Hi Everyone! Would you like to be in England for Remembrance Day? You came to the right place! MUSICA
I want to show you this wonderful thing that happens in England the second Sunday of November which Joe and I discovered a little bit by accident when we were visiting. 🍂 
It’s actually a lovely tradition that started in America in 1920 when the Poppy flower was proclaimed by the United States to be our national emblem of Remembrance. For Armistice Day, for never forgetting, and for the prayer of peace. See Joe? See that red poppy on his jacket?
Here he is, walking home from shopping at Blenheim Castle in Woodstock Oxfordshire, with a poppy on his jacket. Because, in November, all over the United Kingdom (Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, too) . . .
. . . you rarely see anyone who isn’t wearing a poppy at this time of year. For some reason the tradition didn’t catch on for America’s Veterans Day, but it is huge over there. I wish I’d taken a photo in a train station, so you could see how popular it is, these little splashes of red hurrying hither and yon. You get used to it, then you start to fall in love with it, and especially the idea behind it.
This is Joe and Paul ( Rachel’s adorable husband, English man extraordinaire, one of your funnier and more charming humans on the earth), both of them poppy-decked of course.
We went to a dinner, and everyone was wearing a poppy . . .
Me too . . .
And Rachel too.
For a donation to the Royal British Legion ~ a pound for a poppy, you can pin one of these to your coat. The appeal raises millions for the care of British Veterans and their dependents, and by the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the whole country is decked in solidarity-red for Remembrance.
We read the paper and learned the significance of the Poppy.
As the years went by, other wars and more loss, “between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place…” to what was the war to end all wars, the first world war. Flanders Fields were the battlefields in France where so many were lost, the “western front”. . . is now covered in poppies for remembrance. And a beautiful heartbreaking poem was written:
The first Poppy Day was celebrated in England in 1921, and has continued every year since.
There will be no forgetting . . . the whole country shows their gratitude and old men wear their uniforms on the street with pride. I think maybe because when bombs literally fall on your house and your neighbor’s house, on your church, in your garden, you have a different relationship to war than others who were mercifully spared that experience.You turn on the radio, and there’s Vera Lynn singing We’ll Meet Again back in the day with the voices of servicemen and their sweethearts singing along, and you can feel the heart in the moment, and your own connection to it . . .
Poppies are everywhere, including pillows and sachets in the Blenheim Castle gift shop.
And we ended up with a bouquet of them for our kitchen counter.
You would find them on the street in simple little places . . .
And in the cities too . . . these are part of the Field of Remembrance, a small graveyard set up each year next to Westminster Abbey in London.
And there are remembrances in every small town . . .
This particular Remembrance Day found us in downtown Woodstock where we were staying, a small town in Oxfordshire with a population of 3,000, which is just 
around the corner from Blenheim Castle where Winston Churchill was born. Now Winston Churchill has a special place in my heart, for more reasons than one. The marriage between his American great grandmother Aurora Murray to Isaac Jerome produced a granddaughter, Winston’s mother, Jennie Jerome. That’s her in this picture. My grandmother is Irene Murray, and through her lineage I discovered that Winston Churchill is my 8th cousin! (If you go sideways far enough back, you’ll find everyone is related to everyone!)
XOXO
We came upon this solemn scene by happy accident. We were just walking back to the High Street after visiting Blenheim Castle (we stayed at the Bear Hotel ~ some parts of it 900 years old, you can see it in the video on the right), and didn’t know what was going on when we saw a crowd had gathered, families, babies, and dogs, people of all ages, clergy and soldiers too. It was 11 am on Remembrance Sunday, and the village had stopped to honor Armistice Day as they had done for 95 years, for all those who served and died in war ~ we learned that this quiet remembrance happened in every small and big town in England at this same moment every year, the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. MUSICA.
Tradition is such a beautiful thing. Honoring the people who built the world, who came before us is such a right thing to do. Afterwards we discovered that Winston Churchill was buried nearby, in a tiny churchyard in a small village called Bladon. So off we went through the golden air of the English Countryside with this music playing in our car to find Churchill’s grave. 🍂
When we found the tiny village of Bladon, we fretted about leaving our car parked halfway in the narrow street, 
only a bit more than one car wide, but it was the best we could do and still be in the town. How they could have had a state burial for one of the most famous people in the world in this teeny place with zero parking is a mystery. But look at that beautiful stone house. See the roof line, all curvy and crunchy from age? I always stop to marvel that they kept the beauty and history of what came before as times changed and such things as bathrooms and electricity were invented ~ how they did it is beyond me, but they did!
