I promised you “a surprise” in my last post (about a hundred years ago, oh my goodness, I’m so late)! MUSICA (nice old Frank)🎶 I don’t usually start things off with a photo of me, but I had to make an exception to add oomph to my explanation for why I’ve been away so long! In the photo, I’m dressed and on my way to give a talk at Island Writes, but you may notice something not quite right.
Yeah, why is she wearing that black glove? What an odd-looking glove. Hey, that’s not a glove! No. It. Is. Not. It is a (stupid) cast for a broken wrist. A broken right wrist. The hand that does everything. So anyway, I broke it a little over a month ago while packing up things for the yard sale. Tripped over bags, hand-to-floor, caught myself, the end. Which also ended the infamous yard sale for this year. Ended almost everything, because I had no idea what all this hand 
did until I lost it. Besides typing, writing, and painting, it opens cat food cans, washes hair, signs books, holds a freaking fork, puts on earrings, uses scissors, deadheads roses, DRIVES, and chops onions. Hello. At first I couldn’t do any of it, I gave my brain a new kind of workout by practicing writing with my left hand, but one-by-one I’ve been getting things back. And Look Ma, I’m typing! I think I MIGHT get the brace off Sept. 14, my Doctor keeps little secrets to himself, I’ve learned, but I am hoping! It wasn’t a bad break, no surgery; I glowed like a 7 year old when he called me a “good patient.” It’s the little things in life. Yes, physical therapy will follow, but I’ve been doing exercises to keep my arms strong, so I hope normalcy returns soon. Thank goodness for Joe! He’s been taking such good care of me!
But I promised you surprises, and you’re going to get surprises! 🌸 Our Courage Charm has arrived . . . isn’t it wonderful? Gold with a streak of pink that goes all the way around. Pink, the color of nurturing, for yourself, and for others. The color of love.💝
It comes on its own little card . . . the charm is engraved with the words “Courage, Dear Heart . . .”💞
Thought you’d like to see my bracelet . . . I think I have them all so far!
And this? This is not for sale! This surprise of all four-seasons of my cups (which are all sold-out and no longer available anywhere on earth), is for the lucky person whose name gets drawn by Vanna in the next post! I told you I would have surprises! Just leave a comment, and you’ll be entered! It can be for you, or maybe you’ll want to take it apart and make four Christmas 🎄 presents out of it! Leave a comment!’Tis almost the season! Here comes
And this? This is for everyone! A brand new bookmark for all my Anglophile, Corgie-adoring, Queen-admiring girlfriends and the people they love! Just click HERE, print it on card-stock, have it laminated if you like . . . it makes a very sweet stocking stuffer or book-gift accountrement.(In case you’re new here, the bookmark is tucked into a copy of my book A Fine Romance, Falling in Love with the English Countryside.)
And what else? Oh yes, for everyone that preordered and waited so patiently, I’m thrilled to tell you the new cups are scheduled to arrive in California TOMORROW, on Thursday! And yes, I ordered extra so we would have some to last through Christmas, just in cases.
The heart cup is another Courage item. The world is so wild these days, we need as much of this as we can get. And there’s another secret about this cup . . .💞
I didn’t design it! I designed a red cup with hearts on it which Joe thought was a little boring, and said, “Why don’t 
you make it look like champagne?” I said, naturally, “What are you talking about?” He tried to tell me, but I couldn’t picture it, was running out to lunch with girlfriends, and said, willy-nilly, over my shoulder, “Draw me a picture!” Because I know Joe is an artist even though he never does it. But I didn’t expect THIS. Champagne bubbles made into hearts. Of course I fell in love with it. My boy is a genius!
Very appropriately, this is Joe’s first cup ~ Champagne Hearts! He will very likely never do another one, not sure I can figure out how I tricked him into this one!🙃
I designed the bottom and the handle, so it was a group effort. From the Heart of our Home.💖 You’ll have them by the end of next week!👏
This one too! The Martha’s Vineyard cup, arriving at the Studio tomorrow, and in case you’re coming to the Island, it’s already available in the shop that carries my things here ~ which, by the way, has changed their name to Vineyard Arts Gallery, it’s still in the same place in downtown Vineyard Haven, and Robin still runs it. And one more by-the-way . . . another reason for you to leave a comment ➡️ Yes! I’ll be sending some lucky person their very own Martha’s Vineyard cup too! It’s an Autumn extravaganza!
