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.)
I’m enjoy the trip already and the food. Love your black dress and boots, you look sooo cute.
Ray was finally able to bring up the web cam of the harbor on his tablet and I watched the Queen Mary pull away from the dock, pass the Statue of Liberty, pass that huge container ship and under the Narrows Bridge. Oh how I wanted to be sailing too. How exciting was that! Love all your pictures and looking forward to seeing all the rest. We will be traveling to Maine on the 16th but the minute we arrive you can bet I’ll be checking in on you. It’s going to be so exciting to be able to see Scotland while sitting by the ocean in Maine. How lucky can we get! Here’s hoping you have smooth sailing so the wrist band wouldn’t have to work too hard but besides that always keep plain crackers handy. My mom used to tell me that eating crackers will absorb the acid in my stomach which is responsible for making one seasick. Worked for me….
Hi Carol K, I’ll bet you are as wild about the Maine Coast as my husband and I. We live east of Bar Harbor on a back bay in the woods. My heaven. Beautiful today, much more pleasant than it has been. We’ll all be watching for Sue and Joe to arrive in Southhampton!
Debbie B
Dear Susan, Love the giant sweet potato! You’re looking very sassy in that outfit but better not lose anymore weight. We wouldn’t want you to blow away~Lovingly, Julia
Don’t worry, that won’t happen! Thank you Julia!
Needed your wonderful post. Will be waiting to hear more of the grand time you are having.
Your cocoon looks great and “tea on the Queen Mary”, it doesn’t get any better, oh, wait, it will!
Have a safe and amazing voyage! Can’t wait to read about all your adventures in the UK. Is there another book in your plans? Hope so!
Hugs to you!
Keeping a Diary on this trip…we’ll see!
BTW Girlfriends, your comments are fabulous, outstanding, wonderful, interesting … I’m reading them to Joe!
Wishing you a “dreams come true” kind of trip….a fairy tale trip for the fairy tale girl. Hope you get to relax and really enjoy this trip. No one deserves it more than you right now. I came across a book called “Beatrix Potter in Scotland” one day, also “Beatrix Potter’s Scotland.” I know I sound like a broken record, but I hope there’s a book or trip diary coming too. How does Susan Branch in Scotland sound? Just dreamin’…………I was in the Halifax area on Sept. 10th as well. All of the Halifax girlfriends were on the dock waving our Susan Branch banners to welcome you and Joe to our beautiful Nova Scotia and wish you Bon voyage. We were there in our hearts anyway. You looked fabulous in the black dress. A Diane Keaton look alike. It’s your time to shine and what better place than England!
Have a fabulous trip you two and thanks for sharing! Love the sweet potato too…enjoy the trip and don’t worry about trying to catch up with all of us, there will be plenty of time for that over the cold wintry months. Just have fun and make moments that matter!
Yay, “We” are on our way! Great to see “our” room etc. I watched the ship leave and took a photo of the screen for fun. I think I’ve convinced my husband that we should plan a transatlantic crossing someday. An addition to “bucket list”!
Want to say we received September issue of “Britain” magazine and there is a big article on our favorite British artist and the Lake District if anyone is interested. Timely! Have fun & keep those posts coming!
xoxo
K
So happy to be going along for the ride! Safe travels!
Wow…you look pretty snazzy in that dress Susan! and the sweet potato looks more like a roast chicken for sure.. and such ceremony lol that reminds me of years ago friends turned up on our anniversary with a miniature cauliflower! so we took it along to the restaurant and presented it to the chef..he brought it back beautifully presented in deep fried florets..it made the day! Enjoy every moment, it all looks wonderful!
Hoo Rah! Anchors Aweigh my friend! Here we go again! Yippee Ki Yo
Smooth Sailing! Looking forward to another Fine Romance!
Oh NewYork and the Harbor must be so exciting to see from a ship…and the Queen MaryII WOW! (I used to love that view from the top of the water tower in the Wachung Mountains in NJ…as I sang “On A Clear Day…” That was fall 1965 when my family had just moved there from Southern CA…no smog! I can see NYC!
Oh Susan thank you for sharing your latest trip with us! My great grandmother was a Gordon and my neighbor just went to Scotland last year. Have a wonderful trip.
