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!
Susan,
What a wonderful trip! Such beautiful photos! Welcome home! So happy your travels were safe. While you were gone we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. We were able to get together with our children and grandchildren to celebrate.💕
Jan
So looking forward to your new book on your travels and happy that you can live your dream.
Thank you so much for letting me travel vicariously with you on your journey! It is as close as I will ever be to Europe and places like my ancestral homes of: Ireland, Scotland & England. You have a wonderful way of making all of your readers feel like they are a part of everything! Your 4th of July cup was my splurge for Independence Day, and I love it!
Very happy to have you along Charlotte!
This is the most glorious blog you’ve written in awhile because it reminds me of the trip my late husband and I took to England and our return on the Queen Mary 2. This was the voyage you encouraged us to take back in 2013, and I’ll always be grateful for your suggestions! Because of you, we immediately booked our trip–a trip and voyage that left us breathless with anticipations that were fulfilled. What a wonderful experience to look at all your photos, which are beyond fantastic!! I desperately want to return, but alas, illness is preventing me and my “new” husband from 2014 is keeping us from going. Perhaps the future will hold a surprise for us. There is nothing that can duplicate a trip to England; the land of my ancestors!! Thank you once again for urging us to go in 2013!
Love hearing from you . . . I remember your trip ~ a trip that keeps on giving. I hope the clouds clear for you both and you’re able to slip through to another voyage across the sea! Blessings on you Lady Heartwell. xoxo
Hi, Susan! I just wanted to give a plug for your gorgeous mugs! I saved and bought the A Fine Romance one. I just love it! There’s something unique about your mugs – I noticed that they keep my coffee/tea steaming hot for the longest time. Long after most mugs cool down. I don’t know what makes them different from other mugs, but they’re worth the investment! Cheers!
I know!!! Isn’t that wonderful!? They are thin but they hold the heat. No wonder people have always loved bone china. They are also quite strong, not easy to break. Cheers Lori!
Thanks for sharing your lovely journey. Welcome back to home sweet home.
Cant wait for your next book to be published! Your trip seems so lovely. I would love to win a set of your cups.
What a beautiful trip! Thank you for sharing! England is in my wish list.
So nice to read your “coming home” post, just as we are doing the same. It is sometimes hard to leave a newly loved place, but so delightful to come to longed-loved HOME.
Welcome hone Susan! I loved that everyone applauded when the sun came up. I imagine that made the Lady Liberty experience even better. So Jaime has triplets too, how wonderful. I am sure Jack was loved on properly :-).
Enjoy being home, I know you are.
She has triplet boys, and a year later, she had another boy. She is amazing with a capital A.
My daughters triplets (2 boys and 1 girl) just turned two. I think/hope she is done. They make this grandma tired…..loved but tired!
Yes, that’s one heck of a lot of 2 year olds you have there!!! LOL, Just remembering my own brothers and sisters growing up … none were triplets or twins, but there were sure a lot of little people running around the house!
All of your things are so beautiful, and I adore the seasonal items! We are so fortunate to see how creative and talented you are
Welcome home Susan and Joe!
What fun reading about your travels. I know that is a lot of work for you. I just want to tell you how much I appreciate it.
Kathleen
Oh, welcome home dear people! Hope all is back to normal again and sweet Jack is getting all that saved up love from you!
What gorgeous pictures – our spectacular Lady Liberty and a happy kitty!
Susan, I so enjoyed visiting England and Scotland with you and a Joe!
Always love your vacation posts and pictures. One day I too will visit England. Here’s hoping I’m selected to win the four season cups!
Of the artists blogs I read….This is my FAVORITE blog…No one can top you for Heart and Art & Caring and Sharing. Thank YOU!!!
Sometimes I wish my little squeals were audible! Thank you right back Georgia!
Dear Susan,
What a wonderful homecoming you received! I am excited for your new book and can’t wait to read it!! Thank you for sharing your trip with all of us!!!
Julie
Welcome home Susan! Those photos of the Statue of Liberty gave me chills. I have to tell you how much I love my summer mug. It arrived just in time for the 4th. It made me so happy. “It’s the little things in life …”
Thanks for all the joy you bring to others!
