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!
My heart always feels so full after reading your blog. 🙂 Thank you for so generously sharing and I cannot wait for the new book!
I just got back from summer vacation in the Smokies and my Summer cup was waiting when we got home. Today’s my 50th birthday, so I’m quite excited to use it for the first time today! Thank you for sharing your trip with us. I can’t wait for the next book!!
Happy Birthday Connie!
Ahhhhh…wanderlust like cRAzY! I celebrated right along with you on your adventures. Enjoy being home and sleeping in your own bed. XXOO
Your trip sounds wonderful and I can’t think of a more deserving couple to have had such a grand time. I can’t wait for the book! Welcome Home!!!
So glad you and Joe are back home. I enjoyed every word and photo of your trip and am looking forward to your book.
We traveled by ship from Miami to Ireland in April, touring that beautiful island from sea and then on land, too. It was my first time “abroad” and I relished every moment! I have loved following your travels, as England, Scotland and Wales are on my must-see list (and have been since I saw Mary Poppins in 1965!). Can’t wait for your new travelogue/diary/book to come out!
What a lovely voyage and visit you both had. Thank you for taking the time to share with all of us. I’m ordering the 2019 calendar today to enjoy while anxiously awaiting the full story of your travels. Gail -Whittier, CA
Welcome home. Wonderful post, thank you. I forgot all about Vanna. What did she do while you were away? Barb
God only knows! 👠
I can’t wait to read your book. I loved all the things you shared with us. I am looking forward to doing your alphabet cross stitch. I love that it is printed! Welcome home, Susan.
Welcome home Sue and Joe!
So glad you’re home. Your posts were fabulous. Can’t wait for the book.
Would love to receive the 4 seasons of cups. Such a special treat.
I’m keeping as new this blog post in my email in box so I can go over and over it and be with you on your trip home. My eyes teared up over the Statue of Liberty which I have seen a few times and been to Long Island but not by ship!! I loved your journey home in time for the 4th of July and seeing all the flags hung. Once you got home, I teared up again knowing how good it feels to come home after a trip. I’ve been blessed to visit the British Isles ten years ago and want to return! Thanks to a birthday gift from my twin sister, I now enjoy tea in your England cup and have just finished reading her other gift to me “The Fairy Tale Girl” and can’t wait to read others and maybe get some more cups! Thank you for beauty every time you blog, paint, or write books!
I love this year’s calendar….instead of writing on it I place pretty stickers to alert me to check my “real” messy,marked up one.
Valerie
HA! Good thinking!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip! I’m sure those final few miles back home seemed like the longest!
Welcome back and I could just feel the warmth from your darling kitty. Can’t remember any of our cats that happy to see us but they saw us every day.
Could feel your excitement about getting home – and thank you so much for telling all about Jack’s reaction to you being there. Such a happy boy.
Hi Susan
What a wonderful, wonderful blog post* I love how I learned something about the Statue of Liberty today. I didn’t know all those things you wrote about. I read it to my husband and girls. What fun your trip was and what fun it was to be along with you. So nice you are home, I know how much you LOVE home Susan. Enjoy your sweet kitty and enjoy this glorious weekend
deezie
Thank you back Deezie, luv-lee to have you here!
This armchair traveler enjoyed your posts so much and looks forward to your book!
Glad you are home…you are just the best…you share…your generous…your kindness exudes….beautiful both inside and out….thanks for all you do for all of us…xo
xoxoxo Patricia!
I love your blog so much and it was wonderful knowing you were over here in the UK. Can’t wait for the new book!
Dear Susan and Joe, First of all, thank God you are safely back at home after your travels – – and second, thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking all of us along with you to enjoy every day of your fabulous journey. How wonderful it is to experience “everyday living” in England and enjoy the countryside. I received the following in an email from a friend, read it, and immediately thought of your wonderful books. I thought you would enjoy this.
I Opened a Book
“I opened a book and in I strode.
Now nobody can find me.
I’ve left my chair, my house, my road,
My town and my world behind me.
I’m wearing the cloak, I’ve slipped on the ring,
I’ve swallowed the magic potion.
I’ve fought with a dragon, dined with a king
And dived in a bottomless ocean.
I opened a book and made some friends.
I shared their tears and laughter
And followed their road with its bumps and bends
To the happily ever after.
I finished my book and out I came.
The cloak can no longer hide me.
My chair and my house are just the same,
But I have a BOOK inside me.”
