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!
Thank you for the pockets for the purse calendar! I’m printing them right away for my 2018 calendar! I’ve missed the plastic covers.
Yay, Kellee just sent me the sample that she’d added the pockets for me. They really are nice. Makes me so happy!
Welcome home! I’m really looking forward to the new book!
How much fun was that! To travel all that way through such beautiful country with you & hubby! Right down to seeing little Jack’s face & feeling your feelings of being home again. Thank You for everything, Susan! 🙂
Hello to Darling Jack!
You live an enchanted life. Thank you for sharing!
Welcome home! Can’t wait for our next book!
Welcome home! Can’t wait for your new book! I wish I had a quarter of your energy & perseverance! 😉
I have a question—where is Girl Kitty (maybe it was Boy Kitty?) I don’t see pictures of that kitty. Hope all is well.
You are just as talented with words as you are with a paintbrush–you “painted” the whole scene of your Homecoming in my mind! Welcome Home!
Terri
Welcome back to home, sweet home! I’m looking forward to your next book…so enjoy how you make us part of your words…we are right there where you are. : )
That was the most fun “armchair travel” I’ve had since your last book! Was so excited to hear the grand finale of being back home with Jack! Thank You for everything, Susan. Hugs!
Hi Susan,
It is so great to have you home and read your blog. Sending love and blessings from the great Northwest. I have zillions of your cookbooks, and all three of your memoirs and trips to England. I love how you take us along on your trips. Can’t wait for your brand new book.
Priscilla
So thankful you and Joe are home again. Safe and sound. I feel better knowing you are in the USA, terra firms. So enjoyed accompanying you on the best trip ever. Look forward to the new book and everything Susan Branch.
Susan Atkinson CA
Welcome home. Loved traveling with you. Thanks for sharing. Waiting for the new book!
How fun watching you return home. I could feel your excitement as you got closer, and beyond excited as you looked forward to seeing Jack!!!! Loved all the pics! Can’t wait for the book!!
Welcome home from another wonderful adventure!
Jack warms my heart.
Welcome home!! Looking forward to the new book💖
Hi Susan….welcome home!! It was so nice to read about your trip home….the moon….the sea….the dolphins…coming into New York…..Cape Cod… Martha’s Vineyard…..your home….and Jack!! Thanks for sharing all of it….looking forward to your new 2019 calendar!! Have a wonderful rest of your summer!!!! Donna, from Montana 🙂
Lovely post. I’m looking forward to your next book. It is always really interesting seeing our country through a visitor’s eyes. Although, I do curse you sometimes when I hear those darned pigeons going on about their toes! I hadn’t heard that until I read your book, now I can’t unhear it!!
No, there is no unhearing it. Sorry! 😜 It’s my friend Rachel’s fault, she’s English. I was telling everyone I met about it this time, English people who’d never heard of it, leaving a trail of curses behind us! I’ve been to England often enough now that I can have dark thoughts of pigeon control. BUT, we don’t have it here, so it’s my favorite thing to hear when we first arrive…or even on TV in BBC series!
Welcome home Sister!
I have enjoyed your trip so very very much. My family comes from England and Ireland. I will never get there so you have no idea how much I loved seeing everything through your eyes. I love everything you make – your cups are wonderful. Thank you for the chance to win them. Thank you, thank you for sharing your trip with us all…..
I was raised by a single, working mom. She didn’t have time to teach me the art of being domestic. I have learned it from your gorgeous books! I feel grateful to you for all the beauty you’ve shared and inspired me to create as well.
Thank you so much dear Susan! As ever, Jenny
Domesticity is probably one of the most personally rewarding things you can do for yourself and the people you love. A home, with clean counters and flowers in a vase, what a joy and a gift. xoxoxo
Hi Susan, we are missing you already 😢 but…..
…So glad you and Joe are back home, safe and sound, in Martha’s Vineyard, and to a glorious welcome from America 🇺🇸 and especially Jack 🐱🐈 What a kitty show!
