Just wanted YOU to know that I know it’s Sunday so you don’t worry!!! I am so ready for tonight! And it’s a gorgeous day today . . . so while I’m letting you know that I know, I thought I’d show you our weekend.♥ MUSICA
We just got back from our *daily* (unless it’s icy or 2 feet deep in snow) walk out the dirt road to the sea . . . and it feels so much like spring out there! Fifty degrees, with blue skies and warm (ish) sun.
Of course it’s still brown, and there’s still a chill off the water, and I’m still wearing my furry hat when we walk, and the windows on the fishing shacks are still boarded up for the winter. But it feels like heaven.
Soon, it will look like this . . . snowdrops will begin peeping up . . .
And the cherry trees will bloom . . . and I’ll pull my bird houses out of the barn and hang them up . . .
And the forsythia will light up the garden! I know I’m jumping the gun, but it’s such a beautiful day, I can’t help it! I needed some spring! And we seem to be getting it!
I’m already feeling like this since I finished the book. I’m doing a little spring cleaning every day. . . Yesterday I washed, starched and ironed the downstairs bathroom curtain, because it needed it! I couldn’t go away on a trip leaving that curtain like that. We also started mapping out our drive through England and Scotland!!!! Very exciting! (Have you noticed how many exclamation marks are in this post so far? I just realized, I think I’m in a very good mood!) 
I’ve had a lovely morning painting for the new 2017 calendars (which is the reason I never know what year it is . . . it’s barely not 2015, I’m hardly used to 2016, and here I am, all wrapped up in 2017!).
You can tell it’s still dark outside when I took this . . . just the lamp, me and The Quiet Man on Netflix! What a great movie . . . I went to YouTube and memorized the song in 
that movie about the Wild Colonial Boy, now I sing it (just the first stanza) to make sure I don’t forget, and Joe hates me. Hi honey, time to get up . . . “there was a wild colonial boy, Jack Duggin was his name . . .” 🙂
The book is at the printer’s and they SAY it will leave the warehouse on MARCH 29th. That’s like a month!!! I don’t know how long the trucks will take to get them to California for shipping, but for our Girlfriends on the Blog, on Facebook and Twitter, if all goes as planned, you should have it in your hot little hands by the middle of April! Hard to believe!
We’ll start shipping the instant they arrive, and it should only take us about a week to get them all out to you! This one’s almost a hundred pages longer than the last one. I vowed to keep you from reading it all in one day!
Kellee made a mock-up of the cover for me, and Sami, our studio cat, draped himself nearby “to add interest to the photo” ~ he feels that he is truly the thing you would much rather see. And, he’s right.
So one last thing, a little birdy told me tonight’s Downton is 15 minutes longer than usual!!!! So, be ready Girlfriends. Next week will be the last show, so this one deserves some real relishing! XOXO Love you, see you tomorrow!
Happy Glorious Sunday Sweetest Sue March 29th!!! Oh Happy Day!….Very Exciting News! 🙂 Yay! I Am Twirling! 🙂 We Have had a Glorious Week Here In Florida….50’s at Night…70’s in The Day…This To Me is Our~SpringTime…It’s Been Heavenly….Bright~Blue Skies…Crisp~Air…No Humidity….Glorious…..Tonight Downton~Abbey has an Extra 15 Minutes….My Wings Are All~a~Flutter….& Next Sunday is The Last Downton~Abbey…Really? Oh Nooooooo…Tis Too Sad….. 🙁 So I Guess We Shall Simply~Savor Tonight & Next Sunday…. Weep Then Laugh….& Weep & Know We Must Bye The Entire Series on DVD…& Watch It Whenever We Feel The Need for a Little Downton~Abbey….I Love You Sweet Sue Enjoy The Full~Moon….The Snow~Moon….See You For Tea in The Morning….Kitty~Kisses To You & Joe & Girl~Kitty & Jack & All The Girle~Friends! xoxo Cheerio! & a Poof! 😊💖❄💙⛄💜✨💝🌟💚🎶💛💘
See you for tea in the Morning Angie!
My husband has mapped out the Downton nights on the calendar. Next week is “The Manners Of Downton Abbey” and the last show is the week after 6 March. We are planning to open the bottle of Downton Abbey Wine a friend gave me for Christmas. I can’t believe the end is in sight! 🙁
I still can’t believe it.
What a gorgeous kitty. She has a beauty mark. I’m so excited for it all. Last week was hot, here in Southern California, but we had rain in the middle of the week and that was lovely. See you tomorrow. Happy Sunday.
Happy Sunday Eugenia!
Dear Susan,
Well, what a truly lovely surprise to find a post on SUNDAY!! From the pictures, we can tell its a gorgeous day, and thank you so much for sharing it with us.
I’m so excited to know that your book will be here soon, its lovely to look forward to it.
AND another reason for my excitement, is you are starting to plan your trip through England. Do you have any idea of when you’re coming and when the Girlfriend’s Picknick will be?
With love from a stormy Holland
Nicoline
Thank you, Susan, for all you do to brighten our world! As if you haven’t done enough with the new book, now you are working on our pretty calendars! Speaking of calendars, I love the Febby month with the sweet apron—we wear aprons at the Tea Room and enjoy all the lovely styles and prints to dress up like girls! I also love the Quiet Man movie—my husband and I were fortunate enough to go to Ireland about twenty-five years ago and I’ll always remember
that trip of a lifetime (it was business/pleasure and we didn’t have to pay for it). We did see where part of the movie was filmed on one of our jaunts—fun to relive a happy memory. Thank you again for all your hard and dedicated work and also greetings to Joe from all of us at the English Rose Tea Room!
I must say that in addition to reading your Blog posts, I really love the choice of musica you recommend. I always listen to different genres whether at work or home, and Jo Stafford is a new favorite.. Thanks Susan!
You are so welcome, I love sharing the wonderful old songs! Hooray for Youtube!
Susan, I read ‘Fairy Tale Girl’ in 2 days. Two days….and so look forward to your ‘longer’ sequel.
