If you haven’t gotten your Willard yet, you will soon! It began going out Tuesday morning (that’s today!), so everyone should have it by Friday. There are a few surprises in there, I don’t want to give them away, so in the meantime . . . MUSICA! Let’s travel a bit, shall we? Good old comfy armchair travel. Let’s take our kitty with us.
But first, Oh Dash! Oh Victoria! Oh Lord M! Prince Albert and his selfish, cruel “Uncle Leopold!” Tell me no secrets and I’ll tell you no lies. Sunday night’s Victoria was a teary one. I did like the puppy though, all was not lost.
A cold and dreary wet day it is out here in the wild Atlantic ocean. But I have my wee cup of Constant Comment in my Castle Cottage cup, the fire is burning, can’t really ask for anything more. I thought I might take us to Scotland today! I hear lots of you are going to Scotland, or might go, or want to go, so if you do, I thought I’d show you a wonderful castle we stayed in, maybe you would like to stay there too. So off we go to the land of clans, lochs, lairds, lads and lasses, Bonny Prince Charlie, Outlander, and Balmoral, the beloved home of Queen Victoria.
It was late evening when we went looking for the two rooms that our friend Elizabeth had “found online.” We were traveling together, Joe and I, Elizabeth and Mike ~ she had no idea what this place would be like and neither did we. But how could we go wrong, we were together and having a great time.
Through tunnels of Scottish trees we went looking for a sign that said “Stravithie” on it. It was out there somewhere, so we were told! We’d traveled up from Edinburgh that day, the long way, along the Fife coast, stopping to eat, walk along the beach, pick up sea glass, go to a fishing museum . . . it’s where the cutest little fishing villages are, all festively criss-crossed with bunting flapping in the wind ~ now we were stopping overnight on our way to St. Andrews.
I was crazy about Edinburgh, everything I loved about York, there was twice as much of it in Edinburgh . . . the red line on this map traces the world famous Fife Coast where we’d been that day.
We probably passed it twice, but finally we quit talking and started concentrating, and there it was. What a nice little sign we all thought, very low key, and a cute little guardhouse too. So far, so good!
We turned down the drive . . . the lovely drive . . . Not too fancy, kind of real . . . the suspense is building, what will we find?????
This was our first glimpse of the house . . . ooooh, aaaah . . .
We drove around to the front, and this is when we began to call it a castle. Isn’t it the MOST? Couldn’t Jane Eyre be living in that pointed turret? We were saying to Elizabeth, “Where did you say you found this?” The thrill of discovery! You really never know what you might stumble upon . . . 
The Laird of the Manor, David Chalmers, with his cute Scottish accent, came out to welcome us. We were already peering into the hall, at the doors, the heads and horns on the walls, the lamps. What mysteries lie ahead?
I thought I would show you a better photo of David. Such a very nice man! And he knows all the best restaurants!
So into the front hall we went. I loved the lamp, I loved the ceiling trim and the little bit of green. I loved the whole thing. This is David’s home, he lives here, on 30 acres of gardens and a river with his wife and two children, so it’s a home they love to share with others, because as you can imagine, it’s fascinating!
I don’t know what they call this long, deep wood-paneled room, but there is the very old head of an alligator up on top of that dresser. The hunt room, perhaps. Leathery and manly, perhaps the smoking room.
I took photos of everything! Pretty lamp, pretty molding.
The dining room was filled with old carved furniture and things from days gone by.
Elegant old china and cut glass and silver . . .
Mrs. Chalmers came in a little later . . . we could hear one of their children practicing the piano somewhere in the house. Made it even more perfect.
Very much a family home. “My parents gave it to me.” That’s what David said when we asked how he came to live here. Of course they did!
Off we went to our separate wings to see our rooms . . . Joe and I climbed the red stairs in the turret . . .
looking up as we climbed . . . those are stairs. How did they do that? We don’t know. (I take that back, I’m sure Joe knows, but it’s not even light out yet, he would not want me to wake him to get this question answered!) My job is to admire curves and shadows.
Down this hallway-sitting room we went . . . loving the furniture,
Loving the fabric . . .
