Good Morning . . . We have it all today! Love, Groundhogs, and Memories, on this first day of February. But first off I need to tell you about our new favorite TV series, the Detectorists. Have you seen it? It’s a comedy about the little things in life and the extremely eccentric members of the Danebury Metal Detecting Club as they search for ancient treasure in the English countryside. What’s not to love? You can see it on Amazon or Acorn. So funny! Rachel told me about it, and she was right. It’s adorable. I’ve fallen in love with the theme MUSICA. The lead players remind me of the guys in the Full Monty, only they keep their clothes on. Watch if you can! Let me know what you think!
Okay, get something hot to drink, grab a Kleenex (just in case you cry) and come back. I’m about to jump around, subject-wise!
Hello! ‘Tis Moi! Rabbit Rabbit! 
Happy February! So much to tell you! Starting with Groundhog Day because it’s happening TOMORROW! 
Treat yourself to a cozy evening and this delicious comfort-food winter dinner . . . 
If you click on the link, you’ll see I wrote that the recipe for Onion “Punxsutawney” Pudding “wasn’t in a cookbook yet” ~ at that time it wasn’t, but it is now! If you have the 30th Anniversary of Heart of the Home, it’s on page 76. The Pineapple Spareribs are on p. 105.❤️ (Ooops, just noticed I left the 2 cups of pineapple juice out of the recipe above!😜 It’s in the book though!) This dinner does double duty ~ it’s perfect for Groundhog Day; light a few candles and it’s a romantic Valentine Dinner. I am hoping Punxsutawney Phil doesn’t see his shadow tomorrow! Although, I’m enjoying this lovely quiet winter now that I’m finally over that flu or whatever it was that attacked us in January!
I’ve been painting like crazy. Back to my normal ways of up early, dialing up the heat, filling my water dish, getting my tea, feeding Jack, turning on lamps as I walk through the house to the studio, quiet, just me and my kitty. Joe’s asleep and wants nothing to do with us! I’ve been painting for the 2021 calendars. I laugh because I signed the contract to do the 2021 calendars in 2019, they will arrive at our studio in 2020. This is why I never know what year it is!
I don’t know what I’m going to do with this, maybe put him in a calendar, but I decided I couldn’t live any longer without a Jack finger puppet, so I painted him. That was a few hours of joy!
He ignores me. Although he just walked across my lap to curl up here . . .
. . . in my open desk drawer. Next life I’m coming back as one of my cats.
Hope you’re enjoying your calendars this year! For all of you with the English Countryside Calendar on your wall, I thought you might like to see February in the 12 x 12 wall calendar ⬆️!
And for you with the Wall Calendar, here’s February in the English Countryside! Don’t want you to miss anything! Hooray for February!
No matter which calendar, time-wise, they have everything in common! At the end of the month, we’re getting something we’re always wishing for, MORE TIME …it’s Leap Year! Make a plan for the 29th because you won’t see it again until 2024! If you haven’t seen the the movie, Leap Year , this would be an excellent time to do so. Such a fun movie, filmed all over Ireland, Amy Adams and Mathew Goode (Mary’s husband), put it on your calendar, you’ll love it.
Mas MUSICA? . . . Speaking of putting things on your calendar . . . I promised to tell you about
the Mother’s Day Tea/Twine booksigning events in Duxbury, Massachussets as soon as the dates were firm ~ And they are! It’s going to be amazing. Picture a room filled with spring flowers, teapots and garden clippings, with grandmothers, mothers, daughters and sisters (Husbands, grandfathers, dads, and brothers are welcome too!), a room filled with friendship, community, connection, books, hats, 
England, joy, kindred spirits, and a catered meal (they’re making recipes from my books!) that has both a Julia Child, AND a Prince Harry and Meghan connection ~ all in celebration of Mother’s Day!!! YES! YES! YES! We want everyone who would like to come, to join us … so we decided to do not one, but two events to make sure everyone gets a ticket.