(signed Julia Donaldson)
Can’t wait for your next book to come out. Give Jack hugs and kisses from me. and just enjoy being home. Ruthie in Minnesota
Luv-lee, Ruthie! Today I was at my friend’s house and her little girl was folded, all sun-browned knees and elbows in an armchair with her book … we were all talking and laughing, but she was “diving in a bottomless ocean” ~ she didn’t even know we were there. So many of us grew up just like that … love seeing it.
I love your new Alphabet Sampler, very cute. Have enjoyed following along on your adventures across the sea and can’t wait for the next book. Glad you’re home safe and sound!
Hi Susan,
It’s Sue and I am shameless. I really would be ever so happy to win the season of mugs, but alas should I win , there will be no gift giving-just selfish tea and coffee sipping for me and my girlfriends when they come visit me . 🙂 I have not been tempted to become a Twitterer until I read that you Twitter,(or is it tweet?) and now maybe I need to learn that too. I do love all things Birds after all. Glad to have you back on the good old USA soil again!
I am very happy you had such an amazing time…but I’ll bet I’m not the only one who’s so very glad you’re home (ok, Jack wins this, hands down)! Maybe it’s because I’m a staunch New Englander (but my mum was British, so I understand your love for everything about the country). You were missed and we’re just happy you’re home! And yes, please enter me in the CUP drawing 😍
So happy you are home safe and sound! 😊💕🐾😺
Thank you for sharing your stories, your photos and your heart with us on your journey❣️
Almost every post is the best one yet, but this one IS!….. I think…. You are so good at letting us see through your eyes! Makes me weepy.
Thank you Susan! ❤️
Dear Susan, What a wonderful drawing. Thanks for including all of us.Welcome home.
It’s been so much fun following you on your adventures. Welcome Home! I’m looking forward to your new book:-)
Thank you for a wonderful trip!
I just love seeing things through your writing.
Oh Susan,I truly savor each post .Blessings, Dawn E. Brown
Weather’s beautiful, wish you were here . . . but I know how happy you are to be xxxhomexxx
Love, Me
Welcome back Susan and Joe!
“East or west, home is best.”
Love from Sherill Anderson
I have really enjoyed your posts about England, my favorite place on earth. I am looking forward to your book.
Paula Campbell
Welcome home Susan!I have enjoyed your wonderful trip through your writings.So glad to see that you will be making a book out of this adventure.That salad looks amazing.Would your friend like to share her recipe?
That is the most majestic and tear jerking sight I bet when The Statue of Liberty comes into view. I probably would have cried and shaken a bit. Thank you so much for your amazing stories.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Susan for the joy you bring in to my little grey cubicle where I sit each workday. Eating my lunch and taking a trip somewhere wonderful helps me get through a day. Soon, I’ll be able to retire and plan on having many adventures such as you and Joe have. Blessings on you!!
Thank you so much for taking us along on your lovely travels. I just adore arm chair traveling, don’t you?
Welcome home. Looking forward to more to come.
It was such fun traveling along with your through your 4 months “across the pond.” Welcome home. Can’t wait for another beautiful book from you.
Beautiful photos, and happiness to share. We all need a dose of this right now. Thanks for always sharing the joy!
Susan, followed your trip and had a blast…..saw this morning they are for sure making the Downton Abby movie. Filming beginning soon. Yay
Lee
When do you estimate your next book/s will be out? We are waiting with baited breath! Loved your last one on England.
I won’t know for a little while, I’ll let you know in about 3 months!
I always save your blog posts for a quiet, peaceful moment in my day so I can totally focus and bask in the beauty, inspiration, and blessings of your words, photos, drawings, and quotes. <3 We are planning our first trip to England for May 2019. It will be my retiring from teaching trip!
Loved all the pictures! Your whole blog is wonderful and amazing! So much to take in and appreciate. Thank you so much for taking all of us along on your journey!
Welcome home Susan.I love to travel with you through your writings.So glad to hear you will be compiling your notes into a book.That salad looks delicious!Would your friend be willing to share the recipe with your readers?
Welcome home!
You had an absolutely MARVELOUS trip, visiting magical places, sharing them all with us. I love being in that Great Land vicariously when I cannot be there in person. But as you’ve so wondrously showed in photos and words, the best part of going away is coming home! One of life’s sweetest pleasures. Thank you for taking us with you and bringing us safely, happily home.
Welcome Home, Susan. Thank you for taking me with you to England. Soon I hope to be able to travel again. Hope I can someday talk my husband into a ocean voyage, especially one coming home from Europe.
Welcome home Susan!I have enjoyed traveling with you through your writings.So glad to hear you will be compiling them into a book.That salad looks delicious!Would your friend be willing to share the recipe with your readers?
