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
Susan,
Thank you for the Refresher on Remembrance. If citizens of this country had a similar attitude, the World would be a better place — less commercialism, more community.
Love the post on poppies. It was a great reminder and I wonder how to make poppies for myself?
Susan,
Thank you so very much for your timely sharing of ‘Remembrance Day.’
You help to make the world brighter, more civilized and certainly more colorful….and I thank you!
Susan, I thought this post was just beautiful, what a lovely tradition and a reminder there is still so much good in the world. I think you are such an ambassador for goodness! I just read Willard too and would love to be the lucky winner, I really am enjoying my Autumn teacup! Thank you for being you and all you do!
Thanks Susan for a wonderful blog post and Willard to read on the same day! A delightful fall treasure. What a great way to remember the ones lost in war. We should do the same here!
And a huge thanks for the super giveaway, someone will be very happy!
So grateful for your inspiration to enjoy all of life’s sweetness and share it with others. Blessings from my little hill in Idaho!
You are amazing!
Thank you for remembering all veterans.
Happy Autumn, Happy Halloween,
“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
Laurence Binyon, Ode of Remembrance
So touching. Once again 1914 … Thank you Mary Beth!
Thank you so much for sharing and making our world a little smaller and friendlier🙂
Thank you Susan for the lovely Willard and posts – I so enjoy them and you are a wonderful source of inspiration! Wish you the best. thank you from Michigan.
I have to go thru my grandmother’s jewelry box and get out her poppy pin! Thanks for reminding me! Happy Autumn!
At the funeral services for my 94yr old mother in law this past weekend, the navy honor guard placed poppies on her casket after a salute for her services as a naval veteran. It was such a sweet moment as these servicemen, probably close to her own in age, took the time to honor their comrade. Believe me, there are many who remember and still honor in the simplicity of a single poppy. Thanks for your beautiful post.
Thank you Maddie. 😥
Another lovely post with pictures. Thank you. And now, for a cup of late night Beddy By Tea in my Susan Branch Martha’s Vineyard Giant Tea Cup! Wonderful things to make me smile!!!
The heart dish with the mixer is my favorite…too cute!
The poppies are beautiful. My father, too, served in WWII. I purchase every year. Love how England honors the soldiers.
We always get a poppy to wear on Veteran’s Day! They are given away with a contribution to local Veteran’s groups.
Good! The poppies are wonderful, but they’re really the visual manifestation of the HUGE amount of money donated for the Vets, which has to mean so much these days.
Lovely story, thank you for sharing it. I had never heard of how the British commemorate the fallen on November 11th. Beautiful. Happy Fall!
These pictures are just lovely. Soooo hot here in So. Cal this week. Not a hint of Fall, but we are trying. Pumpkins out and the heat is practically cooking them on the porch. The American Legion also seems to occasionally have poppies, so there is an American tradition as well. I have run into trays of crepe paper red poppies but mostly in antique shops. Not sure if they are only out in November. Thinking cool thoughts . . . Arline in Burbank
Thank you for the beautiful post and to all the service people around the world who have given life and limb to keep us safe and free, including my Dad. My grandaughter celebrated her fifth birthday yesterday. Her new watercolors are waiting for her on my table. She has adored your calendars and paintings–she loved watching you paint on twitter! Yes, you have inspired even the youngest! Thank you- you have another new fan.
Makes my day! Give her a birthday hug from me, Irene!
Beautiful post – thank you Susan!
What a delight it is to receive Willard right in the middle of the day! Ahh! Then to find a new posting on your blog. Love, love, love your musings and beautiful photography. I keep wanting to “like” each picture and share with all my friends.
The fairy tale life…I’m trying to put mine together. Thank you for sharing yours.
My dear friend Judy Tracy, introduced me to this blog. …..and I will forever be grateful. Remembrance is such a staunch asset for each of us… so many things to remember during our lives. . . Memories are a diverse boost to us during trying times as well as during pleasant times. Hoping to be a lucky recipient of one of the gifts.
Great blog post -its sad that acts of aggression result in w a r . Remembrance Sunday is a special day to remember the fallen for the freedoms we enjoy and love. Let us never forget! So excited about the chance to enter the drawing.
Thanks, Denise
How precious, I may just have to place an order-SOON.
Thank you for your post on Veterans and the great respect they receive in England. I always look forward to our village’s Veteran’s Day ceremony. Thank you to all who served and continue to serve.
