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!
Hoping those cups join my kitchen very soon.
We’re glad you’re home safe and sound. No matter how wonderful the trip, it’s always heaven to be home again. And that little clown, Jack! He adores you! He always knew that you would come home to him. Rest and settle in! And start planning your next trip!! Too soon?
What a wonderful trip we had!
Luv-Lee trip!
How wonderful seeing the Statue of Liberty
I always savor these entries and make sure to keep them until I have time to really look at all the pictures and read every word! We are looking forward to hearing if you have a book signing at The Apple Farm in SLO in September..keeping every finger crossed until we hear!
Welcome home! Thank you for sharing your adventures and memories.
Welcome home Susan!
I cannot wait for your new book!
Vanna, please pick me for the 4 mugs!
I loved everything about your trip. has encouraged me to save my money and sail away.
Welcome home!!
I am so glad that you wrote about the Statue of Liberty. She is such a beautiful statue. Glad you are back home safely. Jack is looking like he was cared for well.
You put into words all the things I love about my long life and I am so grateful for each and every day!
I so enjoyed your escapades in the UK! Evidently it never gets easier driving on the wrong side of the very narrow roads..lol The moon and Statue of Liberty photos were lovely. Thank you for that part of the journey also.
I recently read a book – The Shadow Sister – by Lucinda Riley, which was set in England in the present and also in the past. It included Beatrix Potter and descriptions of the Lake Country in the historical parts. I felt like I could envision it quite well thanks to you and your tours of the area and her house and gardens. You might enjoy the book. I did.
I am looking forward to the new book as all the girlfriends are. Thanks Susan for trying to look through our eyes as you write.
My mug with Jack and the books is delightful, but I would love to be the winner of the seasons mugs. Fingers crossed!! X
I always enjoy your emails. I’m especially fond of hearing about Jack! My own well loved kitty turns into glue too when I’ve been away. Welcome home! Looking forward to your new book.
Thank you so much Susan for the wonderful adventure!!!! I live on the west coast so Miss Liberty was a particular treat for me. Just awe inspiring…..so thank you, thank you!!! ❤️ Judi
Definitely magic was with you when you snapped those incredible photos. The moon, the water, your kitty cat, the flowers, your welcoming home, all causing one to hold a breath
of awe. Definitely the right spirit is with you when you take those pictures and share them
With grateful viewers…
Welcome home! What a fantastic trip and memories you shared with all thank you. Ta.
Thanks for sharing your trip.
Ohhhhh….I can’t wait for your next book!! I always devour them within a day or two. Welcome home!!!
Welcome Home. Enjoyed sharing your journey.
Welcome Home! I know first hand how hard it can be to leave your heart behind in England. I did it myself last November. I am currently reading ‘A Fine Romance’, very slowly reading, and building dreams for my next trip. I think a nice, long walk on The Cotswold Way may just be in order.
Welcome Home Susan & Joe,
Once Again, Thank You for Sharing Your Vaca with All of Us !
Happy July,
Linda C. of So Cal
Welcome Home! Can’t wait to hear all about your trip – it looked fantastic! All good in SLO (now that the temperature is under 100 (!!!!) again). We had quite the little heat wave. Thank you for those gorgeous pictures of Lady Liberty! I had never considered how amazing it must be to sail into NYC harbor and see her. Really inspiring. Would LOVE to win the cup set!! Fingers crossed! If not, I hope to come see you talk at the Apple Farm in the fall. Take care!
Welcome Home Susan! We’re as happy as Jack that you’re back and look forward to reading in detail the adventures of your holiday!
Thank you for the positive and gratitude filled post
So happy Jack has his parents back safe and sound. I’m hoping Vanna sees my hand waving “pick me”. Will now be on pins and needles waiting for the new book. Hoping for lots of “previews” along the way.
