Hello Darling People, thank you for your patience! Go get tea! It’s long! Lots of MUSICA ! Because, it’s AHHH September, and we are so lucky. 💞
From my kitchen wall, it’s this month’s calendar page ~ I’m sure many of you recognize it, even with morning light dappling through the trees and through the kitchen window! But soft, what light in yonder window breaks . . . it’s Autumn . . .
Autumn! (Even though it’s not quite yet! It’s acting like it around here!) 🍁Autumn, which, I’ve decided, is my spirit animal. Look at that dappling! Those boards there are because Joe’s putting new gutters on our house. Must do that every twenty years.
Here’s my other spirit animal yelling at me because I went out to hang clothes on the line! “Come home, mommy, don’t leave me!”
What a pair. My darling people. 💞
Well, I promised you “Travel Hints” today, and Travel Hints you shall have! But first off, we have a Giveaway to give away. Ms. Vanna lolled in her bed all day yesterday, waiting for me to finish, but today, she is OUT of here, so I have to hurry! (She has a
lunch date in Edgartown but is hanging around, zipped into her shimmering green 
mermaid suit, to do her duty, dive deep and pull out the name of our lucky winner!) Here’s our lovely little September gift: Gingerbread Cake Tea (delicious, you’ll love it!), my new Autumn cup to drink it out of, two of my newest back-in-print cookbooks to inspire you with Autumn recipes and home ideas while drinking your tea, plus, for the season (for all seasons!): Gratitude! Can’t wait to find out who the winner is. SO many Girlfriends have entered ~ this is by far the most comments, and the most delightful comments, ever left on my blog, you are just the Best Girlfriends ~ if you’re ever sad about the state of the world, read your wonderful comments ~ it will cheer you right up! But still, despite the 3,300 entries, your odds of winning are still waaaaay better than the lottery! PS, I’m so glad you’ve loved the Zucchini Bread! 😘 So everyone cross your fingers!
The winner is … Well, I only have a first name on this little slip of paper … and it’s a name others might have, so let’s start with a detail she mentioned in her comment: our winner has an eleven-year-old daughter who loves to read Willard with her … I hope that narrows it down a bit. Our winner is STACY!!! Congratulations, Stacy!!! Being chosen from so many makes this a Red Letter Day for you! I have an iCloud email address (another hint) for Stacy, and I’ll write and let her know, so she can tell me where to send the books, and who to sign them to! And to all the rest of you, I loved every moment of this, thank you for that absolutely amazing demonstration of Joie de Vivre!
We make such a nice village, don’t we? Thank you! 👏 I promise, we’ll do it again!
Now, before we start with the Travel Tips, I thought I would show you our newest discovery…
So see that big Linden tree? See the upstairs window on the left of that tree?
We used to see these two little furballs all the time from that window, living in a hole on the back of the tree. We haven’t seen them in a while, and now we’re sure they found a new home, because . . .
Guess who lives there now? We just found out … there’s a perfect view from that upstairs window, almost eyeball to eyeball with that tree, and the other day Joe came RUNNING down the stairs to get his camera yelling, “Hurry get upstairs, you gotta see this!” I didn’t know whether to be happy or not, we have a raccoon! But he sure is cute.
Between kitty, boyfriend (that’s Joe, permanent boyfriend), squirrels, birds, turkeys and now a raccoon, I’ve been busy designing new mugs! Lowely came over today and we did pretend-drinking from it. It’s for Valentine’s next year, we’ll have them in the Studio the first of January. I think they are ridiculously darling and Lowely did too. I do, I do, I do, I do, I do. Would you like to see the back? I can arrange that . . .
Here it is! It’ll be a lot prettier when it’s the real thing, but I think you get the gist. The handle is pink floral, and the bottom says, “Of thee I sing” with musical notes. It’s like a 
little story! I can’t wait to see it in person. We will have them early next January, and when we are a little further along, I’ll put them up for presale. And, by the way, because so many of you have asked, there are a few cups left from the last collection, with such minor blemishes that they barely show, but we have discounted them, even a few Autumn cups are there … but I would say hurry if you want one, because they are almost gone. Also, British Girlfriends, we have a retailer in England now, called Nursery Thyme, with an online store (and a real store in Devizes, Wiltshire), who is now carrying my cups, so you can get them without the crazy shipping charges from the USA!
And while we’re speaking of “almost out” . . . we are almost sold out of these two books. Going back for another printing for each 🤗, but we won’t have them until January. And, because we are in charge (how wonderful), soon they will not be available on Amazon, because we will be hogging the last ones for our Girlfriends, so if you find them gone, and you have in mind a signed copy of either of these for your holiday gifts, try our website.
I’ve also been in touch with the company that’s been working on the cookie plates and other luv-lee new things ~ they made the decals and we’re getting closer, but I’m not wild about how the writing has come out (it’s the one on the right). Needs to be better. So I sent them a photo of our mug to show them how it’s supposed to look and they say they can fix it! Just want you to know I’m still working on it! I’ll let you know when they have it right!
As I design cups or do new art for next year’s calendar, I listen to musica, and I love to have the TV tell me a story. Sometimes I listen to the news, but it’s getting worse, I’m gobsmacked by the size of these hurricanes and the fires and whatever fresh hell comes after that. Lately, the news has also gotten more unbearably nuclear, with homeless and stranded people living in fear, wandering this earth of such riches, so unfairly distributed, and sometimes I really can not stand it, being a child of God and all. So, I do what I can. And let Frank sing, Be Careful it’s my Heart, and then I turn to France in 1949! For spiritual sustenance! Heart! Beauty! The things that humanity was born to adore. I take a deep breath and let happiness and believing-in-good flow back in to my soul. It’s a great gift to have complete charge of the clicker. So off to France we go!
And listen to luv-lee French musica as I drive down long allees on my way to . . .
Paris! Where I will go to cooking school with . . .
Julia!
Paul comes into the kitchen while Julia is cooking, he says, “And for dinner?” He looks around, settles on a bowl, has a taste, looks at her, and says, “Mayonnaise?” I paint, listen/watch the movie, while my shadow makes himself indispensable through cuteness.
Julia made me hungry . . . so I put her on hold, and out to the windy garden I go, to gather delicious sun-warmed September tomatoes … to curl up in my chair with a little crisp iceberg, some mayonnaise, salt and freshly ground pepper, and voila, summer treat extraordinaire! Julia, I know, would agree. Except the mayonnaise is not homemade, so maybe I take that back. But she would enjoy the relishing, of that I am sure. She was a such a good relisher! Famous for her relishment of life, she spread the “utter bliss” of her passions far and wide, making relishers out of all of us! See what can happen? 
And speaking of heaven, while in the garden, I can’t stop bringing in the hydrangea.
It even looks good when it’s dead!
I was determined to make my garden last as long as humanly possible this year. We just planted more flowers (added reminder: everything is on sale right now), and some cool weather crops like lettuce and arugula and herbs… flowers like white cosmos that grow high over the fence and blow in the wind and from my kitchen window, my picket fence garden looks like a garden of wildflowers.
And mums the word!
We’ve been grabbing on to these last few days of summer, with a vengeance. Even when rain threatens, we are determined. Drops began to fall, out comes the roll of plastic . . .
Save the table! Do not let the butter drown. Don’t allow the little holes in the salt shaker to close up! Don’t make us pour rainwater off our plates before we can eat! The men jump into action, rolling out plastic over the Teahouse of the August moon (the last people who owned this house called the arbor by that lovely name).
And the sprinkles stopped, and we were able to peel the plastic back, in the nick of time, for cooling breezes . . . On with the party! This is a small contingent of the delightful Hall family, Joe’s sister is on the left, and her children, plus some outlaws, like me. And the person peeking out behind Joe’s niece, Jen, on the right, is Siobhan, here visiting us from England!
After everyone left, I went looking for the moon, and found it, peeking through the trees just behind the Teahouse, still glowing under the twinkle lights, draped in a bit of blowing plastic …
Twinkle lights on the roses . . .
That moon reminds me, one of our Girlfriends, D’Anne, asked me if I would put up the Full Moon Bookmark we make every year … the one with all the Native American names for the full moons on it? Remember?
. . . so, just in cases you didn’t get one, HERE it is again! Just click there, print it out, fold it in half, cut it out, and you’ll be ready for the rest of the year . . . the full Harvest moon is tonight! There was an online controversy this hear, was it the Harvest moon, or the Corn moon? I went for Harvest … it sort of means the same thing, corn and harvest … but, either way, it should be big and beautiful tonight!
