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.
Lovely, lovely post. Thank you for sharing with us – your girlfriends. Halloween tomorrow – tradition will find us out in the cu-de-sac passing out candy to the neighborhood kids and hot mulled wine to the adults. We are a popular stop along the way…and it’s so much fun seeing the kids all dressed up. Enjoy your three week stay as a neighbor to your very dear friends – how fun is that??
Susan, thank you for the wonderful update on your amazing trip. Following you and Joe on Twitter has been a real treat. Wishing you both many adventures for the remainder of your trip. Sending hugs and kitty hair to you from Michigan!
Loved, loved, loved this post. So exciting to hear from you again! Your pictures are stunning and really capture the essence of the countryside there.
My hubby and I have been a number of times, spring summer and fall, and I can’t get enough of the UK . Ever. One of our favorite memories was being in a village in the beginning of December when they had a ceremony to “turn on the Christmas lights”. There was a fair with food and gift stalls, and hot mulled cider. All wonderful. I love your descriptions. Thanks for sharing it all with us!
How can you be sad when you’re dressed in plaid.
Breathe in every delight.
How very wonderful! Thanks for sharing this lovely, joyful post, Susan! Enjoy!
SUSAN!!!!!!
I just love the plaid!!!!!! I need a plaid blanket for my couch!!!!! Hey! That could be your next give-away? a plaid lap blanket? Just a thought from a girlfriend!?!!!
Love that you are taking us with you on the fantabulous trip! Can’t wait for the book!!! I even re-read A Fine Romance just to help me live this new adventure with you! (does that sound goofy?) Also can’t wait for the description of your trip home over Thanksgiving!! How exciting! Keep us in the loop! And stay safe! Give Joe a hug!
Hugs to you!!
Linda from PA 🙂
Its was like forever!!!!! A blog so wonderful and so anxious for. You have no idea. We have needed this blog as America has gone mad with all this political anger and crazies. You post brings us back to what is real and sweet. Thank you so much. Millions of us do not nor never will tweet so we have been left out in the rain. Do you have pics of your ships voyage. Please blog super super soon. Most mportant.. be safe, rest, take your time, careful on the road. We love you guys. Joe still looks very very adorable in his Beret.
Hi Debra, I don’t tweet either but it’s easy to read Susan’s by just going to that icon on the side of her blog page. I can follow along at least her side of conversations and see those pictures too. It helps with the in-between times. Easy peasey! 😊
What an absolutely beautiful post. Such a wonderful trip you and Joe are having. Looking forward to your return home and all the interesting stories you’ll share with us. xo
Thank you Susan, for bringing back so many memories of my visits to England and Scotland. I would have a hard time leaving those cute little pups.
You have been given such a great gift, Susan….and because of that, so have we! Thank you, thank you! :^)
Have missed your posts but knew you would catch up with all of us and we would savor every minute along with you–and we are! Your photos are so perfect–they catch each shining hour. I never get tired of looking at them and reading your vivid description, like a letter from a friend. I had my own Downton day in September when I visited Inverary Castle in Scotland, the ‘Duneagle Castle’ of the show. Was thinking of you and the fun you made for all of us by re-capping the show every week. Thank you for that.
From the sublime to the mundane–I once left my purse on top of my car and drove off with predictable results. Ever after, I put things on the hood of my car in front of the steering wheel so I have never made that mistake again (so far!). It works!
Good tip! 😃
I have only just “discovered” you, as I am reading your charming book, “A Fine Romance.” I feel the beauty and grace of your writing is akin to the beloved magazine, Victoria, when it was under the guidance of Nancy Lindemeyer. How I looked forward to those issues. Thank you for sharing your life and talent with us.
Loved the Blog!! Copied down a couple of the quotes. Taking the one about being thankful for a sense of beauty to my Bible study on Wednesday to share. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful trip.
Questions: Why were there rings around the candles on Rachel’s cake?
So when she blows out the candles, ALL our wishes come true . . . if your ring is around one of the candles, you get to make a wish too.
Hi Susan!!!
What a delightful several weeks this has been!! Following along on Twitter, reading snippets to my sweetie after dinner, showing him the photos and videos for someday we will make our trip across the pond!
You’ve had SO many wonderful, heart-bursting experiences already. The time IS going so fast…
Wishing you continued joys at every turn and boundless, enchanting memories in all you do.
Thanks so, so much for taking us along.
Much love and squishy hugs!!
Jeanette
Oh Sue, How wonderful to hear from you! There is so much to see and take in. Why do I get so weepy when reading your posts? I think it’s because of the beautiful way you eek out every ounce of beauty and joy in the most simple of things. You, my friend, are a pure treasure. You make me remember to slow down and enjoy the here and now.
You look so beautiful in the pictures, a healthy happy glow! This trip certainly agrees with you : )
I have been having fun following you on twitter as well. I’m the one who tweeted that it was snowing! What fun! It’s all melted now, but it sure did get my juices flowing. I spent the day playing in my garden doing fall cleanup.
My hubby took me for a ride last week for my birthday and we went to that cute little antique shop that you went to a couple of years ago…It’s called Gristmill antiques. Do you remember it? We went to a couple of estate sales and I got some pretty things. We threw my lopers in the car and we found a huge clump of bittersweet growing! That was the best present ever…to me it’s like finding Burried treasure!
