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! ❌⭕️
So glad the weather cooperated and there was a nice turnout for the picnic. Still following just a few miles back…..love Paul’s music. Must ask my daughter if she has played this or is familiar with ( She is working on her Masters in Violin Performance.) Thanks again for taking us along.
Thanks for sharing the wonderful picnic. I know that ‘face ache’ that you get from being with friends in England. Sad isn’t it that our smile muscles don’t get enough exercise and when they are used, they ache!
Oh, you should have packed a sledge hammer to smash the computer to smithereens! It wouldn’t help in the least, but it would feel oh-so-good!! Enjoy your travels!
I could hit it with a Wellie if I didn’t need it so much!
Thanks for the update, so happy to hear of your adventure. ❤
Getting ready to board a Princess ship to sail up through New England to Canada. You have me excited to go but really wish I was in England with you. It’s ok any trip to somewhere new is exciting. My only dread is the plane flight to NY. But I’ll get through it. Oh and to be in New England and Canada in the fall will be devine. Enjoying traveling vicariously with you and now on my own adventure. Safe and lovely travels.
Thank you soooo much Susan for this wonderful update on your trip to England. I was at Stourhead once, and a gentle English rainfall accompanied our group as we walked around the lake (the Lexington, MA Field & Garden Club tour in 2000) so your weather by contrast looked perfect! So happy you enjoy sharing your trip details with us. Did you see the special Beatrix Potter commemorative stamps on sale there? I assume you have. They look adorable!
Ah, life blogging on the road — never predictable, to be sure, but I think you did admirably considering all the reposting and photo issues! It certainly looks like a wonderful event — so many friends, beautiful weather, yummy food, a perfect setting. The only thing missing was me!
I do believe in miracles! Thanks for sharing your adventure once again. It was like you were with us when we were on the QE2, how fun it would have been to actually be on that beautiful boat this time with you and hear you speak, jitters and all! I would rate it right up there with our trip with JT. I would have been charged extra baggage fees if I’d brought ALL my Susan Branch books for you to sign. So beautiful and can’t wait to see more pics. Such a lovely country filled with such lovely people. You fit right in 😉 Enjoy it all!
Such a lovely setting for your picnic. I’m enjoying the John Garth music. Thanks for that. I picked up a copy of your Autumn book today, & look forward to spending time with it.
…Paul in his glorious shirt and tie and loafers – how classic.
Just wanted to mention – did you see Jama’s Alphabet Soup – latest blog – all about you??? Woo-hoo!!
Such an idyllic scene! England is definitely on my bucket list, having grown up on Beatrix Potter, Hyacinth Bucket (it’s pronounced Bouquet), and Jane Austen. Thank you so much for sharing; I look forward to future posts!
A wonderful post! Enjoy your journey – we are patient friends and we know that bye and bye we will hear and see the full story of your journey! (Yes, we are there in spirit, but we are depending on your journaling and art work to tell us the true story!) Petey could probably tell a few tales, as well, and wonder what he and his “brother” talked about when reunited??? a lot to say I imagine! Lol! Loving “our” journey!
Oh how frustrating for you, Susan!! Still and all, you had a lovely time and we were able to read your blog and see your gorgeous photos! And, perhaps I missed you saying so at some point, but…..may I ask what brand those darling shoes of yours are?? They look leather???
Inside is the word “Comfy” ~ that’s all, maybe that’s the brand, I don’t remember . . . and it says “leather uppers.” I’ve had them for a few years and didn’t know until now that they are leather. They are wonderfully warm and waterproof which I know because I’ve been walking in long wet grass and my feet stay dry! xoxo
Are you kidding? I’m right there walking every step of the way, wherever all of you go, I’m right next to you!
What great photos. I just love your blog. Enjoy the rest of the trip. Smiles to a special girl friend.
Thank you Susan for taking me along again! Your picnic spot is beautiful and so glad I can just sit there forever-through your pictures-and take it all in. Really happy to see all the good people who joined in with their own little picnic baskets to enjoy it with us! Can’t wait to see the rest of the journey!
