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. 💖
Dear Susan,
I discovered your blog last year, I’m a twenty nine woman who lives in Brittany with her bf and their two cats. I love reading your stories, cooking your recipes. Each time I’m taking some time for me, reading about you, it’s like time slowed down for a while.
I bought some of your books this year and your calendar, the books came from an old library in England which closed for years ago. It’s perfect, I can see the stain of food on some recipe and know which ones were the favourites.
I am also an illustrator in France and a primary school teacher and a huge fan of England (i used to live in London 5 years ago) those cake and tea time are my jam 😉 and in love with Beatrix Potter for a while now. (My birthday is the 28th of July its kind of a sign don’t you think?)
Thanks for all your art and your sharing. My best to joe and your kitty.
Camille
It’s a definite sign! So nice to meet you Camille! My cookbooks look like that too, chocolate fingerprints! Say hello to beautiful France for us!
The older I get the more excited I am looking forward to Autumn. Your zucchini bread recipe sounds like the perfect thing to get my fall baking off to a good start, once the weather here cools down a bit. Still going to have temps near 90 for a couple more weeks.
Today was a catch up day for me. I read Willard & then the latest blog post. What a treasure it would be to win one of your give aways! Crossing my fingers😊
Hi Susan,
My sister has always loved you and has always talked about you. I’ve seen your books and calendars in her home, she follows your blog, etc. In May 2017, my sister, her husband, and I took a weekend road trip from Southern California up to Paso Robles and did a little wine tasting. On the way home, we stopped at Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo and came across a wonderful display of all things Susan Branch! It happened to be Mother’s Day… so I surprised my sister and purchased your autobiographical trilogy: The Fairy Tale Girl, Martha’s Vineyard, Island Girl, and A Fine Romance. She was over the moon.
After she read the books, she encouraged me to read them, so I recently borrowed them… and have fallen equally in love! I spent the entire day Saturday reading The Fairy Tale Girl, and I am half-way through Island Girl today, Sunday. I realize I am rushing and will have to go back and re-read them all again, but I am hooked. I had a very similar path as you, married my Prince Charming, and saw my world seemingly disintegrate when it didn’t work out. This was 17 years ago… and I am in a much better place today, but your story truly resonates. I only wish I’d read it years ago. My family shares a kindred spirit with you; even though we are from Southern California, our spirits come alive in the fall weather and in the changing of the seasons. We often go up to the Pacific Northwest to get our taste of their delightful weather.
I will be purchasing the trilogy again, so that I can give the new set to my sister (again), and keep the set I’ve borrowed. There is no way I’m giving them back (ha)! Your sweet heart, enduring spirit, whimsical drawings, amazing recipes, yearning for light and meaning, powerful quotations, are really speaking to me. Thank you for sharing your spirit and your stories!
p.s. I was fortunate to go to England for the first time in April 2016, so I am excited to read A Fine Romance, and to follow along on your next journey across the pond as well!
I am thrilled to be one of your new Girlfriends… Stephanie
I am so happy to meet you Stephanie, thank you for all your kind words. I knew I wasn’t alone when I was writing those books, we all go through something, don’t we. Say hello to your sister for me! xoxoxo
Susan – thank you so much for taking the time to respond to our comments. It is so nice to hear back from you! It really does make us girlfriends. I didn’t see see your response at first. It turns out I was looking at the comments posted In the Good Old Summertime (oops!), so I reposted my comment there (ha). I am still learning how this all works. Just know that I bought 2 more trilogies: one for Paula (my sister), and one for Heather (my 25 year old daughter). I want to introduce a new generation to you! I am keeping the first set all to myself 🙂 Thanks for the recipes, the Musica, your pictures, paintings, movie recommendations, and more xo Stephanie
Thank you again Stephanie, I’m so happy you are enjoying everything ~ makes my day! xoxo
Hi again Susan! We live in Cat Spring, Texas, which is about an hour west of Houston. We are out in the country at a higher elevation, so no flooding, but tons of rain. My heart goes out to all the people that have had their lives turned upside down! Praying for them and that this will be over soon. Being close to the Texas coast, we do not have a Fall either and it is my favorite season. So I appreciate any Fall inspiration you can send our way! I love the Fall mug and would love to win the delightful package you are giving away. Love all you do! God Bless you! Gloria in Cat Spring, Texas
Your blog rebukes me on how I need to slow down and enjoy life more and the beautiful things I so often take for granted. I also plan on watching the movie! 🙂
Beautifully magical, what a joy it is to see the beauty in our world. Let’s just keep doing that! Happy almost Fall. I sure enjoyed Willard, with my tea, teapot and tray. Thank you!
thanks for the yummy recipe. I will try it as soon as we get out of the high 90’s and low 100’s. Not entirely normal for the PNW and I am ready for fall. This blog post helps me focus on the wonderful fall weather that will EVENTUALLY be upon us (cannot be too soon). Looking forward to hearing about the “bid luncheon” and the lucky winners!!
