Well, I’m going for it. MUSICA 🎵👏All day yesterday I tried to get photos to come from my iPhoto to my blog, and all I managed to get were these ten, and, despite turning computer on and off 
and using all the computer tricks I know (swearing, begging and bribery), one hundred percent zero came up this morning! So I give up. Ten photos still sounds like a lot, but I have to say, there is so much more I wanted to share with you. Walks in the countryside, packing our Picnic. and so MANY up-close and personal photos of our wonderful Girlfriends and their families who joined us … It’s okay, we are going to a little town today that supposedly has computer help, and also, we’ll be moving along at the end of the week, and who KNOWS what we’ll get when we do. Maybe I should be celebrating getting this far! Glass half-full and all that rot! But anyway, I wanted to say Hello, give you these few photos, and say
This is Rachel, me, and Siobhan, reunited at Stourhead, and toasting the hot air balloons that appeared out of nowhere, that we were just SURE could see us from their gondolas!
And we got it! Magic above the church lawn, just across from our cottage . . . hot air balloons over the 13th century church, lovely juxtaposition of old and older. We all agreed 
you couldn’t get us up in one, so we toasted their crazy bravery and enjoyed every moment of their flight. Joe and I left the Queen Mary 2 last Friday (I spoke on board! It was scary! But people were so nice! And books sold out! Photos are, grrr, trapped! MIA!), and traveled the lovely country roads to our cottage in this beautiful amazing place called Stourhead . . . on Saturday morning, Siobhan came, then Paul and Rachel.
Paul brought these flowers and wine and Prosecco . . . to tell you the truth, they all brought everything. Flakey English salt, tiny little sausages, six kinds of crisps (potato chips in English), olives and cheese and pork pies . . . Siobhan made her amazing gluten-free bread 
and apple jelly ~ we had it for breakfast with yummy fennel tea. Rachel brought a Plum Crumble with British double-thick spooning cream . . . I wish I could show you the dinner we made . . . butterflied roast chicken with rosemary from Siobhan’s garden, crisp roasted potatoes with homegrown onions, raw veggie salad ~ while at the same time we were boiling potatoes and chopping celery for our Picnic potato salad, making tomato and mozzarella salad, slicing Ray’s meatloaf and icing down the pear cider. It was a regular Big Chill night in Stourhead. AND, believe it or not, our cottage came complete with a set of Johnson Brothers Rose Chintz dishes! How did they know? So our table looked beautiful and the next day we piled plates into our basket and took them to the Picnic. During dinner, Paul put on a cd of the most wonderful John Garth music, I hope you are listening to it right now!
Later on we toasted the full Harvest moon, sharing the moment with all of you! Same moon for all of us, the world over!
And finally the big day arrived, Sunday dawned bright, blue and sunny . . . the day we’d been planning since last February . . . our BYO Picnic Basket Party! Where the question would finally be answered, “Would anyone be 
there besides us?” Either way, we knew we’d have a wonderful time! A picnic is a picnic, after all, totally a win-win, but we were really hoping to meet people we’ve only known through the Blog, Facebook and Twitter ~ our faraway friends. We knew we had three important things to remember in a toast. First off, we wanted to make a little salute to Capability Brown . . . who designed this dynamic garden at Stourhead ~ it’s the 300th Anniversary of his birth! And of course, it’s our darling Beatrix Potter’s 150th Birthday Anniversary this year . . . and we also wanted to raise our glasses to missing friends, to all of you, to Deb in Wales, and especially our Twitter Girlfriend Karen💖.
I could almost taste the fragrance of fresh-mown grass as everyone began arriving to the constant refrain of wood pigeons cooing musically, “My-toe-huts-Bettee.” Families and friends, husbands, sisters, and children, expats, newlyweds, Birthday Girls, and 50th wedding-anniversary-celebrators were here ~ counting everyone we had 55! It was a sit in! You can see Siobhan way out there in the hat, and Ray is closer, in the middle, kneeling in a blue dress with her white hair. We think it was about 40% Americans. Can you believe this setting? I know! It’s amazing. I promise not one speck of Photoshop was used in the preparation of this blog! (Actually it never is, but this one is especially hard to believe! You would think, “Let’s put a grass bridge here, add a lake, pop in some ducks, frame it all with lawn and trees, add Apollo’s Temple in the way back, film Pride and Prejudice here, and voila!”) 
We were lucky because just as the sun was getting a little too bright and warm for comfort, it dipped behind some English clouds and stayed there, making it perfect sweater weather for the rest of the day! We wandered from blanket to blanket visiting and sharing food (and I have photos of all of it 😜!). Some people brought books for me to sign and yes, there were gifts, like this delicious homemade muffin these little dolls were giving me . . . that’s Siobhan in the hat behind them, looks like she is telling a good story . . . and that’s Paul there on the stool, in his British picnic finery.
Our Blog Girlfriend, Nicoline, came from the Netherlands with her husband Gabriel, and brought Petey’s brother with them! We were laughing because they thought he was scary looking and we think ours is too! We don’t like to have them in the room with us while we sleep! But we both brought them with us anyway!
Here we are, class of 2016, assembled in this magical place like a fairy tale come true . . . I know some of you will recognize some of them. It’s impossible, but here we are, from Colorado, Salt Lake City, and Oregon, from Oxford, Cheshire, York and Kent, Scotland and Wales and Holland, and all over the place! It’s a fact!
See that smile on me? It never left my face, my cheeks ached (in the very best way) at the end of this day! Here I am with our Girlfriend Janette (who made the most darling little book bags for everyone) ~ this is how it was, blanket-to-blanket, sitting, eating, and gabbing for 
hours . . . I have so many more photos that I can’t access right now, pictures of us toasting, of Rachel handing out the freshly baked Sugar Moon salted caramel (and some even gluten-free), homemade Brownies she made for everyone! . . . there are pictures of cute quilts, tea sets, and picnic baskets, of Ann and Alan, Carrie and Stuart, Heather, Gabi, Susan and Bob, Morwenna, Cadie, Joann and Rod, 
names you recognize if you’ve hung around here long enough! Kindred spirits all, Bernie, Karen and Rosie, Katrina, Paula and Burnell, Olivia, and Joy were all there . . . to name a few . . . I’ll have to save these photos for another time.
Mad at this computer. It has now lost any good will I ever had for it ~ it won’t let me have pictures, and as of now, it has fully deleted this post twice. And yet, I have not killed it. I have outsmarted it, and saved it all . . . it’s tricking me right now, pretending to be okay, but the moment I press “save draft” it will try to delete everything. SO, if you actually do see this, it will be a miracle. Which we believe in don’t we? So let’s see what happens. Bye for now dearest ones! Thank you for traveling with us! ❌⭕️
You make me want to take a ship over and spend a month. There can be no better place to see and explore!
