memorial Day weekend.
Barb Soellner
PS—- your Flag needs to be ironed ….. Joe might drop it off at the cleaners to be steamed and pressed ….
Hush.
What a nice surprise this morning to see a post from you. My granddaughter (6 years) was sitting next to me and had me going back to the picture of the “tiny bird”. Looking forward to reading your new book.
Oh, Susan, I so missed reading your comforting words, of the simple things in our lives. I had my knee replaced 5 weeks ago, with a few minor set backs, but during this time, I focused on the simple things that are so easy to take for granted, and reading your blog sure is one of my simple pleasures in life.
My Birthday, is in May, and I have a love for the Lily of the valley.
Have a pleasant weekend.
Hope you are feeling better Mary. Happy Birthday!
You are my favorite blog person. I love your drawings, recipes and especially the photos of Girl cat and Jack.
A n d—- It needs to be centered ….. The nail on the left window needs to be moved to
the right edge of the window and the right nail needs to be located so the Flag doesn’t
droop ! Don’t be messy……!
Need you here. xoxo
Just another comment………….I don’t know who I enjoy most…….Daddy Jack’s blog comments or Kitty Jack’s pictures! They both make me laugh and that’s a good thing. It’s a grand ole flag – and he’s a grand ole Daddy Flag Police.
When my Jack (kitty) is doing anything interesting, I call him, Jack Stewart!
Another lovely blog from you – such a fun way to begin my morning.
Love all your photos … wish I was on the island this weekend!
Hello Susan! This is my first time leaving a comment on your blog 🙂 I was introduced to you by my aunt, and I am so happy she did! I have been backtracking the past couple of weeks through all of your previous posts, and I have to say I have grown to love your work, your spirit, and your adventures! I have been reading a blog post of yours every morning before I begin work to put me in a good mood ;-P Thank you for doing what you do, I am looking forward to reading your new book when it comes out.
-Katie
Nice to meet you Katie!
I always love the music selections you choose. So calming, bright and beautiful. Your garden is going to be beautiful like every year. Not only can you write, paint and blog, you have such a green thumb. I wish we lived closer. Enjoy your weekend and the coming summer. Looking forward to your new book. Hugs and bright sunny days to you.
I’m so excited to get your new book…what a lovely title! If its anything like A Fine Romance it will be in my treasured books collection!
Congratulations to being so close to wrapping up the new book. What an accomplishment!
I love the lilies of the valley and now think I need to plant my own in the fall.
Happy weekend to you.
Susan, I so look forward to your blogs. The children’s parade is like a photo from years gone by. We don’t see many parades like that much more. What fun to have them march right by your house!
Your Mrs.Bowditch and my grandmother seemed to plant the same flowers! Lily of the valley were always my favorites in her garden. For years, I have had them growing outside my porch steps. Coming home everyday from work, they are there to greet me with their intoxicating aroma. I hope the mail lady enjoys them too. I like to put little bunches of them in the kitchen and on my night table for sweet dreams. I don’t have lemon thyme, but I am shopping for herbs later today and will definitely look for that one. Thanks for so much love!
Thank you for sharing the beautiful spring pics and the children’s parade. I absolutely love Lily of the Valley. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.
All along I’ve been thinking Memorial Day weekend is next week – the end of the month; thanks for the heads-up! No lilies-of-the-valley, but wonderfully scented gardenias outside my door and on the table. Temps have already reached 94 here, but today will be ‘only’ in the 80s. Love and hugs to your pal Rachel.
Sharon in Alabama
Yes, special hugs for Rachel . . . and you too Sharon, thank you! Lucky to have gardenias!
What a beautiful post this was. The Children’s Walk to the Sea makes my heart melt. What a special tribute to those who have fallen on our behalf. Love your garden spot. I’m busy about the garden now too — we start late-ish up North.
Please toss my name into the hat for the draw! Thank you.
Hi Susan, Yours is the only blog I read. The recipes, ideas for a running a great home, beautiful paintings, etc. BUT that little cat with the mustache looking out the window is a hoot!! What a character he is. Have a nice holiday weekend and thanks for all you show us. (P.S., I am re-reading your book and loving it all over again) Bye
I know, that little cat . . . he is something else. Right next to me right now.
