Hiiii! We’re home!! MUSICA? Yes! It’s great to be here, and we had a WONDERFUL time in California! It was soooo good to see everyone. And I did bring home that special giveaway I promised ~ you’ll find it at the bottom of this post . . . but W A I T, don’t go yet . . . because getting home was the BEST. Here we are racing toward New England in our train room with awesome view . . .
. . . Hoping the whole way that we might still have some leaves on our trees. It was the end of October and normally by then they’re gone. But the way things were looking, we were thinking m a y b e . . . 🍂 🍁🍂🍁
Speeding through upstate New York, I was heartened by the color! Nothing like leaf-peeping from a train window.
We got off the train on Sunday in Albany, rented a car (so we could make the last ferry to the Island that same night) and drove through the gorgeous Berkshires, feeling more and more positive there would still be leaves on our trees at home.
We made the last boat but didn’t get home until after 10, so we couldn’t SEE the trees! Sleeping that night, when we finally got in our very own bed for the first time in a month, was as exciting as the night before Christmas! Would there still be fall when we woke up?
Dawn, from our bedroom window, assurance, and every dream come true.
I raced from window to window upstairs . . .
And down . . .
Then out to the side garden . . .
And around the house to the back . . . soooo
Then all the way back for the long view! Fall waited for us! Leaves blowing down, chill in the air, smell of the sea, sound of the ferry horn, church spire to the sky, sturdy house that has seen it all, everything that says Home. Thank you God. Ommmmm.
My own kitchen, and no noise or rocking, just me and the benevolent ghosts of time gone by. And since I’d done a lot of decorating before we left, we were pretty much ready!
AHHHHHHHH…. Home ~ our bed is pure heaven, cold rooms at night, snuggled under covers, mooshing the comforters around my ears, dragging my cozy flanneled legs out in the morning, stuffing my feet into wool slippers, throwing on an old sweater, padding down the stairs, Jack leading the way, tail high in the air, filling the tea kettle, deciding which cup. We are sitting, and we are staying. So this was Monday, our first day home. On Tuesday the dining room curtains came. On Wednesday it was Halloween. So let’s start with the curtains! Ready?
And of course, I know what you’re waiting for, in the category of “everything that says Home,” Jack, furry soft petty-pet and perfect decor. He seemed really happy to see us. Presented himself upside-down, in wiggle formation, for belly rubs, and gave me a very Loooooong forehead butt, a meeting of the minds, the brain exchange. So here are the new curtains for the dining room. And where does Jack choose to sit?
On them. And why not. King of the World can do no wrong. Reunited and it feels so goooood! 🎶 He’s still my shadow, he still brings back the hair ties, he still cuddles next to me when I read. Now Joe and I aren’t going anywhere for the next year and a half, we are 
I peeled Jack off and we hung the new curtains . . . (Jessica, who made them, with Lowely, my darling friend and neighbor)
And so voila, here they are! What do you think? I’m thinking the flowers make up for the ones we lost when we took the wallpaper down.💞
I’ve wanted “real” English curtains for sooooo long! They make you feel like you live on the inside of a marshmallow! We are now padded head to toe. I couldn’t wait for dark so I could light the candles!
They’re extra cozy because they’re completely lined in heavy flannel (just like the ones in England). They keep your house warm too.
Okay. So here was the problem and the reason I waited so long to show you the living room. I know you won’t think of this as a “problem.” With problems like this who needs enemies? Or whatever that phrase is. These are the curtains we got before we left and I’ve been pondering ever since. They are also very beautiful, thick and cozy, but for me, for the House of Creativity, for US? They feel a little much.
A wee bit too Duchess of Devonshire. I adore the fabric and love the pillows Jessica made to match, and I love the curtains too, they are glorious, but I was afraid after a while I might start doing the circular queen’s wave when I leave the house.
So we tried to tone it down (ps, they look pink in this photo, but they are really a soft beige with pink hydrangeas) . . . the first thing we did was take the decorative trim off the hems of the valances. Which softened things a little and took away some of the formality. This old house is your basic farmhouse with a barn and uninsulated pantry, the bathroom used to be a “three-holer,” and there are rooms you have to walk through to get to other rooms (i.e., no hall). It’s not a fancy house. It has “good bones,” as a dear friend said a long time ago, and also that New England simplicity I love. You have to give a house what it wants. And I try. But I think my imagination was bigger than my stomach, or what ever that saying is.
So next we tried removing the valances all the way. And I liked it SO MUCH BETTER. Back and forth we went, throwing out ideas, me, Joe, Jessica, and Lowely, with the tape 
measure, up the ladder, down the ladder, measure and pin and hold it up, stand back to see what it looks like, what if we get rid of the floral chairs? What if we change the lampshades? No stone was left unturned . . . and what we sort of decided is to keep the valances but bring them down so they aren’t all the way up to the ceiling, and then shorten the valance skirt by about 6 inches so it just covers the wood trim at the top of the window, to the first panes of glass. Make the valances lower and shorter is basically what we decided. And the other end of the room?
Here they are, the same fabric, but these are simpler and quieter.
Maybe I’m just bad at change! But I have to say, we’ve now been living with them for six days, and they’re growing on me. Most of my life I’ve made my curtains, so I’m used to unlined, crooked, half finished, a bit wrinkled, mostly made out of tablecloths, which is probably the problem! These are too good!
Jessica also made me a curtain for the guest room . . . Which I LOVE. Just a simple little thing, and pillows to match with a tiny blue and white stripe piping.
Just sweet and simple.
So then it was time to get ready for our Halloween party!
It was a pot-luck Halloween neighborhood Open House we were having, after the trick-or-treaters had gone home. Lowely brought cold slaw, Martha made a big pan of Corn Pudding, Carol brought a bowl of Dry Bones, Jaime came with a big green salad, and Barbara brought Brownies. I made Touchdown Chili and
A Pumpkin Trifle
Broken up chocolate cake on the bottom, then pumpkin mousse, then crushed oreo cookies, whipped cream, more chocolate cake, and more pumpkin mousse with a Hershey’s Syrup spiderweb on top!
While I was doing that, my boyfriend for life was outside in the driveway on that perfect fall day, carving away!
Making my favorite star pumpkins for our front porch.
offering me pumpkin seeds . . .
I came back in and did the dishes . . .
. . . then watered plants to stuff into baskets for arrangements for the house, swept the leaves off the porches . . . made sure all the votives and candle holders were filled . . . put Jack’s food and toys upstairs and locked him in our bedroom where no Halloween Cat thieves could find him . . .