The first event will be a catered “Light Supper with Wine” (Twine!) on Wednesday, May 6, from 4 to 7 pm. The next day, on Thursday, 
May 7, from 1 to 3 pm, we’re having “An English Lunch with Tea.” For both events, I’ll be doing a presentation ~ I’m thrilled to be doing a show and tell with my favorite photos of the English Countryside, a little bit about history, maybe a dab of ancestry, and every wonderful thing I can think of about Beatrix Potter, including our Picnic at Castle Cottage. On top of that, each guest will receive 
their very own copy of the first chapter of ENCHANTED, my new book-in-progress! Andrea, the person in charge of this event, has many other little surprises, but they’re a secret . . . she’s as excited as I am. So, what’s on your calendar for May??? Registration begins 8 am, March 24th … online at www.duxburyseniorcenter.org ~ they’ve put nothing on their website yet, it’s too early. Put “Tickets!” on your calendar for March 24th so you don’t forget! Bring your mom, your sister, your best friend, and come! New England is beautiful in May!
This is where we’ll meet, at 10 Mayflower Street in the charming New England seaside town of Duxbury (settled in 1632), just up the coast from historic Plymouth (where the Mayflower landed), and about 45 minutes south of Boston.
So how about a few more reasons to love February ~ the month that celebrates LOVE! … But, first some flowers, and then a story, and then a surprise.
Joe stopped at the florist on his way home yesterday and brought us this big breath of fresh air. Aren’t they the cheeriest?
You know I’ve always said that Valentine’s Day is for women, because it’s US who’re crazy about it, the idea of it, the romance of it, the hearts, lace, chocolates, musica. But there’s all kinds of Valentine love isn’t there? And for so many of us, best friends, moms and sisters are the best Valentine’s we could ever hope for. We should make sure all of our beloveds gets a Valentine. A card is enough, via snail mail, in a real envelope with a real stamp!💖
We’re lucky, we found so many kindred spirits when we found each other! From EVERYWHERE: the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, England, Wales, Canada, France, and Spain, 
to Texas, Georgia, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Washington, Tennessee, Ohio, California, Minnesota, Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Arizona, Illinois, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kansas ~ from sea to shining sea and across this beautiful world that gets smaller every day. And we found everything in common, kindness, tolerance, acceptance, home, family, petty-pets, cooking, sewing, beauty, England, tea, memories, china dishes, little vases, creativity, table settings, books, yard sales, movies, quilts, the moon, sunrises, and sunsets, to name a few.
We’ve been through all seasons, we’ve fed chickens, celebrated first snows, first daffodils, 4th of July, and fireflies. We’ve gone back to school, and sent our thanks and encouragement to our teacher and nurse girlfriends. We’ve branched out to Twitter, Facebook, and 
Instagram ~ to bookstores, picnics, and even ocean liners … where we’ve connected with even more kindred spirits. We’ve shared our laughter, our parents, our children, our holidays, and our travels, our joys, our silliness, and yes, our losses. Every so often our hearts break when we lose someone; we do it together, say goodbye to a pet, a husband, a dad, a sister, a child, a best friend. But that’s what life is, it’s sunshine and shadow, it’s connection, it’s EVERYTHING, and that’s what we are, Everything. Which brings me to a sweet memory and a kind of miracle. Three years ago, just yesterday, we lost our Girlfriend Karen Peterson. Many of you remember her, those of us that met her saw the lovelight in her eyes. She is gone, but her sweetness is remembered, and she left a legacy of love. Read on, you’ll see.
Got your Kleenex? This is me with Karen. Yesterday our Girlfriend Doreen left a letter in the comment section of the blog. I knew this story would resonate and asked if I could share it with you and she said yes ~ so here we go, to you and me, from Doreen:
Hi Susan, I have a little story I think might bring a smile to your face and a warmness within your heart.