Oh, I can’t even begin to wrap my head around this perfect event ~ the location, the weather, the hot air balloons above the church, the delicious treats, and all the girlfriends who showed up to picnic with Susan Branch. What a brilliant idea! I wish I could have sprouted wings just to fly over and take it all in from above. The view of the bridge and lake ~ too charming for words. I want to capture this vision in my mind’s eye and keep returning to it forever. It will be my place of comfort and peace for which to take my mind if I’m stressed or sad or feeling lost for any reason. You, Susan Branch, bring so much joy and happiness into the lives of others across the universe. Happy souls you’ve never met and many lucky ones (like me) that you have. Enjoy every minute of this current adventure. Photos or not, we are all eager to hear about each moment. Keep the magic coming! Hugs and love ~ Sarah from Austin.
Take heart Mercury goes direct in a couple days!! (Just in case you put any store in the retrograde notion). Being so old, I find it amazing that we can get anything so fast from across the sea!! 🙂 I plugged in my DVD of Pride and Prejudice in order to feel the ambience of your picnic at Stourhead and smiled watching Kiera Knightly prance across the grass bridge and stand in stunned disbelief as the handsome Mr. Darcy declared his love in the pouring rain there in the little domed folly. Talk about Mercury retrograde . . . It’s so much fun to follow your adventures Susan. Thanks for all your efforts to send them out to us “shut-ins”. Twitter is pretty wonderful too even if one doesn’t “join”. We are enjoying GORGEOUS crisp sunny early fall days presently here in Seattle. Leaves are just starting to turn. Carry on and Tally Ho!
I said to my sweet husband “remember when we went to Susan’s book signing in Memphis? I am watching a live feed of the QE2 sailing out of New York harbor to England and Susan and Joe are on it!” A few days later a beautiful piece of mail from the Cunard line was in our mail box! We might never go, but on the other hand, who knows?
Oh Susan, thank you for keeping in touch with us and sharing your wonderful travels! I have visited England twice and I loved it so! Your photos and descriptions of your festivities just warms my heart and makes me remember the beautiful countryside and the wonderful people. Enjoy your stay there and keep us posted when you can! XXXOOO from California!
So glad we got to see and read what you were able to finally post to us so far, Susan! Yes, beautiful, magical, romantic it was…..WOW! You always have the best ideas – what an absolute treat for those who were able to be there and share in it. And speaking of treats, I bet Rachel’s homemade brownies alone made the trip worth it for all! 🙂 We’ll be standing by waiting for you to post your next installment and hopefully it won’t be a torturous process for you! xo
What a wonderful party and you are so sweet and thoughtful to take us with you❤️ Food sounds incredible and weather wonderful and that beautiful harvest moon. It seems we always have cloudy skies when there is a special moon☹️ Looks like it was a great party. Can’t wait for the next adventure. Enjoy it all🎈🎈
I can almost taste the potato salad. I loved the picnic population picture. It reminded me of the photos taken at weddings years ago of everyone in attendance. And who knew the grass bridge actually had grass growing on it? Not me, lol. Keep having fun, Susan. Hugs, Elaine
It worked!!! Great to hear from you Susan! I look forward to your next (successful) battle with the upload Demon!
Barbara
‘Allo Susan,
I am so glad you are having a good time! Loved the pictures you were able to post! So idyllic. I loved reading all the names of the people that were with you, but Morwenna jumped out at me because of Doc Martin! Can’t wait to hear more about this adventure!
Love,
Ann
It is soooooooooo nice of you to put up with technical idiocyncracies for us…your patience is sublime. Can’t believe your 8 days on the ocean and four days on land are over! But, you have two more months…hooray!
Enjoy!
Ooooooh my gosh, I can well imagine that your cheeks just ached — who in the world could stop smiling? You get there, and bam! It’s already just….too much! Not that it could ever really be, but you know. I look at that church and think, “Wow! That might be the exact same view people have had for centuries!” And as a note, I have always loved all the cotton skirts that I see British women wearing all the time in movies, photographs, or television, and I see many on display in the photographs. And what beeyoootiful paintings, like out of a dream. Look forward to the next post. I raise my cup of tea (well, actually my Emma Halloween mug) from Georgia!
I can taste the air and smell the grass. That muffin would be gone in two large bites. What a wonderful world!
What a lovely picnic!! Thank you for sending what you could!!! You’re a doll!
Thank you for the lovely post to all of us. You really are persistent. I loved it all, the food in the whole blog sounded so yummy. Laughed out loud about Petey being scary!
So glad your picnic went off without a hitch. Now you need a computer whisperer to convince it to release those photos.