Hi Susan and Joe….oh how I loved all your posts and photos from England!
I am especially fond of the Beatrix Potter photos and your words about her.
I am putting England on my bucket list and will use you as my guide!
It was awesome to see the Statue of Liberty from your views..we need to remember kindness and peace in this day especially. The four year old little girl across the street is named Liberty, but now I can share with her “Liberty, Enlightening the World.” I’m going to find fabric and make her a pillowcase of
it! Thank you for making the world a more beautiful place. It’s like the book Miss Rumphius…you are my Miss Rumphius! Hugs, Maria
p.s. I am hoping to get to Apple Farm again when you are there…do keep us posted as to the date for that. They do a nice display of your cards, mugs, books and notepads. I always stop there when in SLO town….
Ohhhhh, I just love that pillowcase idea. You may be putting her on a wonderful road, you just don’t know where inspiration is going to come from!
Welcome Home Susan and Joe! So glad you had such a wonderful trip!
Can’t wait to read about this later adventure. So fabulous that you get to experience these wonderful places. And even better that you get to come home safely to the best place ever!
Welcome home to you both. And thank you for taking us with you. We had a wonderful time, thanks to your lovely reports.
I so enjoy your blog posts!!! It brightens my day to see it!! Thank you!!😃
Hi Susan
I had such a great time on your trip. It was so much fun and I learned so much.Thanks for the moon photos. They were so beautiful. Have restful week.
Welcome Home Susan!!!
As always your blog letters are a delight and so uplifting.
XOXO Christy
Thanks so much for sharing your adventures with us! I can’t wait for the book to come out <3
Thank you Susan for sharing your wonderful view of the world with us all.
Jack is beautiful 🙂
Thank you for the wonderful dream journey
Here on my lil Farm I’m not able to travel much with 14 Goats, 6 rescue kitties, 13 chickens and 3 labs, but it is sure was heaven pretending I’m with you and your sweet Joe. The excitement brought tears to my eyes many times. I truly loved it all.
Blessings Trace. Turtle Tree Farm
Susan, your trip gave me such joy as I recover from my knee replacement surgery. Hope some day to visit the places you went.
Thank you for taking us with you. Enjoy being home!!
Thank you for including us in your travels. I have been to England and Scotland, but everyone sees different things and I looked forward to seeing what you and Joe saw. Where to next?
Loved the entire journey. Seeing Lady Liberty in the harbor is truly a joy. The first time I saw her it took my breath away. To think of what the individuals who came through there must have felt.
Welcome home and I can’t wait to see the new book! Thank you for sharing your amazing journeys with us.
Thanks very much for the wonderful opportunity to visit Europe with you as the most delightful tour guide! I do hope I’ll see England for myself one day!
Susan — You even make a long trip home sound fun!! I was glad to come along with you.
Welcome home! We just got back from a bike trip abroad, with friends. Arent we lucky we get to travel? I’m almost caught up on laundry. A cup of seasonal tea in your seasonal cups would be wonderful! Thanks for the opportunity to own these special cups.
Susan, your trip sounded wonderful and I am so looking forward to your new book. I loved all of your other ones. They look so nice on my book shelf. Welcome Home!
Welcome home Susan and Joe! As a retired teacher you are to commended for you insightful Statue of Liberty lesson.
It’s nice to remember that Miss Liberty greeted my grandparents when they came here alone as children more than 100 years ago.
What parents will do to save their children is beyond amazing. 😘 But of course.
I followed your whole trip.. Thank you for all the photos and details on the trip, almost made me feel like I was there with you, wonderfully narrated! Glad you made it home safe and sound. Looking forward to more details as time permits.
Thanks so much for bringing us along on your fabulous trip. The photos are always magnificent and you have a very special way of capturing just what it’s like to be there.
Love how you express the joy of getting home. I feel the same way just getting back from the market!! But Jack is the best welcoming committee 😄
I was so disappointed to miss out on the winter cup…waited too long to order it. So now maybe I’ll get lucky!
Welcome home 😘
I have enjoyed your trip. Thanks for sharing.
I feel as if I was actually in each place you talked, shown, shared.. Just loved it all… Thanks for opening your journey and sharing with all those that followed along..
Love your words, your drawings, your thoughts from mind to pen, watercolor, to paper.
Await your words that you will make amazing and so real…
you were my staycation but I feel like I have traveled quite far from South Texas.. thank you
Welcome, Welcome Home and Thank You for taking us along with you. I’m ready for the next trip, already. 🙂
I am so glad you are home safely and loved every step of your trip! Can’t wait for the next book 📚 What a treat!