I could not agree more. “It’s,” as T.S. Eliot said, “an empire of imagination!”
Oh, darling Susan – I wonder if this will post as no others have appeared thus far and I’m on Whidbey Island in the western USA. What a lovely story and this background music is a keeper. I must find more of Mr. Garth. You are so dedicated to us all and I can just imagine your frustration in taking the time to update us and spending so much of your valuable day dedicated to it, knowing where you are. My husband and I were last there in 2012, right after you’d done your trip. I long to be there again! I will travel along with you and Joe and enjoy every post, no matter how short and sans photos. I thank you, as always, for the joy and inspiration you send to us. God bless your travels and your time there.
I’ll keep trying Jane! I remember it was like this last time, a bit spotty, but still some things managed to eek through! Thank you! xoxo
The miracle happened…………your post arrived, to my happiness. This journey is as exciting as your last trip. I could feel the grass beneath my feet and could taste all the good picnic food. The air is what I love………so fresh. Traveling with you is wonderful! Bobbie from Spokane, WA
The fragrance in the air around here changes with each new grove of trees or shrubs, and it is spectacular. My nose is on its own little vacation!
Yay, great seeing the photos and reading about your English picnic. Lovely to be following your English travels again. Hopefully this trip will produce book #4 somewhere down the track. Have a wonderful time, as I know you both will and thanks for taking us all along with you in spirit and text.
Safe travels and enjoy. Xx
I sort of feel another book in this, but we are only four days into it, so we shall see.
Oh surely……. I mean really!!!!!
How could such a momentous, enchanting, spectacular-yet-cozy, dream-fantasy of a trip pass without recording it for posterity? How could it NOT result in another book? There are those of us who, for one reason or another, will never get such an adventure. For us, one book is not enough. Thank you for the vicarious enjoyment.
I can hardly wait for the Scotland part of the trip! I think I’ve picked up hints that you won’t be limiting yourself to the tame bits in the Borders, but venturing to the north – the real Highlands. Well, perhaps I WILL have to wait, since I can imagine wi-fi being even rarer up there!
It’s probably the cost of publishing more than anything else. That’s why I say, “we’ll see” . . . but I think we’ve figured out how to do it! Oh yes, we are going NORTH … want to see the wildness if there is any!
Please let there be another book!!!
Better be another book! This one will have Scotland in it!
Yes, I agree, we need another book….a place to record all these lovely memories and photos that you may not be able to send us during the trip. This is pretty spectacular for us to be able to come along on this trip with you. As you say about the domestic arts being more important than we realize (maybe that’s a quote)…well, we feel that way about our trips with you.
Oh my, what a lovely picnic. It looked like a scene right out of
Downton Abbey. So nice to see the glads. My Scottish grandad grew them for years. The photo made me a wee bit homesick. I think I need to plant some in the near future. Loved John Garth. Hoping you have so much fun Susan. xx
We are Rhonda, it’s a very special lucky thing we can do this, feeling especially grateful. Thank you for being here!
Yes, please, another book !! With photos !! And recipes !! It would be wonderful …
Wishing you and Joe safe travels and good weather, and wonderful adventures!
Cheerio,
Barb
We’ll try! Thank you Barbara!
Susan, you’ve taught us to be very quiet and well behaved while hiding away in trunks, bags and suitcases while we travel along with you. That has created the foundation for us to be very patient and well behaved while you write us books about our journeys with you. We’re getting good at this. Here’s to hopin’……..😊
XOXOXOXO
Thank you blog & interweb fairies for making sure this posted! It’s so delicious to look back on such a magical day. Truly magical. The surroundings were stunning, the people kind and laughing, and Susan, Joe, Rachel, Paul & Siobhan the most gracious of hosts. It’s a day Stuart and I will remember and treasure for a very long time–and we’re looking forward to the 2nd annual BYOBasket picnic!
You helped to make it a magical day Carrie. It wouldn’t have been quite the same without all of you! xoxoxo
I agree with Susan, Carrie, about you all making it magical. It was so good to meet you and other girlfriends. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, the picnic spreads so lovely (quilts, vintage table cloths, picnic baskets, and food in glass bowls), worthy of the grand landscape. I am thankful to have met you and Stuart.
A truly idyllic setting and gathering! Stourhead looks like one of those places where you start wandering and then realize after an hour or two that you’ve inadvertently travelled back in time or crossed a border into another world. Everything looks so lovely and tranquil. Also, I absolutely LOVE the Rose Chintz!
Take care and happy travels!
Georgia
Here at Stourhead, you can walk much further than your legs will want to carry you . . . there are something like 2000 acres of country here to explore. Thank you Georgia!
We do see it!!! Bravo for conquering the computer!!!
What an absolutely enchanting, splendid day!!! I was with you all in spirit.
Thanks so much for taking us along with you!!
Sending wishes for continued safe travels and delights at every nook and corner!
Much love and squishy hugs!
Jeanette
I didn’t conquer it, I think we sneaked in through the side entrance or something. I had to take the computer outside and wave it in the air, and the little bar would not move, but then suddenly, when all hope was lost, it DID. A true miracle we should probably report to the Vatican!
.. good morning all !!..dear Susan, your above comment made me laugh out loud !!… thank you for taking us all along on this pure magical, much needed journey !!..what ‘happiness !..with love, as always….
..of course, i meant to type “‘appiness” !!
Yippeeee…your post made it through! I’m so excited to read it and see the lovely photos. Wishing I was there, living vicariously through your writings.
I love the balloon pic of you with your two friends. At first I thought you were all taking pics with your phones, but then realized you were toasting. Love it! . I went up in a balloon (once) and it was both thrilling and the scariest thing I’ve ever done. We landed on the expressway. Yes. Our guardian angels were definitely with us that day. I had sky diving on my bucket list, but removed that one after my balloon experience.
I was reading about Allan Bank in the village of Grasmere, Cumbria in the Lake District (William Wadsworth’s residence at one time), and wondered if you’d be visiting it. Sounds intriguing.
All of that food sounds soooo good. Yes, we want pics. Your words about your computer cracked me up…I feel the same about mine sometimes.
Blessings and safe travels,
GG
Maybe if we get there…we’ve been to two of his other houses, Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, love them, both were perfection. Yes, the English have a word (two words) for computers acting like mine: “crap job.” 😃
Yay! Aw! It looks so perfect! I’m so glad everything is going well! I love your outfit, Sue!
Guess what? I got a kitten! Oh, he’s a snuggle bug! His name is Timothy and he is a black and grey tabby! Joy!
Thank you for keeping us up to date and so sorry about the techie probs!