I just discovered your blog midway through your journey and the adventure became mine as well. How could I have missed this poetic gift for so long? Now I am following along each day and it has been like going home to the British Isles for me also. I tasted the tea, rambled through fields, and met your delightful friends there right along with you! Thank you for sharing your life with me!
So happy you are back on your beloved island.I’m in Savannah tonight,our stopping place on our way back to Va. from Key West.Can’t wait to get home I love my home and my chickens.lol
Win or lose…I don’t care. I can’t WAIT for the new book. That was a little fib. I do want to win. So glad u r home safely.
LOL! Thank you Debbie!
Susan, I loved how you allowed me to travel with you on your adventure. Someday I would love to take a ship like you to visit England and stay at one of the cozy cottages you shared with us. Thank you so much for your photos and words!
Love your posts about your travels. We also love to travel in Great Britain. I am reading a Fine Romance now after having read your first two books so i’ll be looking forward to the one you are about to begin. I do hope to see you at The Apple Farm this year in California.
Saw you when you were at the Madonna Inn several years ago.
Can’t wait for your new book! Are there new mugs coming for autumn?
Welcome home Susan , enjoyed your trip right along with you. Isn’t it sweet to come home to dear Jack….just love him.
What a fabulous trip!! I so miss my traveling days. Thanks so much for taking us all along. Jack—what a wonderful kitty. Such a welcome and no bitterness that he was left at home, again. My Siamese cats always make me feel so guilty when I leave them at home. We have to listen to all of their complaints. (They are a very vocal breed.) I received my cups on July 2–one of them was the 4th of July mug–what timing.
I loved your photos of your entry into New York Habour, wonderful light and atmosphere, if only we were so generous to those who need shelter now….I’m in Australia and our reputation is troubled. Really looking forward to reading of this latest journey of yours. Hugs to you, Susan, From Gwyn
Dear Susan,
Loved following you on your trip but really loved your homecoming in words and pictures! I grew up in Massachusetts and now that I have few family members there, I rarely go home. I miss it so much, I shed a few tears as I read along and I loved that you captured Jack so wonderfully. What a joy to have such a sweet, precious soul to come home to! I miss having a kitty, too, but I have a new bunny and he is a joy, as well. Looking forward to ordering my calendars, soon! Thank you so much, Susan! XOMelissa
Welcome home! Can’t wait to order calendars for 2019! I have a set of the seasons cups and love them. Gave my mom the Mother’s Day cup and she started using it right away. Then she read “Fine bone china. Made In England.” and has decided it’s too precious to use. So it’s prominently displayed. I know how she feels but I’ll keep on encouraging her, that those precious things are made to be used and enjoyed! Thanks, Susan, for a wonderful gift!
Welcome home, Susan! How fun to have another one of your delightful books to look forward to…. In the meantime, I’ll be enjoying your blog posts as you share bits and pieces of your wonderful trip to England. Happy summer to you!
Dear Susan, you have the most amazing way of telling your story. Every time I read about your travels, I feel like I am right there with you. Oh, the homecoming with Jack must have been wonderful for all of you. I hope to return to England again some day and when I do, I hope I am able to slow down and take in every second as you and Joe have done. Thank you for taking us all on the trip of a lifetime. So glad you’re home safe and sound.
Enjoyed reading about your homecoming while watching m grandsons swim and play. Always so much to be thankful for!
Aloyce Levin
I have enjoyed your trip along with you when you posted on Instagram. I cannot WAIT for the new book to be available. The first book about England is counted as one of my most beloved books (and I have thousands and blog about books).
Welcome back! Oh, and a hearty Meow to Jack.
Welcome home! I had a wonderful time following you all over The UK and Ireland!
Welcome back! I’m so glad you made it home safely. I can’t wait for your new book! I loved your post and all your pictures! I have to ask, the picture of you and Jack in your lap, what book are you reading? I couldn’t make out the complete title. I’m almost finished with my book and I need a new read soon. By the way, if you haven’t read The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel it is a good, quick read. Take care and enjoy your time home!