So let’s go traveling, shall we? In order to give my travel tip in the right way, I have to talk about houses ~ you know how much I love houses, all houses really because for us lucky ones, they are temples of love, but there 
are a few that deserve special recognition, and England is FULL of these kinds of houses, all different, most made by hand, before there were power tools, and each one a total piece of art. They have names, like Buttercups up there. Don’t you just want to knock on the door and say hello, could I please come in for a cup of tea? Could it be from a blue teapot? Could you please turn on French musica? Thank you, oh yes, I will have a cookie, I mean, biscuit! These wonderful houses are a big part of my travel tip for today! Cuz you know, we’re going to England next year . . . and you’re coming too, either for real, or virtually, and we want to do it right, so we’re making plans. We want to stay in a cute house wherever we go, with a fireplace, because we deserve this, don’t we Girlfriends? I mean we don’t do it every day.
I took a photo of this house because it’s so cute, it doesn’t even look real. It’s like a child’s drawing of a house. And so many of these darling English houses are rentable, for the weekend, for the week, for the month. All anyone has to do to find one is Google, “self-catering holiday homes in England” (Self-catering means there’s a kitchen!) . . . and voila, take your choice, there are lots of photos, you choose what part of the country, what size, how much, everything. (I realized I’ve secretly been painting this house for years, I just didn’t know it.)
Here’s a big house and a little garden house. I will take the garden house, you guys can have the big one! I’m coming over, put the kettle on ~ and then let’s go for a walk!
And this darling thing, you’ve already seen ~ is the one we rented for our trip to England next year. And that’s what I wanted to talk about. The kind of travel tips I have for you are not normal. You can read about what kinds of suitcases are best, or which little zipper bags or zip-lock baggies are good for packing, about rolling vs folding, and how to consolidate, and how to bring nothing but a toothbrush, or whether or not to bring your pillow (which I find ridiculous) but I leave that to the experts because we are total failures at all of that. On my first trip off-island with Joe when we first got together, I asked him what I should bring, and he said, “Everything,” warming the cockles of my heart and, unbeknownst to us at the time, setting the tone for our entire future. We are no good at any sort of consolidation, we took 13 bags last time! That’s one reason we go on the ship, no airline would let us get away with 13 bags. For tidy packing tips, let Rick Steves help, he’s a professional. So, here’s what we are good at:
We’re good at this, the smell of grass and wide open spaces. When I was younger, I thought the way you’re supposed to travel is to see as MUCH as humanly possible and cover as much ground as you could each day. Run from city to city, museum to museum, face buried in tour book, wearing the same drip-dry outfit every day (true, I had to burn my travel clothes when I got home, I could never bear to wear them again), but I was checking off the “to see” list. Done, did that. ✅ I could be in six countries in two weeks easy. I could be in a perfectly darling place, and leave it before I even saw everything, to run to the next perfectly darling place. Why? I did not know. Then one day, Joe and I rented a sweet house for two whole weeks and stayed there the entire time and that’s when the real travel began.
Because we unpacked. And spread out. Hung our clothes in the closet. Because travel is hard enough, it’s lovely to have a home to come to each night. We put our toothbrushes in the medicine cabinet and flowers into a vase. And made ourselves comfy. And felt no pressure to get a move on. We could make our own morning tea.
We got to go to the same market for two whole weeks ~ we didn’t have to start over with “Sat Nav” (GPS) every time we wanted to find a loaf of bread.
We tried all the luv-lee new and interesting things we discovered at the market . . . more than once! We learned which was the best butter, the most delicious milk, our favorite kind of bacon . . .
We took the ingredients “home” where we could cook our own delicious dinner together if we wanted, and be homey, and light a fire, or eat outside, and relax at the end of a long travel day and not always eat restaurant food. Because we had our own house. And we were staying for a while. We weren’t in a hurry.
While the laundry was going round and round in our washer and dryer, we could watch Poldark, or BBC and the Chelsea Flower Show, or the English National Sheepdog Trials, listen to the church bells from down the street (there’s always church bells down the street) and live kind of an English life, con Musica!
We could walk to our favorite bakery and butcher shop . . . and talk to people, and get to know the butcher and find out he not only owns the butcher shop but he also has a farm where he raises his animals. We got to know the area, as if we lived there.
Between the castles and gardens we were visiting every day, we discovered our favorite tea rooms …
And went often enough to say hello to the owner . . .
And discover which was our favorite taste treat!
We found the local antique store filled with English china, and, might I add, “eek” . . .
We’d be in one place long enough to read the paper and find the charming local festivals and plays and circuses where the real people went, where we were the only tourists (try that at the Eiffel Tower), because all the rest of the people attending lived there … and we’d talk to the apple farmers and look at what they’re wearing, and driving, and cooking, and what their children sounded like while we drank cider in paper cups. We have all this spare time for the little things, because we’re not spending it moving to the next place and relearning everything.
We walk out of our adopted town in all directions, in a different direction each time, and found adventures, and glimpses of heaven in unexpected places . . . because all the small towns in England have these ancient footpaths that go hill and dale, along rivers, through meadows and fields of sheep and bluebells that lead to the next little town and so on, all over the country . . .
And we talked to the people who walked there, and pet their dogs . . . they like Americans and we like them! We would hear about their children, and their trips to the US, they would tell us the history of the fairy ring we had just passed, or the stone circle just beyond the next hill, all kinds of talk.
It was an experience we never got while driving in a car . . . or while repacking, looking for our next hotel, or where we could wash our clothes, and missing almost everything else. And we did not suffer from “only seeing one place.” Because, we drove out to find something new every day, and if that’s what you are looking for, then what “new” is better 
than another “new” 200 miles away? The thing about England is that no matter where you are, there are always so many things to see. The place is crammed with history! And new is new, and all new is amazing and good. So why not stay in one place and from there, fan out? Because learning a place and its people is better done the slow way. Two weeks is the perfect time. We’ve tried one week, which always seems too rushed, we’ve tried ten days, not quite good enough, but we’ve learned two weeks is perfect for us. Now, this is just me and Joe, and only a suggestion that’s probably not right for everyone ~ we’re lucky because we can take our work anywhere, and arrange our time so we can do this. But if you ever feel like a jack-in-the-box in your travels, you might just stop traveling. Even if it’s for three days. And stay. And say hello, glad to meet ya.
You can find your favorite pub, walk over with your books, make yourself at home, say “Hey” to the guy behind the bar, write in your diary, be a fly on the wall and watch every thing, and while away the afternoon . . . it’s very graceful. And, as the wise women say,
So that’s my tip, and I’m sticking to it. And guess what Girlfriends? Yup. Here’s where we’re going to stay for two weeks next May in the Lake District . . . I don’t think we get this whole house … but I know that’s our door up the driveway and I know that across the street is a beautiful lake. And I know we’re bringing Kellee and Sherie with us! And you know what else?
I’ve been working on a special cup to celebrate our BYO Picnic Basket Party next May 11 to which you are ALL invited . . . A cup with frolicking lambs and bluebells, oh my! Coming in January, to add to the excitement and the getting ready.
And the back?
Oh yes, it’s Jane Austen, and our adventures, and our picnic on the lawn of Castle Cottage in Near Sawrey, where Beatrix Potter lived for thirty years, that’s where we’ll be a-meetin’ up ~ from everywhere! On the bottom of this mug it says, “Memories are made of this.” Have you put the date on your calendar yet? I promise, for those who can’t make it, I’ll blog it . . . so, one way or another, be there or be square.
And I do have packing advice, I’m not totally lame, I figured out this little system back when I first met Joe and I still do it. Just in cases I actually have to look good, go out to dinner on the ship, go to a picnic or something, I’ll have the right things . . . and as long as I don’t forget my list, it always works like a charm.
One more thing, just making sure, did everyone get their WILLARD? Because if not, click there and you’ll have it! If you’d like Willard delivered to your email, click HERE to sign up for the next one . . .
Now back I go to my lovely shadows . . .
Have a wonderful day, Girlfriends. Stay safe, say prayers for all in need, watch for the moon, and do this, for the magic . . . 
Kiss . . . and parting Musica…
I love the pictures and thank you for always sharing the beauty of everything.
My pleasure Jeanette. xoxo
As a displaced Yorkshire girl, I enjoyed your post and memories of your visit. I see familiar places too…hope you enjoy returning to an English country cottage and revisiting the Lake District.
You know I will. I’m kind of a displaced Yorkshire girl myself, although displacement took place about 400 years ago, I can still feel it when I’m there!
Hi Susan!!!! Beautiful blog from one over-packer to another! I think your travel tip is spot on and we have discovered that a home base is delightful! You can really sink your teeth into the area and become part of it…. you are so right… that’s where the real travel begins. Actually, the first time we set up housekeeping while traveling was our trip to MV; right around the corner from you all!! Charming little Bluebird Cottage on Main Street in Vineyard Haven. Shopped there, walked there, attended Lobster Roll night at the Episcopal Church there, played golf there, studied the sea from the Yacht Club and tooled around the Island at a snail’s pace taking in all the sites… pure heaven! Have done this other places since then, most recently, Glacier National Park and Banff… truly the way to travel!!
