Well, we made it home! I thought I’d do a little recap for you … with MUSICA! 💞
Here we are, just leaving Southampton not all that long ago . . . waving a tearful good bye to luv-lee England, more in love than ever! It could not have been a better trip home. I think we have to remember to ALWAYS travel by ship at the end of June! The water was sparkling and flat most of the way . . . we even saw dolphins!! It was so amazing and wonderful and special to see them jumping out of the water, arching in unison, going along with us next to the ship. 🐬
The good ship Queen Elizabeth was just ahead of us as we left Southampton, making a very pretty picture with all the little boats escorting her out of the harbor.
The moon was up when we caught up with her . . . I hope our ship looked as pretty to them as theirs did to us!
The setting sun shone on her as we went by and she turned off to whatever wonderful place she was going.
The moon followed us on the Queen Mary 2 all the way home. We left England on a Sunday, the moon was full on Wednesday, and we arrived home, along with the moon, the following Sunday . . . pondering the gift of each day . . .
The moon made a path to our stateroom twice in this photo, both outside and also reflected in the door to our deck …
We had amazing fresh ocean air, I had my books, I took naps, I took a bubble bath, I had room service, I wrote in my diary, I went dancing, I walked around and around the boat and worked out in the gym: EVERY day was a Red Letter Day!
It was the most wonderful thing. I took this in the morning, the moon is actually setting …
Here it is, on another night, right over us at 1 am …
And after six luv-lee days of this, at about 4:30 am on Sunday July 1, the first lights of Long Island came into view . . . it’s hard to describe how it felt, it had been a long time. We left our home March 4, and here we were, back again.
Coming home after a long slow voyage over the wide ocean, experiencing the world space as it is … is majestic. We were pinching ourselves as we glided quietly through the dawn, seawater washing over the sides of the ship, toward the lights of the Verrazano Narrows bridge.
We ran up top to see it up close as we went under it and found out we weren’t alone!
Everyone was taking pictures, watching tug boats as we passed the twinkling lights along the shore.
See the lit-up cameras? Notice the stairs, look at the top, see the people crowding the rail to get a view of New York? People come a long way to do this, in more ways than one!
I looked back, as we passed under the bridge . . .
And then we got our first glimpse of the most wonderful welcome home you could get, the Statue of Liberty (her light is shining there on the left). It was perfect timing, we arrived home in time to celebrate the Fourth!
As you know, the Statue of Liberty was a gift to America from France to celebrate our 100 year anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 🇺🇸
She was assembled in France, then taken apart to be sent to America and came to us in 350 pieces! I love these old photos. Seeing her in pieces is surreal!
The sculptor used his mom’s face for his model. What a good son!
The first bit finished was Liberty’s right hand and torch ~ which was shipped to Philadelphia and put on display. For a fee of 50 cents, visitors could climb a ladder inside the hand to the balcony around the torch. Ah. luv-lee history! I imagine no one had the slightest idea of what was really to come, but this probably gave a tiny hint.
The unveiling took place with parades, a Presidential speech, fireworks, cannons, flags and an overflowing New York City ~ she’d already caught the imagination of America.
And now it was our turn. Standing there in the hushed dawn light, it was easy to imagine what an inspiration the Lady was to the huge numbers of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island ~ if your family came to America on a ship after 1886, they were greeted by Lady Liberty. Can you imagine the thrill? And for us too, it was total chills. Five-thirty in the morning and EVERYONE was up and dressed and on top of the ship for our arrival, arms around each other, tears in the eyes, cameras clicking, all together experiencing . . .
. . .excited to see the light of her torch. Her formal name is “Liberty Enlightening the World.”
Wow. Right? Just beautiful. I took this photo with my cell phone and it almost looks like a painting.
When the sun came up everyone applauded!
SO American, so Fourth of July! Such a perfect welcome!
The moon was going down as the sun came up behind us shining on the front of the ship.
Hello new day.
An amazing morning of celebration ~ for tourists and for us, coming home sweet home.
Everyone was taking their last photos . . .
And saying good bye to an amazing crossing . . .
wah.
So long ship, until we meet again . . . save our place!
You say good bye, and I say hello . . .