I’ve already pre-ordered your new book so if I happen to be a lucky winner, it will go to a dear friend! I love your blog & all your work! I have most all of your books or have given them as gifts! You have a very special talent – thanks for sharing with all of us!
I came to your page to read your last blog again and was so surprised to see a new one up! What a wonderful surprise! I love Lilies of the Valley! They are so tiny and beautiful and, of course, very sweet smelling. I wonder if they’ll grow here in hot Fresno? Anxiously awaiting your new book! Love from Mary S. in Fresno, California
I think they have to freeze . . . Google and see!
Okay, I did just that! They should grow here as it says it’s very easy to grow and it gives California as one of the regions where they will grow. Interesting note – it is poisonous to children and pets, as are all lilies!
hi susan!! and Happy Memorial Day and Happy Summer!! Love love LOVE the traditional March to the Sea… what a wonderful teaching moment and so very respectful… speaking of teaching, I have some pretty gosh darn exciting news … after 38 years of teaching PE/Health and coaching.. I RETIRED!!!! yippee!! hooray!! yahoo!!!Let there be dancin’ in the streets!!!
Can you tell I am thrilled?? I think I will always teach in one way or another, but my days of answering to the school bell are over. I am headed to the nursery to pick up a few items for our ” on the deck potted herb garden”… something I have wanted to do for a long time… and my husband has already got the tomatoes and peppers in. Joe’s work in your kitchen garden has inspired me even more… My moms favorite of all flowers was the Lily of the Valley and she had the most beautiful lush stand of them in her garden. Mom is in heaven and the house sold but I so hope that whoever is there is enjoying those fragrant blooms and are thankful for someone else’s past joy…just like Mrs. Bowditch… we will carry on… The spring pictures are beyond delightful..and the house looks great. Gotta go.. my Bucket List awaits!! love,cindy
XO
Susan,
I have collected your books, calendars, stationary, etc. for years! I absolutely love your illustrations. You are an inspiration.
Margaret
I love your bird bath. I have never seen anything like it. Looks like an infinity pool for the birds. It also looks hand carved. If not, do you know where I can buy one?
Happy Memorial Day
Claudia
It was a gift for Joe’s 40th birthday! There is not a day that goes by I don’t bless the giver, and no, I have no idea where to get one. The man who gave it to Joe was a landscape architect.
So excited for you and your new book…and me who’ll get to read it! Will there be another book signing roadshow?
Maybe, we’ll have to see how it all works out, I’ve never done two books at almost the same time before!
I am excited about….E V E R Y T H I N G I am seeing here- a new follower and am already sharing with some special Bloggers – honestly am so intriqued by your content, your design, the amazing D E T A I L…am I gushing? Yes, sorry about that but it’s sincere. I expect to visit and LEARN from you regularly..It seems every time I am pleased with my own blog design and content and it feels just LIKE ME- I spot another wonderful site that makes me think I need a design redo…oh well !
LOL! Thank you Jonell! Such a nice compliment!
Hope this comment goes through! Love your blogs and the adorable Jack and Girl Kitty.
Susan,
I have left so many comments in the past and don’t think they ever go through so could Vanna or you respond so I know they are making it? So beautiful where you live and makes me so miss my Oregon! I would love a signed book.
Thx, Karen
They are making it! 🙂
Potato salad! My favorite! And yours is a new recipe! Can’t wait to make it for this holiday weekend! Thanks!
Happy Friday afternoon to you, Susan!
How I wish I could be in MV to watch that parade to the sea! Such a lovely thing!
We have to convince the mockingbirds around here that we actually have the blueberry bushes for OUR benefit.:-) We remind them that they had free reign of the cherry tree.:-)
I was all set to make “your” potato salad from the Summer book (it has become a real family favorite), but this roasted potato salad sounds perfect for my needs to serve our expected Sunday company. I will have to try it! Thank you so very much for sharing with us!
Enjoy your week-end guest!
xo Nellie
Oh Susan, you always make me feel so happy! Enjoying my virtual time at your house…watching the children pass by…watching your birds flutter in the birdbath and at the feeder. Seeing your garden come together (with yours and Joes help!!) The kitties…oh my how I can almost ((hug)) them.. The smell of the Lily of the Valley, the dirt in your garden, and that amazing warm potatoe salad..which I can almost use all my senses on. Blessings to your weekend!!
