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!
What a great post-pictures, drawings, quotes and words! Thanks so much for all of it. Must share w/ my hubby as he is the genealogy “nut” in our family tree; he will also enjoy. Keep on doing what you do best-all of it.
Your gift of kindness and joy is a blessing to each of us…thank you❣️
Ohhhh Susan I cannot Wait to read this wonderful Storey 💐
Thank you for the lovely post and chance to win Chapter 1 from your new book.
I really enjoyed reading your blog today and the tour of your lovely home and your Halloween festivities. We just returned from a cruise on a steamboat up the Mississippi River and I, too am so happy to be home. We had a wonderful time, a trip always makes you appreciate your own bed and most especially your kitty. Our Kelly was so happy to see us. May the coming holidays be happy and may you and Joe continue to be blessed.
Such a great post. I love the spirit of Martha’s Vineyard (used to be there in summer) and the sense of community. Joe gets a big thumbs up for the “Vote” pumpkin. I can’t wait to see your Thanksgiving and especially your Christmas posts. Your decorating is such an inspiration. Motivates me every time I see what you do to bring out all the creative ideas I have. Your posts are such a bright spot in so much ugliness these days. Thank you for being you.
Welcome home! Your blog means so much to me; really brightens my afternoon!
~Welcome Home! There really is no place like it!
~ I love the same things as you love ~like family history & old houses ~ I live in our family’s (hubby’s side) 100+ year old house and have all the original paperwork from when great grandpa bought the land & built the house ~ I also have the immigration/ naturalization papers from when my great grandparents came here~ such treasures!~ What I love the most about all these old papers is the beautiful handwriting!~Enjoy the Fall before it’s all gone!~
Lynn
What a joy to read of your adventures on the train and all the excitement of getting home! Can hardly wait to read your new book! Will look forward to adding it to my collection! Happy November!
I am looking forward to the next chapters of England and the stories you tell! I need to re-read the last ones just for fun! So enjoy your blog! Enjoy the last days of autumn…..Iowa were the leaves have mostly fallen
Another lovely day with Susan Branch
I knew that the woman on the left was your grandma—-you look just like her!!
Amazing how DNA works
Enjoy “nesting”–i love it too.
Welcome back, Susan and Joe! Sometimes, coming home is the best part.
I love the new curtains – they go great with the house.
Can’t wait for the next book…looking forward to re-reading the first three, and then reading this one!
Thanks for all you do to make your little home on the web so welcoming to us GFs.
Every time I read your words, I am inspired and calmed and filled with gratitude. I love that you travel so graciously and live so beautifully. Thank you, thank you! Jane
Welcome home! Reading your new post was so much fun; clearly, you enjoy Fall as much as I do. Brisk walks in the chilly air, leaves in amazing colors, and pumpkin flavored everything…what’s not to love, right?! Thanks for sharing your trip and homecoming. PS The new curtains really are beautiful!
Welcome Home! We have been on the road for a month, too! We had not been home since the end of September. It’s so good to be home and I loved reading your newest entry. We are having a carry in next week for our last Bible Study session so I will dig out my Autumn Book to look at recipes. I just love all of your detail – and I love the curtains! We live in a 120 year old Queen Anne Tower home painted in 5 shades of pink. Did you wave to us when you sped through Indiana? Our leaves are beautiful and I’m pressing some to send to one of our daughters who lives in Texas and she so misses fall!
Blessings!
I love Indiana! An Indiana girlfriend surprised me with a visit just this week!
You rock, Joe!!
And thank as always for sharing with us!
Hello! Looking forward to reading your mew book- enjoy the process!
Hello, thank you for the visit to your homecoming and more!!
Wonderful blog. I love the new curtains–can’t decide which variation is my favorite but they are all beautiful. So glad that Jack left his special “spell” on them before the hanging. Susan, you have been on my mind lately because I’ve been watching “Escape to the country” on Netflix and Britbox. Buying houses in the English, Irish, Scotch, and Welsh countryside. Oh, lordy what beautiful choices they have. I just know that you loved every house that you stayed in. I want so much to return to touring GB but it just seems to difficult now at this age. Thanks for doing the hard work for me. Can’t wait for the new book.
