Sailing away on the Queen Mary 2 . . . heading on board . . .
Up the gangplank we go! We look so normal here, but we are actually beside ourselves!
Put everything down for a photo op . . . So excited, it’s truly a thrill.
Was a warm day, much prettier than the last time we sailed . . . bluer skies, and schooners in the harbor!
Seems they put on the show just for us! Love this view!
“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Of course, straight to the Chart Room for old time’s sake . . . a cup of cheer, and a toast to smooth sailing! While wearing seasick bracelets and still in port. Always careful.
Off we go, at sea, and sunset from our room . . . on our way to Halifax, Nova Scotia, which is where we are right now. Which is why I have a bit of connection, but barely, just enough to do this post!!! Yay!
Zee bed in zee cocoon… is SOOOO comfy!!! Better than it looks even! Got up at 9 am this morning. This is an unheard of event. It must be the sea air, or maybe the late nights!
First thing in the morning, tea in our own cups . . .
The lovely Princess Grill . . . our round table for the crossing seats six. The other two couples are both from England, one from Kent, and the other from Yorkshire, and so fun and nice, we were the last table to leave the dining room last night!
Stanley, the head waiter, usually doesn’t prepare or flame the food . . . but in honor of the sweet potato I special ordered at lunch (to be served at dinner), which came out the size of someone’s head, he had to do it for the laugh!
Which he definitely got! Yes, that’s it in the pan. Usually when they do this, it’s quite a bit fancier!
So funny! He cut me off a couple of slices. I hope he saved the rest!
But hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!
I’m reading a wonderful book! Getting me in the mood for the English countryside!
Well girls, I personally could go on all day, but I think that’s it and I should consider this done and not push my luck . . . it took me about 4 hours for this teeny little post, and maybe all the minutes I was allowed, but I wanted you to see the beginning … maybe when we get to sea for real, I’ll be able to do more. I’ll try!! But until then, I’m thinking of you…writing everything down and taking millions of pictures, and when I can show them, I will . . . ❤️
XOXO Your girlfriend, Susan (p.s. we arrive in England on Sept. 16.)
Whoo Hoo ~ Anchors Aweigh ~ Heave Ho Me Hearties!
And so the adventure begins ~~~
Love, love, love it, Susan! So funny about that sweet potato!! We have actually grown some rather large ones here in past years, but didn’t have a carving station for them.:-)
Wishing you smooth sailing ahead! You’ll arrive just in time for that picnic at Stourhead! Will be with you in spirit.
XO Nellie
So exciting to find a post!!! In fact, I texted a fellow girlfriend yesterday to ask when she thought we might find a post from you. 🙂 (I wasn’t around for the last trip.) We really are all traveling with you!!! The Shepherd’s Life is SO good!!! Glad you are reading it!!! I just finished his newest book which is more pictures and a few paragraphs. That sweet potato is hilarious!! Enjoy everything!!!!
OOOHHHH! Thank-you, Susan. I watched you and Joe sail out of the harbor. Loving your tweets and appreciate this bon voyage post and pictures. Looks so magical. Loving that huge sweet potato. Part of the splendor of this wonderful trip. Soaking it all in! Thanks for taking us all along with you.
p.s. Great black dress and boots. Adore this look!!!! xo
Hello Susan, I”m a California girlfriend and I was with you in spirit at your last glorious voyage. I’m just as excited for this new adventure and to see you and Joe so happy and willing to share with all of us back home. I agree with Sydney Ellen about the black dress and boots, they look fabulous on you!!! Thank you for sharing…..Love you….
All looks perfect, and I love ❤️ those tea cups! I’ve read Shepherd’s Life… thoroughly enjoyed it. Keep those seasickness bracelets on!
Georgia
Ahoy!
Looks like a lovely atmosphere there on the cruise ship. Pear cider time!
Safe cruise…
I never saw such a large sweet potato.From the picture it looks like a small chicken.
