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!
Have a great trip Susan and Joe…always a pleasure to see what you are up to!
Rabbit, rabbit to all! I can’t even believe it (& neither can she) but my Mom is 101 1/2. She asked me if she was 121, I said 101, “oh” she said, she was achy, wondered why & I started to say her age etc. & she said “oh yeah, I must be getting old!!!” She said she was going to live forever, I replied that there were going to be some not so good days! Humor, beauty (like this blog), love, faith, family & friends, gets us through some not so good days! Thank you dear sweet Susan, and all, for helping to get us through! xoxo
Wow Joan, give your mom a gentle, but warm, hug from me! You are a lucky girl! xoxo
I too grew up with ironing in the refrigerator! And I loved (still do) to iron and enjoy the marvelous smell. Thanks for the hint about linen wearing better after being starched with old fashioned starch. Gonna try it! Love love love the teacups. So SB!
I love drinking tea from one of your Lenox cups but having a new one will be delightful. Enjoy your western trip.
Dear Sue
HAPPY ST DAVID’S DAY….Rabbit Rabbit
All our Welsh girlfriends will know what I mean. March first celebrates St David the patron Saint of Wales. If you have time you could mention it on twitter for all our Welsh girlfriends. Have a wonderful day. Buy some daffodils to brighten your day
Love Sue a proud Welsh American
Hi Sue, please tell me what “Rabbit Rabbit” means. I see it every now and then in some of the comments and I am curiouser and curiouser! 🐰
It’s an old good luck charm to say rabbit-rabbit out loud on the first day of each month . . . you can read about it HERE.
I love the mugs! Would love to win one!
… good luck, sweet daughter of mine !!! <3
Good luck Both of You!💞
I hope you and Joe are having a wonderful visit, but honestly, I can’t imagine it any other way. I had been saving Isle Of Dreams (not sure why) and felt now was the time for a read. It helps me appreciate more the way I see you approach life, a true “Bliss Follower.” Thank you for this inspiration!
The alternative, as far as “following,” just makes no sense at all! Glad you’re enjoying it Dee! xoxo
I can just image how lovely your cups will feel and look! Such a happy way to start the day 😊. I know you are going to have a wonderful time on the west coast…can’t wait to hear more about your adventures and show!!!
hi Susan,
I’m late on reading this post so by now you are enveloped in your Mother’s arms.
Enjoy your vacation! Love the mug designs!
Kathleen
I absolutely love your mugs! How special would that be to have my afternoon tea in one of them? A big hug goes out to your mom! Enjoy your time visiting.
love the mugs!!
I just received your Heart of the Home cookbook for my birthday and I can’t wait to make something yummy (the Bean Soup is calling to me right now!) Enjoy your time with your mom!
love the mugs
These look absolutely adorable.
What lovely mugs!! I would be so happy to win one. Thank you for the opportunity! I hope you have a wonderful visit with family. Thank you for including us in the adventure.
I love your new tea cups!
Hoping to win a mug, but I will be buying them even if I don’t, because they’d be the cutest gifts ever! Thank you for all the positivity – always a good reminder for me. Love love!
Love these mugs! Have a great trip!
Love the new mugs! Enjoy the beautiful California weather – the bluest of skies and the greenest of hills today!
The mugs turned out beautifully! How thoughtful of you to do a giveaway. Thanks for thinking of us.
Susan, the mugs came out beautifully. I love the idea of English bone china – who doesn’t?? You’ve got me hooked on Emma Bridgewater and I have a strong feeling I will be just as hooked on your wonderful mugs covered in your wonderful art!! Please enter me in the drawing for one of them. I like them all, but at the moment, the nature one really speaks to me. But I am not choosy. Enjoy your trip (Biz Greenwell, MD)
I ❤ them!! So happy you have made your own cups! I look forward to collecting all!
Watch out, Big Pharma! Susan Branch is cutting into your profits 😉 I know from personal experience that taking some Happy Gene with a cuppa can relieve stress and even your actual pain. I also know that from reading comments from all the other Girlfriends.
Hope BP doesn’t devise some devilish plot to gain control over Susan’s “Medicine”. Hey, didn’t they try to patent our genes? 🙁 All about $$$ for them, but We know better.