Nothing in the town had changed since the day the Prime Minister was laid to rest, except the people. The generations have turned over more than once.
We walked through the quiet, echoing streets of the village looking for the church listening to the birds singing . . .
. . . enjoying cottages and curtains . . .
. . . and people who brought nature inside.
We peeked in the windows at the far end of this house with the amazing vine . . .
. . . and saw these in the little panes of glass! It was the Studio of a sculptor . . . ohhh, I wanted to go in so bad!
But it wasn’t to be . . . “Open Daily 10-6” said the card in the window, but another sign said, “Closed!” Travel is all about the serendipity!
I was perfectly happy wandering the lanes, taking pictures of the stone houses with names on them . . .
and of course, the little charmers out for a walk . . .
And there it was, the flag flying over St Martin’s Church . . . where the bells had just rung for Armistice Day.
A small, rather austere church . . . an unassuming village church like so many others wherever you go.
with lovely details
And a sweet peaceful graveyard, these being my favorite, family gravestones held in nature’s embrace.
Next to Churchill’s grave were simple elegant memorials, and benches for sitting.
with rather an amazing drain in the stone path ~ I had to take a photo of it!
Churchill’s grave sort of broke our hearts. Everything so real. I couldn’t help but think of my dad who had fought in WWII and had died a few months earlier. 😢 We’d been to Churchill’s wonderful house called Chartwell and learned about him and his fascinating wife Clementine ~ and here they were, buried together. History of the world, just waiting for us to find and remember and learn.
It’s actually his family burial ground, his mother, Jennie Jerome, Lady Randolph Churchill is buried in the center grave surrounded by the hedge.
Sure and certain hope.
Afterward we stopped at a nearby pub to read our paper and eat “Sunday Roast” ~ another wonderful old tradition, served in most British pubs every Sunday,
. . . a glorious menu consisting of your choice of beautifully cooked roast beef, roast chicken or roast pork ~ with Yorkshire Pudding, stuffing, roasted carrots, parsnips, and potatoes with gravy.
And poppies on the mantle . . .
After lunch we drove to Oxford to see Carrie and Stuart, who took us on a tour ~ here we are in one of the churches.
Then back to Carrie’s kitchen which was in full-remembrance mode. We had a wonderful visit with them . . . but when we got back to our rental house, I noticed I had lost the poppy from my jacket. wah. I know, I had another four in my poppy bouquet, but I hated losing even one.
We spent more weeks in England, taking long walks under blowing leaves, enjoying the fall, and did not return to America until late November ~ celebrating Thanksgiving on the ship, going home the old way, past the statue of liberty into New York harbor, dreaming our memories in the rocking of the boat.
And finally home, where Jack was waiting, and H❤️ME was waiting, and of course we brought our poppies home with us. A few days later, a surprise arrived in the mail from England.
It was a book-gift from Carrie, along with the poppy I’d dropped at her house! She found it and sent it back to me! Total perfection!And that’s my story for today, Girlfriends . . . Celebrate November 11 … Remember our Veterans. Study history, see how we got here. With life’s vagaries it’s a pure miracle we are!
Here is my kitchen this morning, sparkling with light from the sunrise…
It’s our time now . . . and one of the gifts of remembering is the gift of knowing the real and important things of life, and passing them to the ones we love . . . 
Clothespin caught a leaf, and I got to make a wish. So I think we can all make a wish!
Ah yes, time for tea! Hope you enjoyed our trip to England! Have a wonderful day! XOXO
I’m so excited to see the new china cups, little hearts and plates! They are beautiful. I had been saving up for a special cup and it’s already sold out. I need to learn to keep an “emergency SB purchase” jar of money 🙂 Thanks for brightening our days with such beautiful art and such positive “see the good in the world” words. Have a wonderful day!
I’m the same way! I need to set aside a few dollars each pay to ‘splurge’ when Susan puts something new out!
