Almost Turkey time! MUSICA ~ you have to watch the little dance that goes with this one! So sweet! Then play it again and come read . . . xoxo
Turkey dinner anyone? Yummy! Our “free range” turkeys are very calm, considering the date and all, milling around our backyard. 
That’s because they know they’re safe, culinarily unattractive with nothing to worry about. Not like these crazy babies that came running to see us a couple of years back when we pulled over to take pictures of them.
Maybe you remember them? So cute! Our wild Island turkeys are not grain fed like these cuties (except of course at our house, where they get bird food), they are mosquito and fly fed, and look pretty much inedible to me. Whenever I see these guys up there ↑ I always think maybe we will have salmon for Thanksgiving! You can’t imagine how sweet they were, and curious about us.
I just finished writing a brand new Willard (this photo is from the last one) . . . I have so many fun surprises for you! A preview of how the new book is coming along and MUCH more! It should start going out next Tuesday, so watch your mail box ~ it usually takes about four days for them all to go. Hope you love it!♥
We have been sleeping so well. And this is why ~ the sheets! They are so cozy and crisp because we’ve gotten into the habit of drying them on the line.’Course that 
will stop when it starts freezing out there, but it’s been HEAVEN, a noticeable difference, they way they feel and smell, even inspires conversation between Joe and I when we’re on our walk, saying how delicious they are. If you can do it, if it’s not already snowing on you, and there are no rules against clothes drying on your line, try it!
And while I was out there I had to take a picture of the ground. So pretty under the maple tree ~ SO gorgeous despite dastardly worm-bites from killer worms we’ve managed to attract here on the Island. But we are going to get rough with them this year and put some oil on our tree trunks where they lay their eggs to keep them from ever hatching. Still pretty, if a bit gnawed.
I gathered the sheets and took them in, and this was waiting in the window at the back kitchen door.So lucky! ♥♥♥
I had to get the sheets in before it started raining . . . 
which it did, all day yesterday. It was perfect Willard-writing weather, tires slapping the street outside my window, raindrops pattering on the glass, while I thought about what would be the perfect new Giveaway to celebrate this Willard (a surprise!) ~ it was a delightful rainstorm which inspired us to light the first fire of the season last night.
We’re having people to dinner tonight (which is why this is going to be a short post ~ I have to go cook!) I’ve been looking at some of my dinner-party table settings . . . and starting to think about Thanksgiving, which always makes me think about my grandma.♥
My grandma taught me how to set the table when I was little.
Forks on the left, knife and spoons on the right . . . Handy information I’ve used all my life.
Think I’ll go check my recipe box and see what good old recipes inspire me today. It’s raining again, a perfect day for
Off I go dear ones, out to brave the drizzle and cut the last of the marigolds for the kitchen window . . . what are you up to this weekend? I will be painting! And getting Vanna in shape for the big drawing next week. Yay! Love you, XOXO
What fun to hang sheets on the line! They do smell so fresh when you sleep on them, like nature giving you a hug. We hope to attend a Fabric Festival this weekend with our Grands and their parents. If it is not rained out that is….rain, please come again another day! 😉
Oh, how enchanting! I think I was born about 20 years too late! (sigh)
So glad to see you again Susan.
Thanks for the Musica, Sue. So sweet. It’s raining here (southern tip of Vancouver Island) as well. Also some very strong winds. All’s well though, if the ferries are still running from the Island to the Lower Mainland (Vancouver). It’s about an hour and thirty-five minute trip, usually pleasant meandering through the southern Gulf Islands and then out into the Straight of Georgia. Not so great if the winds are strong. I’m rereading Autumn for the third time now. So many good things in it. Also got out my Christmas From the Heart of the Home looking at the cookie recipes. Especially like the Annie Hall cookies. I think it’s time to find the fruitcake recipe as well. I’ve always made the same cake every year on the day of the Santa Claus parade in Toronto. I grew up there and after I married at 20, the first Christmas thing I made was a fruitcake from a recipe from Good Housekeeping (1964). Looking forward to Willard next week and Vanna. (I watch Wheel of Fortune most nights, and always think of you.
Look at us . . . windy, rainy Island in Atlantic ocean, to rainy, windy southern tip of Vancouver Island . . . talking! So lucky! Happy Cooking!
Sheets dried on the line! One of my favorites. Have the Autumn book out and ready to get busy with all of our seasonal favorites. Your turkeys made me smile as I brought two frozen birds home from the market … Only two weeks until the big day. Thanks for the Fall festivities.
XO
Jackie
You’re getting a good head start, Jackie!
You must always sense when I am having a blue day. Perfect timing : ) My Gramma was my best friend growing up. She lived up the street from us. She had and enclosed up-stairs back porch…perfect for sleep-overs in the summer time. It had an old hospital bed with a crank on it and a chenille bedspread. I loved sleeping out there. In the winter I would share her bed and we would read Readers digest magazines together. I loved calling her up and asking if I could sleep over on a Friday night. Of course, she would always say yes and exclaim that she didn’t have any goodies in the house, but somehow we always had Ice cream sodas and pop corn. We would stay up late and play killer games of Canasta and Spite and Malice. She would have her book of Hoyle on hand so we could refer to it for the game rules. She always let me win. I remember she would put a clothes pin on my cards so that I could hold on to them better. In the morning she would make me an “egg with it’s head cut off” (soft boiled) or and egg in a birds nest. She instilled in me a love for old books, and old movies and gardening. Such sweet sweet memories. She lived to be 96 and I was very lucky to have her for such a long time. I hope your dinner party goes well. Your table looks lovely. I am going to see Lydia Bastianich tomorrow evening at Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady. Do you know who she is? She’s a wonderful chef and has a Show called Lydia’s Italy on PBS. Stay warm : )
YOU are SO LUCKY — to have your grandma up the street? Oh that would have been heaven. Mine lived a drive away, so I couldn’t pop in, but I would have loved that.
I loved reading about your”Gramma” It reminded me so much of mine and things I hadn’t remembered in a long time. Although, we didn’t have that cool bed and porch. You lucky duck:) My grandma used to “bet” with those pastel candy covered licorices and although she was an excellent bridge and canasta player, I seemed to win a lot more than one would suspect:) Your writing that made me realize at 42 what happened!! Thanks for sharing!!! My grandma did a lot of those other things too Popcorn, breakfast w fun names, clothespins, and we played a game called rap. You rap (knock) 3 times when you are ready to show your cards. I know who Lydia is. She is wonderful. She used to be on Martha Stewart’s show a lot too. Hope you have great time:) Why are you having a blue day? You made my day happier. Maybe I can write something to help? hugs
good afternoon Susan, Hello girlfriends, how is everyone??? we are pricing out the turkeys here for Thanksgiving dinner, and for everyone’s info… our turkeys are more pets than meat birds… ever have a turkey come up to you and want you to pat its head and rub its chest??? well our birds do that and guard the yard along with the geese… anyone coming into our yard is immediately greeted by large white turkeys and geese flapping wings and honking or gobbling. best yard security you could ever have…LOL!!! its been cool and cloudy here and yes we have had rain and in the mountains.. snow….YAY!!! for now the turkeys are watching the geese and ducks go swimming in the pools, in icy water…BRRRR and splashing the hens and getting them wet, a favorite pastime with them. we still have gorgeous colors in our trees, the wind has not blown them all away yet. and we have our fires in the morning and evening to warm the house up. also good time of year for soups simmering on the stove and stews. my grandma would have been right at home here, and enjoying chasing the turkeys off the porch with the broom, and chasing the geese out of the sheds…. she also chased the goats out of her garden with her broom.. she could swing a mean broom. I accidentally discovered a novel way to serve up soup for supper, biscuits. try cooking up some biscuits and splitting them in half and buttering them, the serve soup over the biscuits, a good thick soup please, like biscuits and gravy only its soup and biscuits and its a warming, hearty meal for these chilly Fall days and night. don’t you just love this time of the year?? I sure do, Happy Fall everyone!!!! hugs….. 🙂
the best soup for serving over biscuits is like a chowder, not thin like chicken soup or beef barley, thick and hearty. you should try this sometime and even beef stroganoff over biscuits is good. enjoy…. 🙂
Biscuits and gravy was one of my favorite “after Thanksgiving” meals . . . with strips of dark meat over the buttered biscuits and then hot gravy poured over, salt and pepper, YUM.
we do that with leftover turkey, nothing like hot biscuits with leftover turkey and gravy on top…. and we add leftover cranberry relish. perfect dinner for in a hurry!!!
Yes, I meant dark meat Turkey! 🙂
One of my favorites also!!
Carol M
Love it Pat!
