Welcome! How about some nice cool MUSICA? Oui! I imagine lots of you are just coming over from your 
It just started going out today (Wednesday), and it now takes about five days for it all to go … if you don’t 
already get it, sign up now and maybe you’ll be in time to find a letter in your box. It’s a fun one! It has announcements! I thought today, in celebration of the coming change of season ~ I’d make us Zucchini Bread for tea! But before I do that, a reminder about the new Fall Giveaway I mentioned in Willard! When you get to the bottom of this post, look for the tiny word “comments” ~ click there, leave a few words so you’ll automatically be entered in our drawing . . . for this . . .
Not one, not two, but three books ~ all of them signed to the winner (or if you’ll be giving them as a gift, to whomever you like!), Autumn, Heart of the Home, and Gratitude ~ in addition, for complete celebration, I’m including one of our new Autumn cups along with a bag of Gingerbread Cake Black Tea.👏 Just leave a comment, and keep your fingers crossed! It could be YOU! It really could! Much better odds than the lottery. And we ship, so no matter where you are, if you win, you win!
Speaking of fall … this is one of my favorite things, a harbinger of the changing season, the way the light dances on my kitchen walls as the wind blows through the leaves outside ~ it’s mesmerizing!
It actually shimmers all over the house . . . there is something very cozy about it . . .
I’ve been taking pictures of it for a long time. This was the porch of my first Island house, 
called Holly Oak, during my first fall on the Island (my first “real” fall, period). For those of you who don’t know ….I had moved to the Island from California and had only lived there for a few months, but I could feel the season changing, and I knew then I was falling in mad love with this place. It’s been the same every year since, watching the light and the way the colors change is magical. 🍂
Joe and I walk down this dirt road each morning, through the dappled woods, trees and thickets are still green, but we’re starting to see tiny pops of color (you can see some at top, over the road).
I even take pictures of other people’s shadows!
The solar eclipse was only partial up here in New England, but it made the shadows even more fun … you could see the moon in them. Making me realize for the first time, that when you see a splotch of sunlight through the trees, you are seeing the entire sun in that one bit of light. Because here, the moon is blocking part of it … and so you get these little scalloped moons dappled under all the trees. Isn’t that wild?
So much moon and sun, they almost made tulips!
This little one … the moon in the sun … quite an amazing bit of sweetness.
They even made it into the house… sparkled down the kitchen counters and across the floor. I wonder how many times this has happened in this house, and what the other people we’ve shared these old rooms with must have thought about it.
There’s Joe, my hero, outside washing the specks of spaghetti sauce and bacon grease off the windows and filling the bird feeders for me . . .
We visit through the windows while I set the oven temperature for 325° and find my recipe for Zucchini Bread. Ah yes . . .
I’ll show you how to make this delicious seasonal yumminess . . . and don’t worry, I’ll put the recipe at the bottom so you can print it out. First we need a couple of bowls and a loaf pan.
This recipe is as fast and easy as any packaged mix ~ I make it at least once a year. You get two big loaves from it, one for you and one to give away or freeze. In one of the bowls, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and baking powder. Set aside.
In the other bowl, whisk eggs, then add sugar and vegetable oil and whisk well.
whisking well.
The you grate zucchini . . .
and stir it into the egg mixture . . .
The birds keep me company while I work, always a good thing!
Stir well.
Add the dry ingredients,
along with the chopped walnuts,
and the vanilla . . .
And voila! Mix well and pour into buttered loaf pans. Bake 60 minutes until a knife in the center comes out clean.
While the cake was baking, I took Jack and we went into the wood room to put up our feet and watch a good old movie.
See? His feet are up.
Our movie starts out all nice and sweet … with Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine ~ Perfect! In this movie, she’s wealthy and shy and he’s a charming playboy without a penny to his name, but she doesn’t know that yet. She’s falling, hook, line, and sinker.
Boy meets Girl, it must be love . . . and I’m settled in, happy as a clam ….
“Have you ever been kissed in a car?” he asks her, and she says, “no” and he says, “would you like to be?” . . . and then they go on an amazing honeymoon and waltz all over Europe to this MUSICA … so delightful ~ they come home to their new house that I would like to own and he immediately puts on “their song” and they dance around their new living room from happiness!
And she is now Mrs. John Aysgarth … sooo happy. But, I forgot to mention, this is an Alfred Hitchcock movie, so it comes with a twist. ⚡️
. . . Which I’ll show you in a moment (not giving anything away, even though I’m pretty sure you’ve seen this movie ~ it came out in 1941, but just in cases) ~ this film has everything I love . . . it’s set in Sussex, England, so there’s already plenty of unspoken history and gravitas, there are darling cottages, and cute cars ~ they have tea, there are quirky characters, and a wonderful scene on a train…
. . . plus it’s mostly British actors, Dames and Sirs, and there are things like riding to the hounds . . . (… just about now, that cake in the oven was starting to smell so good, all cinnamon and sugar!)