Heading to our cottage in the woods “Imagine” for Memorial Weekend. Our car is packed with flats of flowers, coolers of food, bottles of wine, new magazines and books. Fun to see similar cars all packed up, canoes on roofs, bikes on racks, and boats in tow. After this long winter, we are ready to let the Summer Season begin. Loved seeing your house with the Flag and the parade. Hope everyone remembers what this weekend is all about. You see, I am fortunate to live, walk, and breathe among the bravest of heroes, I am a PROUD ARMY MOM.
And well you should be. xoxo
Susan my dear you truly live a fairytale life. Children marching to the sea with flowers to remember our fallen .How wonderful and kitchen gardens and beautiful flowers Thank you for sharing
Sweet, sweet lily-of-the-valley – whole bunches of it how lovely.
And your new book – even anticipation is a delight!
What a memory of my Grandma! She had them growing from the bottom of the driveway to the top. Such a happy memory……I can picture her standing there, in her apron.
Susan, I just want you to know how much I love your books and your blog. I have been a fan for over 10 years and I just love everything you do. Reading your blog posts always makes me smile. I pull out your books often and they always warm my heart. I can’t wait to see your new book! Please don’t ever change.
Can’t imagine what fun the island is during the holiday weekend. We hope to make it out there the next time — stayed in Sandwich last time on the beach — we just ran out of time. Our Minnesota neighborhood does a Memorial Day parade with the kids. Some neighbors watch from the curb on chairs. We all meet for a picnic at the end. Old-fashioned, simple fun. 🙂
Can’t wait to try the warm potato salad! Sounds wonderful. As always love your blog. Don’t you just love spring! I have lily of the valley and I could just roll in them! lol
I can’t wait to read your next book! My birthday is in May and lily-of-the-valley is also my favorite(besides lilacs!). They don’t grow here where I live. I miss them so much.
Thanks, Susan, for the potato salad recipe. I’m not sure how to “break” whole potatoes. Do you mean potatoes should be sliced and then placed on sheet in oven? I think that might be what you meant. Wanted to be sure. If not, I need to exercise my hands so they’ll be able to “break” whole potatoes!!
Love,
Janice
You get small ones, roast them whole, and then coarsely break them up, use a fork — just not supposed to be sliced or diced — rough, like country potato salad — in the picture.
good morning Susan and good morning girlfriends…. its finally here the Memorial weekend. here we go to Grants Pass for the Boatnik celebrations and the big Memorial Day parade downtown, we have 2 antique vehicles (1930 model A coupe and a 1931 model A ford pick up truck) we drive in the parade so tomorrow we have to get up early and get those vehicles down to Grants Pass in time for the parade and later on back home again… we drive them down with a friend following us behind in our own pick up truck ( ford naturally) in case of any problems. and let me tell you driving those old cars to town is chilly, its cold in the morning and those vehicles have no heaters so we stop off at a place we like and grab breakfast… omelets, hashed brown eggs, toast, melon, and tons of hot coffee to thaw us out. Ed drives the coupe and I drive the truck. but we have fun driving in the parade and then parking at a friend’s place and watching the boat races from her back patio as she lives on the river so why fight for a seat on the riverbank when you can enjoy the races in comfort and have BBQ, pickles, potato salad and my beer margaritas. the races go on all weekend long, ending with the race down the river to the ocean and back on Memorial Day, they take off after the floating of the wreaths on the river in memory of those who gave their lives in service to our country and the flyover by the military.. last year we had antique biplanes do the flyover, it was spectacular!! there is a carnival for kids to enjoy at the riverside park and fireworks tonight and again on Sunday night. and BBQ all weekend long… I love this holiday. 🙂 lets see tomorrow the smaller sprint boats will drag race up and down the river in obstacle courses set up for them, they are timed going through the courses and thebest time or the fastest time will win, come Monday the bigger hydroplane boats will make the race to the coast and back, best time wins. its an exciting and fun weekend, and its been going on over 50 years. so I wish all of you a Happy Memorial weekend, remember to thank our vets and may you all have sunny weather, loads of BBQ and family picnics to enjoy. Happy Memorial Day everyone. hugs…. 🙂
oops meant hash browned potatoes, not eggs… too busy to think straight this morning. Have a great Memorial weekend everyone… off to go finish hanging the bunting on the porch rails….. 🙂 hugs… 🙂
My Memorial Day weekend tradition is reading your Summer book from cover to cover, and then it reigns supreme in the book stand in my kitchen until Labor Day when I repeat the process with your Autumn book. Always makes me happy. Thank you!
