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!
Jack must be sooo happy to have you back!! Enjoyed all the pictures from your trip…felt like I was there! Thanks!
Inspiring as usual! Glad you made it safely back to Jack! He is precious
Susan,
Your visit to England was so enjoyable to me. I know, it was your and Joe’s vacation, but England happens to be one of my favorite places in the world and I loved the pictures and descriptions each time you posted an update. Thank you for taking me along. I loved every minute! 🙂
xo,
Karen
Susan, So enjoyed reading this post as you were coming home. I have 6 cups but none of the Seasons cups. Hope I win !
Welcome home Susan and Joe. I LOVED reading about all your adventures. England is beautiful, but where you live is just about as beautiful. Enjoy your summer.
Welcome home to you and Joe! Thanks for everything you shared along the way, and I’m so looking forward to the next book.
Thank you for all of that photo documentation. It’s likely I will never be able to do an English holiday, but I’ll imagine it by taking a slow stroll through your blog now and again!
My eyes welled up with the beautiful pictures of your coming home, for there is no place like home. Going away reinforces the joy of coming home. Your pictures are stunning. Thank you for sharing. Can’t wait to see your new book, and Jack is adorable in his welcome home love ❤️! Looks much more relaxing to go on the Queen Mary 2, where did you park your car? Did you rent a car? Your neighbor’s house is adorable and her food beautiful, what a welcome home with so many beautiful memories to paint and hold onto.
Thank you Margie … yes, we rented a car … we thought we were going for too long to just park it.
I just love reading your words. It always puts joy in my heart. I have never been to Martha’s Vineyard, but have always wanted to go and your photos make me even more wishful that some day I will get to see it in person. Can’t wait for your next book to come out! I have every one you have ever written – love how you write and adore your illustrations and penmanship. So special!!!
Dear Susan, my cup runneth over. Thank you …
Cannot wait for your new book, Susan! I’m also excited for the article in Victoria magazine. Thank you for sharing your trip with us, and for the inspiring homecoming photos. How stirring to share that experience with all those fellow shipmates! I had tears in my eyes just reading about it. We truly do live in a beautiful country. God bless it.
Love reading about your trip. And Jack is so entertaining Thank you for sharing all your adventures with us.
I cried through this lovely coming home post, for some silly sentimental reason, I felt as if I was traveling home too. Thank you for all the feels! Truly so very generous!
What a wonderful feeling to come home after a great trip! The statue of liberty looked beautiful. I’ve lived on Long Island my whole life and have never visited her. My husband can’t believe it so he’s going to take me. 🙂
Enjoy being home!
Welcome home @dearsusanbranch and Joe! I too am anxiously anticipating your new book! I love them all! Thank you so much for taking us on your journeys. Also thank you for the giveaway. Blessings to you, Joe, and Jack.
Farrah
@vintagewasp
We just arrived back from England ourselves – in London for a wedding, not the Royal one but one just as lovely to us – dear friends’ daughter married her lovely Brit in Islington – great name. We ventured up to Scotland as well – love Edinburgh – and way up to Mallaig and to the Isle of Eigg. Wonderful that my Garden Cup was waiting for me when I got home. Anxiously awaiting the new book. Have so enjoyed “tagging” along on your trip.
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful pictures and commentaries!! It felt like we were right there with you!
What a lovely post.
Can’t wait for your new book! Have read your books over and over. Your writings about Martha’s Vineyard prompted our visit there in Autumn, 2015. It was as beautiful as you promised. Fell in love with New England. My daughter and I leave for our UK trip in October this year. We are going to rent a car and explore on our own. Would never have had the courage for it without your writings and advice. Thanks so much for sharing your adventures.
Love it Beth, you just made my day!
i love love my cups!
Welcome home Susan & Joe! So looking forward to the book & more!
Your trip sounded amazing!! There is nothing compared to coming back to Home Sweet Home no matter where you have been!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip and all the return pictures of our Lady Liberty!!
so glad you are home again.
Thank you for such a wonderful blog post about coming home. Your comments about Lady Liberty and coming into the harbour had me crying. Such pride in America!
I have loved your trip especially to Beatrix Potter’s farm. Thank you for sharing.
Last great hope of the world, our example means so much to so many.😘
Susan love love loved this blog entry. England is a place I look forward to visiting you make it sound spectacular. Loved your pictures arriving in New York brought tears to my eyes and chills on my body. Thanks for being you!!! Kathy
So happy to have joined you on your journey and so happy you are home!
Well…..(sigh)…..that was a lovely trip and another lovely post– read over several days by an act of my will, to savor!! I was so surprised to see that so many on the ship were up before dawn to see Lady Liberty, etc. It lifts my spirits to know that it was THAT important to so many dear souls. Soooo looking forward to autumn and your next book!! Give Jack a little scratch under the chin for me and welcome home!
