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! 
Once again, thank you for sharing your adventures. I could almost hear you all laughing, oo-ing and ahh-ing while discovering each room in the castle. Fun! Thank you also for sharing your goodies through contests. Sweet. I love the rainy window picture. Raining here in coastal Carolina today too. Rosebud is snuggled on my lap, as usual, to keep us both warm. I have already pre-order the Mothers Day mug. I love them all. You are a ray of sunshine every day with your blog,
Thank you Peggy, love traveling this world with you! xoxo
I add my ‘thank you’ to this growing list of people who love what you do! Your photo diary of the castle was delightful, you find beauty and wonder wherever you take us.
‘Victoria’ was sad, and thought provoking, beautifully produced. My especial favorite was the music. Albert’s singing was perfect! It was good balance for the sorrows, as music often is. Lovely that they shared that with so many viewers.
Those who share beauty (like YOU) are above riches.
Thank you, Jeanne of Iowa
Oh Jeanne, you are so kind. Thank you. And yes, Albert sings beautifully!
Lovely post! Loved the Druid’s well and Jack, of course.
This was a lovely report! What a great castle! I love the Jack pictures, too. 🙂
Was in Scotland several years ago and will be returning this summer after a friend’s daughter is married in London. Soooo looking forward to being there again.
I know exactly how you feel!
Feeling a little down right now as I’m undergoing chemo and your uplifting and enchanting post was a soothing pick-me-up. My vote for the water hole is that it is for the fairies.
I’m sure Susan, but you are DOING it, getting through it, and there is a light at the end of this long tunnel. Blessings to you and yours, I’m so glad you’re here. xoxo
Susan, I’m so sorry to hear that you are experiencing this nasty pause to your normal everyday life. I know that it can be overwhelming, daunting, frightening. Positive energy, prayers and love are being sent your way! May the fairies sprinkle their Pixie dust on you to keep you flying high! (Where’s Tink! when we need her?) ✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫ Stay happy ✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`* Stay strong ✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`* Get well ✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.
You have my very best wishes and hope that your days are brighter and healthier than ever very soon.
♥Deb♥
Thank you so much for your kindness.
Scotland adventure ….so lovely. Thank you, as always, for sharing.
Scotland! Home of my ancestors! Thanks for the lovely tour!
Oh, thank you so much for the mini trip to Scotland. Was it warm inside the castle; how do they heat such a place?
It was fall, and yes, comfortably warm. I’m not sure, probably it’s zonal. So many rooms in that place!
scotland looks wonderful and cold! love your imagination 🙂
have a great time on your next trip.
patti
Be still my heart! Fabulous post! You have a way of peeling back layers of life and revealing something wonderful, magical and new. I have to research druid wells, castles in Scotland, and so much more. Thank you, dear Susan. You always put a pep in my step! (Can’t wait for another SB travel book!) XXO
Loved your post Susan, I always love your posts!!! Thank you for all you do!
LOVE the set table with its blue/white/yellow theme, my favorite color combo—sunny day eh!? I bawled at last night’s Victoria. I could hardly contain myself, I wanted to jump into the scene and hug Lord M since she wasn’t going to do it. Photos of Scotland are wonderful. I follow a wonderful blog by an amazing woman named Kate Davies. She has an awe inspiring story and is a brilliant knit designer and as a knitter, I aspire to her perfection…won’t happen, but I perseve nonetheless. 😉 She lives near the West Highland Way, I would love to go there!
Have you watched the series “Laird of the Manor? Reading about the castle and your visit there made me remember how much I enjoyed it and the fantastic Scottish scenery. I Do enjoy reading about your trips and all the photos. Thank you for sharing not only the trips but your day to day life.
Thank you for introducing us to the Fife coast and Scottish castles. I also appreciate your enthusiasm for Edinburgh and York. Love York, have not yet spent time in Edinburgh.
Dear Friend,
My mother taught us all about the fairies at the bottom of the garden so it is completely within reason to believe that there exists a Scottish castle with it’s own restorative pools for their vacation adventure and relaxation. Imagine their joyful little faces when they hear the words “Scottish Bacon and Sweet Rolls” upon their arrival! It is a tender heart that can discover and conceive of such a magical world. Cheers to two of my favorite ladies today! May you always find the words carved with love along your path to carry you along on rainy days!