Enjoy….keep us posted
Kathie from Limerick
Hi Susan!!! You did it!!!! And it’s wonderful to hear from you!! You both look gorgeous!! I loooovvve that black dress you have on!! Thrilled for you both!! I didn’t realize that you’d be at sea for so long … what a delightful trip…must have been a run on Pear Cider at the grocery store here… couldn’t find a bottle anywhere to toast to a smooth voyage….so we used Guinness ( Jerry ) and a Rose for me!!! Enjoy it all and remember….eat dessert first! xoxo
love,
cindy
Hello Susan! You and Joe seem to be enjoying every second of your travels on the Queen Mary 2, and you both look very cute and in love!!!! (I adore your outfits so! You look like a little China doll!) My hubby and I watched you set sail via the webcam,(while we ate our dinner at the kitchen table) just spectacular!!!!! Praying for 100% success with your sea bands. Thank you for bringing me along, and all the Girlfriends with wonderful photos, so far!!!! So excited each and everyday, sitting in my cozy little bungalow as I vacation with you!! Take care of yourself! Have fun! (And break-a-leg on your lecture presentation!!!!! I know you will “WOW” them all!)
So happy that you are on you way! You’ve and Joe have been looking forward to this trip for months. I’m loving the ship!! Food is so good and the bed so comfy!
Your dress is lovely plus the shoes.
Will be looking forward to more posts! Happy sailing!!
What a lovely beginning to your awesome adventure. Smiling faces, sweet potatoes on steroids, and sexy legs (who knew under that topknot live the legs of a model)! LOL Smooth sailing to you and Joe as you traverse The Big Pond. Looking forward to future posts as time and connection allow!
So enjoyed your first post. I think there was a record number of people watching you sail off. Loved every minute of it. You look fabulous in that black dress!!!! You rock girl!
Safe crossing Susan. Can’t wait to see your posts and photos. Wr arrive in England Nov 3rd and you are getting me all excited!!
Oh Susan!! What delightful photos!! All of it just enchanting!! You both look great! Love the black dress and boots!! I see you opted to leave the jammies behind! Probably the black a better plan!! 🙂 Very classy in a fairy tale kind of way!! Perfect!! And the photos of the harbor — the schooner with Lady Liberty. Wonderful! And the on deck and living quarters, and dining room photos — brought back so many fabulous memories of our (dignified) cruise, too (the only kind I like!). We were in the same general area. It was just 5 months before Gene’s accident, and SOOO glad we went. I’m re-living all of it through your posts! Thank you for sharing all of this! xoxo
Cute little black dress & boots!
BON VOYAGE!!!!!!!
Why you Yankee minx!! Whatta dress. We need to see it front and back please,and tassels on your boots! Tut tut, Queen Victoria must be spinning in her grave!!!
You both look great! Bon Voyage!
You two are such a wonderful couple! ♥♥ You are sooo cute in that fabulous little black dress ~ and those shoes/boots!!! Well done! I’d never leave that bed if it is as comfortable as it looks in your photo lol :-)~
My sister is going to see James Rebanks when he speaks at Shelburne Museum in Shelburne VT on November 4. Loved, loved, loved his book (the one you are reading), follow his Twitter account (@herdyshepherd1), slightly jealous that out of 5 U.S. cities, he is coming to Shelburne which is practically walking distance for her LOL 😉
What a fun and fabulous adventure – and it’s just beginning!!! Thanks for letting us stow away! Many blessings! )))))HUGS((((( mari
Susan’
Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to post. Have a wonderful time. Am going to see about reading the book you have.
😍 Heart exploding of happiness for you! ~Perfect~ romantic dreamy blog!
Your dress!!! Could you be any cuter?? Your cups over flow! 💕
Bon Voyage! Thanks for sharing the beginning of your amazing trip. Looking forward to hearing more.
Thank you… soooo exciting to live vicariously through your experience!! Thank you for giving up the minutes and hours to do the extra….smooth sailing !!!
S-o-o-o exciting! Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip with us! I don’t like flying and have never gone across the pond, never mind via the Queen Mary! Don’t know if I’ll ever overcome my fears to get to Europe…..but this is a start. You and your adventures are actually therapy for me! You look wonderful, carry on!! xoxo
Life is so very short. bottom lip out. Love you Ann Jane. I totally get it, it’s wild out here!
I decided a long time ago that I’d rather see the “USA in my Chevrolet” before I see other countries. Gosh, just seeing all the wonderfulness of New England takes a lifetime! I am blessed to be a girlfriend of Susan Branch……I get to see great countries through your eyes right in the comfort of this Old House (while I still live here)! Enjoying the voyage, so far! xoxo
The photos of you two as you were boarding are super cute. Love the one of you in your dress and boots. I would tell you to have a wonderful time but you already are and I know you will continue to do so.
