Well, there is SO much going on around here ~ I thought I better do our drawing today! Strike while the iron is hot! But first, let’s see, let’s go hang out in 1928 for a while . . . MUSICA!
I’ve almost finished writing us a new WILLARD! It will start going out on Tuesday morning and I hope you will love it! Is everyone is signed up? If not, and you’d like my newsletter delivered to your email box, just go HERE and sign up. And while you’re at it, sign up your mom and your sister too, and your 
BFF, because it’s going to be chock full of good and fun stuff. I’m also updating the blog on Tuesday! Very exciting! Love it when everything happens at once! Between the blog and Willard, us packing to go away on our two-month Book Tour, and the constant Kitty Kissing, there is A LOT going on . . . including, in this new Willard, more Giveaways, and even a Grand Prize Giveaway. Oh yeah. We’re doin’ it up big.🎉
So I thought I better step in now and announce the winners of the SIX books, with paintbrushes and bookmarks . . . so I can get them in the mail to the Lucky Winners on Monday and not get everything all mixed up with Tuesday! Hate it when that happens! Can’t believe how many people we have entered in this drawing. Wild eh, and what fun! Have you read any of the comments? Only the nicest people in the world! 💏 That’s all. You really don’t know how often you make me cry! Sometimes I can’t even answer because I don’t know what to say! That’s how nice you are.
So, just a little reminder . . . our six winners will get a personalized copy of my new book, Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams, that one ⇑ up there, PLUS
Each book will come with one of the worn-out paintbrushes I used to paint the watercolors in the new book AND these messy bits made into bookmarks from the blotters where I test colors and try to figure out what is wrong when my pen starts acting up. Little bits of book DNA from the construction site.
But before I announce the winners, I thought you might enjoy a bit of Morning Science. For any of you with a Wisteria, this may be old news, but I find it endlessly fascinating, what a Wisteria does in the springtime, so I thought I’d show you one of my favorite harbingers of spring.🌞
You know what a wisteria looks like in bloom, right? And the smell? Floral heaven. Like the inside of a flower store ~ Ours were planted a long time ago, by the woman who owned our house from 1940 to 1980, the very much appreciated Mrs. Bowditch. They hang on an arbor over the kitchen-porch side of our house and the fragrance goes up through the second story windows (where I am taking this photo) and into the bedrooms, thank you very much.💛
They make May . . . in May the Island air smells like ocean mixed with lilac and wisteria.
Here’s how our wisteria looks right now, not quite as lovely, despite the fabulous blue sky . . . but see all those dangling bean-like things? That’s what I wanted to show you.
Here they are up-close. They are fuzzy like pussy willows.
They drop in the spring in the first days of warmth from the sun ~ the porch and the driveway are covered in them. They make the most delightful cracking noise when you step on them because they are very hard. I go out of my way to step on as many as I possibly can. From what I saw on the driveway this morning, I’m about to be in crunch heaven.
They don’t really drop actually, they kind of split apart and explode . . .
The pods hit our windows, we can hear it happening, little ticks against the glass . . . A few of them get all they way across the driveway onto the lawn . . . they really do explode. We think it might be from happiness.
The daffodils watch intently, as you can see. And see the little black dots on the driveway around them . . .?
The by-product! Free wisteria seeds! Isn’t that fabulous?
It’s our springtime miracle!
And you might wonder, but is there anything actually blooming in your yard now? And I would have to say, Oh, yes there is!
Our Magnolia is in bloom.
The weeping cherry trees too, and the forsythia . . .
And our pear tree . . .
Alright, that’s the end of Morning Science for today 🌷 . . . so here we go dear ones, I do so hope you win!!!!! But if you don’t, remember, there will be more chances in Willard, more chances in the next post, and lots of fun surprises coming. It’s spring, I have a new book, we’re going for a long ride, hill and dale across the country to meet all our Girlfriends, and we’re here to
So here we go!
Vanna . . . darling . . . climb up there and dive into the vat won’t you? (Remember when it was only a basket she had to draw from? Now it’s a vat! Filled with teeny weeny slips of paper, each with a tiny name on it! So exciting! We are gaining Girlfriends, Girlfriends!)
THE WINNERS of the SIX BOOKS AND ETC. ARE:
I hate this part. Up till now everyone is a winner, as well it should be, since that is the bottom-line truth, but now all of a sudden, it’s narrowed down considerably. I always say this when Vanna is diving into the vat, and I always feel it. Oh well. Must. do. my. job. She’s UP!!! Handful of names are flapping in the wind. Here we go . . .
Happiness abounds, joy bells ring, honking horns dinning, awesomeness reigns for:
Janet Johnson!
Celia Reusch!
Sylvie from France!
Diane P. from Northern California
Rachael Anna
Kenna Morris!
I’ll send you each an email and you can write me back with your address and who you would like the book inscribed to . . . you, or perhaps you have someone else in mind! I will love to do it, and Joe will get them in the mail to you on Monday (or as soon as I hear back from you). We have our first French Person winner! How exciting!🌎We are the world, Girlfriends! 💞
Off I go, but I’ll be back so soon it’s almost ridiculous. Please don’t get sick of me! Have a wonderful day, a wonderful weekend, breathe in some of that fresh spring air and know you are loved. XOXO
Congratulations to all the winners. I have a copy of the new book and with lots of rain in the forecast, I’ll have lots of good reading ahead of me. 🙂
Nothing like a little rainstorm!
Growing up in my childhood home , there was a wisteria arbor outside of my bedroom window. I will never forget the fragrance of those blossoms at night while I slept. The venerable vine has since been severely cut back, but we brought some pods back home to plant for our own enjoyment. To me , the scent is evocative of happiness and Spring!
What a heavenly thing to have at your growing-up childhood window!
I missed the book drawing! Drat! Could I just have some wisteria seeds? That would make me all happy f’ever!!!! Thank you for all the stuff you send us, words, pictures and photos!
‘nother drawing in Willard, and ‘nother on the blog this coming Tuesday! Come back!
Darn didn’t win, oh well I did see Sir Paul tho and Susan, he rocked the house down!!!!🎸
Could you please tell us about your friend Jane who helped you get a publisher, and just happened to share a recipe with you on LucasFilms stationary??? She sounds very interesting. Can’t wait for Williard! Debby
Did he? Was it wonderful? Jane is the best. I’ve always looked up to this smart, beautiful woman. She was George’s right-hand person for, I guess, 30 years … she just recently retired. She took us on a tour of Skywalker Ranch. And George stopped in here to our house once, for a party we had. I don’t know him really, but he was on the Island and out and about a bit, and Jane told him to come by, so he did.
