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. 💖
As usual, love reading your posts! Thank you for awaking my eyes to shadows as they are lengthing this time of year. What it that cool twisted tree on the right side of your window in your bird video?! Or is it a vine? Wonderful.
It’s a very old wisteria … it hangs over the arbor that runs in front of the door and windows, the bird feeders hang from the arbor too.
I haven’t received my Willard yet but had to comment on this wonderful post! I think you need another life so you can be a movie reviewer in the next one! I don’t think I’ve seen the movie–but it does feel familiar. In any case, I’ve GOT to watch it again as soon as I can find it. I’ve actually seen Alfred Hitchcock in person when he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1968 Director’s Guild of America Awards Dinner. If anyone is interested what it was like to attend a Hollywood awards dinner, you can read about it on my blog. Just click on my name and look in the Archives under “Directors Guild Awards Dinner.” 😊 Now, I have to put zucchini on my shopping list.
That sounds FUN!
I’m so anxious for fall to come to Oklahoma! Like you, I’m beginning to see subtle changes in the light, too. Can’t wait for cool crisp mornings!
Well you have really done it now! I simply MUST leave the long list of duties behind me without a thought, I must head out into the world to look for a shooting star in the sky, a dandelion puffed with possibilities or a lucky penny (heads up, of course) on the street to find in order to make a few extra wishes that the box filled with homey treasures will find it’s way to my front door! It seems hard to imagine that all of that sweetness, warmth, imagination, and happiness could be packed together so snugly and shared so thoughtfully but it’s true! It is so like you to want to share your joyful talents and generous heart with a grateful friend! Love to you for keeping us dreaming of lovely things!
I hope you win Deborah! xoxo
You made my day….and I didn’t even mention Cary, Joan or Alfred, autumn and treats all bundled into the same “kindred-spirits” post…sheer magic to start the day! Love to you!
Yes the changing light is very exciting and the best part of the Eclipse were the dancing crescents from the trees. Can hardly wait till 2024 Eclipse.
We have Greer Garson on TCM all day today gonna be a fun day with her in the background.
Happy Day!
Karen
Don’t miss Mrs. Miniver if you haven’t seen it. It’s a very special movie.
It has been in the high 90’s and even 105 degrees this summer, but I can smell fall in the air..The eclipse was something else, the shadows and darkness oh, my goodness sakes alive..I adore Hitchcock movies and cary and joanie are the absolute best..would love to win the whole shebang to start our long fall and winters here in the pacific northwest, love your blog and recipes..have a wonderful fall, sincerely mjs from [email protected]!
You too Gingercat! 🐱 xoxo
Shadows have such wonderful personalities! Your post was beautiful and much enjoyed on this lazy, hazy, August day. Glorious end-of-summer, Autumn – here we come!
I’m way over on the west coast and love hearing we are enjoying the same joys. I’ve been to the nursery and have added red coneflowers to mix in with the purple. And will be baking more zucchini bread today. I, too, love the chewy edges. And after this post it’s time for my morning walk, hoping to see a few rabbits or deer in the morning quietness. It is the simple pleasures, like having you here, that make life enjoyable. P.S. The Seattle area didn’t have a total eclipse but I did watch the eclipse with a box. What I noticed was as the eclipse was happening it became so much cooler. I love science!
Ha ha, yes, it explains so much!
Hi Susan,
Fun post as always. Loved the little MOONS, AMAZING!!
So I always look all around your house when you give us a new post, who are the people in the little picture next to your Kitchen door?
Thank you for another chance to win what is a really nice gift, you are such a good girl.
Nancy Jo
Good eye Nancy, that’s George and Martha Washington!
Just discovered your blog a few weeks ago and have read through all the posts. Such fun! Thanks for sharing your life and your homemaking ideas. Blogging is such a lovely way to find kindred spirits!
It really has been, the nicest people show up here to say hello!
I alternate my cups – just like you. However, I do not have one of your lovely designs so it would be great if I won your giveaway. Just wondering … how long does it take you to write a blog post? They are always so complete and well thought out. Thanks.
Thanks so much Charlotte! They take at least a day … sometimes longer… choosing the photos takes the longest. I’m happy you like them!
I love your fall mug/tea cup! It’s so beautiful. I’d love to win it and drink some ginger-tumeric tea (if it ever gets cool here again) while reading your books. And keep posting the Jack photos — I love him!