Every day I have been checking the blog for an update and today is the day! I can hardly wait for the book to be done. I wax nostalgic just thinking about it! So glad you’re home safe and sound….as Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home.”
What an amazing sight Lady Liberty must be from a boat after so many months away!! Welcome home!
Sweet Jack must be the happiest kitty on earth. Your journey was magical in every way and I am so appreciative that you shared it. I’m looking forward to the book!
Thanks for taking us along on the adventure of a lifetime!
Welcome Home! Your homecoming post is wonderful and I felt as proud as you as you arrived in NYC/USA. A pretty special place to live we have here.
Enjoy these halcyon days of summer!
Gosh, I’m glad your back! One can only reread past Williard’s just so many times in three months! We need a new Willard-see pal? Johnny’s been ich’in for a new job. Get my drift? Well, anyway, glad to have you folks back without any mishaps. Remember, we love Jack pics…🐭
So happy to read about your travels!
What a wonderful trip. It was fun to read about your travels. Welcome back, and I look forward to more updates. xoxo
Happy to know you are back home safe.
So enjoyed your fantastic photos of the stature of Liberty, what a sight she is.
I also truly enjoyed meeting you and Joe at the picnic, such a beautiful beautiful place, and cannot wait for your new book.
Loved all the posts of your trip! Looking forward to the book as my husband and I have put the Lake District on our bucket list. I know your book will be filled with so much information on where to go, what to see, and where to stay.
Welcome home!
Welcome home, I enjoyed the trip immensely. Patty
Welcome Home, Susan! That shot of New York harbor and the Statue of Liberty was really touching. Thanks for taking us along.
Hi Susan,I had SUCH a wonderful trip reading your travel exploits.I felt like I was really on a tour! Loved Jack’s happiness when he saw you!
So glad to have you back home but thoroughly enjoyed traveling vicariously with you through your pictures and blogs. As my 103-year-old mother always said, “Make memories.” You and Joe have certainly made many, many memories on your trip!
I’m so looking forward to this new book. I am half Scottish and would love a peek at my homeland. I can’t wait for fall and would love to toast the morning with a new Susan Branch cup.
Welcome Home! I am so excited for what the future holds from your creativity! That trip was loved and coveted from afar. Thank you for the pictures of the Statue of Liberty! I have never seen any of those photos and it was breathtaking to see them. I’ve never seen the real thing either, but you never know😀 Enjoy your summer and I’m crossing fingers and toes so Vanna picks me! Love.
What a wonderful trip! Can’t wait for the book!
Thank you for taking us with on your trip! I especially loved the pictures.
Thanks for taking us along😀
A most happy homecoming to you both! I feel like I’ve had a mini island vacation with all of your Martha’s Vineyard photos. Thank you, and for the giveaway too!
I love your blog and look forward to receiving it. Your trip looked incredible and thankfully got to see beautiful places with you in spirit. The photos of your ship arriving in the New York harbor and seeing the Statue of Liberty, I know I would have been in tear. Absolutely fabulous and can’t get enough of your home. Love every bit of it. Welcome home and looking forward to your next blog. Love all things Susan Branch.
Holy Guacamole, Girlfriends…890 comments since last night!?! I feel a bit guilty writing, as she has so much to do in the coming days and weeks.
I want to say that the Brits really do have a way of expressing themselves. Love, love, love the Bleating (bleeping) Baby Trump…oh, I think that’s restating the obvious. My dear American friend in England, lived in Edinburgh for years, both kids born there…at home. Her kids wonderful!!! She has dropped all her work every time T and I go over. Giving us our own private tour of the exhibition she curated at the Tate (yep! I’m bragging on my sort of daughter, as her “other” mother). Two years later, taking 2 whole days off her job to be our tour guide of Edinburgh!!