Love this post about the shadows though sometimes they can be foreboding. Sorry to see summer come to an end but early fall is my favorite time of year. Want to watch the movie Now . Would really like to win the drawing. I look forward to all of your postings.
Boy, would I love to win!
YOUR POSTS ARE A GODSEND TO ME!
Thank you for being such an inspiration!
😘 Betty.
LOVE those crescent moon shadows. I had no idea until you pointed it out about the sun on the ground. How marvellous. I love Jack with his feet up. My Clive likes a good warm lap to sit in but never puts his feet up. Jack is super cute. We tend not to feed birds so they don’t become dependent plus there is always food for them even now in our winter we do have lots of bird baths though and they are so much fun to watch. They eat all my plums in summer and the apples too. The figs are a delight for them, I just buy fruit from the green grocers as I would much prefer to have the birds than the figs. Weird I know.
Not weird, I’ll take the birds too! Happy almost spring Megan! xoxo
Love your blog, love your art, You are an inspiration!! God Bless you
You always make me smile! Thank you for being you & being an inspiration to us all!
My sister recently sent me a copy of “Girlfriends Forever” and I have loved the book. It is extra special because I am very close to my sister in heart although we live very far apart. We will be both sisters and girlfriends forever! Thank you! I love the Autumn mug…I will have to purchase two so my sis and I can share tea together even far apart!
I would love to win this! I’m a fall baby, and love the autumn season! I’m noticing it’s getting darker earlier, which makes more time for setting a coziness my home. Something, baking, something simmering, candles out… your beautiful items would be a lovely addition. 🍁🍂
Oh how I love your blog. I love your books/diaries even more. Your travels in England for your 25th anniversary was lovely. I felt like I made the voyage with you…..and oh the places you visited!!! We share the admiration of of similar ladies💝
I am 67 years young and feel I am a kindred spirit!
Dear Susan,
You have an amazing gift. A way of seeing the world and being able to express it in such a way as to touch the heart of so many. You seem to have a lot of energy too :-). This is my first post on your blog.
My husband and I recently visited Boothbay Harbor in Maine. We live in Maine and just wanted a quick get-a-way. We love that area and we had a beautiful visit. We stayed in a lovely B&B and I got to chatting with a couple at breakfast. (You would like this place very much I think – Five Gables Inn). You would also like the Maine Botanical Gardens, but you may have already been there…it’s growing and changing so much – Good for them!. Anyway, the wife of the couple I met at breakfast mentioned a couple of your books during our conversation. One thing led to another and needless to say, I just completely ‘devoured’ my first of all your books, “Isle of Dreams”. I have already ordered two more from Amazon to arrive tomorrow (love Amazon Prime two-day delivery for instant gratification). I have been all over your blog and your lists of favorite movies and books. I adore the way you are able to see things and express them in words. I believe it allows people to see things in new expanded ways or even to remember things from their childhood with a new appreciation. You truly have a gift. I am so happy for you that you found love (or it found you) and I am happy that you and Little, Brown found each other that first time. I must also say having just finished Isle of Dreams that I would have loved to meet Ellie and Myron.
Thank you Susan for sharing your talents with the world. Many people have been blessed by your stories, art, and recipes. I hope I am lucky enough to meet you one day just to give you a hug. Who knows, maybe I’ll get lucky and find my way to your England destination next year. If not, I look forward to reading A Fine Romance and Autumn (just in time – my favorite time of year) and making some delicious and fragrant fall foods. …while perhaps watching a couple of ‘old’ movies…and listening to my cat Stanley talk at me.
Fondly,
Michele DG
So sweet Michele, thank you! Love the word of mouth story about my books ~ that really is a big part of the reason I am here talking to you now . . . Girlfriends telling Girlfriends! Hugs to you and Stanley!