Dear Susan and Joe,
I wanted to let you know how sorry I was to hear of Girl Kitty’s passing. Such a pretty girl and such a lady. I have now lost 8 bunnies, 1 dog, 3 stray kitties we did our best to help, and my childhood hamster. It doesn’t get any easier, but I can’t live without critters in my life. I’m sure your loss was made more difficult coming so soon after losing Sue’s adorable dad. I like to think of my bunnies all playing together at the Rainbow Bridge until I get there to take them home.
That being said, have a wonderful trip! I have shoe-horned myself in with all the other girlfriends along for the ride. I can hardly wait!
Laurie
Nico’s mom 🐰
SO sweet of you to take the time to share your trip – the sweet potato is so funny! You look lovely in your little black dress and boots. Can’t wait for the next installment! Smooth sailing wishes sent….
Weeeeeeeee! Love your black dress!
Hi Susan! You both look marvelous! Enjoy your “holiday!”
Hugs, ~C
Thank you for the sweet pictures and memories from the beginning. With you both in spirit. Stay well and enjoy the moments.
Yay! What fun and my I say you look tres adorable in that little black dress and the cute boots. So Stylin! Thanks for sharing, can’t wait to see more. XX OO
Susan ,
OH thank you ,thank you, love the post, love the ship but man oh man
I love that dress !You rock! , Marisa
Would have been a challenge to take my photo on the gang plank for I would have been jumping up and down with excitement! Safe journey sweet Susan & Joe.
That gargantuan sweet potato should last you the entire crossing! Can’t wait ’til we arrive in England – this stow-away bag is a tad crowded…..
You are blessed girlfriend! Smooth sailing
Love the dress and boots. Everything on the ship looks splendid, including your room. Safe travels.
Thanks sooo much for taking us along!!! Have fun!
Such a fun beginning. Wishing I was there. This is the next best thing.
I just hope and pray that your time at sea is as wonderful as the first day when your ship launched. I know that you two are thoroughly enjoying every minute. Wishing you gentle waves and sunny skies.
Thank you Susan. Have a wonderful time and thank you for sharing your adventure.
Best wishes
Brenda
So happy to be along on this marvelous journey. Wishing you calm seas.
BTW, you both look great!
Bon voyage! ⚓️ Do sing “Fairwell to Nova Scotia” for me as you sail. “(For while I am far away on the briney ocean toss, will you ever breathe a sigh and a wish for me)” 🎵
Another magical trip!
You are one lucky lady!
Can’t wait to hear ALL about it!!
Bon Voyage! 🛳
Lovely post – you both look so handsome and beautiful. What an elegant ‘crossing’ – enjoy every minute and I shall live vicariously though you both….
There she goes! So excited for you and Joe. It’s a dream to sail across the Atlantic, but not certain I could do it. Seasickness is not fun and it has happened to me more than once. Fingers crossed you have an easy crossing. It must truly be magic. Lucky couples who get to share your table! I’m envious of that too. You look adorable in your black dress and cute boots. Flaming sweet potato? That’s new to me! Have the time of your lives! Smooth sailing. Hugs from Texas.
So exciting to see a post from you today!!! I watched you leave the harbor and took photos. I shared them on your Facebook page!!!! It was neat to “know” someone on board!!!! Have fun!!!
Safe sailing and looking forward to more of your wonderful trip.
So happy for you and Joe!! And glad your weather is pleasant after all the east coast storms. Relax and enjoy the rest of your spectacular vacation, you deserve it after your book tour and of course the loss of your sweet Girl Kitty. Thanks for taking us along! Smooth sailing!🛳
What delicious fun!!! Thank you for taking us with you!!! So exciting!!!
Looking forward to “traveling” with you via your posts. Been there a few times myself. Enjoy.
Bon voyage, cheers, y’all! I don’t know which I’m more jealous of: the cruise, sweet potato, or that splendid black dress! Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts, your in our prayers for a safe and happy trip.
Susan, I have enjoyed reading both your posts! I really feel like I’m on board the Queen Mary! I love the pictures! Looking forward to your next blog! 😘
Oh Heaven! I savored every word. Thank you for sharing. I soaked in your happiness and look forward to the next post.
Bethie
P.S. I simply adore your dress!