Love to you,
Deborah
You made my day it is pouring rain here in New Hampshire to see lovely Scotland was a joy to my heart hope your trip there is wonderful have a wonderful day to you and Joe love Christina
P.S. to Pat whose son is with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Dept……thought about you/him in the night. Unfortunately the Fire Dept gets all the credit & recognition….signs thanking them, invites to Rob Lowe’s for dinner, smoozing with Oprah, & Ellen…..While it’s your Son who is the foundation of all the actions.
They’re right there holding it all together along with the peace – seeing all the things don’t even want to imagine – always accountable even after all the glamor has faded. Today they are escorting certain people back into the area for 10 – 15 minutes if the home is safe – to get medication and necessary paper, etc.
All day long they have to enforce the laws (even if they don’t necessarily agree with it),deal with again with long days of raw emotion and grief of people, and frustration! Many of these people have been out of there homes since first of Dec.
On the news, law enforcement people had tears in their eyes reporting as they knew many of the people lost and saw horrible – unspeakable things we don’t even want to imagine…..
So, Pat, please send him my love, gratitude, acknowledgment for a job well done and how much I many others who don’t realize appreciate him for saving us and our community.
YOU RAISED HIM WELL, PAT! ((((HUG))) XOXO
include my thanks for a job well done and big hug from a girlfriend here. they get all the bad side of the news, yet they go out there everyday and put themselves in harm’s way each and every day for us. we owe them day of thanks and celebration as well. (((( HUGS )))) Pat to your son and all law enforcement officers… job well done guys and thank you.
The best days are spent reading all things Susan Branch. Last week I was at the Apple Farm visiting with my friend ( and yours) Rachel. She told me all about your visit there ( which sadly I could not attend). We talked about your books and she was surprised ( shocked) I had not read Fairy Tale Girl. I told her that sadly I had lost my ability to stay focussed reading books, but promised I would try once again. So…..I bought the book and have not been able to put it down!!! The first night I read 80 pages, and now only allow ten pages per day. Like a great box of chocolates, I must not consume all in one sitting!!!! You are magical Susan and a gift to all of us!!!
My list of places to visit just keeps growing thanks to your posts! The castle house in Scotland will be a must for one of our future trips. Can’t wait for your next book on your travels to the UK. I’ll be with you in spirit at the picnic in May.
Perfect timing for a blog post and Willard. Gray outside, yesterday rainy….yes rainy in Wisconsin in January, now icey with a dusting of snow. Perfect cozy inside weather.
Love it all!!
Thanks for taking us along on your adventures. The places you are visiting are on my bucket list! Have a great trip full of adventure to share.
As always, a delightful ‘getaway’ in the midst of Winter. We loved Scotland, but visited in 1973, so memories are a bit foggy. Thank you for clearing the cobwebs.
I hope that you love Ireland as much as I did. We went for the first time, last May. The people, pubs, and land were truly magical. So many places that I do not want you to miss. But, really, where ever you go, I think you will be delighted.
ps. I printed out your 2018 Moon bookmark, and found a quick and easy way to laminate it. Just use 3M packing tape. It is exactly the right size, and probably available in everyone’s home. Happy, Happy! also love the new mugs coming.
GREAT IDEA!
Your descriptions of the places you visit make me feel as if I am there too. Thank you so much for taking me away (if only for a little while)!
I always enjoy reading about your adventures! Thanks for sharing!
England and Scotland are the birthplaces of my paternal grandparents. How I long to visit there. Would be a dream come true! Being a lucky winner of your giveaway would be a foretaste….thank you!
What a lovely post to read today. I am now dreaming of staying in that castle in Scotland.
The fact that we could do it gets you half way there, at least it’s not closed to the public!!!
Oh what an adventure!! A castle to stay in. I just adore the kitchen so simple and decorated with a fireplace and blue & white dish’s!!! A dream come true it would be for me!
It was for us too. Has never left me. xoxo
Thank you for the lovely tour of Scotland. Your writing just takes me away!
That episode of Victoria made me cry, too…
Delightful! Absolutely delightful…all of it…thank you Susan!
So fun to see off the beaten path Scotland! The new cups look lovely, thanks for the giving!
It is so much fun to follow you and Joe (and Jack!) on your adventures! Sitting down with a cup of tea and Willard and this lovely blog post was the perfect way to start my day.