We share the same decade and whereabouts growing up; I thought I was reading the story of MY life at times–the sibling antics, rock and roll, mention of a Black Volkswagen Beetle–mine was black, too. It was like time travel….
Anyway, I’ll go back savor the pages I’ve stuck post-it notes on (recipes and quotes) and look forward to “Isle of Dreams.”
I rejoice with you in this second lovely chapter of your life (and thanks for the heads up on Downton–didn’t know it’d be longer–but they indeed have some filling in and catching up to do!)
I woke up this morning excited about tonight’s DA episode ever since one of the girlfriends commented on how exciting it will be! Cannot wait! I must add some time to the dvr so I don’t miss recording the extra 15 minutes! Did not realize that ! So glad you mentioned it. We had a 54 degree day on Friday and I opened up the windows and let the fresh air in. It was so refreshing! Is all your snow gone?! You had that big snowstorm not too long ago. Oh my! 100 pages LONGER than Fairy Tale Girl?! I am more than excited!!!!! I force myself not to sit and read them all in one day because I love to relish and savor each precious drawing….each thoughtful word. I love and marvel at your story so much! What adventures you have had, precious girl! Happy Sunday Downton Day! ♡
So much to look forward to for you and for me! Felt like spring here. Doors open and I swept our screened porch and enjoyed a before dinner drink there. Excited about your new book, an April week with my three sisters and Downton Abbey! My snowdrops have been blooming for several weeks and survived two heavy snows and freezing temps. So fragile yet so tough. Love them!
A Sunday surprise! Yes, I saw that the show was a bit longer, I need to warn my girlfriends also. I noticed on your Twitter page that you gave us a full page to read in your book; I started to read it, then thought NO, I want to read it all with the book. I love when you “tease” us smaller bits and pieces and the pictures; I can dream about what your Journal then says. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.
Oh Susan, your glee is infectious! The sun shines here and the backyard is aflock with redpolls at the feeders. And, yes, it’s a great day to be alive.
If your new books is ‘scheduled’ for mid-April, that will be just in time for my Birthday month. Oooooo… I’m thoo exthithed! Two copies pre-ordered — one for me and one for Sister.
I’m excited to tell you that Hubby and I are taking a trip to England this summer for a whole month. It’s all booked and we’re now wondering what to pack in our beautiful new suitcases. We’re heading to the South of England first and then wending our way up through the countryside, a dip into Wales, and thenst for a peek in Scotland. It will be a long awaited dream come true for us.
Methinks it was A Fine Romance that finally got us doing what we’ve been talking ’bout for years. We’re flying this time, but next time (for there will be a next time, Lord willin’) we’re already planning the QEII for 2017 … we have two milestone birthdays and a milestone anniversary to celebrate.
You made my day complete, Susan. Wishing you the best of the best… see you at Downton later for the latest to-doing with Lady Mary, Lady Edith and the gang.
Hugs,
Brenda
xox
Here in Minnesota, the last Downton is March 6th with skipping next week (Feb. 28th). Is that just us or is it different in other areas? I checked the PBS website and thought for sure that’s what I saw. I wouldn’t want you to miss it (or I wouldn’t want to miss it for that matter!!!!). LOL
You live in such a beautiful corner of the world! Those pictures are heavenly. So excited for this book news!
Susan, I can’t wait to get your new book. It looks like it will be wonderful! It’s dreary and gloomy here in the NC mountains and I look forward to spring. Thank you for the beautiful pictures getting us ready for spring. I am sooooo sad thinking about only two more nights of Downton. I’m so glad it seems as though they are ending it with everyone being happy. Anxious to see what will happen with poor Barrow. This has been such a wonderful series and I wish it didn’t have to end.
I hope your journey takes you to Highclere Castle!!! Looking forward to your next book!!! And hopefully the one that comes out of this coming trip. 😉
Susan, so excited about your book news!!! And thank you for the “musica” this morning. BTW, if you haven’t heard Amy Vachal’s version of this when she competed on “The Voice,” please Google and take a listen. It’s sublime. And I love how you continue to take pleasure in your own housekeeping. Have a wonderful day.
So exciting. I can hardly wait for the book (hopping up and down in my seat). Your pictures of watercoloring makes me want to try so bad. You make it look so easy and I know it’s not. I know it takes a great deal of time. It is so beautiful.
You get more confident as time goes on . . . trying never hurts!
SPRING….. what a wonderful word!! I woke up today with sunny skies, but now, mid morning, it’s cloudy. Well, the forecast was for possible rain. That’s ok…. we NEED the rain. As I looked out the living room window earlier, I noticed that our Heather plant is all in bloom! Also, I’m thinking that one of our Forsythia plants has yellow buds on it as well. I didn’t have my shoes on at the time, so I didn’t go out to check, but I am after I finish up here. All our roses have tiny tiny little leaves on them all. I need to get out there and cut them back. Been too cold to work outside.
I’m looking forward to having an extra 15 minutes of Downton Abbey tonight!! There is so much still to be finalized on the show with these last couple of episodes.
Well, off to get ready for church. My husband is watching the start of Daytona car race. Will have to drag him away, lol.
Carol M
Happy to see spring is in the air at the Branch Hall house! I can hear “whistle while you work” all the way in Arizona! So many exclamation points is a good thing 🙂 And it’s a Downton Day which makes it even cheerier! After lots of snow a few weeks ago, AZ is now having records warm temps which I’m sure Blogdaddy is enjoying … Can just imagine him outside soaking up that Vitamin D. Bet he can’t wait to hold that book of yours in his big, strong daddy hands ♥ And I’m dreaming having you sign my book in the Secret Garden of the Willow Tree Manor on June 11th! I’m sure it will be PERFECT white BUNTING weather for your Benefit Tea & Book Signing in Historic Prescott … only 3 1/2 hours from Las Vegas, 6 hours from Albuquerque and 7 from El Paso which is closer than driving to Austin! This will definitely be “An Afternoon to Remember” ♥ Can’t wait 🙂 **A*N*T*I*C*I*P*A*T*I*O*N** xoxo
I can’t wait either Mary . . . it almost seems impossible after all this time at my desk that I get to go out to see you and everyone ! Thrilling, it really is!