I found a porter and we gathered our 50 billion pieces of luggage while Joe went to rent a car . . . and soon, off we went. HOME was beginning to come into focus, but we still had a five-hour drive and a ferry ride before we would turn into our driveway 😻. LOOK at the AMAZING Brooklyn Bridge!
We were a little worried when we saw this!
But no worries, the nursery was open . . . we needed flowers at home so we stopped here, and loaded up at the supermarket . . .
Everything was getting precariously close to the ceiling of the car, but there was still breathing room!
Across Connecticut we went . . . into Rhode Island . . .
Through Providence . . .
To our home state!
And everywhere people were getting ready for the 4th …
Flags flying …
I just put the camera up to the car window and clicked, because flags were flying everywhere . . . what a welcome home!
Down Main Street in Falmouth, all decked out in flags . . .
And finally, to the BOAT!!! Thar she blows!
And while we waited for our ferry, the sky turned pink and the sun began to go down.
And pretty soon it was our turn to board . . . I could hear Jack meowing from here . . .
Off we go . . . by this time I’ve lost all pretense to calm dignified travel, I’m DYING to get home! This boat can’t go fast enough.
We sit up top on a soft balmy night heading across the sound to our Island, a 45 minute trip. We drove off the ferry and down the familiar streets of our small town . . .
We turned into our driveway…by now I’ve almost lost consciousness, I can barely remember, but we put the key into the kitchen door . . . and the lock wouldn’t turn! I could see through the window in the door and there, on the floor, was Jack, looking at me. His eyes were round as he threw himself down, rolled onto his back, twisting and wiggling and pawing the air . . . Joe ran around to the back door while I whined and cooed through the window.
We finally made it in and spent the evening purring at each other (me and Jack, Jack and Joe, me and Joe), while unpacking. Sweetly, Jack was perfectly willing to repeat his rolling wiggling performance on the ironing board the next morning when I had my camera ready!
Never tell me cats don’t show love.
Because this is what it looks like. And it hasn’t stopped! We’ve been forehead to forehead, inseparable, every day.
He watches me unpack, get organized, do laundry . . . slightly suspicious that this might not last… “She is my sun, my moon, and my stars . . .”
Fear not Jack! He sleeps with us, of course, he curls up on me when I take a nap ~and when we go out for a walk, he does the wiggling thing when we come home. When I sit down to read my book, he cuddles right up. He was well-loved while we were away ~ he plays ponytail band better now than he ever did! Being at home is, as I know you know, a wonderful thing.
With my own luv-lee shadows through the linden trees, then through the windows . . .
and into my own living room . . .
My own top of the stove to decorate the way I like . . . we know where everything is! We know how it all works! These are little pleasures in life!
I count my blessings while polishing my wand . . .
Loving everything!
Saying hello once more to the children . . .
Walking out to the garden with my scissors on these warm mornings . . .
picking roses and pulling weeds . . . getting the fountain out of the barn for the kitchen porch . . .
. . . and filling my little vases . . . Oh the glory of it. Going away makes coming home better than imaginable.
Our friend Jaime gave us a welcome home party in the back garden of her most adorable house . . . It was Jaime’s son Duncan (one of triplets!) who took care of Jack.
It was heaven seeing everyone again . . .
Gorgeous salad, Jaime is amazing! One of the most generous souls I’ve ever known. She’s a caterer, receiver of the “Best of Vineyard” award for years and years!
We’ve had a ton of unpacking to do, a lot to catch up on, you know, the bank, the dentist, all the regular things . . . but so far we’re trying to be balanced. 
Our walks to the water are still my favorite part of the day . . .
The Island was crowded on the Fourth … This is a tiny beach has a very shallow protected beach, perfect for paddling children, and very popular especially on Summer holidays!
But early on other days we have the place pretty much to ourselves.
Not tired of the sea!
And to add to the wonderfulness of everything, your sweet comments on the last post were delightful, making me cry many times. 💞 Without you this trip would still have been magical, but with just a little less sparkle ~ you made it so much more fun . . . trying to see everything not only through my own eyes, but maybe through yours too, having you along has gotten me a little bit outside myself and that can only be a good thing!
Oh, yes, I’ve been unpacking our memories too, getting out my watercolors early in the morning, getting organized . . . I’m going to have so much fun putting this new book into my “good” handwriting . . . adding the photos, the watercolors, the quotes and recipes, the how-to’s, and all the other little bits and pieces I think you will enjoy seeing in this book.