Loving the lamp . . .
Loving all the lamps!
Into our charming room with a view of the lawn and the river,
. . . framed by the heavy, lined drapes you find everywhere in the UK.
We came in through the hall on the right, the bathroom is off that hall, and the kitchen is through the door on the left … We each (meaning each couple) had our own kitchen. I’m happy, Joe’s happy, everyone is happy!
Perfectly appointed, all you need, bright and clean. . .
And more . . . they’d left everything we could possibly want for breakfast, Scottish bacon, ham, fresh eggs, sweet rolls, bread, butter, jam, tea, milk, juice, yogurt and cereal, a feast! And the table was set . . .
So pretty in front of the window . . .
And the view . . . How did Elizabeth ever find such a place?! Must hang out with her more!
We unpacked, went out to dinner to a wonderful restaurant David suggested, and toasted Elizabeth, and our friendship, and Scotland, and life and all good things!
And came back to the castle under this beautiful moon . . .
XXX
The next morning, of course we had to go for a walk, across the lawn and along the river we could see from our bedroom windows.
On a path through the woods. The perfect antidote to modern times.
Let’s to church! as they said in Shakespeare in Love. Yes, let’s! A lovely quiet spot out in the middle of nowhere with a beautiful old sleepy graveyard.
I imagine this walled lawn may have been a vegetable garden at one time. But I was most curious about the little rock sitting on the stone. There was something on it.
I came closer . . .a small piece of slate or maybe granite with something scratched into it:
My imagination says it may have been here since 1993. But if I let myself go, maybe 1593. Or maybe, stretching, just plain 93, as in Druids. We don’t know, but we didn’t touch it, left it as it was for other lucky travelers to happen upon. I automatically think very highly of the person who put it there. Little magic-maker. Hope she’s reading this. Love is the Law. Truly, it should be.
Back through the ancient wood the merrie folk did go.
We climbed a hill and came upon these worn stone steps and, oddly, that hole filled with water (I guess, needless to say, no one tasted it). 😜 Unmarked. No explanation. A hot tub for fairies? A little last-resort bathtub? (One of our Girlfriends suggested it was a “tail wash for dragons!”😂) But why here when there is a perfectly good river nearby? We had no idea. We saw no hose bib. I know it rains a lot here, but this much?
It’s perched on a kind of ledge, actually, the entire thing is rock. You could step behind those ferns on the left, walk off the edge and fall, maybe 20 feet? (I’m not good at falling distances.) There’s a very old, moss-covered, slippery-looking stone stairway to the bottom of the ravine that no one wanted to go on. But the boys wanted to see how deep the hole was. Nothing pulled Mike in, which was good. I stayed about this far away from it the whole time wishing I had my dangerous mastiff at my side.
And again, an answer from one of our Girlfriends. It’s a Druid’s well! It’s an actual thing. You can read more about it HERE! Fun!
Flowering things grew wild from the rocks. Because it’s Scotland. Did you know the national animal for Scotland is the Unicorn? Oh yes. Magical Scotland, land of legends and ghosts.
It was a wonderful time. If you would like to stay in a castle in Scotland, you can, so easily. Go to www.stravithiecastle.co.uk. Or write [email protected] or phone 01334 880251 It’s close to lots of nice things. And tell David we said Hello!
As promised in the new WILLARD, a Giveaway! This England, this green and pleasant land, this cup. For thee. And the book . . . a signed copy of A Fine Romance. That’s one.
And behind door number two, the new Spring cup, and one of my brand new cross stitch kits for Home Sweet Home, because they kind of match, and go together. Also for thee. Two giveaways! They won’t arrive from England until the first of April, so you’ll have to wait for spring. I’ll be away, but Sheri will make sure you get them the moment they arrive. All you need to do to sign up for both giveaways is leave a comment at the bottom of this post, where you see the teeeeeny tiny word that says, “comments,” click there, say anything, and voila, you’re in the drawing! I’ll contact you if you win, but you can come back in a few days to see if Vanna chose your name. Life is good!
Must go now . . . Say Goodbye to my muses, these . . .