Now i’m sitting here reading your wonderful post and when I’m done I will work on my quilt for a little while. I’m glad you and Joe are having such a wonderful time, but I will happy when you are back home safe and sound. Thanks for share all of the wonderfulness <3 XX OO
I meant to say sharing ; )
Me too, wild bittersweet is like finding jewelry in the woods! Buried treasure! xoxo Good to hear from you Mary, always wonderful. xoxo
Hello Susan,
So happy you posted. I have been praying the trip as gone well. It has! So happy the camera hung on tight!
Thank you for sharing so much with us.
Love, Carla
Going to be in MV this Wednesday and Thursday! So excited!!
Miss you!! I skip over to Twitter from time to time to make sure you are still having fun! Thanks for the update and enjoy your last 3 weeks in the country. Safe travels. Much love!
Thank you for sharing your photos of that magical place! The buildings are wonderful,and I can imagine the gardens are exquisite! The photos of the plaid fabric look so cozy and warm.
What a wonderful experience that you have shared with your friends there.
So happy to have you catch us up. Have been missing you, the lovely English/Scottish countryside and the marvelous adventures you are having.
Loved watching the sheepdogs work.
Hope you’ll let us know if there are Eve of All Hallows traditions where you are staying.
We are living across a narrow lane from a REALLY OLD stone church surrounded by gravestones. I think something might be going on around here!
Once again, thank you so much for a wonderful respite while I enjoy your wonderful photos and adventure story. You deserve all the joy you have and for sharing with all of us. I know you will revel in every last minute remaining in your trip.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful experiences and sights with us! I love Great Britain, lived there for 18 months, in Wales. And most of my ancestry is from England and Scotland and Ireland. It’s in my heart and my blood. A place filled with history and beauty, truly. I’m happy for you that you can do this – and thank you again for sharing!
Dreaming of England with this lovely post. Loved it all! Thank you for sharing, Susan. Enjoy the remaining time with Rachel and Paul. Happy homecomings!
Betty
Thank you, dearest Susan, for sharing a bit of heaven with us! I completely gobbled this up and loved every second I took to thoroughly enjoy your post. Of course, all that you shared makes me long to go there and experience it too. You manage to bring that wonderful country to life and I can almost feel like I am there…almost!! So keep writing and taking pictures as I can never get too much of this! Just like you and Joe, I never want it to end!!!
What a lovely adventure you two are having. Thanks for bringing us along!
Susan
Love reading and spying the photos! So beautiful and you seem to really
appreciate what you see–on a deep level. Yet this bounty is almost free
and there for all to enjoy!
Happy Halloween
Thank you for sharing!
Love you
Joanne
I just love seeing your pictures of England and Scotland, my friends and I were there a year ago & this brings back so many memories of our trip. How fun. Just enjoy it all and savor the memories. I can’t wait to see more of your trip. Tell Joe and Petey hi from the Pacific NW.
Awesome trip!!! Chin up…Home is waiting for you when you’re done.
Awww, thank you, the reward at the end of the overstuffed suitcase and the missing socks!
Love love love this blog!!! Do you even know how happy it makes us to hear from you? Your blog is like a letter by post, a cuppa with your best friend, a purring kitty, a really good book……comfort and joy! Thank you and be safe. Xoxox. Ann Jane from Westfield MA
Thrills me to the tips of my toes to hear that, that’s why I do it!! xoxoxo
Couldn’t agree more with you Ann Jane Koerber!
You nailed it!
Thank you Susan for taking us with you!
I never wanted to be a dog so much in my life. What a beautiful life they appear to have. Hard work and hard play. My husband and I just came back from a trip up your way. Wanted to see Autumn in New England. Even took the ferry out to Martha’s Vineyard and finished reading your book about Martha’s Vineyard while there!! It is everything you said it was and more! If that’s possible! I fell in love. We continued up into Maine to see the trees that had changed color and hit the peak of the season and it took our breath away!! Those two trips had been on my bucket list for a long time and now I have been there and done that. It was fabulous!! Thank you for sharing this trip abroad with all of us. I feel like I have been there!
Hi Susan! So glad to see you again… I’ve been thinking of you the past few weeks, and I figured either the connection, or the fact that you were so busy running around the English countryside that kept us girlfriends from hearing from you…
Fall has been beautiful here. I’ve had 58 years of watching this wonderful season unfold, with all it’s wonderful colors, scents, and sunsets, that turn the sky pink, orange and gold – and yet it’s still a wonder to me. The other day I was walking out of school (work) and watched these tiny baby leaves dancing across the parking lot towards my car, being blown by the wind. There were hundreds of them, they almost looked like little jewels, and I wanted to grab my phone to try to video them, but alas, they were on the other side of the lot very quickly! Days have been alternating between balmy and brisk, the nights deliciously cool and great for sleeping and snuggling in…
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful adventure with us. Oh, how lucky you are to see Highclere! How I miss our Downty! Definitely on my wish list of things to do in this lifetime. Would you please do a post on that sometime when you get back home?
I was wondering what were some of your favorite things that you’ve eaten in England/Scotland? I don’t know too much about the cuisine there, except for their wonderful teas and beautiful scones and cakes. You always make everything sound so delicious in your posts, whether it’s food related or not!
