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!
Welcome🇺🇸Home!!!
SO looking forward to your new book. I. Can’t. Wait. 🙌📚❤
Loved your homecoming story as well. It reminded me of my first trip to Mt. Rushmore.
I was excited to go, but had no idea how MUCH I would love it. My girlfriends and I had packed up our trucks, tents, and 11 kids (between the three of us) and set off by ourselves on a two week road trip through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and, ultimately, South Dakota.
When we finally rounded the corner, and the presidents came into view, tears literally burst out of my eyes! I was truly stunned. The history, the majesty, the sacrifices it took to make such a important expression of our country standing in its own independence…it is amazing what humans are capable of creating. Together. Magic💫💥
Thank you for the gift of creation that YOU share with all of us too Susan Branch🍉 Your love of life, and ability to express that love so beautifully brings me joy every day😊🙏
❌🔴 from Idaho🌄
Welcome Back! I’m sure Jack’s heart is filled to the top again to have you home. Our gray kitty, Gandolph, likes to run to the door to greet us, then sits there until he gets enough lovin’—-purring the entire time! Pets are such a blessing from God!
Enjoy your garden, flowers, and just being home. It’s such a wonderful place to be!
Wow! I am so glad you are home… I have been waiting and waiting for the update! Glorious! I love the take advantage of every lovely moment style of traveling you do!
I am finally debt free and ready to take a vacation with out the pressure of credit cards and worry. Just be in the moment and enjoy. Thank you for being such a good example!
Thank you for the new calendars! I can’t wait to get mine 🙂
Congratulations Daralyn, those are wonderful words to hear, but I bet they are even more wonderful for you to be able to say!!!
Home is definitely where the heart is, but the heart has 4 chambers-plenty of room for all the people , places and fur babies we love!
And for all our wonderful girlfriends too Sharon! xoxoxo
Welcome Home…. Susan and Joe,
Jack really showed you the welcoming, he is such a sweet boy.
Can hardly wait to see your newest book….loved your taking me/ us along.
So glad you back
xxoo Hillaire Gallagher….
Dearest Susan- Thank you for sharing your beautiful trip and all the adventures. I could hardly wait for each new “insta”post! We are all excited for the next glorious book. I got my first mug personally handed to me by my sweet mail lady…I could hardly wait to open it!!! If she only knew what perfect little treasure was inside…. I would love to have the season set to go with my book collection! Welcome home and happy summer!!
Welcome home and thank you for sharing this amazing trip with all of us!! I loved your Statue of Liberty pictures too. What a vision to welcome you home! Thanks for the chance to win the cups ! My morning coffee is always in your bluebird cup….perfect!
Welcome🇺🇸Home!!!
SO looking forward to your new book. I. Can’t. Wait. 🙌📚❤
Loved your homecoming story as well. It reminded me of my first trip to Mt. Rushmore.
I was excited to go, but had no idea how MUCH I would love it. My girlfriends and I had packed up our trucks, tents, and 11 kids (between the three of us) and set off by ourselves on a two week road trip through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and, ultimately, South Dakota.
When we finally rounded the corner, and the Presidents came into view, tears literally burst out of my eyes! I was truly stunned. The history, the majesty, the sacrifices it took to make such a important expression of our country standing in its own independence…it is amazing what humans are capable of creating. Together. Magic💫💥
Thank you for the gift of creation that YOU share with all of us too Susan Branch🍉 Your love of life, and ability to express that love so beautifully brings me joy every day😊🙏
❌🔴 from Idaho🌄
Isn’t it unbelievable, what a wonderful monument. To me it’s the handmade, the impossible, made possible, through love and honor. Thank you Kimberlee!
Well, you two…home at last. Such an adorable vacation in some of the loveliest spots on earth! Traveling with you both has been a blast…but so glad to see Jack again and know he is ok. Waiting with baited breath for the next book…you never said why the key didn’t work in the first door…hmmmm.
We have this very old door with a very old lock that we coddle to the point of ridiculousness, because it looks right on the very old house. Luckily the same key works for every door in our house, but one of these days we will have to break down and get a new lock!
Welcome home !!! And thank you for taking us on your magnificent travels.
I would love so very much to have even one of your beautiful cups.