Beth from FL
This is too much fun. I keep watching and waiting for tweets and posts. What fun, it is just like being along! 🙂
Susan — thanks for taking time to share. I especially loved your photo of the Statue of Liberty and sailboat. I get the feeling you and Joe are just as excited as the last times you did a crossing. Guessing it never gets old. Looking forward to stowing away for the rest of yor incredible trip! Safe sailing!
Definitely NOT old yet!
I’m so excited! I peeked out of the suitcase and the view off the balcony is breathtaking!! So far no seasickness from us girlfriends along for the trip!! I’d love to try the sweet potato, I bet it was yummy!! Great start for the trip. Hugs all.
Just making sure you heard the steel drum off the back of the ship as we departed Halifax?
Will check in often…love your black dress!!…so excited for you both.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for the pictures that you posted this morning! I especially love the ones of you and Joe boarding the ship! It all looks and sounds like a beautiful dream to me! In imagining your trip, I picture scenes from one of my favorite movies of all time…The Three Lives of Thomasina. ( I named my kitty after her )The Scottish Highlands, the quaint little village where Mary McDuhi and Thomasina lived, the kilts and bagpipes…it sounds like a piece of Heaven to me. I hope the weather will be beautiful for you the whole time that you are there and I hope that you will pick some heather and press it for a keepsake! Safe traveling! XO
It is so nice outside right now. 10 pm and we’ve been watching stars from our deck singing Slow Boat to China, although Joe thinks we should change “China” to “England!”
Safe travels!!! Love & hugs!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️xoxo
Oh Susan, how I envy you. I love cruisin’ but have never been on the Queen!
I just want to say that I LOVE your pretty black dress! “You look fabulous, dahling!”
Thank you for your wonderful posts! I, too, love England and have spent much time there. I am also reading “A Shepherd’s Life,” which was sent to me by my spiritual director, who is an Anglican priest and hails from Yorkshire (we communicate via Skype!). I miss England ever so much, and will travel there vicariously with your lovely writing and pictures and paintings.
I love your dress and boots! You look fabulous! So envious of your adventure!
Thank you, Love having you along!
Thank you SO much for this post!
I actually feel like I’m on deck.!!!
Did you see me waving to you while the ship was docked in Halifax? (of course I’m being silly…..Ancaster is not exactly next door. But it was nice to know you were in Canada)
Smooth sailing!
I think this must be the ultimate trip…..to sail away on the Queen Mary 2 to the British Isles.
Hi Susan, just want to send you both best wishes for a wonderful crossing. What fun! I have been looking forward to this trip with you. I feel like a little mouse riding in your pocket all the way to a favorite destination. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing Edinburgh again. I just know that you will love Scotland as much as I do.
Oh for Pete sake…you look ADORABLE! Love that dress…and those boots!!! So I’m sitting here in shorts and a baggy sweatshirt, but I feel like I’m on the boat, in the dining room, and I’m having a ball! *squeal* Can’t wait to hear more! And just so you know, I was sitting at a stop light today and started laughing (aloud, and by myself) when I remembered your post about the picnic – the picture that your picnic won’t look like and Daisy, with her saggy hat and her picnic, which is more likely the correct scenario Haha! Still laughing! Safe travels to you and Joe! XXO
Black dress and shoes are to die for!!! You are soo fancy!!!
What a Fabulous Blog, I enjoyed every bit of it, Looks Wonderful, Enjoy yourselves and I will be following, the ship looks beautiful and your room I never traveled on a Ship but I might after seeing this, Thank you for Sharing with us…Karen Seward
Safe travels! Can’t wait to see the next post – maybe another book will come from this trip?!
Living vicariously through you. Only a dream but thanks for sharing the voyage and details of the trip. 💕
Wish I were on that cruise. Enjoy. Everything looks lovely.
Wonderful! Love seeing you in the dress and boots too. What a treat to have you sharing with us.
Thank you! I love reading of your adventures. Ok, I love your tea cups! Where o where can I find some? One? So so so cute. Made me want to drink some tea.
PS. Love your dress! Smooth sailing!
They are Emma Bridgewater, we used to carry them in our web store, but I’m not sure whether that pattern was retired or not.
If not on wonderful SB website, a neat store with people who have always been kind on the phone, is Ann Marie in Wisconsin.
Oh……….it looks like so much fun already, Susan. Hope you two have a simply marvelous, time.
Aloha from Maui,
Susan B
Susan, have a wonderful time. Scotland is my favorite part of the Btitish Isles! Hope you will spend some time in the Highlands and know you’ll make it special for all of us!
