MUSICA!❤️ Well, first off, I promised you a photo of the wool coat I bought in England ~ the one I wrote about a couple of blogs ago … And I finally managed to remember to do it. And, btw, while out and about on the Internet, I happened upon a website in the English Lake District that sells them (just in cases you want one too! The label says, “handmade.”). It’s a wonderful store Joe and I visited when we were there called Stewardson’s of Hawkshead .
Welcome over from the new Willard if that’s where you’ve come from (he’s just starting to go out today ~ takes 3 days for him to get to every email box, so if you’re signed up, he 
should be there soon!), and if not, welcome anyway! As lots of you know, Joe and I are on the train right now, in our “room with a view,” actually in the beautiful Berkshires as I write, heading down the tracks for Chicago, then on to LA ~ and right now, out our window, is the most gorgeous sunset between the leafless tress and across snow fields! It’s kind of a miracle, to be on a moving train and writing you at the same time! I’ve been sending photos and videos of our views over to Twitter … hope you’ve been able to see them (you can click on the link and take a look if you like, you don’t have to join Twitter in order to see the pictures).
Yesterday, before we left (which was just this morning), I needed to do some ironing for the trip. I’m sure many of us remember our mothers starching clothes before they ironed them ~ rolling them up while damp, putting them in plastic bags and keeping them in the fridge until they were ready to iron. Seems so old-fashioned to us now! My mom did it, there were always bundles of ironing in our fridge, she ironed all my little sister’s puffed-sleeved dresses with starch, and taught me to do it too. And my dad’s shirts ~ we were all very crisp around our house. And it wasn’t spray starch, it was the real thing. Liquid starch, the kind she used, is hard to find, at least where we live . . . our supermarket doesn’t sell it anymore, I had to go to Amazon to get it. Mostly, these days, it’s used for crafts, but I have this linen jacket I was bringing along that is no good without good old-fashioned starch, spray starch just doesn’t do it. In fact, I have a lot of things I use real starch on. There’s actually a really good reason to do it! I’ll show you! (Jack, as you can see, was there for the whole thing! But he was more interested in . . .
. . . what was going on outside our kitchen window, than what was going on inside . . .)
So, just in case it’s been a long time, or maybe never, since you starched something, and just in cases you’d like to try it . . . here’s how. It’s really easy. First off, you can read on the bottle how much starch to mix with how much water to make the fabric as stiff as you’d like it to be.
I wanted my jacket to be slightly stiffer than medium, so I mixed 4 c. water with 2 c. starch in a very large bowl. My summer potato salad bowl if you want to know.
I swirled it around with my hand to mix it . . .
Then I put my clean linen jacket into the liquid and got it soaking wet.
I took it out and rung it out as best I could … then I noticed all that left over starch and thought, what else do I have? Then I remembered I’d just washed a dresser scarf from the bathroom and thought, perfect timing!
I like dresser scarves to be really quite stiff, so I added a bit more starch.
And in it went.
Then they both went out to the pantry to partly dry on the clothes rack. Soaking wet is not good for ironing, you want them damp. So while that was happening . . .
I wrapped birthday presents for my mom, we’re heading to California to celebrate her 87th birthday (on the 27th)! 🎁 She loves it when I wrap her things in my own paper, so I ordered some from Spoonflower, (the people I do the fabric for … they make all the fabric patterns into wrapping paper too!) which I’d never done before, I was interested to see the quality. And was happy because it’s the thick stuff! Very nice.🎈My mom will love it!
And then, for a couple of good reasons, I made a cake ~ An Orange Marmalade Cake, because Jack’s other Mother was coming from California to stay with him while we’re away . . . and we were making dinner for her . . . and also, because every time Lowely makes something delicious, she always brings me half.
And I wanted to do the same for her before we went away.
Which I did. She only lives two doors down, so I walked it over, and got a goodbye hug. The next time I’m doing a blog and NOT on the train, I’ll give you the recipe! It was delicious!