There’s something about knowing that you’re back that makes the day a bit brighter. If you were offered the opportunity to live in England, would you? I am watching “Escape to the Continent” on Netflix that follows people from England as they look to find a home to buy in another country. It’s very interesting and some of the countries and homes look great but I think the only place I could ever see myself moving (IF I could see myself moving) would be Great Britain. I’ve been looking up a few places (Salisbury, Surrey, the Lake District) on the computer and they look absolutely gorgeous as well as incredibly expensive, but then it doesn’t cost a thing to dream does it.
I can just imagine how you felt seeing Jack again. My heart does a dance every time I come back home from just a day away and see my Sam. To pick him up and hold him in my arms is a feeling like no other. As I have mentioned before, he is 18 and I know that he won’t be with me for much longer but I am grateful for each day that I still have with him. Animals are THE best people that I know.
I received your new cups last week and love them. They all look so splendid on my pine hutch. I know you had mentioned that you might not be designing any more of them and if that were the case, would you start offering the Emma Bridgewater cups again?
Well Susan, tata and cheerio and like the eagles of Decorah, may you always soar the thermals. Til next time.
Thank you dear! I was cuddling Jack this morning with exactly the same thoughts as you were having about Sam. Every day is a joy with the best people we know. Sometimes it just seems SO odd, this little furry ANIMAL we are allowed to have INSIDE the house! Thank you God. xoxo
Welcome home Susan and Joe! Thank you for taking us all along with you. Beyond beautiful! I would read your blog(s) with my morning tea, then read them again in the evening….just in case I missed something:) I’m looking forward to seeing you at The Apple Farm in SLO in the fall! Hope you’re enjoying your summer.
So thrilled that you are home safe after such a wonderful adventure,. Looking forward to all your new posts transporting us to another world!!:)
Welcome Home Sweet Home in the Summertime!
I can feel just what it was like to arrive back. . .you described it beautifully.
The sun, the moon, the stars, the water. . . it’s vibrant and alive in your words and photos. The Statue of Liberty was my favorite part – I’ve never seen her, but my grandparents did. It seems like a spiritual moment for everyone. Thank you for letting us tag along with you – it meant so much to read your twitter and blogs. Enjoy the creative process of book making and when it is ready, I will add it to my home library! YAY! The fairies want to sprinkle some glitter on you now*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* and xoxoxoxo too. . . . Love Ya!
Sweetest Susan, so glad you’re home!
You were gone forever!
XOXO Sandra & Grasshopper
Welcome home and thanks so much for sharing your journey! I loved it and and can’t wait for the book.
Susan,
I love reading about your adventures and look forward to your newest book!
Susan, I really enjoyed hearing about your trip. Can’t wait to read your book!
Dear Susan and Joe,
Welcome home, you must be elated to be greeted by Jack!
Fondly,
Debbie
So glad you had a wonderful trip and so pleased you always take us with you. Lots of love ❤️
Beautiful photos! Loved hearing about each place and now I can’t wait to read the book:)
Very luverly.
Lovely to read about your adventures. Even lovelier to have met you and Joe at the Castle Cottage Picnic!! xx
Welcome back to the USA. We were both in the Cotswolds at the same time!
I look forward to your posts so much, they make my heart happy! I thoroughly enjoyed every picture and detail of your trip, like I actually went myself…someday I hope to be so lucky! Your kitties must have been so happy to finally be reunited with their beloved humans again. We recently adopted two kitty boys and our family is just in love! Hope you have a loverly time getting snuggly and enjoying Summer’s little delights.
~Krystal
San Luis Obispo, Ca
Thanks for taking us all along. I loved the photos of Lady Liberty, it’s been a tough 18 months for her but she is still holding her head up high and looking to the future!
Home is where the heart is…but what a wonderful trip. Looking forward to the book with much anticipation.
I’ve so enjoyed travelling along with you, and have been looking forward to the home-coming. Thanks for sharing it with us….
Welcome home.
As always, love your stories and I feel like I’ve visted alongside of you.
Loved your post. I felt like I was there.
Welcome home! Thanks for sharing the last 4 months with us. Coming home really is the best isn’t it…puttering around, taking delight in all the special little things that make your home uniquely yours. Enjoy settling back in! I am eagerly anticipating your new book and excited to order my 2019 calendars. I loved your pictures of Lady Liberty. How poignant to think of my ancestors immigrating here from Germany in 1890 and what their thoughts, fears and hopes were for their new country as they saw the USA for the first time.
Thanks for another wonderful adventure…almost as good as being there!
