Rabbit-Rabbit Girlfriends! Good Morning! MUSICA It’s the glory of love!
Everything good here ~ so far it looks like it might not rain today! A minor miracle on this first day of June considering that it rained all May ~ but, so far, so good, it’s dawning with blue skies! 
Time to turn over the new page on our calendars ~ It’s tea! Perfect timing (how did I know?), because today I’m having twelve best friends for a Farewell Tea Party Twine for a girlfriend who’s moving south! I’m hoping that maybe, just maybe, if the sky stays blue, we’ll be able to have it outside under the arbor!
Our party is at four, so I doubt we’ll need the twinkle lights. But every time I look at that little spot, I think of Mr. Bowditch, who I never met, the man you lived here before us, who built the arbor with his own hands back in the 1950s. He doesn’t know it, but he has given us YEARS of pleasure. He and his wife called the arbor the “Teahouse of the Vineyard Moon.” Romantic people that they were.💞
But I’m still waiting to see if the picnic table gets dried out enough! We cleaned up the dining room just in cases. Jack’s been helping me get ready, but we still have a lot to do. I know everyone is waiting for the drawing . . . So I thought I’d say hello and give us one last day to make sure everyone is signed up for our Luv-lee beautiful cup Giveaway.
Be sure to sign up your sister, your daughter and your mom! And you! Do it today ~ just leave a comment below and you’ll be entered ~ because Vanna (our very interesting “random number generator”) is on her way back to the Island so we’ll try to do the drawing tomorrow depending on what kind of shape she’s in. 😜 You know how she is. (If none of this makes sense to you, read down the next post ~ for drawing explanation.) Until then, off I go . . . Let’s see, where’s that recipe . . . Oh yeah . . .
I’ll take lots of pictures today, between setting the table, cutting chives in the garden for the tender little egg salad sandwiches and dipping the perfectly ripe strawberries into melted chocolate. Ahhh, tea parties. How I love thee. Have a wonderful day everyone . . . It’s true, to know you is to love you!
P.S. Just saw this photo, wasn’t Jack the sweetest little kitten? He’s under the bed in the Peter Rabbit room in this photo, on his first day home. All ears and mustache! Intelligence shines out around the eyes, don’t you think? 😘
Happy June 1st to you too! Hope you have a blue skies tea party with a lovely Vineyard sunset! (and I hope Vanna pulls my name out of the basket!) 🙂
I love,love,love your blog! On a gray day, or a sad day, or really… just any day.
I received my Little Things mug just a couple of weeks ago. Deeelightful!
My very best friend & I recently visited a few tea rooms…We had the best time picking out our tea cups & just enjoying the day in a whole new way!
Lovely here too in Stoughton Susan… finally! I was out putting plants in all morning. Still have vegetables to do over the weekend. But happy days ahead, its June! Happy a wonderful tea party!
Aah Dearest Susan!!
How lovely to throw a tea/twine moving away party for your sweet friend!! She will treasure it I am sure!! Hope you will be able to party outside this afternoon! Enjoy the fun and delight of if all!! Thank you for sharing that darling picture of wee lil’ Jack! So adorable!! Well, he still is of course! 🙂 With love and hugs! Tricia B.
Hi Susan
Little Jack- awww- the cutest. Have a fabulous tea party, such a wonderful gift to your friend.
Love, love your blog! ❤️
I just love your new mugs. They are unique and exquisite!
Happy Tea with Chocolate 🍫 covered Strawberries 🍓! ☕️
Happy June!!😎☀️🦋🌹
I would love it if you did a book about Tea and combine it with all the great tea recipes and ideas you saw during your travels in England and Martha’s Vineyard!! I am sure it would be grand!! Plus, your exquisite fine bone china cups are so light weight and much more exquisite than I could have imagined!! I would love one more!! ❤️Forever in admiration!! Karen B. California girlfriend of many years!!
Hi Sue! Wishing I could talk with you all about coast-to-coast train travel. My mom is 86, in wonderful health, but I am expected to get her to a wedding in Boston, MA in mid-November. My idea is to go by train so that she isn’t exhausted by the time we arrive…. so I’m doing some planning via Amtrak.com… LA —> Boston. You do make it sound like a blast, my dear!! Have a fun TWINE party!!
Tea and Twine parties are the best! And “Teahouse of the Vineyard Moon” – so romantic, I love, love, LOVE it! Wish I could have met Mr. and Mrs. Bowditch! I’ve put everything in exclamation points, it’s such a lovely post! I’ll do an anti-rain dance for you – enjoy your tea party!