I wrote the whole thing day-by-day, in the moment, while we were in England, Wales, and Ireland . . . I also kept a diary when we were in Scotland and I plan to include bits of that too . . . all the best most informative and enjoyable parts. We learned so much, had so many amazing moments, I couldn’t possibly tell you everything while we were there ~ each day was too stuffed full, so there will be surprises! And now for the fun part, I get to write it . . . Stick with me while I do it. I’ll hurry.
So here’s a few things that happened while we were at sea . . .
The new 2019 Calendars went up for presale! (Can’t believe it, means it’s almost fall!!!🤣) This is the cover for the 12 x 12″ Wall-Calendar. They’re up for presale now, but they should all be at the Studio by the middle of next week.
Here’s a little preview of the November wall-calendar page . . . with a quote that came directly from one of our Girlfriends, Lee Gordon, here in our comment section! Isn’t it a cute idea? I know, it’s playing with your food, but canned black olives are different! I keep telling you how much I love your words and thoughts, well, it’s true! 🎃
We have the Mini Calendars, too, as always, and the Blotter Calendar, and the Purse Calendar … (That’s the Purse Calendar in the upper left photo above⤴.) You might remember the publisher decided to do away with the plastic cover for the Purse Calendars … which resulted in the loss of that little storage pocket on the inside covers. SO, Kellee, being the genius that she is, fixed us a fix! You can click HERE to receive free papers, pattern, and directions to make your choice of two different pockets (as shown above) to add to your calendar if this is something you would like.
Our Girlfriend, Posy Lough, made our wonderful new Alphabet Sampler pre-printed Embroidery Kit … I left a place for the date in the design, and for you to embroider your own name. Of course there’s bunting! I hope you have fun with it! It’s in now, it comes with directions, embroidery floss, and pre-printed 12″ x 15″ cotton fabric…
Last but not least . . . I think you all received your new cups, right? I hope so and I hope you LOVE them! 💞… and I have a little surprise . . . I thought as a 🎵 Welcome Home to Me 🎶 I would do a new giveaway. We finally have our cups in all four seasons! So one of you lucky girls is going to receive this entire set (yes, I do hope I’m helping with some of your Christmas shopping)! All you have to do is leave a comment ~ just scroll to the bottom of this post and in teeny tiny letters (look closely) you will see the word “comment.” Click there, leave a comment and you will be automatically entered! In not too long from now, we will have a drawing, our in-house “random number generator” we call Vanna, will draw the winning name. I’ll be announcing the winner here on the blog and sending an email to the lucky person! So don’t forget to say hello! ❤ Always so much to look forward to with you Girlfriends! My favorite thing!
Welcome home! Wow, such an amazing trip. Thanks for brining us along. I can’t wait for the book. I agree kitties show us many emotions, we just have to be in tune to them, so we understand them. I have been away from home for awhile, so when I return home my new cups will be waiting for me at the post office. I am lucky because I brought my kitty Molly along on the trip. She is doing a great job being a traveling kitty, but we are not traveling on an ocean liner to another country. So glad you are home and the trip was great, we all had so much fun.
I can’t wriggle like Jack, but I’m glad you’re home…I’m exhausted from the trip, but it was wonderful. Enjoyed every minute…and I do think seeing the Statue of Liberty coming into NY was a highlight. My Georgia grandchildren happened to be there as you were coming in, coincidentally. I also have four grandparents who emigrated in the late 1880s and viewed the Lady, so seeing her is always emotional for me. Can’t wait for the book…thank you for all you have shared…it was pure delight!
Sharon in Houston
I really enjoyed your descriptions of your trip adventures! Photos were wonderful. Thank you for taking me along!
Welcome Home! Glad your journey was full of magic and love! Looking forward to your book and all the wonderful blog posting !
❤️❤️ your post. It’s so great that everyone clapped when the sun came up!