Enjoy your journeys,
Signed, an armchair Anglophile… : )
Susan, how perfect to open my computer and find your blog. Thank you so much for allowing me to hide out in your pocket on this lovely trip. I truly enjoyed every moment, every scene, every flower, all the sheep and dogs and the perfect little streets and homes. I’m so happy you and Joe had this trip and made all these memories. I’m writing my family in Cambrdge tonight to share some of your escapes with them. I’ve been to meet family in Ely and Little Port once and I know that anywhere in England is a perfect place to be.
I’m glad you’re having a wonderful time!
Those puppies are sooooo cute!!!! Totally makes me want one!!!!
I visited Abbey House this past July and had a wonderful, long talk with Barbara! It’s so fun to see your picture of it and to hear you were there too! Small world!
Happy Halloween to you Sweet Susan,
Susan
Loving this post, but must finish later as I haven’t finished my post for this week and it clicks over in the wee hours on Monday.
First, let me say that I love your hair. You look very distinguished. Some of us age, and some of us age beautifully. You’re the latter. (Afraid I’m the first).
Second, I will no longer be coveting your dishes. I found nine place settings of Johnson Brothers Rose Chintz with a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bowl, cup and saucer, plus some extra pieces for $30. They’re in perfect condition. I’m directing people to your blog to see a photo of yours, as mine are still packed in boxes. Ask and ye shall received. Works every time. Maybe a little coveting, because I dearly love the teapot.
Dearest dearest Susan! Thank you for posting Videos that I had no trouble viewing on your blog. As I wrote earlier, there were so many on Twitter that I couldn’t view and I know I missed out on a lot. But today….jackpot! It is absolutely wonderful that you and Joe are now a hop, skip & jump from Ray & Paul. How perfect! BTW, I can understand the Sheep Dog master’s Scottish accent! “…use…mum mum mum….there’s no prrrrrreshure onthesheep….the sheep must relocks.” See? Prrrrrretty goot, ay??? Love everything you’re sharing with us. Love and many thanks!!
Thank you so much for sharing, Susan! Although I have been following on Twitter, this has been wonderful and reminds me of the great memories of England and Scotland when I was a flight attendant. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Thank you so much for the generosity of your wonderful spirit, Susan! I will re-watch this many times, I am sure ~ what a delight! I feel like I have had a little holiday sitting here in my own little cozy home! I know you and Joe will enjoy every moment of the rest of your time in England ~ I particularly loved your comment ” I must always remember how this looked” ~ Fondly, Sandy
So much green…a real treat for one who lives in the desert. We are all enjoying the trip. Can’t wait to see more.
xoxo Pam
Thank you so much for latest pictures and stories. I was in Ireland and Scotland in September and loved them both. We also got to visit a sheep farm and got to see how these amazing dogs go out and gather up the sheep and patiently wait there turn. The farmer that sheared a sheep for us used an electric razor and I think he finished in five minutes – amazing to watch. Lots of good memories and I,too, loved Edinburgh Castle – wish I could have stayed longer than our two weeks but will treasure my trip and the fun times. You made my day with all your beautiful postings. Safe travels back home!
Hugs and blessings to you and Joe!
Carol
So great to hear how the trip is going. It looks so wonderful!! Love the sheep!! May your last few weeks be as wonderful. Looking forward to hearing more. Love to you and Joe!!
Thank you for finding the time to write this post and sharing your wondrous adventure with us! I savored every picture, word and expression : ) I just hated for it to end, but I realize Joe was tapping his foot (been there, done that!) Lol
Yes to magical and mystical…loved this post! So much happiness, joy, fun. Everything is a miracle…everything. Loved the sheep and dogs; I miss my sheep. Live your adventure; carpe diem!
Me thinks that Anglophiles have so much more fun than other people because we do appreciate everything that is old and lovely. And tea rooms…. and sheep…. and walks in green hilly wonderlands and Ross Poldark (swoon!) and the list is never ending!
I think there is a bit of anglophile in everyone if they only have the chance to experience it . . . or learn to dream about it. The search for beauty just has to be a universal thing …
Isn’t Edinburgh wonderful? I “had” to spend a whole week by myself because my then boyfriend, now husband, and his three colleagues were busy on business during the day. I’m not one for going about by myself, usually, but Edinburgh made me feel so safe and it is hard to get lost with the castle on one end of the Royal Mile and Holyrood House at the other, and Arthur’s Seat as a third landmark, I had a great time wandering and exploring. I can’t wait to go back!
I know, that street has enough to do on it to last a very long time!
What a relief to see a post in the mail! I have been
thinking after you and knowing you were all having a lovely, magical time, but getting to catch up a bit is the very best of all. Thank you for the photos, mini-movies, and descriptions of the adventure-of-a-lifetime (another one). So appreciate how you appreciate life and all the beauty you’ve added to mine through words and paintings. Bright blessings, Dear Susan!!!
What a wonderful trip. I’ve ALWAYS wanted to go to England. Hubby’s ancestors are from Scotland and he went there when in the Army. Some of mine are from Ireland & Wales but I’ve never been. Thank you so much for letting me take this exciting trip with you! God Bless you and God-Speed on your return trip!