Thank you Susan for another heart warming Willard!
On a very misty wet Sunday, we visited RHS garden here in Devon called Rosemoor . It’s a beautiful garden, rose beds, vegetables, arboretum with wonderful trees, you name it….it grows here. There were signs of Autumn appearing here too, gives you a kind of cosy glow thinking of days getting shorter, fires, earthy smells, crunchy leaves underfoot. Must have another read of Autumn and get inspiration for autumnal cooking!
Gill from UK xx
Just read your blog and enjoyed every minute of it! Loving the shadowplay – never thought to look for moon shadows, so intriguing. Can’t wait for the new Willard to arrive in my inbox.
Come on Fall! I’m ready for some cool weather!
Autumn, my favorite season, and you’re right, the shadows have started their portent. Thank you for the lovely giveaway, I’ve been admiring the autumn cup and the tea sounds most luscious! Enjoy the preparations for your next adventure, we all look forward to it!
Wow, Susan, what a beautiful shadow-filled post. The good kind of shadows. And little Jack waiting and watching for you from the window. He looks a little Halloweeny. What fun for the winners to have lunch with you. I’m sure you’ll do them proud. And another give away so soon after the last one. Yo have a generous and steadfast heart. Would love the Autumn mug. Enjoy this wonderful season that is almost upon us. Hugs, Elaine
Loved the shadow photos of the eclipse…so delicate.
Recently made a carrot cake (very similar recipe to the zucchini bread) but didn’t have any vegetable oil so substituted melted coconut oil. It was delicious and apparently coconut oil is now considered to be the best oil we can eat for our good health.
Happy Wednesday to all!
What a fun post! I would LOVE to win the tea and books! Enjoy reading your posts very much, it’s a needed spot of sunshine in my day –
What an awe inspiring post. The shadows and the movie and the joy you find everywhere. Thank you for sharing yourself and reminding me of things I forgot I loved! I have cut out carbs this summer to become a healthier version of me, but I have allowed myself the simple joy of good things like a piece of zucchini bread once in a while and you have inspired me to make that happen this weekend. One piece for me, one for my hubby (type II diabetes victim) and the rest to the neighbors! A win, win!
What an amazing creature you are Susan Branch!
I’m glad someone else commented about cleaning spaghetti sauce and bacon grease from the outside — I was trying to figure that out myself! This post was so welcome this morning. I’m in Oregon doing book research for 2 months, enjoying the work, but feeling a little ‘off’ when being away from home for so long. Your post comforted and centered me. Looking forward to your upcoming travel guide. You may not remember, but I once suggested you combine all of your train travel posts into a book. I’m an impassioned train traveler myself (although I drove — solo — from Virginia to Oregon), and often find myself giving tips to people considering it. Thanks again for a really great post — yearning to watch some B&W films on my return to VA.
Come on Vanna, pull my name!
I chuckled most of the way through this post, those shadows, sinister and telling (I drooled over that zucchini bread through the rest). Now I will have to find that movie and see how it all turns out.
Thanks for the heartwarming post and the delicious recipe.
xo Pat
I experienced the solar eclipse in Portland Oregon,and I concur about the shadows. Everything took on a pewter tone, and the temperature dropped precipitately. Alfred Hitchcock would have loved it!
I am ready to put up my autumn decor, after your inspiring photos!!
My fingers are crossed:) Love your photo’s and your sunspots! xo
Wow, great post! I’ve loved all the great shadow pics from the eclipse. We were fortunate enough to live in the path of totality and it was a truly awe inspiring experience. The change of light during totality was otherworldly, it wasn’t dark and it wasn’t like dusk, it was like a giant shadow over all the land. We were up high with a view of the whole valley and Mt. Hood right there in front of us. And it got cold! Pretty awesome show the heavens put on for us! I love your yellow bowls, need those for my blue/white/yellow kitchen! And I really want to win this time, I’ve been scouring used book stores for years hoping to find the Autumn book, but alas, it’s too special and people don’t part with it! So dear, do your stuff and find my name when you dive into that container!
We just installed pleated shades in our bedroom and Mother Nature has been providing us with the most beautiful designs on those shades. The outside shrubbery is “shadowed” on the shades all due to the light — what wonderful shadows. Fall is a special time and will be here before we know it. I loved the movie and even though it has been years since I watched it,l certainly will watch a repeat performance. Will be looking forward to my “Willard.” Thank you, Susan, for your wonderful descriptions of light and late summer. Your blog is a joy to read.