Welcome Back Susan. It was so nice to see you in The Lake District. I was one of the solo travelers with Mandy’s group.. Thank you for including a picture of me in your Blog. I’m the one in the red coat talking with Joe at the Castle Cottage picnic. I had an amazing time learning all about Beatrix Potter and her legacy in with the National Trust. I will always remember this adventure!!
What a wonderful trip I had thru your words and your pictures, it’s good to have you home. Love your beautiful cups, papers, well…just everything really. Thank you for all the extra work you do to “take us with you” on your travels.
My best to you, I will be anxiously awaiting the book.
Great moonscape pictures Susan!
Dear Susan and Joe ~ Thank you for generously taking us along on your 4-month journey! Honestly ~ each day, I felt like I was on vacation with you! I must admit I was extremely “homesick” for Jack towards the end (can only imagine how you felt!)….and that 5 hour drive home from the ship was torture!! (At that point you couldn’t get back to Jack fast enough for me! Lol…..) All the best~est to you as you write your new book (can’t wait!) and anticipate the other upcoming Grand Venture seemingly formulating in the Universe right now! 🙌
Good, it worked! You felt what I felt! 😃
Welcome Home Sue n’ Joe! What a trip!! I loved traveling with you, thanks so much for the invite! It’s great traveling but just as great to come home… such deliciousness! Jack. What a honey-boy. Just adore him. And what lovely friends u have throwing you a welcome home dinner. Blessings. Happy Summer!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for taking us along on the most splendid vacation I’ve ever had. Seeing England & Ireland through your eyes and everyone else’s was the best gift of all. It’s amazing how you continue to steer us towards natural beauty, common sense and seizing opportunity from thousands of miles away. Every step that you and Joe took reminded me that “Dreams are the seedlings of realities.” James Allen. P.S. I hope that you stocked up on a ton of green watercolor paint:) We’ll all be here when your book is finished. Godspeed~nina
LOL, it’s the green I need the most!
Welcome home to your fairytale island! We are flying into England this afternoon in time for a production of Shakespeare’s Two Gentlemen of Verona in the garden of our favorite manor house B&B followed by a swimming gala and prize giving ceremony to end our sobs school year. It’s always a wonderful occasion:) Here comes summer!
Umm, that should have said SON’S school year!!
Hello Susan and Joe!
So glad you both arrived home safely. True….we loved having you here on our dear little island, but there’s no place like home!
Jack looks very content too, bet he was so glad to see you !
Here’s to the next time, hope it won’t be too long!
Gill, N. Devon U.K.
Lovely blog and beautiful cups!
Welcome home to you & Joe! Words can’t even tell you how much I have enjoyed traveling with you! I shared your travels, pictures & videos with anyone who would listen! My 90 year old neighbor was delighted, when I pulled my phone out of my pocket and took her to the U.K. via your Tweets on Twitter! She was thrilled with the pictures, but also amazed how beautiful the pictures were on the phone. Also thanks to all the girlfriends and their comments, like you said it made a wonderful trip even better! Your home on MV is just icing on the cake!
Bringing a little sunshine, thank you Carol!
Oooh, Vanna, this is the name to pick! I finished my classes and am now ready to be a school librarian! Remember me? I was inspired by your calendar a few years ago to live my dream, because the years would pass anyway. So glad I did!
Kellie must get an award for her pocket fix! We love our pockets!
If I could I would put this in 6 foot letters: CONGRATULATONS CAROL! How wonderful, you did it! Proud of you! That little phrase worked exactly the same way for me. Yes, Kellee is a dream ~ we do love our pockets!
Thank you Susan! Going to Britain with you has been wonderful!
What a lovely trip you had thank you for sharing it. 😊
Thanks for taking the time to share a beautiful memory with us. Fantastic experience.
Welcome home! Flowers for your first stop…I like your thinking! And as one who is an expert on the tuxedo kitty, let me offer my services as Jack’s sitter during your next adventure 🙂
Wow, you took the time for such a substantive post, chock full of so many things. I’m so in awe of the moon on the water and sailing in tandem with the QE2; two big, beautiful ocean liners; amazing. I think I cried the whole time I read this post. It’s the way you write; you touch the heart in all the right ways. I especially boo-hoo’d when you wrote of Jack. You KNOW how he feels; you ARE his sun and moon for sure. And I’ve never seen those old photos of the Statue of Liberty; fascinating. And yes, my grandfather was an immigrant from the Netherlands in 1896; he and his many brothers/sisters with their parents eventually ‘landed’ upstate near Utica (NY) but what a memory for a little boy, to have made the rough crossing in steerage on the big boat, then being on deck coming into the harbor to see the Statue, a beautiful story from him to Mom, and Mom to me. I have to see it before I leave this earth; a mission I absolutely MUST accomplish. She is so beautiful, that incredible Lady Liberty. I’m older now and I probably won’t be able to walk the narrow stairs to her crown like I could’ve done when younger with better legs but to just see her there, torch lifted high, would be such a thrill. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Welcome home. Cannot WAIT for this new book.