My grandma & me used to enjoy a cup of tea after the supper dishes were done. She was given a lovely set of bone china cups & saucers by my dad and in later years she gifted them to me! They are still in perfect condition, too. 🙂
Hi Kim, Same here. We lived right next door to my grandma until I was 7. I remember doing the dishes with her. Isn’t that a wonderful memory?
We’re lucky to have that.
Debbie in Maine
I would love a cup! Sooo cute!
Awe tea parties, nothing is better! One of life’s simple pleasures
The best part of it all is Master Jack’s baby picture. He’s the bomb! And pitter pat goes my heart. ^..^ A lovely tea party to you all today! Hope the weather obliges! :^)
I do so enjoy your blog posts. Especially liked the “Little Tea Pot” watercolor that you added today. Have fun at your tea party!
Enter me in the drawing, plz ☕️
Sweet kitty. Black and white ones are my favorite!
Love your blog, your pictures, your recipes, Jack and EVERYTHING!
I love tea parties! Looking forward to seeing your pictures. Also, looking forward to my visit to your island early next week. Checking the weather and looks like we’ll have rain. ☔️ No matter. I’ve been looking forward to this visit for a long time, and we’ll enjoy it in spite of the weather. Hope the sprinkles hold off for your party. ☀️
I hosted book club last night. My sister calls it my tea party! In fact, we also had twine. Next time, I’m doing the chocolate dipped strawberries and champagne, thanks for the idea.
I love tea parties and inviting special people! I love strawberry sandwiches cream cheese tarts with fig preserves. Nancy Brandli
What a lovely post! Tea parties and girlfriends go arm in arm and equal f-u-n! Delightful! It’s a good thing Jack was supervising you too just in case you were to miss something along the way. Can’t wait to hear about it and see tea party pictures. Happy June everyone!
Hi, Wish my area in Texas could have some of your rain! Have a wonderful day!
Emma C.
A perfect June day here. I took a break from gardening to see if there was a new blog from you. I really like my cup. Have pre ordered the new ones. Oh yes, my Callie wants to know when the new kitty bowls will be out. She really wants one. Have a great tea party
Please take lots of pictures. In the hustle bustle of life Susan Branch art always brings serenity. Thank you.
I bet your friends had a fabulous time at your tea party! Jack is such a gorgeous cat. And, yes, please to including me in your lovely giveaway!
I have one of your calendars for the first time and I love it! So fun to turn the page on a new month. I was invited to a tea party in England when I was there and I’ll never forget how fun it was. We had those little sandwiches on a tiered pedistal tray and Elder Blossom cordial. I tried to copy it for a tea party bridal shower for my granddaughter and it turned out jolly good! We all wore fancy hats, even the little girls who came. Love you, Susan!
Perfect day for a tea party! Finally stopped raining out here as well…looking forward to your next trip back to the Tattered Cover in Denver!
I just love tea parties!
Tea-a Time-a, as we say around my home, a la writer Terry Pratchett. The best time of the day, whatever hour!
It is always so wonderful to get new blog post! Love your art, your writing, you. Thank you for brighting my day.
I love having tea with friends. Today is my Mom’s birthday. She will love a tea party post on her special day!
Happy Birthday to your mom!
Happy June to the inspiration for making my house a home…
Have a wonderful tea party today. It’s sunny in CT! ~tara
😍 xoxo Tara!
Love tea parties and fellowships with my girlfriends from all “my chapters” of life!
Love your cute mugs, too, and would love to win one!
Love your mugs and would love to win one! I plan to purchase one, also!
Would love to have one of your new cups. Enjoy your tea party. A question: is Earl Grey tea flavored with the plant Bergamont or does the oil come from a special orange? On Jeopardy the other night they said the oil of an orange -I’ve never heard that before.
Me either!
Makes me happy and hungry reading your blog today:) Have fun.
My birthday month has arrived 🦋
Must be perfect timing on your posting and my reading said posting. Only two other comments.
Hope you did indeed have a dry evening for your tea and how lovely to send your friend, off with such a lovely memories.
Hoping that Vanna is not too tired.
You are inspiring me to have my friends over for a tea party!
Dear Susan; I hope your tea party is a success, which usually is with friends, fun and food. May was a rainy, cool month and we here near Lake Erie had those Lake winds to add to the chill. In northeastern Ohio, we jump from Spring into Summer so now that June is here, hopefully we will get to wear tank tops and shorts. Loved looking at Jack as he looks at the lovely dishes and I wonder if he’s thinking of the goodies that will be put on them. Love the cups and hopefully Vanna will pick my name. Happy teatime!