Good Morning Susan, you picked one of my favorite movies, Suspicious and it was just on TCM a few days ago. What a wonderful, suspenseful movie and it has a Scottie in it!!! Love the recipe and what a marvelous way to use up super-size zucchinis.
Just ordered my 2018 calendar. What would my work cubicle office be without a Susan Branch calendar.
Take Care,
Rebecca W.
I am so enjoying the Marths’s Vineyard cup. I have only been there once, but have ancestors from there from way, way back, making it the right cup for me. Thanks for the chance for the autumn cup to come my way and make it a collection!
I love all the shadows, especially the eclipse shadows. they are so special. I haven’t gotten my Willard yet, but I would love to win the drawing. Love you, Susan.
From Ellen in Virginia
Hi Susan,
Thank you for another wonderful Willard. I just love old Gary Grant movies. Have fun at the luncheon, you’ll be giving to those lucky women. Hope I’m a winner of this wonderful give away. Thank you for being so generous.
xxoo Gail K. from California
Oh, how I wish it were possible for you to have a new blog post up every morning. Sitting in my painting studio with a cup of coffee (sorry, not tea!) and your blog is my favorite way to start my day. And if it happens to be a day when fall is just getting started, so much the better! Have a lovely day, Susan.
Please pick me!!
Oh to have a cup of tea and slice(s) of zucchini bread while watching “Suspicion” sounds wonderful! Love the photos of the shadows, both from the eclipse and your home, and from the movie.
Hello Susan:
So nice to enjoy both the waning days of summer and also have little hints of fall to relish. I have really been amazed at the interplay of light and shadow which you have brought to our attention , especially in the films. sometimes it is so subtle to be almost subliminal, and other times so important to setting the scene and tone of the movie. We should strive to find at least one thing of joy or beauty everyday, particularly if life is not at its best. Here is another great opportunity to enjoy another aspect of something unique and beautiful.
Anxiously waiting for my copy of Willard to enjoy and hoping that Vanna will find my name in all the greetings from your fans. Marty
How sweet of you to always have such wonderful giveaways. I’m sitting here looking at bookcases with some of your books on the shelves…makes me feel happy! Thanks! Hugs, Diane from Florida
I was lost in dream land reading your blog and then it ended too quickly! I love old movies, Alfred Hitchcock, fall, shadows and you!! My fingers are crossed, my legs are crossed, my eyes are crossed so I do hope Vanna picks me! Thanks for always bringing joy to my day!
This is such a wonderful time of the year – the change from summer to fall has to be my favorite. The cool crispness is such a welcome change!
Thanks for the zucchini bread suggestion – yum! XOXO!
You are one of my favorite things. Enjoy your blog so much. Jack is such a sweet cat. I would love to win.
Hi Susan
Just discovered you about a month ago and can’t stop reading your blog and 2 of your books!
Love your outlook on life, your cats and your artwork. You have inspired me to get back into art! Thanks.
Lola
I loved this post! What a mix….shadows, Hitchcock & zucchini bread! I really liked hearing your bird friends….so cheerful!
P.S.
Can’t wait to try the Zucchini Bread recipe…and a cuppa!
This is delightful! Two favorites of mine- tea and zucchini bread! I just love every post….feel like I win something just sharing in your pictures and “summertime” (I feel like it’s a little vacation for me)! Thank you for sharing!
Wow!!! Love the shadows and late summer. I would love to win your giveaway.
Joyously,
Betty @ My Cozy Corner
Dear Susan, What an absolutely delightful post!! So many reasons to think about shadows (adored the movie). Loved the moon shadows – – and you’re right – – a group of them do look like tulips. Don’t you love imagination? And the kitty shadow in the window?? Oh no, it’s batman!! Wait a minute. Oh it’s that adorable Jack!! haha! I’m at my lake home in Minnesota on a beautiful lake surrounded by miles of hills and woods, enjoying nature. And yes, little twinges of fall color are starting to pop up signaling the change of seasons. Time to savor life and make zucchini bread. 🙂 Thank you for the recipe. Hugs all around for you, Joe and darling Jack. Ruthie, in Minnesota
Count me in for the zucchini bread! Yum! I think it’s great!