. . . and little village churches. Alfred Hitchcock was English so he knew about these things.
The hair, the clothes, the architecture, are all perfection. Everything I love. Love the little bow ~ a bit of 1941 Diane Keaton.
Wonderful romantic curtains, and look, leafy shadows on her windows!
The buzzer just went off, my zucchini bread is done! YUM! Out it comes to cool . . . back I go to the movie . . .
SO, yes, Alfred Hitchcock, which means that besides the charm in every scene and especially the charm of the wonderful actors, there was another character in this “romantic psychological thriller” that got no billing at all . . . Bwaaaaaah! It’s the shadows! Look at them! They aren’t mentioned in the credits, but they are a definite presence in this movie and tell you everything you need to know. I don’t think the shadows in my house are sinister at all, but here, they definitely are! First thing I would do if I was her is get a dog. She actually has a dog but I would get another one with bigger teeth.
Because this movie is called Suspicion, and you don’t have to say it twice, it’s in every scene. Look at those shadows . . . I feel suspicious right now.
For example, what fresh hell is HE up to, lurking around the bar . . . we don’t know, but we know it’s something!
Oh, Alfred, you are so good! Slashed with a shadow! They don’t make ’em like they used to!
Even here, she goes into this office (in the adorable little English town that’s actually probably some place in Hollywood) and look what he’s done with the light ~ I have no doubt that he controlled every corner of this movie.
Cake’s cool, time for tea! No problem, I can watch TV while I make tea! My biggest problem? Which cup shall I use? I take turns.
My shadow’s right with me … lotta shadows in this blog! But this one is the best. Back to our chair we go . . .
Uh-oh — Cary and Joanie play Scrabble with Beaky (Nigel Bruce, naive friend), and we get another rather huge clue . . .
And as time goes by, it becomes more obvious that this lighthearted movie isn’t as lighthearted as we thought (or is it?). Here comes Cary with the poison milk! We know it’s poison milk because it’s all lit up! And we are very suspicious, because of the sinister shadows from the moonlight through the conservatory roof. We can see that milk coming up the stairs a mile away! Bang with the shadows! 💥
OMG, he’s in the bedroom, don’t drink it Joanie!!! (Love the satin pillow on the left. And whatever is behind it. Love everything in this house.) I better stop. I’m going to give the whole thing away. You are just going to have to watch it yourself! Make a loaf of Zucchini Bread first, it’s moist and nutty, and all chewy on the edges ~ it adds a lot to the ambience.
XOXO
Joe’s feeders are emptying fast but the windows look so much better! The birds outside our kitchen windows are constant entertainment ~ they bring their babies, fight for footholds, and sing their hearts out. We keep a bird book nearby, to identify possible strangers.
In my next blog post, besides announcing the winner of the drawing, I’m going to write: “How to Travel: the Tricks of the Trade.” We are getting to be experts. Only thing we haven’t figured out yet, how to take only one suitcase! Getting us ready for our virtual and real trip to the other side of the pond. So excited … love all these months in front of us for planning and “looking forward!”
One more shadow . . . we were downtown over the weekend, walking home after dinner, and looked up to see one of my favorite sights, a kitty in the window!
Today I get to plan the menu for the winners of the Possible Dreams Auction that was held 
here on the Island a couple of weeks ago ~ they’re coming on Friday! You might remember, I mentioned the auction in one of my recent posts, and just in case anyone is interested, here’s the update: I’ll be making lunch and spending the afternoon with the highest bidder and three of her friends (I heard it went for $4,000, which all goes to our local Community Services so it was a wonderful thing for someone to do 💗). What shall I make, what SHALL I make . . . going to get out the books. I’m thinking we should eat outside under the arbor … I want this to be GOOD.
We went to the nursery yesterday, where everything is on sale, it’s end of season! We wanted to freshen the garden, get some fall color . . . and look how pretty, that’s our cart!
It’s a good time of year to get plants. They’re less expensive, you can see how big they are and know for sure what color the flowers will be. And then next year? Oooh, la wee!