So then it was time to iron. And what is the first thing I have to do? I have to get Jack’s hair off the ironing board, unless I want to iron it into my clothes. The ironing board doubles as his perch at the pantry window to watch the world go by. So I got out my packing tape, laid a big long strip down, and moved it along until all his little hairs were stuck to it!
And now, I’m ironing. And it’s coming out beautifully.
Voila! When you starch something, it stays fresh looking so much longer. You can wear it and re-wear it and it doesn’t look wilted.
And that, in a nutshell, is why I love starched things. They last forever.
Here’s my dresser scarf, back on the table in the bathroom. Note shadow under table.
Old linens are one of my passions, loves, downfalls. The beautiful cloth, the delicate embroidery and the cotton lace ~ irresistable! Smoothing an old damask tablecloth onto my dining table is one of the simple joys of life. Lighting a candle on that table, where it almost reflects in the sheen of the cloth, is another.
Here is an example of starch and what it does. I haven’t ironed these in over 6 months. No one really uses them, because a terry hand towel is right there, so they are really more decorative than anything, but they look as nice today as they did when I hung them up 5 years 6 months ago.😜
These are the bathroom curtains in that same room, made from an old lace tablecloth, the last of the ones I brought from California when I moved into my first little house on the island. Starched and perky, I won’t have to do it again for a long time. You could never do this with spray starch. Not even with the one that says, “Heavy.”
And here are a few more linen things, just so you get the picture, which I’m sure you do by now! I should be a door-to-door liquid starch salesperson!
One more tip, and that is, you may have starched something a while back, like this linen jacket. But maybe it was crushed in the closet and got kind of wrinkled again. No problem…
As long as it’s clean, you don’t have to rewash and starch, you just spray on a little water, and iron, and it all that good starchiness comes right back.
And there they are, ready to go into plastic bags and into the hanging bag … yes, they will need a touch up when we get there, but it won’t be much! So there you go, adventures in ironing from the Heart of the Home! Pure
Okay, enough about ironing, how about some maple syrup? I LOVED your comments in the last post, like I always do, thank you so much.💞 And yes, we did stuff poor Vanna into our duffel bag, she’s here, fluffed out, head to toe in pink cashmere with a leopard faux fur collar (she knows how to be comfy), complaining because she broke a nail and there’s “no manicurist on board.” It’s okay, we’ll fly her outta here when we get to Chicago. Her and her “little pink zipper bag”👛 which we have had to find for her about six times now. She’s a princess. Not fit for train travel. We knew we would need her for the drawing for our Vermont Valentine Giveaway . . . and so, with no further adieu … Vanna? Come here darling… (oh, the look on her face😱) ~ here we go . . . the WINNER of this delicious Vermont syrup (I know because we got a bottle of this too!) is . . . . PAMELA TASKER!!!!! Congratulations Pamela! You will love this! Be sure to heat it up before you pour it on everything! Look for an email from me in your box . . . I’ll need your mailing address so I can send it to you.
And now, so it doesn’t have to end . . . there’s more . . .
Hello. Remember I showed you these cups I was designing a while back? That’s the one I designed on the left, my glued and pasted paper cup without a bottom. And on the right, that’s the sample they sent! Pretty darn wonderful if I do say so myself! So I did more!
This one is called
and it has Ms. Lambikins on it, amongst other recognizable doodads from my flora and fauna art repertoire. Plenty to read early in the morning when the brain requires quiet time.
