Here I am again! Are you ready for our Castle Cottage Picnic? Me too! … But first I think you need, as promised, the story of our Milkman in the Lake District! Because we had one!
We found an order sheet in the cottage we were renting . . . filled it out, popped it into an empty milk bottle on the porch . . . and the next morning here comes his truck . . .
With Kevin inside, delivering local milk, eggs and butter and other groceries on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday … the UK is trying to move away from the use of disposable packaging and back to the reusable stuff. Considering how much trash we make these days, despite our recycling and composting efforts, it’s a huge undertaking. I applaud them for trying, and we got right into it. Whole milk in glass bottles from Town End Dairy!
Waiting on our porch the next morning . . .such a cheerful thing to find, plus you get a whole new relationship with an English Lakes person.
He’s a doll. He told me a secret about cooking fresh eggs I’m definitely putting in the book! Mandy called us the day of the Picnic and said she’d missed Kevin, that he was on his way to our place now, could I please get four pints of milk to bring along to the Picnic! Somehow, that is very darling to me. Like neighbors borrowing sugar. So small town. And now that we have our milk . . .
Let’s do both! MUSICA
It’s Castle Cottage Time… our May 11 Picnic, a visit to Hill Top, and Girlfriends galore. Reddest of Red Letter Days.
In picturesque Near Sawrey, “closer to Hawkshead than Far Sawrey,” the place where Beatrix Potter became the person she wanted to be.
A country girl, on a farm, where she could raise sheep, and paint the things she loved.
Early on the day of the Picnic, Joe and I were thrilled to go to Hill Top for a private tour of the house with Liz McFarland who’s worked for the National Trust managing Hill Top and collections there for 18 years, and her new associate (on her second day), Emily. To be inside Hill Top, those rooms, almost alone? Deep breath . . . So down the path, past the little picket-fence gate with the view across Post Office Meadow to Castle Cottage, we went. Be still my heart.
Along the flag-stone path through the flower garden . . .
To the little kitchen garden in front of the house, brimming with rhubarb, banked by the bee house in the bee bole . . . Emily on the left and Liz on the right of me. Me looking at Joe, thinking, do you see this?
watering cans and pots…
reminding me of this . . .
We walked out of the garden up to Hill Top, the house Beatrix Potter bought in 1905, just after her fiancé, Norman Warne, died suddenly, only one month after their engagement ~ when Beatrix was 39 years old. If you can imagine, such a sudden change of plans, dreams halted, like driving off a cliff. She went to the place she loved in the English Lakes and bought Hill Top, which proved to be the doorway to her new life, a future she dared to dream despite the times in which she lived.
Beatrix standing in the doorway of Hill Top . . . the biographer Linda Lear called her a “Victorian Genius,” and every time I see this photo, that’s what I think of, a generous, romantic dreamer; an antique-loving, creative English watercolor artist; far-seeing, brave, pragmatist, preservationist, scientific, nature-loving human being, who could be grouchy if children stole her apples or left her field gates open. She died only five years before I was born. I’m proud to have her for my hero. She is still making a difference.
As I was walking in, I remembered that photo of Beatrix in the doorway and stopped and put my hand where she had been not so very long ago and smiled at Joe . . . I wanted to stand where she stood, and feel the place she’d been. The things that made her happy, make me happy too. That’s how you get your heroes.
We need heroes to teach us how to be heroes. Spread your hero-love so your children will love them too. 
When we came to Hill Top the first time in 2012, they didn’t allow cameras inside ~ during my visit to the house, I had to sketch and scribble notes on a piece of paper I kept folded in my purse for this type of emergency ~ then go back to our rental to paint and write while the memory was fresh. 
The words on this pitcher are on page 189 of A Fine Romance. But this time, they said I could bring my camera . . . joy oh joy oh precious joy.
And so through the door, into the first room of the house, the kitchen, we went ~ or rather, I came in, turned around, went out, and came in again. Everything needs to be slow at Hill Top or you lose consciousness and miss the whole thing. Liz let me ask all the questions I wanted ~ as you can imagine she was a wealth of knowledge and volunteered all kinds of wonderful detail. It was truly a dream, as quiet as it must have been when Beatrix created it.
While she was talking, my eyes searched the room for Beatrix’s hat and clogs. And there they were, just where I saw them last time, just where she left them to the National Trust when she died in 1942. For us. For everyone. Forever.
And this was the cast iron range where she made her tea, the heart of Hill Top. They still have fires in it on cold days. I would love to try baking in it. I bet you’d have to practice! I do not see the dial that says 350º on it.
And there is her cuckoo clock that’s been ticking away the time for all these years. 
Everything was placed exactly where she wanted it . . . I saw three clocks, the cuckoo and this grandfather clock were in the kitchen, and there was another grandfather clock on the stair landing.
Beatrix’s father had these plates made . . . from drawings he found in books. Aren’t they wonderful? I love the wallpaper too. It’s William Morris . . .
Here it is up close, it covers both the walls AND, charmingly, the ceiling . . .
Joe’s look tells me exactly how he feels about being there. He knows that I know that he knows that I know. Simple as that.
They said I could set my hat on her table so I could take Joe’s photo. My hat, on Beatrix Potter’s kitchen table. So I had to take a picture of that too.
Beautiful. She loved dishes like we do! They’re everywhere.
In fact she loved all antique things. This chest was made by hand 200 years before she was born . . . she bought most all her furniture at farm sales and auctions . . .
We walked from the kitchen . . .
to the room next door, the parlor . . . the “best room” and a bit more formal.
You can see this cupboard in the corner . . . I painted her coronation teapot with the pink crown lid for A Fine Romance last time we were here. . .
On our way to the stairs we passed this little room, not part of the regular tour, it’s where the volunteers keep tools and where they put together the flower bouquets for the house. I love working places, creativity in action. There was no running water in the house in Beatrix Potter’s time, and no electricity, not here and not in Castle Cottage. She could afford anything, could have lived in a mansion, but she preferred quiet, and little, with firelight, candle light, and oil lamps. Just an old-fashioned gal.