Oh pick me, pick me, Haha. Thank you for recent post…you know I love all things Susan Branch! Your photos are all interesting but the one of Joe, outside your kitchen, looking at you while you look at him is the sweetest. You can see the love in his eyes..I’ll try your recipe once its “fall” here in hot, humid Florida. Got awhile to go yet! Until next time….
Love the light change at this time of year. However, I will be holding on to summer until late September or until it squeals!PV
Each time a Willard comes out or you enter a new blog post I feel like a child on Christmas morning! Thank you for simply being you Susan!
Thank you for reminding me how much I love Hitchcock movies! I think I will search for one to watch tonight! Thank you for a new blog installment to enjoy with my morning coffee in one of my favorite mugs! Looking forward to Willard.
Your recipes are always delicious :). Last night I made your yummy turkey meatloaf using your recipe & the family loved it! I can’t wait to start making your delicious zucchini bread recipe too, so we have Something Delicious for tea. Although my plain baking dish isn’t as gorgeous as the one you baked in. Where did you find it? Thank you so much 🙂
I love fall, the smell of things baking in the oven, the smell of the leaves. Absolutely love it!
Love the moon shadows! Stay happy.
My beautiful granddaughter, Beverly Maxine, was born last week making me a first time grandmother. I am so excited.
We’ve had a hot, rainy Summer in Kansas and your comments have made me anticipate Fall.
I plan to make your zucchini bread today.
I watched Suspicion recently on TCM!
Pat
Haven’t received my Willard yet but I always enjoy reading your blog posts from the comfort of my windowless office at work :). Weren’t the “moon shadows” interesting? We got to experience “totality” here in East Tennessee; it was quite amazing. “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” I actually just ordered an “Autumn” mug but I’ll give one to my sister if I win. Thanks!
There was that certain something about the early morning air the other day here in southern Pennsylvania – could it be fall making an early appearance? I think so! The trees outside my office are already putting on their fall colors and some have started shedding leaves. An early fall is fine with me, it’s my favorite time of year. I love reading about the changing seasons on your isle of dreams – it would be wonderful to walk the road to the pond and see all the beauty you get to experience. I’ll be making your zucchini bread this weekend!
It seemed like I was standing right there in your kitchen with you watching the birds. Absolutely wonderful!! My neighbor uses a baby monitor in the winter so they can hear the birds when it’s cold outside.
Now I’m ready for some zucchini bread and “Suspicion”! No one quite does suspense like Alfred Hitchcock. And it’s a great peek at England in the 1940s!!
Thanks for sharing!! XOXO
Oh Susan, thank you for this heavenly post! I know exactly what you mean about late summer light…..I love it, too……and the season which awaits just around the corner! Cheers from Cheryl in Buffalo, NY
Wow! The shadows in your post are great! We were really close to the zone of totality but just outside. Darn! It was exciting to watch the moon go across the sun- it got cooler and the birds stopped singing-amazing. We are such a small orb in the cosmos.
Love fall so your cup would be appreciated! :o)
Love your books. Thanks for a chance at a giveaway!
Love the movie “Suspicion!” I just saw one I have never seen before on TCM yesterday called “The Mating of Millie” with Glenn Ford and Evelyn Keyes! Delightful! Enjoy your dappled days of fall!!😀
What a wonderful post! Thank you!
Love your blog. Haven’t read any of your trilogy yet. What’s the proper order that I should read them?
They can actually be read in any order, because I wrote them that way, the last one first, and so on down the line …but chronologically they should go The Fairy Tale Girl, then Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams, and then, A Fine Romance, Falling in Love with the English Countryside.
Hi, it’s me, Anne from Maine. LOVED everything about this blog! The shadows were fabulous!! And the sound of the birds tweeting…just glorious. Can’t wait to make my first batch of zucchini bread. It’s a tradition. To me it signals the end of summer, which means fall is right around the corner. My favorite time of year. Of course I would love to win your giveaway. Fingers crossed! Have a great day. Anne
P.S. I did try this on another device. Same results. I hope Darlene doesn’t mind sharing with me. Hi Darlene!
Susan,
Boy, that zucchini bread sure looks good! Just bought two zucchini at the grocery store yesterday. The bread sounds like a much healthier option to me than the stir fry I had planned. I, too, love my birds! They really are a soul soother. We, also saw a few leaves starting to turn on our drive back from up north over the weekend. My favorite time of year!! Love, love, love my bluebird cup!! Sending wishes your way for a good week!