Watch that Rocky Raccoon!! Cute as a button but destructive as all get out! One darling little guy made his move from hole in the tree to hole in our neighbors attic roof….did not end pretty. Someday I will tell you about the night Jerry and I trapped a raccoon on our porch in order to relocate him/her…. what a mistake that was!!! We were like Lucy and Ethel!! One of those things we can laugh about now…
We are keeping a close eye on Irma. We have our necessities in place and so far no evacuations here in central Florida. It does look massive doesn’t? Am worried for our coasts and our Girlfriends who live there. We are gassed up and ready to move if need be.
So… take care my friend and keep the faith …. love always wins❤️
love,
cindy
XOXO
I love how you enjoyed the Island Cindy … just the way it’s supposed to be. Lobster Roll night at the church is something most people miss! Simple little local summer tradition, and wonderful. Yes, we are not planning to trap the wild animals ourselves!!! LOL, I can just imagine. I’m glad you’re gassed up. I told Joe this morning, if this thing starts coming toward us, this time, I would like to GO! Seems like a lot of trouble for just the possibility, but when I look what people have been through, I’m amazed. Stay safe dear, we’ll be thinking about you. xoxo
It’s always lovely to hear your positivity! Peace and love, and joy are your bywords.
Autumn is here for real today, we’ve got the fire lit and ham hocks simmering on the stove.
All of a sudden about 10 minutes ago, it got DARK here, slammed with thunder, lit up with lightening, and now POURING rain!!! Eeek! Joe is outside working and he is a drowned rat!!! Stay cozy Gill! I’m going to put the teapot on!
Your cat always puts me in mind of Poirot, lol: wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercule_Poirot
LOL, we tell everyone that! His mustache is perfect!
What a lovely way to start my day. Thank you for always including us in your wonderful world. I must add that the picture of Jack and Joe definitely needs to be either in a future book or calendar!! They both have the look of love in their eyes for the one holding the camera!! Oh England, how you speak to my heart. Maybe one day……. In the meantime, keeping my eyes on the newest storm since I live in the Carolinas and vividly remember Hugo!!! God be with us all. Have a wonderful day Susan, Joe and Jack!!
God be with us all, our earth must be terribly angry these days… I feel it. xoxo Sending love.
Sandy, do check out Norwegian Airlines. Their rates are too good to be true, but they are! My husband & I waited decades to go to Europe because of the high cost, plus I never thought I could survive the 10 hr. flight. But we’ve flown 3 times in the last few yrs. from LAX for less than it would cost us to go to the east coast. We fly nonstop to one of their “hubs,” watching personal screen movies, which helps the time fly by!
Hi Susan, loved that picture of Joe and Jack waiting and watching for your return. And I’m forwarding your post to my cousin and her husband who will be spending a month in Ireland this fall. You offer such good advice. And your new mug is darling. I have your Santa mug and I promised myself I wouldn’t use it till our first snowfall. And my calendars have arrived. Lovely that Kellee and Sheri are joining you on your trip. What fun you’ll have. Hugs, Elaine
I know, I’m excited. And I’m saving my Santa too! Thank you Elaine! xoxo
I took your advice and made myself a cup of tea before opening the post. A delightful way to begin my morning here on our island on the west coast of Canada. Your travel tips are just what we do! We haven’t been able to stay for 2 weeks, but we like to hunker down in a place and walk and walk and walk.
Do you know about the Beatrix Potter cozy mysteries written by Susan Wittig Albert? I found them just this summer – they weave a loose narrative of Beatrix’ life into fictional tales that I find charming. Even the animals play a part in solving mysteries and hold conversations. They are so sweet.
We visited the UK for the first time in 2016 and I’m determined to get back there again, for a longer period of time. So much history. So many beautiful corners to explore.
No dappled light here today – heavy wildfire smoke obscures the sky. In a few days it will blow over and then we’ll see the sun, or perhaps the rain we desperately need.
Thank you for your gentle words. Have a lovely, lovely day!
Yes, I very much enjoyed those books! Very sweet! Praying for rain for you Lorrie ~ we just had a HUGE thunder lightening storm ~ rain came down hard … Joe is dripping wet and went to take one of the workmen helping him, home! But it almost looks like it’s going away, which will mean the whole thing lasted less than 15 minutes … now I get to go dry off the floors under the windows!!! Sun for us all now! xoxo
Thanks for the tip about the books. I’ll have to find them.
such a happy post…rain, thunder and lightning here too, but the sun is trying to come back out. Love all of light dappled photos, charming cottages, story telling, art….oh just everything! You’re my idol!!!Xo
Oh Anne, you are too sweet! xoxo
Hi Susan, the ‘real’ Susan! 🙂 This was a wonderful post. I love to see the snaps of your home and I’m still amazed at all you do – gardening, kittying, husbanding, writing and drawing all of your wonderful images. I think the little creatures must love you! Love seeing your English snaps. My daughter and hubby lived in Otley, UK for a couple of years and of course we went to visit. Otley was a little village just like you’re describing. I did get to visit the Jane Austin museum in Bath. Oh, if you get the chance go ride the old steam train to Haworth and tour the Bronte’s home! Oh, I could go on forever. Thank you for being you!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Love it when the people I love go live somewhere I would like to visit! xoxo
Sweet~Sue… I’m Sipping My #PumpkinSpiceTea Savoring Your #EveryWord There’s a #Smile On Me #PumpkinFace 🙂 Thank~You For All Your~Magic It’s Like You #Hug Each One Of Us & #We Can Feel Your #LOVE 🙂 Keeping #Everyone In The Path Of These Crazy~Mean~Hurricanes In Our~Prayers…Everybody Stay #SafeAndSound & Lets Enjoy All The Magic Of September & The Very Beginning Of Glorious Wonderful Enchanting #AUTUMN….xoxo Amen & A #Poof! 🙂 😉 🙂 P.S. Congratz To a Very #Lucky #Stacy!!! 🙂 P.P.S. Tears From The Last #Musica……. #Hugzzz #LOVE #Joy #Faith…. P.P.P.S Tis & Always Will Be #TheHarvestMoon Shine~On~Shine~On~Harvest~Moon……#EverybodySing 😉 🙂
You’ll be ready for some sunshine soon Angie, keep those wings dry!
Good~Morning Sweet~Sue 🙂 Me…#CheckingIn….Well…. My Wings Are Still A Bit Damp! 😉 We Are Counting~Our~Blessings~OutLoud…. We Survived That #NutcaseIrma….The Storm Was #INSANE…..The~Wind~Gusts At Times… Was Clocked at 130 Miles An Hour Talk About #Howling!!! & Our Power Was OUT For #3LongDayzzz & Then… It Was #Restored…There Are Still So Many Power~Outages All Over Florida…People Are Suffering….So Much Sadness…. So Many Folks Have Been Harmed…..#PrayersContinue…..& So Many People Have Come To Florida To HELP…..Angels~On~Earth…. 🙂 Jonathan & Cathy & Taylor Live In Lake~Wales Florida About 20 minutes From Us… They Just Got Their Power Back….#Relief! 🙂 But… Their Home Has Hurricane~Damage 🙁 & They Have Already Been In~Touch With #FEMA Thank~Goodness….& They & Their Two~Kitties & Two~Doggies Are Okay…. Thank~You~God & Their~Guardian~Angels…. My~Kiddos are Just Shook~Up….I Just Wanted To Give You #Updates….Thanks Again For Keeping Us In Your Prayers 🙂 #Amen!!! As For You…I Love That “The~Cliff” & His Lovely~Wife Are On Your~Magical~Island….Hanging~Out With You & Joe….. 🙂 This Shall Be a New~Chapter In A #NewBook 🙂 Wishing You A Joyful~Autumn~Weekend xoxo #Poof I’ll Be Doing The Pumpkin~Jiggity~Jig While I #Decorate…. P.S. My Autumn~Decor was Put On Hold Due To This Nutcase~Hurricane I Knew In My Heart Everything Would Have Blown~Away #SmartPixie 😉 P.P.S Kitty~Kisses From Me To #Jack! #Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Smart Pixie is right! Thank you for the blow by blow (no pun intended) ~ I really do not like hurricanes. They take forever to get where they’re going, and the weather is hot and stifling the whole time. I had a tree land on my roof once. It’s a mess … ripping all the leaves and flowers off the plants. We lose electricity here on the island all the time ~ it’s cute for a few hours or a day, but three days, or the 8 months it might take to restore power to the folks on the islands, that’s very rough. I’m so happy all is well Angie. We were watching and praying for you … still praying, so many still in jeopardy, there and in Texas. Fingers crossed Jose goes out to sea …!
#BlowByBlow 🙂 #SweetSue You Always Put a #HugeSmile On #MePumpkinFace 🙂 Thank~You For All Your #Prayers Cause #TheyHELPED & Now We Send #NutcaseJose Out~To~Sea… Poof~Be~Gone~You~Have~No~Power~Here! #MyWingsAreCrossed xoxo #Poof 🙂 😉 & #KittyKisses For #Jack #Meowzers & #Purrrrrrrrr 🙂
So many of us under hurricane warnings… it’s a big one this year Angie. Blow by blow, fingers crossed, prayers said. xoxoxo
What a lovely post. I needed this piece of refreshment today. Just the best.
