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
Wonderful post! I so remember the little cloth poppies from childhood – born in ’47! I hope to see them again.
Mary
Yes, yes the beautiful little poppies with a cute yellow bead of a center is twirled on a green wired stem easy to wrap around a button, is generously handed out to shoppers or passerbys on the sidewalks of our little town Dexter, Michigan. Thankful.
Susan,
Thank you for this beautiful historical post today. My mother proudly served our country as a WAAC during World War II, but for the remainder of her life would not purchase a poppy because she said the money did not go where it was supposed to go. Hopefully if that was the case, it has now changed.
I would love to be a lucky winner especially since I missed out on a Little Things mug that I so wanted.
Susan in PA
What a lovely remembrance for veterans who served .
Hello Susan from Texas. Thanks for the wonderful post about England and the history of the poppy. My father was a World War II veteran and we always would get a poppy on what used to be Armistice Day and is now Veteran’s Day. We felt so proud to wear the poppy. Many times I’ve traveled to Great Britain. Always enjoyed my visits. And thanks, too, for all the beautiful pictures.
Lovely post; I enjoyed the arm-chair travel to England in the fall. A wonderful kind of meditation! Think I will look into getting some poppies for Veterans’ Day.
That wa a lovely tribute.
Thank you
I, too, have been in England over Remembrance Day and still have my poppy. Words can’t fully describe how touching the ceremonies are but you have come close! 😊
Susan,
What a beautiful, heartfelt story! I always feel lucky when I run into an American Legion member selling poppies on Veteran’s day; this year it will have a much deeper significance for me.
I love your new china products and will be keeping my fingers crossed that Vanna might pick my name this time….
Happy Autumn to you & Joe!
Debbie
Newcastle, WA
Thank you Susan for such special “Remembrance”
and along with great photos you made my afternoon special!!
Another beautiful post, yet again. You always seem to be able to take me to some magical place when I am reading your posts. Tea in hand and ready to smile. Thank you Susan.
And, since it is almost November and Thanksgiving, I wanted to let you know that I am thankful that you share your world with us. A blessing, indeed.
Thank you for the important reminder of this significant date. It always meant a lot to me.
I want to try to make a red paper poppy! Thanks for reminding us of this lovely tradtion.
You remind me that in the ‘50s and early ‘60s in Montana we ALWAYS got paper poppies to wear on Veterans Day. For years I had a picture on my nightstand of my grandfather looking so young and handsome in his WWI uniform. So much has happened since then. The poppies are a wonderful remembrance.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with Armistice Day in England, so many beautiful photos, and loved your video. What a special time to be there, and now we all have gotten a bit of what it is like. Thank you!
Happy Fall and Thanks for the Remembering.
Thank you so much for this post. I have been missing a dear man–raised with me like a brother–who came home from the war but struggled with PTSD and ended his life. Recently I heard a Gold Star mother, Sheila Murphy, I believe her name is, say, “We are the casualties of war”, referring to the spouses, parents, and surviving children of those KIA, as well as service people suffering from PTSD and their families. Perhaps if remembrance were woven into our society more like in England, we would take better care of them.
Could not agree more.
I would love to go to England sometime, my grandmother was born there. It seems so lovely. Love your new additions.
I’d love to win❤️
My grandmother was a very active member of the Legion Auxiliary in our small town in Nebraska. I can remember walking around town with her before Memorial Day, trying to sell poppies to everyone she met. She’d hand the person a poppy and they would in turn drop money into a coffee can. The Saturday of Memorial Weekend, the Auxiliary would have a huge bake sale and raise hundreds of dollars for veterans. It’s such a grand tradition and I have many good memories of her and her friends. Thanks for sharing the English tradition with us…I hope to go there someday.
I so enjoy your blog. Each time you have something interesting to say and the photos just finish things off. When I see your blog I put the kettle on and make a cup of tea and get comfy, ready to take it all in. Thank you Susan.
I can’t wait to see what you will “invent” next! I always love your new products. Thank you for the blurb on Winston Churchill. He was my husband’s most admired politician! And we have never lived in England! I love reading your blogs. I learn so much about places that are on my bucket list.