And this one. I’m thinking of changing his name to Dash. Beloved puppy of mine. Have a wonderful day dear ones. Keep in touch! There are adventures and more surprises ahead! 
Always wonderful to read your stories
Hello Susan,
I just love your blogs about Britain. My Mom is going to be celebrating her
103rd birthday on Feb 12. She was born in Stonehaven, on the east coast of Scotland. Her family were fisher folk who lived on the Shorehead. My husband and I discovered, the last time we were there, that the house where her family lived….listed as residence on marriage certificate of GGGrandpa…was now a B & B. We were made welcome. I was able to poke my head out the same window as my GGGrandma, to check for the returning fishing fleet. Magic!!!
Have a wonderful time on your trip. I hope you encounter your own magic!!!
103!! You are so lucky Marnie! Magic, in the window. Ahhhhhh😂
How clever of Jack to make his nest in your desk drawer. He is such a cunning boy.
There are now two pillows in that drawer, and I’m been casting around for an old holey cashmere sweater for the frosting on the top!
What a delightful way to pass the time at the airport! Scotland is such a magical place! We especially loved Pitlocherie. We were walking along the river not finding anyone else. The dappled sunshine on the water. We came upon a man fishing. So iconic a picture. The only sound we heard was the rushing of water and the man casting into the water. He was also throwing a stick for his black lab. We stopped for a bit ….
Thanks for another wonderful Willard to enjoy. I’m looking forward to following your trip in March and wish I could be there in person! I wish you had a retail outlet in Canada. Perhaps you could consider Chapters-Indigo who have online and retail stores all across Canada.
I did try for them at one time . . . but it’s hard to get the attention of the Big Folk! If they hear from enough of our Canadian Girlfriends, who knows, maybe they will come find me! I love Indigo! xoxo
Your blog is always interesting. Love the Willard Jack pics. He is so adorable!
I’ve been down with a horrid cold the last three days and this post was just what I needed to cheer me up! I love your artwork, photos and most especially your words. I just re-read Martha’s Vineyard last week. I don’t recall ever wanting to re-read a book less than a year after I first read it, but that book really struck a chord with me. Blessings on you and Joe and I’m looking forward to my new Willard!!
Hello, from a kindred spirit in Colorado! Thank you for your generosity in sharing your life, ideas and creativity.
Oh, I cried when Dash died. And laughed when Victoria got her new puppy. Those castle keeper sure do know how to make people feel at home. That kitchen and the table set. How wonderful. Thank you for a wonderful post.
I am enjoying Victoria sooo much! Don’t you just love her, little spitfire that she is? My heart did break for her this past weekend. Poor Dash! And poor Lord M! But the new puppy (Isla?) is awfully cute!! So happy he helped her get over her postpartum depression. Would love, love to win something, anything, from your giveaway. Have a wonderful evening. Very cold and icy here today in Maine.
I would love to win either of your giveaways! I have been to Scotland but would love to go back some day. My mother’s maiden name was Abercrombie, which is Scottish. We each ordered a scarf in the Abercrombie plaid when we were there. It is a blue, green, & white plaid — Mom was disappointed because it did not have any red in it. However, I like it. They did not have the Abercrombie plaid in stock because it is not a common name. We had to order it. It was nice because we could order a not-so-heavy material for the scarf since we live in the South and it doesn’t get as cold here in Alabama (at least not for great lengths of time). Reading your blog definitely makes me want to go back for another visit.
Susan,
It’s always great fun to travel with you. I could almost smell the “oldness” of the castle. And I do love that smell. Thanks for a wonderful diversion and the giveaways!
Lovely!! Thank you for such a wonderful and inspiring post!
As always thank you for sharing beautiful pictures and stories from your travels.
I always love your photography. You take close ups of details that I love, lamps, ceiling decorations, nature. I especially love the close up of the vignette of crystal, china, and silver on the china hutch in the castle dining room.
Just like in real life, somethings you have to get up close and personal to enjoy!
