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!
I read some prior comments and I use an iPad and it looks like it is working correctly with my device.
Thank you Dee Ann.
What a lovely post, Susan! I did a quick visit and will be back soon for a real read. So glad you had such a wonderful time away. I see Jack is very happy to have you home. Many blessings as you start your new book and get all settled in again in your own home sweet home.
Bren xox
I’ve been waiting to hear about your trip home! Loved the pictures, too. Looking forward to the new book! Enjoy the writing time! Thank you so much for sharing your journey!
Welcome Home 🙂 Loved going on the trip with you, thank you for taking us along with you. Love the calendar pocket, going to print mine out now. You are my light in a dark place, a blessing to me, Thank you!!
Hi, I honestly don’t know where I could ever read, see and experience so many wonderful diary stories. It is like a nonfiction book and I always wanted the next day to come. So now you are home and we will be buying this memoir next spring. Lucky us!
What a wonderful trip you had, and it’s always good to come home again. Enjoy every minute.
After a day, or even a few hours, away from our farm as we turned into the driveway and could see the whole farmstead my Mother would always say, “Ohhh, this is the prettiest place I’ve seen all day!” HOME! How fortunate so many of us are to have a home that represents the best of that word….. people who love us, goodness, hope, respect, enough, maybe even a kitty or pup. Oh, how I wish everyone had HOME in their lives….even if home is just a tent in a refugee center. Welcome HOME, Susan and Joe! Thank you for a wonderful trip!
It’s the dream of the world, a little home where peace reigns and children are healthy. 😘
Hello! I love the new mugs.
Well actually, it just happened! I am looking at the last commenters name and email address where my name should be. I just left another comment here and don’t see it! Weird! This is happening when I read here on my kindle.
Welcome Home. It was a fantastic trip and I’m so glad you shared it with all of us. Now eagerly awaiting the new book. But take your time ~ no pressure. Wink, Wink….
Wow …blog was soooo much fun (per usual) course I smiled… had a wee cry..and just felt blessed that you make ”all of us” feel soooo special. Smiles and Sparkles !!!
Your trip looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing with us
Can’t wait for your new book!!
I am so grateful to you for taking me along on your journey. I am glad you are home safe and sound and I wait with bated breath to read your new book and hang up my new calendars!
And I would L . O . V . E those tea cups!!
XXX OOO!
Bethany
The pictures of the Statue of Liberty brought tears to my eyes.
Welcome Home!!
So glad you’re home safe and sound. My husband and I enjoyed “traveling” with you and Joe. Thanks for taking us along with you!!
Welcome Home!
I can’t wait to read the book!
So, so happy you had such a wonderful trip.. God bless..❤️
So glad that you are back from your trip and look forward to your new book! Loving all of my cups (even the two who’ve had mishaps).
We recently visited Scotland for our 40th anniversary and have relatives in the N.west of Ireland. Instead of flying we are now inspired to take a boat trip on our next visit across the pond. Thanks 🇱🇷🎆🛳⛵
It’s good to see that you are home safely and it’s great to see that you appreciate home just as much as your appreciate travel. My mind works the same way. Home … travel … home … travel … home … and repeat and repeat. What a life!
Beautiful!
uh oh. not the most savvy user. the above note is note from Brenda….hoping i’m fixing it.
What joy it brings me to read of your travels!! It is almost as good as being there! Will look forward to reading your next book(and hopefully many more after that!)
My beautiful Red Letter cup has arrived. Sabrina CAT and I rhink it is luv-lee. Barbara
Welcome home! Can’t wait for the book!!
Welcome home!
What a fabulous adventure you two were on, along with us. We all can not wait for the next book but you know we will and take your time.
“It’s a funny thing coming home. Nothing changes. Everything looks the same, feels the same, even smells the same. You realized what’s changed is you”
F. Scott Fitzgerald
with love, Melin
I got to spend 3 months in England the summer of 1996 and fell in love with the country too. Got to go “castleing” every Sunday down “bendy, twisty” roads, as my English friend called them. Your blog and tweets brought back so many wonderful memories from my time there. Thanks for sharing with all of us here.