I believe our rental house is IN the Highlands! Just next to the Cairngorms.
I am so excited to see and hear about your adventure.
You look adorable in that black dress and boots ! Wish I looked that skinny , what’s your secret ? Love seeing all the pictures that you share with us,it feels like we’re right there along with you . Have fun !
One small secret is that sometimes I’ve been eating just a big giant carrot dipped in hummus for dinner! Yummy and filling and all good things.
Wow! That’s good to know! Mary S.
So fun to read this post. I’ve been thinking of you both and hoping the storm would not affect your departure so was thrilled to see your exciting photos of your send-off. Feel like I’m off on an adventure,too. Can’t wait to hear all about it. Love that you brought along your own tea cups! My daughter and I visited London last year and then made our way up to Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands. You will just love it. Thank you for taking the time to share with all of us back home.
Such a wonderful treat to see you and Joe boarding the ship! We just love seeing our two favorite happy travelers, Susan! There were so many of us watching (and waving) from the NY Harbor. At one point, over 450 viewers! It was a gorgeous sight to see the QM2 pass the Statue of Liberty in the late afternoon sun. We could even see the passengers along the railings! You, my dear, are looking so cute!! So grateful that you are taking millions of photos and writing everything down! 🙂 Heartfelt thanks for sharing your joy!! Wishing you a wonderful crossing, Susan and Joe!! ♡
Happy hugs!
Dawn (in Illinois)
♡♡
Really? 450 viewers, that’s saying something. How wonderful, I’m sure it looked as good to you as it did to us! Magnificent, flags flying, horns blowing! And the amazing Ms. Liberty . . . guiding light and all. xoxo
It was just fascinating to hear the NY Harbor ‘traffic control’ talking to all of the boat captains. letting them know where the other ships were (ie. the Queen Mary is at buoy __). Each time they were communicating with the QM2, I could hear them saying “Buttermilk.” Perhaps it’s a nickname… or just maybe they know that there are two fabulous, amazing cooks among the guests! Do you think we have all been discovered, even though we are trying so hard to whisper?? Maybe that’s why they brought you the giant sweet potato? 🙂 They knew that you were traveling with thousands of friends! ♡♡ Big hugs!!
That must be it!! Enough for everyone!
I got teary-eyed when I saw that stunning photo of yours, Susan (statue of Liberty and [I want to call it a clipper ship!] schooner). My grandfather came over in steerage with his family from Holland when he was a little boy in the late 1800s and often spoke to my mother about how significant it was to see the Statue of Liberty as they came into NY harbor; it had a huge impression on him; was so meaningful to the immigrants many of whom, like my ancestors, didn’t even know one word of English upon arrival…yet they had hope and faith when they had nothing else. So brave they were. Anyway, all my life, I’d heard my mother express such a heartfelt desire to see the Statue of Liberty at least once before she died so, when they were in their 60s, Mom and Dad finally ‘saw the USA in a Chevrolet’ (Ford!) with the statue being on their itinerary as they made their way East from Southern California. It was everything she wanted it to be and although she didn’t go up in the crown, she also went to Ellis Island and the entire experience was a jewel in HER crown. I’m ever grateful she and my father made that trip when they did because, unfortunately, the next year she fell ill, never to travel again. It’s really important to not wait too late to do these things if you possibly can, so I’m trying to get there to see the statue myself, health willing and when my husband can retire from his job, because I’m now exactly how old Mom was when she took that ambitious vacation all those years ago and I’ve yet to ever get any further East than Ohio (by plane; doesn’t count!). Say’in my prayers…
It is so worth it, seeing the Statue of Liberty. I could never get tired of it. Right there at the gateway to our country. It expresses so perfectly why we are a shining light to the world. Despite our troubles, we have managed to prove to the world that different cultures and religions can live together.
Oh my gosh, the dress and boots look fabulous on you!!! Praying for a safe trip! Thanks for posting!!! Hugs!!! Donna (Idaho)
How exciting! I cannot begin to imagine such an incredible opportunity! It has to be just like living in a dream! I’m so happy for you and Joe. Happy Trails, Susan! God bless!
It is exactly like living in a dream, I was just saying that to Joe!!!