Many years ago….I came to your blog and met some of the nicest women. One of the was Karen Peterson. I’m not sure if you remember her but Rosie had 
you autograph a napkin for her and so did Joe during one of your book signings. Well anyway… Karen and I became good friends after meeting here on your blog. We’d chat on the phone, send messages by snail mail, buy little gifts for each other and became such good friends.
If you remember me, you will remember my husband was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor back five years ago.( I shared that on your blog). Karen would get up in the middle of the night and check on me online. (Richard was unable to sleep because of the steroids he was on) . She’d bake 
cookies and mail them to him. (which he loved) Then when he passed, Karen was always just a phone call away. She’d cry with me and provided me with such loving emotional support.
Well, about eight months later, Karen herself was diagnosed with the exact same thing. She passed three years ago today. Karen would share with her husband Gregory that if he need any emotional support or had questions, to call me. Gregory knew who I was because of Karen telling him what was going on. I’d call and talk to Karen while she was on her cancer journey. Gregory would call every so often just to talk, share his grief and we’d cry and share memories together.💔 We did this for several years until around 8 months ago when we started talking more often to each other. Then one day he said something and it caught me by surprise. I said, “Greg…are you flirting with me?” He responded with “Yes…I think I am!” and that is when it all started happening. We are now currently engaged to be married. He proposed to me on Jan. 21st. of this year. We are looking forward to marrying in the near future.
So…needless to say…we have both found happiness again. Something both of 
us thought we’d never find. Especially because I live in Florida
and he lives in Wisconsin!!!! This, my friend, is all because of your blog! If I hadn’t met Karen here…Greg and I wouldn’t have ever met each other. It goes to prove…becoming friends and maintaining that friendship has really nothing to do with physically meeting… it has to do with the connections of hearts… the hearts of kindred spirits. I look forward to continuing my loving friendships with the others I’ve met here like Rosie, Georgie, and Cynthia to name a few. Our ability to share in the joy of finding happiness because of this blog has not gone unnoticed. We’ve formed 
friendships that will last as long as our earthly journeys do. I would share with you the picture of the napkin you and Joe signed for Karen, but I don’t think this page will allow me to upload it. It’s in a frame hanging in the bedroom. It’s a reminder to me how so many different women found and share a wonderful friendship….all because our kindred spirits met here…beginning with you! You tie to altogether for us. One beautiful sisterhood! EMC! ~ Doreen ~
Wasn’t that beautiful? It’s all of us together, really. I’m so happy for them, for Doreen and Greg, and for the memories of Karen and Richard. Somehow I think Karen pulled this whole thing together. Unbelievable, Florida and Wisconsin! You just never know what life has in store for you.💞 
And so, before I go, before the surprise, I have a few little Valentines I thought you might like . . . little things to help make someone’s day.💖
This is Joe’s Valentine breakfast ~ waffles! Kids love them too! We have heart-shaped waffle makers that use no electricity, cook on a burner, and work like a charm ~ they come complete with my waffle recipe and make you look like magic!
For you, a Valentine bookmark to keep or tuck in with your Valentine cards… click HERE, print on card stock, and laminate if you like.
And back, by popular demand, Secret Notes!!! A little box of 32 love notes to put into pockets, backpacks, purses, and gift bags!
And Banners!!! Janie made us lots of darling banners . . . 
And, here’s the SURPRISE . . . my Valentine’s Gift to you . . . a giveaway . . .
. . . two of my favorite cups, good for Valentines, but good for year round! Just leave a message in the comment section and you’ll be entered . . . in a few days we’ll have a drawing and off they will go to the lucky winner!❤️ You will be happy no matter if you’re left-handed or . . .
. . . right-handed . . . big, 16 oz, thin-lipped, fine bone china, limited-edition cups made in luv-lee England.
And this reminder, from me to you with love. Take a deep breath and remember, if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. We need you. xoxox
Heigh-ho heigh-ho, it’s back to work I go . . . don’t forget to leave a word or two if you’d like a chance to win those cups! Look right there ⬇️ for a tiny number and the word “comments” … click there and leave a message. Have fun Girlfriends, Happy February! ❌⭕️
Happiest of Valentine’s Days to you and Joe. Looking forward to getting your new book! Thank you for another uplifting, love filled blog.
