We’re on the road! Neither rain nor hail nor sleet nor majorly obnoxious east coast nor’easter will keep us from our appointed rounds (or something like that…) We’re off!
Was very iffy for a while . . . boats quit running, branches blowing off the trees, shore beat to death by wind and pouring rain, flooded downtown, and then, the electricity went off. . . but through it all, with faith in our mission, we packed. And cuddled with Jack. MUSICA? O yes! Joe, suggested this one, isn’t it pretty?
Jack put up with most of it, but loss of electricity worried him enough to make him crawl up on my lap for kitty comforts. To my joy. Isn’t he ADORABLE? I don’t think I’ll ever get over this boy’s cuteness. Don’t worry, we have left him in perfect hands. Trained hands, adept in ponytail-band shooting.
I understand England is experiencing their own “Beast from the East” ~ a huge snowstorm 
that doesn’t seem to have an end. But before that happened, Mandy, at Castle Cottage in the Lake District, sent this photo of the snowdrops in bloom in the English countryside. I’m selfishly happy about their snow, s l o w it all down, please, put those daffodils on ice until we can get there! And baby lambs, stay inside mummy where it’s cozy, until we arrive! And BTW, for anyone going to the Picnic, Mandy has planned something special ~ we get to tour Hill Top and play in the gift shop, all open that day just for us! Email her for times of entry at MandyMarshall.bbg@gmail.com and reserve your space!
I know, it’s all so wonderful. And again, don’t worry if you can’t make it, I’ll do my very best so you’ll think you did!
It’s okay if I miss the snowdrops (sorta). I think our boat ride might just be worth it, you can’t be everywhere (but sometimes I can’t help but wonder, why not?)!
Before the storm landed on our doorstop, the sun was beginning to touch the pillow tips in the morning. Despite the cloud cover, we trust that spring is on the way.
What to pack. Try it all on. Then give up and pack it all. You should have seen us this morning, what a mess! Had a 9:30 am boat, still wasn’t SURE it would be running, and hauled ourselves out of the house at 9:20 after safely installing the kitchen sink in the back of this rental car. Made the boat, saw two crashed sailboats at the dock, battered by waves and storm. Eeek. Met two of our best friends on the other side, in line to go OVER on the boat. They’d been trapped off-island during the storm, so we had a small goodbye party in the parking lot! And now we’re driving to Florida, catching the Queen Victoria 🚢 on Friday and having all fun in-between. One night in Williamsburg. A visit with Joe’s brother. A wee bit o’shopping ~ need new knitting project for “knitting club” on ship and some other cute thing to wear for fancy dinner on boat. 🍷
Did pretty good with my art packing 🎨 . . . new diary (with heart), garden diary (light blue linen), mushroom pencil sharpener🍄, pencils, new paints and brushes, lots of paper and all the rest of the necessary goodies. Happy! Plus, I got my DNA done! And Ancestrydotcom has been my home away from home these last months! I have us all figured out! We’re finding HOME both in Ireland 🍀 AND in England 🇬🇧 ~ a brand new quest! At least one of them! So many wonderful adventures to take you on, I can’t wait. Our first two weeks will be in Cornwall . . . I’ll let you know more itinerary when I’m not rattling down a highway wracked with fear that any moment this entire post may disappear!
Also, got all four of our new summer cups designed! Had to, they will come in before we get home. Summer waits for no man. Will show you more later, but here is a preview of the smaller cup (fake paper mockup, color will be way better in the real thing) . . . this one will round out the four seasons we started last year!
And I put up new photos of your Spring, England, Mother’s Day, and Jack-in-the-Books cups ~ you can now see the bottoms, backs, handles when you go look at the cups ~ I placed the order, they’re in the works in England, and should be in our studio the second week of April. Lord willing and the creek don’t rise ~ 😜 I’m doing this while Joe’s driving on the Merritt Parkway at about a hundred miles an hour ~ so forgive my shortcut writing! Hard to help him drive and write at the same time.
Two new embroidery projects in the works too . . . don’t want you to be bored while we’re away! This will look different when it gets the final layout, but this is the art we’re working from.
And remember this draft-stop in my kitchen? I had so many requests from Girlfriends wanting one, and I got tired of no one making them anymore, soooo . . . .