Every single thing in these photos and in your post is my ultimate dream. Thanks for letting all of us share in your joy.
English blessings,
Bethie–& those fabric bags with the tiny prints are adorable.
Susan, you made the miracle happen!! How divine it looked and I’m green with envy since I grew up on pork pies and still miss them, my favourites… It was a family joke, that and Christmas Cake.
It all looks so beautiful so thank you for battling on and getting the blog out despite the difficulties. It (your post) looks great anyway, and perhaps it’s good to be short, sweet and tantalising, more can follow in due course!
By the way, I love the way hot-air balloons look, and was coaxed up into one for my birthday in the Champagne district of France. We drifted over the vineyards on a sunny day. It was deliciously QUIET and with incredible views, of course. Safer than cars, I’m told.
Anyway, keep on having a “brilliant” time in the beloved land of my birth, Sally
Dearest Susan!!!
So glad to be along with you and Joe! You have just introduced me to John Garth and I love this music!! Thank you!! You looked like you were having an absolutely wonderful time! As always!! Can’t wait for the book!!!
Keep us in the loop and keep on having FUN!!!
HUGZ from Linda in PA 🙂
Hello from hot and humid construction city San Antonio TX. Can’t go any where without a detour or long wait. Wish I were up in that balloon! 🙂
So excited to have made it to the picnic! Loved seeing you again making new friends – Rosanna who loves all animals (and brought great chocolate covered rice crispy treats to share and Jannette who made the beautiful bags to store our treasured SB books. Thank you!!!!
Lovely to meet you Olivia, and would love it if you keep in touch!
So very wonderful. You can plan our trip for us.
Congratulations for another delightful post, in spite of all the roadblocks. I really appreciate your perseverance and kindness in keeping us all a part of your holiday, Susan. You, Joe, Paul, Rachel, and Shibhan are gracious hosts/hostesses! I have never seen such a beautiful picnic, complete with food in glass bowls, tastings of recipes you have told us about, lovely blankets, quilts, tablecloths, and beautiful, friendly people. You blessed those in attendance and the girlfriends who are traveling vicariously. Thank you! Thank you!
Yippee-Ki-Yay! You did it! Got the musica on…love it. You might not be impressed by your computer skills but I am. Music, quotes, a delightful retelling of a wonderful day an yes, some photos…don’t know how you do it but I thank you for persevering. Your group photo brought tears to my eyes and then the Petey story made me laugh…I wondered how you could sleep in the same room! I’ve noticed a few other Washingtonians on this post, which only means you need to come here! Safe and wondrous travels to you…and us!
Here I sit, believing in miracles 🙂 Tried to use the QE2 webcam to see the view you were seeing on the voyage, but it wasn’t ever working. (no miracle there, it involved computers too) However, could follow the ship’s progress (“hmm, wonder where she is now, has she docked yet?”). Thought of all the ‘girlfriends’ on Picnic Day, wow what a lovely event. (Or, as Hyacinth Bucket (Keeping Up Appearances) would say, “Waterside supper with riparian entertainments”) Can’t wait for the next post (now why didn’t I think of following your Twitter feed? I just don’t use it….) Safe travels, dear one!
Hi Tisa,
Laughing here because we were quoting Hyacinth Bucket about the Waterside Supper with Riparian Entertainments while we were there.
Kindred Spirits, great minds and all that…
Cheers!
Gabi
Looks like a lovely time. We’re with you in spirit! Just wondering about the two paintings at the end of your post. Do you know who the artist is? The one with the sheep reminds me of an old print that belonged to my grandmother.
I enjoy all your travels to sweet and lovely places. Thx for taking us along.
Susan, Thank you so much for sharing these great pictures and fun times. How wonderful to “revisit” the sights that I just left, through your pictures. It sort of makes our August UK vacation last longer. I will look forward to seeing more. Enjoy your new adventures on to Scotland.
I was able to see your post, and it was fabulous. That beautiful picnic area is very Downton Abbyish. Wish I could have been there in person, it looked like so much fun, and wonderful for you to have your two best English girlfriends there. So sorry about your computer, they really aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Although most of the time they do behave. Enjoy the coming week, will hopefully look forward to more photos. Safe travels from the West Coast of Canada.
I doubt if I will ever get there in person, so thanks for the journey. And, YES, another book please!
Thank you for including me on your lovely picnic in England, our vacation begins!