And…..did you notice that the worst of the California storms stopped when Susan rolled into the station? Sunshine in its many forms…..oops, maybe I went too far…………………
Happy, Happy for you and yours, Susan,
Debbie in Tampa….for now
If I could hurt their business (Big Pharma), even for one teeeeeeeny little portion, my day would be made!
Rabbit Rabbit! Such a delight to see your darling mugs come to life! The train sounds so nice and cozy. Thank-you for the starch lesson, I will have to get some liquid starch now. I just did my ironing the other day and thought my dollies needed to be crisper! Having a lovely early Spring here in New England and can’t wait to get out in the garden dirt! Have a safe and lovely journey. Love, Wendy-Louise oxox
The mugs are beautiful! Would love to have one, or three! Also have just finished season three of A Place to Call Home, as you suggested. It is very good like you said. Except for that Regina woman! Lol Thank you for the great recommendation! Enjoy your fun trip to California!
I know, she’s a piece of work. Can’t wait till season 5! I hope they don’t redeem her, because she is simply too devious to be trusted!
Love you mugs. They make my heart sing and my smile wrinkles blossom.
“…my smile wrinkles blossom”…
Beautiful. Your words made ME smile. Thank you, Annette!
I’m sorry to report I’m not a fan of ironing but I didn’t know there was real starch out there. I will go try it. Thank you for all the home and heart lessons you teach on here. I preordered my mugs and I can’t wait for May! Safe travels and love and prayers to you as you get to spend great fellowship time with your sweet mommy and girlfriends.
Oh Susan, the starch brings back so many memories. I may need to try it again for old times sake. I am SO excited about your beautiful cups, they are adorable! SAFE TRAVELS!!!
Carla
I LOVE your new designs!!! I want to order them’. Perfectly charming💜☕️
Susan, your words about angels arrived just in time to remind me that guardian angels are watching out for us always. My week involved me breaking my favorite Burleigh Blue Calico pitcher and then I missed out on tickets to see you at the Apple Farm. On Saturday my social security check was received, I rushed to the bank to deposit it, ran to the computer to purchase my Susan Branch tickets for the Apple Farm for myself and my daughter because I knew the Apple Farm posted that tickets would be available until March 1st. But alas, the tickets were all sold out. But then today I saw the rocket launch above my neighborhood from Vandenburg and thought of the things that did go right this week and knew that my guardian angels were still there watching out for me. Your mugs are lovely. And I am glad that you brought the beautiful weather with you to California. The hills and mountains are still green to celebrate the month of March and to celebrate your arrival to the Central Coast. Enjoy! (Take care Susan. I just might drive up to the Apple Farm with my daughter on the 18th just to see you walk by and maybe have a chance to say hello.)
That would be luv-lee Callie!
Oh how I love these mugs!! I will be so excited to receive one but will pre order for sure! Thank you Susan!!
Your mugs are so beautiful and I love them all!
Dottie
I mix up my own starch too! It is so much better than the spray cans. Love the mugs!!!
My hands would love to hold a cup of tea in one of your gorgeous mugs. Susan, you really did a fantabulous (fantastic & faboulos) design on these mugs!
I love these mugs!!
Oh my gosh your new mugs are absolutely adorable! I’m so excited you made them. You are amazing!
In love with your mugs!! They are just adorable!!
LOVE ❤ the mugs. The nature one is my favorite and just in time for Mother’s Day! Please remember to share the orange marmalade cake recipe, it looks soooo yummy. It would go perfectly with my cream cheese, orange marmalade, pecan and cranberry spread on pumpernickel bread tea sandwiches I serve. Happy birthday blog momma! Safe travels.
Hello Susan
I love reading both your blog and books:) <3. Have a safe travel and enjoy.
Best wishes Christel and The Minimice
Wow I learned so much! My mom taught me to iron but never to starch. That is great info. Thanks so much for the beautiful mugs that will soon be available! I ma now addicted to emma bridgewater due to you, THANK YOU~ Have a safe & lovely trip & Blessings to your mom on her special day!
I know, I’m writing too much, hogging the blog. But I just had an amazing tap on the shoulder from the Universe or my Guardian Angel. I went to Sue Shanahan’s site. It’s just beautiful.