WELCOME HOME SUSAN AND JOE!!!! i’ll bet Jack was tickled pink to have you 2 back home and paying attention to him. we have had a busy simmer so far, taking care of peeps and baby quackers, and finally putting in new flooring for the master bath. now I don’t have run to the bath by the kitchen each night, I can use the master bath again… YAY!!! we replaced the floor completely, and discovered the “turkey” who did the remodel of the house really took some major shortcuts, like using 1/4 inch plywood on the subflooring instead of the required 3/4 inch plywood. we also discovered that thanks to this clown the toilet was never properly placed on the pipe right and was 1 to 1/2 an inch off and this caused leaking every time the toilet was flushed, over 13 years the subflooring was rotted around the toilet so it was no wonder the toilet collapsed through the floor, plus half the shower subflooring was rotted out so that was also replaced. next project is the entry way in the front room, time to rip up those rotten and broken tiles and replace them with Pergo flooring, we used that in the bathroom and it is gorgeous. we love our master bath….. :D!!! it has been hot here, triple digits for the next week, and the county fairs are going. Labor day is not too far away ( and Lion burgers…YUM) and Fall is fast approaching. for now it is good to drink gallons of iced tea, and enjoy lazy summer afternoons on the porch watching the tractors go down the road to the gas station and then come back up and by to their fields. its also blackberry season and time for blackberry honey… my favorite. soon it will be time for the local county fair, and then the Tuff Trucks competition and the Labor day parade. the 3th was pleasant and cool, loads of fireworks and plenty of kabooms to go around. well off to check on the birds, and turn their sprinkler on for a 5 minutes to cool them off, spoiled but loved. have a great day everyone and Welcome Home Susan. hugs….. 😀
Good morning Susan and Girlfriends. it is early here and cool so I have the windows open and the fans going to move that wonderful cool air around. the grapes are growing out on the arbor, won’t be long before they are big and juicy and purple… we have concord grapes, good for jam, jelly and juice. the stores are already putting out the back to school lists and supplies, you should see the kids’ they have that not now look on them. the tractors are going by the house, I hear the chugging, love that sound… reminds me its summer and the veggies are growing. our veggie garden is growing and doing well, now if we can keep the deer and the turkeys out of it we will have tomatoes, peppers and squash. the baby ducks are just about ready to go into the barnyard, soon very soon. we are just a bit careful about when to place them in as the older male ducks will kill them if given the chance and the bigger these babies are, the less likely we will have to worry. it must be glorious to be back home with Jack, I hope you got him a new supply of hairbands. well off to go get the house up and going, have to get down to the farmer’s market today and also shop the regular market for supplies. have a wonderful weekend everyone, stay cool and comfy. drinks lots and lots of iced tea. Happy Summer everyone. hugs…. 😀
❤️❤️❤️ this postn
I truly LOVE your post. You are an inspiration to all of us.
A trip of a lifetime for any of us. Glad it was both of you who took it and are sharing it with all of us.
How I love to read about your travels! I am a long time fan and enjoy your illustrations as well!
I think, after a trip like that I would have had to collapse and rest for at least a week. Of course, you sound like you are off and running, as usual. I wish I had your energy. I truly love reading your blog, and love living vicariously through you. Welcome home!
Welcome Back! Love to hear about all your ventures- wish I was there… But there’s no place like home, and I wold have missed my kitty, too!
Susan,
Loved following along with you on the ship home. And I learned something too; about the Statue of Liberty. She was quite a puzzle to put together, I bet.
Glad you and Joe are home safe and sound and Jack is a happy cat now!
Mary Ann Nichelini
Welcome Home! Thank you so much for including all of us on this trip. It was wonderful! And what a beautiful homecoming on the 4th of July. I enjoyed the lovely pictures of the Statue of Liberty!
It has been so fun to follow your journey the past few months and hearing about your re-entry into the USA by sailing past the Statue of Liberty brought tears to my eyes! I am so looking forward to this new book (and your movie!). Your love for life and creativity bless me in so many ways. Thank you for sharing your life and your wonder and your art with all of us!
Welcome back home! Oh what a grand trip this was. I so loved every bit of it and cannot wait to read all about it too. Seeing Long Island from the ship made my day. The Statue of Liberty sent chills through me. Tears. Always tears for all she stands for and how proud we are of her. Glad to see Jack took good care of home and hearth for you. What a cutie patootie he is. Enjoy MV’s summer beauty as you settle back home. You brighten my world. Thank you.
Wonderful blog post. Loved it all! God Bless America and welcome home!
Welcome home from your magical trip! Thank you for sharing it with us!
Thank you Susan – your postings got me through some dismal spring days! You’ve also inspired me to plan a walking trip myself. Looking forward to your new book!