Love love love!
Snuggle Bug! SO happy for you Pom Pom, nothing better than a kitty! xoxo
You are HILARIOUS! Put a great big smile on my face this morning. Thanks for sharing your holiday – so FUN! A hyacinth for my soul – again…..
Luvlee to hear that Cathy! xoxo
I’m seeing the post! Oh, so frustrating, these computer problems. I hope you get them resolved, Susan. What an absolutely gorgeous setting for your picnic – full of friends and happiness. So happy it went well.
Better than we imagined, but a picnic here, anytime, is magical all by itself.
Even with only ten prize pictures, you managed to tell the rest of us, oh so lonely back at home, the story and to make us feel included and content! So so glad that this long-anticipated adventure is going so well, Susan! Take care, stay safe, and especially, live the dream!
Doing our best!
Oh, Susan! What a perfectly luv-lee Red Letter Day!! I’m so thrilled for all of the kindred spirits who joined you near the grass bridge on Sunday afternoon! We followed along on Twitter and could feel each charming moment, too. Your whole weekend with Rachel, Paul, and Siobhan at the cottage sounded so enchanting! So many wonderful memories already… and it’s only just the beginning!!
Happy travels, Susan and Joe! We love you!!
Dawn (in Illinois)
♡♡
It was a memory to last a lifetime, and I’m sure it will! xoxo Thank you Dawn!
September 18 was my 60th birthday. I was with you in spirit! Unfortunately none of my children remembered and despite many hints, the only celebration was my husband picking up pizza. I should have planned my own picnic with my girl friends! Your BYOBasket looks like so much fun, what a wonderful group of friends and picnic-ers. You guys all know how to party!!! I am using your pictures for my 60th memory book. <3 you.
Yes, Girlfriends on 60th are a very good thing! Happy Birthday dear Miss Merry!
Well let’s have a do-over!! We can all celebrate your birthday!
Yes, let’s all wish dear Miss Merry a very happy birthday—
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Girlfriend and many happy returns of the day!
Miss Merry,
You have the perfect Name and It says it all “MERRY”
Sssssoooooooooo MERRY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!! and may all your wishes come true and have a wonderful journey of your 60th year…..CELEBRATE EACH DAY AND ENJOY….ENJOY AND THEN ENJOY AGAIN.
Love, Susan P.
You are all such sweeties. Thank you so much.
Oh Happy Belated Birthday Miss Merry! My Mom’s birthday is the 18th too! We enjoyed the picnic and are glad you were there in spirit! Have a do over on the day and get yourself the biggest birthday cake and presents!
xox
Gabi
Happy 60th Miss Merry!!! Love and hugs to you. I’d throw you a birthday tea with all your favorite Susan Branch recipes. You deserve it!!! xoxo
Susan, I clicked on musica and commenced reading. When I read that it is the music you’d played at your dinner I got goosebumps because I felt I’d just been drawn through the portal of time and was at the table with you! And thank you for toasting me at the picnic–one of the missing people. 😊 The Internet is wonky, indeed. I clicked on the “4 comments” link at the end and was brought to this blank form, but no comments showing! Plus, my information, which is usually stored there was missing. So I hope mine will get through and wish you happiness in (despite) all things (even computer gremlins!). 💕
This is what happens when a perfectly good computer starts hanging around with one that has lost it’s marbles. Be careful out there! xoxo
Hi Susan: Delightful indeed! Your post came through and I am seeing it all! Boy, I know the feeling of wanting to “murder” contankerous computers!! But, really your descriptions are so good we almost don’t need pictures! Almost! Eager to see them when you do get them up. But what a special time at Stourhead!! Just such a magnificent place. I’m so glad you got to meet so many of the GF’s over there. And also glad you got to spend time with your close pals, Rachel and Siobhan, and the guys. It’s been such fun for me popping in off and on during this journey in the midst of other things I am doing. Nice breaks throughout the day!! Looking forward to seeing where you are taking us next!! Wishing you safe and enchanting days ahead!! xoxo
Thank you dear Jane!
YAY!!! So exciting to hear and see about the picnic!!!! How frustrating about the pictures, but that means we have something more to look forward to sometime when you can get more uploaded. 🙂 The picnic just looks perfect!!! I’m sure it was absolutely wonderful! Have a terrific week!!!
And Heather, your very favorite of ALL Scotland books you’ve read, with lots of history inside, done in a good novel-ish sort of way, please??????
I’m starting “The Five Red Herrings” but would love some recommendations, too! 😉
Dearest Susan ~ my heart, for once, was not in Wales last Sunday afternoon, I wonder if you can guess where it was?
I’m quietly singing “Perfect Day” ~ for it was just that in Stourhead. You know how sad I was that I couldn’t join you, but oh! how happy I am to see so many of you celebrating you ~and each other. Thank you for the little mention, it put a big smile on my face, and a few happy tears have watered the computer.
I had my little quilt {made by me} patchwork cushion {made by me} and my new picnic hamper {bought especially for the day} and sat in my living room, for it rained in Wales. British weather, huh? Thing is, the sun shone and did exactly what it was supposed to do where it mattered. Thank you, Mr Weatherman xoxo
My heart is singing with happiness looking at all the Girlfriends {and Boyfriends too} having such a wonderful time and so many new friendships being made. Who could ask for more?
~~~Waving~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
p.s. I hope the respective Peteys went home with the correct owners! lol
I loved that you could “be” there in spirit and with that bit of visual too. You were missed dear Deb, but not by your mom, and that’s the important thing! xoxoxo
It all looks very lovely. Bucolic. I would have to bring a picture person with me. I wouldn’t want to be side-lined with remembering to take pics. I barely remember to get the camera at Christmas, bdays, etc.
Looks like a grand time was had by all! (Just returned to Alabama from my 1st trip to Mystic in about 47 yrs)
Welcome home! Hope it was luv-lee!
It’s great your trip is off to such a great start. And if we have to wait for your next book to see all the photos, then so be it!
Okay! Good spot for them!
Love the “crap job” term as that is how my computer has been lately. We have become so dependent on them, haven’t we? But what better way to be connected to this world full of “girlfriends” we have become! Thanks to you, I have two new pen pals and feel like I know all that were at the lovely picnic in Stourhead. I cannot wait to see the next installment.
There would have been no picnic without the internet. And you, with pen pals, how wonderful is that! Yes, we’re dependent, because we LOVE them! 👏 Except when they’re bad.
How true, Lynn Marie and Susan! My old laptop is giving me fits, but love the connections I can make with it 🙂 xoxo
Oh Happy Day! To finally hear from you makes the wait all the sweeter! Cannot wait to read and see the next wonderful leg of “our” trip. Reading about what’s going on is the next best thing to being there. Hope the blankety-blank computer quits trying to be the nasty spoiler in this beautiful trip.
