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!
Thanks for your post. Jack reminds me so much of my kitties.
Welcome home! Thanks for the beautiful blog post! I almost feel like I was there. I bought a Mother’s Day cup for my mom and she loved it! The set is beautiful too! Thank you for a chance. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your life. I look forward to everything you write! I got a Red Letter Day cup , and I love it. I’ve been using it every day. Can’t wait for the new book.
Beautiful photos I always enjoy your blog.
Glad you made it safely home & thank you for all of the wonderful pictures. It’s a joy to read your blog!
Hi Susan,
Wow, what a great trip – it felt like we were right there with you and Joe. Thanks for sharing your precious time with us. Jack looks so happy to have you home.
Welcome Home!
Cheers,
Mari
Welcome home from a lovely journey!
What a marvelous trip!! So glad you have arrived safely at home. Would be wonderful to win the mugs.
Home…a lovely place to be. Thank you for sharing your adventures at home and abroad.
Anxiously awaiting your next book.
Love the “summer” mug.
Lovely!
Welcome home! I have loved traveling virtually with you and my heart lurched as you were nearing home, closer and closer…I was homesick with you! I can only imagine how happy you and Joe were to see Jack, and vice-versa. I have three kitties and love them so much.
I got tears in my eyes when reading your writings about the Statue of Liberty and seeing the photos. I’ve never seen the Lady Liberty in person, but would love to someday.
I have been delving into your books…in the middle of a Fine Romance (after reading the first two, of course) and just can’t get enough! I’m also reading your Girlfriends book. I’m so glad you’re writing a new one.
Your living room is so lovely…love your white sofa and love seat. Your home is so beautiful and charming and warm.
xoxo
Melanie
Welcome back Susan! Trips are fun, but there’s no place like home!
Love all your items. Would love to have your cups. So glad you’re home!
Your trip looked amazing. Loved the voyage pictures, especially the ones with the moon and the sunrise in NYC with Lady Liberty! And no place like home…
Thanks for sharing your adventures and your lovely cat Jack 😸💜😸
Loved the pictures of the Statue of Liberty, and especially the full moon shots…..so lovely. I’m glad our other two “U.S. treasures” are safe and sound back home with so many wonderful memories to share. Welcome home❣
I love reading about your adventures in travel. Thank you for sharing so many details. Really makes me want to travel to England again, I missed so much! And especially hope to travel by ship some day!
I love your mugs. I love everything you design. I also happen to collect mugs so I really hope I am the lucky “Jersey Girl” to win.
A belated Welcome Home! It’s been a blast to travel with you, Joe, and Petey on this newest journey there and back again. Thank you kindly for taking us along.
Enjoy the bliss of HOME!
Hugs!
It’s always lovely to travel along and dream with you! Such beautiful countryside and always inspirational!
How I LOVE ❤️ everything ‘Susan Branch’! Your unbelivable, talented artwork, all of your uplifting quotes, your humor, your keen insight to life and love, your ‘friendship’ with ALL of us, your being a ‘Happy’ soul in our sisterhood, your Big Heart ❤️, your deep gratitude for all living things…i.e., your cat Jack, your love of flowers, a garden, the ocean, nature walks, the rising sun, the full moon, yummy homemade recipes and food and for all the beauty of our ‘BIG BEAUTIFUL WORLD’… plus the millions of other ‘wee, luv-lee little things’ of life!
I so look forward to your new, exciting book about your travels in Great Britain…as well as your sailings on the Queen Mary! I have your other 3 books…which I love! I plan to read “A Fine Romance”, again while waiting for the new one!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Dear friend, Susan Branch! 💕 You definitely share the ‘sweeter things’ of life…that make a huge ‘difference’ in this world!
