Hi All! Quick explanation of where I’ve been which I’m about to show you in a delicious photographic potpourri of people, places and dog photos! We did our trip a little 
differently this time, which has its good side and its bad. We’ve seen a LOT, but we seem to be on the move much more …. three days here, four days there, meeting with friends, and even just overnight sometimes, which doesn’t leave a lot of time for blogging! But here I am, catch-up day, finally in the place where Joe and I will be staying until it’s time for us to go (the ship leaves November 19). So now, first, MUSICA ~ and then . . .
Get tea, and then, here comes adventure . . .
Tea, or cider . . . that’s good too! But not really for breakie!
The pubs have been wonderful, filled with interesting people, lots of dogs, and delicious food ~~ all of the pubs are so different and all of them historical, just wonderful for imagining and questioning!
We had another camera adventure. Remember how we put the lens on top of the car in A Fine Romance and it slipped off and sent us scurrying to try and find it on the road without killing ourselves or others? This time it was the ENTIRE CAMERA. We heard a sliding noise on the roof of the car, died a thousand deaths realizing I’d left the camera up there while getting loaded into the car, turned around to go back to where we think it might have flown off, stopped the car . . . Joe said, “You go that way, I’ll go that way.” I looked back to cross the street, and there, sitting on the roof of the car, where it had slid and come to a stop, was the camera!!!!!! Whew, we had just gone from having a very, very bad day and now we were all happy again, and off we went vowing to put NOTHING ON TOP OF THE CAR EVER AGAIN.
Hill and dale, stone walls and lambikins. Have I mentioned that we are Anglophiles? I think it can be said very easily, rolls off the tongue now! I think Anglophiles have a big thing in common, they love beauty, and old things.
We brake for antique stores, especially if they are blue with yellow doors and have lace curtains in the windows.
And lovely old dishes to drool over.
Most of you know we were meeting Rachel (@MozartsGirl on Twitter) and her husband Paul, her mom Di, and several of their friends in Bath (pron. Bawth) for her birthday party, which we did, and which was wonderful.
Here she is, figuring out her wish, which is hard since she has it all. I imagine she is wishing for all animals to be treated with love and respect.💖 We decorated the room for her party and didn’t let her in all day! Bunting! Yes!
This is the house we all stayed in in Bawth . . . Amazing “Elton House” Ray and Paul rented from the Landmark Trust. Lovely big rooms, with soft squishy old furniture, and a wide staircase . . . Ray was sure that Jane Austen had been inside this house, and it took me no time at all after arriving, to agree that it just had to be!
Here we are, inspecting the very scary but very interesting basement in the house, with the 18th century kitchen still intact … that’s Ray’s mom Di leaning over for a better look . . . Another world down there . . .
Bath was magic . . . I came around the corner to these Bubbles . . . in Bawth, how appropriate! A Bubble Bath.
We loved Jane Austen’s house in Chawton the last time we came, but she had lots of history in Bawth too . . .
Now Petey has sat on a doorstep that Jane Austen’s foot has touched. He is so proud.
I had to go to the Bath Abbey, and this is just a bit of one of the walls inside. . . Can you believe it? I couldn’t either. I’ve been lighting candles for my dad in every church we enter, and this was no exception.
The tea shops have been ever so charming!
speaking of charm . . . Bunting everywhere! I’m not kidding. It really is!
Little bunting and big bunting and balloons too!
Yes, we’ve been doing laundry, washing our socks, drying them on radiator racks.
We even got to search for beach glass on the Fife Coast in Scotland . . . here’s my booty!
Me and Elizabeth, my California/Vineyard Girlfriend in Edinburgh, Scotland together with our guys, where we met for a week of cavorting.
Here’s the view from our hotel room at the Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh (pron. Edin-Burra). This is an amazing town, I have to do a whole post on it, it’s hard to believe it’s up there, humming along, every day, cool as a cucumber, and we hardly even know it!
Plaid was the name of the game. We have a car full of it!
Everywhere I went I took my most valuable players, the shawl, the diary, the camera, and lunchtime reading material!
As we wandered our way back in time . . . This is Edinburgh Castle, you must see it to believe it!
We met up with the locals . . . they were very sweet.
Until you tried to drive too close, then they gave you the eye. Mas Musica? Oui!
We went to visit our friend Siobhan . . . and she took us on the MOST amazing walks! We went for hours, and why wouldn’t you . . .! Swans, geese, herons, sheep . . . bird song and baaaaa!
We climbed hills under the most beautiful clouds . . .
And followed paths, aiming for the roads less traveled.
Fall has come slowly, and afternoons are tinged in gold . . . and this I never want to forget.
Boston ivy climbs the buildings . . .
The wind blows and the trees turn yellow and orange and drift down into the fast flowing rivers . . .
Look at that view! It’s a from a castle window…and at the bottom, you can see the sheep, and in the distance, you can see forever across this green and pleasant land.
As we merrily drive along.
I could honestly write a whole book on English bathrooms. I thought so last time too. But this time, I just could not resist taking a picture . . . they are all different, but somehow all of them somehow look like your grandmother’s bathroom. Tic-Tacs! Hand lotion! Incense! Swabs! Really? In a public bathroom!
And on the back of the toilet-room door, for your reading pleasure . . . this. Always up for education!
And here!!!! Oh Downty! How we miss thee! We finally made it to Highclere for a long, uncrowded, special tour of the house and gardens. I couldn’t get Petey to hold still for the photo, he was too excited!
Just me and Downty. Who could ask for more. Will have to do a whole post on this in the future, right? Right! It was SO interesting, the history of this amazing house. And even more beautiful than I expected. I know several of you have already seen it, well you were right, it was worth going to!
And then it was National Apple Day, and Siobhan took us to an Apple Festival! Isn’t it adorable? It was a chilly, but lovely fall day, there were cooking demonstrations, barbecued sausage sandwiches, a farm stand, games, a tea room of course . . .
And all varieties of apples . . .
This is Tess Lister on the left . . . she is Siobhan’s daughter, and that’s Tess’s dog, Dusty (the actual star of this star-filled family). Tess just wrote her first cookbook 👏. . . I’ve known her since she was a little girl, making adorable mouse-people and dressing them in tiny clothes she made for them from bits of satin, velvet and lace. She’s almost as magical as her mom.💖 More about Tess HERE. You remember her if you read A Fine Romance, where she was all dressed up in Ascot clothing for our day at the races? That was 2004, I guess she was about 18 then.