Hill Top is still mostly lit by natural-light with just a few pin lights here and there for emphasis (and so we don’t fall down and kill ourselves in the dark). There’s heat now too, to help keep things dry in the winter. When something wears out, like wallpaper or the rugs, they have new ones made to match. They work very hard to keep it real. That bannister, hard to not imagine her hand there. One of the thin places.
Upstairs in what Beatrix called her “Treasure Room” is her famous dollhouse . . . filled with tiny things, some of which Norman Warne gave her. I think one of her little (real) mice, Hunca Munca, had an accident while swinging on the chandelier in this house, and went to mouse heaven, much to Beatrix’s dismay.
I tried very hard to take photos through the tiny windows without actually splaying myself all over the floor in front of everyone. Cool and nonchalant are my bywords.
In almost every room there’s one of Beatrix Potter’s “little Bunny books,” open to a page to show where she’d painted something recognizable from Hill Top or in the village of Near Sawrey . . .
I examined everything minutely. But it was never her things, and not even her watercolors that drew me to Beatrix, it was her, her amazing competence and determination and when making life choices. And when something didn’t work out as planned, she picked herself up, dusted herself off, and started all over again. Just like us. 
This was her small bedroom, her 16th century carved-walnut four-poster bed, with the heavy velvet valance (called a pelmet) and bed curtains that Beatrix embroidered herself. Because she, just like us, loved her home and liked to make things for it . . .
Tiny little Beatrix Potter stitches . . . maybe sitting in the rocker in front of the fire, with the sound of the cuckoo clock ticking time away, wool skirt warm around her ankles, shawl pulled close, needle in, needle out, sip hot tea in crockery cup, click when put back in saucer, bite of biscuit, crackle of fire, muffled sound as log falls to ash . . . needle in, needle out. New threads. Maybe red this time. Hold needle to window-light to see the hole better, thread it. Tie a little knot. Needle in, needle out.
She also chose William Morris wallpaper for the bedroom ~ I’m sure she agreed with his philosophy of decorating (and ideology too) . . .
On the fireplace mantle you can see that farm pitcher I sketched last time I was here, just where it was then, pride of place.
I took photos from all the windows this time, so I wouldn’t have to rely only on my memory.
I love seeing what she saw.
Out this window I could see our Girlfriends lining up for their visit to Hill Top (usually closed on Fridays, but opened especially for us that day) before walking over to Castle Cottage for our picnic . . . almost time for me to go too!
Downstairs, Joe and I were introduced to three lovely National Trust Volunteers who love Beatrix Potter and take such beautiful care of Hill Top, Trudy, Janet, and Carol ~ they’ve made dreams come true for so many by sharing their own.
And Carol surprised me with something she’d made! Hand embroidered, French knots, and the little blue jacket! I felt like I spent the whole morning crying!
My turn to give Joe the look.
I now had the supreme honor of opening the front door to Hill Top and surprising our Girlfriends waiting outside for a tour. 👏 Surreal on every level … and the first thing I noticed, taking this photo of Carrie and Christie, they had the look too. I think it comes with the house! 🤣 Cry for happy.
After many thanks, (many, many), saying, “we’ll meet you at the Picnic!” we found our way back down the garden path and to the white gate, for one more photo of never forgetting…
Out onto the narrow lanes of Near Sawrey we went ~ and immediately we ran into Siobhan, looking so cute and springlike. We’d all been afraid it was going to rain that day, and it still looked like it might, we definitely needed our hats, coats, scarves, wool socks and leggings ~ there was a chill wind blowing off the lake ~ But no rain and that’s what really mattered! Because our day had finally come!
Mandy provided the chalkboard and Sheri made the sign . . .
Kellee and Sheri were at Castle Cottage helping Mandy, and taking care of last-minute details . . . the best girls, made it so nice for everyone! 
We borrowed chairs and little table from the garden in our rental … Kellee and Sheri set it all up . . . food and Petey . . . We were ready to go!
Luckily Kellee and Sheri had visited the Hill Top gift shop and come away with this copy of Peter Rabbit, the perfect thing to use as a guest book . . .
Not sure if they got everyone, but they did get lots of signatures and messages, now a treasure ~ Kellee took it home to save for me when I get back!
Are we ready? Here they come!
Many from the Colonies! Many from Britain! From everywhere! Mandy in pink welcoming us to her home and garden. I said, “meet me at noon,” they said “okay,” and here we were!
I stopped all day long, tiny time-outs to scribble in my notebook things I don’t want to forget to tell in my book ~ and to take a moment to realize where I was, this exact thing would never come again, that far view of the green hills, the rock walls, the sheep dotting the landscape, to smell the grass and hear the birds and the laughter of our girlfriends meeting each other here at Castle Cottage, an amazing evocative place that makes the fairy tale real . . . in the garden that Beatrix Potter made herself. This old saying, has to be true:
I didn’t do it alone! There were many other dreamers at this event! Lots of family too ~ This is Kathy and Sally ~ they are sisters, wearing black berets just for Joe! (Please don’t be hurt or mad at me if I get the names wrong, I am famously terrible at names but I’m trying!).
Sally unzipped her jacket to show me the Bob’s Big Boy T-shirt she wore in my honor!!! Isn’t she cute? If you read Fairy Tale Girl, you’ll know why I laughed so hard to see it! (You can see our weather that day in those clouds, but it didn’t rain!)
Wonderful, creative Janette who makes such luv-lee gifts for us, and her husband ~ British alums … they were at our first picnic too!
Loved meeting Andi in person . . . (@Andi_Geary on Twitter).
Sheri and Kellee laughing with Ann . . . I met Ann and her husband Alan the first time at our Stourhead Picnic.
Mother and daughter showing us exactly what mom-love looks like! Mom is Meesha (I believe with all my heart but very willing to be corrected) and her daughter … who I think either just got engaged in Ireland, or maybe she’s here to get married…but I may be dreaming! There was a swirl of everything going on!
Family reunion at Castle Cottage, the daughter in the green scarf, Lauren, then her mom Janet, and then Alexis, Elaine and (I think it’s) Mary . . . Janet’s three daughters-in-law! Girl Party!
Petey met up with some of his old sailor buds . . . talked about the good ole days, ship life, the girls that got away, and all that rot.