Love ,Love Love your posts makes me feel like I am visiting with a friend. Getting ready to have a Peter Rabbit / Beatrix Potter party to celebrate and welcome a new Grandson with Girlfriends and family. Lots of gardening ,cleaning ,cooking but looking forward to lots of fun. I will take time out to “see you”at Titcombs Books on Wednesday though.(I’m the ‘girlfriend”who’s son thought we were related when he was very little) See you soon
Such a cute story! See you soon Janice!
Just back from an Alaska cruise and can’t remember if I commented before I left…..hope so….I love those cups! Have a magical tea party……but why would anyone want to move off the Island?!!!
Dear Susan,
You are a woman after my own heart with your beautiful teapots, plates and silverware. I bought a computer just so I could read your charming blog without having to go to the library to enjoy them.
Just like your Jack, my 11-year-old tortoiseshell kitty, Frohliche which means joy in German, has to help with all our projects from repairing plumbing pipes to decorating the Christmas tree. She especially loves arranging flowers for tea parties.
Wishing you a happy June.
I LOVE that name, Frohilche! Sounds like frolic, which is definitely Joy!
Teahouse of the Vineyard Moon – could there BE a more romantic name! Enjoy every minute of the nice weather and your bestest girlfriends today! I’m off to make a cup of tea – thanks Susan! 🙂
So beautiful, my mother introduced us to tea parties.
Who doesn’t love a Tea Party?
It’s a magical fairy land at your house! You are always an inspiration!
Love, love, love Jimmy Durante singing anything, so thanks for choosing that for today’s musica. Have a wonderful time at your Tea Party!
I love the mugs!!! I hope I win!
A tea party — I can’t wait. Hope the weather stays nice for you.
Your new cups are absolutely beautiful. Are you using them at your tea party?
I love each of them.
My best to you and Joe.
Just love tea parties. Hope you have a lovely day.😍
I would love ♥️a tea mug! Thank you for your blog with it’s gentle reminders that there are still many simple joys in this chaotic world. Looking forward to your next book.
Have a wonderful summer!
From the Sierra Foothills,
C. Franklin
Enjoy your lovely tea party. And celebrate “Friendships”!
Tea parties are the very best!!! I love the saying I am glad that I was not born before tea!!!
I love your new mugs!
Susan, your twine plans sound diviiine! Would love to win a mug of yours!
Vanna, pick me!
Have a lovely time Susan….so much fun to imagine being there!
Sunny in Chicago too!
I hope you have a wonderful tea party. Jack is adorable. I too, have an eleven year old kitty, named Kelly, who loves to do everything with us, especially breakfast, lunch and dinner. I’m enjoying my new, cup and would love to have another one.
Tea parties are the best, even when it’s just me, myself, and I.
For the love of a tea party. When my children were little, we would have tea parties and I would teach them manners. I will turn 50 this year and hope to have a great tea party with my closest friends and mom.
My 3 granddaughters and I love to have tea parties. . . they fill theirs with chocolate milk but it’s still a tea party!!
luv luv luv that master Jack
A tea party sounds lovely on this first day of June!
Love your blogs! We are going to the Cotswolds in September all because of you! Have been rereading your book for places to go and things to see and do! Can’t wait!
You are going to love it!!!
I was thinking a similar thing this morning. Here in Denver it’s finally a day without rain. At least this morning it was. And our poppies bloomed! Have lots of fun
Susan
I just love your Jack! He is beautiful!
Love tea parties with good friends…Enjoy the beautiful day !
I bought my granddaughter, Olivia Michelle, a Melamine tea set from Emma Bridgewater – all polka dots and comes in a barn carrying case. Just perfect for tea. Olivia is 4, and loves tea parties – any excuse to dress up!
look at that precious little face!
everyone gets mad when my kitty sleeps on the table but he just wants to be close to me. He really loves to curl up on me when i’m typing on the computer..which is not easy.
can’t wait to see the tea party pictures!
I still have my tea party china from the 1940s. Plastic was all the rage but my mother wanted me to have china. They are blue and white and I luckily found a small doll cupboard at an antique store for them. I have since found a couple extra serving pieces – tureen the prize piece! They say “Made in Japan” on the bottom so it’s a wonder they sold after Pearl Harbor! I had tea parties with my dolls. Such great memories.
Wouldn’t tea be perfect in those beautiful cups? I LOVE A BIG MUG FOR TEA OR COFFEE OR COCOA!
Love your writing….and art work. Always bring such joy!
Love your antique teapots! Pink luster is one of my favorite things and the blue trim is darling! I also have Pink Castle. Your art work gives me so much pleasure. It’s always beautifully done with such whimsy.
Thank you for brightening my day.
