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 love Poppies, always have, now I think I know why…my father always wore a poppy in November. I had forgotten that….but I always buy them when the veterans are selling them….now I will buy more…
Thank you as always Susan..
xoxox
How lovely your new items are and so sweet of you to offer a set to one of us!
I ❤️ your new dishes!
Thank you for the opportunity to visit with you!
If only……….. Wonderful and heartfelt post♥
I just enjoy your blog so much and especially when they’re about England! MY husband and I love the English Countryside too! We have been there twice and hope to go again next year!
PLease keep blogging!!
Mettie
,
I have just come in from the garden after doing some fall cleanup and saw that Willard had arrived. It was nice afternoon read before starting dinner.
Love your posts!! This autumn post is exceptional! Please enter me in the drawing.
Hooray for Willard, truly what I needed today to lift my spirits. Our first and long-awaited taste of coolness here in FL made it a perfect day to have a cup of tea in my gorgeous new “Autumn” cup while enjoying your writing and musica. What an affecting poem, it made me wish we wore poppies for Remembrance here…and then I determined that I would! I can’t tell you how much joy and peace your art and books bring to me. “A Fine Romance” brings many hours of pleasure as I search the internet for the places you’ve visited and that leads to more lovely discoveries.Thank you for sharing your gifts with us! =D
Love reading your newsletter. You have a way of making the ordinary so charming and idyllic!
Beautiful dishes, beautiful blog. Thank you!
Susan so love your blog have got your 3 books shipped to me in 🇮🇪 Ireland. Delighted to hear you will be visiting the Emerald Isle next year. If you’d like to visit Co Kildare I’d love to show you some of our beautiful countryside. Autumn 🍂 has been beautiful here too. Enjoy the season.Love your competitions.
I just went to google images to look at County Kildare. OH HOW BEAUTIFUL! We get more excited every day! xoxo
I love your words, your art, and the vision you bring to us! Thank you for such a lovely sharing of something so valuable – history. I would be honored to be entered into your drawing. Thank you for all.
Dear Susan,
Thank you so much for sharing in the rememberance . The Flanders Fields poem brought tears to my eyes. My son is leaving for Fort Bliss on Nov. 10 to process out for Afghanistan. I’m looking at everything with different eyes at this time. My husband and I are going to Ireland in May to meet up with friends and I do so want to go to the picnic from there to meet you and the girlfriends! England is just a hop, skip and jump away from Ireland. 🙂 Your posts always brighten my day. Thank you! xox
Oh my, what a worry sacrifice for you. Thank your son for us … blessings on him for safe return. Hope to see you at Castle Cottage!
I will tell him! Thank you so much and I hope to see you there too! xox
“ENTER ME”
Dear Susan, I just discovered your newsletter and Blog, even though I have purchased your wonderful products for years (i.e. stickers, stamps, papers, books, etc.). As I read your Armistice newsletter story, I literally have tears rolling down my cheeks. My father was a WWII veteran and passed away 10 years ago, but I still miss him terribly. My mother passed 40 years ago, so my Dad was my “Mom” also, for 30 years. I really appreciate your writings and quotes. They have so much HEART and meaning. Thank you soooo much for sharing your stories and insights. I am so glad I found you. Love, Mary Bee
Thank you Mary, I’m happy you’re here. xoxo
Hello Mary, welcome to the family. glad to have you with us. hope you enjoy being here with us. hugs….. 😀
My FIL was born in 1919, the year the poppy tradition began. A WWII veteran, he wore one each Armistice Day. Thank you for the blog and the Williard.
So much fun reading your blog and Willard! It’s like a visit with a dear friend, who understands coziness!
Reading about the poppies was so interesting. And I have a special reason for really enjoying the poppy story. I have a granddaughter named Poppy. She was named after her great-grandfather, that everyone called Poppy. She’s a delight! I had double delight when I got on email…. Willard and your new blog! Thanks for loving Autumn! I, too adore it! Would love to win those charming dishes!
Thank you,
Such a sweet treat to read especially after a bad day. Thank you always Susan, you are the ultimate girlfriend. 🙂
Dear Susan, thank you so much for this newsletter as I had forgotten about the poppies and their history. When I was in Jr. High and High School in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, there was always a day when the veterans would be taking donations and would give us a poppy. I haven’t seen that done in all the states I’ve lived in since and that was during the 60’s. My dad was a WWII veteran who passed on in 2009. Thank you for bringing back a wonderful memory. Your blog with your artwork always brighten my day, and I save them because I can always return to them and know that there is so much around us to brighten our days. God bless you.