Love you Girls, I’m still singing Dancing Queen from the Willard, 🎶 You can dance, you can jive, havin’ the time of your life … 🎵 See that girl, watch that scene, digging’ the Dancing’ Queen . . .🎶 … Have a wonderful day! Don’t forget to leave a comment to win our Giveaway! XOXO
Z U C C H I N I B R E A D
Preheat oven to 325° Makes two 8″ x 4″ loaves
- 2 c. flour (unsifted, lighten by stirring with fork, then measure)
2 tsp. baking soda- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 c. sugar
- 1 c. vegetable oil
- 2 c. grated, raw, unpeeled zucchini
- 1 c. chopped walnuts
- 2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking sodaPreheat oven to 325°. In a lg. bowl, whisk together first five ingredients and set aside. In another lg. bowl, beat eggs, add sugar and oil and beat well. Stir in zucchini; then add the dry ingredients along with the walnuts and the vanilla and mix well. Pour into two buttered loaf pans. Bake one hour until knife in center comes out clean. Cool completely before turning onto serving dish. 💖
Love all your shadows…amazing how pretty they can be plus love seeing your birdies on the feeder, bless their little hearts.
Thanks for another more than wonderful post!
I live in The Netherlands and I’d love to have a chance in the draw.
Sending love and blessings across the ocean,
Jeanneke.
You’re in Jeanneke, so nice to meet you!
Hi Susan, Love the shadows. I too really love the light in fall. Thanks for your beautiful blog!
I’m glad you enjoyed it Arlene!
I’m noticing the light change too, love it, but also seems the summer flew by too quickly this year. And, I did not get to visit my beloved MV. Hoping next summer to return with family for sure.
Thanks for the great recipe! and for also allowing me to virtually visit my favorite place on earth through you blog posts.
What a generous give-away! If I win, I shall share these treasures with my vineyard and susan branch loving friend Joan, who does not get to visit the island as often as she used to and is missing it dearly.
Well, give her my love, Karen. Thank you! xoxo
Just love this time of year. Looking forward to sweet September. I will be in Scotland and England for two weeks!
Lucky you!🍂 So beautiful in the fall!
Dear Susan, woke up early today so while still cozy in my warm bed, grabbed my I Pad Mini from the bedside table to see what you have posted-Viola! Dappled sunlight crescents, right after our bike ride with eclipse on Monday-so great to see your photos from the Isle of Dreams after the magic we savored near Boulder, Colorado (we enjoyed 93% of the full eclipse!). Zucchini Bread! Yes! My heart is happy, my soul inspired. 🙏🏻 Py
Have a wonderful day, Pat!
I must say – your blog is a breath of fresh air and beauty! Thank you – may God bless you!
That is so nice, Kelly, thank you very much. I’m just glad you enjoyed it.
I love when you have a new post. Thank you for sharing the pictures of the eclipse and of course, Jack, and Joe peeking through the window at you. I think it is time for me to make some zucchini bread!
My pleasure Mindy!
Thanks for the recipe. I love the zucchini bread.
Love your blog and happy gene!
Oh Susan, another fabulous post. I thought you were so clever tying in all those shadows. The light dancing around for you and the way you described it and shared with those photos. Then, to top it off, Hitchcock shadows! Brilliant of you and what a master he was. We just watched the story of Princess Grace with Nicole Kidman. Catch it if you can. Hitch showed up there as a good friend to her.
We live on the bay on eastern Long Island and this time of year the light changes on the water. It sparkles. The sunrises are so colorful too.
Thank you for spreading your knowledge, cheer, good will and heartwarming thoughts.
I’ll look for the Princess Grace story! Thank you Ruthie!
Wouldn’t it be FUN to have a Crescent-shaped sieve to sprinkle powdered sugar on top of Zucchini Bread!!! And what kind of flowers did you buy….they are beautiful! I’m Happy and I KNOW IT!!! 👏Thanks for your Light, Susan!
xoxo
We bought herbs and lettuce starts because they go good until the first snow, also a big gorgeous hydrangea, a butterfly bush ~ what else? A large white dahlia, and some tall orange and purple things I forget the names of! Me too, happy!
Thanks Susan for all that you share with your BFF’s. Every time a new post comes in, it’s like opening up a sweet little present. I can’t get enough of them! 💝 This one was no exception….just enchanting.
Beautiful post. I am going to see what the dapple shadows are like at my home today. We are in west Texas and it is hot….well today will be around 90. I have been loving the last golden days of August. I love the way the air/atmosphere looks these days.Golden glow, you know. I loved seeing your mixing bowls. I have the exact ones. So I must make that zucchini bread. I feel a Hitchcock movie coming soon. well off to get the day started. Thank you.
Shadows and sunlight are my favourite things to take photos of, besides flowers! Love your crescent shaped eclipse shadows.
Thank you for the delicious sounding and looking Zucchini Bread. We call those vegetables ‘courgettes’ where I live!
How wonderful for you to have a room with a view and hear the birdsong and see the feathered friends from your window. I live in town and only see another building, but I do put flowers on my balcony, as many as I can possibly fit in…
Thank you Sandra! Do you ever get hummingbirds?