Me too, I’m hoping to bring you so perfectly along, you will think you were there. xoxo That’s what I hope!
So glad you are home safe and sound! Today marks 41 years since I married my boyfriend-for-life! (Love that!) Maybe it will bring me good luck in the drawing!
Happy Anniversary! xoxo
Welcome home!! So excited for your new book.
Sigh…I always feel like life slows down a little when I read your posts. So needed in today’s world. Thank you, Susan, for adding beauty to our lives.
Welcome home Susan! I’ve never won anything in my life, so I know I won’t win the chapter, but that’s okay. My sister just gave me a copy of A Fine Romance so I’m curled up on this cold, drizzly day with my baby kitty and your book. Bliss!
Enjoyed your post very much.
Hi Susan!
What a treasure trove filled with goodness, love and coziness!! I sit with a cup of something warm and your blog every morning (I go back through the archives.). It fills my soul with joy, and the loving warmth of grandma’s house. Thank you for sharing all of your talents, Joe, and so much of yourself with us. You truly add so much beauty to this world and our hearts.
I love, love, love your yellow room. I have an old couch that needs to be replaced as of a year ago. I went couch hunting, but I did not purchase anything yet as it seems there are just so many geometric, odd patterns in orange and brown and the like. I cannot stand the fabrics. My couch that I loved is cabbage rose and my husband and I wish we could yet one just like it, only without the holes and wear. The lady told us, “Well the younger generation doesn’t want that anymore. They want patterns that are more modern.” Poor excuse. I went through all the fabrics they had, but no cabbage rose. So we didn’t buy anything. We turned the cushions around with the zippers in front and the worn bits in back and we’ll just live with it until interior decorators get their act together and start providing fabrics we are happy with. The fabric on your curtains and chair are very similar to out couch, without the holes.:) I love that you salvaged the trim. It’s so amazing on the edges of your new window coverings. Love it!! P.S.Vote everyone…it’s good for your heart!
Good for your soul! xoxo Yes, I know, has everyone forgotten the romance?
Your lovely and calming blog was welcomed today. The calm before the storm. (Election Day). While I watch the election results I will keep your blog with your cheery Fall pictures close to me.
Welcome home! Reading your blog before I leave work for the day always cheers me up and gives me motivation. I have been enjoying drinking tea out of my Autumn cup this fall. Dreaming of the possibility (and keeping my fingers crossed) that I could win a copy of the first chapter of your new book and enjoy a cup of tea in one of your cups while reading it!!!!
Hello!!!! Loved hearing from you! Happy you had a good trip to CA, and happy for you that you’re home.
What a lovely post💕 We are so fortunate to love our homes like we do! Thank you for bringing us along with you on your trip across this beautiful country~ I was so excited for you both when you finally drove off the ferry on the last bit of video✨✨ By the way your curtains are just lovely! The bedroom ones are my favorite….xoE and Kate💕
Dear Susan,
So glad you are home and enjoying the colors of a changing season. Cheryl and I were so happy and grateful to be able to speak with you at the Apple Farm. What a wonderful day, thanks to you and your family of helpers. It’s so wonderful that you share your beautiful home and celebrations with us. We aren’t able to enjoy the change of seasons that you have so thank you for sharing those beautiful times with us. Our weather is just starting to cool. Our fall😏
I really love all that you did to your home. It is absolutely beautiful but most importantly it is a real home with warmth and love.
I love your curtains Susan–the trim especially on the ones in the living room. Welcome home! It doesn’t get any better than fall in New England; the way you describe it is almost as good as being there.
Really enjoyed your talk in San Luis Obispo. Thank you so much!
Loved being there, thank you for coming, Carla!
Another wonderful post! My sister and mother are and were members of the DAR. Maybe someday, if I’m lucky, my sister will share the our lineage with me.
Glad you both made it home safely. Welcome back to beautiful New England in the Fall!