Here we all are together, Siobhan taking us out to see a very old tree, Joe, Paul, Ray, and Di, Ray’s mum, everyone talking about the history of the place . . .
And, after everyone went home, that’s what we did everyday while we stayed with Siobhan . . . walk and talk, talk and walk . . . and eat.
We were hungry after climbing the stiles that are put there to make going over fences on the public footpaths easy. One night we walked along that path into the village where Siobhan grew up, where the first King of England is buried in the graveyard of the Abbey ~ we walked along her secret childhood paths, narrow grass-lined footpaths, over arched stone bridges, past a ditch dug for fighting Vikings , into alleyways so narrow we could reach out and touch both stone walls at once . . .
And past a farm, so pretty in the waning sunshine . . .
To her friend Barbara’s house . . . Barbara bought Abbey House in Malmsbury (say it Moms-brie) about 30 years ago and she and her husband built this garden (this is a mere wisp of all that’s there), and now it’s open to the public. Sometimes she puts on plays and events here (the library seats 100!), people get married here, and it’s even a bed and breakfast . . . I should do a whole blog on this too, because you just wouldn’t believe it! It’s right in the middle of town. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, this is a MUST.
And now, one of my very favorite things so far has been the afternoon we spent learning about sheep and the dogs that work them … from this man, Neil Ross. If you are ever in northern Scotland, treat yourself to this most amazing afternoon . . . he does this every day at 4 pm, you don’t make reservations, you just show up, sit on a rock, breathe the amazing fresh air, and try not to cry from the beauty. http://www.leaultworkingsheepdogs.co.uk
Neil Ross is a shepherd and he words the same 11,000 acres that his dad did, tending a herd of 3,000 sheep. None of it belongs to him, he lives there, raises his children there, and like his dad, he works for the “Laird.” (Lord in English-English)
There we all were, maybe about 15 of us, sitting on rocks to watch this amazing display of dogs, sheep, man, nature, as it has been forever. With just one word in dog language, which we did not speak, and the dogs would be off . . . Go get the sheep, dogs!
And after a few moments, here they come. Thundering hooves come over the hill . . .
Neil would only send one or two dogs at a time, the rest knew not to go (I don’t know how they knew, but they did), and would wait their turn…there were small dogs too, puppies about 12 weeks old, like the two in this photo, and the one in the first photo, they were just learning the whistles and the words that Neil used to tell the dogs what to do.
Those sheep came roaring up, we thought we might be a little trampled, but those dogs had everything under control. Pure eye contact. My dad could do this with us kids. Stop us with one look.
It was so beautiful. One of the prettiest most natural and real things I’ve ever seen!
We began to think the sheep might be in on it. But, if they were, they deserve an academy award for best actors.
An amazing sight.
Watch close, this is short, but listen to Neil as he showed us how even the puppies loved to do this ~ note Scottish dog language, sounds like “poly-bear burken-bye, burken!” This was a man of few words, and this was most of them.
My best dog picture!
See how close we all were, the boy on the right was next to me.
I gave a wee internal yelp when I saw him picking up the sheep like this, but apparently he’s done this before and I should keep my yelping to myself.
That sheep wasn’t moving at all. It just sat there . . . perfectly docile. I didn’t see him slip it a sleeping pill or anything.
He invited anyone who wanted to come up and help him shear the sheep. But you should have seen the scissors he used to do it! They looked like pruning shears. So the kids did it and I took pictures!
“No pressure on the sheep” ~ I didn’t understand everything he said, but I got these words!
Afterwards he let everyone feed the sheep . . .
And play with the five-week old puppies.
And he showed us how even they could be trained.
It was amazing.
And darling…
I’ve looked at this at least a hundred times and it still makes me laugh . . .
I didn’t steal it.
Old dogs too, the whole family was there.💛
And now it’s almost November, Rabbit-Rabbit Girlfriends . . . and we are living down the street from Ray and Paul . . . for the last three weeks of our visit here.
Ray and Paul . . . our neighbors, how lucky is that!
Our car, all tucked in. . . in front of the house.
Ray welcomed us with this . . .
There’s a tiny courtyard garden in the back . . .
that I can see from my chair (that’s where I am right this moment). . .
and see my little friend? He’s been leaping and jumping since we got here, and there are birds, and a church across the street that rings on the quarter hour, and pealed out Sunday Greetings this morning, as it has done for a very very long time. It’s like living in a dream, pretending all the time.
So that’s all for today. I tried my best to catch you up . . . hope you enjoyed it! Here’s a bit of driving through the English Countryside on the “wrong” side of the road . . . but honestly, it’s impossible to show everything. I’ll have lots to talk about, England/Scotland-wise, for a long time! Right now, Joe is tapping his foot, wants to be off, wants me to go with him!
Happy Halloween dear friends! I’m homesick, I’m sure you know that, missing my kitty, missing home, missing my trick-or-treaters, but I will put up with it for the learning and wonder of this lucky thing we’re doing. And it won’t be long until it’s all over, because time just has that way about it. So, as they say, bloom where you’re planted, and that’s what I’m trying to do. Dressed in plaid.❤️ Love you xoxoxoxoxoxoxo.
OH! WONDERFUL! It’s all so deeply lovely and wonderful!♡ Thank you, thank you darlingest Susan, and thank you Joe and Ray and Paul and Siobhan, so much!! ♡♡♡♡♡
Love having you here and on Twitter Christie, love you for coming along. Makes it more fun for all of us!
Wonderful trip! And thank you for leading with a photo of Alice…a favorite of mine. More happy travels to you.
She’s a very popular dog in this neck of the woods too! Thank you Shanna!
My son and his lovely wife were married at Abbey House in Malmesbury. Wonderful house, wonderful garden, and Barbara did a wonderful job of organizing it so beautifully. An occasion to remember for ever.
Definitely a place to put on the ‘must visit’ list, especially if you are a gardener.
What a wonderful time you are having Susan! We just arrived on these home shores ourselves and looking forward to some similar experiences.
How wonderful for you . . . what a magical place to be married! xoxo
What a wonderful experience! I can hardly wait til your next post!
Yay! Your cheeks are rosy so it’s cold then? It looks like you’re having a wonderful time! I love all the sheep!
Aw! Continue to have fun, fun, fun, Sue!