I always enjoy your posts, but I think this may have been my favorite ever. Simply lovely…Sincere thanks.
The music you chose for us, brought tears to my eyes. Pardon me while I sniffle just a little bit. Love this post.
Love your pics and reminding me of the poppies. Veterans used to sell them to pin to your coat. With so many military members in my family, wish this was still around.
What a beautiful way to remember their veterans! A very pretty flower to go with it too! I love that house – full of “Inspiration” and lots of “Reasons to go on Living” and I believe it will look good as an embroidery item – don’t you think? Thank you for the very informative blog!
As always, I can feel your words tug on my heart.
I remember poppies. Now it is hard to find them unless you run across a veteran from one of their organizations.
A touching reminder to never forget. I am going to go reread Vera Brittain!
Thank you for sharing your travels to England, and the story of the poppies for Remembrance Day, so lovely. I remember red paper poppies being everywhere here in NY when I was a girl, but haven’t seen them in ages. We should have them everywhere for all the wars, especially for the ones still going on that so many seem not to be aware of.
I love your work and your writing style and so many of the wonderful whimsical items in your shop. I missed out on your ‘The Little Things’ cup, my fault, I procrastinated and ended up being so disappointed. I have two of the Santa cups waiting to be given as Christmas gifts to my daughters and one for myself. I didn’t procrastinate the next time and now have the Autumn cup and the Winter cup on order.
Wondering if you have ever read LM Montgomery’s books (of Anne of Green Gables fame). She wrote 400 stories, and about 200 are still in print. Just finished my favorite, “The Blue Castle,” and I believe you would absolutely love it! The first 7 (short) chapters are all set-up, and then it really takes off. It is about an “old maid” who was too timid to do anything with her life, and is told she has only a year to live. She realizes she has never yet started living! She’s only 29 and was bossed about from morning to night. She finally gets angry and decides to take charge of her life. What follows is wonderful. I highly recommend!
She is one of my heroes, although I have not read that book. I’ll look for it Janine, thank you!
I enjoyed reading how the British celebrate Armistice Day. How lovely they have not forgotten as we have here in recent times in the States. A good reminder to us all to remember those who have served to protect our freedom and the freedom of others. I am thankful for their sacrifices.
Remembrance…what a lovely blog and trip to England…thank you!
Your words, the pictures, the quotes were just the best of thoughts for the day !
So uplifting to see the English citizens remembering together with crosses, poppies and prayers. I am patriotic and thankful for America.. We too must never forget for we all are a part of something bigger than each of us.
Oh Susan!! Love your post about poppies! I’m a USO volunteer at Dulles Int’l. airport outside of Washington, D.C. Last year one of our visitors to the lounge gave me a poppy, and I’ve been waiting all year to wear it again! I think I’m going to pin it to the ribbon that holds my airport badges. On the ribbon are USO pins, American flags, and my special American flag with a yellow ribbon that I wore every day my son was in Saudi during the first Gulf war in the early 1990’s.
Thank you Susan for sharing this wonderful tradition. I may make a needle felted poppy pin to wear. So blessed to have you in our lives! OX
What a lovely and memorable post, Susan. I love traditions and definitely think we need to bring back this one–wearing a poppy for remembrance on Veterans Day. Such a lot we owe to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Thank you for your always wonderful posts. You are a bright spot in the world. Love your pictures from England. Have you ever tried Ahmad English breakfast tea? It is wonderful.
Love to you and yours
I just love getting Willard in my in box. Makes email worth opening!
What a beautiful heart filled post of remembrance. The English have such a lovely way to respect their history and countryside. Simple beauty.
I’ve always loved the fall. I once was an Eastern girl but now I live in California when fall isn’t quite the same. I’m trying to get my CA poppies to grow again. Somehow they disappeared, maybe the gardeners?
God bless our veterans and current soldiers.