Once again I missed Downton..was away from home. Not all my friends share my Addictive Enthusiam for Downton. ( What is wrong with them?) I hope you will critique it tomorrow…for me…please? Loved your early scrapbook of spring. It was 61 here yesterday in Michigan and really windy. Just like March. Easter is a month away and that alone makes one think of spring…bunnies, tulips, jelly beans and most of all our risen Saviour. Spring is always our promise of a new beginning…all that died in the winter once again comes alive in the spring. Isnt that wonderful!! My old typing teacher in school used to raise turkeys and was quite a unique lady. She had a lisp and every March she would say “Shpring has shprung, girls…shpring has shprung!” We would laugh out loud which she would pretend to abhor when underneath that grim exterior, I could tell she got a kick out of it. Now that I am uplifted from your preview of lovely springtime..I shall return to my spring cleaning. The bathroom today…my curtain is grungy too! Happy Shpring!!
Love from Rochester, Michigan.
I can’t wait for the book. So excited.
Oh, Susan! The book cover looks so wonderful! You must feel positively giddy!! It’s the story that you were truly meant to share with the world. ♡ It would be so lovely to share it with my mom when we visit. Fingers crossed that this most special book will arrive just in time, before I head to the airport!
Warm hugs!
Dawn (in Illinois)
♡♡
Oh Susan, your day looks like our yesterday! Such a lovely beautiful walk out to the ocean blue! I love the front and back cover of your new book. It won’t be long now …I’m so excited! Spring and your new book will arrive together! It’s hard to believe this is the penultimate episode of Downton! Enjoy your afternoon! xoxo ♥
Alas, my PBS station is not showing the finale until March 6 so I will have to forgo your recap next week.
Yes, it looks like we get nothing next Sunday. They are weaning us.
Looks like a recap/review next week and then the finale is March 6th (in Texas). I was so thrilled to get the extra 15 minutes tonight. Tears of sadness, madness, and then happiness all in one episode! I love those people!
Glad you’re on top of things, Susan! As usual, I will be looking forward to reading your Downton Abbey wrap-up tomorrow. In the meantime, I can’t wait for tonight’s episode!!
What a nice Easter surprise (soon after)….MV Isle of Dreams….can’t wait!
Hi Susan~ You mentioned in a past blog a sweet b&b you visited in Martha’s Vineyard (at least I THINK it was MV!) I was looking for a spring birthday getaway & remembered your post-but not the name! Could you tell me where it was? Thanks!
I can’t wait for my very own ISLE OF DREAMS to arrive! I also ordered an extra copy of all three of your books for the small library at the assisted living facility where my mom lives. She loves your work, and I know the other ladies will too. I’m looking forward to meeting you when you stop in Cincinnati.
We’re having a very spring-y weekend here too–60 degrees and blue skies! I opened my windows. There’s nothing like that first breath of fresh air after being closed up all winter!
OK… I had to reply to this post… a couple weeks ago, my mom and I were watching The Quiet Man on Netflix, as well! When they began singing in the pub, I sang along with them 🙂 My mom looked at me, with a shocked look on her face saying, “How do you know the words to that song??” I reminded her that when I was young, we had taped it off TV one day, and I watched that movie a gazillion times.. (major John Wayne crush, of course, and oh how I wanted to look like Maureen O’Hara, lol) Anyhow, I fell in love with that song, and almost broke our vhs tape by rewinding it and playing it over and over ’til I could sing along with it. Anyhow, fast forward to a couple weeks ago.. after my mom and I had finished watching that movie, I actually thought to myself: “Wow… who does that? Who would memorize an old Irish pub song… boy am I eccentric!) However, now that I know that you liked it, too… I feel validated 🙂 Long live the Wild Colonial Boy! Regardless.. your post today is lovely as always… thanks for posting those beautiful photos!
Sincerely,
Abbe
I cant wait till the books are shipped and are for sale i definitely want one, Excited!!! …Karen Seward, Oceanside, New York
They are for presale in my webstore now if you want to get it early . . . just to let you know!
Thank you for the burst of Spring! Excited that the new book will be here soon…should be here in time for our birthday on April 12th 🙂
So sad that Downton is almost over…I will miss it. What will we do with our wine/tea and popcorn on Sunday nights??
Our birthday! How perfect!
Dear Sweet Susan ~
How I love your weekly posts !!! I’m so happy that you finished your new book. Can’t wait.
We have become grandparents again for the 7th time – – – but how nice it is to experience all your adventures.
PS we are now full time baby sitters for our newest little one. Who is a sweetie.
But thank God for your across country and sometimes cross continent journeys. I always travel with you in spirit.
I’m happy to hear that! And happy new baby Marsha!
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the tip on Downton! So glad you are having a lovely Spring Day. Same here in Napa California. I look forward to seeing you at your book signing in Danville CA.
Barbara
The Quiet Man is my favorite–favorite movie. Maybe because my Birthday is March 17(St Patrick’s Day)….Such a fun birthday.They even have parades for me!……….I even married a Patrick & have a son named Patrick…But no Irish Blood here…….I am Irish one day a year though……I think i will watch it now while hand quilting.This is a bed size quilt for my son & fiancé …..hand quilting takes time but i love it so….Tea,quilting & The Quiet Man—a lovely Sunday it Tis!!!!!
I love it too, love hand stitching, even sewing on a button is a nice little thing to do. You sound a little bit Irish to me!!
Hi Linda , I share your birthday on St. Patrick’s Day and Susan, my good friend has ordered your book for me as a gift. I’m a lucky girl! Enjoy Downtown tonight. Hugs.
I love love love your Sunday updates!! Last week we had dinner guests and forgot to tape it so we are in for the long version tonight.
How I wish we had sunshine today. Have to make our own so have a pot roast in the oven to make the house smell yummy
I so look forward to your new book and am so glad I preordered.
Have a wonderful week💕
Thank you Nettie, you too!
If you run into any Outlander crew in Scotland (or more likely, the stand ups of Jamie and Claire) say hello for us from the Fan Clan!