Oh my – your photos of Scotland are gorgeous!!! Someday, perhaps I will go there for my own adventure – meanwhile I love the journey I took through your eyes and experiences. 🙂
Looking forward to Willard! Thank you for the trip to Scotland–I do plan to get there and would love to stay where you did. It looks lovely!
Dear Susan,
Not a world traveler, so I really appreciate your traveling posts. But when you’re not traveling, I enjoy the simple life abounding, too, in your posts.
Thank you again for the getaways I always need.
Following this blog post, I felt as if I was traveling with you and walking with you – as if I was there! A great adventure.
Hello Susan,
I just got Willard today and enjoyed it so much! Your trip sounds amazing! While I have never been to Scotland, when I was 19, I went to Ireland, Wales and England with my aunt and her friend (I am 61 now!). Each place had charm, but my favorite place was Wales. The people were some of the nicest I have ever met. In Wales we stayed in a Bed and Breakfast owned by lovely Mrs Davies. She had a corgi names Wendy, and she loved that little dog! That was the first time I had ever seen a corgi, but the way Mrs Davies called for Wendy with such love and sweetness is something I will never forget! Have a Bon Voyage!
Warmly, Ann
Did you know that before Peter Pan came out, there was never a name “Wendy?” That every Wendy you know is actually named after Wendy in Peter Pan? I just love that. And a corgi named Wendy, isn’t that so British! We get to drive through Wales and see the ancient trees in the Wye Valley. 😂 I’m already verklempt!
I didn’t know that about the name Wendy! And I love knowing it now. Wendy the beloved corgi of Mrs Davies certainly deserves her special name!
Of all the beautiful and amazing things in the post, I am in love with that little white kitchen in your room, complete with blue and white dishes. What a simple and luxurious touch.
I loved the simplicity too. So clean! Made me instantly want to decorate it. If we would have stayed longer . . .
I do love to open my e-mail and find something from you! It enriches me to read your musings. And my husband says I start sounding like you, which makes me even happier!
Isn’t photography fun? No more tense concers “have I got it right? were everyone’s eyes open? Did suzie have her dress up over her head?” And in addition, we can do so many creative things with the photos and angles. When my husband gave me a camera for Christmas several years ago, I told him he gave me the best toy EVER! It is a constant source of entertainment!
Best invention ever!! We’re so lucky, we know what our great grandmothers looked like . . . even further back. My mom couldn’t say that!
Love Scotland! Thanks for sharing your experience and the contact info. It looks wonderful.
Are the spring cups available for pre-order?
Yes, they are.
Can I pre-order next Tuesday? I’m out of town and prefer to avoid using my phone for ordering. I’m a bit of a Luddite. But I want to make sure I get one… Please don’t order without me! My Autumn and Winter mugs would be so lonely without Spring and Summer.
Yes. I won’t have to give them the final number for maybe 2 weeks. You have time Lorraine! xoxo
I have aways wanted to visit Scotland, Ireland, & Wales. Maybe some day……however times a marching. I better hurry.
Definitely better to go while the legs are still working!
Such (another!) wonderful post; I’ve always wanted to go to Scotland. My great-aunt was 100% Scot (first-generation American) and the most delightful, strong, no-nonsense (but FUN) person. I wish it had worked out when I was younger to totally ask questions of (and record) her immigrant mother; she had a lot of stories from being born and raised in Scotland in the 1880s. I just never thought about doing it back then. (I try to tell anybody young, “Ask now. Don’t wait.” We can’t lose their stories; those oral histories!)
I’ve got a cough and a cold even though the weather is nice this afternoon in Southern Calif (has been low 70s). So, hot decaf coffee with milk (just now, as I sit here) has been very soothing. (I’d rather not have decaf but, you know, it’s 4pm and, now that I’m OLDer, the caffeine will keep me up all night!) Can I just say how much better it all is with a Susan Branch cup in hand? (I rotate them; they all get a turn!) The Spring cup is SO cute; can’t wait to see Summer. You have outdone yourself on the cups, plates and quote stands; I love all of it. And I’ve bought some of the embroidery kits; they are DARLING.