Here in New Jersey our local VFW has annually offered the poppies, in return for any donation. I grew up knowing the history of the poppy as my maternal grandfather was British. Unfortunately he died when my mother was 13 so I never met him.
When I later lived in Brussels and Paris I too looked forward to honoring the War dead with the annual observance and wearing of the poppy. I continue to make an effort to attend both Memorial and Veteran’s Day local ceremonies when possible. The least I can do for their sacrifice and service.
One more memory of honoring the war dead: When I lived abroad I was part of a women’s choir comprised of American ex-pats and we were invited to sing at an American WWI cemetery in Belgium one year. I was amazed and humbled by the hundreds of local town folk that attended the memorial celebration on November 11th. Each year after that at various other American cemeteries in Belgium or France we would find that this was the standard. The people of Belgium and France had never forgotten the sacrifice that the allies gave and the descendants came to pay homage to our deceased and cared for their graves too. I was proud of them as well. We as Americans could learn a lesson that time should not dim gratitude and thanks.
As for the Churchill’s: I recommend a recent book club suggestion which I enjoyed, Clementine : the life of Mrs. Winston Churchill, Sonia Purnell, author.
He was quite a character and she definitely helped make the man! Though a bit repetitive in spots still a good read!
What a beautiful walk down memory lane for your last trip. Beautiful!
Your new dishes are delightful! Can’t wait to shop for Christmas gifts.
Hugs
Wonderful post. Thank you. Poppies here are not so prevalent but I have one that I keep in my car from years ago.
New dishes look really neat.
Thanks for your blog post. So many do not stop at the 11th hour of the 11th day pf the 11th month to remember. I always try to.
So glad veterans groups sell poppies here, and I try to attend the Veterans Day observance at our County Court House. Tradition and history are good.
What perfect timing for this post. Hopeful for the future and reminded of the sacrifices made by many. Thank you for the beautiful pictures and memories.
It is fun to read all your stories, making us wish we were with you.
A lovely post. Autumn is such a peaceful time of year (except for those in storm/wildfire zones.) I believe we called the poppies in the US ‘buddy poppies.’ Haven’t seen them for sale for 20 years or more. I wonder why. We need to remember. When we forget, we are in trouble.
I came to hopefully get entered into the (amazing!) drawing, 😊 but also to say how much I enjoyed all the eye-candy in this post! 💕 What I wouldn’t give to go to these places in beautiful England 💕
Hi Susan, what a lovely heartfelt post. There have been several poems written in response to “In Flanders Fields”. One of my favourites was written by a fellow Canadian, Edna Jacques. Here’s a link to her poem.
allpoetry.com/In-Flanders-Now
I love your new dishes – so pretty. Hugs, Elaine
I loved the Poppy blog today! I also enjoyed seeing all the new items that will be for sale soon!
Well Susan, you brought back memories for me. My grandmother was active in the VFW here in United States and always asked the younger me to make posters to encourage Americans to remember our veterans by buying poppies. Her husband, my step grandfather, served in WW1. I think we are all blessed to have our freedom because of those who served for us. My own dad was a soldier in WW2. I admire our British friends who seem to display their remembrance so much more than we do with the poppies. Thanks for this blog. Also like the mention of Winston Churchill. Recently saw a movie about him, “Churchill’s Secret”. Thank you!
Love the idea of wearing the Poppy on Veteran’s Day!
Hello Susan! I am sure that someone will send you the details on this. The American Legion in the U. S. also sells the red poppies.
Happy Veteran’s Day!
When I was in sixth grade, our teacher exposed us to great literature, music, and paintings. We memorized the poem “In Flanders Field.” I remember she included history, art, poetry, and music pertaining to Armistice Day. We all made paper poppies and wore them proudly! That was more than 60 years sago (gasp!), and I still remember the lessons fondly. I have a bouquet of poppies grace my desk. Pictures of the display at the Tower of London last year was awe-inspiring. Love poppies!! ❤️
The power of an inspired teacher. xoxo
I did this as well as a child. So when I was teaching kindergarten all those years my students learned why they had a day off in November and they were read that poem and I carefully explained it. We traced and colored poppies.