This too! Leave a comment to win this Pumpkinhead cup! So far that makes three lucky winners and you only need to leave one comment to be entered for everything! Why you may ask? Because I can! (Writing now, from day after I published this post: Reading the lovely comments ~ can’t answer so many with bad hand, but reading 🤗, loving, sometimes tears, THANK YOU.💞 This is why. We are the world!) I detect a need for cheer and doing my best in this little world of ours, to make some of it for my Girlfriends! And, to make it more fun, the winner of this Pumpkinhead cup will also get a box of my Inspiration Notecards.
Hope you love them!
Jack also wanted me to let you know, in his own unique way (by draping himself on the thing I’m trying to photograph), that the 2020 calendars have arrived! If you preordered, you should have them!
Other good news, our teapot plates are back in stock! We’ve gotten lots of requests ~ sooo happy they’re finally here!
Great for holiday cookies, as a little serving dish and. . .
also looks great hanging on a wall!
And brand NEW, two night lights!
Blue dots on a scalloped porcelain shade!
And little flowers too!
You can read about them HERE.
I have soooo much more to tell you, but this is my first day back at typing and I’ve just been made a wee bit painfully aware, it’s time to stop! I’m only half done! Wah! Guess I will join Jack doing what we do best!
Still eating yummy whole food!
Have devolved to one-finger typing, left-hand ~ but one last thing, I’m reading this helpful book I think you might like.
Interesting book that reminds us of our lovely humanity . . .
We need to remember in our crazy world . . . also, from me to you💞, want to remind:
Don’t forget to leave a comment (one word is fine!) to be entered for Surprise GiveAways! And sign up HERE to have this blog delivered to your email box!
Susan,
Just a few random thoughts while reading:
I had a broken wrist too, the type that required surgery..they tried to set it in the doctors office, without anesthesia…don’t ever let them try this..It is amazing, all the things you can’t do when your best hand is laid up in a cast…” dead head roses”..that’s a good one.
Your cups, plates, etc…are so beautiful..what a wonderful artistic gift you have.
Fond memories of my sweet black and white cats…..in fact at one time in my life, I had three of them at once..❤️
Interesting about the conception of Joe’s cup…love how it was created and it really came out lovely..Hope Joe doesn’t mind if I call it “lovely.”..
Wishing you a speedy recovery with your wrist..(the results of my wrist surgery were A+++.)
Love the night lights!!
My bunnies and I REALLY want to win something! Vanna pick us!!
Love the pictures of Jack snuggling with his blanket!
So sorry to hear about your freak accident but so glad you are on the mend!
Would love to add one of the give always to my collection!
Tea
Hope your cast comes off at your next appointment! Once again I just love all your new products…
All four seasons!!! You’re too much🥰😍🥰
Hope your wrist is better soon!
So sorry about your booboo. Forced “rest” ? Time to dream up more ideas.
So glad you are on the mend! Thank goodness for your Wonderful Joe!
SO good to hear from you. Very sorry for the broken wrist but glad you’re well on the mend. Thank you for these lovely giveaway opportunities!! . Pick me! Pick me! 🙋🏼♀️❤️
Oh, please!!!! Pick me!!!!! I love it all!!!! If good wishes help healing, I’m sending you lots!!!
Oh, Susan! So sorry about your dear little wrist…so glad you are on the mend! Keep care, our cheerful friend…🌷
Ohhhh, so sorry to hear about your wrist, Susan. Am so very glad that Joe is such a lovey-duv and there for you. Thanks so much for writing but please take good care of yourself and take all the time you need. We’ll be here waiting for you with “fonder” hearts!
Dear Susan….thank you for your new post and all the encouraging words….our world is so very crazy, I am glad we live on the outskirts of it, so to speak, by not being in the city and in the midst of it….but it affects us all….and so glad we can look to the One Who holds the whole world in His hands!!!! I love ALL the cups, they are beautiful!!!! Thank you for the chance to win one…and your lovely cards too….I hope your wrist heals quickly!! Happy almost Autumn!! Donna, from Montana
So sorry about the broken wrist! Love all the products!