And this one is called
for us, the normal ones.💞
Last but not least, we have “Little Things,” because 
All three are being made right now, of fine bone china, in the potteries, in England. Yes, real, bonafide English cups. ❤️ Each holds a truly magnificent 16 oz (if filled to the very top). I’m so excited. You who have hung out around this blog for a while, know how much I have wanted to do this. Finally, the time has come. They will likely be here in May, in time 
for Mother’s Day, if all goes as planned. And if you leave your name in the comment section of this blog,😁 you will be entered in a drawing to win one of these. There will be 3 winners, and the moment they come in, those winners will be the very first on our mailing list! And yes, just in cases you don’t win, they are available now for preorder. Which means, if we haven’t ordered enough, we should know fairly soon, and can get more into the works right away. After a decent amount of time, each of the designs are going to be retired, and replaced by new ones (I have so many fun ideas!) And the only place on earth where they will be available, at least for the foreseeable future, will be here in our web store. I hope you like them.💖
The last time I was in California, Joe and I were driving across country … I picked these two roses, one from my Grandma’s garden, and one from my moms. They sat on the dashboard of the Fine Romance Van the entire way. And when I got home, I took this photo of them. As beautiful as they were when they were first cut. In two days I will be in my mother’s arms. 💞 The dearest person, who was in labor with me for so long (72 hours) that a tiny piece of her soul broke off, and went into me. And that is the way it has always been and will always be. I feel so lucky. Thank you all for being here. Have a wonderful day! WILLARD’S on the way! I’ll be back soon!
I can’t decide which mug design I like best—all so darling!
You are a gem, Susan Branch!
Love the new mugs! All of your artwork is so pretty and cozy.
I am drooling over these drool cups…..I mean tea cups!! Well done! I love them all!! Want! Desire! Want! Desire!
Those mugs are adorable! Can’t wait to get my hands on one!
As always, your blog cheers my soul.
Xo, Ashlee
I would feel so lucky to win one of your mugs. What a great way to enjoy both tea and your art work! Crossing my fingers.
Susan, The mugs are just terrific and I am hopeful that I might just get one. I do want to tell you that my mother also starched clothes, but we cooked our starch, and then mixed it with water before the clothes were dipped and the starch was squeezed out. You would be a person after her own heart, because even when ‘perma press’ clothes came on the market, we still starched just because the ‘clothes looked so much better’! Have a wonderful trip. Mom’s are the best and yours must be a peach.
What fun to read & see all you share with us!! You always make me smile and feel warm inside! I would love to be the lucky one whose name is picked for one of your wonderful new mugs; they could not be more special! Keep up doing what you are doing; you spread joy everywhere!! <3
Great mugs! thanks for the chance to win!
I love your new mugs and am ‘over the moon’ that they’re made in England!
Love your mug designs!
I so enjoy reading your blog while recovering from hip replacement. When I feel better my
Husband and I want to take a train trip to see my brother in Wyoming. Enjoy your trip!
Get well soon Laurie, congratulations on your new hip, from what I understand, it’s going to be just wonderful!
Hi Susan~
The cups are lovely and made in England too. What could be nicer. Enjoy your ride on the train on your trip out West. I thought of you as I watched Victoria on PBS this past Sunday and Albert and Victoria loved the new steam engine train. It was so cute to watch them all excited about riding the new train. Love that show on Masterpiece! Have a good trip to CA and enjoy the warm weather!
Loved that episode. Cried my face off!
I am so sad that I can’t seem to get Willard. I have tried to subscribe about 6 times and I never get a Willard and there is never one in my spam folder. I once emailed your customer service, but no Willard. I know that eventually it will be posted on your blog site, but I want to read about the movie!! I hope there is a remedy to my problem. Please help if you can….
I’ve asked Kellee to send you the link directly into your email box. If you don’t get it this time, it has to be your spam blocker. So let me know if you do, fingers crossed!
I met you at a small bookstore book signing several years ago in Kingston, Massachusetts. It was a dream come true to meet you and have a chance to chat. Read your recent trilogy books and laughed and cried – couldn’t put them down. You really do touch people’s hearts in ways you cannot imagine.
Thank you for being real. Thank you for sharing your wonderful artwork and other talents. We are blessed!
Happy Birthday to your Mother, Susan! My mom is right behind her. She will be 86 on Saturday, and still going strong and quilting avidly! Your mugs are beautiful and being created in England makes them even more special . Have a wonderful trip! 😊
Oh what a day brightener your post is, plus I received Willard today as well!
Thank you Susan.
