Welcome! How about some nice cool MUSICA? Oui! I imagine lots of you are just coming over from your 
It just started going out today (Wednesday), and it now takes about five days for it all to go … if you don’t 
already get it, sign up now and maybe you’ll be in time to find a letter in your box. It’s a fun one! It has announcements! I thought today, in celebration of the coming change of season ~ I’d make us Zucchini Bread for tea! But before I do that, a reminder about the new Fall Giveaway I mentioned in Willard! When you get to the bottom of this post, look for the tiny word “comments” ~ click there, leave a few words so you’ll automatically be entered in our drawing . . . for this . . .
Not one, not two, but three books ~ all of them signed to the winner (or if you’ll be giving them as a gift, to whomever you like!), Autumn, Heart of the Home, and Gratitude ~ in addition, for complete celebration, I’m including one of our new Autumn cups along with a bag of Gingerbread Cake Black Tea.👏 Just leave a comment, and keep your fingers crossed! It could be YOU! It really could! Much better odds than the lottery. And we ship, so no matter where you are, if you win, you win!
Speaking of fall … this is one of my favorite things, a harbinger of the changing season, the way the light dances on my kitchen walls as the wind blows through the leaves outside ~ it’s mesmerizing!
It actually shimmers all over the house . . . there is something very cozy about it . . .
I’ve been taking pictures of it for a long time. This was the porch of my first Island house, 
called Holly Oak, during my first fall on the Island (my first “real” fall, period). For those of you who don’t know ….I had moved to the Island from California and had only lived there for a few months, but I could feel the season changing, and I knew then I was falling in mad love with this place. It’s been the same every year since, watching the light and the way the colors change is magical. 🍂
Joe and I walk down this dirt road each morning, through the dappled woods, trees and thickets are still green, but we’re starting to see tiny pops of color (you can see some at top, over the road).
I even take pictures of other people’s shadows!
The solar eclipse was only partial up here in New England, but it made the shadows even more fun … you could see the moon in them. Making me realize for the first time, that when you see a splotch of sunlight through the trees, you are seeing the entire sun in that one bit of light. Because here, the moon is blocking part of it … and so you get these little scalloped moons dappled under all the trees. Isn’t that wild?
So much moon and sun, they almost made tulips!
This little one … the moon in the sun … quite an amazing bit of sweetness.
They even made it into the house… sparkled down the kitchen counters and across the floor. I wonder how many times this has happened in this house, and what the other people we’ve shared these old rooms with must have thought about it.
There’s Joe, my hero, outside washing the specks of spaghetti sauce and bacon grease off the windows and filling the bird feeders for me . . .
We visit through the windows while I set the oven temperature for 325° and find my recipe for Zucchini Bread. Ah yes . . .
I’ll show you how to make this delicious seasonal yumminess . . . and don’t worry, I’ll put the recipe at the bottom so you can print it out. First we need a couple of bowls and a loaf pan.
This recipe is as fast and easy as any packaged mix ~ I make it at least once a year. You get two big loaves from it, one for you and one to give away or freeze. In one of the bowls, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and baking powder. Set aside.
In the other bowl, whisk eggs, then add sugar and vegetable oil and whisk well.
whisking well.
The you grate zucchini . . .
and stir it into the egg mixture . . .
The birds keep me company while I work, always a good thing!
Stir well.
Add the dry ingredients,
along with the chopped walnuts,
and the vanilla . . .
And voila! Mix well and pour into buttered loaf pans. Bake 60 minutes until a knife in the center comes out clean.
While the cake was baking, I took Jack and we went into the wood room to put up our feet and watch a good old movie.
See? His feet are up.
Our movie starts out all nice and sweet … with Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine ~ Perfect! In this movie, she’s wealthy and shy and he’s a charming playboy without a penny to his name, but she doesn’t know that yet. She’s falling, hook, line, and sinker.
Boy meets Girl, it must be love . . . and I’m settled in, happy as a clam ….