Gail
Thank you for sharing your beautiful journey with us! Such wonderful photos, artwork, and words.
Susan Branch, You have inspired me for 29 years! Love your style!
Thank you SO much for taking us along on your trip; it was wonderful. Welcome home!
Jack’s ‘love’ face is so adorable, makes me smile and warm inside.
It’s good to have you back in the U.S. of A., but I did so love the journey you and Joe shared with us. Back in the 60s and 70s I loved Harlequin Romance novels by Betty Neels. She took us from villages, to towns, to cities throughout England and Scotland. She crossed the channel on the ferry as she traveled to Holland. All those years ago I dreamed of traveling those pathways from quint to sophisticated and from cottages to curated estates. Thank you for making it come to life for me. The tea rooms, pubs, village church yards, meadows, styles, fields, lamb, ducks, flowers, banners, and oh so much more. This was my trip of a lifetime and you took me first class. There are not words to express what is in my heart. You have blessed me with your adventurous spirit. With a heart full of gratitude, I say, thank you.
Thank you Lorna, that was so sweet. xoxoxo
Welcome back, Susan! I have really enjoyed reading the adventures of your trip, and hope to someday see some of the same places. I’m looking forward to reading your book. Loved your pictures and commentary of the Statue of Liberty. We are so blessed to have it and what it represents in our lives.
Welcome Home! Thank you for taking me with you on your travels through your wonderful posts, and for all the loveliness you share. You inspired me to fulfill my dream of visiting the English countryside – we were in the Cotswolds in June, just farther south than you and Joe. I loved every minute, but agree that “there’s no place like home”.
Much love to you!
I love reading about your trips and seeing your illustrations. I get that warm fuzzy feeling when I read your blog and your books. Please do not stop sharing your thoughts and ideas with us!
Susan….The pictures of Lady Liberty as you came into New York brought tears to my eyes as I thought “This is what my parents and grandparents saw as they entered the US of A.” Not speaking English, hardly any possessions, they came with hope and dreams. He said to me many times “I woke up hungry every day and went to bed hungry every night until I came to America” They came from small islands in the Adriatic in Croatia. He was so grateful for the opportunities he found. Thank you for stirring up memories of my family.
And now here you are. You come from very brave people! xoxo
Loved everything you shared with us……I can’t wait for the book….You are awesome
Welcome home to the good old USA. Loved the England trip. Thanks for the ride!
Welcome Home!! Jack looks thrilled. I want to do this same trip someday. Seeing it thru your eyes and experiences mean so much to me.
Welcome back! Love seeing a new place vicariously through your eyes; thank you for sharing, especially the details. I did receive my mug and yes I LOVE it.
Enjoy what’s left of summer!
Just lovely. England, Ireland, and Scotland are on my list for someday…perhaps next summer! Cannot wait to read your book. Please hurry! ❤️ Thank you.
Wonderful trip Susan and Joe and all your friends along the way! I so enjoyed going on this trip with you and kept warm and cozy along the way in your pocket. I love pocket travel, don’t you? It’s much better than arm-chair travel because you actually see the entire trip through rose colored glasses! What memories you leave for all of us, especially me! I’m still dreaming of my upcoming trip to the Lake District to see all that you saw and Beatrice Potter too! One day, one day, and I’ll send you photos of every blade of grass, tree, glower and etc. Thanks again, I enjoyed the Queen Mary 2!
Welcome home! Enjoyed the trip and all the adventures through you and Joe. It was grand. Can’t wait for the book.
Welcome back to the WONDERFUL U. S. of A,
Judy Anderson
Welcome home! It was great following you on your trip, can hardly wait for the next book! mind how you go, YvonneJ
Welcome home Susan And Joe.
I stop whatever I am doing as soon as your blog appears in my inbox. As much as I LOVED all your descriptions and photos throughout your trip, I was still spellbound by the photos of the moon on your return. Only topped by your pics of New York harbor climaxing with the welcoming light of the Statue of Liberty. May she always stand proud in this same welcoming as she did for my grandparents and their families which included my father in 1927. Years well thinking of their arduous journey across the océan as immigrants. Thank you for the beautiful journey and reminder of our lady of the harbor.
