Hi Everyone! MUSICA? Oui! Well, that ol’ clock’s been a-tickin’ and suddenly, almost momentarily, we are going to climb aboard the Queen Mary 2 and sail out (following a hurricane, but oh, who cares, oh yeah, me😜) into the deep and churning North Atlantic, wearing our anti-sea sickness bracelets, eating (hopefully), tea-drinking, dancing, sleeping, knitting, diary-writing across the ocean until we get to the port of Southhampton in Jolly Olde England. We go on Thursday . . . this Thursday, ready or not . . .
LOOK 👀at this place! Are you ready for this? A friend of ours sent this wonderful photo from his recent trip to Scotland ~ I thought you’d like to see where we’re going. Not just Joe and me, but you too, virtual travelers, thru the backroads of the English Countryside, all the way up to Scotland . . .👏 We’ll take photos and post them as we go so you can enjoy this true-life adventure along with us. We are SO excited!!!!! I mean really! That tiny white spot halfway up this mountain is a house! And the white dots in the “foreground” are lambs. Yes, it’s vast. Probably makes you cry from being overwhelmed with joy when you see it (and smell it, and breathe it) in person. I can’t wait. 
Sailing, sailing, over the ocean blue . . . I made the BEST playlist for the trip, I can’t wait to get in the car and let Vera Lynn give us a Calgon kind of day . . .
So we’ve been readying everything . . . planning for the people to come put the storm windows on in another month or so, drying out the basement from the exploding hot water heater debacle (better now than later) . . . making sure the garden is put to bed as best we can . . . it’s still going strong . . .
Joe’s finishing up the job that our dear friend Paul started when he was here with Rachel helping us celebrate Joe’s Birthday! A miracle, that this bannister is repaired before we go. It’s only been broken and a health hazard for about three years! Paul, if you see this, thank you. Aphrodisiac City, men at work.💞 It took a village.
Here’s my guy now . . .
We’re supposed to be having a hurricane or a tropical storm (no one can decide) today, or maybe more like it, tonight. But we took our walk this morning as we always do . . . and it was just gorgeous, with lots of wind and a fallish chill in the air. I’ll miss this walk ~ it’s my spot. Although something tells me we’ll be able to find plenty of other wonderful places where we’re going! The photo above looks in one direction, then I turned around and . . .
And this is it in the other direction. At the end of this road is the water. Heaven?
We stopped and visited our “Creek Friends,” Bruce and Gayle, who live down there . . . and this was the view from their amazing porch . . .
Bruce took our picture. Yes, we are happy!
Here we are starting our walk into the woods and back home . . . this is the part of the walk I call “Ireland.” Because this is what I imagine Ireland looks like. I’m probably wrong, but there you go!
And you know soon I have to leave the little love of my life, Jack Sprat who eats no fat . . .
The one who has more curiosity is his right paw than the rest of the world has in all four of theirs! 🐾🐾
See that rubber band on the book. Jack does!
Then I added a ball . . . he thinks I’m going to grab him, so he’s trying to get it without forgetting that he doesn’t want me to do that.
Bo-bo Baby . . . pure personality.
We’ve loved him since the very first day we brought him home. He is the hardest thing about leaving. (Did I tell you we will be celebrating Thanksgiving on board the ship the last evening on our return trip? It’s a long time from now, 2½ months!) Jack is so smart, he can get bored, and I don’t want him to wander around aimlessly when Barbara (who’s staying here with him) is at work, he needs a lot of attention. So far, besides Barbara, I’ve enlisted two other girlfriends to “come visit” and play with Jack. He has already gotten used to me being home. I adore this cat. I would take him if I could.
He gathers his toys. He is a hunter-gatherer. That’s like human.
And, there’s another problem I’m sorry to have to tell you. That our darling Girl Kitty has gone to heaven. After 15 wonderful years of bringing us love, purrs, laughter, and furry sweetness, our little green-eyed Girl became more and more ill, and crossed the rainbow bridge to kitty heaven.
It was a very bad day, the day we had to say goodbye into her trusting eyes. Poor little thing. Such an elegant little person. I know she feels so much better now, and that’s what makes it bearable. I don’t know what’s worse, losing someone who has loved you, or losing someone you love.😥
Adorable Girl. She made life more fun. She is missed already. We buried her in a pillowcase in the kitty graveyard in our garden, and marked her burying mound with flowers and a heart-shaped rock.
Despite the fact that Girl and Jack couldn’t really be called best friends, or even passing acquaintances for the most part . . . and I’m sure being an only child more or less makes Jack’s day, still, he must notice that he is alone. So that’s why my girlfriends are coming to play with him while we’re away.
I have faith in the unseen plan. I trust that all works out exactly as it’s supposed to. Whether I like it or not. My job seems to do the best I can and keep going.
And so, onward and upward, we are packing. Here are the napkins, complete with ants, and the tablecloth I’m packing for our upcoming BYO Picnic Basket Party in Stourhead, 
Wiltshire, at High Noon, on Sept. 18, near the grass bridge. I hope our rental house has a basket to put our picnic in, baskets are hard to pack in suitcases! But we’ll get one! Our picnic is going to be a world thing ~ kindred spirits are coming from everywhere. We’ll be toasting Beatrix Potter’s 150th birthday ~ the invitation was extended through the Beatrix Potter Society’s wonderful (free) online newsletter called Pottering About. And if you can’t make it? That’s what I’m for. Pictures will be here waiting for you.❤️
Here’s how our picnic won’t look.
Maybe more like this if I can find a hat like that.
Here’s the last one we had at Stourhead. We are not just whistling Dixie about the fun-ness and the beauty and simplicity of this gorgeous place!!! But I have to say, I’ve never met a picnic I didn’t like.
Lots of packing going on. I’m in love with these packing squares. Have you heard of them? They are new to me and I’ve been marveling over them like they are the greatest thing since sliced bread and already both of the people to whom I was waxing poetic knew all about them. So I may be the last on earth to hear of them. But just in case YOU are actually the last on earth . . . these things are WONDERFUL for organizing suitcases. You get four of them in a set, all different sizes. This is the smallest one . . .
Perfect little, soft, zippered square, and inside are all my scarves folded up. You know how when you travel your scarves unscramble all over the inside of your suitcase? You fold them a hundred and fifty times but it doesn’t help? That can’t happen with this. It’s like having dresser drawers in your suitcase. This is the scarf drawer! And you can see through the top, so you know what’s inside. Just pull it out by its tote-able handle, and there they all are!
Here’s the next size up . . . the sock drawer!
All zipped up and organized. Don’tcha love it? I still have the T-shirt and jammie drawer and the sweater drawer to go! But VERY handy. Just pile them in your suitcase and you’re ready to go. You can read more about them HERE:
And these, I got two of the big ones, and one little one, for our bathroom stuff. So we don’t have to hunt! Pretty neat huh? I got them HERE . . . and everything comes in other colors.
Here’s some of our electrical gear including that heavy boxed transformer. You can’t see the extension cord and the power strip, but there’s the English hairdryer we bought the last time we were there. So anyway, we’re getting organized. I hope you are too . . . you know we plan to smuggle you all aboard and I want you to be ready. Don’t forget your fuzzy slippers and flannel jammies and cozy bankies, your diary, your book, and all the things that make you happy. We’ll provide the tea and the MUSICA!
And if you get ready early, you can spend a little while listening to the radio . . . I was interviewed by the Good Life Guy last week . . . we had so much fun, I thought you might like to hear it. Just go HERE. I love the radio!