But here is the point….while doing a portrait, she realized she was resisting finishing it…..OMG, same that happened to me. She found that she had gotten too bogged down in detail and perfectionism. That post of yours validated my suspicion of the same….I went to a wonderful counselor last fall to get some help with being more open and free with my work, which is no longer fun, just painful, physically and emotionally. Haven’t followed up….as we’ve been having our body and engine overhauls…our living bodies, that is.
There is that thread of love…..Wow! If we look with an open mind and heart, often our answers pop right out, don’t they?
Have a wonderful time in Arizona, mucho love,
Debbie in Tampa….for now
You could never write too much! xoxo
You’re brave traveling with linen clothing. Mine is wrinkled the minute I put it on, even with starch. However, you’ve just taught me that spray starch doesn’t cut it. I’ll test the other type soon.
It makes all the difference. And ironed, crisp wrinkles are very different than saggy wrinkles.
Susan I love the bone china cups! I am a long time fan of your artwork. Still have a pair of your pajamas. Thank you for sharing your artistic gifts with all of us! Cindy
I was on here on the 17th? But did not mention you fantastic new cups…..do we need to mention the give-away item to be entered in the drawing….yours are every bit as lovely as Emma’s !!!!
Thank you, and this definitely enters you for the drawing!
Your dreams becoming reality brings joy to us all, Susan. Adore the mugs!
Love your new China cups. They are so pretty!
Please…..Yes, Yes, Yes, I’d love one of those mugs – so dang adorable.
I love your mugs. So excited they are bei g made.
Dear Susan, I just noticed you reply to some comments. I would love to see a list of songs on the mix tape for Joes last birthday. I would like to make my own and feel yours will help me remember songs I love and miss.
I usually try to reply to all of them, but when there’s a giveaway, I’m only able to read them, sorry to say! They are all so wonderful and truly DESERVE to be answered, but time is crazy . . . we are on our way to Arizona now, and have to pack up and leave our motel this morning! So I squeeze things in when I can! You will have to remind me about that mix tape for Joe when I get back home . . . please? xoxo
Just received my first Willard-love it! The mugs are beautiful!
Love the beautiful mug designs. Keeping my fingers crossed on your screen deal.
I would be over the moon with delight if you drew my name for a lovely cup.
I’m very excited about your new bone china mugs! Hope one will come home to me soon!
you are like our big sister —and such a darling to always take us with you!
thank you::a hundred times over.
have a blast!!
Teri
Oregon
Hi Susan! I loved your paragraph in Willard on guardian angels, and falling in love with as much as possible – how beautiful is that! Thank you for such a lovely reminder …love love love!
Beautiful cheery mugs and wicked exciting news about Hollywood…! Hurray for new endeavors! And I must say I love that linen jacket – have always loved blue and white ticking stripes (on anything – bedding, clothing, curtains, etc) and that is verrrry close. Best wishes from up here in Maine, where spring feels imminent.
I love the mugs!! Also, love the memory of the damp clothes in plastic bags int the fridge!! My mom did it too, and the way she dampened them was with a plastic shaker bottle with a watering can like top on it, well, you get the picture I hope, haven’t seen those in a long time!!
Wow! I have been “saving” your last two posts and Willard for when I could sit with a cup of tea and enjoy reading them. So much fun and wonderful information! I loved all of your Vermont photos, so beautiful! I always wondered how they got antique linens so smooth and neat, and now I know! Great tips, I’m definitely going to try it at home, I’ll start searching for the starch! The mugs are gorgeous, I especially love the “Little Things”! Thanks for sharing your stories with us!
Love all of your cheerful mugs! Enjoy your trip to California and especially the time with your mother. Thanks for making the world a happier place!
Ooooo, Susan I had to have all three of the mugs! I hope you are having a wonderful time with your mom!
I love your new mugs….they would be added to my mug collection…please add me to the drawing…I was lost in “A Fine Romance” last evening….love that book, too!
Susan,
My best friend,Sandy,and I have collected and given your books to each other since we were neighbors with young kids….. We are both grandmas now and still love everything Susan Branch……we love reading about your beautiful old home,experiencing the four seasons and all the delights each brings! The trilogy was fabulous…hope it becomes a movie!
I actually grew up in northern Ohio on Lake Erie the oldest of five children and when I read about your family I can relate;during the recent description of starching and dampening clothes, I closed my eyes and could smell the starch and the fresh smell of clothes when taking them off the backyard line.