And cannot believe that already at the end of this month we depart for our tour of Scotland. ❤️
That ticking clock!
Welcome home Susan. Hope you’re planning a trip to California soon along with a stop in Arizona. We’ve missed you!
What a lovely journey—I enjoyed every moment and can’t wait to see the book! I have a question about your process: do you write/illustrate the book directly into a sketchbook or onto individual sheets of watercolor paper?
Thank you for taking us along, Susan!
What a wonderful trip, thank you for sharing all the pictures!
So much to say; so little space!
Welcome home.
Glad you’re back, for Jack’s sake. 🙂
Oh, how I love your blogs and especially this one about England, Scotland, et al.
You are such a fun, talented gal and I love you.
Can’t wait to read the book. Glad all made it home safe.
Welcome home! What a dream trip. Thanks for sharing.
I just wish we lived close enough so I could babysit Jack. I wouldn’t be you but I would love him as much as he would let me!
So looking forward to new book🗽
Can’t wait for the new book. Welcome home Susan Branch and thank you for posting the pictures of the Statue of Liberty, something I have yet to see.
So happy to hear about your trip and the journey home. Thank you for the Statue of Liberty history and pictures, it brought tears to eyes. I can not imagine how it feels to see her in person. Enjoy being home. So looking forward to a new book.
🌺 Suzanne
You always make my day better!
So happy to see that you are home and enjoying everything there, especially, Jack! What a love he is.
Can’t wait for your new book. I guess it won’t be out for a while, but that will give me enough time to reread the others and be ready to jump into the new one.
Thank you for sharing your pictures, your words & your heart with us on this journey❣️
I just love your blog and all of the pictures. A happy time for sure is to look through all of my Susan Branch books. What a wonderful adventure you were on. Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Loved this Blog….It is wonderful coming back home. There is nothing like it. So glad you had a fabulous time; I wish I could of been there. Hopefully when the next book is written I will feel like I have been right there with you and Joe.
What an exciting trip you had Susan. So fun following you and your travels. The neatso thing I enjoyed was when you came home and you lock didn’t turn on your house door you could see your kitty, Jack, looking at you. Animals are amazing.
Thank you for sharing with us.
A girlfriend,
Sharon
I rarely comment because “dear Susan” says it all so magically. But I LOVED your moon pictures! Whenever I toddler sit my little 4 yr. old buddy, we are always looking for the “day time moon.” We search out the upstairs play area window at home or at school (where we go mid mornings to play in the library and do a reading program with the 2nd – 6th grade kids). Then we express our excitement when it’s right there for us to see! Two years ago we began breakfast reads with Eloise Wilkin’s POEMS TO READ TO THE VERY YOUNG. We love them all but DAY-TIME MOON by Dorothy Aldis brings this celestial body to life.
I’m so excited for you new book as I have loved the journeys taken in your previous diaries along with other volumes from years ago. This email will get forwarded to my 3-4 grade teacher friend so she can enjoy the LOVE of AMERICA and history that you express so well in word and picture. Girlfriend (if I may be so personal as a complete stranger) you have DELIGHTED my day as always and I am SO THANKFUL you share your days with all of us!
I had a simply marvelous time with you on your trip! Thank you for including me and saring all your beautiful adventures.
Seeing the Statue of Liberty brought tears to my eyes! I could smell the water and just feel all the excitement.
Have a happy summer !
Dear Susan,
Loved this Blog….It is wonderful coming back home. There is nothing like it. So glad you had a fabulous time; I wish I could of been there. Hopefully when the next book is written I will feel like I have been right there with you and Joe.
Ah, what a pleasure to read this on a hot, nerve-shakey day ! I’ve been unsubscribing from so many shrill, demanding-but-worthy lists for the sake of my sanity … Yours is one I need! Thanks for your enjoyment of life and the fun you take in sharing it, especially the images of dear Liberty!
Welcome home! I love to travel too, but home is just so much more cozy.
Your pictures of the Statue of Liberty brought a lump to my throat, so beautiful and meaningful! Your home is beautiful and so is Jack!
Loved reading about the thrill of seeing the Statue of Liberty! Those of us who have always lived in the US truly don’t know the thrill of arriving in America from abroad. Thanks for sharing this thrill!