We lit the fire,
And lit our ghost in the upstairs window . . . Casper is our “neighborhood watch,” he has a great view all the way up the street.
Bowls were filled with candy ~ We had hot spiced-cider for the moms and dads. We were READY! Bring on those kids! And here they come!
I love this tradition. Parents bringing their kids, waiting behind them, most of them in costume too … Look at this pink princess . . . Adorable or what?
We have friends who live so far out in the country they don’t get any trick-or-treaters ~we invite them to our house to give out candy at our door ~ we share the wealth ~ because, we definitely get kids! From all over the island . . . we are one of the few neighborhoods where the houses are close enough together for kids to get to without walking a mile in the dark! Halloween is huge on our island.
Is it ever! Early in the evening, at dusk, they’re very young, some even babies, in the cutest costumes, cows, and trees and bunnies, oh my!
As the night gets darker, the kids get older . . .
We stop them to take their picture, and they put up with our 10,000 questions!
By 6:30 our neighborhood is in full Halloween mode. The police close down the streets to cars. It’s not just us, up and down our street and around the corner, its a mad house! 🍁
I got my camera and came around out front to take photos of the door … loved the tree shadows on our house from across the street, whoooo! To see the pumpkins Joe made, I had to wait until the everyone moved aside . . .
Which took a little while . . . everyone running in the dark, superheroes and angels, clowns and unicorns, with bags of loot, laughing, chewing tootsie rolls and eating M&Ms!
Other than the one partially finished pumpkin I saw when Joe was doing them, I hadn’t seen what he’d done. I looked at that one in the middle! Whaaat?
And I got closer, laughing all the time. Went inside and Joe got a big KISS for this good surprise! Doing his part to make a cuter neighborhood, and a better world!
We had about thirty people for Chili dinner, and I was so busy eating and talking (receiving compliments on my new curtains!!!) I forgot to take pictures, but it was wonderful seeing everyone (remember, we just got back!) and it ended in the living room, where a girlfriend with a ukulele played while the dregs of the party (which would be us and some neighbors), had a sing-along. 🎃 It was a wonderful ending. And since it’s party season, here are a few ideas to make giving a party a bit easier. No matter if it’s a small party or large, formal or casual, Thanksgiving, tea party, book club, or election night party.
And, speaking of election night parties . . . Here are some delicious recipes, all tried and true, perfect for a roller coaster ride which this night is bound to be. Won’t it be FUN when
it’s over? Then we’ll all live with the results and can stop thinking about it for a while. And then we’ll get to do it all over again in two years! Politics seems to be America’s newest sport! I remember when I was in high school, I didn’t even know what I was! Or anyone else. I think my mom was a Republican and my dad was a Democrat, but they never argued and they both LIKED IKE! ‘Course the two political parties were 100% different then, and we didn’t have as much to worry about as kids do now, we were safe at school. It was a simpler and I would say a rather happier time. One of the many, many things on which we are all in perfect agreement, we all LOVE to eat . . . so let’s start HERE:
Yummy, from my Autumn Book . . . in case you have it at home, otherwise you can print this out!
These recipes are from Heart of the Home . . .
Wonderful spiced nuts from my Autumn Book . . .
. . . which I just made! I use them all season long!
Deliciousness from Heart of the Home. We’re going to my girlfriend Lowely’s house on Tuesday night to watch the results come in, I’m bringing Cheese Bites!
Opened my eyes from meditation, and across from where I was sitting, Jack was asleep on the sofa. 
I got the evil eye when I put the camera close . . . I SEE YOU, it says in green technicolor.
When we were in California, I picked up a box of my mom’s papers to bring home ~ I went through some of it this morning ~ it was a treasure trove! Saved birthday cards, old letters my grandma wrote, yellowed birth certificates and fancy engraved marriage licenses, hand-written report cards, and certificates of baptism, priceless to my mom, and priceless to me. Above, is a 91-year-old brushed LEATHER ribbon-tied folder with gold lettering, four pages of names and this . . .
. . . my Grandma’s Sioux City, Central High School Diploma from 1927. That’s her, below, on the left. Her class graduated only three weeks after Lindbergh flew the Atlantic non-stop to France! Those 
kids must have felt like their generation was going to own the world! Just a few days after they graduated, Lindbergh’s ticker tape parade was held in New York, which they listened to as a family on a radio the size of a refrigerator. I’m sure my grandma and all her 18-year-old girlfriends shortened their skirts, bobbed their hair, and danced the “Lindy,” . . . they were teenagers during the Roaring Twenties, Calvin Coolidge was president, F. Scott Fitzgerald was the literary star, The Jazz Singer came out in 1927, the first movie with sound! Only two years later, when she was 20, the Great Depression started. She’d already had one World War to deal with as a child. The cards were being dealt. Life was unfolding. And before she fell asleep in her house with a music room on the 3rd floor and nine brothers & sisters, she listened to the most popular song of 1927. I love history, and picturing people in their times. My Grandma shared the planet with Mark Twain for two years. She shared it with Anne Frank, and then she shared Anne Frank with me.💞 Now I have her diploma.
And this! It’s my great grandmother’s 1925 application to join the Martha Washington 
Chapter of the Daughters of the American 
Revolution in Washington, DC. Four pages of family names, births, and deaths back to 1710, all in her lovely handwriting … with “Ancestor’s Services” that tells that her 5th great grandfather (and I guess my 7th), Captain Asa Foster of Andover, Massachusetts, was appointed in 1765 to “oppose the arbitrary measures of the British Government.” Eeeek. My grandma had given me a copy of this when I was in my 20s (part of my dreamscape for New England before I’d ever been here), but it was very different to hold the real thing in my hands. After recently reading a biography of George Washington (Ron Chernow), I 
realized just how dangerous it was to come out against your government back then. If they’d lost (and there was no reason on EARTH they should have believed they could win against the British Empire!), they would have all been hanged! But hey, ya gotta do what ya gotta do and he believed in his cause. His son Abiel graduated from Harvard in 1756, was a minister who represented New Hampshire in the first Congress. I could write a book about these people! We found both of their graves, in Old North Parish Burying Ground in North Andover and in the Canterbury Cemetery in New Hampshire.
And this little slip of paper was in there too, written in my great grandfather’s hand, showing the 
dates of birth for his parents (my great, great grandparents), and their children. I met Merrill James 
Orr, born in 1871, the man who wrote this, the father of my grandma ~ that’s him holding me, my mom’s on the right, my grandma’s on the left. I feel the generations behind me, and I see younger members of my family going on into the future. Such a connection. And the threads of that connection go on and on, out in all directions. Pretty soon, as you research your family tree, you start thinking you’re related to EVERYONE. Then you get your DNA done and find out you absolutely are!