Dear Susan, I’ve been a fan since the early 2000’s when I found “Heart of the Home” in my grocery store! I adore your work. It helped keep my spirits up when I was falling into addiction to alcohol, then a divorce. Not to worry – now I am balanced thanks to a practice of meditation 🙂 I’m so glad I can say Thank You to you here, from the bottom of my heart, for everything you do. My Love to You, Kathleen
Hugs right back to you Kathleen. Amazing strong girl. xoxoxo
So hope your healing continues to go well! Your creativity, inspiration, and wonderful words are dearly appreciated (and anticipated!) with each post! I always read through everything more than once, as I’m sure I’ll see a new surprise peeking out in your artwork I might’ve missed the first round!
And you’re just plain adorable! 🙂
WOW………..you certainly are “stylin’ ” in that black glove!!! Way to go, girlie. Trusting that all goes well. And the right hand too. Maybe with your left hand you could enter me in the Vineyard cup thingy. It’d either go to my sister or my niece, who frequent the Island. Hubby and I haven’t managed to get there yet.
Blessings~~~Alice
I’ve just this month read the memoir trio and am very late to the party! I enjoyed the books so much and appreciate the discovery of a world where I feel right at home with a kindred spirit. Blessings on your continued recovery from your injury! Thank you for making the world a better place by sharing your talents and your heart. I have been enriched by your narrative and your art!
Dear Susan, So sorry to read about your injury. I so look forward to reading your newsy letter when it comes. Hope you will be ‘fit as a Fiddle ‘soon ! xo
I always love the things you design. So sorry about your arm.
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world” -Desmond TuTu We are all in this together!
Ok!!! I was wrong! Bringer is a word🤦🏼♀️. Thanks for bringing all of us JOY!!!!
Wow Susan, just that Autumn mug is such a treasure, I wasn’t able to get one when they were available! Thanks for this post, despite your struggle to type, boy, what you do for all of us! Hope your healing continues to move along so you are back to yourself soon. Also, thanks for all of the suggestions on healthy eating, you have given me some great ideas that I’ve already tried and loved!
Be well!
Thank you for providing a lovely post after the very long, challenging week I’ve had already. Looking at your art makes my heart feel better, always.
While hiking trails around Mt. St. Helens last week, we all stopped and commented that human sounds were absent. (No land, water, or air vehicles!) All sounds that were present were the hums of the hummingbirds, buzzes of the bees, and the scurrying of the chipmunks and ground squirrels. Delightful!
Always a treat to get your emails. Hope the wrist mends well.
I am eating yummy too and have lost 11 pounds and BP is now lower, Yay real food.
A Fine Romance is my favorite book and am longing for your next!
Good to see your ok! Always enjoy reading your post!
black glove and all, you look admirably trim and proud of it! Good on ya. Always happy when a newsletter appears, no apologies needed ever. I enjoy seeing all you’re offering today and even picture myself with the girls at morning coffee sipping from a Susan cup. Mind your Dr. Enjoy therapy. Happy rest of your summer.
Sorry to hear about your broken wrist. Heal fast.
Courage is my word for 2019 and boy have I needed courage more than ever this year. Too much heartbreak going on in my life this year.
😘 Take care of you. xoxoxo
Susan, I’m glad your wrist is healing. I know you have probably been frustrated because you have always been so busy with that talented right hand of yours.
Thank you for having drawings for your special items.
My daughter who lives in Denver gifted me with the Mother’s Day China cup. I was so delighted when it arrived in my mailbox in Virginia. Have a great fall season. Diane
Home would not be the same without a Susan Branch calendar in it each and every year!
Thank you so many times over!
Hi Susan! Thank you so much for your blog post today. It was the breath of calm that I needed to be reminded of today. Oh, and I love those little teapot plates!
Perfect timing for some cheer!! And for “courage, dear heart”. It will be my new mantra to start the day.
Thank you💖 heal quickly, but enjoy the naps.
I’ve missed you! Thanks for making the effort to resume your blogs.
Hope you’re wrist gets healed up quickly! Thanks for reminding us to unplug and enjoy the little things in life. Hugs to you! -Sherrie
So glad to hear you’re getting better😀. Just love all of your stuff!
Reserved that book. Too true about cell phones and loneliness. So timely. Take care.