Lovely post Susan! I love that you save up wonderful stories and pictures to share them with us at just the right season! Have a wonderful November!
Thank you, Susan, for telling us the story of your Remembrance Day last year in England. It is lovely to be one of your girlfriends. Xo
Hi! Once again, what a beautiful post! Makes me happy and cozy. And to feel real cozy I get to kitty sit for friends, a sweet little black and white girl named dottie! Don’t you just love that name? Shes a little doll that I get to play house with for a month! Pure joy! Happy fall to you and yours! Love.
I just love you Susan!!!! Hope you and Joe are having a wonderful fall as I’m certain you are.
Love getting Willard – the new dishes are fantabulous and I hope I win. Happy Fall to you.
Hi Susan,
This is my third post and I have to say I’m sorry as I have no idea what I’ve said in my other two posts for them to be deleted. All I said was that the author of In Flanders Fields was Canadian and as a Canadian Forces member I liked your post very much. In Canada the poppy is also everywhere at this time of year.
So sorry Barb, if your posts were deleted, it had something to do with WordPress because I LOVE hearing from our Canadian girlfriends, and the more history, the better. Thank you! xoxo
Oh Susan! I love your blog! We’ve been to England twice and loved every moment please enter me to win. Many thanks.
Judith
Oh, goodie! A Willard AND a new blog post! How sweet it is!!
Yes, please, do enter me in the give-away! Thank you. 🙂 I grew up with Captain Kangaroo and those are the magic words. Don’t you wish everyone, everywhere would say “please” and “thank you”? It just might help everything.
Hugs!
I left a comment on your previous post but meant to come here to say how lovely your post about poppy day is and to tell you i always wear my grandads war medals to church on remembrance sunday along with my poppy as i want to acknowledge the service he gave to our country. We have a lot to thank our soldiers past and present for here in the UK. I love that you and joe wear poppies too. Please put me in your giveaway and thank you for your beautiful words and art work.
Dear Susan
Please enter me along with the rest!
Thanks so much…
Nursing a sinus infection, I read your entries, feel renewed but will curl up in my jammies and heavier socks and dream. Thanks for being there for me.
Just finished reading your newsletter!
Oh my! So many girlfriends leaving comments. I would love to win the prize, so enter me. However, your Willard newsletter and this blog are so delightful, I feel like I have already won.
I so look forward to a new blog and Willard. Keep up the good work!
Loved the Willard…and so excited about your giveaway!! Too wonderful!
Blessings,
Donna
Love the stories of England that you share with us! and the pics are wonderful! Thank you!!!
A lovely post Susan, so much to see and delight in! I’d love to be the winner, naturally, but I’m always excited for whoever wins! Happy Fall!
Thank you for the chance to give your new, sweet little treasures a forever home!
Susan you always make me feel happy when I read your blog and newsletters! It stirs up in me so many precious memories of growing up in a household filled with love. I was so blessed to have loving and caring parents. I miss them terribly since they went to their heavenly home. I still remember coming home after school on a cold winters day to the house filled with the aroma of fresh hot cinnamon rolls out of the oven and the windows all steamed up. You my dear rekindle those feeling and memories when you talk of your child hood. Thank you Susan. Many blessings. Marilyn
I figure if we feed ourselves some of the things we loved so much in our childhood, we will live happier daily lives. You can be your own mom, to a certain extent, of course never quite like the real thing. 💞
I love the new products! The cups are on order, and I drink my tea every day with the ones I already have. It makes the day go better as well as the tea taste so refreshing.
I especially am appreciative that you share your opinions on the election and other issues that are at the forefront these days. I’m so glad your ideas are much the same as my own and that there is comfort in knowing that others share the same worries.
You have a style that is so warm and cozy and that evokes such happiness in life.
Thank you so much!
i have some family members that would enjoy a special package at Christmas – love reading your blog!
Wonderful blog on remembrance. Loved the Flanders Fields poem. I will also be looking for poppies to buy next month. Cannot wait for the “Jack” mug!
This was a beautiful blog. I tear up thinking of relatives that served our country and the special meaning of poppies. Thank you for your stories and art, a blessing to all of us. Please enter me in your drawing.
Beautiful post and pictures.
How perfect the timing of my Willard❤️
I left a comment the other night but I dont see it, I hope I can still get in on the Drawing for the beautiful dishes…Karen Seward
Quick question…did you print a book ” Pancakes “? Was reading an article in Yankee Magazine and they referenced a new book by you…
It’s about half done . . . I went off in another direction with my last three books!