Thank you for taking us with you on your big adventure. … hope we weren’t to costly to slip into your bags 🌞🌞🌞
Light as a feather!
I am SO looking forward TO FOLLOWING ALONG WITH YOU AND JOE. I HAVE BEEN TO ENGLAND MANY MANY TIMES (THIRTY) BUT IT NEVER GETS OLD. BON VOYAGE AND GOOD CHEER !
So happy to hear your on the way and all is well. I just commented on FB on your site asking how you two were! So exciting! Not sure I would like Atlantic crossing, love to fly so would take a plane! Can’t wait to hear more!
Enjoy every minute!
Your friend
Karen Carpenter
WOW! Wasn’t expecting this, and what a wonderful surprise. It all looks spectacular. And you do things with such panache! Loved it that you brought your own lovely cups! And, Susan, you are stunning in the black dress with the boots. It’s great to see the two of you having a great time and on a big adventure! And, I just love the photo of the schooner and the Statue of Liberty. Thank you so much for taking so much time out of your fun at sea to share with those of us whose idea of fun at sea is a rubber duckie in the bathtub. Keep up the great fun, and happy sails to you!
Oh Wow!!!! Thank you Sue so much for sharing! I’m not even there & im excited!! Love the pic of the bed, but at first I thought “who’s the mummy!”. Lol Your tea cups so cute! One with milk & 1 with lemon! Ha ha that is one huge sweet tater…spud on steroids! The black dress & boots are fabulous…showing a little leg there gf….you look great!! Lastly another book to add to my list. Right now I need to live to at least 100, or just take up reading full time…or learn to read faster…to get thru all of them…I kind of like the middle choice..😉 Looking forward to the next post on where you take us. But till then wishing you & Joe smooth sailing, starry nights, & sunny days, making your way across the pond! 🇬🇧🛳
Have a wonderful crossing (I learned that term from you!!:-) and a wonderful adventure!! Love seeing all the amazing photos. Can’t wait for the next post! 🙂 🙂 xo Enjoy!
You are rocking that dress and boots! Hmmmm… Are we the same size???
Smooth sailing! Love your boarding pictures. You both are becoming seasoned cruisers. Let the celebration begin!
XOXO
Georgie from NJ
PS So excited about your talk! Could you have even dreamed of this happening when you first sailed years ago! Wheeee!
Looking so snazzy in that lovely black dress, Miz Susan… have a wonderful sail across the ocean. Just the thought of it sounds soooo wonderful. We are with you all the way!
Thank you for the update!
Oh, and by the way – you look absolutely lovely in that black dress!!!
Prayers for a uneventful ( no sea sickness ) crossing!
Oh Susan! Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking us along! I’m beside myself right along with you! Looking so forward to all of it. You look so pretty in that black outfit, and those boots! So chic!
Welcome to Halifax, Susan! So nice you’re visiting my home port. I hope your sailing is wonderful. ..Enjoy!
Just reading your 2nd to last post and my husband and I listened to Guy Bower interview you! Great fun! Next time they are here for dinner, I will show Guy and Beth your entire book collection…..recipes and all! My husband said he had heard the interview before and I responded…..”.and you didn’t call and let me know Susan was on the radio being interviewed by Guy? Why didn’t you call me. He said he was too busy listening!”
Try and put all the sad things in your life in your cosmetic bag and have a fun trip!
Hugs from Wichita!
It sounds and looks heavenly. Have a wonderful time.
Helen
Thank you!
How exciting! Safe voyage… And enjoy!! BTW, I too like the black dress and boots!! You go, Girl!!
Love, love, love your dress and boots. You are rockin it girl!!! Makin us 60 + women look very cool. Thank you so much.
I still can’t believe the size of that sweet potato, where do they come from, Isle of the Big potatoes? You both look happy and ready to take the deep blue sea on, sea sick bracelets, what happened to the patch behind your ear? Will be watching for all the great fun ahead of you both, farewell and God Speed.
OOOOOH Susan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your evening look is rather, well, you know that it is….I don’t have to say it!!!!
Love the Emma Tea Cups—-Cadie has the same ones. I recently got her the saucers to attend to them.
Have fun……………………XOXO
Love the sweet potato story too!!
Thank you for sharing, for tucking us all in your trunk. We love you, dear Susan, and hope that you and Joe have a dreamy trip.
