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, your blog brings so many smiles to my heart. I’ve been a fan of yours for a long time…I treat myself to your calendar every year, and sometimes treat a friend with one too ~ a very special thing to receive, I’ve been told. Most recently I have been led to visit your website A LOT. I needed a pick-me-up and God spoke to me and said “I know just where you can get that pick-me-up joy you need” ~ and as always, He was right. So…thank you for sharing the gifts that God has graciously blessed you with. I believe you are using those gifts just as God intended, and He smiles down on you.
Glad you and Joe are back home safe and sound…enjoy your summer. God bless with His brightest blessings, Lola
NOTE: Re-posting because I think I left this comment at the end of an older blog and meant to leave it here. Oops! Sorrrrrrryyyy! Haha!
Welcome home! Thank you again for visiting Charleston, SC. Hard to believe that you were away all this time.
I visited family in MA on the 4th and got to visit the Vineyard to see a concert at the old Whaling Church. Read your blog about the tromp l’oeil to my family. The pictures did not do it justice!
Thank you again for sharing your adventure with us.
I know, wasn’t it just amazing? We would go over there to see Margot’s progress as she was doing it and really even standing on that stage with it only 3″ in front of my nose, I still had to reach out and prove to myself it was flat!!
Susan your posts are the light of my day! I love the music you
Play, love the pictures of your little treasures and of course my
Heart just melts when I see Jack! You have a beautiful lovely
Cozy home! I have two of your mugs and love them! You make
Us feel like we are right there with you! Thank you so much and
Keep it all up for us!!!
Welcome home Susan & Joe. I loved following along with you as you as you traveled along through so many lovely villages; I was with you all the way! What fun it was. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous U.K. holiday with us girlfriends.
I’ve been a follower of your beautiful cookbooks, story books, and all of your cheerful design works for years – since my cousin presented me with Heart of the Home cookbook in 1994. Can’t wait for your new book.
So happy you are home, safe and sound.
What a wonderful blessing your writings are, Susan! Thank you for sharing your life and thoughts with us.
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip with you! It was almost like being there. Thanks for sharing the adventure.
Always love reading your blog. Enjoyed sharing your adventures with you!
Welcome home Susan! Such a lovely post! I drink tea out of my LOVE mug every morning! It is one of my simple pleasures! Can’t wait for this new book! Judi
Thank you for your lovely art, words and spirit! I enjoy this blog so very much!
As always, your blogs brighten my day. When I open my email and see your post a smile appears and my day is lovely! Thank you and welcome home.
Thank you so much Susan for those heavenly photos of our Statue of Liberty as you approached our Shores…so moving, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and tears at these awesome photos of the beloved welcome they represented from our generous and soulful friends…I am leaving them in my computer to look at often, especially on sad news’days. “Heavenly” is the word for these lovely photos you shared, especially the one that looked like a “painting”. I also appreciated the detailed information you shared with us. God Bless you for your generous and caring Spirit.
I’m so happy to hear that Doris . . . xoxo
It was the highlight of our 6 weeks in the UK to meet you at the picnic. We’re looking forward to our next trip over there. Glad you are home safely and reunited with Jack. Love your blog.
I have made several attempts to leave a comment, also, maybe this time it will work. So glad you and Joe are safely back home on your island. We had such a wonderful time with you on your travels. I am looking forward to the little flower vase that you mentioned making with the C.S. Lewis quote, hopefully it will be available in the very near future. Thanks for sharing all the good times with us.
Working on that one Beverly! xoxo
Love reading your emails/blogs. Looking forward to the article in Victoria magazine, and of course, YOUR NEXT BOOK! Wow! So exciting. Glad you had a fabulous trip to luv-lee England.
You continue to be a wonderful, inspiring, and lovely kindred spirit! I’ve enjoyed this and all of “our” trips to those magical places.
Welcome home, friend!