And now it’s my turn to save little old pieces of paper, tiny fragments of a lifetime of memories. I guess I got that from them! 💞 Like here, in the England diary I’m now illustrating and rewriting in my “good 
handwriting.” You can just imagine how much I revel in the magic I feel when I write, spellbound in the dream of it (hours and clocks mean nothing), about the history we found in Enchanted England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. My pages will be peopled by spirits of the past, Winston Churchill, Beatrix Potter, Jane Austen, hill forts, stone circles, and fairy winds . . . all that and Rachel too! I’ll do it as the leaves blow, as the snow flies, as the cat naps, and when the daffodils come again, I’ll still be here in my old house, fireplace glowing, shawl pulled tight, pen noises scratching, paint brush ringing on the side of the water dish I bought in Disneyland before I knew I could paint, Jack at my side, living the dream with my boyfriend for life, loving the road, because
I kept Joe’s pumpkin for our front window . . . like keeping a light on! Never forget our fathers and grandfathers fought for this right, so that today, no matter how we came to this country, we get a say in the kind of government 
we want. It was EVERYTHING to them, their lives were on the line, and there’s nothing quite like it in the world. The right to vote. Honor our ancestors. Go vote, and take someone with you. Don’t think you don’t know what you’re doing, because believe me, you probably know more than most! The world has fought for civility since time began, fought to overcome human nature prone to barbarism, it hasn’t been easy, but despite all, we keep bringing it forward, so families everywhere can live in peace and prosperity. They’ve told us that we have nothing to fear but fear itself, and proved it time and time again. Because we can solve all problems when we come together. I know they’ve made it hard to tell truth from 
lies, the water has been muddied, even on Facebook, where we put our family photos, and share recipes! But it’s not impossible. No source is perfect but we can find a balance. When I have specific questions, I go to websites like Politifact, a Pulitzer Prize-winning fact-finding website. They can answer almost any question, “Did such and such REALLY happen, Did he REALLY say that, Does America have open borders, What is the Caravan made up of, Which members of Congress take money from the NRA, Who IS (fill in the blank)” ~ even old questions, like “Did Iraq have weapons of mass destruction, what was the Fairness Doctrine, what happened when the banks failed?” On and on, they have researched it all. Huge help for lovers of history like me.
“All shall be well, all shall be well, all manner of thing shall be well.” 💞Julian of Norwich, the first woman in recorded history to write a book. And aren’t they the perfect words!
SO, we’re going off for a walk to the water, but before we go, as promised, last but not least, NEXT Saturday, Joe and I hop on the ferry to the Mainland for the day, where I’ll be at the West Falmouth Library answering questions, signing books, and reading the first chapter of Enchanted, just like I did at the Apple Farm in California. If you’re coming, or even if you’re not, click here and please print out this name tag/bookmark. Write your name on the bottom so we’ll know each other! And yes, for everyone who’s going to be there, you each will be getting a copy of your own first chapter. I’m sorry tickets for this event are sold out, but I promise I’ll be out again in the future, and we can try again. And if you remember, waaaaaaay back when I started this post, I promised YOU a giveaway! So here she is! To win, just leave a comment at the bottom of this post (you’ll see tiny gray words that say, “comment” ~ click there and say hello, and you will automatically be entered. And if your name is chosen, you will receive your very own signed copy of the first chapter my new book!
In fact, Kellee made me FIVE 23-page booklets, all just for you💞 . . . so, this time, there will be five winners! Yay!!! I hope one of them is YOU!
I wanted to start at The Beginning with a love story, like I did with A Fine Romance, so I did! I hope you enjoy it!
That’s it for today darling girlfriends. I shall return! Have a luv-lee evening. Keep the home fires burning!
Susan, didn’t see my comment, maybe you see it though. I wonder if I need to include website on the comment page? I don’t know what that means. Da. Sorry I’m computer challenged in this instance. Please tell me what I should do to get my comment to show. Love,
Don’t even worry about it. If you did have a blog, you could put it in there, but it’s not at all necessary. Sorry about your comment, I got lots of comments at the same time, and I like to read them before they go up, so the fault is with me! But I’m working on it! Trying NOT to answer everyone, but I find I can barely help myself. I will get tough soon though, read but not comment, as there are over 200 waiting right now!
Thank you Susan for responding. You made my day!!!!!
😘
All I can say is I’m so happy I have all your cookbooks. I couldn’t just read your recipe on your post…I had to go find each book separately and find the recipe you were posting here. You can probably guess that I then spent hours looking through ALL the Books mentioned and now have more things to make in the days ahead. You are tricky like that.
Love you.
LOL. I didn’t know I was so tricky! It’s a good place, a happy place, hovering over recipe books! xoxo
Hello Susan,
I’ve loved all your books and I’m really looking forward to the next one. Who knew arm chair traveling could be so inspiring?! I’m planning my own road trip to England. Thanks for the blog!
What a wonderful post. This is the most wonderful time of year to be in New England. Thank you for your ideas on throwing a party, fantastic.
Alo-ha-ha Susan … how wonderful to find you today … with your charming new gorgeous curtains!! So happy to hear you enjoyed your journey to CA and again I missed you at the Apple Farm .. maybe next year! May I ask how is your Mother?
I have you and her in my thoughts … as I am missing mine. Looking at the
stars make me gaze back into my heart w/the memories we made.
xoxoxox Evie in San Diego
I showed a photo of my mom in the post before this one, and talked about her a bit. She’s healthy and happy, but her memory is failing, so it’s bittersweet, filled with love, very touching. WONDERFUL to hold hands and kiss. She’s HERE, so blessed. xoxoxo
Hooray!!! You’re back home safe and sound! Saying so many prayers for you as you traveled, wishing you fun adventures every day and a safe return. So much fun to see Jack reveling in your return and loving to be with you. Now enjoy every day doing what you like best and planning for the holidays. Sending love to you, Joe, and Jack and tons of hugs.
P.S. – Oh, yes, I voted Friday morning already. Had to get that vote in!!! Now, here’s hoping!!
I appreciate the prayers Ruth, out and back, in this wild world, you just never know. So whatever you said, worked! xoxo
Hi, loved seeing/reading about your Halloween festivities. Autumn is my favorite time of year even here in SoCal where we’re still having summer weather and waiting patiently for temps to drop. We’ll be in AZ visiting my 90 year old mother-in-law this week so we voted early at our local library last weekend. I’m hoping for cooler days by the time we return at the end of the week but I’ll have to start using my Autumn cup (love that cup!) even if it feels like summer.