First off, Hugs & Congratulations to Doreen & Greg! Their journey starts off unusually sad yet opens up into such an unexpected love story; the stuff movies are made of. So happy for her! We love you Susan for all you create, for us to be a part of. You’re magical. One of these days I shall make it to one of your events.
Those cups are adorable! Thank you for your lovely blog and bringing such delightful content into my life. It really means a lot to me. <3
Thank you for always knowing the right thing that speaks to my soul. It always means so much! Lisa
What a lovely post and beautiful story – thanks for sharing your news and your love….. Hugs
Susan, you always bring a smile to my face! Love the vintage valentines!
Your blog always brightens my day❤️
Hi Susan, A great blog! So much to read that is interesting. Speaking of romance, we just had 56th anniversary on Feb. 2. Back then he said he would remember the date because it was groundhog day. He took me to fabulous dinner this year. He even dressed up and no jeans. So I guess I’m a keeper. Have a nice day.
LOL, I guess you’re a keeper!
Thank you for sharing Doreen’s letter. What a beautiful story.
Always enjoy reading your blog. The love 💕 story was beautiful.
Hi Susan,
I love the Jack ‘puppet’ watercolor!! just perfect! Thank you for doing what you do to brighten and uplift our world. I am eternally grateful. Love and Hugs to you and yours.
As always your blog is a wonderful read…thank you!
Turns out..I did need a Kleenex after all…♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank you for a little island of respite and for a new show recommendation on Acorn!🙏🏻🕊
Boy, you sure were right about grabbing a tissue. What a wonderful story, filled with HOPE! Something we all need more of. Thanks for sharing!
I am thoroughly enjoying my English Countryside Calendar…I look forward to turning the page to the next month…beautiful pictures!! Thanks Susan:)
Thank you, Susan ,for another wonderful, uplifting and fun welcome to February blog! Have loved your books,art, and inspiration from the very beginning. My two daughters also are fans of your work and their favorite holiday book is your Christmas Book which I had given to them and they loved when they were children and now their girls enjoy it! Your work is part of our holiday traditions!
Hello Susan, the story of Doreen and Gregory is beautiful! Thank you to them for letting you share it with all of us. Happy February to everyone! It is a short month, but there is always a lot going on in it, at least in my world! My nephew is getting married on Leap Day, such a fun thing. My brother also got married on Leap Day many years ago, they can actually celebrate their anniversary on the date this year! Take Care.
Loved the Doreen and Richard and Karen and Gregory story! Also, I’m enjoying your cheery, red Valentines mug I bought last year!
Hi Susan! Thank you, thank you for taking time to post to your blog. I love reading and escaping to your kitchen, garden, England – wherever you are at the time. My hubby and I met online 15 years ago this year – I agree with Doreen – we fell in love over the phone first then sealed the deal when we met face-to-face, were married 1 year later, leap year too! And our favorite number is “13” – the date we first met and the date we got married a year later. Life has been enchanted ever since. Bless you and your A-maaazing heart you share with us.
I am a newbie to your blog but it so resonates with me. Doreen’s letter brought the water into my eyes and a smile to my lips. Beautiful.
The mugs are gorgeous and I was wondering if one might purchase them as well as win?
Happy Valentine’s Day. 💙❤️
Doreen’s love story was SUCH an encouragement to me because, you see, my dear father-in-law currently is battling brain cancer. It’s so hard for him, my husband and I at this time BUT believing that something good WILL come out of this hard time. Thanks for sharing that! And I just love those mugs!
Your life and talent make me green with envy. Though I know I will never reach the heights you have, you inspire me through your blog. You set the mark for making a house and yard into a home. Your writing and illustrations touch one’s heart. Thank you for sharing thru your blog.