Thank you for all of your wonderful posts. Every day during your trip I checked Twitter for photos and posts, and of course I loved reading your blog. You make everything you do come alive, and I felt like I was traveling with you. You are so very kind to share your experiences. My husband and I have been to England twice, though for much shorter trips, and we loved every minute of it. We hope to go back again someday, but were so excited to see your photos. Glad you are home again and look forward with great anticipation to your book.
I can’t wait to read the new book. I adored every picture you posted! I’ll never travel to the UK so I live and travel through your generous sharing of the details of your trip! Thank you so much!
Welcome Home !
I have followed you on your glorious trip and have enjoyed every bit of it .
Thank you for sharing .
Welcome Home !!! I know that’s what Jack is thinking 😻 Glad your trip went well. But I know your happy to be back! Coming home feels really good and comforting. Thanks for all your blogs. They were fantastic and the pics were beautiful!! So looking forward to the new book. So looking forward to the movie!!!! 💗💗💗 I received my summer cup. I love all my cups but I think I might be a little partial to the summer one. I always loved the summer book I bought years ago. But that cup with Jack and the books is awfully cute!!! Hug him for me and enjoy the rest of your summer and hope to see you out in Calif. Keep us posted on the movie deal !!
Glad everyone is nestled down home.
We call it “nesting up”…more appropriate in the winter; piles of down/fleece what-evers, curled up in the “big chair” with who-evers, never ending cups of tea, assorted magazine/book piles/tv shows…all gauged on the sliding scale of coziness factor. In the summer far less clothing, linen throws, bigger piles of reading material/books, soft playing radio nearby, ever flowing cold sweet tea….any way.
Thank you for the extra long blog! Each/every blog of yours is always a treat, you are so appreciated (I know you know, but still-thank you). Hoping you are planning your next overseas trip while it is all fresh in your mind to revamp adventures/dream. Nothing like home, but tell you what; nothing is like traveling the world when you are able…
Thank you again!
Welcome home sweet home!
Welcome home! Technology is so much fun – thank you for taking us along on your travels😊
I’m camping with my little family in the Canadian maritime province of New Brunswick right now. We’re heading to an ocean-side campground tomorrow morning – can’t wait to look for seashells along the shore with my daughters. Better than any museum (though we love those too!).
Have a wonderful rest of summer!
Welcome home! We shine a little brighter when you are here! I am so excited for the new book! I know it will be so fabulous! I think I will reread the others while I wait. So happy there is going to be a new book!
I check twitter every day to see if there’s something new❤❤❤
Thanks for taking us along on your trip! I loved it!
I am not really sure if you can possibly understand how much your blog brightens our day? My dearest hope is that whenever you are weary from your writing, painting, blogging and tweeting, that you can feel the appreciation and gratitude of all your girlfriends and that you know in your heart that the contributions that you make to this beautiful world… will never be forgotten.
Glad you are home safe and sound! 😘
Welcome home! Love your blog and Instagram posts!
‘Thank you’ is inadequate to express my gratitude for including us on your trip. I have so enjoyed all the photos and words and drawings…everything your shared with us all. You were even better than Calgon at taking me away! Thank you.
Supreme compliment, thank you Martha!
Thank your for sharing your life with us! My parent honeymooned on Martha’s Vineyard many many MANY moons ago, and I’ve always wanted to visit because of that. Some years ago I discovered you there, and now I have even more reasons to want to visit! Welcome home! 🙂
My message is full of typos. Apparently I’m not paying attention. So sorry! But my “welcome home” and desire to one day visit Martha’s Vineyard is not diminished!
It never matters to me, I understand being in a hurry, I do it all the time myself, just happy to have you here!
Thank you for taking us along on this most wonderful trip. I can’t wait until your new book is ready. Wondering what you’ll title it.
Loved this post. The Statue of Liberty pictures made me cry. I do love the United States of America and the privilege to call it my country. I see why Irving Berlin wrote that song. Glad you got home safely and shared the beach pictures. Ah, summer! Looking forward to the new book, but not hurrying you. Put it ALL in, please, and thank you.