Susan, you make me smile as I have been eyeing my curtains for a wash,too. My snowdrops are up and crocuses, too so I’m going out to cut my forsythia for forcing indoors. I’ve had daffodil bouquets for the last 3 weeks courtesy of Trader Joes and the Valentine decor is down and St. Pats going up next week. It truly is almost Spring!😊💕🌷
Hi Susan,
Enjoyed your blog, this Sunday morning, with a hot cup of coffee. Love your ocean walk pictures. Waiting for a trip to the East Coast, for April 2017. Will be coming to Martha’s Vineyard, so excited, also Cape Cod and upto Maine & Vermont. Going to take a plane
from Missouka, Mt & fly into Rhode Island, rent a car… And just explore the quaint
towns, ocean, seafood & take all in. Will be a 10 day trip.so have been checking out the
” Yankee ” & ” Cape Cod ” magazines, I get. Already, pre- paid, for your new book,
” Martha’s Vineyard.” Love & have all your books. Wish your fabric, you designed would be
available. You are the best, Susan! A happy fan, Donna
Ten days is perfect. These states are so little you can cross three of them in a day, so you are going to have a wonderful time!
I love the cover of your latest book – and it looks just perfect with Sami ‘draped’ nearby! I wish I were going with you on your trip to Britain! England is the country of my childhood and my roots!
I’m taking everyone via the blog and I’ll send lots of photos!
Just to keep you on your toes, NO Downton next week; the final show is on March 6. Most PBS stations are showing all of this season next week; guess they did not want to compete with the Oscars!
Ohhhhh, is that how it is? Okay, well, I don’t quite know what to think of that. But then we still have something wonderful to look forward to!
There is a special called Manners of Downton (I think that is what I saw) that is on next Sunday night. I think last nights episode will keep us in a tizzy for a couple weeks.
Our snow drops are blooming and all my spring bulbs are about a 1/2 inch out of the ground. Poor things will get burnt if it gets terribly cold again. But I surely enjoyed the beautiful weather this past weekend. We had 70 degrees in OHIO on Saturday!
I truly am glad you know it is Sunday..I actually bought and then watched all of Season 6 of Downton Abbey..I often was unable to watch Sunday and have the other DVDs already..no spoilers here though ..you can watch each week. will be sorry to see the show go..Love the photos of your home and around the area..makes a nice visit for each of us…
Thank you Julie!
Such lovely photos. Spring is beautiful. We don’t have many of your lovely East Coast flowers here in Calif. But we do get flowering trees and in the mountains where we live, we have lilacs and daffodils. Our winters are very mild, but we can have snow surprises well into May. Rule of thumb, do not plant your garden until after Mother’s Day. Even then, you can get snow on Father’s Day.
I would be so excited about the upcoming trip to the UK. I love the countryside there. Every season has beauty.
Hope you enjoy Downton Abbey this evening. I am sure it will be a satisfying experience.
I am planning to make some scones to have with tea and cucumber sandwiches. Nothing fancy, of course. Just plain and simple, but served on china!
Beautiful! xoxo
I wish that I could have figured out how to attach a photo here. We had a lovely tea, with cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, ham and cream cheese with Branston pickle, potato salad, deviled eggs, scones with apricot preserves and Devon cream, and of course, Earl Grey tea. It was so tasty.
Thank you for spreading the Springtime vibes, Susan! Here in northern Indiana, we’re getting the same springy gifts of warmth and sun. Rebirth seems itching to get out of the winter hunkering-down.
Looking forward to the fifteen bonus minutes of Downton tonight. Can’t believe the show is almost just a sweet memory. By the way, Susan, my younger-than-springtime 89-year-old mom introduced me to a series that I think you and other girlfriends would just love. It’s on Acorn TV, and is an Australian period drama called A Place to CallHome. It’s a wonderful story, and was doomed too my have a two-season run until public outcry saved the show, as it moved to another network and continued its story. Takes place in 1940’s Australia, and is SUCH a wonderful gem of a show!
Have the loveliest week,
Barbzie
I have Acorn and have just been waiting to get at that one, I hear it’s great! Thank you Barbzie and tell your mom thanks too!
Hey Sister, how do you rate? I have always loved your Netflix picks and I just went to put The Quiet Man on my list and it’s already there (you might have recommended it at an earlier time and unfortunately it’s still listed as “unavailable”….not waiting for someone to return it, but more like we can’t get it……probably because I’m not in your part of the US. So I guess I’ll have to see if the library has it. It looks so good, let’s see, was it Cary Grant? You are so lucky.
It’s John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. I got it on the streaming live Netflix. How cruel of them to hold out on you!!! I hope you find it, it’s truly a WONDERFUL movie!
Apparently you can still see the cottage that they used in the movie!
It is usually shown in Philadelphia area around St. Patrick’s Day every year. Wonderful movie. Love that man’s man, John Wayne!
Ooohhhh, I can’t wait for the middle of April when my mailman walks up my driveway with my book! 🙂
I’m so excited, it all of a sudden seems so close!
We are expecting snow today but I watch the little green points coming up through the soil and know that spring is coming!
We are anxious to find out how Downton ends but will miss it on Sunday night😟
There always seem to be repeats, I hope you can see it!
I am right there with you ……so excited….!!! Feels like Spring here..breezes and the birds are singing away early in the am. The male cardinals are fighting it out. Know what that means…time for bird houses. Can hardly wait for Downton tonight !! I have told everyone I think Mary will marry Tom and they think I am crazy but still sticking to my story. Happy Day.
Fingers are crossed, we’ll know soon!
OK..boy was I wrong.. Mary chose the wrong guy but pride and prejudice was the theme. Robert had the perfect quote “Mary to marry a mechanic and Edith the richest man”.
WOW! The end of March!!!! O0oo0O0oo! It’s getting closer!!!
I think we’ll need an Isle of Dreams book mark AND new name tag for those book signings! Your weather looks beautiful, btw. Just gorgeous!!
xoxoxo peg
Well, we’re still all Fairy Tale Girls is what Kellee told me about the name tags, so I just said, okay . . . but YES, must have a new bookmark!!