Hello!
I always enjoy the beautiful photos! Enjoyed the posts about England and all the sights in between. Thank you for sharing the Statue of Liberty photos. I particularly love the photos of beautiful homes. I enjoy your blog very much!
What fun it has been following your adventure! Cannot wait to see the book when it is finished!💟
Wow! Susan, you have made my day (dare I say week, month,year)! To be quoted in something, anything Susan Branch is quite the honor! I loved the page and look forward to giving lots of calendars for Christmas to all my friends. My husband was here when I was reading the post and you wouldn’t have believed the yelp I let out! Scared the poor man to death! I also loved your pictures and sentiments regarding the Statue of Liberty! We are so blessed by God to live in such a wonderful country! I’m glad you had such a wonderful trip and that you arrived home safely. As always, looking forward to your next project and once again, thank you for making my heart so happy today!
HA HA HA, I’ve been waiting to hear from you, Lee! Like waiting for someone to unwrap your birthday present! You reacted just the way I hoped. Thank you dear, it was a darling toast that you do, and I know lots of people will be trying it out for Thanksgiving. It’s universal ~ olives on fingers! Have a wonderful day … Thank you! xoxoxo
Susan, thanks so much for taking me along on your journey.Best part of going is “coming home”. Now, looking forward to Victoria Magazine Sept. issue my most fav mag.have gotten it since the very begging. Thanks again for the ride.
I know, Victoria!!!!
I’d love the cups!
Welcome home! Miss receiving your newsy and fun memos with your gorgeous illustrations. Glad that you will be enjoying summer at the Vineyard!!
What a wonderful adventure for you and Joe.
You are just SO Much FUN! Thanks so much!
What a wonderful trip, thanks for taking us along!!
It’s wonderful to have you home! Not that I didn’t love the journey. My kitty and I stay home caring for my bed bound hubby, so our arm chair travels are really appreciated. What a beautiful adventure! Thanks, too, for representing America overseas. We need all the help we can get these days, and you are a wonderful ambassador of all that is good and true.❤️
We can dream can’t we? A luv-lee thing . . . Take good care Rosanne. xoxo
Just loved going along on your fantastic trip to England and Ireland. Love, love, LOVE that you are going to have the book out asap! It’s good to have you back in the blog again. I don’t do twitter or facebook, so have been looking forward to you posting here again. Thank you for sharing!!
The pictures of the Statue of Liberty are so touching and beautiful…somehow, more so from that view coming in from the Atlantic! I hope the citizens of this country never take our liberty, (and the Constitution and Bill of Rights that are supposed to guarantee us those liberties), for granted. We are truly blessed.
Thank you for your beautiful photos from the Queen Mary 2. The photo of the deck chairs reminds me of a far more civilized era. Welcome Home.
That word. Civilized. To think about what it really means. How hard our ancestors have worked to drag all of humanity into it. Been thinking about that word lately. Thank you Patricia … my mom is Patricia and I am Susan Anne. xoxo
WELCOME home! I have enjoyed your trip! I have soaked up every word! Such beautiful places and people! Your tea cups are such fine quality. Thank you for a chance to win the set!
Debbie
Welcome back to the USA, Susan ! ( And Joe!) I had a crazy busy week with quilters staying all week long, and going to the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, and now had a chance to check your blog, and was so delighted to find an entry! It made me tear up several times, oh, to SEE ‘Lady Liberty’ in person!!! That must be an incredible experience, and the very best to see it as my ancestors saw it, from a ship, coming into NYC’s harbor. AHHH ! You are the bestest, cannot WAIT for your new book! Ready to pre-order! And yes, the cups look fabu, sign me up! : ) Suzette in central Oregon, in a heat wave…..
So enjoyed your entire trip! Thanks for including us – it was a joy- Chris
So good to have you back home! ♥ Life is crazy good!
Welcome home, Susan! Thank you for the lovely post. Have you read Witches of New York? It’s a great read and has all these references to old New York when the Statue of Liberty was not yet completed, Only her lantern was on display in central park for all to see.
Sounds wonderful, I’ll check it out. Love historical novels … doubles your pleasure!