We made a printed cross-stitch kit. The Blueberry border is printed on really gorgeous fabric, so you can either embroider it or not, or just do the cross stitch in the middle, this photo does not do it justice! It’s as long as your door, and all you have to do is put a dark blue corduroy back on it (or anything you want), fill it with sand, and voila, you have your very own, and you can say, “I made that!” I can’t have enough celebration of home in my house . . . and in July, when we come home, this is going to be the way I feel:
But not yet. We’re in “road mode.” But here comes spring ~ it’s time to celebrate by making your neighborhood cuter ~ here’s an idea for a Spring wreath I made for myself a while back. And yes, if you drove up my street right now, you would see my forsythia wreath on the door where I put it this morning before we left. Because I may not be there, but that’s not going to stop spring, and I want Jack to be proud of his house! And that poor beaten island could use a little floral light right now!
So off we go . . . I will stay in contact to the best of my ability. If you were EVER going to join Twitter or Instagram, this would be the time to do it. I still don’t quite have full understanding of how Instagram works, but what I do know is that I can put photos on both of those accounts directly from my phone, which means I can do it from the road (I did some this morning!), I don’t have to get out the computer (which doesn’t always have connection) . . . makes it a wee bit easier, and we’re out and about so much more that we are at home, lots of photos can go flying in all directions. I’m “dearsusanbranch” on Twitter, and “susanbranchauthor” on Instagram. Because . . . and don’t we know it . . .
Petey’s in the back seat. He kissed his little lamb goodbye, and it’s just the three of us now, heading down the highway, singing to the musica! Off on the biggest adventure of our lives. Don’t forget to print out your badges for the BYO Picnic Basket Party at Beatrix Potter’s Garden! Eeeeek! Dream-come-true time! We’re on our way! Planning to put you under my invisibility cloak for sneaking aboard ship . . . prepare yourselves. Out of Connecticut, into New York, heading for the Tappen Zee Bridge! Have fun Girls. Thank you for coming along. 💝 Talk soon! XOXOXO
Yay! I’m so excited to be traveling with you all! Happy trails and smooth sailing!
Susan, What fun you will have on your trip. Be safe always. I love you sweet cat. He is always doing something. Cute new cups. I will be thinking of you enjoying such a great time and wishing I were there. Blessings to all, xoxo, Susie
Bon voyage! Have fun! Enjoy! Keep writing, tweeting, instagramming as much as you can. Love the look of the new summer mug. Be sure to let us know when we can pre-order. Byeeeee!
You are too much, Susan! All this “rattling” down the road with Joe at “100 mph”!! I have a picture of that. If you can write on the Merritt Parkway, you can write anywhere!!! Thanks for the update. We’ll be watching all the way! I’m so glad I was one of the lucky ones, and have the draft-stop just like yours. I don’t know how that happened! I never act until after the fact! But that time I did, and love it!! Your version of it will be fabulous, too. Now you can get back to helping Joe drive! And safe travels!! Jane xo
Safe travels! Have soooo much fun!
So glad you braved the storm. Great adventures ahead! Bon voyage. We are off with you…thanks for packing us along!
I was just going tweet “Are we there yet!?” You haven’t been off island for even a day yet and here you’ve been working away on a blog post already, just to keep us in your wonderful magical loop💫 I am SO EXCITED we are going to be able to tour Hill Top together!!! I am SO EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO SAY “We are going to be able to tour Hill Top together”!!! I feel like Vanna, all sparkly and lit up in rainbows ready to take a dive into this wonderful adventure with Darling You and Mighty Magnificent Map Man and all the Fabulously Fun Girlfriends!!! 🚗🇺🇸🚢🇬🇧
XO♥XO♥XO♥
Yipee can’t believe your already leaving. Safe travels and keep us posted!!
So happy you’re on your way! I was worried last night when I heard three big sailboats had washed up on the beach in Vineyard Haven and the ferries had stopped running…oh, my! It’s a long way to Florida but you’ve got plenty of time to get there, so enjoy your little adventures along the way. So excited to share all your adventures the next 4 months! Hugs!
Have fun and I can’t wait to read all about your adventures!!!
Have a great time Susan and Joe! Can’t wait to read about your adventures
in future posts!
Nancy
I’m so very glad the huge storm didn’t delay your departure or wreck the boat! Down here in Virginia we had 2+ days of almost three gale force winds which were not welcome at all. Our neighbors had three trees blow down and our power was off Friday afternoon but back on before dinnertime (thank you, Dominion Power people!).
Have a WONDERFUL time there and back again in due time. Be safe and have buckets of fun!