What can I say but thank you Marilyn, that was so nice . . . it’s a two-way street though, and I can very likely thank you for all the same things you are adding to the world. Kindred spririts! xoxoxo
Oh, Susan, you really have me daydreaming about making the trip on the QM2! Thank you so much for this all of your delightful posts! Welcome home! Xoxo
Such fun reading each of your day’s experience~~ bringing back such fond memories of our two trips to England, Scotland in the 80’s!!! Your talents are remarkable and thanks for sharing them with so many friends!!! Enjoy going back with you in spirit!!!
Wonderful giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity Susan.
Have been following your beautiful art for over 30 years. No
Now with FB you are the first thing I see when I pull it up.
Take care from a devoted fan in Charlotte NC.
Was starting to worry that you had an emergency that kept you from writing on your arrival but you and Joe have come back to us, whew! Happy resettling.
I agree with you…coming home is always the sweetest of feelings, even after a wonderful trip. Thank you for the opportunity to win your gorgeous mugs! They are irresistible.
Can hardly wait for your next book! Hurry, please!!
Hi Susan! Welcome home! I REALLY enjoyed all your trip reports! I hope to someday go to all those wonderful countries! I definitely will go to England first as I love all things English and am distantly related to the Queen. I love all your cups and really wanted to get Fall! I was gifted a Jack cup this weekend when my mom bought it for me at the Apple Farm. I LOVE IT!!💝
Susan, My welcome home is there alongside everyone else’s. There’s nothing quite like our own home, our own stuff (we know where everything is and how it works) and especially our own bed!! Enjoy x
So glad you made it home safely, and thanks for taking us all along with you. Your posts have been so lovely – like a breath of fresh sea air! Cannot WAIT for your new book – have a wonderful time creating it 🙂
Welcome home Susan and Joe! Thanks for a great trip!
How glorious to alas be home again and have treasured memories to hold fast to your heart!!!
Your posts are so enjoyable and inspiring! Thank you!
my Friday the thirteenth post didn’t come through either! Testing…testing…
I saw one before this Morag, a couple of days ago … your name is lovely and distinctive, not to mention that you live so far away, which is why I noticed . . . it’s in there somewhere! xoxo
Testing testing. My posts are not reflecting!
Ipswich Jackie says “welcome home” to you and Joe, certainly enjoyed my trip with you both! We must do it again sometime.
Welcome home Susan !! Thank you once again for letting us tag along on your travels. Looking forward to the new book!! I always give your books as gifts when I come across one. I’ve introduced you to quite a few girlfriends, who in turn become fans.
Welcome home! My daughter Ryan met you at the book signing in Charleston-said you were just lovely and so nice to everyone. Can’t wait for the next book!
That was the perfect Bon Voyage!
I’m in love with places I’ve never been, and with people I’ve never met.
Dear Susan,
So glad you have Joe have arrived safe and very sound. Looking forward to hearing all about your experiences in the next months. I would love to win the set of mugs. I especially love the winter mug and kick myself that I didn’t order one when it was available. Glad you’re home!
Oh Susan, I’ve never had the opportunity to see the Statue of Liberty and you made it all seem real. As I read it, I was tired-eyed, goosebumps traveling throughout my body, excitement —I could even hear the hush and then applause. Oh what a glorious gift France have us so long ago. I can’t imagine shipping that little by little and then experiencing the unveiling. But even today – it still excites your heart!! My cat is Yum-yum and yes, they show love just like our Auggie puppy – Vixen. So I understand the love!! I love the embroidery kit! How adorable!!! Welcome home! 🌷🇺🇸🙂🐈
Yum-Yum and Vixen … very adorable.
Hope I’m not to late to enter! It could be a RED LETTER DAY for me😘
I really enjoyed sharing your journey! Welcome home and thanks for such beautiful photos from you journey!
Welcome home to you both! Thank you for a great travel log – it made every day a Red Letter Day!
Welcome home, Susan, from your adventures across the pond! It was delightful to travel along with you! I am glad you and Joe had safely returned to a happy homecoming.