So glad all went well! The picnic looks like. Grand time! Wish I was there! Have fun and can’t wait to see more.
Karen
HI Susan,
You are so funny and I truly understand your frustration, as they usually fail you when you need them the most. No worries with the photos as your descriptions are spot on. Take care and safe travels and thanks for taking us along on your adventures.
Looks like a picnic success!
Sorry you are having technical difficulties😢
Hopefully, it will be resolves! I’m so enjoying
your pics and travels thus far😍
So looking forward to living your dream trip
vicariously through you!😍😍😍
I’m so happy you are sharing these experiences. I love England and it feels like I’m joining in the fun when reading all of the sweet details in the picnic.
Karen
The picnic sounds wonderful! I’m so glad the weather held out for you. I could almost see myself on a blanket there sharing in the “gabbing” with all of the rest of you. Thank you so much for sharing the fun with us. I look forward to the next installment!
Yay! A post from across the pond!
I so wish we could all be there for that fun picnic, wouldn’t THAT be a fantastic picture! Alas, we stuck at home must enjoy vicariously through your posts and pictures. I’m considering signing back up to twitter, just so I can follow. I dropped it a few years back, because it got to be too much. I have Instagram and Facebook only, and can barely figure out how they work. :-[
So I am looking forward to the rest of the travels, and asking the computer gods to be extra kind to Ms. Susan for us here at home!
Fabulous post. But get rid of that IPhone. I would never have one too many issues and do not like how Apple phones act up. We need to know all about the ship trip there. All of us have been on pibs and needles waiting and worrying about you and Joe. Have a wonderful, memory filled trip. Make new friends, find new treasures to bring to put on kitchen spaces.
Be safe, lots of tea
Debra
You couldn’t have chosen a more perfect spot for a picnic.
Looking at all those happy faces, I’m reminded of all the lives you’ve touched. I’m sure you have no idea how much happiness you’ve brought to this world, and I’m here to say “thank you” from all of us.
I am loving the musica and dreaming of the sights and sounds in a beautiful English countryside. Thank you for sharing and your stubbornness or determination! Haha. Keep the letters coming!
OH yes, plenty of both! 🤓 xoxo
Beautiful! And as I looked at he moon the other night, I said hello Susan and Joe! Did you hear me😀.
Like a breeze among flowers . . .
Oh fairy tales do come true,,what an enchanting place,,so glad you shared it with us,,felt like I was there,,,,Judy
Oh Magical! I’ve been checking daily for your latest post, glad the computer let you show it! May the rest of your trip be as magical as it has so far!
A miracle indeed! I can see it your post and so wish I could have been there at the picnic with all of you! The other photographs will probably show up when you least expect them to. That’s just how computers are. Just put it out of your pretty head and enjoy your time there. You and Joe so deserve it.
Luv-lee! Thank you for taking us along for this wonderful trip. We are so blessed! I just finished Fairy Tale Girl and Isle of Dreams and all I can say is ENCHANTING! So wonderful to read how you came to be such a delight. All of your artwork has a deeper meaning and beauty to me. And now I really love your Joe! So thankful you found one another. I do wish he would let you tell his story. 🙂 I guess we will have to be satisfied with the tea bag story. 😉
It does pretty much say it all! 😜 Not really, but a lot! Thank you dear Tammy, you couldn’t have used a sweeter word to my ears than “enchanting!” That word is enchanted! xoxo
So happy to return home from a hectic day and find your post. Love reading about your trip so far from the photo’s to the dinnerware. Always so cozy.
Susan,have you ever thought of painting for paper dolls? The little blond girl you posted with a paint brush brought me way back to a sweet happier time when I was a little girl.
Enjoy each new day of your vacation.
Dear Susan,
With the time distance between here and there, you are probably fast asleep and dreaming about what you will be doing later in the day.😴💤 Thank you so much for spending so much time trying to post pictures for all of us! What did go through was so enjoyable to see!! And…what did not go through could be part of another lovely book by you!😊 The picnic looked delightful with so many happy hearts and smiles! I thought about that lovely picnic for days! It inspired me, so today instead of packing a lunch for our weekly fishing trip, I packed up a real nice picnic! It was fun! My husband, who loves fishing so much that it is hard to get him to stop for lunch usually, really did enjoy our picnic! I will improve on it weekly! Thank you for the inspiration!!!❌⭕️ Enjoy each and every second of your trip Susan and Joe!!!