Welcome Home Susan and Joe!! Sooooo looking forward to your book on these travels. I LOVE everything British and would love to take a trip similar to yours but mine would be centered around everything Agatha Christie! I grew up loving to read mysteries and I fell in love with hers and I just watched the fourth movie of Murder on the Orient Express………I do have to mention since my parents and their parents are immigrants (and who as most did became U.S. citizens the correct way) can really imagine what it was like for them to see the Statue of Liberty after enduring a childhood (for my Mom in Holland) and teenage years (for my Dad in Germany then Holland) of war time – being told by their parents they were going to have a better life here!? My Dad had a skilled trade which provided a normal middle class family life for us and he was so proud to be an American! He knew more about this country and the government then I did and I attended schools here! My daughters are first generation Americans and since my parent’s deaths in 2012 and 2014 we have learned more of what they experienced during WWII (they wouldn’t talk about it???) Anyway, again Welcome Home…….
My dad only started talking about his experiences during the war in the last five years of his life . . . we were so glad to know more. I don’t know why they didn’t want to talk about it…perhaps it hurt too much. xoxo
Is your “Leave a Reply” working? I hit the “Post a Comment” button but don’t see my comment?! Please advise so I can try again?!
Yes, it’s working . . . I was just so deep into fooling around with the new book today I didn’t take the time to read all the comments yet, but I will in the morning! xoxoxo
I enjoyed reading about your trip, but my favorite part was when you came home. You always describe your cozy home with so much love and gratitude. Your writing reminds me to really appreciate what I have and inspires me to try to make my home cozier for my family.
Susan, a question about the FOSB page. Is the post about pole exercising legit? It seems out of character for that lovely page.
I have no idea what that was … I hadn’t seen it ~ so I deleted it. Kind of strange! Thank you for letting me know, it wasn’t very heart of the home-ish! xoxo
Susan, I so enjoy sharing in your travels! Would love to visit England, Scotland and Ireland in the future…can’t wait! I’m reading Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams and enjoying every page, taking my time to savor every word, every picture. So glad to know you have another book in the works!
Hello Susan, welcome home. Loved being an armchair traveler with you. What great pictures and stories. Can’t wait for the book. Laters
Thank you, for sharing your travels about the Queen Mary 2, Ocean and moonbeams, driving those narrow, charming roads, walks through fields galore,abiding with the sheep, eating in Pubs with foods so good,
dear friends along the way. Beatrice Potter sleuthing, love of flowers and gardens,famous homes of old, your sweet places of residents,your laughs with Joe….need I say more.I love your writings and art too. You are a special lady. THANK YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE TODAY.A BLESSING INDEED!
Our Land of the Free seemed incredibly beautiful in your photos and your descriptions. Thanks for sharing both!
You provide the best armchair travel experience ever! The perfect escape when I need one. Thank you Susan for all you do, you bring great joy to my day 🙂
I have been so busy these past few months that I did not keep up on your amazing trip…..the last two nights I went through your blog and now I am all caught up. It was a wonderful trip…for both of us!! LOL I have ALL your books and I am so looking forward to your next one. Excited to hear about your movie….fingers crossed! And I have bought your calendar every year for years now but 2018 was the first time I bought your desk calendar too and I LOVE it!!!!! Now off to plan a cruise to England…..
Nice to hear from you Christine!
Susan, I had not read your blog in a while because “life” was happening all around me. Here I am at 2:30 am and feel so blessed to have read of your return to America. I felt like I was on the ship with you and Joe. As you got off the ferry I felt the anticipation of returning home. There really is “no place like home”. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
I’m happy you had that little time out from life! Thank you Sheila!
I have never entered a give away before….I am excited! Reading your blog and your stories bring such an overwhelming peace to me. I feel at home…your blog encourages me to find my peace in my own little town …my own little home. Your sweet kindness to others, to animals and to all is a gift.
I wish I lived next door to you….to have tea and a walk to the water.
Thank you Susan for bringing so much love to us all.
Thank you for the kind words, Kim! xoxo
You said it best….I feel the same way about all that Susan does.
