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
A beautiful post to read and reread.
Thank you
Sylvia
Beautiful post Susan. Around my area, poppies are available a week or so before Memorial Day. I have a poppy bouquet from years of collecting. I have never wore one on Veteran’s Day. Maybe this year I will wear one.
When I was in school, over 50 years ago, on the 11th of November at 11:00 we would stand, face the East and pause for a moment of silence to honor those that fought for our freedom. I wonder if schools still observe Veteran’s Day? Have a wonderful Autumn.
Thank you for your post. I always feel like I have had the nicest visit after reading it. Please continue to share.
Lovely post and especially heartfelt. I mourn the loss of all the brave men and women who fought in all these wars. So sad to think of today when war is everywhere-both known places and unknown places.
We wear poppies here in Canada as well. You start seeing them about the last week of October pinned to everyone’s lapels. When I was young, you wore a poppy from Nov. 1 until Nov. 11, but now the tradition has expanded and most people wear them for the entire month of November. You might not know that the poem “In Flanders Fields” was written by a Canadian. A fact that most Canadians are proud to point out.
Once again, another beautiful post. Love the photos from your trip to England.
Dear Susan,
My last stop of the night is always your twitter feed — it is a terrific antidote to all the endless political craziness of our days.
Thank you for always providing something charming, beautiful, happy and loving to give my mind a place to rest.
Sweet dreams to you.
Sally
My two grandfathers WWI, my dad, Aunt an Army nurse, Uncles, WWII, they were proud of their service and I was proud of them. All are gone now, but I remember. Thank you for reminding me, and we have a bouquet of poppies here from many years, loved this blog,
Loved reading your story, brings back so many memories. My Dad and uncles were WWII Veterans. I always remember , any time we went shopping, he would stop and buy a poppy. I never knew what they were for until I got older. Now my husband always buys one and I wear it or hang it from my rear view mirror. Thank you for bringing this back to mind and for all your heartwarming stories. You have a special gift for making someone feel they are back home, and we know there’s no better place than that.
I love your posts and music. Love hearing about the poppies and in my area the vets always sell the poppies with a donation. We always donate and I still have my poppy in the car from last year. It really is a special day and wish more of the younger generation would also donate. We like supporting our vets. Susan, your blog and Willard bring me happiness and sunshine to my heart. Really a special treat for the day.
Such an inspiring blog today! 🇺🇸🇺🇸 My dad fought in France during World War I with the U.S. Marines. I remember buying poppies as a child. I’ll be watching this year for a place to buy them. I just loved this blog today, Susan! Thank you! 💕💕
Nancy (from Bakersfield)
Wonderful post…thank you!
This is one of your best blogs. Many thanks.
Thank you for the Willard and for your give away. You are so thoughtful and nice.
I loved reading this post – I always feel like I am right there with you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and adventures with all of us.
Susan ,
Thank you for helping us remember our veterans . We must never forget .
Such a beautiful post – thank you!
Thank you for remembering the veterans and for a beautiful post.
As a little girl after WWII I do remember the poppies in the US. Everyone was more respectful then. So sad at what it has come to now in this country. I loved that they stopped at 11AM on the 11th for a moment of silence.
Thank you for wonderful blog. The pictures make me want to for another visit to England.
My mom could recite the entire Flanders Field by heart – she had learned it back in elementary school in the 1930’s and was still reciting it till Alzheimer’s took away that ability. This was a lovely post that brought back all kinds of warm and tender feelings for me. Thank you!
Always happy to see a new post on your blog. I will look for poppies on Veterans Day.
It was such a dark and stormy day today in NY, it was so delightful to catch up on blogs and Willards and feel like the day had brightened. Thank you, as ever!
THANK YOU FOR A LOVELY POST AND A REMEMBRANCE FOR ME.
MARCIA KILE
My birthday is November 11th…and I shall be in search of a poppy…or two ;)) xox
A few years ago my husband and I did a house swap in the UK and stayed in Oxford. One day we went to Churchill’s grave and we were the only people there, which seemed quite strange and awesome. I loved that Clementine and also Jennie Jerome, Churchill’s mother, are with him.