More pals . . . Christine on the left, then Chris, then a face I know but with a name that’s got away from me 😳, and then Wendy…
Chris’s darling husband Neil brought me a card I’d written to her in 1999! I love it when this happens!
Chris with Neil . . .
Allison visiting with Joe, maybe the only photo I took!
Two luv-lee sisters from Denmark, Susanne and Marianne . . . and fat-faced woman from Martha’s Vineyard. Is it the hat? I hope it’s the hat. That way I can take it off. I am a hat person at heart, but hats with me would really rather not and say they did! Doesn’t stop me though, I love them, so far on this trip I’ve bought SIX! ☺
Siobhan is talking to Christie (@ChristieLevin50 on Twitter) and Sharon (@SharonSTealover on Twitter), wearing the luv-lee pink cashmere shawl with her husband John …
Gabriel and Nicoline are Picnic Alumni from Holland! They brought this wonderful quilt she made ~ LOVE . . . what it’s all about!
Speaking of which, Carrie and Stuart (Carrie has one of Mandy’s bags made from the wool of Herdwick sheep, the ones Beatrix loved the most and protected forever on the farms she left to the National Trust ~ Mandy’s business now, more about that later).
Peg, Lauri, Lindy and Glory, and Lauri made their hats! Perfect for this weather, and don’t they look cute!? Girlfriends Forever!
Because I ended up sitting and signing books girlfriends had brought along and visiting with everyone who sat down, and Joe was out on the lawn being the Belle of the Ball, there was no one in our family taking photos! I have nowhere near enough pictures! I don’t even have proof of Joe’s Belle-ness, but I did see it in action! Of course, Joe’s eye spotted this impossibility (above) going down the narrowest of roads on the other side of Beatrix Potter’s wall … and had to snap the photo! I’m going, “But honey, where are the picnic baskets?” He’s going, “I thought you were going to do it.” And so it is, all a big beautiful fabulous memory. But we have the truck full of logs!
I borrowed the photo Katrina posted of her darling picnic on Twitter @whimswishes (she’s @whimsicalwishesuk on Instagram ~ you can go there to read her amazing happy news 🍼). As for the food, reports came in, there were stuffed eggs, Victoria sponge cakes, sparkling Elderberry cordials, iced tea, Pe-ah Ci-da, Cucumber sandwiches, lemon drizzle cake, shortbread cookies . . . There was hot tea and coffee in Mandy’s showroom… On a chilly day . . .
We did get this one little photo with a glimpse of Carrie’s (@CarrieHerself on Twitter) picnic, from the back!
XXX
I did manage to take one video! Wanted you to see the day, feel it a little bit, perhaps get a whiff of the cold air and the “sweet clean smell of the green things growing” ~ armchair travel to Beatrix Potter’s garden . . . that’s Bernie and Karen waving from the right side of the garden, they met the first time at our picnic in Stourhead!
We gathered to thank Mandy and everyone who came from far and near to join in for this wonderful day. Mandy says we were 123 kindred spirits that day. I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed meeting everyone . . . and Joe felt exactly the same way. He said, “You are so lucky! So many nice people!” And he is so right.💞
And Betsy Bray was there, too … we met her at our little Vineyard Haven Library where she came to give a talk about Beatrix Potter a few years back ~ and then to my house ~ she introduced me to the Beatrix Potter Society and to Mandy and got this whole thing going!
The Society sends out wonderful hard-copy newsletters to all of their members! Rather a wonderful old-fashioned thing to do these days. They also have a free online Newsletter called Pottering About . . . love that they do this! Keeping the memories alive.💞
The National Trust was well represented, Trudy, Janet, and Carol, came over from Hill Top, proudly wearing their jackets with the “Forever, for everyone” Oak Leaf logos. . . Joe and I support the Royal Oak Foundation, “Americans in alliance with the National Trust” ~ we have membership cards which give us free admission into all the National Trust houses and gardens . . . you can learn more here.
Everyone lined up for Joe to take our class photo with Castle Cottage behind us, our Picnic 
in Beatrix Potter’s garden, class of 2018 … I also want to thank Doreen, Bev, Melin, Diane, Sandra, Gaylen, Lorreen, Susan, Bernie, Jane, Carol, Joan, Bob, Leisa, Emily, Mary Ann, Cathy, Amy, Luci, Jerry, Pam, Bryan, Deanna, Sheila, and so many others for being there and making it such a special day for me and for each other . . .
And Jane Hope from Victoria Magazine was there taking photos too (course we didn’t get one of HER, just her shoulder) . . . Maybe SHE got pics of the picnic baskets! Maybe they will put them in the magazine! I will ask! I’ll let you know which issue this may or may not be in . . .
Mandy used her Herdwick showroom as a mini restaurant where she had hot coffee and tea for everyone . . .
I bought two of her bags! They are so beautifully made . . . I wish I would have gotten a backpack, but our car is SO stuffed, we are going to have to start shipping things home. All we’re allowed to buy now is postcards.
There were Herdwick iPad sleeves too. Durable and pretty, lambswool from local farms, Mandy knows where every color of thread comes from ~ and if you want, you can get them too . . . just go to www.Herdwick.co.uk . . . and tell Mandy I said Hello!
She also has a few Castle Cottage 16 oz. cups left for sale (Beatrix loved Jane Austen, so I put the quote below on the back of this cup), “Castle Cottage” from Castle Cottage . . . especially for everyone in England, it costs much less to get them from Mandy than ordering from us with all the shipping costs from the US! Just in cases.💞
At the last moment, I had a wonderful surprise when Rachel suddenly appeared at the bottom of the garden walking toward me . . . we thought she couldn’t come, and she really couldn’t, but she DID, and I was SOOOOO happy to see her! It didn’t feel right without her! Made the day complete.💞
I’m stopping right now, and putting this up even unfinished . . . I’ll add more to it later because it’s not done! But Joe is chomping at the bit, it’s a beautiful day, we need to go walking . . . I promise to take the camera! Love you! Hope you enjoyed Hill Top! xoxo
You went to your heaven, Susan. Thanks for sharing it with us.
