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. 💖
Wow! Love this post – full of inspiration and light and shadow! Cozy and inspiring!
Hi Susan! I was so caught up in the movie I forgot I was reading it on your blog. I will have to find it today and watch it. It is a rainy cloudy day here. Perfect for a Hitchcock movie.
I don’t know where you get all of this beautiful creativity from, but I am mighty thankful that you do.
I live in the Midwest, so all four seasons visit. It’s impossible for me to pick a favorite, because I’m always so ready for the next one. I love the carefree ease of summer, but I’m getting really excited now at the prospect of autumn (which happens to be my fav-o-rite word. Seriously, if I see a sign or knick knack sporting the word “Autumn”, I have to get it.). At any rate, I’ve enjoyed your dappled post this morning, and thank you for that, even if I don’t have my name retrieved from the fishbowl by lovely Vanna. 😊
Oh yes cooler temps, another cup of tea and reading another of your blogs! And what a great giveaway. Thank you.
I love to live vicariously through you! Such a joyful and bountiful life and you revel in it. I would be giddy to win your fall give away 🍂
Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! I love your wonderful shadow photos. Just a wonderful read. Looking forward to seeing the next post.
Oh, Susan. I’ve been in love with your wonderfulness since I first found your little stickers in a craft store years ago. Apples and fire engines, beach balls and teapots. So lovely. Now I’ve found your blog and my happiness is ensured every time I open my e-mail and see your name.Thank you so much for constantly reminding us all how beautiful the world is and how fortunate anyone who can read this is.
I received my Santa Teacup just in time for my August birthday. Love it. And even though I’m willing to turn on the Christmas music in July – I will be good and wait to savor my beverages in my cup until official Santa season starts!
You always add such joy and inspiration to my day!! Thank you so much,
I really appreciate such a happy place to visit!!
Hi Susan,
I have always loved shadows too and I photograph them as well. Your pictures of the eclipse shadows are amazing. Thanks so much. It was a little cloudy where I live so I did not get to see those shadows . Thank you for all your great pictures, recipes and happy thoughts.
I must admit I’m looking for dappled light shadows everywhere now! LOL I’m trying not to see this time as an end but as a new beginning . I do so hate to see summer leave. A piece of my heart goes with it. I must find a way to fall in love with winter so if you have any ideas, my heart would thank you.
I’d love to add these treasures to my home. Thank you for the opportunity. ❤️
When I read your words I immediately relax, drink my tea, and enjoy life just a little bit more.
Thank you
I look forward to each and every one of your blogs. So beautiful and inspiring!
Oh Vanna please, please pick me. October is my birth month and autumn my
favorite season!!
Hi Susan and Jack. I have three kitties, Henry, Harry, and Miss Allie. We love to see the pictures of you and Jack and read about your adventures. Hope to be winners of the drawing. Thanks !!!
Hopefully, three is a charm. Not sure why my posts aren’t showing – I can’t win if I don’t post. Your zucchini bread recipe is almost like mine but I put crushed pineapple in it. I bake tons and freeze them for Christmas gifts along with a jar of canned apples and a homemade, embroidered dish towel. Have all of your newer books but only a handful of the older ones. Thanks, always enjoy your blog and seeing you in Hudson, OH.
Well, we know this one is going to post. I didn’t get to “monitor” any comments yesterday, I was busy all day with lunch for guests … so if you posted yesterday, it might still be here (working on those now). I like to read them before I let them go through. They are way too wonderful to be automated!
Hi Sharon! Just wanted to comment that I am a Sharon Elaine too 🙂
Oh, no, Susan! Please tell me that you will be ordering more Bluebird Mugs! I just tried to order two—one for my sister and one for me, and the response was “not available, removed from cart, keep shopping.” Will you be ordering more? I’m heartbroken. 🙁
Thank you,
Kathy
I can’t believe it. It’s the weekend, Kellee and Sheri aren’t at work. Please check back at the web store on Monday after 9 am California time, and see if something changes. I can’t believe they’re all gone already! We counted up all the preorders, and added on another 250 or so, just in cases, before we placed our order. We thought they would last until Christmas!
I’ll try again Monday. I left you another comment, but it’s still awaiting moderation. Just wanted to let you know how much you mean to all your girlfriends. You are the heart of our little world!😘
You are so sweet to say that Kathy, I love having you all here. It’s like a big girl party! I think I saw your other comment go through, I’m pretty sure. Hopefully it’s up by now! xoxo
As angry Harvey comes crashing into us in Texas this weekend, Willard is the perfect escape. Thank you Susan.