Hola Susan, thank you for remind us how to enjoy life with little things: shadows, music, old movies, home made bread, pets. It`s a pleasure to read you everytime.
Gracias Cecilia! xoxo
Like you and Joe we are in ‘full dream mode’ as we are heading over to the UK next month and spending some time travelling around. Scotland, England and hopefully a quick trip to Wales are planned. We later leave for a cruise down to the sun before heading back across the pond.
Love all you share with us, thanks.
Bon Voyage Isabel!
Autumn is my favorite season, to me it is the start of the new year. Missing it desperately since I moved the Florida last year. You exemplify so many of the things I love in Life including a love of England. However I am one up on you there having been blessed to live in Totnes, Devon for 13 enchanting years. And it was there that my baking friend, Una, introduced me to you and the Heart of the Home! Bless you for all the joy you bring.
Marguerite
You are so lucky! I would have loved that experience! xoxo
Hello Susan; Thanks for the wonderful stories and memories on your blog. I’d love to win the books, the tea and especially the mug. Thank you!
I love your posts and blog and always listen to your Musica! Thank you so very much for spreading your cheerfulness and loveliness to one and all.
Dear Susan,
Fall is such a splendid time of year…the transition of seasons always seems to bring the excitement of joyful anticipation tempered by grateful reflection. It is in the moments of quiet thought and mindful reflection that we can slow the pace of the world enough to count our blessings and savor the simple and abounding blessings in our lives. And sharing a hot cup of tea with a dear friend might just be the best way to comfort and warm our souls during any season.
Many blessings to you and all of the “Girlfriends” around the world.
Samantha
Fall is my absolute favorite and I loved this post. Loved seeing you in Danville, CA. Special day for my daughters and I! Wanted to buy the fall mug but sold out!
What a lovely post! Thank you!
I adore Cary Grant and I haven’t seen Suspicion in a very long time so I will need to dig it out and watch it this fall.
Zucchini Bread recipe looks wonderful.
Hugs
Love your blog, Willard, the Autumn book and most everything you do. I’ve already bought my 2018 Susan Branch wall calendar. You help make each day something to look forward too. Thanks for being you.
Thank you so much, Susan, for sharing your outlook on enjoying the little things & important beauty all around us. Look forward to hearing all about your trip in May.
I love the birds outside your window. It is like you live in fairyland.
Hi 🤗
Happy Fall
OOH! I’ve never watched that movie! Definitely will have to watch it soon! Love Cary Grant! I so love reading your posts, Susan! It is like a cup of tea by a warm, cozy fire!
Oh Sue –
Thanks once again for a yummy recipe, lovely pictures AND a great movie to watch. I love Cary Grant – remember Arsenic and Old Lace. I’ll have to check for this one! Wishing you all a wonderful start to Autumn.
Toni
Was so excited to receive your Christmas mug in the mail this week. It’s absolutely delightful and makes me smile like all things “Susan”. Also purchased a half dozen “girlfriend” books to give to my teacher friends when we start up our Bible study this Thursday. We wanted to come see you when you came to Kansas City last year, but it was graduation night at our school and we didn’t think our principal would be to happy if we played hooky. Please come back! You have a fan club here!
Looking forward to fall and Love your house too!
We’ll be back, thank you Karen!
I would love to just settle in for a movie fest and a cup of tea with you darling mug. Today is 107 in Northern California so maybe next month it will feel like fall. Thanks Susan, for inspiration.
107! That is just crazy! Stay cool Sherry!
Oh, I wish I had a cuppa the Gingerbread-Cake Tea right now, well, along with a slice of the zucchini bread! The Cranberry Tea Cake looks mighty good, too! I’m in North Florida, and at just past midnight, it’s STILL 79 degrees, and feels like 82 with the humidity, so I’m afraid my wait for “fall” will be a long one. For the past 2 years, my area hasn’t even had ANY freezes during fall/winter. The cooler months are my favorite, so that’s a bummer. I’m hoping for cool weather this year, with crisp mornings and nights, and lots of “cute sweater” weather, that we never get enough of!
I’m a “wanna be” water-colorist, and I just LOVE your books. Just glancing at them brings me a sense of comfort and coziness. That’s been a bright spot during several very difficult years. Thanks for all the cozy tales and lovely pictures!
Think I’ll go fix some sort of cuppa right now, pretending it’s cool, and crossing my fingers for the give away! Sweet Dreams, Susan!