Your blog posts are so comforting and inspiring! You remind me to take time out each day to enjoy the simple pleasures in life and really use all of my senses to enjoy my surroundings! Your photos that capture the light are amazing! Now all I want to do is bake some zucchini bread and curl up to watch that Hitchcock movie! I have your Blue Bird mug and would love to have the Autumn one to go with it! And the gingerbread cake tea?~~~yum!! Even though I don’t want summer to end, Fall is my favorite season. Enjoy these last days of summer!
You too Debbie! It’s been a wonderful summer. xoxo
Love your blog, all the shadows (which will make me take note here), pics from Suspicion (I’m sure I’ve seen it but now want to view again) and zucchini bread (which I did make this summer & am still enjoying). One of the things I love about you is your appreciation for the little things in life. You always cause me to pause and enjoy. Thank You Susan.
Thank you back Kathleen!
Loved reading this post. You are so right about shadows. They are so much fun to watch. I’ll have to check all of them out the next time I watch the movie Suspicion. I chuckled when I saw Joe peeking in the window. How wonderful that you met your soulmate and he is handy too!! So looking forward to Autumn but thanks to you I have learned to love all the seasons. Thanks for being such a good teacher. You’re such an inspiration. Hugs and kisses to Petey and Jack.
The light is changing up here in Maine as well! Really enjoyed this post.
Hi, Susan,
Read the Post! Leaving a comment! I will rent “Suspicion”! I have never seen it. I too, like interiors of the old black and white movies. I am wishing that I had some warm zucchini bread right now for breakfast. Thank you for your observant eye. I enjoyed seeing all of shadows and thought it was interesting that you were looking for them even when you were in Holly Oak Cottage. Thank you for all of your goodness to us. Love, EJC.
They actually came looking for me is what I think! xoxo
Many crescent shadows during the 2017 Total Eclipse here in Charleston, South Carolina! What an amazing, humbling experience. Your posts always leave a smile on my face and a song in my heart–not to mention the inspiration! Thank you!
Thank you back Marie!
Hello Susan💕!
I have to ask – is Joe OUTSIDE cleaning spaghetti sauce and bacon grease off the window? Inquiring minds (meaning snoopy Girlfriends, OK, meaning this snoopy girlfriend😉) want to know! You guys must throw awesome dinner parties – you add new meaning to dining al-fresco!!!
Thanks for the wonderful post!
The windows open out, so he is actually cleaning the inside … easier than removing the screens to do it right now, especially because I was just about to make Zucchini Bread! LOL, I just pictured us throwing spaghetti sauce around outside!
Hello Sweet Susan!
Every movie with Cary Grant has the shadow of hearts, because that’s what happens to my pupils when I see him! What a gorgeous post. It’s such a treat to see your charming home and enchanting island transitioning from late summer to early Fall. Thank you for sharing your magic!
❌⭕️❌⭕️,
Tawni Urrutia in Lodi, Ca
Those shadows are so interesting. The eclipse was so much fun – there was a much needed festive feeling all around. I’m so happy Fall is on the way. The other day I noticed how much earlier it’s getting dark in the evening (it sneaks up on me each year). Thank you for the giveaway – I’m keeping my fingers crossed!!
Thank you for the recipe . I love the changing of the seasons! Thank you for the chance
To win an awesome drawing. Enjoy the late summer days.
Darlene
Thank you for this beautiful glimpse into your world. I always find such joy in reading your posts. It never fails to bring a little sunshine into my day. Thank you!
Oh please, please, please make your travel tips soon! We leave for 2 weeks in Italy in 12 days to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary and have never been out of the country! All suggestions so appreciated! Soooo excited! Hugs
I’m sure I’ll get it together before you leave Angela, I’ll try! Mostly, have a wonderful time!
Thank you!
LOVE all the crescent moonshadow pics you shared; got to enjoy the eclipse just a bit longer. Thank you!
What a wonderful surprise waking up to another beautiful post! Thank you Susan!
Love your latest blog….well, love all the blogs and wouldn’t be able to pick a favorite. Thank you. Now I’ll head to the farm stand for zucchini so I can make bread tomorrow. For those friends who perhaps haven’t tried your zucchini bread recipe…..it’s delicious!
Your blogs are THE BEST!!!…Thank you for sharing what your eyes see!…not everyone sees like you do!…it is a good reminder to pause and really LOOK!…
I love the old movies and am a huge fan of checking out the details of each house…always on the lookout for a great grandfather clock. Love your loaf pans…Polish pottery? Anyway, happy FALL!…
Question: What is the wood room?
It’s a room all made with dark wood, smallest room in the house, some people would call it a “snug” but we aren’t creative enough for that, it’s the wood room, of course!