Welcome Back!!!! What a great trip you and Joe have experienced once again, but HOME at last.
Thank you for taking us with you on your travels. Can’t wait to see how this trip turns into your next book, which we will all be looking forward too.
Welcome back home. Your pictures of Lady Liberty and all of the people on the deck of the ship so early in the morning were amazing. Hope you enjoy the rest of summer there in Martha’s Vineyard.
Love the cups! Welcome home.
What a luv-lee journey!❤️ Thank you for sharing every aspect of your enchanting experiences. You continue to inspire us with your writing, art, photos, videos, recipes, and of course, your beautiful mugs!!
Oh what a glorious trip and you are so kind to share it with us!😊❤️❤️❤️ Already saw the calenders coming out at Books a Million. Jack is too sweet, he must have missed you so much. My girlfriend got me one of your cups, the Jack and Books cup, for my birthday. Glorious👍🏻😊. Waiting patiently for the new book and time to save my pennies😜 Still so enjoying my pen pal I gained through your website. Also just received your Gratitude book, so lovely. Love to you and Joe, back home again.
Love the pen pal connections many of you have now, warms the cockles of my pea-pickin’ heart! Thank you Ruth!
Thank you so much for such a wonderful blog! I could not wait everyday to check my
Tweeter to see your location in the UK.
Fairy tales do come true! At least one would if I won this beautiful gift. I love traveling with you and seeing places to which I will never travel. Welcome back Susan!
Welcome home Susan & Joe! Thank you for taking me along on your dreamy journey! I so enjoyed it! I can’t wait for your next book! : )
Your visit made me so homesick and here I am a U.S. citizen. I would live in Troutbeck in a minute given the chance.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip!
Thank you Sue for sharing your trip with us all!
Thanks so much for taking us on this wonderful journey. I so enjoyed visiting the wonderful villages and countrysides with you and Joe (& Petey). I hope to travel to England one day soon. You are my inspiration! Rest up and enjoy the lovely summer days. Say hello to Petey and Jack for me…..
I enjoyed reading about your trip. Makes me want to go by ship rather than plane next time.
But there is no place better than home. Enjoy.
Charlotte
WOW! What a trip that I so enjoyed. You inspire me with your art. Isn’t it grand to be creative. Now you are home to enjoy our wonderful Country.
I’M always excited to see a new blog from you. What a wonderful time I had going along with you on your trip thru your blog! You bring joy to many people I’m sure. Can’t wait for your new book! I have them all. Love and Good Wishes! Gloria
Looking forward very much to your new book, I just began re-reading (again!) Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams. I just love it and really get lost in it, it is a wonderful escape for me.
Glad your trip was safe and so memorable. I love all the photos of Jack!!! If I ever had the good fortune to go to your house, I think meeting Jack would be one of the biggest thrills of all! He is giving Grumpy Cat a run for her money for the title of world’s most famous kitty. 😉
Thanks for the chance to win your beautiful cups. I have my eye on the Jack In The Books one too. So cute. Love to you and Joe and Jack!!
Thanks Susan for such great memories. Looking forward to the new book. It will be another Red Letter Day !
Thanks for the memories! Looking forward to the new book. It will be another red letter day!
Welcome Home, Susan! Thank you for sharing your amazing trip with us. You really made England come alive! Can’t wait to read your new book.
Welcome Home, Susan! Thank you for sharing your amazing trip with us.
Oh, susan…
I am your girlfriend.
You are loved.
Sue
xoxoxo
Welcome home Susan and Joe! So glad you had a lovely trip.
Cindy
“There is no place like home.” Thank you for sharing your beautiful and creative magic with this wonderful life.
Welcome home!! Thank you for sharing your life with us. I look forward to your posts more than you know.
Thank you for the whimsy and joy to our homemaking !
I’m running out right now to gather flowers for my little vases!
Welcome home!