Thank you Pamela, I bet you find your best part of the day in the cool cool cool of the evening!
I am amazed at all the connections you shared with shadows. What a treat!
Cheri
So happy to read every Willard and blog post! We have been trapped inside here in Texas, waiting for Harvey’s residual flooding rains to let up. Reading your post was a welcomed distraction to the devastation here in the Houston area. Thanks for your cheerful post!
I hope you’re okay Charlotte, the news looks horrendous! I’m worried and praying everyone is safe.
Hi Susan, I’m new to your blog, art, books. I’ve been a fan of Gladys Taber for many years. Friends of Gladys Taber is how I found you. I checked Isle of Dreams from our local library and became an instant fan (girlfriend). Now I’m hoping to win your Fall Giveaway(books, tea and mug). I want to thank you for “just being you”! So down to earth and real!!! Your friend, Linda.
Nice to meet you Linda!
Hi Susan,
Yum your courgette cake looks good…I have never seen such pretty ceramic loaf pans as yours, all I ever see here are metal ones. Thanks for the film tip, I am going to see if I can buy it on DVD since it looks like such an cosy, autumn film to watch on a rainy day. Xx
It’s perfect for that!
Love your blogspot. Always a pleasure to read as you are such an inspiration. Looking forward to your posting about travelling light – is it possible?
It won’t be about traveling light! LOL, that is not what we do, but other aspects of travel that we DO know about! Thank you Elizabeth!
Finally got my mug and it’s is beautiful. I use it for my coffee, for my favourite tea and my chamomile tea before bedtime. Think I may have to buy more because I just love it so much!
Thank you for such a wonderfully designed mug 😍
Oh I’m late getting here, So much busyness what with great granddaughter starting Kindergarden. LOVE zucchini bread. I’ve been seeing so many recipes using zucchini. I have been buying it at the farmers market and grating and freezing for later use!
Oh the gingerbread tea sounds so delicious. Every day when my son goes down for his nap I have a little bit of me time. I make a cup of tea and either read a little or work on a craft project and the gingerbread tea would be just perfect for my tea time. Also I hope I win since my mother doesn’t have the autumn book and I just know she would love it.
Me time: so important. Love it Dorinda. xoxo
I still remember when I used to receive the Willard in the mail. I used to get so excited! I’d set aside some quiet time and then just relax and read…
Hello Susan,
Better late than never is what they say, right? I couldn’t post a comment any sooner, because we were on holiday. We were in Bonnie Scotland for a week, and then a week in the Cotswolds. Had such a lovely time, first time up north, and we got to visit (and handfeed!) a herd of reindeer!! That was our surprise for the boys, and they loved it! The Edinburgh Tattoo was GREAT too!
Then, our 2nd week we spent in Chipping Campden, and we explored the gorgeous villages (with tearooms haa) in the area. We also had a lovely morning catching up with friends, who we met last year in Stourhead!!
I have already started planning our trip to the Lake District for next May, and can’t wait to see you again!
Thanks for your lovely give-away! Love from Holland
Nicoline
xx
You get around Nicoline!!! It helps to live in the Disneyland of the world. All the wonderful different countries/cultures/crafts and history so close by! See you at Castle Cottage! 👏
Hi Nicoline (love your name),
My husband and I are going back to England next May, for the entire month. Can’t make up my mind about Chipping Camden. Last time I was there, we were over come by the huge crowds and tour buses in the village.
If you don’t mind, could you post where you stayed there? I’m getting all the bookings done now.
Thanks,
Debbie in Maine
Thanks so much for the Zucchini bread recipe. Honestly, I always feel so relaxed after reading your posts. Autumn, Cary Grant, baking, flowers, Joe, Jack etc. What’s not to love? I get so worked up every time I read the news that I’m going to make it a point to come here and calm down at least once a day! By the way, I am still ordering my beeswax candles from the nuns at the convent so thanks again for that info.
I love those nuns. I love what they do and how they live their lives. I’m so glad we all got to meet them!
Love to read your blog posts–especially when I’m needing to feel cozy….
What a lovely post!
Love, love, love fall. Thank you for sharing your wonderful life and words of inspiration to live our own wonderful lives!
OMG, Susan, I’m running to the library right now to check out their Suspicion DVD! As soon as I get back, I plan to go straight to the kitchen to make zucchini bread. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hugs,
Vicki
Love your description of the changing seasons and with this the light. We are finding this to be so here in VA together with hints of leaves beginning their turn. It’s time. I’m ready to be refreshed.