Anne in Maine – Beautiful post as always!! It’s my getaway during lunch time. Thank you so much for the packing tips. I will use them on our trip to Jamaica in the fall (to celebrate our 40th anniversary. Eeek!!) Also love the idea of settling down for two weeks in England. It’s on my bucket list. But for now, I will have to be content to travel in your suitcase. It’s starting to feel like Fall here in Maine. It’s my favorite time of year!!
Great minds think a like, I just finish watching Julie and Julia. Love the movie for Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci’s performances. I also am in the midst of reading “Always Julia: The Letters of Julia Child and Avis DeVoto” by Joan Reardon. It is a fascinating book.
I look forward to reading about your trip next year and the new cups that you are designing.
Hi Susan! Just wondering about your side trip to Ireland next spring. Are you taking the ferry over (as I did this past May)? It was great not having to rent another car, and no problem taking a rental car from one country to the other! AND you get to SLEEP your way across! Fun and different!
Yes, we’ll be on the ferry!
We had a raccoon in our back yard one winter! Cutest thing, we named him Pip. He would eat all the bird seed and apples I put out for my feathered friends which annoyed me, and then one day he never came back. I’m sure he found a more suitable “restaurant” in which to dine.
We are in the process of booking our accommodations in England! Already booked with Carrie and Stuart, yay! Totally agree about staying in 1 place longer than a day or two. I’ve promised John a more leisurely trip this go around. More walks, picnics and antique stores. I will be squeezing in a manor home, garden or castle, too! One of the things I want to find is the perfect picnic basket for the Castle Cottage picnic. Did you know in the National Trust Guidebook for The Lakes District mentions Mandy and her husband? So neat!
You will love Ireland, so very green and the people…well…couldn’t be kinder and so very funny!
The blog was wonderful as usual! Finally cooling off here in OKC; now Fall can finally arrive.
Must go, getting a haircut and I’m a bit nervous. I have very long hair and am attempting to cut 4-5″ today EEEK, is right!
Much love and happiness to your lovely self, Joe and Jack. Prayers for our world and all its leaders.
Good luck at the hairdresser! You’ll probably feel light enough to fly!
I think we will get rain for the whole day down here in Maryland. Your post has gotten me in the mood to do my Autumn decorating TODAY! I agree with you about staying put in one place on vacation. We did that the week we were on MV and did things we would have done if we lived there like the Lobster roll, farmers market, and even went to church and an estate sale on the street behind your house. We ate out at lunch every day but made supper at “home.” I’m so glad you’re making a souvenir cup for your Castle Cottage picnic. I just bought your MV cup for my visit 5 years ago because I hadn’t found anything at the time that I liked. I hope you will make it available in one of the shops on the island for others to remember their visit by.
Thank you for this timely post, a wonderful escape from all sad and bad news. I did as you said and got a cup of peach tea and enjoyed everything. I love autumn and this morning slightly felt the tiniest change in the air….threw open the windows to catch the cooler morning. Have a lovely day.
Years ago, as a young girl, I watched on tv the Marlon Brando movie Teahouse of the August Moon and have never been able to forget that title which often pops into my head. How lovely to actually have one!
I’m sure that’s where they got the name . . . but it fits perfectly their little concoction in our garden.
Delightful as always, Susan.
And such wise advice – I can’t quite imagine managing 13 suitcases, but a home base and days spent in community with locals is such a lovely way to ‘travel’.
Your next May ‘home’ is perfection, I’m sure! Thanks for sharing it.
Darling girl–I just came in from the dining room–where I checked my drying hydrangea! (they’re doing fine, thank you!). They’ll be jolly in a creamy china vase, sitting on the piano, all winter long. Love them. Love you. xx
Jolly! 💞
Simply and Purely Perfection. From beginning to ending. That’s our favorite way to Travel! Home Base. Susan Toth calls it ‘thumb print travel’. Put your thumb on a map, draw the circle, stay somewhere in that circle & look at all the wonderful things nearby! There’s something about completely unpacking & hanging your hat for awhile that makes all the difference! Those are the Memory Makers!
Love the Picnic Event mug!!!! eeekkkkk! And love that word…”relishment”. ummmmm….Raccoons…squirrels…shadows…England…Food!…Drinks…musica………..friends…family…your Sidekicks…Those 2 faces at the door!..Hearts melted!
Yea for Stacey winning! Congratz to her….Prayers & thoughts still for those hit hard by Harvey & now for those being slammed by Irma. Unstinkin’belieavable whats going on! I’m wearing my pink & black striped top with the lacy flounce & a lime & black polka dotted tee under it over black leggings…some days call for mixing patterns. We’ll do what we always do…Encourage One Another…Lay in Supplies…Lend a Helping Hand…Sing Off Key…Read Stories…Capture it all in our Journals…Tweet Each Other…Laugh together…Cry together…Stand Together…Because that’s what Girlfriends have always done and what Girlfriends always will do! Thanks for all you share with us! Thanks for bringing us all together. XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
RIGHT ON KAT FRY! You are the one I wish to be in the lifeboat with! We would sing so loud no storm would dare mess with us. Stay strong Girlfriend. xoxo
I had hoped to wash the linens and hang them on the clothesline today. But the air outside is not fit to breathe yet and ash is still falling from the fires here in the Pacific North West. I, too, have had thoughts lately of the Earth hurting from natures fury worldwide. Let’s all say a prayer for her and the people in harms way. And thank you Susan, for being here and reminding us to count our blessings. Kindred spirits keep hearts hopeful.
Although we don’t hear a lot about it on our news, there’s some terrible floods in other parts of the world too, and millions of displaced moms and dads and children. 💔 I think I know what is going to happen. It may have to get worse before it gets better, but someday I think all countries will come together to make it better, and through that, perhaps a better world. xoxoxo
This has been a difficult summer for me. I lost my Mother in April, and a close friend a few weeks later. It can make one sink into a sad, depressed state, or with time, make you cherish the memories and savor every minute of this precious life we are given. I have chosen to be grateful for all I have and to hold on tight to all the beauty in this world. Your blogs, your inspiration, and the lovely Susan Branch followers and friends restore all the goodness in the world, and become a clear reminder that Life is Beautiful, and all is not lost.
Thank you for well, just being you!
I’m so sorry Barbara, a terrible loss that never mades any sense, and a double whammy for you. That’s what I found about losing my dad, at first it was all sadness and a few memories, but now the memories are coming up alongside the sadness, and I believe that very soon, it will be all top-heavy with memories and maybe only a little wistfulness to go with it. Gratitude helps everything. And time. xoxoxo Thank you Barbara.
Ohh Barbara! You sweet Jersey Girl. Hugs and smiles across the miles from Texas xoxo
Good evening from England Susan 🙂
My Willard arrived on the good ship lolly pop just as you said it would,i live on a cliff top in Yorkshire and saw her sailing in, thank you x I have sent the good ship lolly pop back with her engines a chugging, decked in bunting and swagged in coloured fairy lights, look out for her she’s coming for you and Joe to bring you back to England.
It’s so fun to read about our beloved Yorkshire and England through your eyes, we find it just as magical and beautiful as you and we were born here. I loved reading above that you are a displaced Yorkshire girl above, although you would be called a Yorkshire Lass here, did you know Yorkshire is known as ‘God’s Own County’ and that we have our own anthem? you can hear it on youtube here youtube.com/watch?v=u8MWb1FlODQ have a wonderful day xxx
Ohhh Krissie, I love that, I love the boat coming to get us. It’s a galleon, I picture it now, with all the modern conveniences, bunting snapping in the wind, oh boy, I can’t wait. It’s wonderful hearing that you appreciate your beautiful homeland . . . your words made me cry, to think about it. I had an ornery relative from Yorkshire who put himself on the Mayflower and changed the future of my life! Loved the song too, wrote it down … Must be crazy to be on Ilkley Moor without a hat!!! Who would do that??? xoxoxoxo Thank you!
How wonderful!! There is so-o-o much here to enjoy and s-l-o-w-l-y absorb.
Even though it is still technically summer – it feels very much like fall (even here in Pennsylvania). It is such a joy!!
My son and I went to England for a long weekend in the spring of 2013. (I have been wanting to go back ever since) Initially we planned to travel, as you said, from place to place; trying to see as many places as possible. But it was soon very evident that there were plenty of thing to see while staying in London. We didn’t really have an itinerary planned, so we decided where to go and what to see once we were settled into our room.
On our first evening there we began walking through the streets near our hotel looking for a place to have dinner when we came upon a pub called The Mitre. We went in and enjoyed a lovely meal – visiting with other travelers who sat near us in the cozy dining area.