The grass is SO green because of all of the tears left behind by the thousands and thousands of visitors over the years…Beatrice fans even left pieces of their hearts so that future visitors could be warmer on a cold picnic day. ❤️
I added my misty donation to the grass when I was there years ago. Too beautiful to absorb…needed to sleep under the stars and get trapped somewhere on the property to sneak out again and again and again…just like a bunny. Thanks for taking me back through this posting.
You have captured everything so beautifully…per your usual, Susan. I am happy for the attendees and so thankful that the stars aligned perfectly to provide you with new friends from the foundation who helped to make this dare-to-dream miracle dream come true for you.
The picture of you by the gate is iconic…truly! TRULY!
The only thing that I see under your hat is beauty, joy and love. Shame on you for critiquing yourself in such a demeaning manner, Susan Branch!! Warmth and beauty ooze from you no matter what you are wearing…EVEN when your hair is mussed…your feet are socked and slippered…your jammies and shawls keep your early winter mornings cozy while you blog, tweet, paint and sip from your OWN cups. You, like Beatrice, have created your own paradise!! (I do, however, understand the “dilemma” of a face under a hat. I wish that my own looked model-esk under hats, but, alas…ner’ to be!)
You are loved, admired, respected and an uplifting, joyful gift to so many.
OH! My SPRING cup arrived and it is so sweet and beautiful. Thanks to all who worked hard to pack up and ship.
May the winding roads continue to lead you and Joe safely through your continuing travels…through Spring and her fields of lambs…pubs and cider…vistas into and through paned windows…and thousands of wildflowers smiling up at the two of you are you meander paths that make you happy to be alive!
❤️❤️❤️
Dang‼️ Poor editing‼️
“AS you meander…” Could have been “WHILE you meander”…definitely not “ARE you meander”…‼️‼️‼️
💋
Spell check!
That’s exactly what is happening, some of the walks we’ve had here in the wildflower studded Peak District (and the Lakes) have been amazing! Thank you for your kind words, sweetie, I’m glad you enjoyed the picnic. Have a wonderful day!!
Lovely post Susan. Fabulous day and it was wonderful to meet you. I see my hubby has been captured on video forever waving !! Hope you’ll both enjoy the rest of your stay and that you’ll be able to do it all again in the not too distant future. Much love xx
SO CUTE, that wave! Give him a hug for me, he made the perfect ending to that video! Thank you both for being there! xoxo
Thank you,Susan, for this wonderful, newsy blog. The pictures of Miss Potter’s house made me feel like I was there with you. The picnic looked like so much fun. You must have felt so loved by so many from so near and so far. I am happy that you had such a fun time. It is written all over your face. Love you
Thank you Peggy. It was pretty darn wonderful! xoxo
The best post ever. I cried through the entire read. No words for how wonderful it was, I am so happy for you, Joe, and everyone at the picnic.
So sweet Mary Lou, I know just how you feel! xoxo
Oh Happy Day!! Just the absolutely-perfectly-lovely-charmingly-wonderful blog for after the Royal Wedding day of Harry and Meghan, new Duke and Duchess of Sussex! Cannot get enough of all this British-ness! The Musica is magical! Thank you Susan for sharing these wonderful photos and your inspiring words! Certainly has made my day! Continue to enjoy your visit! XOXO
It was a lovely inspiring wedding too … everyone coming together like that, all the waving flags and joyful faces, we just loved it! Thank you Candice!
Very, very beautiful!!!! Me ha encantado la visita, me he sentido casi como si estuviese allí, para mí sería un sueño. Me alegro muchísimo que lo pasaran todos tan bien!!. Susan, eres una gran persona y te mereces lo mejor. Muchas gracias por enseñarnos a todos cosas tan bonitas, tan maravillosas!! Hasta pronto Susan. Un fuerte abrazo para tí y para todas tus seguidoras!
Desde España, Mª del Carmen.
from Google Translate:
I loved the visit, I felt almost as if I were there, for me it would be a dream. I’m very happy that everyone was so good! Susan, you are a great person and you deserve the best. Thank you very much for teaching us all such beautiful things, so wonderful! See you soon Susan. A big hug for you and all your followers!
From Spain, Mª del Carmen.
Back to her, courtesy of G. Translate
¡Hola! ¡Qué maravilloso saber de ti, gracias por tus amables comentarios! Fue un sueño hecho realidad para mí también, ¡me alegra que lo hayas disfrutado!
Which is:
Hello! How wonderful to hear from you, thank you for your kind comments! It was a dream come true for me too, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Looks like a lot of fun!
Thank you Dear Susan!! It feels like I was there with you all!!! Best vacation ever!! Feeling lots of love and gratitude for all you ladies who kindly shared your experiences! Best wishes to my lovely new friends! 😘
Thank you Nicole!
Lovely to see it all, I was there in spirit with you, and had my own little picnic and pot of tea here at home! Do you know which edition of Victoria it will be in? Happy onwards travels…
Not yet, but I should know soon! Will post when I do. xoxo
These pictures are worth a thousand words. And a thousand thanks! 🙂
Good, because I was beginning to run out of them! Thank you Barbara!
I grew up in an English village and our milkman was called Arthur, he came around 5:30 a.m.each morning and he whistled, I loved that sound, it sounded like everything was right with the world. Beautiful pictures from a beautiful part of the country. Thank you so much for sharing them!!
Yes, there was something right with the world when it came to the milkman and his deliveries. I loved our mailman too, walking house to house, he was like a little thread that tied us all together.
What a delightful post! I’m currently somewhat confined with the care of my elderly mom in my home, so reading all this has “transported me away” for a bit. So glad you enjoyed such a delightful event! Thanks for sharing.
Blessings on you and your mom, Sandra. xoxo
What a wonderful day! Oh! how I dearly wish I could have been there, but since I last wrote there has been sad news at my cottage ~ Mum is not coming home, but is now permanently in care so far away.
How delightful to see so many happy, smiling faces ~ and dear Christie and dear Sharon all the way from America too. Such a lovely surprise for you to have Rachel drop in unannounced! The icing on the picnic cake!
Maybe next time will be the third time’s a charm for me?