I always look forward to your descriptions, it makes me see things I might otherwise have missed ! xoxo
I hope I win! My husband and I just celebrated our 11th anniversary and he got me some really pretty silver earrings, so I’ve been spoiled already this week. But a little more won’t hurt. I will try the zucchini bread for sure. I have only one plant, but it’s VERY productive! My high tea sewing bee was a success, by the way. The food was simple and delicious, and my guests had a fun and relaxing time. And they brought flowers from their gardens: cosmos, dahlias and roses!
Perfection. Happy anniversary Saartje!
Thank you for your inspiring words and pictures which encourage us to appreciate the beauty we live with, but sometimes fail to notice in our preoccupation with life’s cares and deadlines. I am spending bank holiday alone (but not alone) with my 17 year old noisy cat, 8 year old black labrador and small 8 week old golden retriever/labrador puppy who I hope one day will become a guide dog for the blind. There are dappled shadows on my kitchen floor and the noise of a tractor zooming up and down the narrow road of our Oxfordshire village carrying grain burstsperiodically through the open window – the harvest is finally in. So much to be grateful for. Grateful too to be included in your “drawing” – though by the quantity of comments, it will be like winning the lottery!!
The bounty of zucchini lends itself to making delicious warm bread at this time every summer. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
We sold our house unexpectedly and have felt remorse for almost 6 wks. now while we wait for the move out. How can one ever replace the home where all of the family memories took place? Well, we have chosen to follow a dream of my husband’s which is to live on a golf course. It’s spacious, quiet, lush, surely full of wildlife, and I look forward to our new adventures. It’s the moving part that is difficult and purging so many years of stuff and saying goodbye to neighbors who are so much fun to prank. We trust God that this will all work out.
If I am not too late, I’d love to be thrown into the hat for your drawing. Thx!
So hard. But you do get to decorate a whole new place and that will be fun! Seeing your things in new places, you’ll make it wonderful! When I think about moving, that is the one thought that perks up my thoughts immediately! A new porch to decorate, new cupboards to take the doors off of, new little shelves to line with vases. Best of luck to you Betsy. xoxoxoxo Happy new home.
Fingers crossed. I have been catching up with you, after years of being unable to! I remember getting Willard in the mail (I still have them!) and treasuring each one. Thank you for the beautiful tea cup!! I got the Martha’s Vineyard one. Martha’s Vineyard is on my bucket list.
Hi Susan,
Enjoyed reading your newest Willard! I fell in love with the vintage recipe boxes. What a cool idea!
Dear wonderful Susan, you bring so much happiness and peace and contentment and appreciation of all things around us. Thank you for being you and for sharing your life with us. You make us feel like we personally know Joe, Jack, New England, old England, Beatrix and so many, many more things. I have loved all your expressions of love for ever so long. You absolutely make this world a BETTER, happier place!!! God bless!
I’m enjoying the new Willard so much. Going to be in England this autumn so won’t make it back in the spring. But thank you for taking us along through your photos and journals. What a feast you share!
So enjoy your blog, Susan. It calms me, gives me hope, takes me away. Fall is a sad time to me because it says, “Good-bye Summer.” But your blog reminds me how beautiful this season is. I know what you mean by the new shadows. My old house displayed them well. Love, love birds and their songs. Thank you.
I wonder, and it’s just a wonder, because I had it, if maybe the sadness some of our Girlfriends feel at the end of summer is actually caused by the shorter days, which means less light? I just say that because I had this problem for YEARS before I found out about it ~ actually, one of my girlfriends TOLD me she could see the change in me in the Autumn, suggested I had that SADD disease from lack of light. So I got a light box and that really helped. But then I discovered vitamin D and that solved it. I am happy all through the winter, don’t need a light box anymore, just because of a little vitamin pill. Just in cases, Girlfriends.
Dear Susan,
Music, Shadows, your first house, moon shadows, JOE, zucchini bread, a room with a view, JACK, a Cary Grant movie, more shadows, Hydrangea’s, and The Dancing Queen!!
It’s all here…All Beautiful, all warm and cozy and all very special! Thank you Susan for making our hearts smile!