Again Susan your post was wonderful. Im not able to travel like I have the desire to, due to my husbands health, so I truly enjoy traveling down country roads with you. The time, energy and thought you share with all of us is so appreciated.
I have never been to England but have dreamed about going there. I always love your posts and the photos you share you make me feel like I am seeing and feeling what you get to experience. I especially like the story about the poppies and rememberence maybe some of that will rub off on the people here😊
What a wonderful way to honor veterans. It would be lovely if more of this were done here at home. My husband and son are veterans and I thank them for my freedom. Thank you Susan for reminding us that not only the US but other countries have lost loved ones in war. What a beautiful blog it is.
The music of the day, especially the songs of Vera Lynn, give us such a historical window into the heartbreak and yearning of those terrible days in Europe. Thank you Janet, and hugs to your two men.
I always love seeing your pictures from England, my 97 is from Surrey and married my Dad in 1943 while he was in the army air corps. She came to Massachusetts after the war when my Dad came back. I love the tradition of the poppy and have gotten them here over the years. The roast beef and Yorkshire looked wonderful, that what I always make for Christmas dinner.
Simple but amazing stories. xoxo
I loved reading about the poppies! Will never look at them the same again. X
I love this post!! Every year I buy a poppy from the Veterans group here in town in memory of my father who was a WWII veteran. I always keep it on display until it’s time for the Christmas decorations to go up. Thank you for sharing the story of the poppy with us!
Thank you for the wonderful story!
Yes, remembrance is golden – – I work to keep it shiny.
Reading Susan’s delightful messages always lifts my spirit and is a lovely escape from what is sometimes my hum drum routine.
I love every picture and sketch and sight of Jack. I am in awe of your generous give-aways and happy for each lucky girlfriend winner.
I loved this post! I remember the veterans here selling poppies when I was a little girl (a few, some, okay a lot of years ago). My dad would always buy me one and tell me its significance. We read the poem in my American history class. I love your new designs and would be tickled pink to win !
LOVED this post. My husband volunteers at the National World War I Museum & Memorial here in Kansas City. It is a fabulous place and I frequent it often. This year has been very special….being the centennial of the U.S. entering the war. I have several poppy pins that I have collected over the years.Please check out our wonderful museum at: theworldwar.org Also my husband writes a blog each month that is being archived in the Library of Congress: centennialcountdown.blogspot.com
Susan, last November we visited friends in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, and EVERYONE was wearing a poppy, EXACTLY like the ones in your pictures! Every day, everyone was wearing one. I love that they do that, and that it is so wide-spread. It is so touching. Now I have to see if I can find one online because I want to wear one. My mother’s father was an immigrant from Russia who enlisted to fight in WWI for America. He came home but died when my mom was only 5, most likely from complications of being gassed in the war. I never knew him and my mom only knew him for such a short time and yet we remember him with such love. Never forget! Yes, I want to wear a poppy.
Every time you tell your stories of England it makes me want to drive directly to LAX and board a plane headed for London and travel, travel…and travel some more! Thanks for all the lovely stories and pictures….very much appreciated.
LOL Paula!
We are fortunate that in our small town the local VFW and American Legion members have always sold poppies in remembrance. I do wish that we would all stop everything as they do in England to really remember; a beautiful tradition.
Thank You for all the cozy feelings of joy you bring to our home every day. I’ve been a fan since day one and continue to be inspired by you.
Susan,
What a beautiful, wonderful post. Isn’t it wonderful that all of us feel the same appreciation for all of the women and men that fought and some gave the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. The little poppy is just so powerful to remind us to remember. I love them. I’m so happy that you got your poppy back. And, I love the new little plates.
I know, the poppy was SUCH a surprise. I really hated that I’d lost it! Full circle!
So moving,,I have always purchased a poppy in May for our Memorial day,,but will find one in the kitchen and wear it this Nov.11th,,love to enter your drawing,,
Fingers crossed,,,judy
What fun It is to live vicariously through you and your posts. Aren’t the colors and smells of autumn the best. Thanks once again!!!
I can remember my Dad wearing a poppy. He was a proud American. Loved reading your story.
My Mother recited the poem “In Flanders Field” to us as children all the time. WWII made such am impact on her generation. My Mother and father were married during those years and my mother worked in a “war plant” while my dad was away in the army.
Your new dishes and plaques are so charming, Susan! I especially love all the shape of the teapot plate. I’m glad your persevered in getting them made!