So glad you made it back from your luv-lee adventure safe and sound. And Jack seems doubly pleased you are there to attend to his every need. So enjoyed the travelogue throughout your months away and can hardly wait for the new book to be a reality. I adored your excitement and fun you packed into each installment home and can only imagine how you will portray ALL of the countryside. Thank you, Susan and Joe (and Petey) for taking us with you and bringing us home, too.
Dear susan,
I have been a fan of all you do over 30 years. I finally met you and Joe when my first grandson was almost 1yr old. at a book signing in La Mirada, Ca . It was at
a book printers and book sellers. My daughter in law , my grandson and I
came to meet you. That was 18 yrs ago. I have given your wall calendar to my
daughter in law every year since. Of course I buy one for myself too.
We enjoy all your creativeness. Calendars, books, recipe’s and black and white cats. Our’s is named Spot.
We have driven through England on rode trips twice. I would love to do the
ship just one time.
Thanks again for the memories.
What beautiful pictures you posted of your trip! Would be wonderful to win your amazing mugs!
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your holiday with all of us. I LOVE your choice of words to describe your everyday life. It always sounds so magical!
Welcome Home to you both and to your happy Jack! I loved all the photos, the ship, the ocean the MOON shots and the Statue of Liberty. I am an immigrant and wish I had come by sea and Lady Liberty has great meaning for me, My 2 yr old grand daughter from NY is thrilled that I have a “Statue of Liberty” in my Vermont garden which is actually a Buddha, but I didn’t tell her…
I know the feeling of being away and all the good times, and then the joy of being home and knowing where things are, seeing friends and enjoying your garden. Thank you so much for including us in all your joys!
XOXO My pleasure Sally, thank you back!
I am looking forward to your book soooo much! Print LOTS of copies please?
So good to be home on your beautiful island, I’m sure! Thanks for letting us tag along!
What a wonderful trip abroad. I was with you every minute.
I so look forward to reading the book you are now working on. Your last ones are a treasure! Thanks so much for sharing such good things with all of us!
Lovely lovely lovely trip!!!
All your blogs are enchanting! Thanks for sharing
Welcome Home! I just loved your blog this morning. Seeing the Statue of Liberty in that light, just brought tears to my eyes. I can’t wait for your next book. I wanted to share with you that in May/June I was in NH to visit a cousin. Well, we went to visit Martha’s Vineyard for three days and absolutely loved it. We had a wonderful guide, Carl, who lives on the island and was a wealth of information. I had ordered the MV mugs to celebrate with when we got home. Now, when I see the pictures of the island and the ferry, I get sooo excited.
I love seeing all your photos of England! My dream is to go there someday. By the way, I’m needing some new mugs. hint hint. 😉
Welcome home!!! Let the summering commence!!!😘
Susan, I enjoy your blog so very much. You have a gift of “painting with words” in such a beautiful way. I am always so uplifted when I read your descriptions and your thoughts. I LOVE how you are so very grateful for everything, but especially the little things. And I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Jack. He is so precious. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. (I was blessed to be in England when you were there.)🐾💕
So enjoy reading about your trip home.
What a thrill to see the beautiful Lady Liberty, the very best Welcome Home.
I loved your travels and learned a lot, you and Joe are the perfect travel guides and hosts.
Enjoy your settling in, and of course that sweet kitty. Always hoping Vanna will choose me, I wait hopefully. Thank you for all the joy you bring to so many.
Welcome home Susan! Following your travels has been a delight. You inspired me to do the same, so a girlfriends trip to Cornwall has been planned for March 2020 with my college roomies and friends—we’ve known each other 40 years. We call our little group ‘Bridesmaids Revisited’ as we were in each other’s weddings, and whenever we go on a trip we call it “the week of yes”😊. So looking forward to your next book! Yes, please!!
You guys are fun! Bridesmaids Revisited! And I love “the week of yes.” Just perfect!
When you first mentioned your voyage to England and Ireland I was so happy for you and Joe but kept thinking to myself “how am I ever going to survive without having Susan close by”. But you didn’t disappoint or take a rest from all of the people who truly admire you, always making time for us via Twitter, Instagram & your Blog. You and your Joe took us on your unforgettable journey. For that I will be forever grateful. Welcome home!
