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 stravithie@yahoo.co.uk 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! 
Susan,
I just love your blog and I love Jack! I print your blog out for my Mom to read and she has cut out several pictures of Jack and put them on our refrigerator!! So cute.
After a cozy little afternoon nap, (feeling like Jack, except I curled up on my bed, not in a drawer, but he does look cozy!) I checked my email and found happy mail! Enjoyed reading Willard and hopped over to your blog to continue the enjoyment!! 🙂
I am finding Victoria so amazing. Can’t wait for Sunday. Love you new cups.
To adventures……
I cannot wait to hear about your adventures in the British Isles! Happy sailing to you both!
Love the Willard. So much fun. Like knowing about what is going on first hand on the other side of the continent. Thank you for your example of how to be a friend. Being present in every moment you are graced with. God Bless
Would love to steal away in one of your suitcases come March 9th! But I will settle for the next best thing…seeing your posts and pics! Hope you have a safe and very enjoyable trip.
Thank your for taking us along on your wonderful travels!!! I always
Enjoy reading you stories and seeing your beautiful photos! It’s
Almost like I am there!!!
Kris from Maine 🌲
I’m so excited for your upcoming trip!! It’s almost as good as getting to go myself! Don’t forget to put your sea bands on *before* you feel sick!
I love the English Countryside cup so much… I’ll just quietly keep my fingers crossed out here in California until you announce the winner.
And this is random, but have you listened to the Vivien Leigh recordings of Beatrix Potter stories? They are dreamy! My 5 year old daughter and I especially love The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy Winkle. We listen to it when we need to calm down and constantly sing about a “real hot strong cup of tea.” If you haven’t heard them before, you can find them on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon music, and YouTube! They are certainly right up your alley. 🙂
I have! They’re adorable Jasmine!
Sure do love those mugs!!!!!!
Hi Susan,
I just finished reading the latest Williard and I really enjoyed it! And I’m so excited to follow along with you on your next trip! I would just love to win something from you, but especially the Spring mug! Fingers crossed 🤞
Have a wonderful trip! 💕
Thanks for sharing your adventures! Hubs and I saw Willard based upon your recommendation. We were the youngest in there but enjoyed it so much. How I wished for subtitles though! Mumbling plus accents!!
Oh Susan, what a glorious place. I can see how you would be in seventh heaven there. I would have taken pictures of every single thing, too! Biggest sighs with every paragraph!
Oh, Victoria! Big sigh there, too. What would I do without Brit telly and the royals?
Love getting the Willard as I sit in my Victorian mansion in Springfield, MA that cost a song because of location, location, location…but is my dear home. Next to my desk is a silken, sad, uncertain, rustling purple curtain and my own cat comes to cuddle with me as I sip my coffee. Always a treat! Thank you for your art!
Love the new cups!!!
Dearest, What a lovely tale you have shared with us. I received my copy of Willard today and oh my…it was lovely! Oh, to live by the sea!! I cannot wait until your next trip across the big waters. I sit on pins and needles waiting for your posts when you are gone. The adventures you’ll have to share with us…I can only hope and pray, you and your beloved, have safe sails and the very best of adventures!!! I also wanted to thank you for the lovely bookmark (s). Pamm
Thank you right back Pamm!
Oh Susan how intriguing and absolutely splendid! What a lovely little travel we just had! I must say the most important thing to do when traveling is take a walk. Scotland seems like home to me in a mysterious way, I don’t know exactly why but I am part Scottish, English and Irish. Or it could be watching all the beautiful series on TV and your wonderful sharing! Thanks so much, wish we could go this year to your picnic but perhaps in the not so far off future! Enjoy your wonderful painting, Love, Wendy Louise oxox
Would love it Wendy Louise!
Delightful!
Yeah! Willard is on the way. Will look for it on my email. Would love to go to Scotland, especially after reading all the Outlander books. One of these days. Thanks Susan, you are truly blessed to bring such joy to all your readers.
Sharon.
How wonderful to stay in a real castle! I hope I get to go there someday too. But for now, Thank You for taking me along.
And your footsteps will always fall here,among England’s greenest hills. In your
case Scotland-just lovely.
Susan, I LOVE reading your posts! Love travelling with you, too!!
So, so gorgeous! What a delight that stay must have been! (Understatement!)
Have an amazing weekend!
Val, in Maine
Dear Susan, Loved our travels with you to Scotland & Stravithie Castle. I’m looking forward to traveling to Ireland, Wales, & England with you & Joe soon. I love your videos of driving through the countryside, so I hope you remember to take lots of videos for us girlfriends who love driving those narrow roads with you!!!