Thanks for the wonderful story of the British poppies. The poet who wrote In Flanders Fields was a Canadian, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, who lived in Guelph not far from me where the house he grew up in is a historic site. He served as a surgeon in the Canadian army in WW1 and wrote the poem on May, 1915 after a friend died during battle at Ypres. His poem was published in Punch in the same year. McCrae died of pneumonia a few years later and was buried in Boulogne with full military honours. Apparently the poppies grew in abundance in Flanders because the rubble created by heavy bombardment enriched the soil with lime – a condition favourable to the growth of the blood-red poppy.
Disturbed the seeds, and off they went. It must have been heartbreaking to see them that first year, and still. Thank you Arlene.
I grew up in a small village in North Yorkshire & Susan – reading your experiences in my homeland takes me right back. You really have the gifted talent of being able to convey the essence of British life & culture. I so very much enjoy your blog. My father survived Dunkirk – so your touching recall of the British observance is so dear.
SO happy your dad made it . . . have you ever seen Mrs. Miniver? I think Dunkirk was where all the little boats were going for the rescue. Just an amazing story. Thank you Jen.
It was lovely going back to England today. My Uncle Frank met and married my Aunt Clara during World War II. She was from England, and moved to the US after the war, coming over on a boat all by herself. Uncle Frank drove to NY City to bring her to her new home. I loved her sweet voice and accent when I was a child. She used to ask me to throw something out for her in the most delightful way. She would say to me: “Chuck it out, Barbie, chuck it out.” I remember it to this day. When I hear your experiences from England, I fondly remember my Aunt Clara. 💖💖💖💖
Our local American Legion post and Auxiliary sell poppies every year. They are made by disabled veterans. We sell single ones, and I have made corsages out of them too. Love the British poppy.
Hi Susan,
I remember seeing poppies sold on the corners when I was a chid in Michigan, but haven’t seen then for years. Hope this tradition gets stronger in the US. We must not forget. Thanks for giving us the history.
Love your new dishes! Loved hearing about the English poppies. Thanks for sharing!
Looking forward to the new dishes! Your designs are delightful! Also thanks for sharing Jack with us! I have a young tuxedo, and oh I had forgotten all about kittenhood. He is so bad, but is always rewarded with hugs and kisses. After all shelter kittens need us for that.
Thank you for you big hearted rescue! And then thank the kitty for his! Lucky girl you!
Beautiful!
about two young men in WWI. The final scene was Flanders Field covered in poppies. It’s always sad to be reminded but it would be even sadder to forget.
Well said.
A Red Letter Day! A post AND a Willard-be still my heart! Fabulous from start to finish! Thanks so much for spreading your sparkle. You make the world a better place. 😘😘❤️
What a lovely post, Susan. Thank you. My husband and I were actually married on November 11th! So our anniversary “bouquet” always includes poppies…though they are not real because we live in the Northwoods of Wisconsin where poppies will not thrive. But we do have our share of fallen. Thank you for remembering all of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. xoxo
Happy Anniversary! What a lovely symbol of remembrance to include!
This was a lovely post. Thank you for the beautiful pictures of England and the education about the poppies!
I had forgotten about poppy day. As a child I remember the veterans selling them around our town square. Not sure they do it any longer.
i’m leaving my comment now so i don’t forget because i’m at that point in life where that is a reality. like ‘days of the week’ pill holders with snappety click-clacky snaps. like a surprise pop up toy for a toddler but for a 45 year old woman with thyroid issues and jaw pain and low vitamin D and such. BUT….i’m SAVING my reading for in the morning over coffee which i absolutely will NOT forget because i never do. also, i vote (one hand raised) that sometime you make a little insta-story on instagram because everyone would watch your little videos and want to see a little snippet of a movie of your day. i mean, i would. and i speak for all. haha. i’ll be back in the morning over my delicious coffee when the house is quiet and no one is awake but me and my poor, neglected, spoiled baby kitties. i love you susan branch! <3 hearts and flowers!
Good Morning Ashley … I am a novice at Instagram, how do you do an insta-story? I have done short videos, but don’t know about anything else! Happy day to you!
okay…i sent you a little message on instagram explaining it. then i felt kinda silly because i’m sure you can figure it out after the first sentence. i went into first grade teacher mode. btw, i think my first graders will be making poppies on veterans day out of mini paper plates. cuz that’s what i think those little british poppies look like…tiny little paper plates cut up and painted red and fashioned into a little poppy. i’m gonna try it. : )
LOL, believe me I need a first grade teacher sometimes!!! Thank you! Make your kids bring in a black button for the center and you can teach them to sew at the same time! (Because what you need is MORE TO DO!) xoxo Off I go to Instagram!