Would love to surprise my friend with one of your beautiful cups for her May birthday!
Stephanie
I hope you have a wonderful trip. I’ll miss Jack while you’re gone. I hope you’ll make it up to me when you return. 🙂
Swooning over the mugs! Thanks for the giveaway, and have a great time in California. 🙂
Real bone china straight from The Potteries! You did it right and I can’t wait for them to arrive. I’d choose “Little Things” but I love them all.
Love is all you need………..Paul and John❣🐞
I love your new mugs–so darling! I’d love them ALL, but if forced to choose, I’d probably put “Little Things” at the top of my list. Thank you for all the “little things” you share with us to enjoy . . . That is a wonderful, BIG thing! 🙂
Happy belated birthday, Susan’s mom!! You two are a precious example of how it should be between mothers and daughters. (My own dear mom was my book-reading, teaparty-sharing and British Isles-loving best friend. She’s been with the Lord almost 23 years, but my life is enriched every day by her example and love.) Blessings on your time together!
I love seeing Willard in my inbox! And the new mugs are adorable! Everything you create is so positive and uplifting; it makes my heart happy:)
I love all things Susan Branch, especially the new mugs. Cant wait to get one for work -my coworkers will be so jealous!!
I love tea,therefore I love a sweet mug.
Oh my gosh Susan, your mugs are precious!
Lol, I’ve got goosebumps!
Lovely. What a wonderful size as well
The new mugs are perfectly dreamy!
Your mugs are so beautiful. I have quite a few of your cookbooks – love them – I also buy them to give as gifts! Enjoy your trip out west!
I think I definitely need one of the lovely mugs! Perfection.
Happy travels! And best wishes for a joyous birthday celebration with dear mum!
I envy the sight of snow from the windows. We have had very few flakes this winter I fear spring is ready to burst forth… the dear daffs are already abloom. And alas, my forsythia appears to have given up the ghost. It was sparsely aflowered last year and this I am afraid will be its last.
A full 16 oz? Be still my heart! Put my name in the barrel for Vanna’s mug drawing!
I’m going to make the orange cake- looks yummy! Would be great with a cup of tea sipped from a l💕vely new china mug ~
Susan,
Thank you for sharing your story and instructions on using liquid starch. I have never used it before but it brought back memories of my grandmother ironing her sheets. I was too young to pay attention is she used starch.
I do hope you enter the contest for designing a dress for the little princess!
It would be wonderful to see what you would create!!!
I have greatly enjoyed listening to the bird calls while reading and sharing your joy with all the girlfriends!!!
Thank you again!
Jane
Would love to win any one of your mugs….they are darling! And I am reminded of the storyline in “As Time Goes By” with the possibility of your books being televised. Good luck!
Oh, my! I ADORE the mugs, and would love the LOVE mug. Enjoy your trip, and sunshine! Your book would be so wonderful as movies.📚🎬🎥🎦🐱🍵🌂🌞
Dear Susan,
Ooooh~~ what darling cups! Just the perfect blend of beautiful, cute, and the loveliest touch of magical WHIMSY!
I really like your expression of love for your precious Mom. We must treasure them while we can, mustn’t we?
My cute father-in-law passed away at the age of 94 this last weekend. He was a WWII Navy veteran, and real ‘character’. We will surely miss his “grouchy” exterior, attempting to cover up the kindest, most tender-hearted, generous spirit in the world. He always kept (and doted on) a small varied group of animals that he had rescued from various situations. The three pampered animals he currently had to leave behind in his menagerie were: “Little Ned” (a small donkey), an ornery old goat, and a much-loved kitty. He certainly left his stamp on our hearts.
Have a wonderful visit with your Mom.
Love, Brenda
So sorry to hear about your father-in-law, but what a good long life he had, a life of service and love. Couldn’t ask for more than that! Thank you Brenda. Good luck with Little Ned, et al! xoxo
Hi Susan, I have just reacquainted myself with quilting and starched the fabric (actually your fabric) the old fashioned way! It turned out lovely! Thanks for your Ironing 101 Blog! See you at the Apple Farm, wouldn’t miss the opportunity!
Happy to hear it Janet, and see you there!