I love your curtains but understand your desire to get them just right. I’m looking forward to venturing through the coming months with you on Martha’s Vineyard and can’t wait to see what’s in store for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Can’t believe it’s November, I would like another October first!
On the waiting list for tickets to West Falmouth this Saturday. Not looking promising but my fingers are still crossed for luck! Will be sure to sign up the first time they are offered from now on. The curtains all look amazing! Will be thinking of you Saturday.
Hope to see you there! xoxo
I’m glad you are home and settling in for a cozy winter. Your curtains turned out beautifully and the flannel lining sounds luscious! ❤️
I always love reading your blogs. They are lovely (as is your home). I so wanted to see you in San Luis, even had tickets but unfortunately couldn’t get there! So sad about it but hoping you will be coming back, so I’ll look forward to seeing you next time. From your Van Nuys, Reseda Park, watch the ducks, girlfriend.
Not related to Tim or Tom Carey? I probably asked you that before!
I’ve missed your posts! We need more of this in the world today. Please ‘chat’ with us more often <3
I’ll try! It’s a matter of time, as I know you know!!! But I love talking to everyone, and miss it too!
Welcome home. Love reading your blog. Found it a year ago and was fascinated with your adventures this last summer to England. Your curtains are beautiful.
Oh, wow. Those family documents are amazing. What a treasure to have so much from so long ago! When my mother died in 2013, I discovered many birth certificates, passports, love letters between my parents, and so much more; they’re things I’d never seen before, or even knew existed. Those things are priceless to me. I imagine you feel the same. It’s such a warm feeling, looking through all those papers and thinking of the lives of our relatives/ancestors. <3
P. S… I see such a strong resemblance between you and your grandma!
P. P. S… I've made your spiced pecans three times in the past three weeks. Some for me, the rest go in jars for friends and coworkers. Everyone loves them!
Loved the pictures from your train car. Central Iowa has had a specially pretty Fall this year. So glad you’re back home with Jack. Tell Joe Early voting is a great idea, and thanks for his pumpkin (you’ll see my Fb page agrees with him.)
Welcome home!! And Happy Autumn!! Made your spiced pecans for a girl-get-together last week…they’re always a hit! Love your new drapes…especially the sweet one in the guest room…swoon! Can’t wait for your next book!! Hugs to you, Joe and Jack, too!!
Sue, Thank you for your positive, happy blog! I needed this today. I have already voted and am anxiously awaiting Tuesday’s results. The curtains are lovely. Not a bit too much or too formal. I think in time you will be so happy you put them up. It is cold and the trees are starting to turn in Tulsa., I love fall! Now for a cozy fire in the fireplace and a cup of tea!
xoxoxo Sherry
I’d love to try your train trip. I’m especially jealous about your ferry rides
Some people consider them a bit of a pain, but not us, we love that we get to travel this way. When we’re down at the harbor on an early morning in winter, watching our breath in the freezing air, the sun is rising, the ferry is there huge and white, the seagulls are wheeling and calling, we feel how rare this special scene is in the world. xoxo
Halloween! The best holiday of all! You made the magic come true!
I love the the way your home looks in the fall. Happy Fall Y’all from everyone in my home state of Georgia! Love your books Susan!
Halloween! The best holiday of all! You made it magic, we always try to, too!
Thanks so much for helping me to see that little things can mean so much to my family, my friends, and even (yes, my voice counts) the world!
Your curtains are absolutely charming. Autumn in New England seems magical … i can almost smell the crisp cool air when I look at your beautiful photos. Also, I really enjoyed Twitter from the Twain! I get so excited when I see that a new blog post is up. I make a cup of tea in one of my beautiful Susan Branch cups and settle in to read. Literally makes my day. Btw, I voted early. 🙂
Glad you made it back home. It looks lovely❤️
Halloween on your island looked fantastic! Glad you are back home safe and sound with Jack giving you many kitty kisses!!!!
So glad you got to have Autumn at home. And your new curtains add beauty within. Life is good, and may be better after we follow Joe’s pumpkin advice and vote on Tuesday!
Dear Susan,
Thanks for sharing your life with us, you are an uplifting inspiration!
I am covering my kitchen chair seats with a floral pattern,then I am starting on my curtains in the living room. Your enthusiasm is contagious.
welcome home
marisa
I’m so glad you both made it home ok. I’ve enjoyed reading about your trip. Your books are all very special and I can’t wait to read the new one!!
Just luv-lee, dear Susan! I truly share your joy at returning home in time for Autumn’s colors. I just returned from an extended stay in Arizona helping my parents. It was Summer when I left home and I was so hoping that the brilliant colors of Autumn would wait for me. What an absolute thrill to see all of the magnificent colors from Nature’s paintbrush!! Such a lovely Welcome Home Sweet Home! I soaked up the entire season in just one week, for now all of our trees are bare. There will be hours of raking this week!
Enjoy every ‘Enchanted’ moment as your story unfolds with pen and paintbrush. Can’t wait to hold it in my arms, Susan! Fingers crossed that you and Joe will come to visit us all again to celebrate!! ♡♡
Warmest hugs,
Dawn (in Illinois)
Hi Susan
What a lovely living room. I so enjoy your kitty stories. Our kitty Snickers who is a beautiful calico with green eyes greats us for tummy rubs and head buts as well! She was a stray who came to us one summer evening 6 years ago! We believe she found us and we are so happy she did!
Thank you for sharing!
Welcome back to New England- isn’t it a dream come true? I like the changes you made to your window treatments. They are such a treat to enjoy during the inside months to come.
Another wonderful blog….thank you Susan for including all of us in your most interesting life!!!!
Always so joyful…..
I too enjoy family history but do not have any actual old items. I am saving things and making notes about my life for my grandchildren. When they spend the night before going to sleep they say, “Nana, tell us about when you were a little girl.” and I do. Being born in 1944 I have many unusual to them stories to share. I have voted and hope most folks will do so. God bless America and you and Joe. Thanks for sharing your life with us via your blog.