You’re living my dream. Thank you for taking us along.
Thank you for all the lovely pictures and descriptions of your travels. I literally gasped at the thistles silhouetted against the golden sky, and loved seeing the darling dogs herding the sheep – what great fun to witness I bet. I’m so grateful to have this travel experience Susan. I never knew what I was missing. Especially appreciate the tiny gardens people have made where there seems almost to be no dirt and of course love seeing the amazing big estate gardens too! My window box has one pot of blue violet pansies along side a newly placed jack-o-lantern brought to me by my daughter Nancy. It looks great peaking through lacey curtains. What a sweet spot you are in right now 🙂
Thank you for sharing. It feels like I am there. Enjoy your cozy place, it looks wonderful 🐿
Dear Susan,
Oh, how I’ve missed your blog, you were gone way too long! OK, I totally understand but I really needed my Susan fix! So thrilled you and Joe are having such an awesome time! Loved the dishes in the shop, if I had room I would have several sets! And, the sea glass! My son has made me, what we call, a crystal chandelier out of sea glass. Well, all your adventures thus far have been wonderful but I would not venture to comment on all of them, I would be writing for days! Okay, one more, Downton Abby – wow! Continue to enjoy such a glorious holiday!
Love, love, love!!
Dear Susan, Many thanks for sharing your wonderful journey with us back home. I feel as if I’ve been to England & Scotland now! Take care of yourselves now and Happy Hallowe’en~Julia in Cincy
What a wonderful post! My husband and I traveled around the UK 4 yrs ago. We visited Bath and Edinburgh, along with York and London. Bath was my favorite! Stayed in a lovely B&B there. Loved the plaids in Edinburgh too. Brought home scarves for me and our 3 daughters. Special places for sure! I noticed you have an affection for black and white animals!😄 Thanks for sharing and being our eyes on the ground. Enjoy your last 3 weeks!!
I do really like black and white animals! I think it’s the “graphic design” LOL! Love black and white cows and firedogs too, the spotted ones, dalmatians, but then I found out they are very rambunctious so scrapped my plans to get one! Also love yellow/orange animals.
Oh wonderful, a delightful Autumn – and a delightful trip and adventure. Thank you for sharing,
Living vicariously thru your wonderful adventures. After reading All your books, I know we are true kindred spirits❤️
Keep living with Joy!💕
I’ll try Tamrajo, thank you!
oh! thank you! sooooo much!!!! what a wonderful visit…I was getting so nervous watching the Chicago-cubs!!!! truly needed a respite…ant, here you are!!!! have been enjoying the twitter-posts…first time I’ve ever used such…but this….just perfect!!!!!! thank you!!!! what a blessing to be able to actually be neighbors with Ray & Paul. wow. and, to be with all the others as well. wonderful. sooooo happppppy for you! do take care & keep safe & cozy & filled with wonder and joy! I read somewhere that Queen Elizabeth has offered to re-instate british rule on usa…hmmm….NOT A BAD IDEA!!!!! hehe. everyone…please vote….we all may have different opinions, but VOTE!!!!! soooo important. have faith and do not lose heart. all love to you, and thank you, again dearest Susan!!!!! xoxo
Thank you back Chris! Always wonderful to hear from you and your beautiful good sense! xoxoxo
hi susan !!!!!! Best blog post EVER!!!!!!! ( have I said that before???? I think so☺️)….what a grand time you are having and thank you for sharing it with us. I love being tucked inside your satchel ……. every Tweet and picture brings a smile…. so happy for you and Joe…and to be able to share it with friends makes it even more special. But, I know what you mean about homesick…. while you have been galavanting around the English countryside, we sold our house in St. Louis and moved to Florida!!! BIG change for us especially since we had lived in our house in St Louis for 30 years!! We chose a golf community in central Florida (,The Villages) because it still has some semblance of seasonal life…. minus the snow. It is quite beautiful here and we are settling in. What a chore though….and we are a bit homesick for our beautiful Missouri fall…..and …..it is a +55 community so trick or treaters will likely be none… so I decided that I would reverse trick or treat…. I made 2 batches of your brownies from the Autumn book, and the Molasses cookies, cut up the brownies and wrapped them and the cookies in individual cute Halloween bags for delivery to my neighbors that we have just barely met…..( or haven’t even met yet!!!). We are in the spirit of Halloween here!!!!👻🎃I normally dress up as a witch for the occasion, but living here…. I decided to go as a heart surgeon….❤️❤️❤️❤️…..😎Thanks again for taking us with you on this lovely journey. Have loved every minute of it. “Hi” to Joe and keep the stuff off the roof of the car!!🚗💨❌⭕️
love and hugs,
cindy
Oh Cindy, LOL, you are so good. They are going to LOVE you there! Your joie de vivre is such a treat . . . how fun! Everyone needs fun in their lives, although 55 does sound a little young for heart surgery to me! It’s good a heart surgeon comes with brownies and cookies! Happy Halloween!
I love the idea of reverse treating, Cindy! We get lots of little treaters early in the evening, so when they go home I’m going to bring ’round treats to the neighbors who don’t have kids. Everyone should feel a bit of a kid on Halloween! Thanks for the idea!