I, too, cried & cried over Victoria’s loss of her beloved Dash. We have a beautiful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Buttercup, & she’s the light of our lives. Unfortunately, Queen Victoria seemed a little more attached to her dog than to her children in the last episode. So, I hope motherhood becomes more of a passion in upcoming episodes. But, that new puppy is adorable!!!
I don’t think Victoria ever quite got used to having children. She had a lot of wonderful qualities, but I don’t think mothering was one of them. Albert was more the mother than the Queen was. Happy that someone was!
Your cups are beautiful, Thank you for sharing your talents and thoughts with friends. We love you, Susan,
Susan,
Any chance you will create an Ireland mug after your adventures?
I am going there for my first visit this July with a girl friend. So excited!
I tried to locate my post from a few days ago but no luck. anyone know if you can search for a particular comment on a blog?
Anyway, I too delight in watching Victoria ( & The Crown; A Place Like Home -so many great Brit/Aussie shows) and reading your entertaining postings. Your writings have compelled me to unearth the memorabilia saved from 9.5 yrs living abroad early in my past marriage and review those trips to Britain and other European sites that I have not thought about in 30+ years.
My trip to Ireland will be my first travel since becoming single and it will be nice to make new memories to a place I’d never been to.
Wish I could join you in May but I’ll enjoy your epistle describing all the fun and antics just the same.
Have a wonderful time Sue!! We’ll compare notes in the fall!
I enjoyed the surprise of a post about Scotland so much! Life plan: get daughter through college. Put aside a bit for daughter’s wedding (no pressure). Wave daughter and new SIL off after their reception, go back to coat room, grab suitcase I’ve packed, and head to the airport for Scotland! I may be overthinking this. But I’ll get there someday! Happy travels, Susan & Joe! [I love that you went for a walk in the woods :).]
I think you’ve got a perfect plan! That’s the PERFECT way to celebrate your success as a parent!! Where and when were you on Lambert’s Cove?
1978-1982. I worked at what was then the Martha’s Vineyard National Bank in Vineyard Haven, back when it had a tile roof :). “Isle of Dreams” isn’t an overstatement at all. Your books bring back so many wonderful memories – even of shopping at the Laura Ashley shop on Newbury Street! But walks to the beach, getting (eventually) to know people in town, the Black Dog, the Scottish Bakehouse…that all says “home” to me after all these years and even though I live in New Mexico now. Maybe I’ll have to make a stop on the Vineyard on the way to Scotland.
P.S. I second the suggestion of one of the other Girlfriends for a book about Scotland!
And I got here in 1982, passing ships.
I came back for vacations through the ’80s and ’90s when I worked in Boston. I can imagine you sitting with your book at The Black Dog when Joe came over to talk! When I picked up your books I didn’t realize how nostalgic they’d make me. As Frank said, thanks for the memories.
You are so welcome. It was a wonderful time for the Island.
Oh, Susan! I loved this post! I am so excited as my daughter and I are going on the Fine Romance tour in May with Mandy and Betsy! I can’t wait to see all the beautiful sights around Beatrix Potter’s beloved Lake District. We are so looking forward to meeting you and Joe at the Castle Cottage picnic! In anticipation, we’ve already received your commemorative tea cups in the mail and mine has usurped my very favorite cup. We’ll be spending several days before the tour in Edinburgh so I’m glad to hear that you loved visiting there! Can’t wait until May!
I’m so happy Amy . . . you are going to love it. Your eyes will be filled with green everyday! You won’t believe Edinburgh ~ it’s a work of art. GO TO RAGAMUFFIN, it’s right on the Royal Mile, you can’t miss it, and it has the cutest clothes in the world, and no online presence! The only way to enjoy that store is if you actually GO there. So try not to miss it. I would say two hours in there for the both of you! See you in May!
Oh, boy! Thanks for the great tip, Susan! Ragamuffin has been added to the top of the list of my “Places to See and Do” while we are in Edinburgh. I’ve been reading all the books you’ve recommended about Beatrix Potter and getting more and more excited by the day! I’m looking forward to seeing all the sweet baby lambs and the sheepdogs in action too!
Oh yes, you will need two glorious hours there. It’s so different than anything I’ve ever seen! See you soon!
We have two kitties, and like Jack, are both black and white. They bring so much joy into our lives. AND
With your exceptional talent you give us all so much pleasure. I know you bring to life the simple everyday occurrences and make them into something wonderful, special and inspiring for me and many others. So many times I do not take advantage of all the natural beauty around me; and you make me want to do that in everything I do and see. So thank you for all the inspiration in allowing me to take the time to see and appreciate all that I have right in front of me everyday. Truly the simple things in life are the best and free for the taking.