Have a great holiday weekend! Hope that you and Joe take some time from working inside and out to relax and play.
I’m so glad your giveaway is going on for a few more days! I think I forgot to comment before! I’m so excited for you and your first novel!! I would love to win one! Thank you for your drawings!
Ah, love seeing the delightful signs of Spring on MV!! I thought it would never arrive, which is what we’re feeling in CO–but no complaints. The fires of a few years back make me grateful for every drop of life-giving water. (even if we’re saturated)
I’m excited about the book— I know we’re all feeling Rachel’s loss of her father. A special man who I know you’ve met. What a family leader–that’s what I think all heads of families should be: great loving role models and he was indeed!!
Thinking of you and all of your writing and as an English teacher, I’m bestowing upon you my magic writing dust—-virtually, of course. I sometimes put on classical music and walked around sprinkling virtual sparkle on my students. I think it helped them.
Love you lots!!
Joann in Colorado!
I’m working on my Teetassen website. I’ll let you know when it’s really ready. (german for teacups)
xoxo
Thank you Joann! Yes, Clive, deep sigh, tears, we loved him. xoxo
I would love to visit Martha’s Vineyard some day — it sounds wonderful!
I love your garden. It is so quaint and beautiful.
We’re having a very interesting spring this year in the SouthWest – snow in April, along with the typical winds and not so typical rains. It meant I finally got to see my favorite blooms – lilac! There is no scent like it in the world! I love me a fairy tale – can’t wait for Once Upon a Time to come back on TV – their interesting twists on the typical fairy tales are so scrumptious! If you’ve not seen it, you can catch up on the abc website, and catch the new ones in the fall.
Lillie’s of the Valley are my favorite, too. Unfortunately, they don’t grow well here in FL. Thanks for the pictures. I can live vicariously through them.
Love the teaser for the book! Can’t wait for it to come out.
Thank You Susan, for the pretty photos of the Lily of the Valley, my MAY birth flower. Just beautiful. I hope you, Joe and the kitties have a wonderful kick off to summer fun this Memorial Weekend! Hip Hip for the Red, White and Blue! Enjoy Everything!
Oops! Hip Hip Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!
(I got too excited) 🙂
Your blog posts are the bright spots in my week!! Thank you Susan, I just love reading about your garden, your birdies, your kitties and your village. Yay!
Liz
Love the picture of Jack peeping above the table!
What a lovely cover of your new book with the flowers missing a petal.Í still have the dress I wear on our wedding and when our daughter married 2 years ago she had a simulair dress.
There is a song about the Lily of the Valley-think it’s Irish.
have a sunny weekend
greetings,Trudy from Holland
Dear Susan, Your blog is always so cheerful…and on some days it is a lifesaver, too. I know you will understand. Thanks for reminding us all to cherish each special God-given blessing.
I have never left a comment, but have always been meaning to tell you how much I enjoy your website, your Willards, your calendars and books! I would love to win! I recently adopted an almost three year old black and white cat, and the name he came with is Stewart. If memory serves, that’s your maiden name? Anyway, thought you’d get a kick out of that. Happy Memorial Day.
Yes it is! Nice to hear from you Chris.
Your kitchen garden is an inspiration! Someday I, too, will have a white picket fence and a garden bench to sit upon in the middle of a sweet garden full of green, growing things. Thank you for sharing your ideas and beautiful thoughts with all of us!
I am looking forward to reading your new book.
I do hope you don’t mind if I snatched the lily of the valley picture for my desk top. I miss them so much! I can just smell that scent! I so enjoy your blog to see all I can no longer see. (TX has some beautiful wildflowers though).
The parade is a wonderful tradition. I have no children in school so I don’t know what they are learning about Memorial Day. I’m probably one person that just doesn’t wish people a happy one, I’d rather they take time to remember those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.
Give the kitties a pat for me.
Just baked a new cookie bar recipe and now have your blog to enjoy while eating a bar and drinking a cup of tea! Thank you for coming by at just the right time! 🙂
I know you are working so hard, but it was great hearing from you!
Congratulations on the book!