Oh Susan, Paul as always,was the ultimate showman, he sang about 35 songs, old and new, told funny heart warming stories, and was about as darn cute as he could get, I wanted to take him home. This was in Portland ore, last night, so I am still singing his songs.
Regarding the story you just told in the above message, that little tidbit needs to go in your next book. Oh and by the way, we had a little party and George Lucas dropped by! Are you taking us with you on your book tour?
P.S. He didn’t sing Mull of Kintyre like I wanted, but I forgave him.
Yes, I’m bringing you on the tour, and then in the fall, we’re going back to England!
You need to tell the girlfriends about Jane’s books. I loved ready them.
Of course I mean “reading” them. On vacation in Palm Springs and being a little lazy.
Congratulations to all the winners! Wasn’t it just last week you had snow and now you’ve got blooms?! That’s a miracle! God speed on your travels, have fun.
Thank you dear Sandra! It is a miracle!
Congrats to the winners. I love wisteria, one of my favorite memories from my visit to England to see my friend was wisteria! They were everywhere in her little town, called Gerard’s Crossing. A magical visit to England. I just received your new book and am saving it for after I am finished with the mystery I am reading. So excited! I loved, loved Fairytale Girl. Being the same age, ( oh Happy Birthday! ) it was truly like a walk down memory lane!
Have fun on your book tour!
I’m sure we will ~ going out to meet the Girlfriends!
Your new book is a treasure!
Thank you Debbie!
Your new book is a treasure. I am trying to read to very slowly. I never want it to end.
I’m so happy for the winners, but so sad for me 🙁
but like you said, maybe next time. I’m glad you’re doing more drawings ’cause I really, really want to win one.
The wisteria is just lovely. I’ve asked hubby to make an arbor in our yard and want to plant wisteria to cover it. A nice part of a new drawing would be some seeds from that beautiful plant. I’d love to win that.
Sure wish y’all would come further south for a book signing. (Central Florida would be nice!)
Looking forward to Willard, and no, dear Susan, we won’t get sick of you. I’m thrilled every time I see a new post.
Blessings to you, Joe, and the darling kitties.
GG
Thank you dear Gail! xoxo
Susan, just finished your new book. It has been my fave so far, and came in time for my birthday. By the way, happy birthday to you. Your books have inspired me to write down my growing up memories for my grandkids! I am so excited to start. Thank you for all your positivity…(new word). You have brightened my world.
You will be making a true family treasure by doing that Kathie! Good for you! Thank you!
Years ago I bought a Wisteria vine and trained the vine into a tree in my front garden. The blooms are so beautiful welcoming guest to our home
Sounds wonderful Elaine!
I read a reply above regarding a decor book from you of your home. That is a wonderful idea! I don’t want to stop reading your books and hope that you will continue the story! It is too good to end! Lol!
I love wisteria, and our rural roadsides are covered in it now in Alabama. You’re correct, the smell of wisteria is out of this world.
Looking forward to all the news forthcoming in Williard and the blog. You, dear Susan, add sunshine to my days!
How nice you have wisteria growing wild!!! Thank you Vicki!
I have this little story about a a little girl I babysat with a long time ago. She asked her mother what is the name of the plant that says for Cynthia. When I see forsythia blooming I think of her. It will always be For Cynthia to me. So looking forward to your new book. It like visiting a with a dear friend. Safe travels
For Cynthia. Out of the mouths of babes! 🙂
Congratulations to the 6 lucky winners! How exciting!
Say, Miss Susan……….any chance of getting any of those wisteria seeds???? As I looked at your photos and read how you were describing the seed pods, I wondered if that what those black dots were!! I would love to grow wisteria here!! I was just out this afternoon cleaning out my flower beds. I have purple coneflower starting to show it’s green leaves, and violets too! I just love spring.
Looking forward to Willard!:)
Coming soon, surprise enclosed!
Hi Susan,
Congrats to the winners….how lucky they are to have a signed book from you.
I am coming to your Plainville Ma. book signing on April 30th, with my beloved partner of 41 yrs. He has never met you. Are you signing at 1 pm? I need to know, I am traveling about 90 miles from Western Mass. So excited!!
How wonderful Carol! There is a ticketed luncheon that starts at noon. After I speak there and sign books, I’m supposed to go downstairs to sign for people who aren’t coming to the luncheon until 3:30. I’ll probably get downstairs by 1:30, is my guess. I’ve really never done it like this before, so I’m not sure, just following orders! Looking forward to seeing you!
Thanks Susan, I will make sure I am there early enough. It will be a nice experience for you to be at the luncheon, everyone will love seeing you.
Yay! Congrats to all who won! I am enjoying my copy very, very much! I’m reading it a little slower than anticipated though for a couple of reasons. First, I am preparing for unexpected eye surgery. Because of the upcoming surgery, I have had to cancel many plans long in the making including the long overdue visit of a friend and my gardens will be full of weeds by the time I can get to them, but I can still make a cup of tea and I have my book to read with the aid of my trusty magnifying glass. The second reason it is taking so long is that I also have my old copy of Heart Of The Home next to me and I keep going back and forth from book to book whenever there is a mention of each page being painted ( Susan I love your roses. I know how hard they are to paint!) It is really fun to hear about your process. I also am recalling all of the quilts I used to hang, the vine and heart stenciling I did all over my house once, (it truly was addictive) and the curtains I used to make from bed sheets. ( I also made a dress out of flowered sheets once.)So I plan on sitting with my books, listen to the birds singing in my messy gardens and be a happy woman while my eye heals…and my wonderful husband vacuums the house. Thanks for your lovely work Susan Have a wonderful summer.
Good luck with your eye, sail through that surgery, and get well soon! Thank you Becki! Sweet words, lovely to read!
I also kept referring to my old copy of ‘Heart of the Home’ while reading Isle of Dreams. This really made everything come to life. Congratulations to all the winners! xo
Hi Susan– yes the wisteria is a beautiful and amazing plant. At night the seeds will explode and hit my bedroom window and then my sweet corgi will bark and bark. The plant is throwing its seeds as far as it can to give them the greatest possibility of life–far from its shadow… Such a good mother… And such a strong lifeforce! I haven’t written a comment in years but I have bought your signed “trilogy” and read your blog…I have seen you grow in amazing ways over the years. I am also in the Beatrix Potter society and I got to be Peter Rabbit at the Huntington gardens this past fall! Maybe I will get to say hi in Pasadena.. Lots of love to you in your travels. Be safe!
You got to be Peter Rabbit! That definitely takes the cake! See you in Pasadena Betsy!
Congratulations to the winners! How lucky they are! Your wisteria is/was beautiful!