Love from Diane in North Carolina
ps – loved the music!
It’s controlling. Bad attitude. I will spank it good! 😃 Actually it’s probably not the computer, just some pollen in the air or something like that! xoxo Thank you Diane!
Miracles do happen, and you got this much of your pictures and commentary up, which I’m happy to see! Eventually you will be able to post more,even without details,we love to see them. It was wonderful that it turned out to be a pretty day,because you never know when planning things outside and so far ahead.
Beautiful park there at Stourhead,would be nice to see if I ever got to visit England. I’m interested to see the places you stay, inns,cottages ect. as much as the places you’re visiting. The last place looked so charming and cozy. Have fun as you travel along (Hilltop coming up??)and I’ll be ready for more pics and blog from across the sea.
We’ll take it as it comes, and as slowly as we can possibly make it! Don’t want this one to end no matter how homesick we get!
Well, miracles DO happen, as you well know! But sometimes you really have to work very hard to make that happen! What a wonderful picnic with so many friends scattered on that magic lawn. An inspired choice of location.
Miracles only happen if you never give up! 👏
We see it! We see it!!! Oh, the joy! So lovely ♥ What a wonderful, magical picnic of friends in a perfectly gorgeous place on a perfectly gorgeous day. Isn’t it amazing when least expected those giant hot air balloons appear out of nowhere??? Oh, Susan, thanks for your keep trying and believing attitude to post this blog ~ thoroughly enjoyed. And the music!!!! You certainly have brightened my morning! Have a blessed & wonderful day of travel, wander, smiles, friends old and new ~ all the joys of journey! ♥♥♥
Thank you Mari!
Love, love, love this post! Looking forward to every single one. What a beautiful setting. xo
Oh Susan, bless your heart, I think you did amazing! You oursmarted that computer is what I think. You gave us just enough to visualize what you’re up to, and finished it with wonderful descriptions! You can sure tell you’re a writer!! And it’s always good to have other photos to share later with us!! I looked at all those picnic baskets…wow! Just think of all of those who made plans for this…and you made their dreams come true!!! Like it was meant to be…young and old…beautiful day…(not raining or drizzling-just perfect for all,of you!) Petey’s twin brother…oh..my..gosh!! LOL That was too funny! And the fact that one of your girlfriends had it!! What a small world we live in!!
Thank you soooo much for sharing this with us…love my armchair vacation so far…and to think…so much more is to come!! smile~
Stay safe, enjoy this fantastic adventure you’re on!!
Blessings-Gert
PS aAnd to think, we actually shared the moon!! I love it!!!!
We were so lucky! The weather was just perfect, not too cold, not too hot! So happy to have you along dear Gert!
Absolutely lovely, lovely, lovely!! You won this one with that computer! Even with this “love/hate” relationship we have with technology, it’s still amazing that we are able to see this as you send it from Stourhead!!
Yes, special love sent to all the girlfriends who couldn’t be there, especially Twitter friend Karen.
Wishing you safe travels and remarkable discoveries on your journey!
XO Nellie
XOXOXOXO
Hi Susan, Anne from Buckinghamshire here. I was on the rug to your right as you looked at the lake. Thank you for a really wonderful day. I was totally thrilled to meet you and dear Joe and have you sign a book for me. The selfie I took of you and me together (I don’t normally “do” selfies”) came out beautifully. I will print it off and save it somewhere highly visible. It was wonderful too to meet so many lovely and interesting people in such a glorious setting. When I got home I found that the 30th anniversary copy of Heart of the Home had arrived. I am going to make your buttentut squash soup this very evening and the zucchini soup tomorrow to use up zucchini that really are surplus to requirements! Your little cottage on the Stourhead estate looks darling, maybe I could persuade my husband to come away with me for a long weekend and stay there. I would love to visit the house and explore the gardens sometime. I hope you and Joe have a wonderful rest of trip and that the weather is kind to you. Many thanks again for giving so many of us such a lovely time on Sunday. Warmest wishes Anne xx
Anne with an E! If you can send that selfie to Feedback@162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ ~ I would love to see it! We are still finding new places to see here . . . yesterday, on our walk, we found an abandoned air strip from WWII! There was an older gentleman walking his dog who told us it was what we had suspected. Very interesting to think about as we walked along humming Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy From Company B! You would love it here. Thank you for coming to the picnic!
Hello Anne (with an ‘e’) from Buckinghamshire. If you were sat on Susan’s right hand side at her memorable picnic I have no idea how we could possibly have missed each other! If you get to see this I would love to have a pen pal (either writing or email) who lives in my original home county. If you are interested maybe Susan could put us in touch with each other. Warmest best wishes from Ann (without an ‘e’) in Chester xx
Hi Anne! *waving*
It was so lovely to meet you at the picnic! Now I will always be able to picture your beautiful face when you comment.
Cheers!
Gabi
Susan! I’m back along the shores of Lake Michigan in Grand Haven, but I’m armchair traveling to the lush England via you…Thank you so very much!!!!! The picnic looks absolutely heartwarming….a page to go down in history, I’m sure…,and I’m so very, very happy for you, for Joe, for everyone! One’s heart swells…and that means mine, too. How would I have contained it had I actually been there!..Well, another lovely adventure into the Memory Book to savor…and on to the next! We armchair travelers are all here waiting! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! And hugs, too, of course….. :^)
My pleasure dear Sherry!
Picnic Envy.
Thanks for sharing. Ready to pack a basket,
But uts still summer in the desert.
Your time is coming!
Dearest Susan
This blog is so wonderful…so great of you to share such a lovely event…you are so lucky.
The food looks yummy…you really have to have another book including the recipes!
Weather looks lovely…when I was in the British Isles years ago, it was sunny for 8 of the 9 days that I visited. Anxiously watching for all new experiences..I will peak my head out of your suitcase at intervals…
Happy traveling
Kathie from Limerick…Happy Autumn…soon to be here.
Already looking at the Autumn recipies…yum!!!
Hi Kathie!
Dear Susan
Following your movements throughout the English countryside….having so much fun!!!!
Happy Autumn…🍂🍁🍂🌻🍂🌻🍁🍁
Kathie from Limerick
Hi Susan….. Following along tucked into suitcases and delightful scrumptious picnic baskets!!Funny how one can suffer from separation anxiety to full blown unmitigated frustration over one’s computer!!! LOL!!! Just like kids!!!!! LOL!!! Beautiful sweet post none the less and thank you for being committed to share…. I know that it adds to your traveling pleasure ( 🤔 )……Such a special place to share special moments. Having Carrie, Gabi, Rachel and other Girlfriends there with their families looked so lovely …. a treat for all!!!Continued grand times ahead!! What a wonderful trip!! Please say “hi” to the Mapman for me and stay on your side of the road!!! XOXOXO
love, cindy
I will, and it will had to the chorus (of one) he already hears, stay over!