Jan
I always enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for the fun moment to sit back and relax. I look forward to your generous give-a-ways too!
I didn’t get my Willard yet, but I have something to look forward to. This was a fun post. I’m not watching that movie–too scary–but I sure would like to know how it came out. I hope she got smart and made CG drink that poison milk. I’m drinking coffee most days out of my new mug, which I saved in its packing box until we completed a move. I love the thin china rim and of course the Susan Branch artwork. You have certainly made my life more beautiful. Thanks.
The movie you mention is quite interesting to me because I recently saw a movie in that same era , however I don’t recall the name .Now I’m looking for it and can’t find it. t was about a brother and sister who go to the seaside buy an old haunted house from a captain. This captain has a teen grand daughter who falls in love with the man who buys her old house. The grand father doesn’t want her there because something took place involving the girl when she was young..Anybody any ideas ??
Thank you for the nice giveaway! I was so happy to get my Christmas mug in the mail this month. That Santa is the Santa of my youth. Jolly and joyful!
Thanks for your lovely pictures, movie scenes, and recipe! Can’t wait to bake the zucchini bread! We also had almost the same eclipse shadows here in Louisiana! They were all over my driveway, and SO amazing to see! Your words and pictures always bring on a sense of calm, happy thoughts, and creative ideas! Such a joy! Enjoying the last month of summer! Every day is a gift, precious and unique!
Have a blessed day!! Wanda in Louisiana
Lovely shadow pictures! We just got back from Tennessee where we went to see the total eclipse– what a great experience!
Is that Cornishware on your kitchen window sill? I collect it, so I always notice it.
I may just have to watch that movie today. Love your blog!
Loved this! Have never seen the movie and I must! Lucky winners of the auction!!! And, have you seen Brief Encounter, by David Lean? ❤️
Loving your shadow play and I love old movies. A perfect post and so much fun. Guess I’m off to bake some Zuchinni bread!
I love the changing seasons, especially from summer to fall. Fall is the best I look forward to it every year, the smells, the cooler temperatures, pumpkins and fires. Its exciting!!1
Change of light….little moon shadows….Greer Garson movies….zucchini bread…and our pet critters……such lovely lovely things to focus on….
later today, I run a Kids’ Booth at our neighborhood farmers’ market – the Zucchini Races….kids can decorate their zucchini, with wooden wheels, flags, pipe cleaners, and eyelashes made of silver paper…and race them down a ramp….then they can take their zukes home and make bread! It is a heart warming, end of summer focus on kiddos and the farm bounty, and neighborhood unity…..happy almost autumn….
We visited your island (Marthas Vineyard) October 2014 it is beautiful. X
I’m sitting here in my chair on the west coast (of Canada) with a blanket around my legs and a cup of tea to hand (not, sadly, in one of your beautiful mugs – but perhaps Vanna will pull my name out of the hat and that lovely parcel of goodies will wing its way here). By afternoon, I’ll have thrown off the blanket and will be drinking ice water flavoured with mint! How I love this time of year with its changing light and temperatures.
Lovely post and I’ll be looking out for my Willard.
Thanks for the yummy recipe. I was just looking at cookbooks yesterday for a Chocolate Zucchini cake recipe. Zucchini Bread sounds even better.
Loved the shadow pictures of the eclipse. I didn’t watch the eclipse but instead watched the shadows. It was quite surreal.
I haven’t received Willard yet but knowing it is on its way is so exciting. Looking forward to hearing all the news.
Time to get back to decorating the house for Autumn. Happy NearlyAutumn, Susan!!!
I love to double my recipe for zucchini bread and bake it in a bundt pan, one of my “traditions”. Thanks for my reminder that this is zucchini bread season and I will have to find them at the farmer’s market because I don’t have a garden this year. I admire your garden and your “helper”, Lucky you. I love ALL of your posts and look forward to my Willard coming soon.:)
Look forward to all your posts.Lovely, uplifting and they put a smile on my face.Thank you, Donna
Loved this post, the shadows, the movie, the recipe, and looking forward to getting my WILLARD. I nave saved every paper one when you once mailed them. Hoping you and your Joe enjoy everyday and they are all filled with sweet memories.