Your home sounds lovely. I would love to see that with the turkeys, geese, and leaves. I would be glad to pet them!!!! How sweet. I had no idea that they would like that. (Now feeling extremely guilty about the Butterball in my freezer:( ) I love your biscuit idea… especially that it is a buttered biscuit:) Thanks for sharing xoxo
we haven’t seen our wild turkeys yet. and this is their mating season also hunting season so I imagine the birds are laying low for now. just finished with deer season… and I am glad to see that go, no more hunters crossing on our property to get the deer herd that hangs around our property. well off to go get the laundry into the dryer…. later everyone… hugs… 🙂
I well remember my mom hanging the sheets out on the clothes line while growing up. Until a few years ago the line was still up (I live in the house I grew up in) I well remember having to explain to a neighbors chile what it was …had no clue that you didn’t always need a dryer to get your clothes dry 🙂
Ha ha ha!
Two weeks ’til Thanksgiving! It is always such an exciting time. I love it! As I walk my Maudie in the morning I keep trying to catch that leaf that trickles down. You’re right, it isn’t easy.
Much fun to you and your dinner guests!
No, I like it, you have to WORK for that wish! 🙂
Have anxiously been awaiting a post; it is a dreary day here in Michigan with high wind alerts and voila! There is a post from my favorite person…YOU! A bright spot in my day! I also dry my wash on the outdoor line…there is nothing like it. That fresh smell and crinkly feel just spells “home”. And grandmas….oh, my how I do miss mine. She was always in the kitchen in her apron cooking something totally delicious. I loved waking up to Don McNeils Breakfast Club on the radio and enjoying her yummy homemade cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate for breakfast. Then we would watch for the huckster. He had a wagon pulled by a big horse. He sold fresh veggies and fruits. You could hear the horses hooves on the old brick street many blocks away. I would get so excited cause he would let me pet his horse. The horse wore blinders and I was so fascinated with them…I would put my hands besides my eyes just to see what it would be like to wear them. He was a burly man with a big mustache and so gentle and kind. Then grandma and I would go inside and share a piece of melon..so sweet and delicious. Wow you got me reminiscing way back. Such joy and memories! That adorable kitty at the back door was the final touch. Who could resist that face! Looking forward to the Willard, it will be super I am sure. Blessings and Love to you and yours and happy memories too!
It’s the gift of aging that we can remember amazing things that just don’t exist anymore. I missed the whole horse period, but LOVED hearing your story. Love to you Lin. xoxo
This always helped me setting the table – fork and left have 4 letters, knife, spoon and right have 5 letters. Works for me. I wonder if we could bottle that clothes line dried fragrance and sell it like Thoreau’s “Morning Air”. Always, thanks for sharing you lovely life with us.
Smart!
Sleeping on line-dryed sheets is the most wonderful smell of all – along with apples, cinnamon, falling leaves, wood fires and the crispness of the air. Fall and Thanksgiving are the most magical and beautiful seasons full of love and family, no presents, and is our favorite time of the year. Five of our six children are scattered about in California and Colorado, and I miss them all so much at Thanksgiving. We will be with the daughter in NC for Thanksgiving along with the granddaughters and five great grands. Enough love to go around and we will be cooking for two days. Love all the time to be spent in the kitchen. May yours be just as magical and warm and over flowing with love. Judy C
Thank you Judy!
Nice blog about lots of my favorite things! When we moved here we had an umbrella clothes pole. I loved hanging the laundry out. Not 3-4 weeks later..our HOA sent us a formal letter telling ( not asking) us to take it down. We rent here…but are househunting in another state with acreage and NO HOA!
Yes, you don’t think to ask something like that until you’re THERE and it’s too late.
I think that was why we moved here to Oregon, no HOA to deal or bother with and we can hang our laundry out any time we feel like it. we used to live in a condo (rented) and that HOA was a regular pain. you couldn’t leave packages out by the front door ( what the heck you are supposed to do if one arrives and is left and you are not home I have no idea), and no plants or flowers along the walls, on the patios or near the front door.. we moved out of there in a hurry and rented a house near the beach, it was in another HOA and we stayed there until Ed got out of the Navy and we headed for Oregon and home. we own our home now, no HOA here and we like it that way!!!
You did your time!
Oh my gosh, that crazy ‘Enter’ key jumped up and hit my little finger before I even had a good start! I remember your turkey video! ‘Poor boys’ while they’re walking around but ‘yummy big bird’ when they’re all roasted proper on the Big Day! Thanksgiving 1954 is forever seared in my memory, because it was the year my Aunt Barbara decided to have Hawaiian Chicken instead of the traditional tom turkey. It would have been okay IF our family of ten aunts and uncles, 14 cousins, and Grandma and Grandpa had not had turkey every Thanksgiving for the last eleventy-seventy years before that day.
I remember the ‘other’ aunts whispering to each other and peeking into the oven. They were mercifully nice to Aunt Barbara, who, after all, was the youngest of the aunts. However, I doubt that any of her four sisters-in-law thought her youth was any excuse for such a faux pas, but they let it go, except for every five years when it was her turn to host Thanksgiving, which, of course, was cause for a lot of speculation.
Such sweet words about your grandma. She sounds a lot like my Grandma Powell, and you are so right, Susan — nothing on earth can make up for the loss of someone who loved you. I love the picture of you at the table with your grandma. How nice to be able to just pick that picture up and be there once again with your family! Was your mom the one behind the camera? 🙂
Your table settings look as delicious as your recipes! Six of us old friends from elementary school are getting together next week in our hometown, and I had been trying to figure out a little something to take for each of them, and then I had the perfect idea. I have some really cute, gift-sized loaf pans, in which I’m going to bake your recipe for Cranberry-Apple Crisp and then include the recipe written out in longhand on one of your recipe cards. Isn’t that a ‘sweet’ idea? And, thanks to you, they are going to love it!
I bet your house smells divine about now! And the table is all sparkly and beautiful, fire in the fireplace, and lots of laughter and good conversation! You are one blessed Fairy Tale Girl! Thanks for taking the time to pop in and make us smile, Susan. xoxo
🙂 Sara 🙂
Yes, my mom was the one with the camera! So funny about your Aunt Barbara! Live and Learn. Tradition is almost more important than any other part of a holiday . . . the family foundation. HAWAIIAN CHICKEN? Mercy! 🙂 People will LOVE your “sweet” gift, Sara! xoxo
Love your story Sara. Cute!
Sara, I was the one that commented on your first little “enter” slip …just found this one just now…. disregard what I said, you have the Soul of true Girlfriend and you already have found your path. Susan P.
Hello Susan! What an adorable Autumn posting of your world on Martha’s Vineyard! Those turkeys sure do have a personality! And handsome Jack, with his precious furry paws seems to stand watch by the door, keeping an eye on YOU until your return!!!! I think Grandma’s were put on this earth to teach us the finer touches of life. Mine also taught me the proper place settings, and I have her old wooden spoon which is so similar to yours…..Good idea for adding to the decor of the center piece!!!!
Thank you Susan for today’s post, as it truly cheered my spirits, as it is day 21 that my son has had a fever, due to acute mono he’s been diagnosed with……at age 26. So surprised grown adults can catch this nasty virus, always thought it was for teenagers. He is doing better, but so very fatigued, even though temps are low grade now. Can’t wait for the Willard to arrive, as this will be my special treatment treat, after taking care of my Steven. You are like sunshine for a cloudy day!!!!!!!! Take care of yourself Susan, my fingers are crossed that your dinner party is a wonderful success!!!!!
Love to you and Steven, it sounds like he is on the way back. Very nasty illness. But he has you. xoxo
My 28 year old brother got mono and I too was surprised. I nursed him back to health after his lymph nodes made him look like Frankenstein:( Tell him not to push too hard because it can come back if you do too much. Sending well wishes and hugs to you both:)
I didn’t know you have free-range turkeys. My little brother keeps a couple of chickens; they used to be “free-range” until we found out they couldn’t stay out of my flower bed…I kind of miss having them “free-range.” They added to a picturesque view 🙁 Hope you don’t have that problem with your turkeys.
Beautiful little set up with your table. Have a jolly dinner party, it looks like it will be a blast!
Well, we don’t HAVE them, they just wander around the Island. The word “free” is the operative word, going perfectly with the word “range.” They just show up. And are so funny. From my studio window, I see their heads go rushing by to get to the bird feeders where they pick up all the fallen seed.
we have our chickens, they have a huge pen they roam around in and can do as they please, they are not caged and quite happy in their pen. I think at times they are quite spoiled they get tons of snacks, fresh fruit and veggies, and they have a nice warm barn to sleep in. they used to range free all over the back yard but they would not stay out of the veggie gardens and pumpkin patch, and they even wandered out on to the road and I had all the fun of chasing them back into the yard, and believe me I got tired of that. so we built a huge pen and keep them in there… they are free to range around, but in the yard or gardens.
Thanks for your update and a reminder to reflect on holidays at grandma and grandpa’s house (in my case, Nannie and Deda’s house). She kept the traditions going, both at Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Seven of us grandchildren, her two daughters and their husbands, and when older, a boyfriend thrown in the mix, so we had a nice number. Nannie had those Johnson Bros. Barnyard King dishes, so we used them for both occasions. Christmas Eve there were presents going almost five feet out from the tree, so we were all well gifted with presents. Wonderful memories of a happy childhood!