My charm bracelet and the first charm Joe ever gave me . . .
Here’s a wonderful poem by our Girlfriend Georgie (@farmgirlgeorgie on Twitter) . . . which she wrote after we came home in 2012, before A Fine Romance was published.
- We watched you sail out, 🚢we watched you come home
- You told us the tales as through England 🇬🇧 you roamed.
- There were cups made by Emma, and beautiful sheep.
- Your journey was endless. My when did you sleep?
- We laughed 😂 and we cried as we followed your posts.
- It’s as though we were there, all the time, we would boast . . .
- “You should see where we’ve been. We’re going here next.”
- And every day it got better. 🌄 We were never perplexed!
- And soon we will all take this journey again.
- You will bring us along with paints, brushes and pens.
- The memories you’ve lived have been captured in part
- On paper and bound, 📚 given birth from your heart!💛
Isn’t that good? Didn’t she do a good job? I wasn’t sure if I’d ever shown you this, but it was too cute not to share. I’ll be keeping a diary again this trip🎨, and we’ll see if it becomes a Scotland Diary or not! I’ll definitely need to paint us a new map! I packed my art things! Basically, I packed everything! If you need anything, extra socks, a teacup, a pen, laundry soap, or anything, just ask, I’m sure I’ll have it with me.
Since I started writing this post, the wind has gotten stronger, the temperature has 
dropped ~ it’s cold! And rain is pattering the windows ~ it’s getting interesting out there, trees are bending and leaves are flying. I’m in sweater and shawl, it’s cozy here and I won’t be a bit surprised if Joe makes us a fire! We might be studying our map of Scotland in candlelight tonight if we lose our electricity!
Okay everyone, I could yak all day, but I gotta go pack those other two squares! Won’t be long now till Bon Voyage, I’ll see you on the ship! You can watch HERE to see us leave the harbor at 5 pm on Thursday. I’ll be the teeny person waving madly from the top deck. Your Pal, Anna Susanna Dana Branchburger the Third who loves you.💕
Stay safe! And Bon Voyage….
Hi Susan, I can’t wait for your journey to begin so we can travel along with your posts and pictures. Happy Bon Voyage! Travel safely!
Dear Travel Adventure Pal A.S.D.B III, The best way to start any thing is at the beginning, and I love starting this wonderful trip with all your home and garden departure preparations, and a walk before the storm (and what a wonderful happy photo of you and Joe! Thanks to Bruce!), and ingenious new packing protocols (love the peep at cozy colorful socks!), and finally the windy evening storm approaching – sigh, just lovely. I am so ready and happy to get to come along with you and Joe – thank you!!. You two are the best travel companions ever! ♡ Till we see you on the ship XOXO
I know, the trip has actually been in full force for days now!
So excited for you! We’ll be following along here (playing the “home version”). 😉 I’m so sorry to hear about Girl Kitty. I have 2 elderly kitties and one is having some health issues and not doing well–it’s so distressing! They are such a huge part of our lives. Warm thoughts to you and Joe. 🐱
It is SO distressing, you just don’t know what to do. Wishing you well Georgia. xoxo
May precious Girl RIP…..and I send you and Joe hugs and comfort! We are dealing with our last senior kitty….so my heart goes out to you! A few yrs ago, we lost our 2nd of 3….and this one actually has loved being the only one, which surprised us. He has been so happy! It sounds like Jack is still very happy too, which is a great thing. Xoxoxo
Jack seems very happy, very loving, and attached to me like white on rice.
Susan, I am so sorry to hear about your cat’s journey over the rainbow bridge. You are right to ask which is worse…to lose someone who has loved you or losing someone you love. I am sure there is a collective gasp and tears from the Girlfriends sharing your sad news. Our hearts bear so much in our lifetimes…and when we say our heart is broken, it is sadly true that the pain seems physically unbearable…like a crashing drop of Grandma’s inherited dish…one that is impossible to glue back together. Thankfully, our broken hearts mend, but sometimes I don’t know how. There is such a price to pay for deep love when parting time arrives, but that deep love made our days and memories priceless. I know that is true with your Dad and kitty’s losses. I am deeply sad that you have lost two of your life-loves so close together.
Susan, your loving heart is “kissed” by all who continue to adore you. I am glad that friends will be with Jack because he may not show it, but his heart is broken, too.
I hope that the Atlantic rocks you to peace.
I know it will. I feel like this was all part of the greater plan. Deep breath. We feel very blessed. Thank you kindly dear Fay.
FayE managed to say so well what I felt but could not articulate. I had to stop reading to wipe away tears…still am. So strange how joy and heartache can co-mingle. I wish you both a safe and peaceful journey. I hope that your hearts are mended somewhat by the soothing beauty that is Scotland and England. Looking forward to sneaking along for the ride.
Bon Voyage!
Much love from the Heart of Texas.
Fay what a lovely beautifully written note to Susan and Joe. Made me cry. A lot of love and caring on these pages. But yours was very heartfelt by me. God Bless.
Have a LOVELY trip Susan and Joe! A soft, warm hug for you after news of Girl Kitty~ Gaze upon the beauty of Ireland and Scotland and thank you for taking us along!♡
Dear Susan,
Have a wonderful trip. I cannot wait to read all of your wonderful posts. While I am here in Kentucky, I will dream I am in Scotland with you and Joe.
What a treat to find a post from you on this holiday!!!! YAY!!! First of all, I’m so sorry about Kitty. 🙁 Always hard to lose a beloved pet.
Cannot believe that the trip begins THIS WEEK!!!! I can’t wait for your posts!!! I can’t wait to see how you love Scotland. 🙂 It’s going to be such a wonderful trip!!! When you are there, you should keep an eye out for this book “Island: Diary of a Year on Easdale — you will love it. readingscotland.com/2016/09/island-diary-of-a-year-on-easdale-by-garth-and-vicky-waite/ Very similar to Diary of an Edwardian Lady but this is set in Scotland. Well I have never heard of those packing squares!! Now I know! They look terrific! Hope to try them one day!! All the best to you both!!! Can’t wait! Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us!!!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for sharing about those little squares. I guess I’m the last person on earth who didn’t know about them, but I kinda packed that way on my own this past July when hubby and visited England and Scotland. Made life much easier for sure.
You know what … I’m anticipating seeing your upcoming photos to see if I recognize any familiar spots and then I can shout, “Susan, I was just there too. Isn’t it a wonderful place?”
As to dear Girl Kitty, I know I already sent my purry hugs and kisses to you on Twitter, but it can never hurt to send more thoughts of love and sweet sympathy, so here they are … xoxo♥♥♥xoxo♥♥♥
Wishing you the best holiday and time away. Thank you for sharing it with us on the blog and on Twitter. I’ll be enjoying the Beatrix picnic with you all in Stourhead … vicariously, of course.
With love and best wishes,
Brenda
xox
Bon Voyage… Smooth sailing to and fro.
Packing cubes are the greatest Susan. I used them on my quilting trip to England last month! They were perfect. Enjoy your trip with your friends, the towns and hillsides, and the sheep grazing everywhere! York was sooo beautiful when I visited there – such a great city! I look forward to your stories of this trip – I enjoyed them when you went a few years ago. Cheerio, Faye in NH
PS. I love, love that photo of you and Joe. So happy you both look! B
Yes! Me, too! Don’t get to see too many of the two of you together. You look very happy. ♥
So very sorry for your very precious loss of Girl Kitty; she was a beautiful girl and much beloved by many. May you feel squishy hugs of comfort from me to you!! Thankful for the pawprints they leave forever on our hearts.