Take care. I’m watching it on TV, and it’s a scary looking thing. We have them up here, and they are awful! Hope all is well with you and yours and all our Girlfriends and everyone else in Texas!
Thank you Susan for making life so much cozier! Reading your blog & Willard feels like being wrapped in a fluffy blanket and sipping coffee in my Autumn SB mug is so heartwarming 💖.
As always, beautiful photographs and words to paint a picture in your mind’s eye. AND, a generous, lovely giveaway! Should I win, I would have to share it with my sister… but what would I give up…
I love Willard, your blog with pictures, art, products, and your willingness to share. Thank you!
I love the mugs too (and rotate them, too)… I would only use Emma Bridgewater for years, but yours are lighter and yet large. Can’t wait for the new designs… how many mugs is too many mugs?
Me too, only Emma, but I like these even better! What next????
Just today I was thinking, fall is coming and it will be real baking weather again soon! I will have to try your zucchini bread recipe! It’s actually already cool enough this weekend for some baking. I could not believe how cold it was in MA this morning! Love it.
I would love to win this give-away, the Autumn mug is my favorite! I already have the book, and bought one for my daughter. Another book would make a great gift for a friend of mine. The Gratitude book is on my must read list.
🙂
Thanks for the new Willard, Susan! 🙂
Dear Susan, As always this post was wonderful, and brought me much Joy! And it came out on my Dad’s 79th Birthday, which was even more special. I too am so happy that Fall is coming! It is absolutely my favorite season – the changing light, the cool mornings, the gorgeous changing of the leaves, the cozy holidays, and my own Birthday at the end of October. As you know, I grew up in Southern California as well, and although I love living on the East Coast now, and am thrilled to have seasons, I still haven’t quite adjusted to the hot, muggy, buggy summers we have here in North Carolina! So, that makes me long for cool, glorious Autumn even more. Like you, I am glad Fall is right around the corner! I loved your wondrous Willard as well, and was excited to read of your plans to return to England and to visit Ireland for the first time too! I have always longed to go to Ireland, and believe I have ancestors there – and after having survived ovarian cancer for almost 12 years now – my husband and I have decided to plan a trip to Ireland next Spring as well! Maybe we will see you there. If not, at least maybe at the picnic which I hope to be able to attend next May. I wanted to tell you I received the beautiful Fall cup this Summer, and can’t wait to use it this Fall! I ordered the Bluebird of Happiness cup for my Mom and will give it to her for her 78th Birthday in September – I can’t wait! And, if I win the Fall give-away, I plan to give the Fall mug to her as well. As usual, you have brought much beauty and joy to my world, and I appreciate it so much! Lots of love, Diedra ❤️
Thank you SO much, dear Susan, for the latest Willard……just finished reading it. You keep me sane in this insane world we’re living in! You are truly an angel! Thank you for your lovely, positive and beautiful spirit…..we are all so blessed to have you in our lives!
Your England trip sounds perfect!! So exciting !
( I use a lot of exclamation points…..I’m a happy girl! 😊)
Me too!!!
Wasn’t the eclipse amazing? We live right on the line of totality, & it was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. My ten-year-old has already said we have to go watch the next on in 7 years. I’m eagerly awaiting fall too – by far my favorite season of the year and here in the South it is far too short!
I love the two photos of Joe. I met him briefly when you came to speak at The King’s English in Salt Lake. What a nice man!
I dream of the picnic at Beatrix’s home but will probably have to enjoy it vicariously through your blog.
Thanks for the latest Willard!
Jill
My very first Willard! I’m so excited to have gotten it! Am also excited for fall, I just love the changing season, cool air, apples and pumpkins and everything cozy! Thank you for your wonderful blog and Willard!!
Now I need to rent Suspicion! Love all the shadow pictures. Sounds like a perfect afternoon; tea, treat and a good movie.
Read your lovely post while walking on Bear Creek Trail in Columbia, MO. What can I say except that the latest WILLARD touched my heart and soul. I’m still floating from experiencing the Total Eclipse of the Sun, so your writing, photos and musical just helps me to extend the magic. Thank you, Susan🦋💐
🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑
Pam
Love the eclipse shadows–how amazing. I had no idea! In Southern Calif. we are anticipating a heat wave this week, so I am enjoying your autumn vicariously.