I BET you miss Jack. I am SO enjoying my kitty, Timothy. Seriously, I sit and hold him way more than normal! Ha ha!
Thank you for updating us! Thrilling to see a post!
It’s cold, it’s at the very least, one sweater, usually with a jacket, often with a scarf! Loving it! Miss Jack so much there are no words. xoxo
Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing all the beautiful scenes of your wonderful adventure.
You’re welcome! Thanks for coming along!
A total bliss~fest! What more is there to say?
I especially love the photo of the teasels and I’m not all together sure I remember which sheepdog puppy we brought out with us now? Was it the one you were cuddling, or did one of the others sneak out with us?
Rachel will not know herself with you staying just down the very same street! Ah, the fun you two will have just nipping in and out of each other’s doors and being real neighbours for a while. Such happiness and joy in that street now.
~~~waving {not from Across the Pond}~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Yes, you’re almost a neighbor too Deb!
Only the River Severn between us! I can swim!
Oh, I hope you will do a full post on Abbey House sometime in the future. I would love to see the garden. This was a wonderful blog post and we all can see how happy you and Joe are – I wish you could see how happy ALL the girlfriends are for you sharing it! I am loving every – single – bit of it!!! Run along, have fun and take more pictures, please.
Well, we’re all in it together!💞
You’re having such a wonderful time and such a L-O-N-G visit in my home country! I love seeing all these places through your eyes, especially because I have lived in Switzerland for many years.
I see that Joe is managing driving on the left so well and I like all your plaid. It’s lovely to be travelling and wonderful to get home again! Enjoy your last part of this wonderful trip!
Every single moment of it! And you’re right, Joe is doing great at driving!
Beautiful trip! I can’t wait for all the details. I’m off to Edinburgh for spring break next year and taking my 17 year old daughter as well as my husband, if he can get off work, so am eagerly awaiting details. Your twitter posts have been great, such a needed respite from a very tense time around elections. Thank you so much, you are, as always, a ray of sunshine.
I can sum it up so easily for Edinburgh: You. are. going. to. love. it. Don’t worry about a thing, it’s really amazing.
I love that you and Rachel are neighbours for the next three weeks–popping in and out of a girlfriend’s kitchen, nothing finer. You’re just a hop, skip and a jump away from us too–wonderful to have you so close–in the heart of the heart of England. xxxooo
It’s perfect! We get to be neighbors!
We are all neighbours in our hearts <3
Susan, you look as strikingly beautiful as the landscape you’ve captured with your artist’s eye! Have to go back now and click the links–just wanted to say thank you for this update before you are inundated with comments!
Well, that is very sweet of you to say Cathy! xoxo
I was so happy to open up my blog list and see a post from you. I love reading about your adventures. I’ve noticed some Beatrix Potter 50 pence coins popping up on social media. I think there’s 4 or 5 different designs of her most beloved characters. Have you been able to find any? http://www.royalmint.com/our-coins/events/150th-anniversary-of-beatrix-potter-2016
I’ll look for them, hopefully they’re at the bank, but maybe it’s a special edition having more to do with collectible than actual money?
No, they’re in circulation as far as I can tell. You can buy the coins in special packaging too
Dear Susan
Looks like you are having an amazing time! So glad there is a new blog today…have also been following on twitter. You look like you are having so much fun…isn’t Scotland amassing? Hope you got to see the Writers Museun…it is so interesting. Have a Great Halloween…..have a great rest of your trip.
Kathie from Limerick
We did take pictures at the writers museum, but they were closed!
THANK YOU so much for your update post! I’ve missed them! Well, I’ve been following you on Twitter, too, but have missed you here. I’ve set your page as one of the ones that opens when I open up my browser each day, and am sooooooo happy to see your photos, and listen to your MUSICA again! I’ve given a couple of your books to my next door neighbor, A Fine Romance and Girlfriends Forever. My neighbor’s husband is from Scotland. She and I have been talking about getting away there for a visit sometime (hopefully) soon. Thank YOU for sharing so much, through all of your gifts. 😊
How wonderful for you and your neighbor to be so compatible, kindred spirits!
Oh my gosh Susan, I enjoyed your photos so much. We too went to Bawth and enjoyed the roman ruins as well as the many other beautiful places. I for one went to the shop with Sally Lunn rolls for lunch which were outstandingly delicious! And yes, Edinburgh was beyond magical and beautiful. The Edinburgh Castle view was breathtaking even though the day we were there we had intermittent downpours. I was fortunate enough to get an authentic tartan plaid scarf for my family or origin, Thompson, which I plan to wear IF we ever stop having 85 degree days#@(*&^!!!!
How lucky you were to see Highclere as I understand the ticket options are well into 2017 for a chance to go see it. It must have been awesome to be inside where our favorite Downton Abby took place. I know I felt the same way when we visited the Village Bampton where all of the village scenes and church scenes took place. It is my our magic almost to be in a place that you recognize as so familiar, but yet you are there in 2016 and your memory has it in 1907-1926!
I am with you on the Pubs. All are delightful and each one has it’s own beautiful history and story. We enjoyed so many delicious meals accompanied by Ciders and Beers. Delicious!!
Enjoy your last weeks. I completely understand the homesick part. After three weeks, I couldn’t wait to get home and see my kitty and be in my own place again. I have to admit that while I love to see new places, I quickly begin to miss all the things and people I love back home. Guess that is why they same there is nothing so wonderful as Home Sweet Home!
So right Winnie, for me the trick is to “love the one I’m with!”
Everything is so gorgeous, dear Susan. I’m just waiting for you to say you and Joe are moving to England. If you did, I’d understand! Enjoy your last weeks there, dear one. xoxo ♥
We would if we could, but there’s that other marvelous life we have at home, which always draws us back …. if we were in our 20s I have NO Doubt we would try it!
It is all so wondrous!! Thank you for sharing it with us. I know I will never get there, but you’ve given me the next best thing! Halloween tomorrow! Houses here all decorated, pumpkins carved, trees in their best costumes, too! Now if I can just stop eating the trick or treaters candy… Enjoy your last two weeks! Love, Lucy
Missing Halloween there!
What a delightful post, indeed! So glad you and Joe are having a magical time touring and being with friends, Susan. Can’t beat it! Visited Bath once a long time ago when my husband’s aunt lived there. The charm of it all never left me.
Thanks, Susan, for allowing all of us to tag along. You and Joe continue to enjoy every morsel of your holiday.