That may make it the size of an old time Oxford Dictionary! But I will try!
Hi Susan,
I enjoyed seeing all your Insta pics and reading all about your trip! Lookong forward to your new book;) and it’s always exciting to be part of your giveaways!
Thanks for sharing ♡
What a wonderful trip! Just love Jack so happy to see you both. Welcome home. Can’t wait for the new book. Meanwhile I will reread the others.
Loved following your adventures. Someday I will be able to go there myself. I did not know there was a Beatrix Potter Society. I joined as soon as I read about it.
YAY, you will love their newsletter!
So enjoy your books and travels!
Yes…there’s no place like home. Jack looks soooo happy! Welcome back and thanks for taking us with you on your trip.
Lovely blog post with gorgeous photos! I am really looking forward to your new book.
So very exciting! Cannot wait for your new book! Happy to see your new post, and, you are home safe and creating wonderful for al of us to enjoy again
Welcome home! I look forward to reading about your adventures!
I so enjoyed following your UK travels on Twitter & Instagram! Thanks so much for that! An entire set of your tea cups! I would LOVE them, thanks! Thanks so much for your wonderful art Susan. It’s such a joy! Welcome home!
Thank you for taking me along on your latest fabulous journey!
What a wonderful trip. Good for you two.
Welcome home!
So lovely to see your arrival! and can’t wait for the new book–although I’m afraid if I ever stayed in England for more than a few days, they would never get me to come home . . .
I’ve so enjoyed your posts about this trip. Thank you for taking us along – cannot wait to read this book and add it to my SB collection. Enjoy being back in your nest with Jack. I love to go, and I love to come home!
Welcome home…I always love your pictures of Jack…. what a sweetie.
Your travels have inspired my best friend and I to treat ourselves for our 50th birthdays (we’re currently 37 so we’ve got time!) By then the kiddos will be bigger and lives will be slower and off we’ll be to walk the paths and see the cows in the British countryside!
Welcome home! Thank you for sharing your wonderful journey with us!
Good to have you back in the good ol’ USA. Love your book already and it’s not even published yet! Welcome home from a fellow Reseda-ite! We lived there at the same time…1949 to 1960 then north to Santa Cruz.
Each morning I open your blog hoping for a post, and today was that special day!
This post about your arrival in NY is so awesome and magical. I have loved reading about your trip and sharing yours and Joe’s adventures. Can’t wait to read the book when it comes out. Welcome home!
Hi Susan
When I left my comment for some reason Patricia Powers’ name & email appeared. I accidentally hit enter when I was trying to correct the name / email – so please delete my comment as it showed up under her name. Just thought I’d let you know since this is also a privacy issue. My comment is the one about camping.
Patricia’s name & email isn’t appearing now.
Allison White-Gaudet
I know, there is no rhyme or reason to this gremlin. If you ever see that again, simply change the name and email to your own. I’m so sorry, we are still working on it, but it’s eluding us. xoxo
Welcome Home! Looking forward to re-living your trip when the book is ready; maybe in time for my next birthday. 🙂
I’ll try!
Susan-
I felt as if I were right by your side on the ship seeing Lady Liberty as you approached America. Can you even begin to imagine the emotions of the immigrants as they saw her for the first time? I’m one of the lucky ones who has seen The Statue of Liberty. If I had my way, every American would have the opportunity to see her…there really are no words to describe the sight and there really are no words for you except…thank you. Thank you for another wonderful trip and, again, for all the joy you bring to this world. Love, Martha Jean in SC P.S. Your friend and neighbor Jaime….her house looks like it is right out of a fairy tale book!
It should … she’s definitely another Fairy Tale Girl!!! But aren’t we all, at least a little bit! Thank you right back Martha Jean!
Welcome home! I’ve been dreaming of visiting England since I was a child. Your posts make me feel as though I’ve already been. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us!
This was a wonderful blog! Thank you for sharing!
Welcome Home.
I’ve enjoyed following your travels.