Fancy outfit!! What fun.
Excited for you (and me). Have a great time. You should read this book sometime:
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Philip Keller
So enlightening!
I love this Susan . .so looking forward to the whole trip!
Thank you, once again, for sharing your adventure with us. I look forward to every post! Enjoy!
Have a fabulous trip, Sue and Joe!
Susan…..you look so thin!!! And very, very pretty!! And Joe so handsome! What a beautiful couple you make!!!🌷🌷🌷
Enjoy the voyage. Just when I think I don’t have anything exciting going on, I remember I’m along with you on this fabulous trip! Woo Hoo! Enjoy!
So thrilling, dear Susan. It actually brings tears remembering our journey last year on the QM2. I know you are having a wonderful time. Thank you so much for sharing another journey to Great Britain! xoxo ♥
Susan,
How exciting to find a post! Too funny about the sweet potato — it really was as huge as a head. Thanks for sharing the Shepherd’s Life book you’re reading — I went straight out to the library for a copy. I SO loved seeing the sheep safely grazing during our travels through the English countryside this past July.
Thanks so much for letting us share the joy with you. We think of you often.
Bren
xox
There’s nothing like the thrill of the deep blasts from the horn as the ship sails away-taking you to places you’ve been dreaming about these past months. Goosebumps! Then eating nightly with English couples so you feel like you’ve already arrived there. Enjoy your travels and remember how many of your friends you’ve brought along in your suitcase, waiting breathlessly for each day’s posting. No pressure though. Love your heart teacups!
Welcome to Halifax, Nova Scotia. I’m across the harbour in Dartmouth wishing you a safe and calm crossing to Southampton. Hopefully you’ll be a day ahead of the rainy weather that is expected tomorrow here in NS.
Oh, that bed! I’m not sure I’d be able to leave it for the entire crossing. Just bring my meals and tea, and leave the windows open, will you? Love it!
Susan and Joe…have a wonderful adventure…thank you for sharing it with us! Safe travels! Hugs from Colorado!
Fantastic! Love the post and wish a great trip.
Love, love, love your dress! Do the sea sickness bracelets really work? Any recommendations on a brand? Bon Voyage🛳
Get them at the drug store, they are grey, and are acupressure bands … they work great for me!
Well it posted too soon. A great trip to you both!
I loved your ‘little black dress’…you brought the ‘little black dress’ to new heights! Loved that see-through bottom, the black boots, and the dangly ear-rings…You looked so glamorous, no wonder your table was the last to leave the dining room and you slept until 9 A.M.!
Bon Voyage and smooth sailing. Yes that black dress and boots is adorable.
xo Pat
Oh, Susan, it looks so beautiful and you look lovely in that cute dress and boots!
Thanks Susan love love your posts.You and Joe have a Ball.
Be safe and take a TON of photos!
Thank you, Susan, so much for going to all the trouble to post this wonderful blog! So happy and excited to hear your news! That picture of you leaning against the door jamb in your cute dress is absolutely adorable! You have such pretty legs and they look so good in those cute boots! My legs are too skinny to wear boots like that :-(. Love from Mary S. in Fresno, California
I need to read that book…love all things sheepy! Bon Voyage!
Meee tooooo. Feel kind of sheepy myself!
Helloo!
I appreciate your post so much! Thank you for taking us with you! Seeing your views out the window, off the deck, in your room and as you toast each other! Fabulous! And those black boots with that dress….exquisite! Cool! I bet you turned some heads as you walked through the ship!
Smooth sailing to you and Joe and many blessings!
I’m so happy you are sharing your adventure with us. I love your dress and boots, very cute. I will look forward to every post. Joe is also looking very handsome. The Queen Mary 2 looks very good on both of you.
Love your blogs about your trip to England on the Queen Mary! I feel like I’m aboard the ship with you and Joe! Looking forward to more wonderful stories and pictures! 😘 Paula
So exciting Susan! I’m looking forward to this trip as well! Thanks for taking us along for the ride. Woohoo!
Susan, you are WEARING that dress and boots. How adorable!! And I recently heard the author of “The Shepherd’s Life” on NPR, along with callers telling their own versions of that life. Have an incredible time. Looking forward to your missives from the ocean and beyond.
Looks like so much fun. Wish I was there! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
❤️❤️❤️