Happy Happy Autumn!
Marie xo
P.S. Love the simplicity of that narrow white painted cupboard with my favorite…blue & white dishes. Thanks for sharing.
Blue is the color these days… blue everything!
Just had to say “Thank You Thank You” for sharing your beautiful most magical trip. The pictures, all just gorgeous and I do believe you when you say it’s more beautiful in person. Hard to believe. Love seeing all of your friends too and Petey, loved him sitting on those steps! I loved hearing you light a candle in each church for your beloved Dad. Can’t wait for all the future posts on your wonderful trip. Enjoy your last 3 weeks, will be so nice to have you home too! P.S. Rachel looked so lovely in her birthday pictures, and that cake!! Wish I was a neighbor right now too! Much ♥♥♥ Sharon xoxo
Would be fun to have you. So glad you enjoyed it . . . wish I could send autumn smells, wind, thin sunshine, birdsong, more bells and Ray’s brownies. Then it would be perfect!
Yes it would! 🙂
Oh,love you back, and loving all these pictures. Beautiful countryside, homes,castles,towns and even the bathrooms pictures are so much fun and interesting to see for us who have never been there. A wonderful taste of England and Scotland for us arm chair travelers! Time is passing so fast, I know you are savoring these last few weeks before you sail back home. Thanks for keeping us updated. I check your twitter every day to see what’s new you’ve put up there, enjoying every minute of it. Best wishes and safe travels till next time.oxoxo
Thank you Barb!
I hardly know what to say, how wonderful to be whisked away to share just a bit of your adventure ! Thank you for including us. You will have the whole long, cold winter to tell us everything 😉
Thank you, I will love doing it! For the memories!
Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you. Your blog this morning just leaves me in a wonderful
world with my heart full of wander. When you do one of your captive books on this trip
I wish the pictures could be BIG like when I blow them up on my iPad, so terribly beautiful!!!
I love to just look and look at them, not seeing well they are perfect looking at large. What
a gift you are to my life, thanks again.
Loved the pictures – loved this post. Thanks for sharing.
I wonder if your heart is telling you it’s time to add a lovable canine to your family. My husband’s and my life are complete due to our sweet boy, Bandit, an Australian shepherd (link below is to a blog I used to keep that chronicles his first year and a half of puppyhood). Thank you for sharing your travel stories and photos, and letting those of us who’ve never been fortunate enough to visit Britain or Scotland to visit vicariously along with you. A takeaway: Let’s make America even greater than she already is and embrace bunting!!
Could not agree more. It takes a village, to make sure the entire thing is criss-crossed with bunting. Someone needs to be in charge! If we ever stayed home long enough we would get a dog. Hideous leaving cat, impossible to leave a dog!
I agree. That’s why I haven’t gone to England yet. I’d want to stay at least 3 weeks and that is TOO long to be away from Gabriel, my Westie. But you CAN travel anywhere you can drive with a dog. Do you think you could take a dog on the train if you have a private compartment? They have “dog parks” in some airports now. Maybe Amtrack would be willing to have a “dog park” on the train!
You can make your dog a service dog and then he can go everywhere with you, even in your room on a blog. You have to apply, somewhere in your town.
Hi Susan! What a wonderful adventure, your post makes me want to fly there right now!
I just finished reading my first book by you, Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams (I can’t express how much I loved it!), and since I read your first book was published on an October 29st I wanted to wish you a happy book-birthday and thank you for all the inspiration! I celebrated it trying the potato pancakes recipe and they’re delicious, my guy loved them too!
Greetins from Spain!
Aren’t you a doll!?! That was very sweet, yes today is my actual 30th anniversary of the first book! Thanks for reminding me! So happy you liked the book! xoxo
Oh, my! I’m sitting here on the sunporch looking out to my terrace and garden, but it’s just not the same here in Texas. You and Joe are living the dream life for certain! I love seeing each one of these photos, hearing the snippets of details, and eagerly awaiting more, more, more! Plaid ~ yes! I’ve only been to Edinburgh once, many years ago, but I know I want to return. Bath, too! Well, all of the English countryside calls to me. My grandfather came to the US as a young man, so my roots are in the English countryside ~ North Yorkshire.
Many of your photos could be the same as in my own photo albums of past trips. Yes, I, too, am an Anglophile!
Happy Halloween to you and Joe. Savor these last few weeks of your time in this magical place. Return to us safely, ready to spend your Vineyard winter writing and sharing more of this magic. Texas hugs sent across the pond!
Thank you Sarah!
I think that picture of you holding the little puppy may be one of my very favorites of you! You are radiating happiness. This trip looks like it has been so fabulous. The vintage shop with the dishes just made me swoon! And do you know how long I looked at that photo of the footpath with the fence, trying to figure out how I would climb over it (and trying to picture a group of people trying to go over it)?
As much as I want you to hurry home to fall and the holidays, I am enjoying your trip and can’t wait for the long blog posts that go in-depth on all of your adventures! Enjoy the last three weeks of beauty!
susan and joeeeeee!!!!!
i’m so happy to hear from and see you both. was just tucked into bed for a wee nap going through some old archives when i accidently hit blog instead of the previous post and ZIP-PY-DI-DO-DAH! a brand new post popped up. i leaped out of bed put the kettle on, made a pour over coffee, and came to my great big imac to read the latest in living color. and guess who’s sitting on my shoulder while i read? my very own b&w Catboy.
happy travels to you both. i do do do hope you are writing another book about this latest adventure because we girlfriends need our fix! can you give us a hint?
pleeeeeaaaase…
Well enjoy every second of the next few weeks. love following along on twitter.
p.s. you look so pretty and fresh faced and joe looks his usual dashing self!
xoxo
Thank you for the “action reel.” It made me think you were re-enacting Emma Peel and Mr. Steed swooshing along those lovely British country roads!
I, too, like your friend, wish for all animals to be treated with love and respect.
Best wishes for happiness, fun, continued surprises and delights for the rest of your trip and a safe and contented journey home.
Thank you for taking time out of your wonderful vacation to post for us. I love seeing life through your happy eyes.