I love to dry my sheets outside too, but about the only time I can do it is in the spring and early summer. After that I risk sun dried sheets with bird and bug poop on them. Eeeeew.
Perfect! and Cozy. Thanks so much. Lottsa Love to You.
Hi, I love Fall. Clothes dried on a clothesline smell so wonderful! The sheets and towels are a little bit scratchy, but who cares when they smell so good! My grandmother (we called her Nannie) taught me to set a table, too! We put a beautiful pink tablecloth on her dining room table covered with a lace tablecloth and set the table for her bridge ladies luncheon. We always used the good silver for the ladies!
I always thought they were too scratchy so I didn’t dry them on the line, but when we were in England we made the discovery of how delicious they actually were, and have never looked back. Love your Nannie!
Oh, I’m imagining the delicious smell of bedding that was dried on the line outside. We moved to a town home in upstate NY and unfortunately, don’t have room for a line in our tiny courtyard. So, I’ll just have to be happy looking at your photo of sheets blowing in the wind while I use my imagination. Happy November.
Nothing better than fresh sheets off the line! Getting too cold here to do that now. Don’t you just love the change of seasons? I had to mail The Fairy Tale Girl to a couple of my friends right away. Just couldn’t wait to send them for Christmas gifts!! They love everything Susan Branch, too! Two of my granddaughters (college graduates and sisters} are engaged to be married next year – – one this January, and the other next September. So each one got a copy of your Autumn book this fall to help them “get started” on their new lives. They were so thrilled. This is going to be a fun year. Turned my fireplace on this week for the first time, too. So now I’m going to go sit by the fire, have a bowl of home made soup, and make lists of a million things to do for the holidays. Time goes so quickly. Eagerly awaiting the next Willard and sending warm hugs from Minnesota. Ruthie
Thank you for always bringing sunshine. Your books and blog posts always make me smile.
The rain and wind are lashing the windows here as I write. Darkness has fallen and the smell of roasting chicken and potatoes is filling the house. Your posts are full of the loveliness that makes everyday a gift. By the way, I finished your book within a day or two of receiving it in the mail. Loved it! And the songs that kept running through my head for days…all the ones I used to listen to. You captured that era so well! I was in high school in the early 70s, so most of the brouhaha was something I observed rather than lived. I can hardly wait for the next book. Hope your dinner party went well. What did you prepare?
Oh I just gave the menu in the last comment! So happy you liked the book, thank you Lorrie!
Are there seriously places that don’t allow people to have clotheslines? I didn’t realize that. I’m looking forward to Willard.
Yes, like condo complexes, or gated communities where they’ve made those rules.
Love the musica and movie, grand. Such a cheery surprise to hear from you today, now I’m curious to know what you served to your guests, need inspiration.
Keep up the lovely notes, long isn’t as important as often.
Merci “buckets”.
P.S. Mr. Bowlly is swell, never heard of him but won’t forget him now.
He is very swell! Well, Joe is a MEAT MAN. And he wanted to make giant steaks for the MEAT MEN in his life . . .so we had two things, we had, MEAT (giant rib eye steaks), and we had crusty salmon for the girls. And a huge salad with all the lettuce from the farmer’s market, with apples, red peppers, cucumbers, homemade dressing and butter-bit croutons.
Sounds delish! Thanks, simple is best.
I loved visiting my gramma. I loved sitting with her while she crocheted. She was so happy that I was interested and lovingly showed me simple stitches that I have never forgotten. As far as I know I am the only grandchild who was taught how to crochet. Every time I pick up a crochet hook I think of her and how lucky I am.
Joan, I loved reading about your visits with your Gramma! I am so happy that you were taught how to crochet by her…that is so special! It brought back some memories of one of my Grandmothers, and how she adored doing needlework of all kinds…especially crocheting. She did try to teach me to crochet, but alas! I am a leftie, and she couldnt reverse it for me. lol. However, she made made so many beautiful things that I treasure. 🙂 Your Gramma must have just loved to sit with you and share time with you! ….xxxxxxxx
Now that I am a grandma, I am so glad to have Louisa May Alcott’s quote! Thank you for not only the wonderful photos and art work, but also all the wonderful quotes you give us. Makes a day beautiful!
I used to put all my towels and sheets on the clothesline, but we had to get rid of it when two of my sons developed terrible seasonal allergies; one in spring and the other in fall. Your picture makes me miss that. I even loved the homey feeling of hanging things on the line.
I think I saw Carson and Mrs. Hughes taking a twirl in the dance video! 😀
Cute!
Grannies and turkeys and November, the heart is filled with memories! My Mom’s parents lived on a farm in Pennsylvania where Jack Palance bought a local turkey farm when I was a little girl. It was very exciting to drive up to get our turkey, bundling up in Grampop’s big sedan, Gra’mom in her blue coat, (the one with the fur collar she only ever wore to Mass on Sundays). We children had to be on our best behavior, not stare or giggle or ask impertinent questions. I was too awed to say a word and looked at my elders in wide-eyed reverence that they spoke to the great man like he was a regular person! The turkeys are long gone, but the tales of Jack Palance’s Turkeys lives on in our house every Thanksgiving. The wind is blowing the leaves off every tree here, and soon only the brave evergreens will color the autumn landscape. Thank you for sharing your world with us, dear Susan, and Happy Thanksgiving to all the girlfriends!
Lovely story!
Sweet inspiring Susan. Oh how I loved your turkeys, and the little face waiting for you as you bring in the lovely, fragrant linens. The menu planning and expecting company, what a delight. OH and Grandma memories. I have some, and when cleaning and I run across her handwriting, I cry a bit. I was her favorite and she was mine. I was the first grandchild and we adored each other. Happy painting this weekend, I am cleaning the house, getting ready for a double birthday party for friends on Tuesday. And they do not know it yet, but it will be a Pie Party. Meat pie like a pastie and salad, then 5 pies for dessert hidden in the dining room with candles. Do you have a hard time keeping secrets like a surprise pie party. I am. I want to share because it will make the ladies so happy, but I want to see their happy and amazed faces when I send them in for dessert. LOL I can hardly wait. So happy painting to you while I am happily cleaning for friends. Then a new puppy on the 21st and Thanksgiving here for 20 plus. My cup runneth over with joy.
Thank you bunny bunches for this wonderful post.
Love and bunny hugs,
Shirley
PIE PARTY!!! How fun! I have a TERRIBLE time keeping secrets. I do it, but I hate it. I want to tell, tell, tell. Keeping quiet about the surprises in the new Willard is torture! New puppy! Your cup does runneth over!
OH SHIRLEY! A Pie Party sounds sooooo wonderful! When I read this, I realized that I have never heard of one before….but it sounds like the best party EVER!!! One that I will definitely have to try. My hubby is the pickiest eater in the world, God love him, but one thing he adores is a good pie! Thank you for your inspiration! Happy Thanksgiving and Pie Party for your girlfriends! xxxxxxx 🙂
Susan,
I think the sheets on the line smell even better in the fall…so crisp and clean. I love that you enjoy the outdoors so much…from your walks, to ‘talking turkey’, to the fallen leaves and horrors, those worms!
Looking forward to Willard!! Just finished Fairy Tale Girl. You are an excellent writer and your story is as delightful as it is fascinating.
Jane xxx
Thank you Jane, so nice to hear that! Makes me want to RUN to finish book two!
What are we doing this weekend? I got all the gals at our scrapbooking class at the Sr. Center to make ornaments from paper, egg cartons, paper towel tubes, magazine covers, etc. On Saturday we’re going to bring a Christmas tree to the Red Mill Museum in Clinton NJ and decorate it with all our ornaments and it will go into their Festival of Trees display (Nov 27 – Dec 6). There will be a silent auction for all the donated trees and wreaths with the money going to the Mill. I made the tree skirt from butcher’s paper and the Sunday comics. This project was a blast! Our tree is titled “Go Green for Christmas”…… I’ll tweet a picture of the tree after it’s dressed.
Sounds fantastic! So creative!
One of the best smells in all the world is line dried sheets! I wish they could bottle it, but all those chemical attempts don’t even come close to that fantastic fresh air dried laundry smell. I miss it so much as I now live where hanging laundry outside is frowned upon. Maybe I can sneak a small line into my back yard….
Yes on the porch or something. I think if everyone made a deal NOT to put underwear out there, it should be okay!
I’ve used a clothesline all my life. Laundry flapping on the line is so comforting somehow. And I agree, for sheets the freshness is beyond compare!
Too bad about those little green worms. Maybe you can get some of those parasitic flies known as Cyzenis albicans to eat them all up!
Enjoy your dinner party and give the kitties a squeeze for me!
I was reading about them. I love the idea! Anything where we don’t have to use pesticide! Kitties properly squeezed Liz, thank you!