Hugs!
Bon voyage Susan, Joe and Petey! Thanks for taking me with you. I’ll be good. I promise. And if I’m not, well, you can tell all the girlfriends. So exciting!!
Sue and Joe, you’re not far away from me while on the Merritt Parkway, the Tappan Zee Bridge and the Garden State Parkway. I’m waving hello … and hoping your travels go well and safe. I love the sweet photo of Jack on your lap in the candlelight, and I know you will miss him … he’ll be fine until you get home. I’m looking forward to traveling along with you, and will love all the photos and twitter posts. Two weeks in Cornwall … I can’t wait to see it! What an adventure !!
Travel mercies. Thank you for taking us along!
Oh, excitement, here we come…thank you so much for taking us with you. Will be looking forward to every picture (and description) along the way. Be safe and smooth sailing…..love you xoxoxo
Oh, what a start to a wonderful adventure….safe travels to you and Joe! Don’t have to say Bon Voyage because I know you will enjoy/cherish/share the trip with us all! God bless !
And so you are off, lovely trip it will be! Happy sailing…Sue, Joe, and Petey. I want that lambie, wherever did you find him?
Luv-lee gift!
I’ve come to the conclusion that there are two (or more) of you! However do you get everything done? I’ve followed you for many years and you never fail to amaze. Blogging while driving on way to vacation? Motion sickness would do me in. Safe and happy travels to you and Joe.
😜
I’m glad to read your latest news. Watching pictures of the bad weather you got on the East coast, I immediately thought about you and Willard and Martha’s Vineyard. I know that place had seen many storms, but still, they are very scary and can do quite a lot of damage. It’s good to read that everything seems pretty much OK overall.
I’m delighted to read you are leaving for this exciting trip abroad. I’m not on Twitter or Instagram, so I’m looking forward to your eventual blog posts. I know you’ll find ways to share some of the beauty of England with us. Stay safe and enjoy every minute.
So glad you are on your way and the big storm didn’t hinder you. Hopefully, no other bad weather will come your way as you make your way south! March can be iffy but at least the biggest part of winter is over. I am looking forward to all the tweets, pictures and occasional blogging you find time to give us. I am excited to see the new ship and how it differs from the other one. You will be gone all through spring into summer, I’m sure spring across the pond will be just as beautiful! Loving the upcoming mugs too, as I have the Spring one and Mothers Day on order. Summer will round out all the seasons mugs for me. Have a good rest tonight and safe trouble free traveling tomorrow!💗
So excited to see you in my home town of Charleston, SC. I brought my mother to see you at Beatrix Potter’s Birthday party and now I will bring my daughter to meet you. I love to see your posts of the
Yay!
Joe (pilot) and Susan (navigator)……and away “we” go!!! Wahooooooooooooo!! I just peeked out of our suitcase and we are going through White Plains. Don and I use to go there, when we lived on Staten Island, for paper shows. He’d look for boxing memorabilia and I’d go shopping at the mall…..many years ago. Rachel
Glad the weather cooperated enough to get you off the island and onto the road! Wahooo! Lovely forsythia wreath, and that alphabet is scrumptious. Petey looks pleased as punch to finally be on his way. I think you need to find him a girlfriend in Great Britain to keep him company while you and Joe are galavanting around the countryside. Excited to be taking the trip with you. Thanks, Susan!
So happy for you and Joe. It takes a lot to plan such a trip. Drive safely, relax, and enjoy every minute of your new adventure.
Thank you for the Home Sweet Home! I love pictures and words about home. It is the best place to be after an adventure or a visit. I have a picture by another beloved artist that pictures a cottage and those famous words, “There’s no place like home.” Be safe driving. Take your time and see everything. You will love Williamsburg. It will get sunnier and warmer the further south you go. Kiss my beloved Florida for me. We lived t here for about 18 years before we moved to NC to help my daughter & granddaughter.
The sky seems lower to the ground in Florida. See if you feel the same way as you gaze out the windshield.
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!! Happy new March and your whole wonderful trip!!!☘️🍀☘️Thanks
Wishing you safe travels. I am looking forward to your blog updates.
Safe and happy travels for you and Joe, Susan! Thank you for including us “girlfriends” on your daring adventure. For someone who loves home as much as you do, being away until July takes courage. My daughter lives near Galway, Ireland for the past 12 years with her Irish husband. If you are doing any book signings or events on the west coast of Ireland, I hope you will post about it here, as I’ll bet she would like to attend. Blessings to you on your trip.