Hi Susan! So lovely to come home to your wonderful blog after our wonderful cruise to Maine and Canada! It was a great time – lobster, beautiful foliage, the smell of pine in the shops, strolling along the streets with a cup of hot chocolate, and, of course, lobster! And fried haddock sandwiches. Yum! I hope you and Joe are doing well and so glad you’re enjoying yourselves! Happy Halloween and Rabbit, Rabbit. Love, Karen
When I was Ireland in 2007, I visited Brendan Ferris Sheep Dog Demo. I found out that it takes a minimum of 2 years to train the dogs. I also learned about the different breeds of sheep that are raised in Ireland. It was great.
Thank you. I haven’t been to England for eight years and this was a wonderful reminder of what I love about it. Enjoy! Here will still be here when you return. Linda Smith
Thank you so much for sharing your visit to England – love the photos, especially the one of Susan with the puppy.
Safe travels. xx
Loved the pictures and post!! I just came back from a 17 day bus trip to England, Ireland, and Scotland and it was magical and not enough time to explore and just take in the flavor of it all. We fell in love with the buildings, the countryside, the sheep, the pubs, the tea rooms, the history… so much to explore and so little time. Next time, we are going to pick a spot and stay and then pick another spot and stay and just immerse ourselves in all. And I did come home with tea, linens, plaid, anything lamb,sweaters and Emma Bridgewater mugs!!
Thanks for your glorious update. It’s better than following your Twitter posts and they are mighty good too. Your book about this trip will be so, so GOOD!! (There will be a book, won’t there?)
What a trip! Beautiful landscape..homes ..towns..mini dogs..and wonderful pics of all the people including you.My friend Sarah..just emailed me about this post..Sarah up above:) Your posts don’t come to me so I rely on he kindness of Sarah:)
Beautiful beautiful post and you look like you’re in heaven.
What a wonderful experience — feel as if I was really there, due to your superior talent for sharing. Thank you thank you thank you! At times I truly feel that I was born on the wrong side of the pond… but then, I do savor my Texas warmth. This was one of your very best, Susan — the dog segment was unbelievable. I’m surprised you didn’t smuggle a puppy to bring home for Jack!
All the best to you and Joe — relax for awhile…
Sharon
What about a book on Scotland? Just got out my photos from our trip to view gardens in Scotland about 5 years ago and am SOOOO envious of your trip there now. Life still seems so civilized in Scotland. Safe travels home!
Hi Susan,
I am sending my sister, Denise, a link to this post because I want her to take this trip with me. Sharing it with us was a wonderful treat. The photographs are excellent and I always appreciate how something unique and different catches your eye such as the bathroom. Please do a post on just British powder rooms. I think one could be done on French bathtubs by someone, too.
Ginene
I love love the sheep and the dogs! So adorable! Hairy mouse fur eyebrows!? WHAT!! 😳 That’s crazy! Been following you in twitter world but sure did miss this blog of yours! Happy Travels and can’t wait to see where you take us next!
xoxoxo Lisa Hay💞💖
Oh Susan, what a wonderful, wonderful post. I’ve been reading Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams and am about halfway through and have been thinking of you constantly. Hoping all was well. Now, I know everything is fine and you are having the trip of a lifetime. Glorious photos as always, can’t wait for you and Joe to get back so I can see and hear more.
How lovely and how much fun. Thank you for this Sunday afternoon treat. Here in Texas we are still waiting for autumn to arrive. Di
This has been a fun post. Love autumn so the pics are great. I’m a knitter so I enjoy the wool, and as a painter I am dearly looking forward to your next illustrated volume of “Life With Susan”!
Hi Susan! It looks like you and Joe are having such a lovely time. The picture of you and your shawl and diary and camera is a really, really good pic of you. I have noticed in the pics of you and Joe even before you went on your journey and since, you both look so happy! Love it. I also love the pic of the Boston Ivy on the building, wish it was on side of my house too. So sweet you are lighting candles for your Dad, bet he loves it. Does England celebrate Halloween? Just wondering. Wishes for more magical days on your trip for you two. Wish I was closer to your house than I am here in California, I would go over and kiss, and kiss Jack and throw the ball and shoot hair bands for him.
Thank you Susan! The mini trip was very special indeed especially the drive on the wrong side of the road with appropriate music! Enjoy the remaining time safe travels!
Dear Susan, have been following you every day on Twitter. It has been so much fun. Is it possible to get some pictures from inside Rachel’s and Siobhan’s houses? they are so beautiful! The houses and the ladies! So there was a lady with a little dog following you,on twitter😜 I think his name was Jack, not sure, but he was having tests, is that little dog okay? My fav part so far was looking in Sally Lunn’s window just as Jane must have. I made the picture as big as I could and just stared at it for the longest time. Loved seeing inside the house you stayed in Bath. Where are you right now? Also what have you been buying? Show us your plaids! You had to get the Stewart plaid right? Really wish I was with you. I have a million more questions! Looking forward to your next tweet. Thanks for the fun. Debby
I’ve put up pics of Ray’s and Siobhan’s kitchens before, and in my book, but I’ll do more, unless they ask me not too, I try to be careful with other people’s lives!
Will go to books right now! It’s a stormy Halloween. Are the sheepdogs Border Collies?
They look like it to me, but I’m not 100% sure if that’s what they are in Scotland, so I didn’t say.
Hi guys! You sound like you are having a wonderful trip! I so love Bath. When we were there we had tea a couple of times at Sally Lunn’s House. I have always loved the story of Sally Lunn. I love the fact that she got her first job in England with a baker in Lilliput Alley. Apparently her own house is the oldest house in Bath built in 1483!
Scotland won my heart over ages ago! Did you see the statue of Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh?
Your blog brings back so many memories for me. Please tell me a book will be coming out of this trip. No pressure! :o)
Been thinking of you….glad you are having an amazing time. I hope the next 3 weeks go slow. Border collies are amazing. Here on our farm, we have two for our cattle. As our boys grew up, hubby felt the pressure for some extra help….help came in the form of two 20# sizes known as Lizzie and Pepper…wonderful, smart animals!
Thank you so much! I loved watching the dogs work the sheep & the puppies. Years ago when I visited Ireland, I watched a shepherd & his dogs move sheep from one pasture to another…it was amazing! Enjoy the rest of your stay!
It is hard to believe that it has been six weeks since the lovely picnic at Stourhead. I was so happy to see your blog today, as every Sunday I fondly think of that day we all shared and the lovely people we met. You and Joe are creating wonderful memories for yourselves and us. Keep enjoying.