~Luanne
Susan~ as always a sweet heartwarming post all-around. I wish my hubby and I would have thought of the VOTE pumpkin. Very clever, indeed! You ROCK, Joe!
Happy Everything!
I am so excited for your new book! Thanks for making the world a cuter place. Looking at your blog posts makes me smile.
Welcome home 🏡… it is so wonderful to be home! 💕
I love the curtain dilemma! The curtains are fabulous and will keep you warm and cozy this winter. I like the idea of shortening the valances and in the Spring you could possibly remove them for a lighter feel also!
Can’t wait for Enchanted , will you be doing another cross country book tour?
Hugs to you all!
I think I will remove them. I love when my house changes for the season, and that would be an easy way to make a huge change. More light just when we’re thinking we might go insane! xoxoxo Yes, I do think we will do another book tour when this is done. We’ll try anyway!
Welcome Home, love your draperies, love your, oh, so happy Jack, and your wonderful enthusiasm of home and Fall, joy for all the senses. Food, leaves and familiar faces, your blog made me feel your happiness and contentment.
Diane,
Love the florals. Your room is lovely and cozy. A floral tribute to the memory of Mario Buatta.
Welcome home. You have me day dreaming of a cross country train trip.
Well, my dear Susan,
You are driving me absolutely crazy! So much going on right now, how do you keep up with yourself! Ha-ha-ha!!! First of all, so happy you arrived home in time to enjoy the last few days of autumn, it was also especially beautiful here in Minnesota (have been here one year now from Payson, AZ). Quite the contrast. Next, I was absolutely amazed at the transformation of your home with the new paint colors and the curtains! Very New Englandish (is that a word?) Wow! But what really blew me away was the treasure trove you received from you mom! I love family history, and yours is amazing! With so much that was loved and appreciated back then, and when I was growing up, it makes me sad with what is going on today. As the saying goes, “this too shall pass,” just gotta keep the faith! Okay, moving forward or I shall cry (could say so much more but will pass). And, as a finishing touch, you will be giving away five signed copies of the first chapter of your new book! Now, this is driving me crazy! I would even pay you for a copy. Ok, ok, I’ll sign on for a chance to win! As always, thank you so much for always making me smile, laugh and helping me keep the faith!
Welcome home Susan! I am a Family and Consumer Sciences’ Teacher and I often read your blog in the morning before I head off to school. Your photos and words are always so positive, fun, creative and inspiring. Just the perfect thing to start my day!
As always your posts remind me of the things I want to do to preserve my history and my memories. If you ever find time I would love a book on how you write your books and do your art. I know you have mentioned snippets here and there in your posts but I would love to hear more.
Enjoyed your post (as always)!
Welcome Home. Now all is well in our world. I think I need to make your chili. It just looked so good.
Enjoy the upcoming holidays with family and friends.
Had to stop everything when I saw a new post from you, Susan. Fall is my favorite. I always get out your Autumn book and read it again every year.
Welcome home Susan! I so enjoy reading your blog, it just makes me happy!
I loved the Vote pumpkin. Wish I was there on Halloween because it seems so exciting. We did not have one Trick or Treater this year. 🙁 Love reading about all your adventures!.
Loved the Halloween photos and your VOTE pumpkin!
Welcome Home! What wonderful new things (and some familiar things) to come home to. I have to say, I love the “vote” Jack o’lantern! Such a positive reminder to make your voice heard. I, too, have had to step back from social media and even a few “newsworthy” websites–I’ve also had to give the tv networks a break; too much negativity. My husband and I enjoy Reddit.com for both straight-forward news headliners and entertainment. How fun it would be to receive a copy of your first chapter of the new book! Everyone deserves a bit of enchantment in their lives!