Oo0oOoo0! Great! Looking forward to ‘part 2’!! xoxo
So glad you’re on track and won’t miss the show tonight. We’ve all loved it so much. I hope the film makers take note of what we want to see. We had a touch of Spring weather here in Illinois too, but I’ll have to say our winter has been very pleasant. We missed the huge snowstorms the northeast got hit with. Enjoy the show!!
We got a couple of storms, but other than that, it’s really been an easy one here too!
Susan,
Do you ever come to Maine?
Yes, we’ve been there several times. Of course, it’s so beautiful!
Susan, I think the last episode of Downton is Sunday after next, March 6….so we have two more episodes after this one. We don’t want to rush it!😊 Love the cover of our new book….it compliments the pink cover of The Fairy Tail Girl❤️
I keep getting it wrong and confusing myself, but I looked at Google again, and it said there are 8 episodes, plus one special, and I’m pretty sure tonight is the 8th episode. So that would make next week the special . . . is that right?
Checked PBS website, they will skip next Sunday the 28th and air the two hour special the following Sunday, March 6. Glad we’ve gotten that straightened out!
Yes!!! Thank you Shannon!
I think all the Girlfriends should invite friends over for tea on March 6 in honor of the final episode. But ONLY the ones who follow Downton Abbey. Yes, I have friends who don’t watch it. I just can’t seem to discipline some of them.
They just don’t know what they are missing!
In our area, we have to wait two weeks to see the final Downton Abbey. This week is the penultimate episode. Next week is a special on Downton Abbey manners. The final episode is March 6. Consequently, we have to wait two weeks to see the conclusion. My husband says this is like the Super Bowl. I am not happy about the wait, but it will build anticipation.
Susan, when I see your blog in my e-mail box, it is a happy moment. Your photos, art work, and beautiful words lift my spirits and feed my creative soul. Your words paint a warm, comforting feeling about life and joy even on cold, gloomy winter days.
This is the first time I was able to post. I can’t seem to find the link to post comments. With this blog, there was a box to leave a reply. Yea!
I want to thank you for all you do to bring happiness to your readers.
Hello Susan…..you bring so much sunshine into our lives..no matter what the season is!! It’s sunny and warm here in Calif. !! At least for a week…..then it’s supposed to rain a few days….we’ll see!!! I did laundry too! Today I am working in my craft room….doing some sewing. Have a wonderful day….Loretta
Hi Susan,
. I know! I’m running around doing all the things I need to do getting ready for another work week….so I can sit and watch my Downton Abbey with a cup of Mrs. Patmore’s Pudding Tea 🍵 (available @World Market) it’s delicious! I ❤ to savor both….the show and tv. Don’t you just love that silver teapot in the background? Thanks for the update. I’m looking forward to receiving your new book. Love this weather, I call it my backwards Autumn weather. Autumn is still my favorite, but I love the last cool breath of Winter before the warmth of Summer. Spring is good.
—–<—<-@ Randi
I don’t know what episode of Downton it is; I do know that I don’t want to miss it!
Thank you for the preview of Spring. I can hardly wait!
I’ve never heard of Wild Colonial Boy, but since I consider myself kind of a wanna-be-wild country girl, I guess I’ll google it!
OHMYGOODNESS… The middle of April?!?!?!?! I cannot believe it! It feels sooo close. I am so happy for you… like a true friend, your happiness is my happiness. I could tell you were happy by all the exclamation marks and then you said that;) So cute. Can you tell us anything we don’t already know about the cover? I noticed Sami tried to match the dots on the book with his beauty mark:) Are your dots snow on the ocean? The cover looks fantastic and I love to see your sweet smiling face on both sides. Or at least I think that is you on the back;) Kind of small on my screen. Thanks so much for the tip on “Downty” running long. Going to check the dvr now. Thank you for never failing to put a smile on my face or a song in my heart xoxo
I saved the “he loves me he loves me not, missing-petal flowers for The Fairy Tale Girl . . . the border on Isle is supposed to be a kind of ocean . . .
Oh my, that is so thoughtful and sweet. Could any one person be more darling? I think NOT;)
XOXO
Don’t know your route, but our faves in Scotland and England are:
York (the Shambles and the York Minster)
Banchory Lodge
Sterling Castle (charming town)
Dunnottar Castle (beautiful setting and ruins…)
Crathes Castle (my fave gardens in the WORLD)
St. Andrews (the ruins and the famed seaside golf course…must have some cocoa in the restaurant/hotel at the course)
I know you will have the trip of a lifetime…xo
I printed your suggestions Laura…Thankyou!
How is it that I love all the things you love? Jo stafford – heaven! I remember
her 15 minute segment on tv in the 50’s. I have her boxed cd set AND the
soundtrack to Quiet Man. I watch the movie every St. Patrick’s day (not Irish) and listen to the music every march. That music makes me happy one moment and then I’m tearing up the next. So glad you can enjoy some ordinary life now that the book is done. We had your kind of day here in Wi yesterday and people were in shorts and tees running, walking, biking but no ocean for us. Thanks you for the early blossoms and for everything else you
share with us. Dreams of England and Scotland now becoming fullfilled. I can’t wait to read about your trip.
The book is just beautiful!! Love that sky blue. I absolutely can’t wait to read it and I apologize in advance but I will certainly read it in one sitting no matter how long it takes. I could not put Fairy Tale Girl down when it came, had no idea what was coming and was in shock as your story progressed. I never saw it coming. I felt as if it was happening to me tho that particular thing did not–you have a gift. So glad I had read A Fine Romance first.
Another subject: Wild Colonial Boy is one of my favorite Irish songs of all time and my list is very long. Check out youtube for the Clancy Brothers on Ed Sullivan doing their version at the height of their youth and energy. I dare you not to sing out loud along with them and maybe dance around the room too. They were great, RIP.
I have and I did, and I am driving poor Joe crazy. We are going for an early dinner next door, where a very Irish friend lives, a wild colonial boy and his father’s only son! I guess I will have to sing it to him!