Smooth sailing, friends. I’m finishing up A Fine Romance, savoring it slowly, because I am going to have severe withdrawal unless you continue writing books! I’m in awe of your ability to hand write whole books. Frankly, my dear, you deserve The Grandest Prize of all for artistry. 💚💛❤️💜💙🛳 gmapat
Thank you Grandma Pat!!!
What a fun trip you’re on your way to have! And so excited that you took us along. Your photos are really good. Makes one feel like their right there with you! I love your black dress and boots! You look amazing! You have lost a lot of weight!!! So now I know why you ordered that ‘big as a duck’ sweet potato!!! Ha! Enjoy your trip!!!
Yeah, I got rid of some lbs, for this trip. We’ll see how long it lasts! 😜
I never thought you needed to lose any lbs in the first place but you definitely rock that LBD. The first thing I thought was how cute and appropriately youthful you looked…with legs!!
I was at a doctor’s office yesterday and a gal strode up to the window next to me at the reception counter, clearly announcing her DOB as 1926. THAT caught my attention. She looked 20+ years younger than 90 (and it was not because of a face-lift; it was just her authentic self…in sandals and shorts…long-bob hairstyle, with bangs; ADORABLE and STRONG woman). This is my aim, to look like you and her but also to be able to tramp all over the English countryside (or Scotland!) for a couple of months…with vigor! (You are an inspiration in many ways, Susan!) I said to my other half this morning, “Could you arrive in Southampton, find the car, get yourself out of a city of 200,000+ people and onto a unfamiliar freeway where everything is in kilometers, drive on the left-hand side of the road?” My husband, man of few words, said (with deadpan stare), “Yes.” (And went back to the game he was playing on his i-phone.) Oh-boy, okay then: I’M IN. Get that piggy bank filled; I’m ready for my own transatlantic adventure! You’re right, we ‘have to believe we are magic…nothing can stand in our way…bring all your dreams alive’… (I can’t believe, even with your artwork prompt, that I still remember those lyrics from 35 years ago but definitely apropos!)
I told Joe that same thing, how LUCKY I feel to be able to go on these long walks . . . not everyone gets to do that no matter what their age!!! So grateful! Love your husband!!! That was the cutest best most faith-inspiring word he could have said! Yay, you’re on your way!
You look simply adorable in that cute black dress Susan, with your boots!!
Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures and hoping for no seasickness!
So far, I feel wonderful! Bracelets firmly attached . . . not that there have been any high seas, but just in cases!
Hello Susan & Joe ! I have really enjoyed watching you both sink into the relaxation and luxuriousness of your trip. It’s like the feeling you get when someone really deserving wins the lottery. So, I couldn’t help but think of you,Susan, when I ran across these words today: May”The sun shine on you ever, While you flowers gather All the seasons through: Turning little troubles into shining bubbles of lucky rainbow hue.” Phillis Cooper wrote the poem, but I share her sentiments. Take care of yourselves..precious cargo and all:)
Nina
Thank you Nina!
I hope you both have a wonderful holiday. My husband is in the UK too………He left the 24th of Aug. and will return on Oct. 4th. He is only going to visit family. I love your outfit. Where did you find it?. It is really cute. Be safe, and show us what you see over there!
I found it in a little shop in Falmouth a couple of months back.
This is so much fun. Even my sweet hubby is getting excited about following your adventures to Scotland and England. Not to mention seeing inside the QM2. This is so sweet of you to take the time to send us pictures and dialogue. Loved your sweet potato table presentation. One of our favorite restaurants serves a baked sweet potato big enough for six people! Enjoy every moment of this wonderful journey for all of us. Oh yes, please consider another book. I have purchased all that are in print and have no more to look forward to for now. Do I sound pathetic enough?
xoxo Not too. 🙂
Well Dau -Ling, I can only say that you simply look Fab in your crusing attire. Where did you pick up that wonderful frock?
When on a recent cruise, in the North Sea, we encountered heavy seas for two days. My bracelet & ear piece kept me feeling great. While in the dining room on one of the rough seas evenings, we heard a heavy crash, & these two passengers fell off their chairs, with their table flying in the air. “Those” were high seas. We thought it a great adventure. One of the stories we love to tell. (Sandy from Chihuahua Flats)
Wow, that must have been something. I might have crawled back to my cocoon on that note!
Dear Susan, i am so excited and beyond excited about your trip to England/Scotland. I’m looking forward to reading and seeing about these places again and seeing all the wonderful pictures. Best wishes and safe crossing …Bon Voyage.