Congratulations on the adorable mugs. They couldn’t be any lovelier!
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Safe travels to you. Go hug your dear mama.
I love the simple things mug!
I can just imagine holding one of those darling mugs filled with my morning coffee while I sit looking out at my many wonderful birds in my yard! A beautiful start to my morning before I go off to school and see my students !
Oh Susan, your mugs are so lovely. And I would so love to win one. Would love to see what you’ve painted on It’s in the Litttle Things mug especially, since it is the little things that bring me joy and I write them down in my grateful for journal. And I have and will always love your painted lettering and quotes. You bring such a smile to my day.
Being Grateful…
Starch is wonderful!! I can remember my grandmother’s and mother using it. I haven’t used it in years. The Vermont trip looked like loads of fun especially the sleigh ride, that’s on my bucket list!!!! Thanks for the heads up on A Place to Call Home!!! I have watched all 4 seasons and loved it. Enjoy the train ride!!!!
Such a breath of fresh air to read your blog and Willard. Makes me happy. Some day I’d like to go across country on the train; I’ll put that on my bucket list. I love your new mugs!
So glad you will be able to visit your mother, My children gave me a party last September to celebrate my 85th; what a joy to have 4 of the 5 with me. I love reading your blog, especially your descriptions of your travels thru the UK. Not sure which of those delightful mugs I will have to have. Looking forward to the marmalade cake receipe, I have a jar of marmalade that I made, waiting in the cupboard.
The blog was awesome as usual. Many thanks for the starch tips and pics of the lovely linens. The English mugs with the thin edges are the best. Have a dear friends who won’t drink from anything less. So hope to win them. You are special and such a talent. Keep the goodies coming.
Beautiful mugs! I love your blog and Willard. So much fun and prettiness!
Your mugs are beautiful!!! I would love a chance at winning one. Thanks for all the beautiful things you bring to our lives, like your calendar–that makes me smile every day! Enjoy your train trip and your visit with your mom.
<3
Hi, Susan, every time I think you’ve outdone yourself, you just go and do it again! LOVE these mugs! Especially Lambikins. It would be a joy to win one, but if not, maybe I can use it as a gift idea for family. The starch lesson was so interesting – now if I can just DO it. I think you do more in one day than I can accomplish in a year – where do you get your energy?!?!?!?!?! Happy Birthday to your sweet Mom, safe travels, and have a wonderful time.
The mugs are adorable. I think several Christmas gifts will be taken care of in one order! Are we too selfish to wish for a teapot to go with??!! I am really looking forward to the recipe for the marmalade cake. I have made the one in Jan Karon’s cookbook but it was a little time consuming. Anyone who has read her wonderful books craves orange marmalade cake!!!
Loved the starching reminder! Didn’t enjoy ironing and starching when I was a kid or even during the working years, but now I find it very satisfying and love the crisp, cool, clean feeling it gives things. I even lightly starch pillow cases.
I love the mugs. Please enter me in the drawing!
Your mugs had to be made in England or else I would be disappointed! They are beautiful. Hooray for English china. Patty Mc
Hello, Susan (and Joe!): Happy “train-ing”! Enjoy CA – get in some memorable family time – and simply enjoy! BTW: The new ‘Willard’ is a delightful thing to read – full of such whimsy, good news, and fabulous things to ponder. A TV/movie pilot? WOW! Production of your very own mugs? Another WOW! Signing off now but before I do…, I’m here to say that I take nothing for granted and every day IS a miracle. My mantra – “Expected the unexpected” – stands strong!
You will never be disappointed!
Have a wonderful trip. Happy Birthday to your mom (my mom turned 87 last week… such a fun celebration!) Love the new mugs… perfect for a cup of tea!
Vanna, oh, Vanna, please choose me – I would so enjoy this cup with my tea.
Seeing Elaine while we’re in SLO in a couple of weeks, Ellen!