Dear Susan,
Welcome home!!! There is NO place on earth like it!! Enjoy your own bed …your own bathtub that you can just slide down in, enjoy, and let the rest of the world go by!! My bathtub full of aromatherapy bubbles is Shanghai La for me…❤️🛁!!! …and Welcome back too all of the special Kitty Love that you missed. That kind of love is so special that I just absorb it in my soul and my heart becomes so full!! Our Kitties are truly little earth angels wearing fur coats!! Your new curtains are very very pretty!! I hope that they bring you many years of happiness while overseeing some elegant dinner parties!! I was so happy to see this new blog! Thank you for getting out as soon as you did after returning home..with all that you have to do!! I SO enjoy each and every one of them,….each new one is ALWAYS my favorite!! Yes, please drop my name into Vanna’s drawing box!!! I would be thrilled to win that darling little book…the first Enchanted Chapter!! Have a Happy Thanksgiving full of many blessings!!!xoxo
I’m glad you and Joe are all snug as bugs in a rug in your lovely welcoming home…all of our leaves are down here in Northern Michigan and the weather prognosticators are calling for snow this week…🇺🇸I’ll be voting🇺🇸
Hi Susan,
My first thought is that you have your grandmother’s smile. It’s so cool to look at a picture or see a baby’s face and find the faces of our family members there looking back at us. Second, I’m glad you are home and that you have leaves! They are such an important part of the season and add such beauty to the landscape. Happy Fall. Thanks for all you share with us.
Cecelia
🇺🇸I’ll be voting🇺🇸
I loved your lengthy blog~catching us all up on what you and Joe have been up to…always busy…🇺🇸I’ll be voting🇺🇸
What a great post! I enjoy every phase and occasion of your life with your sweet Joe, (Boyfriend). Hoping to be a winner
Your posts are so much fun to read. My husband and I followed in your footsteps in England. We traveled on the delightful Queen Mary, stayed in the Cotswolds and Oxford, and spent time in London. Highclere Castle was a treat. Thanks for the inspiration.
I enjoyed reading about your train travels, family history, and fall leaves. We really do have similar interests. I am rereading your books and sharing with a good friend.
Happy Fall!
Luv-lee trip to England! Thank you Claire!
Dear Susan,
Welcome Home and thank you for taking us on your trip. Your new blog is wonderful, so much reading enjoyment for all of us!!! Will you still give us the link for the bookmark/ nametag? Also, would it be possible to get the Fall tree bookmark, again? My new Christmas mug is beautiful!!! Thank you for all you do to “enchant” your readers lives!!!! Sincerely, Eileen
Ooops, I forgot to do that. I asked Kellee to give me the link for the name tag … she will this morning. Go back to the blog later, I’ll include it at the bottom! THANK YOU for the reminder! She’ll also give me the bookmark… I’ll stick it at the bottom . . . and put it on Twitter. Maybe she can put it on Facebook too!
Already voted! My daughter turned 18 just in time to vote for the first time.
She was thrilled!
Fun, especially to do it together! xoxo
Welcome back to your beautiful, loving home splendid in its Fall glory, waiting for you, as was Jack. Love your blog, love the way you write… it’s like sitting n’ chatting with you over tea. I agree about your curtains, when I saw the pic with the valances I thot’ hmmm, too much. Then I read what you wrote and the changes you made. Hopefully you’ll post a pic of the change. I love the fabric design, both living room and dining room. Really lovely. Wow, Hallowscream is really huge in your neighbourhood, what fun! Love that they close the roads to cars. And how lucky to have so many friends for a party after trick or treating. Blessed. I love the pic of you, Mom, Grama n’ her father. What a treasure. And your grama’s shoes! Love ‘em. Lovely ladies in your family. I’m rambling here! Great blog n’ pics, thanks Sue!
Glad you enjoyed it Wende! Thank you for being here! xoxo
What a wonderful joyful blog post. I love your beautiful new flower filled curtains. They look perfect in your home!
Thank you. I like them better every day!
Thank goodness fall waited for both of you to enjoy. I love how much you like being home. Thank you for sharing your warmth.
Home is where all the rough edges are filed off, everything is doughy and soft around here, with the nap blankets my grandma knit for me, and the musica I love, and my chair with my books, and that cozy bed. Who could ask for more! xoxo
Dear Susan,
Thank you for your delightful story…I feel like I have just visited Martha’s Vineyard!
I am presently recovering from a total left knee replacement two weeks ago (right knee replacement was in July)…thanks for brightening all of our lives!
Fondly,
Debbie
Hope you’re doing well Debbie, I hear that surgery is sometimes painful, hope you’re back on your feet, running the marathon (or as I call it, back to real life) asap! xoxo
A warm welcome home to you and Joe– thank you, Susan, for just sharing so freely from your heart, and making us all feel wrapped securely in your enthusiasm, hope and joy! Cheers!
Dear Sue , Joe and Jack,
So glad you are back to this precious blog – I miss you when you are away!
Love the vote O’ lantern. brilliant. Yes -could we vote some saneness and decency back into our world. I try to do my part by making blankies for the Linus project. What an upbeat bunch of folks -it does my heart good to see so many people trying to make things right. For every nut out there -there must be a couple thousand wonderful people doing the right thing. I just try to focus on that thought. I voted already -just to be sure. But why doesn;t the electoral college reflect the popular vote -eek -it drives me batty!!!
Much love and keep all fingers crossed for a good outcome. Peggy in Madison Wi
You ARE doing something wonderful! I love the Linus Project . . . filled with heart. I agree about the popular vote. Another issue where mis-information causes so much consternation. Love to you Peggy, stay cozy up there!
Hello! I love the “vote” pumpkin! I’d be thrilled to win one of your chapters!
I love your books and follow your posts! Am drinking tea out of your “Red Letter Day” mug as we speak! Looking forward to Enchanted.
Love, love, love your new dining room curtains!!
-Liz
Susan! I’ve adored you and your work for 20 years. I even have some of your original Willards that were sent to me through snail mail a long time ago. You are so wonderful. I know you hear that often, but, true is true. 🙂 Thank you for you!! That rhymed, lol. ha! Well, I would forever cherish a copy of your first chapter of your new book. My heart would smile so big. With that said, you are sunshine. Thanks!! 🙂 Have a great week. Kiss Jack on his nose for me. So precious. xo
I was so happy Kellee made me five extra books, more chances this time! Thank you Cindy, I hope you win!
Welcome back Susan! Love the curtains! They look beautiful! I’m also into genealogy! You have a treasure trove of information that is so precious! Keep it safe! Also, if I may ask, what DNA test did you use? Ancestry or some other brand? There are so many of them now I don’t know which to choose! Thank you dear friend! Hugs!
I did another brand, family something, but I’m going to do it again with Ancestry. I get the feeling they’ll connect DNA to family trees, if they aren’t already doing it, and that will help those searches even more. Plus the BIGGER their data bank, the more possibilities for finding connections in the living world. Fun isn’t it? Mind boggling after a while! xoxo
The perfect post for the end of today. Happy & cheerful. Love the curtains- very British indeed. How lucky you are to have those cherished family papers. Thanks for sharing part of your lovely days.