The next evening we waited rather late to look for a place to eat and ended up going back to The Mitre to see if their kitchen was still open. And even though they were ready to close the kitchen for the night, they found an even cozier spot for us and served us a delicious supper.
As it happened we went back to “our pub” each and every night we were in London. I know we missed out on many other wonderful restaurants, but the joy of finding a place that felt like “our pub” is one of my favorite memories of the trip. I know that if, and when, I am able to go back to London, I will be going to The Mitre.
It’s cloudy and rainy here today. It doesn’t look as if we will be enjoying the moon tonight. Fingers crossed that the clouds will drift away in time to relish the moonlight. XOXO!!
Probably there are lots of English people who feel the same about The Mitre . . . you lived like a native!
Always love your blog, but today was extra special as it is my 69th birthday. Have always wanted to go to England; as I don’t see that in happening the near future, I will just keep on seeing it through your eyes and heart! So wanted to win the give-away as a gift to myself; will go over to the store and see what other treasure I can pick up! Thanks Susan!
Happy Birthday dear Laurel!!! xoxo
I was so glad to read that lightening-rod-Joe got off the roof! Now go enjoy your clean air and sunshine! It’s the little things. We in the PNW are shrouded in smoke and dry as match tips. Hoping for some rain here! But mostly worried about those in the hurricane’s path…and those fighting fires…and those still under water in Texas…and the dreamers…oh my! Going back to read your post again and stick my head in the sand. ♥
Totally smart place to put it! xoxo
I really chuckled over a few things in this blog. I’m always seeing articles on better packing but I’m a mega over packer from way back. My Mom gave us early control of our own packing as kids and my sister and I interpreted this as permission to take everything! Never quite got over it!
As a major Jack watcher, I love that you gave us some more great pictures of him. In the one with Joe where he is not meowing, I enlarged it on my iPad to get a better look. The process gave the picture a slightly fuzzy quality that is most amazingly pleasing. It turns photo into painting !!!! Go ahead and try it. This would make the most wonderful painting. Note joe and Jack’s eyes!
I took that with my cell phone through the screen, and you’re right, it’s another kind of thing!
Ah ha! It’s the combo of the screen and cellphone!
If I get a chance to go abroad again, I was fortunate to be able to go on two trips, once to Ireland and once to England, this is what I would love to do. Alas, you never know whether you’ll be able to travel again and you want to make the most of it by seeing as much as you can. For me, my past experience tells me that the park somewhere and fan out version of traveling would be ideal for me. I hope I get a chance to test it out. Thank you for another lovely written post.
ps Have we stopped adding where we’re located? I enjoyed that, finding out where people are from.
Another delightful blog. I so enjoy hearing about your adventures. Love the idea of staying in one place while traveling to really see the area. We are traveling to Ireland in two and a half weeks on a group tour with friends from our church going from place to place. I know I will wish to stay longer in some of these beautiful areas. Now for a cup of tea on this very rainy day here in New Hampshire!
Dear Susan, I’ve been waiting for this Blog and of course it’s wonderful.The pictures here and abroad set me to dreaming.Ilike the idea of staying in one place and day tripping. Now to click on to Self-catering holiday homes and choose my dream cottage. Looking forward to the next Blog,pictures,art work ect. they make my day! Donna Miller
This one took my breath away! Sue, you are getting really really good at this (blatant understatement seems like a good way to emphasize the un-overstate-able)! Oh! the reasons why we should spend two weeks in one place when traveling are indisputable and I can only be very thankful you ARE so good at communicating travel magic since I can’t run over to England RIGHT NOW, which is what I want to do. Pretty much every day. Especially right now. So your books and blogs and tweets are practically saving my life on this planet, thank you very much. Also, the first snapshot of Jack and Joe has kept me giggling since I saw it. Please give Jack an extra hug from me for that one. xoxoxo
Such a beautiful post. Makes me want to take a trip very soon. Lucky me, I think that I found the last Martha’s Vineyard mug on the entire Cape this past weekend! The Autumn mug and the adorable cookie plate are on my list of must haves!
Oh boy, that surely was a fun post. Much needed. A real stress reliever. The weather (hurricanes) have me sprouting more grey hairs!!! I have to remind myself that it is all out of my hands and all those I love and hold dear are in the hands of our Maker, as always. Note to self: Read Susan Branch’s new post. Inhale and exhale. Again. Whew! Congratulations to the winner of all the SB stash. Wowza! I loved seeing Jack yelling for his Momma out the screen door. Adorable! Your travel tips are spot on. You and Joe always know how to make any place cozy and inviting. I cannot wait until we all go to England again. Thanks for the invite. Put me down as a virtual “yes”. Have a lovely day~
Reading your postings is always an exercise in relaxation and beauty! And often, hilarity – 13 bags, “everything,” such fun. Our imagination goes wild thinking of all you mention and anticipating our “travel” with you and Joe. Thanks as always!
Plse don’t pull all the books out of Amazon.com yet..or at least leave the one that’s in my cart..pretty pretty please dear Susan:)
Septemeber is lke a new year..love the new cup..all of them..and that photo of Joe by the window in the tea room..so DA.
Susan..I got the cutest tea cozie..I’ll instagram it one day.I think you may become totally smitten.
BP..my little treasures..I hope my girls feel the same way when I am gone..
We have a raccoon in our tree too..just discovered when he scampered up..they are so agile!
I love houses too..the fun part of being a realtor was getting to see so many..I always went for charm..not glitz nor glamor.
I have become smitten with Brambly Hedge ..so late in life!
Beatrix Potter and Brambly Hedge things make me feel young.Like a good jean jacket;)
Have a beautiful afternoon..memories of the book signing are still w/ me..and fall is in the air here ..so soon..as summer only poked its nose.
Amazon gets to keep what they already have in stock, but when they try to order more, we’ll be saying, so sorry, that book is out of print! So I think you are safe!! Can’t wait to see the tea cozy! Fun! Me too, no glitz, no glamour, just practical, and cozy, with a fireplace, and comfy beds. xoxo
I absolutely concur on your travel trip…one ‘home base’ and day trips from there! I get exhausted just thinking about packing and unpacking a zillion times! One of my favorite quotes from Gladys Taper underscores your philosophy:
“Traveling is all very well if you can get home at night. I would be willing to go around the world if I came back in time to light the candles and set the table for supper. ” ~ Gladys Taber
Just to be able to open the windows at night and listen to the sounds of the countryside is so delicious! Magical, really! ♥
xoxoxoo peg
Perfect, Peg! xoxo
Your blog always comes just when I need a boost! Last time it was during Hurricane Harvey. This time during a disappointment but I am smiling now inside and out! I travel in my mind and am grateful you share your travels with us.
Hugs and Blessings!
So happy to find your lovely post in my feed today, thank you for sharing your photos and paintings. The shadows in the kitchen, the critters in the yard, friends around the table…it’s the simple things that make life beautiful.
That raccoon is soooo cute! A while back, I was sitting on my back porch, and saw a cat near my little pond. But…it wasn’t a cat! It was a raccoon, getting a drink…and she was followed by two little ones. I was so tickled that I had my camera. They drank their fill and then ambled to the back of the yard and disappeared in the bamboo hedge. I was thrilled!
I love your travel tips, and I like your philosphy of travel. We’re planning a trip to England, but sadly it won’t be in 2018. I want to see all of the gorgeous places you’ve shared with us girlfriends.
Have you seen the British TV show Walks With My Dog? We get it on Acorn thrugh Amazon. British celebrities walk their dogs in various beautiful places in the UK. The first episode has a walk around the Dales, one in Kent, and one in Cornwall. I fell in love with it.
Yes, we’re thinking of and praying for all in the path of Irma. It looks like she will be heading toward us here on the Space Coast. We’re praying for her to lose strength,take an easternly turn and head on out to sea. As a life-long Florida girl, I’ve been through lots of hurricanes, but category 4’s and 5’s are devastating. I’ll never forget a visit to Miami after Andrew. Every tree was chopped off — it was like a war zone.
Your post was a good respite from preparing for the storm. I always look forward to reading what’s happening in your world.
Blessings,
GG
P.S. Thanks for the reminder about the Harvest Moon. I’d forgotten, and I love to take photos of that one.
Our family is headed to England for the first time in October. Reading this makes me SOOOOO excited! And also, on another note, I want to thank you for your Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams book. It was my distraction each day as I waited for my mom at her radiation treatments for breast cancer. She finished last week, is now cancer free and I need to finish!! I admit I’m not an avid reader but your books draw me in and cause the worries of the day to disappear. Not even my meditation app does that! 😉
Happy to hear the good news about your mom! Hugs to you both! And thank you for sweet book words . . . xoxoxo
Thank you for another delightful post, Susan! You always put a smile on our faces! I just love your soon-to-be Valentines mug AND your soon-to-be CASTLE COTTAGE mug (gasp!!!!)!!!!!!! Beatrix Potter and Jane Austen on the same mug, drawn by you and celebrating your May 11 picnic! Susan, you promise that even those of us who cannot attend your picnic will be able to purchase the mug(s)? Such excitement!! I cannot wait!