We were almost alone there too, maybe four or five others while we were there, and it was Remembrance Day. Which was good, because it’s so small.
Dearest Susan, we just returned home from England where we celebrated our 50th anniversary. We adore England, but even more the wonderful British. Such wonderful folks that have been through so much. We talked with a woman on the QM2 that had lived through the war separated from her family as a child and was sent to a safer place during the war. Thank you for sharing this wonderful tradition of wearing the poppy. In Edinburgh Castle we saw many of those lovely poppy wreaths in the war memorial–so touching. When we were planning our trip I wanted to keep a separate journal and I was lucky to find one that is covered in red poppies. It was perfect! xoxo ♥
Just love the stories Martha Ellen, I know how you feel. Your trip sounds wonderful! xoxo
I love this post! I also love the poppy tradition, I never knew about it, thanks for sharing. My daughter is due to give birth on Veterans Day, what a great birthday to have!
I found the Churchill gravesite on my visit to England a few years ago. Very interesting that he did not want to be buried at Blenheim Palace. Very understated but lovely grave site. It was worth the visit! Thanks for sharing about the history of the poppies for Nov 11.
He was interesting. Built a brick wall and his child’s playhouse with his bare hands. He had realness about him. A simple grave makes so much sense for this man who gave so much.
On our Spring UK trip we celebrated Easter in that sweet church. It was decorated with many fresh flowers and we were invited to enjoy “ hot cross buns”. A memory always in my heart. What a magical place England is ❤️🇬🇧❤️“
Thanks too for the giveaway!!!! Fingers crossed. XXX Annelies
Oh you did? How wonderful. Easter and hot cross buns. Just so touching, the whole thing. Thank you Annelies.
Just saw some poppies blooming in a yard on the Cape and thought it was odd because I think of poppies as summer flowers. Will have to do some research on that. I remember veterans groups selling Tootsie Rolls on Veteran’s Day and getting a crepe paper poppy with it. An especially thoughtful post!
You likely already know that John McCrae, who wrote the wonderful poppy poem, was a Canadian medic. He served as a surgeon in Belgium during WWI.
So, wearing poppies is a also a tradition here in Canada. The vast majority of people in my city wear them in early November. They are ‘sold’ each year- by donation, and the money is used to support services to veterans and/or their widows.
As the daughter of an Australian WWII veteran who spent three and a half years as a prisoner of war in Malaysia and Burma, I am always gratified by the appreciation wearing poppies shows for all that was given (and lost) by those who fought to preserve what we hold dear.
Thank you for a lovely reflection in the lead up to this year’s Remembrance Day.
For all that was given … and lost. 😥
Thank you for reminding us to hope and to remember. Your words are always uplifting and inspiring and your beautiful art is so enjoyed.
Hi, I’d like to win a prize, Sue, even if it’s just a poppy!
Me again, my great-grandfather was in the Royal Scots Fusiliers in WWI in Glasgow but some of our relatives died in Flanders. My gr-grandfather’s brother-in-law died over there and left a young widow, my grgrand-aunt Agnes. Agnes remarried and lost a young son in Dunkirk.
Something. Beyond words. 😟
What a lovely tradition! I had never heard of it before but wish we had something like this here in America. England seems so charming and whimsical, and the green lands and gorgeous architecture are to die for!
The local VFW here in Southwesr VA has always sold poppies @ the grocery store entrance in remembrance of Veterans’ Day. However, my grandmother, born in 1903, always referred to November 11th as Armistice Day. It was also her wedding anniversary, 1951.
Thanks for your post & for jogging my memory.
Dear Susan …Thank you for your blog on remembrance poppies. It brought back memories of my Dad, who was born in Falkirk Scotland, and fought in WWII for the USA. To this day we buy and wear poppies, even though he has been gone for 27 years. Happy Veteran’s Day.