What a perfectly wonderful way to end the evening here in Ohio! 11 pm, just hugged & kissed goodnight, 2, of my favorite girlfriends! They were here for supper at my home tonight, lovely time together…then, to check & see I have a new blog to read from our SUSAN BRANCH!!! Yea, yippee, & yahoo! Thank you Susan, for you, were even better, than the chocolate cake tonight!♡♡♡
That’s saying something!
Congrats to the 6 lucky winners! Love the beautiful Spring flowers. Thanks for morning science today. I glanced at that one pic of the pods and thought it looked like bats! Looking forward to Willard! You keep is so satisfied, dear girl! Thank you! ♡♡♡♡
Thank you back Karen!
So exciting! It’s a good thing I didn’t win, really, considering that I bought a book as my ticket to our signing and then, whoops! Apparently I already bought a book from the website! 😀
Bring them both and I’ll sign one to a friend, Steph . . . you’ll be one Christmas gift ahead of the game! 🙂
Hi susan…congrats to the lucky winners… susan, you must know how loved you are because you have so much beautiful energy…i sure wanted one of your paintbrushes…dang it! Thanks for the anticipation, at least!!!!
Maybe another chance coming up on Tuesday . . . ??????? Ah, the wonderment of it all . . . 🙂
Susan,
I’m loving the new book, I’m already about half way through. It’s just lovely!!! I can’t wait for my Willard to arrive in my email. Congratulations to all six of the beautiful winners. I hope your book tour is everything you want it to be. Sure wish you were coming to Spokane Washington. Kisses to Jack and Girl.
Thank you Sheryl!! xoxo
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!!! Totally awesome!
Yes, Congratulations to all the winners! The book was lovely and inspiring and FUN and brought back many memories with the music references and quotes!
Enjoy spring as it waves across the country …and you and Joe waving along too.
Happy to hear that Laura, thank you!
Congrats to the winners. I still feel like I won..just getting to pre order your book. I just finished it. We had company come to stay a week the day I got the book in the mail. Oh how I wanted to dive right in. I could only read a little at a time. I had a hard time putting it down to visit, but once she left it was full steam ahead. 🙂. It was A wonderful Read. I felt your pain and loneliness. I loved reading how you eventually worked yourself out of it. About the kitties, Also how the first cookbook came to be. I was one of those that bought it when it first came out you know. Then the second one. Then the third..I’ve used them all too. . I loved reading about your little cottage and how you got Carlton building things for it. How did you ever let it go. Of course the house you live in is fabulous also.
And I’m so glad you added the epilogue for inquiring minds. Lol..it made me Smile. I’m a sucker for happy endings. It was a very touching, inspiring and satisfying read.
Very happy to read that Cris, thank you SO much! We’ve been friends for a long time! Happy 30th Anniversary!
I forgot to mention the awesome artwork too! 👏 Happy 30 th..😊
Just wanted you to know I am loving your book!! Taking time each night to read a few chapters, I am trying to read it slowly so it will last.
I hope you know that it was worth all those months of your hard work, because there will be lots of people like me who read it, enjoy it, learn from it, and get inspired to do something creative in our own lives because of it.
Thank you Susan!!
That’s my prayer. I always say, if I can do it, anyone can. xoxoxo
Wow! Congratulations, Winners! Vanna must be exhausted, that vat is HUGE. Holding one’s breath under water is one thing but under 3000+ entries takes unimaginable training and skill!
I finished Isle of Dreams yesterday. Zoomed through the first 200 pages and then read the rest very slowly to make it last. Sigh. I loved the meditation part and marked it with the green ribbon to find it again when I am stuck in a rut. So grateful to be one of the girlfriends and have useful practical inspiration from you! I will practice turning my negatives to positives. Thank you Thank you!
I probably should mention the triathlons that Vanna regularly takes part in. She is a wow-girl! As for that last, it’s not easy to do that, that little voice can be very strong, but if it can say your hair is a wreck, why can’t it say how wonderful you are!? Who’s in charge around here is what I used to ask myself ~ 🙂
Hi, Susan – I’m writing on a different subject to this blog – Downton Abbey! Your recent messages about it convinced me that I’d missed something wonderful. I’m now enjoying the whole package back to back and am completely hooked! The actors, the costumes, the settings are superb. I just love everything about it and am so excited that there’s talk of a DA movie being made!! I shall be first in queue if /when it hits the cinema. I live only about 30 mins from Grantham – isn’t that ironical! Thanks for introducing me to what’s in my own back yard!!
It’s lovely to keep up with you and your exciting life via the blog, and I’m hoping I’ll be able to come along for that picnic in September – it would be lovely to meet you at last. With love and best wishes, Bernie ps long live Downton!!
Love that you’re enjoying it Bernie! It was very special . . . will always love it and love Julian for doing it. Long live Downton . . . are you going over to get in line at Highclere?
Hi. Sorry I didn’t win. But luckily I already purchased your book. I was really hoping for the brush and bookmark! But I am excited and anxious to meet u May 3. Your new addition to the family – ENCHANTING; just beautiful. If anyone out there hasn’t purchased it yet RUN don’t walk to nearest book store. The story and the artwork had me rushing to turn to the next page. Now that i have finished i can go back and leisurely read it again. It is just monumental all the effort and time u put into your books. Comgratulations to u for a job well done. Thank you. Joan ❤️
VERY nice Joan, thank you so much! It’s all worth it to hear words such as yours! XOXO
Love all your Spring flowering plants but Wisteria brings back so many memories from England. The home we rented for a few years had wisteria growing up to our second floor bedroom. I really did feel I was queen of the manor. I’d open the windows every morning to see and smell the wisteria, then crawl back into my 4 poster bed (which I never had), have a cuppa tea, good book and enjoy my time in merry ‘ol England. Thanks Susan for bringing those memories back.
Mmmmm, how wonderful.
I read your latest book in two days which is a record for me. What a fairy tale. We are going back to England for six weeks on August 15th and “A Fine Romance” is coming along. But first we are going to Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago for ten days and I am bringing “Martha’s Vineyard: Isle of Dreams” to read again on the plane and carry with me on the Camino as my travel journal. Many books have touched me over the years but this trilogy is definitely at the top with the best of them all. Congratulations to the winners. I would have killed to get one of those brushes… Four of us are driving to Asheville on June 27th to see you. Have a good Tour. xxoo Colette
Looking forward to seeing you Colette! Thank you for the sweet words . . . and have a wonderful time on your fabulous trip!