Welcome home ! I’m so excited for your new book that will tell all about your wonderful trip. I loved seeing the signs for Rhode Island and Massachusetts. I was born in Fall River and spent many summer vacations visiting family. Lots of good memories. Michigan is a beautiful state but New England holds my heart. l look forward to going to Martha’s Vineyard on our next trip.
So glad you are home! Since I was a child I have loved everything England. I probably won’t get there myself so many many thanks for taking us all with you!
Welcome home❣️My grandfather was one of those emigrants who first saw Lady Liberty. He came through Ellis Island in 1906 from Hungary.
Love my new cup!
Welcome home! Thanks for the lovely travels. I looked forward to every blog! Can’t wait for your new book😸
Hello Susan. Wow! What an amazing trip! So enjoyed travelling along with you and Joe in pictures. Beautiful. I would love to go next spring. Actually I don’t care when I just want to go. So excited for another book. Jack is such a cutie.
So enjoyed following along on your journey and looking forward to reading the new book. My niece and I got to visit “Lady Liberty” last month for the first time. She is quite impressive in person! Welcome home!
Your pictures and words about coming into the harbor and seeeing the Statue of Liberty gave me chills. Especially now, it’s such an emotional issue for me with all the controversy and daily drama regarding immigration and those who are trying to find asylum. The words engraved on the Statue of Liberty bring tears to my eyes every time I hear them and should remind us all of what our nation should continue represent to the world.
Made me cry too, got me thinking about what it means to the world. Immigration is so hot button right now. It shouldn’t be … we received an interesting up-close view of it via BBC and British newspapers while we were in England. Its not just a “we” problem, it’s a world problem. And it won’t stop, ever, because these people on the move are being gassed, killed, tortured, starved, beat up by natural disasters, systematically held down by corrupt governments and left hopeless and they are not ever going to give up trying to escape it … it’s normal human nature to try and save yourself and your children. Anyone would do the same thing. It’s not FUN to leave your home, and when they get somewhere new, if they are so lucky because so many die along the way, their new countries are sometimes less than welcoming. It’s terrible … we learned so much in Ireland about the causes of the Potato Famine. We have to find a way to personalize it so others can FEEL the pain involved.
This is my own comment with the wrong name and email. I did not notice the mistake until now.
Rene’ Painter
I just changed it Rene. xoxo
Welcome Home! Can’t wait for the book to take its place on the shelf along with its sisters!
So glad you and Joe are home! I really enjoyed following along with you on your wonderful trip! Meanwhile, I re-read your three books while I recovered from heel surgery, those books always make me feel happy and like things are going to be great! I can’t wait for your new book! Thanks for sharing your talent and joy of life with all of us!
What great fun. Never had a desire to travel by ship until your blog! Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed seeing your journal full of memories and pictures. How did you get your pictures printed to put in your journal while traveling? You are amazing. Can’t wait for this book to come out. Have you named/titled the book yet?
I have in my heart, but now I’m living with it, see if it holds up over time, I’ll let you know!
Welcome home!
Dear Susan,
“🎶Winter Spring Summer or Faaallll….all you have to do is caalllll…..and I’ll be right there, yes I will….you’ve got a friend🎶” ❤️. I’m so glad you are home now…rested I hope, and enjoying every second of Jack’s sweet “sweeeeet kitty lubs” ( my daily words of affection to my Thomasina ). I can hardly wait for your new book!!! Of course I will have to begin reading them all again for the 3rd time so I will just be able to “float” right into that new book!!! I do this with every upcoming season of Poldark, as I have with Downton Abbey in the past. Before each new season I have to watch every season and episode before I watch the new season! Ahhhh…. the blessings of having a bad short-term memory!! Reading books that I love and watching movies that I love are SOMETIMES like reading/viewing them for the first time!! Have a good night Susan! xoxoxo
Doubling your pleasure. I’m ready to start Downton from the beginning! Longer I live in the dream, the happier I am!!!
How thrilling to arrive in New York Harbor and see the Statue of Liberty on the 4th of July! Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
I cannot wait for your new book!!!
Love this post – been a fan for many years❤️
Hi Sue!