~Cheers~
Samantha from Idaho 🙂
Welcome Home! Altho, it was nice knowing you were here in your California home for awhile, too. But oh, to have the ocean outside of one’s window! mhmm Finding your beautiful, newsy eletter in my box today was a real treat. I’m glad you found the autumn color had waited for you. I believe it is a bit later in northern California this year, too. Perhaps we will have a shorter winter? However the winter blows, your lovely new curtains will bring cheer. How special to have a box of letters and memorabilia to sort through. My mother left a box of saved letters and pertinent (some not so pertinent) papers for me to sort through. I can get “lost” reading through those dear memories. And now I’m thinking I might begin collecting from here and there those bits of paper, etc, that could warm the hearts of my loved ones some day. A lot of those items will be in the form of emails! 😉 Oh, my how the world of communications has changed. Thank you again, Susan, for sharing your thoughts, inspirations, experience and beautiful photos. (And that “boyfriend for life” phrase is a winner!)
😘 Linda!
Hi Susan. I love your new curtains and hope when you shorten the valance you put the trim back on. Looking forward to your chapter one drawing!!
Welcome home and colorful fall! Enjoy your sharing in both word and pictures! From Sandy in Illinois
Welcome Home! Jack is adorable and your blog is the best. Thanks for getting me into the holiday spirit!
Loved this beautiful post! I made myself wait until after chores before tea and enjoying your words and pictures.(Pat-on-back.) Welcome home.
I just love reading your posts. The autumn colors here in Michigan are so beautiful this year – just like in Massachusetts. It is always good to be home.
I love the dining room curtains, so cozy with flannel lining. I think the floral design is just right.
Thank you for a cozy, homey post.
Fall is my favorite season, but it’s not as pretty here in Texas. I enjoy seeing pictures of your home . I would love a book about your house and decorating, with lots of photos. Glad you’re home safely.
Welcome home, Susan. Glad you were back in time to enjoy the Halloween fun. Marie x
I can’t wait to read your new book. I have enjoyed all the other books so much. I love all your watercolors and your writing that makes it so personal. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Sharon
“From generation to generation, love links us all.” I so enjoyed the story of your generational links.
Love your sharing of fall on Martha’s Vineyard this year! And love Joe’s VOTE pumpkin. I could not agree more! It’s up to each and every one of us to make this world a better place. Love to you and Joe for all of the sharing you do to help all of your girlfriends feel a part of your adventures.
Welcome Home. glad you solved the curtain problem. I prefer what I call English country casual; you can have the curtains and then use accents to make the room more causal; I am the family genealogist and our family goes back to the 1600s in NE and the Winthrop Fleet and my son-in-law has Mayflower ancestors. No need for a DNA test…All the research is done. I chose not to be in the DAR but if I wanted, I’d have my own chapter, so many ancestors, so many stories and even a sword…Here in Pittsburgh we wish the only problem we had were curtains. Still a city in mourning and as a Jew it hits home hard. But we gather together and are Pittsburgh Strong. Kind of like the ole’ New Englanders…Here too the colored leaves came a bit late and are still out and about…loved to see them as I drove today. I already voted and hope everyone does tomorrow, if not already.. enjoy a cup to tea and stay warm…
I’m sure, as a Jew you feel it in the deepest part of you, but just so you know, I do too. I think the WORLD felt your pain, not just Americans. And we won’t forget and never ever will we be quiet. I’m sure the falling leaves are more poignant than ever. Sending love and solidarity to our sister Julie. XOXOXOXOXO
Susan,
I second your sending of love and solidarity to our sister Julie. Last week I reached out to my closest Jewish friends to tell them I loved them and was embracing them them in my heart.
Lois
Welcome home, glad you were able to enjoy some fall color. My favorite time of the year.
Hmmm, my comment flew with the fairies. I will try again. Welcome home! I missed you and your art and stories that make me say “Me, too!”. My Halloween and Apple cup came while you were gone. Love them! We are planning a mortgage burning party so I enjoyed your party suggestions. Good luck to our sisterhood in winning your prize!