You GO, Girl!!!
Keep On Keeping ON!!!! And remember…you do not journey alone!!!
Send lots of photos of what stirs your heart!
xoxoBeth
In Cornwall – Select Southwest Tours. Guide is James Coulton. I can’t recommend enough. Get in a conversation with him about British Potty Mouth words and you will laugh until you get back home. We will be with him after the picnic.
Wrote it down! I’ve got no power, and in car again, so will have to go, but will try to get everyone’s comments up before I have to close!
I miss you already! Have a WONDERFUL LOVELY FANTASTIC TIME!!!
Bon voyage, dear Susan and Joe! 💕 Heartfelt thanks for inviting us all to tag along on another adventure. I’ll be waving from Instagram!
Safe travels, dear ones!
Much love,
Dawn (in Illinois)
💗💗
Bon voyage, Susan and Joe. Have a wonderful time. We will all be following you every step of the way (that you post, anyway 🙂 ).
Petey kissing his little lamb & Jack are PRECIOUS!
Thanks so much for update that you’re on the road – was really worried as I followed your weather this a.m.
We’re all with you in spirt and thrilled it’s happening!
Much love, Vaya con Dios, and go for it all – don’t miss a moment or a thing! Sandra & Grasshopper
Have fun you two. I can hardly wait. Love all the embroidery and the beautiful cups. Needing that door stop in Tennessee. Love and prayers for safe journeys.
Safe travels Susan! You’re heading into my territory now – near the Hudson River, where the Tappan Zee Bridge (now the new Mario Cuomo Bridge) is. That’s about 20 minutes south from me. Oh, I hope you will get there safely. We did not fare well with this Nor’easter, and many roads are closed, trees down, traffic lights out… so tell Joe to slow down and be safe! My school was closed on Friday and will be tomorrow also. A mini vacation, and luckily I’ve had power, so have been cooking up a storm, catching up on reading, and now watching the Oscars.
I hope your trip is all you hope it will be! We girlfriends will be your arm chair travelers by your side. Can’t wait to see the pictures and hear about all your adventures… Much love to you and Joe!
Dear Susan and Joe,
Your excitement is contagious. Have a wonderful, safe, informative trip. I can’t wait to read your next post.
Joe has great taste in kitty photos. The noreaster had me worried about you and your trip. I have been hitting “refresh” on your website for days… lol. I just flipped my lovely SB calendar to March and because it’s my birthday month on very 1st day, I was happy to greet it. Due to my love for Ireland, I follow a gaggle of Irish Instagrammers… there are snow pictures right and left coming from them this past week! Such beauty!! I am a wee tad jealous of those getting to actually go to the Hill Top picnic. Yes, yes, yes… it would be lovely to be able to be in multiple places at once (not sure I’d want to be EVERYwhere, though!) 😉 Oh, those paper dolls and the clothes!! This reminded me how I loved the Betsy McCall paper dolls in the McCalls magazines when I was a child! 😊 I love the idea of a forsythia wreath, but unfortunately the birds like it, too… and most years when I have put up a flowering wreath (even fake) on my front door, I find nests in them, and I invariably end up opening the door to find a broken egg on my porch. ☹ So, I have to wait until they’re done nesting. 😊 I’m thinking of printing out that lamb and joining the picnic “virtually” from this side of the pond. Happy and safe travels to you and Joe!
Safe travels and cannot wait for the adventures to begin. I will be along with you for the ride. Blessings!
Bon voyage, Susan and Joe. Have fun! Wish I could be there – I’ll be there in spirit!
Bon Voyage Susan and Joe, have a wonderfully fun, safe trip! I can’t wait to share your adventures.
I will be following along and wish you a safe trip, on the wings of angels!
So exciting! Do you know exactly where your ancestors lived? Have a great trip! Will look forward to hearing all about it along the way!
County Mayo for Stewarts… but not the house. But we know the actual house in Austerfield, York. 😁
Have you been to the actual house in York, Susan? That would be cool to see it. Have a wonderful trip. I will keep you all in my prayers for safe travels. This is exciting and thank you for taking us all along for the ride again. Will look forward to your updates. Bon Voyage!❤️ Here we go…………
Not yet, I didn’t realize I could the last time we were there. Thank you Rhonda!