Hi Cindy!
We all had a great time. Thought of all the lollies while drinking a Pimm’s!
xox
Gabi
Is this wonderful or what? Thank you for sharing this moment with all of us back home wishing we were there! Your photos remind me of the impressionists painting their Sunday afternoons leisure time…. Thank you!
This is where I finally understood the art of the picnic! Nature with a purpose! But going alone, you can end it with a nap in the grass, and then it’s really perfect!
Hi again, Sue! I am reading a book I had to order from amazonuk because you can’t get it here. You would LOVE it! The Book of Hygge by Louisa Thomsen Brits. Find a bookstore and buy it! Trust me. It will make your heart sing. Do you know about hygge?
Feeding yourself from the well of sweetness . . . there is Hygge in every language I see! Love it Pom Pom, thank you!
Our miracle has happened… we have received your beautiful post! 🙂 Thank you for your persistence, it paid off! The picnic looked like tons of fun. I enjoyed every picture; made me feel like I was right there with all of you. What a splendid, glorious, magical location. Not to be greedy or anything, but I cannot wait to see your next post. Fingers crossed your visit to the computer shop will get all the issues fixed! I believe in miracles! ♥
The computer shop said, “Oh you must be in a hole where you are living.” Thank you so much. So we will know more when we move out of the hole to the next place! Fingers crossed!
It did work! And I was happy to see the pictures that it allowed you to post. So glad for such a nice turnout at the wonderful picnic – I wish I could have been there with you. Enjoy the rest of your trip and even if we have to wait until you’re back home to read about it, we’ll enjoy it then.
Virtual travel is a miracle way of sharing…love that you can be there in spirit!
Love seeing your English picnic, Susan☺ Your post just added some happiness to my day! Enjoy the rest of your trip ♥♥
Glad you liked it ! xoxo
Dearest Susan and Joe,
What a glorious picnic! Isn’t it something that picnics across the pond are not comprised of styrofoam plates, cups and plastic utensils but with china and silver and glass! I remember a lovely picnic with my cousins and I could not believe they practically brought the whole kitchen, long stemmed wine glasses, the bread board with bread knife, silverware, china and of course let us not forget the delicious food! It was so very special!! So pleased that you brought back that favorite memory for me! That is why I treated my girlfriends to a smaller version of the same when we came for your book signing!! It was more a “tea” from the back of my van in the dark at a rest stop, but still so much fun!
I just finished your new book, Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams, a wonderful, insightful, inspirational book! I will be reading it again soon!! Dreams do come true!! Thank you for sharing…Thank you for everything especially for the being the wonderful human being that you are!!
Love, Candice
Candice
Thank you so much dear Candice! I’m so glad you liked it . . . and yes, taking the kitchen is such a good idea, esp. when you stay the entire day. Makes everything taste even more delicious!
Hello Susan, I’m soooo pleased to read your blog, I’ve missed you!
Well all was planned for my Husband and I to travel to Stourhead on Saturday , we had also found out a sweet BB for the evening. I wanted to be at the picnic good and early Sunday so as not to miss a minute of your company!
Well good plans ………….but my son and his wife decided to surprise us, and give birth to darling twin girls, 5 weeks early!
We were so happy as we have 3 grandsons, two granddaughters were very welcome indeed.
We were in the car travelling to Worcester at the blink of an eye.
I’ve loved seeing your pictures of the picnic, looks like you all had a wonderful time. Fingers crossed there will be another time when I can meet you, I certainly hope so!
I’m looking forward to hearing all about your travels through our beautiful country once again. Think I may still take the drive over to Stourhead, take my basket, and enjoy a picnic, soaking up the wonderful scenery and just pretend that you are sitting next to me. Well a girl can dream………
Safe travels to you and Joe, with lots of love from Gill in North Devon xx
Happy new babies Gill, that is fantastic! Congratulations to you all!
I’m sitting here drinking my tea and and picturing myself in those 10 pictures! So wish we could have joined you! Computers, crap job and all, allow us girlfriends to be there in spirit. I’m sure we all have enough imagination to see ourselves there, what foods we would have made and the conversations we would have had with new friends! The English truly know the art of picnicking! John and I are planning our next trip to England for June 2017! I have already pulled out my books and travel guides but yours was the 1st one I grabbed. “A Fine Romance” was such a help in planning our last trip; I’m sure I can glean a few more tidbits. Will you be in the Kent area? Do you remember meeting me in St Charles and I told you about a B & B owner who worked for the Royals for 35 years? He serves a delicious cup of tea combined with the most fascinating stories ( no gossip, just tales of living in Buckingham Palace and traveling all over the world with the Royals). He was lovely as you are, Sweet Sue! Looking forward to more twitter, blogs and photos as often as electronica allows! Happy and safe travels!
Hi Susan! I am beyond thrilled to see your post this morning! I have followed your journey since you left NY and want to say, “thank you!” for sharing your adventure with us! I absolutely LOVE the picture of “the class of 2016!” What fun you must have had! Looking forward to seeing more pictures and comments when your computer is more cooperative! In the meantime continue to have the trip of a lifetime and thanks so much for bringing us along!
Oh, what a lovely picnic in the English countryside (sighing and swooning throughout it all)! I only follow Twitter when you travel, so that I don’t miss one glorious moment. I love every word, picture and sentiment! I love the pic of your adorable cottage, the dishes, the light through the window in the charming little bedroom… oh, I could go on forever. I even have my husband following your travels on FB, Twitter & the Blog. Thank you for sharing with us!!!!!!
Love doing it Yvonne! xoxo
Utter bliss! Well, except for the part about the computer hiding the pictures. But they’re in they’re still in there somewhere, it’s all good! Hugs!
Yes, I have them, now for extraction!
So wonderful of you to share this magical trip. I am enjoying every minute. Your descriptions affect all my senses and add joy to my world. Hope all is going well
and each day is filled with sweet memories. One of the girlfriends.
Thank you!
Perfection! Thank you for taking us all along! 🍭💕🍷🌹🍾
Loved having you there! 💓of the 🍭👭 xoxo
What happy times! I love to travel with you and the Girlfriends! It is so fun to see the sights, and imagine walking where you are walking………and you look absolutely adorable, by the way. You belong in England…..we all do! 😊 It is perfect and luv-lee! Xoxo
😃 Luv-lee!