Susan,
Great post. Must say I really like the new tea plates and heart dishes! They definitely would make beautiful Christmas gifts!
Jan
Hi Susan: Got Willard today! So relaxing and lovely! I especially like the Anne Frank quote; exactly how I feel, too! Our first story is just about done and out for “approval” and input from a friend before I get enough courage to have an editor/publisher look at it! Gene’s illustrations are outstanding — just perfect for the story! We’re moving at a snail’s pace, but we’re not giving up! You’ve inspired me to make the molasses cookies; now seems like a perfect time of year to do that! I love Joe’s coffee/Hersey drink. I must try that to go with the cookies. I never get tired of Autumn! It’s been deliciously cool, for us . . . 40’s, 50’s 60’s; supposed to have a freeze on Friday night (29 degrees!). Gearing up with hosing down house siding and porches and outside windows; and all the porch furniture today. Making up for missing Spring cleaning! And my sister & her husband are coming for Thanksgiving. Last week put the gardens to bed and planted pansies! They winter over here and come back with gusto in the spring. Looking forward to the Winter cup! I still just love my MV and use it every day. That’s about it for now! Happy Halloween with all your kids! Jane xo
I’m interested in pansies wintering over . . . are those seeds or the real flowers? Will that work here? I LOVE that idea! Happy Halloween Jane!
I don’t know about there. It would probably depend on if you have a mild winter. They probably wouldn’t have lasted up in the Boston area, but I think you may have a milder climate. I buy 6 packs from the nursery. Sometimes I mulch them but not much. They are tough little “boogers”, (as Gene would say!). I’ve seen them completely iced over in the winter, and then thaw out still blooming!! They really come back strong in the Spring here. So if someone calls you a pansy, that’s a compliment even if they don’t mean it to be one!! 🙂
Love that! How did they ever choose Pansy as a sign of weakness! HA!
Lovely post and your beautiful artwork. Happy Autumn!
Oh! Love the new dishes. I want❤️❤️
Love your blog posts about your England trip—makes me feel as if I was there with you. Also enjoyed reading about the poppies—I remember people wearing them when I was a child, (60 or so years ago) but you don’t see them in the US much, do you?
I’m always learning something new with the trips you take us on.
Thank you so much.
Thanks for sharing “Autumn”…..I grew up in NYS and sooooooo miss all the colors and smells of Autumn. I live in No California now and I always miss my roots this time of year…..
You make my day, Thank you for being you!
Loved this post , l love poppies and November 11th is my birthday , this year will be the first year alone , as my husband has just died sudden,y , so I will wear a poppy for him and one for my father in law , who was in the airforce during the war x
I’m so sorry Lynne. Words fail me. Time is the only healing hope we have. Blessings my dear ~ wishing you a birthday filled with wonderful memories and wishes for a new future.
Enjoyed reading your blog, as always! It reminded me of my mother-in-law who would always plant poppies for remembrance…her front and back yards would be a mass of red blooms in the Spring. She could recite the poem “In Flanders Field” as many of the schoolchildren of her day had memorized it in respect for the soldiers who had died. Before her passing in September, she had sown her yard with poppy seeds as usual. The following Spring, her yard was filled with poppies, such a bright surprise for all who knew her.
I always love your blogs, but for me this one has a different sort of ping to it. The English countryside in autumn. The quiet resting place of a complex man who was what the world needed at a time of great crisis. The image of a field of poppies, a red carpet to mark the lives lost because sometimes it is necessary to fight evil to the very last. The idea of everyone in every town across a nation remembering their fallen by coming together as one for a few moments. It’s so vast, and yet so homey, too, that I will be replaying these heart pictures for awhile.
This year I will have poppies, even if I have to make them myself. As always, thank you for sharing. Blessings.
Hope! My grandp was shot in France in The Great War- both knees! I always get a poppie.
When I was a youngster, I would stand on the corner asking passersby if they wanted to ‘buy’ (not sure I used that exact word) a poppy to remember Veteran’s Day – my father had been in WWII so I could be part of the remembrance. Years later when I was in France I realized that the French wore the bleuet (cornflower or bachelor button) in their lapel on le jour du souvenir, le 11 novembre, rather than the poppy.
Thanks for taking time to share your personal life and by doing that, making us feel like we are our best friends. I do so treasure your blogs and Willard and save every one to re-read. It’s been a long time since I have seen poppies for sale here. I remember always getting them as a child. What a nice memory. Would be fun for a big bunch of girlfriends to sail to England and experience it with you and Joe as leaders of a tour.