Such a wonderful entry. Heading to Oxford with some girlfriends as part of a garden tour next July. This just makes me more excited to go!
Thank you for a lovely post and most generous give away!
Also from Cali so I’m hanging on to the few trees in this area that turn colors. So wishing for changing seasons too. We have them but they are very gentle and you have to know what to look for. Love the English photos. Wish I could live there. And thank you so much for the generous giveaway. The plates are absolutely to die for.
Love, love, love the new mugs and plates! Your blog posts always leave me with a feeling of beauty in the world, as well as stories that stimulate thought and contemplation. Thank you. 🙂
Always love to read about your adventures in England. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe!
I adore you sweet girl! I’m so inspired and you’re the one who told me I could achieve my dreams even though I was in my fourties and have had to start all over from scratch! I love you!
Believing that is the whole thing! Good for YOU Raquel. xoxo
Susan!
Thanks for telling your charming stories of your love of:
Joe
Family & friendso
Kitties
Nature
Travel
Cottages
Pretty things
Sweet gifts
And best of all …
Your view of the world!!
I am a big fan and I thank you for bringing light into my days!
Love, Kim
I would love to have a piece of your art. I hope Vanna brings to the surface my name.
Thank you for that beautiful pictorial story of the poppy in remembrance of the veterans of WWI.
Thank you again. A lovely post that leaves me feeling at peace. There is Goodness in the world.
This was so beautiful. Thank you for sharing about this treasured tradition. You have seen and been to so many beautiful places. I would have never seen them or know about them if you didn’t share it with all of us. Thank you for that Susan.
My deepest pleasure Andrea. I found out years ago, from the mail I received, how MUCH we have in common, and it is my pleasure to be able to share love for traditions, home and family with so many. A miracle really.
Feed your life from the well of Sweetness. This saying, on a plaque, should be placed by our bed to read each morning and evening in order to keep ourself focused on having a positive attitude. Remember those who are important to us, remember to care.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.. I have some very special people who would be so happy to be gifted with one of your cute plates…
a beautiful post. I will on the lookout for the poppies….
We could use some remembrance, civility, gratefulness and love these days.
Your blog is like a warm, cozy sweater on a fall day! Thank you for sharing your story about poppies – Whenever I see a poppy, I will think of your wonderful story!
Such a lovely post!
It’s been a few years since I’ve seen anyone wear a poppy, but I remember my parents and grandparents always had them in November. I will make it a point to look for them this year in my little corner of Colorado. Thanks for sharing such beautiful photos and memories from your trip, and thanks so much for the giveaway. I think I might need these. =)
Oh please remind us to wear our poppies on Nov. 11th! I have one that my daughter-in-law gave to me just a few days ago.
Put it on your calendar! November 11: Poppies!
A wonderful post.
So many of our family traditions have fallen by the wayside. This post reminds me how precious they are to me. Have always loved your work, but your English travels make me want to pack my suitcase and make my own memories in all those quaint villages.
Enter me for the giveaway please
Oh my goodness I had never heard about this poppy tradition…I think we need to join in this tradition. I love how England has managed to keep their traditions alive for so long. Having lived in a house with a father and 2 grandfathers that served I am always surprised by the number of people in America who forget what the meaning of Veterans Day or Memorial Day stand for. Thank you for sharing about this I think I am going to go make me a poppy to wear.
Ahhh, what a beautiful post!!! Veterans Day is a day (in America) that is not as celebrated as it should be. For those who have family members who have served, it is much more special. We have a lot of family members who have served, including my daughter’s Dad who passed away several years ago. He was a graduate of the Air Force Academy and served for 21 years. We had to travel and move all the time, so life for families of service members is challenging, but far from as difficult as the struggles and sacrifice of our military. In fact, we shall never really know what they all endure. I love all the darling mugs and dishes- you are so creative, inspiring, talented, and cute. Emphasis on the cute. Autumn is oftentimes quite short and can end abruptly in Colorado—-so we rake when we can before snowflakes fall. And count our blessings, and sip tea, and find ways to do something good. May the blessings of Autumn shine bright!! xoxo
As you can see from the comments here, it’s not that our Veterans aren’t honored and remembered, not by any stretch of imagination, but we need a better vehicle to make them KNOW what’s in our hearts. I think everyone walking around with a bright spot of red on their shoulder (not to mention the money they generate) says so much, without words, and even without parades!!! Thank you Joann!