Dear Susan,
What a beautiful trip, I’d love to go to England, seems I’ve been there through your pictures and stories. Lots of thanks for your blog, makes me happy to read it everytime. Sending lots of love from warm Holland: 30 graden Celsius. Were building our new home at the dike,(near the windmills of Kinderdijk) I’m so excited! Our kids are to: “that room is mine”. Love from Willemien.
Oh you’re getting there Willemien! Love your gauge! Stay cool! xoxoxo
What a fantastic trip! Thanks for taking us along with you.
Love reading your blogs about your adventures in lovely England. It takes me away to a magical place. I hope to visit England just like you one day. Thank you for taking us there with you through your blogs. I can hardly wait for your new book. I’ve read all your books and bought them for dear friends. Glad you are back to your home sweet home.
Love,
Joy
Welcome home! There’s nothing quite like that feeling❤️ AND, the moon protected you on your ocean voyage – love it!🌝❤️ Thanks for sharing your trip and anxiously awaiting your book! P.S. received my “Summer” cup a few weeks ago😘👍
Welcome “Home Sweet Home!” Thank you for sharing your lovely days with all of us…🌸🌸🌸
Your England blogs were good, but the coming home “edition” is so sweet! Always a joy to be home!
Hi Susan and Joe! It was wonderful to spend time with you in the Lake District–at the Ryebeck, at Town Head Farm, and of course—at Hill Top and Castle Cottage!! I’ve written a blog post about our Fine Romance Tour–here’s the link: sandrahutchinson.com/2018/07/17/a-week-in-beatrix-potters-lake-district-in-england-a-bit-of-heaven/
I hope you enjoy it!
All the best, Sandy
Dear Susan,
Thank you for sharing your journey with all the lovely photos and Twitter updates. I’ve enjoyed following and reading. You made me feel as if I home again and right there with you.
I’ve enjoyed sipping tea out of my new Susan Branch ‘England’ mug this summer and reading your blog.
Cheers lovely! ❤️☕️🌻
Your heartwarming art and words never fail to lift spirits! Thanks you so much for sharing your life with us. Every post is a bright spot in my day.
Susan!
You’ve made each of our four seasons pure happiness for me. I would love to share your set of summer, spring, fall and winter cups with four hardworking, selfless women.
Such wonderful posts! The frosting roses on the icing on the top of the cake! And as Jack purred into your ear many times since you’ve gotten back home to cuddle him, “So glad to have you back home!”
I have wanted to travel to England since I was 15 years old (far past that now) because my father was in England during WWII. Although I have never made it (yet!), your blogs make me feel as if I have been there. Such a wonderful, inspiring way to start the day. So thankful for all you have brought into my life………
Love,
Linda
There’s no place like home… but I bet you two are thinking about making England your home someday! 😉 Welcome back!
Georgia
Welcome home Susan! I enjoy living vicariously through your travel experiences.
Dear Susan, Oh how I love living vicariously through your blog ! Traveling to the birthplace of my Mother and Father (England) . Reading of your daily routines and life ! You are such a fine example to us all and I feel privileged to know you ! Welcome home again too ! Can’t wait for you next adventure ! Love to you and yours, Lorraine
What a glorious trip! Glad you are home…sweet…home! There’s no place like! Jack’s beautiful green eyes and his purring and “wiggling thing” also say “WELCOME HOME”! Haha! Reading your thoughts about the trip are the next best thing to being there myself… xo
So glad you are home safely. Thank you for doing what you do!
~darlene~
Enjoy reading your blog and would love to be a Four Seasons winner!
Welcome home, sweet Susan and Joe! The trip was so wonderful again this time. I know you are happy to be home with Jack and all of your lovely home. Thank you again for including us in your adventures in England.
xoxoxo Sherry
I so love to read your posts. Whether they are about your travels or everyday life they are wonderful! I can’t wait for your new book!
Dearest Susan…..how blessed we have been having you in our lives, opening our minds to the many things in a busy world we would have overlooked if not for you…..and helping us along to truly appreciate even the smallest miracle to the larger one that fly past us….Thank You, Dear Sweet Girl🦋☀️🦋☀️🦋☀️🦋☀️🦋☀️🦋☀️🦋☀️🦋☀️🦋☀️🦋☀️🦋☀️🦋☀️🦋
So glad you two made it home! Loved seeing and reading about your adventures!!