I love fall ! Please enter me. Thank you.
How fun!!
Thank you for recommending “Hidden Villages.” My daughter and I are watching “Escape To the Country”, on Netflix. It’s about house hunting in the English countryside. So much fun!
I hope commenting more than once won’t disqualify me. My dopey computer acted up just as I clicked “post comment.” Anyway…I love the blog & Willard, it’s lovely to live in Susanland for awhile.
Yes! Please put me in the drawing!
Hi Susan, Double blessings this week, with both your blog post an a Willard! Thank you for the chance to win your wonderful new products. I’m enjoying my Autumn mug so much!
Oh the poppies! So interesting! Thank you for sharing!
Susan, so much goodness to take in – Thank you! I’m loving my mugs … and swooning over all of the new dish designs. You’re not helping my ‘pretty dish obsession’! Have a happy, happy Halloween!! (I love ALL of your Fall Drawings, but the witch in front of the giant moon might be my favorite! 🙂
Wonderful newsletter, Susan. Always look forward to them.
As a lover of dear Olde England AND a lover of fine china, I would be delighted to win your china, Susan! I got the ‘Willard” via email this time, I finally did something right on the computer, wahoo! Hugs from Oregon, Suzette
YAY! I love it when something right happens!
What a wonderful read! I really enjoyed ‘my’ trip to England! Thank you so much for bringing to life a trip that many of us will never make. I would love to be entered into your drawing. Thanks so much!
Lovely post and will wear a poppy on 11-11
Good evening!
Your blog post and Willard were so very timely…what a sheer delight to find it in my inbox this afternoon! Everything that you said resonated within my soul and felt like a warm hug and a gentle whisper to my heart. My most favorite quote that you have written. Is that “it’s never too late to have a happy childhood.”….I always dreamed of warm crackling fires in the fireplace, the cozy fall scents coming out of a warm kitchen….a cozy home with homespun quilts of a time gone by, and of course, a kitty! A kitty to cuddle with as I have hot tea and while reading a great book. I would have loved to have been taught to sew, crochet, knit, embroider….etc…..I know that it’s never really too late, however, my being 45, I feel the need to learn and pass it down through my children, even more pressing. Thank you, Susan….thank you for unknowingly offering me the childhood that I never had and always dreamed of….I believe it’s finally here….and I am forever grateful to you for offering me that bit of knowledge…..a forgotten childhood can happen at any stage of life….if we just have hope and believe it will happen. Wishing you warmth, happiness, and fairy dust!
In God’s Love!
Kristie
Love you Kristie. Yes on every word you said, and you’ll have no idea how young 45 is until later on in life, but truly, take it from me, it is. In fact I heard the perfect quote yesterday (from Maxine Kumin), “When Sleeping Beauty wakes up, she is almost 50 years old.” This is a true thing for many of us . . . 45 is a most exciting time. Have fun! Roll in the fairy dust!
Beautiful! Sign me up too Susan, love your new dishes!
Just enjoyed Willard and a cup of tea. Thank you so much.
I hope you pick me. 🙂
Such perfection! Thank you for all the beauty you bring to the world ❤️
Hello Susan! Kindred spirit to many. Everything you touch makes me happy. I now live in a new apartment in a refurbished Victorian and your dishes will be like the icing on the cake. So happy to have discovered Susan Branch again, after many years absent. Fingers crossed!!
Dear Susan:
Massachusetts born and raised!
So glad you came!
I always enjoy getting Willard in my inbox! I had no idea about poppy’s, so it was interesting to read the history, and see your beautiful pictures. I also love seeing Jack in your posts. I have wanted a tuxedo cat for the longest time, and finally adopted my own about 4 weeks ago from our local shelter. We named her Sassy. I’m in love! I’m also swooning over your new dishes, especially the little fish one. For some reason it speaks to my heart. The only pet I was allowed growing up was a gold fish. Good Ol’ Goldie!
Hi 🙂
I’m enjoying three mugs a very sweet friend sent me. Thank you!
Ahhhhhh,
Yes Willard and Your sweet words are always an “ ah moment!”
Thanks! So much!
Ginny Fels
PS I grew up in the San Fernando Valley in the 50’s too!!!
I always enjoy your posts it has really put me in the mood for cosy. Love this giveaway too. Happy Autumn.
I am so inspired by all of your books. I just got done reading all three and was sad when it ended. But I get to enjoy your blog now which is just as wonderful. Thank you!