Wishing you both as very safe journey! Bon voyage and may the seas sigh with a sense of calm when your ship leaves port and grant you wonderful, heart-filling memories on this exciting adventure.
Thrilled you have room for all off us!
XoXoX,
Jeanette
I am so so sad about Girl Kitty. We lost our cat Jimmie this summer. They are such an important part of our lives. I think I can speak for all when we say a Scotland book would be lovely. Bon Voyage and thank you for sharing !!
Hi Susan,
So sorry to hear about Girl. I know how hard it is to lose a pet. But as you said, you do not want them suffering.
You are truly blessed to have gone on this voyage more than once. I am sure there is so much to see, one could keep going back and never see everything.
Can’t wait for your posts.
You and Joe have a safe trip.
Isabel in Orlando
It’s so true, it is so chock full of wonderfulness, I don’t know if you could ever see it all. Right now, our last two weeks, we are being pulled in about six different directions where we’ve never been before!
A direction you could go is to hop a boat or a plane to the Emerald Isle! They have flights on Ryanair for $24 from Edinburgh to Dublin! Unbelievable … as are the people and the beauty of Eire. Just think … rollling green hills, castles, tea, shamrocks, peat bogs, Irish dancers, U-2, Irish stew, Magner’s (of Tipperary!), Guinness (is good for you), bountiful breakfasts (rashers, eggs, beans and the best brown bread ever), Waterford, St. Patrick, Grace O’Malley (my pirate queen ancestor), Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, the Burren for walking trails, St. Stephen’s Green – an oasis in Dublin City … and Green like you’ve never seen! The island is small and manageable (really can see it in a week), rich in heritage, Celtic culture and full of fairies 🙂 … Just an idea ♥ Happy Trails to you … xoxo
Tears here for Girl Kitty. Our two elderly kitties are buried under the dogwood tree in the backyard. Such grief over each kitty. I read a column from decades ago where Billy Graham was asked if our pets go to Heaven. He was convinced they do.
Of course. What would heaven be without them. They are gifts from God. They’re in heaven.
They absolutely do! Just a quick true story – a friend of ours has a son who was in an automobile accident, died, was brought back and was in a coma for a few weeks. When he came out of the coma, he said he had gone to Heaven and he saw his sister who had died as a two year old before he was born. When his mother asked, “How did you know it was your sister?” He said, “Because she was holding Taffy (their dog who had died just a few months before his accident)!” Love from Mary S. from Fresno, CA
Oh my. That brings tears to my eyes.
I bawled when she told us!!
Me, too. Why would animals not be in Heaven as look into their eyes and you can see their souls…Have a wonderful safe trip. Looking forward to hearing all about it… 🙂
Brings tears to my eyes too, but somehow beautiful to imagine at the same time.
Happy and safe travels!!!
This was a fun but emotional rollercoaster posting, what with the lovely Girl Kitty pictures – made me cry they did. I just loved her — from afar. But what a wonderful life she had and now she resides in your garden. Sweet. I’m glad Jack will have some playmates while you are traveling! I’ve been totally lost in the Downton Abbey Marathon on our local PBS channel all weekend and your welcome blog post was the perfect way to come back to reality. Bon Voyage – SOOO looking forward to posts from England and Scotland and of course the ship. Its the next best thing to climbing up a gangplank myself. Safe Travels.
First off, rest in peace, sweet Girl Kitty. I’m so sorry, Susan. I know how hard it is to let a dear pet go. 🙁
Hermine, begone! We seem to have dodged a bullet here in NJ and now she’s paying you a visit instead. I pray she lets up before Thursday. Ooooo, but I’m so excited for you and Joe (and Rachel and Carrie too)! In my mind, I’m stuffing things in my own packing squares… ready to stow away and follow you on Twitter and the blog with the rest of the girlfriends. One freshly pressed hankie is at the ready to wave as you pull away from the harbor, and my prayers are with you for a safe and oh-so-fun voyage and trip.
Hard to believe that Christmas will be upon us when you get back. (Which reminds me, I always start my shopping at the end of summer with ordering your calendars as gifts–makes me feel like I got an early start! Need to get on that ;). Have a fabulous trip! Warm Hugs, Maria xoxo
Safe voyage Sue and Joe. God speed. So sorry to hear about Girl kitty. Its very hard losing anything or anyone you love. Your in my prayers. Can’t wait to see where you take us.😃
My bags are packed! Don’t leave without me! It will be my FIRST crossing, so I doubt I will sleep the night before “we leave”! Going to be so fun!
I’ll make sure to round everyone up, tuck you in, before they blow the whistle.
Thank you for taking me with you! I am all packed–a trip I have been dreaming of for all of my life! Hugs to you and Joe and bless little Girl Kitty–may her time in kitty heaven be as blessed as the love she gave you both.
XOXOXO
Hi Susan! Maybe you can put all of your future purchases (Bridgewater mugs, Fair Isle sweaters and tartan scarves inside your new picnic basket and turn it into a purse of sorts. Just a thought. Also, wanted to tell you that I found one of your Christmas ornaments to buy on SB.com. It was under charms. Didn’t think to look there before. SO HAPPY:) Sorry about girl kitty..but she died with her people in town… that’s something. Have a fantastic trip!
Nina
I’m SO glad we were home when it happened. It would have been awful to be so far away. Thank you Nina!
Oh, my! Be sure and leave room for me because I’m ready to crawl right into that suitcase! I promise to be very, very quiet and still! You won’t even know I’m there!!
It is sad to hear about Girl Kitty, and I send along my hugs! We’ve been through the loss of pets, so we know what this is like.
Be safe with the storm, and smooth sailing!
XO Nellie
Wishing you two a great trip and I will be following you just few miles behind. Loved the poem from another talented girlfriend. Glad you shared it with us. So sorry about Girl Kitty, she is in a better place now. Sending hugs……
Oh Dearest Susan andJoe……
I am so sad that Girl has passed on to her next being…..I am happy however that this happened while you two were with her and could send her off with your love…….So timing is once again everything………and I am sure that Jack will be well loved in your absence and he has endured these absences before………so all will go well.
I cannot wait to travel in your very generous shadow a we all did last time…….you are so thoughtful in a million ways and I then did watch the videos about the Queen Elizabeth and loved learning about how they manage such a huge group of tourists…….I used to have a B & B at the each and it is such a fulfilling thing to do so I do love getting to tag along. I am also an avid fan of the Outlander series of books and so love to learn more about Scotland……thank you for your gift of travel by association!!!
Bon Voyage and may God Bless your journey…Love,
Kathleen
How lucky you are – the water heater debacle before you left home! Timing is everything!!! Love the blog…tears from me already….happy ones, I love travels with you 2, & tell Joe I’ll be quiet as a mouse whilst riding on the right/wrong side of the road until at least the 2nd day!!! Wonderful picture of you 2, happiness in spite of life’s tests here and there!!! Bravo! Enough chitchat, gotta pack!!! xoxo
I’m so sorry to hear about Girl Kitty. She was beautiful and radiated love in all her photos… It never gets easier to say good bye, but know she is in a much better place.
Enjoy your trip and thanks ever so much for taking all of us along. I can’t wait! Bon voyage!