Yes, toast to our darling Karen P! 🙂 I love how everyone is laughing in the 2016 photo! I hope to one day join all the lollipops and You our very best GF for this annual picnic one day……
xoxoxoxo
Lisa Hay 🙂
You girls are so funny, I love reading your Tweets!
Lisa,
I had youand all the lollies in my basket the whole time!
xoxo
Gabi
You are my heroine!! Thank you for sharing your life, love and your happiness!!
Thank you Jean!
Wow. Just wow. I think you ought to get comped by the British Tourist Board, or whatever it may be called, for all the wonderful, worldwide publicity that the country is getting from you. I hope the rest of your holiday is as lovely as the first few days. Fondest regards, Susan.
Just want others to know … magic needs to be shared!
So good to hear from you about all the friends!! Your blog has given smiles this morning! God bless!
How amazing that even Petey had a friend at the picnic! I love how everyone arrived at that divine appointment set in the beautiful countryside! Thank you for making it all happen and sharing it with us all!
My total pleasure Elizabeth!
Hello Susan, thank you for persevering with your computer and getting a blog post out to all your Girlfriends who are eagerly following your adventures and were most definitely with us in spirit at Stourhead. Even though we were blessed and fortunate to be there on that wonderful afternoon it is still lovely to view the occasion through your eyes. We are only just back from Aylesbury today and I am still on cloud nine. Thank you for the delightful inscriptions you wrote in all my books. I treasured them before for the works of art they are and will treasure them even more now. I apologise for bringing so many and thank you for your infinite patience, you are a STAR. Thank you to Joe, who was utterly charming, for telling us about his cookbook and I plan to order a copy today. We hope in the weeks ahead the British weather will be kind to you and may every day of your holiday be a happy blessing to you both. With love from Ann (and Alan) in Chester xxxx
It’s been heaven, and like you, I’m still walking on air! I just have to look at the pictures again, and honestly, it almost doesn’t seem real! Thank you so much for coming! Hope to do it again some day! XOXO
Oh thank you Susan for your picnic photos. So beautiful. I love your words and how you use them. Got a kick out of your nose taking in so many scents.
Keep well and happy and thank you for sharing everything.
Thank you for this wonderful report of the picnic. We don’t need many photos because you describe it so well. And your outfit is adorable! Travel safe.
Lovely, Lovely picnic! what a wonderful idea come to fruition! Would love to have joined you but our trip was in May! At least we joined you here on your blog!
Like going back! Without the luggage! (Lug being the operative word)
I think we are all imagining ourselves right into the pictures with you – I know I am! Such fun. The Girlfriends are the best, aren’t they? Bill and I were recently able to get together with Chris (from Texas) and her husband Jim while they were visiting family here in Ohio. It’s such a wonderful thing to have a friendship that came about through your blog. I think my favorite photo is the one with the medieval church. It’s just so magical , but then the balloon brings it into a whole new time. Looking forward to our continued travels!
I loved that too …. seeing that made me know we were in the right place at the right time!
Oh Susan it looked MAGICAL! So happy for you:) Please make the picture with the hot air balloon over the castle a screen saver. Keep posting when you can.
I asked Kellee to put it up . . . watch for it in the FREE STUFF in the shopping part of blog!
Looks absolutely LOVELY! So glad it turned out to be the best day ever!
Thank you for sharing!
Oh, happy day! ♥ What a wonderful day with kindred spirits from all over the world! Picnics have a language that speaks of friendship, food, meandering conversations, and love of nature. Be still my heart!!! ♥ Lovely to see you all!
Meandering conversations, just place niceness. xoxo
Miracle of miracles the blog came through! And it’s splendid even if it’s short of some pictures. I understand your frustration with the “almighty” computer. The only time I use four letter words is when I’m on my computer. (Well , maybe a few escape my lips when I’m driving also.)
Wonderful blog, looks like a wonderful trip and thank you so much for trying hard to share with all of the “girls”. Kisses to Petey! HA!
xoxo from Petey to you!
I have just rediscovered you thanks to a dear friend. I have sold your cookbooks and calendars in my store over the years. I was in heaven reading your new books. It came at the positively right time in my life. Thank you for making me laugh and cry (not too sad of a cry because you always made the sad parts happy again) , and most of all thank you for your inspiration. You are delightful!
Thank you Marianne, that was so nice! xoxo
What a wonderful time it looks like you’re having even with only 2.5% of the pictures uploading! How awesome to have Rose Chintz china just happen to be the dishes in your rental. Bits of home wherever you go. We are on I think what might be the exact opposite end of the globe from you right now…in Hawaii. What a different world it is considering it’s just one of the other 49 states. Looking forward to more pictures as some of our family is in England right now for a little reunion. Aloha from Hawaii and Cheers to the UK !!!
Hawaii is also magical, isn’t it? SO different. All volcanos, orchids, bougainvillea, plumerias, and sea …
Even the birds are like flying flowers.
Take a deep breath of it all for me. xoxo
What a wonderful start for your trip – your picnic looks so lovely! I can’t believe how perfect the scenery is. I was starting to get a little panicky because I haven’t seen a blog come through, and I didn’t want to miss anything. Hope your computer gets with the program soon. Thanks again for taking us along! =^..^=
I think access isn’t quite the same here as it is at home. For instance, as we drive around, my phone (which is hooked up to English phone company) goes from No Service to 3 dots (out of 5), and back, every bend in the road! In a town, it all seems to work fine. Not sure yet what all that means for the computer!
So happy you finally got to blog! “Petey’s brother” – ROTFL! I was so happy to see a picture of you from behind because I’ve always wanted to see what your hair looks like behind! How do you get your hair to stay up in that cute bun? Mine always falls down and I have to use a hair claw. Love from Mary S. in Fresno, California (Mary Shearer on Twitter)
Well, I twist it and pin it, but that’s about it. It gets thinner by the day so a hair claw is not necessary!
Omgoodness, yes! Your hair is so cute! If you are actually thinning…..Biotin is what stops hair loss and thinning Girlfriends! I wish I had known about it years before I started taking it. 😉
I’ve heard that’s good stuff! Thank you Diane!
Mine is getting thinner, too. :-(. I’ll have to try that!! Thanks!
Hi Susan from down here in London!! Your picnic looks like an absolute perfect gathering. So wonderful to hear that some of the Girlfriends were there as well. We spent the day at Buckingham Palace soaking in all of the history, beauty, and fabulous stories of the royal family. It was all just awesome!! Then we had a late lunch at The Red Lion Inn where they specialize in pies and Ales. I had the Steak and Stilton pie which was delicious. It has a fantastic crust that was crisp and tender. Yummy! And the scones at some of the cafes are such a treat. Who knew scones were this good??
Tomorrow it is of to Oxford and the Cotwolds. Looking forward to more exploring. I’ll be checking in to see how your journey is going and letting you know about mine.