I guess you will! And, Joe knows the words too, he can join in!!!
Gorgeous pictures of the water and the cottages! Springtime color is bursting out all over here in NorCal, and the camellias are beautiful! Garsh, wasn’t that DA show last night something? Waiting……for March 6th! Love the cover of your new book, waiting…….for April! xoxo
OH, 15 minutes longer is fabulous!! It’s been cut much shorter than an hour each week, and everytime, we sit there and say NO!!!!!!!!!!!! Don’t do that to us in the last season….we need every precious minute.
We’re walking, too, and feeling the very same thing—-brown but I can just feel it turning green. In CO, it comes late or comes early and then gets frozen because winter just keeps coming some years.
We just were able to see most of our backyard this week and found those darling little voles had tore up a bunch of our yard. They like to hide beneath the snow to keep safe from predators. Now, that most of the snow has melted, you can see the damage that those little ‘varmits’ have created. Sneaky!!
I’m thinking about planting, digging, and feeling sun on my back. For now, I’ll keep organizing inside and finding things to donate.
SO looking forward to Downton and tea tonight….enjoy!!
xoxo
Joann
Hello. I want to thank you for piquing my curiosity concerning Downton Abbey. I have four girls, plus myself, who adored Pride & Prejudice. After reading your lovely reviews of Downton Abbey I think we will definitely need to get some DVDs and catch up, just in time to say good-bye. Oh well, there are DVDs, and we needed some “excuses” to prepare tea and indulge our senses a bit. Not really. We don’t need excuses, but it’s kind of fun to think about creating moments here and there to watch, eat, then hash it all out afterwards. Ahhhh, one of the delightful parts of being female:)
You and your girls with love it and you are so right, the hashing over will be fantastic! You’ll have family humor to throw into the mix! 🙂
So looking forward to your book. I love reading all that you write. It’s hard not to be anxious for spring but we kinda got gypped out of winter here in the south this year. Very little snow. Oh well spring will be good when it comes.
The weather is lovely here in the midwest too. I just got home from a long walk with my dog and we loved being outside in February! What will we do without Downton Abbey to look forward to? Enjoy!
PS While checking to make sure I was getting the extra 15 mins I saw that next week they are putting out another special next Sunday at the ususal time (8 pm here in TX) called More Manners at Downton Abbey. This is a new one. At least this will be a little something for us next week:)
Can’t wait for Downton tonight either. Spring is in the air here in New Jersey too. My pussy willows look ready to bloom any second! So funny about you washing and ironing your curtain before your trip. Must be our generation. My brother just took care of my niece’s house and pets while she went away, and he spent most of his time cleaning! He couldn’t believe she would want to come home to an untidy house. Lol. Didn’t realize your new book would be ready by middle of April. My birthday’s the 15th so I’m pre-ordering today 🙂
I bet it comes on your birthday, or a little bit before even!
Hahahaha! I was wondering just this morning whether you knew it was Sunday. We only have so many episodes until **sniff sniff** Downton is gone forever and I’d kick myself if I missed any episodes. I woke with the theme music in my head!
I understand what you mean about not know what year it is. I publish day planners and have already started work on 2017 and 2018 mini calendars. I don’t know about you but I kind of like the rhythm of it, counting days, imagining gardens and seasons as I work to include everything in each month. And I like the “ending of a work” and being able to put it away to spend more time outdoors.
See you tomorrow!
Celia
I love doing it, really, each month always starts with the question, what would everyone love this month?!
Planning a trip to Scotland! My husband and I went two years ago in the fall. The best trip ever. We stayed in Bed and Breakfasts and had an amazing time wherever we went. Two weeks of amazement. Can’t wait for the release of your book!
Thanks for your lovely pictures of warmer weather, after that previous posting with all the snow! Brrr! We are also experiencing spring in Central Texas. Trees are beginning to show leaf buds. This is disturbing, since our last freeze has traditionally been in March. In another year, we would be worrying about the peach crop. Not this year. The poor peaches haven’t had enough chilling days to even make a crop. Booo!
Do you go to England before your book tour? I don’t have it straight in my head! I just received my email events update from BookPeople and this one covers June. You’re there on the calendar! Yaaaay! How will I hold out until then for my copy of “MARTHA’S VINEYARD. Isle of Dreams”?
We go on the book tour leaving the very end of April until the end of July. We go to England next fall, September and October.
Hi Susan….I am grinning from ear to ear! I just love getting your blogs and hearing your enthusiasm for life!! Congrats on finishing the book and I can’t wait to get my copy. Here in Northern Calif. we are having very Spring weather. My daffodils are lined up like a chorus line against my wall, sharing the stage with some early blooming irises (purple, of course). The sky is the bluest of blues and the birds are all singing their hearts out. Enjoy planning out your trip. That is always half the fun, I think.
Oh! Me again…I loved your dust bunny! Too too sweet!
How can we exist without Downton Abbey? Am reading A Fine Romance and can hardly wait for Isleof Dreams. I went to Sissinghurst once in June years ago and loved it .You would enjoy the day here today, almost 80 and not a cloud. Too warm though and no rain! Thank you for all your blogs.I tell everyone about them! Enjoy DA tonight.
Charlene
The Quiet Man is our favorite movie by far…we even named 2 Labs Mary Kate and Trooper. A year ago last Sept. we went to Ireland and Scotland and took a side trip to Cong where the movie was filmed and took a private tour to all of the sites that were shown in the movie. It was definitely a special way to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.
Watching it makes me want to go there! Lucky you! If you were to go back to only one, Ireland or Scotland, which would it be?
Susan, you can take a ferry to Ireland and you wouldn’t have to fly. Why not take a couple of days on this trip and see Ireland, too? We went in ’07 to visit my husband’s brother and joined a tour called A Taste of Ireland. It was thrilling! Our tour guide pointed out the location of “The Quiet Man” and I recognize the spot every time I watch it. Just a thought……
Nancy
We travel very oddly, love staying in one place for at least 10 days, preferably 2 weeks, to try to really feel the place, and keep away from the packing up and moving to a new place as much as possible. But it’s very tempting.