Such cute boots! I’m reading the exact same book at the moment, I’m really enjoying it (but he took a bit of getting used to.) Wishing you both a wonderful trip and looking forward to the Stourhead picnic – the forecast is good for Sunday, but squeezed in amongst wet days either side, and as you know – this is England – anything could happen weather-wise 😄
Yes, he takes getting used to. He only wants the fells and dales for himself and his sheep! I have a wee problem with that. Although, I get his 5,000 year rights to it! 😳
I am also hoping that you will come up with a book about this trip. Love and lots of hugs….Nor.
💙🎶🎶🎶💜🎶🎶🌟✨🌻🍁 Good~Morning Sweet~Sue…So Far… Being A~Stow~Away Has Been Fabulous….Thank~You For Bringing Us Along! & Your Very Sexy~Black~Dress & “Vanna” Boots…. Divine!!!! Ahhhhhhhh I Love Breathing~In That Salty~Air & The Gentle~Rocking Of The Ship…Stay Cozy & Simply Eat Drink & Be Very Merry Our Sweet~Sue & Joe We LOVE You!!! xoxo Poof! 🎶🎶💙🎶🎶🎶💜🎶🎶🌟✨🌻🍁
Checking~In Sweet Sue… Hey Can You See My Tweets In Twitterville? Tweeting~From~The~Twip….. xoxo Poof! 😊💛🎃💜🌟✨🌻🍁🍭🎶🎹
Yes I can, but is REALLY HARD to get on Twitter from here. Can’t do it with my phone any more at all! Eeeek!
😊💖😇💙😎💛🌟✨🌻🍁😻🎃💜🎶👻🍭 Eeeeeeeek! I Just Love Your SweetTweets…..xoxo Poof! Almost There Sweet~Sue 😊💖😇💙😎💛🌟✨🌻🍁😻🎃💜🎶👻🍭
NOT exactly “Mrs. Claus” but you look Mahvelous Dahling. A stunning outfit. Also I loved the blue plaid skirt you boarded with. Annnd, I’m so happy to read that you slept in till after 9 am!!! You deserve a little hedonism for a change 🙂 Go for it.
Let’s hear it for Hedonism!
Hi Susan,
You look darling in your black dress and boots! So happy for you and Joe to be going on the Queen Mary 2. I can’t remember at what age I discovered the Queen Mary, but I was immediately in LOVE. It’s so romantic and elegant. I hope to someday follow in your footsteps but until then, I will travel in luxury and romance vicariously through ,if you don’t mind!
I have meant to tell you that I LOVE making and, of course, eating your delicious recipes as much as I enjoy your art, quotes, and such charming Tips. You are “PRACTICALLY PERFECT IN EVERY WAY”!!!!! Actually, you are absolutely PERFECT IN EVERY WAY.
Love,
Ann
LOL, I’m glad you like them!!! XOXO
LOL, I’m glad you like them!!! XOXOX
Sorry spelled her name wrong …It’s Phyllis Cooper.
Oh my goodness! YAY! It was so much fun to see your awesome Anchors Aweigh photos!!! You and Joe look great! And I love your cute black dress and boots, too – I have been wondering about wearing boots with my dresses this fall and now I know that it looks good! Have a wonderful time aboard the QM2!!!!
So excited to see you off…Beautifuo pics so far including your LBD…trés chic!! I .can’t wait to see you next Sunday!!! Bringing another girlfriend and picnic, blankets and more picnic along with me!!
Safe and smooth travels!
Karen in Cambridgeshire, U.K.
Can’t wait Karen!!!
Oh, Susan! You look absolutely adorable in that cute little black dress with your great little pair of boots! Such a perfect outfit for your first night and you wear it so well! I hope Joe was just as impressed!! I’m glad to know we have “pushed off” and now in celebration I will go in to make myself a cup of tea and read your blog. I love going back to read about your collections of glassware, linens, how you take care of everything, etc. Yes, reading about “The Heart of the Home” with a cuppa. The bed looks yummy and inviting, the weather looks really good, and I’m sure the food is wonderful too, so here’s to another new beginning. Looking forward to it, and thanks for inviting me along!