When I see your blog in my email “inbox” I immediately smile and save it for a time when I can slowly enjoy and savor the good news and delightful contents. And once again, it brought grins, delight and maybe a tear to my eye! Thank you for continuing to brighten the world with your perspective, wisdom and beautiful art. I was first introduced to you when a dear friend gave me your baby book for the birth of our 3rd son who was born almost 28 yrs. ago – I’ve been a fan ever since!
What a friend I have in you, Susan.
This was a heartrending blog; but a God Wink really for Gregory and Doreen.
Enjoying my day because of you,
Hi Susan: Thanks for your February blog! I look forward to these every month! Can’t wait for your Enchanted to book to come out!!
Theresa Raffee
Good morning I have so many Girlfriends I have been Blessed with from your blog and your signings 💗 I love Doreen’s story of her Girlfriend and journey, she’s my Girlfriend in Facebook, and Doreen always ends her post with EMC 💗 This is very true don’t take your loved ones for granted! My daughter lost her husband in December of 2018 and has 3 small children six weeks later I lost my husband. Girlfriends I so enjoy our Sisterhood that Susan has given us 💗 EMC💗
💔💔💔😪😘
Hello, Susan and all the lovely ladies!
It is a day late for wishing you Happy Ground Hog Day, but better late than never. We have been traveling and it is still Christmas at my house! Oh my! Soon to be changed to Valentines Day and Spring! I absolutely love the bouquet that Joe brought home for you. What a great guy! Love receiving your blogs to brighten my day! Thank you! Bestest wishes, Kaila
Thanks for the bookmark! Loved the story of Doreen and Greg and your part in it. Thanks for that too!
Hi Susan, I am big fan of you Your house Your style Your books Your Blog Your Recipes and Your life story Would love to win anything from you ! Your Friend and kindred spirit Melissa
Happy Valentines to all girlfriends!! The blog post that you received was so very precious! Thank you for sharing it with all of us!!
Hi Susan!
What a treat to find your new post by surprise. I’ve been going back in your archives as a way to brighten these gloomy days (both literal and metaphorical).
I wanted to share an Etsy merchant that I think you would love– Amanda White. Amanda lives in Spain and creates these amazing decoupage style pieces featuring writers and their homes. I’ve ordered many cards from her for my fellow English major friends (Dickens, Austen, Byron, Woolf, and many more!). I just received my most recent order in the mail over the weekend. It features none other than Beatrix Potter and her beloved Hill Top! I wish I was able to post a photo below. Better yet– I wish I could just mail it to you! If you have an address for girlfriend/fan mail, please share!
Happy Valentine’s Day, and thank you for being a daily inspiration to me and to all of the other girlfriends.
With love from New Orleans!
Hannah
I was recently sent one of her cards and looked her up! So charming, love it!
Takes for putting a smile on the little old ladie’s face!
Truly a love story that was meant to be. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing the wonderful love story in your blog. It warms my heart to read it.
And thank you for the chance for one of your readers to win your beautiful cups. How special is that!
Hi Susan, Have a great day! ❤️
Such a lovely blog for Valentine’s. I’m so glad to hear that you have recovered from that nasty flu. I usually like most of the older British shows (I’ve watched all ten seasons of Dad’s Army – twice!) but just couldn’t get into The Detectorists. Maybe I’ll give it another try. Most current television is soooo bad that I watch the older shows. I’m watching Pie in the Sky for the second time now. Wishing you a wonderful 2020 and Happy Valentine’s to you and your special Valentine. (PS. I do watch Agatha Raisin, mostly for the English countryside and her clothes! They did such a hatchet job on the characters so that they are very different from the books.)
Gotta get to know the characters . . . it’s extremely low key, subtle wit, the human condition, it’s all there.
Patty from VA Beach. So enjoy your art & blog!
A beautiful post! Jack is the sweetest valentine. Nothing beats working with a cat traipsing around! And congratulations to the lovebirds. Wonderful story!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Joe and Jack! Can’t wait for your new book!!
Susan,
I squeal with joy when I see your email, in my in box. I always make time to sit with a cup of something and slowly read your blog posts. This one didn’t disappoint!