You must be looking so forward to your upcoming trip in March (it’s March, right[?]; come to think of it, if so, why March[?]; won’t it be more rainy[?]; just curious; maybe it was the best fit for your 2018 schedule!); thank you for always taking us along for the ride. I’m hoping this means that, in 2019 (2020? {sounds so futuristic, doesn’t it; 2020; wow}), you’ll be hitting the road with your new book so that, this time, I can FOR SURE catch you in person (since missing out on the Apple Farm which I’ll probably never get over; I was SO close; I even had a ticket; DARN; ‘life’ sometimes getting in the way of best-laid plans!).
Hope your weather has cleared up (not stormy), although I understand it’s VERY cold in your neck ‘o the woods (saw something about it on the national weather report/TV). Stay warm; and thanks, too, for the terrific giveaway. I was scrolling through the blog here, looking for a recipe, and stumbled upon one of your photos when Jack was a kitten; he is always so irresistible; that FACE!
Feel better soon Vicki!! xoxo
Oh, my goodness! There is so much here (and in the Willard) to chew on and keep me happy! I’m so excited about your trip and also so excited to be coming along with you. I hope you’ve picked out lots of cute outfits for us and a good pair of walking shoes.
Adore this Castle! I’ve added it to my travel journal so I can go there one day! Thank you, as always, for brightening my day. Cindy
Oh, what a lovely visit that was! I always am left with the feeling I just visited whatever location you describe. Thank you . Sue
Your posts are such a breath of fresh air. I love coming along on your adventures. The Castle is magical. I can’t wait for our next trip!
Susan, your publications inspire me! I look forward to each one. Thanks for sharing your magical journey.
I just pre-ordered a Mother’s Day cup for my mom. I know she’ll love it!
Thanks for another beautiful post – you always lift my spirits!
Thank you for the luv lee getaway! My little people always love the kitty pictures and the musica! Me too! Such a nice part of my day. Thank you!
Highlight of my day. I am a teacher to the most darling 7th graders, but today they were off the wall. Still, I love teaching English. I want those kiddos to love reading and have adventures and become writers. Thanks for sharing your goodness with the world Susan. I love following along.
You are the perfect teacher! They will remember you, Hayley. I had an English teacher in the 7th grade, Miss Caldwell, she was heaven, she made us read out loud, each person read a bit. It was like story telling, plus we all HEARD. She had us take parts when we read Shakespeare. It was like learning a new language. Teachers are everything! Thank you for what you do.
Such a wonderful home away from home. Makes me want to put on the kettle! Thank you for the giveaway.
Don’t you completely understand Victoria’s love of Dash. I can totally relate to her feelings. It made me so sad seeing him laying on the floor, having slipped away like Victoria’s youth. I cannot bare to imagine loosing my sweet dogs or cat.
Totally. Best friends. 😢
Going to Scotland is my dream. I have always wanted to take my mother back to the land that her father left on his own at age 16.
All so charming and delightful! Love your descriptions!
I loved this blog! Years ago my husband and I drove all over England staying in old coaching inns (a book put out by the National Trust). Every place was so lovely, all dressed in Laura Ashley. This year my sister and I are coming on the Castle Cottage tour and plan to go into Yorkshire and southern Scotland afterward. Would love to stay in this beautiful place during that time!!! Thanks for the tip!
Susan, like you, I have been watching Victoria on PBS and have greatly enjoyed it. All of those PBS shows must make visiting across the pond all the better. Thanks for sharing the visit to the charming castle!
I love this castle and the surrounding woods. It was a wonderful journey today. Thank you.
I can hardly wait for “our” trip!!
I’m so excited for your (our) upcoming trip to England! I wish I could be there at the picnic but happy you’ll be sharing your adventures on the blog. Can’t wait!!
I love any info from across the pond, mostly when it’s on a mug.
It was just the kind of day where I needed to escape to Scotland. Magical indeed. It would be so neat to stay in that castle. Everything looks so old…and lush at the same time. Even the trees ( imagine if trees could talk!) Of course id love to win all of these beautiful things…but thank you for Scotland xo
What a fabulous life you lead! I learn something new from you each time I visit your blog or site. You’ve got me yearning to wander. I am looking forward to hearing and seeing photos from your upcoming trip.