“Have you ever been kissed in a car?” he asks her, and she says, “no” and he says, “would you like to be?” . . . and then they go on an amazing honeymoon and waltz all over Europe to this MUSICA … so delightful ~ they come home to their new house that I would like to own and he immediately puts on “their song” and they dance around their new living room from happiness!
And she is now Mrs. John Aysgarth … sooo happy. But, I forgot to mention, this is an Alfred Hitchcock movie, so it comes with a twist. ⚡️
. . . Which I’ll show you in a moment (not giving anything away, even though I’m pretty sure you’ve seen this movie ~ it came out in 1941, but just in cases) ~ this film has everything I love . . . it’s set in Sussex, England, so there’s already plenty of unspoken history and gravitas, there are darling cottages, and cute cars ~ they have tea, there are quirky characters, and a wonderful scene on a train…
. . . plus it’s mostly British actors, Dames and Sirs, and there are things like riding to the hounds . . . (… just about now, that cake in the oven was starting to smell so good, all cinnamon and sugar!)
. . . and little village churches. Alfred Hitchcock was English so he knew about these things.
The hair, the clothes, the architecture, are all perfection. Everything I love. Love the little bow ~ a bit of 1941 Diane Keaton.
Wonderful romantic curtains, and look, leafy shadows on her windows!
The buzzer just went off, my zucchini bread is done! YUM! Out it comes to cool . . . back I go to the movie . . .
SO, yes, Alfred Hitchcock, which means that besides the charm in every scene and especially the charm of the wonderful actors, there was another character in this “romantic psychological thriller” that got no billing at all . . . Bwaaaaaah! It’s the shadows! Look at them! They aren’t mentioned in the credits, but they are a definite presence in this movie and tell you everything you need to know. I don’t think the shadows in my house are sinister at all, but here, they definitely are! First thing I would do if I was her is get a dog. She actually has a dog but I would get another one with bigger teeth.
Because this movie is called Suspicion, and you don’t have to say it twice, it’s in every scene. Look at those shadows . . . I feel suspicious right now.
For example, what fresh hell is HE up to, lurking around the bar . . . we don’t know, but we know it’s something!
Oh, Alfred, you are so good! Slashed with a shadow! They don’t make ’em like they used to!
Even here, she goes into this office (in the adorable little English town that’s actually probably some place in Hollywood) and look what he’s done with the light ~ I have no doubt that he controlled every corner of this movie.
Cake’s cool, time for tea! No problem, I can watch TV while I make tea! My biggest problem? Which cup shall I use? I take turns.
My shadow’s right with me … lotta shadows in this blog! But this one is the best. Back to our chair we go . . .
Uh-oh — Cary and Joanie play Scrabble with Beaky (Nigel Bruce, naive friend), and we get another rather huge clue . . .
And as time goes by, it becomes more obvious that this lighthearted movie isn’t as lighthearted as we thought (or is it?). Here comes Cary with the poison milk! We know it’s poison milk because it’s all lit up! And we are very suspicious, because of the sinister shadows from the moonlight through the conservatory roof. We can see that milk coming up the stairs a mile away! Bang with the shadows! 💥
OMG, he’s in the bedroom, don’t drink it Joanie!!! (Love the satin pillow on the left. And whatever is behind it. Love everything in this house.) I better stop. I’m going to give the whole thing away. You are just going to have to watch it yourself! Make a loaf of Zucchini Bread first, it’s moist and nutty, and all chewy on the edges ~ it adds a lot to the ambience.
XOXO
Joe’s feeders are emptying fast but the windows look so much better! The birds outside our kitchen windows are constant entertainment ~ they bring their babies, fight for footholds, and sing their hearts out. We keep a bird book nearby, to identify possible strangers.
In my next blog post, besides announcing the winner of the drawing, I’m going to write: “How to Travel: the Tricks of the Trade.” We are getting to be experts. Only thing we haven’t figured out yet, how to take only one suitcase! Getting us ready for our virtual and real trip to the other side of the pond. So excited … love all these months in front of us for planning and “looking forward!”
One more shadow . . . we were downtown over the weekend, walking home after dinner, and looked up to see one of my favorite sights, a kitty in the window!