You paid off your house???? How wonderful! Congratulations Sarah!!! xoxoxo
Welcome home and thanks for the lovely post. I love all of your curtains and I think the floral patterns add so much character and charm to your dining and living room. And I just love the guest room curtains. I know that sometimes those bold new design decisions take some getting used to but from my side of the computer I think they are lovely and just perfect! I’m enjoying our fall weather here in Utah and spent all day Saturday raking leaves and oh my gosh, guess what? Today the lawn is covered again! I also loved hearing about your genealogy. How lucky that your grandmother’s and mother’s papers ended up with the right person who will cherish and care for them.
I can’t wait for the new book to come out!
Was just wishing yesterday that a new blog would appear and voila—-here it is! Love the pictures of Halloween! Glad you are happily home….I love the new curtains!
Fall is beautiful in New England!! 🦊🐻🦆🍁
Thank you again, for seeming to peek into my life and reflect it back to me. So much of today’s post spoke to my heart and soul – from the drapes/curtains to the fabulous family history, a brain melding to a chili fest; comforter covered ears and a call to “vote.” After reading your words today, I feel as if I’ve finally come home to my own home. I heartily say “God Bless America and God Bless Susan and Joe!”
How did I ever get this lucky? I love my girlfriends. Thank you Lorna!
Thank you, Susan. Have your cookbooks. You may just have inspired me to host a party soon. Election Day is so important……love the VOTE pumpkin! Wish I had thought of that one! Cheers.
Even though I had to scroll waaaaaaaaaaaaaay down to leave my comment it was worth it and I still have hope I might win. I love you and your blog soooooooo much! Always soothing to my soul.
Hello Susan,
Welcome back! I am really looking forward to your new book. Especially anything you might share about Wales, as it is part of my ancestral heritage.
Loved your post! Makes me want to read Ron Chernow’s Washington. You did a very enticing review 🙂
Ohhhh Wales. Can’t wait. And also, George Washington, I think you’ll love it!
Welcome home!! I would love to visit Martha’s Vineyard someday and see the sweet little village you have painted in my mind’s eye. Just like the charming British countryside you have shared with us. Looking forward to be charmed by your next book.
Ann
Susan, I am so delighted to have called you my girlfriend for these many years! After your last blog post, I ordered and have received the sweet calendar hanger with the star… it is simply delightful! Thank you for your devotion to keeping us, “up”, on all things dear… blessings!
I love your description of your home, with the wind blowing and the smell of the sea in the air….the fall colors and your cozy neighborhood….and I love your Autumn book!!! The first one of yours that I ever got…because fall is my favorite season…. welcome home, and Happy Thanksgiving!! Donna, from Montana
Another sweet surprise in my email today. As always, thank you for sharing your charming life with the girlfriends. Every word is a treat. I plan on being a writer in my next life!
Be careful what you wish for! 🤗
Boo hoo! I had to cancel my reservation for the West Yarmouth Library. So glad another Girlfriend on the waiting list got a happy surprise. Now I really hope Vanna picks me so I don’t miss out on the First Chapter!
Sorry to miss you Grace! xoxo
HOME!! As Dorothy said “There is no place like home”; and you, Joe and Jack have a beautiful one. It is the place we all want to be; and you have such an extraordinary talent and ability to bring us there each time. Kudos to your friends and neighbors who did a magnificent job on your new curtains!
Thank you so much for sharing your life and this wonderful place called home on Martha’s Vineyard, instilling a sense of peace and serenity into one’s day. Could go on reading your books and blogs forever! Cannot wait for “Enchanted”.
Have already voted so will sit back and wait for the results tomorrow evening.
Thank you for your beautiful post and words of wisdom. On the eve of midterm 2018 elections, the tension is high so I needed your blog today. I can keep going back to it and enjoy the details, colors, and patterns of your life. I was even reminded of my effort to find my great great grandarents in an unmarked cementary with barely legible names~mostly with no names on markers at all after so many years. A corner of Ansonia, CT that we drove by twice before we realized what it was. Didn’t find my gg grandparents but they were there somewhere. I stood and walked where family had been so long ago. Nice memory! Now I hope to survive tomorrow without losing it with my poor family. My granddaughter will be voting for the first time tomorrow. And time goes on. Hugs, Sue and thank you again. I’m going back to admire your curtains again. Gorgeous btw!!!