Hi! Just wanted to mention that I really enjoyed the Musica, so elegant. I was guessing it would be a turkey trot, and not knowing anything about turkey trots, I was expecting something a tad riotous. But maybe turkey trots Are elegant.
Thanks again for sharing. This blog was perfect reading on this rainy day. Some how they always fit the day. XX
Thank you Dee!
Your table settings are always inspiring, Susan. I believe it is so important to not only have a wonderful dinner for guests, but to also set the mood for the meal. Your presentation of setting and food most surely makes your guests feel welcome! Hope you had a lovely time~
It was just wonderful, only six of us, so we were all huddled over the food, talk talk talk . . . Frank singing in the background, candles lit, wind blowing at the windows, it was so nice.
Good to see I’m not the only one who still dries clothes on the line! I finally finished your book yesterday, although I made it last as long as I could. Looking forward to the next one!
Soon!
Always fun to see your posts. Glad you got your fire going! Makes it so cozy!! Use to love those clean sheets, no way to replace that smell and freshness!! Looking forward to your new Willard!! My grandma taught me the table settings too… Blessings!!
XOXO to you too Gert.
The photo of Jack is an ad for Meow Mix, if I ever saw one. They should send you a check.
HA!
Love these fall posts! You got me thinking about my granny, who was not at all like my friends grandma’s. She was a chorus line dancer in a speak easy during prohibition and could still kick her foot over her head and do the splits at age 80. I’m 20 years younger and not even close. She could swear like a sailor, but also loved quilting, cooking and needle arts and taught me to love the same. Sigh, missing her.
Can you imagine living in a place where you can’t hang out your sheets?! It’s becoming a sad world. Enjoy your weekend Susan 🙂
Cheers!
I get it in close areas and feel lucky to live in open space where my laundry doesn’t bother anyone. Love your grandma! My mom had a best friend that was sort of like that, although now chorus line, but she was funny and sometimes she used swear words, which was WILDNESS in our household. I loved her.
Every once in awhile when I need a “Girlfriend fix” and am waiting for a new blog post, I go look at some of your old ones. Last night I read the one about your collection of little vases and was so inspired I went out and clipped the last lonely roses that survived the weekend wind and gathered up my little “vases” – mainly sugar and creamers that had belonged to my mother-in-law. Had such fun puttering around the house, arranging them here and there. We don’t have slug or worm problems but we do have killer snails that love my petunias! Hope you have a marvelous, warm and cozy Thanksgiving. One thing I’m thankful for this year is you, Susan, and for all of the ways you have brought joy into the heart of our homes!
Makes me so happy to hear that Marilyn . . . I love that little puttering too. 🍁
My daughter taught my granddaughter how to set the table. All those forks and knives – who can remember. Well, at Thanksgiving last year, her great aunt was quizzing my granddaughter about the silverware. Finally she asked her what the small fork was for, and not missing a beat, my sweet granddaughter said “that’s for when the other one falls on the floor!”
Ah…..sweet memories. Had to share – hope it made you smile. My best to you. Marge
Cute!
If that family photo is a shot of your Grandmother, I must say you look so very much like her!!! Amazing resemblance !!!
I am not allowed a clothesline but I still put out my sheets and laundry all summer long…..I drape them over the glass patio table and all the lawn chairs as it takes them no time at all to dry in the 104 degree temps we had most of the summer!! Where there’s a will there is a way!!! Ha!! I would be a very wealthy woman if I could somehow bottle the smell of air dried laundry!!!!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Linda from Idaho where we had a beautiful sunny 50 degree day today!!!
Yes, that’s my grandma . . . thank you! Love your solution to “no clothesline!”
Well, as you can see, I can’t sleep but voila! I opened my email and found this wonderful post from you. Thanks for that very nice surprise. It’s raining here in upstate NY but that’s okay…it’s not snow (yet!).
I also love line dried sheets – nothing like the smell of the great outdoors. And when a neighbor has a fire going, it sometimes permeates the sheets…heavenly! Have a wonderful Friday Susan!
Short but sweet; perfect. I was visiting Oregon last week (from California) and took same pix as you – beautiful colored leaves on the ground. So Autumn and so gorgeous. Plan to use them for Thanksgiving cards…better get a move on to get them made.
Yes, almost here!
Good morning, Susan! I had a feeling I should check and see
if you had checked in …and by gosh, here you are!! And what a beautiful
entry!
I miss my Grandma ,too…especially at this time of year.
When I was younger…(and places seemed so far apart because it was
awhile until there were Interstates, etc.)… Thanksgiving was one of
the only times we saw her and my Grandpa all year long. So it was always
very special! (I am not sure she smelled as good as your grandma did, though!)
😮
I had to laugh when I read your adjective “culinarily unattractive”. I will remember that one though…It happens to describe what too often happens in MY kitchen… especially over the Holidays! 🙂
Hope your dinner party went well (I am sure it did!)…If you can still find marigolds for your kitchen window, I think you are doing pretty well there in Martha’s compared to our weather! (I think I am jealous!!) I do love the Fall…and Winter though, really! We have not lit our fireplace yet…but I bet it won’t be long now!!
Take care, dear girl…and enjoy the weather and sights in between your writing and painting! We all will be looking forward to WILLARD…AND your new book!!
(I am in the middle of “The Fairy Tale Girl” now and I just love it!…I don’t get to read as often as I would like, but I am thoroughly enjoying it!! It just adds a kinda magical sparkle to my evening!!…I am so glad, too, for you… that you were able to write it while so many people are still in your life to enjoy and appreciate it. Thank you so much for writing it!!)
Have a great day and a nice weekend!!
<3
Thank you Judy ~ so glad you’re enjoying the book!
I am very VERY much enjoying the book!!
I just had to write back a P.S. because a dear friend of mine sent me the sweetest video…and I know you and the girlfriends will just love, love, LOVE it!!
greatbig.is/1kMZTGn
It will make you smile, laugh, cry and think. 🙂 …And all at once! Just wanted to let you know of it!!
Take care…and have a wonderful weekend!!
<3
Well, here in drought-y old SoCal, our nights have actually cooled down and we’re working in the yard and around the house to get rain-ready…because talk persists about the El Nino rains which won’t break the drought but which will deluge us for awhile. This, of course, is nothing we’ve been accustomed to for a very long time…rain?? what is rain???…so, we’re clearing drains and roof gutters, inspecting the roof (roofers are busy; a LOT of homeowners are doing last-minute new roofs!). I’ve got good protective, insulated igloos out, filled with fresh straw, for the feral/wild kitties and we even constructed a little ‘house’ outside for them so that we have a dry place to keep their food and water. We’ve bricked in low places in the yard so that we won’t be out there sloshing around in mud…there’s so much loose dirt from the drought where it’s been hard to grow stuff; a lot of rooted greenery just plain died, so what we have instead is baby-powder-soft dirt which, when wet, is like chocolate pudding mud…and we’ve secured certain stored stuff with new tarps, had our yard guy put in new and sturdy vertical supports for our young trees planted last year (I almost lost a golden medallion tree in the wind this week; its supports broke and it was ON THE GROUND, bent over; I felt like I was going to faint away but it didn’t break; however, the wind was so fierce that it blew over our large, heavy patio table and the glass top broke into a million pieces even though we’d collapsed the umbrella). We’ve de-weeded and put down new jute netting on the loose parts of the hillside behind us to hopefully prevent any mudslides; what can I say, we’re a flurry of activity and will be finishing up with everything this weekend. And then, we wait. We NEED that rain!
And I’ve been trying, sort of unsuccessfully, to resist the urge to buy into the early Christmas inventory in all the stores. Did I hear this right, that it’s Nordstrom who has refused to ‘merge’ the holidays (i.e., go straight from Halloween to Christmas, skipping over Thanksgiving retail) but will treat each holiday as its own separate and distinct thing…
But, I have to gloat, for the first time in probably 25 years, I actually have my Christmas-gift shopping DONE. And, no more pulling an all-nighter on Christmas Eve, wrapping gifts at the last minute. I’ve tried really hard to plan better this year and I’m feeling relieved. Being organized usually eludes me, so it’s my own little Christmas miracle this year!
Your carpet of leaves, even though wormy, is gorgeous. I’m afraid if I hang linens on the line that birds are going to poop on them because we have a ton of birds and I feed them (we attract them). Have you escaped poop events for the linens on the line? Oh, and I know nothing of turkeys; it bothers me that the ones we eat are friendly and have a personality. Makes me want to just have all side dishes for Thanksgiving and skip the bird. Hmmm…
Congratulations on that Christmas Shopping ~ it must feel wonderful Vicki!