Today I get to plan the menu for the winners of the Possible Dreams Auction that was held 
here on the Island a couple of weeks ago ~ they’re coming on Friday! You might remember, I mentioned the auction in one of my recent posts, and just in case anyone is interested, here’s the update: I’ll be making lunch and spending the afternoon with the highest bidder and three of her friends (I heard it went for $4,000, which all goes to our local Community Services so it was a wonderful thing for someone to do 💗). What shall I make, what SHALL I make . . . going to get out the books. I’m thinking we should eat outside under the arbor … I want this to be GOOD.
We went to the nursery yesterday, where everything is on sale, it’s end of season! We wanted to freshen the garden, get some fall color . . . and look how pretty, that’s our cart!
It’s a good time of year to get plants. They’re less expensive, you can see how big they are and know for sure what color the flowers will be. And then next year? Oooh, la wee!
Love you Girls, I’m still singing Dancing Queen from the Willard, 🎶 You can dance, you can jive, havin’ the time of your life … 🎵 See that girl, watch that scene, digging’ the Dancing’ Queen . . .🎶 … Have a wonderful day! Don’t forget to leave a comment to win our Giveaway! XOXO
Z U C C H I N I B R E A D
Preheat oven to 325° Makes two 8″ x 4″ loaves
- 2 c. flour (unsifted, lighten by stirring with fork, then measure)
2 tsp. baking soda- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 c. sugar
- 1 c. vegetable oil
- 2 c. grated, raw, unpeeled zucchini
- 1 c. chopped walnuts
- 2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking sodaPreheat oven to 325°. In a lg. bowl, whisk together first five ingredients and set aside. In another lg. bowl, beat eggs, add sugar and oil and beat well. Stir in zucchini; then add the dry ingredients along with the walnuts and the vanilla and mix well. Pour into two buttered loaf pans. Bake one hour until knife in center comes out clean. Cool completely before turning onto serving dish. 💖
Love those prizes, please draw my name.
Ahh The Dancing Queen…….we just watched Mama Mia over the weekend, my hubby’s first time seeing it. I had warned him it was pretty hokey and it might change how he saw the handsome wonderful tone deaf Pierce Brosnan. We are leaving for the Greek Isles next week so he was game to get a taste of life there and we both enjoyed the movie, me more them him, but still. Love “traveling” with movies. Happy Fall, y’all!
I too love the changing of the season to Autumn. The cup looks lovely and will definitely try the courgette bread. Marie
I so love Alfred’s movies! They are all of what you described! Cary Grant is of course too handsome for words, sigh…..I’m going to do exactly what you did, make some homemade zucchini bread using your recipe, make some tea, watch this movie in a dark room and probably scream out loud too!!! I hope and pray I win this drawing! Your blog’s ALWAYS make me happy!
What a fun read about shadows! My family had a reunion in eastern Idaho this past weekend, timed to see the eclipse together. It was quite an awe-inspiring experience. Love your books and blog.
Oh my! Loved reading about shadows on your blog and seeing the photos. I always look forward to your posts! I’m going to make your zucchini bread today for my sweet husband of almost 55 years. Thank you for posting it. It’s probably in one of your cookbooks that I have…but seeing this today was motivational to get cooking something special. Though we have never met (sad), I want you to know I love and admire you!!
Our eclipse was absolutely beautiful !!! (and anything with Cary Grant is also) OK off to make zucchini bread.
ps your posts sure brighten my day !!!
Such a lovely post…all those shadows. Fall is creeping in here in Ohio too. And wasn’t that eclipse amazing? We had about 87% here. It got strangely darker. And that is a lovely stack of books! I’d love to add them to my collection!
Hello,
Loved the photos of the dapple leaves / eclipse pictures! Here in Florida we only had a partial eclipse. Thanks for another of your lovely giveaways.