What a lovely story. It is so sad that we in the U.S. do not observe Veteran’s Day in the same way.
That sell poppies to honor our veterans too! Love all the new stuff!! Thanks!
There are always veterans in front of the grocery store on Veterans’ Day taking donations for the red poppies and I always get one. Especially enjoyed hearing how England celebrates this day. I’m so excited about all your new items and the giveaway! [email protected]
Now I want to wear a poppy too. Love your blog so much. So much fun to see what a true Autumn looks like when we are experiencing over 90 degree weather in California.
I always look forward to your posts. So much inspiration. Thank you!
Hi Susan. It is so remarkable that you could wait almost a year to post about Remembrance Day and what you did and saw on that day. I so enjoyed reading it, so much emotion.
I wanted it to matter, and thought it would be good if I could stand to wait until we were closer to November!
So happy you did.
Thank you Susan. Beautifully written! I was teary-eyed by the end thinking of all those selfless souls who gave their lives as well as seeing Churchill’s grave. I have a poppy my great uncle saved from Flander’s Field. I’m going to go find it right now! blessings, Julia
What an interesting and thought provoking post. It gives me something really worth-while to ponder for which I am grateful.
I’ve missed your blog so very much…life took me sideways, but here we are, back! 😍 I have some England visiting friends with whom I can share your beautiful blog. In Butte, MT where I grew up, we always bought poppies for Armistice Day…Many wonderful, beautiful people live there. Thank you for this beautiful blog for me to share.
Tonya
It is such a pleasure to open your “post” and be enlightened. I honestly never knew the connection of the Poppy and Flanders Fields. The fact that Mr Churchill is not buried in London at some notable park or cathedral was a surprise as well. Like many of our Presidents, he went back to his home town. Thank you for the history lesson and sharing special memories. I am looking forward to my issue of Willard (I wish it was a printed piece ). The new SB pices look delightful! Happy Halloween.
If you ever want to see humble personified, look into the life of the Trumans after they left office. Absolutely wonderful.
Okay…now I am crying! Very touching blog! I had to stop for a tissue ……it just has been such a tough year, and so much “warfare” and people hurting, and it is beautiful to read about the poppies and such a long standing tradition! Susan, your new items are simply lovely! 😍xoxo
I loved the story about the poppies! So lovely!
I would have liked to see this installation. So dramatic and so sad, but a lovely remembrance of those who were lost. bbc.com/news/in-pictures-29935592
Happy Fall!! You are the best!
I just love your BEAUTIFUL heart Susan Branch~
Be still my heart,, the dishes and cups and everything are just too adorable! I love them and would love to have them. Love all your posts, too. Thanks for taking us along.
Thank you for a glimpse into a tradition that we seem to have lost. Love the poppies and the dishes…both pull at heartstrings.
Oh yes PLEASE!! Beyond gorgeous!
After this lovely post, my comment is Amen and God Bless.
WOW When I get your mailings, I feel so relaxed and happy about life.
You are a bright spot in everyone’s world
Hi Susan!
I never see my posts so I think I may be doing something wrong 🤔 thank you for such a lovely blog. It always warms my heart. You inspire me everyday with your enthusiasm and love of life. Thank you and Sherri for restocking the autumn tea cup. I adore it. I have been drinking armed mulled cider every night to take the chill off. To say it warms my soul would be an understatement. You understand!!!
I also have been meaning to tell you – my golden retriever’s name is Petey!
With love ❤️ Barbara
Thank you Dear Susan, For the wonderful travel to England, and reminder of how important our poppies should be……❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Susan for another great post. I love seeing your pictures from England and reading whatever you happen to be sharing with us at the time. We get to see how beautiful it is there through you, thank you for sharing everything that you do with your readers.