~~~Waving~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Oh no Deb, I am so sorry to hear that! You have been the perfect daughter, with your tender loving care for so long. I know it wasn’t easy, but since your heart was in it, it was good. Maybe third time’s the charm, but until then, sending you all the love and best in what has to be a hard time. But you know, life. xoxoxo
Thank you so much for sharing…it was actually like I was there! What an amazing adventure
you had! What a wonderful picnic! So many wonderful things to sketch and paint! Loved it!
I’m glad Lynne, thank you!
So lovely! Thanks for sharing so many descriptive details of this special place and this delightful event. I feel like I am right there with you exploring Beatrix Potter’s home and picnicking with all those kindred spirits!
Good I was hoping I could “take you along!” Thank you Rachel!
What a wonderful time everyone had at the picnic..wonderful to see so many happy smil8ng faces..Hilltop is a special place and truly Beatrix still lives there ..loved all the special things. Thank you for showing us all so much..
Loved the milkman story too…
Have you enjoyed watching the royal wedding..it was truly a very special day..I loved all the beautiful flowers..just like the entrance to a secret garden. Meghan and Harry looked so happy and her dress was gorgeous. So pleased you are here to enjoy all the happenings in Windsor.
Now again thank you and bless you both ..for the joy you bring.xx
From Sandra in Birmingham
We loved the wedding, how could we not . . . it was so heartfelt!
Thanks for bringing me to the party. I SO enjoyed it! Can’t wait for the book!
Working on that daily! xoxo
Wonderful magic! Sounds so fun, dear Sue! ♥
It was Peg, one of these days you must come!
Oh, I am just thrilled to see everyone and the joy of the tour!! And photos!! I’m soaking up every detail!! Just lovely Susan—so happy you didn’t have rain and that so many could attend!!!
xx
Joann in CO
It was great, but since you came to our last picnic in Stourhead, I think you know the feeling! xoxoxo
Just amazingly wonderful. I was there in spirit, if not in reality. So fun.
Love your spirit Deborah! xoxo
Oh, Susan. I just knew you’d be here for us today! What a weekend!! Yesterday, the Royal Wedding; today a new blogpost from Susan Branch! I’ve been in Anglophile heaven. Many thanks for all your efforts to spread love and joy!
Me too, ha ha ha, Anglophile heaven! xoxo
Wow! Just WOW!! What a wonderful day you all had at your Hilltop Picnic! The head and shoulder shot of Beatrix Potter looks just like my mother when she was a young woman. Such an amazing likeness.
Thanks again for sharing the lovely time you are having in Jolly Old England.
My pleasure Elly!
Thank you Susan for sharing this day with those that couldn’t attend. It was a nice post on what looks like a full adventure.
You’re so welcome Sally!
You make my heart sing Susan…. xoxo
I loved seeing all these wonderful pictures and reading your post. The quotes you choose are always so meaningful. Your blog is a bright spot for me.
Happy to hear that Sandra!
What a great event. Wish I could have been there. Thanks always for sharing.
Love Hill Top. I have a nice replica of it along with my Beatrix Potter things. Have all the figurines, some even gold stamped…When I moved a couple of years ago, I donated a number of items (but not the figurines) to your staff in CA. I believe they put them for sale on your site. It is so nice to hear and see your visit. Have a wonderful journey home (and yes, you can ship all sorts of stuff)..
Oh! Very nice Julie! xoxo
Oh! Very nice Julie! Thank you! xoxo
Oh it looks like you all had a fabulous time 😃 I so wish I could have been there with you💗 I see you met the lovely carol 😃 isn’t she just lovely 😊 I met up with her last year at hilltop as we are friends on instagram 😊 we keep in touch via mail, we were hoping to meet up again this year when I visited but it wasn’t to be 😊 I love what she made for you 😍 like you Beatrix is my hero and such a inspiring women in every way. It’s such a magical feeling to actually be there isn’t it 😃 . Thankyou for sharing your visit so far and I look forward to seeing the rest 💗
Pure magic, the whole thing! Thank you Kathy!
Oh my… I almost cried reading and looking at the pictures in this blog. I could feel the love from beginning to end. I’m sooooo very happy for you and everyone who was able to make it. The world definitely needs more encounters like this. Love, sweet love.
Thank you – my cup (my new Spring mug) runneth over with love.
Susan, I enjoyed this post so very much. Seeing Beatrice Potter’s home, garden and all the people who love her work was very enjoyable.
Ginene
How I would have loved to have been there in person … but it is so lovely to have enjoyed the picnic through your photos and commentary. Thank you so much! (I’ve been checking my email frequently for this post!)
Oh my…how GORGEOUSl and lovely! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful day with us! LOVE LOVE LOVE every little bit!
Thanks so much for sharing, Susan! It makes me smile at every scroll-down.
What a wonderful posting of your trip to Beatrix Potter’s home! So delightful to read. I met you at Main Street Books on 5-15-16 in St. Charles, MO. What a special experience and day! Are you planning to write another book about this trip? I’m not sure I’ve read whether you are or not. I hope you do. Enjoy the rest of your trip and be safe, you and Joe.
Oh yes, writing every day, and loving it! Thank you Jean, I’ll see you out there one day!
Lovely! Thank you so much.——Shanna
So beautiful there. I have a small collection of blue and white plates like those of Beatrix. Thanks for sharing her home again.
So fresh looking! Good for you Cynthia! Thank you!
Thank you so much Susan, Joe and, lest we not forget, Petey, for immortalizing your wonderful picnic for those of us who could not attend.
What a lovely day you and the others had. Me thinks that the joy of picnics is under-rated. I can’t wait to see how Victoria shows it. They preserve fantasy with pictures. The pictures inside Hill Top Cottage were just as I imagined it would be. Are cameras allowed in now for the public? I loved the pic of your hat on the lace on the table. I too love hats and have several but seldom am able to find the nerve to wear them. Another reason for my wanting to come back in the 40’s. I have some great pictures of my mom, who was quite the dresser at that time, posing with hats, heels and glorious dresses and coats. This was just after the war where she served in the Navy (as did my father).
I’m so happy that Petey was able to meet up with some friends too. Were you able to watch THE wedding? Harry looked absolutely besotted and they make such a loverly couple. Maybe this joyful joining of England and America will help override any other negativity caused by “he who shall not be named” (and I don’t mean Voldermort).