Loved your ocean pics, how beautiful, but I wept all through your pictures and discourse about Lady Liberty. Both my parents immigrated here from Italy – both sailed into NY Harbor. Both looked up and saw her welcoming torch. I have cruised many times past her myself on my way to Bermuda… Very humbling, and makes one proud to be an American…
So glad to have you back home, as I love your posts from your beautiful house, your walks to the beach, recipes, seeing the change of seasons through your eyes and your lovely island, and of course Jack, who gets cuter as time goes by! If that’s possible! As the saying goes, “there is no place like home”, and how true that is! Was just wondering what that book is you are reading with adorable Jack curled up with you. Looks interesting!
xoxo
It’s a book about the Mitford sisters… Called Take Six Girls. I highly recommend it, mainly for the history of the times, the 1930s, so up close and personal when learning these lives!
I will look for that book! I am not familiar with the Mitford sisters…
BTW, know you will be happy to hear this… Announced today that the much anticipated and waited for “Downton Movie” will start filming this summer!!! All the cast is coming back, including Maggie Smith! How exciting is this? Movie will premier sometime in 2019…
FINALLY!
Thank you for sharing your trip with us. Loved it.
It looks like a lovely trip. I have fallen in love with your mug designs.
Dear Susan
Happy you returned safely home after the most wonderful trip. I certainly enjoyed “going along” with you!! Means so much that you care about us all, to include so many precious details of each days travel.
Will be excited when the new book reaches our hands.
Enjoy the summer
Carrie
Welcome back sit down and have a cup of tea. What an adventure. So grateful for technology that allows you to share it with us all
Welcome home, seafaring lass and laddie! I thoroughly enjoyed your posts from the Emerald Isle and look forward to adding your next delightful book to my collection. 😊
Though my kitchen cupboards are full o’ dishes, I am certain I could squeeze in that set of “luv-lee” mugs. Oh, Vanna, you gossamer winged wonder, please draw my moniker as the winner.
I truly enjoyed the trip to England, but it was really nice getting home. Jack looks so happy to have you back and I know you’re happy to be back. There’s no place like HOME! xo
Welcome Home! Love your cups!
What a beautiful trip and an equally beautiful homecoming. Thanks for sharing with us all.
Welcome home. Enjoyed your blog update…Especially all the photos and quotes.
Welcome home Susan and Joe. Thanks for the sweet memories.
Wonderful blog post as always! Great photos! 🙂 I have been using your purse calendar for this year and love it! My 20 yr. old daughter is getting hooked on your art and writing too. We were visiting some antique stores on her birthday (July 4th!) and she found an unused Susan Branch recipe binder! She was so excited! ♡ It’s rare to find anything Susan Branch and no wonder! 😀 ♡
YAY! Tell her I said hello!
I add my welcome to the bouquet.
Hello all! Susan, so nice to have you safely home….Joe too! JACK is so sweet, the pics showed his utter JOY to have mama home. I’ve been doing genealogy the last few months while awaiting surgery. I’m thrilled that all lines lead to Scotland and one goes back to Queen Mary! It’s so fun to know names, and read history, and know a tiny piece of them is in me. The only non Scottish line is a Cherokee line that is documented back to 1500’s. So much fun! Can’t wait to travel to Scotland. Also anxious for your book! All your pics are amazing.
I have a request to all girlfriends who pray…. please remember my sister, Wendy. She has fought cancer since 1995 and has finished a third round of chemo. Now she has two types of cancer. Tuesday she goes into Mayo Clinic for a stem cell transplant. We hope for a miracle as our brother is a 100% match so he will donate the cells. Thank you all.
Home is a blessed thing. The laundry waving in the breeze on the line says it all.
I am all in for prayers for Wendy, stopped immediately for a moment of connection to her, shooting moonbeams of love into her. I’m so sorry. Scary and awful and time consuming. And your brother too … all of you. xoxoxoxo I truly expected to find some Native American in my DNA too, but no such luck! How fun you are finding your roots. It’s really amazing we can now do that.
Traveling is the best, so much to explore, learn and enjoy! Though, there is nothing like Home Sweet Home 🏡 Enjoy your summer! Looking forward to your upcoming book.
So happy to hear you and Joe are home with Jack. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us!