Oh, how beautiful the shadows and darling moon shapes on the windows, ground, etc. Love that!! It’s so much better than trying to look at the actual sun and moon. So delicate and fun. Thanks for sharing and for the yummy bread recipe! Love FALL!! Can’t wait for my Willard!! Huggins, Marie Fluck
Your blog post is the perfect escape for my day. I made some tea, had a snack and enjoyed every word of your post. I now feel rejuvenated which is good since my 4 kids will be coming home from school soon! Thank you for all that you do!
Been needing some Girlfriend time and here with shadows, yummy zucchini bread (tried chocolate zucchini bread?), Autumn and Suspicion you come! Autumn, best, most beautiful, favorite time of year!!!!! Suspicion is such a great movie — draws you in no matter how many times you watch. Glad we will be planning our trip over the pond. Cannot go myself, but by far, the next best is going with you, Joe and the Girlfriends. Will be watching for my Willard and as always, grateful I found your blog.
Love your books, love your tea cups, love your art work and I love your blog!
Thanks for the video. I live in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and find by this time of year all my birds have become very quiet and are hiding somewhere!
Dearest, Darling Susan, I have a letter to you….in my head….with some articles to send. Just haven’t gotten it down on paper yet. Don’t you just love ACTUAL letters….on stationery, hand written, sent through the mail, and arriving in your mailbox? However, I can’t resist you giveaway, so here I am, writing a little, “Hello,” to you and Joe, in the virtual world. Both have their place, so all is good. I’m so happy when you put up a post……makes my/our world a better place….which we desperately need. Thanks, Rachel
You know I do Rachel! xoxo
Enjoyed your zucchini bread, love Autumn, too, and Suspicion is a wonderful movie that draws you in no matter how many times you watch. Appreciate all you do and share!!
Don’t have my Willard yet, but I’m sure it’ll arrive soon. Yes, the changing of the light … so beautiful. And so glad you captured those eclipse shadows. I was really slacking. Never even thought to look for anything like that. If they made it into your house, they were probably in mine (in New Hampshire) also.
Always have loved Suspicion, but now I want to watch it again with your eye for shadows! You are so clever to notice. Hitchcock would be proud! Another of my favorites is Rebecca, both the movie, also with Joan Fontaine, and the book.
Love your posts. Can’t write much cause I have a broken arm.
P.S. We had totality here during the eclipse, and it was truly awesome. I loved watching the shadows deepen and the changes in light and temperature. At the moment of totality a cheer went up around the neighborhood, which was nice, but I felt reverent, as if we’d just received a gift from the Universe. Lovely!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for sharing your writing, your art, your views, your courage! Those solar eclipse moon shadows are amazing.
All good wishes for you and everyone reading!
Love my bluebird cup! Would love to win the Autumn goodies. Thanks as always, for the respite.
HI Susan,
I really love the eclipse shadows! Don’t believe I’ve ever seen anything like that. So glad you caught them. Thank you
Suzanne
Great reading today, enjoyed everything.
Thank you.
Hi Susan, Thanks for another heavenly update on the happenings in your life! Your words and photos and artwork are always a joy to experience. Saw “Maudie” at the movie theater this week…it was beautifully done. Peggy
I really enjoy reading your blog (& your books!)
Would you consider coming to Philadelphia area to speak to Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) study club? Please let me know!
Sunny
Dear Susan ~ your blog posts are always a feast for my soul! Your loveliness and sunny personality shines right through your words. I love how your kitchen windows open out into the yard…and you’re so lucky to have that long shelf in front of the window to put all those little pretties. I am definitely going to have to watch the movie you told us about. Have not seen that one! Those shadows in the scenes are amazing. Having a yummy slice of zucchini bread while watching the movie sounds delightful. May I just make a little suggestion about the recipe though? Vegetable oil is loaded with trans fat. For a healthier alternative, perhaps use extra-virgin olive oil or organic coconut oil. Thanks for the chance to win your awesome giveaway! Have a beautiful and blessed day.