Oh yes, Mugs for ALL! xoxoxo
So nice to read your post. Brings much needed relief for a short time to stop watching the weather channel telling me to prepare for Irma. Already empty grocery shelves and gas stations here in central Florida.
I love your travel tips! I agree that staying put in one place, absorbing and living the culture is truly the way to get to know a new place. At age 70, my sister and I deserted our husbands and spent a week+ in Paris. Our return was delayed a few days due to a snowstorm at home. Such a sad predicament…NOT! I haven’t laughed so hard in years. We are planning our next escape!
Your travel tips make a lot of sense. Thanks for another lovely “feel good” post.
Dear Susan
Your art and home are so lovely, but it’s your outlook on life that truly gives love and life to everything. I admire your way with words and how they are propelled by a loving heart and bright imagination.
All the best,
Barbara
Oh how I love hydrangeas! I fell in love with your art long ago, because of the little house and the stove!! I have this 🌺 And this 🍁 In my yard. The best of both worlds. We also have homemade cow and goat this 🍦Or 🍨. I scream for ice cream. If you want to see the goats go to aljohnsonsgoatcam.com.
Hugs,
Margot
Happy to receive your wonderful blog today while feverishly preparing the hurricane bearing down on us here in FL. Looking like it may go more east now and leave us here on the Gulf coast with less of a threat, but I feel for those on the east coast. It’s a wait and see game at the moment – could go anywhere – those pesky hurricanes have a mind of their own. This is a delightful respite from the watch and wait. Always so much of a pleasure to read.
Thank you, Susan!
Your posts always brighten my day and remind me of the comforting, kind, important side of life!
Just visited your lovely Isle of Dreams yesterday when the weather was perfect for tooling around in a convertible. I don’t recall you mentioning the absolutely fabulous Polly Hill Arboretum. Have you been there? I’m sure Polly was a Girlfriend…like Beatrix. She made her family’s many acres into an absolute Heaven on Earth for the enjoyment of the rest of us along with the bunnies and birds and butterflies. We even had delicious BLTs at the Scottish Bakehouse in honor of you! Enchanting. I can so see why you can never stray for long from your wonderful paradise
Oh yes, Polly Hill is wonderful. I’m so happy you liked it Grace!
Congratulations Stacy!!! You are one lucky person : ) Also, just wanted to comment on your garden, it is beautiful! Cosmos are my favorite flower, so wispy and cheerful!
Oh, Susan!! How I enjoyed this!! Even read portions of it to hubby as he came in on a brief break from the yardwork! We just have to make that journey to England! So excited about the new cups!
Ambitious project – gutters! Yikes to being caught out in a downpour while working on them!
Congratulations to Stacy! She’s a lucky girl!
Yes, from fires in the west to hurricanes to other distressing times, we’re finding a need to take several deep breaths some days. Hoping you will be able to stay put during all these storms!
Sending great fall-like hugs from Tennessee!
Nellie
Back at you Nellie. xoxo Kisses flying your way!
Thanks Susan for sharing the lovely pictures of your travels . You always inspire me to keep searching for the beauty in life…..which has been incredibly difficult this past year for me . Loved Meryl Streep as Julia ❤️!!!
As I planted my fall flowers this morning a lovely doe and her twin fawn graced my backyard to enjoy some bird seed I always scatter on the rocks . She was beautiful & the fawn so adorable!
Be careful of the raccoon -they are so cute with that little mask but can be quite mean . Enjoy him from afar ! 😘
Yes, no kissy face with a raccoon!
Thank you. I needed a little MV today and a bunch of beautiful Britain.
Such a beautiful post again, Susan. Thankees! 🤗 Loved th raccoon pic and the lovely one of Joe and Jack…such a cute pair!
So excited for your visit next year…not long til it comes around now!!!
What is the actual date of the piqnique? I really want to try and get up to the Lake District if I can!
Really worried for all the peeps in the Caribbean at the moment….St. Martin’s, St. Bart’s, Kitts and Nevis are all having a battering – such devastation and the news broadcasts say they will take a long time to recover and get tourism back on track and their fishing etc….such beautiful places devastated. Thinking of you all over the Pond – please take care.
Love and hugs 🤗
Karen
Cambridgeshire
U.K. 🇬🇧
Thank you for your good wishes, Karen! The picnic will be May 11, 2018 at noon. BYO Picnic basket!
Ah, Susan, we traveled your way last year in Italy. We visited Florence for a few days, then with family for a few, and finally nine glorious days in a villa in Tuscany. From there, we could do day trips all around us, to Montepulciano, Vienna, Cortona (where “Under the Tuscan Sun” was filmed), just to name a few. It was the best trip ever and we were so relaxed and really got to enjoy living the Italian way. Now, we have recently discovered that my husband’s family is from Sussex! We were delighted! We are now making plans for a trip to England!!!! I can’t wait, but am really enjoying the planning of it!
As always a wonderful read! I am so envious of your travels and look forward to hearing about them. I agree with you that visiting with the locals makes a vacation so much more interesting – and fun!! I needed party favors for a group of woman and just ordered a bunch of your small calendars! Won’t they be surprised? We all adore your work. And I have used some pages of your old wall calendars as placemats…I just can’t part with them! Keep inspiring us!
Very thoughtful gifty for the girlfriends! Tell them all I said hello! xoxo
Your post was a “spot of lovely” in a time filled with news of hurricanes, and fires, and tragedies. My grandma had a saying, “it’s a great life if you don’t tire.” She said it every time I visited her in her later years. That is why we love your posts, it gives us hope of good out there in the world and helps us to try to see the lovely and help make some of our own for those around us. My new cups and 2018 wall calendar came today. I read your post while drinking some of your Cinnamon Apple tea from my new Bluebird cup—pure happiness. I would like to make a cup request (can we do that? ☺) Since we have one smaller cup that is Autumn, could you eventually do a smaller cup for all the seasons? A perfect set of 4! Thank you so much for always brightening my day!
That’s the plan Lynn Marie, exactly what I’m doing, a set of four smaller mugs, one for each of the seasons . . . winter will be next! Great minds think alike! xoxo
HI Susan
I really just adore all of your blog posts. Every single thing you write is fun to read. Love all the pictures so much. Feels like you are sitting here talking to me in person. Love it***
have the best day ever Susan
loving this beautiful fall weather
deezie
What great travel tips! Lingering instead of looking on the run. I’ve been guilty of checking the box, I need to try this in the everyday as well– slow down, breathe in the surroundings.
Every time I take the time to read your blog posts I say, “Well that was simply delightful!” I enjoy you so much Susan, thank you for giving us all such delightful pictures to look at and words to read….escaping is so necessary.
Oh how I looove your writing and photographs!!! You and Joe make your lifestyle so special and it’s ever a delight to read about it. For sure, I am buying a new mug next year and looking forward to reading about your lovely trip to England and Ireland.
Love the photos you include for us as we enjoy your blog, Susan. I agree with Cindy, those cute raccoons can do major damage! Thanks for sharing…. Maybe I will win your next treat!!!!
Thank you for such beautiful commentary on life–and the important things in life. 😇
You have such a knack for making us feel like we are sitting together having tea & realizing the beauty in every day living! Very special & heart warming!
Love the Blog…always feel like we are pen pals. Love the new Tea Mugs. You and Joe have a wonderful fall season. P.S. Some of us have very stress full days…..Your blogs always grown me and I am very grateful that you share your joy. It brings me much joy as well. Always look forward to what you may write next.
life is a grand adventure – there and here.
we are on the west coast and i can relate to the flowers; the feelings of stretching out the long days; but also looking forward to cooler climes and sweaters, jeans and boots.
thank you for the delightful way you describe the ordinary – i think it helps every reader find the beauty in their own life in their own backyard; and in their own homes with their own people.
only thing missing? ….. i wish i had your beautiful artistic talent, but thank you for sharing it with the world!
I have no doubt you have your own kind of artistic talent . . . xoxoxo thank you Roselin.
Loved your mention that Joe told you to pack everything. I bring everything but the kitchen sink because who knows? When I was dating my husband & he took a road trip to where we where getting married I fell in love all over again. Why? Because in the back seat I found a roll of toilet paper. When I asked about it he said you can never tell when you might need it.
You married the right man, good in emergencies, and thoughtful too!
I think your travel tip is very wise. It’s the way to see the best parts of whatever country you are visiting – more time for exploring and less time for getting settled.
Congratulations to Stacy on winning your lovely treats. I know she will enjoy them. Your new cups look just as darling as the others! Also, I always enjoy the beautiful photos of your house, your garden and your two “darling people”. My kitty brings me much joy and I will never be without one.