Awesome, Susan…I am so excited for you three…
and all of us who are tagging along!! 😀
(You are so easy to live vicariously through!!)
Have a wonderful time (like you could do
anything BUT!)…And Bon Voyage, dear hearts!!
I can’t wait ’til we get to Cornwall!! (My favorite…
AND the first stop!! …Tooooo exciting!!)
<3
Bon Voyage!!! Will be watching for pictures here and twitteer!
Oh the excitement..you managed the packing and caught the ferry in time Yay 😃 enjoy the driving and hope the weather will be kind to you..wish I could pack a picnic basket but I think you’ll manage to spoil us all so I’ll survive 😉enjoy..you deserve all of it🌸🌼
God bless you two and have safe adventures! Been packed forever…..thanks for taking me along. Let the adventure begin!!!
Have a blast you two! 🙏 for safe travel and a blessed trip.
Oh my…you are going to stay in Williamsburg….Bob and I are season pass holders and can never get enough of it….just spent Valentine’s Day there and always spend New Year’s Eve and our anniversary there…and spent our honeymoon there…if you have a chance visit Bassett Hall, the home of the Rockefeller family when they stayed there…or plan to come back for a longer visit and we will be your tour guide.
See you on the other side of the pond. Safe travels.
Good to hear from you. Wow, you are almost in my neighborhood💕 you are bringing some cool weather down with you, yea! I never got on twitter so, hopefully I can catch you on instagram😉👏👏. Safe travels🤞. judi
Wow…it’s time! We are on our way! It sounds like you made a harrowing escape off the island! It’s a good time to be headed to Florida!
Safe travels!
I`m so excited ! I cannot get my head around `back n July` ! That`s a long trip, I`m in South Staffordshire and the snow is melting but its still very chilly so I think Spring will wait for you and greet you with a fanfare ! I so love Cornwall, I just know you will fall in love with it too, it may even need a book all of its own, after a second trip that is, anyway better let you enjoy this one first, Bon Voyage !
Amanda X
PS I love Instagram and will be watching out for updates, I`m _frosted_petals_ on there.
Susan-
So excited you are bringing us all along on your trip. It’s like we all get to go too. Having lived just outside and grew up in Florida I am familiar with your current trip. Thank you for bringing us on your adventure. Safe trip.
Have a wonderful and safe trip, and we all look forward to your posts about your adventures. Take lots of pictures for us. No doubt in a couple of years we will reread about the trip in your next book. I would love to be tagging along, suitcase in hand, to see the spring flowers in England. Enjoy!
Yippeeeee we are going on an adventure! I am so looking forward to this trip that I am taking with you via Twitter and Instagram. Please be safe and have a luv-lee time.
Julie
Safe travels to you and Joe. Truly, a trip of a lifetime. Thanks for taking us along.
You must be able to see, hear, feel, all of us doing our Queen’s wave good bye to you, and our shouts of Bon Voyage!!! So in your spare time, do write your next book on this trip – or I will have to read “A Fine Romance” for a 4th time!
The USA is in good hands, with you and Joe as our ambassadors of friendship, warmth, art, and love, traveling to the UK….
much love to you….
I’ve been worried about your trip’s launch this past weekend with the fearsome weather up your way!! So happy you all made it out and could head South to better destinations, weather wise. Oh my that Jack photo snuggled in your lap! He is just perfect. Such a darling and personable boy wrapped up in a kitty body!! I love him too!
Now, I am glad that all is safe for us GFS as I have had my passport and backpack at the ready for our backseat journey. I will be parting for 17 days to take a trip to Italy the first part of April but will be keeping abreast of the journey from my boat drifting down the Adriatic Coast of Italy while taking in the beautiful coastal cities and learning history. But, then I will return to the backseat for the rest of the trip as to not miss a moment of joy . This visit is going to be fantastic with the agenda that you have shared so far!! I can’t wait for the house rental experience. It sounds like something out of a wonderful British book.
Bon Voyage, Susan and Joe!!
Bon Voyage, you two.
Any observations on last night’s Oscars?
Loved Eva Marie Saint! Wonderful story teller, wanted more!!
You must be beyond the moon with excitement. Have a safe journey and know we are all thinking of you both as you toodle along our beautiful coastline to Florida. For those of us who cannot travel you bring us the most wonderful pictures, quotes and insights to the world around us. Looking forward to your next post!
Peace & Blessings!