I love Willard and reading your blog! Autumn is my favorite time of year with all of the beautiful colors during the change of seasons. I imagine all things with warm browns, orange, and red, crisp fall air, snuggle up with a good book weather. We are so blessed that you share pictures of your lovely little island and home.When you share pictures from your travels it is like I am right there experiencing it with you!
Lovely blig post! Would love to win. Thank you
You are a source of enchantment! I was receiving your blog, but a friend forwarded her Willard, and that was wonderful too. Thank you for sharing your creativity…it is right up my alley! Carol in Texas
Oh, the thought of fall! Can’t wait! Thanks for a GREAT post!
Gotta Win!!! love you!!
Fall is my favorite time of year. Love the coolness, like the air is cleaner! Love your blog!
Ahh, what a lovely post! I’m definitely going to have to check out that movie. I just have to tell you, I had the funniest dream last night. I dreamt I was visiting a garden and at the garden there was a lovely little cafe. As I was perusing the menu I happened to notice they served “Susan Branch’s Lemon Tarts.” Well, of course I had to order one! It came in an adorable box with your artwork decorating it. I almost couldn’t bring myself to ruin the perfection of it all, but it was a lemon tart. I had to eat it! 😉 It was divine and I saved the box to do something with later. Needless to say I was a little sad to wake up and have it be all a dream! Thank you for continuing to inspire me to dream (quite literally)!
Very low calorie, something to be said for having your cake, eating it too, and having zero calories!
Yes, YES, isn’t it wonderful how the light plays and dances about every season? And it’s totally free. MY hero, who rebuilt my wobbly potting bench yesterday, teases me as every December without fail I excitedly point out the “long shadows.” I can’t help it – shadows are pretty darned exciting. So happy to see I’m not the only one who thinks so! BTW we have traveled often for up to five weeks at a time with only one carryon each. It’s the only way to go – trust me on this. Absolutely essential is an expandable empty bag that flattens for the bottom of the carryon to fill with treasures that FORCED themselves upon you during the trip. 😊
Thank you for the cute bookmark. I made 5 copies because I am having a tea party and will use them in my party favor bag.
Perfect!
My heart is always lighter when I have read your postings. I just finished your book and actually cried when it was over!! Your jolliness is contagious.
Highest compliment, tears! My favorite!
Good Morning ….What a lovely way to start my day…Thanks!!!
I love everything “homey” in your blogs and Willards! Thank you for continuing to provide inspiration.
Lovely pulling together of shadows, shadows everywhere. Just wanted to toss out a little R.L.Stevenson to add to the shady, shadow, shopping mix…….
MY SHADOW … by Robert Louis Stevenson
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.
The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow—
Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow;
For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball,
And he sometimes gets so little that there’s none of him at all.
He hasn’t got a notion of how children ought to play,
And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way.
He stays so close beside me, he’s a coward you can see;
I’d think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me!
One morning, very early, before the sun was up,
I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup;
But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head,
Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed!
Love, Carol from CT … tra la
P.S. For anyone who loves the garden ornament art from the George Carruth Studio…free shipping until Monday, 9/28, 9am EST. My favorite! is “Follow Your Bliss”. Makes me giggle with a tickle every time I catch a glimpse of it. Even my shadow chuckles and chortles along with me! with carruthstudio.com/products/Follow-Your-Bliss.aspx
It’s been a long time since I read that poem Carol, thank you!
Hope it’s not too late to leave a comment in order to be entered in the giveaway!!!! I would absolutely be astoundedly excited to win this! I so want a Gratitude and Heart of the Home book and the cup and tea would be so thrilling!!! Thanks Susan for just being so fun and so sweet to do this! Love, love, love it! Also thanks for your charming posts! I really appreciate how you call Joe your hero – so sweet and he really is one I’m sure! Blessings!
Thank you once again for a lovely inspirational post. The dancing shadow photos are amazing! Hugs to yourself, Joe and Jack from Alberta, Canada. Now to bake some zucchini bread…
Laurie
=:3
You ha e been a favorite of mine for years, but have just now have found your blog and thoroughly enjoyed same.
I did exchange teaching in Cornwall and made a lovely friend so have gone back several times.
So enjoyed Fine Romance that I bought the other of the trilogy, and have just done a reread this summer. I’m 80 now and probably will not return, much less travel on your ship, but it will be near me for when I ever need a hit of nostalgia. God bless you and thank you for finding your voice.