Dearest Susan, I, of course, have been following you forever. Just finished Isle of Dreams and I am -Enchanted! Yes, indeed, a perfect word to describe your writing, drawings, quotes, thoughts, sharings…You are so sweet and so creative and sensitive. I guess I am among so many who feel you and could never put it into the words and drawings that you do.
I live on Long Island and I am fretting about the weather you will be facing~I hope it continues to go to sea and that that great big ocean will be calm by the time you leave the New York Harbor.
I want to express my sincere sadness at the loss of your darling dear puddy cat
(auto correct wants to make it buddy cat and that works too). I know how much you loved that kitty and how he graced your life and I am sad for you.
My hubby and I just had a special trip to Cornwall and Devon, Wales. Emma B’s, Hilltop, Yorkshire and oh, the joy.
God bless you and your magical trip with Joe.
Thank you for your sweet thoughts, Ruthie. And I especially loved “Oh, the joy!” xoxo
Hello Susan . I am so sad of learning about your loss of girl kitty. She will be missed. There is so much going on at your house and I wish you well and a safe trip which is just days away. I so look forward to your new journey and sharing your new adventure reading your blog. Safe travels to you and Joe and God bless you both.
I’m so sorry to hear about Girl Kitty! I’m sure she’s a much happier girl now! I just finished reading “A Fine Romance” last week and am so excited to follow along on your next adventure! Happy travels and enjoy the stormy weather tonight!
Stopping by to check on you with that big storm making a visit your way at a very inopportune time, and finding out you’ve lost your precious Girl Kitty. So very saddened to hear this. Sniffling here and sending a wide, warm hug to both of you in sympathy…and to Master Jack as well. A kindred soul shares your grief. ..And for your trip, wishing you safe travels and safe ports…
I think we can fit the whole blog and all our Girlfriends into that wide warm hug . . . XOXO
Susan, I’m so excited to go to Scotland with you! You are the best tour guide ever! I love the packing drawers you described. I’ve never heard of them, but they are brilliant. Bon Voyage, dear one! I can’t wait to hear what you think of the Queen Mary 2 since she’s been remastered. I thought she was pretty special before.
I’m so sorry about sweet Girl Kitty. You are the best Mama ever to your sweet kitties. I know she had a wonderful life with you. xoxo ♥
Susan, I am so sorry about Girl Kitty. I know she was blessed with a good long life with wonderful humans, but it’s sad to see it end…….and oh, that Jack! He doesn’t look like he’s in mourning one bit! I’ll be thinking of you on Thursday and all the days that you’ll be gone. I must get on Twitter to see your tweets and can only imagine how excited you are right now. Love the little “drawers” for your suitcase….what a great idea! Bon Voyage, dear Susan and Joe and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!
I am so sorry that Girl Kitty has gone to kitty heaven. I actually gasped when I read your sad news and hope Jack isn’t too lonely while you and Joe are touring Scotland. I have saved the NY harbor web cam to see you set sail on Thursday (unless my two bosses start bossing me around at the appointed time). Must go now to feed my pesky kitties Lily and Violet. Bon voyage! 🛳🇬🇧
I can’t wait!!! I’m so excited!! Have a fantastic time! Be safe!! Much love, BIG hugs & smooches to both you & Joe!!!! Blessings & Joy!!! XOXO
My heart is sad to hear about kitty passing over rainbow bridge; but I know in my heart of hearts that friends are there to greet her…just has to be. So glad Jack will have people around to play with him; it’s important, I’m sure he will miss her in his own way. Look forward to hearing from you and traveling along with you; you are so kind to make us all a part of the trip. Travel safely.
Susan I’m so sorry about your loss. Aren’t pictures and memories wonderful though ? You are right, we just have to keep going, trusting in the rightness of the unseen plan.
On a happier note, I am practically giddy for this trip to get underway. You do a wonderful job sharing the journey. Here’s a toast 🍾🍸to adventure !
Susan, I’m so sorry to hear about Girl Kitty.
I hope you and Joe have a wonderful trip. I look forward to following along with you on your journey!!
Susan,
I’m so sorry for your loss of Girl Kitty. As an animal lover I know the pain of losing any pet, they are family too.
Also wishing you and Joe a safe trip. I’ll be watching the blog.
Kay
How thoughtful to provide Jack with continuous companionship as you set sail for olde and new lands–it’s hard to know how much he might be missing sweet Girl, but it’s a certainty that he’ll miss you and Joe. Too bad he can’t read your blog, too.
Have a tremendously Marvelous time. Bon voyage!
Oh Susan – I am so sad over Girl Kitty crossing over the rainbow bridge. I’m sitting here with my 17 year old Chance and knowing we will be facing that day when we say good-bye to her. I’ve always liked to read about Girl Kitty (of course Jack is a hoot), she had such a dignity about her.
I’m rather new to your blog so I have been back reading starting at the very beginning and I’m traveling with you and Joe on your last trip to England right now in 2012. I know what a treat it will be to travel with you again. Have a wonderful safe travel – and be safe on Martha’s Vineyard right now as you weather the winds and rain.
Susan, my sympathy to you and to Joe on the passing of Girl Kitty. If you have not read the picture book, Cat Heaven, by Cynthia Rylant, you must do so. She also wrote Dog Heaven. These are my go-to books when my young library students lose a pet. I am so excited for your upcoming voyage, especially knowing that a trip of this magnitude will never be in my future , so take good notes and pictures like always! You truly are “living the dream” and with all of your work on your books, calendars and Willard, it is a well-deserved journey. I look forward to your posts over the next several months. Blessings, prayers and love~
Have a wonderful trip Susan!
I’m already pack, can’t wait for this adventure to start!!! 🙂
~lot’s of kisses to Jack and we all know Girl Kitty is so happy watching it all.
XOXOX
p s don’t forget us on Instagram too! 🙂
I have to relearn how to do Instagram!!!
My deepest sympathy on losing your beloved Girl Kitty. It’s heart breaking to lose our animals, they are so much a part of our families.
The wind is blowing quite strong here in western mass. Hopefully you won’t lose power.
I saved the link to the ship that you will be sailing on Thursday night, it would be so nice to see you and Joe boarding.
Can’t wait to read your blog when you arrive at your destination. I have read A Fine Romance twice.
Wishing you and Joe a wonderful and memorable trip.
Oh, I am so very sorry about Girl Kitty. It is so very hard when our pets leave us.
Thank you so much for taking us along on your trip!
Tell Joe I’m making another double batch of black dog sauce this week!
So excited to be traveling along with you…know it will be cooler temps there than here in Texas. So sorry that you have lost another loved one this year…hugging your heart….love to you and Joe.
awesome, wonderful and such fun!! I’m happy! not as much as you and Joe, but I’m there. ah, just one thing, you forgot–what you will be doing aboard ship–twittering! keeping us up to the minute with Our trip! xoxox I pray you don’t get mal de mer, eat everything, dance, walk, look, enjoy, refresh, and that’s just on the ship! really, I am looking forward to this trip with you, hugs! Sandy 🙂
I hope I can tweet on board. I’m worried about the phone, but you can bet I will be trying! I’ll have the computer, and last time we went I had a few moments where I could do a quick blog post. Not a lot of cellphone towers in the Atlantic. Although one would think that the ship connections would work . . . but maybe not for 5 or 6 thousand on board.
So sad to hear about Girl Kitty. It’s always hard when a pet dies, especially a sweet lady like her. I know you and Joe and Jack will miss her.