(Btw…I think you should contact Apple and get them to make an icon of Jack!! 🤣😂)
We’ve just returned from a short break (in comparison!!) from northern France and Brittany – c’est tres belle, oh la la!! But was so glad to finally go and pick up our boys from the dog-sitters – who were so kind to both dogs – wouldn’t hesitate to have the couple look after them again. And our boys didn’t chase their chickens!!! Terriers? Who knew?! But then, the chickens were behind a tall wire cage….! 😂
Your holiday-of-a-lifetime has been incredible, you must be exhausted and so glad to be home and drink in your beautiful island once more…your luvlee garden, those roses, the smell of Jack and his warm cuddliness! Prince of cats! No, he’s a young gentleman, with his moustache!!
Thankees for sharing again.
See you over here next time!
Love
Karen xoxo xoxo
Cambridgeshire
UK 🇬🇧 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Wherever we may wander,
There’s no place like Home
It was marvellous to meet you at the picnic at Castle Cottage. I have enjoyed following you on your journey this summer. Hugs from Carol x
We all (girlfriends) live vicariously through you posts savoring each line and quote. You give us so much joy. Thank you, Susan.
Welcome Home! What a lovely adventure you two have had, and a wonderful home coming, seeing Lady Liberty lit up and welcoming you, that was a awe inspiring sight, especially in our current political situation. I think all my early relatives arrived many, many years prior to Lady Liberty’s arrival, but what a vision for all those that arrived after she was in place. I love that the sculptor used his mother as his model, yes, what a good son! 😉 I am sure Jack is thrilled you are home, does he know yet that you will be leaving on another journey soon? Ha 😉 we all will keep it a secret til you find the right moment to tell him. Good luck with that! 😉 Enjoy being home for now, breathe in that luscious salty coastal mist. xo
Welcome home, Susan! So looking forward to your new calendar that Santa has been leaving under the tree for a number of years now. You’ve made shopping easier for my dear husband! Since I just retired, I’m looking for a wall around the house suitable for hanging my new calendar. Thank you! Teri
Susan, your entire adventure was so fun to follow! The photos and narrative were enchanting ~ the next best way to be there! I know the feeling once the trip has turned toward home though…when “home is where the heart is” is the only way to describe how you feel. Welcome home! 🏡❤️
And OH that Kale Salad! xoxoxo
My goodness…..over1500 comments….so I probally am 1541?
Good to see that you arrived safely home again and that Jack welcomed you back in his own way.
Thank you for taking all of us along on your wonderfull trip to England again, I have enjoyed reading about it and looking at all those lovely photo’s.
Greetings from the Netherlands
Greetings TO the Netherlands, luv-lee to have you here, Carla!
Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig!
How quickly four months flew by? May the time until your next visit fly as quickly by. Not that I’m wishing our days away, mind you.
The Statue of Liberty will always be a global symbol of hope, for have you noticed how, in all those disaster movies, it is always her head and raised arm that tower above the sand/flood/ice etc? Long may she, and what she stands for, reign over us all.
~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Welcome home! Thanks for sharing your travels and amazing photos. It was enjoyable to journey alongside you.
I am so glad to have been able to travel to UK and my beloved Ireland with you!! thank you thank you and a thousand thankius.
England is s great place, home is a serenity space and blooming where we are planted is a good thing too!
I’ve enjoyed this lovely blog with each thought and each photo! We’ve just returned from 3 weeks in England and Scotland and I carried your book with us all along the way. We had a Clay Family Gathering in Nottinghamshire and visited all of the deceased “Clay” memorials. That amazing Reverend William Clay hid his pregnant wife in a tiny room over the entrance to Southwell Minster church so that she could give birth instead of being plundered by the Round Heads! From there, on to the Lake District and because of you I finally got to stand inside of the home of Beatrix Potter! It was all so wonderful. Hooray!
Wonderful!!!
Hello~
Another wonderful trip you have shared with us! I wish I wasn’t so terrified of getting on a cruise ship! I’m way to claustrophobic for that….I will just enjoy the sea from your trips~ thank you so much for that! Visiting is always nice but there truly is no place like HOME!
Hugs~
Enjoyed following your adventure!