I was the shy, quiet one in the corner, not making a peep, but I thoroughly enjoyed the trip! I can’t wait for the book!! Welcome Home!!!
Welcome Home! Love ALL the mugs, the beauriful themes & gorgeous art on each of them!
Summer on MV looks lovely … Enjoying your photos and stories!
Your post was breathtaking! Love to you and Jack. He is so sweet
I love the cross-stitch alphabet kit. That is how I first learned to embroider- a printed cross-stitch pillowcase. Welcome home to you both!
My twin sister Sharon loves everything about Susan Branch and loves reading about your adventures and she told me I would love it as well. She was right and I loved ready about your trip to England, the walks and people you met and the journey home. Thanks for taking us along.
Great to have you home. Enjoyed reading all about it.
Welcome home, Susan! I hope I win those cups 🙂 !!!
Welcome home, Susan and Joe! Sweet little Jack must be beside himself!! I can’t wait to read about your trip. We missed you both!
I love your books, I also give them as gifts. They are so loved and enjoyed.
Welcome home California girl!
I can just imagine the enormous emotion from these months and then coming home. Welcome back, and we can’t wait for the next book (and the 2019 calendar)! Also — your friend’s house is utterly adorable 🙂
Loved living your adventure through your stories and pictures! Can’t wait for your book!
Welcome back! And thank you for sharing so much of your wonderful adventure!
Welcome welcome home! Thank you for taking us along on your delightful journey. All your photos are so lovely and informative, love them all. You’ve made my day. Thanks again.♥️
There is nothing like coming home … especially after such a long time away. Home sweet home. And yet, such a longing for all the beautiful places we have just left behind. Do hope you enjoy the settling in and all the welcoming home. Thank you, Susan, for allowing light and love to shine through you so brightly, blessing us all.
Home Sweet Home again with Jack! 🙂 Welcome back!
Dear Susan, Oh thank goodness you two arrived home into the arms of your beloved Jack. I can just read how excited you all were when reunited. Thanks too for the wonderful trip. I loved all your photos and your words. Your home garden looks so beautiful and of course it did not take you long to pick a tiny bouquet for inside.
Welcome home. Cannot wait to read your new book.
First thing, practically. Always grounds me. xoxo
Welcome home. Thanks for sharing your trip with us!
Thank you for writing about your trip. Every part of a vacation is fun – the planning, the travel and the return – love it all! Thanks for taking us all along with you.
Thank you for a wonderful trip through the United Kingdom – what a vacation! And to top it off it would be wonderful to be the winner of the 4 Seasons mugs.
Welcome home!!! Do you think you’ll do it again?
Probably. Probably can’t help ourselves. We haven’t done the east, for one thing.
YAY!
Thank you for sharing your life. Your writing is so inspiring, and I look forward to your new book. I love my new Red Letter Day cup!
Love your blog! Love Jack!
🌺🐝🌺. Welcome home Susan 😃 Thank you for sharing your exciting trip with the rest of us Anglophiles who can not go in person. Looking forward to your book. Enjoy the rest of the Summer on your beautiful island. Sarah from the Eastern Shore of Virginia
Dear Susan, you are my hero!
And you are a sweetheart!
Susan thank you for taking us on your trip. I loved all your photo’s and can’t wait for your book to come out. Enjoy being home with your kitty.
Welcome home Susan and Joe! Wonderful journey will turn into a wonderful book! I love the four seasons and would love to receive the four seasons cup give away! Home sweet home! Love and hugs across the miles!
These are SO cute!! They would make an adorable birthday gift for my sister!
Wow! Home….isn’t wonderful to have your own things around you? Or enjoying elsewhere is grand fun but at the end of a trip,I always say”home”. Glad you are back as I know fall is coming…I saw the first leave dancing down just yesterday. It did the little fairy dance in the sun. Oh,there is still summer but the leaf winked at me. Thankyou for a chance to maybe win your beautiful mugs. Would make my day ( my day? My year!) bless you and joe.
Me too!!! Leaf jumped off a tree at me yesterday too ~ out on our walk! I instantly went into denial, but truly, there was a moment I thought, Oh Boy! xoxo Thank you Barbara
Thank you for taking us with you! What a lovely way to spread the joy.