Welcome home! Would love to win the set of mugs. Thank you for all you do, and all you share.
Welcome home! Your posts were a delightful distraction this summer. Thank you for sharing your heart ❤️away from home.
I love reading all your blogs. This one, for some reason , made me feel more patriotic than I have in a long time. Thank you for all you say and do to keep us focused.
What a wonderful way to travel and story. I lived in the UK for 3 years and miss it every day. Planning our next trip back to Scotland in the fall. You have been such a big part of my life with recipes , books and your website/blog.
Cheers and love
Joanne
So beyond grateful that you are so gracious to share your incredible journey with us. When little things in life become a burden, I go right to one of your books, your blogs, or your tweets, and I know all is right with the world.
Thank youfor being you!
Love your cups. Love you! Love everything you do. I have 2 cups so far and they have a special little home in my kitchen
Home sweet home 🏡 but oh what a fabulous trip💕and we are so glad to have tagged along 😁😁🌷🏡💗
Always nice to be home again – thanks for your interesting, lovely blog. Would love to win a set of your mugs.
So glad we were able to “travel” with you this year! Can’t wait to read the book! 💕
It has been a great ride, Susan! I’ve been with you guys every day since your departure, as have many of our girlfriends. The blog posts have been wonderful, but I’ve grown quite adept at enjoying your Twitter posts too as I followed along daily. Found some other charming British twitterers as well, some retweeted by you, some retweeting you, and others by chance — Herdwick Shepherd, Herdwick Tweed, Shepherdess, Hill Top Farm, Jane Austen’s House Museum, Jane Austen Centre, Jane Austen Festival, CarrieinWales (or Oxford), Crown Chronicles and more. My cup is now really quite full. It should get me through a hot August in Kansas. So … now awaiting “twitter from the twain”!!
Nan in Kansas
Glad you are home safe n sound from such a wonderful adventure! I was in need of a Balsamic Syrup recipe and quite by accident I was looking thru my “Autumn” book when what to my wondering eyes should appear—a Balsamic Syrup recipe! You certainly think of everything! Thank you-lucky us.
Irene xo
xoxo Thank you Irene!
Hope I’m the one! Winner, winner – chicken dinner.
Would love help with Christmas shopping early:)
I love your blog……I am a new reader. Your trip looked amazing- I have a bad case of wanderlust. I am a lover of England, too.
Peace and love from Austin, Texas
Welcome back! I have enjoyed reading about your trip and can’t wait for your new book! I would be beyond thrilled if my name was picked as the winner of your beautiful cups! I love reading your blog posts…you lead a very exciting and fun life! Thank you for sharing it with all of us!!
Becky
Hi again. I was just thinking… how many girlfriends do you have now? 3000? 4000? 6000? I’ll bet you never dreamed you’d be taking us all along for your wonderful adventures. It would have been hard to even conceive of such delights as you sat at your kitchen table creating your first cookbook. And now we get to go on amazing virtual travels and then enjoy the memories again through your lovely books and artwork. Can’t wait for the next delightful Enchanting installment. Where are we going next? 😉😘
Never dreamed, the whole point was for you to find each other. Before computers, I received the nicest letters from the BEST people, I wanted you all to meet!
Loved following you on your trip!! We lived in England 37 years ago as my husband was stationed there with USAF. Our son was born in Oxford and we lived right on the edge of the Cotswolds! It was so wonderful to see many familiar places again as you wandered through familiar villages which hold such fond memories!! Welcome home and I look forward to reading more about it all in the days ahead. 🙂
Welcome home, Susan and Joe!!! It was so wonderful following you on your lovely trip. I felt as if I was on holiday, too”:-)” Thank you so very much for bringing so much happiness to my life!!!
I look forward to reading your new book when it comes out!
Oh, by the way, I LOVE your mugs. I wish you would bring back all of the seasons and add Halloween and Thanksgiving as well!