I have just got back from a three week trip to India and my lovely husband presented me with a post holiday blues cheer up gift of your gorgeous new book .He had pre ordered it before we left ! What can I say ? Susan Branch you are a weaver of all the luscious and juicy things in this life your writing and illustrations fill me up to the tearful brim for the beauty the honesty and the possibilities that your own life illustrates I am still in my dressing gown with not a pot washed at 11am ! But I will show great restraint and save some of your book until later…so difficult delayed gratification not being my strong point .Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou for this wonderful inspirational book Alison Barrow ,Manchester England
Thank you dear Alison, that was lovely. Please give your husband a big Hello from me!
Oh, darn😉🤓. Congrats to the lucky winners. I will get your book eventually … For sure. Thinking about your book/family visiting/studio check in tour. Mother Nature at her busiest❣ It will be amazing!
Also thinking of your across the pond trip and wondering if you have been brushing up on packing tips? You crack me up. How many suitcases, trunks, bags did you have last voyage? Will look forward to your posts, pictures from the book tour😊 Xoxo judi
We hash that subject over constantly. Joe knows what I can leave behind, and I know what he can . . . so I’m sure we will once again bring it all! Maybe not the printer this time!
Congratulations to the winners. I am loving the book so far Susan. I am trying to savor ever little bit and make it last. Fairy Tale Girl seemed to go by so fast! I hope you are able to keep in touch while out on the road. I would miss you so much if you weren’t here for two whole months!
I’m going to blog while we’re on the trip, as much as I can . . . I would miss you too!
Oh, the miracles of nature! Buds bursting, seed pods popping and all that excitement of Vana pulling out some lucky people’s names! Happy Spring to you all over there in the Northern Hemisphere! Congratulations to the winners too!
Congratulations to the winners! I won a pot of violas at my Garden Club, so I kind of thought my winnings were over for a while. Love all the photos of your flowering shrubs! Spring is absolutely beautiful!
Congratulations on that pot of violas!
Received your book in mail yesterday. It is a life saver. I am absorbed in reading and it transports me away from my broken right arm. Typing with one hand is a challenge. Love your science lesson for today.
Poor baby . . . hope the arm heals quickly . . . not fun working around that! Thank you for the one-handed typing! I admire a person with persistence!
One of my favorite recent blogs from you was the grilled cheese recipe and rain music. I have had grilled cheese at least once a week since, usually Monday night because my husband works later so I make me one and my dog Gus a half of one. Thanks for the delicious way of making it!
Well, you just got me longing for grilled cheese! 🙂 Thank you Darla!
So sorry, I didn’t win. One of these days tho. But, I’m like the girlfriend above – wisteria grows in N Central Arkansas but I’ve never known how – I’m not a native. Just a packet of your seeds would be enough to make me a winner. Pretty please?
Enjoy your well deserved travel and rest.
My new goal is to be more Susan-like. If those wisteria pods fell all over my yard and sidewalk, I’d be complaining like mad. You think it’s a wonderful, crunchy game. Must revise my thinking immediately.
You are a WONDERFUL thinker, don’t change a thing!
Congrats’ Girlfriends! Enjoy your delicious treasures, you lucky-ducky’s!
Susan, my calendar is marked. Tuesday…Willard & SB Post. YAH!
Spring has Sprung!
Tuesday: Red Letter Day! 😃
Wisteria! I love it!! We had it growing on an arbor that ran alongside the whole living room in the house I grew up in. It was a wall of floor to ceiling windows with a sliding glass door in the middle, we not only got the scent but the beautiful view. But the scent I remember most and love the most now in the Spring here in So Cal is the orange/lemon blossoms. It’s intoxicating. I feel like I’m going to hyperventilate when I go on my walk because I have to keep taking deep breaths. lol… Anyway, Susan I LOVED Isle of Dreams, I got completely lost in it. So much so that when it was over, I felt homesick for you…so I’m re-reading Fine Romance now. Those books!! They are truly wonderful.
Thank you Lori! I loved the jasmine in California for that same reason! Intoxication!
Congratulations to all the winners! My mom has a wisteria as well, but it never gets the seed pods!?!?! Any ideas as to why?
Maybe there are varieties! I’m not sure!
Hi Susan!
Just curious, but where does the pudding/pie quote come from? Usually you say, is it an original? So cute!
When I first found the quote, it was listed as anon. Later, I saw it attributed to John Ray, but I’ve never been quite sure that was correct. I always do try to attribute the quotes . . . so interesting to hear where they come from. If it was John Ray, he lived in the 1600’s and has said other interesting memorable things!
Oh my goodness, how I love seeing an email in my inbox from you! I seriously look forward to it each week, and if it’s not there I do a “search” just in case I missed it, or it got shunted someplace else! At any rate, Yay for the winners!! I loved your Wisteria lesson, and am now prepared to see if it’ll grow here in AZ… more specifically, in my yard, lol. Anyhow, thanks again for a beautiful and nurturing post! Take good care, and ttyl :))
I think after reading what everyone says, you should find one to plant that is already in bloom!
Your writing about Wisteria is just wonderful. We have it on a fence and I introduced it to my 4 year old granddaughter….she was fascinated with its beauty and fragrance….just as I am yearly. It was in my Grandmother’s yard and my favorite Aunt enjoyed it as her very favorite of all flowers.
I also fell in love with Forsythia. I think I could build my life story around the flowers I have enjoyed and cultivated over the years.
Thank you for stirring my memories!
I love teaching little ones to smell flowers. They are always enchanted by it. Have fun Dianne!
Congratulations lucky girlfriends!!! I am patiently waiting for my wisteria to bloom, she is just a baby, almost 3 years old now. I forget how long I will have to wait for the first bloom, but it will be well worth it☺️ Thank you for the beautiful pictures…keeping my eye on the prize!
Good luck with your baby!
Received my book and spent hours reading till I was done just could not put it down !!! Wish I would have done the same in my youth !!!! Now reading all the other books can’t stop,such easy reading. they were worth the wait, Thank-you!!!!! Didn’t win one of your brushs but will put one of mine next to your books !!! Waiting for Willard !!!
Thank you so much Florence! xoxoxo
Loved the blog today even more than usual. I, too, have wisteria. Love, love, love it. It’s raining here. The corgi is asleep beside me, but I’m sure he wants me to tell you to have a happy day and a good week.
Hug a corgi for me!!!!
Congratulations, winners! As many have said, we are all winners. I received my book and managed to read it in two days, despite family visiting over the weekend. Nothing shall keep me from Susan’s new book. And it was wonderful, and at times frustrating because it reminded me of my younger self. Thank you so much Susan, for sharing yourself…it is a gift to be so open to others. And you have had a remarkable life. With much more to come. I’m looking forward to the latest Willard.