The highlight of an amazing trip, really, I couldn’t agree more, Stourhead was wonderful. xoxoxoxo
Oh Susan, thank you for such a charming tale of your travels thus far! You make the reader feel as though they are right there experiencing it with you for the first time. I hope the next three weeks are lovely and filled with many more memories to be made and shared.
Safe travels and cherished moments,
Kelly
what a treat to read this on a rainy chilly Sunday afternoon………..I have gingersnaps in the oven, they will be done for tea time. I think I will pretend I am you just for a little while while I sip and nibble.
Your trip and friends are amazing…………love that you share with us. Be safe….
Despite our gorgeous autumn colors still in view here and there in Rochester, NY, today has been gray and rainy. It’s just the perfect time to stay indoors, warm and cozy, to catch up on reading matter including your latest blog entry, Susan, which my sisters and I are thrilled about — each in our own city! Thanks for keeping us updated. Send more at your earliest convenience! Now to re-read your missive slowly and enjoy it all over again! ♥ Alice
Thanks for inviting us into your dream vacation. And now you have 3 weeks left and you can just enjoy each day.
the cake reminds me of the birthday cake my mom got me in the 60s when we lived in Cambridge. frosting was so hard we couldn’t cut the darn thing…and I hope you remembered to “spend a penny” in the public loo…lovely photos and I’ll read all of the commentary a bit later. glad you are having a jolly good time.
Spend a penny?
Means going for a pee! We used to be charged at some public toilets 1 pence to get to get in!!😂
My Nana used to say “Just going to spend a penny” when she was going to the loo. It comes from when you used to have to put a penny in the door of a public toilet to get in! Hala xxx
AHA! Well, they don’t seem to charge anymore!
Such a lovely treat to find a new blog post. Yippee! Everything looks wonderful. I can see you definitely have enough material for another book. It can be about England and friends (old and new) and sheep and antique stores with yellow doors and lace curtains and plaid (I love plaid) and dogs and shepherds, etc, etc, etc…
I’m looking forward to a more in-depth look at your travels. Enjoy your time with Ray and Paul. Bon voyage!
Love the pictures and reading your stories about good old England and Scotland!!!
It’s has been now 14 years ago we went to Northumberland and Scotland and I missed it so much. Did you went to Holy Island in Northumberland? That’s such a special place to be–you will love it!!!
Have a great time these last weeks and enjoy living next door to your friends.
Greetings,Trudy from Holland
What a fabulous trip. I’ve been to the English countryside twice. Both times were to visit friends who were living there. It’s a great way to visit. Wish I were there instead of 85 degree Florida!! Enjoy the rest of your trip. Just received a Christmas bead….it’s beautiful.
Jane
As I sit here in the Oregon rain I want you to know just how wonderful a time I’ve had reading this blog! The photos and commentary are delightful! Thanks so much for sharing this time with us who simply adore your personality… ;0)
Such a wonderful post; thanks so much!! Beautiful pictures. Things tend to look more peaceful in them, I hope that’s true. I always light candles to honor my mother and Dad in churches I visit. It’s so comforting I think. Enjoy your last weeks!
Well, you and Joe have surpassed the last trip! Love it all, as usual…but really enjoyed the little tidbit today on the lovely and talented Tess, the mill and are you bringing back her cookbook?!? And the dogs and the sheep, and the gardens, and the countryside walks. And your dear and lovely friends…and the historic Buildings and towns! And the antiques and the bunting, and the town of Bath which I have always loved. So thankful for you and your sharing.
As always, your post is a pick-me-up. Lost my lovely mother 3 weeks ago and am missing her so much. We both loved you, your books and your recipes and I feel like I will have continuous fond memories of her through you. Thank you. xo
Oh dear Martha, I couldn’t be more sorry to hear this. Such an awful loss, nothing can make up for it. Sending lots of love, hugs, and blessings on your memories. xoxoxoxoxo
Thank you for posting about Scotland. We visited friends there years ago, and your writing brought back ove memories! Enjoy every minute of that beautiful place!
Brings back lovely memories!
Love going with you on this adventure! If you haven’t read Lady Carnarvon’s book about Lady Almina, you shoud do so. Amazing person! I also enjoyed tbe picture from The Country Diary…..We have enjoyed that book for ages!
The videos were wonderful! Enjoy the last weels of your trip, and safe voyage home.
Such a wonderful recap of your absolutely enchanting trip, Susan. If I ever go to England/Scotland, it will have to be in the Autumn. The golden tinge to everything just part of my soul. . .and our story. You have done so well keeping us informed on Twitter. I feel like we’ve been there, too, and visited with you and Rachel and Paul and Sibohan and everyone else along the way. I know the book will be just fabulous! Thank you soo much.
. . .and I can just picture you and Rachel popping in and out for tea and (maybe) scones, but mostly good chats and perhaps walks. So wonderful to have your best friend as neighbor for awhile. It doesn’t get better than that! Have a wonderful time. Wouldn’t it be fun if we all could live down the street for awhile. It would have to be a long street!! xoxo
It’s just the best Jane! Three glorious weeks! We can almost get used to it!
Hi Sue,
Love reading your blog and hope to visit some of the places you have gone when we are in the UK.
We are planning a trip to the UK during the summer of 2018. We will drive to New York with our German Shepherd, Bailey. Board the Queen Mary 2, spend a month in the UK and return on the Queen Mary 2 to New York and drive back to Texas. So, you see, there is no need to leave your dog at home. Our kitty will remain at home in the care of a friend because kitties are notoriously terrible travelers.
Dogs are great travelers and the QM2 just recently doubled the number of dogs they could take on board. I am so excited to be planning this trip and looking forward to being able to have Bailey with us. Also, I am told that the UK is quite a bit more dog friendly than the US.
It must sound like I am trying to talk you into a dog a I guess maybe I am. We love our kitty a lot but the companionship of a dog is totally different. By the way, they get along very well.
Have a great rest of your trip. Wish we were already there.
.
Yes, we go up and visit the kennels on board the ship . . . just to see the dogs. But it would be very hard not to smuggle the dog back to our room!
There’s no longer a quarantine period in the UK for dogs?
Did you bring the radiator racks or are they supplied in the room? Never seen or heard of them. Looks very practical. 🙂 Thanks for the wonderful post.
Many places we’ve been have the racks on the radiators…to dry socks and towels… we haven’t brought any with us, although they may be the ONLY thing we didn’t bring.