We have such a room…we call it the “cocoon”!…
I can almost smell your zucchini bread! Another recipe I have to try out…
I have to say I’m amazed by your pictures of the eclipse shadows! Wow, wow, wow! Had I known it could do that, I would have looked for it around my house! The best I could do was watch the partial eclipse in a shoe box… same light and shade, but certainly not as pretty as yours (plus, further north, the sun crescent wasn’t as deep). Thank you for sharing these! In 2024, I’ll remember to watch for sun and moon spots before the eclipse gets total (we get to be the lucky ones then!).
Whishing you all the best for your afternoon with the winners of the auction! It will be delightful, I’m sure! And also thank you for the drawing of the books and mug and cake mix!
What a beautiful way to start the day, Thanks so much Susan. Your words and lovely photos and illustrations bring so much comfort and hope. I so loved seeing these shadows, and movie scenes. I always avoided that movie (too scary) but I have to see the 1941 English village settings. Loved kitty in window and your sweet Jack. I can’t stop looking at that wonderful hollyhock over the sink. I need them everywhere, and hydrangeas. My neighbor brought me zucchini so thanks for recipe. I can’t wait to travel with you and Joe again to England.
Fall is my favorite time of year!
I’m under the weather with a cold, but your blog is such a great dose of cheer medicine. Such lovely shadows and sparkles, especially the sun crescents from the eclipse, brought right here to me. I can see them dance — encouraging me to dance along with them. But for now, I think the smarter course is to cozy up with Suspicion. Happy summer trails, Susan.
Morning Susan. So happy to wake up and find a new post and a Willard! Thank you for your generous give aways. Always fun to sign up. I am sitting here with my birds at the feeder, Standford the Cardinal and Tommy Titmouse, also a little chipmunk named Monkey. I think they are feeling fall come in too. Loved seeing your busy feeders. Have a wonderful week.
Love the shadows, love the movie, love the zucchini bread, and really love the giveaway. And Jack is adorable, of course!
What a wonderful way to start the day – a new blog post from you. Thank you for your shadow images, from both around your house and the film. I’ve also noticed the change in the sunlight as the summer ends and the singing of the insects. Enjoy your planning for next year’s big adventure. Sometimes I think the planning and anticipation is almost as good as the actual trip.
Me too! Dragging it out this time!
Love your blog, Susan!
Hello Lovely lady,
It so nice to see Fall coming to you and Autumn’s on it way here in the UK in the little village of Bramhall, every now and again I see a leaf fall from a tree and the excitement builds in my tummy. You have made me smile here in the office today Love, Love reading your lovely updates. I cant wait for Halloween and all the baking I do to give away to visitors, we have about 70 of them every year!! (so much fun).
Keep cosy and enjoy your films, books and food. I look forward to baking this weekend and I’m keen to try one of your receipts might be cookies !! I love Gingerbread, hot chocolate and Autumn jumpers and most of all Yankee candles . Signing off I could go on for ever. see you next May 2018. (she says as she cant contain her excitement, promise to remain calm and classy when I see you) 🙂
I had to read “Autumn jumpers” a couple of time before I remembered and went, “Ahhhh.” At first I was thinking, Autumn jumper, is that a kind of cricket? 😆 See you soon Andi!
Thank you for bringing sunshine into my heart this morning. The mugs you’ve designed are out of this world. Beautiful!!
I’m so glad you like them Joy!
Je rêve souvent en lisant vos posts à ces beaux paysages et belles choses que vous réalisez. Même en france on rêve avec et de Susan Branch.
Merci de toute cette douceur et poésie.
Thank goodness for Google Translate . . . Fabienne says:
I often dream by reading your posts of these beautiful landscapes and beautiful things you realize. Even in France one dreams with and Susan Branch. Thank you for all this sweetness and poetry.
Thank you so much Fabienne!😘 Say hello to your lovely country for me! xoxo
Merci Fabienne! Dites bonjour à votre pays charmant pour moi! bisous bisous
Thanks for the recipe. I love Autumn! The changing shadows is one of my favorite things to watch too. I had to dig out my Suspicion dvd. Now it will be at the top of my list to watch. Can’t wait for the post on “how to travel”.
Will be a fun one!
Oh Susan, I’m way to chicken to watch an Alfred Hitchcock movie but I made it through your synopsis without covering my eyes! Love all of your shadows and flowers too and plan to make that zucchini bread asap. I think I could smell yours baking all the way from your 🏠 to my 🏠. Yum! Can’t wait for my Willard! Thank you! And my fingers are crossed for the wonderful autumn give-away. Yay! You’re the best! ❤️
Most of his oldest movies, the scariest thing is the spelling of Murder in the Scrabble pieces! He got a little crazier later on … but his early stuff like Suspicion, Rear Window, Notorious, or North by Northwest, they are absolutely painless.
Goodness, now I want to watch that movie just to see the ending. The problem is, I don’t have TV. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to sew something. Our leaves are changing also, have been since July. That’s really early for us. Dolly and I would love a chance to win some of your wonderful books. How kind of you to share.