The Captain announced the night before that we’d be passing Lady Liberty at about 5:30 am … xoxo
Welcome home, Susan. My mother used to say that “home is where you hang your hat and the people that wear those hats.” You have given us so many ways to enjoy our homes and love them. This afternoon I will be returning to a place where they open the door for you and say “Welcome Home.” It is the Williamsburg Inn and Bob and I are celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary there. In forty five years, we have had many homes and each time we
returned to our abode it was always good to be home because we had each other and the memories.
Happy Anniversary Susan! What a lovely place to celebrate!
Thank you.
Jack looks sooo happy.
Your blog is still my favorite even several years later and I continue to purchase your items. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
Hard to believe I’ve had my blog 7 years now! It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. Thank you Diane!
Can’t wait for the new book. Such a delightful journey.
Through your blog, I “met” a new friend. You’ll know her. She offered hollyhock seeds and I took her up on her offer. I’ve received them and hope they bloom next spring. She lives in Holland and you posted her picture with her husband and a quilt she made. My grandparents are from Holland. So I’m intrigued. love, Love, LOVE your blog, your domestic tips and your inspiration. Your cups are lovely too. Welcome home.
Yes, it’s wonderful Nicoline … so happy you two have found each other!
I’ve greatly enjoyed “our” trip! Can’t wait for the book!
Love this post, and you Sue. Got a bit teary seeing Lady Liberty. I pray our country can remember why she’s there. We’re all immigrants in one form or another. The important thing is to come together. Loved seeing Jack! So happy you’re home! When you turned in your drive, I felt the same feeling I feel everyday when I turn on my road. The field stretches out to meet the trees. The shadows are long. No matter the day, home greets me with open arms and I am safe. I’m so glad you had a good trip. Can’t wait for your book!
“Take a deep breath. You’re home now.”
I’m glad you had a delightful holiday and made it home safely. My husband and I have not been able to travel due to his illness, so I now live my life through you. And what a wonderful adventure it is! Tusen Tak (meaning a thousand thanks in my native Norway).
So happy to have you here Marilyn, wishing you and your husband all the very best. xoxo
Well, that made me a little teary this morning. Love Lady Liberty and the flags. Gives me hope. Can’t wait for the new book. Your trip was fun for me too…loved tagging along. Thank you dear shar-er of good stories and art. It certainly brightens my day.
I am so excited for your new book. Your first book got me through a cold, dark Canadian winter……..for which I will be forever thankful 💕
I am so happy I discovered your blog and that I’ve discovered someone who feels the same way I do about antiques, and movies, and travel, and crystal, and Gladys Taber, and Beatrix Potter, and cats, and cooking, and beautiful moments, and……I could go on! Thank you Susan!
Welcome back! Enjoyed all of the lovely photos and look forward to the new book! 😉
It’s been a wonderful joy to follow your amazing journey these past few months. I smile and say a blessing of thanks that you are home safe and sound. The new book will help us all relive your incredible adventure. You have an incredible talent for poetic description that helps us see exactly what you saw, felt, experienced and treasured. Welcome home!! Thank you for all the love and joy you bring to so many.
So glad you’re back home safely! What a romantic trip home you had – after that magical journey through Eden-land! Loved meeting you in person; can’t wait for the new book! Hoping you were able to read the letter I left with you (little pink journal). Your writing is such a joy to read!! Love you!
I feel as though I have just experienced the most wonderful vacation and now it is good to be home. Taking this trip with you has been such fun! I always feel as though you are writing to me when I read your blog posts; as though we are old friends. That’s the magic you create, Susan.
Thank you so much for taking us all on your adventure! Welcome Home!
Glad you’re back. Enjoyed going along!
Glad you are home, safe and sound. Enjoy the summer.
It was so much fun following along on your trip, Susan. You are so lucky to be able to travel for such a long time. I envy you and Joe. Thanks for bringing some of the English Countryside to all of us. Looks like you had an absolutely fabulous time.
-Kathleen Morearty
Thank you for all of your journaling! I really felt that I was on that boat coming back home. What an experience you had and how fortunate you are to appreciate it so deeply.
Welcome home.
Soooo enjoyed reading this blog…It made this girlfriend feel like I was right there alongside of you and Joe enjoying traveling from one adventure to the next. Beautiful just simply beautiful, Thank you!
Loved going along for your trip. I really enjoy all your pictures and comments. Maybe someday….
If you dream it . . .
What a delightful trip home! Thanks for sharing your travels. Can’t wait for your new book. I read your others again and again
Can’t wait for your new book to come out! Doing your trip through England and Scotland is on my bucket list!