Love,
Janice and Jack (black lab puppy)
At least I have part of your request!! xoxo
What a fabulous trip! It was so much fun following along on your adventures. I went to London a few years back but didn’t venture beyond the city since it was a short trip. But now … I’m planning a return trip and have so much more to add to my itinerary … including Ireland and Scotland! Planning is a lot of fun, but can’t wait to actually make the trip. Thinking I might travel by ship now. Never thought I would want to, but you’ve inspired me! Thanks Susan!
So enjoyed following you on Instagram, Twitter and here. Thanks for taking us along. Welcome home.
I can’t wait to take a trip to England to see all the beautiful places in your photos!
Loved the armchair visit and seeing your beautiful photos!
Love, love, love the pics and all of the quaint posts! I would absolutely love to have some of your lovely teacups!
Love it so much when my friends come back home … Loved following your travels … You make me so happy through your posts of sights and sounds and observations. JudyCinNC
So enjoyed your lovely photos from your trip across the ocean. The history lesson on the Statue of Liberty was enlightening as were the sunrises and moon settings. What a magical trip home! Thank you for sharing your many experiences, Susan!
Susan, I was able to visit Hill Top this spring–lived it there! Thank you for being such an inspiration!
I can’t imagine being away from home for that long … even though it was for England! Your own bed must’ve felt wonderful that first night home. And as for Jack – I would’ve passed him off as my furry hat and taken him with me! LOL. Welcome home.
So glad you had such a wonderful trip and can’t wait to read about everything in the new book!! Just finished reading Fairy Tale Girl and Isle of Dreams! You got to meet Paul McCarthy!!!!!!!! My fantasy when I was a teen! I laughed and cried!! I read A Fine Romance first and now I’m going to read it again. Thanks Susan. 💕💕💕💕
I forgot to ask about Vanna. Has she recovered from the trip? I’m getting ready to make a batch of your wonderful brownies (from the Autumn cookbook). Easy peasy. Would love to have my tea in one of those delightful cups.
I love hearing about your dreamy adventures! I just want you to know I drink tea from your Christmas Santa mug…Oh By Gosh, By Golly….ever since I got it for a favorite Christmas gift this year from my sister Eileen! ❤️ I love a china Mug!!!
Most Especially yours!!!
Enjoyed reading about another one of your lovely trips! So nice to come home though to your precious Jack.
Welcome back, Susan!
I just got back from a trip myself … and am now settling back in with your blog about your settling back in! Synchronicity! So nice to have you back on the east coast with me and to know that Jack is happy too. Love you! Valerie
I want mugs❤️Love you❤️Thank you Susan . I cannot wait for your next book! I met you in Colorado. I loved keeping up with you on your last journey! You are living a dream!
I’M NOT SURE IF I COMMENTED BEFORE. IF I DID, FORGIVE ME. YOU JUST REMINDED ME OF THE CONTEST & I WOULD BE IN HEAVEN IF I WON THOSE BEAUTIFUL MUGS! SHAMELESS, I KNOW! xo
Great to read about another one of your beautiful trips….I always learn so much when I read your blog….about travelling, history, and the famous figures that came before us, but about new things, too, …. books to read …old and new, lovely music, great movies, new recipes, fresh decorating ideas etc., etc, etc. And your photos are amazing….and often prompt me to also say, “What a wonderful world!”
O how I would love to win these! I’m a big fan of your work, have read all your books and have been following your blog for years! I have two of your cups, red letter day and nature cup. I just love them!
I’ve followed you and your career since “Vineyard Seasons” and have many of your original printed-and-snailmailed “Willards.” I’ve made your Sweet Potato Pie and your Miniature Baked Alaskas often — to rave reviews. Your words, recipes and artwork are all so wonderful. They’re a calming oasis in the midst of chaos. I would love to win a set of your new cups!
I enjoyed following your blog and shared it with one of my best girlfriends.
Can’t wait to read your new book, I really savored your other books.
You are home again. All is right with the world.