Actually worked in my yard today….Yea! I really am a dirty fingernailed gal again. Lovely, lovely blood red dahlias and bright yellow yarrow right next to them. The primary colors look great with our brown/grey clapboard. Even the bees and yellow jackets respected me!!
Enjoy your studio!
Debbie in Maine
Susan, I am very serious in saying you kept me putting one foot in front of the other through these last couple of years…you and the Girlfriends. I so look forward to your and Carrie’s blogs and twitter. I know the same can be said for your loyal supporters.
It’s always a delight to travel with you and Joe. I get just as excited as you do as we “explore” together your travels. It’s a good feeling even if it’s a virtual vacation for me. Enjoy the rest of the summer, it goes fast here in the east.
Licking the lips in my home means “give me a treat, please”! He learned that was the best way to tell me he wanted some treats not loving as I first thought. Being the fat cat that he is, he now goes around licking his lips half the day & evening! He knows it makes me laugh and he has his “insistent” snack times at 3:15 Pm and 11 PM!!! Ha!
Glad you had a nice trip!
Linda from Idaho where it is high nineties every day–tomorrow 101.
Welcome home! I kept waiting to hear that you had found the perfect “little cottage” to buy while you were there, to visit every year and to visit British friends. I still think that might happen, but we are glad to have you back. Such a lovely, long trip…the way trips should be! Can’t wait to see what it produces. Thanks for taking us along and thanks for being such a GRAND GIRLFRIEND to all.
Welcome home! Thank you for your generosity in so many ways…you are truly inspiring and remind us of all the good in the world. You do an amazing job at that and we all benefit from your insight and graciousness. Thanks for sharing with us.
Welcome home Susan! Enjoy this beautiful summer!
Love your posts on your travels. Made me feel as if I was there with you. I might have to order your sampler💕 Welcome home !
Welcome home Susan, I am a home body so coming back from a vacation is always a good thing! Never been on such a long vacation, but what memories were made. Can’t wait for the new book, so excited!
Thanks, Denise
What perfectly beautiful homecoming!
Welcome home to summer…hope you get to have some fresh peach pie and of course local seafood!!
Thanks so very much
So happy you made it home safely. You could be a travel agent for the best places to visit in England — especially the countryside. Can’t wait to hear more about the Susan Branch to screen possibilities. Welcome Home!
Welcome home. Love your blog and everything in it.
Such a wonderful trip! I would really love to win the cups, thank you.
Love following the blog and all your adventures. Seeing the Statue of Liberty always brings a tear to my eye. I think of my grandparents coming to the US from Italy and how they must have felt. Thank you for sharing your stories.
Loved the entire trip, and welcome home!!!
PS Lady Carnarvon’s blog just said today that they will begin filming the new Downton Abbey film at Highclere this fall!! I know you’ll be over the moon like so many of us!!
I met you in Charleston when you started, loved the whole trip, and welcome home!
Welcome home! The trip was a blast from beginning to end; so enjoyed my armchair travels with you and Joe, getting additional glimpses of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales from which I garnered considerable ancestral DNA! Have begun reading my small collection of the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter written by Susan Wittig Albert, the first being The Tale of Hill Top Farm … such fun being able to visualize the scenes because I’ve ‘been there’ vicariously through your visits and those of girlfriend, Cathy (cathy-morningmusings.blogspot.com), who got to attend The Picnic! Thank you for all the tweets and Instagrams, too. Looking forward to the new book and THE MOVIE! Would love to find those mugs in my mailbox … Hugs from Alabama’s Gulf coast!
Welcome home! I enjoyed following along on your wonderful trip. Can’t wait for the book!
I have so enjoyed armchair traveling with you. Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience. My mother often said, “All good things must come to an end.” But, I would add to that, “When one good thing ends, another one begins.” So, on to the next adventure. God is good.
Susan, I have been a follower for many years. In the 80’s a dear friend and had a little shop, and we stocked your books. That started my love for your art, and your lovely personality.