It took a while . . . hope I have time to use it some more! Thank you Colleen. xoxo
Hi Susan! Thanks for the latest Willard and also for the wonderful blog! Enjoyed reading and also seeing all of your bird friends that come to feast at your window. Also, I wanted to thank you for suggesting the series, “A Place to call Home”. I’m Netflixing it and I’m almost done with Series 1. I’m hooked, it’s sooo good! It’s my weekend treat to watch the entire disc, since I don’t have time during the weekdays to do so. Love your pretty coffee mugs, I’ve added them to my Susan Branch china collection – remember all of those beautiful Lenox pieces that you did? I have them all! Thank you for all that you do and share with us. Love you lots! 🙂
You have them all! That is saying something! My favorite piece of Lenox was the teeny little tea strainer, do you have that one?
No, I wasn’t able to get the tea strainer. I think the piece was already gone by the time I was buying the other pieces. I was really lucky, because I was on vacation back east and walked into a Lenox store and low and behold, there were some of your dishes sitting proudly at the entrance. I bought a ton and had them ship it all back to CA for me! That was probably one of the happiest days of my life! LOL 🙂
Ha ha ha, I’ve had days exactly like that! xoxo
And by the way, my FAV Lenox pieces are the cake dome, the teapot and the cookie jar! 🙂
Susan I just love your blog and Willards. I got hooked on your three memoir books. I feel a kindred spirit. Thank you for your beautiful blog, books and Willard such a blessing. Can not wait for your next trip across the pond.
Oh Susan, that movie looks really good! I will have to seek it out.
Love your books and mugs and your blog is so enjoyable to read. Thanks for taking us along on all your travels!
I look forward to reading your blog each week when I go to the library. It’s nice to have something to look forward to . I sure would love to win your drawing. We have “fall feels” in the air here too.
I have noticed the light changing here in Southwest Kansas, also. My early morning walks have to be a little later each day in order for me to walk in the light. Enjoy what remains of Summer!
Hi Susan,
thank you for such a lovely post! I love the simple pleasures that you take such delight in. It reminds me to take time to enjoy such things! I love that movie Suspicion! Oh its so good! I am in the mood for fall now and baking, thanks to you! Have a lovely day!
Oh Susan ~ you’re writing has been charming me since I accidentally stumbled across “Isle of Dreams”. And I’ve been a fan ever since . . . starting every morning off now with a cup of coffee in one of your three mugs I recently purchased. I also just bought “Suspicion” on Amazon. 😊
I’ve always known that simple pleasures are what makes me happy… the changing of seasons, amazing sunsets, a starry night, cuddling with my dog, the smell of fresh sheets just taken off the clothesline, bread baking in the oven, a fire in the fireplace on a winter day, birds singing, and dinner with friends and family, just to name a few. A quote by Brene Brown comes to mind: “Joy comes to us in ordinary moments. We risk missing out when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary.” Thank you for sharing your “ordinary moments” with us!
Fingers crossed alright! With all the ugliness in the world these days, your blog is really a refuge… THANK YOU for that!
Hi Susan! Kelly again. First off, do hope your luncheon was a smashing success! 🌷🌻🌷
Second, Have you read any of Louise Penny’s mysteries? 📚 And lastly, check out the BRITBOX app on iTunes apps when you have a chance. It is an app featuring all programming from the U.K. 🇬🇧 From TV programs to Movies, documentaries and more. It is absolutely wonderful. I just watched ‘As Time Goes By’, a personal favorite, and a program featuring a bus trip through the English ountryside…so lovely. I hope you enjoy it.
Oh, and thank you for your wonderful blog entries. Always so much fun to read.🌻
Hope you & Joe are well. And to all the girlfriends in the path of Hurricane Harvey – God bless and keep you safe.
Best,
Kelly from Walnut Creek, CA
Hello Susan, Joe and Jack,
A fall car trip in your area is still on my and my daughters list of things to do.
I just want at least a week to fly out, rent a car and begin the wandering amongs the beautiful fall colors, and just visiting tea rooms, shops and finding quaint bed and breakfast spots to stay. Maybe with a little forthought and planning, but trying to be spontanous as possible….including a ride over on the ferry to the island of course. Well, something to look forward to. Enjoyed your post, photos as always. Will look forward to Willard as well. Thanks for the smiles.