O I would love to win these cups! I’m a big fan of yours and have read all your books. I’ve been following your blog for years. I have the red letter day cup and the nature cup. Thank you for being such a wonderful inspiration!
Love,
Alecia
Dear Susan,
Welcome home!! Home, the most glorious place of all. Your excitement at returning home, imitates my return every time I have been away for more than a few days. You have been an inspiration for me for 30 years to making my house a home.
Happy you had a wonderful vacation and happy you are home.💕
Thank you for the amazing photos! I recently received my order for the garden flower cross-stitch and Mother’s Day mug. I decided that this will be a kind reminder of my mother who passed away almost ten years ago. Her name was Pansy and so I was happy that you included this flower in one of your mugs. And being Canadian I especially appreciate your history of the Statue of Liberty, which all I knew had come from France. I’ll look forward to your coming book! All the best, Lorna P.
Thank you so much for your art and the joy you share! And for sharing your trip with us! Every morning, I look to see if you have tweeted something beautiful and inspiring. It’s therapy, grounding in these scary, disturbing times.
I tried for therapy in my new blog! Joy to us. xoxoxo
May I pretty please have the mugs? It would be so fun to serve beverages to my friends in the pretty Susan Branch mugs.
I cannot believe the magical beauty of this series of photos —
that your final day at sea included both Moon, a n d Sunrise —
at the same time! It brought to mind that womdrous poem by W.B. Yeats,
with the line, “that Mystical Brotherhood of Sun and Moon” —
exponentially apropos since you set foot in Ireland on this same trip!
A Toast to our respective Galway ancestors.
Your photos of the Statue of Liberty, in that light, in that setting — arrival —
brought tears to my eyes.
And that you then were ferry-bound on ghe final stretch, during a sublime sunset —
I mean, unreal, what a day, as bookend to such a remarkable journey!
Banjo O’Feral had her eyes riveted to the ipad screen when Jack appeared —
I had to take a photo, it made me laugh aloud! I can’t post it here, but if I remember to,
I will when I’m back on twitter. We are SO excited about the new book(s) in the works!!
Currently re-reading Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams for the 5th time —
always, so uplifting, so inspiring, so filled with magic and delight.
Love to you and Joe and Jack and the fairies of the isle — with a vast depth of gratitude for all the love and light you beam into the world for all of us to bask in. Xo
I just love your pictures of the Statue of Liberty❤️ I have been researching my family tree lately and both my maternal and paternal family came through Ellis Island. One side from Poland 🇵🇱 and the other from Hungary 🇭🇺 . When I see pictures of Lady Liberty now, I picture my ancestors seeing the same sight as they came to America. Pretty amazing ! Thank you!
My dear friend Susana,
From the bottom of my heart… thank you for taking me on your journey to England and Scotland. It was such a love-lee trip. I enjoyed every minute of it!
The pictures of each village, the lambies.. the food, the paths, the little shopping stores, ah, it took my breathe away and helped me to unwind and believe it was my own vacation. You and Joe are such a blessing, for taking us along on your dream vacation. I’m Sooo glad you made it home safely.
Your friend in Ohio….. Lydia Alejandro
Oh how wonderful!! I would love a set of those cups, and I know just who to share them with. Thank you so much for the chance to win them! Welcome home! 😊
Simply charming! Home via the sea – what a great way to re-enter “real life”!
I can’t wait to read your new book! I am Canadian and have been unable to purchase your books here in any bookstore, so I asked the library to order them in and six months later they arrived. I then proceeded to share them with all my friends, even my 92year old mother who paints enjoyed them. You even inspired me to start my own blog so I could share some of her folkart. (She was discovered at the age of 90 and is having an another exhibit in the fall). I love England and Ireland, but would love it if you would travel to either France or Italy, or both the next time you plan a trip…..just a thought….
So glad your home safe and sound. Thanks for taking us along for the ride through your blog!
What a joy to have been included on your trip. Really enjoyed living vicariously through your adventures. thank you for taking us along and sharing the beauty of the Land. I got the chills reading the description of your arrival in New York harbor. WElcome home!!