P.S. Vanna pick me!😊
Hi Susan,
I just finished reading Willard, two wonderful reads with tea in one week – thank you! Thank you too for sharing your walks along the beach pictures. For us landlocked-beach-children-at-heart readers, they’re keep us afloat!
I loved this writing about this Castle-home! Dreamed of eating a wonderful breakfast sitting before the multi-paned window looking across the lawn! Sign me up! I love Scotland!
Sweet Susan. Your blog posts and Willards are such a peaceful blessing at the end of my stressful days. Thank you so much for sharing your stories, travels and art. Bless you and yours.
We have many good memories of touring in Scotland, and staying in North Berwick, just south of your Fife Road drive. Alas, we did not go up that way! Perhaps we need to make another trip!
You had lovely weather for your photos. We drove across to the other side of Scotland in rain, but we love being there nonetheless.
Thank you for sharing your charming travels with us all.
What a delight to find your Willard in my inbox today. You are so talented and reading your words are Magical to me. I leave all my troubles aside, feel more alive, enjoying the simple things and having the urge to cook bake and maybe even clean my house! You just have a gift putting everyone at ease. Love all your mugs so add me to your drawing. I can’t wait to join you from my comfy chair for your wonderful trip!
I’m heading to Ireland myself in the middle of May. So excited! I hope to read about your Ireland trip before I depart so I can be sure to see all of the magical places you will visit. Have a safe and wonderful journey!
I’m sure I’ll have photos up on both my blog and twitter by then! Have a wonderful time, Kristi!
As always, it’s enchanting to read about your adventures and see your marvelous drawings! Thank you!
So looking forward to our trip with you and Joe! Nothing like traveling with friends. Speaking of traveling, this coming Saturday my husband and I fly to Florida for a 10 day cruise with his parents and sister and her husband. Jamaica, Mexico, Belize and Grand Cayman. I wish I was as talented as you so I could blog it all. I’m sure it won’t be as exciting as Ireland but it will be fun! Have a great weekend!
I feel like I was there with you!!! What a beautiful adventure for us to enjoy.
Thank you Susan 🙂
Thanks for taking me along on your wonderful trip! The house was marvelous!!
Your posts always make me smile. Traveling without leaving home.
Thank you, as always!
Thank you dear Susan! You’ve been such an inspiration and secret cheerleader.
Because of you and this lovely book I am now the proud owner of a brand new
passport and a trip to Scotland and Ireland in the works. Tonight I will fall
asleep and dream of castles and teatime with a new mug. Best regards and cheers-
off to read my Willard!
YAY! For so many years I thought that kind of travel was for other people, I was a little shocked to see how actually EASY it is to go, it’s just there! So happy for you Kathleen, you are in for such a treat, and a stash of memories for a lifetime.
Thanks for the lovely trip Susan, I felt like I was there with you!
Thanks for sharing your lovely days, as it made mine lovely too!
Love this post about Scotland. Your blog is wonderful. I enjoy it so very much.
Such a treat to read your newsletter. I read it with a cup of tea (ritual) and lose myself for a few minutes. I loved your adventure walk. It was like a scavenger hunt….find an ancient site, find a star, find a message, etc. Did you think at all about ghosts as you were drifting off in the castle? Thank you for your wonderful sharing!
I second that–make that 1188th the thanks for the fun romp through Scotland!
Love the England cottage cup! Just what I have been wanting, how did you know? I especially love Gertrude Jekylle’s quote about beauty. I went to write it down in my little book of wonderful verse, when I saw that I had noted it not once but twice before. Clearly, it is true 🙂
Enjoy your January thaw, because you know what lies ahead? Likely, more winter!
Blessings dear girl,
Thanks for the trip to Scotland! 😊
Scotland looks like a grand place to visit. Another bucket list entry it must be for me. I ticked the first one off, though, last August when I made my first pleasure trip overseas to Ireland, original home of my dear departed PaPa, my dad’s dad. You will love it, I know! I’m already plotting my next visit there. Stock up on sterling silver jewelry. Macken jewelers – beautiful Claddagh rings!