I will be thinking of you and your wild adventures. When in Williamsburg I will give you a virtual wave, I live 40 minutes away. Love Wmsbg, such a lovely place. Have a safe trip and smooth sailings. Mary Elizabeth
I will be with you in spirit–wish I could make it to the picnic, but not this year. Please tell Joe I LOVED his choice of music!! Such a lovely version of a lovely song……There is a wonderful version on an old, obscure album by the Everly Brothers ( I LOVE their close harmony)..the album is called, “Songs My Daddy Taught Me”. It has old southern folk songs (and by way of the South–England) that they grew up with – singing at a young age with their family. By-the-way, Southern people refer to their Fathers as “Daddy”, even grown men. (My Mom was raised in Alabama, and I remember her mentioning that.) Have a LOVELY time, Hugs, –Marcia
Can’t wait to travel with you vicariously on Twitter and Instagram! And thank you for calling it the Tappan Zee Bridge and NOT what our(NY’s) illustrious guvna would LIKE to call it! : )
Oh Sue and Joe and Petey!!! Have the BEST and safest and most funfilled time!! I love living vicariously through you and wait with bated breath for your next story and pictures. Bon Voyage!! 🙂
Dear Susan,
I’m so excited to be taken along on your latest adventure. Safe travels and calm seas on your journey. Happy trails to you until you are safely home again.
Bon Voyage! Safe travels! Will be looking forward to all your adventures.
Hi, Susan! Hope you and Joe have a fabulous trip! How can it be anything else?! Also, being a proud Virginian, I know you will love Williamsburg 🙂 Have you ever visited Colonial Williamsburg before? We love going there, any season of the year is special there. Bon Voyage!
I can feel the excitement in your writing. So very excited for both of you and looking forward to going along with you (vicariously). I was excited to find my new (old) sailor doll, who looks just like Petey, probably one of Petey’s old pals, who will be keeping me company on this trip. Did Joe name his doll Petey? I’m still trying to think of a suitable “sea going” name for mine. Can’t wait for the picnic. “We” will be there in spirit, thinking of you, and enjoying “our” picnic here. Have a fabulous adventure, loads of fun, safe travels, and Bon Voyage! Ruthie, in Minnesota
We all can’t wait to hear how the trip is…and Cornwall, oh my, the PBS show Doc Martin makes me laugh out loud, and you’ll be right there! And no pressure, but you know we’re all too excited to think that there will be another book about this visit…there will won’t there?! Thanks for taking the time to share photos and the adventures that are ahead…enjoy every minute!
So excited that you are on your way!! The storm had me worried, but, thank goodness, you were able to get off-island and begin the “trip to the ship”!!
Still wishing it were possible to join you at Castle Cottage, but. . . No matter what it will be wonderful to see the photos and join you in spirit.
Can hardly wait to see that little thatched-roof cottage and then to read the book that is in the offing.
Have a wonderful trip!! XOXO!!
Bon Voyage! Enjoy you adventure. I will be eagerly waiting for you twits and Instagram post. Enjoy Ireland it is truly beautiful country both landscape and people.
Hi Susan! You will visiting the site of my ancestors at Colonial Williamsburg. My ancestors operated Raleigh’s Tavern and then through marriage, Wetherburn’s Tavern. One is buried in the church graveyard. I hope you get to tour those places.
Bon Voyage and Happy Trails to you… let the merriment begin! Looking forward to the trip abroad with the girlfriends (and Joe, of course!). Journey’s Mercies!!
Wow Susan cannot believe your trip is here!! Where did the time go? Safe travels, and by the time you reach UK “the beast from the east” will well and truly flew back home.
You will LOVE Cornwall, can’t wait to hear where you will be visiting. Hubby and I are near Penzance, in a cosy one bedroom cottage, in April Of course we have the obligatory log fire.!
Enjoy your journey, can’t wait for your blogs, and hopefully a new book????
Gill N. Devon UK
Singing all our RoadTrip songs….Sooo excited!
How utterly Serendipitious that y’all met Besties in time to celebrate! You are indeed sprinkled with Happy Glitter.
Joe did great on this musica. Perfect!
DNA! Smashing! Adds that bit extra oomphy-doomphy to it all.
Love the Ocean Going clothes!
Safe Travels…Stay ahead of the Beastly Weather. Love to you all 3!