What a fabulous trip you had, Susan, and bless you for sharing it all with us. We live in UK so it is fun to see it through your eyes as well (altho I am also American, have lived here for 51 years). I love your enthusiasm and how much you enjoy every minute here – and you make the most of it all. And your home-coming made me cry! xxxx
Loved the cell phone shot of Lady Liberty and thinking of how my grandparents must have felt coming to this country long ago, scared but overjoyed at the same time. I will be reading your blogs again as I am flying across the pond soon for a lovely tour of the British Isles. Thanks for taking us along Susan.
I am so thrilled to see you’re back home blog!! What grand pictures and sooo happy you had a smooth and beautiful sail home. Welcome home and enjoy all that is there for you! Life is good. Hugs, Marie
As much fun as it is to travel, it’s always a pleasure to be home again with everything that is familiar and comforting. I’m glad you had a safe and pleasurable trip home. I can’t wait for your new book to be done to add to my collection of Susan Branch books! Enjoy the rest of your summer!! ☀️
WELCOME HOME, something you make sound almost as good as the trip itself.
Great to have you back and I look forward to reading all about your wonderful adventures. Thanks for always making me smile.
I so enjoyed every posting of your trip, but it’s wonderful to have you back.
I so enjoyed your vacation! Hoping to go to England one day!!
Love reading your posts..What a wonderful entry into New York
I continue to have other people’s email addresses pop up when I try to post. This has been happening since Thursday and it is now Saturday, just so you know.
It’s been going on for months, Rene .. we’ve been trying to fix it, but have not yet found the cause. It happens to some people but not to everyone … which is very strange just for starters. Thank you for changing the name to your own! Sorry for the trouble.
What a beautifully gorgeous adventure. That would be the trip of a lifetime for any of us, I only hope I live to see such a trip! And to have that ship at the beginning AND and the end (plus happy Joe to tour England with), well all I can say is the words from the Sound of Music, “you must have done something good”. Thank you for always sharing with us in such a selfless way. Welcome back!
I enjoyed reading about your trip and now your trip home! I love getting home after a trip! Thank you for sharing!
I love this blog soooooo much! Love traveling with you two. I think I’ll go now and reread “Falling in Love” again, waiting (im)patiently for the new book! Love from the bunnies and me ~Katy
Thank you for your wonderful blogs with great writings and marvelous photos and beautiful drawings!. I love them and read them several times. You are so delightful and fun! I admire your wonderful creativity and your compassionate attitude!
Vanna- Pick me!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip with all of us. I can’t wait to read your new book.
I so enjoyed living your trip vicariously. I teared up at the photos of Lady Liberty and a bit more when you finally saw your little Jack. Glad you arrived home safely. I look forward to your book.
Dearest Susan,
You are so real! I have a huge lump in my throat. More later….can’t see through the tears.
Welcome home.
😘 Joey!
It’s always nice to travel but coming home is the best! Thank you for sharing your adventures.
I work with immigrants and your description of seeing The Statue of Liberty brought tears to my eyes.
It’s never been easy for them, ever … but it must be a scary position to be in these days. I’m glad we have caring people working with them.
Thank you for the virtual tour of England.
It was an extra bright spot.
I will always admire you for the political blog you wrote.
It was a courageous stand!!
Welcome Home! Enjoyed traveling along with you and can not wait to read your next book.
Welcome Home! Your trip looked fabulous.
Will soon be in Arroyo Grande for a visit with our longtime good friends. I used to love visiting your cute store when we were there. Hope to get to your neck of the woods soon as the hurricane last September kept us away.
xo Judy
What a wonderful trip! No vacation for me this year, wait I went with you. I had a fantastic time. Thank you so much, you make my heart happy!
Hello Susan,
Thank you for sharing about your travels. I can not wait for the new book.
Lots of Love,
Carla
I have just been mesmerized by your trip home. Actually got goose bumps reading about the Statue of Liberty. We have a sweet kitty, Phoebe, who welcomed us home from a week at the beach exactly like your Jack! I like look forward to getting your calendar. (Thank you for the pockets)
Thank you for taking us on your wonderful trip. Welcome Home.
Loved Loved Loved reading about the trip home! Home is where the heart is. 🙂
Thank you SO, much, Susan, for sharing your wonderful trip with us! Enjoyed your photos and comments so much! Welcome home to the land of the free because of the brave! 😊
A trip to England is amazing, I know you hated to leave, but the closer you get to home again how wonderful that is too! Love seeing how Jack responded!! Welcome home Sue and Joe 💜
This is Judy Young, posted the comment on my iPhone and it always misses “n’s”!!
Forgot to say too that I received my Garden cup and of course I LOVE it!! I have five cups now and that’s all I drink out of.
You’re spot-on describing the emotions and feelings of arriving back home from a long trip.
I love your photos, especially those of the moonlight.
Thank you!