Dearest Susan, thank you for this post, now I am really going to notice all the changing light and shadows 🙂 you and I are such kindred spirits …:) I look forward to your blogs every week, and check your website each day in case there’s something new. Love you. Xoxo
That is miraculous about the little moon shaped dappled sunshine splotches! I will look for that in 7 years! Thank you for another beautiful post:) Wonderful to read with my lunch… like lunch with a friend… though I do wish I was the winner of dinner on Friday!!! My dear friend and our daughters were all hoping!!! But instead, we had to bring them to college. Our Anna, aka snow flake girl, went to Sacred Heart for her freshman year…. Bless her heart, she went a week early to do community service! My heart is full and a bit achey… I’ll try a loaf of zucchini bread with my tea:) Blessings on the end of all the girl friends’ summers!
Oh what a wonderful post!! Just love everything about Autumn and you too!!
Thank you for sharing!!
Dear Susan,
I loved the little moons reflected on the ground from the eclipse…here in Southern New Jersey we had 82% coverage and we celebrated with a Corona beer and specially made eclipse cookies in the shape of stars.
Thank you for all you do to bring simplicity and joy into so many lives!
Fondly,
Debbie from Eastampton, NJ
Lovely post Miss Susan!
I have not received my Willard, but I shall wait patiently!!! You have talked me into making Zucchini Bread (your recipe of coarse) and watching Suspicion. It’s one of the few Cary Grant movies I have not seen…. but I so agree with you on all accounts of the romantic old movies. There is nothing like a good ol’ black and white movie.
Thank you taking me away from a hectic day at work. You do it every time 🙂
xxoo debby
Love these late summer days. A perfect day up here in Wisconsin. The goldfinch at the feeder and on the coneflowers kept me company this morning whole I weeded the perennials in the front yard.
Our bunny nibbled the binding of my old copy of the Autumn book, so how fun would it be to win this one? Thank you, Susan, for bringing beauty and appreciation for small things into our lives. We are all grateful!
thank you Susan for a wonderful blog!! and I look forward to Williard!!! You have a wonderful day too! I would love to be the winner of the give-a-way! Thank you for all your inspiration!!
Can’t wait to make your yummy bread and have a cup of tea!! would taste better in your pretty cup:-)
Lovely moon shadows! I did not notice any here in Southern California on eclipse day – wish I’d known about them sooner; I would have paid closer attention. Your giveaway items speak to my heart – Autumn is my favorite season for so many reasons, many having to do with all the gorgeous colors that come with that time of year. Thank you all the beauty you add to the world with your art and books and blog posts. It’s always a pleasure to visit. And I just signed up for Willard . . .
Oh, Susan. I did not know anyone else was crazy about shadows. I watch them change along with the seasonal light here in my cottage in Kennesaw, GA. I always say fall is on the way beginning in the first of August. If one pays attention, one can see and hear the subtle changes that begin then.
I enjoyed this post so much. Thank you.
Light and shadows…all that dancing around is inspiring. I love autumn. Can pumpkin spice lattes, and pumpkin spice everything else, be far off? Yum! Same goes for your zucchini bread!
Happy fall….on the way….coolness in the air. I am going to make your zucchini bread tomorrow.
You are a girl after my own heart. I have several of your books AND some wonderful fabric that I’ve been saving for a special project. I’ve considered using it several times but each time it’s returned to its place on the shelf where I can enjoy looking at it and dreaming of all the possibilities.
I always look forward to reading your blogs and Willard. Have read all three of your books which are great especially your travels around England. The recipes and your ideas give me inspiration. You have a wonderful life on Martha’s Vineyard.
Looking forward to Willard! Loved your post – old movies plus a promise of Autumn, I love both!
Dappled light, golden shadows, changing leaves, neighbors pumpkins growing bigger, the delightful squeals of young children back at school … all glorious signs of fall soon to arrive. For now, I’m basking in what’s little left of summer! ☀️ Last night was spent with good friends (from Arroyo Grande) on the shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe, Nevada as we settled in for an outdoor performance of Shakespeare! Gorgeous starry evening, spectacular show, sandy beach picnic and a fun time with friends.