Thank you Shanna! xoxo
I received my copy just in time for a crazy Spring snowstorm. Tree branches are breaking, my flowers are under a feet of snow, but I dont notice. My nose is in a book. It’s just as lovely as I expected it to be.
Thank you Lisa . . . Happy spring! 😃
Hi Susan,
I just love everything you write and draw! I first met you when I bought your first cookbook, “Heart of the Home”, and it’s been well used and cherished over the years. I’m looking forward to having your newest series of romantic books to savor. Looking at all your pictures of little vignettes of lovely things in your home, I see we are kindred spirits because I like to do the same thing. You brighten my day!
All the best to you and Joe,
Your friend in Canada,
Marlene
So nice to hear from you Marlene! Thank you!
Dearest Susan, I finished my first read of the book last night. I wanted to savor every moment and had to compel myself not to read it through in one sitting. I plan to re-read all three in order again. ENCHANTING definitely is the word for you. You have had a very interesting life and the impressive part is that you made necessary & sometimes painful changes and moved forward in spite of it all. You inspire me! And like other girl friends who have commented, I love the quotations! I was especially struck by the one near the first chapter about the little house. We bought this current home which gets sunshine all day. It doesn’t have a fireplace but I bought a mantel in a thrift shop and painted it to go with the room and fill it with cozy fairy lights year round. Lastly, I planted a lilac near the front door. If I could have one flower year round, it would be lilacs. My pink ones just started blooming with the promise of whites and purples next week. But the greatest thing about this house is that I have the best neighbor, Carol, who is like a sister to me. And she introduced you to me. We will both see you soon in New Hope, 2 Philly Girl Friends. Enjoy spring! xoxo
You are making your own little heaven on earth! Sounds lovely Kathleen! Say hello to Carol, and I’ll see you both in New Hope!
Congratulations to all!
Spring has arrived here as well…….
best of all, the new book came in the mail!!!!!
It’s moving me to tears…………
so many parallels…………..
There’s a great quote by C.S. Lewis, “We read to know we are not alone.” Isn’t that the truth!
I remember Paul quoting that line and you rushing off to get a pencil….”what was that again..?” It’s one of our very favourite lines from one of our very favourite films – Shadowlands! xo
That’s right! How we do get around! xoxoxo
very very true. thank you so much for sharing yourelf with all of us………..
truly kindred spirits.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I managed to spread out the reading of it for about 4 days with a bit of restraint.
It was a lovely read!
I am going to England in August and am wondering if you used a particular company to book flats/cottages. Would you be willing to share? That is if you were happy with the accommodations.
Have a lovely trip on your book store tour! I SO wish you were coming to Washington state. Next time!
Also, will be able to preorder the updated Hear of the Home Cookbook?
We more or less just shop from the Internet to find what we like. Just Google “self-catering rentals” in England and you will find lots to choose from, with good descriptions to help you decide. And have fun! And yes, Heart of the Home will be up for presale very soon. xoxo Thank you for asking!
Lisa, just to add to Susan’s answer….a lot depends on the area you are going to! We use Sykes & Cottages 4 You a lot – reliably good. But if you are visiting a specific place, then make sure to put that in the Google search too as there are lots who specialise in different areas. One I can really recommend in the Lake District is Lakelovers.co.uk who have a great selection and the ones we have stayed at have been very clean & well presented too! Hope you have a wonderful time here! xo
Very handy to have you in the neighborhood, dear Rachel!
Congratulations to all the Winners today!! What a splendid gift and treasure to own!!
Oh, Susan, your book arrived over a week ago and I immediately dug in and savored every word!!! I cried and laughed with you chapter to chapter and loved every minute detail of art and text that was on each page. I now see that this book is the piece that was missing from the other two. It gives us YOU and your complexity as a young woman finding her way. When I finished the book, I had a sort of vague sense of personal hope and appreciation about my own life. We are sometimes handed issues that we are not prepared to deal with and the slog to get ourselves righted again is often long, lonely and filled with doubt and worry. This piece of your story can be anyone’s story and I found it filling my mind over and over. It resonated with me and I find myself going back to that thought in the days since completing the book. Life is a mystery and has many twists and turns that catch us unawares. Your story showed how one woman defied the odds and learned to believe in herself. It was no small task!! But when I think about how your struggle gifted all of us with these beautiful books filled with hope, love, and simplicity, I am so thankful that each one of us can find renewal and courage by starting small in the Heart of our own Homes. You have shared the keys you found in grounding life with us and showed us how to make the everyday simple into beauty and love.
I know from your blog here that the writing of these books is a long process. But I want to thank YOU from the bottom of my Heart for sharing your experiences that have further strengthened the Heart of my Home!!
Winnie, dear, that was so thoughtful, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wanted it to be just like you are saying it is, you can’t imagine how I feel reading your words. xoxoxo Thank you!
Here, here Winnie. You said it so “on the spot” for many of us. The gift of Susan Branch as a girlfriend. Thank you.
Just like the last two books, I’m saving mine! …AND I have to start at the beginning and read all three. My favorite books ever, and I need something to look forward to. Don’t we all need something to look forward to? So, don’t tell me what happens!
LOL, Okay. Mum’s the word!
Morning Susan,
It’s a beautiful day here in Oregon, I loved seeing your pretty garden. We too are enjoying a lovely Spring. Everyday when I walk my little dog I also get to know the flowers, birds and bees (which she snaps at). Well I finished Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams yesterday. Wow! I knew it would have a happy ending and I loved that for you.
Congratulations to the six winners. I’ll keep trying. In the meantime we have the next Willard to look forward to and maybe some blogs sharing your travels around the USA doing book signings. What a great time to travel.
Spring! Thank you Amy Lee!
I received your new book and I am relishing each and every page. Thank you for your writing, your art and sharing your life with us!!
Thank you Jerrie! Very sweet of you. xoxo
I was so happy to see wisteria in your blog today! I spent a week with my sister in March and we drove to Georgia to see our mom. The drive from Virginia to Georgia was wisteria heaven. I am trying really hard to put down the new book, but it is sooooo hard. Congratulations to all the winners!
Thank you Maureen! xoxo
I truly LOVED “Isle of Dreams”, Susan! You give so much of yourself in your books and your blog and you inspire me every day to see the beauty that surrounds us in both nature and people. In fact, you give so much that now I am truly spoiled — I’m hoping that after your book tour and your trip back to England and Scotland, you’ll delight us with the tea book and “Pancakes”. I can never have too many Susan Branch books; they’re the stars of my library and my kitchen!