I’m so glad that I read your post today, it is so dark & dreary here and reading about Scotland and seeing the lovely pictures has brightened my mood! I visited Scotland in 2005 and just loved it…and… Edinburgh is my favorite city ever! Th
Your posts bring so much joy! Thank you.
I want to go there! It is absolutely magical! My family toured Scotland back in the late 60’s and I will always remember going to the Highland Games and the announcer welcoming “the Craig family from America”. What a memory maker!
Sighing with delight over every detail of the castle. So many places to visit. So little time. It’s lovely seeing it all through your eyes. My daughter and her husband visited Scotland in September and were thoroughly enchanted. They went to the Isle of Mull – it sounds so romantic and Bonnie Prince Charlie-ish.
Thanks for sharing your travels and talents!
Dear Susan,
Your narratives and pictures always bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart.
Watching robins in the rain here in Southern New Jersey, finding worms in the lawn!
Take good care.
Fondly,
Debbie
P.S. Fly, Eagles, Fly!
Another great COZY post…thank you ! Did not watch Victoria yet…had company and we were busy chatting. Now it’s a cozy rainy day perfect for tea, scones, and time to watch the episode. Have never been to Scotland…but thanks to you it is now ” on my list!” Can’t wait for Willard !
O to be in Scotland! Thank you Susan!
Finding castles is a marvelous adventure! Thanks for sharing your joy with us!
Haven’t received Willard, I’m in the last group I believe, so lots to look forward to! I’ve already shown John the name tag-he just smiled, haha! I told him he and our friend Dave will love wearing it.
Kat, in our Happy Reading Book Club suggested that everyone plan their own picnic, wherever they are at at that moment, wear the name tag and post pictures on twitter! We all agreed it was a terrific idea. Everyone can come!
Can’t wait to order my new cups! Just received the latest 4 yesterday-yay!
Back to reality for now. See you in May! By the way, SOOOO excited Christie is coming. We talked for almost 2 hours the other day making her plans!
Love you and all the GF’s!
All so fun and connected! Love Kat’s idea! See you in May Sharon, it’s going to be wonderful, thrilled about Christie!
Love your blogs, your books, and now your mugs! I look forward to your next set of travel pictures and adventure tales. Thanks for all you do to make the world a brighter place 🙂
I was so happy to receive the Willard today and a new blog also! Red Letter day! I’m very excited about your trip and will so enjoy your postings about it. I’ve been to Ireland and just loved it there. I’ve also been to Scotland and loved it too! I hope we can go back, but until then, I will travel with you. I pre-ordered the new cups and I am just happy as can be! Thank you for all you do for us and for being such a bright spot in my world. All good things….
I love to see your trip! This was so magical!
I spent a few days in Scotland many years ago and SOOOOOO want to go back! Thanks for the virtual visits!
What a delightful post!!!…And what a special treat for you and yours to spend the night in that wonderful castle!!!…They really have time on their side – do they not? In the scheme of things the U.S.A. is not that old! Not complaining…just saying…
Loved hearing about Scotland!!!
Anything 😉
Thank you so much for taking us along on all of your wonderful adventures. The castle looks like a perfect place to stay. Thank you also for all of the beautiful products you create….I love the anticipation of waiting to see the design of the next cup or new item that you add to your store…it’s like unwrapping a gift on Christmas morning.
Oh my took a little break at work and escaped to Scotland…thanks to you I am able to travel to places I may not ever get too.
I so enjoyed all the lovely pictures of Scotland. One of my favorite places, wishing I could go back soon!
I realized I never finished reading your post this morning! I fell down a rabbit hole of druids and things and then. . . Well, thanks for the adventure! And thank you for the chance in your giveaway!
I love your giveaways! Even when I haven’t won yet, I can dream I will~ I have the perfect English Rose Garden tea for that cup!
Oh this is wonderful!! What a trip, what a castle, love how the table was set and the view and the flowery drapes—all so lovely!! Thank you for sharing and we all can’t wait for your next adventure so we can see it all through your eyes and lens. xx
A Willard and blog post on the same day! Double joy!!! You have a long trip planned. Don’t know if I would enjoy being away from home and my kitty so long! You’ll be heading to Charleston before you know it 🚢! It will be glorious!