Love hearing of new young voters! It’s getting to be a family affair! Love that! I can’t wait until this one is over, although I’m not sure now, that everyone seems to be finally waking up about what a mess we’re in, we’ve been in for a LONG time, if it will ever be over! 😜 But our children know right from wrong. Fingers crossed for a better tomorrow for us all. How wonderful you were able to find the graveyard for your ancestors. xoxo
Beautiful pictures. Such a treat to see a post from you.
Joy in reading your blogs, always!
Welcome home! I am so glad you didn’t miss the fall foliage! My husband and I just went to New Port, RI, Mystic, CT, and Boston, MA to celebrate our 25th anniversary and to check off an item on my bucket list. I see why you love it there so much! I am ready to move up there. It is so gorgeous! I can’t wait to go back. We didn’t make it to Salem, Plymouth, or Martha’s Vineyard or a million other places! I can’t wait for your book to come out! I am waiting on pins and needles. Maybe after this book, you could write one about Martha’s Vineyard and the surrounding areas-all four seasons! I would be the first one in line to buy it. Thanks for sharing your adventures. Oh, by the way, will you post your recipe for the pumpkin mousse? I would like to try and make the trifle. P.S. I love, love Joe’s vote pumpkin! It is too cute! You’ve got yourself a keeper!
Here you go Dionne! Pumpkin Mousse: 12 oz cream cheese softened, 1/2 c sugar, 2 c pumpkin puree, 1/3 c. sour cream, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice, 2 c. cool whip or whipped cream.
In lg. bowl, using hand mixer, combine cream cheese and sugar, beat till smooth. Add pumpkin puree, sour cream, vanilla, and pumpkin spice, beat till smooth. Fold in the cool whip or whipped cream until fully combined. Easy thing to make, layer: broken up chocolate cake on bottom, mousse, crushed oreos (one package, crush in heavy zip lock bag), whipped cream (you need total: 6 c cool whip or whipped cream), and do it again, layer cake, mousse, oreos, cream. Great for a crowd.
Thank you! I can’t wait to make this for my family!
So glad you had a great trip west and now, happy to be home! Dorothy had it right. Love your dining room and your living room! How often I have had to tweak an idea to get the required outcome. Most recently I bought a brand new chair only to have it reupholstered! It’s perfect now, but I had to spend more than I wanted for an accent chair in our living room. 😁
The most delightful time is upon us with Thananksgiving around the corner. Enjoy the beauty of this season. 😍 Susan
LOL! So normal!
Oh, Susan! What a fun post. You look just like your Grandma, and in that listing you showed, I think I saw “Madison, Wis” as a location listed from your family’s past. Our daughter was the DAR scholarship winner when she was a Sr in HS! And Jack…. what can I say?? Our daughter just bought her very first house on her own and is counting the days until she can have a Tuxedo kitty join her. I always share Jack’s antics with her. The VOTE pumpkin is wonderful. Yay, Joe!! We voted last week, and my husband works the polls tomorrow as he always does. In Wisconsin, we have far exceeded any previous early voting numbers which is good as rain is forecast for tomorrow. (Of course, that shouldn’t keep anyone from exercising this right we have, but it does happen.) We will be so happy when the ads are gone from the TV. SO happy. Again, so good to read your post. I LOVE your books and can’t wait until we can add the newest one to our collection! Welcome home!
Happy for your daughter! House AND kitty! Tell your husband thank you! xoxo
Love your blog, the curtains and the Cat! Glad you are Home!
Hi Susan, Welcome home! I sent you a package did you get it by chance? Please enter me in on the prize drawing. Take care Timber.
Timber, we had lots of mail when we got home, haven’t even gotten through it yet. What was in it, remind me so I can tell you if I’ve opened it yet! xoxo
Hi Susan,
So lovely to see you and Joe, home safe and sound and with leaves on the treesies!
Purrfect picture of his highness Prince Jack!