Back here in Decorah, the eaglets will be fledging soon and mom is spending a lot of time away from the nest so that they can gain more and more independence. Mom is spending time with the UME so maybe they will become a couple in the future. Tears still come to me when I think of dad but as they say,”each to their own time. Your girlfriends in the States miss you but wish you the happiest of journeys til you are back home once again.
Con mucho amor, su amigos Sam y Patricia
I’ll be there before we can blink Patricia . . . it’s going very quickly, want to put my heels into our path, get very stubborn, and will it to all slow down! Thank you dear, and yes, the wedding was pure heaven. Loved every second!
Susan, this day looks absolutely magical! Thanks for sharing.
A lovely tour and a lovely picnic!
So happy for you as I know how I felt when I met YOU!
Moments that take your breath away..and memories that last forever!
What an idyllic place..setting.
Wonderful people♥
Une belle vie.
Thank you dear Monique! xoxo
Another absolutely magical post !!! I was totally emmersed in the whole thing—so great that you got to take pics of Beatrix’s storybook home ! What a generous sweet thoughtful person Mandy is to share her piece of Heaven! This had to go down as a huge memory maker !!!
Immersed
No question, Pat, thank you!
Your hat is just great, Susan. Thanks for bringing us to your picnic. And for sharing Hill Top . Loved being there with you.
Lovely, lovely!! Charming too. You are blessed dear girl!
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the private tour thru Hill Top and having a picnic with all of you at Castle Cottage. Thank you for taking me along. I’m so glad that you and Joe are having such a wonderful time. Continued safe travels…
Thank you Sherrill!
Well Susan, once again I have been checking daily for your latest update; so anxious to hear about your Hill Top visit and the picnic. Thank you for sharing all your photos with all of us – I always enjoy reading your goings-on and your wonderful photos. I remember when my Mom & Dad took me back to England 8 years after we emigrated to America and we visited the Lake District….I was 13 and I remember every moment of my time there. It is such a special place and I love that you love it there so much! Many years later I went back to the LD a few times – one time staying at Lindeth Howe – a lovely hotel in the LD and was originally a house that Beatrix Potter bought for her Mother. Thank you for taking me along on your wonderful holiday and sharing it all…….can’t tell you how wonderful it is! Enjoy the rest of your time in England………
We will Wendy, it’s going much too fast. Thank you!
Oh!!! I wish I could have been there!!! I can even smell the grass
Oh my! Thank you for these wonderful pictures. Thanks to the caretakers of Beatrix’s house for allowing you to photograph those private nooks and crannies. Pretty sure I’ll never get there so I REALLY appreciate seeing them. The quotes are especially poignant . . . Between this blog post and yesterday’s big wedding, I’m a soggy emotional mess. So great to see your CA girls there taking it all in. SO GLAD IT DIDN’T RAIN 🙂
I’m soggy too, and neither of us needed rain to add to it! xoxo
Wonderful pictures of the inside of Beatrix Potter’s House, I knew you all would have such a wonderful time. So wanted to be there. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Oh, this was pure delight! I love deepening my understanding of Miss Potter through this exploration and all the girlfriends who love her and those who help tend her home. Very sweet. And a picnic together just couldn’t be better even with a chill in the air. Better that than too hot sun, I say! And I feel certain Beatrix was there herself for this unprecedented event in her surrounds — both your private tour of Hill Top and the picnic at Castle Cottage. Lovely in every way!
Me too, give me cold any day of the week! I melt in the heat! I think she wanted this to happen in her place, she knew what she’d left, did it on purpose, so how could she not love a picnic in her honor! Thank you Jana!
Susan!!!!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE it all!!!!!! Absolutely WONDERFUL!
Such an EXCITING day! I really can’t wait for the new book!!!!
How was the WEDDING??? I can’t wait to hear about that!!!
Hugs
Linda 🙂
Wedding was wonderful, entire country came together, lovely to see. xoxo
Oh My! Thank you Susan, for a wonderful visit and picnic. You are so good to all your friends who stayed home. Much love, Mary
Many many thanks for the post. I really need such a blessing. Such joy 😊
Don’t give up on hats, dear Susan! You have just not found the right shape yet.
I keep thinking that may be it! 😜
How wonderful. I do feel like I was there. The pictures just made me smile and smile. What a wonderful way to spend a day. So lucky for you. Thanks for sharing all this fun with us.
Susan,
Lovely post! Thank you! I am so happy that it did not rain! I so wish I could have been there. Some day…
I love my Jack in the Books mug! Best coffee/tea mug ever! Thank you!
Susan, you are my hero. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Love,
Terry
Thank you right back Terry!
I read this while I am dealing with Shingles…..yuck! I am so glad you had a wonderful time. It all looks so amazing! And the weather held out!! Yay! It is fabulous to share this with you even if I am home and you are across the Pond. Some day may I too will get there! Enjoy the rest of your time! Thank you again for sharing!!! <3
So sorry, shingles are no fun! Thank you Lorraine, and feel better soon!!!
Oh my goodness. My heart is full and I’m not even there except in spirit!! I’m thank you for bringing it alive for me!!!Hugs
It is all so glorious! Thank you!!!
Lov. Lee. For sure. All so perfect with friends & green views and good food and YOU 😍do we know which issue will publish your picnic fun?? Can’t wait. So happy you could use your camera inside now even though your paintbrush is preferred in my book🦋 Live that we can share your journey!!
Both is best! I’m waiting to hear from Victoria, we shall see! And I’ll let you know! xoxo
Looks like everyone is having a great time. Wish I could’ve been there with you all. I have been a Beatrix Potter fan for ever. Enjoy the rest of your time in England. I am so envious of you. Thanks so much for sharing it all with everyone.
My pleasure Yarlette, thank YOU for being here!
You bet I hung on every word. BTW: I was hoping for a good photo of her quilt on her bed, but didn’t see it. I’m a quilter So notice these things. I may have missed it and bring as I go back and read your posts several times, I’ll look again! So happy you had a grand time.
It’s there . . . I think! I’ll have to check too!
You make everything come alive, and even through the machine your enthusiasm shows.
I remember years ago I would have what I thought were memorable occasions
Worth photographing, and it seemed I could get everything done except the photos.