Hi Susan ! Your post cheered me up. I’m awake…can’t sleep, and just saw that there was a new post from you. I broke my ankle (fibula) yesterday morning, and am sleeping on a sofa downstairs, as I can’t go up steps yet. I have a soft cast on till the swelling goes down, and will get a hard cast in a few days. Until then I can’t go up the steps. Can’t wait till Thanksgiving…what a fun time of year we have coming up ! The pic of sweet Jack made me especially happy. I just love seeing Jack and Girl, they are such pretty kitties. Take care-I’ll be waiting for that Willard ! xoxo
Poor baby! I’m so sorry! This too shall pass, but I broke my wrist a few years ago and it’s just such a pain, in many many more ways than one. Sending love xoxo
Sending get well wishes and warm fuzzies xoxo:)
We just have had two gorgeous days! Now the cold is moving in, but that is the way it should be in November. On Wednesday Arnie had a day off and we drove up to Jamestowne, VA. We also saw the Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg. Yesterday I popped into a shop in Norfolk called Table 7. I found a 40s/50s tablecloth with a Christmas bell and holly print and some glasses from the 50s. Good for some egg nog! Custard milk from a local dairy is my downfall this time of year. I like it better than the egg nog.
🍂🍁🍄🍂🍁😊
I wonder what the difference is? Not so thick?
Oh it is thick, maybe not so eggie for sure not spicy. Like liquid custard ice cream. Or lets say it tastes like homemade baked custard.
My last hibiscus 🌺 flower is trying to bloom, but it is 58 degrees this AM.
We started bringing our hibiscus in for the winter a couple of years ago, and it does FANTASTICALLY well, even in this furnace-generated world we live in. Blooms all winter! It’s huge now, we take it to the porch for the summer.
That’s what I have been doing too. I don’t know weather I should deliver it to a friend here or up North. I may be displaced in Winter and I want it to have a home. LOL
Good morning Susan. So nice to see a post up today. I know you posted yesterday, but I was at work and didn’t see it until this morning. I love your pictures of the fall leaves and the sheets on the line. It reminds me of my Granny. She lived with us when I was growing up and we didn’t have a clothes dryer. She would wash and hang the clothes, outside in the milder weather and in the basement in the winter. We had radiators in our house, so the basement was warm. I miss her terribly and think of her often these days. Love seeing sweet Jack kitty looking so hopefully out the window. Have a lovely weekend.
You too Charlotte!
Crisp, but buttery is how I would describe sheets dried on the line. The next best thing besides that wonderful fresh smell, is that they look as if they have been ironed! Whenever I hang sheets on the line or bake an apple pie I never fail to think of my Grandma Steckman. She has been gone a long time, but I keep her in my heart where she lives forever. And my other Grandmother, my dad’s mother lived with us for 22 years, so growing up I never knew what it was like to be without a grandma! Just like the Walton’s!
I can’t believe it is soon Thanksgiving! Jim makes the dressing and I think he is still up to it and I do the rest. Possibly my favorite holiday because it is all about the food!!
So looking forward to Willard!
Still having lovely weather out this way.
Chris
Don’t you feel that those things, hanging sheets on the line, baking an apple pie, make the world a better place? I really do! xoxo Sending love to you and Jim.
Yes I do!
Lovely, lovely, lovely, Susan. It’s all lovely although I feel a bit sad for all those turkeys… I, too, adore the fresh fragrance of clothes dried on the line, especially sheets and towels (I don’t mind the rough feel of them, they soon soften). Thanks again for all the ideas that inspire and those that bring memories! I’m sure your dinner party was much appreciated by all, including you. Hurrying to take my grandchildren to school on a rainy day in Vermont.
Thank you again, Sally
You’re welcome Sally!
So love your blog. Thank you for doing this and for the wonderful photos of Jack and Girlie. My Aunt Nell, who was an extension agent, gave me a good way to remember how to set the knife, fork and spoon. Knife and spoon have 5 letters as does “right” and fork has 4 letters as does “left”. I noticed that you set the napkin under the forks. Is that correct also? She did not give me any quick little way to remember which side the napkin stays.
It goes on the left, but I sometimes put it outside the fork, or just drape it across the plate. I think you can be a little creative.
Hello Susan! One of my favorite, favorite things to do is to hang the clothes outdoors, and then fold and smell them! It’s very special. Where I currently live, clotheslines are not allowed. However, I sometimes sneak my little Ikea rack to the back porch, and hang the clothes and linens outside! Shhhhhh! Don’t tell!!! XOXOX, Ann
Where there’s a will, there’s a way! xoxo
I can’t wait for a new Willard!! Just in time for Thanksgiving, which is one of the very best holidays ever! Who doesn’t love a delicious home cooked meal with family and friends? You are lucky to be able to have wild turkeys to watch nearby. Aren’t their colors simply beautiful? It is a good thing for me that turkeys come at the supermarket ready to cook ’cause I could never shoot one of those beautiful birds!
We had about two weeks of 88-90 degree humid weather and it felt strangely like summer again and not two weeks before Thanksgiving! We did get a rain and somewhat cooler temps, so there is hope again. Cooking with the AC on in shorts is a bit uninspiring to me when it comes to making a big Thanksgiving dinner.
Have you ever had Thanksgiving outside in your backyard? I’ve seen photos of a long table with mixed chairs, benches, lots of wool blankets and rustic touches like hay bales with pumpkins and mums scattered about. It seems like a delicious setting of chilly, yummy, and exciting! One needs a floor of fallen colored leaves, and woodsmoke from a fire pit close by. Everyone has rosy cheeks and bright scarves on their necks and warm wool socks under boots. In my imagination, Martha’s Vineyard would be the ideal place for such a holiday setting!
Hope you have been having a great week! Your post of sheets on the line and plans for the upcoming holiday make me long for that Walton kind of Thanksgiving atmosphere. Walton’s mountain was not far from where I grew up in Virginia and I have been there to visit. Like all of the places in the BlueRidge mountains, it is lush and hilly and full of the charm.
Hi Blog Daddy! Hope you are having a great week too!
You’re probably right. If we had to shoot things ourselves, our diets would probably radically change. I have no problem strangling a zucchini!
Okay, so now I’ve cried this morning…because I miss my sweet Granny too! She actually lived with us and I never knew a day without her until she died when I was twenty three. I remember when I was a teeneager one summer; I became very sick. Being the oldest of six children, there was much goings on in our home, and my mother was busy with work…but my Granny took care of me and fixed me some warm stewed tomatoes with apple cider vinegar. She really was the sweetest person I’ve ever known. Yes, a house definitely needs a grandma in it!
I always love your choice of music! You should compile a CD of Susan Branch favorites!
Love all this grandmother talk. Makes them alive again. And the CD, wouldn’t that be WONDERFUL. I would love to do it. Of course every song would need permission, that would probably cost a pretty penny!
itunes.apple.com/us/album/top-hits-of-the-1930s/id298330518
is a sampling of 1930s hits! Kind of pricey but still an interesting list to reference. 🙂
Excellent! Thank you Sharrie!
Good morning, our weather is finally cool enough to call it Fall. I enjoyed the blog so much today. I am late ordering your book, but I will do it TODAY! Because yesterday I went to a plain ole’ bookstore to buy one, and THEY DID NOT HAVE IT! (They could order it. But I said “No thanks! I will just order it from Susan Branch herself!”) Any chance there are still copies that are signed?
Beautiful pictures and beautiful Grandmother thoughts. I woke up thinking about one of my beloved grandmothers this morning. (Isn’t that odd? Just before reading your blog?) I loved her to the moon and back, and I treasure everything she taught me! She taught me to laugh, and love others, and a little bit about everything I know and do everyday. What I wouldn’t give to sit and share a cup of coffee with her this morning and tell her how much I love her and thank her.
It’s part of what we do that ALL my books we sell from the web site are signed . . . so yes is the answer to that! It’s the grandmother time of the year I think! “Love her and thank her.” You make me cry!
Oh, please don’t cry. However, some things you write and paint make me cry! Your words and your work speak to my heart and so many others. At 65 years of age, a lot of things bring a tear to my eye, but I just try not to get stuck there. I have collected your work since the days of your recipes appearing in Country Living. I have most of your books, and I still collect many of your things. You have a gift of sharing REAL feelings through your art, and those sentimental feelings come flooding over me. Since I am a grandmother myself now, I am very aware of the memories I hope I am sharing with my grandchildren. (Cooking with them is NOT one of them, though.) You are truly and inspiration to all of us. I count you as a “Secret Pal” kind of friend. I know I will probably never get to see you or meet you in person (although I do wish you could come to Texas), but I do feel like you ARE my friend, and I enjoy sharing thoughts with you. Have a wonderful “fall-filled” weekend.
We’re going to try for Austin Texas in the spring. I know it’s a big state, but we’re going to get as close to you Texans as we can . . . you are a very long drive! 🙂 Love, your secret pal.
Bless your heart! You made my day! I will watch for your announcement! There is a wonderful antique show only held twice a year at Round Top, Texas. It is actually many different shows, all at the same time with hundreds of vendors. I’m sure someone has already told you about it. It is between Austin and Houston. Late March, early April. Try to see it!