I am there with you gals!🛍
Love reading about your English wanderings!
Love all your truly fall pictures and photos of England…..my love too. In the San Francisco Bay Area where I live Summer is in a full on last push. We were all in the 90’s yesterday and for the rest of the week. Wonderful news this morning the terrible Santa Rosa and Napa fires are all 90% contained. So many families without homes. Greetings and hugs to you, Joe and your black and white shadow, Kathleen
Thank you for this lovely post. 😍
What a lovely post.
Great sentiments!
What a wonderful way to start my day…with a cup of tea and your words to make me sigh with pleasure. Sets the tone for the rest of it for sure! Thanks so much.
Good morning from Hot Springs Village, AR. It’s now 9:00 am and I have to leave in 20 minutes to get my hair cut. I enjoyed your post. In 2000, the Mesa Community College (Mesa, AZ) chorale went to England and Edinburgh, Scotland. I enjoyed singing with the chorale in many different towns. That’s the only time I’ve been to England and I probably wouldn’t go again.
I enjoyed your post and am wondering if you are now back in the USA? I love America and our citizens, and I hope you are here now too. Blessings…
Oh yes, I live here! This post was about a trip we took last fall.
Love your writing! You have so much talent and are ever so calming! Thanks for blogging and thinking always of girlfriends! Your new dishes are great and the cups are wonderful! Happy Autumn!
I don’t think we in the States do as much with the poppy as the British.
I hope I see one to buy too.
A veterans group (maybe VFW?) used to give away little paper poppies for a donation at the entrance of stores like JC Penneys, Target and at front door of grocery stores. I’m not sure if they still do. I hope so.
Love the post I look so forward to them!!
I loved the picture ” through the golden air of the English County. Just a beautiful picture. It looks like an old landscape painting. Oh how I wish I could paint that scene.
I love your designs! I delight in seeing your illustrations on your calendar!
Please enter me!
Enter me, so my friends can have lovely gifts!
Lovely blog! Love going back in history with you!
I love reading your blogs and Willards. You make my day. When ever I need a pick me up, I go to Susan Branch. Even if I’ve already read them, I’m inspired all over again. I love to read about your travels, your home, cooking, Joe, Jack, family , friends etc. Thank you .
A friend gave me one of your bluebird cups. I just love it. I’m looking forward to your trip next year and hope you do another book. I have all three and reread them every year. Happy Fall!
Wonderful inspirational post!! I dream of visiting England and all the loveliness you share with all of us.
Susan – so excited about your new products!
I love how you always give us the opportunity to win some of your beautiful creations! Thank you!💕
Susan, You are just a joy! You’re love of the simple things exhibits their extraordinary beauty. Personally, I just love the traditions of Europe. The generations have suffered so much for all of our freedoms. How thankful we should be for everyone’s efforts and personal losses.
It happened on their own soil, twice! No wonder they take such pains to keep it from happening again.
Yes!
Such a special story
Lovely post. I always buy a poppy.
Not enough of the right words to say just how magical your blog and the arrival of Willard make the day. I’m looking right now for a vintage stove…you’ve inspired me (again!)
Try Stove Heaven in Los Angeles California!
Hello Susan,
I am collecting your 4 season cups. I am really enjoying the autumn one. The porcelain is so “Top Notch”. Thank you very much for making these available.
Happy Fall, Betty W
Lovely post pick me;).
Your blog makes me so happy! It reminds me of what is truly important.
I am soooo excited about those heart shaped plates! Perfect little gifts but of course one for me too! 😉 Love those poppies and what they represent! Hoping to find some poppies to buy so I can also wear one on that day! Always love your blogs and Willards and trips you take us on! xoxoxo
Hugs and love,
Lisa Hay
Hi Susan! The china is absolutely lovely!! Your pictures and description of all the beautiful poppies and beautiful people and the memory of those who gave all is very moving. So important to remember. I usually buy a poppy from someone near a store, raising funds for veterans. I shall wear it with renewed thankfulness!! Thanks Susan.
Susan, good morning!