I loved Georgie’s poem. She must be thrilled to know that you’ve posted it. I hope she’ll do another one for the end of this year’s trip! I’m all set to stow away with you and enjoy the new adventures that are coming up.
Bon Voyage!
Looking forward to traveling along with you and Joe as you go “Sailing, sailing,
Over the bounding main,” What an adventure it’s going to be 🙂
So very sorry to hear about Girl Kitty.. I’m sending you a hug from me and Mia
{{{{HUGS}}}
Dearest Susan, I wouldn’t let you leave without me…🚢💼👜🎒❤️Going with😊
Wishing you a fabulous trip. I am very sorry to hear about your kitty, but glad you were home instead of being across the ocean. I love this packing post and those really nice mini suitcases. I will have to look into those. We just sent our oldest off to his first year of college last week and the ties we packed for him came home with us (because our suitcase pocket did not have a nice see-through little mesh pouch like yours does). So when he discovered he had no ties, I had to mail them this week!!! Oh well, they ended up there so all good! Safe travels.
Happy sailing, we’ll be waiting on pins and needles for your travelogs and pictures and paintings. Wish we were there!
I’ll do my best to make you feel like you are!
Hi there! So good to hear from you, especially before you leave for that wonderful trip! Can’t wait for all the stories and pictures. So so sorry about Girl kitty. I also lost my best friend Hope. A wonderful Great Dane who just couldn’t bear arthritic legs anymore. The hardest part for me was knowing she trusted me up until her last heartbeat. We did the right thing, but that trust was so strong that it felt like we were totally betraying her! I know thats not true but, my heart hasn’t figured that out yet. And time does march on, thankfully! Please be well and have the time of your lives! Love.
It’s our job to love them in and love them out. It’s an honor to have that trust, and I know exactly how you feel, that last look in their eyes, you don’t forget it. But the fact that she was so trusting of me, made me trust myself even more.
You are so right Susan. We are focusing on grattitude and know that we were good for her and she was good for us! She was truely a gift. I had not thought of the fact that I had earned that trust, thank you for that positive affirmation!
Safe travels! I absolutely can’t wait to travel along with you and Joe!
I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet girl Kitty. It seems like so much happens at once. Sometimes I want to look up at heaven and ask, Really God? How much more can I handle? We buried my sweet “Doodle” two weeks before christmas out in our back yard. We put a small tree over his grave and decorated it with Little white lights. It looked so pretty twinkling in the dark and gave us comfort and yet made us sad as well looking out from our kitchen window. You gave her a wonderful life.
Have a wonderful trip and I will be looking forward to hearing about all of the fun things you will be doing. Bon Voyage : )
Love, Mary
P.S. I loved the picture of you and Joe. You look so pretty and happy <3
Thank you Mary . . . love our little tree of light. xoxo
Oh, Susan!! Girl Kitty!!! :'( I am sooooo sorry!! It is such a comfort, I know, that you have sweet, funny Jack!
That photo of you and Joe is perfect – I love it!!!
You know, if you would paint a picture to sell like the one here of the ocean and the ocean liner, or any ocean scene, I would buy it! I LOVE your ocean paintings!!
I love the packing squares! I might get some. While you are on your exciting, wonderful trip to England and Scotland, my husband and I are making our first trip to New England! We are sooo excited! We are staying one week in Cape Cod, so will definitely make a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard. We won’t be gone as long as you – just one month – but I am for sure keeping up with your tweets and blogs!
The poem that Georgie wrote is wonderful!!
Much love from Mary S. in Fresno, CA OXOXOXOX
A month in New England in the fall is wonderful! You will love it . . . the states are so small you can cross 5 in a day, so you will have LOTS to explore. And it will be so beautiful!
YOU are the one that told me that we should start up north on October 1st and work our way down and the colors would change as we traveled, so that’s exactly what we are doing! Thank you for your good advice! We are starting in Boston and working our way down to North Carolina.
Hi Susan! I am so very, very sorry to hear that your sweet little Girl Kitty has crossed the Rainbow Bridge to kitty heaven. I’ve had an inkling something was amiss for a few weeks, and I’m so sad for you. Our fur babies are just like our children. I know she will always have a huge place in your heart, and you will always have your wonderful memories of her. Please know my thoughts are with you and Joe.❤️😿On a happier note, I am so excited for your trip and can’t wait to stow away with you! Looking forward to updates and pictures as your travel along. Have a wonderful time! Bon Voyage!
Thank you dear Gail!
I’ve been watching the storm and thinking of you. I do hope it doesn’t cause any delay of your trip, and for certain I hope that guy heads out to sea far ahead of you and the Queen Mary. So sad to read about your sweet girl. It is so difficult to let go, but you have a good attitude, a healthy attitude that shows you love her even more and always will.
I know your trip will be amazing. I wish I could squeeze into one of those packing squares. I’m pretty good at rolling up. (Do you know about rolling rather than folding? You can get a lot more into the space when you do.)
If you have time to visit, I’ve posted about your Austin visit and the amazing Brewster event on hyacinthforthesoul.blogspot.com/2016/09/summer-adventures-with-miss-merri-mac.html I’m feel so fortunate to have had these amazing opportunities this summer. You are everything I anticipated and more. Thank you for sharing so generously!
Bon Voyage, dear ones!
I bet rolling up would work really well for scarves! Thank you dear Sarah! XOXO
I think Girl Kitty and your Dad are cuddled up together waiting to hear all about your trip to Scotland. Safe travels. Enjoy every minute of it. Hugs.
I know they are. My Dad LOVED animals.
Oh Elaine, what a lovely thought!
Oh no! I’m so sad to hear you’ve lost your sweet beautiful Girl. I’ve been worried since you mentioned her loss of weight while you were away. Its so hard to let them go and I know you must be thankful that you were with her. I’m sure that Jack is in good hands and will be most delighted upon your return. To quote another girlfriend, I think his sentiment will be “oh, the joy!” Thank you for taking us along for the trip. Joe is such a great guy for putting up with all of us. thank you Joe!
Susan, you have my sympathy on the passing of Girl Kitty. One of the most soothing definitions of heaven that I’ve heard is “heaven is where every animal you’ve ever loved comes running to meet you.” My heaven will be filled with dogs; yours with cats.
I once mentioned that you should check out Birnam in Scotland as it has a Beatrix Potter connection. I don’t know if you are familiar with the monthly “Scottish Banner” but it has an article this month about Birnam’s celebration of her birth. One thing their display has is a photo believed to be of Kitty MacDonald whom Mrs. Tiggy-Winkie was modeled after. When you see the photo, you can’t help but believe she is the inspiration.
Safe travels, Susan & Joe!
We’ll be staying nearby, and I know there is a very old tree in Birnam that I would also like to see! Thank you Brenda!
oh, Susan…..have a safe and tons-of-fun voyage!! St. Brendan is patron saint of ocean voyages, soooo, i’ll be asking for him to guide you folks ever so safely! and, yes, we DO have a patron saint for everything!! take good care, keep steady and we await ALL your wonderful adventures!!!! xo
Love it, St. Brendan! xoxo
That picture of Scotland at the beginning of your blog is absolutely beautiful! I want to go there! Will be following your photos and messages from your journey. Would love to go to England on the ship, so I will be following your voyage with great interest.
Wishing you safe travels, and thanks for telling us about the packing squares. I am the absolutely LAST person to know about them.
God speed. I cannot wait to see all your adventures. My heart is sad with news of Girl Kitty’s passing. So glad you were there to say goodbye. ❤️
Me too. xoxo Thank you Lucy.