Dear Susan ~ when I saw your first cup in paper ~ I loved it immediately! You are so creative in so many ways. So happy that they’ve come to fruition. I’m pretty sure I need all three. But hoping Vanna picks me! Treasure every moment with your sweet Mom. Our conversations with our moms are never finished… I talk to mine in heaven every day.💕
I’m sure you do. It’s been WONDERFUL to be with her. No words can say. xoxo
Love the mugs. I’m tossing out 3 mugs to make room for these beauties. That’s my start to Spring cleaning. Wondered if Petey traveled on the train or did he stay home with Jack? Have a wonderful visit with your Mom. Give her lots of hugs and kisses for all of us!
Petey is helping to babysit Jack!
I love the little English cups — they’re adorable! I’m so excited to order some.
Martha from CT
Already love the bone china mugs – please add me to the list, fingers crossed.
Love the mugs! Bone china makes them even more special. Safe travels to and fro!
Treasure the time with your Mother!
I am to be counted with all the others giving you rave reviews and atta-girls for pursuing your quest to see the mugs to fruition! They’re absolutely awesome and I have fingers and toes and eyes (!?) crossed to win one. Thank you for the opportunity. Love you and your work <3
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Eileen
Lovely, lovely! I can’t wait until May to have them.
Welcome to Spring in California Sweet Sue!
I sometimes wonder if a California tree met a tree from MV, if she would be stunned to hear about the looong Winter break her eastern counter part has each year. Our trees get a nap before it’s time to leaf out and busy! I wish you every joy while out here visiting your mama.
❌⭕️❌⭕️,
Tawni Urrutia from Lodi, Ca
Wondeful mugs!
I so enjoy your blog. It is so uplifting and heart warming. Your artwork is so delightful and cheerful. Your new tea mugs are beautiful! I love The Light Touch ideas and all your recipes and your books. Thank you for letting me Share in your positive beautiful outlook on life.
Thanks for being here Jarlath!
I love your new mugs and always love reading your blog. So Hugga…. Jane
so cute, a must have for me.
thanks Susan.
I would love to surprise my mother in law with one of the mugs because she is the one who introduced us to you and your original “Heart of the Home” cookbook when we first were married.
Hope you win, that’s a sweet reason for a surprise!
Hello,
Love to all-
and would love a mug!
love, love, love the new mugs!!!!!
Oh, I was just ironing yesterday,(with spray starch), but now can’t wait to find some liquid starch and really have fun ironing all my napkins etc. So enjoy your blog and thank you for the reminders of the seeing the joys of life.
Greetings from New Mexico!
Glad you enjoyed your train trip thru the Land of Enchantment.
We have the best sunsets this time of year…
Love to all and many thanks for your blog.
~Take care/travel safe~
Cheers!
Del gato gordo y descarado
PS) luv to El Capitan Jack gordo el gato
We are in AZ now, and the sunrise this morning was spectacular, all red and purple. Of course New Mexico is gorgeous, with all that red dirt. xoxo Jack, el gato belissima, says buenas dias! (I like to mix up my languages too! Much more interesting. I also like to mix Italian food with Mexican! What a lovely world we live in!)
Dearest Susan,
Once again you have brought back wonderful memories for me! My Mother used to iron everything! She was British, so what would you expect! Those ladies iron their sheets, underwear, I mean everything! I remember she had a small glass vinegar bottle (no plastic ones back then) with a “sprinkler” on the top, the sprinkler was aluminum and had a cork on it you just pushed it into the top of the bottle. It was filled with distilled water and she would dampen clothes, pillowcases etc and roll them up and put them in a washpan until the next day then she would iron them. The first thing I learned to iron was my Dad’s handkerchiefs first then moved on to other things. Mom used the liquid starch for dresser scarves and doilies, if they had ruffles it helped them stand up real perky! I think the smell of a hot iron on linens is such a comforting scent, gives me warm fuzzies! I love your bathroom curtains so pretty and how you re-purposed a tablecloth to make them. Do they make pretty patterns on the walls when sun shines through them? I am especially fond of linens too and have several vintage hand embroidered linen tablecloths that my Aunties in England stitched many years ago, they are just gorgeous! Wonderful keepsakes!
I love the mugs you have created! Winning one would be the bees knees, I will keep my fingers crossed! Enjoy the time with your Mom and travel safe! Hugs to you and Joe!