Well we better have 15 mins longer tonight, I feel 15 minutes shorted these past few weeks…I want every minute of show time. Love the Sami cat, we are looking for a retirement cottage up in Arryo Grande or Pismo, hope we get lucky. Can’t wait for your book, can’t come fast enough for me.
I still invision Maureen O’Hara standing in the doorway, red hair blowing in the wind, a beautiful sight to behold.
Maybe tonight is the night I break open my DVD of Season 6. Then again, maybe not; your review have been fabulous and I don’t want to spoil this next review. Enjoy the warm and prep for the next storm, coming this week.
Maybe because the Oscars are on next Sunday Feb 28, the Bristish are giving us a break so we can watch both on different Sunday, some people I know still can’t record shows..lol
Thanks so much for your blog posts! I have adored your art for so long, and I’m so happy to be in the girlfriend club!
Can’t wait for the new book. Had the first one, put it on my shelf to read when I had time ( being a middle school librarian means I am ALWAYS reading young adult books and never have time for ME books ), but this week we had a terrible icy morning, a delay, then the call – NO SCHOOL. A found day ! The icy rain hitting the window, me in my pjs, a pot of tea, all my school books read…what to do ? Ah, there on the shelf, calling to me….Fairy Tale Girl ! Read it RIGHT THROUGH and LOVED IT ! Can identify with SO many things….you hit the nail on the head about so much ! It was a blissful day….can’t wait for the next book….and probably won’t get to read it until the first day of NO SCHOOL, but that will be my treat to look forward to. Thanks for the great post – LOVE The Quiet Man – and glad you are enjoying the song. Now it is in my head, too !
Here’s to NO SCHOOL asap! xoxo
Can’t wait for the book! And I don’t know about your PBS station, but ours will not be showing the last DA episode next weekend because of the Oscars. (They don’t want us to have to choose.) So our final episode is March 6th.
So I just open my email, see a post from you, and freeze!
It’s Sunday, isn’t it…no wait, it must be Monday because Susan is posting.
Oh no, did I do what she did last week and miss THE BEST Sunday night tv show???
Please, please, susan – us old people can’t take tricks such as this 🙂
Sorry. I thought I was helping! LOL!
Dearest Susan,
It is always, always, always such a joy to read your thoughts and excitement about your life. Signs of spring are an eternal mood booster! I’m so glad to see and hear that you are embracing even just a hint of spring on the East coast. Such bliss for you to be done with your book and all the satisfaction that brings.
My wonderful book group ladies and I had your book, A Fine Romance, for our January book and they expressed so much pleasure in the reading of it! We met at my house and I hung bunting and had flowers everywhere in honor of you! One of the ladies followed the Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe for our dessert and it was exquisite! Thank you for all of your inspiration! Much love to you!
Chris
You are so sweet, thank you, I feel like I was there! xoxo
It’s a glorious pre spring day here in CA. That and Jo Stafford! Thank you for the music!
Dear Susan,
Spring is trying hard to surface here in East Tennessee. It sure won’t be long. Warm weather predicted for this coming week! Can’t wait for sunshine and flip flops! Congratulations on your new book’s completion!! What excitement on this achievement! And a few more episodes of wonderful Downton on the horizon too. Happy Sunday evening to us all! Enjoy your Spring in your Isle of Dreams!
Bonus! What a treat to pop in and see a post from you! Spring is sending out hints of being nearby and I am loving it (after last week’s frozen tundra!). I am very excited to be able to watch my “Downty” again tonight. I’m glad to hear it is 15 minutes longer as we can never get enough. The new book looks so inviting. April is going to be so over the top delightful! Hi to Joe and the furbabies. Enjoy Downty.
I had a hunch you might have posted a new blog today~SUNDAY~You are certainly ahead of Michigan weather wise, although the ice on Little Traverse Bay outside my windows has come, gone, come and gone again this winter…very strange, indeed. I loved your spring photos and can almost smell that “fresh new earthy” aroma of spring from your photos…most of our snow has melted this weekend, but of course another possible winter storm may arrive Wednesday! I will re-visit your photos on this blog to remind me spring is on it’s way…xoxo
I LOVE The Quiet Man. I got my copy of the short stories by Maurice Walsh while I was singing at a concert at Powerscourt (oh, yes, one of the noblewomen asked our Tom if he knew the family from Powerscourt!). When I got home, I had my adult class of English language learners read The Quiet Man (great fun for a class of mostly native Spanish speakers!)…and I made them learn the song about Jack Duggan…we had so much fun. Whenever I run into these people today, years later, they come up to me and sing… “there was a wild colonial boy…” and we commence to embarrass ourselves in front of the entire supermarket/doctor’s office….
I love the cover of your new book. I can’t believe it just left your hands and we will have it so soon!
I’m off to try out my new recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Roll Soup and settle down with a tall glass of wine to watch our beloved!
Love and peace till mañana!
I love, love, love the new book cover and can’t wait to read it. When I first saw the photo with the cat, I thought it was Jack — and worried, “what is he doing outside?” I love Jack! I’ve got all my ducks in a row, ready to watch Downton. Do you think if we give a big enough outcry that they will keep it going????? Looking forward to your observations tomorrow. I always enjoy them.
Blessings,
GG
Just when I need a little pick-me-up….you are in my email box!!! I want you to know how much I appreciate you, your books, calendars, and the joy filled emails. I have been living in Arizona for 22 years, and miss the beauty of the east! Your pictures of all the flowers blooming make me smile!! Thank you for that, and for brightening my days!! Cannot wait for tonights show!!!