I think you can see that movie on your computer, if you are so inclined … have it playing while you sew if you like.
I loved seeing the pics of the eclipse shadow! We watched the partial eclipse in central PA from our campsite at the Centre County Grange Fair — which you would love! It’s one of the last tenting fairs in the country. It’s a city of thousands in army-style tents (and RV’s) for a whole week, on sites that have been passed down for generations. Around here the Fair is what signals the official end of summer and the slide into fall. Thanks for the great post!
Our Fair does the same thing . . . it’s the signal of the end, and it was last week!
Thank you for the fun post! I’ve never made zucchini bread before and will try this recipe this week. Love your new mugs !!!
The artist in you is so observant Susan. You remind me to see more where I am looking. I remembered the crescent shaped sun light shining through the leaves from the last total eclipse in 1979. ‘The moon in the sun’ describes it perfectly.
I too am looking forward to the next transatlantic crossing by ocean liner – not booked yet though!
Plotting and planning . . . so much fun.
Fall is my second favorite season because nothing could surpass spring. The zucchini bread looks yummy. I have added the needed ingredients to my shopping list. Thank you.
You’re welcome Brenda, I hope you enjoy it!
Hi Susan! How nice that you have the shimmers and the glows! The light IS changing and it’s wonderful in your neck of the woods!
I have so many zucchini! Thank you for the recipe!
Whatcha doing for Labor Day? It’s coming right up!
love love love
We have lots of company coming! So I’m sure we’ll come up with something! Maybe clamming. We tried to go last week, but a huge storm came and they shut down the ponds until everything calmed down. I have a really GOOD zucchini salad in my Summer Book … it’s on p. 66, perfect for barbecue or whatever.
Thanks for telling me! I’m going to reach for the summer book right now! Yay! Really, I have a bucket of zucchini sitting on the kitchen floor. I’ll deal with them tomorrow! Clams! YUMMY!
oh how I’m loving this post. The change of light, the dawn of a new fresh season. I’m SO ready to embrace it. thank you as always, for your beautiful pictures, words and inspiration. Your posts always make my day. Blessings.
Ev from So. Cali.
Lovely photographs…
Hi Susan – I love the shadows of the eclipse! I’ve never seen anything like that before. Thanks for posting. Love Suspicion also!
I can’t wait for fall to arrive — sometime in November for those on the Gulf Coast. Meanwhile, hot and humid and hurricane season. My Bluebird mug is on my blog later today. Love these mugs — just the right size for everything — tea, soup. Your books are a joy. They wrap me in a hug. Gingerbread cake tea — Oh,my! I’m looking forward to the eclipse in 2024 — over Texas!
Hugs to you! xoxo
It feels like Fall this morning here in Wisconsin. My windows are open and it’s a little chilly. I love it, it’s a sneak preview! Thank you for sharing the movie. That one is going on my list of ones to see. I love old movies, the ones with Katharine Hepburn and ones with Doris Day are my favorites. Happy planting, Susan! 🙂
So many good old ones with Katharine and Doris!
Hi Susan 🙋🏻 Love your happy lovely post — as always! And thank you for the giveaway 🤞🏼
I have requested the movie from our library, have to find out the ending!
Good! I was hoping that would happen!
light and shadows;-it’s all good!
Hi Susan ~
I too have the same fascination of how beautiful the dawn light fills our home
with delicate patterns of lace and leaves. I have always loved the moonlight that
shimmers on my bed from my windows that face south. Thanks for sharing those
lovely shots of the solar eclipse kissing the ground at your feet. Indeed, they
DID look like white tulips dancing! Love your blog, have all of your books, and
I always feel uplifted by your words of cheer, appreciation and joy. Awaiting
your Willard, kind regards from, Sarah
Thank you Sarah! Kindred spirits!
Oh Susan! You and I had the same idea, to go visit the nurseries and see what is on sale … and I was able to get some goodies this past weekend!
Not only was everything marked down, but there was no one else there but me and my dear hubby; it was bliss!
For us too. All alone, and the people behind the counter seemed relaxed and happy that summer is winding down.
Hi Susan, you have such awesome photos. I tried to see the little crescents in the shadows but no luck. Your recipe for the zucchini bread looks yummy. I will have to try it. Fiona and I went peach picking on Sunday…we got quite a haul. Any good ideas? We are going to try making jam for starters. Going to visit Aine mid September in King’s Lynn..have you been to that part of England? If so, any suggestions would be appreciated. I still hope to see you over there next spring. A girl can dream, can’t she? 😊 – Hugs Xo
We haven’t traveled to that neck of the woods yet! I can’t help you with that . . . I would grill peach halves and have them with ice cream, and jam is a wonderful idea. I’ve made salsa ~ delicious for shrimp or fish tacos, or swordfish, with diced peaches (peeled), minced red onion, red bell pepper, mint, basil, cilantro and lime juice. Yum!