Xo
Lovely Willard, lovely post. Summer is my favorite season. Heat, flowers, butterflies,lightening bugs, hummingbirds, fresh tomatoes, sweet corn on the cob, farmers markets, gardening, the smell of freshly mowed grass, the zzzzzzizzzzzing of locusts… When all the pumpkin spice flavoured things come along, I get a little sad. My favourite thing about the fall season, however, (besides the decor that covers the greatest length of time until Christmas), is candy corn and dry roasted peanuts together.
Dear Susan,
your books and blog take me away to a place that I can only dream of…Thank you for sharing your books, travels and talent! Much love,
Vicki
I love autumn and your Autumn book. I finally gave up searching bookstores for a copy and decided to order on-line. Funny thing, I told my daughter and she groaned and said she just ordered a copy for my birthday. I have a funny way of spoiling her surprises. (I am no longer allowed to buy anything months before birthday or holidays. ) Now I see your recent give away of the book as well. I take it as a sign that one way or another obtaining a copy is in the stars…now if only a copy of your summer book could be found. The search is half of the fun.
Take care and keep writing.
I just got back from a week of camping and hiking in Canada with no phone or internet and what a treat to have a Willard to read. First thing I told my husband is we are going to be in England in May 2018 for the picnic. He didn’t say much but I am going to work to see if I can make it happen.
Fall is my favorite time of year and I always feel that it is more the start of a new year for me than January will ever be. I am so ready for it this year. I love the changing of the leaves and the cold, clear days that it brings. Plus we are going to have another few days in the high 90’s here so the cool days can’t come any sooner for me.
There are so many things to comment on but I need to get busy putting things away from our trip so will take the time to go back and reread and savour all that you have said in Willard and your blog post. Then start the planning for May.
See you there, Judy!
Happy Wonderful Monday! LOVED reading Willard and yes, I adore Cary Grant and saw “Penny Serenade” recently too!
Hi Susan What a glorious post to start the Autumn season. The beautiful shadows and Zucchini Bread Thank you so much for the recipe and the movie. I just can’t wait to have that day when we are back from and upcoming trip to Napa for my brother in law’s wedding.
Our days are starting to cool just a bit. Which I hope is not just from Harvey. We are near Dallas and not much affected, but our hearts are hurting for others that are. I am sure there are many Girlfriends praying for them. It just breaks my heart to watch it on the news. I hope people help and donate if they can.
And thank you for Willard and always putting a smile on my face and in my heart.
I made up this drink I call it Happy Fall Y’All 1 cold botte of Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider 1oz any kind of good French Calvados 1/8-1/4 oz butterscotch schnapps (depending how sweet you like it) serve in a tall glass over ice and garnish w an apple wheel very appley and just a hint of warm flavors from the butterscotch and just like Fall in a glass to me.
That drink sounds just beautiful Charissa. And yes, all my prayers are winging toward poor Texas and the gallant brave people who are sticking together in the very best way.
Your blog and newsletters are a breath of fresh air and like stepping back in time. Your zucchini bread looks so yummy. I would be thrilled to win this giveaway! Thank you for the opportunity!
Love the blog…..Love you !
Sending Love from Paris, Texas
The photographs are beautiful. I can’t stop looking at the sun-dappled doors. Happy Autumn.
Susan, I took your advice and called CA this morning to ask about the supply of bluebird mugs. The sweet lady I spoke with said they probably won’t be placing another order. Please, please, if you have any input at all, please ask them to. I won’t go into the reason I couldn’t pre-order (TMI) 🙂 , but I am able to buy two mugs now. I’m sure there are probably others who would love to have the bluebird mug for themselves or give as Christmas gifts. There are other women out there who are just waiting to be enchanted by Susan Branch and her delightful world. What a wonderful way to introduce someone — the gift of a beautiful mug with that precious bluebird! Hope you’ll use your influence since they are YOUR mugs! Love you!
I know, I love the bluebird too, I’m so sorry, but here’s our problem: The manufacturer requires us to order a certain number of mugs, a minimum number of each design, a very LOT of them, and they’re expensive, coming all the way from England ~ and it takes about 3 months to get them, which is why I put them up for preorder, because then I feel “confident” that everyone who wants one gets one, and that number of preorders is what I base the order on, plus I add another couple of hundred to each design, just in cases. To do a second order would mean I would have to feel that there are actually hundreds of people who still wanted a certain cup and didn’t get one. That’s the problem in a nutshell. I love that bluebird too … let’s wait and see if we get more requests, maybe I can re-do it next year. So sorry. I do try so hard to make sure everyone gets what they want. xoxoxoxo
I understand.😢Thank you.