I’ve heard of it, but have never made it there. I think we won’t get to Texas until June, sorry to say, would have LOVED it. But still looking forward to Austin, never been there either!
The pic of ‘Kitty’ in window is priceless. Always gives me a warm smile and melts my heart to see my Sami in window when I come in, what more can I say.
Love though Kittys.
Oui!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for the sweet, cozy blog post. It was fun to see your turkey friends. I have heard of places that do not allow clotheslines…that’s just crazy. I can’t even imagine. I’m glad I live in a rural neighborhoodwhere my sheets and blankets can do their sunshine dance.
Love you!
xoxoJanet
Sheets on the line, a perfectly-set welcoming table, and memories of GRANDMA. What lovely thoughts and memories those conjure—I’ve BEEN the Grandma for the past few decades, and am preparing this week for four of the GRANDS and their parents to arrive on 21st for the week. What a blessing, and I have such a list of plans to choose from—definitely making cookie houses. Not gingerbread houses, but small cardboard shapes that I cut out and construct, then we attach all manner of cookies and pretzels and candies all over them with homemade icing.
I must away to all this house-righting, for the washer just spun the last load of sheets of our own, and all those small preparations need my attention. Six beds and cooking ahead will fill up the days til they arrive.
rachel
Hi Susan! Loved seeing the sheets drying on the line. I put my laundry outside over the fence or hanging over a chair here and there. My yard is also small. I grew up before anyone had dryers and I loved doing the laundry and still do to this day. We would pull in our frozen solid clothes off the line in Winter and put them on the radiators all over the house. Too funny! I am so looking forward to Willard. Have a lovely day.
How could I stop my post before paying homage to my dear Grandmother, my Babci (Polish) Susan, my name sake? She had 14 children, the baby being my Mom, Bea. She made bread every day and taught me how to. It is a tradition I do each Easter. Her home was the hub. Everyone would pop in any time day or night and she would promptly feed them. I cherish my memories.
Hi Susie from Rocky Point, NY. My Mom was a Babci & my Dad was a Dziadzi to 23 grandchildren. They had seven children, I was the youngest. She was a wonderful cook and made perogie and babka for holidays. We miss them and will always remember them speaking in Polish to each other.
Miss my Grandmother too, but was so lucky growing up next door to my Grandparents! Miss my Mom being in the kitchen with me this Thanksgiving…….she is 91 and in a Nursing Home with Alzheimers. We will have lunch with her and then we will have kids and Grandkids over for a late Thanksgiving dinner!
Happy Thanksgiving to ALL of you (including the kitties!)
Tough thing, aging beloveds. xoxo
Sandy, Have a very Happy Thanksgiving! It is so difficult to have aging elders we love…..I miss my Grandparents too, and never had a mother….but maybe it helps to have little ones and our own children and our pet-children to fill in those sad spots? My husband and daughter and Muffin-the-cat are here with me to celebrate Thanksgiving …and we also have a wonderful neighborhood with great neighbors to also share the day with from across the yards, so it will be a very happy day! I love the holidays so much! Here’s to hoping you have a Happy Thanksgiving with your family too!!! xxxxxx
Hello Susan! Love to hear about your grandma. Mine lived just across the yard when I was growing up. I would sneak away from the other kids while we were playing and sit and chat with her. Loved to hear her stories. She was little when the whole Lizzie Borden thing happened. (My family is from Fall River, MA- our claim to fame – yikes!) and so she would tell me about that whole period, high button shoes, etc. I treasure my memories of sitting and chatting with her. She was also my embroidery teacher, which I still enjoy. I had to laugh at your description of the wild turkeys. Living in North Central Maine we have huge flocks around here. My son, who is a hunter, tells me that the wild turkeys taste just as good, if not better, then the domesticated ones. He’s been trying to get me to try wild turkey, but I’m sticking with my store bought one. Glad he’s eating Thanksgiving at my house. He just might try to slip a wild turkey by me!!
Ours look tough on the outside! Very unappetizing birds. I see them upclose and personal at the feeders!
Loved the turkey video! We had a pet turkey for 10 years called Yerkey. He was cute, and very, very smart. We always gave him extra special food on Thanksgiving and told him how much he was loved! Thank you for reminding me of him…
Hello from blustery, rainy, gorgeous last of the autumn leaves dancing in the wind Seattle! I just bought “The Fairy Tale Girl” from the Edmonds BookShop (north of Seattle, lovely little town, indie bookseller)….I thumbed through it – it is absolutely a gorgeous work of art and you should be so proud….I can’t wait to dive in….thank you for it!
ciao,
Regina
So happy to hear that, love to know that Independents are carrying the book!
Love that little bookstore! You’ve inspired me to make a little trip up there.
my parents had friends who owned a little bookstore in Edmonds many years ago (sadly both gone now), Bruce and Doris Tennant. Makes me wonder if it was the same bookstore… of course changed over many times now. Was a great little store and they were a wuuuunderful couple. Good memory you gave me. 😃
Oh your table looks so lovely and inviting!! I wish I was a guest coming to eat at your perfectly set table. Grandmas are wonderful resources for traditional etiquette. I wish my grandma was still here to see how beautiful our family table is at Thanksgiving, she would be proud!!
I’m sure she would Kelly. We were good little students!
Every house DOES need a grandma in it and guess what???? I just found out that I am going to be a grandma for the very first time, and we are having three! YUP we are going to have three little peanuts sometime early next summer. I am so excited I can hardly see straight!. I wanted to share that blessing with you today. 🙂
Hugs to you, sweet Sue!
Oh my goodness, Joy tripled! 🙂 Congratulations! Boy you don’t mess around, when you decide to become a grandma you do it up right!
Thank you Susan, keep her in your prayers. I thought about you and your friends all gathered in a circle praying for the arrival of baby George., so sweet
I will do that for sure Joy. One of my dearest friends had triplets. She did SO well with them. They are beautiful boys, all grown up now.
WOW!!! 👶👶👶
Congratulations x 3!!!! What will they call you? Gammy, Nonna, Mimi, Oma, Nana, Grandmother??? So happy for you:)
I feel so happy for you Joy! Three babies all at the same time! They are definitely going to need a Grandma! 🙂 xxxxxx
All these Grandma memories are making me kind of wistful — as I don’t have any of those. The grandmother, I still wish I had known, died before I was born but I do have many pictures of her and the life she led in the house I grew up in, and I cherish the memory of my Dad telling me things about her, including the fact that he “thought the world of her.”
I did have kind of a colorful Grandpa who lived nearby — my Mom’s Dad. He lived alone in a little old house he built himself with small attached greenhouse – actually a glassed in small porch where he started seeds in emptied Campbell soup cans he had by the box-full beneath the potting benches. He was a great gardener who planted by the moon. He built himself a dirt sifter powered by the motor from an old time ringer washing machine. Mom told me when she was still part of his household she would have to retrieve this motor and install it back in the washer to do the laundry! 🙂 He would walk over to our house with his home made willow basket on his arm containing vegetables he harvested including giant cabbages that he would shred and put in a barrel with salt for our sauerkraut supply for the duration. I think of this every time I wince at what a jar, can, or plastic bag of sauerkraut costs in the store now 🙁 . He was on hand too with his trusty pocket knife when it came time to strip corn from the cobb and can it along with beans and peas from the WWII Victory garden we grew in our yard. I suspect many of the starter plants we used were from his potting bench.
The inside of his little house was a fascinating space that I would sit and stare at in wonder — there was a round dining type table which held a typewriter and piles of Life magazines and newspapers. He liked to rip off letters to newspaper editors and elected officials that needed help in their thinking :-). There were floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with a couple rows full of National Geographic which I loved to peruse. His heat source was a home-made wood- burning black barrel stove with pipe going up and into the chimney. One time he made me a meal of something he called succotash in his tiny cluttered kitchen. My Mom was so amazed when I reported about this that I realized it must have been something special he did for me — maybe he was just glad to have some company for dinner.
I used to take my little brothers by the hand and lead them through the tall grass of a vacant lot on the way to visit him from time to time. The inside of his house was unfinished and he always had stashed a bag of candy on the 2 by 4 frame above the door between the porch and the kitchen. That little white bag contained those cone-shaped chocolate covered fondant things with the different flavored/colored insides. We loved those so much!
Thanksgiving was the one day we had some semblance of meal-time elegance going on at our house. We added the extra leaves to the table in the living room, set it with nice linen and fancy dishes and Mom’s small crystal goblets meant for the “first course” of crab cocktail I liked to help mix together. Grandpa arrived more or less cleaned up on Thanksgiving with dentures in hand to be inserted for the event! I loved to see him eat that meal . . .
***********************
I got a little carried away here –, think I might have to write this up and send it out to family members for a Thanksgiving memory greeting. Who knows what else I might remember when I get going. What do you think? Thanks for the inspiration :-).
Poor Jack – he looks kinda forelorn sitting next to the pumpkin staring out the window at the grass . . . All in all though I think he’s a pretty lucky guy.