Oh what a wonderful event! Smiles and wonderful food all around. Thank you for doing your durnedest to share this lovely moment with all the girlfriends. We appreciate being along for such a wonderful picnic. 🙂
Oh, it is lovely. I enjoy seeing the countryside in your photos. Brings back visions which still reside in my mind. In the meantime, my husband is also in England, and I am getting photos of green grass, climbing roses which are still blooming, blue skies and floating clouds…..with stately conifers and tall trees with spreading branches dotted with leaves which are changing colour.
I love the old stone buildings and the way everything looks like a comfortable fairy tale, beckoning me to enter through the creaking gate into a secret garden.
Please send more pictures. As I sit here in the scorching late afternoon sun, blazing hot, in the mountains of central California………I wish for rain.
What a perfect day in beautiful Stourhead, dear Susan. I too, followed along with all of the girlfriends and rejoiced in the gathering of kindred spirits. You are loved by us all! I’m sure before long we will see all of your photos. I know you are having a grand time in one of the most beautiful places on our planet! xoxo ♥
The setting. The music score. The weather. The fine food and wonderful people to share it all with. Practically perfect in every way.
Except for those dratted computer problems. Do not blame you at all for wanting to just give it a good wallop with a Wellie.
Loved the juxtaposition of your real life photos of everyone in front of the grass bridge and then that sweet old painting of the cows and cowherds walking over their own stone bridge.
Feels like a fairy tale … oh right … it is!
Thanks so much for sharing these special moments with us. Hopefully your next venture with that bad ‘puter will be less tiresome.
Hugs,
Bren 💓
xox
Oh Susan,Joe I feel I have to include him because in Kansas City I met him and you and he was so Charming, love your blogs I feel like it’s magic or it’s a fairy tale that I’m reading no pun intended I know you’re having a good time ,Nancy from Kansas
~Dearest Susan ~
SO very wonderful reading of your exciting trip so far !! What a beautiful spot for a friendly picnic, I wish I was there maybe someday !! I am happy to follow you (on blog) through the lovely countryside of England!
I must say I am totally smitten with all your books, and feel like a girlfriend indeed.
I wrote you a letter, but sadly it was returned wrong address 🙁
I am looking forward to reading about your next happy days ahead !!
Be safe !! Paula
Such a sweet and lovely day it seems for everyone. Wonderful memories of the feeling of a yestertimes day. See what you have brought? Something we all ache to be part of.
Do so enjoy and share some More!❤️
Lovely picnic setting ! So glad you were able to share the photos ! Thank you for your persistence! I look forward to seeing this beautiful country England through your eyes.
Safe travels ! Oh and not to worry if the pics wont post now , we will see them in your next book ! 🚢⚓️🇬🇧
Rise & Shine Sweet~Sue…. I Guess Those Computer~Gremlins Live In England Too!!! Yikes! I’ve Savored Every Word & Every Photo & Feel Like I Was At The Most Magical Picnic…. EVER!!! Feeling Blessed That You Truly Do….Bring~Us~Along!!! Thank~You Very Much…..The 1st Day of Autumn Is Almost Upon Us….& There You Are In Your Beloved England To Celebrate All The Magic Of Fall… Yay! Just Keep Having Fun!!! xoxo Poof! P.S. Time To Do The Pumpkin~Jiggity~Jig Sending Love & Hugzzz & Lots Of Joy Sweet~Sue & Joe
Hey I Don’t Think My Pixie~Dust Is Showing!!!! Can Ya See It??? xoxo Poof!
Those Gremlins!!!!! LOL
My gremlins are my gremlins and I seem to take them wherever I go … perhaps Brit elves and fairies will take over and run things after this!! xoxo
Hello Susan,
I was getting a bit concerned when there were no postings from you. I thought perhaps your “bracelets” were not working.
You are back for all of and that is what counts!
So, dear one, please carry on! ;))
It will always be whether or not I can get connection when I need to … Don’t worry, otherwise, because, I promise, I will return!
Such a refreshing delight to travel along with you and Joe to this fairy tale land. Thank you for taking me along. I’m having a lovely holiday.
Hi Susan, I am so glad you have been able to send some photo’s I wish I could have been there at your picnic. You told me once that miracles can happen so I hope your computer knows this ,because I have never been to England or Scotland and am looking forward to following your trip, it looks like you are already having a fabulous time. Sending you lots of good wishes.