So enjoyed the story of the poppies. We do need to remember the men and women who served in the services and the freedoms we have because of their willingness to serve. I have been reading many stories(some fiction,some true) of the wars in the world and how people lived through them. It amazes me the courage and stamina people have had in those circumstances. History is fascinating to me.
Love the quote stands,tea pot plates and the heart dishes. Someone(hopefully ME) will be so excited to receive them.
Your posts are so interesting to read. You are like a close friend sending out a letter to each one of us. It is a nice respite to sit, have a cup of tea, and enjoy reading these “letters.” Have a nice day and enjoy the fall.
Allegra Jordan’s The End of Innocence is a wonderful story about World War I and the effect on those involved- in this case students at Harvard. I look forward to visiting the Memorial Chapel and seeing firsthand the memorial itself and the plaque
wow. i’m a bit too choked up to say much, but, as always….thank you, dear Susan!! the poppies, the poem…the love in telling the story. thank you!! love, chris.
So happy for Fall to be here ,although we are having a heat wave -105 degrees weather!
Thanks fir the story on poppies, I will keep my eyes out on Veterans Day looking for a poppy to buy.
Hi, Sue ~
Thank you for telling us another interesting story. You’ve gotten quite good at it! 🙂 So important to share our stories… Lest We Forget.
In my small corner of the world, in my dear little village…our high school requires all seniors to partake in Government class. Along with lessons about the workings of our government and current events, the students are asked to participate in one of two community events:
1) the Memorial Day parade, which consists of homemade floats and costume-clad students, honoring our fallen heroes and remembering their sacrifices or 2) the Veteran’s Day program, which is a re-enactment of a USO show, complete with a student portraying Bob Hope and many other students showcasing their acting and musical talents. All veteran’s in our community are invited to be special guests with VIP seating for the show, which takes place in the gymnasium. The veteran’s are recognized during the show but the best part of the whole day takes place before the show. The students have the privilege of spending a part of the day in a story-sharing, questioning and answering, gratitude-expressing session with the veterans.
Perfect acts of remembrance and beautiful traditions in our community, along with paper poppy sales in front of the local grocery store.
Just one of many reasons I feel so blessed to have lived here and raised my family here in “Smallville, USA”.
Bless you for stirring our feelings and opening our minds with your always inspiring words! Love you!
xoDebbie
From the Vets direct to the Babes .. perfect. It’s brave of the Vets to talk about it. Thank you Debbie!
Love the pictures and the story about the poppies!
How nice to see a new post from you, right on my birthday! Apparently I’m officially “old” now eligible to collect my first “old age pension” cheque. So went dancing to celebrate! Hah – good times! Loved your post and have honoured ‘Remembrance Day’ in Canada since I was a kid. We attend the local community service every year, complete with parade, bagpipes, 21 gun salute with cannons, formation fly-by (which always tears me up) all the local police, firefighters, cadets, dignitaries, veterans… laying of wreaths at the cenotaph at our Royal Canadian Legion… it’s always a huge deal. My dad fought in the war as well, for our freedom and we always wear a poppy for weeks leading up to Nov 11th. Really great that you wrote about this. As always, you write such a wonderful blog Sue.
Thank you Wende and Happy Birthday!
Beautiful kitchen
Wonderful post once again! I have not been to England (yet) but it is at the top of my bucket list. In the meantime I really enjoy experiencing it through your eyes and photos. The British poppy that is worn on the lapel looks different than ours and I think I prefer England’s version. It is so important to stop and remember the soldiers who gave their lives for us and I really hope that future generations continue to realize the importance of Remembrance Day. (Canada’s name for Veterans Day) I love your new dishes and would love to win one!! Fingers crossed!
Poppies!! So lovely -and we must never forget —
Your story of the poppies brought back memories of them from my childhood.
I love all your new dishes they are so lovely.
Dear Susan
I don’t know how to put this, a little embarrassing for me, please believe that I’m not trying to be a ‘know it all’ I thought you would like to know though that it is actually Blenheim ‘palace’ and not castle. I only know this because I’ve lived near there for 5 glorious years and it was one of my favourite places to visit! I love your blog so much, thank you for the warm feeling you provide for all of us with your posts.
Oh that’s truly okay, I appreciate the help! I didn’t understand the difference (not enough experience!), I just googled it and no question about it! Blenheim is a Palace! Thank you Eurika! That’s what friends are for!