Bon Voyage’ from out here on Rose Creek Farm…in my Minnie & Mickey baggy sweatshirt over a red tee with black hearts & in warm black leggings & fuzzy Minnie & Mickey socks & a sloppy ponytail. Watching the rain lash down & the goats & chickens shelter under their barn porch cover. Thank goodness its huge enough for all of them to hang out under. It has their slides & chairs & a table for lounging. Troughs & huge hay tubs & water buckets. They’re all sitting up their gossiping about Life & fussing about the weather.
Oh Susan, safe travels for you, Joe and Petey. We’ve all been packed and just breathless for this trip to begin. To paraphrase what it says inside my Christopher Robin & Pooh trinket box, “and Adventure has begun!” Mighty glad the Cloak of Invisibility has plenty of Lycra to stretch around all of us Girlfriends, thank you for bringing us along. May God bless you and keep you safe. Love and hugs, Karen.
Bon voyage Susan and Joe and Petey! Have a great time. Can’t wait to get on the ship!!
You are such a tease Susan Branch, showing us only the summer cup and then making us wait for the rest, but wait I will with bated breath.
I love the song that Joe picked! I love the music of the British Isles, especially the land of Eire (Erin go braugh!). I need to have my DNA tested because I was told that I have some Irish in me and I swear that in my next life I will have red, wavy hair or I’ll not cum back atal. And don’t get me started on fiddle music – ok, I’ll get started but just for a minute. If you don’t start tapping your toes when a fiddle starts playing, then I swear you must be dead (or maybe a zombie). We have a fantastic fiddle player here in beautiful downtown Decorah (ok, so maybe he lives a bit out in the country) who also now plays violin with our very own Oneota Community Orchestra. That’s pretty special, having our own orchestra for our “not so big” (just a bit over 8,000, mainly Norwegian souls) town. Anyway, I digress – I must say that I found Petey’s expression while bidding lamb adieu was a tad questionable. He looked like he was already thinking about the ladies he was going to meet on his trip. Joe best sit down and have a talk with the young man and advise him of the downfalls of trysts abroad when he has a loyal lamb awaiting his return and that he best “keep himself to himself”. I do so love that phrase.
But now, back to our regularly scheduled program (I know, I know, I am making horrendous grammatical errors but the content is the thing)………. I hope that everyone on the Vineyard is ok and that no great damage was done. I want to wish you, Joe and Petey the best bon voyage, a great ocean passage and a supercalifragilisticexpialidotious time in Great Britain. Did you hear that the movie is being re-made with Emily Blunt? I will surround Mr. Jack in white light so that he will be safe and sound during your absence. That is the hardest part of being gone – leaving our sweet, sweet children behind.
I just couldn’t let you leave without another one of my world famous tomes (ok, maybe not world famous, maybe not even famous, but is this the time to split hairs – although I do have many split ends). I look forward to the posts that you will send to us, your loyal girlfriends, back home about all of your adventures. I smell another book coming and the aroma is simply delicious. Until next time, may God speed.
A rather stormy start to your trip! WOW. Hopefully it will be smooth sailing from now on – literally. May you have calm seas and sunshine and of course moon shine. I loved Joe’s selection of Barbra Allen. So beautiful. Thank you for taking us all along. Can’t wait to snuggle into a cozy chair on the ship. Ahhhhh.
Bon Voyage! Blessings on your trip, and all your adventures. So happy you are taking us along:) I can’t believe it, Anna (snow flake girl) and I must have passed you and Joe! We were coming home on the Merritt North and there you went South! We waved!!! We love You!!!
I agree with Joe! That picture of Jack is the most adorable of all that you’ve shared. Excellent choice. I have to say that the 1920s Cruise outfit with the striped top looks like you. I recommend that you get an outfit just like it while you’re shopping for more cruise clothes! Hope you enjoyed Williamsburg. It was a pretty day in these parts while you stopped over. Too late for me to recommend the Blue Talon Bistro on Prince George Street to you. Good food and lovely atmosphere. Maybe next time! Bob Voyage!
Barbara in VA
Dear Sue,
I hope you and Joe have a wonderful trip. Thanks so much for being willing to take us all along. Right now, I’m so excited I’m sure I can see Williamsburg and I can’t wait to get on the boat. Drive safely.