You made my day taking us all on your trip to Scotland. My Mum was from Glasgow and my Dad from the lake district of England and my dream is to visit both places some day soon. Thank you for the great adventure and taking us along.
Love love love the blog post! Someday I’ll get to Scotland. I’ve been watching the crime drama “Shetland.” Did you get to visit there?
I can’t express how much I loved reading your books. Once I read ‘ A fine romance ‘ I was hooked. And Jack is amazing- I had a female tuxedo cat named ‘Bobbi’ ( we called her Bob)- she was the best!
Thank you, once again for the mental vacation! What a magical place! The nifty kitchen in the room was quite a surprise! Looking forward to the new Willard!
Enjoyed your Scotland travels via armchair! Am also loving the characters and drama on “Victoria”. Lots of snow in northern WI this time of the year – the green of Scotland is a lovely treat!
I have been to Scotland. We stayed in a hotel – don’t remember the name- with handmade furniture with mice carved into the wood. I hope someone played the bagpipes for you while you were there.
What fun you had that day, and what lovely giveaways! Love all you do. Thanks so much for all your generosity!!
I am excited for you about your upcoming trip, and I’m glad we can tag along! I just got my latest box of cups in the mail yesterday and they make me very happy. It’s not that I “need” any new cups, but they arrived and were just what I needed that day. Your posts are so bright and cheery and I appreciate them very much!!
P.S. I highly recommend seeing the first Paddington and now Paddington 2 (which is just out now at the movies). Adorable.
Another lovely blog to take me on new adventures! Castles and druids, how exciting!
Loved visiting Scotland with your post. My husband went to Scotland to play golf with his friends and also stayed in a castle when they made a second trip, to Ireland. Think I missed out!
Thank you once again for a interesting and delightful post! Your enthusiasm and love of life encourages all of us!
Thank you for this magical trip! It is hard to believe people still live in castles. You are so good to share all of this splendor with us!
Thank you for a lovely post. Reminded me of our trip in the same area 25 years ago. We visited Glames Castle & Scone Palace – both beautiful. Now I wish I had taken more pictures – of every detail, like you! Would love to win either give-away!
I love your blogs and your cross stitch!! Thank you so much!
Thanks so much for sharing your adventures.
What an unexpected, lovely trip to Scotland today as I ate my lunch! Thank you for the company! I would love to go myself but will be content to have you tell me about your trip. Looking forward to seeing the new mugs!
Hi Susan,
Imagine, a new Willard, a blog post and giveaways all on the same day! Thank you! In celebration of our 35th wedding anniversary, my husband and I will be traveling to Great Britain and Europe via the QM2 this summer. I have been referring to A Fine Romance and your past blogs as travel guides for planning our trip. Thanks to you, I fell in love with the Cotswolds and can’t wait to explore what it has to offer. What delightful and informative resources your books and blog posts offer. Once again, thank you friend!
Thank you Susan for showing some of your Scotland adventure! Your posts are always so inspiring! I love your blog and can not wait to get Williard!
Happy Tuesday!
love your posts!
Imagine being given an castle! So nice to share it with others. Thanks for the trip : )
Susan~
My 27 year old daughter and I went on a momma/daughter trip to Scotland last October! She is pregnant with her first baby and we knew we had better go now, or it would be a long time before we could! Our goal was to reach the Isle of Iona. Iona was my mother’s middle name. She passed away when I was born. I have felt drawn to go there. Katelin and I made it there! It took plane, bus, trains, ferry’s and cars to get there, and it was so worth it! I highly recommend it for yours and Joe’s return trip to Scotland one day. We also enjoyed Edinburgh and could have spent weeks there and all over Scotland and not seen all we wanted to. It is mystical, mesmerizing and miraculous. Thank you for sharing! And I hope to win! 😉
Lovely . . .
I will never sleep in a castle but so nice to dream.
Wonderful giveaways as alwsys.
Your blog is like getting a long letter from a best friend and for some of us that are older and now travel as you say by Armchair..you are such a joy to include us and take us along. Can’t wait to go to England with you. We have gone twice ..can’t wait to go again…hugs to you, Joe and sweet Jack xoxo
Sitting with tea in my Winter cup, watching the rain and wishing for some snow, while reading your post…the post brightened my morning. Now off to Costco.