Always fun remembering loved ones, lovely story, yes, I really do think you should share it with your family!
What a great memory you have. I enjoyed reading what you wrote. I think it would be a special treat if you added to it and sent it to your family members. Thanks for sharing!!!:)
Thank you for commenting Charissa. I’m happy you found it entertaining. Wish I could paint the pictures I see in my minds eye to go with it :-).
Wonderful story; I so enjoyed reading it just now! Another lovely feature of Susan’s blog (thanks, Susan!), that we get to hear these tales, and yours is a glimpse of another world, almost Norman Rockwell-ish, Sylvia. I wish I’d written down more of my parents’ stories from The Great Depression/World War II era; they were oft repeated, so I figured I’d never forget them but, unfortunately, they’re fading a bit. As I’ve grown older, I’m intrigued with how people made do with very little…and they didn’t make a big deal about whining for something more. I know, of course, that I’m a spoiled baby boomer. Anyway, thank you for sharing your memories with the rest of us; you write very well. Mom used to make succotash; I’m trying to remember what was in it…little green limas and corn kernels? I didn’t have four grandparents like my little friends when I was growing up; the dear elders were all dead by the time I was age 8. However, with my one last grandma, I have a very few memories but, oh, how I cherish them. I would have loved to know her as an adult.
Sylvia, I enjoyed reading your memories of your gr’pa as well… how fascinating, you’re so descriptive. You should definitely share it with family, a thanksgiving gift to them.
Thank you so much. I appreciate the encouragement. 🙂
oh, my goodness, dearest Sylvia in Seattle. your dear words made me cry and laugh…..what wonderfulness. when you told of your dad telling you things about his mom…and how he “thought-the-world-of-her”……well, that just about did it for me….how very beautiful….but, I couldn’t even see any more words for sev’l minutes….crying toooo much. heartfelt tears. about your grandpa…..laughing so happily….more tears. I loved all the stuff about his plantings….but the best part was picturing his walking to your home with his choppers (dentures) in hand. now that is a sweeeet picture, for sure. you are blessed with these memories and I am so happy for you that you would share with us. thank you. and, thanks to our main-facilitator….dear Susan…..for bringing us all together. if the world could have MORE of this kind of friendship and love….maybe no more heinous attacks. we can only hope and pray. a blessed thanksgiving, with MANY blessings to count, to all. many heartfelt hugs as well.
Oh, by all means, please write down all of that and share it with family. Hopefully it will survive you and be such a treasure for those yet to come!
Love posts like this Susan. So cozy and imagining you getting ready for a fun dinner. I absolutely love the holiday season and getting peeks at how different folks share it and celebrate it.
Looking forward to a few weeks when the homemade pecan pie will be cooling and I’ll be making homemade stuffing as I watch the Macy’s parade and smell all the heavenly smells in the kitchen!
Sending you cozy thoughts for many blessings. xoxo
Susan,
From one Susan to another, I adore your blogs and have read both your books. Can’t wait for the 2nd part of Fairy Tale Girl. I’m wondering about your china that shows up behind the recipe box. Also the china on the table, they are both so sweet! Love from SE Kansas!
Susan
I love dishes!
I just revisited that entire post. Maybe I’d missed it or forgotten that you’d designed all this stuff for Wedgewood that didn’t go forward…as you said, not their fault and certainly not yours but the devastating times of recession and depressed economy which sort of sneaked up on us and choked the life out of our worlds. So much got scaled back and I remember the retail stores with tons of leftover inventory from various holidays because people just quit buying; they had no choice. The designs you created were just lovely; I’d have had a tough time resisting any of it! I’m glad I got to see your sketches. I wish somebody could still pick up the ‘plans’ besides Wedgewood!?!?!?!
I know, would be nice. xoxo Thank you Vicki!
Hi Susan, I grew up without a grandma, and I envy those of you who have such loving memories. My mother is such a blessing to my daughter and someday I hope to be the best grandma ever!
You’ll know just what to do!
Look at how cute Jacks little paws are all scrunched together waiting for you. How cute. I have to tell you I bought four extra books as gifts and they all commented on what a good writer you are…like they were surprised!! Silly people!! Anyway..they all loved it and couldn’t put it down. (I wonder if I have to buy them the sequel…..uh oh…) 🙂
The paws are the frosting on the furry cake, I just love them! And thank you, I’m kind of surprised about the writing myself! Look how long it has taken me to really try! Tsk Tsk, but I’m here now. xoxo
I even just hang our sheets on an IKEA rack, close to the back garage door and that smell of air dried cotton — lovely. Also lovely: Jack waiting for you. Such a sweetie!! Thanks for the gorgeous photos; looking forward to the next Willard!!
I just love reading your blogs and the comments from across the country.
I have so much I want to tell you about but it’s gonna take some time.
Think I need to start keeping notes.
It’s late. I’m tired and still haven’t seen about getting that turkey yet.
Looking so forward to reading Willard next week.
We too love sleeping on line dried sheets and here in Pennsylvania and as long as it isn’t freezing, we do. My husband just loves them and we also feel that they feel like a hug from Mother Nature. I also love rain days and usually accomplish a lot on them and then I reward myself with a cup of tea and a good book. Right now I am reading A Fine Romance. And on my coffee table is your Autumn book. You are a blessing in my life. Love, Pat
My sheets are always line dried ….nothing smells as soothing. Thanksgiving is so close now….I have all the grocery needs bought and am getting excited. A wonderful time of year. Especially seeing family from far and the wonderful grand kiddos from college. Have a blessed holiday meal!
..a place for comfort and reassurance that there is still love and compassion in this world..’no wonder that I come here first to hear good news first thing in the morning !..thank you dear Susan and (girl) friends ..with love, as always..xoxo
SO much more love and compassion.
Good morning. So nice to see a lovely post. Was watching the news….so sad. So I decided to check in where things are wonderful….I wish everyone could be so peaceful and lovely. Thank you. Sheets drying outside and then on the bed is one of the most luxurious things…although at one time I couldn’t wait for a dryer….and got it. I now have no room outside…my outside dogs would shred them. they yard is theirs. Love the pictures. Look forward to Willard. Thanks once again for peaceful beauty.
It’s a very sad morning for the world, heartbreaking. Praying for the people in that beautiful city, and for all of us. There is so much more good in the world than bad, but some days it’s easy to forget that. xoxo
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.
XOXOXO
Like
Amen and thank you.
My grandmother’s ebullient personality and high style was the cornerstone of our family. Her remarkable dinners were beyond delicious, and the table rang with calls for seconds and lots of laughter. Being the oldest of seven grandchildren, I was the supervisor at the children’s’ table for years, but my ears were always open to the conversation at the adults’ table in the next room. I will never forget the year I was invited to sit with the adults; I was so excited but also intimidated. To this day, I am flooded with childhood memories as I prepare for my own Thanksgiving dinner and my grandmother’s stuffing (I have to double the recipe) is the main attraction. Lynne
Hello Sweet Sue… Almost Noon On This Saturday November 14th….The News Is on in The Background…. as I Read The~Girlfriends Comments….There is So Much LOVE Here on This Beautiful Page…..I Love You & All of “US” I Watched Your Musica~Video & Saw The Word Au revoir….& I Got Goosebumps…..Prayers For Paris….I Have Always Wanted To Go To Paris Dreamed About It Many Times….I Took French~Lessons In School for 8 Years…Bonjour…Avec Moi Bonsoir…. 🙂 So Today We Are Filled with Sadness… The Bad~Guys Are Always Attempting To Ruin Everything….Anger & Yucky~Feelings…Shame On Them They Will Never~Ever~Win…Good Verses Evil…The Good Will Always Triumph….. I Know I Need To Breathe….Thank~You For Sharing Your Magic With All of Us Sweet Sue….I Love That Photo Of Jack & The Mini~Pumpkin Waiting For You To Come Back in The House & Play! 🙂 Your Dinner~Party Looked Wonderful & I Know You Had The Most Fun…. I Tweeted You That I have Begun Decking Our Halls I Know in My Heart Twas~Time….We Need a Little Christmas Now….Herbster is Ready For Our Thanksgiving~Feast….Me Too 🙂 As Far As Grand~Mas Go… Herbster Was Raised By His Granny… Omi….She is Now One of His Gaurdian~Angels….I Was Only Three When My Grand~Ma Passed… I Have One Very Special Memory Of Her….(My Mom’s Mom…Veronica) My Dad’s Mom Passed Away When He was 14 So I Never Knew Her… Only The Wonderful Stories of Her…Lola) 🙂 And Now I’ve Been a Grand~Ma for 11 Years…To Our Taylor….& She Always Says That I Am a “Magical~Grand~Ma” Yay! 🙂 Taylor & I Both Have Wings & We Are Twirling All The Time…. 😉 Okie~Dokie…. Time for Me To Fly~~~ I Am So Excited About “Willard” & All Your Sweet~Surprizes…..Wishing You & Joe & The Kitties A Warm & Cozy Weekend….All The Girlfriends Too! Be Safe Enjoy Live Laugh Love xoxo Poof! ☃❄✩♬✩♫♫♡ God~Bless~Us~Everyone….Peace~On~Earth…Amen! ☃❄✩♬✩♫♫♡
A really sad day. We went to watch Leicester Tigers, they were playing the Stade Francais rugby team last night in Leicester and it was only after the game that we heard the news. I think the return game in Paris will be quite an emotional affair.