Your home looks so inviting and catching up on Jack’s summer is so precious! Glad to see everything was ready to greet you when you got home to “your island “.
The piece about the excitement on the ship 🚢 entering New York harbor was wonderful .
These days all I hear is what’s wrong with America and Americans and it is heartwarming to hear that there there are still people out there that love America like we do!
Thank you Susan and God Bless America! 🇺🇸🇺🇸
I loved the photos of the Statue of Liberty unassembled and then welcoming travelers to our country. In these divisive times, it was lovely to see her original intent. Your trip was beautiful; thank you for sharing it with us.
Sharon
Your photos and travelogue have enticed me. I have never been to England, even though my ancestors hailed from there. My bucket list now has an addition…England. I am 77 so I’d better get moving.
Could not agree more! You GO girl!
I am loving my tea in my Garden mug each evening. My treat! I love the hidden treasure on the bottom of the cup! Best quote ever!! Makes me laugh each time I dry the cup!!
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful trip!! Felt like I was traveling “home” with you since I lived in New Jersey and Connecticut years ago. Your pictures of the Statue of Liberty were gorgeous! Welcome home, Susan & Joe!
What a marvelous magical dream come true trip! I can’t even imagine how wonderful it was. So many memories. I enjoyed every detail you shared with us. Absolutely my favorite part I think is your description of arriving home to the good ole’ USA! Each word and picture made me feel like I was right there. LADY LIBERTY 🗽is my favorite symbol of our beautiful country, except for OUR GRAND OLD FLAG! 🇺🇸 WELCOME HOME!
My 4th of July mug arrived just in time for me to enjoy my coffee and celebrate the rest of Summer 2018.
Please, please draw my name for the beautiful mugs!
Love! Love! Love! Your blog posts make my day!! I can not wait to read the new book!!
Your new book will be greatly anticipated!! The others are now ‘Pet’ books to savor again and again.
Susan, welcome home. Jack is a sweetheart so like my Newman was for me for 19 years. Glad we will learn of all the things you saw and wonderful adventures you had!
Love my new Garden mug and my Earl Gray every evening. The surprise on the bottom of the mug makes me laugh every time I dry the mug. Best quote ever! So glad you had your tremendous tour!!
HA! Glad you like it, love those little surprises!
I just love living with you through your travels! I’d love to go to England again but I just don’t know if we ever can so I enjoy yours. This summer, I managed to get Fairy Tale Girl and Martha’s Vineyard from the library through inter library loan, so now I want to own them both! I grew up generally at the same time as you (graduated from high school in ‘76), so it was like a walk down memory lane. I would have KILLED to own your wedding dress when I was younger! So beautiful. I can hardly wait for the new book! Thank you for blessing me with your beautiful art and style!
Thank you back Joy! So funny about the wedding dress! xoxoxo
Welcome home Susan & Joe ! Glad you & us had a lovely trip. Happy Summer also Califormia is warm right now. God Bless 😉
Such a wonderful adventure! Thanks for sharing. Seeing a country in-depth makes for great memories.
Welcome Home! I loved traveling with you and Joe. But oh how I miss England. Actually, it is my favorite place to be. I hope to return via the Queen, which is the only mode of proper travel.I
Welcome home. Love the kitty.
You give me reason to dream!
So glad you are home.
What a wonderful adventure. Can’t wait for the book. Love your books and everything you do! You have inspired me more than you will ever know! Welcome home and Happy Belated 4th of July!
Thanks for taking us on your journey. The cups are wonderful, too.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip. Every twitter and Instagram was enjoyed and appreciated!
Just loved traveling with you!
Welcome home! I loved following your travels. Thanks for bringing us along. We are coming to the Vineyard for our annual trip next month!
Can’t wait!
So looking forward to your new book. Enjoyed the trip
My husband gave your English picnic cup for Mothers Day (a big splurge for our lean budget) but I love it so much, I long for all of them! I love your blog and books. You inspire me in so many ways. Thank you.
I so loved hearing about your days over the pond…..just delightful! I can’t imagine sailing into the harbor early in the AM watching the city unfold in front of your eyes and Lady Liberty…..magical for sure! Can’t wait for the new book to come out…..so enjoyed the last one of your trip to Jolly “ol England!
I love your enthusiasm and joy of life. I would love a set of the cups. I am ordering a calendar today. I have them from years back, too, and they are my memories of that year. Welcome home.
Susan and Jo-Ann You made all of us feel that we were on the trip with you. I am so excited for the new book to cone out so I will not miss our in anything! I enjoyed meeting you both on your book tour to GA and will be there for the next one!