Love, love, love the shadows!! Who knew? YOU did! Never too old (81) to learn something new! Love you lady!
Love you back Marge!
Loved the post! The shadows, the zucchini recipe (thank you), the old movie (must watch again!). Put me in the drawing, I’d love to be a winner. I’ll keep the cup and share the books (I already have) with other girfriends! As for fall, it will have to wait a bit here on the coast…our “summer” usually visits in September & October.
Happy fall to you & Joe on the Island💚
I used to like to take a little drive out Orcutt in SLO to get my taste of fall . . . the grapevines turned color and made it almost look like real fall! Thank you Jeannette!
Thats6 a good point! All the Vineyards between Lompoc, Buellto, Santa Ynez, Los Olivia, Santa Maria (we’re surrounded by grapes!) will be very fallish looking soon after harvest in September! It is quite beautiful. My Liquid Amber tree is also quite red in the fall😊
Heading to Cambria for a week in Sept. Going to try the restaurant in Morro Bay you mentioned awhile back.😻
Thank you for a wonderful start to my day!
Thanks, Susan! Would love to win the drawing – today’s my birthday! So enjoy reading your posts. It was like a little birthday present for me!
The little moon shaped shadows are amazing. Can’t wait to show my daughter tonight. She got to watch the solar eclipse at school with the special goggles and was enthralled and amazed by it! I didn’t notice our shadows having a moon shape but the change of light was gorgeous here in Texas. Take Care!
Happy Birthday Katie!!!🎈 Thank you!
Thank you for another beautiful post…because of you I am noticing and enjoying our own leaf shadows dancing across our floor this morning and am feeling happy and grateful.
Some of the sweetest things in life really are free!
Thank you for the Zucchini Bread recipe. And I too have been noticing the change in the sunlight lately. It takes on a golden hue and gives everything a glow. It will take a while for fall to arrive in Arkansas, but I am so looking forward to it. Autumn is my favorite time of year, especially when we have warm days and cool nights.
There’s nothing better than “sleeping weather!”
I love seeing Jack in your kitchen. Makes me feel less guilty that I can’t keep my kitties off the counters! Your posts make me smile and nostalgic and happy. Thank you!
Ha! I don’t even try!
I can’t wait for sweater weather. We (my husband and I…not the royal we!) were up in the Colorado mountains last week and you can definitely tell fall is on the way. Not only do the trees and plants tell you but the angle of the sun….just like at your home!
Love your blog!
Thank you Sandy!
It’s always a nice day when you’ve posted! I’m a teacher with fall on the brain, so I’d especially love to win this drawing. Have a wonderful day!
Many, many thanks for brightening the start of my day with your wonderful blog. Light and shadows are some of the little bits that add excitement to our lives. Looking forward to getting Willard too.
Loved your blog post. I love fall in New England. There is something so special about it, I miss it so much.
I have the fall book, and that reminds me to put the summer book to bed and get it out.
I loved all the screen shots from the movie. Pointing out the shadows was very fun! I have seen the movie, but never really thought about how sinister the shadows were. You are right, they are a character all by themselves. Alfred Hitchcock was a genius.
I hope I can win this time because that would be fun. But, alas, whoever wins I will be happy for. The Susan Branch friend’s group is a warm, welcoming bunch and it is such a nice reprieve to escape here 🙂
Wonderful post! They are always so inspiring, fun, and creative!
What would I do with out you 😊 Susan!!!
TCM, zucchini bread, and late summer (with autumn in the wind)… what could be better! Love the pics of your kitties, house (and Joe). My moments of zen in this crazy world!
Fall in California, as you know, is more of a “transition,” not really so much a season. But my husband and I still love it. Every day we say to each other, “I can feel fall in the air!!” Thank you for the beautiful post and the chance to win.
I read in a book by Jan Karon about the main characters looking forward to coming to a particular room in their house for what they called “the changing of the light”. I too have always enjoyed seeing friendly shadows dancing in the house. I just got some zucchini at the farmers’ market and your recipe is going to add to the hygge today! Thank you! And thank you for the charming post Susan!
Thanks for the lovely pictures of shadows especially the eclipse ones! We had clouds here but your pictures make up for it! Would love to win the Autumn mug; it’s my favorite season! Have a happy Autumn!
Bring on the fall!
We will have cooler temps here in Ohio this week and I just love it so much. By far the best time of year.
Thank you, Susan, for another lovely post. It always starts my day off right to read your inspirations!
Hi Susan!
Been watching Cary Grant movies all weekend! HIS GAL FRIDAY and THE BATCHELOR AND THE BOBBYSOXER – two of my all time favorites! I’ve never seen SUSPICION – adding to my list!