Next month I will be in your neck of the woods for a girlfriend trip to Boston, MV, Nantucket and then a quick jaunt to look over the fabulous fall foliage as we move towards Maine before heading home! 🍃🍁🍂 …I think the 4 of us are in for a real treat! A first visit for all of us and super fans of you & your charming art, recipes & blog❣️
Hugs ~L
Just love your blog! The pictures are so incredibly beautiful. Love living life vicariously through you! Thank you so much!
Susan, your blog brings such inspiration into my day. Thank you so much for that!
I will keep my fingers so tightly crossed for this giveaway – it would be a dream come true to win!
So happy for the winners of the auction. They must be very kind and clever people!
I thoroughly enjoy all your posts, especially the ones that feature Jack. He’s very handsome. Shadows and dappled sunlight have always fascinated me. Now I want to watch “Suspicion” and make some zucchini bread. Thank you for the interesting post and recipe.
Aww Susan loving the little moons and loving the fact you took the time to photo them to show us all! This is why we are all kindred spirits on here our appreciation of things like little moons!
The giveaway looks fabulous! You are so generous and having people around for tea on Friday friends you’ve not yet met how wonderful! I do hope you take some pics and share with us! Have fun and ta ta for now! xxxx
Ps Cary Grant swoooooon xx
I am really ready for fall and all the wonderful things it brings, and this post confirmed it! Thank you for the grand photos of the light as it dances through the trees. Truly is a great time of year!
I would love to win Susan, I love your books and the mugs are great!
Your works always make me happy and brighten my day! Thanks for sharing your talents! I hope I win 🙂 🙂 🙂 And it’s so cool that your shadows during the eclipse looked just like ours in the South.
Cary Grant is my all time favorite actor. I just love him. In fact I watched the Bachelor and Bobby-Soxer and People Will Talk this past weekend. I also watched Irene Dunne in Life With Father and I remember Mama. They definitely do not make movies like they use to do.
I did not get to experience the eclipse do to the fact that we had the marine layer travel over the hills from Morro Bay. The Sun did not come out until just after the eclipse ended.
My late wife signed up to begin receiving this newsletter years ago for many reasons, including the words, photos and art related to England, the place of her heart. Glad it keeps coming. It brightens my day. Delightful. Thank you.
I love Alfred Hitchcock movies!! I haven’t seen Suspicion though so it will be a must are! Sharon
Jack patiently waiting for your return from your walk was adorable!
Ahhh, “Suspicion” – one of my favorite movies! I’ve been introducing my daughters to Hitchcock – so far their favorite is “Rebecca” – also one of my favorites! I have a monogramming business, and was thrilled when they both noticed the main character only appears as a series of monograms!!
I always love your posts! They always had some brightness to stressful work days! I love that you are spellbound by the wonderful shadows in the evening sunlight, I feel just the same way. Makes me want to be in my kitchen even more and cook and bake my heart away. Thank you for making my day just a little bit better 🙂
I love this post! Autumn is my favorite time of the year! Who’s doesn’t like tea and zucchini bread!!
Ahhh, love the Viennese musica. The dappled crescents were so delightful during the eclipse, thanks for your photos. I want to bake zucchini bread now – no help for the waistline (what waistline?). We haven’t had any real rain for about two months now . . . Shocking for us Seattlites. I’m really looking forward to cool fall days and falling leaves. But the eclipse was a wonderful thing. Loved seeing so many people gathered to gaze up and out of worldly cares and open up minds to bigger goings on. I suppose “bigger” isn’t the best word, but you know what I mean. Love all your goings on too: the trip to the lovely garden for some plant therapy. So far my window box is surviving the AC blasting out the window. Soon I can fill in that empty hot spot with a new plant. That’s how I celebrate the change of seasons – new plants for the window box. Very grounding 🙂 And one more thing. LOVE your big mixing bowl pitchers!
Hi Susan, I have loved you and everything you do for almost 30 years now! I found you when we moved to Needham, Mass. in 1987. You have inspired me all these years. I live in Washington State now – maybe someday you will get to the Great Northwest!
Luv,
Madeline
Ooh pick me! Pick me! Wouldn’t that just send me over the top?