Such a beautiful life…..I have to remind myself that I’m only 44 and still can chase dreams. …thank you for sharing everything…it’s so very inspiring.
There’s no place like home! So glad you had a wonderful trip and were able to share so much with us. Looking forward to reading more about your adventures.
I love what you share. I feel like I had a mini vacation from your sharing. I really need that at this time, because I have been going through a very stressful time with my husband. He had to have all his toes amputated on his left foot in October 2017. He still has a wound that has not healed yet. We go back and forth to the hospital each week for treatment. I am his care giver. Most days I am so exhausted I can hardly see straight. So, your sharing your world is the only break I get. It really helps. Thank you. Thank you, Thank you!😃
Welcome Home, Susan and Joe! It was a wonderful trip and my family was so happy to go with you! I wanted to tell you just how much we love your blog and I especially enjoyed reading this post and seeing your beautiful photos. We are anxiously awaiting “the book!!” Thanks once again. HUGS!!!
Oh, what an absolutely beautiful post! I felt so emotional reading it, especially seeing the Statue of Liberty, what an incredible moment, I love her so much. What a special journey home, all the way to your Jack and those July 4th flags – and you deserve it all because you take nothing for granted and you share your love of this beautiful life you are living so generously with all of us. So much love to you, Susan, enjoy the rest of your summer. Love to MV and cannot WAIT for the book!
So glad that you are home safely! It was wonderful to travel along with you again! Thank you for all the beautiful mugs, calendars thoughts ! It is a blessing to be able to communicate with you thru your blog! THANK YOU!!
As always, you never disappoint us with all the wonderful notes about your trip! We all feel like we are right there and travel along in your suitcase, joining in on all the adventures, seeing the beauty of it all! Thanks for the joy you give to us ❤️
I so enjoyed your stories about your trip. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Early predawn, hot weather, early watering, tomatoes ripening, peaches starting to color and reading your coming home blog, sipping my first cup of coffee in my Fine Romance tour cup and immediately back in Beatrix Potter country, Thank You! and Mandy and Betsy. A Lifetime experience that reawakened all my creative passions and every day with new possibilities. Sharing the trip with my two sister-in-laws, Sabra and Poppy made it even more delightful. Lorreen, 4-9-47
Luv-lee to hear from you, Lorreen! Love your reawakening! xoxoxox
Thank you for taking us along on your trip. It is always so nice to travel with you. Glad to see you at home although it looks like you are working harder than ever.
Welcome home!!
I’ve looked so forward to receiving your blog in my email. It almost felt like I went on the trip with you. Thank you for all the beautiful posts.
Welcome home and thank you for taking us along! Jack is just the cutest.
So excited for the new book!!
Oh Susan, what a wonderful post! As always, you’ve taken me to places I’ve never been….but thankfully through you, I’m seeing these wonderous places I’ve only heard about!! And yes, coming home..whether it be 4 months or 4 days..(in my case..due to a fall) it does feel amazing. My little doggie “Rusty” was glad to see his Mom again. Even though, he had lots of love and care thanks to my wonderful neighbors and friends!! Oh, how I’d love to win those cups. They are gorgeous! So glad you’re home and enjoying your HOME! Hugs to Jack for me…
Blessings,
Gert
You take care Gert … Kisses to you and Rusty. xoxo
Thanks Susan!!
Luv-lee post!
Thank you for your generosity in sharing your adventure – such a gift.
The mugs are charming – I would be thrilled to win them
Thank you for sharing your trip and on your blog. Welcome home!
I love your pictures from the ship and coming into NYC!! It stirred my soul… Now I’m wishing to some day cross the ocean on one of the BEAUTIFUL ships. I’ve never been on a cruise so it was fun to go along in your suitcase 🙂 Thank you thank you for sharing your experiences!! Kelly
Thank you so much for sharing your trip with all your devoted girlfriends. Loved following along and can’t wait for your new book.
~ So glad you two had a wonderful trip; we enjoyed it right along with you! So thank you! It was the trip of a lifetime for you, I’m sure.
Currently reading “MV-Isle of Dreams” and I am thoroughly enjoying it. Also I enjoyed “A Fine Romance” very much; Fairy Tale Girl will be soon…… Love your writing style.