I’d never seen them before! It’s like the last 10 years the world has conspired to teach me where I came from . . . I learned lots from by grandma, probably took it a little for granted, but lately new bits and pieces have shown up from all directions! We were able to find interesting connections in UK and Ireland too. Thank you Bev!
Oh Susan, what a wonderful post!! I always love them. I’m so glad you’re home safe and sound with Jack at your side!! I love your curtains and approve of the change. It goes perfect with your house!! I only had my neighbor and her kids here for Halloween…so have a freezer full of chocolates. Ha Ha Not really, just a little bit in there. I enjoyed reading about your grandparents. I too love finding those old documents and letters. As a matter of fact I found my dads graduation announcement from the early 1930’s just a couple day’s ago!!!
I hope I win one of your giveaways. I know that first chapter will be delightful !!!!
Blessings and by the way I have voted !!!!!!
Love hearing from you Gert! A little bit of candy is a good thing! I hope you win too! xoxoxox
😊💞
I always enjoy reading your stories on this cozy blog.
Hi Susan
I’m glad your back enjoying your cosy home , your trees look fabulous in all their Autumn colour. We are coming to the end of Spring here in Australia , so we are getting hotter not colder. I’m looking forward to your new book , can’t wait.
I love hearing what’s going on down under, it makes the earth even more magical! Happy summer!
Your curtains look great, but I know how you feel. I just bought a new sofa for my work room. Red! What was I thinking? Like you, it makes me jump a little every time I pass that room. But everyone says it look great, so enjoy your beautiful refreshed room. Loved seeing the Susan Branch cotton ribbon and hope I win a copy of the book preview.
Arline in SoCal.
Ha ha ha, Love this. What were we thinking!? Jessica almost talked me into painting the dining room RED. I’m sure it would have been gorgeous, but I knew I would jump too! I bet your sofa looks great, just got to get lots of pillows on it! xoxoxo
Susan I am sooo glad you didn’t paint the dining room red! It would make it too dark in the house and up North we need all the light we can get in Winter. 😔 Plus, I like to lighten things up in Spring.
I wouldn’t mind a red couch though Arline. Some rooms need a POP of color.
As usual, love your words and am always sad when they are done.
Some things in life should be on a continuous loop! Not saying I’m one, but for sure Downton!
So glad you enjoyed your train trip west and are now safely back home. Love your shared adventures and treasures!
What a lovely post! Your dining room curtains are so pretty and I love the pink walls. I agree with you about decorating a house the way it wants to be decorated and not making it into something other.
What most surprised me in this post was the sight of your ancestor’s name – Orr. That’s my husband’s name (and now mine). And I know his ancestors came from the USA to Canada. We don’t know a lot about them as there was some estrangement a few generations back. Perhaps we’re distantly related! Now wouldn’t that be special.
Voting is so important. Praying for unity and cool heads to prevail no matter the outcome on Tuesday.
So happy you are writing Enchantment!
My grandmother always told me that if I meet someone with the name of Orr, we are most certainly related. I don’t know why she thought that, maybe she heard it from her parents, but I’ve always believed it! Family trees are WILD with branches, twigs and twigs and twigs to forever! I agree, the outcome needs to be calm. The thing that worries me is voter suppression. If we ALL can vote easily, the outcome would be seen as fair, but when there’s interference, then people can get the idea it’s not fair and in this country that’s just plain sad. There are some issues that get me, that’s one, if my legislator encouraged voter suppression I would question his patriotism! I’ll be glad when this one is over. Deep breath, what will be, will be. xoxoxoxoxo
Dearest, Darling Susan and Joe, Welcome home to fall leaves, cool winds, and the smell of the ocean. Just a bit envious here…..since most of our leaves are small and yellow or brown…no glorious autumnal color north of Austin. This means I enjoy yours even more.—Love the new floral drapes…boy, these are certainly drapes, not “curtains.”—Your Halloween always sounds like so much fun…lots of Trick or Treaters and then a party for the adults. Touchdown Chili is on our menu this week. My husband gave special instructs, “Do not change anything in the recipe!” My reply, “Why would I? It’s perfect!” We had rain and wind on Halloween night, and only one young man who came prepared…with his umbrella.—We voted early, and are praying Beto is elected!—Take pictures at the election party…we all love photos of food, other people’s homes, and those who attend. Love, Rachel
Oh you would love it Rachel! Our neighborhood is Kid Central! So festive. Like all the greeting cards in the world coming alive! Enjoy that Chili! Love how Beto pays attention to real issues, even the difficult ones, and wants Texans to decide for themselves. He’s a rare guy! Love you! xoxo
🇺🇸I’m voting🇺🇸
Yes,I voted! In Oregon they are mail in ballots and it is wonderful! Love the blog and give Jack an extra cuddle!
I love sharing your adventures and your wonderful New England home! I have already voted early by mail and am so ready for this election season to be over!
Me too! Although since we’re home we’re waiting to vote … it’s at the town hall, we love seeing all the volunteers, so small town, but just like you, I can’t wait until this thing is over. Let the cards fall where they may! xoxo
So glad you are able to enjoy the fall colors like you had hoped! Your new drapes are beautiful. Liked the VOTE pumpkin. Anxiously waiting for your new book to be published.
I have been using your Christmas from the heart of the home book to start planning some holiday baking and meals. Love that book!!
Thank you Claudette … it will be here before we know it!
Welcome Home! So enjoyed this lovely post and SO glad the leaves held out for you to see!
So happy you are home after a great trip to California. Jack will be a happy cat with you home to stay!
Love the curtains and the color of the walls.
That is so sweet that you have your Dad’s watch. I’m sure he’s watching over you.
Can’t wait for your new book. Lucky people that got the first chapter.
We voted by mail already, but loved the pumpkin Joe carved.
Happy Autumn! !
Your blogs are such a treat! We still have vibrant leaves here in northern Illinois. My best friend and I voted this past weekend, then drove through our favorite neighborhoods to admire all the colors. I love it when my cats cover their eyes when they snooze. Jack gave the new curtains his paw of approval, such a handsome fellow! Love the Vote pumpkin, the tree shadows on the house and that sweet Casper in the window. I would make a beeline to trick or treat at your place every year. Thank you for speaking your truth with such kindness and compassion. We need your good heart and happy gene more than ever. Ommmm.