Call Wishful Thinking in Tx 469) 714-4303ask for Patty Tell her Charissa sent you. I think she has one or two as of last week. She will ship xoxo
Back to work today after a 4 day weekend and there was a Willard waiting for me! I’ve already sent the info about the new calendar to Santa- that’s become one of my favorite parts of Christmas morning. Have to go back and finish reading my Willard later. Looks like a good one! Have a lovely Autumn, Susan!
XO Teri
🍁 Hi Susan 🍁,
Yes 🍂 fall 🍂 is in the air even down here on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Temp. in the 70’s with a cool NE gusty wind blowing. A good day for a cup of tea. Don’t have any zuccini, but you have encouraged me to bake something yummy — maybe some scones😃
Something else I may do today is have tea with my daughter. She and her family live in Vancouver, BC where years ago we had an amazing tea experience at the Fairmont Empress Hotel Tea Room. We only see each other every other year or so, but came up with the idea of Skype tea times. Soooo — every other week we meet for a lovely tea time 🍮☕️🍰 for a 1/2 hour or so. We share our special tea table setting as well as our tea menu and what tea we have chosen to enjoy. We also talk about our latest Teatime Magazine which I give to all my 3 daughters and daughter in law each year. Perhaps someone else would enjoy doing that with there distant tea enjoying relatives.
Thank you for your encouraging blogs that help us to think about good and lovely things 🍁🍂🍁 the Lord’s blessings to you and Joe, Sarah
Susan!!
Yes! I will be making your Zucchini Bread! (since we have a fairly good supply!)
And I LOVE THAT MUG! The books would be a great addition to my library and my mom’s! Hope I can win them!
I love seeing your morning photos of your kitchen too!
HUGS!!
Linda L. of Walnutport, PA
Oh, I’ve been out of town for a week (playing with a wonderful new grandson!) and just now got to read my Willard. Please do enter me in the drawing. And happy Fall to you and Joe. It’s my favorite time of year. Enjoy!
Gratitude really is all, and reading your blog always gives me a huge dose of it. Thanks so much for what you do, your gratitude shines through each and every post.
Susan – I made the zucchini bread this weekend – delicious! Gave a loaf to my son and DIL who gave some to my 1 year old grandson – and he loved it! We’re just experimenting with some new things for him to eat so I am more than happy that he liked “our” zucchini bread! Also, it’s nice to find a kindred spirit in the observation of the changing sunlight here in late August. I always notice it this time of year. The shadows are definitely different. Of course, down here in Florida, it will be mid-December before it finally feels like Autumn – but I can pretend until then!
107 degrees here today in California, but when it cools down you had better believe I’ll make the zucchini bread!! Love you and love your quotes which as I get older just seem more and more hearfelt (and needed)!! And that movie, I’ll want to watch it!! Enjoy your days there with Joe in paradise!!
Thanks for the lovely Willard and blog post. You always make me smile!
Hello Susan! Thanks for the yummy zucchini bread recipe. Sad as I am to see summer go, I do love the crispy colors of Fall. Blessings on you and Joe!
Always love your blog posts, Susan! And you have inspired me to bake some zucchini bread when I get home from work. This is the zucchini recipe we have been eating since it hit the farm stands:
Zucchini, as many as you want
parmesan cheese
oregano
basil
garlic
olive oil
salt and pepper
Slice the zucchini as if to make french fries. Place on a nice big baking tray that has been sprayed with PAM. Drizzle the olive oil over and place in a 425* oven. When they are cooked to the tenderness desired, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and then whatever herbs you desire. Continue roasting until the cheese is all melted and brown.
I hope you enjoy this recipe, which has become a favorite of ours! Oh! We used patty pan squash the other day and didn’t like it as much.
Thanks for the beauty you share with us!
Kim P.S. What is on the opposite side of your “Autumn” cup?
There is a squirrel on one side, with a banner that says, “Count your Blessings” ~ you can see both sides and the bottom and the handle if you look at it in the web store. Thank you for the recipe!
Dear Susan,
It’s a brand new school year all buzzing with new ideas, new curriculum, and energy! My own children are back to college so things are much quieter at home, I am grateful that you are still a constant in my life!! Fall is my favorite time of year! A brand new group of students to have the opportunity to teach!! Thank you for inspiring me in so many ways! You help keep my cup full during the many stresses that life offers! I am so grateful for your blog ! I have all your books ! What a gift you are !! Sincerely, Julie
😘 xoxo Julie!