Thank you Susan for sharing all the beautiful things, thoughts and feelings that make life so sweet. I look forward to every email filled with photos, memories and meaningful quotes. You are truly an angel.
Loved this! Brought back memories of my sweet visit to England 3 years ago. My favorite memories are of the village of Ambleside and the little trips to surrounding villages. Especially Beatrix Potters Hilltop Farm. Thanks for the memories!
Love all your work❤️❤️
Loved the history lesson on poppies! So sweet!
Susan,
Thank you for educating me about the story behind the poppies!
Hi Susan,
I am new to your blog but am enjoying it so very much.
Thank you for reminding us of all those who have served and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
I love the remembrance of the poppies.
A beautiful post reminding us to remember those who gave all! Will be looking for a poppy in my town of Durham, N.C.
What a wonderful post. Thanks for sharing👍🏻😀
Dear Susan, thank you so much for your blog, I always look forward to reading them. I always put a poppy on my husband’s wreath, he was army through and through. I’ve found the little beeswax tree candles from your “Convent of Joy” (I’m sorry, but that’s my perfect name for it), and want to order some for our girls for Christmas. Thank you again for that post, it was a keeper.
In Canada, we also remember on November 11th. We all wear poppies sold by the Legion and we take time to remember. I love that the commemorations have become larger, not smaller, as time goes on. Lest we forget.
Susan – I recently discovered your lovely blog and enjoy reading it. I’ve read lots of your older posts but have more to look forward to! Thank you for sharing your view of the world.
Me again. Just had to write again about lace curtains. I thought about that as I walked my pups 🐩 🐩 in the neighborhood. I always had lace curtains or pretty curtains and drapes. Even in this house my blinds are pulled to the tippy top so sunshine and shadows can play on my floors and furniture. Just pretty lace curtains. As I walked the neighborhood I remarked to Rosebud &Blossom, my pups, that everyone’s blinds were down and shut tight, even kitchen windows. It is still daylight, just after dinnertime, people are home….I miss pretty window curtains. Seems like Nantucket, Martha’s Vinyard, and Cape Cod have the best curtains.
What a poignant posting. The book with pictured robin and lost poppy attached – beyond poignant. The words “In Flanders Field the poppies grow . . .” always bring tears to my eyes. Gladys Taber’s quote re: Believing there is hope . . . sets a good tone for the day. AND, thanks for the picture of the darling blackberry pitcher with poppy bouquet. So charming. All in all this post is the perfect antidote to “the news”. Thank you Susan.
Thanks for the wonderful information on poppies — what a great custom to have to remember veterans.
beautiful post……….your memories are such gifts to us through you………thank you
What a lovely tour through England and the tradition of the red poppies. It would be nice if we had a tradition similar here in the USA.
Hi Susan, Loved your post as always. I remember learning “In Flanders Fields” when I was in fifth grade. Of course it means more to me as an adult these days. And I am proud to say I always have a poppy in November. Usually I keep it on my purse but I think this year I will wear it on my jacket. I’m going to try to work out an easy way to change it to whatever I am wearing. Just love hearing about the English people wearing the poppies. Thank you.
Look foward to your next post. Find myself living vicariously through your travels, for that I thank you.
Hi Susan! What a great story! Would love to go to England some day and walk that beautiful land! Thank you for sharing!
Oh how I wish we had the poppy tradition here in the states. What an amazing history. Thanks for the lesson.
Thank you for sharing this Susan. How touching the way the whole country celebrates Remembrance Day. I always enjoying tagging along with you on your travels!
Susan I love seeing your photos of beautiful England. It was my dream to go there and this August we did, but just London. Although we saw many wonderful sights, I want to go back and tour the countryside as you have. So much more to see! Thanks for sharing your lovely experiences. It made my day!!
I, too, wish we honored the poppy tradition more here in the US. I will “Red Poppy” my house after the Halloween comes down and before the Thanksgiving goes up! Maybe if I follow the tradition each year, my precious grandchildren will follow in my footsteps. Thanks for your wonderful blogs! You are amazing!