Thanks for your blog post, it is wonderful, as usual. I loved the trip to Scotland you took us on. But I esp loved Willard. I love your mugs, Jack, winter on the beach, Valentine’s Day, plans for your upcoming trip, but my favorite is the picture of the moon, and the moon bookmark. Thank-you so much, again.
Love the new cups ! Your adventure sounds so wonderful ! 4 months of travel. So wish I could be at the picnic. I so love all things Beatrice potter !
I just love Scotland, and especially Edinburgh! Thank you for taking me on this short trip as today hasn’t been the happiest in Kentucky with yet another school shooting happening just down the road from my family. I pray for peace for each of us and more lovely posts to keep our hearts from being too heavy in such uncertain times.
I loved my Winter cup and girlfriends tea cup…for some reason the tea tastes so much better in a pretty cup.
oh so idyllic place to visit and stay…truly magical i say!
What a wonderful place and you took us all there with you! Your blog is always a bright spot in my day. Thank you for everything, Susan–the blogs, Willard, the cups and books… Treasures for us all to have.
Oh, how I would love to visit Scotland and see the castles and the countryside!
Susan, you mentioned two of my favorite things: Victoria, and Scotland! I loved Sunday night’s episode and cried several times during it. So sad losing Dash, Albert’s father, and Lord M. This is such a good series.
Scotland is also one of my favorite places in all the world. I’ve been to Edinburgh several times, and always see and experience new and magical things while there. Also, one of my favorite authors, whom I have met, is Alexander McCall Smith, who couldn’t be more delightful. In face, I may have fallen for him in a teensy weensy way. Only problem is that he is happily married! And I do love a man in a kilt! Oh my!
Thank you again for sharing your wonderful life with us. Sherry xoxo
Did you visit the Castle 0f Mey, the Queen Mother’s Castle, while in Scotland? – so charming in a beautiful setting. Absolutely loved Scotland. Thanks for the mini return trip!
We didn’t get there, will have to go back!
Scotland is so green! How I wish California looked like that!
Oh yes, especially now. xoxoxo
Thank you again Susan for a lovely respite in Winter. What a beautiful trip! Loved the fabric on the chairs in your bedroom, scenery and of course the Jack pictures. Blessings, Donna
Thank you so much for the chance at the giveaways!
Lovely Post of your adventures in Scotland. That castle looks so comfortable and homey. Thank your for the arm-chair travel. Great place to dream about while I am stuck in my office today. Hope your weather clears up soon.
Such an enjoyable post. Thank you for taking me travelling!
Little fairy hot tub! 💕👑🦄
What an enchanting post. Sigh. Yes, Victoria was very emotional. However, I will watch it again and again and each time have my tissues nearby. Know what one line gets me every time? (I forget which segment it is from) when the Prince kneels down to his very pregnant (with Vicky) wife, Victoria, and states lovingly into her eyes and says “You are my Queen”. cry cry cry. Heart opens up and swallows me. I even cry typing this. What a mush! They made this show for me I tell you! I loved your Scottish post, so dreamy and enchanting. I could hear the fairies whispering about the wood. Wow, what a castle to stay in. Very inviting and cozy. You were blessed! I cannot wait to travel along with you this coming spring. Oh the places we will go… and Jack will dream on in this perfect desk drawer. How adorable is that? Have a wonderful day.
OH YEAH, in that soft wonderful accent of his… you are my Queen. Wonderful.
Susan,
I so appreciate your blog and welcome every one you post! When one comes it gives me great pleasure to read. I am anxious to be a armchair traveler on your next vacation. You always make me happy, love love love your art and stories of everyday life. Please enter me into your drawing.
Thanks, Denise
I spent a whole week staying with friends who live on that little piece of Fife coastline. I loved Pittenweem and Elie. My son thirteen at the time and their son the same age spent days out on their bikes along the coast and on the beaches as well as visiting a bakery in St Andrews and buying meat pies and all sorts of goodies, to sustain them. Kellie Castle was just down the road from where I stayed so we just walked a few miles down and visited the castle for the day. Also a little Tea Room there for a spot of tea. Thank you for sharing your trip, brought back happy memories. Also appreciate your generosity
Such lovely new cups, love them!
Always lovely to read a new post from you!