Dear Susan,
I just lost my mother last year. I, too, am her oldest of six. I adore your words that said when you were born, a tiny piece of her soul went into you. Beautiful words, and such a tribute to her. I had never thought of that, and it brings me much comfort. Enjoy her hugs, your trip, and all the lovely things you create.
I am so happy to hear that. xoxo Mom’s do that for us, break themselves into pieces for our welfare.
Susan,
I enjoyed this post, the coat is lovely. I think it will be difficult to choose…
I do remember my grandmother starching dresses for me. It was amazing how the skirt of the dress stayed puffed.
The mugs are so you…I would love to have a set.
I enjoy table ware from England. What a treat to have tea in.
Have a lovely time with your mom….Happy Birthday…you help me see how life is a celebration…
love,
Hillaire Gallagher
The mugs are wonderful! Love reading your blog and books, please write more! <3
Love the new mugs! How can I even choose? And made in England!!! Even better!!
Hello Susan, I drink my morning tea with my British bonechina tea mugs. Would love to add your tea cups to my morning routine. Love Emma Bridgewater mugs a well. I even had an opportunity to paint a mug in her workroom. I visited her factory in Stokes- On – Trent, England, last spring.
Enjoy your train journey to LA. Way to me when you stop in Riverside , California.
Looking forward to your new teacups.
Here’s us at the EB Factory! Wasn’t it wonderful?
Love the new mugs..
Susan,
Hoping your time spent with your Mom is sweet and memorable. Happy Birthday to her! The mugs are beautiful! Must ask – is the print the same on both sides of the mug?? Safe and happy travels.
Jan
No, it’s different art all over the cup … the images are only on each the one time. If that makes sense. Hope it answers your question! (Backs don’t look like fronts!)
Susan, I have so many nice dresser scarves and doilies that I have starched over and over throughout the years. I remember our ironing being rolled in our fridge many years ago. My Nana showed me how to do it.
My granddaughter wants one of your mugs…I will be ordering two of them on pre order. They are so beautiful. Thank you for knowing just what we want and need to make our lives happier.
Happy journey across America to your Mom and Happy Birthday to her.
Love the mugs! THANK YOU for the starching tutorial. I have never tried liquid starch . . . but I have a lovely pale green linen shirt that could really use some. St. Patrick’s Day, we greet you in style this year!
I love the mugs!!! I love the idea of just looking at one and reading everything while enjoying my coffee. Will have to do a preorder right now! They would make wonderful gifts too!!!
Thanks for the reminder of liquid starch. I have some old dresser scarves I came across recently and want to start using again. You are right, the spray stuff just isn’t the same. Have a wonderful trip, and enjoy your time with your mom and friends.
Susan,
Haven’t been getting any of your posts for awhile, so was thrilled to receive this latest Willard and catch up on all the news. Was excited to see you are coming to the Apple Farm but sad to see the event is sold out. I was able to meet you a few years ago when you came to Strawberry Patches in Bakersfield, Calif. The English mugs are just gorgeous and like my Welsh mom always said, “tea always tastes be better in a bone china cup.” Take care, Lindy
Thank you Susan for all of your wonderful inspiration and heartfelt blog!
Good luck with your meeting in Hollywood. Love the mugs!
Hugs, Wendy
Susan,
I loved the blog post and my Willard came through today, which I loved too. Such a treat to take a bit of time with a cup of tea to sit and read them both. Your words about laundry in the frig, made me think about my Grandma. We would always find laundry in her frig and make jokes about it with her. So happy to hear the blotter will be back for 2018, my office would not be the same without it.
I am thrilled to hear the fantastic news that the 3 books may become films, I will be first in line to see them all, the books have stayed with me long after finishing them.
Safe travels on the train, enjoy precious time with your mom. Wish I could be at the Apple Farm, I will be there in spirit. Have a beautiful and fun visit to rainy California.