You always paint such a vivid and beautiful story of your travels. Hopefully one day I will make my own trip to the U.K.
I love the tradition of the poppies remembering all our men who served in the battle field. God bless them all and their families
Love this post. Everyone should remember and show gratitude to all who serve our country. Thank you.
Beautiful post, Susan. I love the traditions that take place in England to commemorate WWI and other wars. And I especially like your “Reasons to go on Living.” We need all the inspiration we can get lately. Thank you for spreading beauty in the world.
Thank you for sharing this.
Loved your post.
Remembering the past is so important! Thank you for the story. Reading your blog always makes my day!
I so enjoyed you telling about this wonderful poppy remembrance tradition. I wear one every Memorial Day, when people in our town gather for a ceremony at the Veterans’ Memorial Monument at a beautiful spot overlooking the ocean. The red poppies are always available there, which I wear all day, then hang it in the house for a longer time. These poppies are put together by veterans. Your Willard taught me that November 11 is the traditional day to wear the poppy and I’m glad to know that.
Thank You, Susan, for another lovely “Willard.” We celebrate in our little parish of St. Philip in Indiana remembering those who have served by wearing the poppies too. Our Knights of Columbus group passes out poppies one weekend each year and they are worn by all who come to church. Love, love, love the Teapot Plates, the Quote Stands and the Heart dishes! You have outdone yourself again! I would love to win this sweet give-away. Oh my!
Come, let’s do some fall baking together!
Susan, thank you for a sweet, peaceful, and sensitive visit. We’ll be seeing “Dunkirk,” with flags and poppies in place at home and thanks to you, remembering the sacrifices of so many.
What a beautiful post. We have a cross planted in the Westminster Abbey Field of Remembrance each year in memory of a relative of mine who was killed in the First World War. He was the youngest of four children, the only boy, & much loved by all his family. At least two of his sisters called their houses St. Pierre after the place where he died. His name is on the Thiepval Memorial.
What a lovely post! Thank you! How thoughtful of you to share this with us! I love the poppies and what they stand for each November! I love how proud and appreciative the Country of England is toward their veterans. I know there are a lot of American that feel this way toward our veterans and are so grateful! Myself included… thank you just doesn’t seem enough to say to those men and women who fought and who continue to fight for our freedom. I would love to see poppies everywhere here in the United States!!! So much craziness going on… the News…ugh! Thank you for your constant coziness!!! Thank you for your sweet posts a delightful diversion!!! A new blog post and a new Willard today? What a “Red Letter Day” for me! I adore you! ♥️ Love to Joe and Jack! Love, Hugs and Prayers! Tricia B
It’s lovely to hear that the U.K. has so much respect for their fallen. Our president can’t even say I’m sorry to a widow without flubbing it up.
Susan,
I always love how you share about your wonderful journeys to England! Thanks so much for making me feel as if I am there with you enjoying it all! I love the photos and of course your paintings. I am looking at the new cross stitch pattern of tea cups longingly…may have to order it one of these days! Sending love and best wishes your way!
I think you are exactly right about the British and their relationship to war compared to us here in the United States. Although after 9/11 our attitudes changed some.
Lovely post, thanks Susan.
Our remembrance poppies are made for the British Legion who sell them so that men damaged in war get the help they need. It is an excellent way of paying tribute to servicemen and of providing much needed support.
Thank you, Susan, for a lovely message for all your friends. Bless you !
June Lewis………I live in Lancashire – do call some time.
Okay!
Susan – Loved the dishes! Loved the painting of the wrens in Willard! Loved the picture of Jack.! Made me smile. Looks like he is telling you “Don’t even think about it!”
I grew up in a British Colony in South America and we had poppy’s every year. My grandfather and uncle both fought in wars on the side of the British, so thank you so much for bringing back a part of my childhood that I’d forgotten.
Thank you, dear Susan, for another beautiful, thoughtful and thought-provoking Willard. I will be sure to wear my poppy this November.
And love your new china designs!