Oh my goodness Susan. Sometimes it is a small world. We saw Neil Ross and his daughters, sheep and all his wonderful border collies two years ago in Scotland. It was the highlight of our trip. I had the opportunity to sheer a bit of a sheep with those shears and bottle fed some lambs. I bought the book his wife wrote–too cute not to. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Hi Susan, Joe, and of course, Petey ~ You’ve made my day, filling it with joy and wonder! It’s been such a pleasure, being the armchair traveler. My hubby and I are planning my dream trip to British Isles in 2018… I’m learning so much from you, as you journey through that magical place. Scotland is the destination of my dreams. Spent lots of exploring Ireland… the pubs, with the doggies and kids running about. Can’t thank you enough for all the beauty and bounty you’ve so graciously shared during your time abroad. Look forward to hearing more about it in future. Blessings to you all… enjoy the remaining days and let them fill you up! You never will, you know… forget! Happy All Hallows Eve. In Love and Light ~ Lois
Oh Susan, looking at your pictures, they do seem to be out of a fairy tale. I’m sure if you didn’t experience this live and in person it would seem that way to you, as well…..thank you, thank you, thank you, for always taking us along on your adventures!
Oh Susan! What a beautiful, wonderful, happy, glorious, AMAZING post! I don’t seem to miss you quite as much having just read such a treat! Enjoy each & every last delicious moments there! We love you & thank you from our ♡ for ALWAYS taking us along!
So lovely! Thank you for the quick tour, and the lesson on sheep herding and shearing. You will leave on my birthday! 🙂
What a treat! Thanks for the wonderful vicarious trip. I was blessed to travel to Ireland in May and just loved the similar countryside, sheep, accents, etc. Now I simply have to go to Scotland and England!
Wonderful blog again, Susan. Really enjoying the beautiful pictures from Scotland and
Bath!! Both fabulous places! You stayed in the same hotel in Edinburgh as us!! We were there a year ago!!
Btw…I think you have found the cutest dogs and sheep ever! And the colours of the heather in the background – breathtaking!
Ray looks like she had a lovely birthday…and how cute were the squashes and candies she bought for you both? Loving everything and hope you keep enjoying your time here!
Love to you all in your cute street!
Karen
Cambridgeshire UK
🎃🕸🎃
I am so glad that you did not lose your camera! Luck was with you that day……
Your pictures and descriptions make me homesick. Next year we hope to go home for several months if all goes well. My husband spent 6 weeks there in Aug.-Sept.
We are enjoying some rare “rainfall” out here in the Los Padres National Forest north of LA. The trees are turning, the wind is howling, so I can safely assess that autumn has finally come.
Enjoy the rest of your lovely holiday, and please send us more pictures!
Dear Susan,
That was a fabulous update. THANK YOU!. Please list addresses and where you stay in your next book so that we might follow in your footsteps. Can you do that for the last book, too, please. You’ve been able to see more than I did and I want to go back and make up for that!
Tiah
If you go to the top of the blog where it says I LOVE ENGLAND, click there, for a drop down and information for places we stayed in A FINE ROMANCE. There’s also an Index in the back of the book . . . I think I put contact info there. Or at least Google Info!
I don’t know what I liked best: Downton, the dogs, the English bathrooms, the sheep, the mouse-hair for eyebrows? It was all so wonderful and so wonderful to read a new post of your adventures. Wishing you the best as you tuck in at the same place for the rest of your stay and just “be” and enjoy it all.
I went and made a cup of tea before I sat down to your travelogue. I enjoyed it so much. I love the idea of all the public footpaths. We have rail trails here as well as the Appalachian Trail, but they are mostly deep in the woods. I love the idea of open fields with ponds, streams, and sheep…so English! I love that dogs are allowed in the Pubs and tea shops everywhere. Sounds like my kind of place! Thanks for sharing and I look forward to future posts. ( also like their idea of a public bathroom too!).
JoAnne
Oh thank you so much for a glimpse into life on the English countryside! Delightful! ♥
Yay! The blog is back! I am headed to London next April for a week with 3 girlfriends….hoping to see some sights, but to walk in neighborhoods like Notting Hill, day trip to Cambridge where I hear one can walk through sheep meadows to visit Grantchester and the Orchard Tea Room….flowers, gardens, old things, pubs, churches to light candles…..your trips inspire everyone….enjoy, be safe, more blogs, please 🙂
love
What a treat to see this post today! You two are having a trip of a lifetime. You’ll be home before you know it. I’ve been looking at your Autumn book. Getting myself emotionally ready for fall now that I am smack dab in the middle of it. I need lots of coaxing to go from summer into fall and Susan Branch is my coach, my life coach. Thank you oodles Susan! Yes, I would love to hear more about the bathrooms, the pubs, etc. Off to get comphy. Tonight is my wonderful PBS triple header night: The Dorrells…(magnificent!), Poldark and then Indian Summer. Viola! Yikes about the camera story. Around the neck and you will be sure to be okay. Enjoy your next few weeks in Fairyland. I’ll await your next words on Twitter. xo
I just love that song “Ashokan Farewell.” It makes me think of that line from William Wordsworth: “She sang of old, unhappy, far-off things.”
Thank you for taking us along on your adventures. And, yes, yes, a whole blog post on “Downty” and another one on Abbey House!
Thanks for sharing. I especially liked the dog info. My son has an Australian Shepherd and she insinctively herds us. Lol The puppies are the cutest must have been hard not to bring one home.
I have been anxiously awaiting another post from you and hearing about your trip! I was soooo excited to find one this afternoon! What awesome photos, and stories. I didn’t want it to end, so I’m looking forward to hearing more about it when you get back. I would LOVE to go Scotland some day!! Loved seeing the Downton castle! Can’t wait to hear more about that! Keep having fun and making memories!!
Loved this, thank you so much! It gives a new meaning to “wish we were there”!
My daughter and fourteen year old granddaughter were in England for a wedding recently. This was the first time she was there without her husband so she let her daughter decide where they went once they left Oxford. Elisabeth had to spend a day in Bath because… Jane Austin you know.
What a charming post – thank you! That first photo of Joe, up top near the blue car – the English countryside is so iconic, it almost looks as if you pasted his (and the car’s) image in that photo. (but I know you didn’t!)
That young woman doesn’t look old enough to write a cookbook! Good for her. Enjoy the rest of your lovely trip!