Perfect, Carol!
Hi Susan, I read your WONderful Willard today!
Please note that on your list of the stores that carry your cups, the area code for The Apple Farm needs to be changed to 800 (it’s 800-255-2040)
I bet I accidentally changed it! But I let Kellee know too, thank you Julie!
Oooh armchair travels…Scotland is SO on my bucket list! I can’t wait until I find my own castle to discover. But until then, how lucky are we all to have you to show us what we’re missing?!? Thanks for being lovely Susan!
I, too, am off for Scotland and Ireland,in mid May…..I am so looking forward to your writings, your musings, on your trip….thank you for sharing ALL of it….maybe this time you’ll spend more time at Raggamuffins in Edinburgh!
love, peace to you….
Thank you for another wonderful post!The countryside looks so beautiful…..now on to my Willard I go….Take care, Susan!! 🙂 🙂
Sorry I commented on the previous post about willard, you’ll have to read my comments there.
I love living your travel adventures vicariously through your blog and books. I am looking forward to your next trip and will be sure to follow along. Safe travels!
Hi Susan,
Always enjoy Willard, so interesting. Thanks for always sharing!
Good afternoon Susan,
Willard arrived today, right on time mind you….I was feeling a wee bit down and it perked my spirits right up. Thank you so much for all you do, safe journey to Wales and Scotland, wave hello to my ancestors !
What a beautiful, fun blog! You inspire me to dream and plan for future adventures with my husband of 35 years 🙂 Thank you for sharing your love of travel and adventures with us!
Loved the post and as always seeing pics of Jack, soooooo cute. Glad to see you are visiting us again and would love to make it to the picnic, doing my best to be there 🙂
You gave me a wonderful gift, reliving my visit to Scotland 5 years ago. I WILL go back, someday, and see everything I couldn’t. So nice to travel with you, you take photos of the same sorts of things I do.
I hope you have tons of fun with all the planning leading up to what sounds like a marvelous time together on the boat and in the wonderful lands across the sea. Bless!
“Life isn’t long enough to do all you could accomplish. And what a privilege even to be alive. In spite of all the pollutions and horrors, how beautiful this world is. Supposing you only saw the stars once every year. Think what you would think. The wonder of it!”
— Tasha Tudor
Susan-Thank you for sharing your wonder of the world.
We are very blessed. We should never take it for granted!
Who knew? Unicorns in Scotland!
Another reason to visit.
What a wonderful trip! I felt like I was right behind you, exploring and discovering and exclaiming over the beauty. The cups are all beautiful, it would be so hard to choose just one. I printed the bookmark for my mom and know that she is going to love it.
Who wouldn’t want to travel to a land of fairies and druids and unicorns?
Thanks for the armchair trip.
Have a wonderful picnic. Wish I could be there! 🌿🌺🍃
Today I received a most wonderful book: “Britain & Ireland, A Visual Tour of the Enchanted Isles” author Robin Currie, by National Geographic. I got a flyer about the book several years ago but didn’t send the card back, and found it recently while going through some old files. It looked so interesting, so I went onto Amazon … it was only available through third-party sellers, and I found one that looked good and reasonably priced.
What a fantastic book! It has separate sections for Britain, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The photos are amazing, and it tells of history, sites to visit, and events in the area. I’ve only leafed through the book but plan to go back and read every word. I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in that area of the world.
Also received my Willard today — thanks, Susan! I always love the photos of Sweet Jack and I know he will miss you and Joe when you are traveling. I’m very excited to see the photos and learn of your adventures on your trip! And, of course, we all want a book recounting the trip, please!
Travel safe …
Thank you Barbara, the book sounds wonderful! Good old National Geographic!
Reading your blog and viewing the photos of Joe in an ancient forest in Scotland reminded me of the movie Brigadoon. I’m wondering if your Joe would play the part of Gene Kelly or Van Johnson. Any preference?
Thank you for sharing your life experiences and gifts with us.
Just as long as someone sings Waitin’ for my dearie!
Oh happy days if I won the prize. Vanna how about picking an Irish ☘️ lassie. Susan just want to tell you what my late Mum used to say about Snowdrops “ such brave little souls “ because they battle the elements and survive. Mum used to say if they can we can too.
Your Mom was a very wise woman! xoxo
Good-bye! Wishing you a wonderful time! We’ll be waiting to hear all about it!