I’m so sorry about Girl Kitty, Sue. I know you’ll miss her. She was a lucky little cat to share her life with you and Joe. Have a REALLY WONDERFUL trip!! I’ll be following along and enjoying it all with you and I’ll definitely be thinking of you on Thursday. It’s fun to see the little Bon Voyage banner again and I hope you’ll feel its good wishes from me to you with love as always! XOXO
I do, and always do…the new one you sent, the Scottish one, is all packed up and ready to go! ❤️ xoxo
I love to lose myself in dear “Susan” world and forget all the cares….have a lovely and safe trip.
Love to have you here Sara!
I’m so sorry about Girl Kitty. Jack will love the girlfriend attention.
Yahoo! Can’t wait until Thursday!
He loves both the Girls coming over, knows them, and they love him, so it’s good. They’ll remind him that I still exist, plus Barbara has stayed with him the whole time we were on the book tour, so he knows her too. He’ll be fine. xoxo
Thank you for the live cam! Love it! I will be waving!! England all over again and now Scotland!! What a treat! I am so excited and my bags are packed!! My heart is so sad for your loss but I am glad that you were home when it happened. I am also glad you have such sweet girlfriends who will come and play with Jack. Great poem Georgie! Love it! I remember those feelings so well! Wishing you both safe travels! Bon Voyage xoxo
Thank you Belinda…meet you at the boat! xoxo
I am so sad for you hearing about Girl Kitty! I cried for you and for her but I have been down this road and I know sometimes it’s for the best but still hurts so! 🙁 Right now I am going through some up and down things and like you said, “I have faith in the unseen plan. I trust that all works out exactly as it’s supposed to. Whether I like it or not. My job seems to do the best I can and keep going.” Thank you so much for your friendship and words that do a heart good! Love Miss Georgie’s poem. I am sure she is beyond excited that you included it in your blog! She is a good friend too thanks to you! We are all praying for her Joe together! Ah such love through blogs, diaries, twitter and all! It’s a blessing! Much love to you and Joe and Jack and Miss Girl Kitty across the rainbow bridge! xoxoxo Hugs from Twinkle, Cleo and Bella!
Thank you dear Lisa . . . Twinkle, Cleo and Bella! XOXOXO
Oh, Susan, the news about your little girl is just heartbreaking. I remember the pain of losing three cats through the years and am not looking forward to losing another some day. May God comfort you in your loss and help your spirit to be happy as you travel abroad and experience the love of friends and the beauty of the world.
The photo of Jack spotting the rubber band made me laugh. Our Peekabo girl is obsessed with rubber bands and has probably a dozen or more in her personal stash. She loves it when I shoot the rubber band in the air so she can tackle it. Who knew such a cheap toy could be such a valuable treasure…
Bon voyage, and until we ‘meet’ again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Someday we’ll move, and when we do, we will finally discover what Jack has done with probably 3 or 4 hundred ponytail bands. They’re here somewhere, but he slowly disappears them, until I have to go buy more. Thank you for the lovely blessing. You go out on a trip like this, never sure whether you’ll return, so I will love being in God’s hands.
LOL My husband and I joke that all the missing cat toys are what’s probably keeping our old house standing.
You know, whether it’s a trip across The Big Pond or a trip to the bookstore, none of us is certain of a return home. All we can do is trust in the One who is holding us and hope for the best, for it surely is His love that sustains us in our comings and goings.
Dear Sue ~
Time sure seems to move quickly when there’s so much to do to get ready! It seems like just yesterday when you first mentioned the trip to Scotland and here it is! Planning a trip abroad for 2 months must have taken some real planning and organizing….lots of list-making, arrangement-making and loose-end tying, I imagine. I can’t even go away for a long weekend without feeling like I’m forgetting something! LOL!
I hope you and Joe have the time of your life….so happy for you! I can feel the excitement in your words. You have worked so hard and been through so much the past few months. I think this is just the kind of joyful adventure you two deserve.
And….I can’t believe my lucky stars that you invited ME to go, too! Dreams DO come true! Bless your heart!
You can bet I’ll meet you at the dock…
xoDebbie
We are going to have the time of our lives. One thing my dad taught me that life is too short, and this trip, all things are possible, and we are going to soak in the experience. There are a thousand good reasons why we shouldn’t go, but that ONE important reason why we should. xoxo see you at the ship Debbie!
My heart weeps over your loss of Girl Kitty.:( We lost our Shadow Boy in January at age 9 to lymphoma.It still hurts.
The first time one my pets died I looked up at heaven and said, Put him back. So, that’s my feeling always. I mean, who would care? It really shouldn’t be that hard.
Dear Susan, As you were going on & on about Jack & not saying anything about Girl, I began thinking, “oh, oh, there’s something amiss with Girl Kitty.” I’m so sorry. I know how you loved her. My but you’re taking care that Jack will be busy with people around him. That’s so wonderful. It’s always so difficult for us to leave our pets. I was gone for a week this summer & had a friend come in to take care of my Sheba. Sheba won’t go to anyone but me though, & she got so lonesome while I was away. I felt so bad when I came home & saw how lonely she’d been. Makes me want to stay home. I know you won’t have that trouble with Jack, as you have plenty of friends coming in to keep him company. Bon Voyage, Sandy from Chihuahua Flats.
Yes, definitely the hardest part. Plus we’ve been away so much this year. But soon we will be home and home to stay for a while! Because I work at home, Jack is used to having me around 24-7. We go get tea together, we do laundry together, we paint together, we go change my clothes together.
And all my cats have always followed me into the bathroom, like I’m going to need their help in there! That is, until I start the shower, and then they scamper away.
Thanks for the photos of Girl Kitty … what a sweet girl, and you can see she has a beautiful soul. I’ve loved knowing her via your blog and books, and I’m going to miss her, too!
Bon Voyage, Sue and Joe, and safe travels on your wonderful journey across the pond. I will love seeing your photos and reading about your adventures, and I’m so glad you’re bringing us along.
Thanks for the note about the packing cubes — so much more elegant than the zip-lock plastic bags I’ve been using!
Been thinking of you this evening since I heard on the news that the ferry didn’t run this afternoon. Hope the storm doesn’t make to much of a mess on your beautiful yard. Sad to hear about Kitty Girl. Glad you got to say goodby to her. Jack will miss her in his own mischievous way. Have a great trip. We will be looking forward to hearing of your adventures. Have a safe journey and a calm boat ride!!!
Still dark, I’ll be checking out the yard in just a little while! But the wind is quiet, so I think whatever that was is over! Thank you Margaret.
Dear Susan and Joe,
Have a wonderful and safe trip!
And I have read that you love Scrabble and Boggle…so how about an online game called Scroggle…dailyscroggleazurewebsites.net
I play as mollymalone and have for almost five years…it is such a fun, intellectual, and addictive game and you can chat with folks from all over the world.
Take good care.
Fondly,
Debbie from Southern New Jersey
I got onto Scrabble on my phone and was really hooked for a long time. SO hooked, I’m a little afraid of trying something else! 😳
Susan…. How fun it will be to get on that boat with you and see all those wonderful, beautiful, amazing places! Thank you for sharing. May you be blessed beyond measure.
p.s. so sorry about your pretty green-eyed girl…
I want to go so badly 🙁 But since that isn’t going to happen can I come and sit with Jack all day for 2 1/2 months??? It breaks my heart that girl kitty passed on. Jack will miss her …. trust me. I’m packed for the Vineyard, just give me the green light!!