Welcome back to your lovely home. It was great fun following you on twitter and seeing some of the places I went to a couple of years ago. Did you know that in Lower Slaughter they are using a telephone box, yes the ubiquitous red ones, for a defibrillator station! A good use for something they may not need any more. Looking forward to seeing more pictures and places you went to.
Love from Chris in Salmon Arm, B.C.
Susan and Joe, welcome home. I was on ‘baited breath’ to hear about the moment you and Jack spied one another and shared your mutual joy!
The way you chronicled your return trip home from dawn on the ship, the Statue of Liberty, the trip all the way to your home, and the Jack Reunion, reminded me of how one moment we are so sad to see the end of our holiday adventure, and then, quite quickly, we become joyful to return back to the comfort and wonderful familiarity of our nest, with new eyes for our ‘Home sweet Home’.
Loved “our” homecoming into the harbor the most!!! Thank you for those pictures!!!!
Thank you . . . for another wonderful adventure.
Love hearing about your travels and I’m looking forward to the next book.
Cannot express how much your blog means to me. It is a light in the darkness that envelops our world. I love the pictures of the Statue of Liberty. Years ago, my daughter and I took a nighttime cruise of the harbor. I will never forget how beautiful Lady Liberty looked that night.
The trip was wonderful. So glad I fit in the suitcase! I missed you and even went back and reread the last Willard to get my SB fix!
I love the mugs. I have two of them. Wish I could afford more but cherish the ones I have.
Never get enough of your emails. So fun to travel along with u and Joe and can’t wait to see your sweet kitty at the end. Think I have to find one with a mustache as well😍
Welcome Home Susan! I LOVE the alphabet sampler ..cannot wait to get it and start work on it. 😊❤️
Oh Susan, this was so wonderful to read and see and listen to! The only two places in this world that I most want to visit are Martha’s Vineyard (we used to vacation on the Cape when I was small) and England (where I lived for 20 years, and which is the home of my heart). I laughed and cried (“wah”) and loved every word. Thank you for sharing your gift and your vision with us! Thank you!
I have Winter and love it. Would be fantastic to own the others.
Welcome home. It’s the best place to be!
When I read your blogs, I am transported! You seem to write and think in a manner that speaks to ME. England, flowers, Laura Ashley prints, and cats, yes! When I need inspiration I go back and read them again. Thank you for sharing. Alyce
You really take the best trips! Great planning must be key. I wondered ifnwe would seenyou at the wedding, hiding in plain sight!
Wonderful post, Susan. I know a little bit of how you felt leaving the ship; we were only gone 8 days and I felt a piece of my heart was left behind, as I waved goodbye; but tears of joy, glad to be going home, too. But I cannot imagine the absolute overwhelming lump in the throat at seeing the Statue of Liberty that close and at such a perfect time of day! Wow!! That brought tears to my eyes. I imagine my own great grandparents passed by in the 1890’s coming from Sweden!! I nearly climb out the window of the plane when I’ve flown in over the Hudson. People probably think I’m nuts! It just does things to you! So good to see all the Island scenes, too. And the book looks and sounds so interesting. It will be fabulous. Well, I can’t imagine a more perfect trip — it’s been amazing from start to finish. Wow!! Joe could go into the Travel Guide business (in his spare time, of course! LOL) . Thanks so much for sharing all of this. What a great 4 months it was!! xoxo
I loved traveling with you, what a grand vacation we all had!!! But I’m glad to be home again with you. This blog entry was fabulous, thanks again!!!
Welcome home – always exciting to head out for new adventures but oh so sweet to return.
Home is where the heart is, but, to physically be there is Everything!
Thank you Susan for a lovely trip!
So glad you are home and cannot wait for the book!!
Jack looks sooo happy!
Thought of my grandfather when I saw your pictures of the “lady with the lamp”… he once told my mom when she was a little girl, that “the lady with the lamp” was the prettiest girl he’d ever seen. (He immigrated from Luxembourg around 1895.)
Love that Nancy!
Welcome home Susan! I am so glad you are home safe and sound with Jack purring in your ear. I am looking forward to the new book, but am not sure it can replace A Fine Romance as my all time favorite!
I’ve never traveled and probably never will – so I thank you from the bottom of my old heart for taking me along on another beautiful trip! (Do you see how many folks love you?!) It’s so wonderful to know you and Joe are back home safe and sound with dear Jack to enjoy the rest of the summer. God bless you all!