Every time I put up a post, I wonder if I’ve “said it right” so everyone can feel it and be there with us … so your comment is not only lovely but helpful! YOU are so lucky to have gotten that first person story. My heart would fly out of my chest. You can see her on a boat, there are tours. She isn’t exactly out there in downtown, I never saw her until we started going on ships and I will NEVER get tired of it. It is a most beautiful thing, and that right arm always says to me, power to the people. xoxo
Well Susan I have enjoyed every minute of your travels and revel in the details and the joy you find in the smallest of things. It makes me look with fresh eyes and vow not to miss a thing. I cannot wait for the book to be published so knuckle down…hehe.
We travel by car from our home in Sussex to Skye in Scotland in a few months time for a holiday …a very long car journey but I will be looking and wondering as we pass the county’s across England.
I felt your joy to be back home and it made tears well in my eyes…
Jacqui X
Lucky! Lucky lucky lucky! xoxo
Thank you, Susan, for this wonderful post. I especially liked the bit about the Statue of Liberty. I wanted to share with you that my husband and I were able to take a little trip to Pismo recently. It had been some time since we had had an ocean fix. We had two “luv-lee” days with an ocean front view! Our son and granddaughter, ( who is getting married tomorrow💕) were close by to see to all our needs. One of the things I wanted to do on the way home was to have lunch at the Apple Farm and visit their gift shop so I could purchase something of yours. I chose the Gratitude book and the Fine Romance cup. I love the art work you did on the cup. I also purchased a couple of note cards. I was thrilled to be able to do that! 😊😊
Looking forward to reading the new book!
Nancy (from Bakersfield)
How fun Nancy! My old stomping grounds. Pismo views are so wonderful . . . and I bet it was relatively cool there for you. xoxo
Oh, it was! And we have been suffering triple digits here for a couple of weeks now. (The wedding was beautiful, btw) nt
Welcome back and thanks for sharing your trip. I enjoyed so much following along. Can’t wait for the new book ! All your comments, photos, artwork, etc are a delight and often an inspiration. I always look forward to your new blogs, books, and/or products to see what’s new.
Love to Jack too; sure he’s thrilled to have his family back home.
Please include me in your amazing giveaway. Thank you!
East West Home is always best! There is nothing like being away from home for a while to make us appreciate it all the more. I am always excited to get back home again! Thank you so much for taking us along with you on this wonderful trip/holiday/adventure you have had over these past few months. I cannot wait for the book, so I can revisit it again and again and again. You certainly had the best weather while you were here. We finally have rain this morning and it was coming down in bucket loads when I got up at 5 a.m. (Like you, an early riser, I think it is a creative person thing!) We so need it as our ground is hard as a rock and so very parched and the garden is screaming for it. Our beautiful green country was starting to turn brown! It will be green again now. One of the things I have always loved about traveling in the US was the predominance of Flags on show. Most houses show their patriotism in a beautiful way by hanging your beautiful flag outside their house. I love this about America! Your patriotism always inspires me. I can only imagine the mix of feelings as you passed by Lady Liberty in the harbour. What a feeling. It almost brings me to tears to think about it. Are we not all immigrants? Love all that you share and wishing you the best “Rest of Summer” ever! ♥♥♥ PS – how lovely of your friend to host a Welcome Home dinner for you! I am sure you were very missed and not just by Jack! How wonderful to have a life filled with people who miss you when you are not there. YOU ARE LOVED!
Oh I’m so glad, Marie, I keep hearing from everyone over there NO RAIN! Enjoy, and thank you dear. xoxoxo
Quick question. I just went to your website and three of the four seasons cups show as sold out. Will they be listed later? Thank you! Can’t wait for your new book!
I think they are gone Teah, I’m sorry. I think the only one we still have is the Summer cup, and not a lot of those.
Welcome back! It must feel do good to be home.
Welcome home, Susan! I’m happy that you had a wonderful trip and I can’t wait for your new book! Thank you in advance for sharing your trip with us!