We discovered the Detectorists on Acorn and LOVED it and were disappointed that the series ended. Now, trying to find something just as quirky and good; any suggestions?
The give away sound perfect-thank you!
I’ve always believed that we’re all connected; sometimes we know and sometimes we don’t.
Peace and all good things,
Deborah
Hello Deborah – I’m so happy you loved Dectectorists too! It’s particularly British I think, quite gentle but lots going on underneath (& not just under the ground!) I think you would also enjoy a series called ‘Mum’ if you can get it there. It stars Lesley Manville & Peter Mullan (such excellent actors) and is also in 3 seasons. Lesley is Cathy and at the beginning her much loved husband has just died…it’s really about her coming back to life and finding love again but, as with Dectectorists, it’s a lot more subtle than that!! It is a comedy but also has many poignant and devastatingly sweet moments. That’s my recommendation!! xoxo
Ray! Last night we saw the episode where they found the whistle! Was in tears. So enjoying it, but sad because we’re now on Season 3. Savoring. xoxoxo
Love you too❤ and you too, Trudy❤
Oh, Susan….. I found you many years ago and have loved your books and blog ever since. The magic is always there in each and every quote or picture or story I read. Love the Doreen story. What I love the most is what you have brought to my life…magic!!
Patty…
Such a sweet love story! I’d be very happy to win your mugs, too.
Beautiful story.
Hello from Massachusetts! I loved the love story; I lost my husband to prostate cancer several years ago. No new love for me, but I am happy and content just the same. It would really make my day to win the mugs; everything you do is wonderful! I have all your books, too. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe!
Happy Ground Hog Day & Valentines Day! Enjoyed your blog, but I always do. Cant wait for the next blog!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for reminding all of us that we are here for just a short time so we need to make it matter. Love you and Happy Valentine’s to you and Joe!
I so enjoy your books and blog. I hope you’ll be back at The Apple Farm
sometime soon. Thank you for all the inspiration. I only wish I had discovered you sooner.
Hopefully late fall . . . ????
Oh I can’t wait to see you on the Central Coast Susan:)
I’m getting a little homesick!
Hi Susan,
Would you please do a post (or list of previous blogs) that sums up your “new” eating plan?
Thanks so much,
Susan
Dearest Susan, I have been reading all of these heart felt comments. What more can I say..they are sweet, loving..beautiful and I feel the same as they do. You keep “us” going. Thank you for being such an important part of our lives xoxo
Love reading your beautiful inspirations and stories. Happy 💟 day😚
Beautiful post, beautiful story and beautiful mugs!
Sandy G
Sand1948(at)gmail(dot)com
LOVE CONQUERS ALL! What a beautiful and touching story of love. Karen was definitely orchestrating!
The story of Doreen and Karen is so touching. My best friend is going through terrible cancer treatments. Sometimes it’s harder on the caregiver, friends and family than it is on the patient. Doreen’s story shows that sometimes good things can come from terrible ones.
I’m so sorry Odette. Hugs to you both. xoxoxo
What a wonderful story, and yes, I cried
Another wonderful blog post! I’m so glad the little love notes are back – I bought my first at your little shop on Branch Ave in Arroyo Grande. I so miss your little storefront! Mom and I take an annual trip from L.A. up to SLO and would always LOVE stopping at your little shop! We still go to AG and every time we travel down Branch St I say out loud “there’s where Susan’s little store was….” So glad you have one online at least! Loved the love story – I’m glad those two were able to find love AGAIN! Such a sweet life they are blessed with!
Susan,
Thank you for sharing such a lovely story! It touches my heart and reminds me of the good things that can happen when we reach out to those who are experiencing loss of loved ones. What a a wonderful outcome.
Your mugs are so lovely. My daughter gave me the Mother’s Day mug, it is perfect!
I need those cups.! I’m off to find a friend. !!