We’ll see what happens next! I’m always surprised! 🙂 Thank you Marianne!
So sorry wasn’t one of the lucky winners, but congrats to all. Better luck to the rest of us for next drawing. Can’t wait for our neighbors wisteria to bloom, though it’s a ways off here. Hers never gets those pods either, darn cause then I’d have some seeds and could start my very own vine. All the flowering trees and bushes are finally blooming along and looking as lovely as all of yours, but I want more!! Love all that spring and summer bring to our gardens and can’t wait for homegrown veggies and summertime farmers markets. Just the best. Looking forward to the blog and Willard.
Tuesday! Thank you Debbie!
Congratulations to the winners. Can’t wait to get my books in hand and start reading.
I missed the drawing………how can we prepare for the next one? What needs to be done? Congrats to the last bunch of winners…….how fun.
I love the Spring time. Lilac trees and daffodils in bloom out here in Pine Mountain Club, Ca. A little snow remains on the mountain tops, and the wildlife is emerging. It is the most beautiful time of the year, about on a par with complete white wonderland.
Just come here tomorrow, on Tuesday, because there are more surprises on the horizon. My 30th Anniversary and we are celebrating. Also, if you’re not signed up…hurry and sign up for Willard . . . that’s my Newsletter, it starts going out tomorrow (takes 4 days to get to everyone, so be patient), and there are more surprises there. You can sign up here and it’s free . . . xoxo
I just love EVERYTHING you do! One day I hope to meet you…If you ever come to New Orleans….You need to design baby things, pottery, dishes, etc. THank you for your wonderful blogs, books, and more.
~Susan
oh, Susan…..us get tired…or, sick….or, sick & tired of YOU…haha…..NEVER!!!!!!! and, you can depend on that!!!! i’m just kind of still savoring “the” book….forgot to mention in my last comment…I truly loved seeing your Mom’s Kitchen Madonna. my Mom had one as well….I am heartbroken, because now I have NO idea where that went. soooo sad. but…to see yours….a real piece of wonder for me. as I always say to a lovely lady who was an employee of ours at our store…and became like a true sister to me…..WHAT would we EVER do without YOU?????? do be having a very good day. my sweet hubby’s b-day is today….and, we are feasting happily!!!!! mmmmm. ribs in the smoker, green beans from our garden (and freezer) and now……mmmmm…dessert. thinking of you each tasty morsel. mmmmm. love to you, from us.
Happy birthday to your guy dear Chris!
Hi Susan!
Sometimes I feel very alone in this world being a girly-girl. Most people in this state (which I moved to several years ago) don’t seem to be and I often feel I’m out of step with the other dancers. I’ve learned to keep mostly to myself now and am so happy to have you and the girlfriends in my life. I don’t often leave messages here but I do come over and read and enjoy the posts and comments. I so miss the Lenox pieces you had as I put it off too long and never ended up with any of it but there is always another bend in the road (Anne Shirley).
My word for the year is BRAVE and will be doing some brave things this year starting in May. It’s scary and am already nervous about it but I’ll be doing them just the same! You have certainly been brave! Look at all you have done! Take a HUGE BOW Girl Friend, you certainly more than deserve it.
I have also learned there are times to cut your losses. I am very persistent and will work long and hard to accomplish goals. My new reality is, I just can’t do it all! The key is to know what to cut.
You, your blog, books, stickers, stationary, etc. always make me happy and make my heart smile. I was so worried my book wasn’t going to be here in time as Amazon told me May 4th (It came on April 12th :)) and I am leaving to IL on the 8th to see you on May 10th for Tea and book signing!!! Can’t wait for that happy day. I will be the one in a floral dress and a big smile on my face.
Thank you Susan for being you, for having such a generous heart and generous with your time with all of us.
Hugs, Lynne
Well, we love to have you here Lynne — you fit in perfectly!!
Hello,
Congratulations to all! Your first French Person winning, I chuckled at that. 🙂 Cute!!
Received my book….LOVE!! Thank you my Dear Susan, you did a fantastic job.
Lots of Love,
Carla
Susan, I ordered Isle of Dreams from Amazon and started reading it a couple nights ago. This part of your story is touching me so deeply in ways I can’t explain – I admire your courage and how you were able to make your little cottage into the perfect reflection of you. I’ve been divorced 6 1/2 years (after 28 years of marriage), and still look around my house and don’t see “me” anywhere. Thanks for sharing your deeply personal story – I’m starting to look at my own little cottage a little differently because of it.
Congrats to all the lucky winners. I love all your beautiful plants. We have the same things blooming in the yard as you do. We shall be in the 80’s tomorrow so out come the hoses so they all can have a drink. Send kitty kisses to your sweetie from me.
I’m excited for the six winners – what a treasured gift! Okay, now I am crossing my fingers, arms, legs and eyes for the next drawings in Willard and your blog. Actually, it’s a prize just to look at your photos and to read your blog. You have to be VERY excited as your trip draws nearer. Safe travels~
Oh my goodness, Susan! I don’t know how you did it, but you made losing your drawing OK, even fun! I want to congratulate the winners . . . I am so happy for them. And most importantly, I want to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your wonderful new book. Thank you for helping a 47 past 12 year old believe that there are still dreams left to be dreamed and that they really can come true! I loved every second that I spent reading “Isle of Dreams.” I mean it – every page was pure delight!!!! Thanks once again for writing your lovely, charming, and captivating book!
I live in Des Moines, Wash. and we have different plants in bloom. I live in an apt. And do not have any plants but enjoy others. We have apple blossoms, Lilacs, White and PINK Dogwood trees, Rhodies, just to name a few. I so admire all your letters, artwork and sharing of your life and many wonderful talents. What a blessing to all of us girlfriends out here!🙏 😀. Enjoy your trip, hug your hubby, be eyes for all of us! Thanks again, xxxooo Lyern
Congrats to all the winners! How exciting for you six!
I love the old wisteria! What a blessing, dangling their sweet blossoms above your door and perfuming your house with gentle spiciness and sweet zephyrs! God’s most precious blessings are such as these I think – Free and Pleasant.
Thank you for brightening so many hearts, lifting so many sad spirits, and inspiring many discouraged souls to look up, through your books, recipes, and especially your artwork – reminding us all, life IS truly a gift, in spite of its occasional set backs. Happy Trails on your book tours. My, how exciting! Blessed is what you are – but you already know this!
I am so enjoying reading “Isle of Dreams”, reading a chapter or two each night before I turn out the light. Gives me sweet dreams! I am about a third of the way through and love it!! Congratulations to the six winners.