Hello there Susan,
Oh what a welcome home you had, with Lady Liberty smiling on you! Gorgeous pictures, thank you for sharing!!
And who could NOT love the lovely Jack….Another great welcome for you both. Isn’t it great to be covered in cat hairs again!! Just wondering, do you ever comb him? With the warmer weather, we comb Emily (our lovely ginger lady) and at last she seems to be enjoying it!!
Lots of love from Nicoline
xxx
I do comb Jack, its good for those delightful little hair balls too! xoxoxo
Haha, hairballs….Well, Emily hardly gets them, and I think it’s partly because we have cat treats for her, that are hairball reducing…She doesn’t know, and LOVES them! We throw them across the room, so she exercises at the same time, haha.
It’s her birthday on sunday, and little madam will be 11 years old! I just made her a party hat…
XOXO from me and a big purr from Emily to jack
LOL! You are a kick, Nicoline!
Haha, and guess what….Good news!!
Downton Abbey film confirmed yeah!!!! Here’s a link, that Gabri saw just a few minutes ago
xx
bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-44822420
YAY!
What a fun post. I could hardly believe three months had gone by so fast! I am so glad you are home safely and that Jack is reunited with his fam! I cannot wait for the next book…do you have a projected date? Of course…not to pressure, just curious. Enjoy reminiscing your fabulous trip as you work on the book.
Too soon to know, but I’m hoping for this time next year . . . I’ll know better in a couple of months. Yes, all the joy comes right back during the writing! It’s a lovely dream to live in.
What a beautiful journey you took me on! I can’t thank you enough. Reading about your adventures while exploring that blessed plot, the British Isles, was a treat to look forward to at day’s end in bed. I am looking forward to the newest addition to your family of books, and watching your life story when it hits the silver screen. Dreams can come true, they can happen to you, if you’re young at heart, so the song goes. Keep dreaming for all of us, Susan!
Sweet! I see absolutely no alternative quite as wonderful Lauri! Thank you!
Hi Susan,
Oh my, I think I mis-quoted that lovely little tune, I think it should be fairy tales can come true, etc, etc. In your case, they most definitely did! You give us all hope!
Welcome home! Another wonderful thing about coming home is crawling into your own bed! Fresh sheets, your own pillow, life is good!!
A fantastic trip with abounding memories .Thank you for taking us with you
hoping to be the one Vanna chooses!!!
Welcome Home Sweet Home Susan❤️
We just arrived home tonight from Honolulu… many family members joined us at Punchbowl National Cemetery for my Mom’s Celebration of Life (also for my brother Danny and my Dad)… on July 9🌴…. such a lovingly, touching, and sweet tribute… and at The Willows Hawaiian Luncheon we made new memories with all 4 generations!! I felt my Mom smiling through the stars…. Alo-ha-ha, Evie in San Diego
Oh Evie! I’m sure she was. xoxoxo
There’s nothing like like a nice long trip to make us just as excited to return home. I know the feeling when you can hardly contain yourself when you are almost there. I live just outside of SF and no matter where I roam, there’s always something wonderful about returning HOME!!
Welcome Home! Loved every minute of the journey. X
Welcome home Susan and Joe!! What a wonderful trip, can’t wait to read your book.
Jack is happy at last!
Thanks so much for sharing your trip, and homecoming, with us! It’s wonderful to travel,vicariously.
..good morning dear Susan.. I really love when you and Joe are out and about across the pond but I’m so happy you are back home..especially coming back to enjoy this summer in full bloom… and now we get to be excited about you creating another book !!..oh, joy !!..last night my daughter and I walked and walked down on Weekapaug beach…as we are on ‘baby watch’..she is due at any time.. beautiful pink sunset and water…we found two heart-shaped rocks and they reminded me so much of you..even my daughter started talking about your collection..you see how often you’ve entered our lives ?…with love, as always.. happy,joyful summer !!
Baby watch on the beach! Beautiful word picture Mary. It’s a chilly morning here, I’m bundled up in shawls, all the windows are open, it’s the perfect summer day ~ only 6 am, it will warm up, but I love the cooler weather. Happy day, let us know when that baby is born!