Ha ha, I’ve always loved driving through my favorite neighborhoods to see how they’re decorating or what they’re planting, my parents loved doing it too! One reason I love England so much, they have some adorable neighborhoods! Thank you Kemi. Yes, Ommmm. xoxoxo
Such a ray of sunshine you are Susan, in an all too often dark & dreary world. Sometimes it just all seems so sad. Then I read your post & my spirits are lifted. Thank you for that.
Remember how lucky we are to live here, to have a voice, to try to make things better. And when we close the doors to our homes, turn off the TV, dive into a book, knit a sweater, paint a wall, we are the luckiest people in the world. xoxoxo
So interesting as I often find here…and enjoy all the different variety of things you write about, Susan. Today was seeing so much with the kin of the name Orr. I helped a friend research her family line back in 2008, and some of that line was Orr…they came from the Dakotas and her folks came eventually to Idaho as did her Orr grandparents during the time our family mets hers when I was a teen…and how she would have enjoyed what you have shared and comparing notes to see how she is related…but she died a couple years ago…so wishing I could share all this with her!! She and her people were the finest of folks!!
Some of my grandma’s family moved to Sheridan Wyoming … my grandma told me that if I ever met an Orr, we were probably related. I’m not sure why she said that, but I always imagine that we are! So amazing to find those things in the box. I didn’t know they existed!
It is an interesting name…I think it means “light”…one of the Orrs used to be in the Knesset of Israel actually, maybe still is…my friend did not know how her clan was related to him…but she too felt that all Orrs are related. I find genealogy so fascinating!! Glad you found info on yours!!
Dear Susan…..What a wonderful post!!! You managed to cover all the bases with so many bits and pieces of your life and world…and how inspired I always feel after finding a post from you in my mailbox. I appreciate all the things,places and people you write about…including your views on the political landscape in which we now live. It is in my opinion, important that we all vote tomorrow and every single time we get that opportunity. I am extremely grateful to live in this great democracy and am so fortunate to be able to express my opinions and know that my doing so will not bring retribution from my government or people who see things differently. I appreciate having you in my life even though it is through your books, posts and twitter that I know you. Mary in Colorado
I feel so lucky I’ve been able to “meet” so many of the people I’m always writing to! Thank you Mary! xoxo
Always love reading your new blogs….love the new pink room and those English curtains… thank you for always sharing …xo
East West Home is always best! As happy as I am to visit people and places and things, nothing can replace that feeling in your heart when you are finally home again! I love that you take us with you on your journeys near and far however Susan and I love going with you on the train! Loved all that you shared here. Your Halloween, your new curtains, etc. Dare I even hope that I might win one of your first chapter gifts? Hope springs eternal! PS – How very like your mom you look, and your granmother also. I love how family traits get handed down through the generations. We have an old photograph of my Great Great Grandmother and when I look at her face I see the eyes of a multitude of her Great Great Grandchildren looking back at me! Its pretty special!
I catch my expression in the mirror sometimes and there’s my grandma. It’s a wonder! Yes, so right, wonderful to be home! xoxo
Love your post and so looking forward to your next book. Pleased that autumn and the leaves waited for you to arrive home.
Dear, Susan,
YOU could be a DAR, too! You should; no one is more AMERICAN tan you, Miss Susan!
Please choose me to win one of your 23 first chapters. I have all of your books. Big ones and little ones. Enjoying them all. Placing them out as the seasons revolve. “Love” is on an easel at Valentines day. “Joy” at Christmas.
Thank you for all you do for us. We do appreciate you more than cake!
Love, from EJ
A very major compliment, thank you Ethel! 😘 xoxo
Have loved following your trips and seeing the views out the many windows you have shared with us……especially the train windows and your house windows the morning after you got back home!! You celebrate all the things I love….autumn, halloween…..the kids in their costumes…..the warmth of the fireplace and the cozy/secure feeling of being HOME!!! Thank you for making our days brighter and being the genuine person you are! My son and I got out there and voted early on Friday. Thanks for spreading the word to vote…so we can get truth and goodness back again!! Enjoy these beautiful fall days ahead and welcome home!!
Thank you for the new post. It looks beautiful in New England!!
Your blog posts are looked forward to way up here in Canada, too! I always check first thing in the morning, before anyone else is up – just you, me and tea (and candles, now that the sun is making shorter appearances). I am watching your election coverage with crossed fingers. May peace and love win!
…good morning Susan !.. what a wonderful post and giveaway !.. I’m so happy that the changing leaves were still there for you on your return trip back home !.. and your neighborhood trick or treaters reminded me of my neighborhood a long time ago !!..such good memories..thank you..I’m so excited about you working on another book !! .. I’m sure you will enjoy that journey..’can’t wait to see it and hear about it!!..till then it would be so special to see that first chapter !!thank you for this giveaway.. with love, as always..
Love hearing from you Mary! xoxo
I enjoyed hearing about your ancestors. I was born and raised in the North and South just east of the Mississippi and moved to Maryland when I married in 1969. In 1996 I found out my 5th greatgrandfather on my father’s side was on the Committee of Correspondence in Pennsylvania and moved to Maryland sometime after 1780 where he died in 1784. I was now living in the same county! The descendants of the son I am from emigrated South. The connection we feel to our past often draws us in mysterious ways.
Definitely, here I am in MA after all! And PULLED to England . . . then Scotland and Ireland, and there I found bits and pieces of myself. It’s a very small world. xoxo
Thank you Susan for A L L you do! Love love love your work.
Hello and happy autumn, Susan! Your post inspires me to book a train ticket.
What a beautiful post today…filled with love and much hope…voting is so important ….Joe was a doll for carving your vote pumpkin…with children on your steps and the vote pumpkin..it says it all…our darling littles…a future for them.
The past of who your grandmother was…wow! I could go on and on about your blog today, but, yes, it is filled with love and hope…thank you, Susan…you keep our eyes open for the beautiful things in life! 💟
I’m amazed at my great grandmother for keeping track of such things. I would LOVE to know what inspired her! Thank you Olivia! xoxo
Please, please, please let me win (eyes closed, fingers crossed)! I actually really liked the living room curtains with the full valance up to the ceiling, but I aspire to own an old home like yours. Your house is bigger than mine so I pretty much have to stick to a definite UK cottage vibe that’s why I love it when you post pictures from your friends houses especially Carrie’s with the Beatrix Potter shelf. As well as the places you stay on your trips, the one in Wales was spectacular. Thank you for such a long post, it is always so worth it to wait for your blog, it never disappoints. Cheers and best wishes for tomorrow, hopefully Wednesday will bring a needed ray of light. Tami
Up way too early this morning-returning to EST throws me off kilter-the dark start to the day becomes enjoyable reading your sunny blog posting. Glad you’re home safe & sound after your railway trip.