Susan, you need to “employ” a neighborhood child to pick up as many wisteria seeds as they can, and then design a little package to put them in. We would buy them! We actually have a Wisteria in our back garden, it’s trained up one side of our deck. It got spider mites badly a couple of years ago, and has slowing been coming back. The fragrance is like nothing else! Ours tends to have many lilac colored blooms on before all the green leaves come out. Makes for a pretty picture. The seeds would also make an astounding giveaway.
Happy Birthday Susan! Looking forward to Tuesday, new Willard, new blog and the election results. I know, I know, but I am a new “citizen” and am thoroughly enjoying the antics of this political season. Lol.
So many comments….does mine really matter? But of course it does….all of life matters! My Wisteria was gorgeous……now, and n No CA already a couple weeks gone……Wisteria is one of my Spring favs…..along with Forsythia and Lilacs…..and of course I was raised and bred in Upper New York State! Enjoy your book tour!
Looking forward to seeing you and having my book signed at the “Unlikely Story” book store. It will be wonderful to take it with me on my train trip to the west coast in June. Of course by then it will be probably be the second reading. I can’t possibly wait til then to see what happens in volume three of your saga.
Congrats to all the winners! If you don’t already have the book, Isle of Dreams, you are in for a real treat! I’m reading it again! Enjoy!
Hi Susan, I’m just getting to your blog, because I put my life on hold to read Isle of Dreams……..LOVED it!!! Read it in a day and a half, because I did stop to sleep. I do have one question, though, because maybe I missed it, but who owns your sweet Holly Oak now? I didn’t see any mention of having sold it. Or did you keep it and rent it out? Just curious.
Good evening Susan,
Just finished reading Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams! I couldn’t put it down——loved reading how living on the Island made you so strong. I have
read the three books, now I think I should read them again!
Chowderhead !!!! Oh how I laughed when I read that. That was one of my Mother’s favorite words when someone did something stupid. My Mother will be 97 in June——haven’t heard her say it in a long time. Will see her this week and remind her of the times she used it. You remind us of all the things New Englanders take for granted.
Took a ride down Cape this afternoon, it was a beautiful Spring day. We enjoyed all the Daffodils, Forsythia and flowering trees in bloom. Lots of bushes along the roadway are starting to show green buds. Looked at
my rose bushes when we got home and they are budding out, time to cut them
back and clean them up!
Now, the long wait until July when you visit Titcombs. Love the visit with you
and all the girlfriends. It’s always special having my books signed by you.
Safe travels, Marion
Congrats to the winners!! My BFF surprised me with with a pre-order announcement of your new book. I’m so excited to know that it will soon be here and I can look forward to going to the beach with my chair, a cool drink and start reading my book. Reading about your beautiful Whisteria reminds me of my Sisters beautiful garden and how lovely it was when her Whisteria was in bloom. Even though she is no longer with us, looking at yours brought those memories back. Can’t wait to read the next issue of “Willard”. Thanks
Congrats to the winners. I am savoring my book. I love it. Thanks for the science lesson. The best time to plant a tree/bush/vine is now. I now need to go find a wisteria and a place to plant it. Looking forward to Willard. Thank you again for all you give.
Congratulations ladies and hooray my book arrived this morning, earlier than I thought, so I am one lucky girl!
I’m afraid our garden needs a lot of tlc. It’s been so cold here I haven’t felt like going out and getting started on the tidying up this year. We need some sunshine and a little bit of warmth. Can’t believe we’re over halfway through April and the weather is like this.
Yay, congratulations to all the winners… how Special, I’m sure there all thrilled.
Ps Susan I loved the story of the Wisteria I must get one, I been pondering with the idea lately. Enjoy Spring ( she’s says wishing the seasons away until December)
😊💖🌟💙✨💚🌸💜🌷💛🎶🌟✨ Happy~Monday Sweet Sue! Congratz To All The Very~Lucky~Winners!!! Excellent Blog~Post & I Adore The Musica! 🎶 Thank~You! My Copy Of The~Book Arrived Last Monday….(Yay!) & I Want To Take Some Photos Of Your New~Book & Tweet Them…. I Love When The Girl~Friends Tweet Their Photos! It’s So Cute To See Your Book All Over The Country & The World! 😊💖🌟✨ It’s Amazing!….I am Actually Looking At The Trilogy Now As I Type This….These Books Give Me Goosebumps…..They Are All So Beautiful…. Thank~You Sweet Sue! I am Happy You Had a Magical Birthday~Celebration….& Now You & Joe Will Be So Very Busy Packing & Getting Ready For Your Huge Book~Tour!!! Mind~Boggling….Sending Hugzzz & Love & A Bit Of Spring~Time Pixie~Dust….Very Exciting About “Willard” & Another Blog~Post….Happy Week To All! xoxo Poof! 😊💖🌟💙✨💚🌸💜🌷💛🎶🌟✨ P.S. I’m Twirling! 😊🌷💛🎶🌟✨
Lucky winners! I liked that you did the post first and I was still a potential winner right until the very end – it meant lots of anticipation and reading very slowly so that I wouldn’t get the bad news too soon – I knew I would not win – its ok 😀 there is only one of you, only six books and thousands of us loyal girlfriends out here so it’s fine. I love your wisteria and wonder if I will grow it in my house of the future (I am planning to move in a couple of years you see and the house of the future would fit with wisteria). I am looking forward to reading Willard tomorrow at work (on my break of course, no stealing time here you know). I noticed you have a lot of Bettys in your comments each week so am signing off as the real me, Betty the wood fairy, just so I don’t get lost in the crowd, because I don’t want that to happen. Good luck with your packing and preparations to head out on your big book launch. I ordered my copy from Amazon as I am in the UK and have to wait until late June – far too long, in fact so long I started reading A Fine Romance all over again to keep myself busy and then it will be the Fairytale Girl second time around and that should take us up to June 😀
Good morning Susan!
I just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS to the lucky winners of your new book and one of your paint brushes! They won’t be able to put it down. It is fabulous! Thanks for sharing your beautiful wisteria with all your girlfriends to enjoy. I only wish I was there in person to see it first hand and smell its amazing scent! Have a wonderful upcoming week 🙂
Love to you from Texas!
Friend Katie Sue got your book on Friday, started it Saturday, got up at
5:00 a.m. on Sunday to finish it before church and wants to know when the next one is coming.
I told her to buy some cookbooks, even though she doesn’t like to cook. She can get a Susan-fix that way until you have a chance to go to the UK.
Can you teach Joe to paint or write so he can help and we can get books faster?