Loved your post today, fall is my favorite season. The zucchini bread looks delicious. I will
Definitely be making it.
oh, how very, very wonderful….& …lovely!! oh, I must say…thank God for Fall…ouch….summer heat & humidity….BAD….brisk, cooool days….GREAT!! my son coined a name for it…”academic days”….like @ going-back-to-school time. wow. so, the eclipse was very stirring & awesome! your shadow-depiction is THE BEST!! i’d heard that shadows “change”…but hadn’t seen it. thank you! as for our “world”….can you make that seriously change?? I have an idea, but it would take congressional courage. hahaha. soooo much for that. cowardly, self-interested goons…most of ’em. ALL of them on some days, yeah? well, anyway…THANK YOU, SUSAN!!!! mostly…for being you! all love, as ever!! xoxo
Oh, those shimmering little crescents during the eclipse …! What a mystical, magical, unexpected delight! Didn’t it feel like a wondrous communion, shared across the nation? I’m still trying to hold onto the magic and the memory, particularly in light of what/who currently besieges our beloved country.
ps: just showed hubby your eclipse-shadows….he was astonished!! we had about 80%, maybe…but a HUGE cloud did finish it up for us….drat!! very stirring, tho. oxxo
Susan,
It has been a hot humid Summer in Central Pennsylvania and I’m really looking forward to Fall, my favorite season. Actually it is tied with Spring. Thanks for sharing your recipe. Hoping I’m the lucky winner! Also, hoping somehow more Little Things cups will become available for sale.
Susan in PA
Hello from mid-coast Maine…. Thank you for another wonderful post! There’s just something extra special about black & white movies and black & white kitties <3 Please count me in for the give-away!
Love the dappled light as well! Enjoy!
Susan, you’re so generous. You definitely spread rays of sunshine in this world.
Thank you! 🙂
I’m reading Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams and I think a slice of Zucchini Bread will go perfect with it. I’m a slow reader so by the time I make the bread with your recipe I’m sure I’ll still have a few chapters to go. Plus, after I finish two of the open pages I stop and look at all of your lovely artwork. How lucky you are to have this beautiful talent. Thanks for sharing so much of your life with us. You’re the best!
oh, it’s not Cary is it, tell me it’s not, you are very bad not to tell who’s done it – I can’t watch netflix and modern things like that hi hi.
Love you’r shadows though – wonderful moon shadows…hwiiiii – isn’t that a song.
Thank you for yor wonderful post.
Love the idea of Fall coming in your post today! Fall is my favorite season, and your Autumn book is one of my very favorite things to read in the fall. Gets me in the mood and I become a baking maniac! Even my BFF and I make a point to read your Autumn book every Fall, actually starting again this week, and then talking about the things we’ll try new this year. Fall feels like a time for creativity to “blossom”:-). Even though here in California, it sometimes doesn’t hit till January, hehe:-). Thanks for keeping the great ideas coming! You’re an inspiration!
Dear Susan,
Is that Queen Elizabeth on your windowsill?
I am glad you captured the eclipse moons in your photographs; I looked for them, but did not see any.
Norma
Love all the little things you do too . . . atmosphere is everything! Here’s to feeling lucky — thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
I can almost smell the zuchinni bread!! Loved the pictures of shadows, and we’re fans of feeding the birds here in Kansas too.
Okay….my fingers are crossed!!!
Susan,
I always love your shadow pictures. They’re lovely, especially the eclipse ones. We had about 80% in Texas and it was amazing. I am in awe of our God who lines the planets up for our pure enjoyment. Hoping to win your books and cup! Have a wonder-Full week…
I’ve printed out your recipe for the Zucchini Bread. I’ll buy some zucchini and make it. Sounds like an Autumn dish. Our temps are getting cooler somewhat. At least we no longer have triple digits. Still in high 90s, but only in the 50s at night. Makes for opening up the windows and letting in the cool air in the mornings. For 2 weeks, we didn’t have any sun, due to lots of smoke from fires. Was so happy to get rid of that and see the blue sky once again. It’s cloudy out today and we’re expecting some rain later on. Autumn is definitely in the air today and I’m loving it!!
Looking forward to the next contest. It’s always so much fun to see who wins!
xoxox,
Carol M
Beautiful blog!!
Shadows certainly DO speak, don’t they? cute little moons.
Crossing my fingers while I wait for Willard.
Love, love, love all the shadows! Particularly your tiny house shadows.
P.S. Hi Anne! I don’t mind sharing with you.
Hi Darlene! Thank you so much!!!
Love your post.