Your blog posts are always such a treat! When one shows up in my email box I save it for a time when I can sit, relax, and savor it slowly. Such a delight for the eye!
And I should have added ” …and refreshment for the soul”!
😘
So beautiful, so charming, so delightful…..thank you for sharing this Scottish experience with all of us. You are such a great tour guide! I am so thankful I asked for A Fine Romance two years ago for Christmas before I even knew who you were. What wonderful world you have opened for me!
I am SO excited about writing this new book . . . I know even MORE about where I want to take us than I did before, places I’ve never been.
Scotland is gorgeous
Thanks
Lovely, Beautiful Scotland! Home of my ancestors. The Highlands and Lowlands are all beautiful. Thank you Susan for sharing the castle pics. Looks like it was a great stay. Would love to have a wee bit of tea in that beautiful tea cup!
Thank you for the beautiful pictures of Scotland.
I really like the window with the cup Parmesan at the top of the Willard! Scotland is on my bucket list. We will go to England first to look up Arnie’s genealogy, someday.
Still snowy here.
Warm hugs,
Margot
Something wired is going on. Oh well.
Oh I didn’t write Parmesan nor wired. I think the computer is acting weird! AND for the first time ever your blog post went into the junk box.
I will check things on my end. Sooo embarrassing!
I figured them both out, and knew auto correct had taken over!
Dear Susan,
Another thoroughly lovely post. Makes me happy! Oh to stay in a castle and pretend all sorts of wonderful things. Such fun! Spring is in the air here on the Canadian west coast. My chives are peeking through! Stay safe and warm. Big hugs to you and Joe.
What a magical trip! Can’t wait to read along with your next journey, send my love to Ireland!
……Who could ask for anything more!
I will have to visit the U.K. I did 23andme.com, and I am a teeny bit British/Irish. That wee bit is calling me “home”. Thank you for your beautiful blog!
I’m waiting for my DNA labs to come in …. eeeeeek!!!
Let us know how it comes out! Ok?
My father had always told us we were German. My dna came back as only 2% identifiable as German/French. Ha! We are more Balkan than German! More Eastern European than German! And a smidgeon Yakut. I know!
I know! Yakut!
Without that Yakut family, however long ago it was, I would not be here. How so very amazing!
It is amazing. Joe’s came back yesterday, he’s 99% British and European. That about does it!
Susan – I just love “traveling” with you – that is how it feels to me as I read your blog and look at all the beautiful pictures of Scotland! It was a wonderful “escape” from the cold, snowy weather we’re having. Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Susan for a fun look at Scotland!! Love your blog, books, and beautiful cups. Can’t wait to read about your newest adventure! You always make us feel as if we are there too!!😊
The castle was more warm and cosy than it appears from the outside!
It made me think of the BBC TV series, “Monarch of the Glen”!
Love your blog !! ~~ Got most of the books and have really enjoyed them. Now you’ve inspired me to collect B.P. figurines from England and my collection is growing ! They are so adorable ! B.P. has inspired me forever and I’ve started a fine collection of books about her life. A tour of the Lake District is on my bucket list ! Bet you can’t wait to go back to merry old England !!
Can’t wait!!!
What an adventure you had and will have on all your travels!! Thank you for taking us along! I can’t wait to be a part of all the journey! 🚢☘️☀️
Dear Susan, Such a treat, I got to read Willard and then your wonderful blog. Oh Happy Day! One wod have been great, but two. Lately I have been trying to enjoy every moment in my life and to be grateful for all my many blessings. We will be going on a trip to Ireland too, late in April so I am very anxious to hear about your trip there and see your photos. It will be our first time there too. I am still hoping that you and Joe will come to Minneapolis. We would
MMinnesota love to host you in our lakeside home if you ever come our way. Well bye for now, take care. With love from your girlfriend in
Now I want to go to Scotland!Until I do, I’ll go through you.