A question about the zucchini bread – is it 2 zucchini or 2 cups? There is a period after the number 2 so I was wondering – planning to make it soon and wanted to confirm how much zucchini! Enjoy the dappled sunlight! XOXO Nancy
Thank you Nancy! My c disappeared! I fixed it… it’s 2 cups of grated zucchini … approx. one med large.
Oh, Susan! It’s always such a joy to find a new post here. And a drawing? Thank you for the chance to win.
I just spoke outloud yesterday that I was ready for cooler weather. Pumpkins. Morning Darkness. Lamp light. Oatmeal with butter and brown sugar. You know…Thanks for the chance to win your lovelies.
Lovely post. Thank you!
Rose H.
Hello ~
We’re coming to your beautiful Island in October, and we simply can’t wait! I hope it will still be beautiful then, with all your fall loveliness. Thank you for the beautiful Blog!
Nancy
My favorite month!
You got me all excited to see this movie! You are the best reviewer!
Yay, Pamela, I hope you like it!
Beautiful photos! will try your recipe today! Yeah…fall is almost here! I’ve been meaning .. For months now…to thank you for getting us hooked on “A Place to Call Home” ! love that series and so does my hubby! looking forward to the travel tips too…
Glad you got hooked. I think season five may show up this fall! In Australia for sure, not sure of date here. But I’m with you, I can’t wait!
Oh, Susan how I love thee 🙂 While it is hard to choose the one thing from this lovely post… I have to say your photos of the crescent sun from the eclipse were stunning. I have never seen anything like them! You looked down, when everyone else was looking up, and in so doing….found nature’s creative display.
Hello
Thanks for the lovely blog…always a joy to wake to a new one…like a letter from an old friend.
Thanks for the photos of the eclipse mini moons…so neat. It was so cloudy in my area,
Only looked like dark clouds ready for a storm…crickets did start to chirp,though.
I can’t wait for autumn either…my favorite season…already checking out my Autumn book for
recipies. Waiting patiently for new Willard!
Have a great day!
Kathie from Limerick
My morning was brightened by your wonderful Willard! We’ve been trying to figure out a good black and white movie to introduce to our 7 and 9 year old grandsons who claim B&W would be unbearable. Now we have one to try!
You might look for some good old Lone Ranger to start them off on … might grab them more than a bunch of mushy adults!
Love it and enter me into the drawing, please?
How perfect…someone gave me a zucchini yesterday. Two zucchini breads coming up and maybe zucchini pancakes too!
I really love reading your blog. Lada
Thank you for saying hello from so far away, Yada!
Cooler weather will be most welcome. I love seeing the bird feeders from my kitchen sink too, and hope to soon have the windows open to enjoy their sounds. I took photos of the crescents during the eclipse as well. It was rather magical. Thank you for the chance to win such delightful treasures.
Fall is definitely my favorite time of year. You can barely ‘see’ it here on the central coast of California but I can definitely ‘feel’ it. The air changes somehow and my hopes stir. Enjoy that wonderful island autumn!
The temperature isn’t changing much here in southern California, but the shadows are. I can’t wait for fall–already put up my fall twinkle lights! It’s always a happy day when you have a new blog post up 🙂
What a lovely post. Always like a cozy visit when you share with us. We shared our light box for the eclipse with our neighbor and his two girls and he shared his photo of the same leaf patterns you showed us that were on his driveway. A lovely neighborhood experience though not a “total” eclipse here.
Oh, how I love you, Susan. Reading this post was a mini vacation for me. Thanks for the chance of being a winner when Vanna does her thing!
Oh lucky me! I’m also sitting here enjoying the sun dancing around my comfy chair , with my favorite mug of the day in my hand. The first choice of the day is which of my favorite mugs will be the perfect one for this day. Each choice brings on memories of people or places I love. Just like you sunshine, shadows, home, friends and family are all dear to my heart. I’m looking forward to making your zucchini bread but not today. It’s my 43 anniversary and I’m off to lunch by the lake with my husband. Just wanted to tell you… loved your post before I set out to celebrate the day and my anniversary.
Barb Kuzdzal
Happy Anniversary Barbara!!! xo
Oh, how I love you, Susan. Thanks for the chance of being a winner when Vanna does her thing. Reading the latest post has been a mini-vacation for me.
😘
I’m pictuing Wil and I on a cozy couch, loaded with quilts, steaming bowls of chili, candlelight, jammies, and a great fall dessert …watching Suspision! We have never seen the movie and it will be a great opportunity to plan a special night. Beautiful post as always. I too love dappled light and shadows! Wish I would have realized that there would be moon shapes on eclipse day, so thanks for capturing and sharing! Love.
Love back to you Laurie!