She’s 31, and she thinks she’s too old to try for a TV show!!!! HA! I really worked on her about that . . . but I know exactly the place of insecurity that comes from, as I had/have it too. Must believe! Step over impediments of the mind like pieces of furniture, go forth and multiply!
Your trip has been magical. You and Joe are truly blessed. Thank you for sharing so much beauty, along with friendships. Wishing for you and Joe a safe journey back across the pond.
Oh what a beautiful post, one of my favorites – you always capture your travel moments perfectly! It sure makes me wish I was there. Well, I was there in your 1st Scotland photo! The Scotch Whisky Experience is near the entrance to the beautiful Edinburgh Castle on that steep street. Enjoy your remaining days in England….you will have wonderful memories of your trip. Does this mean we can look forward to a new book….A Fine Adventure? 🙂
Maybe. We’ll see where my head goes when I get home. So many wonderful things I’d like to write about, and so little time to do it! AND have a life, which after the last four years of book producing, I’d really like to have.
Dear Susan,
You are such a gift to me…your words, your art, your photos, your kind heart…..and you share it with the world, not only me. I have been following you on twitter every day and it has been so much fun to see everything that you so kindly share with us all! I have watched the video of that PRECIOUS ANGEL sheep dog puppy over and over again…..it really touches my heart! That one was so sweet it made me cry. What a blessing to see something so beautiful as those dogs working with the sheep! I know you will never forget any of it! I wonder…do they collect that wool that are in piles everywhere through the field? And, the picture captioned “…we climbed hills under the most beautiful clouds…” that place looked just like Telletubbies Hill!! The hills, the clouds…everything!!! I bet that they were there watching you through their telescope!!! Fun!!! Again, thank you for all that you do to make people smile and be happy. I will light a candle for You and Joe at the Shrine of St. Mother Theodore Guerrin at St. Mary of the Woods, here in Terre Haute…for a safe journey home.
I say that all the time, the green and pleasant land is a telletubbies set! It’s all so perfect! Thank you for the candle, I love those prayers going up to heaven in the smoke. xoxo
Hi Susan and Joe, loved your new post. I bet you were tempted to hide that little puppy sheepdog-in-training under your coat. A sweet picture of you both. Enjoy being neighbours with Rachel and Paul and safe travels. Hugs, Elaine
I thought the little squirrel in the patio/courtyard was a statue!
All of this post, so enjoyable; thank you for sharing it with us.
Glad you’re feeling better. We got a little rain here in Southern California, so I’m feeling better, too! Drought Be Gone!
I loved hearing that you lit a candle along the way for dear Blog Daddy. It felt to me, in a little flash, like you found a way to keep him in the loop, along for your travels, as if he were here and you were sharing it all with him. Although on the other hand, our loved ones are always with us in our hearts and minds, aren’t they; we are still together. So much love. I like to think they’re looking in on us; I feel it strongly on starry nights. Thinking of you, Susan…
I’m so looking forward to you getting home for the holidays and cuddling Jack. Showing us your beautiful seasonally-decorated home; wow, what a place to come home to! Maybe snow! The photo of you cuddling the darling sheepdog puppy (cuddle therapy!) was precious but it must have given you a pang for that scamp back on MV. It’s a strange mix…so happy to be traveling, once-in-a-lifetime experiences but also a yearning for home, because home is also so vital to you, as is your one-of-a-kind cat!
I also wear my dad’s watch every day. It lights up, so in the night, when I light it, no matter what strange bed I’m in, it’s like my Dad is there with me. It’s been perfect. Thank you dear Vicki! xoxo
Susan,
I also like it, that as you travel you are keeping your dad close to you. With lighting candles and prays and having his watch with you. I miss Blog Daddy’s comments…I kinda still look for them.
My dad has passed also…he gave me a gold ring of his, when I was 16….I used it as my wedding ring…rose gold and I love it!!! I want to say something to you..that will soothe your soul..something magical…something blessed…but as I look at your pictures…I see happiness, rosy cheeks, laughter and love….you are healing and at peace…yes there will be A Day.. of tears..for only a moment…but the joyous memories of your dad will always come thru and bring you right back to your happy and loving world. Enjoy the days there with Rachel and Paul….and of course Joe. Thanks for taking us along with you I have so enjoyed the twitter page and going to places I have only dreamed of …and yet still believe I may go one Day to England!!!!! Love, Susan P.
I am healing. It’s true. I feel it. As far as it can be done, but things are better. I still cry, but that’s okay. xoxo Thank you Susan.
Another gorgeous visual journey with you! I love your blog/journal! My soul is once again soothed.
I am quite fond of thistle photos and yours is outstanding!
I feel like I have been along for the ride with you two. (BTW, I’ve done the same thing with a camera and with a drink. You’ve got the right idea. You just have to give up putting ANYTHING on the car roof–or hood for that matter!)
Such fun to travel along vicariously. Scotland has always had a special place in my heart since learning of my Scottish roots as a young “lass”. Beautiful countryside and your travel log is bringing it all to life. Loved the puppy video. Thank you for taking the time to share so much.
Oh my dear Susan, I could not believe the beautiful sheep and dogs. I am a serious knitter who loves to knit with lots of different sheep breed yarns. I wanted to jump into the picture and grab that wool. Your post is very close to my heart. It lifted my spirits just when I needed it. Thank you so much!
Only two words: “Just Beautiful!” Thank you Susan 🙂
Feeling blessed to ever have found your blog, I love, love, love hearing your adventures, such a delight!!! Enjoy the last couple of weeks, you lucky ducky!!
Ah, Susan, I have happily followed you on this trip with your Twitter posts and blog. And at one point I was so overwhelmed with the political mess here, I told my husband that come next presidential election, WE should plan to be out of the country for the last month!! What a brilliant idea you and Joe had! I have embraced your Dad’s idea of “just living here in Smallville” which can be a very comforting thought. Lovely job of sharing, thank you. Glad you are having a grand time.
We hear a lot about it here too, I’m sorry to say, we get asked all the time about what is going on . . . of course, what America does affects the whole world.
Hmmm, I wonder if The Queen would really take us back? Maybe we should ask her. 😳
LOL!
This was lovely! 💓 Thank you! A request…tell us about the rings on the birthday candles please! 🎂
If your ring is around your friend’s birthday candle, when she blows them out, your wishes come true too . Everyone gets to make a wish! But only the birthday person gets to blow out the candles.