Love having you Judy!
oh how fun!!! today I’m doing something fun too!! Going to stand in line bright and early to go tour a Nicole Curtis house here in town – she does that show Rehab Addict. I’m sure many of the girlfriends watch it. can’t wait. Have fun cruisin’ the sea today, sweet Sue!
Oh my goodness!!!! Talk about making a fashion statement!!!!! Arent you just the CUTEST lady on that ship!!!!!???? I hope Joe thinks so too!
Joe likes me any old way, which is good because that’s what he usually gets! 😃
You looked like you should be on a Magazine Cover !!! Looked Adorable, Have Fun
I’m so excited …it’s as tho I am on the ship with you! This is already a wonderful trip. You look quite lovely in your little black dress.
Hi from Halifax! I saw the Queen Mary leaving the Halifax Harbour on its way to England. I waved goodbye to you guys! I hope you got to do something in our lovely city! (And I LOVE your beautiful black dress and boots!!)
We had the most wonderful day in Halifax, thank you for the brilliant weather!
Good morning Susan it’s Sunday morning cloudy finally cooling a bit
and I’m resting in bed and reading your blog. Everything sounds so perfect you and Joe look great. Wishing you a wonderful safe trip. My Joe and I will be heading down to myrtle beach October so while I am looking
out at the ocean I’ll be thinking of you. I won’t be on the Queen Mary but at least I’ll be able to smell the ocean. In the meantime I think I will be eating more carrots and hope it works for me too. I so enjoy your blog but want you to enjoy your moments. Thanks for making us feel like we are right there with you. Looking forward to future blogs. In the meantime ckg Mail for my calendars that I ordered a few days ago. Thank you Joan
Hello Susan! Thank you so much for the post and lovely pictures. I watched you leave on the NY Harbor webcam. I was so excited you might think it was me leaving. I just couldn’t stop watching until the ship was out of sight.
I am sitting at the beach in South Yarmouth on Cape Cod looking east across the Bass River thinking of you.
Have a lovely trip and I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Trish
Hoo ray Hoo ray We are on our way . I loved every picture. Thank you Susan for taking us along. You are such a good friend
Godspeed on your journey! Much thanks for bringing us along, we are going to have so much fun! Yippee! I even ordered the packing cubes , heading to NY myself in a couple weeks.
I echo the love for the black dress with boots. You look incredible Susan !
I hope you make fabulous memories to treasure always ! 🍾🚢⚓️🛳🗽🌊☕️🇺🇸🇬🇧
Love your voyage. I haven’t been to England and Scotland in over 37 years, but the memories remain and I named my daughter after the beautiful village of Killin in Scotland. I loved how it sounded when the Scottish folks pronounced it.
I thought it sounded like a beautiful girl and that is what she turned out to be.
I am so glad to be along on your voyage and I will live through you.
I love her name! And such a nice memory to go with it.
Dearest, you will HAVE to carry the black dress and boots in your online store, considering that ALL of us think it is the outfit to die for. You look fabulous! I guess that’s what happiness does for a girl. Happy Sailing!
Had such a wonderful time on your last trip, I just HAD TO come along again!!!!! Loving every minute ❤️❤️❤️
Hi Susan, I love your dress and booties, just adorable! I hope you enjoyed Halifax; it’s a lovely city. We hope you’re enjoying your sojourn “across the pond”. It is a dream come true! Don’t forget dine at Todd English. It’s a great experience! Be well & be happy! Love, Karen from Aquebogue, NY 😊🚢⚓️🇬🇧
OK, will remember Todd English! Halifax was beautiful!!!
Dearest Susan: I absolutely love this trip and it will mean so much to me personally. Just found out I have breast cancer and had my first chemo treatment yesterday. Not supposed to get in crowds, so this trip for me with you and Joe is just what the doctor ordered. I have faith I am going to be just fine! I absolutely love your black dress and boots. You look smashing! So trim and young and beautiful. Thank you for taking us along on your beautiful trip. We will enjoy every minute of this journey. Hoping for another great book. Have loved every one of your books and read all of them twice! Love you and Joe and Jack! Safe trip and happy sailing.
Love Judy Ann
Oh dear Judy Ann… you keep right on keepin’ on. You sound really good, I’m proud of you. As my girlfriend Margot’s mom says, the only way to it is through it. XOXOXO sending Big Love!
Judy Ann, You are in my prayers, I truly believe in the power of prayers and I know you will beat this. Love, Susan P.