Lori
There really is no place like HOME. Those pictures of Lady Liberty were incredible. I can picture the joy you had seeing Jack. I bet the first morning you woke up you weren’t sure where you were! I just went through several weeks of being in multiple places and finally arrived back in Rhode Island. We came back with hearts BURSTING with love and joy after the arrival of our new granddaughter Victoria Rey.
Victoria, a royal regal charm of a name! Congratulations, Andrea!
Oh, such an amazing trip! Have luvved reading all your posts and can’t wait for the book!
Welcome home Susan. Can’t wait for the new book and thanks for a chance in your giveaway:)
Such a wonderful trip. I especially enjoyed the moon photos!
Isn’t coming home the best? You both must be so happy and Jack certainly is. Could he be any cuter? I still can’t believe how long you were gone and what a wonderful adventure you took us on. Thank you. Loved every post and picture. I think everybody is beyond excited for your new book. I am even excited for the process of your writing because you always give us little hints along the way. Plus fall is coming……..the perfect time for projects, crisp walks, comfort food and crackling fires. My favorite season. YAY!
Welcome Home Susan and Joe!! I loved “coming along” on your journey. It sounded and looked wonderful and I loved seeing it all on your blog. I can’t wait for your new book! I know it will be beautiful!! Thanks for all your inspiration!!
Welcome Home! East or West, Home is Best! I don’t have any of your cups but I love the artwork on all of them. So very charming.
I’m in for the 4 Seasons of cups.
Thank you for the creativity and actual work that went into giving us these lovely things!
Debbie in beautiful Maine.
So enjoyed going on your journey with you!
Welcome Home Susan and Joe! Thanks for taking us along! I always enjoy traveling with you!! Can’t wait til the new book is ready!
Vermilion is a small town on Lake Erie in Ohio….will retire soon and find contentment of all four seasons! Would love to have my tea each day from your wonderful cups!! Enjoy your summer and the fall to come!!
Can’t wait for the new book! Hope it will include lots of your life experience and tips like in Isle of Dreams. Thank you for all you do for us!
You are a lovely reminder to relax and truly listen and see all the beauty around us all. Thank you so very much Susan
Oh, what a fantastic trip! I could just see it all, especially coming back into New York past the Statue of Lady Liberty! Can’t wait to read the new book, so do hurry. Not too much, but maybe a little. Welcome home!
I would love, love, love to get the set of mugs. I would of course give one to my mom who is also a SB fan and follower.
Thank you so much for taking us along on your trip. I am so happy for you that you are living your fairytale life! To know you and read your words keeps memories alive and makes my life a bit better. Ah yes there is no place like home! Even the dust bunnies accept and love us there!!
Thank you so much for taking us along, Susan! I felt like I was there with you. Welcome home!
Jean
Oh my , that was a vacation of a life time. Thank you, thank you for taking us along with you. I so enjoyed this. I used each post as my get-a-way for a few minutes (at work, shhhhh). I’m excited for your book. Oh, and to win a set of cups – no way!!! – that is a grand give-away.
Oh I’m so happy you’re home! What a wonderful trip it was (or so it seems from my viewpoint!). While you were away I was a little busy. I: quit my job and started a new job; moved out of my old house and into a different house; I left the area I’ve lived in for 43 of my 53 years and moved clear across the state to a place I’ve never lived before; I left my whole family and friends and I know no one here. I cried every day for weeks (and still get a little teary when I even think about it). But, then I think of you moving across the whole big USofA, to an island, BEFORE INTERNET, SOCIAL MEDIA and TEXTING! What were you thinking? HaHa. I guess we can’t miss what we never had. All that to say, while you were away, my life turned upside down, but it’s starting to right itself. I dig in the dirt and I’ve watered a few plants with not just sweat (it’s HOT here where I live), but also with some tears. It’s been some of the hardest weeks of my life, but I’m slowly, ever so slowly, starting to feel like ME again.