Hello, Susan, and welcome home! I loved coming along on your adventures – so thankful for your photos and beautiful writing that makes me feel like I’m right there! And, yes – I did receive my cups and I LOVE them!
Love your trip and the Statue of Liberty pictures were wonderful. Love my 4th of July mug! Thank you.
1,541st Comment! Yikes! If there is a chance, please choose me! Looking forward to your next book. Thank you for sharing all of your Anglo Adventures with us. I look forward to your comments every day. Hello to Joe, too.
Kind regards,
EJC
More chance than the lottery! xoxo
Hi Susan
I love how you make the every day things you do, magical! And to take time during the day to just be, and feel grateful.
Today I am going to go through the day sprinkling my day with contentment and gratitude, as I feed my kitties, water my garden and tidy up the house. Then out for a nice walk with a good friend and home for coffee!
Thanks for lending me your Susan Branch glasses LOL! ❤️💚💜
Wow! Amazing post. Very nice travel story and all the photos are amazing as well. I love subscribing to your blog.
I have many of your pictures and quotes laminated and placed all over the house! They make me smile where ever I am… Thanks for all that you do!
I loved traveling with you and Joe these past months! Thanks for all the adventures. It’s lovely being home though, isn’t it?
Shared sentiments. Writing this from the banks of the mighty St. Lawrence River, Canadian side where neighbours on either side of me on this cottage lane are American. Friends & neighbours for five generations! Your thoughts reminded me that despite our current trade tiffs, we are both mainly earnest and kind people, mainly the same. God bless both our countries and all of us.
Governments are weird, they come and go, they have certain agendas and go about them in all kinds of ways most of us don’t understand ~ but us, the people, and you the people? We are forever.😘
Fantastic wonderful Willard. Thank you for trip photos and memories, ship trip back photos, esp moon photos. Beyond anxious for new book to hit the shelves. Thank you a million times. I have been checking every day for Willard and yay there it was. Made my morning perfect
Debra
I’m soooo happy you’re back at Martha’s Vineyard!!! I missed it, too!! ❤❤❤
Welcome home! Can’t wait for your new book to be published!
Barbara S. in Florida xo
Love your 4th of July photos. We were traveling from Greece, Croatia , Montenegro and Italy home at that time. Missed the celebration but always happy to return home. Plan to use your books as my future travel guide for England and Scotland.
Your energy and enthusiasm is endless. Thanks a billion 😊
Waiting for the new book…😊
🌿Thank you so much for taking us along
🌿on your lovely trip!! So Beautiful!! What
🌿a Wonderful Treat!!❤️🌿❤️
Welcome HOME!!! Thank you for including all of us on your journeys, and I can’t wait for your next book. I read everything on my iPad except for your books – I must hold them in my hands! Thanks for being so generous and sweet. (Someone else’s name and email address were in the boxes below where my info was supposed to go. I hope deleting hers and adding mine didn’t actually delete her! And I’m hoping mine will stay in place.)
You did just the right thing Sue, she won’t be deleted. Sorry about this, we have a glitch!
Oh what a lovely trip! As always, thanks for taking me along for the journey. I’m sure it all seems like a dream now that you are home and settled. I can’t wait to read the book. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you for sharing about your beautiful vacation. I think my favorite part is the wonderful greeting from Jack and the feeling you create of settling back into something warm and waiting for you! Home…..
Laura S. Cornwall on Hudson, NY
Welcome back dear ones. I have followed you for many years now. Always enjoy seeing a new post from you. ☀️💕🌴 judi
It was delightful experiencing the trip along with you. I was especially touched by the pictures of the Statue of Liberty!
I am so glad that you and Joe arrived home safe and sound. Most times I feel the beauty of England cannot be matched by anything here. However, your home and lovely flowers here and there will certainly bring competition to stately U.K. Enjoy the rest of the summer and please continue to share your memories of a glorious trip.
From these cups
I’ll drink my tea,
And when I do
I’ll think of thee.
With each sip
my heart will say,
Thank you Susan
You made my day!
Thanks for taking us along on this lovely journey. Some of us are relegated to armchair travels, but what a delight to see all through your eyes. You have made us all family. That is such a heart gift! Thank you, Susan.