I just wanted you to know how much I enjoy your blog and Willard and to let you know my 85 year old Mother does too! Although she doesn’t own a computer, I print Willard and your blog posts for her and take them to her each week when I visit her. I can tell from the look on her face that those precious pieces of paper are just like receiving a perfect little gift! They also are probably the highlight of her week!
Thank you for all you do to make the world a kinder, gentler, and more peaceful place!
Warmest regards,
Lori
Makes my heart feel good to hear that Lori . . . Hugs to you both!
What a lovely Remembrance – of your trip and our trip some years ago as well. One year they had glass poppies that cascaded out of one of the buildings at the Tower of London, spread out on the lawn below. These, I believe, were also sold after the exhibition to raise money for the fund. Thank you for sharing so much with us.
Lovely post! I have my poppy pin that I bought at the IWM on my jacket today.
When I lived in England, we always wore our Poppy on Poppy Day..nice piece. thanks for sharing and reminding us to Remember…
You live such an interesting life and the way you put it into words to share with all of us is something I look forward to reading with each post or Willard that comes out! I love the “Just living is not enough” saying on the little teapot plate. I have that printed on a woven cloth and framed and hung in my downstairs bathroom. Thank you for all of your inspiration!
Lovely introduction to the poppy tradition, for those to whom it is new. The tribute a few years ago at the Tower of London in memory of the thousands of lives lost during WWI comes to mind. One glass poppy for each life: theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/28/blood-swept-lands-story-behind-tower-of-london-poppies-first-world-war-memorial.
Isn’t that just amazing?
My favorite trip so far, as only you can guide me. Thank you Susan!
Part of what makes Armistice Day so special is the people remembering the fallen. They’ve not forgotten those who gave their all. Thank you for being one who remembers and for inviting us to do the same.
Such a beautiful and touching post. I’ve always bought poppies on Veterans Day and remember reading Flanders Fields. What a moving poem! Thank you so much for reminding us what is important in our lives and bringing us smiles when we need it most. I hope to visit England soon and will be thinking of you as I walk through the golden light of England. All the best to you and yours XOXOXOX
Love, love, love your creativity.
Such a wonderful reminder that Veteran’s Day approaches and your post about all those poppies in England is so poignant.
Thanks for reminding me of the poppy’s connection to November 11th. When I was growing up many years ago, paper poppies were also sold around Veterans’ Day in the cities by VFW members. “Buy a ‘Buddy Poppy’,” was the invitation, for which one contributed a modest amount and wore the poppy. Also, in elementary school, at 11:00 a.m. on Nov. 11th (it was not then a day off for the schools), we stood in respectful silence to remember the fallen.
Susan, you are a remarkable person with impressive energy and work habits. I’m in awe that you can keep all the plates twirling and producing beautiful work, all while keeping optimistic. Please include me in the next drawing.
Thanks and blessings.
Lois
Thank you for sharing your trip. Just lovely!
Beautiful fall post. As a young girl I remember my mother giving us coins to donate and then handed a poppy to wear. We would wind them around a button on our coat or sweater. The paper poppies in England are especially pretty!
“moving towards sure and certain hope,” thankyou for this lovely story, reminder. let’s start a poppy movement in all our small towns across this nation. thank you susan
Love your post! Your “House of Inspirational Sayings “ encouraged me greatly. Going through a season of grief right now. Anywhere I might get a print of the house to remind me that there is still hope for the future?
Thank-you for this post! We celebrate Remembrance Day on November 11 here in Canada!
I too hope to buy a Poppy fon November 11th. Lest we forget!
Always enjoy your posts and the interesting themes
And stories. Thank you.
“The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer somebody else up.”
(Mark Twain) That is what you do dear Susan w/ your lovely posts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
The Red Poppies are beautiful & it must have been a wonderful sight 🙂
Peace, Joy & Happiness to you & Joe.
Dear Susan,
I’m a little confused, you say the “Poppy”/”Remembrance Day”/”Armistice Day” became a tradition in America in 1920?? Where has it gone? Now it’s just Veteran’s Day? I LOVE the idea of the Poppy (especially being raised in CA, etc., now I’m in PA) and I remember fondly my visits with my parents in the Netherlands in November watching the BBC and everyone would be wearing their poppies…………and now to find out it began here………….Thank you another history lesson! Absolutely love the pictures of England – can’t wait to visit again!