It was a pleasure to follow you and Joe on this wonderful trip. I love England, visited many years ago, and in a few weeks I will be going to Ireland.
Thank you for all the beauty you bring to every day
Thank you for saying hello Mary Jo!
Susan, I love reading your newsletters. They remind me of one of my favorite poems:
Normal Day:
“Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are.
Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart.
Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.
Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so.
One day I shall dig my nails into the earth,
or bury my face in the pillow,
or stretch myself taut,
or raise my hands to the sky and want,
more than all the world: your return.”
–Jean Irion
Yes, World: A Mosaic of Meditation
I found it long time ago when I read the book “Fully Human, Fully Alive,” by John Powell, SJ
It’s all the ordinary (extraordinary) days that make up a life…
Oh welcome home! I love how your book will come together so quickly seeing as you’ve already “written” it once! Thank you for letting us go along. What a dream of a trip! Happy Summering.
Dearest Susan and Joe . . . . WELCOME HOME!!!! You were blessed with a safe trip, a happy trip, a successful trip – – – prayers answered!! What an incredible gift you have given to us over the past several months with your travel blogs – – and to think that a book is soon to follow! It just makes me want to wiggle and roll over, just like Jack!
I’m always so very thankful that you’ve chosen to share your blessings with so many people. It really is a type of ministry that you have, because you truly do lift up our souls and spirits, and help us to be more grateful and appreciative of the beauty that surrounds us in this world.
And what a luv-lee Giveaway you’re planning!! I almost bought myself the Autumn cup, but had to hold back because of unexpected “budget” issues, so to win an entire set of cups would be like Heaven on Earth to me! In the meantime, I will try to wait very patiently for your upcoming book. Blessings to you and Joe and Jack – – hope you all enjoyed a spectacular Fourth on your magical island! xoxoxoxoxo
Traveling and coming home are some of the best spice of life! I traveled in my late teens and early twenties, now I am busy with 4 children 5 years old and under so I very much enjoyed living vicariously through you. Ireland is my dream trip, thanks for taking this weary mama along via blogging.
VERY busy! What fun! But work too! Making all those memories!
Welcome home!! I loved reading about your trip… but I have to say… today’s story about coming home just touched my heart!
Well I was going to comment before the cups came up! This blog felt like a vacation. Loved seeing the moon follow you. Seeing the Statue of Liberty lit up was truly beautiful! Also really loved seeing your diaries. What a special way of remembrance. Glad you’re back. Have a great day! Someday I have a fun story about your 16 oz. cups!!!!!!
So looking forward to your new book and reading more of your tales from your trip!
Thank you for sharing your journey. The welcome home seemed magical and timely…July 4th. Statue of Liberty. Wonderful.
Loved the pictures of the stAtue of Liberty welcoming you home!
Welcome home. I love reading your blog diary’s, makes me feel like I am there.
Welcome home! I enjoyed your trip. Looked like such a lovely time. I did get my. 4th of July Mug on time, and loving it.
Susan, you are so talented!! I’m always in such awe when you return from a trip.
The pictures are beautiful and clear. Think out of all I love Jack the most, he one lucky little man😻
It was such fun to travel with you. Thanks for taking us along!
I’m toasting “our” return with strawberries 🍓 and champagne! Thank you Susan and Joe for taking me along on your lovely adventure.
Dear Susan, Thank you for sharing your return voyage home in “Carry Me Home.” It was dreamy! And, your kitty, Jack — what a face! Earlier this year, I read Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams, and it was an experience. I relived much of my childhood and youth from your reminiscences, illustrations, and photos. I’m grateful that one of us — wonderful you! — was a dedicated diarist. I found reading the book to be unexpectedly cathartic. So, just know that you’ve done some good for a gal you may never meet, but who feels that she has met you.
How very nice to hear Eve, I’m so happy it worked that way for you! XOXOXO