Thank you dear Anita, you are lovely to offer. XOXOXOXO
I hope you and Joe and the rest of the island have stayed safe today, Sue! Sounds like things have been very busy and eventful lately, and I’m sure that as exciting as it is to travel to England and Scotland, there are twinges of sadness at leaving your beautiful home and garden, and Mr. Jack. Big hugs to you on the passing of sweet Girl Kitty. I had to say goodbye to my 15-year-old sweet Ben kitty this last week, so my heart knows the swirling mixed feelings. How lovely, though, that you were able to lay her to rest there in your own yard. Well, I will be thinking of (and living vicariously through) you and Joe as you depart this week, and looking so forward to your travel posts! Wishing you safe and joyous travels!
Quiet this morning, I guess the worst has passed. Slept right through last night, whatever happened. (Still dark!) Fifteen years seems like much too short a time! I’m so sorry for your loss too, Becky.
Bon voyage to you & Joe…make some memories on this new adventure across the sea! I was so sad to read about Girl Kitty, but glad it happened before you left and had time to say farewell. I’m sure Jack misses her, even though he may not act like it. Safe travels and I’m so excited to see what we learn and see on this trip 😊
We are so happy it happened while we were here and not have it in the hands of anyone other than her mom and dad. xoxo Thank you Jeannette!
I’m not sure where you’ll be landing in Scotland, but if you get near the Isle of Mull and meet any McTaggarts, they may be cousins of my husband. Say hello😋 Haha….have a fabulous time!!
It will be a delight to follow your travels ~ the Beatrix Potter picnic AND Scotland!
Thank you for inviting us to be your companions.
Safe travels and may every happiness be yours.
Thank you Judy, glad you can come along!
Aw, 2 journeys begin…one without Girl Kitty and one an adventure of a lifetime. I had 2 black and white tuxedo kitties that looked like kin to Girl, so I know what is in your heart now. Condolences. And Bon Voyage! I will be helping you with smooth sailing…those bands DO work! And so does girl power!
Yes it does! xoxo
I understand the emotional roller coaster you have been on this year Susan.
I lost my mother in March. We got a sweet, adorable Pomeranian puppy two weeks later, and she brought us joy and laughter in a very dark time. We took her to the vet two weeks ago for a routine spay surgery, and she never really recovered. She passed away at seven months old, on my husband’s birthday. We are really devastated. You just never know what life will throw your way. I am so sorry for your loss of Girl Kitty.
You and Joe gave her a long and happy life. She will always be with you.
In my deep sadness, I am looking forward to following you on your great trip to England and Scotland. My two favorite places. I know you both will have a fantastic time, I hope another book comes out of your adventures.
I know Jack will miss you, but I’m sure he’s in very good hands.
Wishing you a very safe journey, calm seas, and a happy autumn.
Take care Susan!
I’m so sorry Lisa. Just a deep breath, and onward we go. But new and different than before. xoxo
My heart goes out to you, Lisa. Hugs from Texas xoxo
Again, I am so sorry for your loss of Girl Kitty. My heart just gave yours a squeeze as I am just so in awe of your brave heart. I am so glad Jack seems ok, Another blessing. Hugs to Joe’s hurting heart too.
I am glad you have this exciting adventure to help you too. I am excited for you and all of us armchair travelers too. Loved the musica and that gorgeous photo. You COULD almost smell it! I love that picture of you and Joe with your smiling blissed out faces. Pure LOVE! You picnic comments made me laugh out loud and my husband called from the other room “Uh oh… did Suzy B post something” That’s what he calls you since he is so fake jealous of Joe. He pretends he is good friends with you and “only her REAL friends know to call her Suzy B” 🙂 I can’t wait to tell him your new longer name.
Ooooooh that charm. I remember it. It is so perfect! Joe is just the bestest!!!
Packing squares?!?!? Who thought of this and where was I? Great tip!!! Thank you for bringing us a cozy post before you leave on your magical trip. I am so glad things seem like they will be clear as I was nervous for you either not leaving on time or rough seas and now don’t have to be. I wish for you that it be everything you think it might and more. Bon voyage to Sue and Joe. May the wind be at your back and the road rise to meet you. I’m off to the the British Emporium to pick up lemon curd and and Devonshire cream and see Sheela. I will tell them you said hello. xoxoxo
Thank you sweetie, love to that best friend guy of yours! xoxo
Here I sit in my arm chair in the Blue Ridge, waiting to board the Queen Mary and sail away – – thanks for the invite.
Had a few tears this morning myself over the Girl Kitty news, – – I still have a card you designed years ago with her on it – – and a framed picture as she reaches for the pie – – adorable. Yep, there are books, calendars, cards, fabric in quilts and my granddaughter’s dresses and even quotes from your books painted on walls of houses we’ve live in across the country – – you travel with us too!! We have settled in our retirement home this year – – starting a remodel in a few months to feather it just right, and from here in my chair I can see touches of Susan Branch warming the nooks and crannies. I am an early riser – – looking forward to clicking the button to see where you are and sipping a cuppa while I enjoy the pictures and “girl talk”. Enjoy every moment, I know I will too!!
Thank you Kathy! Nice to hear from you…it’s almost 5 am here, good morning!
Dear Susan, I have not written to you before but feel the need to express my gratitude for all the kindness you share…you have taught me so much…I am grateful for you showing me glimpses of how wonderful life can be through both
your heart and your imagination. You share so well…you know how to live in the moment…and you give me things to look forward to…like a precious picnic in a far away dreamy place…or even the next full moon picnic. Thank you for sitting out the sailor doll … I would have been sad if he didn’t get packed! Wishing you safe travels, lots of tea, and gobs of wonder filled moments! Thank you for being you !!!
Petey is definitely going. Wouldn’t be right to leave him behind. And thank you Deb, it’s very nice to hear from you! XOXO
Dear Susan,
A very late Happy Birthday for your Joe! Wishing you and Joe many happy healthy years together. So sorry to hear about your Girl Kitty.
I’ve been very busy getting kids to school and running after my little boy, he’s walking now and getting in al sorts of little troubles
(smile), crawling in the kast(cuboard) and organizing my stuff.
I wish you both a safe trip! You couldn’t send the ship to the Netherlands I suppose… I’ll would be welcoming you both in the harbour!
Lots of love from Holland
xoxox Willemien
Good Morning Willemien! So happy to hear from you… Have a wonderful day. I know you’ll get your exercise! xoxo
Safe travels, Susan and Joe! We are all looking forward to your trip as much as you two are! Have fun, take lots of photos (I know you will) and enjoy every minute of your wonderful expedition! HUGS!!!!
Thank you Sharon! We’ll be thinking of you and all our Girlfriends, hope to show everyone all the good stuff! 😃
We will be following you and with you in spirit the whole way!!!
P.S. I was so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved girl kitty. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
xoxo
Love those packing bags! Sorry about Girl Kitty…I lost my little Prince 5 weeks ago and 3 days later a small gray kitten was crying out in our field. We brought her in and she’s fitting in nicely except our 15 year old Sissy Cat tries to just ignore her. While in Scotland look for Brigadoon….I know it’s there! I was amazed with Scotland so vast and peaceful. And I love the bagpipes. If you tour Edinburgh Castle say hello to Keith the best tour guide!
We’ll be in the Highlands and will have eyes peeled for misty villages. And we’ll look for Keith!