Cheers,
Jan from Northern CA
You’re such an inspiration, Susan, reminding me it’s almost fall! Since I live in Santa Barbara I only have your wall calendar to notify me since your first one.
Sitting at my open kitchen window, there’s a warm breeze as I look up at the Riviera enjoying every moment of the changing light and beginning of fall. Grasshopper, my Siamese cat, is on the table dreaming with twitching legs oblivious to the world around him.
You’ve been such an important part of my life since your first cookbook. We’ve met whenever you’re in Santa Barbara…..Thank you, Susan!
PS Never wanted to go to England till I read your book – can’t wait now!
You’ll love it Sandra! xoxo Kisses to your Grasshopper!
I am a new convert to taking time to smell the roses– or peonies, or mums, whatever, and have amassed quite a library of your books and cookbooks in the last couple of years which help me to do just that. You have so inspired me that my sister Carol (81 years old) and I, a mere 75 years old, are coming to Martha’s Vineyard in early October to live out a dream to visit there. So look for two silver- haired Ladies from Wisconsin and California gobbling up the ambiance. We’ll be the ones in a pretty red SUV! (Notice my email address– a great book and movie if you haven’t already experienced them).
Probably one of the reasons I fell in love with New England … it was set in Nantucket, looked like what an imaginary Nantucket should look like, but I think it was really filmed in California.
I used to be called The Zucchini Lady! Must have had a lot of it in my garden. Made it all the time and gave it away! Love your posts. I’m going to rent that movie!!!! I was holding my breath as I was reading what you wrote!!! Fall here in Texas can be a mystery. You never know what each day will bring.
Sharon Hermens
Thanks for the zucchini bread recipe. I plan on trying it this week.
Hello again,
Well, two lovely posts to read as I haven’t been online to visit in a bit. Even a Willard. Yea! All the better for the zucchinni bread receipe too!! Happy to hear you are traveling back to England. Great news. Armchair traveling with you and Joe is such a great experience. Hope to do a crossing and visit England with my daughter in the near future. We’ll learn more about all the great places to visit ahead of time with you and Joe. Enjoy fall……still hot out hear in CA. Hopefully not for long.
Cheers,
Jan from Northern CA
Pop my name in! Had a cup of tea and read your blog, so hygge.
Loved reading your post today while our vacation day in Naples, FL was rained out. Thanks for the sunshine of your Williard and blog.
Oh sweet Susan, I’m off to make your zucchini bread recipe. Right now! Summer in AZ doesn’t inspire much baking from me so my family will have you to thank! Thank you. Love from MarySue in the desert🌵🔥😎
Ooooo,Ooooo,Ooooo!!! Love the zucchini bread and All the things you share.
Thank you for the reminders to count our blessings, bloom where we’re planted, and for bringing us with you on all your adventures.
My house is near the house where you sang with your mom! ! We are beginning to smell a slight change in the air…fall is coming. It is quite hot here in Southern California and many people think we don’t have seasons, but we do…it just requires a little attention to things like the changing shadows and cooler scent in the early morning air. Pumpkins are right around the corner!!! <3
(Thanks for the movie ideas too!!)
There are something’s in life worth waiting for; your newsletters is one! I just can not wait to be transported to your Martha’s Vineyard with Dear Joe and Jack and you Susan. You make my day😍can not wait to make your Zucchini Bread. Thanks Susan. Joyce
Great blog post. The light is changing here in the Midwest too. Fall if coming soon! Thanks for reminding me to make zucchini bread. yummm Your mugs are so adorable…… must get them all! Must get back to my sewing machine, a lot of quilting going on here.
Wow have I been singing the wrong words to Dancing Queen forever.
LOL, join the club!
Your blog and your books always put me in such a happy mood. Thank you!!!
I left you a message here yesterday, but I wrote the following e-mail this morning to my three sisters (we’re all huge fans!). My sister, Becky, suggested that I share my e-mail with you as she thought you would enjoy it. So here you go:
Hi Girls!
Have you received your Willard from Susan yet? Mine arrived yesterday morning. While sitting on the porch drinking coffee yesterday morning, I read her newest blog and added a comment in hopes of winning her gift package (fingers & toes crossed :-)). I only got through maybe a third of my Willard. I tried reading the first couple paragraphs to Joey about Susan and her mom singing in the kitchen and her dad yelling “SHUT UP!” which was hilarious, but halfway through it I started crying, and then as I read on, the laughter kicked in and so I found myself laughing and crying at the same time! Oh my! Anyway, here I am this morning with 2 loaves of zucchini bread baking in the oven and listening to Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller and wonderful songs from Frankie, Ella, Louie and all the greats!