So thank you Susan
Scotland – what a magical place! Thank you, Susan, for taking pictures that show details of the landscape, the architecture, the furniture, the lamps! And your story telling just takes me away! I may never have the chance to travel to such interesting, romantic, foreign lands, but your blog takes me there, which fills my soul with such joy!
Thank you for this lovely “trip” to Scotland! I could feel the tension leaving my body and my blood pressure lowering as I enjoyed each delightful picture and description. Thank you, dear Lady!
Thank you for sharing your lovely experience in Scotland. The castle is definitely one to file away for that “someday” trip to Scotland.
Hi susan i am a longtime fan of yours.i would love to win anything from you.
Love this post! Scotland is on my bucket list!
Oh, yes, add my name to the drawings!!
Spring will come…I saw my first snowdrops blooming this week.
I am so glad I just looked at the photos last night and saved the reading for tonight… two nights of adventure and fairy tale … Thank you so much… I thought my traveling abroad days were over, I now have plans to renew my passport and make another trip across the pond… Scotland awaits!
Your cups are all so beautiful! I may never get to Scotland or England, but because you have invited all of us girlfriends along on your trips, I feel like I have been there and I’m looking forward to this trip too! I will print out my name tag and use it as a bookmark as I reread A Fine Romance and drink hot chocolate out of my bluebird cup. Some of life’s little pleasures and treasures.
I think that was such a lovely trip—and I loved the story of Victoria and Albert
The world and the centuries seem to come closer together with the advent of travel opportunities and books and one can truly visit all of the places that you have been to, through your pictures and words
Just lovely
I thing that’s true! History is coming alive.
Thank you for the lovely post about another place to dream about going to someday.
Dear Sue
Loved your post… can’t wait for your trip, wish I was going. but not this time. I loved the castle, but don’t think I could manage carrying my suitcase up all the stairs. I hope I win the Falling in love mug and the signed book.
Love Sue
Loved travelling with you to Scotland – a druid’s well! What a treat!
Stravithie Castle looks so amazing and in such a beautiful country. I also loved the pictures with snow in Willard. Thank you for sharing such beautiful places.
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful trip to Scotland with us .
You have inriched my life Susan and I’m grateful for finding you .
😘
My husband and we’re lucky to take the Royal Scotsman last October. It was amazing to see the beautiful Scotland by train.
I’ll see you at Bea-Stock in May. So looking forward in staying at Ryebeck. Staying in the English country side is on my bucket list. When I get your last Willard I’ll print out my name tag. When do you leave? You going to Ireland first? Go to Galway, my father was born there. Can’t wait for May!!!
Staying in Galway! 3 weeks! Ship leaves March 9th. See you there Alison! xoxo
Thanks so much for the Scotland tour, brought back wonderful memories of a trip my husband and I took a few years ago. Your blog is always a bright spot in my day! Love, love, love your wonderful mugs!!! Just got a call from my girlfriend and she was thanking me for the Girlfriend mug I had sent to her. We will be having long distance tea, over the phone, in our Girlfriend mugs! Yes, nothing could be better!!
Beautiful pictures of your time with friends in Scotland. The castle stay was very intriguing to see. Lovely lovely home. I was also amazed by the well on the rock. I have never heard of a Druid’s well.
I’m looking forward to your upcoming trip since it feels like I’m there with you.
Thanks.
Thanks for sharing your travels…. Constant Comment and your mugs …. a perfect match ( one of my favorites)
Susan, It’s so fun to go armchair traveling with you. What a delightful adventure you had in Scotland- a castle?! And so wonderfully furnished- the antiques, the flowered chintz fabric, the old lamps… I love that you take so many detailed pictures; it’s almost as good as being there. You let us share in the beauty that you surround yourself with and appreciate so well ( just as Gertrude Jekyll said!) Not only do I wait with anticipation for your stories, artwork & lettering but for your many heartfelt quotes. Do you have a specific source where you find them?
Mostly books! I’ve collected quote books for a long time . . . and when I read words that resonate in novels and biographies, I copy them down in a notebook. All the most brilliant things have been said by people who knew what they were talking about. I call quote books “distilled genius.” That’s what they are to me.