I love dappled sunlight. The acorns have begun falling. Yikes! I’m not ready for this change yet. Seeing your posts always help me ease into the next season. Thank you!
I love fall so for the first time I’m leaving a few words here in the hopes of winning something but also to let you know how much I love this blog too, particularly the pictures of your kitchen. It’s my kind of place!
Your blog posts and Willard emails are always such a treat. You give us so many treasures in your art, words, photos, and yummy recipes. Thank you, Susan!
Looking forward to Willard!
I own 2 of your mugs (mother’s day gifts) and can’t say enough about them. They are perfect in design, amount of coffee held, and a perfect handle! Thank You!
My Sister crossstitched a design for me many years ago called I love little things. It is framed and your mug Little things is on the kitchen shelf next to it. Enjoy reading your blog so much.
OOOH, I’ve been wanting one or all of your new mugs! Love them!
Dear Susan,
It’s a little early, but Happy Autumn to you and Joe!
Tricia in CT
What a cozy post from your house, Susan! Combining the shots from the old movie along with the delicious zucchini bread was charming! You are such a kindred spirit! Thanks for bringing the warmth of your homemaking into mine!
Mmmmm zucchini bread sounds yummy! My garden is producing lots and lots of zucchini and I am always looking for new zucchini recipes thanks for this one!
Here in Michigan, today dawned with a definite feel of fall. Too soon though. I’m not through with summer. I thoroughly enjoyed your post — movie, zucchini bread and shadows!
Take care – Donna
I love to hear about your weather on the Island! The shadows are something I haven’t seen for a few days here on the coast of S. California. We’ve had a lot of cloud coverage and it’s been (shockingly)humid! I would definitely welcome the Fall weather! I’d love to win the fabulous books and the charming mug! Now I’m going to have to search for that Alfred Hitchcock film and make some zucchini bread 🙂
Thanks for another wonderful post! Love the new tea cups
Brenda from Lewes
Your newsletters and, of course, Willard, are always a joy and brighten the days on which they arrive. Thank you 💕
Hello, Susan!
Your posts ALWAYS brighten my day!
It was such a pleasure to meet
you in person last year when you came to FoxTale Book Shoppe near Atlanta.
I drove over from Athens, Ga. and got stuck in the awful Atlanta traffic, but
I made it to your talk even though I was probably the last to arrive. Thankfully, my sister made it on time and filled me in on what I had missed!
I LOVED Fairy Tale Girl, and am now reading Martha’s Vineyard. (Devoured
Falling in Love with the English Countryside when it first came out!) Thank you, thank you for your upbeat and always beautiful posts!! Cynthia Rhodes
Once again, I stopped what I was doing to read your post. It is so relaxing. I love the shadows, especially the little moons. I can almost taste the zucchini bread. I’ll have to make me some and sit down and watch an old movie. How relaxing that would be also. Back to work I go………..Thanks for the break !
OH, and thanks for the opportunity on the give-aways !!! HUGS !
Well–Now i have to go out & get Zucchini….
Have you ever seen The Enchanted Cottage???…………I haven’t seen it in a while,but it’s a shadow wonder!!
Ok—excuse me——going to the grocery store.
Gingerbread tea!! Oh, it sounds like it tastes like fall. I received the Fall and Martha’s Vineyard mugs I ordered as a surprise for my granddaughter. I’ll give her the Fall mug on the first day of fall, which we always celebrate. [Jacque showed you her Autumn Book that I gave her and wrote in when she and my husband went to see you in snowy/icy Oklahoma City in November of 2013.] The Martha’s Vineyard mug is for her 2nd wedding anniversary in October. To celebrate their first wedding anniversary, she and her husband took the “Susan Branch Tour” of Martha’s Vineyard and saw all the things she read about in your book. She has a picture of herself taken in front of your house – smiling so big you can almost see the joy bubbling out. She even went to the Bunch of Grapes Book Store and bought a copy of Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams and gave it to the owner of the Bed and Breakfast where they stayed so that he could keep it out for the guests. Of course she fully informed the other guests staying there about you and your book!