Thank you!!!!!!
Dreaming of the day when I can be in Scotland……
Beautiful post! Our leaves are gorgeous here and hanging on… Eating lots of apples. Made an apple crisp British style for my brother-in-law, who is Welsh. I found out they don’t use oatmeal. A great first Autumn back home.
My in-laws had a dog like those, and she said it was the best dog the ever had to bring the cows home. It even bearded the grand kids around the yard, but they didn’t even k ow it. The kids just thought it was playing! Lol…
Carry on with the vacation!
Hugs,
Margot
They don’t use oatmeal … and I think they call it a crumble instead of a crisp, but I’m not sure.
Seems like you will have to find the recipe while you are there to share with all of us. THANK YOU for this posting. Loved being there with you!
I already have! Several!
Yes! Crumble. I use oats sometimes and flaked almonds xx
I love your posts from England. Having spent some time there, nearly moving there a year ago until a romance fell apart. That’s ok. Happiness barges back into life no matter what. I adore ye olde’ pubs with happy dogs, the cozy homes, the beautiful magical wooded paths. I love the energy of London and the charm of the sweet villages. Bath is a particular favorite – I saw dresses worn by Princess Diana and remembered when she wore them during her life. Spent time climbing old castles in Wales – not part of the National Trust so I was nearly alone in several spots and could have been a traveler through time. Chilly walks on a beach followed by cups of sweet hot milky tea, homey village shops with friendly people and a cat for your lap, the glam hotels of London, flower markets in Covent garden and the beautiful Royal Ballet – what more could anyone want? So many magical moments – I left a part of my heart in England for several reasons – can’t wait to go back. Thank you so much for adding to my memories.
We’ve been nearly alone in many of the places we’ve gone too…this time of year seems good for travel! Not Bath though, that was a very bustling city! Last night on BBC we learned how Pear Cider was made, and there was a bit about sailing on the big ocean liners. Love their educational (interesting and informative) telly!
Bath is very busy and I’d love to get back there for the Christmas Market starting soon. The season of magic is upon us.
Pear cider sounds wonderful. Haven’t had the pleasure but I hope to someday. Will seek it out.
Safe travels home.
Thank you, thank you, thank you….your pictures are stunning. It certainly looks like you are having a magical trip. Thank you so much for taking us all along. I look forward to every post. I get myself a cup of tea and sit back to read about your new adventures.
What a wonderful trip!
My daughter and her husband just moved to England for a three year stay with the military and I so hope that I will be able to go! If I had it my way I would take the ship across, as you did, but I will settle for a long visit in my daughter’s house in Bury St. Edmunds. Your blog is a travel plan for those of us who love Jane Austen, Beatrix Potter and fiber arts! I am a weaver of plaid and all of those pictures of Scottish plaid were like candy 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I don’t even weave, and they were like candy to me too! !
Sigh. I am physically aching to go there and maybe never come back! This is one of my very favorite posts of yours. The sheep, the dogs, Highclere Castle, The Vintage Shop, stacks of beautiful plates, the gardens, the pubs, the apple festival. A dream all of my remembering life to go there, and I am 56.
Thank you so much for your time to share this. I will be looking at it again and again and praying for another book on England and Scotland! John Denver sang “going home to a place he’d never been before,” and if you change the gender that’s me and the UK!
You have to go Janet! It’s not as far as you think it is!
Hi, dear Susan, so happy to see your blog! Love all of your photos. Would love to spend an afternoon in one of those beautiful tea rooms, and the sheep and sheepdogs are just adorable! You look so beautiful and happy. So glad you and Joe are having such a wonderful trip. Thank you so much for taking us along and enjoy the next several weeks!
Love, Priscilla
Dearest Susan, where do I begin? I really loved this post. I love your delicious photos of so many adorable sheep, bindings everywhere, country walks, Peetie on the steps outside the Austen Museum, tea shops, all your lovely friends along the way. And then there is Edinburgh, I have been waiting to see this part of your trip. Did you still hear the bagpipes even days after you left the city? The fall scenery is all around you, it’s a pretty time to travel because it makes for beautiful photos. So good you saved your camera. Lighting candles in memory of your Father, so special in Britain’s charming churches and Cathedrals. Enjoy every minute with your Joe. Awaiting further adventures of…….
I do still hear the bagpipes! I keep saying to Joe, “Is that bagpipes I’m hearing?” cocking my ear to the sky …. for ghost bagpipes!
Happy Halloween from Stockholm!
Such a joy to awaken to find your blog in my inbox! Enjoying your adventures in Britain, and thank you for taking the time to share them with all of your followers!
Wishing you another memorable day!
Oh my! Teasels silhouetted in a golden sunset! I keep a few in a rosemaled bucket with other dried favorites–a little outside indoors. You made my day with that photo! The sheep herding pics are amazing. I will have to try the videos again since none worked this go round; can’t wait to see them! Cute puppies and a real shepherd; you do all of this so well and I thank you!
You are so welcome Delcia!
What a lovely post, I so enjoyed it. I love that you are lighting candles for your dad. I wish dogs could go to pubs here, that sounds like such fun.
Hope you enjoy the remainder of your stay. Cheers!
It is fun, it humanizes the places, feels like home.