We changed from Armistice day to Veterans Day in the 50s ~ I think because the Armistice was for the end of WWI and by the 50s, unfortunately, we had vets from WWII and the Korean War to add to that … and there doesn’t seem to be a centralized plan for the poppies anymore. Some of our girlfriends report seeing them, and others haven’t, so I’m not sure how it works in America. I’ll be watching this year for sure!
Thank you for including another Gladys Taber quote in this Willard! And thank you for those priceless photos of my favorite hunk, Joe! Every day he looks better and better — does he ever age?! (I was going to say, Does he ever grow up? but then thought better of it.) My mother grew a huge stand of red California poppies along the side of her house for years — until her neighbor thought he was doing her a favor and mowed them down! Aruuugh. The poppies never came back. She almost hit manic depression over that! Since my b-day is in November, I love all the fall flowers, especially mums and marigolds– even love their fragrance. And fall is my fave season. I once heard that a person’s favorite season is usually the one in which they’re born. So I’m wondering: Susan, is spring your favorite season?
Happy almost birthday dear Jan! Your birthday is in my favorite season! But my second favorite season is where my birthday is! Joe comes from an irritating, non-aging family. That’s all I know for sure!
Susan, you have been an inspiration to me for so long. When I discovered we share a birthday, my affinity towards your life and work made sense! Have a wonderful day.
I absolutely love your blog. You make me feel like I’m right there with you as you go through your journey. We’ve been to Woodstock and Blenheim, but I think we need to go back and see them again!
What a wonderful jaunt to England this morning. What a lovely remembrance tradition England has. I’ll be looking for poppies too.
Thank you for a beautiful history lesson. May we face this day “in Sure and Certain Hope,” wearing our red poppies to encourage one another. Love!
Oh, my goodness! Would love to own these.
Happy Fall Susan –
Thank you for warming my day with a new “Willard” and offering this beautiful set of porcelain goodies. Cannot wait for the new Winter mug for it looks charming and so inviting to hold a nice mint hot chocolate! With the whipped cream of course! My grandfather was from a little place near Liverpool and my grandmum and mum and the rest of my siblings were/are from Australia so I was raised with bone china and all those lovelies so greatly appreciate you bringing me home! Thank you. Fiona
My fingers are crossed, I’m clicking my heels, I’m looking up towards the heavens, I’m wearing a shamrock, there’s a rabbit’s foot in my pocket, a lucky penny in my purse, now I just need Vanna to pull my name!!
I remember in the early 50’s people wearing the poppies; I think they were made of crepe paper. Love your blogs & have all your books.
Love seeing all the poppies – takes me back to when my grandfather was alive and would wear a poppy in his lapel! Thanks for reminding us of this special day!!
Lee
Love what you wrote dear Susan. I live in Flanders (Belgium) and so this is very special to me. Thank you.
I can only imagine the memories there. xoxo Nice to hear from you Annie.
Good morning, Susan! Thank you for reminding us about Armistice Day. I wish more Americans commemorated the day with poppies and by taking a moment to remember the tremendous sacrifice by thousands. If I can’t find a poppy to purchase, I may just make a couple for my husband and I to wear. Enjoyed your visit back to England so much! (BTW, your Joe looks great!) With love and caring! Beth
Thank you for another lovely post! I always call my older sister Donna (my Susan, as she is so much like you) to let her know you have a new post up. As always, she already knows:) She is the oldest of 7 children, as you are, and always a 2nd Mom to us younger kids. She also doesn’t have any children of her own, so I share my son with her. He is 27 now and he still talks about how she made him a fort out of large cardboard boxes. She even cut out windows and made little curtains out of scrap fabric. She made all of his costumes & birthday cakes when he was growing up. I remember on Friday nights when she would get her paycheck she would stop and get root beer and ice cream for us younger siblings for a treat. She cut faces into our bologna sandwiches. We had midnight tea parties with Kool-Aid and toast cut into triangles. She made me flower ‘jewelry’ out of the purple clover and bracelets out of gum wrappers. She always teased me that she was the only 12 year old with a baby seat on the back of her bicycle (for me). I remember, even though I was very young, riding in that seat singing ‘Country Roads, Take Me Home’ as well as learning my ABC’s and counting. She also taught me to tie my shoes when I was 2 3/4 years old. Very few people believe that, but I remember sitting on the basement stairs and when I finally succeeded she bought me a sun suit from the 5 and dime. I am 47 now and still have those happy memories. I just wanted you to know how many happy memories you give to us! Happy Fall Susan and Joe!