We still have plenty of leaves in Western New York. The flaming red Japanese Maple leaves are always the last to drop. Neighbors raked and blew yellow & brown leaves to the curb for Thursday’s pickup but the red ones will be hanging on until freezing temps knock them down. My job today is to rake up around the edges as we get the sidewalks ready to go VOTE tomorrow.
Thanks for the glimpse inside Susan Branch world.
Cathybytheriver (Niagara River)
We use those gorgeous red Japanese Maple leaves to decorate for Thanksgiving, the last of the color, but WHAT color!!! So gorgeous. xoxoxo
Love every word you write!
Ended up being a pretty great day yesterday. I made one of my dear departed Mothers recipes yesterday ( Swedish meatballs ) , and was talking to her the whole time ( really?? This is how you did this, I don’t remember this !!). But with that first bite, so many memories came flooding back. Pure bliss. Then you’re blog. I needed that too. Perfect ending to my day. By the way, I love your curtains !! I asked my own Mr Hall if we could paint our dining room pink…….he just rolled his eyes and kept walking ! Oh well ! Thank you for the blog and the giveaway!! Hope I win, but if I don’t I’m still super excited for one of the girlfriends !! Much love !! xox
Hello, Every time I read your wonderful words I miss Cape Cod even more and
my wonderful bookshop in Mashpee . My customers loved your books.
Thank you for letting us read all of your wonderful thoughts. and remembering
all the people of our treasured pass.
Good morning,
Welcome home! When I ordered your 2019 wall calendar for my daughter-in-law which i have been doing for YEARS, one of the lovely California ladies called me with a question about my address. Such a good conversation we had and I made a new friend. Talk about personal customer service!
Love the drapes. A friend in the UK even has a flannel lined drape over the front doorway. Your home looks so warm and cozy. Inviting. Enjoy with Joe and Jack and all your friends and loved ones.
Keeps the room warm! xoxo
Just re-read Isle of Dreams and A Fine Romance. They’re helping me through this administration. Thank you for writing them and sharing your life experience.
Love your books and positive attitude, looking forward to new book.
My mother is from Massachusetts and we spent our childhoods going out for visits to family and explorimg historic towns and poking around graveyards looking for ancestors. Concord in October is breath taking:) Glad you got to be home in time for the leaves…God is an incredible artist!
I’ve been to so many New England graveyards. I love the one in Salem, also Sleepy Hollow Cemetery where Louisa May Alcott (and others) are buried.
My husband works for Mars candy and so I gave full-sized treats to our trick-or- treaters. The cutest part was the PARENTS who were so excited about the jellybean and M&M treats! Made our night to see such smiles. Love your blog!
You are lucky! I used to give out full sized bars because I LOVED them so much the few times I received them as a child. But we have about 500 kids at our door and one box of full-sized Hershey bars is now $18.00. We would put ourselves into the poor house!
Hi Susan,
The fall colors have been marvelous here in the midwest, and they will be gone way too soon! A chilly autumn rain brought most of the leaves down this weekend. Great to read about your trip… staying put for a year and a half? 😀😉
Georgia
Dear Susan, I’m glad you made it home in time to see the trees with their beautiful fall leaves. The trees here in eastern Pennsylvania are gorgeous, but we’re having some rather windy rainy days and they’re blowing off the trees now. I guess it’s a good thing I like raking! I loved Joe’s “vote” pumpkin. There should be a law that a candidate may not say anything negative about their opponent – only state what their plans would be when in office. Your draperies are lovely – your home looks even cozier, if that’s possible. I made stuffed pork chops with sweets and apple’s from your Autumn book last week. My husband proclaimed it “a winner”. Thank you for this sweet blog. xoxo
Love those stuffed chops, the apples and sweets! xoxoxo
Whatever you finally decide for your new curtains, I’m sure they will be perfect…the fabric is glorious!
Good Morning Susan,
I am so HAPPY that the trees waited for you and Joe! There is nothing like Autumn color to put a smile on a face.
We built an “old farmhouse” 20 years ago in the middle of an old corn field.
I loved what you said in your post about “you have to give a house what it wants.”!
Repainting/touch-ups/redecorating need to be done.
Inspiration (again!) for me in our oncoming Midwest Winter. Thank-you!
Many hugs your way,
Amy
Lovely post, as always. It’s reassuring to know that you suffer “decorator’s remorse” sometimes, too! It’s a common ailment, it seems. I had a bad case of it after I repainted the living room, but it all turned out well!
I’m happy you still have fall color. Did you watch CBS Sunday Morning yesterday? They had a nice segment about Jeff Foliage (not his real last name) and his travels around New England to search out and photograph the very best “color”. I am now following him on Instagram. Last Tuesday Hubby and I did a 90 mile round trip to leaf peep in our area, came back through Gettysburg and had peanut soup for lunch in a little tavern. Perfect, simple, blessed day.
Tomorrow we plan to pick up two elderly ladies we go to church with, take them out for breakfast, and then we’ll all go vote. All shall be well. Hugs!
All shall be well! Thank you for sharing Shannon! I will look for Jeff Foliage!
A beautiful, long post. Isn’t it wonderful to still have leaves on the trees!
Lovely pics of your young Grandmother. So lovely that she kept your familes history alive.
Such treasures.
Welcome back Home!! It must be so nice, returning to your gorgeous home, with NEW curtains!! They are lovely, LOVE the flowers and also, your pink walls.
We have sort of similar curtains here, in our small living room, white background, with large pink roses, green leaves etc. I spotted them in a charity shop down in Dorset a few years ago….There were 4 pieces, and I had no idea of the size, but they were a BARGAIN, and when I came home, I just needed to sew them together, and Voila, all was ready!!
Thanks for sharing your Halloween evening, it looks so much fun!! We don’t celebrate here, but in a few weeks St Nicholaas will be arriving, from Spain, on his steamer boat. He’ll celebrate his birthday on december 5th. Lots of candies and goodies are already in the stores, including the chocolate letters, which “good” children might find hidden in their shoe…..
We came home last week, from Canada, and had a lovely time!! You were right, I needed to buy a hat and gloves, brrrrrr, but we made some lovely memories!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to win, you are so kind…
Lots of love from Nicoline
PS) Those spiders on your Halloween table look too real……EEEEKKKK
St. Nicolaas comes from SPAIN? Not the North Pole? On a boat? Is there no Rudolph to light the way? 🤣 How wonderful. 🕷 Welcome home!