Oh, I almost forgot! I ordered me a new SB mug and her cookbook Autumn from the Heart of the Home yesterday!
Do you think Susan realizes how much she influences our lives?….and in such a wonderful kind of way!
Love,
Beth
You have just officially made my day. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy reading these wonderful sweet family-filled comments ~ tears! Thank you Beth, say hello to Becky and the sisters!!!
Hello to you, Susan!
I’m such a fan of your writing and art–thanks for sharing!
Oh, such loveliness. It was wonderful to relax with you this afternoon! School started and fall is on its way! I hope I am in time to get a recipe box, such a wonderful idea. I would be thrilled if Vanna picked my name, fingers and toes all crossed.
Definitely going to make that zucchini bread!
I LOVE FALL! The bird video was awesome! So glad you blog about a lot of things. Great movie to watch and the bread looks yummy! Can’t wait for the new trip and all the pictures! Thanks for Willard!
Haven’t figured out how to travel with only one suitcase? Wear an outfit; pack an outfit. Pick up a couple of outfits from a thrift shop when you arrive, wear, wash, and donate back when you leave. Can be an adventure.
Hi Pat, you made me laugh but what good advice. I remember my trip to England when I was in my twenties and I had to ship a box of clothes home I had brought so much stuff with me. Sure got tired lugging that suitcase around. Boy, did that teach me to travel light.
Wow! The zuchinni bread was fantastic. Great idea for a movie. Love the shadows at the end of summer too. So excited to follow your next trip to the UK. We went there two years ago after reading your book. I treasure that book. I created Shutterfly photo album of our trip with journal entries. Not quite as elegant as your book. Hope to win.
Karen
Thank you so much for this lov-lee blog entry!
Had to rewatch Suspicion. Mmmm. Moon shadows
were to die for. Thanks so much!
Love the shadows of late summer too.
Am I too late? I just found you! Your words–they lifted me. Thank you.
Just love when your emails arrive in my box. When I don’t see one in awhile I worry. Thank you Susan for giving me something to look forward to!
LOVE that movie! I even have it in my dvd collection. Dearest Susan, I wish with all my heart that I could have been the one who won the joy of being with you at your home! I would have brought my daughter, and we would have been the best guests! I would have even restrained myself from taking Jack back home with me! However, I am thrilled for the actual person…hopefully a girlfriend!?…..and it would almost be just like being there myself if you are able to post pictures. I love all of your dappled, shadow pictures…it somehow makes me long for Fall to arrive. They are just beautiful. Cannot wait for our trip to England and Ireland…and omg…that cottage is perfection! 😍Thank you for my Willard and this blog…and xoxoxo
Funny I just wrote about the auction lunch in answer to another of our girlfriends, but just in cases you missed it Diane, here it is again (wish you were there!):
The auction lunch was so nice, it really was. We loved the people ~ had much in common, and talked our faces of for hours. Which is why I forgot to take pictures! They did too, not even one of us together! Terrible! All I have, besides the photo of the table, is a one of the washed tablecloths and napkins hanging on the line the next day! Not even one of the food, which was a delicious mix of summer and fall (just like our perfect day): roast chicken, cold cranberry sauce, potato salad, bean salad, hot crusty bread with a special garlic tomato salsa, and apple crisp which we ate under the arbor outside. Normally I’m better about pictures, but this time it all got away from me!
I had to laugh! I am sure you made it fun! I am happy you all had a nice time! 😄
What a lovely perfect afternoon you’ve described in this blog, Susan. 🙂 I really enjoy the musica!
Susan, even with blogs written right there in Martha’s Vineyard you somehow manage to make me homesick for England (which doesn’t stop me from enjoying all your postings and pictures!). I’ve lived in USA for a lifetime, 40 of them in S. CA. So I understand the yearning you had as a young woman to head east. Am thankful for all those happy years with my late beloved husband and our daughters . . . but now have developed a painful case of homesickness for the villages of Cornwall. The seasons of English weather, the villages, the gardens, the countryside and so on — we are kindred spirits in these things. Ah well — I’m grateful for everything you share! Consider yourself hugged!
Here’s to us, homesick for life! xoxo So many lovely memories in these beloved places. Right now, while I’m writing, the church bells are ringing across the street from my house . . . the prettiest small town sound.