Beautiful Lori Ann! Your sister knows what it is to be a child! And so do you! xoxo
your post brought to mind memories of my childhood back east ( New York)and fall weather,including Indian summers and red paper poppies.I’m glad you found a manufacturer for your new cups and such. Wish me luck!
Just returned from Cornwall and Wales so loved this!
I always get at least one poppy when the veterans have them out. I have one on a backpack that has probably been there over 20 years. It is important that we know and pass on things to the younger generations and don’t let them forget those who gave so much for them. I’m not surprised in England they still remember. I love going back to England with you and seeing where you’ve been. Of course seeing a pic of Jack always brings a smile to my face. *S*
What a beautiful post! I’ve always loved poppies, they used to grow in the yard of my childhood home. Love the little hearts! I’d be glad to be part of the drawing 🙂 Thank you!
I loved your visuals on the poppy remembrance for Veteran’s Day. I hope the U.S. citizens do their part as well. Also, I received my Willard and slowly devoured it…wonderful, as always. Thank you for taking the time to write your feelings, wishes and lovely life!
Lovely, cozy way to start the day! Thank you!
Your new products look so perfect! I love hearing all about your trips to England they always leave me with a feeling of tranquility.
Since humans don’t have wings, they must open their hearts to fly.
anonymous
Dear Susan,
How can a complete stranger ever convey to you the depths of her gratitude for the many hours of joy you bring to her 82-year old mother? Over twenty-five years ago you entered my life when I received a copy of your original Heart of the Home as a hostess gift. Now, with almost all your books upon my shelves, I find myself a full-time caregiver to my mother. Caring for an aging parent is very humbling and one’s world becomes very small and often mundane & routine. Poor knees have minimized my mother’s mobility and reduced her to being mostly an armchair traveler. Enter Susan Branch! Your books, blog, and newsletters provide hours of enjoyment for her. I take such joy in seeing her spirit lifted by your many inspiring tales and introductions to new places, things, and people. And very often your travels mimic our own from days past which spark beautiful memories of our times in Britain, Europe, Martha’s Vineyard, New England, etc. We both share your joie de vivre and your respect for various cultures. We’ve had countless hours exploring with you and online shopping for gifts at the various places you write about. And as you know when on the internet, one thing leads to another and another and another…!! So thank you, Susan, most heartily for brightening our days, stretching our minds, and giving us hope & inspiration. You are a treasure!!
Please give your mom a big hug for me ~ and you too Natalie, and thank you!!
What a wonderful post! I felt like I was in England in November with you.
I love the poppies! I remember getting them here when I was in elementary school, but the custom has fallen off. And the poppies that the English wear are BIG–not at all modest. I was presenting at a teacher conference on Churchill and the Anglo-American Relationship a few years ago in early November. Allen Packwood, chief archivist at the Churchill Archives at Cambridge University attended, and his poppy was at least two or three inches across! I have a very nice enameled poppy brooch that I purchased at the US World War I Museum in Kansas City, MO.
Your new dishware is very nice, too!
My husband is a Veteran. I found it interesting how the British use the poppy in Nov. and we do them on Memorial day. He just informed me that this year they are going to pass them out to the school children at their Veterans day program. Thank you for sharing so much of your travels with us, I enjoy your posts so much Susan.
Thanks so much for your ‘time of remembrance’. The Poppy helps us to remember on November 11… I’m wearing one if I have to make it myself.
Morning Susan, the more I read about your travels thru England the more I think/feel how beautiful, tranquil & magical. It feeds my soul, & I wonder…past life!! Lol And oh how I wish that pubs actual English pubs were here. I’m old enough to remember as a kid on a rare occasion going with my parents to the old mom & pop taverns, where for entertainment there might be a juke box, & a old fashion bowling machine that used a puc…but people went there to socialize & relax. Even saw pics of the men & women actually dressed up too. This is way before the now loud & noisy sports bar with TVs so loud you can’t talk.