Thank you for sharing your trip with all of us! I noticed everyone’s rings slipped over the burning candles on Rachel’s birthday cake! I had forgotten that custom!
As far as I know, my girlfriends started that custom on Martha’s Vineyard a few years back … maybe in the 80s. We put our rings on the candles when the birthday person makes her wish, and we all get to make our own wishes (if our rings are there), and when she blows out the candles, all our dreams come true. I love it and have been writing about it a long time. . . and I think it’s starting to spread . . . a little anyway.
Oh what a wonderful way to spend some time on this rainy Sunday in the Pacific Northwest reading your blog and seeing all your gorgeous photos. The scenes there are so magical. Lovely, lovely, lovely. Thank u for posting and safe travels home. 😊 Can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!
Thanks Suzy!
I was just beginning to wonder if I had been deleted from your emails–and there was this post! Hooray!
I forgot how long this trip was going to be for you so was glad to see you are still abroad. Lovely pics of your friends and surroundings but the clip of the puppy was the best.
Hope you are buying some wonderful things and that we will get a peek of them!
Linda from Idaho where it has been raining, raining raining!
I’ll try to take pics, right now, it’s bag city around here. Luckily the house is still in process of being furnished so there’s lots of floor space for our exploding suitcases!
Oh Susan, with every read I love you more for how you take my breath away. And how I gasp to find you were at Downton. I have hung on every word and photo and re-read everything twice and will,read it again. I am so happy for you, and happy I am on another trip with you my friend!!! Hugs by the dozen, Gayle
Hugs right back to you Gayle! xoxo
A wonderfully long post! I enjoy your Twitter posts but love the blog posts more. I have loved seeing the posts of the dogs along the way. Thanks for allowing us to travel along in our armchairs.
Twitter just lets me get photos up fast, even from my phone in the car. Can’t do that with the blog, unfortunately. Thank you Kim!
Loved this post. My husband and I are border collie people; they are wonderful but most certainly not for the faint of heart! They need jobs to do and a lot of attention and are far too smart for their own good sometimes.
Anyone looking to adopt this breed should read all about them before jumping in. I believe that they are the most beautiful breed ever – at least to me, but they take MUCH wisdom and patience and time and hard work. So many end up owner surrendered after the owner realizes that they have taken on more than they can handle.
Just a small public service announcement on behalf of this fantastic dog! My heart breed!
That’s what Neil said, they need jobs to do. Otherwise they can be a handful, but what hearts they have! Excellent public service announcement, match the dogs to the people, and never go by looks alone!
Thank you Susan for sharing all these wonderful moments of your magical trip.
My dear Dad loved England and Scotland, and visited them so often. His cousin was a sheep herder on a large English estate and my Dad and Mom got to see what you did with the dogs and the shearing. The saddest day was when they sold the estate and his cousin no longer had a job, and the sheep dogs were so confused with nothing to do. So sad. Those puppies were adorable.
Enjoy the rest of your trip. I can understand why you would be homesick. You will be seeing Jack again before you know it!!
Susan, your post was utterly gorgeous and I loved every inch of it! Thank you so much for finally getting some pictures up! I kept checking your blog every day holding my breath to see if anything new came up and today it finally did! Yay!
By the way, when I started reading your intro about your camera fiasco, I was sitting there with my knuckles jammed into my mouth so I wouldn’t scream aloud! I died and a thousand and one deaths right there with you! Thank GOD that camera never entirely slid off of the roof! I like your new rule about never putting anything up there! Smart! You know, as I get older, I find that when I am in unfamiliar surroundings, however lovely, I find that I can get very easily distracted by one thing or another and that’s when these kind of things happen…….Squirrel!!!!!! You get my point. I try to make a checklist to refer to for anything important that I have to do when I go someplace new. I allow myself the space to be human by doing this. That and slow down. Every time I get in a rush or excited, I forget things. It happens.
If it’s any consolation, I’m thinking even if that camera DID fly off the car roof and go smash, it isn’t the camera that you are concerned about, it’s the memory card that really matters. I’m guessing that the body of the camera might offer some insulation against impact so it would survive it? Technology has advanced so much, when you think about what the FBI has to do to recover data from black boxes and nearly destroyed computers, I would say even if your camera got run over by a truck, your pics would be recoverable by a pro.
Anyway, technicalities aside, I am looking forward to more of your beautiful blog posts and I can’t wait to see what you have to say about Downty, as you call it! There might be a whole chapter just one that one alone! Treasure the rest of your time there, you are so fortunate to be able to have made this trip. Many thanks for sharing it us!
I take the pictures off my camera every night and put them into my computer, so it would really have only been the camera that would have been gone, but it would have been horrible, because then I would have had to commandeer Joe’s camera away from him, and that might lead to disruption!
Oh, I am SO glad you are able to download your pics every night. I wasn’t entirely certain you had regular access to the internet over there. It’s a good thing, as the saying goes. If I recall correctly, didn’t you say you can take pics with your phone? If the resolution is good enough for the blog, at least you have an alternative to mutiny if this situation should happen again, God forbid! The question is, who would walk the plank? 😄
You really don’t need the internet to download photos from the camera into the computer, thank goodness!
What does Joe do with his photos?