Tally -Ho we all go!!
Tally Ho Winnie!
Oh Susan— Yesterday we toured the little village, Bampton, in the Cotwolds which was the village where Downton Abby was filmed!!!!!! OMG I couldn’t believe my eyes when we saw the town square, Mrs. Crawley’s house and the church where the weddings, Matthew’s funeral, and other family events happened . It was so weird because I felt like I knew the place like I had lived there! I kept wanting to see Ms Hughes and Ms Patmore walking together doing their errands. It was about 44 minutes of pure magic to see he space and get a tour by a sweet man who had been working to promote raising money to repair the roof of what was the hospital where Dr. Clarkson worked ( really a building that is used for a school for young children). He is working to turn it into a museum with parts of the sets and artifacts used in the filming that happened in the town.
Ahhh… So lovely, What you have posted is perfect and we know that there is more! “Enough is as good as a feast” said Mary Poppins, and I agree!
Thank you for sharing your JOY. The time and effort is a gift. This is love.
Oh my goodness, hot air balloon, lovely setting and even a cooperative cloud, it appears that you had a perfect, perfect day. So thrilled that you were able to get out any postings, with that contrary computer.
Hope you do not mind our hanging on every word & we are traveling with you in spirit.
Rebecca W.
Denver
Lovely, how can you stand it all. So much to see and do. When I was in England in Marshfield a hot air balloon appeared out of nowhere. We were in England for two weeks and that was not long enough, I still long to go back and head straight for the Lake District. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us. I look forward to every post.
Hot air balloons are magical, hope they are never replaced with drones! Don’t think it would be quite the same!
Lovely, simply lovely. Looks like so much fun too. You almost reminded me of Hobo Kelly when you were naming off the guests (friends) who came. I always waited for her to say I see Debbie as she was peering through her magic wand looking glass. Anyway, looking forward to more photos as soon as you can get your computer to cooperate! Enjoy your adventures Susan. Thanks for sharing.
So happy to hear from you! Glad your trip is going well and you are visiting with your many girlfriends. Just finished reading your most recent books and I am enchanted! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us as it is very inspirational. I have one request though, and it’s that you please continue writing! Thanks again and bless you for the joy you bring to us all!
Sincerely, Suzanne
Thank you for never giving up! Your pictures gave me goosebumps seeing everyone having such a wonderful day of friendship. What a gorgeous park. I can’t wait to see what ‘we’ are up to next. Keep having fun!
Thank you so much for sharing. I am so happy for you to be there. I still remember how much I enjoyed my trip to England. Stay safe and enjoy. toni b
What a perfect spot for the picnic! I could look at the view for hours. How wonderful that so many came to share that wonderful day. Hope your computer starts behaving itself and you can share more photos from your travels with us.
I look forward to where “we’re” going tomorrow!
I could almost taste all that wonderful food, breath the lovely air and feel the warm sunshine. What a beautiful setting. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to more of your trip.
I dream of picnics, seen many in my day. This one looks lovely. A perfect setting. I can’t wait to see the rest of the photos with quilts and teapots baskets. I’m so glad you were to get these photos out.. Magic… I was happy when it showed a new post brought some sunshine in. Hope the computer gets on its right side and works.. Thank you so much for sharing your day with us. Continued joy on your trip with love Janice
Thanks Janice!
Oh computers! Great when they work, horrible when they do not. Loved the pictures and the description of the food is making me want to go and bake something. Fall is slowly creeping over Michigan. Keep writing!
Penny
Yay, happy to hear that fall is arriving!
Thank you so much for trying so hard to create a post for us. I’ve been wanting to see pictures and hear about the crossing ever since Friday!!!!!! So exciting!!!! Keep having fun!!!!
We will Diane, thank you!
Happy happy happy. I’m going to talk my husband into a similar trip. And on the Queen M too! He just turned 60 last weekend and he beat cancer last year so after 31 years of marriage, I think we both deserve it, don’t you? LOVE the photos you did manage to post. What a bucolic setting. I could just live happily on that lawn, under a blanket, forever more. Le sigh. Cheers, from Pam in Montreal
YES, I do . . . everyone deserves it! I told Joe I really don’t need more than maybe a month on a picnic blanket in Stourhead!
Oh Susan, thank you for not giving up and not letting that computer get the best of you. Thank you for sharing your picnic, so lovely! I am so glad you had many show up, I knew they would and sorry I could not make it. So happy you are sharing your travels with us again, such a fun experience. Safe travels, I will look forward to traveling with you!
It was perfect ~ I couldn’t have enjoyed it more!
Hello Susan! Your beautiful picnic photos already look like pages in a storybook!!!!! So exciting to see your dreams come true! Daily I sit on pins & needles hoping you’ll share more pictures! Everything looks so dreamy! So English! Thank you so much for the update, dispite your computer problems…….they sometimes have a mind of their own!!!!!!! Take care. God Bless.
Watch Twitter … even though the photos only come up one at a time there, still, it’s much easier to do that, with phone and from the road, it can happen, where I would have to wait to get home to the computer (if it works) to get photos up. xoxo
Loved your recount of time here in England. I was desperate to come along for the picnic – it looked such fun! However, I live on the other side of England (East) and having to care for my youngest daughter (30) who has severe learning difficulties it was just impossible to get away. I was with you in spirit and have enjoyed the photos despite your technical difficulties. Enjoy the rest of your visit, I will look forward to updates of your journey.
Missed you but totally understand! Glad you can be here virtually!
Was there in spirit. Just started,a new job at 69 years old. Couldn’t take the time off. Maybe next time. Love to see all the pictures when the computer cooperates Sending hugs.💚
Happy new job Sandra!!!
I was with you in spirit, but simply could not get there! So sad, but never mind…next time!!
I am so very glad England was at its best for you all! Xxx
Divine!
Sorry I missed the picnic. But, on Sunday, we will take the ferry ourselves and land in Newcastle to start our Scotland vacation! Who knows, I might run into you 🙂 I am glad you had a nice time at the picnic and met so many new friends! Please keep us updated, I love reading about your trip and obviously can’t wait to get the new book 🙂
Love from the Netherlands!! XOXO Elske
I always enjoy your adventures!!! The picnic looks like a lot of fun! I feel inspired to host a picnic of my own. It’s perfect weather for it now. Soon the leaves will changing color and there will be a chill in the air.
How about some pumpkin soup & sandwiches with hot apple cider on the menu?
Do it. I think fall picnics are way better than summer ones! More cozy, better food!
Lol….I want to come back again for another picnic with you all!
You’ll have to come back again in another year or so and visit Wales then we can all meet up again!