Oh Susan, I’m so sorry to hear about your accident and extra sorry it happened to your right wrist. It brings back memories of when I had a broken arm as a kid. I was playing circus and trying to balance on a giant spool, fell backwards and broke my right arm. The only good thing that came of that was I didn’t have to help wash dishes. lol Hope you’ll soon get your cast off and be good as new again! Sending hugs and healing thoughts.
As always Susan you inspire, cajole, amuse, make our hearts sing…you simply make us all completely happy with your posts…please get well soon we love you…(and stay cozy!) Chrisxx
Love the cups and all of your artwork and sentiments
Love love love 💕all the things you design. Love the new charm. We all need a good dose of courage. So sorry about your hand and hope it heals quickly and you get back full usage. HUGS!
Oh, Susan! Surely praying for speedy healing! We need you to brighten our days!❤️And I cannot wait!! My calendar has shipped! All the loveliness will be here soon!💐Blessings to you!🎶
Me, me! Pick me!
I love my escape time reading your blog.
So sorry about your wrist. I broke my ankle in February and was laid up for 9 weeks in bed with my ankle on 3 pillows. Glad you can move and still be productive! Thank you for the chance of the give a way. Any of the 3 treasures would be appreciated. I do hope I win!
So glad you are on the mend!! I love receiving your emails and your positive words and perspective on our crazy world!!! Looking for the good that is happening all around us is sometimes difficult but hearing from you helps immensely. You are such a treasure!! Continued best wishes for your recovery 🙏
Thank you for being such a source of joy!
May your wrist heal quickly and may Joe continue to take good care of you!
Very wise woman to cherish a man who washes her hair. Surely a blessing!
I’m so sorry about your wrist (someone told me that a fall can be a life-changing event – I surely hope this is only a little bump in your road!) I suffered a broken ankle last October when a tiny black kitten appeared on our porch. Once the fleas and worms were gone she became a permanent resident. About two weeks later, coming downstairs in the early morning shadows I felt myself stepping on her and fell backwards, twisting my right leg. She was fine and I wore an air cast for six weeks (no surgery thank the Good Lord.) She’s all black with just a few white hairs on her chest, which is why I couldn’t see her on the steps. She has never been on the stairs at the same time I am after that incident, thank goodness!! She and a hummingbird were nose to nose this morning with a windowpane between. I love the picture of Jack belly up – Pearl does the same. Such happiness in a kitty belly!
Wishing you all the very best always, and thanking you sincerely for this opportunity. Even if my name isn’t drawn, I thank you – your posts are fresh air and sunshine in my mailbox every time!
I was so excited to open your blog today to find a new page of so many wonderful things but very sorry to learn about your arm breaking. That’s so awful but sounds as you are turning a corner and feeling better. I am so thankful. I have missed your writings. I recently started a diet and doing well but re-thinking all of it and switching over to all you share by just good wholesome meals and not feeling hungry and yet it’s all so healthy. I am loving all you share and thinking perhaps I need to just switch over to all you share and learn to live and do the things you have been doing with recipes and food. For me, I have so much to lose but there is never a quick fix and slow and steady is what my doctor shares with me. I wish you would write a book on getting healthy and share all your wonderful recipes in it. I have fully enjoyed this new part of your blog. Congrats on all you have lost and just feeling better!! On another note, I love your new mugs and all you shared. Nice work Joe!!! I love the joint effort. Wonderful. I can’t wait to see the new 2020 calendars! You are simply a joy and I so appreciate you and all that you share and do. Love your cat toooo! So sweet. I have a daughter who loves corgi’s so I will have to print a couple of your book marks to share with her and one for myself. I am not sure if you remember me but we met you at Apple Hill last year and it was such a highlight for me. I was with a group of church women. I wrote you a letter and shared a pinpoint of my story of living here but how my heart is in England where my family lives and how we share the same love for England and many other things. I appreciated you writing me back. Thank you! I am on my journey to losing weight. So your blog has been a blessing. Thank you for sharing. I hope one day to travel to Martha’s Vineyard and hear you speak again and see the town. Thank you again! You bring joy to all of us!
Love all the mugs and sweet little dishes. My store partner and I carried your first books in our quilt store in Colorado many years ago. Wishing you happy PT sessions for your wrist. Soon it will be like new! I am recovering from 2 broken arms, happened in March. So many blessings though- could have been a much worse fall. Thankful for all of the wonder Physical Therapists! Have a beautiful day!