The mugs are darling – but of course they would be! They will make lots of girlfriends very happy (me included)! Thank you for your blog. It never fails to warm my heart, to bring a smile to my face, and to get me to like Earth a little more. Have a wonderful train trip and visit in CA. Happy Birthday to your mom!!! I am so very, very, very grateful she had you! Love, Valerie
I get the Earth part. xoxoxo
Love your new mugs SO cute Enjoyed learning about starch I had to iron those starched items Mom put them refrig Oh the time spent also Enjoy your trip
How sweet you are and the beauty your bring with words and pictures!!! Thank you dear lady for bringing spring earlier this year!!!! Hugs and kisses to you!!!!
My seasons wouldn’t be the same if they didn’t begin with your lovely words and Willard. Thanks for bringing us back to remembering the important things in life with your quotes and interesting stories as we relax with tea/coffee and read Willard over a few times….and laugh with you, too. Love your artwork!!
Love the pretty mugs, and please, a kitty one in the future with Jack on it.
I love the mugs ~ perfect for cocoa too:) Have a great trip to CA.
Your new mugs will bring smiles to so many folks (me too!). I really enjoyed reading your instructions on using liquid starch. I have never done that, but remember my mother and grandmother starching various things. You comments about putting the damp material into a plastic bag in the fridge was very familiar too — from when I was a little girl. I also remember my mom’s mangle, and the ‘sprinkler’ she used to re-dampen clothes when ironing. Yup — those memories rank right up there with mom’s treadle machine. Ya gotta smile…
Happy 87th Birthday to your Mom! Enjoy the train ride and wonderful trip. The mugs are going to be beautiful. Much finer than a, well mug! I most love the Spring cup. Cute and fluffy bunnies are my weakness!
Susan, I am in love with your mugs! Actually, I have to admit I am in love with everything “Susan Branch”! Seeing your blog arrive in my email in box, just makes my day!!
I like pretty things that are useful. A mug would be very handy for tea or coffee.
The starching lesson, including storing sprinkled to-be ironed clothes in the refrigerator, was a sweet reminder of the good ole days. I couldn’t pick a favorite mug; I’d love any of them. Enjoy every minute with your mother and the rest of your family. Tell her Happy Birthday and God Bless You from us.
I LOVE the MUGS! Whether I win one or not, I will be purchasing one for my mom and likely me as well.
Love your new mugs! Have a wonderful trip and time with your mother.
They are precious.
Susan, I love your new mugs.. I am a tea lover so nothing would make me happier than to drink it from your cup.
I have spent most of this Saturday enjoying the Willard newsletter and your blog.
. I love the Cups❣❣❣
Have a great time with your mother.
Love from the Alabama girl that loves your world.
Thank you for sending Willard. I look forward to your blog and always Willard. I have saved everyone. I love tea and I cannot wait for the beautiful mugs to be available. Your work is the BEST! Hoping I might be a winner. I love each design and if I had to pick, it would be “In love with nature”. Thank you.
Hello to you and Joe from Salt Lake City! Love, Anne
My mom would have been 88 on the 27th! The “beakers” are wonderful!
I loved reading every word of your beautiful Willard and would love to win one of your new mugs. Have a wonderful trip!
The mugs are wonderful!!
I love the mugs! They are just adorable!! Can’t wait til they get here!
I thot I was a multitasker but you, traveling by train, twittering, and blogging plus a Williard, well, you put me to shame. I’m enjoying the trip!
VERY green hills await you in SLO
That orange marmalade cake looked so delicious! Can’t wait for the recipe.
The cups look just lovely!
Have a great time in California…..
Always worth the wait for Willard and a treat to follow your blog. Congratulations for accomplishing so many of your dreams, inspiring others to pursue their own.
You are so inspiring! Thank you for writing and drawing!! I love your new mugs!! I would love to win the Little Things one!
I love your new adventure! Mugs! They are all darling, but I love the “love” one best. I would so love to win one: I know my morning tea would taste better from the “love” mug.
I had no idea all of that starch knowledge!
I love the new cups – think I will have to preorder.
So glad you will be with your mom – moms are the best.