… feeling so much gratitude, love, and joy..my sweet granddaughter was born early,early this morning…her name is Emelia Joy and what a sweetheart she is !!! ..I have to tell you that after she was born “Grammy” and Nana (that’s me) had gone home to catch a few zzz’s..and after a few short hours, we both headed back to the hospital, bleary eyed and excited, to see our sweet granddaughter again..before we knew it, we saw the sign that said to Martha’s Vineyard ferry..I had to laugh…”hey, Grammy, I think we went a little too far !”…at any rate, praise the day !!..our little Emelia Joy has been born !!!..with love..xoxoxoxo ..thanks Susan.
OH Mary, such a happy day. A new little one to love. Congratulations! xoxoxo
New follower of all your wonderfulness since a couple of months ago-so happy to have “discovered” you. And you’re on Instagram too? Signing up for that as well! 😊😊
Nice to meet you Elisa!
“Everything is beautiful is it’s own way.” Such memories, can’t wait to see your book. Enjoy home, too. Take care, Cindy
Welcome home Susan and Joe. I’ve enjoyed your travels and I’m looking forward to the book! Love the calendars (ording now) and the sampler-and of course the darling mugs!
You have so much energy. I am exhausted just reading your beautiful post. I need a relaxing cup of tea xx
LOL!
I can’t wait to relax with some English Breakfast tea and your new book! I’ve had three lovely trips to England — special times taken with my mother visiting good friends. So many places to see!
Really pleased to hear you arrived home safely Susan. It was lovely to meet you at the picnic (one off my bucket list) and I hope you’ll both be back here again before too long. Xx
I hope so too . . . we had such an amazing time, lovely to meet you too Anne, thank you for being there!
You perfectly captured the joy of returning home after a long voyage. So looking forward to your book. Thank you for brightening my days 😊
You are an inspiration !
Dear Susan, so happy to know you have arrived home safely – I cannot imagine how you manage to do all that your do, except that it is obvious you have some very good helpers (Joe being the so haooy best, of course). You live a magical life and it is a gift to all of us that your share your travels and adventures as you do. I am so happy you have returned safely, and I am truly excited for the new book – whenever it becomes available. Many thanks again, and enjoy your home in summer light.
I certainly did enjoy following your trip! And this last blog is so beautiful. What a delightful inspiration – and friend you are!
Home is where the heart is (and kitty love)! Welcome home and thanks for the memorable trip!
Welcome home Susan, Thanks for sharing your beautiful trip with us!
What an adventure! Thanks for helping me revisit many places in England that we love! Love all of your posts!
O, I can not wait to hold your next book in my hands Susan! I will savour it the same way as the other 3! I love your cups as well and wanted to order the Summer one, but was too late. 🙁 Thank you so much for brightening all of our lives!
What a splendid journey. I loved going along. Thank you .Home is still best though. The book will be wonderful, I know because..the others are! Those cups are a great gift. I now have the 4 seasons set. The Jack cup has been my fav….I used it until The Red Letter Day came…LOL.
I’ve enjoyed following your trip. I love seeing Happy Jack now that you’re home again!
Thanks for sharing all your comments and pictures while on your trip and returning home. You can tell Jack was so happy to see you. I loved that.
Welcome home Susan & Joe- it’s been such a delightful journey together…. so many lovely, photos, stories and songs shared! Thanks for the memories!!!
I live in Sussex, England and watching you explore some of the houses and gardens near me has been so interesting. Very much looking forward to your new book!
Lived reading this! Wow what adventures you’ve had!!
Welcome home Susan and Joe!
And thank you so much for allowing us to accompany you on your travels. Loved every minute!
Can’t wait for your new book and calendar and more cups! Welcome home!
Welcome home. What a beautiful trip you had. I can’t wait for the book. My husband retires next year in October. I have book marked your posts to show him your trip. Hopefully he’ll think it’s just as lovely. Thanks for the give a way for the cups. I hope I win. I have a spot waiting for them on the coffee bar.
WELCOME HOME!!!…Thank you for sharing all the ins and outs of your journey…including the voyage home. I have seen Lady Liberty twice…she ALWAYS grabs one’s heart!!!…but never after being away from the homeland…perhaps one day!? One can hope!!!
Welcome Home! Your little island and we missed you here in the States. We join Jack in the joyous wiggly welcome!
Lorie Hartsig from my little Delaware beach
Welcome Home! Love your posts and am looking forward to the new book!♥️♥️♥️
Welcome home Susan. I look forward to your new book. You are an inspiration. I absolutely love all of your work.
Dear Susan,
Welcome home!!! I love all of your work and look forward to the next book. You are an inspiration!!
Thank you for taking the time to journal about your travels. I can’t wait to read your newest book! Happy Summer!