Susan,
Thank you.….you always make my day. I have kept all of your blogs and read
them over and over. Always makes me feel good. Thanks for being you and
sharing you with all of us. Great love story. Happy Valentine’s Day to you
and Joe.
Love, Rose
What a beautiful story from Girlfriend Doreen for Valentine’s Day. Thank you for sharing it. Also, I can’t wait for your new book!💕
Thank you for sharing Doreen’s beautiful story! Also, I can’t wait for your new book!💕
Susan – You should be on the list for “stress relief”. Your posts make me slow down my hurried mind and I really need that. So thank you!❤️
Susan,
Thanks for your blog. Always love reading them. I keep them all and read them
over and over. What a great love story. Looking forward to your new book.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Joe.
Love, Rose
Oh my…the story of Doreen and Greg. I’m smiling from ear to ear!
Happy February!
This blog just an example that love never dies its eternal!
What an amazing story and 2 beautiful new cups.
Happy Valentines Day to you and Joe> What a wonderful story you shared with your readers. Look so forward to your newest book. Love, Julie Robinson
Such a beautiful St. Valentine’s story . . . . and a story for every day to lift one’s spirits! Happy V day! Thanks for sharing . . .love your blog, and your art! I treasure my time reading it . . . and treasure my mom’s writing in “Mom, Tell Me Your Story” that I gifted to her, and she worked on before her passing. Memories!
Happy Valentines Day❤️❤️Thanks for the blog!!
Loved your last blog. Lots of warm thoughts for Valentines Day. Enjoy Feb.
Loved all the ideas about love and Valentines Day.
Beautiful story!! Perfect for Valentine’s day. And I’ve needed some perking up lately. On October 30th, I lost my sweet kitty boy, Chester, suddenly and totally unexpectedly. He was only 7 years old. He was a ginger kitty, like the Valentine above. I do plan to adopt again, just haven’t felt ready yet. So give Jack an extra pet from me and Chester! ❤
So so so so sorry Sheila. Yes, there is a kitty out there with your name on it . . . the right little guy at the right time. xoxoxo
Thank you for the reminder about Leap Year. I am marking our “Extra Day” on my calendar as soon as I post this comment. It will be special!
Your blog always enriches my life in many ways…
Thank you! Thank you! 💮💮💮
Susan….I love love love your blog. Great recipes and great photos of Jack. He is a cutie.
Best wishes to Doreen and Gregory. As always a wonderful blog post. Thank you Susan for bringing a peaceful moment to everyone through your blog.
I’ve followed your work for years! I used to get my Willard via regular mail! I still collect old issues of Country Living Magazine with your recipes in them! I wrote you a note years ago asking what years they were in so I could scout them out quickly; you did respond and I greatly appreciated it! Thank you!
I remember! ❤️
Sweet Susan, thank you for your wonderful blog post!!!! You brighten our world!!!1
Love from all of us in Bountiful!!!
Hi Susan, thank you for sharing all this! Doreen’s story (her, Karen, Richard, Greg) , artwork, musica (so well-chosen), upcoming celebrations together, photos, etc……..Happy February
to you and Joe!
Always a feast to read your blog, as I do since I don’t know how long.
Thank you for what you offer with your beautiful words and drawings – works of Art.
Turning 65 on Valentine’s Day the lovely china cup would be an absolutely perfect and most appreciated birthday gift, Susan.
Love and blessings from Dokkum in the Netherlands,
Jeanneke.
Valentine Baby! 🎉
Lovely story, lovely blog, lovely you .
Thank you for sharing the story from Doreen. It was a moving reminder that good can come from the most discouraging situations. Much needed.
As always thank you for sharing your watercolors and your thoughts.
Your blog made me smile on a day I was feeling blue over the deep deep political divide in our country. We are all humans on the planet and every day brings blessings large and small.
Thanks.
Dearest Susan,
Congratulations to Doreen and Greg…how wonderful and all because of your life of sharing and giving and the hand of God.