Love tea parties!! My granddaughter made placecards and muffins for our very fun tea party. Even got the grandson in on it!! It has been awhile so we are due for another soon!!
I recently started using loose tea. I would love to enjoy it in one of your beautiful cups.
Oh Susan, your posts always make me smile!
I received my mugs a couple of weeks ago and now I refuse to have my tea in any other mug! I LOVE my Susan Branch mugs and so I have a wee tea party every single day with me, myself, and I. Oh….well, sometimes joined by my sweet white and orange kitty (named Tiger by the shelter he was rescued from and the name stuck).
Thank you for bringing some joy to my inbox today!
Susan – would love to have my name thrown into your contest – would adore a nice cuppa – us New Englanders do come from hearty stock but enough is enough – I am sitting in my office on June 1st in NH with the heater on!
Cheers, Donna
Love that Jack!!!
We welcome your friend to the south!! Very friendly here but not a lot of hot tea drinkers!! She will need to acquire a taste for iced tea!
You all will love having her down there . . .!
It’s not a tea party day here – but a “beans and brown bread supper” day. It’s my first try at brown bread – fingers crossed! Enjoy your tea party!
Wouldn’t tea be perfect in those beautiful cups? I LOVE A BIG MUG FOR TEA OR COFFEE OR COCOA!
Tea parties are so nice. It is an awesome way to say good-bye to a special friend.
Have a lovely tea party and enjoy the kiss of the sun on the glorious first day of June!
I grew up with Tea Parties! I have my Moms silver tea sets and even my little tea set my Mom bought me many years ago 😊 My 7 year old Granddaughter loves to have parties with her dolls 💗💝
Dear Susan, Here, this first day of June, in Vermont we are having unpredictable weather. Woke to sun, then clouds and wind, then rain, then sun again. We, too, are awaiting dry weather as May was wet, wet. Our furniture is still damp. However, here it is June and where did the time go? I love your little bunny resting under your tree. I sat outside yesterday and watched a chipmunk, 2 squirrels, and a hummingbird and listened to the glorious chorus of many song birds. A day to treasure for me. Thank you for giving me an appetite for egg salad sandwiches and chocolate strawberries. And oh, that darling photo of Jack. Thank you for that.
I just stumbled upon your blog, dear Susan. Love it and can’t wait to explore all its delicious surprises. Am now following you on Instagram, too. Thank you for sharing your world with us!
Nice to meet you Mimi!
Your neck of the woods is so calm and peaceful. Have a lovely tea party!
Have a luv-lee time with your friends at your tea party and shoot a band for Jack from Elizabeth in Kansas.
XO
It’s always such a pleasure to read your blog! As a matter of fact, I just opened your Summer book today 🙂 Thanks for the years of inspiration!
Have a wonderful tea party. I truly hope the weather holds so you can have it outside…such a lovely place. Have fun…and I so look forward to the pictures.
Love the picture of Jack.
Wonderful tea party memories with our granddaughter, now 20….teddy grahams and apple juice. Love Jack’s kitten picture!!!😍😻
I sympathize with you about the rain, Susan! It has rained on us almost all May as well here in Eastern Tennessee. Today, however, it’s been sunny as you have been up there (although just now I looked out and saw some ominous gray clouds to the west) AUGH. I thought of you as I turned over the page on my (your) 🙂 calendar today to June. I love reading every little quote and seeing every little drawing you have. Have a happy (and sunnier!) June, and take care.
Dear Susan:
Oh, how I love teatime! When my 4 grandsons were preschoolers, I would have them come for tea. I found them each small teapots and used espresso cups for their little hands to hold. They loved serving themselves and enjoying cookies that they could dunk. We taught them manners at the table, conversational topics and enjoyed their hilarious stories. A sweet memory now that they are grown and gone but times they and I remember fondly. Please add my daughters to the drawing. Reagan’ and Betsy.
Thank you Susan for all your wonderful post! I love all the photos especially. Have fun at your tea party today.
Kathy
I know what you mean, Susan. I’m in Illinois and we rarely had a day without rain all May long. Happy Summer to you!
Anything to do with tea…one of my favorite things:)
Oh Jack–what a cutie he has always been!
My little cat, Frankie (pink nose, no mustache) is at the Vet’s today, for some work on his teeth. He refuses to let me brush them, and hates any kind of “dental care” treats.
He would much rather be having a Tea Party today!
How I ❤ tea parties. Wish I could have or go to one every week.
Oh! The delicious little yummy things you get to eat, not to mention the delicious teas in their beautiful cups. A wonderful time for old and new friends to enjoy each other’s company.
Lynn