Unfortunately, right now where I live we have air quality that is rated “Hazardous” from all of the fires surrounding us in southern Oregon. It’s the worst it’s ever been. I really feel for those who have to go outside for their jobs. I’m retired so I have the luxury of being able to stay inside my air-conditioned home. We are all hoping the fires will be out soon. Hopefully Autumn rain will come early!
Best to you, Joe and Jack!
Hearing so much about the fires from our Girlfriends. Praying for rain for all of you!
I always feel calmer after reading your posts–thank you! I am in total agreement about slow travel. We always spend two weeks in one place and it is so worth it. There is a great travel site–not commercial–with that very name, SlowTravel. Their forums are great if you have questions which I always do. Italy is their biggest focus but they have many others, including England and Ireland.
When we were younger, we did the day here and there type of travel and it was fun–I even ironed every day in the motel room–with kids. But now it’s time for a different way of travel.
The world is deeply frightening right now. It is truly a time for prayer.
It’s the garden of eden, a gift from God I hope we will always honor as such. We have been so blessed.
Your blog posts are so refreshing! Really fill my soul. So thankful for you! Today, I was looking through your cookbooks to get some menu inspiration.
I’m re-reading the Mitford series, and your photo of the moon with the Teahouse reminded me of a quote I just read in book 5. This is talking about Father Tim as he’s sitting outside at night looking at the moon, “He sat on the top step and gazed at the vast dome above, at what James Joyce had called ‘the heaventree of stars, hung with humid nightblue fruit.'” Heaventree and nightblue! New words that just seem so expressive and exciting and right, somehow.
I love new words like that. The author Laurie Lee was very good at that! xoxo
I’ve also done the whirlwind tours to cover the most distance in two weeks. But these days, like you, I prefer to unpack, hang up my wrinkleables, and go out exploring from one spot. It’s much more relaxing. Later one this fall, we’re off to do just that in Quebec.
Your squirrel/racoon story made me laugh…a neighbor found a baby squirrel two winters ago. They built a “squirrel condo” in a tree in their front yard with a little pulley-system to send up peanuts…they also hand fed him…”Chance” was his name as they felt he had a second chance with them. They hand-fed him and cared for him in an aquarium until is was big enough to go outside. They continued to feed him until he was able to forage himself. Chance has grown but would come back everyday for peanuts. Our neighbor died suddenly so we have taken over Chance’s feeding. He knows us now and comes when we call him. We also recently took over the care of a little squirrel who has one missing foot in the back – he gets around fine – we don’t know if he was born that way or if it’s an injury. This little guy is “Thumper”…unfortunately, the bigger squirrels chase him away but we have designated a special spot to feed him.
Christina from Yardley, Pa – near the B&B in Bucks County that you visited.
I think this may be my favorite of your blog posts – but I say that about every one, I think. Thank you for bringing a bit of sanity and joy into my life. 🙂
Hi Susan !
I am so excited for my virtual trip to England ! You and Joe are so sweet to share your trips
With us . The new cups are delightful ! Enjoy the harvest moon tonight . I’m not sure I will be able to see it here in North Carolina …. raining all day but the sun is back tomorrow.
So happy to have my favorite season back ! I was born in October and it has always been my favorite month for weather and scenery . Take care and stay warm and dry .
Thank you so much for taking me on a beautiful adventure today! With all that’s
going on, it’s good to escape for a few minutes.
I loved your travel tips. I do something similar to your “clothing list.” When we go on a cruise, we know pretty much what we are going to be doing at each port. With that in mind, I plan my clothes accordingly (snorkeling, touring museums, ziplining, ATV riding, beach day, sightseeing, etc.) I take a picture of each outfit, including shoes and accessories, print it out and write the date I will wear it on the picture. That way, I don’t have to stress about it once we are on the trip. Every day is planned, and I can just enjoy. Yay!
Wow, good work!
I am so sad! The blemished Autumn cups are gone already, how long will it be before they can be reordered? Please, pretty please, you can’t be planning to have limited production on something that will ultimately be part of a set. Those of us who missed out will be destined to mourn anew each time a new seasonal cup is designed and issued.
Your travel tip is spot on! Anyone who has not tried it most certainly should. One week is ok, two weeks is better! The immersion into life that staying in one spot affords, the extra relaxation time, seeing so much that you would miss just passing through, and all of those details that you so capably listed…it may not be for everyone, but if you don’t try it at least once, how would you know? Enjoy this autumn like weather, oh Sweet September!
Oh poor thing! I feel so bad. I put them up for presale a couple of months ago . . . I do that so I can figure out how many to order. The manufacturer has a very high minimum order, which is why I do presale, so everyone who wants one, gets one. After an order has been delivered to us, to get more, we would have to order that large minimum number of cups all over again ~ but now that so many already have them, I may not be able to sell them … especially because they are for Autumn, and they are, as you know, very expensive … just having that money gone (to pay for them) and not able to sell the cups would be hard on our little company. But we will be listening to everyone, and if there are lots of requests, maybe we can do it for next year. Thank you Pat, I wish I had a better more positive answer for you!
Susan, I love your darling Castle Cottage mug, must order in January! I’m with you, autumn feeds my soul, as does reading about the English countryside, my piece of heaven! I’m heading off to Pensacola tomorrow with high school girlfriends, and praying the “little” storm Irma doesn’t track our way!😢 We’re bringing water, coffee and wine, lots of wine! Time with your girls is so precious! Thanks for the brief interlude, like having a chat with a good friend!
tea in my bluebird mug was the perfect companion for my trip with you today. Low humidity and remarkable temps for this time of year in Arkansas-such a treat. Fall seems to be anxious to come for us and I’m eagerly awaiting it arrival. Thanks so much. Hopefully the monster IRMA will swerve on out to open water and leave our lovely coastline alone. Prayers for all in her path. Love ya Susan.
I figured out your traveling tip years ago when I volunteered to work in British Honduras [ now Belize] for a year. It just takes a while to feel part of the fabric of a place – to get comfortable enough to notice the delightful details. So we too go and then stay put. England is great for that! I envy you.
Getting away from the heavily traveled tourist spots makes a visit such a treat. You are so right Linda!
Oh that is such a sweet new cup you planning! I did get the adorable Santa s for a small group of friends and am feeling very chuffed with myself that Christmas is under control for them once I add some fancy tea and maybe a packet of biscuits all in cellaphine with some wonderful ribbon and a bit of shiny foil wire stars. I do wish I had gotten one for myself…lol. Hope the rain is over in a flas and not the portent of a bigger storm to come!
Me, too. Chuffed, under control for once! I’m going to do what you’re doing, ribbon, cookies, and all the trimmings! xoxo
Thank you for your information. My sister and I are planning a trip to England next year and we need all the help we can get. Thanks again.
Most importantly, at least for starters, the British National Trust owns hundreds of historical cottages, castles and gardens that are all worth seeing … join up, get a map, and no matter where you are, you’ll find something wonderful to see nearby.
Hello my friend, another lovely visit, and oh how welcomed it is. I am so excited about the new cups to come in the new year. And please know how thrilled I will be to print out the moon bookmark. Here in the NORTHWOODS of Wisconsin, we too are busy with repairs, and getting all things secured for the up and coming winter. I must return to Illinois tomorrow for it is time to see the specialists for both eye and leg injections so I can continue to see, and walk. I have been blessed with Good doctors, who have given me back my sight, and the ability to walk again. So all things about life I am grateful for, and enjoy each day to the very fullest, taking absolutely NOTHING for granted. None of us know what we may have to face from one day to the next. So we must be thankful for all we are given, and help the less fortunate. Thank you Susan once again for the sunshine you bring to my life and all of the GIRLFRIENDS. Look forward to our next visit. Loving wishes sent your way, Gayle Hall
Every word a pearl Gayle, thank you!
Just take my money, please! When will the Castle cottage tea cup be ready to order? I must have it. It’s too cute!
LOL, in a few weeks, when the designs become a little less air (dream-like), and a little more reality I’ll put them up for preorder. Love that you like it Robyn!
Delightful! Thank you so much for your timely post as I’m packing today for a long overdue visit to SoCal to visit my daughter! I will make a list, just in cases, because we will be having a girl’s weekend and dressing cute while we get our toes done and eat at our favorite restaurant is SO important! You are the only blogger I follow, and I think partly because you can capture in a sentence (after a whole post my cup runneth over) or an image the essence of life – truly living with compassion and gratitude and making me feel like I have to go and spread goodness everywhere (or slices of zucchini bread, if I haven’t eaten the whole loaf). Sending you hugs! XXO
Makes my day to hear your sweet words Teresa, thank you! Go forth and multiply! xoxoxo
Hah, I put my DVD of Julie and Julia on last night and saved some for today! Loved this blog posting. Your new Castle Cottage cup design is sweet and I will have one for sure. As we are quite miserable currently under smoke-filled skies with falling ash and HEAT that isn’t normal for these parts, it is so diverting to enjoy your lovely photos and ponder your coming trip.