Susan also love your cups & plates. Between yours, EB & SA all my matching ones had to find new homes! Lol Every day I pick a different one to use. Had to laugh one morning when I found my big construction worker hub & brother in law drinking coffee out of your Little Things, & Love Mugs & actually reading them….lol
Saving your Willard for tonight’s read with a cup of tea, perfect timing for I think Autumn has finally come to IL. Yea!!!! Ok fingers crossed that Vanna delicate fingers finds my entry this time.
beautiful poppies
What a lovely story about the poppies and Armistice Day in England. That date is my grandmotherʻs birthday and she always referred to it as Armistice Day.
love this.
every November, I buy a poppy from a member of the Canadian Legion. These are people who have served to protect our freedoms. They are heroes.
Beautiful poppies!
Thank you for another short (and sweet) trip to England. Very nice!
One can never have too many dishes ❤️
In Canada we wear poppies from the beginning of November until at least Remembrance Day.
You are the best parts of these glorious seasons – thank you for reminding us to embrace our time together. Your sweet pictures give me such a lift!
Love the little plates.
Everything around me seems to stop when reading your post and Willard. A very
relaxing experience for me ! Thanks for making my DAY !!!
Always a joy to read one of your posts. They are “dreamlike”.
Hi Susan! Today is my 30th Birthday, and I was so happy to drink my tea (with my kitty snuggled in my lap!) and read your new blog post this morning! I took the morning off, so I could leisurely embark on this new decade of my life 🙂 This blog and your books provide many happy moments for me, and I so appreciate you for doing it! I studied abroad in England for a year, and I remember the Poppy Appeal. I still have mine in a box somewhere. This Veteran’s Day I think I’ll dig it out and wear it to honor my two grandfather’s, who have since passed, and their service during WWII. I can’t wait for my Willard to arrive!
Happy Birthday Dear Sarah! 🎵
You and you post can always brighten my day. I have ten ceramic poppies I put out in my yard every November 11. It is so important to remember those who fought for us. Thank you.
Thank you for a lovely post. I always look to purchase poppies on Veteran’s Day as my husband proudly served for 23 years. I read today’s Willard and love your idea of taping fallen leaves to the windows. I think I am going to borrow it and tape windows to my back door overlooking the patio.
Happy Fall!! Beautiful Pictures
As a relative newbe I love reading all of your earlier posts. There are so many things from bobaches to rugs to Emma mugs and teapots I missed. I not going to miss your “home cooking” tea plate. I love how you have kept you items new and fresh I am just sorry it took me so long to find you. I have read your trilogy and thought they were all great reads. I have sent copies to my sister-in-law. Thank you for your inspiration.
I remember veterans selling poppies when I was growing up. They were outside the bank and at the grocery.. My dad and mom always bought and wore them! Now they seem to have disappeared! We help the vets put flags on vets graves before “remembrance” day each year with our grand children!
When I was a little girl, we always bought paper poppies from the WWI vets in Nov. I can still remember how they smelled and the sticky green floral tape on the stems. Haven’t thought about them in years. Thanks for the memories.
Thanks for the remembrance!
Vanna~please turn your perfectly coiffed head in my direction! Xo
I loved your October post about your trip to Maine because you went to the same area that we go to three times a year–spring, summer, fall. In fact, we just returned from our fall visit. In Damariscotta we went to the Skidompha Book Shop (all of the money it makes goes to the Skidompha Library), as we always do. As I walked over to the cookbook section, I asked the Universe to please have a copy of your first book Heart of the Home, and lo and behold, there it was on the top shelf! And it’s in nearly perfect condition. Synchronicity!
Ahhhhh, fall! So pretty in England and here also! 😁 Love how England honors their veterans! My 94 year old mother in law is a World War II veteran and will be honored at a luncheon in Nashville on November 11th! And my mom was a nurse in the Pacific arena! Love visiting her and dad’s graves on Veterans Day to see all the flags place on theirs and other grave sites! So appreciative of all our veterans, past and present!
Vanna, please pick me!!!
the best part of my week, when i get to spend a quiet moment reading your latest blog……with a cup of tea of course!