What an exciting embark~ation…if that is a word! I watched with bated breath as your Captain so expertly backed your ship out of its spot😬😳. I’ve been following your ship on sea tracker and wondering why you stopped in Halifax…fuel?…provisions?…shopping? I’m wondering about the time? Do you have to change your watches? So many questions! Can’t wait to see your darling outfits…you look mah~velous in your black dress. I know you and Joe are enjoying every single minute…and so am I…thank you for sharing…
Yes, changing times, we’ve done it once, and from now on, I believe we lose an hour a day. We lose noon to one. So after 11:59 am it’s suddenly 1 pm. Makes lunch a challenge! I have NO IDEA why we stop in Halifax. I think it’s just a touring type of thing, but maybe it’s food, maybe it’s not as expensive as it is in New York??? I don’t know!
Susan and Joe, ahoy! All I can type is WOW; which is what I’ll type every time you post, I’m sure. Can it be, all your fans are as excited as you two are. Enjoy every single minute. Smooth waters, friends.
So excited for you both and wishing you smooth sailing!
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
What fun reading your Blog and all comments. So nice of you to SHARE, so generous of your time. Want to ADD a comment about that ‘little black dress’…….the EXTRA-LONG dangly ear-rings and the TASSELS add a LOT to this outfit…..a MUST whenever you wear it, really adds a lot of ZIP. This outfit is a KEEPER for sure….AND….you look so SLIM in it. I am definitely going to buy myself a ‘little black dress’ for special times (oh…must remember to lose 50 pounds to go with it). Thank you again for posting.
Dear Susan and Joe—I imagine that when you made your entrance into the dining room in your glamorous outfits, dishes stopped clattering, glasses stopped tinkling, the music trailed off and conversations diminished as all eyes turned to gaze upon the stunning duo as you gracefully floated to your table. Soon there were muffled comments—who are they?—are they famous? Tee, hee—so glad you are having a carefree R&R! Love to you both from Bev
LOL!
Looking sassy in that black frock! Loving the pictures, enjoying the sail!
Hey Girlfriend Susan and all girlfriends here and Joe,
Good morning! So lovely to read this today! Loved that you brought the heart cups with you! Sweet!! Susan you look fantastic in the black dress pic!! All other pics were great and fun too!
Have a wonderful day all!!
xoxo
Peace,
Doreen
It all looks so dreamy!! – Safe travels, Susan, and thank you for sharing your fabulous trip with all of us. 🙂 I can’t wait to see what’s next ~ Enjoy!
Susan and Joe,
Thank you for the geography lesson last night. As we celebrated my husbands “64”th birthday..(YES we all sang “When I’M SIXTY-FOUR” TO HIM) I asked, does anyone know where Nova Scotia is? Well there were several comments and they finally got it right. BUT, the next question was WHY? Well I told them about your trip on the Queen Mary 2 and your first stop…and how I saw the ship leave the port. Well I got some laughs and teasing…BUT guess who were the first ones at the computer…. to see other ships leaving port… My Sons…and who enjoyed it the most…My Sons. I think you have a few more “boy friends” They all know about your blog and books… and they and my daughters always gift me with your calendars and other things. But they now have a new awareness of how really wonderful you are. So thanks for so many lesson and sharing your life with us on your blog. Have a wonderful trip… and I and your new “boy friends” will be watching and waiting for every blog entry. Love, Susan P. OH LOVED the HUGE SUN SETTING AWESOME
Hello to the BOYFRIENDS! XOXO
You and Joe have a safe and fun trip. I look forward to reading about it and seeing the pictures. You look amazing in your black boots and dress, I love that outfit. That sweet potato is gigantic didn’t know they could grow that big.
Loved your last voyage book! Bon voyage!
I’m giddy with excitement for you and your darling Joe! What a dreamy adventure, and oh joy, we get to share in snippets of it!! You look adorably svelte, slim, and sassy in your black dress and boots! Great job… you continue to inspire! Smooth sailing!
You look adorable in that black dress and boots! After I finally got the webcam up on Thursday, I’m not so sure if I waited long enough because the ship after the Royal Caribbean one seemed like it stayed docked for ages! It may not have even been the right one, but I had to move on ^_^ It’s still exciting to see ships pull out, even if it looks like they’re going to crash right into the bridge! It was so good to see these pictures this afternoon and read happy words; there has been so much sadness on the web and tv today, so I am glad to see y’alls two sweet faces starting the ocean part of your adventure, smuggling us all in with you, and know that more marvelous posts await. My teapot is at the ready!