So good to have your blog show up in my inbox! I’ve missed you! I had seen this picture of you with your broken wrist and knew it might be awhile before you could blog again. So sorry you are having to go through this. Sending healing prayers your way. Would love to win ANY of your “prizes.” I am enjoying using my Summer cup at work right now — wouldn’t hurt to have another one to use at home!
Wishing you a speedy recovery Susan ;). Thanks for all happy words just makes my heart happy.
I hope your hand is better soon. I love all your cups.
i would love to have any or all of the giveaways!! love you. you are so uplifting.
Susan – I love reading your thoughts and enjoy your beautiful artwork so much! I’ve always wanted your lovely cups ~ hoping I will win!!! Thank you 😘
Hope your hand heals soon!
Love the new bead!!!
Susan,
I hope that you are on the mend quickly.
Phyllis♥
Our dear Susan……
So very sorry to hear about your broken wrist……yes, we DO take our miraculous hands and all they do for us, for granted until something unfortunate happens…….and………(speaking from experience) it “happens” so quickly!! You are doing so well …..back to typing already. I hope this next couple of weeks goes quickly and that cast will just be an unpleasant memory!! Heal quickly, sweet girl!!! By the way, there is a touch of fall in the air here in Iowa ……..we love your fall postings……such a wonderful season!!!
Those nasty “bumps in the road” can make us even more grateful
when the road is smooth again. Glad you are back doing what you do best.
Speedy recovery, Susan. It will all soon be behind you. Onward and upward!
How I wanted the Fall and Winter cups. Maybe I’ll be fortunate to win! Thanks for your inspiring words. Yes, courage. Onward we go.
It’s my happy Birthday!
Thanks for the chance to win one of your cups! 💞
Susan, oh my! So sorry to hear of your mishap….it’s hard to slow down sometimes and then you are forced to! Sending lots of well-wishes and love, Nancy (a forever fan from way back in the 70’s ❤️)
Thank you Susan for writing your blog to calm my worries with this crazy world of ours. May I please enter a chance to win your beautiful designed mug? Pretty please? Hope your hand keeps healing. Have a nice day!
Yes, join Jack, that dear kitty and rest up. Never having broken anything, I can only imagine. They should invent an extra hand, economical of course, for people who NEED to do things. Then again a good vice could help with holding my embroidery hoop but not much else.
I’m going through my Crap room which has been long overdue, Marie Kondo would find no issue with clothing, but my sewing, quilting, stitching, etc. stuff–massive overload! It IS very freeing to go through and donate things. But tomorrow is hiking at Sunrise, Mt. Rainier NP; I cannot wait (if this bladder infection goes away!). There is no potty on that mostly tree and boulder free trail we’ll take–crossing my fingers (legs too)!
What a grand prize–love, love that Winter cup! I wasn’t able to order when it was available, so it is nice to think I might… You are so generous. I hope Sept. 14 frees you of the brace; you couldn’t even paint Jack on it. Prayers for you to get back to normal soon. ❤️
What great give aways…who wouldn’t want to celebrate with a champagne heart mug?? Beauty and more beauty here! Thank you!
I am always so delighted when your newsletter arrives. Guess I live vicariously through you???
Cheere, Judie
I love your books and blog.😊
I love all of your wonderful, colorful, and cheery items!!! They surely do brighten our world!!! Thank you for all you do!!!
I was thinking of you,haven’t gotten a blog email in quite some time,I hope you heal and recover quickly,Karen Seward Oceanside,N.Y.
Your Blog was a welcome surprise on a rainy day at the beach in RI. Thanks for the uplifting thoughts and hope you heal painlessly!!
Love these!❤
Simply inspiring
I loved everything! Especially Joe’s Champaign hearts mug! Sorry about your wrist! Hope it’s all better soon!
I am so in love with all the new cup designs. Today, of all days, I truly needed something like your blog and all the pretty things. Your designs are just such a feast for the eyes. Tell Joe that his design for the Champagne Hearts is a beauty. Very clever! I love the seasons cups and the Pumpkin cup is so cute. You really lifted me up.
Oh no Dear Susan I can only send you prayers for quick healing. If I was closer I would drop in with some chicken soup. I understand how frustrated you felt when it happened as I slipped in my bathroom last Tuesday and fell against my bathtub and really did a job on my arm and ribs…nothing broken just sore as the dickens and very inconvenient. Keep smiling and have a cuppa. A girlfriend, Dotty VB.
fantabulous!