I love your spring pictures. You’ll have to see my pictures in your head…we still have the white French lilac lingering with such an intoxicating fragrance. Add to that the old fashioned purple lilacs and pink is everywhere…dogwoods and swamp honeysuckle. They are called swamp honeysuckle because my granddaddy dug them up wild in the swamp. They may be in the azalea family, but the fragrance is heavenly. When it blooms the hummingbirds, bees and butterflies are so thick you hear the constant buzz and chattering as you walk by the trees. It’s truly a miracle. Congratulations to the winners of the books.
Some people read it quickly in one sitting, but I savor every page lingering over the words and art….I accidentally wrote heart instead of art…I corrected it, but think I was probably right the first time.
Love the music you put on your Blog…
One house that my daughter lived in had a woods. There was a BIG Wisteria vine going up one tree. A Squirrel had built it’s nest in the tree, right in the middle of the Wisteria!
We called it The Squirrel Nest on Wisteria Lane!
Congrats to all the winners of the perfectly splendid new book! 🙂 I loved what you wrote, Susan, about the Wisteria! My husband and I have 4 of them , and wondered what those pods were! lol. I am simply loving this Springtime with everything blooming like crazy. We planted a few years ago a tiny Lilac bush, and this year it has exploded in purple flowers everywhere. The smell is heavenly! I cant wait for Willard and for your new trip blogs. xoxoxo
My congrats to all the lucky winners, but I feel like we’re all winners with your book! I finished mine last week – so many things to love about it! The amazing timing and providence of Holly Oak. I for one would love to hear the story of how you came to live in your home now! Loved your little step-dog Peggy (I have a black faced tri-color Corgi name Laci). So, of course i had to buy your tea with the Corgi on it! :o) Happy Monday – can’t wait to see you in June!!!!
I’m SO loving your book. I take it with me everywhere, reading and re-reading bits. I am learning so much good stuff from you, just so much! Thank you! XOXO
Hi Susan, Just finished reading A Fine Romance…so lovely… thank you for that journey…read Fairy Tale Girl…amazing …I’ve been with you since the beginning…( Heart of the Home )..I’m 80 yrs old…we are kindred spirits…I know you have many of us…We love all the same things…I’m a retired Art teacher…grew up in Ct….but spent 45 years in So. Ca. raising family and teaching…now I’m back in Ct. married to my high school sweetheart..10 yr. anniversary this month….I was married to my late husband for 45 yrs. became a widow in 2002…sweetheart Dave found me again in 2005 …this must be dessert! …..I’m writing to share some books with you…actually a trilogy…written by Elizabeth Goudge (best known for Green Dolphin Street)…The books are The Bird in the Tree, Pilgrim’s Inn and The Heart of the Family…about a family called Eliot living in an old house named Damerosehay in Devon…I adore these books and have read them over and over…I almost never tell anyone about them because I couldn’t bear it if they didn’t love them too….I actually once found a copy where they were all bound together called The Eliot’s of Damerosehay…They were written between 1940-1953…I lent it to a friend and she lost it!!!…I now own three separate books …they are out of print but I found them on amazon…the books were published by Coward McCann…I have loved all of her books…because the underlying theme is always love…but she spins wonderful stories…not wishy washy at all…hope you get a chance to read them some day….Enjoy your book tour…drive carefully…another thing we have in common…I love traveling by train…hate planes…I go cross country every year on the South West Chief to Ca. to see my family Ca….Hope to catch you in Madison, Ct. May 1st…love Nancy Keller Lewis
Love to doodle while I’m trying to work a solution to a problem. Love your books and hope you continue to write more of them.
First of all, a huge “Bo-kay” of congrats to the very lucky six winners — what a great way to start the weekend! But you know, I feel like a winner as well. I have finished “Isle” book and am on the second reading. I must say I had tears and my own whoops of joy in reading it. What a great book to inspire everyone! I have adopted your mantra of that time — “Eyes on the Prize,” for my own artistic endeavors. Thank you again for this wonderful book that is sure to give courage and hope to so many “girlfriends” who are in the midst of change (sometimes unwelcome) in their lives.
Cheers!
Margie
PS. MUST mention how much your couple of “Arf & Arfy” comments made me absolutely howl with laughter!
good morning Susan, good morning girlfriends, I just love the fragrance of wisteria, and have often wondered if one could grow here. what do you do with all the seeds???? those would be wonderful giveaways for all the girlfriends, a tiny bit of your garden for us. well the nasty neighbor must be getting all his nasty-grams from the county as all I have heard over there is lots of yelling and hollering and carrying on about the county so I guess he is getting the message. we continue to allow the kids to cross over on our property as it is not safe for them to walk by his house and up the lane to the school bus stop. since we are the closest to it without walking by the front of his house we agreed to allow the kids to come through for their own safety. the parents come through to get them and we will escort them through on the early morning walks. now back to the wisteria… I think some of the seeds could be packaged in tiny sandwich bags and used as gifts for the drawing or as consolation prizes if we want them. I would be eager to try to see if I can get a beautiful wisteria to grow here, I’d plant some of the seeds by the henhouse to cover up the chicken smells, and of course along the side fences near the bedroom windows, ever since my hubby cut down the lilacs I have been looking around for something to replace them, and this looks like a good idea. I would gladly plant one along the chicken yard on the fence….. anything to mask that odor especially in the summer…. PHEWY!!!! a suggestion, something to think on and about. well off to the barnyard to get the morning collection of eggs, and give the brats a snack of leftover veggies, salad fixings, and noodles and to check again on the babies in the nursery, got a surprise this morning, one of the peeps has escaped from the nursery and was wandering around where they shouldn’t… bad baby bird!! caught it, and put it back in the nursery, hopefully it will stay there now, just means I have to keep a sharp eye on them for awhile. also put my clothesline back out and the first batch of laundry is going out to be hung on the line. nothing like sun dried sheets. the tractor parade is going by pretty regular these days, its time for spring planting, the soil is warming up and ready for planting. time to figure out what to put in our garden, peas, carrots, beans, peppers, lettuce, corn, pumpkins, squash and tomatoes, and potatoes. may even run to the garden center and look at apple trees, I want a honeycrisp tree. but the fruit and veggie prices are ridiculous, so its time get busy with the garden this year. well you all have a great day today, enjoy. hugs… 🙂
Oh phooey, I missed out on the book drawing! I stopped reading your blog when you were doing the Downton Abbey coverage and missed the annoucement. I have never watched that show and could not relate. Plan to binge watch the complete series one of these days though. Anyway, I do LOVE your blog, and Willard, and all the stories you tell, and the recipes, and the musica, and the books, and Martha’s Vineyard and the kitties and so on! Hope to meet you one of these days at a book signing. I’m not Dorothy…but from Kansas!