I love all your new dishes!!
Kathy
I just wanted to thank you for all of the blogs you have written. It was a very kind thing to do.They always make my day a good day no matter what’s going on. Like you said count your blessings and I consider you one of my blessings!
I continue dreaming of a visit to the English countryside, and love getting glimpses & history from your wonderful posts. It is always a treat when your blog arrives. Thank you so much Susan❤️
Thank you for the poppy education. Would love to see that pinned to everyone. Thank you for the giveaway.
Oh Susan, What beautiful dishes! I would love to win this lovely set.
Thank you, Susan, for sharing the story behind the poppy – I always enjoy reading your blog and seeing all the lovely pictures! May we always remember and be thankful for those who have served or are serving – especially those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom!
Looking forward to receiving the latest edition of Willard. Very interesting story of the poppies. When I was a child, I remember poppies being sold. I don’t remember which holiday it was for, but it was one of the tributes to war veterans. My daughter is in the UK now. I wish she had time to visit W. Churchill’s gravesite.
Love all your books, and cook from them often.
Thank you so much for sharing the Poppy story. They are pretty popular here with many veterans offering them. Just finished reading the third book in your trilogy. Loved them all and do hope you are starting another soon.
The respect shown to memorialize those who gave all is touching…we’ve lost some of that in our country, sadly. Enjoyed your post. Dreaming and scheming a trip to England next summer for a 35th wedding anniversary present to ourselves. Exciting!!
Thanks for your lovely, cozy post and “Willard”. My 93 year old father is a WWII vet and a great fan of Winston Churchill. He puts the flag in his front yard every day. Let’s all wear the poppies this November and remember our vets.
Your memories of poppies rings dear to my heart. My parents were very active in Templeton American Legion, in California, which I have been a member since I was 10 years old. My Mom sold poppies, in front of the Post Office for many years on Memorial Day weekend. Her work for veterans was a very Important part or her life. bless her heart!
Now…..Vanna…. get busy and pick my name out of your magic pot of girlfriend names.!
I love this tradition they cherish so deeply in England. Remembrance of those you have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms & the need for peace to live on in all of us should be a priority in all of our hearts. Thank you for sharing your beautiful stories of your travels with all of your many fans. I am so excited because this week a partial order of 7 cups I ordered from you will be arriving. The dishes above would go beautifully with them. Take care & thank you for inspiring me & so many.
Cheryl:-)
I do love seeing you pop up in my email. Always a lovely break from the busy-ness of the day. I honestly was not familiar with the poppy tradition. I will look for poppies this year in honor of my father, a WWII vet. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your trip to England and the story of the poppy. Would love to win one of your gifts. I’ve already picked something out for a special lady in my life! I agree with Lisa, wish we would keep this beautiful tradition in America!
Woke this morning to find Willard waiting to be read.I decided to wait to read it when I could sit with pot of tea to enjoy it. Double joy when your blog came in too.👏👏 I do know how you feel about the changing seasons as I too moved from CA to a state with seasons I never tire of. We’ve been winterizing gradually, it’s kinda fun checking off my to do list before the first freeze hits, but I had to add one more thing you mentioned. Drain the hoses. Thanks for the reminder. 🤗
What a lovely and meaningful blog today. You expand my world in so many ways on these little journeys! Thanks!
Always enjoy your reflections and beautiful pictures and illustrations. Thank you.
I love your blog posts. Always so positive & uplifting. I miss my dad still. He was in the army & the navy. So handsome in his navy dress uniform. He was wearing it the day I was baptized & I’m in his strong arms. He told us very little about his experiences, it was too painful. He passed away in 1993 when I was 34. Love the poppy story, we have to remember. Thank you Susan.
Yes, I know. So many barely spoke about it. My dad was like that too, only toward the end did he begin to open up and let us know things about his experiences. It was an honor. xoxo