If there was a good emoji for Happy (but not laughing, just joyful) AND Tears, that’s what would be here. xoxoxoxo
Your pictures of Lady Liberty ad me cry. What a wonderful homecoming!
It is wonderful to travel, it always good to get home.
Thank you for sharing your adventures.
Thank you for sharing your authentic life with us. Your emotions, your visuals and your views become a part of our hearts too! To find beauty in everything is the best gift to share – Thank you! Welcome Home!
Thank you for all you you share from your heart! Shared “Skip and go nakeds” with my girls over the 4th…a tradition we’ve had since they were in college, and with my new daughter-in-law. What a treat!! We call them our “pink drinks”!! Glad your home and yes cats show love! 🐾💖 Enjoy your summer and thanks so much, again 💕
Aren’t they delicious? Surprising, the mixture of beer, lemonade and vodka!
Thank-you for the wonderful commentary during your trip!
I hope you can write quickly! Waiting patiently!
Welcome home.
I’m on it!
So enjoyed reading all your posts…felt like I was with you!! What an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing it with everyone….
Oh, Susan…didn’t we all have a wonderful vacation? Thanks so much. I enjoyed it to the max!!!!!!!! So glad Jack is still in ‘rare form.’ love and prayers ALWAYS!
Toni xoxoxo
Welcome home! Yes, excited for your new book. I’ll reread the others until then.
Love you sharing your trip with us! Thank you!!!!❤️
Welcome Home! Cannot wait to read the new book!
I have loved spending every moment with you and Joe on this once in a lifetime journey, Susan! Thank you for sharing this incredible experience with us! Jack is a doll and I loved viewing all his wonderful poses to welcome you home. As I wait patiently for your next book, I am rereading THE FAIRYTALE GIRL and ISLE OF DREAMS, MARTHA’S VINEYARD which introduced me to you. As a fellow artist, I have to tell you your watercolors are not only outstanding but truly tell a story…your heart and soul shows through each one!
Welcome Home!…Margo Petrus, Iowa
Thank you Margo, you are so sweet to say that, Happy Creating! xoxo
What a wonderful journey. Blessings to you for sharing, Susan.
What a journey! Loved your pics! I know the feeling of getting home to see a beloved fur baby! Jack is such a sweetie! Can’t wait for the new book. You are a delightful writer! Enjoy the rest of summer and each moment of every day. As you mentioned, the free things in life can bring such joy to the heart! 😍
What a lovely trip you have had! It has been so fun to travel along with you and relive the countryside of England. I love your blog. Thank you for taking us along with you. Rose
I leave for London in Sept. but only 10 days. Not nearly long enough. I can’t wait to see your new book about your wonderful long stay in my favorite place.
Delicious post…. I gobbled it with glee,
but now I find I need a cup of tea!
Vanna – do you not remember me? Try your hardest to find me and pick just me. Thanks sweetie! One of your many dear girlfriends.
So glad you two are home. What a special trip. We all want to go over the sea! Enjoy your home this summer.
I had to laugh, only you, Susan, would stop your week long journey home to pick up flowers. It’s just one of things that is so wonderful about you…it’s all in the details
Welcome home! Would love a set of the cups. I’m looking forward to your book. I live vicariously through your wonderful adventures.
Can’t wait for your newest adventures, they always bring a smile to my face. Thank you for sharing with us all.
Thank you for being so organized and diligently writing in your journal so you can share all the details of your wonderful trip with us. It was definitely an armchair adventure for me, which I loved, and I can hardly wait for your new book. Look forward to seeing you again at the book signing in Pasadena.
Thank you so much for taking us with you on your trip and bringing us back home.
I just returned from a two week trip to Ireland and fell in love with the Eire!
After two weeks, I was excited to return home to my children and grandchildren!
Can’t wait for your new book!
31 years ago I went to Cornwall to do 6 weeks of exchange teaching at Bishop Corning School and roomed at a lovely ladies home who taught there, Rosalee Sullivan Pope.