Count me in on winning a beautiful set of mugs! I’m feeling lucky!
Thank you Jody!
Loved the vicarious trip to England with you! I noticed the “”English Countryside”cups are sold out. Is there any way you will get any more?!
I’m sorry, when they’re gone, they’re gone . . . our manufacturer requires us to buy a certain amount, quite a large number for little us, which is why we put them up for presale. So that everyone who wants one, orders one which tells us how many we have to order. Then we add on a couple hundred extra for people who missed the presale … and that’s the number we get ~ and then it’s first come first serve. I’m so sorry Irene, I wish it was better news.
I loved reading the blog while you were abroad. Thanks so much for the wonderful time!
Welcome home Susan and Joe! It was wonderful tagging along on your big adventure across the pond, but I am happy that you are home safe and sound. Thank you for adding my name to the drawing. Fran
Thank you Susan for the beautiful photos and welcome home! I so enjoyed following along with you on your wonderful adventures. Love the photos of the Verrazano Bridge, since I live a few blocks away from it on the Brooklyn side.
Looking forward to reading your new book and love all of your books. I have the Summer book on my coffee table now. You are an inspiration, and Jack is just so adorable. Have a beautiful summer.
Pretty from the bottom up, don’t you think Priscilla?!
I totally agree, Susan. I never get to see it from that angle.
Oh Dear Susan I am so happy you are back!!! Our trip together felt like I had slipped down “Alice’s ” hole with so many many places I couldn’t even possibly make up. How I wanted be with you both in all the amazing places you stayed. I cannot wait for your next book!! Thank you Thank you 🙂
Welcome home – you even manage to make that magical.
I cannot wait to read your new book – there is something so special about knowing you are working on it and seeing the progress. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us!! ♥
Woke up this morning, put on some Musica and started leisurely reading your post about coming home and it was delightful! Thank you for taking us with you and looking forward for more! Have a good day!
What a wonderful post! I so enjoyed following your adventures in the UK, but I’m sure you and a certain tuxedo kitty are glad you are home! I love your mugs – I have the one with Jack and the books, and it is just wonderful.
I love to read your blog! Welcome home.
Cruises are so relaxing! It takes you to a different space and time. No worries!
Thank you for sharing all these details of your experiences. I love hearing and seeing your blog/newsletters!
Good Morning Susan, and Girlfriends. whew it is HOT, HOT, HOT here, it is miserable. we have a soft sprinkler going for the chickens and ducks in the chicken yard, we have the baby ducks out in the play pen with a shady area to run into and escape the heat and a mister going to keep them comfy and cool, are we talking spoiled here or what. we have been in triple digit heat since last Thursday and looks like this Thursday we may finally get a breather and some cooler temps. got all my morning chores done, the critters are okay and have access to tons of cool water, I have buckets and tubs all over so no one goes dry or thirsty, sprinkler going and misters going, so it time for me to floating on the river to cool off and I plan to get going. heard the eastern seaboard has been having some really hot weather.. hope you all are staying cool and comfy, lots of ice cold tea, lemonade, and ice water to keep hydrated and cool. stay cool, and have a great day everyone….. hugs…. 😀
I just looked up your weather Pat, yikes!!! Something like 15 degrees over normal where you are! Whoooo, take good care of yourself and the critters! We’re good. We finally broke down a few years ago and put some window air-conditioners downstairs … never used to need them but those days are over! I melt in heat and humidity, it was a must-do. Makes things bearable although I will never like the noise they make. Much prefer open windows! I went and got us two chocolate shakes for lunch, so we are fat and happy now!
oh yummm I love chocolate shakes, and with this heat I can use a chocolate shake or 2. I may move in just to get a chocolate shake!!! just checked on the critters, all are cool and happy in the shade, near the water and enjoying the sprinkler and misters….. off to get my inner tube and go floating and then a nice stop over at D.Q (Dairy Queen) for a chocolate shake to cool down with for dinner. a floating I will go, a floating I will go high ho the merry oh a floating I will go. hugs…… 😀
It’s been so much fun following along on your trip. Welcome home!