It’s a very difficult time. We all feel it. I want every country to mount a world wide advertising program against Isis, directed especially to the young, since they are being targeted, and since this is the world they will be inheriting, with every great musician, artist, director from every country involved. I want there to be a contest for the best ads and I want them to immerse the internet and all social media in these brilliant, funny, witty ads and make Isis look like a total LOSER, and shame them out of existence. Okay. Sorry.
Oh, Susan… What a safe harbor you are on a day like today. So lovely to be able to visit the blog and to be reminded of all that is good and warm and welcoming and all of the kindred spirits that there are… Thanks to all!
Jake
I love writing it on these days. I dread bringing up the news. I think everyone gets what’s going on xoxo
Everything is all right in the world, when I get a notice from Susan Branch!!!
And I really appreciated your reminder that, “There is so much more good in the world than bad, but some days it’s easy to forget that. xoxo ”
::::::I bought my 89 year old mother-in-law brand new white cotton sheets in September. I washed + hung them on the line. The moon came up. The next morning we had a warm rain but quickly the hot sun came out and “dried up all the rain.”
I folded the clean sheets and tied them up in a big floppy ribbon and added some rosemary and marigolds for decoration.
Off to “grandma’s house” for her birthday party.
She called me 3 days later and said, she loved loved loved her new sheets because she could smell life in them; the sun, the moon, the fir trees, the birds—the love.
That made my day, too!
I guess let’s keep doing what we can to keep the joy in our world 🙂
That is so beautiful Teri!
Lord, if I had seen all those adorable turkeys running up to see me, I also think it would have been….dressing. Else the belief that the particular Thanksgiving bird was just a barnyard bully (unconvincing, but at least an attempt). Sometimes a herd of new “teen” cows in one of the pastures around my house will all follow me if I walk by, and if I go up to the fence, they will all crowd around staring at me as if waiting or directions (I want to open the gate and yell, “Run free!”). That’s as far as it goes, because if I move forward, they will get startled! To this day, my sister and I ask….”Is that Pedro?” — the line from one of Elizabeth Taylor’s small children in “Giant” when she takes her children away from Texas and back to her family’s Maryland farm for Thanksgiving. Of course the ditzy, if well meaning grandmother happily assured the children it was, upon which they all started screaming as the butler began to carve the turkey they has come to love while feeding him corn! Adorable picture of Jack — as if there is ever a bad one! I bought your Christmas cookbook when it came out, and still love to read it. The butter cookies and pearl onions cooked with butter and white wine are just some of my favorites to this day, hands down. It’s wonky because it was damaged in a fire over 15 years ago — warped, splotched, and what whatnot — but because of the times in my life when I first used it, I have kept it all these years. I’m sure I just need to replace it with another copy one day! Hope your dinner party was lovely, and I’m sure New England is positively beautiful right now.
It is! Lovely to hear your cow stories Frances! 🙂
Oh, Susan! So calming and beautiful, as always! Thank you!
I had promised you a handwritten snail mail SO very long ago…I will try to get that out to you! (Haven’t forgotten :0)
Started my own business, this week. Not like me at all. Trying to be brave. And already blessed :0)
love to your family (little kisses for the kitties!)
That IS a very brave thing to do Michele, and creative too! Congratulations!!!!
:0)
Line dried sheets is like heaven on earth! I can’t wait for spring to arrive so I can start hanging them out again. Oh the fresh smell.
I miss my Grama. She taught me how to hang sheets on the line and then remake the bed with nice, tight, crisp corners! 🙂 She taught me how to dampen the S&H green stamps and put them into the books to save up for…I am not sure what she did with those stamps! I remember the time I licked them when I thought she wasn’t looking. Oh boy, did she give me a lecture about germs!
Thank you for sharing your calm and quiet world with us and putting a little smile on our faces.
Prayers for Paris tonight. So incredibly sad.
All the memories of line drying bring to my mind all the summer days I’d help my mother by hanging doubled diapers on the line. They would stick together making them easier to fold. Mother paid me a quarter every day. I used that quarter to swim at our local swimming pool. What a deal! When I got home I’d take down the diapers and fold them. I remember those summer days with fondness….
I love sheets hung on the line but I haven’t had a line for years. Maybe I need to remedy that.
You are such a delight. Just want to say that I love Al Bowlly and always love your music selections! Looking so forward to Willard and the new book. Since I read “Fairy Tale Girl” I think about you often and almost feel worried about you because you left us with you having a hurting heart! Even though my brain knows you are happy and content now, I can’t wait to see how you got to that place and I can’t wait to hear all about your little house and how you found the house you live in now. I do hope you share something about that! One day I hope to meet you dear Susan. 🙂
I know, I didn’t expect it, but I feel sorry for her too, out there all alone…which is why I’m trying to finish this book as quickly as possible! 🙂 Thank you Tracie . . . hope to meet you too!
I hang our sheets out especially in the freezing winter months!!! I let them freeze dry all day on the line, then bring them inside and let hang on our clothes bars for about two hours to finish dying. You can’t believe the amazing fresh air smell they give off, both while drying and on our bed. The entire bedroom smells like fresh air for days! It is a cold process to undertake, but very well worth the effort. You should definitely try it!!!
We’ll try it! Not sure I want a bunch of wet sheets around the house, but on second thought, they’ll be really good for the humidity in the house!
I would love to hang my sheets out to dry, but I live in one of “those” communities. Maybe I should petition to make an exception just for sheets. I have spent some time lately visiting family and today is the first day I am totally alone with my two dogs. Husband is overseas doing the government’s business. I’m going to enjoy every solitary minute.
Yes, for sheets and dishtowels and any other cute stuff! Enjoy the peace!
Hi, Susan — Thank you again for always seeming to share what’s in our hearts and souls. I’m a NUT for dishes and beautiful tables, so I love the photo of your autumn table setting. What is the pattern name of those beautiful autumn floral plates, soup bowls, and other pieces. The beaded edges are gorgeous, too. Thanks for sharing —
They’re Mayflower by Vernon Kilns.💛
Susandarling ~ I’m going thru your Christmas Book (which I do each year) and I just wanted to say “thank you so much” This is a very special part of my Christmas Holiday and I love you for all the memories ~ yours and the ones that you have reminded me of in my own family. Merry Christmas, Honey!
After you read MV Isle of Dreams, I think you’ll see just how happy what you have said makes me! Thank you Carol.
Just a big thank you for your latest post…. Always enjoy each one……Glad to see that you also love to hang out items on the clothes line.. Thought I was one of the few that took the time to do it…have always enjoyed the wonderful fresh smell ……priceless!! Am so looking forward to the holidays with family and friends …..so much to be thankful for!! But am also looking to the moment that you give us the gift of your newest book! Have read A Fairy Tale Girl several times but would love to actually have you sign my copy in person to tell you how much I have enjoyed it!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving !! Trying very hard to get to the Vineyard to your book signing …..hope that I can do it! Thanks for everything that you give back to us! Hope to see you soon!
I put a map of possible bookstore visits into the Willard coming out tomorrow. See if there is one near you! I’d love to meet you too Trisha!
You inspire me so much, I am the only grandmother my 8yr old granddaughter has. I want to do the things she will remember of her Pappy and Grammy. She is our only grandchild,but gives us the love and good times of many.
Hope your dinner party went smashingly . Ready to “WILLARD” !!
Almost time!
I love “crispy” sheets. Esp when dried on the line outside. And the smell . . . heaven! I’ll take the old 200 count cotton sheets over 1000 count sheets any time. Love the feel and stiffness when you first climb into bed.
Making your Cold Day Bean Soup today. It has become a favorite recipe. So easy and so good. Perfect for a cold autumn evening. Thanks.
Me too, I think 200 is just fine. These sheets I got at LL Bean are my favorite right now . . . very nice quality, bearable price . . . do very well on the line!
My BIG News: It is raining in San Luis Obispo County – Paso Robles for sure! It is the most amazing straight downpour and I love every minute of it. And I turn my head to look out my living room window (North) and there is the blue sky and the clouds are going away. RATS!! But I won’t need to worry about the lawn for many, many days. Thank God!! Your entries always make me smile and bring happiness into my life. Such a gift you send my way! Thank you…. Although I don’t seem to write as much as before……..you are in my thoughts nearly everyday. Such an amazing BFF you are! Hugs coming your way!
Thank you Pat, and YAY for the rain! SO happy to hear that, hope it’s a long drink of water!