Make sure that cute little raccoon doesn’t take over! I recently watched a rather nasty confrontation in a tree only a few feet from my window between two of the little critters obviously competing for the same tree branch. Crows were cawing loudly, dive bombing them all the while making me think the raccoons were invading their nest. Fun to watch, but it’s a jungle out there.
I’m so glad Kellee and Sherie get to go to England with you 🙂 Kind of adds new meaning to “Bring everything!” Whee.
Yes, they deserve it for all the goodness they dispense on my behalf every day. They’ve never been to England, and we can’t wait to take them to Hilltop and show them around the wonderful Lake District. LOL “It’s a jungle out there!” xoxo
So many beautiful things in this post, but I came to comment on Jack’s paws. My kitty also has what we refer to as “Neopolitan Paws”! White feet with mixed pink and black pads. I’ve never had another cat with anything other than solid pink or black pads. I wonder if this is an uncommon thing? I guess I’m silly to comment on that, but I’ve never seen another cat with pads like that until yours! Thanks for sharing.
What you write about staying is so true, even in America. We have a favorite mountain lake area we never go for less than a week! I insist on lunches out, but I can fix anything else. If one has a lovely lunch , dinner can be simple fare. Have a wonderful planning. I look forward to our next England trip!
Love the pictures of Joe and Jack!!! And the shadows and the arbor and everything!!!
78 degrees and low humidity here today in Arkansas…..Fall is on the way! Yippee!!!
Thank you for always taking us on a journey. I’m trying to decide where to stay on my next trip – and I was debating renting a cottage or traveling around. I think you’ve helped me make up my mind. 🙂
Thank you for the blog. We are in smoke and ash and 90-100 degree weather here in PNW. Really am looking forward to a cool clean breeze. So want autumn to arrive. Do you have any Blue Willow or Delft? I collect both but have never seen any in your pictures. Just wondering😜 Debby
good afternoon Susan, Girlfriends. another smoky day here, its hard to tell if we have clouds up there and smoke or just smoke. I miss blue skies, would love to see some again. but we are surviving, still on level 1 and ready to run at a moment’s notice. I love that adorable picture of Joe and Jack with Jack meowing for you to come back, he is soooo adorable. be careful with that raccoon, they are nasty things, we are having a problem with them hanging about our property. ordinarily I wouldn’t mind but because we have chickens, the coons have to leave. and they don’t since our obnoxious neighbor has piles of trash up against the fence and the coons, possums and mice just have a field day in all that garbage…. and yes we have mice… tons of them. can’t stand them, they are into everything and so dirty. ICKY!! we do have a barn cat and she catches the mice, well she sure tries but its hard to get them all. I wish that neighbor would just leave, or at least clean up his act. but some people I guess are just plain rude. I can’t wait for Fall to get here, maybe by then I can see the blue sky and smell the crisp air and apples. you girlfriends on the east coast look out for Irma, that is one big nasty storm moving in. we are hoping for rain here to help get the fire under control and clean up the air a little. put my clothesline away for now, who needs ashes on clean laundry??? and I don’t know about you all but I like fresh clean smelling laundry not ashy, smoky smelling laundry… BLEAHHH!!! well off to move the sprinkler out front and then go clean out the water tubs for the barnyard crowd and get them more fresh water, they don’t like ashes in their drinking and bathing water, can’t blame them. sure see the oddest parade of vehicles going up and down the highway here, water trucks, trucks hauling bulldozers, tractors and fire trucks of all sizes. got to love those guys, may bake a huge batch of spice cake and deliver a basket load over to the fire station for them. just a friendly way of saying thanks. have a great day everyone, stay cool, stay safe and stay comfy. hugs….. 🙂
its 4:35 pm. and guess what ??? its raining, honest to gosh rain. we have thunder and lightning which is why I will be shutting down to protect the computer, but we have rain, lots of it…WAHOOOOO!!!!! off to go make me a cup of tea and go sit on the porch and watch the storm…… YIPPEEEE!!!! hugs everyone…. 🙂
BEST news Pat! I’m so happy! 👏 What a difference a day makes!
good morning Susan, Girlfriends. we had rain and thunder all night last night and more for today, a good solid rain, which is just what we need to knock down the smoke a little and help the firefighters. made loaves of spice cake last night and delivered them all this morning to the fire station in a pouring rain and thunderstorm. we had big KABOOM of thunder over the house awhile ago around 9:30 and I know if the windows had not been open they would have cracked it was that loud, also a big flash of lightning. for now it is raining and no thunder, probably later on this afternoon the thunder will return. for now it is wet, sticky and muggy but I like the wet part 🙂 !!!!! I still keep seeing big trucks with bulldozers, and excavators on board heading for Selma, they are staging a fire camp out there, and we are still on level 1 alert. it is smoky but not as bad as the past 20 or so days… jeep your fingers crossed for more rain, we can use every drop. and thank you all for the prayers and blessings for rain, just keep those good thoughts for us. got to go fill up the water tubs again and fill up the pools for the ducks. plus try to coax the cats out from under the bed and from behind the couch. when that thunder boomed overhead they sort of scattered and ran to hide and I haven’t seen them since…. scaredy cats…. LOL :D!!! hugs…… 🙂
Sounds very hopeful Pat, thank you for the update!!! 🌧🌈
Soooo happy it is rainibg!
you’re welcome Susan, and thank you Peggy for the good thought, its still raining, a little bit and the sun ( yes the sun) is actually poking through the clouds and smoke. got all the kitty cats out of hiding, but don’t tell Miss Kitty I used one of her snack sticks to do it. LOL!!! I have been teaching her to sit and stay as she likes to charge to the door every time we have to go out, so I started teaching Miss Kitty to sit and stay and now she does it whenever I tell her to, and her reward is the snack stick. now my problem is every time we go to the door, she sits and expects a treat for doing it… I think I taught her too well… LOL!!! be back maybe later… laundry to iron and fold. hugs…… 🙂
thank you both for the good thoughts and keeping your fingers crossed for us here in the fire zone. boy it rained and it sure cleaned up the air, smells so sweet now and like a dirty ashtray. also managed to coax the kitties out of hiding.. the big babies, such scaredy cats… LOL!!!! 🙂
Always a treat to read your blogs! How do you go about booking the fabulous places you call ” home” on your travels?
Thanks for sharing so much of your life:)
Oh Susan, I can’t explain how much I look forward to each of your blogs. Especially the traveling ones. I feel like I was along on the trip with you and Joe. I always get that warm and fuzzy feeling as I am having my tea and reading and looking at the marvelous pictures. I don’t have a raccoon, but I have my sweet little hummingbirds that greets me each day.
Thanks for sharing all your lovely traveling tips and dreams with us.
A Dreamer too!,
Fran
My favorite time of year, too! Loved seeing the pictures and hearing your thoughts and sharing in your excitement for your trip! Yes, you make this crazy world a little nicer when I come here for a visit – big hugs and many thanks!
Love the photo of Joe and Kitty waiting at the door for you. I have a puppy, and today her “daddy” had to work, so she just moped around all day, laying in his chair. She misses him so when he leaves!
Hoping that raccoon can’t get to your roof! Daughter is living in base housing at Randolph Air base where they discovered a raccoon sitting on a shelf in the master closet! He had entered through a hole in the roof, under the clay tiles. And the previous house was rife with squirrels in the attic. Her husband and mine found numerous holes in the soffits and plugged all but one. You could hear them scampering about while you tried to sleep! Sounded like they were right behind the headboard of our bed! Finally they made an exit so the men could plug that last hole. Our kids had lived with this going on until I mentioned to them that they could chew wiring and possibly set the house on fire. They were renting, so took the ” it isn’t my house” attitude. KIDS!
The moon last night was a beauty. Glad I saw it!
I always pack what I think is too much, but always seem to be a top or bottom short at the end of our trip. But we only travel to Texas, and I always underestimate the heat!
Praying for Texas and now Florida. Hoping the “models” are off and it goes way right!
So good to have so much to be grateful for. Send wishes our way as we all pray for rain to end the fires…and the smoke and the ash here in Portland, OR.
Comfort comes in celebrating all the little things that make a heart sing.
Happy Harvest moon!
In July of last year we rented an old house in Provence for the whole month! It was heaven. We went during the height of lavender season-bliss. One day we would explore a medieval village and the next we would rest, do laundry (to hang on a line in the front courtyard) or do watercolors. Spending at least two weeks in one place is definitely ideal.
Aloyce Levin
Why did people write all those books with names like “20 cities in 7 days” What kind of crazy was that?? Your visit to Provence last year sounds like heaven! A whole month! xoxo
I had a friend lend me his house in Suffolk two years ago. I found exactly what you did with day trips. Best trip I ever took.
Hard to go back to the rat race after you’ve tried it this way! New is new! That’s my motto!