We leave home March 4, thank goodness ~ another month to get ourselves ready!
I so look forward to reading the Willard and the blog posts. Thank you so much for all the beautiful pictures and moments.
Thanks for taking us on your travels and sharing all your photos with us.
So much fun!
Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️☕️Received my new cup recently – and ready for a virtual
Tea party 👒📚thank you for your wonderful blog and books and art and inspiration 👩🎨
Ah Susan. You brightened up my winter’s day. As usual. Love your art. And your photos. I do love Scotland. Oh, and I just got my new winter cup. Hooray! Love love love it. Thank you!
Babysitting my grandchildren and they have settled down, so I can enjoy your blog and Willard. I love getting to travel with you in my mind. Wishing you lot’s of peace, joy and love in this new year.
Such beautiful, magical pictures! I just read “Willard”, and I loved what you said about the history in “The Crown”. I found it fascinating to see the whole stories of the tiny bits that I remember from when I was young. I can’t wait for the next season!
Yes, I was surprised to learn I’d been paying any sort of attention back then!
Thank you for a delightful blog post and wonderful Willard. And you are going to the British Isles for four months! I’m so looking forward to reading about your adventures.
We are! Longest trip ever ~ almost scary if we weren’t so excited!
It must be sheep day! Sheep on Willard and your blog. My son saw Shaun the Sheep at school today. And Puppy Dog Pals were herding sheep on TV. I must ask, though, no mention of the upcoming Peter Rabbit movie? We are going to see Paddington 2 this weekend! We have been reading the books to our 6 and a half year old son. Such fun. Thanks for your inspiration!
Lots of controversy about the Peter Rabbit movie. Have you read the comments under the trailer? Not very nice. Same things people were saying on Twitter ~ from what I read, people are protective of Beatrix Potter … I’m going to be interested to see how it’s received. Six and a half, how fun he must be to read too! xoxo
Love this post always a joy to read and recover from the flu!
Thank you, JoAnn.
Glad your back on your way up JoAnn!
Love the post. Just like being there. Thanks for taking us along in all you do!
Your seasonal cups are so pretty. Looking forward to reading about your trip to the UK and Ireland. Would love to attend the picnic…
It is always such a magical journey to read your blog! You’ve long inspired me to travel to Cotswold and this great dream will be realized in a “chick trip” next May. It’s castles and quaint lodging for us. I’ll look for traces of your water colored sparkle when I’m there.
Thank you for the travelogue. That’s the only way I’ll see the sites in Scotland! And I loved it!
Susan thanks for bringing a brightness to my life. I look forward to the Willard,and love ❤️ your blog. I look forward to seeing the travel reports. Happy times ahead for you!
My son and I had the most fantastic visit to Edinburgh many years ago. Would love to take another trip to Scotland.
Hi Susan!,
Your post gets me in the mood for spring! Looking forward to your newest cross stitch kit!
Willard is waiting for me! Can’t wait!
This blog entry was lovely! Thank you for taking me along on each of your adventures and your quiet cozy moments too. The pictures and narrative always make me feel like I am there too.
The new cup is lovely—so sweet! I’m looking forward to following you on your next adventure. I know it will be wonderful!
Thank you Susan for always taking us with you on your adventures. Wishing you a wonderful journey to Ireland and Wales!
Wow ! What an adventure you all had. Thank you for sharing.
Such a lovely post…I truly enjoyed it! I can’t believe how beautiful it is there. Thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to read Willard! 🙂
Thank you for the joy you bring to the world!!! I so love visiting with you, and, of course, Jack. So, so good to be a cat servant, isn’t it?
So glad you’re going back to England so we can all go with you! My dear Mother, knowing my love of Jane Austen, worked a puzzle with Jane’s book titles/covers and put it in a frame for me, by herself!, for Christmas. I might never have visited Jane’s home if it weren’t for you!!! Thank you for living our dreams.
What a sweet thing for her to do!
Thank you for the update and peek into your upcoming travels. Your new cups are beautiful but as a crossstitcher I can hardly wait for the new kit! Thank you the opportunity to win one!
Love the Willard & the blog. Thanks for a lovely afternoon. Enjoyed spending time with you.
Have a great trip. I can hardly wait to enjoy it with you and your pen & brushes. Hope I win the cup! They are so pretty.
~Susan~
How exciting leaving March 4th !! my birthday is March 5th so eat something very yummy on your ship for me !! I wish you were stopping in Indiana instead of Charleston , hehe. I look forward to seeing and reading about all your travels coming up ! You will be gone a long time from Jack awwwe .