I finally was able to get help with that, so I have records of the events. It can be very
disappointing, but somehow works out as yours has. I feel I have shared the tour and
the picnic, as have others. Thank you!!!
You are so welcome June!
Oh Susan,thank you for bringing it all back in the blogs and the Romance book. WeVe been to England many times and to Hilltop once- it’s all a wonderful memory! I eagerly await your next meassage And The Book!! I was able to take photos in the house at Hilltop at that time-or was I sneaky(can’t remember!). You are truly a Beatrix Potter woman! You have created a wonderful life and inspire many with your talent, enthusiasm and perseverance! Also thanks for mentioning your stop in Williamsburg-another special place to me. I think that wonderful place needs more visitors! Maybe you will have inspired others again! Jude Eilers folk artist and muralist
Thank you Jude, love hearing from you!
Such a delightful picnic thanks to your creative descriptive narrative and pictures ! Feel like I was there! Bless You!
Love to hear it Marlynne!
Oh the beauty of this place and your picnic! When I was there last September it rained like a monsoon and it was cold. We toured Beatrice’s home but really could not see anything because it was so dark and gloomy outside. I enjoyed seeing your photos!
Good! xoxo
Wonderful tea & all your friends sharing the Beatrix Potter’s Hightop farm ! So lovely for you 🇬🇧! Thanks for sharing all the beautiful pictures 💕 !
Don’t you love that they still have Milkmen ? My dad delivered milk as a young man in Crockett , California in the late 1930’s as a high school student & then as a college stundent 💗.
Enjoy the remainder of your travels 💫!
The gardens are especially lovely in May in GB 🇬🇧!
Penny
Everything is popping, something new every day, just looked out kitchen window, chives blooming today! We’re making pasta right now for dinner and I intend to raid this little garden for herbs! Thank you Penny!
Tears in my eyes as you stood in the doorway, with your hand on the wall, where Beatrix Potter stood. How special to read your dream come true post. The photos, the picnic – it just keeps getting better. Thanks for bringing us along!
Well, I love having you! I think you can tell. xoxo
I am speechless!
Oh! So Very Happy!
Must save up to visit!
MUST!
Happy Happy for You!
And, for You to share with Us!
Thank you! Thank you!
My pleasure Bonnie, had me a little speechless too, but I finally got over it enough to write about it!
Oh. My. !!!
That sounds like a Yes to me! xoxo
I almost enjoyed your post better because you were so engaged and enthralled that you didn’t get many photos. Your words did just as well. Thank you for sharing your dreams and their fulfilment.
That’s so good to hear, thank you so much! xoxo
Dear Susan,
Your Picnic and Day at Castle Cottage looked and sounded like everyone had a wonderful time! I loved every step of the way beginning with the walk down that cute stone walkway that goes through the flower garden ❤️ You said that “you are proud to have Beatrix Potter as your hero….She is still making a difference” and “the things that made her happy make you happy too”. That is exactly how I feel about you Susan…after all, you are MY hero! I have learned so many wonderful things from you and traveled along with you to places that I never would have never gone to otherwise. I laugh with you, cry with you and feel your excitement and happiness in all that you do….and by the way, you looked WONDERFUL in that hat!! Don’t you wish that gloves were in style again? Oh I do…I love buying them when I see them in antique malls! Maybe some day! You probably know this but in case you don’t… there is an online shop in the U.K. called LAURA’S BEAU that sells the most beautiful, cozy looking William Morris tablecloths, matching napkins, placemats, aprons, potholders and more. I have three sets from there and they are even more pretty in person than on their website. I am looking forward to part two of your blog! This blog was so very nice…I enjoyed it all!! Thank you!!
Love William Morris things, we found lots at his house, Kelmscott. I’ll check out that website. And thank you so much Kathiellen, for your lovely comments. xoxoxoxo
When I saw the picture of Beatrix Potter in the doorway I immediately thought, That looks like Susan!!! and scroll down and there you are!! You really look alike. 💕💕💕
Thank you for all the luv-ley picnic news!!
Something in the eyes! 😍
Sigh. Just Wonderful. Just Wonderful. Sigh.
Sweet, so sweet! Thank you Tana!
Cool! Life is made for moments like these.
Anything that zips us up to the sky! Yes!
Hmmm…should the FAB photo of you in front of the gate be on the cover of this new book???? Don’t be shy!! 😔
BRILLIANT idea to use a Peter Rabbit book for the guest book. What a TREASURE for you.
❤️❤️❤️
It is a treasure! You are so right FayE … I usually don’t think of myself as book-cover material! We’ll see, thank you for encouragement!
I just finished A Fine Romance, after first reading Isle of Dreams and then The Fairy Tale Girl, so (like everyone else), I feel like I almost know you. I just signed up for your blog and saw that you’re back in the UK (maybe for the wedding?). Thanks for bringing us such pretty and romantic things to read and see!
We came for a Picnic, but the wedding was heaven too … from our front row seat in front of the telly! Thank you Ellen!
It’s all wonderful!
It is, and was!
Thank you. That was so wonderful. Wish I could have been there, bu enjoyed reading about it.
Susan
Happy you liked it Susan!
Oh, Susan, what a wonderful day. Love the video – it’s so nice to hear your sweet voice. Have you ever been to the Antique Textiles Company in London during your trips to England? They have a page on Facebook. The quilts are unbelieveably gorgeous. I hope to visit there one day. So glad you all had a great time.
Just in case we get there, I wrote that down, it looks pretty wonderful Lisa!
I ate up every word and pic and painting of this Willard. I have reread it 4 times, as the first time so excited I race thru it. Then go back and savour it all. I felt as if I was there. Joe looked very happy and relaxed and so glad he gets to share this all with you. He is a rare guy. Thank you a million times over.
Debra
He is a rare guy, I couldn’t do it without him! xoxo Thank you Debra!
Just “THANKS” for everything!
xoxo you are so welcome Anne!
Thank you Susan. I felt like I was really there with all your friends. Beautiful surroundings, great food, and so many smiles. How wonderful to receive a hand embroidered piece with all the French knots, I can see you crying now. Enjoy the rest of your trip, You and Joe look so happy.