Have a smashing time in Scotland and hope you’ve been practising your ‘Och ay’s’ in readiness!
Much love
Karen
Cambridgeshire
U.K.
We should make it a regular thing! Loved it Karen, loved you for being there. Magical day … I will never get over.
Lovely, just lovely!!! Thanks so much for sharing yourself & your adventures with us. Can’t wait to see what’s next. Hugs!!!
Susan,
What a dreamy day. Glad you, and Joe arrived safely (yay!) and cannot wait for glimpses of your travels.
I’ll be reading with my cup of tea back in North Carolina,
~Kiki~
What a wonderful day you must have had. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us. Hope Your computer behaves better for you! The first day of fall is just around the corner, but here in up-state NY it is Hot n’ Muggy! Not great for putting out pumpkin and mums!
I need to blow some big cold air your way . . . sounds like the USA doesn’t know what day it is!
Thanks so much for taking time from your travels and companions to include us.
Hi Susan- I was so happy to see your post. I just knew something fun was happening and I wanted to here about it. The picnic looked lovely.
Soooooo I was wondering if you knew that the “Poldark” pre-show was on last Sunday. Susan he is still perfectly handsome, his head is the right shape and the black curls ahh….. If by chance you see or meet him, England is a small country so you never know, tell him Viv sends her kind regards.
The trip looks wonderful so far. I hope the two of you have the best adventures.
Hugs, Vivian
Nothing like a correctly shaped head! LOL! I will give him your regards just in cases! xoxo
Loving your travel journaling. It brings back memories of our travel there a few years ago.
“Straight away, be safe”.
Kathy
Thank you!
Luv-Lee! I ran outside Sat. evening and made a wish for you and Joe on “our” harvest moon! Hubby and I had a picnic at the pool (still so steamily hot in GA!) and vicariously celebrated “Stourhead” with y’all. Sorry the computer’s being moody…it’s probably in sensory overload from all the perfection you’ve been giving to it and to us GFs! Love and blessings as always!
why do my comments need to await?
I have to “approve” them — we get a lot of crazy spam, which no one would enjoy, so I have “moderate” ~ plus my access to the blog is spotty, making it so very special! 😜 But here I am, and your comments are on the way UP! xoxo
Thanks for your explanation…makes such good sense! I feel so special!…You’re so special! ‘ave a luv-lee day-ee!
❌⭕️
That’s IT! Sensory overload! Well, I can totally understand THAT! xoxo
hello Susan, can we all come out of the trunk now and stretch??? I have something that may help you in your battle with the computer, my tiny baseball bat, its a miniature bat and whenever my computer decides to act up I threaten to bring out the bat and clobber it one good, works like a charm!!! I didn’t know Petey had a twin brother. how cute. things around here are normal, well close to normal as the roosters got the ducks mad at them so the ducks ganged up on the roosters and now I have bald butt roosters, the ducks plucked the tail feathers off those 2 clowns. where their tail feathers should be are 2 little bare nubs… looks so silly and when those feathers grow back, those are going to be 2 itchy roosters… LOL!!! a couple of hens got the ducks mad at them, I can’t to see what happens to them.. probably bald butt chickens. it’s almost Fall here, the temperatures are cooling down and its definitely sweater season here. time to hang up the hoses for the season, and time to put the garden to bed for the Fall and winter. the acorns are falling and the squirrels are happy and in their new winter coats already, and the afternoons are much cooler now. time to bring in the rocking chairs and time to get the wood stove ready for use. I love it, soon you will smell apples, and onions and sage cooking with roast turkey, and big fat pumpkins sitting on the front porches. I love the Fall, and I know this is early but Happy Fall everyone. off to go run the dust mop around and do the windows. I’m ready for Fall. have fun….. hugs…. 🙂
I can see you are already OUT, and stretching very well Pat! 😃 Happy farm day, good luck with the ducks! xoxo
I love watching the ducks keep the chickens in line, it gets funnier everyday… I think the chickens are learning not to pick on the ducks… I sure am seeing a bunch of bald chicken butts around here…. anyone need any feathers for a pillow…LOL!!!! 🙂
well it is a Saturday, good afternoon everyone, and it I colder here… perfect soup and grilled cheese sandwich weather or soup, salad and grilled sausage, onions and apples for dinner. that’s our menu for tonight. Reuben our senior rooster still has one tail feather that the ducks have not snapped at and yanked out, it looks so silly to see him trotting about the chicken pen and the barnyard with one big tail feather and the rest is bald butt staring out at a person… he looks so silly… LOL!!! I am sure the ducks will get that feather before too much longer. the acorns are coming down by the tons, and the squirrels love bombing my MIL’S car with them, she tries to trap some of them and take them to her house. since they have no food trees for the squirrels, they end trying and dying crossing the road to the oak trees on the other side of the railroad tracks, very dangerous crossing. so I guess their buddies don’t like being trapped and they bomb her car… I love it, makes for fun porch sitting and watching. when do we get out and go shopping???? like maybe in London??? or in Scotland??? are we going to see the Loch Ness monster while in Scotland, or Balmoral where the Queen resides on holiday??? off to get some sweeping down and enjoy this wonderful Fall rainstorm. have fun, have a great day and a great weekend. hugs…. 🙂
We’ve got a fire going here in Scotland … Joe just made us toast and eggs, it’s cold outside, but clear and bright and we are listening to Scottish sports on the radio, trying to get used to the way they talk, but it’s not working! Love hearing from you Pat! xoxo
So happy it finally posted!! You always bring such joy to my heart. Thanks for sharing and giving so much of your special time to us. Wishing you and Joe all the best as you journey on Love to both of you from South Louisiana❣ Becky & Vince.
Yay! your blog made it all the way to Orange County (Southern California)!! 🙂
We came from every “walk of life”on Sunday in person and through the powers of the Internet to celebrate the wonderful work you have created with your books and artwork. Thank you, thank you for a magical day and getting us all together.
Hi Susan,
It was so lovely to meet you and Bob at the picnic! Heard you were headed to Carrie’s right after us. Isn’t it gorgeous?!
Take care and have a fun rest of your trip and travel safely. We’re home now.
xoxo
Gabi
I looked for you Susan in the market today in Banbury, but didn’t see you and ended up sidetracked into Marks and Spencer!
What a wonderful celebration!! A dream come true.:) I hate flying too, but adore ships. Sailed with Cunard three times so far, the best. Love your posts. Sorry about all the frustrations though. And love your gray hair. Mine is all white now and so easy to care for. I didn’t realize you stopped coloring it.
Soak it all in and have fun!!
What a blessing it is to have you share your amazing adventures with all of us! Thanks so much — and so sorry about all your computer issues. Maybe over there you need a variation of our American English!!