OOOH love the map and the numbers. My own sweet pen pal, Jackie and her husband Bernard (only in England you say BERR nerd, not Ber NAARD) live just outside of York. I so wish I was on that trip with you to see her again! I remember walking on the top on the little tiny walkway high up with NO railings and you could slip and fall to certain death and said – there is NO way they would allow this back home, someone would fall and sue them and they would close it off. You will see what I mean! Have fun sweet Sue on your 2nd trip-of-a-lifetime!
That map is actually from our last trip … it’s the one from A Fine Romance ~ we’ll be going to lots of different places this time. I’ve seen that same thing, wonderfully dangerous old things, saved for posterity! Many people have managed to live through these things, I’m sure we will too! Thank you Barbara!
Ah! It does make our hearts sing when we see our guys, fixing things! 💕💕 Traveling does make us look at our abodes in a different way when we return and allow us to take a bit of joy in tasks that were once overlooked. 😊 Our guys are never cuter and handsomer then when they are making repairs. I’m not saying that we can’t do it ourselves, but it’s always nice to have some Good Help. And if they ever help clean the kitchen…oh my! 😄😄😄
Studies have shown that the Anticipation and Planning of a vacation give us almost as much pleasure as the actual trip. It’s so exciting to hear of your plans. We girlfriends are packing right along with you! It’s hard to think I’ll need a scarf! It was 94° with a heat index of 102° yesterday. Much too hot! So, I’m definitely looking forward to the cooler weather! 😄😄
It is bittersweet with the passing of your sweet Girl Kitty. You were home and she was dearly loved. That’s all we can do. My sincere condolences.
I use my smart phone to check the weather wherever friends and family may be. I don’t know why I like it so much but I enjoy seeing the temperatures and seeing whether it’s raining or not. I also like checking out the times of the sunrise and sunset compared to here. The days are shortening in daylight hours and I’m always curious how short they become “up north”. So I’ll be checking the weather for the trip! I’m sure it will all be fabulous through all the wind and weather!
Bon Voyage and Safe Travels to you, Joe, and Petey. 😊😉🛳
I like knowing what my friends are having weather-wise too . . . helps me “place” them better in their day! xoxo Have a wonderful one Sharrie!
Oh Susan, I wish you and Joe a wonderful voyage to England and a fabulous trip while you explore The Great Britain! I can’t wait to read of your adventures in upcoming blogs. I am so sorry about Girl Kitty. It is just so heartbreaking…
Dearest Susan and Joe, I am so sorry about Girl Kitty. She always seemed to be the sweetest, most pleasant and dedicated cat, yet so quiet and sophisticated in her manner. I have always enjoyed all your photographs of Girl Kitty. I know you will all miss her terribly. I am glad that you are leaving soon for Ireland and Scotland. It will be so good for you and Joe after all that you been through this year. Enjoy your trip. Safe travels.
She was heaven on earth, that sweet girl… a blessing. Thank you Sharon xoxo
Oh, Susan, I am so sorry to hear about Girl Kitty. She was a beautiful friend, and I know that it must have been so hard to lose her. We had to put down our Sadie Boy (his name is a story in and of itself), and it has left a cat shaped hole in my heart. I hope your upcoming trip will give you some comfort — of course it will and you will have a wonderful time. We all look forward to the pictures you will post. Always fun living vicariously through your trips!
Oh, I understand those holes in the heart. Sending love xoxoxo
Bless Kitty Girl, I had a tear in my eye at lunch today reading this sad news.. she was loved by you both so much. Safe journey over here to England, I’m looking forward to your updates. 🙂
Dearest Susan, so sorry to hear about Girl Kitty! What a year you’ve had! Our kitty, Miss Wittums, tries to pretend she doesn’t care about our dog, but the truth comes out when Ally leaves the house. Then kitty gets frantic and goes looking for her. Cats are funny. I hope Jack doesn’t struggle too much with the loss of his aloof friend.
I had never heard of those cute mini bags before. I need those! And the clear ones, too! I use Ziplocs which work fine, but aren’t as cute. I see on Amazon that they even have bags for shoes! Packing would be so much more enjoyable if I could make it tidier. Thanks for the tips!
My hubby will be getting his left knee replaced while you are traveling to England. Not as fun a journey, but a happy ending. He had the other one replaced back in February and has been so pleased with the results. I will be following you on your journey in the midst of taking care of him during his recovery and will SO look forward to every post of your happy adventures!
Much love!
Give him a get-well-quick hug for me!
I just love your post. Cried a few tears for girl kitty. Looking forward to your trip, for this is the closest I shall ever get to Europe. My sweet Joe does not sail,fly, or do trains. Car trips are even hard for him due to only worrying. I love that you are still organized as your Mother taught you and the travel bags are awesome. One thing I shall never need. God bless and keep you and Joe as you travel. One of your daily smiles shall be for me I am sure. I shall laugh and smile as I travel precariously with you.
Dearest Susan,
first of all, I too, am so sorry to hear that darling Kitty has gone to cat heaven. Her sweet face will be missed. But its a blessing that you were with her at the end…
Its hard to believe that you’ll be on your way in just a few days! I hope your trip across the ocean will be a good one, and I’m counting the days till next week, when my hubby and I are heading towards the UK too….Then its away to Stourhead!! Is there anything that we could bring? We’re packing rugs, quilts, folding chairs, umbrella and sun hat (you’ll never know what the weather will be like, haha) and we’ll get our lunch at the local grocery store, but other than that?
See you soooooon!
Nicoline
xx
No, you have everything! Pray for a dryish sort of day! Can’t wait Nicoline!
“My job seems to be to do the best that I can and keep going”. With all the hundreds of things you have to do, could you make a picture of this I could copy and hang up where I could see it every day? Those words went straight to my heart and made me cry (in a good way). It is so reassuring to know we are never alone in the hard things. So very sorry about Girl. She was a beautiful girl in every way💗. Our little corgi girl is on borrowed time and letting go little by little is so hard when she has been such a part of our family memories. Love is always the answer as you always remind us. Wishing you a beautiful adventure shared with the love of your life. What could be better? Love you Susan💗💗 xoxoxo
That’s how I did it too, little by little … but as everyone says, you’ll know, and it will come from love. xoxo
You and Joe are such a handsome couple. So sorry to learn of Girl’s death. Like all loss, it wouldn’t hurt so much if we didn’t love so much. On a lighter note, your packing adventures and strategies make me laugh out loud. We are polar opposites. On my last 12 day jaunt in England (obviously, I flew), I took one carry-on, which is normal for me. And yes, I change clothes! Bon voyage!
My mom packs like that. She forgot to show me how that works. What I am wearing this moment wouldn’t fit into her suitcase!
Looks like you have everything at home taken care of and all your travel packing under control. Wishing you and Joe a fabulous time and safe travels in Scotland! I’m looking forward to being a virtual traveler on this adventure too! I am so sorry to hear about Girl Kitty, you did exactly right by her, and now she is at peace. Two years we made the same difficult decision with our Princess, who was 23 years old. She was the oldest cat we’ve ever had and I know we made the right decision for her too. I’m sure Jack will be very happy with your girlfriends coming over and spoiling him while you’re gone. Wishing you peace and joy. xoxoxoxox
So sorry to hear about your sweet Girl Kitty. We love them so much and when they are gone it leaves an ache in our hearts for a long time. But, Jack’s antics and your wonderful trip will help. Can’t wait to see all the places you’ll go! Thanks so much for sharing it all with us:) Have a safe and magical trip!