What a blessing it all was and we remained friends til her passing. When I returned in August, I had to get ready for our school beginning and our marriage on Labor Day weekend. Surprisingly all went very well….2 years later Rosalee visited us for 3 weeks….and 2 after that Lou and I went to visit her. We traveled from Kingsand , Cornwall through Britain to the Lake District and stayed at our time share exchange there. I have always loved and had all of your cookbooks…added your life books later and even reread your and Joes trip 2 times!
Your blogs have just inspired me as I read and recall all of our lovely times again through your eyes. I know why people love you so much…it’s really quite easy!!!
Ahhh, Colleen, thank you!
It’s wonderful to travel and see the world, but there truly is no place like home💕 Welcome home Sue and Joe!
Dear Susan,
Can’t wait for your new book and film! I just ordered 2 purse calendars and 2 wall calendars for myself and my best friend. So glad you and Joe are home safe and sound.
Welcome home!! And yes, I agree, cats can show feelings….Jack missed you!!
Dear Susan: Your pictures of Lady Liberty take my breath away. I’ve never been to New York but you make me want to go. How breathtaking. The seasons cups remind me of a sampler my mom had hanging in our kitchen growing up. It had a picture of a tree in each season with a poem I still remember to this day. “Times fly, suns rise, and shadows fall. Let time go by. Love is forever over all.” I don’t know the author. But I’ve always loved it and from time to time have tried to find something similar to hang in my home with no luck. I did start to try to cross stitch my own. Maybe I’ll have to get working on that. You’re inspirational. Welcome home and I do love to see how happy Jack is now that you’re back! Lisa
I found a quote very much like that you might like, carved into a stone tablet in the Cotswolds. It’s on page 252 of A Fine Romance and says
“Hours fly
flowers die
new days
new ways
pass by
Love stays.”
❤️
Only SB would stop on a week long journey home to purchase flowers. Just one of the many things I love about you. Thanks so much for being you. Welcome home!
Welcome home! 🗽🐈
Welcome back Susan! So nice to have you back home! Your stay in Colonial Williamsburg inspired us to visit it and I’m writing to you from Williamsburg right now! Such a magical place and loving it. Thank you so much! We are having a wonderful vacation!
Molfetta91@ gmail.com
Isn’t it heaven? It really hit home with me. I was reading a biography of George Washington while we were there, and I could just SEE him prancing down that wide gorgeous street on his white horse, next to his coach and SIX carrying his wife and children!!! Which he did, as they wrote in the book. Wonderful! Have fun!
Susan (and Joe!) — Welcome Home!
Another enjoyable visit to memorable places and magical vistas. Can’t wait to read the new memoir. Three months away! Wow! So glad to see you and Jack reunited! AND . . . some of the most powerful shots of our Lady Liberty in the harbor. Maybe a new cup?
I love your travel posts… but the coming home ones are the best. They make me fall in love with my little Connecticut home each time. I always want to clean up and clear out and fill vases and shine things up pretty. As always you are a ‘home’ inspiration. Except that inspiration is NOT a strong enough word.
Is our “spot” isn’t it? We have ALL the power! Thank goodness for home.
Hello and I always enjoy your posts!!
Thanks for taking us along on your magical trip to Great Britain. I loved reading your posts and seeing your pictures. I felt like I was there with you. Welcome home.
Thanks for taking us along on all your adventures. I look forward to reading each and every blog! Welcome home!
Welcome home! I feel as if I had been with you on this beautiful adventure. When can we do it again?
Can’t wait for the new book!! What an awesome time.
I like knowing that you were passing by all the beaches on Long Island on July 1st and my family was playing on one of those beaches later on that same day Susan! One of my “someday maybe” trip list destinations is Martha’s Vineyard – you make it look like such a great place to be 🙂
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your talents in both writing and art with the rest of us. My mom and I adore your work, and now I have my Massachusetts BFF, a fellow cat lover looking for her own “Joe”, hooked on you, as well. You are an inspiration for all of us!!
Thank you Kara xoxoxo
How Wonderful and comforting it is to come home. Great blog, as always. Looking forward to your new books, and mugs, all your fun goodies are so sweet.