My fingers are crossed and here’s hoping I’m the lucky winner! ; )
Though I have all your books, but would love to have an autographed second copy of each, it’s the gingerbread tea that I’m most excited about!! My family just returned from a enchanted river boat cruise down the Rhine River, stopping at the most charming, fairytale villages each with their own special gingerbread bakeries (we could have used an extra suitcase just for all these treats!!!) Keep that in mind when you’re packing for your wonderful adventure!!! Next time when I have a choice between extra clothes or room for gingerbread, I think you know which one I’m going to choose!!!!!
With many thanks for another beautiful post, Susan!
Love your blog Susan. I may have to make the zucchini bread. Looks yummy, and it will go nicely with the tea in my new Autumn cup that I bought for myself for my anniversary (told my husband it was from him) ha ha. Love your prize drawings too. Such cute things, please enter me!
Love this! I want to watch this movie and bake zucchini bread right now!
We also feed the birds in our garden and their aerial acrobatics are a constant source of pleasure. I recently had Zucchini cake with Lime frosting and it was delicious. Anne in Staffordshire (U.K.)
Thank you for the wonderful post and for Williard! It makes my day to hear from you. I can’t wait for Fall; I love it when the seasons change. It has been unbearably hot here with heat indexes around 105-107 last week. This morning the temperature was a glorious 69 degrees – a definite time for celebration. It is supposed to warm up again by the end of the week, but the break has been a most welcome sign of things to come. Your giveaway would be an absolute joy to win! You are so generous with us!
I love that you give us free bookmarks from time to time and I have an idea for you (with all that spare time on your hands 🙂 I really like the Full Moon bookmark you did for 2017 and would love one for 2018. It would be great if you had a place in your “shop” where all the past bookmarks are located for download, and you could easily charge for them. They do make wonderful gifts especially when laminated. Thanks for your charm and inspiration!
Hello Susan…. I recently came upon a package unopened of gingerbread tea and have delightfully enjoying a pre holiday tea time. Much to my delight it was so appreciated at this time of the year. Please include me in your latest give away. My best to you and Joe….
I am so thankful for the day I picked up and purchased your first book so many years ago. Truly, a life changing moment. At that time, I could never have known how much joy and comfort you would bring to so many over the next decades. I LOVE everything Susan Branch and even got to meet you and Joe twice at the Learned Owl bookstore. Thank you so much for bringing so much joy to all the girlfriends. Love to you, Joe and Jack.
Just read the latest Williard and loved it! I read it at work and it really lets me relax. I don’t have a PC, laptop, tablet or smart phone. I use a computer all day long at work so I appreciate being “off the grid” when I get home. I’m also a Susan who’s the oldest child. Have an 87 year old mother who’s in good health but has some memory problems – just like you. I love butter on saltines and I might have to look for that new butter. I print out all your bookmarks – thanks for the new one! I have a tiny old house with small rooms, high ceilings and radiator heat that I’ve lived in more over 30 years. I have to laugh when someone on one of those TV house hunting shows says a room needs “updating”. My house is decades behind that house that needs updating. Oh and we don’t have rooms anymore, we have “spaces” – that term is a hoot too. God bless you, Joe and Jack and thanks so much for sharing your life with us all.
I love reading your blog posts, it’s like dreaming with my eyes open.
We love Zucchini bread too. My Mom puts pineapple in it; anyone else do that too? I’ve been hounding corn farmers as I shop for the Best of the Best of the Best, Sir! Enjoy August’s last days.
Hello! Loved the blog post, and love Willard. Can’t wait to make Zucchini Bread! All the best to you and Joe,
Susan
This post couldn’t be a more perfect start to Autumn!! Thank you!!
I was happy to see Saskatoon, Saskatchewan mentioned at the top of Willard. It’s where my darling grandchildren live, a 3.5 hour drive from here in Weyburn. You have a number of Weyburn fans as my friends read you blog as do I. You’ll love Ireland; it’s time for my husband and I to plan another trip there. We stuck to small towns and villages except to see the Book of Kells and “Riverdance” in Dublin.
I read all three of your biography books and passed them to “my girlfriends’! Love your watercolors–you inspire me to try.
I love reading your blogs! Thank you for the fall inspiration. I will be making zuchinni bread tomorrow for sure!