Now I hope she doesn’t read this comment and discover her surprises! Thank you for making fall even better!!
Nothing makes me happier than having a presence in your family connection . . . it is such an honor! Happy Anniversary to your granddaughter from me please!
I adore autumn!! The colors, the smells, the light!! Favorite time of my year!
I haven’t made Zucchini bread in years but my girlfriend called this morning and guess what she is making? Yes, Zucchini bread and is adding pineapple to it. Sounds wonderful. Today Illinois weather has gotten a bit cooler. Could it be that fall is just around the corner? This year I am looking forward to cooler weather. It has been a warm summer. I haven’t received my Willard but I am looking forward to reading it. Hope your luncheon for the ladies went well and the weather held out for you to have it outdoors.
Autumn–always my favorite time of year. Would enjoy celebrating the season with that lovely autumn mug.
Great recipe and movie!
Inside my corner cupboard sits a note from you from YEARS ago…written on a tiny blue tea cup note card thanking me for a fan letter I wrote you. I remember when I recieved that little card in the mail thinking: I don’t know anyone on Martha’s Vineyard….oh wait a minute yes I do!!! Still have your envelope too. Have given your Girlfriends are Forever so many times I think I have paid your electric bill for years!! Every book (even buy used copies in antique shops and give them with grosgrain ribbon tied around them) is a treat and I want to thank you for years of joy!!! PS PLEASE more stickers!!!
Love the autumn cup….and the eclipse shadows Fabulous!
Ohhhh, don’t you LOVE the suspense of it all??
Me: Don’t take the glass, don’t take the glass!!!!
Why don’t they ever hear us???
Thanks for such fun…..and the yummy recipe!
I do love your posts❤️ Can almost smell the bread, too!
Great reading, thank you. Looking forward to autumn, the colors, the smells, and no humidity.
Hello from Scotland! Love the glimpses of your life with Joe and your precious cat. Autumn is gently calling here and the days are getting shorter. Time to enjoy long walks with brollies just in case! My favourite season xx
Your posts are like a warm hug…thank-you Susan.
Hi, Susan…love reading your blog and today’s was so interesting. Shadows take on so many personalities…of course our minds run wild depending on the shadows and where and when they cross our paths. We too were intrigued by the eclipse shadows under our trees…lovely and amazing just like the eclipse itself…and we didn’t need special glasses to see them! : )
What a lovely giveaway…maybe it will be my lucky day when Vanna seeks a winner.
We love the changes in the seasons too … enjoy the approaching days of Autumn. Hi, to Joe!
I look forward to every one of your postings . . . love the walks and the scenes and the cat!!! Cat people are so special; I have many, and I love every one of them. Thank you for sharing this recipe . . . now I have one that I know will work! You are such a talented – and interesting – lady!!
Hi Susan,
You are such a kindred spirit. I love all you do and how you have the ‘artist’s eye’ for all of it! Thanks for sharing with us!!
I always enjoy your posts, Susan. They’re like a lovely visit over tea with a dear friend!
Love your posts! I can’t wait for fall.
Love your work. My first taste was with your Christmas book years ago. Been a fan ever since. Wish I had one of everything you do!
I would love to have a slice of your zucchini bread! I know it is delicious! Always like to read your newsletters. My “Willard” hasn’t come yet.
Absolutely gorgeous giveaway, almost as gorgeous as your pictures! LOVE the recipe, especially since I have zucchini coming out of my ears 😂
Go to my Summer Book if you have it … page 66, there’s a WONDERFUL salad recipe that will use up lots of zucchini!
It’s been so long since I’ve seen Suspicion! Now, you have whetted my appetite to watch it again.
I too was watching “Suspicion”. Love that movie. Definitely making the zucchini bread.
Always look forward to a new blog post from you….so womderful. Thank you so much for sharing with us….xo
Your blog posts make my day! Love the new cups. Hope I win as I’d love to share one with my sister-in-law.
Thanks as usual for your blog, my antidote for some “conditions” in the world at large (naming no names!). I feel so much better having read it and been reminded of all the little things that are actually the important things!