What a joy to receive your first post from this trip to England. I will put this one in my ‘miracle’ column too!! I only pretend to know even a little about computers, so I am impressed by your perseverance and winning this round of the computer wars. I have been following your journey on Twitter and that was a delight. Thanks for taking the time to include us in your crossing. Even when the Internet connection was not the best. Or would that be cell service??? These few pictures from your picnic are priceless. What a gorgeous setting for your picnic. It all sounds so yummy. Maybe you can include a new totally English recipe here for us. Fun stuff to try. Again, thank you for this beautiful post. It made my day!
What a wonderful glorious time at your picnic! Sure wish we could all have been there, but so glad we got your post and a few pictures! Whew! Glad the computer let us have this much! Blessings as your continue your trip!
Loved being “in” on your wonderful picnic!!!! It is like time stopped for you to enjoy that beautiful setting… Thanks for the email!
Sandy in Schaumburg, Illinois
Susan, thank you for sharing despite the tech challenges. The blog, the music, the photos all coming to us as you travel is mystical and magical. So, if the computer is not assisting, then YOU are mystical and magical!! Enjoy the rest of your wonderful trip.
I am so glad you are having a wonderful time -looks like so much fun!!!
My computer and I are also having a wack-a-doodle time together. Operator
error on my side of the big pond! Blocked plug in -whatever that means.
Laugh or cry I guess -I’ll take laughing and pack along half dozen home made choc. chip cookies to my fav. computer guy who comes to my house and rescues me- darling man that he is. Have tons more fun and send pics later -we can wait.
Looking forward to it. Cheers from Peggy and Sparky
I’m patting my computer and saying “nice, nice” because this post did come through. Sometimes, my computer is very naughty and I want to toss it in the trash, but then I wouldn’t have access to wonderfulness such as this. My son, who supports his family with his computer programing skills, laughs at me; but always helps me when I’m in a computer-related jam. Thank you…thank you for trying so hard so that we can follow along. I’m awaiting a copy of The Shepard’s Life from my library and am looking forward to reading it. Today was a magical day for you and everyone and it was fun to be included.
It is a miracle – I see it! It’s beautiful – the picnic, the friends, the balloons, the bridge, the precious paintings and even Petey’s brother from the Netherlands. I wouldn’t have them in my bedroom either. So funny and inspiring. Can’t wait to keep reading. Thank you for your persistence with the computer. Hugs to you and Joe! Cheers!
Susan, so happy this much made it through! Thank you for sharing, you make my day! What a grand time you are having! Yes, most definitely another book, starting first with your “new life with Joe who never left after the first night”. Then catch up to QM2, and of course Scotland, you haven’t written about that yet, sooooo much to tell, I will hold my breath! Ok, I won’t but I can pray.
So great to read about your picnic and seeing the pictures of the people who attended. Glad you got to go on this planned trip and I hope you will write another book on your experiences. I have passed on the Trilogy Books to my daughter-in-law, who is a fan of yours too.
Thank You for the enjoyable blog.
Please bring back those wonderful sounding “gluten free” recipes you mention in your post! Some of us unfortunately can only eat gluten free! Your trip sounds heavenly & thanks for taking us all along with you! Happy & safe travels!! And thanks for sharing all this with us!!
XOXO
Carol C
What an idyllic setting for a group picnic. Love the dresses and hats! Looks like all had a delightful time!!
Yea!!!! It sure is s love/I’m going to kill this attitude!! But it’s ok, what was sent was utterly breathtaking! I felt Darcy would pop out of that charming little building back there!! What a fun idea to have a picnic and I, too, am grinning with you!!! That really would make a sweet watercolor, Branch style!!! Am so glad it is going well and you are blessing us all! I needed this actually as I just finished book #2 and feeling a bit melancholy. Wish I had read Fairy tale Girl first!! You are such a true blue to us and Susan that is just so special! May we all learn from it!! Enjoy your bliss!!!