Hi Sue. I guess we are all feeling a little spring fever. Yesterday, I opened my bedroom windows, changed my sheets, made the mirrors sparkle and dusted away the dust bunnies. There is nothing more yummy then getting into a crispy, freshly made bed. I put mineral oil on my cutting boards and spoons. (I tweeted you a picture!) It definitely feels like spring..even the birdies sound different..more chipper and happy. My hubby and I went antiquing today. I was a good girl and only bought one small plate for 5.00. I collect blue ridge china..have you ever heard of it? It’s lovely, lots of pretty patterns and very affordable. I try to get pieces only with red or blue flowers so I can mix and match them. I swap them out on my shelves and cupboards to go with the seasons. I have a lovely set with little Johnny Jump ups on them. I put them in my hosier along with little lambs and depression glass. They look so pretty. I think you would like it. I am so excited for Downton tonight. Gonna settle in with my quilting and watch, I might even have a little glass of wine or something but if I do then I can’t stich so well..HaHa. I can not wait for your book, So exciting. Have a lovely evening.
P.S. Thanks for telling us about the quiet man. I didn’t know it was on netflix…i already put it on my list. Love that movie. dump dump dump dump dump dump Deedle Deedle dump dump dump dump… “No Patty Fingers if ye please!”
No Patty Fingers in the Holy Water! LOL
Love Blue Ridge . . . always seems hard to find, is it for you?
I’m so glad you like Blueridge! I had a feeling you would. Do you have any pieces? I started collecting it about 25 years ago after my Aunt Ada Passed away and I got a Sweet little pitcher from her. I started looking for it at thrift shops and yard sales and I have been building my collection from there. I have quite a lot. (Actually, I have a bit of a dish problem : ) I find Blueridge a lot here. There were so many to choose from yesterday, that I literally had a bit of an anxiety attack! My husband bought me a whole set for my birthday last fall. The pattern is called Mardi Gras. There are tons of pieces, i.e. platters, bowls, cups saucers, gravy boats. I had to pack it and put it away because I don’t have enough space to display it all. I will unpack it for spring. It will feel like christmas! Here is a fun link with that shows all kinds of patterns and their names. antiquemaster.com/brcat1_2.php
This is Fun!
The only thing I have is a whole set of mismatched breakfast cereal bowls. They are such happy designs! I have a dish problem too. If I get anymore, I will have to get rid of something I have, and that’s just not possible!
The Quiet Man is movie heaven for me! The feisty Mary Kate Danaher with handsome Sean Thornton & the adorable “no patty-fingers, if you please” Michaleen, the matchmaker. Hope you make it to beautiful Ireland sometime too, Susan. It’s just a short ride across from Scotland on the ferry! Will you be stopping in Edinburgh? Beautiful views from Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse is pretty, Greyfriars Bobby & the cemetery behind the establishment is worth a look and a quick stop at the White Hart Inn was fun (sign out front offers Husband Day Care). The Robert Burns birthplace museum in Ayr has beautiful grounds & the Brig O’Doon bridge. So much to see and do – you will love it!
Susan: good news! Downton’s last episode will actually air in the U.S. on Sunday, March 6. (The Oscars are next Sunday, February 28. I’m not sure if there will be an episode or not on Oscar night…it airs on different channels…..we can hope!)
Happy (early) Spring!!! I went out this morning and saw the crocus just peeking up through the snowy ground! Yay! Spring is coming! Thank you for the lovely pictures. I can’t wait for the new book and your visit to SLC!
It warmed up a tad here this weekend also. I can’t wait for the Spring flowers to pop so I decorated the house with all my Spring silk flowers, forsythia and pussy willow and tulips on the hearth and all my plush bunnies scattered all around. Good thing you reminded me its DA-day. Can’t miss these last few episodes. Bunny hugs to you, Joe and the fun-kids…….
Oh, wow, 15 minutes to go til Downton, and what do I find but you springing spring on us as if it’s already sprung! Just thinking about the forsythia and cherry blossoms puts a spring in my step, that’s for sure! There were two bluebirds on my birdbath, not 6 ft from my back door the other day, so I know it’s about to arrive. Are we blessed or what?!
Oh, gosh, Father Brown is over! Time to go… until later, Susan!
🙂 Sara 🙂
Ohhhhh!!!!! You Sweet thing! Spring is in the air! I put all my winter pillows away and put out some spring ones, want to make spring longer than it usually is here in New England because it has a habit of turning into summer real fast. Some of my Snowdrops infront of my kitchen garden are up and blooming already!!! I am so HAPPY too today, from our walked along the marshes. Happy Downtoning tonight. 😃😘 Wendy-Louise
Hi Susan!
Last year my husband gave me your book “Heart of the Home – Notes from a Vineyard Kitchen” for my birthday and I was instantly a fan! Not only are your recipes delicious but your artwork is beautiful and has such a lovely sense of whimsy. It is joyful art! I have since added three more books (I like to think of them as my “art collection” :)) and am looking forward to your newest book, which I have pre-ordered. Thank you for the talent you share with all of us!
P.S. I have two kitties and adore my “babies”. 🙂
So glad to have all of you friends to keep me straight about Downton Abby. This is my first season to watch it. Looking forward to watching the other seasons later on. Susan, we all love you and can’t wait for the book!!!! Our books!!!
Looking forward to the new book. I preordered awhile back, so I am ready. Have you thought about who should play you in the movie they might make? I think the perfect person would be Diane Keaton!!! What do you think? Hope to see you in northern calif. and on the big screen!!! Lol
Young Susan has to be played by Zooey Deschanel!! Can’t wait for the next book, and then the movies. Just wish Nora Ephron was still here to direct….
You and me too. Wouldn’t that just be heaven?
I SO admire your painting! I’m beginning to learn how to paint with water colors. I’m in the process of gathering the right supplies and just wondered what paint brush you use to paint tiny things like those letters in your blog. I haven’t found one that I can work with.
Thanks so much brightening all our lives!🖌🎨🎨
Beautiful blog. Actually covered months to come..spring..one can smell it though..great photos and its time for seed catalogue browsing!!! Have a wonderful evening and new week!!
It was beautiful today here in Kansas. We had ice cream for lunch! My daffodils are about 4 inches high. Love seeing the start of spring!
The weather has been glorious her in West Mixhigan! All the snow is gone! Hard to believe we’re still in February! Watched Downton tonight! Can’t believe they’re making us wait TWO WEEKS for the last episode! On the other hand, I am NOT ready for it to be over! So maybe having to wait isn’t all bad! Sure wonder what the ending will bring!