All the new mugs are lovely !!
My dear friend surprised me with your cookbook , what a thrill ! Girlfriends are the best !
Thank you for having such a wonderful give away , !
Take Care, hugs
Paula
Looooong boat ride to Indiana!!! xoxo
hehehe indeed it would be long, and by lakes and rivers !
And likely a shorter boat!
I love traveling with you and Joe. It’s such a relaxing way to sightsee. 🙂 Thanks for taking me along with you!
And I’d like to second Elizabeth’s suggestion to consider adding bigger mugs to your repertoire. I like to make a *big* mug of tea and keep it on my mug warmer while I work.
Awesome castle!
Happy 2018! I’m dreaming of a certain Scottish castle and that gorgeous hutch! What a lovely place. Thank you for sharing your stay in Bonnie Scotland. Me thinks I might take a gander at “Crown”…need to see if hubby would like it too. All the best on your trip to Wales and Ireland. Can’t wait to see what it’s like in both places. Are you and Joe going to kiss the Blarney Stone?
Have a lovely trip
Love your blog! It takes me away to places I would love to visit! Keep up the good work.
I just got my copy of Willard and enjoyed it as much as ever! But I really love that you got a palette box of Schmincke watercolors. My luvlee hubby gave me a set for my birthday, which was three days after Christmas, for which he gave me a set of travel brushes! Opening each little half pan is like opening a present. I’ve painted all my color swatches and am ready to get outside and sketch with my new kit. I can’t wait to see what you create on your travels with your beautiful colors. I’ve never used Schmincke before either, but I think I will love painting with them. I hope you do as well!
Just painting the color swatches was a joy, I think I’m going to be very spoiled!
Wow! I was transported in time! Such a great virtual trip while it’s cold here in New England. Perfect with my cup of tea! Thanks!
Thank you so much for your view of England and life in general.. love reading your adventures.. even down here in sunny Australia!
What a lovely castle you stayed in. Have a wonderful time on your magical trip. When in Ireland, I hope you plan to visit Galway, Killarney and Kinsale. Lovely quaint towns you will fall in love with. Those were my favorite town when we visited several years ago.
I love reading your adventures, but your positive, beauty-finding attitude is the absolute best!
Dear Susan,
Thanks for designing a smaller cup! I am drinking tea from my new winter cup for the first time while reading this post… and it is so pretty and the perfect size. I love it so much!
It was well worth waiting for.
You’re welcome . . . doing all four seasons in that size!
hi susan
please enter my name in the drawing!
I would love to be entered in the giveaway!
What a beautiful place…I am enchanted. I sense the fairies near as you make your way through that magical woodland. Thank you Susan for sharing.
The castle sounds absolutely magical!!
Your tea cups and art work are so lovely!!
Oh my…Scotland, how I love thee! My Grandmother was a Caithness Sinclair. Her ancesters are buried at Holyrood Palace. I actually got to see their marked grave stones in 2014 in the floor of the abbey ruins next to the Palace. The whole trip was a pinch me moment. All Scots were to come home in 2014. I just turned up there in 2014 without even knowing! …”The footsteps of a rightous man are ordered by the Lord”. I set out for London (bucket list) and on a whim we flew over to Scotland for several days. I could spend a month just in the Highlands. Edinburgh was awesome! We had tickets for the Military Tattoo. What a show! Well enough about me…”somebody stop me” as my husband says when he’s on a roll, ha, ha. Really enjoyed this Blog. LOVED the castle hotel. Love the English cup-very pretty. You know, we’re all going to want a Fourth of July mug, uh huh. And a tid bit tray to go with it to hold our brownie. Now my best to all-especially that cuddle-bug, Jack.
I’m so excited. I might get to be in Charleston, SC when you are!
But I do hope you will come to Sugar Island Bakery as soon as you can. Surf City really is much more my back yard and you would love meeting Sam and her precious family!
Hello Susan, I really enjoyed your newsy post and Willard! 🤗💕
Really enjoyed your visit to Scotland. I was born in Cumbria, near the Lake District, but have lived in Canada for years.
Green and Spring are two of my favorite things!
Just read your Willard, I am getting very excited about your trip and love all the newest cups. I’m so glad you are taking us along on your next trip to England, Wales and Ireland. I just love traveling with you and Joe. What a wonderful spring we will all have together this year.
One slowly unfolding day at a time! xoxo
I’d love to win your beautiful book and cup💜
This looks so lovely. Would love to do something like a this-a long walk in the English/Scotish countryside. All the way from Canada…