He puts them into his computer. If he has a really wonderful one, or, just so we all know I was there too, if there’s one of me, he emails it to me.
Fabulous post, and I really appreciate the photos of Neill Ross, his dogs and sheep..I’ve almost finished reading The shepherds life so it was lovely to see this! Just loving this tour..I gifted your book A fine Romance to a friend (she loves it, and doesn’t want it to finish) and I’m about to do so again..the book that keeps on giving!
I read it too, just before we went ~ made it extra special to really see it. I’m so happy you like that book! It was fun to write!
Thanks for a great blog! It was great catching up with your latest adventures. My daughter and I are having an adventure of our own soon. We are going to Santa Barbara for the weekend in two weeks. We are going to Remnants of the Past. So glad they came further south this year. We saw you the last time we went. We had so much fun! Oh Susan. I really need another book! I hope you are planning one. PLEASE?
Fun! You’ll have a ball! I think it gets better every year! I’ll let you know about the book, when I know about it!😜
I have a feeling that this is your best trip to date. You are relaxed after having put your three volume work of art to bed and you can now reap in your life what you have sowed. This trip is a chance to unwind, gain more knowledge and experience, and to start dreaming of the future.
Thanks for taking me along!
Exactly, so well said, thank you Candy!
Neil and the sheep dogs were amazing and it was bliss to sit on the rocks on the hillside and watch each dog had “words” and a whistle just for them….and the care and love he shows for the puppies! Scotland is beautiful and amazing. I may never make it over there again so thanks for taking us along!
I was wondering if something had gone amiss. happy to see your luvly post 🙂 Loved the sheep and sheepdogs! so similar to my own brat dog! He is a cross between Australian shepherd/corgi – quite British, what?! and he’s a runner! you can’t EVER let him loose or he bolts for the wild blue! he’s 16 and STILL will run away (but not as fast as he used to be). Maybe this will inspire you to do a bit of art featuring black and white dogs on occasion for us dog-lovers in the sisterhood. Loved the little videos. Oh dear I’m so envious of your trip. What a life you lead. Fabulous. Only 2 pics from Highclere, can’t wait to see more. I cannot imagine how you can resist buying everything. When I went to England over 20 yrs ago I came home with 5 teapots! I could not stop myself, each was more darling than the last. You must be having the time of your life!
Happy Halloween My Sweetest Sue….I Have Just Read Then Re~Read Every Magical Word & Breathed~In Each Photo…You Truly Do Bring~Us Along & I Thank~You! 🙂 I Know You Are “Homesick” & Missing Your Jack…. Just Think Of Your~Home~Coming!!! 🙂 All Those Kitty~Kisses!!! So For Now…Savor These Magical~Wonderful~Dayzzz & Know I Love You & We All Love You & Joe & Ray & Paul….Friendships!!! & Kindred~Spirits! Sending You Warm~Hugzzz & Lots Of LOVE & Always JOY! Let’s Do A Little Pumpkin~Jiggity~Jig….Yay! 🙂 xoxo Poof! P.S. Rabbit~Rabbit For Sweet~November…. & Have a Spooktacular Halloween Boooooooooo! 🙂 P.P.S. I Love The Photo With You & That Little Puppy OMG!!! 😉
Rabbit~Rabbit Sweet Sue How Was Halloween At Rachel’s? I Just Keep Thinking Bout Your Ghosty~Boy In The Window 🙂 Our Halloween Was Truly~Magical Even Herbster & Me Went Trick~Or~Treating So Much Fun! Time To Fly Into Sweet~November! Amazing! Mind~Boggling! I Just Thought… When You Get HOME You’ll Get All Comfy & Cozy For a Delightful Magical Peaceful Christmas~Season xoxo Ho~Ho~Ho & Jingle~Bells! 🙂 Poof! 🙂 😉 🙂
Halloween was fun! Everything with Rachel is wonderful! xoxoxo
Everything Is Wonderful When You Get To Share It With Best~Friends & Kindred~Spirits Yay! Very Blessed~Darling~Girlies xoxo #Poof! 🙂
You are so right Angie!
Another wonderful post! My daughter lives in Northern Scotland and walking the beaches are one of my favorite things to do. I made quite the haul of sea glass on the shores around St. Andrew’s! The North Sea must have taken down many ships and the glass and sea pottery is just amazing. I am envious of your time just soaking the beauty that seems to be everywhere in the UK. The narrow, winding roads, the stone walls, the hills filled with sheep and cows and horses- sometimes all three- look so perfect that it is hard to believe it is real. Enjoy the rest of your time there and have a safe journey home!
So exciting to find your post here and catch a glimpse of what you have been up to!!!! YAY for Edinburgh!!! Sounds like you really enjoyed it and I’m so glad you are bringing home lots of plaid!!!!!! Can’t wait for more “trip reports” once you are home.Enjoy the last three weeks of your trip!!!!!
I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed this new blog post. You have been missed! I have gone to Twitter a few times in desperation and I have enjoyed all the photos, but the Twitter thing I just don’t get.
All that beautiful countryside, all I could think of is that I would walk my dog Molly, every day, all day. I have been trying to get out more with her, but we just have a dusty road to walk on. And just think, I could stop at a pub for lunch and she could go with me!!