Such a heartwarming post, thank you for all that you do to put a little delight in our day! I got such a kick out of the olive toast, how fun! And Lady Liberty’s greeting found me with tears in my eyes. Thanks again ❣
Oh dear, this is Sue W, not Michelle…
As always such a wonderful post filled with so much! I felt like I was returning home to America with you as your ship came into the harbor. What a majestic sight the Statue of Liberty must have been as it appeared in your view with the dawn rising, I had tears in my eyes. Of course, I couldn’t help thinking of all that symbolism of what America has meant for so many immigrants seeking a better life, and comparing that to the message our nation is proclaiming right now. It saddens me. I was cheered on as you posted all the homes along the way – decked out in their patriotic finery. New England is just such a glorious place to be at this time of year. I chuckled when I saw the picture welcoming you to Rhode Island as well as the one for East Providence/Cape Cod. That one is my exit as I travel on the highway, E.P. being my home and the Cape, my happy place. I can only imagine how wonderful it was to finally go up your driveway, and get in the house. Home at last! Thank you, too, for taking us along these last few months, it’s been quite the adventure.
Oi?Fico feliz de saber que vem mais um livro seu! Vai ser traduzido para o português? Beijos!
Google Translate: Hi? Glad to know that another book is coming from you! Will it be translated into Portuguese? Kisses!
Now from me … Oi Heloisa! Se houvesse uma editora portuguesa interessada em publicar o livro, eles fariam a tradução. Quem sabe? Seria maravilhoso se isso acontecesse!
Hi Heloisa! If there was a Portuguese publisher interested in publishing the book, they would do the translation. Who knows? It would be wonderful if it happened!
Dear Susan, welcome home! I loved how you explained your trip, how I would like to do it with my husband like you have done with Joe! I am a great admirer of Beatrix Potter and I have all her stories. Throughout my life I have realized that the most beautiful thing is the simple life, it is what can bring us the most, and the people that I admire, among whom you are, is what you proclaim.
Following your blog, for me, is like a window through which to dream of a better world, which is the world that you show to all of us who follow you.
From here I ask you to continue writing, showing us your world, your house, your drawings, your books, your cups, your kitten, Joe, your island … everything! Do not stop doing it, I’m sure it means a lot to all your followers and above all, it means a lot to me !!
Forgive my English, I write to you from Spain !.
A big hug!!
Mª del Carmen.
It’s lovely to hear from you from so far away. The world is getting smaller . . . and we’re all in it together.💖 Thank you for saying hello and for your very kind words. Your English is perfect! Hugs to you! xoxoxo
Susan, you are enchanting! Thank you for taking us along. Welcome home!
Oh Susan, I cried when I saw the picture of your house! Is that silly? I loved seeing all the new photos of adorable Jack. I’m happy that he’s happy! When you write about all of the simple pleasures of being home, I’m almost overcome with gratitude for my own home. I love the prospect of a new day when the early morning sunshine streams through my windows. It’s such a happy feeling, planning what I will paint, or which quilt I will sew…
So glad you made it home safely!
This is what I love about our kindred spirithood. ❤️
Welcome home, Susan. I really enjoyed following your adventures across the pond! It’s going to be hard to wait for your new book.
Welcome home Susan & Joe!🇺🇸
Thank you for such a lovely adventure. This Girlfriend, for one, certainly enjoyed stowing away in your suitcase as you & Joe experienced so many lovely & memorable moments throughout your UK adventure.🇬🇧
Sending all best wishes to you, Joe, and Jack🐾🐾🐾,
Kel
So glad you and Jack are reunited! He will have his own stories to tell you! Love you!
Your pictures were grand and your descriptions so vibrant – I felt like I was seeing the Statue of Liberty with you!! Thanks for including Jack in your welcome home pics. What a love!!
Whenever we get back from traveling, there is chanting going on: “There’s no place like Home! There’s no place like Home!”
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip with us. I almost feel like I got to go, too. I just love everything you do. What a wonderful life you have. Such a blessing!!
Welcome Home Susan & Joe! Well and truly home now after an amazing visit to the U.K.! Your voyage home was lovely, all of you photos are breathtakingly beautiful and then coming into New York and lady Liberty! Perfectly perfect ending to a fantastic journey!
I must be honest, I was really missing my British relatives, but then you made it so if felt as if I was right there with you on your trip! It may sound silly, but even though we don’t see each for very long periods of time we are very close, I have been across the pond many times, the first was in 1962! This is where FB and Messenger comes in for nice little chats! Very much looking forward to your new book! I ordered the Fine Romance mug and when it arrived I almost cried…it is so lovely! It has pride of place in my kitchen china cabinet. Such a treasure!
It gets into your heart doesn’t it Candice? xoxo
I so enjoyed “our” trip to the British Isles together ! This was armchair travel at it’s finest.
Love following your journey! Can’t wait for the book.
I missed out on the cups, so I’m hoping to be the”winning number.” Just love the peace your artwork brings to me.
Thank you so much for enhancing this Anglophile!