I’m so happy I had your trip to keep me company along the way. It was a FABULOUS distraction. I always say (and I’ve said it in previous comments) that your blog seems to know when I need it the most and, just like magic it pops up in my email just . . . THEN.
Did I say I’m so glad you’re home? Home to me these days is still like a new pair of shoes . . . a little pinch here and maybe a blister, there, but slowly starting to form itself to my soul, like a shoe forms to its foot. And who doesn’t LOVE a new pair of shoes?
LOL, what WAS I thinking? And now it’s you! The ship of life will steady, especially with your wonderful attitude. It’s not as easy as it looks as you know! But with your level of consciousness, I have every faith you will do fine. Love hearing from you Kathy! You go girl xoxoxoxo
Welcome back! These latest blog pictures of the moon and Lady Liberty at dawn were so very soothing and lovely. Thank you for sharing those special moments.
My Summer mug arrived swiftly from Apple Farm, and I’m so glad to have it! Since I put the “pro” in procrastinate, I of course have none of the other seasons’ cups, either, but it would be a pleasure to win them. My only issue is that they hold only 12 oz., and I’m a 16 oz.–tea drinker; however, a small concession when drinking from such cheerful and charming mugs!
Thank you again for the homecoming shots!
P.S. Shoulder reverse is a great surgery to have…I can’t speak for the “normal” kind of replacement. But let your friend know she probably won’t need painkillers except aspirin Post-Op Day 3, and remind her to do her exercises faithfully: easy-peasey!
Love it Susan, I’ll pass it on. xoxo
I live through your posts! Beautiful pictures, beautiful paintings, beautiful words. Thank you.
Hello dear Susan,
Thanks for another lovely blog. Also… Thanks so much for taking me along on your lovely travels to Britain!
I just returned from another vacation in Cape Cod…. East Orleans area… A day trip to Nantucket… I know a dirty word with Martha’s Vineyard inhabitants!!!! Coming to your island paradise the next trip to the Cape….visited about 9 yrs ago. I love the whole area… It was so nice weather wise… 70- low 80’s without being humid…. Not like my weather of 90-100+ with humidity…. Now back in the soupy weather… Yucky.
I look forward to the new book and any blogs to come my way
As ever
Kathie from Limerick
LOL, we, in this household, shhhh don’t tell, love Nantucket! Glad you enjoyed our luv-lee historical neighborhood and that you slipped into the beautiful weather that can make this place a little bit of heaven!
Love the Cape…It replenishes the soul… visiting for past 10 yrs!!!
Leaving wonderful places is hard, but coming home is always special, too! Cheers and enjoy the rest of your island summer!
Putting Martha’s Vineyard during the 4th on my bucket list!
Welcome Home!
Welcome home, thank you for inspiring and sharing! I am in Scotland now, making memories! Looking forward to getting home also 😁.
Loved following you around the British Isles. Makes me want to return even more. Hoping to go back to southeast England as soon as possible. The mugs are an inspiration.
Welcome Home! So glad you had a very memorable trip. Looking forward to your new book. I would love to win the four seasons cups…..I’m keeping my fingers crossed & saying a little prayer.
I loved following you on your adventure but also know how wonderful it feels to return home . I am a follower of you blog because of my friend and walking buddy Barbara who has been following you for many years and collects many of your mugs and other items. I am vacationing in MV near Vinyard Haven for the month of July to get away from the Atlanta heat. I would love to take a Winter Mug back to Barbara because she had been sick and did not order one before theh were out of stock. She has the other 3 seasons. Does any store in the island sale you items? She gave me a Martha’s Vinyard mug when she knew I was coming to the island and “A Fine Romance” to read while I am here.
Yes, Eileen, go to Bunch of Grapes Bookstore on Main Street in Vineyard Haven . . . ask at the counter and they’ll direct you to the cups. Have fun and happy reading!
Welcome back to the USA! Thank you for taking all of us along. Your blog and website are beautiful and so much fun to follow!