My heart just aches looking at all that beauty. And Highcleere….be still my heart. The towns and the streets and the bunting! And all those sheep….they all look like the cleanest sheep in the world. Sheep here sure don’t look like that!!
Have a wonderful time and we will wait patiently for the next post!
I’m so happy for you and Joe, what a wonder-full trip to the land of my birth. You are enjoying the people, animals and scenery so much and have been on the move a lot! It’s good that you can stop for now and enjoy being in one place.
There comes a time in any trip where you start longing to be home, no matter how fabulous a time you are having. This is good, because it means you love where you are, and love where you are going!
Thanks for the gorgeous pics, you look so happy with that puppy, hmmmm? and dear Joe’s gentleness with the old dog, sweet!
Blessings and keep happy, healthy and safe for your return MV. Sally
All I can say is Amazing!! Thanks for sharing with all of us lucky readers!!
Susan, thank you so much for sharing this! It all looks like a dream! Enjoy the rest of your trip and I look forward to hearing and seeing more about it when you return to the good ol’ US of A. And Happy Halloween! (Can’t wait to hear about how Halloween is celebrated in the UK!)
Oh, my goodness! Thank you for sharing!
ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS POST!!! Especially the dogs and puppies – so adorable and such great sheep herders!! The video was so cute!! Can not wait for the blogs about them, Edinburgh, Downton Abbey Castle, etc………..What a fantastic adventure you’re on, I would love to do the same some day with my two daughters – we just LOVE EVERYTHING BRITISH and I’m trying on get them to love Scotland also. My husband and I went on a “Quilting Tour” last year to Scotland as a preview to another trip because even though we spent three days in Edinburgh, it wasn’t enough and the schedule was for only one day in Inverness and Aberdeen which actually turned out to be a night so we saw NOTHING of those two towns and I know there was much to see there so I’m definitely going back on my own time! Hopefully you can give us some tips?! Totally envious of yours and Joe’s trip – I know you will enjoy the rest of it until you’re home. Your Coast to Coast Transplant friend from CA to PA, Margie
Your blogs are such a joy and everyday problems melt away knowing that the world still has beautiful and peaceful places. Thank you for letting us all bask in these moments with you.Enjoy the next few weeks –what a gift!. Marty
Susan and Joe, How do we thank you for the time you spend bringing these wonderful blogs to those of us who are non-travellers, but love to watch others do and go! Beautiful pictures and I can enjoy them over and over again! THANK YOU!
Those lovely shops and Downtown too!
Oh, Susan, I loved every word of your post. England is definitely on my bucket list, given the fact that my ancestors and those of my husband lived in Yorkshire before coming to Salem, MA. For now, however, I enjoy reading and seeing photos of your adventure.
Thanks for always sharing your wonderful adventures…..always feel like I’m there with you. You and your hubby continue to have a great time. Be safe and God Bless
Oh the wait for the lovely sight of PLAID scarves hanging about has been SO worth it! Love the pictures of golden skies AND fuzzy pups and the gardens❤️ WOW I borrowed your idea of bringing your own cups on our trip to beautiful Gatlinburg,Tenn It was a special touch that I totally understand. Thanks much for your blog. Our lives are richer because of it!!
Just nice to have a wee bit of home when you’re on the road!
We were in England for just two short weeks in September. Your post makes me feel like I’m still there so I can extend my visit a little.
When we were in Edinburgh a few years ago our rooms were right at the base of the Castle, it was a magical view.
When you get home look for sheep dog trials in your area. They are very exciting and participants come from Scotland, England as well as the U.S. It may be a western thing now that I think about it but they have them in Meeker, Colorado and Heber, Utah so they might have them on the East Coast.
Have you seen the store in Bawth that has hundreds of old sewing machines in the windows? Not sure what they sell but I really wanted one of those machines.
Enjoy the rest of your trip. I can’t wait to read more.
Yes! I saw that window. Wonderful!
Susan,
I was enthralled by the dogs herding the sheep. I would love to have had this opportunity when we were there in Scotland a few years ago. Thank you for sharing this with me. I love sheep and all the analogies that we humans are so much like them.
I have wanted you to check out an artist and his amazing designs of sheep: Colin’s Creatures from North Carolina. They are priceless. Such detail and love put into each one.
A friend indeed,
Ruth (The Inklings from Ohio)
I agree, they are adorable. Very difficult to choose just one!!!
What a lovely blog. Makes me want to visit England and Scotland. Looks like you had a great time. Happy travels back home.
Oh my Mz. Susan. I have been away for so long. So much has happened in my life. Some good, some not so good, and some just down right terrible. But the good is I started my own blog b/c of you and reading yours !!! Your’s is still so cool, so much cooler than mine but I feel good when I read mine. I have 279 follower’s and it feels good. It has gotten me through so very much of the not so good and the terrible. I still have your 3 books sitting right by my bed on the nightstand and I think I’ll start reading them now. I even think some day I will maybe want to travel again. I’m so glad I came back and started reading your blog again <3 Thank you for the gift of hope that you gave to me. I hope your dad is okay. Like I said I have been away for awhile (probably a year or so) so I've missed what's been going on in your window. Love your picture of your vaca/trip. Blessings to you and Mz. Susan and Joe…Love ya <3…