Oh Susan,
I am so sorry about your right wrist! We really take our dominant hand for granted until we can’t use it! I am so excited to see the cups will be arriving this week! I am getting one as a belated birthday present and can hardly wait! I love the new cups and the nightlights! Please relax (HaHa) and let your wrist heal so you can do everything you want and then some.
Be Happy!
Mary Helen
Dear Susan,
Wishing speedy healing! I know how quickly one little (wrong) move can change our lives for a little while. It sounds like you are definitely making the most of it, and still managing to be a good patient! I would just love to be chosen by Vanna—those gifts are so special! 💕
Such a lovely post! So sorry about your hand – do mind what the doctor says please because you aren’t the only one depending on that wrist lady! Hope your day is wonderful.
What a month! Your’s sounds worse than mine. Whiplash on my way back from Yorktown, VA to our sailboat ⛵️. We finally moved it from NC to Norfolk, VA. Weather is either too hot 🥵 or cloudy🌬🌫💦 miszle!
OXOX
Margot
Warm wishes for full and prompt recovery of your hand.
It’s always such a welcome visit when you come over … by way of my iPad … I was going to have a cup of tea and when I saw you were here I reached further back into the cupboard and pulled out a much prettier cup! A visit with you calls for “the good china”!
I’m excited to see your new stuff; and I agree with you … the vintage baby quilt makes a wonderful tablecloth on my mom’s old table (because that’s EXACTLY what you would have said had you been able to be here with me in person!).
Oh I LOVE your mugs!!! And I’m impressed with Joe designing the heart mug. I must order that one! Blessings to you both
Hi, Susan. So sorry about your wrist! Hope it heals soon and you are back to normal. Sure loved the update, though. Enjoy the last of summer, autumn will be here before we know! Looking forward to your next post.
Well done typing, Susan, yet another delightful post!
I am in MV “withdrawal”, having left on Sunday after a divine week in Aquinnah with my husband and family. Your island is such a magical place, I know it well, that part of the island is very peaceful and one can feel the history there… It’s so quiet that I could hear the sea and the wind, and loved viewing the bright stars at night (although I have to say that I can see the Milky Way at home in Vermont)!We all absolutely loved the beaches (nice weather) and the farms, the boats and especially the people!
I found Vineyard Arts, thank you, and had the best time treating myself to some early birthday presents. Some of your cups, a tiny “Life is Good” vase and more… Thanks for the God Save the Queen bookmark, too!
Heal fast, and keep that lovely smile on your face xoxo
Thank you Susan for sharing your wrist challenges. On Sunday, as I was maniacally trying to finish cleaning the attic before school starts, I found myself wedged between 2 of those plastic storage bins. Next there was a ‘pop’ and the bin won against my rib. I am grateful that the rib was not cracked but the muscles were stretched to the limit. The doctor asked if the attic boxes had attacked me before LOL (he saw the bruises on my arms.) I did have a successful garage sale though! Anyway, all this to say that you are not alone! And I would love to win any of the items!
I adore the champagne heart mugs! Such a clever fellow!! You two make such a great pair, but of course, you already know that Fairy Tale Girl, etc.! (Smiles). Crossing my fingers for the Pumpkin Mug!
Get well soon, Susan! With love and happy thoughts!
Always look forward to your post. Martha’s Vineyard is special to me as that is where I spent my summers as a child. Love your creativity.
Love the blog. So sorry about your wrist! Thankful you have a good caregiver. Excited about possibly winning some of your wonderful things to add to my collection!
OH dear oh dear Susan, Hope for The Best, and I am glad Hou Have Joe and
That lovely Cat Jack.
Best wishes from Susanne.
OH poor Susan, I know how you feel….I have had shoulder surgery on both shoulders (one at a time) but each time trying to learn to be right or left yikes…I am glad that yours will soon be mended.
And I so want the summer cup….how did I miss it? I have been away far too long. And summer is almost over….
And tell Joe that his hearts, melted mine…as soon as stop yapping I am going to the store to order it…
So happy to be back and have you back too…
xoxo
Sue
Love this last picture of Jack! I love early mornings for the sounds of silence. Spring is nice I can open the window and hear nature.