What a beautiful post. When my brother and I were growing up, my mother bought us our paper poppies every year. We both took joy in wearing that red flower. What a wonderful memory, with my mom not with us any more. Please enter me in the drawing. thank you, Susan
Hi Susan,
I enjoyed this post so much. I had no idea the British honored 11/11 in such a way. Thank you for sharing.
I am sharing this post with my boys.
Love, Carla
Lovely story of poppies. I remember receiving a little poppy as a child when giving a donation for veterans. Makes me want to look for a poppy pin for Veterans Day.
I would love, love to win the dishes, etc!!!! Maybe 🙂
My bookstore has my Autumn book so that will be enjoyed shortly!! Yay! Your Poppy story was most touching! Why don’t we do it here anymore; I remember as a child poppies being sold! Blessings, Susan!! Loved the latest Willard too!!
I too buy a poppy whenever I see them being sold.
I love the teapot plate with the quote from Hans Christian Anderson. I can picture it hanging in my kitchen. Hope to find one under my tree this year. (I might have to make sure it makes it there myself!)
Ok, You know I love your blog…love your pictures…love your kitty, and love your dishes, everything to make the ❤️ of the home cozy, welcoming, and peaceful. Thank you…for reminding us that we all can create our own peace…starting in our own homes. Blessings!
I remember when we would see poppies but not so much any more – sad. Love reading and pictures of all your blogs & Willard thank you
Dear Susan,
My first memory of ever seeing the poppies was in 1966. I was 6 yrs. old living in a small Wisconsin town. My mom, little sister, little brother and I had walked downtown to do some shopping at the 5 and Dime store. My Grandfather, whom I adored, was standing on the corner giving away poppies. Everytime I see poppies I think of that beautiful “normal” day in my childhood. Thank you!
Susan, what a lovely blog and Willard too! Autumn is my favorite time and you always describe it so beautifully. Happy Fall to you and Happy Halloween!
Your Willard was so warm and comforting, just like autumn is. My favorite season…perhaps because I’m an October baby? Yesterday may have been my last of hanging laundry outside for the year, winter seems to be coming on. Enjoyed the post on the poppy tradition, thanks for all! (And the wonderful giveaway!)
Thanks for a chance to win the beautiful new products.
Oh my what an amazing giveaway. All of the new dishes are so lovely!!
Once again, thank you for a thought-filled post.
Enjoy your mind and heart that comes through your art!
I love listening to Cole Porter music, on my Echo Dot, while I read your Blogs and Willard….just seems right.
So enjoyed this trip with you.
I love all of your new dishes! They are beautiful!!
Hi Susan. Here on the West Coast in our little town of Miltown our dear Veteran’s sell poppies to wear around Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day week-ends. Buy and wear them proudly to support their service to our country.
I never heard the story of the poppies before, very touching. I also got my first Willard today, thank you so much.
Many thanks for your words of hope and love and compassion, goodness, and truth…which seem to be in short supply in the world these days.
Sometimes I think these phones and the internet are the worst things that were ever invented. Then I read your Willard or blog, and they remind me to look for the good in everything. Just like you do, Susan Branch. Thank you for always being a day brightener!
I know what you mean. But this particular spot has a bit of Camelot in it … 💞
Love all you do !
I would be honored to win .
I wait for your Willard’s like a kid in a candy store waits for that first sweet bite of her newest treat. My bestie showed me the way to you years ago and we continually surprise each other with similar treats from you….we’re all so connected in some way during these unusual and chaotic times. A cup of my favorite decaf in my sweet birthday gift from her reminds me of how fragile but precious each day is. We were in Canada one year during Remembrance Day celebrations and wore our poppies proudly. I would love to win the collection to share with this precious friend.
Win me please 🎃
Love your new teapot plates! Pick me, Vanna!
After recently finding and purchasing a diminutive copy of the 2018 Susan Branch calendar, I can almost hardly wait to use it in the new year; though your blog reminds me, there are many delightful moments to be lived fully until then! Thank you for your all your heartfelt thoughts and love of life!!
I always think it strange that during the very worst of times, the very best of humankind is revealed. How many young lives are taken in wars, and how many loved ones are left behind to try to find the courage to keep living. We should all try to live the very best lives we can, for the ones who didn’t get the chance to grow old. We must always enjoy the beautiful and wondrous things that life offers us.
So lovely & wonderful pictures of England trip! Thank you for always sharing.
Beautiful post. Love all the new dishes and mugs! The grandchildren in our family called my Dad Poppy so I love reading about the poppy flower being a symbol of remembrance. Thank you! Kim