We can see the faces in the cars on the bridge as we pass under!
Susan,
I’m so excited for you two!😊 Have a wonderful trip and look forward to your photos and adventures!!
Have fun and Enjoy!🇬🇧🍾🍾🍾🛳
Lucy in California
Beautiful pictures–thank you for sharing your trip with your readers this way 🙂
I see you have had many comments about your black dress and boots, but I must add mine. I LOVE your outfit and you look fabulous in it! I have never seen a sweet potato that big, there are several meals there for sure. I had fun seeing the start of your trip, I hope you both have a wonderful time!
Thank you!!!!
I’m so excited you are writing about this trip! I’m living vicariously through you. Your pictures make it perfect. I imagined myself on the deck, waving goodbye to the horizon. I would think any table you sit at to be the last table to leave! I’m sure you make friends wherever you go. I love your tea mugs and tea tin. You have the gift to make everything feel “homey.” Have a wonderful time and thank you for letting me and your other girlfriends be a part of it. Stay safe! Oh! Loved the dress!
Love the pictures – it’s so fun traveling with you! Hope to see more when you can manage it. I do look at your twitter page, but I don’t have an account myself. I really don’t know if I could get the hang of tweeting! Enjoy!
You can. If I can you can. It’s pretty easy …. you don’t even have to Tweet if you don’t want to.
Still laughing about the sweet
potato carving : ) Sweets for
the sweet, for certain! I looks
and sounds like another lovely
trip, so far. Thank you for the
little glimpses of your trip and
for the darling photos of you
and Joe — so fun! Keep soaking
it all up for the rest of us…..
xo Suzanne
Susan I am so excited for you, but equally as excited because I get to go with you for the trip, via this wonderful media. So Glad to be your GIRLFRIEND!!! With sincere love and blessing to you both, Gayle Hall
Susan how awesome that we will be able to follow you on your journey again! It is a virtual tour for some of us that will be able to travel to England! Have you ever tried Peppermint Essential Oil for motion sickness? Have a wonderful trip! Blessings❤️
Not yet, but I might have to go look for it!
Susan,
You look great! Love being able to see the QM and your send off. I have some good friends on the cruise with you and hoping you all meet. Wondeful couple just like you and Joe! Looking forward to reading your blog and love being on the journey! 😊
What are their names? We’ve already met a few!
One more thing.
i am from the South and have never seen a sweet potato that large. I thought it was a roasted chickn at first. Fancy service!
and do not forget the ginger ale, that helps to settle down a queasy tummy. are we allowed to sneak out of the trunk yet??? 😉
oops meant that comment for the first comment, my computer is acting quite illogically today, must be the Spock influence. too much Star Trek watching. but I love it. and in case you all didn’t know its the 50th anniversary of Star Trek and they are having a marathon of the TV series, and the movies. live long and prosper…. 🙂
Oh yes, have the run of the ship!
Hi Susan, i know you are having a wonderful voyage! Is there a harpist on the Queen Mary? i ‘m a pedal harpist and have read about their adventures sailing with the harp. I would love to see a photo of her/him if there is one aboard. I am reading the shepherd book also. sonya
Yes there is, wearing a red velvet dress.
Have the best time ever! Thanks so much for bringing us along!
Just got an autographed copy of Martha’s Vineyard: Isle of Dreams from your very own website! Can’t wait to start it.
xo
Claudia
It is quite wonderful that you are keeping all of us posted while you are on your grand adventure !! I didn’t know for a time how much more enjoyable tea is when it is served in a ‘proper’ teacup. Also, it is such a good idea for you to have your favorite teacups with you as a sweet reminder of home while you are far away. I liked it that your table was the last leave the dining room—that’s what happens when you are having such a good time.
Oh how fun!! Have a wonderful time, so excited to see all your posts on your trip.
Just marvelous….love it so far! Like everyone else, the little black dress & boots are a hit 💛 Journey’s mercies across the sea until we meet again …
I am so happy for you. You both look winderful and young. I am excited and not even going but am. So have fun, rest, dance make new friends and have an inspiring trip. Thank you for being in all our lives and Isle of Dreams is so wonderful. Made me cry in spaces so sweet.
Debra