I always find the Remembrance Service at the local War Memorial very moving, especially when the Last Post is played. I have my grandmother’s first husband in mind. He was killed at the Somme in 1916, their only son didn’t have a family, so I feel it is important for us to keep his memory alive.
Fantastic giveaway – I will be keeping everything crossed!
Lovely memory.
I am so looking forward to the Picnic next May. The teapot shaped dishes are lovely!
Thank you for the sunshine in my mailbox!
Never stop doing what you do!
I’ve always wished I could write a good book that would never end, very interactive, and I think this may be it! Knock on wood we keep meeting like this. Thank you Cathy!
Aww loved this post Susan….The silence throughout this green and pleasant land of ours always gives me goosebumps!
My Mother came from Southsea (near Portsmouth) she lived with her Estonian Mother and my Grandfather was away at sea. this was the second world war and one day she went to work as usual after an air raid the night before and the department store she worked in was flattened….Also they ran holiday lets and lived in and they used to go under the stairs when the sirens, struck their home was hit by a bomb and they both had injuries from shrapnel but lived to tell the tale…Then they stayed with a friend and that house was also bombed so they came up to the middle of the country to escape the worst of it and that’s where my Mum met my Dad and raised her family. Its hard to imagine what they went through their stories used to fascinate me. We are so very blessed in our countries today to not have to endure this. Lets hope it stays that way…xx
I think having the true view of war helps to keep us from sliding, unknowingly, uncaringly into letting it happen again. All I have to see are those burnt out cities and women clutching their children in Syria and Iraq … man’s inhumanity to man, and where is the GARDEN??? Thank you Nina. Compassion is important in this crowded world. xoxo I loved that quiet you spoke about also, it was goosebumpy looking at the children on the shoulders of their parents.
Yes I totally agree with you Susan compassion is so important….xx
What a lovely thing to do – wouldn’t it be awesome if it caught on here as something all participate in?
A beautiful post and I will be wearing my poppy on November 11.
I am loving the Autumn photos! I just received my Autumn Bluebird Mugs. Beautiful artwork and thrilled I was able to get them. Thank you for the inspirations!
Good morning Susan,
I always learn some new tidbit from your posts and knowing nothing about the poppies was a fun little piece of information. Ive never been to England and can’t wait to go someday. Baby steps. Im getting closer as we recently moved to New England and I couldn’t love it more. Thank you for the tour. The history! Excited to purchase some of your new additions, they are so cute and need to be in my kitchen 🙂 Aren’t you loving the long Fall we’ve been having this year? Our walks have been so beautiful and entertaining! How many nuts can those chipmunks stuff in their cheeks? Even though they’re are plenty for everybody they still chase each other away, hogging them all for themselves. I find myself watching those guys run around all day forgetting what it was I was doing! Hugs to you and Joe and please give that adorable Jack the amazing cat a little pet from me.
Welcome to the neighborhood Rhea! Yes, it’s been long and slow this year, lucky us! xoxo
What a beautiful blog to read before the sun comes up this morning! I’m so into England. Can’t wait until early December when season 2 of the Crown will air! Enjoy Fall with Joe, Jack, friends and family. Bless you.
I enjoy reading your blog very much and look forward to reading Willard. This one was special, reading about the poppies and significance. Thank you so much for sharing. I love all the new things you have created! Happy Autumn!
Oh I ADORE these!!!!!💜💜💜💜💜💜And you!!!💜💜💜💜💜
Thanks Susan for the story about the poppies.
My dad did safe many Jewish and other people in WO2 in the Netherlands. Whe only discoverd this after there was a book published about the underground group he was part of. He never would talk about what he did or what happened. But in november he always was wearing the poppy.
And I Always will watch on the television the service at the Centhophage in London to remember those people who gave their lives and who did such great things to save lifes.
Have a great day Susan
Greetings from theNetherlands
So many heroes, and because of their humble demeanors, many stories we’ll never know. Thank you Trudy, and prayers for your dad from so far away. xoxo
Thanks Susan but my dad died already in 1992 at the age of 87 . Hetold some stories to my husband but my husband was not allowed to tell us what he heard. So in 2002 my husband died and now we will never know what he did.
xoxo
That’s what I meant when I said, “from so far away.” You know he was part of something important. xoxoxo
Loved this post. Looking forward to receiving my Willard. Always keeps me inspired. Thanks Susan
I love my trips to England with you Susan. ❤️ Thank you!
Warmly,
Jacqueline
Beautiful! A wonderful way to start my day!