Now then…your curtains…..absolutely adorable and how clever to take bits off and try different things with the pelmets to see what really suits your beautiful home and you! I love the curtains upstairs in your guest room too! Clever choices and beautifully made.
We had a few mini visitors for Hallowe’en but sadly had far too many sweets left over…so they had to be eaten! And one little dear sweet child wanted to give ME sweets from her bucket!!! Bless her…and angel…only three years old!
We have had Bonfire Night this evening and fireworks going off most of the evening too! Very exciting for the children…but our doggits don’t like the loud bangs 🙀👻
So good to see a beautiful and inspiring post from you and hope the rest of your fall is a cheerful and colourful one.
I’m preparing for a party on Saturday evening…raising money for our Royal National Lifeboat Institution…the boats are all manned by volunteers, who go out in all weather, to save people. So I will re-read your party ideas again and have a fun evening, I hope…and raise lots of money!
Big hugs and love
Karen xxx🎃🇬🇧👻💀😺
Cambridgeshire
UK 🇬🇧
Finding your blog in my “in” box brings such joy to my entire day. Nothing better!
Ah Susan! Another joyful blog! Thank you for all your inspiration and your wonderful quotes. I plan to have a potluck probably in late December or January
for all the neighbors and friends who supported us thru the rebuild of our shop and studio…when I put the final touches on the table, I will be thinking of you!
Great post. Enjoyed every word and picture
LOVE your curtains and pillows! Hope chintz, flowers and even wallpaper are making a comeback–just so cozy!
Funny, I was just this morning thinking you haven’t posted for awhile and what a nice surprise when I opened my email and there you were. I love your new drapes they are charming and I also love the pink you chose for the walls such a sweet home you have. I’ll bet Jack is so happy you are home safe and sound. Will there be a new Willard coming soon? Sure hope Vanna picks me for the prize.
We so enjoy your vacation posts. I forward them to my mom (82) and we discuss what we like best. Glad you are safely home with Jack. Definitely will be reading Enchanted.
Susan, welcome home! I love the new drapes and wall color. In fact. I can’t get enough of your cozy home!!! Love the different views of the dining room, and that long table for lovely dinner parties is the best. What fun to live in a small community where they close off the streets to cars in a neighborhood where the trick or treaters can roam house to house. It reminds me of my youth in a small town. No closed off streets, but I don’t think any cars were ever moving about. Just the ghosts and goblins! Love the idea of the star pumpkins, and yes, to Joe’s “Vote” pumpkin! Love the season of autumn! It’s my favorite, even though TX doesn’t have the color and the chill that you do in New England. Lucky you!
I love seeing your treasures found in your mom’s box. The handwriting alone is priceless, much less the wonderful record for your family. I think you should plan to write a book about your family history. Why not????
If I could sprout wings, I’d fly up to be at the book signing. I’ll never forget the wonderful party to celebrate Beatrix’s birthday. It will always remain one of my most favorite memories!!!! How fortunate I felt to be in attendance!
I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed in hope that I might be one of the lucky five. Of course, we are all winners when you publish this new book. Can’t wait!
Happy November and hugs from Austin……Sarah
I loved reading this post, wish you had time to post more often, they make my day!
What a beautiful post. Thank you for letting us share your world!
Welcome home!
Your blog always brightens my day and I can’t wait to read your next book. I’ve always wanted to visit Martha’s Vineyard, not sure I will make it, but it’s a wonderful dream. 💕
Today has been a blue funk kind of a day, very unproductive! Many reasons for it but I will blame it on Day Light Savings. I was so happy when I spotted your e-mail. Now I feel energized to get off my fanny and cross off something from my ‘to do’ list! Thanks for lighting the candle!
xoxo Virgy
Dear Susan,
Lovely to hear from you again and so pleased your trip went well.
Your new curtains are beautiful and they do make things look very grown up in appropriate way for your home.
Thanks for getting the word out on voting. To vote is such a privilege we have.
As always, what a lovely gift I found in my mail today, thank you.