Thanks for recommending The Detectorites….we have watched the first 4 episodes…and who is taking those photos? Ha! When we were living in Seattle in the late 70’s, we could get the British sitcoms via Canada. My favorite was “The Good Life,” but we also enjoyed “Keeping Up Appearances,” “To the Manor Born,” “Are You Being Served?” and anything with Mr. Bean. I found them comforting.
Your flowers are beautiful. I rarely buy flowers, always thinking they are so short-lived and expensive. However, when I do, we keep them on the kitchen bar or table and walking around them all day…they make me smile. I think I need to buy them more often.
I have all your 2020 calendars…..and yeah, Leap Year. Had I been born 2 days later, I would only be 18, rather than being SO much older. Tell your mother, “Happy Birthday,” for me…..we share the same day. Love that little red balloon.
Jack is such a cutie, even when he photo bombs you. I would also like to come back as one of your kitties, except when you go off traveling and leave me home.
I have a request. I tried making a copy of Philippians 4:8 from your Tweeter, but no luck. Could you possibly put it on “Free Stuff?”…whenever you have some free time…right?
Thank you for all that you do to make our lives better.
Love, Rachel
And you do the same for me dear Rachel! Happy almost Birthday!
Wonderful story. Would 💕💕💕💕💕💕 the cups.
I got Acorn tv on your suggestion and love it! We have watched all the terrorists sweet and quirky. I am an Agatha Christy fan so I am deep into Poirt. But Miss Fisher mysteries is wonderful just for the clothes alone.
Wonderful giveaway. I have your desk calender and wall Calender always so happy to see what the New month looks like.
LOL, I know spell check somehow through “terrorists” in there! 🤣
Thank you for sharing that story. I needed a lift today.
Dear Susan,
within a week I have read your entire blog more than twice from the beginning. It’s always so heart-warming to spend time in here – your writing is as vivid as your paintings. It’s seemingly magic coming out of your fingers whether you paint, write, cook, decorate or whatever you touch. I’ve picked up so many tips of yours, recently it was to think ‘magic!’ while decorating for Christmas. I wish you keep pouring out magic, but also magic been poured down on you. Many purringly happy moments! ❤️
Thank you for brightening my day! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Happy day Susan. Your blog always fills me with peace and contentment…and inspiration. Thank you for that. I would love to win your beautiful mugs. I drink out of my Martha’s Vineyard mug everyday and would love to have more.
Magical! Love all that you do!
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the love story. It goes to show, love has no boundaries.
I just saw the movie” Leap Year” the other night. As I was watching it I thought, “I’ve seen this before”, but I did not remember if I saw it on TV or in the movies, no matter, it was cute.
Happy Valentine’s Day
I always love when you put up a blog post! I actually just wrote about how much I love you on my own blog! That is the craziest story about Greg and Doreen – so wonderful and so encouraging for this season! I’ve decided to do hand painted/drawn cards for Valentine’s this year. Thank you for your inspiration!
Beautiful story! I hope they will have much happiness together!
So much fun reading your blog. Thank you!
Yes! The Detectorists!! Discovered this show a few years ago and loved it. Loved the theme music too. It reminds me a little of Hannes Wader, a German folk singer I learned about years ago when I was a foreign exchange student to Germany.
Am I too late?? I LOVE this post!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Susan, I love this particular blog. I guess because it is about all the love that surrounds us.
Music, love notes, friends, food, pets, and our hope for the future.
Thank you for all you do for us!
Becky
Dearest Susan,
I posted a comment on Feb. 1st but it seems to have vanished into the interwebs! Hope I’m not repeating myself but thank you so much for the fantastic blog!!! I am working hard to negotiate some time off to see you speak in Duxbury and to Celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary with my husband. As a history Buff he wants to see Boston and I just want to meet you!!Congratulations to Doreen and Greg!! ❤️
Yay!
I love your positive attitude ! You always give me a big lift when I read your blog and a kick to get busy when I need it too !
Would love to win!! Love your blog, your outlook on life.
Thank you for such a sweet read!