As summer is winding down, I am beginning to think of all things fall, beginning with the weekend get together of my son Mike’s friends. Mike passed away at 33 in 2014, but his friends have made his birthday in early September an annual Labor Day event. I love reading your Blog Susan, it makes me so happy and hopeful.
I’ve been enjoying your work for years and have all your books, please keep up the good work!
The Martha’s Vineyard cup just arrived yesterday. Beautiful!! Along with a few other things like the perfect recipe cards with bowls. How about a set of cute recipe card dividers??! And please, some photos of the auction lunch!! Thanks so much for your blog and Willard. It’s like taking a vacation in New England every time 😄
The auction lunch was so nice, it really was. We loved the people ~ had much in common, and talked our faces of for hours. Which is why I forgot to take pictures! They did too, not even one of us together! Terrible! All I have, besides the photo of the table, is a one of the washed tablecloths and napkins hanging on the line the next day! Not even one of the food, which was a delicious mix of summer and fall (just like our perfect day): roast chicken, cold cranberry sauce, potato salad, bean salad, hot crusty bread with a special garlic tomato salsa, and apple crisp which we ate under the arbor outside. Normally I’m better about pictures, but this time it all got away from me!
Hi Susan, I’m so jealous that you get to live on Martha’s Vinyard. I was only there once. It is truly heaven! Do love New England. Spent a week in Gloucester for my 55th high school reunion in July. I live in Florida now, but still a New Englander at heart. Hi to Jack. He’s special.
Oh-h-h, Susan — really enjoyed your Willard. 🙂 In the recent edition, you wrote, “put a scoop of vanilla ice-cream into the cavity of a ripe cantaloupe…” Oh yum. A favorite at our house: put a scoop of pineapple sherbet into the cavity of a ripe cantaloupe. So-o-o-o refreshing! Another option is to hollow out cantaloupe wedges, cut the fruit into pieces and serve in a pretty dish topped with pineapple sherbet. Wonderful for a summer treat! (Think Joe would like it?) Sending smiles…
I Like almost all of Alfred Hitchcock movies and always look forward to seeing his cameo appearance in his movies. Thank you for sharing you’re recipe. You’re posts are always so lovely. Thank you for offering the great giveaway and please enter me
Oh, how I love this time of year! August easing into September and that first faint rusty-brown tinge of the leaves. (You’re right, Susan, they do look tired!). And then September bursting into October with a shout of color in the woodlands and the skittering of those first crisp leaves that have drifted down. I, too, made zucchini bread the other day, although your recipe sounds better than mine. I enjoyed a slice with real butter and a cup of Darjeeling tea. And speaking of shadows, I love the lacy ones on the ground after the leaves have begun to fall!
Thank you Susan for your wonderful Willards and blog posts. You spread happiness and sunshine for which we are in desparate need. I had to laugh at Jack’s picture at the faucet. My now departed kitties used to love to drink from the faucet as well! Take good care Susan.
Love reading your posts! But lets have summer for a little longer….
Loved your post! I’m going to have to watch that movie again! I actually don’t remember the ending! I see and feel the seasons beginning to change even though we are going to have another week long heat wave here in Nothern CA. I wrote a poem once about September in my garden and how the shadows become streached out long across the lawn creating interesting patterns and colors in the garden. So I was impressed at how you love the shadows in the different seasons! Not everyone sees these kinds of beautiful things. 💕
Thanks so much for your post, I needed the uplift. Happy Packing to you!
I loved the photo of your zucchini bread in a Polish Pottery loaf pan! I, too, am a fan of this cheery, colorful, versatile pottery.
Always enjoy your posts and updates. Love Willard!
Another great giveaway. I have been reading and enjoying your blog for five years now. Thanks for being there.
I loved this Willard! It was filled with so many treasures! I especially loved seeing the old recipe box referencing the Betty Crocker test kitchen. My aunt worked in the Betty Crocker test kitchen in the 1950s. In fact, she is credited for introducing the snickerdoodle recipe in the old Betty Crocker cookbook. It was a recipe from my Pennsylvania Dutch great grandmother. I just visited the old mill museum in Minneapolis with used to house the Washburn, Crosby Co. flour mill. Oh, how I would love that recipe box. Thank you for a wonderful giveaway. The Autumn book is my favorite! ❤️
What a wonderful family connection to Americana!