Thanks so much Ruth! xoxo
Thank you so very much for the wonderful picture tour of Hilltop House and the Castle Cottage picnic. It all looked so delightful. Almost made me cry for the joy I could see on all the faces of those there.
It was quite a moment. I kept having to pinch myself that it was real!
A perfect day~Joe is right~you are so lucky! Well-deserved as I think of the many hours of writing, painting and planning that you make one believe to be seemingly effortless – NOT!
Not effortless, but a work of joy, that’s for sure. Thank you Ann xoxoxo
It looks like you had the loveliest of lovely days! So happy for all of the lucky picnickers who got to attend! Susan, I am so enjoying your trip! Thanks for sharing and I’m looking forward to your next book!
Writing it every day and loving it! xoxo
Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!! Ph my gosh!!! I just can’t take it all in!!!! I may have to print this blog post out so I can pour over it, over & over again!!!! I am so excited for the book that will follow this trip. Love & Hugs to you & Joe and all of the girlfriends!!!
Thank you Laura! Hugs back from us! xoxoxo
Smiling with tears rolling. I was with you in spirit. Amazing!
Exactly how I was . . .!
I am steeped like a tea bag, in the fragrant scent of Castle Cottage! Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing this sweet and precious memory. Sigh.
Thank you Sunny, so glad you enjoyed it!
Fabulous day! Loved hearing every detail. You are so blessed as are your friends in having YOU. Thank you for sharing all these special friends, places, & events! Stay well!💕
I had a nap today, in this little house, and feel like a million bucks!
What a dream and a delight, all so lovely! I could hear the fairies clapping their hands. If being one’s hero is all about things that make me happy, then you are one of my favourite heroes. The things you like, I like too – the things that are truly important, especially kindness. I’ve always loved Beatrix and her books.
Milk, bread and a few other groceries were delivered to our door by the milkman years ago, such an excitement, the milkmen always so cheerful!
I love her china, and the antiques, the wallpaper, the flowers, the garden and EVERYthing.
Thank you for letting us enjoy all the joy on that special day. I can’t wait for your book…
I was aiming my camera everywhere, thinking, oh they will love this, and, gotta show ’em this … I wasn’t there alone! Thank you for coming along Sally! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
First off, when and where will the next picnic be? I’m determined to make it to the next one! I loved seeing Hill Top again, thank you. I’ve been there twice and both times I never wanted to leave. Looking through Beatrix’s books and finding the places in her house that she included was such fun. Did you see Samuel Whisker’s hole in the baseboard?
Can’t wait to read the book about your adventures.
I forgot to mention how much I like your hat and outfit. Perfect picnic attire!
Thank you Jill!
We were talking about that ~ maybe America next time? Just thinking about it. Little clues all through the house, to her, to her art, to her life and imagination! xoxo
Thank you, thank you, thank you dear Susan for sharing your wonderful day. I could feel how awe-struck you were being allowed to use your camera in Beatrix’s home; the thrill of a lifetime, I’d say. Glad that so many made it to the picnic; it sure looked like fun.
It was a moment to remember, thank you for being here Kathy!
Susan,
Just checked your blog and was SO happy to see a new post. All I can say is, BEAUTIFUL. You must have been in 7th Heaven in Beatrix Potter’s house. I can see it in your eyes. It must have been so much simpler to live in those days. You are very lucky to be able to see all these beautiful things more than once and we are very lucky to be able to see it through all your amazing pictures and posts. Especially for some of those of us who might never get over to England. I just LOVE that country. It must be amazing to be able to actually stay in one of the houses and just go around all day sightseeing and get to know the people and have it seem like you were never anyplace else.
Can’t wait for your book on all your adventures this trip.
Just as a fyi, when I went to post this comment, I found someone elses name and email in my spot. Must be something “technical.”
That’s what I love, feeling like we are a teeny cog in the wheel for the time we are there. Hi Kevin! I sing it to the milkman in the morning, trying to make his day feel better ~ even if it’s only for two weeks! And yes, we have a technical problem that has bedeviled us. Just change the name to your own, it’s the only thing that seems to work! Sorry! We’ll keep trying, but we have a very devious gremlin in here somewhere. I guess it could be worse!
Totally, wonderfully amazing! Thanks for bringing this day to life for the rest of us.
My pleasure Stephanie!
dear Susan, thank you soooo much for your beautiful words and gorgeous work
and for sharing it all with us
haydee
Thank you right back Haydee, you all make it much more fun for me!
Be still my heart, How absolutely perfect. Thank you so much. I cried through it all. Someday, if I am very lucky, I will walk where you and Beatrix Potter walked. SO I thank you for all of the photo’s and narration. I was there in spirit. What a treat for you to photograph inside. Hope they let you include them in the BOOK.
Much love and bunny hugs, Shirley
What a delightful needlework gift.
I left a tear or two of my DNA there, so you’ll feel it when you do, as I felt all those who’ve made this journey before. XOXOXO
It was almost (just almost, though) as good as being there!
Almost is just what I was hoping for. Do hope that sooner or later, many of us can go see on our own, because there is really nothing like it no matter how many good words you find!
Thank you, thank you! I enjoyed this so much!! What wonderful memories to take home with you!
Thank you Kathy!
Wonderful photos and words…. wish we all could join you!!! But surprised that there you are in England and no mention of the Royal Wedding???
It deserves a whole post for itself, was SO SO SO wonderful. I wrote all about it in my diary, and will try to do a post about it, but I have to say, something good seems to happen every day, I can’t keep up!
Hi Susan!
Thanks for making your visit to Hill Top and Castle Cottage come alive for those of us who couldn’t be there with you! You really look like you “belong” at Hill Top, and I know that you and Beatrix would certainly have been kindred souls. What a great day you planned!
I would have worked at the Tower Bank Arms, the pub across from Castle Cottage, and made her a breakfast SO GOOD she would have had to come every day! That would have been my insidious plan! Thank you Linda!
Thank you again Susan for all the beautiful photos and commentary of Beatrix Potter’s home. Cheryl and I were there last year at this time and we said we could have come to your picnic but we would have been a bit early. We would not have minded waiting in this beautiful part of heaven. You fit perfectly into Beatrix’s world!
Thank you Kay . . . I know you love it too! xoxo