Lillian
EEEK tell Joe to slow down, I think we lost somebody going over the bridge, heard a big splash back there. what a weekend, rain and snow. we had a storm hit on Thursday, and in Friday it was non stop, we got 3-4 feet here in the Illinois Valley and we are slowly melting out of it. we are expecting another storm this week, as if this wasn’t enough….. good grief. hope we get some smooth sailing going across, I have no idea where all these storms are coming in from, but they are getting nasty. we lost power Friday and right now I am pooped out from hauling wood for the stove. the babies are doing fine, we kept them warm and comfy. Ed wants to get a few more babies… ( just what I need) to round out the group, so I figure why not, I just get to run out and fill up water containers and keep their food clean and sanitary, very important for young peeps. see you on board the ship and no critter smuggling ladies, just what we need for over there. have a fun trip. enjoy. hugs…. 😀
On the road again with Susan, Joe and Petey has such a delightful sound to it. Safe journeys, happy trails and bon voyage, for sure. Enjoy every minute of your time in England, Ireland and Wales and thanks for taking us all along.
Cheers and looking forward to enjoying it all with you!
Nancye T., Wells, Maine
Sooo many preparations! Is it worth it? Of course it is! Except that saying farewell to Jack must be so hard.
Bon Voyage, have a most wonderful time and I’m looking forward to being with you on the whole trip. Fair Winds to you and Joe.
Best wishes and thank you again, Susan!
Have a great and safe adventure, Susan and Joe! I will be following you on Instagram- thanks so much for bringing us along with you!!!
Bon Voyage, Susan and Joe!
I would run as fast as I could from our New England weather too, especially for a trip on a majestic ship! Have a great time, my heart sails with you, plus I love your pre-visits to two of my favorite places, Williamsburg and Charleston, may your vacation be filled with wondrous things to tell us about!
All the best,
Diane
Williamsburg – just 45 minutes from our home. We lived there for five years – lots of great shopping! I am glad to know you survived the storm. We picked up a gazillion limbs and branches yesterday; then used our blower to rid the yard of blasted gum balls. We are fortunate because it could have been so much worse. Excited for you and Joe~ I have printed my name tag and will wear it in honor of the day of the picnic. While I cannot be there, the occasion will be in my heart. Now…going to join Instagram because I don’t want to miss anything!
Oh my goodness, all my “Girlfriends” have said it all…like a small child to her Mother saying “but what can I say..” She would say there can never be enough good wishes or love shared. So I send all my good wishes for a trip filled with good times and happy days and lots of love. I’ll be with you…along with all our girlfriends..fun times! xo
And so “she” would dear Lana, there can never be enough sweet words in this world, no matter who they are directed at!
Drive safely Joe!!!!! So excited for this next adventure with you “3”. Petey is a great travel companion. Little luggage and always smiling!
I may just have to learn instagram along with you, dont want to miss any pictures. I already sent a request to Mandy ( that is a bonus for an already fantastic day) we cannot wait to see you at the picnic! What a special day that will be. Tulips are poking up and Daffy’s too, way to early in Michigan, but it has stayed cold. Love the new cup designs too.
Lindy in Holland, Michigan
Safe travels dear Susan and Joe. Have a wonderful time!
Ahoy! Your blogs are always a welcome to read. Winter is clinging on here in Illinois so I’m ready for your adventure! I love England and your countryside views of nature and fauna. Safe travels!!!!
Have a wonderful and safe journey! Can’t wait to hear about each step along the way! : )
Dawn R.
Thought about you and the weather but I knew you would make it!!
So much fun in store for you:)Love that Summer Cup soooo much.
Thank you for “taking us with you” via Instagram and Twitter!
Safe travels and I look forward to all your posts! Thanks for sharing. 😊
Susie
Best of luck on the trip. Winter crossings are not the best…Been there, done that once. and hope the snow will have melted in the ole UK before you land. They are in white a tizzy over it…kind of funny. And we survive Nor’easters…And love Cornwall. not sure if you have ever been to the Minack Theatre there but check it out. I was there with Cambridge University Players one summer. They have a Facebook page etc. near the town of Sennen. we lived in the school there while we did our play. We look forward to highlights of the trip. I am actually working on my memoirs and right now doing the first year we lived in Cambridge, 1960-61. I was in the 9th grade (US) or 4th form (UK). So my mind is back in the old country.
Safe travels!! Thanks for taking us with you. I am looking you up on Instagram as soon as I finish typing this! 💕💕💕
Safe and wonderful travels to you! Don’t forget to change your clocks on Saturday! Looking forward to springing forward with the Spring and reading of your wonderful adventures.
Safe travels Sue and Joe! I’ll be following along with the rest of our gang.