The mugs are perfect! Love them. Have a good time on your train trip. I love to travel by train, especially when I can have a private room. The perfect way to see the United States.
Loved the Willard and hope you have a wonderful time with your Mom.
Love the new China mugs, do any of them have Jack on them?
Thanks for putting me in your drawing!
If I win a mug, I will give it to my best friend from school, Diane. We were in kindergarten together but became besties in 6th grade…only 42 years ago! (Ugh! I just counted that up and can’t believe I’m old enough to have a 42 year long friendship!!) Old friends are the best…she introduced me to you!
I absolutely love the mugs..so colorful and cheery!!i
Thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in your starch and ironing adventures…and those cups!!!! Adorable!!
Loving Twitter on the Twain….thanks for taking us along.
Susan,I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the mugs and hope to be one of the winners! Either way, I know that I will be enjoying a cuppa in one in a few months! Also, the coat is gorgeous! Enjoy it! I want to check out the
website(continued from above). I might just try searching; I have a whole lot of linens I inherited from my mother and grandmothers and want to bring them back to life. Thanks for the how to! Enjoy the train trip!
Love the cups – beautiful! And the linens are just wonderful, so crisp and white…easy to see why it’s a weakness 😉
This starching advice is wonderful! I haven’t tried liquid starch but may have to try it for linens this summer, for sure. I love the cups–they turned out so wonderfully! <3
When i feel silly, guilty, obsessive about my collections etc I come here to sigh and feel a kindred spirit with you and all your followers
Yes, just come here and you will know you are normal!
Thank you so much for making mug pre-orders possible! I also ordered the compilation of older/earlier Willards. Can’t wait for it all!
Love the teacups! Beautiful job. Must order. 🙂
Susan, i haven’t won a single thing ever in my life. If Vanna called my name i would faint.
Wow Susan you made me cry with that comment about your mothers soul that was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever read about labor like that. Thank you so much for being you! Love those mugs they’re gorgeous and I’ll take 3!
The mugs are TEAriffic!
Hi Susan,
Who would have known I would get such joy and contentment from reading about how to starch something? I want to wander through my house and find something to starch……and if I can’t find something to starch maybe I can buy something to starch? LOL……and this will be the subject of my phone call with mom tomorrow–“mom, tell me about how you used to starch things.” Thank you for sharing, have a lovely trip…..I so love your mugs. enjoy your mama.
XOXOXO
Love the mugs, as does everyone. Thank you for creating them!
Love the new mugs and as always, your most interesting blog. Thank you
I so look forward to each warn and cozy blog you write. Icing on the cake would be to win one of your new creations -a mug.
Hey Girlfriend! I just HAD to comment ~ I’m so very happy that you are going to be with your mom on her birthday. I think birthdays are FABULOUS. My birthday is my favorite day of the whole entire year, and I don’t even care that I am another whole year older. I usually have chocolate cake with pink frosting and glow-ey candles. And this year, along with making my wish, I will wish your mom a very happy birthday, because you said her birthday is on the 27th. Well, guess when MY birthday is? Yes! Yay! Safe travels, and happy picture-taking and writing! I’m going to pre-order myself a “The Little Things” mug as a birthday present to myself, and just in case I don’t win. ;o) I’m so excited for you that your dreams continue to come true.
xo Debbie Murray (we live in Sudbury, MA and you should come see us ~ you’ll love our grist mill and Wayside Inn!)
Hi Susan,
Sharing your homepage with my 4 year old kindred spirit granddaughter, Elizabeth. She looooves the tweeting, floating birdy (we have had to view it many, wonderful times!!) When she saw Ms. Lambikins on the new mug she immediately had to take a look at your calendar-Elizabeth knew it was there on the March page. She loves her and your lambs. Have a wonderful west coast visit. Irene
Impressionable minds, very beautiful xoxo
So cute, love the mugs!
I love those bone china cups –they are lovely. Hope you have a great train trip and a wonderful time with your Mom (Happy Birthday Susan’s Mom). Happy Spring!