I’m here with you Susan, and you got here just fine. From my re-cooperating recliner after a scary visit to the hospital with doctor thinking I had a blood clot in my left leg. The gift of your arrival on my I-pad today was the best medicine I could have received. You continue to do what your are doing, and have the greatest time doing it. You bet it all caught up in the end, so,for now just continue to have fun. With love to you both, Gayle
Oh, Susan…… I have to tell you that reading your entry brought tears to my eyes – of JOY of course. Brought me back to the last trip and I discovered this trip holds a different feeling than the first one – a GOOD feeling – I guess the maiden voyage is always special. I wish you many happy memories and special friendships and glorious time with Joe. You will always be my idol – I am in awe of you!! I will close my eyes and think of the many journeys you will go on as I sit in my special 3 room cabin in a little town in northeastern Washington. Yes, it reminds me of the cabin you had – your first!! I love mine as you did yours. Sending hugs….and love…..and fairy dust!!
Yay pictures came across but I hope you know your
descriptions of the sights, smells and sounds
are so luscious that if pics don’t come across its
ok. )And one of your sketches here and there is
an added bonus!) Continued blessings for wonderful
surprises and safe travels ! 💝
Hi Susan…..beautiful ..just simply beautiful..thank you for sharing. Cant wait for the next post. Happy travels..
So fun to see pictures of the picnic only wish I could have been there Capability, what a great name and a great designer of gardens. You should have Patience somewhere in your name for still posting after losing your post twice.
Aww the God’s of Stourhead saw to it that your message came through to us on the other side of the pond! So wonderful seeing all of you on your picnic, my mouth started watering hearing all the delicious treats you were having. Keep us up to date when you can, always want to hear your adventures for the day.
xxoo
Cindy
There’s magic in the air at Stourhead and I think you found it. What a wonderful way to spend the day with so many lovely friends. You look so pretty and happy which a picnic in a picturesque garden is no doubt responsible for. I’m looking forward to seeing more charmingly adventures with both you and Joe over the next week’s.
Glorious!!
Your post appeared and is the perfect thing to read and see before I go to sleep. Thank you for posting and getting pics up. It looks so beautiful . I hope I can travel there, and retrace your journey. Your toasts were perfect!! Keep posting and I’ll keep checking and dreaming. Stay safe.
We had a lovely weekend away, camping in ‘Bluebell’ our VW Campervan, but the highlight was the wonderful picnic at Stourhead and meeting Susan. We are back home now, and enjoying the memories with photos, Susan’s blog and FOSB Facebook page. We enjoyed meeting some of Susan’s ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Guys’ and hope to keep in touch with a few of them. ‘Memories are wonderful jewels to keep forever!’ (That was Martyn’s contribution!!)
You are so lucky yo gave a VW campervan! I am so jealous….love them. Have always dreamed of having one and traveling the countryside in it. Hubby isn’t as interested as I unfortunately! Glad you got to see our dear Susan in person.
Best wishes from a Jersey Girl. (USA that is)
Hi. Can’t you persuade Hubby?! We have lots of fun in ours, some long trips, and loads of days out. It was lovely to meet Susan in person, and hope she will write about her journey this time.
Best wishes to you too.
Love the BYO picnic basket! What a great idea even for a family get together in the backyard or for neighbors. I’m going to try that next summer. The scenery won’t compare to yours but I’m sure it will be fun. Wish I could smell the fragrances where you are in the great outdoors over there! Enjoy the rest of you wonderful & well deserved vacation! By the way, I keep wondering if there will be another book featuring you & Joe?
Hi Susan! It was a pleasure seeing your beautiful photos (even if there were not as many as you would have liked to share!) and reading your post this morning!!! It sure does look like a fairy tale come true – thanks so much for sharing your trip with all of us! (And I laughed so hard when I read that you don’t have Petey in the same room where you sleep, too! LOL!!) Hugs and safe travels to you and Joe!
Susan, thank you ever so much for sharing – not only this wonderful holiday – but all the past as well. A message from you in my email is always an exciting event and this one was no different. What a beautiful place and day, and how blessed for all of you, from so many, many places, to make a time to meet and celebrate life and the beauty that surrounds you – especially in a world as mixed-up as today’s is. I felt just as tho’ I was with you – beautiful photos – and I met so many new people! I am planning a trip like this just a year, after retirement, and so I doubly treasure your “shares.” Travel safely and be well.
Thank you for taking us along on the picnic. Brings back lovely memories of my trips to England and I so want to be there in person. Computers can be dodgy little things but I think you have showed it who is boss. Looking forward to your next post and following on Twitter too. Hello to Joe a.k.a the map man.